Shalom,

In John 13 we read the account of Jesus washing the feet of His disciples. Many churches, over the years since, have held special "foot-washing" services. While this can be a very humbling and beautiful picture of loving and serving one another, I believe there is a much greater, and far more simple, meaning to this that Jesus left us with! Notice that when Peter, after first refusing to have Jesus wash his feet, asked Jesus to wash his hands and his head also, Jesus said THIS in reply. Verse 10:

10 Jesus said to him, Anyone who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is clean all over.

Do you see what Jesus was telling Peter? Bathing is an example of the New Birth! Look at Colossians 2:12-14:

12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also you are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. 13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, has he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; 14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; KJV

Jesus paid the FULL and COMPLETE price for our eternal Salvation through His death, burial and resurrection! There is nothing more that has to happen except for every person to accept and receive Jesus as Lord and personal Savior! When we do, then we have been "bathed"! We have been saved once and for all from the power and penalty of sin! We ARE new creatures that never existed before (2 Corinthians 5:17). Heaven IS now our home and place of citizenship! We are simply ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20) here to represent HIM to the world so they, too, can receive this LIFE (John 10:10) (1 John 5:11-12)! Once we have been born again, then we need only have our "feet washed" when we miss it! THAT would be obeying 1 John 1:9! Confess, receive forgiveness and then forgive yourself and FORGET the sin and move on! The blood of Jesus, that saved us from eternal damnation (separation from God), now continually cleanses us from all sin as we confess! Look at 1 John 1:7-9:

7 But if we [really] are living and walking in the Light, as He [Himself] is in the Light, we have [true, unbroken] fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses (removes) us from all sin and guilt [keeps us cleansed from sin in all its forms and manifestations]. 8 If we say we have no sin [refusing to admit that we are sinners], we delude and lead ourselves astray, and the Truth [which the Gospel presents] is not in us [does not dwell in our hearts]. 9 If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action].AMP

AMEN! So the next time YOU hear of a "foot washing" service, make sure that you let them know that 1 John 1:9 is the most important foot washing you can have done! AMEN! Here is a song featuring Kari Jobe and Darlene Zschech called "Yours Forever":

My life is in Your hands,
My times are in Your hands
Though nations shake and thunders roll
I will trust in You completely
I yearn for more of You,
Your grace alive in me
My life is nailed to hands that bled
In this love my soul is free
You took my place, You took the fall, You took the nails
That I may live forever, live forever
You rose again, You made a way You broke the chains
And now I'm Yours forever, I'm Yours forever
I worship You forever more,
In joy and suffering
Until the day I see Your face
My whole life to You my offering
You took my place, You took the fall, You took the nails
That I may live forever, live forever
You rose again, You made a way You broke the chains
And now I'm Yours forever, I'm Yours forever
Jesus, Jesus
Death could not hold You, freedom abounds
Jesus, Jesus
I sing of Your mercy, the power of the cross
Jesus, Jesus
Death could not hold You, freedom abounds
Jesus, Jesus
I sing of Your mercy, the power of the cross
You took my place, You took the fall, You took the nails
That I may live forever, live forever
You rose again, You made a way You broke the chains
And now I'm Yours forever, I'm Yours forever
Jesus, Jesus
Death could not hold You, freedom abounds
Jesus, Jesus
I sing of Your mercy, the power of the cross
Jesus, Jesus
Death could not hold You, freedom abounds
Jesus, Jesus
I sing of Your mercy, the power of the cross

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Although sometimes the language is a little difficult, I really encourage you to read this from today's "My Utmost For His Highest" by Oswald Chambers:

I being in the way, the Lord led me. . . —Genesis 24:27

We have to be so one with God that we do not continually need to ask for guidance. Sanctification means that we are made the children of God, and the natural life of a child is obedience – until he wishes to be disobedient, then instantly there is the intuitive jar. In the spiritual domain the intuitive jar is the monition of the Spirit of God. When He gives the check, we have to stop at once and be renewed in the spirit of our mind in order to make out what God’s will is. If we are born again of the Spirit of God, it is the abortion of piety to ask God to guide us here and there. "The Lord led me," and on looking back we see the presence of an amazing design, which, if we are born of God, we will credit to God.

