Shalom,

Matthew 18:19 is a verse that most born again believers have heard and have tried to act on. If YOU have experienced NOT receiving your desired answer using this prayer, it may be that you really lack good understanding of it! Let's look at it:

19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. KJV

The problem that many run into is not understanding the word "agree". This is the Greek word "symphoneo", which means: to be harmonious; to accord; to be in harmony with; also used for the fitting together of stones in a building. Can you imagine fitting together stones, bricks or boards that are very different in size and shape and expecting them to make a solid and sturdy building? How about people of varying degrees of skill and practice trying to play music together? Do YOU think that would make for a very harmonious melody? The Amplified Bible is very good here:

19 Again I tell you, if two of you on earth agree (harmonize together, make a symphony together) about whatever [anything and everything] they may ask, it will come to pass and be done for them by My Father in heaven.

It is NOT possible for two people of very different levels of faith to agree beyond the lowest level of faith! In order to have the prayer of agreement work in the way that the God of the Bible intends for it to work is for both people to be growing their faith in whatever area is necessary by hearing (and hearing and hearing...) the Word of God (Romans 10:17)! The choice of how high our faith level in any area gets to be is totally and completely OURS! Make the choice today to grow your faith a little more every day by reading, studying and meditating on the Word of God! THEN you can pray the prayer of agreement in confidence that you HAVE the answer the moment you prayer! AMEN! Another part of that promise is found in verse 20:

20 For wherever two or three are gathered (drawn together as My followers) in (into) My name, there I AM in the midst of them.

Guess what? When you and another born again believer can pray this prayer, in faith, you are joined in that by the God of the Bible! HALLELUJAH! WE cannot BE in better company than this! AMEN! Here is Hillsong with "Search My Heart":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

This, from Kenneth E. Hagin's Faith Food for today, is vital to know in order to walk in the fullness of what Jesus has done for us!

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.
(Eph. 1:3)

Faith is the hand, so to speak, that takes from God. In the natural realm, if someone offers you something, you can reach out your physical hand and take it, because you can see it. In the spirit realm, you have to see with the eye of faith. 

You can't see in the spirit realm with the physical eye. You can only see physical and material things with the physical eye. But we know from God's Word that there are things available to us in the spirit realm. For instance, in the spirit world, there is healing. It has already been purchased. It has already been paid for. God already has it wrapped up with your name on it. It's just waiting for you to take it. 

Well, how are you going to see that? You can't see it with your physical eye like you would a birthday gift all wrapped up and packaged for you. So how do you know it's there? You know it's there because the Bible said so. Jesus not only purchased your salvation - the remission of sins and the New Birth - but He also took your infirmities and bore your sicknesses (Matt. 8:17). And He is waiting for you to reach out and take healing. He is waiting for you to see it with the eye of faith - faith that is based on the Word. 

Confession:

With the eye of faith, I see healing. And with the hand of faith, I reach out and take my healing. It's mine; I have it now. Even when it doesn't seem like I have it, I know that I have it. I call those things that be not as though they were.

Make use of all of the resources that are available to you a long as they line up with the Word of God! The only way to know that is to check these verses out in your own Bible and allow the Spirit of God to show YOU the Truth! AMEN! Faith is NOT based on a teaching of the Truth, but on the TRUTH itself (John 17:17)! Or I should say, HIMSELF (John 1:1)! AMEN! Here is Hillsong with "Yours Is The Kingdom":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Psalm 16:7-9 says this:

7 I will bless the Lord, Who has given me counsel; yes, my heart instructs me in the night seasons. 8 I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. 9 Therefore my heart is glad and my glory [my inner self] rejoices; my body too shall rest and confidently dwell in safety,

Early on in my study of God's Word I heard this vital advice: When you see the word "therefore", find out what it's THERE FOR! In other words, looking at the verses above, I see that IF I desire to have a heart (spirit and soul combination) that is glad and rejoicing, and a body that is rested and protected, then I MUST find out what came before! The first thing that the psalmist says is that they had chosen to bless the LORD. This is worship and adoration of JEHOVAH! This is the God of the Covenant! If WE desire to bless the God of the Covenant, then we must KNOW what He has done for us so that we CAN appreciate, thank and worship Him for these things! THAT is first! Then the psalmist says that the LORD has given him counsel (instruction and guidance). Because this psalmist put God first, worshiping God and heeding His counsel, His Word, THEN their own heart (spirit and soul combination) brought the Word and instruction back to them so that they could put it into practice, doing things God's way! The psalmist then tells us that they put the God of the Bible, the God of the Covenant, FIRST PLACE in priority in their life! THEREFORE, because of these choices, this psalmist had put themselves in position to receive all that they needed from God! We have an even better Covenant, that is based on better promises that this psalmist had! We already have been given everything we need to succeed and prosper in this life! Look at 2 Peer 1:3:

3 For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that [are requisite and suited] to life and godliness, through the [full, personal] knowledge of Him Who called us by and to His own glory and excellence (virtue). AMP

DO you SEE now what the "therefore" was THERE FOR? Now "go thou and do likewise" (Luke 10:37)!  AMEN!!! Here is Hillsong Worship with a new song called "Calvary", because what Jesus DID at Calvary, "covers it all"! EVERYTHING we need! HALLELUJAH!!!

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

The devotion for today on our Spoken Word Church website says this:

Miracles happen only to the believing. So believe. Doubts never produce your desired results. Stop advertising your doubts. Start celebrating your expectations of a miracle.

"Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If you have faith, and doubt not, you shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if you shall say unto this mountain, Be removed, and be cast into the sea; it shall be done." (Matthew 21:21)

Remember that doubts are simply thoughts from the enemy to try to get you to stop believing God's Word! They come AT you from the OUTSIDE! Whether or not those doubt thoughts ever get INSIDE of you is a matter of YOUR choice! We are told how to take thoughts in Matthew 6:31a:

31 Therefore take no thought, saying,

Do you see that we "take"thoughts, whether thoughts of faith or of doubt, by SAYING them! Another reason that we are instructed, by God, to be "slow to speak" (James 1:19)! Practice "reject and replace" when it comes to the thoughts that come at you from the enemy!  Reject them as lies and replace them with the TRUTH! (John 17:17) When the TRUTH is IN you in abundance, then the TRUTH is what you will be speaking (Matthew 12:34)! Keep it up! Say ONLY what you REALLY want to have happen! AMEN! Here is Hillsong Worship with "No Other Name":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Every time I read Psalm 14:1 in the Amplified Bible I have another "aha" moment! I have gotten into many "discussions" over the years with people who claim to be atheists. It has, for the most part, been fruitless! Why? Look at the verse:

1 THE [empty-headed] fool has said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable deeds; there is none that does good or right.

Aha!  THAT explains everything! When led by the Spirit of God, these discussions CAN have benefits because the Holy Spirit knows the heart of a person and whether or not they are ready to hear! BUT, if not, then there is just no reasoning with an "empty-headed fool"! Just continue to pray for them and pray especially that the Father would send the RIGHT laborers across their path (Matthew 9:38)! AMEN! Just continue to let YOU light shine (Matthew 5:16) so that they have something to see and, WHEN they are ready, they will ask what makes YOU different (1 Peter 3:15)! Whatever you do, do NOT respond to them scornfully or haughtily. Remember that at this point in time they cannot possibly understand the Word of God (1 Corinthians 2:14)! Remember, also, that at one point in time, many of YOU were just such a person! Instead, let these episodes become an occasion to thank and worship Jesus for Who He is and for what He has done for YOU! AMEN! Here is a new song by Hillsong Worship to help you remember that! It is called "Broken Vessels -(Amazing Grace)":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Psalm 13:6 is something we should all be doing much more of!

6 I will sing to the Lord, because He has dealt bountifully with me.

The #1 reason we should sing to the Lord is because HE IS! Once we acknowledge that, then we can sing to Him and praise Him for all the wonderful things He has done for us! Do YOU acknowledge Him daily and then thank and praise Him for every good and wonderful blessing in your life? If not, start NOW! AMEN! In Matthew 13:15 in our Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan for today we see this which, although written specifically about Israel, pertains to THIS nation at THIS particular time, too!

15 For this nation's heart has grown gross (fat and dull), and their ears heavy and difficult of hearing, and their eyes they have tightly closed, lest they see and perceive with their eyes, and hear and comprehend the sense with their ears, and grasp and understand with their heart, and turn and I should heal them.

Though this may be true about many in the current administration and leadership of our nation, there are very many who qualify for verse 16!

16 But blessed (happy, fortunate, and to be envied) are your eyes because they do see, and your ears because they do hear.

