An executive order in the United States is an order issued by the President, the head of the executive branch of the federal government. ...
In the movie, Clear and Present Danger, CIA man Jack Ryan, has a covert operation against the Colombian drug cartel and he is trying to take money away from the dealers. All the agents get killed except for Jack. This same type of theme was in the Star Wars movie Phantom Menace when the Jedi ambassadors go to make negotiations, but the leaders of the Federation try to kill them with poisonous gas. Negotiations ended very shortly just like for Jack Ryan.
When you are on a mission from your heavenly Father and you know what your mission is, you realize that you are not going in your own name anymore. You are going like Jesus said that he did not come in his own name, but he came “in the name of the person” that sent him which was God. When you are an ambassador or representative of the state you represent that state. A state senator or a state representative.
The respect and honor is there because you are representing a higher authority/power in life. It’s the same way with the police. You may not like the attitude of the police officer or sherriff, but his uniform represents that he has the authority of the Police Department that he is a servant of Marion County Sherriff’s Office or the Indianapolis Police Department. Some police officers are not respected and have been shot on the line of duty.
If you shoot an executive or representative of the United States government like in the movie, they used an Airforce jet to blow up the drug dealer's home. If a police officer is shot, then you have the whole police force looking for you. And of course, for the Jedi knights, they had the power of the force. The movie made me think of when the anti-Christ takes over how difficult it will be on earth and I don’t want to be an enemy of the Police Department or the U.S. military.
As Christians, do we realize the power and authority and exercise that authority in the earth as ambassadors in Christ? We have Jesus in heaven, and his name is above every authority known in heaven and earth.
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, Philip 2:9..So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs. Hebrews 1:4...He is far above every ruler, authority, power, dominion, and every name that can be named, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. Ephesians 1:21.
That is the authority or power we have backing us like the police force or the Marion County Sherriff’s Office or the military of the United States. When we go forth and minister the Gospel we are spreading God's word, and the gospel is the power of God.
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. Romans 1:16
Jesus said he could call several legions of angels if he wanted. Have you thought that maybe you could call on God’s angels in your life?
Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:20
for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. Ephesians 6:20
Greater is he that is in us than he that is in the world! In Matthew Jesus said he has been given authority in heaven and on earth. Jesus has authority on the earth and we have Jesus inside of us. As Christians do we call on the name of Jesus and the power that we have at our disposal? Peter knew he had the power to heal in the name of Jesus.
Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." Acts 3:6
Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20
God is the head and we are the body of Christ and it says that everything is going to put under our feet as the body of Christ:
The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. Romans 16:20
And you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority. Colossians 2:16
Jesus said he did not speak his own words. He said that if another came in his own name then other people would receive them, but he spoke the words from the Father God. When I speak the words of Jesus, I’m speaking the word of God to people. Heaven and earth will pass away, but God’s word is eternal. (Matthew 24:35) When I share God’s eternal word with people than I’m giving them the spiritual bread of life which is Jesus and manna from heaven each day. I can treat a person to lunch and help their physical body, but giving a person the living bread of life is for their eternal soul.
For I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it. John 12:49
I am the bread of life. Your forefathers ate manna and died, but he who feeds on this bread will live forever." But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which a man may eat and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." John 6:48-51
I called up a widow recently and I asked if she wanted to get together for dinner. I just wanted to share back and forth anything that God has laid on our hearts, and she made a comment, “If I can fit you into my schedule.” Was she talking about permanently she can’t fit me into her schedule? If I was the ambassador from another country would she be able to fit me into her schedule then? I’m on assignment from God. I only called her because a friend asked me to consider befriending her and I don’t like to call widows that other people ask me to call. I find God does a better job of putting me on an assignment than doing a favor for a person. Instead of doing favors for people, I find when I do God a favor, God gives me the favor He wants me to have because I'm in His will not doing a person’s will. When I'm on God's assignment to talk to people, it is a joy and we can talk for hours. No point in talking to people not interested in hearing God's word.
I always think of the saying for some people that “you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make them drink.” When I did ministry at the girl’s school prison, there were 25-50 women that were like little baby birds just waiting to hear the word of God. Very hungry for the God’s golden nuggets of his word. Jesus said “whosoever will come, let him come to drink.” It’s the free will of coming to hear God’s word and receive his free grace. As God’s ambassador, I know I’m called to those who are open to receive and I don’t have to force anything down anyone’s throat. There are people who are hungry to hear the gospel, want to be free from their fears and worries to mess with just a handful of people who want to stay misery or hold on to bitterness and negativity in their lives.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6
It may be one person that God calls me to minister to when I go to a Bible study. I've seen it over and over, and other times he has called me to receive. Washing the saint’s feet is related to a spiritual foot washing of giving and receiving and sometimes it's more humbling to have your feet washed. Some people may decide they don't like our looks and some people may not like our personality. For various reasons the Pharisees did not like Jesus and they challenged him to heal and it made Jesus angry at times. I would not want to make God angry at me.
