Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. ( 2 TIm 2:3-4 )
In this study, we will explore what it means to be part of the Army of the Lord. I’ve included an Uncle Sam poster with the words “I want you for the US Army.” The Bible teaches us that natural truths can show spiritual truths (1 Cor 15:46). The Lord is seeking new recruits for His Army, and anyone can qualify.
When you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you are automatically enlisted in the Lord’s Army. I reflected on my time in the US Navy. I noticed how recruiters had quotas to meet. They also offered bonuses for new recruits. Similarly, evangelists are the Lord’s recruiters, bringing sinners to salvation and receiving heavenly rewards for their efforts.
We diminish the gospel when we are content with bringing just one sinner to the Lord. God desires a broader vision for His people. The Bible instructs us to teach nations, which encompass multitudes. Let’s ask the Holy Spirit to bring multitudes to His glory.
Boot Camp
After salvation, it is crucial to find a good church. The church should teach you about your identity in Christ. It should also teach you what belongs to you. Then comes the challenging part—Boot Camp. Here are a few pointers to understand the process:
Mind Renewal: Just as your identity changes from civilian to soldier, so it is with the spirit. You have been transferred from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light! Praise God!
Tongue Transformation: For your identity to be established, you need to internalize God’s word that affirms your identity. Make it a habit to confess God’s word daily. The more you do it, the easier it becomes to acquire the mind of Christ. It also becomes easier to think like Him (Joshua 1:8).
Hatred of Sin: To advance in the Lord’s Army, start by loving righteousness. Understand His calling by hating iniquity (sin). As you do, the oil of joy will pour over you. You will experience God more deeply in your life. More to come.
I am crucifiedwithChrist: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. ( Gal 2:20 )
The book of Galatians authored by the Apostle Paul, raises an intriguing question: Was Paul literally crucified? To clarify, Christ’s crucifixion occurred before Paul’s conversion, and tradition holds that Paul was beheaded in Rome. So, what exactly is Paul referring to?
Firstly, self-crucifixion is impossible. The Holy Spirit guides us to this spiritual crucifixion. This transformative process is often painful, involving the adoption of a new lifestyle and the breaking of old habits. As the saying goes, old habits die hard.
Change is challenging, which is why Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to help us. If you’re finding change painful, you’re not alone. Even Jesus endured suffering to learn obedience.
Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; (Hebrews 5:8)
Many well-meaning saints get confused with the suffering for Christ. They compare it to being sick. Christ in his time on earth did not suffer sickness. He suffered heartbreak and persecution. He was rejected, especially by those who were closest to him. His own best friend Judas betrayed him. Friends, we must go through these times of suffering so we can develop obedience to God.
Crucifixion is painful and we all have a cross to carry. The good news is that as we reckon ourselves dead and walking in resurrection life, there is joy. We can rejoice in that we have a seat in heavenly places. A place where we can hear the voice of the Father. A place where we can enter into the rest of the Lord and enjoy our salvation. So, like Paul, take inventory of your life. Declare your identity with Christ through the cross and you will never be the same.
Podcasting can be a good source of income if you know how to access it to your advantage. Many have created a podcast and have made a lot of money. A key point to remember in helping people create a podcast, you need to put aside a get-rich-quick mentality. In fact, you should be willing to do it because you love to talk. Quick bucks are not the goal here.
Podcasting requires time, patience, and diligence. There are many subjects to pick from, which we call a niche. My favorite is Christian ministry, although I have dabbled in other fields like classic TV and movies. To tell you the truth, I have never made any big money in that field. Usually, I have not stayed on podcasting for a long period of time. I prefer to write and do live streaming.
Tools To Have In Podcasting.
If you want to start a podcast, make sure you have a blog to go along with it. Perhaps I am biased, but WordPress is my favorite. Blogger blogs from Google are my second favorite. Blogger blogs are easy to assemble. You can reach a large audience if you type your blog on a frequent basis. It is important that you grow your audience through your blogs.
Another way is to create a Facebook page. Make sure you grow your page with family and friends. Write something that you are passionate about. A rule of thumb is to be familiar with what’s trending. Sometimes, when I want to have more visitors, I use keywords. Make sure you get familiar with how SEO works.
Twitter is also a great way to get exposure. When you start your Twitter page, make sure you look for like-minded individuals. As you interact with them, you can grow your audience. Finally, YouTube and Rumble are good sources for getting your podcast noticed. All of the above are good tools, but patience and diligence are the key factors in getting your podcast noticed. As always, include the podcast on your blog and other places on the web. Hope this helps someone. God bless.
Final Key Points.
