Shalom,


The devotion for today in Kenneth E. Hagin's Faith Food is so very good that I HAVE to share it with you!


Conductor Of Life
June 30, 2012

"God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life" (1 John 5:11-12). 

Jesus said, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature … and these signs shall follow them that believe" (Mark 16:15,17). 

One of these signs Jesus said would follow believers - not the Early Church, not apostles, not pastors, not preachers, but believers - is, " …they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover" (Mark 16:18). 

Why? Because the life of God is in believers! 

Sometimes people are specially anointed to minister healing, but that isn't what Mark 16 is talking about! Every born-again believer has the life of God, the nature of God, the God-kind of life, in him - and by the laying on of hands, that life can be imparted into the physical bodies of others! 

That's why you should lay hands on the sick. When you lay hands on them, that life of God in you is conducted through your hands to others. Often, you'll be conscious of that life flowing right out of you into them. 

You've got the life of God in you! You've got the nature of God in you! God's a healing God. Put God's power to work! That's how God works - through your own hands. God's not here on earth in Person, but He is in you by His Spirit! 

Confession: I am a believing one. I have the life of God in me. And God is a healing God. I lay hands on the sick, and they recover. 

Notice that it is NOT just apostles, pastors or preachers, but ALL believers in Jesus of Nazareth! Every born again believer has the Life and nature of the One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible living IN them! That means YOU! It is GOD, personally present in YOU, Who will heal the people, but the first step is ours! Becoming Spirit-filled, and spending time every day in the Word of God, will bring a greater understanding of this to you, but the LIFE is in you NOW! Look at 1 John 5:11-12 again. Do YOU "have the Son"? Are YOU 'born again"? Then that LIFE is IN you! Pour HIM out to the lost and hurting and let HIM do the work! Amen! Here is Hillsong United with a song I have used before, but it is VERY appropriate! "Lost Are Found" (lyrics follow):

"The Lost Are Found"

Everlasting

While earthly ages fade

In mercy

Our God Your kingdom reigns

Lord over everything

You are near

All of the universe at Your feet

In the Savior

Injustice brought to right

For Your glory

That Your name be lifted high

Lord over everything

You are near

All of the universe at Your feet

Lord over everything

You are near

All of the universe at Your feet

The lost are found

The blind will see

The lame will walk

The dead will live

And You are God

Forever You will reign

[x3]

Lord over everything

You are near

All of the universe at Your feet

Lord over everything

You are near

All of the universe at Your feet

The lost are found

The blind will see

The lame will walk

The dead will live

And You are God

Forever You will reign

[x8]

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Proverbs 29:23 says this:


²³A man's pride will bring him low, but he who is of a humble spirit will obtain honor.


"Pride" here is the Hebrew word "ga`avah". It means: arrogance, haughtiness, pride, swelling. Remember that this is the pride of MAN! It is having confidence in ourselves apart from God. There are many today who have turned away from the One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible and put their confidence in themselves! This verse says that this will "bring him low". This is the Hebrew word "shaphel", which means: to depress or sink; to humiliate; to bring down; to humble; to abase. The word "humble" in this verse is "shaphal", which is a form of the word "shaphel" from above. The difference between the two is that, where the previous person is one who thinks more highly of himself than he ought to and is brought down to size; this person realizes that they are nothing without God and they CHOOSE to submit to HIS authority. When WE choose to put ourselves under HIS authority, then HE is free to lift us up! The word "honor" here is the Hebrew word "kabowd", which means: splendor, copiousness, glory, honor, abundance, riches, dignity, reputation, reverence, wealth. Look at 1 Peter 5:6:


6 So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. NLT

It doesn't really COST to serve God, it PAYS, BIG TIME! Amen! Here is Hillsong United with "Like Incense/Sometimes By Step":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Proverbs 28:2 says this:


    ²When a land transgresses, it has many rulers, but when the ruler is a man of discernment, understanding, and knowledge, its stability will long continue.


