WORD FROM THE WORD

SUPER BOWL OF BLESSING

2012-02-09T06:35:00.000-08:00

Psalm 105: 42-45
He remembered His Holy promise, and Abraham, His servant, and He brought forth His People with joy, and His chosen with gladness, and gave them the lands of the nations; and they inherited the labor of the peoples, that they might observe His statutes, and keep His laws. Praise ye the LORD.

THE LORD HONORS HIS PROMISES ALWAYS

When I read the Old Testament, I am astounded at the great lengths that the LORD went to provide for His People. He never backed down on what He promised them;
GOD ALWAYS HONORS HIS WORD; HIS WORD IS HOLY.

Do you know the promises of GOD? Do you believe that GOD will honor ALL those promises that He has made in His Word? Do you KNOW, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that GOD will honor His promises in your life?

I suggest that you read and make note of the promises of GOD. There are books that list the promises and their references in the Scripture. Learn those promises and then receive those promises as having been given to you, personally. Those who are born-again and live their life in JESUS are heirs of ALL the promises of GOD, receive them and live your life free from fear.

ALL THE PROMISES OF GOD ARE YEAH AND AMEN

SUPER BOWL OF BLESSING

2012-02-08T06:45:00.000-08:00

Psalm 78: 15, 16
He split the rocks in the wilderness, and gave them drink as out of the great depths. he brought streams also out of the rock, and caused waters to run down like rivers.

Verse 19b asks a question that people who are in trouble ask in various forms: "Can GOD furnish a table in the wilderness?" Can GOD provide for His people? Does GOD really care? Psalm 78 is a Psalm remembering the mighty acts of GOD in the life of the Children of Israel. The question still remains, "Will GOD do this for me?"

YES, GOD does mighty things for His people. The mightiest of which is the Salvation of our soul from death through JESUS Christ. JESUS, the Word of GOD made flesh and living among us, opened the door for us to live with Him forever. He is the perfect offering for our sins and IS the Way to the Father. By His Blood He reconciled us to GOD and by His wounds we are healed. Our GOD is a mighty GOD who cares and loves His children with a passion unknown to humankind, but experienced by all who love and serve Him.

GOD gives us this day our daily bread. He provides just what we need to get through the situations that face us at every turn. Look deep into the mighty work of GOD in your life. Find those times when all seemed dark and there was no light to see by; then look at how the LORD provided the light and made provision for you to get through the wilderness. GOD is faithful ALL THE TIME.

We, oftentimes, suffer needlessly because to do not hold on to the FACT that GOD is always going to show us the way through the wilderness and all we have to do is follow. We must have KNOWING FAITH, knowing that what GOD has promised, He is faithful to fulfill FOR YOU.

KNOW THAT GOD IS YOUR PROVIDER WITH A SUPER LARGE BOWL OF GRACE

SUPER BOWL OF BLESSING

2012-02-07T06:18:00.000-08:00

Psalm 145: 18, 19
The LORD is near; unto to all those who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry, and will save them.

In order to obtain this wonderful "Super Bowl of Blessing" from the LORD, we must be rightly related to Him. The LORD is near and He hears the cry of the poor,"all those who call upon Him in truth." His Love pours out to those who reverence His Name and give Him the glory due His Name. He hears their cry and WILL save them. This is not just a dribbling of Blessing; GOD does not know how to "dribble"; this is an abundance of blessing.

When I think about the blessings of GOD, I am drawn to the story of Moses and the children of Israel in the wilderness. They had food, their clothes didn't wear out, and they had plenty of water. Just think how much Manna was needed to feed the 2 1/2 - 3 million people in the desert, not just once, but every day for 40 years. If that does not blow your mind, think about the water from the Rock that followed them. It would take 11 million gallons of water per day to supply enough water for the people to drink - for 40 years. The water did not dribble out of the rock, it gushed forth 11 million gallons or water per day. THIS IS WHAT WE MEAN BY THE ABUNDANCE OF BLESSING FROM GOD.

Is this kind of blessing available to us today? Yes, GOD is the same; yesterday, today and forever. He never changes and will supply all your need according to His riches in glory in Christ JESUS. The key to this abundant blessing is JESUS Christ and your relationship with Him.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning; calling upon Him in truth is the next part; then wait upon Him to supply all your need. Wait, expecting and watching for the fulfillment of your need. Wait, KNOWING that what He said, He will do. Wait, I say, on the LORD.

SUPER BOWL OF BLESSING

2012-02-05T15:27:00.000-08:00

Philippians 4: 19
But my GOD shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory in Christ JESUS.

The key to this verse is, "in Christ JESUS". The LORD takes care of His own, but we must be a part of the Family for Him to pour out His blessings in Super Bowl fashion. Having said that, remember that "while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" there is no greater outpouring of blessings than that, BUT many there are who have rejected that great gift from Father GOD and they do so at their own peril.

The fact is, throughout history, the LORD has supplied all the needs of His children in great, Super Bowl abundance. He does not hold back his blessing and He has said that the Children of GOD will never beg bread. GOD is the great supplier of every good thing. His storehouse in Heaven is filled with great riches and an abundant supply for all our needs. What we need to do is get in right relationship with Him and then ASK. When we ask according to His will, which is His Word, He will respond with a Bowl that is overflowing with good things.

Throughout this week, we will see how the LORD supplies in abundance. The stories in the Scripture are wonderful and uplifting.

GROWING IN CHRIST-PART 3

2012-02-03T18:00:00.000-08:00

Job 23:12 (NIV)
I have not departed from the commands of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my daily bread.

This verse from Job reminds me of the words JESUS spoke when the evil one asked Him to turn the stones into bread; JESUS said,"It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of GOD." In both of these Scriptures, we are reminded that the fleshly things of life are of a great deal less importance than the Spiritual. The things of GOD carry Eternal weight; the things of the flesh are temporary.

Proverbs 4: 20-22 contain strong words for us as we desire to grow in our relationship with the LORD:
"My son/daughter, attend to my words; incline thine ear into my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh."

Mark the words: attend, incline, let them not depart from thine eyes, and keep. These words call us to be diligent and focused on the Word of the LORD. The Children of Israel were told by GOD to teach, bind them as a sign, and write the Word of the LORD. From the beginning, GOD has wanted all of us to understand that His Word is His righteous will for all of us, His people. We are never to neglect his Word, if we do, it is to our peril.

We all need to eat food for our earthly life and health; more than this, we need the WORD of the LORD for our Spiritual life and Eternal health.

I feel that there is another point of great importance: If we love another, we want to hear from them and know what would please them. We earnestly desire to be connected to them day and night, and we meditate on them with every thought. How much more should we want to seek the LORD who loves us with a perfect love! The whole desire of our heart should be to know His ways and walk with Him in harmony, this way we will feel the tender, passionate love of GOD flooding our soul and spirit, healing our wounds and restoring our life. He will keep us in perfect peace, when our mind is stayed on Him.

WE FIND ALL THAT WE NEED IN THE WORD OF THE LORD, IT IS FOOD FOR OUR LIFE.

GROWING IN CHRIST-PART 3

2012-02-02T17:14:00.000-08:00

Hosea 4: 6
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me; seeing thou has forgotten the law of thy GOD, I will also forget thy children.

Today's word is not one of those sweet to entreat words; it is a stern warning to all of us to be faithful to the WORD of the LORD. We are instructed to read, study and inwardly digest the WORD of the LORD; to meditate on the WORD day and night and to not allow the WORD of the LORD to fall into disuse. The Scripture is filled with instruction about the Holy Scripture - the Word of the LORD. So, READ AND STUDY IT, IT CONTAINS EVERYTHING WE NEED FOR LIFE.

I find that there is an even deeper meaning to this verse from Hosea. Who is the One who has all the knowledge? You will say, "that's easy, GOD has all the knowledge." and you are right. So, if we desire knowledge, we must ask of GOD, from Whom comes all knowledge. Therefore, we are back to the basis of all growth in Christ, pray without ceasing. Our relationship with JESUS brings wisdom and knowledge that cannot be derived from any other source. JESUS IS THE WORD OF GOD, KNOW HIM AND HE WILL LEAD YOU INTO ALL TRUTH, BECAUSE HE IS THE TRUTH.

The second part of this verse from Hosea is a very strong admonition; if you reject knowledge - which comes from GOD - you and your children will be rejected. I tremble at these words, because I see many people rejecting the WORD of the LORD and counting the Holy Scripture as unimportant. We who have embraced the LORD JESUS Christ as our Savior MUST pray for those who have rejected His Word - both the Scripture and JESUS Himself. To reject the WORD is to reject GOD and there is an awful price to pay for that.

PRAY FOR THE LOST THAT THE GREAT SHEPHERD WILL SEEK THEM AND FIND THEM. PRAY FOR THE CONVERSION OF SOULS.

GROWING IN CHRIST-PART 3

2012-02-01T18:07:00.000-08:00

Ephesians 4: 14-16
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, by which they lie in wait to deceive; But, speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things, who is the head, even Christ; from Whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

JESUS, THE HEAD OF THE BODY

I like to meditate on the image of the Body of Christ, made up of all the true believers in JESUS, knit together in Love. The Love of the LORD GOD, the love of one another and the love of neighbor. When the Head, JESUS, says "move" the body moves in harmony; every join working smoothly as the Body of Christ acts according to the command of JESUS.

We are a part of that Body, when we come in surrender to JESUS and His leading. We are part of that image, taking command from the head and moving in harmony with every other part to accomplish His will.

How do we stay in tune with the rest of the Body? By being in complete harmony with the Head, JESUS. The relationship between us and Him makes our part of the Body smooth and agile. The more we study the Word of the LORD, the more we pray, the more we receive communion, the more we fellowship with other believers and the more we trust him, even in times of trial, trouble and tribulation, the more like Him we become, until we are one Body of Christ.

LET US GROW UP INTO THE HEAD OF THE BODY AND BE ONE WITH JESUS

GROWING IN CHRIST-PART 3

2012-01-31T17:42:00.000-08:00

Colossians 3: 16, 17
Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another, in Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs singing with grace in your hearts to the LORD. And whatever ye do in word or deed, do all in the Name of the LORD JESUS, giving thanks to GOD and the Father by Him.

Psalm 51: 6 says: "Behold, Thou desirest truth in the inward parts, and in the hidden part Thou shalt make me know wisdom." The "inward parts" is where the Word of GOD is to dwell richly. To dwell, means to live, move and have being; the Word of GOD is alive and moved by the Holy Spirit to bring forth the purpose for which it was sent by the LORD. When we hide the Word in our heart, the Holy Spirit brings it into motion as we speak it forth. When we speak the Word, it creates a new thing, old things are passed away and behold a new thing becomes visible.

There is another part to the verses from Colossians and that is "songs hymns and spiritual songs". I know, in my life, that Scripture songs and hymns have ministered to me when I needed comfort in my spirit. I know, for a fact, that Psalms have come forth from deep within me to bring wisdom, strength and comfort. Psalms also give instruction and wise counsel. Do not neglect to sing songs of praise and Scripture songs to the LORD, making melody in your heart. David sang to the LORD and the LORD loved His words and music. Let the LORD hear your heart song to Him and listen for Him to sing to you.

MAY THE NAME OF THE LORD BE GLORIFIED.

GROWING IN CHRIST-PART 3

2012-01-30T18:56:00.000-08:00

Psalm 119: 9-16
Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto 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. Blessed art Thou, O LORD; teach me Thy statutes. With my lips have I declared all the ordinances of Thy mouth, I have rejoiced in the way of Thy testimonies, as much as in all riches. I will meditate in Thy precepts, and have respect unto Thy ways. I will delight myself in Thy statutes; I will not forget Thy Word.

This series of verses from Psalm 119 are very clear about how a person can grow up into the Way of Christ. There are steps in these verses that, when followed, will lead to a deeper and deeper relationship with GOD. The answer to the question,"Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way?" is very clear and direct.
1. take heed to the Word of the LORD.
2. Seek the LORD with your whole heart.
3. Hide the Word in your heart.
4. Be open to the LORD teaching His Word to you.
5. Speak the Word only.
6. Rejoice in the way of the LORD.
7. Meditate and have respect for the ways of the LORD.
8. Remember the Word, and delight in it.

In our day and time, it is very important for each of us to take these points very seriously and not to neglect the holy Scripture. The Holy Scripture is the Word of the LORD for each of us and is a life-line in the time of need. There are many who perish because of a lack of knowledge; even more perish because of a lack of the knowledge of Scripture. Take the Scripture down from its shelf, dust it off and make a pledge to read it daily, meditate on it day and night and feast on its riches. It will feed your soul and spirit in the time of famine and drought.

GROWING IN CHRIST-PART 3

2012-01-29T17:34:00.000-08:00

I Peter 2: 1, 2
Wherefore, laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that ye may grow by it.

GROWING INTO CHRIST

We have discussed in past devotions about the ways in which we are aided in growth into Christ: 1. Prayer; 2. Fellowship; 3. Communion; 4. Trouble, trials and tribulations. These all aid us in growing into a mature Christian.

There is a 5th aid to Christian growth, THE WORD OF THE LORD. This is as important as your regular diet of food. To skip a meal, you diminish your health; to skip reading Scripture, you diminish your spiritual health.

Matthew 4: 4 says: "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of GOD." JESUS equates the Word of GOD with bread, Peter equates it with milk. So we can make the connection that the Word of the LORD is food for the Spirit.

Acts 17:11 speaks about noblemen in Thessalonica who received the Word, searched the Scripture daily. We need to be just like them, searching the Scripture daily to discover the truth of GOD. The Word of GOD is His spoken truth, we will grow as we search for the truth from GOD.

Psalm 119: 11 says "Thy Word have I hidden in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." The only way for the Word to be hidden in our heart is, if we daily meditate on the Word. While we have the Light, let us use the light to read, study and inwardly digest the Scriptures, so that when darkness comes, the Holy Spirit can minister to us with the Holy Word of GOD.

MIRACLES DO HAPPEN

2012-01-27T18:21:00.000-08:00

Mark 4: 39
And He arose and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

JESUS SPOKE AND IT WAS SO; SPEAK THE WORD AND MIRACLES FLOW

When JESUS speaks, creation responds. JESUS is the Word of GOD spoken and lived. All created things respond to His Word. JESUS is GOD incarnate; He was before, is now and will be forever; Almighty GOD.

God is our provider; GOD is our healer; GOD is our deliverer; He is true and His word is true. In Verse 40 of Mark 4, JESUS asks two questions in His response to the Disciples terror, ask yourself these two questions: Why are you so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith?

Nights of terror, when the wind and the waves of circumstances pound at your little boat of life, do you see JESUS in your boat? Do your know that when He is in the boat, no harm can come to you? Is your faith in JESUS a faith of "believing that He can" or is it "knowing that He will". Most of us believe that JESUS can do all things and has the power to do mighty things, that is one step of faith. Do we go on to the deeper faith of knowing that JESUS will do mighty things for us when we ask?

I challenge you to join me in going deeper into the profound faith of knowing that JESUS will not allow our little boat to sink in the storm. Know that He will arise and rebuke the wind and say "Peace, be still" and there will be a calm.

Faith is not only believing that JESUS can, but knowing that He will.

MIRACLES DO HAPPEN

2012-01-26T17:55:00.000-08:00

I Corinthians 2: 4, 5
My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on GOD's power.

