Tuesday, November 30, 2010

HONOR THE LORD

Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Psalm 140:12,13
I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor. Surely, the righteous shall give thanks unto Thy Name; the upright shall dwell in Thy presence.

When we give thanks, we honor the LORD; when we neglect to give thanks, we dishonor Him. These are really strong words, and yet, true. Yesterday's devotion centered around the 10 lepers, only one of whom returned to give thanks. That leper honored the LORD; the 9 dishonored Him. Can you imagine the audacity of anyone who would even, for a moment, desire to dishonor JESUS? None of us would knowingly dishonor the King of Kings and LORD of LORDS and yet, when we forget to say thanks, we are doing just that.

The person who has received an abundance from the hand of the LORD, is more likely to thank Him for His grace and generosity. Have you considered giving thanks with a faith offering? What do I mean by a "faith offering"?
I mean that by faith, you thank the LORD before He meets the need, before He heals the body. It is this act of faith which glorifies GOD and exalts His Name, honoring Him highly. Throughout the Bible, there are many evidences of people who acted by faith in GOD and knew that if GOD said it, He would perform what He said. Their thanksgiving was before the evidence of fulfillment. All those who died before JESUS, died knowing, by faith, that they would see the resurrection, and so they waited with patience for the fulfillment through JESUS. Their patience was evidence of their hope and faith, as they waited with thanksgiving for the coming of the Holy One.

WAIT UPON THE LORD, BE PATIENT AND THANKFUL, FILLED WITH FAITH THAT WHATEVER HE HAS PROMISED, HE WILL FULFILL.
THANKS BE TO GOD!!!




Monday, November 29, 2010

ONE GAVE THANKS

Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Luke 17:15-19
And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified GOD, and fell down on his face at His (JESUS') feet, giving Him thanks; and he was a Samaritan. And JESUS, answering, said, Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to GOD except this stranger. Arise, go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole.

One of the ten lepers turned back to give thanks to JESUS. Doesn't this make you sad? Only one was grateful for being healed of a fatal disease, the others went their way to the Priest to be declared clean. The gratitude of this Samaritan is particularly touching, since he was a double outcast. The Jews hated the Samaritans and the world hated the lepers. People would shout "unclean" at the sight of a leper and the leper, himself, had to declare that he was unclean. So this one man, was a double outcast, and yet, he turned back to say give thanks to JESUS for so great a gift.

Luke 7:47 says: Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. Our sins, which are many, are all forgiven when we confess them to JESUS. This is a gift of grace. We can show our love and gratitude by falling at the feet of JESUS and shout with a loud voice, from the heart, "THANKS BE TO GOD FOR HIS UNSPEAKABLE GIFT."

The LORD JESUS gave His life to save us from the pit of hell. We were "unclean" until JESUS washed us with His precious Blood and reconciled to GOD (Romans 5). The choice is now ours: do we turn from the path that leads away from JESUS and turn back to Him with thanksgiving or do we continue on the path that leads away from JESUS. Nine lepers chose to walk the path away from JESUS; one chose to turn back and fall at His feet, giving thanks. What do you choose?

AS FOR ME AND MY HOUSE, WE WILL SERVE THE LORD.

Sunday, November 28, 2010

TELL THEM THAT I LOVE THEM

Monday November 29, 2010
John 15:9,10
As the Father hath loved Me, so have I loved you; continue ye in My love. If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love, even as I have kept My Father's commandments, and abide in His love.

John 17:23
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.

I am beginning this week of devotionals with this word from JESUS, "Tell them that I love them". While I was painting a figure of the Nativity, I was pondering the great meaning of thanksgiving to GOD for all the things He has done for humankind. I heard Him say, very clearly, "Tell them that I love them". This is the message from JESUS to all of us. He loves us with the kind of love that is way beyond human understanding. It is so simple, that it confounds the wise in their own mind. Everything that the Father has done, has been done out of love for His creation; the willing sacrifice of JESUS in coming to earth as a baby, living among us and dying to save us, was done out of love. There is nothing that we can do to equal that love. We do not deserve it, nor can we merit it. It is a free gift to all who will receive Him.

Pure love is poured out freely from the Heart of JESUS, we can all receive Him, if we open our heart to Him. The rest is our response to so great a gift. When we keep His commandments, it is our response to His love. When we serve others in His Name, it is a response to His love. Every good thing that we do, is pure response. What can we say to the One who did everything to make our life good? We can thank Him, praise Him, glorify Him and live our life for Him, every moment of every day for the rest of our life.

