Wednesday, November 30, 2011

CIRCLE OF BLESSINGS

II Corinthians 9:12
For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto GOD.

THE BLESSING OF GOD

When we hear the phrase "blessing of GOD" we often think that it is GOD who blesses us. In this verse, we see another phase of blessing; the blessing given to GOD. Have you ever thought that the good that you do blesses GOD? Have you ever thought that the good things done in the name of the LORD causes others to bless GOD? Re-read the verse from II Corinthians; not only does our service supply the need of the poor, but many thanksgiving are given to GOD.

In my heart I want to give great thanks and blessing to to GOD for all that He has done for me. I want to bow down before Him, to honor and adore Him, and I want to inspire others to do the same thing. It is through service to others in the Name of the LORD, that others are brought to the place that they will glorify GOD for His great love for them.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY, THE BLESSINGS AND THE HONOR DUE HIS NAME

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

CIRCLE OF BLESSINGS

II Corinthians 9:9 (NIV)
As it is written: "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever."

Yesterday we discussed the "bountiful eye", those who look and find ways to give to the poor and those in need; people who will be blessed because they gave. Today we will talk about "scattering abroad".

There is a woman in our Church who gives clothing and food every Sunday, after every Service, on Monday at another Church and on Saturday to the people in the homeless camps. She gives out what she receives from others and there is no limit to the giving. People do not have to qualify for food or clothing; no paper work, no hoops to go through to get help; she just gives. She has a garage full of clothing, if there is a need for a sweater, call her and she will provide. This woman will not stop, day or night, giving and giving to anyone who is in need. When she goes to the store, she looks for men/women/children who are asking for help, she gives what she has to them. Her car is filled with clothing to give, all sorted by size and all appropriate for the season.

SHE SCATTERS ABROAD IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS. Her card reads: "Helping Hands Ministry"; she stands on the word, "Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers, that you do unto me."

This is an example of how we are to "scatter abroad" with a "bountiful eye"; unconditionally and with the Love of the LORD JESUS. May we all follow this example of a holy woman who does not count the cost, just gives.

Monday, November 28, 2011

CIRCLE OF BLESSINGS

Proverbs 22:9
He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.

This week, we will talk about the circle of blessings from GOD and how it is a continuous circle; never ending, always blessing. The first part of this circle is the blessing upon the poor, those who receive from those who have a "bountiful eye".

What is a "bountiful eye", it is the eye of the heart that seeks ways to give to others. The bountiful eye is always watching for a need and always looking for ways to meet that need. They look around their house for ways to bless others; they look in the stores for things to bless others; they search out things to make, to bless another. The eye of the giver seeks ways to give.

The blessing comes when the recipient gives thanks for the relief of their need. When the bountiful eye giver, gives unto the LORD, the recipient gives thanks to GOD and the hands that gave to them. Therefore, GOD is glorified and the giver is blessed.

TODAY, BE A BOUNTIFUL EYE, SEEKING WHOM YOU MIGHT SERVE IN JESUS NAME.

Saturday, November 26, 2011

ACT OF COMMUNION

Matthew 26: 26-28
And as they were eating, JESUS took bread, and bless it, and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, "Take, eat; this is my body, " and He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying,"Drink ye all of it; for this is my Blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins."

FAITH ALWAYS SAYS, THANK YOU JESUS.

It is by faith that we say, "thank you JESUS for all that you have done for us"; it is by faith that we eat the bread and drink the cup, recognizing the Body and Blood of JESUS; it is by faith that we accept that our sins have been thrown as far as the east is from the west and we are clean.

FAITH ALWAYS SAYS, THANK YOU JESUS.


The Blood of Jesus reconciles us to GOD, "thank you JESUS".
The Body of JESUS unites us into one Body, with JESUS as the head, "thank you, JESUS".
The wounds of JESUS heals our wounds, for by His stripes we are healed; "thank you, JESUS". JESUS paid the price for our redemption from the prison house of sin, "thank you, JESUS". JESUS is coming again for us, His Bride, to take us home to live with Him, "thank you, JESUS".


THANK YOU JESUS, FOR ALL THAT YOU HAVE DONE FOR US

Friday, November 25, 2011

A FLAME OF LOVE

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

I received this gift from a friend and thought that I would pass it on to you.
We are a flame of love in this world, brightening up the corners of the hearts of people; giving them light to see through the darkness, to the glorious light of the LORD. We are like little candles of hope, lighting the path for others to see. We are like a touch of warmth in a cold world, giving others the tender touch of JESUS in the heart. BE THE FLAME OF LOVE, BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CHRIST.

