Thursday, May 31, 2012

MEMORIAL DAY OF GOD

Exodus 12:23
For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when He seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the LORD will pass over the door, and will not permit the destroyer to come into your house to smite you.
 
Notice the word "permit", it is GOD who permits the destroyer to enter into the house to smite. When the LORD sees the blood, He remembers His Covenant with the people within the house and He prevents the destroyer from doing any harm to the inhabitants.
Likewise, when the LORD GOD sees the Blood of JESUS over the heart of the believer in JESUS, He passes over and will not permit the destroyer to hurt or harm a Child of GOD. We, who believe in JESUS, are under the protection of the Blood of JESUS. His Blood sealed the everlasting Covenant with GOD; a Covenant between GOD and JESUS, who is GOD. This Covenant will never be broken and those who are found within the shelter of the Blood, will be forever safe.
 
The LORD GOD is the GOD of life, not death. The death of the Egyptians was the act of the destroyer, who was released to bring death. This destroyer is none other than Satan, himself. When we are found in GOD, under the shelter of His protection, no thing can harm us.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

GOD'S MEMORIAL DAY

Exodus 12: 22
and ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the basin, and strike the lintel, and the two side posts with the blood that is in the basin, and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning.
 
SAFE IN THE HOUSE COVERED WITH BLOOD.
 
Hyssop is an interesting choice for the LORD to make. Hyssop, ezob in Hebrew, is a plant used as a sponge to take up a liquid. It became a symbol for spiritual purification from sin (Ps. 51:7). Hyssop was used to spread the blood and to wash away dirt with water in purification rites. Notice that when JESUS cried out that He was thirsty,  the drink offered to Him on the Cross was hyssop dipped in vinegar and put on a pole and lifted to Him.(John 19: 29, 30). This fulfilled the Scripture in Psalm 69: 21.

The Blood of the Lamb on the doorposts and the lintel marked the house of the  true believer, so that when the LORD would pass over the door, He would see the Blood and not permit the destroyer to enter the house. The Blood of JESUS on the door posts and the lintel of our heart and over our family gives the protection of GOD over the household. The destroyer, who is Satan, can not enter the house covered with the Blood of JESUS. He is prohibited from entering, by the command of GOD.

The words, "none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning." Speaks to me of the need to stay within the shelter of the Almighty. We can not come and go as we please and when we please, from the shelter of GOD. It is folly to think that once you have entered the protection of the LORD, that you can leave that protection and wander around in the devil's playground and when you get into trouble run for cover.  It is wisdom to stay within the protection of GOD and the Blood of JESUS forever.
 

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

GOD'S MEMORIAL DAY

Exodus 12: 21
Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said unto them, "Draw out and take you a lamb according to your families, and kill the passover"
 
THE LORD'S PASSOVER
 
For the rest of the week, I will be looking at Exodus 12: 21-27 as a foreshadow of the willing sacrifice of JESUS, our passover. I will also be looking at this as a glimpse into the depth of the meaning of Christian Communion.  Communion is one of the two Ordinances of the Church, the other is Baptism. These two were ordained by GOD to be continued until the day of His return.

In verse 21 of Exodus 12 we find Moses, the leader of the people, calling the elders of Israel, the leaders of the twelve tribes, together for the establishment of the ordinance proclaimed by GOD. He instructs them to "draw out" or select out of the fold, a lamb for every family, for every household. This lamb was to be killed and if a family did not have a lamb or could not afford to buy one, the people with lambs were to share their lambs with others. The importance of this word from the LORD was the foundation for the Passover mystery to unfold.

JESUS is the Passover Lamb that was slain for us, so that those who believe on His Name would be saved. GOD calls the elders of the Church to gather together every household and instruct them to REMEMBER THE PASSOVER OF OUR LORD BY REMEMBERING THE DEATH OF JESUS, OUR PASSOVER LAMB WITHOUT SPOT OR BLEMISH. (Exodus 12:5)
 
WE REMEMBER HIS DEATH; WE PROCLAIM HIS RESURRECTION AS WE AWAIT HIS COMING IN GLORY

THE MEMORIAL OF REDEMPTION

Exodus 12:14, 27
And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance forever... That ye shall say, 'It is the sacrifice of the LORD'S Passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when He smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses'. And the people bowed the head and worshiped.
 
THIS IS THE FEAST OF THE VICTORY OF OUR GOD!
 
The memorial Day of the redemption of the Children of Israel was celebrated in feast and remembrance of the way GOD delivered the children of Israel from the bondage in Egypt. They celebrated the Victory of our GOD. Passover is the celebration of Liberty from oppression and great darkness. 
 