WHAT I HAVE I GIVE HIM, GIVE HIM MY HEART

Friday, November 26, 2010

GIVING THANKS TO THE LORD

Saturday, November 27, 2010
Luke 22: 17 - 20
And He ( JESUS) took the cup, and gave thanks, and said Take this, and divide it among yourselves; for I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of GOD shall come. And He took bread, and gave thanks, and broke it, and gave unto them saying, This is My body which is given for you; this do in remembrance of Me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in My Blood, which is shed for you.

WE GIVE THANKS IN REMEMBRANCE OF JESUS

The Eucharist/Communion is centered around the Body and Blood of JESUS. His words "do this in remembrance of Me" were a command from JESUS for all who love Him. With in this call for remembrance, is the act of JESUS who gave thanks. This act is a very important part of the Eucharist/Communion. We give thanks as we remember the great sacrifice of His Body and Blood for our redemption. Without JESUS, laying down His life for us, we could never please GOD, be right with GOD or live with Him forever. JESUS paid the price for our life, with His own life. "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down His life for His friends." (John 15: 13) HOW CAN WE GIVE THANKS FOR SO GREAT A GIFT?
COME TO MY HEART, LORD JESUS, THERE IS ROOM IN MY HEART FOR THEE

WHOSOEVER SHALL CONFESS THAT JESUS IS THE SON OF GOD, GOD DWELLETH IN HIM, AND HE IN GOD.(1 John 4:15)
BELIEVE ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST AND YE SHALL BE SAVED, YOU AND YOUR HOUSE.


Thursday, November 25, 2010

GIVING THANKS TO THE LORD

Friday, November 26, 2010
Matthew 15: 36-38
And He took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and broke them, and gave to His disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. And they did eat, and were filled; and they took up of the broken pieces that were left seven baskets full. And they that did eat were four thousand men, besides women and children.
THANKSGIVING MULTIPLIES WHAT WE OFFER TO HIM

A little lad offered his lunch to JESUS and JESUS gave thanks for the offering, with it His disciples fed 4000 men, plus the women and children. What strikes me in this story of JESUS, is that the offering was very little, yet JESUS gave thanks for it and it met the need of all the people, with abundance. Thankfulness, which is the gratitude of the heart, turns a little bit into enough to meet the need with more left over.

I was watching the news this week and was touched by a story of a homeless man who found a backpack of an ASU Student. It contained $3300.00 that the student was going to use to buy a car. The Homeless man returned the backpack to the student, after finding his address on the student laptop. The student gave thanks to the man and gave him a token reward. The Phoenix, AZ. news picked up the story, and this homeless man has had job offers, offers to fix his teeth for free, and more cash money than the backpack contained. GOODNESS, MERCY AND THANKSGIVING FROM THE LORD, HAS FOLLOWED THE SIMPLE OFFERING OF HONESTY FROM A HOMELESS MAN. He said that the homeless community, too, has thanked him for helping with the image that people have of homeless people.

You and I can join JESUS, this homeless man and the ASU Student in giving thanks for the littlest things, because GOD is glorified in the little offerings. I think about the widow who gave everything to GOD and the LORD blessed her. I think about the widow and her son who gave the last bread and oil to the Prophet and GOD multiplied the offering so that her oil never ran out. Everything that we offer to GOD with thanksgiving, opens the door of heaven and the grace of our LORD JESUS Christ pours out.

THANKS BE TO GOD FOR ALL HIS GREAT GOODNESS TO US.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

GIVING THANKS TO THE LORD

Thursday, November 25, 2010
HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY
Colossians 2: 6,7
As ye have, therefore, received Christ JESUS the LORD, so walk ye in Him, rooted and built up in Him, and established in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding with thanksgiving.

THANKSGIVING DEMONSTRATES FAITH IN GOD

Thanksgiving is proof that faith is alive in the person. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of GOD. The fruit of faith is giving thanks. Faith is part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit and comes from GOD. A thankful heart knows GOD who is love and goodness, gratitude overflows from them. Through faith we know that GOD is GOD and He created all things. By faith we know that JESUS is our redeemer, through His shed Blood and that we are reconciled to GOD through Him. By faith we know that all the promises in the Word of GOD are true and that GOD will perform what He has promised. All this we know by faith and this knowledge causes us to abound in thanksgiving. WE ARE ALIVE BECAUSE HE LIVES.

