Monday, December 31, 2012

COVENANT OF PEACE

Numbers 25: 10-13
The LORD spoke unto Moses, saying, "Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, hath turned my wrath away from the children of Israel, while he was zealous for My sake among them, that I consumed not the children of Israel in My jealousy. Wherefore say, 'Behold, I give unto him my covenant of peace; And he shall have it, and his seed after him, even the covenant of an everlasting priesthood, because he was zealous for his GOD, and made an atonement for the children of Israel."

EVERLASTING COVENANT OF PEACE

The Book of Numbers is the 4th Book of the Torah and was written by Moses about 1450-1410 BC. I looked in the Rabbinical Commentary to find more about this Covenant of peace in the Torah and found this,  "My covenant of peace literally, My Covenant, the Covenant of peace...the word 'Covenant' is here used, not in the sense of a compact between two persons, but as an unconditional promise on GOD'S part." Wow! an unconditional promise on GOD'S part, This Covenant of peace is found in many places in the Old Testament and is fulfilled in the coming of JESUS to earth; literally, "peace on earth".

I want you to notice the power of the intercessor, Phinehas, in the plan of salvation for the children of Israel and in laying the foundation for JESUS. Think about your place as an intercessor for the world and the people whom GOD loves. Phinehas interceded for the Children of Israel and made atonement for them and GOD blessed him and his seed forever.

JESUS is our peace and the fulfillment of a Covenant made by GOD. With His Blood, JESUS sealed the Covenant forever. We are the seed after Him, who was the atonement for us and for all the children of Israel. The Covenant of peace extends to us, enter into His peace and be safe.

JESUS FULFILLED PEACE WITH GOD; PEACE CAME TO EARTH, GOOD WILL TOWARD MEN.


Sunday, December 30, 2012

PEACE ON EARTH

Leviticus 3: 1
And if his oblation be a sacrifice of peace offering, if he offer it of the herd, whether it be male of female, he shall offer it without blemish before the LORD.

JESUS IS OUR PEACE

The peace offering is a symbol of the whole work of Christ in relation to the believer's peace. Jesus made peace with GOD through His obedience even unto death. JESUS proclaimed peace to every person, while He walked the earth. JESUS is our peace through His shed Blood. JESUS was the Lamb, without spot or blemish, offered by His free will, upon the Altar as the atonement for the sin of the world.

The Rabbinical Commentary states this," the Hebrew is zebach shelamin which is a fulfillment of a vow, or in gratitude for benefits received or expected. It would thus be an occasion when man seeks and obtains peace with his Creator"  " It promoted the feeling of solidarity in the nation or family, and also pointed to dependence upon GOD for protection and for all the blessings of life"

JESUS fulfilled His vow to GOD for the redemption of humankind, He fulfilled it once and for all for all believers in Him, both male and female. In JESUS, GOD and the sinner meet in peace. It is grace bought with the price of the blood of JESUS, and sealed forever with His Blood.

THROUGH JESUS, WE HAVE PEACE WITH GOD.

Friday, December 28, 2012

MERCY NEW EVERY DAY

Lamentations 3: 22-24
It is because of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassion fail not. They are new every morning, GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in Him.

HAPPY NEW DAY

As we look toward the beginning of a new year, I am reminded that the LORD's mercy and compassion is new every day. Instead of looking with hope toward a new year, let us rejoice at the dawning of a new day in the LORD.  

Rather then looking at the errors of the past, in ourselves or in others, let us look at the mercy and the compassion of GOD that will not fail or be in error.  GOD is the FAITHFUL GOD AND HIS COMPASSION FAILS NOT.

THE LORD IS MY PORTION, THEREFORE WILL I HOPE IN HIM.