THAT is a great picture of the USA right now! There are very many unelected and ungodly people making decisions and having input that have no business doing so! We need to be praying for godly people in the next election so that this nation can have stability once again! Verse 4-5 show the contrast between the effect of the godly and the ungodly on a nation:


 ⁴Those who forsake the law [of God and man] praise the wicked, but those who keep the law [of God and man] contend with them. ⁵Evil men do not understand justice, but they who crave and seek the Lord understand it fully.

What do we need to do? 2 Chronicles 7:14 is a very good place to start!

14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.  KJV

Notice that it doesn't take everyone, just God's people. Those who are called by His Name! To humble ourselves means to accept something we don't deserve. WE may not have sinned, but we must stand in the gap for those who have! Then we must confess the sins of the nation and then expect GOD to do HIS part! When we do that, and THEN do our part in the natural by supporting godly candidates, registering to vote and then VOTING, God can and will get involved! Proverbs 28:28 is what we can look forward to!


²⁸When the wicked rise [to power], men hide themselves; but when they perish, the [consistently] righteous increase and become many.


We are expecting this president to be removed from office, so that his administration will "perish", or "be done with", causing the rise of righteousness again! Don't assume that everyone else is doing it, so YOU can slide by! Determine to be obedient to the Word, even if YOU are the only one! I guarantee that you won't be! Will YOU be the difference? I hope so! Here, appropriately, is Hillsong United with "The Difference":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


1 Peter 2:6-8 show us WHY there is such a vicious attack taking place on Chrisitanity in our times!


6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believes on him shall not be confounded.  7 Unto you therefore which believe He is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the Stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,  8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.  KJV


God sent Jesus, and THEY have rejected HIM! It is NOT a rejection of people, but of God! This is NOT taking God by surprise and HE will show us what WE are to do about it! Verses 9-10 describe US!



9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that you should shew forth the praises of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvellous light:10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.  KJV

God has chosen YOU, from before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4), to be a Living Epistle (2 Corinthians 3:2), NOW, in THIS time! There is nothing that can happen that you and I are not abundantly equipped and anointed to handle! ALL will be for the Glory of God, and for the purpose of bringing the Light of Life into the darkness of the world! Amen! You CAN do it, so GO FOR IT! Here is Chris Tomlin with "Chosen Generation":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Anyone who knows me well knows that I LOVE the Word of God and that I am "stickler" for the Word. "Stickler", according to the dictionary: stick·ler (st k l r). n. 1. One who insists on something unyieldingly. THAT'S me! They also know that my personal favorite verses are found in Philippians 3:8-11. Paul prepared the crowd for these verse by telling of his background and his worldly "right" to boast! Then he said this:


    ⁸Yes, furthermore, I count everything as loss compared to the possession of the priceless privilege (the overwhelming preciousness, the surpassing worth, and supreme advantage) of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord and of progressively becoming more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him [of perceiving and recognizing and understanding Him more fully and clearly]. For His sake I have lost everything and consider it all to be mere rubbish (refuse, dregs), in order that I may win (gain) Christ (the Anointed One),  ⁹And that I may [actually] be found and known as in Him, not having any [self-achieved] righteousness that can be called my own, based on my obedience to the Law's demands (ritualistic uprightness and supposed right standing with God thus acquired), but possessing that [genuine righteousness] which comes through faith in Christ (the Anointed One), the [truly] right standing with God, which comes from God by [saving] faith. 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 [which it exerts over believers], 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] ¹¹That if possible I may attain to the [spiritual and moral] resurrection [that lifts me] out from among the dead [even while in the body].

