Monday, January 31, 2011

Ministry of Angels

Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Hebrews 1:14
Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?
Acts 12: 5, 7
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.

Angels are dispatched from GOD. They are the "response team"sent to reply to the prayers of people. Angels minister to a special group of people, the heirs of salvation. We can understand this as being those who are born again and part of the family of GOD. Romans 8:16,17 says this very clearly: " The Spirit Himself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of GOD; and if children, then heirs-heirs of GOD, and joint heirs with Christ-if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together." Galatians 4:7 underscores this point: "Wherefore, thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of GOD through Christ."

It is to the heirs of salvation that the ministering angels are sent. They are light, they speak and they have great power to deliver the sons of GOD from the chains that bind and the prisons that enclose. When these chains fall off and the prison doors are open, the heirs can bring forth the Gospel of JESUS Christ so that all who hear can be saved.

Why does GOD send His angels to free us to minister? It is the will of GOD that all will be saved. GOD goes to great length to make sure that all people will hear the good news of JESUS Christ and cling to Him and be heirs of salvation.
TO THE GLORY OF GOD THE FATHER, FOR EVER AND EVER MORE

Sunday, January 30, 2011

TRUTH ABOUT ANGELS-continued

Monday, January 31, 2011
Psalm 103:20
Bless the LORD, ye His angels, that excel in strength, that do His commandments, hearkening unto the voice of His Word.

In this one verse, we see the function and action of angels. There is little doubt about them, after reading this verse. Who are they and what do they do?
1. The angels belong to the LORD, they are "His angels".
2. They excel in strength.
3. They do the commandments of the LORD.
4. They hearken, listen and follow, the voice of JESUS, the Word of GOD.

This week, we are going to look at the Ministry of Angels. To whom do they minister and in what way do they function and act. Billy Graham calls the angels,"GOD'S invisible helpers", so we will look at how the angels help the children of GOD.

BLESS THE LORD, O MY SOUL, AND ALL THAT IS WITHIN ME BLESS HIS HOLY NAME

Saturday, January 29, 2011

TRUTH ABOUT ANGELS-continued

Saturday January 29,2011
The Revelation 19: 4-6
And the four and twenty elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped GOD that sat on the throne, saying, AMEN. HALLELUJAH! And a voice came out of the throne, saying, PRAISE OUR GOD, ALL YE HIS SERVANTS, AND YE THAT FEAR HIM, BOTH SMALL AND GREAT.
And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, and like the voice of many waters, and like the voice of mighty peals of thunder, saying,
HALLELUJAH! FOR THE LORD GOD OMNIPOTENT REIGNETH!


We end this week with a song of praise. I encourage all of you who read this devotional today to stop what you are doing and join your voices with angels and the archangels and all the company of Heaven who laud and magnify the Holy Name of JESUS, evermore saying:
HOLY, HOLY, HOLY LORD GOD OF POWER AND MIGHT; HEAVEN AND EARTH ARE FULL OF YOUR GLORY; HOSANNA IN THE HIGHEST, BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD. HOSANNA IN THE HIGHEST! AMEN AND AMEN

Friday, January 28, 2011

TRUTH ABOUT ANGELS-continued

Friday January 28, 2011
I Thessalonians 4:16
For the LORD Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangels and with the trumpet of GOD; and the dead in Christ shall rise first.

"Let all mortal flesh keep silence and with fear a trembling stand;
Ponder nothing earthly minded for with blessing in His Hand
Christ our GOD to earth descendeth,
our full homage to demand."

"Rank on rank the host of heaven spread its vanguard on the way,
as the Light of Light descendeth from the realm of endless day,
that the powers of hell may vanish
as the darkness clears away"

"At His feet the six-winged seraph, cherubim with sleepless eye.
Veil their faces to the Presence, as with ceaseless voice they cry,
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, Lord Most High."

Who are the Seraphs, the cherubim and the archangels? Who are the host of Heaven who have the sleepless eye and give glory to GOD endlessly?

The Seraphim are the six-winged, "burning ones" who pray and praise GOD day and night endlessly. They cry out and declare the Glory of GOD as they veil their faces to the Presence with two wings covering their face and two wings covering their feet. They fly with two wings shouting: "Alleluia, LORD Most high".

The Cherubim, guard the Throne of GOD. They flank and defend GOD'S holiness from the onslaught of sin. They flank the Mercy Seat in the Presence of GOD, never lifting their head, always bowing to Him in praise. In Genesis 3:24, there is the account of the Cherubim being placed at the gate of the Garden of Eden with a flaming sword that whirled around. The Cherubim, guarded the Tree of Life from sin defiling and sin becoming immortal.

The Archangels, have the authority over the army of GOD. There are three archangels mentioned in the Canon of Scripture and one in the Deutero-Canon. Michael, Gabriel and Lucifer are mentioned in the Canon Scripture; Raphael is spoken of in Tobit, in the Apocrypha.

