Thursday, March 31, 2011

VICTORIOUS LIVING - part 5

Friday, April 1, 2011
Luke 17: 5
And the Apostles said unto the LORD, INCREASE OUR FAITH.

INCREASE OUR FAITH

When we pray, we should expect to receive from the LORD'S Hand what we ask according to His Word. There are many who really don't expect to receive the things they ask for, even if they are standing on the Word of GOD. This is "perfect faith in failure". The LORD has promised to give to us what He promises in His Word; do you believe that?

Belief comes before faith; we say, "I believe, help Thou mine unbelief!" "I believe in the LORD JESUS Christ, Son of the Living GOD." Then, as we grow in our relationship with JESUS, He increases the measure of Faith that we receive. The more faith, the more manifestations of faith we will experience. Faith is a gift from the Father, through the Son and by the Holy Spirit to us and through us to others.

The key to a growing relationship with the LORD is: PRAYER. We are victorious through prayer.

LORD, INCREASE MY FAITH

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

VICTORIOUS LIVING - part 5

Thursday, March 31, 2011
Psalm 6:9, 10
The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer. Let all mine enemies be ashamed and very vexed; let them return and be ashamed suddenly.
Psalm 25:1, 2
Unto thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul. O my GOD, I trust in Thee; let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.

PREVENTATIVE PRAYER - CONTINUED

When you see the enemy coming, pray; lift up your soul; trust in the LORD and the enemies will be ashamed, vexed, turned back and defeated. There is a very subtle point here, that could be missed by quick readers; when we pray and the LORD receives our prayer, He discerns who the enemy really is, all we need to do is turn the battle over to the LORD. I have learned, through good and bad experiences that the best and safest thing for us to do is to quickly get a matter into the Hand of the LORD through prayer. The outcome will be perfect and in accordance with His perfect plan. If we hold on to a matter and try to figure out who the enemy really is, we stand a 50% chance of being right. I don't know about you, but I would rather be 100% on the right side of an issue or circumstance.

We take preventative measures to avoid getting sick with a cold or disease, doesn't it make sense to take the preventative measure of prayer and avoid the tangle of the enemy?
When we are hidden under the shadow of the wings of the Almighty, the enemy can not reach us or even find us; we are in the Hiding Place of GOD.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

VICTORIOUS LIVING - part 5

Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Psalm 55: 16, 17
As for me, I will call upon GOD, and the LORD shall save me. Evening and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud, an He shall hear my voice.

MAKE TIME TO PRAY

It is very common for all of us to pray when we are in a difficult situation. We cry aloud and fall on our knees to GOD, begging Him for help in the time of need. What about the times of peace and security; well-being and good things? Do we pray for others with the same passion that we pray for our self and our family? Do we take the time to pray on a regular basis, just because we want to commune with our blessed LORD?

The Psalmist says: "Evening, morning and at noon, I will pray." It is a wonderful discipline to stop what you are doing, at a set time, and begin to bless the LORD. The LORD always wants to hear from us, receive our love for Him and give His love to us. He has many gifts to give us, if we will sit with Him just a little while; He has so much love to shower on His beloved, if the beloved will stop and sit awhile with Him.

The LORD wants us to commune with Him, talk with Him and He with us. He has great wisdom to impart to our Spirit; great direction for us to live our life with success. He desires to share His life with the ones He loves. TAKE TIME TO BE WITH THE LORD AND HE WILL GIVE YOU THE DESIRE OF YOUR HEART.



Monday, March 28, 2011

VICTORIOUS LIVING - part 5

Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Proverbs 22: 3, 4
A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished. By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honor, and life.

PREVENTATIVE PRAYER

When you pray, you avoid evil, because you are hidden in Christ. Have you ever heard the old adage: "fools rush in where angels fear to tread"? It is wise for us to remember this, and put into practice the discipline of "preventative prayer". The LORD sees all things; the Holy Spirit discerns the spirit that is in a man; therefore, prayer gives you access to the knowledge of GOD and all you have to do is follow Him.

Humility and the fear of the LORD gives direction, guidance, and protection. The unclean spirits can not ensnare those who are hidden in Christ, through prayer. The humble person says in his heart, "I can do nothing by myself, I need to lean on the LORD." Prayer is the act of leaning on the LORD for wisdom and direction.

