OUTPOuRING- Forward Thinking
part one
The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit is available from The Father by Jesus to Transform our lives.
Among other things- The Outpouring will cause us to Dream Dreams- See Visions and Prophesy. Dreams, Visions and Prophesy are the language of the Holy Spirit to lift us from one place to a higher place-
Dreaming Dreams and Seeing Visions should altar our thinking and direction... Acts 2:17-18
Altared or Altered Thinking
1. Altered Thinking is
*thoughts warped by the curse-
*loss of orientation (not cognizant of self, time, or place),
*defects in judgment or thought,
*poor regulation of emotions,
and
*disruptions in perception,
2. Altared Thinking=
Thoughts filtered and discerned through the Altar of the Cross- The work of Redemption- Renewed Thinking
As he thinks in his heart- so is He- Prov 27:3
The Outpouring Straightens out our thinking - pointing us in the right direction- What I call- Forward Thinking:
The Altar of The Cross crucifies the old man and his way of thinking-believing- living.
" I am crucified with Christ- nevertheless- I live- yet not I- but Christ that lives within me. And the life I now live- I live by the faith of the Son of God- who loved me and gave Himself for me. Gal 2:20
Case In Point- Saul of Tarsus
Acts 26:15-18
I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 16 But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. 17 I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, 18 to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.' NKJV
Saul went from terrorizing Christians- to writing two thirds of the New Testament.
He found out God's will- direction and purpose for his life.
Dreams and Visions will make you forget-
Phil 3:13-14
but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead...
To Forget means to fail to remember. Paul says we can forget.
Wouldn't it be something if we actually failed to remember our old sins, failures and the things we have been redeemed from?
IT CAN HAPPEN!! The Holy Spirit- with His OUTPOURING is a TRANSFORMER!
Old things are passed away, behold all things are become new. 2 Cor 5:17b
We are changed (transformed) from Glory to Glory even as by The Spirit of God.. 2 Cor 3:18
Among other things- The Outpouring will cause us to Dream Dreams- See Visions and Prophesy. Dreams, Visions and Prophesy are the language of the Holy Spirit to lift us from one place to a higher place-
Dreaming Dreams and Seeing Visions should altar our thinking and direction... Acts 2:17-18
Altared or Altered Thinking
1. Altered Thinking is
*thoughts warped by the curse-
*loss of orientation (not cognizant of self, time, or place),
*defects in judgment or thought,
*poor regulation of emotions,
and
*disruptions in perception,
2. Altared Thinking=
Thoughts filtered and discerned through the Altar of the Cross- The work of Redemption- Renewed Thinking
As he thinks in his heart- so is He- Prov 27:3
The Outpouring Straightens out our thinking - pointing us in the right direction- What I call- Forward Thinking:
The Altar of The Cross crucifies the old man and his way of thinking-believing- living.
" I am crucified with Christ- nevertheless- I live- yet not I- but Christ that lives within me. And the life I now live- I live by the faith of the Son of God- who loved me and gave Himself for me. Gal 2:20
Case In Point- Saul of Tarsus
Acts 26:15-18
I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 16 But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. 17 I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, 18 to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.' NKJV
Saul went from terrorizing Christians- to writing two thirds of the New Testament.
He found out God's will- direction and purpose for his life.
Dreams and Visions will make you forget-
Phil 3:13-14
but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead...
To Forget means to fail to remember. Paul says we can forget.
Wouldn't it be something if we actually failed to remember our old sins, failures and the things we have been redeemed from?
IT CAN HAPPEN!! The Holy Spirit- with His OUTPOURING is a TRANSFORMER!
Old things are passed away, behold all things are become new. 2 Cor 5:17b
We are changed (transformed) from Glory to Glory even as by The Spirit of God.. 2 Cor 3:18
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Forgetting Our Lines
Some times we remember what we should not- and forget what we should. Many have lines they remember- and like a parrot- just keep repeating them- What if we completely forgot our lines as in... "he had forgotten his lines" - our lines are Our Story- Many are "Stuck in their Story" They repeat the same lines- never moving forward- stuck in the miry clay... There is A way out- A Transformation- An Outpouring! |
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Our Father has given us a new script-
The New Testament-
He has given us a New Producer-
Jesus!
A new Director-
The Holy Spirit
The same ole "Soap Opera" of carnality and life-less cliches is over. Our New Director- with His Outpouring- has reset the stage in our favor. He is Directing our steps!
We are memorizing our New Lines, failing to remember the things that have passed away!
This Story of Redmption is Unforgettable!
You see,
Dreams and Visions will make you Forget!
Transformations will make you forget!
when I get a new pair of shoes- I forget the old ones- don't even talk about them...
We often time have good teaching- good behavior and good morals- but not enough of the OUTPOURING in a fresh inspiring way- ...but be being filled with The Holy Spirit- or -but ever be filled and stimulated with the [Holy] Spirit. Ephesians 5:18
When we wait on God- ministering to Him with songs, hymns and spiritual songs-
singing with grace in your heart- to The Lord. Colossians 3:16
This All Forward Thinking- Forward Acting- Forward Living
The New Testament-
He has given us a New Producer-
Jesus!
A new Director-
The Holy Spirit
The same ole "Soap Opera" of carnality and life-less cliches is over. Our New Director- with His Outpouring- has reset the stage in our favor. He is Directing our steps!
We are memorizing our New Lines, failing to remember the things that have passed away!
This Story of Redmption is Unforgettable!
You see,
Dreams and Visions will make you Forget!
Transformations will make you forget!
when I get a new pair of shoes- I forget the old ones- don't even talk about them...
We often time have good teaching- good behavior and good morals- but not enough of the OUTPOURING in a fresh inspiring way- ...but be being filled with The Holy Spirit- or -but ever be filled and stimulated with the [Holy] Spirit. Ephesians 5:18
When we wait on God- ministering to Him with songs, hymns and spiritual songs-
singing with grace in your heart- to The Lord. Colossians 3:16
This All Forward Thinking- Forward Acting- Forward Living
OUTPOURING- FORWARD THINKING
part two
I Will Not Be Looking Back...
Joan of Arc told the General she would lead the way over the wall for 3,000 French knights in battle. The general replied, "Not a man will follow you." And, in return, Joan of Arc said, "I won't be looking back to see if they're following me."
We are talking about Forward Thinking because
of The Outpouring of The Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:17- 18
‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams.
18 And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days;
And they shall prophesy.
Dreams- Visions and Prophecy- This is the Holy Spirit's Language of edification, exhortation and comfort. It's moving forward. It is The Kingdom of God expanding.
Joan of Arc
The armies of France were stuck- hindered by the English. Their leaders were ineffectual and self-preserving.
Joan received words, visions, dreams from on High.
She had obtained something others were not receiving.
This is forward thinking. This 17 year old young girl had more vision and boldness
than the most experienced General.
She declared: "I will lead the armies over the wall and capture the land."
Her General replied- "Not a man will follow you into battle"- her reply: " I will not be looking back to see if they're following me." That is the OUTPOURING SPEAKING.
We need to let The OutPouring of God do our speaking. If we have not heard yet- be still until you do!
The Great Military General Jehoshaphat said:
12 O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.”
God loves us too much to leave us without hope, direction or instruction.
If we learn to wait on Him and follow instructions- We Will Always Triumph in Christ!
Joan of Arc told the General she would lead the way over the wall for 3,000 French knights in battle. The general replied, "Not a man will follow you." And, in return, Joan of Arc said, "I won't be looking back to see if they're following me."
We are talking about Forward Thinking because
of The Outpouring of The Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:17- 18
‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams.
18 And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days;
And they shall prophesy.
Dreams- Visions and Prophecy- This is the Holy Spirit's Language of edification, exhortation and comfort. It's moving forward. It is The Kingdom of God expanding.
Joan of Arc
The armies of France were stuck- hindered by the English. Their leaders were ineffectual and self-preserving.
Joan received words, visions, dreams from on High.
She had obtained something others were not receiving.
This is forward thinking. This 17 year old young girl had more vision and boldness
than the most experienced General.
She declared: "I will lead the armies over the wall and capture the land."
Her General replied- "Not a man will follow you into battle"- her reply: " I will not be looking back to see if they're following me." That is the OUTPOURING SPEAKING.
We need to let The OutPouring of God do our speaking. If we have not heard yet- be still until you do!
The Great Military General Jehoshaphat said:
12 O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.”
God loves us too much to leave us without hope, direction or instruction.
If we learn to wait on Him and follow instructions- We Will Always Triumph in Christ!
A Divine Intervention
Is Coming...
Psalm 67:5-6 Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.
Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us.
Yes- Let every devil tremble- Our God is going to display Himself!
There is a Divine Intervention Coming- For our Nation, Our Cities and our homes.
For some it shall be very soon- within thirty days- that is what I heard the Holy Spirit say.
It will come to those who will Worship and Praise. This prophecy came as we were in the Spirit and I know
that it will come to pass as the Lord has said.
Good News For Worshippers
God wants to be a Father to us- some have real pressing needs right now. He wants to turn sickness into healing, stress in peace, desires into fulfillment and lack into increase. All He wants from us is our heart of worship and praise...
Psalm 22:3- He inhabits the praises of Israel- his people. When the singers and musicians are one- God fills the place with Himself! He has, did, does and always will respond to our worship/praises.
Yes, God responds to worship and Praise.
His Word is full of examples of this...
Paul and Silas in prison-
Jehoshaphat sending out the praisers ahead of the Army-
Jericho- marching around the city with shouting and Praises-
Gideon and His Shouting Army-
Let All The People Praise You
Let all the people praise you. Psalm 67:5
Everyone is included. If all it took to see a miracle in your life was to tell God -
Who He Is...
What he can do and
how thankful you are
for all the kindnesses He has and is showing you.... Wouldn't you do it?
Here is Worship/Praise
Pslam 149
Praise the Lord!
Sing to the Lord a new song,
his praise in the assembly of the godly!
2 Let Israel be glad in his Maker;
let the children of Zion rejoice in their King!
3 Let them praise his name with dancing,
making melody to him with tambourine and lyre!
4 For the Lord takes pleasure in his people;
he adorns the humble with salvation.
Psalm 150
Praise the Lord!
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heavens![a]
2 Praise him for his mighty deeds;
praise him according to his excellent greatness!
Psalm 34
I will bless the Lord at all times;
his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul makes its boast in the Lord;
let the humble hear and be glad.
3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me,
and let us exalt his name together!
4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me
and delivered me from all my fears.
Saying/Praising these out-loud will bring the glory of God into your life and body!
We are being invited by God to usher in a miracle- A Divine Intervention.
I am going to do it.. I pray you will join me...
Is Coming...
Psalm 67:5-6 Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.
Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us.
Yes- Let every devil tremble- Our God is going to display Himself!
There is a Divine Intervention Coming- For our Nation, Our Cities and our homes.
For some it shall be very soon- within thirty days- that is what I heard the Holy Spirit say.
It will come to those who will Worship and Praise. This prophecy came as we were in the Spirit and I know
that it will come to pass as the Lord has said.
Good News For Worshippers
God wants to be a Father to us- some have real pressing needs right now. He wants to turn sickness into healing, stress in peace, desires into fulfillment and lack into increase. All He wants from us is our heart of worship and praise...
Psalm 22:3- He inhabits the praises of Israel- his people. When the singers and musicians are one- God fills the place with Himself! He has, did, does and always will respond to our worship/praises.
Yes, God responds to worship and Praise.
His Word is full of examples of this...
Paul and Silas in prison-
Jehoshaphat sending out the praisers ahead of the Army-
Jericho- marching around the city with shouting and Praises-
Gideon and His Shouting Army-
Let All The People Praise You
Let all the people praise you. Psalm 67:5
Everyone is included. If all it took to see a miracle in your life was to tell God -
Who He Is...
What he can do and
how thankful you are
for all the kindnesses He has and is showing you.... Wouldn't you do it?
Here is Worship/Praise
Pslam 149
Praise the Lord!
Sing to the Lord a new song,
his praise in the assembly of the godly!
2 Let Israel be glad in his Maker;
let the children of Zion rejoice in their King!
3 Let them praise his name with dancing,
making melody to him with tambourine and lyre!
4 For the Lord takes pleasure in his people;
he adorns the humble with salvation.
Psalm 150
Praise the Lord!
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heavens![a]
2 Praise him for his mighty deeds;
praise him according to his excellent greatness!
Psalm 34
I will bless the Lord at all times;
his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul makes its boast in the Lord;
let the humble hear and be glad.
3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me,
and let us exalt his name together!
4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me
and delivered me from all my fears.
Saying/Praising these out-loud will bring the glory of God into your life and body!
We are being invited by God to usher in a miracle- A Divine Intervention.
I am going to do it.. I pray you will join me...
to be a Christian, to be Christlike, is a task far, far beyond the poor resources of fallen human nature**Of himself, the fallen sinner can no more repent in his own power, than he can create a world.
Nothing but a miracle of grace can lead to the saving of any sinner. A.W. Pink
*With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible. Mark 10:27
Trying to save yourself from your own sin is like proclaiming yourself "The World's Peace-Keeper"- and expecting world-wide results... -it cannot be done- intentions are not strong enough- e.a.gutfeld
God created all things- and they were "good" until sin enetered the the hearts of mankind. Ever since then- we have tried to improve without any real progress.
Nothing but a miracle of grace can lead to the saving of any sinner. A.W. Pink
*With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible. Mark 10:27
Trying to save yourself from your own sin is like proclaiming yourself "The World's Peace-Keeper"- and expecting world-wide results... -it cannot be done- intentions are not strong enough- e.a.gutfeld
God created all things- and they were "good" until sin enetered the the hearts of mankind. Ever since then- we have tried to improve without any real progress.
There is no doubt that mankind's ideas and creativity point to great strides in intellect and scientific genius... In the past one hundred years- life on earth has changed dramatically.
Discoveries, breathroughs and inventions have made day to day living- including travel and communications- light years from the past.
On that side of the scale we are improving at a steller rate...
Discoveries, breathroughs and inventions have made day to day living- including travel and communications- light years from the past.
On that side of the scale we are improving at a steller rate...
However... our social-emotional and brotherly kindness skills-both internatiuonally and in our own families- are abismal at best. We can cure diseases-build machines-create computer chips but we flat out cannot get along with one another. Nation wars against Nation- brother against brother and in our own towns and villages...yes even our own homes are broken with unforgiveness and heartache.
God saw this- He knows it- and He did something about it-
This Bible says: Gal 4:4-6 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
God saw this- He knows it- and He did something about it-
This Bible says: Gal 4:4-6 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
God's Clock Ticks
God is a God of Time.
Creation was sequential- day one, day two etc.
*We live in the Times of The Gentiles- Luke 21:24
*We are taught to "number our days" Ps. 90:12 that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.
*Three times a year God would call for Feast Days or Set Times- or Appointments with all of Israel- Lev. 23
*It is at The Fulness of The Time when Jesus came to the earth Gal.4:4-6
God is a God of Time.
Creation was sequential- day one, day two etc.
*We live in the Times of The Gentiles- Luke 21:24
*We are taught to "number our days" Ps. 90:12 that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.
*Three times a year God would call for Feast Days or Set Times- or Appointments with all of Israel- Lev. 23
*It is at The Fulness of The Time when Jesus came to the earth Gal.4:4-6
It is amazing to me how possessive people can be of their time:
"It is MY day off". "We are on My Time Now"!
We can be so demanding- until we need some of it back from God-
Oh God, pleeeease.... give me one more chance...
I'll be faithful this time... Please... just this once.... I Really mean it- this time.
We get desperate and try to 'pull back the hands of time' !!!!
It is then that we understand how frail we are, how much we are in need of a Savior- A Redeemer- SomeOne who can redeem the lost time- the lost opportunities- the lost days of faith, hope and love. We need A Kinsman To Redeem Us!
"It is MY day off". "We are on My Time Now"!
We can be so demanding- until we need some of it back from God-
Oh God, pleeeease.... give me one more chance...
I'll be faithful this time... Please... just this once.... I Really mean it- this time.
We get desperate and try to 'pull back the hands of time' !!!!
It is then that we understand how frail we are, how much we are in need of a Savior- A Redeemer- SomeOne who can redeem the lost time- the lost opportunities- the lost days of faith, hope and love. We need A Kinsman To Redeem Us!
The Law of The Kinsman Redeemer
"If a foreigner or temporary resident among you becomes rich and one of your brothers becomes poor and sells himself to the foreigner who lives among you or to a member of the foreigner's clan, 48 he still has the right of redemption after he has sold himself. One of his relatives (near of Kin) may buy him back. 49 An uncle or cousin or any close relative (a kinsman) of his extended family may redeem him. Or, if he gets the money together, he can redeem himself. Lev. 25:47-49
In the Law of Moses, when a person or family became poor they became a servant to another person or family. After seven years, this servant could gather the money together to redeem himself- but this was not usually the case. If he could not redeem himself- a near relation or next of kin- a kinsman could buy him and his family back- He could redeem them from servitude. That person would be called : A Kinsman Redeemer.
"If a foreigner or temporary resident among you becomes rich and one of your brothers becomes poor and sells himself to the foreigner who lives among you or to a member of the foreigner's clan, 48 he still has the right of redemption after he has sold himself. One of his relatives (near of Kin) may buy him back. 49 An uncle or cousin or any close relative (a kinsman) of his extended family may redeem him. Or, if he gets the money together, he can redeem himself. Lev. 25:47-49
In the Law of Moses, when a person or family became poor they became a servant to another person or family. After seven years, this servant could gather the money together to redeem himself- but this was not usually the case. If he could not redeem himself- a near relation or next of kin- a kinsman could buy him and his family back- He could redeem them from servitude. That person would be called : A Kinsman Redeemer.
The Kinsman Redeemer is beautifully narated in the Book of Ruth.
This law is the exact law used by God in His Word to send Jesus to earth to redeem us from the slavery to sin.
We lost our freedom through sin and became the slaves of sin. The wages of sin is death. We needed are near Kinsman to redeem us. The problem is- in the whole human race- not one is worthy- spiritually rich enough to pay the price... Revelation 5:2-4
Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?
And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.
And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.
The tears of eaerth are from our sense of unworthiness. Without a Redeemer- we are lost....
This death grip had a hold on th human race- only to be eased by the sacrifices in the law of Moses- blood of animals- bulls and goats- until The Blood of The Lamb could be spilled for complete redemption.
This law is the exact law used by God in His Word to send Jesus to earth to redeem us from the slavery to sin.
We lost our freedom through sin and became the slaves of sin. The wages of sin is death. We needed are near Kinsman to redeem us. The problem is- in the whole human race- not one is worthy- spiritually rich enough to pay the price... Revelation 5:2-4
Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?
And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.
And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.
The tears of eaerth are from our sense of unworthiness. Without a Redeemer- we are lost....
This death grip had a hold on th human race- only to be eased by the sacrifices in the law of Moses- blood of animals- bulls and goats- until The Blood of The Lamb could be spilled for complete redemption.
Christ was our Kinsman Redeemer.
Revelation 5:5 says: And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
Jesus bacame our Kinsman and lived the perfect life!
He fulfilled all four of the requirements of the Kinsman Redeemer.
1. He became a Kinsman. John 1:14 It was impossible for God to save us apart from the incarnation of Christ. God could not die for us because God cannot die. He is eternal life and He is the source of all life. Only by being born as a man and taking on human flesh could He experience death for us. Isaiah 7:14/Galatians. 4:4-6
That is the door to the earth! John 10:2.
All others are theives and robbers- ie Satan.
2. He was free from the bondage of sin. 2 Cor. 5:21 Jesus Christ was the only man who has ever been free from sin. From the day that Adam sinned in the Garden of Eden to this day, all have been under that bondage. Only Christ was qualified to set us free.
3. He was able to pay the ransom price. Heb. 2:16-17 Even if there had been another man who had been without sin, the death of such a man would still be lacking the infinite merit to pay for the sins of the whole world. At best, the sacrifice of a finite man could only atone for the sins of a single man.
But the death of Christ was not the death of a mere man. It was the death of an infinite being. It was the death of God in the flesh. God died in our place. Only the death of such a One could have been sufficient to save the world.
4. He was willing to pay the price. John 10:17-18; John 15:13
Jesus is our Kinsman!
He is the Sinless Lamb of God!
He Paid The Full Price for our Redemption from Sin and Death!
He willingly laid down His Life-To seek and save us.
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Revelation 5:5 says: And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
Jesus bacame our Kinsman and lived the perfect life!
He fulfilled all four of the requirements of the Kinsman Redeemer.
1. He became a Kinsman. John 1:14 It was impossible for God to save us apart from the incarnation of Christ. God could not die for us because God cannot die. He is eternal life and He is the source of all life. Only by being born as a man and taking on human flesh could He experience death for us. Isaiah 7:14/Galatians. 4:4-6
That is the door to the earth! John 10:2.
All others are theives and robbers- ie Satan.
2. He was free from the bondage of sin. 2 Cor. 5:21 Jesus Christ was the only man who has ever been free from sin. From the day that Adam sinned in the Garden of Eden to this day, all have been under that bondage. Only Christ was qualified to set us free.
3. He was able to pay the ransom price. Heb. 2:16-17 Even if there had been another man who had been without sin, the death of such a man would still be lacking the infinite merit to pay for the sins of the whole world. At best, the sacrifice of a finite man could only atone for the sins of a single man.
But the death of Christ was not the death of a mere man. It was the death of an infinite being. It was the death of God in the flesh. God died in our place. Only the death of such a One could have been sufficient to save the world.
4. He was willing to pay the price. John 10:17-18; John 15:13
Jesus is our Kinsman!
He is the Sinless Lamb of God!
He Paid The Full Price for our Redemption from Sin and Death!
He willingly laid down His Life-To seek and save us.
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"In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace." Eph. 1:7
"Redemption! what a glorious plan;
How suited to our need!
The grace that raises fallen man,
'Tis wonderful indeed!
Twas Wisdom formed the vast design,
To ransom us when lost;
And love's unfathomable mine,
Provided all the cost.
Strict Justice, with approving look,
The holy covenant sealed;
And Truth and Power undertook
The whole should be fulfilled.
Truth, Wisdom, Justice, Power and Love,
In all their glory shone;
When Jesus left the courts above,
And died to save his own." author unknown
In the works of creation, the power, wisdom and goodness of God are wonderfully displayed; but in the far greater and more glorious work of human redemption, his love shines in full glory. How glorious was the design of God to redeem a lost world! How magnificent the plan of eternal redemption!
In Redeeming us, God does not merely gloss over our failures- our imperfections and weaknesses.. He washes us completely- removing sin- rebellion- and our sin-nature that drove us away from God. He fills us with Himself- empowers us with HIS SPIRIT- and gives us The Name of Jesus with which to walk in authority in this world. Redemption brings us to the place of salvation, sonship, priesthood, joint-inheritance with Jesus- more than conquerors in spiritual battles. This is all because God loves us...
God's Love In Redemption-
This redemption originated in the infinite love of God the Father. "God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Jesus Christ is the gift of the Father– a precious gift, indeed, to a lost world. He is given to redeem his people; given that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
Redeemed By The Blood Of Jesus
Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. 1Peter 1:18-19
Fruits of Redemption:
1. This blood satisfies offended justice, redeems the sinner and prepares him for glory. The Blood of Jesus atones for all sin. There is redemption for all, if we will but apply the atoning blood of Jesus for cleansing. There is justification to acquit all; there is righteousness to clothe all. "The people will declare, 'The Lord is the source of all my righteousness and strength.'In the Lord all the generations of Israel will be justified, and in him they will boast." All who call upon him rejoice to find in the Lord Jesus, complete redemption. "Being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him."
2. Redemption by Christ affords sweet peace to the soul. The Blood of Jesus poured out from the cross makes peace between God and man; "Having made peace through the blood of his cross." It brings us near to God. "But now you belong to Christ Jesus. Though you once were far away from God, now you have been brought near to him because of the blood of Christ." Thee Blood that brought us near is full of God's Grace; "You have come to Jesus, the one who mediates the new covenant between God and people, and to the sprinkled blood, which graciously forgives instead of crying out for vengeance as the blood of Abel did." This is the blood of "Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant."
3. Bring Many Sons To Glory! This is the grand object of redemption– to bring "many sons unto glory." God wants a family- a family that chooses Him! This is full-fellowship with all it's rights and privilages. In making us "Sons of Glory"- Redemption radiates the completed work of the cross in it's eternal deliverance from sin and sufferings, and the permanent enjoyment of the highest fellowship in heaven. All the inheritance of the redeemed in glory results from redemption by Christ. All the future joy of the whole household of faith, throughout eternity, will flow from that redemption completed on Calvary. "He provided redemption for his people; he ordained his covenant forever– holy and awesome is his name."
4. Purchased Everlasting Salvation for His People. "So Christ has now become the High Priest over all the good things that have come. He has entered that great, perfect sanctuary in heaven, not made by human hands and not part of this created world. Once for all time he took blood into that Most Holy Place, but not the blood of goats and calves. He took his own blood, and with it he secured our salvation forever." Forever! Yes this is forever!!! Here we see the eternal, matchless love of Christ, in shedding his precious blood for our redemption.
5. His Love Eternally Displayed to us: "his beloved." "Oh, how delightful you are, my beloved; how pleasant for utter delight!" He loves us so much, He redeemed us with his own blood: "Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless." Eph 5:25-27
"Redemption! what a glorious plan;
How suited to our need!
The grace that raises fallen man,
'Tis wonderful indeed!
Twas Wisdom formed the vast design,
To ransom us when lost;
And love's unfathomable mine,
Provided all the cost.
Strict Justice, with approving look,
The holy covenant sealed;
And Truth and Power undertook
The whole should be fulfilled.
Truth, Wisdom, Justice, Power and Love,
In all their glory shone;
When Jesus left the courts above,
And died to save his own." author unknown
In the works of creation, the power, wisdom and goodness of God are wonderfully displayed; but in the far greater and more glorious work of human redemption, his love shines in full glory. How glorious was the design of God to redeem a lost world! How magnificent the plan of eternal redemption!
In Redeeming us, God does not merely gloss over our failures- our imperfections and weaknesses.. He washes us completely- removing sin- rebellion- and our sin-nature that drove us away from God. He fills us with Himself- empowers us with HIS SPIRIT- and gives us The Name of Jesus with which to walk in authority in this world. Redemption brings us to the place of salvation, sonship, priesthood, joint-inheritance with Jesus- more than conquerors in spiritual battles. This is all because God loves us...
God's Love In Redemption-
This redemption originated in the infinite love of God the Father. "God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Jesus Christ is the gift of the Father– a precious gift, indeed, to a lost world. He is given to redeem his people; given that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
Redeemed By The Blood Of Jesus
Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. 1Peter 1:18-19
Fruits of Redemption:
1. This blood satisfies offended justice, redeems the sinner and prepares him for glory. The Blood of Jesus atones for all sin. There is redemption for all, if we will but apply the atoning blood of Jesus for cleansing. There is justification to acquit all; there is righteousness to clothe all. "The people will declare, 'The Lord is the source of all my righteousness and strength.'In the Lord all the generations of Israel will be justified, and in him they will boast." All who call upon him rejoice to find in the Lord Jesus, complete redemption. "Being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him."
2. Redemption by Christ affords sweet peace to the soul. The Blood of Jesus poured out from the cross makes peace between God and man; "Having made peace through the blood of his cross." It brings us near to God. "But now you belong to Christ Jesus. Though you once were far away from God, now you have been brought near to him because of the blood of Christ." Thee Blood that brought us near is full of God's Grace; "You have come to Jesus, the one who mediates the new covenant between God and people, and to the sprinkled blood, which graciously forgives instead of crying out for vengeance as the blood of Abel did." This is the blood of "Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant."
3. Bring Many Sons To Glory! This is the grand object of redemption– to bring "many sons unto glory." God wants a family- a family that chooses Him! This is full-fellowship with all it's rights and privilages. In making us "Sons of Glory"- Redemption radiates the completed work of the cross in it's eternal deliverance from sin and sufferings, and the permanent enjoyment of the highest fellowship in heaven. All the inheritance of the redeemed in glory results from redemption by Christ. All the future joy of the whole household of faith, throughout eternity, will flow from that redemption completed on Calvary. "He provided redemption for his people; he ordained his covenant forever– holy and awesome is his name."
4. Purchased Everlasting Salvation for His People. "So Christ has now become the High Priest over all the good things that have come. He has entered that great, perfect sanctuary in heaven, not made by human hands and not part of this created world. Once for all time he took blood into that Most Holy Place, but not the blood of goats and calves. He took his own blood, and with it he secured our salvation forever." Forever! Yes this is forever!!! Here we see the eternal, matchless love of Christ, in shedding his precious blood for our redemption.
5. His Love Eternally Displayed to us: "his beloved." "Oh, how delightful you are, my beloved; how pleasant for utter delight!" He loves us so much, He redeemed us with his own blood: "Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless." Eph 5:25-27
6. More of God's Love in Redemption . "I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself." Jeremah 31:3
How did He draw us? Through Redemption: whoever beleives on Him should not perish-
Believes What? That God The Father gave His Son! That God The Father Redeemed Us! That draws us to Him! And again, "Since you were precious in my sight you have been honorable, and I have loved you." Isaiah 43:4 He loved us by giving His only begotten Son! This draws us to Him. This shows us how precious we are to Him- inspite of our sin.
Love was the impelling motive that led him to undertake our redemption; and love enabled him to exclaim, "It is finished." Love made him offer himself a sacrifice for our sins."Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Eph 5:2
Paul details The love Jesus has for us in His work of Redemption: "You know how full of love and kindness our Lord Jesus Christ was. Though he was very rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich." 2 Cor. 8:9
How did He draw us? Through Redemption: whoever beleives on Him should not perish-
Believes What? That God The Father gave His Son! That God The Father Redeemed Us! That draws us to Him! And again, "Since you were precious in my sight you have been honorable, and I have loved you." Isaiah 43:4 He loved us by giving His only begotten Son! This draws us to Him. This shows us how precious we are to Him- inspite of our sin.
Love was the impelling motive that led him to undertake our redemption; and love enabled him to exclaim, "It is finished." Love made him offer himself a sacrifice for our sins."Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Eph 5:2
Paul details The love Jesus has for us in His work of Redemption: "You know how full of love and kindness our Lord Jesus Christ was. Though he was very rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich." 2 Cor. 8:9
----------------------------------------------------------------God so loved us, He redeemed us from sin and death- redeemed from the curse of the law. Jesus became a curse for us!
Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree, that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Galatians 3:13-14
Nothing pretty or comfortable about this incredable act of love and redemption.- it is total sacrifice; all for us! Yet He did it...
God's love is in His Redemption...
Father, thank you for your love for me... Thank you for Jesus. Thank you that love you show- is not a cheap love. It is a love that cost Jesus all that he had. I receive that love today! I allow it to change my heart and the way I think. I will walk in the newness of life you give to all who ask! Thank you- In The Name of Jesus- Amen
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Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree, that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Galatians 3:13-14
Nothing pretty or comfortable about this incredable act of love and redemption.- it is total sacrifice; all for us! Yet He did it...
God's love is in His Redemption...
Father, thank you for your love for me... Thank you for Jesus. Thank you that love you show- is not a cheap love. It is a love that cost Jesus all that he had. I receive that love today! I allow it to change my heart and the way I think. I will walk in the newness of life you give to all who ask! Thank you- In The Name of Jesus- Amen
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Pentecost. Not a fancy holiday is it? Nobody really talks about it.
No Sales at Macy's...
No PENTECOST Party Favors at Party City...
No legal holiday...
No "Merry Pentecost" Greeting Cards...
It sounds like Pentagon, but the government is not involved.
In fact- You have to be a real hard-core, sold-out Jesus- Freak to know what Sunday it is, and what it means. I am not trying to be critical, but most Bible-believing people do not know what it is either.
I grew up in a church that certainly knew when it was. They announced it after Easter: ' We are now in Pentecost season'- The third Sunday of Pentecost. It was sort of like crossing the international date line; You know it's coming, it's sounds very cool and you have this inner feeling that when you cross it- something awesome is going to happen! Unfortunately, when you finally get there- you fly right over the international date line and much to your shagrin (yes, I said shagrin) nothing happened at all.--- (I remember the first time we left California to go to Nevada- I was very dissappointed that there was not a huge, cataclysmic scenery and climate change. I expected people to dress, talk and eat differently- crazy)
Pentecost was like that- nothing happened at all.
Jesus did not think that of Pentecost- at least the Pentecost He was expecting- This is not going to be just another day!
On The Contrary!!! Jesus gave specific instructions to his disciples: And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, "which," He said, "you have heard from Me; 5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." Acts 1:4-6 NKJV
Jesus said: 'Don't go anywhere. Stay here and wait'. Wait? He told One hundred and tewnty people not to go anywhere-
You try telling 120 peple to do anything- especially to wait.
That's fine for Jesus to say it to his disciples two thousand years ago- That is JESUS and they were HIS DISCIPLES.
Let Jesus say that to you today. Oh yea!? I can hear the cogs turning in most people's head: Wait? Wait here? Can't I wait in my living room by the TV? And wait for what? Oh yea, this is what the whole thing is about...
Wait for The Promise of The Father- You see, Pentecost is about the Promise of The Father.
Quick history Lesson: Yes- the Nation of Israel was instructed by Moses in Leviticus 23:17 to
1. On the day First Fruits- which is our Easter- they took two sheafs of first fruits loosely tied together and waved it before the Lord- signifying the first fruits of resurrection-Jesus and all believers with him.
2. They were to Count 50 days- They would wait until The Day of Pentecost (hence Pentecost- the word means 50th- 50th day after The Feast of First Fruits-
3. They were to take two loaves of baked bread- baked with leaven and wave them before the Lord.
They would do this year after year, after year, after year until... The Bible says: AND WHEN THE DAY OF PENTECOST WAS FULLY COME- That means that this is THE TIME- THE TIME TO FULFILL IT'S MEANING.
This is why Jesus was so emphatic-insistant that they WAIT FOR THE PROMISE OF THE FATHER
No Sales at Macy's...
No PENTECOST Party Favors at Party City...
No legal holiday...
No "Merry Pentecost" Greeting Cards...
