Shalom,

This week we have been looking inwardly a lot, examining ourselves to see how WE are doing in our obedience to the Word of God! Today's Bible Reading is another look at ourselves! We begin in Proverbs 1 and I want to look at verses 1-7:

1 THE PROVERBS (truths obscurely expressed, maxims, and parables) of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: 2 That people may know skillful and godly Wisdom and instruction, discern and comprehend the words of understanding and insight, 3 Receive instruction in wise dealing and the discipline of wise thoughtfulness, righteousness, justice, and integrity, 4 That prudence may be given to the simple, and knowledge, discretion, and discernment to the youth —  5 The wise also will hear and increase in learning, and the person of understanding will acquire skill and attain to sound counsel [so that he may be able to steer his course rightly] —  [Prov 9:9.] 6 That people may understand a proverb and a figure of speech or an enigma with its interpretation, and the words of the wise and their dark sayings or riddles. 7 The reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is the beginning and the principal and choice part of knowledge [its starting point and its essence]; but fools despise skillful and godly Wisdom, instruction, and discipline. AMP

In verse 4, the word "simple" is the Hebrew word "pethiy", which means: silly or seducible. These Proverbs were given to give "subtilty", the Hebrew word "`ormah", which means: discretion, shrewdness, prudence, wisdom. The answer for silliness and immaturity is to meditate on the Word of God so that the Word can bring wisdom to us! The "silly" person simply hasn't grown up yet! In verse 7 we see that a "fool" will despise Godly wisdom! This is the Hebrew word ""`ewil", which means: a morally undesirable person who despises wisdom and discipline. Where the "simple" require growing up, the "fool" requires a complete change of attitude! If YOU have been "simple" then get into the Word of God and act on what you find! You WILL grow up in the things of God! If you have been a "fool", then repent! Change your thinking to agree with God and His Word! Stop despising the Word and start disciplining yourself to know Him a little more very day! THEN you will NOT be simple OR a fool! AMEN! Here is Hillsong United with a song that is new to me called "All Day":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

On Wednesday we looked at Psalm 148 and the Hebrew word "halal", which is translated "praise" here. Remember that the meaning of this word is: to be clear, to shine, to make a show, to boast, to be clamorously foolish, to rave, to celebrate, to stultify. The Dictionary definition of "stultify" is: to make, or cause to appear, foolish or ridiculous.  I then encouraged you to DO this. Psalm 150 is INSTRUCTING us in every verse to do this! So, how have YOU been doing with this most important instruction from God's Word? If you have AND if you haven't, TODAY is a perfect day to increase your participation! AMEN! Here is all of Psalm 150, so that you can see for yourself that what I am saying is TRUTH! 

1 PRAISE THE Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in the heavens of His power! 2 Praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him according to the abundance of His greatness!  [Deut 3:24; Ps 145:5,6.] 3 Praise Him with trumpet sound; praise Him with lute and harp! 4 Praise Him with tambourine and [single or group] dance; praise Him with stringed and wind instruments or flutes! 5 Praise Him with resounding cymbals; praise Him with loud clashing cymbals! 6 Let everything that has breath and every breath of life praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!) AMP

Are YOU breathing? Then THIS is for YOU! Here, to assist you in this praise, is Hillsong with "Everything That Has Breath":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Rev 7:11-12:

11 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, 12 Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and THANKSGIVING, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen. KJV

Have a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving Day, thanking the One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible for EVERY good thing in YOUR life! AMEN! Here is Hillsong with "Thank You":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Psalm 148 is a great Psalm to lead us into Thanksgiving Day tomorrow! Not one living being is left out of this instruction to praise HIM! "Praise" here is the Hebrew word "halal". We have looked at it many times on this blog! It means: to be clear, to shine, to make a show, to boast, to be clamorously foolish, to rave, to celebrate, to stultify. The Dictionary definition of "stultify" is: to make, or cause to appear, foolish or ridiculous. When was the last time that YOU praised HIM with your entire being, holding nothing back, to the point that if anyone saw you, you would appear foolish and ridiculous to them? I know that some of you have NEVER done so! I encourage you to do so! There is something entirely life changing in giving your ALL to HIM in praise! He IS the One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible! The God of all creation! The God of our Salvation! AMEN! Here, to inspire you, is all of Psalm 148 from the Amplified Bible:

1 PRAISE THE Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise Him in the heights! 

2 Praise Him, all His angels, praise Him, all His hosts! 

3 Praise Him, sun and moon, praise Him, all you stars of light! 

4 Praise Him, you highest heavens and you waters above the heavens! 

5 Let them praise the name of the Lord, for He commanded and they were created. 

6 He also established them forever and ever; He made a decree which shall not pass away [He fixed their bounds which cannot be passed over]. 

