Shalom,

Today's "From Faith To Faith" devotional by Kenneth and Gloria Copeland is another great lesson for us!

Tune In

He that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. 1 Corinthians 14:2

Have you ever looked around at your own life or the life of the Church and wondered why it's taking the Lord so long to get things in order?

If so, let me tell you something I learned a few years ago. He's not the One who's slow. We are!

It's not God's fault that the Church still has spots and wrinkles. It's not His fault that we're not living in total victory. He's always ready. He's the great "I AM." We're the ones who fall short.

Compare it to turning on a radio. If you don't have it tuned to exactly the right frequency, you won't be able to hear the station. It's not the station's fault. It's sending out signals perfectly. The problem is, you haven't tuned in to it.

That's what's happening with you and me. We haven't fine tuned our spirits enough to pick up the voice of the Spirit. Oh, we pick up a few things now and then, but mostly we just fade in and out. We don't stay on God's wavelength all the time.

How do you adjust your spiritual tuner?

By praying in the spirit. Praying in other tongues is the fastest, most effective method I know of to tune in to God—because instead of praying your own thoughts and plans, you're praying His!

The Bible says that when you pray in tongues, you're speaking mysteries to God. In the spirit, you're calling forth parts of God's plan you don't even understand with your natural mind. By the unction of the Holy Spirit, you're praying the perfect will of God.

You see, God knows how to deliver His people. He knows how to turn us into the glorious Church without spot or wrinkle. He has a plan that will do it. And if we'll tap in to that plan and start releasing it into the earth by praying in the spirit, praying according to His will and not our own, this age will draw to a close quickly. If we'll all get our minds and hearts in tune with what God's doing, there will be an explosion of the power of God that will turn this world around!

Start adjusting your spiritual tuner today. Spend an hour praying in other tongues. Set your spirit on God's wavelength and just see how quickly the spots and wrinkles begin to disappear from you.

AMEN! Our GOD is the ONE Who does the WORK in us, but WE give HIM the right and the opportunity! Never forget that HE has given YOU a free will and He will NOT ever force Himself on anyone! If and when WE decide that we want HIS will and HIS ways, He will be right there to lead, guide and direct us! But WE must choose His will first! Are YOU ready to give it all to the ONE Who loves you MOST and BEST? There IS no greater love than HIS for YOU! Here is Hillsong UNITED with "Nothing Like Your Love":

Shalom in Him!

 Shalom,

Two of my favorite verses are found in today's Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan! The first is from Proverbs 11:24-25:

24 There are those who [generously] scatter abroad, and yet increase more; there are those who withhold more than is fitting or what is justly due, but it results only in want. 25 The liberal person shall be enriched, and he who waters shall himself be watered.

I LOVE how the Word of God goes against mere natural thinking! We serve a BIG GOD Who loves to bless His children and show off to the world! It doesn't make natural sense that someone could give out of their need and end up blessed beyond reason while some who are very well off, but stingy, can end up with nothing! It makes PERFECT GOD SENSE, though! All of Proverbs 11 goes back and forth concerning the BLESSING of doing things God's way and the failure that comes with rebellion against God and His Word! Revelation 18 tells what is ahead for those who have done, and continue to do, wickedly! The RIGHTEOUS will ALWAYS come out on top and be BLESSED! The evil, rebellious and wicked will NOT have it so good! We are already seeing GOD expose the evil wickedness that tried to steal from God's people and GOD has said, "ENOUGH"! The Word of God is VERY CLEAR on the BLESSING of the RIGHTEOUS who stand on God's Word and FOR Godly principles, and the 'reward' of the wicked and their wickedness! It is NOT pretty! !Then we have THIS in Zechariah 4:6 that shows that our GOD is NOT bound to this natural realm, but operates in the SUPERNATURAL realm! ALWAYS to BLESS us! 

6 Then he said to me, This [addition of the bowl to the candlestick, causing it to yield a ceaseless supply of oil from the olive trees] is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit [of Whom the oil is a symbol], says the Lord of hosts

AMEN! GOD is NEVER limited by the restictions of the world! HE is GOD ALMIGHTY and NO ONE shall TOUCH Him! Amen! Here is Hillsong with "":

Shalom in Him!

 Shalom,

I am really enjoying going through the Book of Proverbs for the second time this year in ourt Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan! Proverbs 10:17 is a great example of the TRUTH and simplicity of these well written WORDS! 

17 He who heeds instruction and correction is [not only himself] in the way of life [but also] is a way of life for others. And he who neglects or refuses reproof [not only himself] goes astray [but also] causes to err and is a path toward ruin for others.

Verse 22 is another GREAT promise that we should get so strong inside of us that we will never even be tempted to doubt it!

