Dear beloved: As news comes out of Africa this past week about the spread of the deadly Ebola virus, we are stopped in our own lives as we ponder yet another threat to the lives of the people in Africa. This virus follows on the heels of other deadly virus outbreaks that have plagued Africa; since 1981 nearly 30 million people have died of HIV-AIDS in Africa alone, and it still continues to affect many in the sub-Sahara region of Africa today, in fact, 68% of all HIV infections world wide are in the sub Sahara Africa region. Then you add to that malaria deaths which total over half a million in sub-Sahara Africa each year, mostly in children under 5 years of age. Other threats to the lives of people in Africa include waterborne illnesses, poor sanitation, tribal conflict and killing, and now a new threat to all peace loving people, the sectarian violence of radical Islamic jihad. Taken all together, these grim statistics bear out it seems there is little hope for the average person in Africa. And our natural reaction as Americans to the news of Ebola and all the other plagues of Africa is let's just do our best to make sure it stays over there.
Jesus prophesied all this would take place, when He spoke in Matthew 24 about the end of the age, and the signs preceeding it. Matt 24:6 "And you will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars; see that you are not frightened, for this must take place, but that is not yet the end. v7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes. v8 But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs. v9 Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations on account of My name. v10 And at that time many will fall away and will deliver up one another and hate one another. v11 and many false prophets will arise, and will mislead many. v12 And because lawlwssness is increased, most people's love will grow cold. v13 But the one who endures to the end, he shall be saved."
If earthly hope is in short supply, there is one hope that will never disappoint, that is the hope of the glory of God! The Apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 5:2 that in Jesus we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. v5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. And so beloved, the hope for all mankind, not just for those in Africa but for those all over the world, is the good news that Jesus saves, the good news of the gospel, that this world and all that it has to offer, the pain and suffering, and the joy, is not all there is. The good news is that Jesus saves for all eternity, to give hope and redemption to all who face unspeakable suffering and bleak opportunities in their life here on this earth.
Beloved, with your help we can take the good news of the gospel, the hope that does not disappoint, to the precious souls in Africa. Time is passing quickly and God has opened some amazing doors of opportunity. Please stand with me in prayer and make a contribution to the Gather the Outcasts Africa Mission of 2014. We will be conducting life saving, hope dispensing crusades in three places this coming September; in Nairobi at Kenyatta University with university students, in Malaba, Kenya, on the border of Uganda, and in Goma, Republic of Congo. This is their hope, this is God's will for them in this hour.
Email me at pureprairie@hotmail.com if you have any questions or comments. Contact information: Gather the Outcasts Ministry, Box 92, Norton, Ks. 67654, or you can go to www.gahertheoutcasts.com to make a contribution with a credit card through Paypal. May God bless you as you pray and we move forward together to take the message of hope to Africa. In Christ, Jim
Monday, August 4, 2014
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Countdown to Africa
Dear beloved: Time is passing quickly as the date for the Africa Mission draws near. I ask for increased prayer and intercession for the good plans of the Lord to be established, that the necessary provision would come and we can go forward with final plans for the mission. We are still planning on a mid September target date, but that window of opportunity is rapidly approaching The mission includes crusades and revival meetings in three sites: 1) in Nairobi with university students from several universities meeting at Kenyatta University, 2) three day crusade and pastor training in Malaba, Kenya, and 3) 3 day crusade and pastor training in Goma, North Kivu, The Republic of Congo.
Many have asked about the security issues with all the bombings and increased terror attacks, especially in Kenya. I believe the Lord will guard me and the meetings with His angels, and that it is more important now than ever before to preach the gospel, to bring the good news of hope that Jesus saves to all the nations! The enemy would love for us all to cower in fear and quit, that would expedite his plans to take over the nation. But the Lord says, "It shall not be! I will watch over My people and My plans for the nation will be established."