7 Praise the Lord from the earth, you sea monsters and all deeps! 

8 You lightning, hail, fog, and frost, you stormy wind fulfilling His orders! 

9 Mountains and all hills, fruitful trees and all cedars! 

10 Beasts and all cattle, creeping things and flying birds! 

11 Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers and judges of the earth! 

12 Both young men and maidens, old men and children! 

13 Let them praise and exalt the name of the Lord, for His name alone is exalted and supreme! His glory and majesty are above earth and heaven! 

14 He has lifted up a horn for His people [giving them power, prosperity, dignity, and preeminence], a song of praise for all His godly ones, for the people of Israel, who are near to Him. Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!) AMP

And now, to encourage you and assist you in doing this, here is Hillsong United with "Take It All":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

I want to share this from Jerry Savelle's devotional for today! He speaks of Psalm 112, so let's look at verse 1 first:

1 PRAISE THE Lord! (Hallelujah!) Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man who fears (reveres and worships) the Lord, who delights greatly in His commandments. AMP

Do YOU fear the LORD? Are you in awe of Who He is and what He's done? Do YOU delight in knowing and doing His Word? If you do, then the promises of Psalm 112 are ALL for you!

Established in the Word

“He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD. His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his enemies” (Psalm 112:7-8).

Psalm 112 is the description of those who have their heart established in God’s Word. They are not afraid of evil tidings; they are not afraid of bad news; they are not moved by contradictory evidence; they are not moved by the woes and cares and pressures of this world. Their heart is fixed and settled trusting in the Lord.

You must realize one very important fact: the believer can live today in the midst of all the turmoil and the pressures in the world without being shaken by them. You can live with your heart established, trusting in the Lord, and not be afraid of anything. The established heart knows that in every situation, God is more than enough, and He will meet every need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. I am convinced that this is the intention of the Father God to every believer.

Paul was established in the Word, and it made him able to stand victoriously, more than a conqueror! You, too, can stand in the midst of Satan, demons, sickness, disease, and even death itself and say, “I am persuaded that nothing can separate me from the love of Christ. I am more than a conqueror in all these things!”

Confession: Father, I choose to fix my heart trusting in You. I refuse to be afraid. I refuse to fear evil tidings or bad news, but believe that You will turn every situation for my good and for Your glory.

Only YOU can "fix your heart" on the things of God! Keep feeding on the Word of God on a daily basis and you will "progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him" (Philippians 3:10a AMP)! As you get to know HIM, you will also come to know and understand the power that is available to us because of HIS resurrection (Philippians 3:10b)! Now USE that power to set people free and lead them to HIM! AMEN! Here is Hillsong Live with "Christ Is Enough":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Yesterday we rejoiced with Psalm 145 and we can do the same with Psalm 146 today! I WILL share a couple of special verses with you! Verses 5-6:

5 Happy (blessed, fortunate, enviable) is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God,  [Gen 32:30.] 6 Who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, Who keeps truth and is faithful forever, AMP

The "LORD" here is the Hebrew word "Yehovah", or "Jehovah", which is the Covenant Name of God! Everything that we will ever need finds its answer in all of the Jehovah Names of God! Our protection, provision and safety, our health and healing, our guidance and direction, and other needs all have their answer IN HIM! AMEN! Find our what the Word of God says about this wonderful Covenant that we have with Him because of the precious blood of Jesus! Now praise Him for the answers! THAT is what we must do in the face of all the horrendous things that are taking place in our country and all over the world! Don't ignore what's happening! Expose evil, but then concentrate and meditate on what the Word of God has to say about HIS people! AMEN! Look at verse 10:

10 The Lord shall reign forever, even Your God, O Zion, from generation to generation. Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!)

No matter WHAT the enemy tries to do or SAYS he will do, the TRUTH (Your Word is Truth - John 17:17) says THIS about it! Keep verse 10 foremost in your mind as your go about your day and spontaneous praise should result! OUR God IS God, and HE IS GOOD! AMEN! Here is Hillsong with Alvin Slaughter singing "God Is Good (ALL The Time)"!



Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

It is actually impossible to do even a cursory examination of Psalm 145 and not begin to rejoice! Every verse speaks of the wonderful attributes of the character of God or of the numerous wonderful things He has done for us! So, I am posting the entire Psalm here for YOUR rejoicing! 

Psalm 145  [A Psalm] of praise. Of David.

 1 I WILL extol You, my God, O King; and I will bless Your name forever and ever [with grateful, affectionate praise].

    2 Every day [with its new reasons] will I bless You [affectionately and gratefully praise You]; yes, I will praise Your name forever and ever.