We can all see God in exceptional things, but it requires the culture of spiritual discipline to see God in every detail. Never allow that the haphazard is anything less than God’s appointed order, and be ready to discover the Divine designs any where.

Beware of making a fetish of consistency to your convictions instead of being devoted to God. I shall never do that – in all probability you will have to, if you are a saint. There never was a more inconsistent Being on this earth than Our Lord, but He was never inconsistent to His Father. The one consistency of the saint is not to a principle, but to the Divine life. It is the Divine life which continually makes more and more discoveries about the Divine mind. It is easier to be a fanatic than a faithful soul, because there is something amazingly humbling, particularly to our religious conceit, in being loyal to God.

God has instructed us THIS in Romans 8:14 and John 10:27:

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 

When we REALLY get to know HIM intimately, as Philippians 3:10 AMP says, then we will not be bound by denominational standards and whims, but in TRUTH by the Word of God and the Spirit of God! When we give an account of our lives, we will NOT be judged on how well we followed denominational standards, but on how obedient we were to the Word of God, the Spirit of God and our own individual Heavenly calling! If you are born again, having received Jesus as Lord and personal Savior, then you CAN be led by the Spirit of God! This is exponentially easier when you receive the INFILLING of the Holy Spirit! Concerning praying in the Spirit, we have THIS promise from the Word of God in 1 Corinthians 14:2:

2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. NKJV
2 For one who speaks in an [unknown] tongue speaks not to men but to God, for no one understands or catches his meaning, because in the [Holy] Spirit he utters secret truths and hidden things [not obvious to the understanding]. AMP

So, forget pleasing men and the standards of PC society and get alone with the One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible! Listen, HEAR, SEE and then DO! AMEN! You CAN do this! Here is Hillsong United with "Oceans - Where Feet May Fail":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

John 11:39-44 gives us the account of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead!

39 Jesus said, Take away the stone. Martha, the sister of the dead man, exclaimed, But Lord, by this time he [is decaying and] throws off an offensive odor, for he has been dead four days! 40 Jesus said to her, Did I not tell you and promise you that if you would believe and rely on Me, you would see the glory of God? 41 So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. 42 Yes, I know You always hear and listen to Me, but I have said this on account of and for the benefit of the people standing around, so that they may believe that You did send Me [that You have made Me Your Messenger]. 43 When He had said this, He shouted with a loud voice, Lazarus, come out! 44 And out walked the man who had been dead, his hands and feet wrapped in burial cloths (linen strips), and with a [burial] napkin bound around his face. Jesus said to them, Free him of the burial wrappings and let him go.

This had never before happened in their lifetime! A man who had been dead and buried for four days was raised to life again! What would you expect the response of the people to be? Joyous rejoicing, amazement, excitement, enthusiasm, expectancy? All of those and more is what I would expect! Here is the actual response of the people who had just witnessed a never-before-seen miracle! Verses 45-46:

45 Upon seeing what Jesus had done, many of the Jews who had come with Mary believed in Him. [They trusted in Him and adhered to Him and relied on Him.] 46 But some of them went back to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.

SOME people put there trust and confidence in Jesus that He truly was Who He said He was! Others, for only God knows what reason, went and reported to the Pharisees. What was THEIR response? They SHOULD have welcomed Him as the Son of God and the promised Messiah! Instead, they did this in verses 47-48 & 53:

47 So the chief priests and Pharisees called a meeting of the council (the Sanhedrin) and said, What are we to do? For this Man performs many signs (evidences, miracles). 48 If we let Him alone to go on like this, everyone will believe in Him and adhere to Him, and the Romans will come and suppress and destroy and take away our [holy] place and our nation our temple and city and our civil organization]. 53 So from that day on they took counsel and plotted together how they might put Him to death.