Michael and Gabriel are often sent as "messenger angels". Michael, to fight for the anointed of GOD and Gabriel to announce the WORD of the LORD to a human. The Archangels have a direct relationship with humans as defender and messenger from GOD. Lucifer, was a cherub and was not loyal to GOD (Ezekiel 28: 14). Lucifer and his rank of angels were thrown out of Heaven by the command of GOD (Isaiah 14:12-17). Raphael was sent by GOD to heal Tobit of his blindness. This story is not in the Canon of Scripture, but does tell of the Archangel being sent by GOD.

And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the Throne and the living creatures and the elders, and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, WORTHY IS THE LAMB THAT WAS SLAIN TO RECEIVE POWER, AND RICHES, AND WISDOM, AND STRENGTH, AND HONOR , AND GLORY, AND BLESSING."

Thursday, January 27, 2011

TRUTH ABOUT ANGELS-continued

Thursday, January 27, 2011
Genesis 3:24
And He drove out the man; and He placed at the east of the garden of Eden cherubim, and a flaming sword, which turned every way, to guard the way of the Tree of Life.

ANGELS AND THEIR ORDER IN HEAVEN

Yesterday, we discussed the order of Seraphim, who are described, so well, in Isaiah 6:2. This Order of Angels are called the "Burning ones" and they worship and adore GOD day and night. They have a voice, and with that voice they cry, "Holy, Holy, Holy is the LORD".

The next Order of Angels are the Cherubim. These Angels "guard" the very Throne of GOD. They are not cute little, plump, cupid angels, like you see in the stores. These are the Angels who flank and defend the Holiness of GOD from the onslaught of the enemy. They have a sword, which turns every way and guards the way to the Tree of Life. These are the two angels who are atop the Ark of the Covenant, with two wings touching each other as they bow before the presence of GOD. They guard the Mercy Seat and the entrance to the Holy of Holies.

The army Angels are the Archangels. These angels have authority over the army of angels in Heaven, who relate and reveal GOD to humankind. There are three archangels mentioned in the Canon of Scripture: Gabriel, Michael, and Lucifer ( who rebelled against GOD and was thrown out of heaven). There is one mentioned in the Deuterocanononical books: Raphael, the angel of healing.

ALL THE ANGELIC HOST IS COMMANDED BY JESUS AND WORSHIP THE LORD GOD IN HIGH PRAISE.


Tuesday, January 25, 2011

TRUTH ABOUT ANGELS-continued

Wednesday, January 26,2011
Psalm 91:11,12
For He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hand, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

To whom do the angels obey and by whom are they "commanded"? I Peter 3: 21b, 22 tells us: "but the answer of a good conscience toward GOD, by the resurrection of JESUS Christ, who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of GOD, Angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto Him." ANGELS ANSWER TO THE AUTHORITY OF JESUS CHRIST.

Now, look at the verse from Psalm 91. It is JESUS who gives the angels charge over you, to keep you in all of your ways. He tells them to bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone. Your are guarded by a host of angels, who must do the bidding of JESUS. JESUS, who shed His Blood for your redemption and took your place, buying you back from the grip of Satan; JESUS, who loves you with eternal love, commands the angels to protect you.

OH LOVE, HOW DEEP, HOW BROAD, HOW HIGH. WHAT WONDROUS LOVE IS THIS, O MY SOUL.

Monday, January 24, 2011

TRUTH ABOUT ANGELS-continued

Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Isaiah 6:1-3
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.

Angels do have wings and they do fly.

Many people have an understanding that the angels float around on clouds, carrying and playing harps, like cute, little, round, musical beings. From this verse in Isaiah, I get the picture of awe, glory, honor, praise and power, around the Throne of GOD. Even though these are of the Seraphim class of angels, known as "GOD'S burning ones", they are spoken of as having six wings. Two cover their face and two cover their feet, this is to cover themselves in the presence of the Holy One. They honor the Holy One with a call of reverence for GOD; Holy, Holy, Holy is the LORD. ANGELS BOW AND GIVE HOMAGE AND RESPECT IN THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD GOD, day and night. With two wings, they fly, sounding the call throughout the earth: Holy, Holy, Holy is the LORD God of hosts.

These "burning ones" bring a flame of Holy Fire to the earth. A glory cloud and a pillar of fire to lead humankind into the Holy Place of the LORD where people, of every tongue and Nation, can
join their voices with the Angelic Host, praising GOD and saying: Holy, Holy, Holy is the LORD of hosts, the whole earth is full of His glory.

Hosanna in the highest, blessed is He who comes in the Name of the LORD.

Sunday, January 23, 2011

TRUTH ABOUT ANGELS-continued

Monday, January 24, 2011
NATURE OF ANGELS: THEY ARE UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF GOD
I Corinthians 13:1
Thou I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not love, I am become a sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

Angels are personal beings. They have an intellect, joy and rejoicing, they communicate, bring GOD's messages and choose. They watch over us in that great cloud of witnesses, watching and guarding the people of earth. They are all around, in a great host, they report their findings to JESUS.