    3 Great is the Lord and highly to be praised; and His greatness is [so vast and deep as to be] unsearchable.

    4 One generation shall laud Your works to another and shall declare Your mighty acts.

    5 On the glorious splendor of Your majesty and on Your wondrous works I will meditate.

    6 Men shall speak of the might of Your tremendous and terrible acts, and I will declare Your greatness.

    7 They shall pour forth [like a fountain] the fame of Your great and abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of Your rightness and justice.

    8 The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and abounding in mercy and loving-kindness.

    9 The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works [the entirety of things created].

    10 All Your works shall praise You, O Lord, and Your loving ones shall bless You [affectionately and gratefully shall Your saints confess and praise You]!

    11 They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom and talk of Your power,

    12 To make known to the sons of men God's mighty deeds and the glorious majesty of His kingdom.

    13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and Your dominion endures throughout all generations.

    14 The Lord upholds all those [of His own] who are falling and raises up all those who are bowed down.

    15 The eyes of all wait for You [looking, watching, and expecting] and You give them their food in due season.

    16 You open Your hand and satisfy every living thing with favor.

    17 The Lord is [rigidly] righteous in all His ways and gracious and merciful in all His works.

    18 The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him sincerely and in truth.

    19 He will fulfill the desires of those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him; He also will hear their cry and will save them.

    20 The Lord preserves all those who love Him, but all the wicked will He destroy.

    21 My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord; and let all flesh bless (affectionately and gratefully praise) His holy name forever and ever.

The very first declaration that David makes here is that HE was going to extol His God! The Dictionary definition of extol says: to praise highly and enthusiastically! I can do that! How about YOU? Extol Him in your own words today, AND with HIS Word! Then continue to extol Him in the Spirit! Perfect words! AMEN! Here is another encouragement to extol Him in the song "Shout Your Fame" from Hillsong Kids:

Some say You're just a good man

Some say You were kind

Some say You are in the grave

But I say You're alive

Some say You're just a prophet

Some say You were wise

Some say You were just a man

But I say You are God

You are my God

I will shout Your fame to all the earth

I will lift Your name on high

And the world will know Your greatness

You are my God, I will shout Your fame

I know You're the Messiah

You gave Your life for me

And I know You're the only way

Jesus You are God

You are my God

I will shout Your fame to all the earth

I will lift Your name on high

I will show the world Your greatness

You are my God, Jesus

I will shout Your fame to all the earth

I will lift Your name on high

I will show the world Your goodness

As I live a life that shouts Your fame

As I live a life that shouts Your fame

Jesus, I decide to live

Live a life that shouts Your fame

Shout Your fame

Shout Your fame

Shout Your fame

Shout Your fame

Shout Your fame

Shout Your fame

Shout Your fame

Shout Your fame

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

In The Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan for today we read this in John 21:18-22:

18 I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, when you were young you girded yourself [put on your own belt or girdle] and you walked about wherever you pleased to go. But when you grow old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will put a girdle around you and carry you where you do not wish to go. 19 He said this to indicate by what kind of death Peter would glorify God. And after this, He said to him, Follow Me! 20 But Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved, following--the one who also had leaned back on His breast at the supper and had said, Lord, who is it that is going to betray You? 21 When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, Lord, what about this man? 22 Jesus said to him, If I want him to stay (survive, live) until I come, what is that to you? [What concern is it of yours?] You follow Me!

Jesus was revealing to Peter some of what would take place in Peter's life. Instead of asking Jesus any further questions about his own life and calling, Peter asked about John! I LOVE the response from Jesus! He said "What is that to you?" In other words, Jesus was telling Peter to mind his own business! How often do YOU concern yourself with , or compare yourself to, other people? As unique as every living person is, with our own individual finger prints and personalities, so is our individual calling from God unique and different! We all may overlap each other, but we CANNOT duplicate each other! Look at Jeremiah 1:5:

5 Before I formed you in the womb I knew [and] approved of you [as My chosen instrument], and before you were born I separated and set you apart, consecrating you; [and] I appointed you as a prophet to the nations. AMP

This same God, Who is no respecter of persons (Romans 2:11), has called YOU! Spend time in His presence so that you can hear His voice, and then go out with boldness to DO what He has called YOU to do! AMEN! He Who has called you will also provide everything necessary for you to fulfill that calling (1 Thessalonians 5:24)! Our rewards in Heaven will be determined by our obedience, in this life, to that Heavenly calling! Let's be about our Father's business so that we can all hear, "Well done good and faithful servant: (Matthew 25:21 & 23)! Here is Hillsong with "The Difference":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

In Faith Food by Kenneth E. Hagin for today we see this:

"...That we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth" (1 Tim. 2:2-4). 