22 The blessing of the Lord—it makes [truly] rich, and He adds no sorrow with it [neither does toiling increase it].

GOD is GOOD! ALL the time! And HE only and ever wants GOOD things for His people, who are called by HIS Name and who LOVE HIM! Make the GOD of all the universe YOUR #1 priority every single day and you will NEVER experience lack in any area again! That does NOT mean that you will not have battles to fight, but WE fight with GOD's weapons that NEVER fail! AMEN! Here are Hillsong Kids with "Tell The World":

Shalom in Him!

 Shalom,

Proverbs 9:9-11 contains instructions for US who desire to be WISE in the things of GOD!

9 Give instruction to a wise man and he will be yet wiser; teach a righteous man (one upright and in right standing with God) and he will increase in learning. 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.

In these days when the media cannot be trusted, when evil people have set themselves up as judges of 'truth' when they wouldn't know the TRUTH if it hit them in the face, these verses are vital in order for us to be on the RIGHT side of the issues! That would be GOD's SIDE! Agree with God by believing and acting on HIS WORD and YOU will be among the WISE who will be hidden in the secret place of Psalm 91 as we witness the downfall of the wicked and their wickedness! Psalm 91:

1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand]. 2 I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I [confidently] trust! 3 For [then] He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. 4 [Then] He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings shall you trust and find refuge; His truth and His faithfulness are a shield and a buckler. 5 You shall not be afraid of the terror of the night, nor of the arrow (the evil plots and slanders of the wicked) that flies by day, 6 Nor of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor of the destruction and sudden death that surprise and lay waste at noonday. 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, 10 There shall no evil befall you, nor any plague or calamity come near your tent. 11 For He will give His angels [especial] charge over you to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways [of obedience and service]. 12 They shall bear you up on their hands, lest you dash your foot against a stone. 13 You shall tread upon the lion and adder; the young lion and the serpent shall you trample underfoot. 14 Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him; I will set him on high, because he knows and understands My name [has a personal knowledge of My mercy, love, and kindness—trusts and relies on Me, knowing I will never forsake him, no, never]. 15 He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. 16 With long life will I satisfy him and show him My salvation.

Notice verse 8 and that THIS is where you want to LIVE! In the secret place of being aware of GOD'S presence! Where you are welcome and encouraged to fellowship intimately with the One, True GOD! AMEN! Here is Hillsong with "One Way":

Shalom in Him!

 Shalom,

We are reading Proverbs 8 in today's Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan and verses 17-21 are speaking to those of us who love and reverence the One True GOD!

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.

AMEN! It is WELL with those who love and reverence HIM! Verses 32-35 also tell us this:

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.

Not so for those who do not love and reverence HIM! Verse 36:

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

Do NOT fret over those evil doers who APPEAR to be winning right now. Oud GOD is on it and HE will watch over His Word to perform it! I hope you will join me and stay on GOD'S side, for HIS side is ALWAYS the RIGHT SIDE! AMEN! Here is Hillsong with "Like Incense (Sometimes By Step)":

Shalom in Him!

 Shalom,

Today I want to share our partner Rick Renner's daily devotional from "Sparkling Gems From The Greek Volume 2":

ESTEEMING OTHERS BETTER THAN YOURSELF

…Let each esteem other better than themselves. — Philippians 2:3

Buying Christmas gifts for people when I was a child was one of my absolute favorite moments of the year. I cherished the privilege of giving, which had been taught to me by my parents. As I have spent time remembering my childhood Christmas experiences, one prominent memory that stands out in my mind is the first year my parents gave me money to spend on other family members for Christmas. That shift changed from what I would receive to what I could give to others.

With great seriousness, my father gave me $2 and instructed me that it was my budget to purchase gifts for the entire family. Ronda was older, so she got $5 for her Christmas shopping spree. Since the family included Daddy, Mother, Ronda, and Lori, it meant I had about 50 cents for each gift. Of course, it seems like a small amount of money by today’s standards, but when I was a boy, that was a substantial amount of money for my parents to give a small boy. Lori was too young to receive a Christmas budget, so it was up to Ronda and me to buy gifts for the family.

To start the process, Ronda and I went to Woolworth’s department store and to TG&Y to make Christmas purchases with our “gargantuan” budgets. I wondered what I could buy for each member of the family with the budget that had been given to me. Dad had stressed the value of money, and his words had imparted such a seriousness in me that I held that money like it was holy. Even more, Dad impressed on me the need to purchase something that people needed and that they would appreciate.

So Ronda and I walked those shopping aisles seriously, contemplating what we should purchase with our budgets. I remember that first year, I bought mother a comb and a compact, a fish for dad’s aquarium, a small tube of lipstick for Ronda, and a doll brush for Lori. To my little mind, those seemed like real “needs” for each member of the family. And after all those expenditures were purchased, I still had a few cents left over — just enough to put a few cents into a gum machine to get a big, round piece of bubble gum!

