Tuesday, January 31, 2012

GROWING IN CHRIST-PART 3

Colossians 3: 16, 17
Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another, in Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs singing with grace in your hearts to the LORD. And whatever ye do in word or deed, do all in the Name of the LORD JESUS, giving thanks to GOD and the Father by Him.

Psalm 51: 6 says: "Behold, Thou desirest truth in the inward parts, and in the hidden part Thou shalt make me know wisdom." The "inward parts" is where the Word of GOD is to dwell richly. To dwell, means to live, move and have being; the Word of GOD is alive and moved by the Holy Spirit to bring forth the purpose for which it was sent by the LORD. When we hide the Word in our heart, the Holy Spirit brings it into motion as we speak it forth. When we speak the Word, it creates a new thing, old things are passed away and behold a new thing becomes visible.

There is another part to the verses from Colossians and that is "songs hymns and spiritual songs". I know, in my life, that Scripture songs and hymns have ministered to me when I needed comfort in my spirit. I know, for a fact, that Psalms have come forth from deep within me to bring wisdom, strength and comfort. Psalms also give instruction and wise counsel. Do not neglect to sing songs of praise and Scripture songs to the LORD, making melody in your heart. David sang to the LORD and the LORD loved His words and music. Let the LORD hear your heart song to Him and listen for Him to sing to you.

MAY THE NAME OF THE LORD BE GLORIFIED.

Monday, January 30, 2012

GROWING IN CHRIST-PART 3

Psalm 119: 9-16
Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to Thy Word. With my whole heart have I sought thee; oh, let me not wander from Thy commandments. Thy Word have I hidden in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee. Blessed art Thou, O LORD; teach me Thy statutes. With my lips have I declared all the ordinances of Thy mouth, I have rejoiced in the way of Thy testimonies, as much as in all riches. I will meditate in Thy precepts, and have respect unto Thy ways. I will delight myself in Thy statutes; I will not forget Thy Word.

This series of verses from Psalm 119 are very clear about how a person can grow up into the Way of Christ. There are steps in these verses that, when followed, will lead to a deeper and deeper relationship with GOD. The answer to the question,"Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way?" is very clear and direct.
1. take heed to the Word of the LORD.
2. Seek the LORD with your whole heart.
3. Hide the Word in your heart.
4. Be open to the LORD teaching His Word to you.
5. Speak the Word only.
6. Rejoice in the way of the LORD.
7. Meditate and have respect for the ways of the LORD.
8. Remember the Word, and delight in it.

In our day and time, it is very important for each of us to take these points very seriously and not to neglect the holy Scripture. The Holy Scripture is the Word of the LORD for each of us and is a life-line in the time of need. There are many who perish because of a lack of knowledge; even more perish because of a lack of the knowledge of Scripture. Take the Scripture down from its shelf, dust it off and make a pledge to read it daily, meditate on it day and night and feast on its riches. It will feed your soul and spirit in the time of famine and drought.

Sunday, January 29, 2012

GROWING IN CHRIST-PART 3

I Peter 2: 1, 2
Wherefore, laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that ye may grow by it.

GROWING INTO CHRIST

We have discussed in past devotions about the ways in which we are aided in growth into Christ: 1. Prayer; 2. Fellowship; 3. Communion; 4. Trouble, trials and tribulations. These all aid us in growing into a mature Christian.

There is a 5th aid to Christian growth, THE WORD OF THE LORD. This is as important as your regular diet of food. To skip a meal, you diminish your health; to skip reading Scripture, you diminish your spiritual health.

Matthew 4: 4 says: "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of GOD." JESUS equates the Word of GOD with bread, Peter equates it with milk. So we can make the connection that the Word of the LORD is food for the Spirit.

Acts 17:11 speaks about noblemen in Thessalonica who received the Word, searched the Scripture daily. We need to be just like them, searching the Scripture daily to discover the truth of GOD. The Word of GOD is His spoken truth, we will grow as we search for the truth from GOD.

