Shalom,

Today's "My Utmost For His Highest" by Oswald Chambers covers something that I have been thinking about a lot lately. I have come across so many people who claim to be believers, yet are maligning people and even ministers of the Gospel who believe something a little differently than they do. The ONLY teaching that makes someone a false teacher is when they teach that there is another way to the Heaven of the Bible than by receiving Jesus as Lord and Savior, including adding certain works to the simple Gospel. It also seems to be very easy for believers to spot the sin of another believer, while many times missing their own! Our attitude toward these things should be as covered here:

Heedfulness v. Hypocrisy In Ourselves

If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and He shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. — 1 John 5:16

If we are not heedful of the way the Spirit of God works in us, we will become spiritual hypocrites. We see where other folks are failing, and we turn our discernment into the gibe of criticism instead of into intercession on their behalf. The revelation is made to us not through the acuteness of our minds, but by the direct penetration of the Spirit of God, and if we are not heedful of the source of the revelation, we will become criticizing centres and forget that God says — “…he shall ask, and He shall give him life for them that sin not unto death.” Take care lest you play the hypocrite by spending all your time trying to get others right before you worship God yourself.

One of the subtlest burdens God ever puts on us as saints is this burden of discernment concerning other souls. He reveals things in order that we may take the burden of these souls before Him and form the mind of Christ about them, and as we intercede on His line, God says He will give us “life for them that sin not unto death.” It is not that we bring God into touch with our minds, but that we rouse ourselves until God is able to convey His mind to us about the one for whom we intercede.

Is Jesus Christ seeing of the travail of His soul in us? He cannot unless we are so identified with Himself that we are roused up to get His view about the people for whom we pray. May we learn to intercede so whole-heartedly that Jesus Christ will be abundantly satisfied with us as intercessors.

Refuse to speak a word against another born again believer. Choose to obey the Word of God and PRAY for them! See them as God sees them, worth dying for! When we sow mercy, love and forgiveness, then we will reap mercy, love and forgiveness when WE need them! And we will! AMEN! Here is Hillsong Worship with "Grace to Grace":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Jerry Savelle's website devotional for today addresses the reason why many born again believers fail to receive all that is theirs as part of their covenant with Almighty God that was sealed with the Blood of JESUS!

Psalm 84:11 says, “For the Lord God is a sun and shield: The Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.” Notice at the end of that verse it says “them that walk uprightly.” God will withhold nothing from them that walk uprightly. I believe withholding nothing is God’s best. But there is a requirement to that. God requires that we walk uprightly.

Having God’s best sounds great. We all want to experience His best in our lives. But why isn’t the Body of Christ experiencing it? I believe the primary reason most of the Body of Christ is not experiencing God’s best in their lives is because it requires a serious commitment. It requires diligence and unwavering determination. To have God’s best you must be willing to give Him your best. And, that is where so many of God’s people fall short. We all want to have God’s best, but we are not willing to give Him our best. Most Christians are not willing to make that kind of commitment. You have to constantly ask yourself: How desperate am I for God’s best in my life?

I have found that desperate people will do desperate things. They will do whatever it takes to change their situation. If you are truly desperate to have God’s best in your life then you will be willing to do whatever the Word requires of you. It is not going to happen automatically. You have to strive for it.

That’s what happened to me 46 years ago, I got desperate for change. I got tired of just existing. I got tired of just barely getting by. I got tired of living from paycheck to paycheck. I got tired of the devil stealing everything that I had worked hard for. I was tired of feeling frustrated all the time. Are you at that place? Are you tired of just surviving? Are you ready to experience God’s best for your life? Then say right now, “As for me, I choose to have God’s best in my life.” When you truly understand this, then you will begin to realize that having God’s best is a chosen and determined outcome. Make a decision today and everyday, to put God’s Word first and to walk uprightly before Him! Remember when you do, He promises that no good thing will be withheld from us!

AMEN! There is not one promise or blessing from God that will come falling from the sky 'just because'! Everything that God has promised in His Word must be received by faith! Get into the Word and find just what is promised to YOU as a child of the Living God! Meditate on the TRUTH of what the Word says about YOU! Now dare to believe AND to receive from the God Who is MORE than enough, and Who has ALREADY called you blessed! AMEN! Here is Hillsong Young and Free with "Brighter":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

"Grace Inspirations" by Joseph Prince for today covers a basic Truth for New Testament (New Covenant) believers!

