Faith – Page 20 – Godinterest

March 1, 2019March 19, 2019

A Letter to YOU from the Devil

I am working.

I do not care, and although people tend to depict me as an ugly two horned beast and a fork tail, this is false.

The truth is whoever knows the bible knows very well that I can still appear as an angel of light.

Actually, I go to church more often than many and feel particularly happy when I come across Christians who neglect to pray or read the Bible on a regular basis.

It is in this that I am filled with joy and even applaud.

This is because the less you pray and read the Bible, the more control I can exert over you.

My greatest joy is when at the moment of preaching, many are talking, distracted on the their mobile phones or to concerned with their appearance.

My greatest sadness is when I see the church singing. I turned against God along time ago, because I wanting to be his equal. As a result I was expelled from heaven and lost all my privileges and so I have made this earth my home.

Today in the church, *music is what I hate most*.
Therefore *I have set a spirit of pride and prostitution for the musicians*, (Ezekiel 28: 12,13,14,15).

*My end is near*. That is why in recent times I am working hard to bring crowds with me to hell.

My mission is to kill, steal and destroy (John 10:10).

I attract crowds with songs, dances, parties, alcoholic drinks, drugs, social networks, soap operas, movies, fame, fashion, lust, money, sexual pleasures etc.

I like to see women exposing there bodies to arouse the sensuality of men.

Many go to church with tight pants and short skirts.

I’m not afraid to reveal my secrets. I know very well that even when all this is said, there will be no improvement in you.

The things that make me angry in the church are: *fasting, prayers, intercession, and offerings*.

When I want someone not to go to church, I put thoughts like:

‘You are tired’, you are not fit to go to church … Then do not go!

‘The services are long and tiring’, do not go !!!

‘Rest, enjoy the TV!’

February 28, 2019March 19, 2019

Almost Done

Math is not a strong suit of mine. I can do it, I’m just not crazy about it. I can perform math functions without even realizing it and it pleases my brain to do so that way. If math turns out to be a side note or byproduct of another action, even better. But perform math deliberately, nah.

As I was eating breakfast this morning it dawned on me that as I was equally distributing my portions, I was actually performing mathematical functions. Perhaps percentages, as I needed to know how much bacon per forkfull of cakes. Maybe some geometry and a little algebra. I frequently needed to solve for “x” or what it was I was going to put into my mouth next to complete this full bodied, flavorful bunch of sweetness.

Have you ever noticed the way that we eat our food? I mean the way that we portion each item just so. I ate each bite of pancake with a bite of bacon. I even took a sip of juice according to the amount of moisture, or lack thereof, into my mouth as needed. Why is this topic important you may ask. Well, it shows that we are much smarter than we think.

Here I am performing percentages and partial geometric equations and solutions over a stack of pancakes and bacon. Including the liquid adds another dimension of smarts to my repertoire. It reminds me that being intelligent is apart of our being whether we’re conscious of it or not. We are smart. You may say, “That doesn’t take smarts, just hunger.” and you would be partly correct. However, that’s even more of the miraculous about our makeup as human beings.

Even in a state of lack or deprivation, our brains still have the capacity and wherewithal to perform the most trivial of tasks by proportionately allocating bite-sized morsels into our mouths in just the most satisfying of combos. Whew, that was a mouthful. (no pun intended) If God created, and he did, such seemingly complex features in just this small area of our makeup, how much more will he complete the major things in our lives. Especially when it comes to our purpose.

God always finishes what he starts, know that what he started in you he will most definitely complete. So the next time you sit down to have a stack of pancakes remember, you’re a mathematical genius and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that you too are not half done.

Scripture references: Colossians 2:10; Philippines 1:6

February 24, 2019March 19, 2019

I’m here

If I’m with you when it’s cool

And not with you when it’s hot

What kinda friend am I

When courage I have not

To shield you

To stand in the gap

To intercede for you

As a matter of fact

My love is proven

As I’m with you in life’s heat

Good times are for fairweatherers

But true loyalty isn’t beaten

When public opinion yells

“Crucify him! Hang him high!”

I’ll still be in your corner

Sending prayers toward skies

Of God’s mercy and

His unmerited Grace

For he alone is able

To save you, today

February 24, 2019July 9, 2023

Modern Hero’s for God

What makes someone a hero? Are they perfect in every way, like Superman? Or, are they flawed like the rest of us? And what about the anti-hero, those who have deep flaws and yet at times display great courage and make a stand for what is right? Where do we see these people around us, and what can we learn from them? And, what about those who are famous and lots of people follow them but are not heroes at all?

He has conquered self–the strongest foe man has to meet. The highest evidence of nobility in a Christian is self-control. He who can stand unmoved amid a storm of abuse is one of God’s heroes.

He who has learned to rule his spirit will rise above the slights, the rebuffs, the annoyances to which we are daily exposed, and these will cease to cast a gloom over his spirit.

It is God’s purpose that the kingly power of sanctified reason, controlled by divine grace, shall bear sway in the lives of human beings. He who rules his spirit is in possession of this power.

The man or woman who preserves the balance of the mind when tempted to indulge passion, stands higher in the sight of God and heavenly angels than the most renowned general that ever led an army to battle and to victory.

What young men and women need is Christian heroism. God’s Word declares that he that ruleth his spirit is better than he that taketh a city. To rule the spirit means to keep self under discipline”¦. They need to seek earnestly to bring into their lives the perfection that is seen in the life of the Saviour, so that when Christ shall come, they will be prepared to enter in through the gates into the city of God. God’s abounding love and presence in the heart will give the power of self-control and will mold and fashion the mind and character. The grace of Christ in the life will direct the aims and purposes and capabilities into channels that will give moral and spiritual power–power which the youth will not have to leave in this world, but which they can carry with them into the future life and retain through the eternal ages.

