Wednesday, June 30, 2010

WAITING ON GOD

Thursday, July 1, 2010
Isaiah 40: 31
They that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Teach me LORD to wait!!!!

There is a story about eagles that really speaks to me about waiting patiently: It is said that eagles love the storm, they wait for the high winds of the storm and when it blows, they "mount up" and let the storm carry them aloft, above the storm. What I love about this story is that the eagle does not fear the storm, instead they use the storm to ride the strength of it. They expend only the energy needed to spread their wings and chart their course, the rest is done by the power of the wind. When the eagle has to use allot of energy and strength of his own is when he goes "against the wind".

We can learn much from this story; storms in life will come. The storms will arise with signs or unexpectedly, but they will come. When we see a storm, fear not; look to the wind of the Holy Spirit for the right time to spread the wings and let the wind lift you above the storm. The Holy Spirit will lift you up and you will rise without effort. If, however, you try to go against the wind, you will use enormous strength and will grow weary and faint.

WAIT, I SAY, UPON THE LORD AND RISE UP.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

WAITING ON GOD

Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Hebrews 10:35,36
Cast not away away, therefore, your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience that, after ye have done the will of GOD, ye might receive the promise.

When I was growing up, I had a record called the "Little engine that could". I remember only part of the story, b it was about a little train engine trying to get up a very steep hill. The little engine kept saying: "I think I can, I think I can, I know I can". In the times of real intense trials of our faith, we need to be like that little engine, we don't give up, we do not cast away our confidence, we know we can by the Grace of GOD.

Patience and confidence builds strength. After all, think about it, we have placed our confidence in the LORD GOD who made heaven and earth and all things that exist. He is all powerful and all mighty. He alone is our Rock and our stronghold, so that we can not be greatly moved (Psalm 62: 2). Can't you feel the strength beginning to flow when you say: "He is my Rock, my stronghold, I shall not be moved."?

Is there another who is stronger than GOD? I declare, without reservation, there is not an entity that can rival GOD for strength, power, promise, might, or ability. GOD is all. When we put our trust in Him, we are sure that He will work all things together for good, because He is GOD.

TRUST HIM, HE IS THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE.

Monday, June 28, 2010

WAITING ON GOD

Tuesday, June 29, 2010
James 1:3,4
Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience, but let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking nothing.

Yesterday, we talked about waiting on the LORD like a servant keeps his/her eyes and attention on the master for directions as to how to serve. The waiting for an action from the master takes patience and patience is the testing block of faith. When we wait on the movement of the LORD; when we wait patiently for Him; when we know, by faith, that He will move; when we know that what He does is good and right; then we will wait patiently.

Is this easy to do? No, it is not. The closer an issue is to your heart, the harder it is to keep from taking control and running ahead of GOD. To wait patiently, watching for the Master to move, is hard and takes great faith. To stand, when the LORD has not given the "go-ahead" is counter-instinctual. An example of this is: A person is yelling accusations at you, none of which are true in fact, but they rail and yell and accuse violently. Everything in you wants to enter into this battle by starting to counter every lie and misinformation thrown at you, but the LORD does not move. He wants you to keep silence, not to defend yourself, not to accuse. Silence, in this example, takes faith and courage. Why does the LORD want you to keep silence? Because, He wants the person yelling to hear themselves and you are not to be moved. Beside, the accuser of the brethren is the devil and you are not to react in a devilish manner. The accusations will bounce off of you and back on to them and no lie will penetrate, causing you harm.

The patience of waiting on the LORD brings a perfect end and you will not lack anything. Stand firm in the faith and wait for the Master to give you directions as to when to act. NEVER act without Him.

Sunday, June 27, 2010

WAITING ON GOD

Monday, June 28,2010
Psalm 27: 14
Wait on the LORD; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart. Wait, I say, on the LORD.

Whenever I hear the word, "wait" I immediately think about the servant who "waits" on the Master. To wait, in this context means, "to serve". This gives us a deeper clue to what the word "wait" means in our life-journey. To wait also means patience. Patience is waiting, watching and anticipating a movement from GOD. I am reminded of the Psalm 123: 2 which says: Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress, so our eyes wait upon the LORD our GOD, until He has mercy upon us.

To wait on the LORD, takes an attitude of a servant, who has the only desire to please the Master. A good servant loves the Master so much that he/she will watch for the movement of the hand, or a look and will respond to that with eagerness. If there is not gesture from the Master, the servant waits with patience, always watching, always expecting a sign.

When we are in the middle of trials and temptations, or the "storms" of life, we can take a clue from the faithful servant. We must watch, wait, be alert, expect a look or a movement of the Hand of the LORD. If He does not gesture or point in a direction, we don't move, just keep on watching and waiting patiently. If we see the Master look, or move, we instantly follow His direction with sure faith, knowing that He will show mercy upon us. When we wait, in faith believing and trusting, we will see the fulfillment of his promises to us. He will guide us with His eye; He will light our path; He will show the way to streams of Living Water and green pastures.

WAIT, I SAY, ON THE LORD

Friday, June 25, 2010

AMERICA'S MOST WANTED - MEN OF GOD

Saturday, June 26, 2010
Isaiah 49:1,2,3
Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far: The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the body of my mother hath He made mention of my name. And He hath made my mouth like a sharp sword, in the shadow of His hand hath He hidden me, and made me a polished shaft; in His quiver hath He hidden me, and said unto me, "Thou art my servant, in whom I will be glorified."

