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It is time we get a clue as to how powerful the blood of Jesus Christ is and apply it to our lives if we are to be successful in defeating the powers of darkness. One drop of His blood will keep demonic spirits away and will defeat them at every onset.
CALVARY
When Jesus died on Calvary, He opened up for us the Fountain of His life's blood. This blood is used to overcome the powers of darkness...the devil and his demons.
****John 19:34} But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came (flowed) out.
The blood speaks for us today! It is His blood that has cleansed us and made us pure in God's sight. His blood redeemed us and washes us clean from all sin. The water speaks of life and cleansing. We have forgiveness of sins because of what Jesus did. We are white as snow. And yes, we will sin and fall short, but when we are quick to repent, He is quick to forgive. He doesn't remember our sins and throws them into the deepest ocean of forgetfulness.
****Acts 20:28} Take care and be on guard for yourselves and the whole flock over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you bishops and guardians, to shepherd (tend and feed and guide) the church of the Lord of God which He obtained for Himself (buying it and saving it for Himself) with His own blood.
Jesus obtained us through His blood, He paid a heavy price....He laid down His life for each one of us and shed every drop of blood in His body to ensure our salvation. Notice in this Scripture it doesn't say the Catholic church, the Protestant church, the Baptist church or any other form of religion...it says "The Church of the Lord." We are all one family under one God. Let's get a clue. Religions divide people and put them under bondage of man made rules and doctrines, the Lord unites people and sets them free in a very large place. Remember, divided we fall, united we stand. The job of the Shepherds is to guard and protect people, to feed them the Word, to raise them up and encourage them in their gifts and ministries.....and they are to do this in love, just as Jesus does. Not to condemn, judge or criticize.
THE LIFE OF THE FLESH IS IN THE BLOOD
****Leviticus 17:11} For the life (the animal soul) is in the blood , and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement, by reason of the life (which it represents).
In the old days they used to sacrifice animals and shed their blood for the atonement of sins. Today we have a perfect sacrifice, Jesus Christ, who has made atonement for our sins once and for all. Our salvation, our lives are in His blood. His blood has destroyed every work of Satan. All of our sins are paid for, by the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ. He paid the price in full! Atonement means reconciliation, peace, justification, salvation and remission. That doesn't, however, mean that we can misuse this gift of God and stay or continue in sin. We must apply ourselves and do our best not to fall into sin. And when we do sin we can run into our Father's arms and ask forgiveness. As long as we are on this earth we will do the things we hate to do for the flesh always wars against the spirit.
****Hebrews 9:22} (In fact) under the Law almost everything is purified by means of blood, and without the shedding of blood there is neither release from sin and its guilt nor the remission of the due and merited punishment for sins.
Praise God that we are no longer under the Law! We are under grace! Our confessed sins are purged and we are made whole! But in order for this to happen we have to confess our sins and ask Jesus Christ into our hearts. That is when His covenant with us is made legal and begins to work in our lives. Without Jesus we are still living in sin and darkness and hell awaits those who continue to reject Him. God loves us so much that is why He asked His Son, Jesus, to pay the price. So none of us would go to hell. He wants us all in heaven with Him for all eternity.
****Romans 3: 25} Whom God put forward (before the eyes of all) as a mercy seat and propitiation by His blood (the cleansing and life-giving sacrifice of atonement and reconciliation, to be received) through faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in His divine forbearance He had passed over and ignored former sins without punishment.
Because of what Jesus did for us, we are justified and made righteous, in right standing with God. That was God's love and mercy in action. Once we confess and ask Jesus into our hearts, God no longer remembers our sins and therefore we are no longer under His wrath and will not receive punishment. Many of us are still walking under condemnation because we focus on our sins rather than receiving His forgiveness. It's by faith that we do this, not by feelings nor by emotions. God sacrificed Jesus on the altar of the world to clear that world of sins. God wanted to set things right and He knew He could only do it through His Son. He wanted the world to see the Father's love through His Son.
****Ephesians 1:7} In Him we have redemption (deliverance and salvation) through His blood, the remission (forgiveness) of our offenses (shortcomings and trespasses), in accordance with the riches and the generosity of His gracious favor.
God's love and grace is very generous and abundant when it comes to His children, to His creation. We are harder on ourselves when it comes to judgment and condemnation that our Father is. We need to be merciful to ourselves and freely receive His forgiveness. We need to remember that David, who was a murderer and adulterer, was judged by God as being a man after His heart! I"m sure it was because David loved the Lord so that He was willing to allow God to search his heart daily and was quick to repent. There is no sin so great that God cannot forgive. We need to remember that! We are abundantly free because of the shed blood of Jesus Christ.
****Psalm 51:1-2} Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your steadfast love: according to the multitude of Your tender mercies and loving-kindness blot out my transgressions. Was me thoroughly (and repeatedly) from my iniquity and guilt and cleanse me and make me wholly pure from my sin!
David knew His God intimately, he had full knowledge and understanding of God's love, mercy and compassion for His children. God saw His heart! It's not the outward manifestations of our character that God looks at, it's the heart! When we get to know God that intimately we will not be so quick to fall into condemnation. We need to recognize that because of the blood of Jesus Christ God has wiped out our sins and our bad record so to speak.
****Psalm 51: 7} Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall (in reality) be whiter than snow.
David asked the Lord to purge him with hyssop so that he could be clean of his sins. Hyssop was the branch dripped in blood and sprinkled on the Mercy Seat on the Day of Atonement. When David asked this of the Lord He was asking that his sins be covered over by the atoning blood. We know that the atoning blood is the shed blood of Jesus Christ on Calvary for our sins. In earthly terms we have a clean bill of health when we receive Jesus into our hearts and ask for forgiveness of our sins. What He does, He does perfectly and completely! Wouldn't be a bad idea to say the same prayer David did...to be purged with hyssop.