I was so proud of the purchases that I had made. I carefully wrapped them to the best of my abilities, and then I placed them under the tree next to my homemade manger scene. I eagerly waited for Christmas morning when the family would unwrap the gifts I had carefully selected for them.

Yet on Christmas morning when we started ripping the wrapping off the boxes with our names written on them, I was overwhelmed with the gifts Daddy and Mother had bought for us. That year they bought me a fabulous robot that walked when I inserted the antenna into its head. Having gotten an idea of what items cost as I carefully spent my $2, I had a “wake-up” call when I looked at that robot. I realized that Dad and Mom’s gifts had really cost them something compared to the miniscule gifts Ronda and I had purchased for everyone else. That’s when it dawned on me that they had really gone out of their way and sacrificed for us. I knew they had needs, but they had denied themselves to purchase those gifts for us. For the first time, I understood the concept of making a sacrifice for others.

That event impacted my life. Now almost every year when it’s time for us to purchase Christmas gifts for people I love, I recall that early realization — and how my parents demonstrated to us that it is better to esteem others over ourselves (see Philippians 2:3). My parents denied themselves and sacrificed to purchase those gifts. They understood that although Philippians 2:3 is not a Christmas verse, the principle certainly applies to Christmas as well.

Thinking of others before we focus on taking care of our own needs and wants is how we’re supposed to live every day of the year. And certainly that is true for the Christmas season!

The word “esteem” is the Greek word hegeomai, which means to count, to consider, to regard, or to deem. The word “other” is allelous, and it means others — those besides yourself. The word “better” is huperecho, a compound of huper and echo. The word huper means significantly higher, and the word echo means to hold. When compounded, the new word means to deliberately hold someone in a very high regard. It carries the idea of having a superior view of a person — a feeling so fervent that it would definitely affect the way you deal with him or her. You would treat that person with the greatest care and the highest treatment. In fact, you would treat that individual better than yourself! Since money is a great revealer of the truth, it means even your use of money to benefit that person may reveal how highly you esteem him or her.

Mother needed new clothes; Dad really wanted a fishing boat; we needed new carpet and a new divan; and the list goes on and on. But when it came to Christmas, they showed how highly they loved and esteemed their children by denying themselves the things they needed so they could bless Ronda, Lori, and me.

This Christmas is your opportunity to esteem others better than yourself. Most of what you “think” you need can be delayed. Meanwhile, this holiday is your chance to really show your love to those who are dear to you. So rather than think of yourself this Christmas, put aside your own needs, and focus on the needs and desires of others. Not only will it deal with selfishness in you, but it will also teach those around you the great lesson of making sacrifices for others!|

AMEN! Such a valuable lesson! Not just for Christmas, but for life! Determine to be a giver, which is the very nature of God, and see how it changes YOU from the inside out! AND God always uses our own measure to multiply back to us the seeds that we have sown into others! We will NEVER be able to 'outgive' God, but we can decide to be mmore like Him and put others first! Here is Hillsong with "Born Is The King":

Shalom in Him!

 Shalom,

Proverbs 6:16-19 in our Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan tells us exactly what the Lord our God thinks of the evil going on in our nation right now! 

16 These six things the Lord hates, indeed, seven are an abomination to Him: 17 A proud look [the spirit that makes one overestimate himself and underestimate others], a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 A heart that manufactures wicked thoughts and plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, 19 A false witness who breathes out lies [even under oath], and he who sows discord among his brethren.

GOD is actively dealing with this current and pervasive evil! He is exposing the works of darkness and He is moving HIS people into position to be BLESSED beyond measure! Stand strong! Stand on His Word! Stand strong in the SPIRIT and YOU shall SEE the Salvation of our GOD! HALLELUJAH! Here is Hillsong Young and Free with "New Thing":

Shalom in Him!

 Shalom,

Today I want to share from Joesph Prince's "Grace Inspirations" devotional.

GOD MAKES ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

In this verse, “all things” is literally all things—the good, the bad and the ugly! Now, it does not mean that all things are from God. Some things, such as accidents, sicknesses, and broken relationships are not from Him. They are just part of the fallen world that we live in. But what this verse does tell us is that “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” That is our inheritance as God’s beloved children.

Do the people of the world have this inheritance? No. When bad things happen to them, they are what they are—bad things. But when bad things happen to the children of God, it does not end there. God can make those bad things work together for good. In other words, the devil may throw lemons at you, but God can take those lemons and make refreshing lemonade for you!

For example, if you have been retrenched, believe that God, who makes all things work together for good, has a better job for you. Indeed, we have received testimonies from church members who have ended up with better jobs and higher salaries after they were retrenched.