It sounds like Pentagon, but the government is not involved.
In fact- You have to be a real hard-core, sold-out Jesus- Freak to know what Sunday it is, and what it means. I am not trying to be critical, but most Bible-believing people do not know what it is either.
I grew up in a church that certainly knew when it was. They announced it after Easter: ' We are now in Pentecost season'- The third Sunday of Pentecost. It was sort of like crossing the international date line; You know it's coming, it's sounds very cool and you have this inner feeling that when you cross it- something awesome is going to happen! Unfortunately, when you finally get there- you fly right over the international date line and much to your shagrin (yes, I said shagrin) nothing happened at all.--- (I remember the first time we left California to go to Nevada- I was very dissappointed that there was not a huge, cataclysmic scenery and climate change. I expected people to dress, talk and eat differently- crazy)
Pentecost was like that- nothing happened at all.
Jesus did not think that of Pentecost- at least the Pentecost He was expecting- This is not going to be just another day!
On The Contrary!!! Jesus gave specific instructions to his disciples: And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, "which," He said, "you have heard from Me; 5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." Acts 1:4-6 NKJV
Jesus said: 'Don't go anywhere. Stay here and wait'. Wait? He told One hundred and tewnty people not to go anywhere-
You try telling 120 peple to do anything- especially to wait.
That's fine for Jesus to say it to his disciples two thousand years ago- That is JESUS and they were HIS DISCIPLES.
Let Jesus say that to you today. Oh yea!? I can hear the cogs turning in most people's head: Wait? Wait here? Can't I wait in my living room by the TV? And wait for what? Oh yea, this is what the whole thing is about...
Wait for The Promise of The Father- You see, Pentecost is about the Promise of The Father.
Quick history Lesson: Yes- the Nation of Israel was instructed by Moses in Leviticus 23:17 to
1. On the day First Fruits- which is our Easter- they took two sheafs of first fruits loosely tied together and waved it before the Lord- signifying the first fruits of resurrection-Jesus and all believers with him.
2. They were to Count 50 days- They would wait until The Day of Pentecost (hence Pentecost- the word means 50th- 50th day after The Feast of First Fruits-
3. They were to take two loaves of baked bread- baked with leaven and wave them before the Lord.
They would do this year after year, after year, after year until... The Bible says: AND WHEN THE DAY OF PENTECOST WAS FULLY COME- That means that this is THE TIME- THE TIME TO FULFILL IT'S MEANING.
This is why Jesus was so emphatic-insistant that they WAIT FOR THE PROMISE OF THE FATHER
What was the Promise of The Father Going to Be? A new donkey for every Israelite? A special favor or blessing? The turning over of The Roman Order of Things? What could it be?
Jesus let them know- for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." Act 1:5
This was not going to be just another-
same-ol, same-ol...
This was not just: have a meeting at the synagogue- and then go to Auntie's house for brunch.
You see- the earth was dry- parched, and the need for water was at a critical level.
How critical?
*People could go to religious services and come out the same.
*Families could live in strife and think all is well.
*People could fast and pray and do religious duties with malice in their hearts- judgment upon their lips.
*People would rather break fellowship than pray and seek the face of God for their family, church, city or nation.
*Humility is something I reserve for God in my quiet times with Him- not for those that mistreat me.
*People were making excuses for their sins rather than spending extra time in prayer and reading God's Word.
Yes, these are symptoms of religious dry-bones. Dry formulas that sound holy- but offer no power for change,
transformation and Spirit-filled revival.
The earth was dry- But an Outpouring was on the way--
Jesus let them know- for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." Act 1:5
This was not going to be just another-
same-ol, same-ol...
This was not just: have a meeting at the synagogue- and then go to Auntie's house for brunch.
You see- the earth was dry- parched, and the need for water was at a critical level.
How critical?
*People could go to religious services and come out the same.
*Families could live in strife and think all is well.
*People could fast and pray and do religious duties with malice in their hearts- judgment upon their lips.
*People would rather break fellowship than pray and seek the face of God for their family, church, city or nation.
*Humility is something I reserve for God in my quiet times with Him- not for those that mistreat me.
*People were making excuses for their sins rather than spending extra time in prayer and reading God's Word.
Yes, these are symptoms of religious dry-bones. Dry formulas that sound holy- but offer no power for change,
transformation and Spirit-filled revival.
The earth was dry- But an Outpouring was on the way--
Yes, Jesus knew His Father had made a promise and He was going to keep it. Some believe this Outpouring was just to start the church off - but the same dry conditions are in the earth today as they were then- people need this outpouring today as much- if not more than they needed it then...
John truly baptized with water- But YOU-
YES YOU- YOU and ME- we will be baptized with The Holy Spirit!!
And They were! They would never be the same. God took all the particles of harvest- along with the leaven (which is a type of sin) He put the whole bunch of us- Asians- Africans-Latinos-Caucasians-Jews and Gentiles- anybody who would ever be born upon the earth- He took that crazy mix and made two loaves- baked- and started His Church- Everyone together- all the sin judged- baked with fire- and served as a union of one homogeneous body... He poured His Spirit out-
WHEN THE DAY OF PENTECOST WAS FULLY COME-
THOSE 120 PEOPLE WERE STILL THERE- FOR TEN DAYS!!!!
They were all with one accord in one place.--- THAT WAS A MIRACLE ALL BY ITSELF!
And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, FINALLY-SOMETHING FROM HEAVEN
as of a rushing mighty wind, Oh Yes! You can play church- play with your life - or let God have it with His Rushing Mighty Wind!!!
and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. God will fill whatever you let Him!! He will Fill You!!!
3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. That is When You know it's God- There is Fire involved-- Fire Purifies- Sanctifies and de-legitimizes all earthly rule and authority of sin!!!
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. This is where the flesh gets nervous- It wants to rule and be in charge- But God knows better- He wants to take charge of the most unruly part of our lives- our tongue. They were ALL FILLED AND BEGAN TO SPEAK A NEW LANGUAGE OF LOVE!!! The Water Came gushing Forth- It filled each one of them with the Moisture of Heaven.
THIS IS WHAT THEY WAITED FOR?
THIS IS THE PROMISE OF THE FATHER?
John truly baptized with water- But YOU-
YES YOU- YOU and ME- we will be baptized with The Holy Spirit!!
And They were! They would never be the same. God took all the particles of harvest- along with the leaven (which is a type of sin) He put the whole bunch of us- Asians- Africans-Latinos-Caucasians-Jews and Gentiles- anybody who would ever be born upon the earth- He took that crazy mix and made two loaves- baked- and started His Church- Everyone together- all the sin judged- baked with fire- and served as a union of one homogeneous body... He poured His Spirit out-
WHEN THE DAY OF PENTECOST WAS FULLY COME-
THOSE 120 PEOPLE WERE STILL THERE- FOR TEN DAYS!!!!
They were all with one accord in one place.--- THAT WAS A MIRACLE ALL BY ITSELF!
And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, FINALLY-SOMETHING FROM HEAVEN
as of a rushing mighty wind, Oh Yes! You can play church- play with your life - or let God have it with His Rushing Mighty Wind!!!
and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. God will fill whatever you let Him!! He will Fill You!!!
3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. That is When You know it's God- There is Fire involved-- Fire Purifies- Sanctifies and de-legitimizes all earthly rule and authority of sin!!!
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. This is where the flesh gets nervous- It wants to rule and be in charge- But God knows better- He wants to take charge of the most unruly part of our lives- our tongue. They were ALL FILLED AND BEGAN TO SPEAK A NEW LANGUAGE OF LOVE!!! The Water Came gushing Forth- It filled each one of them with the Moisture of Heaven.
THIS IS WHAT THEY WAITED FOR?
THIS IS THE PROMISE OF THE FATHER?
Yes!! THE MOISTURE CAME AND THE FIRE CAME AS WELL. WHEN YOU SEE- OR PERCEIVE THE TONGUES OF FIRE- YOU WILL NEVER BE THE SAME...
This was the Promise of The Father: The OutPouring of The Holy Spirit. This is What Joel was Talking about: Acts 2:16-18
But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 'And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God,
That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh;
Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
Your young men shall see visions,
Your old men shall dream dreams.
18 And on My menservants and on My maidservants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days;
And they shall prophesy.
No wonder Jesus said: 'Wait! Don't miss this. Do not go anywhere until this happens.'
We are fortunate to be reading about this momentous day- that keeps on happening wherever people will believe. This fire of Pentecost-will blaze through homes, cities, nations and transform wherever it goes...
Wherever this fire is welcomed- wherever this Outpouring of blessing is embraced- it will satisfy the longing soul and fill the hungry soul with good things.
It makes irrelavent- every lie- every deception- every wrong- every evil thing-
It brings to light The love of God!
It reveals the Longsuffering Heart of The Father who gives His This beautiful Outpouring of His Spirit!
My brother and sister- taste and see that the Lord is good.. Begin anew today.
The Day of Pentecost is Fully Come- we do not have to wait- He has been poured out. Ask and receive! Jesus will baptize you with The Holy Spirit if you ask in faith... This is momentous- glorious and The Promise of The Father!!!
No, they may not have Pentecost Sales at Macy's or Happy Pentecost Hallmark Cards- but rest assured- this is The Promise of The Father- it is still most precious and most needed today- Be filled with The Holy Spirit... Acts 9:17
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This was the Promise of The Father: The OutPouring of The Holy Spirit. This is What Joel was Talking about: Acts 2:16-18
But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 'And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God,
That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh;
Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
Your young men shall see visions,
Your old men shall dream dreams.
18 And on My menservants and on My maidservants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days;
And they shall prophesy.
No wonder Jesus said: 'Wait! Don't miss this. Do not go anywhere until this happens.'
We are fortunate to be reading about this momentous day- that keeps on happening wherever people will believe. This fire of Pentecost-will blaze through homes, cities, nations and transform wherever it goes...
Wherever this fire is welcomed- wherever this Outpouring of blessing is embraced- it will satisfy the longing soul and fill the hungry soul with good things.
It makes irrelavent- every lie- every deception- every wrong- every evil thing-
It brings to light The love of God!
It reveals the Longsuffering Heart of The Father who gives His This beautiful Outpouring of His Spirit!
My brother and sister- taste and see that the Lord is good.. Begin anew today.
The Day of Pentecost is Fully Come- we do not have to wait- He has been poured out. Ask and receive! Jesus will baptize you with The Holy Spirit if you ask in faith... This is momentous- glorious and The Promise of The Father!!!
No, they may not have Pentecost Sales at Macy's or Happy Pentecost Hallmark Cards- but rest assured- this is The Promise of The Father- it is still most precious and most needed today- Be filled with The Holy Spirit... Acts 9:17
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Moms are great. There is no one like a mother. Who else but a mother- (in this case the mother of James and John, the two sons of Zebedee) would ask of Jesus for her boys...
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"Give your word that these two sons of mine will be awarded the highest places of honor in your kingdom, one at your right hand, one at your left hand." Matt 20:21 (from the message bible) Yeah, that is a mother alright!
In so many ways, Moms are fearless-superheros when it comes to their children. I believe the essence of this comes from Our Father God. How often I have desired and yearned to gather your children together [around Me], as a hen [gathers] her young under her wings, but you would not! Luke 13:34 AMP and again: How precious is Your steadfast love, O God! The children of men take refuge and put their trust under the shadow of Your wings. Ps 36:7 AMP
In so many ways, Moms are fearless-superheros when it comes to their children. I believe the essence of this comes from Our Father God. How often I have desired and yearned to gather your children together [around Me], as a hen [gathers] her young under her wings, but you would not! Luke 13:34 AMP and again: How precious is Your steadfast love, O God! The children of men take refuge and put their trust under the shadow of Your wings. Ps 36:7 AMP
Flutters OverHer Young
As an eagle that stirs up her nest, that flutters over her young, He spread abroad His wings and He took them, He bore them on His pinions. Deut 32:11 amp
If no one flutters over us- Mom will. That is why we love our Moms' so much. Moms are "flutterers"!
No, not every mom is a world-champion Flutterer! History records the atrocities of Queen Mary 1, Jezebel, Mary-Beth Tinning and many others. Some Moms were just physically there, while others are abusive. If that applies to your childhood, there is healing, hope and redemption! Stay with this message. Our God flutters over us- He put it in nature and many, many moms have it in their lives...
God uses the metaphor of fluttering because it is so profound in it's effect- even in nature. The bird uses this "fluttering" motion for it's new born chicks. Bird experts say this careful motion is intended to stir the air and keep the temperature just right for the new chicks. Those precision movements reflect the meticulous focus and care that she now lavishes on the tiny downy creatures.
Wayne Simpson writes of This Fluttering/Brooding quality:
This quality is exactly the scene that is described in the very first verse of Genesis, when the Spirit of God brooded or fluttered over the face of the waters. What a magnificent metaphor this is for the meticulous planning, the tireless effort, the care, and the love that was exhibited at that moment. In taking that very first step to prepare the earth as a sort of nest for His own children, He made it into the ideal place for man to begin the adventure of life, to live out his collective human existence, to learn the lessons of history, and to grow into maturity and wisdom, until finally a time comes when has taken on the character of his Parent, and the whole earth can be united in peace and harmony in the Messianic kingdom. We have cause for optimism about the destiny of man. God will not let us fail. Though we may have many bitter lessons to learn, He has great things in mind for man in the future. With that kind of resource behind us, how can we fail? Now that sounds like Our God- The God of Redemption!
As an eagle that stirs up her nest, that flutters over her young, He spread abroad His wings and He took them, He bore them on His pinions. Deut 32:11 amp
If no one flutters over us- Mom will. That is why we love our Moms' so much. Moms are "flutterers"!
No, not every mom is a world-champion Flutterer! History records the atrocities of Queen Mary 1, Jezebel, Mary-Beth Tinning and many others. Some Moms were just physically there, while others are abusive. If that applies to your childhood, there is healing, hope and redemption! Stay with this message. Our God flutters over us- He put it in nature and many, many moms have it in their lives...
God uses the metaphor of fluttering because it is so profound in it's effect- even in nature. The bird uses this "fluttering" motion for it's new born chicks. Bird experts say this careful motion is intended to stir the air and keep the temperature just right for the new chicks. Those precision movements reflect the meticulous focus and care that she now lavishes on the tiny downy creatures.
Wayne Simpson writes of This Fluttering/Brooding quality:
This quality is exactly the scene that is described in the very first verse of Genesis, when the Spirit of God brooded or fluttered over the face of the waters. What a magnificent metaphor this is for the meticulous planning, the tireless effort, the care, and the love that was exhibited at that moment. In taking that very first step to prepare the earth as a sort of nest for His own children, He made it into the ideal place for man to begin the adventure of life, to live out his collective human existence, to learn the lessons of history, and to grow into maturity and wisdom, until finally a time comes when has taken on the character of his Parent, and the whole earth can be united in peace and harmony in the Messianic kingdom. We have cause for optimism about the destiny of man. God will not let us fail. Though we may have many bitter lessons to learn, He has great things in mind for man in the future. With that kind of resource behind us, how can we fail? Now that sounds like Our God- The God of Redemption!
Preparing to Fly
Fluttering/Brooding is preparation for soaring! Like the bird is born to fly- God's care for us (in preparation for flying) is to flutter over us that we may- mount up with wings as eagles. Isaiah 40:31 When God brooded (Gen.1:2) over the face of the waters, He set out to prepare a place where we could soar! ...And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. Gen 1:31
God's Theme Park
The Earth is God's Theme Park. Mankind was the beneficiary of this VERY GOOD PLACE!
We have theme parks in the earth today- they used to be Theme specific- Marine World- where marine life is celebrated. Then Africa USA was added to highlight animals in the wild in Africa. Six Flags Over Texas was a theme of Texas, The era of it's Oil Boom, trains etc.. Disneyland is supposed to be the Magic Kingdom. Well, God's Theme Park was to highlight His relationship with mankind in His Park: that I may dwell in the midst of them... It's God's Kingdom!
**Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them: and I will place them, and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in the midst of them for evermore. Ezek 37:26
**And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 2 Cor 6:16
**And he said unto me, Son of man, the place of my throne, and the place of the soles of my feet, where I will dwell in the midst of the children of Israel for ever, and my holy name, shall the house of Israel no more defile, neither they, nor their kings, by their whoredom, nor by the carcases of their kings in their high places. Ezek 43:7
God is the King of His Kingdom. His Theme is His love! He is in our midst. With God in our midst- we cannot fail. He flutters over us! He has prepared a world that will bring forth the seed that we sow. He gives the rain in it's season- even though people will disobey and the heavens will not give the rain- He will satisfy our soul in drought! Isaiah 58:11 He has set us up for blessing by sending Jesus- Filling us with The Holy Spirit- Giving us His Word- Apostle, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, Teachers and all the gifts of The Holy Spirit. He is knitting us together in love that we may grow up- Mount Up With Wings As Eagles and Soar into signs and wonders and miracles!!! Oh Shout Amen!! Somebody!!!!
Fluttering/Brooding is preparation for soaring! Like the bird is born to fly- God's care for us (in preparation for flying) is to flutter over us that we may- mount up with wings as eagles. Isaiah 40:31 When God brooded (Gen.1:2) over the face of the waters, He set out to prepare a place where we could soar! ...And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. Gen 1:31
God's Theme Park
The Earth is God's Theme Park. Mankind was the beneficiary of this VERY GOOD PLACE!
We have theme parks in the earth today- they used to be Theme specific- Marine World- where marine life is celebrated. Then Africa USA was added to highlight animals in the wild in Africa. Six Flags Over Texas was a theme of Texas, The era of it's Oil Boom, trains etc.. Disneyland is supposed to be the Magic Kingdom. Well, God's Theme Park was to highlight His relationship with mankind in His Park: that I may dwell in the midst of them... It's God's Kingdom!
**Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them: and I will place them, and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in the midst of them for evermore. Ezek 37:26
**And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 2 Cor 6:16
**And he said unto me, Son of man, the place of my throne, and the place of the soles of my feet, where I will dwell in the midst of the children of Israel for ever, and my holy name, shall the house of Israel no more defile, neither they, nor their kings, by their whoredom, nor by the carcases of their kings in their high places. Ezek 43:7
God is the King of His Kingdom. His Theme is His love! He is in our midst. With God in our midst- we cannot fail. He flutters over us! He has prepared a world that will bring forth the seed that we sow. He gives the rain in it's season- even though people will disobey and the heavens will not give the rain- He will satisfy our soul in drought! Isaiah 58:11 He has set us up for blessing by sending Jesus- Filling us with The Holy Spirit- Giving us His Word- Apostle, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, Teachers and all the gifts of The Holy Spirit. He is knitting us together in love that we may grow up- Mount Up With Wings As Eagles and Soar into signs and wonders and miracles!!! Oh Shout Amen!! Somebody!!!!
Constant Reminder
Mothers' are a constant reminder of God's Attention in our lives. They do anything and everything. They care often when no one else would- they would give their life to see us succeed or do well. God is that kind of care-giver.
On this Mother's Day week... make it your aim to bless your Mother- if she is still alive. If not, find a mother that you can bless with kindness- expressions of gratitude and unusual attention!! She has given it- all her life...
Father, thank you for being that "mother-hen" care-giver to me. Thank you for "fluttering" over my life to prepare me to soar in Your Kingdom. I repent of not appreciating everything you have done for me- I want to be trained and developed to SOAR! I know I can and I will- as I obey You and allow you to take control of my time, my talent and my treasure! In the Name of Jesus, Amen...
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Mothers' are a constant reminder of God's Attention in our lives. They do anything and everything. They care often when no one else would- they would give their life to see us succeed or do well. God is that kind of care-giver.
On this Mother's Day week... make it your aim to bless your Mother- if she is still alive. If not, find a mother that you can bless with kindness- expressions of gratitude and unusual attention!! She has given it- all her life...
Father, thank you for being that "mother-hen" care-giver to me. Thank you for "fluttering" over my life to prepare me to soar in Your Kingdom. I repent of not appreciating everything you have done for me- I want to be trained and developed to SOAR! I know I can and I will- as I obey You and allow you to take control of my time, my talent and my treasure! In the Name of Jesus, Amen...
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And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not: for I know that you seek Jesus, which was crucified.
He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. Matt 28:5-6
Jesus Is Risen! Oh The joy that comes to the believing heart at the very thought of this miraculous truth!
However, many believe this is a fairy tale, folklore or legend. Some people think The Resurrection of Jesus is a mythological creation, which may possibly be a good thing to think about, but it lacks factual basis or historical validity. And still to others; this message of Jesus raising from the dead is a man-made lie to foster a man-made religion.
Why all the fuss?- Why all the defensive posturing by the on-looking world?
It is because it is God's message! Man could never think-up or devise such a Blood-Covenant-Redemptive Plan to change and transform the hearts of mankind back to God. From Genesis to Revelation: This is God's Message...
He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. Matt 28:5-6
Jesus Is Risen! Oh The joy that comes to the believing heart at the very thought of this miraculous truth!
However, many believe this is a fairy tale, folklore or legend. Some people think The Resurrection of Jesus is a mythological creation, which may possibly be a good thing to think about, but it lacks factual basis or historical validity. And still to others; this message of Jesus raising from the dead is a man-made lie to foster a man-made religion.
Why all the fuss?- Why all the defensive posturing by the on-looking world?
It is because it is God's message! Man could never think-up or devise such a Blood-Covenant-Redemptive Plan to change and transform the hearts of mankind back to God. From Genesis to Revelation: This is God's Message...
The Light of The Gospel for Blinded Minds
After Jesus was raised from the dead, he was walking along the road to Emmaus. He started talking to two men, asking them why they were so sad. They began to tell this man (they did not know it was Jesus) that they were sad because they had hoped that Jesus was the one who would redeemed Israel. They said it was the third day, but they did not find his body. All hope was lost...
Jesus began to expound to them all the prophesies of the resurrection promised by God. These two men still did not know that it was Jesus talking to them. Then the Scripture says: As they sat down to eat, he asked God's blessing on the food and then took a small loaf of bread and broke it and was passing it over to them, when suddenly-it was as though their eyes were opened-they recognized him! And at that moment he disappeared! Luke 24:30-31 TLB
You see, it takes revelation by God to believe-(revelation is the Light of God's Word shining in our hearts-by God through the Holy Spirit). Satan, and all of hell, is fighting our minds against the Gospel- But if our Gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 2 Cor 4:3-4
After Jesus was raised from the dead, he was walking along the road to Emmaus. He started talking to two men, asking them why they were so sad. They began to tell this man (they did not know it was Jesus) that they were sad because they had hoped that Jesus was the one who would redeemed Israel. They said it was the third day, but they did not find his body. All hope was lost...
Jesus began to expound to them all the prophesies of the resurrection promised by God. These two men still did not know that it was Jesus talking to them. Then the Scripture says: As they sat down to eat, he asked God's blessing on the food and then took a small loaf of bread and broke it and was passing it over to them, when suddenly-it was as though their eyes were opened-they recognized him! And at that moment he disappeared! Luke 24:30-31 TLB
You see, it takes revelation by God to believe-(revelation is the Light of God's Word shining in our hearts-by God through the Holy Spirit). Satan, and all of hell, is fighting our minds against the Gospel- But if our Gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 2 Cor 4:3-4
This is not some sweet little hurry-in and hurry-out "churchy" message.
This is The Gospel of God; The Good News that heals, restores, and reveals The Resurrection of Jesus. This is The Light of The Gospel for blinded minds! This Gospel is The Power of God unto Salvation for those who believe! (Romans 1:16)
There is no other truth so vital in Scripture, so complete in it's working than the truth of The Resurrection of Jesus. It is so powerful that the Bible declares: if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Rom 10:9 NKJV
It is our salvation- not by works; not by effort, but by faith!
This truth is not an easy one in the public arena. There is more going on here than opinion. People do not fight opinions or preferences quite this strong. The Bible says: The carnal mind is emnity against God, or as Kenneth Wuest Translates it: because the mind dominated by the sinful nature is hostile to God. Romans 8:5
There is a spiritual fight going on when the Gospel is preached!
There is a fight going on for the souls of men! People, friends, relatives and strangers- even our own minds- fuss and fight against The Word- And the fight goes on- ... UNTIL...
This is The Gospel of God; The Good News that heals, restores, and reveals The Resurrection of Jesus. This is The Light of The Gospel for blinded minds! This Gospel is The Power of God unto Salvation for those who believe! (Romans 1:16)
There is no other truth so vital in Scripture, so complete in it's working than the truth of The Resurrection of Jesus. It is so powerful that the Bible declares: if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Rom 10:9 NKJV
It is our salvation- not by works; not by effort, but by faith!
This truth is not an easy one in the public arena. There is more going on here than opinion. People do not fight opinions or preferences quite this strong. The Bible says: The carnal mind is emnity against God, or as Kenneth Wuest Translates it: because the mind dominated by the sinful nature is hostile to God. Romans 8:5
There is a spiritual fight going on when the Gospel is preached!
There is a fight going on for the souls of men! People, friends, relatives and strangers- even our own minds- fuss and fight against The Word- And the fight goes on- ... UNTIL...
UNTIL The Prince of Peace calls someone to preach His message of peace- and says: Peace to them who are afar off! Peace to them who are near-
Jesus is Your Peace with God! He has Risen from the dead and you are no longer in your sins!! Then- The Peace of God takes over the heart and we yield ourselves unto God as those that are alive from the dead, and we yield our bodies and minds as instruments of righteousness unto God.
Wow!! That is Good News!
There is an all-out effort by the powers of darkness to blind hearts from the Gospel! Satan has only one enemy he cannot defeat: The light of the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ! People are blinded UNTIL the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. 2 Cor. 4:4 NKJV
One thing is for sure- Only God can open the eyes of our understanding to the resurrection truth.
Jesus is Your Peace with God! He has Risen from the dead and you are no longer in your sins!! Then- The Peace of God takes over the heart and we yield ourselves unto God as those that are alive from the dead, and we yield our bodies and minds as instruments of righteousness unto God.
Wow!! That is Good News!
There is an all-out effort by the powers of darkness to blind hearts from the Gospel! Satan has only one enemy he cannot defeat: The light of the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ! People are blinded UNTIL the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. 2 Cor. 4:4 NKJV
One thing is for sure- Only God can open the eyes of our understanding to the resurrection truth.
Raised to Believe or A Revelation To Believe
Many people almost brag on what they were raised to believe! So many are stuck on what they were told when they were seven! I thank God for many things I was raised to believe- but there are many things I was raised to believe that are not so... The Scripture says: making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do." Mark 7:13 NKJV Our traditions must be examined by The Word!
It takes revelation to believe-
The entrance of your Word gives light. Ps. 119:130
*Luke 1:77-79- *2 Peter 1:19 *Acts 26:18 *2Cor. 4:4 *Eph. 5:13-14
Revelation comes by hearing the Word!
Revelation causes us to believe-
Believing causes us to be raised with Christ!
Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Rom 6:4
Raised to Believe or Believe To Be Raised!
I'd rather believe to be raised than be raised to believe who knows what!?
You can hang on to tradition, or let the Cross He hung on transform your life...
Some people, even so-called churches, believe in a sort of metaphoric resurrection. There is no power in that! The Gospel is the powwer of God! Jesus really rose from the dead- He is Alive!
When you believe the Gospel - by confessing with your mouth and believing in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead- Resurrection Power is released in your life! The Gospel is The Message of The Resurrection of Jesus working in our lives!
The Resurrection of Jesus that brings Salvation turns our tests into testimonies!
Many people almost brag on what they were raised to believe! So many are stuck on what they were told when they were seven! I thank God for many things I was raised to believe- but there are many things I was raised to believe that are not so... The Scripture says: making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do." Mark 7:13 NKJV Our traditions must be examined by The Word!
It takes revelation to believe-
The entrance of your Word gives light. Ps. 119:130
*Luke 1:77-79- *2 Peter 1:19 *Acts 26:18 *2Cor. 4:4 *Eph. 5:13-14
Revelation comes by hearing the Word!
Revelation causes us to believe-
Believing causes us to be raised with Christ!
Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Rom 6:4
Raised to Believe or Believe To Be Raised!
I'd rather believe to be raised than be raised to believe who knows what!?
You can hang on to tradition, or let the Cross He hung on transform your life...
Some people, even so-called churches, believe in a sort of metaphoric resurrection. There is no power in that! The Gospel is the powwer of God! Jesus really rose from the dead- He is Alive!
When you believe the Gospel - by confessing with your mouth and believing in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead- Resurrection Power is released in your life! The Gospel is The Message of The Resurrection of Jesus working in our lives!
The Resurrection of Jesus that brings Salvation turns our tests into testimonies!
Raised To Walk In Newness Of Life
And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. 1Cor. 15:17
The resurrection changes everything!
Without the resurrection; we are in our sins.
With the Resurrection : We are not in our sins!
We are righteous before God. The burden has been lifted!! We died with Christ, and we were buried with Christ and like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Romans 6:4
Hope is here- freedom has come-good news! It's new day! Peace has come-Mercy triumphs over judgment- Love is alive; it never runs out!- Joy is a reality! - Debts forgiven- Broken hearts are healed- We sing above the storms, and darkest nights! The light is shining- Valleys are raised-crooked places made straight, rough places plain; The Glory of The Lord is in us and upon us!
This resurrection life will
Hold you,
Fill you-
Thrill you-
Still you and
Fulfill you...
Truly this was the Son of God- Truly He is Risen...
Father, in the Name of Jesus, Thank you for the power of the Resurrection of Jesus! I confess with my mouth that Jesus is Lord! I believe in my heart that God raised Jesus from the dead! I am saved by His grace. I will live by Faith. Nothing will be able to separate me from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus. Thank you for the truth of The Resurrection. Give me a heart for all who believe... Give me a heart for those who are blind and cannot see this truth.
Empower me with Your Holy Spirit!
Thank you Loving Father! In the Name of Jesus! So be it...
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And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. 1Cor. 15:17
The resurrection changes everything!
Without the resurrection; we are in our sins.
With the Resurrection : We are not in our sins!
We are righteous before God. The burden has been lifted!! We died with Christ, and we were buried with Christ and like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Romans 6:4
Hope is here- freedom has come-good news! It's new day! Peace has come-Mercy triumphs over judgment- Love is alive; it never runs out!- Joy is a reality! - Debts forgiven- Broken hearts are healed- We sing above the storms, and darkest nights! The light is shining- Valleys are raised-crooked places made straight, rough places plain; The Glory of The Lord is in us and upon us!
This resurrection life will
Hold you,
Fill you-
Thrill you-
Still you and
Fulfill you...
Truly this was the Son of God- Truly He is Risen...
Father, in the Name of Jesus, Thank you for the power of the Resurrection of Jesus! I confess with my mouth that Jesus is Lord! I believe in my heart that God raised Jesus from the dead! I am saved by His grace. I will live by Faith. Nothing will be able to separate me from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus. Thank you for the truth of The Resurrection. Give me a heart for all who believe... Give me a heart for those who are blind and cannot see this truth.
Empower me with Your Holy Spirit!
Thank you Loving Father! In the Name of Jesus! So be it...
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I was thinking about the history of film and I was marveling at the progress from Silent Movies to Talking Pictures or "Talkies" as they were called. It made me think of how the Book of Genesis records the account of God creating the world.
Fist. there was the incredible backdrop or canvas of the sun, earth- moon, stars, seas, night and day, grass, herbs, fowls of the air, fish in the seas, and then-living creatures upon the earth...
Gen 1:24-25 And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so.
25 And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good.
This beautiful creation of the heavens, the sun, moon, sky earth, seas, fish, fowls and animals is like looking at a silent movie done in very High Definition! It is amazing to behold!
But where is the voice? Yes, these creatures groan and make noise, but they do not talk. God is a Talking God. The Bible says: And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
Fist. there was the incredible backdrop or canvas of the sun, earth- moon, stars, seas, night and day, grass, herbs, fowls of the air, fish in the seas, and then-living creatures upon the earth...
Gen 1:24-25 And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so.
25 And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good.
This beautiful creation of the heavens, the sun, moon, sky earth, seas, fish, fowls and animals is like looking at a silent movie done in very High Definition! It is amazing to behold!
But where is the voice? Yes, these creatures groan and make noise, but they do not talk. God is a Talking God. The Bible says: And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
God is not silent!
God is not a silent God. He is not a silent movie.
He says: be still and know that I am God, but the same God says: 62:6-7 keep not silence, And give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth.
I believe it is important to be-labor this point a bit. God is a talker, but so far- (in our study of creation) He has not created anything that can talk! He uses 25 verses in Genesis One to lay a foundation and to bring us to something very different- But before we get to that, let's notice a fine- almost exaggerated point brought forth in the first chapter of Genesis- Nine Times the bible records that: And God Said. 9x's!
God is not a silent God. He is not a silent movie.
He says: be still and know that I am God, but the same God says: 62:6-7 keep not silence, And give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth.
I believe it is important to be-labor this point a bit. God is a talker, but so far- (in our study of creation) He has not created anything that can talk! He uses 25 verses in Genesis One to lay a foundation and to bring us to something very different- But before we get to that, let's notice a fine- almost exaggerated point brought forth in the first chapter of Genesis- Nine Times the bible records that: And God Said. 9x's!
Nine Times One
Nine Times in Genesis One The Bible says: And God Said...
Gen 1:3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
6 And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.
9 And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so.
11 And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so.
14 And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:
20 And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven.
24 And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so.
26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
29 And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.
30 And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so.
Nine Times in Genesis One The Bible says: And God Said...
Gen 1:3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
6 And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.
9 And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so.
11 And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so.
14 And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:
20 And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven.
24 And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so.
26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
29 And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.
30 And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so.
And God said is recorded nine times in Gen one. Do you think He is trying to teach us something? This is a foundational point; that God communicates and creates with words! He painstakingly details each phase of creation with- And God Said- but none of his creation can talk like Him. Now, in dramatic contrast to all He has done, He makes ANOTHER TALKER!
This is the end of "The Silent Movies"
These are "The Talkies"...
This is the end of "The Silent Movies"
These are "The Talkies"...
We Are The Talkies- The PROCLAIMERS!
The Bible says that God created the earth to be inhabited. Gen. 45:18
He did not create the world just to be inhabited by animals.
