Shalom,
Psalm 71:5-8:
5 For You are my hope; O LORD God, You are my trust from my youth and the source of my confidence. 6 Upon You have I leaned and relied from birth; You are He Who took me from my mother's womb and You have been my benefactor from that day. My praise is continually on You. 7 I am as a wonder and surprise to many, but You are my strong refuge. 8 My mouth shall be filled with Your praise and with Your honor all the day.
I often think of what a blessing it would have been to grow up in a household that really loved the Lord and treasured His Word! It would probably sound a lot like this Psalm! The really wonderful thing about the New Birth, though, is that I DID have a brand new start when I was born again! All things were made new (2 Corinthians 5:17)! Now I can say: My praise is continually on You! Amen! My life before receiving Jesus as Lord and personal Savior actually DOES make me "a wonder and a surprise to many"! Thank You, Lord Jesus, for being my strong Refuge! Hallelujah! Here is Hillsong with "With You":
Shalom in Him!
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Shalom,
This year I have been sharing thoughts and Scriptures that really stand out to me in my daily study, and not just the Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan. Today, though, so much really stood out in the daily reading! First in Mark 14:6-9 we read about the woman with the costly ointment and how people railed on her for "wasting" something that could have been sold and the money given to the poor. Here is what Jesus thought of their talk!
6 But Jesus said, Let her alone; why are you troubling her? She has done a good and beautiful thing to Me [praiseworthy and noble]. 7 For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you wish you can do good to them; but you will not always have Me. 8 She has done what she could; she came beforehand to anoint My body for the burial. 9 And surely I tell you, whenever the good news (the Gospel) is proclaimed in the entire world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.
SO many great things were said right here! God's plan for blessing the poor? He leaves it up to the INDIVIDUAL! ..."whenever YOU wish you can do good to them". He also said that the poor would always be in our midst! Why? Because He wants some people poor? Absolutely not! Read 3 John2 to see HIS desire! The poor will always be among us because some people will just NOT choose to help themselves! We are to do good to the poor, but NOT do everything for them! God wants ALL of His people to walk in faith, trust and confidence IN HIM! NOT look to others to supply their needs! Amen! Another great concept here is that Jesus let it be known to them that what SHE did was NONE OF THEIR BUSINESS! My paraphrase: 'YOU go do what you see to do and "LEAVE HER ALONE"'! Busy bodies beware! He's speaking to YOU! We have all been given a free will, the Word of God and opportunity! Use them wisely! Amen!
In Leviticus 10:3 Moses is reminding Aaron that GOD has a way for things to be done and if we want to be blessed by Him, we MUST do things HIS WAY!
3 Then Moses said to Aaron, This is what the LORD meant when He said, I [and My will, not their own] will be acknowledged as hallowed by those who come near Me, and before all the people I will be honored. And Aaron said nothing.
Remember, this was right after two of Aaron's sons decided they would approach the One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible THEIR OWN WAY! What happened to them? Verse 2:
2 And there came forth fire from before the LORD and killed them, and they died before the LORD.
God wouldn't REALLY do that, would He? ABSOLUTELY! He had already told them HOW to approach Him! Jesus has told us that HE is the ONLY way to get to the Father now. Read John 14:6. To try to get there any other way, through any other person or being, WILL NOT WORK! Their is NO OTHER NAME by which we can be saved than the Name of Jesus of Nazareth (Acts 4:12)! Think of all the names out there that some people are trusting in to get them to the Heaven of the Bible. Only ONE of those names will work! His Name is JESUS! Amen! Psalm 70:4 is the attitude we should all have:
4 May all those who seek, inquire of and for You, and require You [as their vital need] rejoice and be glad in You; and may those who love Your salvation say continually, let God be magnified!
Amen! Be magnified in MY life, Lord Jesus! Here is Hillsong United with "One Way":
Shalom in Him!
This year I have been sharing thoughts and Scriptures that really stand out to me in my daily study, and not just the Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan. Today, though, so much really stood out in the daily reading! First in Mark 14:6-9 we read about the woman with the costly ointment and how people railed on her for "wasting" something that could have been sold and the money given to the poor. Here is what Jesus thought of their talk!
6 But Jesus said, Let her alone; why are you troubling her? She has done a good and beautiful thing to Me [praiseworthy and noble]. 7 For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you wish you can do good to them; but you will not always have Me. 8 She has done what she could; she came beforehand to anoint My body for the burial. 9 And surely I tell you, whenever the good news (the Gospel) is proclaimed in the entire world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.
SO many great things were said right here! God's plan for blessing the poor? He leaves it up to the INDIVIDUAL! ..."whenever YOU wish you can do good to them". He also said that the poor would always be in our midst! Why? Because He wants some people poor? Absolutely not! Read 3 John2 to see HIS desire! The poor will always be among us because some people will just NOT choose to help themselves! We are to do good to the poor, but NOT do everything for them! God wants ALL of His people to walk in faith, trust and confidence IN HIM! NOT look to others to supply their needs! Amen! Another great concept here is that Jesus let it be known to them that what SHE did was NONE OF THEIR BUSINESS! My paraphrase: 'YOU go do what you see to do and "LEAVE HER ALONE"'! Busy bodies beware! He's speaking to YOU! We have all been given a free will, the Word of God and opportunity! Use them wisely! Amen!
In Leviticus 10:3 Moses is reminding Aaron that GOD has a way for things to be done and if we want to be blessed by Him, we MUST do things HIS WAY!
3 Then Moses said to Aaron, This is what the LORD meant when He said, I [and My will, not their own] will be acknowledged as hallowed by those who come near Me, and before all the people I will be honored. And Aaron said nothing.
Remember, this was right after two of Aaron's sons decided they would approach the One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible THEIR OWN WAY! What happened to them? Verse 2:
2 And there came forth fire from before the LORD and killed them, and they died before the LORD.
God wouldn't REALLY do that, would He? ABSOLUTELY! He had already told them HOW to approach Him! Jesus has told us that HE is the ONLY way to get to the Father now. Read John 14:6. To try to get there any other way, through any other person or being, WILL NOT WORK! Their is NO OTHER NAME by which we can be saved than the Name of Jesus of Nazareth (Acts 4:12)! Think of all the names out there that some people are trusting in to get them to the Heaven of the Bible. Only ONE of those names will work! His Name is JESUS! Amen! Psalm 70:4 is the attitude we should all have:
4 May all those who seek, inquire of and for You, and require You [as their vital need] rejoice and be glad in You; and may those who love Your salvation say continually, let God be magnified!
Amen! Be magnified in MY life, Lord Jesus! Here is Hillsong United with "One Way":
Shalom in Him!