February 23, 2019March 19, 2019

Kisses from God: When God is in the waiting

It was my usual routine of rising around 5:30 (body-clock, not by choice). I went out to the kitchen to get a tea and there was a mess from the day before. I never do dishes and such at night because I am a morning person, so I even cook dinner in the morning some days and have it ready before 10 a.m. As I was cleaning, washing, preparing; etc. the “feel-sorry-for-myself” bug began to bite. I was moaning inwardly about how I do this stuff every day and no one even knows it. They just have a fresh breakfast, clean dishes, folded laundry and a hearty lunch and dinner. Yes, I work, part-time, but this routine has been part of my life for 34 years, daily. I have never achieved the dreams I thought I was destined for, so I was be-moaning that too.

Suddenly I heard that familiar voice inside my thoughts and He said to me,” She rises up early and cares for the needs of her family.” God was encouraging me in the midst of my self-pity. For those who may not know where this quote is from, it’s from Proverbs 31. I avoid this Proverb as much as I can because it details a woman that I think I can never be. Let’s read some of it below:

10 An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels.11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.12 She does him good and not evil All the days of her life.13 She looks for wool and flax and works with her hands in delight.14 She is like merchant ships; She brings her food from afar.15 She rises also while it is still night and gives food to her householdAnd portions to her maidens.16 She considers a field and buys it; From her earnings she plants a vineyard.17 She girds herself with strength and makes her arms strong.18 She senses that her gain is good; Her lamp does not go out at night.19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hands grasp the spindle.20 She extends her hand to the poor, and she stretches out her hands to the needy.21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household, For all her household are clothed with scarlet.22 She makes coverings for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.23 Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land.24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies belts to the tradesmen.25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future.26 She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.27 She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.28 Her children rise up and bless her; Her husband also, and he praises her, saying:29 “Many daughters have done nobly, But you excel them all.”30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.31 Give her the product of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates. (Prov. 31)

Pretty daunting list, huh! No wonder I have avoided it. I highlighted the one God spoke to me this morning for you. But as I read the list just now, I felt His kind prodding that there were other things on that list that I do as well, and He is pleased with me. He also pointed out one that I could work more diligently on, as well.The point is, God let me know that He is pleased with me this morning! There can be no higher praise in all the world. It was like what we do with our kids when they are hurting from a fall. We call them close and we kiss their hurt. There is no magic in that kiss, not to physically heal the wound, but just the sense of being loved and cared for is enough to send a child skipping off believing all is right now. Just because of that act of caring, that kiss on a wound. God kissed me this morning in a place I have been hurting, and there can be no greater blessing in all the world. Pour out your heart before Him this morning, Dear Believer, and may He kiss you where you hurt.

By: Carole L. Haines

February 15, 2019March 19, 2019

MILLENNIALS ARE DITCHING RELIGION FOR WITCHCRAFT. HERE’S WHY

Millennials Are Ditching Religion for Witchcraft. Hereâ€™s Why

Disclaimer: I do not profess to teach or have any sort of authority over men. I share the Word of GOD and any matters about the world that directly applies to our lives and walk as Christians.

Gone are the days when people regarded witchcraft as evil and demonic. These days, it has become a path of spirituality that many millennials are choosing to take. The witch population doubled in 2018, and I daresay that not many of us were aware of it happening.

More than half of the young adults in America believe that astrology is a science, compared to less than 8% of the Chinese public. Sounds strange, doesn’t it? Astrology is an essential aspect of the average Chinese man or woman. They firmly believe that the time of a person’s birth is the main factor in determining that person’s personality, as opposed to the month you were born in for the Western astrology. Chinese astrology is the divination of the future from the Chinese calendar. Did you get that? Divination. Let’s continue. Wikipedia states that “astrology is the study of the movements and relative positions of celestial objects as a means of divining information about human affairs and terrestrial events.” Yes, I know, I used Wikipedia which is the last source of information that a person should turn to, but they are not wrong so in that I’m justified. Another website (which I very briefly looked through) describes astrology as “an ancient art” and that “understanding the patterns of the universe gives you the insight you need to navigate life.” So, my question is: how different is Chinese astrology to Western astrology? Both are claiming to tell the future based on when you were born. One may take the time of your birth and the other the month, but they clearly have the same roots. Which carries another question: why is astrology considered a science in America by more than half of the young adults and just 8% by the Chinese? Awfully strange if you ask me. It sounds like the Western world are trying to fool the public- what’s new?

Spirituality is increasing, while interest in religion is decreasing. According to a study from the Pew Research Center, it appears that the majority of the American population do not believe that it is necessary to believe in GOD to have good morals. In 2007, 81% of participants between the ages of 18 and 29 who “never doubt the existence of GOD” plummeted to 67% in 2012. It seems that many of them may have looked in the direction of psychic services such as astrology (shocker! Not.), aura reading, mediumship, tarot-card reading, and palmistry. This industry grew 2% between 2011 and 2016, although personally, I believe that it was much higher. The psychic service industry was worth a whopping $2 billion back in 2017, imagine what the IBIS World would report now in 2019?

Friends, people are turning to astrology and tarot card reading at an alarming rate. Several recent studies state that there might be more than 1.5 million witches in the U.S today, but I think that’s a lie. The number is far higher than that. I was watching a Youtube video the other day to see what this ‘sudden’ spike in witchcraft was all about. What do these witches actually do? Well, I do know already, it’s not rocket science or anything, but hearing it from the mouth of a witch was interesting (no, not really). A practising witch pulls tarot cards, they have crystals everywhere, they make shrines, they cast spells, they meditate, and apparently it all speaks to their radical feminism. A spell is supposedly a prayer to the universe, where they will have chalices full of water and candles lit up, something that represents the gods and goddesses and is just like how you pray in church (well, would you look at that!). Being a South African who is familiar with the witchcraft that happens in my own country (I literally live in an area where there are known witches and have been attacked by them), the witches that I know seem hardcore in comparison to the ones described in America. It’s funny how the media is trying to make it seem young, hip, and trendy to cover up what really goes on behind closed doors. There are the public witches (Wicca) who apparently practice ‘light’, good spells, mother earth nonsense etc., and the ones that meet in secret places, make sacrifices and call up all manner of devils, but it’s all the same really. Carrying on.

