Shalom,


In Psalm 60 David begins by describing some of the tests, trials and tribulations that  God's people were suffering. He turns to encouragement in verses 4-5:


4 [But now] You have set up a banner for those who fear and worshipfully revere You [to which they may flee from the bow], a standard displayed because of the Truth. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! 5 That Your beloved ones may be delivered, save with Your right hand and answer us.


The word "banner" is the Hebrew word "nec" which means: a rallying point or standard which drew people together for some common action or for the communication of important information. This is where we get the Name: Jehovah Nissi! He IS our "rallying point"! David ends this Psalm with verse 12:


12 Through our God we shall do valiantly, for He it is Who shall tread down our adversaries.


We can count on His Word to deliver us in every situation! Why? Because He LOVES us! Read John 3:16 in an Amplified Bible! LOVE! Here is a song about that wonderful, powerful and never-ending love! From Hillsong here is Unending Love:

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


In reading Exodus 27-28 for the Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan for today, I was reminded again of the awesome attention to detail that the God of the Bible has! He is SO very ordered and efficient! Nothing that He has ever said or done has been without power or specific significance! And that same attention has been given to every aspect of YOUR life! Have you ever read Jeremiah 29:11 in the Amplified Bible?


11 For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the LORD, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.


The Complete Jewish Bible says:


11 For I know what plans I have in mind for you, says Adonai, plans for well-being, not for bad things; so that you can have hope and a future.


The Message Bible says:


11 I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out - plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.


I cannot think of any other person that I would trust so completely with my life! He ALWAYS wants only GOOD for my life, and yours! Trust Him! You CAN! Amen! Here is Hillsong United singing "With Us":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Mark 2:1-4:


1 AND JESUS having returned to Capernaum, after some days it was rumored about that He was in the house [probably Peter's]. And so many people gathered together there that there was no longer room [for them], not even around the door; and He was discussing the Word. 3 Then they came, bringing a paralytic to Him, who had been picked up and was being carried by four men. 4 And when they could not  get him to a place in front of Jesus because of the throng, they dug through the roof above Him; and when they had scooped out an opening, they let down the [thickly padded] quilt or mat upon which the paralyzed man lay.


These people were DESPERATE to have their friend healed! The man was desperate enough to allow himself to be carried and put in such a dangerous position! Can you even imagine the reaction of someone today if this were to happen? What would YOU do? Peter didn't call the police and Jesus didn't even scold them! What DID He say? Verse 5:


5 And when Jesus saw their faith [their confidence in God through Him], he said to the paralyzed man, Son, your sins are forgiven [you] and put away [that is, the penalty is remitted, the sense of guilt removed, and you are made upright and in right standing with God].


The religious leaders present questioned the authority of Jesus to forgive sins. How did He respond?  Verses 10-12:


10 But that you may know positively and beyond a doubt that the Son of Man has right and authority and power on earth to forgive sins -- He said to the paralyzed man, 11 I say to you, arise, pick up and carry your sleeping pad or mat, and be going on home. 12 And he arose at once and picked up the sleeping pad or mat and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and recognized and praised and thanked God, saying, We have never seen anything like this before.


If WE are to be "about our Father's business", then we have to become more flexible with our time, energy and resources! How would YOU react if someone broke into your house because they heard a man or woman of God was there who could minster healing and deliverance to them? If we are being continually led by the Spirit of God, we will be aware BEFORE they come and have the door open and a way made! Be prepared to have Holy Spirit interruptions in your life IF you desire to be used of God in this last great move of His Spirit on the earth! Be ready, willing, and able to be used by Him to reach others with the GREAT Good News of the Gospel! Amen! The LOST are waiting to hear that Good News, whether they know it yet or not! Let's DO IT! Here is Hillsong United with {"No Reason To Hide":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Knowing that God has given us a free will to choose Him, or not, it is so wonderful to hear when people DO! It is equally as awful to hear people blame God for their own choices! We are all spirit beings who possess souls and live in physical bodies while on this earth. When our physical bodies die, our spirit and soul leave the body and go to the destination OF OUR OWN CHOOSING! He has provided the Way to Heaven, His Name is Jesus! To learn more about the choices we have between the very real Heaven and the very real Hell, check out the sermons entitled "Heaven" on The Spoken Word Church website (link on the left). This teaching will also help you in your ministry to others! 


Mark 1:41 says this:


41 And Jesus, moved with compassion, out forth His hand, and touched him, and said to him, "I will, be clean".


When Jesus saw the hurting, dying, weak, distressed, poor and helpless, He was moved with "compassion"! The dictionary definition of the word compassion is: Deep awareness of the suffering of another coupled with the wish to relieve it. Jesus CARED about their need and DID SOMETHING about it! He was doing the work of His ministry! You can see what that is by reading Matthew 4:23 and  9:35. Matthew 4:23 says:


23 And He went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the good news (Gospel) of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every weakness and infirmity among the people.