When we take Communion, we are celebrating the Victory of GOD in the redemption of the world by our LORD JESUS Christ. The Passover was a fore-shadow of the willing sacrifice of JESUS, who is the Lamb of GOD slain for us and for all. We are under the same ordinance of GOD, to remember, to honor, to respect and to reflect on the mighty work of GOD in redemption. To remember that when the LORD GOD sees the Blood of His Son on the door posts of our heart, He passes over and does not permit the destroyer to enter into our home to kill, steal and destroy. We are safe under the cover of the Blood of the Lamb of GOD, JESUS Christ the LORD.
 
LET US REMEMBER AND CELEBRATE THE VICTORY OF OUR GOD IN 
HOLY COMMUNION 

Sunday, May 27, 2012

MEMORIAL-REMEMBER

John 15: 13
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
 
On May the 5th, 1866, the first flowers were placed on graves of the fallen Civil War soldiers. In 1868 the president declared  a Nation wide celebration called Decoration Day. On that day, friends and families of the fallen soldiers of war would place flowers on their graves in remembrance of their great sacrifice for the freedom of the Nation. Memorial Day is a time to respect our Military, honor them, remember the fallen and reflect on our freedom, bought with the price of blood. 

Those who fight for their country and for the good of people everywhere, are the personification of John 15:13. Their love and devotion to freedom and the end of tyranny speaks of the greater love which motivates "a man to lay down his life for his friends". In every country, there are men and women fighting for freedom and a peaceful life. Let us be sure to thank and honor them for their devotion.

For this week we will look at the memorial and remembrance of GOD who sent His Son to be the Great Soldier of GOD; laying down His life for the freedom of all humankind.

CELEBRATE THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO BOUGHT OUR FREEDOM WITH THEIR OWN BLOOD. LET US HONOR THEM, RESPECT THEM, REMEMBER THEM AND REFLECT ON THEIR SACRIFICE.

Friday, May 25, 2012

BELIEVE AND SEE A MIRACLE

Mark 11: 23, 24
Verily I say unto you, "Whosoever shall say unto this mountain, 'Be thou removed,' and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass, he shall have whatever he saith. Therefore, I say unto you, 'Whatever things ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them."
 
When we pray to GOD for a need, we should expect the miracle. This expectation is the breeding ground for miracles. Doubt and unbelief is the destroyer of miracles. JESUS could not work wonders in His own town because of unbelief. Double-mindedness, cancels miracles, so it is for this reason that JESUS would ask doubters, unbelievers and the double-minded to leave the house or area before He worked His great wonders. 
 
Many people ask why we are not seeing miracles today like were seen in the time of JESUS and the Apostles. Could the answer be that the fear of disappointment is being sown in our minds, so we ask GOD, not in faith believing, but in order to see if "it works". Well, GOD does not play games with His Children. When He says that He will do something, He will do it.
 
Read the Scripture and see how many times GOD worked His wonders, because a person asked in faith, believing. The track record of GOD is 100% and He always gives His gifts with an overflow of abundance. Remember these words of JESUS, "Whatever things ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them."   I learned this phrase when I was very young, "I believe it, I receive it, that settles it." AND ALL THE GLORY GOES TO GOD THE FATHER THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.
 
I BELIEVE IT, I RECEIVE IT, THAT SETTLES IT.

GOD IS ABLE, GIVE HIM GLORY

Ephesians 3:20, 21
Now unto Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us. Unto Him, be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
 
GOD IS ABLE 
 
The Apostle Paul  takes a "praise brake" in the middle of His letter to the Ephesians. He praises GOD for His faithfulness and His ability to answer prayer above all that he could ask or imagine. Paul is filled with the Holy Spirit as he extols the greatness of the LORD. Look with me at the statement "GOD is able"

Paul says, "GOD is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think". When we ask the LORD in prayer, we are giving to Him permission to act on our behalf. Let's look again at the widow who had a debt she couldn't pay. She asked the Man of GOD for help and he asked what she had in her house. When we give to GOD what little we have in our hand, He will take it and magnify that little bit into great abundance, because we asked Him and because He loves us. Yes, LOVE is the key. He loves us first and our love is our response to His great love. His love gives abundantly and exceedingly more than we can ask or imagine. 

I am sure that the widow and her sons thought that the request from the man of GOD to collect oil vessels, was strange. Yet, they were obedient and collected as many vessels as they could find. Then they "shut the door", so that only those who believed in the power of GOD were within the house. Then then poured out the oil and there was overflowing abundance. There was so much oil that the widow and her sons had enough to sell and pay their debt, plus live off the oil for themselves. 

Think about this also, there was a great famine and drought in the land of this "certain woman" and her sons. When the oil was filling the jars and the woman sold the jars of oil to pay her debt, she was providing oil for other families who were crying out in their need to GOD. So GOD was not only providing for this "certain woman" but for her neighbors. When GOD does wondrous things, in great abundance and far more than we could ever ask or imagine, He wants us to give in love as He has given to us. When He puts abundance in our hand, our hands become His supply for others. 
 