They say that the powerful are scared of this figure that has been traditionally powerless, but now that is not the case. They (the witches) draw on the sexual assault cases cropping up everywhere (that Weinstein guy, R Kelly, etc.), as well as the Me Too movement, saying that the only way to heal is by coming together in what they see is as a coven of witches. Confused? Well, I was. I didn’t think that there was much correlation between coming together for support and being a witch. But then they brought up feminism, and I thought ‘oh, I see where this is going.’ Witchcraft is making a comeback among US feminists because they believe that is it the only way to be powerful, to have power or take back power from the patriarchal society, and be in control of your own life. Being a witch in the modern world feels rebellious to these millennials, and it seems like a practical approach to spirituality (to them anyway).

One witch (I’m not putting names here) stated that she came from an Irish Catholic background and that there is a lot of Catholic folk magic and Catholic folk traditions that people are not aware of (who among you reading this still don’t know this?) which are witchcraft. Her grandmother and mother did things that they would never label as witchcraft, such as hanging a rosary on your door to keep evil away. One witches’ practice revolves around spirit contact and trance work (going into trances and communicating with spirits there). Witchcraft is also supposedly a method of decolonising oneself, your notions of morality, gender, religion and returning to a mindstate that was pre-Christian to become less prejudiced and ‘free’. Some wake up in the morning and pour a glass of water to their ancestors to honour them (hey, I know all about ancestral worship, it’s huge in Africa) and thank them for where they are right now. At the end of the day they will say thank you to the land, to the gods, spirits and animals of where they live, to the mighty dead, and the living people.

I’m going to take a breather here from all this witchy devilry and insert the Word. The following Scripture clearly tells us that everything that these people are doing are an abomination to GOD.

Deuteronomy 18:10-12: “There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For all who do these things are an abomination to the LORD, and because of these abominations the LORD your GOD drives them out from before you.”

Go back a couple of years (us millennials) to when Harry Potter became the thing to read, The Hobbit took us to distant lands, and Narnia gave us a world unlike our own. Buffy the Vampire Slayer was a cool chick who kicked butt, Charmed was a magical TV series that most people followed religiously, and magical movies fulfilled our every need for fantasy. I will give my last dollar (or Rand which won’t mean much anywhere else) when I say that many of us were so into this world that we imagined ourselves as having powers, destroying the bad guy with them, being unique because of our abilities, and wishing that we could be those people that we were watching or reading. It was a heady thing for us, more potent than a Man whom we spoke about in Sunday School, once a week in school, and not much else. I don’t remember being taught of how powerful Jesus was and is, how He destroyed death by his own death on the cross, how He overcame the devil and gives authority to his people to defeat evil principalities and such, or how Him arising from the dead was a mighty working of GOD’S Spirit. Why weren’t we told that He is the Superhero, the only One that we need? Why was He not hyped up as much as our books, TV series and movies were? There is power in the Name of Jesus, people, more power than any silly made-up world and hero. Maybe some of you got to be taught this Jesus, but many of us were not. He was just this good, benign Man who walked this earth and died for our sins. We were told how He loves us in spite of our sin. This all true, don’t get me wrong, but He is more than that, so much more, and many millennials do not know this or understand it. They only know of the old rubbish taught by religious people who probably aren’t even Christians themselves but agents of the devil masquerading as Christians.

This is an epidemic, plain and simple. Many millennials are being lost to witchcraft. And while I focused on America (well, because it’s America), this can be said for other places in the world. Only, it may not be witchcraft as in Wicca, but other religions, Satanism, Buddhism etc. I am a millennial myself, born in the last year of the 80s and a firm 90s kid. I remember what we used to watch growing up, and it seemed harmless. That is the deceiving part of it, how harmless it all seemed. We all wanted to be powerful, to have control of our futures, and magic seemed like the way to do it, so we may have played around with it- horoscopes, fortune tellers, ‘as light as a feather, as heavy as a rock’, Ouija board etc, but some of us didn’t get out. I once told GOD that if I ever got married and had children, that I would tell them just how powerful He is and precisely what He did. How nothing on this earth compares to Him, and how much He loves them. I want them to see His magnificence, His untouchable glory, and His gift of salvation for us all. There is a way out of this world and its troubles, and that is to give your life to Jesus. And while you still may live in the world, it does not matter because He has provided us with everything that we need to overcome the evil of this world that is not just physical, but primarily spiritual. To GOD be the glory now, and forever more.

There is so much more that could be said about the truth behind the lives of those who practice witchcraft, but I have chosen to tackle what the media is portraying to us. This goes much deeper, and if the Holy Spirit wills it, I shall write another post.

Disclaimer: I do not profess to teach or have any sort of authority over men. I share the Word of GOD and any matters about the world that directly applies to our lives and walk as Christians.

February 15, 2019March 19, 2019

‘Jesus is more precious than my same-sex attraction’

Are Character Building Studies Necessary?

A young woman has spoken out about how she is pursuing Christ in the face of her struggle with same-sex attraction. As a teenager, Rachel Gilson began feeling attracted to women, and it wasn’t long before she embraced lesbianism.

Although she felt “neutral” towards Christianity growing up, as she began to pursue relationships with other girls, she says she became “more opposed to it”.

‘A big barrier’

“I saw it as being for stupid people”, said Rachel.

But by college, Rachel had become curious about the existence of God, secretly searching for information about Jesus and reading C.S. Lewis’ Mere Christianity.

“What I read about Jesus online was much more compelling than what I’d expected”, Rachel said, “but at the same time, my sexuality was a big barrier. I knew that I wanted to marry a woman someday, and I knew that Christianity wasn’t OK with that”.

‘God is real’

But one day, while reading, Rachel felt convicted that “God is real, and I am in a lot of trouble. Because not only is he real; he is perfect, and I am incredibly imperfect.”

She recalled: “I understood for the first time that Jesus had come to place himself as a kind of wall between God’s wrath — his right and fair anger at my sin — and me. I knew that if I trusted in Jesus, I was going to be saved.”