The Jewish men would cover themselves with the Tallit when they prayed, they were completely hidden, literally "in their closet". They covered their head and their face while they met with GOD. Preventative Prayer is just like that, before stepping out in a matter, hide yourself under the cover of the wings of GOD and meet with Him. He will go ahead of you and will be your rear guard.

Sunday, March 27, 2011

VICTORIOUS LIVING - part 5

Monday March 28, 2011
Ephesians 6:18
Pray always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.

PRAY ALWAYS

Victorious living hinges on our prayer life; a life of prayer and supplication in the Spirit is the link to GOD'S abundance. Then, intercession for others, gets us out of ourselves and united with GOD for the good of another. One of the cures for self-pity is to do good to another person. If you can't give a tangible gift, give a prayer gift to another, begin to intercede for them. Remember the Word of GOD at the end of Job, "and the LORD turned the captivity of JOB, when he prayed for his friends; also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before. (Job 42:10)

VICTORY THROUGH PRAYER

Friday, March 25, 2011

VICTORIOUS LIVING - PART 4

Saturday March 26, 2011
The Revelation 12:10,11
And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the Kingdom of our GOD, and the power of His Christ; for the accuser of the brethren is cast down, who accused them before our GOD day and night. And they overcame Him by the Blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

VICTORY IN JESUS

JESUS
won for us the victory, all we have to do is walk in it. He has overcome and cast out the accuser of the brethren; He shut his mouth forever. What is left for us to do is to testify, proclaim, exalt and magnify JESUS. The mouth that speaks about the glorious salvation provided by the LORD JESUS; is the manifestation of a heart that is completely devoted to JESUS. Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. This "word of testimony" brings souls to Christ, lays down the road of salvation and healing. This is the victory that is multiplied until the whole world will hear and receive JESUS as LORD.

There is a cost connected with this "word of testimony"; "love not your life even unto death". To preach and proclaim JESUS to the multitude is risky business. The enemy of our soul does not want people to hear about the Blood of the LAMB, which saves and secures souls for eternity with JESUS. The accuser of the brethren knows that his time is running out and soon he will be in the lake of fire, with all his angels. So, he uses people to kill, steal and destroy the word and work of Christians; But JESUS came that we might have life and that more abundantly.

NOW IS COME SALVATION, AND STRENGTH, AND THE KINGDOM OF OUR GOD, AND THE POWER OF HIS CHRIST. WALK IN JESUS AND BE VICTORIOUS.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

VICTORIOUS LIVING - PART 4

Friday, March 25,2011
Hebrews 4: 12
For the word of GOD is living, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

The Word of GOD is a living, powerful, sharp sword in the right hand of GOD

In order to live victoriously, we must learn to live the Word of GOD; we must learn to speak only the Word of GOD and we must walk in the way of the Word. If this sounds "tedious", I would like to change that word to "intentional". When we "intentionally" live, walk, think, and talk the Word of GOD, we know that what we are doing is right in the eyes of GOD. Whatever is contrary to the Word, is contrary to GOD. These are hard words, but they are life to those who follow.

We can not experience victory, unless we follow the plan set forth in the Word. The Word slices and dices our thoughts and intents, reveals them and gives us a chance to correct them through an act of contrition. We don't like to think about the fact that we all sin and fall short of the glory of GOD; but the fact is, we do. When we sin, we have an advocate with the Father, JESUS Christ, the righteous, who is the perfect offering for our sin and not for ours only, but for the sin of the world. If we find that we have sinned, we can be clean of that sin through confession and receiving absolution from the LORD. The Word of GOD washes us clean and we are clean, indeed.

BE WASHED WITH THE WORD; BATHE IN ITS HOLINESS AND BE REBORN


Wednesday, March 23, 2011

VICTORIOUS LIVING - PART 4

Thursday, March 24,2011
Psalm 45:4 (NIV)
In Your majesty ride forth victoriously in behalf of truth, humility and righteousness; let Your right hand display awesome deeds.

VICTORY IS IN TRUTH, HUMILITY AND RIGHTEOUSNESS
In verse three of this Psalm is a statement that gives understanding to the quoted verse: "Gird Your sword upon Your side, O Mighty One; cloth Yourself with splendor and Majesty."
The Sword of the Spirit is the Word of GOD; the Word of GOD is the sword of truth. This sword is in the Right Hand of GOD, the hand of strength and righteousness. The clothes of splendor and majesty are the Helmet of Salvation, the breastplate of righteousness, loins girded about in truth, on the feet the shoes of the Gospel of peace, in the right hand the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of GOD and in the left, the shield of faith with which you can quench the fiery darts of the evil one.

