Shalom, 

Philippians 3:10:

¹⁰[For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection, and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed [in spirit into His likeness even] to His death, [in the hope] ¹¹ That if possible I may attain to the [spiritual and moral] resurrection [that lifts me] out from among the dead [even while in the body].  AMP

I am sure that I use this verse every time I read through Philippians! It is MY life's verse! Unless, and until, we really know Him, we can't possibly live to the fullness that He has designed for us to live in THIS life! I hope that YOU will make this YOUR goal for 2013: to know HIM a little more every day! Just keep in mind what Paul also said in verses 13-14:

¹³ I do not consider, brethren, that I have captured and made it my own [yet]; but one thing I do [it is my one aspiration]: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, ¹⁴ I press on toward the goal to win the [supreme and heavenly] prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward.

Never give up, never give in! Just keep on running the race that HE has set before you! Here is "Running" by Hillsong United!

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Proverbs 29:7 says this:

⁷ The [consistently] righteous man knows and cares for the rights of the poor, but the wicked man has no interest in such knowledge.

What a great foretelling of what is happening in this nation today! The truly born again believer is already voluntarily giving to those less fortunate! The government is trying to take away from those who, through hard work and perseverance, have prospered and become successful, and give to those who have no desire to work hard and earn for themselves! 2 Thessalonians 3:10 says this:

10 For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. ESV

Under the Old Covenant, people were to leave corners of the fields for the poor to reap. They were NOT told to reap the harvest and give it to the poor, but that the poor were to get up and get to work reaping someone else's field for themselves! When a man born with no arms and no legs (Nick Vujicic) can work hard and make something of his life, there is NO excuse for anyone! It is unscriptural, unethical and extremely unhelpful to give to those who refuse to help themselves! Jesus warned that there would always be people like that (Mark 14:7). We are free to VOLUNTARILY help them with what we have been blessed with, but the government has NO right to take it from us! Pay attention, stand up, speak out and choose to be a voice! "Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act." - Dietrich Bonhoeffer 

What is the most important thing you can give to another person? Philippians 2:16:

¹⁶ Holding out [to it] and offering [to all men] the Word of Life, so that in the day of Christ I may have something of which exultantly to rejoice and glory in that I did not run my race in vain or spend my labor to no purpose.

Give freely as the Holy Spirit leads, but never give materially without also giving LIFE through the Living Word of the Living God! Amen! Here are a few images to encourage and provoke you to GOOD works!

Always obey GOD over man!

What you see in the Word of God - DO!

Always give the BEST Gift first!

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

These verses from Proverbs 29 really stood out to me today!

²  When the [uncompromisingly] righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked man rules, the people groan and sigh

⁸ Scoffers set a city afire [inflaming the minds of the people], but wise men turn away wrath. ⁹ If a wise man has an argument with a foolish man, the fool only rages or laughs, and there is no rest.

¹¹ A [self-confident] fool utters all his anger, but a wise man holds it back and stills it.

I have seen the Truths in these verses in great evidence in the last year in regards to the Presidential and other elections. It only takes a little bit of common sense to see that this nation is right now reaping the results of the unrighteous being in office! Many good and usually positive people are moaning and groaning about what has already happened and what it SEEMS will happen in the near future! The people are NOT rejoicing over this government! We, as born again believers, MUST rejoice in what God has done and all that He has promised to do! Look at verse 16:

¹⁶ When the wicked are in authority, transgression increases, but the [uncompromisingly] righteous shall see the fall of the wicked.

SHALL see! We SHALL see the fall of the wicked! That is, IF we rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS and continue to speak the Truth in love (Ephesians 4:15)! Don't let fear or intimidation stop you or hinder you from freely and BOLDLY proclaiming the GOOD NEWS of the Gospel, expecting the One, True God to continually confirm HIS WORD with signs, wonders and miracles (Mark 16:20)! Verse 25:

²⁵ The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever leans on, trusts in, and puts his confidence in the Lord is safe and set on high.