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Shalom,
One of the questions we get asked a lot is how to know which way the Lord is leading. Most of us are familiar with John 10:27:
27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
We know that we are supposed to hear His voice, but what will give us the confidence that it really IS His voice? We must learn to discern the peace and joy! Isaiah 55:12:
12 For you shall go our with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
THAT is what we counsel those who ask! When we make a decision that is in line with God's will, His plan and His purpose, we will have peace in the center of our being even if NOTHING looks right on the outside! If we make a decision that is NOT in line, there will be NO peace! Something will just not feel right! Brother Kenneth E. Hagin used to say that it was like taking a shower with socks on! Jerry Savelle had something similar in his daily devotional today:
So make your decisions, then check immediately on the inside for the peace and joy! if they are there, proceed boldly and confidently! if they are not, then step back, get into His presence and seek further direction! Refuse to be "driven" to make a decision. Remember, the Spirit of God LEADS, He does NOT drive or push and HIS timing is perfect! Amen! Here is "Let The Peace OF God Reign" by Hillsong:
Shalom in Him!
One of the questions we get asked a lot is how to know which way the Lord is leading. Most of us are familiar with John 10:27:
27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
We know that we are supposed to hear His voice, but what will give us the confidence that it really IS His voice? We must learn to discern the peace and joy! Isaiah 55:12:
12 For you shall go our with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
THAT is what we counsel those who ask! When we make a decision that is in line with God's will, His plan and His purpose, we will have peace in the center of our being even if NOTHING looks right on the outside! If we make a decision that is NOT in line, there will be NO peace! Something will just not feel right! Brother Kenneth E. Hagin used to say that it was like taking a shower with socks on! Jerry Savelle had something similar in his daily devotional today:
I always go back to this rule about peace that I have - does it produce peace? If it creates confusion, then God didn’t author it. If it creates peace, then God is behind it. That is a rule that has worked for me all these years. God wants you to have peace in every area of your life. He is the author of peace.
So make your decisions, then check immediately on the inside for the peace and joy! if they are there, proceed boldly and confidently! if they are not, then step back, get into His presence and seek further direction! Refuse to be "driven" to make a decision. Remember, the Spirit of God LEADS, He does NOT drive or push and HIS timing is perfect! Amen! Here is "Let The Peace OF God Reign" by Hillsong:
Shalom in Him!
Friday, March 9, 2012
Shalom,
I really enjoyed how all of my studying today pointed to the same confidence that we should have in HIM! Faith Food for Spring by Kenneth E. Hagin says this:
For whatever is born of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith. - 1 John 5:4.
"I may be in the world, but I am not of the world. I am of God. My citizenship is in heaven. And while I am in this world, I have the Greater One living in me. Greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4)."
It goes on to say:
"What else is in the world? Trouble. Adverse circumstances. Seeming impossibilities. But when I've faced such things, I've just remembered who is on the inside of me and what the Bible says. I didn't even have to pray about it. I just looked that circumstance right in the face and laughed as I said, 'If I don't make it over you, I'll make it around you. If I don't make it around you, I'll make it under you. If I don't make it under you, I'll make it through you, because the greater One is in me!' Even while I laughed, that circumstance ran off and hid!"
Then I looked at another devotional that is written as God Himself speaking. I'm not sure what I think about this devotional yet, but today's entry is great!
"When the battle is at hand, child, rest assured that I will be with you to the finish. Because I am such a creative God, I may bring about your victory in a very unusual way. Nonetheless, I will give you the victory."
It goes on to say:
"Watch for My surprises. The battle plan I have may be beyond your imagination, with a solution or strategy that you never considered. I love to do that - to solve problems in ways no one ever thought of. When the battle is at hand, child, rest assured that I will be with you to the finish. Enter in, and be ready to be amazed."
I truly believe that if we, as believers in Jesus of Nazareth, will continue to intercede for this nation, our amazing God will show Himself exceedingly strong on our behalf! The enemy will never know what hit him! Amen! What happens in the world AFTER the catching away of the church is not our concern. The HERE and NOW is what we are responsible for! Let's do things God's way and EXPECT the amazing and surprising and abundant and glorious VICTORY! Amen!
Here is Chris Tomlin with "Let God Arise":
Shalom in Him!
I really enjoyed how all of my studying today pointed to the same confidence that we should have in HIM! Faith Food for Spring by Kenneth E. Hagin says this:
For whatever is born of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith. - 1 John 5:4.
"I may be in the world, but I am not of the world. I am of God. My citizenship is in heaven. And while I am in this world, I have the Greater One living in me. Greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4)."
It goes on to say:
"What else is in the world? Trouble. Adverse circumstances. Seeming impossibilities. But when I've faced such things, I've just remembered who is on the inside of me and what the Bible says. I didn't even have to pray about it. I just looked that circumstance right in the face and laughed as I said, 'If I don't make it over you, I'll make it around you. If I don't make it around you, I'll make it under you. If I don't make it under you, I'll make it through you, because the greater One is in me!' Even while I laughed, that circumstance ran off and hid!"
Then I looked at another devotional that is written as God Himself speaking. I'm not sure what I think about this devotional yet, but today's entry is great!
"When the battle is at hand, child, rest assured that I will be with you to the finish. Because I am such a creative God, I may bring about your victory in a very unusual way. Nonetheless, I will give you the victory."
It goes on to say:
"Watch for My surprises. The battle plan I have may be beyond your imagination, with a solution or strategy that you never considered. I love to do that - to solve problems in ways no one ever thought of. When the battle is at hand, child, rest assured that I will be with you to the finish. Enter in, and be ready to be amazed."
I truly believe that if we, as believers in Jesus of Nazareth, will continue to intercede for this nation, our amazing God will show Himself exceedingly strong on our behalf! The enemy will never know what hit him! Amen! What happens in the world AFTER the catching away of the church is not our concern. The HERE and NOW is what we are responsible for! Let's do things God's way and EXPECT the amazing and surprising and abundant and glorious VICTORY! Amen!
Here is Chris Tomlin with "Let God Arise":
Shalom in Him!
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Shalom,
I was going to just post a verse or two from Psalm 67 today, but the whole Psalm is so appropriate to our times! Here is ALL of Psalm 67:
1 GOD BE merciful and gracious to us and bless us and cause His face to shine upon us and among us — Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! —
2 That Your way may be known upon earth, Your saving power (Your deliverances and Your salvation) among all nations.
3 Let the peoples praise You [turn away from their idols] and give thanks to You, O God; let all the peoples praise and give thanks to You.
4 O let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for You will judge the peoples fairly and guide, lead, or drive the nations upon earth. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!
5 Let the peoples praise You [turn away from their idols] and give thanks to You, O God; let all the peoples praise and give thanks to You!
6 The earth has yielded its harvest [in evidence of God's approval]; God, even our own God, will bless us.
7 God will bless us, and all the ends of the earth shall reverently fear Him.
We have been speaking of this a lot lately at The Spoken Word Church! We KNOW that God plans for us, as born again believers in Jesus of Nazareth, to have a abundantly blessed life her on earth, and then rewards in Heaven! John 10:10 says this:
10 The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).
THAT is the kind of life He desires for us! Read 3 John 2, also! Psalm 67 reveals the WHY! Beside the fact that He loves us, He desires that ALL men be saved! Our blessed lives are living witnesses to the love and glory of God available to ALL who will choose Him! Amen! BE that light of God's glory in the earth for others! Here is Hillsong with "Let Creation Sing":
Shalom in Him!
