Friday, June 29, 2012

CONQUER JERICHO

Proverbs 6: 2
Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.
 
WORDS ENSNARE OR LIBERATE
 
I am glad that we will be delving into this subject next week also. There is so much more that can be said about bringing down the walls of our Jericho. Jericho stood between the Children of Israel and the promises of GOD fulfilled in their lives. Jericho had been given into their hand by GOD; all they had to do is follow His instructions and the city was theirs.
Joshua was a devoted servant of the Living GOD, and he spoke the words that the LORD gave Him to speak. He spoke the promise of GOD to the people and led them according to the words from GOD. Joshua cautioned the people to be silent while walking around the walls of Jericho for 6 days, because grumbling and complaining would weaken their faith. They were to stay focused on the fact that GOD is faithful, therefore, they must have faith in GOD.
 
We can learn from this that our words can lead us into captivity by first ensnaring us in the net of negativity. Negativity weaves a tight pattern of doubt and unbelief that can lead us into walking away from the promises of GOD. Having walked away from GOD, we are taken captive by the enemy of our soul and are in deep peril. 8 of the 10 spies sent to evaluate the land of Canaan came back with a negative report; only 2 said, if GOD says it is ours we can take it. Those two men we Joshua and Caleb. Their words were full of faith in GOD; the other 8 were filled with doubt and fear.
 
We are defeated when we use our mouth to speak against the promises of GOD. We can be liberated by our words of honor, praise and thanksgiving for the victory that is ours in the LORD. The choice is ours; we can be trapped in the snare or dance freely in the promises of GOD.
 
WORDS ENSNARE OR LIBERATE US 

Thursday, June 28, 2012

CONQUER JERICHO

Joshua 6:11
So the ark of the LORD compassed the city, going about it once; and they came into the camp, and lodged in the camp.
 
WHAT WAS IN THE CAMP?
 
If you look at the beginnings of the journey to Jericho, you find that the camp was in Gilgal (Joshua 4: 20). What was in Gilgal? The twelve stones from the river Jordan to remind the people of the mighty work of GOD. The stones cried out, "GOD is faithful". Every morning Joshua would arise early in the morning (Joshua 6: 12). Why is this significant? because he wanted to get in total union with GOD before he led the march around the city of Jericho. Often times, it is recorded that JESUS arose early in the morning to pray so that all that He thought, said and did, was of His Father and not out of His own flesh. I believe that this is so for Joshua. Joshua had, within Him, "faith in GOD" because He knew that GOD is faithful always.
 
The twelve stones in Gilgal remind us that during our times of trouble, we must return to the place where we are reminded that GOD is faithful to us. Our Gilgal could be our home or our special place where we can pray and read the Word of the LORD. We receive strength when we remind ourselves that GOD IS FAITHFUL and His Word is True. We receive fresh manna from heaven when we come apart and be separate unto the LORD in worship of Him. We receive fresh anointing when we forget all that is behind and press toward the mark for the high calling of GOD in Christ JESUS. (Philippians 3:13,14).
 
GOD IS FAITHFUL; HAVE FAITH IN GOD
(THE TWO SETS OF TWELVE STONES TO REMEMBER THE MIGHTY WORK OF GOD.) 

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

CONQUER JERICHO

Joshua 6:9
And Joshua had commanded the people, saying, "Ye shall not shout, nor make any noise with your voice, neither shall any word proceed out of your mouth, until the day I bid you shout; then shall ye shout."
 
KEEP SILENCE
 
Joshua commanded the people to keep silence. Why did he do this? Because, murmuring, grumbling, complaining and questioning the leader was know to be a problem with the Children of Israel. In the wilderness, they complained as they walked, following the anointed leader of the people. They wished that they were back in Egypt; they wanted more water; they wanted bread; they wanted meat; they crumbled and gossiped; complained and questioned the sanity of the leadership, because they were miserable. So, Joshua commanded them to keep silence.
 
We need to understand that the way of the LORD will be unique for us; designed by GOD just for our situation. No one else will understand why we are doing what we are doing when we are obedient to GOD. The only word that should proceed out of our mouth is praise to the LORD for all that He has done, is doing and will do. Grumbling and complaining makes you miserable and makes the people around you miserable. Grumbling and complaining; murmuring and questioning plant the seeds of doubt and those seeds will grow in negative soil. Instead, plant the seeds of faith in GOD; you and others will grow strong in the LORD as you walk out your salvation with fear and trembling.

