Worship and Money

I have been pondering for sometimes now, how to not to love money. For this is the root of all sins. The Bible declares we must love God and yet despise the love of money. Recently I have gone to my Pastor to learn the stewardship principle. The first thing I needed to do was to track what I was spending on. I discovered that I was throwing money at things that had no value. Pop, eating out excessively, and gas. It was very eye opening as to my lack of control. As I looked at this for over a week, I realized I was not seeking to do good works God had prepared for me to do because of this abuse. Then God gave me a thought. How do I not worship money? The answer was to decide to worship God with all the money I had and not just Tithing. This thought liberated me. I made the decision (a realistic decision) to limit myself two bought drinks at quick stop stores and only one eat out one meal a day. I now take with me canned fish to stop paying for snacks. For the first time in my life financial freedom is in sight. PTL

The Truth Shall Set You Free

You shall know the Truth and the Truth shall set you free. Truly I have all of God's promises to receive and apply faith to. Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises that by these we might be made partakers of the divine nature. The first stronghold braking truth is to dwell on the fact that Christ died for you and was buried and rose again according to the Scripture. As this is applied we receive the second Truth. We trust Christ, His love, His Word, and His Cross. A third Truth is, "In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus." Faith is received as we recognize His provision as a gift. As a gift we say thanks in everything. The fourth Truth is to "Count it all joy when you fall into divers temptation." The fifth Truth is, "Come unto Me all you that are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of Me for I am meek and lowly in heart and I will give you rest. For my burden is light and my yoke is easy." Will you receive these truths and rest your faith. To know Truth is to walk in the Spirit and to be filled with His Spirit. You shall know the Truth and the Truth shall set you free.

Joy of Confession

What a blessing to confess our sins and find God's forgiveness. As we confess the sins we know, we are cleansed of the sins we don't know. I've discovered that there are two distinct types of sins we can confess and find freedom. There are the sins we recognize as sins. Did you know you can be forgiven for being a Pharisee? God can bless with forgiveness for both. I've discovered this truth. What freedom? God through Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for judging and believing their own self-righteousness. It's hard to believe that God can forgive something so rebuked by Jesus. What freedom as we confess both types of sins. I wrote a poem as a burn on myself. It goes something like this:

Oh, I am a Pharisee and I'm okay.
I teach the law and judge all day.
My righteousness exceeds the common folk.
Oh, I am a Pharisee and I'm okay.

It ends with:
I am a Pharisee and I'm not okay.

Isn't God's forgiveness so great. Truly Jesus' yoke is easy and His burden is light.

My Yoke Is Easy

Matthew 11:28-30

"Come unto Me,all that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me: for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

Truly as we are yoked with Christ, both of us handle life by His strength. As some of you know I experience panic attacks. I've discovered the power of trust in Christ can lead me to freedom. I am also applying this trust as I pray for others. I pray for others, no longer hindered by double mindedness. I can boldly go to God for intercession and wisdom. I am excited for the assurance God is giving me. I now can apply His love to prayer. Love declares "Bears all thing. believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. Truly as I pray God's Word, I can be confident that my prayers will be answered. John 15:7 "If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall what ye will, and it shall be done unto you."

I am reminded of the need to be persistent and fervent in prayer. "O' Lord, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven."

God's Role

I've been pondering God's role in my spiritual growth. I've realized my only part is being good soil. This isn't even something I do, but God's work also. God's main job is to prepare the soil. Once the soil is prepared, God waters the seed. He waters it by the washing of the Word. I am amazed as to how God has worked and lead. As my soil is good. I will delight myself in God and He will give me His desires for my life. God waters prominently by the promises He allows me to receive and to apply. Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises that by these we might be made par tackers of the divine nature. Truly not only are we refreshed by showers, but also being close to waters streams as found in Psalm 1. But his delight is in the law of the Lord and in His law doth he meditate day and night and he shall be like a tree planted by rivers of water. His leaf also shall not wither and whatsoever he does shall prosper. Pray to God for good soil and promises to be watered by.

Make Me A Blessing

As my assurance grows fuller, I am having not to focus my energy on my doubting. I lead the church service at the County Home. My message was about blessings such as found in the Sermon on the Mount. I thought of being a blessing. I still work through panic attacks. I've learned to face, focus, and work through them. I am encouraged as I don't need the medicine to meet these attacks. I can now put my energy into being a blessing. There's a thought that as we focus on a goal, a part of us will try and make it true. I've decided for my goal to be "Glorify God, enjoy Him forevermore. To touch lives and keep myself pure." My homepage shares the new poem on this thought.

