Go to Nineveh! Speak Up! NOW!

 

When Jesus set us free his sacrifice included every area of our lives. The freedom we share as children of God because of His sacrifice gives us a hope that is beyond any hope the world or any other religion can give us. So why are we afraid to go to Nineveh?

The Prophet Jonah, as depicted by Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel

We've been delivered from strongholds, but do we really know what that means? We know that there is none righteous, no not one. We know that we have become the righteousness of Christ and that who the Lord sets free is free indeed. When we allow fear to block our path, we may be neglecting the things that God has called us to do.

Going to Nineveh, Jonah had to tell a whole town that they were steeped in sin and that God was going to destroy them if they didn't change. He didn't compromise with them and try to reason out their evil the way we are trying to compromise and reason with evil today, instead he ran. He ran away from his home of blessings and ended up spending three days in a stinking, fishy hotel. Jonah 1:17 Now the Lord had prepared and appointed a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.

Finally, when Jonah did what God asked him to do, he was blessed, but he wasn't happy and still argued with God that it wasn't fair. He thought it wasn't fair for sinners to have the same covering that he, as a 'self' righteous person had, until God showed Jonah that everything he had belonged to God and that Jonah had no right to question God's judgement.

Yes, every sinner has a chance for redemption. But many are called and only a few are chosen. Why? Maybe because we refuse to go to Nineveh. We refuse to do what God has asked us to do. We try to compromise and reason with evil instead of pointing it out for what it is.

So how can we be assured of a house full of blessings instead of a stinky fish hotel?

Nineveh. The Mashki Gate. Reconstructed. One of the fifteen gateways of ancient Nineveh. The lower portions of the stone retaining wall are original. The gateway structure itself was originally of mudbrick. A few orthostats can be seen at the right of the passageway. Height of the vault is about 5 m. (Photo credit: Wikipedia

5 Biblical tips to understanding the will of God.

1. Give God due credit. God is omnipotent. Expect that in his omnipotence and loving nature he is also forgiving to everyone, not just you.

Micah 7:18 Who is a God like You, Who forgives iniquity and passes over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He retains not His anger forever, because He delights in mercy and loving-kindness.

2. Submit to God with a humble heart as you would to a father you love and trust. God does not belong to us for our own private interpretation. We belong to him.

Psalm 62:5 My soul, wait only upon God and silently submit to Him; for my hope and expectation are from Him.

3. Do what you are asked to do. When God asks us to do something he has a purpose we may not understand or notice at the time, but because God in his omnipotence sees and knows everything, he knows the outcome and that outcome is to bless.

John 6:29 Jesus replied, This is the work (service) that God asks of you: that you believe in the One Whom He has sent [that you cleave to, trust, rely on, and have faith in His Messenger].

4. Go to God whenever you slip and he will keep you from falling (or from being swallowed up).

Hebrews 12:7 You must submit to and endure [correction] for discipline; God is dealing with you as with sons. For what son is there whom his father does not [thus] train and correct and discipline?

5. Trust God. There's nothing more to be said. If we can trust him we can humbly submit to him and know that our lives are in his loving, wise, intellectually superior, omnipotent and perfect hands.

Genesis 15:6 And he [Abram] believed in (trusted in, relied on, remained steadfast to) the Lord, and He counted it to him as righteousness (right standing with God).

Psalm 52:8 But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God; I trust in and confidently rely on the loving-kindness and the mercy of God forever and ever.

Written by Christian author, Pola Muzyka.

Related articlesBILLY GRAHAM: "MY HEART ACHES FOR AMERICA"; New letter addresses nation's declining morality and the need for spiritual revival.

Intellectualizing God - Should We Do It?

 

There are times when it seems as though we are fighting a losing  battle with intellectualism, but we have the victory already. The victory is evident in our faith. We see changes according to our faith and miracles that the world can never explain intellectually.

