Here is another Bible lesson that I felt was especially needed for all of us, being the current situation we are facing today.
***************************** Bible Pathway Ministries
Highlights: Warning against false doctrine; thankfulness for mercy; bishops and deacons; instructions about widows and elderly; gain or godliness.
I exhort therefore, that first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty (1 Tim. 2:1-2).
Nero, the Roman ruler, was cruelly persecuting Christians at the time Paul wrote the Book of 1 Timothy. Yet, the Bible emphasizes the importance of Christians praying for those who have authority over them, even though many rulers are ruthless, ungodly men and women in leadership roles all over the world. In the United States in particular, there are many political and business leaders who follow Christ. We must remember to pray for these leaders. We can pray that God would touch their hearts and draw them to Himself. Even if the leaders are treating believers poorly, that is the time to pray for them. Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you (Luke 6:28). We can pray, that God will turn their hearts. We can also pray that God will remove them from power and place a believer, in their office. We know from the Word of God that when people begin to pray and hearts change that a whole nation can experience revival. If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sins, and will heal their land
(2 Chr. 7:14). Sometimes it is in God’s plan for the rulers of a nation to be unbelievers.
Strange as it may seem, the Scriptures record occasions when God even used wicked rulers to accomplish His purpose. God may do this for many reasons. Sometimes, it is to pronounce judgment on a nation. Other times, it may take an evil leader to wake a nation up to its complacency. Even other times, God may be trying to steer the nation in another direction and it took this leader to do that. We often waste a lot of effort trying to figure out what God is doing when it is not in His plan for us to know. At times, He may reveal what He is doing, but not always. For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the LORD (Is. 55:8).
We can have the confidence from God’s WORD that our prayers work. They work in our world and in the unseen world. Hearts can be changed, bodies healed and demons put to flight. And I will give unto thee the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven (Matt. 16:19).
Thought for the Day: Pray for all that are in authority – both political and spiritual.
Exhortations of humility, steadfastness; Christ's humiliation and exaltation; Christ, our strength and provider.
For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the Spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh . . . If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more (Phil. 3:3-4).
The flesh is the term by which Scripture refers to our human nature that is not subject to the indwelling Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:7), for the flesh lusteth against the Spirit (Gal. 5:17). Satan knows that the effort and energy of the natural man can never please God, conquer sin, or transform lives. The self-effort of the flesh is still the great enemy that continually hinders and quenches the Spirit. Much unsuccessful effort can be traced to this one failure. We can try and try with everything within us and we will never overcome the enemy. We are incapable within ourselves. We have a flesh that desires to sin. Our own righteousness will not stand up to the attack of the devil. But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away (Is. 64:6).
Reliance upon our own physical abilities becomes obvious when we allow our human efforts to take priority over daily prayer, Bible reading, and waiting in faith for God's direction. The enemy has always used our physical and emotional needs to find weaknesses within ourselves. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world (I John 2:16). This is the way Satan attacked Jesus when He was fasting in the desert. The devil first reminded Jesus how hungry He must be. In this, he used the lust of the flesh, as His flesh desired food. Secondly, he showed Jesus all the worldly cities. This used the lust of the eyes. Finally, he tried to get Jesus to throw Himself off the top of the temple. He even used Scripture that said the angels would rescue Him. This attack was using the pride of life. Did Jesus fall to the enemy? No! Why? He countered Satan with Scripture every time. We must be ready to do the same. In our flesh we are no match. Our hope is in God and His Word. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world (I John 4:4).
Remember that we have a host of Scripture at our disposal to combat the enemy. God gave us this great weapon to use in our daily Spiritual warfare. Ask the Lord to help you in all that you endeavour to accomplish. Ask Him to reveal from the Word of God things that will help you in your daily walk.
We are to allow the Holy Spirit to reign in our lives. When we choose to live by our own rules, we set ourselves up for great loss. Let's be like Paul who declared: I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me (Phil. 4:13).
Thought for the Day: Sure disaster awaits the Christian who feels so strong that he does not need the Lord's help.
