Present Truth # 1
God's Letter to You

Heaven's Pledge - Our Assurance
At some stage in life, individuals question their existence and purpose in life. A young mind generally has hopes and aspirations for the future. A discontented or discouraged mind finds it hard to accept a purpose or reason for life. Then there are the lonely, the empty, the unhappy. How can your life become more fulfilling, healthy, interesting? What lies after death? Is it possible to receive eternal life? Human hearts of every walk of life question the uncertain, yet desire an answer to satisfy their needs of security and contentment. No doubt at times such questions enter your mind. Are there answers to life's vital questions? Where can you find them? We all have some beliefs or ideas, but how accurate are they? No book ever written reveals so well the answer to these and many other fundamental questions except the Holy Bible. It reveals how life can be lived and enjoyed to the fullest. This is a promise.

Who Wrote the Bible?
Some critics have claimed that the Bible is only a book written by ordinary men, and therefore is just like any other book. The first part of this assertion is partly true but the latter is false. Yes, the book was written by men, but they had one different characteristic to most authors.

“ . . . holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Peter 1:21.

God selected righteous men to pen His messages. They were not naturally creative writers, but events and messages were recorded as they were revealed and inspired by the Holy Spirit. Visions and thoughts were received and these holy men, knowing these were from God, faithfully wrote in their own language what they were shown.

Thus there is a variety of style and of expression in the Bible, but no contradictions. There is a common theme throughout the collection of writings and a unity of beliefs.

“The Spirit of the Lord spake by me, and his word was in my tongue.” 2 Samuel 23:2.

No one was entrusted to write God’s sacred messages without receiving divine assistance.

Actually the Bible is a compendium of books and its real Author is the Almighty. Throughout all these sacred writings is the theme of salvation from sin and its consequences, if we accept God's provisions and counsels.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16, 17.

The Scriptures also tell us of God and His loving character. “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” John 5:39.

Divisions
Sixty-six books were written by nearly 40 writers during a period of approximately 1,600 years. Thirty-nine of the books constitute what is known as the Old Testament and twenty-seven comprise the New Testament. Whenever Jesus referred to Scripture, He quoted the Old Testament (the New Testament had not yet been written).

The Old Testament has three major sections. Jesus said, “. . . These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.” Luke 24:44.

“The law of Moses” refers to the first five books of the Bible. They were written by Moses and are often referred to as “the law,” because they contain all the laws that were given to ancient Israel. The ceremonial laws were symbolic and terminated at the cross. But there is far more to “Moses” than just the ceremonial system. Primarily it consists of the doctrines and principles of establishing God's church on earth. First there is the moral law as given by God Himself, then nature's laws, health, and doctrines of order and organization.

“The prophets” refer to all the prophetic books. Some books in other classifications also have prophetic sections but, for ease of identification, each book is only placed in one category. For instance, Jesus used this type of terminology when talking with two disciples who were traveling to Emmaus after Jesus' resurrection: “And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.” Luke 24:27.

One of the most compelling tests of the authenticity of the Scriptures is the evidence of prophecy, for true prophecy is the recording of history in advance. Many of the prophecies of the Bible were written hundreds of years before their fulfilment, others are occurring now, some refer to our future. So important is prophecy that God challenges anyone to accurately predict the future in detail as He does.

“Produce your cause, saith the Lord; bring forth your strong reasons, saith the King of Jacob. Let them bring them forth, and shew us what shall happen: let them shew the former things, what they be, that we may consider them, and know the latter end of them; or declare us things for to come. Shew the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that ye are gods; yea, do good, or do evil, that we may be dismayed, and behold it together.” Isaiah 41:21-23.

“Psalms” or poetry. The poetical books are Job, the Song of Solomon, and the Psalms. Some translations of the Bible record all the poetical sections in poetical format rather than prose. Although the meter is lost in translation from the original language, the beauty, majesty and pathos of the poetry of the Bible is still apparent and may be readily appreciated.

The Power and Purpose of the Bible
The power of God's word is demonstrated in many ways. When we scan the heavens and behold the sun, moon, planets and the myriads of stars, all orbiting their appointed trajectory through the immense expanse of space, we are witnessing the power of the Word of God!

“By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.” Psalm 33:6, 9.

