Tuesday, August 31, 2010

HEARING THE VOICE OF GOD

Wednesday, September 1, 2010
II Timothy 3:16,17
All Scripture is given by inspiration of GOD, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of GOD may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
There are 7 ways to hear GOD's voice, the first is that GOD speaks through His Word.
The word "inspiration" means breathed. GOD has literally breathed His word into being, just like He breathed everything else into existence. Psalm 33:6 says that " By the word of the LORD were the heavens made, and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth." In Genesis, we find that GOD breathed into the newly formed man and He became a living soul. It is by the breath of GOD that the Holy Scripture came into being. The breath of GOD is the Holy Spirit.

Holy Scripture is pure and undefiled. It is true and without fault. It is used for doctrine, reproof, correction and instruction so that a person can turn to the WORD of GOD and find the way of righteousness. We have been given a great gift by GOD, who loves us and wants us to find our way to Him, know Him and love Him. That gift is the Holy Scripture. It is amazing how GOD kept the integrity of the Scripture as He used different men to write it down. It is amazing how GOD has guarded the Scripture from error, through the process of translation. This is the work of the Holy Spirit who brings the Word from GOD, guards the Scripture and interprets the Word to the reader.

You can read the same Scripture many times, and each time find something new and wonderful.
ALL SCRIPTURE IS GIVEN BY THE INSPIRATION OF GOD.
HEAR HIM SPEAK TO YOU THROUGH HIS WORD.


Monday, August 30, 2010

HEARING THE VOICE OF GOD

Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Matthew 6: 46-49
And why call ye me, LORD, LORD, and do not the things which I say? Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I show you to whom he is like: He is like a man who built an house, and dug deep, and laid the foundation on a rock; and when a flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it; for it was founded upon rock. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that, without a foundation, built an house upon earth, against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.

THE ROCK IS JESUS
We are on a "building project" of faith. The Master builder has a plan and that plan includes each of us. When we come to Him for instruction on how to build a life that is pleasing to Him, He tells us. The choice remains whether we build our life on the Rock, which is JESUS or we build our life on the earth/sand. If we do not listen to Him, our life will crumble when the storms rise up against us. If we build our life on JESUS, the Rock, there is no storm or trouble that can cause the life to fall. All the building materials are right at hand. GOD has supplied ample material to build a life that is beautiful and fit for the Master. Our part is to build according to His plan and know that He will "direct our path"

For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is GOD (Hebrews 11:10)

Sunday, August 29, 2010

HEARING THE VOICE OF GOD

Monday, August 30, 2010
Romans 10:17,18
So then, faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of GOD. But I say, "Have they not heard?" Yes, verily, verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.

In Romans 10:17, we see a twofold connection between hearing the voice of GODand faith: Faith is connected to hearing and hearing is dependent on the Word of GOD. We don't often realize that our faith in GOD is given to us by GOD and that it is revealed by hearing the Word of GOD. Our inner heart has ears and when we read the Word of GOD, it hears the sound of the Word and retains it. When the Word of GOD is preached and proclaimed, we hear it with our outer ears, the ears of the heart hear it and retain it. The Spirit activates the WORD of GOD and faith grows. The more we hear, read, study and listen to the Word of GOD, the greater our faith becomes. In the time of trial, the Word gives us the wisdom to act and behave in a GODLY way.

Romans 10: 18 asks a profound question: " Have they not heard?". Have the people of this world heard the voice of GOD? Yes, they have heard, but did they receive Word within their heart? The sound of the Voice has gone out over all the earth and words have been heard throughout the world. There is no excuse for anyone to ignore the power of the WORD to transform their life, yet people do ignore the Word of GOD, to their peril.

What can we do? We can listen to the Word of God and be not just hearers of the Word but doers of it. We must carry the Word of GOD in our life, our speech and our actions so that all who hear us, hear Him.
To the glory of His name and the spreading of His Kingdom.

Friday, August 27, 2010

HEARING THE VOICE OF GOD

Saturday, August 28, 2010
James 1: 19
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of GOD.

Make it your goal to hear GOD'S voice

When you make it your goal to hear GOD'S voice, you have decided to follow what He says. This is a decision we all have to make. Are we going to listen to what GOD has to say, or are we going to lean on our own understanding. James admonishes us to be swift to hear God, not slow to hear Him. We are to be slow to speak out our feelings and slow to wrath, because speaking swiftly means that we run the risk of speaking in error.

