Tag Archive for: love

The Real Word of God

In the book of Acts, The Bereans were described as being of more noble character than those in Thessalonica for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. They did not have the search tools we have today so they were really thorough, but this is not the same as just believing what is taught to you blindly. The Bereans were trouble but it is an attitude that we need today.
So let's examine what the Bible says about itself and see if we have believed our teachers ahead of what is actually written.

In John 1.1 it says
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him, nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

It is clear from this that the Word of God is Jesus You get into deep problems if you take this to mean the Bible. The Bible is not God, it did not create anything. If you make the Bible into a 4th representation of God, in addition to the Father, Son, and holy spirit. Then, I guess you'd be a quadratarian rather than a trinitarian,

In verse 14 it goes on to say that the word became flesh and dwelt among us.
The Bible did not become flesh and dwell among us. The Word is an important title for Jesus because it says so much about who he is.
So, clearly there are people who believe that this is referring to the Bible but it cannot be. So the question is are there other verses that some might think are about the Bible but are really about Jesus and what is at stake if we believe that. Try reading the Bible and each time you read the words Word or Word of God try asking the question is this referring to Jesus or to the Bible.

Luke refers to servants of the word, when referring to followers of Jesus
he goes on to say that the people gathered around him were listening to the word of God.

John says that the people he was speaking to were studying the scriptures diligently but the Word did not dwell in them which suggests that the Word is different to the scriptures. it also means that there was a difference to how the beareans examined the scriptures to how these people studied them.

In Ephesians 6.17 It states that we should take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit which is the word of God. If the Word of God is Jesus then he fights for us against the enemy, If the Bible is the sword of the spirit then we fight for ourselves with our knowledge and use of the scriptures, I know which one I'd prefer

In Hebrews 4.12, it says that the word of God is living and active and sharper than any double edged sword. Now we know that Jesus is living and active and sharper than any double edged sword but is that really true of the Bible. Without effecting it's importance or it's truth it is not living and active but Jesus certainly is.

In 1 Peter 1.23 Peter refers to the living and enduring word of God, again this is referring to Jesus.
In 2 Peter 3.5, Peter says that the heaven's came into being by God's word, we know from John 1 that Jesus was there, but the Bible was not there.

In Revelation 19.13 it says his name is the Word of God, He is not the Bible.

There are over a hundred references in the Old Testament to the word of God appearing to somebody or coming to somebody. This should not be surprising if he is living and active, if he was there in the beginning
you would expect him to appear in the Old Testament. He talked to the Pharisees about the scriptures referring to him but they couldn't find him.
These were the pharasees who loved the scriptures but they were the only people Jesus met who made him angry.

So what's at stake if we apply the characteristics of Jesus to the Bible.
I think we risk keeping people from the real Jesus, they have a relationship with a book and not with the real Word of God, and the letter kills but the spirit gives life. That's not to take away from the importance of the Bible because it tells us and teaches us about Jesus and we don't have anything else but we have to test everything by the word of God. If you test Jesus by the Bible he stands up because of every word written about him in both testaments. However, if you test the Bible by the word of God you risk finding the God of the Pharisees instead of Jesus himself. Perhaps we would not spend as much energy and time talking about things Jesus never spoke about. Perhaps we would be a better reflection of him and Perhaps that would draw more people to him

Genesis 15.1, 15.4
! Samuel 3, 15.10
2. Samuel 30-32, 24.11
1 Kings 6. 11, 13.1, 13.2, 13.5, 13.9, 13.17, 13.18, 13.20, 16.1, 16.7
17.2, 17.8, 18.1,18.31 19.9, 21.17, 21.28, 22.38,
2 Kings 3.12, 20.4,
1 Chronicles 17.3,
Psalms 18.30, 33.4, 33.6
Isiah 38.4,
jerimiah 1.2, 1.4, 1.11, 1.13, 2.1, 13.3, 13.8, 16.1, 18.5, 20.9
24.4, 25.1, 25.3, 28.12, 29.20, 32.6, 32.26, 33.1, 33.19, 33.23, 34.8,
34.12, 35.12, 36.27, 37.6, 39.15, 40.1, 42.7, 43.8,
Ezekiel 1.3, 3.16, 6.1, 7.1, 11.14, 12.1, 12.8, 12.17, 12.21, 12.26, 13.1,
14.2, 14.12, 15.1, 16.1, 17.1, 17.11, 18.1. 20.2, 20.45, 21.1, 21.8, 21.18,
22.1, 22.17, 22.23, 23.1, 24.1, 24.15, 24.20, 25.1, 26.1, 27.1, 28.1, 28.11, 28.20, 29.1, 29.17, 30.1, 30.20, 31.1, 32.1, 32.17, 33.1, 33.2, 33.23, 34.1, 35.1, 36.16, 37.15, 38.1,
Jonah 1.1, 3.1,
Haggai 1.3, 2.1, 2.10, 2.20,
Zechariah 1.1, 1.7, 4.8, 6.9, 7.1, 7.4, 7.8, 8.1, 8.18,
Luke 3.2