Neural Connections In the Human Brain

God is not our brains. Our brains were given by God and are subject to decay, illness, and deterioration. God is spirit and exists in multi dimensions and levels without flaws or an end. God is omnipotent, everlasting, and exists beyond any human interpretation or understanding. God is not an energy force, an angel, or a human--He is that He is--the Father of all existence.

However, the world is arrogantly bent on diminishing the evidence of God's existence and minimizing life to what we can see, feel, hear, smell and taste while using the fragile, sinful, passing bodies and brains we inherited.

All the better to kill you, my dear. If the world can convince you that there is nothing beyond the natural, you lose hope, live destructively for today, lose faith, do whatever feels good to you without considering the consequences, and pass on a paganistic approach to tomorrow. Human reasoning is flawed at best and all the good a human does without God is like filthy rags.

Not all scientists relegate existence to chance, evolution, and human brain reasoning, however. These are the scientists whose evidences should become part of our understanding and knowledge. Some links below.

A view of the cloister garden and statue of Jesus from one of the walkways at Holy Spirit Monastery in Conyers, Georgia

5 Biblical tips to understanding beyond:

1. Get to know your Bible. Don't take someone's word above God's word, but allow the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth.

John 4:24 God is a Spirit (a spiritual Being) and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth (reality). John 4:23 A time will come, however, indeed it is already here, when the true (genuine) worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth (reality); for the Father is seeking just such people as these as His worshipers.

John 6:63 It is the Spirit Who gives life [He is the Life-giver]; the flesh conveys no benefit whatever [there is no profit in it]. The words (truths) that I have been speaking to you are spirit and life.

2. Check everything out with the word of God which has existed and prophesied accurately for thousands of years.

John 1:1 In the beginning [before all time] was the Word ( Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself.

1 John 1:1 [We are writing] about the Word of Life [ in] Him Who existed from the beginning, Whom we have heard, Whom we have seen with our [own] eyes, Whom we have gazed upon [for ourselves] and have touched with our [own] hands.

3. Choose the input you receive wisely. A world on the edge of ruin will create a fantasy regarding the reality of God's existence and life after our fragile bodies. However, God is clear in his word about the evidence of his existence and the life beyond our skin.

2 Peter 3:5 For they willfully overlook and forget this [fact], that the heavens [came into] existence long ago by the word of God, and the earth also which was formed out of water and by means of water,

4. Do not disregard the evidence of Jesus and witness of his resurrection, his glorified body, and ascension when you hear a partial and flawed report on heaven, hell, or the existence of God or spirit.

John 14:23 Jesus answered, If a person [really] loves Me, he will keep My word [obey My teaching]; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home (abode, special dwelling place) with him.

1 John 5:7 So there are three witnesses in heaven: the Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit, and these three are One;

1 Corinthians 15:6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.

5. Submit to, expect, and experience God's guidance. Without submitting humbly to God you will never know the truth. The intellectual without wisdom and godly understanding is only reporting what they hear, see, feel and learn in the natural. God will not be and is not with them.

Micah 6:8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

Written by Christian author, Pola Muzyka.

Further your research:

• Reasons To Believe : Where Science & Faith Converge www.reasons.org/

• Discovery Series
• Answers to Tough Questions
• A Former Atheist Explains God

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Pola | July 7, 2012 at 12:24 pm | Tags: Bible, Christian Authors, Christianity, Existence of God, God the Father, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Pola Muzyka, Religion and Spirituality | Categories: Bible, Biblical Advice, Faith, Overcoming Lies, Paganism, Pola Muzyka, Religious Spirit, Stronghold | URL: http://wp.me/p21eyo-XR

Why Not Put Off Until Tomorrow?

Procrastination creeps into our lives when we push difficult tasks down the road. Instead of starting a project that we are responsible to complete, we get distracted. We choose things that are less consuming of our time and easier to accomplish. But these things may not necessarily be our responsiblity. In other words, the projects that God has intrusted us with.