Psalm 119: 11 says "Thy Word have I hidden in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." The only way for the Word to be hidden in our heart is, if we daily meditate on the Word. While we have the Light, let us use the light to read, study and inwardly digest the Scriptures, so that when darkness comes, the Holy Spirit can minister to us with the Holy Word of GOD.

Friday, January 27, 2012

MIRACLES DO HAPPEN

Mark 4: 39
And He arose and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

JESUS SPOKE AND IT WAS SO; SPEAK THE WORD AND MIRACLES FLOW

When JESUS speaks, creation responds. JESUS is the Word of GOD spoken and lived. All created things respond to His Word. JESUS is GOD incarnate; He was before, is now and will be forever; Almighty GOD.

God is our provider; GOD is our healer; GOD is our deliverer; He is true and His word is true. In Verse 40 of Mark 4, JESUS asks two questions in His response to the Disciples terror, ask yourself these two questions: Why are you so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith?

Nights of terror, when the wind and the waves of circumstances pound at your little boat of life, do you see JESUS in your boat? Do your know that when He is in the boat, no harm can come to you? Is your faith in JESUS a faith of "believing that He can" or is it "knowing that He will". Most of us believe that JESUS can do all things and has the power to do mighty things, that is one step of faith. Do we go on to the deeper faith of knowing that JESUS will do mighty things for us when we ask?

I challenge you to join me in going deeper into the profound faith of knowing that JESUS will not allow our little boat to sink in the storm. Know that He will arise and rebuke the wind and say "Peace, be still" and there will be a calm
.

Faith is not only believing that JESUS can, but knowing that He will.

Thursday, January 26, 2012

MIRACLES DO HAPPEN

I Corinthians 2: 4, 5
My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on GOD's power.

Romans 15: 18, 19
I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obey GOD by what I have said and done - by the power of signs and miracles, through the power of the Spirit. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.

SIGNS AND MIRACLES CONFIRM THAT JESUS HAS ALL POWER AND AUTHORITY.

It is only in the power and authority of JESUS that any conversions to the Living Way of GOD can be accomplished. JESUS is the only way to the Father; JESUS is the only truth and the only Life. We can preach and teach the Good News of the Gospel in our own unique way, but it is the Power of JESUS by His Spirit that bring about Salvation. Those words"what Christ has accomplished through me" stand as the real truth of mission and ministry. Look around at the great teachers and preachers and you will see the mighty work of GOD through them. The books they write, the Crusades they lead, the programs they produce are all vehicles for the LORD to move in the hearts and lives of people. Many people hear for the first time the Good News of GOD in Christ JESUS and they fall on their face before JESUS and worship Him.

Signs and wonders, healing and miracles are the way that GOD confirms that all authority and power are given to JESUS for the salvation of the souls of men. JESUS defeated death, rose from the grave, ascended into heaven and makes intercession for all the saints of GOD. There is no lack of power in the hand of JESUS, He has ALL power and authority.

FAITH IS NOT ONLY BELIEVING THAT GOD CAN; BUT KNOWING THAT GOD WILL save, keep, forgive, heal, restore, Redeem, justify, sanctify and glorify those who call upon His Name. HIS PROMISES ARE YEA AND AMEN.

BELIEVE HIM

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

MIRACLES DO HAPPEN

Acts 2: 21, 22
And it shall come to pass that whosoever shall call on the Name of the LORD shall be saved. Ye men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of GOD among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which GOD did by Him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know.

MIRACLES TESTIFY THAT JESUS IS THE SON OF GOD.

John 20:30, 31 says: And many other signs truly did JESUS in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these were written, that ye might believe that JESUS is the Christ, the Son of GOD; and that believing ye might have life through His Name.

Signs, wonders and miracles testify to the fact that JESUS is the Son of GOD. Look at your life, do you see any miracles? Write them down and sit and recall the time of the miracle, what happened, and who saw the miracle. Keep a journal of the miracles of JESUS is your life, so that you will never forget that JESUS is working His miracles today through yielded vessels of His. JESUS is the miracle worker.

Never forget that the first great miracle in your life is to be born again. JESUS made this possible for us by His life, death and ascension to the right hand of the Father. When we are born again, we are a new creation, old things are passed away, behold all things become new. Forget all that is behind and press forward toward the mark of the high calling of GOD in Christ JESUS.

