Shalom,

We looked a few days ago at Galatians where Paul said that he had conferred with no man after his new birth. He had NOT been a disciple of Jesus during His earthly ministry and he had come severely against the Church before his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. Today we see another part of what Paul said in Galatians 1:11-12:

11 For I want you to know, brethren, that the Gospel which was proclaimed and made known by me is not man's gospel [a human invention, according to or patterned after any human standard]. 12 For indeed I did not receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but [it came to me] through a [direct] revelation [given] by Jesus Christ (the Messiah).

Paul received his knowledge of Who Jesus was/is from Jesus Himself, by the Holy Spirit. This is also how WE receive revelation knowledge! Look at 1 John 2:20:

20 But you have an unction from the Holy One, and you know all things. KJV

Each born again believer in Jesus Christ has received this same "unction"! We each received the Spirit of God to live IN us and HE is the One Who teaches us what the Word of God means and how to put it into action in our own individual lives! So, do we still need the ministry gifts spoken of in Ephesians 4? ABSOLUTELY! The ministers have been given to the Body of Christ, the Church, as gifts to aid us in our diligent study of the Word. BUT, it is Holy Spirit Who teaches us what that Word means to US! A better translation of 1 John 2:20 is found in the Wuest Expanded New Testament: 

 But as for you [in contradistinction to the antichrists], an anointing you have from the holy One, and all of you have the capacity to know [spiritual truth]. The New Testament: An Expanded Translation 

As born again believers, we have the CAPACITY to know the Word so that we can obey it because of the indwelling presence of the Spirit of God! We increase that capacity by receiving the infilling of the Spirit. Check out The Spoken Word Church website through the link on the left to find out more or to contact us for further assistance! WE are the only ones who can limit how much we get to know HIM and how intimate our fellowship with Him becomes! HE is waiting on us! Are you ready? Let's GO FOR IT! AMEN! Here is Hillsong again with "Closer":

"Closer"

There is no life without You
You have all that we need
Where You are
Every fear is broken
And the darkness must flee

Closer and closer
We want to know You
Reaching out
Reaching out
Here in Your presence
We want to go deeper
In Your light
Come alive

There is no one beside You
You alone are enough
You fling the doors of
Your heart wide open
And we are lost in Your love

To You
We will come running
In You
We find belonging
Your love
Is all that can satisfy

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Today's selection from "My Utmost For His Highest" by Oswald Chambers is VERY good! 

Mathew 11:28: "Come to Me . . ." 

Where sin and sorrow stops, and the song of the saint starts. Do I really want to get there? I can right now. The questions that truly matter in life are remarkably few, and they are all answered by these words— “Come to Me.” Our Lord’s words are not, “Do this, or don’t do that,” but— “Come to me.” If I will simply come to Jesus, my real life will be brought into harmony with my real desires. I will actually cease from sin, and will find the song of the Lord beginning in my life.

Have you ever come to Jesus? Look at the stubbornness of your heart. You would rather do anything than this one simple childlike thing— “Come to Me.” If you really want to experience ceasing from sin, you must come to Jesus.

Jesus Christ makes Himself the test to determine your genuineness. Look how He used the word come. At the most unexpected moments in your life there is this whisper of the Lord— “Come to Me,” and you are immediately drawn to Him. Personal contact with Jesus changes everything. Be “foolish” enough to come and commit yourself to what He says. The attitude necessary for you to come to Him is one where your will has made the determination to let go of everything and deliberately commit it all to Him.

“. . . and I will give you rest”— that is, “I will sustain you, causing you to stand firm.” He is not saying, “I will put you to bed, hold your hand, and sing you to sleep.” But, in essence, He is saying, “I will get you out of bed— out of your listlessness and exhaustion, and out of your condition of being half dead while you are still alive. I will penetrate you with the spirit of life, and you will be sustained by the perfection of vital activity.” Yet we become so weak and pitiful and talk about “suffering” the will of the Lord! Where is the majestic vitality and the power of the Son of God in that?

THE most important commandment in all of the New Testament is found in these three portions of Scripture: Matthew 22:37-38; Mark 12:30; Luke 10:27. 

