Shalom,

We have been reading in Proverbs for 10 days now with our Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan. I hope that YOU have been gaining great Wisdom, on both what to do and what NOT to do! I really like verse 17!

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

As with most of Proverbs, there is a positive promise for those who will obey God's Word and the negative results of NOT doing so! Here we see that if we will obey God's Word, then WE will be in a place of LIFE! Do you remember what JESUS said in 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). AMP

AMEN! So when the Word of God instructs you to DO something, then JUST DO IT! The rewards will most definitely follow! Now let's look at Proverbs 10:22:

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

"Blessing" here is the Hebrew word "berakah", which means benediction, prosperity, a gift, peace. The LORD Himself will bless us this way when we do things His way! The key is: WHEN you miss it (not if, but when) then acknowledge that 'sin' (confess = recognize, acknowledge) and HE will forgive and restore to right fellowship with Himself so that we can continually walk in the freedom and the Blessing that HE intends for us! AMEN! Here is Hillsong with "The Freedom We Know":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Today I want to share from two different devotionals that share similar, yet different messages! First I want to share this from Andrew Womack's devotional "One Year With Jesus":

LIMITLESS FORGIVENESS (Matthew 18: 21-35)

Matthew 18:33 "Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?"

Peter thought he was being very generous by offering to forgive his brother seven times in one day, but Jesus said he should forgive him 490 times in one day. It would be impossible to have someone sin against you 490 times in one day. Jesus is actually saying that there should be no limit to our forgiveness.

When we are offended or hurt, we often feel justified in holding a grudge. The Old Testament law expressed this when it stated, "Eye for eye, tooth for tooth" (Exodus 21:23-25). Until the offense was paid, we did not feel free to forgive. However, God dealt with all men's offenses by placing sin upon the perfect Savior who was judged in place of every sinner of all time. To demand that others now earn our forgiveness is not Christ like. Jesus died for every man's sins, extending forgiveness to us while we were yet sinners, and we should do the same.

The main thrust of this parable is that when we have people who wrong us, we should remember the great mercy that God has shown to us and respond in kind. Any debt that could be owed to us is insignificant compared to the debt we were forgiven. We should have compassion on others as Christ had on us.

If God expects us to forgive our brother who has trespassed against us 490 times in one day (actually an unlimited number of times), certainly He who is love will do no less with us. The forgiveness that we have received from the Lord is infinitely greater than any forgiveness we could ever be asked to extend toward others.

Forgiving others is extremely vital for the born again believer! Unforgiveness will hold us back from walking in the fullness of all that God has prepared and provided for us to walk in - here, in THIS life! Have you heard this: Forgiveness sets a prisoner free - YOU! It is TRUE! When we, in faith, forgive others, then we are SO free to walk boldly and confidently in the promises of the Word, as children of the Most High God! AMEN! Now here is Joseph Prince with "Grace Inspirations" and  an explanation of what really happens when we choose forgiveness! 

CLAIM OF GOD ON YOU

Leviticus 1:5 He shall kill the bull before the Lord; and the priests, Aaron’s sons, shall bring the blood and sprinkle the blood all around on the altar that is by the door of the tabernacle of meeting.

When the children of Israel were in the wilderness, God instructed them to set up a tabernacle as a place of meeting between Him and them. Near the door of the tabernacle was an altar. It speaks of the claims God makes on the righteousness of man. For this reason, an offering had to be killed, its blood sprinkled all around on the altar and its body burnt on the altar before one was counted worthy to go into God’s presence.

The sprinkling of the blood of a bull or goat all around on that altar meant that the Israelites were under the covering of the blood of that animal. Even when they sinned, their sins were covered by the blood until the next sacrifice.

The blood speaks of Jesus’ blood shed for us at the cross. Yet, His blood is worth so much more than the blood of bulls and goats because His blood is effective forever! In fact, His blood has met every single claim of God on man to the point that God is so completely satisfied that He now enjoys the savor of rest in what His Son has done.