Thursday, December 27, 2012

GOD IS GLORIFIED

John 13:31, 32 (Jerusalem Bible)
When he had gone, JESUS said: Now has the Son of Man been glorified, and in Him GOD has been glorified. If GOD has been glorified in Him, GOD will in turn glorify Him in Himself, and will glorify Him very soon.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY

Judas had just left the meal with JESUS and had gone into the night. Verse 30 says: "Night had fallen." It is significant that Judas went into the night. He was in the Light when He was with JESUS, but preferred the darkness - what a terrible shame. How many people are walking in darkness because they prefer it to the Light? This thought makes me weep. A person I knew once said that darkness can become a familiar friend and it is hard to leave the friend to enter into the Light of Christ. They have to be encouraged and nurtured to leave behind the familiar and enter into the new Light. We are the life line for those in darkness, to draw them and nurture them in the Light, the Holy Spirit is with us.

JESUS knew that Judas was going into the darkness to betray Him. But instead of condemning him, He spoke of the glory that He would give to the Father and that the Father would receive Him into glory. JESUS always spoke about His Father's will for man; the Gospel of GOD. The Father's will was life for all and that He wanted all to dwell with Him and behold His glory eternally.

What about us? Was this only for JESUS or was He the first fruit and we are to follow? I believe that when we glorify GOD with our life, He will bless us with His glory. "If GOD has been glorified in Him, God will in turn glorify Him in Himself." 

In the Torah there is a Word from GOD that we should never forget: "You shall love the LORD your GOD with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength." You see, it is love for the LORD GOD that makes it possible for us to glorify Him. Do not forget that He loved us first and so our love for Him is our response to His great love for us. When we reach out to touch a soul in the love of GOD, the LORD reaches out to touch our soul with His glory.

LET US SING ALOUD, "TO GOD BE THE GLORY, GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE".

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

THE GOSPEL OF CHRISTMAS - 6 MESSAGES

Luke 2: 14
Glory to GOD in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

LASTING PEACE

The sixth message of the Gospel of Christmas is that Peace came to earth.

Peace came to earth in JESUS Christ. JESUS is our peace. In Isaiah 9: 6, one of the names of GOD is the Prince of Peace; JESUS is GOD incarnate. When JESUS came to earth in the flesh, He brought to earth the peace of GOD. This is the Gospel of our LORD JESUS Christ; good will toward men - lasting peace.

In this world there is a lot of noise and violence, one might begin to doubt that peace has come to earth. Do not doubt! The peace that JESUS brought and brings, is peace in the heart. JESUS said, "Let not your heart be troubled, ye believe in GOD believe also in Me." The peace that JESUS brings is a heart that is at peace and only He can make that happen. 

BE STILL AND KNOW THAT HE IS GOD; THE PEACE OF THE LORD BE WITH YOU ALWAYS IN ALL WAYS

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

THE GOSPEL OF CHRISTMAS - 6 MESSAGES

Luke 2 : 11-14
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, Who is Christ the LORD. And this shall be a sign unto you: You shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising GOD, and saying, Glory to GOD in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.

JESUS SAVES

The fourth message of the Christmas Gospel is that JESUS is the Savior of mankind. JESUS came to seek and to save that which was lost (Luke 19: 10). He left glory to seek out the people who were walking in darkness and to bring them to the Light of life.

Romans 1: 16 says that the Gospel is the power of GOD unto salvation. JESUS is the Word of GOD made flesh; He is the good news - the Gospel. It is only through JESUS that a soul can be reconciled to GOD. JESUS is the sign of the New Covenant and His Blood sealed that Covenant forever.

GLORIFIES GOD

When the Gospel is preached, GOD is glorified; when a person is healed, GOD is glorified; when a soul is delivered from darkness, GOD is glorified. This is the 5th message of the Gospel.

The angels and the heavenly hosts gave praise and glory to GOD at the birth of the Son of GOD. They sang, "GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST" All of heaven praises GOD and bows before Him in adoration. On earth, everything that JESUS did glorified GOD the Father. He set the prime example of the attitude we all should possess; an attitude of great gratitude and GLORIFY GOD WITH OUR LIFE.


UNTO US A CHILD IS BORN

Isaiah 9: 2, 6,7,
The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light; they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined... For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulder; and His Name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty GOD, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end, upon the Throne of David, and upon His Kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with justice and with righteousness from henceforth even for ever. THE ZEAL OF THE LORD OF HOSTS WILL PERFORM THIS.

