Shalom,

As you continue to grow in the Word of God, remember to spend most of your time in the Epistles which are the letters written to the church! They reveal the most about how our lives should look as born again, Spirit-filled believers! Today's New Testament reading in our Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan is Philippians 4, and I have 5 powerfulTRUTHS to share with you that if you DO them, your 2021 will be wonderful and powerful! Verse 4:

4 Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, gladden yourselves in Him]; again I say, Rejoice!

When we rejoice in all of the BLESSINGS that we have already received, we increase our capacity to receive even more, and to recognize HIS hand in everything! Verses 6-7:

6 Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. 7 And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Remember ALWAYS that fear is an evil spirit! When we refuse fear, worry, fretfulness and anxiety, then the PEACE that only GOD can give will flood our being with HIS mindset, which ALWAYS leads to success! One of the very best ways to do THAT is found in verse 8:

8 For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].

When WE control what our mind dwells on, then WE can keep the enemy from getting any hold on us for his purposes! Verse 13:

13 I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency].

This is one of my favorite verses because as a tea drinker, I KNOW how the flavor infuses itself into the hot water! Just as that water becomes FILLED with FLAVOR, I become FILLED with HIS STRENGTH! HALLELUJAH! NO ONE is stronger than our GOD! AND those who are infused with HIS STRENGTH! And the last one is given to those who get involved in supporting ministries that preach the GOSPEL! Verse 19:

19 And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

NOT according to our needs, BUT according to HIS RICHES! HALLELUJAH! Everything we could ever need is covered here! WE ARE SO BLESSED! Because our God IS GOD! The ONE and ONLY! Let's blast into 2021 filled with God's Word, filled with HIS SPIRIT and filled with HIS LOVE which never fails! Then this will be the BEST and MOST BLESSED year of our lives so far! AMEN! Here are Hillsong Kids with "As The World Shakes":

Shalom in Him!

 Shalom,

I have two things to share from today's Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan! The first is found in Proverbs 30:4:

4 Who has ascended into heaven and descended? Who has gathered the wind in His fists? Who has bound the waters in His garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name, and what is His Son’s name, if you know?

This is one of the most encouraging things that I have read or heard today! Why? Because though many in the world are mocking those of us who believe that GOD is standing with our President against the evil, corruption , fraud and interference from foreign nations that has been going on for quite some time, THIS tells me that GOD has GOT THIS! HE is working HIS work and HIS will and as WE worship HIM, we WILL SEE the SALVATION of our God! HALLELUJAH! The second thing that I want to share is something that I have shared every time we have gone through Philippians! MY favorite verse AND desire! Philippians 3:10:

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

AMEN! The Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan has been a wonderful place to start in this! When I am determined to, I learn something new about Him every day! Every time through the Word of God I learn something new or a new way of looking at and walking out His Word! I invite you to follow along with us as we begin again in 2021! You can purchase your own plan through our website link on the left, or simply follow along right on the website every day! I guarantee that if you do this diligently and consistently, you will never be the same! AND you will KNOW HIM MORE! And NOT just ABOUT Him! Here, to encourage you further in this, is Hillsong UNITED with "Whole Heart (Hold Me Now)":

Shalom in Him!

 Shalom,

There are two admonitions from today's Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan that I want to share with you and they are both from Philippians 2! First look at verses 12-13:

12 Therefore, my dear ones, as you have always obeyed [my suggestions], so now, not only [with the enthusiasm you would show] in my presence but much more because I am absent, work out (cultivate, carry out to the goal, and fully complete) your own salvation with reverence and awe and trembling (self-distrust, with serious caution, tenderness of conscience, watchfulness against temptation, timidly shrinking from whatever might offend God and discredit the name of Christ). 13 [Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight.

AMEN! Learn to rely solely and completely on the Word of God and the Spirit of Almighty God Who lives IN YOU! When you do this, then HE can work ALL THINGS out for YOUR GOOD! Now verses 14-16:

14 Do all things without grumbling and faultfinding and complaining [against God] and questioning and doubting [among yourselves], 15 That you may show yourselves to be blameless and guileless, innocent and uncontaminated, children of God without blemish (faultless, unrebukable) in the midst of a crooked and wicked generation [spiritually perverted and perverse], among whom you are seen as bright lights (stars or beacons shining out clearly) in the [dark] world, 16 Holding out [to it] and offering [to all men] the Word of Life, so that in the day of Christ I may have something of which exultantly to rejoice and glory in that I did not run my race in vain or spend my labor to no purpose.

AMEN! It is only EVER the Word of God that we must know, believe and receive in order to walk in our New and Better Covnenant to the extent that GOD desires us to! Refuse to be held back or intimidated by anyone or any thing! YOU have been called to the Ministry of Recociliation, which is sharing the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ with everyone we come in contact with so that THEY will have the opportunity to come to know the Lord Jesus as THEIR LORD JESUS! AMEN! Here are Hillsong Kids with "Voices of Freedom":

Shalom in Him!

 Shalom,

Today I want to share from Kenneth and Gloria Copeland's "From Faith To Faith" devotional:

Major on Mercy

...I beseech thee, show me thy glory. Exodus 33:18

What would you say is the single, most outstanding thing about God? What's His most important characteristic? Some people would say it's His power. Others, His holiness. But God Himself would give a different answer.

You can find that answer in Exodus 33. There Moses is asking God to show him His glory.

Now the word glory could literally be translated "heavy weight." It refers to the heaviest, biggest, grandest thing about someone. It's the sum total of their worth.

So what Moses was actually saying was, "Lord, I want to see the weightiest thing about You. I want to know Your grandest attributes." What did God say to him in response?

Chapter 34:6-7 tells us, "The Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin."

Just think about that! When Moses asked God to show him the most important thing about Himself, God showed him His mercy.

That means if you and I are to imitate God (Ephesians 5:1) we must major in mercy too. Mercy, goodness, forgiveness and compassion must mark our behavior above all else.

Major on mercy and others will see the glory of God in you.

AMEN!

When we GIVE mercy, we are already in postion to RECEIVE mercy and grace for ourselves! Make sure that YOU are sowing seeds of TRUTH (God's Word) and GRACE (God's unmerited favor)! You ARE who HE says you are and you CAN DO what HE says that you CAN DO! Here is Hillsong with "Who You Say I Am":

Shalom in Him!