God doesn't tell us to do something just to fill up space in the Bible. He has a purpose in mind. We are to pray for those in authority so that we who are Christians may lead a quiet and peaceable life. God is concerned about us, and He will work on our behalf, even when those in authority are not Christians. 

God's ultimate purpose is that we be able to spread the Gospel freely. If we do not live under a stable government, the spreading of the Gospel is hindered. For example, times of political upheaval, war, travel restrictions, and other limitations hinder the spreading of the Gospel. Jesus said,

"And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come" (Matt. 24:14). 

The devil will try his best to see that this is not accomplished. Therefore, we are exhorted to offer intercessory prayer, supplications, and the giving of thanks for those who lead our nation. 

Many times, especially when we are faced with terrible leadership in any realm of life, we pray from more personal and emotional motives. The God of the Bible understands how we feel, but we MUST bring our thinking around to agree with HIM! God's #1 priority is saving the lost! Look at these Scriptures:

Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. KJV

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. KJV

John 3:16 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

Understanding these simple Truths will make your prayer life much more effective! Our ministry partner, Jerry O'Dell, has a quote that I love! It fits right in here!

"When we want what God wants, for the same reason He wants it, we cannot fail."

So, check your motives for prayer, cast your care on the Lord, pray according to the Word, then continue praying in the Spirit! You WILL see answers to your prayers that will bring GLORY to HIS Name! AMEN! Here is Hillsong with "No Reason To Hide":

Shalom in  Him!

Shalom,

Today's devotion from Oswald Chambers' "My Utmost For His Highest" is very important for born again believers to understand! Nothing that God does is out of emotion, but out of His great Plan of Redemption and His covenant with us that was sealed with the Blood of Jesus! 

I have finished the work which You have given Me to do —John 17:4

The death of Jesus Christ is the fulfillment in history of the very mind and intent of God. There is no place for seeing Jesus Christ as a martyr. His death was not something that happened to Him— something that might have been prevented. His death was the very reason He came.

Never build your case for forgiveness on the idea that God is our Father and He will forgive us because He loves us. That contradicts the revealed truth of God in Jesus Christ. It makes the Cross unnecessary, and the redemption “much ado about nothing.” God forgives sin only because of the death of Christ. God could forgive people in no other way than by the death of His Son, and Jesus is exalted as Savior because of His death. “We see Jesus . . . for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor . . .” (Hebrews 2:9). The greatest note of triumph ever sounded in the ears of a startled universe was that sounded on the Cross of Christ— “It is finished!” (John 19:30). That is the final word in the redemption of humankind.

Anything that lessens or completely obliterates the holiness of God, through a false view of His love, contradicts the truth of God as revealed by Jesus Christ. Never allow yourself to believe that Jesus Christ stands with us, and against God, out of pity and compassion, or that He became a curse for us out of sympathy for us. Jesus Christ became a curse for us by divine decree....

I remember that as a little girl I used to think how awful it was that THOSE PEOPLE killed Jesus! If they hadn't, He would still be alive! Once I was born again, I realized that His death, burial and resurrection was the very reason He came! Without that, WE would have NO HOPE! In the age-old argument about who exactly was responsible for "killing Jesus", the answer is NOT the Romans OR the Jews! It was every person ever born after Adam, and also included Adam and Eve! It was OUR death that He died, so that we don't have to! NOW, the choice whether to receive eternal life is up to us! HE has already done His part, completely! AMEN! In our Bible Reading Plan for today we read this in John 19:10-11a:

10 So Pilate said to Him, Will You not speak [even] to me? Do You not know that I have power (authority) to release You and I have power to crucify You? 11 Jesus answered, You would not have any power or authority whatsoever against (over) Me if it were not given you from above.

Jesus declared in John 10:17-18 that no man could TAKE His life, but that He willing laid His life down! WHY? So that HE could buy us back! AMEN and THANK YOU JESUS! I am going to share "Man Of Sorrows" by Hillsong Live again today, because we are still speaking of "Jesus Christ and Him crucified" (1 Corinthians 2:2)!

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

I believe that the message in today's "Health Food" devotional by Kenneth E. Hagin is a vital one for all believers to understand! A miracle can be instantaneous, but healing is progressive! It MAY be sped up, but it still takes a certain amount of time! Look at this:

You Can Begin To Amend

Then enquired he [the father] of them the hour when he [his son] began to amend. And they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him. So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth...  (John 4:52-53)

I want you to remember the woman I told you about who came by ambulance to a meeting I held in California. As I said before, she had a special nurse with her. I never saw so much medical equipment at a church service! I mean, she had a machine that was breathing for her, and it made a lot of noise. Without that machine, she would die. 

