TODAY SHALT THOU BE WITH ME IN PARADISE

LUKE 23:43
JESUS said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, TODAY SHALT THOU BE WITH ME IN PARADISE.

There were three crosses on the hill of Calvary: One Cross held JESUS, the Holy One; two held malefactors, men sentenced to death because of their deeds. One of the malefactors railed at JESUS with angry tones, saying; "If thou be the Christ, save thyself and us." "If thou..." reminds us of the words Satan used when he tempted JESUS in the wilderness,(Matthew 4:3, & 6).
The other malefactor rebukes the first and says; "Dost thou not fear GOD...?" Then he says to JESUS, "Remember me when thou comest into Thy Kingdom."

The second malefactor confesses JESUS as LORD and puts his faith in JESUS. This man was saved immediately, and JESUS responds, "TODAY SHALT THOU BE WITH ME IN PARADISE".

Jesus is saying to us, today, that if you confess JESUS as your LORD and believe in your hear that GOD has raised Him from the dead, you are saved - TODAY.

There were three Crosses on the hill of Calvary. One held the King of Kings and LORD of LORDS; one held a sinner whose anger blinded him from seeing JESUS as his LORD and savior; one held a sinner saved by grace, who confessed with his mouth and believed in his heart that JESUS was LORD.

Which side of JESUS do you hang your life? Is JESUS your LORD and savior? Today, confess Him as your LORD and be saved. Let today be your Easter for all eternity, as you dwell with Him, He in you, and live with Him in His Kingdom.

FATHER, FORGIVE THEM

LUKE 23:34

Then saith JESUS, 'Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.' And they parted His raiment, and cast lots.


FATHER, FORGIVE THEM; FOR THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO. 
JESUS is the victim of the cruelest form of execution. JESUS is the victim of the cruelest form of rejection. JESUS is the victim of the cruelest form of betrayal. JESUS is alone; naked and alone. He cries out, in His agony, for the Father to forgive those who betrayed Him, rejected Him and crucified Him. His petition to the Father rings down the ages right to the very moment in which we live. He is saying to us, right now, FATHER, FORGIVE THEM; FOR THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO.
Today is Good Friday. Let these words of JESUS ring in our heart and let these words of JESUS be our intercession for others. Today, let these words of JESUS be the action we take as we seek to serve the living GOD in the land of the living. 

PASSIONATE HEART OF JESUS

MATTHEW 23: 37

O JERUSALEM, JERUSALEM, Thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them who are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not.

This is a passionate cry from the Heart of the Holy One, JESUS the Christ. JESUS wept over the hardness of the heart of the people He came to save.  Today, He is weeping over those who willfully reject the love that He offers freely.
JESUS paid the total price for our redemption, by the offering of Himself as the perfect, unblemished Lamb. His Blood reconciles us to GOD and by His wounds, we are healed.  He laid down His life, willingly. His great love brought Him to Calvary.
Yes, He would have gathered all our children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings and He gathers us now under His wing. JESUS is within the Heart of the Father and in our Heart when we embrace Him.  When we believe in Him, He gathers us under His wings and we are safe in the shelter of the Almighty.
And yet He weeps for those who reject Him and reject His love.
Weep with Him about the hardened hearts and give His love to them, as a free will offering. The song goes like this: bring them in, bring the wondering ones to JESUS. Reach out with His love and gather in those who cry out for help. This is our mission; this is our ministry: this is our thank offering to the Holy One.
THANK YOU JESUS FOR YOUR LOVE.

First love

I John 4: 19 says: We love Him, because He first loved us.

Let us meditate on these words from the LORD and let the order of things take root in our spirit. Everything that lives, moves and has it's being, begins with GOD. John 1: 1-5 reminds us that ALL things were made through JESUS, the WORD of GOD.  This means that everything begins with GOD and since GOD is love, All love comes from Him.  We love, because He first loved us and showed us the way to love.  Even better than that, He loves through us, making true love perfect.

What is true love?  It is love that begins in GOD, and is manifest in the life and work of the born again believer in JESUS.  The deeper that the relationship with JESUS grows, the more love is shown in the life and work of the believer.  In other words, the more love for Christ, the more Christ love is shown. True love begins in GOD.

We love Him, because He first loved us. The love of GOD sent His Son to live and die as one of us. The love of GOD for us caused Him to raise the resurrection of JESUS from the dead, so that all who believe in Him would not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3: 16). JESUS defeated death and the grave by the resurrection of JESUS. All who follow JESUS, follow Him through the resurrection from death and into a life with Him for all eternity.