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Shalom,
Before we get into the Scriptures we'll be looking at today I want to remind you of John 17:17:
17 Sanctify them [purify, consecrate them for yourself, make them holy] by the Truth; your Word is Truth.
This verse is telling us that God uses His Word, which is TRUTH (it doesn't just CONTAIN Truth, it IS Truth!) to set us apart for Himself. I wanted to establish the authority of the Word before we look at Mark 10:6-9 from the Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan:
6 But from the beginning of creation God made them male and female. 7 For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother and be joined to his wife and cleave closely to her permanently, 8 And the two shall become one flesh, so that they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9 What therefore God has united (joined together), let not man separate or divide.
This is just one of the many Scriptures throughout the Word of God that show that from the creation God meant for marriage to be between one man and one woman. It is NOT racist, sexist, bigoted or hateful to say that. It is just simply, and powerfully, the TRUTH! God has not made one person gay! That lifestyle is a choice, but it is not in accordance with God's will for anyone. We have a choice to make! Do we want to line our lives up with God's will, which is revealed in His Word, or don't we? I don't hate anyone for the choices they have made. But neither will I agree with anything that is contrary to God's Word. In all of this, we are called to love people into the kingdom, because it is the GOODNESS of God that leads people to repentance (Romans 2:4)! Amen! Here is Hillsong with "Lord Of Lords":
Shalom in Him!
Before we get into the Scriptures we'll be looking at today I want to remind you of John 17:17:
17 Sanctify them [purify, consecrate them for yourself, make them holy] by the Truth; your Word is Truth.
This verse is telling us that God uses His Word, which is TRUTH (it doesn't just CONTAIN Truth, it IS Truth!) to set us apart for Himself. I wanted to establish the authority of the Word before we look at Mark 10:6-9 from the Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan:
6 But from the beginning of creation God made them male and female. 7 For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother and be joined to his wife and cleave closely to her permanently, 8 And the two shall become one flesh, so that they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9 What therefore God has united (joined together), let not man separate or divide.
This is just one of the many Scriptures throughout the Word of God that show that from the creation God meant for marriage to be between one man and one woman. It is NOT racist, sexist, bigoted or hateful to say that. It is just simply, and powerfully, the TRUTH! God has not made one person gay! That lifestyle is a choice, but it is not in accordance with God's will for anyone. We have a choice to make! Do we want to line our lives up with God's will, which is revealed in His Word, or don't we? I don't hate anyone for the choices they have made. But neither will I agree with anything that is contrary to God's Word. In all of this, we are called to love people into the kingdom, because it is the GOODNESS of God that leads people to repentance (Romans 2:4)! Amen! Here is Hillsong with "Lord Of Lords":
Shalom in Him!
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Shalom,
I LOVE Psalm 65:1 in the Amplified Bible!
1 TO YOU belongs silence (the submissive wonder of reverence which bursts forth into praise) and praise is due and fitting to You, O God, in Zion; and to You shall the vow be performed.
So many times I have heard believers quote Psalm 46:10a:
10a Be still and know that I am God:
There is a place for being silent and still in His presence! We MUST spend time LISTENING to Him when we are in His presence! But, if we are truly aware of His presence, that time of silent stillness HAS to result in the rest of verse 10!
10b I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
THAT is why I like Psalm 65:1 so much! When I am in "submissive wonder" of His awesome presence, then I WILL "burst forth into praise"! There can be no other response! Make sure that YOU are spending the time in His presence, each and every day, that is necessary for YOU to maintain faith, trust, and confidence in Who He is and who YOU are - IN HIM! Amen! Here is a song that should help! "Wonderful God" by Hillsong:
Shalom in Him!
I LOVE Psalm 65:1 in the Amplified Bible!
1 TO YOU belongs silence (the submissive wonder of reverence which bursts forth into praise) and praise is due and fitting to You, O God, in Zion; and to You shall the vow be performed.
So many times I have heard believers quote Psalm 46:10a:
10a Be still and know that I am God:
There is a place for being silent and still in His presence! We MUST spend time LISTENING to Him when we are in His presence! But, if we are truly aware of His presence, that time of silent stillness HAS to result in the rest of verse 10!
10b I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
THAT is why I like Psalm 65:1 so much! When I am in "submissive wonder" of His awesome presence, then I WILL "burst forth into praise"! There can be no other response! Make sure that YOU are spending the time in His presence, each and every day, that is necessary for YOU to maintain faith, trust, and confidence in Who He is and who YOU are - IN HIM! Amen! Here is a song that should help! "Wonderful God" by Hillsong:
Shalom in Him!
Monday, March 5, 2012
Shalom,
I was really blessed again today to see that the Psalm in the Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan had an answer for the frustration that many of the born again believers in America have over the current political situation and what has been systematically done to our nation. Psalm 64:5-6 describes what is happening:
5 They encourage themselves in an evil purpose, they talk of laying snares secretly; they say, Who will discover us? 6 They think out acts of injustice and say, We have accomplished a well-devised thing! For the inward thought of each one [is unsearchable] and his heart is deep.
What should WE do then? Remember that we have received instruction in 2 Chronicles 7:14 about how to pray for the nation:
14 If My people, who are called by My Name, shall humble themselves, pray, seek, crave, and require of necessity My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.
This verse says that if BELIEVERS will obey this Word, then He WILL DO what He promised! So then we should see the fulfillment of Psalm 64:7-10:
7 But God will shoot an unexpected arrow at them; and suddenly shall they be wounded. 8 And they will be made to stumble, their own tongues turning against them; all who gaze upon them will shake their heads and flee away. 9 And all men shall [reverently] fear and be in awe; and they will declare the work of God, for they will wisely consider and acknowledge that it is His doing. 10 The [uncompromisingly] righteous shall be glad in the LORD and shall trust and take refuge in Him; and all the upright in heart shall glory and offer praise.
So, let's offer that praise RIGHT NOW, before we see the results! Amen! Here is Hillsong with "Blessed":
Shalom in Him!
I was really blessed again today to see that the Psalm in the Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan had an answer for the frustration that many of the born again believers in America have over the current political situation and what has been systematically done to our nation. Psalm 64:5-6 describes what is happening:
5 They encourage themselves in an evil purpose, they talk of laying snares secretly; they say, Who will discover us? 6 They think out acts of injustice and say, We have accomplished a well-devised thing! For the inward thought of each one [is unsearchable] and his heart is deep.
What should WE do then? Remember that we have received instruction in 2 Chronicles 7:14 about how to pray for the nation:
14 If My people, who are called by My Name, shall humble themselves, pray, seek, crave, and require of necessity My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.