Yet a still greater power is contained in the living Word. Jesus, the son of God said, “. . . the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” John 6:63. What is this power? What is its purpose?

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12.

“The word” has within itself power, deep, abiding, and eternal. It leads us to see ourselves as we really are. It searches our inmost failures and yearnings, and provides the power to raise us from the lowest degradation. It has power which is able to make and keep men right, something we cannot do for ourselves. The Bible is able to transform our character and to make each person radiant, joyous, and full of hope.

The Psalmist testified of this marvelous transforming power: “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” Psalm 119:11.

How long will the word of God endure? Christ declared: “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” Matthew 24:35.

Comparing the short life span of man with the Word of God, the apostle Peter wrote: “For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: but the word of the Lord endureth forever . . . ” 1 Peter 1:24, 25.

On the midst of all the turmoil and strife of this present age, the Bible stands as an immovable, unchangeable beacon, with its light pointing to the true haven. It is a teacher and counselor of the highest order.

Can Everyone Understand the Bible?
For centuries it has been claimed by the clergy that the Bible should not be read by lay members because only learned theologians are able to interpret its doctrines. This withholding of the Scriptures from the people resulted in an intellectual, spiritual, and moral decline known, today, as the “Dark Ages.” “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” Hosea 4:6.

Contrary to the stated belief of “the clergy,” “the entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” Psalm 119:130.

Therefore, the Word of God is not only for intellectuals to understand, but if studied and obeyed, it will ennoble and elevate the humble searcher for truth, whatever his station in life. Christ declared that God's Word was more readily understood by those of open minds “babies” in trusting and absorbing just what God says, than by those who claim to be “wise.”

“At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.” Matthew 11:25.

Often men of considerable learning, whether secular or theological, are too proud to admit wrong and thus disqualify themselves from understanding the truth of God. This is clearly illustrated in the Bible by the attitude of the learned scribes and Pharisees toward the teachings and person of Christ. Although they had theoretical knowledge, they could not accept the truth being presented to them.

The Lord sees those who are humbly seeking for truth: “. . . to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.” Isaiah 66:2.

As we have read before, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God.” In other words, the “Spirit of God” gave the messages to the various writers. In order to understand the Word of God aright, we need this same Spirit to guide our mind when we read the Bible.

“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” John 16:13.

The written Word of God is God's voice speaking to us. It should always be treated with respect and should be studied with genuine desire to understand truth and its messages. Time spent searching the Scriptures should be regarded as time being spent in contact with the Divine. Therefore, before opening your Bible always pray for the Holy Spirit's guidance and believe that you will be directed and taught aright.

Why Are There So Many Different Interpretations of the Bible?
This question is often asked by skeptics as an argument that the Bible is unreliable. But are they right? What is the key to true understanding?

One reason is given by the apostle Peter: “As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.” 2 Peter 3:16.

In addition the Bible reproves sin and lays open the hidden secrets of the heart. This is not agreeable to our human nature which seeks to obscure the Scripture's plain explanations. The apostle Paul prophesied: “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, have itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 2 Timothy 4:3, 4.

It is impossible to come to a right understanding of the Bible if our hearts are not changed, because sinful human nature is opposed to the Spirit of God. “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Corinthians 2:14.

Today men are eagerly seeking for personal advantage. For the sake of gaining riches, honor or power, they place the maxims, traditions and requirements of men above the requirements of God. From such the treasures of God's word are hidden.

Obedience is one key to a true understanding of the Scriptures. “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.” John 7:17.

The Theme of Bible Inspiration
Many books have a central figure around which the story is woven. The Bible too has a central person in both the Old and New Testaments. Jesus said: "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” John 5:39.

When conversing with the two disciples on the way to Emmaus after His resurrection, Jesus explained this vital truth to them: “And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.” Luke 24:27.

Will There Always Be Opportunity to Study God's Word?
Many people put off searching the Scriptures until they retire, or to some other time in the future. But they are making a fatal mistake!

“Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord: and they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it. In that day shall the fair virgins and young men faint for thirst.” Amos 8:11-13.

This wonderful book—the Bible—will soon be of no use for men. There will be no more opportunities to understand it or to obey its teachings. The Holy Spirit will not then be available to help people know the truth. Nevertheless, today we still have opportunity. There is still time to become acquainted with God's plan for us.