As I was laying hands on people, I went over to this woman. I asked the nurse, "Can she hear and understand what someone says?" 

She said, "Yes, she can understand. She can't respond much, but she can understand you." 

I bent down close to her ear because the machine was making so much noise. I said to her, "I'm going to lay hands on you. Did you hear what I said in the service?" 

She didn't say anything, but she nodded her head. 

I said, "When I lay hands on you, the power of God is going to go into you." As I laid hands on her, I could feel that power go into her. I could feel that warmth go out of my hands and into her body. 

I asker her if she felt it, and she muttered, "Yes, I feel it." 

I said, "That's it then." Now she didn't look any better. She wasn't the least bit improved. The machine had to keep breathing for her, and she was as helpless as she ever was. But I knew I had done what God said to do, and she said that she believed. 

The woman was put back in the ambulance and taken home. The next day, she came back and seemed to be a bit more alert and slightly improved. The third day, she was taken off the machine and was sitting up in bed. In a few days, she was up and about! 

When did the woman receive her healing and begin to amend? On the third day? No, she began to amend "from that hour"—from the time I laid hands on her and she received God's healing power by faith. 

Confession

From the moment the healing power of God goes into my body, I begin to amend. And each day, no matter what it looks or feels like, I get better and better until I see the full manifestation of my healing. 

AMEN! Health and healing is part of our Covenant with God through the precious Blood of Jesus! Never doubt the Word of God because of natural symptoms or "signs". Stand on the Word UNTIL you receive the manifestation of what you have prayed, and then stand on the Word for something else! We are called to live a LIFE of faith, not just "muster up" faith with every need! BE a DOER of God's Word! Here is Hillsong Live with "Man of Sorrows". HE paid the price! Don't let it be unfruitful in YOUR life! 

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

I LOVE the prayers of Jesus for His people in the Gospel of John! Look at John 17:8-9 to see exactly who Jesus is praying for!

8 For the [uttered] words that You gave Me I have given them; and they have received and accepted [them] and have come to know positively and in reality [to believe with absolute assurance] that I came forth from Your presence, and they have believed and are convinced that You did send Me. 9 I am praying for them. I am not praying (requesting) for the world, but for those You have given Me, for they belong to You. AMP

Jesus was NOT praying for the world here! He stated in John 3:16-17 what His purpose was for the world! THESE are those who received Him for Who He was/is! Now look at verses 14-19 to see WHAT He prayed for them:

14 I have given and delivered to them Your word (message) and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world [do not belong to the world], just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not ask that You will take them out of the world, but that You will keep and protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world (worldly, belonging to the world), [just] as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them [purify, consecrate, separate them for Yourself, make them holy] by the Truth; Your Word is Truth. 18 Just as You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19 And so for their sake and on their behalf I sanctify (dedicate, consecrate) Myself, that they also may be sanctified (dedicated, consecrated, made holy) in the Truth.

The moment we receive Jesus as Lord and personal Savior, our spirits are recreated from being dead spirits into living spirits in the image of God! Look at 2 Corinthians 5:17:

17 Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come! AMP

Our spirits are changed INSTANTLY at the New Birth! Our bodies WILL BE changed instantly, at the catching away of the Church (1 Corinthians 15:51-54). Our souls (mind, emotions and will), however, must be changed, sanctified, renewed day by day with the Word of God! Romans 12:2 in both the KJV and the AMP Bibles:

2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God KJV

2 Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you]. AMP

It is the Word of God, the TRUTH, that causes our thinking to be changed to agree with God! Jesus was praying for this very thing in John 17! The REALLY Good News, though, is that He was NOT just praying for those who were with Him there! Look at verses 20-23:

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

THAT is referring to US, too! Don't you believe that if Jesus prayed for you, and He DID, that His prayer was answered? OF COURSE! Go boldly into every day of your life on earth KNOWING that the Lord Jesus Christ Himself has already prayed for you! AMEN! We should have great expectation that He will fulfill His plan and purpose in and through our lives as we make ourselves available to Him! DO IT! AMEN! Here is Hillsong Live with "Always Will":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Psalm 139 informs us how wonderfully we all have been made by the One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible! He know us, loves us, and has wonderful plans for our lives (Jeremiah 29:11 AMP)! I LOVE all of these things, but, in Psalm 139 for today, I am especially interested in verses 23-24:

23 Search me [thoroughly], O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! 24 And see if there is any wicked or hurtful way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

