GOD reveals His Wisdom

Saturday, October 1, 2011
Jeremiah 33: 2, 3
Thus saith the LORD, the maker of it, the LORD who formed it, to establish it; the LORD is His Name. Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

THE WISDOM OF MAN IS FOOLISHNESS WITH GOD

The LORD GOD made the heavens, the earth and all that dwell therein. He established everything that is and knows all there is to know. He wants us to have His knowledge in all matters, but He will not impose His knowledge upon anyone. This is why He says, "call unto me and I will answer thee." When we are ready to receive the depth of His wisdom, we will call unto Him, until then, He will wait patiently for the right time.

There is a saying that applies to many situations: "When a person asks, they are ready to receive the answer." This is how the LORD GOD works; when we ask, He is ready to give the answer, because He knows that we are ready to receive it.

The Scripture says, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of GOD, who giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not and it shall be given him." The wisdom of GOD is greater than any earthly knowledge. Earthly knowledge is the result of discovery; GODLY wisdom is the application of the knowledge of the Creator of all things.

CALL UPON THE LORD AND HE WILL GIVE YOU HIS WISDOM.

HUMILITY IN PRAYER

Friday, September 30, 2011
I kings 3: 7-9
And now, O LORD my GOD, Thou hast made Thy servant king instead of David, my father; and I am but a little child; I know not how to go out or come in. And Thy servant is in the midst of Thy people, who cannot be numbered or counted for multitude. Give, therefore, Thy servant an understanding heart to judge Thy people, that I may discern between good and bad. For who is able to judge this Thy great people?

WHO IS ABLE TO JUDGE THIS THY GREAT PEOPLE?

Let this question ring in your thoughts; who is able to judge? Are we able to judge between good and bad? Do we see all sides of all issues? Does we see the heart of all people? What is good? What is bad? Who are good? Who are bad? Who is able to judge?

The answer to all the questions above can be summed up in one name, the Holy Name of JESUS. He, alone, can judge what and who are good or bad; He, alone can see the heart of every person; He, alone, has spoken the judgment and His judgment stands forever. In John 5: 26, 27, JESUS says, For as the Father hath life in Himself, so hath He given to the Son to have life in Himself; And hath given Him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of Man. And what is the judgment? Life to all who believe on His Name; mercy; forgiveness from sin.

Solomon humbled himself before the LORD and asked only for wisdom to govern the people of GOD. GOD was so pleased with his prayer that He granted those things that Solomon did not ask, but needed for success in the fulfillment of GOD'S plan. And the LORD will do the same for us. When we humble our self before the LORD, saying, just as JESUS said, "Never the less, not my will but Thy Will be done" "Thy will be done in earth as it is in Heaven" then He will hear from heaven and forgive our sins and heal our land. (II Corinthians 7:14). We are part of the plan of GOD, so He will provide what is needed to fulfill His plan in our life.

HUMBLE YOUR SELF IN THE SIGHT OF THE LORD, AND HE WILL LIFT YOU UP.

PRAYER BRINGS GOD'S WISDOM

Friday, September 29, 2011
James 3: 13, 17, 18
Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? Let him show out of a good life his works with meekness of wisdom... The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by them that make peace.

As we saw yesterday, knowledge comes by study, meditation and pondering; wisdom is the application of knowledge. These verses take us even deeper. It addresses the application of wisdom in verse 13, then it gives the character of wisdom in verses 17 and 18.

First, wisdom is from above, meaning from GOD. There are many who act very wise in their application of a great lineage of knowledge, but in the wisdom that is from above, they fall very short. There are 3 kinds of wisdom: GODLY, Earthly, and devilish. True wisdom and the right application of knowledge comes from GOD and is GOD applied, so the glory goes to GOD.

Other characteristics that separate the GODLY wisdom from the earthly and devilish are: GODLY wisdom is pure, peaceable, gentle, and easily understood, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Have you ever heard the brittle edge in the voice of the ones who are trying to convince you that they have knowledge? Well, people with true wisdom are soft and gentle with a beautiful air of peace, but their wisdom is profoundly from GOD.

THE FRUIT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS IS SOWN IN PEACE BY THEM THAT MAKE PEACE.

PRAYER BRINGS GOD'S WISDOM

Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Proverbs 2: 6, 7
For the LORD giveth wisdom out of His mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly.