They are strong, but not omnipotent (I Thess. 1:7). They are great in power and in might (II Peter 2:11). They are wise, but not omniscient (II Samuel 14:20) They desire to know things and since they have existed from before the foundation of the earth, they know A LOT, but they only know what GOD tells them.

This great company of angels are under the authority of JESUS Christ, who commands them. They are obedient to Him and serve Him. They Love to do his bidding.

Tomorrow, we will look at the Order of Angels and what is their function.

Friday, January 21, 2011

TRUTH ABOUT ANGELS

Saturday, January 22, 2011
Luke 15:10
Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of GOD over one sinner that repenteth.

I have heard many people say that the Angels rejoice over one sinner who repents. This verse indicates, strongly, that the joy is in the "presence of the angels". Then, who is rejoicing? THE LORD GOD: The Father who drew them; the Son who redeemed them; the Holy Spirit, who wooed them. Look at the setting of this verse. It is the story of the lost coin. The woman had lost a coin; she lit a lamp; she swept the house looking for it; when she found it, she called all her friends to rejoice with her that she had found the lost coin. There are many souls who are lost, like the coin; The Father seeks and searches for them, like the woman; JESUS is the Light; The Holy Spirit is the sweeper/digger. When salvation comes to a lost soul, the whole Trinity leaps and dances for joy and calls the Holy Angels to join in.

Holy Angels were not made like humans, therefore they do not know the estate of being lost and then found by GOD. They also do not know the transformation that takes place in a life of a lost soul who comes to JESUS. GOD has made man lower than the angels and, in the fullness of time, He raises them up above the angels, just like JESUS. Angels are curious about this fact.

I close this week with verses from Hebrews 1:4-8: (JESUS) Being made so much better than the angels, as He hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said He at any time, "Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten thee?" and again, "I will be to him a Father, and He shall be to Me a Son?" and again, when He bringeth in the first-begotten into the world, He saith, "And let all the angels of GOD worship Him."
And of the angels He saith, "Who maketh his angels spirits, and His ministers a flame of fire."

But unto the Son He saith, "Thy throne, O GOD, is forever and ever; a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Thy Kingdom."

JESUS IS LORD OF ALL

Thursday, January 20, 2011

TRUTH ABOUT ANGELS

Friday, January 21, 2011
The Revelation 22:8,9
And I John, saw these things and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things. Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not; for I am thy fellow servant, and thy brethren, the prophets and of them who keep the words of this book. WORSHIP GOD.

Colossians 2:18 says: "Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshiping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind. And not holding the Head, from whom all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increasing with the increase of GOD.

Oh, it is so easy to get puffed up!!!! Just let something wonderful happen, and you know that it is a miracle of GOD, but you run around saying, by your actions, "look what I have done!!" Or you say, in an attempt to be humble, "I didn't do anything!!"

Have you ever had someone do something wonderful for you, and you are so overwhelmed that you put them up on a pedestal and worship them? Have you been given a glimpse of the unseen world, with all the Holy Angels and you worshiped them? Many people have been deceived in this way, by the worship the angels and not GOD alone. The Scripture is very clear. WORSHIP GOD ONLY AND HIM ONLY DO YOU SERVE.

There is a terrific saying from Benedict of Nursia: "If there is any good, give GOD the glory; if anything is amiss, give me credit." If I get the credit for the things that go amiss, then I can bow before the LORD and ask forgiveness and receive His blessing. I am really in the place that I should be, at his feet continually, until He raises me up. "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and cometh down from the Father of light in whom is no variableness neither shadow of turning". GOD only is good. JESUS said: Why callest thou me good? None is good except one, that is, GOD. (Luke 18:19).

One more thought: when I look into the face of the One who has made all things good. When I look at the willing sacrifice of JESUS for my salvation, by the shedding of His own precious Blood. When I look into the eyes of unconditional love, HOW CAN I STAND?
I BOW BEFORE THE PRESENCE OF THE LIVING, LOVING GOD.

GOD IS GOOD, HIS MERCY IS EVERLASTING AND HIS TRUTH ENDURETH FOREVER

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

TRUTH ABOUT ANGELS

Thursday, January 20, 2011
1 Peter 1:12
Unto whom it was revealed that, not unto themselves but unto us they did minister the things which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Spirit sent down from heaven, which things the angels desire to look upon.

Angels are curious about redemption, because they were not created like humans, who were created in the likeness and image of GOD. Angels do not understand salvation, since they are always in the presence of the LORD, neither do they understand free will, or the struggles of mankind between right and wrong. They are very curious about these things. The Gospel is preached to us, who live the mortal life, by the Holy Spirit's revelation. The angels listen and are amazed.

Mankind is created a little lower than the angels, Hebrews 2:6,7 and Psalm 8:4,5; in the fullness of time, mankind will be above the angels to judge them I Corinthians 6:3. JESUS took the seed of Abraham for his earth life, not the nature of the angels. JESUS became lower than the angels for a time (Philippians 2: 6-8). Then, after His death on the Cross, GOD raised Him up and highly exalted Him. Since He is the first fruit of them that slept, He raises all who await the promise, into life eternal with Him, above the angels (Hebrews 2: 16-18).