They decided to put to death this miracle working Man Who spoke and acted on the Word of God with definite results that THEY had never seen! They were so concerned for their public positions and reputations that they didn't even acknowledge that THIS was GOD Himself! Even though Caiaphas actually declared the purpose for which Jesus ultimately came, he did not speak this from his own understanding, but by the Spirit of God! Verses 49-52:

49 But one of them, Caiaphas, who was the high priest that year, declared, You know nothing at all! 50 Nor do you understand or reason out that it is expedient and better for your own welfare that one man should die on behalf of the people than that the whole nation should perish (be destroyed, ruined). 51 Now he did not say this simply of his own accord [he was not self-moved]; but being the high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus was to die for the nation, 52 And not only for the nation but also for the purpose of uniting into one body the children of God who have been scattered far and wide. 

Refuse to be discouraged when people seem to reject the Good News of the Gospel! Even Jesus was not accepted by all! Realize that every time you share the Gospel, you plant seeds of the Word in the hearts of the people (Mark 4:14)! HE watches over His Word to perform it (Jeremiah 1:12)! The Spirit of God will continue to bring that Word to their remembrance and at some point in time, they WILL make a decision! Pray over the seed that you sow and for the hearts of the people that their decision will be the LIFE one! AMEN! Here is Hillsong with "Tell The World", which is really all that we are called to do!

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,                       

Psalm 133:  
                                                            

1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! 2 It is like the precious ointment poured on the head, that ran down on the beard, even the beard of Aaron [the first high priest], that came down upon the collar and skirts of his garments [consecrating the whole body]. 3 It is like the dew of [lofty] Mount Hermon and the dew that comes on the hills of Zion; for there the Lord has commanded the blessing, even life forevermore [upon the high and the lowly].

This sounds like it is a very good thing to be in unity! But, do we REALLY know what this means?
Verse one says that it is "good", the Hebrew word "towb", which means: pleasant; excellent; rich; valuable; appropriate; prosperous; welfare; happiness; and "pleasant", the Hebrew word "na`iym", which means: delightful; pleasant; agreeable; for brethren (children of the same Father) to "dwell together in unity."  Dwell means to remain or sit in a place. The key word here is "together". The phrase "in unity" is not an actual word, but an article that joins the ideas of dwelling and together. "Together" is the Hebrew word "yachad", which means: a unit;  a union; a unitedness; a community. Do you see that even though we are all so very unique, with different personalities, gifts, talents, callings, anointings, interests, and areas of influence, we are still to be of one mind and in one accord! This does NOT mean that we all view everything in life in the same way. Just as the four Gospels are different  in that they are given from the perspective of four different individuals who view things from their own individual and unique vantage point, so we, though one IN HIM, also have different and unique ways of looking at things! We KNOW that we are all individual members of HIS body. Imagine the different view that each part of your physical body has of the whole body. Have you ever closed one eye and then looked out at what you could see of your face from that one eye? Now imagine what your body looks like from the angle of the feet! Get the picture? We will all see some things differently from each other because our of own unique perspectives! The "togetherness" comes when we all agree on the simple Truths of the Gospel:

• We were all sinners in need of a Savior.
• Jesus came to earth to give His life as a ransom for ours.
• He rose from the dead and is now at the right hand of the Father.
• We MUST accept and receive Him as our Lord and personal Savior in order to be born again.
• We have been given the ministry of reconciliation, which involves telling everyone we know how they, too, can be born again.

Anything else is simply not essential to eternal salvation! There are many Truths in the Epistles that enable us to lead a powerful and wonderful life here on earth, but some refuse to accept them. Instead of being critical and judgmental of them, why not simply pray for them and agree with them on what we CAN agree on! THAT is where the good and pleasant come in! AMEN! Here is an older song from Hillsong called "Touching Heaven Changing Earth":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

We read this in John 9:3-5 today:

3 Jesus answered, It was not that this man or his parents sinned, but he was born blind in order that the workings of God should be manifested (displayed and illustrated) in him. 4 We must work the works of Him Who sent Me and be busy with His business while it is daylight; night is coming on, when no man can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the world’s Light.