When we hear the word from GOD, we are to slow to speak it, because we are aware that this word must be spoken in Truth and spoken clearly for the hearer. It is also very important to verify what has been said by checking it out in the Scripture. Slowness to speak helps to take the "heat out of the heart" which cools the anger and prevents wrath.

Listening has levels of depth: casual, meaningful, intense and pondering/meditating. This is also a process through which we can reach the depth of revelation knowledge. Casual hearing means that you hear then move on; meaningful listening means that you hear then look for meaning in the words; intense listening means that you hear then look for meaning then reach for understanding; pondering/meditating means that you hear, look, reach then receive revelation.

The time that it takes to ponder the Word of GOD, dispels the heat of anger and keeps us from wasting our time in wrath. "The wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of GOD".

MAKE IT YOUR GOAL TO HEAR GOD'S VOICE AND LISTEN

HEARING THE VOICE OF GOD

Saturday, August 28, 2010
James 1:19
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of GOD.

Make it your goal to hear GOD'S voice.
The verse from James has a threefold guideline for all of us: be swift to hear; be slow to speak; slow to wrath.
When we make it our goal to "hear the voice of GOD", we take time to listen. When we speak out what we hear from GOD, we are slow to speak. Wrath does not come from GOD, so be very aware when the heat of anger arises in the heart, then cool the heat through listening and hearing, then speaking the Word of GOD.

What is the difference between hearing and listening? We hear a lot of things: noise, ringing, talking, and a large number of sounds, most of which we ignore or filter out. When we listen, we focus on what is being said or the sound that is drawing us. Listening has many depths. We can listen casually, meaningfully, intently and ponder/meditate. The casual listening is very fast

Thursday, August 26, 2010

HEARING THE VOICE OF GOD

Friday, August 27, 2010
Isaiah 55:10,11
For as rain cometh down, and snow from heaven, and returneth not there, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater. So shall My word be that goeth forth out of My mouth; it shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

This verse gives us an understanding of the magnitude of the word of the LORD and the volume of words which He speaks. God is not one for few words, we are the ones who hear only part of what He is saying. His words are like rain and snow falling from the heaven, they water or give nourishment to the earth and the people, so that they will bring forth much fruit. When this precious seed is sown in our lives, and we bring that word to fruit, then it can become seed for others to plant and they, too will bear fruit.

When the Word of GOD goes forth, it always accomplishes what GOD pleases and gives prosperity in the areas that receive it. What is greatly needed are ears to hear and hearts to receive the Word. The Word of the LORD is abundant; look around and see, open your ears and hear, open your heart and receive.
Listen, the LORD is speaking. Be still and know that He is GOD.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

HEARING THE VOICE OF GOD

Thursday, August 26, 2010
Psalm 85:8
I will hear what GOD, the LORD, will speak; for He will speak peace unto His people, and to His saints; but let them not turn again to folly.

This is a very powerful word, it has three distinct parts: two parts for building up the people and one warning. The opening statement is that there is a determination, on the part of the Psalmist, to hear what GOD, the LORD, says. This is followed by a key for discernment of the LORD'S voice, "He will speak peace" and to whom He will speak, the people of GOD and those dedicated to Him. Peace is a key discernment tool. If there is a word that you hear which brings turmoil or a feeling of uneasiness, chances are that it is not the voice of the LORD. The LORD GOD speaks peace and is heard in peace.

The last part of this verse is a warning to all who would neglect the time of listening to GOD, "let them not turn again to folly". There are many who are excited about hearing the voice of the LORD for the first time or in a moment of great need, but in a time of ease, they forget to listen to His voice and try to live their life apart from Him. They neglect the gift of "hearing His voice" so they slip into folly.

The practice of silence and listening to GOD is an activity that never ends. The more you listen the more you learn from the Holy Spirit about the deep things of GOD. The more you learn, the more you want to learn, this goes on endlessly. Matthew 5:6 says: " Blessed are they who do hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled." GOD chooses to fill those who listen, hear, yearn and learn with the deep things of His Heart.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

HEARING THE VOICE OF GOD

Wednesday, August 25, 2010
I Corinthians 2: 9,10
But as 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."

The first step in hearing the voice of GOD is to Believe that GOD will speak to you.
The second step is to Learn to listen.
The third step is to Be filled with the Holy Spirit.