TO GOD BE THE GLORY, GREAT THINGS HE HATH DONE

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

TRUTH ABOUT ANGELS

Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Hebrews 13:2
Be not forgetful to entertain strangers; for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

In Genesis 18:2 we have the account of three angels coming to Abraham and he entertained them. "And he lifted up his eyes and looked and lo, three men stood by him; and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground." There were three angels and the presence of the LORD who spoke to Abraham. Abraham was quick to entertain these strangers with great generosity. This hospitality is a great gift from the LORD and it shows the willingness to share and not to count the cost. This is a great sacrifice of love.

Rarely do I give a personal experience to underscore a Spiritual principle, but this time I feel that it will help with the understanding of GOD'S great love in sending "visiting angels".

I had just moved to Virginia from Philadelphia and it was time for Halloween. The night was rainy and cold and no one came to "trick or treat". I was feeling very lonely and I missed the multitude of children who came to our door for a "goody" and quarter. We used to have about 50-75 children each year, in Philadelphia, so I was really missing the event.

The next morning, which was "All Saints day", there came a knock at my door early in the morning, about 9:00am. There stood a little red haired girl dressed in an angel costume, all in white. She said that she could not come to my house last night, but could she have her treat this morning. I was so glad to see a little child that I gave her all of the treats and quarters that I had prepared for other children. She left and I felt such joy, that I sang all day.

I asked around the neighborhood if anyone knew this little girl, because I wanted to thank her and her parents for filling me with such joy and gladness. No one knew the girl or her family, in fact, there were no children at all in the neighborhood. ANYONE SAY ANGEL.

The story does not stop there; many years later, after I had three children of my own, I was traveling to Philadelphia to visit my parents. My three children were in the car with me. We stopped at a stop light and right in front of my car, walked the same little red haired girl, she was holding her fathers hand, she looked right at me and smiled. ANYONE SAY ANGEL.

I tell you this story so that you will know, as I know, that GOD loves you so much that He will send His angels to minister to you, when you need care. JESUS was ministered to by angels during His time on earth. Matthew 4:11 says that the angels ministered to JESUS after He was tempted by the devil in the wilderness. In Luke 22: 43 there is the appearance of an angel to JESUS in the garden of Gethsemane "strengthening Him".

THE LOVE OF GOD IS SO WIDE AND DEEP THAT HE WILL NEVER LEAVE US WITHOUT COMFORT; HE IS WITH US AND HE SENDS HIS ANGELS TO MINISTER TO US.

Monday, January 17, 2011

TRUTH ABOUT ANGELS

Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Revelation 5:11,12
And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the living creatures and the elders, and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor and glory and blessing.

All the created host of angels are without number and they give glory to the Lamb, JESUS the Lamb of GOD, slain for the redemption of humankind. JESUS, through whom all things were created in the heavens and the earth and under the earth; all worship Him. JESUS commands the angels and calls them all by name. Psalm 147:4 speaks about the "stars" which are lights of GOD - the angels. Matthew 26:53 JESUS says: "Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He shall presently give Me more than twelve legions of angels? JESUS, was in command of the angels, but did not command them to stop the crucifixion, because this was the time of the redemption of humankind, by the shed Blood of the Lamb of GOD, and the defeat of satan.

Where do the angels dwell? In John 1:51 JESUS says: Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of GOD ascending and descending upon the Son of man.
In Genesis 28: 12, 13, we have the dream of Jacob and the word of the LORD to him. "And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven; and behold the angels of GOD ascending and descending on it. And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, 'I am the LORD GOD of Abraham, thy father, and the GOD of Isaac; the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed;"


Mark 13:32 says: "But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels who are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father" Again, these are the words of JESUS about what the angels know about future things. These heavenly beings are spiritual and only know what is given to them in the time that GOD wants them to know a thing.

FOR HE SHALL GIVE HIS ANGELS CHARGE OVER THEE, TO KEEP THEE IN ALL THY WAYS. (Psalm 91:11)

Sunday, January 16, 2011

TRUTH ABOUT ANGELS

Monday, January 17, 2011
Psalm 148:1,2
Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the LORD from the heavens; praise Him in the heights. Praise ye Him, all His angels; praise ye Him all His hosts.

For the next weeks, we will have an in-depth study of angels. There are many ideas about angels floating around, right now. (I didn't mean to make a pun on this serious matter). Many people have been deceived by erroneous teaching on this subject. So, to avoid any speculation, I will only use Scripture to present points. Doctrinal truth must come from the LORD and based on HIS Word. For greater clarification, visit the home page and hear Pastor Randy expound on Angels, this week, with 30 references from the Scripture. We want you to be fed with "good food" from the LORD and built up in truth; JESUS is Truth.