When we focus on, and rest in the Word of GOD, we have victory over all situations. Why is this so? Because the Word of GOD is JESUS, Himself, and He has won for us the victory. When we live in Him and dwell in Him, building our life in Him, we have great victory. Faith is the victory, that overcomes the world.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

VICTORIOUS LIVING - PART 4

Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Luke 6: 45
A good man, out of the good treasure of his heart, bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man, out of the evil treasure of his heart, bringeth forth that which is evil; for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

Goodness is only found in GOD, therefore, "the good man" only lives in GOD. Where your treasure is, there your heart is found. If we invest our life in GOD, His Holy Word and in His Son, we have goodness and the fruit of goodness is found in our thoughts, words and deeds.

It is vital for us to keep this focus and not depart from it. If we depart from the focus on GOD, we will be like a cut off branch, we will whither and die. The fruitful life is always found in "the vine" where it draws its nourishment from the Holy Spirit.

I can't stress this enough; we must stay in the vine and draw from GOD, His Word, JESUS and the Holy Spirit. Read John 15: 1-14; this is the Word of JESUS who is the Word of GOD.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

VICTORIOUS LIVING - PART 4

Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Proverbs 6: 1-3
My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, if you have struck hands in pledge for another, if you have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth, then do this, my son, to free yourself, since you have fallen into your neighbor's hands: Go and humble yourself; press your plea with your neighbor.

If you want to live a victorious life, you must guard your tongue and watch what you agree to. The snare of the wicked and the manipulation of many people, can ensnare the most watchful of Christians. Instead of walking around with suspicion, and looking for a crook under every rock, be ready to say "no", when "no" is right and say "yes" when "yes" is right. Be observant and eager to repent when you fail.

How do we know when a matter is correct or not? The answer lies in the Scripture. If what is said agrees with the Scripture, then it is safe to say "yes". If it does not agree with the Scripture, then say "no" quickly.

Let the words that come from your mouth agree with the Scripture. Meditate on the Word of GOD and you will have the Word in your heart, so that you will not sin. Study the Word, meditate on the Word, memorize the Word and you will speak the Word in season and out of season.

KNOW THE WORD OF GOD

VICTORIOUS LIVING - PART 4

Monday, March 21, 2011
Joshua 1: 8
This Book of the Law shall not depart out of thy mouth, but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein; for then thou shalt have good success.

In the past weeks, we have explored three avenues of Victorious Living: 1. Be in Christ; 2. Think victory; 3. Live in praise.

This week we will examine the Scriptures concerning "Speak the Word of GOD". It is a fact, that what you meditate on will come out of your mouth and your behavior. A Greek Philosopher once said: "I think, therefore I am". Many Doctors of Psychiatry will tell you that how you think, effects how you behave.

The early Jewish people were admonished by GOD to "meditate" on the Law day and night; study the Torah and memorize it. In Deuteronomy 6: 6-9, the Children of Israel are told by GOD: "And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart; and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates."


If the LORD GOD considered meditating on His Word vitally important, commanding the early People of GOD, chosen and precious, to follow a commandment of speaking the Word of GOD, we should REALLY take this commandment seriously. This is not just a suggestion by GOD, it is a command.

I challenge all who read this blog to make the commitment I am making, to only speak the Word of GOD; only think the Word of GOD and live the Word daily.

Friday, March 18, 2011

VICTORIOUS LIVING - PART 3

Saturday, March 19, 2011
Psalm 34: 1-3
I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the LORD; the humble shall hear of it and be glad. Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His Name together.
Psalm 40:3
And He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our GOD; many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.

I know that I have used these Psalms before, but in these few verses is a key to effective Evangelism, that could be easily missed. In psalm 34 it says, "the humble shall hear of it and be glad." then it says, "Let us exalt His Name together."
In Psalm 40 it says, "many shall see it and fear, and shall trust in the LORD." What is it? IT is praise of the LORD GOD. We are the people whom GOD has chosen to speak to the people of this world. He wants us to continually praise, exalt and magnify Him among the world people. He wants us to "speak good of His Name." and in doing so, bring those who do not know Him to the love and knowledge of Him. He wants victory for all people; victory is only found in JESUS.

LET US EXALT HIS NAME TOGETHER; PRAISE HIS NAME IN THE MIDST OF ALL PEOPLE.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

VICTORIOUS LIVING - PART 3

Friday, March 18, 2011
Psalm 42:11
Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in GOD; for I shall yet praise Him, who is the health of my countenance and my GOD.