Romans 15: 18, 19
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. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.

SIGNS AND MIRACLES CONFIRM THAT JESUS HAS ALL POWER AND AUTHORITY.

It is only in the power and authority of JESUS that any conversions to the Living Way of GOD can be accomplished. JESUS is the only way to the Father; JESUS is the only truth and the only Life. We can preach and teach the Good News of the Gospel in our own unique way, but it is the Power of JESUS by His Spirit that bring about Salvation. Those words"what Christ has accomplished through me" stand as the real truth of mission and ministry. Look around at the great teachers and preachers and you will see the mighty work of GOD through them. The books they write, the Crusades they lead, the programs they produce are all vehicles for the LORD to move in the hearts and lives of people. Many people hear for the first time the Good News of GOD in Christ JESUS and they fall on their face before JESUS and worship Him.

Signs and wonders, healing and miracles are the way that GOD confirms that all authority and power are given to JESUS for the salvation of the souls of men. JESUS defeated death, rose from the grave, ascended into heaven and makes intercession for all the saints of GOD. There is no lack of power in the hand of JESUS, He has ALL power and authority.

FAITH IS NOT ONLY BELIEVING THAT GOD CAN; BUT KNOWING THAT GOD WILL save, keep, forgive, heal, restore, Redeem, justify, sanctify and glorify those who call upon His Name. HIS PROMISES ARE YEA AND AMEN.

BELIEVE HIM

MIRACLES DO HAPPEN

2012-01-25T17:38:00.000-08:00

Acts 2: 21, 22
And it shall come to pass that whosoever shall call on the Name of the LORD shall be saved. Ye men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of GOD among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which GOD did by Him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know.

MIRACLES TESTIFY THAT JESUS IS THE SON OF GOD.

John 20:30, 31 says: And many other signs truly did JESUS in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these were written, that ye might believe that JESUS is the Christ, the Son of GOD; and that believing ye might have life through His Name.

Signs, wonders and miracles testify to the fact that JESUS is the Son of GOD. Look at your life, do you see any miracles? Write them down and sit and recall the time of the miracle, what happened, and who saw the miracle. Keep a journal of the miracles of JESUS is your life, so that you will never forget that JESUS is working His miracles today through yielded vessels of His. JESUS is the miracle worker.

Never forget that the first great miracle in your life is to be born again. JESUS made this possible for us by His life, death and ascension to the right hand of the Father. When we are born again, we are a new creation, old things are passed away, behold all things become new. Forget all that is behind and press forward toward the mark of the high calling of GOD in Christ JESUS.

The great miracle of Salvation sets us free to bring all souls to Christ by our witness of unconditional love. We are surrounded by the miracles of GOD; many do not notice them. We have the sight to point these miracles out to those who are blind. The fact that JESUS loves us totally, is so overwhelming that it is hard to grasp. Reach out and grasp His Hand and feel the flow of His love for you, then reach out your hand to another and give the miracle of love to them.

Signs, wonders and miracles testify that JESUS is the Son of GOD so that all might believe and have life through Him.

WINNING SOULS

2012-01-24T19:28:00.000-08:00

Mark 16: 19, 20
So then, after the LORD had spoken unto them, He was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of GOD. And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the LORD working with them, and confirming the Word with signs following. Amen.

THE ASCENDED LORD WORKS WITH US

The words in these verses should strengthen the ministry of every person who reads them. JESUS, who now sits at the Right Hand of GOD works with us to confirm His Word with signs following. We are not the ones who work miracles; JESUS works through us to bear witness to the truth of His Word and confirms that witness with signs and wonders. He also confirms all of prophecy; Matthew 8: 17 says: "That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah, the prophet, saying, 'He Himself took our infirmities, and bore our sickness."

Everything that JESUS said, will come to pass. Everyone who believes on His Name will testify of His greatness in the Land of the Living and will glorify Him for all eternity. The Word of GOD says so, JESUS confirms His Word through dynamic demonstrations of His Love and power.

Do you want a miracle in your life? Ask JESUS and then believe that you have received it. Trust in the Almighty power of the Living GOD to do what He has promised.

JESUS IS LORD

MIRACLES DO HAPPEN

2012-01-23T18:46:00.000-08:00

Hebrews 2: 4
GOD also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with diverse miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit according to his own will?

This passage is at the beginning of a Chapter on Salvation, the gift and grace of GOD. JESUS is the confirmation of the will of GOD that all men be saved and their house. JESUS made the way for us to be reconciled to GOD and He tasted death so that we might not die, but have everlasting life.

JESUS confirmed the will of GOD and signs and wonders; healing and miracles confirm the truth that what JESUS said is true. We also have that confirmation when we proclaim the Gospel, signs and wonders, healing and miracles follow those who minister in His Name.

Notice the last words of this verse in Hebrews "according to His own will". It is the will of GOD that causes the Great outpouring of the Holy Spirit for the conversion of souls to JESUS. The whole Godhead is at work in power to bring to Salvation, whosoever will come. This is the great desire of GOD and it is the great desire of all who love and follow the LORD. Signs and wonders, miracles and healing will support and confirm the Gospel Message.

RENEW, NOW, YOUR PASSION FOR LOST SOULS TO BE SAVED

MIRACLES DO HAPPEN

2012-01-22T17:25:00.000-08:00

I CORINTHIANS 12:28
And GOD hath set some in the Church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers; after that miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, governments, diverse tongues.

MIRACLES ARE FOR TODAY AND HAPPEN

What is a miracle? I have heard one definition of a miracle: "It is GOD creating something new, where before there was nothing." I like that definition, because the focus is in the right place, on GOD. GOD, alone, performs miracles. He may use a person as a vehicle of His power, flowing out of Him through them to the person in need, but ALL MIRACLES COME FROM GOD.

The greatest miracle of all, is the miracle of Salvation. To be born again is really
an awesome miracle, a demonstration of the Grace of GOD. I love the saying: "we had a debt we couldn't pay; JESUS paid the debt He didn't owe." JESUS bought us back from death, He laid down His life so that we might be reconciled to GOD through his Blood. We, who are born again, have received the greatest miracle there is, a new life in Christ JESUS.

Miracles do happen, many souls are born again today and every day. If one of the readers of this blog is not born again, come to JESUS and receive your miracle. "Believe on the LORD JESUS Christ and you shall be saved, and your house." Confess JESUS as your LORD, and believe in your heart that GOD raised Him from the dead; confess your sins unto almighty GOD and He will forgive you all your sins; yield your life to the only one who is trustworthy to keep, in total safety, that which you have committed unto Him. JESUS is LORD of all, trust in Him and be safe and secure forever in His Love.

SALVATION IS THE GREATEST MIRACLE FROM GOD

WINNING SOULS

2012-01-20T18:25:00.000-08:00

The Acts 16: 30b-32
What must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the LORD JESUS Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spoke unto him the Word of the LORD, and to all that were in his house.

PRAY FOR A DOOR OF UTTERANCE TO OPEN AND SALVATION TO COME TO ALL IN THE HOUSE.

We are always to be aware, in season and out of season, for the door of utterance to open, signifying that the person is ready to hear the Good News. When the door opens, the ground has been prepared, by the Holy Spirit, to receive the Word of the LORD and be saved. It is the will of the Father that all people be saved. We are the life-line for that to happen.

I am inspired by these words to intensify my preparation of the Gospel message from the Word of the LORD, so that any time the question,"What must I do to be saved?" is asked, I will be ready with the answer. The answer is very simple and people who ask want a very profound and simple answer; "Believe on the LORD JESUS Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house."

We all want our household to be saved. We all want our friends to be saved. Do we want our enemies to be saved? GOD did, and so should we. "While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). We must love the enemies so much that we are ready to bring the Good News of the Gospel to them at any time. Remember, It is the will of GOD that all might be saved.

PRAY FOR THE DOOR OF UTTERANCE TO OPEN AND ALL PEOPLE HEAR THE GOOD NEWS AND BE SAVED. PRAY THIS DAILY.

WINNING SOULS

2012-01-19T18:01:00.000-08:00

MARK 4: 15
And these are they by the wayside, where the Word is sown; but when they have heard. Satan cometh immediately and taketh away the Word that was sown in their hearts.

PRAY FOR THE BINDING OF SATAN AND HIS ANGELS

It is very important that we bind the enemy from hindering the Word of the LORD from being planted in the hearts of people. Prayer plows up the ground and prepares the soil, so that the Word of the LORD will find a good home.

Verse 20 says: " And these are they that are sown on good ground; such as hear the Word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirty fold, some sixty and some an hundred". This is what happens when we pray before we speak. The Holy Spirit prepares the ground of the heart and the Word of the LORD finds a home.

When we hide the Word in our heart, the Holy Spirit can reach in a bring it forth when we need it most. I have had this happen many times in my life and I know that the more of the Holy Scripture that is hidden in the heart the more strength, wisdom, direction and comfort there is in the time of need. If the Word is not there, there is unnecessary suffering and anguish.

Pray that the Word of GOD read or heard will find a home in our heart, so that you and I will not sin against the LORD.

BIND SATAN FROM STEALING THE WORD OF GOD

WINNING SOULS

2012-01-18T17:37:00.000-08:00

II Corinthians 4: 4, 5
In whom the god of this age hath blinded the minds of them who believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of GOD, should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ JESUS the LORD, and ourselves your servants for JESUS sake.

PRAY TO BIND AND CAST OUT SATAN AND HIS ANGELS

While I was reading the Gospel of John today, I came across a verse that sounds very much like what Paul said to the Corinthians. Here are the words of JESUS, speaking about the unbeliever being bound by satan: "he hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them."

The enemy of our soul, satan and his angels, are hard at work blinding the eyes and hardening the hearts of people, so that they will not be converted and healed by JESUS. We must join forces in prayer for the binding of the enemy and casting him out of our land, our community, our Church, our family and our own self. If we will pray this prayer daily, we will see the scales fall from the eyes of precious people and the hearts softened to hear the Word of the LORD and receive it with gladness.

LET US PRAY TOGETHER FOR BOLDNESS TO PROCLAIM THE GOSPEL AND TO BIND SATAN AND HIS ANGELS SO THAT LIVES WILL RECEIVE THE GOOD NEWS, BE CONVERTED AND HEALED.

WINNING SOULS

2012-01-17T18:38:00.000-08:00

Ephesians 6: 19
And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel.

PRAY DAILY FOR BOLDNESS

In the next few days, I want you to pay attention to the call for daily prayer. Evangelism needs to be under-girded with deep prayer and alertness to the move of the Holy Spirit. In order for us to be effective in our witness to the gospel, we must speak without fear, speak the whole truth and be confident. We also need to speak in the timing of the LORD. He goes before us and prepares the heart of the ones who receive the Word, but we need to follow through with the giving if the Word in due season.

Evangelism is only effective, if the time is right for the planting of the Holy seed.
Pray for boldness and patience; watching always for the move of the Holy Spirit and the anointing of the time and the Word.

PRAY DAILY FOR BOLDNESS

WINNING SOULS

2012-01-16T18:18:00.000-08:00

Matthew 6: 10
Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

JESUS gave us a pattern to pray the effectual and fervent prayer of a rightly related person. He showed us to pray for the Kingdom of Heaven and the earth be united as one. It is the will of the Father that all be saved. To that end, He had given us the "ministry of reconciliation, to wit, GOD was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself." He wants us and all our family, friends and acquaintances to be united with Him and not one be lost.

Yesterday, I mentioned that winning souls was a two sided coin: evangelism and prayer. Before we speak or act, we must pray for the Kingdom to GOD to come in earth as it is in Heaven. Pray that souls will open their heart to receive JESUS, His glorious Kingdom within their heart, and grow in grace and the love and knowledge of Him.

Tomorrow I will lay out 4 steps to pray daily for lost souls. These 4 steps will help prepare us for participating in a great revival of souls coming to Christ. When we pray, " Thy KINGDOM come, Thy will be done in earth as it is in Heaven" we are asking JESUS to act in a mighty way for the salvation of souls.
I pray, LET IT BE SO, LORD.

WINNING SOULS

2012-01-15T14:29:00.000-08:00

Psalm 2: 7, 8
I will declare the decree: The LORD hath said unto me, " Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession."

"Because the world and its inhabitants all belong to the LORD, He has the right to bequeath them to His SON."(Malbim) The only begotten Son of GOD; THE RIGHTEOUS ONE, is JESUS. It is the will of GOD that all be saved and that the earth be restored to the perfect place it was at creation, when GOD said, "It is good." This is why JESUS came, this is way JESUS died, this is why JESUS rose from the dead and is ascended to the right hand of the Father. This is the Father's love that all shall be saved. Read I Timothy 2: 4-6.

We play a big role in the restoration of souls to wholeness, by bringing the Good News of JESUS to all who come within our life. The WORD of GOD is a seed, which we can plant in lives, but there are two sides to the coin: one side is evangelism, bearing the good seed of the WORD; The other is prayer. We MUST PRAY EARNESTLY that the good seed of the WORD OF GOD will fall on good ground and bear a harvest unto salvation.

PRAY ACCORDING TO THE WILL OF GOD THAT HIS KINGDOM COME, HIS WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN

GROWING UP IN CHRIST-PART 2

2012-01-13T17:42:00.000-08:00

I Peter 3: 8, 9
Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous, not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing, but on the contrary, blessing, knowing that ye are called to this, that ye should inherit a blessing.

We are called to love, compassion and to bless. This may sound simple, but under fire it is anything but simple. It is not easy to do good to those who do evil to you. It is even harder to bless those who despitefully use you and abuse you. However, the power of blessing brings with it the power of GOD to change hearts. We are called to bless and not curse. The LORD is not in the cursing; He is in the blessing.

Growing up in Christ requires a new way of thinking and responding; we are to love unconditionally, have compassion for all, have pity and be courteous, show hospitality and comfort. As we grow up in Christ, we become more like Christ, as He changes us more and more into His image.

Bless, knowing that you are called to this, that ye should inherit a blessing from GOD.

GROWING UP IN CHRIST-PART 2

2012-01-12T17:31:00.000-08:00

James 1: 22
But be ye doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

I found a note in my Bible from 1977, it says," works: doing the Word that the Word is made flesh and fulfilled by the power of the Holy Spirit." I stopped and pondered these words in the light of the James passage. When we are doers of the Word of GOD, the LORD is reaching out with His love to transform the lives and living within the reach of that Word. The Word of the LORD has power to change conditions and hearts.

When we are hearers of the Word only, it is similar to hoarding, you get so puffed up that you fail to see the power of the Word at work. JESUS, the WORD of GOD, became flesh and lived the Word, transforming the world by His Spirit . He came to reconcile the world to Himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. This is what we are commanded to do; to love one another and to live the Word in the midst of all people, reconciling them to GOD, through their confession of faith.

Ask yourself this question, "Is what I am about to do or am doing, in keeping with the Word of the LORD?" If you can't find a justification in the Scripture, DON'T DO WHAT YOU ARE THINKING OF DOING. Another way of saying it is, "LORD, CONFIRM OR DENY WHAT I AM THINKING OF DOING IN YOUR WORD."

Ask and you shall receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be open unto you. Do the WORD, that the WORD will become flesh and fulfilled by the power of the Holy Spirit.

GROWING UP IN CHRIST-PART 2

2012-01-11T17:57:00.000-08:00

PHILEMON verse 6 (NIV)
I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.