Hebrews 8:10,12 …I will put My laws in their mind…I will be their God…I will be merciful to their unrighteousness…their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.”

You may be feeling stressed at work today because your boss just gave you a list of things to do. Maybe he told you, “You have to type this letter. You have to meet this client. You have to write this report. You have to…” Wouldn’t it be nice if your boss had, instead, said, “I will type this letter for you. I will meet this client for you. I will write this report for you. I will…”

Well, your boss may not be that gracious, but your Father in heaven is! When He found fault with the old covenant and established the new covenant (Hebrews 8:7–8) in His Son’s blood, His “Thou shalls” became “I wills”.

You see, under the old covenant, the focus is on you—Thou shall not…Thou shall not…Thou shall not…It is all about your performance, your obedience, your works. But under the new covenant, God says, “I will put My laws in their mind…I will be their God…I will be merciful to their unrighteousness…their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” It is no longer you working for God, but God working for you, in you, through you!

“Isn’t there something for me to do?” you may ask.

My friend, the only thing for you to do is to believe God’s “I wills”. The more you believe His “I wills” or promises, the more you will see His heart for you and the more your faith will grow.

It is foolish for me to just tell you, “Come on, man, have faith!” You will still find it hard to have faith because I am not giving you anything to build faith in you. But if I were to tell you all about what God says He will do for you, faith will arise in your heart. Faith is a response to knowing what God says He will do for you.

So the best thing you can “do” under the new covenant is to not focus on what you must do for God, but what God says He will do for you!

Thought For The Day: The more you know what God will do for you, the more faith will arise in your heart.

Our "work" as born again believers includes these things:

• Love the Lord our God with everything within us. (Luke 10:27)
• Love others as we love ourselves (Luke 10:27) and as HE has loved us (John 13:34)
• Study (2 Timothy 2:15) so that we will KNOW all of his "I wills" so that WE accurately represent HIM to the world! 
• Share the Good News with everyone we can and be ready to lay hands on them (Mark 16:15-18)

Be content to obey the Word and be led moment by moment by Holy Spirit IN you! EXPECT His supernatural presence, supply and confirmation of His Word. Stay surrendered to HIS will and you will NOT fail, but will have that abundant entrance into Heaven when you leave this earth! AMEN! Here is Hillsong United with a great song of commitment. "Oceans - Where Feet May Fail":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Today I want to share something that has captured my interest! I usually share things that I have spent much time studying for myself and add the things that I have learned. I have never actually thought a lot about this, from Andrew Womack's daily devotional! 

WHOSE FAITH WAS IT

Luke 7:13-14 "And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not, And he came and touched the bier: and they that bear him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise."

LUKE 7:11-17

This example of the widow's son being raised from the dead is often used to demonstrate that Jesus produced many miracles without any faith from those receiving the miracle, but by His faith alone. However, the prayer in Mark 6:5-6 shows that Jesus could not (nor would not) do many mighty works in His home town because of the people's unbelief. Many scriptures reveal that faith must be present to receive from God (Mark 11:23-24; James 1:5-7).

So, whose faith was present in this instance? First, the mother of the boy responded to Jesus in faith. For this woman to allow Jesus to interrupt the funeral procession and tell her to stop weeping has to be viewed as a positive response. These people were no different from mourners at funerals today. If she had rebelled at Jesus' intrusion, the crowd would have sided with her because of pity, but none of these reactions are recorded. Jesus was in command.

Second, it cannot be proven that a dead person has no choice in what happens. We may take it for granted, but the scriptures don't state that. A person doesn't cease to exist at death; he simply leaves his body. The person is still very much alive. Many people who have been raised from the dead have mentioned that they had a choice in whether or not to enter their bodies again. Although this principle cannot be verified by scripture, it cannot be ruled out by scripture either.

In any case, to be consistent with the rest of scripture, some degree of faith had to be present in either the person receiving the miracle, or an intercessor (in this case, the mother). Reach out in faith to receive your miracle today.

I really like so much of what he is saying here! The thought that this mother COULD have kept the funeral procession moving, but did not! Did she have a renewed hope because she had heard so much about Jesus? The TRUTH that we will NEVER die! I was also thinking that maybe this young man had never committed himself to God yet! This should be a fun study for you to check it out alongside of the Word of God! As our partner, Rick Renner, likes to say - something for you to THINK ABOUT!  While you're thinking, here is Hillsong Young and Free with "Lifeline":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Today's "Faith Food" by Kenneth E. Hagin has a very powerful lesson on HOW to exercise our authority as a born again believer. 

