Anthony Wade Ministries

1 Peter 5:4-9 (NASB)

{5}……. all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.

{6} Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, {7} casting all your anxiety (care) upon Him, because He cares for you. {8} Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. {9} But resist him, firm in your faith,

In this earthly life we are going to be challenged from time to time with temptations, tests and trials — the storms of life. One thing is for certain our Father God is not the author of the storms of life — nor temptations, test, and trials. They are from the kingdom of darkness. How do I know? The Bible tells me so. You must understand that the prince of darkness is a thief — he is out to fleece you of God's Life that is in you.

John 10:10-11 (NASB)

{10} “The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy; I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly. {11} “I am the Good Shepherd; the Good Shepherd lays down His Life for the sheep.

The previous verses clearly tell us that anything that is killing, stealing, and destroying us is not from God. It goes on to say that the “Good Shepherd” gives His Life for the sheep. He desires that we have life more abundantly. Again, anything that is killing, thieving, and destroying you is not from God. The enemy wants to devour you — take you out. He wants to render you and me inoperable. Why? Because we are are threat to his agenda. The enemies plan is only destruction — demolition. God's word to us through The Lord Jesus Christ is Spirit and Life (John 6:63). There is no condemnation to those who are walking with Christ by His Spirit. (Romans 8:1-2). Why? Because The Law of Spirit has made you free from the law of sin and death. Sin and death will only produce two things — sin and death.

You and I have been delivered — redeemed, from sin and death. It is our responsibility, our privilege to cast the whole of our care on Him when sin and death try to attach themselves to us. When I was a young lad my earthly father often took us fishing with him. I can still see it now, my father would cast the line away from the shore to catch the fish he was endeavoring to catch.

It didn't matter the body of water we were at he still had to cast his line in the water, be it a lake, reservoir, or pond. Each body of water was a different experience. Each station in life has a different experience as well. It doesn't matter the experience, if we are going to be the victors and not the victims we are encouraged to to cast our care on Him. -AWM

Copyright © 2010 Anthony N. Wade — All Rights Reserved. No portion of this article may be rewritten or reproduced without the written permission of the author. This newsletter is sent out free of charge. It is financed by freewill love offerings and donations.
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It is a documented fact that unforgiveness is a very harmful character flaw that must be rooted out of the life of every believer. In fact, unforgiveness can stop you in your tracks. It can create more difficulty than many of us can anticipate. I've heard that hypertension – high blood pressure – is and can be a silent killer. People who have it, sometimes aren't even aware of it's dangers, until it is too late, and serious damage is done to their blood vessels.

Well, the purpose of this article is not to give you a health lesson, but to warn you of the dangers of unforgiveness, and the other side of unforgiveness; bitterness. Both unforgiveness and bitterness can create disturbances in your spiritual well being. All too often people are not aware of the dangers that are deep within their mind, will, and emotions – their soul.

Unforgiveness and bitterness, are silent killers. What I mean by silent killers is that they can steal from the heart and soul of who you are. They can render you ineffective in your relationships with others. The intent of this article is to encourage you to do a check up, from the neck up. It is my goal to help you locate where you are in your walk with God, as well as your walk with others.

MOUTH FULL OF IT
Romans 3:14 (KJV)

{14} Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:

One of the first things that a person should do to determine whether he or she is bitter is to locate what is coming out of his or her mouth. Whether we like it or not our tongues can reveal more about us than we may sometimes care to be revealed.

It was a Sunday afternoon, and he was in a very strange frame of mind. He had no idea what was deep within him until he took a good look at himself. When I say deep within, I am talking about the mind, will, and emotions – the soul (Hebrews 4:12 * 1 Thessalonians 5:23). He began to verbalize things that were shocking to him, as well as the others around him — things that were buried deep within his memory. He was wounded from injuries that had been inflicted upon him over the years. Instead of really dealing with it, he buried it. So he thought.

He knew he should not use foul language, because he had been a God-fearing man for more than two decades. Still, he had not taken a good look at himself to locate where he was. Although he knew that foul language was not acceptable yet he was cursing by allowing harmful communication to come out of his mouth (Ephesians 4:25-32).