We are redeemed by Jesus' precious blood, that is we are bought back from Satan's power over us. The first Adam gave that power to Satan, Jesus got it back for us.
****Genesis 3:6-7} And when the woman saw that the tree was good (suitable and pleasant) for food and that it was delightful to look at, and a tree to be desired in order to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate; and she gave some also to her husband and he ate. Then the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves apronlike girdles.
Notice in these Scripture that no only did Eve fall for Satan's deceitful lies but she went by her flesh, her senses when she made a decision to eat of the fruit God had warned her not to. Adam followed suit and did the same. So what happened when they disobeyed God? We need to remember that they were both as God was as far as spiritual beings go. They were both pure. They were operating in the spiritual realm. They didn't operate in the realm of Satan at all and that is what Satan wanted to do, get them to sin through their flesh...their wants, desires etc.....Satan didn't want them to be on that higher place with God. How often Satan does that with each one of us today. He does not want us to come to that higher place in God. We need to apply ourselves and refuse to listen to Satan and rise up to higher ground in God. Adam and Eve's eyes were opened and all of a sudden they could see evil, darkness and everything that pertains to Satan's kingdom.....sin! They opened up a pandora's box for themselves and the rest of us! But Jesus' sacrifice has brought us back to that place of intimacy with our Father! It's available to us again. The question is do we really want it and how badly?
****Romans 5:12} Therefore, as sin came into the world through one man, and death as the result of sin, so death spread to all men. (no one being able to stop it or to escape its power) because all men sinned.
We all sin and fall short of the glory of God. But thank God for Jesus! He took away the sting of death and took the keys back from Satan. We now have our relationship back with our Father, a way to come into the Holy of Holies, intimacy with our Father has been restored, entrance into the Kingdom of God, and our future is glorious for we will be with Him and as Him for all eternity. Really meditate on this. What a gift!
****Revelation 1:5} And from Jesus Christ the faithful and trustworthy Witness, the Firstborn of the dead (first to be brought back to life) and the Prince (Ruler) of the kings of the earth. To Him Who ever loves us and has once (for all) loosed and freed us from our sins by His own blood.
Jesus bought us back our relationship with the Father. He gave us His free gift of salvation which is the only way into heaven...through Jesus. And now we await a glorious future of being raised from the dead and go to our real home...heaven, for all eternity! Forever and ever! We will be as He is! What an amazing love God has for us! Our last breath on this earth is our first breath into heaven to be with our Father and Jesus. Glory to God! But while we are here on this earth we can be confident in God moving on our behalf and continually healing and delivering us from anything Satan tries to put on us. Plead the blood on every circumstance and situation that arises! By His stripes we are healed, right here and right now! The blood makes us whole! Believe it, trust it, have confidence in it and receive it by faith!
****1 Peter 1:19} But (you were purchased) with the precious blood of Christ (the Messiah), like that of a (sacrificial) lamb without blemish or spot.
Jesus took every sin we would ever commit on Himself and paid the price for our salvation. The blood covers us and when the Father looks at us, He sees Jesus. He took care of all sins, past , present and to come. In His eyes, He sees the end product, we will be without blemish or spot. The glorious children of the most High God. We will be like His Son, Jesus. To Jesus be the glory!
****Hebrews 10:19, 22} Therefore, brethren, since we have full freedom and confidence to enter into the Holy of Holies by the power and virtue in the blood of Jesus,
Let us all come forward and draw near with true (honest and sincere) hearts in unqualified assurance and absolute conviction engendered by faith (by that leaning of the entire human personality on God in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom and goodness), having our hearts sprinkled and purified from a guilty (evil) conscience and our bodies cleansed with pure water.
We should not be walking in condemnation or guilt. We need to walk in confidence, boldness, courage and trust whenever we approach our Father. We have a right to walk into His presence without fear! We have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ. Our Father doesn't see the old sinful person standing before Him, He sees His child which He bought through the sacrifice of His Son! We also need to remember that God convicts, He never condemns. So if we feel guilty or condemned we need to recognize what is operating there. For it surely isn't from God. We now have a relationship with our Father and with Jesus. How deeply we want that relationship to go depends on us. God wants us to draw near to Him as a little child and just crawl up on His lap and talk to Him.
****Hebrews 13:12} Therefore Jesus also suffered and died outside the (city's) gate in order that He might purify and consecrate the people through (the shedding of) His own blood and set them apart as Holy (for God).
The altar from which God gives us the gift of Himself is not for exploitation by insiders who grab and loot. In other words it's not for those who profess to be Christians but do not walk the walk, do not apply His Word to their lives. It is not for people who choose to sit on the fence and do nothing. And it's certainly not for those who choose to serve this world rather than God. Many are called, but few answer. The path is narrow and many do not stay on it. The only way into God's Kingdom is through the gate which is Christ Jesus. It's not our religions nor our works that will get us into heaven. It's receiving Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and asking Him into our hearts. There is no other way. In the old system, the animals were killed and the bodies disposed of outside the camp. The blood was then brought inside to the altar as a sacrifice for sin. Jesus was crucified outside the city gates...that is where He poured out the sacrificial blood that was brought inside to God's altar to cleanse His people. We are not to be priviledge insiders, we are to go outside, where Jesus is, and go where the action is. We are to be a church without walls and continue the works of Jesus!
WE ARE NO LONGER OUR OWN
****1 Corinthians 6:20} You were bought with a price (purchased with a preciousness and paid for, made His own), So then honor God and bring glory to Him in your body.
We are not our own, Jesus bought us with His blood. We don't honor God when we fall into any type of sin. We don't honor God when we perform abortions, euthenasia, fornication, murder or any other sins mentioned in God's Word. We do not have the right to dishonor God in any way. There will be a price to pay if we do and do not repent and change our ways.
