Shalom,

I love this instruction by Paul from Ephesians 6:10:

10 In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides]. AMP

In our OWN strength, we are NOTHING! But IN HIM, and every born again believer IS, we have all of HIS strength and wisdom and might available to us to use! Look at the rest of Paul's instructions to us in verses 11-17:

11 Put on God’s whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil. 12 For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere. 13 Therefore put on God’s complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place]. 14 Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God, 15 And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace. 16 Lift up over all the [covering] shield of saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one]. 17 And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God.

We are "wrestling" with an enemy that cannot be seen with the natural eye or defeated by natural means! We MUST deal with spirit beings by spiritual means! Look 1 Corinthians 10:4:

4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) KJV

Now look at Ephesians 6:18 to see one of our mighty spiritual weapons!

18 Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God’s consecrated people).

When we stay protected by the Armor of God and use the weapon of prayer in the Spirit, the enemy has NOT a chance of winning the battle! It's when we don't stay in the protection of God and don't get aggressive with our spiritual weapons that he can gain a foothold. STOP HIM by being diligent with the things of God on a daily basis! It is vital that we do so! AMEN! Here is a fun song by Hillsong Kids called "On The March":

ON THE MARCH LYRICS

I straighten up, I stand my ground
I'm in the army of God now
I'm not alone there's many more
We're gonna change the world.

I'm not afraid, How can I be?
My God is here, He's with me
I shine a light a light for you
In everything I do.

We're gonna change the world, We're gonna change the world
The army of God is on the march again
Hey, Hey
We're on the march again.

Have you got your belt of truth?(I've got that)
The breastplate of righteousness?(I've got that)
On your feet put the gospel of peace(I've got that)
Hold up the shield of faith(I've got that)
Put on the helmet of salvation(I've got that)
Lift high the sword of the spirit(I've got that)
Now you're wearing the Armour of God
'Cause we're a part of the army now

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

I like this portion of today's "My Utmost For His Highest" by Oswald Chambers:

With what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you —Matthew 7:2

This statement is not some haphazard theory, but it is an eternal law of God. Whatever judgment you give will be the very way you are judged. There is a difference between retaliation and retribution. Jesus said that the basis of life is retribution— “with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” If you have been shrewd in finding out the shortcomings of others, remember that will be exactly how you will be measured. The way you pay is the way life will pay you back. This eternal law works from God’s throne down to us (see Psalm 18:25-26).

I would also add what Galatians 6:7 says, from both the KJV and the Amplified Bible:

7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. KJV

7 Do not be deceived and deluded and misled; God will not allow Himself to be sneered at (scorned, disdained, or mocked by mere pretensions or professions, or by His precepts being set aside.) [He inevitably deludes himself who attempts to delude God.] For whatever a man sows, that and that only is what he will reap. AMP

Make sure that YOU are sowing only those things that you WANT to have pouring back into your own life! AMEN! and then remember, also, Proverbs 22:1:

1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold.

"Good name" is the Hebrew word "shem" and it means: name, reputation, memorial. What we SAY and DO will be remembered by others, and will be brought to mind on every remembrance of us! Make sure those memories will be GOD memories! They may or may not like you, but God will be pleased! AMEN! Here is Hillsong with "Your Name High":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

I love this from the devotional on Jerry Savelle's website for today:

Boldness Before God

Remaining conscious of your righteousness in Christ will give you boldness before God and make your fellowship with the Father more intimate.

You will have confidence and boldness to come before Him and talk to Him as your best friend. There will be no sense of inferiority because you know that He looks at you and relates to you as if you are as perfect as Jesus.

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).

“Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you” (John 15:15).

God doesn’t just want servants, He wants friends. He didn’t create Adam to have someone grovel at His feet with his face in the dirt. No! He wanted a man He could walk and talk with in the cool of the day (see Genesis 3:8).

Through Jesus’ sacrifice, the intimate relationship that Adam had with God before sin is now available to every believer. So come boldly to the Father today, secure in your righteousness in Christ, and talk to Him as you would a close friend.

