The thought of dying is troubling for all of us when it becomes painfully obvious. Yet, the Bible engages its greatest forcefulness against death. Jesus Christ rose triumphantly over death and the grave. The Holy Spirit understands what we feel in the face of certain death. He knows perfectly and personally our emotions of feeling vulnerable and helpless. Yet, He never tires, nor slumbers or weakens in all His doings to comfort us.
The apostle Paul sat in a Roman prison awaiting a violent execution. He was ready to die. He believed that dying was not the end, but just the beginning of unhindered fellowship with the living God.
Death will hunt and hurt you in this life; but it cannot follow you in to heaven. "Precious in the sight of the Lord, is the death of His saints." Psalm 116:15
Sometimes, our lives will experience, even require a major disruption in order to fix our attention firmly on the Lord. Never disregard those moments when dying has become painfully obvious as an obstacle. They are tools in the hand of our Master. Though sometimes painful, these times can become our most life-altering moments, depending on how we respond. Take a moment to be still before God. Meditate on the person of Jesus Christ and His faithfulness. Thank God, that He is forever with us.
More than anything or anyone, we need the assurance that God's Word IS absolute. The Bible alone is our assurance that God is in control and accessible (Hebrews 4:16). No Christian is alone in the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23) Thank God for the B.I.B.L.E. ! Amen.
Sincerely, Dr. Arthur Belanger
Monday, February 27, 2012
Christians Fearless In Face Of Dying... But How? (Weekly Devotion With Dr. Belanger)
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Christians Judging Others... When Is It Right To Judge?
It has been said time and time again: "Judge not, that ye be not judged." This
verse of Scripture from Matthew 7:1 is often quoted out of context by people who are prejudice to the idea of someone preaching against sin or pointing out any form of error in anyone, especially in themselves.
The lack of judgment is a chief reason why many Christians today are bound by confusion.
Isaiah 59:8: "The way of peace they know not; and there is no judgment in their goings: they have made them crooked paths: whosoever goeth therein shall not know peace."
Our compass for judging is God's word, not our feelings, our traditions, or our opinions. Right and wrong should always be determined by God's word.
When it comes to judging... We must first judge ourselves (Matthew 7:4,5; 1 Corinthians 11:30,31). You will always find something wrong about you. Guaranteed!
We must not neglect our obligation to judge others when judgment is needed (1 Corinthians 6:1,5) Note especially, Malachi 3:18 Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.
Any discerning and spiritual believer knows that division and separation from false doctrine, satanic activity and influences, compromise and worldliness is commanded; thus, behooves judging.
Very often, judging that demands separation and division must often be practiced amongst Christians against Christians. The great challenge of separation is not merely separation from the world... it is separation from Christians who live contrary to the Word of God. Just because someone is a Christian, or professes to be a Christian, and yet not "judge" their error and separate (or divide) ourselves from them is contrary to apostolic teaching.
Note What Paul Said:
Quote:
"Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye WITHDRAW yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us." 2 Thess. 3:6
Quote:
"And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother." 2 Thess. 3:14-15
We are commanded to exercise judgment concerning obvious and damaging contradictions in Christianity that would cause the world to suggest that Christ is irrelevant by what it observes in Christianity.
verse of Scripture from Matthew 7:1 is often quoted out of context by people who are prejudice to the idea of someone preaching against sin or pointing out any form of error in anyone, especially in themselves. The lack of judgment is a chief reason why many Christians today are bound by confusion.
Isaiah 59:8: "The way of peace they know not; and there is no judgment in their goings: they have made them crooked paths: whosoever goeth therein shall not know peace."
Our compass for judging is God's word, not our feelings, our traditions, or our opinions. Right and wrong should always be determined by God's word.
When it comes to judging... We must first judge ourselves (Matthew 7:4,5; 1 Corinthians 11:30,31). You will always find something wrong about you. Guaranteed!
We must not neglect our obligation to judge others when judgment is needed (1 Corinthians 6:1,5) Note especially, Malachi 3:18 Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.
Any discerning and spiritual believer knows that division and separation from false doctrine, satanic activity and influences, compromise and worldliness is commanded; thus, behooves judging.
Very often, judging that demands separation and division must often be practiced amongst Christians against Christians. The great challenge of separation is not merely separation from the world... it is separation from Christians who live contrary to the Word of God. Just because someone is a Christian, or professes to be a Christian, and yet not "judge" their error and separate (or divide) ourselves from them is contrary to apostolic teaching.