In this I Corinthians passage, the Apostle Paul is saying that the Holy Spirit reveals and searches the deep things of GOD. When we believe that GOD speaks to us, when we practice listening and then are filled with the Holy Spirit, we can know the deep things of GOD. When the deep things are revealed to us, we are to proclaim them to others. The revelation of the deep things are not for us only, they are to be shared abroad.

How can we be sure that the word we hear is from GOD? Know the voice of GOD, read and meditate on the Word of the LORD, pray without ceasing, and practice listening. Everything that the Holy Spirit reveals is supported by GOD'S Word, the Holy Spirit never speaks apart from or contrary to the Word of GOD. He has given us the tools to discern the Word of the LORD, that is Scripture. There is a saying: "If you hear a word and it does not wash through the Scripture, don't drink it." This means that you have to spend time in study of the Word of GOD. If you have a question about a word you have received, Ask of God and He will show you the way.
BELIEVE, LISTEN, BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT
and
HEAR THE VOICE OF GOD

Monday, August 23, 2010

HEARING THE VOICE OF GOD

Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Ecclestiastes 5: 1,2
Keep thy foot when thou goest to the House of GOD, and be more ready to hear than to give the sacrifice of fools; for they consider not that they do evil. Be not rash with thy mouth and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before GOD; for GOD is in heaven, and thou upon earth; therefore let thy words be few.

I am drawn to the fact that GOD is present when we speak and He is ready to speak when we are quiet. Too much talking overrides the voice of GOD. You can not hear if you are chattering. The words, "be more ready to hear than to give the sacrifice of fools; for they consider not that they do evil" really has meaning for me. We do not spend more time listening to GOD or to one another, than we spend talking. If we are really honest, we have to confess that we are rash with our mouth and we utter words hastily. This Scripture says that when we give the sacrifice of fools, we do evil. OUCH!!

There is a little phrase that we use with children which helps me to be still,"GOD gave you 2 ears and 1 mouth to tell you to listen 2x more than you speak." Silence is a learned activity. It must be practiced regularly by us all. Try reading GOD'S word and then sitting still for 5 min. and listen to what GOD has to say to you. Build up the time of listening until you can listen for 1 hour. The words from Psalm 46:10 call us to this practice,"Be still and know that I am GOD; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. The LORD of hosts is with us; the GOD of Jacob is our refuge - Selah (think about it)." There is no voice more sweet than the voice of the LORD. LISTEN TO HIM.

FOR GOD ALONE MY SOUL IN SILENCE WAITS, FROM HIM COMES MY SALVATION.
(Psalm 62: 1) RSV

Sunday, August 22, 2010

HEARING THE VOICE OF GOD

Monday, August 23, 2010
Genesis 3:8
And they heard the voice of the LORD GOD walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD GOD among the trees of the garden.

The first principle of hearing is to believe that GOD will speak to you.

Within each of us is the still, small voice of GOD. The voice that calls, calms, claims, comforts, and consoles. The voice that leads, guides, governs and directs, if we will just listen.

There is a challenge that faces each one of us, it is the challenge which faced Adam and Eve when they lived in the beautiful garden of Eden. That challenge is to listen to the voice of GOD and follow exactly what He says. There was another voice in the Garden, a strange voice that questioned and pulled away from the voice of GOD. That strange voice was discernible by its sound and by the questions. This strange voice asked about what GOD had said, therefore it could not have been GOD speaking or it would have said: "I have said".

I guess the real question that we all must ask of ourselves is: "Do you believe that GOD speaks to you?" When we look at the Scripture, Genesis 3:8, we see something interesting, the voice walks in the garden. This tells me that in the garden within my soul, the sound of GOD is walking there. If I come to that garden, deep within, and listen, I can hear His sound and know His voice. But I must be still. Psalm 46: 10 says: Be still and know that I am GOD; when we are still, we will know that He is walking within us, telling us of His Love.

He walks with me and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE

Friday, August 20, 2010
Mark 1: 40,41
And there came a leper to Him, beseeching Him, and kneeling down to Him, and saying unto Him, "If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean". And JESUS, moved with compassion, put forth His hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, "I will, be thou clean."