Matthew 22:37 And He replied to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind (intellect).  [Deut 6:5.] 38 This is the great (most important, principal) and first commandment. AMP

Mark 12:30 And you shall love the Lord your God out of and with your whole heart and out of and with all your soul (your life) and out of and with all your mind (with your faculty of thought and your moral understanding) and out of and with all your strength. This is the first and principal commandment. AMP

Luke 10:27 And he replied, You must love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself. AMP

Notice that the command to love others comes AFTER loving HIM! Our relationship with HIM is the most important! Pursue intimate fellowship with HIM and all of your other relationships will be better than you ever imagined! AMEN! Here is Hillsong Young and Free with "Close":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

I really love this from Proverbs 10:17:

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.

We are NOT alone in this life! We all have certain family, friends, relatives, co-workers, classmates, teachers, students, patients, employers, employees, clients, and any number of other people in different roles that we come in contact with. Some daily, others once in awhile. Everything we do affects not only ourselves, but every person we come in contact with! As born again believers, we have this from 2 Corinthians 3:2-3 as an admonition to pay attention to our choices:

2 You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men; 3 clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart. NKJV

Realize that people are "reading" you! Give them something worthwhile to read! Look at 1 Peter 3:15:

15 But in your hearts set Christ apart as holy [and acknowledge Him] as Lord. Always be ready to give a logical defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope that is in you, but do it courteously and respectfully. AMP

We need, first of all, to give them something to ask about! AMEN! I want to leave you with THIS encouragement! God LOVES you! He is GOOD, all the time! Proverbs 10:22:

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

Let's walk in the fullness of the BLESSING of God and be ready to give HIM all the glory. That means brag on Him! AMEN! Here is Hillsong Young and Free with "Love Goes On" :

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

I saw this from a devotional on the home page of my PC Study Bible. 

"The Lord hath done great things for us, whereof we are glad."
— Psalm 126:3

Some Christians are sadly prone to look on the dark side of everything, and to dwell more upon what they have gone through than upon what God has done for them. Ask for their impression of the Christian life, and they will describe their continual conflicts, their deep afflictions, their sad adversities, and the sinfulness of their hearts, yet with scarcely any allusion to the mercy and help which God has vouchsafed them. But a Christian whose soul is in a healthy state, will come forward joyously, and say, "I will speak, not about myself, but to the honour of my God. He hath brought me up out of an horrible pit, and out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings: and He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God. The Lord hath done great things for me, whereof I am glad." Such an abstract of experience as this is the very best that any child of God can present. It is true that we endure trials, but it is just as true that we are delivered out of them. It is true that we have our corruptions, and mournfully do we know this, but it is quite as true that we have an all-sufficient Saviour, who overcomes these corruptions, and delivers us from their dominion. In looking back, it would be wrong to deny that we have been in the Slough of Despond, and have crept along the Valley of Humiliation, but it would be equally wicked to forget that we have been through them safely and profitably; we have not remained in them, thanks to our Almighty Helper and Leader, who has brought us "out into a wealthy place." The deeper our troubles, the louder our thanks to God, who has led us through all, and preserved us until now. Our griefs cannot mar the melody of our praise, we reckon them to be the bass part of our life's song, "He hath done great things for us, whereof we are glad."

Although the language used is different than what I would use, I agree with the message! So many born again believers, who have the very Spirit of God living IN them, continually speak of their problems and shortcomings, tests, trials and worries instead of who they are in Christ and what HE has already done in them and for them! We MUST cultivate a victory attitude in order to have anything about our lives invite the lost to ask US about the HOPE that is in us (1 Peter 3:15)! Take account of the face that YOU present to the world! Is it one of joy and peace or of guilt, fear and worry? Remember, HE has NOT given you a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7). HE said to cast all of your care on HIM (1 Peter 5:7)! HE said that there is now NO condemnation to those who are IN CHRIST (Romans 8:1)! Let's show the world who we REALLY are! A royal priesthood, a holy nation, heirs of God and joint/equal heirs with Jesus (1 Peter 2:9; Romans 8:17)! We ARE more an conquerors and we CAN do all things in HIS strength (Romans 8:37; Philippians 4:13)! AMEN! Here is a song of victory by Hillsong Young and Free called "Back To Life":

VERSE
Here in my heart You have found Your place
Replacing fear with Your freedom
You lift me up,  You lift me up

When all seems lost in my brokenness
I call Your Name and You answer
Held by Your love,  Held by Your love

CHORUS
In the night
Through the struggle through the trial
You have made my burden light
You have brought me back to life again

VERSE
Your love it wipes every tear away
You calm the storms that surround me
You carry me,  You carry me

Your light breaks through in my darkest hour
Your love is strong in my weakness
You are enough,  You are enough

PRE-CHORUS
You won't let go, So I will follow
All I am, Yours now and forever
You won't let go,  So I will follow
With all I am

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

I want to share another vital Truth with you from God's Word today! Look at Proverbs 8:10-11. This is Wisdom speaking to YOU!