SWEET WATER & BITTER

The Epistle of James is very graphic about what is coming out of our mouths. The third chapter is devoted to taking a good look at what we are saying. Space will not permit me to exhort you on every verse in this chapter, however there are a few things I would like to bring to your attention. James is making a comparison in this passage. He asks can sweet water and bitter come from the same fountain? The fountain that he is talking about is the mouth. In verse fourteen he puts bitterness, envy and strife in a cluster. This says to me that these three usually work together. How are they detected? You guessed it, by what is coming out of the mouth. One of the Greek definitions for bitter is something that is piercing and sharp.

My question to you is are you allowing your tongue to be piercing and sharp in your interactions with others? If so, you are bitter. To be full of envy means to be full of jealousy. How can we know if we are in the middle of envy? By what is coming out of our mouth. If you are continually talking about what others possess in comparison to yourself, you could be allowing envy to be a part of your life without even knowing it. The last character trait I want to discuss in verse fourteen is strife. The word strife can be summed up with four words: debates, contentions, disputes, and arguments.

2 Timothy 2:23-26 (NIV)

{23} Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. {24} And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. {25} Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, {26} and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

BE NOT BITTER AGAINST THEM

In Colossians the third chapter the word bitter comes to the surface once more. This time it is in relation to husband and wife. In verse eighteen the wife is commanded to submit to her husband. However, her submission has a lot to do with how her husband interacts with her on a regular basis. If he loves her as Christ loves the Church (Ephesians 5:25), he can be confident that her submission will be intact.

Her submission is not that she does everything he wants her to do at any given time, but it is her “attitude” towards him. If any husband will sow the right seeds towards his wife, she will for the most part, respond in a favorable manner. Even so, if he spews out bitterness her way, she is hard pressed to be submissive.

Colossians 3:19 (KJV)

{19} Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.

THE ROOT OF BITTERNESS

Hebrews 12:14-15 (KJV)

{14} Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: {15} Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;

It is possible to be at peace with all men if that is what all men want. However, we know that some want to quarrel about nearly everything. Life is too short. Verse fourteen says peace and holiness, without it, no man shall see the Lord. What a tall order! Remember, that if it is in the Bible, we can do it. God would not command us to do something, and not give us the power to do it (James 1:22). Verse fifteen tells us to look diligently. The word 'looking' connotes a continual observation on our part. Why? Because we don't want to fail the “Grace of God.”

Failing the “Grace of God,” simply means that we do not realize that He is the One Who will, and can put us over. He has a favorable regard for who we are. He has a favorable disposition towards us. Failing to understand the “Grace of God” will cause a root of bitterness to spring up, trouble you, and defile you. You might ask, “What could possibly defile me? You might be defiled with the root of bitterness that you chose to let come out of your mouth. The root of bitterness is produced because you have chosen to not 'follow peace.'

The reason people don't follow peace with others is, 1) They Don't Want Peace. 2) They Are Not At Peace With Themselves.

This is what I mean: Let's say you became sick to your stomach. It is impossible to keep in your stomach something you consumed, so you end up vomiting. Not only do you vomit, but that vomit is so abundant and forceful that it gets all over you. Your clothing, your shoes etc., is covered with the vomit that is projected from your mouth. Everything you have on is defiled. Even some of your undergarments are soaked with vomit. Not only are you covered with this defilement, but perhaps your associates and family members are standing near you. Some of your vomit gets on them. The smell is awful. You were anxious to get somewhere where you could take a shower bath and get yourself cleaned up. However, before you could get to a shower, you have another vomiting spell. Now you are so embarrassed that you cannot describe how you feel.

That my friend is what it means to be defiled by a “Root of Bitterness.” Not only does it affect you, but it has an affect on your associates and loved ones, as well. Everyone is affected when you choose to let bitterness come from your mouth. -AWM

Copyright © 2010 Anthony N. Wade Ministries — All Rights Reserved.