It is important you remember that God is not behind anything bad or ugly. But when those things happen, know that He can make all things work together for good. And don’t let anyone tell you that all things will work together for good only if you love God and are called according to His purpose. These two things are not conditions but descriptions of believers. Believers are those who love God because they know that God first loved them (see 1 John 4:19). And they are called according to His purpose for they have been born again and belong to Him.

My friend, because you have been born again, all things in your life will work together for good. This is your inheritance as a beloved child of God!

AMEN! I love the way that Pastor Prince explains this! Unless you have a personal relationship with God of the Bible through the Blood of Jesus, then this promise is not for you! But if you have received JESUS as Lord and personal Saviour, then this is exaclty what God has promised! ALWAYS! Here are Hillsong Kids with a great song that shows our attitude during trying times! "As The World Shakes":

Shalom in Him!

 Shalom,

Today's "Faith Food" devotional by Kenneth E. Hagin is an excellent reminder of what our GOD has promised to do and to be for us!

He Answers

Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore ..  He shall call upon me, and I will answer him ..  PSALM 91:14,15

Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. — JEREMIAH 33:3

And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. . . . . — MATTHEW 21:22

Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. — MARK 11:24

And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you . . . ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. . . . . — JOHN 16:23, 24

These are by no means all of the scriptures on the subject of prayer. But these scriptures alone are enough to set our hearts on fire. They’re enough to start us praying. Why? Because El Shaddai said to us, “I will answer.” The Almighty God — the One who is more than enough — has promised to answer those who set their love on Him!

Confession: I have set my love upon Almighty God; therefore, He answers me. I call upon Him, and He answers me. I ask, and He gives me. I seek, and He causes me to find. I knock, and He opens it to me. What things soever I desire, when I pray, I believe that I receive them, and God causes me to have them. Whatever I ask in Jesus’ Name, Almighty God gives me. My joy is full!

AMEN! God will NEVER go back on His Word to us! COUNT ON IT! Here is Hillsong with "Say The Word":

Shalom in Him!

 Shalom,

Proverbs 3:1-2 is a great place to start any day!

3 My son, forget not my law or teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; 2 For length of days and years of a life [worth living] and tranquility [inward and outward and continuing through old age till death], these shall they add to you.

Putting the Word of God first place in our lives is the MOST important decision that we can make after receiving JESUS as Lord and personal Saviour! How do I know this? Because JESUS said THIS in Luke 10:41-42 when Martha complained because her sister Mary was sitting at the feet of JESUS listening to His WORDS instead of helping her!

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

Another great instruction from Proverbs 3 can be found in verses 5-6:

5 Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. 6 In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.

When we put all of our trust in JESUS rather than the world's ideas, plans, schemes and tactics, HE will stay involved with us every step of the way! We can count on HIM ALWAYS, something that we can never say of the world! As you continue through Proverbs 3 in our Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan, you will find much, much more that will help you to excel in every area of life! God's Word is good like that! ALWAYS! Here is Hillsong with "Your Word":

Shalom in Him!

 Shalom,

Kenneth E. Hagin's "Faith Food" devotional for today is SO good! I hope that it will help and inpsire YOU to rely on EL Shaddai, the God Who is MORE than ENOUGH for every situation! 

More Than Enough

And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. JOSHUA 10:13

We see El Shaddai with Israel in Canaan’s land. (And incidentally, Canaan is not a type of Heaven. It couldn’t be. In Heaven there won’t be battles to fight, cities to take, or enemies or giants to overcome — they’re here in this world. No, Canaan is a type of the baptism of the Holy Spirit and our rights and privileges in Christ Jesus.) When Israel ran into difficulty in Canaan, Joshua, their leader, spoke to the Lord. And God stopped the whole universe because a man of God prayed! God can do that — He’s the God who is more than enough!

All through the Old Testament, we see El Shaddai moving in the lives of men and women, prophets, priests, and kings. But He’s not just the God of yesterday; He’s the God of now! He didn’t identify Himself as “the God who was more than enough,” or “the God who will be more than enough.” Too often we relegate everything back to the past, saying, “Oh, it was wonderful back when God did such things,” or to the future, saying, “When we all get to Heaven, everything will be wonderful.” No, things will be different here and now if you will trust in this God who is more than enough!

Confession: I believe God. I trust in God now. He is more than enough today! He is more than enough to overcome any situation I could face. He is MORE THAN ENOUGH for me.

AMEN! OUR GOD is ALWAYS more than enough! Learn to trust and rely on the ONE WHo never fails! You will be very glad that you did! Here is Hillsong Young and Free with "Need Your Love":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

One of my closest Prayer Warrior sisters in JESUS gave me a copy of Oswald Chambers' "My Utmost For His Highest" devotional a few years ago. I have found it to be very inspiring and spot on, even though the language is sometimes quite different than what we would use currently. Today's message is excellent and vital!