A Flame of Thanks

My Card.JPGIn the literature of the desert Fathers and Mothers there is the story about the monastic who goes to the greatest of all the Mothers and says, “To the best of my ability, I pray,

I fast; I keep my little rule, what more should I do?” And the wise woman answers,

“If you will, you can become all flame!”

On this gray, cold day in late November becoming “all flame” does have a certain appeal and I wonder what she meant and how one could do that? Upon further reflection, I realize that I have known people who certainly seem on fire with a love for life. They radiate warmth in their smiles, in their words, and in their generous kindness that flows over everyone around them. These people can make a cold room warm and a dark space bright by their presence, by the flame within and around them.

What is it that transforms these folks into living flames, into people on fire with a love for life and others? I believe these are the ones who have discovered and embraced the great secret of gratitude. For them, everyone and everything is sheer gift. They take no one and nothing for granted. Their laughter and their love can turn a simple meal into a feast because they view life as filled with abundance and beauty and are always eager to share. They live with a grateful heart that finds reason to rejoice and give thanks at all times and in all places.

This Thanksgiving Season I want to tell you that you are for me a living flame of love and gratitude. I am so grateful that you are in my life. Together let us kindle the fire of gratitude, spread the warmth of love, and create pockets of peace that make us one family, one nation, one universal community of brothers and sisters.

Have a glorious Thanksgiving!

With much love,

Evelyn



Thursday, November 24, 2011

HAPPY DAY OF THANKSGIVING

MAY YOU ALL BE GREATLY BLESSED BY THE LORD

Psalm 35: 18, 28
I will give thanks in the great congregation; I will praise thee among many people.
And my tongue shall speak of Thy righteousness and of Thy praise all the day long.

THE DAY OF REMEMBRANCE

I will bless the LORD at all times, his praise shall continually be in my mouth. At all times will I give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, His mercy is everlasting, and his truth endureth forever and ever. The LORD is my Rock and my salvation; whom then shall I fear? The LORD is my strength and my song, of whom then shall I be afraid?

As I write this blog to you, today, I am filled with the great joy of the LORD for all that He has done for all of us. The best way for me to express my joy to you and for you is to quote Scripture. When you read this, begin to praise the LORD in your own way; thanking Him for His great mercy, loving-kindness, goodness, generosity and LOVE in the redemption of the world by our LORD JESUS Christ. Be glad all of the time, rejoicing in the LORD for He is good to us.

Let all the people we touch everyday, know that the LORD GOD loves us and He loves them with an unconditional, and unfailing love. Let us all rejoice, together, in the LORD and bring the hurting, dying, troubled souls to Christ, so that they, too, will join the great congregation, singing and blessing the LORD.

MAY YOUR DAY OF THANKSGIVING BE FILLED WITH OVERWHELMING JOY AND MAY PROSPERITY BE REALIZED IN YOUR LIFE.

LIVING FAITH CHRISTIAN CENTER PRAYS GREAT BLESSINGS UPON YOU AND ALL YOUR FAMILY. PEACE BE UNTO TO YOU FROM ALL OF US, IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS, AMEN AND AMEN


Tuesday, November 22, 2011

THANKSGIIVING AND PRAISE

Hebrews 13:15,16
By Him, therefore, let us offer the sacrifice of praise to GOD continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name. But to do good and to share forget not; for with such sacrifices GOD is well pleased.

We are a Kingdom of Priests, serving GOD continually with sacrifices that please Him. These sacrifices are not bulls and goats like the ancient sacrifices, but thanksgiving and praise of the One who gave His life for us all. JESUS is the perfect sacrifice for all sin and His blood paid the debt for us. We had a debt that we could not pay; He paid the debt He didn't owe. JESUS broke down the wall of separation between us and Him, so that we could come to Him boldly and with great joy.

What can we do to say "thank you, LORD" for all the He has done? We can do good and share with others, reaching out our hands in love to a hurting world, being ready to be broken bread and poured out wine for the life of another.

Thanksgiving should resound from our lips and in our heart without stopping even for a breath. It is the LORD who has given to us the breath, in order to praise Him. We are stewards of that breath, using it wisely as we glorify Him continually.