Whom Resist

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist steadfast in the faith" (1 Peter 5:8-9). 

In 1942, I had a battle with symptoms in my body. I prayed, appropriated the promises of God, and stood my ground. But at times it looked like I wasn't going to make it. 

One such night I had a dream. I dreamed another man and I were on some kind of a parade ground. It was like a football field. There were stands on either side. As we walked along talking, suddenly the man looked back and yelled, "Look!" and he started running. I turned and saw that two ferocious lions were almost upon me. I ran about two steps. Then I hollered to the other man, "You'll never make it! You can't outrun them!" I stopped still, turned around, and faced them. 

I was trembling. My flesh was covered with goose pimples. But I said, "I stand against you. I refuse to budge in the Name of Jesus Christ." The lions stopped, came right up to me, sniffed around my feet, and just trotted off.

I awoke, and First Peter 5:8 came to my mind. I knew my physical battle was won. I received healing immediately. I had almost run, but I stood my ground. I had used my authority. 

Confession: I resist the devil steadfast in the faith. I stand my ground. I use my authority. And the devil runs from me as if in terror. 

We MUST meditate on the Word of God (Joshua 1:8) until we "know that we know" what belongs to us as New Covenant believers, members of the family of God, the Body of Christ and the Church of Jesus Christ! HE has already done everything needful for US to walk in VICTORY in every situation! We simply need to know HOW to implement that victory. Keep spending time in HIS presence through prayer, praise and worship, study and meditation in the Word of God and in intimate fellowship with HIM! We will then be in perfect position to be revealed as "more than a conqueror" (Romans 8:37) through HIM that LOVES us! HALLELUJAH! Here is Hillsong Worship with "What A Beautiful Name":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Today's devotional on Jerry Savelle's website is a very good reminder that we MUST have the right mindset about ourselves, and who we are - IN HIM. in order to live victoriously in this life!

Revelation of Righteousness

Those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:17 NKJV)

It is impossible to live a victorious Christian life if you are constantly mindful of your sin. If you’re going to live a life of victory, it is essential that you have a revelation of the fact that you are the righteousness of God. To be righteous simply means you have the ability to stand in the presence of your Father God without a sense of fear, guilt, or inferiority—with absolutely no consciousness of sin.

If you’ve made Jesus Christ your Lord, then you already have been made the righteousness of God in Him. In fact, you are as righteous as Jesus is, because He gave you His own righteousness. Perhaps you’ve not yet taken advantage of this revelation, but it is nonetheless true.  Until you have a revelation of your own righteousness in Christ, sin and sickness will reign over you. Satan will maintain the upper hand. But the instant you realize you are the righteousness of God in Christ, that you are in right standing with God, the works of Satan in your life are forever destroyed.

Fear of your circumstances will be a thing of the past as you face even the most adverse situations with a sense of authority and dominion. Just as Jesus reigns over sickness, death, and the laws of nature, so you can now reign in life in Him.

Confession: I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, not because of my own works, but because of what Jesus has done for me. Today I receive a new and fresh revelation of God’s grace, and what being in right standing with God really means.

AMEN! Remember, YOU are the workmanship of God AND a new creation - IN HIM! Ephesians 2:10:

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].

Dare to see yourself as God sees you! As a born again believer, you are no longer a 'sinner'! You are now a saint, who sometimes sins (makes selfish decisions to things are own way instead of God's way)! NONE of those sins, bad decisions, mistakes, short comings is able to change who YOU are - IN HIM! You ARE HIS righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21)! AMEN! So think, speak and act like it! HE is waiting for you to do just that! AMEN! Here is Hillsong Worship with "Look To The Son":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

I know that many born again believers desire with all of their hearts to serve the LORD and to bring glory to His Name! Sometimes, in all of our good intentions, we can lose sight of the MOST important assignment that we have! No, it is NOT the great commission, though that is of utmost importance! THIS is what our most important assignment is, from "My Utmost For His Highest" by Oswald Chambers:

The Most Delicate Mission On Earth

The friend of the Bridegroom. — John 3:29

Goodness and purity ought never to attract attention to themselves, they ought simply to be magnets to draw to Jesus Christ. If my holiness is not drawing towards Him, it is not holiness of the right order, but an influence that will awaken inordinate affection and lead souls away into side-eddies. A beautiful saint may be a hindrance if he does not present Jesus Christ but only what Christ has done for him; he will leave the impression — “What a fine character that man is!” — that is not being a true friend of the Bridegroom; I am increasing all the time, He is not.