Richard Collins

Lose the Battle, Win the War

Reflecting on the legendary battle at Thermopylae, where 300 Spartan soldiers faced insurmountable odds against the Persian army, one cannot help but admire their courage and sacrifice. Despite their eventual defeat, their actions paved the way for the ultimate victory of the Greek forces in the war against Persia.

The memory of the brave Spartans inspired the Greeks to persevere, even in the face of overwhelming opposition. This historical event teaches us a profound truth: sometimes losing a battle is a necessary step towards winning the war.

Dear readers, let us pause and contemplate the paradox of losing a battle. While it may seem counterintuitive, there is beauty in embracing defeat for the sake of a greater victory. As Apostle Grace Lubega eloquently preached, we must learn to lose battles to achieve the grander vision of winning the war.

Consider the everyday battles we face in life. A young man may win a trivial argument with an elder but lose the opportunity to honor and respect wisdom. Similarly, fleeting gains obtained through deceit or conflict often result in long-term losses of trust and integrity.

Imagine the joy of indulging in immediate pleasures, only to realize the cost of sacrificing long-term blessings. These stories serve as cautionary tales, reminding us of the importance of discerning between temporary victories and enduring triumphs.

For instance, let's reflect on the scenario of a young man who carelessly argues with an elder over an issue in which he is technically correct. Yes, he may win the battle of the argument, but in doing so, he loses the deeper respect and wisdom that come from honoring one's elders. The principle of respecting elders, often touted in various cultures, is not merely about winning or losing arguments but about nurturing relationships and gaining invaluable insights for the future.

Similarly, consider the allure of immediate gratification at the expense of long-term consequences. Stealing a few coins from your boss might provide temporary financial relief, but it jeopardizes the trust and integrity crucial for sustained professional growth and advancement. In essence, the fleeting gains of the present can pale in comparison to the enduring losses of the future.

Furthermore, think about the dynamics of personal relationships. Insulting an adversary might offer a momentary sense of satisfaction, but it plants seeds of bitterness and resentment that can haunt us indefinitely. The power of words, whether used to uplift or tear down, carries lasting consequences that shape the course of our interactions and connections.

Even in seemingly trivial situations, the principle holds. Imagine the joy of indulging in a sumptuous meal on Christmas day, having slaughtered a cow for the occasion. However, in doing so, one sacrifices the milk and sustenance that the cow would have provided for the entire following year.

If you fought for ice cream with a young child, you'd get the ice cream with its sweetness and lose the Child with their love and trust.
These examples illustrate the trade-offs we face between immediate gratification and long-term sustainability in various aspects of life.

In conclusion, let us strive to adopt a perspective that transcends the momentary struggles and setbacks we encounter. By surrendering our desire for immediate gratification and trusting in the greater plan, we can truly lose the battle to win the war.

To delve deeper into this topic, I was inspired by a sermon preached by Apostle Grace Lubega of Phaneroo Ministries International at the 2018 annual Men's Conference themed “Eye Can See.” You can watch the sermon here.

Warm regards,

Bethwel Kiprono K.

The Bedrock of Belief: Why Faith is Essential in Christianity

Christianity, at its core, is a religion built on faith. It's the foundation upon which all other aspects of Christian belief and practice rest. But what exactly is faith, and why is it so essential for Christians?

The Bible offers several definitions and metaphors for faith. In Hebrews 11:1, it's described as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Faith allows us to believe in things that cannot be proven with absolute certainty, yet hold them as true with unwavering conviction. It's a trust in God's character and promises, even when we can't fully understand them.

Here are some key reasons why faith is essential in Christianity:

Faith is the foundation of our relationship with God: The Bible tells us in Ephesians 2:8-9 that “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works, so that no one can boast.” Salvation, the act of being saved from sin and its consequences, is a gift from God received through faith. We cannot earn it through good works or perfect behaviour. Our faith is a demonstration of our trust and dependence on God's grace.