Jesus was answering His disciples who had asked him if it was the sin of this man or of his parents that had caused him to be born blind. I LOVE this answer from Jesus! When you look at this, remember that God is NOT a "respecter of persons" (Acts 10:34)! That means that if it was the will and work of God to heal that blind man, it is still the will and work of God to heal all! We do NOT need to know the details of a sickness or disease to lay hands on them for healing! The only thing we need to know is that WE are told this in Mark 16:18:

18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. KJV

Make that your decision to do unless the Spirit of God leads you otherwise! We ARE here, as Jesus said above, to "work the works of Him Who sent" US! Jesus said, above, that while He was on the earth, HE was the "Light of the world". Well, He is no longer on the earth now except through US! AMEN! Look at what Jesus said here in Matthew 5:14:

14 You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. AMP

So, BE the light that HE has made you to be! The lost, the dying, the weak and sick, the poor, the lonely and the hurting are all waiting for US to each do OUR part! AMEN! Let's GO! Here is Hillsong United with "Go":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

There are two Truths from our Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan that I want to remind you of today! The first is found in John 8:23:

23 He said to them, You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world (of this earthly order); I am not of this world.

Jesus said this in response to something that the Pharisees and some of the other Jews were saying about Him. Jesus did not have His Source of supply on the earth, but in Heaven! We who have received Jesus as Lord and Savior are like Him in that respect also! Look at John 17:14-16:

14 I have given and delivered to them Your word (message) and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world [do not belong to the world], just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not ask that You will take them out of the world, but that You will keep and protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world (worldly, belonging to the world), [just] as I am not of the world. AMP

We are NOT "of" this world! Our Source of supply is the same as Jesus'! Our citizenship is in Heaven  (Philippians 3:20 AMP)and we are merely ambassadors here (2 Corinthians 5:20). We are NOT to blend in with the world, but to stand out from them as those who have the ANSWER! AMEN! The only way to adequately do this is to stay in constant fellowship with Him through prayer, praise & worship and  study & meditation of His Word. Jesus said THIS later on that same day after some of the Jews believed on Him, Verses 31-32:

31 So Jesus said to those Jews who had believed in Him, If you abide in My word [hold fast to My teachings and live in accordance with them], you are truly My disciples. 32 And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free.

"You shall know" is the Greek word "ginosko", which means: to know absolutely; to learn to know; to understand; to perceive; to become acquainted with. We learn from John 17:17 that the Word of God IS Truth (John 17:17)! Now look at verse 36:

36 So if the Son liberates you [makes you free men], then you are really and unquestionably free.

"Free" here is the Greek word "eleutheros", which means: freeborn; not a slave; not bound by any obligation. YOU and I are FOREVER free! Thank YOU, Jesus! Now, go show that freedom off so others will want to be free, too! AMEN! Here is Hillsong with "Freedom Is Here":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Have you ever meditated on this question from Psalm 130:3?

3 If You, Lord, should keep account of and treat [us according to our] sins, O Lord, who could stand?

Scriptural Grace is us getting something we don't deserve, which would include every blessing and promise found in the Word of God! Scriptural Mercy is NOT getting something we DO deserve, which includes hell and the lake of fire! Thank YOU, Jesus, for Mercy AND for Grace! AMEN! Verse 4 clearly states what belongs to us!

4 But there is forgiveness with You [just what man needs], that You may be reverently feared and worshiped.

AMEN and Thank You, Jesus! Our determination is found in verses 5-6:

5 I wait for the Lord, I expectantly wait, and in His word do I hope. 6 I am looking and waiting for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, I say, more than watchmen for the morning.

Psalm 130 wraps up with verses 7-8, which, though referring to Israel, we, the Church of Jesus Christ, can grab onto, also! Remember, WE have been grafted into the natural branch and are one with them (Romans 11:16-19)! 

7 O Israel, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is mercy and loving-kindness, and with Him is plenteous redemption.8 And He will redeem Israel from all their iniquities. 