The Law And The Gospel

For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. James 2:10

The moral law does not consider us as weak human beings at all, it takes no account of our heredity and infirmities, it demands that we be absolutely moral. The moral law never alters, either for the noblest or for the weakest, it is eternally and abidingly the same. The moral law ordained by God does not make itself weak to the weak, it does not palliate our shortcomings, it remains absolute for all time and eternity. If we do not realize this, it is because we are less than alive; immediately we are alive, life becomes a tragedy. “I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.” When we realize this, then the Spirit of God convicts us of sin. Until a man gets there and sees that there is no hope, the Cross of Jesus Christ is a farce to him. Conviction of sin always brings a fearful binding sense of the law, it makes a man hopeless — “sold under sin.” I, a guilty sinner, can never get right with God, it is impossible. There is only one way in which I can get right with God, and that is by the Death of Jesus Christ. I must get rid of the lurking idea that I can ever be right with God because of my obedience — which of us could ever obey God to absolute perfection!

We only realize the power of the moral law when it comes with an “if.” God never coerces us. In one mood we wish He would make us do the thing, and in another mood we wish He would leave us alone. Whenever God’s will is in the ascendant, all compulsion is gone. When we choose deliberately to obey Him, then He will tax the remotest star and the last grain of sand to assist us.

AMEN! There is NO WAY that any person ever born, other than JESUS, could perfectly obey the Word of God! THAT is why JESUS came to give HIMSELF, the SINLESS Sacrifice for the sin of all mankind! HE alone was qualified to represent both God and mankind in one person! HE DID IT ALL FOR US! We take no credit for anything except RECEIVING what GOD in His great LOVE has provided for us through JESUS! Stop trying so hard to be 'good enough'. IMPOSSIBLE! Instead, commit yourself to become a student of the Word and will of God so that you can find out just who YOU ARE - IIN HIM! Then allow HIM to work the work IN YOU that only HE can do! Never forget that YOU ARE who HE SAYS you are! And here, to remind you of that again, is Hillsong with "Who You Say I AM":

Shalom in Him!

  Shalom,

Today I want to share a very vital TRUTH from the Word of God through our Spoken Word Church website devotional.

Network with Others

Remember, one cannot multiply. Develop people skills. Listen. Learn. Absorb from others. Ask questions. Document answers.

Success is a collection of relationships. Whatever you are willing to settle for, determines the quality of your future.

"Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. 10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up." Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

AMEN! WE are to work together and support each other in out time here on this earth! Take every opportunity to BE a BLESSING to all of those around you! GOD will make it allk work out for OUR good when WE obey HIM! HALLELUJAH! Here is Hillsong  with "Grace To Grace":

Shalom in Him!

 Shalom,

Today I want to share again from "My Utmost For His Highest" by Oswald Chambers. 

The Absoluteness Of Jesus Christ

He shall glorify Me. — John 16:14

The pietistic movements of to-day have none of the rugged reality of the New Testament about them; there is nothing about them that needs the Death of Jesus Christ, all that is required is a pious atmosphere, and prayer and devotion. This type of experience is not supernatural nor miraculous, it did not cost the passion of God, it is not dyed in the blood of the Lamb, not stamped with the hall-mark of the Holy Ghost. It has not that mark on it which makes men say, as they look with awe and wonder – “That is the work of God Almighty.” That and nothing else is what the New Testament talks about.

The type of Christian experience in the New Testament is that of personal passionate devotion to the Person of Jesus Christ. Every other type of Christian experience, so called, is detached from the Person of Jesus. There is no regeneration, no being born again into the Kingdom in which Christ lives, but only the idea that He is our Pattern. In the New Testament Jesus Christ is Saviour long before He is Pattern. To-day He is being despatched as the Figurehead of a Religion, a mere Example. He is that, but He is infinitely more; He is salvation itself. He is the Gospel of God.

Jesus said, “When He, the Spirit of truth, is come,…He shall glorify Me.” When I commit myself to the revelation made in the New Testament, I receive from God the gift of the Holy Spirit Who begins to interpret to me what Jesus did and does in me subjectively all that Jesus Christ did for me objectively.

The most important TRUTH for people to 'get' is that Christianity is NOT, nor had it EVER been, a religion! Christianity is the supernatural transformation of sinners into saints by believing and recieving JESUS as LORD and personal SAVIOUR! The moment we do that, the Holy Spirit of the Living God comes inside of us, recreates our previously DEAD human spirits into the image of God and makes us that NEW CREATION of 2 Corinthians 5:17! It is a new relationship with the God of the Bible where we have become HIS children, able to have intimate fellowship with Him! it IS the most exciting life we could ever hope to live! I hope that YOU are not 'religious' but a new creation! If you would like to know more, please check out our Spoken Word Church website through the link on the left! Here is Hillsong with "What A Beautiful Name It Is":

Shalom in Him!