Every person that is specifically recorded as having received healing from Jesus was told by Him that THEIR faith had made them whole! How did they GET that faith? By hearing the preaching and teaching of the Gospel (Romans 10:17)! When Jesus said that all authority was given unto Him, He followed that up with "Go you therefore" (Matthew 28:18). Read Mark 16:15-20 also! This is OUR "work of the ministry"! God's part is shown in Mark 15:20:


20 And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the Word with signs following. Amen.


God WILL confirm HIS WORD when we speak it! So let's DO IT! Amen! Then we can boldly declare THIS song from Hillsong United, "The Lost Are Found":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Here is Psalm 56:3-4 from five different translations of the Bible:


(KJV) 3 What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. 4 In God I will praise his Word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.


(ESV)  3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. 4 In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?


(AMP)  3 What time I am afraid, I will have confidence in and put my trust and reliance in You. 4 By [the help of] God I will praise His Word; on God I lean, rely, and confidently put my trust; I will not fear. What can man, who is flesh, do to me?


(CJB)  4(3) When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. 5(4) In God - I praise His Word - in God I trust; I have no fear; what can human power do to me?


(The Message) 3 When I get really afraid I come to you in trust. 4 I'm proud to praise God; fearless now, I trust in God. What can mere mortals do?


We know that the Word of God says that those who choose to live a godly life once they are "in Christ" (born again), WILL suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12)! There will be tests, trials, tribulations and temptations to go contrary to the Word of God! Psalm 56:5-6 describe some of that:


5 All day long they twist my words and trouble my affairs; all their thoughts are against me for evil and my hurt. 6 They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, they watch my steps, even as they have [expectantly] waited for my life.


THIS is very real in OUR TIMES! Our only viable answer is to be a DOER of verses 3-4!. Then we can declare verses 9-13:


9 Then shall my enemies turn back in the day that I cry out; this I know, for God is for me. 10 In God, Whose Word I praise, in the LORD, Whose Word I praise, 11 In God have I put my trust and confident reliance; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? 12 Your vows are upon me, O God; I will render praise to You and give You thank offerings. 13 For You have delivered my life from death, yes, and my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of life and of the  living.


DON'T put your trust and reliance on mankind! Even the very best of us WILL fail sometimes! Instead, make your confidence in Him grow by meditating constantly on the promises in His Word! Amen!  Here is Hillsong with "I Will Run To You":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


The Devotional on The Spoken Word Church website today is this:

Release Mercy

What you make happen for others, God will make happen for you. What you sow today determines your harvest tomorrow. Sow kindness. Be slow to criticize and quick to forgive. The greatest gift love produces is a a non-judgmental climate. Give love out freely today.

Galatians 6:7 says this:


7 Do not be deceived and deluded and misled; Gd 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 only that is what he will reap.


We have ALL been in the position where we NEEDED mercy! We will NOT have mercy coming to us if we have refused to give mercy to others! Jesus Himself said in John 3:17 (AMP) that even HE was not sent to condemn others, but to bring them LIFE! As HE is, so are we, in this world (1 John 4:17)! We are sent to preach the Gospel and to sow mercy! Take account of your life today and make any adjustments required to be a consistent sower of love and mercy into the lives of those around you. The results are well worth any miner and temporary discomfort! Amen! Here is Hillsong with "It's Your Love":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Today's Faith Food for Winter by Kenneth E. Hagin is entitled "Fear Not". Here is a portion of it:


God never comes with a message of fear. You can start in the Old Testament and trace all the way down through the New, and you will see that every time God manifested Himself to people, or sent angels or Jesus Himself, they always came with the message, "Be not afraid! Fear not!"


Fear doesn't come from God. It comes from the devil. Christians, including preachers and teachers, have no business going around putting fear into people. ...............


..........Fear is not the message of the Church. Faith is the message of the Church. Good cheer is the  message of the Church. Be not afraid is the message of the Church.


We can see this in practice in Psalm 54! The opportunity for fear is presented in verse 3:


3 For strangers and insolent men are rising up against me, and violent men and ruthless ones seek and demand my life; they do not set God before them. Selah [pause and calmly think of that]!


How does David handle the fear that the enemy is trying to "sell" to him? Verse 4:


4 Behold God is my helper and ally; the LORD is my upholder and is with them who uphold my life.


David reminded himself of the Greater One Who loved him! Then he declared verse 7:


7 For He has delivered me out of every trouble, and my eye has looked [in triumph] on my enemies.


Now "Go and do likewise" (Luke 10:37)! What I mean is, recognize the works of the enemy, then remind him AND yourself what the Word of the Living God has said! Declare and decree the result you desire from the Word of God. Then rejoice! God is rarely early, but He is NEVER late! Amen! Here is Hillsong United with "Freedom Is Here":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Today is my Birthday! This day always makes me think of Psalm 139:12-18:

12 Even the darkness hides nothing from You, but the night shines as the day; the darkness and the light are both alike to You.  [Dan 2:22.] 

13 For You did form my inward parts; You did knit me together in my mother's womb. 

14 I will confess and praise You for You are fearful and wonderful and for the awful wonder of my birth! Wonderful are Your works, and that my inner self knows right well. 

