GODLINESS is the respect for God that affects the way a person lives. The term “godliness” appears most frequently in the writings of Paul, specifically the Pastoral Epistles. Paul encouraged Timothy to pursue “godliness” in an active manner (1 Tim. 6:11). By so doing, he challenged him to develop a true respect for God and then, in turn, to live his life based on that respect. He
Josh 24:14–15 [ESV] Now therefore fear the LORD and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. 15 And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
Over the last few weeks we have dealt with several evil spirits and the way they operate or manifest in the lives of people, such as the spirit of idolatry and specifically Mammon, as well as the spirit of rebellion, the spirit of lust, the spirit of fear and so on. However the deadliest evil spirit of them all is Satan himself. [Isa 14:9-20; Ezek 28:11-19]
Fear is like a cancer. It works against good physical health and eventually spiritual decay sets in, causing physical and emotional sickness to break out. We call these conditions psychosomatic illnesses, or illnesses of the mind, but they are actually of the spiritual man out of control.
The story of Saul serves as the classic example of someone who chooses to serve his own will rather than the Lord’s. Much can be said about disobedience and rebellion, which is equated by God Himself as witchcraft. The root of it all is found with Satan and was the cause of him being cast out of heaven. Ever since then he has done everything in his power to take mankind down the same road.
Society has become more and more distracted and derailed as time has passed. Modern day technology, PSP games and movies, TV, Internet and the Hollywood film industry have all worked in synergy to produce a generation of frustration, failures and perversions. The biggest failure is the failure to pray Word-based effective prayers [Ps 50:15]. We are living in eventful and ominous days – many call it the last days; many choose to ignore it and just live without thought of consequence. Senselessness turns to sense when we begin to live and practice the Kingdom of God lifestyle.
Much can be said about the work of the devil on earth throughout the ages. The evidence of demonic forces are clearly seen and felt in this world we live in. To crown it all it won’t get better but progressively worse until the climax of the ages on the day of the Armageddon. The devil will just get bolder and bolder as time progresses.
Many seek after the “double portion” anointing. However, they are not willing to do the double portion commitment. The following three books challenged me tremendously in my Christian walk: Arthur Wallace, “The Radical Christian”, E. Stanley Jones, “Victory Through Surrender” and Thomas Kempis with his classic work of “The Imitation of Christ”. All of these point unanimously to a life of abundance and victory.
A Biblical phenomenon in New Testament times describes something extraordinary, unusual, something beyond the scientific mindset, something stunning and inspiring. It can take you from the ordinary to the supernatural where you can live a blessed and prosperous lifestyle.
God is the Master Strategist and His timing is always precise and perfect, causing situations to happen at appointed times. God’s workings are like gears on a golden ratchet wheel which must be in place before something extraordinary can happen.
