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Bible Verse Psalm 17

God calls to walk in righteousness, and then test us to help us do it. Psalm 17 keeps us on track with God through the test and causes us to pass the test by the grace of God.

“Though you prove my heart and examine me at night, will you test me, you will find nothing. I have resolved that my mouth will not sin.”Psalm 17-3

Passing a test concerning righteousness begins with guarding your words. Keeping your words in agreement with God’s words, and your actions will follow the path of righteousness.

“Hear me, Lord, my plea is just; listen to my cry. Hear my prayer -it does not rise from deceitful lips. Let my vindication, from you.; may your eyes see what is right.” Psalm 17-1-2

When we pray, worship, and speak God‘s Word, You stay away from the devil schemes plotted against you. This is how God protect you. “Passing the test” keeps you in God’s protection, and out of the enemies hands.

“As for the deeds of men, by the word of your lips, I have kept myself from the waves of the violent.“ Psalm 17:4

Keep using what your learning. Guard against wrongful speaking and continue to speak God‘s Word over your life and situations. This is how we passed the test.

“My steps have held fast to your paths; my feet have not slipped.” Psalm 17:5

The result of passing the test from God is improved relationship with God. You will see His Face more clearly and yourself more “like Him” as you move forward in the revelation.

“As for me, I will seek your faith in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in your likeness.” Psalm 17:15

What Is Freedom In Christ?

Have you ever stopped to consider what is really means to be free in Christ?

Whether you are new in your faith or you’ve been walking with God for a long time, this concept may be confusing.

Although I’ve been a follower In Christ for over 10 years, I’ve always taken this concept for granted. But when I read the scriptures that discuss freedom. I still have more questions.

These scripture’s are:

  • John 8:36
  • Romans 6:7-8
  • Galatians 5:1

This is just a primer to what it means to be free In Christ.

What Is Freedom In Christ And How To Obtain It?

Freedom means you have a choice. It means you are longer restrained or controlled by the things that once held you back.

In America we are fortunate to be born into a free country, but there are others that are not so lucky. They live their lives oppressed, or even enslaved by others.

All of us are born as slaves to sin (Psalm 51:5). Our sin nature separates from God’s love and His freeing power of the Holy Spirit. The moment we decide to place our trust in God and follow Him is when sin loses the power to control us (Romans 6:6).

Freedom in Christ means that we are no longer controlled by sin. The power of the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:17) gives us the ability to resist our sinful desires, and instead of choosing the path of sin and death, we are free to choose life (Romans 6:22).

Our first step towards freedom is salvation (John 3:6-21). Once we open up your heart and invite the Holy Spirit in, the chains that enslave us is broken.

“ for he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness, and brought us to the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” Colossians 1:13-14

Does Freedom In Christ Mean I Can Do Whatever I Want?

Don’t be mistaken, freedom is not for unhindered autonomy. Whether it’s earthly freedom or spiritual freedom, there are always going to be laws, rules, and guidelines we have to follow. There will always be right and wrong.

“So I say, walk by the spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desired, but is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.” Galatians 5:16-17

This passage goal on who is all types of sinful desires, or acts of the flesh, that we can still fall into if we are not careful, despite being free from the power of sin.

The Bible makes it very clear that if we continue to live like the world, we are still enslaved to sin, and that our future is not secure.

“ I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this, will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:21

Unfortunately, because of the prominence of sin in our lives, we must be so intentional about using to follow Jesus. We must choose daily between allowing sin to control our life, or following Christ, and experiencing ultimate freedom from sin.

“ Live ask people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up or evil, but living as servants of God.” 1 Peter 2:16

What Are Ways We Allow The Enemy To Control Us, Even After We Have Been Set Free?

“ For freedom in Christ has set us free; stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1

The enemy long to keep you from experiencing is sharing for freedom you have in Christ by continuing to entice you with sin, and using guilt and shame to remind you of your sinful past. Even though you have been set free from the control of sin, Satan doesn’t want you to lose his grip on you.

Be free in Christ does not mean we will never fall back into our sinful ways, But it doesn’t mean that we are no longer under sin’s control. Before Christ redeemed us, our only choice was sin.

Sin is very powerful, and without the saving power of Jesus and the Holy Spirit, the enemy will always try to use sin to drag you down.