Paul considered that there was NOTHING that this world has to offer that is as precious and as valuable as KNOWING our LORD JESUS! I feel the same way! "Know" in verse 10 is the Greek word "ginosko". Strong's Concordance says: to know absolutely in a variety of applications and with many implications. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: to learn to know, to come to know, to get knowledge of, to understand, to perceive. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: to be taking in knowledge; to come to know, recognize, understand; to understand completely. This is a life-long process that brings us ever closer in intimate fellowship with Him! Paul also tells us, in verse 10, that THIS is the way to understand (and be able to operate in) the POWER that is necessary for us to do the works of Jesus, and the greater works that Jesus Himself said we are to walk in! This is MY goal! How about you? Here is Hillsong United with "To Know Your Name":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Proverbs 25:2:


It is the glory of God to conceal a thing, but the glory of kings is to search out a thing.


God has hidden wonderful mysteries and secrets within His Word FOR us who have received Jesus of Nazareth as Lord and personal Saviour to search and find! He WANTS us to find them! They are not hidden from US, but from the world! Do you WANT to know these wonderful secrets? First you must WANT to know! Hosea 6:3a says this:

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

Having that attitude is the prerequisite! Do you remember the story of the Hebrew children whom God honored for their faith and faithfulness? Here is Kenneth E. Hagin's Faith Food for today:

Knowledge And Skill

June 25, 2012

"As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams" (Dan. 1:17). 

"God gave them knowledge and skill." 

God gave Daniel and the other three Hebrew children, knowledge and all skill. Eternal life is the nature of God. You've got God's nature in you. Know that! Believe that! Confess that! Then that nature will begin to dominate you! 

Learn to walk in the light of life. Learn to put that life into practice in your being. Walking in the light of that life will enhance your entire personality, and will increase your intelligence. 

Confession: I am a new creation. I am born again. I am a new creature. I have the life and nature of God in my spirit. That life is the light of men. I purpose to walk in the light of life. God's life is in me. God's knowledge is in me. God's skill is in me. God's ability is in me. God's wisdom is in me. He is instructing me. He is leading me. I am a child of God. The Spirit of God in me is leading me. I'll follow His leading. I'll walk in the light of life. 


Amen! Here is Hillsong with "Unending Love":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Proverbs 24:3-6 says this:


 ³Through 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], ⁴And by knowledge shall its chambers [of every area] be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.  ⁵A wise man is strong and is better than a strong man, and a man of knowledge increases and strengthens his power; ⁶For by wise counsel you can wage your war, and in an abundance of counselors there is victory and safety.

Remember that "skillful and godly Wisdom" is referring to the Word of God! John 17:17 says this about the Word of God:


17 Sanctify them [purify, consecrate, separate them for Yourself, make them holy] by the Truth; Your Word is Truth. AMP

So now that we have established that the Word of God is TRUTH, I want to share with you a portion of the devotion from today in Bob Yandian's "Morning Moments":

FACT vs. TRUTH

1 Timothy 1:18-19 (ESV)

This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith...

The situations and circumstances of the natural world are FACTS. The promises given by God in His Word are TRUTH. If your body is sick, that is simply a fact. The Word says you are healed. That is the Truth. Facts are subject to change, but Truth will never change. Whether you are sick or well, God's Word will always say, "...by whose stripes you were healed." (1 Peter 2:24) Whether you are living in abundance or lack, God's Word will always say, "Beloved, I wish above all things that you may proper..." (3 John 2). 

For every situation that you face, their will be facts that line up with the Truth, and facts that do not! We must be meditating on the Word of God in order to recognize the Truth! When we see facts that do NOT line up with the Truth, we must change them with the Truth! Speak God's Word over every area of your life and see the FACTS changed by the TRUTH! Amen! Here is "Break Free" by Hillsong United:

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


In Kenneth E. Hagin's Faith Food for today, the Scripture is Daniel 1:8: 


8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.  KJV

The word "purposed" here is the Hebrew word "suwm" or "siym". It means: to put, to place, to set, to direct, to ordain, to establish, to determine. Daniel determined that he was NOT going to go against the Word of God and be defiled by the ways of the heathen. Here it is in the Amplified Bible:

8 But Daniel determined in his heart that he would not defile himself by [eating his portion of] the king's rich and dainty food or by [drinking] the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might [be allowed] not to defile himself. AMP

