Shalom,

We finish the year in our Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan with all of Psalm 119! This is a fantastic way to close out a year and, even more important, to start a new year! Are YOU ready for 2015? You will be if you actually take the time to read and meditate on Psalm 119! This Psalm is ALL about the wonderful Word of God! I challenge you, as part of your meditation, to find the Word in every verse! You may have to check out a few translations to find every one, but it is there! Make the 2015 COMMITMENT (NOT just a good idea, but a devoted promise to God and yourself!) to put God's Word first place in EVERY situation. IF you do, YOUR 2015 will be the best ever, no matter what happens in the world! AMEN! Here are the first three verses for you to start! 

1 Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are the undefiled (the upright, truly sincere, and blameless) in the way [of the revealed will of God], who walk (order their conduct and conversation) in the law of the Lord (the whole of God’s revealed will). 2 Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are they who keep His testimonies, and who seek, inquire for and of Him and crave Him with the whole heart. 3 Yes, they do no unrighteousness [no willful wandering from His precepts]; they walk in His ways.

Simply "keep His testimonies" (Word), including 1 John 1:9 when you miss it, and you WILL walk in HIS ways! AMEN! Here, to send you off into the New Year, is Hillsong Young and Free with "Alive":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

With all of the talk about women's rights coming in from every angle, I want to share one of the most liberating passages of Scripture for REAL women! Look at Proverbs 31:10-31:

10 A capable, intelligent, and virtuous woman—who is he who can find her? She is far more precious than jewels and her value is far above rubies or pearls. 11 The heart of her husband trusts in her confidently and relies on and believes in her securely, so that he has no lack of [honest] gain or need of [dishonest] spoil. 12 She comforts, encourages, and does him only good as long as there is life within her. 13 She seeks out wool and flax and works with willing hands [to develop it]. 14 She is like the merchant ships loaded with foodstuffs; she brings her household’s food from a far [country]. 15 She rises while it is yet night and gets [spiritual] food for her household and assigns her maids their tasks. 16 She considers a [new] field before she buys or accepts it [expanding prudently and not courting neglect of her present duties by assuming other duties]; with her savings [of time and strength] she plants fruitful vines in her vineyard. 17 She girds herself with strength [spiritual, mental, and physical fitness for her God-given task] and makes her arms strong and firm. 18 She tastes and sees that her gain from work [with and for God] is good; her lamp goes not out, but it burns on continually through the night [of trouble, privation, or sorrow, warning away fear, doubt, and distrust]. 19 She lays her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. 20 She opens her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her filled hands to the needy [whether in body, mind, or spirit]. 21 She fears not the snow for her family, for all her household are doubly clothed in scarlet. 22 She makes for herself coverlets, cushions, and rugs of tapestry. Her clothing is of linen, pure and fine, and of purple [such as that of which the clothing of the priests and the hallowed cloths of the temple were made]. 23 Her husband is known in the [city’s] gates, when he sits among the elders of the land. 24 She makes fine linen garments and leads others to buy them; she delivers to the merchants girdles [or sashes that free one up for service]. 25 Strength and dignity are her clothing and her position is strong and secure; she rejoices over the future [the latter day or time to come, knowing that she and her family are in readiness for it]! 26 She opens her mouth in skillful and godly Wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness [giving counsel and instruction]. 27 She looks well to how things go in her household, and the bread of idleness (gossip, discontent, and self-pity) she will not eat. 28 Her children rise up and call her blessed (happy, fortunate, and to be envied); and her husband boasts of and praises her, [saying], 29 Many daughters have done virtuously, nobly, and well [with the strength of character that is steadfast in goodness], but you excel them all. 30 Charm and grace are deceptive, and beauty is vain [because it is not lasting], but a woman who reverently and worshipfully fears the Lord, she shall be praised! 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates [of the city]!