AMEN! Do you see what joy is stirred up with just a little simple meditation on the Word of God? Every time you study the Word, ask yourself what you can learn from it about Jesus and about yourself - in Him! I guarantee that your love for the Word of God will grow and multiply! HALLELUJAH! Here is Kari Jobe with "Revelation Song":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,


If you know me well at all, or have been reading this blog for any amount of time, you already know that Philippians 3:10 from the Amplified Bible is my very favorite inspirational Scripture! Paul was focusing his undivided attention to getting to REALLY know the One, True God of the Bible! I believe that we all desire this! Paul was declaring this AFTER he had confessed his horrible treatment of the born again believers of his time. He had relentlessly pursued them with the intention of wiping out the church! He reminded those listening to him then, and we who are studying his words today, of just how distinguished he was among his peers and in the sight of many people. THEN he says THIS in verse 8:

8 Yes, furthermore, I count everything as loss compared to the possession of the priceless privilege (the overwhelming preciousness, the surpassing worth, and supreme advantage) of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord and of progressively becoming more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him [of perceiving and recognizing and understanding Him more fully and clearly]. For His sake I have lost everything and consider it all to be mere rubbish (refuse, dregs), in order that I may win (gain) Christ (the Anointed One), AMP

THIS commitment is how we fulfill that "determined purpose" to know HIM! It takes time and diligence, but the rewards are beyond belief! He IS the most wonderful person you and I will ever hope to know! Knowing HIM causes us to desire to BE like Him! There is not one person in your life who will not benefit from YOU knowing HIM more intimately! Why not start today? AMEN! Here is Hillsong with "I Live To Know You More":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Psalm 128:1-2:

1 Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is everyone who fears, reveres, and worships the Lord, who walks in His ways and lives according to His commandments. 2 For you shall eat [the fruit] of the labor of your hands; happy (blessed, fortunate, enviable) shall you be, and it shall be well with you.

I LOVE that the full meaning of "blessed" here includes the ideas of happiness, good fortune and enviable! In verse 2 we see that "it shall be well" with us! This is the Hebrew word "towb", which means: good, pleasant, excellent, rich, valuable in estimation, prosperous, benefit. When we walk according to the will, plan and purpose of God for our lives, then others will see that blessing upon us. Our prayer is that the envy they experience will cause them to ask us about our Source of supply! AMEN! Our purpose for staying here on the earth, when we KNOW that Heaven is a MUCH better place (Philippians 1:23), is to give the lost something to see so that they will be moved to ask us about the Hope that is in us (1 Peter 3:15)! When they do, we tell them about HIM! AMEN!

In John 5:24 we see another promise of eternal Life for those who will believe and receive Jesus as Lord and Savior!

24 I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, the person whose ears are open to My words [who listens to My message] and believes and trusts in and clings to and relies on Him Who sent Me has (possesses now) eternal life. And he does not come into judgment [does not incur sentence of judgment, will not come under condemnation], but he has already passed over out of death into life.

This IS the same Life found in 1 John 5:11-12! It is "zoe", which is the absolute fullness of Life that God has within Himself! When we receive HIM, we receive His LIFE! HALLELUJAH! Romans 8:2 tells us that Law of the Spirit of Life that is found in Jesus sets us free from the law of sin and death that the lost without Jesus live under! Whenever someone asks you how a good God can send someone the hell, tell them that God has not sent anyone to hell! Rather, He has provided ALL people with the opportunity to avoid hell by their own choice! Choose Jesus and choose LIFE! AMEN! Here is Hillsong Young and Free with "Back To Life":

Shalom in  Him!

Shalom,

I want to share portions of two devotionals for today. The first is from "My Utmost For His Highest" by Oswald Chambers:

Believest thou this? —John 11:26
Martha believed in the power at the disposal of Jesus Christ, she believed that if He had been present He could have healed her brother; she also believed that Jesus had a peculiar intimacy with God and that whatever He asked of God, God would do; but she needed a closer personal intimacy with Jesus. Martha’s programme of belief had its fulfilment in the future; Jesus led her on until her belief became a personal possession, and then slowly emerged into a particular inheritance— “Yea, Lord, I believe that Thou art the Christ. . . ”