You too can rest knowing that God is fully satisfied with you because of Christ’s perfect sacrifice. Even if you fall into sin, you can turn to the blood of Jesus. Your sins are not merely covered by His blood, like how the blood of bulls and goats covered sins. No, your sins have been washed away by His blood! (Revelation 1:5) In fact, your sins and lawless deeds God remembers no more! (Hebrews 8:12; 10:17)

Jesus was your perfect offering placed on the altar of sacrifice. By just one offering of Himself, “He hath perfected forever them that are sanctified”. (Hebrews 10:14, KJV) Jesus has not only sanctified you or made you holy, He has perfected you forever! Today, you can enter boldly into God’s presence because He sees you the way He sees Jesus. He sees you perfected forever because you are in Christ!

AMEN! Walking in forgiveness with others demonstrates to God and to others that we have truly embraced the new Life that we have IN HIM! REFUSE to hold anything against anyone! The freedom you will experience is unlike any other! Try it! HE will never fail to confirm His Word! Here is Hillsong UNITED with "So Will I":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

I love using different translations of the Bible in my private study time. Not all are completely accurate, but there is something to be learned by using these! We read Proverbs 18 in today's Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan and I REALLY like The Passion Translation for this! Let's look at verses 1-9:

Can’t you hear the voice of Wisdom?  From the top of the mountains of influence
  she speaks into the gateways of the glorious city. At the place where pathways merge,
  at the entrance of every portal, there she stands, ready to impart understanding,
  shouting aloud to all who enter, preaching her sermon to those who will listen.
4 “I’m calling to you, sons of Adam, yes, and to you daughters as well.
5 Listen to me and you will be prudent and wise. For even the foolish and feeble can receive an understanding heart that will change their inner being.
6 The meaning of my words will release within you revelation for you to reign in life.
 My lyrics will empower you to live by what is right.
7 For everything I say is unquestionably true, and I refuse to endure the lies of lawlessness—
 my words will never lead you astray.
8 All the declarations of my mouth can be trusted; they contain no twisted logic or perversion of the truth.
9 All my words are clear and straightforward to everyone who possesses spiritual understanding.
 If you have an open mind, you will receive revelation-knowledge.

This is showing me that Wisdom is NOT hiding in some dark corner! God has His Wisdom calling out to each of us, but WE have to come forward seeking searching for Wisdom in order to have it! There is a clear difference between the nonsense of the world and the WIsdom of Almighty God! When people see the fruits of Wisdom in a believer's life, they are inclined to want to know more! THAT is when we must be ever ready to give an answer! Of particular importance is the last line. An open mind to the Word of God can only be found in born again believers. 1 Corinthians 2:14 tells us this:

14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Only Holy Spirit, Who live IN every believer, can cause the understanding of the Word to come! BUT, those believers MUST have a mind that is open to Him and desiring the TRUTH! Now let's look at this wonderful promise from Proverbs 18:33-35 of The Passion Translation:

33 Listen to my counsel,  for my instruction will enlighten you.
You’ll be wise not to ignore it.
34 If you wait at wisdom’s doorway,  longing to hear a word for every day,
 joy will break forth within you as you listen for what I’ll say.
35 For the fountain of life pours into you every time that you find me, and this is the secret of growing in the delight and the favor of the Lord.

AMEN! It is SO worth every effort we can make to spend time in HIS presence every day, diving into the WORD! I hope that YOU will make this YOUR determined purpose for the rest of this year, and forever! Here is Hillsong with "Greatest of These":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

The Gospel of John is my favorite Gospel. Today we read in John 17 for our Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan and I LOVE it! Here is what JESUS prayed to the Father about His disciples! Verses 13-17:

13 And now I am coming to You; I say these things while I am still in the world, so that My joy may be made full and complete and perfect in them [that they may experience My delight fulfilled in them, that My enjoyment may be perfected in their own souls, that they may have My gladness within them, filling their hearts]. 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. 17 Sanctify them [purify, consecrate, separate them for Yourself, make them holy] by the Truth; Your Word is Truth.