Faith allows us to believe in the unseen: Christianity is centered on the belief in God, a being we cannot see with our physical eyes. We believe in Jesus Christ, God's son who came to earth, died on the cross, and rose again. These are all foundational tenets of the faith that cannot be empirically proven. Yet, through faith, we accept them as true based on the scriptures and the impact they have on our lives.

Faith provides hope and comfort: Life is full of challenges and uncertainties. Faith allows us to trust that God is in control, even when we don't understand what's happening. Romans 8:28 assures us that “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” This verse doesn't promise an absence of difficulty, but it offers hope that God will use even the challenging times for our good.

Faith is the key to spiritual growth: The Bible encourages us to grow in our faith. Hebrews 11:6 says, “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” Just as a plant needs water and sunlight to flourish, our faith needs to be nurtured through prayer, studying the Bible, and fellowship with other believers.

Faith inspires us to live a Christ-like life: James 2:17-18 tells us that “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” True faith isn't just mental assent; it translates into action. Our faith compels us to love others, serve our communities, and live according to the teachings of Jesus.

In conclusion, faith is the bedrock of Christian belief. It's the cornerstone of our relationship with God, allows us to believe in the unseen, provides hope and comfort, and inspires us to live a meaningful life. While doubts and questions may arise, Christians strive to cultivate a faith that is unwavering, a faith that allows them to fully embrace the promises and transformative power of their religion.

Alan Raju John

Embracing Faith in a Modern World

In a world obsessed with data, algorithms, and the tangible, the concept of faith can feel antiquated. Yet, this very modern world, with its constant barrage of information and relentless pace, is precisely where faith becomes most crucial. It's the bridge between the seen and unseen, the anchor in the storm, the source of courage that compels us to take that critical leap forward.

The Call to Adventure

The Bible is replete with stories of individuals taking leaps of faith. Abraham, the father of faith, uprooted his entire life based on God's promise of a new land (Genesis 12:1-4). Stepping out of his comfort zone, he embarked on a journey that would shape the course of history.

Similarly, we too experience a call to adventure, a yearning for something more. It may be a nudge to pursue a dream career, a prompting to mend a broken relationship, or a whisper to finally start that creative project. This inner voice, often described as a calling, can be faint at first, but it grows stronger with each passing day. Proverbs 27:18 reminds us, “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” Ignoring this inner voice, this intuition, can lead us down paths of regret.

Faith is a Muscle

Taking a leap of faith isn't about blind recklessness. It's about calculated risk, fueled by a belief in something bigger than ourselves. It's the entrepreneur who pours heart and soul into a new venture, the student venturing abroad for the first time, the artist finally sharing their work with the world. Hebrews 11:1 beautifully defines faith: “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”

This “confidence” isn't passive; it requires action. Just as a muscle needs exercise to grow stronger, faith flourishes when we take those initial steps. The Bible is filled with examples of this active faith. David facing Goliath (1 Samuel 17) or Esther approaching the king (Esther 4) – both took action despite the odds stacked against them. Their faith wasn't a guarantee of success, but it propelled them forward.

The Tightrope Walk of Fear and Faith

Taking a leap of faith doesn't negate fear. Fear is a natural human emotion, a primal instinct that keeps us safe. However, we cannot let fear paralyze us. 2 Timothy 1:7 assures us, “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power and love and self-control.”

Think of faith as a tightrope walk. Fear is the wind that buffets you from side to side, threatening to throw you off balance. But faith is the pole you grasp tightly, the anchor that keeps you tethered. It's the unwavering belief that even if you stumble, there's a net to catch you, a force propelling you forward.

The Unexpected Gifts of Leaping

The greatest rewards in life often lie on the other side of our comfort zones. By embracing faith and taking that leap, we open ourselves up to a plethora of possibilities. We discover hidden strengths, forge new connections, and experience the exhilarating joy of personal growth.

Perhaps the leap leads to the dream job you never dared to pursue, or maybe it strengthens a bond you thought was lost. The beauty lies in the unknown, the element of surprise that life throws our way.  Isaiah 43:19 tells us, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Taking a leap allows us to witness these unexpected gifts, the new paths God carves out for us.

Faith in a Modern Context

In a world that prioritizes logic and reason, faith can seem out of place. But true faith isn't blind belief; it's a deep trust, a knowing that there's a force for good working in the universe. It's the belief that even in the face of uncertainty, there is hope.

This faith can translate into various aspects of our modern lives. It's the trust we place in a friend even when they make mistakes, the unwavering belief in ourselves even when faced with setbacks, the hope for a brighter tomorrow even amidst global challenges.