EMAIL: hgflow@gmail.com

Most of us have been on a bridge. A bridge is a parcel of property established to get us from one place to another. Well, one of the greatest ways to your mind is your ears. That is not the only bridge to the mind, but according to Romans 10:17, it is one of the most productive ways. Why? Because that is how faith comes – by hearing. Faith for whatever we need on any given subject comes by hearing what The Word of God has to say about the subject under discussion. The quickest destination to get my mind renewed is to hear what God has to say (Romans 12:2).

It is amazing what people allow themselves to listen to these days. They instinctively attend a church where the person behind the sacred desk continually tells them that they can't make it in this poor ole' miserable world we are living in. On a personal note, I've learned that if it does not build faith in me, I will not listen to it, or read it. I have read a number of books over the years, and my approach to any book I may read is, if it doesn't tell me who I am, what I have, or what I can do 'In Christ,' I won't waste my time. If someone has the attitude about me that I am an “ain't,” instead of a “saint,” they won't get much of an audience with me. Now, if I have changes to make, so be it. After I've been made aware of the changes that I need to make, and I move to make them, I get on with my life. Why? Because I have very discriminating ears. I learned a number of years ago, that if I don't take responsibility for what I am hearing, I have no one to blame, but myself. Bottom line I hang out where I am celebrated — not tolerated.

If Romans 10:17 means anything, we must be very discerning over what we are hearing, and what we are speaking.

Romans 10:17 (KJV)
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Notice the progression in this verse. First of all, The Apostle Paul is taken with the fact that faith comes. He then lets us know how it comes. It comes by hearing, and hearing, which connotes that we must continue hearing the Word of God. Did you notice that he didn't say that faith comes by having heard? No, faith comes by hearing; and hearing; and hearing; and hearing, add infinitum. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing; and hearing; and hearing. Faith does not come by having heard. This means we will have to keep hearing; and hearing; in order for our faith to be mature, strong, and accomplishing the desires of our heart.

Beware! of the person that says, “ I've heard that already.” Chances are they missed something in the process of hearing. A great deal of the time their attitude is I want to hear something new, when much of what they have heard, has not produced for them everything that is thinkable (Ephesians 3:20). The best way I know how to explain it to you is this way. Many of us have had a good steak before. Now, because we have had the steak, we don't quit eating steak. No, we eat a good steak every chance we get. It is the same with any food that you enjoy. At any given time, you eat that food any chance you get. That is the same with the Word of God in relation to hearing and hearing. The Word of God is faith food. You should partake of it every chance you get. When you feed your faith, you are starving your doubts.

TAKE HEED WHAT YOU HEAR

Mark 4:24 (KJV)
And He said unto them, “Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.”

As previously stated we should have very discriminating ears. One of the most prolific statements used in the New Testament is found in Mark 4:24. In my humble opinion according to this scripture, where we are legal in using discrimination. In fact, if we don't discriminate when it comes to what we are hearing, we will be driven from pillar to post endeavoring to find our way in life. If we are not discriminating when it comes to our ears, the world, the flesh, and the devil will take advantage of us. I want to give you the Anthony N. Wade's Expanded Translation of the first part of verse twenty-four.

Mark 4:24a (Anthony N. Wade's Expanded Translation)
And Jesus said to them, “Be very discriminating, when it comes to your ears…”

TAKE HEED HOW YOU HEAR

Luke 8:18 (NKJV)
“Therefore take heed how you hear. For whoever has, to him more will be given; and whoever does not have, even what he seems to have will be taken from him.”

I will never forget the day I discovered Luke 8:18. It was obvious to me that it was saying something, somewhat different than Mark 4:24. I thought they were diametrically opposed to one another. So, I asked 'The Holy Spirit,' what was meant by the difference in the two verses. First of all we must realize that different personalities were writing the accounts. They both were 'Holy Ghost' inspired, yet the view was a little different. My encounter with 'The Holy Spirit' made a difference from that day until this. This is what He said to me. “Anthony, how you hear it , is what you heard.”