God was not finish in verse 25!!! He created animals "after their kind", but He created mankind in His Image and After His likeness in verse 26. It is a revelation to this modern world that animals are another KIND of creation.
Flipper (the dolphin with his own show in the 60's) was cute, fun and adorable- but he was not "smarter than me" as the opening song said. They are warm-blooded and their females have wombs- other than that- they are created "After THEIR kind."
God created this earth for us to have dominion upon it. We are to be the caretakers of the earth. We are created after His Kind!!!
Our God-Given ability to choose our words gives us a place in creation and in life that is in direct relationship with God- In His Image and After His Likeness. Choosing words is the most sacred thing God ever afforded us.
The Bible says that God created the earth to be inhabited. Gen. 45:18
He did not create the world just to be inhabited by animals.
God was not finish in verse 25!!! He created animals "after their kind", but He created mankind in His Image and After His likeness in verse 26. It is a revelation to this modern world that animals are another KIND of creation.
Flipper (the dolphin with his own show in the 60's) was cute, fun and adorable- but he was not "smarter than me" as the opening song said. They are warm-blooded and their females have wombs- other than that- they are created "After THEIR kind."
God created this earth for us to have dominion upon it. We are to be the caretakers of the earth. We are created after His Kind!!!
Our God-Given ability to choose our words gives us a place in creation and in life that is in direct relationship with God- In His Image and After His Likeness. Choosing words is the most sacred thing God ever afforded us.
Creation Goans- It Doesn't Talk
The animal kingdom is like the silent films. It has no voice.
For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. Rom 8:22-23 NKJV
God created us to have dominion- exercise dominion. How did Jesus teach us to exercise this dominion?
-Whosoever shall SAY unto this mountain- be removed and be cast into the sea... he shall have whatsoever he says. Mark 11:23 We have Dominion with our words!
Why is creation groaning? Waiting for the full measure of redemption- the curse lifted off the earth- the removal of the curse altogether. We are groaning that way too- waiting for the redmption of our body- The day when we will get a new body that does not get sick, get old or worn out!
But we have a distinct advantage over creation until that day- we can pray; say words that The Holy Spirit will join togther with us that all things will work together for our good! We can speak to mountains- pray prayers of faith and be filled with The Holy Spirit to exercise dominion on this earth!! Creation is waiting for the manifestation of the Sons of God!
The animal kingdom is like the silent films. It has no voice.
For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. Rom 8:22-23 NKJV
God created us to have dominion- exercise dominion. How did Jesus teach us to exercise this dominion?
-Whosoever shall SAY unto this mountain- be removed and be cast into the sea... he shall have whatsoever he says. Mark 11:23 We have Dominion with our words!
Why is creation groaning? Waiting for the full measure of redemption- the curse lifted off the earth- the removal of the curse altogether. We are groaning that way too- waiting for the redmption of our body- The day when we will get a new body that does not get sick, get old or worn out!
But we have a distinct advantage over creation until that day- we can pray; say words that The Holy Spirit will join togther with us that all things will work together for our good! We can speak to mountains- pray prayers of faith and be filled with The Holy Spirit to exercise dominion on this earth!! Creation is waiting for the manifestation of the Sons of God!
REDEEMED or GAGGED?
We are not the Gagged of the lord. We are The Redeemed of the Lord and We Say So!
Ps 107:2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;
Too many have Tape-Over-The-Mouth Disease. They cannot SAY SO. They are like pigeons with songs stuck in their throat! That is spiritual oppression. For something to take away your say so- it has to be The Kingdom of Darkness!
When you lose your SAY SO, you become a victum and have no say so in how your life will go. The Bible says: With the Mouth Confession is made unto salvation!
We cannot afford to lose our Say So! Our Father made us to Say So! Some people say: So what! about Saying So- That is not what Our Father says about it. Jesus is the High Priest of our Confession. (Heb. 3:1) He is the High Priest of our Say So! Therefore we ought to Say So as often as we can- in words, songs, prayers and meditation. It is faith-in-action and it pleases our Father!!
We are not the Gagged of the lord. We are The Redeemed of the Lord and We Say So!
Ps 107:2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;
Too many have Tape-Over-The-Mouth Disease. They cannot SAY SO. They are like pigeons with songs stuck in their throat! That is spiritual oppression. For something to take away your say so- it has to be The Kingdom of Darkness!
When you lose your SAY SO, you become a victum and have no say so in how your life will go. The Bible says: With the Mouth Confession is made unto salvation!
We cannot afford to lose our Say So! Our Father made us to Say So! Some people say: So what! about Saying So- That is not what Our Father says about it. Jesus is the High Priest of our Confession. (Heb. 3:1) He is the High Priest of our Say So! Therefore we ought to Say So as often as we can- in words, songs, prayers and meditation. It is faith-in-action and it pleases our Father!!
No Gold in This Silence
There is a saying that silence is golden. I suppose that can be true in a noise-polluted world. However, when God has ordained a voice to be raised and to proclaim His promises- to be silent is to allow the curse to take it's course- unchallenged. It is to allow the goodness of God in His Word to go unproclaimed- unbelieved and unacted upon... this silence is not golden... it is sin.
Love wants to obey and see the salvation of God:
Isa 62:6-7 I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the Lord, keep not silence,
And give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth.
Luke 18:1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
1 Thess 5:16-20 Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing.
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Luke 19:40 He replied, I tell you that if these keep silent, the very stones will cry out. [Hab 2:11.] AMP
Isa 62:1 For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth.
Let us turn our faith loose- Act in love and proclaim His word!
Let The Redeemed of The Lord Say So! We are the Talkers- The "TALKIES" of God.
I am redeemed and I am saying so. I was created to talk; to talk God's Word. I will give voice to the Word of God that lives and abides forever. It is by His Spirit- His unction and His anointing that speak words of righteousness, peace and joy! I let no unwholesome thing proceed out of my mouth, but that which is good to use of edifying, that it may minister grace to the hearers.
I talk by faith, walk by faith and allow the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart to be acceptable in Your Sight! My God and My King- you are Lord over the words of my mouth. Rule and Reign over every word- To Your Glory! AMEN!
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There is a saying that silence is golden. I suppose that can be true in a noise-polluted world. However, when God has ordained a voice to be raised and to proclaim His promises- to be silent is to allow the curse to take it's course- unchallenged. It is to allow the goodness of God in His Word to go unproclaimed- unbelieved and unacted upon... this silence is not golden... it is sin.
Love wants to obey and see the salvation of God:
Isa 62:6-7 I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the Lord, keep not silence,
And give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth.
Luke 18:1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
1 Thess 5:16-20 Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing.
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Luke 19:40 He replied, I tell you that if these keep silent, the very stones will cry out. [Hab 2:11.] AMP
Isa 62:1 For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth.
Let us turn our faith loose- Act in love and proclaim His word!
Let The Redeemed of The Lord Say So! We are the Talkers- The "TALKIES" of God.
I am redeemed and I am saying so. I was created to talk; to talk God's Word. I will give voice to the Word of God that lives and abides forever. It is by His Spirit- His unction and His anointing that speak words of righteousness, peace and joy! I let no unwholesome thing proceed out of my mouth, but that which is good to use of edifying, that it may minister grace to the hearers.
I talk by faith, walk by faith and allow the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart to be acceptable in Your Sight! My God and My King- you are Lord over the words of my mouth. Rule and Reign over every word- To Your Glory! AMEN!
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Almost nothing is big enough, good enough or strong enough to capture our hearts to turn from ourselves to God- ALMOST NOTHING...
The only thing BIG ENOUGH, GOOD ENOUGH and STRONG ENOUGH is the Love of God in Jesus; His love will melt the hardest heart, corral the most rebellious soul and draw in the most indifferent individual.
The love of Christ constrains us; For the love of Christ controls and urges and impels us, because we are of the opinion and conviction that [if] One died for all, then all died; 2 Cor 5:14 AMP
To Constrain is to Control, Urge and Impel!
That is it! The Love of Christ Constrains us! People cannot. Situations can't. We cannot be forced- or talked into it.
The Love of Christ- Jesus freely giving His life for us- has the power to change anyone, anytime, any place and anywhere...
The only thing BIG ENOUGH, GOOD ENOUGH and STRONG ENOUGH is the Love of God in Jesus; His love will melt the hardest heart, corral the most rebellious soul and draw in the most indifferent individual.
The love of Christ constrains us; For the love of Christ controls and urges and impels us, because we are of the opinion and conviction that [if] One died for all, then all died; 2 Cor 5:14 AMP
To Constrain is to Control, Urge and Impel!
That is it! The Love of Christ Constrains us! People cannot. Situations can't. We cannot be forced- or talked into it.
The Love of Christ- Jesus freely giving His life for us- has the power to change anyone, anytime, any place and anywhere...
Here is love:
This is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the payment for our sins. 1 John 4:10-11 GWT
This is where the Love of God is- not in a concept; theory or a discipline; It is In Jesus!
The love of God is in Jesus. John 3:16
The Love of God is in the cross.
The love of God is in redemption.
Know The Love
I pray that you May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. Eph 3:18-19
This Knowing is based upon first hand knowledge. It is experiencing the love of God for yourself. When we ask God to show His love, He will do it. Ask and it shall be given Mat. 7:7
To Know His Love is to be able to testify what it has done for us. When we humble ourselves and seek His face and turn from our own wicked ways- God pours forth his love-
God's love CONTROLS, URGES AND IMPELS US like no other power can.
This is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the payment for our sins. 1 John 4:10-11 GWT
This is where the Love of God is- not in a concept; theory or a discipline; It is In Jesus!
The love of God is in Jesus. John 3:16
The Love of God is in the cross.
The love of God is in redemption.
Know The Love
I pray that you May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. Eph 3:18-19
This Knowing is based upon first hand knowledge. It is experiencing the love of God for yourself. When we ask God to show His love, He will do it. Ask and it shall be given Mat. 7:7
To Know His Love is to be able to testify what it has done for us. When we humble ourselves and seek His face and turn from our own wicked ways- God pours forth his love-
God's love CONTROLS, URGES AND IMPELS US like no other power can.
Believe The Love
And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 1 John 4:16
Believing is a choice. We can accept or reject His love displayed on the cross. After we have heard- we have a choice to believe or reject.
This powerful message of love is what satisfies the emptiness of human existence it overcomes hatred, rejection, pride, arrogance, fear and all forms of hopelessness. Believing God's love for us solves the helplessness of the human condition.
When we believe God we will not believe a lie!
When we believe God we RECEIVE what He says: To believe is to receive! To receive is to be strengthened with His strength. To receive from Him is to no longer be injury-prone; prone to hurt, rejection or unforgiveness. The lies that injury will be over-ruled, over-turned and overPOWERED!
And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 1 John 4:16
Believing is a choice. We can accept or reject His love displayed on the cross. After we have heard- we have a choice to believe or reject.
This powerful message of love is what satisfies the emptiness of human existence it overcomes hatred, rejection, pride, arrogance, fear and all forms of hopelessness. Believing God's love for us solves the helplessness of the human condition.
When we believe God we will not believe a lie!
When we believe God we RECEIVE what He says: To believe is to receive! To receive is to be strengthened with His strength. To receive from Him is to no longer be injury-prone; prone to hurt, rejection or unforgiveness. The lies that injury will be over-ruled, over-turned and overPOWERED!
Receive The Love/Receive The Holy Spirit
The love of God is directly connected to The Holy Spirit: And hope makes not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. Rom 5:5
We receive His Love by receiving His Holy Spirit. This is done by faith: "And if even sinful persons like yourselves give children what they need, don't you realize that your heavenly Father will do at least as much, and give the Holy Spirit to those who ask for him?" Luke 11:13 TLB
Ask to receive The Holy Spirit. Now the love of God is inside you!
His love is openly displayed- He has loosed us from all bondage: the curse, sin, rebellion and sickness. This is a demonstration of love.
This is a Divine Intervention- Jesus on the cross bearing the sins of mankind.
The Power that was against us- The Curse-The Law of Sin and Death is now broken!!!
The Law of The Spirit of Life has now made us free!!!
The Law of The Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus has made us free from the Law of Sin and Death. Rom 8:2
This is Divine Intervention!!!
The love of God is directly connected to The Holy Spirit: And hope makes not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. Rom 5:5
We receive His Love by receiving His Holy Spirit. This is done by faith: "And if even sinful persons like yourselves give children what they need, don't you realize that your heavenly Father will do at least as much, and give the Holy Spirit to those who ask for him?" Luke 11:13 TLB
Ask to receive The Holy Spirit. Now the love of God is inside you!
His love is openly displayed- He has loosed us from all bondage: the curse, sin, rebellion and sickness. This is a demonstration of love.
This is a Divine Intervention- Jesus on the cross bearing the sins of mankind.
The Power that was against us- The Curse-The Law of Sin and Death is now broken!!!
The Law of The Spirit of Life has now made us free!!!
The Law of The Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus has made us free from the Law of Sin and Death. Rom 8:2
This is Divine Intervention!!!
Setting us free from the law of sin and death!
Now God's Love is able to rule us the way sin used to...
God's love is poured into our hearts so that we can now face life's circumstances with The Love of God ruling our hearts!!!
This love defies the law of sin and death.
God's Love defies the law of sin and death the way the law of LIFT defies the law of gravity.
The Law of gravity pulls down- The Law of Lift overcomes the Law of Gravity; that is how airplanes fly!
The Law of The Spirit of Life in Christ makes us free from the law of sin and death.
This Law of The Spirit of Life in Christ has The Love of Christ at it's core!! That is why it is powerful enough to constrain us! It raised Jesus from the dead! It can urge, impel and control our emotions and direction of life!
The Love of God takes over in our New Life In Christ- We have a new nature with God's love at the core!!
We are the children of faith in Christ Jesus!
Now God's Love is able to rule us the way sin used to...
God's love is poured into our hearts so that we can now face life's circumstances with The Love of God ruling our hearts!!!
This love defies the law of sin and death.
God's Love defies the law of sin and death the way the law of LIFT defies the law of gravity.
The Law of gravity pulls down- The Law of Lift overcomes the Law of Gravity; that is how airplanes fly!
The Law of The Spirit of Life in Christ makes us free from the law of sin and death.
This Law of The Spirit of Life in Christ has The Love of Christ at it's core!! That is why it is powerful enough to constrain us! It raised Jesus from the dead! It can urge, impel and control our emotions and direction of life!
The Love of God takes over in our New Life In Christ- We have a new nature with God's love at the core!!
We are the children of faith in Christ Jesus!
Our new nature controls-urges and impels us to believe and speak!
Eph 3:16-19 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; 17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
This is the love of Christ urging, impelling and controlling us!
This is the fullness of redemption at work on the inside!
No one is beyond hope, beyond help as long as the love of God is available- It changes anything and anyone that will receive with a humble heart...
Father, that you for Your love reigning in my heart. Your love is urging, impelling and controlling me.
I do not fear because Your Love is In Control. I yield to the Holy Spirit. Lord, fill me with your mighty Spirit to His work on the inside. May the world see the difference you make in my life and call upon Your Name for salvation! Thank You Father! Your love constrains me- It urges, impels and controls my every desire! Amen!
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Eph 3:16-19 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; 17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
This is the love of Christ urging, impelling and controlling us!
This is the fullness of redemption at work on the inside!
No one is beyond hope, beyond help as long as the love of God is available- It changes anything and anyone that will receive with a humble heart...
Father, that you for Your love reigning in my heart. Your love is urging, impelling and controlling me.
I do not fear because Your Love is In Control. I yield to the Holy Spirit. Lord, fill me with your mighty Spirit to His work on the inside. May the world see the difference you make in my life and call upon Your Name for salvation! Thank You Father! Your love constrains me- It urges, impels and controls my every desire! Amen!
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if i have not love, i am nothing 1 cor. 13:2
Plato said: "Any city, however small, is in fact divided into two, one the city of the poor, the other of the rich; these are at war with one another; and in either there are many smaller divisions, and you would be altogether beside the mark if you treated them all as a single State." Plato, Commonwealth IV
Statements like that engender strife and divide people. It is true there are evil people with evil hearts all around us, however, many people receive a sour-spirit that poisons their very outlook in every area of their lives. They become captive to a destructive dictatorial dogma that robs creativity, imagination and God's grace.
Class warfare robs people's success and growth before they even start. This "flesh and blood warfare" is running rampant, stealing the prosperity of millions because "The Man" is somehow putting them down.
People talk of "the haves" and "have-nots" as if all who "have" are thieves and robbers- taking from the "have-nots". The focus is wrong. Israel never would have left Egypt had Plato been their leader; he would still be fighting Pharaoh.
Statements like that engender strife and divide people. It is true there are evil people with evil hearts all around us, however, many people receive a sour-spirit that poisons their very outlook in every area of their lives. They become captive to a destructive dictatorial dogma that robs creativity, imagination and God's grace.
Class warfare robs people's success and growth before they even start. This "flesh and blood warfare" is running rampant, stealing the prosperity of millions because "The Man" is somehow putting them down.
People talk of "the haves" and "have-nots" as if all who "have" are thieves and robbers- taking from the "have-nots". The focus is wrong. Israel never would have left Egypt had Plato been their leader; he would still be fighting Pharaoh.
As a response to all this, I believe the words of Jesus are mightier, stronger and eternally true. His Words have changed the course of lives, nations and take us out of Mr. Plato's "class warfare" and into the spiritual warfare of victory over the curse of the law. To this end Jesus said: To him that has shall more be given. To him who has not from him shall be taken away. Mark 4:25 This is our ticket out of "having not"....
We cannot serve God and Mammon. Philosophies of man strike at the core of the freedom in the Gospel: It takes the Love of God to change a life! John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Philosophies and vain religion veil the power of the The Blood of Jesus and His Love for us. God Is Love. You cannot reason your way into love- It takes the new birth. Our ability to reason should elevate us above all other of God's creation, but it has led us to fight against flesh and blood- divides families and nations- and impoverishes millions.
The Love of God is the way out. Jesus is the Way into The Love of God. He has the words of eternal life- life changing ways of love that set free and unite!
A Different Kingdom
Jesus spoke from a different Kingdom; the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God reigns over the kingdom of this world in every area of life. History bears the record: Wherever The Gospel is embraced, the quality of life increases!
Plato speaks of the kingdom of this world. Plato and human reasoning cannot see the Kingdom of God. Jesus proclaimed it in all his preaching. Jesus is God's Son and The Risen Lord of Glory. All authority is given to him in both heaven and earth. Plato is dead and buried- who knows where his eternal soul is. "Having" is a choice given by God. If we will listen to the truth of The Kingdom of God, we will "have" what we need to succeed.
Jesus spoke from a different Kingdom; the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God reigns over the kingdom of this world in every area of life. History bears the record: Wherever The Gospel is embraced, the quality of life increases!
Plato speaks of the kingdom of this world. Plato and human reasoning cannot see the Kingdom of God. Jesus proclaimed it in all his preaching. Jesus is God's Son and The Risen Lord of Glory. All authority is given to him in both heaven and earth. Plato is dead and buried- who knows where his eternal soul is. "Having" is a choice given by God. If we will listen to the truth of The Kingdom of God, we will "have" what we need to succeed.
The First Thing To Have
The Apostle Paul set the record straight about "having" in the Kingdom of God in 1 Corinthians 13:
...But if I don't have love, I am nothing.
3 I may even give away all that I have and give up my body to be burned. But if I don't have love, none of these things will help me. 1 Cor 13:2-3 GWT
The Apostle Paul says the question is about "having love". No man, state, city, government or army can regulate, hinder, control or otherwise limit the amount of love in our lives... To walk in God's love is to walk with God. To walk with God is to be limitless in all areas of "having": Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 1 John 4:15-16 KJV
The Apostle Paul set the record straight about "having" in the Kingdom of God in 1 Corinthians 13:
...But if I don't have love, I am nothing.
3 I may even give away all that I have and give up my body to be burned. But if I don't have love, none of these things will help me. 1 Cor 13:2-3 GWT
The Apostle Paul says the question is about "having love". No man, state, city, government or army can regulate, hinder, control or otherwise limit the amount of love in our lives... To walk in God's love is to walk with God. To walk with God is to be limitless in all areas of "having": Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 1 John 4:15-16 KJV
"Having" Comes From Hearing
Jesus was addressing "having" in Mark 4. He was taking about how the Kingdom of God works. It works by hearing and planting. God treats us all as "a single state" or as the same- in that- The Kingdom of God will work the same for anybody.
Jesus also said: "Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given. Mark 4:24-25 NKJV
Limitless love: But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. 1 John 2:4-5 NKJV
This is limitless love. The Love of god is not a weak, frail, melt in the heat-of-battle kind of love. It is a covenantal, loyal, faithful and undaunted foreverness that never quits, runs out or comes to and end! God's love in us never fails!!!
Everybody does not have God's love. Jesus said: But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you. John 5:42
1 Cor 13:2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not (charity or love), I am nothing.
Jesus was addressing "having" in Mark 4. He was taking about how the Kingdom of God works. It works by hearing and planting. God treats us all as "a single state" or as the same- in that- The Kingdom of God will work the same for anybody.
Jesus also said: "Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given. Mark 4:24-25 NKJV
Limitless love: But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. 1 John 2:4-5 NKJV
This is limitless love. The Love of god is not a weak, frail, melt in the heat-of-battle kind of love. It is a covenantal, loyal, faithful and undaunted foreverness that never quits, runs out or comes to and end! God's love in us never fails!!!
Everybody does not have God's love. Jesus said: But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you. John 5:42
1 Cor 13:2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not (charity or love), I am nothing.
Greek word here used of God's love produced in the heart of the yielded saint by the Holy Spirit, a love that impels one to deny himself for the sake of the loved one.
by Kenneth S. Wuest
to be continued....
by Kenneth S. Wuest
to be continued....
It has been said: as long as there are tests, there will be prayer in school. No matter how many rules are made, you will never get rid of prayer as long as there are needs...
It may also be said: As long as there is faith in God's Word and a hunger for righteousness and true holiness- we will see the Glory of God!
The days of miracles, signs and wonders is not over! God will show up wherever He is welcomed!
God's Glory
Let no man mock God- Let no country, no government, no leader or any voice steal the Glory of God from your life! Jesus said: If we will believe WE WILL SEE THE GLORY OF GOD!
God's Glory is the working of the Holy Spirit to bring about a spiritual and tangible revelation of God's Goodness- miracles, deliverance, healings and manifestations of God's Grace is how we see the presence of God's Glory.
When the glory is present- changes occur, lives are changed- natural circumstances are altered - Joy, peace and righteousness are the result of God's Glory!
It may also be said: As long as there is faith in God's Word and a hunger for righteousness and true holiness- we will see the Glory of God!
The days of miracles, signs and wonders is not over! God will show up wherever He is welcomed!
God's Glory
Let no man mock God- Let no country, no government, no leader or any voice steal the Glory of God from your life! Jesus said: If we will believe WE WILL SEE THE GLORY OF GOD!
God's Glory is the working of the Holy Spirit to bring about a spiritual and tangible revelation of God's Goodness- miracles, deliverance, healings and manifestations of God's Grace is how we see the presence of God's Glory.
When the glory is present- changes occur, lives are changed- natural circumstances are altered - Joy, peace and righteousness are the result of God's Glory!
When The Glory departs- The Bible records two instances when His Glory departed from His realtionship with His people:
1. The glory of God departed, first from the tabernacle (1 Sam 4:19-22) because sin was known, but not dealt with.
2. The Glory departed from the temple (Psalm 78:60-61) because the people returned to idols and idolatrous living.
When the Glory departs God's people are defeated and without hope. They are an open prey to the enemy. Their defense is gone and they live as captives under the curse of the law.
Israel had The Abiding Glory of God as Their inheritance: Rom 9:4 For they are Israelites, and to them belong God's adoption [as a nation] and the glorious Presence (Shekinah). With them were the special covenants made, to them was the Law given. To them [the temple] worship was revealed and [God's own] promises announced. AMP
1. The glory of God departed, first from the tabernacle (1 Sam 4:19-22) because sin was known, but not dealt with.
2. The Glory departed from the temple (Psalm 78:60-61) because the people returned to idols and idolatrous living.
When the Glory departs God's people are defeated and without hope. They are an open prey to the enemy. Their defense is gone and they live as captives under the curse of the law.
Israel had The Abiding Glory of God as Their inheritance: Rom 9:4 For they are Israelites, and to them belong God's adoption [as a nation] and the glorious Presence (Shekinah). With them were the special covenants made, to them was the Law given. To them [the temple] worship was revealed and [God's own] promises announced. AMP
The Glory Returns
Yes, The Glory of God had departed, first from the tabernacle and then from the temple. but God's Glory returned in the coming of God's Son, Jesus: And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 NKJV
And he (Zacharias) came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, 28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, 29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, 31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; 32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. Luke 2:27-31
The Glory of God is back! It is in the earth today. It is in the Presence of The Holy Spirit because of Jesus!
Yes, The Glory of God had departed, first from the tabernacle and then from the temple. but God's Glory returned in the coming of God's Son, Jesus: And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 NKJV
And he (Zacharias) came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, 28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, 29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, 31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; 32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. Luke 2:27-31
The Glory of God is back! It is in the earth today. It is in the Presence of The Holy Spirit because of Jesus!
Jesus said: In the world you will have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33
Jesus overcame all that would overcome us!
He brought The Glory back!
Being of good cheer is believing what God says instead of what you see.
Being of good cheer is to account for the work of redemption in the midst of trying circumstances.
Seeing The Glory of God
Did I not say unto you, that if you would believe, you would see the glory of God? John 11:40
Believing makes all the difference in the world!
Jesus wants us to see The Glory of God. What was the glory of God in the circumstance with Lazerus? It was Lazerus being raised from the dead!
Believing God is seeing His Promises come to pass; Seeing Him change lives and heal families! Making dead situations Alive Again! God can take evil away from us and replace it with His Glory!
Seeing the Glory of God in our lives is seeing God's presence make the difference in our attitude, our prayers, our praise and our witness! God's Glory makes us More Than Conquerors through Him whol loved us. Rom 8:37
Jesus overcame all that would overcome us!
He brought The Glory back!
Being of good cheer is believing what God says instead of what you see.
Being of good cheer is to account for the work of redemption in the midst of trying circumstances.
Seeing The Glory of God
Did I not say unto you, that if you would believe, you would see the glory of God? John 11:40
Believing makes all the difference in the world!
Jesus wants us to see The Glory of God. What was the glory of God in the circumstance with Lazerus? It was Lazerus being raised from the dead!
Believing God is seeing His Promises come to pass; Seeing Him change lives and heal families! Making dead situations Alive Again! God can take evil away from us and replace it with His Glory!
Seeing the Glory of God in our lives is seeing God's presence make the difference in our attitude, our prayers, our praise and our witness! God's Glory makes us More Than Conquerors through Him whol loved us. Rom 8:37
You Will see my glory!
You Will MyGlory!
I believe 2012 is a year to see God's Glory.
Jesus said: if we believe, we would see His Glory!
To see His Glory we must know where it is. His Glory is in the Church! If you are a believer, You can have The Glory of God fill your temple- personally and corporately- Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. Eph 3:20-21
Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. Isa 60:1-3
I believe 2012 is a year to see God's Glory.
Jesus said: if we believe, we would see His Glory!
To see His Glory we must know where it is. His Glory is in the Church! If you are a believer, You can have The Glory of God fill your temple- personally and corporately- Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. Eph 3:20-21
Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. Isa 60:1-3
The God of Glory
Jesus gave His Church The Glory He received from The Father: And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: John 17:22
It is shining out of the church to the world: For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Cor 4:6 NKJV
But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Cor 3:18
He is The God of Glory! Acts 7:2 It only makes sense that His Church would be the place to find His Glory! Let's wait on Him and shine brightly!
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It is shining out of the church to the world: For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Cor 4:6 NKJV
But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Cor 3:18
He is The God of Glory! Acts 7:2 It only makes sense that His Church would be the place to find His Glory! Let's wait on Him and shine brightly!
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Generous God; 12 Days of chrisTmas
How far that little candle throws his beams!
So shines a good deed in a weary world.
- William Shakespeare
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matt. 5:16 -Jesus of Nazareth
Rake someone's leaves. Bake a cake. Cook a meal and deliver it to a friend. Wash someone's car. Babysit. Create an I Care package with some goodies for a friend. Donate a couple of hours of help for someone.
These are just some practicle ways to be of help to someone this holiday season- or any time! You may have a couple of great ideas to send to us. We will post them and help others make this the best Christmas Season Ever! send them to: [email protected]
We cannot lose by reaching out to others!
I had this impression to make this a Twelve Days of Christmas; Giving in Unique Ways. Join us if you will and we will see the best Christmas Ever!
So shines a good deed in a weary world.
- William Shakespeare
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matt. 5:16 -Jesus of Nazareth
Rake someone's leaves. Bake a cake. Cook a meal and deliver it to a friend. Wash someone's car. Babysit. Create an I Care package with some goodies for a friend. Donate a couple of hours of help for someone.
These are just some practicle ways to be of help to someone this holiday season- or any time! You may have a couple of great ideas to send to us. We will post them and help others make this the best Christmas Season Ever! send them to: [email protected]
We cannot lose by reaching out to others!
I had this impression to make this a Twelve Days of Christmas; Giving in Unique Ways. Join us if you will and we will see the best Christmas Ever!
The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows). John 10:10 AMP
Satan is a thief. Especially at Christmas. He is the original Grinch! He hates families, he hates joy and he hates the fact that we can grow closer instead of further away from each other.
We declared "The Best Christmas Ever!" in our service Sunday Night, December 4. Why? Because we can! Satan has no rights over our lives! Jesus said: Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you. Luke 10:19 AMP Our future is in Jesus. Our lives are in God! We do not have to tip-toe into the Holidays! We can shout unto God with a voice of triumph!
Christmas is not about money, trees, gifts (per se) or shopping malls. Christmas is about giving! God gave us His Son. Even though he was not born on December 25, we can use it to celebrate the generosity of Our Father to enable us to be born again with a new nature of generosity! Christmas is about God The Father Giving to us Jesus! It is about The Magi bringing gifts to honor Jesus as The King of Kings!
Satan is a thief. Especially at Christmas. He is the original Grinch! He hates families, he hates joy and he hates the fact that we can grow closer instead of further away from each other.
We declared "The Best Christmas Ever!" in our service Sunday Night, December 4. Why? Because we can! Satan has no rights over our lives! Jesus said: Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you. Luke 10:19 AMP Our future is in Jesus. Our lives are in God! We do not have to tip-toe into the Holidays! We can shout unto God with a voice of triumph!
Christmas is not about money, trees, gifts (per se) or shopping malls. Christmas is about giving! God gave us His Son. Even though he was not born on December 25, we can use it to celebrate the generosity of Our Father to enable us to be born again with a new nature of generosity! Christmas is about God The Father Giving to us Jesus! It is about The Magi bringing gifts to honor Jesus as The King of Kings!
Let your light so shine before men- so that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven! Matt 5:16 It is awesome that God The Father can be glorified by our actions. It is a testament to how close we can live with Him- so close that He is glorified by our good works that have the right motive and spirit. This is Christmas all year round!!
Religion hides this light and makes our efforts a holier-than-thou show of flesh and self effort. True love is a responce to the abiding Spirit- and cannot do anything other than the generous thing...
Jesus is true love in the flesh- He shows us the way out of dead religious tradition- into the light of God- The generosity of Our Heavenly Father.
Religion hides this light and makes our efforts a holier-than-thou show of flesh and self effort. True love is a responce to the abiding Spirit- and cannot do anything other than the generous thing...
Jesus is true love in the flesh- He shows us the way out of dead religious tradition- into the light of God- The generosity of Our Heavenly Father.
The Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost. Luke 19:10 That is a generous life!
Jesus did not come here to do His Own Will... He laid down His life to give it to us!
He was generous with His time; He gave it to His disciples.
He was generous with His knowledge: He taught openly to the masses.
He was generous with His Power- He healed the sick and gave power to His disciples; His Church.
He was generous with His Forgiveness; He forgave the whole world!
He was and STILL IS GENEROUS with all He has because He ever lives to make intercession! Heb. 7:25
Let's have the Merriest of All Christmas's as we look upon Him and let His genreosity reach every fiber of our being!
Father, thank you for Jesus! Thank you that you are a generous God, a generous Father, a generous Lord and Savior! You so loved us that You gave. We desire to so love that we give! Teach us to give in ways that we have not yet seen or heard of. Teach us to grow in generosity so as to let our light so shine before men that they may see our good works and GLORIFY OUR FATHER WHICH IS IN HEAVEN! Amen!
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Jesus did not come here to do His Own Will... He laid down His life to give it to us!
He was generous with His time; He gave it to His disciples.
He was generous with His knowledge: He taught openly to the masses.
He was generous with His Power- He healed the sick and gave power to His disciples; His Church.
He was generous with His Forgiveness; He forgave the whole world!
He was and STILL IS GENEROUS with all He has because He ever lives to make intercession! Heb. 7:25
Let's have the Merriest of All Christmas's as we look upon Him and let His genreosity reach every fiber of our being!
Father, thank you for Jesus! Thank you that you are a generous God, a generous Father, a generous Lord and Savior! You so loved us that You gave. We desire to so love that we give! Teach us to give in ways that we have not yet seen or heard of. Teach us to grow in generosity so as to let our light so shine before men that they may see our good works and GLORIFY OUR FATHER WHICH IS IN HEAVEN! Amen!
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And Take unto you The Sword of The Spirit which is the Word of God...Ephesians 6:17
Throughout the world, there are certain individuals, real and fictional, whose identity remains almost inseparable from their weapon of choice.
From England, there is King Arthur and his sword, Excalibur.
From the Middle East, Ali and his scimitar, Zulfiqar.
From Spain, El Cid and his long sword, Tizona.
From Scotland, William Wallace and his unnamed claymore.
Throughout the world, there are certain individuals, real and fictional, whose identity remains almost inseparable from their weapon of choice.
From England, there is King Arthur and his sword, Excalibur.
From the Middle East, Ali and his scimitar, Zulfiqar.
From Spain, El Cid and his long sword, Tizona.
From Scotland, William Wallace and his unnamed claymore.