The great miracle of Salvation sets us free to bring all souls to Christ by our witness of unconditional love. We are surrounded by the miracles of GOD; many do not notice them. We have the sight to point these miracles out to those who are blind. The fact that JESUS loves us totally, is so overwhelming that it is hard to grasp. Reach out and grasp His Hand and feel the flow of His love for you, then reach out your hand to another and give the miracle of love to them.

Signs, wonders and miracles testify that JESUS is the Son of GOD so that all might believe and have life through Him.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

WINNING SOULS

Mark 16: 19, 20
So then, after the LORD had spoken unto them, He was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of GOD. And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the LORD working with them, and confirming the Word with signs following. Amen.

THE ASCENDED LORD WORKS WITH US

The words in these verses should strengthen the ministry of every person who reads them. JESUS, who now sits at the Right Hand of GOD works with us to confirm His Word with signs following. We are not the ones who work miracles; JESUS works through us to bear witness to the truth of His Word and confirms that witness with signs and wonders. He also confirms all of prophecy; Matthew 8: 17 says: "That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah, the prophet, saying, 'He Himself took our infirmities, and bore our sickness."

Everything that JESUS said, will come to pass. Everyone who believes on His Name will testify of His greatness in the Land of the Living and will glorify Him for all eternity. The Word of GOD says so, JESUS confirms His Word through dynamic demonstrations of His Love and power.

Do you want a miracle in your life? Ask JESUS and then believe that you have received it. Trust in the Almighty power of the Living GOD to do what He has promised.

JESUS IS LORD

Monday, January 23, 2012

MIRACLES DO HAPPEN

Hebrews 2: 4
GOD also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with diverse miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit according to his own will?

This passage is at the beginning of a Chapter on Salvation, the gift and grace of GOD. JESUS is the confirmation of the will of GOD that all men be saved and their house. JESUS made the way for us to be reconciled to GOD and He tasted death so that we might not die, but have everlasting life.

JESUS confirmed the will of GOD and signs and wonders; healing and miracles confirm the truth that what JESUS said is true. We also have that confirmation when we proclaim the Gospel, signs and wonders, healing and miracles follow those who minister in His Name.

Notice the last words of this verse in Hebrews "according to His own will". It is the will of GOD that causes the Great outpouring of the Holy Spirit for the conversion of souls to JESUS. The whole Godhead is at work in power to bring to Salvation, whosoever will come. This is the great desire of GOD and it is the great desire of all who love and follow the LORD. Signs and wonders, miracles and healing will support and confirm the Gospel Message.

RENEW, NOW, YOUR PASSION FOR LOST SOULS TO BE SAVED

Sunday, January 22, 2012

MIRACLES DO HAPPEN

I CORINTHIANS 12:28
And GOD hath set some in the Church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers; after that miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, governments, diverse tongues.

MIRACLES ARE FOR TODAY AND HAPPEN

What is a miracle? I have heard one definition of a miracle: "It is GOD creating something new, where before there was nothing." I like that definition, because the focus is in the right place, on GOD. GOD, alone, performs miracles. He may use a person as a vehicle of His power, flowing out of Him through them to the person in need, but ALL MIRACLES COME FROM GOD.

The greatest miracle of all, is the miracle of Salvation. To be born again is really
an awesome miracle, a demonstration of the Grace of GOD. I love the saying: "we had a debt we couldn't pay; JESUS paid the debt He didn't owe." JESUS bought us back from death, He laid down His life so that we might be reconciled to GOD through his Blood. We, who are born again, have received the greatest miracle there is, a new life in Christ JESUS.

Miracles do happen, many souls are born again today and every day. If one of the readers of this blog is not born again, come to JESUS and receive your miracle. "Believe on the LORD JESUS Christ and you shall be saved, and your house." Confess JESUS as your LORD, and believe in your heart that GOD raised Him from the dead; confess your sins unto almighty GOD and He will forgive you all your sins; yield your life to the only one who is trustworthy to keep, in total safety, that which you have committed unto Him. JESUS is LORD of all, trust in Him and be safe and secure forever in His Love.

