Friday, April 30, 2010

THE POWER OF PRAISE

Saturday, May 1, 2010
Psalm 19:1-3
The heavens declare the glory of GOD, and the firmament showeth His handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge. There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard.
Have you ever thought that when you praise GOD, you are actually joining your voice with the Universe as it praises GOD. Day and night it praises the creator GOD with a resounding song of praise. The whole Universe knows the creator and the love which caused all things to live. Every living being has the witness of GOD within and without. Look at all that GOD has created! Look at the wonderful attention He has paid to every detail of every living thing. It is awesome.
There is no person who can not understand the language of the Universe. It is the handiwork of GOD and shows us great beauty every moment of every day and night. All, yes, ALL creation praises GOD and lifts up its voice to sing the song of Love to the LORD.
JOIN YOUR VOICE WITH ALL OF CREATION AND SING UNTO HIM THE SONG OF PRAISE

Thursday, April 29, 2010

THE POWER OF PRAISE

Friday, April 30, 2010
Psalm 9:1-4
I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will show forth all thy marvelous works. I will be glad and rejoice in thee; I will sing praise to thy Name, O thou Most High. When mine enemies are turned back, they shall fall and perish at thy presence. For thou hast maintained my right and my cause; thou didst sit on the throne judging right.
The bottom line of the power of praise is where you put your focus. Are you looking at GOD? or Are you looking at your circumstances? When Peter was called by the LORD to walk on the water, and join JESUS as He walked on the sea. Peter was able to walk on water, as long as he kept his eyes on JESUS. When Peter looked at the storm, he sank. As long as we are praising GOD with our whole heart, not double-thinking, we will be able to rise above the troubles and the enemies around us. If we look at the enemies, or try to find them under the nearest rock, we will sink into darkness, because we lost focus.
Praise, rejoicing, singing the glad songs unto the LORD, keeps the times of our life in the Mighty Hand of the Most High GOD. He maintains our right and our cause. The enemies fall back and perish at His presence, just like the soldiers and people who came to take JESUS in the Garden of Gethsemane. When JESUS said: "I AM He." the soldiers fell backward. There is great power in the Name of the LORD, He is the Great I AM. When we praise the Name of the LORD, that power is ours from Him.
I heard a statement which touched me deeply, "Darkness is the praise of Lucifer; praise of the LORD brings light, because GOD will arise." Let GOD arise and let His enemies be scattered. Check your focus; keep your eyes on the LORD; honor Him; magnify Him; glorify Him and make music in your heart unto the LORD.
I WILL BLESS THE LORD AT ALL TIMES, HIS PRAISE SHALL CONTINUALLY BE IN MY MOUTH.

THE POWER OF PRAISE

Thursday April 29, 2010
II Chronicles 20: 20b-22
Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem. Believe in the LORD your GOD, so shall ye be established; believe His prophets, so shall ye prosper. And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD, who should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say: "Praise the LORD; for His mercy endureth forever". And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set an ambush against the children of Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir, who were come against Judah; and they were smitten.
"Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem. Believe in the LORD your GOD." This is the foundation of victory over any enemy who tries to kill, steal and destroy you or your family. Believe that the LORD is Almighty and will save His people and bless His inheritance. He will govern them and lift them up forever. The LORD will establish you and the LORD will prosper you who believe in Him. The LORD will bring down the enemy and the avenger for His Holy Name sake. Praise the LORD; for His mercy endureth forever.
Notice, in the portion of Scripture, that the singers went out before the army to praise the LORD and sing of the "beauty of Holiness" and as they sang praise to GOD, the enemy attacked itself and were fighting against themselves and they defeated each other. That day, non of the Children of Judah and Jerusalem fell. The LORD defended His people and the enemy was smitten.
SING PRAISES TO THE LORD; FOR HIS MERCY ENDURETH FOREVER.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

THE POWER OF PRAISE

Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Psalm 144:1,2
Blessed be the LORD, my strength, who teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight; my goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and He in whom I trust, who subdueth my people under me.
There are two phrases which need some defining for understanding: "hands to war", which in the Rabbinical sources means, hand-to-hand combat; "fingers to fight" is the technique for throwing the spear. What David is saying is that the LORD gives strength to physically fight the enemy in a close battle and to have the skill to prevent the enemy from a distance, through skillful use of weapons. David also sees something deeper than the physical encounter with enemies, he sees that the LORD is his defence so that He will fight the battles, He will shelter, shield and will be a wall of protection around His sons and daughters. The LORD will fight the battle so that David will not be engaged in combat on the physical level. This being so, David is still prepared to do physical battle with excellence, if needed.
The strongest word in this Psalm is "trust". David put his trust in the LORD. Out of that trust came great praise and strong faith. David also declares that his goodness comes from the LORD. Everything about him is the direct result of the grace of GOD. He knows that the LORD is Almighty and can end the march of the enemies with one stroke of the hand. This trust makes David strong and praise of GOD is continually in his mouth. The more David grows in his trust and faith, the higher and moreconsistent is his praise. Let us be like David and trust the LORD to defend us and let the praises of Him, who is our strength, ever be in our heart.
PRAISE YE THE LORD! SING HIGH PRAISES TO THE ROCK OF OUR SALVATION!