Passion Over Profit: Emphasize the importance of starting a podcast. You should do it because you enjoy talking about your chosen topic. It should not be just for making money.
Niche Choice: Highlight the importance of choosing a specific niche that you are passionate about. Examples include Christian ministry or classic TV and movies.
Consistency and Patience: Stress that podcasting requires time, patience, and consistency to build an audience.
Blog Integration: Recommend having a blog to complement your podcast, with platforms like WordPress and Blogger being good options.
Social Media Engagement: Suggest using social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Rumble. These platforms can help you grow your audience and increase exposure.
SEO and Keywords: Mention the importance of understanding SEO and using relevant keywords to attract more visitors.
Examples and Inspiration: Give examples of your own podcasts to inspire others.
Hope this helps. If you need some extra help, feel free to send me an email. Here are some examples of my podcast.
As I was studying Ps 43, I noticed some interesting patterns. The author brings out Injustices, lies and Oppression. ( Ps 43: 1-2) These items caused him to mourn. Maybe perhaps he lost a loved one because of a grave injustice. In our society, it is not rare to see people commit all kinds of crimes. They get arrested and the next day, they are out in the streets again. How many times have we watched disturbing videos online? They show a multitude of people coming into a Supermarket and causing great plunder and destruction.
The ripple effects of this is that the insurance goes up. The company profit margin is affected. Prices go up as well. Eventually, the Supermarket business winds up moving out of the neighborhood leaving people oppressed and sad. Services like medication and food are no longer available within walking distance.
Light at the end of the tunnel
Just when Ps 43 paints a dreadful scenario, there is hope. Verse 3 says send out your light and truth. We know that the Bible (God’s word) is truth. Truth is good but unless it walks hand in hand with light, it will not make much of a difference. Beloved, always remember one word from God can change your whole life. He is our light and that light will bring revelation to his word.
Notice, he brings out the places of worship—
1- Holy Hills- Seeking God in high places. Dare to take your seat along heavenly places. When you are seated in high places, you get to see the whole picture. The Holy Spirit knows the beginning and the end. He will teach you how to pray and reveal his mysteries to you.
2- Tabernacles- Fellowshipping with the saints. There are times in which needs are fulfilled just by fellowshipping with the saints. I once remember that a beloved brother gave me a nice cash gift. Other times, during prayer, healing has been manifested. It is good to be at the place where the Holy Spirit directs you to go.
3- Altar- When you hear the man/woman of God sharing the word. Many times, a word coming from the pulpit can be what you need to keep on facing life’s toughest challenges.
4- Harp- Praise and worship brings about strength and the presence of the Lord. It will certainly change your atmosphere and leave you refreshed. Habakkuk 3:17-18 paints a beautiful picture of trusting God. Habakkuk did not allow the lack of his physical provision to decide his joy. He was determined to rejoice and delight in the God of his salvation. He trusted that provision would come from up high.
At the close of Psalms 43, the author spoke to his soul. It looked like his answer to prayer was not manifested, but he did not give up. He was determined to press thru and wait on the Holy Spirit to lead him to the answer. So, the word for today is press on–Victory is yours!
Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. (Ps 42:11)
In this study, we are going to look at the subject of creating your own atmosphere. Ps 42 was written by the sons of Korah. They served in the musical aspect of the temple worshipping the Lord. In Ps 42:11, they are talking to their soul.
Man was created in three different beings. ( I Thes 5:23) These are defined as Spirit, Soul and Body. The soul is where the seat of emotions lies like thoughts and desires. The sons of Korah knew that they could not afford the luxury to let discouragement and despair creep in. They knew they had to change the atmosphere or it would even affect their health.
Scripture teaches us that we have the mind of Christ. The word Christ is the Greek word for anointing. That anointing would be a yoke-breaking, burden removing power of God that is available for you to release it. That anointing lives inside of you. The word says that Greater is he that is in us than he that is in the world.
In this day, do not allow discouragement or the issues of life to steal your joy. Use the power to bind and loose the power of God in your behalf. Speak the word to your soul (Mind, will and emotions). Declare that you have a merry heart. Declare that you have a continual feast. It is interesting that the word Feast in the Spanish Bible is translated as fiesta (Party).
It is time to party. Why? Because when you party and delight yourself in the Lord, he gives you the desires of your heart. Praise and worship is powerful. David had a 24 hour praise and worship center and as a result, his kingdom became powerful. Praise and worship brought forth the birth of King Solomon. His kingdom experienced peace and there was no lack.
Jesus is the life of the party. Learn to party with the Holy Spirit. It will create an atmosphere of excitement and life. So, decide today to change your atmosphere. Blessing are waiting in store for you. God bless.