Note What Paul Said:
Quote:
"Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye WITHDRAW yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us." 2 Thess. 3:6
Quote:
"And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother." 2 Thess. 3:14-15
We are commanded to exercise judgment concerning obvious and damaging contradictions in Christianity that would cause the world to suggest that Christ is irrelevant by what it observes in Christianity.
Judging should never be exercised out of hatred (though it often is). Very importantly, our attitude and actions must be in the likeness of Jesus Christ when we are obligated to exercise judgment. The purpose and goal of judgment is not to condemn a person, but to convert them (James 5:19,20).
Sincerely, Dr. Arthur Belanger
Sincerely, Dr. Arthur Belanger
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Monday, February 20, 2012
When you feel lost and weary and the world is rough on you, trust in Jesus alone and give Him all your burdens. He is your only Salvation. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life and He alone will carry you out of the darkness and into the Light, for He is the Light ♥
Friday, February 17, 2012
To you, with love
I see you when you are in the garden of grief, My princess. I hear your cry for help in the dark hours of the night. I Myself cried out in the garden the night I was betrayed. In My suffering, I asked My Father for another way—a less painful way. Yet I trusted His will and purpose for My life and knew the ultimate victory was at the cross.
Just as olives must be crushed to make oil, I poured out My life as a love offering for you. Don’t ever doubt that I am with you and that I long to take you to a place of comfort, peace, and victory. Even when you cannot see Me from where you are, I am working on your behalf. Give to Me the crushing weight of your circumstances, and come to Me in prayer.
When it is time to leave the garden, I will walk with you across the valley and straight to the cross—where your trials will be transformed into triumph.
Love,
Your Savior and your Victor
“For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.
So let it grow, for when our endurance is fully developed, you will be strong
in character and ready for anything.”
~JAMES 1:3-4~
Sheri Rose Shepherd ~~Jennifer
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Christians and Yoga...
Yoga is one of the most popular forms of exercise in America. Yoga is a philosophical as well as a physical process of life emphasizing harmony of body and mind. 
The philosophy of Yoga is based in Eastern Metaphysical beliefs. The goal of the philosophy is to help a person become balanced in mind and body and attain self-enlightenment. Many people, including Christians, engage in Yoga to improve their physical fitness and reduce stress. Unfortunately, however, most people are unaware of the Eastern religious principles that are foundational to the disciplines of Yoga and its kinship to New Age.
What makes Yoga so dangerous is that its ill motive is never set forth in its naked deformity, Yoga is seductively dressed, so as, by its outward form, to make it appear more true than truth itself.
Discerning believers will reject Yoga for what it is: a futile emphasis of self. The Bible is the means of meditation for God's people (Joshua 1:8). The Bible is not a catalog of multiple options. The Bible is God's provision for direction that is moved by eternal values. Yet, so many believers feel very uncertain. Many feel this way because they are nurtured by circumstances that leave them suspect of God's leading. The only direction God demands of us is to trust Him. All other pursuits will rob us of a tenacious desire to obey God.
The philosophy of Yoga is based in Eastern Metaphysical beliefs. The goal of the philosophy is to help a person become balanced in mind and body and attain self-enlightenment. Many people, including Christians, engage in Yoga to improve their physical fitness and reduce stress. Unfortunately, however, most people are unaware of the Eastern religious principles that are foundational to the disciplines of Yoga and its kinship to New Age.
What makes Yoga so dangerous is that its ill motive is never set forth in its naked deformity, Yoga is seductively dressed, so as, by its outward form, to make it appear more true than truth itself.
Discerning believers will reject Yoga for what it is: a futile emphasis of self. The Bible is the means of meditation for God's people (Joshua 1:8). The Bible is not a catalog of multiple options. The Bible is God's provision for direction that is moved by eternal values. Yet, so many believers feel very uncertain. Many feel this way because they are nurtured by circumstances that leave them suspect of God's leading. The only direction God demands of us is to trust Him. All other pursuits will rob us of a tenacious desire to obey God.
The clear evidence that a Believer is led by the Holy Spirit will be evidenced by a decisive act of trust characterized by pure obedience to the will of God based on sound knowledge of God's Word.