THE POWER OF PRAISE

Tuesday April 27, 2010
Isaiah 30:29-32
Ye shall have a song, as in the night when a holy solemnity is kept; and gladness of heart, as when one goeth with a flute to come into the mountain of the LORD, to the Mighty ONE of Israel. And the LORD shall cause His glorious voice to be heard, and shall show the lightning down of His arm, with indignation of His anger, and with the flame of a devouring fire, with scattering, and tempest, and hailstones. For through the voice of the LORD shall the Assyrians be beaten down, who smote with a rod. And every place where the grounded staff shall pass, which the LORD shall lay upon him, it shall be with timbrels and harps; and in battles of shaking will He fight with it.

The Power of Praise for the Living GOD brings His might and strength into the situations which we face in our life. GOD fights for us and defeats the enemy with might and strength. When we sing to the LORD; when we shout HIS praises; when we play to HIM with the musical instruments of joy and gladness; when high praise issues forth from our mouth at all times; then He will fight for us.
The first verse of this passage speaks about a song sung in the night season, when it is still and we are in deep prayer, going up to the Mountain of the LORD, to the Mighty ONE. This type of prayer and praise issues forth from the depth of the heart. It is the powerful praise of prayer within the deep places of the heart. Our heart touches the Heart of GOD with a song and the melody of instruments. We make melody in our heart unto the LORD.
The LORD hears our praise; He sees the enemy around us, stalking us and making plans for our destruction. Then GOD goes to war for us in His anger, with fire, lightning, hailstones, tempest and He will scatter the enemy and devour them and their plans.
PRAISE YE THE LORD, PRAISE GOD WITH HIGHEST PRAISE!
HE IS THE LORD, GOD ALMIGHTY.
PRAISE YE THE LORD!

Sunday, April 25, 2010

THE POWER OF PRAISE

Monday, April 26, 2010
Psalm 34:1-3
I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the LORD; the humble shall hear of it and be glad. Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His Name together.

Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks, therefore, when your heart if fixed on the LORD, praise is a natural outpouring. It is wise to have a daily heart-check to see where your heart is focused. A divided heart, has trouble continually praising GOD, so our task is to keep our heart in close relationship with GOD.
Psalm 1 tells us: Do not walk in the council of the ungodly, or stand in the way of sinners, or sit in the seat of the scornful. Delight in the LORD and meditate on His Word. This is a very strong key to keeping the heart in close relationship with GOD. Your environment must be Godly and your delight should be in the Word of the LORD.
To put it simply, have Godly associations, read the Scripture and pray to the LORD.
Remember that praise is: 1. Commanded by GOD; 2. Glorifies GOD; 3. Pleases GOD; 4. Progresses higher; 5. Is a weapon; 6. Opens doors.
The Apostle Paul tells us to "Pray without ceasing". "Praise continually in the mouth" is praise without ceasing.
LET US EXALT HIS NAME TOGETHER


THE POWER OF PRAISE

Monday, April 26,2010
Psalm 34:1-3
I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the LORD; the humble shall hear of it, and be glad. Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together.
Praise has a progression which depends on the condition of the heart. Some will praise GOD only in good times; some will praise daily; some nightly; some weekly; some six times a day. It all depends on the focus of the heart. If I am serving the LORD with my whole heart, not a divided heart which tries to serves GOD and mammon,"I will praise the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.". If I am serving with a divided heart, I will praise the LORD when I think about Him or when I am in the company of worshippers of GOD. It is very profitable for us to be continually checking out heart-focus to see where we are in relationship to GOD. Those who have their heart fixed on the LORD will utter praise without ceasing.

Psalm 1 tells us that we are to walk not in the council of the ungodly or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of the scornful. Our delight is to be in the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth. When we delight in HIM, He will receive our praises and bless us with abundance. The people with whom we are associated make a difference in how we focus our heart. The environment has a strong effect on our praise. It takes strength to stay focused on GOD in an ungodly setting. Choose your company wisely, choose those who give Godly council and strengthen you in all goodness. Choose wisely, beloved.

Remember that Praise is: 1. Commanded by GOD; 2. Glorifies God; 3. Pleases GOD; 4. Progresses to higher levels; 5. A weapon; 6. Opens doors.

LET US PRAISE AND EXALT HIS NAME TOGETHER

Friday, April 23, 2010

THE POWER OF PRAISE

Saturday, April 24, 2010
Psalm 149: 1-6
Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, and His praise in the congregation of saints. Let Israel rejoice in Him who made him; let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. Let them praise his Name in the dance; let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp. For the LORD taketh pleasure in His people; He will beautify the meek with salvation. Let the saints be joyful in glory; let them sing aloud upon their beds. Let the high praises of GOD be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand.