Hope in GOD! Hope transforms from darkness to glorious light; hope strengthens and delivers us from the prison cell of defeat. To live in victory and walk in the light of the glory of GOD, we must walk and live in hope. Hope in the LORD is health, which sends a glow to the countenance; life radiates from every pore.
When Peter was called to come to JESUS by walking on water, he came and walked while his eyes were on JESUS. The moment that he took his eyes off of JESUS and looked at the storm, he sank. Victorious living is only possible if we keep our eyes on JESUS, praising and worshiping Him for who He is and for all that He has done for us.
SING AND SHOUT THE VICTOR'S SONG: JESUS IS LORD!

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

VICTORIOUS LIVING - PART 3

Thursday, March 17, 2011
Psalm 47:1-4
Oh, clap your hands, all ye peoples; shout unto GOD with the voice of triumph. For the LORD Most High is awe-inspiring; He is a great King over all the earth. He shall subdue the peoples under us, and the nations under our feet. He shall choose our inheritance for us, the excellency of Jacob, whom He loved.

The Hebrew translation for this Psalm says: "All you nations, join hands! Call out to GOD with a cry of joy. For the Most High GOD is awesome, a great King over all of the earth. He plagues the nations in our stead and kingdoms beneath our feet. He will choose for us our heritage, the pride of Jacob which He loved."

I quoted both translations so that we could compare the message. The Hebrew version seems to indicate a uniting of the people to call upon the LORD GOD with great joy. To worship the LORD with awe-inspired praise. The LORD GOD has chosen the heritage for the people He loves; the beloved. This is a call to us from GOD to pray earnestly; worship continually and be together in one accord.

The King James version has more of a focus on clapping and shouting unto GOD with the loud shout of triumph. This triumphal shout is inspired by the awe of the mighty acts of GOD on behalf of His chosen people; He subdues nations and people and chooses the inheritance for His beloved. This is a call to expect the LORD to act on our behalf in the same way that He has acted in the past. We are triumphant, because we know that GOD is our deliverer.

In both, you get the idea that High praise of the awesome GOD, who works wonders for the people of GOD, should be our constant worship of the LORD Most High. When we are in the attitude of worship and praise, no work of the enemy can prevail over us. The LORD has all things in His control and under our feet.

REMEMBER THIS WHEN YOU ARE TEMPTED TO FEAR CIRCUMSTANCES.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

VICTORIOUS LIVING - PART 3

Wednesday, March 16,2011
Psalm 9: 1-4
I will praise You, O LORD, with all my heart, I will tell of all Your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your Name, O Most High.
My enemies turn back; they stumble and perish before You. For You have upheld my right and my cause; You have sat on Your throne, judging righteously.

When you do verse two, you get verse three. When you praise GOD for who He is and tell of His wonders; worship and adore the LORD GOD Most High, then the enemies are scattered and perish. Praise is a battle cry, it sets in motion the power from GOD and nothing can defeat the Almighty GOD. In Psalm 20: 10, there is a battle cry, shouted before and during battle: "The LORD Save!" or "We trust in the Name of the LORD our GOD. (Radak).

The victory shout opens the door to victory, confounds the enemy and gives strength to the army. This is not just a psychological maneuver, it is the act of turning the battle over to the LORD for Him to win and for Him to receive the glory.
WE MUST ALWAYS PRAISE HIM AND HE WILL ALWAYS WIN

Monday, March 14, 2011

VICTORIOUS LIVING - PART 3

Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Psalm 18: 1-3
I will love thee, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my Rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my GOD, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

REMEMBERING THE PEOPLE OF JAPAN

Terror and great fear has gripped the people of Japan; the earth shook, the seas rolled over the land and the people trembled. Whole villages were reduced to rubble; life, as they knew it, changed. What can we say to those who are in such terror? How can we minister to those who have nothing, and fear the very ground they stand on? Where is there hope in the rubble of the past society?

This psalms says what our words fail to express. The LORD is strength; He is our Rock, our fortress, our deliverer, our GOD, our shield, the horn of salvation, the High tower. The fearful can run to Him and be safe. The enemy, in this case, is earthquake, fire and flood. The LORD has promised to save from all enemies and to deliver those who call upon Him.