GOD IS ABLE, GIVE HIM THE GLORY FOR ALL THAT HE HAS DONE IN HIS ABUNDANT LOVE FOR US.


Wednesday, May 23, 2012

CERTAIN PEOPLE

Luke 1: 37
For with GOD, nothing shall be impossible.
 
"Certain people" know this to be true, that nothing is impossible with GOD.  Certain people will not limit GOD in their thoughts or in their belief; they hang on the word, "nothing". I had a friend who used to say that "nothing" really was "no thing". People who are certain about GOD will confess eagerly that no thing is beyond the reach of GOD'S Hand; His arm is not shortened. 
 
The question is, Are YOU certain? Think about it, are you certain that GOD heals today? Are you certain that He responds to you as a loving father to His child? Are you certain that whatsoever GOD does is perfect? Are you certain that JESUS is GOD? Are you certain that the Word of GOD is infallible, inspired by GOD? Are you certain that what JESUS says He will do? Are YOU certain? Then you are part of a very large family of certain people; certain that GOD is GOD. 

GUARD YOUR HEART AND SHUT THE DOOR TO ALL WAVERING AND UNBELIEF.
BE CERTAIN PEOPLE

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

CERTAIN PEOPLE

Acts6:1-4
And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.
Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, "It is not fitting that we should leave the Word of GOD, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look among you for seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the Word."

CERTAIN MEN AND CERTAIN WOMEN

The disciples were men and women who were certain about their commitment to GOD and to His Word. The Grecians were concerned for the widows and they expressed their concern to the twelve Apostles. Notice the resolution of the problem; the Apostles appointed seven "certain men" who were honest, filled with the Holy Spirit and with wisdom to minister to the needs of the widows and the entire community; the Apostles committed themselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word. 

It is very clear that the LORD is very concerned about individuals. Each person is special in the sight of GOD, set apart for special grace and mercy.  Widows and orphans were often mentioned in the Scripture as being in need of special attention from the community. They were considered "certain woman and certain orphans" whom GOD wanted and wants  to be treated in a very special way. 

In the culture of today, we tend to lose sight of the preciousness of the individual, that each person is made in the likeness and image of GOD so they deserve our attention and care. It is also true that we, as individuals, are not called to do all things, but only those things that we are specifically called, by GOD, to do. There are different gifts given to each of us and if we are faithful to our calling, all the needs will be met. The Apostles were called to prayer and the ministry of the Word; the seven were called to servant ministry, meeting the physical needs of the community. Others were called to be the body of volunteers, pitching in where needed.  ALL WERE CERTAIN PEOPLE, WHOM GOD PLACED IN THAT MOMENT OF TIME TO DO HIS WILL.
 
We are all special, certain men and women, where has GOD called you to work out your life in Him?

Monday, May 21, 2012

CERTAIN PEOPLE

DEUTERONOMY 28: 13, 14
And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath. If thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy GOD, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them. And thou shalt not go aside from any of the words which I command thee this day, to the right hand or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them.

"Certain people", the people who are certain that the LORD GOD is the One GOD, will strive to follow the LORD and obey what He commands.  There are certain blessings attached to being faithful "certain people". Included in these blessings are, that you will always be the head and not the tail, because the LORD said so; above only and not beneath. The condition for receiving the rich blessings of GOD is that He alone be glorified and His commandments followed faithfully. 
 
Do you ever feel that you are losing ground in your life? Do you feel that you are not able to move ahead? Do you feel inferior to others? Then look deeply into the Word of the LORD and you will find that, in Christ JESUS you will gain all the promises of GOD; you will leap ahead in your life and you will know the joy of being the "head and not the tail".
 
I am reminded that JESUS followed all the commands of His Father and never turned to the right or to the left. He observed all the commandments and did them. Now, through JESUS, we are not under the law, but under grace. Now, it is out of love for GOD that we observe what He commands, and we do what He says. When we fail to do all that He commands, we have an Advocate who bestows the grace of forgiveness to us.  We are never the tail, we are only the head, because of the Grace and mercy of GOD for His children whom He loves and who love Him.
 
The new commandment, sealed with the Blood of JESUS is to Love as He loved and do as He did. Love the LORD GOD with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets. GOD spoke the law of Love in Deuteronomy 6: 4, 5. His Law of unconditional Love has never changed, it has only become stronger. JESUS was the personification of the Law of Love and He fulfilled all of the Law through His life. Grace, mercy and unconditional love is the embrace of GOD around our heart.

Sunday, May 20, 2012

CERTAIN PEOPLE

I Peter 2:9, 10
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a people of His own, that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who in time past were not a people but are now the people of GOD, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.
 
CERTAIN PEOPLE ARE BECOME THE PEOPLE OF GOD.
 