This verse says that if BELIEVERS will obey this Word, then He WILL DO what He promised! So then we should see the fulfillment of Psalm 64:7-10:
7 But God will shoot an unexpected arrow at them; and suddenly shall they be wounded. 8 And they will be made to stumble, their own tongues turning against them; all who gaze upon them will shake their heads and flee away. 9 And all men shall [reverently] fear and be in awe; and they will declare the work of God, for they will wisely consider and acknowledge that it is His doing. 10 The [uncompromisingly] righteous shall be glad in the LORD and shall trust and take refuge in Him; and all the upright in heart shall glory and offer praise.
So, let's offer that praise RIGHT NOW, before we see the results! Amen! Here is Hillsong with "Blessed":
Shalom in Him!
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Shalom,
I found a verse that really encourages me in these times of political turmoil! Psalm 63:11:
11 But the king shall rejoice in God; everyone who swears by Him [that is, who binds himself by God's authority, acknowledging His supremacy, and devoting himself to His glory and service alone; every such one] shall glory, for the mouths of those who speak lies shall be stopped!
Now THAT is a promise I am looking forward to seeing fulfilled! How about you? When it seems like people, especially public figures, cannot seem to tell the truth anymore, it is refreshing to know that as believers in Jesus of Nazareth, we have the Spirit of the Living God INSIDE of us! HE will reveal to us the truth from the lies if we will listen for His leading! The Word of God also tells us that He will show us things to come! John 16:13:
13 But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth). For He will not speak His own message [on His own authority]; but he will tell whatever He hears [from the Father; He will give the message that has been given to Him], and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come [that will happen in the future].
Waiting for the fulfillment of Psalm 63:11 is great, but in the meantime, we have John 16:13 for RIGHT NOW! Listen to Him and you will know just who to believe and what to do about it! Amen! Here is Hillsong United with "The Difference":
Shalom in Him!
I found a verse that really encourages me in these times of political turmoil! Psalm 63:11:
11 But the king shall rejoice in God; everyone who swears by Him [that is, who binds himself by God's authority, acknowledging His supremacy, and devoting himself to His glory and service alone; every such one] shall glory, for the mouths of those who speak lies shall be stopped!
Now THAT is a promise I am looking forward to seeing fulfilled! How about you? When it seems like people, especially public figures, cannot seem to tell the truth anymore, it is refreshing to know that as believers in Jesus of Nazareth, we have the Spirit of the Living God INSIDE of us! HE will reveal to us the truth from the lies if we will listen for His leading! The Word of God also tells us that He will show us things to come! John 16:13:
13 But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth). For He will not speak His own message [on His own authority]; but he will tell whatever He hears [from the Father; He will give the message that has been given to Him], and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come [that will happen in the future].
Waiting for the fulfillment of Psalm 63:11 is great, but in the meantime, we have John 16:13 for RIGHT NOW! Listen to Him and you will know just who to believe and what to do about it! Amen! Here is Hillsong United with "The Difference":
Shalom in Him!
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Shalom,
In John 21:15-17 Jesus asks Peter 3 times "Do you love Me"? Peter replied 3 times that he did! This was Peter's restoration for denying Jesus 3 times. I read this in today's devotional in "My Utmost For His Highest" by Oswald Chambers:
The Lord’s next point is— “Pour yourself out. Don’t testify about how much you love Me and don’t talk about the wonderful revelation you have had, just ’Feed My sheep.’ ” Jesus has some extraordinarily peculiar sheep: some that are unkempt and dirty, some that are awkward or pushy, and some that have gone astray! But it is impossible to exhaust God’s love, and it is impossible to exhaust my love if it flows from the Spirit of God within me. The love of God pays no attention to my prejudices caused by my natural individuality. If I love my Lord, I have no business being guided by natural emotions— I have to feed His sheep. We will not be delivered or released from His commission to us. Beware of counterfeiting the love of God by following your own natural human emotions, sympathies, or understandings. That will only serve to revile and abuse the true love of God.
We are told in 2 Corinthians 5:16 to know no person after the flesh. That means that we are to see every person as God sees them, and He sees them as precious and valuable! Operating in the God kind of love involves a decision to treat people the way Jesus treats us! THAT kind of love NEVER fails (1 Corinthians 13:8)! Amen! Here is Hillsong with "Love Of God Can Do":
Shalom in Him!
In John 21:15-17 Jesus asks Peter 3 times "Do you love Me"? Peter replied 3 times that he did! This was Peter's restoration for denying Jesus 3 times. I read this in today's devotional in "My Utmost For His Highest" by Oswald Chambers:
The Lord’s next point is— “Pour yourself out. Don’t testify about how much you love Me and don’t talk about the wonderful revelation you have had, just ’Feed My sheep.’ ” Jesus has some extraordinarily peculiar sheep: some that are unkempt and dirty, some that are awkward or pushy, and some that have gone astray! But it is impossible to exhaust God’s love, and it is impossible to exhaust my love if it flows from the Spirit of God within me. The love of God pays no attention to my prejudices caused by my natural individuality. If I love my Lord, I have no business being guided by natural emotions— I have to feed His sheep. We will not be delivered or released from His commission to us. Beware of counterfeiting the love of God by following your own natural human emotions, sympathies, or understandings. That will only serve to revile and abuse the true love of God.
We are told in 2 Corinthians 5:16 to know no person after the flesh. That means that we are to see every person as God sees them, and He sees them as precious and valuable! Operating in the God kind of love involves a decision to treat people the way Jesus treats us! THAT kind of love NEVER fails (1 Corinthians 13:8)! Amen! Here is Hillsong with "Love Of God Can Do":
Shalom in Him!
Friday, March 2, 2012
Shalom,
Mark 5 gives us an account of the woman with the issue of blood. Verses 25-26 tell us her condition:
25 And there was a woman who had had a flow of blood for twelve years, 26 And who had endured much suffering under [the hands of] many physicians and had spent all that she had, and she was no better but instead grew worse.
She was in a desperate condition! Have you ever faced a desperate situation like this? Maybe you are facing one right now! What was the first thing that she did? Verse 27a:
27a She had heard the reports concerning Jesus,
What had she heard? She had heard the WORD about who Jesus was and what He was doing! This WORD built faith in her that He could and would do the same for her (Romans 10:17)! Then she acted on what she believed! Verses 27b-28:
27b ...and she came up behind Him in the throng and touched His garment, 28 For she kept saying, If I only touch His garments, I shall be restored to health.
First she spoke out what she believed, then she did it! What was the result of her thoughts, words and actions? Verse 29:
29 And immediately her flow of blood was dried up at the source, and [suddenly] she felt in her body that she was healed of her [distressing] ailment.
How did Jesus respond to her actions? First He asked who had touched Him because He was aware that power gone out of His body! When she told Him, and the crowd around Him, what she had done, how did He respond? Verse 34:
34 And He said to her, Daughter, YOUR faith (your trust and confidence in Me, springing from faith in God) has restored you to health. Go in peace and be continually healed and freed from your [distressing bodily] ailment.