We love Him, because He first loved us.

RETURN TO YOUR FIRST LOVE

RETURN TO YOUR FIRST LOVE

RETURN TO YOUR FIRST LOVE

The Revelation 2: 1-7 is a Word from the LORD to the Angel of the Church of Ephesus.

Ephesus was a real church in a real place, and is visited, even today, by devoted pilgrims.

Ephesus was the place where the Apostle John took Mary, the mother of JESUS, to protect her and to give her a community of faithful people, who would give her a good life. Mary had been given to John by JESUS from the cross. JESUS fulfilled the law of Kinsman Redeemer, as He hung in great pain on the cruel Cross.

In verse 3, the LORD GOD says that the Church in Ephesus had patience under tribulation for the sake of the Gospel and that they had not fainted or turned back. This Church was very strong in the LORD and very active in spreading the Gospel.

HOWEVER, in their zeal, they had forgotten their FIRST LOVE. They are admonished to return to their first love, remembering the place where they had fallen, and repent immediately.  They had become drawn away by the lure of the theology of the Nicolaitans.  This theology was Greek and professed that a licentious life style was an acceptable way of live.  The Nicolaitans also believed that you could "work your way to GOD". This "works theology" is still alive today in many belief systems.

The FIRST LOVE is JESUS Christ. He first loved all of us so much that He was willing to suffer, bleed and die for the redemption of all mankind. It is through Him that we have life and breath; work and rest. It is only through JESUS that we can be saved; He is the Way, the Truth and the Life; no man can come to the Father except through Him. JESUS is the perfect offering for our sin and in Him there is perfect freedom. Work in the flesh can not win the Crown of Glory; JESUS' work through us is glorified since He wears that Crown of Glory.

The Word to the Church of Ephesus, is a word for us today.  Many voices call us to embrace a lifestyle that is very reckless and self centered. The Word of the LORD to us is to RETURN TO YOUR FIRST LOVE - JESUS. Remember whose you are and who you are in Christ JESUS. Let your life be a song of thanksgiving to GOD for loving us so much that He sent His only begotten Son to play the price for us to be able to live with Him forever.

THE RAPTURE

I Thessalonians 4: 16-18

For the LORD Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of GOD; and the dead in Christ shall rise first; then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the LORD in the air; and so shall we ever be with the LORD. Wherefore, comfort one another with these words.

TO MEET THE LORD IN THE AIR

The LORD has planned things out so that the Children of GOD would not see the wrath of GOD.  We strongly believe that the wrath of GOD will come when the LORD puts His feet on the earth. Notice where the Church, the Body of believers in JESUS, meets the LORD; in the air. The LORD will gather His Church out of the world so that the Church will be saved from the wrath that is to come. The tribulation will not occur until the Church is home with Him; then the Church will be with Him at his return.

There are three signs of the rapture: the shout, the voice of the archangel (possibly Michael), and the sound of the trumpet of GOD.  We need to be awake and ready for the festal shout, the voice of the archangel saying, "come up here",and the blowing of the Shofar (the trumpet of GOD).  

Be alert and stay in tune with the Gospel, be a good steward of the gift of life and breath, given to you by GOD and pray for others to be united with JESUS for ever.  The LORD GOD has provided the way for all to be saved from His wrath, walk in His path.  

Tomorrow, I will look at Biblical examples of the rapture found in the Old and New Testament.  

THE RAPTURE

I Thessalonians 4: 13-15

But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that JESUS died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in JESUS will GOD bring with Him. For this we say unto you by the word of the LORD, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the LORD shall not prevent them which are asleep.

GOD WILL BRING WITH HIM

In the verses of I Thessalonians 14: 13 - 18, there are two distinct steps revealed that point to the rapture. One step is the resurrection of the dead and the second is the meeting of JESUS in the air - the rapture.

Verse 15 is very clear that the dead in Christ will arise first and those which are alive will meet JESUS.

Tomorrow, I will expound more on the "meeting in the air" and "coming to earth". They are very different and the Church will be with the LORD when He comes to the earth to judge the earth and the people with His truth.

I Thessalonians 4:13-18 hold a great hope for all those who have experienced the death of a loved one.  Notice that Paul uses the word "asleep" to characterize those who have died.  JESUS used that word when He looked upon a person He was going to raise from the dead.  Jarius' daughter is a great example.  

Those who "sleep" in JESUS are raised in the same manner as JESUS.  The path that JESUS took, is the path that the Church will take: first the resurrection, then the gathering of the Church with JESUS. and then the return to earth to judge it.