When I speak of "certain people", I am not being selective or discriminatory; I am speaking about people who are certain about GOD.  Are you certain that GOD is GOD alone and is able to love unconditionally? Are you certain that GOD will supply all your needs, according to His riches in Glory in Christ JESUS?Are you certain that JESUS came in the flesh, suffered, bled, died, rose again and is seated at the Right Hand of the Father making intercession for us always and perfectly? Are you certain that we have redemption and the remission of sin through the Blood of JESUS? Are you certain.....? If you are certain, then you are part of the People of GOD; "a chosen generation, a royal Priesthood, an holy nation, a people of His own". 

Uncertain people are not connected to the community of the "certain people". It is often that JESUS would ask uncertain people to leave before He brought a miracle into the life of a person, because the uncertain person brought disbelief into the situation. "Certain people" believe that the LORD can do all things, above all that we can ask or imagine. "Certain people" know that the LORD will bring a person who is walking in darkness and the shadow of death into the glorious light of Christ and live. "Certain people" know that all things are possible to them who believe in JESUS. "Certain people" make up the People of GOD, a community of the faithful.

"CERTAIN PEOPLE HAVE BECOME THE PEOPLE OF GOD"

Friday, May 18, 2012

THE CERTAIN WOMAN

II Kings 4: 7
Then she came and told the man of GOD, and he said,"Go, sell the oil, and pay thy debt, and live thou and thy children on the rest."
 
THE PROVISION OF GOD
 
I am sure that the woman wondered how a little bit of oil could fill many vessels. I am also sure that the woman wondered how this miracle would help her in her time of need for money to pay her debt. Oftentimes, GOD uses unusual things to accomplish the request from a person. We remember Naaman who had leprosy and was told to go wash in the Jordan river seven times. He was angry at the instruction from the man of GOD, but went reluctantly and was cured. JESUS told the servants at the wedding feast to go and fill vessels with water when the wine had run out; the water was turned to wine of the finest sort. Moses was told to hit a Rock and the water came out, when he and the Children of Israel were in the desert. Afterward, Moses was told to speak to the rock and receive provision. The little boy's lunch of fish and bread fed 5, 000 men plus women and children. Think about how GOD used a little stick to bring about the parting of the Red Sea so that the Children of Israel could pass through on dry ground.
 
I see in these stories, and many more, that the LORD takes what is at hand and makes that a part of the miracle. Remember, in verse 2, the Elisha asked the woman what she had in her house? Well, all she had was a little bit of oil and GOD turned that little bit into enough to sell to pay off the debt and for the woman and her children to live on. 
 
What do you have in your hand that the LORD can use to bring forth the answer to your need? Are you limiting GOD by saying that what you have is too small? DON'T LIMIT GOD IN ANYTHING. Nothing is impossible with GOD.  

THE CERTAIN WOMAN

II Kings 4: 5,6
So she went from him, and shut the door upon her and upon her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured out. And it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, "Bring me yet a vessel." And he said unto her, "There is not a vessel more." and the oil stopped flowing.
 
DON'T LIMIT GOD  
 
There is a great lesson in this story, one which we have to learn in our life; DON'T LIMIT GOD.
The sons of this certain woman, a woman certain that GOD would act to meet her need, instructed her sons to go to the neighbors and collect empty vessels, as the man of GOD had instructed her to do. She obeyed GOD and His instructions through Elisha, but her sons were only following her instructions, so they found a few vessels from the neighbors. The belief of the woman was total, she acted on what was told her, without needing to know what GOD was doing. She trusted in GOD, who is limitless. Her sons trusted her and knew her limits, so they brought few vessels.

Jesus said to His Disciples,"With men it is impossible, but not with GOD; for with GOD all things are possible." (Mark 10: 27). Paul said, in his letter to the Ephesians,"Now unto Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us." (Ephesians 3:20). We limit GOD by our unbelief that He can do the impossible. There is a book called, "GOD loves the word Impossible" by Ann Kimmel, she stresses the fact that GOD will provide for His children, even in what seems to be the most impossible situations, just do what He says.

Notice in the story of the Certain Woman, that she went into her house and shut the door then started pouring the oil. She blocked out all the outside distractions and unbelief of others, so that she could focus on what GOD was doing. Ranchers put blinders on horses to keep them looking straight ahead; she shut the door to her house, so she and her sons could fix their eyes on GOD.

When there were no more vessels, the oil stopped. GOD will fill us with His provision to the limit of the empty vessel that we give Him. "We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of GOD, and not of us." (2 Corinthians 4:7).  The more empty our human vessel is, the more oil of the Holy Spirit and His provision, GOD can put into us. There is an old Hymn which says, "nothing in my hands I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling." It is in this degree of emptiness, that GOD will fill us to overflowing with the oil of the power of the Holy Spirit.