This took place when Mary and Martha's brother, Lazarus, had died. Martha believed in Jesus enough to realize that Jesus could have saved her brother from dying IF He had only been there in time. Her trust and confidence in what Jesus could do was about to increase exponentially! Unless you and I continue diligently in the Word of God, we will put limits on what God can do in our lives, too! Even though Jesus said THIS in John 14:12:

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

How do we get to the point in faith where we believe, without limits, that ALL THINGS are possible with God (Mark 10:27) AND for those who believe (Mark 9:23)? We MUST be diligent in the Word of God! Here is Jerry Savelle's devotional for today:

And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:23-24 NKJV)

Did you know diligence is a key to obtaining the blessings of God? To be diligent means to approach what you are doing with eagerness, earnestness, and care. Diligence is a matter of the heart, and a diligent heart always produces good: “In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening do not withhold your hand; for you do not know which will prosper, either this or that, or whether both alike will be good” (Ecclesiastes 11:6 NKJV). Let’s look at what God’s Word has to say about diligence:

“The hand of the diligent will rule, but the lazy man will be put to forced labor” (Proverbs 12:24 NKJV).

“The soul of a lazy man desires, and has noting; but the soul of the diligent shall be made rich” (Proverbs 13:4 NKJV).

“The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, but those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty” (Proverbs 21:5).

Diligence is a prerequisite to seeing your victory. Diligent people always make a steady, consistent effort to accomplish their goals. Diligent people never give up.

Confession: I decide today to always make a steady, consistent effort to accomplish my God-given goals and to never give up. Whatever I do today, I will do it diligently and joyfully as unto the Lord.

AMEN! The only limits to your faith are the limits you put on it! Determine today to put the Word of God as your first priority and your final authority! Remember, Faith comes by hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17), and faith grows by continuing top hear and hear and hear! AMEN! Here is Hillsong with "Like Incense - Sometimes By Step":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

The third chapter of John's Gospel has so much in it that we could teach on it for our entire lifetime and never run out of things to say! One of the most important is this interaction between Jesus and Nicodemus, a Pharisee who was intrigued by Jesus and wanted to believe, but  was also timid to do so openly. Look at verses 1-2:

1 Now there was a certain man among the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler (a leader, an authority) among the Jews, 2 Who came to Jesus at night and said to Him, Rabbi, we know and are certain that You have come from God [as] a Teacher; for no one can do these signs (these wonderworks, these miracles—and produce the proofs) that You do unless God is with him.

Nicodemus said "we know that You come from God as a Teacher". This "know" is not "ginosko", which means learning to know, coming to know (progressively). Instead this is the Greek word "oida", which means: a fullness of knowledge, to know perfectly. There was NO doubt in the mind of Nicodemus that Jesus was sent from God! He didn't understand, yet, that Jesus was actually God the Son, Who became the Son of God. Nicodemus thought Jesus was just a Teacher sent from God because of the wonderful miracles that He was performing. Remember when Jesus said to believe Him for the very works' sake (John 14:11)? Jesus began to reveal the very plan of God to Nicodemus right here! Verse 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.

Jesus did NOT come to the earth to simply deliver God's people from their oppressors! He came to give HIS life, in OUR place, so that WE could be born AGAIN. This time, we would be born of the Spirit with the nature of God in us! New creatures we are told in 2 Corinthians 5:17! Jesus goes on to say this in verse 16:

16 For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.

His purpose in giving HIS life for OUR lives was so that we who would believe in (trust, cling to and rely on) Him would have His Life in us! This is "zoe", the absolute fullness of Life that is in God and that HE wants to be in every person! 1 John 5:10-11 tells us that if we have Jesus, we HAVE His Life! Have YOU received His Life in you yet? If not, is there really ANY reason why you cannot receive Him today? Maybe this, from verse 17, will help you understand the Love that HE has for YOU!

