Why is it important to avoid Godless chatter? Can’t I just say what is on my mind? Does God know what I am thinking? Does God know what I am going to say before I say it? Can’t I talk about sports, politics, the weather, TV shows, music and entertainment news? The World and its vices have so much to offer to my senses and mind. The World can keep me talking all the time, memorizing worldly comedy and songs. Talking about my family, friends and neighbors personal business and lives. It is easy to get bound up in chatter other than what pleases the One who loves me and created me to be His. When I became a follower and disciple of Jesus I gave up my will and surrendered it to Jesus for the Kingdom of God. So, a course joke, a slanted comment, or simply talking about the weather and sports as your daily diet for conversation can lead me away from the mission I have from God. The enemy earnestly desires to get my mind off of God, in order to render me unfruitful and to keep me from maturing in Christ. Check all thoughts and conversations, bringing them to Christ for His approval. For just as Godless chatter can lead you away from Him, Godly conversation will draw you and others closer to Him. Be transformed by renewing your mind through reading, memorizing, and meditating on God’s Word. Build up one another; encourage! Praise and worship together, drawing each other closer to God.
The enemy would have us turn our backs on one another – physically in our relationships, and spiritually in prayer. He would also like us to believe that God does not care about us and has abandoned us. But Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and God the Father each in His own way continually intercedes for us. In the Scriptures, we also see men interceding for one another through prayer. Continue to lift one another up before the throne of God. Make a list and use it as your daily marching orders. Stay on your knees and continue to fight the good fight of the faith.
Jesus the Goodness of God Our flesh is constantly bent on evil because of its nature, and so outwardly and inwardly temptations and trials come, bringing opportunities for you to choose the good and so glorify your Father in heaven. Jesus the goodness of God gives you the power to wield your sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, to disarm the enemy. Watch him retreat as you choose good over evil. God is always reaching out His hand to you, empowering you by His Spirit to live a life of integrity and so bring praise to His Name_ As you hold out the Word of life, trust God to light your path. Remember that you are a diplomat, an ambassador bringing good news of the Word of truth to a fallen and deceived world. Build one another up in the faith, confessing your sins, praying and exhorting one another in Christ. Remember that you are covered in the righteous blood of Christ and that your sins have been forgiven. Allow God’s goodness to fill you with over flowing joy!
“Everyone needs to know how to protect themselves in a threatening situation,” says Tracy Radford of Totally Christian Karate (TCK). For 20 years, this fifth-level black belt martial arts instructor has been equipping children and adults to defend themselves against both physical and spiritual attacks. Discipleship training with a kick!
“TCK is a fully insured, safe, humane mixed martial arts program,” she says. “We won’t teach you how to be a bully. We teach only self-defense and containment so that students, ages 4 to 80, can protect themselves and possibly a friend or family member.”
Radford started martial arts training at age 13. “I was a hyper kid. It helped me focus and gave me an outlet for all my energy.” Years later, she met TCK’s founder, Mitch Freistat. She enrolled as a student and became an instructor. When Freistat moved to Florida, Radford took over the leadership of Asheville TCK. “I’ve known some of the students since they were five years old, and many are now TCK instructors. They’ve overcome physical challenges, learning disabilities, and family tragedies. They’re more than students. They’re family—my spiritual children and grandchildren.”
“The physical training supports us in spiritual battles, not the other way around. We may never have to defend ourselves or our loved ones physically, but as Christians we’ll be engaged in spiritual warfare daily.” Integral to TCK training are 104 Bible studies, which are mastered alongside 104 martial arts skills during a two-year period. “Every move has a name, like ‘shield of faith’ and ‘belt of truth.’ Students learn scripture verses with each move.” Every 75-minute class includes cardio warm-ups and stretch drills, learning a new move, working in skill-level groups, Bible study and prayer.
“Everyone is encouraged to give their absolute best, but we also understand that everyone’s best is different,” Radford adds. “I have ADD myself, so I know how effective the TCK system is with students who have learning disabilities. It combines movement with learning and increases their focus and self-control.” TCK welcomes both “at risk” students and children in therapeutic foster care. “Sometimes they only participate for a few weeks or months, but the Bible truths we plant in their hearts each week may produce fruit we never see.” TCK also offers demonstrations and seminars based on the armor of God, which are suitable for VBS programs, schools, and youth groups. Women’s self-defense classes are available as well.
Because the Biltmore Square Mall closed, Radford is looking for a new facility with at least 2500 square feet. Currently, classes meet at four different area churches—Covenant Community, Biltmore Baptist, the ACTS church, and Trinity of Fairview.
“Other martial arts programs teach that power comes from within you, that you can do anything. At TCK we teach the opposite: power is God-given and we can’t do anything without Him. We are fearfully and wonderfully made, but what empowers us is knowing Whose we are.”
“We take a sport, something active, and make it a part of your daily faith walk.” Martial arts makes it fun, but the spiritual warfare training makes it invaluable for any Christian of any age.