THERE ARE NO "IFS" WITH GOD - ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE

The leper in this account, in Mark, was filled with faith and filled with humility and boldness. He came to JESUS, knelt down before JESUS, and asked a question with boldness. The "if" in this question was not a word of doubt, but a word of humility. He was saying: "if you find me worthy, then heal me." This precious person, kneeling before JESUS, stirred up deep emotions. JESUS is moved with compassion by the painful disease this leper was suffering; He was moved with compassion by the humility of the man; and He was moved with compassion by the faith.

This story has a lot to say to us. First of all, all things are possible with GOD. Believe this with all your heart. Next, we are a part of the family of GOD and His desire is that we be perfectly whole and healed. Believe this with all your heart. Next, we are always welcome to come to JESUS with our needs and He will say to you; "I will, be thou clean."

The sicknesses that haunt us, raise up in JESUS a great compassion. He wants to help in our time of need. He wants all of His family to be whole, complete and perfect. It was this great compassion for the world, that motivated JESUS to go all the way to Calvary and die; go to hell to release the captives and walk among the friends as risen LORD; then return to Glory to sit at the right hand of the Father. He took His Blood into the Holy of Hollies as an offering for us; He now makes intercession for us to the Father day and night. His compassion has no end and never departs.

Humility, in the presence of GOD, is the response of love, respect, faithfulness and awe. No one can stand in the awesome glory of GOD. Our Father is Holy, infinite, creator GOD; He holds the key to our wholeness. He bids us welcome and beckons us to come to Him and ask for help in the time of need. His promises are yea and amen. He will do as He has promised.

BELOVED, YOU ARE A PART OF THE FAMILY OF GOD; HE IS YOUR FATHER AND HE LOVES YOU.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE

Thursday, August 19, 2010
Isaiah 45:11
Thus saith the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker; Ask me of things to come concerning my sons; and concerning the work of My hands, command ye me.
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.

There are no limits to GOD'S goodness and grace. He tells us to come boldly to Him and ask about His sons and command Him concerning the work of His hands. These words, "boldly and command" can seem like arrogance, but if they are looked at as "relationship words", then they take the form of intimacy. Let me explain: If I am a child of a loving parent, I will sit at his knee and ask him questions and for favors. If I am the guest in a home and need something, I will be cautious and hesitant about asking. We are not guests in GOD'S family, we are sons and daughters. Therefore, we can come close to Him and sit on his lap and ask. He has said if you ask in His Name He will do it. So run to the Father GOD, crawl up in His lap and ask what you need according to His will, He has promised to honor all of His promises.
THERE ARE NO LIMITS TO GOD'S GRACE AND MERCY; COME BOLDLY TO THE THRONE OF GRACE AND RECEIVE MERCY IN ABUNDANCE

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE

Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Ephesians 3:20,21
Now unto Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us. Unto him be glory in the church by Christ JESUS throughout all ages, world without end, Amen.

THERE ARE NO LIMITS WITH GOD

Yes, GOD is limitless. He can do greater things than we can ask or think or imagine. He eagerly proves this to all His children. His great love manifests itself in lavish and extravagant outpouring of blessings upon His people. We are the Church of GOD, the place where He desires to dwell. We are the people of GOD, in whom He chooses to dwell.

We often limit GOD by what we think He is able to do. We say things like: "If you are willing..." or "This is impossible... or that is impossible, even for GOD" What we are saying is that GOD won't or can't do what He has promised. The truth is that GOD has no limits. What He says, He will do; what He promises, He will fulfill.
He has said for us to ask anything in His Name and He will do it. So "ASK and you shall receive".

ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE WITH GOD - NO LIMITS

Sunday, August 15, 2010

ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE

Monday, August 16, 2010
Acts 29
WE ARE THE ACTS 29 PEOPLE. OUR LIVES WRITE THIS CHAPTER, OUR STORIES ARE TESTIMONIES OF THE MIGHTY ACTS OF GOD.

Jesus, looking upon them, saith, "With men it is impossible, but not with GOD; for with GOD all things are possible." (Mark 10: 27)

I believe that what JESUS said is true. I believe that all things are possible, through JESUS. Pastor asked this question today:"Do you believe that the Scripture is true? Do you believe that GOD speaks the truth?" So I ask you to ask yourself those questions. If the answer is "Yes, I believe", then start standing on the promises of GOD for your life and do not waver. All his promises are yea and amen to you and all for whom you pray.
STAND FIRM ON THE PROMISES OF GOD.
ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE FOR THOSE WHO BELIEVE.