“ But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire is conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” James 1:14-15

Freedom in Christ not only means we are free from sin, but also that we are free from the burden of sin, or the guilt and shame of things we’ve done in the past.

“Once you were dead, because we were disobedient, and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil -The commander of the powers and unseen world. He is the spirit at work in our hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us want to live that way, following the passionate desire and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature, we are subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else.” Ephesians 2:1-3

Satan loves it when we allow guilt and shame to reside in our hearts, win, even after Jesus, forgives us, the weight of our past feels way, heavy on our shoulders.

“ therefore, nowthere is no condemnation for those who are in Christ, Jesus, because through Christ Jesus, the law of the spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.’ Romans 8:1-2

Remember that one of the main characteristics of God is that of love. “God is love” John 4:16, and in 1 Corinthians 13:5, Paul says that “Love keeps no records of wrongs.”

The Bible tells us that when we are set free from all the sins of our pasts, they are forgotten and forgiven; You are no longer accountable for them.

“Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their nature to His cross and crucified them there.” Galatians 5:24

How Do I Avoid Going Back To Being A Slave To Sin Once We’ve Been Set Free?

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is my strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26

Once we’ve chosen to follow Jesus, the Holy Spirit Will one our hearts and mind. We don’t have to fall into temptation of sin any longer. Yes, we will be tempted, but thanks for the Holy Spirit, we will now have victory over sin. If we sin we can repent and turn away from that sin.

Most churches will have you believe you can only take communion at church. This is not so. Since Jesus died for we can have direct access to Him. We can pray the communion prayer ourselves and drink from the wine (grape juice) and break the bread. (1 Corinthians 11:23-26).

I take communion everyday. To keep my Spirit right with God.

Look to Jesus as your example to what you do when you are tempted. After fasting for 40 days in the wilderness, certain camper, Jesus, and tempted Him three times, in all three times, Jesus did not stumble into sin. Instead, He turned to the word of God, repeating scripture and worshiping His father. This is found in Matthew 4:1-11.

Jesus called the word of God our “daily bread” Matthew 6:11. Just as we need to eat to nourish our bodies every day, we also need to consume God’s Word o guard our hearts and minds from the enemy and from the temptation of sin Ephesians 6:10-17.

When we read God’s Word and pray regularly, when Kim Tatian comes our way, we will be ready to recognize it for what it is, and turn from it before it has a chance to take up residence in our life.

“So, I say, walk by the spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh Galatians 5:16

How Does Your Life Change When You Choose Jesus Over Sin?

The Bible may seem like a book of rules, but God’s Word, actually provide guidance on how to live it’s free as possible. It’s our manual for life. In Ephesians 4:8, Jesus says He freed us, and He took the captives captive.

We don’t go from being slaves to sin just to be enslaved to rules and expectations that are impossible to follow. That’s what Satan wants you to believe. Satan wants to deceive you and she believing that choosing to follow Jesus is means our life is over.

Freedom is always meant to be enjoyed. Freedom is meant to give you a new life, a fresh start, and an opportunity to be everything God designed you to be.

Once we have been saved, we become a child of God, and a part of His heavenly kingdom and God long to lavish Hid children with rich blessings of all kinds.

Here are a few verses that tell of the blessings we can expect to receive when we walk with God.

  • Ephesians 1:3
  • 2 corinthians 9:8
  • Proverbs 16:7
  • Colossians 1:11

If we declare with our mouth, and believe that Jesus is Lord that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. It is with your heart that you believe and are justified, but the truth of your mouth, that you profess your faith, and are saved. Romans 10:9-10.

Sharing Your Story Is Important

If the internet has taught us one thing, it’s that everyone has a story and we love to share them. Storytelling has always been a big part of society and relationships.

People from ancient times tell stories that date back to tens of thousands of years to pass history and culture from one generation to the next. The Holy Bible is just an example.

Why Your Story Matters

Have you ever listened to someone talk about their life and thought ‘Oh, someone else has been through that too? I thought I was the only one.’ Finding similarities with others helps us live happy healthy lives.

Your life may feel ordinary to you, but it might seem extraordinary to someone else. With every story, there is a chance to make someone feel less alone.

There a manager ways to share your story. But, the most important thing is that you feel safe and comfortable doing so. If you’re nervous, try to think beforehand how much and what you would like to share. If you feel the need to get personal things out into the open, find someone you can trust to share it with and give yourself as much time as you need.