JESUS was imparting the Word into His disciples so that after they were filled with Holy Spirit (on the Day of Pentecost), HOLY SPIRIT could bring this Word back to their understanding and then HE could teach them what it meant to them, personally! That IS one of the responsibilities that Holy Spirit has! To bring back to our remembrance the Word that has been sown in our hearts! WE must give HIM something to work with! When we do that, then HE is able to teach us how to put it into practice on a uniquely personal level! AND, Holy Spirit NEVER lets up on the job! Let's make sure that we don't either! AMEN! JESUS went on to pray for OUR protection from evil and for our soul sanctification which comes through God's Word, which IS TRUTH!!! AMEN! Let's treasure His Word in our hearts (spirit/soul combination) and allow Holy Spirit to continue to work HIS perfect work in us daily! AMEN! Here is Hillsong UNITED with "Future Marches In":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Today I want to share, again, from Oswald Chambers' "My Utmost For His Highest".

Work Out What God Works In

Work out your own salvation. — Philippians 2:12-13

Your will agrees with God, but in your flesh there is a disposition which renders you powerless to do what you know you ought to do. When the Lord is presented to the conscience, the first thing conscience does is to rouse the will, and the will always agrees with God. You say — “But I do not know whether my will is in agreement with God.” Look to Jesus and you will find that your will and your conscience are in agreement with Him every time. The thing in you which makes you say “I shan’t” is something less profound than your will; it is perversity, or obstinacy, and they are never in agreement with God. The profound thing in man is his will, not sin. Will is the essential element in God’s creation of man: sin is a perverse disposition which entered into man. In a regenerated man the source of will is almighty. “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” You have to work out with concentration and care what God works in; not work your own salvation, but work it out, while you base resolutely in unshaken faith on the complete and perfect Redemption of the Lord. As you do this, you do not bring an opposed will to God’s will, God’s will is your will, and your natural choices are along the line of God’s will, and the life is as natural as breathing. God is the source of your will, therefore you are able to work out His will. Obstinacy is an unintelligent “wadge” that refuses to be enlightened; the only thing is for it to be blown up with dynamite, and the dynamite is obedience to the Holy Spirit.

Do I believe that Almighty God is the source of my will? God not only expects me to do His will, but He is in me to do it.

I LOVE this! Note the underlined verses. He is NOT saying that we are to 'work' salvation for ourselves, but that we are to work the salvation that HE has already placed inside of us, out of us! We ARE who God says that we are! We HAVE what God says that we have. We CAN DO what God says we can do! This is referring to born again believers who have received JESUS as Lord and Saviour and Holy Spirit to live within! Everything we need to succeed was placed within us at our new birth! NOW we are to find it in the Word of God, believe it, receive it as ours, and then operate in what is coming from the inside of us and NOT in what the world tries to put into us! AMEN! Here is Hillsong with "Salvation Is Here":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Today I want to share from Jerry Savelle's website devotional!

BOLDNESS BEFORE GOD

Let us therefore come boldly before the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16 NKJV).

Being constantly aware of your position of righteousness in Christ will not only give you boldness before God, it will also make your fellowship with your heavenly Father more intimate.

God desires that you come before Him with the same boldness and confidence you would show before a best friend. When you know God sees and relates to you based on your righteousness in Christ, you will have no sense of inferiority in His presence.

Jesus said, “No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you” (John 15:15 NKJV).

Clearly, God doesn’t want servants; He wants friends. God didn’t create mankind so that He could have people grovel at His feet with their faces in the dirt. No! He wanted someone He could walk and talk with in the cool of the day (see Genesis 3:8).

Through the sacrificial death of Jesus, the intimate relationship the first man and woman enjoyed with God (before sin entered) is now available to every believer. So, come boldly to the Father today, secure in your righteousness in Christ, and talk to Him as you would a close friend.

Confession: Father, I come boldly before You today, knowing that You see me righteous and clean because of Jesus. As I share my heart and thoughts with You, I believe You will also share your heart and thoughts with me

AMEN! God's plan all along was to have a people with whom He could fellowship intimately, not order around as slaves! He wanted a family! As born again believers, we ARE God's family! Find out what the Word of God has to say about who you are - IN HIM - and you will find a freedom in JESUS that you only ever dreamed of! Here is Hillsong with "Freedom Is Here":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

We are reading through the Book of Proverbs in our Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan and it is all about WISDOM! I LOVE Proverbs 4:7:

7 The beginning of Wisdom is: get Wisdom (skillful and godly Wisdom)! [For skillful and godly Wisdom is the principal thing.] And with all you have gotten, get understanding (discernment, comprehension, and interpretation).