And, of course, pop culture fans can never forget "The Mark of Zorro!"
The Bible's use of The Sword as our offensive weapon of choice is before the age of hand guns and sophisticated bombs. For centuries The Sword was the weapon of close combat. It is because we are in a "spiritual battle" that we must learn the art of close combat with The Sword of the Spirit.
Spiritual weapons must be used to win spiritual battles. With this understanding, the Apostle Paul gives us the The Sword- The Sword of The Spirit as the item that serves in an offensive capacity for christian warfare.
Jesus clearly demonstrated the power of The Sword of The Spirit in his confrontation with The Devil at the end of his 40 day fast in the wilderness. Matthew 4:4-10 Jesus defeated the attacks and accusations of Satan with The Word of God-The Sword of the Spirit. "It Is Written" is the powerful wielding of this spiritual weapon! "It Is Also Written" is the counter-attack move against the enemies mis-use of God's Word.
Many people will quote a scripture out of setting to justify the absence of true submission to God's Kingdom. We must be ready to be able to say: "It is also written..." that out of the mouth of two or three witnesses let every word be established. Matthew 18:16
The Bible's use of The Sword as our offensive weapon of choice is before the age of hand guns and sophisticated bombs. For centuries The Sword was the weapon of close combat. It is because we are in a "spiritual battle" that we must learn the art of close combat with The Sword of the Spirit.
Spiritual weapons must be used to win spiritual battles. With this understanding, the Apostle Paul gives us the The Sword- The Sword of The Spirit as the item that serves in an offensive capacity for christian warfare.
Jesus clearly demonstrated the power of The Sword of The Spirit in his confrontation with The Devil at the end of his 40 day fast in the wilderness. Matthew 4:4-10 Jesus defeated the attacks and accusations of Satan with The Word of God-The Sword of the Spirit. "It Is Written" is the powerful wielding of this spiritual weapon! "It Is Also Written" is the counter-attack move against the enemies mis-use of God's Word.
Many people will quote a scripture out of setting to justify the absence of true submission to God's Kingdom. We must be ready to be able to say: "It is also written..." that out of the mouth of two or three witnesses let every word be established. Matthew 18:16
The Roman gladius has become known as "the sword that conquered the world." Adapted from a Spanish design, the prowess of the gladius in close range combat made it a fearsome tool in the hand of a skilled Roman warrior. When sharpened, its dual edges wreaked havoc on unarmored foes, while its tapered point could pierce through even heavy metal armor.
A Roman infantryman would go into battle armed with more than just his gladius. He would also have a dagger (pugio), several one-time use spears (pila) and lead-weighted darts (plumbatae), but the sword was his main means of attack. The sword is the only weapon Paul lists as part of the Christian arsenal.
A Roman infantryman would go into battle armed with more than just his gladius. He would also have a dagger (pugio), several one-time use spears (pila) and lead-weighted darts (plumbatae), but the sword was his main means of attack. The sword is the only weapon Paul lists as part of the Christian arsenal.
"The Sword of the Lord and of Gideon!"
The Bible, in Judges 7, records the story of Gideon and his 300 men. God whittled Gideon's army from 32,000 to 300 in order to fight against approximately 135,000 Midianties. God told Gideon that he was going to win with the battle cry of: The Sword of The Lord and of Gideon. The Sword of The Lord must be powerful!
Gideon and his 300 men*holding not swords, but torches and trumpets routed the entire Midianite camp.
Scripture records that God "set every man's sword against his companion throughout the whole camp" (Judges 7:22). So before the Israelites even had a chance to reach for swords, God plunged the enemy camp into chaos and wild defeat.
The Israelites were delivered from their foes by a miracle.
The Bible, in Judges 7, records the story of Gideon and his 300 men. God whittled Gideon's army from 32,000 to 300 in order to fight against approximately 135,000 Midianties. God told Gideon that he was going to win with the battle cry of: The Sword of The Lord and of Gideon. The Sword of The Lord must be powerful!
Gideon and his 300 men*holding not swords, but torches and trumpets routed the entire Midianite camp.
Scripture records that God "set every man's sword against his companion throughout the whole camp" (Judges 7:22). So before the Israelites even had a chance to reach for swords, God plunged the enemy camp into chaos and wild defeat.
The Israelites were delivered from their foes by a miracle.
Take Unto You Eph. 6:17
This is OUR sword to use. They are the weapons of OUR warfare. (2Cor. 10:4) It was The Sword of The Lord and of Gideon. God gave Gideon a Word. God gives us His Word. His Word is The Sword of The Spirit. Let The Sword do The fighting. Put it in your mouth and in your heart. You do not have to defeat the enemy; The Sword in your mouth will!!! It is God's Sword and It will do the job!
The Sword of The Spirit Is The Word of God
Gideon won before he could lift a sword. The Sword of The Spirit won this battle. When they obeyed the Word Of God- it became the Sword of The Spirit! The Word that God speaks is sharper than any twoedged sword! Hebrews 4:12. A physical sword did not defeat the enemy. It was The Sword of The Spirit. Satan does not know (or even care) who is using The Sword of The Spirit; It runs him off every time he faces it! It is The Sword of The Lord and His Church! The Word of God is this sword!
Unlike all other pieces of the armor of God, which are solely defensive, the sword is uniquely suited for both defensive and offensive roles. A solid defense is invaluable, but the sword is the only way we can complete the work we have been given to do.
This is OUR sword to use. They are the weapons of OUR warfare. (2Cor. 10:4) It was The Sword of The Lord and of Gideon. God gave Gideon a Word. God gives us His Word. His Word is The Sword of The Spirit. Let The Sword do The fighting. Put it in your mouth and in your heart. You do not have to defeat the enemy; The Sword in your mouth will!!! It is God's Sword and It will do the job!
The Sword of The Spirit Is The Word of God
Gideon won before he could lift a sword. The Sword of The Spirit won this battle. When they obeyed the Word Of God- it became the Sword of The Spirit! The Word that God speaks is sharper than any twoedged sword! Hebrews 4:12. A physical sword did not defeat the enemy. It was The Sword of The Spirit. Satan does not know (or even care) who is using The Sword of The Spirit; It runs him off every time he faces it! It is The Sword of The Lord and His Church! The Word of God is this sword!
Unlike all other pieces of the armor of God, which are solely defensive, the sword is uniquely suited for both defensive and offensive roles. A solid defense is invaluable, but the sword is the only way we can complete the work we have been given to do.
Blazing A Trail Into The Future
Much of scripture contains promises yet fulfilled in our lives. This is an offensive weapon- The Sword of The Spirit- blazing a trail into our future. As The Apostle Paul said in the midst of a storm: Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me. Acts 27:25
Notice that Jesus Christ used the Bible to counter Satan's attacks (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10). We must also learn to live "by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4).
Paul only lists one weapon because we only need one weapon: There is no enemy the Word of God, coupled with His Spirit, cannot defeat. And so, armed only with our sword, we step out to fight our enemies head-on.
Much of scripture contains promises yet fulfilled in our lives. This is an offensive weapon- The Sword of The Spirit- blazing a trail into our future. As The Apostle Paul said in the midst of a storm: Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me. Acts 27:25
Notice that Jesus Christ used the Bible to counter Satan's attacks (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10). We must also learn to live "by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4).
Paul only lists one weapon because we only need one weapon: There is no enemy the Word of God, coupled with His Spirit, cannot defeat. And so, armed only with our sword, we step out to fight our enemies head-on.
Victory! The Sword and His Promises
Speaking the promises of God is using The Sword of The Spirit.
Here are a couple of promises to use that apply to us all:
But he who endures to the end shall be saved. Matthew 24:13
Romans 8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
God's promises are sure and steadfast to every generation. He told Isaiah: "Indeed I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it" (Isaiah 46:11).
So take up your sword, The Sword of The Lord! The battle is the Lord's, the victory is ours!
Father, I will let The Sword do my fighting. I will speak Your Promises and let the Word of God do it's work! Victory is ours In Christ!
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Speaking the promises of God is using The Sword of The Spirit.
Here are a couple of promises to use that apply to us all:
But he who endures to the end shall be saved. Matthew 24:13
Romans 8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
God's promises are sure and steadfast to every generation. He told Isaiah: "Indeed I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it" (Isaiah 46:11).
So take up your sword, The Sword of The Lord! The battle is the Lord's, the victory is ours!
Father, I will let The Sword do my fighting. I will speak Your Promises and let the Word of God do it's work! Victory is ours In Christ!
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The Title Deed says it is your possession.
A map leads you with certainty.
The treasure blesses you with harvest-
The process may be called possessing the land or possessing your possession.
Josh 1:11
11 "Go through the camp. Tell the people, 'Get your supplies ready. In three days you will cross the Jordan River to take possession of the land the Lord your God is going to give you.'" GWT
God gave Israel the land.
He told them where it was. He led them.
They went in and "possessed" the land.
They possessed their possession.
500,000 Minus 498,000=2
Many estimates of how many Israelite were to enter the promised land differ. I have heard a low number of 2.5 million. Let's go with that, for now.
Of the original company of adults who were given the opportunity to possess the land, only two adults out of an entire group of approximately 2.5 million actually possessed the land. (I do not know how many adults there were of the approx. 2.5 million people.) If the average family size was ten, then there were 500,000 adults. That means 498,000 adults did not possess the land. That is 500,000 Minus 498,000=2 That is a huge drop-off...
Any way you look at it- that is ASTONISHING, MIND-BENDING and DOWN-RIGHT SAD.
Caleb and Joshua
These names are worth recognition. They are the less than 1% of the adult population who believed God.
This is almost beyond comprehension, but it does tell us how strong the pull of unbelief is in any group of people.
It is also a testimony of how necessary it is for people to be filled with The Holy Spirit!
OH, how Moses would have been so blessed to have The Infilling of The Holy Spirit available to them.
A map leads you with certainty.
The treasure blesses you with harvest-
The process may be called possessing the land or possessing your possession.
Josh 1:11
11 "Go through the camp. Tell the people, 'Get your supplies ready. In three days you will cross the Jordan River to take possession of the land the Lord your God is going to give you.'" GWT
God gave Israel the land.
He told them where it was. He led them.
They went in and "possessed" the land.
They possessed their possession.
500,000 Minus 498,000=2
Many estimates of how many Israelite were to enter the promised land differ. I have heard a low number of 2.5 million. Let's go with that, for now.
Of the original company of adults who were given the opportunity to possess the land, only two adults out of an entire group of approximately 2.5 million actually possessed the land. (I do not know how many adults there were of the approx. 2.5 million people.) If the average family size was ten, then there were 500,000 adults. That means 498,000 adults did not possess the land. That is 500,000 Minus 498,000=2 That is a huge drop-off...
Any way you look at it- that is ASTONISHING, MIND-BENDING and DOWN-RIGHT SAD.
Caleb and Joshua
These names are worth recognition. They are the less than 1% of the adult population who believed God.
This is almost beyond comprehension, but it does tell us how strong the pull of unbelief is in any group of people.
It is also a testimony of how necessary it is for people to be filled with The Holy Spirit!
OH, how Moses would have been so blessed to have The Infilling of The Holy Spirit available to them.
Possessing by Numbers
The Bible Book of Numbers tells us how it was that only two possessed their promised possession.
Twelve spies were sent
Ten brought back an evil report of the land- Numbers 13:32; 14:27
12 Minus 10=2
1. Caleb- gave a good report of the land. Numbers 14:6-9
also noted: He had another spirit, followed God fully
2. Joshua-gave a good report of the land. Numbers 14:6-9
Did not worship the gold calf- waited for Moses to come down from the mountain.
Caleb and Joshua gave good reports of the land. The ten spies who brought back an evil report died from their unbelief. They influenced the whole congregation into unbelief.
Numbers 14:36-37 And the men, which Moses sent to search the land, who returned, and made all the congregation to murmur against him, by bringing up a slander upon the land, Even those men that did bring up the evil report upon the land, died by the plague before the Lord.
Jesus taught: by your words you will be justified and by your words you shall be condemned. Matt 12:37
Jesus knew that our words proceed out of our heart-
Word issues are heart issues
The Bible Book of Numbers tells us how it was that only two possessed their promised possession.
Twelve spies were sent
Ten brought back an evil report of the land- Numbers 13:32; 14:27
12 Minus 10=2
1. Caleb- gave a good report of the land. Numbers 14:6-9
also noted: He had another spirit, followed God fully
2. Joshua-gave a good report of the land. Numbers 14:6-9
Did not worship the gold calf- waited for Moses to come down from the mountain.
Caleb and Joshua gave good reports of the land. The ten spies who brought back an evil report died from their unbelief. They influenced the whole congregation into unbelief.
Numbers 14:36-37 And the men, which Moses sent to search the land, who returned, and made all the congregation to murmur against him, by bringing up a slander upon the land, Even those men that did bring up the evil report upon the land, died by the plague before the Lord.
Jesus taught: by your words you will be justified and by your words you shall be condemned. Matt 12:37
Jesus knew that our words proceed out of our heart-
Word issues are heart issues
When it comes to possessing our possessions- our heart and mouth must be controlled by God's Love.
The love of Christ constrains us; For the love of Christ controls and urges and impels us, because we are of the opinion and conviction that [if] One died for all, then all died; 2 Cor 5:14 AMP
The love of God is in Jesus.
The Love of God is in the cross.
The love of God is in redemption.
God's love CONTROLS, URGES AND IMPELS US
like no other power can.
The love of God is directly connected to The Holy Spirit: And hope makes not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. Rom 5:5
God's Love can control the tongue!!
Thank God something can!!
This changes everything!!
The love of Christ constrains us; For the love of Christ controls and urges and impels us, because we are of the opinion and conviction that [if] One died for all, then all died; 2 Cor 5:14 AMP
The love of God is in Jesus.
The Love of God is in the cross.
The love of God is in redemption.
God's love CONTROLS, URGES AND IMPELS US
like no other power can.
The love of God is directly connected to The Holy Spirit: And hope makes not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. Rom 5:5
God's Love can control the tongue!!
Thank God something can!!
This changes everything!!
If we can't control our tongue- we are in trouble.
If the tongue cannot be tamed-we are doomed...
The ten spies died- because of an evil report.
They were hung by their tongue.
All adults, above the age of 20, did not enter into
the promised land... because of an evil report...
Two made it! Two pleased God! because of a good report.
They were loosed from the noose.
They were free to follow God fully.
Their mouths were filled with a good heart.
A Mouth Filled With a Good Heart
God's business is to change hearts.
God intervenes in the affairs of men.
Divine Intervention is Jesus on the cross bearing the sins of mankind.
He loosed us from all bondage: the curse, sin, rebellion and sickness.
The Law of The Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus has made us free from the Law of Sin and Death. Rom 8:2
That is Divine Intervention...
If the tongue cannot be tamed-we are doomed...
The ten spies died- because of an evil report.
They were hung by their tongue.
All adults, above the age of 20, did not enter into
the promised land... because of an evil report...
Two made it! Two pleased God! because of a good report.
They were loosed from the noose.
They were free to follow God fully.
Their mouths were filled with a good heart.
A Mouth Filled With a Good Heart
God's business is to change hearts.
God intervenes in the affairs of men.
Divine Intervention is Jesus on the cross bearing the sins of mankind.
He loosed us from all bondage: the curse, sin, rebellion and sickness.
The Law of The Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus has made us free from the Law of Sin and Death. Rom 8:2
That is Divine Intervention...
Now God's Love takes over..
We are redeemed. We can possess the land in Christ.
Unbelief is an enemy of God's love. God's love believes God's message.
God's love is in our hearts by the Holy Spirit.
We can believe. We can speak God's words.
Unbelief is the child of fear and rebellion.
We are the children of faith in Christ Jesus!
Our new nature controls-urges and impels us to believe and speak!
Our mouths are filled with a good heart to speak good words.
This is the work of redemption-
Let us possess our possessions in Jesus...
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We are redeemed. We can possess the land in Christ.
Unbelief is an enemy of God's love. God's love believes God's message.
God's love is in our hearts by the Holy Spirit.
We can believe. We can speak God's words.
Unbelief is the child of fear and rebellion.
We are the children of faith in Christ Jesus!
Our new nature controls-urges and impels us to believe and speak!
Our mouths are filled with a good heart to speak good words.
This is the work of redemption-
Let us possess our possessions in Jesus...
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*Your work is the rent you pay for the room you occupy on earth.* Queen Elizabeth
There is a lot of talk and "occupying" going on right now. Not all motives are pure- to say the least- but the most sincere among the crowd are just fed up with the marriage of government and big corporations living above the rest.
When a few people decide-with other peoples' money- who is too big to fail- we have failed the least among us.
With that being said- Jesus made the greatest comment on "Occupying" that had nothing to do with governments and social-economic commentary.
In light of an oppressive Roman Government- Jesus told his disciples to "OCCUPY TILL I COME." God has always provided a word, a vision and a clear direction for His people- in the midst of any condition. He wants us to take what He has given, and make the most of it!!
There is a lot of talk and "occupying" going on right now. Not all motives are pure- to say the least- but the most sincere among the crowd are just fed up with the marriage of government and big corporations living above the rest.
When a few people decide-with other peoples' money- who is too big to fail- we have failed the least among us.
With that being said- Jesus made the greatest comment on "Occupying" that had nothing to do with governments and social-economic commentary.
In light of an oppressive Roman Government- Jesus told his disciples to "OCCUPY TILL I COME." God has always provided a word, a vision and a clear direction for His people- in the midst of any condition. He wants us to take what He has given, and make the most of it!!
Occupy.
The word occupy is: pragmateuomai- to busy oneself.
He gave each of his ten servants 1 pound each. (some say it was about 3 months of wages)
They were to be pragmatic- busy themselves in service to
their Lord.
Of the ten- 1 invested and increased 10 pounds.
Another went to work and increased 5 pounds.
Still another- did not put it to work, only his it in a napkin.
(The others did not want the Lord to rule over them.)
Jesus praised and blessed the two for their time of "occupying" till he returned. They busied themselves with their Lord's work.
They were rewarded for their labors.
In "occupying" Jesus commands his disciples to "improve" their talents; to make the most of them; to increase their capability of doing good, and to do it "until" he comes to call us.
The word occupy is: pragmateuomai- to busy oneself.
He gave each of his ten servants 1 pound each. (some say it was about 3 months of wages)
They were to be pragmatic- busy themselves in service to
their Lord.
Of the ten- 1 invested and increased 10 pounds.
Another went to work and increased 5 pounds.
Still another- did not put it to work, only his it in a napkin.
(The others did not want the Lord to rule over them.)
Jesus praised and blessed the two for their time of "occupying" till he returned. They busied themselves with their Lord's work.
They were rewarded for their labors.
In "occupying" Jesus commands his disciples to "improve" their talents; to make the most of them; to increase their capability of doing good, and to do it "until" he comes to call us.
In "occupying" Jesus commands his disciples to "improve" their talents; to make the most of them; to increase their capability of doing good, and to do it "until" he comes to call us.
The man who hid the money was chastised and the money was given the man who increased 10.
The others received damnation for their rebellion. They did not want God to be their King.
This parable is powerful in all aspects.
1. God has given us each gifts, talents and capabilities.
2. We are to be filled with The Holy Spirit to see, know and discern what we can do with them.
3. Everyone has these giftings from God.
4. We will all given account for what we do with them.
He says to all of us: Occupy till I come.
We are to fill up our churches, our hearts and our time with
The Master's Plan to reach our city for God.
This is fighting the good fight of faith! 1Timothy 6:12
The man who hid the money was chastised and the money was given the man who increased 10.
The others received damnation for their rebellion. They did not want God to be their King.
This parable is powerful in all aspects.
1. God has given us each gifts, talents and capabilities.
2. We are to be filled with The Holy Spirit to see, know and discern what we can do with them.
3. Everyone has these giftings from God.
4. We will all given account for what we do with them.
He says to all of us: Occupy till I come.
We are to fill up our churches, our hearts and our time with
The Master's Plan to reach our city for God.
This is fighting the good fight of faith! 1Timothy 6:12
We are to resist the devil- his lies and his temptation to go with the crowd who says: 'You will not rule over me.' This is the crowd who fights against flesh and blood. They are people without a vision- unrestrained and running wild. They are protesting the world because they are not promoting the Kingdom of God.
Jesus was not a protestor, He was a promoter. He promoted His Father's Business- His Father's Kingdom.
Many of us come from a protesting background. We were really searching for The Kingdom of God and did not know it. Let's pray for those outside of Christ. Pray that eyes are opened, hearts are turned and wills are submitted to The King of Kings! We can set the example... Occupy Our City- till he comes...
Jesus was not a protestor, He was a promoter. He promoted His Father's Business- His Father's Kingdom.
Many of us come from a protesting background. We were really searching for The Kingdom of God and did not know it. Let's pray for those outside of Christ. Pray that eyes are opened, hearts are turned and wills are submitted to The King of Kings! We can set the example... Occupy Our City- till he comes...
Ways To Occupy
Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
1. Prayer- personal and corporate. Have your own prayer life and get involved with the church prayer times.
2. Doctrine and Fellowship- this is the church body meeting together and providing an "occupying army headquarters" in your city.
3. Breaking of Bread- do not underestimate this powerful expression in your city
4. Steadfastly Continue- earnestly, constantly, assiduously and persistanly; Keep doing it!!!
5. Signs and Wonders- miracles testify that God is in our midst.
6. Outreaches- going where people are
Occupy Till I come..
A Prayer of faith...
Father, In The Name of Jesus...
We thank you that our time on this earth is a gift from You. We thank you for giving us gifts and talents to use while we are here. We look forward to Your return. We pray in faith that you will empower us to Occupy Till You Come.
We resist the temptation to get side-tracked in meaningless things of the flesh. We resist the devil and his attacks. We thank You for filling us with Your Holy Spirit to keep our hand on the plough and not look back to our old life. We are your people, your church and we invite Jesus to Reign over us in every way possible. Amen.
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Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
1. Prayer- personal and corporate. Have your own prayer life and get involved with the church prayer times.
2. Doctrine and Fellowship- this is the church body meeting together and providing an "occupying army headquarters" in your city.
3. Breaking of Bread- do not underestimate this powerful expression in your city
4. Steadfastly Continue- earnestly, constantly, assiduously and persistanly; Keep doing it!!!
5. Signs and Wonders- miracles testify that God is in our midst.
6. Outreaches- going where people are
Occupy Till I come..
A Prayer of faith...
Father, In The Name of Jesus...
We thank you that our time on this earth is a gift from You. We thank you for giving us gifts and talents to use while we are here. We look forward to Your return. We pray in faith that you will empower us to Occupy Till You Come.
We resist the temptation to get side-tracked in meaningless things of the flesh. We resist the devil and his attacks. We thank You for filling us with Your Holy Spirit to keep our hand on the plough and not look back to our old life. We are your people, your church and we invite Jesus to Reign over us in every way possible. Amen.
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Receptacles of his strength
Feats of Strength are displayed from the simple lifting of weights to how much weight you can lift with your teeth!
One man pulled an airplane by using only his teeth!
Another balanced a small car on his head! Most of these are bazaar, to say the least, and some are people of of highly developed physical strength.
Frank "Cannonball" Richards would have a cannonball shot into his stomach to show how strong his stomach was.
The Bible is full of feasts of strength. Samson, of course, tops the list with his God-given strength because of his covenant with God. He avenged his capture by The Philistines as he pushed down the mighty pillars, with his bare hands, that held up the temple where they were holding and mocking him.
Another Kind of Feat of Strength
The Bible says be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Eph 6:10 There is a strength that is not quickly recognized as "strength" yet, it is very much "strength" that comes from God.
The strength spoken of in Ephesians 6:10 is speaking of spiritual strength- strength to withstand spiritual attacks.
Why is this important? It is important because we are told that our battles are not against flesh and blood- these are not physical attacks that we must be strengthened to win.
These attacks are from principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this world and spiritual wickedness in heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12)
There are men and woman, boys and girls who are developing themselves to resist and stand their ground under these attacks. Many of these attacks come in our minds. They come as thoughts- vain imaginations or high things that exalt themselves against the knowledge of God. Does that sound familiar? The knowledge of God is always the target of Satan. He tried to distort this same knowledge in The Garden of Eden against Eve. "Has God said?" He asked Eve. He went on to say: "For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." Gen 3:5 NKJV
It is a battle of knowledge.
It takes STRENGTH to win this battle. Spiritual Strength that comes from God and His Word by The Power of The Holy Spirit!
It is also a battle of circumstance and literal attacks of persecution from the inside of the church and also outside the church.
Paul delineated what happen to him:
*Five times the Jewish leaders had me beaten with 39 lashes; 25
*three times Roman officials had me beaten with clubs.
*Once people tried to stone me to death; three times I was shipwrecked, and I drifted on the sea for a night and a day.
*Because I've traveled a lot, I've faced dangers from raging rivers, from robbers, from my own people, and from other people.
*I've faced dangers in the city, in the open country, on the sea,
*and from believers who turned out to be false friends.
*Because I've had to work so hard, I've often gone without sleep, been hungry and thirsty, and gone without food and without proper clothes during cold weather. 2 Cor 11:24-28 GWT
This is the same apostle who wrote: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! Phil. 4:13
He also wrote: Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice. Phil. 4:4
How can we endure such hardness? Through Christ who strengthens us!
Receptacles of His Strength/Power
The word for strong in Ephesians 6:10 is endunamoo. It means to take power and put it in something. Be strong in the Lord, or Be empowered by the strength the Lord puts in you- that is the power of His might!
You see, God could put His strength and power in a box or a tree or just let it float around in the air- many bel;ieve this is what "God" does. They believe "God" is in nature. The Bible reveals that God puts his power in receptacles called new creatures, believers!! We are the receptacles that God made for a deposit of His power!
Anyone can say the have the power of God- How strong are you under pressure? How strong are you under persecution? How strong are you under attacks from the enemy of your soul?
Thank God we can all grow in strength! Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord! Is. 40:31
Let us repent of not receiving His strength when it has been available all along. Let's start grabbing hold of the promise that we can be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Ephesians 6:10! We can wear the whole armor of God and pass the tests that come against us in His strength and not our own.
As we:
Think His thoughts-
Speak His Word-
Declare His promise-
and sing His song-
we will see His strength in our lives...
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One man pulled an airplane by using only his teeth!
Another balanced a small car on his head! Most of these are bazaar, to say the least, and some are people of of highly developed physical strength.
Frank "Cannonball" Richards would have a cannonball shot into his stomach to show how strong his stomach was.
The Bible is full of feasts of strength. Samson, of course, tops the list with his God-given strength because of his covenant with God. He avenged his capture by The Philistines as he pushed down the mighty pillars, with his bare hands, that held up the temple where they were holding and mocking him.
Another Kind of Feat of Strength
The Bible says be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Eph 6:10 There is a strength that is not quickly recognized as "strength" yet, it is very much "strength" that comes from God.
The strength spoken of in Ephesians 6:10 is speaking of spiritual strength- strength to withstand spiritual attacks.
Why is this important? It is important because we are told that our battles are not against flesh and blood- these are not physical attacks that we must be strengthened to win.
These attacks are from principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this world and spiritual wickedness in heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12)
There are men and woman, boys and girls who are developing themselves to resist and stand their ground under these attacks. Many of these attacks come in our minds. They come as thoughts- vain imaginations or high things that exalt themselves against the knowledge of God. Does that sound familiar? The knowledge of God is always the target of Satan. He tried to distort this same knowledge in The Garden of Eden against Eve. "Has God said?" He asked Eve. He went on to say: "For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." Gen 3:5 NKJV
It is a battle of knowledge.
It takes STRENGTH to win this battle. Spiritual Strength that comes from God and His Word by The Power of The Holy Spirit!
It is also a battle of circumstance and literal attacks of persecution from the inside of the church and also outside the church.
Paul delineated what happen to him:
*Five times the Jewish leaders had me beaten with 39 lashes; 25
*three times Roman officials had me beaten with clubs.
*Once people tried to stone me to death; three times I was shipwrecked, and I drifted on the sea for a night and a day.
*Because I've traveled a lot, I've faced dangers from raging rivers, from robbers, from my own people, and from other people.
*I've faced dangers in the city, in the open country, on the sea,
*and from believers who turned out to be false friends.
*Because I've had to work so hard, I've often gone without sleep, been hungry and thirsty, and gone without food and without proper clothes during cold weather. 2 Cor 11:24-28 GWT
This is the same apostle who wrote: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! Phil. 4:13
He also wrote: Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice. Phil. 4:4
How can we endure such hardness? Through Christ who strengthens us!
Receptacles of His Strength/Power
The word for strong in Ephesians 6:10 is endunamoo. It means to take power and put it in something. Be strong in the Lord, or Be empowered by the strength the Lord puts in you- that is the power of His might!
You see, God could put His strength and power in a box or a tree or just let it float around in the air- many bel;ieve this is what "God" does. They believe "God" is in nature. The Bible reveals that God puts his power in receptacles called new creatures, believers!! We are the receptacles that God made for a deposit of His power!
Anyone can say the have the power of God- How strong are you under pressure? How strong are you under persecution? How strong are you under attacks from the enemy of your soul?
Thank God we can all grow in strength! Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord! Is. 40:31
Let us repent of not receiving His strength when it has been available all along. Let's start grabbing hold of the promise that we can be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Ephesians 6:10! We can wear the whole armor of God and pass the tests that come against us in His strength and not our own.
As we:
Think His thoughts-
Speak His Word-
Declare His promise-
and sing His song-
we will see His strength in our lives...
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It all starts innocently enough.
Dabbling into Tarot Cards, reading tea leaves, Astrology Readings, Diviners, Fortunetellers, Ouija Boards (Spirit-Board or Talking-Board).
For some it never went past a silly "so-what" kind of curiosity, but for far too many (one would be too many) it is a door into darkness.
People want to talk. They want to know and they want to find out hidden or futuristic things.
When the Serpent came to Eve he approached her on a "knowledge and wisdom" level. He said to her God does know that in the day you eat your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.
6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. Gen 3:5-6
This fruit had it all... eye-opening, organic- health food- beautiful to look at, imparting wisdom and knowledge- making you more than who who are now- making you as God.
The shift was made, from needing God to lead and guide our lives to 'Being God' and needing only that which we desire to keep us eternally on the throne.
The whole gamut of witchcraft: Sorcerers- spell wisperers, Magicians-horoscopists, Stargazers, Prognosticators have their commonality in rebelling against the Knowledge of God and His Word.
These forms of divination (the art or practice that seeks to foresee or foretell future events or discover hidden knowledge usually by the interpretation of omens or by the aid of supernatural powers) find their genesis in the rebellion of Lucifer.
(Rev. 20:1-10, Rev. 12:9, Isa. 14:12, Luke 10:18)
This fruit had it all... eye-opening, organic- health food- beautiful to look at, imparting wisdom and knowledge- making you more than who who are now- making you as God.
The shift was made, from needing God to lead and guide our lives to 'Being God' and needing only that which we desire to keep us eternally on the throne.
The whole gamut of witchcraft: Sorcerers- spell wisperers, Magicians-horoscopists, Stargazers, Prognosticators have their commonality in rebelling against the Knowledge of God and His Word.
These forms of divination (the art or practice that seeks to foresee or foretell future events or discover hidden knowledge usually by the interpretation of omens or by the aid of supernatural powers) find their genesis in the rebellion of Lucifer.
(Rev. 20:1-10, Rev. 12:9, Isa. 14:12, Luke 10:18)
People become so proud of their "knowledge" and "wisdom". This happens far too often with christians as well. If Satan can't get you outside the camp, he'll try to muddy the waters inside the camp: Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. 1 Cor. 8:1
My Sheep Hear My Voice
John 10:4-5 And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers." NKJV
His Sheep Know His Voice-
a strangers voice they will not follow.
Jesus is talking!
His sheep hear Him!
The Stranger is talking- who is listening to him?
Jesus is The Good Shepherd- he gives his life for the sheep.
My Sheep Hear My Voice
John 10:4-5 And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers." NKJV
His Sheep Know His Voice-
a strangers voice they will not follow.
Jesus is talking!
His sheep hear Him!
The Stranger is talking- who is listening to him?
Jesus is The Good Shepherd- he gives his life for the sheep.
don't talk to strangers
The stranger is a robber. He is hostile; not looking out for you...
The stranger is rebellious to God. He hates God. He kills, steals and destroys.
His destiny is the Lake which burns with fire. Rev. 20:10
Don't Talk to Strangers
We were taught as children not to talk to strangers. The stranger, Satan, has his bag of goodies; his tarot cards, fortune telling, horoscopes, phychic-hotlines. ( the word enchantment means to burn. Satan's "hot-line" will burn up your future with a curse.) ((Let Jesus light up your life and Burn all the sin and dross with the true fire of the Holy Spirit for a sure and prosperous future)).
If we are not to talk to the stranger, then do not listen either. Many people can quote what the enemy has said to them. The lies and taunts of Satan are often rehearsed by people. Don't rehearse it-reverse it! Tell him to flee- In The Name of Jesus. The Name of Jesus defeated him on the cross and in the resurrection. Jesus said: In my name you shall CAST OUT DEMONS! I like that! Cast out demons!!! Don't play with them, entertain them or talk to them- cast them out!!!!
The stranger is rebellious to God. He hates God. He kills, steals and destroys.
His destiny is the Lake which burns with fire. Rev. 20:10
Don't Talk to Strangers
We were taught as children not to talk to strangers. The stranger, Satan, has his bag of goodies; his tarot cards, fortune telling, horoscopes, phychic-hotlines. ( the word enchantment means to burn. Satan's "hot-line" will burn up your future with a curse.) ((Let Jesus light up your life and Burn all the sin and dross with the true fire of the Holy Spirit for a sure and prosperous future)).
If we are not to talk to the stranger, then do not listen either. Many people can quote what the enemy has said to them. The lies and taunts of Satan are often rehearsed by people. Don't rehearse it-reverse it! Tell him to flee- In The Name of Jesus. The Name of Jesus defeated him on the cross and in the resurrection. Jesus said: In my name you shall CAST OUT DEMONS! I like that! Cast out demons!!! Don't play with them, entertain them or talk to them- cast them out!!!!