It is important that we keep in close and intimate fellowship with HIM so that we don't allow the enemy to get us off track! He is seeking WHOM he may devour (1 Peter 5:8), and if we stay in fellowship with God, the devil cannot devour US! AMEN! The Holy Spirit lives in every believer and fills to the full every Spirit-filled believer who stays in fellowship! Look at what Jesus said in John 16:13-14 from our Bible Reading Plan for today:

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

The Holy Spirit is our Helper (John 16:7 AMP), and He will help us by showing us those things we need to adjust in order to stay on the right track! Spend time listening to Him today, and then DO what He says! AMEN! Here is Hillsong United with "Search My Heart":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom ,

Psalm 138:1-2:

1 I WILL confess and praise You [O God] with my whole heart; before the gods will I sing praises to You. 2 I will worship toward Your holy temple and praise Your name for Your loving-kindness and for Your truth and faithfulness; for You have exalted above all else Your name and Your word and You have magnified Your word above all Your name! AMP

"Magnified" here is the Hebrew word "gadal", which means: to promote, to be powerful, to praise, to evidence oneself as great, be significant, be valuable. We KNOW that Jesus was given the Name above ALL names! Look at Philippians 2:5-11:

5 Let this same attitude and purpose and [humble] mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus: [Let Him be your example in humility:] 6 Who, although being essentially one with God and in the form of God [possessing the fullness of the attributes which make God God], did not think this equality with God was a thing to be eagerly grasped or retained, 7 But stripped Himself [of all privileges and rightful dignity], so as to assume the guise of a servant (slave), in that He became like men and was born a human being. 8 And after He had appeared in human form, He abased and humbled Himself [still further] and carried His obedience to the extreme of death, even the death of the cross! 9 Therefore [because He stooped so low] God has highly exalted Him and has freely bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, 10 That in (at) the name of Jesus every knee should (must) bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 And every tongue [frankly and openly] confess and acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. AMP

There IS no name, of anything that has a name, that is above the Name of Jesus! What a powerful, wonderful Name! AMEN! BUT, there IS something that is above that Name, and THAT is the WORD! John 1:1-4:

1 IN THE beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself.  [Isa 9:6.] 2 He was present originally with God. 3 All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him was not even one thing made that has come into being. 4 In Him was Life, and the Life was the Light of men. AMP

He IS the Word! The Living Word of God! AMEN! So, find out what the Word has to say, then declare the Word IN, the Name, and watch HIM confirm what you declare with signs and wonders and miracles (Mark 16:20)! AMEN! Here is Hillsong United with "You":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

I LOVE this line from a devotional on my PC Study Bible site:

The more you know about Christ the less will you be satisfied with superficial views of Him;

I find it agonizing sometimes to listen to people who know nothing of God and His Word as they try to describe Him to others! Those people need to find out what the Bible says about Him for themselves first! We find out something of what the Father is like in John 14. In verses 1-11 Jesus is speaking of the Father and answering questions from Thomas and Philip:

1 DO NOT let your hearts be troubled (distressed, agitated). You believe in and adhere to and trust in and rely on God; believe in and adhere to and trust in and rely also on Me. 2 In My Father's house there are many dwelling places (homes). If it were not so, I would have told you; for I am going away to prepare a place for you. 3 And when (if) I go and make ready a place for you, I will come back again and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also. 4 And [to the place] where I am going, you know the way. 5 Thomas said to Him, Lord, we do not know where You are going, so how can we know the way. 6 Jesus said to him, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me. 7 If you had known Me [had learned to recognize Me], you would also have known My Father. From now on, you know Him and have seen Him. 8 Philip said to Him, Lord, show us the Father [cause us to see the Father--that is all we ask]; then we shall be satisfied. 9 Jesus replied, Have I been with all of you for so long a time, and do you not recognize and know Me yet, Philip? Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father. How can you say then, Show us the Father? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in Me? What I am telling you I do not say on My own authority and of My own accord; but the Father Who lives continually in Me does the (His) works (His own miracles, deeds of power). 11 Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me; or else believe Me for the sake of the [very] works themselves. [If you cannot trust Me, at least let these works that I do in My Father's name convince you.]

JESUS said that we see the Father, His character, His way of thinking and speaking, His actions THROUGH Jesus! Jesus revealed the Father TO us! You and I will never really KNOW Jesus outside of His Word! Be like Paul (Philippians 10) and make it YOUR determined purpose to know and understand the way He thinks, speaks and acts! YOU may be called upon to to explain Him to others and you should be prepared! AMEN! Here is Hillsong Live with "Million Suns":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

When we visited Israel and stood on the Mount of Olives, looking down into the Old City of Jerusalem, I had an overwhelming understanding of what Jesus Himself felt when He stood in that same spot, preparing to go there. John 13:1-5 tells us that Jesus was "fully aware" of what He was about to do, for all of mankind! 