Philippians 4: 6,7 tells us to be "anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with THANKSGIVING, let your requests be made known unto GOD, and the peace of GOD, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ JESUS."
Through faith we know Him; by faith we thank Him; and through Him we have peace.
Both faith and peace are part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5: 22,23).

ON THIS THANKSGIVING DAY, LET THE PEACE OF JESUS ABIDE IN YOU.
THANKS BE TO GOD

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

GIVING THANKS TO THE LORD

Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Psalm 95: 1,2
Oh, come, let us sing unto the LORD; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto Him with psalms.

THANKSGIVING OPENS HEAVEN

The heart that is thankful to GOD for all He has done, holds a key that unlocks the gates of Heaven. Prayer from the thankful heart, reaches the heart of GOD. Psalm 100: 4 tells us to "enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise; be thankful unto Him, and bless His Name." I love the image of a grand court with the King present. We enter into that court through a door which opens with the key of thanksgiving. We enter singing songs of praise for the LORD GOD, King of the Universe; JESUS Christ the Word made flesh and the Holy Spirit, the comforter. As we enter, we bow low at the Holy presence of the Holy One. The King calls us to come near and we speak to Him like a child speaks to the father. JESUS is our King and we are the children of the King.

The first "good thing" that happens when we are thankful people, is that it magnifies, glorifies and exalts the LORD. The second is that in everything there is the will of GOD in Christ JESUS concerning you, so be thankful in everything. The third "good thing" is that Heaven is opened and we have access to the throne of grace.

THANK YOU LORD, FOR THE LORD IS GOOD; HIS MERCY IS EVERLASTING, AND HIS TRUTH ENDURETH FOREVER


Monday, November 22, 2010

GIVING THANKS TO THE LORD

Tuesday, November 23, 2010
I Thessalonians 5:18
In everything give thanks; for this is the will of GOD in Christ JESUS concerning you.

"In everything",
these are very exact words. Paul didn't say: give thanks when times are good, or give thanks after you have received a gift. Paul said: "in everything" this means when times are difficult, trying and impossible, as well as, in the good times, when things are going well. It is interesting that when things are going well, people tend to forget to thank the LORD for His goodness. Hmmm, I wonder why?

Psalm 119: 62 says: "At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee, because of Thy righteous judgements". The midnight hour is when things are at their worst. When you can not see through the darkness, this is the time for great thanksgiving. It is a time to exercise the greatest faith that the LORD has promised to bring you through the fiery trials without being burned.

When we give thanks to the LORD, before we see the result, we open the door for Him to enter the situations that we face, as the Great Light that dispels darkness. Our thanksgiving for the goodness of GOD ushers in the power to change circumstances. The thankful heart knows the awesomeness and power of GOD.

GIVING THANKS IS A GOOD THING BECAUSE IT IS THE WILL OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS CONCERNING YOU.




Sunday, November 21, 2010

GIVING THANKS TO THE LORD

Monday, November 22, 2010
Psalm 92: 1
It is a good thing to give thanks to the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy Name, O Most High.

GIVING THANKS IS A GOOD THING

I am often tempted to take one "o" out of good; if I did it would spell "GOD". It really is a GOD thing, to give thanks to the LORD. II Chronicles 29:31 tells us, that the people who are consecrated to the LORD can come near to Him. GOD hears the thankfulness in the heart of those who have given their life to follow Him. He is so blessed by this degree of dedication to Him, that He returns the thanksgiving with gifts in abundance.

Giving thanks to the LORD exalts and magnifies GOD. GOD is well pleased with the praises and thanksgiving of His people. Psalm 69:30 says: "I will praise the Name of GOD with a song, and will magnify Him with thanksgiving." GOD is so good that no words can adequately express His awesomeness, or our thankfulness for Him. Therefore, exalting and magnifying Him among the people and singing praises to the Most High GOD is our way of saying "thank you, LORD, for who You are and for all that You have done".

This week, we will look at the 7 ways in which it is a "good thing" to give thanks to the LORD. The first of which is: It magnifies, glorifies and exalts His Name.

THANK YOU, LORD, FOR SAVING MY SOUL; THANK YOU, LORD, FOR MAKING ME WHOLE; THANK YOU, LORD, FOR GIVING TO ME, THY GREAT SALVATION SO RICH AND FREE.