10 Receive my instruction in preference to [striving for] silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold, 11 For skillful and godly Wisdom is better than rubies or pearls, and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.

So many times people strive for wealth and riches just to lose them all trying to buy back their health or their families! The most important knowledge to gain is the knowledge of the Word of God and the knowledge of Who HE is! When you and I understand Who Jesus is, then we will also begin to understand who WE are - IN HIM! Joshua 1:8 tells us that it is through meditation on the Word of God that brings prosperity and success! When Paul said, in Philippians 3:10, that His determined purpose was to know Jesus, he KNEW that the only way to know Him was to spend time in His presence and in His Word! Paul was taught the Word of God by the Spirit of God! He didn't walk with Jesus when Jesus ministered on the earth. In fact, Paul severely persecuted the Church until he had his personal encounter with the Lord Himself on the road to Damascus. Paul tells us this in Galatians 1:15-16:

15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, 16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: KJV

Paul received HIS instruction in the Word directly from God! Into the presence of God is exactly where he went to get to know Jesus MORE! That is what you and I will have to do if we truly treasure Wisdom from God! Be diligent and go after it! Make it YOUR determined  purpose to go after WISDOM! AMEN! Here, to encourage you, is Hillsong Young and Free with "Brighter":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

In John 17, when Jesus was praying for His disciples (then AND now), He prayed this in verses 14-16:

14 I have given and delivered to them Your word (message) and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world [do not belong to the world], just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not ask that You will take them out of the world, but that You will keep and protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world (worldly, belonging to the world), [just] as I am not of the world.

Jesus was praying here that they, and WE, be protected from the effects of the hatred of the enemy for God's people. KNOWING that Jesus prayed this for YOU should cause you to have great freedom in sharing the Gospel! He has our back and when we are walking in obedience, trusting in Him, HE WILL NOT FAIL! The enemy will NOT be able to touch you! Now immediately some of you were asking, "But what about....?" The answer to that is a very big MYOB!!! Pray for the persecuted church, but get right back into faith that since JESUS Himself prayed for your protection while you are in the world, you can have boldness that "nothing will by any means hurt you" (Luke 10:19)! We may never know what happened to get some people in position for this, but we DO have the Word of God on the matter! I CHOOSE THE WORD! EVERY TIME! Jesus went on to say this in verses 17-19:

17 Sanctify them [purify, consecrate, separate them for Yourself, make them holy] by the Truth; Your Word is Truth. 18 Just as You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19 And so for their sake and on their behalf I sanctify (dedicate, consecrate) Myself, that they also may be sanctified (dedicated, consecrated, made holy) in the Truth.

God's Word IS Truth! When we put His Word, the TRUTH, as our final authority in life, then we know that He will back us up! Do you think that Jesus was only speaking of His close associates in His earthly ministry? Look at verses 20-23:

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

Do  you understand why it is so very important that we study the Word of God so that we can operate in such a way in this life that people are drawn to us so that we can show them HIM? THAT is God's #1 priority! To "seek and save the lost" (Luke 19:10)! It SHOULD be ours, too! AMEN! Here is Hillsong Young and Free with "In Sync":

V1  My life's filled with Your melody

     An  outcry of a life redeemed

     My heart's tuned to Your mystery

     In sync with You, in sync with You

V2 My heart beats to Your rhythm now
     My life song an eternal sound
     For all You've done Lord I sing it loud
     Forevermore, forevermore

PRE-CHORUS: In Your freedom here I stand
              Letting go of all I am, Jesus take control

Chorus:   I'm Caught up in the middle of Your embrace
All I have surrendered Lord to Your Name
Jesus I'm forever singing Your praise

V3  The skies echo Your love for us
     Your anthem raised from the empty cross
     The earth shakes as the Truth resounds
     That You're alive, You're with us now

PRE-CHORUS    CHORUS   BRIDGE: 

Let our hearts keep beating
To the sound of Heaven's song,  

 No we won't stand silent,   

 We will sing like never before

PRE-CHORUS    CHORUS

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

After Jesus told His disciples, in John 16, that He was going back to the Father, they were sorrowful. Then He told them this in verse 7:

7 However, I am telling you nothing but the truth when I say it is profitable (good, expedient, advantageous) for you that I go away. Because if I do not go away, the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you [into close fellowship with you]; but if I go away, I will send Him to you [to be in close fellowship with you].

