COVENANT OF PEACE

Numbers 25: 10-13

The LORD spoke unto Moses, saying, "Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, hath turned my wrath away from the children of Israel, while he was zealous for My sake among them, that I consumed not the children of Israel in My jealousy. Wherefore say, 'Behold, I give unto him my covenant of peace; And he shall have it, and his seed after him, even the covenant of an everlasting priesthood, because he was zealous for his GOD, and made an atonement for the children of Israel."

EVERLASTING COVENANT OF PEACE

The Book of Numbers is the 4th Book of the Torah and was written by Moses about 1450-1410 BC. I looked in the Rabbinical Commentary to find more about this Covenant of peace in the Torah and found this,  "My covenant of peace literally, My Covenant, the Covenant of peace...the word 'Covenant' is here used, not in the sense of a compact between two persons, but as an unconditional promise on GOD'S part." Wow! an unconditional promise on GOD'S part, This Covenant of peace is found in many places in the Old Testament and is fulfilled in the coming of JESUS to earth; literally, "peace on earth".

I want you to notice the power of the intercessor, Phinehas, in the plan of salvation for the children of Israel and in laying the foundation for JESUS. Think about your place as an intercessor for the world and the people whom GOD loves. Phinehas interceded for the Children of Israel and made atonement for them and GOD blessed him and his seed forever.

JESUS is our peace and the fulfillment of a Covenant made by GOD. With His Blood, JESUS sealed the Covenant forever. We are the seed after Him, who was the atonement for us and for all the children of Israel. The Covenant of peace extends to us, enter into His peace and be safe.

JESUS FULFILLED PEACE WITH GOD; PEACE CAME TO EARTH, GOOD WILL TOWARD MEN.

PEACE ON EARTH

Leviticus 3: 1

And if his oblation be a sacrifice of peace offering, if he offer it of the herd, whether it be male of female, he shall offer it without blemish before the LORD.

JESUS IS OUR PEACE

The peace offering is a symbol of the whole work of Christ in relation to the believer's peace. Jesus made peace with GOD through His obedience even unto death. JESUS proclaimed peace to every person, while He walked the earth. JESUS is our peace through His shed Blood. JESUS was the Lamb, without spot or blemish, offered by His free will, upon the Altar as the atonement for the sin of the world.

The Rabbinical Commentary states this," the Hebrew is zebach shelamin which is a fulfillment of a vow, or in gratitude for benefits received or expected. It would thus be an occasion when man seeks and obtains peace with his Creator"  " It promoted the feeling of solidarity in the nation or family, and also pointed to dependence upon GOD for protection and for all the blessings of life"

JESUS fulfilled His vow to GOD for the redemption of humankind, He fulfilled it once and for all for all believers in Him, both male and female. In JESUS, GOD and the sinner meet in peace. It is grace bought with the price of the blood of JESUS, and sealed forever with His Blood.

THROUGH JESUS, WE HAVE PEACE WITH GOD.

MERCY NEW EVERY DAY

Lamentations 3: 22-24

It is because of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassion fail not. They are new every morning, GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in Him.

HAPPY NEW DAY

As we look toward the beginning of a new year, I am reminded that the LORD's mercy and compassion is new every day. Instead of looking with hope toward a new year, let us rejoice at the dawning of a new day in the LORD.  

Rather then looking at the errors of the past, in ourselves or in others, let us look at the mercy and the compassion of GOD that will not fail or be in error.  GOD is the FAITHFUL GOD AND HIS COMPASSION FAILS NOT.

THE LORD IS MY PORTION, THEREFORE WILL I HOPE IN HIM.

GOD IS GLORIFIED

John 13:31, 32 (Jerusalem Bible)

When he had gone, JESUS said: Now has the Son of Man been glorified, and in Him GOD has been glorified. If GOD has been glorified in Him, GOD will in turn glorify Him in Himself, and will glorify Him very soon.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY

Judas had just left the meal with JESUS and had gone into the night. Verse 30 says: "Night had fallen." It is significant that Judas went into the night. He was in the Light when He was with JESUS, but preferred the darkness - what a terrible shame. How many people are walking in darkness because they prefer it to the Light? This thought makes me weep. A person I knew once said that darkness can become a familiar friend and it is hard to leave the friend to enter into the Light of Christ. They have to be encouraged and nurtured to leave behind the familiar and enter into the new Light. We are the life line for those in darkness, to draw them and nurture them in the Light, the Holy Spirit is with us.

JESUS knew that Judas was going into the darkness to betray Him. But instead of condemning him, He spoke of the glory that He would give to the Father and that the Father would receive Him into glory. JESUS always spoke about His Father's will for man; the Gospel of GOD. The Father's will was life for all and that He wanted all to dwell with Him and behold His glory eternally.

What about us? Was this only for JESUS or was He the first fruit and we are to follow? I believe that when we glorify GOD with our life, He will bless us with His glory. "If GOD has been glorified in Him, God will in turn glorify Him in Himself." 

In the Torah there is a Word from GOD that we should never forget: "You shall love the LORD your GOD with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength." You see, it is love for the LORD GOD that makes it possible for us to glorify Him. Do not forget that He loved us first and so our love for Him is our response to His great love for us. When we reach out to touch a soul in the love of GOD, the LORD reaches out to touch our soul with His glory.

LET US SING ALOUD, "TO GOD BE THE GLORY, GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE".

THE GOSPEL OF CHRISTMAS - 6 MESSAGES

Luke 2: 14

Glory to GOD in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

LASTING PEACE

The sixth message of the Gospel of Christmas is that Peace came to earth.

Peace came to earth in JESUS Christ. JESUS is our peace. In Isaiah 9: 6, one of the names of GOD is the Prince of Peace; JESUS is GOD incarnate. When JESUS came to earth in the flesh, He brought to earth the peace of GOD. This is the Gospel of our LORD JESUS Christ; good will toward men - lasting peace.

In this world there is a lot of noise and violence, one might begin to doubt that peace has come to earth. Do not doubt! The peace that JESUS brought and brings, is peace in the heart. JESUS said, "Let not your heart be troubled, ye believe in GOD believe also in Me." The peace that JESUS brings is a heart that is at peace and only He can make that happen. 

BE STILL AND KNOW THAT HE IS GOD; THE PEACE OF THE LORD BE WITH YOU ALWAYS IN ALL WAYS

THE GOSPEL OF CHRISTMAS - 6 MESSAGES

Luke 2 : 11-14

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, Who is Christ the LORD. And this shall be a sign unto you: You shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising GOD, and saying, Glory to GOD in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.

JESUS SAVES

The fourth message of the Christmas Gospel is that JESUS is the Savior of mankind. JESUS came to seek and to save that which was lost (Luke 19: 10). He left glory to seek out the people who were walking in darkness and to bring them to the Light of life.

Romans 1: 16 says that the Gospel is the power of GOD unto salvation. JESUS is the Word of GOD made flesh; He is the good news - the Gospel. It is only through JESUS that a soul can be reconciled to GOD. JESUS is the sign of the New Covenant and His Blood sealed that Covenant forever.

GLORIFIES GOD

When the Gospel is preached, GOD is glorified; when a person is healed, GOD is glorified; when a soul is delivered from darkness, GOD is glorified. This is the 5th message of the Gospel.

The angels and the heavenly hosts gave praise and glory to GOD at the birth of the Son of GOD. They sang, "GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST" All of heaven praises GOD and bows before Him in adoration. On earth, everything that JESUS did glorified GOD the Father. He set the prime example of the attitude we all should possess; an attitude of great gratitude and GLORIFY GOD WITH OUR LIFE.