Choose to BE one whose eyes see and ears hear exactly what the Spirit of God is saying to us today! Now become a DOER of the Word you see and understand and you will continue to have something to praise HIM for! AMEN! Here is Hillsong Live with "King of Heaven":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

I cannot possibly improve upon this message 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:

“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” (Joshua 1:8, 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.

AMEN!!! Look at 3 John 2 :

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

Jesus desires that we walk in prosperity, which means being in control of our lives and NOT being under the control of others in any area. The ONLY way to walk in that kind of prosperity is to prosper in your soul by renewing your mind with the Word of God! See Joshua 1:8 above for the "how-to" of renewing our mind! Now ACT on that Word and you WILL see results! AMEN! Here is Hillsong Worship with "Calvary" because "Calvary coveres it ALL"! 

 

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Let's look today at 2 Corinthians 4:17-18:

17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. KJV

Every test, trial and temptation that we face in this lifetime is simply a "light affliction" in the eyes of God! Nothing is too difficult for Him, or for us when we are "in Him"! The key to handling this light affliction successfully is to stop looking at the problem and begin to look, instead, at the answer! Remember that the verse above tells us that the things that can be seen, the problems, are only temporal, which means temporary. They are subject to change! What causes them to change? Looking at the unseen things instead. Look at  Hebrews 11:1:

11 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. KJV

Looking at the answer instead of the problem is what will bring about the change! Look at this verse in the Amplified Bible:

1 NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses]. AMP

Faith is trust and confidence that God will do what His Word says He will do! For every situation that you face, find out what God's Word says about it. Now choose to believe that TRUTH (John 17:17) over what the "facts" say. Continually picture the end result and expect what you can see to change and come in line with what you can't yet see. I want to encourage your faith with this song from Hillsong United called "Hosanna":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

In Matthew 10:1 we see Jesus sending out the Twelve in HIS power and authority, to heal and to cast out demons. 

1 AND JESUS summoned to Him His twelve disciples and gave them power and authority over unclean spirits, to drive them out, and to cure all kinds of disease and all kinds of weakness and infirmity.

The word "power" here is the Greek word "exousia", which means authority and ability! Jesus sent them out fully equipped, in HIS authority, to deliver people from the works of the enemy! The phrase "all kinds" in this verse, which is "all manner" in the KJV, is the Greek word "pas". This means: all, any, every, the whole, every kind. There was not one kind of sickness, disease, weakness or infirmity that Jesus, and now these disciples, were not able to heal and deliver people of and from! THIS was under the Old Covenant! Now, after Jesus TOOK our sickness and disease, along with all sin, upon HIMSELF, and delivered it all to hell, WE have an even better Covenant, based upon even better promises (Hebrews 8:6)! That means that there is not one sickness, disease, weakness of infirmity that can stay on YOU, IF you will believe His Word, grow your faith, and refuse to be denied! AMEN! Here is Hillsong Worship with a new song called "Broken Vessels":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

As one who is generally a reserved and private person, I sometimes need to hear a message like the one found in today's "My Utmost For His Highest" by Oswald Chambers.

Let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together . . . —Hebrews 10:24-25

We are all capable of being spiritually lazy saints. We want to stay off the rough roads of life, and our primary objective is to secure a peaceful retreat from the world. The ideas put forth in these verses from Hebrews 10 are those of stirring up one another and of keeping ourselves together. Both of these require initiative— our willingness to take the first step toward Christ-realization, not the initiative toward self-realization. To live a distant, withdrawn, and secluded life is diametrically opposed to spirituality as Jesus Christ taught it.

The true test of our spirituality occurs when we come up against injustice, degradation, ingratitude, and turmoil, all of which have the tendency to make us spiritually lazy. While being tested, we want to use prayer and Bible reading for the purpose of finding a quiet retreat. We use God only for the sake of getting peace and joy. We seek only our enjoyment of Jesus Christ, not a true realization of Him. This is the first step in the wrong direction. All these things we are seeking are simply effects, and yet we try to make them causes.