This is the call of the men and women of GOD. It was given to special people during the time of Isaiah, but from JESUS came the Holy Spirit who anointed all who believe in JESUS with this call. The question is: DO YOU ACCEPT YOUR CALL, MEN AND WOMEN OF GOD?

Isaiah said to the LORD, "Here am I, send me". The choice is ours, the LORD is saying: "who shall I send and who will go for us" (Isaiah 6:8). Men and women of GOD stand up and say "Here am I, send me."

JESUS is saying: "Thou art my servant, in whom I will be glorified."
GLORIFY GOD WITH YOUR LIFE AFLAME FOR HIM AND LIGHT UP THE WORLD.



Thursday, June 24, 2010

AMERICA'S MOST WANTED - MEN OF GOD

Friday June 25, 2010
Revelation 12: 11,12
And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, "Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our GOD, and the power of His Christ; for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, who accused them before our GOD day and night. And they overcame him by the Blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death."
Anointed men of GOD do not ever have to accuse, instead they say with Michael the Archangel.who"dared not bring against him (satan) a railing accusation, but said, The LORD rebuke thee. (Jude vs. 9). The battles of this world are not ours to fight, for "we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places" (Ephesians 6:12). When the accuser of the brethren accuses one of the Children of GOD, whom GOD has anointed, the response should always be: "The LORD rebuke thee".

Men and women of GOD who hold fast to this principle of supporting the work of GOD, by keeping all action and reaction in the hand of the LORD, know the peace which passes all understanding. In the storms of life, they find rest in the arms of GOD; in turmoil, they are calm; in battle, they are steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the LORD.

The accuser of the brethren will try his best to offend and unbalance the servants of the LORD. The end of that accuser is this: he is cast down and overcome by the Blood of the Lamb (JESUS); the word of their testimony (believers steadfastness); and they loved not their lives unto the death (faithfulness). Against such powerful witness, nothing can hurt or harm the people of GOD.

BE YE STEADFAST, UNMOVABLE, ALWAYS ABOUNDING IN THE WORK OF THE LORD. (1 CORINTHIANS 15: 58)

AMERICA'S MOST WANTED - MEN OF GOD

Thursday June 24, 2010
MEN OF GOD ARE DETERMINED
Daniel 3:17,18
If it be so, our GOD, whom we serve, is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
Job 13:15,16
Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him; but I will defend mine own ways before Him. He also shall be my salvation; for an hypocrite shall not come before him.

The people of GOD are determined, fixed, faithful and know that they are accountable to GOD alone. Even in the face of death by the fiery furnace, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego would not bow down to a false god, nor worship any other god. There heart was fixed and faithful to the one true and only GOD; the GOD of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Job had said, when faced with total destruction in his personal life, that he would trust GOD and serve Him even if it meant death.

The question hangs heavy in this devotional today: Who will you bow down to and worship? To whom are you accountable, who is your god or GOD? When you are asked to bow down to a strange god, will you stand firm and say, with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, "we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up"?

Daily, the temptation arises to bow down to other gods. Daily, we must say "no" and daily state, in boldness and in great faith; "We serve the living and true GOD and Him alone do we serve".

BE DETERMINED, DARING, DIFFERENT AND YOU WILL BE DELIVERED.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

AMERICA'S MOST WANTED - MEN OF GOD

Wednesday June 23, 2010
MEN OF GOD ARE DIFFERENT
1 Samuel 10:6,7
And the Spirit of the LORD will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man. And let it be, when thou do as occasion serve thee; for GOD is with thee.
Romans 12:2
And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable, and perfect will of GOD.

Yesterday, we said that men/women of GOD who are "certain" in there faith, are different, daring, determined and delivered. When we are born again and filled with the Holy Spirit of GOD, then we can be used in powerful ways as vessels fit for GOD to use in His unfolding plan.
In the first quote from Scripture, when the Holy Spirit comes upon Saul after he was anointed by the Prophet Samuel, He was given the gift of prophecy and was turned into another person - changed by the anointing. GOD was with Him and this gave him the daring to go in the strength of the LORD.
The Romans passage gives us clear instructions for the maintaining of the anointing of the LORD and the power to be instruments of GOD; " be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind." The "different people" who are daring in their mission and ministry must be willing to be transformed by the renewing of the mind. How do you renew your mind in GOD? Holy Scripture, prayer, meditation and the ever deepening relationship with GOD - know the voice of the Shepherd.
What keeps a person from being different, daring, determined and delivered? The Romans passage says clearly that to stay fixed on the LORD, you can not be conformed to this world and the ways of the world. Saul fell, because he conformed to the world around him. Empires fall and Nations loose their way when they give up following the LORD GOD and become enfolded into the world system and rhythm.
GUARD YOUR HEART; BE RECONCILED TO GOD; BE TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF YOUR MIND.

Monday, June 21, 2010

AMERICA'S MOST WANTED - MEN OF GOD

Tuesday, June 22, 2010
"Certain" people are different.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creation; old things are passed away; behold all things are become new.
"Certain" people are sure of one thing: GOD is GOD and Him only do we serve. The meaning of "certain", in this context, is to be sure, confident, settled and decided. When a person is sure, confident, settled and decided that GOD is GOD and Him only do we serve, that person is different. That person is a new creation, born again and the old things are washed away in the Blood of the Lamb of GOD. The new creation is born of the Spirit of GOD and is created in the image of GOD.