When Daniel set his mind and heart to follow God, no matter what, God showed up and Daniel received the results he desired of God! We see this same type of decision made by Paul in Philippians 3:10-11:

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 [which it exerts over believers], 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

What is YOUR "determined purpose"? What are YOU unwilling to compromise with the world on? Whenever we make an "I will NOT be moved from God's Word" stand, God Himself will back us up! That does NOT mean that it will always be an easy decision for our flesh to make. In fact, most of the time our flesh nature will rebel! But that is precisely the time to set the record straight once and for all that as for YOU, it is ALWAYS God's Word first! Then you can truly say: "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord"! Amen! Here is Carman with "I Will Serve The Lord". Click through to You Tube and click on "see  more" to see the lyrics! 

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


The Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan for today includes Proverbs 22. Verse 6 says this:


⁶Train up a child in the way he should go [and in keeping with his individual gift or bent], and when he is old he will not depart from it.


I have always loved this verse in the Amplified Bible because it recognizes the very distinct individuality of each human being! Every baby born into this world has an individual and unique calling and plan of God for their life! It is the responsibility of the parents to pray and recognize the gifts and talents that God has given to each child and to nurture them. To train means so much more than just to teach! It is a hands-on action that involves being an example of diligence, faithfulness, patience, love and acceptance. SHOW them how to best use their gifts and talents. If you don't have any skills in that area, then trust the Holy Spirit to lead, guide and direct you to someone who does! Training children involves so much more than just feeding them, clothing them and giving them a place to live! As parents we will NEVER be perfect, but when we do what WE can do, God will fill in for our weaknesses! Part of this training is found in verse 15:


    ¹⁵Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him.


This is NOT something done in anger, frustration or impatience! Correction is the key word here! The rod, or spanking, is to be used for deliberately defiant behavior and accompanied by the Word of God to show that! Done in love, with the proper training, this will cause the  child to  understand boundaries and how to control themselves. Remember, these are GOD'S Words, not mine! But I do know, from experience, that it works! No one wants to spend time around an undisciplined child or adult! Don't rob your child of the opportunity to succeed by failing to train and discipline them according to the Word of God! They will become a delight to you AND to the world! Amen! Here are a few pictures that i found that are very inspiring!

Shalom in Him!

Shalom, 


Ephesians 4:1-3:


 ¹I THEREFORE, the prisoner for the Lord, appeal to and beg you to walk (lead a life) worthy of the [divine] calling to which you have been called [with behavior that is a credit to the summons to God's service,  ²Living as becomes you] with complete lowliness of mind (humility) and meekness (unselfishness, gentleness, mildness), with patience, bearing with one another and making allowances because you love one another.   ³Be eager and strive earnestly to guard and keep the harmony and oneness of [and produced by] the Spirit in the binding power of peace.


THIS is the kind of life that we are supposed to be living so that the lost and hurting will be drawn to us. So many times believers try to DO the right things when it's really all about our attitudes and how we treat people. There is a reason that we are told in Philippians 4:8 what things to think about. What we think about is what we will say and what we will eventually do. The devotional, "God Calling", says this for today:

June 21 - See As I See

I bless you.  I promise you release.  Joy in Me.  You shall be shielded from the storm.

Wonders have unfolded.  Just to come before Me and stay for a while in My Presence - this must strengthen and help you.  Learn of Me.  The only way for so many in My world to keep calm, sane, is to have the mind which is in Jesus Christ.  The mind which is in Me. That mind you can never obtain by reasoning, or by reading, but only by living with Me and sharing My Life. Think much of Me. Speak much of Me.  See others as I see them.  Let nothing less satisfy you.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly
 in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  For my yoke
 is easy, and my burden is light.  Matthew 11:29-30

The only way to consistently walk in love and see people the way that Jesus sees people is to spend time in His presence through prayer, praise and worship, study and meditation of His Word and intimate fellowship with Him. When we do that we will begin to think more like Him, then we will begin to speak more like Him and we will act more like Him! THAT is the only true unity! Here is a little different version of "Touching Heaven, Changing Earth" by Hillsong:

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Proverbs 20:1 says this:


¹WINE IS a mocker, strong drink a riotous brawler; and whoever errs or reels because of it is not wise.