DON'T LIMIT GOD IN ANYTHING

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

THE CERTAIN WOMAN

II Kings 4: 4
And when thou art come in, thou shalt shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons, and shalt pour out into all those vessels, and thou shalt set aside that which is full.

THE SHUT DOOR

Why did the man of GOD instruct the "certain woman" to shut the door? It seems like a logical thing for a person to do when they are in their house, why is this important for GOD? 

I think that there is a meaning to this instruction which goes beyond the act of "shutting the door". I think that the LORD wanted this woman to focus on what the LORD was calling her to do and shut the door to all other thoughts or distractions. I am sure that she was wondering what this activity would accomplish in bringing help to her in her time of need. She needed financial help and protection for her sons from the creditors, how would empty vessels and a little oil help her?

When she "shut the door", she shut out all thoughts or comments by others about her trouble. She shut out the noise of the streets and the noise of distractions. She could only focus on the little oil and the vessels as she poured out her miracle.

We find the Word from the LORD to "shut the door" in the account of the Passover in Exodus 12: 22b, "and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning." This instruction was given so that the family would be kept safe in the shelter of the house with the blood on the door post. It would seem that the "shut door" is also a command from GOD for protection from evil.

This "certain woman" and her sons were in the process of a great miracle of GOD. She was so certain that GOD would act on her behalf that she obeyed the words of the man of GOD. Her focus was on the LORD and He would act on her behalf., protecting her sons in the shelter of His love.

Have you "shut the door" to the work and ways of evil? Have you put off the old man with its lusts, shutting the door to old ways of behaving? There are great miracles in store for you if you go into the House of GOD and shut the door to all the outside distractions; follow JESUS with great love and see Him restore the broken things in your life.

THE CERTAIN WOMAN

II Kings 4: 3
Then he said, "Go, borrow thee vessels from all thy neighbors, even empty vessels, borrow not a few."

This time was a time of great famine and drought in the land, there were many people who had empty vessels. The man of GOD instructs this "certain woman" to go and collect as many empty vessels as she could and bring them into her house. She did what the man of GOD said for her to do. 

When the LORD tells you to do something, even if it seems strange to you and to others, be OBEDIENT. The obedience that you give to the LORD will have a ripple effect, touching others and bringing them to the LORD. This "certain woman" touched many lives of her neighbors as she gathered empty vessels in obedience to the man of GOD. Don't you know that all the neighbors were watching as the miracle of the empty vessels unfolds?
The obedience of one person effects the lives of many people and all to the glory of GOD.

When the LORD says "Go" listen to Him and do what He says, many souls depend on the obedience of one. 
How do we know that the LORD is tell us to "go"? The discipline of prayer and worship of the LORD brings about a knowing of the voice of the LORD. When you know His voice, you will hear Him say, "go" or "come", and when you do, you will see the might work of GOD in your life.

DON'T LIMIT GOD; GATHER LOTS OF POTS; GOD WILL MEET YOUR NEED WITH OVERFLOWING.

Monday, May 14, 2012

THE CERTAIN WOMAN

II Kings 4: 2
And Elisha said unto her, "What shall I do for thee? Tell me, what hast thou in the house?" And she said, "Thine handmaid hath not anything in the house, except a pot of oil."

This "Certain woman" ran to the man of GOD with her need. It was a great need, which threatened her life and the lives of her children. When she asked the man of GOD for help, he wanted to know what she wanted him to do. When we go to GOD in prayer, asking for His help in our time of need, He wants us to be specific as to what we want him to do for us. I like to be specific about what I want to happen, but end as JESUS did in Gethsemane, "Nevertheless, not my will but Thy will be done." In all situations, God knows what is best for us.

Elisha asked this woman what she had in her house. At first she said that she had nothing, then she said that she had only a pot of oil. When we look around at our circumstances, at first we may not see anything that can be done. As we look closer, we see that there is a little thing that we can give to GOD, like this woman's pot of oil or the widow's mite or the widows last flour and oil. They gave it to GOD and He multiplied it to meet the need of the one who prayed.

I am reminded that it was a little stick that GOD used to part the Red Sea (Exodus 14: 16). GOD uses what is in your hand to work wonders on your behalf. Give what you have to GOD and He will take it and use it. Give all of your life to JESUS and He will work wonders in you forever and ever. 

WHAT IS YOUR NEED RIGHT NOW? RUN TO GOD AND GIVE HIM WHAT YOU HAVE IN YOUR HAND; WATCH HIM MOVE IN A MIGHTY WAY.

Sunday, May 13, 2012

THE CERTAIN WOMAN

II Kings 4: 1
Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, "Thy servant, my husband, is dead, and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the LORD; and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be slaves."

