Category: Evil

How to Gain a Life-Giving Faith (Insights in NT)

5/10/2013

James explains how to gain a life-giving faith. Those who persevere joyfully in trials, study and apply God's word, love their rich and poor neighbors, express good works through their faith, praise God with their tongue and choose heavenly wisdom gain spiritual maturity, receive crown of life, express pure religion, show mercy and active faith, prevent corruption and bear righteousness.

Persevere Joyfully in Trials
When Christians considered trials as pure joy when their faith was tested, they developed perseverance, maturity and completeness without lacking anything. God gave generously without finding fault if they asked Him for wisdom in faith without doubts and double-mindedness. Those in humble circumstances were in a high position compared to the rich who faded away like a flower. Those who persevered under trial received the crown of life promised to those who loved God. Temptations were caused by evil desires. If birthed sin after conception leading to death when full-grown. Every good and perfect gift came from the Father of the heavenly lights who chose to birth people through the word of truth as firstfruits of all He created (James 1:1-18). Persevere joyfully in trials for spiritual maturity to gain the crown of life.

Study and Apply God's Word
Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger in becoming righteous without moral filth. They humbly received the word implanted for salvation. Deception occurred when those listened to the word without obedience like looking in a mirror and forgetting what they looked like. Blessing came to those who looked intently and did according to the perfect law of liberty. Those who did not rein their tongue deceived themselves and had worthless religion. People with pure and faultless religion looked after orphans and widows in their distress and kept themselves unstained by the world (James 1:19-27). Study and apply God's word by speaking carefully, looking after orphans and widows and refusing worldliness.

Love Rich and Poor Neighbors
If believers showed favoritism or gave special attention to a rich person and discriminated against the poor, they became judges with evil motives. God chose the poor to be rich in faith and inherit the kingdom promised to those who love Him. The rich exploited, dragged people into court and slandered peoples' good name. People did good and kept the royal law by loving their neighbor as themselves. They sinned by showing favoritism. Whoever kept the whole law and stumbled in one point was guilty of breaking it. Judgment without mercy was shown to anyone who had not been merciful. Mercy triumphed over judgment (James 2:1-13). Love rich and poor neighbors by showing mercy and not judgment.

Express Good Works Through Your Active Faith
If someone told a brother or sister without clothes and daily food to be warm and well fed without helping their physical needs, his faith was worthless. Faith without works was dead and useless. Demons believed and shudder. Abraham was considered righteous when he offered his son Isaac on the altar. Faith and actions worked together to complete his faith by what he did. Abraham was called God's friend after he believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness. People considered Rahab the prostitute righteous when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them in a different direction (James 2:14-26). Express good works through your active faith.

Praise God with Your Tongue
Those who presumed to be teachers were judged more strictly. By not stumbling in speech, they kept their body in check. Small parts like bits, rudders and tongues directed horses, ships and people, respectively. A small spark set a great forest on fire. Likewise, the tongue corrupted and set on fire the whole person being from hell, evil and full of deadly poison. The tongue praised God and cursed men who were made in His likeness. Fresh and salt water could not flow from the same spring. A salt spring could not produce fresh water (James 3:1-12). Praise God with your tongue to prevent corruption.

Choose Heavenly and Pure Wisdom
A wise and understanding person produced deeds done in humility. Bitter envy and selfish ambition that were earthly, unspiritual and devilish tempted a person to boast or deny it. It contained disorder and every evil practice. Wisdom from heaven was pure, peace loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sowed in peace raised a harvest of righteousness (James 3:13-18). Choose heavenly and pure wisdom as a peacemaker who bears a harvest of righteousness.