In the 2008 campaign Senator Barack Obama said, "I take the Constitution very seriously. The biggest problems that we're facing right now have to do with George Bush trying to bring more and more power into the Executive Branch and not going through Congress at all. And that's what I intend to reveres when I'm president of the United States."
The following is an incomplete list of Pres. Obama Czars with job description, who were appointed without Congressional approval and are quietly changing the US policies.
It looks as though there are 40 czars with an average salary of $165,350, which is costing American tax payers roughly $6,500,000 per-year.
There are very few of us who know just what all of Obama's Czars do, as they quietly go about their "work" in the nation's capital. This listing of names and job descriptions should be educational to all Americans, no matter what your political views are.
Richard Holbrooke - Afghanistan CzarUltra liberal anti-gun former Governor Of New Mexico . Pro-Abortion and pro- drug legalization. Wants to dissolve the 2nd Amendment.
(Holbrooke died on December 13, 2010 from a torn aorta.)
Ed Montgomery - Auto recovery Czar--Radical anti-business black activist. Affirmative Action and Job Preference for blacks. University of Maryland Business School Dean ; teaches that US business has caused world poverty. ACORN board member. Communist DuBois Club member.
Jeffrey Crowley - AIDS Czar - Radical Homosexual. Gay Rights activist. Believes in Gay Marriage and a Special Status for homosexuals only, including complete free health care for gays. Salary: $102,000
Alan Bersin - Border Czar
The former failed superintendent of San Diego. Ultra-Liberal friend of Hillary Clinton. Served as Border Czar under Janet Reno - to keep borders open to illegals without interference from the Federal government.
David J. Hayes - California Water Czar - Senior Fellow of radical environmentalist group "Progress Policy". No training or experience in water management whatsoever.
Ron Bloom - Car Czar - Auto Union worker Anti- business & anti- nuclear. Has worked hard to force US auto makers out of business. Sits on the Board of Chrysler which is now Union-owned. How did this happen?
Dennis Ross - Central Region Czar
Believes US policy is the cause of war in the Middle East . Obama apologist to the world. Anti-gun and completely Pro-Abortion.
Lynn Rosenthal - Domestic Violence Czar
Director of the National Network to End Domestic Violence. Vicious anti-male feminist. Supports male castration - imagine?
Gil Kerlikowske - Drug Czar
Devoted lobbyist for every restrictive gun law proposal, former Chief of Police in liberal Seattle WA. Believes no American should own a firearm Supports legalization of all drugs.
Paul Volcker - Economic Czar
Former head of the Federal Reserve under Jimmy Carter when US economy nearly failed. Obama-appointed head of the Economic Recovery Advisory Board which engineered the Obama economic disaster to US economy. Member of anti-business "Progressive Policy" organization.
Carol Browner - Energy and Environment Czar
Political Radical. Former head of the EPA - known for anti-business activism. Strong anti-gun ownership. Salary: $172,200
Joshua DuBois - Faith-Based Czar
Political Black activist. Degree in Black Nationalism. Anti-gun ownership lobbyist. WHAT THE HELL DOES A FAITH BASED CZAR DO?
Cameron Davis - Great Lakes Czar - Chicago radical anti-business environmentalist. Blames George Bush for "Poisoning the water that minorities have to drink." No experience or training in water management whatsoever. Former ACORN Board member (what does that tell us?)
Van Jones - Green Jobs Czar (since resigned). Black activist with strong anti-white views. Member of American Communist Party and San Francisco Communist Party. Said George Bush caused the 9-11 attacks and wanted Bush investigated by the World Court for war crimes.
Daniel Fried - Guantanamo Closure Czar - Human Rights activist for Foreign Terrorists. Believes America has caused the Global War on Terrorism. Believes terrorists have rights above and beyond Americans.
Nancy-Ann DeParle - Health Czar - Former head of Medicare / Medicaid. Strong proponent of Health care Rationing (i.e. "Death Panels"). She is married to a reporter for The New York Times.
Vivek Kundra - Information Czar - Born in New Delhi, India. Controls all public information, including labels and news releases. Monitors all private Internet emails.