BE the carrier of good News and let God take care of what only HE can do! Amen! Here is a reminder, by way of Hillsong United, called "No Reason To Hide":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Ephesians 6 is where we read about the individual pieces that make up the armor of God. The reason that we NEED this supernatural "armor" is found in verses 11-12:

¹¹ Put on God's whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil. ¹² For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.

This is a vital Truth to remember whenever you encounter opposition or persecution from other people! Your adversary, the devil, through all of his workers of darkness, is the force behind every evil work. People choose whether or not to be used by the devil, but our battle is with the works and workers of darkness. WE, as born again believers and Blood-Covenant partners with Almighty God through the precious and powerful Blood of Jesus of Nazareth, have been given ALL authority over all the works of darkness as it affects our lives and the lives of our family. We need this armor in order to stand protected while in battle. Verse 18 gives us the method of defeating the darkness!

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

PRAY! Pray in the Spirit first of all! THEN, under the direction of this same Holy Spirit, pray with any other manner of prayer that is needed! Remember 1 John 5:14-15:

¹⁴ And this is the confidence (the assurance, the privilege of boldness) which we have in Him: [we are sure] that if we ask anything (make any request) according to His will (in agreement with His own plan), He listens to and hears us. ¹⁵ And if (since) we [positively] know that He listens to us in whatever we ask, we also know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that we have [granted us as our present possessions] the requests made of Him.

So begin in the Spirit, then continue with your understanding as the Holy Spirit gives you the understanding and the utterance. Now go back to the Spirit unless HE leads you other wise! Amen! Here is Hillsong with "Light Will Shine":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Proverbs 27:2 says this:

² Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.

We have all been around people who couldn't seem to stop talking about themselves and all that THEY have accomplished! These can be elected officials, celebrities, co-workers, friends and even relatives! Verse 2 above is the very best attitude to have concerning your own accomplishments! Never belittle yourself, for you ARE a child of the One, True and Living God, but don't brag about yourself either. No one likes this and it will NOT cause you to find the kind of favor you need to accomplish all that God has planned for you to accomplish! Allow God to promote you and it will have a longer-lasting affect! Amen! Here is a song from Hillsong's Cornerstone album that will help you to keep your eyes on HIM! It is called "Praise Him":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

 Isaiah 9:6-7

⁶ For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. ⁷ Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

Luke 2:7-14:

⁷ And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. ⁸ And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. ⁹ And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. ¹⁰ And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. ¹¹ For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. ¹² And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. ¹³ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, ¹⁴ Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

We have a Savior! His Name is Jesus! He IS Emmanual - God With Us! Have a very Merry CHRISTmas celebrating the ONE Who gave it all for YOU! Here is Hillsong with "We Have A Saviour":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Are YOU ready for Christmas? Stop, breathe, pray, praise and worship! The true meaning and purpose for CHRISTmas is remembering and honoring THE Christ! The Messiah! Jesus! King of kings and Lord of lords! Here to help you is Hillsonglive with "Born Is The King":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Proverbs 24:1-2 says this: 

¹ BE NOT envious of evil men, nor desire to be with them; ² For their minds plot oppression and devise violence, and their lips talk of causing trouble and vexation.

Now look at Proverbs 24:3-5:

³ Through skillful and godly Wisdom is a house (a life, a home, a family) built, and by understanding it is established [on a sound and good foundation], ⁴ And by knowledge shall its chambers [of every area] be filled with all precious and pleasant riches. ⁵ A wise man is strong and is better than a strong man, and a man of knowledge increases and strengthens his power;

Do you see that operating in an ungodly way will NOT result in good things, ultimately? Operating according to sound Wisdom from the Word of God, by the Spirit of God, will cause you to find favor and do well in every area of life! Read Joshua 1:8 over and over until it the full realization comes that WE control our life here on earth! Meditate, meditate, meditate! Godly direction with a God-given promise! Amen! Here is Hillsong with "Stand In Awe":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Ephesians 1:1-2:

 ¹ PAUL, AN apostle (special messenger) of Christ Jesus (the Messiah), by the divine will (the purpose and the choice of God) to the saints (the consecrated, set-apart ones) at Ephesus who are also faithful and loyal and steadfast in Christ Jesus: ² May grace (God's unmerited favor) and spiritual peace [which means peace with God and harmony, unity, and undisturbedness] be yours from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Notice that Paul tells us in verse 1 that HE was divinely chosen by God to be an apostle! There did not need to be a picking if straws to decide. Not only did GOD know what He had planned for Paul to do, but He also revealed His plan to Paul! This same God knows exactly what He wants for YOU to do, and He WILL reveal it to you as you stay consistent! Here is Hillsong Kids  with "Blessed":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Did you know that this is a promise from Almighty God to you, IF you will meet the conditions? Proverbs 22:4:

⁴  The reward of humility and the reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.

True Biblical humility is accepting something you don't deserve! Jesus accepted the death on the cross even though HE was without sin! He accepted it on our behalf! When we receive Him as Lord and Saviour, we accept something we do not deserve - eternal salvation and adoption as a child of the Living God! Keep an attitude of gratitude for that and maintain a reverence and awe in His presence and HE promises that riches and honor and life WILL result! What about all of those who refuse to humble themselves before God and refuse to honor and reverence Him? Galatians 6:7-8 reveal their reward:

⁷ Do not be deceived and deluded and misled; God will not allow Himself to be sneered at (scorned, disdained, or mocked by mere pretensions or professions, or by His precepts being set aside.) [He inevitably deludes himself who attempts to delude God.] For whatever a man sows, that and that only is what he will reap. ⁸ For he who sows to his own flesh (lower nature, sensuality) will from the flesh reap decay and ruin and destruction, but he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

So do NOT become discouraged when it APPEARS as though evil and ungodly people are getting away with evil. It will NOT be that way forever. YOU have this promise if you refuse to give up! Galatians 6:9:

⁹ And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint.

God is GOOD, all the time! You can count on it! Here is an older song by Don Moen called "God is Good":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

I LOVE how our Bible Reading Plan is ALWAYS right on time! Look at Galatians 5:1 from today:

¹ IN [this] freedom Christ has made us free [and completely liberated us]; stand fast then, and do not be hampered and held ensnared and submit again to a yoke of slavery [which you have once put off].

Jesus IS the Reason for this Season! We are celebrating not only His wonderful and miraculous birth to a willing virgin, but we are also celebrating everything that His wonderful life, death and resurrection have obtained FOR US! Amen! Here is a very old song from Hosanna called "Jesus, We Celebrate Your Victory" (along with other songs in a medley). His entire story is essential to OUR victory! Know it, know Him, and celebrate!

Jesus, we celebrate 
Your victory 
Jesus, we revel 
In Your love
Jesus, we rejoice 
You've set us free 
Jesus, Your death 
Has brought us life

It was for freedom 
That Christ has 
Set us free
No longer to be subject 
To a yoke of slavery
So we're rejoicing 
In God's victory
Our hearts responding 
To His love
(His love!)

(Repeat chorus)

His Spirit in us 
Releases us from fear
And the way 
To Him is open 
With boldness 
We draw near
And in His presence 
Our problems disappear
Our hearts responding 
To His love
(His love!)

(Repeat chorus twice)

Jesus, Your death 
Has brought us life
Jesus, Your death 
Has brought us life

Blessed be the Lord
God of Israel
Blessed be the Lord
God of hosts

Blessed be His glorious name
Forevermore
And let the whole earth
Be filled with His glory

(Repeat all)

(Repeat 2nd Chorus)

(Repeat all)

And let the whole earth
Be filled with His glory
And let the whole earth
Be filled with His glory

He has clothed us with His righteousness
Covered us with His great love
He has showered us with mercy
And we delight to know the
Glorious favor
Wondrous favor of God

We rejoice in the grace of God
Poured upon our lives
Loving kindness has come to us
Because of Jesus Christ
We rejoice in the grace of God
Our hearts overflow
What a joy to know the grace of God

He's brought us into His family
Made us heirs with His own Son
All good things He freely gives to us
We cannot conceive what
God's preparing
God's preparing for us

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

 Galatians 4:4-7:

⁴ But when the proper time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born subject to [the regulations of] the Law, ⁵ To purchase the freedom of (to ransom, to redeem, to atone for) those who were subject to the Law, that we might be adopted and have sonship conferred upon us [and be recognized as God's sons]. ⁶ And because you [really] are [His] sons, God has sent the [Holy] Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, Abba (Father)! Father! ⁷ Therefore, you are no longer a slave (bond servant) but a son; and if a son, then [it follows that you are] an heir by the aid of God, through Christ.