ANGELS ARE CREATED BEINGS
Psalm 148:5 says: "Let them praise the name of the LORD, for He commanded and they were created." Philippians 2:9-11 says: " 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." These created beings in heaven - angels; in the earth - humans; under the earth - devil and his angels; MUST BOW TO JESUS.

Colossians 1:16,17 says: "For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers - all things were created by Him and for Him; and He is before all things and by him all things consist." The "Him" in these verses, is JESUS.

When were they created? Job 38:7 says: "When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of GOD shouted for joy?" Who are the "morning stars" who sang together? The angels sang in hosts of thousands upon thousands, before earth was created.

Luke 20: 36 says: "Neither can they die any more (speaking about those humans who have died); for they are equal unto the angels, and are sons of GOD, being the sons of the resurrection." Angels are immortal, those who were created before the foundation of the earth are still among us. Think about that!! They have been among us as they were with Adam and Noah and Abraham etc.

Hebrews 12:22 says: "But ye are come unto Mount Zion, and unto the City of the living GOD, the heavenly Jerusalem and to an innumerable company of angels." We can not count the number of angels who were created before the world was made and stand ready for the command of JESUS to act.

Tomorrow we will continue this journey through the Scripture about angels. STAY TUNED!

Friday, January 14, 2011

TURNING MESS INTO MIRACLE

Saturday, January 15, 2011
Hebrews 11:1
NOW FAITH is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

FAITH BRINGS HOPE INTO THE PRESENT

NOW FAITH, what is "now faith"? I believe that "Now faith" is the present agreement we have with the heart of GOD. We have been on a journey toward our miracle. In that journey, we have grown in understanding of our relationship with the Father. We hear His Heart beat. We are stronger in faith than when we started our journey, NOW Faith is our belief made strong and our hope is about to become tangible. We began our journey with a measure of faith, given to us by GOD. We end this journey with great faith and ready to realize the tangible manifestation of the hope that is in our heart. HIS HEART AND OUR HEART BEATING TOGETHER.

A few days ago, I used the term "no plan B" in regard to our attitude of expectation of GOD to move on our behalf. It is difficult to wrap our human mind around that quote, "no plan B", but it is necessary for the removing of the blocks that stand in our way for receiving our miracle. If we have a "plan B", that means that we really don't think that GOD is going to meet our need, so we have a "feather-bed" to fall back on, if prayer does not work. THIS IS PERFECT FAITH IN FAILURE AND IT IS A SIN. WHAT AN INSULT TO GOD!!!

Faith brings what we hope for, into the present. GOD will act, in His time and GOD ALWAYS FULFILLS HIS PROMISES.
BELIEVE IT OR NOT

Thursday, January 13, 2011

TURNING MESS INTO MIRACLE

Friday, January 14, 2011
Mark 10:46,52
And they came to Jericho; and as He went out of Jericho with His disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, son of Timaeus, sat by the highway begging...And JESUS said unto Him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed JESUS on the way.

THY FAITH HATH MADE THEE WHOLE

We have been on a journey this week toward turning a mess into a miracle. We journeyed from belief, through persistence, through expectation, through asking and now we have arrived at the threshold of the miracle. JESUS sees the faith and He sees our faith. It is not the faith of others or of our Church or ancestors, it is our NOW faith. The faith that comes from GOD and exercised by our journey. We have come to Him with no doubts, no plan B, just pure faith, hope and trust.

What I see in the last line of verse 52 is very important. When Bartimaeus received his sight, he "followed JESUS on the way". JESUS told him to "go thy way" and Bartimaeus said, by his actions, "You are the way." There is the sealing of the miracle. No more walking in the old way, but embracing the Way of the LORD. THIS IS FAITH ALIVE.

This takes gratitude, love and devotion. Gratitude for the healing miracle, love for the One who healed and devotion to Him with all your heart soul mind and might. It is in this atmosphere and dedication of the heart, that the Holy Spirit seals us. (Ephesians 1:13). This seal of the Holy Spirit of promise is the sign of the permanency of the miracle; ownership by GOD of your heart, soul, mind and security forever. HALLELUJAH!

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

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

TURNING MESS INTO MIRACLE

Thursday, January 13, 2011
Mark 10 46, 51
And they came to Jericho; and as He went out of Jericho with His disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway begging...And JESUS answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto Him, "LORD, that I might receive my sight".

ASK AND YOU SHALL RECEIVE

The journey toward our miracle has progressed from belief, to persistence, to expectation and now we are to ask. We might be saying to ourselves, "but I asked, and asked, and asked; why do I have to ask again?" This is a very fair question, "Why do we have to ask again?" Look at the story of the blind man. He asked, and asked and cried out for JESUS; JESUS stood still and called the man to be brought to Him, then JESUS asked him what he wanted. I see in this story a progression toward intimacy between JESUS and the man. Bartimaeus is not just one of the people in the crowd, he is a unique man, special and has the attention of JESUS. It is in this intimate relationship that JESUS asks, "what do you want?" and the man asks to receive his sight.