JOY TO THE WORLD THE LORD IS COME; LET EARTH RECEIVE HER KING.
LET EVERY HEART PREPARE HIM ROOM; AND HEAVEN AND NATURE SING.

GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST AND PEACE TO HIS PEOPLE ON EARTH.

THE LIGHT OF CHRIST HAS COME INTO THE WORLD, LET US ADORE HIM.

MERRY CHRISTMAS 
FROM
LIVING FAITH CHRISTIAN CENTER

Sunday, December 23, 2012

THE GOSPEL OF CHRISTMAS - 6 MESSAGES

Luke 2: 10
And the angel said unto them, "Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy; which shall be to all people.

FEAR NOT

The first of the 6 messages of the Gospel of Christmas is, "fear not". JESUS came to bring the Love of the Father to mankind, so that perfect love would cast out all fear.  Perfect Love comes from the Father, who is Love.  "Fear not" reaches into all dimensions of our being: our circumstances, our emotions and, most of all, our spirit. JESUS said, "let not your heart be troubled" the heart is the dwelling place of the spirit, therefore, "fear not" reaches to the spirit of man.

"Fear will paralyze you; faith will lift you up". Fear is perfect faith in failure, it is a demonic spirit, therefore, we are not to fear, but have perfect faith in JESUS who is the source of our life.

GREAT JOY 

The second message of the Gospel of Christmas is, "great joy". JESUS said, These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. The good news is that JESUS brings joy into our life; into our world. 

TO ALL PEOPLE

The third message of the Gospel is that the good news is to ALL PEOPLE. The Father sent His Son out of great love for ALL PEOPLE. His arms are open to all and as many who believe in JESUS, they receive the great gift of grace; salvation and Eternal life.

FEAR NOT; FOR BEHOLD I BRING YOU GOOD TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY; WHICH SHALL BE TO ALL PEOPLE.

Friday, December 21, 2012

CHRISTMAS - THE FREE GIFT

Romans 5: 17, 18, 21
For if by one man's offense death reigned by one, much more they who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, JESUS Christ. Therefore, as by the offense of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation, even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life... That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by JESUS Christ, our LORD.

THE FREE GIFT OF ETERNAL LIFE WITH GOD.

The three gifts given to JESUS, as a young child, foretold of His life and prophesied of His death. JESUS' life and righteousness opened the door for us, to the grace of a personal relationship with Almighty GOD. JESUS received gifts, so that He could be the giver of gifts to us. 

"GOD so love the world that He GAVE His only Begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life"(John 3: 16). GOD is the giver of grace and it is FREE to all who believe in JESUS. It is free to us who believe, but it cost GOD His only Son to make it possible. "Grace is not cheap; but it is free", these are the words of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Through the righteousness of JESUS, we can be justified to GOD.

When does eternal life begin? It begins when we receive JESUS into our heart and believe that He came in the flesh, died, rose again, is seated at the right hand of the Father and is coming again. Eternal life comes as a free gift from GOD through JESUS Christ the LORD.

BELIEVE ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST AND BE SAVED

Thursday, December 20, 2012

FEAR NOT, LITTLE FLOCK

Luke 12: 32
Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the Kingdom.

John 14: 1
Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in GOD, believe also in Me.

Morning has broken like the first morning, 
blackbird has spoken like the first bird.
Praise for the singing!
Praise for the morning!
Praise for them springing fresh from the Word!

The night is past and the day is bright and clear. The Son of Righteousness arises with healing in His wings.
Every day, the dawn breaks the boundaries of the night and the day bursts forth with glad praise for the King of Kings and LORD of LORDS. JESUS is the Light and no darkness can overcome Him.

ARISE AND SING PRAISES TO JESUS, OUR LORD. JOIN ALL CREATION AND SING HIS PRAISE; HE IS THE LORD.


CHRISTMAS - THREE GIFTS

Mark 15: 22, 23
And they bring Him unto the place, Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, "The place of a skull." Ans they gave Him to drink wine mingled with myrrh; but He received it not.