To the people of Japan and to all people who are in trouble and terror, I say, with the Psalmist, "I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from mine enemies."
Praise opens a door in the heavenly realm, it releases power from on high. Circumstances should never dictate whether we praise GOD or not; He is worth to be praised for all His goodness to us and to all people.

Think and meditate on the goodness of GOD; remember His kindness and mercy; His grace and loving-kindness. Be transformed from within, by the renewing of your mind. Fix your heart and mind on JESUS. See how He will move in power.

TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND LEAN NOT UNTO YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING; IN ALL YOUR WAYS ACKNOWLEDGE HIM, AND HE WILL DIRECT YOUR PATH. JESUS IS LORD.

Sunday, March 13, 2011

VICTORIOUS LIVING - PART 3

Monday, March 14, 2011
Psalm 34: 1-3
I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the LORD; the humble shall hear of it, and be glad. Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His Name together.

I found some wonderful notes in the Tehillim, written by some of the ancient Rabbis, I will quote them for you to ponder.

"David's...experience and his miraculous escape (from death), taught him that under no circumstances should one complain against GOD, for all His ways are infused with kindness and mercy."(Sforno). "Even in times of tragedy I realize that there is reason to bless GOD..." (Kedushas Levi). "The blessings of GOD are so sweet to my tongue, that even after the words are concluded the taste of the praise lingers." (Eretz Hachaim).

The words: bless, praise, boast, glad, magnify, and exalt; carry the same understanding, that of high praise. When we bless GOD, we praise Him; when we boast about the LORD and His righteousness, we praise Him; when we are glad, we praise; when we magnify the LORD, we praise Him, and when we exalt His name, we praise Him.

So, in times of trial, tragedy, tumult, terror, OR joy, gladness, miracles and rest,
Together, Let us praise the Name of the LORD

Friday, March 11, 2011

VICTORIOUS LIVING part 2

Saturday, March 12, 2011
Hebrews 3:1 (NIV)
Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on JESUS, the apostle and high priest whom we confess.

This is a strong statement which we all can follow. If you want to live a victorious life, FIX YOUR THOUGHTS ON JESUS. We are able to live a victorious life if we think victoriously. Thinking like a victim only leads to a life of a victim; thinking sickness, only leads to a body that is sick. Thinking on JESUS and His Holy Scripture, continuously, brings life and victory to the body, spirit, and the soul.

Our mind directs our body, it tells the body what it can and can't do; when we fix our thoughts on JESUS and His Holy Word, speaking victory in the mind, the body acts victoriously. As you think, so are you. THINK JESUS. This is the Word of the LORD.


Thursday, March 10, 2011

VICTORIOUS LIVING part 2

Friday, March 11, 2011
Romans 12:2
Be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable and perfect will of GOD.

I think a word study is in order here, to understand what is being said in this passage. "Conform" means "to make or become similar, to act or be in agreement; comply. " Con" means with; "form" means to shape. Therefore, in this Scripture, Paul is saying, "don't be similar or act in agreement or comply or be shaped into the image of the world.

"Transform" means to change markedly in form and appearance, to change in nature or condition; convert. "trans" as a prefix, means to cross or change. What Paul is saying here is, be changed markedly in form and appearance, nature or condition, convert, cross over into a new way of living.

"Renew" means to make new or to make new again, restore. Paul is saying that we are to make new or restore our mind to the form of Christ, which will change us markedly in nature and condition.

How do we become transformed with a renewed mind? Paul says in Philippians 2:5, "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ JESUS."Be born again. I Corinthians 2:16 says "For who hath known the mind of the LORD, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ." JESUS, the Christ, the Messiah, humbled Himself to become man, lowly, a servant, of no reputation and was obedient to His Father, even to the place of death. This total commitment to GOD and to follow Him wherever He leads, is the transformed mind. A person who is born again and transformed knows that nothing is greater than the love for GOD.

JESUS said: "Love the LORD GOD with all your heart, soul, mind, and might. This is the first and great commandment and the second is like unto it, you shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." ( Matthew 22:40)

READ, STUDY AND INWARDLY DIGEST THE WORD OF GOD AND FILL YOUR MIND WITH JESUS

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

VICTORIOUS LIVING part 2

Thursday, March 10, 2011
Romans 8:31,32
What shall we then say to these things? If GOD be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not His own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?

On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, we listed the Scriptures which tell us who we are in Christ JESUS. We are accepted, secure and significant; we belong to GOD through JESUS Christ. GOD is our Father, through JESUS Christ. JESUS is the way to the Father and in Him is eternal life. So, "what shall we then say to these things? If GOD be fore us, who can be against us?"