17 For God did not send the Son into the world in order to judge (to reject, to condemn, to pass sentence on) the world, but that the world might find salvation and be made safe and sound through Him. AMP

Are you ready now? If so, pray this prayer  with me:

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

AMEN! Now you need to be in a good local church that teaches the Word of God! Check out our website through the link on the left and let us help you find one in your area! This is just the beginning of all that God has planned for you! Thank You Jesus! Here, to encourage you, is Hillsong with an older song called "Shout Your Fame":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Psalm 125:1-3 is especially appropriate for today, which is election day! 

1 Those who trust in, lean on, and confidently hope in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved but abides and stands fast forever. 2 As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about His people from this time forth and forever. 3 For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest upon the land of the [uncompromisingly] righteous, lest the righteous (God’s people) stretch forth their hands to iniquity and apostasy.

Notice that verse 1 is speaking NOT of the people of a particular nation, but of all those who "trust in, lean on, and confidently hope in the LORD"! THESE are the people who will not be moved by anything that takes place on the earth, for their citizenship is in Heaven (Philippians 3:20 AMP), their source of supply! I particularly like verse 3! The scepter, or symbol of rulership, of the wicked will NOT be able to rest, to remain, on the land of the people who will dare to stand up, speak up, pray, declare, decree, proclaim and lay claim to take back what the God of the Bible has given to us! How did all of this wickedness find it's way into our nation in the first place? It happened because the people of God got complacent in their ease and prosperity and decided that it was easier to not "rock the boat"! Other were intimidated by believers, and even ministers, who suggested that Christians should avoid politics because it was so corrupt. This nation was founded by godly men and women for the purpose of freedom of worship to the One, True God, and for the preaching of the Gospel. When the Church set aside THIS assignment in  order to blend in, wickedness marched right in through the gap in the hedge! NOW is the time to step it up because OUR God IS God! It is NOT too late, as long as we are still here, to take back what the enemy has stolen from us! So, if you haven't already, prayerfully and intelligently vote today! Vote ONLY for those candidates who will pledge to follow godly principles! Remember, your vote is your voice! USE IT! AMEN! Here is Hillsong United with "The Stand":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

There are two very important Truths that I want to share from today's Bible Reading Plan! The first one is this from John 1:1-3:

1 In the beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. 2 He was present originally with God. 3 All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him was not even one thing made that has come into being.

Notice that in the Amplified Bible it says "In the beginning [before all time]" in verse 1. It is very important for us to realize that the One, True God is NOT bound by time as we know it! He created time for OUR benefit while we are living on earth. He has no beginning and will have no end and He is the Sovereign God over time itself! That's why we read THIS in 2 Peter 3:8:

8 Nevertheless, do not let this one fact escape you, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day. AMP

Refuse the restraints of time in your life, too! That doesn't mean to skip deadlines and miss appointments. What is does mean is that we shouldn't put time constraints on the plans and purposes of God for our lives, AND, we should NEVER give up on people, including ourselves! To truly rest in the promises of God is to believe we have already received when we prayed (Mark 11:23), and to be unmoved by situations, circumstances, events, emotions, people or anything else that may come up as contrary to the Word of God! TIME is on OUR side when WE are on GOD'S! Which brings us to the other Truth that is essential for us to truly believe! Look at all of Psalm 124:

1 If it had not been the Lord Who was on our side—now may Israel say— 2 If it had not been the Lord Who was on our side when men rose up against us, 3 Then they would have quickly swallowed us up alive when their wrath was kindled against us; 4 Then the waters would have overwhelmed us and swept us away, the torrent would have gone over us; 5 Then the proud waters would have gone over us. 6 Blessed be the Lord, Who has not given us as prey to their teeth! 7 We are like a bird escaped from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped! 8 Our help is in the name of the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.