 Shalom,

Today I want to share one of the most important passages of Scripture that every born again believer MUST both KNOW and DO in order to walk in VICTORY in every situation, and to NOT be intimidated by the enemy! He has NO POWER over you! NONE! The only weapon he has is the lie! If he can get you to believe something contrary to the Word of God, then he can steal time, energy and resources from you. Refuse to give him any place! What is this passage of Scripture? Ephesians 6:10-18:

10 In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides]. 11 Put on God’s whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil. 12 For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere. 13 Therefore put on God’s complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place]. 14 Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God, 15 And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace. 16 Lift up over all the [covering] shield of saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one]. 17 And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God. 18 Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God’s consecrated people).

AMEN! Let's go into 2021 with a ROAR of VICTORY, a SHOUT OF PRAISE and an unending TRUST that GOD IS WORKING FOR US CONTINUALLY! HALLEUJAH! It's GOD TIME NOW! Here is Hillsong with "Freedon Is Here/Shout Unto God":

Shalom in Him!

 Shalom,

Today's "My Utmost For His Highest" by Oswald Chambers is another great explanation of our Salvation!

Placed In The Light

If we walk in the light, as He is in the light,…the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin. — 1 John 1:7

To mistake conscious freedom from sin for deliverance from sin by the Atonement is a great error. No man knows what sin is until he is born again. Sin is what Jesus Christ faced on Calvary. The evidence that I am delivered from sin is that I know the real nature of sin in me. It takes the last reach of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, that is, the impartation of His absolute perfection, to make a man know what sin is.

The Holy Spirit applies the Atonement to us in the unconscious realm as well as in the realm of which we are conscious, and it is only when we get a grasp of the unrivalled power of the Spirit in us that we understand the meaning of 1 John 1:7, “the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin.” This does not refer to conscious sin only, but to the tremendously profound understanding of sin which only the Holy Ghost in me realizes.

If I walk in the light as God is in the light, not in the light of my conscience, but in the light of God — if I walk there, with nothing folded up, then there comes the amazing revelation — the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses me from all sin so that God Almighty can see nothing to censure in me. In my consciousness it works with a keen poignant knowledge of what sin is. The love of God at work in me makes me hate with the hatred of the Holy Ghost all that is not in keeping with God’s holiness. To walk in the light means that everything that is of the darkness drives me closer into the centre of the light.

AMEN! It is SO powerful to KNOW that SIN is no longer OUR problem! Not where eternal salvation is concerned! WHEN I confess (acknowledge) the sin I know of, HE freely and completely cleanses me from all other sin and unrighteousness! Unlearned people, ignorant of God's Word, accuse us with such ignorant phrases as 'greasy grace' and 'easy grace'. People who use such phrases are revealing their own complete ignorance of GOD'S GRACE! NOTHING, NOT ONE THING, can keep a born again believer out of Heaven when they leave this earth. NOTHING!!! The problem with these 'ministers' and 'teachers' is that they do not themselves understand the overwhelming POWER of the FREE GRACE of Almighty God! These 'teachers' and 'ministers' are confusing eternal salvation with our walk through this life! SIN will NOT keep us out of Heaven any more than not sinning will allow us in! IT IS THE GRACE of GOD that gives us the right to have Heaven as our home when we leave this earth simply by recognizing our NEED for the Saviour, and then RECEIVING JESUS as that ONE! HE has totally obliterated the ability of sin to keep us out of Heaven! Should we choose to sin (make a selfish decision to act against God's Word), then that choice can amd will affect our lives here on earth! There IS a consequence for going against God's Word in our decsions. It takes us out from under HIS protection and opens the door of our lives to the enemy to wreak havoc! BUT, if you find that YOU have done this, then go directly to 1 John 1:9 and ACKNOWLEDGE that sin, receiving the immediate forgivenesss that this verse promises! Refuse to be intimidated by those who do not understand this! Instead, PRAY for them, FORGIVE them, ask the LORD to send laborers into their lives who will be able to present the TRUTH in a way that they can understand in order to BELIEVE and RECEIVE what God has prepared for THEM! Now walk out your wonderful, powerful, FREEDOM in GOD so that the world around YOU can see HIM in your life! THAT is why we are even here! AMEN! Here is Hillsong with "Tell The World":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

 MERRY CHRISTmas! Rejoice with me at the celebration the birth of the ONE Who came to redeem us from the control of the enemy! FOREVER! Here is today's "My Utmost For His Highest" by Oswald Chambers:

His Birth And Our New Birth

Behold, a virgin…shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. — Matthew 1:23

His Birth in History. “Therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God” (Luke 1:35). Jesus Christ was born into this world, not from it. He did not evolve out of history; He came into history from the outside. Jesus Christ is not the best human being, He is a Being Who cannot be accounted for by the human race at all. He is not man becoming God, but God Incarnate, God coming into human flesh, coming into it from outside. His life is the Highest and the Holiest entering in at the lowliest door. Our Lord’s birth was an advent.

His Birth in Me. “Of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you” (Galatians). Just as Our Lord came into human history from outside, so He must come into me from outside. Have I allowed my personal human life to become a “Bethlehem” for the Son of God? I cannot enter into the realm of the Kingdom of God unless I am born from above (RV mg) by a birth totally unlike natural birth. “Ye must be born again.” This is not a command, it is a foundation fact. The characteristic of the new birth is that I yield myself so completely to God that Christ is formed in me. Immediately Christ is formed in me, His nature begins to work through me.

God manifest in the flesh — that is what is made profoundly possible for you and me by the Redemption.

This is the REAL 'story' of what JESUS came to do! And HE SAID: "IT IS FINISHED!" Never doubt that God HAS DONE everything that He said He would do and that He IS DOING exactly wjhat needs to happen next! NEVER GIVE UP! NEVER GIVE IN! GOD'S GOT THIS! HALLEUJAH! Here are Hillsong Kids with "When The World Shakes":

 Shalom in Him!

 Shalom,

In Proverbs 24:3-4 from our Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan for today we see one of the simplest and most profound Truths!

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.

It is ALWAYS by and through the Word of GOD that we growin Wisdom, knowledge and understanding of Who God is and who we are - IN HIM! Do not neglect the study of God's Word! Besides the verses above, 2 Timothy also tells us of the importance off getting the Word of God inside of us! Verse 15:

15 Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.