To gauge the condition of your faith, rate yourself on a scale of 1 to 10 (one being lowest and ten the highest) in the following areas:
1. Persevere joyfully in trials to gain spiritual maturity and crown of life
2. Study and apply God's word to express pure religion
3. Love your rich and poor neighbors to show mercy
4. Express good works through your active faith
5. Praise God with your tongue to prevent corruption
6. Choose heavenly wisdom to bear righteousness

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How To Lead People Toward Wisdom (Insights in Psalms)

5/4/2013

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How do you lead people toward wisdom? First, trust in God's plan to destroy evil; claim God's promises in His word through prayer; pray intensely expecting God to answer prayer for insight to overcome evil powers; and instruct people to know God, be wise and purified knowing He wins in the end.

Trust in God's Plan to Destroy Evil
In Daniel's dream, he saw a two-horned ram representing the Media and Persian kings charging in different directions doing as they pleased. A goat, king of Greece, with a large horn between his eyes, first king, struck the ram shattering his two horns, Media and Persian kings. The goat's horn broke off, king of Greece, and four other horns, four kingdoms emerging from Greece, grew up. Out of one came another horn, strong king who destroyed the holy people through deceit, grew in power to the south, east and toward the Beautiful Land. It reached the heavens throwing down the starry host to the earth, king grew strong through demonic power, and in rebellion took away the daily sacrifice and truth. The vision of the desolation of the sacrifice occurred for 2,300 days before the sanctuary was reconsecrated after the deceitful king was destroyed (Dan. 8:1-27). Trust in God's plan to destroy evil kingdoms.

Claim God's Promises Through Prayer
Daniel understood from Jeremiah in the Scriptures that the desolation of Jerusalem lasted 70 years. He turned to the great and covenant-keeping God of love in prayer, fasting and confession of sin. He admitted that they did not listen to the prophets. Because God was righteous, Judah, Jerusalem and Israel were covered with shame due to unfaithfulness. In spite of God's mercy and forgiveness, he knew they suffered curses written in the Law because of sin. They had not sought God's favor by turning from their sins and paying attention to His truth. Daniel asked the righteous God to turn away His wrath from Jerusalem that made His people an object of scorn. He asked God to hear his prayers, look with favor on His desolate sanctuary and forgive them because of His mercy (Dan. 9:1-19). Claim God's promises in Scripture through prayer and confession of sin.

Expect God to Answer Prayer for Insight
When Daniel began praying, Gabriel came to give him insight and understanding. A total of 490 years were decreed for His people and holy city to finish transgression, put an end to sin, atone for wickedness, bring in eternal righteousness, seal up the vision and prophesy, and to anoint the Most Holy Place. From the issuing of the decree to rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One came, there were 483 years. After this period of time, the Anointed One would be cut off, ruler destroyed the city and sanctuary, end come like a flood, war continued until the end and desolations decreed. He confirmed a covenant for seven years but in the middle of that time, he ended sacrifice, caused desolation and placed abominations on the temple until being destroyed 3 1/2 years later (Dan. 9:20-27). Expect God to answer prayer for insight and understanding.

Pray Intensely Because Evil Powers Delay Answers
Daniel mourned and fasted for three weeks before seeing in a great vision a man dressed in linen with a belt of finest gold around his waist, face like lightning, eyes like flaming torches and arms, legs like the gleam of burnished bronze and voice like the sound of a multitude. From the first day he set his mind to gain understanding and humble himself before God, the man came. However, the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted him 21 days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, helped him, because the king of Persia detained him. He told Daniel to be strong and not fear since he was highly esteemed. He would soon fight against the prince of Persia before the prince of Greece came. He would tell Daniel what was written in the Book of Truth since only Michael, his prince, supported him against these evil powers (Dan. 10:1-21). Pray intensely with fasting because evil powers delay answers.

Instruct People in Knowing God and Purity
Three more kings would appear in Persia and then a fourth far richer stirred up everyone against Greece. A mighty king appeared and his empire was parceled out and given to others. Later the king of the North established himself in the Beautiful Land and made an alliance with the king of the South. After many battles the two kings' hearts bent on evil lied to each other, but the end would still come at the appointed time. At the right time, the king of the North invaded the South to desecrate the temple fortress, abolish the daily sacrifice and set up the abomination of desolation. His flattery corrupted those who violated the covenant, but the people who knew God firmly resisted him. The wise instructed many, but for a time they were captured or died. Some of the wise would stumble, but be refined, purified and made spotless until the end (Dan. 11:1-35). Instruct people in knowing God, resisting evil and purity during spiritual warfare.