Alan Raju John

I Have Never Sinned, Can You Believe It?

Have you ever thought about the cross of Jesus? Have you considered what He really did for you? I've always struggled to fully grasp, both simply and deeply, how the blood of Yeshua wiped away my sins and atoned for them. I sing songs about the blood, read scriptures about it, and thank Him for redeeming me, but I've never fully grasped the enormous, life-changing mystery of the Son of God's sacrifice for me and for you!

How do you understand the atonement of sins? What does it really mean for God, you, and the enemy? Does the shedding of Jesus' blood for me mean that I have never sinned? JUSTIFIED, JUST IF I'D NEVER sinned before God and men? Or does it mean I sinned, but God forgave me of my past and is not recording it anymore for my judgment because Jesus took it and paid the price for me? Which scenario is the right one? In Christ, and before God, did I sin or never live a defective life?

To simplify it for you and give you the answer before revealing a huge, life-changing revelation, approach, perspective, and activation: YES, I sinned, and Christ died to redeem me.

I am a sinner, and I need a Savior, just as you do! Now that I have received Christ's wonderful, surreal yet down-to-earth redemption, I have become a new creation, a righteous being who never fell into sin from the beginning. WOW! (We can celebrate right here).

Let me illustrate it with this example and then do an activation with you that is a SHOCKER to your flesh, which is always at war with the spirit.

When a judge stamps a paper to declare someone who was guilty now clean, it means the judge has officially erased the person's criminal record through a process called expungement. This decision makes it as though the crime never happened, allowing the person to move forward without the past conviction affecting their future opportunities, like employment or housing.

This is too much to grasp, right? I know but it is real yet earthly still. Continue reading because what is coming is greater than that and let's invite the Holy Spirit to help us taste God's unfathomable love for us in Christ Jesus.

In Christ, you never sinned before God! Don't freak out now; you can keep thanking God and you should for Jesus, who saved you from your sinful nature. YES, you can and should tell others your testimony of how Christ transferred you from darkness to light and transformed you. I am not telling you to forsake this awesome part of redemption. We will always be grateful and worship the Lord for this INTELLIGENT TECHNOLOGY that no eyes have seen, ears have heard, or hearts grasped what God prepared for those He loves. No one ever saw this coming, not even the devil. It is not a GOD move if you can perceive it or the devil.

What am I really saying here in the presence of the Lord? I am locked in the realm of thanking the Lord for being my Savior, yet I have come to a place where I am more focused on my righteousness in Christ than my transition from sin.

Many Christians dwell on the cross only and never lock focus with their newly restored nature of righteousness. The cross of Jesus was the door, the entrance to a relationship with God through this righteous nature in Christ Jesus, but many remain at the door. Imagine if I invited you to visit my mansion (I don't live in one and I love small houses) and you remained at my beautiful big gate, thanking me for the invite, contemplating the gold ornament, the bigness of it, etc. Would you be considered sane? The cross was the door and we will forever BE THANKFUL for the entrance, yet it is the inside realm of righteousness that you must awaken to that will revolutionize the way you live before God and men. In Christ right now, you never sinned. You were never a sinner! Jesus became sin so that you may become His righteousness. What part of YOU ARE RIGHTEOUS can't you understand?

It grieves the Lord when you stay at the door and never get acquainted with the inside realms of righteousness that many Christians are not awake to.

In Christ now, you were never GAY! You were never a PROSTITUTE! You never cheated on your wife, and you never killed that neighbor. Look, I understand this is too much to grasp, and it doesn't make sense, and if it does, then it is not a GOD technology. You may tell me, “But Tony, I do feel like I am gay (since this is the greatest now), and I engaged in homosexual experiences with men. The sensation was real, the images, the feelings, the sounds, the touch… I can't get it that in Christ, I was never gay because I was, believe me.”

Thanks for asking! haha. I will answer this one:

You were gay before Christ, indeed, and Christ did save you not just from being gay; actually, He saved you from something bigger and greater, which is a sinful nature. After being saved and entering the door (Christ's Sacrifice), Heaven stamps you as NEVER GUILTY! Can you understand the power of that or what? I sense the power of the Holy Spirit writing this, and I know He is greatly delighted that I am unpacking it for you because it changed my life!!!