THANKSGIIVING AND PRAISE

Psalm 100
Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness and come before His presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD, He is GOD; it is He who hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise; be thankful unto Him, and bless His name. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endureth to all generations.

I WAS GLAD WHEN THEY SAID UNTO ME, "LET US GO INTO THE HOUSE OF THE LORD".

"It is He who hath made us, and not we ourselves", we live because He has called us into being; we live Eternally, because He lives; we breathe, because He gives us breath. All things come from GOD; nothing exists without the LORD calling it into being. Great thanksgiving should rise from our hearts to GOD, because He is the source of all things good.

Make a joy-filled song of praise and thanksgiving as we enter into the presence of the LORD. Fall at His feet with gratitude for ALL that He has done for us. "Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised", glorify Him and bless His name forever, for He is worthy. The LORD is good; the LORD is merciful; the LORD is all truth; the LORD is high and lifted up, yet reaches to the lowest of the lowly with great compassion. The LORD gave His highest and His best for the redemption of the world. He paid the price for our sin and brought us into His presence by breaking down the wall between us and Him. "By His Blood He reconciled us and by His wounds we are healed".

"Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise" be deeply thankful from your heart, for the LORD has done great things for us and Holy is His Name.

I call all of us to wrap ourselves in the songs of praise today. Make a joyful noise unto the LORD and bless His name. Sing to Him from a heart filled with thanks for all that He has done. Make today the first day of your new life of praise, glorify the LORD all the days of your life and dwell in His house with thanksgiving.

ALL GLORY BE TO GOD ON HIGH AND PEACE TO HIS PEOPLE ON EARTH

Monday, November 21, 2011

THANKSGIIVING AND PRAISE

THE THANKFUL HEART WORSHIPS
Hebrews 12:28 (NIV)
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and worship GOD acceptably with reverence and awe, for our "GOD is a consuming fire".

" No matter what happens here, our future is built on a solid foundation that cannot be destroyed. Don't put your confidence in what will be destroyed; instead build your life on Christ and His unshakable kingdom." ( Life application Bible commentary, pg. 2659). Be thankful, my dear friends, for the Kingdom of GOD is at hand, it is in the presence and reality of JESUS. When we receive JESUS as our LORD and savior, we enter into His Kingdom; a Kingdom that is not made with hands, but whose maker and builder is GOD.

We are the KIDS OF THE KINGDOM, let us be eternally thankful for this fact. Worship and praise are inseparable twins, that manifest themselves when a heart is thankful. The acceptable worship of GOD is with "reverence and awe" and with thanksgiving. The heart that worships GOD for who He is; falling on our knees before Him in our heart, overwhelmed by the greatness of His love for us, this heart will be consumed by the fire of His great love. This is a sacrifice that is well pleasing to GOD. The result of this act of worship, is the all consuming presence of GOD in our life. We are founded and built on the Rock, Christ JESUS, and cannot be shaken; our Kingdom is Eternal.

ALL THE KINGDOM KIDS SHOUT, "THANK YOU, JESUS".

Saturday, November 19, 2011

THANKFUL HEART

Mark 8: 6-9 (NIV)
JESUS told the crowd to sit down on the ground. When He had taken the seven loaves and given thanks, He broke them and gave them to His disciples to set before the people, and they did so. They had a few small fish as well; He gave thanks for them also and told the disciples to distribute them. The people ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven baskets full of broken pieces that were left over. About four thousand men were present, (Plus women and children).

HE GAVE THANKS, BROKE AND GAVE.

I am a person who likes to study the order in which JESUS does things. The order tells me a lot about how GOD sees us and how we are to act. First JESUS was moved with compassion because the people were hungry. What He is telling me is to look at the people around me and see where there is a need, then have compassion. "Compassion" means heart felt tenderness; "com", means with, "passion" means love from the heart. JESUS is saying, love from the heart the people whom you see.

Next, JESUS told them to sit down. He did not tell them to go away and find food, He knew that He would provide; the people also knew that He would provide for them. This shows an understanding of trust. JESUS trusted the Father to provide and the people trusted JESUS.

JESUS gave thanks to the Father for the gift of the "little boy's lunch". Seven loaves could hardly feed all the thousands of people, but JESUS gave thanks for the basic provision and for what the Father would do with it. He also gave thanks for the fish, because He knew that there would be enough for all to eat, from the Father's hand. JESUS trusted; the people trusted; and we are being called to trust in JESUS all the days of our life.

