BAPTISM - COMMITMENT TO CHRIST

Matthew 28: 18-20

And JESUS came and spoke unto them, saying, All authority is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and, lo, I am will you always, even unto the end of the age.

ALL AUTHORITY, AND POWER IN HEAVEN AND IN THE EARTH  IS GIVEN TO JESUS.

Many times in the Scripture and in our life, today, we find the question being asked,"In whose authority do you do this or that?" The only true response to that question, if you are ministering in the LORD, is "I live, move and have my being; I minister in the authority and power of JESUS". This is the truth for those who are in Christ JESUS.  At the Name of JESUS, every knee shall bow in heaven and in the earth; He is our only authority and power.

JESUS delegated us to do three things in His Name: 1. Teach and preach Christ to all Nations and people, winning them to Christ through the preaching of the Gospel; 2. Baptize them in the Name of the Trinity, JESUS is LORD; 3. Teach them to observe all things commanded by JESUS. JESUS promises to be with us always, this is the promise of GOD.

We are commissioned by GOD to reach out to the lost souls with the Good News of GOD in Christ JESUS. We are to rescue the perishing from the darkness of sin and death, and bring them to JESUS. We are to be the life-line of GOD to every soul. Who has given us the authority to be witnesses of JESUS?

ALL AUTHORITY, AND POWER IN HEAVEN AND IN THE EARTH IS GIVEN TO JESUS AND HE DELEGATES IT TO US.

BAPTISM - COMMITMENT TO CHRIST

Mark 16: 15, 16a

And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

THE GREAT COMMISSION

"Go ye" this means that we are to leave the comfort zone of our life and "Go into the world". Too many of us are comfortable in our "easy chairs" of life and refuse to "get up and go". JESUS says that we are to "Go into all the world" not just our little social group or our Church, but as far as JESUS calls us to go. This Blog gets the Gospel out to the world; Pastor Randy has a sermon each week for those who tune into the Living Faith web-site. The Good News of GOD in Christ JESUS is going into all the world.

"Preach the Gospel" we are bearers of Good News in a world filled with bad news. "Bad news sells newspapers" but Good News brings the invitation to believe in JESUS and be saved from the wrath of GOD. We have a choice: read the bad news and believe it, or come to JESUS. When we believe Him we have Eternal Life with Him.

" He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." Belief in JESUS is the beginning; Baptism is an outward sign of that commitment to Christ; the Holy Spirit does a might work of grace in the life of all who believe and are Baptized, they are saved. These are the words of JESUS to us. 

The choice is ours: choose life or death; believe in JESUS and live or don't believe in JESUS and die. JESUS invites all creatures to come and follow Him and be saved. JESUS invites us to be Baptized to fulfill all righteousness. JESUS invites us to LIVE IN HIM. Accept His open arms of Love and let Him embrace you and heal you.

BELIEVE JESUS AND BE SAVED, YOU AND YOUR HOUSE.

BAPTISM - COMMITMENT TO CHRIST

Acts 2: 38-41

Then Peter said unto them, "Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the Name of JESUS Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD, our GOD, shall call." And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, "Save yourselves from this crooked generation." Then they that gladly received his word were baptized; and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

REPENT, BE BAPTIZED EVERY ONE OF YOU 

If you have not been baptized, go to your clergy and request it. Follow the pattern of Peter: Repent of all your sins to the LORD; be baptized in the Name of JESUS Christ; receive the Holy Spirit. This is the pattern set down by Peter, endorsed by JESUS and sealed by the Holy Spirit. 

Re-read the verses from the Acts of the Apostles, given to us by the anointing of the Holy Spirit, through Luke, who wrote the Gospel. This is the same Luke who knew JESUS and saw the risen LORD, heard His voice and received His commission. Take these next words VERY SERIOUSLY:

SAVE YOURSELVES FROM THIS CROOKED GENERATION; BE BAPTIZED AND FOLLOW JESUS FOR ALL OF YOUR LIFE, AND WITH ALL OF YOU STRENGTH.

BAPTISM - COMMITMENT TO CHRIST

Acts 8: 12

But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the Kingdom of GOD, and the Name of JESUS Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

BELIEVE IN JESUS; BE BAPTIZED IN HIS NAME

Acts 8: 12 is very clear about the order of life in Christ: Believe in the LORD JESUS Christ and you will be saved; be baptized in the Name of the LORD JESUS CHRIST. It is also very clear that both men and women are equally received into the Kingdom of GOD. Philip preached the Kingdom of GOD, people believed in JESUS, they were baptized, both men and women. When the Scripture is so very clear, there should be no question about the order of things.