Our only sufficiency necessary to expose the danger of yoga and its teachings is the Word of God under the direct influence of the Holy Spirit. The highway of reality is the Bible. The Holy Spirit will never direct us contrary to the Word of God. Thus the fundamental concern for the believer is to understand the Word of God as the only means that makes life meaningful. The Bible is the only resolve that instills a pure ambition for the glory of God.Hiding God's Word in our hearts is the only way to be discerning of God's will and purpose. Sincerely, Dr. Arthur Belanger
Yoga is a main spiritual component of Hinduism. In the postures, you are a being like "the serpent". You are trying to raise your kundalini (the energy that lies sleeping at the base of the spine, curled as a snake, waiting for you to wake it up). The whole point is to raise this energy up your spine to awaken your spiritual self so that you may become enlightened.
This is the ultimate lie of the Serpent aka Satan. In the Garden of Eden, He tells Eve, "For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil." -Genesis 3:5. This is the fall of humankind right here. Yoga is the serpent telling us to open our eye aka "third eye", evil eye, all seeing eye, and we shall know all, as the gods. This is a deception, for this will not bring truth but instead complete and total illusion, delusion and evil.
Who are these gods? They are surely not the creator of the universe, but actually satan's fallen angelic army, lying in wait to capture us all. We do not seek enlightenment from the serpent, the one who was cast out of heaven for his own lack of love for God and his great sin of pride, trying to become like the most high, instead of honoring the Most High, which is what one is attempting to do when practicing yoga.
We are made free only in God, the one who created us and loves us, Jesus Christ. Jesus created us and came to earth to save us. He paid the ultimate price for all our sins and if we accept and believe in Him and follow Him, we shall be made free from the chains which satan binds us with. We shall be made free eternally with our Father whom loves us so much and wants us to be with Him, as His children.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. Proverbs 3:5-6
This is the ultimate lie of the Serpent aka Satan. In the Garden of Eden, He tells Eve, "For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil." -Genesis 3:5. This is the fall of humankind right here. Yoga is the serpent telling us to open our eye aka "third eye", evil eye, all seeing eye, and we shall know all, as the gods. This is a deception, for this will not bring truth but instead complete and total illusion, delusion and evil.
Who are these gods? They are surely not the creator of the universe, but actually satan's fallen angelic army, lying in wait to capture us all. We do not seek enlightenment from the serpent, the one who was cast out of heaven for his own lack of love for God and his great sin of pride, trying to become like the most high, instead of honoring the Most High, which is what one is attempting to do when practicing yoga.
We are made free only in God, the one who created us and loves us, Jesus Christ. Jesus created us and came to earth to save us. He paid the ultimate price for all our sins and if we accept and believe in Him and follow Him, we shall be made free from the chains which satan binds us with. We shall be made free eternally with our Father whom loves us so much and wants us to be with Him, as His children.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. Proverbs 3:5-6
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Are you running from God?
Ever feel like giving up or running away from God? Has your determination to follow Christ at all cost lose it's momentum? This is a very dangerous time in a Christian's life, when their enthusiasm for the likeness of Christ is weakening. A pattern of discouragement must be broken once it gains a foothold in the life of a believer. Remember, even a tiny foothold can quickly become a broad and powerful stronghold. It is worth noting that discouragement is always conceived when we believe a lie. The only means to overcoming discouragement is when we choose to believe and abide in the truth of God's Word and His faithfulness.
If and when this happens in your life, know that Christ stands undaunted and ready to help. You must have a zero tolerance to lingering discouragement. Tolerating discouragement is rooted in tolerating deception. Never trust your feelings! Trust the Word of God. One point must remain perpetually clear: The Holy Spirit will never direct us contrary to the Word of God. Thus the fundamental concern for the believer is to understand the Word of God as the only reality and reliability. The Bible is the only resolve that instills a pure ambition for the glory of God. Walking in the Light of God's Word is the only way to be competent for the Glory of God.
Regardless of what your situation is, God will sustain you. Knowing the liberty we have to cast all our cares upon Christ is a matter of biblical fact that compels our obedience to the work of the Holy Spirit. Be aggressive in turning away from any and all sin the Holy Spirit convicts you of. Yield to the Holy Spirit's demonstration of the life of Christ in you, and you will find yourself very encouraged and emboldened to renew your mind to the will of God. Amen!