Jesus said that He MUST leave in order for the Holy Spirit to be given to every born again believer. That was good news in every way! He tells us what this means for the lost in verses 8-11:

8 And when He comes, He will convict and convince the world and bring demonstration to it about sin and about righteousness (uprightness of heart and right standing with God) and about judgment: 9 About sin, because they do not believe in Me [trust in, rely on, and adhere to Me]; 10 About righteousness (uprightness of heart and right standing with God), because I go to My Father, and you will see Me no longer; 11 About judgment, because the ruler (evil genius, prince) of this world [Satan] is judged and condemned and sentence already is passed upon him.

The Holy Spirit does NOT teach the lost about the New Covenant and the deeper things of God! He makes it clear to them that they NEED to be born again! Once they choose to agree with the Word of God concerning that Truth, then they can receive the Spirit of God to live in them and they can grow up! Until then, they will NOT be able to even understand the Word of God, because it is "spiritually discerned" (1 Corinthians 2:14). Now are you ready to see what Jesus promised to those who DO receive Him as Lord and personal Savior? Look at verses 12-14:

12 I have still many things to say to you, but you are not able to bear them or to take them upon you or to grasp them now. 13 But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth). For He will not speak His own message [on His own authority]; but He will tell whatever He hears [from the Father; He will give the message that has been given to Him], and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come [that will happen in the future]. 14 He will honor and glorify Me, because He will take of (receive, draw upon) what is Mine and will reveal (declare, disclose, transmit) it to you.

They were not able to understand the Word YET, either! Once they were born again and then filled with the Spirit, (Acts 2), THEN they could begin to understand the Word of God! Jesus said, in verses 12-14 above, that the Holy Spirit would guide them into the Truth! He will YOU, too! Are you READY??? Here is Hillsong United with "Go":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

When we read verses like these in Proverbs 5:1-2, it is VERY clear what has happened to our nation! 

1 MY SON, be attentive to my Wisdom [godly Wisdom learned by actual and costly experience], and incline your ear to my understanding [of what is becoming and prudent for you], 2 That you may exercise proper discrimination and discretion and your lips may guard and keep knowledge and the wise answer [to temptation].

No longer are many of our nations young people taught the Word of God, the ONLY source of true Wisdom! Remember Proverbs 1:17 from a few days ago?

7 The reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is the beginning and the principal and choice part of knowledge [its starting point and its essence]; but fools despise skillful and godly Wisdom, instruction, and discipline.

Many of the people you may come in contact with have never even opened a Bible! When the concerted effort of the enemy for the last 50 years has been the systematic destruction of the family and the removal of any mention of God in the public arena, is it any wonder things have gotten to the point we see today? What IS the answer? REVIVAL! Believers need to stop complaining, whining, and living in fear! Jesus said THIS right before He ascended into Heaven! Matthew 28:18-20:

18 Jesus approached and, breaking the silence, said to them, All authority (all power of rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. 19 Go then and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 Teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you, and behold, I am with you all the days (perpetually, uniformly, and on every occasion), to the [very] close and consummation of the age. Amen (so let it be). AMP

ALL power was given to Jesus at His resurrection! HE told us to go, IN THAT POWER, and not just get people born again, but MAKE DISCIPLES! Believers must know and act on the Word of God so that HIS glory is evident in the earth and THEN the people of God will take the Word of God, by the Spirit of God, and change situations and circumstances! While we are still here, before the catching away of the Church, WE are to OCCUPY! That doesn't mean sit around complaining about the world until we get "rescued" in the Rapture! WE are to be using HIS authority to bring Heaven to those on earth! Have you never heard THIS from Romans 2:4?

4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? KJV

Let's make a determined purpose to present the TRUTH about the character of God by walking in His power and authority to set people free! Some will turn away, but MANY will not! Let's GO FOR IT! Here is Hillsong Chapel with "Lost Are Found":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Reading this encouragement and admonition from Jesus in John 14:1 should cause us to have a more positive outlook no matter what each day may bring!