I didn’t start healing from my life until I began sharing my story and even telling those closest to me the personal stuff.

Here are some tips and tricks to help you get started:

  • Understand that sharing your story can be a scary thing to do, no matter if you’re sharing with one person or a hundred. When you realize this it will help you tackle your nerves.
  • Use your emotions for good energy. Take people on a journey so that they can feel and understand things from your perspective.
  • Practice a lot. As with most things in life, practice makes things easier. Know what you want to say, and how you want to say it. Then you will be in a good place to succeed.
  • If you want the person/people you’re sharing to do something, make it clear. When you ask directly for what you want, you’re most likely to get it,

Where To Share Your Story

There’s no right way to tell your story but it’s yours to share, so do it the way that works best for you. Whether it’s face-to-face, writing it down or sharing it online.

Why Sharing Your Story Is Important

Sometimes we can be frustrated and feel like we have no power. But one thing I’ve learned is that we have power, and a lot more than you might realize,

Speaking up about your experiences, and about what’s important to you, is an easy and effective way to create change in your or someone else’s life.

Bible Psalm 16

Psalm 16 Is instruction given to help fulfill your destiny or purpose in God.

This Psalm will help you to learn principles that puts us track to receives God’s grace and to walk more certainly in God’s will. For a new way to walk with God.

“Preserve me, God, for I take refuge in You. My soul, You have, said to the Lord You are my Lord ; apart from You I have no good thing.” Psalm 16:1-2.

What is the source of any and every good thing you have and ever will have. When you accept this truth, and worship Him for it, you open your heart to receive everything He has for you.

“Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.” Psalm 16:5-6

Have faith that God has a good inheritance for you. Praise Him for it, and keep your heart ready to receive it.

“I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel; My heart also instruct me in the night season. I have set the Lord always before me because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.” Psalm 16:7-8

God will instruct you and guide you through life, so you can receive His blessings and stay in His will. Make this your worship and prayer and you will receive God’s constant guidance.

“ I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me. I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me.” Psalm 16:7-8 NLT

Remain steadfast with God and focus on the promises from His Words. This keeps you in God’s grace, and in the power you need to receive them.

“ you will show me the path of life; in your presence is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forever more.” Psalm 16:11

Our prayers and promises of this Psalm are God showing us the path of life, stay faithful to what you’ve been shown in this Psalm. God will help you to not be moved and you will inherit the blessings that He has promised you.

God’s Wisdom And Man’s Foolishness

“Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of the age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?” 1 Corinthians 1:20

The professors, scholars, and the world leaders of today tell us that there is no God, that the Bible is outdated, that to believe in a loving Creator is foolish – but “the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom” (1 Corinthians 1:25).

God’s wisdom is the voice of reality; it cries out from every street corner to observe, to see, to understand how the Creator built life to function, and to witness the results of rejecting Him and His methods for life. God’s wisdom enlightens the mind to comprehend cause and effect; one not only sees the chaos but understands the cause of it -and that only Jesus and the methods of truth, love, and freedom are the only,

“Wisdom calls aloud in the street. She raises her voice in the public squares; at the head of the noisy streets she cries out, in the gateways of the city she makes her speech; ‘How long will you simple ones love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge?” ( Proverbs 1:20-22),

God’s wisdom leads us to see the difference between reality and fantasy, to discern what works from what doesn’t. God’s wisdom leads us out of chaos to order, out of fear to love, out of conflict to peace, and out of death to life. His wisdom exposes the foolishness of the so-called “experts“ in our society who deny Him and His laws. But these “simple ones” those who do not understand reality, the mock God (with their inventions, and machines), make fun of truth, hate objective facts, pretend there isn’t a God, and believe what the “authorities” tell them.

“Since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the Lotc, since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke, they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes. For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be ease, without fear from harm.” (Proverbs 1:20-33

Look at what is happening in the world today: broken families, rising crime, economic distress, and mental health crises as never seen before. It is the communities with the highest level of rejecting God and His principles – whose leaders advance the principles of humanism, liberalism, and socialism – that have the greatest chaos, homelessness, crime, failing schools, and breakdown of social order.

God permits this to happen to arouse people to understand reality; when people reject God’s principles, He respects their choice and the Holy Spirit withdraws, and the inevitable result is that evil increases.

If we want to solve these problems in society today, we must reject the wisdom of the godless world. We must return to understanding reality in the way our Creator has designed it to function.