A student group on her college campus helped Rachel to grow in her faith, giving her a Bible, answering her questions, teaching her how to pray and helping her fight sexual temptation.

Precious Jesus

She said that while her attractions to women haven’t disappeared since becoming a Christian, she is choosing to put Christ first in her life.

She said, “it would definitely be tragic to give up something that valuable for something that is less valuable. And it would also be tragic to pretend like this real part of my life, my sexuality, is less than it is.

“But Jesus is more precious than even that very deep part of me, because of his great love.”

She said that while her attractions to women haven’t disappeared since becoming a Christian, she is choosing to put Christ first in her life.The Christian Institute, on Rachel Gilson

‘Worth it’

She concluded: “The reason that most people aren’t Christians is either because they think that Jesus isn’t really real or that he isn’t really worth it. But Jesus is both — really real and really worth it.”

“I gave up some major things and some significant sexual relationships — but God has heaped upon me beautiful and good things in their place.”

Two Common Myths about Spiritual Gifts

I may not have made it through Seminary without my friend who had the spiritual gift of encouragement. Encouragement? Yes, that is a spiritual gift (Romans 12:8). Sometimes people believe the myth that spiritual gifts are only things that are dramatic and spectacular, but there is more to spiritual gifts than miracles.

Certainly things like healing can be gifts of the Spirit, but the New Testament describes many different spiritual gifts (Romans 12:6—8; 1 Corinthians 12:8—10, 27—28; 1 Peter 4:8—11; and perhaps Ephesians 4:7—11).

Ordinary Gifts

Giving is also a spiritual gift–anyone can give (and all the pastors said, “Amen”), but the Spirit enables some people to thrive when they are giving. I see the gift of serving present in people who regularly and cheerfully stay behind after a church event to stack chairs and mop the floor. I see people using the gifts of helping, mercy, administration, leadership, and hospitality at the community center my church has started.

None of these gifts sound all that supernatural. In fact, they sound quite normal. But these spiritual gifts are all supernatural in the sense that the Spirit is involved. The Bible affirms, “All these are the work of one and the same Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:11).

Hidden Gifts

Sometimes people aren’t aware of the gifts the Spirit has given them. After all, when people have the gift of administration, or any other less dramatic gift, they don’t start shaking, talking funny, and speaking like the King James Version of the Bible–“thus saith the Lord.” Instead, they just serve with excellence as enabled by the Spirit.

I hope this will be encouraging to some of you who thought you had no spiritual gift just because you don’t have a more noticeable gift, like prophecy or speaking in tongues. Perhaps you thought you didn’t measure up to those whose gifts were more dramatic.

We don’t all have the same gifts, and that is the way it is supposed to be. The Scripture says, “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us” (Romans 12:6).

Gifts Galore

You can find a lot of spiritual gifts in the New Testament. There could be even more. Some people from church history have claimed to have the gift of prayer, tears, and visions.^[1]

It is evident from looking at the lists in the Bible that none of the biblical authors intend to provide a list outlining what all the spiritual gifts are. For example, teaching and prophecy appear in three of the passages, whereas encouragement only shows up in Romans 12, and healing only in 1 Corinthians 12.

Instead of providing an exhaustive list of spiritual gifts, the biblical authors simply explain some of the many ways the Holy Spirit works through people. And the Spirit clearly works in both dramatic ways, and in ways that we might even say are ordinary.

Prophecy

In addition to believing the myth that spiritual gifts are only dramatic activities, many people in Pentecostal-Charismatic circles define the spiritual gift of prophecy too narrowly. When they say someone “prophesied over” them, they usually mean that someone told them something about their future. This shows that they belief the myth that prophecy is only about the future.

More than the Future

Prophecy can refer to much more than the future. In fact, when Paul mentions prophecy in his discussions of spiritual gifts in Romans and 1 Corinthians, he doesn’t mention any predictive element.

Furthermore, when we look at the content of prophecy in the Old Testament, we find that prophecies were generally more concerned with contemporary events than with the future. Their message was usually something like, “Turn from your evil ways and your evil practices” (Zechariah 1:4).

Prophecy, then, can also occur when someone speaks up when they see a problem of sin. Moreover, Paul added that prophecy takes place when “the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort” (1 Corinthians 14:3).

Everyday Prophecy

I once had a student sitting in my office, slouched over on a chair. He was feeling worthless and insecure about his abilities as a student, though I could see he was doing good work. I could tell by the marks on his arms that his depression had plagued him previously in life.

As I spoke with him I encouraged him and reminded him of his identity as a child of God and as someone who is made in the image of God. I did not shake or speak in a strange voice, which many people seem to think is a necessary marker of prophecy.

I never told the student I was prophesying. Yet when the student left, I was certain God had used me to prophesy to him. I had a sense of the Spirit’s presence, and I knew the words I shared were not something I had come up with on my own. And my experience fit well with Paul’s description of prophecy occurring spontaneously when “a revelation comes to someone” from God (1 Corinthians 14:30).

Prophecy is not always about the future. And like the other gifts of the Spirit, it might not always appear so dramatic and spectacular. That’s no myth!

*This is an edited excerpt from, Simply Spirit-Filled: Experiencing God in the Presence and Power of the Holy Spirit, by Dr. Andrew K. Gabriel, © 2019 by Emanate Books, an imprint of Thomas Nelson. Used by permission of Thomas Nelson.

[1] Yves Congar, I Believe in the Holy Spirit, vol. 2, He is Lord and Giver of Life, trans. David Smith (New York: Crossroad, 1983), 165, 173.

February 8, 2019July 9, 2023

How Do I Pray? | Teach Me How to Pray

It’s a simple question, but it can be tough to answer.

It’s no secret: you can learn how to pray!

Yes, you!

In the broadest sense, to pray is to make a request in a humble manner.

Too many people think they have good reasons why they cannot have a better prayer life.