SALVATION IS THE GREATEST MIRACLE FROM GOD

Friday, January 20, 2012

WINNING SOULS

The Acts 16: 30b-32
What must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the LORD JESUS Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spoke unto him the Word of the LORD, and to all that were in his house.

PRAY FOR A DOOR OF UTTERANCE TO OPEN AND SALVATION TO COME TO ALL IN THE HOUSE.

We are always to be aware, in season and out of season, for the door of utterance to open, signifying that the person is ready to hear the Good News. When the door opens, the ground has been prepared, by the Holy Spirit, to receive the Word of the LORD and be saved. It is the will of the Father that all people be saved. We are the life-line for that to happen.

I am inspired by these words to intensify my preparation of the Gospel message from the Word of the LORD, so that any time the question,"What must I do to be saved?" is asked, I will be ready with the answer. The answer is very simple and people who ask want a very profound and simple answer; "Believe on the LORD JESUS Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house."

We all want our household to be saved. We all want our friends to be saved. Do we want our enemies to be saved? GOD did, and so should we. "While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). We must love the enemies so much that we are ready to bring the Good News of the Gospel to them at any time. Remember, It is the will of GOD that all might be saved.

PRAY FOR THE DOOR OF UTTERANCE TO OPEN AND ALL PEOPLE HEAR THE GOOD NEWS AND BE SAVED. PRAY THIS DAILY.

Thursday, January 19, 2012

WINNING SOULS

MARK 4: 15
And these are they by the wayside, where the Word is sown; but when they have heard. Satan cometh immediately and taketh away the Word that was sown in their hearts.

PRAY FOR THE BINDING OF SATAN AND HIS ANGELS

It is very important that we bind the enemy from hindering the Word of the LORD from being planted in the hearts of people. Prayer plows up the ground and prepares the soil, so that the Word of the LORD will find a good home.

Verse 20 says: " And these are they that are sown on good ground; such as hear the Word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirty fold, some sixty and some an hundred". This is what happens when we pray before we speak. The Holy Spirit prepares the ground of the heart and the Word of the LORD finds a home.

When we hide the Word in our heart, the Holy Spirit can reach in a bring it forth when we need it most. I have had this happen many times in my life and I know that the more of the Holy Scripture that is hidden in the heart the more strength, wisdom, direction and comfort there is in the time of need. If the Word is not there, there is unnecessary suffering and anguish.

Pray that the Word of GOD read or heard will find a home in our heart, so that you and I will not sin against the LORD.

BIND SATAN FROM STEALING THE WORD OF GOD


Wednesday, January 18, 2012

WINNING SOULS

II Corinthians 4: 4, 5
In whom the god of this age hath blinded the minds of them who believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of GOD, should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ JESUS the LORD, and ourselves your servants for JESUS sake.

PRAY TO BIND AND CAST OUT SATAN AND HIS ANGELS

While I was reading the Gospel of John today, I came across a verse that sounds very much like what Paul said to the Corinthians. Here are the words of JESUS, speaking about the unbeliever being bound by satan: "he hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them."

The enemy of our soul, satan and his angels, are hard at work blinding the eyes and hardening the hearts of people, so that they will not be converted and healed by JESUS. We must join forces in prayer for the binding of the enemy and casting him out of our land, our community, our Church, our family and our own self. If we will pray this prayer daily, we will see the scales fall from the eyes of precious people and the hearts softened to hear the Word of the LORD and receive it with gladness.

LET US PRAY TOGETHER FOR BOLDNESS TO PROCLAIM THE GOSPEL AND TO BIND SATAN AND HIS ANGELS SO THAT LIVES WILL RECEIVE THE GOOD NEWS, BE CONVERTED AND HEALED.


Tuesday, January 17, 2012

WINNING SOULS

Ephesians 6: 19
And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel.