Seventh Day Adventist Reform Movement General Conference.

Gods Creation,100 / evolution, 0
THE INCREDIBLE DESIGN OF PILOT WHALE SKIN

Ships traveling through the ocean have to be regularly cleaned because barnacles attach themselves to the hull. If enough build up, they create drag and reduce the ship’s efficiency.

Whales can have the same problem. Barnacles are commonly seen clinging to the skin of several whale species, sometimes in large numbers. Some barnacles are even specially adapted for life attached to whales.

But pilot whales are remarkably free of them.

Researchers studying pilot whale skin discovered that part of the answer may be found at the microscopic level. The skin contains tiny pores surrounded by structures called nanoridges. Along with these structures, the skin produces a gel-like material with antifouling and antimicrobial properties.

Together, these features make it difficult for barnacle larvae to establish a secure grip while also helping protect the skin from microorganisms.

Human engineers have taken notice. Researchers have studied pilot whale skin for ideas that could lead to better antifouling surfaces for ships, potentially preventing barnacles from attaching in the first place.

Think about that. Intelligent engineers face a difficult problem, discover that a whale already has an effective solution, study how it works, and then deliberately try to copy it.

We recognize intelligence when humans imitate the system, yet we're told the original arose through unguided evolutionary processes.

From a biblical perspective, there is no mystery about why nature contains engineering that repeatedly inspires our own. The creatures filling our oceans are the workmanship of a Creator whose wisdom far exceeds our own.

“O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.” — Psalm 104:24

The Advent Truth.
POV: You remind someone that the Ten Commandments are still God’s moral law—and suddenly you’re told you’re denying grace, rejecting Jesus, trying to “earn salvation,” or putting Christians back under the Old Covenant.

But Scripture presents a very different picture.

The same Bible that says we are saved by grace also says:

“If ye love me, keep my commandments.” — John 14:15

“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” — 1 John 5:3

“Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.” — Romans 3:31

Grace does not turn sin into righteousness. Grace forgives the sinner AND transforms the life.

And what is sin?

“Sin is the transgression of the law.” — 1 John 3:4

Here’s the strange part: most Christians have absolutely no problem saying we should have no other gods, reject idols, honor our parents, not murder, not commit adultery, not steal, not lie, and not covet.

But mention the FOURTH commandment—

“Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.” — Exodus 20:8

—and suddenly keeping God’s commandments becomes “legalism.”

Why is the commandment that begins with REMEMBER the one Christianity has worked hardest to forget?

Jesus never abolished the Sabbath. He declared Himself “Lord also of the sabbath” (Mark 2:28). He said it was “made for man” (Mark 2:27). Isaiah describes Gentiles keeping it (Isaiah 56:6-7). Jesus told His disciples to pray concerning the Sabbath decades after the cross (Matthew 24:20). Revelation identifies God’s final people as those who “keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus” (Revelation 14:12).

We don’t keep the commandments to GET saved.

We keep them because Christ HAS saved us, writes His law upon our hearts (Hebrews 8:10), and produces loving obedience in the surrendered life.

The gospel doesn’t save us in rebellion against God.

It saves us from rebellion against God.

And yes—that includes the commandment that says REMEMBER.

Hello brothers and sister! Im new to Lordsbook and Im happy to see a platform that encourages and supports people with Gods word,I know I can benefit from that! I pray you all have an amazing blessed week!

Brenda Walsh Ministries
Worshiping Idols.

God does not want His children worshiping idols. In fact, He feels so strongly about it that it is one of the Ten Commandments that He wrote with His own finger on a tablet of stone. It is recorded in Exodus 20:3-6: “You shall have no other gods before me. “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God.” And in Leviticus 26:1, it says, “You shall not make idols for yourselves or erect an image or pillar, and you shall not set up a figured stone in your land to bow down to it, for I am the Lord your God.” You see, God wants you to love and obey Him, and worship ‘only’ Him. He doesn’t want you to worship anything or anyone else. Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” Some Christians worship idols without even realizing it, because anything that you love more than Jesus Christ . . . is an idol. It could be your fancy new car, a prestigious job, wealth, beauty, power, or countless other things, even people. If you love material things or your relationships more than you love God, then you are worshiping idols. Whatever is standing in the way of your friendship with Jesus, move it or get rid of it! Nothing is more important than your relationship with God! Show Him how much you love Him by praising and worshiping Him - and only Him! In John 4:23, we’re told, “But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him.” Don’t waste your time worshiping material things or people . . . worship the King of the Universe . . . and only the King! Text: Romans 1:25, Psalm 115:4-8, Psalm 31:6, Colossians 3:5