Knowledge comes from study of the way of the LORD. The Scripture tells us to "study to show ourselves approved unto GOD, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth"(II Timothy 2:15). Wisdom is the application of knowledge. When we study, meditate and ponder the Word of the LORD, then we must ask for wisdom to apply it. Prayer is the way of asking. Ask and you will receive wisdom to "rightly divide the word of truth".

Proverbs 4: 5-9 says, Get wisdom, get understanding; forget it not, neither decline from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee; love her, and she shall keep thee. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore, get wisdom; and with all thy getting, get understanding. Exalt her, and she shall promote thee, she shall being thee to honor when thou dost embrace her. She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace; a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.

PRAYER IS THE KEY TO SALVATION

Tuesday, September 27, 2011
II Chronicles 7: 14, 15
If My people, who are called by My Name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. Now Mine eyes shall be open, and Mine ears attentive unto the prayer that is made in this place.

IF MY PEOPLE....THEN WILL I.... NOW MINE EYES ARE OPEN

Prayer is the key to salvation and deliverance from sin. The LORD GOD said that if His people would humble themselves and pray, seeking His face, He would hear, forgive and heal. He has said that NOW His eyes are open and His ears attentive.

Prayer should be the first priority, not the last resort. Prayer is like a plow, it softens the hard heart so that the seed of the Word can go into good ground. When we humble ourselves and pray, GOD will hear, forgive and heal, not tomorrow or next year; NOW.

Prayer brings us into the right relationship with the LORD, so that He will hear the cry of the heart. All His answers are yes and amen when we humble ourselves and pray according to His will. His will is His Word; His Word is His will.

PRAY FOR THE LORD IS LISTENING

PRAY BY THE BLOOD OF JESUS

Monday, September 26, 2011
Hebrews 10: 19
Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the Blood of JESUS.

The life of faith begins with the Blood of JESUS.

The LORD JESUS made the way to the Presence of the Living GOD by His Blood. It is by His Blood that we are children of God; joint heirs with Christ; forgiven of our sins; reconciled to GOD; healed, restored, justified, and sanctified. JESUS is the perfect offering for our sins, and not ours only, but the sin of the world; He shed His Blood to reconcile us to GOD.

The reality of prayer and its power to effect real change is in the Blood of JESUS. When we are in right relationship with GOD, through His Son, His answers to our petitions is yes and amen. We know His will by His Word and when we pray His Word, we have what we ask of Him.

In Matthew 6:10, JESUS says: Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. JESUS instructs us to pray this way and to believe that it is so, without wavering or doubting. This is the effectual, fervent prayer of the righteous and it accomplishes the will of GOD for our world.

PRAY: THY KINGDOM COME, THY WILL BE DONE IN EARTH, AS IT IS IN HEAVEN - LET IT BE SO IN JESUS NAME

THE BATTLE BELONGS TO THE LORD

Saturday, September 24, 2011
Psalm 55: 16-18
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, and He shall hear my voice, He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me; for there were many with me.

THE BATTLE IS NOT OURS, THE BATTLE BELONGS TO THE LORD.

I love the words,"as for me". These personal words make it more real than indirect statements. I can say with the Psalmist, "As for me, I will call upon GOD, and the LORD shall save me." Yes, as for me and my house, we will call upon the name of the LORD and He will hear us and save us.

In the Hebrew way of looking at a day, evening is the beginning of a new day; morning signals the dawning of the time of day for light and the noon time signals the beginning of the close of the day. So, I can say, I will praise the LORD and cry to Him all day long.

The LORD brings peace to all situations, when we cry out to Him in faith, believing that He is able to win the battles of the day, by His mighty hand. We do not have to fight our own battles against the powers of darkness, all we have to do is yield those battles to the LORD and He will turn hearts and minds and circumstances to the good, for His honor and glory. What could be more powerful than the LORD GOD - Father, Son and Holy Spirit - raising up a standard against the enemy!

THE BATTLE IS NOT OURS; THE BATTLE BELONGS TO THE LORD. YIELD TO JESUS, AND WATCH HIM WORK HIS WONDERS.

BUILDING UP IN THE MOST HOLY FAITH

Friday, September 23, 2011
Jude vs. 20, 21
But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of GOD, looking for the mercy of our LORD JESUS Christ unto eternal life.

THE MOST HOLY FAITH

When I read these words, I immediately look at the test of the Spirit of GOD found in I John 4: 1, 2.
I John 4:2 says: By this know ye the Spirit of GOD: every spirit that confesseth that JESUS Christ is come in the flesh is of GOD. Then there is the verse in I John 4: 7, Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of GOD, and everyone that loveth is born of GOD and knoweth GOD, He that loveth not knoweth not GOD; for GOD is love.