PRAY DAILY FOR BOLDNESS

I
n the next few days, I want you to pay attention to the call for daily prayer. Evangelism needs to be under-girded with deep prayer and alertness to the move of the Holy Spirit. In order for us to be effective in our witness to the gospel, we must speak without fear, speak the whole truth and be confident. We also need to speak in the timing of the LORD. He goes before us and prepares the heart of the ones who receive the Word, but we need to follow through with the giving if the Word in due season.

Evangelism is only effective, if the time is right for the planting of the Holy seed.
Pray for boldness and patience; watching always for the move of the Holy Spirit and the anointing of the time and the Word.

PRAY DAILY FOR BOLDNESS

Monday, January 16, 2012

WINNING SOULS

Matthew 6: 10
Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

JESUS gave us a pattern to pray the effectual and fervent prayer of a rightly related person. He showed us to pray for the Kingdom of Heaven and the earth be united as one. It is the will of the Father that all be saved. To that end, He had given us the "ministry of reconciliation, to wit, GOD was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself." He wants us and all our family, friends and acquaintances to be united with Him and not one be lost.

Yesterday, I mentioned that winning souls was a two sided coin: evangelism and prayer. Before we speak or act, we must pray for the Kingdom to GOD to come in earth as it is in Heaven. Pray that souls will open their heart to receive JESUS, His glorious Kingdom within their heart, and grow in grace and the love and knowledge of Him.

Tomorrow I will lay out 4 steps to pray daily for lost souls. These 4 steps will help prepare us for participating in a great revival of souls coming to Christ. When we pray, " Thy KINGDOM come, Thy will be done in earth as it is in Heaven" we are asking JESUS to act in a mighty way for the salvation of souls.
I pray, LET IT BE SO, LORD.

Sunday, January 15, 2012

WINNING SOULS

Psalm 2: 7, 8
I will declare the decree: The LORD hath said unto me, " Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession."

"Because the world and its inhabitants all belong to the LORD, He has the right to bequeath them to His SON."(Malbim) The only begotten Son of GOD; THE RIGHTEOUS ONE, is JESUS. It is the will of GOD that all be saved and that the earth be restored to the perfect place it was at creation, when GOD said, "It is good." This is why JESUS came, this is way JESUS died, this is why JESUS rose from the dead and is ascended to the right hand of the Father. This is the Father's love that all shall be saved. Read I Timothy 2: 4-6.

We play a big role in the restoration of souls to wholeness, by bringing the Good News of JESUS to all who come within our life. The WORD of GOD is a seed, which we can plant in lives, but there are two sides to the coin: one side is evangelism, bearing the good seed of the WORD; The other is prayer. We MUST PRAY EARNESTLY that the good seed of the WORD OF GOD will fall on good ground and bear a harvest unto salvation.

PRAY ACCORDING TO THE WILL OF GOD THAT HIS KINGDOM COME, HIS WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN

Friday, January 13, 2012

GROWING UP IN CHRIST-PART 2

I Peter 3: 8, 9
Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous, not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing, but on the contrary, blessing, knowing that ye are called to this, that ye should inherit a blessing.

We are called to love, compassion and to bless. This may sound simple, but under fire it is anything but simple. It is not easy to do good to those who do evil to you. It is even harder to bless those who despitefully use you and abuse you. However, the power of blessing brings with it the power of GOD to change hearts. We are called to bless and not curse. The LORD is not in the cursing; He is in the blessing.

Growing up in Christ requires a new way of thinking and responding; we are to love unconditionally, have compassion for all, have pity and be courteous, show hospitality and comfort. As we grow up in Christ, we become more like Christ, as He changes us more and more into His image.

Bless, knowing that you are called to this, that ye should inherit a blessing from GOD.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

GROWING UP IN CHRIST-PART 2

James 1: 22
But be ye doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

I found a note in my Bible from 1977, it says," works: doing the Word that the Word is made flesh and fulfilled by the power of the Holy Spirit." I stopped and pondered these words in the light of the James passage. When we are doers of the Word of GOD, the LORD is reaching out with His love to transform the lives and living within the reach of that Word. The Word of the LORD has power to change conditions and hearts.

