Thursday, June 30, 2011

WAITING ON GOD

Friday, June 30, 2011
I Corinthians 16: 13, 14
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.

This list of instructions from Paul to the Church in Corinth, should be the same instructions to us as we await the coming of the LORD. Be on your guard against spiritual dangers; while we are waiting,there will be many attempts to lure the believers in JESUS away from their hope in the LORD. There are many false prophets around, speaking "silver-tongued" words. The Scripture warns us to test every spirit to see if it is of GOD; so, what is the test? Do their words conform to the Holy Word of GOD - the Scripture; do they bring peace in your spirit; do they speak of LOVE of GOD and neighbor; do they confess that JESUS has come in the flesh, died, rose again, is seated with the Father and will come again. JESUS is the only way to the Father; by His Blood we are reconciled to GOD.

Stand firm in the faith; be men/women of courage; be strong in the LORD. This is a time that will try us all, in every way. The best is to stay in the LORD JESUS; stay in the Holy Word of GOD and stay in fellowship with true believers. Stand on the promises of GOD; stand on the Rock; stand on the Word; STAND STEADFAST unmovable, always abounding in the work of the LORD.

Do everything in love. Love the LORD GOD and love your neighbor as yourself. Work the work of love. Cast out hate, and prejudice; hold no grudges, forgive; speak the Word of the LORD; walk in faith, not by sight; fellowship one with another in brotherly love; be a light in the darkness, drawing all men/women to Christ.

WHILE YOU WAIT, BE A WITNESS OF THE LOVE OF JESUS FOR ALL PEOPLE

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

WAITING ON GOD

Thursday, June 30, 2011
Ephesians 6: 10
Finally, brethren, be strong in the LORD, and in the power of His might.
Psalm 62: 5-8
My soul, wait thou only upon GOD; for my expectation is from Him. He only is my rock, and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved. In GOD is my salvation and my glory, the rock of my salvation; my refuge is in GOD. Trust in Him at all times, ye people; pour out your heart before him. GOD is a refuge for us.

As I read these Scriptures, I realized that I couldn't say anything more than what has been said in His Word. What remains is your reaction to His Word. Do you believe that He is able to save you and keep you safe? Do you trust him at all times, even in the worst of the worst times? Do you pour out your heart to Him and expect Him to answer? Is the LORD your strength; your defense; your shelter; your rock; your refuge; and your salvation?

TRUST THE LORD WITH YOUR WHOLE LIFE, HE IS THE MOST TRUSTWORTHY AND FAITHFUL.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

WAITING ON GOD

Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Psalm 52: 9
I will praise Thee forever, because Thou hast done it; and I will wait on Thy Name; for it is good before Thy saints.

Psalm 123:1 reminds us to lift up our eyes to the LORD, who dwells in the heavens, rather than looking at the ground or at our self, when times of trial are upon us. The real test of our courage is in our thinking; do we praise the LORD and lift up our eyes to behold Him? or Do we look at the ground and bemoan our awful condition, cursing our circumstances?

The Scripture reminds us that GOD has already done it, already fixed our circumstances and spoken favor on us, all we need to do is "walk it out". Do we have the courage to trust in GOD and know that He has already spoken a promise and favor over us? Do we have the courage to walk in the promises of GOD without seeing the result? Do we "wait on His Name"?

Job lost everything he held dear; family, friends, wealth, health and the respect of his society. In the midst of his torment, He said: "Thou He slay me, yet will I trust Him. (Job 13:15). Job also said: "I know that my redeemer liveth and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth; and though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see GOD." (Job 19:25,26). Job was a man of GOD who looked up and lived. He didn't look down and fall.

There is another point that could be overlooked, people are watching to see how we deal with trials of life. Our courage in the LORD, testifies of His greatness, His faithfulness and His love. Our life bears more witness than all the words we could ever speak. There is an old saying: "Your life speaks so loudly, I can't hear what you are saying." May our life proclaim the greatness of the LORD in the land of the living.

LOOK UP AND LIVE; BELIEVE ON HIS NAME; AND HE WILL GIVE YOU HIS FAVOR. WAIT ON THE LORD AND BE OF GOOD COURAGE

Monday, June 27, 2011

WAITING ON GOD

Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Psalm 40: 1, 2
I waited patiently for the LORD, and He inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock and established my goings.