Gods Creation, 100 / evolution, 0
STONE MOUNTAIN: A MONUMENT TO RAPID GEOLOGY

Just outside of Atlanta rises one of the most recognizable landforms in the southeastern United States. Stone Mountain towers 800 feet above the surrounding landscape, a massive dome of solid granite standing alone like the shell of a giant creature. Millions visit it every year, but few stop to consider what it really represents.

Because this mountain was not always above the surface.

Stone Mountain is part of a gigantic underground granite body, what geologists call a pluton. At one point, it existed deep beneath the earth as molten rock, a vast underground reservoir of magma exceeding 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit. That magma was forced upward through intense crustal movements, bending and folding the surrounding rock and contributing to the uplift of the Appalachian Mountains.

For years, the story was simple. Granite formed slowly. Magma crept upward over millions of years, cooling gradually into solid rock. That’s still what many signs and textbooks say.

But that story is breaking down.

Modern research has forced a shift. Instead of slow formation, geologists now recognize that granite emplacement can happen rapidly and catastrophically. And the evidence is right there in the mountain itself.

As you walk across Stone Mountain, you can find foreign rocks embedded within the granite. These are called xenoliths, fragments of surrounding rock that were ripped loose and carried upward by moving magma. The key detail is what their edges look like.

They are sharp.

If those rocks had been sitting in molten magma for long periods, they would have partially melted. Their edges would be blurred, rounded, and absorbed into the surrounding granite. But they are not. The sharp boundaries show that the magma moved quickly and cooled rapidly, leaving no time for slow melting and blending.

There is more.

Inside the granite are tiny radioactive features known as polonium halos. These form from the decay of polonium-210, an element with a very short half-life. For these halos to exist, the granite had to solidify quickly, before the polonium decayed away. That is not consistent with millions of years of slow cooling. It points to rapid formation.

Put it together and the picture changes.

This was not a slow, quiet process unfolding over ages.

This was a sudden, high-energy event.

A massive volume of molten rock forced upward through the crust, carrying debris, cooling quickly, and locking everything in place.

And that fits a very different framework.

The Bible describes a global catastrophe that reshaped the earth. During the Flood, massive tectonic movements would have bent the crust, generated heat, and forced magma upward through fractures in the earth. As the waters rose and later receded, they would have deposited and then eroded enormous amounts of material, exposing formations like Stone Mountain.

What stands today is not just a scenic landmark.

It is a record.

A record of rapid formation, violent movement, and powerful forces acting on a global scale.

SERMON: HOW TO KNOW, RESIST AND DESTROY EVIL ALTARS
Text: Judges 6:25-26 — "Tear down the altar of Baal that your father has, and build an altar to the LORD."
Text 2: Acts 20:28 — "The church of God, which He obtained with His own blood."
Key: Revelation 14:1-5 — As one of 144,000 sealed with Name of Jesus the Lamb on foreheads, blameless, firstfruits, alive with Lamb on Mt. Zion.

INTRODUCTION:

Church, an altar is a gate of transaction. Genesis 8:20 Noah built altar, God responded. Genesis 12:7 Abraham built altar where he settled, that land became protected.

Evil altar is a demonic gate where Satan transacts against people, community, ministry. 1 Corinthians 10:20 — what they sacrifice they sacrifice to demons.

God protects His people UNTIL they are sealed Rev 7:3. When sealed, they receive MORE divine shield — death is sent to unsealed, but sealed are safe from death Rev 9:4. We are that sealed people — looked after much more by God's love, devil cannot kill us, alive with Lamb on Mt. Zion, where we settle sea, trees, earth not allowed to be harmed until we are sealed.

But many last age believers don't understand evil altars. but the 144000 will understand them, RESIST them, DESTROY them.