When we are hearers of the Word only, it is similar to hoarding, you get so puffed up that you fail to see the power of the Word at work. JESUS, the WORD of GOD, became flesh and lived the Word, transforming the world by His Spirit . He came to reconcile the world to Himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. This is what we are commanded to do; to love one another and to live the Word in the midst of all people, reconciling them to GOD, through their confession of faith.

Ask yourself this question, "Is what I am about to do or am doing, in keeping with the Word of the LORD?" If you can't find a justification in the Scripture, DON'T DO WHAT YOU ARE THINKING OF DOING. Another way of saying it is, "LORD, CONFIRM OR DENY WHAT I AM THINKING OF DOING IN YOUR WORD."

Ask and you shall receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be open unto you. Do the WORD, that the WORD will become flesh and fulfilled by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

GROWING UP IN CHRIST-PART 2

PHILEMON verse 6 (NIV)
I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.

GROWING UP IN FAITH AND LOVE

So many times we get locked into thinking that we are saved and going to live with JESUS and that is the end of the story. Well it isn't the end, it is the beginning of the mighty work of GOD in the redemption of lost souls. Think about how many lives you touch in one day. Statistics reveal that each of us touches 100 people a day, just imagine if all 100 people in our day would hear the Gospel message through us, by our words and our work of love; 100 people per day, coming to the LORD. I think that would be called a revival.

Brothers and sisters, this is our mission in the new life of a born-again Christian. We are the hands and feet of JESUS, bearing the Good News to people everywhere. If we withhold this Good News from lost souls and they die, not knowing the LORD, we are withholding the life-line from a soul. Our duty is to spread the Gospel to every creature, giving them a glimpse of the beauty and goodness of GOD, Himself.

May we, like Philemon, open our heart and our home to bring good tidings to those in need of JESUS, and to strengthen the brethren as each one labors to reach lost souls.

When we share Christ with others, we grow and are strengthened our selves.


Tuesday, January 10, 2012

GROWING UP IN CHRIST-PART 2

Romans 5: 1-3
Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with GOD through our LORD JESUS CHRIST, by whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of GOD. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also, knowing that tribulation worketh patience...

As we grow in Christ, we will have tribulations, they are part of forming us into the image of Christ. Formation is essential in the growing process, just like school is essential in the formation of children. There are parts of us that need to be cut away, in order for us to bear fruit that is rich and succulent, attractive to those who are lost and crying out for help.

We are the witnesses of the grace of GOD; well formed life-lines so that many lives will be brought to JESUS. This is our task, this is our duty and this is why we are being formed in the school of the Holy Spirit. Be patient, GOD is not finished with us yet.

FORMED INTO THE IMAGE OF JESUS, BY THE GRACE OF GOD.


Monday, January 9, 2012

GROWING UP IN CHRIST-PART 2

Psalm 119: 67, 68
Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now have I kept Thy WORD. Thou art good, and dost good; teach me Thy statutes.

Part of growing up in Christ is the "walk through the valley of the shadow of death". We tend to skip along the road of life without a care in the world, happy little beings, without a desire for discipline. "GOD made me this way so He understands me, just the way I am." we tend to say, not thinking about the result of our actions upon others. THEN comes the time of affliction, and we realize that there is a profound seriousness to this life we lead in the LORD. GOD needs us to bear much fruit for others to come to Him and be saved, so He allows us to be humbled.

Remember Jonah, who refused to go to Nineveh? GOD had a plan for the people of Nineveh and He needed Jonah to be a key part of that plan, so Jonah had to be humbled in the belly of affliction, in order to be ready to bring the saving message to people that GOD loved.

If you are going through affliction right now, know that GOD is using this to bring about His plan in the life of you and others. Keep His WORD; pray without ceasing; draw near to GOD and He will draw near to you; get serious with GOD and keep His WORD; there is new joy awaiting you as you look to Him for the plan He has for you.

THE LORD IS GOOD AND DOES GOOD ALWAYS

Sunday, January 8, 2012

GROWING UP IN CHRIST-PART 2

LUKE 2: 52
And JESUS increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with GOD and man.

