A Short Note...

And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. Mark 13:13 I've been dealing with the topic of persecution recently as it has come up a couple times recently in my life. It's been a huge lesson for me. As Christians, we are all persecuted in some way because the world truly does hate Jesus Christ and unfortunately not all will be with Him. My heart aches for them and I pray for them, but it is all in God's hands and His perfect Love. All we can do is trust in Him alone and do what He asks of us and never keep quiet in the face of darkness. We must not be afraid to share His Truth always! I thank God everyday for saving my life and all the lives of my brothers and sisters in Christ. We all must endure to the end and live for His Glory alone.

"The Great, Subtle Lie" of Contemplative Spirituality

http://www.christian-mommies.com/special-features/bible-studies/the-great-subtle-lie-of-contemplative-spirituality/

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18

Making the Right Choice: The Battle of Wills

It is not unusual for Christians to resist God's known will over their own will.  The apostle Paul spoke very directly about this matter in his epistle to the Believers in Galatia (Galatians 5:17).  

Discerning and choosing to obey God's will begins with an understanding that  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  choice 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.

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 for direction. 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 direction and purpose.

Sincerely Dr. Arthur Belanger 

Fasting & Prayer...When, Why & How To Fast?

There are many who have seriously considered adding fasting to their prayer life; but were not quite sure how to go about it.

How you begin and conduct your fast will largely determine your success. By following these basic steps to fasting, you will make your time with the Lord more meaningful and spiritually rewarding.

#1: State Your Reason. 
Why are you fasting? Is it for spiritual renewal, for guidance... etc. Ask the Holy Spirit to clarify His leading and objectives for your prayer fast. He will enable you to pray more specifically and strategically.   Remember, through fasting and prayer we humble ourselves before God so that the Holy Spirit will stir our souls, awaken our churches.

#2: Start Reasonably 
A. Physical Preparation - Fasting requires reasonable precautions physically. If you take prescription medications or have a chronic ailment, you should consult your physician before engaging a fast. Physical preparation will make the drastic change in your eating routine easier to cope with so that you can turn your full attention to the Lord in prayer. If fasting is not a consistent routine for you... start slowly: Fasting a meal and eventually working up to a 48 hour fast. The ideal routine, is to maintain one 24 hour fast every week. Ideally, fasting should begin in the evening.

• Do not rush into your fast.
• Prepare your body. Eat lighter meals before starting your fast. Avoid high-fat and sugary foods.
• Eat raw fruit and vegetables and drink plenty of water (half your body weight in ounces each day) for two days before starting a fast.

B. Spiritual Preparation - The key to fasting and prayer is repentance.   Unconfessed sin will hinder your prayers. Here are several things you can do to prepare spiritually:

• Ask God to search your heart (Psalm 139:23)
• Confess every sin the Holy Spirit calls to your attention and accept God's forgiveness (1 John 1:9)
• Seek Forgiveness from all you have knowingly offended and forgive all who have hurt you.
• Make restitution as the Holy Spirit leads you.
• Ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit.
• Yield your mind and body and spirit to the Lordship and leadership of Christ (Romans 12:1,2)
• Meditate on the attributes of God: His love, sovereignty, power, wisdom, faithfulness, grace, and holiness.
• Begin your time of fasting and prayer with an expectant heart (Heb. 11:6). 9. Do not underestimate spiritual opposition (Galatians 5:16,17)

#3: Stay Resolved 
Jesus instructed that all of His followers should fast (Mt. 6:16-18; 9:14,15).  For Christ, it was a matter of when believers would fast, not if they would.

#4: Starting Your Fast
Your time of fasting and prayer has come. You are abstaining from all solid foods and have begun to seek the Lord.  Here are some helpful suggestions to consider:

• Avoid medication, even natural herbal drugs and homeopathic remedies.
  
• Limit your physical activities.
• Rest as much as your schedule will allow.
• Prepare yourself for temporary mental discomforts, such as impatience, crankiness, and anxiety. 
• Remember to ALWAYS keep your Bible open. An open Bible leads to an open and obedient heart. This is the sole purpose of fasting and prayer.

#5: Stopping Your Fast
When your designated time for fasting is finished, you will begin to eat again. But how you end your fast is extremely important for your physical and spiritual well-being. Begin eating gradually. Do not eat solid foods immediately. Try several smaller meals or snacks to start. If you end your fast gradually, the beneficial physical and spiritual effects will result in continued good health both physically and spiritually.

Finally, If you sincerely humble yourself before the Lord, repent, pray, and meditate on God's Word; you will experience a heightened awareness of His presence (John 14:21). You will find yourself to be mentally, physically, and spiritually renewed (Romans 12:1,2).
Ultimately, the key to prayer and fasting is a sound confidence in the Word of God. Making the study of God's Word a priority will enable you to pray effectively.     Begin  your  study  of  God's  Word   today  with College Of The Open Bible where the Bible is the only authority and the Holy Spirit is the ultimate Teacher. 