Friday, November 19, 2010

HIGH PRAISE

Saturday, November 20, 2010
Isaiah 42: 11,12,13
Let the wilderness and the cities thereof lift up their voice, the villages that Kedar doth inhabit; let the inhabitants of the Rock sing, let them shout from the top of the mountains. Let them give glory unto the LORD, and declare His praise in the islands. The LORD shall go forth like a mighty man; He shall stir up jealousy like a man of war; He shall cry, yea, roar; He shall prevail against His enemies.

High praise of GOD brings victory in war

Who are the enemies of the LORD? Against whom does the LORD do battle? Ephesians 6:12 gives us the answer to both questions. "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of the world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."
The LORD does battle against those forces which seek to hurt or harm the children of GOD.

Since GOD inhabits the praises of the people (Psalm 22:3), we can conclude that praise brings GOD into the battle and destroys the enemy. When everything seems to be going wrong and there seems to be an attempt by the enemy to kill and destroy, this is the time to praise the LORD. He is victorious in battle; He will overcome the enemy.

High praise brings 5 things into a life: 1. Deliverance, 2. Mental health, 3. The hiding place, 4. Purity of faith and strength, 5. Victory in spiritual battle.

LET EVERYTHING THAT HATH BREATH PRAISE THE LORD;
PRAISE YE THE LORD!

Thursday, November 18, 2010

HIGH PRAISE

Friday November 19, 2010
Thou art my hiding place; Thou shalt preserve me from trouble; Thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance.

There is an old Hymn called "He Hideth My Soul" with the words by Fannie Crosby. Here are the words to the first verse and the refrain:
A wonderful Savior is JESUS my LORD, a wonderful Savior to me;
He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock, where rivers of pleasure I see.
He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock that shadows a dry, thirsty land;
He hideth my life in the depths of His love, and covers me there with His hand, and covers me there with His hand.

As I was writing this, I got a call from my friend in Alabama. Her grandson was found covered in blood and not breathing. He is on the way to the Hospital as I am writing this devotional. His name is Keith. In the time of such trouble the LORD hides us in His hiding place, which is His Heart of Love. He sings over us the songs of deliverance and healing. His song moves through every cell of our life, healing, restoring and delivering us and our loved ones.

This is how the faithful can shout songs of praise during the hardest of times, when things are at their very worst.
As the LORD has little Keith in His Hand, the LORD has all of us sheltered and covered in the "depth of His Love".

PRAY FOR KEITH MCALISTER. STAND ON THE WORD "BY THE STRIPES OF JESUS HE IS HEALED" THE LORD COMFORTS ALL WHO ARE AFRAID AND BRINGS THEM PEACE.
THE PEACE OF THE LORD BE WITH THIS FAMILY

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

HIGH PRAISE

Thursday, November 18,2010
Psalm 43:5
Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted within me? Hope in GOD; for I shall yet praise Him, who is the health of my countenance, and my GOD.

Praise brings heath to the mind

Jeremiah 17: 14 says: " Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved; for Thou art my praise." There are many people who are calling out to GOD for the healing of the mind. Mental health facilities are bursting with people who are struggling with mental health issues. GOD promises a sound mind and serenity of spirit for all who believe in Him. One of the key phrases in the Psalm 43 passage is "Hope in GOD". When we praise Him for who He is, our mental attitude changes from darkness to light. When we praise Him, there is a change in our whole countenance, our whole manner of speaking, and the tone of our voice. He is the GOD who redeems us from the pit of darkness.

We have a choice; to embrace the darkness and live in the cold dark cellar of the midnight mind, or begin to praise the LORD for His glorious creation and marvelous works. To choose to praise, lifts the veil of darkness and brings the light of Christ into our whole being. HE IS OUR PRAISE!!! HE IS OUR HEALER!!! HE IS OUR HOPE!!!

THE LIGHT OF CHRIST HAS COME INTO THE WORLD AND WE ARE HEALED

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

HIGH PRAISE

Wednesday, November 10,2010
II Chronicles 29:31
Now ye have consecrated yourselves unto the LORD, come near and bring sacrifices and thank offerings into the house of the LORD.

This verse is right in front of my computer as a reminder of my dedication to the LORD and His service. Being Born Again is the beginning of a lifetime of service to the LORD. We want to serve the One whom we love through an abundance of giving and loving. The High Praise to GOD is the offering of our heart to Him, and then the offering of ourselves to His use.

As part of the consecration or dedication of ourselves to GOD, we are robed in the garment of righteousness. Righteousness means "right relationship". We are given the garment of the family of GOD. This is a garment of praise, which delivers us from the spirit of heaviness (Isaiah 61:3). It is not our righteousness which covers us, but His righteousness; we are dressed in Him.