UNTO US A CHILD IS BORN

Isaiah 9: 2, 6,7,

The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light; they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined... For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulder; and His Name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty GOD, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end, upon the Throne of David, and upon His Kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with justice and with righteousness from henceforth even for ever. THE ZEAL OF THE LORD OF HOSTS WILL PERFORM THIS.

JOY TO THE WORLD THE LORD IS COME; LET EARTH RECEIVE HER KING.

LET EVERY HEART PREPARE HIM ROOM; AND HEAVEN AND NATURE SING.

GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST AND PEACE TO HIS PEOPLE ON EARTH.

THE LIGHT OF CHRIST HAS COME INTO THE WORLD, LET US ADORE HIM.

MERRY CHRISTMAS 

FROM

LIVING FAITH CHRISTIAN CENTER

THE GOSPEL OF CHRISTMAS - 6 MESSAGES

Luke 2: 10

And the angel said unto them, "Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy; which shall be to all people.

FEAR NOT

The first of the 6 messages of the Gospel of Christmas is, "fear not". JESUS came to bring the Love of the Father to mankind, so that perfect love would cast out all fear.  Perfect Love comes from the Father, who is Love.  "Fear not" reaches into all dimensions of our being: our circumstances, our emotions and, most of all, our spirit. JESUS said, "let not your heart be troubled" the heart is the dwelling place of the spirit, therefore, "fear not" reaches to the spirit of man.

"Fear will paralyze you; faith will lift you up". Fear is perfect faith in failure, it is a demonic spirit, therefore, we are not to fear, but have perfect faith in JESUS who is the source of our life.

GREAT JOY 

The second message of the Gospel of Christmas is, "great joy". JESUS said, These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. The good news is that JESUS brings joy into our life; into our world. 

TO ALL PEOPLE

The third message of the Gospel is that the good news is to ALL PEOPLE. The Father sent His Son out of great love for ALL PEOPLE. His arms are open to all and as many who believe in JESUS, they receive the great gift of grace; salvation and Eternal life.

FEAR NOT; FOR BEHOLD I BRING YOU GOOD TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY; WHICH SHALL BE TO ALL PEOPLE.

CHRISTMAS - THE FREE GIFT

Romans 5: 17, 18, 21

For if by one man's offense death reigned by one, much more they who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, JESUS Christ. Therefore, as by the offense of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation, even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life... That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by JESUS Christ, our LORD.

THE FREE GIFT OF ETERNAL LIFE WITH GOD.

The three gifts given to JESUS, as a young child, foretold of His life and prophesied of His death. JESUS' life and righteousness opened the door for us, to the grace of a personal relationship with Almighty GOD. JESUS received gifts, so that He could be the giver of gifts to us. 

"GOD so love the world that He GAVE His only Begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life"(John 3: 16). GOD is the giver of grace and it is FREE to all who believe in JESUS. It is free to us who believe, but it cost GOD His only Son to make it possible. "Grace is not cheap; but it is free", these are the words of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Through the righteousness of JESUS, we can be justified to GOD.

When does eternal life begin? It begins when we receive JESUS into our heart and believe that He came in the flesh, died, rose again, is seated at the right hand of the Father and is coming again. Eternal life comes as a free gift from GOD through JESUS Christ the LORD.

BELIEVE ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST AND BE SAVED

FEAR NOT, LITTLE FLOCK

Luke 12: 32

Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the Kingdom.

John 14: 1

Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in GOD, believe also in Me.

Morning has broken like the first morning, 

blackbird has spoken like the first bird.

Praise for the singing!

Praise for the morning!

Praise for them springing fresh from the Word!

The night is past and the day is bright and clear. The Son of Righteousness arises with healing in His wings.

Every day, the dawn breaks the boundaries of the night and the day bursts forth with glad praise for the King of Kings and LORD of LORDS. JESUS is the Light and no darkness can overcome Him.

ARISE AND SING PRAISES TO JESUS, OUR LORD. JOIN ALL CREATION AND SING HIS PRAISE; HE IS THE LORD.

CHRISTMAS - THREE GIFTS

Mark 15: 22, 23

And they bring Him unto the place, Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, "The place of a skull." Ans they gave Him to drink wine mingled with myrrh; but He received it not.

MYRRH

 

Why, when we are thinking about Christmas, do we hear the story of the crucifixion? Why, did the Magi bring this gift of myrrh to the young child? Because, it was for this reason that JESUS came to earth in the flesh.  JESUS was living a mission and a ministry, given to Him by the Father, His whole life on earth was the mission and ministry of Redemption. JESUS came to reconcile us to GOD. JESUS came to set the captives free and to break every yoke; to defeat death and the grave and to bring eternal life to all who believe in Him.

The Word of GOD became the Word made flesh and dwelt among us, full of mercy and grace. He came to seal a New Covenant with His Blood. He came that we might have life and that more abundant and free. Why did JESUS come? To do the will of His Father and the will of the Father is eternal life with Him. GOD is Love; JESUS is the manifestation of the great Love of the Father.

VENITE ADORAMUS, DOMINUS. COME LET US ADORE HIM, CHRIST THE LORD.

CHRISTMAS - THE THREE GIFTS

Hebrews 2: 9, 10

But we see JESUS, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of GOD, should taste death for every man. For it became Him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through suffering.

MYRRH

Myrrh is an extract from a shrub and is used to anoint for burial, as well as used for embalming. To obtain the myrrh from the shrub, the plant has to be slashed, cut and beaten so that the red fluid of the myrrh can be   gotten.  This gift from the Magi to JESUS was a prophetic gift fulfilled by the death of JESUS on the cross. The color red, is the color of blood, symbolizing the shed blood of JESUS. The Magi understood that the Messiah must suffer, in the flesh, for the redemption of the world as foretold in Scripture (Isaiah 53 - The suffering servant). JESUS came in the flesh to suffer death so that we would have life. JESUS is the first born from the dead.

The three gifts given to JESUS; gold, frankincense and myrrh confirmed the ministry and mission of JESUS, the Messiah.  The Magi knew GOD and gave gifts reflecting the plan of GOD for His Messiah. Gold, the glory of GOD given to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords; frankincense, the sweet smelling savor of the intercession of the Great High Priest, JESUS; and Myrrh, the red blood of the willing sacrifice of the Son of GOD for the salvation of humankind; all these prophetic gifts were fulfilled in the life of JESUS, the Christ, the Son of the Living GOD.

BY HIS BLOOD, HE RECONCILED US; BY HIS WOUNDS WE WERE HEALED

THE THREE GIFTS

Hebrews 4: 14, 

Seeing, then, that we have a great High Priest, that is passed into the heavens, JESUS, the Son of GOD, let us hold fast our profession.

FRANKINCENSE

Frankincense was used in worship in the Temple by the High Priest. It is pure white and beautiful in fragrance. The High Priest would use the frankincense as a symbol of prayers being lifted to GOD.

JESUS was given the gift of frankincense as a prophetic symbol of His Priesthood; a prophecy which He fulfilled and is still filling today. JESUS is the Great high Priest who makes intercession for us as the mediator between GOD and man. I Timothy 2:5 says, "For there is one GOD, and one mediator between GOD and men, the man, Christ JESUS."

Hebrews 7: 25, 26 says this, "Wherefore, He is able also to save them to the utmost that come unto GOD by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them. For such an High Priest was fitting for us, Who is Holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;" The intercession of JESUS is in accordance with the perfect will and authority of the Father.

The Magi gave to the young child, JESUS, the gift that symbolized His ministry as the Messiah/ Great High Priest of GOD.