Certain people do not worship any person or other god, even if they are pressed to do so. The fear of death does not disturb they resolve, because they know that the LORD GOD has saved them, redeemed them and will raise them from the dead. "Certain" people know this because they know the GOD who is GOD, they serve Him only and bow down to no other god. In Revelation 19:10 we find these words: "Worship GOD; for the testimony of JESUS is the spirit of prophecy". There is no room in "certain" people for the worship of any other at all. Psalm 62: 1,2 says: For GOD alone my soul in silence waits; from Him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold, so that I shall not be greatly shaken.

Sunday, June 20, 2010

AMERICA'S MOST WANTED - MEN OF GOD

Monday, June 21, 2010
THEME FOR THE WEEK:
AMERICA'S MOST WANTED - PEOPLE WHO LOVE GOD
Scripture for the week: Daniel 3: 1-30
Daniel 3: 12
There are certain Jews whom thou has set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee; they serve not thy gods, not worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

Notice the term, "certain Jews". What are the characteristics of "certain men"?
1. They were different.
2.Daring men who would not worship a strange god even if it meant their life.
3. Determined, fixed on the LORD; faithful; firm.
4. Delivered by God

It is time for the men and women of GOD to take a stand for the Way of the LORD; His commandments; His mercy, Grace and Love, HIM. Certain men and women who are not afraid to be different; daring; determined; and knowing that GOD is faithful to deliver. The LORD JESUS asks: Who then will ye serve, GOD or mammon? He asks this of each of us every day. What will your answer be? Are you different, daring, determined and delivered?
The questions remains: WHO IS ON THE LORD'S SIDE? WHO WILL SERVE THE KING JESUS?
WHERE DO YOU STAND? ARE YOU "CERTAIN" MEN AND WOMEN OF GOD?

Friday, June 18, 2010

DREAMS AND VISIONS

Saturday, June 19, 2010
Isaiah 6:1-3, 8
In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the LORD sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and His train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphim: each one had six wings; with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, "Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory."...Also I heard the voice of the LORD, saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Then said I, "Here am I; send me."

This vision was given to Isaiah by GOD. The LORD showed him the throne of GOD and the whole company of Heaven. The LORD showed Isaiah His glory and the magnitude of that glory. The LORD also showed Isaiah the attitude of the Heavenly Host in the presence of GOD; an attitude of great humility, honor and adoration.

In this context of the Holy moment, GOD asks a question: "Whom shall I send and who will go for us?" and the answer was given by Isaiah, "Here am I; send me."

Today, GOD is still asking the question,"Whom shall I send and who will go for us?". He asks it in dreams, visions, through prophets and sages, but most of all through His Son, JESUS, by the Holy Spirit. GOD awaits an answer from each of us. We can read this question over and over again, in Holy Scripture. GOD waits for us to say: "Here am I; send me."

TODAY IF YOU WILL HEAR HIS VOICE, HARDEN NOT YOUR HEART...(Psalm 95: 7b, 8a)

Thursday, June 17, 2010

DREAMS AND VISIONS

Friday, June 18,2010
Exodus 28: 29,30
And Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgement upon his heart, when he goeth in unto the Holy Place, for a memorial before the LORD continually. And thou shalt put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim; and they shall be upon Aaron's heart, when he goeth in before the LORD; and Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel upon his heart before the LORD continually.

The Urim and Thummim are very Holy Stones, warn by the High Priest to discern the will of GOD in matters of National crisis and times of doubt about His will. In Hebrew, the words Urim and Thummim mean Lights and perfections. They operated together by glowing for "yes" and remaining dark for "no". It is thought, by Rabbinical scholars, that the Name of GOD was engraved on them. It is also interesting, that the Urim and Thummim were not used after David's time as King. In 1 Samuel 28:6 we find that when Saul inquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him NOT by dreams nor Urim, nor the prophets. This drove Saul away from GOD and into the clutches of the Witch of Endor.

What can we learn from all of this? What I have learned is that when we want answers to pressing questions, don't seek the LORD in words or signs; talismans or prophets. "Seek the LORD while He wills to be found; call upon Him while He draws near."(Isaiah 55:6). These Holy Stones were given by GOD for a time and for a season; now, because of the Loving, willing sacrifice of JESUS, we have access to the throne of GOD and His Name is upon our heart. In Aaron's time, the Urim and Thummim were next to his heart; now GOD is IN our heart. We don't have to seek any other council, but the council of GOD.
ASK, AND YE SHALL RECEIVE; SEEK AND YE SHALL FIND; KNOCK AND THE DOOR SHALL BE OPEN UNTO YOU.

DREAMS AND VISIONS

Thursday, June 17, 2010
Matthew 1:19-21
Then Joseph, her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her (Mary) a public example, was minded to put her away privately. But while he thought on these things, behold, an angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary, thy wife; for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she shall bring forth a Son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS; for He shall save His people from their sins."