When we are consecrated/dedicated to Him, He says to us to come near to Him. As we come near, His glory fills us and His presence envelopes us. He says to bring sacrifices to Him. I see this as Alms giving. We give to Him over and above our normal offering and tithe. Next He bids us to bring thank offerings to Him. I see this as tangible gifts like coats, hats, blankets, sweaters, socks and mittens for the homeless; food baskets for the hungry all given in love for GOD and His hurting people. He says to bring these into the House of the LORD, so that those who come will have what they need, from the Hand of the LORD, through His servants.

There is a song based on this verse: " We bring the sacrifice of praise into the House of the LORD." This is High praise when we consecrate ourself and to give in the Name of the LORD.

If you would like to give to the work of this ministry which serves the poor in Yavapai County, AZ. You can give on-line by returning to the Home Page. Last year, this small Church in Prescott Valley, AZ gave 1200 food baskets with a full turkey dinner with all the fixin's; blankets, coats, hats, shoes and other garments, to all who were in need. Bibles were handed out to all people and the opportunity was offered for dedication of their life to the LORD. Men, women, and children were given love, mercy and compassion in the Name of the LORD.

THE LORD BLESSES AND MULTIPLIES WHAT IS GIVEN SO THAT ALL ARE FED

Monday, November 15, 2010

HIGH PRAISE

Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Psalm 8: 2
Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast Thou ordained strength(praise), because of thine enemies, that Thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.

We begin our discussion of High Praise with the praise that issues from the mouth of babes and infants. I am sure, by now, that you think that I am out in outer space. Look at the fact that babes and infants are pure and their praise is from a pure heart. The lowliest, meekest people give the highest and purest praise of GOD. This praise comes from wonder and awe, which is the true meaning of "the fear of the LORD". So, High Praise comes from the littlest and the lowliest. Doesn't this strike a chord with you? JESUS, became the littlest and the lowliest in order to redeem us from the grip of sin and death. He pleased His Father through what He suffered as a sacrifice of praise to GOD.

The first aspect of High praise is that it brings deliverance from the evil one. Pure praise stills the enemy and the avenger. It shuts their mouth. Praise is like a lightning bolt that lights up the darkness and ends its reign upon the earth.

When we are bombarded by circumstances beyond our control and the course of our life path is taking a dark trail, begin to praise GOD for who He is. Praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him according to His excellent greatness. Praise Him with song and dance and with every thing within you, praise His Holy Name and then WATCH THE BLESSINGS FLOW. Darkness will vanish and you will see GOD take control of your circumstances, bringing them out of darkness into His glorious light.

BRING TO HIM THE SACRIFICE OF PRAISE INTO THE HOUSE OF THE LORD


Sunday, November 14, 2010

HIGH PRAISE

Monday, November 15, 2010
Psalm 150
Praise ye the LORD! Praise Him in the firmament of His power. Praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him according to His excellent greatness. Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; praise Him with the psaltery and harp. Praise Him with the timbrel and dance; praise Him with stringed instruments and pipes. Praise Him upon the loud cymbals; praise Him upon the high sounding cymbals. Let everything that hath breath praise the LORD.
PRAISE YE THE LORD!!!

This week, we will look at praise and High praise. We will begin with a recap of the importance of praise from the week in which praise was our focus.
1. Praise glorifies GOD.
2. Praise pleases GOD.
3. Praise brings GOD'S presence.
4. Praise brings increase and blessing.
5. Praise wins souls to Christ.
Praise is the natural overflow of the heart in response to the Holy GOD. Praise is not determined by circumstances, but by who GOD is. Psalm 8:3 says: "When I consider the heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained". When the eye of our heart turns from circumstances to look at the magnificence of GOD, the circumstances look very small in comparison.

Praise, opens the door of heaven and lets the glory of GOD shine through.

Tomorrow, we will begin our discussion of High Praise; the praise that turns darkness into Light




Friday, November 12, 2010

ALMS GIVING

Saturday, November 13, 2010
Proverbs 28: 27
He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack, but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.

We end the week on a somber note. We always hear the positive side of alms giving, but never the flip-side: to give is blessed, to withhold giving is cursed. Why is this? GOD has a storehouse of provision for the poor and some of that storehouse is already in our hands, all we have to do is give it. If we withhold what GOD has intended for another person's provision, we have hurt the plan of GOD and the recipient. This is serious, and GOD is not pleased with the hoarder.