1 [NOW] BEFORE the Passover Feast began, Jesus knew (was fully aware) that the time had come for Him to leave this world and return to the Father. And as He had loved those who were His own in the world, He loved them to the last and to the highest degree. 2 So [it was] during supper, Satan having already put the thought of betraying Jesus in the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, 3 [That] Jesus, knowing (fully aware) that the Father had put everything into His hands, and that He had come from God and was [now] returning to God, 4 Got up from supper, took off His garments, and taking a [servant's] towel, He fastened it around His waist. 5 Then He poured water into the washbasin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the [servant's] towel with which He was girded.

Jesus knew what He was about to do, and He knew that these disciples of His would not understand at the time, but would understand later, exactly what this action meant for them! They wrote the account, as led by the Holy Spirit, and WE can know now, too! Peter did not understand! Verses 6-10a shows this and the repsonse of Jesus:

6 When He came to Simon Peter, [Peter] said to Him, Lord, are my feet to be washed by You? [Is it for You to wash my feet?] 7 Jesus said to him, You do not understand now what I am doing, but you will understand later on. 8 Peter said to Him, You shall never wash my feet! Jesus answered him, Unless I wash you, you have no part with (in) Me [you have no share in companionship with Me]. 9 Simon Peter said to Him, Lord, [wash] not only my feet, but my hands and my head too! 10a Jesus said to him, Anyone who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is clean all over.

Do YOU understand that once a person is born again, having received Jesus as Lord and personal Savior (having bathed), they no longer have a sin nature? All previous sin is done away with and no longer exists! WHEN we sin AFTER the new birth, then we must confess that sin (wash our feet) and receive forgiveness according to 1 John 1:9:

9 If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action]. AMP

Confessing our known sin causes us to walk in forgiveness and to be cleansed from the sin we are currently unaware of! That means that we can continually walk sin free! We WILL miss it from time to time, but HE is FAITHFUL! AMEN! Make use of 1 John 1:9 immediately and refuse to spend one moment out of fellowship with HIM! That is His great desire! Go BOLDLY into His presence (Hebrews 4:16) and be clean! AMEN! Here is Hillsong Live with "Always Will":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

John 12:46-47 says this:

46 I have come as a Light into the world, so that whoever believes in Me [whoever cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me] may not continue to live in darkness. 47 If anyone hears My teachings and fails to observe them [does not keep them, but disregards them], it is not I who judges him. For I have not come to judge and to condemn and to pass sentence and to inflict penalty on the world, but to save the world.

In saying this, Jesus was repeating and reminding them what He had spoken to Nicodemus in John 3:16-18:

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. 18 He who believes in Him [who clings to, trusts in, relies on Him] is not judged [he who trusts in Him never comes up for judgment; for him there is no rejection, no condemnation — he incurs no damnation]; but he who does not believe (cleave to, rely on, trust in Him) is judged already [he has already been convicted and has already received his sentence] because he has not believed in and trusted in the name of the only begotten Son of God. [He is condemned for refusing to let his trust rest in Christ's name.] AMP

The judgement is not some vague idea of punishment that varies form person to person. Romans 6:23 tells us that the price that MUST be paid for sin is death! That does NOT refer to the cessation of physical life of the human body, but of eternal separation from the God of the Bible! Go back and read again the account of the rich man and Lazarus! Hell is NOT a place where all "bad" people will congregate to spend eternity in a wild party with people who think just like them! It WILL BE a lake that burns with fire and brimstone for all eternity! There will be NO party, only unending misery, loneliness and horror! It was NOT meant for mankind, but for the devil and the angels that rebelled with him! BUT, the God of the Bible has given every person a choice to decide their own eternity! Jesus paid the ultimate price for our sin so we don't have to! The only sin that is NOT covered by His death, burial and resurrection is the sin of rejecting Him! If you haven't already done so, I invite YOU to choose LIFE today! You will be eternally thankful that you did! AMEN! Here is Hillsong Live  with "Christ Is Enough":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

We have mentioned John 14:12 a few times on this blog. Let's look at it from both the King James Bible and the Amplified Bible:

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

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

I have been involved in discussions about just what these "greater works" could be. I'm sure you have probably wondered that at times, too. I have a suggestion, though. First, let's look at a "work" that Jesus did during His ministry on earth. In John 11 we see the account of Lazarus, the friend of Jesus who was sick. From the very start Jesus declared THIS in verse 4:

4 When Jesus received the message, He said, This sickness is not to end in death; but [on the contrary] it is to honor God and to promote His glory, that the Son of God may be glorified through (by) it.