NOW, IN CHRIST, you are not considered GAY anymore, and you can't renew your mind if you can't establish your identity first as clean. What do I mean? Glad you asked, again. The Bible exhorts us to CONSIDER OURSELVES DEAD TO SIN and alive to Christ and righteousness. In simpler terms, you should never think again of those past things, and you can SANELY and BOLDLY rehearse day and night: I WAS NEVER GAY, I never went through it, I never did this or that, you name it for yourself, whatever you engaged in before.

The enemy will TRY TO ANNIHILATE the work of the cross by making you sin-focused and not Son-focused.

Jesus took your sinful nature and mine on the cross, and in Him, it was never ours. He paid for it; it doesn't belong to us anymore. Jesus didn't only redeem your nature but your time too because in Christ now you never were or did those things, which means you never lived this lifetime of sin. You had a righteous life from the beginning.

Read this article 1000 times and BEG the Holy Spirit to reveal this dramatic truth to you that Heaven is eager to reveal to mankind night and day. Let me tell you this too before I activate you. If I were the devil and I knew in glimpses that one day you would be a great singer and you would glorify the Lord with this lifestyle, I would have done everything in my power to destroy this from your childhood. I would have convinced you that your voice is bad, you will not match up or improve, others are better, get another career, etc. Say you believed those lies and embraced them and wasted your life derailed from God's original calling and cursed yourself for decades saying I am a bad singer. Guess what? In Christ now, you can say I WAS A GOOD SINGER from the beginning of time and I am seasoned in this gift, but the enemy had me go through this lie experience because I was a potential threat to him if I awoke to that.

Same for you as gay! Your identity, manliness, fatherhood, and mostly authority threatened the devil that he had to create another scenario to derail you. He is a liar! In Christ, you were never gay, and you never lived this experience at all. Until you confess this and align with righteousness and DIE TO SIN, you won't experience this surreal glory yet available.

Each one of you has a story, identify with a sin, so apply what I am teaching you here, and mount to realms you never dreamt of. Next time you say God is good, let it be based on some understanding of what He accomplished for you on the cross. The devil hates the cross!

Let's do an activation here. So I told you in Christ, you are righteous because the bible says so, have a new nature, and time redemption, so rewrite your story in the pen of this truth now (you can type in the comment section). As for me, I will say this:

“I grew up in a godly house, and I have witnessed amazing love, honor, and respect between mom and dad that whet my appetite for godly relationships and surely a marriage and life of commitment. My mom never yelled at me, never ignored me, always there to love on me and comfort me. She always encouraged me and affirmed my identity as a growing boy. She signed me up for activities that built my character and self-esteem and was never controlling of me. She always encouraged me to be bold and serve others. I thank God that I lived in a peaceful home, with no sickness, no disease, no stress or drama. I had a childhood that if told in detail, nobody would believe me. I had a great life growing up. Never miss an opportunity to be served and to serve others. I never went through traumas, no child abuse, no fear, no stress; it was a happy, blessed upbringing.” Amen.

For those who don't get it yet, I lived the opposite, but I am acquainted today that in Christ, I was never guilty because He restored my good nature and lifetime. We lose you as Christians when we move from theory to practicality. Every Christian is excited they are God's righteousness now, but I think many will be offended when they read the practicality of it here.

Go do your activation, believe it, this is not fiction, not at all. “Let it be according to your faith!”

I dare you to share this with your friends and EVEN THEOLOGIANS!

God bless you,
Tony Francis

Changing your Focus Can Change Your Life

I'm reminded lately of the Power of Gratitude and spending Quiet Reflection Time and the impact it can have in our lives! In our fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Between work, family obligations, and endless to-do lists, finding moments of peace and reflection can feel like a daunting task. However, incorporating practices such as gratitude journaling and quiet time spent listening to God (not just praying to ask for requests) can significantly transform our mindsets and spiritual journeys.

Gratitude journaling has gained popularity for a good reason. Not only does it remind us of what is meaningful in our lives, but it also helps shift our focus from what we lack to what we abundantly have. As Cheryl Shepherd from Balanced WorkLife recently discussed, keeping a gratitude journal serves as a constant reminder of our values and what truly matters in life.

[1]

Reflecting on gratitude helps anchor our minds in positivity and faith. When we write down what we're thankful for, we begin to see the world through a different lens. Suddenly, mundane moments are filled with grace, and we start to appreciate the little blessings that often go unnoticed.

Start by setting aside a few minutes each day (preferably before bed each night) to jot down three things you're grateful for. It could be as simple as a kind word from a friend, a beautiful sunset, or a moment of laughter with a loved one. Over time, this practice will create a tapestry of God's goodness woven into your everyday experiences. Then write down what you three goal or “big wins” will be for tomorrow. This will set a road map for what you want to achieve and what we think about is what we automatically move towards. 