Confession: Father, I come boldly before You knowing that You see me righteous and clean because of Jesus. As I share my heart and thoughts with You, I believe You will share Your heart and thoughts with me.

Remember what 1 Corinthians 6:19 tells us:

19 Do you not know that your body is the temple (the very sanctuary) of the Holy Spirit Who lives within you, Whom you have received [as a Gift] from God? AMP

SO, when we "come boldly to the throne of grace", we need travel no further than where  we are right now! Just recognize His presence IN YOU, by His Spirit, and speak to Him as you would any other person! With reverential awe and respect, of course! How very blessed we are to have such intimate access to the One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible! Are YOU taking advantage of that wonderful blessing? We were NOT meant to live in this world without it! AMEN! Here is Hillsong with "Father Of Creation":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Paul said this about himself in Ephesians 3:1-6:

3 For this reason [because I preached that you are thus built up together], I, Paul, [am] the prisoner of Jesus the Christ for the sake and on behalf of you Gentiles— 2 Assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace (His unmerited favor) that was entrusted to me [to dispense to you] for your benefit, 3 [And] that the mystery (secret) was made known to me and I was allowed to comprehend it by direct revelation, as I already briefly wrote you. 4 When you read this you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ. 5 [This mystery] was never disclosed to human beings in past generations as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles (consecrated messengers) and prophets by the [Holy] Spirit. 6 [It is this:] that the Gentiles are now to be fellow heirs [with the Jews], members of the same body and joint partakers [sharing] in the same divine promise in Christ through [their acceptance of] the glad tidings (the Gospel).

What Paul had "already briefly wrote" about we covered in Galatians 1:16, where he declares that he did not confer with flesh and blood to learn the Gospel, but with Jesus Himself, by the Holy Spirit! What was the mystery? Many things were included in this "mystery", the Greek word "musteerion". which means: a hidden or secret thing, not obvious to understanding, a hidden purpose, a secret will. One of those things is shown above, that the the church, all born again believers in Jesus, are now ALSO God's chosen ones! We are part of the family of God, adopted in, with all of the same privileges and inheritance as JESUS Himself! These things were mysteries UNTIL the time when God's people would have the Spirit of God living IN them and could understand the Word of God! Not everyone will follow on to know the mystery, as Paul did! Remember that some of the disciples complained that Paul's teachings were too complex for them (2 Peter 2:16). Why could Paul understand and they could not? Because Paul had FOLLOWED ON to know! Look at Hosea 6:3a in various translations:

3 Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord: KJV

3 Yes, let us know (recognize, be acquainted with, and understand) Him; let us be zealous to know the Lord [to appreciate, give heed to, and cherish Him].AMP

3 Let us know, let us strive to know Adonai. CJB

3 Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know him. New Living Translation

3 We're ready to study God, eager for God-knowledge. THE MESSAGE

We WILL know, and the Word of God will become so very clear and logical, IF we will go after this knowledge of Him! Remember Paul's declaration in Philippians 3:10:

10 [For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection [which it exerts over believers], and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed [in spirit into His likeness even] to His death, [in the hope] AMP

There is only one person who has total control over how well we come to know HIM! That person, in  my life, is ME! Let's make it OUR determined purpose to know HIM more every day! Do you want to know another aspect of the mystery that has been revealed to us, the church? Look at Colossians 1:27:

27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: KJV

HE lives in US, by His Spirit! No longer in a building somewhere that we have to travel to, but IN US! There is so much more for us to learn about Jesus, about our Covenant sealed in His blood, about the Church, the Bride and God's plan for all of mankind! THAT should cause you to want to dive in deep RIGHT NOW! AMEN! Let's DO IT! Here is Hillsong United with "In The Mystery":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Proverbs 19:17 promises this:

17 He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and that which he has given He will repay to him.

"Has pity" here is the Hebrew word "chanan", which means: to be gracious, considerate, to show favor. When we treat the poor the way that Jesus treats us, then HE repays us for this kindness! Look at what the Message Bible says:

17 Mercy to the needy is a loan to God, and God pays back those loans in full.  THE MESSAGE

I also have always liked the Living Bible for this verse:

17 When you help the poor you are lending to the Lord-and he pays wonderful interest on your loan! TLB

Do YOU think that God is good for it? He certainly is! There is NO shortage in Heaven OR on earth! There is only shortage where people go contrary to the Word of God and try to do things their own way! God's way is SO much better! I also really like verse 23:

23 The reverent, worshipful fear of the Lord leads to life, and he who has it rests satisfied; he cannot be visited with [actual] evil.