The conception of the LORD JESUS CHRIST was announced and defended in dreams and visions. The first was to Mary, when she gave her permission, in a vision, to conceive the Son of GOD. Gabriel appeared to her (Luke 1: 26-38) and announced that she was chosen to be the vessel of the birth of JESUS. Joseph had a dream, in which the angel of the LORD appeared to him, verifying that Mary would have the Child JESUS and naming Him to Joseph. This dream prevented Joseph from abandoning Mary. Dreams and visions from the LORD are true and will come to pass by the power of the Holy Spirit of GOD.

There is another element in this account of the conception and birth of JESUS which reveals how we are to respond to a dream or vision. First, GOD reveals Himself to us in a way that is real and personal, there is no doubt that this visitation is from GOD. Next, we are asked to agree with the message of the dream or vision. This is very important, because GOD always respects our consent. We must agree with His plan for us. Next, all the unfolding of the dream or vision is in the hands of GOD. The timing of the fulfillment of the dream/vision, the method of the unfolding, the people involved and the "fullness of time". We are willing participants in the plan of GOD, we can not rush His plan or manipulate it; we flow with Him in agreement.

The plans of GOD for our life are perfect plans, He fulfills those plans in a perfect way and gives us the knowledge that He is in control of everything. When we follow Him, he leads us in the "path of righteousness for His Name Sake" (Psalm 23:3).

Lead me LORD, lead me in Thy righteousness; make thy way plain before my face. For it is Thou, LORD, Thou LORD only that makest me dwell in safety.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

DREAMS AND VISIONS

Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Numbers 12: 5-8
And the LORD came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam, and they both came forth. And He said, "Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make Myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream. My servant Moses, is not so, who is faithful in all mine house. With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even plainly, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold. Wherefore, were ye not afraid to speak against My servant Moses?"

This story of Moses, Aaron and Miriam is a lesson for all of us from the LORD. We are NEVER to speak against GOD'S anointed. There are severe consequences for speaking against the leadership, who have been placed by GOD to lead the people of GOD. Moses was faithful to GOD. He was not perfect, but He was faithful. GOD used him to lead the people of GOD and he was obedient. For this obedience and faith, GOD spoke to Moses "plainly" "mouth to mouth". But to Aaron and Miriam, GOD spoke through the prophets, in dreams and visions also known as "dark speeches". Aaron and Miriam had shut themselves off from GOD through their disobedience.

GOD values obedience and faithfulness in us all, He rewards those virtues with His ever deepening relationship. He gives His instructions and plans to those who love Him so much, that they will follow Him anywhere. When we are focused on serving GOD in everything we do, GOD reveals Himself fully and completely. The opposite is true of those who are unfaithful and disobedient, due to their lack of trust and love of the LORD. These souls will receive the Word of the LORD through prophets and sages, until they repent and turn to the LORD.

The LORD desires a heart to heart relationship with us. He desires to speak to us "mouth to mouth", but He will communicate through prophets, sages, His Holy Scripture and books until such time as the soul yields to JESUS.

LEAN ON JESUS; LEARN FROM HIM; TRUST IN HIM; OBEY HIM; HE WILL SHARE HIS HEART WITH YOU.

Monday, June 14, 2010

DREAMS AND VISIONS

Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Psalm 56:9
When I cry unto Thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for GOD is for me.

You might be asking what this verse has to do with dreams and visions. I asked this question when I read the Psalm. As I thought it through, I realized that the time of my deep crying out to GOD happens when I am about to go to sleep or when I wake up in the middle of the night. In the quietness of the night, I can commune with GOD in a way that I find hard during the day. So the Psalmist is being very real in his tears and his fears. He has such a deep relationship with GOD that he pours out his heart in tears and weeping.

Notice his statement of faith: "then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for GOD is for me". There is no doubt that the LORD will act on his behalf and turn back the enemies. Even before there is tangible evidence that the LORD has acted, the Psalmist makes a statement of faith: "I know".

Do you know the love of GOD for you? Do you have the confidence to say: "I know; for GOD is for me"? When the enemy of your soul is attacking like a ravenous lion, do you cry out to the LORD from your heart and then make a faith statement: "then shall my enemies turn back"? The fact is that the LORD GOD is on our side, defending us from all evil persons, places or deeds. So we can thank and praise Him in advance, resting in the promises of GOD with the sure knowledge that
GOD IS FOR ME

Sunday, June 13, 2010

DREAMS AND VISIONS

Monday, June 14, 2010
Job 33: 14-16
For GOD speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed; then He openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction.

Why do we not hear the Word of the LORD when He speaks? I believe that we all have an attention problem; the Spiritual attention deficit disorder. We just do not listen for GOD to speak. Is their a cure for this disorder? Yes there is a cure, it is called Listen with expectation for the voice of the LORD. Part of the cure is to read and study the Holy Scripture, the Word of the LORD, and listen to Scripture speak to the heart. The next part of the cure is to know the voice of the LORD, so that when He speaks, we know His voice. Prayer unites the heart to the heart of GOD, so in prayer we hear GOD'S voice in the deep places of the heart. The key word is LISTEN.

What is different about the sleeping person which makes him more open to hearing the voice of the LORD? When a person is asleep, their mind is at rest and open; the distractions of the day have gone away and the person is deep and at rest. Into this peaceful place, where all is quiet and open, the LORD'S voice can be heard, instruction received, and His presence felt.