Isaiah 6:8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send, and who shall go for Us?" Then I said, "Here am I! Send me.." Beloved, I am willing if you will send me. Please consider making a contribution to Gather the Outcasts Ministry to move the Kingdom of God forward in these three areas in Africa. The budget for the three crusades and all my travel is $20,000. You can make a tax deductible gift in care of Gather the Outcasts to : Norton Christian Church, 208 N. Kansas, Norton, Ks. 67654, or non deductible to: Gather the Outcasts, Box 92, Norton, Ks. 67654. If you have any questions, you can email me for more information at pureprairie@hotmail.com. Let us move forward on this together, the Lord has given us the nations for our inheritance, but we must move in and take them. Thank you so much for your prayers and provision, God sees your sacrifice. May God bless you as you pray this day. In Christ, Jim
Many have asked about the security issues with all the bombings and increased terror attacks, especially in Kenya. I believe the Lord will guard me and the meetings with His angels, and that it is more important now than ever before to preach the gospel, to bring the good news of hope that Jesus saves to all the nations! The enemy would love for us all to cower in fear and quit, that would expedite his plans to take over the nation. But the Lord says, "It shall not be! I will watch over My people and My plans for the nation will be established."
Isaiah 6:8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send, and who shall go for Us?" Then I said, "Here am I! Send me.." Beloved, I am willing if you will send me. Please consider making a contribution to Gather the Outcasts Ministry to move the Kingdom of God forward in these three areas in Africa. The budget for the three crusades and all my travel is $20,000. You can make a tax deductible gift in care of Gather the Outcasts to : Norton Christian Church, 208 N. Kansas, Norton, Ks. 67654, or non deductible to: Gather the Outcasts, Box 92, Norton, Ks. 67654. If you have any questions, you can email me for more information at pureprairie@hotmail.com. Let us move forward on this together, the Lord has given us the nations for our inheritance, but we must move in and take them. Thank you so much for your prayers and provision, God sees your sacrifice. May God bless you as you pray this day. In Christ, Jim
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
You Need a Fresh Baptim of Fire!
Dear beloved: Many good Christians are laboring mightily in their own flesh and strength to try to live spirit filled lives, to live lives of righteousness and good works. But they are laboring under weakness because they have not been truly baptized with the fire and the total immersion of the Holy Ghost in their life. In the 19th chapter of Acts, Paul encountered some believers that had been laboring in that condition for many years; they were saved believers but they did not even know that there was a Holy Spirit. Acts 19:1 And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples v2 he said to them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" So they said to him, "We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit." v3 And he said to them, "Into what then were you baptized?'" So they said, "Into John's baptism." v4 Then Paul said, " John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus." v5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. v6 And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. v7 Now there were about twelve men in all.
John the Baptist prophesied in Matthew 3:11, when he said, "there is One coming who is mightier than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am unworthy to untie, He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire!" And we know that baptism came on the day of Pentecost, when 120 who were in one accord and who were waiting for what had been promised to them by Jesus, were filled with that fire when a mighty rushing wind filled the room, and cloven tongues of fire rested upon the heads of each one of them. The fire of coarse didn't just rest on their heads, but penetrated their bodies, souls, and spirits, and they evidenced that transformation when they began to speak in tongues. What had been a bunch of weak and cowering disciples was instantly transformed into the power preachers and evangelists, the ones whom Jesus had entrusted to spread the gospel of the Kingdom of God to even the remotest parts of the earth.
Beloved, we need a fresh filling of that fire right now. Many in the church are fearful to even talk about tongues, miracles, and healings; the devil has beaten down the body of Christ so much, power is out and decorum is in. If you have never received the baptism of fire, seek the Lord Jesus in worship and let the Holy Spirit baptize you with that fire. The devil is ramping up his attacks on believers as the end day draws near, he knows his time is running short! Don't settle for less than all the Lord has for you. If you are already a spirit baptized believer, ask the Lord for a fresh filling, that you will be rekindled and refreshed to do all that the Lord has called you to do. May God bless you this day as you seek the Lord for His fire! in Christ, Jim www.gathertheoutcasts.com
John the Baptist prophesied in Matthew 3:11, when he said, "there is One coming who is mightier than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am unworthy to untie, He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire!" And we know that baptism came on the day of Pentecost, when 120 who were in one accord and who were waiting for what had been promised to them by Jesus, were filled with that fire when a mighty rushing wind filled the room, and cloven tongues of fire rested upon the heads of each one of them. The fire of coarse didn't just rest on their heads, but penetrated their bodies, souls, and spirits, and they evidenced that transformation when they began to speak in tongues. What had been a bunch of weak and cowering disciples was instantly transformed into the power preachers and evangelists, the ones whom Jesus had entrusted to spread the gospel of the Kingdom of God to even the remotest parts of the earth.