Those who are asleep in JESUS will be gathered up with Him and will rule and reign with Him forever.

THE RAPTURE

Titus 2:13

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great GOD and our Savior Jesus Christ.

Looking for that blessed hope...

There have been a great number if books written and theories purposed on when the rapture will  be a reality.  Some say that it will be before the tribulation, others say that it will occur in the middle of the great tribulation, and others say that it will be after the tribulation.  They call these theorists pre-trib., mid-trib., and post-trib teachers and preachers.  Each of the followers of these theories have good Scriptures to substantiate their position, so, to call them wrong would be wrong. When will the rapture come? It is held in the mind of GOD and will come when He says, "Now is the time for the Bride to arise and meet the Bridegroom in the air."

What are we to do in the meantime? "Look for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great GOD and our Savior Jesus Christ ". We are to be awake and vigilant, expecting, at any time, the call of GOD to "come up".

There is a difference between the rapture and the second coming of JESUS.  Scripture is very clear about this point and throughout the week, I will expound on this difference.  The Rapture will be the call for the Church to meet JESUS in the air; the second coming of JESUS, will be with the saints and JESUS will come to the earth. The Church is coming to JESUS in the rapture; the Church is with JESUS at the second coming.

LOOK UP, YOUR REDEMPTION DRAWS NEAR

THE BLESSINGS OF TRUST IN GOD

1 Chronicles 5: 20b

For they cried to GOD in the battle, and He was entreated by them, because they put their trust in Him.

Jeremiah 33: 3

Call unto Me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

We close this week of Word from the Word with this word: the blessing of trust in the LORD is answered prayer.

We all want our prayers answered by GOD in a way that is good and full of grace, mercy and loving-kindness. Well, we can have that by putting out whole trust in the LORD; He will deliver, save, remove fear,give us safety, prosperity and peace. GOD is with us in battle; the victory is ours through Christ JESUS. 

THOSE WHO TRUST IN GOD ARE THE HEAD AND NOT THE TAIL; VICTORS AND NOT VICTIMS; ABOVE AND NOT BENEATH; SAITH THE LORD. 

BLESSINGS OF TRUST IN GOD

Isaiah 26: 3,4

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

A blessing of trust in GOD is perfect peace; peace in the midst of storms, struggles, chaos, trouble. Yes, GOD is in trouble; He is in the middle of all of our troubles, just like He was in the fire with Shradrach, Meshach, and Abednego and Daniel in the Lion's den.  The Holy presence of GOD brings peace which passes all understanding.

Notice the words, "whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusteth in Thee." This is the key to the way of the blessing of perfect peace; our mind must be stayed on JESUS and our trust must be in Him, the gift of peace follows. When you are afraid, trust JESUS and keep your mind on Him; do not look at the storm or you will sink into the darkness of despair. JESUS is the Light and in Him there is no darkness at all, keep your eye on JESUS and don't look away even for a moment. 

TRUST YE IN THE LORD FOREVER; FOR IN THE LORD GOD IS EVERLASTING STRENGTH.

BLESSINGS OF TRUST IN GOD

Daniel 6: 25-28

Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth: "Peace be multiplied unto you. I make a decree, that in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the GOD of Daniel; for He is the living GOD, and steadfast forever, and His kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and His dominion shall be even unto the end. He delivereth, and rescueth, and He worketh signs and wonder in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions." So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus, the Persian.

After king Darius had thrown Daniel into the pit of hungry lions, Daniel's faith and steadfast trust in GOD, manifest with signs and wonders, turned the heart of Darius from evil to good.  

Throughout the Scripture, steadfast trust in GOD is demonstrated by the conversion of others to the Way of the LORD. Daniel received deliverance and the blessing of peace; Darius received the testimony of the faithfulness of GOD and was converted; then Darius testified of the greatness of GOD and Cyrus was converted.  Daniel found favor and prospered in the reign of both Darius and Cyrus.

Trust in GOD is like a pebble in the pool; it has blessings for the faithful ones, and carries blessings for those who observe and are touched.  So it is with our life; when we trust in the LORD with all our heart, leaning not unto our own understandings, others will see and believe in the GOD whom we trust and be converted.  

Stephen's trust in GOD opened the door for the conversion of Saul of Tarsus who became Paul the Apostle. 

TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND SEE OTHERS COME TO CHRIST. 

BLESSINGS OF TRUST IN GOD

III John 2

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

One of the Blessings of GOD is that, when you put your trust in GOD you will prosper.  Prosperity is not just financial freedom, it is well-being of soul and body.  Good health is a sign of prosperity; a joyful heart in the midst of adversity is a clear sign of the prosperity of GOD.