“Yes, I think it is right,” Peter said, “. . . to stir you up by reminding you . . .” (2 Peter 1:13). It is a most disturbing thing to be hit squarely in the stomach by someone being used of God to stir us up— someone who is full of spiritual activity. Simple active work and spiritual activity are not the same thing. Active work can actually be the counterfeit of spiritual activity. The real danger in spiritual laziness is that we do not want to be stirred up— all we want to hear about is a spiritual retirement from the world. Yet Jesus Christ never encourages the idea of retirement— He says, “Go and tell My brethren . . .” (Matthew 28:10)                                                                                    

The God of the Bible desires for local church congregations to meet together regularly so that we can continually stir each other up to right thinking and acting, AND to the commitment to our own Ministry of Reconciliation ( Corinthians 5:18-19)! There are NOT to be separate "Christian" communes that are isolated from the world and never mingle! We REQUIRE the intimate fellowship with like-minded believers that happens at church, and THEN go out as a flaming missile  into the world "seeking and saving" the lost (Luke 19:10)! AMEN! Here is some inspiration for you! Hillsong's "Children of the Light". THAT is who we are! Let's spread it around! AMEN!

Shalom in Him!

WEDNESDAY'S POST

Shalom,

We are continuing in Ecclesiastes in our Bible Reading Plan for today. I used to NOT enjoy reading through this book. The more that I understand the Word of God, though, the more understanding I have of the TRUTH that is found here! Solomon, who had asked God for Wisdom and was rewarded with BOTH Wisdom AND riches and honor by the God of the Bible, had let go of the Wisdom of God when his many, many wives turned his head! He returned to God in his old age and speaks here of the great folly of taking the world's view of life! There is TRUTH in Ecclesiastes 4:13-14:

13 Better is a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who no longer knows how to receive counsel (friendly reproof and warning)-- 14 Even though [the youth] comes out of prison to reign, while the other, born a king, becomes needy. 

How do you think that Solomon, who had more in the way of wealth and riches than most people could even count, here calls himself "needy"? This is the Hebrew word "ruwsh", which means: to be destitute; to be in want; to lack. It also means: one impoverishing himself! What Solomon was lacking was the love for God that His father, David, had! David went hard after God, even when he made mistakes. Solomon went away from God until late in his life and came to realize that all the Wisdom in the world will do you no good unless you ACT on it! He had cheated himself of a fellowship with the God of the Bible that would have brought him more joy than all the riches and women in the world! Don't rob yourself by putting people, places, things or events BEFORE your love and fellowship with the God of the Bible! He LOVES you and wants YOUR love in return! You cannot out-give God in any area, but you CAN rob yourself of the benefits of close fellowship with Him! If YOU have found yourself out of close fellowship, re-connect with Him today! AMEN! Here, to help you, is Hillsong with "I Surrender":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Today I am simply going to share the entire devotion from today's "Faith Food" by Kenneth E. Hagin. This teaching is so vital for those seeking healing in their physical bodies! 

REVERENCE THE BIBLE

Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.
(Ps. 119:128)

The reverence we have toward the Bible, the Book of life, could mean the difference in our own life between life and death.

God spoke to me while I was praying at the altar one time. He said, "After you preach your next meeting, you'll go into the city of Dallas for a meeting. After you preach that meeting, you'll come back to a certain place [He named the place] for a meeting. While you're there, a pastor from hundreds of miles away will call and want you to come. I want you to go there to him." 

I wrote it all down, dated it, and put it in my billfold. I didn't say a word to my wife or anyone about it. Well, everything came to pass exactly as the Lord had spoken to me.

Now the pastor who called me wanted me to come and minister to his wife who had terminal cancer. I did just that, but she didn't get healed. Now it would seem that since God so miraculously led me there, she would have been healed. But she wasn't.

She was a Bible teacher and people loved her. She used to be a schoolteacher before she married this preacher. The congregation would rather hear her preach than her husband, because she was such an expert on the Bible. She said to me, "I've studied every subject in the Bible except faith and healing. I've never studied one thing about those two subjects." 

When I left her, I went down the road weeping because I knew she had failed to receive. I knew she would die at forty-three years of age.

I said to the Lord, "You led me in such a miraculous way. I thought she would be miraculously raised up." 

He said, "I sent you there to endeavor to get truth in them [her and her husband], but they didn't listen. And when they stand before Me, as all Christians must stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ, they can't say they didn't know, because I'm going to point out to them that I moved on them miraculously to contact you. They didn't even know you. I just moved on them by My Spirit. And I did My best to help them, but they wouldn't listen." 