JESUS broke the loaves and fishes into pieces, this was a foretaste of the Body of JESUS broken for us. He was telling the world that He is the living bread that will be broken for all people for the redemption of each soul who comes to Him.

Then JESUS had the disciples lay the food before the people and they did eat and there was enough. The Body of JESUS, broken for us, is given freely for us to eat and be filled in our soul and spirit. He gave all for us in thanksgiving and trust; we receive Him in Communion with thanksgiving and trust.

TAKE, EAT, THIS IS MY (JESUS BODY) WHICH IS GIVEN FOR YOU. DO THIS IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME (JESUS).

Friday, November 18, 2011

THANKFUL HEART

Psalm 28: 7
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song.

THE SONG OF THE REDEEMED
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trust in Him.

This song comes from the heart of those who know that the LORD is in control of all situations. The LORD is a shield in the time of trouble, He is the strength to endure all situations. When we are tired of the heavy load of troubles, He is the sweet refreshment that brings Living Water into the heart and revives the soul. The heart leaps for joy and thanksgiving springs forth like a fountain of love to the LORD.

You might think that this is a song that resounds in us AFTER having received the answer to our prayer and a relief from the distresses of life; no, this song springs forth BEFORE AND AFTER the blessing of the LORD are seen. Notice the word "trust", trust is formed in the midst of circumstances and trials. Trust is strengthened as you see the LORD raise the shield and give the strength to endure. Trust comes to bloom when you see the impossible become possible in the light of GOD'S glory. Trust in GOD is the joy that springs from a heart that depends on GOD for everything.

Are you under a heavy load of circumstances right now? TRUST IN THE LORD, He is your shield and your strength. Give thanks to Him with a heart filled with great joy, for His has done great things for us and Holy is His Name.

THANKS BE TO GOD

Thursday, November 17, 2011

THANKFUL HEART

Psalm 79: 13
So, WE THY PEOPLE and sheep of Thy pasture, will give Thee thanks forever; we will show forth Thy praise to all generations.

I was touched by the words, "We, Thy People". "We Thy people and sheep of Thy pasture", we belong to GOD and are under the care of GOD. Just knowing that, should give your heart such gladness that you ring with thanksgiving. The LORD GOD who created the heavens and the earth watches over you, like a mother watches over her little child. He protects you in the same manner as the Shepherd watches over His sheep. In John 10:11-18 JESUS says that, He is the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep. He lays down His life for His sheep. WE ARE THE PEOPLE OF GOD.

On the day of remembrance to give thanks to GOD for all that He has done for us, let us also remember to give Him thanks for being our Good Shepherd, keeping us safe from all harm.

THANKS BE TO GOD; YOU ARE GREATLY TO BE PRAISED.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

THANKFUL HEART

I Thessalonians 5: 16-18
Rejoice evermore, pray without ceasing, In everything give thanks; for this is the will of GOD in Christ JESUS concerning you.

Many people ask the question, "What is the will of GOD for my life?" This question usually follows the very basic question, "Who am I and why am I here?" When GOD created us, He had a purpose for us and a plan for our life, from the time we were a thought in the mind of GOD, there was a part in His plan that only we could fill. Our obedience to Him, makes his plan more readily enacted.

What should we do to actively invest our self in the plan of GOD? We should "rejoice evermore, pray without ceasing and in everything give thanks to GOD in JESUS Christ" for all that He has done for us from the beginning. This puts us in the right relationship with GOD for Him to use us in His great plan of salvation for the people of the world. We may be called to plant a seed of the Love of GOD in a life; we may be called to nurture a new born child of GOD; we may be called to tend the flock of GOD or to sustain the people of GOD in prayer. We may be called by GOD; we must obey the call, with thanksgiving, rejoicing and pay our vows to the Most High through obedience.

THANKS BE TO GOD FOR HIS UNSPEAKABLE GIFT OF HIS SON, JESUS

THANKFUL HEART

I Chronicles 23:30
And to stand every morning to thank and praise the LORD; and likewise at evening.

PRAY WITHOUT CEASING; THANK WITHOUT CEASING; PRAISE WITHOUT CEASING

Thanksgiving is an all seasonal act; at all times we have so much to be thankful. I love to have times of reminders, and that is what the season of thanksgiving, with its feasts and friends, is all about, BUT, it is only a reminder of what we should be doing 24/7, 365 days a year; day, noon and night. We have a season of reminding, LEST WE FORGET.