Psalm 150:6 says: Let everything that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.

To GOD belongs all praise and glory, there is no time when we should be silent. There should be praise in our heart or mind continually. The Psalms give us the understanding that all instruments, song and dance are part of the tapestry of praise. At no time should we "sit on our hands"; we should raise them in great acts of praise. The LORD takes great pleasure in the praise of the people and "He will beautify the meek with salvation". The LORD desires to lavish good things on His people and show them love beyond our imagination. We open the gates with praise.

This Psalm also says that the inhabitants of Heaven, the saints, are joyful in glory. They sing and praise the LORD with their mouth. Since the "two-edged sword" is the Word of GOD, I think that this is the song book of the saints in Glory. They sing the Scripture with a loud voice and even when they are on their beds they sing praises to GOD.

Verses 7-9 indicate that the praise of the LORD by the people of GOD, both in the earth and in the heavens, as they sing the Scripture, becomes a weapon that defeats all the work of darkness. It pulls down strongholds and binds kings in chains and nobles in fetters. In verse 9b it says that "This honor have all His saints", to execute the judgement written in the Word. The saints sing the Word, they praise with the Word and they judge people according to the Word. This WORD of the LORD is both a songbook and a measuring rod; it is two-edged, love and judgement.
SING PRAISES TO THE LORD; SING PRAISES. SING HIGH PRAISES TO OUR GOD ALL THE PEOPLE OF THE EARTH AND THE HEAVENS. HE IS WORTHY OF ALL PRAISE.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

THE POWER OF PRAISE

Friday, April 23, 2010
Psalm 69: 30-34
I will praise the Name of GOD with a song, and will magnify Him with thanksgiving. This also shall please the LORD better than an ox or bullock that hath horns and hoofs. The humble shall see this, and be glad; and your heart shall live that seek GOD. For the LORD heareth the poor, and despiseth not his prisoners. Let the heaven and earth praise Him, the sea, and everything that moveth therein.
These verses cause me to think about what it takes to praise GOD, to magnify Him and glorify Him. You may think that this is a simple question, "What does it take to praise GOD?" But lets look at that question and see what understanding emerges.
First of all, to praise GOD with all our heart, we must acknowledge that without Him, nothing exists. With Him, we have life. All creation understands this and that is why the heaven, earth, sea and everything that moves praises the LORD. All of nature realizes that the the LORD is Creator and that through Him, all things exist.

Next, praise of GOD comes easily to those who know that there is nothing that we can do, on our own, that will please GOD. Sacrifices of animals or things, even our own self, does not please GOD more than thanksgiving and praise. We have nothing in our hands to bring to the LORD except the gift of thanksgiving.

Finally, this Psalm says that the"humble see and are glad; and your heart shall live that seek GOD." It is a fact that humility and the seeking heart come to GOD with praise and thanksgiving. GOD rejoices when He sees the attitude of the humble, because they are the ones who really understand their place in relationship to the Almighty GOD. They know that it is GOD alone who causes all to live and move and have their being.

For GOD alone my soul in silence waits, from Him comes my salvation. He only is my Rock so that I shall not be greatly shaken. (Psalm 62)
HUMBLE YOURSELF IN THE SIGHT OF THE LORD, AND HE WILL LIFT YOU UP.
GIVE HIM GLORY AND PRAISE!

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

THE POWER OF PRAISE

Thursday, April 22, 2010
Matthew 21: 16b
Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise.
The verse in Matthew is almost a direct quote of Psalm 8:2a. The difference is that the end of that verse, which says: "ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger." This clarification of the term "perfected praise" gives us the understanding that praise is strength to combat enemies and silence foes. One of the powerful effects of praise of GOD, is that it is a weapon against the enemy of our soul.
There are other understandings about the power of praise in our life:
1. God has commanded praise. Psalm 150:6 says: "Let everything that hath breath praise the LORD".
2. Praise glorifies GOD
3. Praise pleases GOD
4.Praise has a progression. As a person goes deeper into their relationship with GOD, the praise goes higher.
5. Praise is a weapon of warfare, pulling down strongholds of the enemy.

WITH ALL YOUR HEART; LET'S JUST PRAISE THE LORD FOR ALL HE HAS DONE!

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

THE POWER OF PRAISE

Wednesday, April 21, 2010
1 Peter 2:9
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, and Holy nation, a people of His own, that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
It is so wonderful, we have been chosen by GOD to praise Him and to praise Him among the people of the world. This is GOD'S choice, not ours; this is GOD'S choice that we should be a generation of people who are His own. God has chosen us to be His royal priesthood, a Holy nation and a people of His own. We are chosen. Let that thought sink in to your heart: chosen by GOD.
How do the chosen people act? How do the chosen people behave? What changes must occur in the life style of the chosen people? Think about it!!!
The chosen people are so glad to be a part of the Holy Family of GOD that they never cease to give Him praise. The chosen people of GOD humbly bow in obedience to Father GOD and His Son, JESUS. The chosen people want to grow in the love and knowledge of GOD and never cease to worship Him. No longer do the chosen of GOD walk in the council of the ungodly, stand in the way of sinners, or sit in the seat of the scornful, but their delight is in the Word of the LORD and in His Word they meditate day and night. The chosen people have been delivered from darkness and now live in the eternal light of GOD. THEY SHOW FORTH HIS PRAISE, NOT ONLY WITH THEIR LIPS, BUT IN THEIR LIFE.