REMEMBER, GOD IS FAITHFUL

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

JERICHO CONQUEST

Joshua 6: 3-5
And ye shall compass the city, all ye men of war, and go round about the city once. Thus shalt thou do six days. And the seven Priests shall bear before the ark seven trumpets of rams' horns; and the seventh day ye shall compass the city seven times, and the Priests shall blow with the trumpets. And it shall come to pass that, when they make a long blast with the ram's horn, and when ye hear the sound of the trumpet, all the people shall shout with a great shout; and the wall of the city shall fall down flat, and the people shall ascend up, every man straight before him.

GO FORTH AND CONQUER

The LORD commanded the men of war and the Priests to do what He wanted them to do. The LORD called all of the Children to be obedient, with unquestioning faith in the Word of the LORD through Joshua. GOD was saying, in essence, "Do you trust Me?" He had said that He had given the city into the hand of the Children of Israel, the question remains, "Do you trust Me?"

In our times of trouble, the LORD has promised to deliver us from the snare of the fowler; He has promised to give us prosperity; to prosper us and not to harm us. Do you trust Him? Many people make the statement, "Who can I trust?" "Show me a person whom I can trust completely, and I will trust him." The trust issue is very strong in the lives of people and some never reach that place of trust in anyone. The question from GOD remains, "Do you trust ME?"

There is only One who will never let you down; One in whom you can put all your trust, His Name is JESUS. Proverbs 3: 5 and 6 says, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path." 

We are more than conquerors through JESUS Christ the LORD, He will direct our path to success, if we will trust Him with all our heart. JESUS can not lie or manipulate the truth, because HE IS THE TRUTH. What He says He will do, He will do. Do you trust Him?

GO FORTH AND CONQUER IN THE NAME OF JESUS; NOT BY MIGHT OR BY FORCE, BUT BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD. 

Monday, June 25, 2012

JERICHO CONQUEST

Joshua 6:2
And the LORD said unto Joshua, "See, I have given into thine hand Jericho, and its king and the mighty men of valor."
 
THE LORD SPEAKS
 
The key word in this verse is the word "see".  Can you "see" beyond your problem? Can you "see" the path of redemption? Can you "see" the promise of GOD fulfilled in your sight?
 
The mighty men of Israel were looking at the walled city of Jericho and they saw that they couldn't take the city. BUT GOD said that He had given the city, its king and the mighty men into their hands; they only had to look beyond the problem and "see" the path to the fulfillment of the promise of GOD.
 
In our life, there are walled cities of trouble that hold our focus. What GOD is calling us to do, is to "see" beyond the problem, follow the path of redemption and expect GOD to fulfill His promises. In the case of Joshua and the city of Jericho, the promise had already been given, "I have given into thine hand Jericho..." The promise was fulfilled in the spirit; Joshua and the Children of Israel would bring about the fulfillment in the flesh. 

When JESUS called Peter to come to Him on the water, Peter could walk on water until he looked at the storm. Likewise, if our focus is on the problems, we will sink; "see" JESUS and we will walk on water. All the promises of GOD are "yeah and amen".

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING AT, TODAY?

Sunday, June 24, 2012

JERICHO CONQUEST

Joshua 6:1
Now Jericho was securely shut up because of the Children of Israel; none went out, and none came in.

THE FORTIFIED CITY

Why was Jericho so tightly fortified? The people were afraid of the Children of Israel. Why were they afraid? They were afraid of the LORD. The people of Jericho had heard about the water of the Jordan heaping up so that the Children of Israel could pass through; they were afraid of the power of the GOD of Israel.

In our lives we have come across "fortified cities" of trouble. They are thick walled, impenetrable fortresses that stand in the way of us reaching the promises of GOD. It is interesting that, in order to get to Jerusalem (the city of promise) Jericho had to be conquered. In order for us to get to the fulfillment of the promise of GOD in our life, we, too, must conquer a "Jericho".

The troubles that are like Jericho, that stand in the way of GOD's promise to us, have within it great fear of the LORD. This trouble holds us captive by injecting us with terror. In order to liberate the soul from the blockade of a "Jericho", we must follow the plan given to Joshua for the conquest of the city of Jericho.

This week we will explore the way to defeat the fear and crumble the walls of those things that hold us captive. This is a powerful message for anyone who is caught in the rut of addiction, of any sort.