In case you were wondering, THIS is what "virtuous" (Hebrew 'Chayil') means: strength, might, efficiency, wealth, army, ability, force! That does NOT say that she MUST be married, or that she can ONLY be a housewife, or that as a housewife she CANNOT work outside of the home! Those are all personal decisions made by each individual single woman or married couple! Refuse to be intimidated by the opinions of others! The only opinion that is worth anything is God's opinion! IF you are planning on marrying, make certain BEFORE the ceremony, that you have all of these questions settled! God will NOT bring into your life someone who is opposed to HIS plans for your life! Learn to listen, trust and obey the Word of God AND the still small voice of His Spirit as He leads, guides and directs YOU in the way He desires YOU to be HIS virtuous woman! AMEN! Here is Hillsong with a GREAT song for women AND men to surrender and re-dedicate their lives to HIM and HIS plans! "Oceans - Where Feet May Fail":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Proverbs 30:12 says this:

12 There is a class of people who are pure in their own eyes, and yet are not washed from their own filth. AMP

The KJV says it this way:

12 There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.

THIS generation is THAT generation! There are so many people who are right in their own eyes and don't even desire to know what God says about anything! The Word of God warns us about those times, but also encourages us with THIS Truth in Romans 5:20:

20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:

The enemy is NOT stronger than, or able to overcome the God of the Bible! When WE do things God's way, HE makes even our enemies to be at peace with us (Proverbs 16:27)! When God is for us, it doesn't do ANYONE, and good to be against us (Romans 8:31)! AND there are more that be with us than those satan! Refuse to believe anything contrary to these promises! Never, never never give up or quit! We are NOT of the generation that turns from God! WE are of those who have"fire in our eyes" and are awake to the calling of God! AMEN! Here is Hillsong Young and Free with "Wake":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Look at this from today's "My Utmost For His Highest" by Oswald Chambers:

From that time many of His disciples went back, and walked no more with Him. — John 6:66

When God gives a vision by His Spirit through His word of what He wants, and your mind and soul thrill to it, if you do not walk in the light of that vision, you will sink into servitude to a point of view which Our Lord never had. Disobedience in mind to the heavenly vision will make you a slave to points of view that are alien to Jesus Christ. Do not look at someone else and say – Well, if he can have those views and prosper, why cannot I? You have to walk in the light of the vision that has been given to you and not compare yourself with others or judge them, that is between them and God. When you find that a point of view in which you have been delighting clashes with the heavenly vision and you debate, certain things will begin to develop in you – a sense of property and a sense of personal right, things of which Jesus Christ made nothing. He was always against these things as being the root of everything alien to Himself. "A man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things that he possesseth." If we do not recognize this, it is because we are ignoring the undercurrent of Our Lord’s teaching

We are apt to lie back and bask in the memory of the wonderful experience we have had. If there is one standard in the New Testament revealed by the light of God and you do not come up to it, and do not feel inclined to come up to it, that is the beginning of backsliding, because it means your conscience does not answer to the truth. You can never be the same after the unveiling of a truth. That moment marks you for going on as a more true disciple of Jesus Christ or for going back as a deserter.

What he is saying here is that once we KNOW what God wants us to do and where He wants us to be, we cannot claim that we do not know! We are held responsible for what we had the opportunity to know and to do! This attitude will affect our quality of life here on earth AND our rewards in Heaven! WE are in control of our own destiny by the choices that we make, DAILY! Do YOU know what God wants in YOUR life? Well, DO IT! AMEN! That is the place where great blessings begin! The place of obedience! Now GO and get the job done! Here is Hillsong United with "Go":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

I want to share "Faith Food" by Kenneth E. Hagin again today because it is very vital concept!

Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knows that you have need of all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof 
(Matt. 6:31-34). 

Added to you! Not taken away! That proves that the Father cares for His own. Another translation reads,

 "Be not therefore anxious for the morrow." 

You see, God doesn't want His children to be anxious, or to worry. In today's passage, God is saying, "Have no worry, no fret, no anxiety. Because I am your Heavenly Father, I know you have need of these things. But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." 

That's what God our Father is saying! If God is your Father, you may be assured that He will take a father's place and perform a father's part. You may be certain that if God is your Father, He loves you, and He will care for you. Praise God, I'm glad He's my Father! Is He yours? 