And then Romans 12:1-2:

12 I appeal to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship. 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].

AMEN! The Word of the Living God is the MOST important part of our life with JESUS! Remember alwasy that God's Word is TRUTH (John 17:17) and that JESUS said of Mary, who had chose to sit at His feet learning rather than scurrying around as her sister did, that SHE had 'chosen the better part' (Luke 10:42) AND that this choice would NOT be taker away fromher! CHOOSE JESUS! CHOOSE HIS WORD! CHOOSE LIFE! ALWAYS! Here are Hillsong Kids with "Voices of Freedom":

Shalom in Him!

 Shalom,

We read Ephesians 2 in our Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan for today and verses 4-6 tell us what wonderful things GOD has done for US!

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).

HALLELUJAH! What great GOOD NEWS this is! And WHY did He do this? Verse 7:

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.

I would encourage you to read more in the Epistles, which are letters that were written to the churches explaining to them this NEW and BETTER Covenant that born again believers have with the One, True God! We CANNOT walk in what we DO NOT KNOW! SO, let's get the knowledge of who we are IN HIM so that we can walk in it, showing off HIM to the world! That IS why were are here, so let's be about our Father's business! HE is cxounting on us! AMEN! Here is Hillsong with "Who You Say I Am":

Shalom in Him!

 Shalom,

Would you like to hear a wonderful and encouraging message for today that has been around for a very long time? Here is is from our Spoken Word Bible reading Plan for today! Ephesians 1:1-6:

1 Paul, an apostle (special messenger) of Christ Jesus (the Messiah), by the divine will (the purpose and the choice of God) to the saints (the consecrated, set-apart ones) at Ephesus who are also faithful and loyal and steadfast in Christ Jesus: 2 May grace (God’s unmerited favor) and spiritual peace [which means peace with God and harmony, unity, and undisturbedness] be yours from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. 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! 4 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. 5 For He foreordained us (destined us, planned in love for us) to be adopted (revealed) as His own children through Jesus Christ, in accordance with the purpose of His will [because it pleased Him and was His kind intent]— 6 [So that we might be] to the praise and the commendation of His glorious grace (favor and mercy), which He so freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.

HALLELUJAH! HE, our GOD, holds US in the highest esteem! Why? Because WE belong to HIM! We are not JUST His creation, we are HIS CHILDREN, members of HIS family, IF we have received JESUS as Lord and personal Saviour! I HAVE! I hope that YOU have, too! If not, go to our website through the link on the left and find out how! You will NEVER, EVER regret THAT decision! Here is Hillsong with another older song that I loive called "Tell The World":

Shalom in Him!

 Shalom,

I LOVE the simplicity and Truth found Proverbs! Even though the wicked SEEM to be getting away with everything today, God's Word tells us otherwise! Proverbs 21:6-7:

6 Securing treasures by a lying tongue is a vapor driven to and fro; those who seek them seek death. 7 The violence of the wicked shall sweep them away, because they refuse to do justice.

And a few more things that the wicked have to look forward to are found in verses 15 & 18:

15 When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous (the upright, in right standing with God), but to the evildoers it is dismay, calamity, and ruin. 18 The wicked become a ransom for the [uncompromisingly] righteous, and the treacherous for the upright [because the wicked themselves fall into the traps and pits they have dug for the good].

But the righteous, those is right standing with God through the Blood of Jesus Christ, and who walk in HIS ways have THIS to look forward to! Verse 21:

21 He who earnestly seeks after and craves righteousness, mercy, and loving-kindness will find life in addition to righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God) and honor.

God's promises are TRUE and SURE! Never give up and never give in to evil! Our GOD is at work as you read this setting things right, exposing the evil of the wicked and those with wicked agendas, and setting things in motion for YOU to have the MOST BLESSED Christmas and great new year that you have ever had! Keep loking to HIM! HE is about to do some 'suddenlies' in your life! Make sure to begin to praise Him NOW for those! The BEST is yet to come! HALLELUJAH! Here are Hillsong Kids with "As The World Shakes":

Shalom in Him!

 Shalom,

Today I want to share a portion of Oswald Chambers' "My Utmost For His Highest" devotional.

The Right Kind of Help

And I, if I am lifted up…will draw all peoples to Myself. —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 an absurdity and there is absolutely no need for it. What the world needs is not “a little bit of love,” but major surgery.

When you find yourself face to face with a person who is spiritually lost, remind yourself of Jesus Christ on the cross. If that person can get to God in any other way, then the Cross of Christ is unnecessary. If you think you are helping lost people with your sympathy and understanding, you are a traitor to Jesus Christ. You must have a right-standing relationship with Him yourself, and pour your life out in helping others in His way— not in a human way that ignores God. The theme of the world’s religion today is to serve in a pleasant, non-confrontational manner.

But our only priority must be to present Jesus Christ crucified— to lift Him up all the time (see 1 Corinthians 2:2). Every belief that is not firmly rooted in the Cross of Christ will lead people astray. If the worker himself believes in Jesus Christ and is trusting in the reality of redemption, his words will be compelling to others. What is extremely important is for the worker’s simple relationship with Jesus Christ to be strong and growing. His usefulness to God depends on that, and that alone.

AMEN! We are NOT sent here to be nice and polite to people! We are sent here to be READY to answer when we are asked about the HOPE that is in us! That means that we must be maintaining a close, intimate fellowship with HIM by Holy Spirit within us! When we do that we will be able to be joyful and hopeful in trying times, walking in peace and freedom while the world around us is giving in to evil and chaos! But we are NEVER to compromise the Word of the Living God! People do not need nice sounding words. They NEED a SAVIOUR! Keep representing JESUS ins the same way that JESUS represented the Father during HIS ministry! That allows GOD to work THROUGH us to get the TRUTH to those who are searching for TRUTH! AMEN! Here is Hillsong with "No Reason To Hide":

Shalom in Him!

 Shalom,

The last few days in the "Faith Food" devotional by Kenneth E. Hagin have been all about Who JESUS to us, in us and for us! Here is today's:

Mediator

For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. — 1 TIMOTHY 2:5

Man’s condition demanded an Incarnation — man had become spiritually dead with no approach to God. The Incarnation of Deity with humanity provided One who could stand as man’s Mediator. Equal with God on one hand and united with man on the other, this One could assume the obligations of man’s treason and satisfy the claims of Justice, thereby bridging the chasm between God and man.