Talk To Jesus
My sheep hear my voice- recognize my voice.
There is no voice- in our conscience, our spirit- quite like Jesus!
He speaks by The Holy Spirit- but the Holy Spirit will only tell us about Jesus. He will always lead you in the way of purity, holiness and truth. He will lead you to The Bible-God's Word.
We can seek counsel through the written Scriptures and find all the answers we need! The Word will uplift, guide and direct us into the perfect will of God. God's Word is greater than demonic voices. Demonic voices can be overcome and cast out with God's Word: Jesus told the Devil: It Is Written! Luke 4:4-10
Talk to Jesus! Do not talk to mediums, fortune tellers and psychics. Jesus has the REAL ANSWERS of life. Talk to The Father! Jesus taught us to pray: Our Father In Heaven- hallowed be your name!!! You are part of the family of God- talk to your family- do not talk to strangers.
There is no voice- in our conscience, our spirit- quite like Jesus!
He speaks by The Holy Spirit- but the Holy Spirit will only tell us about Jesus. He will always lead you in the way of purity, holiness and truth. He will lead you to The Bible-God's Word.
We can seek counsel through the written Scriptures and find all the answers we need! The Word will uplift, guide and direct us into the perfect will of God. God's Word is greater than demonic voices. Demonic voices can be overcome and cast out with God's Word: Jesus told the Devil: It Is Written! Luke 4:4-10
Talk to Jesus! Do not talk to mediums, fortune tellers and psychics. Jesus has the REAL ANSWERS of life. Talk to The Father! Jesus taught us to pray: Our Father In Heaven- hallowed be your name!!! You are part of the family of God- talk to your family- do not talk to strangers.
The Good shepherd
Real peace, real love, real guidance, real security, real healing will flow as you develop your relationship with your Heavenly Father through Jesus!
Jesus is The Way, The Truth and the life to the Father!
Get involved with healthy strong believers.
Go to a church full of the Holy Spirit.
Learn to rejoice and sing great songs of faith!
Worship God with all your heart and you will never need or think of some demonic source of conversation or guidance.
Talk to Jesus- He is The Good Shepherd!
Father, I renounce all forms of divination- all forms of ungodly counsel. I seek Jesus and The Holy Spirit to lead and guide my life. I will talk to my Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus for my life, answers about life and the fellowship that I crave. I will be faithful to a local church and faithfully support the vision of that church! Thank you Father for your protection and comfort as I walk with you each day! Thank you for Jesus!!!
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Jesus is The Way, The Truth and the life to the Father!
Get involved with healthy strong believers.
Go to a church full of the Holy Spirit.
Learn to rejoice and sing great songs of faith!
Worship God with all your heart and you will never need or think of some demonic source of conversation or guidance.
Talk to Jesus- He is The Good Shepherd!
Father, I renounce all forms of divination- all forms of ungodly counsel. I seek Jesus and The Holy Spirit to lead and guide my life. I will talk to my Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus for my life, answers about life and the fellowship that I crave. I will be faithful to a local church and faithfully support the vision of that church! Thank you Father for your protection and comfort as I walk with you each day! Thank you for Jesus!!!
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Let's get loaded
I remember working at my dad's trucking business. The loading dock was an interesting place. My duties were in the office, but my oldest brother was always out on the dock managing people and loads. I was always peeking in on the dock.
I had an interesting vantage point. In the office I would watch my Dad and the owner-operators interact. The drivers would pull their rigs in and wait to hook up with a trailor that needed to be loaded. They would come into the office and say: "Time is money." ( They were paid by the load, not the hour.) They were not the kind who loved to chit-chat. They were always in a "hurry-up and wait" mode. My Dad was always trying to make the timing right- but as life and circumstances happen- often it was hurry-up and wait...
I had an interesting vantage point. In the office I would watch my Dad and the owner-operators interact. The drivers would pull their rigs in and wait to hook up with a trailor that needed to be loaded. They would come into the office and say: "Time is money." ( They were paid by the load, not the hour.) They were not the kind who loved to chit-chat. They were always in a "hurry-up and wait" mode. My Dad was always trying to make the timing right- but as life and circumstances happen- often it was hurry-up and wait...
If You will Be Still, I Will Load You Up
If You Will Be Still, I Will Load You Up*
That is the word that came to us in our service. If you will be still, I will load you up. The load is what pays off. If I show up to a delivery with an empty truck- there is no pay-off. There is no pay-off if there is no load. Psalm 68 says: Blessed be The Lord Who daily loads us with benefits. There is a daily load for every believer, but we must get loaded- to have a load. Loading takes time.
The loading time is just as valuable as the delivery time- you cannot have one without the other!
As believers we must value the waiting time- or we will be driving around to our deliveries with nothing to unload. Too busy means no load. No load, no payoff.
Get A-Load-of-Heaven
The benefits that God loads us with are valuable spirit and life words and directions that transform, heal and bring heaven to the earth. "Your Kingdom Come, Your Will Be done on earth as it is in heaven." Matt 6:10
How does this happen? -
When God's people get-a-load-of-heaven, then we have on earth as it is in heaven.
God loads us with His Word, His Spirit, The Mind of Christ, His Wisdom and His plans-
Then we have heaven upon the earth!
His Will be done on earth as it is in heaven-
Why? Because He loaded us up!
How?-Because we became still...
That is the word that came to us in our service. If you will be still, I will load you up. The load is what pays off. If I show up to a delivery with an empty truck- there is no pay-off. There is no pay-off if there is no load. Psalm 68 says: Blessed be The Lord Who daily loads us with benefits. There is a daily load for every believer, but we must get loaded- to have a load. Loading takes time.
The loading time is just as valuable as the delivery time- you cannot have one without the other!
As believers we must value the waiting time- or we will be driving around to our deliveries with nothing to unload. Too busy means no load. No load, no payoff.
Get A-Load-of-Heaven
The benefits that God loads us with are valuable spirit and life words and directions that transform, heal and bring heaven to the earth. "Your Kingdom Come, Your Will Be done on earth as it is in heaven." Matt 6:10
How does this happen? -
When God's people get-a-load-of-heaven, then we have on earth as it is in heaven.
God loads us with His Word, His Spirit, The Mind of Christ, His Wisdom and His plans-
Then we have heaven upon the earth!
His Will be done on earth as it is in heaven-
Why? Because He loaded us up!
How?-Because we became still...
Be Still Before God
Being Still Before God
Psalms 46:10-11 Be Still and know (or learn and recognize) that I am God.
BE STILL: The Hebrew verb means to cease, be inactive. "Surrender!"; "Stop"; "Desist!"; "Drop your weapons!"; "Make peace."
The idea of being still is Stop all the insanity- arguments, imaginations, war-like impulses and activity. Stop, surrender, desist and drop your weapons: learn and recognize that God Is God!
This is when God starts loading us up.
Ps 4:4-5
Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.
Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord.
Zech 2:13
Be silent, O all flesh, before the Lord: for he is raised up out of his holy habitation.
These are times of loading. These are not "busy times of activity". These are precious times of fellowship- just God and you... "just you and me here now- only you and me here now' David Crowder
Father, I allow myself to slow down when You call for it. I do not want to be loaded with cares, worries, anxious thoughts and other things that bod down my heart. I want to be loaded by You! Loaded with righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit! I want to get a load of The Holy Spirit! Holy Thoughts, Holy Ways... Jesus's ways, His truth and His life!
Load me with your benefits- I will take the time to get your load of goods!
Amen- so be it...
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Psalms 46:10-11 Be Still and know (or learn and recognize) that I am God.
BE STILL: The Hebrew verb means to cease, be inactive. "Surrender!"; "Stop"; "Desist!"; "Drop your weapons!"; "Make peace."
The idea of being still is Stop all the insanity- arguments, imaginations, war-like impulses and activity. Stop, surrender, desist and drop your weapons: learn and recognize that God Is God!
This is when God starts loading us up.
Ps 4:4-5
Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.
Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord.
Zech 2:13
Be silent, O all flesh, before the Lord: for he is raised up out of his holy habitation.
These are times of loading. These are not "busy times of activity". These are precious times of fellowship- just God and you... "just you and me here now- only you and me here now' David Crowder
Father, I allow myself to slow down when You call for it. I do not want to be loaded with cares, worries, anxious thoughts and other things that bod down my heart. I want to be loaded by You! Loaded with righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit! I want to get a load of The Holy Spirit! Holy Thoughts, Holy Ways... Jesus's ways, His truth and His life!
Load me with your benefits- I will take the time to get your load of goods!
Amen- so be it...
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Join the "Edify" Revolution
There is a New Team in Town- It is Team Edify!
We are running out the bullies of fear, doubt and despair because Team Edify is Taking Over!
This Team is called to Build Up, Strengthen and Cause to Overcome!
We are calling for One Million men and women, boys and girls to lock arms and declare to the world the word of edification
-in our homes
-in our schools
-on the job
-in the church
-and through-out the market places of the world...
We are simple, yet mighty Team, who have made a decision that EACH AND EVERY DAY we will:
1. Receive edification each day
2.Bring Edification to those are us
3.Give edification away to someone new every day
As a Team Member you will receive our unique and colorful
1. Edify Button
2. A Lifetime Memebership Card
3. Daily Prayer
4. Testimonies
5. Access to Daily Edification through videos, testimonies and Social Network.
To Join simply follow the link http://www.edifyforlife.org/ and follow the simple steps.
The cost is one dollar for life-time membership and association with likeminded-revolutionaries of edification.
We live in troubled times, full of deception, lies and depression: But we can make a difference bearing the glad tidings of edification.
At this writing we are in our first week and already we have reached three languages- two continents and over two hundred buttons distributed with one confirmed salvation. We are on our way to one million!
Edify belongs in every office, every job, every church, prayer group, small group, family and every where people gather. It builds unity, team work and a positive enviornment- not to mention the opportunity to start a conversation and win souls.
Father, thank you for touching lives to see the simplicity of our message of edification. Thank you for a fire being lit in the hearts of Your People to reach out as never before to touch lives- to build up, strengthen and cause to overcome- those around us. Thank you for Building The Team, Team Edify!
In the Name of Jesus, So be it...
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We are running out the bullies of fear, doubt and despair because Team Edify is Taking Over!
This Team is called to Build Up, Strengthen and Cause to Overcome!
We are calling for One Million men and women, boys and girls to lock arms and declare to the world the word of edification
-in our homes
-in our schools
-on the job
-in the church
-and through-out the market places of the world...
We are simple, yet mighty Team, who have made a decision that EACH AND EVERY DAY we will:
1. Receive edification each day
2.Bring Edification to those are us
3.Give edification away to someone new every day
As a Team Member you will receive our unique and colorful
1. Edify Button
2. A Lifetime Memebership Card
3. Daily Prayer
4. Testimonies
5. Access to Daily Edification through videos, testimonies and Social Network.
To Join simply follow the link http://www.edifyforlife.org/ and follow the simple steps.
The cost is one dollar for life-time membership and association with likeminded-revolutionaries of edification.
We live in troubled times, full of deception, lies and depression: But we can make a difference bearing the glad tidings of edification.
At this writing we are in our first week and already we have reached three languages- two continents and over two hundred buttons distributed with one confirmed salvation. We are on our way to one million!
Edify belongs in every office, every job, every church, prayer group, small group, family and every where people gather. It builds unity, team work and a positive enviornment- not to mention the opportunity to start a conversation and win souls.
Father, thank you for touching lives to see the simplicity of our message of edification. Thank you for a fire being lit in the hearts of Your People to reach out as never before to touch lives- to build up, strengthen and cause to overcome- those around us. Thank you for Building The Team, Team Edify!
In the Name of Jesus, So be it...
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As we "celebrate" or simply take the day off for Labor Day, I thought it would be good to see a few things from The word about work, or labor. Before you laugh, you might to pray...
Somebody said: 'We pretend to work because they pretend to pay us.'
Executive ability is deciding quickly and getting somebody else to do the work.
Monday is a lame way to spend 1/7 of your life.
God has a lot to say about work, or labor. Maybe those jokes will turn sour when you hear God's focus and His desire to bless His
To Work means: to effect, to be engaged in or with, to toil.
Jesus helped us hone in on "work" in a more specific way- He said not to "labor for the meat that perishes but for the meat that endures unto eternal life... John 6:27
John 6:28-29 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
John 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
This is a slow step towards a specific truth- Jesus considered our time very valuable- even redeemable- not by the specific task, as much as the attitude you have in that task-
labor not for the perishable
labor for the eternal. It is the heart of the matter- Who is your real Boss?
Proverbs says: Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Prov 23:4
Ceasing from our own wisdom Ceasing from our own wisdom is very much the key to what The Bible is saying about work, money and our time. In a free society it is easy to fall into the trap of laboring for riches, or laboring for material things that perish. There is a vast supply available. Godly Wisdom however, directs our life to what matters to God first, and what matters as we use our most valuable commodity given to us by God: our time.
Wisdom is the ability of God to use the knowledge that we have in proper sequence. We are told to seek first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness and all the things we need will be added to us. Matt 6:33 God adds to our life by His favor: Knowing, seeking and obtaining in godly ways and in a godly manner.
Somebody said: 'We pretend to work because they pretend to pay us.'
Executive ability is deciding quickly and getting somebody else to do the work.
Monday is a lame way to spend 1/7 of your life.
God has a lot to say about work, or labor. Maybe those jokes will turn sour when you hear God's focus and His desire to bless His
To Work means: to effect, to be engaged in or with, to toil.
Jesus helped us hone in on "work" in a more specific way- He said not to "labor for the meat that perishes but for the meat that endures unto eternal life... John 6:27
John 6:28-29 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
John 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
This is a slow step towards a specific truth- Jesus considered our time very valuable- even redeemable- not by the specific task, as much as the attitude you have in that task-
labor not for the perishable
labor for the eternal. It is the heart of the matter- Who is your real Boss?
Proverbs says: Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Prov 23:4
Ceasing from our own wisdom Ceasing from our own wisdom is very much the key to what The Bible is saying about work, money and our time. In a free society it is easy to fall into the trap of laboring for riches, or laboring for material things that perish. There is a vast supply available. Godly Wisdom however, directs our life to what matters to God first, and what matters as we use our most valuable commodity given to us by God: our time.
Wisdom is the ability of God to use the knowledge that we have in proper sequence. We are told to seek first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness and all the things we need will be added to us. Matt 6:33 God adds to our life by His favor: Knowing, seeking and obtaining in godly ways and in a godly manner.
the man
Taxes, discrimination, ungodly bosses and harsh labor or abuses can add up to an attitude problem. For many years the popular culture calls this problem: Working for The Man.
When The Man is your real Boss- it can come at a very high cost...
The Man is the one or the system that is in charge and runs everything without heart or soul. It is a task master of labor. Some people say: 'The Man is keeping me down.' Some people even adapt the philosophy of "Stick it to The Man" by stealing at their job or other ways of getting back or getting even with The Man.
The Bible gives us clear ways of dealing with these situations that do not include: complaining, stealing, or retaliation.
1. Col 3:22-25 Servants, do what you're told by your earthly masters. And don't just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. 23 Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, 24 confident that you'll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you're serving is Christ. That is an attitude adjustment!
2. Eph 6:6-8 Don't just do what you have to do to get by, but work heartily, as Christ's servants doing what God wants you to do. 7 And work with a smile on your face, always keeping in mind that no matter who happens to be giving the orders, you're really serving God. 8 Good work will get you good pay from the Master, regardless of whether you are slave or free.
This attitude is to work for God- His Kingdom. He is our Real Boss!
Reaching souls not money goals!
Our witness is more important than wish-list.
Prosperity will follow godly principles with godly attitude. We are working- not for the meat that perishes, but that which endures throughout eternity.
When we work for the Kingdom of God The Man is not our problem. God will fight our battles for us. He is able to rescue us from hurtful situations and out of the power lies, falsehood and abuses
Ps. 144:10-11
10 You are He Who gives salvation to kings, Who rescues David His servant from the hurtful sword [of evil].
11 Rescue me and deliver me out of the power of [hostile] alien [tribes] whose mouths speak deceit and whose right hands are right hands [raised in taking] fraudulent oaths.
When The Man is your real Boss- it can come at a very high cost...
The Man is the one or the system that is in charge and runs everything without heart or soul. It is a task master of labor. Some people say: 'The Man is keeping me down.' Some people even adapt the philosophy of "Stick it to The Man" by stealing at their job or other ways of getting back or getting even with The Man.
The Bible gives us clear ways of dealing with these situations that do not include: complaining, stealing, or retaliation.
1. Col 3:22-25 Servants, do what you're told by your earthly masters. And don't just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. 23 Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, 24 confident that you'll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you're serving is Christ. That is an attitude adjustment!
2. Eph 6:6-8 Don't just do what you have to do to get by, but work heartily, as Christ's servants doing what God wants you to do. 7 And work with a smile on your face, always keeping in mind that no matter who happens to be giving the orders, you're really serving God. 8 Good work will get you good pay from the Master, regardless of whether you are slave or free.
This attitude is to work for God- His Kingdom. He is our Real Boss!
Reaching souls not money goals!
Our witness is more important than wish-list.
Prosperity will follow godly principles with godly attitude. We are working- not for the meat that perishes, but that which endures throughout eternity.
When we work for the Kingdom of God The Man is not our problem. God will fight our battles for us. He is able to rescue us from hurtful situations and out of the power lies, falsehood and abuses
Ps. 144:10-11
10 You are He Who gives salvation to kings, Who rescues David His servant from the hurtful sword [of evil].
11 Rescue me and deliver me out of the power of [hostile] alien [tribes] whose mouths speak deceit and whose right hands are right hands [raised in taking] fraudulent oaths.
The son of man
And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the fourwinds, from one end of heaven to the other. Matt 24:30-31
The Son of Man is Jesus. He is coming back to the earth.
We can work for "The Man" or The Son of Man.
We can labor for the meat that perishes, decays and passes away or we can labor for the meat of eternal life that never perishes and rewards us.
People get all exercised about this and that but never even shed a tear about someone's eternal soul. We should be involved with the process of life that effects jobs, taxes and the labors of our nation. This should involve prayer before anything else! (1Timothy 2:1-4) But we should still seek first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness- and all these other things will be added unto us. Matthew 6:33
The Son of Man is liked to a vineyard owner. We are likened to workers in the vineyard. (Matt. 20 & 21) God likens our time on earth as laboring in His Vineyard. Proverbs 14:23 says In all labor there is profit. In all honest labor, as unto God, there is profit. In that sense labor is holy. The wages we receive are honorable and the first part of our wages- the first ten percent 10% is called the tithe- It too is holy unto The Lord.
The Mind of God on Money:
1. Lev 27:30 And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord's: it is holy unto the Lord. 21. Heb 7:8 Here mortal men receive tithes, but there he receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives. NKJV God receives our tithes ! 3. Proverbs 3:9-10 Honor the Lord with your substance, and the first fruits of all your increase. So shall your barns be filled with plenty and your vats shall overflow with new wine.
The Son of Man is Jesus. He is coming back to the earth.
We can work for "The Man" or The Son of Man.
We can labor for the meat that perishes, decays and passes away or we can labor for the meat of eternal life that never perishes and rewards us.
People get all exercised about this and that but never even shed a tear about someone's eternal soul. We should be involved with the process of life that effects jobs, taxes and the labors of our nation. This should involve prayer before anything else! (1Timothy 2:1-4) But we should still seek first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness- and all these other things will be added unto us. Matthew 6:33
The Son of Man is liked to a vineyard owner. We are likened to workers in the vineyard. (Matt. 20 & 21) God likens our time on earth as laboring in His Vineyard. Proverbs 14:23 says In all labor there is profit. In all honest labor, as unto God, there is profit. In that sense labor is holy. The wages we receive are honorable and the first part of our wages- the first ten percent 10% is called the tithe- It too is holy unto The Lord.
The Mind of God on Money:
1. Lev 27:30 And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord's: it is holy unto the Lord. 21. Heb 7:8 Here mortal men receive tithes, but there he receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives. NKJV God receives our tithes ! 3. Proverbs 3:9-10 Honor the Lord with your substance, and the first fruits of all your increase. So shall your barns be filled with plenty and your vats shall overflow with new wine.
Harvest For true labor
These are promises and truths you will not find anywhere else in the world! God says: 'if you will obey and follow My Ways, I will provide for you. You won't have to worry about The Man!
The Bible says this about our life, our family and our circle of influence:
12 When our sons shall be as plants grown large in their youth and our daughters as sculptured corner pillars hewn like those of a palace;
13 When our garners are full, affording all manner of store, and our sheep bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our pastures;
14 When our oxen are well loaded; when there is no invasion [of hostile armies] and no going forth [against besiegers * when there is no murder or manslaughter] and no outcry in our streets;
15 Happy and blessed are the people who are in such a case; yes, happy (blessed, fortunate, prosperous, to be envied) are the people whose God is the Lord! Psalm 144:12-15 AMP
Psalm 144 is a picture of King david calling upon the Lord! The Lord hears, answers and brings him to a place where everything in his life is bearing good fruit. His labors are ajoy because they are Kingdom labors that bear fruit! Let this picture in Scripture sink down into your spirit to where you are calling things that be not as though they were!!
Call the scripture nto being for your life, your family, your church, your job, your boss, your business, your employees! Make this a great labor day where we are now laboring for Jesus Our King! We are now laboring for the meat that does not perish. We cast our cares on the Lord and recieve the mind of Christ for our labors!! Than you Father! In the Name of Jesus! So Be it!
The Bible says this about our life, our family and our circle of influence:
12 When our sons shall be as plants grown large in their youth and our daughters as sculptured corner pillars hewn like those of a palace;
13 When our garners are full, affording all manner of store, and our sheep bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our pastures;
14 When our oxen are well loaded; when there is no invasion [of hostile armies] and no going forth [against besiegers * when there is no murder or manslaughter] and no outcry in our streets;
15 Happy and blessed are the people who are in such a case; yes, happy (blessed, fortunate, prosperous, to be envied) are the people whose God is the Lord! Psalm 144:12-15 AMP
Psalm 144 is a picture of King david calling upon the Lord! The Lord hears, answers and brings him to a place where everything in his life is bearing good fruit. His labors are ajoy because they are Kingdom labors that bear fruit! Let this picture in Scripture sink down into your spirit to where you are calling things that be not as though they were!!
Call the scripture nto being for your life, your family, your church, your job, your boss, your business, your employees! Make this a great labor day where we are now laboring for Jesus Our King! We are now laboring for the meat that does not perish. We cast our cares on the Lord and recieve the mind of Christ for our labors!! Than you Father! In the Name of Jesus! So Be it!
Prov 8:18-21
18 Riches and honor are with me, lasting wealth and righteousness.
19 My fruit is better than gold, fine gold, my produce better than the finest silver.
20 I follow the course of righteousness along the paths of justice,
21 to endow with wealth those who love me and fill their treasuries.
Complete Jewish Bible
I had a very strong sense to write these words, so here it goes...
Now is not the time to think carnally... to think only with your natural mind. Now, more than ever, it is time to think spiritually. When it comes to finances- think on those things that are above- Wisdom from above- for the treasures of the earth will follow Godly Wisdom- not natural thinking. Sowing and Reaping are Divine acts of wisdom. Listen to My Spirit. Do not withhhold! The voice of lack and The wisdom of this world would say- hoard and withhold- But My Spirit says -Sow and Reap! As you sow and plant into My Kingdom, listen to the leading of godly wisdom. I endow with wealth those who will follow godly wisdom. You will be in the right place at the right time. You know what to do and what not to do. Provision will find you out- for you arelike a magnet to my blessing. Doors of favor will open unto you, only do not stray from my wisdom. Hide it in your bosom and it will be the thing that puts you over in this very day and hour!
That word of prophecy is for this very hour! It is time to sow. Ask God what you should do. My heart is burning with an urgency- many are being tempted to stray from giving to God and His Work.
They are being tempted to hide God's portion in the ground- Matt 25:18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.
They are being tempted to sow to their flesh due to a weary heart- Gal 6:8-9 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Then there are those who Do Know Their God and Will be Strong and Do Exploits- Dan 11:30-32
the Syrian king will again pillage Jerusalem and pollute the sanctuary, putting a stop to the daily sacrifices, and worshiping idols inside the Temple. He will leave godless Jews in power when he leaves-men who have abandoned their fathers' faith. 32 He will flatter those who hate the things of God and win them over to his side. But the people who know their God shall be strong and do great things. TLB
There is a spirit that tries to draw people away in tough times. It is not just hard times that war against our souls- 1 Peter 2:11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; It is a spiritual Battle we are in! Do Not Retreat! The people who know their God - literally- shall be strong and Do! They are not 'weak and quit'. They are "Strong and Do!" (The word exploits, King James Version, or great things was added by the translators) The thought here is that some kept going in faith- they continued to do the word, and others flowed with the invading armies and quit to find favor with the times.
18 Riches and honor are with me, lasting wealth and righteousness.
19 My fruit is better than gold, fine gold, my produce better than the finest silver.
20 I follow the course of righteousness along the paths of justice,
21 to endow with wealth those who love me and fill their treasuries.
Complete Jewish Bible
I had a very strong sense to write these words, so here it goes...
Now is not the time to think carnally... to think only with your natural mind. Now, more than ever, it is time to think spiritually. When it comes to finances- think on those things that are above- Wisdom from above- for the treasures of the earth will follow Godly Wisdom- not natural thinking. Sowing and Reaping are Divine acts of wisdom. Listen to My Spirit. Do not withhhold! The voice of lack and The wisdom of this world would say- hoard and withhold- But My Spirit says -Sow and Reap! As you sow and plant into My Kingdom, listen to the leading of godly wisdom. I endow with wealth those who will follow godly wisdom. You will be in the right place at the right time. You know what to do and what not to do. Provision will find you out- for you arelike a magnet to my blessing. Doors of favor will open unto you, only do not stray from my wisdom. Hide it in your bosom and it will be the thing that puts you over in this very day and hour!
That word of prophecy is for this very hour! It is time to sow. Ask God what you should do. My heart is burning with an urgency- many are being tempted to stray from giving to God and His Work.
They are being tempted to hide God's portion in the ground- Matt 25:18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.
They are being tempted to sow to their flesh due to a weary heart- Gal 6:8-9 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Then there are those who Do Know Their God and Will be Strong and Do Exploits- Dan 11:30-32
the Syrian king will again pillage Jerusalem and pollute the sanctuary, putting a stop to the daily sacrifices, and worshiping idols inside the Temple. He will leave godless Jews in power when he leaves-men who have abandoned their fathers' faith. 32 He will flatter those who hate the things of God and win them over to his side. But the people who know their God shall be strong and do great things. TLB
There is a spirit that tries to draw people away in tough times. It is not just hard times that war against our souls- 1 Peter 2:11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; It is a spiritual Battle we are in! Do Not Retreat! The people who know their God - literally- shall be strong and Do! They are not 'weak and quit'. They are "Strong and Do!" (The word exploits, King James Version, or great things was added by the translators) The thought here is that some kept going in faith- they continued to do the word, and others flowed with the invading armies and quit to find favor with the times.
Sow and Reap!
We who Do know our God will not quit doing what we are supposed to do!!
In this case: Sow and Reap!
God's Wisdom comes to us through Jesus! He has been made unto us Wisdom from God 1Cor.1:30 You are partners with Christ Jesus because of God. Jesus has become our wisdom sent from God, our righteousness, our holiness, and our ransom from sin. Proverbs 8:21 says that wisdom will endow us with wealth and fill our treasures. That is God's mind on these days in which we live.
Do not heed the spirit of our age-the invading kings who have temporary power over wealth and properties. Their reign is short-lived... They only seek to draw the people of god away into their "security". Our God is a High Tower! A Mighty Fortress! He is El Shaddai; The God that is more than enough. click for song from David Ingles: El Shaddai (Genesis 17:1)
Father, we resist the spirit of surrender to the ways of this hour in which we live- the fears of lack and despair. We take hold of your Garment of Praise and release our voice of triumph! We are children of The Most High El Shaddai! The God that is more than enough. We are sowers to The Spirit and not to the flesh. We will not retreat financially! We will invest and give God His Portion: The Tithes and Offerings worthy of His Name!
Thank you Father for Your Wisdom filling my soul because of Jesus. Thank you for that wisdom leading me to sow and to reap, leading me to live and make right choices. I will reap of the Spirit of God in all areas of my life! I will continue in faith financially and not withold. I will be strong in My God and Do, because I Do know my God!!
Look for it, friend... The favor of God is on you.. Be blessed
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In this case: Sow and Reap!
God's Wisdom comes to us through Jesus! He has been made unto us Wisdom from God 1Cor.1:30 You are partners with Christ Jesus because of God. Jesus has become our wisdom sent from God, our righteousness, our holiness, and our ransom from sin. Proverbs 8:21 says that wisdom will endow us with wealth and fill our treasures. That is God's mind on these days in which we live.
Do not heed the spirit of our age-the invading kings who have temporary power over wealth and properties. Their reign is short-lived... They only seek to draw the people of god away into their "security". Our God is a High Tower! A Mighty Fortress! He is El Shaddai; The God that is more than enough. click for song from David Ingles: El Shaddai (Genesis 17:1)
Father, we resist the spirit of surrender to the ways of this hour in which we live- the fears of lack and despair. We take hold of your Garment of Praise and release our voice of triumph! We are children of The Most High El Shaddai! The God that is more than enough. We are sowers to The Spirit and not to the flesh. We will not retreat financially! We will invest and give God His Portion: The Tithes and Offerings worthy of His Name!
Thank you Father for Your Wisdom filling my soul because of Jesus. Thank you for that wisdom leading me to sow and to reap, leading me to live and make right choices. I will reap of the Spirit of God in all areas of my life! I will continue in faith financially and not withold. I will be strong in My God and Do, because I Do know my God!!
Look for it, friend... The favor of God is on you.. Be blessed
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He Did, He does and He Will Deliver
A package deal so precious as salvation can only be entrusted to God Himself! Father, Son and Holy Spirit: They still deliver!
Mankind's own efforts cannot deliver "so great a salvation". Heb 2:3
Other so-called prophets and "ways" cannot deliver!
They "lose the package", damage the message and misdirect the shipment due to human fallibility.
Only Jesus Saves! He alone has "the words of eternal life"! John 6:68
If you have ever needed a package delivered on time, in the right location and some how, some way it did not get there- in the world of business- it can be very exacerbating, embarrassing and time consuming.
Mankind's own efforts cannot deliver "so great a salvation". Heb 2:3
Other so-called prophets and "ways" cannot deliver!
They "lose the package", damage the message and misdirect the shipment due to human fallibility.
Only Jesus Saves! He alone has "the words of eternal life"! John 6:68
If you have ever needed a package delivered on time, in the right location and some how, some way it did not get there- in the world of business- it can be very exacerbating, embarrassing and time consuming.
Who Can deliver?
I remember I had a large order of pre-paid phone cards I had purchased to fill stores in San Francisco. They were time sensitive as it is a very competitive market. I usually picked them up near my home 3o miles away, but to fill my orders and make my customers happy, I needed them for early delivery in San Francisco.
Needless to say- a three letter delivery company "lost" the shipment- it was not where their tracking system said it was- they even asked me to go and look for the box in a package room. I spent the better part of a day looking for what they promised and were paid to deliver. I eventually had to get another shipment- lose a day's work- and make many calls to explain my situation. There I was, standing on a street corner in San Francisco without my package, without help and only: "I'm sorry" to take to the stores...
Truly, in the big scale of things- this was nothing. But for many, this is what judgment day will be like- I do not wish it on anyone...
Needless to say- a three letter delivery company "lost" the shipment- it was not where their tracking system said it was- they even asked me to go and look for the box in a package room. I spent the better part of a day looking for what they promised and were paid to deliver. I eventually had to get another shipment- lose a day's work- and make many calls to explain my situation. There I was, standing on a street corner in San Francisco without my package, without help and only: "I'm sorry" to take to the stores...
Truly, in the big scale of things- this was nothing. But for many, this is what judgment day will be like- I do not wish it on anyone...
Who Will you Trust On Delivery Day?
The things in which we put our trust, The hours, days and years in which we invest our time, and the treasures we lay up in store that are not of any eternal value- There is a Day that will reveal all we have ... each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is. 1 Cor 3:13-14 NKJV
Jesus said it this way: Matt 6:19-21 "Don't hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or * worse! * stolen by burglars. 20 Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it's safe from moth and rust and burglars. 21 It's obvious, isn't it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being. from THE MESSAGE
This is delivery day- I do not want to be standing on a street corner at 4th and Hades- without my package of eternal life- without treasures laid up in heaven. I want to know The One I trust can deliver me into The Father's arms- into The Father's House into The Father's Kingdom! Jesus Can, Jesus Does and Jesus Will! Deliver On Time!
Jesus said it this way: Matt 6:19-21 "Don't hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or * worse! * stolen by burglars. 20 Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it's safe from moth and rust and burglars. 21 It's obvious, isn't it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being. from THE MESSAGE
This is delivery day- I do not want to be standing on a street corner at 4th and Hades- without my package of eternal life- without treasures laid up in heaven. I want to know The One I trust can deliver me into The Father's arms- into The Father's House into The Father's Kingdom! Jesus Can, Jesus Does and Jesus Will! Deliver On Time!
One Day That Cannot Go Wrong
Judgment Day is one day that cannot go wrong-
Jesus said: I am The Way, The Truth and The Life- no one comes to The Father except through me. John 14:6 Jesus is the "SURETY" or the "GUARANTEE" of The New Covenant.
Jesus Delivers On Time; Without Fail! All others will fail. Put your trust in Jesus!, Live for Him and lay up for yourself treasures in heaven by investing your time, talent and treasure in God's Kingdom!
2 Corinthians 1:10 Paul said: Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;
Father, Son & Holy Spirit - Did, Does and Will Deliver
Father, I put my trust in Jesus Today! I confess Him as Lord and believe in my heart that You raised Jesus from the dead to be my Savior and Lord. I turn away from dead idols to serve the Living God. I will not squander my time, talent and treasure on things that will waste away. I invest in Your Kingdom- Jesus, fill me with Your Holy Spirit to empower me to serve You. Lead me in the right way... Amen
Jesus said: I am The Way, The Truth and The Life- no one comes to The Father except through me. John 14:6 Jesus is the "SURETY" or the "GUARANTEE" of The New Covenant.