THE THREE GIFTS

Matthew 28:18
And JESUS came and spoke unto them, saying, All authority is given unto Me in heaven and in earth.

THE GIFT OF GOLD

When the Magi came to the house and saw the young child, JESUS, they presented to Him three gifts. Each of the gifts had prophetic significance, the first gift was gold. Gold was given only to a King, therefore, this gift was an affirmation of the fact that JESUS was the King, the Messiah, the LORD.

The Revelation 19: 16 "And He had on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS". This is JESUS, the King who came to earth as a child and was worshiped and adored by angels and shepherds and Magi. This is JESUS who was presented with the royal gift of GOD.

Gold has another meaning that is not often taught; gold is a symbol of the Shekinah Glory of GOD. JESUS is the Light, His Spirit is the Shekinah. Gold was given to Him as a symbol of who He was and who He is and who He ever shall be; JESUS IS THE LORD, KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

COME, LET US ADORE HIM, CHRIST THE LORD.

CHRISTMAS - WHY DID JESUS COME?

John 6: 38

For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will but the will of Him that sent Me.

JESUS was on a mission, to accomplish the will of His Father. He had work to do, from before He was born, that was,  to do the will of His Father. "GOD so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish but have everlasting life. GOD sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world, through Him might be saved."  This is the will of the Father, because the Father LOVES, UNCONDITIONALLY.

When we are asked, "Why did JESUS come? Why" the answer is, that He came to do the will of His Father. This is why we were given to this world, "to do the will of our Father in heaven". We have the way to know His will, the Holy Scripture and  to be a witness of  the incarnate Word of GOD - JESUS. Believe in and on the LORD JESUS Christ and you will be saved and will be His witnesses to the ends of the earth.

ARISE, BROTHERS AND SISTERS, THE TIME HAS COME TO INTENTIONALLY DO THE WILL OF THE FATHER, WHO ART IN HEAVEN!

CHRISTMAS - 3 REACTIONS

DISCERNMENT

I John 4: 2, 3

By this know ye the Spirit of GOD; every spirit that confesseth that JESUS Christ is come in the flesh is of GOD; and every spirit that confesseth not that JESUS Christ is come in the flesh is not of GOD; and this is that spirit of Antichrist  of which ye have heard that it should come, and even now already is it in the world.

The spirit of Antichrist is very sly and subtle, therefore, we must have discernment to know the difference between the 3 reactions to JESUS. This discernment is a gift from GOD by the Holy Spirit. The discerning factor is easy to understand and is well spelled out in the verses in I John; "Every Spirit that confesses that JESUS Christ is come in the flesh is of GOD."

There is another key factor to discerning between the 3 reactions to JESUS; LOVE. GOD is love and everyone that loves is begotten of GOD and knows GOD. The very essence of GOD is love; abundant love.

When we look at the things that are unfolding in the world today, we can see clearly the work of the Herod spirit, but do you see the work of the reaction of the Scribes and Priests? Apathy and disinterest are very dangerous, because they allow the Herod reaction to gain power, while apathy and disinterest stand by and watch. Neither of these reactions to the Birth of JESUS are indications of love, instead, they are indications of Antichrist.

The Magi reaction of awe and worship; adoration and sacrifice for the sake of the Holy One, JESUS the Messiah,  give a profound indication of the Spirit of GOD.

ADORAMUS TE CHRISTE, WE ADORE YOU, O CHRIST.

CHRISTMAS - 3 REACTIONS

ADORATION

Psalm 95: 6, 7, 8a

Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD our maker. For He is our GOD, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of His Hand. TODAY if you will hear His voice, harden not your heart.

VENITE ADORAMOS DOMMINE, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the LORD. This is the reaction of the Magi as they came from afar to worship the LORD JESUS, the Christ. Is Christmas in your heart every day; do you worship and bow down and bend the knee before the LORD, every day? Christmas is a reminder that Christ is born in us everyday. His mercy is new every day and He is present every moment of every day.

The Herod response to the birth of JESUS was one of violence and hatred. The response of the Scribes and Priests was indifference. The Magi rejoiced at the birth of the Messiah and they bowed down to worship Him with the heart of adoration and awe.

TODAY, IF YOU WILL HEAR HIS VOICE, HARDEN NOT YOUR HEART; OPEN YOUR HEART AND ADORE HIM. CHRIST THE LORD.

CHRISTMAS - 3 REACTIONS

THE MAGI REACTION

Matthew 2: 10, 11 a,b

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary, His mother, and fell down, and worshiped Him;

The sight of the return of the Star filled the Magi with great joy, because they knew that they were going to see the Christ, who had been foretold by the prophets. Unlike the Scribes and Priests, the Magi were excited about the coming of JESUS

Jesus was now about two years old. He and His family lived in a house in Bethlehem of Judea.  When the Magi arrived, having followed the Star, the shekinah glory of GOD, they fell down and worshiped JESUS.

It is believed that the Magi were an part of a Tribe of Magi and that they traveled in a caravan. This Tribe of Magi were not Jewish, but they looked for the coming of the King of Israel. Legend has it, that this Tribe was started by Daniel and that it consisted of devout men; seekers of GOD.

The Magi reaction is one of devotion, joy and worship. This, too should be our reaction to the Presence of JESUS, the Messiah, who is always present in our midst. JESUS is the Light that drives away the darkness, let us rejoice and be glad in Him. JESUS is our Leader, let us follow Him. JESUS is our King, let us worship Him. JESUS is our Law, let us obey His Commandments.

LET US REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN JES

CHRISTMAS - 3 REACTIONS

INDIFFERENCE - THE SCRIBES AND PRIEST RESPONSE

Matthew 15: 8, 9

This people draweth near unto Me with their mouth, and honoreth Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. But in vain they do worship Me; teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

When JESUS was born, He fulfilled prophecies in the Scriptures that the Scribes had copied and studied and the Priests had taught. They drew near to GOD with their mouth and honored Him with their lips; they lead worship and the study of Scriptures, but failed to observe the fulfillment of those very Words of the LORD. The Scribes and Priests did their duty well, but their motive was self-gratification not GOD-glorification. Their heart was indifferent to the work and way of the LORD.

In Revelation 3: 15, 16 we hear that the lukewarm in heart, the LORD will spit out of His mouth. The indifferent people fail to have a relationship with JESUS, even if they are preachers and teachers of the Word. 

It is a very dangerous thing to teach the doctrines of man and indifferent to the commandments of GOD. People who hear them are led astray by their teaching and the teacher can be held responsible for souls being lost. It would be like a bad shepherd leading a flock of sheep into danger and have them eaten by wolves, while the shepherd runs away and hides.

WORSHIP THE LORD IN THE BEAUTY OF HOLINESS IN THE SANCTUARY OF THE HEART.

CHRISTMAS - 3 REACTIONS

THE HEROD REACTION

John 5: 18

Therefore, the Jews sought the more to kill Him, because He not only had broken the Sabbath, but said also that GOD was His Father, making Him equal with GOD.

Behind all the attempts to kill, steal and destroy, is the spirit of Antichrist. People are victims of this demonic spirit if they allow it and the Jews were stirred up to seek to destroy JESUS by that spirit. This spirit of Antichrist works throughout history in the hearts and minds of those who would steal, kill and destroy the work of GOD. It is important to separate the victim from the power behind the deeds. Satan is at work in the minds and hearts of those who yield to hatred; his fruit is destruction of everything of GOD.