OUR help is in the Name of the LORD! The Name that is above every Name! Make sure that YOU are always on God's side of things! Why? Because God is ALWAYS RIGHT! AMEN! Another verse to reinforce this Truth for you is found in Romans 8:31:

31 What then shall we say to [all] this? If God is for us, who [can be] against us? [Who can be our foe, if God is on our side?] AMP

The Message Bible says this:

31 So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? THE MESSAGE

AMEN! Refuse to be either ignorant of the Word (not knowing what side is God's side), or disobedient to the Word (not DOING what you know to do). Either choice will cause you to be on the other side of God's blessings. Make it your determined purpose today to stay on the side of TRUTH! God's side! AMEN! Here is Chris Tomlin with "Our God":

(Verse 1)
Water You turned into wine
Opened the eyes of the blind
There's no one like you
None like You

(Verse 2)
Into the darkness you shine
Out of the ashes we rise
There is no one like You
None like You

(Chorus)
Our God is greater
Our God is stronger
God you are higher than any other
Our God is Healer
Awesome in power
Our God, Our God

(Bridge)
And if our God is for us
Then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us
Then what could stand against

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Jude 1:24-25 in our Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan for today says this:

24 Now to Him Who is able to keep you without stumbling or slipping or falling, and to present [you] unblemished (blameless and faultless) before the presence of His glory in triumphant joy and exultation [with unspeakable, ecstatic delight] 25 To the one only God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory (splendor), majesty, might and dominion, and power and authority, before all time and now and forever (unto all the ages of eternity). Amen (so be it).

Notice that there is only One Who is able to "keep" us from falling! "Keep" is the Greek word "fulassoo"", which means: to guard; to have an eye on; to watch; to care for; to guard that one may remain safe. Only the God of the Bible is able to provide protection, provision and safety as we trust and rely on HIM! He has many and varied ways to go about providing for us, but if we fall into the trap of trying to figure out HOW God is going to do something, we will find ourselves relying on our own resources instead of all that HE has provided! Remember to "humble yourself under the mighty hand of God" so that he CAN "lift you up" (1 Peter 5:6)! AMEN! Now give HIM all the credit, praise, thanksgiving and worship for it! Here is Hillsong Live with "You Never Fail":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Today we are reading 3 John 1 in our Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan. Next to Philippians 3, the Gospel of John and the Epistles of John are my favorite books. I love ALL of the Word of God, but these really minister to me! Look at 3 John 1:1-4:

1 The elderly elder [of the church addresses this letter] to the beloved (esteemed) Gaius, whom I truly love. 2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in every way and [that your body] may keep well, even as [I know] your soul keeps well and prospers. 3 In fact, I greatly rejoiced when [some of] the brethren from time to time arrived and spoke [so highly] of the sincerity and fidelity of your life, as indeed you do live in the Truth [the whole Gospel presents]. 4 I have no greater joy than this, to hear that my [spiritual] children are living their lives in the Truth.

We know from both the Gospel of John, and from his Epistles, that John focused on love more than any of the other apostles. Paul DOES tell us that love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8), but John emphasizes it more often, and in more specific detail! John was the youngest of the apostles in Jesus' traveling ministry and he was the last to leave this earth. I believe that it was because of his love walk that they simply could not kill him! So, his wisdom is worth taking time with! We've looked at 3 John 2 many, many times in establishing that the One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible WANTS us to prosper! The important realization that I believe we are to get from these verses today is summed up in verse 4! John said that he could have no greater joy, in his natural life on earth, than that his "congregation" would know and obey the Truth! What IS Truth? John 17:17:

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

John gave himself to the teaching of the Word of God so that HIS congregation (students, disciples) could learn and grow and have a working knowledge of the Word of God. What is a "working knowledge" of the Word? It's a knowledge of the Word of God that is so very real to you that you can't NOT obey the Word, and continue to do so! John wasn't looking to "make a name for himself", he simply desired, as any GOOD teacher would, that his pupils "get it". When they did, it brought him GREAT joy! Make sure that YOU are in the church congregation that GOD desires you to be in, where YOUR Pastor has the same heart  that Jesus had, and that John had. I KNOW that my Pastor does! He LOVES when people are hungry for the Truth and come to a service with questions that they want to have God answer. Hungry people come to a service to hear, take notes and meditate on what they've heard throughout the week! If YOUR Pastor does not have this heart, then I would seek God for where HE wants you to go! Now, let's make it our determined purpose to BE the kind of congregation that brings great joy to not only our Pastors, but to Jesus Himself! AMEN! Here is Hillsong United with "Break Free":

Shalom in Him!