Adversely, we do take on tasks, but too many, or we find ourselves overwhelmed with all the details, so we put off the important projects indefinitely.

Eventually, we are faced with cramming to complete the project and are never satisfied with the result. If we approach the more difficult tasks in life with this attitude every time, we end up dissatisfied with ourselves and with a pile of incompleteness.

Purpose and determination come from God to complete what he has put into our hands, but we must reach out and receive it. God will help, will be there for us, and will see us through.

Proverbs 16:9 (GW) A person may plan his own journey, but the Lord directs his steps.

Remember, God gives us the tasks, the calling, the mission, or the project, but we are responsible to complete them. He does his part, we have to do ours and without procrastinating. Why?

1 Thessalonians 5:24 (GW) The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this.

Bible 1859

When we procrastinate on doing the things we know need to be done, we slow our progress and we delay our blessings or the blessings of others. Procrastination unchecked and unchanged can lead to death.

It will carry over into all aspects of our lives, including personal, business, spiritual, and social. When procrastination becomes a stronghold it can bring strongholds of neglect, despair, defeat, confusion, hopelessness, doubt, destruction, and any number of demonic strongholds along with it.

5 Biblical tips to overcoming procrastination:

1. Begin each day with prayer, thanksgiving, and praise. Include God from the moment you rise. Remember each day we live is a gift from God. Gratitude carries no pain or negative feelings along with it. Nor does it invite procrastination.

Psalm 103:2 Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul, and forget not [one of] all His benefits—

2. Organize your time at the beginning of your day by listing your tasks and the time it will take to complete them, allowing time to be flexible, time for family and friends, and time for prayer throughout the day.

Ephesians 5:15-16 Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people), ¹⁶ Making the very most of the time [buying up each opportunity], because the days are evil.

3. Check off tasks as you complete them. Completed tasks give us a sense of victory. Each completed task is an accomplishment and each accomplishment should bring satisfaction.

Psalm 128:2 You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.

4. Schedule a complete day of rest into your life. God did not rest on the seventh day because he needed rest. but he rested on the seventh day because he needed us to know the importance of rest.

Exodus 34:21 “Six days you shall work, but on the seventh day you shall rest. In plowing time and in harvest you shall rest.

5. Don’t expect everything to happen at once. But move forward knowing that God has promised to bless you. He promised to be with you, to guide you, to teach you, and to be faithful. Remember everything has a season and a time to every purpose under heaven. Expect the profound joy that will eventually come.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 To everything there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven:

Colossians 3:23 (GW) Whatever you do, do it wholeheartedly as though you were working for your real master and not merely for humans.

Written by Christian author, Pola Muzyka.

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God in Control of Our Lives

No matter how old or young we are or what baggage we may carry, God continually guides us toward a perfect relationship with him. Since God knows the end from the beginning because he is the I AM, (Revelation 22:13) he also knows who is his.

Yes, it is our choice, but God already knows who will choose him and who will turn away permanently. To those who belong to the Lord, we have been weaned from birth. He doesn’t begin this process after we have abandoned sin. This is a process that began early in our lives. He knew we would choose him no matter what. (John 1:11-12)

God never condones sin, nor will he judge the sinner until the time is right.  (Ecclesiastes 3:17)

1 Timothy 5:22  Do not be in a hurry in the laying on of hands [giving the sanction of the church too hastily in reinstating expelled offenders or in ordination in questionable cases], nor share or participate in another man’s sins; keep yourself pure.

Jesus never joined in sin but easily spoke to the sinner without hesitation because of his/her sin. Our goal should be to seek out his will. If we take our eyes off the natural (using our five senses) and look to God who created all things, we begin to clearly perceive a pattern of the needed changes and choices in our lives. 

Daniel 2:21 He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.

Strongholds brought on by carelessly disregarding God’s will may hide dormant for years or worse, they may increase and imprison us unless we come to the point of total trust in God. When we submit to him and trust him rather than in our own feelings, circumstances, or our five senses, we shed the veil that has been obscuring our vision.