The beginning of Wisdom, or the 'start to being wise', is to realize that we are not yet! To realize that we NEED Wisdom and that we must go after it! Those who think they already 'know it all' are some of the least wise people I have ever met! Even the apostle Paul, who wrote more of the New Testament than anyone else said that HE made it his serious goal to learn MORE (Philippians 3:10 AMP)! We will never, in this life, know all there is to know! I really believe that we will be spending time in the next life still learning about our LORD and the wonders of His person! Then we have this from John 14:26:

26 But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you.

Make it YOUR 'determined purpose' to get to know JESUS more every day, and then put into practice the things you are learning! Remind yourself of the above promise and expect Holy Spirit to do HIS part in bringing back to your remembrance those powerful TRUTHS that are found in His Word!! AMEN! Here is Hillsong with "New Wine":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Today, in our Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan, we read Proverbs 3. Let's look at verses 5-8:

5 Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. 6 In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths. 7 Be not wise in your own eyes; reverently fear and worship the Lord and turn [entirely] away from evil. 8 It shall be health to your nerves and sinews, and marrow and moistening to your bones.

Who does not want to be healthy and sound in their bodies, prosperous in their finances and find favor in every area of life? We are instructed above to put our full and complete trust in the ONE Who gave everything to free us from the dominion of darkness! We are to acknowledge HIS presence IN us, as born again believers, and His right as our LORD to instruct, correct, lead, guide and direct! WHEN we do this, then HE is free to "work all thing to the good" (Romans 8:28) for us! When we acknowledge HIM and then rely on HIM, He will NEVER let us down! So, use today to get your thinking in line with God's Word, fully expecting this next week to be your very best and most blessed week EVER to this point! And THIS is just the beginning of all that HE is waiting to do! What is He waiting for? For US to get with the program, and to do it in faith and love! CHOICES! Make wise ones! Here is Hillsong with "Touch of Heaven":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

We read John 12 in our Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan for today! I LOVE the account of Mary anointing JESUS with the precious and costly ointment. The reactions of some are mirrored in some people today! Look at verses 3-8:

3 Mary took a pound of ointment of pure liquid nard [a rare perfume] that was very expensive, and she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair. And the whole house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But Judas Iscariot, the one of His disciples who was about to betray Him, said, 5 Why was this perfume not sold for 300 denarii [a year’s wages for an ordinary workman] and that [money] given to the poor (the destitute)? 6 Now he did not say this because he cared for the poor but because he was a thief; and having the bag (the money box, the purse of the Twelve), he took for himself what was put into it [pilfering the collections]. 7 But Jesus said, Let her alone. It was [intended] that she should keep it for the time of My preparation for burial. [She has kept it that she might have it for the time of My embalming.] 8 You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have Me.

Mary had this very precious and costly ointment, saved I am sure for a very special occasion. SHE considered honoring JESUS just such a special occasion! Notice that the person who had the most to say about what Mary had done was the very one who was stealing from the ministry money bag! He was NOT interested in helping the poor, but in covering for himself and having an 'appearance' of caring for the poor! I LOVE the answer that JESUS gave to him: YOU always have the poor with you! In fact, in Mark 14:7 we see another account of this very time and this was added : and whenever you wish you can do good to them. So, JESUS was exposing the hypocrisy of the complaint of Judas! Now, fast forward to today and see if you recognize these same spirits operating! We have the promise of John 10:10, directly from the lips of JESUS, given under the OLD COVENANT, and living in an even newer and better covenant than THEY had!  

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).                                                