God created man in His own image, just a little lower than Himself; so nearly like God that it was possible for God and man to become united for eternity in one individual! (When Christ became a man and took on a physical body in the Incarnation, He did so for eternity. Therefore, there is a God-man in Heaven today at the Father’s right hand as a result of the Incarnation.) It was possible for God and man to become united!

God can dwell in these human bodies of ours, God can impart His life and nature to our spirits. That’s what takes place at the New Birth: Spiritual death is eradicated from the spirit, and God gives man His life!

Confession: Today at the right hand of the Father there is a God-man, our Mediator, Jesus Christ. Jesus bridged the gap for me. He made it possible for spiritual death to depart from my spirit, and for God’s own life and nature to take its place in my spirit. Therefore, God now dwells in my spirit. God lives in me!

AMEN! Remember, GOD is exactly Who HE says HE is! And YOU are exactly who HE says YOU are, too! Here is Hillsong with "Who You Say I AM":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Some of my favorite TRUTHS from today's Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan! Proverbs 18:10:

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

NEVER doubt that GOD IS and HAS the ANSWER for every situation that you face! HE is GOD and HE is GOOD! ALL the time! Verses 20-21 are also vital for success in any and every area of life!

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

Galatians 3:1-3 is a favorite passage if mine, especially from the Amplified Bible!

1 O you poor and silly and thoughtless and unreflecting and senseless Galatians! Who has fascinated or bewitched or cast a spell over you, unto whom—right before your very eyes—Jesus Christ (the Messiah) was openly and graphically set forth and portrayed as crucified 2 Let me ask you this one question: Did you receive the [Holy] Spirit as the result of obeying the Law and doing its works, or was it by hearing [the message of the Gospel] and believing [it]? [Was it from observing a law of rituals or from a message of faith?] 3 Are you so foolish and so senseless and so silly? Having begun [your new life spiritually] with the [Holy] Spirit, are you now reaching perfection [by dependence] on the flesh?

Believing that there is ANY OTHER WAY to be saved and have Heaven as your home through eternity than what JESUS has done for us is ALL of those underlined things! Read the rest of Galatians 3 to see what else belongs to us as born again believers! GOD IS GOOD! Here is Hillsong with an older song that I love! "God Is Great":

Shalom inHim!

 Shalom,

Proverbs 17:22 is a verse that every believer should know and act upon!

22 A happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.

Maintaining and demonstrating the joy that is IN you as a born again believer will not only benefit YOU with health and wellness, but your joy will cause others to have hope and to ask YOU about that hope that is within you! Be ready to give THE ANSWER! And here is MY declaration of faith in JESUS! Galatians 2:20:

20 I have been crucified with Christ [in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ (the Messiah) lives in me; and the life I now live in the body I live by faith in (by adherence to and reliance on and complete trust in) the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

It SHOULD be a 'CHRISTmas celebration" each and every day for the born again believer! Make sure that YOU are maintaining your gratefulness, thankfulness and joy for all that HE has done and provided for YOU! We are, of all people, MOST BLESSED! Let's SHOW IT! Here are Hillsong Kids with "I Give You My Hallelujah":

Shalom in Him!

 Shalom,

Today I want to share a few of my favorite verses from Proverbs 16!

7 When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. 9 A man’s mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure.
10 Divinely directed decisions are on the lips of the king; his mouth should not transgress in judgment.
11 A just balance and scales are the Lord’s; all the weights of the bag are His work [established on His eternal principles].

16 How much better it is to get skillful and godly Wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.
17 The highway of the upright turns aside from evil; he who guards his way preserves his life.20 He who deals wisely and heeds [God’s] word and counsel shall find good, and whoever leans on, trusts in, and is confident in the Lord—happy, blessed, and fortunate is he.
21 The wise in heart are called prudent, understanding, and knowing, and winsome speech increases learning [in both speaker and listener].

24 Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the mind and healing to the body.

AMEN! Our great GOD has already made a WAY for His plans and purposes to be carried out in our lives! All that WE have to do is to stay in intimate fellowship with HIM and be a DOER of HIS WORD! Everything about our lives should reflect HIS LOVE and HIS GLORY! Remember that YOU may be the only JESUS that some people have ever seen! He is ALWAYS GOOD, so let's make HIM famous! Here is an old song from Hillsong called "Shout Your Fame":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Today's "My Utmost For His Highest" devotional by Oswald Chambers has another very vital, yet simple, instruction for us that will result in much fruit!

Approved Unto God

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. — 2 Timothy 2:15

If you cannot express yourself on any subject, struggle until you can. If you do not, someone will be the poorer all the days of his life. Struggle to re-express some truth of God to yourself, and God will use that expression to someone else. Go through the winepress of God where the grapes are crushed. You must struggle to get expression experimentally, then there will come a time when that expression will become the very wine of strengthening to someone else; but if you say lazily — “I am not going to struggle to express this thing for myself, I will borrow what I say,” the expression will not only be of no use to you, but of no use to anyone. Try to re-state to yourself what you feel implicitly to be God’s truth, and you give God a chance to pass it on to someone else through you.

Always make a practice of provoking your own mind to think out what it accepts easily. Our position is not ours until we make it ours. The author who benefits you most is not the one who tells you something you did not know before, but the one who gives expression to the truth that has been struggling for utterance in you.

What this is saying, simply, is that we cannot share with people the TRUTHS of the Word that we do not personally KNOW! Repeating something that you heard someone else share without having meditated on it yourself will just fall flat! When we meditate on the Word that we hear until Holy Spirit is able to make it come alive and be real, with the ability to act on it in our own life, then we have an understanding of the Word that others can witness is REAL in us! THAT is the WORD that inspires others to get themselves into God's Word! BE that witness that GOD has called you to be! AMEN! Here is Hillsong UNITED with "Highlands":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Today we read Proverbs 14 in our Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan and I really love verses 26-27:

26 In the reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, and His children shall always have a place of refuge. 27 Reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, that one may avoid the snares of death.