It’s this very veil that can keep us in bondage to strongholds for the rest of our lives. In effect, we may have become comfortable with sin that should have been given over to God.

Since God draws us to him from an early age,  the enemy is trying to take control. (John 10:10)
How can we take control back and live our lives without becoming bound by a demonic stronghold?

5 Biblical ways to live stronghold free.
1. Realize and embrace the fact that our walk with God started from the beginning of our lives. He knew we would submit to him and never again look back at what kept us bound. Even if our walk with God takes time to develop it is still covered by him.

 Ecclesiastes 3:1-22 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

Isaiah 41:10 Don’t be afraid, because I am with you. Don’t be intimidated; I am your God. I will strengthen you.  I will help you. I will support you with my victorious right hand.

2. Seek out the wisdom of God. It's so easy to turn away from God when we have a crisis or a change in our lives that we didn’t expect and can’t explain. Instead, think of it as an opportunity to better understand the love of God.

Daniel 2:21 He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and sets up kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding!

Proverbs 18:15 The mind of a person who has understanding acquires knowledge. The ears of wise people seek knowledge.

3. Do not dictate to God. His will for you is perfect after all and in the end, you will see the good he has done. Romans 8:28

Acts 1:7 Jesus told them, “You don’t need to know about times or periods that the Father has determined by his own authority.

1 Corinthians 13:12 Now we see a blurred image in a mirror. Then we will see very clearly. Now my knowledge is incomplete. Then I will have complete knowledge as God has complete knowledge of me.

4. Don’t doubt God. Continue to trust in and rely on him.

Galatians 6:9 And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint.

Romans 8:28 We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.

5. Keep focused on doing right and on God’s words. Meditate on God’s words day and night.

Psalm 1:1-3 Blessed is the person who does not follow the advice of wicked people, take the path of sinners, or join the company of mockers. ² Rather, he delights in the teachings of the Lord and reflects on his teachings day and night. ³ He is like a tree planted beside streams—a tree that produces fruit in season and whose leaves do not wither. He succeeds in everything he does.

Written by Christian author, Pola Muzyka.

Free to Be a Joyful Servant

Although joyful and servant seem to be an oxymoron when put together, the ideal life on earth according to Jesus Christ is of servitude. Imagine a world where we all are helping each other, where we actually enjoy serving, and where being responsible for ourselves and others, is normal. That’s a world where selfishness does not exist, love and giving take priority, no one is left out, everyone does their part, respect prevails, and peace and harmony always permeate the atmosphere.

Philippians 2:5-7 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, ⁶ who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, ⁷ but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.

The joy of giving of ourselves in servitude to God and others brings heaven to the natural world. God is not surprised by our actions whether in giving, loving, sharing, and helping or in taking, hoarding, hating, or walking away from the needs of others. When we reach out in love we fulfill the command of Christ to love, our lives take on new meaning, and we walk joyfully.

Dorfkrippe von Baumkirchen Nativity

The only problems we might encounter in a world where servitude is a priority in life would come if God were not considered. In that case, our servitude would be distorted at best and subject to our control according to our own thinking, desires, needs, and opinions. Servitude without God is manipulative at best.

The unfolding sky (Photo credit: badjonni)

Isaiah 64:6 For we are all become as one that is unclean, and all our righteousness is as a polluted garment: and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.

5 Biblical tips to the joy of serving:
1. Pray. Prayer is the most important service we can give our fellow man. If we pray for the needs of others and pray for God to open our hearts to know and give what is truly needed, the Holy Spirit will guide us.

1 Samuel 12:23 Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good and the right way.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 pray without ceasing,

2. Ask. Reach out to your neighbor and ask if there’s anything you can do to help them.

1 Corinthians 10:24 Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.

Romans 13:10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

3. Be receptive and grateful. When others serve us they receive a blessing from God in return.

Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

4. Love your family. God has given us a family for a good reason and a service of love toward your family, whether wife, husband, brother, sister, mother, father or family in Christ is expected and desirable.