This "certain woman" was the wife of a member of the prophet line, who knew the LORD and spoke to the people concerning the work and way of the LORD. There is a play on words here that causes me to think about this woman; she was a particular/certain woman, who was married to a man who loved the LORD, and she was "certain" of her relationship with the LORD GOD. In her time of trouble, she went to the Prophet of the LORD, Elisha, for help in her time of need. In the time before JESUS, people went to prophets for prayer and intervention; because of JESUS and His mighty act of bridging the gap between GOD and man, through His willing sacrifice of Himself, we have access to the Throne of Grace, as "certain" individuals, where we will find grace and mercy from GOD.

This "certain woman" was in a big mess. The creditor had the right to take property and children to work out the debt owed by the husband. This would have left the woman on the streets and her children in slavery, there seemed to be no way out of her trouble. BUT GOD had a plan for her salvation from this mess; His plan was for her redemption from the debt. 

I see in this story a foreshadow of the redemption of us all by our LORD JESUS Christ. The world was in a terrible mess; men of GOD turned to Him for help; He sent His Son who paid the price for the world through His shed Blood. 

This week we will follow this "certain woman" to see how she followed the way of the LORD and prevailed in her time of need. If you want to read ahead, read II KINGS 4: 1-7. This will be discussed in the following days.

Saturday, May 12, 2012

REWARDS - CROWNS

James 1:12
Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he is tried, he shall receive the Crown of life, which the LORD hath promised to them that love Him.
 
THE CROWN OF LIFE
 
This is the crown that is given to all who love the LORD. If you are a believer in the LORD JESUS Christ, and love Him, you will be brought up to Him in the Rapture and there all works will be tried by fire. Even if none of the works survive the fire of the Holy Spirit, there is one Crown that you will receive, 
THE CROWN OF LIFE. 
 
The question remains, what do we do with the Crowns that we receive from the LORD? Revelation 4:10b and 11 give the answer: "The four and twenty elders fall down before Him that is seated on the throne, and worship Him that liveth forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne saying, Worthy art thou, O LORD, to receive glory and honor and power; for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created." 
 
We will have the honor of casting our crowns before the LORD and worship Him face to face. I like to look at this in this way; the Crowns are the Dowry of the Bride of Christ. All those who believe in JESUS and who love Him with all their heart, soul, mind and might, are part of the Bride of Christ and the Crowns that the Bride lays at the feet of JESUS, is the dowry. The wedding feast of the LAMB will follow, when JESUS and His Bride will be joined as One, forever.
 
What a glorious dowry JESUS will receive from His Bride! Gold, silver and precious stones given to the only one who is worthy to receive them, JESUS, the Only Begotten Son of GOD. For He alone is worthy to receive honor and glory and power. 
 

Thursday, May 10, 2012

REWARDS - CROWNS

I Peter 5: 2-4
Feed the flock of GOD which is among you, taking the over-sight of it, not by constraint but willingly; not for filthy lucre but of a ready mind. Neither as being lords over GOD's heritage, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a Crown of Glory that fadeth not away.
 
THE CROWN OF GLORY

This crown is given to those who oversee the flock of GOD. This would be the Pastors, Priests, Teachers and all staff persons who have been called by GOD and have responded willingly. The Flock of GOD is precious to Him and He places people,with great care, to lead and feed His flock. He is very particular what food His flock is being fed, so, by the Holy Spirit, He watches and anoints. The flock of GOD was bought with the price of the Blood of JESUS, so GOD wants the food to be the Word of GOD and the Body and Blood of JESUS in Holy Communion. 

It is vitally important that the service to the flock be willing and not dependent on remuneration. GOD will supply the needs of the flock, including the leaders. The leaders are never to lord it over the flock, but be a part of the spiritual growth of each person. They are to be good examples of living the life of diligent servants of GOD, so that those who follow them will receive proper guidance in living the Christian life. The leader should be meek, which means "teachable". Therefore, a good leader is always being taught by GOD through the Holy Spirit and His Holy Word. 
 
THE WORD OF GOD IS GOOD FOOD

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

REWARDS-CROWNS

I Thessalonians 2: 19, 20
For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our LORD JESUS Christ at His coming? For ye are our glory and joy.
 
THE CROWN OF REJOICING
 
The Crown of rejoicing is also know as the Soul-winners Crown. This is given to those who are faithful witnesses of JESUS Christ, bringing the lost to JESUS. They are co-laborers with Christ as life lines, cast out to those who are drowning in sin, bringing them to the safety of the presence of JESUS and are saved.
 
The souls who are living because of the witness of faithful people, will rejoice and be thankful that they are safe and saved from the wrath of GOD. They will become faithful witnesses to others because of your example. GOD rewards the faithful witnesses with the Crown of rejoicing.
 
Do you have a passion for lost souls? Do you pray for those who have lost their way and are looking for answers in this world? Have you ever prayed for those who have no intercessor? Do you pray for those in most need of the mercy of GOD? Then you are part of a team of soul-winners, the chief of whom is JESUS. 
 