****1 Corinthians 7: 23} You were bought with a price (purchased with a preciousness and paid for by Christ); then do not yield yourselves up to become (in your own estimation) slaves to men (but considere yourselves slaves to Christ).
When we come to the understanding and revelation of how deep God's love is for us we will not be quick to want to follow the ways of this world. We will fully desire the guidance and leading of the Holy Spirit in us. That is another wonderful gift that Jesus gave to us...the Holy Spirit. We are not to be enslaved by religions, men's opinions and so called wisdom, or anything that has to do with this world. We are to walk in the freedom of the Spirit. The unique and deep love that God has for us is expressed in the shedding of His Son's blood. Jesus' blood is proof of 100% commitment towards us. His blood seals the covenant He has with us. He couldn't go any further than to lay down His life and shed every drop of blood that He had for us! How committed are we to Him?
****John 15:13} No one has greater love (no one has shown stronger affection) than to lay down (give up) his own life for his friends.
Imagine operating in a love that is so deep that life does not matter. What matters is to lay down that life for the saving of others. We mattered more to Christ than His own life! Think about that! How much does Christ matter to us? Are we willing to lay down our lives for Him and for one another? How deep does our love run?
THE BLOOD OF JESUS IS POWERFUL
****Isaiah 1:18} Come now, and let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be like wool.
No matter how evil, bad or deep our sins are the blood of Jesus washes us white as snow. There is no sin so great the the Lord can't forgive. Once He washes us in His blood our sins are not seen and they are thrown into the deepest ocean of forgetfulness. So when your past comes up, or a past sin is brought back to your remembrance, remember that it's not the Lord doing this...it's your enemy trying to keep you captive. You remind him of the blood!
Exodus 12:13} The blood shall be a token or sign to you upon (the doorposts of) the houses, where you are, (that) when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague shall be upon you to destory you when I smite the land of Egypt.
The blood of Christ is so powerful that it will protect us from the Angel of Death. It protects us from plagues and other things that hit the earth. It's so important to plead the blood over our homes and every area of our lives and families even today. The death spoken about here in Exodus was a physical one.
The blood applied spiritually to our confessed sins saves us from the second death.....eternal separation from God.
****1 Thessalonians 1: 9} Such people will pay the penalty and suffer punishment of everlasting ruin (destruction and perdition) and eternal exclusion and banishment from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power.
What people is God speaking about? Those who are not acquainted with God, who want nothing to do with Him and will not receive the free gift of salvation which is His Son Jesus Christ and the shedding of His blood for each one of us. Like it or not, believe it or not, the only way into Heaven, God's Kingdom, is through His Son Jesus Christ. Period! There is no other way. Doing good works will not save us. Being a good person will not save us. Only the shed blood of Jesus Christ and receiving Him as Lord and Savior will give us entrance into the Kingdom of God.
****Revelation 2:11} He who is able to hear, let him listen to and heed what the Spirit says to the assemblies (churches). He who overcomes ( is victorious) shall in no way be injured by the second death.
How do we overcome? By the blood of the Lamb...the shed blood of Jesus Christ!
****Revelation 20: 6} Blessed (happy, to be envied) and holy (spiritually whole, of unimpaired innocence and proved virtue) is the person who takes part (shares) in the first resurrection! Over them the second death exerts no power or authority, but they shall be ministers of God and of Christ (the Messiah), and they shall rule along with Him a thousand years.
The only way we can be spiritually whole, found innocent and proved virtuous is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. For the blood to cover us and wash us we need to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
****Revelation 20:14} Then death and Hades (the state of death or disembodied existence) were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire.
The second death is hell. Unless we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior this is the destination for all who reject Him. Those who refuse to believe in the Gospel, the salvation message of Jesus Christ, the only other place they can end up in is hell. There is no in between. And for those who teach purgatory, that is a false doctrine made up by man and the Bible doesn't back it up!
****Revelation 21: 8} But as for the cowards and the ignoble and the contemptible and the cravenly lacking in courage and the cowardly submissive, and as for the unbelieving and faithless, and as for the depraved and defiled with abominations, and as for murderers and the lewd and adulterous and the practicers of magic arts and the idolaters (those who give supreme devotion to anyone or anything other than God) and all liars (those who knowingly convey untruth by word or deed)...(all of these shall have) their part in the lake that blazes with fire and brimstone. This is the second death.
God cannot get any plainer than this Scripture on who is destined for hell. Anyone who brazenly stands against God and His Word, anyone who does not have the courage to stand up against the sins of this world and not give in to their sinful lifestyles, those who practice such things which the Word of God speaks against....homosexuality (man with man, woman with woman), murder (taking of any life, shedding of any blood, even the unborn), those who practice any form of witchcraft or sorcery ( magic arts, horoscopes, tarrot cards, talking to the dead etc...), those who willing lie to cover up the truth ( false teachers, preachers, prophets). Anyone who involves themselves in fornication (sex out of wedlock, adultery etc...). If this is not plain enough then we are truly blinded. The blood can and will cover all these sins if we truly humble ourselves, ask God's forgiveness and receive Jesus into our hearts and lives as Lord and Savior. Sorry folks, there is no other way!
The blood of Jesus washes us clean, it covers us in protection against sickness and death, the same as in the Passover. God, however, won't do this automatically. He expects to be asked. We have to plead the blood over our circumstances in order for the power to be released.
****James 4:2} You do no have because you do not ask.
Too many of us expect God to automatically give us what we want on a silver platter. It doesn't work that way. We have to ask Him and most of all we need to be expectant on an answer. We have to stop the thinking mentality we have that we are not good enough to get good things from God. The blood has made us good enough. It has made us righteous before God. We are His adopted children sealed in the blood of Jesus Christ.