 Shalom,

We read Psalm 149 in today's Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan. I have enjoyed the Psalms this time through the Bible Plan more than ever before! I have been learning about the POWER of praise and worship and this Psalm shows this!

1 Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song, praise Him in the assembly of His saints! 2 Let Israel rejoice in Him, their Maker; let Zion’s children triumph and be joyful in their King! 3 Let them praise His name in chorus and choir and with the [single or group] dance; let them sing praises to Him with the tambourine and lyre! 4 For the Lord takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation and adorn the wretched with victory. 5 Let the saints be joyful in the glory and beauty [which God confers upon them]; let them sing for joy upon their beds. 6 Let the high praises of God be in their throats and a two-edged sword in their hands, 7 To wreak vengeance upon the nations and chastisement upon the peoples, 8 To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron, 9 To execute upon them the judgment written. He [the Lord] is the honor of all His saints. Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!)

Notice in the underlined parts the emphasis that the Lord puts on praise! ALL types of praise and worship! Singing, dancing, with instruments, which would also include those which every person possesses, the hands (clapping)! Worship, thanksgiving and praise is something that is DUE to our MAJESTIC GOD! But, it is also one of our greatest weapons! Notice that verse 7 tells us that AND the declaring of God's Word will 'wreak vengeance on the nations' (the evil ones)!Verse 8 tells us that our praises and God's Word will also bind the evil kings and leaders with 'chains and fetters of iron'! This DOES refer to actual physical restraints AND spiritual ones, too! The Word of God has much to say about the evil doers who have been harming God's people; murdering unborn babies; planning, plotting, scheming to harm, harass, and even ruin and kill God's people. HE has declared their just end! BUT, out of His great mercy, He will still allow them to REPENT and turn to HIM! SO, our part is to continue to use the weapons of OUR warfare and trust HIM to carry it all out in HIS perfect timing. One of the promises of God to His people who will hear obey HIM is that what we have lost or had stolen will be restored! More than before! HALLELUJAH! THIS is the time and THESE are the days of GREAT REVIVAL as the Bridegroom is SO ready to come and claim HIS BRIDE! BE ready! STAY ready! And TRUST HIM COMPLETELY! He has NEVER let us down and HE WILL NOT START NOW! AMEN! Here is Hillsong Young and Free with "Lord Send Revival":

VERSE 1: Peace like a river wash over me Immerse me in water as deep as the sea Hide me in love Your healing embrace Peace like a river wash over me CHORUS As I worship Your majesty I worship Your holy Name Jesus my everything All that I am is Yours VERSE 2: Come Holy Spirit rain down on me Break open the heavens and drench the unseen (oh) Pour out Your presence as I pour out Your praise Come Holy Spirit Lord have Your way BRIDGE 1: Open the heavens Fling wide the gates Flood every heart with mercy Pour out Your presence Inhabit our praise As we cry holy holy TAG: (Whoa whoa) As we cry holy holy (Whoa whoa) BRIDGE 2: Lord send revival Lord send it now A move of Your Spirit Heaven break out Come now in power Cover this land Like You’ve done it before Would You do it (oh come on) again

Shalom in Him!

 Shalom,

Today's "My Utmost For His Highest" by Oswald Chambers is SO GOOD! I want to share it here for you all to check it out!

The Consecration Of Spiritual Energy

By whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. — Galatians 6:14

If I brood on the Cross of Christ, I do not become a subjective pietist, interested in my own whiteness; I become dominantly concentrated on Jesus Christ’s interests. Our Lord was not a recluse nor an ascetic, He did not cut Himself off from society, but He was inwardly disconnected all the time. He was not aloof, but He lived in an other world. He was so much in the ordinary world that the religious people of His day called Him a glutton and a winebibber. Our Lord never allowed anything to interfere with His consecration of spiritual energy.

The counterfeit of consecration is the conscious cutting off of things with the idea of storing spiritual power for use later on, but that is a hopeless mistake. The Spirit of God has spoiled the sin of a great many, yet there is no emancipation, no fullness in their lives. The kind of religious life we see abroad to-day is entirely different from the robust holiness of the life of Jesus Christ. “I pray not that Thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that Thou shouldest keep them from the evil.” We are to be in the world but not of it; to be disconnected fundamentally, not externally.

We must never allow anything to interfere with the consecration of our spiritual energy. Consecration is our part, sanctification is God’s part; and we have deliberately to determine to be interested only in that in which God is interested. The way to solve perplexing problems is to ask – “Is this the kind of thing which Jesus Christ is interested in, or the kind of thing the spirit that is the antipodes of Jesus is interested in?”