 Notice that this does NOT say that those who drink wine are sinning. It says that those who "err" or "reel" because of it are NOT wise! This is referring to drunkenness! Read Ephesians 5:18:

18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but ever be filled and stimulated with the [Holy] Spirit.  AMP

Drunkenness is a very dangerous state for the born again believer to be in. The enemy would like nothing better than to trip you up at your most vulnerable time! That's just "how he rolls"! Don't ever get yourself to the point where you are no longer in control. Now I would say with Paul that "I wish that all men were like I myself am [in this matter of self-control]" (1 Corinthians 7:7). It is so much easier to NOT have to deal with this stuff at all! I will have nothing to do with it for the very reason that I don't want to EVER give place to the devil! Protect your heart with all diligence (Proverbs 4:23), for out of YOUR heart will come exactly what you have been putting in! Amen!


Here is Hillsong United with "Light Will Shine":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


I love this quote that I found on Twitter:


"Organic Christianity is more about God living through you than your living for Him."


The devotional for today from "My Utmost For His Highest" says this so very well that I am just going to share the entire thing here:

. . . do you love Me? . . . Tend My sheep —John 21:16

Jesus did not say to make converts to your way of thinking, but He said to look after His sheep, to see that they get nourished in the knowledge of Him. We consider what we do in the way of Christian work as service, yet Jesus Christ calls service to be what we areto Him, not what we do for Him. Discipleship is based solely on devotion to Jesus Christ, not on following after a particular belief or doctrine. “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate . . . , he cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:26). In this verse, there is no argument and no pressure from Jesus to follow Him; He is simply saying, in effect, “If you want to be My disciple, you must be devoted solely to Me.” A person touched by the Spirit of God suddenly says, “Now I see who Jesus is!”— that is the source of devotion.

Today we have substituted doctrinal belief for personal belief, and that is why so many people are devoted to causes and so few are devoted to Jesus Christ. People do not really want to be devoted to Jesus, but only to the cause He started. Jesus Christ is deeply offensive to the educated minds of today, to those who only want Him to be their Friend, and who are unwilling to accept Him in any other way. Our Lord’s primary obedience was to the will of His Father, not to the needs of people— the saving of people was the natural outcome of His obedience to the Father. If I am devoted solely to the cause of humanity, I will soon be exhausted and come to the point where my love will waver and stumble. But if I love Jesus Christ personally and passionately, I can serve humanity, even though people may treat me like a “doormat.” The secret of a disciple’s life is devotion to Jesus Christ, and the characteristic of that life is its seeming insignificance and its meekness. Yet it is like a grain of wheat that “falls into the ground and dies”— it will spring up and change the entire landscape (John 12:24).:


The most important thing that we, as born again believers, can do is:


 Matthew 22:37: Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'


Make HIM your #1 priority and everything else in your life will fall right into place! Here is a song I have used before, but when WE love HIM, we WILL be the difference to the lost! Hillsong United with "The Difference":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Proverbs 18:1-3:


¹HE WHO willfully separates and estranges himself [from God and man] seeks his own desire and pretext to break out against all wise and sound judgment.  ²A [self-confident] fool has no delight in understanding but only in revealing his personal opinions and himself.  ³When the wicked comes in [to the depth of evil], he becomes a contemptuous despiser [of all that is pure and good], and with inner baseness comes outer shame and reproach.


Does this sound familiar to you? What this is saying is that when people, by the choice of their free will, choose to go against God's Word, then they will cease to operate in even common sense! They will not only lack good judgement, but they will even despise anything and everything that is good and true and right! Do you see that happening today? Verses 20-21 go on to say this:


²⁰A man's [moral] self shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; and with the consequence of his words he must be satisfied [whether good or evil]. ²¹Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life].