Around many tables, we will be asked, "What are you thankful for?" and each person will answer from his heart. I want to give this instruction to us, "Count your many blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the LORD has done."

Every morning, at noon time and at night, I urge you to count your many blessings from GOD. Name them one by one and give the LORD the honor and praise due His Name. All good comes from GOD, so if you have received something good from Him say "thank you LORD". Thank you LORD for Your Word, for Salvation, for deliverance, for healing, for changing my thinking on a matter, for changing circumstances, FOR YOUR GREAT LOVE, MERCY, GRACE AND FAITHFULNESS.

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


Monday, November 14, 2011

THANKFUL HEART

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

IT IS A GOOD THING

Thanksgiving puts feet to the Gospel; thanksgiving puts flesh on our words, so that the Good News of GOD is revealed in the flesh. Jesus said, "when you see Me, you have seen the Father", could it be that when people see us, they can see JESUS? We are the hands and feet of JESUS, reaching out to the world with signs and wonders brought by Him to save, restore, forgive, and heal. Our duty is to be in right relationship with GOD, so that we shine with His glory.

When we are in the attitude of gratitude to GOD, we are in the right relationship with Him in order to be willing vessels, fit for His use. When we are singing praises unto His Name, we are a light that draws dark souls from their pit into the glorious light of Christ. It is a "good thing" to give thanks to the LORD, for us; It is a "good thing" for us to give thanks to the LORD and sing His praise, for others.

Thanksgiving in our heart, should ring like an endless song to GOD. Think about all that He has done for the salvation of humankind. List in your mind, or on paper, all the things that the LORD has done for you, than GIVE THANKS FROM THE HEART TO HIM.

LET THANKSGIVING RING FROM EVERY HEART, FOR JESUS IS LORD

Saturday, November 12, 2011

NEW NATURE-GIVING

II Corinthians 9: 10-15
PART 2
Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to GOD.
This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of GOD'S people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to GOD. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise GOD for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the Gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace GOD has given you. Thanks be to GOD for His indescribable gift!

HE WHO SUPPLIES, WILL SUPPLY

GOD
is the supplier of every good thing. He supplies the seed, the desire to give, goodness, righteousness and the life of His Son, the good news that we give to others so that they, too will be saved. GOD is the supplier of every good thing. Goodness can only come from GOD, the enemy can only copy goodness, he can not create anything that is, in essence, good. You can identify the copy cat goodness by the strings attached. The LORD gives with no strings attached, no hoops to jump through, no forms to fill out; the gift of GOD is for whosoever is in need, just receive His gifts without condition.

What is the purpose of the unconditional gifts? To bring all souls to Christ and that they will be saved from the grip of the enemy. Since GOD gave all that He had for all to be saved, our obedience to Him paves the way for others to be saved.

What is our part? There are some ways that we have a part in the plan of GOD. Our faith in JESUS; our faith in His finished work; our proclamation of the Gospel; our worship of Him; our thanksgiving for all that He has done; our obedience to His call to go to those in need and to supply their need; these things are our part of GOD'S work. The life-line of GOD to man is in our response to His call to give.

GIVE WITHOUT COUNTING THE COST, GIVE AND IT SHALL BE GIVEN TO YOU, GIVE AND YOU WILL BE BLESSED, GIVE FROM THE STOREHOUSE OF GOD, GIVE HIS UNCONDITIONAL LOVE.



Friday, November 11, 2011

NEW NATURE-GIVING

II Corinthians 9: 6-9
PART I
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also real sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for GOD loves a cheerful giver. And GOD is able to make all grace abound in you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor, his righteousness endures forever."

Tomorrow, we will discuss verses 10-15 of II Corinthians, so if you want to read ahead, do so in preparation for tomorrow.

Every farmer will tell you that you have to plant seed in the ground in order to get a harvest. Giving to others is like planting seed in the ground, the harvest in the soul of those who receive the seed, will be great, to the glory of GOD. "Seed", JESUS says, is the Word of GOD. The Word of GOD is planted in many ways, kindness and giving are a some of the ways.

When we give out of a generous heart, GOD is well pleased and will bless those who give. His blessings will be down the line of the need that you have; it is like a "kiss" from GOD. The quote from Psalm 112:9 sums up the position of GOD on this matter. "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever."