I have found, however, that there is more to the Most Holy Faith which was given to us at the beginning of Scripture, Exodus 3: 5, 6 Moreover, he said, I AM THE GOD OF THY FATHER, THE GOD OF ABRAHAM, THE GOD OF ISAAC, AND THE GOD OF JACOB. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon GOD. The LORD GOD is GOD; JESUS is GOD and the Holy Spirit is GOD; three in One, One in three.

In I John, we are called "little children", the children of the Most High GOD. Our Most Holy Faith is the gift of GOD to His Little Children, which we are. By the Holy Spirit, we are given wisdom, faith, knowledge and understanding directly from GOD. To be faithful to the Most Holy Faith, is to follow, without question the guidance and direction of GOD.

There is another word for consideration by all of us; sanctification. To be sanctified unto the LORD, means that you are set apart for His use and for His glory. JESUS prayed for our sanctification through Him. John 17: 19 says, And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. It is through the Blood of JESUS that we are sanctified and as sanctified little children of the Holy GOD we have access to Him and through Him.

BELOVED, BUILD YOURSELF UP IN THE MOST HOLY FAITH.

PRAY, AND FIRE FALLS

Thursday September 22, 2011
II Chronicles 7: 1, 2
Now when Solomon had ceased (stopped) praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the LORD filled the house. And the Priests could not enter into the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD had filled the LORD'S house.

WOW! WHAT A PICTURE.

Solomon is standing before the Altar of the LORD in prayer. It is the time of the dedication of the Temple that was built to house the Presence of the LORD. When he stops praying, the fire from heaven comes down and consumes the sacrifices. The Presence of the LORD fills the Temple and the glory of the LORD is so strong that the Priests could not enter the house of the LORD. Every place in the Temple is now filled with the glory of the LORD. What did Solomon do to bring down this fire and glory?

Solomon labored with his people to build the Temple, not for him, but for the LORD. Solomon dedicated this work of many hands to the LORD and consecrated all the people to GOD. His focus was on the LORD.

When we are preparing any thing, do we do it unto the LORD and consecrate the work of our hand to the LORD? Do we live our life unto the LORD? Is every breath we take a prayer of thanksgiving? of intercession? of petition? of confession? of consecration of our work and life to the LORD? IF NOT, WHY NOT!!!

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

GOD HEARS AND ANSWERS

Wednesday, September 21, 2011
I John 5: 14, 15
And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will, He heareth us; and if we know that He hear us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.

GOD HEARS AND ANSWERS

There are many who are afraid to ask in faith, believing that they have the thing that they ask. Notice the word, "afraid", that feeling does not come from GOD, to be afraid is to have "perfect faith in failure". Faith in the LORD overcomes fear. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.

Who are the ones whom the LORD will hear and answer? Those who are in right relationship with Him. He hears the believer, who trust Him above all else. The LORD hears the righteous and answers the righteous, those who declare His will to be done on earth as it is in Heaven; Those who say, not my will but Thy will be done. When they ask for a thing, according to the will of GOD, they will have what they ask, because all the promises of the LORD are yes and amen.

STAND ON THE WORD OF GOD; STAND ON HIS WILL FOR YOU; STAND ON THE ROCK, CHRIST JESUS THE LORD.

BE CONFIDENT IN THE LORD

QUESTION AND ANSWER

Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Job 21: 15 (the questions)
Acts 4: 31 (the answer)
What is the Almighty, that we should serve Him? And what profit should we have, if we pray unto Him? (the question)
And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the Word of GOD with boldness. (the answer)

Who is the Almighty? The LORD of Hosts, He is the mighty One. "All" is an inclusive word meaning total, and complete. The LORD GOD is All; He is total and complete in All things. I for one want to serve the total, complete One who is mighty to heal, restore, build up and love totally.

What profit should we have, if we pray to Him? A mighty manifestation of His power, as in the day of Pentecost, when all were filled with the Holy Spirit. DO YOU BELIEVE IT WHEN YOU PRAY? Many do not believe that the LORD moves mountains, heals broken bodies and restores that which was broken. Most "say" that they believe, but when push comes to shove, they don't rest in the fact that GOD is All Mighty.