Confession: I do not worry about what I shall eat or drink, or what I shall wear. My Heavenly Father knows I have need of all these things. I have sought first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things are added unto me. 

God's will for us is always and only GOOD! The enemy wants you to believe otherwise!  Refuse those lies! Notice that the verses above in Matthew says "Take no thought SAYING...". THAT is how you "take" a thought! Thoughts will come, but WE choose which ones are allowed to stay! If a thought comes to you that is contrary to the Word of God and the Will of God, DO NOT ACCEPT IT! Don't SAY it! Cast that thought out and replace it with what the TRUTH (what the Word of God says). AMEN! 2015 has been prophesied as a year of the unexpected blessings! SO, begin to EXPECT the UNEXPECTED! DARE to believe what the Word says about YOU! AMEN! Here is Hillsong Young and Free with "In Sync", which is where WE want to be with God in this next new year! HALLELUJAH! 

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Meditate on this from Kenneth E. Hagin's Faith Food for today:

"...For your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father..." (Matt. 6:8-9). 

Although God had given to Israel as clear a revelation of Himself as it was possible to give spiritually dead men, they still didn't really know Him. They didn't recognize God manifested in the flesh when Jesus stood in their midst. (Under the Old Covenant, God's Presence was shut up in the Holy of Holies.) 

Thus, it was into a hard, harsh atmosphere of Justice that Jesus Christ came. And the Jews of His day could not understand Him. He talked about God as His Father. He told of the Father's love and care for His own! It mystified them. When Jesus introduced God as a Father God of love, His words, for the most part, fell upon unresponsive ears. 

Yet we must admit, as we meditate on Jesus' words about the love of God, that even born-again children of God sometimes fail to see the love side of God. Israel never grasped it. They didn't understand who it was Jesus was talking about. It was new to them. To tell the truth, it's new to most church members today! They have been taught to fear God, and to shrink from a God of Justice. They've never really seen the love side of God that Jesus came to reveal. 

Confession: I hereby make a quality decision to see and know the love side of God that Jesus came to reveal. I will meditate on Jesus' revelation of God until I really know Him as my Father God of love. 

Have YOU only allowed yourself to see what the Word of God truly reveals about the nature of your Heavenly Father? Refuse to be held in bondage by the image that other believers may have of the One, True God of the Bible! Find out for yourself the wonderful love that He has for YOU! Once you know and experience THAT quality of love in your life, you will never BE the same, and you will never LOVE the same again! WE love because HE first loved us! AND, He continues to love us every moment with that same intensity! AMEN! Dare to believe, dare to receive and dare to give that same love that GIVES (John 3:16 AMP)! Here is Hillsong Young and Free with "Love Goes On":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Isaiah 9:6:

6 For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father [of Eternity], Prince of Peace.

Born as a human child (100% Man), He was still God (100%)! For OUR sake, He lived this earthly life as man and not God. A man without sin, Who would be the PERFECT sacrifice for the sin of man! He WAS, He DID, He IS! The Messiah of Israel and the Saviour of the world! Whosoever will receive Him WILL have eternal life! Have YOU? Of not, go to our website through the link on the left and we will help you! If you HAVE, then let's be about our Father's business and TELL THE WORLD! AMEN! Here is the last Christmas song I will share this year! it is my favorite, AGAIN, because it is SO true and SO powerful! Hillsong with "We Have A Saviour"!

MERRY CHRISTMAS and Shalom in Him!

Shalom, 

Proverbs 25:2 is a verse that I have used many times! 

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

Glory here is the Hebrew word "kawbode", which means: glory, honor, abundance, riches, dignity, reputation. To "conceal" is the Hebrew word "sawthar", which means: to hide away carefully. SO, God has hidden away from the obvious sight the precious Truths and Treasures of His Word. He has hidden them for US to find! The same word "kawbode" is used of US searching out these Truths! Are YOU ready to begin 2015 with a decidedly stronger commitment to the search? I AM! I hope that YOU will join me in becoming so familiar with Jesus through His Word, and by His Spirit, that we bring glory to HIM by the story of our lives! This is the only life we have to fulfill our calling and bring glory to HIS Name! AMEN! 