Monday, April 19, 2010

THE POWER OF PRAISE

Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Psalm 98: 4-6
Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth; make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise. Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm. With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the LORD, the King.
It says in Luke 6:45c: " For of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks". When our heart is filled with great joy and celebration, the mouth will sing and praise with a loud shout of joy. Trumpets and cornets, tambourines and dance are all instruments of great celebration. Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs are an expression of gladness from the heart.
What are we celebrating? Why is this loud joy coming from our heart and through our mouth? What good news have we heard which makes our heart sing? It is the good news of our redemption by the unconditional love of GOD for all the earth. We are celebrating the fact that we have been set free by the willing sacrifice of JESUS. We are celebrating, because we are the beloved child of the Living GOD who loves us, with a love that transcends all earthly love.
Beloved, we are free to dance; free to sing; free to clap our hands and lift up our voice in the presence of the LORD, the King. We are alive, because JESUS lives. The Messiah has redeemed us from death and brought us into eternal life with Him.
SING AND REJOICE, O CHILDREN OF GOD! THE LORD, THE KING HAS REDEEMED YOU.

THE POWER OF PRAISE

Monday, April 19, 2010
Psalm 134
Behold, bless ye the LORD, all ye servants of the LORD, who by night stand in the house of the LORD. Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the LORD. The LORD, who made heaven and earth, bless thee out of Zion.
Psalm 135 begins this way: Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the name of the LORD; praise Him, O servants of the LORD. Ye who stand in the house of the LORD, in the courts of the house of our GOD, Praise the LORD; for the LORD is good. Sing praises unto His name; for it is pleasant. (Psalm 135:1,-3).

What a wonderful way to begin a new week! Lift up your hands right now and give Him glory and praise. Praise the Name of the LORD, who has made heaven and earth.When we lift up our hands in praise of the Living GOD and glorify His Holy Name, He reaches toward us and grabs our hands, giving us His Blessing. Wave your hands in thanksgiving, like the people waved palm branches as JESUS entered Jerusalem. Shout your praise to the King of Kings as He rides into your life, this day, as your King. Hallelujah, praise His Holy Name! Hallelujah, Glorify His Name!
In the first verse, it says: " who by night stand in the house of the LORD." I believe that this means that we are to praise the LORD even in the middle of our "Night seasons" of life. If we experience darkness and despair, praise and the lifting up of our hands to GOD, brings the Light of GOD into the darkness and darkness has to go away. GOD lives in the light and brings light into our world. When we praise Him, He gives light to our path and shows us His salvation.
PRAISE YE THE LORD, ALL YE SERVANTS OF THE LORD. BLESS HIS NAME, FOR HE IS GOOD AND HIS MERCY ENDURES FOREVER. PRAISE YE THE LORD!

Friday, April 16, 2010

MIRACLE OF THE CROSS

Saturday, April 17, 2010
Hebrews 12:26
Whose voice then shook the earth; but now He hath promised, saying, "Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also the heaven."
When Jesus gave up His Spirit, there was a great earthquake (Matthew 27:54).
Hebrews seems to indicate that the earthquake was caused by the VOICE OF GOD. In ancient times, a Father who has lost a son to death, cried out and rent his clothes. Is it possible that the result of the Father GOD seeing the death of His SON, rent the Temple Veil (His cloths; JESUS flesh) and that the cry from His heart caused the rocks to shake and the earth and heaven to quake?
We find a statement earlier in the life of JESUS which sheds a little light on this moment. In Luke 19:40 there is a statement by JESUS to the Pharisees after they asked JESUS to rebuke the disciples for shouting and praising GOD. He says: "I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out". What this tells me, if all of humankind would stop praising GOD, all of creation would cry out.
On the cross, all of humankind had turned its back on GOD. JESUS was abandon by all of humanity, with the exception of His mother and a few faithful friends, John and Mary Magdalene are named. In the earthquake, the stones CRIED OUT.
The third miracle was that the graves opened and those who had died walked the streets. You see, those who had been faithful to GOD were now a part of the resurrection of the dead. JESUS was the first to be resurrected, then those who had died awaiting the promise joined Him.
The miracles of the Cross: the veil of the Temple rent in two from the top to the bottom; the earthquake and the graves opened show us a scene of the power of GOD to sound forth His awesome power.
OUR GOD IS AN AWESOME GOD AND A CONSUMING FIRE.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