****1 John 3:22} And we receive from Him whatever we aks, because we (watchfully) obey His orders (observe His suggestions and injunctions, follow His plan for us) and (habitually) practice what is pleasing to Him.
The key to receiving here is "OBEDIENCE." There are stipulations (commands and instructions) all through God's Word if we are to inherit His promises. We can't behave like a bunch of little heathens and expect His blessings in our lives. It's not just the blood covering, it's our participation in His will and plan for our lives. Not our will but Yours be done Father. Amen!
The blood of Jesus Christ is not visible to us, it can't be seen by us. But it is screaming red to demons. It is a constant reminder of victory over them. They cannot remain in the presence of the blood of Jesus Christ. All the more reason to apply it daily. The blood is God's Trophy whereby the demons were defeated on Calvary. They may be still hollering at God's people today, but we need to remind them that "IT IS FINISHED" by applying the blood.
****Colossians 2:13-15} And yhou who were dead in trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your flesh ( you sensuality, your sinful carnal nature), (God) brought to life together with (Christ) having (freely) forgien us all our transgressions. Having cancelled and blotted out and wiped away the handwriting of the note (bond) with its legal decrees and demands which was in force and stood against us (hostile to us). This (not with its regulations, decrees, and demands), He set aside and cleared completely out of our way by nailing it to (His cross). (God) disarmed the principalities and powers that were ranged against us and made a bold display and public example of them, in triumphing over them in Him and in it (the cross).
The blood not only washes us clean of our sins but it ended the old covenant which was under the Law that was filled with demands and decrees which we had to follow in order to maintain our forgiveness before the Lord. As I have said, we are no longer under the Law! We are under a new blood bought Covenant that has been purchased for us through the shed blood of Jesus Christ! We are now under Grace! The laws that were in the old covenant have been done away with and we now have a new covenant with new rules to follow. Two of the biggest ones being to love God with all our mind, heart and soul and to love one another. The Law was rigid and full of works. Under grace we can come boldly to the throne of God, ask for forgiveness and accept His mercy, forgiveness and love.
PLEADING THE BLOOD
****1 Corinthians 2:7-8} But rather what we are setting forth is a wisdom of God once hidden (from the human understanding) and now revelaed to us by God....(that wisdom) which God devised and decreed before the ages for our glorification (to lift us into the glory of His presence). None of the rulers of this age or world perceived and recognized and understood this, for if they had, they would never have crucified the Lord of glory.
The demons totally failed at Calvary, they lost their deed to our souls at Golgotha. The Blood of Jesus Christ, over His beloved people, reminds them of their hollow abilities which were made null and void on the day of Christ's martyrdom. The demons are now powerless over our souls because of the Blood of Jesus!
Christ di dnot hae to die for our sins. He died willingly and lovingly. His mercy and lovingkindness endures forever (Psalm 136).
APPLYING THE BLOOD
If we read in the Old Testament we will find many examples of the blood sacrifice of animals being used as a TOKEN of a greater truth.
The greater Truth is that the blood sacrifice of Jesus on Calvary paid for the ransom of our souls, and also opened up a Fountain of Blood protection from all the demons that daily rage against us:
****1 Peter 5:8} Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring (in fierce hunger), seeking someone to seize upon and devour.
Satan is always roaming around looking for weak Christians. People who will give up and quit easily and walk away from God. That is why we need to stick very close to God at all times and be filled up with His word and His presence. Our discernment has to be sharp at all times.
**** John 10:10} The thief comes only in order to steal, kill and destroy.
It's very important to protect our homes, ourselves, families and every area of our lives by applying the blood. This is our hedge of protection from the enemy. He hates the blood and will not cross over it.
Do We Have A Blood Shield About us?
****Hebrews 12: 24} And to Jesus, the Mediator (Go between, Agent), of a new covenant and to the sprinkled blood which speaks (of mercy), a better and nobler and more gracious message than the blood of Abel (which cried out for vengeance).
****James 3:5-6}Even so the tongue is a little member, and it can boast of great things. See how much wood or how great a forest a tiny spark can set ablaze! And the tongue is a fire, (the tongue is a ) world of wickedness set among our members, contaminating and depraving the whole body and seetting on fire the wheel of birth (the cycle of man's nature), being itself ignited by hell.
We need to apply the blood to the altar of our day as well as to the altar of our tongues.
****James 3:8} But the human tongue can be tamed by no man. It is a restless (undisciplined, irreconcilable) evil, full of deadly poison.
Only God can tame our tongues. That is why it's important to apply the blood to our tongues daily. We would find we would not speak out so many profanities or words we regret. Our words do not always glorify God. The blood of Jesus can put a guard over our tongues.
In Leviticu 8, we see Aaron, the high priest, slay the ram of Consecration and then Moses, their deliverer, sprinkles the blood upon the altar, their garment, and upon their right ear, thumb and toe. This is signifying the five sense separated unto God. This is a Token, that we too should ask to be covered with the precious Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.
****James 1:26} If anyone thinks himself to be religious (piously observant of the external duties of his faith) and does not bridle his tongue but deludes his won heart, this person's religious service is worthless (futile, barren).
Let's face it, we will all slip up at times, we are human. But we don't need people pointing out our shortcomings. We have a Holy Spirit for this. Applying the blood of Jesus to our tongues will help us to speak in ways to more glorify God. But also remember out of the mouth the heart speaks. So if someone is constantly speaking in an evil or wrong way, we really need to look within.
****Proverbs 18:21} Death and life are int he power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it (for death or life).
If anything motivates us to apply the blood of Jesus on our tongues it is this Scripture. We can bless or curse, we can speak life or death from our own mouths. Words are alive and they have power. A word spoken out can bring in an action...be it positive or negative. What we speak out is what we will have.