Everything that YOU need in this life must be received in this same way! Find out what God's Word promises concerning your situation. Continue to hear, and hear, and hear the Word of God concerning this. Speak out what you desire (and the Word of God promises). Next, put action to your faith and receive your answer! Now tell about it! Praise HIM for the answer! He has already provided for us to have a wonderful life, but we must receive it by faith! John 10:10:
10 The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).
Hallelujah! MAKE this promise YOURS! Amen! Here is "Life" by Hillsong:
Shalom in Him!
Mark 5 gives us an account of the woman with the issue of blood. Verses 25-26 tell us her condition:
25 And there was a woman who had had a flow of blood for twelve years, 26 And who had endured much suffering under [the hands of] many physicians and had spent all that she had, and she was no better but instead grew worse.
She was in a desperate condition! Have you ever faced a desperate situation like this? Maybe you are facing one right now! What was the first thing that she did? Verse 27a:
27a She had heard the reports concerning Jesus,
What had she heard? She had heard the WORD about who Jesus was and what He was doing! This WORD built faith in her that He could and would do the same for her (Romans 10:17)! Then she acted on what she believed! Verses 27b-28:
27b ...and she came up behind Him in the throng and touched His garment, 28 For she kept saying, If I only touch His garments, I shall be restored to health.
First she spoke out what she believed, then she did it! What was the result of her thoughts, words and actions? Verse 29:
29 And immediately her flow of blood was dried up at the source, and [suddenly] she felt in her body that she was healed of her [distressing] ailment.
How did Jesus respond to her actions? First He asked who had touched Him because He was aware that power gone out of His body! When she told Him, and the crowd around Him, what she had done, how did He respond? Verse 34:
34 And He said to her, Daughter, YOUR faith (your trust and confidence in Me, springing from faith in God) has restored you to health. Go in peace and be continually healed and freed from your [distressing bodily] ailment.
Everything that YOU need in this life must be received in this same way! Find out what God's Word promises concerning your situation. Continue to hear, and hear, and hear the Word of God concerning this. Speak out what you desire (and the Word of God promises). Next, put action to your faith and receive your answer! Now tell about it! Praise HIM for the answer! He has already provided for us to have a wonderful life, but we must receive it by faith! John 10:10:
10 The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).
Hallelujah! MAKE this promise YOURS! Amen! Here is "Life" by Hillsong:
Shalom in Him!
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Shalom,
Mark 4 gives us the Parable of the Sower! We find in this teaching the importance of the type of "soil" our hearts are! We need to make the necessary adjustments so that our hearts become good soil for the GOOD seed! And THAT is what we're looking at today! Verse 14 explains to us exactly what the "seed" is!
14 The sower sows the Word.
That's it! The Word of God must be sown in our hearts in order to produce anything in our lives! How do we sow the Word? By speaking it! We find the importance of this emphasized in Kenneth E. Hagin's Faith Food for Spring on March 1.
What she had been sowing into her sons life were words! The WRONG words! What have YOU been sowing into YOUR life? Make the adjustment to speak ONLY what God's Word say about you and yours. THEN you will begin to have God's results! Mark 4:20 says:
20 And those sown on good (well-adapted) soil are the ones who hear the Word and receive and accept and welcome it and bear fruit - some thirty times as much as sown, some sixty times as much, and some [even] a hundred times as much.
Sow the Word! You and your family will be SO glad you did! Amen! Here is Hillsong United with "Desert Song":
Shalom in Him!
Mark 4 gives us the Parable of the Sower! We find in this teaching the importance of the type of "soil" our hearts are! We need to make the necessary adjustments so that our hearts become good soil for the GOOD seed! And THAT is what we're looking at today! Verse 14 explains to us exactly what the "seed" is!
14 The sower sows the Word.
That's it! The Word of God must be sown in our hearts in order to produce anything in our lives! How do we sow the Word? By speaking it! We find the importance of this emphasized in Kenneth E. Hagin's Faith Food for Spring on March 1.
Power of Life
March 1, 2012"Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof" (Prov. 18:21).
"No, I won't pray for your son," I told the startled widowed mother of a fifteen-year-old boy. "It won't do any good. As long as you keep telling your son he'll never amount to anything, you'll undo the praying."
"Did the Lord reveal that to you?" she asked.
"No," I said, "I just know that the condition in life that we or our children are in was created by words."
"No, I won't pray for your son," I told the startled widowed mother of a fifteen-year-old boy. "It won't do any good. As long as you keep telling your son he'll never amount to anything, you'll undo the praying."
"Did the Lord reveal that to you?" she asked.
"No," I said, "I just know that the condition in life that we or our children are in was created by words."
"What shall I do?" she asked.
"There are some things you should have done when your son was younger, but he's fifteen now. So first, quit nagging him about being saved. Second, instead of lying in bed at night worrying about him, say, 'Lord, I don't know where he is, but wherever he is, I surround him with faith and love.'
"You've been surrounding him with doubt, fear, and condemnation. Say, 'Lord, I'm going to tell You what I believe. I don't believe he'll end up in the penitentiary. I'll never tell him again he won't amount to anything. I believe he will amount to something.'"
I was back in this woman's city fifteen months later. To make a long story short, she came to me and shared, "It was hard, but I did just what you told me. Before, my son was all out for the devil But now he's all out for God!"
Confession: Life is in the power of my tongue, and I will minister life with it. I speak words of life!
"There are some things you should have done when your son was younger, but he's fifteen now. So first, quit nagging him about being saved. Second, instead of lying in bed at night worrying about him, say, 'Lord, I don't know where he is, but wherever he is, I surround him with faith and love.'
"You've been surrounding him with doubt, fear, and condemnation. Say, 'Lord, I'm going to tell You what I believe. I don't believe he'll end up in the penitentiary. I'll never tell him again he won't amount to anything. I believe he will amount to something.'"
I was back in this woman's city fifteen months later. To make a long story short, she came to me and shared, "It was hard, but I did just what you told me. Before, my son was all out for the devil But now he's all out for God!"
Confession: Life is in the power of my tongue, and I will minister life with it. I speak words of life!
What she had been sowing into her sons life were words! The WRONG words! What have YOU been sowing into YOUR life? Make the adjustment to speak ONLY what God's Word say about you and yours. THEN you will begin to have God's results! Mark 4:20 says:
20 And those sown on good (well-adapted) soil are the ones who hear the Word and receive and accept and welcome it and bear fruit - some thirty times as much as sown, some sixty times as much, and some [even] a hundred times as much.
Sow the Word! You and your family will be SO glad you did! Amen! Here is Hillsong United with "Desert Song":
Shalom in Him!
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Shalom,
In Psalm 60 David begins by describing some of the tests, trials and tribulations that God's people were suffering. He turns to encouragement in verses 4-5:
4 [But now] You have set up a banner for those who fear and worshipfully revere You [to which they may flee from the bow], a standard displayed because of the Truth. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! 5 That Your beloved ones may be delivered, save with Your right hand and answer us.