Notice the first word of this verse, "beloved". The LORD GOD calls us, who trust in Him, His beloved.  Think about what that means to you. You are called the beloved of GOD, as a blessing issuing forth from the Throne of GOD; you are the blessed beloved. As I think about that phrase, I am filled with a new sense of the prosperity that come from trust in GOD.  A precious, new relationship begins to burst forth.

BLESSINGS OF TRUST IN GOD

Hebrews 2:12, 13

Saying, "I will declare Thy Name into my brethren, in the midst of the Church will I sing praise unto Thee." And again, "I will put my trust in Him." and again, "Behold I and the children whom GOD hath given me (will put trust in Him)."

One of the blessings of putting our trust in the LORD is an overflowing of joy and confidence.  Putting our trust in the LORD is not just a "one time" happening, it is repeated and a matter of the habit of the heart.

What is the "habit of the heart"? When a person does something often enough, it becomes a habit; therefore, if you trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do so repeatedly, it becomes a "habit of the heart". 

Singing praises to GOD at all times; praying without ceasing; trusting in GOD, when practiced repeatedly, becomes a habit of the heart. No matter what circumstances surround you or inflict the mind, the habit of the heart will overcome the circumstances; bringing light into the darkness. Meditation on Holy Scripture will prepare the ground work for a habit of the heart that will strengthen the soul and please GOD.

Trust is total reliance and dependence on GOD. Trust does not work without the gift of Faith, which comes from GOD; in reverse, faith is blocked by lack of trust in GOD. 

COME, OH GOD OF TRUTH, AND QUICKEN OUR FAITH, FOR WE PUT OUR TRUST IN YOU.

BLESSINGS OF TRUST IN GOD

Proverbs 29:25

The fear of man bringeth a snare; but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

We all desire to be safe and secure; hanging on for dear life is a normal reaction to trouble.  The fear of man is one of the traps of the enemy, and can cause a person to be led astray by public opinion. This is why "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom." There is only one wise counselor, the LORD GOD almighty, He knows all things and does not hide anything from those who trust Him. We are safe when we put our trust in the way and wisdom of GOD.

Where do you find this way and wisdom? Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean on His understanding; read and study Holy Scripture; pray without ceasing; listen to the wisdom of GOD coming from Him in a ram-ah word or the preaching of wise Pastors.

TRUST THE LORD AND HE WILL BRING YOU SAFELY TO HIS WAY.

BLESSING OF TRUST IN GOD

Psalm 112: 7, 8

He shall not be afraid of evil  tidings; his heart is fixed, trusting in thee LORD. His heart is established; he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his enemies.

THE FIXED HEART

In postings in the past, I have written on the fixed heart; a heart that is established in GOD. Yes, GOD wants us to be narrow-minded; our heart fixed on  GOD and Him alone.  He calls us back to the "first love", when we hear His call and say, "Here am I" He receives us to Himself and shelters us under His wings for safety.

The narrow way leads to life; the fixed heart leads to peace; trusting in the LORD leads to life. The enemy does not have any power over those who have a fixed heart, because they do not waver, being tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine.  The fixed heart is established in the truth of JESUS and the Gospel of truth. The fixed heart is in love with GOD and serves Him from that place of love.

I will share with you my desire for enemies: that they come to the saving knowledge of JESUS and feel His love in their heart, being transformed into His likeness and image.  Think about a world where everyone is born-again!!!!! Our enemies are really victims of the great enemy of GOD, Satan. Those poor victims are being tormented by the great enemy, but when they are converted, they become champions of GOD, saved by grace.  THINK ABOUT THE CONVERSION OF SAUL OF TARSUS! A tormented victim of Satan who became a champion for GOD.

FIX YOUR HEART ON THE FIRST LOVE- JESUS

BLESSINGS OF TRUST IN GOD

Psalm 17:7,8

Show thy marvelous loving-kindness, O Thou who savest by Thy right hand those who put their trust in Thee, from those who rise up against them. Keep me as the apple of the eye; hide me under the shadow of Thy wings.

DELIVERANCE IS A BENEFIT AND BLESSING FOR THOSE WHO TRUST GOD

The LORD is loving-kindness, this is the essence of GOD. What He does, has an Eternal purpose; to bless, prosper and to bestow peace upon those who trust Him. The LORD GOD defends His family with the powerful right hand; saving those those trust Him. He keeps and hides under His wings all His children, so that the enemy can not find them.