The fear of the Lord is exactly what is written here! Reverence, awe and worship. We are not to be IN fear, which is an evil spirit, but we are to be IN AWE of the One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible! The GOD of all creation! The GOD of our SALVATION! He IS GOD and there IS no other! And what are the promised results of holding HIM in reverence, respect, awe, worship and exaltation? Strong confidence in HIM is one of those results! Safety and preservation is another! Other Proverbs tell us that this attitude of reverence and awe towards the One True God also results in WISDOM! Let's make 2021 the year that we commit to KNOW and LOVE the Lord our God more every single day! Begin following the Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan again with an emphasis on learning something new about HIM every single day! Can youimagine the growth of faith and confidence in learning 365 new things about Him? How powerful our faith will become! I hope that you will join mem in this! The BEST is yet to come! HALLELUJAH! Here is Hillsong with one of my favorite and often used songs called "Like Incense (Sometimes By Step)":

Shalom in Him!

 Shalom,

Today's "Grace Inpsirations" devotional by Joseph Prince speaks to the great advantage and gift that we have in the ability to pray in other tongues! 

BUILD YOURSELF UP—SPIRIT, SOUL AND BODY

1 Corinthians 14:4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself…

Many Charismatics believe that when you speak in tongues, you edify or build up your spirit man. Well, that is only one-third true. The Bible does not say that the speaker edifies his spirit. No, it says that the speaker “edifies himself.” This means his entire self—spirit, soul and body. So he who speaks in tongues builds up not just his spirit, but his soul and body as well.

Beloved, if you are feeling emotionally drained or just physically tired from a hectic week, begin to pray in tongues and allow the Holy Spirit to edify you. God’s Spirit in you knows exactly what you need and will rest and recharge you—spirit, soul and body—as you yield to Him and pray in tongues. Sometimes, when I am tired after a long flight and still need to preach at a conference, I will pray in tongues to edify myself. I have found that when I do this, despite the jet lag, I will have the strength and clarity of mind to preach an anointed message and do whatever I need to do for the day.  

One of our congregation members, a 74-year-old brother, decided to build up his body, specifically, his heart. He had discovered that two of his arteries were 70 per cent blocked and five smaller vessels were 80 per cent blocked. So during a church service, when I asked those who wanted to be healed of heart problems to stand up, he stood up, placed his hand over his heart and prayed in tongues.

He shared that at that moment, he believed that the Holy Spirit touched him and he became a different person. When he went for his medical check-up, his surgeon found that all the blockages in his arteries and blood vessels were gone! Even a scheduled heart-related operation was cancelled as there was no longer any necessity for it. Indeed, he was a different person. He literally had a change of heart, a new heart from God!

Beloved, you may not have a heart condition, but you can still pray in tongues for your area of need. Start building yourself up today—spirit, soul and body—and enjoy the healing, well-being, power and wisdom that only the Holy Spirit can bring!

AMEN! We, as born again, Spirit-filled believers, are so very well equipped by our Father to succeed, prosper, grow and advance simply by being a DOER of His Word and obedient to His Spirit! We are, of all people, MOST BLESSED! There has never been a better, more exciting time to be alive than right now! Let's take advantage of all that HE has blessed us with and become the very BEST ambassadors of Heaven that we can possible be! HE will be very pleased, WE will be very blessed and those we come in contact with will KNOW that there is a GOD and that WE KNOW HIM! Here is Hillsong with "No Reason To Hide":

Shalom in Him!

 Shalom,

Today's "From Faith To Faith" devotional by Kenneth and Gloria Copeland is another great lesson for us!

Tune In

He that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. 1 Corinthians 14:2

Have you ever looked around at your own life or the life of the Church and wondered why it's taking the Lord so long to get things in order?

If so, let me tell you something I learned a few years ago. He's not the One who's slow. We are!

It's not God's fault that the Church still has spots and wrinkles. It's not His fault that we're not living in total victory. He's always ready. He's the great "I AM." We're the ones who fall short.

Compare it to turning on a radio. If you don't have it tuned to exactly the right frequency, you won't be able to hear the station. It's not the station's fault. It's sending out signals perfectly. The problem is, you haven't tuned in to it.

That's what's happening with you and me. We haven't fine tuned our spirits enough to pick up the voice of the Spirit. Oh, we pick up a few things now and then, but mostly we just fade in and out. We don't stay on God's wavelength all the time.

How do you adjust your spiritual tuner?

By praying in the spirit. Praying in other tongues is the fastest, most effective method I know of to tune in to God—because instead of praying your own thoughts and plans, you're praying His!

The Bible says that when you pray in tongues, you're speaking mysteries to God. In the spirit, you're calling forth parts of God's plan you don't even understand with your natural mind. By the unction of the Holy Spirit, you're praying the perfect will of God.

You see, God knows how to deliver His people. He knows how to turn us into the glorious Church without spot or wrinkle. He has a plan that will do it. And if we'll tap in to that plan and start releasing it into the earth by praying in the spirit, praying according to His will and not our own, this age will draw to a close quickly. If we'll all get our minds and hearts in tune with what God's doing, there will be an explosion of the power of God that will turn this world around!

Start adjusting your spiritual tuner today. Spend an hour praying in other tongues. Set your spirit on God's wavelength and just see how quickly the spots and wrinkles begin to disappear from you.

AMEN! Our GOD is the ONE Who does the WORK in us, but WE give HIM the right and the opportunity! Never forget that HE has given YOU a free will and He will NOT ever force Himself on anyone! If and when WE decide that we want HIS will and HIS ways, He will be right there to lead, guide and direct us! But WE must choose His will first! Are YOU ready to give it all to the ONE Who loves you MOST and BEST? There IS no greater love than HIS for YOU! Here is Hillsong UNITED with "Nothing Like Your Love":

Shalom in Him!

 Shalom,

Two of my favorite verses are found in today's Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan! The first is from Proverbs 11:24-25:

24 There are those who [generously] scatter abroad, and yet increase more; there are those who withhold more than is fitting or what is justly due, but it results only in want. 25 The liberal person shall be enriched, and he who waters shall himself be watered.

I LOVE how the Word of God goes against mere natural thinking! We serve a BIG GOD Who loves to bless His children and show off to the world! It doesn't make natural sense that someone could give out of their need and end up blessed beyond reason while some who are very well off, but stingy, can end up with nothing! It makes PERFECT GOD SENSE, though! All of Proverbs 11 goes back and forth concerning the BLESSING of doing things God's way and the failure that comes with rebellion against God and His Word! Revelation 18 tells what is ahead for those who have done, and continue to do, wickedly! The RIGHTEOUS will ALWAYS come out on top and be BLESSED! The evil, rebellious and wicked will NOT have it so good! We are already seeing GOD expose the evil wickedness that tried to steal from God's people and GOD has said, "ENOUGH"! The Word of God is VERY CLEAR on the BLESSING of the RIGHTEOUS who stand on God's Word and FOR Godly principles, and the 'reward' of the wicked and their wickedness! It is NOT pretty! !Then we have THIS in Zechariah 4:6 that shows that our GOD is NOT bound to this natural realm, but operates in the SUPERNATURAL realm! ALWAYS to BLESS us! 