The key here is intimacy. Belief, brings us to GOD; persistence deepens the intensity of the belief; expectation removes all doubt and ushers in the attention of JESUS. Now, when we ask, He is going to do what you ask. Matthew 7:7-11 gives the answer from the lips of JESUS, Himself.

DON'T STOP ASKING; BE PERSISTENT; EXPECTING YOUR MIRACLE. CLING TO JESUS, AND RECEIVE.


Tuesday, January 11, 2011

TURNING MESS INTO MIRACLE

Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Mark 10: 46, 49-50
And they came to Jericho; and as He went out of Jericho with His disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway begging... And JESUS stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, "Be of good comfort; rise, He calleth thee". And he, casting away his garment, rose and came to JESUS.

EXPECT A MIRACLE

Many people, who ask for a miracle, stop short of the manifestation, by giving up. They believe that JESUS is the Son of GOD and they are persistent in prayer, but stop short of expecting their miracle.

I have heard a number of precious people say: "To expect a miracle is arrogant." NO it isn't, it is faith alive or, as our Church's name says: living faith. When you read and study the Scripture, you find that GOD is able and willing to give you the miracle that you ask. We also find in the Scripture that GOD has a timing for that miracle and His timing is not always our timing. We want what we ask right now; GOD has a perfect time for the manifestation of His creative act.

We see in verse 49 that JESUS stood still and had others call Bartimaeus to come to Him. We are on a journey with JESUS, but when He stands still before us, He will have another call us to come to Him. How many times have Altar Calls been the call of GOD in a life to come to JESUS for a miracle? Salvation is the great miracle. GOD loved us so much that He gave his highest and best for our salvation. JESUS was the sacrificial Lamb, slain for our sin and His Blood covers us and heals us. THAT IS A MIRACLE.

So we see that the first miracle for Bartimaeus, was that JESUS stood still and had him called. The next step was that Bartimaeus threw off his garment. This was the chance of a lifetime and Bartimaeus threw off everything to receive his miracle. Those who come to JESUS must throw off anything that might hinder them from coming to JESUS, especially self-sufficiency. This is a great and necessary act on the part of anyone who would receive a miracle.

Pastor Randy stressed that there is to be NO PLAN B. In other words, JESUS is the only way to our miracle. NO "but what ifs"; NO auxiliary plan, if this does not work. We are to cast off all doubt and cling to JESUS for our answer, EXPECTING Him to respond. "Blessed is she that believed; for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the LORD." (Luke 1:45). This is the faith of the Virgin Mary and she received the great miracle of the Son of GOD, born through her.

BELIEVE, PERSIST AND EXPECT A MIRACLE FROM THE LORD'S HAND.

COME TO HIM, ARISE, HE IS CALLING YOU
.

Monday, January 10, 2011

TURNING MESS INTO MIRACLE

Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Mark 10: 46, 48
And they came to Jericho; and as He went out of Jericho with His disciples and a great number of people, Blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the wayside begging. And many charged him that he should hold his peace; but he cried the more, a great deal, "Thou Son of David; have mercy on me."

BE PERSISTENT

There are many times, when we stand praying for a miracle, and we do not see the results of our prayer, we are tempted to quit praying. DO NOT YIELD TO TEMPTATION - DO NOT QUIT. Blind Bartimaeus did not stop crying out to the LORD for mercy, even though the crowd was telling him to stop. He kept on pressing and crying out, using the belief that he had that this was the Messiah - JESUS Christ.

The next step on our journey to receive our miracles is to be persistent, DON'T GIVE UP.
There is a term that is used when a mother is about to deliver a baby, she is told to "push".
I am telling you to "push" and give birth to your miracle. "Push" stand for "Pray Until Something Happens"

There is usually a crowd around tell us that we are to stop asking for that special gift from GOD. When we ask GOD in faith, believing that GOD will keep His promises and that He has never failed to hold fast to His Word, we know that we have what we ask.

REMEMBER STEP TWO - BE PERSISTENT

Sunday, January 9, 2011

TURNING MESS INTO MIRACLE

Monday January 10, 2011
Mark 10: 46, 47
And they came to Jericho; and as He went out of Jericho with His disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway begging. And when he heard that it was JESUS of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, "JESUS, thou Son of David; have mercy on me."

This week, we will look at the story of the blind Bartimaeus. Within this story, are 5 keys to guide us on our journey toward a miracle in our life. This is a powerful message, filled with spiritual direction for us to follow. If you are seeking a miracle in your life, follow each devotional this week, and for a fuller understanding, view the Sermon of Pastor Randy on the video.

Notice that this story begins with JESUS and His disciples going through Jericho. He was not going to stop there, He was just traveling through. There was a great crowd of people following JESUS, and I would imagine there was a loud noise of talking and walking.

JESUS hears, through the noise of the crowd, the voice of this blind man. Before He heard him, He saw him sitting and begging. I would imagine that there were many beggars along the road, because begging was a common practice for the poor. JESUS saw this man, and heard this cry. This fact is important, because, as we look at the keys for our miracle, we must understand that JESUS sees us and hears us. Through the crowd and the noise, JESUS is attentive to our need and our petition.