Sincerely, Dr. Arthur Belanger
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Jesus Will Rapture Only Faithful Believers... Is That Biblical?
What will be the next big event on God's Calendar?
The short answer to this question is The Rapture Of The Church.
This is a moment in time when the Church (The Body of Christ) will be in
stantly removed or transported from the earth to heaven before the Great Tribulation(1 Thessalonians. 4:16,17).
The rapture will include all living Christians regardless of their spiritual temperament. The test on whether a believer will be raptured is not in the believers present behavior... it is solely in the finished work of the Savior at the cross. it is not one'sspiritual condition... but their spiritual position in Christ that assures their inclusion in the rapture of the Church.
When will this Happen? Possibly Today! It is imminent.
Who will the participants be?
a. Jesus Christ - 1 Thess. 4:16a
b. The Archangel - 1 Thess. 4:16b
c. The Dead In Christ - 1 Thess. 4:16c
d. The Living In Christ - 1 Thess. 4:17
Who will be left behind? All who rejected Jesus Christ.
What are we to do now before the Rapture? Note 1 Thessalonians 5
a. Learn The Word of God - 1 Thess. 5:1,2
b. Discern The Times - 1 Thess. 5:3,5
c. Concern For Sinners - 1 Thess. 5:6,9
This is a moment in time when the Church (The Body of Christ) will be in
stantly removed or transported from the earth to heaven before the Great Tribulation(1 Thessalonians. 4:16,17). The rapture will include all living Christians regardless of their spiritual temperament. The test on whether a believer will be raptured is not in the believers present behavior... it is solely in the finished work of the Savior at the cross. it is not one'sspiritual condition... but their spiritual position in Christ that assures their inclusion in the rapture of the Church.
When will this Happen? Possibly Today! It is imminent.
Who will the participants be?
a. Jesus Christ - 1 Thess. 4:16a
b. The Archangel - 1 Thess. 4:16b
c. The Dead In Christ - 1 Thess. 4:16c
d. The Living In Christ - 1 Thess. 4:17
Who will be left behind? All who rejected Jesus Christ.
What are we to do now before the Rapture? Note 1 Thessalonians 5
a. Learn The Word of God - 1 Thess. 5:1,2
b. Discern The Times - 1 Thess. 5:3,5
c. Concern For Sinners - 1 Thess. 5:6,9
The rapture of the Church is imminent. Pure consciousness of this reality is essential in bringing the gospel to the world in which we live with a greater sense of urgency.
Where in the Bible do we find the word rapture?
The word rapture is an old English word which means to be caught away. The word itself is not in our King James Bible, but the definition of the word is there. In 1 Thessalonians 4:16,17 we read. For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain SHALL BE CAUGHT UP together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Notice: Caught Up... is the meaning of the word rapture.
Where in the Bible do we find the word rapture?
The word rapture is an old English word which means to be caught away. The word itself is not in our King James Bible, but the definition of the word is there. In 1 Thessalonians 4:16,17 we read. For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain SHALL BE CAUGHT UP together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Notice: Caught Up... is the meaning of the word rapture.
Jesus Christ IS coming! The rapture of the Church is imminent. Pure consciousness of this reality is essential in bringing the gospel to the world in which we live with a greater sense of urgency. As Believers, we are not here for our own ambitions, we are here for God's ambition, and the two are not compatible.
Apathy becomes the strain of our spirituality for those of us who are not impressed with the imminent return of Jesus Christ. This is very dangerous! Why? Disillusionment sets in as we parade ourselves under the banner of self-sufficiency. The Doctrine of the Rapture inclines the Believer to reflect fervently on eternal values at heart.
Apathy becomes the strain of our spirituality for those of us who are not impressed with the imminent return of Jesus Christ. This is very dangerous! Why? Disillusionment sets in as we parade ourselves under the banner of self-sufficiency. The Doctrine of the Rapture inclines the Believer to reflect fervently on eternal values at heart.
Do you want to be characterized by the deeds of the flesh or the fruit of the Spirit? The rapture of the church is not just a doctrine we pet. It is the believer's anticipation in every area of life (1 Thess. 4;16,18). All other anticipations leave us un-settled and unpredictable. Jesus Is Coming and that's a fact. Amen!
Sincerely, Dr. Arthur Belanger
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