PRAY WITHOUT CEASING FOR THE LOST SHEEP AND SHARE YOUR TESTIMONY 

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

REWARDS/CROWNS

2 Timothy 4: 7,  8
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the LORD, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing.

THE CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

When we think about fighting, we think about combat with fists and armor. The good fight that the Apostle Paul is talking about, is the struggle to maintain the discipline of a servant of GOD. The war is against the fleshly desires to overpower or defeat so we yield to GOD and put on the full armor of GOD and stand against the lure of the flesh. Paul knew that the only war was waged against the enemy of the soul, the devil. He said, "for we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."(Ephesians 6: 12). The discipline of a servant of GOD is strengthened by "loving His appearing". 

What is it about "love His appearing" that strengthens the Spirit of a person? Colossians 3:2 says, "set you affection on things above, not on things on the earth." Hebrews 12 : 2 finishes this thought, "Looking to JESUS, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the Throne of GOD." When we love His appearing, we are looking to JESUS, setting our affection on Him and are watchful, serving Him in all that we do; this defeats the devil and GOD is victorious. We must be alert for the time when He will gather up the Body of believers to Himself at the time of the Rapture, because we do not know the hour of His appearing, so we watch, serve and do those things that are pleasing to GOD with longing and great love for Him.

We must always be alert and watchful with great longing for the time when we shall see JESUS "face to face, and tell the story; SAVED BY GRACE." Those who love His appearing will receive the Crown of Righteousness, because they are "rightly related" to Him.

Monday, May 7, 2012

REWARDS-CROWNS

I Corinthians 9: 24 - 27
Know ye not that they who run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown, but we, an incorruptible. I, therefore, so run, not as uncertainly, so fight I, not as one that beateth the air; but I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection, lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway (unapproved).

THE INCORRUPTIBLE CROWN

This is the crown given to those who have fought the good fight and have finished the race that is set before them by GOD. This crown goes to those who practice a disciplined life; who take up their cross daily and follow JESUS. They "prefer nothing to Christ" and His work, His way and work come first. They are certain and sure footed in their walk with the LORD; not double-minded, doubtful, wavering to and fro, but faithful and settled in the way of the LORD. They look to JESUS for their life.
 
The crowns are given to those who believe in JESUS and are Raptured to be with Him in glory. Their service will be tried by fire and those unprofitable things will be burned up like wood, hay and stubble is burned to ashes. The profitable service of the LORD will  go through the same fire and will only be refined and purified. These crowns are given at the resurrection of the just, so they have nothing to do with salvation, all those judged are saved, because they have confessed JESUS Christ is LORD. Reward and crown has everything to do with the degree of service and the One being served.  All the service that will be rewarded is the faithful service of those who have yielded themselves to GOD as a living sacrifice. They will receive the incorruptible crown from the hand of JESUS with the words,
"Well done, good and faithful servant" 

REWARDS-CROWNS

Colossians 3:22-24
Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing GOD. And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the LORD, and not unto men, knowing that of the LORD ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance; for ye serve the LORD Christ.

We are servants of the LORD and it is unto Him that all things done in this earthly life. Why we do what we do when we do it, is of great importance to GOD, others and our self. Let me explain that statement: When we do something it has implications, either negative or positive. Our choices effect a multitude of people and our words plant seeds in other lives. If we do something unto the LORD, He acts through us with mercy and grace and the effect is love. When the love of GOD is poured out from the source of Love, GOD, many are served, healed, restored and blessed, including our self. The glory goes to the LORD.

When the believers in JESUS Christ are raptured into heaven, there will be a time of judgment and the giving of rewards for those things done in the flesh. The things that are done for the glory of self will burn up in the fire of the Holy Spirit. These things are like wood, hay and stubble, which burn easily. What will survive the fire are those things which have been done "heartily, as unto the LORD" these things are like gold, silver and precious stones.

The LORD will give crowns to those who have believed on His Name and have been faithful to Him. There are 5 crowns that the LORD will give to believers at this judgment of the just. In the following days, we will discuss the 5 crowns: Incorruptible crown; crown of righteousness; soul winner's crown; crown of glory and the crown of life. 

Finally, we will discuss what we do with the crowns that we receive. Do they belong to us? or do they belong to JESUS?
 
 


Friday, May 4, 2012

COMING OF JESUS

Matthew 16: 27
For the Son of Man shall come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He shall reward every man according to His works.
 
JESUS, the Son of Man, came, He comes and He will come in the glory of His Father with His angels. JESUS came as a man, filled with the Holy Spirit; JESUS comes every day in the glory of the Father to each of us; JESUS will come in the glory of the Father with His angels and He will have rewards with Him. The rewards will be given to the faithful, believers who are obedient, humble and listening/watching for Him. 
 