When we ask for the covering of the blood of Christ on our tongue, speech and words, we ask to be guarded against using our tongue for evil, lies, anger, gossip and those many idle words we can say.
****Matthew 12:36-37} But I tell you, on the day of judgment men will have to give an account for every idle (inoperative, nonworking) word they speak. For by your words you will be justified and acquitted, and bvy your words you will be condemned and sentenced.
We need to be very careful what we speak out because God is always listening. We will have to account for ever word that comes out of our mouth.
1 Corinthians 10:10} Nor discontently complain as some of them did....and were put out of the way entirely by the destroyer (death).
Whenever we complain, moan, groan against God we need to remember that not only does God listen, the devil does too. When we praise God we give glory to Him when we complain we give glory to Satan.
****Hosea 14:2} Take with you words and return to the Lord, Say to Him, Take away all our iniquity; accept wha tis good and receive us graciously; so will we render our thanks as bullocks (to be sacrificed) and pay the confession of our lips.
As we surrender to Christ's power within us by His Blood...from which the demons tremble, we take that unruly tongue of ours and make it an altar of praise and gratitude to God.
****Hebrews 13:15} Through Him, therefore, let us constantly and at all times offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of our lips that thankfully acknowledge and confess, and glorify His name.
Let's face it, there are times we don't feel like praising God....do it anyway. The fruit of our lips should always be towards praising and thanking God. Satan hates it when we praise, it makes him flee. All the more reason for doing it. When we do the opposite of what the devil expects, we give glory to God!
****Psalm 3:3} But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.
When we put a blood shield upon our mouths and tongues, the consequences and end results will be well pleasing.
****Genesis 15:1} After these things, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision saying, Fear not, Abram, I am your Shield, your abundant compensation, and your reward shall be exceedingly great.
When we keep a right heart and attitude before God the same promise that was made to Abram is also ours. Obedience and a pure heart bring abundant compensation and exceedingly great rewards. God knows it takes great discipline on our behalf to obey Him in all things, He will honor that.
****Job 31:1-8} I dedicated a covenant (an agreement) to my eyes; how then could I look (lustfully) upon a girl? For what portion should I have from God above (if I were lewd) and what heritage fromt he Almighty on high? Does not calamity (justly) befall the unrighteous, and disaster the workers of iniquity? Does not God see my ways and count all things? If I have walked with falsehood or vanity, or if my foot has hastened to deceit....Oh, let me be weighed in a just balance and let Him weigh me, that God may know my integrity! If my step has turned out of God's way, and my heart has gone the way my eyes (covetously) invited, and if any spot has stained my hands with guilt, then let me sow and let another eat; yes, let the produce of my field or my offspring be rooted out.
Our eyes too need to be screened by the Blood of Jesus Christ... all that we look at...TV, cyberspace, magazines, videos, movies, books etc.... We are told in the book of Job to make a blood covenant with our eyes.
****Psalm 101:3} I will set no base or wicked thing before my eyes. I hate the work of them who turn aside (from the right path); it shall not grasp a hold of me.
We really need to be careful what our eyes take in as well as our minds and spirits. Any opening is a danger to receive evil things....the eyes, the ears, the tongue, the mouth, the mind etc...
It is good to cover all these areas with the blood of Jesus.
****Proverbs 19:2} Desire without knowledge is not good, and to be overhasty is to sin and miss the mark.
We also need to apply the blood to our toe, our feet, everywhere we go, every puropse and plan....our daily walk. It's just as important to apply the blood to our thumb, our hands, for every work and skill we do...our acts. Everything enters the mind through the ear, so it's just as important to plead the blood on our ears. We listen to Tv, radio, concerts, cd's, teachings, the voices of others, sermons etc....All of these things need to be filtered through the precious Blood.
Voices
Our ears especially need to be Blood dipped, for there are many voices crowding upon us for our attention. There is the voice of Self which is always looking for an easier, softer way of convenience and comfort.
James 1: 13-16} Let no one say when he is tempted, I am tempted from God; for God is incapable of being tempted by (what is) evil and He Himself tempts no one. But every person is tempted when he is drawn away, enticed and baited by his own evil desire (lust, passions). Then the evil desire, when it has conceived, gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is fully matured, brings forth death. do not be miseld, my beloved brethren.
Sin starts as a thought in the mind. There are many things that we see and hear in this world that can lead us the wrong way...the path of sin and death. If we give it enough thought, it will become an action. That is why the moment a wrong thought comes in we need to take it captive and command it to bow down to the authority and obedience of Christ in Jesus name. Do not allow any negative thought any time whatsover to incubate in your mind. Take authority of it on the onset. Plead the blood over the ears and the mind is a form of protection against these things.
****Philippians 3:13} I do not consider, brethren, that I have captured and made it my own (yet); but one thing I do (it is my one aspiration); forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead.
The devil always wants us to look back, at our past. God wants us to forget our past and look to our future. Looking back gets us into trouble and can lead us back into sin. The devil will always try to incriminate us into our past and get us to look at what we were rather than what we are becoming. He will tempt us 1,000 times a minute if we take time to listen to him. All of these voices are good at rationalizing, justifying, defending, and denying.
****John 8:44} You are of your father, the devil, and it si your will to practice the lusts and gratify the desires (which are characteristic) of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a falsehood, he speaks what is natural to him, for he is a liar (himself) and the father of lies and of all that is false.
Let's face it the devil will always accuse the children of God. He will tear down, condemn and anything that will stop us from maturing spiritually. We cannot and should not give him this kind of power. God always builds up, edifies and encourages. So when we hear anything negative being spoken to us we need to silence it on the onset by taking authority over it and applying the Blood.
