Friday, November 30, 2012

LIVE 2 GIVE GRACE

John 1: 16, 17
And of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the Law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by JESUS Christ. 

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

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

LIVE 2 GIVE GRACE

Thursday, November 29, 2012

LIVE 2 GIVE GRACE

Psalm 41: 1-3
Blessed is he that considereth the poor; the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble. The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth, and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies. The LORD will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing; thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness.

I love it when the Scripture has lists to follow, and here is one of them. When we give grace to the poor, we are blessed by the LORD; the LORD will deliver in the time of trouble, the LORD will keep us alive, He will bless while we are on the earth and be delivered from the enemies that seek to kill, steal and destroy. All the plans of the enemy of our soul are cancelled by the blessing of the LORD, when we give grace to the poor.
The blessings even extend to when we are sick, the LORD will strengthen and comfort, as well as, heal. JESUS' Blood reconciles us to GOD and by His wounds we were healed, are healed and will be healed for all eternity. The LORD GOD did everything for us and we are His instruments to give grace to the world around us.

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

WE ARE THE LANTERNS OF GOD AND HE IS THE LIGHT

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

LIVE 2 GIVE GRACE

Jeremiah 29: 11, 12 (NIV)
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.

THE GOODNESS OF GOD'S PLANS

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

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

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

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

LIVE 2 GIVE GRACE

Psalm 112: 9, 10
He hath distributed, he hath given to to the poor; his righteousness endureth forever; his horn shall be exalted with honor. The wicked shall see it, and be grieved; he shall gnash with his teeth and melt away. The desire of the wicked shall perish.

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

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

OVERCOME EVIL WITH GOOD

Monday, November 26, 2012

LIVE 2 GIVE GRACE

Proverbs 25: 21, 22
If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink; for thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.

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

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

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

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

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

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

LIVE 2 GIVE GRACE

OVERCOME EVIL WITH GOOD
Acts 9:36
Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas; this woman was full of good works and alms deeds which she did.

FREELY YOU HAVE RECEIVED, FREELY GIVE.

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

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

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

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

FREELY WE HAVE RECEIVED; FREELY WE GIVE 

Friday, November 23, 2012

LIVE 2 GIVE - 3

Psalm 149: 3-6
Let them praise His Name with dancing and make music to Him with tambourine and harp. For the LORD takes delight in His people; He crowns the humble with salvation. Let the saints rejoice in this honor and sing for joy of their beds. May the praise of GOD be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands.

THE OFFERING OF PRAISE SCATTERS THE FOE AND THE AVENGER.

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

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

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

PRAISE YE THE LORD FOR HIS MERCY ENDURES FOREVER!

Thursday, November 22, 2012

LIVE 2 GIVE - 3

HAPPY THANKSGIVING
I Corinthians 15: 57, 58
Thanks be to GOD, who giveth us the victory through our LORD JESUS Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the LORD, for as much as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the LORD.

LIVE 2 GIVE BY STANDING IN JESUS

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

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

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

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

LIVE 2 GIVE - 3

Psalm 8: 2 (NIV)
From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.

PURE PRAISE SILENCES CLAMOR

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

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

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

PRAISE IS GOOD FOR ALL

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

LIVE 2 GIVE - 3

Psalm 147: 1
Praise ye the LORD; for it is good to sing praises unto our GOD; for it is pleasant; and praise is fitting.

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

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

GREAT IS THE LORD AND GREATLY TO BE PRAISED.

Monday, November 19, 2012

LIVE 2 GIVE - 3

Luke 10: 41
And JESUS answered, and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art anxious and troubled about many things.

PRAYER AND PRAISE DEFEAT, ANXIETY AND WORRY

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

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

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

LIVE 2 GIVE - 3

Luke 10: 38, 39
Now it came to pass, as they went, that He entered into a certain village; and a certain woman, named Martha,  received Him into her house. And she had a sister, called Mary, who also sat at JESUS' feet and heard His word.

MARY HAS CHOSEN THE GOOD PART

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

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

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

LET'S GO!!!

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

Friday, November 16, 2012

LIVE 2 GIVE - 2

Matthew 6: 9-13
After this manner, therefore, pray ye: Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

PRAYER; THE GIFT OF GOD TO US.

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

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

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


Thursday, November 15, 2012

LIVE 2 GIVE - 2

Philippians 4: 6, 7 (NIV)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to GOD. And the peace of GOD, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ JESUS.

LIVE 2 GIVE THANKS TO GOD

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

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

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

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

LIVE 2 GIVE - 2

Psalm 18: 3
I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

LIVE 2 GIVE PRAISE TO GOD

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

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

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

WE ARE LINKED TO GOD THROUGH THE GIFT OF PRAYER

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

LIVE 2 GIVE - 2

Psalm 56: 9
When I cry unto Thee, then shall mine enemies turn back; this I know; for GOD is for me.