How do we overcome the natural tendency to hoard and not to give? Romans 12: 21 has the answer: "Be not overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Just start giving, so that another might benefit and see how the blessings flow. Romans 11:36 says: "For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to whom be glory forever. AMEN" Everything that is ours comes from GOD, through Him to others and the glory goes to Him. When we give, we give to Him. "Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers, that you do unto me."

ALL THINGS COME OF THEE, O LORD, AND OF THINE OWN HAVE WE GIVEN THEE.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

ALMS GIVING

Friday, November 12, 2010
Proverbs 11: 25
The liberal soul shall be made fat, and he that watereth shall be watered himself. (KJV)
Proverbs 11: 24, 25
One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed ( NIV)

The two translations give a clear picture about alms giving. When you give, it will prosper the giver and the receiver. There is much more in the way of blessings for those who give generously:
1. God is blessed. He is very well pleased when we give to aid another.
2. The recipient is blessed. Their needs are met by GOD working through the gift, to prosper those who are in need.
3. It stirs up faith in GOD and wins souls to Christ. Those who are believers are strengthened in their faith; those who are not believers in JESUS will be brought to Him through kindness.
4. The alms giver is blessed. As the 25th verse says: "He who refreshes other will himself be refreshed."

TO GOD BE THE GLORY, GREAT THINGS HE HATH DONE

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

ALMS GIVING

Thursday, November 11, 2010
VETERAN'S DAY
John 15:13
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatever I command you.

T
oday is Veteran's Day, a day to remember all those who faught for the freedom which we enjoy in this beautiful and blessed country. It was love which lead the men and women to step forward and join the Military to fight and be ready to fight at home and abroad. They laid down their life for their friends out of great love for Country and people.

As I reflect on this day, I find myself remembering the life of JESUS, who said the words I have quoted from the Scripture. Yes, He was a veteran of the war for our souls. He won that war against the enemy of our life, by laying down His own life for us, His friends. His Blood reconciles us to GOD and by his wounds we are healed.

Veterans, everywhere, are part of the fellowship of the suffering of JESUS, who did not cling to His life, but laid it down, so that we might live in perfect freedom through Him.

MAY THE LORD BLESS OUR VETERANS

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

ALMS GIVING

Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Hebrews 13:16 (New Revised Standard Version)
Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to GOD.

The first of the blessings from GOD is, that GOD is pleased when we share and do good.

All of us want to please GOD. We have an intense desire to hear Him say: "Well done, good and faithful servant." Did you know that GOD wants us to please Him? It is His will for us to fellowship with Him for all eternity as part of His family. I know this, because He said so in His Word and He showed us, over and over again how to please Him. One of the ways that He showes us is in this verse: do good and share is pleasing to GOD. GOD is Love and doing good and sharing is an act of Love. GOD is good; GOD is Love; God is mercy, and compassion; when we are good, loving, merciful and compassionate, we know that we are pleasing to GOD.

I Peter 2: 12b says that "they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify GOD in the day of visitation." Alms giving is like a plow, it plows up the hard ground of hearts which have grown cold by the work of the enemy of our soul, and by circumstances. When we give to the poor, it softens their heart and breaks up the rocky ground of their life, so that they can receive JESUS and "glorify GOD in the day of visitation." (the day when He manifests Himself through the witness of the servants of GOD). Many conversions of heart to JESUS have come through the giving of a "cup of water" in His Name.

GIVE IN THE NAME OF JESUS, IT PLEASES THE HEART OF GOD

Monday, November 8, 2010

ALMS GIVING

Tuesday, November 9, 2010
The Acts 20: 35
I have shown you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the LORD JESUS, how He said,"It is more blessed to give than to receive."

We have heard these word so often that they slip off the tongue like water, "it is more blessed to give then to receive." Yet these words are so profound that GOD holds them in honor. Do we hold them in honor?
The Apostle Paul did and instructed his followers to support the weak and to remember that it is "more blessed to give than to receive".

Read Isaiah 58, the last words are these: "for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it." This is a dissertation on fasting, but we find in it that the LORD is blessed and blesses those who give, reach out and heal. The LORD gives to those who give. I have heard it said many times: "I receive so much more when I give to others; I am blessed beyond anything I could imagine."

What we are really giving to others is what GOD has given through us to them. We are instruments of His provision. From His riches in glory, He has blessed, so that we can bless in his Name. Our giving is really GOD'S hand giving out His love. What a privilege we have to serve GOD in such an awesome way!!!