MIRACLES OF THE CROSS

Friday, April 16, 2010
Hebrews 4:16
Let us, therefore, come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
The veil of separation has been torn in two. We have access to the Throne of Grace any time and every time. This gift of access was provided for us by the willing sacrifice of GOD'S only Son, who opened the way for us to come into the presence of GOD.
When we say, "boldly", we mean, with confidence of faith. We are confident that the LORD GOD will receive us into His presence and hear our petitions. "Boldly" does not mean, arrogantly. I think about the Publican and how he could not even lift up his head, but cried out for mercy, this is the confidence of faith. The Pharisee, on the other hand, was arrogant. When Esther came into the court of the King, she was humble and respectful, she honored the King although He was her husband. Vashti, the first wife, was arrogant and therefore, cast out.
We are invited by JESUS to come to the Father with the confidence of faith and receive mercy and find grace in our time of need.
COME, BELOVED, INTO THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

MIRACLE OF THE CROSS

Thursday, April 15, 2010
Hebrews 9:14,15
How much more shall the Blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to GOD, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living GOD? And for this cause He is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they who are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
Those words, "eternal inheritance" stand out for me. Eternal, means: without end, endless. The willing offering of JESUS as the sacrifice for our sins, opened the door for us to eternally live with Him and receive all the inheritance that is His. In other words, we are "part of the family of GOD" by the choice of GOD Himself. We are a chosen people, a royal priesthood and a Holy Nation, we have been given the right to enter into the Throne Room of GOD and to commune with Him as a family member.
How do I say thanks for all that He has done for me? What can I do to return the love that He has shown to me?
The answer is: to Love Him and serve Him; praise Him and Glorify Him among the people; Faithfully follow Him and obey His voice.
There is a saying which I like very much: "By faith, we are saved; works are the fruit of our salvation." The mediator of the New Testament has opened the way for us to be witnesses of the Salvation which He has prepared for all who follow Him. He has changed our life forever and now we can be the instruments of GOD in the salvation call to others.
JESUS IS THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE; NO MAN COMETH UNTO THE FATHER BUT BY HIM.

MIRACLE OF THE CROSS

Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Ephesians 2: 13,14,15a
But now in CHRIST JESUS ye who were once far off are made near by the Blood of CHRIST. For He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us, having abolished in His Flesh the enmity.
There is a very powerful message in the Torn Curtain of the Temple when Jesus cried out, "It is Finished" and surrendered His Spirit to GOD.
1.JESUS IS THE SON OF GOD, THE MESSIAH

2. THE WORK IS FINISHED
once and for all time and for all who come to Him
3. JESUS IS THE WAY
The veil of the Temple was the wall of separation placed there by GOD when He denied entrance to the Garden of Eden after the first man and woman sinned. GOD placed and angel with a flaming sword at the entrance to the Garden so that no one could enter and eat of the Tree of Life. NOW, because of the Finished work of Jesus and His willing sacrifice of Himself, the entrance is open for all to come through Him, to the Throne of Grace and be saved.
JESUS IS THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE; NO MAN COMETH UNTO THE FATHER BUT BY HIM.

MIRACLE OF THE CROSS

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Ephesians 2:13,14

But now in Christ JESUS

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

MIRACLES OF THE CROSS

Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Hebrews 10: 19-22
Having, therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of JESUS, by a new and living way, which He hath consecrated for us, through the veil that is to say, His flesh, and having an high priest over the house of GOD, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith; having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
The veil of the ancient Temple was designed by GOD, and made with human hands, was a copy of the Heavenly Temple, not made with hands. In the earthly Temple, there was a thick veil between the holy place and the Holy of Holies. Once a year, the High Priest entered into the Holy of Holies with the Blood of the sacrifice and poured the blood on the Altar of mercy in the Holy of Holies. This veil was a veil of separation, placed there by GOD, so that no sin could come into the Holy presence.
When JESUS gave up His flesh on the Cross, the veil of the Temple was ripped in two from the top to the bottom. This veil was about 30 feet high, 60 feet wide and 4 feet thick. GOD, the Father, tore the veil. This veil, as we see in Hebrews, is the flesh of JESUS, torn on the Cross. His finished work was to make the way to GOD open for all. Yes, open for all, once and for all time.
JESUS is our great High Priest who has made atonement for our sin by His own Flesh and Blood.
COME TO HIM, HE IS THE WAY.