Friday, June 22, 2012

A CERTAIN MAN

I Timothy 2: 8
I will therefore, that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
 
PRAYER MOVES MOUNTAINS
 
This week, we looked at a "certain man named Cornelius", who was a devout man; GOD fearing, giving alms and praying always. In Acts 10:4b we find that his prayers and alms came up to GOD as a memorial. PRAYER IS POWERFUL.
 
What does prayer accomplish? Prayer unites man with the heart of GOD; prayer releases angels (acts 12: 5,7); prayer overcomes the enemy (Psalm 56: 9); prayer releases GOD's healing power (James 5:15); and prayer is effective and powerful (Acts 16: 25,26 and Acts 4:31). When we are united with the heart of GOD, the prayer of a righteous man avails much. The meaning of "righteous" is to be rightly related to GOD or united with His Heart.
 
I heard a dynamic preacher say this: "prayer is talking and listening to GOD on our knees, with our sleeves rolled up for action". When we pray in faith, believing that GOD will do what He says, then we will be ready for the action that He commands. 
 
ROLL UP YOUR SLEEVES, MEN OF GOD. GET ON YOUR KNEES AND BE READY TO SAY, "HERE I AM SEND ME."

Thursday, June 21, 2012

A CERTAIN MAN

Acts 10: 3, 4
He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day, an angel of GOD coming in to him, and saying, "Cornelius." And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, "What is it, LORD?" and he said unto him, "Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before GOD."
 
GOD CALLS US BY NAME
 
As I read the Scriptures, I am very aware that the LORD chooses to address "certain" people by their name. The LORD knows everyone by name and they are precious to Him. When the LORD sends a messenger/angel to a person, that person has been selected by GOD for a mission and is called by name. When you are studying the Word of GOD, notice how many times the LORD addresses individuals by their name. We are not just a blob on the face of the earth, we are called by name and are precious. The most important first step in the spiritual life of man with GOD, was that GOD gave man His Name.

Cornelius is afraid by the presence of the angel, but he addresses the angel as "LORD". Angels carry messages from GOD to man; they do not interpret the message or say things in their own words. Angels repeat what the LORD has said, to do otherwise would be wrong in the eye of GOD.

The angel's message begins with a blessing upon Cornelius, by telling him that his prayers and alms giving had come before the LORD. The LORD remembered the devotion of Cornelius and his family. In verse 2 of chapter 10 of Acts, we find that Cornelius was a devout man, a GOD fearing man, a giving man and a praying man. When GOD was looking for a "certain man" to accomplish His work, GOD looked at the devotion, the fear of the LORD, his alms giving and his prayers. GOD does not look at the status of a person, like the fact that Cornelius was a centurion, of the Italian Band and a gentile. GOD wanted a devout, GOD fearing man; who would give and pray.

GOD CALLS YOU BY NAME AND HE TAKES NOTICE OF YOUR DEVOTION TO HIM AND HOW YOU EXPRESS YOUR DEVOTION BY GIVING AND PRAYING

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

A CERTAIN MAN

I Peter 2:9
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.
 
CERTAIN MEN TESTIFY OF THE GOODNESS OF GOD
 
The LORD GOD has raised us up to be a chosen people, a royal priesthood and a holy nation; His very own people. Now we have a testimony of how the LORD has brought us out of the darkness into His eternal light.  We have a message to tell to the world, a message of the wondrous salvation for all who come to JESUS.

The time has come for "certain men" to rise up and proclaim the greatness of the LORD; to call all people out of darkness into the "marvelous light". "Certain men" of GOD need to open their mouth and speak to this world about the love of GOD for all humankind. A love so deep that JESUS suffered, bled and died for the way to be open .  "Certain men" are certain about the fact that JESUS is GOD incarnate, yet He suffered as a man and was raised again by His Father, GOD. GOD made a Covenant with man through His Son; therefore, the Covenant will never be broken, because GOD made it with Himself. "Certain men" have a passion for ALL to come to JESUS and through JESUS be born again into the family of GOD.

"We are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a people of His own" Let us, therefore, "show forth the praises of Him who hath called us out of darkness into His marvelous light."
 
"RISE UP, O MEN OF GOD! HAVE DONE WITH LESSER THINGS. GIVE HEART AND SOUL AND MIND AND STRENGTH TO SERVE THE KING OF KINGS. "


Tuesday, June 19, 2012

A CERTAIN MAN

Philippians 3: 20, 21
 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we look for the Savior, the LORD JESUS Christ, who shall change our lowly body, that it may be fashioned like His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself.
 