Jesus Delivers On Time; Without Fail! All others will fail. Put your trust in Jesus!, Live for Him and lay up for yourself treasures in heaven by investing your time, talent and treasure in God's Kingdom!
2 Corinthians 1:10 Paul said: Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;
Father, Son & Holy Spirit - Did, Does and Will Deliver
Father, I put my trust in Jesus Today! I confess Him as Lord and believe in my heart that You raised Jesus from the dead to be my Savior and Lord. I turn away from dead idols to serve the Living God. I will not squander my time, talent and treasure on things that will waste away. I invest in Your Kingdom- Jesus, fill me with Your Holy Spirit to empower me to serve You. Lead me in the right way... Amen
He Did, He Does and He Will
God Still Delivers part two
Trust In This Life Too! Jesus not only can deliver us into His Father's Arms in Eternity, He delivers in this life as well!
God is a word-delivering God: He delivers His word to deliver His people. Ps 107:20 He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.
Our God is a Delivering Kind of God: It is His nature to deliver His people. Psalm 91 is a beautiful picture of God's care, protection and His Father-heart for His people. This includes three different kinds of deliverance:
1.Deliver thee out of the snare of the fowler Deliver from attack
2. Therefore will I deliver him-- Deliver from capture or out of captivity 3.I will deliver him -- Strengthen us against attacks- preventative
We are privileged to look back on Our Covenant keeping God and see His history of faithfulness. The Apostle Paul mentions this when recounting his life and ministry with God and assessing his present circumstance in 2 Corinthians 1:10 Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;
He basically says: No matter what, God did deliver, does deliver and will deliver
Trust In This Life Too! Jesus not only can deliver us into His Father's Arms in Eternity, He delivers in this life as well!
God is a word-delivering God: He delivers His word to deliver His people. Ps 107:20 He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.
Our God is a Delivering Kind of God: It is His nature to deliver His people. Psalm 91 is a beautiful picture of God's care, protection and His Father-heart for His people. This includes three different kinds of deliverance:
1.Deliver thee out of the snare of the fowler Deliver from attack
2. Therefore will I deliver him-- Deliver from capture or out of captivity 3.I will deliver him -- Strengthen us against attacks- preventative
We are privileged to look back on Our Covenant keeping God and see His history of faithfulness. The Apostle Paul mentions this when recounting his life and ministry with God and assessing his present circumstance in 2 Corinthians 1:10 Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;
He basically says: No matter what, God did deliver, does deliver and will deliver
He Did Deliver
1. He did: Who delivered us from so great a death
Exodus 18:10 Out of Egypt
And Jethro said, Blessed be the Lord, who hath delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of Pharaoh, who hath delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians.
Of course- The Great Passover - the celebration of Israel's deliverance from Egypt is memorialized in The Passover Feast every year. We are always to remember how God did deliver His people- so that we may remember that He Does deliver His people!
Exodus 18:10 Out of Egypt
And Jethro said, Blessed be the Lord, who hath delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of Pharaoh, who hath delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians.
Of course- The Great Passover - the celebration of Israel's deliverance from Egypt is memorialized in The Passover Feast every year. We are always to remember how God did deliver His people- so that we may remember that He Does deliver His people!
He Does Deliver
2. He does: ...and does deliver:
Psalm 72:12 For He will deliver the needy when he cries, The poor also, and him who has no helper.
Ps. 91:14,15 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. 15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him.
God Does this today-
He delivers those who call upon him...
The needy- The poor and those who have no helper...
Yes, even those who have no helper! Who are we looking to? Who are we trusting? When Our words and our thoughts are directed towards God's Word- then we can be assured that we are trusting Him- He sent His Word and healed them AND DELIVERED THEM from their destructions... He has sent His Word to us- the scriptures; the Bible-the promises of God! We have them today! Let's put our trust in what God said. He Does Deliver Today!
3. He Will: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us 2 Peter 2:9 The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: Psalm 91:3 Surely he shall deliver you... Yes, He will deliver us- He knows how!
Jesus preached deliverance: Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
deliverance= freedom, pardon, forgiveness, liberty, remission.
God Still delivers- He did, He does and He will...
Let this burn into your heart and be a light that shines in a dark place! Satan roams about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour, but our God is faithful! We resist the enemy steadfast in the faith! We all get attacked like this (1 Cor. 10:13) and God delivers- yesterday, today and forever! He did, He does and He will!!!
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Psalm 72:12 For He will deliver the needy when he cries, The poor also, and him who has no helper.
Ps. 91:14,15 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. 15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him.
God Does this today-
He delivers those who call upon him...
The needy- The poor and those who have no helper...
Yes, even those who have no helper! Who are we looking to? Who are we trusting? When Our words and our thoughts are directed towards God's Word- then we can be assured that we are trusting Him- He sent His Word and healed them AND DELIVERED THEM from their destructions... He has sent His Word to us- the scriptures; the Bible-the promises of God! We have them today! Let's put our trust in what God said. He Does Deliver Today!
3. He Will: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us 2 Peter 2:9 The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: Psalm 91:3 Surely he shall deliver you... Yes, He will deliver us- He knows how!
Jesus preached deliverance: Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
deliverance= freedom, pardon, forgiveness, liberty, remission.
God Still delivers- He did, He does and He will...
Let this burn into your heart and be a light that shines in a dark place! Satan roams about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour, but our God is faithful! We resist the enemy steadfast in the faith! We all get attacked like this (1 Cor. 10:13) and God delivers- yesterday, today and forever! He did, He does and He will!!!
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Go, Going, Gone
Often times- a home-run call in basebal sounds something like this: There's a long fly- It's going, going-Gone! A Home Run! It's amazing how far a ball can go when hit squarely on a bat.
Go!
Where did the ball get it's GO? Without getting into physics, without a bat, there is no chance you can "hit" the ball. The bat puts a charge into the ball to travel a certain direction. That charge is the GO the ball needs to leave the yard, so to speak.
We all have a GO that comes from various impulses. It is a motivation, a reaction or a direction that gives us this GO. Pride, sorrow, anger, revenge, joy, love, duty or devotion can put "fuel in the tank" and gives a GO to reach the fenses.
The believers' GO comes from wood of the cross. We are crucified with Christ! (Gal.2:20)
The life we now live, we live by the faith of The Son of God, who loved us and gave himself for us. All of the pitches of life- we can handle with the power of the cross! The Apostle Paul said: For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Cor 1:18-19 NKJV
The Cross, Where we Get Our Go!
The message of the cross is the "charge" in our bat! It is where we get our GO. It is empowered by the resurrection of Jesus and the outpouring of the Power of The Holy Spirit. We are called by God to GO into all the world, or one translation says: As you GO into all the world, proclaim the good news. Mark 16:15 (Complete Jewish Bible)
Believers get their GO from the message of the good news. We have a GO that is not inspired by competition of the flesh, pride, arrogance and self-will. Our GO is infused by God's love for the whole world! Our GO is obedience to Our Father- energized by the Holy Spirit! We GO because He first loved us!
Go!
Where did the ball get it's GO? Without getting into physics, without a bat, there is no chance you can "hit" the ball. The bat puts a charge into the ball to travel a certain direction. That charge is the GO the ball needs to leave the yard, so to speak.
We all have a GO that comes from various impulses. It is a motivation, a reaction or a direction that gives us this GO. Pride, sorrow, anger, revenge, joy, love, duty or devotion can put "fuel in the tank" and gives a GO to reach the fenses.
The believers' GO comes from wood of the cross. We are crucified with Christ! (Gal.2:20)
The life we now live, we live by the faith of The Son of God, who loved us and gave himself for us. All of the pitches of life- we can handle with the power of the cross! The Apostle Paul said: For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Cor 1:18-19 NKJV
The Cross, Where we Get Our Go!
The message of the cross is the "charge" in our bat! It is where we get our GO. It is empowered by the resurrection of Jesus and the outpouring of the Power of The Holy Spirit. We are called by God to GO into all the world, or one translation says: As you GO into all the world, proclaim the good news. Mark 16:15 (Complete Jewish Bible)
Believers get their GO from the message of the good news. We have a GO that is not inspired by competition of the flesh, pride, arrogance and self-will. Our GO is infused by God's love for the whole world! Our GO is obedience to Our Father- energized by the Holy Spirit! We GO because He first loved us!
Going
When the ball lifts in flight after the initial "GO", it is said to be "going". The Going is "staying power". The longer is "STAYS IN FLIGHT" the further it will go. Everyone has a GO in them. That GO may be depression. Depression fuels a very powerful anti-social action of isolation and hurt. These are powerful forces of darkness. They can be defeated, conquered and overcome by the message of the cross- the power of God unto salvation. This is why we must be dicerning about what we listen to, and what we feed on. What inspires us to go is what will keep us going. When the The Good News is our GO, then the good news in the power of the Holy Spirit will keep us going.
Our GO determines our GOING. What fuels us to GO will stay with us in our GOING. This is why many people spread fear, doubt and unbelief wherever they go. Their GO is based on some human impulse. When your GO is based on the love of God, your going will be a continuation of this mighty love. Your path will be made straight! God will raise up valleys, lower mountains, make crooked places straight and rough places plain! We will run and not be weary, we will walk and not faint! Isa. 40:31
The Holy Spirit- The Power of Our Going
Our going is to be fueled by the Holy Spirit. We are not GOING in our own strength. Jesus said: John truly baptized with water; but you shall be baptized with The Holy Spirit. Acts 1:5
We are all POWER-HITTERS on God's Team. You will not succeed by your own strength or power, but by my Spirit,' says the Lord All-Powerful. Zech 4:6 NCV We are to be filled with The Holy Spirit for each day, each task and every opportunity. He anoints our head with oil for every situation and our cup overflows that we may reach the world to procalim the good news- this is our going-power or ongoing power...
Our GO determines our GOING. What fuels us to GO will stay with us in our GOING. This is why many people spread fear, doubt and unbelief wherever they go. Their GO is based on some human impulse. When your GO is based on the love of God, your going will be a continuation of this mighty love. Your path will be made straight! God will raise up valleys, lower mountains, make crooked places straight and rough places plain! We will run and not be weary, we will walk and not faint! Isa. 40:31
The Holy Spirit- The Power of Our Going
Our going is to be fueled by the Holy Spirit. We are not GOING in our own strength. Jesus said: John truly baptized with water; but you shall be baptized with The Holy Spirit. Acts 1:5
We are all POWER-HITTERS on God's Team. You will not succeed by your own strength or power, but by my Spirit,' says the Lord All-Powerful. Zech 4:6 NCV We are to be filled with The Holy Spirit for each day, each task and every opportunity. He anoints our head with oil for every situation and our cup overflows that we may reach the world to procalim the good news- this is our going-power or ongoing power...
Gone
When the ball finally "leaves the park" it is "gone".
1. Our "Go" comes from the wood of Calvary's Cross.
2. Our GOING (and ongoing) is directed by the impact of the Cross upon our lives and the infilling of The Holy Spirit.
3. One day we will "leave The Park", Fly over the fence and be GONE! In the twinkling of an eye- we shall depart and be with Christ which is far better... When Jesus went back to heaven, he left the park on a Home-run and said: In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. John 14:2-3
Yes, this world is not our home! Our Home-Run will be when we are finished going into all the world and proclaiming the gospel. Heaven is our home. Many of our loved ones are GONE to be with The Father in the place that Jesus has prepared for them. As sure as we GO, as sure as we are GOING; we will be GONE!
GO, GOING, GONE! Let's make the most of every opportunity...
Father, in the Name of Jesus, thank you for spelling things out so plainly in Your Word. I can have direction, power and grace to fulfill Your will by the power of The Holy Spirit. I will go in Your Name, because You live inside of me through faith in the work of the cross. I am Your temple. Your salvation is my reason to get up and go! I will not only go, I am going, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Everyday, I am going under Your Spirit's direction. I will continue in going to all the world I am in. I will redeem the time and do my utmost for Your highest till the day I'm GONE! So be it...
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1. Our "Go" comes from the wood of Calvary's Cross.
2. Our GOING (and ongoing) is directed by the impact of the Cross upon our lives and the infilling of The Holy Spirit.
3. One day we will "leave The Park", Fly over the fence and be GONE! In the twinkling of an eye- we shall depart and be with Christ which is far better... When Jesus went back to heaven, he left the park on a Home-run and said: In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. John 14:2-3
Yes, this world is not our home! Our Home-Run will be when we are finished going into all the world and proclaiming the gospel. Heaven is our home. Many of our loved ones are GONE to be with The Father in the place that Jesus has prepared for them. As sure as we GO, as sure as we are GOING; we will be GONE!
GO, GOING, GONE! Let's make the most of every opportunity...
Father, in the Name of Jesus, thank you for spelling things out so plainly in Your Word. I can have direction, power and grace to fulfill Your will by the power of The Holy Spirit. I will go in Your Name, because You live inside of me through faith in the work of the cross. I am Your temple. Your salvation is my reason to get up and go! I will not only go, I am going, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Everyday, I am going under Your Spirit's direction. I will continue in going to all the world I am in. I will redeem the time and do my utmost for Your highest till the day I'm GONE! So be it...
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Believers Really Living BELIEFS
Titus 2:11-13 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, NKJV
What?! In The World
Most of the headlines of our papers are bad news based upon mankind's condition: strangers from the Covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. This world is a tough enough place- without hope, it's really bad! It is a tough enough place- without God, it's unbearable!
We can get inundated with "news" "stories" and one-sided views until we think the media has somthing of real value to add to our life.
What?! In The World
Most of the headlines of our papers are bad news based upon mankind's condition: strangers from the Covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. This world is a tough enough place- without hope, it's really bad! It is a tough enough place- without God, it's unbearable!
We can get inundated with "news" "stories" and one-sided views until we think the media has somthing of real value to add to our life.
and now the absurd top stories
The NEWS should be called The Absurd News because usually only the most absurd things are reported. The TOP Stories are first because they are The Most Absurd. So we know about the most brutal this, the most scandalous that- these things can cause a jaded view of OUR life. I am glad we have a 'free press' but it is not so "free" anymore. It is entangled with corporations that are intertwined with conglomerates who have a stake (and a potato) in who and what is reported upon.
The grace of God that brings salvation has appeared unto all men!! We who have received salvation are different. We have something now, that we did not have before; SALVATION!! We are to live life IN CHRIST! We need to know what is going on in our world and be informed voters, but we should not, must not and must never be conformed to the image of this world. Jesus said IN THE WORLD you will have tribulation- but be of good cheer, for I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD.
More than ever we must be partakers of the grace of God that BRINGS us something!
Something that Brings us something of value and significance...
SALVATION is something we absoluetly need and can use. It means: rescue, safety, deliverence, health, save, saving- physically or morally. We can be saved, delivered FROM THIS PRESENT EVIL WORLD!
The trees are not evil. The hills are not evil. What is evil about this world? What is evil is it's hatred towards God, The Holy Spirit and The power of God! The world's indifference to what is sacred and holy is evil. It is what Paul says: The spirit that now works in the children of disobedience. We have all been a part of it- Nobody is better than anyone else, just because they have received salvation; but just because I used to do something wrong does not mean I am obligated to keep on doing it!
The grace of God that brings salvation makes us new creations! We are righteous In Jesus as a free gift! We are joint-heirs with Jesus! We are to walk WITH HIM, He is to DWELL IN US, AND WALK IN US- For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. 1 Cor 6:20 Glorify God in Your body! I do not know about you, but for me that is one incredible holy invitation. I am being invited by God to represent Him, with the power of His Spirit, IN MY BODY! His grace brings me to this place.
Believers- It's time to Believe! Put off the old man and put on the new, which is created after God, in righteousness and true holiness! Let's put off the things that really do not represent the Lord. Let's deny ungodliness and wordly lusts- let's live SOBERLY, RIGHTEOUSLY AND GODLY IN THIS PRESENT WORLD!
This is a day and hour when believers are really believing. No more make-believers. We are truly denying ungodliness. We are denying the lusts of the flesh. The grace of God that brings salvation has appeared and got our attention. We are captured by His love. We are no longer the same! There is a new sheriff in town!! We are sober, righteous and godly In Christ!
We'll look at those three characteristics next time- soberly, righteously and godly---- until then...
Father, we receive The Grace- The God Given empowerment to live by Your Spirit in this presnet world.
We receive the grace that BRINGS us something! The grace that brings us salvation- not damnation. We partake of Your salvation that we can put off the junk- and put on the royalty of God- The new man which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Thank you, loving Father for this new life In Christ!
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The grace of God that brings salvation has appeared unto all men!! We who have received salvation are different. We have something now, that we did not have before; SALVATION!! We are to live life IN CHRIST! We need to know what is going on in our world and be informed voters, but we should not, must not and must never be conformed to the image of this world. Jesus said IN THE WORLD you will have tribulation- but be of good cheer, for I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD.
More than ever we must be partakers of the grace of God that BRINGS us something!
Something that Brings us something of value and significance...
SALVATION is something we absoluetly need and can use. It means: rescue, safety, deliverence, health, save, saving- physically or morally. We can be saved, delivered FROM THIS PRESENT EVIL WORLD!
The trees are not evil. The hills are not evil. What is evil about this world? What is evil is it's hatred towards God, The Holy Spirit and The power of God! The world's indifference to what is sacred and holy is evil. It is what Paul says: The spirit that now works in the children of disobedience. We have all been a part of it- Nobody is better than anyone else, just because they have received salvation; but just because I used to do something wrong does not mean I am obligated to keep on doing it!
The grace of God that brings salvation makes us new creations! We are righteous In Jesus as a free gift! We are joint-heirs with Jesus! We are to walk WITH HIM, He is to DWELL IN US, AND WALK IN US- For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. 1 Cor 6:20 Glorify God in Your body! I do not know about you, but for me that is one incredible holy invitation. I am being invited by God to represent Him, with the power of His Spirit, IN MY BODY! His grace brings me to this place.
Believers- It's time to Believe! Put off the old man and put on the new, which is created after God, in righteousness and true holiness! Let's put off the things that really do not represent the Lord. Let's deny ungodliness and wordly lusts- let's live SOBERLY, RIGHTEOUSLY AND GODLY IN THIS PRESENT WORLD!
This is a day and hour when believers are really believing. No more make-believers. We are truly denying ungodliness. We are denying the lusts of the flesh. The grace of God that brings salvation has appeared and got our attention. We are captured by His love. We are no longer the same! There is a new sheriff in town!! We are sober, righteous and godly In Christ!
We'll look at those three characteristics next time- soberly, righteously and godly---- until then...
Father, we receive The Grace- The God Given empowerment to live by Your Spirit in this presnet world.
We receive the grace that BRINGS us something! The grace that brings us salvation- not damnation. We partake of Your salvation that we can put off the junk- and put on the royalty of God- The new man which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Thank you, loving Father for this new life In Christ!
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All Summer Long...
Song: Deuteronomy 28! (Click and Enjoy!) Len Mink
Summer means a lot of things to a lot of people. When I was young it meant trips to the beach, Beach Music, (Beach Boys etc.) camping and a sort-of care-free attitude of hanging-out without any real plans...
It still has some of those overtones- the warm weather can do that to you, especially if you live where climate change is from snow to sun.
There is another side to summer that is real-
I'll Be Right Back
When our son, Allen, was little, he was a handful to say the least. He had a famous saying that I knew spelled trouble. He was often times polite enough to say it- but look out if he got away... He would say: "I'll be right back, Daddy, I'll be right back!" I knew something that was not good was about to happen. Someone said: "Nothing good can happen after 2am." (I think they were correct.) This is the same principle; Nothing good could come after Allen said: "I'll be right back, Daddy, I'll be right back.."
One time we were in Mervyn's Dept. Store. Allen was about 4 or so. He made his famous quote as he went under the clothes racks. We quietly sought him out for a good five minutes. Much to our startled amazement, we then heard an alarm go off about 30 feet away. We could not see him, but we knew there was a definite connection between Allen and the alarm. He had pulled the "pull in case of emergency" lever on the escalator. "I'll be right back" was always something like that... and summer can be a lot like that...
During summer there is a real temptation to lose sight of goals, vision and a godly life-style.
I do not believe I am a kill-joy, wet blanket or demagogue, but, I have seen many good people make foolish mistakes getting caught up in 'the summer spirit'. We get invited to "Flesh-Lake" so we let our guard down and we partake of things we know are detrimental to our spiritual growth. Is it worth the price? Do we honestly want to tell Jesus to "wait here Jesus, while I go to the lake of fire." "I'll be right back..."
There are two scriptures that come to mind to help us in our journey of faith.
1. Jesus Christ The same, yesterday, today and forever. Hebrews 13:7-8
2.And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Col. 3:17
Jesus is the same, was the same and will ever be the same. His "sameness" is our saneness (an eddie-fied word which comes from the word sane.) Our sanity is derived from His veracity or his faithfulness. We can always count on Him to be the same Jesus, same Healer, the same Forgiver, the same Redeemer, the same Lord, the same Baptizer in the Holy Spirit. He will never Leave us, nor forsake us!
I am so thankful that I can count on Him! I want Him to count on me! I want to stay with Him because He will always stay with me. I do not want to be: Right Back, Jesus. I want to never leave Him nor farsake Him as He promised me!
That Deuteronomy 28 song reminds me of summer, but it is my new summer memories! Memories of staying mindful of His Covenant, The Infilling of The Holy Spirit, all the promises of God, all the people we have the privilage of meeting and influencing for The Kingdom. Camping, beaches, hiking and trips we have taken in God- with God and because of God!
Summer In The Son
It is a summer of whatever I do in word or deed, I do all in the Name of The Lord Jesus giving thanks to God The Father by Him!!! That is summer In the Son! That is fulness of JOY forevermore. Psalm 16:11
Miracles await us this summer! Let us believe God ALL SUMMER LONG- Let's make it an endless summer in His favor!
Father, we receive from Your Power, the grace and ability to walk in your favor all summer long. We rebuke the lusts of the flesh that drag us down and seek to steal away from our mighty relationship with You! You are the center of my life- not in times of trouble only, but in the midst of an incredibly warm and awestruck summer twilight-- You are The Giver of that moment of time- We will give You the praise and we will sing songs of thanksgiving- Giving you full credit! May our lives bear the same commitment to You, yesterday, today and forever as You are commited to us yesterday, today and forever!! We commit every word and every deed this summer to You! May it bring glory to Your Name giving thanks to the Father! Amen!! So be it...
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Summer means a lot of things to a lot of people. When I was young it meant trips to the beach, Beach Music, (Beach Boys etc.) camping and a sort-of care-free attitude of hanging-out without any real plans...
It still has some of those overtones- the warm weather can do that to you, especially if you live where climate change is from snow to sun.
There is another side to summer that is real-
I'll Be Right Back
When our son, Allen, was little, he was a handful to say the least. He had a famous saying that I knew spelled trouble. He was often times polite enough to say it- but look out if he got away... He would say: "I'll be right back, Daddy, I'll be right back!" I knew something that was not good was about to happen. Someone said: "Nothing good can happen after 2am." (I think they were correct.) This is the same principle; Nothing good could come after Allen said: "I'll be right back, Daddy, I'll be right back.."
One time we were in Mervyn's Dept. Store. Allen was about 4 or so. He made his famous quote as he went under the clothes racks. We quietly sought him out for a good five minutes. Much to our startled amazement, we then heard an alarm go off about 30 feet away. We could not see him, but we knew there was a definite connection between Allen and the alarm. He had pulled the "pull in case of emergency" lever on the escalator. "I'll be right back" was always something like that... and summer can be a lot like that...
During summer there is a real temptation to lose sight of goals, vision and a godly life-style.
I do not believe I am a kill-joy, wet blanket or demagogue, but, I have seen many good people make foolish mistakes getting caught up in 'the summer spirit'. We get invited to "Flesh-Lake" so we let our guard down and we partake of things we know are detrimental to our spiritual growth. Is it worth the price? Do we honestly want to tell Jesus to "wait here Jesus, while I go to the lake of fire." "I'll be right back..."
There are two scriptures that come to mind to help us in our journey of faith.
1. Jesus Christ The same, yesterday, today and forever. Hebrews 13:7-8
2.And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Col. 3:17
Jesus is the same, was the same and will ever be the same. His "sameness" is our saneness (an eddie-fied word which comes from the word sane.) Our sanity is derived from His veracity or his faithfulness. We can always count on Him to be the same Jesus, same Healer, the same Forgiver, the same Redeemer, the same Lord, the same Baptizer in the Holy Spirit. He will never Leave us, nor forsake us!
I am so thankful that I can count on Him! I want Him to count on me! I want to stay with Him because He will always stay with me. I do not want to be: Right Back, Jesus. I want to never leave Him nor farsake Him as He promised me!
That Deuteronomy 28 song reminds me of summer, but it is my new summer memories! Memories of staying mindful of His Covenant, The Infilling of The Holy Spirit, all the promises of God, all the people we have the privilage of meeting and influencing for The Kingdom. Camping, beaches, hiking and trips we have taken in God- with God and because of God!
Summer In The Son
It is a summer of whatever I do in word or deed, I do all in the Name of The Lord Jesus giving thanks to God The Father by Him!!! That is summer In the Son! That is fulness of JOY forevermore. Psalm 16:11
Miracles await us this summer! Let us believe God ALL SUMMER LONG- Let's make it an endless summer in His favor!
Father, we receive from Your Power, the grace and ability to walk in your favor all summer long. We rebuke the lusts of the flesh that drag us down and seek to steal away from our mighty relationship with You! You are the center of my life- not in times of trouble only, but in the midst of an incredibly warm and awestruck summer twilight-- You are The Giver of that moment of time- We will give You the praise and we will sing songs of thanksgiving- Giving you full credit! May our lives bear the same commitment to You, yesterday, today and forever as You are commited to us yesterday, today and forever!! We commit every word and every deed this summer to You! May it bring glory to Your Name giving thanks to the Father! Amen!! So be it...
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dON'T bE iNTIMIDATED
I read an article that I found VERY INTERESTING. It had to do with dealing with intimidation. Intimidation is to make timid or fearful : frighten; especially : to compel or deter by or as if by threats <tried to intimidate a witness.
Intimidation warps reality and causes irrational fears to overcome us.
We can be intimidated by:
1. people of position (CEO of a Billion dollar company, police officer),
2. places (the principal’s office- heights)
3. things (equipment can be intimidating to people- expensive things)
4. successful people- at work or in general
5.competition- competion in sports, on the job or at home can be very intimidating
As we said, many of these things have an irrational affect on people. We may cower, lash out, run away or simply quit…
What does God do?
Ps 2:4-5 But God in heaven merely laughs! He is amused by all their puny plans. And then in fierce fury he rebukes them and fills them with fear. TLB God laughs! He is not intimidated.
The article I mentioned said:
Laugh lots and the human brain creates new neuron pathways past negativity, cynicism, and pessimism that accompanies intimidation. Do you see how the brain uses laughter to generate courage? It’s also the enemy of whining or blaming others. Einstein must have discovered this reality, since he claimed to enjoy the unrealistic aspirations of an optimist. Does laughter spark new neurons in the direction of success for you?
OF COURSE OUR GOD IS GREATER THAN JUST NEURONS. He gives us The Holy Spirit. However, there are physical reactions that God created in us to take place when we "count it all joy". When life comes to rail, reproach, and upbraid, we need to Count it all joy and realize that Our God is on our side. He will help us win! He is laughing at the puniness of their plans. We need to side in with Him and join in on the confidence. He is our source; We will not be intimidated…
Submit yourself therefore to God, resist the devil, and he will flee. James 4:7
At destruction and famine, I will laugh. Wild animals shall leave you alone. Job 5:22 (Living Bible)
I experienced this one night coming home from a prayer meeting. I was coming from Concord, Calif driving through Richmond at about 11:30 at night. I got lost and was not sure about the neighborhood. I made a stop at a stop sign when to my surprise four men surrounded my car. I am a lilly white, smaller framed person about 5’10″. These guys were huge! It was sort of a drug infested area of town.
Suddenly, one guy started beating on the hood of my car! Another came to the driver side. I thought of flooring the gas and running over whoever to get away… Instead, I rolled down the window and asked what they wanted. One guy reached into the car and grabbed me by the shirt in the neck area. He said: “Wanna buy some jewlery for your girl?”-Remember, the other guy is still pounding on the hood- I was intimidated for a second. Then I started preaching! Hey! anyone here need prayer? If your sick , I’ll pray for you? Anyone need Jesus in their life? God is good! He can help you!
I was not intimidated- I began to sense God’s power and joy! The biggest guy in the group said- ‘Hey, let’s just leave him alone.’ YES! At destruction and famine-I just laughed-because God was laughing in the heavens. Wild animals will leave you alone- and they did.
Intimidation warps reality and causes irrational fears to overcome us.
We can be intimidated by:
1. people of position (CEO of a Billion dollar company, police officer),
2. places (the principal’s office- heights)
3. things (equipment can be intimidating to people- expensive things)
4. successful people- at work or in general
5.competition- competion in sports, on the job or at home can be very intimidating
As we said, many of these things have an irrational affect on people. We may cower, lash out, run away or simply quit…
What does God do?
Ps 2:4-5 But God in heaven merely laughs! He is amused by all their puny plans. And then in fierce fury he rebukes them and fills them with fear. TLB God laughs! He is not intimidated.
The article I mentioned said:
Laugh lots and the human brain creates new neuron pathways past negativity, cynicism, and pessimism that accompanies intimidation. Do you see how the brain uses laughter to generate courage? It’s also the enemy of whining or blaming others. Einstein must have discovered this reality, since he claimed to enjoy the unrealistic aspirations of an optimist. Does laughter spark new neurons in the direction of success for you?
OF COURSE OUR GOD IS GREATER THAN JUST NEURONS. He gives us The Holy Spirit. However, there are physical reactions that God created in us to take place when we "count it all joy". When life comes to rail, reproach, and upbraid, we need to Count it all joy and realize that Our God is on our side. He will help us win! He is laughing at the puniness of their plans. We need to side in with Him and join in on the confidence. He is our source; We will not be intimidated…
Submit yourself therefore to God, resist the devil, and he will flee. James 4:7
At destruction and famine, I will laugh. Wild animals shall leave you alone. Job 5:22 (Living Bible)
I experienced this one night coming home from a prayer meeting. I was coming from Concord, Calif driving through Richmond at about 11:30 at night. I got lost and was not sure about the neighborhood. I made a stop at a stop sign when to my surprise four men surrounded my car. I am a lilly white, smaller framed person about 5’10″. These guys were huge! It was sort of a drug infested area of town.
Suddenly, one guy started beating on the hood of my car! Another came to the driver side. I thought of flooring the gas and running over whoever to get away… Instead, I rolled down the window and asked what they wanted. One guy reached into the car and grabbed me by the shirt in the neck area. He said: “Wanna buy some jewlery for your girl?”-Remember, the other guy is still pounding on the hood- I was intimidated for a second. Then I started preaching! Hey! anyone here need prayer? If your sick , I’ll pray for you? Anyone need Jesus in their life? God is good! He can help you!
I was not intimidated- I began to sense God’s power and joy! The biggest guy in the group said- ‘Hey, let’s just leave him alone.’ YES! At destruction and famine-I just laughed-because God was laughing in the heavens. Wild animals will leave you alone- and they did.
iNTIMIDATED nO mORE...
We can disarm The Intimidator with the presence of The Lord.
It is amazing how the fear of intimidation can vanish when the Presence of the Lord shows up. David said this about Goliath-“have you come to defy-intimidate- the armies of the living God? 1 Samuel 17:26 He thought it incredulous that someone could defeat God’s army. Why?
David was intrusted with the care of God’s sheep. He had encountered the a bear and a lion in tending the sheep. He won two times! Now he is being confronted with The Intimidator Himself- Mr. Goliath! Everyone is afraid of this bully. He talks big, breathes big, walks big and is BIG; Just not bigger than God!! Nothin’s Too Big For My God!
David was not only-NOT Intimidated-He was agressive against Goliath! 1 Sam 17:45-47
”You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.” Why should we be intimidated about anything? We have help, We have a refuge! Others may mock and taunt and laugh- But God will have the last laugh! As Dr. Roy Hicks said: He who laughs, lasts, lasts and lasts…
When we submit to God- we will have His Presence! Then we can resist the devil- be aggressive against Goliath and all like him. The Devil Will Flee- run away in stark terror!! That is James 4:7 and That is for all of us!! Come On Now!!
OK? Let’s Do It! Let’s begin to rejoice with our God! Let’s get His perspective and hook up with Him instead of hooking up with a spirit of Intimidation… It’s David-Time! Time to slay some Goliaths and gain ground in the Kingdom of God!
Father, I submit myself to You! I submit to Your Kingdom where Jesus Is Lord! I resist the devil, his lies and his intimidations.
I lift my hands in praise and receive fresh oil from The Holy Spirit! Thank you for your care, concern and divine comfort that makes me free from all intimidation. I will be intimidated no more! In the Name of Jesus...
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It is amazing how the fear of intimidation can vanish when the Presence of the Lord shows up. David said this about Goliath-“have you come to defy-intimidate- the armies of the living God? 1 Samuel 17:26 He thought it incredulous that someone could defeat God’s army. Why?
David was intrusted with the care of God’s sheep. He had encountered the a bear and a lion in tending the sheep. He won two times! Now he is being confronted with The Intimidator Himself- Mr. Goliath! Everyone is afraid of this bully. He talks big, breathes big, walks big and is BIG; Just not bigger than God!! Nothin’s Too Big For My God!
David was not only-NOT Intimidated-He was agressive against Goliath! 1 Sam 17:45-47
”You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.” Why should we be intimidated about anything? We have help, We have a refuge! Others may mock and taunt and laugh- But God will have the last laugh! As Dr. Roy Hicks said: He who laughs, lasts, lasts and lasts…
When we submit to God- we will have His Presence! Then we can resist the devil- be aggressive against Goliath and all like him. The Devil Will Flee- run away in stark terror!! That is James 4:7 and That is for all of us!! Come On Now!!