Blessings from the Poet

Promises

In looking back at my poetry, I realized it is truth that has lead me to assurance. It was about promises that I knew and received from God. My faith has brought me to a spiritual rest and trust. This gift of trust is necessary to touch lives with confidence and conviction. God is good and ready to forgive and plenteous in mercy unto all that call upon Him. Hebrews Chapter four describes the blessedness of this faith rest and I have not fallen short of it. I am confident I can come to Christ with boldness of faith. He also is blessing me with answer to prayer. It is a delight to call upon Him for the good of others. Seeing God at work is truly great riches.
I used to define success by money received. I now know true riches is answered prayer, as lives are changed for God's glory. Prosperity has nothing to do with money. The church at Smyrna was rich even though it had great poverty. Sometimes being chastened by persecution can lead to knowing great riches. For the trying of our faith worketh patience, let patience have it's perfect work. That we may be entire and wanting nothing. Truly I am rich as I dwell on God's goodness to me.

Revival?

Does God offer a possibility for revival before the second coming of Jesus? I think the opening for a small revival to take place is possible. In the period of time for the churches of Revelation, we find the church of Laodicea. The church is lukewarm and one of compromise. Could this be the Era we are in now.
Jesus asks when He comes back will He find faith on the earth? I believe Jesus does want to find us with faith. That is why He makes this offer to the Laodicea church.

"Behold I stand at the door and knock: if any man hears My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him and will sup with him, and he with me."

Are you hearing this verse today, I am. We are called to be over comers by faith. I want to be a person that is found waiting for His coming. Do You? God declares a crown as a reward for those who love His appearing. He's knocking. Will you listen for Him?

God promises as we pray in secret, He will reward us openly. Will you pray for your friends to grow? What greater reward then our children walking in Truth.

I'm encouraged as I see friends delivered from drugs. Renewed seeking for sexual purity. My own deliverance from double mindedness and friends doing daily Bible study.

Revival starts with our individual desire for our Savior. He that hath my commandments and keepeth them He it is that loveth Me, and I will love Him and manifest Myself to him. What is one of God's greatest commandment?

Jesus says, "You believe in God, believe also in Me. In my Father's house there is many mansions, behold I go to prepare a place for you, for where I am there will you be also."

If you, too are sensing the need for revival, please interact with me by leaving a note.

With God all things are possible.

God Bless,

John The Poet

No Confidence

I will put no trust in the flesh. In my deliverance from double mindedness, it's amazing I no longer look at my gifts for assurance. I also no longer look at my salvation experience. My trust in Jesus is full and complete. God is good. My trust in Him is in the here and now. Another related subject is God showing up with my counselor experience at Special camp. How it is related? It is related to the freedom I had from panic attacks. With all the stress of ministering 24/5 for the campers. Truly this was amazing. Truly I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. It was tough by Friday and I was running on fumes, but God showed up even then. It was a good and fulfilling experience. It was a joy to minister Christ's love in all ways. Truly the way to assist Special campers was kindness and being a servant. It's good to be back home, though. I'm trying to get back in a grove and to find the best way to use my time.

A side note.
I am now moving to:

John Brobst
4830 Ford Ave N.W.
Cedar Rapids, IA 52405

Faith and Deliverance

After my deliverance from double mindedness, I can look upon my Savior with a full faith. For I trust in Christ and His love. I can trust in Christ's Word and His Cross. Truly this assurance is a great gift from my Lord. May I go forth in boldness of faith. May I share the name and face of my God, the Lord Jesus Christ. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.

Romans 10:4 "For Christ is the end of the law of righteousness to everyone that believes."

"Behold old things have passed away, all things have become new."

"Greater is He that is in us, then he that is in the world."

"Blessings and honor, wisdom and power unto the Ancient of days."

"Every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord to the glory of God the Father."

Doubts Answered

After a long period of doubt, I discovered that some of my faith was hindered by legalism. I had heard of the term, but never applied it totally to myself. I came to a point where I was totally hindered by being double minded. My faith was not a complete faith. I asked my Pastor for counsel. He recognized what I was doing wrong. I was dwelling on my salvation experience to prove I was saved. I was also trying to prove my faith to myself because of my poetry I had written. Both things were good, but I made the mistake of looking to these for these things for assurance. My Pastor revealed to me that double mindedness came from the desire to try trusting something other than Christ. He simply said, "Trust Christ." The two words stuck in my mind and heart. Don't trust your salvation experience and don't trust your gift of poetry. Don't trust your part in salvation. Just Trust Christ. As I worked through this I let go of the things I was using to prove To myself my salvation. Again the answer was to trust Christ and what he had done. The solution was found when I called on God for deliverance. Again the words rang true "Trust Christ." The next day lead me to not only trust Christ, but also trust Christ's love. I found myself complete as this last step was applied. I don't understand the spiritual ramifications of this "I just know to trust Christ"

Letting Go

After some panic attacks, I found myself fighting through my anxieties. I came to a conclusion that instead of worrying, maybe I would let go trying so hard. Truly I found myself trying to be perfect. God made me aware that some of the things I was doing were not necessarily bad, but I was being lead in a strange way to be perfect. These things were not bad, but as added things to a do list. Things which were preferences and not convictions. The first step was to assume that I was truly saved. As I work through this I found a key to stop working for perfection and even salvation. There is a verse that talks about this, "But to him that works not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly his faith is counted for righteousness." Truly salvation states by looking at Christ death for us and through faith we find a resting place. As I stopped putting energy into my fears, I found myself not working. I found that I could tell God I would trust Him for his will for me. I would remember to not work, but let go into God's hands.