The first class is free, so why not give Totally Christian Karate a chance to “kick” your spirit and body into optimum shape?
For more information about the classes, demonstrations, and seminars TCK offers, visit www.totallychristiankarate.com or call 423-464-3851
Integrity, a powerful weapon and seldom found in the world and can be used to powerfully impact the lives of others. Obeying the law, paying taxes, being faithful in marriage. dealing honestly in business, living up to your word, and doing right even when no one else is looking are examples of actions and attitudes of integrity which break down the enemy’s strongholds in other people’s lives and our own. The enemy knows that if he can cause us to compromise our integrity, our effectiveness as a witness for Christ will be lessened. And so he attacks in this area persistently.
There is a great cloud of witnesses counting on your integrity to glorify God and to promote the gospel in love and in truth to the world around you. Be on guard against the enemy’s schemes! Do what is right!
STUDY
Who needs to have Integrity?
What is Integrity?
Where in your life do you struggle with Integrity?
Why is acting with Integrity important?
When have you acted with Integrity and were persecuted for it?
How does living with Integrity effect your relationship with God?
Satan constantly accuses us of not being good enough to enter the presence of God. Pointing out all of our mistakes and sinful thoughts that are against our Savior. Without grace, these accusations would be true. However, we enter God’s presence not upon our own worthiness, but in the righteousness of Christ. This righteousness is a gift from a loving heavenly Father, which we may receive or refuse. This precious gift is free to the receiver, yet a high cost for the Giver. This gift brings with it a changed heart and life which draws the receiver closer to the One who loves him and has His best in mind for him. Grace is getting what you do not deserve while mercy is not getting what you do deserve. Remind yourself daily of the Grace which has been given to you by your loving Father through the gift of His Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. And watch the enemy flee!
CROSS REFERENCE
BACK KICK / TEEP DAN LANG / SIPA NG KABAYO / HORSE KICK / OWl CHAKI / USHIRO GERI / HOU DENGTUI
To know God’s names is to know God. In them we see His unchanging character. When God tells you, “I AM THAT I AM,” He is showing you His true essence. Absolute integrity, truthfulness, no darkness at all; what you see is what you get. In a world of manipulation it is comforting to know that the one true living God comes to you in complete openness and honesty. And you never have to worry about Him changing. These same qualities are seen in Jesus; He is the Creator of the heavens and the earth, and He is your Savior. He dwells within you, upon you, goes ahead of you, and comes behind you. There is great and mighty power in His Name. This power is His love for you. Remember that He who is in you is greater than your enemy who is in the world.
Do not let rejection effect you as you press on to live a life worthy of the calling God has given you. Those who live in darkness cannot stand the Light. As they hated Jesus, so they will also hate you. Stand firm! Continue on the path God has called you to, despite rejection. In love, use the Scripture you have learned when sharing your faith with others and let the Holy Spirit minister to their hearts. No matter how despised and rejected you are by the world, remember that you are precious in God’s sight. The battle is God’s; let Him handle the world’s rejection and hatred. Do not let rejection effect you.
We, the children of God, know the outcome of the battle that we are engaged in. The enemy deceives himself and others, by his pride, that the ending will be different. Remembering that his end is sure will give you comfort and courage to fight the good fight of the faith and not to become weary. You have been set free from the enemy to throw off anything that might hinder your walk with Christ! Those who do not believe will be thrown out from the presence of God, which is not God’s desire for them. He loves them and wants them to be with Him. Heeding these warnings should give us a sense of compassion and urgency to share our faith with others. Keep them in mind as you go out among the world. Be available to be used to snatch someone from the fire.
THROW THEM – Bible Study
CROSS REFERENCE
NECK THROW, SHOULDER THROW, HIP THROW
(THE ABYSS) (LAKE OF BURNING SULFUR) (LAKE OF FIRE)
The temptation to believe that no one cares will come someday so, stand firm in your faith knowing that the Lord is with you and on your side.
You are much more valuable to Him than the birds and grass that He so wonderfully takes care of. Remember all that you have read and studied in the Word of Truth that clearly expresses God’s promises of care for you both for now and into eternity. With a sincere heart draw near to God with confidence knowing that in Christ you are free from any guilt. Listen for words of exhortation from the Lord as you pray in the Spirit. Stand on the truth that as far as the east is from the west the Lord has removed the guilt of our past rebellion against the Lord and loves you so much that He placed them on His Son. Watch out for the lie that no one cares.
Attack – Cross Grab – The Lie = “No One Cares” Techniques Used – Stand Firm Foundation, Word of Truth, Draw Near to God, Exhortation East-West Sweep
Scriptural Weapons –
[2Co 1:24 NIV] Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, because it is by faith you stand firm.
[2Ti 2:15 NIV] Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
[Heb 10:22 NIV] let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.
[Act 13:15 NIV] After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the leaders of the synagogue sent word to them, saying, “Brothers, if you have a word of exhortation for the people, please speak.”
[Psa 103:12 NIV] as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