The word "banner" is the Hebrew word "nec" which means: a rallying point or standard which drew people together for some common action or for the communication of important information. This is where we get the Name: Jehovah Nissi! He IS our "rallying point"! David ends this Psalm with verse 12:
12 Through our God we shall do valiantly, for He it is Who shall tread down our adversaries.
We can count on His Word to deliver us in every situation! Why? Because He LOVES us! Read John 3:16 in an Amplified Bible! LOVE! Here is a song about that wonderful, powerful and never-ending love! From Hillsong here is Unending Love:
Shalom in Him!
In Psalm 60 David begins by describing some of the tests, trials and tribulations that God's people were suffering. He turns to encouragement in verses 4-5:
4 [But now] You have set up a banner for those who fear and worshipfully revere You [to which they may flee from the bow], a standard displayed because of the Truth. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! 5 That Your beloved ones may be delivered, save with Your right hand and answer us.
The word "banner" is the Hebrew word "nec" which means: a rallying point or standard which drew people together for some common action or for the communication of important information. This is where we get the Name: Jehovah Nissi! He IS our "rallying point"! David ends this Psalm with verse 12:
12 Through our God we shall do valiantly, for He it is Who shall tread down our adversaries.
We can count on His Word to deliver us in every situation! Why? Because He LOVES us! Read John 3:16 in an Amplified Bible! LOVE! Here is a song about that wonderful, powerful and never-ending love! From Hillsong here is Unending Love:
Shalom in Him!
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Shalom,
In reading Exodus 27-28 for the Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan for today, I was reminded again of the awesome attention to detail that the God of the Bible has! He is SO very ordered and efficient! Nothing that He has ever said or done has been without power or specific significance! And that same attention has been given to every aspect of YOUR life! Have you ever read Jeremiah 29:11 in the Amplified Bible?
11 For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the LORD, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.
The Complete Jewish Bible says:
11 For I know what plans I have in mind for you, says Adonai, plans for well-being, not for bad things; so that you can have hope and a future.
The Message Bible says:
11 I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out - plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.
I cannot think of any other person that I would trust so completely with my life! He ALWAYS wants only GOOD for my life, and yours! Trust Him! You CAN! Amen! Here is Hillsong United singing "With Us":
Shalom in Him!
In reading Exodus 27-28 for the Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan for today, I was reminded again of the awesome attention to detail that the God of the Bible has! He is SO very ordered and efficient! Nothing that He has ever said or done has been without power or specific significance! And that same attention has been given to every aspect of YOUR life! Have you ever read Jeremiah 29:11 in the Amplified Bible?
11 For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the LORD, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.
The Complete Jewish Bible says:
11 For I know what plans I have in mind for you, says Adonai, plans for well-being, not for bad things; so that you can have hope and a future.
The Message Bible says:
11 I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out - plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.
I cannot think of any other person that I would trust so completely with my life! He ALWAYS wants only GOOD for my life, and yours! Trust Him! You CAN! Amen! Here is Hillsong United singing "With Us":
Shalom in Him!
Monday, February 27, 2012
Shalom,
Mark 2:1-4:
1 AND JESUS having returned to Capernaum, after some days it was rumored about that He was in the house [probably Peter's]. And so many people gathered together there that there was no longer room [for them], not even around the door; and He was discussing the Word. 3 Then they came, bringing a paralytic to Him, who had been picked up and was being carried by four men. 4 And when they could not get him to a place in front of Jesus because of the throng, they dug through the roof above Him; and when they had scooped out an opening, they let down the [thickly padded] quilt or mat upon which the paralyzed man lay.
These people were DESPERATE to have their friend healed! The man was desperate enough to allow himself to be carried and put in such a dangerous position! Can you even imagine the reaction of someone today if this were to happen? What would YOU do? Peter didn't call the police and Jesus didn't even scold them! What DID He say? Verse 5:
5 And when Jesus saw their faith [their confidence in God through Him], he said to the paralyzed man, Son, your sins are forgiven [you] and put away [that is, the penalty is remitted, the sense of guilt removed, and you are made upright and in right standing with God].
The religious leaders present questioned the authority of Jesus to forgive sins. How did He respond? Verses 10-12:
10 But that you may know positively and beyond a doubt that the Son of Man has right and authority and power on earth to forgive sins -- He said to the paralyzed man, 11 I say to you, arise, pick up and carry your sleeping pad or mat, and be going on home. 12 And he arose at once and picked up the sleeping pad or mat and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and recognized and praised and thanked God, saying, We have never seen anything like this before.
If WE are to be "about our Father's business", then we have to become more flexible with our time, energy and resources! How would YOU react if someone broke into your house because they heard a man or woman of God was there who could minster healing and deliverance to them? If we are being continually led by the Spirit of God, we will be aware BEFORE they come and have the door open and a way made! Be prepared to have Holy Spirit interruptions in your life IF you desire to be used of God in this last great move of His Spirit on the earth! Be ready, willing, and able to be used by Him to reach others with the GREAT Good News of the Gospel! Amen! The LOST are waiting to hear that Good News, whether they know it yet or not! Let's DO IT! Here is Hillsong United with {"No Reason To Hide":
Shalom in Him!
Mark 2:1-4:
1 AND JESUS having returned to Capernaum, after some days it was rumored about that He was in the house [probably Peter's]. And so many people gathered together there that there was no longer room [for them], not even around the door; and He was discussing the Word. 3 Then they came, bringing a paralytic to Him, who had been picked up and was being carried by four men. 4 And when they could not get him to a place in front of Jesus because of the throng, they dug through the roof above Him; and when they had scooped out an opening, they let down the [thickly padded] quilt or mat upon which the paralyzed man lay.
These people were DESPERATE to have their friend healed! The man was desperate enough to allow himself to be carried and put in such a dangerous position! Can you even imagine the reaction of someone today if this were to happen? What would YOU do? Peter didn't call the police and Jesus didn't even scold them! What DID He say? Verse 5:
5 And when Jesus saw their faith [their confidence in God through Him], he said to the paralyzed man, Son, your sins are forgiven [you] and put away [that is, the penalty is remitted, the sense of guilt removed, and you are made upright and in right standing with God].
The religious leaders present questioned the authority of Jesus to forgive sins. How did He respond? Verses 10-12:
10 But that you may know positively and beyond a doubt that the Son of Man has right and authority and power on earth to forgive sins -- He said to the paralyzed man, 11 I say to you, arise, pick up and carry your sleeping pad or mat, and be going on home. 12 And he arose at once and picked up the sleeping pad or mat and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and recognized and praised and thanked God, saying, We have never seen anything like this before.
If WE are to be "about our Father's business", then we have to become more flexible with our time, energy and resources! How would YOU react if someone broke into your house because they heard a man or woman of God was there who could minster healing and deliverance to them? If we are being continually led by the Spirit of God, we will be aware BEFORE they come and have the door open and a way made! Be prepared to have Holy Spirit interruptions in your life IF you desire to be used of God in this last great move of His Spirit on the earth! Be ready, willing, and able to be used by Him to reach others with the GREAT Good News of the Gospel! Amen! The LOST are waiting to hear that Good News, whether they know it yet or not! Let's DO IT! Here is Hillsong United with {"No Reason To Hide":
Shalom in Him!