It is important for us to be intentional about our life in Christ. Matthew 16:26 says this, "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" The life of a believer in JESUS is very serious; not to believe in Him is death; not to obey Him is folly. We must watch and listen for Him, helping others to follow Him and be saved.  JESUS is the great lover of our soul and He wants all to come to Him and live.

Thursday, May 3, 2012

RESURRECTION OF THE JUST

Luke 14: 13, 14
But when thou givest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame and the blind, and thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee; for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.

Throughout the Scripture, the LORD is calling all of us to be hospitable to the poor, sick, lame, blind and all those who can not repay a kindness. Hospitality, kindness, generosity and unconditional love are attributes of GOD, Himself. When we are welcoming to everyone, we become the open arms of GOD, reaching out to embrace all people. GOD is no respecter of persons, all are equal in His sight; therefore, we should be like Him.

JESUS was teaching a way of living that pleased the Father. The Father GOD is open to all who come to Him for help. The poor, maimed, lame and blind call out to GOD for their life; JESUS is reminding us that we are part of GOD'S provision for them. JESUS is their life.

What is the Resurrection of the Just? The word "just" stands for the larger word, "justified", which means to make right or righteous. Justification is a mathematical term used in balancing numbers. Justification of individuals was made possible by the willing sacrifice of JESUS on the Cross, when He took our sins upon Himself and blotted out our iniquity by His shed Blood. The Blood of JESUS, poured on the Mercy Seat in Heaven's Temple assures our justification, or right standing with GOD. Through JESUS we are justified; made righteous.

The Resurrection of the Just is the Resurrection of the believers in JESUS Christ. It is a resurrection into LIFE and the works which have found favor with  GOD will be rewarded with crowns.  I believe that these Crowns are to be given to JESUS who is the one who does GOOD WORKS through us. In any case, the Crowns belong to JESUS who alone is worthy to receive honor, glory, power and blessing.

JESUS said, "I AM the resurrection and the life; he that believeth in Me shall never die. Believest thou this?"

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

ACCOUNTABLE TO GOD

I Corinthians 6:19,20
What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom ye have of GOD, and ye are not your own? For ye were bought with a price; therefore glorify GOD in your body and in your spirit, which are GOD'S.
 
YOU BELONG TO GOD 
 
GOD has chosen you to be His own and He intentionally bought you back from the prison of sin by the Blood of His own Son, JESUS. A Temple is designed for worship and glorifying GOD, therefore, we are to intentionally focus our life on worship and praise of GOD and bringing Him glory. 
 
We belong to GOD; He created us in His image, He sustained us by great sacrifice, He prepared the way for us to live in His Kingdom forever. We are accountable to Him for all of our life. In His mercy, He has enabled the Holy Scripture to be written for our good; we must read it in order to know how to live the life that is pleasing to GOD.
 
When we go to be with JESUS, and are presented before the Bema Seat of Christ, those things which are pleasing to the LORD will survive the fire of the Holy Spirit and will be the evidence of our faithfulness to Him. Our greatest reward will be His favor and blessing.

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

FOUNDATION - JESUS

I Corinthians 3: 11-15
For other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which is JESUS Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood hay stubble - every man's work shall be made manifest; for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall test every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built upon it, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss; but HE HIMSELF SHALL BE SAVED, YET AS BY FIRE.
 
When the believer in JESUS appears before the Bema seat of Christ, their works will be judged by the fire of GOD. Wood, hay and stubble will quickly burn, but gold, silver and precious stones will not burn, they only melt and harden. The reward is in the hand of JESUS and He will give crowns to those who have built on HIM with gold, silver and precious stones. Gold, silver and precious stones stand for those works which are in and of JESUS Christ. The believer preaches, teaches, and lives according to the way and work of the LORD JESUS. Wood, hay and stubble represent those who build on the foundation, JESUS Christ,  those things which depart from the mind of Christ and His Holy Word. It is also true that gold, silver and precious stones are works which JESUS, by His Holy Spirit, does through the believer ( sometimes unknown to the instrument of His work). Wood, hay and stubble are works done by the person in their own strength.
 
When the day of judgment comes for the believer, the fire of the Holy Spirit will try all the works of man and burn up the unworthy works so that a person only brings to JESUS what has been refined by fire and is pure.  Those who carry the pure gold, silver and precious stones will receive a reward. Could this reward be the joy of giving to JESUS the highest and best? Could this be the dowry of the Bride of Christ brought to her Spouse, JESUS? Think about it. Wouldn't you love to give to JESUS gold, silver and precious stones out of your great love for Him?

If a person stands before JESUS without any gold, silver or precious stones, but stands on the foundation, which is belief in JESUS, they shall be saved and live with Him forever. Works do not bring salvation; belief in JESUS does.