GROWING UP IN FAITH AND LOVE

So many times we get locked into thinking that we are saved and going to live with JESUS and that is the end of the story. Well it isn't the end, it is the beginning of the mighty work of GOD in the redemption of lost souls. Think about how many lives you touch in one day. Statistics reveal that each of us touches 100 people a day, just imagine if all 100 people in our day would hear the Gospel message through us, by our words and our work of love; 100 people per day, coming to the LORD. I think that would be called a revival.

Brothers and sisters, this is our mission in the new life of a born-again Christian. We are the hands and feet of JESUS, bearing the Good News to people everywhere. If we withhold this Good News from lost souls and they die, not knowing the LORD, we are withholding the life-line from a soul. Our duty is to spread the Gospel to every creature, giving them a glimpse of the beauty and goodness of GOD, Himself.

May we, like Philemon, open our heart and our home to bring good tidings to those in need of JESUS, and to strengthen the brethren as each one labors to reach lost souls.

When we share Christ with others, we grow and are strengthened our selves.

GROWING UP IN CHRIST-PART 2

2012-01-10T17:51:00.000-08:00

Romans 5: 1-3
Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with GOD through our LORD JESUS CHRIST, by whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of GOD. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also, knowing that tribulation worketh patience...

As we grow in Christ, we will have tribulations, they are part of forming us into the image of Christ. Formation is essential in the growing process, just like school is essential in the formation of children. There are parts of us that need to be cut away, in order for us to bear fruit that is rich and succulent, attractive to those who are lost and crying out for help.

We are the witnesses of the grace of GOD; well formed life-lines so that many lives will be brought to JESUS. This is our task, this is our duty and this is why we are being formed in the school of the Holy Spirit. Be patient, GOD is not finished with us yet.

FORMED INTO THE IMAGE OF JESUS, BY THE GRACE OF GOD.

GROWING UP IN CHRIST-PART 2

2012-01-09T15:04:00.000-08:00

Psalm 119: 67, 68
Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now have I kept Thy WORD. Thou art good, and dost good; teach me Thy statutes.

Part of growing up in Christ is the "walk through the valley of the shadow of death". We tend to skip along the road of life without a care in the world, happy little beings, without a desire for discipline. "GOD made me this way so He understands me, just the way I am." we tend to say, not thinking about the result of our actions upon others. THEN comes the time of affliction, and we realize that there is a profound seriousness to this life we lead in the LORD. GOD needs us to bear much fruit for others to come to Him and be saved, so He allows us to be humbled.

Remember Jonah, who refused to go to Nineveh? GOD had a plan for the people of Nineveh and He needed Jonah to be a key part of that plan, so Jonah had to be humbled in the belly of affliction, in order to be ready to bring the saving message to people that GOD loved.

If you are going through affliction right now, know that GOD is using this to bring about His plan in the life of you and others. Keep His WORD; pray without ceasing; draw near to GOD and He will draw near to you; get serious with GOD and keep His WORD; there is new joy awaiting you as you look to Him for the plan He has for you.

THE LORD IS GOOD AND DOES GOOD ALWAYS

GROWING UP IN CHRIST-PART 2

2012-01-08T16:07:00.000-08:00

LUKE 2: 52
And JESUS increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with GOD and man.

If JESUS grew in wisdom as He grew in stature, we need to grow likewise. How did He grow up? In the Word of GOD and nurtured by the Psalms. JESUS always took time apart to pray and listen to the Father. He practiced obedience to His earthly parents as a reflection of His obedience to His Heavenly Father. His wisdom came directly from the Father and so must ours.

JESUS yielded Himself to the Father, to such an extent that everything that the Father did, He did and throughout His life, He and the Father and the Holy Spirit were ONE. As in all relationships, we must practice. This is why we must pray without ceasing and watch for the LORD to arise and arise with Him; listen for JESUS to speak and do what He says to do.
FOR HIS HOLY NAME SAKE.

PRAY, WATCH AND LISTEN; THEN DO

GROWING UP IN CHRIST

2012-01-06T18:19:00.000-08:00

I CORINTHIANS 4: 7
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of GOD and not of us.

There are days when I feel like a cracked pot, with all the contents pouring out all over the place. Well, this is not bad at all. The weaker we are in the flesh, the stronger the LORD is, people are touched by GOD when we are either cracked pots or are full to overflowing. We are vessels for GOD, cups of blessing from JESUS to this thirsty world. When we fully understand this, then the glory is given only to GOD by all who receive the blessing.

I want all of my days to ring with the sound of the music of the breath of GOD. I want His song to be heard from the corners of the earth; His love song for all people.

WHEN I AM WEAK, THEN HE IS STRONG.

GROWING UP IN CHRIST

2012-01-05T19:07:00.000-08:00

II Corinthians 3: 17, 18
Now the LORD is that spirit; and where the Spirit of the LORD is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror, the glory of the LORD, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the LORD.

GROWING UP IN THE IMAGE OF JESUS

It is very interesting to me that to grow up in Christ means to become more and more humble, meek and lowly. It really is growing into Christ, rather than growing up. Our world would have us believe that you have to work hard to win the favor of GOD. This is not so, we are to worship the LORD with our whole heart and trust Him. JESUS loves us and desires to have fellowship with us, so He is not far away, He is ever present.

The LORD does not bind us to tasks that are rigorous, all He wants is to love us. The more time that we spend in worship, prayer and meditation, the more we will be changed into the likeness of JESUS. The glory which is His, He gives to us by the work of the Holy Spirit of GOD. EVERYTHING that is necessary for us to grow into Him, He provides FREELY.

SIMPLY TRUST HIM WITH EVERYTHING - HE ALONE IS TRUSTWORTHY

GROWING UP IN CHRIST

2012-01-04T19:49:00.000-08:00

Proverbs 13: 20
He that walketh with wise men shall be wise, but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

When you walk with another, you are moving toward the same goal. The sharing of wisdom builds up the soul and spirit of a person as they journey together. We choose our friends; we must choose wisely with whom we walk.

When the LORD chooses those who are our friends, and anoints them with words of wisdom for us, we grow in grace and love and knowledge of the LORD and our faith in Him is increased. This is why Paul admonishes us not to neglect our assembly together. There is strength in numbers and fellowship in the LORD builds up each member. Let our choice be, "LORD, you choose."

Shun the company of fools, they tear down what the LORD has built. They will tear up all the good things and leave the soul in destruction. It is our choice with whom we will be in fellowship, and walk together toward the high calling of GOD in Christ JESUS.

GUARD YOUR HEART AND MIND; CHOOSE THE WISE WITH WHOM TO WALK.

GROWING UP IN CHRIST

2012-01-03T17:41:00.000-08:00

Psalm 92: 12-15
The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree; he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those who are planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our GOD. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing. To show that the LORD is upright. He is my Rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.

Psalm 1:3 says that the righteous, who do not walk in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of the scornful; but delight in the law (word) of the LORD are " like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bring forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." I am impressed by the fact that all of Scripture counsels us to "abide" in the house of the LORD. There is plenty of water there for growth and health; there is the atmosphere that is perfect for strength and vitality. It is the perfect place for a soul to grow straight and tall in the LORD.

Those who abide in the LORD and dwell in the House of the LORD, fear not, because the LORD is the "Rock and there is no unrighteousness in Him". To grow up into Christ, you must settle down and abide in the House of the LORD and flourish in the Courts of GOD.

Is this growth for us only, or is there more to this picture? We bear fruit so that others can eat and be saved. The lost and hungry souls, see the fruit of the life of a righteous person and are drawn to JESUS. Many people are saved by seeing glory being given to GOD and flowing from GOD, and are led to JESUS. What is the fruit? It is love, joy, peace, patience, goodness gentleness, meekness, faith and self-control; the fruit of the Holy Spirit of GOD, bursting forth in goodness and grace. People are watching, our life is a witness to the Love of GOD.

ABIDE IN JESUS; SERVE HIM WITH GLADNESS; WITNESS TO HIS UNCONDITIONAL LOVE AND GOODNESS.

GROWING UP IN CHRIST

2012-01-03T05:37:00.000-08:00

Psalm 119:105
Thy WORD is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

For us to fully grow up in Christ, we must deepen our relationship with Him, feast on His WORD, and pray without ceasing. The WORD of the LORD is JESUS Himself; He is the Word made flesh. So, to deepen our knowledge and our intimacy in relationship with JESUS, we must read and meditate on Holy Scripture. "Be still and know that I AM GOD", says the LORD, stillness and meditation on the Word of God, brings a deeper and more abiding relationship with JESUS.

I love the image of the lamp and light in this verse from the Psalms. If we are to walk the path of the LORD and follow Him along the road of glory, we need Him as our Light and the lamp of His WORD. He has given to us His Holy Spirit to bring understanding of the Word, we are charged with the duty to keep our lamp clean and burning, and to follow the True LIGHT, JESUS.

The parable of the Ten Virgins is instruction for us as we walk the path of life, looking to JESUS the author and finisher of our faith. The five who ran out of oil, did not nurture the life of the Holy SPIRIT within them. They allowed the lamp to go out. While they were running around, trying to find more oil, the Bridegroom came and the door was shut. We must keep our lamps filled with fresh oil for the Light of Christ to burn brightly within us.

GROW IN GRACE, AND IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST. (2 Peter 3: 18)

RING IN THE NEW YEAR

2012-01-02T05:46:00.000-08:00

Isaiah 43: 11-13
Ye are My witnesses, saith the LORD, and My servant whom I have chosen, that ye may know and believe Me, and understand that I AM He; before Me there was no GOD formed, neither shall there be after Me. I, even I AM the LORD, and beside Me there is no savior. I have declared and I have saved, and I have shown, when there was no strange god among you; therefore, ye are My witnesses, saith the LORD, that I AM GOD. Yea, before the day was, I AM He; and there is none that can deliver out of My hand; I will work, and who shall hinder it?

We begin this new year with these strong words from the LORD; I AM GOD; I AM HE; I AM THE LORD.

We are all thinking about what this new year will bring in the way of health, happiness and prosperity. Those questions find their answer in one person; GOD, the great I AM. All good things come from GOD and His goodness reaches out to all generations. He has a plan for this year, and that plan is to prosper and not to harm us. He is the one and only GOD. In Him there is abundant mercy, grace and love.

Begin today, to built up your relationship with the Holy ONE, who was and is and is to come, the Almighty GOD. None can deliver out of His Hand; He will work and who shall hinder it?

YE ARE MY WITNESSES, SAITH THE LORD

WELL COME TO A NEW YEAR

2012-01-01T06:58:00.000-08:00

ISAIAH 43: 18, 19
Remember not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I
will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.

WELL AND WHOLE, COME INTO THIS NEW YEAR

This morning I awoke to a glorious dawn. The darkness of the night season was ended by the coming of the light. The dawn burst over the mountains and the darkness gave way to the beams of golden glow. Where the light shone, darkness was gone and I had no desire to remember the night, because I was wrapped in the blanket of a golden morning.

This is a new year, 2011 is now past and 2012 has dawned. The LORD has promised to "do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it?" LOOK UP WITH HOPE IN YOUR HEART, THE KING, JESUS IS THE LIGHT THAT WILL END THE DARKNESS OF OUR NIGHT.

Keep watch and pray; be faithful to His WORD; love Him with all your heart; give to JESUS the honor due His Name and "sing a new song unto the LORD" He is going to make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

LOOK UP, YOUR REDEMPTION DRAWS NEAR.

THE BIRTH OF CHRIST- WHO IS JESUS?

2011-12-31T05:26:00.000-08:00

John 15: 1, 2, 4, 5
I AM the vine, My Father is the vine dresser, every branch in me that beareth not fruit He taketh away; and He purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit... abide in ME, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine, no more can ye, except ye abide in Me. I AM the vine, ye are the branches. He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without me ye can do nothing.

JESUS IS THE VINE

JESUS says that we must "abide" in Him, in order to bear "much fruit". The word "abide" means to live or dwell in a place. JESUS invites us to come and dwell in HIM and He in us. He doesn't say "dwell with me", He says "abide (dwell) in Me, and I in you." He desires the most intimate relationship with us. He wants to be a part of every cell of our life: Body, Soul and Spirit. In this way, the branches of the vine (us) will bear much fruit, to the glory of GOD.

The fruit from the vine is for the nourishment of others. The more fruit that we bear, the more people are touched and saved by GOD. The fruit that they receive from us is nine-fold: love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, gentleness, meekness, faith, long-suffering (temperance). The person who manifests the fruit of the Spirit of GOD and the person who receives that fruit, all give glory to GOD.

THIS IS WHAT OUR LIFE IS ALL ABOUT, GIVING GLORY TO GOD
IN THIS NEW YEAR, MAY YOU BEAR MUCH FRUIT AND GLORIFY YOUR FATHER IN HEAVEN.

THE BIRTH OF CHRIST- WHO IS JESUS?

2011-12-30T05:39:00.000-08:00

John 3: 34-36
For He whom GOD hath sent speaketh the words of GOD; for GOD giveth not the Spirit by measure unto Him. The FATHER loveth the SON, and hath given all things into Him hand. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life; and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of GOD abideth on him.

JESUS IS GOD

I see in these verses, a statement of the Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
The Father sends and gives to the Son all things; He sends and gives the Holy Spirit to the Son. THE SON IS JESUS. JESUS is life, He is the way and the truth. The path of eternal life is through JESUS. JESUS gives the Holy Spirit to us.

When does eternal life start? you might ask. Eternal life begins when you accept JESUS as your LORD and Savior. In His hand is eternal life and this is the light of man. We must walk through this life in the flesh, but we DO NOT WALK ALONE, JESUS walks with us.

When a person refuses to believe in JESUS, this insults GOD, because it was His love that sent JESUS into the world to save it. He gave His only beloved SON to us, so that we could live with Him. How do we say "thanks"? By giving our heart to JESUS.

THE BIRTH OF CHRIST- WHO IS JESUS?

2011-12-29T06:19:00.000-08:00

John 8: 12
I AM the light of the world; he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.

JESUS, THE TRUE LIGHT

In John 1: 3-5 we hear that JESUS IS THE LIGHT and "In Him was life; and the life was the light of men." We are shown elsewhere in Scripture that darkness; deep, thick, blackness, is what the world is without JESUS.

When we follow JESUS, not try to walk ahead of Him but follow Him, we are walking in the light and we can see the path that He is taking. This is very important, because we can not see ahead of us, so we stumble and fall in the darkness, JESUS IS WITH US, but we have chosen to go ahead of Him, impatiently, wandering in the unknown.

The fear of the unknown is conquered by faith in JESUS and to follow Him faithfully. In Psalm 119 we find these words, "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path."

JESUS IS THAT TRUE LIGHT, follow Him.

THE BIRTH OF CHRIST- WHO IS JESUS?

2011-12-28T05:37:00.000-08:00

John 10:10b, 11
I AM come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I AM the Good Shepherd, the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep.

JESUS, IS THE GOOD SHEPHERD

The birth is JESUS was the earthly manifestation of the I AM. JESUS IS GOD INCARNATE, MAN DIVINE. This plan of GOD was in His mind before the heavens and the earth were made. Now, in the fullness of time, JESUS is born.