Some people have questions about in whose Name they should be baptized. This verse says the Name of JESUS Christ.  In another place it says that you should be baptized in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I remind you that JESUS is GOD, therefore, it is proper to baptize in His Name only, since there is One GOD and Father of us all; One LORD, One Faith and One Baptism (Ephesians 4:5). 

At Baptism, the Holy Trinity is present and that Trinity is in unity - ONE. When JESUS was baptized, to fulfill all righteousness, the Holy Spirit came upon Him and the voice of the Father said, "This is My Son, in whom I am well pleased." There was the full manifestation of the Holy Trinity at the baptism of JESUS and at our baptism also.

BAPTISM - COMMITMENT TO CHRIST

Romans 6: 3, 4

Know ye not that, as many of us as were baptized into JESUS Christ were baptized into His death? Therefore, we are buried with Him by baptism into death, that as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

BURIED WITH JESUS IN BAPTISM; RAISED WITH HIM IN NEW LIFE

Baptism is the outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace. What happens on the outside, felt and seen, is the sign of what is happening in the spirit, transforming and renewing us. 

In Baptism, we enter the water as the old man, we are immersed in the water and arise a new creation, "old things passed away, behold all things become new." (2 Corinthians 5: 17). We Baptize in the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, One GOD forever; His Name is JESUS. We follow in the footsteps of JESUS who died for us, was raised for us and lives for us eternally. Baptism seals us as Christ's own forever, we are a part of the Family of GOD and GOD is our Father. As a Father cares for His Children, so our Father cares for us and keeps us. There is no lack in the Family of GOD.

BELIEVE ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST AND BE SAVED; BE BAPTIZED IN THE NAME OF JESUS. 

BAPTISM - COMMITMENT TO CHRIST

Matthew 3:15-17

And JESUS answering said unto him, Permit it to be so now, for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness. Then He consented to him. And JESUS, when He was baptized, went up straightway out of the water; and, lo, the heavens were opened unto Him, and He saw the Spirit of GOD descending like a dove, and lighting upon Him. And, lo, a voice from heaven, saying, This is My Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

BAPTISM - THE CELEBRATION OF COMMITMENT TO CHRIST.

There are two Ordinances of the Church, Baptism and Communion, both instituted by JESUS as necessary. Neither Baptism or Communion save a person; only believing in JESUS Christ is necessary for Salvation. Salvation comes when we call JESUS Lord of our life and GOD of our Salvation. Baptism is the celebration of that commitment to JESUS, sealing as Christ's own forever, and is once and for all time. There is One LORD, One Faith and One Baptism (Ephesians 4:5). Communion is the celebration of the fact of our redemption through the Body and Blood of JESUS and is the Spiritual Food of new and unending life in JESUS. Communion seals the New Covenant in our life and is to be celebrated regularly and often.

Notice the presence of the Trinity in the Baptism of JESUS: JESUS, the Son of GOD is Baptized; the Holy Spirit, like a dove, rests upon Him; and the voice of the Father proclaims Him the Beloved Son, in whom He is well pleased. When we Baptize a believer in JESUS, they are Baptized in the Holy Trinity, Father Son and Holy Spirit, IN THE NAME OF JESUS, who is GOD. At every Baptism, the Trinity is present and new life  is strengthened for the believer in JESUS. At every Baptism, the Trinity says:

THIS IS MY BELOVED SON/DAUGHTER, IN WHOM I AM WELL PLEASED.  

MIRACLES AND THE GOSPEL

Romans 15: 18, 19

For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient by word and deed, through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of GOD, so from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.

I turned to the NIV translation for a clearer understanding of verse 18. It reads,"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." What Paul is saying, has a lot to say to us about our ministry and our preaching, we should only speak what the Spirit gives us to speak and He will convince the hearers of what He has purposed for the words. Our testimony is what GOD has done in our life, by the power of His Word, then the door is open for the LORD to show, through signs and wonders, how powerful are His ways and works. 

We are to preach the Gospel of JESUS Christ, then "Let the power fall" as in the day of Pentecost. This way, the glory goes to GOD and all the people will sing the praises of the LORD GOD. Our job is to point to Him, by our words and our deeds.