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Shalom,
Knowing that God has given us a free will to choose Him, or not, it is so wonderful to hear when people DO! It is equally as awful to hear people blame God for their own choices! We are all spirit beings who possess souls and live in physical bodies while on this earth. When our physical bodies die, our spirit and soul leave the body and go to the destination OF OUR OWN CHOOSING! He has provided the Way to Heaven, His Name is Jesus! To learn more about the choices we have between the very real Heaven and the very real Hell, check out the sermons entitled "Heaven" on The Spoken Word Church website (link on the left). This teaching will also help you in your ministry to others!
Mark 1:41 says this:
41 And Jesus, moved with compassion, out forth His hand, and touched him, and said to him, "I will, be clean".
When Jesus saw the hurting, dying, weak, distressed, poor and helpless, He was moved with "compassion"! The dictionary definition of the word compassion is: Deep awareness of the suffering of another coupled with the wish to relieve it. Jesus CARED about their need and DID SOMETHING about it! He was doing the work of His ministry! You can see what that is by reading Matthew 4:23 and 9:35. Matthew 4:23 says:
23 And He went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the good news (Gospel) of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every weakness and infirmity among the people.
Every person that is specifically recorded as having received healing from Jesus was told by Him that THEIR faith had made them whole! How did they GET that faith? By hearing the preaching and teaching of the Gospel (Romans 10:17)! When Jesus said that all authority was given unto Him, He followed that up with "Go you therefore" (Matthew 28:18). Read Mark 16:15-20 also! This is OUR "work of the ministry"! God's part is shown in Mark 15:20:
20 And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the Word with signs following. Amen.
God WILL confirm HIS WORD when we speak it! So let's DO IT! Amen! Then we can boldly declare THIS song from Hillsong United, "The Lost Are Found":
Shalom in Him!
Knowing that God has given us a free will to choose Him, or not, it is so wonderful to hear when people DO! It is equally as awful to hear people blame God for their own choices! We are all spirit beings who possess souls and live in physical bodies while on this earth. When our physical bodies die, our spirit and soul leave the body and go to the destination OF OUR OWN CHOOSING! He has provided the Way to Heaven, His Name is Jesus! To learn more about the choices we have between the very real Heaven and the very real Hell, check out the sermons entitled "Heaven" on The Spoken Word Church website (link on the left). This teaching will also help you in your ministry to others!
Mark 1:41 says this:
41 And Jesus, moved with compassion, out forth His hand, and touched him, and said to him, "I will, be clean".
When Jesus saw the hurting, dying, weak, distressed, poor and helpless, He was moved with "compassion"! The dictionary definition of the word compassion is: Deep awareness of the suffering of another coupled with the wish to relieve it. Jesus CARED about their need and DID SOMETHING about it! He was doing the work of His ministry! You can see what that is by reading Matthew 4:23 and 9:35. Matthew 4:23 says:
23 And He went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the good news (Gospel) of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every weakness and infirmity among the people.
Every person that is specifically recorded as having received healing from Jesus was told by Him that THEIR faith had made them whole! How did they GET that faith? By hearing the preaching and teaching of the Gospel (Romans 10:17)! When Jesus said that all authority was given unto Him, He followed that up with "Go you therefore" (Matthew 28:18). Read Mark 16:15-20 also! This is OUR "work of the ministry"! God's part is shown in Mark 15:20:
20 And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the Word with signs following. Amen.
God WILL confirm HIS WORD when we speak it! So let's DO IT! Amen! Then we can boldly declare THIS song from Hillsong United, "The Lost Are Found":
Shalom in Him!
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Shalom,
Here is Psalm 56:3-4 from five different translations of the Bible:
(KJV) 3 What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. 4 In God I will praise his Word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.
(ESV) 3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. 4 In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?
(AMP) 3 What time I am afraid, I will have confidence in and put my trust and reliance in You. 4 By [the help of] God I will praise His Word; on God I lean, rely, and confidently put my trust; I will not fear. What can man, who is flesh, do to me?
(CJB) 4(3) When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. 5(4) In God - I praise His Word - in God I trust; I have no fear; what can human power do to me?
(The Message) 3 When I get really afraid I come to you in trust. 4 I'm proud to praise God; fearless now, I trust in God. What can mere mortals do?
We know that the Word of God says that those who choose to live a godly life once they are "in Christ" (born again), WILL suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12)! There will be tests, trials, tribulations and temptations to go contrary to the Word of God! Psalm 56:5-6 describe some of that:
5 All day long they twist my words and trouble my affairs; all their thoughts are against me for evil and my hurt. 6 They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, they watch my steps, even as they have [expectantly] waited for my life.
THIS is very real in OUR TIMES! Our only viable answer is to be a DOER of verses 3-4!. Then we can declare verses 9-13:
9 Then shall my enemies turn back in the day that I cry out; this I know, for God is for me. 10 In God, Whose Word I praise, in the LORD, Whose Word I praise, 11 In God have I put my trust and confident reliance; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? 12 Your vows are upon me, O God; I will render praise to You and give You thank offerings. 13 For You have delivered my life from death, yes, and my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of life and of the living.
DON'T put your trust and reliance on mankind! Even the very best of us WILL fail sometimes! Instead, make your confidence in Him grow by meditating constantly on the promises in His Word! Amen! Here is Hillsong with "I Will Run To You":
Shalom in Him!
Here is Psalm 56:3-4 from five different translations of the Bible:
(KJV) 3 What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. 4 In God I will praise his Word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.
(ESV) 3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. 4 In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?
(AMP) 3 What time I am afraid, I will have confidence in and put my trust and reliance in You. 4 By [the help of] God I will praise His Word; on God I lean, rely, and confidently put my trust; I will not fear. What can man, who is flesh, do to me?
(CJB) 4(3) When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. 5(4) In God - I praise His Word - in God I trust; I have no fear; what can human power do to me?
(The Message) 3 When I get really afraid I come to you in trust. 4 I'm proud to praise God; fearless now, I trust in God. What can mere mortals do?
We know that the Word of God says that those who choose to live a godly life once they are "in Christ" (born again), WILL suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12)! There will be tests, trials, tribulations and temptations to go contrary to the Word of God! Psalm 56:5-6 describe some of that:
5 All day long they twist my words and trouble my affairs; all their thoughts are against me for evil and my hurt. 6 They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, they watch my steps, even as they have [expectantly] waited for my life.
THIS is very real in OUR TIMES! Our only viable answer is to be a DOER of verses 3-4!. Then we can declare verses 9-13:
9 Then shall my enemies turn back in the day that I cry out; this I know, for God is for me. 10 In God, Whose Word I praise, in the LORD, Whose Word I praise, 11 In God have I put my trust and confident reliance; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? 12 Your vows are upon me, O God; I will render praise to You and give You thank offerings. 13 For You have delivered my life from death, yes, and my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of life and of the living.