6 Then he said to me, This [addition of the bowl to the candlestick, causing it to yield a ceaseless supply of oil from the olive trees] is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit [of Whom the oil is a symbol], says the Lord of hosts

AMEN! GOD is NEVER limited by the restictions of the world! HE is GOD ALMIGHTY and NO ONE shall TOUCH Him! Amen! Here is Hillsong with "":

Shalom in Him!

 Shalom,

I am really enjoying going through the Book of Proverbs for the second time this year in ourt Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan! Proverbs 10:17 is a great example of the TRUTH and simplicity of these well written WORDS! 

17 He who heeds instruction and correction is [not only himself] in the way of life [but also] is a way of life for others. And he who neglects or refuses reproof [not only himself] goes astray [but also] causes to err and is a path toward ruin for others.

Verse 22 is another GREAT promise that we should get so strong inside of us that we will never even be tempted to doubt it!

22 The blessing of the Lord—it makes [truly] rich, and He adds no sorrow with it [neither does toiling increase it].

GOD is GOOD! ALL the time! And HE only and ever wants GOOD things for His people, who are called by HIS Name and who LOVE HIM! Make the GOD of all the universe YOUR #1 priority every single day and you will NEVER experience lack in any area again! That does NOT mean that you will not have battles to fight, but WE fight with GOD's weapons that NEVER fail! AMEN! Here are Hillsong Kids with "Tell The World":

Shalom in Him!

 Shalom,

Proverbs 9:9-11 contains instructions for US who desire to be WISE in the things of GOD!

9 Give instruction to a wise man and he will be yet wiser; teach a righteous man (one upright and in right standing with God) and he will increase in learning. 10 The reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is the beginning (the chief and choice part) of Wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight and understanding. 11 For by me [Wisdom from God] your days shall be multiplied, and the years of your life shall be increased.

In these days when the media cannot be trusted, when evil people have set themselves up as judges of 'truth' when they wouldn't know the TRUTH if it hit them in the face, these verses are vital in order for us to be on the RIGHT side of the issues! That would be GOD's SIDE! Agree with God by believing and acting on HIS WORD and YOU will be among the WISE who will be hidden in the secret place of Psalm 91 as we witness the downfall of the wicked and their wickedness! Psalm 91:

1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand]. 2 I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I [confidently] trust! 3 For [then] He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. 4 [Then] He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings shall you trust and find refuge; His truth and His faithfulness are a shield and a buckler. 5 You shall not be afraid of the terror of the night, nor of the arrow (the evil plots and slanders of the wicked) that flies by day, 6 Nor of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor of the destruction and sudden death that surprise and lay waste at noonday. 7 A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not come near you. 8 Only a spectator shall you be [yourself inaccessible in the secret place of the Most High] as you witness the reward of the wicked. 9 Because you have made the Lord your refuge, and the Most High your dwelling place, 10 There shall no evil befall you, nor any plague or calamity come near your tent. 11 For He will give His angels [especial] charge over you to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways [of obedience and service]. 12 They shall bear you up on their hands, lest you dash your foot against a stone. 13 You shall tread upon the lion and adder; the young lion and the serpent shall you trample underfoot. 14 Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him; I will set him on high, because he knows and understands My name [has a personal knowledge of My mercy, love, and kindness—trusts and relies on Me, knowing I will never forsake him, no, never]. 15 He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. 16 With long life will I satisfy him and show him My salvation.

Notice verse 8 and that THIS is where you want to LIVE! In the secret place of being aware of GOD'S presence! Where you are welcome and encouraged to fellowship intimately with the One, True GOD! AMEN! Here is Hillsong with "One Way":

Shalom in Him!

 Shalom,

We are reading Proverbs 8 in today's Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan and verses 17-21 are speaking to those of us who love and reverence the One True GOD!

17 I love those who love me, and those who seek me early and diligently shall find me. 18 Riches and honor are with me, enduring wealth and righteousness (uprightness in every area and relation, and right standing with God). 19 My fruit is better than gold, yes, than refined gold, and my increase than choice silver. 20 I [Wisdom] walk in the way of righteousness (moral and spiritual rectitude in every area and relation), in the midst of the paths of justice, 21 That I may cause those who love me to inherit [true] riches and that I may fill their treasuries.

AMEN! It is WELL with those who love and reverence HIM! Verses 32-35 also tell us this:

32 Now therefore listen to me, O you sons; for blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are those who keep my ways. 33 Hear instruction and be wise, and do not refuse or neglect it. 34 Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. 35 For whoever finds me [Wisdom] finds life and draws forth and obtains favor from the Lord.

Not so for those who do not love and reverence HIM! Verse 36:

36 But he who misses me or sins against me wrongs and injures himself; all who hate me love and court death.

Do NOT fret over those evil doers who APPEAR to be winning right now. Oud GOD is on it and HE will watch over His Word to perform it! I hope you will join me and stay on GOD'S side, for HIS side is ALWAYS the RIGHT SIDE! AMEN! Here is Hillsong with "Like Incense (Sometimes By Step)":

Shalom in Him!

 Shalom,

Today I want to share our partner Rick Renner's daily devotional from "Sparkling Gems From The Greek Volume 2":

ESTEEMING OTHERS BETTER THAN YOURSELF

…Let each esteem other better than themselves. — Philippians 2:3

Buying Christmas gifts for people when I was a child was one of my absolute favorite moments of the year. I cherished the privilege of giving, which had been taught to me by my parents. As I have spent time remembering my childhood Christmas experiences, one prominent memory that stands out in my mind is the first year my parents gave me money to spend on other family members for Christmas. That shift changed from what I would receive to what I could give to others.