What is the blessing given to the one who scatters "his gifts to the poor"? The gift is a right relationship with GOD (righteousness). The Nature of GOD is to give and those who give are reflecting the nature of GOD; therefore, this nature endures forever. Those who reflect the nature of GOD are blessed and a blessing. Look at the word "all" in the II Corinthians verses. In all grace; all things at all time; all you need will be given unto you, because you have given.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY

Thursday, November 10, 2011

NEW NATURE-GIVING

I Peter 2:11, 12 (NIV)
Dearly Beloved, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify GOD on the day He visits us.

DEARLY BELOVED
The new nature of a born-again believer in JESUS Christ, makes us "strange and alien" to a sinful world. We are cautioned not to conform to this world, but to be transformed, by the renewing of our mind. The former associates will try to drag a believer in JESUS into the old way of life and will be angry, accusing you of doing wrong. The twelve step programs emphasis is on NOT returning to the place or environment of the old life, but step into the new life, clean and new. This is the same understanding for the life of the newly Born-again, they must NEVER return to the atmosphere and environment of the old life, where they were tempted by the devil to sin. The former associates will be watching to see what you do, this is a great opportunity to show the "good works" of GOD and lead them to Christ.

"Good works" are works done by JESUS, through you. These works will plant seeds of GOD in the lives of others. When we give, not counting the cost; give without "strings attached"; give with a heart of love and kindness, the sinful world will see these works of GOD and glorify Him. Acts of Grace can only come from GOD. Therefore, to God be the Glory.

This passage of Scripture, I Peter 2: 11, 12 in the KJV, begins with the words, "Dearly Beloved". That is who you are, who believe in JESUS. You are "dearly beloved" of GOD. His love, grace, mercy and great kindness are given to you by a Father who will never leave you of forsake you, EVER. What He asks of you is that you become a vessel for Him to give to those who are in need of Him. Give a drink of cold water to a thirsty soul; give clothing to the naked; give comfort to the broken-heart; give sight to the blind; give healing to the sick; give the Gospel to those who are perishing; ALL IN HIS HOLY NAME.

THE NATURE OF GOD IS TO GIVE; OUR NEW NATURE IS FOR HIM TO GIVE THROUGH US.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

NEW NATURE-GIVING

Romans 12: 19-21
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves but, rather, give place unto wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is mine; I will repay", saith the LORD. Therefore, if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink; for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

DEARLY BELOVED

The Apostle Paul is calling us his dear friends, beloved of GOD and precious. He is not scolding us for being little children, going about grabbing toys and hoarding them. Instead, he is coming to us as his dearly beloved friends. What does he want us to learn? He wants us to learn the path of GOD'S Love.

Who are the "enemies" that we are to feed and give a cup of water to drink? They are the unbelievers, those who walk apart from GOD and are willing victims of the work of the devil. This is why vengeance is the LORD'S work. He will repay the work done by the devil, meanwhile we are to comfort those who have become his victims. The victims of the devil are made victorious through JESUS; if they will turn to Him and believe on His Name, they will be saved from the destroyer. We are to be a life-line of GOD, giving to their needs, while the LORD saves them.

"Good" can only come from GOD. Good is the only thing that the enemy can not be, because goodness comes from love; and GOD is Love. There is only One who is good, the Father in Heaven. Those are not my words, JESUS said it in Luke 18: 19; and Matthew 19: 17. The only goodness comes from GOD Himself.

This example of the new nature given to us by JESUS is very deep and very intense. We are all confronted with evil deeds done to us. Take heart and take seriously these words from the Apostle Paul. "Be not overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

NEW NATURE-GIVING

Hebrews 11: 6
Without faith it is impossible to please Him; for He that cometh to GOD must know that He IS, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.

FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD

How many times I have heard the verse, "faith without works is dead". I know that this is true and that faith and works are coupled together in the Heart of GOD. The Hebrew 11 passages makes this marriage understandable to me. We must believe that the LORD GOD is. He is alive and moving in the world with power and strength; with purpose and passion. GOD has a plan and that plan includes our obedience to Him. FIRST, COMES FAITH THAT HE IS.

When we come to GOD, we must know that He is, that is the faith that moves mountains. We must know that He rewards those who seek His Face, who turn to Him for guidance and direction in the path to be taken. Many of us arise in the morning and never glorify Him for who He is; never seek His face, His wisdom, His mercy, His guidance and His Love. We head out into the world without a mention of His Name and then expect that He is faithfully watching. GOD is faithfully watching, but He will act if we ask, seek and knock.