BELOVED, IT IS MORE BLESSED TO GIVE THAN TO RECEIVE

Sunday, November 7, 2010

ALMS GIVING

Monday, November 8, 2010
Acts 10:1-4
There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, a devout man, and one that feared GOD with all his house, who gave much alms to the people, and prayed to GOD always. He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day, an angel of GOD coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius, and when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, LORD? and he said unto him,Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before GOD.

This week, we are going to look at alms giving and the effect that it has on those who give and those who receive.We begin our discussion with this story about Cornelius, a devout man who prayed and gave alms. It is evident, by the angel's words to Cornelius, that prayers and alms giving are important to the heart of GOD. GOD remembers the alms giving and it is precious to him. Are you aware of how precious in the sight of GOD is the alms giver? In these verses, we find that alms giving opened the door for a relationship with GOD that was unique and highly special. So special that GOD sent one of His angels to give Cornelius a message.

When we give to the poor, the LORD will bless with His presence. Our giving is a big part of GOD'S provision for the needy. In our hands is the material for GOD to provide. There are thousands of people crying out to GOD for help in their poverty and sickness; God answers their plea by inspiring us to give to meet their need.

A friend of mine always says that the things she has, really belong to another person. When she gives the things away, they go to the next person for whom the thing was made. We live in a getting/hording society; we as Christians must live in the counter-culture of a giving heart, so that others might live in comfort from GOD.

If you would like to give to the work of Living Faith Community Center Thanksgiving distribution of food (full turkey dinner with all the trimmings), blankets and coats for the poor in Yavapai County, AZ. Our address is:
Living Faith Christian Center
7225 Coyote Springs Road
Prescott Valley, AZ 86315
YOU WILL BE GREATLY BLESSED AS YOU BLESS OTHERS

Friday, November 5, 2010

PRAY IN AGREEMENT

Saturday November 6, 2010
Matthew 26: 36-38
Then cometh JESUS with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and said unto the disciples, "Sit here, while I go and pray yonder." And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy, then saith He unto them, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even unto death; tarry here, and watch with Me."

There is a principle in the Spirit, "labor with those you know". When there is a trust relationship with others, there is a harmony in the labor. Agreement in the Spirit is the same thing: we labor in prayer with those we know to be faithful. In the verses for today, we find JESUS gathering together His faithful friends and taking from among them 3 of His closest companions. Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, James and John. They knew His heart and loved Him. He trusted them to pray with Him. But, alas, these true friends fell asleep while JESUS was in great agony. JESUS finds them asleep three times, He says: "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."

Watch and pray, these words from JESUS echo down the flowing river of the Spirit of GOD. Watch and pray with those who are like-minded and who love so deeply that they will not slumber or sleep until the LORD moves with a mighty hand. I believe, with our Pastor, that the battle for our soul began in Gethsemane and was finished on the Cross. We are victorious in the midst of strife, because JESUS won the victory. He, alone, endured the Cross and the shame for us. He did it ALONE.

We are never alone, because He knows the horror of battling alone. JESUS is our faithful companion who never slumbers or sleeps. When we are in agreement with Him and with others, He has a passion for bringing about a victory. As we pray, the battle is won; if we stop praying we start loosing the battle.

Watch and pray; pray without ceasing; pray in agreement: revelation, breakthrough, healing and victory are the result.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

PRAY IN AGREEMENT

Friday, November 5, 2010
The Acts 12: 5, 7, 11
Peter, therefore, was kept in prison; but prayer was made without ceasing by the Church unto GOD for him... and, behold an angel of the LORD came upon him, and a light shone in the prison; and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, "Arise quickly". And his chains fell off from his hands... And when Peter was come to himself, he said, "Now I know of a surety that the LORD hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews".

In this story from the life of Peter, the Apostle, we see clearly the power of prayer to bring about a breakthrough in a life. Peter was in prison and the Church prayed to GOD for him without ceasing. GOD answered the prayer of agreement and sent an angel to set Peter free from his confinement. Peter was delivered.

This is one of many stories of the prayer of faith moving mountains of circumstances. Usually, the prayer of faith is a prayer of agreement with like-minded people of faith. JESUS usually had with Him at least 2 of the disciples and many times there were 3 (Peter, James and John). So, if JESUS thought that it was important to have agreement, we need to take that seriously, ourselves.

Think about a time in your life when other people joined you in prayer for a situation and you saw a breakthrough happen. I suggest that you write that story down so that you can remember the mighty acts of GOD in your life. Read it often as an open door for the Holy Spirit to strengthen your faith.