Don’t believe them! Prayer is a way for us Christians to maintain a proper relationship with God. Especially, prayers in the morning and at night are indispensable.

Because it’s a conversation, individual prayer isn’t memorized or repetitive. And whether you pray out loud while kneeling or pray silently in your heart, God hears your prayer. Here is some guidance about the basics of prayer.

Take the time to pray. No matter how you pray or whom you pray to, it can be difficult to find time for prayer during busy times.

Find a good spot to pray. You will find that you can pray anytime, anywhere, anyhow.

Understand that prayer does not have to involve crafted, reflective silence. It can be virtually anything.

Make the request, ask the question, or just make your voice heard.

He won’t give you a stone. He won’t give you a serpent. He loves you. He knows what’s best for you. And he’s listening. Don’t be afraid to ask, again.

“Lord, teach us to pray,” Jesus’s disciples asked. This simple prayer, which Jesus taught his disciples, can also show us how to talk with God in prayer.

“‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.’”

You can pray to Him at any time, in any place, about anything. Praying is easy, but like any relationship, it takes a bit of time and a bit of effort.

If you need prayer for anything, we want you to know that God is near to you.

February 7, 2019February 7, 2019

The Fruit of the Holy Spirit

On one occasion, when meditating concerning the future, Habakkuk said, “I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what He will say unto me.” Graciously the God answered him: “Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. The just shall live by his faith.”

Most Christians are familiar with the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, knowledge, piety, fear of the Lord, and fortitude.

The faith that strengthened Habakkuk and all the holy and the just in those days of deep trial was the same faith that sustains God’s people today. In the darkest hours, under circumstances the most forbidding, the Christian believer may keep his soul stayed upon the source of all light and power. Day by day, through faith in God, his hope and courage may be renewed. “The just shall live by his faith.” In the service of God there need be no despondency, no wavering, no fear. The Lord will more than fulfill the highest expectations of those who put their trust in Him. He will give them the wisdom their varied necessities demand.

We must cherish and cultivate the faith of which prophets and apostles have testified–the faith that lays hold on the promises of God and waits for deliverance in His appointed time and way. The sure word of prophecy will meet its final fulfillment in the glorious Advent of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, as King of kings and Lord of lords. The time of waiting may seem long, the soul may be oppressed by discouraging circumstances, many in whom confidence has been placed may fall by the way; but with the prophet who endeavored to encourage Judah in a time of unparalleled apostasy, let us confidently declare,

“The Lord is in His holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before Him.” Let us ever hold in remembrance the cheering message, “The vision is yet for an appointed time … : though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. The just shall live by his faith.”

January 29, 2019March 23, 2019

Young Christian bloggers

Some of the web’s most influential voices now belong to bloggers as young as 13.

“Kids often start writing blogs just for the hell of it,” says Sadie Stein, a contributing editor at the US online feminist fashion mag, Jezebel. “Sometimes it’s because they are feeling isolated in small conservative towns and want to connect with other kids; sometimes it’s because they have areas of specialised interest they want to share.”

We think it’s about time to make this official: 2018 is the year of the young‘uns.

We’ve invited children and young people to write for us on a regular basis. Their blogs can be about anything– popular culture, rights in their life, or the issues they care about in the world. We hope their work will mean more young people visit our website, so that they can learn more about the things that matter to them.

Godinterest is built with WordPress a software designed for everyone, emphasizing accessibility, performance, security, and ease of use. The basic WordPress software is simple and predictable so you can easily get started. It also offers powerful features for growth and success.

We believe in democratizing publishing and the freedoms that come with open source.

January 26, 2019July 9, 2023

Christians Are Not Perfect, Jesus Is

Do not take your troubles to human beings. Take them to the Lord. You may think that others ought to sympathize with you in your trials, but you will sometimes be disappointed. Jesus never disappoints the one who comes to Him for help. He is saying to you today, “Come unto me, … and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). He will give you rest in Him. No one who comes to Him goes away unhelped. Take your burdens to the divine Burden Bearer and leave them with Him, knowing that He will carry them for you.

Act your part in helping yourselves, as all must do who would be blessed. Do not dwell upon the hardships of the Christian life. Do not talk of your trials…. Do not utter one despondent word, for such words please Satan. Talk of Christ’s goodness and tell of His power. Words of hope and trust and courage are as easily spoken as words of complaint…

When the enemy tells you that the Lord has forsaken you, tell him that you know He has not; for He declares, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5). Dismiss the enemy. Tell him you will not dishonor the Lord by doubting His love….

There is no limit to the help that the Saviour is willing to bestow on us. He asks us to bring into our lives the grace that will keep us from sin. From the cross of Calvary there comes to us liberty, hope, and strength. Do not dishonor your Redeemer by doubting His power. Trust Him all the time. Take hold of the riches of His grace, saying, “I will believe; I do believe that Jesus died for me.” The way before you may seem dark, but Jesus can make it light.

Be joyful in God. Christ is light and in Him is no darkness at all. Look toward the light. Accustom yourselves to speak the praise of God. Make others happy. This is your first work. It will strengthen the best traits of character. Throw the windows of the soul wide open heavenward and let the sunshine of Christ’s righteousness in. Morning, noon, and night your hearts may be filled with the bright rays of heaven’s light.

January 22, 2019February 25, 2019

Faith Matters

‘Have Faith in God’ Mark 11:22 Have ‘the God type of faith’ Says Jesus in Verse 22 of Mark chapter 11, not some man made, mind over matter rubbish but the type of faith that believes for the impossible. Not wishful thinking, not some dream but faith that is based on the never changing word of God.

You can never base faith on things or on people for things and people die away, but God is eternal as is his word, so you can take his word as gospel truth.

’For truly I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be you removed, and be you cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he says shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he says. Therefore I say unto you, What things so ever you desire when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you shall have them’ Mark 11:23, 24

Now that’s what I call faith’ it is not a man-made pie in the sky, wishing for something to happen kind of faith, it is the God type of faith which truly believes for the impossible, it’s the same faith that created the world we live in by the Word. That’s the kind of faith that creates something out of nothing.