Friday, August 13, 2010

LIFESAVER

Saturday, August 14, 2010
II Corinthians 4: 6,7
For GOD, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shone in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of GOD in the face of JESUS. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of GOD, and not of us.

Born again, by belief on the LORD JESUS Christ; sealed by the Holy Spirit of GOD and marked as GOD'S own forever; nurtured and sustained by the WORD of GOD; deepened in faith through prayer; and the Blood of JESUS reconciled us to GOD. We have all of this in earthen vessels, bodies which will return to dust in the fullness of time. However, the perfect power is of GOD forever and forever.

You and I are saved by the direct will and action of GOD who loved us so much that He gave His highest and His best for our salvation. Creator GOD, who called all things into being, loved and loves and will love us totally.
There is no word or way to say "thank you, LORD, for the things You have done." all we can do is offer these earthen vessels to be filled and given, so that others might live and taste the sweetness of His awesome love.

HERE AM I, LORD, SEND ME. TO YOU BE ALL HONOR AND GLORY; DOMINION AND POWER IS YOURS FOREVER AND EVER.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

LIFESAVER - THE BLOOD OF JESUS

Friday, August 13, 2010
Romans 5: 9,10
Much more then, being now justified by His Blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to GOD by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His Life.

C.I. Scofield comments:"His (JESUS') resurrection is the proof that our sins are gone." It is hard to understand that our sins, though many, are washed away through the Blood of JESUS, but the truth is that they are gone. All past sins are under the Blood of JESUS and we are saved from the righteous wrath of GOD. The question remains: What about the sins we commit from now on? The Scripture says: when we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.(1 John 1:9).

GOD has done all the work for us to be saved from His own righteous wrath. All we have to do is receive Him and be saved. "For as many as receive Him, to them gave He the power to become the children of GOD, even to them that believe on His Name." (John 1:12) It is so simple, that it confounds the wise. GOD make the impossible easy for us, because He knew that without JESUS and His Blood no one could be saved.

BELIEVE ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST AND YOU WILL BE SAVED

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

LIFESAVER - THE BLOOD OF JESUS

Thursday, August 12, 2010
Romans 3:25
Whom GOD hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His Blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of GOD.

JESUS IS THE MERCY SEAT - THE THRONE OF GRACE

I want to quote a comment by C.I. Scofield on this awesome understanding of JESUS as the Mercy Seat: "Christ completely satisfied the just demands of a Holy GOD for judgment on sin by His death on the cross. GOD, foreseeing the cross, is righteous in forgiving sins in the O.T. period as well as in justifying sinners under the new covenant, through the shedding of Blood. Propitiation is not placating a vengeful GOD but, rather, it is satisfying the righteousness of a Holy GOD, thereby making it possible for Him to show mercy righteously. " The Blood of JESUS changed the seat of judgement into the Mercy Seat.

By the Blood of JESUS we are reconciled to GOD; by His wounds we are healed/saved. JESUS is the perfect Lamb who was slain, to make atonement for our sin and bring us into union with GOD.

Oh, what a gift, what a wonderful gift; who can tell the wonders of the LORD. Let us open our hearts and receive this gift. It is the lifeline to bring us to GOD.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

LIFESAVER - THE BLOOD OF JESUS

Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Ephesians 2:13,14
Now in Christ JESUS ye who once were 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.

"Jesus is our peace" with GOD.
He has broken down the wall of separation between us and Him. This is so awesome, that it is hard to imagine, but it is true. The wall of separation is gone by the Blood of JESUS, the Lamb of GOD who took away the sin of the world (John 1:29).

What was the wall of separation? What was the sign of its destruction? When did it happen? Is it possible to be in union with GOD today?

The wall of separation was sin. Sin broke the unity of man and GOD and "we were once far off" and "made near by the Blood of Christ". The sign of the destruction of the wall (sin) is the tearing of the veil of the Temple at the flesh-death of JESUS. The veil was torn from the top to the bottom, meaning that GOD ripped it. With the dividing wall torn, the Holy Place and the mercy seat was now open to all people. Once and for all time the wall of division was torn down. Peace with GOD through JESUS Christ is a reality.