Understand God Wins in the End
The king magnified himself above every god and said evil against the God of gods. He would be successful until the time of wrath was completed. He honored a god of fortresses with gold and silver. He attacked the mightiest fortresses with the help of a foreign god and greatly honored those who acknowledged him. He made them rulers over many people and distributed the land for a reward. At the time of the end, the king of the South fought the king of the North who extended his power over many countries before invading the Beautiful Land. Edom, Moab and the leaders of Ammon were delivered from his hand. He gained control of Egypt's riches with the Libyans and Nubians in submission. He pitched his royal tents between the seas at the beautiful holy mountain but came to an end with no one to help him (Dan. 11:36-45). Understand God wins in the end.

Lead People Toward Wisdom Who Shine Like Stars
Michael, the great prince who protected God's people, would arise during an unprecedented time of distress. Everyone whose name was written in the book were delivered. Multitudes awoke to eternal life or to shame and eternal contempt. The wise shone like the brightness of the heavens. Those who led many to righteousness like the stars forever. Daniel was commanded to seal the words of the scroll until the end of time when many traveled to increase knowledge. A man in linen above the waters said it would be 3 1/2 years for these things to be completed. Many would be purified, made spotless and refined but the wicked would continue to be wicked. Only the wise understood. There were 1,290 days from the time the daily sacrifice was abolished and the abomination that caused desolation was set up. Blessed was he who waited and reached the end of the 1,335 days. At the end of days, Daniel would receive his allotted inheritance (Dan. 12:1-13). Lead people toward wisdom and righteousness who shine like stars forever.

To lead people toward wisdom, do the following:
1. Trust in God's plan to destroy evil
2. Claim God's promises in His word through prayer
3. Expect God to answer prayer for insight and understanding
4. Pray intensely with fasting because evil powers delay answers
5. Instruct people in knowing God, resisting evil and purity during spiritual warfare
6. Understand God wins in the end7. Lead people toward wisdom and righteousness who shine like stars forever

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How God Responds to Political Tyranny, Economic Depression and Leadership Crisis (Insights in Prophets)

9/16/2012

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"Satan's arsenal consists of such things as fear, worry, doubt, and self-pity. Every one of these weapons robs us of peace and leaves us troubled inside. Do you want to discern where the enemy is coming against you? In the network of your relationships, wherever you do not have peace, you have war. Conversely, wherever you have victory, you have peace. When Satan hurls his darts against you, the more peace you have during adversity, the more truly you are walking in Christ's victory" (Francis Frangipane). Isaiah 13-16 explains how God responds to political tyranny, economic depression and leadership crisis.

God Destroys Ungodly Plot and Humbles Pride
God commanded holy warriors from a far country who rejoiced in His triumph to carry out His wrath against Babylon and destroy the whole land. In the day of the Lord, every man's heart melted with terror while pain and anger gripped them. They writhed like a woman in labor. The Lord made the land desolate, destroyed sinners, and darkened the stars, sun and moon. God punished the world for its evil and the wicked for their sins. He ended the arrogance of the proud and humbled the pride of the ruthless. The heavens trembled and the earth shook at God's wrath and burning anger. Everyone returned to his native land like sheep without a shepherd. Their infants were dashed to pieces, houses looted and wives ravished (Is. 13:1-16). God destroys ungodly plots and humbles prideful people.

God Shortens Future of Wicked
God stirred up the Medes against Babylon even though they did not care for silver or gold. They struck down young men and showed no compassion on children. God overthrew Babylon like Sodom and Gomorrah. God shortened her days so only desert animals would inhabit Babylon through all generations (Is. 13:17-22). God shortens and halts the future of the wicked.