The words that these foolish, stubborn and willfully ignorant people are speaking are bearing fruit in their lives! They don't like the harvest they are reaping, but are blaming anyone and everyone but themselves! They even blame the One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible Who gave them the right to choose for themselves! I choose to be the person who DOES verse 10 and I hope that you do, too:


¹⁰The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the [consistently] righteous man [upright and in right standing with God] runs into it and is safe, high [above evil] and strong.


When we do that, then we will be the people of verse 4:


   ⁴The 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].


Let's be the ones who agree with and speak God's Word, bringing Life into every situation! Amen! Here is Hillsong United with one of my very favorite songs! "Yours Forever":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


At our Worship Service at The Spoken Word Church yesterday, Pastor Bill Novak continued with the second lesson in his series on Faith. One of the things we looked at is found in Romans 12:3:

3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. KJV

This "measure" is the Greek word "metron", which means: a limited portion; a determined extent; a portion measured off. What this means is that God has given every believer the same measured portion of the God kind of Faith! What we DO with that faith will cause it to either increase or decrease! Romans 10:17 tells us how to increase that "measure" of faith:

17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. KJV

If we want to increase our faith, we MUST be continually hearing the Word of God! Spend time every day hearing, reading, studying, meditating on and acting on the Word of God and your faith will grow! There are no limits to the measure that our faith CAN have! It's all in the choices! Do you want to know what the "God kind of Faith is"? Look at Romans 4:17 in the KJV, AMP and ESV Bibles:

17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.KJV

17 As it is written, I have made you the father of many nations. [He was appointed our father] in the sight of God in Whom he believed, Who gives life to the dead and speaks of the nonexistent things that [He has foretold and promised] as if they [already] existed. AMP

17 as it is written, "I have made you the father of many nations"—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.ESV

God DESIRES for us to have and walk in HIS Faith! Make your measure of faith grow until you reach the point that doubt does not affect you, but you can stand and believe Him for anything and everything that you need and desire! HE is well pleased when we do so! Amen! Here is Hillsong with "Hosanna":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Today's entry in Kenneth E. Hagin's "Faith Food" is all about the Greek word "zoe"! We have an article on "Zoe" on The Spoken Word Church website. I will share it with you here:

Zoe (pronounced dzo' ay) is a small Greek word with a big meaning. Simply put, Zoe means life. Not just life as we think of it (living or being alive), but the word Zoe means eternal life, never-ending life, God's life. Zoe is life as God has in Himself! The God kind of life! John 1:1 says "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." John 1:4 says, "In Him (the word, Jesus) was life (Zoe!)." 1 John 5:11-12 says, "...God has given us eternal life (Zoe) and this life (Zoe) is in His Son (Jesus). He that has the Son (Jesus) has life (Zoe), and he that has not the Son of God (Jesus) has not life (Zoe). Jesus also said this in 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). 

If you have received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, then you have Zoe, life, God's life inside of you. The same life that is in God is in you! You can truly say with Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (with His life!)." If you have never received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, then you do not have this life in you. Is there any reason you can't receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior right now? Pray this prayer so that you, too, can be filled with His LIFE!

Almighty God, I am a sinner. I believe that Jesus Christ came to this earth, died on the cross for me, was raised from the dead, and is now seated at Your right hand. I accept and receive Jesus Christ as my personal Saviour and I invite Him to come into my heart and become Lord over my life. I thank You now Father, for welcoming me into Your family. You are my Father. I am Your child. Jesus is my Lord! Amen.   

