I believe the first and foremost ministry of the church, every believer, is that of praise and worship. I am not talking about simply singing songs, but heartfelt, exuberant, awe struck, adoration of the Lord God Almighty. God spoke of David the king as a man after His heart. (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22) This has absolutely nothing to do with David being more special to God than anyone else, because we know the God is not a respecter of persons, He does not show partiality. (Acts 10:34; Romans 2:11) Showing no favoritism, David still knew how good, wonderful, glorious and spectacular God was (is) and reveals it in his heart of thanksgiving to God. Many of the Psalms that David wrote reflected this in the way he let go of all inhibitions in his praise and worship to God. For instance...
"Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations." (Psalm 100) Looking at only this Psalm, it should cause believers to at least question ourselves as to why most in congregational gatherings, approach praise and worship emotionless, lifeless and with time restraints. Here we see David, a man like any other man, who was not born again, who the Holy Spirit was with but not in, who was under a lesser covenant with lesser promises, showing us the heart of praise and worship to the Lord.
When David led Israel to transport the Ark of God in the proper, prescribed way, to Jerusalem, he was not embarrassed, he was not concerned what others might say, he simple, "...danced before the Lord with all his might..." (2 Samuel 6:14) There were no hymnals, no smoke or flashing lights and there were no time limits placed on praising and worshiping God. I am not trying to be critical, but thought provoking in the following questions. What is the purpose of believers meeting together in what we call a church service, when we place restraints on praise and worship such as, no shouting, no dancing, no exuberant rejoicing, no clapping, bowing and worse yet, squeezing praise and worship into our time restrictions? Are we truly coming together to experience Gods presence or only having a religious convocation? Are we even expecting God to be apart of our services and manifest His presence among us? Do we believe as David also tells us, "But You (God) are holy, enthroned (Inhabit) in the praises of Israel (your people). (Psalm 22:3)
I truly believe that God is raising up a new generation of people of all ages who will expect nothing less in a church service than to have the Lord presence. They will not be satisfied by simply singing songs, but have an insatiable desire to meet with the Lord. They will not be concerned with time or what others may say, but will praise and worship the Lord without restrictions and or restraints, knowing that He will show up where is exalted, honored and welcomed. This generation will thirst for His glory to manifest on earth. Although, the darkness in the world may become denser each day; although wickedness may multiply; the manifestation of God on earth will also become more powerful with each passing moment. This will be a generation of praise and worshipers that God will also say, "they are after my own heart." Therefore, this glorious generation who praise and worship the Lord like David, "with all their might" will impact the world and gather the greatest harvest of souls ever seen.
I believe that entire towns, cities and nations will be shaken by God's glory manifesting and multitudes of people will recognize Jesus as Lord and Savior. I believe that the most remarkable manifestations of His presence will be seen through countless miracles, signs, and wonders taking place. We will see many believers in various congregations where these things are prohibited and even spoken against, who are hungering for these things, being led by the Holy Spirit to congregations who experience these very things now. I believe we will also see many of God's children who have left various congregations, who also are hungering for the Lord's presence, return and become a vital part of those congregations who experience these things regularly.
Are you willing to be transformed and join this new generation? If your answer is yes, God will take care of everything because He does not want you to waste your time following religious norms nor the new ideas and practices being implemented in many congregations that are used to simply grow numbers and not true followers of Jesus. He wants you to enjoy the highest dimension of His glory. Surely, no change is easy and for most, it is usually difficult and even painful for some. But if that is what it takes to enter into a new and greater dimension of God's presence, then I want it.
David also tells us, "...In Your presence is fullness of joy..." (Psalm 16:11) Do you want this fullness of joy that only God's presence can bring? The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul tells us, "Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But
we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the
Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory,
just as by the Spirit of the Lord." (2 Corinthians 3:17-18) Do you also want to be changed under the glory of God? I want to encourage you right now, dare to let go; do not be in a hurry; let God arise; delight in the Lord; and let the freedom and joy that is experienced through worshiping the Lord in spirit and truth, release His glorious presence transforming us from glory to glory! Jesus tells us, "But
the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship
the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to
worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." (John 4:23-24) God is still searching for true worshipers to worship Him. Are you one that He has found?
So, as David said, let us "Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with
gladness; Come before His presence with singing. Know that the Lord, He
is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His
people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with
thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and
bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations." (Psalm 100) May the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ fill you...