1 Timothy 5:8 But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Proverbs 11:29 Whoever troubles his own household will inherit the wind, and the fool will be a servant to the wise of heart.

1 Peter 2:17 Honor everyone. Love the family of believers. Have a respectful fear of God. Honor the emperor.

Romans 12:10 Love each other like the members of your family. Be the best at showing honor to each other.

5. Bless your enemies. As difficult as it may seem, another way of serving God is to forgive and love even our enemies.

Luke 6:27 “But I tell everyone who is listening: Love your enemies. Be kind to those who hate you.
Written by Christian author, Pola Muzyka.

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Seasons of Change

No matter how old or young we are or what baggage we may carry, God continually guides us toward a perfect relationship with him. He doesn’t begin this process after we have abandoned sin. This is a process that began early in our lives.

God never condones sin, nor will he judge the sinner until the time is right.

  1 Timothy 5:22 Do not be in a hurry in the laying on of hands [giving the sanction of the church too hastily in reinstating expelled offenders or in ordination in questionable cases], nor share or participate in another man’s sins; keep yourself pure. Jesus never joined in sin but easily spoke to the sinner without hesitation because of his/her sin.

Our goal should be to seek out his will. If we take our eyes off the natural (using our five senses) and look to God who created all things, we begin to clearly perceive a pattern of the seasons of change in our lives. 

Daniel 2:21 He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.

Strongholds brought on by carelessly disregarding God’s will may hide dormant for years or worse, they may increase and imprison us until we come to the point of total submission. When we begin to trust God, and trust in God, rather than in our feelings, our circumstances, or our five senses we shed the veil that has been obscuring our vision. It’s this very veil that can keep us in bondage to strongholds for the rest of our lives. Some may call it denial, but in effect, we may have become comfortable with what should be given over to a season of change.

Since God is drawing us to him from an early age, the enemy is also trying to take control. How can we take control back and go through the seasons of change in our lives without becoming bound by a demonic stronghold?

5 Biblical ways to advance through the seasons of change in our lives.
1. Realize and embrace the fact that our walk with God does come in seasons. Seek to advance toward God during these times.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-22 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

2. Seek out the wisdom of God. It's so easy to turn away from God when we have a crisis or a change in our lives that we didn’t expect and we can’t explain. This is a season of change and an opportunity to better understand the love of God.

Daniel 2:21 He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and sets up kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding!

3. Do not dictate to God. Give God His right to keep some things about your season of change to Himself. His will for you is perfect after all and in the end, you will see the good he has done.

Acts 1:7 He said to them, It is not for you to become acquainted with and know what time brings [the things and events of time and their definite periods] or fixed years and seasons (their critical niche in time), which the Father has appointed (fixed and reserved) by His own choice and authority and personal power.

1 Corinthians 13:12 For now we are looking in a mirror that gives only a dim (blurred) reflection [of reality as in a riddle or enigma], but then [when perfection comes] we shall see in reality and face to face! Now I know in part (imperfectly), but then I shall know and understand fully and clearly, even in the same manner as I have been fully and clearly known and understood [by God]

4. Don’t doubt God during your season of change. Continue to trust in and rely on him.

Galatians 6:9 And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint.

Romans 8:28 We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.

5. Keep focused on doing right and on God’s words. Meditate on God’s words day and night.

Psalm 1:1-3 Blessed is the person who does not follow the advice of wicked people, take the path of sinners, or join the company of mockers. ² Rather, he delights in the teachings of the Lord and reflects on his teachings day and night. ³ He is like a tree planted beside streams—a tree that produces fruit in season and whose leaves do not wither. He succeeds in everything he does.

Written by Christian author, Pola Muzyka.