In order to maintain this friendship and loyalty to the Bridegroom, we have to be more careful of our moral and vital relationship to Him than of any other thing, even of obedience. Sometimes there is nothing to obey, the only thing to do is to maintain a vital connection with Jesus Christ, to see that nothing interferes with that. Only occasionally do we have to obey. When a crisis arises we have to find out what God’s will is, but the greater part of the life is not conscious obedience but the maintenance of this relationship — the friend of the Bridegroom. Christian work may be a means of evading the soul’s concentration on Jesus Christ. Instead of being friends of the Bridegroom, we may become amateur providences, and may work against Him whilst we use His weapons.

Do you remember what Jesus said when asked what the MOST important commandment was? Matthew 22:37-38:

37 And He replied to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind (intellect). 38 This is the great (most important, principal) and first commandment.  AMP

Before we try to tell anyone ABOUT Him, we must get to KNOW Him! How do we do that? By spending TIME with Him on a moment by moment, daily basis! When we fall completely in love with JESUS, we will NOT have to take a class on how to 'witness', we will BE a witness of all that He is! When WE love HIM with everything within us, HE is Who people first encounter when they come into our presence! All of our 'work' for the LORD MUST flow out of that or it will not ring true to people. It will seem as though we are play-acting! Be REAL! Be IN LOVE with JESUS! HE will increase and WE, our own humanity, will decrease in the eyes of those we minister to! Here is Hillsong Worship with a song that reflects the heart in LOVE with JESUS! "Behold (Then Sings My Soul)":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Today I want to share a look at the Prodigal Son through Joseph Princes' devotional!

SEE GOD AS A GOOD FATHER

Luke 15:31 “And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours.

Faith is believing that we have a good God, and that He protects and provides for those who trust in Him. Remember the parable of the prodigal son? (Luke 15:11–32) Jesus shared it to illustrate how good our heavenly Father is. The wayward son had squandered his father’s inheritance before he decided to go home to ask his father to make him a hired servant.

But before he could reach home, his father saw him from afar, ran toward him and embraced him. And instead of making him a hired servant, the father turned to his servants and said, 

“Bring out the best robe! Get a ring and sandals for my son! Let’s kill the fatted calf and celebrate!”

Now, when the older son returned from work and heard about the celebration, he became angry and refused to enter the house. When his father came out to ask him what was wrong, the older son complained, “Look, I’ve served you all these years. Yet, you never gave me a calf to celebrate with my friends. But as soon as this prodigal son of yours comes home, you kill the fatted calf for him!”

Notice what his father told him: “Son, you are always with me and all that I have is yours. We should celebrate because your brother was dead but is alive again. He was lost but is now found.”

Can you see how the older brother perceived his father? He saw his father as a hard and stingy man. He believed that he had to work to get something good from his father. He didn’t realize that he already had an inheritance! He could have killed the fatted calf any time for a celebration!

Like the father in the parable, God has already given you an inheritance in Christ. Don’t fail to enjoy it by doubting God’s goodness or by believing that you must work for it. See your Father’s heart of love and goodness toward you, and celebrate your inheritance today!

Thought For The Day

Faith is believing that you have a good Father who protects and provides for His children.

AMEN! There is NO ONE Who loves you like your Heavenly Father! HIS love is the very BEST love! Hid plans and purposes for your life are The VERY BEST EVER! (Jeremiah 29:11 AMP)! TRUST Him! PRAISE Him! WORSHIP Him! He is WORTHY and YOU are BLESSED! AMEN! Here is Hillsong Worship with "Let There Be Light":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Romans 10:1-3 says this:

Brethren, [with all] my heart’s desire and goodwill for [Israel], I long and pray to God that they may be saved. I bear them witness that they have a [certain] zeal and enthusiasm for God, but it is not enlightened and according to [correct and vital] knowledge. 3 For being ignorant of the righteousness that God ascribes [which makes one acceptable to Him in word, thought, and deed] and seeking to establish a righteousness (a means of salvation) of their own, they did not obey or submit themselves to God’s righteousness.