God Imparts Peace and Stops Bondage from Evil One
Because of compassion, the Lord chose Israel again to settle in their own land along with aliens. Israel possessed the nations and ruled over their oppressors. He gave them relief from suffering, turmoil and cruel bondage. He broke Babylon's oppression and pomp so all nations could experience rest and peace. As the morning star, they fell from heaven and cast down to the earth. His heart said he would ascend to heaven, raise his throne above the stars of God, sit enthroned on the sacred mountain, and make himself like the Most High. He was thrust down into the pit of Sheol (Is. 14:1-15). God stops bondage from the evil one so you experience peace and rest.

God Removes Burdens and Provides Refuge
People pondered Babylon's fate in overthrowing cities, but soon was not mentioned again like a rejected branch who could not inherit the land. The Lord Almighty cut off Babylon's name and descendants. He turned her into a place for owls and swept her with the broom of destruction. God's fulfills His purposes. He crushed Assyria and removed his yoke and burden from His people. No one thwarts God's plan. He destroyed Philistia's root with famine and killed his survivors. The most helpless ate and the needy lied down in safety. The Lord established Zion and His afflicted people found refuge (Is. 14:16-32). God removes burdens and provides refuge for the afflicted.

God Causes People to Lose Wealth and Their Lives Overnight
Moab was destroyed in a night. People went to its temple, high places, streets and public squares to weep and wear sackcloth. Moab's armed men cried out with faint hearts. God's heart cried out for Moab. Her fugitives left as far as Zoar and lamented their destruction. The waters of Nimrim dried up and the vegetation withered. They carried wealth they stored up over the Ravine of the Poplars. Dimon's waters were full of blood with more coming upon those remaining in the land (Is. 15:1-9). God’s judgment causes people to lose wealth and their lives overnight.

God Seeks Justice and Speeds Cause of Righteousness
Send lambs as tribute to the ruler of Moab. The women were like fluttering birds pushed from the nest. Fugitives sought counsel and shelter from the destroyer. The oppressor came to an end and destruction ceased after the aggressor vanished from the land. In love a throne would be established and a man from the house of David who sought justice and prompt in the cause of righteousness would sit on it (Is. 16:1-5). Christ seeks justice and speeds the cause of righteousness by destroying wickedness.

God Laments Over Excessive Pride Causing Political, Economic and Leadership Crisis
We heard of Moab's excessive pride, conceit and empty boasts. Therefore Moabites wailed together for Moab and grieved for the men of Kir-hareseth. The fields of Heshbon and vines of Sibmath withered. The rulers of the nations trampled down the choicest vines that once reached Jazer and went to the sea. The shouts of joy over their ripened fruit and harvest were stilled because no one treaded out wine in the presses. God's heart and inmost being lamented for Moab and Kir-hareseth like a harp. Moab wore herself out praying with no results at her high place and shrine. Within three years, Moab's splendor and her many people would be despised leaving a small, weak remnant (Is. 16:6-14). God laments over excessive pride causing political tyranny, economic depression and leadership crisis.

How God responds to political tyranny, economic depression and leadership crisis:
1. God destroys ungodly plots and humbles prideful people
2. God shortens and halts the future of the wicked
3. God stops bondage from the evil one so you experience peace and rest
4. God removes burdens and provides refuge for the afflicted
5. People lose wealth and their lives overnight during judgment
6. Christ seeks justice and speeds the cause of righteousness by destroying wickedness
7. God laments over excessive pride causing political tyranny, economic depression and leadership crisis
Pray for Christ speeding the cause of righteousness by destroying wickedness

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How to Rebel Against An Ungodly Culture (Insights in Prophets)

7/26/2012

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The preceding chapters in 2 Kings 16-20 show how a single-minded focus prepares yourself to equip the next generation by trusting in God, prayer, meditation on God's word, walking in truth and using insights and resources to spiritually equip them to meet future challenges. The character of leadership determines to a large degree whether people live godly or ungodly lives. You will learn how to rebel against an ungodly culture.