The big question remains: Is it possible to be in union with GOD today? Yes, it is possible to be one with GOD and with man today. It is possible, but only with great humility. We must submit to GOD alone and follow Him day by day, night by night, always in all ways. This is what JESUS did, wants and prayed in intercession for us. Look at John 17:21 and 23. JESUS asked the Father for those who believed on the Lord JESUS to be one even as JESUS and the Father are one. Total dependency on GOD and faith in His Holy Name; the Word of GOD; discipline of prayer; the Blood of JESUS is the great lifesaver for all eternity.

I HAVE DECIDED TO FOLLOW JESUS; NO TURNING BACK. THE CROSS BEFORE ME THE WORLD BEHIND ME; NO TURNING BACK. THOUGH NONE GO WITH ME, YET I WILL FOLLOW; NO TURNING BACK; NO TURNING BACK.

Monday, August 9, 2010

LIFESAVER - PRAYER

Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Luke 11: 1b-4
LORD, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. And He said unto them, "When ye pray, say, Our Father, who art in heaven, hollowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so on earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive everyone that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil."
Matthew 6:13
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever, Amen.

We are all very familiar with the prayer that the LORD taught His disciples and teaches us about prayer. There are points in this prayer that are lifesavers to us. The first one is a statement of relationship with GOD. JESUS says to pray, "Our Father". He wanted the disciples and us to understand that we are in a family relationship with GOD and He is our Father. This relationship is very intimate and personal, not distant. When we pray, we are talking to Our Father in heaven who is Holy and His Name is Holy.

The first petition is for the Kingdom of GOD to come and rule on earth. The second petition is for GOD'S will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. Our Father is King and we ask for His will to be manifest on this earth in the same manner as it is in heaven. His will is for all to be one in Him forever.

The next petitions are for our personal needs: daily bread; forgiveness our sins, so that we are not bound by sin and can loose others and ourselves; strength to prevail through temptation; and finally, deliverance from the evil one. Notice that the petitions for our needs come after we honor and glorify the Holy GOD for who He is - Our Father in heaven.

The prayer ends with a praise of GOD found in 1 Chronicles 29:10 and 11. These are the words of David when He blessed the LORD before the congregation after He announced that GOD had chosen his son Solomon to build the Temple. This prayer, in 1 Chronicles, sounds very close to the prayer JESUS taught. Why is this so? I believe that JESUS was with the Father when He inspired the words given to David. After all, all Scripture is given by the inspiration of GOD (2 Timothy 3:16, 17).

OUR FATHER GAVE HIS SON AND GAVE US HIS WORD AND GAVE US THE MEANS BY WHICH WE CAN HAVE ACCESS TO HIM DAY AND NIGHT FOR EVER.
LIFE SAVERS


Sunday, August 8, 2010

LIFESAVER - PRAYER

Monday, August 9, 2010
James 5:15
The prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the LORD shall raise him up; and if he committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
James 1: 6,7
But let him ask in faith nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the LORD.

There are 4 lifesavers that, when you grab a hold of them, will save your life for ever and these 4 are really only one, because they build upon each other. The first, is the Name of JESUS, that powerful Name which brings all of heaven, earth and under the earth to its knees. The Name which is above all names; the Name that encompasses all other Names. JESUS the CHRIST is LORD. The second, is the Word of the LORD. This Word was with GOD from the beginning and through Him was everything made that was made. The Word is JESUS. The Word is Holy Scripture, which is breathed by the Holy Spirit of GOD and interpreted by Him. The third, is Prayer.

The two verses from James tell us a lot about prayer. In James 5: 15 we see that prayer of faith saves the sick and the LORD raises him up, and forgives his sins. This is total healing and restoration. I want to to notice that prayer is coupled with faith. When you read James 1: 6,7, you find that prayer without steadfast faith goes no where and receives nothing. The opposite is true, prayer in faith, believing that if GOD has said it in His Word, then it is true and settled, produces the fruit of that prayer. If you pray for healing and stand on the word that "by His (JESUS') stripes we are healed", then we will receive what GOD has promised - healing and wholeness.

Hebrews 11:6
Without faith it is impossible to please Him (GOD); for he that cometh to GOD must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.

Seeking GOD is Prayer. Prayer brings us into relationship with GOD. Prayer is that connecting link to the Divine and has been established as a means of communication by the Passion of JESUS and His unconditional Love. Prayer is a great gift. When we pray the Word of the LORD in the Holy Name of JESUS, we will receive, not only what we ask for, but also what we need and that in abundance.