"A CERTAIN MAN STANDS UP FOR A CERTAIN GOD WITH A CERTAIN MESSAGE"
 
We long for the day when the men of GOD will stand up for the full Gospel of JESUS and proclaim Him LORD. We, the citizens of heaven, are looking for the LORD JESUS to arise in the heart and mind of men of GOD; certain men who are filled with GODLY righteousness. We long for the day when the lie will be rejected and truth will be the hallmark of our society; when men and women will learn to "speak the truth in love" and respect the dignity of every human being. We long for the day when the prayer,"Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." will become a reality in every corner of the earth.
CERTAIN MEN, ARISE! STAND UP! TAKE YOUR PLACE AS AMBASSADORS OF THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. BRING THE MESSAGE OF RECONCILIATION, THAT GOD WAS IN CHRIST RECONCILING THE WORLD UNTO HIMSELF. BE STRONG AND DO IT.
 
 

Monday, June 18, 2012

A CERTAIN MAN

II Corinthians 6: 17, 18,
Wherefore, come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the LORD, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the LORD Almighty.
 
CERTAIN MEN ARE STRONG IN THE LORD
 
It is vital for a strong relationship with GOD, that there be no idols or sinful way in a life. The way to break addiction to things that are unclean and ungodly, is to "come out from among them and be separate". Men/women who are certain about their relationship with the LORD will make a stand against that which is evil; they will not touch any unclean thing. Why will certain men/women decide to forsake the wicked way? The answer is very clear, certain men/women LOVE THE LORD AND DO NOT WANT TO OFFEND HIM.
 
The LORD honors those who come out from among the wicked by bringing them into close fellowship with Him. He says, "I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the LORD Almighty."
 
CERTAIN MEN LEAVE THE WAY OF THE WICKED AND ARE RECEIVED INTO THE FAMILY OF GOD.
 
  

Sunday, June 17, 2012

THE CERTAIN MAN

Acts 10: 1,2,
There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian Band, a devout man; and one that feared GOD with all his house, who gave much alms to the people, and prayed to GOD always.

CERTAIN MEN; DEVOUT MEN

We spoke, the week of Mother's Day, about a Certain Woman who was devout. Now we are looking at a Certain Man, Cornelius, who is a devout Gentile, Roman centurion of the Italian Band.

The account of Cornelius marks the beginning of the Gospel going to the Gentiles, foreigners, and strangers, thus bringing them into the fellowship of the saints and the household of GOD. The LORD anointed this "certain man" to be the door through which many would come to know JESUS. It is important for us to know the characteristics of this "certain man" so that we can grow in our relationship with the LORD.
1. Cornelius was devout. He was certain that the LORD GOD was GOD in deed and in truth; he worshiped the LORD together with his whole household.
2. Cornelius was a God fearing man. He worshiped the LORD in great humility and obedience.
3. He was a giving man. Cornelius gave alms to the poor in abundance and was known for his generosity.
4. He was a man of prayer. He prayed always unto the LORD.

We can learn from this that the LORD honors those who honor Him and He uses, in a mighty way, those who are serious about their relationship with GOD. Men who fear the LORD and inspire their family to fear the LORD; who give alms to the poor and have compassion on those in need; and who pray without ceasing, are vessels for the mighty work of GOD to be seen. Certainly in the life of Cornelius, this is true, because his devotion to GOD opened the door for the LORD to bring the Good News of GOD in Christ JESUS to the Gentiles, foreigners and strangers. As we look at this, we see that great things happen through devout, "certain men".

Friday, June 15, 2012

TALKING STONES

Luke 17: 5
And the Apostles said unto the LORD, "Increase our faith".
 
GOD IS FULL OF FAITH; HAVE FAITH IN GOD
 
The word "faithful" has always carried a meaning for me, "full of faith". When something is full, there is no room for anything else; GOD is full of faith, therefore He does not question or doubt, He just does what is right. When we give back to GOD that gift of faith which He gives us, He fills us more and more with His faith until we are "full of faith" or "faithful" as He is faithful.
 
When the Apostles asked the LORD to increase their faith, they were confessing a lack of faith within themselves. They were asking the right person to increase their faith, because JESUS is the one who imparts faith by the Holy Spirit. They were incorrect in assuming that they did not have enough faith. When GOD gives a gift, He gives it in abundance, not in small measures. To access the gift to the fullest, one must BELIEVE THEY HAVE IT.
 