In this post, we are going to discuss the power of Unity. In these last days, the body of Christ must be united like never before. The evil one wants to split the body of Christ by division and tradition among other things. Why must we be united?
We must be united because we are the house of Christ. ( Heb 3:6) There are issues that this country is facing. We are called to be the salt of the earth. The Lord has given his body a mandate, occupy until I come. Beloved, if you are born again, your prayers are powerful especially when praying for our leaders in high places.
Scriptures tell us that God rebukes kings and princes for our sake. ( Ps 104:14-15) Our prayers can soften the heart of any leader to do the will of the Lord. The biggest problem is that we have lost focus on what we should be doing. First, our aim should be winning souls in our family and community. Second, we should be aware of things that are tearing the family and country apart with some important issues.
In some churches, talking about certain moral issues is a big no-no. Certain leaders have called it a political issue, but I disagree with this. These are social issues that need to be addressed from the pulpit. Another such issue is racism. Some media outlets have filled the body with lies that it is causing schism within the church. It is a sad state of affairs when we have people who love this country and are patriotic ( Including myself) and are labeled racist.
At the risk of being political, making America great is not going back into slavery. Making America great is remembering that it had a covenant with God. Remember, God made a covenant with Israel but America made a covenant with God. I realize that America is not perfect, but its belief in God made this nation blessed like no other.
The Two Sides Of The Cross.
Divers weights are anabomination unto the Lord; and a false balanceis not good.
( Proverbs 20:23)
First, I believe that neither the Donkey (Democrat) nor the Elephant (Republican) can save this country. Only the lamb ( Jesus) can make the difference. I believe in the power of prayer and there is an example of how God blessed Israel during Solomon’s reign. ( I Kings 4:26- 34 ) There was peace in the land and no man lacked anything.
God has promised to give us periods of heaven on earth. This was Israel’s period of peace and prosperity. Afterward, unfortunately, Solomon turned from God’s ways and heavily taxed Israel causing a split. Israel was never the same after the split. What can we learn from this?
Looking at the cross, we find that there are two sides–The Left and The Right. I realize that there are good, God-fearing people on both sides of the cross. Every day, accusations are going back and forth dividing even the church. If we as a church want to see revival in America, we must be willing to go to the center and embrace Jesus.
We must be like the thief on the cross who recognized his need for Jesus. At first, the scriptures show us that both were complaining and persecuting Jesus ( Matt 27:44) Some theologians believe that the thief who repented was on the right side. Jesus saw his heart and told him he would be with him in paradise.
Notice, he went from the right to the center. We in the body need to do the same. Let’s seek Jesus like never before. Let’s stop believing the lies of the Enemy. If we as a Body embrace Jesus, the Holy Spirit will make some of this country’s vital issues clear and we can see change come. Remember, United we stand, Divided we fall.
Conclusion.
Let’s sum this up by looking at some vital points-
1- A house divided will fall. We are the house of Christ. Unity is important especially in the church. Political division has no place in the church.
2- I know that racism has left deep wounds within the African and Hispanic community. I have experienced some racism as an Hispanic American while serving in the US Navy. As a Puerto Rican, I have learned to love my cultural background. As an American, born in the United States, I love this country despite its shortcomings. It disturbs me when people who want to make America great get accused of racism. Lies like that divide the church.
3- Brethren, realize that politically on the left as well as the right are good God-fearing Christians. In the example of the cross, Jesus was surrounded by two thieves on each sides. The two thieves were persecuting and complaining against Jesus, until one of them repented. The good thief moved from the right to the center and embraced Jesus! The formula to heal the Body from division is moving to the center and embracing Jesus. As we do this, God will open our eyes and bring us together.
4- God has called us to occupy until he comes. We as a nation have come a long way with the Civil Rights struggles and have seen some progress. It was during that time that the church came together and we saw some breakthroughs. If we allow divisions within the body now, we stand to lose this nation and our freedoms.
Please take some time and study the historical patterns of Germany. (1) It was a Protestant nation ( Christian ), and it allowed old hurts of the past from the Jews to fester in. As a result, Adolph Hitler rose to power. A whole nation was deceived, and it suffered as a result. Let’s learn from the lessons of the past. Pray for a United body and watch how God will bring restoration and healing to the church. We need it for such a time as this.
And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. ( Mark 4:35 )
The Lord has impressed me to talk on the subject concerning going to the other side. As you read Mark 4:35-40, Jesus was with his disciples on the ship. He told them to go to the other side because he was supposed to continue his ministry on another place.