OK? Let’s Do It! Let’s begin to rejoice with our God! Let’s get His perspective and hook up with Him instead of hooking up with a spirit of Intimidation… It’s David-Time! Time to slay some Goliaths and gain ground in the Kingdom of God!
Father, I submit myself to You! I submit to Your Kingdom where Jesus Is Lord! I resist the devil, his lies and his intimidations.
I lift my hands in praise and receive fresh oil from The Holy Spirit! Thank you for your care, concern and divine comfort that makes me free from all intimidation. I will be intimidated no more! In the Name of Jesus...
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Awesome Legacy
We sang two great songs at church last night. Two great songs of Americana, God Bless Ameica and The Battle Hymn
of The Republic that fit any sermon you could ever preach.
If you could start a nation today, I do not know if you could have better songs reveal the cry of the heart of the people to their Creator, Lord and Savior for help, guidance and faith.
I have listed the words of these two great Faith-filled songs. May they never be lost to a "PC" world of gobble-de-goop...
Keep praying that America will fulfill God's desire for her. America: Bless God!
The Battle Hymn of The Republic Words: by Julia W. Howe, 1861
It reads like a sermon/prophesy
Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord;
He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored;
He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword;
His truth is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! His truth is marching on.
I have seen Him in the watch fires of a hundred circling camps
They have builded Him an altar in the evening dews and damps;
I can read His righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps;
His day is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! His day is marching on.
I have read a fiery Gospel writ in burnished rows of steel;
“As ye deal with My contemners, so with you My grace shall deal”;
Let the Hero, born of woman, crush the serpent with His heel,
Since God is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Since God is marching on.
He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat;
He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment seat;
Oh, be swift, my soul, to answer Him! be jubilant, my feet;
Our God is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Our God is marching on.
In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea,
With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me:
As He died to make men holy, let us live to make men free;
[originally …let us die to make men free]
While God is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! While God is marching on.
He is coming like the glory of the morning on the wave,
He is wisdom to the mighty, He is honor to the brave;
So the world shall be His footstool, and the soul of wrong His slave,
Our God is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Our God is marching on.
God Bless America, Irving Berlin
God bless America,
Land that I love,
Stand beside her and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above;
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans white with foam,
God bless America,
My home, sweet home.
God bless America,
My home, sweet home.
God bless the ones who serve
Heroically.
Who defend her and keep her
Strong to fight and preserve liberty.
In the mainlands, on the islands,
To the farthest ocean coasts.
God bless America,
And those who serve.
God bless America
For those who serve.
God bless the ones whose faith,
Trusts e’er in Thee.
May their witness and sharing
Spread Thy freedom, love and grace from sea to sea.
Give us grace, Lord, to proclaim You
May Your cross, Lord, keep us free.
God bless America,
And those in faith
God bless America,
Faith’s home, sweet home.
God bless our President, With Godly might.
Move our leaders to govern
Only doing what is righteous In Your sight.
Let all nations bow before You,
Humbly listening to Your voice.
God bless America, And those who lead.
God bless America Lord guide their deeds.*
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of The Republic that fit any sermon you could ever preach.
If you could start a nation today, I do not know if you could have better songs reveal the cry of the heart of the people to their Creator, Lord and Savior for help, guidance and faith.
I have listed the words of these two great Faith-filled songs. May they never be lost to a "PC" world of gobble-de-goop...
Keep praying that America will fulfill God's desire for her. America: Bless God!
The Battle Hymn of The Republic Words: by Julia W. Howe, 1861
It reads like a sermon/prophesy
Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord;
He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored;
He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword;
His truth is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! His truth is marching on.
I have seen Him in the watch fires of a hundred circling camps
They have builded Him an altar in the evening dews and damps;
I can read His righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps;
His day is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! His day is marching on.
I have read a fiery Gospel writ in burnished rows of steel;
“As ye deal with My contemners, so with you My grace shall deal”;
Let the Hero, born of woman, crush the serpent with His heel,
Since God is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Since God is marching on.
He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat;
He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment seat;
Oh, be swift, my soul, to answer Him! be jubilant, my feet;
Our God is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Our God is marching on.
In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea,
With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me:
As He died to make men holy, let us live to make men free;
[originally …let us die to make men free]
While God is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! While God is marching on.
He is coming like the glory of the morning on the wave,
He is wisdom to the mighty, He is honor to the brave;
So the world shall be His footstool, and the soul of wrong His slave,
Our God is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Our God is marching on.
God Bless America, Irving Berlin
God bless America,
Land that I love,
Stand beside her and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above;
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans white with foam,
God bless America,
My home, sweet home.
God bless America,
My home, sweet home.
God bless the ones who serve
Heroically.
Who defend her and keep her
Strong to fight and preserve liberty.
In the mainlands, on the islands,
To the farthest ocean coasts.
God bless America,
And those who serve.
God bless America
For those who serve.
God bless the ones whose faith,
Trusts e’er in Thee.
May their witness and sharing
Spread Thy freedom, love and grace from sea to sea.
Give us grace, Lord, to proclaim You
May Your cross, Lord, keep us free.
God bless America,
And those in faith
God bless America,
Faith’s home, sweet home.
God bless our President, With Godly might.
Move our leaders to govern
Only doing what is righteous In Your sight.
Let all nations bow before You,
Humbly listening to Your voice.
God bless America, And those who lead.
God bless America Lord guide their deeds.*
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Unearthly wisdom, Trick Plays and Mighty victories
Unearthly Wisdom
1 Cor 1:27-29 But God chose:
1. What the world considers nonsense to put wise people to shame.
2. God chose what the world considers weak to put what is strong to shame.
3. God chose what the world considers ordinary and what it despises*what it considers to be nothing*in order to destroy what it considers to be something.
As a result, no one can brag in God's presence. GWT
There are two kinds wisdom: 1. The wisdom from this world- wisdom from below 2. The wisdom from God or wisdom from above
Wisdom is the ability to use and put into practice knowledge.
God's wisdom is from above. It comes from heaven not earth. It is revealed not dreamed-up. God's wisdom is higher than mankind's wisdom. It is pure. Then it is peaceful, gentle, obedient, filled with mercy and good deeds, impartial, and sincere. James 3:17-18
Earthly wisdom is of the five physical senses, it is self centered and demonic. It results in bitter jealousy and self-centered ambition.
To follow God you must RECEIVE HIS WISDOM. He does not use our own earthly wisdom. This is why healing, for example, is such a difficult subject for many- You can't come to God with earthly wisdom. He will instruct us with His wisdom for healing;
*It may be worship (one of God's favorite instructions) or
*being still and meditating on a scripture-
These are things many do not have time for or feel comfortable with... This is why God instructs us that He has chosen the things that the world considers nonsense, weak and ordinary to show us that what the world considers wise, strong and "really something" is really nothing. His ways, and instructions are higher than ours!
God's wisdom will not allow mankind to take the credit. People are great credit-takers. Our insecurities cry out for acknowledgment. God's love is what makes us secure, not our brilliant wisdom, achievements and ideas.
We need to yield to God's wisdom to receive His Trick Plays...
1 Cor 1:27-29 But God chose:
1. What the world considers nonsense to put wise people to shame.
2. God chose what the world considers weak to put what is strong to shame.
3. God chose what the world considers ordinary and what it despises*what it considers to be nothing*in order to destroy what it considers to be something.
As a result, no one can brag in God's presence. GWT
There are two kinds wisdom: 1. The wisdom from this world- wisdom from below 2. The wisdom from God or wisdom from above
Wisdom is the ability to use and put into practice knowledge.
God's wisdom is from above. It comes from heaven not earth. It is revealed not dreamed-up. God's wisdom is higher than mankind's wisdom. It is pure. Then it is peaceful, gentle, obedient, filled with mercy and good deeds, impartial, and sincere. James 3:17-18
Earthly wisdom is of the five physical senses, it is self centered and demonic. It results in bitter jealousy and self-centered ambition.
To follow God you must RECEIVE HIS WISDOM. He does not use our own earthly wisdom. This is why healing, for example, is such a difficult subject for many- You can't come to God with earthly wisdom. He will instruct us with His wisdom for healing;
*It may be worship (one of God's favorite instructions) or
*being still and meditating on a scripture-
These are things many do not have time for or feel comfortable with... This is why God instructs us that He has chosen the things that the world considers nonsense, weak and ordinary to show us that what the world considers wise, strong and "really something" is really nothing. His ways, and instructions are higher than ours!
God's wisdom will not allow mankind to take the credit. People are great credit-takers. Our insecurities cry out for acknowledgment. God's love is what makes us secure, not our brilliant wisdom, achievements and ideas.
We need to yield to God's wisdom to receive His Trick Plays...
Trick Plays
2 Chron 20:20-22 ...Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.
21 And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the Lord, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the Lord; for his mercy endureth for ever.
22 And when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.
That is a "trick play" for the ages- God sent out the choir to lead the charge in battle! Obliviously God does not have "trick" plays- but they appear "tricky" because our human wisdom cannot figure out how God can defeat an army with real horses, weapons and brute force against singers and worshipers. In our minds it is not possible. The wisdom of God does not come to us naturally. We need The Holy Spirit to open the eyes of our understanding (Eph.1:16) and reveal to us the Wisdom that is from above. Trick plays are acts of obedience in accordance with Godly principles.
God had a "trick play" for Gideon as he led his troops into battle against their enemies. For seven years they had been stolen from and plundered until they had been reduced to hiding in the hills from enemy with no assurance of their life. They had an army of 32,000 men. God said it was too many people- they would think they won the battle. So God had a trick play to call: By the 300.. will I save! (Judges 7:7) He gave Gideon a whopping 300 men with which to fight. On top of that, God gave them lanterns and trumpets with which to "attack" the enemy.
You see, God is using the principle of worship- Outlandish, loud and full-strength worship! That is what each person is capable of. People say: 'I am not like that. I am quiet in my worship.' Oh yea, the same person can cuss like a sailor and yell somebody off their grass if they are given the chance. We are often misdirected in our strength. the Bible says: The Joy of the Lord is our strength! That means we should be strongest when it comes to our Lord, not to fleshly things.
This is God's wisdom. This is how He does things. This is why many say: 'I cannot trust God. It's too hard! Let us go back to Egypt and be Pharaoh's slaves...' NO! Never! God's wisdom will bring to naught the things that are! What will our wisdom do? It will keep us slaves to the powers of darkness.
God gave Gideon and His people a great victory that they could always recall to remain in the wisdom of God. God's "trick plays" are always in line with His Word, His Promises and His Character. They bring salvation, redemption and fulfillment.
These 'trick plays' come to us as absurd and ridiculous, but they are the wisdom of God to accomplish a mighty victory!
21 And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the Lord, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the Lord; for his mercy endureth for ever.
22 And when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.
That is a "trick play" for the ages- God sent out the choir to lead the charge in battle! Obliviously God does not have "trick" plays- but they appear "tricky" because our human wisdom cannot figure out how God can defeat an army with real horses, weapons and brute force against singers and worshipers. In our minds it is not possible. The wisdom of God does not come to us naturally. We need The Holy Spirit to open the eyes of our understanding (Eph.1:16) and reveal to us the Wisdom that is from above. Trick plays are acts of obedience in accordance with Godly principles.
God had a "trick play" for Gideon as he led his troops into battle against their enemies. For seven years they had been stolen from and plundered until they had been reduced to hiding in the hills from enemy with no assurance of their life. They had an army of 32,000 men. God said it was too many people- they would think they won the battle. So God had a trick play to call: By the 300.. will I save! (Judges 7:7) He gave Gideon a whopping 300 men with which to fight. On top of that, God gave them lanterns and trumpets with which to "attack" the enemy.
You see, God is using the principle of worship- Outlandish, loud and full-strength worship! That is what each person is capable of. People say: 'I am not like that. I am quiet in my worship.' Oh yea, the same person can cuss like a sailor and yell somebody off their grass if they are given the chance. We are often misdirected in our strength. the Bible says: The Joy of the Lord is our strength! That means we should be strongest when it comes to our Lord, not to fleshly things.
This is God's wisdom. This is how He does things. This is why many say: 'I cannot trust God. It's too hard! Let us go back to Egypt and be Pharaoh's slaves...' NO! Never! God's wisdom will bring to naught the things that are! What will our wisdom do? It will keep us slaves to the powers of darkness.
God gave Gideon and His people a great victory that they could always recall to remain in the wisdom of God. God's "trick plays" are always in line with His Word, His Promises and His Character. They bring salvation, redemption and fulfillment.
These 'trick plays' come to us as absurd and ridiculous, but they are the wisdom of God to accomplish a mighty victory!
Mighty Victories
The Lord set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab and Mt. Seir...
The Lord set ambushments against his enemies. Wow! God gets into the middle of our problem when we start Praising!! The enemy started fighting amongst themselves! They fought one another! That is what some Christians do- they fight each other. It is because they have misdirected their strength. It should be used in Praise to God!
The book of Psalms says: Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger. Ps. 8:2 This is a direct reference to Praise! God stills the enemy and avenger through our worship.
God can accomplish His purposes when His people co-operate with him by offering the sacrifices of praise continually- the fruit of lips, giving thanks to His name. Hebrews 13:15
The mighty victories we have referred to are only a couple of examples of what happens when we apply the unearthly wisdom of worship- the trick-play of heaven to earthly dilemmas.
See what Psalm 22 says: But thou art holy, O thou that inhabits the praises of Israel. Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and thou did deliver them. Ps 22:3-4
As they acted on God's Wisdom and praised God- mighty victories came. The same is availabe today in our homes, jobs, church families and outreaches!
Father, I yeild to a spirit of worship. Deliver me from religious traditions- my own limitations in worship. I want to fully express my love, devotion and appreciation to You without be hindered in any way... I receive Godly wisdom to obey God's "trick plays" and obtain mighty victories in the Name of Jesus!
Praise God!!
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The Lord set ambushments against his enemies. Wow! God gets into the middle of our problem when we start Praising!! The enemy started fighting amongst themselves! They fought one another! That is what some Christians do- they fight each other. It is because they have misdirected their strength. It should be used in Praise to God!
The book of Psalms says: Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger. Ps. 8:2 This is a direct reference to Praise! God stills the enemy and avenger through our worship.
God can accomplish His purposes when His people co-operate with him by offering the sacrifices of praise continually- the fruit of lips, giving thanks to His name. Hebrews 13:15
The mighty victories we have referred to are only a couple of examples of what happens when we apply the unearthly wisdom of worship- the trick-play of heaven to earthly dilemmas.
See what Psalm 22 says: But thou art holy, O thou that inhabits the praises of Israel. Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and thou did deliver them. Ps 22:3-4
As they acted on God's Wisdom and praised God- mighty victories came. The same is availabe today in our homes, jobs, church families and outreaches!
Father, I yeild to a spirit of worship. Deliver me from religious traditions- my own limitations in worship. I want to fully express my love, devotion and appreciation to You without be hindered in any way... I receive Godly wisdom to obey God's "trick plays" and obtain mighty victories in the Name of Jesus!
Praise God!!
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A Never Before Kind of Love
John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
Love one another; as I have loved you.
The New Century version says: You must love each other as I have loved you. NCV THAT is raising the bar on the love walk.
I was reading the book A New Kind of Love, by EW Kenyon. He read John 13:34 and told God that he could not love like He did. This life of love was too daunting a task. However, after reading an article by Canon Farrer on love- he discovered a tremendous nugget from God's Word that set him free to live The Love Walk of Jesus.
There are two primary Greek words for love in the New Testament: Phileo and Agape.
Phileo- is brotherly love, affection, kindness. Agape- to love unconditionally, wide open, spiritual love-- a word for love introduced by Jesus...
Phileo and Agape are never used interchangeably. Jesus had brought a new kind of love to the world! The truth that set Kenyon free was that the love we can love with is from heaven not from this earth.
It is a new kind of love, agape, that we are to love with...
This is an "heavenic" or organic love with no human ingredients!
I pray we can all see this. God is not asking us to love each other with natural human love. He is giving us His love to love with: It bears all things, believes all things, endures all things-never runs ou, never comes to and end- 1Corinthians 13
Three Love Facts:
1. God so unconditionally "agaped" the world that He gave His only begotten Son. (John3:16)
2. Jesus so unconditionally "agaped" us that he laid down his life for us. (John 15:13)
3. The agape love of God is now given to us- John 17:25-26 And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them." NKJV
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
Love one another; as I have loved you.
The New Century version says: You must love each other as I have loved you. NCV THAT is raising the bar on the love walk.
I was reading the book A New Kind of Love, by EW Kenyon. He read John 13:34 and told God that he could not love like He did. This life of love was too daunting a task. However, after reading an article by Canon Farrer on love- he discovered a tremendous nugget from God's Word that set him free to live The Love Walk of Jesus.
There are two primary Greek words for love in the New Testament: Phileo and Agape.
Phileo- is brotherly love, affection, kindness. Agape- to love unconditionally, wide open, spiritual love-- a word for love introduced by Jesus...
Phileo and Agape are never used interchangeably. Jesus had brought a new kind of love to the world! The truth that set Kenyon free was that the love we can love with is from heaven not from this earth.
It is a new kind of love, agape, that we are to love with...
This is an "heavenic" or organic love with no human ingredients!
I pray we can all see this. God is not asking us to love each other with natural human love. He is giving us His love to love with: It bears all things, believes all things, endures all things-never runs ou, never comes to and end- 1Corinthians 13
Three Love Facts:
1. God so unconditionally "agaped" the world that He gave His only begotten Son. (John3:16)
2. Jesus so unconditionally "agaped" us that he laid down his life for us. (John 15:13)
3. The agape love of God is now given to us- John 17:25-26 And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them." NKJV
new kind of love-cont.
The Love of God Shed Abroad in our Hearts By The Holy Spirit
What are we to do with this mighty powerful love of God that has been poured into our hearts?
We are to walk in it!
Let it be put on display!!
Displayed in love words, love thoughts, love actions and love reactions...
Love that is not given away is not love at all...
We as believers can walk in the same love that Jesus walked. The key is to walk in the power of The Holy Spirit not in our own power: God's love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to us. Rom 5:5 AMP
"The love that was is the Man of Galilee is the love that is to rule The Church, rule the home, and rule this heart of mine. When we are love-ruled, love-owned, love-motivated, we will not shrink back from any sacrifice. Kenyon
Father, I receive Your love--This New Kind of love. I commit to the love walk of Jesus. Just as You have loved me will I love others. Thank you for The Holy Spirit's help and power in The Name of Jesus!
Agape will rule the day...
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What are we to do with this mighty powerful love of God that has been poured into our hearts?
We are to walk in it!
Let it be put on display!!
Displayed in love words, love thoughts, love actions and love reactions...
Love that is not given away is not love at all...
We as believers can walk in the same love that Jesus walked. The key is to walk in the power of The Holy Spirit not in our own power: God's love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to us. Rom 5:5 AMP
"The love that was is the Man of Galilee is the love that is to rule The Church, rule the home, and rule this heart of mine. When we are love-ruled, love-owned, love-motivated, we will not shrink back from any sacrifice. Kenyon
Father, I receive Your love--This New Kind of love. I commit to the love walk of Jesus. Just as You have loved me will I love others. Thank you for The Holy Spirit's help and power in The Name of Jesus!
Agape will rule the day...
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The Higher Way of Pentecost
Isa 55:9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
God has High Ways. The high ways of God are full of life, vitality and prosperity of spirit, soul and body. The ways of man are low, confining and limited. "Ways" are defined as a course of life or mode of action.
Our courts, jails and graveyards are a testament to our ways.
As a whole, mankind is very powerless in his ways...
God's course of life and mode of action for us- His Ways- are to bring us to a place of rest, peace with Him and purpose in all we do. His Ways accomplish what our ways cannot. We are "way deficient" without Him. That is one reason why He is The Way! The Bible is full of God's Higher Ways...
The HIGHER WAY of Pentecost
One of God's greatest higher ways is The Day of Pentecost. God wanted to use a group of people-120- to begin to change the world and represent The Kingdom of God. Today we would rent a facility, have a three day seminar, charge a fee and have people sign a waiver... Jesus said: but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high." Luke 24:49 NKJV Jesus said wait. Wait for A HIGHER THING! Power from ON HIGH! Most people don't think they need a Higher Thing from God, but if Jesus said I need it, then I need it.
Waiting For The Higher Way Waiting is preparing. The preparation was to show them this is not a "man thing" this is a "God Thing". God had an appointment with earth- His Day-Timer was set to The Day of Pentecost . (A Jewish Feast Day- or set time found in Leviticus 23. It was set for 50 days after The Feast of First Fruits or Our Resurrection Sunday. Pentekonta-greek for the number 50). This day had been "rehearsed" for years (since Moses)- Now it was time to FULFILL!!!
There were significant promises made about the this Higher- Way Day 1. Luke 24:49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
2. Joel 2:28-29 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: 29 And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.
3. Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
God has High Ways. The high ways of God are full of life, vitality and prosperity of spirit, soul and body. The ways of man are low, confining and limited. "Ways" are defined as a course of life or mode of action.
Our courts, jails and graveyards are a testament to our ways.
As a whole, mankind is very powerless in his ways...
God's course of life and mode of action for us- His Ways- are to bring us to a place of rest, peace with Him and purpose in all we do. His Ways accomplish what our ways cannot. We are "way deficient" without Him. That is one reason why He is The Way! The Bible is full of God's Higher Ways...
The HIGHER WAY of Pentecost
One of God's greatest higher ways is The Day of Pentecost. God wanted to use a group of people-120- to begin to change the world and represent The Kingdom of God. Today we would rent a facility, have a three day seminar, charge a fee and have people sign a waiver... Jesus said: but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high." Luke 24:49 NKJV Jesus said wait. Wait for A HIGHER THING! Power from ON HIGH! Most people don't think they need a Higher Thing from God, but if Jesus said I need it, then I need it.
Waiting For The Higher Way Waiting is preparing. The preparation was to show them this is not a "man thing" this is a "God Thing". God had an appointment with earth- His Day-Timer was set to The Day of Pentecost . (A Jewish Feast Day- or set time found in Leviticus 23. It was set for 50 days after The Feast of First Fruits or Our Resurrection Sunday. Pentekonta-greek for the number 50). This day had been "rehearsed" for years (since Moses)- Now it was time to FULFILL!!!
There were significant promises made about the this Higher- Way Day 1. Luke 24:49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
2. Joel 2:28-29 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: 29 And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.
3. Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
The Blessing of Pentecost
The Blessing of Pentecost is far more than a pill, psychiatrist or human reasoning: It is Power, Ability, Authority - Acts 2:4 ...they were all filled. It still happens today! It is spiritual strength under the Holy Spirit's influence.
To be filled is to furnish, imbue, impregnate, saturate, soak, pervade, permeate, inspire, influence and supply.
Our bodies are The Temple of The Holy Spirit!
We are filled with The Holy Spirit- for righteousness, peace and joy in The Holy Spirit! Rom. 14:17 This is The Blessing of Pentecost...
The Blessings of Pentecost outweigh all the sin, clutter, noise, lies, distortions and chaos that permiates our globe. This is God's Higher Way... We do not have to wait- We can receive by faith!! Luke 11:13.. how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them who ask him. Ask and receive today! Jesus said he would baptize us with the Holy Spirit and fire. This is the Promise of The Father! This blessing is God's Higher Way for us to live- not in our own strength. Not in our own power. Not in our own ability.
It is His Higher Way; To be filled with The Holy Spirit. AHHHHHHHH Yesssssssss! This is His refreshing!
Father, I ask You for The Holy Spirit. To be Your witness, to be filled with Your power, ability and authority. Jesus, baptize me now with the precious Holy Spirit. I receive it now, by faith! In The Name of Jesus! Thank you. Today is the day of Pentecost for me!
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To be filled is to furnish, imbue, impregnate, saturate, soak, pervade, permeate, inspire, influence and supply.
Our bodies are The Temple of The Holy Spirit!
We are filled with The Holy Spirit- for righteousness, peace and joy in The Holy Spirit! Rom. 14:17 This is The Blessing of Pentecost...
The Blessings of Pentecost outweigh all the sin, clutter, noise, lies, distortions and chaos that permiates our globe. This is God's Higher Way... We do not have to wait- We can receive by faith!! Luke 11:13.. how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them who ask him. Ask and receive today! Jesus said he would baptize us with the Holy Spirit and fire. This is the Promise of The Father! This blessing is God's Higher Way for us to live- not in our own strength. Not in our own power. Not in our own ability.
It is His Higher Way; To be filled with The Holy Spirit. AHHHHHHHH Yesssssssss! This is His refreshing!
Father, I ask You for The Holy Spirit. To be Your witness, to be filled with Your power, ability and authority. Jesus, baptize me now with the precious Holy Spirit. I receive it now, by faith! In The Name of Jesus! Thank you. Today is the day of Pentecost for me!
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Focused
Let your eyes look straight ahead and your sight be focused in front of you.
Carefully walk a straight path, and all your ways will be secure. Prov. 4:25-26
focus, noun: The center of interest or activity An act of concentrating interest or activity on something.
It is always good to know the goal before you start the journey. When we are able to focus on the goal in front of us, it keeps us from returning to the same ole place- behind us. Alexander Graham Bell said: Concentrate all your thoughts upon the work at hand. The sun's rays do not burn until brought to a focus."
Carefully walk a straight path, and all your ways will be secure. Prov. 4:25-26
focus, noun: The center of interest or activity An act of concentrating interest or activity on something.
It is always good to know the goal before you start the journey. When we are able to focus on the goal in front of us, it keeps us from returning to the same ole place- behind us. Alexander Graham Bell said: Concentrate all your thoughts upon the work at hand. The sun's rays do not burn until brought to a focus."
Magnify For Focus
We have probably all tried the experiment of capturing the sun's rays using a magnifying glass to burn a piece of wood or paper. It works the same way in life- What we magnify comes into focus to burn and grow in our lives. The sun is what provides the source of heat. The glass magnifies and focuses the rays. The rays really do all the hard work. God has come to give us His love and grace- He is radiating towards us through Jesus. He has provided the heat, the love and the power. All it takes is focus. His Word is the mirror/glass and I believe focus is a matter of love.
Focused On Loving God
Matt 22:34-40 When the Pharisees heard how he had bested the Sadducees, they gathered their forces for an assault. 35 One of their religion scholars spoke for them, posing a question they hoped would show him up: 36 "Teacher, which command in God's Law is the most important?"
37 Jesus said, "'Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.' 38 This is the most important, the first on any list. The Message
Loving God is a matter of truth. Whose truth do you love? Our own? Some religious system? Human achievement or development? We should love God because he is The Way, The Truth and The life- beside Him, there is no other God. (Is. 44:6) That is the truth! Loving God is the most focused direction to take in your life. Loving God makes focus a matter of love because with God all that matters is in His love.
Focused On Loving God
Matt 22:34-40 When the Pharisees heard how he had bested the Sadducees, they gathered their forces for an assault. 35 One of their religion scholars spoke for them, posing a question they hoped would show him up: 36 "Teacher, which command in God's Law is the most important?"
37 Jesus said, "'Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.' 38 This is the most important, the first on any list. The Message
Loving God is a matter of truth. Whose truth do you love? Our own? Some religious system? Human achievement or development? We should love God because he is The Way, The Truth and The life- beside Him, there is no other God. (Is. 44:6) That is the truth! Loving God is the most focused direction to take in your life. Loving God makes focus a matter of love because with God all that matters is in His love.
Focused on Loving Our Neighbor As We Love Ourself
39 But there is a second to set alongside it: 'Love others as well as you love yourself.' 40 These two commands are pegs; everything in God's Law and the Prophets hangs from them." The Message
Jesus did not stop at directing us to Love God with all we have. He said to love others as ourself. THAT separates the focused-truth from blurred-religious activity. Anyone can love their group, their idea, and their so-called God- It takes God for us us love our neighbor as ourself...
These are very focused goals. They come from the mouth of Jesus to keep his disciples On-Track, In-Focus ans Looking Straight Ahead!
39 But there is a second to set alongside it: 'Love others as well as you love yourself.' 40 These two commands are pegs; everything in God's Law and the Prophets hangs from them." The Message
Jesus did not stop at directing us to Love God with all we have. He said to love others as ourself. THAT separates the focused-truth from blurred-religious activity. Anyone can love their group, their idea, and their so-called God- It takes God for us us love our neighbor as ourself...
These are very focused goals. They come from the mouth of Jesus to keep his disciples On-Track, In-Focus ans Looking Straight Ahead!
Sidetracks
Sidetracks are Distractions. They are roads without traction. Take one of these and you'll slip and slide all over the map until you are worn-out from exhaustion and vain regrets of time wasted, talent misdirected and treasure squandered. Distractions are off the subject- off The Way- off The Truth- off The Life and off The wall...
Distractions are the things things that prevent someone from giving full attention to something else. We must focus on Jesus, the source and goal of our faith. Heb 12:2 GWT
Let us decide to "Magnify The Lord" and let the the focus of His Holy Spirit burn the fire bright within our hearts. We resist sidetracks in our lives! We repent of any wasted time, talent or treasure- in the name of Jesus. Father, thank you for cleansing me from all unrighteousness and thank you for filling me with Your Holy Spirit to be focused and pointed in the right direction- the direction of Loving You and giving Your love away to my neighbor. I am focused on Jesus!
My focus in this life is matter of my love from You and for you... Amen
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Distractions are the things things that prevent someone from giving full attention to something else. We must focus on Jesus, the source and goal of our faith. Heb 12:2 GWT
Let us decide to "Magnify The Lord" and let the the focus of His Holy Spirit burn the fire bright within our hearts. We resist sidetracks in our lives! We repent of any wasted time, talent or treasure- in the name of Jesus. Father, thank you for cleansing me from all unrighteousness and thank you for filling me with Your Holy Spirit to be focused and pointed in the right direction- the direction of Loving You and giving Your love away to my neighbor. I am focused on Jesus!
My focus in this life is matter of my love from You and for you... Amen
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Called- but Not Raptured
May 21, 2011 was supposed to be The Judgment Day- and The Rapture of true believers up to heaven. It is morning, and we have a few more hours before the supposed- mother of all earthquakes- is supposed to hit the world. It will not happen. People feel the need to do God's work their way so they say a lot of things that are not theirs to say.
1 Thessalonians 4 and 2 Thessalonians 2 are great chapters to read about the "catching away of the church". False prophets do not like to read the whole story. It does not fit their agenda. The Bible, however, does give the promise of the return of Jesus and a 'catching away' of his church. It will not be orchestrated by a radio ministry. It is a little bigger than that.
So another rediculous religious-kook will have disturbed the life of some very impressionable people (that is sad) and maybe cause a few people to stumble and lose hope- which is more sad, but life will go on.
No matter what people say- God is still calling people to Himself!
Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.
...For many are called, but few are chosen. ...Matt 22:9, 14
To be called means to be appointed or invited. God is inviting people to receive His grace, His salvation and the live in accordance with that calling. Many are too busy to answer this call- but they know in their hearts there is a calling. God is calling us today! He is not scaring people with eathquakes. He is not thrilling us with a rapture. He is revealing the work of the cross- God's love that calls us away from our own self-centered agenda to his life-changing call on our lives.
Jesus put it this way: "My food is to do what the one who sent me wants me to do and to finish the work he has given me. John 4:34
and
For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother." Matt 12:50 NKJV
No Rapture today- just The Call of Your life, on your life. Decide to follow Him today!
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1 Thessalonians 4 and 2 Thessalonians 2 are great chapters to read about the "catching away of the church". False prophets do not like to read the whole story. It does not fit their agenda. The Bible, however, does give the promise of the return of Jesus and a 'catching away' of his church. It will not be orchestrated by a radio ministry. It is a little bigger than that.
So another rediculous religious-kook will have disturbed the life of some very impressionable people (that is sad) and maybe cause a few people to stumble and lose hope- which is more sad, but life will go on.
No matter what people say- God is still calling people to Himself!
Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.
...For many are called, but few are chosen. ...Matt 22:9, 14
To be called means to be appointed or invited. God is inviting people to receive His grace, His salvation and the live in accordance with that calling. Many are too busy to answer this call- but they know in their hearts there is a calling. God is calling us today! He is not scaring people with eathquakes. He is not thrilling us with a rapture. He is revealing the work of the cross- God's love that calls us away from our own self-centered agenda to his life-changing call on our lives.
Jesus put it this way: "My food is to do what the one who sent me wants me to do and to finish the work he has given me. John 4:34
and
For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother." Matt 12:50 NKJV
No Rapture today- just The Call of Your life, on your life. Decide to follow Him today!
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Touch Not The Unclean Thing
Gen 1:31 And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good.
Beautiful, best, welfare, prosperity, bountiful, cheerful, ease. All these words describe the word "good"; God saw everything that he had made, and behold it was good. Good things do not make you sick. They do not destroy families, homes, marriages and hope. Good things are beautiful and cheerful. They are for our welfare, our prosperity and they cause us to be at ease. It is more than obvious that things are not the way they were created. Somebody has spoiled the goodness...
Subtle and Not-So- Subtle Influence
Now the serpent was more subtle than than any beast of the field that God had made. The word subtle means to be cunning, crafty, clever. This is the world we live in. Slick crafty advertisements by cunning crafters of double-talk. Never before has the warning: "Buyer Beware!" been more appropriate. The serpent is still on the loose selling his wares in all spheres of life. He has come to make an exchange from all things being very good, to all things being unclean- polluted, defiled, tainted, contaminated. He does't want to take our water from us- he wants to pollute it- just a little bit- so it does not refresh and it slowly erodes the purity of God. God made all things very good- the serpent tries to pollute all these very good things in subtle and not-so-sublte ways.
On one hand he is very subtle because he cannot reveal the fangs of impurity that sink into the undiscerning. He speaks on levels of humanism that promote a false sense of security and the general welfare of all- all the while changing God's pure word.