“For the Lord gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding…Then you will understand what is right and just and fair- every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you. Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse, who leave the straight paths to walk in dark ways, who delight in doing wrong and rejoice in perverseness of evil, whose paths are crooked and who are devious in their ways.” (Proverbs 2;6, 9-15)

If you want wisdom, you must listen to the Lord. Following Jesus will save you from being deceived by those leaders who deny God, who deny the principles of the Bible, and who advance a godless worldview and agenda for society. God’s wisdom will save you from the so-called wisdom of this world. And that is the wisdom if this world, the wisdom that is perverse and leads people from light to darkness.

“The woman is Folly is loud; she is undisciplined and without knowledge. She sits at the door of her house on a sear at the highest point of the city, calling out to those who pass by, who go straight on their way. “Let all who are simple come in here!’ she says to those who lack judgment. ‘Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious!” But little do they know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of the grave.” (Proverbs 9;13-18),

Have you heard certain government leaders and media pundits who do not uplift our Creator justifying mass shoplifting, refusing to prosecute blatant crimes supporting riots and property destruction as healthy forms of voicing one’s concerns, proclaiming that police are the source of violence and that if we got rid of law enforcement, society would be less violent? And what are many of these leaders doing? They are refusing to hold the wicked accountable.

“Those who forsake the law praise wicked, but those who keep the law resist them.” (Proverbs 28 4)

It is a certainty that in this sinful world, if people close their hearts to God, then sin will rise, exploitation of others will increase, and society will decay. When we take God’s principles and truths out of our schools, homes, and communities, the unavoidable result is the collapse of social order, and this, if not corrected, will lead to a backlash of increased authoritarianism and loss of liberty in attempts to restore order. Understanding that clearly if people do not have God in their hearts, such that they are mature and have self control, the only way to have order in society is with extreme external governmental control line the way we see in China and North Korea.

This is what our government today in America is striving for. This is what they want!

John Adam’s, the 2nd President of the United States and co-author of the Declaration of Independence, understanding this reality, wrote: “Our Constitutionwax made for a moral and religious people, it is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.

This is what our government today in America is striving to abolish! The want to control the American Citizens just like the leaders in China and North Korea. And if we look at society today. It looks like we are headed in that direction.

But when those who understand God’s wisdom arise to protest the foolishness that we are seeing from those who refuse to uplift our Creator, how are they treated?

“Whoever corrects a locker invites insult; whoever rebukes a wicked man incurs abuse. Do not rebuke a locker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you.” (Proverbs 9 7-8)

The foolish reject God’s wisdom; they hate the voice of reason, the reproof of the righteous the call to order, the setting of boundaries, and the call for accountability -making decisions based on fact, truth, reality, and reason. The woman and fairly compete in female athletic events. The fool denies their own sinful state and claims it is because of others that they steal, kill, or murder – that it’s society’s fault. The foolish claim that if we would only get rid of the police, and law enforcement, of personal accountability, that if we only make decisions based on something other than ability, qualifications, merit, or skill, then the communities would improve. Such worldly wisdom is truly foolish,

It is only the godly, those who respect our Creator, who value God’s Word, who embrace and apply His truths to their lives who are wise.

Without Jesus, without God, in our hearts, families, and communities, there is no possibility of improving what’s happening in our society.

Bible Verse Psalm 15

“Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts.” Psalm 15:1-2

If you want to be close to God get your words and actions right in His sight. Follow the plan given to you by the Spirit. Just think and pray these things and where God takes you.

“Lord, who shall dwell in your sanctuary? Who shall live on your holy hill? He walks blamelessly and does what it right, and speaks truth in his heart; He who doesn’t slander with his tongue, nor does evil to his friend, nor cast slurs against his fellow man.” Psalm 15:1-3

God continues His Word on “right words and actions.” Now concerning our friends and those around us. Wrong actions are the result of wrong words spoken against friends and acquaintances. Saying what is right and cause us to do what is right.

“In whose eyes a vile man is despised, but who honors those who fear the Lord; he who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and doesn’t change.” Psalm 15:4

Now we look into the realm of attitude and integrity in our hearts before God. More than just an occasional thought to speak and act right. God wants us to have a heart that is dedicated to living these as a lifestyle. This should be a normal part of the “new life” that becomes who we are as “new creations in Christ.”