As they sailed, A great storm met them. The disciples panicked, but what did Jesus do? He was asleep on the ship. I have watched a documentary called the Deadliest Catch. It shows ships fishing for crab on the Bering Sea and how they struggle against storms and blizzards. Sometimes, the water would seep in and start to get the ship flooded.
Imagine being on the ship with Jesus, and it starts rocking by the waves and winds. Soon, the ship starts to get flooded. Your reasoning would say—Let’s get out of here and head back to shore. The disciples panicked and woke up Jesus. Jesus was not afraid. Why?
He gave out the word–Let us go to the other side. His word had power and in spite of the circumstances, they would arrive at the other side. There was one thing that needed to be dealt with and it was fear. When you have fear, it will short circuit your faith and lead to disaster.
We know the end of the story. Jesus rebuked the winds and the sea and there was a great calm. Afterwards, Jesus rebuked his disciples for their fears–Why? Again, he had given the word to go to the other side. After the winds calmed down, Jesus went with his disciples to fulfill his ministry on the other side. ( Mark 5)
Learn To Receive His Word.
Another example was the centurion who had his servant sick. Let’s look at the verse below-
The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. ( Matt 8:8 ).
Do you see something interesting here? The Centurion asked and received the word of healing that was sent to heal his servant? Ps 107:20 says that he sent his word and healed them. Jesus was impressed and rebuked his people for not having the faith of this centurion. Jesus called this act–Great faith!
I recognize that it is hard to develop faith. The major cause is that our minds need to be renewed. Sometimes, unbelievers are quick to receive miracles and Christians have a hard time due to unbelief, religion and traditions. This centurion had no covenant with God like the Jews but he believe in the word of deliverance.
We are conditioned to believe that if it comes to pass, it’s God’s will but if it’s not, It was not God’s will. Just because your prayers got hindered does not mean that is not God’s will to heal you. The disciples could have turned back from their destination and say–Oh, well, it’s not God’s will. Meanwhile, the Madman of Gadara would have remained demon possessed, tormenting the inhabitants of that land.( Mark 5)
Beloved, I know that there are times in which God will change circumstances to protect us. I’m sure we have heard stories in which many were spared getting in an airplane that crashed. I’m convinced that people who spend their time praying in tongues have probably stood in the gap and protected those people from danger.
The other side of the coin is that God wants us to know his will. When you spend your time renewing your mind, it will get you to the point where you will know God’s perfect will for your life. Then, when circumstances that contradict the word come, you can be at peace and believe God to get you to the other side.
What’s on the other side? Deliverance from the flesh, getting healing, and financial provision to name a few. The Holy Spirit revealed to Jesus ahead of time of his ministry to the Madman of Gadara. Beloved, the Holy Spirit wants to show you your future. He wants to help you fulfill your calling. I will finish this study with Rom 12: 2. Now is the time to renew your mind like never before. Your future depends on it.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. ( Rom 12:2 )
“What? know ye not that your body is thetempleoftheHolyGhost which is in you, which ye have of God, and yeare not your own?” (1 Cor 6:19)
Maintaining health and well-being can be a big challenge for some. I say whatever works for you is fine. Everyone has their own strategies. I have been blessed to see 68 years in my life with no major sicknesses in my body-Thank God. The only thing that I have to wrestle with is staying active.
Let me explain–In January of this year, I retired from a non-profit job to go into full-time ministry. I do a lot of writing and teaching online, but have a hard time being active. Lately, I discovered that I was getting stiff and had some mobility issues. Not long ago, I decided to start walking and doing stretching exercises. It is amazing what a few minutes of exercising can do.
Soon, I noticed that I was more flexible and had some mobility in my body. After a while, I could touch my toes. Friends, it is never too late to exercise. Don’t let your age be an hindrance.
Another item that I want to recommend is to decrease your sugar intake. This year, my 36 year old son who lives with us was diagnosed with diabetes. Having this news, he had to re-adjust his eating habits. I decided to join him eating sugar free foods and I have noticed that my digestion has greatly improved.
So, that is it-for now. What are your strategies to maintain your health and well being? Enclosed is a video that can help you stretch those muscles and have fun exercising. (1) Inquiring minds want to know–God bless.
My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. ( Proverbs 4:20-22)
In this post, we are going to discuss healing. I pray that these biblical teachings on healing will help people obtain answers to their prayers. I understand the frustration that comes with unanswered prayers. The good news is that it is God’s will that we be healed!