The Herod reaction to the Birth of JESUS is a prime example of the seeds of the Antichrist and gives us warning not to allow that seed to take root in us or our society.  When you see the seeds of killing, stealing and destroying manifest, know that it is the seed of Antichrist at work. BIND THAT SEED AND CAST IT OUT IN THE NAME OF JESUS, IT WILL BEAR TERRIBLE FRUIT.

CHRISTMAS - 3 REACTIONS

Matthew 2: 1-11

(Read this account and mark the reactions to the Birth of JESUS)

There are three reactions to the Birth of JESUS: 1. the Herod reaction; 2. the Scribes and Priests reaction; and 3. the Wise men reaction.  We note these reactions, because they are very active today in the world in which we live. These reactions to the LORD have been since the world began and have their root in the same spirit. Let's look at each this week and see if we can spot these reactions, as we approach the celebration of the birth of JESUS.

The Herod reaction was one of evil, jealousy, hatred, manipulation, anger and hostility. He was intent on killing, stealing and destroying, even the Son of GOD.  The Priest and Scribe reaction was indifference to the coming of the Christ, which had been proclaimed in the Scriptures that the Priests and Scribes studied. The Wise men reaction was joy and worship, they recognized the Christ and came to worship Him.

O COME, LET US ADORE HIM, CHRIST THE LORD.  

LIVE 2 GIVE THANKS

Luke 17: 15-19

And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified GOD. And fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks; and he was a Samaritan. And JESUS answering, said, Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to GOD, except this stranger. and He said unto him, Arise, go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole.

HEALING AND WHOLENESS

JESUS healed ten men of leprosy. They were sent to the Priest to be declared clean and able to return to  society, but one of the ten gave thanks to JESUS in a loud voice, falling at His feet in worship.  This man was made whole. What is the distinction between healing and wholeness?

First of all, JESUS healed all of the men in their body, they were made clean in body. I am sure that they were touched in their emotions as the Priest declared them clean and part of the society again. So it is truthful to say that the nine were healed in body and soul. The one man was touched in His spirit and he fell down and worshiped JESUS, glorifying GOD for His healing; HE GAVE THANKS. This man was healed in body, soul and spirit through His faith in JESUS. HE WAS MADE WHOLE.

All of humankind is made up of three parts; a trinity. The body, the soul and the spirit of every person is active in all that we do. When a person is sick, they are more concerned with the body and the emotions of the soul; GOD, however, is more concerned with the spirit of man, because that is eternal. GOD wants wholeness for everyone; the door to wholeness is THANKSGIVING FOR ALL THAT THE LORD HAS DONE.

IN ALL THINGS GIVE THANKS TO GOD FOR HE IS WORTHY TO BE PRAISED.

LIVE 2 GIVE THANKS

SEVEN PRINCIPLES OF 

LIVE 2 GIVE THANKS

1. IT GLORIFIES GOD; PSALM 69:30

2. IT IS THE WILL OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS: I THESS. 5: 18, 19

3. OPENS HEAVENS GATES: PSALM 100: 4

4. EVIDENCE OF ESTABLISHED FAITH: COL. 2: 6, 7

5. MAKES PRAYER EFFECTIVE: PHILIPPIANS 4:6

6. EVIDENCE OF BEING FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT OF GOD: EPHESIANS 5: 18-20

7. RELEASES THE SUPERNATURAL: JOHN 6: 9-11, 22.

Living to give thanks is both evidence and blessing. It is evidence of the life of JESUS in a person and it is a blessing to the person. More than evidence and blessing, it is the life of JESUS living through every part of the person and blessing others with the character of JESUS. The one who lives 2 give thanks is so occupied with giving thanks to GOD that they are unaware that GOD is working miracles through them and speaking His word to the world around them, BECAUSE THE SUPERNATURAL IS RELEASED.

How do we achieve this life of total submission to the power of GOD? Humble thanksgiving, praise and worship of JESUS Christ. It is only through Him that we have access to the Father and that the Holy Spirit dwells in us. Humble submission and ceaseless thanksgiving is the key.

LIVE 2 GIVE THANKS

Acts 27: 35

And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to GOD in the presence of them all; and when he had spoken it, he began to eat.

In the midst of a terrible voyage, which ends in a shipwreck, the Apostle Paul breaks bread and gives thanks to GOD. He distributes the bread to the men of the ship, who had been fasting for fourteen days.  Paul gives the men Communion with thanksgiving to GOD for all that GOD has done for them. In Paul's life, circumstances did not dictate his praise and thanksgiving to GOD.

In the midst of our storms of life, we are to stay the course and not loose heart. In the storms of life, we are to always give thanks to GOD for what He has done for us. In the storms of life, we are to remember and declare that the precious Body of JESUS, broken for us, and the Holy Blood of JESUS shed for our redemption, sealing the Covenant between us and GOD, is alive, true and for our wholeness; giving thanks always. 

Verse 31b says: " Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved". In the storms of this life, we must abide in the shelter of the Almighty who is our safety. That shelter is like a ship that will never capsize or flounder in any storm. Abide in the LORD GOD all the days of your life, giving thanks to Him for wholeness, healing, safety, protection, and for His most glorious presence. 

LIVE 2 GIVE THANKS TO GOD IN ALL THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF LIFE.

DO NOT LET CIRCUMSTANCES DICTATE YOUR PRAISE AND THANKS TO GOD 

LIVE 2 GIVE THANKS

Psalm 140: 13

Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto Thy Name; the upright shall dwell in Thy presence.

WHEN WE FAIL TO GIVE THANKS, WE BECOME LIKE THE HEATHEN

I was struck by the power of the quote from Pastor Randy's Sermon on Sunday: "When we fail to give thanks, we become like the heathen." These words ring through my mind, as I think about giving thanks and the title of this week in Word from the Word.  In whose image am I created? I am created in the image of GOD, therefore, to be rightly related to GOD and dwell in His presence, I should be "like Him".  Is GOD the GOD of praise and thanksgiving? Is it His nature to give thanks? Is JESUS Christ the body and Blood of  thanksgiving and praise? YES, YES, YES! JESUS EMBODIES THANKSGIVING AND PRAISE. JESUS, the incarnate Word of GOD, lives 2 give thanks.

As I reflected on the verse from Psalms and the quote from Pastor Randy, I discovered a deeper understanding of Praise and Thanksgiving. It is not only something we "do" to glorify GOD; it is the nature of GOD shining through us and we "become" like Him, filled with praise and thanksgiving.  Thanksgiving is not only what we "do", it is who we are.  The hallmark of a Christian is the attitude of gratitude.

JESUS always gave thanks to the Father before He did anything; JESUS lived 2 give thanks to the Father.

Literally, giving thanks and praise to the Father was the whole essence of the life of JESUS and it demonstrated His love. WE SHOULD BE LIKE HIM.

WHEN WE GIVE THANKS TO GOD, WE BECOME FULLY CHRISTIAN

LIVE 2 GIVE THANKS

Psalm 92: 1, 2

It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises into Thy Name, O Most High; to show forth Thy loving-kindness in the morning, and Thy faithfulness every night.

It is interesting to note that the Tribe of Judah, from which descends the lineage of JESUS, is the Tribe of Praise. Judah means praise and Leah, when she bore Judah said, " Now will I praise the LORD." Therefore she called her son, Judah.  

I mention this, because praise and thanksgiving has been in the life of humankind since the beginning and it is part of the life of GODLY people.  When we live 2 give thanks, praise is continually in our mouth; from morning to night, in the sunshine or the darkness, praise and thanksgiving belong to the LORD, for He is good. Yes, it is good to give thanks  to the LORD for He alone is good, His mercy is everlasting and His faithfulness endures from age to age.