PART 1: 6 EXAMPLES OF EVIL ALTARS — SO YOU CAN SEE THEM

1. FAMILY / ANCESTRAL ALTAR
Example: Judges 6:25 — "The altar of Baal that your father has." Gideon's own father had idol altar controlling family.
Example: Numbers 23:1-3 — Balak told Balaam "Build me seven altars" to curse Israel.
Signs: Hearing voices when no one present — "You will not marry, you will die like your father." Dreaming dead relatives calling you Deuteronomy 18:11 God forbids consulting dead. Near-success syndrome, backwardness Judges 6:3-4 Midianites destroyed harvest each time Israel planted. Constant misfortune in family.
Intention: To keep you in cycle of fathers Exodus 20:5 — steal destiny.

2. LAND / TERRITORIAL ALTAR
Example: 1 Kings 18:19 — 450 prophets of Baal on high place controlling rain and territory. Daniel 10:13 — Prince of Persia — territorial spirit over land.
Signs: Where you settle, business fails, ministry fights, same spot accidents, same sea storm like Bukasa. Mark 5:2 — man dwelling among tombs — territorial altar. Dreaming being pursued, dogs chasing.
Intention: To claim ownership of where you settle Rev 7:3 says where sealed settle, earth, sea, trees cannot be harmed — but territorial altar tries to harm.

3. MARINE / WATER ALTAR — SNAKES, PRESSING
Example: 1 Samuel 5:2 — Dagon, god from sea, fell before Ark. Genesis 3:1 — serpent was marine.
Signs: Dreaming snakes, water, swimming, mermaid, sex in dream, being pressed / choked in sleep, hearing voices near water or in night. Acts 8:7 — unclean spirits crying loud.
Intention: To steal purity. Revelation 14:4 says 144,000 are undefiled virgins — not defiled — marine altar attacks purity.

4. WITCHCRAFT / OCCULT ALTAR
Example: Jeremiah 7:31 — Altar of Topheth where they passed children through fire. 2 Kings 23:10.
Signs: Sickness defying medicine, objects moving, money disappearing, constant failure despite prayer. 1 Samuel 16:14 — Evil spirit tormented Saul.
Intention: To kill John 10:10 — premature death, barrenness.

5. DREAM POLLUTION ALTAR
Example: Job 33:14-15 — God speaks in dream — Satan also pollutes dream.
Signs: Eating in dream, sex in dream, seeing dead folks, snakes, dirty water, dogs. Matthew 13:25 — enemy sowed while men slept.
Intention: To destroy through night transactions while you are unaware.

6. MINISTRY OWNERSHIP ALTAR — "THIS CHURCH IS MINE" IMPLANT — ATTACKING MAJORITY PASTORS
This is the altar that has bound many pastors in Kampala.

Example: Diotrephes in 3 John 1:9 — "Who loves to have preeminence among them." Example: Ezekiel 28:2 — Prince of Tyre said "I am a god, I sit in seat of gods."

But Bible says:
Acts 20:28 — The church of God which He obtained with His own blood.
Matthew 16:18 — I will build MY church — Not your church. MY church — Jesus speaking.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 — You are not your own, bought with price.
Revelation 5:9 — By Your blood You ransomed people for God.

How this altar works:
A pastor enters church building at night and hears implant voice: "Leave, this church is mine, you will not build here." That is territorial altar that was there before church Acts 19:13-16 — demon said "Jesus I know, Paul I know, but who are you?"

Or a family that gave land says "This church is on my land, so it is mine" — family altar speaking.

Or pastor himself starts saying "MY church, MY members, MY ministry" — pride opens door to ownership altar, then God resists him James 4:6.

Signs in ministry:
Hearing voice in church: "This is my church"
Fights over who owns church, constitution, money
Church cannot grow beyond number — altar set limit
Every new pastor chased away — founder spirit
Members say "We are tired of this pastor, this is our fathers church"

Intention: To steal what blood bought, to make Christ's church become man's property or demon's shrine. To destroy calling and make pastor blamable.

PART 2: HOW WE RESIST THEM — AS 144,000 BLAMELESS FIRSTFRUITS

1. KNOW YOU ARE SEALED BLAMELESS — NO LEGAL GROUND
Revelation 14:4-5 — Not defiled, no lie in mouth, blameless. Psalm 24:3-4 — Clean hands, pure heart ascends.
2 Corinthians 6:17 — Come out from among them. Stop fornication 1 Cor 6:15, stop consulting shrines Deut 18:10.
Evil altar has no power on blameless life John 14:30 — Satan has nothing in Me — Jesus said.