MIRACLES AND THE GOSPEL

Hebrews 2: 3,4

How shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation? This Salvation which was first announced by the LORD, was confirmed to us by those who heard Him. GOD also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to His will.

SALVATION, THE GREATEST MIRACLE

I stand in awe at the fact that GOD loved us so much that He sent His only Son to be the sacrifice, and restore all creation to the Creator. "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down His life for His friends." This is what JESUS did, "while we were yet sinners". This brings me to my knees in great adoration and thanksgiving to GOD for all that He has done for us.

Just so no one would doubt that GOD prepared the way for us to be saved, GOD testified. We hear a lot of testimonies about how GOD intervened in a life and brought them out of darkness into His glorious light, BUT here we find that GOD testifies. What is the testimony of GOD? "Signs, wonders, various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to His will." So, when you see miracles following the preaching of the Gospel, know that it is GOD who is testifying; GOD who is validating; GOD who is confirming and authenticating the Good News that GOD was in Christ JESUS, reconciling the world to Himself.

GOD IS FAITHFUL, GOD IS TRUE; BELIEVE ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST AND YE SHALL BE SAVED AND YOU HOUSE.

MIRACLES AND THE GOSPEL

Luke 9: 1,2,

Then He called His disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. And He sent them to preach the Kingdom of GOD, and to heal the sick.

JESUS GIVES POWER AND AUTHORITY TO PREACH AND HEAL

Many people ask from whom do we get the authority to preach the Gospel and heal the sick. Some denominations declare that only the Ordained Clergy have that authority; some denominations declare that the authority is given to all born-again Christians. It is clear in the Gospel readings, concerning the word of JESUS on this matter, that all who believe on the LORD JESUS Christ are saved. As the power of the Holy Spirit moves through the believer, declaring (preaching) the Gospel and signs and wonders following is normal. The Holy Spirit is not bound by legalism, therefore, He works through those who yield themselves to the LORD.

Since the authority and power are in the Hand of the LORD, He gives that authority to all whom He chooses. One question remains; For whom is the Gospel preached with signs and wonders following? Is it for the one who is preaching and healing, that they be glorified? Is it to show JESUS how Spiritual you are? Is it to show others what a good Christian you are? OR IS IT THE LOVE OF GOD REACHING OUT TO RESTORE THE BROKEN TO WHOLENESS?

God acts on behalf of the poor, the sick and the broken. He uses those who are yielded to Him as vessels of His Grace and Mercy. In every case, the glory must go to the LORD and His Name be praised. Restoring the broken to wholeness was the whole motive behind JESUS leaving glory to come to earth as the redeemer. The Love of GOD reaches out to restore the broken to wholeness. This is who He is; this is what he does and this is what He has always done. 

GLORY TO GOD FOREVER

MIRACLES AND THE GOSPEL

Matthew 11: 4-6

Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and show John again those things which ye do hear and see; the blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in Me.

WHAT WE HEAR AND SEE; THE GOSPEL AND MIRACLES

JESUS spoke to the disciples of John the Baptist, in very clear language, about the importance of the Gospel and miracles. He told them to report to John, who was in prison, what they had heard JESUS say - this is the Gospel. JESUS told them to tell John what they had "seen" - this is the manifestation of miracles. He told them to "Go and show John" so that John would believe that JESUS was the Son of GOD, the Lamb of GOD. When John was convinced, he released his disciples to follow JESUS.

This is the same pattern that we are to follow in our ministry; present the Gospel and signs and wonders will follow. JESUS said it so simply: tell the Gospel of JESUS so that others hear; show the power of GOD through manifestations of His healing love, through miracles. JESUS also says that we should not be reluctant or offended by the preaching of the Gospel and be open to allowing the Holy Spirit to work miracles through us.

Why is this important? So that all will believe in JESUS and follow Him. All those who hear and see will give glory to GOD.  

MIRACLES AND THE GOSPEL GIVE GLORY TO GOD

MIRACLES AND THE GOSPEL

Mark 16:17, 20

And these signs shall follow those who believe; in My Name shall they cast out demons; they shall speak with new tongues;...And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the LORD working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

SIGNS AND WONDERS FOLLOW THE PREACHING OF THE GOSPEL

Signs and wonders validate the Gospel preaching; signs and wonders always point to the majesty of GOD. People are drawn to what they can see with their eyes and tend to give credit to the person that they can see.   