The first key, to receiving our miracle, is found in verse 47.
The key is believe.


Bartimaeus calls JESUS "Son of David". This is an acknowledgment of the lineage of JESUS. Bartimaeus is saying that JESUS is descended from the Throne of David, acknowledging that He is the Messiah. Bartimaeus calls upon the Name of the LORD, he says JESUS is the Christ, the Son of the Living GOD. Bartimaeus believed, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. It is based on this belief that he cries out "Have mercy" or "help me".

The beginning of our journey toward our miracle and breakthrough is to believe that JESUS is GOD; that He will have mercy and help in the time of need.

Friday, January 7, 2011

2011 - A NEW SEASON - HARVEST TIME

Saturday, January 8, 2011
Colossians 4:2-5
Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving, praying also for us, that GOD would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds; that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward them that are outside, redeeming the time.

I see in these verses some key words which need to be remembered, as we seek to serve Christ as laborers in the harvest field: Continue in prayer, watch, pray, speak, make manifest, walk in wisdom and redeem the time. We are not part-time laborers; we are full time workers in the harvest field of GOD. Full-time workers never stop thinking, watching, and serving. They are always ready for the Master to call.

There is an image which comes from the Psalm123:2, "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." I see a table set in a great banquet hall, the Master of the house sits at one end and the Mistress of the house at the other. There are servants watching for a motion from the Master and the Mistress; a motion which gives instruction to them as to how they are to serve or what they are to serve. The Servants are always watching for the hand, so that they can respond.

Servants of the Master are to speak what is pleasing to the Master, they are to instruct others in the method of service and the rules of the house. The servants, also, know how to address those who are outside the family and the hired staff. The Servants are wise in the way of the Master and do not spend their time in idleness, but redeem the time.

In these verses from Colossians, there is a phrase which laborers in the harvest of souls need to include in their prayers; Pray for a "door of utterance". For every soul, there is a time to hear the Word of the LORD. A time when the ground of their heart has been softened to receive the precious seed, leading to salvation of their soul. When that "door of utterance" opens, the Mystery of Christ can be preached and received.

WATCH AND PRAY WITHOUT CEASING FOR THE HAND OF THE MASTER.
PRAY FOR A DOOR OF UTTERANCE TO OPEN FOR THE GOSPEL TO BE PREACHED TO EVERY SOUL.


Thursday, January 6, 2011

2011 - A NEW SEASON - HARVEST TIME

Friday, January 7, 2011
Matthew 18: 18,19
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.

THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS AT HAND

The time for the harvest is at hand; laborers are few, and we need boldness to step out into the field; FOR JESUS' SAKE.

GOD has given us tremendous authority, by the intercession and continuing intercession of JESUS. He has given us the authority to "bind and loose". Binding of Satan and his angels, can stop the plans of the enemy for the destruction and death of anyone and anything. Satan is bound in heaven and in the earth, he can not function WHEN two shall agree on earth asking in faith, believing that GOD will perform what He has promised.

At the Name of JESUS, every knee shall bow in heaven and in the earth and under the earth, and every tongue shall confess him LORD to the glory of GOD the Father. When we pray for a person to be saved, the LORD responds by tearing the veil that covers their spiritual eyes, He makes it possible for their deaf ears to be opened and He gives them the ability to receive the implanted Word of GOD in their heart. He will also send someone with that key word that will bring them to JESUS.

When we are praying for a situation or a person, call for another to AGREE with you in prayer. Then ASK in faith , believing that God will act. We are children of the Living GOD who loves and cares for his children. He will always give us our heart's desire.

DESIRE HIM AND LIVE LIFE FULLY IN HIM

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

2011 - A NEW SEASON - HARVEST TIME

Thursday, January 6, 2011
EPIPHANY
Matthew 3:2
Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand
Luke 10:2
Therefore said He unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; pray ye, therefore the LORD of the harvest, that He would send forth laborers into His harvest.

THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS AT HAND

The words from Matthew 3:2 were spoken by John the Baptist, as He called the people to get ready for the coming of the Kingdom of GOD. He called them to repent of all their sins and be baptized in water. He also said that the one who would come, would Baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire (Matthew 3:11). That One has come, He has sent the Holy Spirit to Baptize and to kindle a fire within each believer in JESUS. The Word of GOD has gone forth and is going forth throughout the world, by the power of the Holy Spirit. The harvest time is drawing near, but laborers are few. There is a huge field of souls ready to be gathered in to the LORD'S house, but laborers are still waiting.


It is time for the laborers to enter the harvest field and begin their work, gathering in the souls to be saved. Romans 1:16 invites us to be bold in proclaiming the Gospel
of JESUS Christ, because it is the power of GOD unto salvation to everyone that believeth. Laborers are no good if they do not step out and boldly proclaim in word and deed, the Good News of GOD in Christ JESUS. There are many strong workers who are spiritual "couch potatoes" sitting around watching others work, while they wait. GOD needs each of us out in the harvest field, boldly proclaiming Salvation in the Name of the LORD JESUS Christ.