Confession: Father God, I reverence Your Word. I esteem all Your precepts highly. I put them first place in my life.

As an added study for yourself, go through the New Testament noting all of the times that Jesus told someone that He had healed, "Your faith has made you whole"! We MUST learn to stand on the Word of God for ourselves in order to receive AND keep our healing! Then, we must learn how to grow to the point where we don't just receive healing, but we walk in Divine health! AMEN! Here is Hillsong with "This Is Our God" :

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

2 Chronicles 6:5-6  explains to origins of the nation of Israel!

5 Since the day that I brought My people out of the land of Egypt, I chose no city among all the tribes of Israel to build a house in, that My Name might be there, neither chose I any man to be a ruler over My people Israel; 6 But I have chosen Jerusalem, that My Name [and the symbol of My presence] might be there, and I have chosen David to be over My people Israel.

The God of the Bible chose Israel as His own! HE set the Jewish people in this land and it STILL belongs to HIM and THEM! This first temple was built somewhere around 830 BC and Islam was not even started by Muhammad until about 600 AD! Jerusalem is not mentioned even one time in the entire Q'ran as a holy site of Islam. THAT is merely present day propaganda against the nation of Israel and the Jewish people! Be informed and don't believe the lies! The God of the Bible has said that those who bless Israel will be blessed and those who curse her will bring the curse upon themselves (Genesis 12:3)! 

When Solomon prayed at the dedication of the Temple, THIS is what God did: 2 Chronicles 7:1-2:

1 WHEN SOLOMON had finished praying, the fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the house. 2 The priests could not enter the house of the Lord, because the glory of the Lord had filled the Lord's house.

Remember that as a born again believer, YOU are now that Temple! His Spirit lives IN you and He desires to FILL you to overflowing and to KEEP you filled! Find out more at our SWC website through the link on the left! Two other very important Truths that we see in today's Bible Reading in 2 Chronicles are found in 2 Chronicles 7:14:

14 If My people, who are called by My name, shall humble themselves, pray, seek, crave, and require of necessity My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.

... and verses 19-22:

19 But if you [people] turn away and forsake My statutes and My commandments which I have set before you and go and serve other gods and worship them, 20 Then will I pluck [Israel] up by the roots out of My land which I have given [them]; and this house which I have hallowed for My Name will I cast out of My sight, and will make it to be a proverb and a byword among all nations. 21 And this house, which was so high, shall be an astonishment to everyone passing it, and they will say, Why has the Lord done thus to this land and to this house? 22 Then men will say, Because they forsook the Lord, the God of their fathers, Who brought them out of Egypt, and they laid hold of other gods and worshiped and served them; therefore has He brought all this evil upon them.

Everything that has happened to Israel over all of the years of their history has been a direct result of their obedience or disobedience to the God of the Bible! He has NEVER, and will NEVER let them go, but He has disciplined them according to His Word! He also promised to bring them  back to the land and He has done it (Ezekiel 27:31)! Make sure that YOU are one of those who will BLESS Israel and YOU will be BLESSED! AMEN! Here is Lamb with "Enter His Gates":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

In 2 Chronicles today we read about the work that Solomon had done in building the first temple. We know from other places in Scripture that it was breathtakingly beautiful and that nothing built since even compared to it! In Jerusalem today the scholars and craftsmen are busily at work re-creating the utensils to be used in the third temple. THIS temple will be used after the Church of Jesus Christ is removed from the earth and the last 7 years of Jewish history begins. Here is a picture of the Menorah that they have made:

This is all very exciting for the born again believer because it points toward the soon appearing of our Lord and Savior, Jesus! But I want to share something even more exciting for us at this present time. 2 Chronicles 5:13-14 tells us what happened when the temple Solomon built was dedicated:

13 And when the trumpeters and singers were joined in unison, making one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord, and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and other instruments for song and praised the Lord, saying, For He is good, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever, then the house of the Lord was filled with a cloud, 14 So that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God. AMP

What can be more exciting than that? Look at 1 Corinthians 3:16-17:

16  Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? ESV

While we, the Church, are still here on the earth, we ARE the temple of the Living God! HE lives in US! He is present on earth in no other place! Where WE go, there HE goes! HE is counting on us to take His presence wherever there is a need and wherever the lost are so that they can be found! Be about your Father's business and all about taking His presence to the lost! AMEN! Here is Hillsong with "Oceans, Where Feet May Fail":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Two things really stood out to me today in our Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan! Look at Psalm 4:6-8:

6 Many say, Oh, that we might see some good! Lift up the light of Your countenance upon us, O Lord. 7 You have put more joy and rejoicing in my heart than [they know] when their wheat and new wine have yielded abundantly. 8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for You, Lord, alone make me dwell in safety and confident trust. AMP

The world is striving for, and running after things, but things won't fill your heart with joy! I like these verses from The Message Bible, too!