 The preaching of the Gospel must always clearly point to JESUS, so that the signs that follow will give Him the glory. We are to be followers of JESUS only and not drawn aside by the dynamic presence of a person.

Why are the Gospel preached and signs and wonders seen? It is because they all have the same purpose, that is, THE LOVE OF GOD FOR ALL HIS CREATION. The Gospel is the path of GOD's love poured out for the redemption of all people; signs and wonders are for the healing and restoration of the people of GOD to wholeness.  It is all the Love of GOD shed abroad, meeting the needs of the people of GOD.

GOD was in Christ JESUS reconciling the world unto Himself and He has given to us the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18) and we have been given the word of reconciliation to be preached (2 Corinthians 5: 19). We are ambassadors for Christ, begging all to be reconciled to GOD (2 Corinthians 5: 20). To validate this message, GOD anoints the  ambassador with gifts by the Holy Spirit, manifested in signs and wonders.

MIRACLES AND THE GOSPEL

John 2: 23

Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, in the feast day, many believed in His Name, when they saw the miracles which He did.

WHEN THEY SAW THE MIRACLES

When those who do not believe in JESUS see miracles, they believe in the Name of JESUS. Miracles worked out in the Name of JESUS lead those who do not believe in Him, to come to Him. Do they really believe in JESUS, the Son of the Living GOD or do they believe in the person through whom the miracles are worked? In the full text of the John 2: passage, we find that the people believed in the miracles, but not in the GOD of miracles. Therefore, JESUS did not commit Himself to them (verse 24).

The Gospel,the mighty work of GOD in the salvation of man, must be preached with signs and wonders FOLLOWING.  When the Gospel is preached and taught to the unbeliever, the words are confirmed by signs and wonders from GOD. Signs and wonders validate, confirm and authenticate the Gospel. Signs bring the response of awe and wonder of the LORD; they point to GOD and magnify His Holy Name. It can be said that "you can't have on without the other".

One might say that the Gospel is a miracle in itself; it is Good News. The Gospel is the story of GOD sending His Son to redeem the Word and reconcile man to GOD. This fact of the mighty work of GOD in Salvation, is a miracle. Signs and wonders are a personal extension of the work of Grace through JESUS, by the Holy Spirit, to man and the glory goes to GOD. 

MIRACLES POINT TO JESUS AND CONFIRM THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST

EFFECTIVE, FERVENT PRAYER

Psalm 119:41-43,

Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even Thy salvation, according to Thy Word. So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me; for I trust in Thy Word, and take not the Word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thine ordinances... And I will walk at liberty; for I seek Thy precepts.

"FREEDOM COMES WHEN WE CALL HIM LORD"

I quoted the words of a song in the title, because it seemed fitting at this time of life in our world. The words of Psalm 119: 43 declares that we walk in liberty when we keep the precepts of the LORD. There is freedom of the body and then there is freedom of the Spirit. A body may be in captivity and yet the Spirit soars like the eagle, on the wings of the Word of GOD. JESUS came to set captives free and to break every yoke of bondage; the WORD of the LORD opens the doors to the freedom within.

When we pray, in order to be effective and fervent we should pray according to the Word of the LORD, trust in the Word of the LORD, and speak His Word boldly. GOD moves mightily at the Word He has spoken into being. What do I mean by, "spoken into being"? The spoken word creates, therefore, what we say sets in motion a created fact. When we speak the Word of the LORD, we create the fact that GOD reigns sovereign over that situation. For an example: When a person is sick, if we speak sickness, then that person will continue in the reality of their sickness. However, if we speak, "By the stripes of JESUS we were healed; therefore you are healed according to His Word." then healing becomes the reality. 

"The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much". When we walk in liberty, we are free to speak boldly the Word of the LORD and create the reality that the Kingdom of GOD is at hand. JESUS said that we should pray, "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven." This is the Word of the LORD, therefore we should speak it into being where ever we are. 

KNOW THE WORD OF TRUTH AND THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE

EFFECTIVE, FERVENT PRAYER

Psalm 119: 9-11

Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed 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.

WITH MY WHOLE HEART I SEEK THEE, O LORD.

A friend of mine once told me, that "before I go to the LORD in prayer, I should take my spiritual broom and clear away everything that stood between me a GOD". There are mountains of things that distract from our vision of GOD; work concerns, personality concerns, addictions, and other life worries. All these things keep us from a clear vision of GOD and praying with the whole heart.