JESUS laid down His life when He entered into the womb of Mary. He left His home in glory to become a child, born of a woman; 33 years later, He would lay down His life on a cruel cross. There were many other times that JESUS "laid down" His life for His sheep. He was humble and meek, not proud and showy; He loved deeply those who were sin-sick and healed them, He didn't pass them by; He showed abundant mercy and compassion, not judgment and condemnation; He forgave His enemies; He withheld His power to dominate and destroy. All this and much more were signs of JESUS, "giving His life for the sheep".

JESUS is calling us to walk as He walked, giving our life for the salvation of souls, though acts of mercy and compassion, forgiveness, humility and meekness.

WHO IS JESUS? THE GOOD SHEPHERD WHO LOVES YOU.

THE BIRTH OF CHRIST- WHO IS JESUS?

2011-12-27T05:27:00.000-08:00

Psalm 8: 1, 4, 5
O LORD, our LORD, how excellent is Thy Name in all the earth, who hast set Thy glory above the heavens!
What is man, that Thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that Thou visitest him? For Thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honor.

WHO IS JESUS? HE IS THE LORD.

What a wonderful gift from the Father GOD to us, that He would send His Son to reconcile us to Himself. I stand in awe, as I write these words, that GOD considers us worthy of His great love. We have done nothing to deserve such love, nothing we can ever do could make us fit and worthy. JESUS, alone, was righteous and worthy to be crowned with glory and honor.

When we are found in JESUS, reborn by the Blood of the righteous One, HE RECONCILES US TO GOD. This gift from the Father, JESUS THE RIGHTEOUS ONE, brought lowly, sin-sick man, into unity with GOD.

II Corinthians 5:21 says: "For He hath made Him, who knew no sin, to be sin for us, that we might be made the righteous of GOD in Him."

BE BORN AGAIN AND BE MADE WHOLE

THE BIRTH OF CHRIST- WHO IS JESUS?

2011-12-26T05:24:00.000-08:00

WHO DO YOU SAY THAT I AM?
Matthew 16: 15, 16
He saith unto them, But who say ye that I AM?
And Simon Peter answered and said, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living GOD."

WHO DO YOU SAY THAT JESUS IS TO YOU?

This is the most important question that you must answer today. The celebration of Christmas has come and a new day is dawning on the earth. People will be taking down the decorations and the place cleaned up for the New Year parties. Hanging in the air is a question for each individual to answer to GOD; "Who do you say that JESUS is to you?

Peter answered this way,"Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living GOD." Some will answer, "You are my Redeemer, deliverer, healer, source, Light, leader, King, and LORD." or "Counselor, Mighty GOD, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace." or "You are everything good in my life, you are JESUS, spouse, my friend, my everything."

We must all answer this question for ourselves. Who is He in your life?
Then live what you confess.

GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST

2011-12-24T06:34:00.000-08:00

Luke 2: 15
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, "Let us go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the LORD hath made known unto us."

COME AND SEE

I am struck by the words, "come...and see". This is the EVE OF CHRISTMAS, come and see JESUS; HE is here, come and see JESUS; HE is Emmanuel,GOD with us, come and see JESUS; HE is in your heart, come and see JESUS.

There is a Temple, not made with human hands, within our heart, there we can worship JESUS 24/7. In the Temple in our heart we can sing HIS praises with the angels and glorify GOD with the highest glory. Here, we can "come and see JESUS" we can sit at HIS feet and live in HIS presence.

HE IS CALLING EACH OF US TO "COME AND SEE."

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE LIVING FAITH CHRISTIAN CHURCH FAMILY

WISE MEN/WOMEN - reactions to JESUS

2011-12-23T04:49:00.000-08:00

Matthew 2: 4, 5
And when he had gathered all the chief Priests and Scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where the Christ should be born. And they said unto him, 'In Bethlehem of Judea; for thus it is written by the Prophets.'

REACTION OF INDIFFERENCE

The Priests of the people were learned men. They had a high position in the society of the people, because they were seen as the peoples link to GOD. When asked about where the CHRIST was born, they only quoted the Scripture about the Christ, they didn't go and see JESUS.

The Priests were preoccupied with their duties and the position that they held in society so they gave an answer to the questions asked and then, moved on to their business.

This kind of indifference is seen today in the intellectual community. They say that they know JESUS, but their heart is far from Him. They are "lukewarm". The Revelation 3: 15, 16 says " I know Thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot; I would thou were cold or hot. So then, because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth."

The answer to this is to repent from the heart and be zealous for the LORD.

COME AND SEE THE PLACE WHERE JESUS IS AND BOW DOWN AND WORSHIP HIM

WISE MEN/WOMEN - reactions to JESUS

2011-12-21T18:04:00.000-08:00

Matthew 2: 10
When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.

THREE REACTIONS TO JESUS-THEN AND NOW

The wise men rejoiced over JESUS by anticipation of seeing the KING; by faithfully following the star; by seeking HIS presence; by falling down and worshiping Him; and by giving gifts to honor Him. They rejoiced with great joy.

The reaction of believers in JESUS follow the same path. They are driven on their quest by the strong desire to see JESUS and to love Him. They and we rejoice with great joy.

There are two other reactions to the birth of JESUS-then and now, but for now let us focus on the devotion of the wise men as they inspire us to diligently seek the Christ, THE MESSIAH, THE REDEEMER, OUR KING.

WISE MEN/WOMEN-THE GIFTS

2011-12-21T06:21:00.000-08:00

Matthew 2: 11
And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary, His mother, and they fell down, and worshiped Him; and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto Him gifts; gold, frankincense and myrrh.

THE GIFTS
"What shall I give Him, poor as I am...what I can I give Him, give my heart."

This season of giving gifts has taken on a meaning that is far away from the giving of the gifts of the wise men. They came from a very great distance in search of the KING of the JEWS, JESUS; when they found Him, they fell down to worship Him. They worshiped the One whom they knew to be the MESSIAH, KING, EMMANUEL, AND LORD.

The wise men gave treasures to JESUS. Treasures are not just "store bought" trinkets, the are items of great value and speak of great meaning. The gold signifies the Deity, Royalty, Kingship and authority of JESUS; Frankincense was used on the Brazen Altar for a sweet smell in the smoke that arose to GOD, this symbolizes the Priestly position of JESUS as mediator between GOD and man; Myrrh, signifies he death JESUS would die for the redemption of man.

There is more to be found in the acts of the wise men, they "fell down and worshiped". In the Revelation 4: 10,11, we see the "four and twenty elders fall down before Him that sits on the Throne and worshiped Him that liveth for ever and ever." This is the response to the Presence of the Holy One. Then, they ' cast their crowns before the Throne saying 'Thou art worthy O LORD, to receive glory, and honor and power." The most powerful and honored men on earth, wise men and 24 elders "cast their crowns" at the feet of the ONE who is worthy
JESUS CHRIST THE LORD.

This day, let us follow the wise men and the 24 elders, giving to JESUS the only gift we can give,
OUR HEART TO HIM. HE ALONE IS WORTHY.

WISE MEN/WOMEN-THE JOURNEY

2011-12-20T06:42:00.000-08:00

Matthew 2: 1, 2
Now when JESUS was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod, the king, behold, there came wise men from the East to JERUSALEM, saying,"Where is He that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen His Star in the east, and are come to worship Him."

THE WISE JOURNEY

Yesterday, I wrote about who is a wise man/woman. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; the rest of the story is found in the journey.

The wise men had one focus, their eyes looked at the NATAL Star of the KING, JESUS. When we start on our journey of Holy Wisdom, we begin with our heart-eye focused on JESUS. We are led on our journey by the Shekinah glory of GOD, shining in our heart-sky. The travel is long and hard, but our heart is fixed on JESUS as we are led by His HOLY SPIRIT.

The intent of our journey is to SEE JESUS and to worship Him. We bring with us all that we are, all that we have and all that we ever shall be. We present ourselves a living sacrifice, which is Holy and acceptable unto GOD; OUR REASONABLE SERVICE.

COME, ALL YE FAITHFUL, TO WORSHIP CHRIST THE LORD

WISE MEN/WOMEN

2011-12-19T06:07:00.000-08:00

Matthew 2: 1-12

WHO IS WISE?

We all are fascinated by the image of those wise men in our Nativity Scenes, riding on their camels, toward the manger where JESUS rests in the arms of HIS Mother. The fact is, that JESUS was about 2 years old when the wise men came to present their gifts to Him. I find that the fact that they came so far in search of JESUS to be the key to this story.

Who is wise? Those who fear the LORD and search diligently to find HIM. We, too, have seen His NATAL STAR, that light of the glory of GOD, shining in the dark sky, leading us to the place where JESUS is to be found. Wise men/women follow that Shekinah Glory just like the children of Israel followed the fire by night and the cloud by day. The HOLY SPIRIT leads us to JESUS, that is HIS job. The finest gift we can bring to JESUS is our life as a living sacrifice, which is Holy and acceptable unto HIM.

O COME, LET US ADORE HIM, CHRIST THE LORD

WHY JESUS CAME

2011-12-17T06:10:00.000-08:00

I John 3: 11
For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.

ONLY LOVE, THIS IS THE MESSAGE FROM ABOVE

Why did JESUS leave glory to come to earth? Yes, it was to save sinners; to give abundant life to man; to heal and deliver man from bondage and death; to destroy the work of the devil. ALL these things are right and true. This is why JESUS came to live among His creation, He IS the creator.

What motivated Creator GOD to do all this? The driving force behind all the actions of JESUS is PROFOUND LOVE. Only love, Holy Love, was and is the motive of the actions of GOD.

We see the result of the motives, but from the beginning, before time and substance, the LOVE OF GOD breathed life and light into the void of the Universe, the preparation for the manifestation on THE SON OF GOD.

JESUS IS LOVE INCARNATE

WHY JESUS CAME

2011-12-16T06:00:00.000-08:00

I John 3-8b
For this purpose the Son of GOD was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.

JESUS came to set the captives free and to break every yoke.

There are many people walking about with various addictions; drugs, alcohol, and tobacco are only three. TV, video games, computer, Face-book, Texting and Soap Operas are others. If we think about it, we can name many others that we are drawn to as if they had power over us. Well, the truth is they do have power over us by our permission. We are captives by our own choice.

JESUS CAME TO SET THE CAPTIVES FREE

The most important choice that we must make has eternal implications; do you choose the way of the LORD, WHICH LEADS TO FREEDOM, or do you choose the way of the devil, which leads to darkness, bondage and death. When I chose to live in JESUS, all addictions fell away, like old rags, the prison doors opened and I was free; free to love, free to serve, free to live the abundant life.

JESUS CAME TO DESTROY THE WORK OF DARKNESS

WHY JESUS CAME

2011-12-15T10:05:00.000-08:00

JOHN 1-1, 12,13,14
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with GOD, and the Word was GOD.
As many as received Him, to them gave He power to the children of GOD, even to them that believe on His Name; who were born, not blood, nor the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of GOD. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

JESUS CAME TO HEAL AND DELIVER
In the first verse, there are three statements about JESUS: His existence,He is the Eternal Word of GOD, the I AM; His position, He is with GOD; His Deity, He was GOD. JESUS DESTROYED THE WORK OF SATAN AND THE DARK WORLD THAT HE CREATED; JESUS HEALED MANKIND FROM THE GRIP OF SIN AND DEATH; HE RESTORED OUR LIFE. The will of the flesh, human desire, nor human sacrifices could atone for us, but through JESUS we have all things restored. Through JESUS, we have become the children of GOD and joint heirs with Christ.

BELIEVE ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST AND YOU WILL BE SAVED, HEALED AND DELIVERED.

WHY JESUS CAME

2011-12-14T05:58:00.000-08:00

JOHN 10-10b
I AM come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

JESUS came that we might have abundant life through Him. JESUS brought glory to man by leaving His home in glory and opening the path of life to all who believe in Him. JESUS did this willingly and out of His great love. His life made the way for us to follow Him into glory and to receive the abundant life here on earth.

RECEIVE JESUS AND THE ABUNDANT LIFE IS YOURS

WHY JESUS CAME

2011-12-13T06:02:00.000-08:00

John 12:46, 47
I AM come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth in Me should not abide in darkness. And if any man hear My words, and believe not, I judge him not; for I came, not to judge the world but to save the world.

"For GOD sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world, through Him might be saved" (John 3: 17). JESUS came to bring life and light into the world; death and darkness did not come from Him. The I AM, the name of GOD, came to man in order for the world to be transformed from darkness into light, sadness into joy, hurt and harm into healing. GOD has a perfect plan for the salvation of man and that plan is JESUS. BELIEVE ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST AND YOU SHALL BE SAVED, YOU AND YOUR HOUSEHOLD.

The LORD did not come into the world to judge it and condemn it. The judgment and the condemnation comes from the result of sin and darkness. There are many souls that refuse to hear the word of GOD and rebel against the Love of GOD for them, the result of this choice is pain, darkened mind, a heart of stone and a hopeless existence. JESUS, the great I AM came to turn all the hopelessness of dark humanity into the glorious hope and light of Eternal Love.

I AM, THE ETERNAL WORD, CAME DOWN AT CHRISTMAS TO CHANGE THE WORLD THROUGH LOVE.

WHY JESUS CAME

2011-12-12T06:06:00.000-08:00

Matthew 18: 11,14
For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost...Even so it is not the will of your Father, who is in heaven,that one of these little ones should perish.

JESUS CAME TO SAVE

The most important reason that JESUS came to earth was to seek and to save that which was lost. He willingly left Glory to live and die among us, so that we, through Him, might be saved. It is the will of the Father that not one perish, so He gave his only begotten Son to redeem the world.

The Love, Word and Will of GOD came to earth as a little child, so that all who come to Him will be restored to the perfect image that GOD saw when He created the earth. We were made in the likeness and image of GOD, that image was marred by the blight of sin, when we are born again by the Blood of JESUS, we are restored to that perfect image and saved.

The grace of GOD is not cheap, because it cost GOD greatly, BUT IT IS FREE to all who come to Him. All we have to do is take the Hand of the Man JESUS and come as a little child to feel the beat to that Sacred Heart and be saved.

COME, ALL YOU WHO ARE THIRSTY; COME TO JESUS AND BE SAVED

PLANS FROM GOD FOR YOU

2011-12-10T06:32:00.000-08:00

Jeremiah 29: 11-14a
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. and ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. And I will be found by you, saith the LORD; and I will turn away your captivity...

COME AS A CHILD AND BELIEVE

These words from the LORD should increase your faith a thousand fold as you read them. The LORD has a thought about YOU; a plan for YOU that is of peace and not of evil; to give to YOU an expected end.

What is that "expected end"? Salvation, Redemption, healing, restoration, wholeness, deliverance and united with GOD for all Eternity. All this was made possible by the shed Blood of JESUS; His willing sacrifice for you on the Cross. This was made possible for YOU by JESUS leaving the Throne in Heaven to become a mortal man, to live as a mortal and die as a human so that the sacrifice would be total and the resurrection total and the Ascension total and for ALL people who believe on His Name. This is GOD'S plan for YOU. Beloved, please don't say, "but" and then give a laundry list of exceptions. JESUS paid it all for YOU and all you have to do is accept Him and be raised to newness of life, IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

GOD HAS A THOUGHT ABOUT YOU AND A PLAN, EMBRACE HIS WAY AND HIS PLAN AND YOU WILL HAVE PEACE WITH GOD.