6 Why is everyone hungry for more? "More, more," they say.
"More, more."
I have God's more-than-enough, 
7 More joy in one ordinary day

Than they get in all their shopping sprees. 
8 At day's end I'm ready for sound sleep,
For you, God, have put my life back together. THE MESSAGE

WE have God's "more-than-enough"! I LOVE that! HE is the more-than-enough God! He IS "El Shaddai" - the God Who is more than enough! HALLELUJAH! Psalm 23 tells us that when HE is our Shepherd, we do not lack for ANY good thing! I hope that gets YOU excited about the Word of God today! The second thing that really stood out to me today is found in Matthew 4, which covers the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness. Notice that verse 1 tells us that the Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil:

1 THEN JESUS was led (guided) by the [Holy] Spirit into the wilderness (desert) to be tempted (tested and tried) by the devil.

The Holy Spirit was not tempting Jesus, the devil was! Jesus resisted this temptation with the Word of God. Notice that the devil "took" Jesus in verses 5 and 8! How did he devil "take" Jesus there? Through thoughts! He does the very same thing to you and to me! He sends thoughts to "take" us into situations and circumstances that bring worry, fear, guilt, etc. to try to hurt our faith. If he can't do that, then he tries to get us to walk out of love, which will cause our faith not to work (Galatians 5:6)! How do we avoid those traps of the devil? Matthew 6:31a tells us how we avoid "taking" the thoughts the devil brings!

31 Therefore take no thought, saying, KJV

We "take" thoughts by saying them! When satan tried to get Jesus to "take" his thoughts, Jesus responded with the Word of God! THAT is what we must do , too! That is one of the reasons that God tells  to be slow to speak (James 1:19), so that WHEN we speak, we can speak the Word!  AMEN! Recognize when thoughts of doubt, fear, unbelief, worry, guilt and condemnation come, the devil is trying to "take" you out of faith by getting YOU to "take" his thoughts and SAY them! Don't do it! Reject his thoughts and replace them with the Word of God! Think on these things and then say them! AMEN! Here is an older song from Hillsong United called "Freedom Is Here":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Today is Independence Day in the USA! Here are two verses that really speak to me concerning freedom and this nation. The first is Psalm 33:12:

12 Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He has chosen as His heritage.

Our nation began as a Christian nation by Puritans who had been trying for years to find a place to worship freely the One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible, instead of be forced into a dead state religion! It took many, many years, wars, sacrifices and loss of physical lives, but THIS nation was founded by God as much as Israel was! The purpose was for the freedom of worship SO THAT the Gospel could be freely spread throughout the world! We were blessed as long as we acknowledged the God of the Bible and that our many, many blessings and freedom came from HIM! The trouble in this nation, at this point in time, is a direct result of spoiled and lazy people who forgot to remember the God of the Bible as their source and to continue to give HIM glory! BUT in THESE days there has been a repentance among God's people and a return of the fire and fight among the citizens! Are YOU ready to make a stand for YOUR nation? It will have to start with a renewal of your commitment to put, and keep, the God of the Bible as your #1 Source and Priority! The other verse that I am meditating on today is John 8:36:

36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. ESV
36 So if the Son liberates you [makes you free men], then you are really and unquestionably free. AMP

TRUE freedom comes from receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and personal Savior, receiving the Spirit of God to live IN you and to make you a new creation in the image of God! To find out more, please visit our website through the link on the left! One last Scripture that I want to share with you is this from John 8:31-32:

31 So Jesus said to those Jews who had believed in Him, If you abide in My word [hold fast to My teachings and live in accordance with them], you are truly My disciples. 32 And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free.