As you celebrate this Christmas with your family and friends, be aware that the Truths YOU know will only set YOU free! Everyone who truly desires to be free will have to receive this Jesus as their very own personal Lord and Savior, and then they will have to search out the Truth in the same way that we did, and continue to do! BUT, how can they know unless WE tell them! Buy up every opportunity to be the bearer of THE Greatest Gift EVER given! Eternal LIFE (Zoe) through Jesus, the Messiah, LORD of ALL! AMEN! Here is Hillsong with my favorite Christmas song again: "We Have A Saviour":

Merry Christmas and Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Again today our reading in Proverbs gives great inspiration for doing things God's way! Look at Proverbs 24:3-4:

3 Through skillful and godly Wisdom is a house (a life, a home, a family) built, and by understanding it is established [on a sound and good foundation], 4 And by knowledge shall its chambers [of every area] be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.

All of these wonderful blessings are a result of our seeking hard after HIM and HIS ways of doing and being RIGHT! AMEN! Now look at today's reading in Ephesians 2:4-10 to see how this translates into our present "new and better" covenant (Hebrews 8:6)! 

4 But God—so rich is He in His mercy! Because of and in order to satisfy the great and wonderful and intense love with which He loved us, 5 Even when we were dead (slain) by [our own] shortcomings and trespasses, He made us alive together in fellowship and in union with Christ; [He gave us the very life of Christ Himself, the same new life with which He quickened Him, for] it is by grace (His favor and mercy which you did not deserve) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ’s salvation). 6 And He raised us up together with Him and made us sit down together [giving us joint seating with Him] in the heavenly sphere [by virtue of our being] in Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed One). 7 He did this that He might clearly demonstrate through the ages to come the immeasurable (limitless, surpassing) riches of His free grace (His unmerited favor) in [His] kindness and goodness of heart toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by free grace (God’s unmerited favor) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ’s salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God; 9 Not because of works [not the fulfillment of the Law’s demands], lest any man should boast. [It is not the result of what anyone can possibly do, so no one can pride himself in it or take glory to himself.] 10 For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].

Do you seriously believe that the God Who would honor US in such way would withhold ANYTHING good from our lives? NOT FOR A MINUTE! Amen! So, get yourself into the Word of God on a daily basis in order to find out what exactly belongs to you, so that YOU can walk in the fullness of it! AMEN! Here is another Christmas song from Hillsong called "What Child Is This":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

I LOVE this admonition from Proverbs 23:17-19 today!

17 Let not your heart envy sinners, but continue in the reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord all the day long. 18 For surely there is a latter end [a future and a reward], and your hope and expectation shall not be cut off. 19 Hear, my son, and be wise, and direct your mind in the way [of the Lord].

"The reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord" is an attitude that we MUST adapt for THIS life! The "future and reward" promised here includes the rewards given to us at the throne of Jesus for our obedience to His instructions in this life, but it is NOT just for those rewards! They rewards God has given for being where HE wants us to be and doing what HE wants us to do is also for THIS life! Look at Ephesians 1:3:

3 May blessing (praise, laudation, and eulogy) be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) Who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual (given by the Holy Spirit) blessing in the heavenly realm!