There are important results from waiting for the LORD and not running ahead of Him. First of all, you are not hanging out all by yourself, the LORD and you are in rhythm and step. Next, He turns His ear toward you and pays attention to you need; then he hears and responds to your real need. He brings you up out of the dark quicksand of your circumstances and places you on solid rock. Your path is now well established, you can walk the path with certainty. Those who wait on the LORD, can be confident that they are walking the path of righteousness.

The Rock, which the LORD places you on, is the Rock JESUS. When we are found in Him, nothing can shake us; our anchor holds. The great key is patient waiting. Abraham did not wait for the LORD to move and he had a child by Sarah's handmaiden; that child became the father of the Islamic Nation which hated the Children of Abraham, Issac and Jacob. Yes, there are great consequences for not waiting patiently for the LORD. King Saul did not wait patiently for the LORD and lost his Kingdom and his crown. It takes courage to wait.

Tomorrow, we will talk about courage. The courage it takes to wait patiently, with hope and faith alive.


Sunday, June 26, 2011

WAITING ON GOD

Monday, June 27, 2011
Psalm 27: 14
Wait on the LORD; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart. Wait, I say, on the LORD.

It is hard to wait; waiting patiently is even harder. There are great rewards that the LORD has promised to those who wait on Him. It seems to me that watching and waiting go hand in hand. While we are waiting for the LORD to move to meet our needs, we watch to see what He is doing to provide during the time of waiting. It can be very exciting to see His Hand keeping time to the rhythm of the Spirit, so that not a moment is lost, or a beat missed. GOD never misses a beat.

In this verse from Psalm 27, there are four keys to waiting: the first is "wait on the LORD". This can mean, be patient or it can mean "keep your focus on the LORD, not on the circumstances". To wait on the LORD is a test of our trust in Him. Can you say with Job, "though He slay me, yet will I trust Him"? Waiting on the LORD, watching for Him to move, trusting Him to provide, is the manifestation of devotion to the LORD.

Patience is part of the fruit of the Spirit. When we are patient, we are bearing fruit unto righteousness.

WAIT, I SAY, ON THE LORD

Friday, June 24, 2011

GOD'S MOST WANTED MEN

Saturday, June 25, 2011
GOD'S MOST WANTED MEN AND WOMEN ARE THOSE WHO PRAY
Psalm 123: 1, 2
Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O Thou who dwellest in the heavens. 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.

A good servant watches for the instructions of the master, which are usually given by hand signs. They watch, because they love the master and want to please him; they want to make his life comfortable and pleasant.

The LORD JESUS has raised us up from the place of a servant to the place of a son or daughter, but the eager desire to please the Master is the same as the servant who eagerly serves his master. The desire comes from great love for the Master. It is love that brings us to the LORD to worship Him; to praise Him; to thank Him for His great kindness. It is love that brings men and women to their knees in humble adoration of JESUS and it is love that energizes us to read, study and inwardly digest the Holy Scripture.

The LORD desires and seeks men and women who pray and seek His face. He will bless and show mercy upon those who seek Him with their whole heart.

Thursday, June 23, 2011

GOD'S MOST WANTED MEN

Friday, June 24, 2011
Galatians 5: 13
For brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

JESUS WASHED THE FEET OF OTHERS

When I think about liberty, I think about JESUS, the Son of GOD, who created all things and rules over all things. He is the essence of all liberty and He gives liberty, freely, to all people. I think about how JESUS used His liberty, He used it to free others. When humankind was in the prison of sin, under the bondage of the ruler of darkness, JESUS left glory to set the captives free and to break every yoke. JESUS washed the feet of His disciples; He came to serve, not to be served. JESUS did not use His liberty as an occasion to the flesh.

Service, is the fruit of the good man/woman of GOD. JESUS says that the Father is glorified when we bear much fruit. Service is the manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit: Love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, gentleness, meekness, faith, temperance; against these there is no law. We are perfectly free when we bear fruit unto the LORD, serving one another in unconditional love.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

GOD'S MOST WANTED MEN

FATHER KNOWS BEST
June 23, 2011
II Timothy 2:15
Study to show thyself approved unto GOD, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

The LORD GOD seeks those men who put Him first, teach and set a good example by their life, and who love GOD'S Word more than TV or the computer. The household that is sanctified by a believing Father, is a household that shines with the Light of Christ. Children who are brought up in a home with a devout Father, are children who know that they are loved. How wonderful is that!!!!