Here is the Apostle Paul saying that he is praying for all of his people to be saved! Then he goes on to say why some of them are NOT! He said that these who are not yet saved DO have a "zeal" for God. This is the Greek word "zeelos", which means: excitement of mind. It also can mean: to busy oneself about. These were people who went about doing many things that they THOUGHT would please God and bring them closer to Him, but they were mistaken! Paul says that though they had an excitement ABOUT God and were busily going about these things, their zeal was not according to "knowledge". This is the Greek word "epignosis", which means: full discernment, correct knowledge, understanding. These believers THOUGHT that they were pleasing God, but they fell short of receiving salvation because they had not yet understood that the Law was given ONLY to show that it was impossible to keep! The Law was given to show us that we REALLY need a Savior! Someone Who could actually KEEP this Law, and then stand in our place to pay the price for sin, which is death! Not just death of the physical body, but spiritual death! And THEN rise FROM that death as the ultimate Victor OVER death! HALLELUJAH! JESUS was and is this perfect Savior! They had not yet realized this! Paul goes on to say this in verse 3:

3 For being ignorant of the righteousness that God ascribes [which makes one acceptable to Him in word, thought, and deed] and seeking to establish a righteousness (a means of salvation) of their own, they did not obey or submit themselves to God’s righteousness.

Then Paul goes on to tell just how to go about receiving this wonderful, glorious, powerful, eternal and FREE Gift of Salvation! Verses 8-10:

8 But what does it say? The Word (God’s message in Christ) is near you, on your lips and in your heart; that is, the Word (the message, the basis and object) of faith which we preach, 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.

Have YOU received this wonderful Salvation yet? If not, please go to our website through the link on the left and find out how! This is a decision that you will NEVER regret! AMEN! Here is Hillsong Young and Free with "This Is Living":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Today's selection from Jerry Savelle's website goes right along with yesterday's post on this blog! 

You Are God’s Special Treasure

For you are a holy people to the LORD your God; the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth. (Deuteronomy 7:6 NKJV)

You are somebody special to God. Why? Because the blood of Jesus has dealt with every sin and failure that you ever committed and experienced, or that you ever will commit and experience.

Religion doesn’t teach that you are special. Religion wants you to remain “sin conscious,” meaning you are acutely aware of your shortcomings before a holy God. While it’s true that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, this is the very reason Jesus had to come.

The blood of Jesus washed away every bit of sin and failure in your life—past, preset, and future. As far as God is concerned, you are now holy, blameless, and above reproach in His sight. You are God’s special treasure, whether you feel like it or not.

Religion causes you to focus on your inadequacy and failure, when you should be focusing on the blood of Jesus and all that He did for you. If you have received Jesus as your Savior, you are not a worthless sinner. If you were, then the blood of Jesus didn’t work. I would never dare say the blood of Jesus didn’t work, because it did work!

Confession: Because the blood of Jesus cleansed me of my sin, I am holy and righteous in Your sight, Father God. Thank You that I am Your special treasure.

There is SO much truth here! I hope that YOU will meditate on this until the TRUTH of the Word of God becomes very clear to you, and are filled with the faith that PRODUCES RESULTS! Amen! Here is Hillsong Worship with "As It IS (in Heaven)":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

From the beginning years of the New Testament Church there have been those who simply could not wrap their minds around the GRACE of God! They were always trying to add some sort of rules and laws to govern believers. Paul spoke of it in Galatians 1:8-9:

8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

Some were trying to make the Gentile believers become as Jews (circumcision, keeping feasts, etc.) in order to be long to their number. The God of the Bible gave THIS as the ONLY qualifying decision to become a member of the Church: be born again! John 3:3:

3 Jesus answered him, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, that unless a person is born again (anew, from above), he cannot ever see (know, be acquainted with, and experience) the kingdom of God.

How does one become 'born again'? Romans 10:9-10:

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.

1 John 5:11-12 tells us this:

11 And this is that testimony (that evidence): God gave us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 He who possesses the Son has that life; he who does not possess the Son of God does not have that life.

2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us that when we DO this, we become a new creation that never existed before! Our previously dead human spirits, lost in sin, are recreated instantly by Holy Spirit into a brand new spirit being, in the image of God! 