Let’s start with the above verses. In Proverbs 4:22, part of the verse says–Health to all their flesh. The word health comes from the Hebrew word Marpe and one of its definition is medicine. In fact, in the Spanish bible, the word health is translated as Medicine. Let’s address some points about healing–
God’s medicine heals the broken Heart–This is emotional healing. Many in the body have been hurt emotionally. Emotional hurts can open the door to physical sickness as well as cripple the believer spiritually. Proverbs says a wounded spirit who can bear? The word spirit is translated as the seat of emotions. (Mind, thoughts, and desires) Jesus has come to heal the brokenhearted. It is important to get healed in the emotional realm to avoid the root of bitterness in our lives. (Heb 12:15)
Jesus as your doctor. This can be a slippery slope for some. We have many well-known preachers who preach God’s will to be healed. TV ministries are full of testimonies of how God has healed many believers and unfortunately, we see a lot of Christians who confess and stand on God’s word and nothing happens. Soon they are frustrated, turn away from God or make excuses for God.
Friend, God’s word works all the time and he doesn’t need our excuses on why it’s not his will to heal. Again, God’s will is to heal. Here are some tips to help you receive from God his healing power. First, God works through doctors and medicine. The fact that you go to a doctor doesn’t mean that you have no faith. A good Christian doctor can be your best friend. A point to remember is that one of Jesus disciples was a doctor by the name of Luke.
My wife is a rare breed. (Smile) She has taken a stand for the Lord and very rarely does she sees a doctor. More than 30 years ago, she got a report of a crippling disease. The doctor told her that she was destined to be in a wheelchair. She rejected that negative report. Standing on the word, she confessed the healing scriptures from the word and she got healed! In fact, her faith has helped me get healed from Asthma many times.
Count the cost.
The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but awounded spirit who can bear? (Prov 18:14)
Aside from my wife, I have seen how many trust the Lord as their doctor. They rely on the Lord for their healing. In doing this, there is a fight of faith. I have seen how in spite of pain, my wife trusted God for healing and she got results. I have news for you–Inside your spirit, you can go through pain in your body.
It explains how many believers went to their deaths praising God during Roman times. Enduring torture, they would not turn back and their praise strengthened them. Praise is a powerful tool. It will help strengthen your spirit and open the door for miracles.
What’s the story behind my nickname? I will start with encouragement. I was at a low point in my life when the Lord gave me my nickname. Before I elaborate on this, let me share an important point in the Bible. As I study the word, Jesus would change the names of some of his disciples because it had a meaning. Words are powerful.
Let’s start with Peter. His name originally was Simon. Let’s look at these verses below–
And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. ( Matt 16:16-18)
The Greek and Hebrew meaning of Simon means to hear. Notice what Jesus did, He changed Simon’s name to Peter which means a rock. ( Matt 16:16-18) This is important because as he experienced a name change, it helped Peter to grow spiritually and become rock-hard in his faith. He went from becoming a hearer to a doer.
Again, words are powerful and Jesus knew that. As we study the life of Peter, he was put under pressure when they arrested Jesus. As they carried Jesus away, he was approached by a certain maiden and was recognized as one of his disciples. He denied knowing Jesus.
This caused Peter great sorrow and he wept bitterly ( Luke 22:61-62). He was wounded emotionally, left the faith, and went back to fishing. Hurts and wounds can affect your walk with the Lord. Peter probably had a hard time forgiving himself. After the Lord resurrected, he looked for Peter.
When he found him, he got restored and got right with the Lord. Jesus knew ahead of time that Peter would need a word of encouragement. In these verses below, we see the compassion of our Lord. Before his betrayal, He starts by calling him by his former name Simon (2x).
This was done to call him to attention. He had forgotten that his name was changed to Peter ( Rock-hard faith ) and was starting to go back to his former life. Jesus gave him a prophetic word of how he would be sifted by the evil one but to take heart, he had prayed for him.
And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. ( Luke 22:30-32 )
Peter became a hearer (Simon) and not a doer. He allowed the prophetic name change to slip by him and when he was tested, his faith failed him. The word of the Lord is a sure word of prophecy. Thank God Jesus prayed for him. He does the same for us, too when our faith fails. That is good news!
A word for me.
My personal testimony of my name change came when I reached the age of 60 years old. I thought my life was over and I had done all I could for the Lord. I started to get discouraged until God spoke to my spirit–I am not done with you. I have just begun my work in you.
He further added these words—You shall be called Caleb. If you search your Bible, Caleb was Joshua’s partner and was used in his later years for God’s glory. The amazing thing is that my son’s name is Joshua and he is one of my closest supporters in the ministry.
I am not saying that every believer should have a nickname. God can still use you as you are. Remember, you have the name of Jesus. You are hid in him and that should be more than enough. More on this teaching on the video provided below. God bless.
The Christian Corner Ministries 