15 My frame was not hidden from You when I was being formed in secret [and] intricately and curiously wrought [as if embroidered with various colors] in the depths of the earth [a region of darkness and mystery]. 

16 Your eyes saw my unformed substance, and in Your book all the days [of my life] were written before ever they took shape, when as yet there was none of them. 

17 How precious and weighty also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them!  [Ps 40:5.] 

18 If I could count them, they would be more in number than the sand. When I awoke, [could I count to the end] I would still be with You. 

It doesn't make any difference what tests, trials, or temptations come against me! The One, True God KNOWS me! He made me, He loves me, and He is ALWAYS for me (John 56:9 & Romans 8:31)! He saved me, healed me, and delivered me from every evil work! He has already blessed me with every Spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3) and He desires to freely give me all good things (Romans 8:32)! I AM, of ALL people, MOST BLESSED! And so are YOU! Amen! Here is Hillsong United with "Light Will Shine":

Shalom  in Him!

Shalom,


I want to share a portion of the devotional for today from Oswald Chambers' "My Utmost For His Highest".


...Have you ever been driven to do something for God not because you felt that it was useful or your duty to do so, or that there was anything in it for you, but simply because you love Him? Have you ever realized that you can give things to God that are of value to Him? Or are you just sitting around daydreaming about the greatness of His redemption, while neglecting all the things you could be doing for Him? I'm not referring to works which could be regarded as divine and miraculous, but ordinary, simple human things - things which would be evidence to God that you are totally surrendered to Him....


There are times when it seems as if God watches to see if we will give Him even small gifts of surrender, just to show how genuine our love is for Him. To be surrendered to God is of more value than personal holiness. Concern over our personal holiness causes us to focus our eyes on ourselves, and we become overly concerned about the way we walk and talk and look, out of fear of offending God. .......... Once we are totally surrendered to God, He will work through us all the time.


I really like this! Some people ALWAYS meditate on how horrendous the crucifixion was, and it WAS horrendous, but Jesus wants us to meditate on what He accomplished by going through all of that! Then He wants us to love Him by walking in that freedom, power and authority to bring redemption to others, in His Name! Total surrender to Him means we obey the Word of God and that still small voice inside. We need to be available to Him to make that phone call, take that trip, volunteer for that  situation, pray for that person, and any number of other normal, everyday things that come up. We are called to preach the Gospel to all the world, beginning in our very own realm of influence! Really LOVE Him today by sharing HIS love with others! It will be a job well done in His eyes! Amen! Here is Hillsong with "Everyday":

Shalom in Him!                   

Shalom,


I want to share two things today! The first is from the Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan for today. Exodus is covering the first Passover and the LORD leading His people out of Egypt! Exodus 12:40-42:


40 Now the time the Israelites dwelt in Egypt was 430 years. 41 At the end of the 430 years, even that very day, all the hosts of the LORD went out of Egypt. 42 It was a night of watching unto the LORD and to be much observed for bringing them out of Egypt; this same night of watching unto the LORD is to be observed by all the Israelites throughout their generations.


Did you notice that verse 42 says "EVEN THAT VERY DAY"? Our God is SUCH a God of order! There is not one thing that He has ever done that has not come from His determined decision to do it! And everything He has ever done, and ever WILL do, is so very precise! I am absolutely confident that when we look back on the days of earth, from the perspective of Heaven and eternity, we are going to see that it all worked with infinite precision and detail! GOD is GOD, after all! Amen!


The other thing I wanted to point out comes from Kenneth E. Hagin's Faith Food for Winter. Today's devotional is discussing 1 Corinthians 13:5:  


Love ... is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it - pays no attention to a suffered wrong.


WOW! When was the last time that YOU completely ignored a "suffered wrong"? Here is a portion of the devotional:  


".... Love  ... pays no attention to a suffered wrong ...." We might as well admit it - there aren't too many people walking in God's love, even though they have it! No, they're walking in natural human love, and they sure pay attention to a suffered wrong! they get huffy about it. A husband and wife, both Christians, will become angry and won't speak to each other for a week because of some wrong that one of them suffered.


Can't you see how it would straighten things out in the home, the church, and the nation for people to become children of God, get the love of God in them, and then live in the family of God as children of God?  I say - AMEN!!! Here is Hillsong with "Narrow Road":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Psalm 50:1-6:

1 THE MIGHTY One, God, the Lord, speaks and calls the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting. 

2 Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth. 

3 Our God comes and does not keep silence; a fire devours before Him, and round about Him a mighty tempest rages. 

4 He calls to the heavens above and to the earth, that He may judge His people: 

5 Gather together to Me My saints [those who have found grace in My sight], those who have made a covenant with Me by sacrifice. 

6 And the heavens declare His righteousness (rightness and justice), for God, He is judge. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! 