Can we have this deep, personal relationship with GOD while we are awake? Yes we can. Set aside a time during the day when you can sit and be open to GOD. Read a portion of Scripture and rest in the Word of the LORD. Invite JESUS to come and sit with you and you with Him. LISTEN to Him as He opens His Holy Word to you and FEEL HIS GREAT LOVE FOR YOU.

Mary did it, even when Martha was shouting for help in the kitchen; Mary sat at the feet of JESUS. You can too, He wants you to keep Him company and He wants to share His Heart with you.

Saturday, June 12, 2010

DREAMS AND VISIONS

Saturday, June 12,2010
I Kings 3: 5,7-9,11-14
In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and GOD said, Ask what I shall give thee... O LORD my GOD, Thou hast made Thy servant king instead of David, my father; and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in. And thy servant is in the midst of Thy people whom Thou hast chosen, a great people, who cannot be numbered or counted for multitude. Give, therefore, Thy servant an understanding heart to judge Thy people, that I may discern between good and bad. For who is able to judge this Thy great people?... And GOD said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, not hast asked the life of thine enemies, but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern justice, Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart, so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honor, so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days. And if thou wilt walk in My ways, to keep to keep My statutes, and My commandments, as Thy father David, did walk, then I will lengthen thy days.

GOD spoke to Solomon in a dream, Solomon answered GOD in a dream, GOD gave Solomon a promise and a condition, in a dream. This is very significant, because, in our dream-life we speak from the heart, not from the filters of the mind. What Solomon said to GOD was real, unfiltered, honest. He said that he was "a little child" not able to go or come without help. Solomon wanted only an "understanding heart" so that he could judge rightly the people of GOD. Verse 10 says: And the speech pleased the LORD, that Solomon had asked this thing.
GOD gave Solomon what he asked and gave him what he didn't ask, all in abundance. Was this really a dream from GOD? the proof is that it came true. This "little child" grew in wisdom and was know throughout the world as the "wise king". GOD allowed him to build the Temple and GOD came and dwelt in that Temple which was dedicated to GOD alone. The Queen of Sheba came a long distance to seek spiritual council and guidance to rule her people.
Yes, the dream did come from GOD and was fulfilled by GOD in great abundance. GOD received great Glory.

The conditional part of the dream said that all this grandeur would be for Solomon IF he "walked in MY ways; keep My statues and My commandments" . In I Kings 11, we find that Solomon disobeyed GOD'S laws and the Solomon dies and the kingdom is divided.

Dreams from GOD are wonderful, exciting, truthful, confirmed by Scripture, anointed by GOD and unfold as He has shown in the dream. However, THIS IS HIS WORK THROUGH US AND TO HIM BELONGS THE GLORY.
Dreams and visions from GOD are real. Humility and obedience to GOD make the real a reality.
Remember this: DO NOT EVER TOUCH THE GLORY OF GOD. THE GLORY BELONGS TO HIM AND TO THE LORD ALONE

Friday, June 11, 2010

DREAMS AND VISIONS

Friday, June 11, 2010
The Acts 2: 17-21
And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith GOD, I will pour out of My Spirit upon All flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; and on My servants and on My handmaidens I will pour out in those days of My Spirit, and they shall prophesy: and I will show wonders in the heavens above, and signs in the earth beneath: blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the LORD come; And it shall come to pass that whosoever shall call on the Name of the LORD shall be saved.

In these verses, we have GOD'S word that He will " pour out His Spirit", there will be "dreams and visions" which are sent from Him to those who are His servants/handmaidens. GOD also describes what these visions and dreams will be like: vivid in color, a true picture and CONFIRMED BY HOLY SCRIPTURE. Along with the dreams and visions from GOD, there is a witness of great peace. Even though the dream or vision might be disturbing, there is peace and the assurance of the Almighty Hand of GOD.
Notice the prophecy of the last days in these verses, how vivid they are in color: blood, fire, vapors of smoke, sun dark, moon blood. An artist could paint this picture, just from the words. The difference between an artists rendition of these words and what GOD is saying is, one is on canvass, the other is reality.
Is this dream and vision confirmed by Scripture? Joel 2: 28-32 confirms these verses directly, with some changes. Also, Blood, fire and smoke are symbols of the presence of GOD throughout Scripture. Blood was the first sign of redemption in Eden, as GOD made clothes for Adam and Eve after they had sinned. Blood was shed when Cain slay Abel and Abel's blood cried out from the ground unto GOD; Blood was the first plague brought upon Egypt when the Pharaoh would not let the people of GOD go; Blood was the sign on the doorpost and the lintels of the doors of the Children of Israel as a sign to GOD of their covenant with Him, and death did not come to that house; The BLOOD of Jesus, shed for us for the remission of our sins, is the BLOOD of our redemption. Fire went before the Children of Israel at night, to guide them in the desert wanderings; GOD was in the burning bush when GOD spoke to Moses; fire consumed Sodom and Gomorrah for their wickedness. Pillars of smoke went before the Children of Israel by day as they wandered in the wilderness; GOD entered the Holy of Holy in the Temple in a Cloud; GOD appeared to Moses in a cloud; a cloud is known as the Shekinah Glory of GOD. There are many many more confirmations in the Scripture about this Word from the LORD.
A dream and vision from GOD will last with you, and GOD will recall this dream or vision to your mind when He needs you to remember. His dreams and visions are just that, HIS. They belong to Him and are from Him and will manifest itself by His right hand and outstretched arm. Notice and remember the last words of this Scripture:
WHOSOEVER SHALL CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE SAVED.
CALL UPON HIM.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

DREAMS AND VISIONS

Thursday, June 10, 2010
1 Corinthians 2:9-12
But it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man the things which GOD hath prepared for them that love HIM. But GOD hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit; for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of GOD. For what man knoweth the things of a man, except the spirit of man which is in him? Even so the things of GOD knoweth no man, but the Spirit of GOD. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is of GOD; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of GOD.