I have heard it said, "but I don't want to be disappointed, what if He doesn't do what I ask?" There is only one answer to that question; If you ask according to his Word, which is His will, then his answer is always yes and amen. "But what if the person I am praying for dies and I have been praying for healing?" The Apostle Paul said, "Absent from the body, present with the LORD." "Death is swallowed up in Victory; death where is thy sting, o grave, where is thy victory?" In JESUS Christ, there is no death. There is only life in Him. So, if the flesh dies, perfect healing is accomplished by the Hand of GOD.

PRAY IN FAITH BELIEVING THAT YOU HAVE WHAT YOU ASK ACCORDING TO THE WORD AND WILL OF GOD

ACKNOWLEDGE HIM

Monday, September 19, 2011
Proverbs 3: 6
In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.

What is acknowledgment?

When you receive an invitation from a person, you are rude if you do not acknowledge it. Usually this means writing a note or calling the person. JESUS has called us all to come to Him, it, then, would be rude of us not to acknowledge that call and respond.

When you see a person, you know, as you are walking down the street, it would be rude not to acknowledge them. JESUS is always present to us, then it would be rude not to acknowledge Him.

There is another dimension to acknowledgment that goes even deeper than the two examples I gave; the dimension of prayer. Acknowledgment of the presence of the LORD is a form of prayer. This form is often neglected by many people, to their loss.

The verse quoted says, "in all thy ways acknowledge Him". "All" is a pretty inclusive word, it means "every" and "total". When we look at our life and the many moments we live in the sight of GOD, it is astounding how many times that we neglect to acknowledge JESUS. The verse goes on to say, "He will direct thy paths". We become so accustomed to making our own plans and following our own paths that we, from habit, do not acknowledge Him - HOW RUDE and how we loose because of it.

Every morning, noon and night we should commit our self to the LORD for His direction and care. We should acknowledge Him as LORD of our life and the GOD of our salvation. Welcome Him into the day and say, 'This is the day that the LORD has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it." The soul that is yielded to the LORD, is a soul that has acknowledged JESUS as King, Light, Leader and Law; The King of Kings and LORD of LORDs; the Light of the World; the Good Shepherd who leads His sheep to pasture; and the Law of Love. When we acknowledge Him, He will direct our paths so that there is no guess work. The LORD is always right in all ways.

TRUST THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND LEAN NOT UNTO YOU OWN UNDERSTANDING.

ENCOURAGE YOUR SELF IN THE LORD

Saturday, September 17, 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.

Yesterday, I talked about the "corporate soul" as being made up of individuals who felt the same way. Today, I want us to look at the individual and his relationship with GOD.

The individual has the responsibility to keep his own soul in union with GOD. This responsibility can not be pushed off on to a group, church, or family. The group, Church or family are not an excuse for good or bad behavior; the individual is responsible for his/her own soul. Redemption is on the line of the individual soul uniting with JESUS.

In Hebrew Scripture, and before JESUS, there was a sense that all things were accomplished by the people and certain individuals spoke to GOD on behalf of the people; an example of this is Moses. There were many times of choice for the individual, but "group think" was the norm. After JESUS, and the coming of the Holy Spirit, came a new relationship with GOD. Each individual had a personal relationship with the LORD, therefore, each individual was responsible for the building of that relationship.

Psalm 42 is a Psalm of David as he wrestles with his responsibility before GOD as an individual. He asks questions and expects an answer from GOD. He identifies what is going on in his own soul and he addresses it. "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted within me ?" He asks this of himself, identifying the terrible depression that consumed him. Then He asks GOD for light and truth to lead him to the Altar of GOD, so that he might praise GOD. Then he says to his soul, "Hope thou in GOD; for I will yet praise Him who is the health of my countenance and my GOD."

David took responsibility for the condition of his own soul and asked GOD to bring light into his darkness. He praised GOD for what He would do; his hope and faith burned brightly.

Let us take a lesson from David, examine our self daily; ask GOD for light and truth; hope in GOD; praise Him for who He is.

ENCOURAGE YOUR SELF IN THE LORD

ENCOURAGE YOUR SELF IN THE LORD

Friday, September 16, 2011
I Samuel 30: 6

And David was greatly distressed; for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters. But David encouraged himself in the LORD his GOD.

David was distressed in the flesh, but he was encouraged in the Spirit. I am struck by the words, "the soul of all the people was grieved". This seems to imply that there is a corporate soul made up of the individuals feeling the same feelings. This corporate soul of grief led the people to speak of stoning David, an act of corporate violence. Think about the corporate soul that you see in the world today. Is it a GODLY soul or a devilish soul? What actions will result from each?