When we begin to understand the depth and magnitude of our Covenant with Almighty God,  through the death, burial and Resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus, then we will understand this statement! The enemy WILL try to send death and destruction our way because he hates the One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible, AND all that HE loves! As we stay in that secret place of Psalm 91, the place of being daily aware of His presence inside of us, then we will also have confidence in THIS promise from verses 7-10:

7 A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not come near you. 8 Only a spectator shall you be [yourself inaccessible in the secret place of the Most High] as you witness the reward of the wicked. 9 Because you have made the Lord your refuge, and the Most High your dwelling place,  [Ps 91:1,14.] 10 There shall no evil befall you, nor any plague or calamity come near your tent. AMP

Look at this one from the Message Bible also:

7 Even though others succumb all around, drop like flies right and left, no harm will even graze you. 8 You'll stand untouched, watch it all from a distance, watch the wicked turn into corpses. 9 Yes, because God's your refuge, the High God your very own home, 10 Evil can't get close to you, harm can't get through the door.  THE MESSAGE

Let's keep our complete trust and confidence in the God of the Bible to do what he says He will do and commit ourselves to being a DOER of HIS Word! AMEN! Here is another older song from Hillsong called "I Give You My Heart":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Proverbs 18:9 is a very serious verse that we should meditate on and then examine our own lives to see where we fall in this! 

9 He who is loose and slack in his work is brother to him who is a destroyer and he who does not use his endeavors to heal himself is brother to him who commits suicide.

Once you receive Jesus as Lord and personal Savior, then your eternal home in Heaven is set! The every day decisions that we make affect this life on earth and our rewards in Heaven! This verse says that to be lazy and apathetic is exactly the same as being a destroyer! If we are NOT doing our part in building people up by the things we do and the words we speak, then we are in the same category with those who are actively tearing people down! This makes me think of the Dietrich Bonhoeffer quote: "Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act." The answer to every problem and situation is found ONLY in the One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible and His Word! BUT, there is a time to speak and expose evil so that people CAN look to HIM! If WE don't speak, who will? Make sure that you are using your words correctly! Verse 21 says this:

21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life].

So, SPEAK UP! Expose evil and then speak the Word in to every situation! Point them to the One, True God and His irresistable Love! YOU will be pleasing to Him and His rewards are GREAT! AMEN! Here is Hillsong United with "Relentless":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Today I am loving this devotional from Jerry Savelle:

Success Is Conditional

Some promises from God are conditional. That means you have to do something or meet a certain condition to qualify for the expected result. When you meet the conditions, your success is guaranteed, you cannot fail.

Some blessings from God are unconditional. For example, His love is always offered to you unconditionally, regardless of what you do.

Success is conditional.

Success and prosperity have been promised to all of God’s people, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they will automatically come to pass in your life. You must meet the conditions.

You might say to me, “When you start talking about conditions, are you talking about getting back under the Law?”

No, I’m not! Nowhere in the Word of God will you find any statement suggesting that you can do absolutely nothing and expect God to bless you. In fact, God tells us in Proverbs 6:10-11 and 24:33-34 that if we do nothing we will not succeed.

Though God will sometimes do acts of grace in a person’s life, the only way to guarantee success is to find out what God’s conditions for success are and act on them.

Here’s one scripture that gives us insight about how to obtain success:

Joshua 1:8 “This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it; for then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success” AMP

Confession: I make a quality decision today to meditate on the Word day and night, and to be a doer of the Word and not a hearer only. As I do this, I will become prosperous and have good success in everything I set my hand to do.