****Proverbs 1:7-19.} The reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is the beginning and the principal and choice part of knowledge (its starting point and its essence); but fools despise skillful and godly Wisdom, instruction, and discipline. My son, hear the instruction of yoru father; reject not nor forsake the teaching of your mother. For tey are a (victor's) chaplet (garland) of grace upon your head and chains and pendants (of gold worn by kings) for your neck. For son, if sinners intice you, you do not consent. If they say, come with us; let us lie in wait (to shed) blood, let us ambush the innocent without cause (and show that his piety is in vain); Let us swallow them up alive as does Sheol (the place of the dead), and whole, as those who go down into the pit (of the dead); We shall find and take all kinds of precious goods (when our victims are put out of the way), we shall fill our houses with plunder; Thow in our lot with us (they insist) and be a sworn brother and comrade, let us all have one purse in common...My son, do not walk in the way with them; restrain your foot from their path; For their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed blood. For in vain is the net spread in the sight of any bird!
I would urge you to put your nose in your Bible and really meditate on this on your own. This talks about voices that will entice you to go along with those who follow ways which are contrary to the Lord. Pleading the blood on our feet and our walk will protect us from going down a wrong path.
THE VOICE OF THE SPIRIT
We need to be led and guide by the Spirit, listening to the voice of the Lord.
Psalm 29:1} Ascribe to the Lord, O sons of the mighty, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
We are not true sons of God if we do not allow ourselves to be led and guided by the Spirit of God in all we say and do. Ascribe means to lay down and follow the ways of the Lord basically. Read this whole Psalm and really meditate on it.
****1 Kings 19:12} And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire, and after the fire ( a sound of gentle stillness and ) a still, small voice.
God has a gentle and still voice that is why we need to be quiet and really listen. Especially when He speaks to our hearts. That is why it's so important to have quiet time with the Lord. He won't yell at us to get our attention. He expects us to be paying attention at all times.
****Hebrews 3:7-8}Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, Today, if you will hear His voice do not harden your hearts.
When we hear God's voice we need to obey. What happens when we harden our hearts? We fall into rebellion and disobedience, which is sin in the eyes of God. So we automatically fall out of His will for us.
****Hebrews 3:15} Then while it is (still) called Today, if you would hear His voice and when you hear it, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion (in the desert, when the people provoked and irritated and embittered God against them).
As soon as we hear God's voice we need to heed and obey what He is telling us to do. We should not procrastinate or put it off. It has to be instant obedience.
****Hebrews 4:7} For in a certain place He has said this about the seventh day; And God rested on the seventh day from all His works.
When we obey God and do what we are supposed to do He will bring us into a place of rest in Him. It is a place where He will refresh us, restore us and strengthen us. How quickly we enter that place of resting at His feet depends on how quick we are to obey Him.
****Matthew 6:23} But if your eye is unsound, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the very light in you (your conscience) is darkened, how dense is that darkness!
It's very dangerous not to heed what God is saying and not to move out in obedience. Our discernment will get very clouded due to our sin of rebellion and complacency. God leads us and guides us according to our proportion of fine-tuning. In other words, how discerning we are in hearing God and obeying God's voice.
****1 John 4:1} Beloved, do not put faith in every spirit, but prove (test) the spirits to discover whether they proceed from God; for many false prophets have gone forth into the world.
How do we test the spirits? By the revelation of God's Word. The more understanding we develop of God's Word, the greater our discernment will be and the clearer we will hear God's voice. God is well able to give us a check and warn us when we are sitting or listening to false doctrines or teachings. We need to test everything against the Word of God and not just accept false teachings and twisted lies even though they may seem sound. Ignorance is not bliss, it is life threatening to us as Christians. It is sad that many of God's people will not apply themselves by studying God's Word for themselves to rightly divide and show themselves approved by God.
****John 14:26} But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name (in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf), He will teach you in all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you.
When we are studying God's Word we need to rely on the Holy Spirit to give us the understanding of His Word. Not our own minds, nor anyone else's for that matter. The Holy Spirit is the greatest Teacher of the Word because He is the Author of it! Notice it says He will teach us ALL things. If we are truly seeking the Truth and studying His Word, the Holy Spirit will teach and reveal ALL things.
****John 16:13} But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth). For He will not speak His own message (on His own authority), but He will tell whatever He hears (from the Father; He will give the message that has been given to Him; ) and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come (that will happen in the future.)
The Holy Spirit is not only the Spirit of Truth, but He is the Revealer of what the future holds. God will always warn His people when something is to happen. That is if our ears are finely tuned to His words. We too should take the example of Jesus and not do our own thing, teach from our own understanding, nor speak from our own words, but listen carefull to what the Father is showing us, teaching us, and telling us. Let's face it we are human and we will sometimes have a spirit of error. The Holy Spirit is the greatest Teacher we can learn from. He is truth and there is no error in Him.
We are commanded to obey God's voice. There are several reasons for this. I would urge you to read all of Deuteronomy 28. Really study it and meditate on it.
WEAPONS OF OUR WARFARE
What voice will we allow to control the thoughts of our minds? There are many voices out there. We also need to remember that even Satan can appear as an angel of light and sound holy and right. He loves to deceive us. But when we know God's Word and His character intimately it won't be so easy to be deceived. The more time we spend in God's presence and His Word, the more our discernment will be sharpened.
Night and day there is always battles going on inside our heads. The world, the flesh and the devil, the pride of life, all fight against the kingdom of God, moment by moment, second by second, our thoughts are being bombarded. But we have His power over our thoughts. We are the blood bought of the redeemed. It is important to stop negatives thoughts on the onset and cast them down to the authority and obedience of Christ ....give them no time for thought.
****2 Corinthians 10:5} Inasmuch as we refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the true knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).
So we do not just take authority over our thoughts, but over arguments, theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the true knowledge of God. When we hear something that does not line up with the Word of God, we can approach that person and talk to them about it. But if they are determined to beleive what they do, then the best thing we can do is pray about it. My favorite prayer has always been: Lord if I'm wrong show me, if they're wrong show them. Amen! We should never argue over the Word!