More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of. PRAY WITHOUT CEASING.





Friday, August 6, 2010

LIFESAVER - THE WORD OF THE LORD

Saturday, August 7, 2010
Proverbs 4:20 - 22
My Son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart form thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart; for they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.

There are three key words in these verses that open a door to life and health. The words are: Attend, incline, and keep. Attend, means to focus the attention on an object or an idea. What the LORD is saying to us is to "attend" or focus your attention on the Word of the LORD. The word "incline" means: to raise up, or open up. So the LORD is saying: raise up or open up your ear to the saying in the Word of the LORD. The word "keep" means to possess or make your own. So the LORD is saying: possess and make your own the Word of the LORD. When your eyes, ears and heart are filled with the Word of the LORD and you do not let your eyes wander into strange territory, you will have life and health.

I suggest that we need to ponder these words from Proverbs. When our whole being is fixed on the Word of the LORD, we are not distracted by the lure of things which will make us sick and feeble. The fact that we are focused on GOD means that He will direct our path and lead us into green pastures and beside still waters. He can restore our soul and lead us in the path of righteousness. All good things come from GOD. When we are focused on Him, we are held in the arms of the One who can only love us and give us good gifts.

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct thy path. (Proverbs 3: 5,6)

Thursday, August 5, 2010

LIFESAVER - THE WORD OF THE LORD

Friday, August 6, 2010
Acts 11:14-16
Who shall tell thee words, by which thou and all thy house shall be saved. And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them, as on us at the beginning. Then remembered I the Word of the LORD, how He said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.
Psalm 119:89,94
Forever, O LORD, Thy Word is settled in heaven.
I am thine; save me; for I have sought Thy precepts.

First and greatest lifesaver of humankind is the Name of the LORD - JESUS. The next lifesaver is the Word of the LORD. JESUS is the Word of the LORD and when you speak His Holy Name, the Holy Word is activated. All the promises of GOD are in His Word and He will perform that which He has promised. The Name and the Word are linked together in a Holy bond.

When JESUS was in the wilderness and was tempted and tried by the devil, He quoted the Word of the LORD as His only reply to Satan. In our life, all that we need to be saved is JESUS, who is Savior, LORD, and the Word. The "manufacturer's handbook" on living a GODLY life is the Holy Scripture. There is nothing that enters into the life of a person which does not have an answer in the Word of the LORD. GOD always keeps His Word.

When we speak the Word of the LORD, the Holy Spirit carries that Word deep into the heart, mind and spirit of the listener. His Word has power to save and to transform. His Word will not return to Him void; it will accomplish that for which He sent it.


Wednesday, August 4, 2010

LIFESAVER - NAME OF JESUS

Thursday, August 5, 2010
Philippians 2:9-11
Wherefore, GOD also hath highly exalted Him, and given him a Name which is above every name, that at the Name of JESUS every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that JESUS Christ is LORD, to the glory of GOD the Father.

Throughout all of the life of JESUS, He pointed to the Father and glorified Him. JESUS was not living in the flesh to glorify himself, but to bring glory to the Father. JESUS never did anything without seeing the Father do it first; He was a totally obedient Son.

We look to the Cross as the focal point of our redemption; the shed Blood of JESUS which bought us back from the prison house of sin. We see JESUS as the perfect sacrifice for us and for the whole world, carrying His Blood into the Holy of Holies as the perfect atonement for us. There is, also, another aspect of JESUS' life which is part of the total picture of the redemption of humankind, His obedience and His faithfulness to the Father.
From the beginning, JESUS bowed to the Father and taught others to honor and obey the Father GOD. He never took upon Himself the honor and the glory, even though He was equal with the Father from the beginning. John 1: 1-5 says: "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with GOD and the Word was GOD. The same was in the beginning with GOD. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made. In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not." The humility of JESUS and the faithfulness of JESUS is a picture of the One whom GOD the Father honored and gave the Name which is above all Names. The Name of JESUS brings heaven, earth and the underworld to their knees in adoration.

JESUS taught us that the lifesaver for us is found in humility, faithfulness, steadfast love of GOD the Father and a willingness to live a life of obedience to the call and Word of GOD. Where He leads me, I must follow; I must be about my Father's business. I bow my head in submission to the will of GOD. This was the life of JESUS; this is our life in Him.