Before we take on the day, before we walk out the door of our home, before we speak to any other person, look to JESUS, glorify Him, magnify his Holy Name and greet His presence in your life and the life of all people. Then, go your way rejoicing, with your hands open to give His love to the world.

FREELY YOU HAVE RECEIVED; FREELY GIVE. LET HIS GLORY FILL THE WHOLE EARTH AS WE GLORIFY HIS NAME.

Monday, November 7, 2011

NEW NATURE-GIVING

Psalm 112:9, 10
He that scattered abroad his gifts to the poor, his righteousness endures forever; his horn will be lifted high in honor. The wicked man will see and be vexed, he will gnash his teeth and waste away; the longings of the wicked will come to nothing.

The true, born-again believer has the nature of JESUS. That nature is kindness, gentleness, meekness, long-suffering, goodness, peace, patience, faith, joy and, above all, LOVE. This nature is one of giving to others, not getting for self. The mark of a true believer in JESUS is this GIVING NATURE, not for what they will receive, but for the good of the poor.

The nature of JESUS within a born-again believer, PLEASES GOD. He smiles with a joy, unspeakable, when He sees His children giving to others and not hoarding for themselves. The fleshly person says, "I must keep what I have, in case I need it." The true believer says, "I have two coats, I will give one to the poor; I have food in my pantry, I will share with the hungry; I have time given to me, I will call a friend who is lonely." The thoughts of a righteous man are about others needs, not their own. This pleases GOD.

As I look around, I see another fact that might not be considered, the poor in ones own home. We can get so caught up in doing good to others, that we neglect our own family. There are many people who are poor right under our own roof. The true believer is alert to the needs of the poor in their own home. Does your child need for you to take time to listen to them? Does your husband/wife need for you to stay home with him/her and just sit with him/her? Does your family yearn for a home cooked meal, rather than "take-out"? Mercy and giving must include those of your own family, for they are a gift from GOD to you.

Strength and honor are given by GOD to those who consider the poor and care for them. "Horn" that is lifted up is a symbol of the dignity of GOD and His strength being lifted up high. When His strength and dignity are lifted high, then all His people are lifted with Him. He gives and we are the recipients, in order to give to others. TO GOD BE THE GLORY.

The wicked see the prosperity of the righteous and are made jealous, his longings will come to nothing. Jealousy is the response of the wicked to the success of the righteous; BUT, when they are noticing the success of the righteous and are caught in the vice of jealousy, they are given a choice, believe on the LORD JESUS Christ and be saved and transformed or reject Him. The prosperity of the righteous is GOD'S life-line to the wicked. THINK ABOUT IT; YOU ARE A LIFE-LINE IF YOU GIVE TO THE POOR.

Saturday, November 5, 2011

SOWING AND REAPING

Galatians 6: 9, 10
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people. especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

There is another Universal Law: WE REAP LATER THAN WE SOW.

Psalm 126:6 reminds us that, "He who goes out weeping, carrying the seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him." We have to sow the seed in order to get a harvest, but the harvest does not come at the same time as the seed is sown, it comes later, "in due season".

It has often been said that when we give to others, it is like a seed going into the ground. It is logical that those seeds of goodness and kindness will bear fruit, so you should NAME YOUR SEED. Is this a seed for a harvest of salvation in in the life of those in whom the seed is planted? Is it a harvest of prosperity for those in need? Name the seed and it will bring forth fruit in due season; the LORD will bless your gift; you will be blessed.

Remember, when you sow the seed, you will have to wait for the harvest. Waiting is hard, but don't give up. Don't give up sowing, or you will not get a harvest; don't give up waiting, for the time of harvest is at hand.

GOD GAVE HIS SON SO THAT YOU WOULD HAVE LIFE IN HIM; GIVE AND YOU WILL RECEIVE IN HIS TIME.

Friday, November 4, 2011

SOWING AND REAPING

Genesis 26: 1, 12
Now there was a famine in the land - besides the earlier famine of Abraham's time - and Isaac went to Ahimelech king of the Philistines in Gerar.
Isaac planted crops in that land and the same year reaped a hundred-fold, because the LORD blessed him.

Isaac sowed his seed in famine and the LORD blessed him with a crop and cattle and riches beyond his understanding. It seemed that the land burst forth in bounty, because Isaac turned to the LORD for his life and the life of his family and he was obedient to the LORD.