****1 John 5:8} And there are three witnesses on the earth: the Spirit, the water and the blood; and these three agree (are in unison; their testimony coincides)
Rule over my soul, rule over my soul, sweet Spirit rule over my soul"
****Ppsalm 119:9} How shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed and keeping watch (on himself) according to Your word (comforming his life to it).
I would also urge you to read all of Romans 8
Those are just three of our weapons, and they are mighty:
The Holy Spirit, the Word of God, and the Blood of Jesus Christ.
These three work together to bring resolve.
The Weapon of Prayer:
***1 Thessalonians 5:17} Be unceasing in prayer (praying perseveringly).
We are to pray without stopping, every day, every moment.
****1 Corinthians 14:15} Then what am I to do? I will pray with my spirit (by the Holy Spirit that is within me), but I will also pray (intelligently) with my mind and understanding; I will sing with my spirit (by the Holy Spirit that is within me), but I will sing (intelligently) with my mind and understanding too.
It is also important to pray in tongues. This is when the Holy Spirit takes over for us and intercedes for us. This is the one language the devil does not understand. That is why he tries to stop many Christians from praying this way. He puts a thought in their heads that this way of praying is not of God. Believe me and God's Word... it is not only of God, but it is very effectual! All the more reason to do it. We need to pray in the Spirit and to have normal conversation with our Father through our normal language.
****Luke 11:2} And He said to them, When you pray, say: Our Father Who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done (held holy and revered) on earth as it is in heaven.
When we pray we are to address our prayers to the Father...no other. Too many religions today are teaching false doctrines made up by men that do not line up with God's word. Example: praying to Mary, praying to saints, doing novenas, and many other idols that people pray to. God warns us not to have any other gods before Him! Many religions today are in idol worship! There is no way to the Father but through Christ Jesus. Jesus is our only intercessor, there is no other. So when we pray to the Father....we pray in Jesus name.
****James 1:17} Every good gift and every perfect (free, large, full) gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of all (that gives) light, in (the shining of) Whom there can be no variation (rising or setting) or shadow cast by His turning (as in an eclipse).
The Father listens to us because we use the Name of His one and only Son Jesus. That is our password.
****Genesis 32:28} And He said, Your name shall be called no more Jacob (supplanter), but Israel (contender with God); for you have contended and have ower with God and with men and have prevailed.
Jacob went from being a servant to being a prince with God and with men. With the Name of Jesus heading up our prayer to the Father, we become princes and princesses.
****Revelation 1:5} And from Jesus Christ the faithful and trustworthy Witness, the Firstborn of the dead (first to be brought back to life) and the Prince (Ruler) of the kings of the earth. To Him Who ever loves us and has once (for all) loosed and freed us from our sins by His own blood.
The name "Jesus" confers upon us the power of prince, for Jesus Himself is the Prince of the kings of the earth.
****John 14:13-14} And I will do ( I Myself will grant) whatever you ask in My Name (as presenting all that I AM), so that the Father may be glorified and extolled in (through) the Son. (Yes) I will grant (I Myself will do for you) whatever you shall ask in My Name (as presenting all that I AM).
****John 16:24} Up to this time you have no asked a (single) thing in My Name (in presenting all that I AM); but now ask and keep on asking and you will receive, so that your joy (gladness, delight) may be full and complete.
Any time we ask God for anything we need to include the name of Jesus. Everything goes through and comes through Jesus. He is our Intercessor to the Father. The Father loves to give to His Son and to us, since we are now all sons and daughers of God. God never tires of us asking, so keep asking until you see the manifestation of what you are asking for. Just make sure what you are asking for is in line with His will and His Word. He will never give us anything that can hurt us. Remember to ask Him for the spiritual things first and then let Him take care of the things we need in the natural.
****Luke 10:17-20} The seventy returned with joy, saying, Lord even the demons are subject to us in Your name! And He said to them, I saw Satan falling like a lightning (flash) from heaven. Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and (physical and mental strength and ability) over al the power that the enemy (possesses); and nothing shall in any way harm you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice at this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are enrolled in heaven.
The name of Jesus is our mighty weapon of warfare. When used we have power and authority over every demonic attack and every demon and devil that comes our way...even Satan! How we need to praise God that our names are in the Book of Life and that God made a way for us to be fully covered and protected while we are here on this earth!
****Leviticus 8:11} And he sprinkled some of the oil on the altar seven times and anointed the altar and its utensils, and the laver, and its base, to consecrate them.
****James 5:14-15} Is anyone among you sick? He should call in the church elders (the spiritual guides). And they should pray over him, anointing him with oil in the Lord's name. Adn the prayer (that is) of faith will save him who is sick, and the Lord will restore him; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.
All of these provide protection for us. We are also protected frome vil by applying oil over the rooms in our homes and on our persons.
Do these means have power in themselves, like superstitious magic? No, definitely not! But they are an outward sign of an inward yielding of ourselves to the Creator of the Universe.....asking help from the One Who has power over Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics. He made the rules....He can supercede the Rules. He often overrules in the natural and spiritual realms for those who love and obey and obey Him, and for reasons beyone our own understanding.
****John 15:7} If you live in Me (abide vitally united to Me) and My words remain in you and continue to live in your hearts, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you.
By applying the redemptive Blood of Jesus Christ, we come under His Lordship.
We must add here too that applying the Blood of Christ to our lives keeps us from the evil one, even should we pass through the valley of the shadow of death. What is being said here? That even if we should die, we cross over into eternity without experiencing the severance of body and soul. Our eternal life begins immediately. That is what Jesus meant when He said, "and He who believes in Me shall NEVER die" (even though outwardly it appears so). Our Blood-covering keeps us from death, until we are called home by divine appointment. We exhale here, and inhale there in Heaven. Such unfathomable love.