MYRRH
 
Why, when we are thinking about Christmas, do we hear the story of the crucifixion? Why, did the Magi bring this gift of myrrh to the young child? Because, it was for this reason that JESUS came to earth in the flesh.  JESUS was living a mission and a ministry, given to Him by the Father, His whole life on earth was the mission and ministry of Redemption. JESUS came to reconcile us to GOD. JESUS came to set the captives free and to break every yoke; to defeat death and the grave and to bring eternal life to all who believe in Him.

The Word of GOD became the Word made flesh and dwelt among us, full of mercy and grace. He came to seal a New Covenant with His Blood. He came that we might have life and that more abundant and free. Why did JESUS come? To do the will of His Father and the will of the Father is eternal life with Him. GOD is Love; JESUS is the manifestation of the great Love of the Father.

VENITE ADORAMUS, DOMINUS. COME LET US ADORE HIM, CHRIST THE LORD.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

CHRISTMAS - THE THREE GIFTS

Hebrews 2: 9, 10
But we see JESUS, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of GOD, should taste death for every man. For it became Him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through suffering.

MYRRH

Myrrh is an extract from a shrub and is used to anoint for burial, as well as used for embalming. To obtain the myrrh from the shrub, the plant has to be slashed, cut and beaten so that the red fluid of the myrrh can be   gotten.  This gift from the Magi to JESUS was a prophetic gift fulfilled by the death of JESUS on the cross. The color red, is the color of blood, symbolizing the shed blood of JESUS. The Magi understood that the Messiah must suffer, in the flesh, for the redemption of the world as foretold in Scripture (Isaiah 53 - The suffering servant). JESUS came in the flesh to suffer death so that we would have life. JESUS is the first born from the dead.

The three gifts given to JESUS; gold, frankincense and myrrh confirmed the ministry and mission of JESUS, the Messiah.  The Magi knew GOD and gave gifts reflecting the plan of GOD for His Messiah. Gold, the glory of GOD given to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords; frankincense, the sweet smelling savor of the intercession of the Great High Priest, JESUS; and Myrrh, the red blood of the willing sacrifice of the Son of GOD for the salvation of humankind; all these prophetic gifts were fulfilled in the life of JESUS, the Christ, the Son of the Living GOD.

BY HIS BLOOD, HE RECONCILED US; BY HIS WOUNDS WE WERE HEALED

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

THE THREE GIFTS

Hebrews 4: 14, 
Seeing, then, that we have a great High Priest, that is passed into the heavens, JESUS, the Son of GOD, let us hold fast our profession.

FRANKINCENSE

Frankincense was used in worship in the Temple by the High Priest. It is pure white and beautiful in fragrance. The High Priest would use the frankincense as a symbol of prayers being lifted to GOD.

JESUS was given the gift of frankincense as a prophetic symbol of His Priesthood; a prophecy which He fulfilled and is still filling today. JESUS is the Great high Priest who makes intercession for us as the mediator between GOD and man. I Timothy 2:5 says, "For there is one GOD, and one mediator between GOD and men, the man, Christ JESUS."

Hebrews 7: 25, 26 says this, "Wherefore, He is able also to save them to the utmost that come unto GOD by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them. For such an High Priest was fitting for us, Who is Holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;" The intercession of JESUS is in accordance with the perfect will and authority of the Father.

The Magi gave to the young child, JESUS, the gift that symbolized His ministry as the Messiah/ Great High Priest of GOD.

Monday, December 17, 2012

THE THREE GIFTS

Matthew 28:18
And JESUS came and spoke unto them, saying, All authority is given unto Me in heaven and in earth.

THE GIFT OF GOLD

When the Magi came to the house and saw the young child, JESUS, they presented to Him three gifts. Each of the gifts had prophetic significance, the first gift was gold. Gold was given only to a King, therefore, this gift was an affirmation of the fact that JESUS was the King, the Messiah, the LORD.

The Revelation 19: 16 "And He had on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS". This is JESUS, the King who came to earth as a child and was worshiped and adored by angels and shepherds and Magi. This is JESUS who was presented with the royal gift of GOD.