The devilish soul will produce the fruit of killing, stealing and destroying; the GODLY soul will produce the fruit of Love, joy, peace (the fruit of the Spirit). This understanding reminds me of the verses in the New Testament about a good tree produces good fruit, while a bad tree will produce bad fruit and by the fruit you will know them.

Notice that David encouraged himself in the middle of this corporate soul of grief. When we are faced with an atmosphere of negativity, we must go within our self and be encouraged by the fact that the LORD GOD has chosen to reside in us. We can also be encouraged by the WORD OF THE LORD in Holy Scripture, but we must never forget that the LORD has chosen to dwell in us and encourage us from the inside outward. He says. "You are a child of GOD; joint heir with Christ. You are the head and not the tail. You are blessed."

BE GREATLY ENCOURAGED, JESUS LOVES YOU, HIS CHILD.

ENCOURAGEMENT THROUGH PRAYER

Thursday, September 15, 2011
I Samuel 12: 23
Moreover, as for me, GOD forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way.

Have you thought that if you don't pray for a person who asks you to pray, that you have sinned against the LORD? This is very serious. A person asks you to pray for them or their loved ones and you say you will, but don't, grieves the Heart of GOD. Those people are precious in His sight and He is with them in their trouble. If you cease to pray as asked, you are saying "no" to GOD.

The "good and right way" is "to fear the LORD and to serve Him in truth with all your heart."(I Samuel 12: 24a). When He calls, say, "Here am I, LORD; your servant is listening". When we call to Him, we expect him to listen to us; how much more should we listen to Him?

Let us decide right now to respond immediately when we are asked to pray for another. Pray just like we, ourselves were in their body; respond the same way we would like for JESUS to respond to us when we ask.

My prayer partners and I try to respond immediately by asking a person "What Scripture are you standing on, so that we can agree with you? or How would you like me to pray with you?" THEN, immediately, begin to pray with them. Whether in person, on the phone, by text or e-mail, pray immediately.

RESPOND IN THE SAME WAY THAT YOU WOULD WANT JESUS TO RESPOND TO YOU.

ENCOURAGEMENT THROUGH PRAYER

Wednesday September 14, 2011
Philippians 1: 19, 21(Interlinear Bible/ Greek-English)
For I know that this will result in salvation to me through your petition and the supply of the Spirit of JESUS Christ... For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Our prayers and petitions for the needs of those in distress, results in the supply of their need through the Holy Spirit of JESUS Christ. The purpose of our life is to Glorify GOD and everything works toward that end for those who love GOD with their whole heart. The Apostle Paul understood that everything that he did and wherever he was, preached the Gospel of JESUS. If he was in prison it was so that his life would preach the gospel; if he was ship wrecked, it was to preach JESUS. No matter what estate he was in, it was for the glory of GOD. He said so vividly, "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."

Paul is a wonderful example to us as to how we should live in this world. Our purpose is to bring souls to JESUS by our conduct, our words and our spirit. People are brought to JESUS through our openness to the Holy Spirit working through us. But we have another work to do, to pray for all others in the Body of Christ, so that the LORD will supply all their needs and strengthen them in their call to bring souls to Christ.

Through our prayers and petitions, many are strengthened to serve the LORD, even in the most difficult situations. The Body of Christ is a network of gatherers, bringing those who do not know JESUS into the love and knowledge of Him. When we pray, we strengthen the brethren.

FOR HIS HOLY NAME SAKE; JESUS IS LORD TO THE GLORY OF GOD THE FATHER.

Encouragement through prayer

Tuesday, September 13, 2011
II Corinthians 1: 11
Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.

If all of us gather into a hospital room to visit a person who is sick; if all of us go to the prisons to visit a prisoner; if all of us flock into a home of a grieving person, it would be too much and too many. What can we do? We can pray in support of the one in need and those whom the LORD calls to be present in person. Yes, we are called to be a support and encouragement in many ways, and that call comes from GOD.

The most powerful help for a person in need comes by prayer. The Apostle Paul was the recipient of a lot of prayer and, through that support of prayer, GOD raised him up. Those who pray, those who are present, those who speak, those who write the words of encouragement form a body of intercession and the work of the LORD flows through each.

Since the work of the LORD takes many forms of encouragement, then the thanksgiving and praise for the result goes to the LORD. He is the one who blesses the givers and we are the ones who bless the LORD, the giver of Life.