I think that Jerry says it all very well right here! Make sure that YOU know the promises AND the conditions for them! Then you, too, can make wise and godly decisions that will result in the manifestation of John 10:10 and 3 John 2 to be operating in YOUR life!

John 10:10 The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows). AMP

3 John 2 Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers. KJV

AMEN! I LOVE the Word of God! Don't you? Here is Hillsong Live with "God IS Able":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

We've seen over the last few days how important it is to know the Word of God and to have our minds renewed to think like Him! Then today we see this in Proverbs 16:3:

3 Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed.

When we commit every area of life to His will and His Word,, then HE will cause us to think correctly so that we can speak and act in such a way as to walk in the abundant life that He has already provided! Look, also, at the promise in verse 7:

7 When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. AMP

Look also at verse 9:

9 A man’s mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure. AMP

When we are truly committed to Him and submitted to His Word and His will, then HE can act on our behalf even when we miss it! What wonderful trust we can have! AMEN! Here is Hillsong with "The Freedom We Know" (BECAUSE of HIM!):

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

I really like today's "My Utmost For His Highest" by Oswald Chambers:

Also . . . add to your faith . . . —2 Peter 1:5

In the matter of drudgery. Peter said in this passage that we have become “partakers of the divine nature” and that we should now be “giving all diligence,” concentrating on forming godly habits (2 Peter 1:4-5). We are to “add” to our lives all that character means. No one is born either naturally or supernaturally with character; it must be developed. Nor are we born with habits— we have to form godly habits on the basis of the new life God has placed within us. We are not meant to be seen as God’s perfect, bright-shining examples, but to be seen as the everyday essence of ordinary life exhibiting the miracle of His grace. Drudgery is the test of genuine character. The greatest hindrance in our spiritual life is that we will only look for big things to do. Yet, “Jesus . . . took a towel and . . . began to wash the disciples’ feet . . .” (John 13:3-5).

We all have those times when there are no flashes of light and no apparent thrill to life, where we experience nothing but the daily routine with its common everyday tasks. The routine of life is actually God’s way of saving us between our times of great inspiration which come from Him. Don’t always expect God to give you His thrilling moments, but learn to live in those common times of the drudgery of life by the power of God.

It is difficult for us to do the “adding” that Peter mentioned here. We say we do not expect God to take us to heaven on flowery beds of ease, and yet we act as if we do! I must realize that my obedience even in the smallest detail of life has all of the omnipotent power of the grace of God behind it. If I will do my duty, not for duty’s sake but because I believe God is engineering my circumstances, then at the very point of my obedience all of the magnificent grace of God is mine through the glorious atonement by the Cross of Christ.

THIS is why we are instructed in Romans 12:2 to do this:

2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. KJV

And also from the Amplified Bible:

2 Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you]. AMP

With the renewing of our mind comes the Wisdom from God necessary to live THIS life in a way that is pleasing to Him and rewarding for us! AMEN! Here is Hillsong United with "Tapestry":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

There is more Truth in Proverbs 14:9 than many people realize! Here it is in the Amplified Bible:

9 Fools make a mock of sin and sin mocks the fools, but among the upright there is the favor of God.

"Fools" here is the Hebrew word "`eviyl". This is what Vine's Expository Dictionary says: generally lacks wisdom, indeed, wisdom is beyond his grasp. These fools mock, scorn and speak arrogantly of sin. Have you ever heard someone say, "I don't want to go to Heaven. All my friends will be in hell"? They are mocking the Bible and what the Bible has to say about sin and the sin nature! This is NOT a laughing matter however! The results of our mindset concerning sin and the Savior WILL affect the eternity of every person! For the believer who thinks its a light thing to dabble in sin, there is a price to pay right here, in this life! Look at John 10:10:

10 The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows). AMP

The "thief" refers to satan, his demons, his tricks and tactics, and his lies about the Word of God! NOT having the Wisdom of the Word operating in our lives will make us fair game for the enemy to enter in and steal, kill and destroy all that is precious and valuable to us here! WE have the full authority and control over our lives on this earth. We can choose to do things God's way or not! Doing things God's way allows the life of extreme abundance mentioned above to operate. Which do YOU choose? Please choose wisely! Here is Hillsong with another older song called "The Freedom We Know:

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Proverbs 13:13-14 says this:

13 Whoever despises the word and counsel [of God] brings destruction upon himself, but he who [reverently] fears and respects the commandment [of God] is rewarded. 14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, that one may avoid the snares of death.