The Psalms help us to clear out the distractions and focus on GOD alone. "How shall a young man cleanse his ways? By taking heed according to Thy Word". When we "take heed" we pay strict attention to what the LORD is saying in His Word.  Meditation on the Word of GOD clears out the distractions and focuses the heart and mind on the things of GOD. When we pray according to His Word, we are standing with Him in His Word.

There is a key to effective and fervent prayer that should be a part of daily communion with GOD, "Thy Word have I hidden in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee." This key opens the windows of heaven, because GOD always responds to His Word. We are to remind GOD of what He said, thus activating the response of Divine favor.

PRAY ACCORDING TO THE WORD OF GOD.

EFFECTIVE, FERVENT PRAYER

Romans 8: 26, 27

Likewise, the Spirit also helpeth our infirmity; for we know not what we should pray for as we ought; but the Spirit himself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And He that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because He maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of GOD.

PRAY ALWAYS IN THE SPIRIT, ACCORDING TO THE WORD OF GOD.

The Holy Spirit is our constant help and intercessor for our needs. He is a translator from our prayers into the language and passion of GOD. His intercession for us is heard and received by the Father, because the prayer is according to the will of GOD.

When we pray the Scripture, we are praying the Word and Will of GOD. The Holy Spirit prays the Word of GOD; JESUS prays the Word of GOD; therefore, we should pray the Word. It is interesting to understand that the promises of GOD are only activated when we ask the LORD according to His Word. The promises of GOD just hang there waiting for us to ask for them to be relevant in our life. All the promises of GOD are there for the Asking and the answer is "yes and Amen". 

ASK AND YOU WILL RECEIVE FROM THE HAND OF GOD.

EFFECTIVE, FERVENT PRAYER

John 15: 7, 8 (NIV)

If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to My Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be My disciples.

REMAIN, ABIDE AND DWELL IN JESUS

Effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man  means that the person remains, abides and dwells in JESUS, who is the Word of GOD. JESUS is always present to us by the power of the Holy Spirit, therefore, the one who abides, dwells and remains in JESUS acknowledges His presence and honors Him always. He is closer than a brother or a sister; He is in "heart to Heart" relationship with those who acknowledge Him as LORD of their life and GOD of their salvation.

The Bible is your Prayer Book, so pray the Word of the LORD, because the Word of the LORD is the will of GOD. It is awesome to understand that everything that we need has been provided for us before we even knew to ask. We are always discovering hidden things of GOD by reading, praying, and studying the Holy Scripture. GOD reveals to us exactly what we need, when we ask Him for it. The key is that we must ask Him; to ask is to pray. All things are open to us and found in the Scripture; what we need has already been revealed. To discover the answer to what we need, all we have to do is ask. PRAY WITH YOUR BIBLE OPEN FOR WHAT TO ASK AND THE ANSWER TO THE QUESTION YOU ASK.

Why did GOD give us all that we need so that we could be in right relationship with Him? Why does GOD want us to have everything good in our life? BECAUSE HE LOVES US, EACH AND EVERYONE OF US IS PROFOUNDLY LOVED BY GOD. This is why JESUS left Heaven and came to earth, because He was the only One who could reconcile us to GOD. Why did He do it? BECAUSE HE LOVED US AND GAVE HIS LIFE FOR US AN OFFERING AND SACRIFICE TO GOD. Why did He give His life? TO GLORIFY HIS FATHER IN HEAVEN, BECAUSE JESUS LOVED HIS FATHER.

When we remain, dwell and abide in JESUS, we are filled with that great, passionate love that gives grace and mercy to all others. Why? Because JESUS loves them in the same way that He loves each of us. JESUS said, Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you keep My commandments. (John 15: 13, 14)

EFFECTIVE, FERVENT PRAYER

Ephesians 6: 17, 18 - NIV

Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of GOD. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

The secret to effective, fervent prayer is praying the Word of GOD.  This is praying in the Spirit, for it is the sword of the Spirit. With this in mind, use your sword to intercede for every one on every occasion. Pray according to the Word of GOD and your prayer will be effective, fervent and according to the will of GOD; His will is His WORD.

When you pray the Word of GOD you are not only praying in the Spirit, you are praying the truth, for the Word is truth. There is another aspect of praying the Scripture, you are in agreement with GOD which guarantees success. GOD will never go back on His Word, He is faithful to His Word.