John 17:17 tells us that the Word is TRUTH! Spend time in the Word of God and you will SEE and KNOW this TRUTH! THAT is where true freedom comes from! Here is Hillsong with "Free":

Would you believe me if I said
That we are the ones who can make the change
In the world today
Would you believe me if I said
That all of your dreams in your heart
Can come true today
Would you believe me if I said
That life could be all that you want it to be today

And if I had wings I would fly
'Cause all that I need, You are
And if the world caved in around me
To You I'd still hold on
Cause You're all that I believe
And the one that created me
Jesus because of You I'm free

Would you believe me if I said
That God can make miracles happen today
Would you believe me if I said
That you don't need to wait for the answers before
You step out in faith
Would you believe me if I said
That nothing is ever impossible for God

And if I had wings I would fly
'Cause all that I need, You are
And if the world caved in around me
To You I'd still hold on
Cause You're all that I believe
And the one that created me
Jesus because of You I'm free

Just live your life with God inside
You wont regret one moment of it
And give all that you can for God, for God

And if I had wings I would fly
'Cause all that I need, You are
And if the world caved in around me
To You I'd still hold on
Cause You're all that I believe
And the one that created me
Jesus because of You

And if I had wings I would fly
'Cause all that I need, You are
And if the world caved in around me
To You I'd still hold on
Cause You're all that I believe
And the one that created me
Jesus because of You I'm free

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Psalm 2:1-3 gives a vivid picture of the world in which we are living at this time in history!

1 WHY DO the nations assemble with commotion [uproar and confusion of voices], and why do the people imagine (meditate upon and devise) an empty scheme? 2 The kings of the earth take their places; the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and His Anointed One (the Messiah, the Christ). They say 3 Let us break Their bands [of restraint] asunder and cast Their cords [of control] from us.

Why DOES the world rage against the One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible? From the time that Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden, it has always been so! Those who do not choose to love and surrender to HIM, will most definitely fall to the temptations of the world! THAT is why we born again believers, the Church of Jesus Christ, are still here! Heaven is a FAR better place to be (Philippians 1:23), but HE desires that NONE should be lost (2 Peter 3:9)! Our JOB is to share the Gospel so everyone has an opportunity to choose LIFE! How does God respond to the works and workers of darkness, their deeds, and to the ones who refuse Him? Look a verses 4-6:

4 He Who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord has them in derision [and in supreme contempt He mocks them]. 5 He speaks to them in His deep anger and troubles (terrifies and confounds) them in His displeasure and fury, saying, 6 Yet have I anointed (installed and placed) My King [firmly] on My holy hill of Zion.

How should WE respond? Look at verses 11-12:

11 Serve the Lord with reverent awe and worshipful fear; rejoice and be in high spirits with trembling [lest you displease Him]. 12 Kiss the Son [pay homage to Him in purity], lest He be angry and you perish in the way, for soon shall His wrath be kindled. O blessed (happy, fortunate, and to be envied) are all those who seek refuge and put their trust in Him!

Serve the Lord, trust in Him and the promises of His Word, and be about our Father's business! He tells Jesus AND us this in verse 8:

8 Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations as Your inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth as Your possession.

So ASK! Then share the Good News with everyone you have opportunity to share with! BE the Light that draws THEM to an eternity with Jesus! AMEN! Here is Hillsong with "Children of the Light":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

We begin the book of Psalms again in our Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan today. I LOVE reading the Psalms in the light of our new and better Covenant with the God of the Bible! The principles and promises of the Old Testament Psalms are still in effect AND made even better by the Covenant that we have because of what Jesus has already done FOR us! Look at Psalm 1:1-3:

1 BLESSED (HAPPY, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable) is the man who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly [following their advice, their plans and purposes], nor stands [submissive and inactive] in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down [to relax and rest] where the scornful [and the mockers] gather. 2 But his delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law (the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God) he habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and by night. 3 And he shall be like a tree firmly planted [and tended] by the streams of water, ready to bring forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not fade or wither; and everything he does shall prosper [and come to maturity]

If the promises of this Psalm, given under the old Covenant, were powerful and real, and they were, HOW MUCH MORE if we do these things NOW under a better Covenant will we see these good results, and more! Going along with these instructions, add those found in Joshua 1:8:

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.