These are days when we need to have our faith strengthened, when we need to know God. God has designed that ‘the just shall live by faith (Hebrews 10:38) Any man or woman can be changed by faith, no matter how much bondage they may find themselves in, God’s word is sufficient.

One word from God can change an individual and it can change a nation, His word is from everlasting to everlasting it’s unchanging and as such you can trust it completely. It is through the entrance of this everlasting Word, this incorruptible seed, that we are born again, and come into His wonderful and complete and free salvation.

Its Gods word that creates this new life in us and this new life needs feeding ‘Man cannot live by bread alone, but must live by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God’ Matthew 4:4 ‘Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God’ Romans 10:17

If we want to see miracles we need to walk in the Spirit and that way we will not fulfil the lusts of the flesh (Galatians 5:16 ‘whatsoever is not of faith is sin’ Romans 14:23 It’s not your flesh that believes it is your born again spirit, it’s your spirit that will enable faith to take a leap and believe for the miraculous.

It’s not something that your mind dreams up, it is the word of the living God seeking release in order to bring glory to His name, you cannot pray it in, you can’t pray it down but you can read and hear it and hear it until you believe it enough to take your dream and make it a reality.

We need to be renewed in the spirit of our minds, Ephesians 4:23 in other words when we were in the world we were brainwashed by the lies of Satan now as Christians we need to be renewed from all the rubbish that was sown there. Walking in faith is easy; it comes by choosing Christ instead of the world, it comes by choosing to read and digest Gods word instead of TV soaps, it costs but the rewards are clean hands and a pure heart, Psalm 24:4

Everywhere people even so called ordained ministers are trying to discredit the Bible and take from it all the miraculous.

They have ‘forms of godliness but deny the power thereof, 2^nd Timothy 3:5 they ‘feast themselves in the church, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withers without fruit twice dead plucked up by the roots. Raging waves of the sea, foaming out of their shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever’ Jude 1:12

These so called ministers are among the church spreading dissention, deceiving the weak and destroying the weary. They look the part yet ‘inwardly they are ravening wolves, false prophets who come in sheep’s clothing’ Matthew 7:15 they are easy to recognize for as Jesus said ‘you shall know them by their fruit’

Look for the fruit of righteousness in men, do not judge them by their clothes or their speech, for ‘a good tree brings forth good fruit and a corrupt tree brings forth evil fruit’ ‘not everyone who say unto Christ, Lord, Lord shall enter into the kingdom of Heaven but he that does the will of my Father which is in heaven’ Matthew 7:17- 21

It’s not fine words that mark out the man of God, it’s his love of Christ and his utter dependence on God’s word out of which flows the fruits of the Spirit.

It’s not even the works that mark the man of God for there are many who will say to the Lord ‘have we not prophesied in your name? And in your name cast out devils? And in your name done many wonderful works? For even so Christ will say ‘I never knew you, depart from me you that work iniquity’ Matthew 7:22-23

Today foolish men may deny the virgin birth, the atoning sacrifice of Christ and his resurrection, some may even say that healing is not for today, they may say that God glories in sickness but God has the final say, they will die but the word of the Lord abides forever 1^st Peter 1:23

We have a wonderful God, a God whose ways are past finding out, and whose grace and power are limitless.

’What things so ever you desire, when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you shall have them’

See for yourself these truths, ‘God has placed no limit to his giving’ the truths here are eternal they are life changing to anyone who would dare to take God at his word.

I remember well one evening sitting reading in my office when a knock came to the door, it was an elderly gentleman who said he needed help. He was in serious pain with arthritis and so I began to speak to him about Christ the great saviour. Son he said; I have been saved 40 years I asked him how his faith was. He replied ‘I have great faith’

After prayer he was able jump up and down with no pain but he was not satisfied and complained, “I feel a little bit of trouble just there,” pointing to a certain place. ‘Do you know what your problem is’ I said?” He answered, “No.

I said, ‘Imperfect faith’ We went to Marks Gospel and read, ‘What things so ever you desire, when you pray, believe that you receive there, and you shall have them’ the dear man saw it and said ‘If God said it that settles it, I am healed for that’s what I came for’ Immediately every pain, even the trouble spot disappeared back to hell where it was birthed.

Did you believe before you were saved? You see feelings do not come into the realm of the spirit; there was never a man who ‘felt’ saved before he believed. God’s plan was always, if you can believe, all things are possible’ Mark 9:23

In these last closing days before Christ comes I believe God wants to bring us all to a definite place of unswerving faith and confidence in Himself, if ever the body of Christ needed to walk in Holy Ghost power it is now because ‘the night is soon coming when no man can work’ John 9:4

There is a dirty rainy day coming, a day when we will need all the power of heaven on our side, you may have already experienced the dirty rain from hell’s kitchen if so you will know what I mean. Sickness which seems incurable, debt that is beyond your ability, wounds that seem impossible to heal, broken hearts all need the power of God’s anointing to destroy them.

It may be too late to seek an answer from heaven when you are dying unless your faith is built up and you know the will of God for your life. It never ceases to amaze me how many of God’s children leave him out in the early stages of their problems, like Adam and eve they hide from God and almost run away from Him until there is no more place to run.

They come to our home after spending weeks or even months in agony weak in strength and in spirit and we have to start to build their faith up to receive, what a foolish thing, leaving the great physician out of the picture until they face death.

Why does Jesus use a mountain when he is teaching his followers about faith? Simply because if you have faith to remove a mountain, you can remove anything you see the plan of God is so awesome, that ‘if you will only believe, all things are possible’ Mark 9:23

In Mark 11:23 we read, ‘And shall not doubt in his heart’ you see it’s the heart were faith grows, it’s not that your head gets full of God’s word it’s from your heart (spirit) that all the issues of life flow. It’s from your heart that faith springs forth and reveals the saving, Healing Christ; it’s from your heart that life changing power flows so ‘guard your heart with all diligence’ Proverbs 4:23

As we continue to have heart fellowship with our LORD our faith cannot be dented, we cannot doubt in our hearts and as such we receive, because He has given us an impartation of His very life and nature within.