When I worked in a Nursing Home in Virginia, there was a young man who was a resident, who had become a quadriplegic due to an accident. He was 49 years old. He read the Bible every day, using an eraser in his mouth to turn the pages. When I met him, he had read the Old Testament 17 times and the New Testament 23 times. When he would have a normal conversation, you could almost go to the Bible and find the chapter and verse he was talking.
Harold lived the Scripture, talked the Scripture and taught the Scripture; nothing could disturb his peace. He was a prayer warrior and visited other patients to pray with them. His family held him in high esteem; each of his boys were a glorious light when they came to see their Dad.
Harold had consecrated his family to GOD and GOD had sanctified them by the believing Father.

Our heavenly Father is everything we need to have a full and abundant life. JESUS provided the way to Him and the Holy Spirit fills us with His wonderful wisdom and love.

STUDY TO SHOW THYSELF APPROVED UNTO GOD, A WORKMAN THAT NEEDETH NOT TO BE ASHAMED, RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD OF TRUTH.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

GOD'S MOST WANTED MEN

FATHER KNOWS BEST
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
I Timothy 4: 11, 12

These things command and teach. Let no man despise thy youth, but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

The men/women of GOD are those who teach and lead by example. They are men and women who live out what they receive from the LORD, in humility and great love. Their conduct is remarkable in that it is different from the conduct of the world's men and women; their words are in agreement with the Word of the LORD; they love unconditionally; walk in faith in the power of the Holy Spirit; they are men and women of purity, not defiled by worldly lusts. Is this way of living possible today?

The way of living a pure life unto the LORD is made possible by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. We are told in the Scripture to "walk by faith and not by sight", the Holy Spirit will guide those who want to walk in His path.

All this was made possible by the mighty act of GOD sending His Son to live and to suffer and be tortured by humans; His flesh to be killed and entombed. JESUS DEFEATED DEATH BY HIS RESURRECTION AND ASCENSION TO THE RIGHT HAND OF THE FATHER. By His death He reconciled us to GOD; now we have access to GOD, by the Holy Spirit, through JESUS, who is GOD.

GOD'S MEN AND WOMEN TEACH AND SET A GOOD EXAMPLE FOR THEIR CHILDREN AND OTHERS.

Monday, June 20, 2011

GOD'S MOST WANTED MEN

FATHER KNOWS BEST
Tuesday June 21, 2011
Matthew 6: 32b, 33
For your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of GOD, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.

I will begin this devotional with another striking Scripture from Colossians 3: 1; If you, then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of GOD.

GOD'S most wanted men seek first the kingdom of GOD and seek His righteousness, so that they can live the life of a child of GOD in this world. We are all the extension of our Father in heaven. We exhibit His way of life by our actions. We are a light in the darkness of this world, we lead the way to GOD.

When I say words like, "we lead the way to GOD", I find myself thinking that I often fall short of the call of GOD on my life. I don't always shine with the glory of GOD and lighten the way for others to come to the LORD. The knowledge that I fall short, encourages me to strive to do my best on every occasion. Every person I meet, every call I make, every conversation I have should shine with the Light that calls all people to the safety of the LORD.

The most wanted men of GOD seek first the Kingdom of GOD and His righteousness. They seek those things which are above, where Christ sits at the right hand of GOD. When the men of GOD seek the LORD first, then all things, visible and invisible, are added unto them.
GOD makes all things possible when we keep our eyes on Him.

Sunday, June 19, 2011

GOD'S MOST WANTED MEN

FATHER KNOWS BEST
Monday, June 20, 2011
II Chronicles 16: 9 (NIV)
For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are full committed to Him.

This week, we are going to talk about the characteristics of a man/woman of GOD. It is important for us to remember these characteristics and practice living them, so that we will grow in strength and love and knowledge of the LORD. We must begin our journey with commitment TO GOD. Too many of us try to do things ourselves, like a self-help guru, only to find that we can not achieve a lasting character change. We get frustrated and "throw the baby out with the bath" or give up trying, because we feel so guilty that we can't do it our self.

The Scripture for today helps us set the right foundation for our growth and our success. The heart must change. This means that the work must begin in the heart and the LORD does the work of transformation.

When we commit our life to the LORD JESUS, He begins the transformation process. What we do, is watch for the changes and rejoice, giving thanks to Him for what He has accomplished. He asks that we be willing to change; commit our life to Him; trust His grace and mercy; forgive our self; and always give Him the glory. This attitude and focus sets in motion the process that HE controls and all the changes are for good and are permanent. What we do to our self can only harm us and are temporary at best.