COME AS A CHILD

2011-12-09T06:19:00.000-08:00

Ephesians 5:8, 9
For ye were once darkness, but now are ye light in the LORD; walk as children of light. For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth.

THE CHILDREN OF LIGHT

Think about children: they are helpless without their parents to provide for them; they are weak and need guidance to live; they are unable to plan and prepare for their future; they are dependent on, and observant of the actions of their elders. So it is with the Children of GOD.

We are helpless without the help of JESUS, who is our provision; we are weak without JESUS who is our strength; we are unable to walk with out the Light of Christ guiding our steps; we can not plan or prepare, because we can not see the future, but JESUS can and does; we are dependent on JESUS and when we observe Him and study Him we know how to act in this world.

JESUS is the Light of the world, we are lanterns of that Light. Keep your lanterns clean and burning; washed with the water of the Word of GOD and filled with the oil of the Holy Spirit. Walk in the Light of the LORD and be filled with the Light of JESUS.

COME AS A CHILD

2011-12-08T06:02:00.000-08:00

Philippians 2: 13, 15
For it is GOD who worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure...
That ye may be blameless and harmless children of GOD, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.

SHINING LIGHTS

We are to shine as lights in the world and it is GOD who works in us to want to and to be able to do what He wants. If this devotional, this morning, stopped there and said, "reflect on this", it would be enough for a life time of reflection. Just think about it; the GOD who created all things in heaven and in the earth, created you and all that you see, sent His Son to redeem you and all humanity from death by His Blood, works in you to will and do what pleases Him. He has done it all for you, all you have to do is follow Him.

We can not please GOD or do the work that makes Him rejoice, on our own hook; it is GOD who gives us the will and the way to make Him rejoice. Do you have a thought about how to bring people warmth on a cold day; how to feed the hungry in your neighborhood; call a friend and just give them the warmth of your friendship; take a plant to a grieving neighbor who just had to put her dog down, because the dog was sick and old. These thoughts and the thoughts about new ways to cure Cancer and help people to live, who have no kidneys, through the gift of Dialysis; these thoughts come from GOD, designed for the good of His Children. These are Holy Gifts from the Divine source for the health and well being of humanity.

We are light in this world, dispelling the darkness and despair of a world without hope. People are walking in darkness and we are the lanterns of the Light of Christ breaking the darkness and bringing hope. We are the Light of warmth in the cold night of lives. We are the Light that brings growth to the soul that feels "stuck in the rut". We are the healing light of GOD, touching sick souls and raising them up to the path of wholeness. Yes, we are the lanterns of GOD, filled with His Light and the oil of the Holy Spirit. Keep your lanterns bright with the Holy Light; the world is in great need of the way to walk.

JESUS IS THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE. JESUS IS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

COME AS A CHILD

2011-12-07T06:23:00.000-08:00

John 1: 1-5
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with GOD, and the Word was GOD. The same was in the beginning with GOD. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made. In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness overcame it not.

LIFE AND LIGHT

JESUS is the Life and the Light; He was at the beginning and He is so, right now, today, in our world. We are light-bearers and the darkness can not overcome us if we are drawing our light from JESUS.

Yes, the world is filled with darkness, the mind of man is filled with the muck and mire of endless gloom and death.; yet they refuse to empty themselves of this muck and come to JESUS for Life and Light. Schools are refusing to have prayer, books are being re-written so that JESUS is removed. What to do? we cry; What to do?

Turn your part of the world into Light, embrace JESUS as a child embraces his father; follow JESUS into the glorious light of resurrected life and shine brightly in this world. Give to the poor; heal the sick; cleanse the leper and open the prison doors to those who are bound by addiction and trouble; do all in the Name of JESUS. Spend your time in prayer and deep intercession for this world. COME AS A CHILD COMES TO THE FATHER, humble, meek, asking, needy; crawl up on His lap and trust Him to bring light to the darkness.

EMBRACE THE LIGHT LIKE A CHILD EMBRACES THE ONE WHOM HE TRUSTS.

COME AS A CHILD

2011-12-06T05:48:00.000-08:00

Luke 18: 16,17
Permit the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not; for of such is the Kingdom of GOD. Verily I say unto you, "whosoever shall not receive the Kingdom of GOD like a little child shall in no way enter it."

Yesterday, we talked about the darkness in this world and that the Light of Christ has come into the world to dispel that darkness. Today, we will explore the way to live in the Light.

The world of darkness is inhabited by those who do not want to live in the light. They are comfortable with the struggles to see in darkness. They are like the little creatures who live in the darkest parts of caves and never see the light; they are pale, and blind, groping around their dark dwelling, hoping to find what they need for life.

In human terms, living in darkness is trying to find the way, the truth and the life without JESUS, who is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Many folk think that their intellect, education and experience will make the way possible for them to succeed. They grope around their dwellings, trying to find what they need for life, but they are blind, without a guide.

The people who embrace the light of Christ, are those who seek, ask and knock for JESUS. They are the ones who acknowledge that He is the LORD; they determine to follow Him without question. They place their hand in the Hand of JESUS and let Him lead. Those who seek the Light of Christ submit to the Gospel as a child submits to the teaching of a parent. When one is submitted to JESUS, they are filled with light and JESUS, the Good Shepherd, leads them to springs of Living Water and good pasture.

COME AS A CHILD TO THE LIGHT OF JESUS CHRIST AND HIS KINGDOM OF LIGHT

COME AS A CHILD

2011-12-05T06:46:00.000-08:00

Isaiah 9: 2, 6
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.

THE LIGHT OF CHRIST HAS COME INTO THE WORLD

If you read the Newspaper or watch TV or listen to the radio you will know the great darkness that we are living in right now. Look around at the people in line to receive a food basket and you will know that we are living in a dark time. Talk to your friends about how they feel about the world and they will acknowledge that it is a bleak time. Darkness is covering the world; the people are walking in darkness and dwelling in the shadow of death. WHERE IS THE LIGHT? THEY CRY.
The LORD JESUS has come into the world to save the world from the darkness and the shadow of death. He broke down the dividing wall between us and Him, we are able to live in the light. Believe on the LORD JESUS Christ and you will be saved from this awful darkness. JESUS defeated death and the grave; by his Blood he reconciled us to GOD.

THE LIGHT HAS COME INTO THE WORLD, BELIEVE HIM TOTALLY AND THE LIGHT WILL SHINE IN YOU.

CIRCLE OF BLESSINGS

2011-12-03T06:36:00.000-08:00

II Corinthians 9: 13-15
While by the proving of this ministration they glorify GOD for your professed subjection unto the Gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men, and by their prayer for you, who long after you for the exceeding grace of GOD in you. Thanks be unto GOD for His unspeakable gift.

The circle is complete, the recipient of the goodness of GOD, glorifies GOD; the distributor of GOD'S gifts, glorifies GOD; GOD is pleased and blesses both the giver and the receiver. There is more, to whom belongs the glory?

It is very normal for us to thank the person, who is the giver of the gifts of GOD and praise them for their devotion to Him and the Gospel of Christ. Many people extol the human hands and feet of JESUS and stop there. The truth is, that every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes to us from the Father of lights in whom there is no variableness neither shadow of turning (James 1:17).

The strongest words of these verses are in the last verse, verse 15, thanks be unto GOD for His unspeakable gift. The gift of his only begotten Son, JESUS to atone for our sins, breaking down the dividing wall between us and GOD and reconciling us to GOD. We are only earthen vessels, that the excellence and the power be of GOD and not of ourselves. We have nothing without the blessing and goodness of GOD.

JESUS IS THE ETERNAL GREAT GIFT TO US ALL, BELIEVE IN HIM AND GLORIFY HIM.

CIRCLE OF BLESSINGS

2011-12-02T06:18:00.000-08:00

II Corinthians 9: 11
Being enriched in everything to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to GOD.

I must apologize to you for the absence of a posting on the blog for yesterday. The internet and the DSL were down for the whole day and I couldn't post on my computer. Please forgive a missed day.

Today, we will focus on those words from II Corinthians, "causeth through us". I love words because they paint pictures in my mind. The picture that I get is a "cause and effect" picture. I see a person handing a gift to another and the other smiling and thanking the giver with great rejoicing. As I look deeper into the picture, I see that the giver is really JESUS, giving a gift through another to a person. The smile and the rejoicing is the outpouring of thanksgiving to GOD, who then, gives more gifts to be spread out to more people; AND THERE IS MORE THANKSGIVING TO GOD.

This picture forms a circle. The person gives to the recipient a gift, the recipient and the giver give glory to GOD who then gives more gifts to be given away so more thanksgiving is given and more gifts abound.

Blessings come in a circle, also. The giving person, blesses the recipient and both bless GOD. GOD gives blessings to them both and they give blessings to others, who bless GOD and He blesses.

LET US BE A PART OF THE CIRCLE OF BLESSING, CAUSING THE EFFECT OF MORE BLESSINGS TO GOD

CIRCLE OF BLESSINGS

2011-11-30T05:38:00.000-08:00

II Corinthians 9:12
For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto GOD.

THE BLESSING OF GOD

When we hear the phrase "blessing of GOD" we often think that it is GOD who blesses us. In this verse, we see another phase of blessing; the blessing given to GOD. Have you ever thought that the good that you do blesses GOD? Have you ever thought that the good things done in the name of the LORD causes others to bless GOD? Re-read the verse from II Corinthians; not only does our service supply the need of the poor, but many thanksgiving are given to GOD.

In my heart I want to give great thanks and blessing to to GOD for all that He has done for me. I want to bow down before Him, to honor and adore Him, and I want to inspire others to do the same thing. It is through service to others in the Name of the LORD, that others are brought to the place that they will glorify GOD for His great love for them.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY, THE BLESSINGS AND THE HONOR DUE HIS NAME

CIRCLE OF BLESSINGS

2011-11-29T05:40:00.000-08:00

II Corinthians 9:9 (NIV)
As it is written: "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever."

Yesterday we discussed the "bountiful eye", those who look and find ways to give to the poor and those in need; people who will be blessed because they gave. Today we will talk about "scattering abroad".

There is a woman in our Church who gives clothing and food every Sunday, after every Service, on Monday at another Church and on Saturday to the people in the homeless camps. She gives out what she receives from others and there is no limit to the giving. People do not have to qualify for food or clothing; no paper work, no hoops to go through to get help; she just gives. She has a garage full of clothing, if there is a need for a sweater, call her and she will provide. This woman will not stop, day or night, giving and giving to anyone who is in need. When she goes to the store, she looks for men/women/children who are asking for help, she gives what she has to them. Her car is filled with clothing to give, all sorted by size and all appropriate for the season.

SHE SCATTERS ABROAD IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS. Her card reads: "Helping Hands Ministry"; she stands on the word, "Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers, that you do unto me."

This is an example of how we are to "scatter abroad" with a "bountiful eye"; unconditionally and with the Love of the LORD JESUS. May we all follow this example of a holy woman who does not count the cost, just gives.

CIRCLE OF BLESSINGS

2011-11-28T06:01:00.000-08:00

Proverbs 22:9
He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.

This week, we will talk about the circle of blessings from GOD and how it is a continuous circle; never ending, always blessing. The first part of this circle is the blessing upon the poor, those who receive from those who have a "bountiful eye".

What is a "bountiful eye", it is the eye of the heart that seeks ways to give to others. The bountiful eye is always watching for a need and always looking for ways to meet that need. They look around their house for ways to bless others; they look in the stores for things to bless others; they search out things to make, to bless another. The eye of the giver seeks ways to give.

The blessing comes when the recipient gives thanks for the relief of their need. When the bountiful eye giver, gives unto the LORD, the recipient gives thanks to GOD and the hands that gave to them. Therefore, GOD is glorified and the giver is blessed.

TODAY, BE A BOUNTIFUL EYE, SEEKING WHOM YOU MIGHT SERVE IN JESUS NAME.

ACT OF COMMUNION

2011-11-26T05:44:00.000-08:00

Matthew 26: 26-28
And as they were eating, JESUS took bread, and bless it, and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, "Take, eat; this is my body, " and He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying,"Drink ye all of it; for this is my Blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins."

FAITH ALWAYS SAYS, THANK YOU JESUS.

It is by faith that we say, "thank you JESUS for all that you have done for us"; it is by faith that we eat the bread and drink the cup, recognizing the Body and Blood of JESUS; it is by faith that we accept that our sins have been thrown as far as the east is from the west and we are clean.
FAITH ALWAYS SAYS, THANK YOU JESUS.

The Blood of Jesus reconciles us to GOD, "thank you JESUS".
The Body of JESUS unites us into one Body, with JESUS as the head, "thank you, JESUS".
The wounds of JESUS heals our wounds, for by His stripes we are healed; "thank you, JESUS". JESUS paid the price for our redemption from the prison house of sin, "thank you, JESUS". JESUS is coming again for us, His Bride, to take us home to live with Him, "thank you, JESUS".

THANK YOU JESUS, FOR ALL THAT YOU HAVE DONE FOR US

A FLAME OF LOVE

2011-11-25T06:22:00.000-08:00

Colossians 2:6,7
As ye have, therefore, received Christ JESUS the LORD, so walk ye in Him, rooted and built up in Him, and established in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding with thanksgiving.

I received this gift from a friend and thought that I would pass it on to you.
We are a flame of love in this world, brightening up the corners of the hearts of people; giving them light to see through the darkness, to the glorious light of the LORD. We are like little candles of hope, lighting the path for others to see. We are like a touch of warmth in a cold world, giving others the tender touch of JESUS in the heart. BE THE FLAME OF LOVE, BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CHRIST.

A Flame of Thanks

In the literature of the desert Fathers and Mothers there is the story about the monastic who goes to the greatest of all the Mothers and says, “To the best of my ability, I pray,

I fast; I keep my little rule, what more should I do?” And the wise woman answers,

“If you will, you can become all flame!”

On this gray, cold day in late November becoming “all flame” does have a certain appeal and I wonder what she meant and how one could do that? Upon further reflection, I realize that I have known people who certainly seem on fire with a love for life. They radiate warmth in their smiles, in their words, and in their generous kindness that flows over everyone around them. These people can make a cold room warm and a dark space bright by their presence, by the flame within and around them.

What is it that transforms these folks into living flames, into people on fire with a love for life and others? I believe these are the ones who have discovered and embraced the great secret of gratitude. For them, everyone and everything is sheer gift. They take no one and nothing for granted. Their laughter and their love can turn a simple meal into a feast because they view life as filled with abundance and beauty and are always eager to share. They live with a grateful heart that finds reason to rejoice and give thanks at all times and in all places.

This Thanksgiving Season I want to tell you that you are for me a living flame of love and gratitude. I am so grateful that you are in my life. Together let us kindle the fire of gratitude, spread the warmth of love, and create pockets of peace that make us one family, one nation, one universal community of brothers and sisters.

Have a glorious Thanksgiving!

With much love,

Evelyn

HAPPY DAY OF THANKSGIVING

2011-11-24T05:19:00.000-08:00

MAY YOU ALL BE GREATLY BLESSED BY THE LORD

Psalm 35: 18, 28
I will give thanks in the great congregation; I will praise thee among many people.
And my tongue shall speak of Thy righteousness and of Thy praise all the day long.