In the next verse JESUS says that if they had faith as a grain of mustard seed, they would say to the sycamore tree be uprooted and thrown in the sea and it would happen.  The grain of mustard seed is very small, but when put in the ground (planted) it grows into a big tree. What JESUS is saying is, you have all you need, now plant it and watch it grow. Use what you have and you will see abundance.
 
Faith is the visible stone which contains the invisible rock. Both the visible and the invisible cry out:
GOD IS FAITHFUL; HAVE FAITH IN GOD 

Thursday, June 14, 2012

TALKING STONES

Hebrews 10:23
Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering (for He is faithful that promised).
FAITH HONORS GOD; GOD HONORS FAITH
A very strong, devout, Christian asked me this question,"From where does faith come?" Faith is part of the fruit of the Spirit, therefore, it comes from GOD. When we exercise our faith, we are strengthening the gift given to us by GOD. When we "hold fast" to our faith, we are holding fast to GOD, clinging to Him, not ourselves. Notice the words "profession of our faith", we are to speak faith to others, so that we and they will be strengthened in the love and knowledge of the LORD. So, "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering" people are watching and their faith from GOD will increase or decrease as they watch.
FAITH HONORS GOD
Enclosed in the brackets are key words for us to hear, "for He is faithful that promised."GOD is faithful, He always keeps His promises; when He says something, He will do it. Faith comes from the Father of faith; belief is our response to Him. GOD is faithful, so we proclaim faith in GOD. Our faith honors GOD;
GOD HONORS FAITH
I leave you with this question from Jesus in Luke 18: 8; Nevertheless, when the Son of Man cometh, shall He find faith on the earth?   Let that question sink into your heart. When JESUS comes, will He find you professing faith in Him?



Wednesday, June 13, 2012

TALKING STONES

Joshua 4: 9
And Joshua set up twelve stones in the midst of the Jordan, in the place where the feet of the priests who bore the ark of the covenant stood; and they are there unto this day.
 
THE HIDDEN STONES
 
There are two sets of twelve stones: one set of twelve were carried into the promised land as a visual reminder of the fact that GOD IS FAITHFUL; the second set of twelve were piled up in the middle of the Jordan, where the Priests, who bore the ark of the covenant, stood firm. These stones were covered up by the water of the Jordan when it returned to its normal course. These are the invisible stones which cry out, HAVE FAITH IN GOD, BECAUSE GOD IS FAITHFUL.
 
Not much is said about the hidden stones, but for us, there is a great message: speak to the mountains and have faith that GOD is faithful to remove those mountains of trouble and cast them into the sea of forgetfulness. DO NOT WAVER OR DOUBT. The hidden stones are crying out in our heart, HAVE FAITH IN GOD. The visible stones are crying out, GOD IS FAITHFUL. Do you believe it? Then exercise your faith in GOD.
 
HAVE FAITH IN GOD, BECAUSE GOD IS FAITHFUL

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

TALKING STONES

Joshua 4: 20-24
And those twelve stones, which they took out of the Jordan, did Joshua set up in Gilgal. And he spoke unto the children of Israel, saying, "When your children shall ask their fathers in time to come, saying, 'What mean these stones?' Then ye shall let your children know, saying, 'Israel came over this Jordan on dry land.' For the LORD your GOD dried up the waters of the Jordan from before us, until ye were passed over, as the LORD our GOD did to the Red Sea, which He dried up from before us, until we were gone over; that all the people of the earth might know the Hand of the LORD, that it is mighty, that ye might fear the LORD your GOD forever."

GOD IS FAITHFUL ALWAYS IN ALL WAYS

The visible twelve stones were a reminder and a teaching tool for future generations. Joshua gives to the people the words to say to their children, so that their children, when they asked, would hear and understand the fact that GOD IS FAITHFUL ALWAYS. This is the substance of Oral Tradition; the stories of the mighty acts of GOD and the evidence of that story in visible form. The reason that Joshua was commanded by GOD to tell the people these things is found in the last verse of Chapter 4, "that all the people of the earth might know the Hand of the LORD, that it is mighty, that ye might fear the LORD your GOD forever." GOD IS FAITHFUL and He wants everyone to know that, so that they will put their trust in Him, follow Him and obey His voice.

There are 5 evidences of the faithfulness of GOD: 1. GOD is faithful by nature (Deuteronomy 7:9); 2. GOD is faithful by His Name (Revelation 19:11); 3. GOD is faithful by JESUS (I Corinthians 1:9); 4. GOD is faithful by ability (I Thessalonians 5:24); 5. GOD is faithful by the Blood (I John 1:9).