LET THE LORD GOD HAVE HIS PERFECT WORK IN YOU. TRUST HIM WITH YOUR LIFE, HE WILL STRENGTHEN YOU.

Friday, June 17, 2011

HOUSEHOLD SALVATION

Saturday, June 18, 2011
Psalms 115: 13, 14,
He will bless those who fear the LORD, both small and great. The LORD shall increase you more and more, you and your children.

THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM

I end this week of looking at the salvation of the household with this blessing for Psalms 115. The Blessing of the LORD is bestowed upon those who fear Him. He is gracious to those who honor, praise, thank and remember all the manifold goodness that He has done.

The LORD promises an increase, in everything good, for you and for your children; your household. Now, all we have to do is trust, watch and wait for the manifestation of the great benefits from His Hand.

Why does GOD give such blessings to the small as well as the great? First of all, we are all small children of His. A friend of mine used to say,"If you are not as old as GOD, you are His child." she was 98 years old when she said that.
Next, we are all great in the eyes of the LORD. Look at all the people in the Scripture who the LORD called "great", they were people of faith in Him and trusted Him; they feared Him.

Next, verse 16 says, The heaven, even the heavens are the LORD's; but the earth hath He given to the children of men. The LORD blesses us and our children, so that we can live in the earth as good stewards of His creation, from generation to generation. Matthew 5: 5 says, Blessed are the meek; for they shall inherit the earth. The meek, know that they are small and that GOD is great; they are easily taught by the LORD the way to govern the earth and be good stewards of it. The meek, fear the LORD, which is the beginning of wisdom, and are blessed forever more.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

HOUSEHOLD SALVATION

Friday June 17, 2011
Psalms 102: 28
The children of thy servants shall continue, and their seed shall be established before thee.

THE PROMISES OF GOD ARE YEA AND AMEN

I stand on this verse and all the others that promise the salvation of the household. There are so many stories in the Bible about household salvation, that I can not begin to recount them all. There is Lydia, Rahab, Zacchaeus, Noah, Abraham, and many more. The most striking of all is the Household of JESUS. When we are found in JESUS, submit to Him as LORD, we become part of the household of JESUS. We are part of the Family of GOD,"washed in the fountain, cleansed by His Blood. Joint heir with JESUS as we travel this sod. We are part of the Family of GOD". (Bill Gaither words and music).

All of the promises of GOD are yea and amen. He has promised to set apart for special treatment our entire family; children, grand children, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He has done this out of His extraordinary love for us.

How shall we respond to such great love? We can give our life to Him; shout for joy that the LORD GOD Loves us so much; be a light to welcome all people to come to Him and be saved.
We can be thankful by the giving of our self to Him and for His use. "Give of your best to the Master, give of the strength of your youth. Clad in salvation's full armor, join in the battle for truth."

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

HOUSEHOLD SALVATION

Thursday, June 16, 2011
Joshua 2: 18,19
Behold, when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window by which thou didst let us down; and thou shalt bring thy father, and thou shalt bring thy mother, and thy brethren, and all thy father's household, home unto thee. And it shall be, that whosoever shall go out of the doors of thy house into the street, his blood shall be upon his head, and we will be guiltless; and whosoever shall be with thee in the house, his blood shall be on our head, if any hand be upon him.

THE SCARLET THREAD AND MAN'S CHOICE

The scarlet thread is a symbol and for-runner of JESUS' shed Blood. In this story of Rahab and the spy's, sent from Joshua, we find that the Scarlet thread was the rope that brought deliverance and escape. In these verses in Joshua 2, we find that the Scarlet thread is a sign of sanctuary from harm, similar to the Blood on the door post and lintel of the houses during the time of the Passover of GOD. Those within the house would be safe from harm.

We also see in these verses a spiritual principle, that each person has a choice about their place of salvation and sanctification. The people who go out the door into the street, go at their own risk and the consequences are theirs to bear. Those who choose to stay within the sanctuary will be saved and the consequences of harm would be upon the prophet. JESUS bore our sins upon the cross, He paid the debt and suffered the consequences for our iniquity; the price has been paid, so, when we choose to live within the sanctuary of the Blood of JESUS, we are safe.
THE CHOICE IS OURS

There are many who think that if you are sanctified by the salvation of another, than you are saved from the wrath to come. NOT SO. Sanctification sets a soul apart for special grace, but the choice to stay within the sanctuary remains with them. Joshua 2:19 is very clear about this. We have all been given free will, by GOD; GOD will not take the free will away from us and make us puppets. The question hangs strong, "Who then will you serve, GOD or mammon?" Where will you live, in the street or the sanctuary?