Sincerely, Dr. Arthur Belanger              

And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity 1 Corinthians 13:13

Please help this ministry which takes care of orphaned children and widows in Pakistan. They provide food, shelter, clothing, medical care, education and more. Check out the website below to find out more and how you can help ♥ God Bless

http://chcpk.webs.com/

Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. James 1:27

Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7

Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD thy God which he hath given thee. Deuteronomy 16:17

For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. Revelation 7:17 

Gambling and Christians...The Deception

In what way does the Bible portray gambling? Consider the following:

#1: Its Reputation is that of a thief. Proverbs 1:19 
#2: Its Association is with darkness/vanity - Proverbs 13:11 
#3: Its Contemplation is endless trouble - Proverbs 15:27

#4: Its Damnation is irreversible - Luke 9:25 

Gambling is not the risk that is familiar to all life; it is a determination of risk for profit at the expense of others.

Gambling is a tolerated risk with the desire for excessive gain that far out-weighs what the investment of time, money or talent would dignify. It is a transaction whereby one person's gain is someone else's loss.

Gambling is parasitic; producing no spiritual benefit, achieving no social good, and is always at someone else's expense. Gambling is self-centered and complicit with the root of all evil... the love of money. 

WHAT GAMBLING DOES IS A MATTER OF FACT.

At the root of gambling is the love of money... the root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:10). Gambling and its influence affects all of us because it corrupts our society, increases crime and police and crime prevention costs, and perverts politicians. It is a constant temptation to the selfishly inclined and compulsive people that enslaves them to false hopes. It violates the principle that we should earn our bread by the sweat of our brow, and the commandment, "Thou shalt not covet."

The void of any threat against gambling has created a gamble with crime. Bank robberies on the Mississippi coast increased 400 percent in one year after casino gambling came. Tragically, gambling is tolerated by virtue of a seductive justification that it will produce revenue for essential causes that benefit society. The government that promotes and supplies gambling is gambling the future of the nation, it will always lose.

Sincerely, Dr. Arthur Belanger      

Psalm 24

Lord of Hosts

1 The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. 2 For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods. 3 Who shall ascend into thehill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? 4 He that hath clean hands, and a pureheart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. 5 He shall receive theblessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. 6 This is thegeneration of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah. 7 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up , ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in . 8 Who is thisKing of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. 9 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up , ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in . 10 Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.

Jesus is knocking on the door of your heart...Won't you let Him in?

We all go through so many things in this life. Sometimes there is heartache and pain that seems beyond what we are able to handle. The good thing is, we don't have to go through it alone, we don't have to suffer by ourselves. Jesus is here for us and loves us so much! If we will be willing to put aside our pride and unbelief and the lies the world tells us and open our hearts to Him, He will come in and change everything. He makes us a new creation in Him, truly being spiritually reborn. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life ♥

Scales Falling From Our Eyes

The rulers of this world,
Who sit on thrones of gold,
Are not godly men at all,
But foolish ones with hearts of stone
Who serve the "gods", the serpent of old.


They all worship idols,
Whether made of paper, metal, earth or stone.
Their leader is the one who blinds us,
Secretly laying chains upon our souls.
With lies he speaks, with venomous tongue
And the world has believed him, hence the fall.


Better to trust in the One and only,
Creator of Heaven and Earth.
His Love is here for you and I
And precious are we in His sight.
He is the Lamb of God,
The King of Kings and Lord of Lords,
God the Son, He is Jesus Christ.


His love for us is endless
And finished on the cross.
He died and rose again.
He gave His life for all of us,
For we are sinners lost.
If only we'll believe in Him
And trust in Him alone
He'll save us from the darkness,
For He is the Light, alone.


We must repent and turn away from sin,
And in it's place, turn only to Him.
His Forgiveness is complete,
For His blood cleanses us and sets us free
For us to live with Him, for all eternity.
In Heaven He sits on His mighty Throne,
Beckoning ceaselessly for us to come Home.


Dying to ourselves daily
Being crucified on the cross with Him.
We are His sacred children
And ever belong only to Him.
Scales falling from our eyes, 
letting go of this world and letting Him in.


He knocks at the door of our hearts
And all who open it will receive of His loving Grace
Some day each one of us,
Will stand before Him face to face,
Bowing down in humble praise,
Giving thanks for His Heavenly Reign.


Copyright © 2012 Kristin Willruth

Christians Fearless In Face Of Dying... But How? (Weekly Devotion With Dr. Belanger)

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

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.

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  

This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

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 ♥

To you, with love

My Princess,

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

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 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

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        

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 instantly 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.

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. 

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