Then Jesus asked them, "Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?" But they remained silent. He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored. Mark 3:5
Too many Christians treat God’s word like an ordinary book in that they don't deeply study it. They don’t have that excitement about Jesus in their life, because they left their first love. It’s that love as when you are first saved. It may be because we can become too busy in life with the things and activities of this world. If God’s word has lost power in your life and you don’t have the excitement to study God’s word than ask Jesus for forgiveness for whatever has taken the place of God’s word having authority and being first place in your life and restore the joy of your salvation. One thing I’ve noticed about having a first love for Jesus if you are married it will trickle down to your other love relationships in your life and your husband or wife will reap the benefits of you walking the love walk of Jesus in your life. I believe this includes in being more patient with your children. I find when my batteries are charged from God’s word, I’m more patient with others.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Psalm 51:12
Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Psalm 51:7
We are to study the word of God so that we are like a skilled craftsman who knows how to use his power tools or a wood carver who knows how to chisel percisely on wood.
Do your best to present yourself to God as an approved worker who has nothing to be ashamed of, handling the word of truth with precision. 2 Timothy 2:15
When a man was lying by a pool for a long time, Jesus asked him if he “would you be made well.” Not everyone is going to receive the gospel of good news…that God loves them and wants to redeem them. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever…he is capable of setting us free from addictions, healing our body, healing our minds and our hearts. There are some people very stuck in their ways.
God understands sticks in the mud and he is capable of getting them unstuck, but timing is a big issue, and I consider that some people will continue to be stuck in the mud a long time if that is their free will to stay in a place of misery! When they are ready to be taken out of the mire, than we can pull them out. Negotiations may be cut short for some people, whereas turn it over to the Lord and realize that we can bind forces coming against others that keep them out of God's word and break through in victory through God's word. Knowing that is the truth that sets us free. (John 8:32)
For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 2 Cor. 10:4
He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. Psalm 40:2
When we are dealing with people's unwillingness to hear the gospel message, those may be short negotiations, but if we are dealing with people overtaken by evil spirits like the man who was possessed by devils in the graveyard in the Bible, the demons only asked to be cast into the pigs, because they knew that Jesus commanded them to leave the man. I’ve heard some horrible stories of women who are in prison who killed and ate their children or men who burnt their children to death and shot their wife in front of the children. I definitely believe that people can be possessed by demons to do these horrendous crimes.
He shouted at the top of his voice, "What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Swear to God that you won't torture me! For Jesus had said to him, "Come out of this man, you evil spirit!" Then Jesus asked him, "What is your name?" "My name is Legion," he replied, "for we are many." And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area. Mark 5:7-9
The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. John 13:27
Then Jesus replied, "Have I not chosen you,the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!" John 6:70
In the movie, Clear and Present Danger, CIA man Jack Ryan, has a covert operation against the Colombian drug cartel and he is trying to take money away from the dealers. All the agents get killed except for Jack. This same type of theme was in the Star Wars movie Phantom Menace when the Jedi ambassadors go to make negotiations, but the leaders of the Federation try to kill them with poisonous gas. Negotiations ended very shortly just like for Jack Ryan.
When you are on a mission from your heavenly Father and you know what your mission is, you realize that you are not going in your own name anymore. You are going like Jesus said that he did not come in his own name, but he came “in the name of the person” that sent him which was God. When you are an ambassador or representative of the state you represent that state. A state senator or a state representative.
The respect and honor is there because you are representing a higher authority/power in life. It’s the same way with the police. You may not like the attitude of the police officer or sherriff, but his uniform represents that he has the authority of the Police Department that he is a servant of Marion County Sherriff’s Office or the Indianapolis Police Department. Some police officers are not respected and have been shot on the line of duty.
If you shoot an executive or representative of the United States government like in the movie, they used an Airforce jet to blow up the drug dealer's home. If a police officer is shot, then you have the whole police force looking for you. And of course, for the Jedi knights, they had the power of the force. The movie made me think of when the anti-Christ takes over how difficult it will be on earth and I don’t want to be an enemy of the Police Department or the U.S. military.
As Christians, do we realize the power and authority and exercise that authority in the earth as ambassadors in Christ? We have Jesus in heaven, and his name is above every authority known in heaven and earth.
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, Philip 2:9..So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs. Hebrews 1:4...He is far above every ruler, authority, power, dominion, and every name that can be named, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. Ephesians 1:21.
That is the authority or power we have backing us like the police force or the Marion County Sherriff’s Office or the military of the United States. When we go forth and minister the Gospel we are spreading God's word, and the gospel is the power of God.
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. Romans 1:16
Jesus said he could call several legions of angels if he wanted. Have you thought that maybe you could call on God’s angels in your life?
Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:20
for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. Ephesians 6:20
Greater is he that is in us than he that is in the world! In Matthew Jesus said he has been given authority in heaven and on earth. Jesus has authority on the earth and we have Jesus inside of us. As Christians do we call on the name of Jesus and the power that we have at our disposal? Peter knew he had the power to heal in the name of Jesus.
Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." Acts 3:6
Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20
God is the head and we are the body of Christ and it says that everything is going to put under our feet as the body of Christ:
The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. Romans 16:20
And you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority. Colossians 2:16
Jesus said he did not speak his own words. He said that if another came in his own name then other people would receive them, but he spoke the words from the Father God. When I speak the words of Jesus, I’m speaking the word of God to people. Heaven and earth will pass away, but God’s word is eternal. (Matthew 24:35) When I share God’s eternal word with people than I’m giving them the spiritual bread of life which is Jesus and manna from heaven each day. I can treat a person to lunch and help their physical body, but giving a person the living bread of life is for their eternal soul.
For I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it. John 12:49
I am the bread of life. Your forefathers ate manna and died, but he who feeds on this bread will live forever." But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which a man may eat and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." John 6:48-51
I called up a widow recently and I asked if she wanted to get together for dinner. I just wanted to share back and forth anything that God has laid on our hearts, and she made a comment, “If I can fit you into my schedule.” Was she talking about permanently she can’t fit me into her schedule? If I was the ambassador from another country would she be able to fit me into her schedule then? I’m on assignment from God. I only called her because a friend asked me to consider befriending her and I don’t like to call widows that other people ask me to call. I find God does a better job of putting me on an assignment than doing a favor for a person. Instead of doing favors for people, I find when I do God a favor, God gives me the favor He wants me to have because I'm in His will not doing a person’s will. When I'm on God's assignment to talk to people, it is a joy and we can talk for hours. No point in talking to people not interested in hearing God's word.
I always think of the saying for some people that “you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make them drink.” When I did ministry at the girl’s school prison, there were 25-50 women that were like little baby birds just waiting to hear the word of God. Very hungry for the God’s golden nuggets of his word. Jesus said “whosoever will come, let him come to drink.” It’s the free will of coming to hear God’s word and receive his free grace. As God’s ambassador, I know I’m called to those who are open to receive and I don’t have to force anything down anyone’s throat. There are people who are hungry to hear the gospel, want to be free from their fears and worries to mess with just a handful of people who want to stay misery or hold on to bitterness and negativity in their lives.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6
It may be one person that God calls me to minister to when I go to a Bible study. I've seen it over and over, and other times he has called me to receive. Washing the saint’s feet is related to a spiritual foot washing of giving and receiving and sometimes it's more humbling to have your feet washed. Some people may decide they don't like our looks and some people may not like our personality. For various reasons the Pharisees did not like Jesus and they challenged him to heal and it made Jesus angry at times. I would not want to make God angry at me.
Then Jesus asked them, "Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?" But they remained silent. He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored. Mark 3:5
Too many Christians treat God’s word like an ordinary book in that they don't deeply study it. They don’t have that excitement about Jesus in their life, because they left their first love. It’s that love as when you are first saved. It may be because we can become too busy in life with the things and activities of this world. If God’s word has lost power in your life and you don’t have the excitement to study God’s word than ask Jesus for forgiveness for whatever has taken the place of God’s word having authority and being first place in your life and restore the joy of your salvation. One thing I’ve noticed about having a first love for Jesus if you are married it will trickle down to your other love relationships in your life and your husband or wife will reap the benefits of you walking the love walk of Jesus in your life. I believe this includes in being more patient with your children. I find when my batteries are charged from God’s word, I’m more patient with others.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Psalm 51:12
Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Psalm 51:7
We are to study the word of God so that we are like a skilled craftsman who knows how to use his power tools or a wood carver who knows how to chisel percisely on wood.
Do your best to present yourself to God as an approved worker who has nothing to be ashamed of, handling the word of truth with precision. 2 Timothy 2:15
When a man was lying by a pool for a long time, Jesus asked him if he “would you be made well.” Not everyone is going to receive the gospel of good news…that God loves them and wants to redeem them. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever…he is capable of setting us free from addictions, healing our body, healing our minds and our hearts. There are some people very stuck in their ways.
God understands sticks in the mud and he is capable of getting them unstuck, but timing is a big issue, and I consider that some people will continue to be stuck in the mud a long time if that is their free will to stay in a place of misery! When they are ready to be taken out of the mire, than we can pull them out. Negotiations may be cut short for some people, whereas turn it over to the Lord and realize that we can bind forces coming against others that keep them out of God's word and break through in victory through God's word. Knowing that is the truth that sets us free. (John 8:32)
For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 2 Cor. 10:4
He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. Psalm 40:2
When we are dealing with people's unwillingness to hear the gospel message, those may be short negotiations, but if we are dealing with people overtaken by evil spirits like the man who was possessed by devils in the graveyard in the Bible, the demons only asked to be cast into the pigs, because they knew that Jesus commanded them to leave the man. I’ve heard some horrible stories of women who are in prison who killed and ate their children or men who burnt their children to death and shot their wife in front of the children. I definitely believe that people can be possessed by demons to do these horrendous crimes.
He shouted at the top of his voice, "What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Swear to God that you won't torture me! For Jesus had said to him, "Come out of this man, you evil spirit!" Then Jesus asked him, "What is your name?" "My name is Legion," he replied, "for we are many." And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area. Mark 5:7-9
The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. John 13:27
Then Jesus replied, "Have I not chosen you,the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!" John 6:70
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