Our God IS God! He is NOT quiet! He is NOT timid! He is all-knowing, all-seeing and all-powerful! He is GOD over all so-called gods! You know their names: allah, buddha, mohammed, krishna, celebrities, sun, moon, stars, animals, people, places, things, and on and on and on! Their is ONE, TRUE, MOST HIGH, LIVING, ALMIGHTY GOD! He IS the GOD of the BIBLE! Do YOU know Him? Contact us at our website on the left and we will be delighted to introduce you to the TRUE GOD! His Name is JESUS! What is the sacrifice that we make to Him for our Covenant? Verses 9-13 tell us what it is NOT!

9 I will accept no bull from your house nor he-goat out of your folds. 10 For every beast of the forest is Mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills or upon the mountains where thousands are. 11 I know and am acquainted with all the birds of the mountains, and the wild animals of the field are Mine and are with Me, in My mind. 12 If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world and its fullness are Mine.  [1 Cor 10:26.] 13 Shall I eat the flesh of bulls or drink the blood of goats? 

Now verses 14-15 tell us what this sacrifice IS!

14 Offer to God the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High, 15 And call on Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall honor and glorify Me. 

And then verse 23 contains the PROMISE!

23 He who brings an offering of praise and thanksgiving honors and glorifies Me; and he who orders his way aright [who prepares the way that I may show him], to him I will demonstrate the salvation of God. 

"Salvation" here is the Hebrew word "yesha`", which means: deliverance, salvation, rescue, safety, welfare, prosperity, victory! He will demonstrate this in our lives! He will "show off" in our lives so that others will see and hear and desire HIM! Glory To God! What a blessed life we have been given, both here and now, and throughout eternity! Enjoy LIFE (John 10:10)! Here is "Hillsong United (Chapel) with "Salvation Is Here":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Psalm 49:5-13:


5 Why should I fear in the days of evil, when the iniquity of those who would supplant me surrounds me on every side, 6 Even of those who trust in and lean on their wealth and boast of the abundance of their riches? 7 None of them can by any means redeem [either himself or] his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him -- 8 For the ransom of a life is too costly, and [the price one can pay] can never suffice -- 9 So that he should live on forever and never see the pit (the grave) and corruption. 10 For he sees that even wise men die, the [self-confident] fool and the stupid alike perish and leave their wealth to others. 11 Their inward thought is that their houses will continue forever, and their dwelling places to all generations; they call their lands their own [apart from God] and after their own names. 12 But man, with all his honor and pomp, does not remain; he is like the beasts that perish. 13 This is the fate of those who are foolishly confident, yet after them men approve their sayings. Selah [pause and calmly think of that]!


It doesn't make any difference whether people believe the Word of God or not, it is still TRUTH (John 17:17)! If we believe it, receive it and obey it, we WILL have good and godly results! If we don't, then we won't! This life is full of choices! MAKE the RIGHT ones! You'll be blessed and so will all those around you! Amen! here is Hillsong with "Better Than Life":

Shalom in Him!                                  

Shalom,


Going right along with yesterday's post on 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 is the devotional for today from "Heaven Calling". Here is a part of that:


Numbers 12:2 (NLT) [Miriam and Aaron] said, "Has the LORD spoken only through Moses? Hasn't He spoken through us, too?


......Next to Moses, Aaron and Miriam represented the  most powerful people among the Israelites - the priests and the prophets. Moses relied on them. Yet they envied his power and position as leader of the people. ......


Dear child, envy has no place in My family. I have given each of my children wonderful gifts, talents, and abilities. You are uniquely and wonderfully made. So when you become envious of what someone else has, are you not tearing down and disrespecting what I have put into place?


Envy does not build up or encourage; it only destroys. Don't allow it to have a foothold in your heart. Understand and rest in My love for you.


Who are YOU? If you have received Jesus of Nazareth as Lord and personal Savior, then you have the Spirit of Almighty God living in you to make you the very best YOU that you can be! God is not pleased with anything else! Find out what He has called, anointed and appointed YOU to do, then do it with your whole heart! Amen!  Here is Hillsong United with The Stand:

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Kenneth E. Hagin's Faith Food for Winter is covering 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 over the next days. I want to share this translation with you from Rick Renner's "Sparkling Gems From The Greek":

The following is an expanded interpretive translation of 

First Corinthians 13:4-8:

“Love patiently and passionately bears with others for as long as patience is needed;

Love doesn’t demand others to be like itself; rather, it is so focused on the needs of others that it bends over backwards to become what others need it to be;

Love is not ambitious, self-centered, or so consumed with itself that it never thinks of the needs or desires that others possess;

Love doesn’t go around talking about itself all the time, constantly exaggerating and embellishing the facts to make it look more important in the sight of others;

Love does not behave in a prideful, arrogant, haughty, superior, snooty, snobbish, or clannish manner;

Love is not rude and discourteous–it is not careless or thoughtless, nor does it carry on in a fashion that would be considered insensitive to others;

Love does not manipulate situations or scheme and devise methods that will twist situations to its own advantage;

Love does not deliberately engage in actions or speak words that are so sharp, they cause an ugly or violent response;

Love does not deliberately keep records of wrongs or past mistakes;

Love does not feel overjoyed when it sees an injustice done to someone else but is elated, thrilled, ecstatic, and overjoyed with the truth;

Love protects, shields, guards, covers, conceals, and safeguards people from exposure;

Love strains forward with all its might to believe the very best in every situation;

Love always expects and anticipates the best in others and the best for others;

Love never quits, never surrenders, and never gives up;

Love never disappoints, never fails, and never lets anyone down.”