Now you MUST get involved in a good local church where you can be taught the Word of God and be in fellowship with a like-minded family of believers who will love you and support you! I KNOW that The Spoken Word Church is a GREAT local church! let us know where YOU are and we will help you find one in your area!  Here to encourage you is Hillsong with "Mighty To Save":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


I want you to notice something about these verses in Proverbs 15:

8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination, hateful and exceedingly offensive to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is His delight! AMP

9 The way of the wicked is an abomination, extremely disgusting and shamefully vile to the Lord, but He loves him who pursues righteousness (moral and spiritual rectitude in every area and relation). AMP


26 The thoughts of the wicked are shamefully vile and exceedingly offensive to the Lord, but the words of the pure are pleasing words to Him. AMP

29 The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the [consistently] righteous (the upright, in right standing with Him). AMP

Notice that in verses 8, 9 and 26 it is the sacrifice, the way, and the thoughts of the wicked that are hateful, exceedingly offensive, extremely disgusting, and shamefully vile to the LORD! It is NOT the people! Remember that John 3:16-17 says:

16 For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life. 17 For God did not send the Son into the world in order to judge (to reject, to condemn, to pass sentence on) the world, but that the world might find salvation and be made safe and sound through Him. AMP


God LOVES the people so very much that He gave the costliest gift ever given! He LOVES the people, but HATES the sin that keeps unbelievers from becoming believers and keeps believers from enjoying close, intimate fellowship with HIM! Notice verse 29 above! The LORD is far from the wicked because THEY have chosen to NOT receive Jesus of Nazareth as Lord and personal Savior! It is ALWAYS our choice! Choose wisely! Hate sin, but love the sinner! Love them enough that you are willing to give of your time, energy and resources to see to it that the Gospel is preached to everyone you know and then the entire world! All of Heaven rejoices at the New Birth of every believer (Luke 15:7)!


Here is a Hillsong United with "Tell The World":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


The words fool, foolish, foolishness and folly are found throughout Proverbs 14. They DO NOT mean someone who is mentally impaired, feeble-minded or  unable to learn. These are people who have the ability to learn and know and be wise, but choose NOT to do it! Here are the verses containing some of these words:

1 EVERY WISE woman builds her house, but the foolish one tears it down with her own hands. AMP

3 In the fool's own mouth is a rod [to shame] his pride, but the wise men's lips preserve them. AMP

7 Go from the presence of a foolish and self-confident man, for you will not find knowledge on his lips. AMP

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. AMP

9 Fools make a mock of sin and sin mocks the fools [who are its victims; a sin offering made by them only mocks them, bringing them disappointment and disfavor], but among the upright there is the favor of God. AMP

16 A wise man suspects danger and cautiously avoids evil, but the fool bears himself insolently and is [presumptuously] confident. AMP

17 He who foams up quickly and flies into a passion deals foolishly, and a man of wicked plots and plans is hated. AMP

18 The simple acquire folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. AMP

24 The crown of the wise is their wealth of Wisdom, but the foolishness of [self-confident] fools is [nothing but] folly. AMP

33 Wisdom rests [silently] in the mind and heart of him who has understanding, but that which is in the inward part of [self-confident] fools is made known. AMP

The definitions of some of these Hebrew words used are: silliness, thoughtless, silly, lacks wisdom, a morally undesirable individual who despises discipline, an arrogant one, an insolent one, an enemy of God, having knowledge but not knowing! Do you remember  2 Timothy 3:7 that says "Ever learning, but never able to come to the knowledge of the Truth"? THAT is a fool! They don't learn because they don't want to! It all goes back to CHOICES! Choose THIS DAY whether YOU will be a fool or will you be a disciple who loves and learns God's Word? Choose wisely, this choice will affect every area of your life! Here is "Like An Avalanche" by Hillsong United.