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

We have covered all of this today so that we can look clearly at today's Bible Plan reading in Romans 8. Verse 1-2 say this:

8 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. KJV

SOMEONE, during the translation of this book, decided that the gospel needed to be explained in a way that THEY thought was clearer! What does this verse ACTUALLY say? When we take out all of the added words, those not actually IN the Greek text, we see that it says THIS:

8  Therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. KJV

The ONLY qualification for not receiving condemnation from the God of the Bible is to be IN Christ Jesus! THAT means to be born again! If you have received Jesus as your Lord and personal Savior, then you are IN Christ Jesus! Yes, we SHOULD walk after the Spirit rather than our flesh nature, which we will still have UNTIL we see Him face to face, but there is NO condemnation for a born again believer because the Blood of Jesus was, and always will be, ENOUGH! When we stand enter into HEaven, the only qualification is what we have done with JESUS! When we stand before the reward seat, everything we have done, if done in obedience and with right motives, will be rewarded. Everything not done in obedience, or done for wrong motives and reasons, will be burnt up by fire. We will be rewarded for whatever survives the fire of God! We will NOT be judged for anything! SO, refuse to allow the 'other gospel' of those who would bring condemnation on those who make mistakes to hold you back from the wonderful, powerful GIFT of GRACE, MERCY, LOVE and FORGIVENESS that comes directly from the heart of our Father! HIS love is never ending and unconditional for members of HIS family! AMEN! Here is Hillsong with "Grace To Grace":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Today's "My Utmost For His Highest" by Oswald Chambers is another very good exhortation and encouragement for us to hold on to! 

Friendship With God

Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do? — Genesis 18:17

•  

Its Delights. This chapter brings out the delight of real friendship with God as compared with occasional feelings of His presence in prayer. To be so much in contact with God that you never need to ask Him to show you His will, is to be nearing the final stage of your discipline in the life of faith. When you are rightly related to God, it is a life of freedom and liberty and delight, you are God’s will, and all your commonsense decisions are His will for you unless He checks. You decide things in perfect delightful friendship with God, knowing that if your decisions are wrong He will always check; when He checks, stop at once.

Its Difficulties. Why did Abraham stop praying when he did? He was not intimate enough yet to go boldly on until God granted his desire, there was something yet to be desired in his relationship to God. Whenever we stop short in prayer and say — “Well, I don’t know; perhaps it is not God’s will” — there is still another stage to go. We are not so intimately acquainted with God as Jesus was, and as He wants us to be — “That they may be one even as we are one.” Think of the last thing you prayed about — were you devoted to your desire or to God? Determined to get some gift of the Spirit or to get at God? “Your Heavenly Father knows what things you have need of before you ask Him.” The point of asking is that you may get to know God better. “Delight thyself also in the Lord; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” Keep praying in order to get a perfect understanding of God Himself.

This is SO very true! Many believers see themselves, therefore act like, someone sitting on the outside trying to find a peephole to look in at the wonderful things of God! WE have complete and 'already paid for' access to the One True God at any time, and every time, that WE choose! KNOW who you are - IN HIM! Know what belongs to YOU as a child of the Living God! Now step out into what GOD has for you with complete confidence that HE will never allow YOU to slip, fall or fail! AMEN! Psalm 55:22:

Cast your burden on the Lord [releasing the weight of it] and He will sustain you; He will never allow the [consistently] righteous to be moved (made to slip, fall, or fail).

COUNT on it! Here is Hillsong United with "Oceans - Where Feet May Fail". (BUT, He will not allow yours to do so! AMEN!

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

We know from the Word of God that all of Scripture is profitable for learning and growing up in the things of God. Some things are direct commandments from the heart of our Father. Some are promises of God, and the conditions required to attain those promises. Some things are examples of what NOT to do, and the consequences of it. ALL of Scripture is vital, powerful and beneficial. STUDY! 2 Timothy 3:16-17:

16 Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God’s will in thought, purpose, and action), 17 So that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Today we begin with a direct instruction! Psalm 78:1:

1 Give ear, O my people, to my teaching; incline your ears to the words of my mouth.

Here is an instruction and the reason for it! Psalm 78:4-7:

4 We will not hide them from their children, but we will tell to the generation to come the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, and His might, and the wonderful works that He has performed. 5 For He established a testimony (an express precept) in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, commanding our fathers that they should make [the great facts of God’s dealings with Israel] known to their children, 6 That the generation to come might know them, that the children still to be born might arise and recount them to their children, 7 That they might set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but might keep His commandments

This Psalm continues explaining what the One, True God had done for His people and how they had forgotten to remember and to teach their children, so that the generations to come would worship the LORD their God! This is also a very clear picture of what has happened to the United States of America! God sent people here for the purpose of birthing a nation where HE would be worshiped in Spirit and in Truth! This nation was founded on Godly, Biblical principles, and we now have people who not only try to deny this, but have actually tried to erase the truth of this from textbooks. We are so very blessed to have ministries directed by God to preserve the original documents, accounts and correspondence of these times! If people actually desire to know the TRUTH, they have options available! I encourage you, as you continue to go through the Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan, to allow Holy Spirit to show you the clear difference shown between the lives of those who DO His will and those who do not! Then compare these TRUTHS with the world around you! God is ALWAYS on our side. CHOOSE to always be on HIS! AMEN! Here is Hillsong Worship with "Behold - Then Sings My Soul":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Jerry Savelle's website devotional for today contains an encouragement that should spur you on in the things of God!