THE DAY OF REMEMBRANCE

I will bless the LORD at all times, his praise shall continually be in my mouth. At all times will I give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, His mercy is everlasting, and his truth endureth forever and ever. The LORD is my Rock and my salvation; whom then shall I fear? The LORD is my strength and my song, of whom then shall I be afraid?

As I write this blog to you, today, I am filled with the great joy of the LORD for all that He has done for all of us. The best way for me to express my joy to you and for you is to quote Scripture. When you read this, begin to praise the LORD in your own way; thanking Him for His great mercy, loving-kindness, goodness, generosity and LOVE in the redemption of the world by our LORD JESUS Christ. Be glad all of the time, rejoicing in the LORD for He is good to us.

Let all the people we touch everyday, know that the LORD GOD loves us and He loves them with an unconditional, and unfailing love. Let us all rejoice, together, in the LORD and bring the hurting, dying, troubled souls to Christ, so that they, too, will join the great congregation, singing and blessing the LORD.

MAY YOUR DAY OF THANKSGIVING BE FILLED WITH OVERWHELMING JOY AND MAY PROSPERITY BE REALIZED IN YOUR LIFE.

LIVING FAITH CHRISTIAN CENTER PRAYS GREAT BLESSINGS UPON YOU AND ALL YOUR FAMILY. PEACE BE UNTO TO YOU FROM ALL OF US, IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS, AMEN AND AMEN

THANKSGIIVING AND PRAISE

2011-11-22T17:56:00.000-08:00

Hebrews 13:15,16
By Him, therefore, let us offer the sacrifice of praise to GOD continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name. But to do good and to share forget not; for with such sacrifices GOD is well pleased.

We are a Kingdom of Priests, serving GOD continually with sacrifices that please Him. These sacrifices are not bulls and goats like the ancient sacrifices, but thanksgiving and praise of the One who gave His life for us all. JESUS is the perfect sacrifice for all sin and His blood paid the debt for us. We had a debt that we could not pay; He paid the debt He didn't owe. JESUS broke down the wall of separation between us and Him, so that we could come to Him boldly and with great joy.

What can we do to say "thank you, LORD" for all the He has done? We can do good and share with others, reaching out our hands in love to a hurting world, being ready to be broken bread and poured out wine for the life of another.

Thanksgiving should resound from our lips and in our heart without stopping even for a breath. It is the LORD who has given to us the breath, in order to praise Him. We are stewards of that breath, using it wisely as we glorify Him continually.

THANKSGIIVING AND PRAISE

2011-11-22T05:12:00.000-08:00

Psalm 100
Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness and come before His presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD, He is GOD; it is He who hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise; be thankful unto Him, and bless His name. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endureth to all generations.

I WAS GLAD WHEN THEY SAID UNTO ME, "LET US GO INTO THE HOUSE OF THE LORD".

"It is He who hath made us, and not we ourselves", we live because He has called us into being; we live Eternally, because He lives; we breathe, because He gives us breath. All things come from GOD; nothing exists without the LORD calling it into being. Great thanksgiving should rise from our hearts to GOD, because He is the source of all things good.

Make a joy-filled song of praise and thanksgiving as we enter into the presence of the LORD. Fall at His feet with gratitude for ALL that He has done for us. "Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised", glorify Him and bless His name forever, for He is worthy. The LORD is good; the LORD is merciful; the LORD is all truth; the LORD is high and lifted up, yet reaches to the lowest of the lowly with great compassion. The LORD gave His highest and His best for the redemption of the world. He paid the price for our sin and brought us into His presence by breaking down the wall between us and Him. "By His Blood He reconciled us and by His wounds we are healed".

"Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise" be deeply thankful from your heart, for the LORD has done great things for us and Holy is His Name.

I call all of us to wrap ourselves in the songs of praise today. Make a joyful noise unto the LORD and bless His name. Sing to Him from a heart filled with thanks for all that He has done. Make today the first day of your new life of praise, glorify the LORD all the days of your life and dwell in His house with thanksgiving.

ALL GLORY BE TO GOD ON HIGH AND PEACE TO HIS PEOPLE ON EARTH

THANKSGIIVING AND PRAISE

2011-11-21T05:41:00.000-08:00

THE THANKFUL HEART WORSHIPS
Hebrews 12:28 (NIV)
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and worship GOD acceptably with reverence and awe, for our "GOD is a consuming fire".

" No matter what happens here, our future is built on a solid foundation that cannot be destroyed. Don't put your confidence in what will be destroyed; instead build your life on Christ and His unshakable kingdom." ( Life application Bible commentary, pg. 2659). Be thankful, my dear friends, for the Kingdom of GOD is at hand, it is in the presence and reality of JESUS. When we receive JESUS as our LORD and savior, we enter into His Kingdom; a Kingdom that is not made with hands, but whose maker and builder is GOD.

We are the KIDS OF THE KINGDOM, let us be eternally thankful for this fact. Worship and praise are inseparable twins, that manifest themselves when a heart is thankful. The acceptable worship of GOD is with "reverence and awe" and with thanksgiving. The heart that worships GOD for who He is; falling on our knees before Him in our heart, overwhelmed by the greatness of His love for us, this heart will be consumed by the fire of His great love. This is a sacrifice that is well pleasing to GOD. The result of this act of worship, is the all consuming presence of GOD in our life. We are founded and built on the Rock, Christ JESUS, and cannot be shaken; our Kingdom is Eternal.

ALL THE KINGDOM KIDS SHOUT, "THANK YOU, JESUS".

THANKFUL HEART

2011-11-19T05:28:00.000-08:00

Mark 8: 6-9 (NIV)
JESUS told the crowd to sit down on the ground. When He had taken the seven loaves and given thanks, He broke them and gave them to His disciples to set before the people, and they did so. They had a few small fish as well; He gave thanks for them also and told the disciples to distribute them. The people ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven baskets full of broken pieces that were left over. About four thousand men were present, (Plus women and children).

HE GAVE THANKS, BROKE AND GAVE.

I am a person who likes to study the order in which JESUS does things. The order tells me a lot about how GOD sees us and how we are to act. First JESUS was moved with compassion because the people were hungry. What He is telling me is to look at the people around me and see where there is a need, then have compassion. "Compassion" means heart felt tenderness; "com", means with, "passion" means love from the heart. JESUS is saying, love from the heart the people whom you see.

Next, JESUS told them to sit down. He did not tell them to go away and find food, He knew that He would provide; the people also knew that He would provide for them. This shows an understanding of trust. JESUS trusted the Father to provide and the people trusted JESUS.

JESUS gave thanks to the Father for the gift of the "little boy's lunch". Seven loaves could hardly feed all the thousands of people, but JESUS gave thanks for the basic provision and for what the Father would do with it. He also gave thanks for the fish, because He knew that there would be enough for all to eat, from the Father's hand. JESUS trusted; the people trusted; and we are being called to trust in JESUS all the days of our life.

JESUS broke the loaves and fishes into pieces, this was a foretaste of the Body of JESUS broken for us. He was telling the world that He is the living bread that will be broken for all people for the redemption of each soul who comes to Him.

Then JESUS had the disciples lay the food before the people and they did eat and there was enough. The Body of JESUS, broken for us, is given freely for us to eat and be filled in our soul and spirit. He gave all for us in thanksgiving and trust; we receive Him in Communion with thanksgiving and trust.

TAKE, EAT, THIS IS MY (JESUS BODY) WHICH IS GIVEN FOR YOU. DO THIS IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME (JESUS).

THANKFUL HEART

2011-11-18T05:46:00.000-08:00

Psalm 28: 7
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song.

THE SONG OF THE REDEEMED
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trust in Him.

This song comes from the heart of those who know that the LORD is in control of all situations. The LORD is a shield in the time of trouble, He is the strength to endure all situations. When we are tired of the heavy load of troubles, He is the sweet refreshment that brings Living Water into the heart and revives the soul. The heart leaps for joy and thanksgiving springs forth like a fountain of love to the LORD.

You might think that this is a song that resounds in us AFTER having received the answer to our prayer and a relief from the distresses of life; no, this song springs forth BEFORE AND AFTER the blessing of the LORD are seen. Notice the word "trust", trust is formed in the midst of circumstances and trials. Trust is strengthened as you see the LORD raise the shield and give the strength to endure. Trust comes to bloom when you see the impossible become possible in the light of GOD'S glory. Trust in GOD is the joy that springs from a heart that depends on GOD for everything.

Are you under a heavy load of circumstances right now? TRUST IN THE LORD, He is your shield and your strength. Give thanks to Him with a heart filled with great joy, for His has done great things for us and Holy is His Name.

THANKS BE TO GOD

THANKFUL HEART

2011-11-17T06:20:00.000-08:00

Psalm 79: 13
So, WE THY PEOPLE and sheep of Thy pasture, will give Thee thanks forever; we will show forth Thy praise to all generations.

I was touched by the words, "We, Thy People". "We Thy people and sheep of Thy pasture", we belong to GOD and are under the care of GOD. Just knowing that, should give your heart such gladness that you ring with thanksgiving. The LORD GOD who created the heavens and the earth watches over you, like a mother watches over her little child. He protects you in the same manner as the Shepherd watches over His sheep. In John 10:11-18 JESUS says that, He is the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep. He lays down His life for His sheep. WE ARE THE PEOPLE OF GOD.

On the day of remembrance to give thanks to GOD for all that He has done for us, let us also remember to give Him thanks for being our Good Shepherd, keeping us safe from all harm.

THANKS BE TO GOD; YOU ARE GREATLY TO BE PRAISED.

THANKFUL HEART

2011-11-15T19:41:00.000-08:00

I Thessalonians 5: 16-18
Rejoice evermore, pray without ceasing, In everything give thanks; for this is the will of GOD in Christ JESUS concerning you.

Many people ask the question, "What is the will of GOD for my life?" This question usually follows the very basic question, "Who am I and why am I here?" When GOD created us, He had a purpose for us and a plan for our life, from the time we were a thought in the mind of GOD, there was a part in His plan that only we could fill. Our obedience to Him, makes his plan more readily enacted.

What should we do to actively invest our self in the plan of GOD? We should "rejoice evermore, pray without ceasing and in everything give thanks to GOD in JESUS Christ" for all that He has done for us from the beginning. This puts us in the right relationship with GOD for Him to use us in His great plan of salvation for the people of the world. We may be called to plant a seed of the Love of GOD in a life; we may be called to nurture a new born child of GOD; we may be called to tend the flock of GOD or to sustain the people of GOD in prayer. We may be called by GOD; we must obey the call, with thanksgiving, rejoicing and pay our vows to the Most High through obedience.

THANKS BE TO GOD FOR HIS UNSPEAKABLE GIFT OF HIS SON, JESUS

THANKFUL HEART

2011-11-15T05:29:00.000-08:00

I Chronicles 23:30
And to stand every morning to thank and praise the LORD; and likewise at evening.

PRAY WITHOUT CEASING; THANK WITHOUT CEASING; PRAISE WITHOUT CEASING

Thanksgiving is an all seasonal act; at all times we have so much to be thankful. I love to have times of reminders, and that is what the season of thanksgiving, with its feasts and friends, is all about, BUT, it is only a reminder of what we should be doing 24/7, 365 days a year; day, noon and night. We have a season of reminding, LEST WE FORGET.

Around many tables, we will be asked, "What are you thankful for?" and each person will answer from his heart. I want to give this instruction to us, "Count your many blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the LORD has done."

Every morning, at noon time and at night, I urge you to count your many blessings from GOD. Name them one by one and give the LORD the honor and praise due His Name. All good comes from GOD, so if you have received something good from Him say "thank you LORD". Thank you LORD for Your Word, for Salvation, for deliverance, for healing, for changing my thinking on a matter, for changing circumstances, FOR YOUR GREAT LOVE, MERCY, GRACE AND FAITHFULNESS.

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

THANKFUL HEART

2011-11-14T06:17:00.000-08:00

Psalm 92: 1
It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy Name, O Most High.

IT IS A GOOD THING

Thanksgiving puts feet to the Gospel; thanksgiving puts flesh on our words, so that the Good News of GOD is revealed in the flesh. Jesus said, "when you see Me, you have seen the Father", could it be that when people see us, they can see JESUS? We are the hands and feet of JESUS, reaching out to the world with signs and wonders brought by Him to save, restore, forgive, and heal. Our duty is to be in right relationship with GOD, so that we shine with His glory.

When we are in the attitude of gratitude to GOD, we are in the right relationship with Him in order to be willing vessels, fit for His use. When we are singing praises unto His Name, we are a light that draws dark souls from their pit into the glorious light of Christ. It is a "good thing" to give thanks to the LORD, for us; It is a "good thing" for us to give thanks to the LORD and sing His praise, for others.

Thanksgiving in our heart, should ring like an endless song to GOD. Think about all that He has done for the salvation of humankind. List in your mind, or on paper, all the things that the LORD has done for you, than GIVE THANKS FROM THE HEART TO HIM.

LET THANKSGIVING RING FROM EVERY HEART, FOR JESUS IS LORD

NEW NATURE-GIVING

2011-11-12T06:26:00.000-08:00

II Corinthians 9: 10-15
PART 2
Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to GOD.
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!

HE WHO SUPPLIES, WILL SUPPLY

GOD is the supplier of every good thing. He supplies the seed, the desire to give, goodness, righteousness and the life of His Son, the good news that we give to others so that they, too will be saved. GOD is the supplier of every good thing. Goodness can only come from GOD, the enemy can only copy goodness, he can not create anything that is, in essence, good. You can identify the copy cat goodness by the strings attached. The LORD gives with no strings attached, no hoops to jump through, no forms to fill out; the gift of GOD is for whosoever is in need, just receive His gifts without condition.

What is the purpose of the unconditional gifts? To bring all souls to Christ and that they will be saved from the grip of the enemy. Since GOD gave all that He had for all to be saved, our obedience to Him paves the way for others to be saved.

What is our part? There are some ways that we have a part in the plan of GOD. Our faith in JESUS; our faith in His finished work; our proclamation of the Gospel; our worship of Him; our thanksgiving for all that He has done; our obedience to His call to go to those in need and to supply their need; these things are our part of GOD'S work. The life-line of GOD to man is in our response to His call to give.

GIVE WITHOUT COUNTING THE COST, GIVE AND IT SHALL BE GIVEN TO YOU, GIVE AND YOU WILL BE BLESSED, GIVE FROM THE STOREHOUSE OF GOD, GIVE HIS UNCONDITIONAL LOVE.

NEW NATURE-GIVING

2011-11-11T06:41:00.000-08:00

II Corinthians 9: 6-9
PART I
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also real sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for GOD loves a cheerful giver. And GOD is able to make all grace abound in you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor, his righteousness endures forever."

Tomorrow, we will discuss verses 10-15 of II Corinthians, so if you want to read ahead, do so in preparation for tomorrow.

Every farmer will tell you that you have to plant seed in the ground in order to get a harvest. Giving to others is like planting seed in the ground, the harvest in the soul of those who receive the seed, will be great, to the glory of GOD. "Seed", JESUS says, is the Word of GOD. The Word of GOD is planted in many ways, kindness and giving are a some of the ways.

When we give out of a generous heart, GOD is well pleased and will bless those who give. His blessings will be down the line of the need that you have; it is like a "kiss" from GOD. The quote from Psalm 112:9 sums up the position of GOD on this matter. "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever."