The Word of God IS Truth (John 17:17) and knowing and doing it will bring life, health, prosperity, favor, honor and blessing into your life! Remember to appreciate the teaching of the Word as though Jesus Himself were doing the teaching! If what is being taught lines up with the Word of God, then put it into practice and walk in the freedom that God intends! Despising the Word of God can include ignoring it or not obeying it! Don't be caught with that attitude or you will be inviting the enemy to wreak havoc in your life! The choice is yours, so choose wisely! Here is Hillsong with "Alive In US":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Galatians 1:1 is the Apostle Paul saying this about himself:

1 Paul, an apostle—[special messenger appointed and commissioned and sent out] not from [any body of] men nor by or through any man, but by and through Jesus Christ (the Messiah) and God the Father, Who raised Him from among the dead—

Notice that there was no group of people deciding that Paul (previously Saul) should be the new apostle! There were no lots cast or votes counted! The One, True God selected him! SO, because Paul was selected by God, did he just automatically know all the "deep" things that he taught? NO! Look at what he said in verses 15-18:

15 But when He, Who had chosen and set me apart [even] before I was born and had called me by His grace (His undeserved favor and blessing), saw fit and was pleased 16 To reveal (unveil, disclose) His Son within me so that I might proclaim Him among the Gentiles (the non-Jewish world) as the glad tidings (Gospel), immediately I did not confer with flesh and blood [did not consult or counsel with any frail human being or communicate with anyone]. 17 Nor did I [even] go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles (special messengers of Christ) before I was, but I went away and retired into Arabia, and afterward I came back again to Damascus. 18 Then three years later, I did go up to Jerusalem to become [personally] acquainted with Cephas (Peter), and remained with him for fifteen days.

He didn't "magically" know so much and no human person taught him! How DID he learn so much then? At the feet of Jesus! He said that he did NOT confer with people! He spent time in the Word of God that he already knew as a well educated Hebrew, but the Holy Spirit taught Him what it all meant and how it relates to the church! I am convinced that even Paul did not completely understand  everything that he taught, and WE are still learning aspects of the Word today! The Word of God is LIMITLESS and there is NO END to the wonderful things we can learn from it everyday that we ATTEND to it (Proverbs 4:20-22)! AMEN! Make THAT your determined purpose today! Here is  Hillsong United with "Nova":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

I think that today's Faith To Faith devotional by Kenneth and Gloria Copeland goes along very well with our SWC series on "Money Matters"! Here's a portion of it:

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

– Colossians 3:2

Things, things, things! A better job. A bigger house. New clothes for the kids. Tomorrow's luncheon date. A better television. Get the picture?

Many of us have learned to believe God to prosper us to such a degree that we have too much to keep up with. We end up spending so much time and energy taking care of the legitimate "things" of life that we unconsciously give the attention and affections of our heart over to this natural world instead of to God.

When Kenneth and I first heard about living by faith, we were in desperate circumstances. We were sick and broke, so it was easy for us to dedicate ourselves to prayer and to the Word. But as we honored God's Word, He honored and prospered us. We came to the place where we were no longer desperate. Then came the real test of our faith. Would we serve God out of our love for Him instead of our desperation?

Well, praise God, we did. But in the process we found out one thing: It takes a lot more dedication to serve God when you're prosperous than it takes when you're desperate! There's a constant temptation to get so caught up in the earthly things that your desire for the things of God fades into the background.

As the material blessings of God come your way, remember, God has not trained you in His Word so you can consume it on your own lusts. He has revealed His Word to you so you can walk in the Spirit and do the job He's called you to do.