HE has ALREADY blessed us, HERE, in THIS life, with every spiritual blessing! Let's learn how to walk in the fullness of that Blessing here, in our life on earth, so that we can give HIM all the credit for it and others will be drawn to HIM because of our living witness and testimony! AMEN! Let's BE about our Father's business! Reaching the lost! AMEN! Here is another great Christmas song from Hillsong called "Angels We Have Heard On High":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

This should be a great encouragement yo you today! Proverbs 22:4:

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

The original Hebrew of "reward" here refers to consequences! I LIKE that! We KNOW that there are not so good "consequences" for NOT doing things God's way! I LIKE the GOOD "consequences" that come from DOING things HIS way! Reward is a GREAT word here! Remember that true humility is accepting something you don't deserve (the grace of God) and thanking HIM for it! The fear of the Lord is exactly what the Amplified Bible says (above)! Reverence and worship of the Lord for Who He IS! AMEN! And just what ARE those "rewards" or "consequences"? Riches (wealth), honor (splendor, glory, abundance), and life (sustenance)!  Let's line ourselves up with Proverbs 22:4! We can ALL use THOSE rewards! AMEN! Now, for more confirmation, let's look at Proverbs 22:17-19:

17 Listen (consent and submit) to the words of the wise, and apply your mind to my knowledge; 18 For it will be pleasant if you keep them in your mind [believing them]; your lips will be accustomed to [confessing] them. 19 So that your trust (belief, reliance, support, and confidence) may be in the Lord, I have made known these things to you today, even to you.

AMEN! HE makes His Word known to us so that we CAN obey the Word and line ourselves up for those very GOOD "consequences"! Let's celebrate with another great Christmas song! Here is Hillsong with "Joy To The World":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

I really love this from "My Utmost For His Highest" by Oswald Chambers:

I, if I be lifted up, will draw all men unto Me. — John 12:32

Very few of us have any understanding of the reason why Jesus Christ died. If sympathy is all that human beings need, then the Cross of Christ is a farce, there was no need for it. What the world needs is not "a little bit of love," but a surgical operation.

AMEN! IN fact, Jesus Himself said this to Nicodemus, a Jewish leader. John 3:3 and 6-7::

3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.

We KNOW that there is salvation in no other but JESUS! Look at Acts 4:12:

12 Neither is there salvation in any other. For there is no other name under heaven given to men, whereby we must be saved.

Jesus IS the ONLY WAY to the Father! John 14:6:

6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Do YOU see that "being good"  will NEVER be good enough? Jesus paid the price for sin, once and for all! One time, for all people, for all time! BUT, only those who freely receive what HE has freely given will ever be born again! Make sure that YOU are not "muddling up" the simple and powerful Gospel message by adding to or subtracting from the Word of God! If GOD said it, and He did (look above again), then it is most definitely TRUTH and we would be wise to instantly obey what HE is telling us to do! AMEN! Here is Hillsong Worship again with "We Have A Saviour":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

I LOVE this from The Spoken Word Church website devotion for today!

Learn Something New About Someone You Love

Knowledge increases confidence. The more knowledgeable you become about someone, the more capable you become at anticipating their needs. Develop a personal portfolio of their particular preferences, such as favorite cars, food, colors, songs, books and secret ambitions. 

Our Heavenly Father created uniqueness to be discovered, appreciated and celebrated. Greatness will unfold with each discovery.

"And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:" (1 Thessalonians 3:12)

We KNOW that this is true when it comes to our personal relationships, but how many actually put this into practice where the God of the Bible is concerned? Most of you know by now that one of my very favorite Scriptures is Philippians 3:10 from the Amplified Bible:

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 

How DO we come to know HIM progressively? We do this in exactly the same way we do with any other person we have ever come to know better! We spend the time it takes to ask, listen and remember! I would encourage each of you to get a notebook/journal and write down your thoughts as you spend time in His presence. Ask Him questions you would ask of anyone else you would "interview". HE is so excited when WE are aware of His presence (IN US), and converse with Him as though we could see Him right there! Remember as you do this that HE, of all people in your life, REALLY loves you unconditionally! Look at John 16:12-15:

12 I have still many things to say to you, but you are not able to bear them or to take them upon you or to grasp them now. 13 But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth). For He will not speak His own message [on His own authority]; but He will tell whatever He hears [from the Father; He will give the message that has been given to Him], and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come [that will happen in the future]. 14 He will honor and glorify Me, because He will take of (receive, draw upon) what is Mine and will reveal (declare, disclose, transmit) it to you. 15 Everything that the Father has is Mine. That is what I meant when I said that He [the Spirit] will take the things that are Mine and will reveal (declare, disclose, transmit) it to you.

