Matthew 3: Baptise With Fire

Matthew 3:11Amplified Bible 
Classic Edition (AMPC)

11 I indeed baptize you in (with) water because of repentance [that is, because of your changing your minds for the better, heartily amending your ways, with abhorrence of your past sins]. But He Who is coming after me is mightier than I, Whose sandals I am not worthy or fit to take off or carry; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

The last few days, the Lord has been reminding me of what He told me many years ago.  He said, "The Chaldeans are coming."  This warning came somewhere at the beginning of the new millennium.  At that time, the Lord showed me that the invasion was a spiritual attack against our worship of the One True God (Isaiah 44-48: Let Worship Arise, Flee From the Chaldeans!).

Today, we are faced with the physical "invasion" of the Chaldean.  Syria is one of the countries included in Chaldea of antiquity.  Please hear me.  I am not saying we, as Christians should turn our backs on people who need our help.  What I am saying is we absolutely need godly wisdom in how we help.

It is even more crucial that we listen and obey the voice of His Spirit.  His baptism with the Holy Spirit and fire, is essential for survival.  Obedience to the Lord and His commands is our most effective means of protection (2 Kings 24-25; 2 Chronicles 36: Return to God!).

We must burn with God's perfect love!

1 John 4:18
Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)

18 There is no fear in love [dread does not exist], but full-grown (complete, perfect) love turns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror! For fear brings with it the thought of punishment, and [so] he who is afraid has not reached the full maturity of love [is not yet grown into love’s complete perfection].

We must turn out fear, while holding out hand to our neighbor; we must use holy wisdom!

Abba, these are times of trial.  Many are hurting and the evil one desires to kill, rob and destroy.  Protect us against physical assault.  Protect our hearts from becoming hardened against those in need.  Empower with Your fire to live according to Your ways, not our own.  Give us wisdom.  In Jesus' name, AMEN!

Core Beliefs: You’re More Than You Think!

Lifeline Pregnancy Care Center

You're Invited!
Saturday, November 14
9:00-10:00 am
Millersburg Area Senior Center

Core Beliefs: You’re More Than You Think!

You can view life’s difficulties positively.
Learn how at this free presentation by Psychiatric Nurse Bellann Klinger, RN-BC.
Positive mental health strategies will be presented from both a cognitive behavioral and Christian perspective (Philippians 4:8).
All are welcome.

Sponsored By: 

Lifeline Pregnancy Care Center / 717-692-2183 / lifeline@pa.net
Lifeline offers free pregnancy tests, parenting classes and baby supplies like diapers, formula, clothes, strollers and so much more. All of our services are free.

Luke 2:39-52: Favor with God and Man

Luke 2:52
Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)

And Jesus increased in wisdom (in broad and full understanding) and in stature and years, and in favor with God and man.

I have been thinking about this concept the past few days and contrasting this verse with Luke 6:26, "Woe to (alas for) you when everyone speaks fairly and handsomely of you and praises you, for even so their forefathers did to the false prophets"(Amplified Bible, Classic Edition).


I find these two verses in contradiction.  How can a person have favor and then be in danger of being found as false?

Could it mean that as we increase in wisdom and favor with God and man, that there is a danger of it "going to our heads"?  Pride comes before a fall. 

Proverbs 16:18

Classic Edition (AMPC)
 

Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

 

It's a true blessing when God smiles on our lives, but in a way it is also a temptation as well.  The temptation is that we may begin to think that we, in our own power caused people to praise us and speak well of us.  Furthermore, another temptation would be to then say what others want us to say in order to maintain that good standing.  

 

This is where a false prophet is made.  No longer is the person God's mouthpiece, but a people-pleasing mouthpiece.  

 

These verses don't contradict each other after all, but offer direction and a warning to remain humble and thankful for the favor that God bestows.  And to never idolize the good things people say about us.

Bless you dear friends!