Today, we are going to look at dreams and visions which come from GOD and see how we can discern them.
The Scripture for today is very complete and thorough. It tell us that it is ONLY the Spirit of GOD who reveals GOD to us. So, the first heart-step that we must take is the one written in the Scripture from the beginnings: "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our GOD is ONE LORD: and thou shalt love the LORD thy GOD with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. (Deuteronomy 6:4,5). The next heart-step is to Believe on the LORD JESUS CHRIST and you shall be saved; Next, confess your sins unto almighty GOD; Next, Be Baptized into Christ; next, Be filled with the Holy Spirit. Then, we can say in truth, My heart is fixed, O LORD, my heart is fixed (Psalm 57:7).
When our heart is fixed on the LORD, when we are filled with His HOLY SPIRIT, we have the mind of CHRIST. How do we study the way of GOD so that we know HIM and His ways?
READ, STUDY AND INWARDLY DIGEST THE HOLY SCRIPTURE. Psalm 119:11 says: THY Word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against THEE. JESUS said: When He, the Spirit of truth is come, He will guide you into all truth; for He shall not speak of Himself, but whatever He shall hear, that shall He speak; and He will show you things to come. (John 16:13).

Dreams and visions that come from GOD are for our good and will always be confirmed by Holy Scripture. Jesus said: All things that the Father hath are mine; therefore said I that He shall take of mine, and show it unto you.
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more tomorrow)

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

DREAMS AND VISIONS

Wednesday May 9, 2010
Jude:8,9
In like manner also there filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominions, and speak evil of dignities. YET, Michael, the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, THE LORD REBUKE THEE.

Dreams come from three sources: Carnal, Demonic and GOD given. Yesterday, we spoke about those dreams that come from our own wishful thinking. These dreams are Carnal and are like a house built on the sand, when the storms and floods of life come crashing into such a house, the house falls because it is built on sand.(Matthew 7:24-27; Luke 6:47-49).
Today, we will look at Demonic dreams, these are dreams that come from an evil source. The key verses for today give us a description of these dreams: they are filthy. They are not dreams of great beauty, healing, love, joy, peace, goodness, gentleness, faith, mercy, grace and self control. Instead, they are filled with arrogance, puffed up pride, turmoil, wars, slander, murder, greed and envy, and anything else the enemy wants to use to prod the dreamer to follow the path of evil.
The key verses give us a description of the persons who are most open to receiving these dreams: They defile the flesh, they despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. In other words, they use of drugs, illicit sex, mind-altering drugs, alcohol; those who hate authority and speak against it and do not recognize that there is a spiritual realm; those who laugh at kindness, hospitality, self-giving and call it weakness. These poor souls are vulnerable to the dreams of the devil.
However, all of us, in an unguarded time, can receive dreams from the enemy of our soul. How do we discern?
The first discernment tool is peace. Did the dream or vision bring peace or turmoil? The next discernment tool is Holy Scripture. Does the dream line up with GOD'S Word? The next is confirmation. Do others who are followers of JESUS CHRIST confirm the dream/vision or deny the dream/vision.
What do you do when you have a dream from the evil source? The last words of the key verse for today gives us the answer: Say to the dream-source The LORD rebuke you.
One protection for us all, since we all are subject to dreams and visions, put on the armor of GOD as described in Ephesians 6: 12-17, especially, the helmet of salvation. Verse 12 reminds us that the warfare is in the spirit and GOD is the One who has won the war. So, in the armor of GOD, surrounded by His Holy Light, we can rest in peace, knowing that our Father is mighty to save us and keep us safe from all harm.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

DREAMS AND VISIONS

Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Ecclesiastes 5:3,7
For a dream cometh through the multitude of business, and a fool's voice is known by multitude of words... For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also many vanities; BUT FEAR THOU GOD.

When we talk about dreams, the song "Dream the impossible dream" pops up in my mind. When we hear the Commencement speeches to graduates, there is always a reference to "living your dream". We all dream dreams and we all see visions, so we set our course to fulfill our dream and live the vision. WHAT IS THE SOURCE OF THE DREAMS AND THE VISIONS? Shouldn't we ask that question before we hop on the train of our dreams?
When I am traveling, I want to know the beginning and the ending of the trip and all the little stops along the way? Life is a journey, so before we move out on the path of that dream and vision, it is logical to ask "What is the source?"
There are three sources of dreams and visions: Carnal, which is your own wishful thinking; Demonic, which is from the dark side; and GOD given, which is always true, righteous and good.
Notice in the verses quoted, that "vanity" plays a part in our dreams. The carnal person will seek vain things and will build their lifestyle upon vain imaginations. These dreams are a house of cards which the winds of time blow down. They are like the man who built his house on the sand; when the rains came and the floods, the house fell.
Vanity inflates the ego and excites the possibility of greatness and achievement through human effort. This sounds ok, to the naive hearer, so many follow this road and work hard, only to find that their labor has not lead them to their desired end, so they are disappointed.
The last phrase of the quoted verses from Ecclesiastes tells us how to focus our life, not on dreams BUT ON GOD. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. A wise person does not follow whims and fancies, hoping for the best; a wise person asks of GOD and follows the path He sets for them.
Before GOD formed us in the womb, He knew us; we are a part of His great plan for humanity. To walk the journey of GOD'S plan for your life, KNOW HIM and follow Him, He will direct your path.