MAY THE BLOOD OF JESUS SANCTIFY YOU AND MAKE YOU WHOLE

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

HOUSEHOLD SALVATION

Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Genesis 7:1
And the LORD said unto Noah, COME thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation.

When I was studying this verse, I came across a foot note in the Scofield notes. It seems that this is the first time that the word "Come" is used in Scripture. After this, Scripture is filled with the word "Come". What does "come" signify in the Word of the LORD?

1. This invitation is extended by GOD to man.
2.It urges man to avail himself of the perfect provision GOD has made for his preservation.
3. It is given in a time of overwhelming judgment and doom.

What does this have to do with us today and our household? GOD is calling us all to come to Him, "believe on the LORD JESUS CHRIST and be saved, and your house". There is salvation in the Blood of JESUS and He is inviting us to COME to Him. The Ark is a symbol of the place of salvation, a tangible shelter from the storms of life. JESUS is that shelter and in JESUS is all the provisions for Eternal preservation. JESUS is the "shelter in the time of storm". We are beginning to feel the travail of the world. It is shaking and groaning, awaiting the salvation of the Children of GOD; the time of the coming of the LORD is close by. As the groaning and shaking becomes more frequent, be alert for the words "Come up here". We do not know the day or the hour, so be alert to the voice of the LORD.

BEHOLD, ICOME QUICKLY, AND MY REWARD IS WITH ME, TO EVERY MAN ACCORDING AS HIS WORK SHALL BE. (The Revelation 22:12)

Monday, June 13, 2011

HOUSEHOLD SALVATION

Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Isaiah 50: 7
For the LORD GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded; therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.

I guess you are wondering how this relates to household salvation! In every household there are times of trial and great tribulation. You might be walking in a tough time right now with one of your family members, or more than one member. This verse from Isaiah 50 is for you and for me as we endeavor to do the right thing in our family affairs.

If you are like me, you want to fix things and make everything good and right; well, you can't, but GOD will. The LORD GOD will help me and my household, so that we will not be confounded. We must set our face like a flint and know that GOD is in control and He will not let His children be ashamed.

There is a time worn principle that works; has worked; and will work, every time; DON'T GET DOWN IN THE PIT WITH THOSE IN TROUBLE, YOU WILL RENDER YOURSELF INEFFECTIVE; STAY ON THE RIM, ON SOLID GROUND AND SEND DOWN THE LIFE-LINE. Our life-line is JESUS, He is able to save everyone from the pit, we just have to call upon Him.

Tribulation brings people to GOD; even the most stubborn will call upon the LORD in their time of trouble. THERE ARE NO ATHEISTS IN THE FOXHOLES DURING A WAR.

BELIEVE ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, AND THOU SHALT BE SAVED, AND THY HOUSE.

Sunday, June 12, 2011

HOUSEHOLD SALVATION

Monday, June 13, 2011
Acts 16: 31
Believe on the LORD JESUS Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

This is the promise of GOD to all who believe on the name of the LORD JESUS. There is a verse in Isaiah 49 which says: "But thus saith the LORD: Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered; for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children." (Is. 49:25). They that believe on the LORD JESUS Christ shall be saved and their house (Acts 16:31).

This is a promise that brings great hope to many parents, grand parents and great grand parents, who have a passionate desire for their household to be saved and restored to wholeness. I want to remind us all that all the promises of GOD are yes and amen. We can sing the song, "Standing on the promises of GOD". The LORD GOD is faithful to His word and will not go back on His promises to His children and to their children.

There are many stories in the Bible about the salvation of households, where one individual believed GOD and that person's household was brought to salvation. I witnessed this happen in 1956, when the Auqua Indians of Ecuador, after beheading the 5 missionaries who landed on their shores, were saved. The sister of Nate Saint, Rachel Saint, went to the village and on the way met Dyuma, the Chief's daughter. Rachel won her to Christ and Dyuma brought her father to Christ and the father brought the whole village to Christ. The Seeds of the Martyrs bore great fruit; whole households were saved.