Goals

There is a thought that as we have goals in our lives we are made by nature to fulfill these goals. If this is true how can we use this in our lives. Goals then find a way to make our lives work or not work depending what goal is before us. Practical goals such as being faithful to a job, managing money, being a consistent prayer and daily bible reading are good. I've come upon three spiritual goals to motivate my life. The Lutheran catechism says the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forevermore. I believe that this goal can address why we are here. Another goal I have is to touch lives with God's goodness. A part of touching lives is to pray for others. As I pray in secret, I watch for God to reward openly by His working in the lives of family and friends. When deciding for the early church what needed to be taught, one focus was to avoid fornication. The last goal I have for myself is to keep myself unspotted from the world. Truly blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God. As I apply these goals I focus on God in a consistent way and I can now define my life and what I am truly about.

Love Of Money

The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. How do we deal with this verse and how can we apply it. Another verse,"There is a man that makes himself rich, but is poor. There is a man that makes himself poor, but is rich." How can we fight against our carnal desire for riches. I believe by seeing the true great riches we can keep money in perspective. One of these riches is wisdom. We are called to search for wisdom at least as hard as we seek for gold or silver. Why because wisdom gives us valuable things that makes oneself spiritually rich and to teach others about about these riches. What is greater riches than changing lives, that leads to true contentment. Godliness with contentment is great gain. To be able to love others without hypocrisy also making a difference. No greater joy do we have than our children walking in truth. True riches is God working in our lives and the lives of others.
What then do we do with money? We need to realize it's a tool to build in other people's lives. God promises us enough money to do every good work. Yet, we are to learn to use money in such a way to maximize its' value. I am learning to use money in a way not to waste it. The best way to realize this is that all we need is food and raiment and there with to be content.
David said I don't want to give to the Lord, something that cost me nothing. As we share the gospel may it cost us something. To be spiritually involved in there lives or other ways of cost. Practically I've learned my addiction to pop and the waste of my money on it can be simply solved by making and carrying my own tea. Which costs me almost nothing. Another way to maximize my money is instead of spending money on eating out is to replace it with Slimfast. I need to lose weight anyway. Also by buying groceries at Aldis I stretch my food dollar. With the money I save I can turn it into a tool for witnessing. A simple CD costs me $3. Equivalent to 2 1/2 pops. Or a small poetry book for $1.50. Truly as I sow I might not receive money, but what greater riches then to touch lives. I challenge you to maximize your witness by giving to others in a sacrificial way, to touch lives by the tool of money and your own spiritual gifts. Seeking true riches and displaying God's love by that tool.

Dealing with Anxiety

I've been dealing with panic attacks for over 3 years. I've tried to work through and face them with and without medication. I've realized that there is something I can do that I haven't thought of before. Could my anxiety be a sin and lack of faith. The Promise is, "If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. I have begun working through this confession and to find the wisdom to deal with these attacks. Truly there are promises we can use to face the anxiety that I am feeling. Such as, "Casting all your care upon Him for He careth for you." "Be anxious for nothing, but with prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God and the peace of God shall guard your hearts and mind by Christ Jesus." I am just beginning to confess the sins and doubts and anxiety. I have high hopes that God can truly use the tool of confession to help me to overcome this besetting sin. I am also seeking to overcome the Enemy by using all of God's promises. "Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against God." 2 Peter says, "Whereby we are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises that by these we might be made partakers of the divine nature."

He Loved And Gave

The simplicity of the gospel comes down to this. God loves me and gave Himself for me. This is found in John 3:16. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
As believers we have a simple decision to make. Will we allow His perfect love to cast out our fear? As we rely on the truth that Jesus gave Himself for us we receive His indescribable gift. Truly this kind of faith is simple enough for a child to understand, yet profound enough to meet our assurance needs. In my life this gospel blesses me greatly. God is truly good and ready to forgive and plenteous in mercy unto all that call upon Him. I am preparing to spread this simple gospel message along with my poetry to churches. I will tell my story of God’s mercy as a testimony called “Another Man of Gadarenes” Is this a message you want shared at your church? I desire to share my testimony at churches on Sunday evenings presenting this incredible love and grace.