Gold has another meaning that is not often taught; gold is a symbol of the Shekinah Glory of GOD. JESUS is the Light, His Spirit is the Shekinah. Gold was given to Him as a symbol of who He was and who He is and who He ever shall be; JESUS IS THE LORD, KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

COME, LET US ADORE HIM, CHRIST THE LORD.

Sunday, December 16, 2012

CHRISTMAS - WHY DID JESUS COME?

John 6: 38
For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will but the will of Him that sent Me.

JESUS was on a mission, to accomplish the will of His Father. He had work to do, from before He was born, that was,  to do the will of His Father. "GOD so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish but have everlasting life. GOD sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world, through Him might be saved."  This is the will of the Father, because the Father LOVES, UNCONDITIONALLY.

When we are asked, "Why did JESUS come? Why" the answer is, that He came to do the will of His Father. This is why we were given to this world, "to do the will of our Father in heaven". We have the way to know His will, the Holy Scripture and  to be a witness of  the incarnate Word of GOD - JESUS. Believe in and on the LORD JESUS Christ and you will be saved and will be His witnesses to the ends of the earth.

ARISE, BROTHERS AND SISTERS, THE TIME HAS COME TO INTENTIONALLY DO THE WILL OF THE FATHER, WHO ART IN HEAVEN!

Friday, December 14, 2012

CHRISTMAS - 3 REACTIONS

DISCERNMENT
I John 4: 2, 3
By this know ye the Spirit of GOD; every spirit that confesseth that JESUS Christ is come in the flesh is of GOD; and every spirit that confesseth not that JESUS Christ is come in the flesh is not of GOD; and this is that spirit of Antichrist  of which ye have heard that it should come, and even now already is it in the world.

The spirit of Antichrist is very sly and subtle, therefore, we must have discernment to know the difference between the 3 reactions to JESUS. This discernment is a gift from GOD by the Holy Spirit. The discerning factor is easy to understand and is well spelled out in the verses in I John; "Every Spirit that confesses that JESUS Christ is come in the flesh is of GOD."

There is another key factor to discerning between the 3 reactions to JESUS; LOVE. GOD is love and everyone that loves is begotten of GOD and knows GOD. The very essence of GOD is love; abundant love.

When we look at the things that are unfolding in the world today, we can see clearly the work of the Herod spirit, but do you see the work of the reaction of the Scribes and Priests? Apathy and disinterest are very dangerous, because they allow the Herod reaction to gain power, while apathy and disinterest stand by and watch. Neither of these reactions to the Birth of JESUS are indications of love, instead, they are indications of Antichrist.

The Magi reaction of awe and worship; adoration and sacrifice for the sake of the Holy One, JESUS the Messiah,  give a profound indication of the Spirit of GOD.

ADORAMUS TE CHRISTE, WE ADORE YOU, O CHRIST.

Thursday, December 13, 2012

CHRISTMAS - 3 REACTIONS

ADORATION
Psalm 95: 6, 7, 8a
Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD our maker. For He is our GOD, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of His Hand. TODAY if you will hear His voice, harden not your heart.

VENITE ADORAMOS DOMMINE, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the LORD. This is the reaction of the Magi as they came from afar to worship the LORD JESUS, the Christ. Is Christmas in your heart every day; do you worship and bow down and bend the knee before the LORD, every day? Christmas is a reminder that Christ is born in us everyday. His mercy is new every day and He is present every moment of every day.

The Herod response to the birth of JESUS was one of violence and hatred. The response of the Scribes and Priests was indifference. The Magi rejoiced at the birth of the Messiah and they bowed down to worship Him with the heart of adoration and awe.

TODAY, IF YOU WILL HEAR HIS VOICE, HARDEN NOT YOUR HEART; OPEN YOUR HEART AND ADORE HIM. CHRIST THE LORD.

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

CHRISTMAS - 3 REACTIONS

THE MAGI REACTION
Matthew 2: 10, 11 a,b
When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary, His mother, and fell down, and worshiped Him;

The sight of the return of the Star filled the Magi with great joy, because they knew that they were going to see the Christ, who had been foretold by the prophets. Unlike the Scribes and Priests, the Magi were excited about the coming of JESUS

Jesus was now about two years old. He and His family lived in a house in Bethlehem of Judea.  When the Magi arrived, having followed the Star, the shekinah glory of GOD, they fell down and worshiped JESUS.