2. KNOW YOU HAVE HIGHER ALTAR — BLOOD OF JESUS THE LAMB
Hebrews 12:24 — Blood of Jesus speaks better than blood of Abel and better than blood on evil altar.
Colossians 2:14-15 — He cancelled record, disarmed rulers. Altar vs Altar — higher swallows lower Exodus 7:12.

3. KNOW CHURCH BELONGS TO JESUS, NOT TO YOU, NOT TO ALTAR
When implant says "This church is mine" — Answer: Matthew 16:18 — It is written — I will build MY church — You are liar! Acts 20:28 — This church is bought by blood of Jesus! I am only bondservant Revelation 7:3, not owner!

PART 3: HOW WE DESTROY THEM — 4 WEAPONS OF SEALED 144,000

All done at MIDNIGHT 12AM - 3AM Acts 16:25, with anointing oil on foreheads Rev 7:3, for 3 & 7 nights with fasting Matthew 17:21, and Holy Communion 1 Corinthians 10:18.

WEAPON 1: BLOOD OF JESUS THE LAMB OF GOD
Revelation 12:11 — Overcame by blood of Lamb and word of testimony.
Exodus 12:13 — When I see blood I will pass over.
Speak blood over church building, land, family, sleep.

WEAPON 2: MIDNIGHT PRAYER WITH ANOINTING OIL ON FOREHEADS
Acts 16:25-26 — At midnight Paul and Silas prayed and prison shook.
Anoint foreheads — seal Revelation 7:3. Anoint doors of church, pulpit, land. Declare: This is sealed property of Jesus!

WEAPON 3: FASTING 3 & 7 NIGHTS
Matthew 17:21 — This kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.
Esther 4:16 — 3 nights to break death decree. 7 nights for total destruction. Fasting makes you more blameless — lifestyle of 144,000.

WEAPON 4: HOLY COMMUNION — RAISING ALTAR OF GOD
1 Corinthians 10:18 — Those who eat sacrifices participate in altar.
When you eat communion, you raise Altar of God inside you — your body is temple 1 Cor 6:19. Evil altar must bow. 1 Cor 10:21 — You cannot drink cup of Lord and cup of demons.

Real Freedom is to be free to do Gods will!

Daily devotion for August 30th
The Unequal Yoke
Must we hear now that you too are doing all this terrible wickedness and are being unfaithful to our God by marrying foreign women?

Nehemiah 13:27
The nations among whom Israel was called to live were unusually degenerate. They practiced public lewdness. Their immorality had spread diseases among their people. They killed their children by throwing them alive into furnaces of fire in worship to their god Molech. To protect the Israelites from these dangerous practices, God had told them not to intermarry with these peoples. Though intermarriage might look right and proper to us, it would introduce to the Israelites attitudes and concepts that would ultimately undermine their faith and destroy them and their nation. This is what happened. Though Solomon, David's own son, was said to be the wisest man who ever lived, he contracted over a thousand marriages with foreign women who brought their gods with them and eventually introduced pagan practices into the worship of Israel. By the time Solomon's son came to the throne, the nation was so divided it could no longer exist as one but was separated into two. So this was a very wise pledge to make.

This command is actually repeated in Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, not concerning racial distinctions, but religious. He says, Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? (2 Corinthians 6:14-16). Many Christians have ignored that to their own detriment by intermarrying with others of a different faith. They have thereby so undermined their own faith that evil in many ways has ultimately crept in and destroyed their marriages. There is no guarantee that if you marry a Christian you are going to have a happy marriage, because there are other principles involved. But it is much more likely that two Christians will be happy together because there are principles and practices taught to us in the Word that make for happiness in marriage. It is certain that if you disobey this command, however, you are opening the door to much heartache, struggle, and misery. There are passages designed to help people who have disobeyed this principle because God is very practical and merciful. He recognizes that for various reasons, intermarriage may occur. There are guidelines to help handle those situations. But by and large this is practical wisdom that needs to be adhered to today. Marry those who share the same faith you have, because faith is the basis for all of life.

Lord, the guidelines You have given for living are good and right. Thank You that You love enough to protect me from that which ultimately would bring hurt and misery to me and to others.