Monday, May 21, 2018
Monday, May 14, 2018
Blood Covenant
Covenant is defined as, the mutual consent or agreement of two or more persons; to do or to forbear some act or thing; to enter into a formal agreement; to stipulate; to bind ones self. Covenant is not a contract. True covenant has unlimited liabilities whereas a contract has limited liability. In a contract the parties agree to and are only responsible to fulfill the terms, which have limits, to what has been stated in the body of the contract. When these agreements are fulfilled, the contract ends. However, unlike a contract, there are no limited terms in a covenant. A covenant is not an agreement, but commitment to the success of what has been stated in the body of the covenant. A covenant is only fulfilled upon the death of one of the covenant partners. Although the Bible reveals eight covenants from the Garden of Eden to Jesus Christ, the main focus of covenant in the Bible is only on two; the Abrahamic Covenant and the New Covenant in Christ.
When God entered into the covenant with Abram, we see some very striking events that took place. Among them was the changing of Abram's name to Abraham, (a prince of God) and his wife Sarai's to Sarah (princess of God.) In other words, God lifted them into His royal family before He made a covenant with them. The Abrahamic Covenant is the basis of Judaism and also Christianity, "And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise." (Galatians 3:29) The covenant that God established with Abraham, bound Abraham and his descendants by indissoluble ties to God, and it bound God to Abraham and his descendants.
Although God had spoken to Abraham when he was seventy five years of age, in a sense, the covenant was officially established when he was ninety nine, "When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless. And I will make My covenant between Me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly. Then Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him saying, As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many nations. No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations." (Genesis 17:1-5)
The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul gives us some details concerning this covenant. "Abraham did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. And therefore “it was accounted to him for righteousness." (Romans 4:20-22) Abraham made and unqualified committal of himself and all he was or ever would be, to God. In other words, as we see in Romans, Abraham was, fully convinced that what God had promised He was also able to perform, to the point that he gave himself to God in utter abandonment of self. It meant that all Abraham had or ever would have was laid on the altar and it also meant that God must sustain, protect and provide for Abraham and all of his descendants.
The seal of the covenant was circumcision. Every male child at eight days of age was circumcised, and the circumcision was the entrance into the Abrahamic Covenant, this included Abraham and every male in his household. (Genesis 17:10-13, 23-24) When a male child was circumcised, he entered into the covenant, and that child became an inheritor of everything connected with the covenant. Next, we see Abraham's total abandonment of self to God when asked of God to offer the son of his flesh, Issac, as a sacrifice to God. (Genesis 22:1-10) We see that Abraham did not hesitate, though it meant giving up all he held dear. However, "the Angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, Abraham, Abraham, so he said, Here I am.And He said, Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me." (Genesis 22: 11-12) God had found a man that would keep the covenant; He had found a covenant keeping man.
Now that we have some background and although much came to pass for nearly two thousand years during the Abrahamic Covenant, we come to the New Testament, and see Jesus and the disciples gathered together that night before the Crucifixion. "When the hour had come, He sat down, and the twelve[a] apostles with Him. Then He said to them, With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I say to you, I will no longer eat of it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this and divide it among yourselves; for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.
And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you." (Luke 22:14-20)
The old blood covenant between God and Abraham was the basis on which the New Covenant was founded. Now we can understand that when Jesus said, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood..."
the disciples, although they may not at that time have completely understood the full extent of this New Covenant, when they entered covenant with Jesus in that upper room, they remembered the covenant that God has established with Abraham and possibly understood that they were entering into the strongest, most sacred Covenant known to man.
Jesus brings us a New Covenant having displaced and fulfil1led the Old Covenant, "Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God. He takes away the first that He may establish the second." (Hebrews 10:9) As the Old Covenant was sealed with circumcision, the New Covenant is sealed with the blood of Jesus, the Holy Spirit and new birth. (Ephesians 1:13, 2 Corinthians 5:17) The Old Covenant had the Levitica1 Priesthood. The New Covenant has Jesus as the Great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14) and believers as the royal and holy priesthood. (1 Peter 2:9) The Old Covenant could not take away sin, it merely covered it. (Hebrews 10:4) The New Covenant through the blood of Jesus cleanses sin, takes it away. (John 1:29) The Old Covenant did not give eternal life, but only a promise of it, whereas the New Covenant gives eternal life. (1 John 2:25)
Although the covenant between God and Abraham was a most wonderful covenant with many blessings, (Hebrews 6:14), the New Covenant through Jesus Christ is even greater, because, Jesus is the "Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises." (Hebrews 8:6) So, "Let us hold fast the confession of our faith without wavering, for He who promised is faithful" (Hebrews 10:23) and walk out this greater covenant between God and man bringing glory to God for His wonderful work of redemption through our Lord Jesus Christ. The grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you...
When God entered into the covenant with Abram, we see some very striking events that took place. Among them was the changing of Abram's name to Abraham, (a prince of God) and his wife Sarai's to Sarah (princess of God.) In other words, God lifted them into His royal family before He made a covenant with them. The Abrahamic Covenant is the basis of Judaism and also Christianity, "And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise." (Galatians 3:29) The covenant that God established with Abraham, bound Abraham and his descendants by indissoluble ties to God, and it bound God to Abraham and his descendants.