We say these words often to our self and to others, but do we really understand these words and do we live them? To "understand" simply means to stand-under. Do we stand under the words,"if GOD be for us, who can be against us?" Are these words a roof over our head? Do we stand in the shelter of the overshadowing of GOD, which is protecting, covering, healing and preserving us?

It takes grounded faith, fixed faith, firm faith to under-stand the Word of GOD. This may surprise you, but GOD stands under His Word. He is faithful to every word that He spoke, speaks, will speak, and will do it. When He says that we belong to Him through believing in JESUS, the sacrifice for sin, He means it. When He says that He will guard, govern and protect His Children who come to Him through His Son, He will do it. When He says that we have eternal life through JESUS, we do. He will never break or forsake His Word.

THINK ABOUT IT!!! MEDITATE ON IT!!! ACCEPT IT!!!
YOU ARE BELOVED OF GOD THROUGH JESUS CHRIST THE LORD
BELIEVE HIM.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

VICTORIOUS LIVING part 2

Wednesday, March 10, 2011
"Understanding your identity in Christ is absolutely essential to your success at living the victorious Christian life."

I am accepted...

I am secure...

I am significant...
I am the branch of JESUS Christ, the true vine, and a channel of His life + John 15:5
I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit + John 15:16
I am a minister of reconciliation for GOD + II Corinthians 5: 17-21
I am GOD'S temple + I Corinthians 3:16
I am GOD'S workmanship + Ephesians 2:10
I may approach GOD with freedom and confidence + Ephesians 3:12
I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me + Philippians 4:13

THE MORE YOU REAFFIRM WHO YOU ARE IN CHRIST, THE MORE YOUR BEHAVIOR WILL BEGIN TO REFLECT YOUR TRUE IDENTITY!

Monday, March 7, 2011

VICTORIOUS LIVING part 2

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

WHO YOU ARE IN CHRIST
" Understanding your identity in Christ is absolutely essential to your success at living the victorious Christian life."

I am accepted...

I am secure...
I am free from condemnation + Romans 8:1,2
I am assured that GOD works for my good in all circumstances + Romans 8:28
I am free from any condemnation brought against me, and I cannot be separated from the love of GOD + Romans 8:31-39
I have been established, anointed, and sealed by GOD + II Corinthians 1:21,22
I am hidden with Christ in GOD + Colossians 3:1-4
I am confident that GOD will complete the good work He started in me + Philippians 1:6
I am a citizen of Heaven + Philippians 3:20
I have not been given the spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind + II Timothy 1:7
I am born of GOD, and the evil one cannot touch me + I John 5:18

I AM ACCEPTED AND SECURE IN CHRIST JESUS

Sunday, March 6, 2011

VICTORIOUS LIVING part 2

Monday, March 7, 2011
WHO YOU ARE IN CHRIST
"Understanding your identity in Christ is absolutely essential to your success at living the victorious life."

I am accepted...
I am GOD'S child + John 1:12
As a disciple, I am a friend of JESUS Christ + John 15:15
I have been justified + Romans 5:1
I am united with the LORD, and I am one with Him in spirit + I Corinthians 6:17
I have been bought with a price, and I belong to GOD + I Corinthians 6:19,20
I am a member of Christ's body + Ephesians 1:3-8
I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins + Colossians 1:13,14
I am complete in Christ + Colossians 2: 9,10
I have direct access to the throne of grace through JESUS Christ + Hebrews 4:14-16

Friday, March 4, 2011

SPIRITUAL SACRIFICES

Saturday, March 5, 2011
Mark 1: 35
And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, He went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.

PRAYER IN THE SOLITARY PLACE

JESUS began His day with His Father. JESUS was a man just like us, He was very human and needed to take time to talk to His Father. Since JESUS is the Way, we need to look deeply into the way in which JESUS conducted His life, and follow that way. Mark tells us that JESUS got up before day and went to a solitary place to pray, this is a sacrifice. He arose before dawn, got up, when out, away from His friends, sat alone and talked to His Father in heaven. David says: "seven times a day do I praise thee"(Psalm 119:164). This, too, is a sacrifice.

JESUS made it a priority to be alone with His Father in Heaven, He would sacrifice comforts in order to find consolation in GOD. He would not jump into a day, devoid of the anointing of the LORD. We must do the same.