1 DO NOT let your hearts be troubled (distressed, agitated). You believe in and adhere to and trust in and rely on God; believe in and adhere to and trust in and rely also on Me.

Since Jesus is telling US not to LET out hearts be troubled, we can be assured that whether or not are hearts (spirit soul combination) is troubled (agitated, worried) is completely within OUR control! WE decide how our heart will respond! The more that we get to know and understand God and His Word, the easier it will be to stay in that place of peace, trust and confidence in HIS promises! AMEN! With that in mind, I want to share THIS from "My Utmost For His Highest" by Oswald Chambers for today:

He Himself has said, ’I will never leave you nor forsake you’ —Hebrews 13:5

What line of thinking do my thoughts take? Do I turn to what God says or to my own fears? Am I simply repeating what God says, or am I learning to truly hear Him and then to respond after I have heard what He says? “For He Himself has said, ’I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we may boldly say: ’The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?’ ” (Hebrews 13:5-6).

“I will never leave you . . .”— not for any reason; not my sin, selfishness, stubbornness, nor waywardness. Have I really let God say to me that He will never leave me? If I have not truly heard this assurance of God, then let me listen again.

“I will never . . . forsake you.” Sometimes it is not the difficulty of life but the drudgery of it that makes me think God will forsake me. When there is no major difficulty to overcome, no vision from God, nothing wonderful or beautiful— just the everyday activities of life— do I hear God’s assurance even in these?

We have the idea that God is going to do some exceptional thing— that He is preparing and equipping us for some extraordinary work in the future. But as we grow in His grace we find that God is glorifying Himself here and now, at this very moment. If we have God’s assurance behind us, the most amazing strength becomes ours, and we learn to sing, glorifying Him even in the ordinary days and ways of life.

Allow Him to glorify Himself in YOU today! Trust Him and go through each and every day filled with the joy that only truly trusting in Him can bring! AMEN! Here is Hillsong Young and Free with "Love Goes On":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

One of the great Truths we have learned from the Word of God is that knowledge of the Word is built layer upon layer, increasing in depth of understanding. Yesterday we looked at making the decision to KNOW Him. We can add another layer of understanding how to do that with today's reading in Proverbs! Proverbs 3:1-6:

1 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. 3 Let not mercy and kindness [shutting out all hatred and selfishness] and truth [shutting out all deliberate hypocrisy or falsehood] forsake you; bind them about your neck, write them upon the tablet of your heart. 4 So shall you find favor, good understanding, and high esteem in the sight [or judgment] of God and man. 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.

To "acknowledge" Him in verse 6 is the Hebrew word "yada", which means: to know; to learn; to perceive; to discern; to know by experience; to recognize; to be acquainted with. So, in every aspect of YOUR life, get to know, through His Word and your experience IN His Word, how HE thinks. Learn to recognize the thoughts that come from God and act on them. When you do this, HE will direct your steps! HIS way of doing things is ALWAYS the right way! AMEN! As you continue with our Bible Reading Plan for today, you will read in John 13 that Jesus knew, was FULLY aware, that the time had come for Him to lay down His life for the joy that was set before Him (Hebrews 12:2)! I want to encourage you that WE, too, can know and be fully aware of what God's plan is for OUR lives! We know, from 2 Corinthians 5, that we are ALL called to the full time ministry of reconciliation, preaching the Good News of the Gospel to the people who come into our lives. HOW and WHERE we are to carry that out is what will be directed by Him when we "acknowledge" Him! Wake up to HIS plan for YOUR life and BE who He has called YOU to be! AMEN! Here is Hillsong Young and Free with "ALIVE":

I was lost with a broken heart
You picked me up, now I'm set apart
From the ash I am born again
Forever safe in the Saviour's hands
You are more than my words could say
I'll follow you Lord for all my days
I'll fix my eyes, follow in your ways
Forever free in your unending grace

'Cause You are, You are, You are my freedom
We lift you higher, lift you higher
Your love, Your love, Your love never ending
Oh oh oh

You are alive in us
Nothing can take you place
You are all we need
Your love has set us free

In the midst of the darkest night
Let Your love be the shining light
Breaking chains that were holding me
You sent Your Son down and set me free
Everything in this world will fade
I'm pressing on till I see your face
I will live that Your will be done
I won't stop till Your Kingdom come

'Cause You are, You are, You are my freedom
We lift you higher, lift you higher
Your love, Your love, Your love never ending
Oh oh oh