Take the time! Not one person in your life is worth knowing MORE than JESUS! AMEN! Here is another Hillsong Christmas song called "Emmanuel":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Here is a confession we make at The Spoken Word Church: "Anything good, give GOD the credit (thanksgiving and praise). Anything bad, DON'T BLAME GOD!" This goes along with today's Bible reading in Proverbs 19:3:

3 The foolishness of man subverts his way [ruins his affairs]; then his heart is resentful and frets against the Lord. 

Isn't that foolish? People make selfish decisions to do things their own way, instead of God's way (sin!). Then, when they reap the results of their very own choices, they blame God! The One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible gets blamed for many things that He had nothing to do with! Look at James 1:17:

17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

If something GOOD happens in your life, whether you know Him or not, GOD is the source! He only gives good and perfect gifts! If something happens to us that is not good, then it is NOT God! It will either be an all out attack by the devil because you are doing something right, or it will be the harvest of bad choices and decisions! You WILL know which it is if you continue in fellowship with God! Now look at Proverbs 19:8 to see how to do well and ALWAYS receive good and perfect gifts!

8 He who gains Wisdom loves his own life; he who keeps understanding shall prosper and find good.

AMEN! WE make choices every day! Make YOURS be the right choices that are in line with God's Word, which IS His will! THEN, the harvest we reap will be ALL GOOD! AMEN! Here is another Christmas song from Hillsong  called "O Come Let Us Adore Him":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Yesterday we looked at what the TRUE Gospel of Jesus Christ is. Today I want to share this from "My Utmost For His Highest" by Oswald Chambers. Remember that his way of speaking may take a little getting used to, but the message is well worth the extra effort!

But the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him. — 1 Corinthians 2:14

The Gospel of God creates a sense of need of the Gospel. Paul says – "If our gospel be hid, it is hid" – to those who are blackguards? No, "to them that are lost: in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not." The majority of people have their morality well within their own grasp, they have no sense of need of the Gospel. It is God Who creates the need of which no human being is conscious until God manifests Himself. Jesus said – "Ask, and it shall be given you," but God cannot give until a man asks. It is not that He withholds, but that that is the way He has constituted things on the basis of Redemption. By means of our asking, God gets processes into work whereby He creates the thing that is not in existence until we do ask. The inner reality of Redemption is that it creates all the time. As the Redemption creates the life of God in us, so it creates the things belonging to that life. Nothing can satisfy the need but that which created the need. This is the meaning of Redemption – it creates and it satisfies.

"I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me." We preach our own experiences and people are interested, but no sense of need is awakened by it. If once Jesus Christ is lifted up, the Spirit of God will create a conscious need of Him. Behind the preaching of the Gospel is the creative Redemption of God at work in the souls of men. It is never personal testimony that saves men. "The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life."

Many times when Jesus healed people in the Bible who came to Him for healing, He said "Your faith has made you whole". Jesus paid the price for the salvation of every person, BUT, they can only RECEIVE this salvation by asking! (Romans 10:9-10) God's part is done except for confirming His Word that WE speak (Mark 16:20)! Find out what God has ALREADY done for you and begin to receive by ASKING! AMEN! Here is another Christmas song that I like called "O Holy Night" performed by Hillsong:

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

We begin today going through Galatians again in our Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan. Paul is speaking very sternly when he says this in verses 6-12:

6 I am surprised and astonished that you are so quickly turning renegade and deserting Him Who invited and called you by the grace (unmerited favor) of Christ (the Messiah) [and that you are transferring your allegiance] to a different [even an opposition] gospel. 7 Not that there is [or could be] any other [genuine Gospel], but there are [obviously] some who are troubling and disturbing and bewildering you [with a different kind of teaching which they offer as a gospel] and want to pervert and distort the Gospel of Christ (the Messiah) [into something which it absolutely is not]. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary toand different from that which we preached to you, let him be accursed (anathema, devoted to destruction, doomed to eternal punishment)! 9 As we said before, so I now say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel different from or contrary to that which you received [from us], let him be accursed (anathema, devoted to destruction, doomed to eternal punishment)! 10 Now am I trying to win the favor of men, or of God? Do I seek to please men? If I were still seeking popularity with men, I should not be a bond servant of Christ (the Messiah). 11 For I want you to know, brethren, that the Gospel which was proclaimed and made known by me is not man’s gospel [a human invention, according to or patterned after any human standard]. 12 For indeed I did not receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but [it came to me] through a [direct] revelation [given] by Jesus Christ (the Messiah).

Paul was addressing the fact that many of the born again Jewish believers were requiring the born again gentile believers to follow certain Jewish customs as "part" of Salvation. THIS was completely against the TRUE and simple Gospel of Salvation through no other means than by the Blood of Jesus. Romans 10:9-10 says this:

9 Because if you acknowledge and confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and in your heart believe (adhere to, trust in, and rely on the truth) that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart a person believes (adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Christ) and so is justified (declared righteous, acceptable to God), and with the mouth he confesses (declares openly and speaks out freely his faith) and confirms [his] salvation.

THAT is the TRUTH! It is very enlightening to study the Feasts of Israel, but it does NOT bring Salvation any more than going to church, being baptized or taking communion. I can sit in a garage, but that will NEVER make me a car! The simple Truth is that there is NOTHING of us or our works involved in eternal Salvation! It is ALL God and He has freely given to "whosoever will" receive! There are believers, and even pastors and ministries, that refer to it as "greasy grace" because it is so simple and easy to receive! Ironic, isn't it, that so many who freely received for themselves want to add to it and make it more difficult for others to receive? Do NOT allow the negative comments of those who do this to discourage you from presenting the beautiful, glorious, powerful, miraculous, undeserved but so freely and lovingly given, GOOD NEWS to the lost! HE desires that NONE should perish, so let's TELL THEM! AMEN! Here is one of my favorite Christmas songs again. "We Have A Saviour" by Hillsong:

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Proverbs 16:3 says this:

3 Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed.

Many born again people that I know are reluctant to roll their works, plans and pursuits over on the Lord because they are concerned that He may change them! My question for them is, WHY would you ever want to pursue something that God wasn't in? Notice that by allowing God to line up OUR plans with HIS, He promises success! Isn't that the ultimate goal for any plan or pursuit? Do YOU desire to succeed at what you do? Then make sure that YOU are rolling all of your plans over on Him and allow HIM to direct your steps to sure and certain success! AMEN! Now notice this other promise from the Lord fond in verse 7:

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

Now THIS is another really great reason to make sure that we are lining our will up with HIS! AMEN! THAT is the secret to how Jesus could walk through a crowd of angry people who were determined to kill Him, and not be touched at all! Protection, provision and safety are promises that the God of the Bible does NOT take lightly! You can count on it! Here is Hillsong Young and Free with a new Christmas song called "Noel":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

There are two things from today's Bible Reading in Proverbs 15 that I want to share with you. The first is found in verse 14:

14 The mind of him who has understanding seeks knowledge and inquires after and craves it, but the mouth of the [self-confident] fool feeds on folly.

Do you see that if you already HAVE a certain amount of understanding of the Word of God, you WILL be seeking and desiring even more? In fact, this verse says that you will CRAVE it! If you ever find yourself NOT craving more of the Word, then realize that you are in danger of losing even what you THINK you have of the knowledge of the Word (Luke 8:18 AMP). I like to call that a "working knowledge". The Word will only "work" for you if you truly believe it and have increased your faith by meditating on it. So, let's get to work! There is much unlimited learning yet to be done! AMEN! 

The other point I want to speak of today is found in Proverbs 14:30:

30 The light in the eyes [of him whose heart is joyful] rejoices the hearts of others, and good news nourishes the bones.