When we read the Holy Scripture, we find many stories of the mighty work of GOD. These stories are to be read to the children, so that the children will bring these stories to their children, and all will know the FAITHFULNESS OF GOD. 
The Scripture is the visible evidence of the mighty work of GOD and it should be read daily for continuing guidance in the way of the LORD. GOD IS FAITHFUL ALWAYS IN ALL WAYS.

TALKING STONES

Joshua 4: 1-3
And It came to pass, when all the people were completely passed over the Jordan, that the LORD spoke unto Joshua, saying, "Take you twelve men out of the people, out of every tribe a man, and command ye them, saying, 'Take here out of the  midst of the Jordan, out of the place where the priests' feet stood firm, twelve stones, and ye shall carry them over with you, and leave them in the lodging place, where ye shall lodge this night."

REMEMBER, GOD IS FAITHFUL

The LORD commanded Joshua to set up stones of remembrance of the mighty work of GOD in the lives of the people, when they crossed over the Jordan River into the promise. These stones would be a visible reminder of the fact that GOD is always faithful and His promises are sure. "GOD made a way when there seemed to be no way." This is a quote from our Pastor to the people on Sunday. We should remember this simple phrase and write it on our heart. GOD IS FAITHFUL GOD made a way when there seemed to be no way.

In our troublesome times of life, it is good to have a visual reminder of the fact that the LORD GOD is faithful and that He will show the way, all we have to do is follow. Mother Angelica calls the visual reminders, "Holy Reminders". Gather together reminders of how the LORD has led you through the deep waters of life. Keep those reminders very close to you. Some people write journals, describing the way the LORD moved in their life; some have pictures or other mementos to remind them. Always keep before you the Holy Reminders of how GOD IS FAITHFUL TO YOU.

Sunday, June 10, 2012

TALKING STONES

Luke 19:40
And He answered, and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.
 
All of creation honors it's creator with worship and praise; all creation watches GOD and follows His order. If it did not follow the order and balance of GOD, chaos would be the result and there would be no system or function. Think about the planets; should one of them stop functioning according to the plan of GOD, the whole Universe would become unstable and dissolve into chaos; the chaos which existed before GOD said, "LET THERE BE LIGHT, AND THERE WAS LIGHT". 
 
Since man is the highest of the created order, the highest praise and worship is required. Should humankind cease to praise GOD and worship Him, the very stones and all creation would cry out. Yes, the stones have a voice; their voice honors GOD. When JESUS was crucified, the rocks split and there was a great earthquake; darkness fell upon the whole earth. The stones were crying out and all creation turned dark until such time as the LIGHT, JESUS, shone forth from the tomb, at the resurrection. The rocks cried out, because humankind stopped praising GOD; and killed the LORD of Glory. 

This week we will look at the two sets of stones in Joshua 4. If you want to read ahead, we will discuss the two sets of stones and their meaning.

IF THESE SHOULD HOLD THEIR PEACE, THE STONES WOULD IMMEDIATELY CRY OUT.

Friday, June 8, 2012

CROSSING JORDN

Jeremiah 29: 11-14a
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. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the LORD, and will bring you back from captivity...

GOD HAS A PLAN AND HIS PLAN INCLUDES YOU

The plans of GOD are for our good. They may not seem that way while we are wondering through the desert places on our life journey, but GOD knows the plan that He has for you and that is a plan to proper you. This should give all of us tremendous hope. The LORD declared that if we call upon Him with all our heart, He will answer and we will find Him.  
 
Notice the three steps to crossing over our Jordan River storm of life; call upon Him, come to Him and pray to Him. Calling to Him suggests that there is a distance between you and Him, that is why He says "call and come". Come suggests that you and He are bridging the distance between you; remember, JESUS bridged the distance by His death on the Cross. When we come to Him, we are walking on a bridge that He has prepared for you to walk on. Then He says, pray. When we pray, we unite our heart with His Heart and we beat as one. There is no distance when we pray, we are one with Him. So, call, come and pray and the way will be open to you.

GOD HAS A PLAN AND HIS PLAN INCLUDES YOU, TO PROSPER YOU AND PROVIDE FOR YOU. TRUST IN THE LORD TO DO IT.

Thursday, June 7, 2012

CROSSING JORDAN

Psalm 34: 7-9
The angel of the LORD encampeth round about those who fear Him and delivereth them. Oh taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who trusteth in Him. Oh, fear the LORD, ye His saints; for there is no want to them that fear Him.
 
THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM

Close your eyes and imagine this picture; there is a huge angel of the LORD camped around you. He is not just flying by watching over you; He is camped around you day and night. This is not just some little childlike angel, this is a huge warrior angel who is on assignment from GOD to deliver you, because you fear the LORD and honor Him. That is an awesome truth.

When you taste something, you take it into your mouth; the LORD wants you to take Him into your heart and see that He is good, that His love for you is without limits. He loves you so much that He has sent His guardian angel to deliver and keep you. All He asks is that you taste and see that He is good and trust him to bring only good to you.

There is no lack or want in the life of a person who fears the LORD. Even if there is little in this earthly life; there is enough. When we trust in the LORD for everything, the little we have is enough for us to do the work of the LORD. The LORD will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory in Christ JESUS.

JESUS IS MY ENOUGH; EVERYTHING IS FOUND IN HIM.
 
 

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

CROSSING JORDAN

Exodus 14: 13-15
And Moses said unto the people, "Fear not, stand still and see the salvation of the LORD which He will show to you today; for the Egyptians whom ye have seen today, ye shall see them again no more forever. The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace". And the LORD said unto Moses"Wherefore criest thou unto Me? Speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward."

A TIME TO PRAY AND A TIME TO ACT

Notice the words of Moses to the people; Fear not, stand still and see. Fear is perfect faith in failure; now is the time for perfect faith in the LORD GOD. Faith dispels fear and enables a person to stand still, not run around in circles screaming and shouting. A person of faith keeps his eyes on the LORD, not on the situation. When the eyes of faith watch the LORD, then salvation is at hand.
 
There is a time for deep prayer; there is a time to put the prayer into action. In the Latin there is a saying that says this better than many words; Ora (prayer) et Labora (action). Labora is prayer in action or the laboratory of prayer. The LORD said to Moses, "Wherefore criest(ora/prayer) thou unto Me? Speak unto the children of Israel, that they go (labora) forward."  To move out, following by faith, is an ACT OF FAITH IN THE LORD.

WE WILL SEE OUR MIRACLE WHEN WE PUT OUR PRAYER INTO ACTION

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

CROSSING JORDAN

Joshua 3: 4, 5
"Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure; come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which ye must go; for ye have not passed this way heretofore". And Joshua said unto the people, "Sanctify yourselves; for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you."
 
SEE, FOLLOW AND HONOR GOD.
 
The verses in Joshua 3: 4, 5 seem strange at first glance. Why were the Children of Israel told to follow at a numbered distance? I looked in the Wycliffe Bible Commentary and found this understanding; "The people where to spread around the ark at a radius of 3,000 feet, so that all might see the guiding symbol of Jehovah's presence more readily." (Wycliffe Bible Commentary, pg.209). Is it possible that, at that time, there was a gulf between GOD and man, which was bridged by the Cross of JESUS? Think about it! In much of the New Testament there are parables and comments by many of the writers and by JESUS about a gulf between GOD and man, think about the story of Lazarus and the Rich man. When JESUS gave His Spirit into the hand of GOD, the veil of the Temple was ripped in two, giving access to the Holy of Holies for all people. I believe that the gulf was bridged and finally sealed by the Blood of JESUS, so that all people would have access to GOD through JESUS Christ the LORD; GOD made the way to GOD through GOD, JESUS. The Holy Covenant was made by GOD with GOD, JESUS and thus it will never be broken.
 
What does it mean to "Sanctify yourselves"? It means to remove yourself from the common things of life and "get before the LORD"; Seek His Face. The Wycliffe Bible Commentary says,"They needed to consecrate themselves with outward purification and inward devotion to GOD, because He was about to perform miracles among them."  They were instructed to Honor GOD. WE ARE INSTRUCTED TO HONOR GOD WITH OUR WHOLE HEART.
 
If we want to cross over the Jordan Rivers in our life we must; See GOD, Follow GOD and Honor GOD.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, we can not know the way down the pathways of life without the Light of Christ to lead us. The Word of the LORD is a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path. To walk into your miracle, you must see GOD in prayer, move out and follow Him in obedience and  with the greatest respect and honor due His Holy Name.
 
GOD made the way to GOD through GOD, His Son JESUS



Monday, June 4, 2012

CROSSING JORDAN

Joshua 3: 3
And they commanded the people saying, "When ye see the ark of the Covenant of the LORD your GOD, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then ye shall remove from your place, and go after it."
 