Beloved, we need a fresh filling of that fire right now. Many in the church are fearful to even talk about tongues, miracles, and healings; the devil has beaten down the body of Christ so much, power is out and decorum is in. If you have never received the baptism of fire, seek the Lord Jesus in worship and let the Holy Spirit baptize you with that fire. The devil is ramping up his attacks on believers as the end day draws near, he knows his time is running short! Don't settle for less than all the Lord has for you. If you are already a spirit baptized believer, ask the Lord for a fresh filling, that you will be rekindled and refreshed to do all that the Lord has called you to do. May God bless you this day as you seek the Lord for His fire! in Christ, Jim www.gathertheoutcasts.com
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Breaking Soul Ties
Dear beloved: When we make ties or agreements with thoughts and behaviors to the demonic realm, those ties then must be broken or severed if we are to move forward in the kingdom of God. The devil will chain us and bind us to these agreements with his harassing and tormenting demons, many of which have been following us for many years through familiar family patterns. When we make the move back toward the call God has placed on our life, the demons then attack us, often causing pain in the body and disruption (agitation) in our soul.
David prayed to the Lord in Psalm 18 when he was asking the Lord to deliver him from the hand of all his enemies and of Saul. Psalm 18:3 I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; So shall I be saved from my enemies. v4 The pangs (cords) of death surrounded me, and the floods of ungodliness made me afraid. v5 The sorrows of Sheol surrounded me; The snares of death confronted me. v6 In my distress I called upon the Lord, And cried out to my god; He heard my voice from His temple, And my cry came before Him, even to His ears. When we cry out to the Lord, Jesus is faithful and true to His word, all those who call upon the Lord will be saved! He hears our voice from His temple, and our cry comes before Him, even to His ears.
It is important also when we move to break ties with the demonic realm, the cords of Sheol, that we repent and speak against every agreement that we have made. Acknowledge the sin, ask the Lord for His forgiveness, and speak against the sin. When we do that we are consciously breaking the chains that have bound us. In the realm of sexual immorality, we may have to repent of multiple partners, fornication, adultery, or sexual perversion. Then we also ask the Lord to strengthen us and help us to take every thought captive that raises itself up against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. Repent, speak against, and commit to obedience in Christ. This is the way to the higher place, a place of peace and joy in Christ Jesus. Psalm 18:25 For You will light my lamp; The Lord my God will enlighten my darkness. v31 For who is God, except the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God: v32 It is God who arms me with strength, and makes my way perfect. If you will practice these steps, you will begin to move into the broad place that God has for you. He wants to deliver you! God bless you, in Christ, Jim
David prayed to the Lord in Psalm 18 when he was asking the Lord to deliver him from the hand of all his enemies and of Saul. Psalm 18:3 I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; So shall I be saved from my enemies. v4 The pangs (cords) of death surrounded me, and the floods of ungodliness made me afraid. v5 The sorrows of Sheol surrounded me; The snares of death confronted me. v6 In my distress I called upon the Lord, And cried out to my god; He heard my voice from His temple, And my cry came before Him, even to His ears. When we cry out to the Lord, Jesus is faithful and true to His word, all those who call upon the Lord will be saved! He hears our voice from His temple, and our cry comes before Him, even to His ears.