Todd Stern - International Climate Czar - Anti-business former White House Chief of Staff. Strong supporter of the Kyoto Accord; pushing hard for Cap and Trade. Blames US business for Global warming. Anti-US business prosperity.
Dennis Blair - Intelligence Czar - Retired US Navy. Stopped US guided missile program he described as "provocative". Chair of ultra-Liberal "Council on Foreign Relations" which blames American organizations for regional wars. Salary: $197,700
George Mitchell - Mideast Peace Czar- Fmr. Sen from Maine Left wing radical. Has said Israel should be split up into "2 or 3 " smaller more manageable plots". (God forbid) A true Anti-nuclear anti-gun & pro homosexual "special rights" advocate.
Kenneth Feinberg - Pay Czar - Chief of Staff to Ted Kennedy. Lawyer whorich off the 9-11 victims payoffs (horribly true).
Cass Sunstein - Regulatory Czar - Liberal activist judge who believes free speech needs to be limited for the "common good"; essentially against the 1st Amendment. Has ruled against personal freedoms many times on private gun ownership and right to free speech cases. This guy has to be run out of Washington !
John Holdren - Science Czar - Fierce ideological environmentalist, Sierra Club anti-business activist. Claims US business has caused world poverty. No Science training.
Earl Devaney - Stimulus Accountability Czar - Spent career trying to take guns away from American citizens. Believes in Open Borders to Mexico. Author of statement blaming US gun stores for drug war in Mexico.
J. Scott Gration - Sudan Czar - Native of Democratic Republic of Congo . Believes US does little to help Third World countries. Council of foreign relations, asking for higher US taxes to support United Nations.
Herb Allison - TARP Czar - Fannie Mae CEO responsible for the US recession by using real estate mortgages to back up the US stock market. Caused millions of people to lose their life savings.
John Brennan - Terrorism Czar - Anti CIA activist No training in diplomatic or gov. affairs. Believes in Open Borders to Mexico and a dialog with terrorists and has suggested Obama disband US military. Salary: $172,200
Aneesh Chopra - Technology Czar - No Technology training. Worked for the Advisory Board Company, a health care think tank for hospitals. Anti-doctor activist. Supports Obama Health care Rationing (i.e. Death Panels) and salaried doctors working exclusively for the Government Health care plan.
Adolfo Carrion Jr. - Urban Affairs Czar - Puerto Rico-born Anti-American activist and leftist group member in Latin America. Millionaire "slum lord" of Bronx , NY . Owns many lavish homes and condos which he got from "sweetheart" deals with labor unions. Wants higher taxes on middle class to pay for minority housing and health care. Salary: $158,500
Ashton Carter - Weapons Czar - Leftist. Wants all private weapons in US destroyed. Supports UN ban on firearms ownership in America. No other "policy".
Gary Samore - WMD Policy Czar - Former US Communist. Wants US to destroy all WMD unilaterally as a show of good faith. Has no other "policy" experience.
These are the people who are helping to run our country and they answer to no one other than Pres. Obama. After reviewing the picture and information of each individual that was available, I can't help from wondering, how many of these are of the Muslim faith or appeasers to the extremely, such as Pres. Obama.
Now for the really tough questions: Please tell me which president is it that is seeking more and more power? Which President has plunged America into more debt than all previous presidents combined? Which president has caused the greatest division of the citizens of America? Which president has caused more damage to the economy? Which president has done more to destroy Americans liberties and freedom?
Does it look as though Pres. Obama was honest with his statement doing his 2008 campaign?
The largest numbers of details surrounding the birth of Jesus are recorded in the Gospel of Luke. Luke was a physician and was probably the only non-Jewish writer in the New Testament. Luke wanted readers to understand that Jesus was not only the Son of God, but also a man; that’s why Luke often uses the title, Son of Man for Jesus and Luke traces Jesus’ genealogy all the way back to the first man, Adam.
According to Luke, Jesus lived the perfect life as a man, and thus became the perfect sacrifice for our sins, so we may be saved. At the heart of this Gospel are parables that show the compassion of Jesus as the pursuing Savior in which He is liken to characters whose search for a lost coin, for lost sheep and a lost son.