It is believed that the Magi were an part of a Tribe of Magi and that they traveled in a caravan. This Tribe of Magi were not Jewish, but they looked for the coming of the King of Israel. Legend has it, that this Tribe was started by Daniel and that it consisted of devout men; seekers of GOD.

The Magi reaction is one of devotion, joy and worship. This, too should be our reaction to the Presence of JESUS, the Messiah, who is always present in our midst. JESUS is the Light that drives away the darkness, let us rejoice and be glad in Him. JESUS is our Leader, let us follow Him. JESUS is our King, let us worship Him. JESUS is our Law, let us obey His Commandments.

LET US REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN JES

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

CHRISTMAS - 3 REACTIONS

INDIFFERENCE - THE SCRIBES AND PRIEST RESPONSE
Matthew 15: 8, 9
This people draweth near unto Me with their mouth, and honoreth Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. But in vain they do worship Me; teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

When JESUS was born, He fulfilled prophecies in the Scriptures that the Scribes had copied and studied and the Priests had taught. They drew near to GOD with their mouth and honored Him with their lips; they lead worship and the study of Scriptures, but failed to observe the fulfillment of those very Words of the LORD. The Scribes and Priests did their duty well, but their motive was self-gratification not GOD-glorification. Their heart was indifferent to the work and way of the LORD.

In Revelation 3: 15, 16 we hear that the lukewarm in heart, the LORD will spit out of His mouth. The indifferent people fail to have a relationship with JESUS, even if they are preachers and teachers of the Word. 

It is a very dangerous thing to teach the doctrines of man and indifferent to the commandments of GOD. People who hear them are led astray by their teaching and the teacher can be held responsible for souls being lost. It would be like a bad shepherd leading a flock of sheep into danger and have them eaten by wolves, while the shepherd runs away and hides.

WORSHIP THE LORD IN THE BEAUTY OF HOLINESS IN THE SANCTUARY OF THE HEART.


Monday, December 10, 2012

CHRISTMAS - 3 REACTIONS

THE HEROD REACTION
John 5: 18
Therefore, the Jews sought the more to kill Him, because He not only had broken the Sabbath, but said also that GOD was His Father, making Him equal with GOD.

Behind all the attempts to kill, steal and destroy, is the spirit of Antichrist. People are victims of this demonic spirit if they allow it and the Jews were stirred up to seek to destroy JESUS by that spirit. This spirit of Antichrist works throughout history in the hearts and minds of those who would steal, kill and destroy the work of GOD. It is important to separate the victim from the power behind the deeds. Satan is at work in the minds and hearts of those who yield to hatred; his fruit is destruction of everything of GOD.

The Herod reaction to the Birth of JESUS is a prime example of the seeds of the Antichrist and gives us warning not to allow that seed to take root in us or our society.  When you see the seeds of killing, stealing and destroying manifest, know that it is the seed of Antichrist at work. BIND THAT SEED AND CAST IT OUT IN THE NAME OF JESUS, IT WILL BEAR TERRIBLE FRUIT.

Sunday, December 9, 2012

CHRISTMAS - 3 REACTIONS

Matthew 2: 1-11
(Read this account and mark the reactions to the Birth of JESUS)

There are three reactions to the Birth of JESUS: 1. the Herod reaction; 2. the Scribes and Priests reaction; and 3. the Wise men reaction.  We note these reactions, because they are very active today in the world in which we live. These reactions to the LORD have been since the world began and have their root in the same spirit. Let's look at each this week and see if we can spot these reactions, as we approach the celebration of the birth of JESUS.

The Herod reaction was one of evil, jealousy, hatred, manipulation, anger and hostility. He was intent on killing, stealing and destroying, even the Son of GOD.  The Priest and Scribe reaction was indifference to the coming of the Christ, which had been proclaimed in the Scriptures that the Priests and Scribes studied. The Wise men reaction was joy and worship, they recognized the Christ and came to worship Him.