It is important also when we move to break ties with the demonic realm, the cords of Sheol, that we repent and speak against every agreement that we have made. Acknowledge the sin, ask the Lord for His forgiveness, and speak against the sin. When we do that we are consciously breaking the chains that have bound us. In the realm of sexual immorality, we may have to repent of multiple partners, fornication, adultery, or sexual perversion. Then we also ask the Lord to strengthen us and help us to take every thought captive that raises itself up against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. Repent, speak against, and commit to obedience in Christ. This is the way to the higher place, a place of peace and joy in Christ Jesus. Psalm 18:25 For You will light my lamp; The Lord my God will enlighten my darkness. v31 For who is God, except the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God: v32 It is God who arms me with strength, and makes my way perfect. If you will practice these steps, you will begin to move into the broad place that God has for you. He wants to deliver you! God bless you, in Christ, Jim
A Strong Mind pt 3
Dear beloved: The book of Proverbs contains some very timely wisdom regarding the issues of depression and anxiety. Proverbs 12:25 Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression ( weighs it down), but a good word makes it glad. So we see that when we let anxious thoughts take over our life, our heart becomes heavy and we get "depressed". These thoughts can have their source in anger towards self or others, bitterness regarding people or life events, unforgiveness, or fear of the future or the unknown. The Apostle Paul has good instruction for the Philippians when he tells them in Phil 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say rejoice! v5 Let your forbearing spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near(at hand). v6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. v7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
And so Paul lays out God's prescription medicine for depression. First of all, rejoice in all things. Begin to cultivate a heart and an attitude of praise and gratitude, give thanks to the Lord for every little thing in your life, even the sunshine, the air you breathe, every day that the Lord gives you to walk this earth. If you are holed up in your sorrow and fear, start thanking Him for people who care for you and every small step as you move forward. Saturate your environment with praise and worship music, in your car and in your house, make it uncomfortable for the demons of darkness to hang around you. Second, let your forbearing spirit be known to all, in other words, don't be afraid to give praise the Lord and credit to Him for keeping you standing. The Lord is near, in your mouth and in your heart! Be a testimony to those you come in contact with. Then third, take all your anxiety, all your fear to the Lord in prayer. When anxious and fearful thoughts begin to creep into and take over your mind, that is the time to get down on your knees and let your requests be made known to God. It is all right to spend hours on your knees, crying out to the Lord for mercy and for strength, and do it with an attitude of thanksgiving, giving the Lord thanks for every small victory. Paul says as you do this, the peace of God in Christ Jesus will guard your heart and your mind. Wouldn't it be much better to depend on Jesus Christ to give us peace and guard our hearts and mind, than to depend on "antianxiety" medications that are addictive and unreliable, and in the long run do very little to help alleviate the condition?
And finally, Solomon gives us wisdom regarding this situation in Proverbs 13:12. Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but desire fulfilled is a tree of life. When we put too much of our hope in this world, in the relationships with family and friends, in our jobs and vocation, in our riches and material possessions, we are bound to be disappointed and eventually become heartsick. But when our hope is in the Lord Jesus, everything else then takes its proper place in our life. Romans 5:1 Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, v2 through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in the hope of the glory of God. v3 And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; v4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; v5 and hope (in Jesus) does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Beloved, put your hope in Jesus, then you will never be disappointed! May God bless you as you pray. in Christ, Jim
And so Paul lays out God's prescription medicine for depression. First of all, rejoice in all things. Begin to cultivate a heart and an attitude of praise and gratitude, give thanks to the Lord for every little thing in your life, even the sunshine, the air you breathe, every day that the Lord gives you to walk this earth. If you are holed up in your sorrow and fear, start thanking Him for people who care for you and every small step as you move forward. Saturate your environment with praise and worship music, in your car and in your house, make it uncomfortable for the demons of darkness to hang around you. Second, let your forbearing spirit be known to all, in other words, don't be afraid to give praise the Lord and credit to Him for keeping you standing. The Lord is near, in your mouth and in your heart! Be a testimony to those you come in contact with. Then third, take all your anxiety, all your fear to the Lord in prayer. When anxious and fearful thoughts begin to creep into and take over your mind, that is the time to get down on your knees and let your requests be made known to God. It is all right to spend hours on your knees, crying out to the Lord for mercy and for strength, and do it with an attitude of thanksgiving, giving the Lord thanks for every small victory. Paul says as you do this, the peace of God in Christ Jesus will guard your heart and your mind. Wouldn't it be much better to depend on Jesus Christ to give us peace and guard our hearts and mind, than to depend on "antianxiety" medications that are addictive and unreliable, and in the long run do very little to help alleviate the condition?
And finally, Solomon gives us wisdom regarding this situation in Proverbs 13:12. Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but desire fulfilled is a tree of life. When we put too much of our hope in this world, in the relationships with family and friends, in our jobs and vocation, in our riches and material possessions, we are bound to be disappointed and eventually become heartsick. But when our hope is in the Lord Jesus, everything else then takes its proper place in our life. Romans 5:1 Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, v2 through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in the hope of the glory of God. v3 And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; v4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; v5 and hope (in Jesus) does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Beloved, put your hope in Jesus, then you will never be disappointed! May God bless you as you pray. in Christ, Jim
Friday, May 23, 2014
A Strong Mind pt 2
Dear beloved: For those struggling with issues of depression, anxiety, and hopelessness, we need to look to the word of God and to Jesus for relief of these states of mind that lead to a place of darkness. We know that the devil will do everything in his power to take us away from God's plan for our life, and we also know that through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit we can be an overcomer and not just survive, but be a conqueror. I have seen this happen in my own life as well as in the lives of those I have been privileged to minister to and counsel.