I
f JESUS grew in wisdom as He grew in stature, we need to grow likewise. How did He grow up? In the Word of GOD and nurtured by the Psalms. JESUS always took time apart to pray and listen to the Father. He practiced obedience to His earthly parents as a reflection of His obedience to His Heavenly Father. His wisdom came directly from the Father and so must ours.

JESUS yielded Himself to the Father, to such an extent that everything that the Father did, He did and throughout His life, He and the Father and the Holy Spirit were ONE. As in all relationships, we must practice. This is why we must pray without ceasing and watch for the LORD to arise and arise with Him; listen for JESUS to speak and do what He says to do.
FOR HIS HOLY NAME SAKE.

PRAY, WATCH AND LISTEN; THEN DO


Friday, January 6, 2012

GROWING UP IN CHRIST

I CORINTHIANS 4: 7
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of GOD and not of us.

There are days when I feel like a cracked pot, with all the contents pouring out all over the place. Well, this is not bad at all. The weaker we are in the flesh, the stronger the LORD is, people are touched by GOD when we are either cracked pots or are full to overflowing. We are vessels for GOD, cups of blessing from JESUS to this thirsty world. When we fully understand this, then the glory is given only to GOD by all who receive the blessing.

I want all of my days to ring with the sound of the music of the breath of GOD. I want His song to be heard from the corners of the earth; His love song for all people.

WHEN I AM WEAK, THEN HE IS STRONG.

Thursday, January 5, 2012

GROWING UP IN CHRIST

II Corinthians 3: 17, 18
Now the LORD is that spirit; and where the Spirit of the LORD is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror, the glory of the LORD, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the LORD.

GROWING UP IN THE IMAGE OF JESUS

It is very interesting to me that to grow up in Christ means to become more and more humble, meek and lowly. It really is growing into Christ, rather than growing up. Our world would have us believe that you have to work hard to win the favor of GOD. This is not so, we are to worship the LORD with our whole heart and trust Him. JESUS loves us and desires to have fellowship with us, so He is not far away, He is ever present.

The LORD does not bind us to tasks that are rigorous, all He wants is to love us. The more time that we spend in worship, prayer and meditation, the more we will be changed into the likeness of JESUS. The glory which is His, He gives to us by the work of the Holy Spirit of GOD. EVERYTHING that is necessary for us to grow into Him, He provides FREELY.

SIMPLY TRUST HIM WITH EVERYTHING - HE ALONE IS TRUSTWORTHY

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

GROWING UP IN CHRIST

Proverbs 13: 20
He that walketh with wise men shall be wise, but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

When you walk with another, you are moving toward the same goal. The sharing of wisdom builds up the soul and spirit of a person as they journey together. We choose our friends; we must choose wisely with whom we walk.

When the LORD chooses those who are our friends, and anoints them with words of wisdom for us, we grow in grace and love and knowledge of the LORD and our faith in Him is increased. This is why Paul admonishes us not to neglect our assembly together. There is strength in numbers and fellowship in the LORD builds up each member. Let our choice be, "LORD, you choose."

Shun the company of fools, they tear down what the LORD has built. They will tear up all the good things and leave the soul in destruction. It is our choice with whom we will be in fellowship, and walk together toward the high calling of GOD in Christ JESUS.

GUARD YOUR HEART AND MIND; CHOOSE THE WISE WITH WHOM TO WALK.

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

GROWING UP IN CHRIST

Psalm 92: 12-15
The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree; he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those who are planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our GOD. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing. To show that the LORD is upright. He is my Rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.

Psalm 1:3 says that the righteous, who do not walk in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of the scornful; but delight in the law (word) of the LORD are " like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bring forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." I am impressed by the fact that all of Scripture counsels us to "abide" in the house of the LORD. There is plenty of water there for growth and health; there is the atmosphere that is perfect for strength and vitality. It is the perfect place for a soul to grow straight and tall in the LORD.

Those who abide in the LORD and dwell in the House of the LORD, fear not, because the LORD is the "Rock and there is no unrighteousness in Him". To grow up into Christ, you must settle down and abide in the House of the LORD and flourish in the Courts of GOD.