COME LABOR ON, WHO DARES STAND IDLE ON THE HARVEST PLAIN, WHILE ALL AROUND US WAVES THE GOLDEN GRAIN? AND TO EACH SERVANT DOES THE MASTER SAY, "GO WORK TODAY."

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

2011 - A NEW SEASON - HARVEST TIME

Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Psalm 2:7,8
I will declare the decree: The LORD hath said unto me, "Thou art My Son; this day have I begotten thee. Ask of me, and I shall give thee the nations for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession."

Prayer is the key to open the door for the Kingdom of GOD to come on earth as it is in heaven. All who are born again, are children of GOD, sons and daughters of the Heavenly Father. We cry Abba Father, we are part of the family of GOD, joint heirs with JESUS, who is the first born Son. We are in a very personal relationship with GOD and it is in keeping with that relationship, that He says to ask and He will give.

In Matthew 7:7, 8, JESUS says: Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you; for every one that asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

We have been given the key to unlock the door for the Kingdom of GOD to come in the hearts and minds of those who do not yet know JESUS. Intercessory prayer is a gift given by GOD so that all of His children can ask Him, for themselves and for others, the things that are necessary for life. He has promised that whatsoever you ask in faith, believing, you shall have what you ask. Our Father, who art in heaven, loves us so much that He wants us to have the highest and the best, not just in the New Year, but forever.

BELIEVE HIM; FOLLOW HIM; ASK HIM - HE LOVES YOU

Monday, January 3, 2011

2011 - A NEW SEASON - HARVEST TIME

Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Matthew 6:9,10
After this manner, therefore, pray ye: Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

There are, at least, two ways to understand the words of JESUS when He said,"Thy kingdom come". At first we see that this is a call for the future Kingdom reign of Christ on earth, where His rule will be total. The second way to look at this is, that The Kingdom is within you, Luke 17: 21b. Yes, we are the Temple of the Living GOD and He does dwell within us, ruling and reigning in our midst. Both understandings of the words "Thy Kingdom come" are correct and are understood in the transitory sense: past, present and future. GOD's Kingdom has come in JESUS Christ; His Kingdom is present, within us, by the Holy Spirit; He will come and establish his Kingdom and reign forever.

What does this say to us, today? What difference does it make in our daily life? JESUS said to pray this way, why?

The answer is found in the next words: " Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven". When we pray for the Kingdom of GOD to rule and reign in the earth as it is in the heavens, we are asking for all perfection, power, plenty and promise that is a reality in the heavens, to be united with all that is in the earth. This is the reality of the Heart of GOD united with the heart of man. This prayer opens a door for the Dominion of GOD to rule in our heart and the hearts of all for whom you pray.

Can we expect to see this NOW? Yes, we can expect to see a manifestation of the reign of JESUS, NOW. He begins with you, transforming you from the inside out. Give Him an open door and watch him work His miracles. HE IS THE LORD.

YOUR KINGDOM COME, YOUR WILL BE DONE IN EARTH, AS IT IS IN HEAVEN

Sunday, January 2, 2011

2011 - A NEW SEASON - HARVEST TIME

Monday, January 3, 2011
A NEW SEASON - HARVEST TIME
Deuteronomy 11: 13 - 14
And it shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto My commandments which I command you this day, to love the LORD your GOD, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul, that I will give you the rain of your land in its due season, the first rain and the latter rain, that thou mayest gather in thy grain, and thy wine, and thine oil.

The first rain is blessing. It is for softening the ground, so that seed can be planted. The latter rain is for strengthening of the plant, so that what is planted can grow strong and prosper. In the arid lands, it was important that the rains would come at the right time; be of the right texture and amount. GOD promised that these rains would come if the Children of Israel would Love the LORD and serve Him; keeping all that He commanded.

The grain, wine and oil are very symbolic. The grain, or corn in the KJV, symbolized life, supply and provision. Wine symbolizes Divine Blessing, favor, the Holy Spirit and the Blood. Oil, symbolizes anointing, breaking every yoke, ministry, healing/salvation, deliverance and liberty.
If you look at these, you see the result of obedience and love of GOD, poured out in our life. Love and service of the LORD GOD brings supply, provision, Divine Blessing and anointing in our life. This will overflow into the lives of those around us, feeding them and bringing them to the Living Water of Eternal Live.

The time for the harvest is at hand, the fields are ready for the workers to bring in the golden grain. Everyone who loves the LORD has a witness and a word that is needed to break down the resistance to the Love of JESUS for them. We are the harvest workers. JESUS is reaching out, through us, to all people; He is pouring out His Love; He offers Eternal Life with Him. RECEIVE HIM NOW.

FOR AS MANY AS RECEIVE HIM, TO THEM GAVE HE POWER TO BECOME THE CHILDREN OF GOD, EVEN TO THEM THAT BELIEVE ON HIS NAME. (John 1: 12)