AMEN! Ultimately, the ONLY thing that brings TRUE joy to the born again believer is serving HIM! Find out what God wants you to do, and then DO IT! Find out HOW God wants something done, and DO IT HIS WAY! AMEN! Here is Hillsong with "No Reason To Hide":

Shalom in Him!

 Shalom,

Spending time with family and giving thanks to God the Father, God the Son (JESUS) and God the Holy Spirit for all of the great blessings that we have received and for all yet to come! Here is an older song from Hillsong called "Thank You Lord":

For all that You've done, I will thank You For all the You're going to do For all that You've promised And all that You are Is all that has carried me through Jesus I thank You And I thank You Thank You Lord And I thank You Thank You Lord Thank You for loving and setting me free Thank You for giving Your life just for me How I thank You Jesus I thank You Gratefully thank You thank You

Shalom in Him!

 Shalom,

Today's "Sparkling Gems FromThe Greek - Volume 2" by Rick Renner is very interesting to any student of the Word!

WHY DID JESUS PROMISE A WHITE STONE?

…To him that overcometh will I give…a white stone…. — Revelation 2:17

For years, I carried a small white stone in my pocket. In times when I felt discouraged, I would reach into my pocket to touch that stone and remind myself that Jesus promised a “white stone” to those who overcome. Of course, a stone has no magical powers, but that little stone reminded me of what the Lord said when He promised a “white stone” in Revelation 2:17 to those who overcome.

So what is the significance of the “white stone” that Jesus promised?

Let’s delve into the Greek language and history today to see what we can find about how “white stones” were used at the time this was written by John on the isle of Patmos and why Christ promised a “white stone” to those who overcome.

In the original text of Revelation 2:17, the wording in the phrase “a white stone” is ordered differently in Greek. The Greek wording actually reads “psiephon leuken.” The word psiephon refers to a stone or pebble, and leuken means white. So rather than “a white stone,” it should be literally translated, “A stone, a white one.” This lays a particular emphasis on the color of the stone, so we must examine the primary way “white stones” were used in early New Testament times.

When a Roman trial concluded, and it was time for a panel of judges to vote for the defendant’s innocence or guilt, the judges registered their votes by casting a black or white stone into an urn. A black stone symbolized a vote for guilt, and a white stone denoted a vote for innocence. When all the votes had been cast, the stones were emptied from the urn and counted one by one. If there were more black stones, it meant the judges had found the defendant guilty; if there were more white stones, it meant they had found the individual to be not guilty.

Therefore, when Christ offered “a stone, a white one” to overcomers — placing a definite emphasis on the word white — it meant: “I have reviewed all the evidence, and I have judged you not guilty!”

Jesus’ message to that church, and to us today, was that regardless of who they had been or what they had done before they came to Christ, what mattered now was who they had become in Christ. Viewing them in light of His blood, Jesus had cast “a stone, a white one” in their direction, affirming their full acquittal and complete release from their past sinful lives and memories.

Therefore, when the devil — or any person, for that matter — tries to throw a stone of judgment against us by mentally tormenting us about past actions we’ve already been forgiven for, we may boldly answer, “Christ has already cast His vote. He has found me NOT GUILTY!” Regardless of any actions we may have committed in the past, Jesus’ blood has purged our con- science from dead works to serve the living God (see Hebrews 9:14).

There was another way the ancient Greeks also used white and black stones for vote-casting. One of the greatest privileges in Greek society was to vote about civic issues in a public election. In these elections, people used white and black stones to cast their votes, similar to the way such stones were used in legal trials. Votes were customarily registered by casting a black or white pebble into large vases that were set up throughout the city at designated locations. When the time for voting had concluded, the pebbles were separated into white and black piles and then counted. A white stone represented a person voting in favor of some issue, whereas a black stone represented a person was voting against it.

Thus, when Christ promised “a stone, a white one” to the believers who overcame, He was not only announcing freedom, forgiveness, and acquittal from a past sinful life, but He was also telling them: “My vote is for you. I am putting My full support behind you.”

How powerful this is when we realize what the “white stone” means in Revelation 2:17. It declares that Christ has found us not guilty and that He is putting His full support behind you and me. Christ is voting for us!

Years ago, I actually preached on this subject in the city of Moscow — then we distributed white stones to the whole congregation. I urged people to carry them in their pockets or purses as a reminder that if they were washed in the blood of Christ, Jesus has found them not guilty. And regardless of what the devil tries to tell them, Christ’s blood has freed them from the past, and they are free! Furthermore, I encouraged them when life seemed to be getting tough to let that white stone remind them that if no one else was voting for them, Christ was voting for them and, therefore, they were going to make it!