In a time of meditation, sit and recall, like the Jewish people do, the might acts of GOD and give thanks for all that He has done from the beginning of time. Know in your heart that the LORD, who has begun a good work in you, will continue it unto the day of redemption. The LORD has a plan for you and that plan is to prosper you and give you a hope and a future. Live to give thanks to the LORD all the days of your life.

BELIEVE HIM, FOR HE IS GOD. 

LIVE 2 GIVE THANKS

Ephesians 5: 20

Giving thanks always for all things unto GOD and the Father in the Name of our LORD JESUS Christ.

BLESSED AND HOLY ADVENT

PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORD

We prepare the way of the LORD by giving thanks to Him for all that He has done. Never let circumstances dictate your thanksgiving. In everything give thanks to the LORD for all His mercy and goodness; His loving-kindness and unconditional love. 

There is so much to be thankful for that if we said "thank you, LORD" every moment of every day for the rest of our life, we could not completely thank Him enough. We must live an attitude of gratitude at all times; every breath we take should be a hymn of thanksgiving. That attitude overflows into all the avenues of life, giving others a glimpse of the beauty of GOD who made is with great love and care. He gave us a purpose, a hope and a future so that we could be His witnesses in the world. What an awesome GOD we serve! He loved us and created us to be His lantern, aglow in the dark world, bringing souls to Him for salvation.

As we prepare the way of the LORD, let us lay a path of thanksgiving, honor and glory to the LORD; He is worthy to be glorified.

LIVE 2 GIVE GRACE

John 1: 16, 17

And of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the Law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by JESUS Christ. 

The whole life of GOD with man has been grace upon grace. GOD walked with man through valley after valley of dangerous experiences and He always found a way to redeem the lost. In JESUS Christ and by His Blood, the fullness of grace came to man. The Truth was revealed and man could access grace, mercy and truth through JESUS. Yes, the whole history of humankind is filled with the grace of GOD, but only in JESUS is the fullness of grace given birth in the individual person. 

Are you a bearer of Grace today? Who needs the grace of GOD touching their heart right now? Are you prepared to be the vessel of grace to another soul? When the poor cry out for help, do you hear them? When the rich cry out in the dark for meaning and a path of light, are you a lantern of the light of Christ? Are you broken bread and poured out wine for the salvation of the people who touch your life?

LIVE 2 GIVE GRACE

LIVE 2 GIVE GRACE

Psalm 41: 1-3

Blessed is he that considereth the poor; the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble. The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth, and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies. The LORD will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing; thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness.

I love it when the Scripture has lists to follow, and here is one of them. When we give grace to the poor, we are blessed by the LORD; the LORD will deliver in the time of trouble, the LORD will keep us alive, He will bless while we are on the earth and be delivered from the enemies that seek to kill, steal and destroy. All the plans of the enemy of our soul are cancelled by the blessing of the LORD, when we give grace to the poor.

The blessings even extend to when we are sick, the LORD will strengthen and comfort, as well as, heal. JESUS' Blood reconciles us to GOD and by His wounds we were healed, are healed and will be healed for all eternity. The LORD GOD did everything for us and we are His instruments to give grace to the world around us.

When we live 2 give grace, we become the likeness of GOD and exhibit His character. The more we yield ourselves as an offering and sacrifice to GOD, the more He fills us with His Holy Spirit, so that wherever we go and whatever we do, we reflect the glory of GOD and He receives the honor and glory.

WE ARE THE LANTERNS OF GOD AND HE IS THE LIGHT

LIVE 2 GIVE GRACE

Jeremiah 29: 11, 12 (NIV)

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.

THE GOODNESS OF GOD'S PLANS

When we make plans to do something, we think about it, picture what it would look like and then do a step by step plan for accomplishing it. This is what GOD does for us; He has a plan, He thinks about it, pictures it and does it. This verse tells us a lot about His thoughts concerning each of us. His plan is to prosper each of us, not to harm us or allow anything else to harm us. His plan is to give each of us hope and a sure future with Him.  He thought about it before He formed the earth and He continues to think about each of us as we come forth into this earth life.  He executes His plan every moment of every day, we are part of His total plan for the salvation of humankind. GOD has a plan, like a tapestry, and we are threads in that work of art. He sews us into His canvass at just the right moment so that His picture is perfect.

GOD'S grace is so wonderful, He listens to us when we call to Him and He answers our prayers. GOD has provided all that we need at all times, all we have to do is ask and believe in Him.

Since we have received such grace from the Hand of GOD, let us be giving hands of grace to others who call out to us for support and care. Let us have the same plan for others that GOD has for us; plans to prosper others and not to harm them, plans for giving hope and a future to others as we have been given hope and a future by GOD.

LIVE 2 GIVE GRACE

Psalm 112: 9, 10

He hath distributed, he hath given to to the poor; his righteousness endureth forever; his horn shall be exalted with honor. The wicked shall see it, and be grieved; he shall gnash with his teeth and melt away. The desire of the wicked shall perish.

Those who give to the poor are considered, by GOD, to be righteous - rightly related to GOD. Those who give to the poor will be honored both on earth and in heaven, because it is the love of GOD, working through them, that meets the need of those who cry for help. The GODLY reflect the goodness of GOD to all whom they contact. The light of GOD shines through them and darkness has to flee.

When the wicked see the goodness of GOD, working through the GODLY, they gnash their teeth and are very grieved; they bow their head in shame and disappear. Darkness can not live with the light, because light obliterates darkness. It is also true, that the plans of the wicked are killed by the goodness of GOD. GOD is love and the wicked can not love, therefore, the wicked are defeated by unconditional love.

OVERCOME EVIL WITH GOOD

LIVE 2 GIVE GRACE

Proverbs 25: 21, 22

If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink; for thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.

BE NOT OVERCOME BY EVIL, BUT OVERCOME EVIL WITH GOOD.

The enemy, in both the proverbs verses and the Romans 12: 20 verse, is an unbeliever in GOD. The response of the believer in both the Old Testament and New is give without conditions; respond to the need of the other, no matter who he is. The enemy of our soul would like for us to discriminate between people and only minister to those of like kind and faith; JESUS healed all, died for all, and fed all without judgment and conditions. This is GRACE, unconditional love for all.

One of the marks of the unbeliever in JESUS is that they cannot love unconditionally; their actions are violent and destructive. Evil has only one intent, to kill, steal and destroy; he is unable to love.

There are two results in giving to all people without division and discrimination. One is that the unbeliever will be convicted of their wrong and respond to the kindness of the believer by giving thanks to GOD; the second is that the gracious one will receive a blessing from GOD as a reward for the alms-deed. In each case, the LORD will receive the thanks for His goodness, mercy and grace.

It is amazing to understand that the giver and the recipient are not the only ones to receive a blessing or the benefit of the alms-deed.  The casual observer will also see and be touched by the goodness of the believer. No one will miss the action of the alms-deed; all will be convicted to give thanks to GOD and all will receive a blessing from the LORD, a reward from His Hand.

Evil is defeated by the act of Grace; evil can not love. It is an act of love to give without counting the cost and in the Name of JESUS.  All thanks belongs to the One who gave and gives and will give forever; JESUS Christ, to Him be glory now and forever.

LIVE 2 GIVE GRACE

OVERCOME EVIL WITH GOOD

Acts 9:36

Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas; this woman was full of good works and alms deeds which she did.

FREELY YOU HAVE RECEIVED, FREELY GIVE.