GOD spoke all things into existence; our words speak things into being. GOD said, "Let there be light and there was light"; our words do the same. Therefore, when we speak forth the Word of GOD, we are speaking into reality the promises of the Word of GOD for us as unique individuals. Speak aloud the Word of GOD and it will be made manifest in your life.

The Word of GOD is sharper than any two edged sword. It pierces even to the dividing of soul and spirit; joint and marrow and discerns the thoughts and intents of the heart. The Word of GOD is a powerful prayer sword which reaches GOD and touches His Heart. He will bring success when we proclaim His Truth and His Word will not return to Him void.

EFFECTIVE, FERVENT PRAYER

James 5:16

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

The secret of praying the Word of GOD - power

The righteous man confesses his faults to others, he does not stand in pride, wanting everyone to think that he is without fault. Many hurts and harm come from those who live in the illusion that they are without fault, so they have nothing to feel sorry about. The truth is that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of GOD; all have faults and flaws. We are people who need the forgiveness of GOD, in order to be righteous in His sight; healed, restored and forgiven.

To be righteous means "rightly related" and when we are rightly related to GOD through the shed Blood of JESUS and the forgiveness of our sins, then, when we pray we see the answer to our prayers in abundance. There is great power when we pray the Word of GOD because the Word of GOD is the Will of GOD. GOD has given us everything necessary to live the righteous life, all we have to do is DO IT.  What GOD says He will do, He will do; what He promises, He will perform. Therefore, pray the Scripture, which is the Word of GOD and His will, and He will do for you what He says He will do and even more. 

For His Holy Name Sake, PRAY THE SCRIPTURE; for the sake of others, PRAY THE SCRIPTURE; for your wholeness PRAY THE SCRIPTURE; there is power in praying to GOD what He promised.

GOD said that His Word would not return to Him void, but it would accomplish that which He purposed and prosper in that for which He sent it (Isaiah 55: 11). Hide His Word in your heart that you will not sin against Him.

TRUST IN GOD - 4

Psalm 37: 3, 4

Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight in the LORD, and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

TRUST IN THE LORD AND DO GOOD

"Trust in the LORD" is the base upon which "doing good" springs. Think about the fact that only GOD is good; therefore if you do good you first have to be connected to GOD. That connection to GOD is trust in Him. So, if you desire to do good in your life, the only way for that to be accomplished is to TRUST IN THE LORD. 

The land in which you will dwell, when you trust in the LORD, is the Kingdom of GOD. You will be fed by the life of JESUS flowing in you by the Holy Spirit; this brings the blessing of great "delight" in the LORD". Delight in the LORD, rejoice in His life and love, and He will give you the desires of your heart as a gift from His Heart. 

Many ask the question, "what is the desire of your heart?" and there are many different answers to that question. My answer is that I desire to live in JESUS all the days of my life and spend Eternity with Him in glory. It is also my desire that all people be saved and that heaven will be filled with all the created beings that GOD has ever made. It is also my desire that all people would live in total peace with their mind stayed on the LORD. Is this impossible? 

GOD LOVES THE WORD IMPOSSIBLE (Ann Kimmel)

TRUST IN GOD - 4

Jeremiah 17: 7, 8

Blessed is the man who trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be anxious in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.

My mind immediately turned to Psalm 1: 3 which says," And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." The person who trusts in the LORD will have strong roots in the river of the Holy Spirit and will draw from that river even though things around are barren and dry. 

I am drawn to Psalm 46: 4, 5 which speaks about the river, "There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of GOD, the Holy Place of the tabernacles of the Most High. GOD is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved. GOD shall help her, and that right early." This river of life flows from GOD and is filled with all the wonderful life-giving nutrients necessary for abundant life. Those who trust in the LORD will bear fruit and will live in the green time; thriving when all around is struggling.

Why are the river and the tree called by the feminine, "her"? I believe that this means that the creative force of GOD is active in the  river and in the roots of the tree that is in the river. The bring forth life which comes from the Creator GOD and they thrive.

Whether you are a man or a woman, put your trust in the LORD and become like the green tree with roots in the Holy Spirit which flows from the heart of GOD. 

TRUST IN GOD - 4

Psalm 34: 8

Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who trusteth in Him.

TASTE THE SWEETNESS OF THE LORD

True love is so sweet that there are no words to describe it. Love is tender, kind, gentle, caring and self-sacrificing; read I Corinthians 13 and see how the Scripture speaks of love. All the words that have ever been formed can not express the love the the LORD JESUS has for us. All the attributes of GOD are found in full measure in the expression of the love of GOD. It is true love; eternal love; and way beyond our understanding.