The very best news you and I have ever received! AMEN! 

Here is Hillsong Live with "We Have A Saviour"! The greatest message EVER!

                                          

A child has been given

King of our freedom.

Sing for the light has come,

This is Christmas.

Come and adore him,

Bring gifts before him.

Joy to the world, 

Worship the Son, 

This is Christmas.

This is Jesus, 

Emmanuel,

He's with us, 

Tell all the world.

We have a Saviour, We have a Saviour.

We are no longer lost, 

Cause he has come down for us,

We have a Saviour, We have a Saviour.

Sing with the angels,

Lift up your voices, 

Join in the song of hope, 

This is Christmas.

This is Jesus, 

Emmanuel, 

He's with us,

Tell all the world, 

We have a Saviour, We have a Saviour.

We are no longer lost, 

Cause he has come down for us,

We have a Saviour, We have a Saviour. 

His love will reign forever,

His love will reign forever,

His love will reign forever... (x2 Repeat)

This is Jesus, Emmanuel.

He's with us, 

Tell all the world,

We have a Saviour, We have a Saviour.

We are no longer lost,

Cause he has come down for us, 

We have a Saviour, We have a Saviour...

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Have YOU received Jesus of Nazareth as your Lord and personal Saviour? One of the most important "next steps" is to obey Colossians 3:1-3:

3 If you then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 

3 For you are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. KJV

When Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was, He said this from Matthew 22:37:

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. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as [you do] yourself. AMP

Make HIM your first love, top priority and the most important person in your life! EVERYONE else in your life will be so much more blessed when you do this! Amen! Here is a picture I like that should motivate you! God has a much higher and better plan for our lives! Trust HIM!

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Proverbs 18:2 does a perfect job in describing those people, whom we all have had discussions with, who simply will not listen to anything to do with God and the Bible, yet still think that THEY have all the answers! 

² A [self-confident] fool has no delight in understanding but only in revealing his personal opinions and himself.

This can be VERY frustrating unless WE have right motives for speaking with them in the first place! Remember, our message is NOT our own, but HIS! The Word of God IS Truth, and THAT is what we must continue to speak! Verse 4 SHOULD describe US!

⁴ The words of a [discreet and wise] man's mouth are like deep waters [plenteous and difficult to fathom], and the fountain of skillful and godly Wisdom is like a gushing stream [sparkling, fresh, pure, and life-giving].

Verses 6-7 again addresses the self-confident fool!

⁶ A [self-confident] fool's lips bring contention, and his mouth invites a beating. ⁷ A [self-confident] fool's mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to himself.

Our attitude should be in line with verse 15 and then we can be led by the Spirit of God in the right words to say to these others that will help to draw them to HIM! Amen! 

¹⁵ The mind of the prudent is ever getting knowledge, and the ear of the wise is ever seeking (inquiring for and craving) knowledge.

Now USE that knowledge to make YOUR words always be HIS Words! Amen! Here is Hillsong United with "Rhythms of Grace":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

I want to share something that was shared with me concerning the Connecticut massacre from Heaven's view-point:

Twas' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38 
when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate. 
Their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air. 
They could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there. 
They were filled with such joy; they didn't know what to say. 
They remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day. 
"Where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.
"This is heaven" declared a boy."We’re spending Christmas at God's house." 
When what to their wondering eyes did appear, 
but Jesus, their Savior. The children gathered near. 
He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same. 
Then He opened His arms and He called them by name. 
And in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring. 
Those children all flew into the arms of their King 
and as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace, 
one small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face. 
And as if He could read all the questions she had 
He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of Mom and Dad." 
Then He looked down on earth, the world far below. 
He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe,
then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand, 
"Let My power and presence re-enter this land!
May this country be delivered from the hands of fools!
I’m taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools!" 
Then He and the children stood up without a sound. 
"Come now my children let me show you around."
Excitement filled the space. Some skipped and some ran, 
all displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can. 
And I heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,
"In the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT."