What is the blessing given to the one who scatters "his gifts to the poor"? The gift is a right relationship with GOD (righteousness). The Nature of GOD is to give and those who give are reflecting the nature of GOD; therefore, this nature endures forever. Those who reflect the nature of GOD are blessed and a blessing. Look at the word "all" in the II Corinthians verses. In all grace; all things at all time; all you need will be given unto you, because you have given.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY

NEW NATURE-GIVING

2011-11-10T06:08:00.000-08:00

I Peter 2:11, 12 (NIV)
Dearly Beloved, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. 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.

DEARLY BELOVED
The new nature of a born-again believer in JESUS Christ, makes us "strange and alien" to a sinful world. We are cautioned not to conform to this world, but to be transformed, by the renewing of our mind. The former associates will try to drag a believer in JESUS into the old way of life and will be angry, accusing you of doing wrong. The twelve step programs emphasis is on NOT returning to the place or environment of the old life, but step into the new life, clean and new. This is the same understanding for the life of the newly Born-again, they must NEVER return to the atmosphere and environment of the old life, where they were tempted by the devil to sin. The former associates will be watching to see what you do, this is a great opportunity to show the "good works" of GOD and lead them to Christ.

"Good works" are works done by JESUS, through you. These works will plant seeds of GOD in the lives of others. When we give, not counting the cost; give without "strings attached"; give with a heart of love and kindness, the sinful world will see these works of GOD and glorify Him. Acts of Grace can only come from GOD. Therefore, to God be the Glory.

This passage of Scripture, I Peter 2: 11, 12 in the KJV, begins with the words, "Dearly Beloved". That is who you are, who believe in JESUS. You are "dearly beloved" of GOD. His love, grace, mercy and great kindness are given to you by a Father who will never leave you of forsake you, EVER. What He asks of you is that you become a vessel for Him to give to those who are in need of Him. Give a drink of cold water to a thirsty soul; give clothing to the naked; give comfort to the broken-heart; give sight to the blind; give healing to the sick; give the Gospel to those who are perishing; ALL IN HIS HOLY NAME.

THE NATURE OF GOD IS TO GIVE; OUR NEW NATURE IS FOR HIM TO GIVE THROUGH US.

NEW NATURE-GIVING

2011-11-09T05:47:00.000-08:00

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

The Apostle Paul is calling us his dear friends, beloved of GOD and precious. He is not scolding us for being little children, going about grabbing toys and hoarding them. Instead, he is coming to us as his dearly beloved friends. What does he want us to learn? He wants us to learn the path of GOD'S Love.

Who are the "enemies" that we are to feed and give a cup of water to drink? They are the unbelievers, those who walk apart from GOD and are willing victims of the work of the devil. This is why vengeance is the LORD'S work. He will repay the work done by the devil, meanwhile we are to comfort those who have become his victims. The victims of the devil are made victorious through JESUS; if they will turn to Him and believe on His Name, they will be saved from the destroyer. We are to be a life-line of GOD, giving to their needs, while the LORD saves them.

"Good" can only come from GOD. Good is the only thing that the enemy can not be, because goodness comes from love; and GOD is Love. There is only One who is good, the Father in Heaven. Those are not my words, JESUS said it in Luke 18: 19; and Matthew 19: 17. The only goodness comes from GOD Himself.

This example of the new nature given to us by JESUS is very deep and very intense. We are all confronted with evil deeds done to us. Take heart and take seriously these words from the Apostle Paul. "Be not overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

NEW NATURE-GIVING

2011-11-08T05:32:00.000-08:00

Hebrews 11: 6
Without faith it is impossible to please Him; for He that cometh to GOD must know that He IS, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.

FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD

How many times I have heard the verse, "faith without works is dead". I know that this is true and that faith and works are coupled together in the Heart of GOD. The Hebrew 11 passages makes this marriage understandable to me. We must believe that the LORD GOD is. He is alive and moving in the world with power and strength; with purpose and passion. GOD has a plan and that plan includes our obedience to Him. FIRST, COMES FAITH THAT HE IS.

When we come to GOD, we must know that He is, that is the faith that moves mountains. We must know that He rewards those who seek His Face, who turn to Him for guidance and direction in the path to be taken. Many of us arise in the morning and never glorify Him for who He is; never seek His face, His wisdom, His mercy, His guidance and His Love. We head out into the world without a mention of His Name and then expect that He is faithfully watching. GOD is faithfully watching, but He will act if we ask, seek and knock.

Before we take on the day, before we walk out the door of our home, before we speak to any other person, look to JESUS, glorify Him, magnify his Holy Name and greet His presence in your life and the life of all people. Then, go your way rejoicing, with your hands open to give His love to the world.

FREELY YOU HAVE RECEIVED; FREELY GIVE. LET HIS GLORY FILL THE WHOLE EARTH AS WE GLORIFY HIS NAME.

NEW NATURE-GIVING

2011-11-07T07:22:00.000-08:00

Psalm 112:9, 10
He that scattered abroad his gifts to the poor, his righteousness endures forever; his horn will be lifted high in honor. The wicked man will see and be vexed, he will gnash his teeth and waste away; the longings of the wicked will come to nothing.

The true, born-again believer has the nature of JESUS. That nature is kindness, gentleness, meekness, long-suffering, goodness, peace, patience, faith, joy and, above all, LOVE. This nature is one of giving to others, not getting for self. The mark of a true believer in JESUS is this GIVING NATURE, not for what they will receive, but for the good of the poor.

The nature of JESUS within a born-again believer, PLEASES GOD. He smiles with a joy, unspeakable, when He sees His children giving to others and not hoarding for themselves. The fleshly person says, "I must keep what I have, in case I need it." The true believer says, "I have two coats, I will give one to the poor; I have food in my pantry, I will share with the hungry; I have time given to me, I will call a friend who is lonely." The thoughts of a righteous man are about others needs, not their own. This pleases GOD.

As I look around, I see another fact that might not be considered, the poor in ones own home. We can get so caught up in doing good to others, that we neglect our own family. There are many people who are poor right under our own roof. The true believer is alert to the needs of the poor in their own home. Does your child need for you to take time to listen to them? Does your husband/wife need for you to stay home with him/her and just sit with him/her? Does your family yearn for a home cooked meal, rather than "take-out"? Mercy and giving must include those of your own family, for they are a gift from GOD to you.

Strength and honor are given by GOD to those who consider the poor and care for them. "Horn" that is lifted up is a symbol of the dignity of GOD and His strength being lifted up high. When His strength and dignity are lifted high, then all His people are lifted with Him. He gives and we are the recipients, in order to give to others. TO GOD BE THE GLORY.

The wicked see the prosperity of the righteous and are made jealous, his longings will come to nothing. Jealousy is the response of the wicked to the success of the righteous; BUT, when they are noticing the success of the righteous and are caught in the vice of jealousy, they are given a choice, believe on the LORD JESUS Christ and be saved and transformed or reject Him. The prosperity of the righteous is GOD'S life-line to the wicked. THINK ABOUT IT; YOU ARE A LIFE-LINE IF YOU GIVE TO THE POOR.

SOWING AND REAPING

2011-11-05T06:44:00.000-07:00

Galatians 6: 9, 10
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people. especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

There is another Universal Law: WE REAP LATER THAN WE SOW.

Psalm 126:6 reminds us that, "He who goes out weeping, carrying the seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him." We have to sow the seed in order to get a harvest, but the harvest does not come at the same time as the seed is sown, it comes later, "in due season".

It has often been said that when we give to others, it is like a seed going into the ground. It is logical that those seeds of goodness and kindness will bear fruit, so you should NAME YOUR SEED. Is this a seed for a harvest of salvation in in the life of those in whom the seed is planted? Is it a harvest of prosperity for those in need? Name the seed and it will bring forth fruit in due season; the LORD will bless your gift; you will be blessed.

Remember, when you sow the seed, you will have to wait for the harvest. Waiting is hard, but don't give up. Don't give up sowing, or you will not get a harvest; don't give up waiting, for the time of harvest is at hand.

GOD GAVE HIS SON SO THAT YOU WOULD HAVE LIFE IN HIM; GIVE AND YOU WILL RECEIVE IN HIS TIME.

SOWING AND REAPING

2011-11-04T06:25:00.000-07:00

Genesis 26: 1, 12
Now there was a famine in the land - besides the earlier famine of Abraham's time - and Isaac went to Ahimelech king of the Philistines in Gerar.
Isaac planted crops in that land and the same year reaped a hundred-fold, because the LORD blessed him.

Isaac sowed his seed in famine and the LORD blessed him with a crop and cattle and riches beyond his understanding. It seemed that the land burst forth in bounty, because Isaac turned to the LORD for his life and the life of his family and he was obedient to the LORD.

I am reminded of the barren women who bore children, because the LORD blessed the faithfulness of His servants. Barrenness is the same as "famine in the land". The LORD does not look upon barrenness, famine and drought as being barriers to creation and new birth. There are no barriers with GOD.

When the LORD says, "plant your seed" you do it, because the LORD said. Do not look at circumstances and say that the LORD does not know what He is asking you to do. OBEDIENCE is vital to the LORD. When He says plant in famine and drought, be obedient to Him and He will bless and prosper you. Sarah laughed when she was told that she would have a child; don't laugh at GOD, He knows what He is doing; trust Him.

Later in the story of Isaac, we find that the blessing of Isaac falls to Jacob and thus the line of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is complete. From Jacob come the 12 tribes of Israel and the blessing goes on even to today. The seed of faith planted by Abraham, in his dry ground, continued to bear fruit, blessings the Children of Israel, then and now.

The fact is, your obedience to the LORD, following what He says to do, means blessing for you, your children and your children' s children to the third and fourth generation. The key is that you be OBEDIENT TO THE VOICE AND WAY OF THE LORD.

THE LORD HAS A PLAN FOR YOU, TO PROSPER YOU AND NOT TO HARM YOU;
FOLLOW HIM

SOWING AND REAPING

2011-11-02T18:41:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 20:4
A sluggard does not plow in season; so at harvest time he looks but finds nothing.
Ecclesiastes 11:4
Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.

There is another law of "Sowing and Reaping": We reap only IF we sow. That sounds really basic, but in the universal sense, many forget to sow. The Ecclesiastes verse tells us that if you look at circumstances that you see with your human eyes, you might refrain from sowing BY HOARDING, therefore, you will not have a harvest, because the seed was not planted.

When we speak of alms giving, we find that if we give for the help of another, we will reap help when we need it. Here I must caution that the thoughts and the intents of the heart are very important. If we sow, in order to get, we sow amiss. If we sow out of love for GOD and the person/s in need, the blessing from GOD will be in abundance.

In all things: TO GOD BE THE GLORY, GREAT THINGS HE HATH DONE.

SOWING AND REAPING

2011-11-01T19:12:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 11: 24, 25, (NIV)
One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes other will himself be refreshed.

WE REAP MORE THAN WE SOW; THE HARVEST IS GREATER THAN THE SEED.

There is another law that is universal, we reap more than we sow.
When we sow a seed into the ground, the plant carries seed in its fruit and that seed is far more than the original first seed. Each fruit gives an abundance of seeds for the next planting, which will produce more fruit and more seeds. This law is applicable to every phase of life. If you sow the seed of love, you will reap an abundance of love, which carries the seeds for more love to grow.

In Matthew, you find that the LORD says that the seed is the Word of GOD. When the Word is planted in the heart of a person, it will bring forth much fruit to the glory of GOD. If the Word of GOD brings forth much fruit, then our words carry seeds also. When we speak a word, we plant seeds which bring forth an abundance of harvest. We need to be careful what words we speak, that those words bring forth the fruit of righteousness, and conform to the Word of GOD.

Think about the story of the feeding of the 5,000 men plus women and children, with a little boys lunch ( John 6: 9-13). Remember the story of the widow of Zerephat (I Kings 17:10-16)
The very little seed, produced an abundance and all were fed.

WE REAP MORE THAN WE SOW;THE HARVEST IS GREATER THAN THE SEED

SOWING AND REAPING

2011-11-01T06:32:00.000-07:00

Luke 6:37, 38
Judge not, and ye shall not be judged; condemn not and ye shall not be condemned; forgive, and ye shall be forgiven; give and it shall be given unto you; good measure,pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your your bosom. FOR WITH THE SAME MEASURE THAT YE MEASURE, IT SHALL BE MEASURED UNTO YOU AGAIN.

WHAT YOU SOW, YOU SHALL REAP

Notice that these verses and the ones before it, talk about "sowing and reaping". If you sow judgment, you reap judgment; condemnation and you reap the same. If you sow forgiveness, you will reap forgiveness; give and you will receive; measure out an amount and you will receive that measure in return. This is a Universal principle and is applicable in every sphere of life. It is a Law, some call it the Law of Reciprocity; I call it, GOD'S LAW.

It is this Law that caused Francis of Assisi to pray:
LORD, make me an instrument of your peace;
Where there is hatred, let me sow Love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is discord, union;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I might not so much seek to be consoled,
as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love.

For it is in giving, that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; it is in dying, that we are born to Eternal Life. So be it.

SOWING AND REAPING

2011-10-31T06:43:00.000-07:00

Genesis 1:11
And GOD said, " Let the earth bring forth vegetation, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after its kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth." and it was so.

WHEN GOD SPEAKS, WHAT HE SAYS HAPPENS.

Everything that we have comes from GOD; everything that we give is REALLY GOD giving through us. There is nothing that we have, that has not been given to us by GOD, himself. When He says, "I will provide all things for your good", He means it. It is so.

In Genesis, after the flood, GOD provided all the vegetation and the fruit, not only to meet the needs of the people, but to supply the food for all who came after. We are still receiving the bounty of the gift of GOD, when He caused the vegetation and the fruit tree to come forth.

Notice that every vegetation and fruit tree "yielded after its kind." An orange seed produces oranges; and apple seed, apples; herbs produce herbs, after its kind. Every plant produces after its kind, in abundance; in every fruit is the potential for thousands of new trees, of its kind. This is the provision of GOD.

If we refuse to plant the seed, and throw it away or hoard it, there will be no fruit from it, not only for you, but for others. The seed MUST go into good ground in order to produce the abundance. THIS IS A UNIVERSAL LAW. What you sow, you will reap.

If you sow love, you will reap love; sow hate, you will reap hate; sow discord and you will reap discord; sow harmony, and you will reap harmony; SOW THE WORD OF GOD, and the LORD will prosper it in abundance, for you and for others.

LET US SOW LOVE

ALMS GIVING- THE BELIEVER'S EVIDENCE

2011-10-29T09:17:00.000-07:00

Genesis 8:22
While the earth remaineth, seed-time and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.

The LORD gives everything that we need for life. Do you believe that statement? Think about your breath, who gave it to you? Look around you, indoors and out, who gave it to you and who created all things? Think about the technology that we have, who gave the ideas to man?
IT IS THE LORD GOD WHO GAVE ALL TO US, EVERYTHING THAT WE NEED FOR LIFE.

There is a wise saying that I have heard often in many different places, "HOLD EVERYTHING LOOSELY". What does that mean in relationship to alms giving? When you see a need and you have, in your means to supply that need, GIVE FREELY. When we hold things loosely, we do not struggle to give things away. Freely we have received; freely give.

We have a knit and crochet club that receives donated yarn, needles and patterns. It is very easy to make an item and give it away to the Clothes Closet for the poor. It should be just that easy to reach into your own things and give them for the comfort of others, because, "freely you have received, freely give".