In addition to gratitude journaling, spending quiet time with God is crucial for spiritual growth and inner peace. Cheryl Shepherd highlights the significance of resting in God's presence and surrendering control over our lives.

[2] In these moments of stillness, we can hear His voice more clearly and receive His guidance for our paths.

Set aside a specific time each day for this sacred practice. It could be in the morning before the rush begins, or in the evening when everything settles down. Find a quiet corner, free from distractions, and simply be still. Use this time to pray, meditate on scripture, or simply listen. God often speaks in a gentle whisper, and it is in these quiet moments that we can truly tune into His heart.

Combining gratitude and quiet time can create a powerful spiritual practice. As you reflect on what you're grateful for, take a moment to thank God for each blessing. This will not only deepen your sense of gratitude but also enhance your connection with Him.

Cheryl emphasizes replacing negative thoughts with positive affirmations, grounded in scripture and prayer, to combat anxiety and fear.

[3] Use your quiet time to reflect on God's promises and let them wash over you, renewing your mind and spirit.

Incorporating gratitude and quiet time into your daily routine can lead to profound changes in your outlook and spiritual life. As you consistently practice these disciplines, you'll find that your heart becomes more attuned to God's goodness and guidance.

Start today and watch as your life transforms with each moment of thankfulness and stillness before the Lord.

Cheryl Shepherd

[1]: Source: Balanced WorkLife Cheryl Shepherd , February6, 2024.
[2]: Source: Cheryl Shepherd's reflections, February 7, 2024.
[3]: Source: Full Circle Moments Discussion on positive self-talk and spiritual growth, February 5, 2024.

You Can Workout Without Pain!

The blessing of Adonai is what makes people rich, and He doesn't mix sorrow with it. – Proverbs 10:22.

How was life before the fall? It was like Proverbs 10:22. In the Garden of Eden, Adam lived in a realm of life, and blessing, and never knew toil.

Adam only labored for ONE thing, which was the highest pleasure of toiling for something or SOMEONE; he sought the Lord and walked with Him daily. Adam's mindset was never conditioned to worry about provision because he never awoke in lack, and he never knew it until the fall. It's like when a person is born into a wealthy family and is served with everything night and day. I know it's a simple example compared to Adam's glorious life, but it helps you see a glimpse of his lifestyle!

It was God's original design for you and me because we WERE in Adam, remember? Thank God for our Savior, Jesus Christ, who LABORED again, righteous labor in the GARDEN of Gethsemane, and sweated blood so He could restore us to the BLESSING of life and the mindset of His riches in glory. Those who follow the Lord and are part of His Kingdom should awaken to this truth because they are restored to it, and they should walk in the light of this revelation and the manifestation of this inheritance! Knowing it doesn't mean walking in it because faith secures it for you!

Don't read what I'm not saying, please. God is not inviting you and me to a life of passivity or laziness and opening our mouths wide to be fed by a mama bird. Jesus exhorts us to work as long as it is day!

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always ABOUNDING in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” – 1 Corinthians 15:58

So if we are restored in Christ, to what exactly did God restore us?

In Christ, the Lord restored you to the blessing that ENRICHES you WITHOUT toiling!

“The blessing of Adonai is what makes people rich, and He doesn't mix sorrow with it.” – Proverbs 10:22

The Holy Spirit breathed mightily on this verse to me not a very long time ago, and it felt like a portal of blessings and EASE opened up for me that I never experienced before. I started believing it, taking God at His word, and praying this verse A LOT, believe me, a LOT. It's part of my daily prayers, and it's manifesting in wild ways for me. One of those ways is my health!

A year ago, the Lord led me to know about intermittent fasting and poured joy, excitement, and grace into me for this. I am enjoying every bit of it and NEVER felt a day I was fasting. It has been more than a year now. I'm not here to list the benefits of IF; you can look it up for yourself. I'm here to testify that the EASE of doing it is crazy. I am fasting for almost 18+ hours every day without feeling like I am doing it; it is His blessing that is enriching me WITHOUT TOILING! You know those moments when you say without a shadow of a doubt, IT IS THE LORD! This is that.

Also, recently, out of nowhere and without planning it, suddenly on my birthday, I had this urge to go outdoors and start walking. You need to know I AM NOT someone who is FOR sports and to respond to this prompting had to be the LORD. I obeyed by faith, and it was a prompting filled with joy and not a religious spirit. It has been a week now that I have been walking daily, and believe me when I tell you THERE IS NO TINY SORROW OR TOILING WITH IT. God's grace is joy-filled!