Luke recorded all these stories and events about Jesus for the helpless and loss and confused people of every era. Before Luke wrote his gospel he did extensive research, he was not an eye witness of the life of Jesus, so Luke begins by explaining that he is reporting the facts after carefully investigation from various sources, he was a close friend and traveling companion of Paul, which allowed him to interview those who were eye witnesses, such as the disciples and to check other historical accounts
Luke watched the growth of the early church and wrote the history of that period which is called the Acts of the Apostles, you may know it as the Book of Acts.
As you listen notice how the Gospel of Luke is especially important for understanding the way of salvation and note the historical details as well as the warm sensitive understanding that Jesus showed for those that were around Him
October 20
Read Luke 1
Highlights: Virgin birth of Jesus foretold; Mary's visit to Elizabeth; Mary's praise; birth of John the Baptist. The angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: Luke 1:30-32.
Then we read that Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste... into the house of Zacharias a priest, whose wife, Elisabeth, was Mary's cousin.
When Mary arrived, she greeted Elisabeth. And, immediately, Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? Luke 1:39:43.
How delightful this must have been to Mary's heart. Instead of suspicion there was salutation and miraculous revelation from Elisabeth who felt so privileged and yet unworthy of being in the presence of the mother of her Messiah.
Following this, the Holy Spirit speaks through Mary, saying: My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior.... For He that is mighty hath done to me great things; and Holy is His name. And His mercy is on them that fear Him from generation to generation. Luke 1:46-50.
After being unable to speak, Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for He hath visited and redeemed His people, And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David;.... To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, Luke 1:67-69, 77.
The greatness of that promise Child was threefold. It related first to His divine origin. He was to be called the Son of the Highest and shalt call his name Jesus. because He shall save his people from their sins. Secondly, not only does Jesus deliver us from the curse of sin, but He raises us to the high heritage of adopted sons Gal. 4:5; Eph. 1:5. And most glorious of all, He shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Luke 1:33.
Thought for Today: Magnifying and praising the LORD are two of our most blessed privileges. Read Luke 1
Scribes and Pharisees rebuked: many healed; 4,000 fed; Peter's confession of Christ; death and resurrection foretold; transfiguration; question of tribute money.
And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God (Matt. 16:16).
Jesus had now reached a major turning point in His mission. His marvelous miracle ministry was finished. After feeding the 4,000 men, besides women and children, near Capernum, He dismissed the crowds, got into a boat, and went across the lake to Magdala (15:38-39) near where the Jordan enters the Lake of Gennesaret. He arrived in the vicinity of the principal source of the Jordan at Caesarea Philippi, the northernmost city of the Promised Land.
Caesarea Philippi is located at the foot of Mount Hermon. It was here in the midst of prominent and popular idol worship that Jesus asked His disciples: Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? (16:13). It could have been a very troubling question, since the religious leaders of the nation all violently opposed Him.
Furthermore, Jesus had not fulfilled the hopes of the people for a revolution. Thus, some of the crowds that once had followed Him with great enthusiasm, had left Him (John 6:15,66).
In response to His question, the disciples answered: Some say that Thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets (Matt.16:14). At this time, none regarded Him as the Messiah. But when He said: whom do you say that I am? without hesitation, Peter said: You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God (16:16).
Matthew, throughout his Gospel, clearly points out how Jesus of Nazareth fulfilled “all” the prophecies concerning the Messiah. But, most importantly, the revelation was inward, as the Lord confirmed: Flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but My Father which is in Heaven (16:17). The world will always be confused as to whether Jesus was a prophet or just a good man. Not until the eyes of our understanding have been opened by the Holy Spirit, can we receive the true revelation of who Jesus really is.
All who confess their sins and see their need of a Savior recognize Him as their only hope of eternal life. And, like Matthew, millions have forsaken all to follow Him. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? (Matt.16:26).
Thought for Today:
No one will ever recognize Jesus as Lord through human reasoning.