BUT, when believers who are operating under the Kingdom of God principles that have been clearly laid out in the Word of God, and prospering to the point of thoroughly ENJOYING this wonderful life that HE has given to us, there will inevitably rise up someone who will begin to lecture them on the size of their home, the type of car they have, the neighborhood in which they live, etc. etc. etc. All the while speaking about the homeless, the poor, the orphans, the widows, that these talkers believe that the prosperous have an obligation to give all of their money to! JESUS said it well above! We are ALL, every one of us, no matter how many or how few personal possessions we have, to give to the poor, to help and assist other believers, to be ever ready to follow Holy Spirit's leading as we do so. The people speaking and complaining have NO idea how much the prosperous people have already given! NOT ONE! Usually, a prosperous believer IS prosperous BECAUSE of how much they have given and given and given to others! No, prosperity is a personal choice and a personal responsibility. YOU do not have to answer to ANYONE but the LORD Himself about your life! This is most especially true concerning ministries, and what God Himself has called, anointed, ordained and equipped HIS ministers to do! The next time you encounter a person speaking evil of another minister for anything, remind them that touching God's Anointed has serious consequences for our lives here! DON'T do it yourself and don't allow anyone else to do so in your presence! AMEN! Keep YOUR eyes on JESUS! Your Source of all things good and Godly! AMEN! Here is Hillsong UNITED with "Wonder":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Today I want to share "Grace Inspirations" by Joseph Prince.

GOD IS NOT PUNISHING YOU FOR SOME SIN

Ephesians 1:7  In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace

Some Christians believe that although you have forgiveness of sins, you are not free from the penalties of your sins. In other words, you can still expect punishment from God. For example, some married Christian couples have been told that they are childless because God is punishing them for having had pre-marital sex. So although God has forgiven them of that sin, He still has to punish them for it.

I am certainly not for pre-marital sex, but I want you to know that God, who is the only one who can fully appreciate the full value of His Son’s blood and who is completely satisfied by His Son’s sacrifice, is at rest in His heart today concerning your sins! That is why He is not against you even when you fail. Neither is He out to punish you when you sin. No, He still loves you, is for you and wants to help you overcome that sin.

In the Old Testament, the blood of bulls and goats could only “cover” sins and not take them away. (Hebrews 10:4) But the blood of Jesus is not like the blood of animals! For by one sacrifice, the eternal blood of the Son of God has forever removed your sins (Psalm 103:12) and cleansed you of all unrighteousness! (1 John 1:9) In fact, God is so satisfied with His Son’s perfect work that He says to you today, “Your sins and lawless deeds I will by no means remember!” (Hebrews 10:17) And if God does not remember them, why would He punish you for them?

Beloved, you have “redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace”. Because Jesus’ work is complete, all your sins have been completely forgiven. And complete forgiveness means that the penalties for your sins can no longer fall on you because they had already fallen on Jesus at the cross. (Isaiah 53:5)

So don’t think for one moment that God is punishing you for some sin just because something bad happened to you. Look to the cross and know that all your sins have already been punished fully in the body of Christ. Believe that God is for you and expect victory!

AMEN! SIN has already been FOREVER dealt with by JESUS on the cross! He BECAME sin with OUR sin, so that WE can become the Righteousness of God, through HIM! Sin is no longer the focus! Now the focus is on what JESUS has already accomplished FOR us! Choose JESUS! Choose LIFE! Amen! Here is Hillsong with "Grace To Grace":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Today we read Psalm 150 and John 10 for our Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan! Two of my favorites! Psalm 150 is ALL praise!

1 Praise the Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in the heavens of His power! 2 Praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him according to the abundance of His greatness! 3 Praise Him with trumpet sound; praise Him with lute and harp! 4 Praise Him with tambourine and [single or group] dance; praise Him with stringed and wind instruments or flutes! 5 Praise Him with resounding cymbals; praise Him with loud clashing cymbals! 6 Let everything that has breath and every breath of life praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!)

There are MANY ways to praise the LORD! Are YOU breathing? Then pick YOUR favorite and do it regularly and consistently! AMEN! Then 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).

HAVE and ENJOY! YES! JESUS actually said this! Are YOU ready to take Him at His Word? Then go for it in praise and worship with everything that is within you! You will NEVER be the same! AMEN! Here is Hillsong with "One Thing":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Today we read the account of the man who had been born blind. When JESUS' disciples asked him why this man was born blind, JESUS said this in John 9:3:

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.

JESUS said that the works of God were to be manifest in this man. What are those works of God? Verses 4-7:

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. 6 When He had said this, He spat on the ground and made clay (mud) with His saliva, and He spread it [as ointment] on the man’s eyes. 7 And He said to him, Go, wash in the Pool of Siloam—which means Sent. So he went and washed, and came back seeing. 