Monday, June 7, 2010

DREAMS AND VISIONS

Monday, June 7, 2010
Joel 2:28,29 and Acts 2:17,18
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 and your young men shall see visions; and also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out My Spirit. (Joel 2: 28,29)
And it shall come to pass in the LAST DAYS, saith GOD; I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions and your old men shall dream dreams; and on My servants and on My handmaidens I will pour out in those days of My Spirit, and they shall prophesy.(Acts 2: 17,18)

Today, begins a week of daily devotions on DREAMS AND VISIONS. We will discuss many Scriptures on this subject and define tools of discernment for understanding dreams and visions, whether they are of GOD, of our self, or of the devil. First, we must understand that dreams and visions are a part of the outpouring of GOD, the Holy Spirit, from the beginning of time, increasing to the great outpouring at Pentecost, through today and forward to the coming of Jesus.

I quoted the two Scriptures, one from the Old Testament and the other from the New Testament, to underscore the fact that GOD has spoken these words for all times, not just for the time in which they were spoken. We are in the LAST DAYS, and so we look for this Word of the LORD to manifest itself in our Church, in our Christian friends and in ourselves. Notice in the Acts Scripture, the LORD GOD says: "and on MY servants and on MY handmaidens I will pour out in those days of MY Spirit." This tells me that those who are born again, believers in JESUS Christ, will be the ones upon whom the Holy Spirit will fill. This tells me that there are steps of preparation for the infilling of the Holy Spirit: 1. Born again; 2. Baptized into Christ; 3. Servants/handmaidens of GOD; 4. Filled with the Holy Spirit.

JESUS paid the price for our salvation with His own Blood, without His Blood on the Mercy Seat in the Heaven-Temple, we would be lost. Believe on the LORD JESUS CHRIST and you shall be saved, you and your household. Salvation is the first order of business. When we are saved, we need to be washed clean of all our sins. When we are washed, we become a new creation, old things are passed away, behold, all things become new. This new person is a servant/handmaiden of the GOD. GOD delights in giving His servants power and strength, so He fills them with His Holy Spirit. It is through the work of the Holy Spirit of GOD that dreams and visions come to us from GOD. These are guides from GOD in righteousnessand are confirmed by His Word. He has also given us tools to discern whether a vision or dream is of GOD, the devil, or our own wishful thinking. THE WORD OF THE LORD, SCRIPTURE.

THE GREATEST TOOL OF DISCERNMENT IS THE WORD OF THE LORD, HIS HOLY SCRIPTURE. READ GOD'S WORD DAILY

Saturday, June 5, 2010

COMPASSION OF CHRIST

Saturday, June 5, 2010
2 Corinthians 5:17-19
Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of GOD, who hath reconciled us to Himself by JESUS CHRIST, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation.
I don't think that I am being disrespectful to GOD by saying that this verse from 2 Corinthians 5, is GOD'S organizational plan for the Church. I love the way that GOD made sure that we had a perfect plan for the gathering and activity of the organized body of Christ. GOD had such compassion for the world that He made sure that there was a plan in place for the spread of the Gospel throughout all the world. He did this so that, in the fullness of time, all people would come to JESUS and through Him be saved.

We begin this plan with this statement: ALL THINGS ARE OF GOD.
  1. Born again people of GOD through Jesus Christ
  2. Old things passed away; behold, all things become new
  3. A people reconciled to GOD by Jesus
  4. Mission and ministry - RECONCILIATION TO GOD
The Church is the Body of Christ, reconciled to GOD by the Blood of Jesus; Born again people; New creatures; with a ministry and a mission to reconcile the world to GOD. We are a part of this plan of GOD and we have a lot of work to do. The people of this world are confused by every wind of doctrine and are tossed and turned like ships in a storm. ALL THINGS ARE OF GOD and GOD wants everyone to be saved, we have the word of life to turn the darkness of confusion to the bright light of stability. Let us be the compassionate heart of GOD, reconciling the world to GOD through Jesus. We have the whole Gospel; let's use it.
We beg you, in Christ's stead, BE YE RECONCILED TO GOD.

Friday, June 4, 2010

COMPASSION OF CHRIST

Friday, June 4, 2010
Matthew 14:35,36
And when the men of that place had knowledge of Him, they sent out into all the country round about, and brought unto Him all that were diseased, and besought Him that they might only touch the hem of His garment; and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.