On the other hand he is not-so-subtle, and even brazen, for he gets to talk all day long. He is protected by decision-makers that have the discernment level of a high ranking Nazi- by that I mean- the protection of the most minute detail of absurdity that protects the large agenda of humanism that hates God. He used to be "the snake in the grass", now he owns the advertisers, much of the educational text books and certainly the politically correctness that erodes the goodness given to us by God. It is happening because The Snake does not have to hide anymore. This is taking place today because it is as true as it was in The Book of Judges: In those days there was no king in Israel but every man did that which was right in his own eyes. Judges 17:6 Without proper leadership, people do whatever comes easiest. For many, in our modern society, they have forsaken the word God and have a self-crafted and self-styled life void of real authority seemigly from their own minds- playing right into the hands of the serpent.
What has it got us? All I need to say is that the biggest problem we had in high schools in the fifties was chewing gum in class- now we have drugs, gang-bangers, weapons, mass murders and in some cases over 50% drop-out rate.
That is alarming! Catastrophic! It can change- and here is how-
WE NEED A KING
We need a king! Not a government-king, an Elvis-king, or any other man-made king. A real King- I am not ranting about democrates, rebublicans and such... I am saying what Paul said in Corinth some 2,000 years ago: Paul told the Corinthian church to come out from among them and be seperate! Touch Not the Unclean Thing. Only a King can speak with that kind of authority and make it stick! The Unclean things are everywhere. It is shameful! To change our nation the way it needs to be changed- we need the word of The King of kings resounding in our hearts: be ye seperate! He did not say segregate- He said separate. My light is needed. My salt is needed. Our influence is needed- just know that the cafty one is lurking around the corner to suck us dry of the Holy Spirit if he can.
We as believers need the word to penetrate our lives so that the light in us has to BE LIGHT! The salt has to BE SALT! We have the greatest King! We have The King of kings! (Rev. 17:14) We have to let The King Reign in our lives like never before! We can't do whatever we want. We do not have the luxury of not forgiving- not praying -not supporting our churches. The price is too high! It's not too late! It's time for revival! It's time for signs and wonders! It's time to NOT TOUCH the unclean things- Touch Not rebellion- Touch not alcohol- Touch not drugs- Touch Not unforgiveness- Touch Not pornography- Touch Not violating your conscience- Touch Not religious role-playing/hypocrisy- The Word of The King can accomplish this higher standard of living-by The Holy Spirit. Jesus said he would baptize us with The Holy Spirit and Fire!!! The Fire of God is greater than any drug- experience; any sin or rebellion known to man!! That is is what separates us from sin!!
Beautiful, best, welfare, prosperity, bountiful, cheerful, ease. All these words describe the word "good"; God saw everything that he had made, and behold it was good. Good things do not make you sick. They do not destroy families, homes, marriages and hope. Good things are beautiful and cheerful. They are for our welfare, our prosperity and they cause us to be at ease. It is more than obvious that things are not the way they were created. Somebody has spoiled the goodness...
Subtle and Not-So- Subtle Influence
Now the serpent was more subtle than than any beast of the field that God had made. The word subtle means to be cunning, crafty, clever. This is the world we live in. Slick crafty advertisements by cunning crafters of double-talk. Never before has the warning: "Buyer Beware!" been more appropriate. The serpent is still on the loose selling his wares in all spheres of life. He has come to make an exchange from all things being very good, to all things being unclean- polluted, defiled, tainted, contaminated. He does't want to take our water from us- he wants to pollute it- just a little bit- so it does not refresh and it slowly erodes the purity of God. God made all things very good- the serpent tries to pollute all these very good things in subtle and not-so-sublte ways.
On one hand he is very subtle because he cannot reveal the fangs of impurity that sink into the undiscerning. He speaks on levels of humanism that promote a false sense of security and the general welfare of all- all the while changing God's pure word.
On the other hand he is not-so-subtle, and even brazen, for he gets to talk all day long. He is protected by decision-makers that have the discernment level of a high ranking Nazi- by that I mean- the protection of the most minute detail of absurdity that protects the large agenda of humanism that hates God. He used to be "the snake in the grass", now he owns the advertisers, much of the educational text books and certainly the politically correctness that erodes the goodness given to us by God. It is happening because The Snake does not have to hide anymore. This is taking place today because it is as true as it was in The Book of Judges: In those days there was no king in Israel but every man did that which was right in his own eyes. Judges 17:6 Without proper leadership, people do whatever comes easiest. For many, in our modern society, they have forsaken the word God and have a self-crafted and self-styled life void of real authority seemigly from their own minds- playing right into the hands of the serpent.
What has it got us? All I need to say is that the biggest problem we had in high schools in the fifties was chewing gum in class- now we have drugs, gang-bangers, weapons, mass murders and in some cases over 50% drop-out rate.
That is alarming! Catastrophic! It can change- and here is how-
WE NEED A KING
We need a king! Not a government-king, an Elvis-king, or any other man-made king. A real King- I am not ranting about democrates, rebublicans and such... I am saying what Paul said in Corinth some 2,000 years ago: Paul told the Corinthian church to come out from among them and be seperate! Touch Not the Unclean Thing. Only a King can speak with that kind of authority and make it stick! The Unclean things are everywhere. It is shameful! To change our nation the way it needs to be changed- we need the word of The King of kings resounding in our hearts: be ye seperate! He did not say segregate- He said separate. My light is needed. My salt is needed. Our influence is needed- just know that the cafty one is lurking around the corner to suck us dry of the Holy Spirit if he can.
We as believers need the word to penetrate our lives so that the light in us has to BE LIGHT! The salt has to BE SALT! We have the greatest King! We have The King of kings! (Rev. 17:14) We have to let The King Reign in our lives like never before! We can't do whatever we want. We do not have the luxury of not forgiving- not praying -not supporting our churches. The price is too high! It's not too late! It's time for revival! It's time for signs and wonders! It's time to NOT TOUCH the unclean things- Touch Not rebellion- Touch not alcohol- Touch not drugs- Touch Not unforgiveness- Touch Not pornography- Touch Not violating your conscience- Touch Not religious role-playing/hypocrisy- The Word of The King can accomplish this higher standard of living-by The Holy Spirit. Jesus said he would baptize us with The Holy Spirit and Fire!!! The Fire of God is greater than any drug- experience; any sin or rebellion known to man!! That is is what separates us from sin!!
The KING Is Our Father
God says: I will be a Father unto you! Ohhhhhhhh yes.... The King is our Father. God doesn't want us to play church- He wants us to be His Church! He will be a Father to us, and we will be his sons and daughters! Wow! That is family. That is what the serpent is after- our families. So many are so hurt and angry- It is because of the erosion of the family. The Snake would like humanism to be everyone's family so he can control us. No!
God is my Father! We are part of His holy family- With a Holy Calling- Lifting up Holy hands without wrath or doubting. The King is my Father- your Father. He calls us to not touch the unclean things. Well, he is our Father, he can tell me what He wants. He has purity for me to drink. I do not need, nor desire, polluted water. Let's pray and receive the power to lift us up and separate us from the unclean things...
Father, I thank you for being King of kings! I place myself under your Kingship! You are a good God! Thank you for your mercy and forgiveness. I repent of the unclean things. Wash me and make me clean by the blood of Jesus. I forsake rebellion, unforgiveness and all that would poison my heart! You are my Father! Jesus is my Lord! I belong to God's Kingdom- Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and Fire- I will come out from among the world and be separate. I will not touch the unclean thing. I am yours. You are my Father. Thank you, In the Name of Jesus!!
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God is my Father! We are part of His holy family- With a Holy Calling- Lifting up Holy hands without wrath or doubting. The King is my Father- your Father. He calls us to not touch the unclean things. Well, he is our Father, he can tell me what He wants. He has purity for me to drink. I do not need, nor desire, polluted water. Let's pray and receive the power to lift us up and separate us from the unclean things...
Father, I thank you for being King of kings! I place myself under your Kingship! You are a good God! Thank you for your mercy and forgiveness. I repent of the unclean things. Wash me and make me clean by the blood of Jesus. I forsake rebellion, unforgiveness and all that would poison my heart! You are my Father! Jesus is my Lord! I belong to God's Kingdom- Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and Fire- I will come out from among the world and be separate. I will not touch the unclean thing. I am yours. You are my Father. Thank you, In the Name of Jesus!!
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Wear -Resistant Souls pt.2
Deut 29:5-6 For forty years God has led you through the wilderness, yet your clothes haven't become old, and your shoes haven't worn out! TLB
We said in part one that The Israelite shoes lasted longer than their souls. Their shoes lasted forty years, their souls were worn after one month! God protected the soles of their feet, but they would not let him protect their souls.
Protected Souls Do Not Wear-Out
It is interesting that in Psalm 107:5 it says ... hungry and thirsty their soul fainted in them. Yet, in verses 8-9 Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! For he satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness. All they had to do was wait on God by worshiping Him and they would have been protected and provided for. Their souls would not have worn down. Circumstances wear on our souls. God's Spirit refreshes our soul when we wait on Him! We have a choice to : Wait On or Wear Out-
Wait on God-praise him, worship him for his wonderful works to the children of men!!
Wear out- Oh there is no food, no water. We are going to die. I knew we should have stayed in Egypt.
We said in part one that The Israelite shoes lasted longer than their souls. Their shoes lasted forty years, their souls were worn after one month! God protected the soles of their feet, but they would not let him protect their souls.
Protected Souls Do Not Wear-Out
It is interesting that in Psalm 107:5 it says ... hungry and thirsty their soul fainted in them. Yet, in verses 8-9 Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! For he satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness. All they had to do was wait on God by worshiping Him and they would have been protected and provided for. Their souls would not have worn down. Circumstances wear on our souls. God's Spirit refreshes our soul when we wait on Him! We have a choice to : Wait On or Wear Out-
Wait on God-praise him, worship him for his wonderful works to the children of men!!
Wear out- Oh there is no food, no water. We are going to die. I knew we should have stayed in Egypt.
No Worse For The Wear
The Grand Canyon has endured wear for millennia. It is no worse for the wear, in fact, it is most beautiful because of the wear. Paul says in Romans eight: Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written:
"For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter." Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Rom 8:35-38 NKJV In All These Things We Are More Than Conquerors!
Paul now goes on to list all the things that CANNOT SEPARATE US from the love of God! I'm absolutely convinced that nothing * nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable -Romans 8:38-39 the message bible None of these things have the power to overcome a person who is protected by God and His love! It wasn't the desert that was wearing out the Israelites- (Pharaoh was doing a good job of that in Egypt) it was their lack of faith and trust- their lack of relationship with Him that was wearing them out.
"For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter." Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Rom 8:35-38 NKJV In All These Things We Are More Than Conquerors!
Paul now goes on to list all the things that CANNOT SEPARATE US from the love of God! I'm absolutely convinced that nothing * nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable -Romans 8:38-39 the message bible None of these things have the power to overcome a person who is protected by God and His love! It wasn't the desert that was wearing out the Israelites- (Pharaoh was doing a good job of that in Egypt) it was their lack of faith and trust- their lack of relationship with Him that was wearing them out.
It Is Well With My Soul
Ps 92:12-15
2 But the godly shall flourish like palm trees and grow tall as the cedars of Lebanon. 13 For they are transplanted into the Lord's own garden and are under his personal care. 14 Even in old age they will still produce fruit and be vital and green. 15 This honors the Lord and exhibits his faithful care.
The Date Palm is probably the oldest fruit-bearing tree in the world. God likens us to the palm tree- even in their old age they will
1. still produce fruit
2. be vital
3. be green If God can cause us to be fruitful, vital, and full of life in our oldest age-- then He can keep our soul strong and wear-resistant for us to get to that place!
2 But the godly shall flourish like palm trees and grow tall as the cedars of Lebanon. 13 For they are transplanted into the Lord's own garden and are under his personal care. 14 Even in old age they will still produce fruit and be vital and green. 15 This honors the Lord and exhibits his faithful care.
The Date Palm is probably the oldest fruit-bearing tree in the world. God likens us to the palm tree- even in their old age they will
1. still produce fruit
2. be vital
3. be green If God can cause us to be fruitful, vital, and full of life in our oldest age-- then He can keep our soul strong and wear-resistant for us to get to that place!
No more holes in our souls!
No more holes in our souls! Our Great Shepherd RESTORES our soul, and causes us to flourish like the palm tree!
We are going to Wait on God so our souls do not wear out.
We are wear-resistant because of the keeping power of the love of God.
It is well with our soul because the Lord is good and mercy endures forever...
Father, thank You for Your keeping power in my life! My soul does not have to wear-out! My soul can magnify The Lord! My soul can Bless The Lord! My soul can be as a watered garden (Jer. 31:12) and give you glory!. For the areas that have been worn and tattered from the storms of life, I trust You to restore my soul. I trust you to restore all that has worn on me! Thank You Lord! I will live out my days in Your provision and protection in the Name of Jesus! It is well with my soul. Amen
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We are going to Wait on God so our souls do not wear out.
We are wear-resistant because of the keeping power of the love of God.
It is well with our soul because the Lord is good and mercy endures forever...
Father, thank You for Your keeping power in my life! My soul does not have to wear-out! My soul can magnify The Lord! My soul can Bless The Lord! My soul can be as a watered garden (Jer. 31:12) and give you glory!. For the areas that have been worn and tattered from the storms of life, I trust You to restore my soul. I trust you to restore all that has worn on me! Thank You Lord! I will live out my days in Your provision and protection in the Name of Jesus! It is well with my soul. Amen
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Wear-Resistant Souls pt. one
For forty years God has led you through the wilderness, yet your clothes haven't become old, and your shoes haven't worn out! Deut 29:5-6 TLB
I was thinking about this this morning when this thought came to me- in the children of Israel's 40 year journey through the wilderness- their souls wore out before their soles.
I worked for a man who would say to the crew: "It used to be that ships were made of wood and men were made of steel. Now Ships are made of steel and men are made of wood." God did not make us to wear-out under our assignment.
It is not the storms of life that wear out our soul,
it's the life of the storm in our soul that takes it's toll...
We do not live by storms alone- we live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. The way some talk you would think that the only thing happening in their life is a storm. In the midst of a powerful storm that jeopardized the ship and the entire crew, the apostle Paul stood up and said: I believe God- for it shall even be as it was told me. Acts 27:25 Paul knew God, and he knew there was there was More God than storm! He knew from God- for his soul and for every soul on the ship- that every thing was going to be OK! Great storms do not defeat people. A soul that does not call on God defeats people. What we believe about God will save us!
There is no doubt that this life can be tough, unfair and at times disappointing. That is when we must recall the words of Jesus: These things I have spoken unto you that In me you might have peace. In the world you will have tribulation: but be of good cheer; for I have overcome the world. John 16:33 Peace, Inner peace that comes from God- it surpasses all understanding. It belongs to believers. It keeps our hearts and minds refreshed like nothing else...
Soul Restoration
Ps 23:3 He restores my soul; Thank God He does restore our soul! To restore means to bring back, refresh, recover, relieve-- It can also mean to reverse. It is good to know that even if you have been in a funk-spiritually- God can restore us! He can reverse it! Our mind, our will and our emotions can be replenished and refreshed with the well-spring from on high. The cool waters of The Holy Spirit can bring healing and vitalization for renewed energy and vision! That is God's Power at work in us!
I was thinking about this this morning when this thought came to me- in the children of Israel's 40 year journey through the wilderness- their souls wore out before their soles.
I worked for a man who would say to the crew: "It used to be that ships were made of wood and men were made of steel. Now Ships are made of steel and men are made of wood." God did not make us to wear-out under our assignment.
It is not the storms of life that wear out our soul,
it's the life of the storm in our soul that takes it's toll...
We do not live by storms alone- we live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. The way some talk you would think that the only thing happening in their life is a storm. In the midst of a powerful storm that jeopardized the ship and the entire crew, the apostle Paul stood up and said: I believe God- for it shall even be as it was told me. Acts 27:25 Paul knew God, and he knew there was there was More God than storm! He knew from God- for his soul and for every soul on the ship- that every thing was going to be OK! Great storms do not defeat people. A soul that does not call on God defeats people. What we believe about God will save us!
There is no doubt that this life can be tough, unfair and at times disappointing. That is when we must recall the words of Jesus: These things I have spoken unto you that In me you might have peace. In the world you will have tribulation: but be of good cheer; for I have overcome the world. John 16:33 Peace, Inner peace that comes from God- it surpasses all understanding. It belongs to believers. It keeps our hearts and minds refreshed like nothing else...
Soul Restoration
Ps 23:3 He restores my soul; Thank God He does restore our soul! To restore means to bring back, refresh, recover, relieve-- It can also mean to reverse. It is good to know that even if you have been in a funk-spiritually- God can restore us! He can reverse it! Our mind, our will and our emotions can be replenished and refreshed with the well-spring from on high. The cool waters of The Holy Spirit can bring healing and vitalization for renewed energy and vision! That is God's Power at work in us!
Well-Worn Souls
Some souls are worn out because they are not being protected by God. Israelite shoes lasted 40 years in the desert, but their souls were worn-out the first month!- Exodus 16:1-2 They spoke against Moses and Aaron saying that they were brought out of Egypt to be killed with starvation. Living on this earth will wear your soul out. We used to play a lot of basketball on outdoor courts. Many of these courts were made of cheap cement. You could wear-out the soles of your shoes in a month! The court was gritty and rough. This life is like that. It wears on you if you do not do something about it!
The Psalmist said: Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul? Why are you crying the blues? Fix my eyes on God * soon I'll be praising again. He puts a smile on my face. He's my God. Ps 43:5 THE MESSAGE You see, David faced a myriad of rough conditions, but He knew the answer was to FIX HIS EYES ON GOD! We know our soul will face the dumps and want to sing the blues, but our Spirit is born again and will not allow the condition of our soul to STAY THAT WAY! When you know something about God to FIX ON- then your soul will have refuge in times of trouble. I will be praising again- He puts a smile on my face! He's My God!
What we believe about God is what will reduce and eliminate wear on our souls! We are wear-resistant when we know who our God is and what He can and will do- Declare Who He Is Today!
Father, I choose to fix my eyes on Jesus- He is my help. Thank you for the gift of The Holy Spirit- He is my Helper! I will say of You Lord- You are my refuge, my fortress, my God-in You will I trust! I will not compromise in the midst of a storm. You are my peace. I will lift my hands and praise You for I will be praising You! You will put a smile on my face! You are My God!
The Psalmist said: Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul? Why are you crying the blues? Fix my eyes on God * soon I'll be praising again. He puts a smile on my face. He's my God. Ps 43:5 THE MESSAGE You see, David faced a myriad of rough conditions, but He knew the answer was to FIX HIS EYES ON GOD! We know our soul will face the dumps and want to sing the blues, but our Spirit is born again and will not allow the condition of our soul to STAY THAT WAY! When you know something about God to FIX ON- then your soul will have refuge in times of trouble. I will be praising again- He puts a smile on my face! He's My God!
What we believe about God is what will reduce and eliminate wear on our souls! We are wear-resistant when we know who our God is and what He can and will do- Declare Who He Is Today!
Father, I choose to fix my eyes on Jesus- He is my help. Thank you for the gift of The Holy Spirit- He is my Helper! I will say of You Lord- You are my refuge, my fortress, my God-in You will I trust! I will not compromise in the midst of a storm. You are my peace. I will lift my hands and praise You for I will be praising You! You will put a smile on my face! You are My God!
Resurrection Power, Yess!
In all the realms of life: spirit, soul, body, financial, social I can only think of one day, one event, one strategic moment in history that stands head and shoulders above all others. It was the day when God marshaled all his love, faithfulness, veracity and compassion-mixed them together with His stored up power, his ruling-governing power, his operative power and pushed aside every stone that blocked mankind's freedom from accusation, humiliation, condemnation, sickness, disease, inferiority, prejudice, injustice and inadequacy.
He flexed His so-called muscles and absolutely annihilated, sin, the power of sin, death, hell, the grave, demons, Satan and his kingdom of selfishness, pride, greed, rebellion, witchcraft, pornography, slavery and sedition... Wuest Translation calls it The Superabounding Greatness of His Inherent Power and it is to us who believe. Believing The Message makes all the difference in the world.
Read It and Rejoice
And what is the superabounding greatness of His inherent power to us who are believing ones as measured by the operative energy of the manifested strength of His might, which (might) was operative in the Christ when He raised Him out from among the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places. Ephesians 1:19-20 Wuest You can't make that up. It is what the human condition needs. It is exactly the power that can blow the strongholds completely out of our minds and raise us up to walk in newness of life! (Rom 6:4)
Receive this resurrection power today! Don't delay, and do not fear. He is Risen to back every word up!
Lord, I receive Your Resurrection Power today. I receive the gift of righteousness that I may reign as a king in this life. I receive Jesus to live inside me- to live Big inside me! I recieve the resurrection power of The Holy Spirit to enable me to live as a new creature- Old things are passed away, all things are now new. I am forgiven, blessed and chosen to make the devil's day his living hell and make My Father's day full of praise and rejoicing. Thank you for giving me Your life. I am free from sin, sickness and bondage. Thank you Loving Father, in the Name of Jesus-So Be It----
He flexed His so-called muscles and absolutely annihilated, sin, the power of sin, death, hell, the grave, demons, Satan and his kingdom of selfishness, pride, greed, rebellion, witchcraft, pornography, slavery and sedition... Wuest Translation calls it The Superabounding Greatness of His Inherent Power and it is to us who believe. Believing The Message makes all the difference in the world.
Read It and Rejoice
And what is the superabounding greatness of His inherent power to us who are believing ones as measured by the operative energy of the manifested strength of His might, which (might) was operative in the Christ when He raised Him out from among the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places. Ephesians 1:19-20 Wuest You can't make that up. It is what the human condition needs. It is exactly the power that can blow the strongholds completely out of our minds and raise us up to walk in newness of life! (Rom 6:4)
Receive this resurrection power today! Don't delay, and do not fear. He is Risen to back every word up!
Lord, I receive Your Resurrection Power today. I receive the gift of righteousness that I may reign as a king in this life. I receive Jesus to live inside me- to live Big inside me! I recieve the resurrection power of The Holy Spirit to enable me to live as a new creature- Old things are passed away, all things are now new. I am forgiven, blessed and chosen to make the devil's day his living hell and make My Father's day full of praise and rejoicing. Thank you for giving me Your life. I am free from sin, sickness and bondage. Thank you Loving Father, in the Name of Jesus-So Be It----
Good Friday
Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man would have to suffer a lot. He taught them that he would be rejected by the leaders, the chief priests, and the scribes. He would be killed, but after three days he would come back to life. He told them very clearly what he meant. Mark 8:31-32 GWT
Agony, suffering, sorrow, blood and death- This is what Good Friday is all about. Good Friday is the day the Christian Church remembers the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus. It is amazing how plain Jesus spoke of His mission. He knew what was going to happen and He told His disciples EXACTLY what would take place.
Redemption
It is amazing how the onlooking world and even the Christian Church interprets Good Friday. Many see the agony and suffering and feel sorry for Jesus. Some look and say: 'See, this is what happens to good people.' Others look at His suffering and say: 'This is what we all must go though to live for God.' The real message of the suffering and crucifixion is Redemption! Jesus came to Redeem us back to God.
Jesus was not a martyr, in the social sense of the word. He is The Savior! He came to save us from our sins! He is the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world! The Prophet Isaiah saw this 700 years before the cross: Isa 53:4-5
He certainly has taken upon himself our suffering
and carried our sorrows,
but we thought that God had wounded him,
beat him, and punished him.
He was wounded for our rebellious acts.
He was crushed for our sins.
He was punished so that we could have peace,
and we received healing from his wounds.
Wow! Jesus suffered all of this for you and me! Every blow, every slash, every insult, every stripe--was for me and you. He died for our rebellious actions. He took it away from us-paid for it and gives us total and complete forgiveness.
Now we know what to do with all the junk that happens in our lives--receive His Redemption, cast it on him and walk in his freedom. This means we deal with every single detail of every problem head-on-- through the redemptive work of Jesus-- and true cleansing takes place. Real forgiveness is received and salvation is a way of life. Our Savior really saves!
May this be the greatest redemptive Good Friday you have ever experienced! Let His suffering, agony, spilled blood and death be the very things that heal us, bring forgiveness, wholeness and JOY into our lives! BY HIS STRIPES WE ARE HEALED!
Agony, suffering, sorrow, blood and death- This is what Good Friday is all about. Good Friday is the day the Christian Church remembers the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus. It is amazing how plain Jesus spoke of His mission. He knew what was going to happen and He told His disciples EXACTLY what would take place.
Redemption
It is amazing how the onlooking world and even the Christian Church interprets Good Friday. Many see the agony and suffering and feel sorry for Jesus. Some look and say: 'See, this is what happens to good people.' Others look at His suffering and say: 'This is what we all must go though to live for God.' The real message of the suffering and crucifixion is Redemption! Jesus came to Redeem us back to God.
Jesus was not a martyr, in the social sense of the word. He is The Savior! He came to save us from our sins! He is the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world! The Prophet Isaiah saw this 700 years before the cross: Isa 53:4-5
He certainly has taken upon himself our suffering
and carried our sorrows,
but we thought that God had wounded him,
beat him, and punished him.
He was wounded for our rebellious acts.
He was crushed for our sins.
He was punished so that we could have peace,
and we received healing from his wounds.
Wow! Jesus suffered all of this for you and me! Every blow, every slash, every insult, every stripe--was for me and you. He died for our rebellious actions. He took it away from us-paid for it and gives us total and complete forgiveness.
Now we know what to do with all the junk that happens in our lives--receive His Redemption, cast it on him and walk in his freedom. This means we deal with every single detail of every problem head-on-- through the redemptive work of Jesus-- and true cleansing takes place. Real forgiveness is received and salvation is a way of life. Our Savior really saves!
May this be the greatest redemptive Good Friday you have ever experienced! Let His suffering, agony, spilled blood and death be the very things that heal us, bring forgiveness, wholeness and JOY into our lives! BY HIS STRIPES WE ARE HEALED!
Under The Carpet or Under The Blood?
Ps 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
"Those who say they will forgive but can't forget simply bury the hatchet but leave the handle out for immediate use.”
Forgiveness of sins is a powerful message in The Bible. It is basic, but difficult at the same time. Basic, because it is the beginning point of God's dealings with mankind. Difficult, because when it involves us on a personal level, it can challenge the depth of our relationship with God.
All forgiveness starts with God. God has determined that He will be merciful to our unrighteousness: For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. Heb 8:12 THAT is almost unbelievable! It sounds like God is just SSSSSWWWEEEPPPING everything under the carpet and just letting his creation just willy-nilly go for a joy-ride! It might be so if it had not been for the price paid for the sin, any sin in question.
In the mind of God nothing is swept under any carpet. Every thought, word and deed is to be dealt with. Sin must be judged. The good news is that sin has been judged: Isa 53:5 He was wounded for our rebellious acts. He was crushed for our sins. He was punished so that we could have peace, and we received healing from his wounds. GWT Since Jesus has already dealt with it, now we must deal with it- His Way.
Confession of Sin
God says: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 Sin leaves by way of our confession of it. We are told to name the sin and confess it to God. It leaves the moment we confess it. Someone might ask: Is it THAT simple? The answer is yes! Some might think that it is too simple. Well, you might want to ask Jesus if it was THAT simple. The gift of forgiveness cost Jesus his life. It cost The Father all he had; His Son.
"Those who say they will forgive but can't forget simply bury the hatchet but leave the handle out for immediate use.”
Forgiveness of sins is a powerful message in The Bible. It is basic, but difficult at the same time. Basic, because it is the beginning point of God's dealings with mankind. Difficult, because when it involves us on a personal level, it can challenge the depth of our relationship with God.
All forgiveness starts with God. God has determined that He will be merciful to our unrighteousness: For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. Heb 8:12 THAT is almost unbelievable! It sounds like God is just SSSSSWWWEEEPPPING everything under the carpet and just letting his creation just willy-nilly go for a joy-ride! It might be so if it had not been for the price paid for the sin, any sin in question.
In the mind of God nothing is swept under any carpet. Every thought, word and deed is to be dealt with. Sin must be judged. The good news is that sin has been judged: Isa 53:5 He was wounded for our rebellious acts. He was crushed for our sins. He was punished so that we could have peace, and we received healing from his wounds. GWT Since Jesus has already dealt with it, now we must deal with it- His Way.
Confession of Sin
God says: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 Sin leaves by way of our confession of it. We are told to name the sin and confess it to God. It leaves the moment we confess it. Someone might ask: Is it THAT simple? The answer is yes! Some might think that it is too simple. Well, you might want to ask Jesus if it was THAT simple. The gift of forgiveness cost Jesus his life. It cost The Father all he had; His Son.
No More Skeletons
You see, forgiveness starts with God paying the price for all sin. The old saying: to err is human, to forgive is divine is really true. Only God has the full capacity to forgive all sin. We must get our forgiveness for others from him. We are exhorted to... be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. Eph 5:1-2
Imitators of God forgive as God forgives. The Apostle Paul wrote: Be kind to each other, sympathetic, forgiving each other as God has forgiven you through Christ. Eph 4:32 GWT People have skeletons in their closet because they do not have the power nor the strength to face thier skeletons. True forgiveness gives you the power and the strength to not repeat the sin. Jesus said to the woman caught in the act of adultry: Woman, where are those who accuse you? no one has condemned you? She said, No one, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn you: go, and sin no more. John 8:10-11 That is powerful forgiveness- the power to sin no more.
Jesus did not use condemnation and guilt to make her change. Forgiveness received is power to change! Condemntion is man's way of holding people in prison for their deeds. God is merciful to our unrighteousness!!! He remembers our sin no more!
We can declare war on all skeletons! We can clean under every rug! Let's face the junk, confess it to God and receive real Bible forgiveness!! It will cleanse our hearts and give us the power to live ABOVE the power of sin...
Col 1:13-14 God has rescued us from the power of darkness and has brought us into the kingdom of his Son, whom he loves. 14 His Son paid the price to free us, which means that our sins are forgiven. That is the good news! Pass it on...
Imitators of God forgive as God forgives. The Apostle Paul wrote: Be kind to each other, sympathetic, forgiving each other as God has forgiven you through Christ. Eph 4:32 GWT People have skeletons in their closet because they do not have the power nor the strength to face thier skeletons. True forgiveness gives you the power and the strength to not repeat the sin. Jesus said to the woman caught in the act of adultry: Woman, where are those who accuse you? no one has condemned you? She said, No one, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn you: go, and sin no more. John 8:10-11 That is powerful forgiveness- the power to sin no more.
Jesus did not use condemnation and guilt to make her change. Forgiveness received is power to change! Condemntion is man's way of holding people in prison for their deeds. God is merciful to our unrighteousness!!! He remembers our sin no more!
We can declare war on all skeletons! We can clean under every rug! Let's face the junk, confess it to God and receive real Bible forgiveness!! It will cleanse our hearts and give us the power to live ABOVE the power of sin...
Col 1:13-14 God has rescued us from the power of darkness and has brought us into the kingdom of his Son, whom he loves. 14 His Son paid the price to free us, which means that our sins are forgiven. That is the good news! Pass it on...
Double Portion
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by pastor ed
Isa 61:7 You will receive a double measure of wealth instead of your shame. You will sing about your wealth instead of being disgraced. That is why you will have a double measure of wealth in your land. You will have everlasting joy. GOD'S WORD Translation 
The Year 2011 will be a year of double portion for the people of God who have persevered in spite of what they have gone through. Isaiah said instead of shame you shall receive a double portion of wealth. You will sing about your wealth instead of being disgraced. Isaiah begins this chapter talking about the outpouring of The Holy Spirit.: . . . It is The Outpouring of The Holy Spirit that makes possible these radical changes in our lives. Jesus accomplished the work of redemption. He defeated the powers of darkness and opened wide the floodgates of God's Grace and Mercy to those in need-- If you have shame, If you have any feelings of disgrace--GOOD NEWS! God's double Portion can replace those conditions. You are a Priest of The Lord (verse six); The Servant of God! The Outpouring makes all the difference! Allow His Spirit to fill us to overflowing and see the salvation of God. We need to respond to this grace by lifting our hands and raising our voices of thanksgiving! By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. (Heb 13:15). This is how we engage our God, or receive from Him this blessed outpouring of favor! Favor is a hard human concept. That is why it must be received from The Spirit of God through Jesus! It is spiritual based upon grace which is by faith! Our carnal nature cannot fathom the depths of His grace, but our inner man can! We are new creatures. We can grasp, comprehend and receive the things of the Spirit! (1 Cor . 2:14) The mind of Christ within us rejoices and takes hold of every promise of God! Let us lay hold on eternal life and receive double portion for this year! It is God's provision for those with His Heavenly vision... |
2011: Living in the Land of Double The Land of Double
by pastor sherrie
Isaiah 61:7 Announces the replacement of Double Honor for shame and confusion replaced with rejoicing. In your land you shall possess double! Last year , 2010, was spoken to us by heaven to be a Year of Grace. His grace would mark the events of that year. We found that only by grace were we able to stand
God once again has given us a specific proclamation for a whole year. A Year of Double Portion! This year is to be a year of double portion. God is rewarding those who stood and said, (in spite of circumstances) "His Grace was sufficient!" It is one thing to mentally agree and recieve A Year of Double Portion. It is another to Prepare ourselves to experience it. I believe in coming out of a trying year of circumstances we MUST cast off a spirit of heaviness- that starts first in our thinking!! Draw A Line We must Draw a line that seperates 2010 from 2011. If we sit at the feet of The Master and let Him paint a picture of double portion in our hearts, then we will see what he sees for us! Let that picture change the way you think about 2011. We need to repent if our words have been stout against the Lord.(Malachi 3:13-14) We need to repent just as Job repented of his opinions and lack of understanding over his 9-month course of events that he went through if it applies to us! (Job 42:1-17) In some ways, we have gone through a year that was hard to understand and see the light within, but just as The Book of Job is followed by the Book of Psalms (the book of songs, praises) so has the Lord called us to sing a New Song! Ps 98:1 O, sing unto the Lord a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory. -A song not referencing the things of the past... -A song talking and rejoicing in the new... Spending time with Jesus will allow us to see it so then we can talk of it. Job said: I had heard of You [only] by the hearing of the ear, but now my [spiritual] eye sees You. Job 42:5 AMP May the power of the Holy Spirit do a mighty work within each of our hearts to rejoice and proclaim this mighty New Year of Double Portion! |