With great seriousness, my father gave me $2 and instructed me that it was my budget to purchase gifts for the entire family. Ronda was older, so she got $5 for her Christmas shopping spree. Since the family included Daddy, Mother, Ronda, and Lori, it meant I had about 50 cents for each gift. Of course, it seems like a small amount of money by today’s standards, but when I was a boy, that was a substantial amount of money for my parents to give a small boy. Lori was too young to receive a Christmas budget, so it was up to Ronda and me to buy gifts for the family.

To start the process, Ronda and I went to Woolworth’s department store and to TG&Y to make Christmas purchases with our “gargantuan” budgets. I wondered what I could buy for each member of the family with the budget that had been given to me. Dad had stressed the value of money, and his words had imparted such a seriousness in me that I held that money like it was holy. Even more, Dad impressed on me the need to purchase something that people needed and that they would appreciate.

So Ronda and I walked those shopping aisles seriously, contemplating what we should purchase with our budgets. I remember that first year, I bought mother a comb and a compact, a fish for dad’s aquarium, a small tube of lipstick for Ronda, and a doll brush for Lori. To my little mind, those seemed like real “needs” for each member of the family. And after all those expenditures were purchased, I still had a few cents left over — just enough to put a few cents into a gum machine to get a big, round piece of bubble gum!

I was so proud of the purchases that I had made. I carefully wrapped them to the best of my abilities, and then I placed them under the tree next to my homemade manger scene. I eagerly waited for Christmas morning when the family would unwrap the gifts I had carefully selected for them.

Yet on Christmas morning when we started ripping the wrapping off the boxes with our names written on them, I was overwhelmed with the gifts Daddy and Mother had bought for us. That year they bought me a fabulous robot that walked when I inserted the antenna into its head. Having gotten an idea of what items cost as I carefully spent my $2, I had a “wake-up” call when I looked at that robot. I realized that Dad and Mom’s gifts had really cost them something compared to the miniscule gifts Ronda and I had purchased for everyone else. That’s when it dawned on me that they had really gone out of their way and sacrificed for us. I knew they had needs, but they had denied themselves to purchase those gifts for us. For the first time, I understood the concept of making a sacrifice for others.

That event impacted my life. Now almost every year when it’s time for us to purchase Christmas gifts for people I love, I recall that early realization — and how my parents demonstrated to us that it is better to esteem others over ourselves (see Philippians 2:3). My parents denied themselves and sacrificed to purchase those gifts. They understood that although Philippians 2:3 is not a Christmas verse, the principle certainly applies to Christmas as well.

Thinking of others before we focus on taking care of our own needs and wants is how we’re supposed to live every day of the year. And certainly that is true for the Christmas season!

The word “esteem” is the Greek word hegeomai, which means to count, to consider, to regard, or to deem. The word “other” is allelous, and it means others — those besides yourself. The word “better” is huperecho, a compound of huper and echo. The word huper means significantly higher, and the word echo means to hold. When compounded, the new word means to deliberately hold someone in a very high regard. It carries the idea of having a superior view of a person — a feeling so fervent that it would definitely affect the way you deal with him or her. You would treat that person with the greatest care and the highest treatment. In fact, you would treat that individual better than yourself! Since money is a great revealer of the truth, it means even your use of money to benefit that person may reveal how highly you esteem him or her.

Mother needed new clothes; Dad really wanted a fishing boat; we needed new carpet and a new divan; and the list goes on and on. But when it came to Christmas, they showed how highly they loved and esteemed their children by denying themselves the things they needed so they could bless Ronda, Lori, and me.

This Christmas is your opportunity to esteem others better than yourself. Most of what you “think” you need can be delayed. Meanwhile, this holiday is your chance to really show your love to those who are dear to you. So rather than think of yourself this Christmas, put aside your own needs, and focus on the needs and desires of others. Not only will it deal with selfishness in you, but it will also teach those around you the great lesson of making sacrifices for others!|

AMEN! Such a valuable lesson! Not just for Christmas, but for life! Determine to be a giver, which is the very nature of God, and see how it changes YOU from the inside out! AND God always uses our own measure to multiply back to us the seeds that we have sown into others! We will NEVER be able to 'outgive' God, but we can decide to be mmore like Him and put others first! Here is Hillsong with "Born Is The King":

Shalom in Him!

 Shalom,

Proverbs 6:16-19 in our Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan tells us exactly what the Lord our God thinks of the evil going on in our nation right now! 

16 These six things the Lord hates, indeed, seven are an abomination to Him: 17 A proud look [the spirit that makes one overestimate himself and underestimate others], a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 A heart that manufactures wicked thoughts and plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, 19 A false witness who breathes out lies [even under oath], and he who sows discord among his brethren.

GOD is actively dealing with this current and pervasive evil! He is exposing the works of darkness and He is moving HIS people into position to be BLESSED beyond measure! Stand strong! Stand on His Word! Stand strong in the SPIRIT and YOU shall SEE the Salvation of our GOD! HALLELUJAH! Here is Hillsong Young and Free with "New Thing":

Shalom in Him!

 Shalom,

Today I want to share from Joesph Prince's "Grace Inspirations" devotional.

GOD MAKES ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

In this verse, “all things” is literally all things—the good, the bad and the ugly! Now, it does not mean that all things are from God. Some things, such as accidents, sicknesses, and broken relationships are not from Him. They are just part of the fallen world that we live in. But what this verse does tell us is that “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” That is our inheritance as God’s beloved children.

Do the people of the world have this inheritance? No. When bad things happen to them, they are what they are—bad things. But when bad things happen to the children of God, it does not end there. God can make those bad things work together for good. In other words, the devil may throw lemons at you, but God can take those lemons and make refreshing lemonade for you!

For example, if you have been retrenched, believe that God, who makes all things work together for good, has a better job for you. Indeed, we have received testimonies from church members who have ended up with better jobs and higher salaries after they were retrenched.

It is important you remember that God is not behind anything bad or ugly. But when those things happen, know that He can make all things work together for good. And don’t let anyone tell you that all things will work together for good only if you love God and are called according to His purpose. These two things are not conditions but descriptions of believers. Believers are those who love God because they know that God first loved them (see 1 John 4:19). And they are called according to His purpose for they have been born again and belong to Him.

My friend, because you have been born again, all things in your life will work together for good. This is your inheritance as a beloved child of God!