When we have been called to pray for another, it is an encouragement to them to tell them that you are praying. This simple word, lifts up the hands that hang down and the feeble knees. It lifts a person's spirit and gives them the understanding that they are not alone in their struggle.

I WILL BLESS THE LORD AT ALL TIMES, HIS PRAISE SHALL CONTINUALLY BE IN MY MOUTH.

REMEMBER

Monday, September 12, 2011
Hebrews 13: 3
Remember those that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them who suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.

To remember a person, is to put together images of that person as they were when you saw them last. It is like putting together a puzzle with its bits and pieces, forming a picture in your mind. This type of remembering is of the past, but when you add to that the news that, those whom you remember, are in bonds, you add to that a picture thoughts about what that might be like.

The Scripture tells us that we are to "remember those who are in bonds as being bound with them", this is deep and personal intercession. Add to that, the suffering with those who are suffering as though you were also in that body. Such empathy with another is a glimpse of how the LORD feels about each one of us as we go through our life. He feels our pain, He knows our weakness, He suffers the adversity with us. He empathizes deeper than we can ever go.

How does JESUS enter so deeply into our situations? He knows, because He suffered the same situations Himself; He knows the pain, He knows the weakness, and He knows the adversity, intimately. So when He prays in intercession before the Father for us, He is praying with empathy, being in the body of him who suffers. When we join Him in intercession, He allows us to feel deeply for another AND He lets us feel the VICTORY OVER THE SITUATION.

Remember, JESUS won for us the Victory, through His Blood. So as we suffer with those who suffer; we rejoice in the VICTORY OF JESUS.

TAKE HEART, HE HAS OVERCOME THE WORLD

3 little ways of encouragement

Saturday, September 10, 2011
Ephesians 3: 20, 21
EVE OF THE MEMORIAL OF 9/11
Now unto Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto Him be glory in the church by Christ JESUS throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

I close this week with a blessing from the Scripture, a blessing that puts all things into the proper order; UNTO JESUS, BLESSED BE HE, BE GLORY AND HONOR AND PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING, FOR HE IS LORD OF ALL.

Let us remember those who perished on 9/11 at the hands of those who wanted to do us harm and joined forces with evil to hurt, kill and destroy. Let us remember that those who died in the LORD are alive in Him, because of Him. Let us remember that He is with all who suffer. Let us never forget that the LORD is right in the middle of all situations as healer, restorer, deliverer and comforter.

LET US REMEMBER THAT JESUS CHRIST IS LORD OF ALL

ALMIGHTY GOD, WE REMEMBER THIS DAY BEFORE THEE THY FAITHFUL SERVANTS; AND PRAY THAT HAVING OPENED TO THEM THE GATES OF LARGER LIFE, THOU WILT RECEIVE THEM MORE AND MORE INTO THY JOYFUL SERVICE, THAT WITH ALL WHO HAVE FAITHFULLY SERVED THEE IN THE PAST, THEY MAY SHARE IN THE ETERNAL VICTORY OF JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD; WHO LIVETH AND REIGNETH WITH THEE, IN THE UNITY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, ONE GOD, FOREVER AND EVER. AMEN

3 little ways of encouragement

Friday, September 9, 2011
James 1: 19
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.

PRESENCE IS POWERFUL ENCOURAGEMENT

We often think that we have to say something or do something when another person is in trouble. Many people stay away from being present because they don't know what to say or write. I know, for a fact, that the presence of a loving friend is more powerful than any words, verbal or written.

Here is a real story: One of my blind friends, 99 years old, lived in a Nursing Home. She had taught Bible for 50 years and was fluent in KJV Biblical language. One day, she was told by her family that her son had just died. She went into a deep depression and began to fail physically. A Pastor went to visit her and he just sat there for an hour. During that hour, he fell asleep in the chair while he prayed for her in silence. When he awoke, the friend seemed better and the Pastor felt like he had let her down in her moment of great need.

The next day, the staff noticed that my friend was coming out of the depression and would talk to them. One of the things that she said was that the Pastor who visited her gave her the strength to go on. His presence was healing.

We don't have to say a word, just be present; "swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath." and I would add, "just show up and be there" as the heart of GOD to them.

"SURELY THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD IS IN THIS PLACE"

3 little ways of encouragement

Thursday, September 8, 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 LORD HAS THE LAST SAY

We can devise plans about how we will do things; we can create visions, pictures, and designs for a glorious future, but THE LORD HAS THE LAST SAY.