The verse from Psalm 34 invites us to "taste and see that the LORD is good". When we put our trust in the LORD, He is faithful to show us the sweetness of His love. Every taste of the LORD brings greater and greater loveliness. 

Pastor Randy told the story of a Pastor who went to see a man who had rejected GOD for most of his life. The man didn't want to let the Pastor in to his home, but allowed the Pastor to enter for a drink of water. On the table, in the kitchen, was a bowl of oranges and the Pastor asked for one; the man agreed. The Pastor pealed the orange and took a bite of one piece. Then he asked the man if the orange was sweet or sour? The man said, "How should I know!" The Pastor replied, "Right, you can't know unless you taste it." Likewise, you can't know REAL LOVE AND SWEETNESS unless you taste and see that the LORD is good.

BLESSED IS THE MAN WHO TRUSTETH IN HIM 

TRUST IN GOD - 4

Psalm 40: 4

Blessed is that man who maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.

THOU SHALT KEEP HIM IN PERFECT PEACE WHOSE MIND IS STAYED ON THEE

There is great blessing given to those who trust in the LORD. We are surrounded by many troubles and trials; people lie and think that it is funny, they are proud and think that it is beautiful; they steal and think that it is within their right to take from another person. How do we keep peace when all around us is in turmoil? We fix our mind on the LORD.

I am reminded that when we see these terrible things happen in the world, that it is a call to intercede for all of them; with no respecter of person. I Timothy 2:3,4 says, "For this is good and acceptable in the sight of GOD, our savior, who will have all men to be saved, and come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one GOD, and one mediator between GOD and man, the man Christ JESUS." When we intercede for all men/women and children, we are joining JESUS, who is interceding before the Father on their and our behalf; we are in agreement with Him.

The benefit of trusting in the LORD and interceding for all men with Him, is prefect peace in our heart because we lay all our cares at His feet and we trust in His mighty power to deal with all conditions of life. Do not place your trust in anything or any one else in the world; do not trust idols or riches or your strength and knowledge. Just put your trust in JESUS and He will bring all things into wholeness.

TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART.

TRUST IN GOD - 4

Isaiah 26: 3, 4

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusteth in Thee. Trust ye in the LORD forever; for in the LORD GOD is everlasting strength.

TRUSTING IN THE LORD BRINGS THE BLESSING OF PEACE

In this world there are many distractions; many things that pull the mind away from the acknowledgement of the LORD. When the focus is on other things and the mind is pulled in many directions, there is chaos not peace. Peace can only be found in the LORD. We must train our mind to focus on Him and not on the confusion of the busy life style. Training the mind so that it is "stayed" on the LORD, takes discipline. Our mind needs to be given ideas to feed on throughout the day and the night.  The best way to feed the mind is through Scripture and prayer. 

Since we live in a very busy world, it is not realistic to spend all the time in Scripture study and prayer time, so we must devise a way to keep the Word of GOD in our focus as we walk through the unfolding day. Psalm 119: 11 says,"Thy Word have I hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against Thee." The time of Scripture reading should be a time of hiding the Word of GOD in your heart. The time of prayer should be a time for meditating on that Word hidden in the heart. Then when you walk through the day, you will have the Word walking with you in your heart and mind. The Word of GOD, then becomes the base for action; we act according to the Word of GOD. If we turn away from the Word, there is a tug in the heart that calls us back into focus.

When we trust the LORD and lean on His Word for our thoughts, words and deeds, He gives strength to live according to His way and walk in the light of His path. Psalm 119: 105 says, "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path". Perfect peace comes when we trust that the LORD is our strength and our Light. He gives sight into every situation, when we trust Him to guide and direct our foot steps.

MY HEART IS FIXED, O LORD, MY HEART IS FIXED ON YOU.

TRUST IN GOD - 4

Psalm 18:2

The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my GOD, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

We begin this last week of meditation on the theme Trust in GOD, with our springboard verse. It was suggested by our Pastor that we all confess this verse aloud and with our whole heart. Let us copy this verse and place it in a conspicuous place, a place where you will see it often. When you see this verse, confess it aloud and with your whole heart.