I am living this verse, or let me say, I am living in the realm of this tangible blessing, and I am so thankful that the Holy Spirit breathed life into it and made it part of my daily routine.

I forgot to tell you that I work out until I feel tired because I don't want to abuse this verse; it says the blessing of the Lord enriches you without pain. You should stop when there is pain, even the slightest feeling of it, or else you are tapping into your effort of MAKING it happen.

Let God rule with His grace in you and through you!

What are the areas you want God's grace, ease, and blessing to land on you? Let's believe with you!

God bless you,
Tony Francis

Share this word with others as your seed.

Porn is an “I Don’t Care” Spirit

It always intrigued me when I read in Hebrews 12:16-17 that the Holy Spirit put the careless act of Esau, who sold his birthright for red stew, and sexual immorality in one verse!

“See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. Even though he sought the blessing with tears, he could not change what he had done.” Hebrews 12:16-17 (NIV)

In Genesis 25, Jacob asked his brother to sell him his birthright, and this is the mindset of carelessness and godlessness that Esau was entertaining that cost him everything. Esau said to his brother in response to this meal exchange:

“Look, I am about to die,” Esau said. “What good is the birthright to me?”

Let's examine closely if this mindset is true or a lie. Was Esau going to die? Not at all, he was just famished and was around a prepared aromatic meal. Plus, Esau is a hunter. It was never the pressure of dying that drove him to sell his birthright; he detested it from the beginning. It meant nothing to him, and an opportunity like that exposed what was already in his heart! But we like to blame God.

Wow, Hebrews 12:16-17 is some verse: “See that no one is sexually immoral or is godless like Esau who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son.”

The Holy Spirit considers sexual immorality the same as carelessness. Porn is an “I don't care” spirit, give me the desires of my heart right now. We also give it excuses: I am stressed, I was abused, those are my hormones, I am dying anyway, everybody is living this lifestyle, God will keep forgiving me because “I'm weak,” you name it. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you name the sinful desires of your heart. Why are you doing what you are doing? For Esau, he detested his birthright; it meant nothing to him from the beginning. When you are tempted sexually, what mindset is legalizing this to you?

Porn is this careless spirit. I don't care if I get naked with a stranger or just see this erotic movie, imagine wrong things, submit my organs to uncleanness, or consider other bodies as cheap and available to me if I want them.

Porn is an “I don't care” spirit. Just one more masturbation, it won't hurt, it is not the end of the world. Just one more one-night stand, I am a man, God understands this. What lie are you entertaining? What are the roots of your carelessness toward God, your own body, and others?

“For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles. Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen. Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error. Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done” (Romans 1:21-28).

It is always about an exchange!!!

Esau exchanged the highest glory for a lesser one, filling his stomach, and maybe, as the scripture says, their bellies are their gods. Maybe that was Esau's god! We all face exchanges, especially under pressure; when you are facing them, what is going on really? Are you aware that you are selling the Holy for the unclean, Jesus for 30 pieces of silver?

One more thing that caught my attention reading Romans 1 is that sexual immorality is called lust, but when it is a gay activity, it adds the word shameful lust to it. Shame is added! You are not for shame but for glory in Jesus' name.

I trust the Holy Spirit, who can sanctify you—spirit, soul, and body! You shall know YOUR truth, and it shall set you free.

Porn is an altar of worship; it is where you offer the expensive you cherish most. What are you offering each time you lust? And remember, being tempted with it is not wrong until you embrace the sin. Jesus was tempted with everything without sin. But when you lust and engage in sexual immorality and shameful activities of lust, what are you manifesting? Where your treasure is, there your heart will be!

I've discovered so far in the realm of the soul that freedom is very tied to knowing the truth of the matter. It is not just a prayer away. The Holy Spirit will journey with you to remove the grave clothes you are wearing because you are a son and daughter of life.

Don't give up because today you are in a place of progress, even though it doesn't feel like the fullness of your breakthrough yet. You are advancing. I am trusting God that your body will become a holy living sacrifice for him and nothing else.

You will come to a place of fearing God and knowing and WANTING him and his things more than any other thing in life!

Tell the “I don't care” spirit, I DO CARE! Live worthy.