He went on to explain to me that the attitude I have when I hear about any given subject in the Bible, is what I heard about that subject. This is what I mean: We can't afford to think we know it all especially when it comes to Biblical truths. We must remain teachable – humble, when it comes to truths that we know precious little about. Some people when they hear about some subjects in the Word of God close themselves off, as if they know everything there is to know abut that subject. Therefore, the attitude they have determines what they hear. AWM

Copyright © 2010 Anthony N. Wade Ministries — All Rights Reserved. No portion of this publication may be rewritten or reproduced without the written approval of the author.

WEBSITE:www.anthonywadeministries.com
EMAIL: hgflow@gmail.com

THE BLESSING IS UPON ME

The blessing is my natural right in Jesus.

The blessing is why I cannot fail or be defeated.

The blessing is why I am empowered to prosper.

The blessing is why I am courageous, confident, certain, undaunted, and healed. IN JESUS NAME !

Proverbs 10:22 – Ephesians 3:20 – 2nd Corinthians 8:9

1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)

{13} No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

The backdrop of 1st Corinthians 10:13, is that the Apostle Paul was encouraging the Corinthians to stand strong in their walk with the Lord. The first thing that we must understand is that temptations, tests, and trials do not come from God. It is a sad commentary but many God fearing people believe that God is the one who sends temptations, tests and trials our way. God has been blamed for many tragedies, and He has had nothing to do with them.

Many God fearing people consistently blame God for the death of a child, or the premature death of a loved one. God gets blamed for car wrecks, sickness and disease, bad weather etc. Even insurance companies have categorized natural disasters as “Acts of God.”

It is amazing to me how many believers forget a very pertinent verse in John 10:10.

John 10:10 (KJV)

{10} The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

If it is stealing, killing and destroying, you can rest assure that it is not from God. Other verses we can stand on is in Matthew.

Matthew 6:10-13 (NIV)

{10} Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

{11} Give us today our daily bread. {12} Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors {13} And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

AS IT IS IN HEAVEN:

Jesus taught the disciples to pray in conjunction with how things are in Heaven. I submit to you that there is no sickness in heaven. There is no poverty in heaven. There are no adverse conditions in heaven. Even so, some well meaning Christians tell us that we have those adverse and ugly things because they are permitted by God to teach us something. If sickness
is the will of God, why do so many run to the medicine cabinet to get rid of God's will? If God was the author of it, why don't they try to keep it, instead of getting rid of it? If sickness and disease were from God where did He get it?

What kind of Father is our God? Is He the kind of Father that is considered good ????one that brings up His children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord? Or is He a Father that abuses His children? Our concept of God as our Father is going to affect and rule our entire life. It is going to have an influence on every interpretation of the Word of God. A good father never breaks a child’s leg or arm to punish him or her. Neither does he cause them to be broken up in an accident. Nor does a good father give his son or daughter a disease. Christians must be spiritually sharp. Not only are we to withstand satans attacks, but we must also cling to constant vigilance and use of the armor, of prayer and of spiritual warfare. Our adversary is not God, but the enemy of our soul.

Whom is the devil seeking? He is looking for the person who breaks the safety rules, violates the speed limit, and lets up on feeding on the Word of God etc. Why? They open the door to the devils attack. They are letting down their shield of faith, which gives the enemies darts the opportunity to get through to them (Ephesians 4:27).

“WHAT KIND OF FATHER IS OUR GOD?”

The Late Adam Clark put it this way: God will not allow you to be tried above the strength He gives you; but as the trial comes, He will provide you with sufficient strength to resist it; as the trial comes in, He will make your way out. He will, with the temptation, test, or trial, make the deliverance, or way out. The tempter is never permitted to block up our way, without the providence of God making a way through the wall. God never makes a breach in his otherwise impregnable fortification. Should an upright soul get into difficulties and straits, he may rest assured that there is a way out, as there was a way in; and that the trial shall never be above the strength that God shall give him to overcome it. -AWM

Copyright © 2010 Anthony N. Wade Ministries ~ All Rights Reserved. This teaching may not be rewritten or reproduced without the written approval of the author.
EMAIL: hgflow@gmail.com