In the time of trouble, it is important that you say this verse to strengthen you through the rough times. In the times of prosperity, it is important to say this verse to remind you that the LORD is your savior and provider. At all times, it is good to remind yourself that the LORD is your Rock, fortress, deliverer, strength, shield, salvation and high tower. When we live this understanding at all times, we are walking in the way of GOD in whom we put all of our trust.

MAY YOUR WAY AND YOUR LIFE BE BLESSED BY GOD

TRUST IN GOD - 3

Psalm 16: 11

Thou wilt show me the path of life. In Thy presence is fullness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

At the close of this week, I leave you with one of my confessions of belief and trust in the LORD. The LORD has promised to show the path of life to all those who put their trust in Him.  Through out Scripture there are many statements of JESUS and other Apostles that the LORD shows us the path of life. That path of life is JESUS Himself, for He is the Way to walk; He is the Truth, and always keeps His word; He is life, in Him there is abundant life.

In the presence of the LORD there is fullness of joy. JESUS is always present with us and by the Holy Spirit, whom He sent, He responds to the heart cry of all who trust in Him. He fills us with such joy that there are no words to adequately express that joy; we can only sing and dance with gratitude. At the right hand of GOD there are pleasures for evermore. The right hand of GOD is the hand of His strength and power, JESUS sits at the right hand of GOD making intercession for us and grace flows from Him, like a river.

Think what it would be like to have no evil or ugliness in your life. Can you even imagine what that would feel like? Find a moment in your life when all was beautiful and good; the world was all beauty and loveliness. Meditate on that moment in time and remember the feelings. Know that what you felt is only a tiny taste of the life of perfection waiting for those who trust in the LORD. JESUS has prepared a place of total perfection, without spot of blemish, for those who love Him. In His presence there is and will be pleasures for evermore.

TRUST IN THE LORD GOD; IT IS HIS DESIRE TO GIVE YOU THE KINGDOM.

TRUST IN GOD - 3

Psalm 5:11

Let those who put their trust in thee rejoice; let them ever shout for joy, because Thou defendest them; let those also who love Thy Name be joyful in Thee.

In the Rabbinical commentaries I found an understanding of the obligation placed upon the LORD when a person puts their trust in Him. I had never thought about GOD being obligated to us, but He is, by His choice. In the Covenant that GOD made with man, GOD obligated Himself to support and defend the people of the Covenant; when a person puts their trust in the LORD, the LORD is obligated to defend and shield them.

JESUS is the person of the New Covenant made between GOD and GOD ( JESUS is GOD); therefore the Father is obligated to defend and shield those who love and trust in the Name of JESUS. This obligation is not burdensome for GOD, because GOD stands by every word that He speaks. GOD freely chose to enter into Covenant with Man and we have the choice as to whether we enter into that Covenant with Him. Those who choose life in and with GOD rejoice and are joyful, they shout for joy because the LORD Himself defends them.

BELIEVE AND TRUST IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS AND YOU WILL BE SAVED AND YOUR HOUSEHOLD. THE CHOICE IS YOURS.

TRUST IN GOD -3

Psalm 28: 7

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusteth in Him,  and I am helped. Therefore, my heart greatly rejoiceth, and with my song will I praise Him.

SING PRAISE TO THE LORD, SING PRAISES.

When we trust in the LORD with our whole heart and lean not unto our own understanding of things, the LORD becomes our strength and shield. The shield of GOD is a wall of protection, a fortress, a hedge and, in the armor of GOD, it is the shield of faith with which all the fiery darts of the evil on are quenched. We are helped by GOD to win the battles that are before us, when we look to JESUS, who is the author and finisher of our faith. 

The fact that JESUS is my strength, shield and help makes me want to sing praises to Him. When you know that the battles of life are already won for us by the LORD, we can dance and sing from a heart filled with gratitude for what the LORD has done. Do you have a song of praise that you sing to GOD from your heart?   Many have said that they can't sing, so they do not try to sing praise songs; well, let me tell you about 3 monotone boys in my Church choir some years ago. These boys sang louder than all the rest of the 54 children. Their one note was so loud that the congregation wanted me to excuse them from the choir, because they were destroying the songs. The LORD told me that, "a heart that sings unto the LORD is beautiful music to Him." I kept the 3 boys in the choir to show others that the heart that sings to the LORD is beautiful music. These boys went to camp for the summer and when they came back, they had found their voice - they were featured soloists that next year. 

Do not say, " I can't sing praise to GOD". Sing with your heart and give to Him the praise due His Name.