When this man obeyed the instructions of JESUS, even though they probably seemed completely bizarre to him, HE CAME BACK SEEING! Those are the works of God! Healing and health are the works of God! Peace and prosperity are the works of God! Salvation and restoration are the works of God! Mercy, grace, anointing and favor are all the works of God! Would you like to have a SURE gauge for the works of God? John 10:10 AMPC:

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).

AMEN! If it steals, kills or destroys, it is NOT GOD! The Jewish leaders would not admit that these were the works of God because then they would have had to answer why they were not doing those works! I LOVE how this now healed and set free SEEING man answered them when they kept hounding him to try and get something to use against JESUS from him! After asking them if they, too, desired to be a disciple of JESUS (which they SHOULD have!), he then said this in verses 30-33:

30 The man replied, Well, this is astonishing! Here a Man has opened my eyes, and yet you do not know where He comes from. [That is amazing!] 31 We know that God does not listen to sinners; but if anyone is God-fearing and a worshiper of Him and does His will, He listens to him. 32 Since the beginning of time it has never been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a man born blind. 33 If this Man were not from God, He would not be able to do anything like this.

AMEN! He spoke TRUTH and they still would not accept it, but tried to ridicule the man. I really don't think that a man who is now seeing for the very first time cared one bit what THEY had to say to or about him! HE CAN SEE! He is ecstatic and overflowing with joy! Thank You, JESUS, for your wonderful works! AMEN! Here is Hillsong Worship with "Who You Say I AM":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

I hope after yesterday's blog, as you read today's Psalm 148 in our Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan, that you would continue, and deepen, your praise and worship of the One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible! All the while remembering that WE have a much better Covenant than Israel had (Hebrews 8:6),  because it is based on better promises to those who are new creatures (2 Corinthians 5:17-21), filled with Holy Spirit, and living IN His Word, with His Word LIVING in us (John 15:7 AMPC)! 

Today I want to share from Oswald Chambers' "My Utmost For His Highest":

Undisturbed Relationship

At that day ye shall ask in My name….The Father Himself loveth you. — John 16:26,27

“At that day ye shall ask in My name,” i.e., in My nature. Not — “You shall use My name as a magic word,” but — “You will be so intimate with Me that you will be one with Me.” “That day” is not a day hereafter, but a day meant for here and now. “The Father Himself loveth you” — the union is so complete and absolute. Our Lord does not mean that life will be free from external perplexities, but that just as He knew the Father’s heart and mind, so by the baptism of the Holy Ghost He can lift us into the heavenly places where He can reveal the counsels of God to us.

“Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My name…” “That day” is a day of undisturbed relationship between God and the saint. Just as Jesus stood unsullied in the presence of His Father, so by the mighty efficacy of the baptism of the Holy Ghost, we can be lifted into that relationship — “that they may be one, even as We are One.”

“…He will give it you.” Jesus says that God will recognize our prayers. What a challenge! By the Resurrection and Ascension power of Jesus, by the sent-down Holy Ghost, we can be lifted into such a relationship with the Father that we are at one with the perfect sovereign will of God by our free choice even as Jesus was. In that wonderful position, placed there by Jesus Christ, we can pray to God in His name, in His nature, which is gifted to us by the Holy Ghost, and Jesus says — “Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My name, He will give it you.” 

AMEN! I hope that you REALLY see that Christianity is in no way a 'religion"! Not TRUE CHRISTIANITY! It is a brand new, God ordained RELATIONSHIP  with the ONE Who gave HIS life so that we can LIVE! When we walk in communion with Him, by His Spirit Who lives IN us, then we will be able to confidently speak as JESUS spoke when He ministered on the earth! What happens then? The blind will see! The lame will walk! The dead shall be raised! The TRUTH shall be proclaimed and the One, True God shall be glorified! HALLELUJAH! What a priceless privilege to be alive and in God's hands for such a time as this! AMEN! Here is Hillsong with "Children of the Light":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

I LOVE reading our Psalm for today, from our Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan! Let's look at a portion of it! Psalm 147:7-15:

7 Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; sing praises with the harp or the lyre to our God!— 8 Who covers the heavens with clouds, Who prepares rain for the earth, Who makes grass to grow on the mountains. 9 He gives to the beast his food, and to the young ravens that for which they cry. 10 He delights not in the strength of the horse, nor does He take pleasure in the legs of a man. 11 The Lord takes pleasure in those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy and loving-kindness. 12 Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem! Praise your God, O Zion! 13 For He has strengthened and made hard the bars of your gates, and He has blessed your children within you. 14 He makes peace in your borders; He fills you with the finest of the wheat. 15 He sends forth His commandment to the earth; His word runs very swiftly.