Cross References:
For Matt. 15:4: See Ex. 20:12; 21:17; Lev. 20:9; Deut. 5:16. Matt. 15:8-9: See Is. 29:13. Matt. 16:27: See Ps. 62:12; Prov. 24:12.
Word Studies:
16:6 leaven, false teaching; 16:18 gates of hell, the powers of Satan; 17:25 prevented him, anticipated what Peter would say and spoke before Peter could.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Country: Zaire, Democratic Republic of the Congo (63 million) in south-central Africa • Major languages: French and Lingala • Limited religious freedom • 42% Roman Catholic; 28% Protestant; 12% magical practices, ancestor worship, and witchcraft; 1% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Study and heed the instruction of the Word of God that your prayers may be heard (Prov. 1:28-30).
I wonder who prevented this from being reported in the US? These are pictures not shown on American TV or in American Newspapers, but were forwarded by a Canadian friend who thought all Americans ought to know the truth!
These pictures are of Muslims marching through the STREETS OF LONDON during their recent 'Religion of Peace Demonstration.'
Why would anyone think that we should be at war with such nice, peaceful Muslims? I wonder, will it take seeing heads rolling down our streets before Americans understand that the Muslim religion is built upon hate, murder, destruction and oppression.
These pictures tell it all! Muslims have stated that England will be the next country they take over!
Maybe you still are not convinced as to what America's future will be with the appeasement of the Muslims. I beg of you to please continue reading and learn the truth about the ways of Islam.
The following was found at this link.... http://global-security-news.com
The reality of Islam in all its hatred can be seen in Afghanistan, the Maldives, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Yemen, and a few other nations, where converts from Islam face the death penalty. In Somalia, the Sunni Islamic fanatics called the Al-Shabaab (Al-Shabab) have once more killed a convert to Christianity and in true style the soldiers of Islam held down a Christian lady and slit her throat in front of many villagers. This hatred is clearly based on the teachings of Mohammad because he supported killing apostates and the ongoing Islamic inquisition continues in nations like Somalia. Sunni Islamists slit the throat of a Christian mother in Somalia on January 7th in 2011; the holy warriors of Islam captured a Christian mother of four and slaughtered her in front of many villagers in Warbhigly in Somalia.
In true Islamic justice an innocent convert to Christianity was killed in cold blood and bystanders were forced to watch while her throat was being cut. Her death, like so many other Christian martyrs in Somalia, is a witness to the reality of Islamic Sharia law and the brutal teachings of Mohammad. Therefore, the Islamic inquisition is in full swing in Somalia and Christians are being hunted down and killed.
Ed Montgomery - Auto recovery Czar--Radical anti-business black activist. Affirmative Action and Job Preference for blacks. University of Maryland Business School Dean ; teaches that US business has caused world poverty. ACORN board member. Communist DuBois Club member.
Alan Bersin - Border Czar
Cameron Davis - Great Lakes Czar - Chicago radical anti-business environmentalist. Blames George Bush for "Poisoning the water that minorities have to drink." No experience or training in water management whatsoever. Former ACORN Board member (what does that tell us?)
George Mitchell - Mideast Peace Czar- Fmr. Sen from Maine Left wing radical. Has said Israel should be split up into "2 or 3 " smaller more manageable plots". (God forbid) A true Anti-nuclear anti-gun & pro homosexual "special rights" advocate.
Cass Sunstein - Regulatory Czar - Liberal activist judge who believes free speech needs to be limited for the "common good"; essentially against the 1st Amendment. Has ruled against personal freedoms many times on private gun ownership and right to free speech cases. This guy has to be run out of Washington ! 
Earl Devaney - Stimulus Accountability Czar - Spent career trying to take guns away from American citizens. Believes in Open Borders to Mexico. Author of statement blaming US gun stores for drug war in Mexico.
Aneesh Chopra - Technology Czar - No Technology training. Worked for the Advisory Board Company, a health care think tank for hospitals. Anti-doctor activist. Supports Obama Health care Rationing (i.e. Death Panels) and salaried doctors working exclusively for the Government Health care plan.
Read Matthew 15 – 17