I am reminded of the barren women who bore children, because the LORD blessed the faithfulness of His servants. Barrenness is the same as "famine in the land". The LORD does not look upon barrenness, famine and drought as being barriers to creation and new birth. There are no barriers with GOD.

When the LORD says, "plant your seed" you do it, because the LORD said. Do not look at circumstances and say that the LORD does not know what He is asking you to do. OBEDIENCE is vital to the LORD. When He says plant in famine and drought, be obedient to Him and He will bless and prosper you. Sarah laughed when she was told that she would have a child; don't laugh at GOD, He knows what He is doing; trust Him.

Later in the story of Isaac, we find that the blessing of Isaac falls to Jacob and thus the line of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is complete. From Jacob come the 12 tribes of Israel and the blessing goes on even to today. The seed of faith planted by Abraham, in his dry ground, continued to bear fruit, blessings the Children of Israel, then and now.

The fact is, your obedience to the LORD, following what He says to do, means blessing for you, your children and your children' s children to the third and fourth generation. The key is that you be OBEDIENT TO THE VOICE AND WAY OF THE LORD.

THE LORD HAS A PLAN FOR YOU, TO PROSPER YOU AND NOT TO HARM YOU;
FOLLOW HIM


Wednesday, November 2, 2011

SOWING AND REAPING

Proverbs 20:4
A sluggard does not plow in season; so at harvest time he looks but finds nothing.
Ecclesiastes 11:4
Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.

There is another law of "Sowing and Reaping": We reap only IF we sow. That sounds really basic, but in the universal sense, many forget to sow. The Ecclesiastes verse tells us that if you look at circumstances that you see with your human eyes, you might refrain from sowing BY HOARDING, therefore, you will not have a harvest, because the seed was not planted.

When we speak of alms giving, we find that if we give for the help of another, we will reap help when we need it. Here I must caution that the thoughts and the intents of the heart are very important. If we sow, in order to get, we sow amiss. If we sow out of love for GOD and the person/s in need, the blessing from GOD will be in abundance.

In all things: TO GOD BE THE GLORY, GREAT THINGS HE HATH DONE.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

SOWING AND REAPING

Proverbs 11: 24, 25, (NIV)
One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes other will himself be refreshed.

WE REAP MORE THAN WE SOW; THE HARVEST IS GREATER THAN THE SEED.

There is another law that is universal, we reap more than we sow.
When we sow a seed into the ground, the plant carries seed in its fruit and that seed is far more than the original first seed. Each fruit gives an abundance of seeds for the next planting, which will produce more fruit and more seeds. This law is applicable to every phase of life. If you sow the seed of love, you will reap an abundance of love, which carries the seeds for more love to grow.

In Matthew, you find that the LORD says that the seed is the Word of GOD. When the Word is planted in the heart of a person, it will bring forth much fruit to the glory of GOD. If the Word of GOD brings forth much fruit, then our words carry seeds also. When we speak a word, we plant seeds which bring forth an abundance of harvest. We need to be careful what words we speak, that those words bring forth the fruit of righteousness, and conform to the Word of GOD.

Think about the story of the feeding of the 5,000 men plus women and children, with a little boys lunch ( John 6: 9-13). Remember the story of the widow of Zerephat (I Kings 17:10-16)
The very little seed, produced an abundance and all were fed.

WE REAP MORE THAN WE SOW;THE HARVEST IS GREATER THAN THE SEED

SOWING AND REAPING

Luke 6:37, 38
Judge not, and ye shall not be judged; condemn not and ye shall not be condemned; forgive, and ye shall be forgiven; give and it shall be given unto you; good measure,pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your your bosom. FOR WITH THE SAME MEASURE THAT YE MEASURE, IT SHALL BE MEASURED UNTO YOU AGAIN.

WHAT YOU SOW, YOU SHALL REAP

Notice that these verses and the ones before it, talk about "sowing and reaping". If you sow judgment, you reap judgment; condemnation and you reap the same. If you sow forgiveness, you will reap forgiveness; give and you will receive; measure out an amount and you will receive that measure in return. This is a Universal principle and is applicable in every sphere of life. It is a Law, some call it the Law of Reciprocity; I call it, GOD'S LAW.

It is this Law that caused Francis of Assisi to pray:
LORD, make me an instrument of your peace;
Where there is hatred, let me sow Love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is discord, union;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I might not so much seek to be consoled,
as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love.

For it is in giving, that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; it is in dying, that we are born to Eternal Life. So be it.