AMEN! I love the way that Pastor Prince explains this! Unless you have a personal relationship with God of the Bible through the Blood of Jesus, then this promise is not for you! But if you have received JESUS as Lord and personal Saviour, then this is exaclty what God has promised! ALWAYS! Here are Hillsong Kids with a great song that shows our attitude during trying times! "As The World Shakes":

Shalom in Him!

 Shalom,

Today's "Faith Food" devotional by Kenneth E. Hagin is an excellent reminder of what our GOD has promised to do and to be for us!

He Answers

Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore ..  He shall call upon me, and I will answer him ..  PSALM 91:14,15

Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. — JEREMIAH 33:3

And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. . . . . — MATTHEW 21:22

Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. — MARK 11:24

And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you . . . ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. . . . . — JOHN 16:23, 24

These are by no means all of the scriptures on the subject of prayer. But these scriptures alone are enough to set our hearts on fire. They’re enough to start us praying. Why? Because El Shaddai said to us, “I will answer.” The Almighty God — the One who is more than enough — has promised to answer those who set their love on Him!

Confession: I have set my love upon Almighty God; therefore, He answers me. I call upon Him, and He answers me. I ask, and He gives me. I seek, and He causes me to find. I knock, and He opens it to me. What things soever I desire, when I pray, I believe that I receive them, and God causes me to have them. Whatever I ask in Jesus’ Name, Almighty God gives me. My joy is full!

AMEN! God will NEVER go back on His Word to us! COUNT ON IT! Here is Hillsong with "Say The Word":

Shalom in Him!

 Shalom,

Proverbs 3:1-2 is a great place to start any day!

3 My son, forget not my law or teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; 2 For length of days and years of a life [worth living] and tranquility [inward and outward and continuing through old age till death], these shall they add to you.

Putting the Word of God first place in our lives is the MOST important decision that we can make after receiving JESUS as Lord and personal Saviour! How do I know this? Because JESUS said THIS in Luke 10:41-42 when Martha complained because her sister Mary was sitting at the feet of JESUS listening to His WORDS instead of helping her!

41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, you are careful and troubled about many things: 42 But one thing is needful: and Mary has chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

Another great instruction from Proverbs 3 can be found in verses 5-6:

5 Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. 6 In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.

When we put all of our trust in JESUS rather than the world's ideas, plans, schemes and tactics, HE will stay involved with us every step of the way! We can count on HIM ALWAYS, something that we can never say of the world! As you continue through Proverbs 3 in our Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan, you will find much, much more that will help you to excel in every area of life! God's Word is good like that! ALWAYS! Here is Hillsong with "Your Word":

Shalom in Him!

 Shalom,

Kenneth E. Hagin's "Faith Food" devotional for today is SO good! I hope that it will help and inpsire YOU to rely on EL Shaddai, the God Who is MORE than ENOUGH for every situation! 

More Than Enough

And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. JOSHUA 10:13

We see El Shaddai with Israel in Canaan’s land. (And incidentally, Canaan is not a type of Heaven. It couldn’t be. In Heaven there won’t be battles to fight, cities to take, or enemies or giants to overcome — they’re here in this world. No, Canaan is a type of the baptism of the Holy Spirit and our rights and privileges in Christ Jesus.) When Israel ran into difficulty in Canaan, Joshua, their leader, spoke to the Lord. And God stopped the whole universe because a man of God prayed! God can do that — He’s the God who is more than enough!

All through the Old Testament, we see El Shaddai moving in the lives of men and women, prophets, priests, and kings. But He’s not just the God of yesterday; He’s the God of now! He didn’t identify Himself as “the God who was more than enough,” or “the God who will be more than enough.” Too often we relegate everything back to the past, saying, “Oh, it was wonderful back when God did such things,” or to the future, saying, “When we all get to Heaven, everything will be wonderful.” No, things will be different here and now if you will trust in this God who is more than enough!

Confession: I believe God. I trust in God now. He is more than enough today! He is more than enough to overcome any situation I could face. He is MORE THAN ENOUGH for me.

AMEN! OUR GOD is ALWAYS more than enough! Learn to trust and rely on the ONE WHo never fails! You will be very glad that you did! Here is Hillsong Young and Free with "Need Your Love":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

One of my closest Prayer Warrior sisters in JESUS gave me a copy of Oswald Chambers' "My Utmost For His Highest" devotional a few years ago. I have found it to be very inspiring and spot on, even though the language is sometimes quite different than what we would use currently. Today's message is excellent and vital!

The Law And The Gospel

For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. James 2:10

The moral law does not consider us as weak human beings at all, it takes no account of our heredity and infirmities, it demands that we be absolutely moral. The moral law never alters, either for the noblest or for the weakest, it is eternally and abidingly the same. The moral law ordained by God does not make itself weak to the weak, it does not palliate our shortcomings, it remains absolute for all time and eternity. If we do not realize this, it is because we are less than alive; immediately we are alive, life becomes a tragedy. “I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.” When we realize this, then the Spirit of God convicts us of sin. Until a man gets there and sees that there is no hope, the Cross of Jesus Christ is a farce to him. Conviction of sin always brings a fearful binding sense of the law, it makes a man hopeless — “sold under sin.” I, a guilty sinner, can never get right with God, it is impossible. There is only one way in which I can get right with God, and that is by the Death of Jesus Christ. I must get rid of the lurking idea that I can ever be right with God because of my obedience — which of us could ever obey God to absolute perfection!

We only realize the power of the moral law when it comes with an “if.” God never coerces us. In one mood we wish He would make us do the thing, and in another mood we wish He would leave us alone. Whenever God’s will is in the ascendant, all compulsion is gone. When we choose deliberately to obey Him, then He will tax the remotest star and the last grain of sand to assist us.

AMEN! There is NO WAY that any person ever born, other than JESUS, could perfectly obey the Word of God! THAT is why JESUS came to give HIMSELF, the SINLESS Sacrifice for the sin of all mankind! HE alone was qualified to represent both God and mankind in one person! HE DID IT ALL FOR US! We take no credit for anything except RECEIVING what GOD in His great LOVE has provided for us through JESUS! Stop trying so hard to be 'good enough'. IMPOSSIBLE! Instead, commit yourself to become a student of the Word and will of God so that you can find out just who YOU ARE - IIN HIM! Then allow HIM to work the work IN YOU that only HE can do! Never forget that YOU ARE who HE SAYS you are! And here, to remind you of that again, is Hillsong with "Who You Say I AM":

Shalom in Him!