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Galatians 2:20-21 should be very familiar to any believer. I want to share it with you today from four different Bible versions. Here is the New Living Translation, the Complete Jewish Bible, the Amplified Bible, and the Message Bible:


20 My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die. New Living Translation  

20 When the Messiah was executed on the stake as a criminal, I was too; so that my proud ego no longer lives. But the Messiah lives in me, and the life I now live in my body I live by the same trusting faithfulness that the Son of God had, who loved me and gave himself up for me. 21 I do not reject God’s gracious gift; for if the way in which one attains righteousness is through legalism, then the Messiah’s death was pointless. CJB

20 I have been crucified with Christ [in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ (the Messiah) lives in me; and the life I now live in the body I live by faith in (by adherence to and reliance on and complete trust in) the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself up for me. 21 [Therefore, I do not treat God's gracious gift as something of minor importance and defeat its very purpose]; I do not set aside and invalidate and frustrate and nullify the grace (unmerited favor) of God. For if justification (righteousness, acquittal from guilt) comes through [observing the ritual of] the Law, then Christ (the Messiah) died groundlessly and to no purpose and in vain. [His death was then wholly superfluous.] AMP

20 Christ's life showed me how, and enabled me to do it. I identified myself completely with him. Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ. My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life you see me living is not "mine," but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I am not going to go back on that. Is it not clear to you that to go back to that old rule-keeping, peer-pleasing religion would be an abandonment of everything personal and free in my relationship with God? I refuse to do that, to repudiate God's grace. If a living relationship with God could come by rule-keeping, then Christ died unnecessarily. THE MESSAGE

The complete price for our Salvation has been paid! There is nothing left for the sinner to do except to receive this free-to-us gift! If you HAVE, then you are, right now, a member of the family of God, with Heaven as your home when you leave this earth and the Kingdom of God as your source right now! If you HAVE NOT, then WHY NOT? Believe in your heart and pray THIS prayer right now! Then live the rest of your earthly life by faith in everything that HE has already done! Amen! 


Almighty God, I am a sinner. I believe that Jesus Christ came to this earth, died on the cross for me, was raised from the dead, and is now seated at Your right hand. I accept and receive Jesus Christ as my personal Saviour and I invite Him to come into my heart and become Lord over my life. I thank You now Father, for welcoming me into Your family. You are my Father. I am Your child. Jesus is my Lord! Amen.  

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


Proverbs 12:11 in the Amplified Bible, the New Living Translation and The Message:

11 He who tills his land shall be satisfied with bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits is lacking in sense and is without understanding. AMP

11 A hard worker has plenty of food,  but a person who chases fantasies has no sense. New Living Translation 

11 The one who stays on the job has food on the table; the witless chase whims and fancies. THE MESSAGE

I truly believe that many of the problems that we face in this nation today are a direct result of a very warped work ethic that has been developed and passed on. So many young people no longer follow a dream that comes from the inside, but look to stats for salaries and benefits and job markets before they decide what field to pursue. Every person ever born into this world has been given special and unique gifts, talents, strengths, interests and callings. Proverbs 22:6 (Amplified) gives specific instructions to parents to nurture these:


6 Train up a child in the way he should go [and in keeping with his individual gift or bent], and when he is old he will not depart from it. AMP

This involves training them in the Word, but ALSO in the areas that God has gifted them! That is one of the reasons that we see so many dissatisfied people who are working in jobs they despise! A very important question to ask yourself when determining YOUR  career choice is: What would I love to do, whether I got paid for it or not? Pursue your God-given and God-equipped dreams and HE will lead you step by step in it and on to success! Here is "Go" by Hillsong United! Let's find what GOD wants us to do and GO!

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


John 21:25 says:


 ²⁵And there are also many other things which Jesus did. If they should be all recorded one by one [in detail], I suppose that even the world itself could not contain (have room for) the books that would be written.


We don't have a record of every single thing that Jesus did during His earthly ministry, but we DO have a record of every type of thing that He did! Everything needful for US to know in order to get started in our ministry (2 Corinthians 5:18) has been revealed! All of the rest is for God to reveal in HIS time! We have enough to do to meditate on what He DID, because WE are supposed to be doing the same things, and even greater things than HE did! Let's get to know HIM better and the "works" will follow! AMEN!


Here is Hillsong United with "Lost Are Found"

Shalom in Him!