Love NEVER fails and our faith is powered by LOVE! Galatians 5:6 (AMP):


6 For [if we are] in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith activated and energized and expressed and working through love.


It is VITAL that we spend time daily with the Author of Love and learn how to walk in this God kind of Love, which energizes our God kind of faith! No more failure! Amen!


Here is "Our God Is Love" by Hillsong United:

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


I think that all of Psalm 46, in following The Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan, applies to our world today! Let's look:

1 GOD IS our Refuge and Strength [mighty and impenetrable to temptation], a very present and well-proved help in trouble. 

2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains be shaken into the midst of the seas, 

3 Though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling and tumult. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! 

4 There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the Most High. 

5 God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God will help her right early [at the dawn of the morning]. 

6 The nations raged, the kingdoms tottered and were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted. 

7 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our Refuge (our Fortress and High Tower). Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! 

8 Come, behold the works of the Lord, Who has wrought desolations and wonders in the earth. 

9 He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow into pieces and snaps the spear in two; He burns the chariots in the fire. 

10 Let be and be still, and know (recognize and understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth! 

11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our Refuge (our High Tower and Stronghold). Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! 

We, as believers in Jesus of Nazareth as Lord and personal Savior, must be firmly established on the TRUTH that when we stand strong on the Word of God, THEN (and ONLY then) GOD is truly in control in our lives! Jesus has already received "all authority in heaven and earth" (Matthew 28:18-19  AMP)  and sent us out into the world IN that authority! BUT, He has chosen to move through His Church on the earth! WE must be His hands and feet and mouth, exercising that authority: IN HIS NAME! How are YOU doing in that area? We are all in different stages of growth in the Word, but we MUST be progressing daily or we WILL fall behind! I am responsible for being a DOER of the Word in my own life, and YOU are responsible for yours! Let's make it our determined purpose to not let a day go by without learning something new from His Word! THAT is a very good way to start! Amen!

Here is Hillsong with "Stronger":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Acts 17:1-5:


1 NOW AFTER [Paul and Silas] had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. 2 And Paul entered, as he usually did, and for three Sabbaths he reasoned and argued with them from the Scriptures, 3 Explaining [them] and [quoting passages] setting forth and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, This Jesus, Whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ (the Messiah). 4 And some of them [accordingly] were induced to believe and associated themselves with Paul and Silas, as did a great number of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women. 5 But the unbelieving Jews were aroused to jealousy, and getting hold of some wicked men (ruffians and rascals) and loungers in the marketplace, they gathered together a mob, set the town in an uproar, and attacked the house of Jason, seeking to bring [Paul and Silas] out to the people.


Verse 2 says that Paul "reasoned and argued" with the Jews to try to get them to believe. We must understand that we CANNOT "argue" someone into the Kingdom! They must be drawn by the Holy Spirit because the Word is "spiritually discerned" (1 Corinthians 2:14)! What WE must do is spend time in prayer for those we desire to minister to, that the Holy Spirit will give them eyes to see, ears to hear and the understanding of their NEED for a Savior! THEN when we present the simple, powerful Gospel of Jesus, THEY will be ready to receive! Amen! Another reason we need to pray, especially when ministering to Jewish people, is found in Romans 11:25:


25 Lest you be self-opinionated (wise in your own conceits), I do not want you to miss this hidden truth and mystery, brethren: a hardening (insensibility) has [temporarily] befallen a part of Israel [ to last] until the full number of the in-gathering of the Gentiles has come in. 


Only the LORD knows if a person's heart is hardened or not! OUR responsibility is to "preach the Gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15)! When we precede it with the priceless privilege of prayer, we can have confidence that they will hear and understand and see their need for HIM! Amen! Let's not just DO IT, but let's DO IT RIGHT! Hallelujah!


Here is Hillsong United with "Tell The World":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Psalm 44:1-3 is another proof that God created the nation of Israel and GAVE them the land they occupy and very much more! 


1 WE HAVE heard with our ears, O God; our fathers have told us [what] work You did in their days, in the days of old. 2 You drove out the nations with Your hand and it was Your power that gave [Israel] a home by rooting out the heathen peoples, but [Israel] You spread out. 3 For they got not the land [of Canaan] in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them; but Your right hand and Your arm and the light of Your countenance [did it], because You were favorable toward and did delight in them.


What does that say? God was the ONE Who "rooted out the heathen peoples"! God was the ONE Who "spread out" Israel! Not only are the so-called "Palestinians" squatters, but many of the other Muslim countries are also! God "gave" the Jewish people their home! Do you know what it says about the gifts that God gives? Romans 11:29:


29 For God's gifts and His call are irrevocable. [He never withdraws them when once they are given, and he does not change His mind about those to whom He gives His grace or to whom He sends His call.]