The mighty acts of GOD are going on all around us, as He breaks through the veil of darkness with His glorious light.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

PRAY IN AGREEMENT

Thursday, November 4, 2010
The Acts 1: 24
And they prayed, and said, "Thou, LORD, who knowest the hearts of all men, show which of these two thou has chosen.

In the verses before this one, we see that the Apostles met together to choose who would replace Judas as "one to be ordained to be a witness with (them) of the resurrection ( of JESUS)." (Acts 1: 22b). Notice that they did not debate among themselves who would be the best suited for the job, instead, they asked the LORD to choose. These Apostles were all in agreement to ask the LORD, in prayer, who He had chosen. I wish that every group would follow the example of these Apostles and ask the LORD whom He would choose. The LORD knows the heart of all people and He can not be fooled by external looks or rhetoric. The LORD also knows the outcome of the choice; whether this will be a good choice or end up badly.

In the next few days, I will discuss the results of praying in agreement. There are four strong benefits derived from unity in prayer: the first is revelation, GOD reveals Himself to those who pray; the second is, breakthrough, suddenly there is a manifestation of GOD'S power; third is healing; and the fourth is warfare, the defeat of the enemy when there is agreement.

The Scripture reminds us that when two or three are gathered together in the Name of the LORD, He is in the midst. Agreement on earth and agreement in heaven means action will occur, needs met and the enemy overthrown.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

PRAY IN AGREEMENT

Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Mark 6: 7
And He (JESUS) called unto Him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two, and gave them authority over unclean spirits.

AGREEMENT, PROTECTION, ENCOURAGEMENT

JESUS believed in the principle of 2x2. In this verse and in Ecclesiastes 4: 9 and 12, you find that the witness of 2 stands against the one that would harm or cause to fall. So we see that 2 in agreement provides protection, and provides encouragement. Oftentimes, when the Apostles were ministering, they became weary or discouraged, in this case, the companionship of another, shared the burden, lifted the load and encouraged the weary. Paul often spoke about the need for support from a like minded companion, a friend in the LORD. Timothy was one whom Paul considered a brother and a son.

JESUS never advocated the "lone ranger" attitude. The world was a dangerous place for a Christian, and agreement, protection and encouragement were vital in the spreading of the Gospel. Today, the world is a dangerous place, Christians need to be in one accord with JESUS and with one another. Companionship in the LORD, fellowship in the Holy Spirit, union in prayer and the breaking of bread are vital for the kingdom of Heaven to be "at hand". The result is healing, deliverance, transformation of the environment, and the Light of Christ disbursing the darkness.

GOD has given the believers in JESUS the authority to bind and loose; bind the enemy and loose the captives. Authority to heal the sick and cleanse the unclean has been given to us in JESUS. We are witnesses of the greatness of GOD. When we form a cluster of like minded Christians, we can expect the Holy Spirit to move in power.

Monday, November 1, 2010

PRAY IN AGREEMENT

Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Matthew 18: 18-20
Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say unto you that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them by My Father, who is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My Name, there am I in the midst of them.

I used the red lettering to emphasis that these are the words of JESUS. JESUS is telling us that we have the need for agreement when we pray: agreement on earth, two or three; agreement with GOD, gathered together in the Name of JESUS. JESUS followed this Himself. He had 12 disciples and He had companions from the Twelve who were close to Him in agreement. Peter, James and John are often mentioned as accompanying JESUS. So, if it was good enough for JESUS, then it should be necessary for us.

JESUS also said that when there are two or three together in His Name, He is present. When we ask, in faith believing, we will have what we ask from the Father. I don't know about you, but I think that this is awesome. Just imagine, you and a friend are in prayer for a particular need, JESUS is present with you. You ask for a need to be met and "suddenly" everything changes; the need is met, the situation has changed and you are living in a new way. How would you feel? The lame man, who had his eye legs restored, leaped and danced for joy, praising GOD for his healing.

Gather together your friends and be in one accord in the Name of JESUS, then ask what you will and watch for the movement of the LORD on your behalf. The Scripture says that there will be a manifestation of the LORD. JESUS said that there would be an answer from the Father. Could it be that your breakthrough is just a prayer away? Pray in agreement with your friends, know that JESUS is present, then expect a "suddenly" and an answer from the Father.

Suddenly there came a sound from heaven like a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the House where they were sitting. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (The Acts 2: 2, 4)