Sunday, April 11, 2010

MIRACLES OF THE CROSS

Monday, April 12, 2010
Matthew 27: 50-54
Jesus, when He had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the spirit, and behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from the top to the bottom, and the earth did quake, and the rocks were split; and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints that slept were raised, and came out of the graves after His resurrection, and went into the Holy City, and appeared unto many. Now when the centurion, and they that were with him watching JESUS, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, "Truly, this was the Son of GOD."
There are three great miracles which followed the yielding up of the Spirit of JESUS: 1. the veil of the Temple was riped in two from the top to the bottom.
2. The earth quaked. 3. The graves opened.
This week, we will look at the meaning of each of these and see the deeper understanding of these miracles. Each one has a meaning for us as we ask the questions: Are our prayers heard and answered? Is there life after death? and Is JESUS the only way to GOD and Eternal life?
These questions have been discussed endlessly for centuries and every person, at one time or another asks them. The torn veil of the Temple, the earthquakes and the graves opened, give us answers to those questions and settle, once and for all, that
JESUS IS THE MESSIAH, THE REDEEMER OF THE WORLD

Saturday, April 10, 2010

HE IS RISEN! THE LORD IS RISEN INDEED!

Saturday, April 10, 2010
John 21:17
He saith unto him the third time, "Simon, son of Jonah, lovest thou ME?" Peter was grieved because He said unto him the third time, "Lovest thou me?" and he said unto Him, "LORD, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee." Jesus saith unto him, "Feed MY sheep."
The third time that Jesus asks Peter, "Lovest thou ME?" JESUS uses the Greek word, phileo. Peter responds with the same word. Two times before, JESUS had used the Greek word, agapeo and Peter had responded with the Greek word, phileo. This is very significant in the fact that JESUS had called Peter to a higher love and Peter could not meet HIM there. So, JESUS met Peter where he was comfortable.
When JESUS comes to us, He will always call us to a higher place, but if we can not come to HIM there, He will meet us where we are. This is the same attitude of unconditional love that brought JESUS from the Glory of Heaven to earth for our redemption. HE, throughout the ages, called humankind to the highest place, through the Prophets and through Holy people of GOD, but the world could not respond to that call. So JESUS emptied Himself of Glory and came to call humankind to Himself and through Him to Glory. JESUS met humankind where we were and led the Way to the high calling of GOD.
The three times that JESUS asks Peter, "Lovest thou Me?" He commissions Peter to "Feed MY lambs" and then "Feed MY sheep." The call never changed, only the level of love. As Peter obeyed the call of GOD to give the Good News to the people, the level of his Love changed and grew. Peter's faith and love of JESUS is seen in strength in his letters. Read 1st and 2nd Peter for a good look into the heart and faith of Simon, Son of Jonah. See how his love grows and his faith stands. See how he feeds the lambs and sheep of GOD.

Friday, April 9, 2010

HE IS RISEN! THE LORD IS RISEN INDEED!

Friday, April 9, 2010
John 21:16
He saith unto him again the second time, "Simon, son of Jonah, lovest thou me?" He saith unto Him, " Yea, LORD; Thou knowest that I love thee." He saith unto him, "FEED MY SHEEP."
The first time that JESUS asked Simon Peter, "lovest thou me?" He added, "more than these." Now JESUS asks him, "lovest thou ME?" I believe that JESUS is asking Simon if he loved Him only.
When Jesus uses the word "Love", He uses the word, in Greek - agapao. Simon answers with the Greek work - phileo. Simon is still not able to love JESUS totally. Why is this so? What is holding Simon back from the full, unconditional love? I believe that it was guilt that held Simon back from yielding fully to the agapeo love. Simon had denied JESUS three times, during the most critical time in His earthly life. Simon had said: "I do not know Him." and that guilt remained with Simon as a block.
Are there blocks in our life which keep us from a full trust and commitment to JESUS? Can we only say to JESUS, "I love you in a brotherly way, not totally and unconditionally"? These blocks must be removed by the acceptance of the forgiveness which JESUS grants to all of us who repent. He loves us without reservation, He trusts us and loves us. The only block is in us, just like it was in Simon.
JESUS loved Simon with unconditional love, therefore He said to Simon, "Feed My Sheep". He gave to Simon the gift to nurture the flock of the LORD; to feed them with the Word of the LORD and build them up into a vital force for GOD.
The block in Simon did not prevent the work of the LORD from going forth. Ultimately, Simon Peter - the rock, was able to repent of His denial of JESUS and receive forgiveness, so that He could forgive himself, but this moment of weakness humbled him and made him strong in the faith.
The block became a strong point; because his faith was made perfect in weakness.
JESUS says to us all: "Lovest thou ME?"

Thursday, April 8, 2010

HE IS RISEN! THE LORD IS RISEN INDEED!