You are alive in us
Nothing can take you place
You are all we need
Your love has set us free

'Cause You are, You are, You are my freedom
We lift you higher
'Cause You are, You are, You are my freedom
We lift you higher, lift you higher
Your love, Your love, Your love never ending
Oh oh oh

You are alive in us
Nothing can take you place
You are all we need
Your love has set us free

You are alive in us
Nothing can take you place
You are all we need
Your love has set us free

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

We have used Hosea 6:3a many times on this blog. The Holy Spirit spoke this verse to my heart many years ago when I was just beginning to seek to know the Lord  more. Here it is:

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

WHEN shall we  know the Lord? When we follow on to know! "We follow on" is the Hebrew word "radaph", which means: to run after; to pursue; to chase; to pursue ardently; to aim eagerly to secure. "Ardent" means: passionate, intensely devoted, enthusiastic, zealous, eager. Does THIS describe YOUR desire to know Him more? If not, WHY not? Have you ever seen the advertisement that features what they call "the most interesting man in the world"? Well, this man, made up though he is, does not hold a candle to the wonders of the person of Jesus Christ! HE is THE most interesting, loving, knowledgeable, powerful, exciting, passionate, caring, authoritative, creative, technologically advanced, intimate, heroic, etc., etc., etc., PERSON you will ever hope to meet. AND, He WANTS you to KNOW Him! Paul said this in Philippians 3:10 (AMP), which is also a verse used many, many times on this blog because it is MY desire!

10 [For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection  AMP

AS we get to know Him more, we will also come to know, understand and be able to walk in the POWER of God! This is necessary to be able to set people free from the works and workers of darkness that have so many of them bound! I covered all of this again to prepare you for THIS from today's Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan! Proverbs 2:1-11:

 1 MY SON, if you will receive my words and treasure up my commandments within you, 2 Making your ear attentive to skillful and godly Wisdom and inclining and directing your heart and mind to understanding [applying all your powers to the quest for it]; 3 Yes, if you cry out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, 4 If you seek [Wisdom] as for silver and search for skillful and godly Wisdom as for hidden treasures, 5 Then you will understand the reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of [our omniscient] God. 6 For the Lord gives skillful and godly Wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. 7 He hides away sound and godly Wisdom and stores it for the righteous (those who are upright and in right standing with Him); He is a shield to those who walk uprightly and in integrity, 8 That He may guard the paths of justice; yes, He preserves the way of His saints. 9 Then you will understand righteousness, justice, and fair dealing [in every area and relation]; yes, you will understand every good path. 10 For skillful and godly Wisdom shall enter into your heart, and knowledge shall be pleasant to you. 11 Discretion shall watch over you, understanding shall keep you

Once we WANT to know Him, these verses contain the "how to"! I pray that you will make it YOUR determined purpose to KNOW Him! To go hard after pursuing your intimate fellowship with Him, above ALL other people in your life, so that you will be able to know and love THEM even better! AMEN! Here to encourage you in this, is Hillsong Young and Free with "Wake"! Let's get the "fire in our eyes" for Him and His Word and His Ways! HALLELUJAH!

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

We began Proverbs in our Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan today. There is such practical information and instruction given in this book! Just on face value, you should be able to get something to put immediately into practice from this book. BUT, there is ALWAYS so much more to get IF you will meditate on these things and allow the Holy Spirit to teach you, personally and intimately, what YOU need to know! Joshua 1:8 tells us this:

8 This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success. AMP

Hosea 6:3 tells us that we WILL know, IF we follow on to know! If YOU would like to know more of the Word of God, you CAN! It takes diligence and persistence to meditate on the Word. Are YOU willing to put something into your Bible study in order to get a working knowledge of the Word? Proverbs 1:7 tells us this:

7 The reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is the beginning and the principal and choice part of knowledge [its starting point and its essence]; but fools despise skillful and godly Wisdom, instruction, and discipline.

Spend time in His presence giving praise, thanksgiving and worship. NOW you will be in position to receive wisdom and understanding so that you can become a DOER of the Word and "deal wisely and have good success"! AMEN! Happy meditating! Here is Hillsong with "Closer":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Since we HAVE been talking about praise, we MUST look at ALL of Psalm 150 for today!