Alms deeds are acts of grace, given in love, to meet the needs of the poor. Dorcus, which means gazelle, was quick to give alms to the poor. Her alms deeds, brought grace to her in her time of need and GOD raised her from the dead through the humble prayers of the Apostle Peter.The LORD rewards alms giving and alms deeds with mercy and grace in the time of need, because the LORD loves a cheerful giver. 

There are many groups of women of the church, who are good examples of the ministry of Dorcus. They are like gazelles, rushing to meet and greet the poor with grace and love. This Thanksgiving, Living Faith Christian Center gave 1375 boxes of full Turkey Dinners (Turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, potatoes, pie, cool whip and cooking tray) to the poor in Prescott Valley, AZ and the surrounding area. With that food, there were free coats (over 1000 given) and free blankets (over 500 given). This was made possible by donations of alms money, $23,000.00+ and coats and blankets by the worshipers at Living Faith plus, over 65 volunteers who gave labor of love for three days, preparing to distribute to the needy. Above all this, there were clothes, shoes, hats scarves and toys available for people to take.

Why did Living Faith Christian Center do this? Why did the people work so hard to prepare for this event? Why? Because, GOD has given freely to all, therefore, we give freely to others. JESUS said that "whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers, that you do unto me." JESUS walked among the people "in the distressing disguise of the poor" and JESUS was served well.

Underlying and surrounding all this effort was the humble prayer of those who could not physically labor. The prayer team went to the LORD in prayer before, during and after; praising GOD for the ability to serve Him and to give to those in need. GOD received the glory or the things He had done, by the givers and the receivers. Even those who passed by in their cars, or looked across the field at the multitude, gave glory to GOD for His Grace flowing out. FOR HIS HOLY NAME SAKE.

FREELY WE HAVE RECEIVED; FREELY WE GIVE 

LIVE 2 GIVE - 3

Psalm 149: 3-6

Let them praise His Name with dancing and make music to Him with tambourine and harp. For the LORD takes delight in His people; He crowns the humble with salvation. Let the saints rejoice in this honor and sing for joy of their beds. May the praise of GOD be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands.

THE OFFERING OF PRAISE SCATTERS THE FOE AND THE AVENGER.

Jehoshaphat was in the valley of decision; send in the army with swords and physical arms or follow the LORD. He chose to send forth the praise band, "Men to sing to the LORD, and to praise Him for the splendor of His Holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: 'GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD, FOR HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER' " The enemy began to turn on itself and destroy each other with fighting, while the men of GOD sang praise and thanks to GOD. (II Chronicles 20)

Yes, praise scatters the enemy and causes the evil to defeat itself. Verse 9 of Psalm 149 says that praise carries out the sentence written against the evil ones. What is that sentence? DEFEAT.

In our heart, our hand and our voice is the power to defeat the enemy of our soul; GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD, FOR HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER. Stand firm in the LORD and watch the evil be defeated and the foe and the avenger scattered.

PRAISE YE THE LORD FOR HIS MERCY ENDURES FOREVER!

LIVE 2 GIVE - 3

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

I Corinthians 15: 57, 58

Thanks be to GOD, who giveth us the victory through our LORD JESUS Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the LORD, for as much as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the LORD.

LIVE 2 GIVE BY STANDING IN JESUS

The LORD GOD gave us the victory through JESUS; now we give the freedom of the victory to others; we LIVE 2 GIVE. Our labor in the LORD brings freedom to souls and opens the prison doors to those who are bound. How do we do this? We can not do it on our own; we can only do all things through Christ who strengthens us. The more that we stand in JESUS, the more work He can accomplish through us.

Endless prayer and praise belong to GOD, who bought us with the price of the blood of His only Son, JESUS. Every day should be thanksgiving day as we celebrate our redemption from bondage and set free from sin and death. We live 2 give thanks everyday and in every way; the LORD deserves our highest thanks and praise. 

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

LIVE 2 GIVE - 3

Psalm 8: 2 (NIV)

From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.

PURE PRAISE SILENCES CLAMOR

It seems that the whole world is filled with noise and clamor; some people can not function in silence. Infants and children have a very different world view; they are pure and fresh, knowing only what is given to them. Every gift given to infants and children causes them to erupt in shouts of joy; wonder and glory is on their face as they clap and dance their great hallelujah.

Joy and gladness; praise and adoration from the lips of the pure in heart, brings delight to the LORD. This is why the LORD JESUS said that we must become like little children; pure in heart and filled with wonder. When we live 2 give to others, out of the pure heart, there is joy and praise given to GOD from all who receive and all who give. The wonder and awe of the little children, dancing and leaping for joy at the wonder of the grace of GOD.

Noise and clamor is drowned out by the shouts of praise from the pure heart, fixed on GOD. The foe and the avenger are silenced, because darkness can not exist in the bright light of praise. 

PRAISE IS GOOD FOR ALL

LIVE 2 GIVE - 3

Psalm 147: 1

Praise ye the LORD; for it is good to sing praises unto our GOD; for it is pleasant; and praise is fitting.

Praise is good; praise is fitting, it is right, it is honoring to GOD. GOD has persistently manifest Himself as OUR GOD, the Almighty One Who is concerned with our welfare; He is passionately invested in the lives of His Children. Our response, to such a wonderful gift of grace, is to sing praises to Him, for it is fitting to do so.

The result of our offering of praise to Almighty GOD, is that all the power and authority of Our Father is released, surrounding us like a garment. This power of GOD vanquishes all the plans and actions of the enemy, blinding him from seeing to do evil. We are under the protection of the LORD GOD, when we give to Him the honor due His Name through praise and thanksgiving.

GREAT IS THE LORD AND GREATLY TO BE PRAISED.

LIVE 2 GIVE - 3

Luke 10: 41

And JESUS answered, and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art anxious and troubled about many things.

PRAYER AND PRAISE DEFEAT, ANXIETY AND WORRY

A life of giving, can become a life of worry and anxiety, just like Martha. Mary had found the best part, sitting and hearing the word from JESUS; a form of prayer. Martha could have defeated the spirit of fear, anxiety and worry by praise and thanksgiving. The attitude of anxiousness and "troubled about many things" can lead to darkness and criticism, praise of the Living GOD and prayer to JESUS defeats the darkness and lifts the troubled spirit from heaviness into the glorious light.

This time of the year, many people have become overwhelmed with doing things and worrying about the outcome of their tasks. Isaiah 61:3 tells us to put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.  Praise defeats evil; praise gives light to the countenance; praise releases a powerful force that defeats all enemies. Praise is a doorway to peace and great joy.

FLING WIDE THE GATE OF PRAISE AND RIDE ON THE WING OF PRAYER

LIVE 2 GIVE - 3

Luke 10: 38, 39

Now it came to pass, as they went, that He entered into a certain village; and a certain woman, named Martha,  received Him into her house. And she had a sister, called Mary, who also sat at JESUS' feet and heard His word.

MARY HAS CHOSEN THE GOOD PART

We learn from this story of Mary and Martha, that there are two elements to living the good life; LIVE 2 GIVE life. Element one is the Mary part, the good part, "sit at JESUS' feet and hear His word." When we are sitting and listening  to GOD, we will hear and receive what He desires and what pleases Him. There is no guess work when we take our instructions from the Most High GOD, but we have to be still and listen first.

An old friend of mine, who is a Pastor, said this: "we must be on our knees with our sleeves rolled up, ready for action." The "on the knees" part is like Mary, listening to the Master. Then, with "sleeves rolled up", we are ready to go and serve in His Name, like Martha.