You Are Hand-picked by God

Even as [in His love] He chose us [actually picked us out for Himself as His own] in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy (consecrated and set apart for Him) and blameless in His sight, even above reproach, before Him in love. (Ephesians 1:4 AMP)

Did you know you were chosen by God before He even laid the foundation of the world? What’s more, He chose you because He loved you. When you know you’ve been chosen, it makes you feel special. The apostle Paul also uses the word elect when he speaks of being chosen. We are the elect of God. Do you know what it means to be the elect of God? It means “hand picked by God.”

Once you fully understand what Paul is saying, you’ll find it easy to walk in your true identity. You’ll begin to think, “I’m chosen by God. Of course He will heal me. Of course He will give me victory. I’m hand-picked by God, and I’ve been set apart for Him.”

God spoke through the prophet Jeremiah, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you” (Jeremiah 1:5 NKJV). Knowing this gives you great confidence that God is going to see you through, no matter what you may be facing today. After all, you’ve been hand picked by God.

Confession: Thank You, Father, for choosing me before I was ever born, before the foundation of the world. Thank You for setting me apart and making me blameless in your sight. You hand picked me because You loved me.

AMEN and AMEN! YOU were hand-picked by the One True God! HE desires only, and always, the BEST for you (3 John 2 and John 10:10 AMP)! Here is Hillsong Worship with a powerful song of God's Protection, provision and safety for all who are called by HIS Name! "What A Beautiful Name":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Here is more TRUTH that bears out that it is NOT by keeping the LAW or obeying the Ten Commandments that we obtain Salvation from the LORD! Look at Romans 4:13-15:

13 For the promise to Abraham or his posterity, that he should inherit the world, did not come through [observing the commands of] the Law but through the righteousness of faith. 14 If it is the adherents of the Law who are to be the heirs, then faith is made futile and empty of all meaning and the promise [of God] is made void (is annulled and has no power). 15 For the Law results in [divine] wrath, but where there is no law there is no transgression [of it either].

The LAW was given so that we would realize that it is IMPOSSIBLE for any of us to KEEP it! We will ALWAYS fall short! how do I know? Look at Romans 8:23:

23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

JESUS is the ONLY human being who NEVER sinned! Every one of us has failed at some time or other, many of us often! What hope is there for us? Romans 4:16-17:

16 Therefore, [inheriting] the promise is the outcome of faith and depends [entirely] on faith, in order that it might be given as an act of grace (unmerited favor), to make it stable and valid and guaranteed to all his descendants—not only to the devotees and adherents of the Law, but also to those who share the faith of Abraham, who is [thus] the father of us all. 17 As it is written, I have made you the father of many nations. [He was appointed our father] in the sight of God in Whom he believed, Who gives life to the dead and speaks of the nonexistent things that [He has foretold and promised] as if they [already] existed.

Verses 20-22:

20 No unbelief or distrust made him waver (doubtingly question) concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong and was empowered by faith as he gave praise and glory to God, 21 Fully satisfied and assured that God was able and mighty to keep His word and to do what He had promised. 22 That is why his faith was credited to him as righteousness (right standing with God).

YOUR faith in the shed blood and the Resurrection of JESUS is accounted to YOU as RIGHTEOUSNESS! Righteousness means: right standing with God! We HAVE that right to stand before the throne of God as though we had never sinned, BECAUSE of the Blood o JESUS! NO OTHER ANSWER will do! What have YOU done with JESUS? Let us know through the link on the left about where YOU stand with JESUS, and then let us help direct you to where you can continue to grow in the Word of God and by the Spirit of God! A good, Biblically sound local church that is a spiritual storehouse is VITAL for fulfilling our calling from God. LET'S GO! We CAN! AMEN! Here is a very old song by Hillsong called "Stepping Out":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

The Gospel of JESUS the Christ is SO powerful! Look at Psalm 65:20:

20 For no person will be justified (made righteous, acquitted, and judged acceptable) in His sight by observing the works prescribed by the Law. For [the real function of] the Law is to make men recognize and be conscious of sin [not mere perception, but an acquaintance with sin which works toward repentance, faith, and holy character].