That means that He has NEVER and will NEVER  "undo" Israel as a nation! God has spoken! How DARE the world come against God's decree! Make sure that YOU are on the right side, the Word side, of this very vital issue! Amen! Here is "The Mighty One Of Israel with Don Moen:

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Today I want to share the day's devotional from Kenneth E. Hagin's Faith Food for Winter:


The Love Law
February 12, 2012

"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another" (John 13:34). 

God's family is a love family. 

And the love law of the family of God is, "That ye love one another; as I have loved you." 

How did God love us? Did He love us because we deserved it? No. God loved us while we were yet unlovely. God loved us while we were yet sinners! (And think about this: If God loved us with so great a love while we were yet sinners and unlovely - when we were His enemies - do you think He loves us any less now that we are His children? No, a thousand times no!) 

Love is the only commandment of the love family. If you love another person, you won't steal from him. If you love someone, you won't kill him. You won't covet his house. You won't tell a lie about him. Therefore, divine love is the fulfilling of the law. 

Since love is the law of the family of God, one step out of love is a step into sin. If you've made such a step, repent and get back into walking in love. To fellowship with your Father, to walk with God, to walk in God's realm, you must walk in love - for God is love. 

Confession: I love others as Christ loved me. Love is the law I am under. I walk in love. Therefore, I have fellowship with my Father Who is love. 

This confession is good, but I would like to make it better! We CANNOT walk in love WITHOUT fellowship with the Father! We MUST spend time in the presence of the God of all Love in order to even be able to walk in love!  The more we get to know HIM, Who IS love (1 John 4:8), the more we will comprehend Love Himself! THEN and ONLY then will we be able to operate in that kind of love! If you are willing to make that adjustment, then you will NEVER fail, because love NEVER fails (1 Corinthians 13:8)! Here is Hillsong with an older song, "Love Of God Can Do":

For the lyrics, check out this link:


http://www.sweetslyrics.com/432777.Hillsong%20United%20-%20The%20Love%20Of%20God%20Can%20Do.html

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Psalm 42:8:


8 Yet the LORD will command His loving-kindness in the daytime, and in the night His song shall be with me, a prayer to the God of my life.


We have covered "loving-kindness" before and discovered that it is the Hebrew word "checed", which means: goodness, kindness, faithfulness, favor, loyalty, unfailing love, mercy, strength, steadfastness, and love. Our God COMMANDS this "checed" to be active in our loves! When we maintain deep, intimate fellowship with HIM, then we WILL wake up singing His praises! I LOVE when that happens! My desire is to wake up every morning singing praises to Him! This song from Hillsong is what I have been singing as I wake up over the last couple of weeks! It is called "My Heart Is Overwhelmed"! 

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Psalm 41:13 is for all those people who think that God is done with Israel!


13 Blessed be the LORD , the God of Israel, from everlasting and to everlasting [from this age to the next, and forever]! Amen and Amen (so be it).


He IS the God of Israel, and always will be!!!  Hallelujah!!! When WE bless Israel, we get in on their blessing! Genesis 12:3:


3 And I will bless those who bless you [who confer prosperity or happiness upon you] and curse him who curses or uses insolent language toward you; in you will all the families and kindred of the earth be blessed [and by you they will bless themselves].


I would NOT want to be in the shoes of those who are calling for the annihilation of the nation of Israel! There is no question about what THEY have coming!  Acts 13:52 says this:


52 And the disciples were continually filled [throughout their souls] with joy and the Holy Spirit.


Even though they faced persecution, even though people drove them out of some towns, the disciples were continually filled with joy! How could this be? The answer is found in the second part of that verse! They were staying continually filled with the Holy Spirit! YOU CAN, TOO! How do you do that? Ephesians 5:18-19:


18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.


That "be" is an active word that actually means "be being". Be always in the process of being filled with the Spirit! NEVER let yourself run dry! Only YOU can control that in your life! Amen! Here is Hillsong with "Most High":

Shalom  in Him!

Shalom,


Psalm 40:1-4:


1 I WAITED patiently and expectantly for the LORD; and He inclined to me and heard my cry. 2 He drew me up out of a horrible pit [a pit of tumult and of destruction], out of the miry clay (froth and slime), and set my feet upon a rock, steadying my steps and establishing my goings. 3 And He has put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many shall see and fear (revere and worship) and put their trust and confident reliance in the LORD. 4 Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man who makes the LORD his refuge and trust, and turns not to the proud or to followers of false gods.


I look at these verses today in the light of what is happening TO our nation and all over the world! God delivered each of us from something far worse than the events happening in the world today! No matter how bad things appear to be on the earth, eternal death is SO MUCH WORSE! Don't you think that the God Who defeated the devil is big enough, strong enough, and smart enough to deliver us from anything and everything that the enemy could possibly dream up? Of course He can!!! What WE have to do is to spend more time in the Word; more time in prayer; and more time in thanksgiving, praise and worship! Do NOT look to the elections as the answer! JESUS has ALWAYS been the only ANSWER! Verse 4 tells us who NOT to put our trust in! The proud (those who think they can do it without God) and the followers of false gods (Islam, Mormonism, Buddhism, etc.)! If we look to natural means, then we must be satisfied with natural results. Let's be BOLD and STRONG and really expect GOD to honor His Word and our prayer! Preach the Gospel, live the life, and speak out for those who cannot! And then pray, pray, pray! THIS is what God promises HIS people: 2 Chronicles 7:14:


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


ARE YOU READY? Here is "Blessed" by Hillsong:

Shalom  In Him!