As we read His Word and believe the promises that He by His grace has given to us, we are made partakers of His very essence and life and nature 2^nd Peter 1:4 The Lord is made to us a Bridegroom, and we are His bride Revelation 21:2

His words to us are spirit and life (John 6:63) transforming us and changing us, expelling that which is natural and bringing into that which is divine.

‘Gods love heals’

It is impossible to comprehend the love of God as we think on natural lines we need to have the revelation of the depth of His great love from the Spirit of God.

If we do not have a revelation of Gods all-embracing love we can never find true liberty we will always be tempted to work for our salvation we will never truly believe that He is willing to forgive all and to heal all. We need to see that God gives liberally, it was Jesus who said ‘he that asks, receives, he that seeks finds and he that knocks the door will be opened unto him’ Luke 11:10

God is willing to bestow on us all things that pertain to life and godliness 2^nd Peter 1:3 It was the love of God that sent Jesus, it was His love that caused Christ to be made sin who knew no sin that we might become the righteousness of God in Him 2^nd Corinthians 5:21 This same love helps you and I to believe in a saviour we have never seen except in pictures for in every weakness God is our strength.

You who need His touch but in order to receive it you need to remember that He loves you even if your wretched, helpless, sinful and sick, its time to turn to the God of all grace, whose very essence is love, who delights to give liberally all the inheritance of life and strength, health and power that you are in need of.

God brings us into a place of perfect love and perfect faith anyone who is born of God is brought into an inward love, a deep desire to serve the Lord only, ‘he that is forgiven much loves much’ Luke 7:47

Me? I am a product of love just like a child is a product of the love between his parents only His love takes no count of wrongs, it is pure and undefiled, a ‘perfect love which casts out fear for fear is made perfect in love’ 1^st John 4:18

We serve a saviour that heals the broken-hearted, who sets the captives free, and who saves the very worst from the darkest of destinies. How foolish it is to turn your back on this glorious Gospel of God for spirit, soul and body?

This full Gospel has in great measure been hidden, this Gospel that brings liberty, this Gospel that brings souls out of bondage, this Gospel that brings perfect health to the body, this Gospel of entire salvation, watered down by foolish men with carnal minds.

Listen again to this word of Him who left the glory of heaven to bring us this great salvation, “Verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, be thou removed, he shall have whatsoever he says’

‘Hindrances to living faith’

God can never bless us if we are hard-hearted, critical or unforgiving for these abominable acts will hinder faith quicker than anything.

I believe there are a great many people who would be healed, but they are harbouring things in their hearts that are like a cancer eating away at every ounce of ground breaking faith they receive, I urge you let these things go no matter what the reason for your bitterness and resentment they are not worth dying over are they? Forgive, and the Lord will forgive you

I have met many good people, people that mean well, but they have no power to do anything for God, in most cases it’s over some little thing that came in their hearts years ago, an angry exchange, a word of rebuke that offended and their faith has been paralyzed ever since.

If you wish to receive from God bring everything to the light and allow God to wash it all away, let the precious blood of Christ cleanse you from all sin. If you will but believe, God will meet you and bring into your lives the very power of His love to forgive and to restore your broken relationships.

In 1 John 1verse 7 we read this promise; ‘If we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another and the blood of Jesus Christ cleans us from all sin’ what is being reported here needs to be understood for when a brother has anything against us we can have no fellowship with God.

Sin breaks fellowship with God, it destroys the very essence of our new life, we walk in darkness and not light, is it then any wonder we stumble around in doubt and fear? is it any wonder then that our bodies get sick?

Clear the decks, set things to right between you and those who have offended you and then you will grow into a man or woman of faith, well able to do mighty exploits in His name; Daniel 11:22

WITH CHRIST you truly can do all things!

David Robinson

January 21, 2019January 22, 2019

I Promise

The Lord is trustworthy in all He promises and faithful in all He does” (Psalm 145:13). The mothers of the nation of Israel, Sarah and Rebekah, both have stories marked by the power of God. They both saw God move in wonderful and amazing ways, in impossible situations. Wouldn’t you think they, of all people, would trust God completely?

Yet both women’s stories show them taking God’s promises into their own hands. Sarah heard God’s promise to give Abraham a son through whom He would build a great nation. When the promise was delayed Sarah devised a plan for Hagar to serve as a surrogate so that “through her I can build a family” (Genesis 16:2). The world is still suffering the consequences. The Lord told Rebekah that her younger son would rule over his older twin brother, yet when the time came for Isaac to give the blessing, Rebekah schemed to make sure her favorite younger son was in place under his father’s hand. Because of her actions Jacob was forced to flee from the wrath of his brother and she never saw him again.

I understand that tension. God has made promises to me and circumstances made those promises seem impossible. The truth is, I am as guilty as my ancient sisters of trying to manipulate God’s promise into fruition. And just as it did for them, my actions always led to frustration, heartache, and emptiness. Sarah and Rebekah doubted God would keep His promise. So have I. They determined it was up to them to see God’s plan fulfilled. So have I. Ultimately God did fulfill His promises to them and to me. He was and is faithful after all.

The Bible assures us that “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ” (2 Corinthians 1:20). Unlike you and I, God does not make promises He cannot or will not keep. Charles Spurgeon says, “God keeps His promises before He makes them.” Think about that. When God makes a promise, it is as good as done no matter how the situation looks. God can be trusted to fulfill what He has promised.

Now think about what God has promised to you. Can you see the thing coming into reality right now? Probably not. Does that mean that God will fail to keep His promise? Absolutely not. It means you need to keep your eyes on Him and not on the circumstances. It means God is going to do something amazing before your eyes. In fact, the more impossible the situation looks, the bigger the miracle to bring it to fulfillment. And you don’t want to miss that do you?