1 PRAISE THE Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in the heavens of His power! 2 Praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him according to the abundance of His greatness! 3 Praise Him with trumpet sound; praise Him with lute and harp! 4 Praise Him with tambourine and [single or group] dance; praise Him with stringed and wind instruments or flutes! 5 Praise Him with resounding cymbals; praise Him with loud clashing cymbals! 6 Let everything that has breath and every breath of life praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!)

All of the excuses for not praising Him are done away in this Psalm! Everything breathing is to praise Him, and we are to do it with every breath we take! There are many ways to praise Him, as we can see in Psalm 150! Choose the ways that work for YOU, and that keep you filled with joy! Now DO IT! AMEN! Need another reason? Look at John 10:10:

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

The very first step in walking in the abundance of blessings is to praise Him for what you already have received! AMEN! So GO FOR IT! Here, to assist you, is Hillsong Live with "Praise Him" again! So DO IT! AMEN!:

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Today two things really stood out to me from our Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan. The first is found in Psalm 149:4-5:

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.

Actually, the entire Psalm is a call to praise the Lord, but these two verses show us that HE takes pleasure in US, and our praises! He has already blessed us abundantly, so let's show Him that we appreciate Him AND all that He has done! AMEN! The next important Truth I was meditating on today is found in John 9. Jesus was about to heal a blind man when His disciples asked Him this from verse 2:

2 His disciples asked Him, Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he should be born blind?

I LOVE the reply that Jesus gave, and YOU should, too! Jesus said this in verses 3-5:

3 Jesus answered, It was not that this man or his parents sinned, but he was born blind in order that the workings of God should be manifested (displayed and illustrated) in him. 4 We must work the works of Him Who sent Me and be busy with His business while it is daylight; night is coming on, when no man can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the world's Light.

Notice that Jesus did NOT say that this man was born blind to "teach him something", or to "make him humble" or any of the other foolish, unscriptural and ungodly ideas that people come up with! Jesus said that the work of God is to be manifested in those who need healing, deliverance and help! He said WE must work the works of God while we still have time! He SAID that we are to be doing the same things that HE did in ministry, and even greater things! Look at John 14:12 from both the KJV and the Amplified Bible :

12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believes on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. KJV

12 I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, if anyone steadfastly believes in Me, he will himself be able to do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these, because I go to the Father. AMP

Read the rest of the chapter to see how the healed man responds to the religious leaders who SHOULD have been doing what Jesus was doing! I LOVE the Word of God! It is so alive! Ii hope you do, too! Take time every day to meditate the Word (Joshua 1:8 AMP) and then YOU will be sharing the exciting Truths that YOU see! AMEN! Here is Hillsong with "Children of the Light",  because we ARE!

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Today I am going to repeat myself! This came up again in today's Bible Reading Plan, so I am going to bring some things to your remembrance! Like Peter (2 Pete 1:12-13), I want to stir you up to remember the things of God! In John 8 we read the account of the WOMAN caught in adultery. The last time I heard, this sin takes two people, but THAT is for another post! The scribes and Pharisees brought this woman to Jesus to see what He would say to her. We all know that Jesus told those without sin of their own to cast the first stone. One by one they went their way, their own sin convicting them. Then Jesus said THIS to that woman who had been singled out by the self-righteous in verses 10-11:

10 When Jesus raised Himself up, He said to her, Woman, where are your accusers? Has no man condemned you? 11 She answered, No one, Lord! And Jesus said, I do not condemn you either. Go on your way and from now on sin no more.

He told her to sin no more so that something worse would not happen to her, here, in THIS life! (You can see that He said this very thing to someone else in John 5:14). SIN will NOT keep you out of Heaven when you leave this earth! The only sin NOT covered by the precious blood Jesus is the sin of rejecting Him. Every other sin (a selfish decision to do things my own way instead of God's way) will keep us from walking in God's richest and best here on earth, and CAN hinder our work of the  ministry here, but they will NOT keep us from the Heaven of the Bible! SO, since Jesus refused to condemn this woman for sin committed, WE must do the same! John 3:17 tells us that Jesus did NOT come in to the world to judge or condemn the world, but to become the means of our salvation! WE are to "seek and save the lost" so that we can bring them to HIM! AMEN! Refuse to condemn anyone and refuse condemnation FROM anyone! Focus, instead, on the goodness of God (Romans 2:4) and on the work that He has called YOU to do! AMEN! Here is Hillsong United with "In The Mystery":  

Shalom in Him