Today I want to tell you that if you have been forgiven and washed in the precious blood of Christ, you are forgiven — period. The devil may try to hassle you in your mind and torment you with past memories that God Himself doesn’t remember. But just realize that Christ reviewed all the evidence, and since His blood was applied to your life, He has found you completely blameless and free from shame.

Furthermore, if it doesn’t feel at the moment like anyone else is for you, just remember that Christ Himself has cast His vote for you. Romans 8:31 tells us, “…If God be for us, who can be against us?” My friend, if Jesus has cast His vote for you — and He has! — you can throw off all despair and start rejoicing, because the one vote that really matters has been cast in your favor!|

There are many things that can be tools to keep the TRUTH of God's Word ever before our understanding! Allow Holy Spirit Who lives IN you to give those ideas for making the Word come alive! He IS there for such a time as THIS! AMEN! Here is Hillsong Young and Free with "World Outside Your Window":

Shalom in Him!

 Shalom,

We have been instructed by the Spirit of God to engage in Warrior Praise! Remember that our God inhabits the praises of His people! The warfare that we engage in is in the spiritual realm and with spiritual weapons and the most powerful of those are the high praises of God! A portion of one of the older songs that we sang in church goes like this:

The Victory is mine when the battle is the Lord's - Hosanna, Hosanna!
No enemy can stand when His praise goes forth - Hosanna, Hosanna!

Since the Lord has told us that HE is actively working on our behalf in these very troubling times, WE can praise Him with everything within us, knowing that VICTORY is imminent! HALLELUJAH! SO, here to help us all to remember the great GOODNESS of GOD, is all of today's Psalm from our Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan! Psalm 145:

[A Psalm] of praise. Of David.

1 I will extol You, my God, O King; and I will bless Your name forever and ever [with grateful, affectionate praise].
2 Every day [with its new reasons] will I bless You [affectionately and gratefully praise You]; yes, I will praise Your name forever and ever.
3 Great is the Lord and highly to be praised; and His greatness is [so vast and deep as to be] unsearchable.
4 One generation shall laud Your works to another and shall declare Your mighty acts.
5 On the glorious splendor of Your majesty and on Your wondrous works I will meditate.
6 Men shall speak of the might of Your tremendous and terrible acts, and I will declare Your greatness.
7 They shall pour forth [like a fountain] the fame of Your great and abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of Your rightness and justice.
8 The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and abounding in mercy and loving-kindness.
9 The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works [the entirety of things created].
10 All Your works shall praise You, O Lord, and Your loving ones shall bless You [affectionately and gratefully shall Your saints confess and praise You]!
11 They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom and talk of Your power,
12 To make known to the sons of men God’s mighty deeds and the glorious majesty of His kingdom.
13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and Your dominion endures throughout all generations.
14 The Lord upholds all those [of His own] who are falling and raises up all those who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all wait for You [looking, watching, and expecting] and You give them their food in due season.
16 You open Your hand and satisfy every living thing with favor.
17 The Lord is [rigidly] righteous in all His ways and gracious and merciful in all His works.
18 The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him sincerely and in truth.
19 He will fulfill the desires of those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him; He also will hear their cry and will save them.
20 The Lord preserves all those who love Him, but all the wicked will He destroy.
21 My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord; and let all flesh bless (affectionately and gratefully praise) His holy name forever and ever.

Our God is SO GOOD! There is NONE like HIM! Tell Him so! Tell Him in your own words, or in those of the psalmist David! Speak this Psalm to Him! SING this Psalm to Him! And then, after you do that, sing THIS song to Him with your whole heart! Hillsong's "Like Incense":

Shalom  in Him!

 Shalom,

Today's "Faith Food" devotional by Kenneth E. Hagin is another of my favorites!

Thank You, Father

Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins. — COLOSSIANS 1:12-14

The New Covenant tells us we should be giving thanks unto the Father because He has made us able to be partakers of something. Of what? “. . . Of the inheritance of the saints in light”!

The Amplified Bible translates verse 13 as, “[The Father] has delivered and drawn us to Himself out of the control and the dominion of darkness . . . .”

God Himself has delivered us from the control of Satan! Satan’s kingdom is the kingdom of darkness. God’s kingdom is the kingdom of light. The Father has made us able to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us out from under the control and dominion of darkness. Satan has no control over us. He cannot dominate us.

And we are told to thank God for that!

Confession: Thank You, Father, for making me fit to be a partaker of the inheritance of the saints in light. Thank You for delivering me out of the authority of darkness. Thank You for transferring me into the kingdom of Your dear Son — the kingdom of light.

AMEN! Never forget that GOD is ALWAYS FOR YOU! Satan is ALWAYS against you! Concentrate on what God and His Word is saying and you won't be able to be tricked into accepting what the devil has planned! Here is Hillsong Young and Free with "Keep On":

Shalom in Him!