Jesus declared the end from the beginning! He did it again in response to Martha after He had arrived in Bethany. Verse 23:

23 Jesus said to her, Your brother shall rise again.

Martha assumed that Jesus meant later, at the end of the age. That is NOT what Jesus meant! Verses 43-45 tell us what "great work" Jesus did then, after praying to the Father for the benefit of those listening! 

43 When He had said this, He shouted with a loud voice, Lazarus, come out! 44 And out walked the man who had been dead, his hands and feet wrapped in burial cloths (linen strips), and with a [burial] napkin bound around his face. Jesus said to them, Free him of the burial wrappings and let him go. 45 Upon seeing what Jesus had done, many of the Jews who had come with Mary believed in Him. [They trusted in Him and adhered to Him and relied on Him.]

Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead! This was indeed a great work! It IS a work that Jesus DID! We are to do the same works that Jesus DID, and GREATER works! What are the "greater works"? I think it would be wise not to even think about that until we are doing the works that Jesus actually did! Of course we KNOW that it is Jesus doing the work through us! Look at Mark 16:20:

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

SO, let's get ourselves in position to have HIM confirming the Word that WE speak! THEN we can expect to move on to greater things. AMEN! GO FOR IT!!! Here is Hillsong Chapel with "Lost Are Found":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

One of my very favorite Scriptures is found in John 10:10! Let's look also at verse 9:

 9 I am the Door; anyone who enters in through Me will be saved (will live). He will come in and he will go out [freely], and will find pasture. 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).

Jesus began by letting it be known that HE was the only WAY! When we receive HIM as Lord and personal Savior, THEN we qualify to RECEIVE the promise of verse 10! In verse 10 Jesus is comparing Himself and His plans with those of the thief, the enemy, the devil! Where the devil, no matter how "nice" he can makes things seem, desires our destruction, Jesus came for the very purpose of getting us in position to walk in the fullness of the blessing! He WANTS us to have LIFE (zoe - life as Jesus has in Himself!), and have it in abundance, to the full, till it overflows from us! People will SEE this and flock to HIM! AMEN! Jesus goes on in that chapter to make it abundantly clear that no one TOOK His life from Him (verses 17-18)! Jesus GAVE His life, and the choice was totally and completely HIS! AMEN!

There is something else that I would like to make note of from our Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan for today! Ezekiel 33:7-9 tells us what the God of the Bible expects us to do concerning warning the wicked. 

7 So you, son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore hear the word at My mouth and give them warning from Me. 8 When I say to the wicked, O wicked man, you shall surely die, and you do not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his perversity and iniquity, but his blood will I require at your hand. 9 But if you warn the wicked to turn from his evil way and he does not turn from his evil way, he shall die in his iniquity, but you will have saved your life.

So, speak up, exposing the evil you see and hear. Declare to the world that their is a better WAY and His Name is JESUS! AMEN! Be a DOER of God's Word and God's Word will work for you! Here is Hillsong United with "Tell The World":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

I would like to exhort, admonish and encourage you with this from Jerry Savelle today! 

Determined To Win

Once you have made the decision to believe and act on what the Word of God says about your situation, the manifestation may come quickly or it may take some time. Are you determined to stand until your breakthrough arrives? The Greek word for determined means, “a firmness of purpose.” It also means “to give definite aim or direction; an unwavering resolution,” and “to set a boundary.” 

Become determined. Set a boundary and don’t compromise. Stay with the unwavering decision that you will agree with and stand on the Word and be made completely whole in every area of your life. Either the Word of God is true or it isn’t. Either God can be trusted or He can’t.The Word of God is true and He can be trusted. So why waver?

“Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise” (Hebrews 10:36).

Make a firm resolution in your heart and mind that you are not going to compromise or be moved by what you see, hear, or feel. Be determined that the only thing that is going to move you is God and you will see the wholeness you are believing for.

Confession: Father, I determine to do Your will and live according to Your Word. My trust is in You alone and I refuse to be moved by anything else. I hold on to my confidence knowing that, sooner or later, I will receive all that You have promised me.

I have found over many years of ministry that MOST people fail to receive from God because they give up and quit too soon! God's Word promises this from Galatians 6:9:

9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. KJV

What does it mean to faint? Let's look at it from the Amplified Bible:

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

Don't quit, give up, lose heart or lose hope! God's Word is TRUTH and it WILL work! AMEN! Here is Hillsong United with "Desert Song":

Shalom in Him!