Tuesday, August 3, 2010

LIFESAVER - NAME OF JESUS

Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Colossians 2:8-10
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, and ye are complete in him, who is the head of all principalities and powers.

In JESUS we are complete, thoroughly furnished unto good work. We are warned, in this verse from Colossians, not to be drawn away through vain things and traditions of men which are after the rudiments of the world and not of Christ. We are warned in Scripture to shun vain imaginations and everything that exalts itself above Christ. Instead, we are to look to JESUS who is the author and finisher of our faith, who is the fullness of the Godhead (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) in One person, bodily.

When you look at the intelligent reason for putting our whole trust and confidence in JESUS, we see that all truth, all goodness, all power, all wisdom, all is complete and found in JESUS. It would be unwise to put our trust in half truth, rather than the whole truth. I don't know about you, but I want the confidence of knowing that my LORD knows all things and shares all things with me, when I ask. When I want answers to questions, I go to the source; JESUS is the Source, go to Him and find life.

In Him there is no darkness at all, the night and the day are both alike. The Lamb is the light of the city of GOD. Shine in my heart LORD JESUS.

Monday, August 2, 2010

LIFESAVER - NAME OF JESUS

Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Acts 4: 10-12
Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the Name of JESUS Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom GOD raised from the dead, even by Him doth this man stand here before you well. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is no other Name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

These are the words of Peter,"filled with the Holy Spirit" (verse 8). The Holy Spirit only speaks the word of Truth, since He is one with the Father and the Son and is the very essence of the GODHEAD. What Peter says, by the Holy Spirit, is that The Name of JESUS carries power to heal and to save. To speak the Name of JESUS is to invoke the power that brings all heaven and earth and under the earth to their knees. All things confess that JESUS Christ is LORD to the glory of GOD the Father (Philippians 2:10,11). The Name of JESUS is Holy and when we speak His Name we are uttering the most precious and Holy Name above all names.

Too many times, the Name of JESUS is spoken casually among people. It is understandable among those who do not know Him, but to those who know the great price He paid for the salvation of us all, this Name must be spoken in reverence. In the Name of JESUS, all other names come together into the One. He is Elohim, Adonai, El, El Shaddai, YHWH and all other names for GOD in Scripture. Zechariah 14:9 says: " And the LORD shall be King over all the earth; in that day shall there be One LORD and His Name One." That Name is JESUS CHRIST the LORD.

JESUS CHRIST IS LORD

Sunday, August 1, 2010

LIFESAVER

Monday, August 2, 2010
John 3:17
For GOD sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved.

We all can quote John 3:16, what follows, in verse 17, is a strong word for us today. The word "saved" is from the Greek word - sozo - which means: to rescue from destruction, to make well, prosper, heal and deliver. When we read this passage again, with this understanding, we find that GOD did not send JESUS into the world to condemn it, but to rescue the world from destruction, make it well, prosper the world, heal and deliver it. This was and is the mission of JESUS, even today. It was all for His loves sake that GOD sent His Son.

I am struck by the fact that JESUS did not condemn. This world is very quick to condemn. People condemn others for a great variety of reasons, but JESUS did not. Even on the Cross, in the most horrific agony, JESUS did not condemn, He forgave. "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do."

JESUS is creator GOD (John 1:1-5); He and the Father are One (John 10:30).
The heart of the Father beats in the heart of the Son and everything the Father does, the Son does. This being so, the Father sent the Son to redeem the world, not to condemn it; rescue the world from the grip of sin; make the world well, to prosper, heal and deliver it from bondage. GOD has called us to do the same thing. We are instruments of GOD in the daily work of "sozo", healing and salvation. When we are born again, the very heart of JESUS beats in us, His desire for the world presses us into action. John 17:23 says: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. Today, He is our vision and our hearing; He is looking through our eyes, hearing through our ears, walking through our feet and touching through our hands. His desire is that all shall be saved. We are the instruments through which He will accomplish it, if we are willing.

JESUS died that the world might be saved; JESUS lives today so that the world through Him might be saved. There is no other way than the precious Blood of the Lamb of GOD and the Holy Name of JESUS.

JESUS, NAME ABOVE ALL NAMES; BEAUTIFUL SAVIOR, GLORIOUS LORD EMANUEL, GOD WITH US, BLESSED REDEEMER, LIVING WORD.