Lent is coming soon; Ash Wednesday is the 9th of March. For 40 days we can practice the discipline of arising early and going into a solitary place to pray. This sacrifice is very pleasing to GOD, because He longs to meet with each of us in the solitary place and commune with us. This practice can lead to a life style change for us all, as we experience the joy and peace of sweet communion with our LORD.

LET US FOLLOW JESUS, WHO AROSE VERY EARLY BEFORE DAY, AND WENT INTO A SOLITARY PLACE TO PRAY.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

SPIRITUAL SACRIFICES

Friday, March 4, 2011
I Thessalonians 3:9, 10
For what thanks can we render to GOD again for you, for all the joy with which we joy for your sakes before our GOD, night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

The fourth spiritual sacrifice is PRAYER. Pray without ceasing(I Thessalonians 5:17).
Philippians 4:6 says, Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto GOD.

What does it mean to give the spiritual sacrifice of prayer? I believe that it means choice and focus of our thoughts, words and deeds. Day and night, 24/7 the thoughts, words and deeds are centered and under-girded in prayer. The choice is ours. What we think about, talk about and do, is a reflection of where our heart is fixed. David says in Psalm 57:7, " My heart is fixed, O GOD, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise." David chose to fix his heart on the LORD day and night, he yielded, rested and clung to the LORD for every breath.

To pray without ceasing means to sacrifice random thoughts, vain imaginations, wandering and idle musings. It means to focus on the LORD and to rely on Him to direct your path. This takes a great deal of discipline and willingness to sacrifice your own wants and desires. It is interesting that once your wants and desires are in focus on the LORD, there is no feeling of sacrifice at all. The more you center in JESUS, the more you become like Him. Philippians 2:5 reminds us to "let this mind be in you, which was in Christ JESUS," and JESUS says in John 14:10,Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? The words that I speak unto you, I speak not of myself; but the Father that dwelleth in me, He doeth the works. When we are born again, JESUS dwells in us. When we choose to fix our heart and our desire on Him, He will do the work through us. What does this have to do with prayer? It is prayer. It is a life of prayer. It is the mind of Christ.

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

SPIRITUAL SACRIFICES

Thursday, March 3, 2011
The Acts 20:19
Serving the LORD with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and trials, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews.

The third spiritual sacrifice is: SERVICE OF THE LORD. You might wonder why this is a spiritual sacrifice. I refer you to a phrase from the verse in The Acts, "humility of mind" is the mind-set of those who serve the LORD in truth. This is a great sacrifice of time, desire and priorities: Time, because it takes time to respond to the call of GOD; desire, because you must sacrifice your desire to do your own business, when GOD want you to do His; priorities, because the LORD GOD must come first, not your desire to maintain your own agenda. A humble mind yields to the call of GOD, no matter what else is happening in the life.

When the call comes to serve GOD, the disciple of JESUS Christ says, "How may I serve you?".
This is the most important point of all spiritual sacrifice, WE SERVE THE LORD. In Matthew 25:40, there is a striking statement from our LORD,"And the King shall answer and say unto them, 'Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto me' " When we feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the prisoner and comfort the sick, we are doing it unto the LORD. Service of the LORD is service to the LORD. He calls those who serve, "blessed", because they have sacrificed themselves for the good of others.

COME YE BLESSED OF MY FATHER, INHERIT THE KINGDOM PREPARED FOR YOU FROM THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

SPIRITUAL SACRIFICES

Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Hebrews 13: 16
But to do good and to share forget not; for with such sacrifices GOD is well pleased.

The second "spiritual sacrifice" principle is: GIVING. This kind of giving, is giving out of your need or sacrificial giving. Philippians 4:18 says, "but I have all, and abound. I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to GOD." Paul is so very thankful for the provisions sent to him by the praying church. He recognized that this was a sacrifice for the people, but their love motivated them to give out of their lack. Paul follows this with those very familiar words:"but my GOD shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ JESUS." He is saying that the people supplied Paul's needs and in return GOD would supply theirs. Giving, brings blessing from GOD.

When we consider the great sacrifice of GOD the Father, in sending His only Son to be the salvation for the world, our sacrifices are very small. However, the size of the sacrifice is not the issue, the heart of the sacrifice is the issue. The heart of the sacrifice of GOD was Love. When the heart of our sacrifice is love, we are in tune with GOD and know His Heart.
When we give; we give to GOD.