FOLLOW GOD
 This verse from Joshua 3 contains 2 very valuable principles for crossing over the Jordan in your life; those things which prevent you from realizing your promised prosperity. One is to See GOD, watch for Him, be alert for GOD to arise. The second is to Follow GOD, put your belief into action, get up and "remove yourself from your place and go after JESUS".  

Notice that the LORD commanded that the people follow the Ark. We are to follow GOD, not run ahead or take a side road, but stay within the Light of GOD so that we can see Him before us. The LORD knows the way , all we have to do is follow Him. Romans 8: 14 says, "For as many as are led by the Spirit of GOD, they are the sons of GOD." 

Step one, SEE GOD, is the foundation for finding the way to the promises of GOD, but this must be acted upon for us to draw near to our promised fulfillment. Seeing GOD is prayer; FOLLOWING GOD is action; we must remove our self from our place and get up and go. 

SONS OF GOD ARISE AND FOLLOW HIM!

Sunday, June 3, 2012

CROSSING JORDAN

Joshua 3:3
And they commanded the people, saying,"When ye see the ark of the Covenant of the LORD your GOD, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then you shall remove from your place, and go after it.

GOD HAS A PLAN TO PROSPER YOU

There is a old gospel Hymn that says, "the LORD will show a way somehow". This is true and certain that the LORD will show the way, all we have to do is LOOK AND SEE. The question is, What are you looking at; what do you see? 

When the storms of life blow hard and we do not see any way of getting out of our trouble, when the Jordan river of harvest flood stage blocks our way to the promise land of GOD;  the LORD says, "stop looking at the storm, look at Me". JESUS called Peter out of the boat in a violent storm. He call Peter to WALK to him on the water. As long as Peter kept his eyes on JESUS, he walked on the water, but, when he looked at the storm, he sank. WHEN WE KEEP OUR EYES ON JESUS, AND REJECT LOOKING AT THE STORM, WE HAVE PUT OUR SELF ON THE PATH OF VICTORY AND MIRACLES.

What is the meaning of the Ark? The Ark of the Covenant represents GOD in  His person, His presence and His promise. It is said, and I believe it to be true, that JESUS is the Ark of the Covenant: JESUS is the person of GOD, the presence of GOD and, in Him, all the promises are yes and amen. So, keep your eyes on JESUS, look full in His wonderful face and blot out all those things which do not focus on Him.

The next step in our journey to the crossing of the Jordan in our life is, FOLLOW GOD.

Friday, June 1, 2012

GOD'S MEMORIAL DAY

Exodus 12: 24-27
And ye shall observe this thing for an ordinance to thee and to thy sons FOREVER. And it shall come to pass, when ye be come to the land which the LORD will give you, according as He hath promised, that ye shall keep this service. And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, "What mean ye by this service?" 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.

AN ORDINANCE FOREVER

We are to keep the sacrifice of the passover forever, not in the same way as they did before JESUS was crucified, but with the same meaning as the original sacrifice. THIS IS ORDAINED BY GOD.

How do we keep this ordinance? The Holy Communion of the Body and Blood of JESUS. JESUS is the Lamb of GOD without spot or blemish, sacrificed upon the altar of the Cross and died for us. But that is not the end of it. JESUS rose from the dead and carried His Blood into the Holy Place to pour it upon the Mercy Seat; He sealed the New Covenant with His Blood; a Covenant between GOD and JESUS, who is GOD Incarnate. "Whenever you eat this bread and drink from this cup, you do show forth His death until He comes". Yes, HE IS COMING AGAIN for His faithful people who make up the Bride of Christ.

This is the memorial day of JESUS. "DO THIS IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME" 1st. Jesus gave thanks; 2nd He took the bread and said that "this is His body broken". His broken body unites us in one body and all sin, disease and the curse were taken to the Cross and were defeated. 3rd. JESUS took the cup and that this is His Blood of the new Covenant; unshakable and unbreakable. The debt is paid and the VICTORY IS WON.
"We remember His death and resurrection as we await His coming in Glory".

When our children ask "What is the meaning of this service?" we are to say, "This is the sacrifice of the LORD'S Passover" When JESUS took upon Him the iniquity of us all and through Him, death is defeated and we are free. He gave us His Body and Blood for the remembrance that we are free as long as we stay in Him. JESUS will return to take His Bride home and the Lamb will marry the Bride at the wedding feast of the LAMB.

As we abide until He comes, let us keep the feast for "THIS IS THE FEAST OF THE VICTORY OF OUR GOD." Let us bow our head and worship!