O COME, LET US ADORE HIM, CHRIST THE LORD.  

Friday, December 7, 2012

LIVE 2 GIVE THANKS

Luke 17: 15-19
And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified GOD. And fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks; and he was a Samaritan. And JESUS answering, said, Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to GOD, except this stranger. and He said unto him, Arise, go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole.

HEALING AND WHOLENESS

JESUS healed ten men of leprosy. They were sent to the Priest to be declared clean and able to return to  society, but one of the ten gave thanks to JESUS in a loud voice, falling at His feet in worship.  This man was made whole. What is the distinction between healing and wholeness?

First of all, JESUS healed all of the men in their body, they were made clean in body. I am sure that they were touched in their emotions as the Priest declared them clean and part of the society again. So it is truthful to say that the nine were healed in body and soul. The one man was touched in His spirit and he fell down and worshiped JESUS, glorifying GOD for His healing; HE GAVE THANKS. This man was healed in body, soul and spirit through His faith in JESUS. HE WAS MADE WHOLE.

All of humankind is made up of three parts; a trinity. The body, the soul and the spirit of every person is active in all that we do. When a person is sick, they are more concerned with the body and the emotions of the soul; GOD, however, is more concerned with the spirit of man, because that is eternal. GOD wants wholeness for everyone; the door to wholeness is THANKSGIVING FOR ALL THAT THE LORD HAS DONE.

IN ALL THINGS GIVE THANKS TO GOD FOR HE IS WORTHY TO BE PRAISED.

Thursday, December 6, 2012

LIVE 2 GIVE THANKS

SEVEN PRINCIPLES OF 
LIVE 2 GIVE THANKS

1. IT GLORIFIES GOD; PSALM 69:30
2. IT IS THE WILL OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS: I THESS. 5: 18, 19
3. OPENS HEAVENS GATES: PSALM 100: 4
4. EVIDENCE OF ESTABLISHED FAITH: COL. 2: 6, 7
5. MAKES PRAYER EFFECTIVE: PHILIPPIANS 4:6
6. EVIDENCE OF BEING FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT OF GOD: EPHESIANS 5: 18-20
7. RELEASES THE SUPERNATURAL: JOHN 6: 9-11, 22.

Living to give thanks is both evidence and blessing. It is evidence of the life of JESUS in a person and it is a blessing to the person. More than evidence and blessing, it is the life of JESUS living through every part of the person and blessing others with the character of JESUS. The one who lives 2 give thanks is so occupied with giving thanks to GOD that they are unaware that GOD is working miracles through them and speaking His word to the world around them, BECAUSE THE SUPERNATURAL IS RELEASED.

How do we achieve this life of total submission to the power of GOD? Humble thanksgiving, praise and worship of JESUS Christ. It is only through Him that we have access to the Father and that the Holy Spirit dwells in us. Humble submission and ceaseless thanksgiving is the key.

LIVE 2 GIVE THANKS

Acts 27: 35
And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to GOD in the presence of them all; and when he had spoken it, he began to eat.

In the midst of a terrible voyage, which ends in a shipwreck, the Apostle Paul breaks bread and gives thanks to GOD. He distributes the bread to the men of the ship, who had been fasting for fourteen days.  Paul gives the men Communion with thanksgiving to GOD for all that GOD has done for them. In Paul's life, circumstances did not dictate his praise and thanksgiving to GOD.

In the midst of our storms of life, we are to stay the course and not loose heart. In the storms of life, we are to always give thanks to GOD for what He has done for us. In the storms of life, we are to remember and declare that the precious Body of JESUS, broken for us, and the Holy Blood of JESUS shed for our redemption, sealing the Covenant between us and GOD, is alive, true and for our wholeness; giving thanks always. 

Verse 31b says: " Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved". In the storms of this life, we must abide in the shelter of the Almighty who is our safety. That shelter is like a ship that will never capsize or flounder in any storm. Abide in the LORD GOD all the days of your life, giving thanks to Him for wholeness, healing, safety, protection, and for His most glorious presence. 
LIVE 2 GIVE THANKS TO GOD IN ALL THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF LIFE.