God's word gives us specific encouragement regarding the issue of a strong mind. 2 Timothy 2:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and a sound mind. So we see that the one of the primary ways the devil attacks us is through the spirit of fear. When these attacks are successful, we begin to fear moving forward into our destiny, our calling, and we fear even relationships with people who could help us and be our allies. If we look to the world for the antidote to the fear, the world will encourage us to take pharmaceutical drugs to "lift us" out of the despair or anxiety, or at the least keep the situation stable. However, often the result is increased anxiety, weakness, and a separation from our will, emotions, and true feelings. Certainly not power, and not a sound mind, and not much love either, as people fight for survival just to function in that mindset.
Though it sounds simplistic, and should not be looked at as an overnight turnaround (though I certainly don't discount the possibility of miraculous, instantaneous breakthroughs), to look to Jesus is the answer to these debilitating attacks on the mind. The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 2:16 For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ. Paul was writing to baby Christian believers in Corinth, comparing the solutions the world gives for problems compared to how God gives solutions to those who put their trust in Him. 1 Corinthians 2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. v13 These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. v14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, for they are spiritually discerned.
Beloved, God has a better plan than the world's plan of inundating our soul and holy temple with all the mind numbing drugs; God's plan is for us to climb up out of the valley and get onto the mountain. I will be writing on specific steps to take for the believer to take that will get him on the path to recovery, to restore the hope and joy that God has for us. May God bless you this day as you pray, in Christ, Jim www.jimrowh.blogspot.com
God's word gives us specific encouragement regarding the issue of a strong mind. 2 Timothy 2:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and a sound mind. So we see that the one of the primary ways the devil attacks us is through the spirit of fear. When these attacks are successful, we begin to fear moving forward into our destiny, our calling, and we fear even relationships with people who could help us and be our allies. If we look to the world for the antidote to the fear, the world will encourage us to take pharmaceutical drugs to "lift us" out of the despair or anxiety, or at the least keep the situation stable. However, often the result is increased anxiety, weakness, and a separation from our will, emotions, and true feelings. Certainly not power, and not a sound mind, and not much love either, as people fight for survival just to function in that mindset.
Though it sounds simplistic, and should not be looked at as an overnight turnaround (though I certainly don't discount the possibility of miraculous, instantaneous breakthroughs), to look to Jesus is the answer to these debilitating attacks on the mind. The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 2:16 For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ. Paul was writing to baby Christian believers in Corinth, comparing the solutions the world gives for problems compared to how God gives solutions to those who put their trust in Him. 1 Corinthians 2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. v13 These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. v14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, for they are spiritually discerned.
Beloved, God has a better plan than the world's plan of inundating our soul and holy temple with all the mind numbing drugs; God's plan is for us to climb up out of the valley and get onto the mountain. I will be writing on specific steps to take for the believer to take that will get him on the path to recovery, to restore the hope and joy that God has for us. May God bless you this day as you pray, in Christ, Jim www.jimrowh.blogspot.com
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
A Strong Mind pt1
Dear beloved: As many people these days are suffering from effects of despair, discouragement, anxiety, and even thoughts of suicide, it is well to know what the word of God has to say about how we can strengthen our mind and stand up to the devastating attacks of the enemy of our souls. Our mind and our heart, our will, and emotions all go together to make up what the bible calls the soul (gr. psyche), that eternal part of our being that represents what many would recognize as their personality, that part of themselves that uniquely defines who they are. The Apostle Paul tells us in 1 Thess. 5:23, Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. So we are a tripartite being, the body which is mortal and will be laid down in the grave, is listed last and though also recognizable as uniquely you, is the least important of the three as the other two parts are eternal.