There is one caution to all of alms giving and it is found in the "sowing and reaping" aspect of the Christian life. Seed sown will reap in abundance; don't eat your seed. Seed provides the abundance to make what you eat; "seed for sowing and BREAD for eating." Eat the bread, but sow the seed.

Sow the seed in due season, the season that is provided by GOD for good sowing for a good crop. Each season has it's value, but not for the same purpose. Winter is for rest and germinating; spring for new birth; summer for fruiting; fall for time for the sap to go into the resting place. If you sow in time, you will reap in time. Don't eat your seed; wait for the supply and eat from the abundance.

GOD WILL SUPPLY ALL YOUR NEEDS ACCORDING TO HIS RICHES IN GLORY IN CHRIST JESUS.

ALMS GIVING- THE BELIEVER'S EVIDENCE

2011-10-28T08:52:00.000-07:00

The Acts 10:1-4
There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called Italian Band. A devout man, and one that feared GOD with all his house, who gave much alms to the people, and prayed to GOD always. He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day, an angel of GOD coming in to him, and saying unto him, "Cornelius". And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, "What is it, LORD?" And he said unto him, "Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before GOD."

I chose to tell the first part of the story of Cornelius, because he demonstrates the character of the Christian; prayer and alms giving. It is important to understand that Cornelius was a gentile, converted to the way of GOD and he and his whole house were devout and GOD-fearing.

The evidence of his and his household's devotion to GOD was found in the practice of prayer and the giving of alms to the people. In this time of economic down-turn, the Christian is challenged to pray for the Country and its leaders; pray for the poor, the sick, and the needy; and give evidence of the Love of JESUS by giving alms.

Notice what I just said, giving Alms is "evidence of the Love of JESUS". Christians are vehicles of the love of JESUS filing all the world with the passionate mercy, grace and love of GOD. We are vessels of GOD'S provision. So, when we pray, we should ask the LORD how He wants us to give to provide for a person whom GOD wishes to supply the need. Then our act of giving is really THE ACT OF GOD.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY, GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE.

ALMS GIVING- THE BELIEVER'S EVIDENCE

2011-10-26T19:33:00.000-07:00

Matthew 10: 8
Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons; freely you have received, freely give.

FREELY YOU HAVE RECEIVED, FREELY GIVE.

Let these words sink deep into your soul. These are words that will transform your whole way of thinking about things. We have received from the LORD'S hand all that we need to live, He gave it to us free. It cost Him His only Son to be able to give eternal life to us freely, so what we received was not cheap; but it was free for us. Since we have received everything from the LORD and we possess nothing, then we should give freely to others from what we have been given.

A friend of mine has said that when she looks at the things she has in her home, she says, "this does not belong to me, it belongs to someone else" the she asks the LORD, "who do you want me to give it to?" Then she gives it away.

When we hold on to the things we have, we are contributing to the poverty of another whom GOD wants to supply their need. GOD does supply the needs of all who ask, we might just have that means in our storehouse.

FREELY YOU HAVE RECEIVED, FREELY GIVE

ALMS GIVING- THE BELIEVER'S EVIDENCE

2011-10-25T13:03:00.000-07:00

I John 3: 18,19
My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue, but in deed and in truth. And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him.

BELOVED, LET US LOVE ONE ANOTHER

The verse from I John tells us how we are to love one another. It is not only with words and language of love, but with deeds of love and truthfulness. How many times have we said, "I love you" and it slips off the tongue like water, but our heart is not in it? It is just a cliche or "something to say". Deeds of mercy say, "I love you" more than just words.

If you say that you love the poor, but do nothing to help them with tangible goods, then you do not "love the poor". You might pray for them and look kindly at them, but it is when the hand is reached out and the love is in the gift of alms that your love is tangible and real. The giving of alms is evidence of love and stands before GOD as the evidence of your love for Him.

When we read the Scripture, "Beloved, let us love one another" we should understand that it means in deed and in truth. The Body of Christ JESUS is made up of the Children of GOD giving unto GOD and man with wholehearted love. It really is more blessed to give than to receive.

When we receive from GOD, let us give to others in His Name.

ALMS GIVING- THE BELIEVER'S EVIDENCE

2011-10-24T14:37:00.000-07:00

October 24, 2011
James 1:27
Pure religion, and undefiled before GOD and the Father is this: to visit the fatherless and the widow in their affliction, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

PURE RELIGION

"Pure" means, without spot or wrinkle; not tainted by foreign substances. "Religion" means, "an organized system of beliefs and rituals centering on a supernatural being." What would it look like if our "organized system of beliefs and rituals" centered in JESUS was "pure" without spot or wrinkle and without the taint of foreign substances. It would be an organized system of belief in JESUS Christ; His ways, His belief, His hope, His faith and His love.

How do we find such a pure religion? We find it when we find Him. How do we find Him? by the Holy Scripture and by prayer. Is pure Religion only for the individual who seeks and finds? The answer is in this verse: "pure religion and undefiled before GOD and the Father is this: to visit the fatherless and the widow in their affliction and to keep oneself unspotted from the world".

The evidence of the true believer in JESUS Christ is that they are givers. They give to those in need and do not count the cost. They give in the same manner that JESUS gave, 100% in love. When we see this kind of giving to others, we see a pure religion in action. It is not the outside signs on the lawn of the local Church; it is the inward sign of GOD'S love manifest in acts of mercy.

I was asked to what religion I belonged. I said, "the religion whose foundation is JESUS Christ the LORD, the Father's gracious gift of Atonement." What do you believe? " I believe in GOD the Father Almighty, maker of Heaven and earth and in JESUS Christ the LORD, who was born, suffered, died, fulfilled the promise to those who had died, rose again, ascended into heaven and is at the right hand of the Father, and who will come again. I believe in the Holy Spirit, sent from GOD, who reveals the wisdom of GOD through Holy Scripture and brings all things into remembrance that JESUS taught. I believe that the Holy Scripture is the inspired Word of GOD. I believe that we are to love unconditionally, as JESUS loved, and serve unconditionally as JESUS served.

ALMS GIVING

2011-10-23T18:24:00.000-07:00

October 23, 2011
Matthew 6:1-4
Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen by them; otherwise ye have no reward of your Father, who is in heaven. Therefore, when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth, that thine alms may be in secret; and thy Father, who seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

In the Old Testament, the tithe and alms were by law; 10% tithe and giving to the poor out of the 90%. In the New Testament, tithe and alms come from the heart. Ask yourself, "Do I love JESUS more than earthly mammon?" Also, ask yourself, "who gave me everything that I have? Do I really own anything or has everything been given to me?"

There is a prayer that really speaks to this and touches my heart whenever I pray it, "All things come of Thee, O LORD, and of Thine own have I given Thee." Alms giving is giving unto the LORD. "Whatsoever you do to the least of the brethren, that you do unto Me." JESUS said.

If all things come from the LORD, then the glory for giving is glory due His Name. We are the hands and feet of Christ in this world. He supplies the needs of the poor through us. If we do not give, we are robbing JESUS of His supply to the needy. This is abundantly serious.

The first words of this passage of Scripture tells us how seriously GOD takes Alms giving, JESUS says, "Take Heed" take this very seriously and take it to your heart.

WHATSOEVER YOU DO TO THE LEAST OF THE BRETHREN, THAT YOU DO UNTO THE LORD.

PRAYER BRINGS GOD'S ANGELS

2011-10-21T15:33:00.000-07:00

Saturday, October 22, 2011
Matthew 18: 10, 14
Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you that in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father, who is in heaven...
Even so it is not the will of your Father, who is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.

WHO ARE THE LITTLE ONES?

I always thought that the "little ones" were little children. So I thought that the angels watched over little children and then went to the Father to report their progress and their needs. Well, I was partially right, but incomplete. WE ARE ALL THE CHILDREN OF GOD, and as such, we have angels who behold the face of the Father. WOW, that adds a really great depth to the understanding of these verses.

First of all, we are told by JESUS that we need to "take heed". This means, to me, that this is VERY IMPORTANT. What are we to "take heed" about? "That we despise not one of these little ones." Hate, of any kind, is the work of the devil and to despise, is to hate. WOW, I am going to have to do some repenting of thoughts about some people.

Each person has an angel who "beholds the face of the Father of JESUS" and whatsoever you do to the least of the brethren, that you do unto JESUS. This is really big, because it tells us "judge not, lest you be judged; for with that same judgment so shall you be judged." If each person has an angel who beholds the face of the Father of JESUS, we must pray for those who are in conflict with us and with others. We must be swift to intercede on behalf of those who are angry and hurtful. We must intercede for those who have no intercessor and pray, pray, pray for the conversion of souls.

We, also must pray for one another, that we might learn the way of the LORD and walk in it; not counting offenses, but marking the good and looking for the LIGHT of Christ in everyone.
This is a tall task, but JESUS calls us to it; so, take heed.

PRAYER BRINGS GOD'S ANGELS

2011-10-20T18:53:00.000-07:00

Friday, October 21, 2011
Luke 15: 10
Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of GOD over one sinner that repents.

I have quoted this verse many times in the past and have always thought that it was the angels who were rejoicing over the conversion of a sinner. Look at the words, "in the presence of the angels of GOD", who, then, is leading the rejoicing over the newly born again person? I believe that it is JESUS himself.

This verse is in the context of the widow who lost a coin. She searched and searched; swept the house and lit a lamp so find one little coin. When the coin was found, she said, "rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost." Look at JESUS' story about the ninety and nine sheep; He, the good Shepherd would leave the ninety and nine and go searching for the one that was lost. Luke 15: 7 says: "I say unto you that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repents.

JESUS left His home in Glory to seek and to save us from certain doom. He suffered and died so that we might have eternal life with Him. All of the Trinity rejoices when one sinner receives JESUS as LORD and Savior of their life. There is such joy that it spills over into the Heavenly Host and they all rejoice with great joy. The first to burst out into the great Hallelujah is JESUS, who sought the one and saved that one from death.

SING AND REJOICE WITH THE HEAVENLY CHOIR, A SINNER HAS COME HOME.

PRAYER BRINGS GOD'S ANGELS

2011-10-19T18:53:00.000-07:00

Thursday, October 20, 2011
The Acts 12: 5, 7

Peter, therefore, was kept in prison; but prayer was made without ceasing by the church unto GOD for him... And, behold, an angel of the LORD came upon him, and a light shone in the prison; and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, "Arise quickly", and his chains fell off from his hands.

Do you notice that Peter was sleeping so soundly that he didn't notice the angel and the bright light? Peter was in prison, guarded by 4 quaternions of soldiers, and Peter is sleeping peacefully. Notice that the Church was praying, without ceasing, to GOD for him. Notice that the prayers activated the LORD to dispatch an angel and miracles happened. The angel from the LORD broke the chains, unlocked the prison doors, by-passed the guards and set the captive free. All the while, the Church is praying.

Intercession for those in the prison cell of any kind of torment: addiction, prison, depression, and sin, can be set free by the LORD who will dispatch angels to set the captive free and to break every yoke. So, pray in faith, believing that you have what you ask, even if you don't see it happening. Be like Peter, trust in the LORD so much that your sleep is sweet.

Rugetani, rugetani, rugetan' Jesu. (African language in approximate spelling).
ONLY TRUST HIM, ONLY TRUST HIM, ONLY TRUST JESUS. HE WILL SAVE YOU, HE WILL KEEP YOU, ONLY TRUST HIM NOW

PRAYER BRINGS GOD'S ANGELS

2011-10-18T18:17:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Hebrews 1:14
Are they (angels) not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

Hebrews 12:1, 2a
Wherefore, seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking to JESUS, the author and finisher of our faith.

The great cloud of witnesses are those who, have observed the mighty work of GOD. They watched as the LORD GOD redeemed the world by sending His only begotten Son to open the way that had been closed by sin. This great cloud of witnesses include the Holy Angels; those ministering spirits that are sent forth to minister in the Name of JESUS to the heirs of salvation.

When we pray in faith believing, in the Name of JESUS, angels are dispatched to deliver us and those for whom we pray. Our intercession activates the call from GOD to "Go" to the defense of those in need. Prayer is powerful to open the way of the mighty work of GOD.

If you want to see examples of the work of the angels, look at Daniel 6: 10-27 and note when Daniel prayed and that the angels shut the mouth of the Lions. Also, look at II Kings 6: 15-18 note when prayer was made unto GOD and when the angels were dispatched and how many.

There is evidence, throughout the Scripture, of the tangible manifestation of angels, appearing in response to prayer. There are also many witnesses on earth, in our time, who have had the intervention of angels when they prayed. Maybe you have had experiences like theirs.
THINK ABOUT IT

HE WILL GIVE HIS ANGELS CHARGE OVER YOU, TO KEEP YOU IN ALL YOUR WAYS.

PRAYER BRINGS GOD'S ANGELS

2011-10-18T06:04:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Psalm 91: 9-11
Because thou hast made the LORD, who is my refuge, even the Most High, thy habitation, there shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come near thy dwelling. For He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

The result of hiding in the shelter of the Almighty, under the wings of GOD, where the prayer of the heart is open and united with the will of GOD, is that GOD will send His angels to fight the great battles for you and will "keep thee in all thy ways, they shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone."(verses 11, 12).

We live in the consequences of our actions. When we make a choice, we preclude all other choices and cancel them. So, when you "make the LORD your refuge, even the Most High your habitation, there shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come near your dwelling." The battle is not ours to fight; the battle belongs to the LORD. The secure and safe ones hide in the LORD and live there; they make their home in the Tabernacle of the LORD and day and night feast on His presence.

Is this possible for us to live in the presence of the LORD while we are walking in the flesh on the earth? YES!!! David said, that his heart was fixed on the LORD. This means that day and night the core of his being was in love and prayer to the LORD. He watched for the LORD to move and he followed. The desire of the heart was service of the LORD. This can be your life, here in the flesh. Yield unto the LORD and give Him all your love and praise. He is trustworthy to keep you in ALL your ways and will send His angels to "bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone".

The consequence of hiding in the shelter of the Almighty is Eternal Life with GOD.

MY HEART IS FIXED, O LORD; MY HEART IS FIXED ON JESUS

PRAYER BRINGS ANGELS

2011-10-17T06:18:00.000-07:00

Monday, October 17, 2011
Job: 21:13; 38: 4
What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? And what profit should we have if we pray to Him?
Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? Declare, if thou hast understanding.

The mind of man can do down trails of doubt and mistrust so easily, when they are faced with a wall of trouble. Double-mindedness is very real when people go through the "valley of the shadow of death". "Where are you, GOD?" the heart cries; while the lips are saying right things. Then comes the report that all is not well and there is no way out, and the lips begin to speak word like "What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? and what profit should we have if we pray to Him?" and out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks words of despair.

Hear the question that the LORD, GOD Almighty asks Job: "Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?" Who am I? says the LORD. Am I not the GOD who created you, who sustained you, who comforts you, who redeemed you, who LOVES YOU. I AM THE LORD, THAT IS MY NAME.

This week, we will look at the fact that, when we pray, GOD dispatches angels to do His bidding in the salvation of humankind. We will look at the magnitude of the heavenly host that are at His command and do His will. We will begin to understand the fact that we are not victims of circumstances, but VICTORIOUS THROUGH JESUS CHRIST.