DO NOT LET CIRCUMSTANCES DICTATE YOUR PRAISE AND THANKS TO GOD 

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

LIVE 2 GIVE THANKS

Psalm 140: 13
Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto Thy Name; the upright shall dwell in Thy presence.

WHEN WE FAIL TO GIVE THANKS, WE BECOME LIKE THE HEATHEN

I was struck by the power of the quote from Pastor Randy's Sermon on Sunday: "When we fail to give thanks, we become like the heathen." These words ring through my mind, as I think about giving thanks and the title of this week in Word from the Word.  In whose image am I created? I am created in the image of GOD, therefore, to be rightly related to GOD and dwell in His presence, I should be "like Him".  Is GOD the GOD of praise and thanksgiving? Is it His nature to give thanks? Is JESUS Christ the body and Blood of  thanksgiving and praise? YES, YES, YES! JESUS EMBODIES THANKSGIVING AND PRAISE. JESUS, the incarnate Word of GOD, lives 2 give thanks.

As I reflected on the verse from Psalms and the quote from Pastor Randy, I discovered a deeper understanding of Praise and Thanksgiving. It is not only something we "do" to glorify GOD; it is the nature of GOD shining through us and we "become" like Him, filled with praise and thanksgiving.  Thanksgiving is not only what we "do", it is who we are.  The hallmark of a Christian is the attitude of gratitude.

JESUS always gave thanks to the Father before He did anything; JESUS lived 2 give thanks to the Father.
Literally, giving thanks and praise to the Father was the whole essence of the life of JESUS and it demonstrated His love. WE SHOULD BE LIKE HIM.

WHEN WE GIVE THANKS TO GOD, WE BECOME FULLY CHRISTIAN

Monday, December 3, 2012

LIVE 2 GIVE THANKS

Psalm 92: 1, 2
It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises into Thy Name, O Most High; to show forth Thy loving-kindness in the morning, and Thy faithfulness every night.

It is interesting to note that the Tribe of Judah, from which descends the lineage of JESUS, is the Tribe of Praise. Judah means praise and Leah, when she bore Judah said, " Now will I praise the LORD." Therefore she called her son, Judah.  

I mention this, because praise and thanksgiving has been in the life of humankind since the beginning and it is part of the life of GODLY people.  When we live 2 give thanks, praise is continually in our mouth; from morning to night, in the sunshine or the darkness, praise and thanksgiving belong to the LORD, for He is good. Yes, it is good to give thanks  to the LORD for He alone is good, His mercy is everlasting and His faithfulness endures from age to age.

In a time of meditation, sit and recall, like the Jewish people do, the might acts of GOD and give thanks for all that He has done from the beginning of time. Know in your heart that the LORD, who has begun a good work in you, will continue it unto the day of redemption. The LORD has a plan for you and that plan is to prosper you and give you a hope and a future. Live to give thanks to the LORD all the days of your life.

BELIEVE HIM, FOR HE IS GOD. 

Sunday, December 2, 2012

LIVE 2 GIVE THANKS

Ephesians 5: 20
Giving thanks always for all things unto GOD and the Father in the Name of our LORD JESUS Christ.

BLESSED AND HOLY ADVENT
PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORD

We prepare the way of the LORD by giving thanks to Him for all that He has done. Never let circumstances dictate your thanksgiving. In everything give thanks to the LORD for all His mercy and goodness; His loving-kindness and unconditional love. 

There is so much to be thankful for that if we said "thank you, LORD" every moment of every day for the rest of our life, we could not completely thank Him enough. We must live an attitude of gratitude at all times; every breath we take should be a hymn of thanksgiving. That attitude overflows into all the avenues of life, giving others a glimpse of the beauty of GOD who made is with great love and care. He gave us a purpose, a hope and a future so that we could be His witnesses in the world. What an awesome GOD we serve! He loved us and created us to be His lantern, aglow in the dark world, bringing souls to Him for salvation.

As we prepare the way of the LORD, let us lay a path of thanksgiving, honor and glory to the LORD; He is worthy to be glorified.