BELIEVE ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST AND YOU SHALL BE SAVED, AND YOUR HOUSE.

Friday, June 10, 2011

REMEMBER TO PRAISE - PART 3

Saturday, June 11, 2011
Psalm 40: 1-3
I waited patiently for the LORD, and He inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. 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.

PRAISE BRINGS SALVATION

When we hear the words, "Praise brings salvation", we are tempted to think only of our salvation, which was bought through the shed Blood of JESUS. This is true and perfect salvation for us, as individuals.

There is, however, another realm of salvation, and that is for those who observe our deliverance from circumstances and our salvation through JESUS. Testimony of the saving power of GOD, brings praise of JESUS and increases the trust of all in the LORD. The more who observe the saving power of GOD, the more give GOD the glory and praise.

Think about the time of the death of Lazarus; think about the multitude of people who observed Lazarus raised from the dead and walk out of the tomb, alive. All those people were amazed and glorified GOD. Trust in the LORD is increased as we see the great miracles of GOD manifest in our presence.

Patient waiting for the LORD is a sign of trust in Him. Faith is strengthened as we wait patiently for Him. Waiting patiently is really worship of JESUS. Our worship is filled with trust, faith, patience, hope and love, then when we see the manifestation of our requests, many shall see and trust in the LORD.

If we do not praise the LORD, the stones will cry out.
THERE WILL BE A ROCK CONCERT

Thursday, June 9, 2011

REMEMBER TO PRAISE - PART 3

Friday, June 10, 2011
Matthew 15: 25
Then came she and worshiped Him, saying LORD, help me.

WORSHIP COMES BEFORE PETITION

It is often surprising what you can find in one short verse. I know how easy it is to skip over a short verse and move on to the more meaty verses following. This story about the Syrophenician woman is famous and often quoted by Pastors as an example of the great compassion of JESUS. I have also heard theologians mention this as prophecy of the Gospel coming to the Gentiles. But I have not heard a sermon on this verse which teaches that Worship must come before petition.

When we pray, oftentimes we hop right into our petitions, asking favors for our self and for others. In that, we are treating GOD as if He were the universal donor of answered requests; we ask, He gives. Well, I hope that you were offended by what I just said; offended enough to look deeply in to your prayer life and see whether you, too, have fallen into the rhythm of petition before worship.

The gentile woman got it right; she worshiped JESUS, bowing before His great majesty and called Him LORD. If it had been a Jewish woman, you would expect this degree of worship, but the Syrophenician woman was a gentile. She is desperate for the healing of her daughter. In verse 22 she says, "Have mercy on me, O LORD, Thou Son of David." She worshiped the LORD in the only language that she knew, calling Him LORD.

When we are in prayer, do we spend most of our time in worship, praise and adoration for who the LORD is? Are we so enthralled by His Love for us and His great mercy? Are we struck by the beauty that He has created for all to share, the mountains, the rivers, the trees, flowers, rain and the ant that crawls on the leaf? Are we more in love with Him than with ourselves?

Wrapped in worship, carried aloft on the wings of praise, in adoration for the breath of GOD that flows through all creation; then we are in the right atmosphere to say, "help me".

We are to enter into His courts with praise, thankful unto Him, speaking good of His name and dressed in the garments of worship. Then, the petitions reach His heart and the answer is swift and clear.

WORSHIP COMES BEFORE PETITION

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

REMEMBER TO PRAISE - PART 3

Thursday, June 9, 2011
Jeremiah 17: 14
Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved; for Thou art my praise.

The words "saved and healed" are the same word in the Greek language, that word is "sozo". The Greek writers understood that healing was really wholeness of mind, body and spirit. They also understood that salvation was wholeness found only in JESUS. Therefore, the same word was used for both; a reflection that they mean the same thing - WHOLENESS.

When we are wrapped in praise of GOD we are dwelling in wholeness, we are delivered from the distractions of the world and are transported into the heavenly realm, where GOD is. Literally, we rise above the circumstances of life on wings of praise; we leave all behind and enter into the court of the LORD - with praise.

PRAISE BRINGS HEALING AND SALVATION WHEN THE PRAISE IS FOCUSED ON JESUS




Tuesday, June 7, 2011

REMEMBER TO PRAISE - PART 3

Wednesday, June 8, 2011
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 HEALING

It is a truth, that you can tell how a person is feeling by their facial expressions. A "cast down" soul will show darkness, even if they say, with their mouth, that things are good. The opposite is true also, a person who is praising GOD within their whole being (Mind, body and spirit) their countenance will radiate light, even when their circumstances are dark. Praise brings light into the whole person and GOD changes the circumstances from darkness to light. I am convinced of this.