We carry the love of JESUS out into a broken world, but before we go out, we must go to the LORD in prayer. People are hungry and in need of help right now; they are hungry for physical food and spiritual food,  they are in need of comfort and help in a tangible way and in a spiritual way. We must bring both, meeting the physical need, while bringing the Good New of JESUS Christ the LORD.

LET'S GO!!!

GO TO THE FEET OF JESUS AND LISTEN, WITH YOUR SLEEVES ROLLED UP, READY FOR ACTION. LIVE 2 GIVE.

LIVE 2 GIVE - 2

Matthew 6: 9-13

After this manner, therefore, pray ye: Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

PRAYER; THE GIFT OF GOD TO US.

JESUS taught us how to pray in the way of GOD. This is an awesome gift from the Father to us. GOD wants a relationship with all individuals and He has prepared the way for all to come to Him. He wants us to understand that He is our Father; that all things in heaven and earth and under the earth are under His command. He wants us to know that He provides all things that we need for your life and that He delivers us from all the snares of the enemy. He wants us to know that His Love is without end; forever and ever we are loved by Him.

If GOD so loved us, ought not we to give our life as an offering to Him? If GOD so loved us, ought not we to love others in the same manner as He? 

JESUS LIVED TO GIVE; WE SHOULD LIVE TO GIVE TO HIM AND TO ALL OTHERS.

LIVE 2 GIVE - 2

Philippians 4: 6, 7 (NIV)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to GOD. And the peace of GOD, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ JESUS.

LIVE 2 GIVE THANKS TO GOD

Anxiety is self-centered, counter productive and a waste of the time given to you by GOD. I know that  is a very strong and stinging statement, but it is the truth. Anxiety and fear are a sign of perfect faith in failure. The truth is that we are victorious through JESUS Christ; we are the head and not the tail; we overcome and are not defeated. All this comes to us as a gift from GOD and we can trust that He will see us through.

When we live 2 give thanks to GOD, we are at peace; our heart is guarded from the arrows and darts of the evil one. Peace is like an army guarding the castle of our heart. There is a weak spot in that wall around our heart, however, and that is our mind. The Scripture warns against "vain imaginations", trying to figure things out on our own. This is why the Apostle Paul says to guard your mind in Christ JESUS. When the mind is fixed on JESUS, there is no room for the imaginations that weaken the strong wall of the castle of our heart. Instead of imagining what will happen in the future, pray that the LORD will order your steps and go before you down the path of your life. Follow Him and He will Light your path; then there is no guess-work, only sure steps along the lighted path of life.

JESUS LIVED 2 GIVE LIGHT ON THE PATH OF LIFE; WE SHOULD LIVE 2 GIVE LIGHT TO THE WORLD IN HIS NAME.

LIVE 2 GIVE - 2

Psalm 18: 3

I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

LIVE 2 GIVE PRAISE TO GOD

Prayer is the gift GOD gave to man and prayer is the gift that man gives to GOD. This awesome gift of communication between GOD and man, was made possible by JESUS; when we use that gift, GOD is well pleased and His ear is attentive to the thoughts of the heart in prayer. "Ask...Seek...Knock" are the three steps of prayer. GOD says that if you ask, you will receive; seek, you will find Him; knock and the door will open to you. WOW! What an awesome gift from the hand of the Awesome GOD.

Our gift to Him is communication with Him through the channel that He has set up. We have the privilege of offering praise to Him; honoring Him with our heart; singing to Him; loving Him and interceding for others whom He loves. We are linked to Him through the channel of prayer.

JESUS gave His life so that we would be united to GOD as His dear children. We can come boldly into His presence through the humble avenue of prayer and give to Him the honor due His Name. 

WE ARE LINKED TO GOD THROUGH THE GIFT OF PRAYER

LIVE 2 GIVE - 2

Psalm 56: 9

When I cry unto Thee, then shall mine enemies turn back; this I know; for GOD is for me.

PRAYER WILL DOMINATE OVER EVIL

"When I cry unto Thee", this is the earnest prayer of a trusting heart. To cry out to the LORD is to fall on your knees in complete surrender to Him. In verse 8, the Psalmist says, "Put Thou my tears into Thy bottle." David is petitioning the LORD with tears and crying.

In Psalm 57: 7, David says, "My heart is fixed, O GOD, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise." David shows us a key to the power of GOD released into our situations; 1. a heart that is fixed on GOD; 2. The earnest cry of the heart; 3. The passionate praise of GOD. GOD hears the passionate petitions of the faithful and He responds with more passion. When the LORD hears the cry of the heart, He stands up and moves on behalf of the one with the fixed heart on Him. The enemies take flight at the mention of the Name of the LORD JESUS. Earnest prayer is the uniting of the heart of man with the Heart of GOD and nothing can separate that union.

MY HEART IS FIXED, O GOD, MY HEART IS FIXED; I WILL SING PRAISE

LIVE 2 GIVE - 2

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 OF GOD, DO GOOD.

I am struck by the term, "Dearly Beloved", The Apostle Paul, writing by the influence of the Holy Spirit, to the Romans and to us, calls us "Beloved". Yes, Beloved of GOD, that is who we are, the Beloved of JESUS, His Bride, His Church. As the Beloved ones, we are to live in the same manner as JESUS. JESUS said, when He hung from the cross, "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do." JESUS did good to those who hurt Him, He loved His enemies and did good to them who abused Him. When His enemy was hungry, He fed him; when His enemy was thirsty, He gave him to drink; when Peter drew the sword and cut off Malchus' ear, JESUS healed it even though Malchus was part of the band of men coming to take JESUS away. 

Dearly Beloved, we are to overcome evil with good and cause the evil to be shamed.  Goodness is one of the attributes of GOD and He calls us to be like minded. Goodness overcomes all evil, it is a sign of strength and the power of humility. Goodness brings a person to their knees in intercession for those who are in the bondage of evil; the good person prays for those who despitefully use them and abuse them. This is the character of JESUS and He calls us to be like minded, Beloved.

DEARLY BELOVED, LET US LOVE ONE ANOTHER

SALUTE TO VETERANS

The Revelation 7: 14b-17

These are they who came out of the great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the Throne of GOD, and serve Him day and night in His Temple; and He that sitteth on the Throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb who is in the midst of the Throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters; GOD shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

A SALUTE TO VETERANS

Jesus said, Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. (John 15: 13). The men and women who go to defend the Country against the forces of evil and destruction are those who have chosen to lay down their life for their fellow citizens - their friends.  These honored men and women deserve our respect and our unending thanks for the freedom that we enjoy.  Their love of friends and Country, that passion to defend the liberty of a Nation against oppression, should be saluted and honored. Many Veterans still live among us, when we see them, we should thank them for their service.

In the Revelation passage, we find that the LORD GOD honors those who laid down their life. "These are they that came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes and made them white in the Blood of the Lamb." Martyrs for the cause of right and righteousness; passionate men and women who lifted High the Cross on the field of battle. GOD honors them by dwelling among them; providing for them and giving them Eternal Life. If GOD honors the veterans, ought not we to join Him with our thanksgiving for their service?

THANK YOU VETERANS FOR YOUR SERVICE

LIVE 2 GIVE

Luke 21: 1-4 (NIV)

As He looked up, JESUS saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. I tell you the truth, He said, this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.

NOT THE QUANTITY, BUT THE QUALITY OF THE GIFT

When we humble ourselves in the sight of the LORD, we consider the work of the LORD greater than our life. JESUS considered the work of the Father to be greater than His own life and He lived His life in that way. 