Shalom,


Today I want to share a portion from the Daily Devotional found on the website of our partner, Jerry Savelle:

If you are in a place of misery and tears today, I want you to know that God did not create this “Valley of Baca” for you. It is the devil who brings misery. Satan comes to kill, steal, and destroy. God gives life and that more abundantly (John 10:10).

Now, I don’t want you to think that just because you have faith in God that you won’t have any more problems either. That is not true. Having faith in God creates problems because, for the first time in your life, you’ve become dangerous to the devil. The devil isn’t going to roll over and play dead just because you have decided to follow God. He hates what you stand for. He doesn’t want you filling your heart with the Word of God because that is what is dangerous to him and his operations.

The more of God’s Word that you put into your spirit, the stronger you become. No matter how strong the attack may get, you have sufficient faith to overcome the attack. The Valley of Baca will only prove where you stand. It is Satan testing you. He doesn’t know that much about you except what you reveal to him through your words and your actions.

However, God already knows you. He knows the very thoughts and intent of your heart. He doesn’t have to test you. He knows everything about you. He knows what you are going to do and not do under pressure. So, now you must show the devil what you are made of. Show him that the Word is in your heart and that you haven’t just been playing church. You may have to tell him, “If it’s a fight you want – it’s a fight your gonna get, but when the dust settles, God and I will be standing.”

If you will make this your attitude and take the Word of God and stand while you are passing through the “Valley of Baca,” you can come out stronger on the other side.

I have always liked these two "nuggets" found on The Spoken Word Church website:


"Character is not made in times of pressure, it is merely revealed."  
"A diamond is a chunk of coal that made good under pressure."


Pressure, or tests, trials, and temptations are nothing more than the opportunity to put the Word you know into action! Then let GOD confirm His Word with signs following! HE is waiting for YOU! Amen! Here is a song that reminds us what he has done in us! "Stronger" by Hillsong:

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


This, from today's "My Utmost For His Highest"  by Oswald Chambers, is really something that every believer should think about! 


........Anything that has even a hint of dejection spiritually is wrong. If I am depressed or burdened, I am to blame, not God or anyone else.


Those are pretty straight forward words! And then this:


... Lust means "I must have it at once." Spiritual lust causes me to demand an answer from God, instead of seeking God Himself, Who gives the answer.


Does that sound familiar? Look at Romans 1:25 where Paul is referring to the ungodly who refuse to acknowledge the One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible!


25 Because they exchanged the truth of God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, Who is blessed forever! Amen (so be it).


Going back to the Devotional, we see this:


...Whenever we insist that God should give us an answer to prayer we are off track. The purpose of prayer is that we get hold of God, not of the answer. .....


...One of the most amazing revelations of God comes to us when we learn that it is in the everyday things of life that we realize the magnificent deity of Jesus Christ.


When we spend time in fellowship with the One, True God, through prayer, praise and worship, study and meditation in His Word, we will find that He has ALREADY provided for everything we will ever need on this earth! Then we will be in position for the Holy Spirit to show us how to appropriate what belongs to us as children of the Most High God! Jesus said this to His disciples right before He gave His life as a sacrifice for us. John 16:23:

23 And when that time comes, you will ask nothing of Me [you will need to ask Me no questions]. I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, that My Father will grant you whatever you ask in My Name [as presenting all that I AM]. 

THAT is God's will for the Church! Are you ready to step up and take control of your life! Let's DO IT! Here is Hillsong with "For Your Name":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


I really like this from the devotional, "Heaven Calling" (put out by Zondervan) for today:

A Heart Of Flesh

Spotting someone's audacious refusal to obey me is easy, isn't it? Pharaoh's livestock was dead, many of his men lay dead in the streets from the hail I sent, and his own body was covered in boils. Yet Pharaoh still raised his fist to me.

Many who read of Pharaoh's response shake their heads -- even though they have acted in the same way. Every time someone flippantly disregards a minister's Biblical admonition - he disregards me. Every time my Spirit convicts a person and she refuses to change - she dishonors me.

You see, dear one, a heart doesn't always grow hard over big issues. Often the smallest issues develop the deepest roots and leads to longstanding attitudes of bitterness and resentment. The good news is, I can turn a stony heart into a heart of flesh. Remorse brings repentance, and that is always my goal.