Let's step up our faith, trust and confidence in the God of the Bible to keep and confirm His Word in our lives! The world will notice and want HIM! AMEN! Here is Hillsong with "Light Will Shine":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Proverbs 31:10 says this:

10 A capable, intelligent, and virtuous woman--who is he who can find her? She is far more precious than jewels and her value is far above rubies or pearls. AMP

The Amplified Bible uses these adjectives to describe the "virtuous" woman. This is the Hebrew word "chayil", which means wealth, virtue, valor, strength, might, efficiency, ability, force, substance. In speaking of women, one study guide said: "a woman of this caliber had all the attributes of her male counterpart." Quite the lineup of character qualities, talents and abilities, right? Well, there is only ONE of these attributes that is VITAL! Look at verses 30-31:

30 Charm and grace are deceptive, and beauty is vain [because it is not lasting], but a woman who reverently and worshipfully fears the Lord, she shall be praised! 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates [of the city]!

In fact, all of the other gifts, talents, strength and abilities that this example of a godly woman OR man possesses stem from that heart that loves and worships the One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible FIRST of ALL! AMEN! Do you remember what Jesus said to Martha when she complained that her sister was simply sitting at the feet of Jesus instead of being a o worker with her? Look at Luke 10:41-42 from a few different translations:

41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: 42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. KJV

41 But the Lord replied to her by saying, Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; 42 There is need of only one or but a few things. Mary has chosen the good portion [that which is to her advantage], which shall not be taken away from her. AMP

And answering, the Lord said to her, Martha, Martha, you are worried and excited about many things, but of few things there is need, or of one, for Mary chose out for herself the good portion, which is of such a nature that it shall not hastily be snatched away from her. The New Testament: An Expanded Translation by Kenneth S. Wuest 

41 However, the Lord answered her, “Marta, Marta, you are fretting and worrying about so many things! 42 But there is only one thing that is essential. Miryam has chosen the right thing, and it won’t be taken away from her.” CJB

"My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! 42 There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her." New Living Translation

Do YOU see what that ONE needful thing is? It IS the Word of God! Jesus IS the Living Word of God! Spend time in intimate fellowship with Him, through His Word and by His Spirit, and YOU will be THE best and most "virtuous" person you could ever be! AMEN! Here is Hillsong Kids with "My Number One":

Shalom in Him!

MONDAY'S POST

Shalom,

This from Faith To Faith by Kenneth and Gloria Copeland is VITAL for every born again believer to really get a handle on!

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

– Hebrews 2:9

Death. It's not a popular topic--even among believers. In fact, a great many are just plain scared of it. Oh yes, they talk about having eternal life. Yet when the devil tries to threaten their earthly survival with sickness or calamity, they panic. Why? Because they haven't learned to look at death through God's eyes. Even though their spirit has been made immortal, they haven't renewed their minds to include that truth. If they had, when the devil tried to push their panic button, they'd just laugh and say, "You can't scare me, devil. I've done all the dying I'm ever going to do!"

That's true, you know. The Word of God says that you, as a born-again believer, are never going to see death (John 8:51). Jesus has been your substitute. He suffered death, so you wouldn't have to. And when He was raised, Hebrews 2:14-15 says, "He destroyed him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And delivered them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage."

If you've made Jesus the Lord of your life, the only death you'll ever experience is behind you now. It occurred the instant you received Christ. At that moment, your old self--the one whose nature was to sin and rebel against God--died. Your body didn't die, but your spirit man--the real you-- died to Satan and all of his works. You became "a new creature" (2 Cor. 5:17), immortal and absolutely incapable of death! When you're finished with your work on the earth, you're not going to die. You'll simply shed your earthly shell and relocate to a far more glorious place. Go to the Word and get God's perspective on death. Make a study of it. Once the reality of your immortality begins to dawn on you, the devil will never be able to threaten you with it again.

AMEN!!! Until we no long fear physical "death", which is simply the separation of our spirit and soul from this physical body and a relocating to the Heaven of the Bible (for BELIEVERS!), we will continue to be bound by all the fear the enemy can throw at us! When we know and understand that WE have the choice in this life, and that the enemy has NO authority to take this life from us (Philippians 1:21-25 AMP), THEN we will truly live and accomplish what God has put us here on this earth, at this very time in HIS STORY, to do! HALLELUJAH! Remember, GOD has NOT given you that spirit of fear that sometimes harasses you (2 Timothy 1:7)! Fear is a spirit and it comes from the enemy to TRY thwart your ministry (2 Corinthians 5:18-19)! REFUSE him! AMEN! Here is Hillsong with "Beneath The Waters (I Will Rise)":

Shalom in Him!