“Who lends money to the poor without interest; who does not accept a bribe against the innocent. Whoever does these things will never be shaken. Psalm 15:5

God brings up “The Money Factor” in the right behavior toward others. We should use money to help, not to take advantage of others, and never allow money to cause you to make wrong choices about people. God points out that staying strong against this “temptation” will keep us strong in our relationship with God.

“Lord, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your Holy hill? He who walks uprightly, and works righteousness, and speaks the truth in his heart; He who does not backbite with his tongue, nor does evil to his neighbor; nor does he take up a reproach against his friend; in whose eyes a vile person is despised, but he honors those who fear the Lord; he who swears to his own hurt and does not change. He who does not put out his money at usury, (loan-sharking) nor does he take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved.” Psalm 15:1-5

God is clear: Be careful with your words and actions concerning yourself and others, and you will keep yourself close to God. Make a choice to guard your words and actions, and watch this produce good results in your relationship with God and others.

A Whole Lotta Shaking

The world around us is shaking. Our world continues to be unstable and uncertain. We have been shook up in the last couple of years. I believe there have been multiple dynamics at play.

1.Humanity’s Sin

2. Creation’s Groan

3. Satan’s Rage

4. God’s Shaking

We know that sinful choices of others and ourselves often bring pain and brokenness in the world. Romans 8 tells us that all of creation is groaning in desire for the full revealing of God’s children at the return of Christ. The creation longs to be set free from the bondage to decay in the world.

The enemy too is hard at work, raging throughout the earth to steal, kill, and destroy. Satan knows he is defeated but still seeks to do as much destruction as possible until the end. He is dangerous but defeated.

God is shaking the earth. Scripture tells us that God shake the nations so we can understand what is truly unshakable. Hebrews 12:26-29 says,

“Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.”

The words “once more,” indicate the removing of what can be shaken (the created things) so that what cannot be shaken may remain.

We have all seen and felt these dynamics at play through Covid, racial unrest, civil unrest, political division and polarization ect,.. We have also witnessed many cracks and flaws in what we thought were the strong foundations of this world – our fundamental freedoms, our churches.

God will not let His people in the church off the hook. I believe He is seeking to bring purity and holiness to His people. He is cleansing the church. So, that the new generations do not fade away.

Yes, God is shaking earth and heaven to bring forth a people who truly live and believe in a unshakable Kingdom. In the years to come we will find out those who are able in stand God’s shaking.

Bible Verse Psalm 14

“The Lord looked down from heaven on the children of men, to see if there were any who understood, who sought after God. They have all gone aside. They have together become corrupt. There is no one who does good, no, not one.“ Psalm 14:2-3

December is the darkest month of the year. ( not trying to be spiritual) this is when we are farthest from the sun. Days are shorter and nights are longer. God chose that month for us to celebrate Jesus as “the light of the world” who came to bring God’s light and life into our darkest hours. Don’t think of this as spiritual.

Psalm 14 tells us “God is looking for one to do good and understand God. How about being that one? Psalm 14 encourages all of us to be useful to God to bring His light and hope to the world.

And if you are paying attention, then you know this world needs it more than ever,

“Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge, who eat up my people as they eat bread and do not call on the Lord? There they are in great fear. For God is with the generation of the righteous. You shame the counsel of the poor, but the Lord is his refuge.” Psalm 14:4-6

God reminds us that there are always “bad people” who take advantage of others…He then points out that their sin is the result of “not calling on the Lord.” It is time for us (we who do call on the Lord) to answer His call to us and be part of His bringing His light and comfort to the hurting world.

God is our refuge.

“There they are in great dread, for God is with the righteous generation. You would put to shame the counsel of the afflicted, but the Lord is his refuge. The righteous face troubles of all sorts, but they remember that God is with them. And cannot put to shame their protection, because it is the Lord Himself.

God continues to contrast the world with His followers; “they are in great fear” (anxiety and stress are at unprecedented levels in our country) while God is “with the righteous” providing peace and joy. We should help comfort those who need encouragement.

“Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion. When the Lord restores the fortunes of His people, then Jacob shall rejoice, and Isreal shall be glad.” Psalm 14:7

“Salvation coming from Zion“ is someone from among God’s own people bringing the help and hope needed to “save the world.” God is looking for “one to get it right”… Not to save the whole world. But to do one good thing for one person in need.