Manasseh did evil according to the abominations of the nations. He rebuilt the high places his father Hezekiah destroyed, erected altars for Baal and made an Asherah like Ahab king of Israel. He built altars and placed the Asherah in the house of the Lord. He placed altars for all the host of heaven in its two courts. He practiced witchcraft, used divination and dealt with mediums and spiritists. By observing the law Moses commanded, they would not wander from the land. Instead, Manasseh seduced them to do evil more than the nations that the Lord destroyed (2 Kings 21:1-9). Ungodly leaders create a culture that seduces people to do evil so they can't possess God's promises.

The Lord spoke through the prophets that He would bring such calamity on Jerusalem and Judah that peoples' ears would tingle. He would wipe out Jerusalem, abandon His inheritance and deliver them into the hand of their enemies as plunder and spoil because of their evil. Manasseh shed much innocent blood filling Jerusalem completely. He made Judah sin with his idols (2 Kings 21:10-18). Ungodly leaders' idolatry deliver people over to evil.

Amon walked in the way of his father Manasseh by serving and worshiping idols. He forsook the Lord and did not walk in the way of the Lord. The servants of Amon conspired and killed him. The people of the land killed all who conspired against Amon. Josiah his son became king (2 Kings 21:19-26). People rebel against ungodly leadership when they grow tired of sin and idolatry.

Josiah did right in the sight of the Lord and walked in the way of David, not turning from the right or left. He had the high priest deliver money to the workmen, including carpenters, builders, masons and for buying timber and hewn stone, so they could repair damages to the house of the Lord. Because of their faithfulness, they made no accounting of the money delivered to them (2 Kings 22:1-7).
Godly leaders equip people in God's word so they can walk in the way of the Lord.

They found the book of the law in the house of the Lord and read it to Josiah. He asked the high priest, scribes and king's servant to inquire of the Lord because God's wrath burned against them. Their fathers had not listened to its words in doing what was written concerning them (2 Kings 22:8-13).
Godly leaders call others to pray when God's wrath burns against a community.

Huldah the prophetess predicted God's wrath would come upon them because they forsook God and burned incense to other gods with all the work of their hands. Because Josiah's heart was tender and he humbled himself before the Lord when he heard this place would become a desolation and a curse, God truly heard him after he tore his clothes and wept before Him. He would be gathered to his grave in peace and not see all the evil God would do (2 Kings 22:14-20). God hears the prayers of those with tender and humble hearts who cry out fervently to Him.

If you are exposed to an ungodly culture because of evil leaders filled with idolatry, rebel against it!
How?
1. Equip people in God's word so they walk in the way of the Lord
2. Call others to prayer
3. Have a tender and humble heart so God will hear your prayers

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Blessings of the Righteous Versus the Curses of the Evil (Insights in Psalms)

4/24/2012

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The world needs men and women.......
a.. who cannot be bought;
b.. whose word is their bond;
c.. who put character above wealth;
d.. who possess opinions and a will;
e.. who are larger than their vocations;
f.. who do not hesitate to take chances;
g.. who will not lose their individuality in a crowd;
h.. who will make no compromise with wrong;
i.. whose ambitions are not confined to their own selfish desires;
j.. who will not say they do it "because everybody else does it";
k.. who are true to their friends through good report and evil report in adversity as well as in prosperity;
l.. who do not believe that shrewdness, cunning, and hardheartedness are the best qualities for winning success;
m.. who are not ashamed or afraid to stand for the truth when it is unpopular;
n.. who can say "no" with emphasis, although all the rest of the world says "yes." (Dr. Larry M. Groves )
Proverbs 12 describes the blessings of the righteous versus the curses of the evil.