PRAYER WILL DOMINATE OVER EVIL

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

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

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

Monday, November 12, 2012

LIVE 2 GIVE - 2

Romans 12: 19-21
Dearly Beloved, avenge not yourselves but, rather, give place unto wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is mine; I will repay", saith the LORD. Therefore, if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink; for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

DEARLY BELOVED OF GOD, DO GOOD.

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

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

DEARLY BELOVED, LET US LOVE ONE ANOTHER

Sunday, November 11, 2012

SALUTE TO VETERANS

The Revelation 7: 14b-17
These are they who came out of the great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the Throne of GOD, and serve Him day and night in His Temple; and He that sitteth on the Throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb who is in the midst of the Throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters; GOD shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

A SALUTE TO VETERANS

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

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

THANK YOU VETERANS FOR YOUR SERVICE

Friday, November 9, 2012

LIVE 2 GIVE

Luke 21: 1-4 (NIV)
As He looked up, JESUS saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. I tell you the truth, He said, this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.

NOT THE QUANTITY, BUT THE QUALITY OF THE GIFT

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

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

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

Thursday, November 8, 2012

LIVE 2 GIVE

John 6: 37
All that the Father giveth Me shall come to Me; and him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.
John 6: 39
And this is the Father's will who hath sent me, that of all that He hath given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.

THE BELIEVER IS THE FATHER'S GIFT TO JESUS

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

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

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

THANKS BE TO GOD FOR HIS UNSPEAKABLE GIFT OF JESUS

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

LIVE 2 GIVE

Luke 6: 38
Give and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give unto your bosom. For with the same measure that ye measure it shall be measured to you again.

THE GIVING LIFE

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

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

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

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

LIVE 2 GIVE

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

LIVE 2 GIVE

Galatians 6: 9 (NIV)

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

THE TIMING OF GOD

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

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

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

Monday, November 5, 2012

LIVE 2 GIVE

I Peter 2: 12 (NIV)
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify GOD on the day He visits us.

SALVATION OF A SOUL IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN EARTHLY GAIN

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

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

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

Sunday, November 4, 2012

LIVE 2 GIVE

Galatians 6:10 (NIV)
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers ( the household of faith.) [KJV].

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

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

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

LIVE 2 GIVE IN THE NAME OF JESUS 

Friday, November 2, 2012

TITHE, ALMS AND OFFERINGS

II Corinthians 9: 12-15 (NIV)
This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of GOD's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to GOD. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise GOD for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the Gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace GOD has given you. Thanks be to GOD for His indescribable gift!

PREACH THE GOSPEL AND SOMETIMES USE WORDS.

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

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

BECAUSE OF THE SERVICE BY WHICH YOU HAVE PROVED YOURSELVES; MEN WILL PRAISE GOD FOR THE OBEDIENCE  THAT ACCOMPANIES YOUR CONFESSION OF THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST, AND FOR YOUR GENEROSITY IN SHARING WITH THEM AND WITH EVERYONE ELSE.

Thursday, November 1, 2012

TITHE, ALMS AND OFFERING

Psalm 34:1
I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

"When a man realizes that GOD created everything in the world for His honor, man must desire to honor GOD at all times, to sanctify Him in all his actions, and to extol, thank and bless Him always." (Tehillim, pg 407).

One of the main purposes for man to be created was to glorify GOD; therefore, praise of the LORD should always be the top priority in our life. As we present ourselves a living sacrifice, wholly acceptable unto GOD; we are praising GOD with our total self. This is our reasonable service and our hearts desire.

When the Scripture says, "pray without ceasing", it is calling us to give the sacrifice of praise even in the midst of difficult circumstances. Our human condition should not dictate our praise of GOD; if we feel good , we praise Him, if we feel bad, we don't. He deserves the praise for who He is, our redeemer, savior, LORD and the One who loves us unconditionally.

What does this have to do with "Tithe, alms and offering"? Blessing the LORD for who He is, is not measured out in percentages, therefore it is not the tithe; praising GOD is not over and above the measured percentage; blessing GOD and praising Him is continual, unending, therefore, it is part of our alms. We bless GOD when we give to the poor; we bless GOD when we obey those whom GOD has put in authority over us; we bless GOD when we yield our whole self to GOD and are Baptized into Him. 

Many want to receive the blessing from GOD; GOD deserves blessing and praise from us as an offering and sacrifice to GOD. 
LET US BLESS THE LORD AND HIS PRAISE CONTINUALLY BE IN OUR MOUTH