People speak about the state of mind called "depression". If something is "depressed", it is squeezed out of shape. GOD takes that squeezed, out of shape mind and restores it to wholeness, the medicine that He uses is PRAISE OF GOD FOR WHO HE IS. Many people have been restored to soundness of mind and serenity of spirit through this verse from Psalm 43. The key words are, "Hope in GOD;" He is the only one who can be fully trusted, and our hope is in Him. When we put on the mind of Christ and think the way He thinks; praise the way He praised; trust the way He trusted; hope the way He hoped; love the way He loved; then the light of the glory of GOD becomes the radiance of the countenance and we are lifted up above the darkness into His glorious light.

IN GOD IS ALL HEATH, WHOLENESS, SOUNDNESS OF MIND, DELIVERANCE FROM DARKNESS.

Monday, June 6, 2011

REMEMBER TO PRAISE - PART 3

Tuesday, June 7, 2011
II Chronicles 5: 13, 14
It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the LORD, saying, "For He is good; for His mercy endureth forever" That then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD. So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud; for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of GOD.

WOW! What a picture! What an awesome time that was! Music and singing praises to the LORD GOD with one sound; in one accord. Then the Temple was filled with the Glory Cloud of the presence of the LORD and the priests fell under the anointing for the "glory of the LORD filled the house of GOD."

I want to look at a few things in this manifestation of the presence of the LORD. Notice that the musicians were making "one sound". If you have ever heard an orchestra tune, you know that at first they are in a flood of tonalities. As they begin to "tune" with each other, the power of the sound increases, because they are in one accord. The sound is overwhelming. Add to that orchestral sound the voice of singers, tuned to one pitch and the sound is unearthly, it is other worldly. The secret to this is that they are in "one accord", even in the harmonics.

In many places in Scripture, the LORD called the people to be in one accord while they prayed, watched and waited for a manifestation of the LORD. This tells me that when we gather together in the Name of the LORD, we must be in one accord or agreement, for the LORD to manifest His presence. It seems to me that He can not be present in discord. We must all tune our praises to the one pitch, the sound that comes from the LORD, Himself. Literally, we must be found in Him.

The next point in this passage from II Chronicles 5 is The presence of the Cloud. Praise and thanksgiving of the LORD for who He is, brings the Shekinah Glory and the Anointing of GOD. GOD is in the midst of the Cloud; His presence is so strong that no one can stand in His presence.

Look at the words of the singers, "For He is good; for His mercy endureth forever". This high exalted praise of GOD is pleasing to GOD, it glorifies GOD, it is evidence of faith, dispels darkness and brings His presence. This atmosphere of praise and thanksgiving opens heaven's door and the river of the blessings of GOD flows with power.

LET EVERYTHING THAT HATH BREATH, PRAISE THE LORD; PRAISE YE THE LORD.

Sunday, June 5, 2011

REMEMBER TO PRAISE - PART 3

Monday, June 6, 2011
Psalm 34: 1-4
I will praise 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 sought the LORD, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

We begin a new week with this Psalm to remind us of the power of praise and it's effect on others. The whole series of Scriptures on Praise are our way of reminding our self and others about the importance of praise of GOD for who He is: our creator, redeemer, savior, and ever present help and stay. Why do we feel the need to remember these principals? Because the enemy would like us to forget and render us powerless. We feel committed to remind all our readers about the Power of Praise.

The first two verses of this Psalm are a call to individual praise. We as individuals ought to be in the state of praise, continually. Our countenance should radiate praise no matter what the circumstances are. We praise in good times and in dark times; in the calm and the storm; in the lush fields or the desert; we praise the LORD continually.

The third verse calls together those in agreement, to gather together and praise the LORD with one voice. Each person, who continually praises the LORD, gathers with others and join their voice with each other in a chorus of praise. This united praise brings an anointing of great strength.

The fourth verse sums up the three before it. There is a pattern to these verses that is very important: Praise ushers in the presence of GOD; Praise in agreement increases the strength; then the petitions are heard and there is a tangible manifestation; Giving thanks brings wholeness. 1. Praise individually; 2. praise in agreement with others; 3. bring your petitions in the atmosphere of praise; 4. watch for the tangible manifestation; 5. Give thanks and praise the LORD.