Thursday, April 8, 2010
John 20:15
So when they had dined, JESUS saith to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, lovest thou me more than these." He saith unto HIM, "Yea, LORD, thou knowest that I love thee." He saith unto him, "Feed MY lambs."
This was the third time that JESUS appeared, after His resurrection from the dead and JESUS was dining with them by the water. The question which He asks Simon, is a question which He asks each of us: "Lovest thou me more than these?" Do you love JESUS more than anything this world has to offer? Do you love JESUS more than your own life? Only the individual can answer this question and live this question.
When JESUS asks the question, He uses the Divine form of the word love - agapao - which means to love deeply and unconditionally. Peter responds, using the word phileo, which means, to be fond of. Phileo is used to describe brotherly love and affection. JESUS always calls us to the highest love, we, at first can only respond with the love we have to give. This love is received by JESUS with joy and He calls Peter and us, to "feed His lambs".
All things and people belong to JESUS, therefore, the love we give to others, is the love we give to JESUS Himself. When JESUS gave to Peter the commission to feed His lambs, He is saying that the new believers in Him need tender, love and care. They need the good food of the Love of GOD for them and need to be nurtured in the truth. They need the Word of GOD dwelling in them, so that they can live the abundant life. The brotherly love, which Peter has, is enough to feed His lambs the good food of the Gospel.
LOVEST THOU ME MORE THAN THESE? FEED MY LAMBS.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

HE IS RISEN! THE LORD IS RISEN INDEED!

Wednesday, April 7, 2010
John 20:29
JESUS saith unto him, "Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed, blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed".
Throughout the ages, before JESUS' time on earth, it was by faith that the people believed in the ONE true GOD. This faith remained with them while they waited for the coming of the Messiah to free them to live with Him forever. They waited for the fulfillment of GOD'S promises to them. They had not seen GOD and yet they believed in all that HE had promised.
JESUS took this time with Thomas and the Disciples, to make the point, "Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed."
The Disciples had the joy of touching JESUS and fellowship with Him for three years. After His death on the cross, they trembled in fear and doubt. They only gained strength to believe again when JESUS appeared to them. Now, Thomas says that he must touch the wounds, in order to believe.
We are very much like Thomas, we need to see signs and wonders in order to believe. JESUS is really alive; He is really here; He loves us, passionately.
BLESSED ARE THEY WHO HAVE NOT SEEN AND YET BELIEVE.

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

HE IS RISEN! THE LORD IS RISEN INDEED!

Tuesday, April 6, 2010
John 20: 21-23
Then said JESUS to them again, "Peace be unto you; as the Father hath sent me, even so send I you". And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and saith unto them, "Receive ye the Holy Spirit; whosoever's sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whosoever's sins ye retain, they are retained".
JESUS greets His Disciples - this group of faithful followers - with the words of action and the power to act. He says: Peace; go forth, "receive ye the Holy Spirit", remit and retain sin.
While the Disciples were bound by fear, they could not act as the Father's agents of mercy. They were thinking about themselves and their own safety, not the needs of others. So, JESUS speaks to that anxiety with the powerful word, "Peace be unto you". JESUS defeated the storm of fear in each one, with very few words. JESUS says to us all, "Peace be with you".
When the Peace of Christ resides in us, then we are His witnesses in the World, so JESUS says next, "As My Father hath sent me, even so send I you". Leave your comfort zone and launch out into the deep sea of this world. You have a lot of healing work to do, but first you have to receive power to do it.
JESUS then breathed on them and they received the Holy Spirit. This was a preparation for the full endowment of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. JESUS never sends us out without the power to accomplish the task He has given us.
JESUS, alone forgives sin, however, He gives to His Disciples the power to remit sin or unbind sin. Matthew 18:18 says: Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Many people are bound by unforgiveness in matters that strangle a life with chains. The commission and the power of JESUS is given to unbind the chains that hold the people of GOD in bondage.
JESUS BEGAN WITH THE DISCIPLES AND NOW HE SAYS TO US: PEACE BE WITH YOU

Monday, April 5, 2010

HE IS RISEN! JESUS IS ALIVE!

Monday, April 5, 2010
John 20: 19-20
Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came JESUS and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, PEACE BE UNTO YOU. And when He had so said, He showed unto them His hands and His side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the LORD.
There are some images in these verses which carry a symbol to us about how we react in the time of trouble. The first thing that normally happens is to "shut the doors" of our heart for "fear". We tend to "shut out" the world around us and tremble in the darkness, afraid of what might be lurking outside the door. We might invite trusted friends to enter our darkness, but not for comfort, for companionship in our terror.
When JESUS enters into the darkness of the shut door of our heart, LIGHT drives away the darkness. When JESUS stands in the middle of our heart and the middle of the fellowship of friends, fear vanishes. When JESUS says "PEACE BE UNTO YOU", the storms of fear and confusion subside and there is calm beyond understanding. The Peace which comes when JESUS enters the chamber of our heart, though the door be closed, is Holy peace; it is the great shalom, shalom. This peace reaches every cell of the life, bringing light to every dark place and hope to every place of fear.
JESUS shows us evidence that this is really Him. He shows us His Hands and His side. He gives to us all the evidence that we need, in order to believe. Read the Word of the LORD and you will see all the facts and evidence you need in order to believe and to grow in faith.
When we see the LORD, revealed in His Glory, we will join the disciples in their great joy -
HALLELUJAH, HE IS RISEN! THE LORD IS RISEN INDEED!

Sunday, April 4, 2010

HE IS RISEN! CHRIST IS RISEN INDEED!