Is this growth for us only, or is there more to this picture? We bear fruit so that others can eat and be saved. The lost and hungry souls, see the fruit of the life of a righteous person and are drawn to JESUS. Many people are saved by seeing glory being given to GOD and flowing from GOD, and are led to JESUS. What is the fruit? It is love, joy, peace, patience, goodness gentleness, meekness, faith and self-control; the fruit of the Holy Spirit of GOD, bursting forth in goodness and grace. People are watching, our life is a witness to the Love of GOD.

ABIDE IN JESUS; SERVE HIM WITH GLADNESS; WITNESS TO HIS UNCONDITIONAL LOVE AND GOODNESS.

GROWING UP IN CHRIST

Psalm 119:105
Thy WORD is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

For us to fully grow up in Christ, we must deepen our relationship with Him, feast on His WORD, and pray without ceasing. The WORD of the LORD is JESUS Himself; He is the Word made flesh. So, to deepen our knowledge and our intimacy in relationship with JESUS, we must read and meditate on Holy Scripture. "Be still and know that I AM GOD", says the LORD, stillness and meditation on the Word of God, brings a deeper and more abiding relationship with JESUS.

I love the image of the lamp and light in this verse from the Psalms. If we are to walk the path of the LORD and follow Him along the road of glory, we need Him as our Light and the lamp of His WORD. He has given to us His Holy Spirit to bring understanding of the Word, we are charged with the duty to keep our lamp clean and burning, and to follow the True LIGHT, JESUS.

The parable of the Ten Virgins is instruction for us as we walk the path of life, looking to JESUS the author and finisher of our faith. The five who ran out of oil, did not nurture the life of the Holy SPIRIT within them. They allowed the lamp to go out. While they were running around, trying to find more oil, the Bridegroom came and the door was shut. We must keep our lamps filled with fresh oil for the Light of Christ to burn brightly within us.

GROW IN GRACE, AND IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST. (2 Peter 3: 18)


Monday, January 2, 2012

RING IN THE NEW YEAR

Isaiah 43: 11-13
Ye are My witnesses, saith the LORD, and My servant whom I have chosen, that ye may know and believe Me, and understand that I AM He; before Me there was no GOD formed, neither shall there be after Me. I, even I AM the LORD, and beside Me there is no savior. I have declared and I have saved, and I have shown, when there was no strange god among you; therefore, ye are My witnesses, saith the LORD, that I AM GOD. Yea, before the day was, I AM He; and there is none that can deliver out of My hand; I will work, and who shall hinder it?

We begin this new year with these strong words from the LORD; I AM GOD; I AM HE; I AM THE LORD.

We are all thinking about what this new year will bring in the way of health, happiness and prosperity. Those questions find their answer in one person; GOD, the great I AM. All good things come from GOD and His goodness reaches out to all generations. He has a plan for this year, and that plan is to prosper and not to harm us. He is the one and only GOD. In Him there is abundant mercy, grace and love.

Begin today, to built up your relationship with the Holy ONE, who was and is and is to come, the Almighty GOD. None can deliver out of His Hand; He will work and who shall hinder it?

YE ARE MY WITNESSES, SAITH THE LORD

Sunday, January 1, 2012

WELL COME TO A NEW YEAR

ISAIAH 43: 18, 19
Remember not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I
will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.


WELL AND WHOLE, COME INTO THIS NEW YEAR

This morning I awoke to a glorious dawn. The darkness of the night season was ended by the coming of the light. The dawn burst over the mountains and the darkness gave way to the beams of golden glow. Where the light shone, darkness was gone and I had no desire to remember the night, because I was wrapped in the blanket of a golden morning.

This is a new year, 2011 is now past and 2012 has dawned. The LORD has promised to "do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it?" LOOK UP WITH HOPE IN YOUR HEART, THE KING, JESUS IS THE LIGHT THAT WILL END THE DARKNESS OF OUR NIGHT.

Keep watch and pray; be faithful to His WORD; love Him with all your heart; give to JESUS the honor due His Name and "sing a new song unto the LORD" He is going to make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

LOOK UP, YOUR REDEMPTION DRAWS NEAR.