Blessings of the Righteous
Those who love instruction and knowledge, experience the following blessings:

Obtain favor from the Lord
Stable
Virtuous wife is crown of husband
Just thoughts
Mouth delivers them
Family endures
Praised according to insight

Curses of the Evil
Those who hate reproof, experience the following curses:

Condemnation from the Lord
Unstable
Shameful wife is rottenness in his bones
Deceitful counsel
Words lie in wait for blood
Overthrown and are no more
Perverse heart despised (Prov. 12:1-8)

Characteristics of the Righteous
Those who are highly esteemed with a servant demonstrate the following characteristics:

Regards animals

Diligent in working to make money

Yields fruit

Escape from trouble

Satisfied with good by fruit of his mouth

Listens to counsel

Characteristics of the Evil
Those who honor themselves and lack bread demonstrate the following characteristics:

Cruel
Lacks sense in pursuing vain things
Desires booty of evil men
Ensnared by transgression of his lips
Deeds return to him
Right in his own eyes (Prov. 12:9-15)

Speech of the Righteous
The prudent who conceal dishonor speak in the following ways:

Speaks truth and righteousness

Speaks wisdom and healing

Truthful lips established forever

Counselors of peace have joy

No harm

Deal faithfully are delight to the Lord

Conceals knowledge

Speech of the Evil
The foolish who make their frustrations known immediately speak in the following ways:

Speaks deceit and falseness

Speaks rashly like thrusts of a sword

Lying tongue is temporary

Deceitful heart

Filled with trouble

Lying lips are abomination to the Lord

Proclaims folly (Prov. 12:16-23)

Outcome of the Righteous
The diligent allows them to rule so they experience the following outcomes:

Good word makes it glad

Guide to neighbor

Diligence is precious possession

Life

Outcome of the Evil
The slack hand will be put to forced labor so they experience the following outcomes:

Anxiety weighs it down

Leads people astray

Does not catch its prey

Death (Prov. 12:24-28)

Which of the blessings, characteristics, speech and outcome of the righteous do you need right now? Ask the Holy Spirit to apply it in your life as you memorize that verse.

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God Visits You in the Valleys (Insights in Law)

4/13/2011

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God comes to you during your most vulnerable times. I'm thankful God doesn't hold grudges. When you suffer the loss of a loved one, God visits you. When you experience evil unjustly, God visits you. When you have sinned and don't serve it, God visits you. No matter how I feel, God is always faithful, gracious and merciful. Joseph and his brothers experienced God's grace through their deepest valleys.

God Visits When You Grieve
Joseph wept when his father, Israel, died and so did the Egyptians for 70 days. Joseph asked Pharaoh if he could bury his father in Canaan to fulfill a promise to him. Household and Egyptian elders, his brothers and all of Pharaoh's servants, along with chariots and horsemen went with him. The Canaanites saw how grievous the Egyptians mourned. Israel’s sons buried Jacob in Abraham’s tomb and then returned to Egypt (Gen. 50:1-14). God provides physical and emotional support through others in times of grief.

God Visits When You Experience Evil
Joseph’s brothers were concerned that Joseph could bear a grudge and pay back the wrong they did to him. They sent a message to Joseph charging that their father wanted him to forgive their sin. Joseph wept and said, “Do not be afraid, for am I in God’s place? You meant evil against me but God meant it for good to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.” Joseph told them to not fear since he would provide for their families. He comforted and spoke kindly to them (Gen. 50:15-21). God uses evil to accomplish His good purposes in the world.

God Visits When You Don't Deserve It
Joseph told his brothers that he was about to die, but assured them that God would care for them and bring them to the land He promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Joseph made his brothers swear that they would carry his bones from Egypt to Canaan (Gen. 50:22-26). God cares and intervenes in peoples' lives even when they sin against others.

How has God visited you directly and through others in your times of grief, experiencing evil and when you don't deserve it.

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How to Gain a Life-Giving Faith (Insights in NT)

How To Lead People Toward Wisdom (Insights in Psalms)

How God Responds to Political Tyranny, Economic Depression and Leadership Crisis (Insights in Prophets)

How to Rebel Against An Ungodly Culture (Insights in Prophets)

Blessings of the Righteous Versus the Curses of the Evil (Insights in Psalms)

God Visits You in the Valleys (Insights in Law)

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