Let's just begin with the words of verse 7! "Sing" is the Hebrew word "`anah", which means: to eye, to heed, to pay attention to, to respond, to speak, especially to sing, shout, testify and announce! It makes perfect sense that if we are going to respond, speak, testify, announce and shout about our God, we first must give attention TO HIM! Who He is, what He has and what He can do! In general, toward everyone, and specifically toward us who are His own! (There IS a definite difference!) "To the Lord" here is to "Jehovah", which is the Covenant Name of our God. The Eternal, Self-existing One! The GOD of our Salvation! We are to do so "with thanksgiving", which is the Hebrew word "towdah", and means: adoration, usually involving songs of thanksgiving! More SINGING to HIM! Then we have "sing praises" which is the Hebrew word "zamar", which means: to play upon a musical instrument, to make music, accompanied by the voice, to celebrate in song and music. We are even told in the rest of that verse to use a harp or lyre! There are any number of beautiful musical instruments that are available to us in this day to do the same, with a greater variety of sounds of praise, thanksgiving and worship! In fact, there was a song we used to sing a lot in our worship services that had this line in it: join with angels singing! There have been many times when I have heard way more voices singing with us than there were people in the room! Many others have heard the very same thing! How wonderful! How powerful! 

Then this Psalm goes on to speak of some of the wonderful things that our GREAT GOD does! He has provided for the sustenance of the earth, for plentiful vegetation for us, and for food for animals and birds! Then comes my very favorite parts! Though He provides for them, our God does NOT take pleasure in any of creation, including mankind! He takes PLEASURE in those of mankind who belong to HIM! Those who hold HIM in reverence and awe, and who hope and trust in HIM for His great mercy and loving-kindness! AND, He speaks His Word of Promise again over Israel and her eternal capital of Jerusalem! He will protect them, provide for them, give them peace and bless them tremendously! ALSO AND, He sends His LIVING WORD out over all the earth, and His Word travels swiftly, bringing wisdom, knowledge, understanding, LIFE, HEALTH, PROSPERITY, FAVOR, ANOINTING and guidance to ALL who will BELIEVE and RECEIVE! AMEN! Will YOU be one of THOSE? I pray you will! Here is Hillsong with "New Wine":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Today I want to share "Faith To Faith" by Kenneth and Gloria Copeland:

God Wants You Well

If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee. Exodus 15:26

Has the devil ever tried to put you under condemnation by telling you that it’s contrary to the principles of faith to use doctors and medicine when you need healing? If so, here are some encouraging words that I believe will help you put your heart at rest.

It is God’s will to heal you. That’s the first and most important thing for you to understand. If your faith is strong and you can believe the Word without wavering (regardless of what circumstances or symptoms come against you), then you’ll be able to receive that healing by faith alone.

But that kind of faith takes more than just hearing a few sermons about healing. It takes a deep personal revelation of God’s healing power. So, if you haven’t yet developed that kind of faith, the doctor is your best friend.

If you’re not certain whether your faith is strong enough or whether you need a doctor’s help, follow the instructions of the Apostle Paul (Colossians 3:15) and let peace be your umpire.

If fear rises up within you when you think about doing without medical help, then go to a doctor. And go in faith! On the other hand, if you have a sure confidence within you that healing is yours strictly by faith, let your faith do its work and receive your healing directly. Whether or not you go to the doctor is not the issue. It is what you do with your faith.

Either way, you can rejoice knowing God is working with you, meeting you at the level of your faith. Thank God for your healing—however it comes!—and do not let Satan put you under condemnation. It is none of his business!