Beloved, you and I do not have to doubt that God will keep His promises. We also don’t have to scheme and plot and manipulate to bring God’s promises to fruition. It is completely His job and He doesn’t need any help from us. Anything you and I may accomplish by our feeble actions will be empty and vain. Everything God does to accomplish His promises will be extraordinary and beyond our wildest expectation. I know this from His Word and from my own experience. When I stand aside in faith and let God be God, He blows my mind!

Our only response to God’s promises should be “May it be to me as you have said” (Luke 1:38) as we wait — not in frustration and doubt — but in eager anticipation. God is faithful. He will not fail you. He always keeps His Word.

Always.

Holy Father, You are the great Promise Maker and the faithful Promise Keeper. Sometimes You make such amazing promises we wonder if they can really be fulfilled. Give us faith to watch and wait, knowing that when You do what only You can do, it will be more than worth the wait. Amen

January 9, 2019

Who is Jesus?

Isaiah 9:1-7

“But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy;they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil.For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian.For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire.For to us a child is born, to us a son is given;and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be calledWonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end,on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold itwith justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore.The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.”

This birth announcement arrives over 700 years in advance, announcing the good news of Jesus Christ. It tells us who He is…

Wonderful Counselor

These words describe the character of Jesus. The word “wonderful” means “incomprehensible.” In other words, He will cause us to be “in constant wonder and awe.” We see this throughout His life…born of the virgin Mary (Matthew 1:18), supernatural ability to heal, impactful teachings, a sinless life (Rom. 8:3-4), and the power to be raised from the dead (Mark 16). He counseled us to live counter-intuitively to the wisdom of this world…rejoice in suffering and persecution (Rom. 5:3-5), receive a blessing for being poor in spirit (Matt. 5:3), serve rather than be served (Matt. 20:28), and much, much more.

As our counselor, He knows us better than we know ourselves (John 2:25). His ways are always perfect (Ps. 18:30). He attains all knowledge and wisdom, including the nature and character of mankind (Psalm 139:1-2). He understands what we are going through and is available to listen at all times (Psalm 121:2-4). Jesus always has our best interests at heart (Psalm 36:7).

Mighty God

God’s power is unlimited (Job 36:2-4); He can do whatever He wants whenever He wants (Ps. 115:3). He knows no bounds (Job 11:8-18). He is the creator of all things (Neh. 9:6), the King of heaven (Ps. 95:3), the God of all mankind (1 Cor. 11:3). He is the only God (Is. 45:5-12). He is eternal (Gen. 21:33) and everlasting (Hab. 1:12), the Alpha and Omega (Rev. 21:6). He has been and always will be. He is able to do greater things than we can ask or fathom (Eph. 3:20). No one can keep track of all His miracles (Job 9:10). He answers to no one because no one is as Mighty as He (Ps. 50:9-10).

Everlasting Father

The Messiah is the father of time, and His fatherhood will never end (Rev. 1:8). The baby Jesus would be crowned King, the protector and provider of the children of God. He is not limited by age or death. As a father, his love is unconditional (Eph. 2:4-5). As children of God, our identity is secure in Him (John 10:30,38). Nothing can separate us from His love (Rom. 8:35-39). He is the perfect father.

Prince of Peace

Jesus is our Peace. We live in a crazy, chaotic, broken world with messy people every day. This is the world we know now. It is our normal until we encounter Jesus. He gives us peace in the midst of the chaos; revealing we are deeply loved (Eph. 1:16-18), redeeming us from sin (Rom. 5:8, 10), and releasing us to live freely in Him (Phil. 4:6-7).

What name of Jesus speaks most to you today and why?

January 9, 2019January 9, 2019

Go Unsatisfied

Matthew 5:12 says “Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven…”

When Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5 He essentially told his followers that the life of one who lives for God is characterized by an expectation of receiving satisfaction in the future…not in the present. It is the life of faith that pleases God, not the life that expects sight now (Hebrews 11:6). Remember what Jesus said to Thomas after He appeared to him while they were in hiding: “Because you have seen Me, you have believed. Those who believe without seeing are blessed” (John 20:29). Jesus made it clear that He wants His followers to trust in what He says and who He is based on His credibility–which is awesome! We take Jesus’ words to the bank based on a handshake alone; we do not wonder if He will follow through. Ironically, when one waits on the Lord IN FAITH they experience His peace which transcends all understanding (Philippians 4:7). We are at peace because we truly trust in Him. We we do not have peace we are missing the trust and are therefore unsatisfied for a totally different reason–it is because our spirit AND our flesh are left wanting. Conversely, if the flesh is left unsatisfied, but the spirit is fulfilled, one can die in peace knowing that their soul will meet God almighty and be eternally loved and taken care of.

If we do not wait IN FAITH, then we will not have peace. That means we will be waiting with a spirit of complaining, of grumbling, and of whining because we are not getting what we think we deserve. We know that God commands us not to live as whiners (Philippians 2:14). Therefore, living IN FAITH means that we consciously understand that we expect to be satisfied at a future date, a day determined by God, and the truth is that the day of our reward may not be until after our death. In fact, we will never be completely satisfied until we reach our final destination–the presence of God.

Understand that it is our humanity that will suffer when we wait IN FAITH. It is our temporary sense of justice, of harmony, of emotion, that suffers when we allow room for God’s work to be done. God calls us to let our earthly nature die and embrace the Spirit of Jesus which has little regard for earthly comfort when God’s truth is at stake. Remember how God the Father treated God the Son: “It was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer…” (Isaiah 53:10).

When we undertake love as a Christ follower we are guaranteed to be persecuted. Our love will often not be received because it sheds light on the failure of people to love God and one another. Those who desire to please God will be encouraged by our love, but those who are enemies of God will punish us because we stand for Him (Matthew 10:22). But remember, the reward comes later. Suffer now and go unsatisfied now–that is living IN FAITH. But when you demonstrate that type of faith, the Spirit of God will minister to you and remind you that you are in God’s will, which will make every suffering worthwhile as it happens. After the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus assured us of this fact.

Matthew 5:11-12 “You are blessed when they insult and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of Me. Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”