2 Corinthians 7:10 says this:

10 For godly sorrow works repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world works death.

This is the "remorse" that is spoken of above! Recognize when you have failed to obey His leading and direction, confess it as sin according to 1 John 1:9, receive your forgiveness and move into "salvation"! That is the Greek word "soteria" which means:  rescue; safety; deliver; health; preservation. God desires that for us even more than we do for ourselves. Here is Hillsong with "Salvation Is Here":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


The Daily Devotional for today on The Spoken Word Church website (www.thespokenwordchurch.org) includes this:

Believe That God Wants You to be Successful

You were created to accomplish great things. You are engineered for success. You are endowed with the seeds of victory. You are God's number one interest.

Calvary revealed the intensity of His love for you. If something is good for you, He will place it within your reach.

"For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly."

(Psalms 84:11)

"If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?"

(Matthew 7:11)

The Lord our God has already more than proven His love for us by sending His only Son to die for us while we were sinners (Romans 5:8)! How much more will He cause our lives to be blessed when we obey His Word and make HIS priority OURS! Obey what you SEE in the Word of God to do, then obey the specific leading of the Holy Spirit as He directs you in your own unique and personal ministry. Philip did in our Bible Plan reading  in Acts 8 today and he was blessed! You can be too! Amen!  Here is Hillsong with "In The Mtystery":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Psalm 35:27:


27 Let those who favor my righteous cause and have pleasure in my uprightness shout for joy and be glad and say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, Who takes pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.


Did YOU know that the LORD your God takes GREAT pleasure in YOUR prosperity? The word "prosperity" here is the Hebrew word "shalom", which means: completeness, soundness, welfare, peace, safety, prosperity, happy. It is a word that describes complete LIFE and the absence of ANY lack! 3 John 2 says this:


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


God desires your well-being even more than you do for yourself! Get to really KNOW Him, through His Word and by His Spirit, so that you can be totally convinced of that TRUTH! Amen!


Here is Hillsong with "You Are More":

Shalom in him!

Shalom,


Psalm 33 was very encouraging today! Verses 4, 7, 10, 22:


4 I sought (inquired of) the LORD and required Him [of necessity and on the authority of His Word], and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. 


7 The Angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him [who revere and worship Him with awe] and each of them He delivers. 


10 The young lions lack food and suffer hunger, but they who seek (inquire of and require) the LORD [by right of their need and on the authority of His Word], none of them shall lack any beneficial thing.


22 The LORD redeems the lives of His servants, and none of those who take refuge and trust in Him shall be condemned or held guilty.


Thank You, Jesus! Then I was challenged by the devotional for today in "My Utmost For His Highest" by Oswald Chambers! 1 Peter 4:12:


12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trials when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.


If we do think the things we encounter are strange, it is because we are fearful and cowardly. We pay such close attention to our own interests and desires that we stay out of the mire and say, "I won't submit; I won't bow or bend." And you don't have to - you can be saved by the "skin of your teeth" if you like. You can refuse to let God count you as one who is "separated to the Gospel". Or you can say, "I don't care it I am treated like `the filth of the world` as long as the Gospel is proclaimed." A true servant of Jesus Christ is one who is willing to experience martyrdom for the reality of the Gospel of God. When a moral person is confronted with contempt, immorality, disloyalty, or dishonesty, he is so repulsed by the offense that he turns away and in despair closes his heart to the offender. But the miracle of the redemptive reality of God is that the worst and the vilest offender can never exhaust the depths of His love. Paul did not say that God separated him to show what a wonderful man He could make him, but "to reveal His Son in me.." (Galatians 1:16).


Now we KNOW that we are not save by "the skin of our teeth", but by the Blood of the Lamb! BUT, what ARE we doing with the precious gift of LIFE that has been given to us? I saw this quote by Riley Stephenson, the Minister of Evangelism for EMIC and KCM. 


If we are afraid to share our faith, is it a fear problem or a lack of love? Check out 1 John 4:18


18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear: because fear has torment. He that fears is not made perfect in love.


Let's really be about our Father's business of bringing LIFE to people! Amen! Here is Hillsong with "No Reason To Hide":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


I LOVE this from Psalm 33 today! This gives confidence in the face of all that is going on in the world, including our own nation, that is ungodly and unholy! Verses 10-12:


10 The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to naught; He makes the thoughts and plans of the peoples of no effect. 11 The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the thoughts of His heart through all generations. 12 Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people He has chosen as His heritage.


Keep your eyes on HIM by staying in the Word daily, praying in the Spirit daily, fellow-shipping with like-minded believers daily, and you will be able to stay "UP" in this very "down" world system! God DOES know what He's doing! Look at verses 4-9:


4 For the Word of the LORD is right; and all His work is done in faithfulness. 5 He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the loving-kindness of the LORD. 6 By the Word of the LORD were the heavens made, and all their host by the breath of His mouth. 7 He gathers the waters of the sea as in a bottle; He puts the deeps in storage places. 8 let all the earth fear the LORD [revere and worship Him]; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him. 9 For He spoke, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.


Encourage yourself daily that our God IS God! He will NOT bow to the gods of this world! THEY will ALL bow to HIM! Amen! Here is Robin Marks with "You're The Lion Of Judah". Click through to You Tube to see the lyrics!

Shalom in Him!