God bless you,
Tony Francis

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Blessings and Battles: My 40th Unexpected Birthday Experience

Many of you know by now that on June 7th, 2024, I turned 40. Yay! I just finished a decade and started a new one in the Lord. I wasn’t going to make a big deal out of my birthday, but I felt it was a big deal to end a decade, especially when it was loaded with challenges, sicknesses, and many lessons, and start a fresh new one. God celebrates us daily, monthly, yearly, and decade-wise. He cherishes our time on earth and considers it a valuable asset for His glory. I know a birthday is precious because it reminds us of God creating us, but I always thank the Lord for my second birth 20 years ago! Both are important.

So, my birthday is on June 7th, and this time it fell on a Friday, which is a Sabbath, entering the rest of God. Also, 7 means completion, and turning 40 is meaningful because it is the number of ending a wilderness, and it feels like that. Not only that, the month of Sivan 5784 started on my birthday!

The Lord has been talking to me a lot about rest and entering my promised land, and I couldn't wait for a fresh new beginning in the Lord. As many of you saw, I even created a webpage declaring and prophesying all those goodies. You can still leave me a birthday prayer there and enjoy my gifts for you. (Click here)

Friday came, June 7th arrived, and I NEVER expected that instead of experiencing the goodness of the Lord and the promised rest and freshness, waves of demonic temptations would bombard me. Oh my God, pressure from every side, sexual temptations, oppression, ups and downs, swirling emotions, and even the strong feeling of going back to Egypt, my place of bondage. My soul was in agony, confused, asking the Lord what was going on. I even told Him, “This is not real because I feel like 20 years of being on the potter's wheel feels like a waste.” Wow! What is going on, Lord?

I forgot that a new beginning and new levels are a threat to Satan. Forgot! I, who teaches the Bible and about the ways in the Spirit, was caught off guard. The devil was at the gate of this NEWNESS of Life to abort it and destroy it. To discourage me and compel me to hate it and expect nothing but death, pain, and curses.

Please read this carefully because you will learn something powerful here:

I am a free man. Not that I won't be tempted anymore—everyone will—but it took me years to establish my transformation and freedom in my character and mind, especially in my places of bondage. I greatly appreciate my freedom because sin was never fun and will never be. It was a tormenting cycle! Pleasant to the eye and feelings but deadly when you partake of it. This is how sin works! Remember when we all fell in Eden?

So when you feel a sudden urge to go back to Egypt after years of freedom and enjoying your transformation, KNOW that there is a demonic presence and oppression here because it doesn't make sense why there is this strong stirring in you to do something this strong you forgot about, prayed over with tears for long, went to conferences for freedom, read the books, rebuked the devils, etc. So when it is a sudden urge, discern that there is a demonic activity. But if you are still in your journey toward freedom, know that you still have strongholds and wrong mindsets that are not yet touched by the Lord or renewed. So it is natural to feel frequent desires to sin. Those urges can sometimes be demonic but not necessarily. It is mainly because you are not there yet and your flesh is still active.

This was not the case on my birthday—three days of oppression, entertaining sin, and old behaviors. Sometimes I made it, sometimes I couldn't. I never experienced a level of oppression like that before.

Why am I sharing my vulnerability with you here? Because many of you are and will start a fresh NEW strong beginning for the glory of the Lord, and the devil is at the door, not just the Lord. You need to be aware of this, be watchful in prayer, and seek help, intercession, and a faith community to take out your giants.

We all want to enter the promised land, but no one wants to confront the giants. I was focusing on my promised land and forgot giants were waiting for me. But greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. Even though you go through battles, the final say is the Lord's. Remember that the dragon is WAITING for the woman to give birth to kill the baby(Revelation 12) and tried his best and caused lots of trouble, yet we have read the last chapter and Jesus wins!

Don't feel discouraged because with God things will get better and right on track if you keep pressing in. I am writing you this in the belly of the whale, knowing that any moment now, with your prayers, love, support, and giving, I will experience resurrection life and power because it is my portion and yours in Christ.

God bless you,
Tony Francis

We'd love to hear from you! Share your experiences, new beginnings, and thoughts in the comment section below.

Sharing My Special Birthday Wall Moment With YOU!

Hey there! This is Tony Francis, author of Healed Nations Ministries. I'm excited to share a special moment with you – my upcoming birthday! On June 7th, 2024, I'll be completing my thirties and turning 40. I want to celebrate this milestone with you by offering some giveaways and discounts as a token of my appreciation. I've also set up a comment section for us to interact. Whether you want to wish me a happy birthday, offer a prayer or prophecy, or bless my ministry that's reaching people around the world, feel free to drop a message. Praise God! I can't wait to see your name on the birthday wall! God bless you.

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