Much time has been wasted in vain imaginations and vague speculations about things, when the decision makers could spend less time and energy in speculation by turning to the LORD and asking Him for His plan and vision. Those who look to Him are saved from the dreadful consequences of faulty decisions. Those who cry out to the LORD will receive from His hand the wisdom, guidance and direction to make right decisions that carry with them blessings and not curses. THE LORD HAS THE LAST SAY.

When we pray for healing, for salvation, for restoration, for safety; let us ask the LORD about His plan to accomplish it. Remember, His answer is always yes and amen, so He has a plan to accomplish what you ask in faith believing. JESUS prayed, "Nevertheless, not my will but Thy will be done." Do we desire his will above our own? Remember, THE LORD HAS THE LAST SAY.

GIVE UNTO THE LORD THE GLORY DUE HIS NAME; WORSHIP THE LORD IN THE BEAUTY OF HOLINESS.
THE LORD HAS THE FIRST WORD AND THE LAST

3 little ways of encouragement

Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Psalm 119: 49, 105, 107
Remember the word unto Thy servant, upon which Thou hast caused me to hope...
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path...
I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto Thy Word.

The LORD stands on His Word and will not act contrary to His Word. His WORD is a written word of encouragement to us. It is literally a lamp to guide our feet and light to give light to our path. We are encouraged by the Word of the LORD that when we go through trials, tribulations and testing know that we do not walk alone; the LORD is with us.

The LORD GOD stands on His Word and He asks us to stand on His Word with Him. When we do, we are standing on the Rock which can not be moved.

I encourage you to read, study and inwardly digest the great LOVE LETTER of GOD to you; His Holy Scripture. He has written a book of encouragement, so that you will be built up in the most Holy Faith. This is the Letter of GOD to His Children and His Word will not return to Him void; it will accomplish that which He purposed and prosper in that for which He sent it.

THANKS BE TO GOD

3 little ways of encouragement

Tuesday, September 6, 2011
I Peter 5:2
Feed the flock of GOD which is among you, taking the oversight of it, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over GOD'S heritage, but being examples to the flock.

ENCOURAGEMENT BY WORD, WRITTEN, PRESENCE AND EXAMPLE.

The Lord GOD has raised us up as leaders in the Christian Community. Yes, those of us who have yielded our life to Christ and are filled with his Holy Spirit are called to be leaders. Leadership is simply the "feeding of the flock of GOD". This passage of Scripture tells us a lot about leadership and "oversight". We are to be willing to lead or oversee the safety and growth of the flock of GOD. We are to have a "ready mind"; ready to listen to the LORD and willing to act on his Word with respect for those in authority. We are to be examples of the way of the LORD to those who are being guided and fed.

There is an old saying: " Your actions are speaking so loud, I can't hear what you are saying." "Actions do speak louder than words". If our actions are not in accordance with the Word of the LORD, then our preaching and teaching will not be heard. People are watching the way others act. They draw conclusions from what they see. Your actions speak sermons; the question remains, "what are you preaching by your actions?"

There is another question: To whom do you point, who gets the credit; is it GOD or are you robbing Him of His glory?

I encourage you to look deeply into the eyes of JESUS and see who you are in Him. Don't be afraid, what you will see is the look of unconditional love and mercy. When you have feasted on the love He has for you, go and show that love to another. Your actions will come from the heart that has seen the LORD and known His love.

YOUR LIFE IS A SERMON OF GOD'S UNCONDITIONAL LOVE

3 little ways of encouragement

Monday, September 5, 2011
LABOR DAY

Hebrews 10:25
Do not stay away from the meetings of the community, as some do, but encourage each other to go; the more so as you see the Day drawing near. (Jerusalem Bible).

DO NOT STAY HOME FROM THE MEETINGS OF THE COMMUNITY

I am drawn to these words, as I see many Churches and Church groups getting smaller and smaller. Some say that they have to "market" the Church differently these days; some say that the programs need to be more worldly to draw new members. There are programs that excite, music that stimulates; the louder the better; films and promo. material to announce the coming events, designed to attract people to "come, buy and drink". Is this what GOD wants, better marketing and appeal driven Church? OR does He want the Gospel to be preached, the Gospel of JESUS Christ. He said, "If I be lifted up, I will draw all men unto me."