The Right Hand of GOD is extended to all, and His name is JESUS. JESUS saves by lifting up those who are downtrodden and oppressed. Father GOD has extended His Right Hand to you; will you take it and hold on? He has withheld His Left Hand, which is judgement/wrath. He has held out His right hand of unconditional Love, will you take it and hold on?

TAKE HIS HAND, REACHING OUT TO YOU, AND HOLD ON FOR YOUR DEAR LIFE; JESUS  LOVES  YOU  

BLESSINGS OF TRUST IN GOD

Psalm 34:22

The LORD redeemeth the soul of His servants; and none of them who trust in Him shall be desolate.

BENEFITS OF TRUST IN GOD

The number one benefit of putting your trust in GOD, is that your salvation is sure and you will never be left out in the cold, desolate.  Trusting in GOD, is your choice; GOD has provided for your redemption through the Blood of JESUS, now it is your choice as to whether you trust that. Do you believe that you are redeemed from destruction and that Father GOD is your Father? TRUST HIM NOW!!!!

The promises of GOD, for those who believe in JESUS, are yes and amen. Read the Word of the LORD and say, "yes and amen" to all the promises He has made; THEY BELONG TO YOU.

The benefit of trusting in GOD is the assurance of salvation through the shed Blood of JESUS.

The LORD redeemeth the soul of His servants; and none of them who trust in Him shall be desolate. 

TRUST ISSUES

Psalm 84:12

O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man who trusteth in Thee.

Three reasons why people refuse to trust GOD

1. The fear of the unknown

2. Personal oppression - people who oppress people.

3.Demonic oppression

Antidote for lack of trust and oppression

1. Start praising

2. Start singing songs of glory

3. Play the sounds of GOD and fill your heart with heavenly music

4. Full your mind with Scripture

TRUST THE LORD TO KNOW

Luke 22: 31,32

And the LORD said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat; but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not. And when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

The "wheat" in this verse, was Simon's self-confidence. Self-confidence must yield to the LORD GOD and all trust be placed in Him. The attack of Satan on Simon was to destroy his faith, but JESUS prayed for him and his faith did not fail but his self-confidence was shattered. Faith comes from GOD, trust is our act and our choice. Belief and trust are twins, they work together, they are our choice; Faith is a direct gift from GOD.

Notice the words "when thou art converted". JESUS did not say "if" but He said "when" this means that JESUS already knew that there would be an ending to the "sifting" by Satan. In our life, we must trust that when we are sifted, that there will be an end to it.

Look at the word "converted". In the case of Simon, it was the end of self-confidence and the beginning of a totally yielded life. Conversion is a 180 degree turn around; Simon was a self-confident person and after being sifted by Satan, he became a humble, yielded servant of GOD. Simon was renamed by JESUS to be Peter and he strengthened his brethren. 

Look at the keys here; Satan oppresses, JESUS intercedes, JESUS knows the end of the sifting, conversion is the result of the trial and the brethren are strengthened.  

TRUST IN GOD FOR LIFE

2 Chronicles 20: 20b

Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem. "Believe in the LORD your GOD, so shall ye be established. Believe His prophets, so shall ye prosper"

Here these words of Jehoshaphat to the people of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, "BELIEVE GOD".

Jehoshaphat and his army were surrounded by the enemy, it looked like they were all going to fall by the sword. Their doom seemed sure, BUT GOD had another plan and His plan prevailed. Nothing happens without fitting into the plan of GOD.  He gives us opportunities to grow and to prosper; He has a plan that will give us evidence of His power and might, gentleness and love. 

"Believe in the LORD your GOD so shall you be established." You will be established on the firm foundation of JESUS Christ the LORD, He is the Rock upon which you can place your trust.  You will be so established that your foot will not slip and whatsoever you do will prosper. This was certainly true of Jehoshaphat and his army as they sang and praised GOD, the enemy was defeated.

"Believe His prophets, so shall ye prosper." The LORD GOD has raised up prophets in every time to speak the word of the LORD to the people.  We call them Pastors and teachers who feed the flock of GOD with the good food of the Gospel of JESUS Christ.  When they preach the Gospel, according to the Scripture, we are to listen and learn, the LORD has promised to prosper us who listen to Him through His prophets. Prophets proclaim the Gospel of JESUS; they are inspired by the Scripture; they are accountable to GOD for what they teach.  GOD  wants the people to hear and receive good food, so that the seeds will grow and bear fruit to the glory of GOD.

ONLY BELIEVE AND YOU SHALL BE ESTABLISHED