PRAISE IS POWERFUL; LET US EXALT HIS NAME TOGETHER

Friday, June 3, 2011

REMEMBER TO PRAISE - PART 2

Saturday, June 4, 2011
Psalm 9: 1-3
I will praise Thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will show forth all Thy marvelous works. I will be glad and rejoice in Thee; I will sing praise to Thy Name, O Thou Most High. When mine enemies are turned back, they shall fall and perish at Thy presence.

Who is the enemy? Who are the real enemies? What power do they have? Is that power more than the power of the Most High GOD?

Who is the enemy? The enemy is satan himself, the evil one who makes us think that we are victims. The LORD GOD is victorious over all the foes and when we are found in Him we are victorious. Who are the real enemies? The real foes are those who are children of the evil one. The real enemy is satan and his angels who torment people until they submit to him. What power do they have? The only power that they have is given to them by those who submit to their evil ways. Satan has no power of his own, only that which is given to him by others. Is that power more than the power of the Most High GOD? God has satan on a leash, he can not hurt or harm beyond the scope of the leash (Read the book of Job). THE MOST HIGH GOD IS ALMIGHTY WITH POWER TO BREAK THE BACK OF THE WICKED.

II Chronicles 20: 21, 22 tells of the power of praise to unleash the power of GOD and the power of GOD to defeat the enemy. "And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD, who should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, 'Praise the LORD; for His mercy endureth forever.' and when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set an ambush against the children of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who were come against Judah; and they were smitten."

There is no enemy that can come against the Children of GOD, who are wrapped in the garment of praise. There is no power or strength that is equal to the Almighty GOD. Praise Him for who He is and praise Him for making us His Children.

PRAISE YE THE LORD!

REMEMBER TO PRAISE - PART 2

Friday, June 3, 2011
Psalm 18: 2, 3
The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my GOD, my strength, in whom I will trust; 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.

THE LORD DELIVERS HIS PEOPLE

This is one of my favorite Psalms, because it strengthens my faith in the time of trouble and prepares me, with strength, to meet those unknown trials. I am reminded to confess in my heart that the LORD is my Rock, fortress, deliverer, strength,confidence, shield, salvation and high tower. I am reminded that the gate to enter into the stronghold is the gate of praise. The LORD GOD opens the gate of the Temple and we enter into His courts with praise and thanksgiving. In the Temple we are secure. The LORD GOD goes to battle for us and we are saved.

We have all heard about "preventative medicine", keeping our self healthy so that we do not need other medicines for a diagnosis. Well, praise and thanksgiving for the mighty acts of GOD on behalf of His Children; praise and thanksgiving for all that He has done in the creation and redemption of the world; praise and thanksgiving for who HE is, keeps us from falling into darkness. When we are praising the LORD, we are embraced and clothed in light. Where there is light, there is no darkness at all. So, prevent the disease of darkness and despair by putting on the garment of praise, daily, and watch your spiritual health increase. Circumstances do not dictate our spiritual health; thanksgiving and praise, remembering His Holiness and feasting on His Word does dictate our spiritual health.

BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD; BLESSED BE HIS GLORIOUS NAME FOREVER.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

REMEMBER TO PRAISE - PART 2

Thursday, June 2, 2011
Psalm 52: 9
I will praise Thee forever, because Thou hast done it; and I will wait on Thy Name; for it is good before Thy saints.

When we are in the middle of the storms of life, praise, faith and trust are the life savers that pull us up above the storm. Praise changes the atmosphere from heaviness to joy; faith anchors us in the remembrance of the mighty acts of GOD; and trust declares that GOD has already done the highest and the best for us, all we have to do is wait, watch and see.

I is good for us to live in praise, faith and trust, expecting our Father to do what is best of His children. It is healthy to live in praise of His Holy Name. The blood pressure is lower, the heart rate is lower, our attitude is good and joy replaces sadness. In Isaiah 61: 3, there is a phrase that speaks to this; it says, " the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness". Praise is a garment that covers us with joy, it is like an armor covering us from head to toe. You could say that we are dressed in praise, every part of us and every cell of our body is filled full with the healing oil of praise.

FOR IT IS GOOD BEFORE THY SAINTS; IT IS GOOD FOR THY SAINTS