Our brain, which is the body part most think of when discussing the mind, is a complex organism responsible for the complex thought and neural coordination required to meditate, contemplate, and make logical decisions. But the mind is much more than just the physical organ of the brain, and this is where the concept of heart and soul come in. The mind also includes our passion, our desires, our will to do or not do something. In Matthew 22:37, Jesus told a lawyer who questioned him asking, "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?" Jesus answered him saying, v37, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind." v38 " This is the great and foremost commandment." Then He went on to say, v 39, "and the second is like it. You shall love your neighbor as yourself." v40 "On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets." So Jesus was basically saying, you can sum up all of life, your position before God and your position with your fellow man, in these two statements. So we know also from these statements that it is God's will that our mind be whole and complete, that it not be fragmented and fractured and full of despair and evil thoughts, but that it be made complete to function properly in a way that allows us to make wise decisions, and at the same time allow us to have the peace and joy that God desires for us.
Through the soul the enemy comes against us and makes "ties" with us, or agreements, to get us to walk in the kingdom of darkness, hate God, and eventually hate ourselves, and our fellow man. We make these ties in many different ways, some knowingly through conscious decisions we actively participate in, and other times it is through family curses handed down to us through the decisions our ancestors have made. These decisions bring about generation curses, not in the blood per se, but by means of familiar spirits that are assigned to harass us and torment us, and have followed our families for generations. Amos 3:3 Do two men walk together unless they have made an agreement? And so it is with soul ties, when we make agreement or appointment with anything in the demonic realm, anything that goes against the knowledge of God in our life, then we open ourselves up to ties that bind our soul to the kingdom of darkness. I will be speaking more on these soul ties in the days ahead, as we look at how we can free ourselves from the kingdom of darkness, and move over into the kingdom of light, and see the hope and future that God has promised us in His word. May God bless you today as you pray. in Christ, Jim www.jimrowh.blogspot.com
Our brain, which is the body part most think of when discussing the mind, is a complex organism responsible for the complex thought and neural coordination required to meditate, contemplate, and make logical decisions. But the mind is much more than just the physical organ of the brain, and this is where the concept of heart and soul come in. The mind also includes our passion, our desires, our will to do or not do something. In Matthew 22:37, Jesus told a lawyer who questioned him asking, "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?" Jesus answered him saying, v37, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind." v38 " This is the great and foremost commandment." Then He went on to say, v 39, "and the second is like it. You shall love your neighbor as yourself." v40 "On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets." So Jesus was basically saying, you can sum up all of life, your position before God and your position with your fellow man, in these two statements. So we know also from these statements that it is God's will that our mind be whole and complete, that it not be fragmented and fractured and full of despair and evil thoughts, but that it be made complete to function properly in a way that allows us to make wise decisions, and at the same time allow us to have the peace and joy that God desires for us.
Through the soul the enemy comes against us and makes "ties" with us, or agreements, to get us to walk in the kingdom of darkness, hate God, and eventually hate ourselves, and our fellow man. We make these ties in many different ways, some knowingly through conscious decisions we actively participate in, and other times it is through family curses handed down to us through the decisions our ancestors have made. These decisions bring about generation curses, not in the blood per se, but by means of familiar spirits that are assigned to harass us and torment us, and have followed our families for generations. Amos 3:3 Do two men walk together unless they have made an agreement? And so it is with soul ties, when we make agreement or appointment with anything in the demonic realm, anything that goes against the knowledge of God in our life, then we open ourselves up to ties that bind our soul to the kingdom of darkness. I will be speaking more on these soul ties in the days ahead, as we look at how we can free ourselves from the kingdom of darkness, and move over into the kingdom of light, and see the hope and future that God has promised us in His word. May God bless you today as you pray. in Christ, Jim www.jimrowh.blogspot.com
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Prayers for Upcoming Events
Dear prayer warriors: I am asking for prayers and intercession for upcoming events, and that the good plans of the Lord will be confirmed and established. I have been seeking the Lord in prayer for open doors and provision, and I thank you warriors for joining me in seeing that all the Lord wills for His kingdom will come to pass.
This coming weekend I will be conducting a Catch the Fire Revival at Christ New Covenant Church in Syracuse, Ks. Service times will be May 3, 7pm, and Sunday May 4, 10am and 1.30pm. I will be sharing timely messages and also sharing about the Africa mission and orphanage project. Anyone in the Syracuse, Garden City area come out and enjoy some great worship and fellowship. Contact the church for more information, 620-384-5383.