We are supposed to stir up our joy every day! The verse above tells us why! WE are to be presenting HIM to the world! NOT our problems and cares and worries and concerns! EVERY person has those! But what do YOU have that is different, and can make all the difference? Be always rejoicing and ever ready to give an answer as to why! AMEN! People are waiting to see the Jesus in YOU! SHOW HIM OFF! Amen! Here is another Christmas song by Hillsong called "Emmanuel":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Today I want to look at Proverbs 14:6:

6 A scoffer seeks Wisdom in vain [for his very attitude blinds and deafens him to it], but knowledge is easy to him who [being teachable] understands.

"Scoffer" here is the Hebrew word "luwts", which means: to talk arrogantly, to mock, to deride. Another definition is "to make mouths at". We KNOW what "making faces at" means. Someone who is scoffing, scorning or mocking is doing the same thing with their words! I know that YOU can see how immature and ignorant THAT is! Don't try to teach an unbeliever the Word of God except for the simple Gospel of Salvation through Jesus Christ. They are UNABLE to understand it until they become born again and have the Spirit of God as their Teacher (1 Corinthians 2:14)! YOU, however, are well able to learn to understand the Word! It is "easy" (see above) when we maintain a teachable attitude! What is a teachable attitude? It is an attitude of mind that realizes that no matter how much we know, there is ALWAYS so much more to learn about the Word of God! How exciting is THAT? Not a dull moment to be found when we immerse ourselves in the Word! HALLELUJAH! So, don't BE a scoffer, try to teach a scoffer, or even spend very much time with one! Just keep pressing into the presence of God yourself and you will cause those around you, believers and unbelievers, to realize that there IS something more than they have been experiencing. They just might come to YOU for the Answer! His Name is JESUS! AMEN! Here is another Christmas song from Hillsong called "Our King Has Come":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Here is some TRUTH for you! Proverbs 12:13-14:

13 Whoever despises the word and counsel [of God] brings destruction upon himself, but he who [reverently] fears and respects the commandment [of God] is rewarded. 14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, that one may avoid the snares of death.

"Despises" is the Hebrew word "buwz", which means: to disrespect; to hold in contempt; to hold as insignificant. The Word of God in the verses above says that THIS person brings destruction upon themselves! It is past time for everyone to stop blaming God for what is clearly the result of the choices of those with a free will to choose! Choose THIS day Whom YOU will serve! AMEN! AS for me and MY house, WE will serve the LORD (Joshua 24:15)! The result of serving the LORD is that we will be "rewarded", which is the Hebrew word "shalam", which means: to be in a covenant of peace; to be complete, to make safe; to restore, to make whole; to make compensation. Keep up the good work, if THIS is who YOU are! God WILL come through! He hasn't failed yet, and He never will! AMEN! Here, with another Christmas song, is Hillsong. The song is "What Child is This":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Here is a great message to keep in mind for the Christmas season! From "Faith To Faith" by Kenneth and Gloria Copeland:

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:13-14

Christmas is a very important time of year. It's a time of year when the whole world is hearing the message of the birth of Jesus. It's a time when people are tenderhearted...the perfect time to plant seeds of love in the lives of those you meet.

Sometimes those seeds may just take the form of a kind word in the middle of rush-hour shopping. Other times, you may get the opportunity to pray and minister to someone. But whatever the situation, keep a sharp eye out for even the smallest chance to assist people. I've had some outstanding experiences giving a few dollars to someone in need. As they are taking the money, I tell them, "This money is from the Lord Jesus Christ. I serve Him. He is the One who instructed me to help you."

It's amazing how many people are ready to hear what you have to say when you say it in love. They're starved for someone to really care. Be that someone this Christmas season. Spread the Word about the peace that's available in Jesus. Tell about His goodwill toward men. Who knows how many of those small seeds may one day take root and bring one more precious person into the glorious kingdom of God?

Every where you turn these days you can find someone who is hurting, suffering devastating loss or simply searching for something better! Be the one who points them to Jesus! The ANSWER! AMEN! Here is another Christmas song from Hillsong called "Angels We Have Heard on High":

Shalom in Him!