This poor widow considered the needs of the poor greater than her own poverty and so she gave so that others would benefit. The Apostle Paul in his second letter to the Corinthians said this, "as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things." The poor, who make many rich by their sacrifice of love for GOD, are rich in the heavenly things. Whereas, those who are rich and continually feed themselves, are, in fact poor in the spiritual things. It is true, that we have nothing of our own, all things belong to GOD as His gift to us to use for His purpose.

Many will ask, "where is the balance? What do I do to please GOD?  The answer is very simple and yet few follow it, "Believe on the LORD JESUS Christ and you will be saved"; ask the LORD how you are to serve Him and then do it unto Him with a joyful heart; "For the LORD loves a cheerful giver."  Always ask the LORD how He wants you to give to Him, recognizing that all things do come of the LORD and you are giving Him what is His.  He has a plan for every gift and when you ask Him, He will show you His plan.

There are people waiting for the LORD to supply their need and that supply just might be in your hand.

LIVE 2 GIVE

John 6: 37

All that the Father giveth Me shall come to Me; and him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.

John 6: 39

And this is the Father's will who hath sent me, that of all that He hath given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.

THE BELIEVER IS THE FATHER'S GIFT TO JESUS

Did you realize that you are the Father's gift to His Son and that the Son cherishes that gift with Eternal love? WOW, when I put it that way, I am brought to my knees. There are many of us who go through a period of time where they feel unloved and unwanted. Well, GOD LOVES YOU AND WANTS YOU; YOU ARE HIS GIFT TO HIS SON.

The Father is the awesome giver; He gives life and breath to His creation.  The more we know Him, the more we understand that to be like Him, we, too, must live to give. JESUS lived to give; He taught others to live to give; He is still giving Himself to all people through His intercession, intervention, healing, forgiveness  comfort and consolation. JESUS LIVES 2 GIVE.

JESUS LIVED 2 GIVE; LIVES 2 GIVE AND WILL FOREVER LIVE 2 GIVE

THANKS BE TO GOD FOR HIS UNSPEAKABLE GIFT OF JESUS

LIVE 2 GIVE

Luke 6: 38

Give and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give unto your bosom. For with the same measure that ye measure it shall be measured to you again.

THE GIVING LIFE

There are times in the Church Year that are focused on giving, but that is only to remind us that our life is to be given to GOD and for the needs of others. The call to give alms, is not just for the Thanksgiving season of the year; it is for all time and all seasons. Literally, our life should be crowned with giving.  

The giving life is a reflection of a giving heart. A heart that is overflowing with the love of the LORD, can't help but give to others.  These charitable people will spend their time in thought about creative ways to help another; they will volunteer for organizations that serve the poor; they have a passion for those in need and that passion is both prayer and work.

A dear old Pastor friend of mine said this, " I kneel in prayer with my sleeves rolled up ready for action."  This kind of passion for giving was one of the hallmarks of the life of JESUS, who rolled up His sleeves and laid down His life for the helpless, including all of us.

Yes, we are helpless without JESUS; He is our very help and stay. We can not live without Him and, it is true, that the helpless cannot live without us giving in His Name. We are the conduits through which JESUS supplies all the needs of the helpless and his love flows through us as we give our heart to Him.

LIVE 2 GIVE

LIVE 2 GIVE

Galatians 6: 9 (NIV)

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

THE TIMING OF GOD

GOD has a plan and that plan has a time line. Things happen when the time is right, not before and not after. Look at the raising of Lazarus from the dead; JESUS waited until the time was right for the miracle, He didn't submit to the tears and petitions of Mary and Martha and probably others. JESUS did what His Father had planned to happen.  All of life is in the plan and purpose of GOD, for those who believe in His Name.

Any farmer will tell you that you have to plant the seed, in order to obtain a harvest, also, the harvest of fruit is always greater than the seed planted. "Doing good" is like the seed planted in the ground; we have to wait for it to become mature, then the fruit will appear and that fruit will be greater than the seed. IT IS ALL IN THE TIMING OF GOD so we are not to loose heart while we are waiting for the harvest, instead, we are to keep on doing good.

DON'T GIVE UP DOING GOOD; GOD IS WELL PLEASED WITH YOUR PLANTING OF SEED. 

LIVE 2 GIVE

I Peter 2: 12 (NIV)

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.

SALVATION OF A SOUL IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN EARTHLY GAIN

When we "Live 2 Give" we are saying that the other person is more valuable than ourselves.  Our lives should so reflect the giving heart of GOD that, though we are criticized for our methods, GOD is glorified for the goodness. 

An old time Gospel preacher once said, "Don't let the method corrupt the mission." Our mission on earth is to glorify GOD and to bring all who do not know Him to the love and knowledge of Him, for His Holy Name Sake. "We are only one, but we are one; we can't do everything, but we can do something; what we can do, we ought to do; with GOD's help we can do it; LORD what would you have us do?" And when we have done our best, we must release it to GOD for His perfection of the offering, then give Him the glory due His Name, so that the recipient and the giver glorify GOD together.

EVERY GOOD GIFT AND EVERY PERFECT GIFT IS FROM ABOVE AND COMETH DOWN FROM THE FATHER OF LIGHTS, IN WHOM THERE IS NO VARIABLENESS , NEITHER SHADOW OF TURNING.

LIVE 2 GIVE

Galatians 6:10 (NIV)

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers ( the household of faith.) [KJV].

It is my strong believe that when we are spared from a disaster, it is so that we can minister to the need of those who are suffering.  This is the "opportunity" of which Paul is speaking in Galatians. In New York, there was a woman who had a small burner that worked after the disaster of Hurricane Sandy leveled many houses and left millions of people without power.  This certain woman made soup from what she had in her home and served her neighbors until the soup ran out. She had the " opportunity" and used it to serve the needs of others.

In the Gospel according to John, the sixth Chapter, there is a story of the feeding of the five thousand with a young boy's lunch of 5 barley loaves and two fish, (verse 9). This boy had the "opportunity" to supply the need of others and he gave what he had.  

Doing good to others, is preaching the Gospel to the poor without using words. The nature of GOD is giving, compassion, kindness, and love; when we show these characteristics, we are showing the nature of GOD. It is His way to give and we, who love Him and desire to be like Him, LIVE 2 GIVE.

LIVE 2 GIVE IN THE NAME OF JESUS 

TITHE, ALMS AND OFFERINGS

II Corinthians 9: 12-15 (NIV)

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!

PREACH THE GOSPEL AND SOMETIMES USE WORDS.

We end this week, in which we have been discussing the difference between the tithe, offering and alms, with a Scripture that should strike at the heart of our Ministry. We are commissioned by GOD to "Go into all the world and preach the Gospel" and many take that call to mean that you leave the country and go to a foreign land and learn the language then preach JESUS. There are many who are called to this ministry by GOD and they have answered that call in a mighty way; laying down their lives for the people. There are still many more who take that commission to preach the Gospel and start communities of worshipers, hearing the Scripture and the Good news of the Gospel on a regular basis.  There remain another group of people who preach the Gospel by their compassion and mercy to others, as their expression of Gospel of JESUS Christ.

In this past week, we have seen a disaster in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and other States in the USA. We have also seen the Gospel of JESUS Christ preached by compassionate, giving people who responded to those needs with caring hands that reached out to help. A woman who made soup on a small burner and brought in her neighbors for a meal; a child who opened a lemonade stand for the thirsty; firemen and police; nurses and Doctors; Red Cross workers and volunteers; the media who publicized the need; all were the hands and heart of GOD reaching out to bring help to the helpless. The thanks goes to GOD who put this expression of kindness into the heart and mind of caring people. TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

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.