Don't let the things of this world cause you to miss out on the glorious things of the Spirit. Get your priorities in line with God's Word. Set your mind on things above, and you'll discover just how heavenly life was really meant to be

                    We have seen many times over the course of the almost 32 years of The Spoken Word Church that someone will come to us in need of a job or some other financial or healing miracle. They are taught and trained in the Word of God and become a diligent DOER of the Word. Then, when the blessings begin to manifest and things are not so desperate, they slack off of their diligence in the Word and in the things of God. They begin to miss a service here and a service there until they are no longer coming at all! DO NOT allow that to happen to YOU! Remember, it is knowing the Word that sets you free, and continuing in the Word that KEEPS you free - in every area (John 8:32)! AMEN! Here is Hillsong United with "Search My Heart":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

I really like this from Jerry Savelle's  daily devotional today:

Today's Confession: I'm not normal. I'm living in the realm of the extraordinary.

Devotional: God wants us to begin to expect the extraordinary. Forget about the past and don't limit God by saying, "I've never heard anything like this before in my life." Don't say that. That doesn't have anything to do with what God's going to do in the future. You haven't seen everything God can do, but if you will dare to believe, then you will! In fact, His Word says: "Do not (earnestly) remember the former things; neither consider the things of old. Behold I am doing a new thing." Isaiah 43:18,19 (Amplified Bible) God is doing a new thing. And, if God wants to do a new thing, then let Him do it! He says in Isaiah 43:13 (Amplified Bible), "I will work, and who can hinder or reverse it?" God is saying that He is going to do this. Satan's not going to be able to stop it. Governments are not going to be able to stop it. The economy won't be able to stop it. It's going to happen and you can either expect it to come to pass in your life or just hear about it happening to others. Either way, it's going to happen.

The Word of God says this in 1 Peter 2:9:

9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation, [God’s] own purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

THIS is who we are IN HIM! It's high time we started looking, speaking and acting like it! Here is a very old song by DC Talk called "Nu Thang":

"Nu Thang"

[intro]
Ya know He's doin' it
God is doin' a nu thang
Ya know He's doin' it
God is doin' a nu thang
Ya know He's doin' it
God is doin' a nu thang
Ya know He's doin' it
God is doin' a nu thang 

My God is doin' a brand nu thang
But, since time began, He remains the same
Faithful, forever to His word
And solid, a cornerstone unstirred
But, look down through the ages and you will find
God doesn't change, but He knows the time
From harp to piano, and song to rap
Ya know, God's wit us, so we can not lack and so 

[chorus]
God is doin' a nu thang
In our lives so...
We're doin' a nu thang
Through Jesus Christ
God is doin' a nu thang
Through our music
We're doin' a nu thang
So He can use it 

God's usin' this music and we're comin' strong
DC Talkin', often singin' a song
To make ya think twice 'bout the way thatcha live
And, let ya know Christ is the one that'll give
Peace in ya heart, a nu start
Call on the Lord, and he'll do His part
A brand nu thang to ya raggedy walk
He might just match it up to that big ol' talk 

[repeat chorus]

[bridge-repeat intro]

Like an MC, I'm here to boast
I rap about Christ, yo here's a dose
So loud and proud of the God I serve
Try to say He ain't wit it...huh, ya got nerve
Christ is the reason for dc Talk
He's the focus of our daily walk, y'all
Without him, we ain't nothin' but names
But through God, we're doin' brand nu thangs 

[repeat chorus]

God is doin' a nu thang
We're doin' a nu thang [5x]

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Proverbs 9:10-11 says this:

10 The reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is the beginning (the chief and choice part) of Wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight and understanding.11 For by me [Wisdom from God] your days shall be multiplied, and the years of your life shall be increased. AMP

Do you know why the fear of the Lord is necessary for us to walk in the Wisdom that only God can give? Because we MUST have the utmost respect and reverence for Him in order to truly believe His Word! You wouldn't believe the word of just any person that walked in off the streets, would you? Well, you won't TRULY believe the Word of God, either, until you KNOW Him! That's why Paul made it his continual and determined purpose to know more about the Lord each day than he did the day before! Read Philippians 3:10 in the Amplified Bible! The Word of God will come alive for you as never before when you make HIM your first priority! As you do this, you will be excited to know something that we learned about today in our SWC Worship Service! Pastor Bill Novak is teaching a series called "Money Matters". He is teaching about the matters, or the things, having to do with money and finances, but also how much money really does MATTER! God WANTS you to prosper! How do I know that? Look at 3 John 2 in a couple of different versions:

2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayprosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospers. KJV

3 John 2 Beloved, in all things I am praying that you will be prospering, and that you will be continually having good health just as your soul is prospering. The New Testament: An Expanded Translation by Kenneth S. Wuest 

Do you know what is better than getting financial needs meet? Walking in Divine Prosperity, where you are in control of your finances and always have more than enough to accomplish what God has called you to do and to be a provider for the needs of others! Do you know what is better than receiving healing? Walking in Divine Health where you are ready at all times to carry out His call on your life! AMEN! GOD desires that FOR you! All that it will take is for you to prosper your soul! how do you do that? Meditate on His Word - day and night! (Joshua 1:8). Be a DOER of the Word you see and hear and then Wisdom and understanding will be yours! AMEN! Here is Hillsong Live with "You Are More":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Look at Proverbs 8:13:

13 The reverent fear and worshipful awe of the Lord [includes] the hatred of evil; pride, arrogance, the evil way, and perverted and twisted speech I hate.

Notice that He did NOT say that we are to hate the perpetrators of evil, but the evil itself! Every person ever born is precious in the eyes of the One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible! That includes YOU! It also includes every sinner! Many will find themselves thrown into the lake of fire along with the devil and his angels, but it will NOT bring joy to the One, True God to see this happen! We are to hate the sin, but LOVE the sinner with the same love that caused the Father to  send the Son to pay the price for every person! We are HERE to preach the Good News so that "none should perish"(2 Peter 3:9)! THAT is the Father's desire! Some will still NOT choose life, but their blood will be on their own hands and not ours! AMEN! Now look at the what He promises for those who will choose HIM! Verses 17-21:

17 I love those who love me, and those who seek me early and diligently shall find me. 18 Riches and honor are with me, enduring wealth and righteousness (uprightness in every area and relation, and right standing with God). 19 My fruit is better than gold, yes, than refined gold, and my increase than choice silver. 20 I [Wisdom] walk in the way of righteousness (moral and spiritual rectitude in every area and relation), in the midst of the paths of justice, 21 That I may cause those who love me to inherit [true] riches and that I may fill their treasuries.

Also verses 32-35:

32 Now therefore listen to me, O you sons; for blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are those who keep my ways. 33 Hear instruction and be wise, and do not refuse or neglect it. 34 Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. 35 For whoever finds me [Wisdom] finds life and draws forth and obtains favor from the Lord. 

I'm sure you've heard this before: "It doesn't cost to serve God, it pays!" Well, there IS a price to pay. The price will be in time, energy and resources, but the rewards FAR outweigh the cost of serving Him! Now look at the price for NOT doing things God's way in verse 36:

36 But he who misses me or sins against me wrongs and injures himself; all who hate me love and court death.

Don't play around with the things of God! The price is too high and affects all of those around you! The Father's desire for YOU is found in John 10:10:

10 The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).

So let's really LIVE this life and do it for HIM! AMEN! Here is Hillsong with an older song called "Life":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

I love John 17 for the prayers that Jesus prayed! Look at verses 15-19:

15 I do not ask that You will take them out of the world, but that You will keep and protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world (worldly, belonging to the world), [just] as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them [purify, consecrate, separate them for Yourself, make them holy] by the Truth; Your Word is Truth. 18 Just as You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19 And so for their sake and on their behalf I sanctify (dedicate, consecrate) Myself, that they also may be sanctified (dedicated, consecrated, made holy) in the Truth. AMP

Notice that the prayer that Jesus prayed was so that His people would be set apart, consecrated and prepared to be IN TH WORLD! Why? Because the need for the Gospel is IN THE WORLD! The lost MUST hear the Gospel preached in order to be saved! Notice who else is included in these prayers from verses 20-23:

20 Neither for these alone do I pray [it is not for their sake only that I make this request], but also for all those who will ever come to believe in (trust in, cling to, rely on) Me through their word and teaching, 21 That they all may be one, [just] as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be one in Us, so that the world may believe and be convinced that You have sent Me. 22 I have given to them the glory and honor which You have given Me, that they may be one [even] as We are one: 23 I in them and You in Me, in order that they may become one and perfectly united, that the world may know and [definitely] recognize that You sent Me and that You have loved them [even] as You have loved Me. AMP

WE are included in these prayers! He has a job for us to do right here, and right now, and He has already prepared the way FOR us! How exciting this life is! Let's be BOLDLY about our Father's business, bringing Glory to His Name and people into the Kingdom! AMEN! Here is Hillsong with "Children Of The Light":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Proverbs 6 has some interesting things to say about sleep! Look at verses  4 and 10-11:

4 Give not [unnecessary] sleep to your eyes, nor slumber to your eyelids;

10 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to lie down and sleep—11 So will your poverty come like a robber or one who travels [with slowly but surely approaching steps] and your want like an armed man [making you helpless].

Verses 10-11 are speaking about being lazy! Notice that in the Amplified Bible, verse 4 says not to allow yourself "unnecessary" sleep! That means more than your body requires. I want to share some from today's "Sparkling Gems" by Rick Renner. This is referring to the parable of the talents, and specifically to the wicked servant who had simply buried his master's money instead of using ingenuity and diligence to increase it!

But when the master came to the third servant and saw that he had done nothing with the money given to him, he told the servant, "...Thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury" (vv. 26,27).

It is obvious that this third servant was not ignorant of the master's expectation. He knew that the master expected increase from him. In fact, he told them, "Thou knewest." This means the third servant couldn't pretend to be ignorant. He knew that the master expected him to do something significant with what had been entrusted to him.

This master would accept no excuses for a lack of increase. It didn't matter how difficult the situation, how many odds were against his servants, or how impossible it seemed, the master still expected increase. His servants understood that this was his expectation. Thus, the servant who did nothing with his talent found himself in a horrible predicament.

His master called him, "Thou wicked and slothful servant" (Matthew 25:26). As if this isn't bad enough, in Matthew 25:30 his master called him "the unprofitable servant." Before we go any further, let's stop to examine these words, for they vividly express Jesus' personal sentiment toward people who possess great potential but never develop it due to laziness.

Let's look first at Matthew 25:26, where Jesus calls the non-productive servant "thou wicked and slothful servant." The words "wicked and slothful" are taken from the single Greek word okneros. This word means lazy or idle. It carries the idea of a person who has a do-nothing, lethargic, lackadaisical, apathetic, indifferent, lukewarm attitude toward life.

This is a strong word, chosen by the Holy Spirit to tell us how strongly Jesus feels about those who are apathetic and lethargic about their spiritual lives and life assignments. Jesus has no taste for lackadaisical people. People who are lukewarm about their God-given abilities or who are indifferent about their assignments leave a sickening taste in the Lord's mouth. He loves the person, but He strongly dislikes the lazy attitudes that keep them from reaching their maximum potential.

In Matthew 25:30, Jesus continues by calling this non-productive servant "the unprofitable servant." The word "unprofitable" is from the Greek word achreios, which literally means useless. A literal translation in today's vernacular would be the good-for-nothing servant.

This word describes a person whose existence in life is absolutely pointless. He is an aimless, purposeless person who contributes nothing to life. This person's value has never been realized because he does nothing but take up space on the face of the planet. But like everyone else, this person had a choice. He could have become something significant if he had used what was entrusted to him and had done what God asked him to do. 

The two servants who had produced for their master were given even more responsibility and opportunity for advancement! Which "servant" will YOU be for the One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible? Your decision will affect your entire life here on earth! Make a wise choice! AND, lest you think NECESSARY sleep is unimportant, Psalm 127:2 says give THIS promise (to the diligent!):

2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to take rest late, to eat the bread of [anxious] toil — for He gives [blessings] to His beloved in sleep. AMP

Be diligent and be rewarded! AMEN! Here is Hillsong with "Running":

Shalom in Him!