DON'T put your trust and reliance on mankind! Even the very best of us WILL fail sometimes! Instead, make your confidence in Him grow by meditating constantly on the promises in His Word! Amen! Here is Hillsong with "I Will Run To You":
Shalom in Him!
Friday, February 24, 2012
Shalom,
The Devotional on The Spoken Word Church website today is this:
Galatians 6:7 says this:
7 Do not be deceived and deluded and misled; Gd will not allow Himself to be sneered at (scorned, disdained, or mocked by mere pretensions or professions, or by His precepts being set aside.) [he inevitably deludes himself who attempts to delude God.] For whatever a man sows, that and only that is what he will reap.
We have ALL been in the position where we NEEDED mercy! We will NOT have mercy coming to us if we have refused to give mercy to others! Jesus Himself said in John 3:17 (AMP) that even HE was not sent to condemn others, but to bring them LIFE! As HE is, so are we, in this world (1 John 4:17)! We are sent to preach the Gospel and to sow mercy! Take account of your life today and make any adjustments required to be a consistent sower of love and mercy into the lives of those around you. The results are well worth any miner and temporary discomfort! Amen! Here is Hillsong with "It's Your Love":
Shalom in Him!
The Devotional on The Spoken Word Church website today is this:
What you make happen for others, God will make happen for you. What you sow today determines your harvest tomorrow. Sow kindness. Be slow to criticize and quick to forgive. The greatest gift love produces is a a non-judgmental climate. Give love out freely today.
7 Do not be deceived and deluded and misled; Gd will not allow Himself to be sneered at (scorned, disdained, or mocked by mere pretensions or professions, or by His precepts being set aside.) [he inevitably deludes himself who attempts to delude God.] For whatever a man sows, that and only that is what he will reap.
We have ALL been in the position where we NEEDED mercy! We will NOT have mercy coming to us if we have refused to give mercy to others! Jesus Himself said in John 3:17 (AMP) that even HE was not sent to condemn others, but to bring them LIFE! As HE is, so are we, in this world (1 John 4:17)! We are sent to preach the Gospel and to sow mercy! Take account of your life today and make any adjustments required to be a consistent sower of love and mercy into the lives of those around you. The results are well worth any miner and temporary discomfort! Amen! Here is Hillsong with "It's Your Love":
Shalom in Him!
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Shalom,
Today's Faith Food for Winter by Kenneth E. Hagin is entitled "Fear Not". Here is a portion of it:
God never comes with a message of fear. You can start in the Old Testament and trace all the way down through the New, and you will see that every time God manifested Himself to people, or sent angels or Jesus Himself, they always came with the message, "Be not afraid! Fear not!"
Fear doesn't come from God. It comes from the devil. Christians, including preachers and teachers, have no business going around putting fear into people. ...............
..........Fear is not the message of the Church. Faith is the message of the Church. Good cheer is the message of the Church. Be not afraid is the message of the Church.
We can see this in practice in Psalm 54! The opportunity for fear is presented in verse 3:
3 For strangers and insolent men are rising up against me, and violent men and ruthless ones seek and demand my life; they do not set God before them. Selah [pause and calmly think of that]!
How does David handle the fear that the enemy is trying to "sell" to him? Verse 4:
4 Behold God is my helper and ally; the LORD is my upholder and is with them who uphold my life.
David reminded himself of the Greater One Who loved him! Then he declared verse 7:
7 For He has delivered me out of every trouble, and my eye has looked [in triumph] on my enemies.
Now "Go and do likewise" (Luke 10:37)! What I mean is, recognize the works of the enemy, then remind him AND yourself what the Word of the Living God has said! Declare and decree the result you desire from the Word of God. Then rejoice! God is rarely early, but He is NEVER late! Amen! Here is Hillsong United with "Freedom Is Here":
Shalom in Him!
Today's Faith Food for Winter by Kenneth E. Hagin is entitled "Fear Not". Here is a portion of it:
God never comes with a message of fear. You can start in the Old Testament and trace all the way down through the New, and you will see that every time God manifested Himself to people, or sent angels or Jesus Himself, they always came with the message, "Be not afraid! Fear not!"
Fear doesn't come from God. It comes from the devil. Christians, including preachers and teachers, have no business going around putting fear into people. ...............
..........Fear is not the message of the Church. Faith is the message of the Church. Good cheer is the message of the Church. Be not afraid is the message of the Church.
We can see this in practice in Psalm 54! The opportunity for fear is presented in verse 3:
3 For strangers and insolent men are rising up against me, and violent men and ruthless ones seek and demand my life; they do not set God before them. Selah [pause and calmly think of that]!
How does David handle the fear that the enemy is trying to "sell" to him? Verse 4:
4 Behold God is my helper and ally; the LORD is my upholder and is with them who uphold my life.
David reminded himself of the Greater One Who loved him! Then he declared verse 7:
7 For He has delivered me out of every trouble, and my eye has looked [in triumph] on my enemies.
Now "Go and do likewise" (Luke 10:37)! What I mean is, recognize the works of the enemy, then remind him AND yourself what the Word of the Living God has said! Declare and decree the result you desire from the Word of God. Then rejoice! God is rarely early, but He is NEVER late! Amen! Here is Hillsong United with "Freedom Is Here":
Shalom in Him!
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Shalom,
Today is my Birthday! This day always makes me think of Psalm 139:12-18:
12 Even the darkness hides nothing from You, but the night shines as the day; the darkness and the light are both alike to You. [Dan 2:22.]
Shalom in Him!
Today is my Birthday! This day always makes me think of Psalm 139:12-18:
12 Even the darkness hides nothing from You, but the night shines as the day; the darkness and the light are both alike to You. [Dan 2:22.]
13 For You did form my inward parts; You did knit me together in my mother's womb.
14 I will confess and praise You for You are fearful and wonderful and for the awful wonder of my birth! Wonderful are Your works, and that my inner self knows right well.
15 My frame was not hidden from You when I was being formed in secret [and] intricately and curiously wrought [as if embroidered with various colors] in the depths of the earth [a region of darkness and mystery].
16 Your eyes saw my unformed substance, and in Your book all the days [of my life] were written before ever they took shape, when as yet there was none of them.
17 How precious and weighty also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them! [Ps 40:5.]
18 If I could count them, they would be more in number than the sand. When I awoke, [could I count to the end] I would still be with You.
It doesn't make any difference what tests, trials, or temptations come against me! The One, True God KNOWS me! He made me, He loves me, and He is ALWAYS for me (John 56:9 & Romans 8:31)! He saved me, healed me, and delivered me from every evil work! He has already blessed me with every Spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3) and He desires to freely give me all good things (Romans 8:32)! I AM, of ALL people, MOST BLESSED! And so are YOU! Amen! Here is Hillsong United with "Light Will Shine":
Shalom in Him!
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