We should ALWAYS look at events from a Heavenly perspective! How does God see this? Our first priority as born again believers and ambassadors of heaven is to share the Good News of the Gospel so that everyone we meet has the opportunity to choose Heaven as their home when they leave this earth! Buy up every opportunity! You don't know whether the people you meet will ever have another opportunity! Amen! Here, again, is Children of the Light" by Hillsong, because THAT is who we are!

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Proverbs 16:3-4 is very wise advise for living in these times!

³ Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed. ⁴ The Lord has made everything [to accommodate itself and contribute] to its own end and His own purpose--even the wicked [are fitted for their role] for the day of calamity and evil.

The ways to walk in success and safety in these dangerous times is to make sure that YOU are on God's side! HE is always on our side, but He will only move as WE call on Him and stand on His Word! YES, He IS Sovereign, and the Sovereign God set it up this way! Who are WE to question HIM?  Do YOU want to walk in safety in these days when evil people are set on murder? Look at verse 7:

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

Spend some time in Psalm 91 so that you can get a better perspective on the requirements for God's protection, provision and safety. THEN, be a DOER of that Word, with all confidence that HE will do HIS part! Amen! Here is Hillsong Live with "I Surrender":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Today I want to share again from Kenneth E. Hagin's Faith Food. 

From Everlasting
December 14, 2012

"But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting" (Micah 5:2). 

This remarkable prophetic utterance about One who would be born of the family of Judah to be a Ruler in Israel states that His goings forth were from of old, from everlasting. He has traveled up and down through eternity, and He has left His footprints on the ages! 

Too frequently people simply look at the physical side of Jesus' birth and talk about His being born as a little babe, when actually He preexisted with the Father from the beginning! 

The Person we now know as Jesus Christ is one of the three Divine Persons of the Deity (God the Father, God the Son [Jesus] and God the Holy Spirit). As God, He had no beginning. 

Confession: The goings forth of Christ, my Lord, were from of old, from everlasting. As God, He had no beginning. Yet He came forth to this world to redeem me from the dominion of Satan. I can trust this Eternal One with my life. 

I remember as a little girl thinking that Jesus would still be alive if the soldiers hadn't crucified Him! No logical understanding that IF He hadn't died, and rose again, I could not live! What wonderful depths of wisdom and knowledge are hidden within the Living Word of God! Search it out to see what YOU can find! Another little bit of Truth that is revealed in Micah 5:2 above is that Bethlehem, according to the One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible, belongs to Israel! Check out a current map and then re-check what God said! Who do YOU think is right? Here is a familiar Christmas song for you called "O Little Town of Bethlehem" by Hillsong:

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Proverbs 14:8 from the Amplified Bible is a great explanation of Wisdom!

⁸ The Wisdom [godly Wisdom, which is comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God] of the prudent is to understand his way, but the folly of [self-confident] fools is to deceive.

How do we GET that "comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God"? By meditating on His Word day and night (Joshua 1:8)! Joshua tells us that the result of doing so is that we will deal wisely and have good success! It takes a diligent commitment to put the Word first place and meditate on it day and night, but it is well worth any effort! Putting God's Word first place in our lives is one of the ways that we show reverence and respect for Him! THAT is called the fear of the Lord! Look at Proverbs 14:26-27 to see what that attitude brings!

²⁶ In the reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, and His children shall always have a place of refuge. ²⁷ Reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, that one may avoid the snares of death.

The Word of God is alive and powerful (Hebrews 4:12 AMP) and works only for our good when we "work it"! Hide it in your heart, meditate on it at all times, obey what you see to do, speak it over every situation in your life and stand and watch as HE confirms His Word for YOU (Mark 16:20)! Amen! Here is Hillsong United with "Go":

Shalom in Him!