Some people believe that we MUST keep the 10 commandments given to Moses in order to have Heaven as our home when we leave this earth! Nothing could be further from the TRUTH! The verse above tells us that the purpose that God had in giving the commandments to Moses was so that the His people (Israel) would be able to clearly see their need for a Saviour! The ANSWER, JESUS, is revealed in verses 21-24:

21 But now the righteousness of God has been revealed independently and altogether apart from the Law, although actually it is attested by the Law and the Prophets, 22 Namely, the righteousness of God which comes by believing with personal trust and confident reliance on Jesus Christ (the Messiah). [And it is meant] for all who believe. For there is no distinction, 23 Since all have sinned and are falling short of the honor and glory which God bestows and receives. 24 [All] are justified and made upright and in right standing with God, freely and gratuitously by His grace (His unmerited favor and mercy), through the redemption which is [provided] in Christ Jesus,

ALL have fallen short of God's required righteousness! THAT is why ALL need a Saviour! His NAME is JESUS! When a person receives JESUS as their own personal Lord and Saviour, they receive GOD'S RIGHTEOUSNESS! NOW we are qualified to join Him in the Heaven of the Bible when we leave this earth! Verse 26:

26 It was to demonstrate and prove at the present time (in the now season) that He Himself is righteous and that He justifies and accepts as righteous him who has [true] faith in Jesus.

Have YOU received Jesus the Christ (Messiah, Anointed One) as YOUR personal Lord and Savior? If so, welcome to the family of God! If not, WHY NOT? Remember, TODAY is the day of Salvation! Connect with us on our website through the link on the left and let us help you learn more! You will be SO glad you did! AMEN! Here is Hillsong with "Salvation Is Here":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

THIS, from Joseph Prince's "Grace Inspirations" devotional for today, covers something that I have been meditating on a lot lately! 

GOD’S SUPERABOUNDING GRACE FOR YOU

2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.

If you were in the same synagogue as the man with the withered hand (Luke 6:6–11), how would you see him and what do you think you would say to him?

Jesus was preaching in that synagogue when He saw the man with the withered hand. But He also saw superabounding grace around that hand for healing and wholeness. He sees differently from us. He sees the invisible. He sees that the kingdom of God is here, ever-present in any situation, with superabundant supply. We see only the visible, which is tangible, temporal and which seems so real to us.

But Jesus saw superabounding grace on that withered hand for healing because you do not tell a man with a withered hand, “Stretch out your hand,” unless you see the supply, the superabundance for wholeness for that hand. Jesus called forth the superabounding grace to envelop that man’s withered hand, and the hand was made whole.

It is possible for someone who is sick to have superabounding grace on him and yet that superabundance of grace does not heal his body. That is because he keeps acknowledging the lack or the problem he sees. He is more concerned with that which is visible and temporal.

Instead of calling forth, and acknowledging and confessing the superabundance of God’s grace, he confesses his negative circumstance all the time. So even though the superabounding grace is there, it is there in vain. Isn’t that sad?

Jesus called forth life, and life sprang into visibility. We must call forth what we want to see. Say, “Father, I thank You that right now, though my health is under attack, there is superabounding grace available for my healing and health. I call it forth and receive it now in Jesus’ name. Amen!”

My friend, don’t be conscious of what you see lacking or missing. Be conscious of God’s superabounding grace for you and avail yourself of it!

Thought For The Day

See the kingdom of God ever-present in every situation, with superabundant supply for you.

This is exactly what Holy Spirit has been teaching me! Our "faith fight" (1 Timothy 6:12) is NOT a physical fight. We are not fighting the enemy, sickness and disease, financial attacks or any other bad thing that the enemy tries to hit us with. Our 'fight' is the fight to be continually growing our faith so that we CAN 'see' the superabounding grace of God for every situation! When we consistently feed our faith on the Word of God, that faith will grow, and continue to grow, until the TRUTH of the Word becomes clearer than anything we can 'see' with our physical senses! Then we will 'see' , have a definite faith-filled image of, the promise of the Word over anything contrary! This takes diligence and a 'determined purpose' to not settle for anything less! THIS is the life that our Father intends for us to live! A life of continual victory and abundance so that we represent HIM well, and people are drawn to HIM, through us! AMEN! Here is Hillsong United with "No Reason To Hide":

Shalom in Him!