There is the marketing plan of GOD; LIFT UP JESUS.

When the Name of JESUS is lifted up, people are greatly encouraged and miracles follow those who believe. When we meet together, we receive the blessing of GOD encouragement and then we go forth as a GOD-encourager among the people of the world. The world is dying in the darkness of the enemy; we bring the Light of JESUS and dispel that darkness by the presence of JESUS in us.

There are 3 little ways of encouragement: 1. Verbal; 2. Written; 3. Presence. Next week we will look at 2 more, but this week we will discuss these three. We can verbally encourage one another in the Love of JESUS; help them keep the faith even when things go terribly wrong. We can write an encouraging word to a person. The best written encouragement is Scripture. We can "show up" and be present to another, even if there are no words or actions. Just the presence of another, gives encouragement.

DON'T STAY HOME AND MISS THE BLESSING OF GOD ENCOURAGING YOU TO KEEP THE FAITH AND MARCH ON TO VICTORY IN JESUS.

ENCOURAGEMENT

Saturday, September 3, 2011
II Thessalonians 2: 16, 17
Now our LORD JESUS Christ Himself, and GOD, even our Father, who hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts, and establish you in every good word and work.

I end this week with a Blessing from the LORD. May you be encouraged, comforted and established in every good word and work. The LORD loves you and gave Himself for you an offering and sacrifice to GOD, so that you could live in peace. Praise Him and Bless Him for making it possible for you to enter into His Presence and feast on Him. Give Him thanks and praise for His unconditional love for you and your family.

The LORD has a plan for you to prosper you and not to harm you. He has prepared a place for you that where He is , you may be also. Be joyful in the LORD, my friends, worship Him in the beauty of Holiness and come before His Presence with thanksgiving.

BE ENCOURAGED AND FOCUS ON THE LORD; HE IS WITH YOU.

ENCOURAGEMENT

Friday, September 2, 2011
I Corinthians 14: 3-5
He that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification and exhortation and comfort. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself, but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. I would that ye all spoke with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied; for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh in tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

At the beginning of this week, I defined the words "comfort", "exhortation", and "edification": Comfort means to bear one anothers burdens; Exhortation means to call forward; Edification means to build up and increase. These terms are vital in the Christian life, because they are the core of the life and teachings of JESUS. JESUS came to comfort, to call forth and to instruct humankind in the ways of GOD. We have been commissioned by JESUS to go and to do likewise.

The heavenly language, or tongues, edifies the individual with wisdom from GOD, so that he may comfort, exhort and edify in the way of GOD. Prophesy, then, becomes the interpretation of tongues spoken forth, to bring all hearers into living a Godly life. Vain and false prophets speak what they hear others speak or what they conclude from their own thinking; the GODLY prophet knows the mind of Christ and speaks from that mind.

The Apostle Paul is very clear that we should all pray to prophesy for the edification of the Church. We should also pray to speak to the LORD in His language, so that the edification be of GOD and not of ourselves.

TRUE ENCOURAGEMENT IS PROPHESY

ENCOURAGEMENT

Thursday, September 1, 2011
Ephesians 4: 29
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

We are beginning a new month and the LORD is calling us to "clean up our words." I listen to words gushing forth from the mouth of people and I wonder if they have taken stock of those words to see if they are true, right, uplifting, good for "building up" of the hearer. I also think about the gift of breath that the LORD has given us. How do I use that breath? How is that gift being used?

The next verse in the Ephesians passage says: And grieve not the Holy Spirit of GOD, by whom ye are sealed, unto the day of redemption. I fall to my knees, asking the LORD to forgive me for all the useless words that I have spoken; all the vain words that did not build up the hearer, but were used to manipulate.

There is that terrible word, "manipulate". It seems, in this day, that words are being used to manipulate people to buy, believe, or bond; buy a product, believe in a theory, or bond to a fellowship - like "drinking buddies" and other like groups. We are cautioned by GOD not to grieve the Holy Spirit, through "corrupt communication". We are called to guard our mouth, make sure that there is not a word that proceeds from our mouth that is not true, right, just, and according to the Word of GOD. We are also called to "guard our heart" because, "Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks."

So, as we begin a new month, let us be aware of what the LORD is saying to us all:
BE KIND ONE TO ANOTHER, TENDERHEARTED, FORGIVING ONE ANOTHER, EVEN AS GOD, FOR CHRIST'S SAKE, HATH FORGIVEN YOU(Ephesians 4:32)