EASTER SUNDAY - APRIL 4, 2010
HALLELUJAH, THE LORD IS RISEN INDEED
1 Corinthians 15:20-22
Now is Christ risen from the dead and become the first fruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
IT IS FINISHED! The work of JESUS is accomplished. Death no longer has dominion over HIM or over us. We can shout with all the redeemed:
VICTORY, IN JESUS!
1 THESSALONIANS 4:13-14
But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them who are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others who have no hope. For if we believe that JESUS died and rose again, even so them also who sleep in JESUS will GOD bring with Him.
VICTORY, IN JESUS!

Saturday, April 3, 2010

HOLY WEEK

Saturday, April 3, 2010
HOLY SATURDAY
John 19:41,42
Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulcher, in which was never man yet laid. There laid they JESUS, therefore, because of the Jews' preparation day; for the sepulcher was near at hand.
I am drawn to the fact that the sepulcher where JESUS was "put to rest" was in a garden. The Gospel writers are very specific about this fact, why? I looked into the significant gardens in the life of the world and found many: the garden of Eden; references to the Vineyard; Song of Songs has many garden references; the Garden of Gethsemane; the garden of the Sepulcher. I am sure you can think of more.
The Garden speaks to me of new life. It is a place of growth, "spring time", flowers, green, and birth. Could this be a key to the spiritual meaning of why JESUS was laid in a sepulcher in the garden?
I believe that all of the redemption of the earth had been accomplished by the LORD JESUS laying down His life as a sacrifice, for the sin of the world. His Blood was the atonement for the world which He loved. NOW, IN THE GARDEN, IS THE FIRST DAY OF NEW LIFE.
JESUS, the Word of GOD, is the seed of the new creation. Old things are past away and behold, all thing are now new. JESUS goes and gathers all those who are waiting Redemption in the "holding place" in the dark world; He leads them out of the waiting place, a great train of faithful people, waiting the promise and new life. JESUS has burst the prison doors open and the faithful dead will forever be with Him. Death is swallowed up in victory!
WHAT A GLORIOUS DAY!
JESUS, OUR REDEEMER, IS ALIVE!

Friday, April 2, 2010

GOOD FRIDAY

Friday, April 2, 2010
John 17:23-26
I in them, and thou in Me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may behold My glory, which Thou hast given me; for Thou lovedst Me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, the world hath not known Thee; but I have known Thee, and these have known that Thou has sent Me. And I have declared unto them Thy Name, and will declare it, that the love with which Thou hast loved Me may be in them, and I in them.
John Chapter 17 is the Intercessory prayer of the Only Begotten Son of GOD. Jesus knew that His earthly life was coming to an end, and that He would be returning to the Father. But first, He must suffer, and die at the hand of evil. JESUS knew that all things necessary for the redemption of the world, which He loved, were in His Hands. He had said, "yes" to this path and now, He must walk it; not for Himself, but for all the world - past, present and future. This was the "cup" that He must drink.
Before the shedding of His Blood, as the Pascal Lamb, on the Cross-Altar; JESUS prayed for the world from His Heart. His work on earth was finished; He had accomplished all, but the last few steps of His journey. He now prays for us all. Read John 17 from the beginning, on this Good Friday. See the love JESUS has for you and for me. This is His Heart interceding for us all.
When He was dying, that cruel death on the cross, JESUS, again interceded for us when He said: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." His forgiveness of us all; His Blood shed for us all; His Blood covering the Mercy Seat in the Heavenly Temple; is the free gift of unconditional Mercy, and Love.
Receive Him and receive Life for ever. JESUS is the way, the Truth and the Life. LIVE IN HIM

Thursday, April 1, 2010

HOLY WEEK

Thursday, April 1,2010
Luke 22:14-20
And when the hour was come, He sat down, and the twelve apostles with Him. And He said unto them, "With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer; for I say unto you, I will not any more eat of it, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of GOD". And He took the cup and gave thanks, and said,"Take this, and divide it among yourselves; for I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of GOD shall come". And He took bread, and gave thanks, and broke it, and gave unto them saying,"This is My body which is given for you; this do in remembrance of Me." Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new Testament in My Blood, which is shed for you".
Behold, the Lamb of GOD who takest away the sin of the world!
Behold the Body broken for us!
Behold the Blood of JESUS who is the Atonement.
The Passover is fulfilled in the Kingdom of GOD by the Pascal Lamb - JESUS -slain, and His Blood poured out on the ground, the people and carried into the Holy of Holies in the Temple, not made with Hands, in the Heavens, and poured out on the Mercy seat in the High Altar. The Blood of JESUS is our Atonement, we are bought with the price of His Holy Blood and are brought into Holy Communion with Him. This is not by any act of ours, but by His unconditional Love for us. This is the willing sacrifice of JESUS for the salvation of us all.
HIS LOVE REACHES OUT TO US; TAKE AND RECEIVE HIS LOVE.
IT IS A FREE GIFT FROM GOD