Plans are also well underway for the next Africa crusades and mission coming up in September. It will be my fifth year going to Africa, and I look forward to renewing ties and taking territory for the kingdom of God. I have three events planned, and I ask you to begin to pray and intercede for provision and for protection. First, I will doing a mega keesha (all night praise and worship vigil)again this year with university students from several universities in Kenya, primarily in the Nairobi area. That same weekend I will be speaking at Kabarak University in Nakuru. Second, I will be conducting a crusade in Malaba, Kenya, on the Uganda border, along with pastor training with pastors that I have worked with in that area for three years. The finale will be a crusade in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, in the same place that I preached in 2012. I believe the Lord is bringing peace to the Congo, and he wants to use me to help bind up the wounds the enemy has inflicted on that war torn city. I am asking the Lord to provide $20,000 for necessary travel expenses and funding for expenses of these crusades, that there be no lack and everything we need will be supplied. I am also asking the Lord for protection, as you all know what is going on in Africa these days as witnessed by the daily news reports. So I am asking you warriors to intercede for protection for me and for all who work with me in hosting these events, that the good plans of the Lord will go forward.
If anyone would be interested in going to Africa as part of the ministry team, email me if you think that would be something you could do. I also ask you to pray about your part in helping to fund these events. Please contact me if you have any questions about any of the plans or your part in it. Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. Thank you warriors for your steadfast faith and for standing with me. God bless you, in Christ, Jim Rowh Gather the Outcasts Ministry, Box 92, Norton, Ks. 67654 email: pureprairie@hotmail.com web: www.gathertheoutcasts.com blog: www.jimrowh.blogspot.com
Welcome to Friends in Kenya
Dear beloved: If you are reading this blog for the first time and are in Kenya or another African nation, I say welcome to you and express my heartfelt gratitude for you taking the time to check out this blog. You are dearly loved by me and by the Lord Jesus and God Almighty! We sing a song here in America called "Break Every Chain", a powerful song which speaks of the power of God to break all the chains the enemy uses to try to keep us in bondage and away from our God given destiny and calling. One of the verses in the song goes like this, " There's an army rising up, there's and army rising up, there's an army rising up.... To break every chain!"
God has His heavenly army rising and ready and waiting to go into war for His kingdom, those are His myriads of angels, the angelic host of warring angels, healing angels, and ministering angels. Hebrews 1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits (His angels) sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation? But we also become and are the army rising up. We are the hands and feet of the Kingdom of God, yes we are the body of Christ! If we want to see the kingdom of God rise up on the earth, we need to get up off the sofa and get to work. Each of us has received gifts and callings from the Lord, and they are irrevocable (Romans 10:29). In other words, when God calls us to a role or office in the kingdom, He imparts gifts unto us to give us the power and authority to succeed in that calling. Whether or not we pick up and go with the calling is entirely up to us, God will not usurp our will or control us if we do not want to participate. I would encourage each of you reading this today, ask yourself, "I am doing all that I can and that I know God wants me to do, to move the Kingdom of God forward in my life and in the country of Kenya?" If the answer is yes, praise the Lord, you are doing well. If the answer is no, or not even close, ask the Lord for a spirit of wisdom and revelation that you may be built up to move forward into that calling.
The Apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 1:15 Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, v16 do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; v17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, v18 the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling ,what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, v19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power. Beloved, let us move forward together to take take back territory from the enemy and move the Kingdom forward here on this earth. God bless you, in Christ, Jim
God has His heavenly army rising and ready and waiting to go into war for His kingdom, those are His myriads of angels, the angelic host of warring angels, healing angels, and ministering angels. Hebrews 1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits (His angels) sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation? But we also become and are the army rising up. We are the hands and feet of the Kingdom of God, yes we are the body of Christ! If we want to see the kingdom of God rise up on the earth, we need to get up off the sofa and get to work. Each of us has received gifts and callings from the Lord, and they are irrevocable (Romans 10:29). In other words, when God calls us to a role or office in the kingdom, He imparts gifts unto us to give us the power and authority to succeed in that calling. Whether or not we pick up and go with the calling is entirely up to us, God will not usurp our will or control us if we do not want to participate. I would encourage each of you reading this today, ask yourself, "I am doing all that I can and that I know God wants me to do, to move the Kingdom of God forward in my life and in the country of Kenya?" If the answer is yes, praise the Lord, you are doing well. If the answer is no, or not even close, ask the Lord for a spirit of wisdom and revelation that you may be built up to move forward into that calling.
The Apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 1:15 Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, v16 do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; v17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, v18 the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling ,what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, v19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power. Beloved, let us move forward together to take take back territory from the enemy and move the Kingdom forward here on this earth. God bless you, in Christ, Jim
Saturday, April 26, 2014
Are You Saved?
Dear beloved: A recent poll by the Barna Research Group revealed some startling statistics about people's views of their eternal salvation. Eight out of ten Americans believe there is a heaven, that coincides with the number who claim to be Christian. But out of those eight of ten who believe in heaven, only 43% believe their entry into heaven is tied to their confession of faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Beloved, that 43% have it right! Romans 10:9 But if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your hear that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. v10 For with the heart one believes resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God. v9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.
Another 15% believe their entry into heaven will be gained by their good works. Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Beloved, we are created for good works, but you cannot do enough good works, whether it be baking good pies for the church dinners, or even church attendance, or mission trips, to ensure your place in heaven. So stop trying to work your way into heaven, rest in the presence of Jesus and come to know Him as your Lord and Savior.
Another 15% believe they are going to punch their ticket to heaven by being a good person, or by keeping the ten commandments, aside from works. Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Romans 3:10 There is none righteous, no, not one; v11 There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. v12 They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one. Beloved, I think we can all attest to the fact that when we look in the mirror, we are looking at a weak sinner who is in need of a Savior. Thank God, our heavenly Father saw that too, and he provided the payment, or propitiation, for our sins through the blood of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.
And last but not least, another 6% of those who think they are heaven bound believe they will get there because God is a loving God and would never send anyone to hell for all eternity, that would go totally against His nature. Beloved, God is a good and loving God, (2 Peter 3:9) it is His wish that none should perish, but all should come to know repentance and have everlasting life. And God created hell not for man but for the devil and his angels, as eternal punishment for his rebellion in the courts of heaven. However, God doesn't exactly send people to hell, people choose hell by their refusal to believe in the free gift of God, the blood of Jesus given as a payment for our sin. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death (physical and eternal death), but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. The only unforgiveable sin is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, that is when a person denies or lies against the convicting power of the Holy Spirit, who convicts us of sin, righteousness, and judgment.
Beloved, if you are in that 36% of Americans who has the wrong concept of how you get to heaven, do business with the Lord today concerning your sin nature and your need for a Savior. Get right with the Lord, and you can then celebrate now and for all eternity. God bless you, in Christ, Jim
Another 15% believe their entry into heaven will be gained by their good works. Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Beloved, we are created for good works, but you cannot do enough good works, whether it be baking good pies for the church dinners, or even church attendance, or mission trips, to ensure your place in heaven. So stop trying to work your way into heaven, rest in the presence of Jesus and come to know Him as your Lord and Savior.
Another 15% believe they are going to punch their ticket to heaven by being a good person, or by keeping the ten commandments, aside from works. Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Romans 3:10 There is none righteous, no, not one; v11 There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. v12 They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one. Beloved, I think we can all attest to the fact that when we look in the mirror, we are looking at a weak sinner who is in need of a Savior. Thank God, our heavenly Father saw that too, and he provided the payment, or propitiation, for our sins through the blood of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.
And last but not least, another 6% of those who think they are heaven bound believe they will get there because God is a loving God and would never send anyone to hell for all eternity, that would go totally against His nature. Beloved, God is a good and loving God, (2 Peter 3:9) it is His wish that none should perish, but all should come to know repentance and have everlasting life. And God created hell not for man but for the devil and his angels, as eternal punishment for his rebellion in the courts of heaven. However, God doesn't exactly send people to hell, people choose hell by their refusal to believe in the free gift of God, the blood of Jesus given as a payment for our sin. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death (physical and eternal death), but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. The only unforgiveable sin is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, that is when a person denies or lies against the convicting power of the Holy Spirit, who convicts us of sin, righteousness, and judgment.
Beloved, if you are in that 36% of Americans who has the wrong concept of how you get to heaven, do business with the Lord today concerning your sin nature and your need for a Savior. Get right with the Lord, and you can then celebrate now and for all eternity. God bless you, in Christ, Jim
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