The compassion of JESUS was not just in thought, word and deed, the anointing was in Him, on Him and around Him. Is it possible to be so anointed that your garments would be powerful instruments of GOD'S healing? The answer to that question is, "yes". The relationship which we have with the LORD touches every part of us and extends outward, beyond our physical limitations. The more you know the LORD, personally, the more He reaches through you to touch others.
The Apostle Paul said: "that I might know HIM, and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His suffering; that I might be conformable unto His death, the death of the cross." The men in these verses knew JESUS by reputation and some knew Him by experience; the men that were gathered from the country side, knew JESUS by reputation, so they brought the sick to JESUS so that they would be healed. They probably knew about the woman with the issue of blood who was healed by touching the hem of His garment. His reputation drew them.
There are other levels of knowing which we can experience and be changed into His likeness. We can know Him through His Word; we can know Him as we yield ourselves to Him and be born again and Baptized; we can know Him in our daily life, as friend, companion, healer, deliverer; we can know Him in power through the Baptism with the Holy Spirit; we can have intimate time with Him in prayer; we can know His heart and feel Him pulse, share His breath and know His mind. Yes, we can have the mind of Christ. Yes, we can touch and heal, restore and deliver in His Name and for HIS HOLY NAME SAKE. He shares his life with us every day and every moment of every day. Give Him your heart and He will give you His.
May GOD arise in your life; dispel the darkness; restore the light; heal your wounds and bring you to know His Love.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

COMPASSION OF CHRIST

Thursday, June 3, 2010
1 Samuel 10:6,7
And the Spirit of the LORD will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man. And let it be, when these signs are come upon thee, that thou do as occasion serve thee; FOR GOD IS WITH THEE.

This portion of Scripture is very powerful. I am struck by the similarity between this call and anointing of King Saul and the words spoken to Mary, the mother of Jesus, by the angel Gabriel. (Luke 1:35). In each case, the transformation of the person into a new being, with a new way of life, was the act of the Holy Spirit coming upon them. Saul became King, by the act of GOD, by the Holy Spirit; Mary became the Mother of Jesus, by the act of GOD, by the Holy Spirit.
Have you ever wanted to be changed into a person who is rightly related to GOD? Have you ever wanted to leave behind the old world of fight, sin, darkness and hatred? Do you want to be a new creation, old things passed away and all thing becoming new?
Then, let it be so to you, open your heart to the compassion of GOD, for He loves you. Allow him to be the first love in your life. Embrace JESUS; embrace the Cross; let His Blood wash you from sin and make you clean; invite the Holy Spirit to fill you with Himself and anoint you with Holy Oil.
Let it be so, when these signs come upon thee, that thou do as occasion serve thee; For GOD is with thee.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

COMPASSION OF CHRIST

Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Matthew 9: 36
When He (Jesus) saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion on them, because they were faint, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

Jesus is moved with compassion by the conditions of men. Jesus, the Son of GOD, saw the need, felt the need and responded with abundance. This is the heart, the feelings, and work of GOD. Love, kindness, joy, gentleness, goodness, faith, patience, peace come from GOD. These are His way of responding to human need. Why does He respond this way, when humankind treats Him so badly? He responds this way, because that is who He is. GOD can not lie; GOD can not go against His nature; GOD keeps His Word, therefore, GOD heals the sick, mends broken hearts, sets captives free, removes heavy burdens and CARES. Compassion is the way of GOD and He calls us to be people of compassion, reaching out to the poor, the sick and the needy. He asks us to be watchful for people who are abandon and hurting. He asks us to feed the hungry; clothe the naked; visit those in prison; heal every wound in His Holy Name.
Let your heart be moved with compassion as you walk the road of life. See need, feel the need in your heart, respond to the need with abundance. In Jesus Name.

GOD IS FAITHFUL

Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Psalm 138: 8,9
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You keep me safe; You stretch forth Your hand against the fury of my enemies; Your right hand shall save me. The LORD will make good his purpose for me; O LORD, Your love endures forever; do not abandon the works of Your hands.

Are you aware that the LORD has a plan and a purpose for you that he will not abandon, but will make good? We were fearfully and wonderfully made by the LORD, with a mission and a ministry; a plan and a purpose set for us. All we have to do is look to Him and find His way and find our way through this life.

I will share with you a story, recounted to me last night: Yesterday, a woman was looking and loving the beauty of the Sedona landscape, when she saw a young man jump off a bridge to his death. She witnessed the whole thing and was very shaken when I saw her. " I wish I could have talked with him before he died, I would have shared the LORD with him and GOD'S love for him. I felt so helpless." she said. This dear woman is a life long Evangelist with a long history of Evangelistic Ministry with her Husband. "She felt helpless."

Have you ever felt helpless in a situation? The life of the young man did fulfill a purpose and a plan, this woman was brought to her knees in humility, saying: LORD have mercy on this young mans soul.Great compassion arose in her heart as she spoke lovingly about this young man. We talked about how useless we are without GOD; how helpless we are without Him; and that when we are empty, He fills us with the oil of his Holy Spirit. We shared the Gospel and loved the LORD together. The young man inspired the passion of the WORD of GOD.

We are all the work of GOD'S hands. He watches over us and never slumbers or sleeps. His love, mercy and compassion follow us every day of our life. He saw us before we were formed in the womb and He loved us with GOD-love. Let us love Him with all the love in our heart and love our neighbor as ourselves, passionately.

Is it possible that the young man in the story could have been saved by the outstretched hand of a person who loves GOD? Could he have been brought to Christ by the WORD of the LORD shared with him by a humble person? We don't know. What we do know is that we must be alert to sharing the Good News of the Gospel with everyone and be known as the light-bearer for GOD in this dark world.

LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE; PEOPLE NEED THE LORD.