LOVING GOD
Love is the greatest influence. When we love God 100%, mountains move!
****Proverbs 16:7} When a man's ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
****Psalm 91: 14} Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him; I will set him on high, because he knows and understands My name (has a personal knowledge of My mercy, love, and kindness--trusts and relies on Me, knowing I will never forsake him, no , never). I would urge you to read this whole Psalm!
God loves us so much that He will go out of His way to work gloriously in our lives when we have that deep intimate love relationship with Him. Loves does not manipulate. Love is the outgrowth of a Relationship. Religion is hollow and it is filled with works and striving. Relationship with God is warm, vibrant, living and resting in Him. We love God 100% because we come to have a revelation and understanding the 100% He gave for us, by the shedding of His prcious Blood on Calvary.
****1 Peter 1:18-19} You must know (recognize) that you were redeemed (ransomed) from the useless (fruitless) way of living inherited by tradition from (your) forefathers, not with corruptible things (such as) wilver and gold) But (you were purchased) with the precious blood of Christ (the Messiah), like that of a (sacrificial) lamb without blemish or spot.
We are no longer under the Law. We do not have to follow the traditions of the priests in Jesus day who sacrificed animals blood for the atonement of sin. We are not to follow the ways and works of religion. We are to follow the leading of the Spirit. The Blood of Jesus paid the price for each one of us once and for all. Our works are fruitless. We are already accepted by the Beloved. We have been bought by His blood and we are now in the family of Christ...sons and daughters of God. And it's simply by accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior and the sacrifice He did for us on Calvary. How simple! Why do we complicate things?
JESUS
When Christ was in the Garden of Gethsemane, He prayed with such depth of feeling for the commitment to be made in our behalf, that great drops of Blood as it were fell from His forehead:
****Luke 22:44} And being in an agony (of mind), He prayed (all the) more earnestly and intently, and His sweat became like gret clots of blood dropping down upon the ground.
The blood was shed for the control of our thoughts.
When the soldiers came and handcuffed him, their brute force must have caused his wrists to bleed. You won't find Scripture to back the fact that the soldiers handcuffed Jesus, but it was their practice to do that with prisoners in that day.
The Blood covering for the works of our hands.
As they pushed and shoved Jesus along the Garden path, His feet were cut against the stones (His shoes were off, for He had been on Holy Ground communing with the Father)
The Blood covering for our feet on our daily walk, our direction and purpose.
****Isaiah 50:6} I gave My back to the smiters and My cheeks to those who plucked off the hair; I hid not My face from shame and spitting.
When He was beaten by the religious police force, and even more so by the military force, even plucking off His face, His Blood was in great evidence.
****Isaiah 52:14} (For many the Servant of God became an object of horror; many were astonished at Him). His face and His whole appearance were marred more than any man's and His form beyond that of the sons of men--but just as many were astonished at Him.
Many were astonished at Him, His visage (appearance) was so marred more than any man and His form more than the sons of men.
When they whipped Him beyond recognition with lead-toothed whips that tore the flesh in four directions, lacerating the back, front, face and anything within range of the furious scourge, He took it all for you and me.....
Blood overing for every weakness, sickness and disease:
****Isaiah 53:5} But He was wounded for our transgressions. He was bruised for our guilt and iniquities; the chastisement (needful to obtain) peace and well being for us was upon Him, and with the stripes (that wounded) Him we are healed and made whole.
****1 Peter 2:24} He personally bore our sins in His (own) body on the tree (as on an altar and offered Himself on it), that we might die (cease to exist) to sin and live to righteousness. By His wounds you have been healed.
Notice you have been healed. Not will be, not may be, but "have been", that means right now.
When the crowned Him with the sharp crown of thorns, there came forth His Blood for all our rejections, mockings, sarcasms, and exclusions (ignorings) that would come against us.
When He carried that heavy cross up the hill of Calvary, and it dug into His shoulder
---more Blood for every burden we would ever bear.
As they nailed His holy hands (that only performed good all the days of His life) to the Cross, and as they nailed His beautiful feet (that only went on missions of mercy and compassion) to that Tree, we were able to become bond-servants to Him through the Blood. How we are to cleave to our Master and Lord.
And lastly, when they pierced His side and out flowed the last drops of Blood, the Fountain of Emmanuel's veins were opened in our behalf, for daily recourse. Recourse means: An act of running back, a turning to someone or something for help and protection, a source of help and strength, a right to demand payment from the Maker or Endorser of a negotiable instrument. Jesus is that instrument of sacrifice, protection, forgiveness, help and anything else we may need in our lives.
All this, so that we would have a chance to spend a glorious eternity with Him, forever freed from Satan's power. I've always said the only power that Satan has over us is what we allow him to have. He has no power over us! It has all been destroyed by the blood of the Lamb. The cross is the Tree of Love from the Father to us.
Overcoming Power
Someday, we too may be asked to lay down our lives for Him.
We too will be able to love back 100%. There again will be that red rich source of strength and power to see us through the giving of our lives:
Revelation 12:11} And they have overcome (conquered) him by means of the blood of the Lamb and by the utternace of their testimony, for they did not love and cling to life even when faced with death (holding their lives cheap til they had to die for their witnessing).
There is no power like the Power of Jesus Blood!!!!
Dear Father, In Jesus Name, I ask to be covered under the precious Blood of your crucified Son. Please cover my home, family, work, mind, emotions, will, sins, thoughts, tongue, words, body, heart, eyes, soul and life under that victorious Blood that I too may overcome today. Thank You. Amen
Song: God Leads Us Along
Some through the waters, some through the flood
Some through the fire, but all through the blood
Some through great sorrow, but God gives a son
In the night season and all the day long