AMEN!!! Refuse to let doubt and unbelief rob you of the very blessings that JESUS died and rose again to provide for you! HE desires that we be in perfect health and have abundant prosperity (to be in control of our lives) (3 John 2). This will happen as we renew our mind daily with the Word of God so that we can KNOW what belongs to us, and how to get it! AMEN! Stick with the Word of God and you cannot fail! Here is Hillsong with "The Passion":

 Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Today we read Psalm 145 in our Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan. Verses 1-2 say this:

1 I will extol You, my God, O King; and I will bless Your name forever and ever [with grateful, affectionate praise]. 2 Every day [with its new reasons] will I bless You [affectionately and gratefully praise You]; yes, I will praise Your name forever and ever.

Did you notice that it says that the psalmist, who is David in this Psalm, says that he has new reasons, EVERY DAY, to praise the LORD? David didn't have new reasons to praise the LORD every single day because extraordinary and spectacular manifestations of the presence of God were experienced by him every day. David had new reasons to praise the LORD because he meditated on everything that the LORD had already done for Him, and on the promises that His covenant with Almighty God gave to him. If David, who did NOT have the BETTER Covenant that we do, had new reasons every day to praise God, don't you think that WE should have SO MUCH MORE? After all, David walked WITH God, when he was in fellowship with Him, but God LIVES IN US! SO MUCH MORE should WE extol HIM! Praise His Name and worship HIM! AMEN! Now let's see what else David had to say about this subject! Verses 3-7:

3 Great is the Lord and highly to be praised; and His greatness is [so vast and deep as to be] unsearchable. 4 One generation shall laud Your works to another and shall declare Your mighty acts. 5 On the glorious splendor of Your majesty and on Your wondrous works I will meditate. 6 Men shall speak of the might of Your tremendous and terrible acts, and I will declare Your greatness. 7 They shall pour forth [like a fountain] the fame of Your great and abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of Your rightness and justice.

The fame of our LORD should pour forth from each and every one of us as a fountain! How are YOU doing in that department? As for me, I need to up my game! I intend to start right now!  Will you join me? HALLELUJAH! Here is Hillsong with "Behold (Then Sings My Soul )":

Shalom in Him!

Shalom,

Today I want to share "Grace Inspirations" by Joseph Prince. I believe that this message is very important and one that is often missed today!

LET IT GO!

Exodus 15:26…I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the Lord who heals you.”

After crossing the Red Sea, the children of Israel came to a place called Marah. The waters there were bitter. That is why the place was called Marah, which means “bitter”. The Israelites could not drink any of the water, so the Lord made the bitter waters sweet. (Exodus 15:23–25) Then, He brought up the subject of the diseases of Egypt and, for the first time, revealed Himself to His people as “the Lord who heals you”.

Why did the Lord suddenly mention the diseases of the world (Egypt represents the world in the Bible) at a place called “bitter”? What do diseases have to do with bitter waters? I believe that it is because He wants His people to know that a major cause of diseases in their bodies is harboring bitterness and resentment!

Some years ago, a lady shared with me about her sister who had died of cancer at a young age. She said, “Pastor Prince, a number of years before she passed on, she went through a very bitter divorce. She was very bitter toward her ex-husband.” Then, she asked me, “Is there a relationship between her bitterness and the cancer?”

I have studied the subject of healing for many years. I have read many books. I have listened to many sermons and I have sat under many healing ministries. And they all say the same thing: If you have unforgiveness in your heart long enough, that unforgiveness can sometimes translate into a disease in your body.

So if you have been bitter about something or someone, it is time to let it go! Your health, joy and life are more important. If you are already sick and you know that bitterness has something to do with it, let it go! See Jesus as your healer. He is standing at your place of bitterness today and He is saying to you, “My child, I can make your bitter waters sweet. I am the Lord who heals you.”

My friend, let it all go and let Jesus heal not just your diseases, but your broken heart too!

We have a children's book in our library at The Spoken Word Church called "Don't Hug A Grudge". It addresses, with great illustrations, how a small grudge, or unforgiveness, will turn from that small thing, into resentment, which, if allowed to continue will turn to bitterness. Keeping anger, resentment and bitterness in our hearts WILL affect how we look at and respond to everything! Allow JESUS to take that anger from you while it is still small and you will never have to deal with the resentment and bitterness that can turn your soft heart very hard after a time! FORGIVE! It is WELL worth the price! AMEN! Here is Hillsong with "Mighty To Save":

Shalom in Him!