Although God had spoken to Abraham when he was seventy five years of age, in a sense, the covenant was officially established when he was ninety nine, "When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless. And I will make My covenant between Me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly. Then Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him saying, As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many nations. No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations." (Genesis 17:1-5)
The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul gives us some details concerning this covenant. "Abraham did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. And therefore “it was accounted to him for righteousness." (Romans 4:20-22) Abraham made and unqualified committal of himself and all he was or ever would be, to God. In other words, as we see in Romans, Abraham was, fully convinced that what God had promised He was also able to perform, to the point that he gave himself to God in utter abandonment of self. It meant that all Abraham had or ever would have was laid on the altar and it also meant that God must sustain, protect and provide for Abraham and all of his descendants.
The seal of the covenant was circumcision. Every male child at eight days of age was circumcised, and the circumcision was the entrance into the Abrahamic Covenant, this included Abraham and every male in his household. (Genesis 17:10-13, 23-24) When a male child was circumcised, he entered into the covenant, and that child became an inheritor of everything connected with the covenant. Next, we see Abraham's total abandonment of self to God when asked of God to offer the son of his flesh, Issac, as a sacrifice to God. (Genesis 22:1-10) We see that Abraham did not hesitate, though it meant giving up all he held dear. However, "the Angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, Abraham, Abraham, so he said, Here I am.And He said, Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me." (Genesis 22: 11-12) God had found a man that would keep the covenant; He had found a covenant keeping man.
Now that we have some background and although much came to pass for nearly two thousand years during the Abrahamic Covenant, we come to the New Testament, and see Jesus and the disciples gathered together that night before the Crucifixion. "When the hour had come, He sat down, and the twelve[a] apostles with Him. Then He said to them, With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I say to you, I will no longer eat of it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this and divide it among yourselves; for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.
And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you." (Luke 22:14-20)
The old blood covenant between God and Abraham was the basis on which the New Covenant was founded. Now we can understand that when Jesus said, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood..."
the disciples, although they may not at that time have completely understood the full extent of this New Covenant, when they entered covenant with Jesus in that upper room, they remembered the covenant that God has established with Abraham and possibly understood that they were entering into the strongest, most sacred Covenant known to man.
Jesus brings us a New Covenant having displaced and fulfil1led the Old Covenant, "Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God. He takes away the first that He may establish the second." (Hebrews 10:9) As the Old Covenant was sealed with circumcision, the New Covenant is sealed with the blood of Jesus, the Holy Spirit and new birth. (Ephesians 1:13, 2 Corinthians 5:17) The Old Covenant had the Levitica1 Priesthood. The New Covenant has Jesus as the Great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14) and believers as the royal and holy priesthood. (1 Peter 2:9) The Old Covenant could not take away sin, it merely covered it. (Hebrews 10:4) The New Covenant through the blood of Jesus cleanses sin, takes it away. (John 1:29) The Old Covenant did not give eternal life, but only a promise of it, whereas the New Covenant gives eternal life. (1 John 2:25)
Although the covenant between God and Abraham was a most wonderful covenant with many blessings, (Hebrews 6:14), the New Covenant through Jesus Christ is even greater, because, Jesus is the "Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises." (Hebrews 8:6) So, "Let us hold fast the confession of our faith without wavering, for He who promised is faithful" (Hebrews 10:23) and walk out this greater covenant between God and man bringing glory to God for His wonderful work of redemption through our Lord Jesus Christ. The grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you...
Monday, May 7, 2018
What Is Life All About
For thousands of years, man has been searching for answers to these questions, "What is life all about...Why am I here...Where did everything come from?" Now, according to evolutionist, in short, these three questions are answered in this way. Billions of years ago, out of a random act of nothingness, evolved the most basic of microbes and over time became a dazzling array of complexity, which is call light and matter. However, the theory of evolution came by way of a great guess and even today, evolutionist cannot prove with absolute, non-conflicting evidence that their thinking is even remotely more that a guess. Even though they admit that they cannot prove evolution, they refuse to believe that everything seen and unseen was created by a Creator. Unfortunately, their intellectual approach to these things has and will always prevent them from discovering the truth to these three questions.
The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul tells us, "These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
But the natural man (those who learn through the five senses) does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." (1 Corinthians 2:13-14) The Holy Spirit through the Apostle James reveals, "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic." (James 3:13-15) Only through the Holy Spirit and the wisdom of God can man discern and understand the reality of "What is life all about...Why am I here...Where did everything come from?
Even though man may be confronted with an unexplained creation of which he, himself, is a part, with all of its fixed laws that govern it, within all creation a Master Designer is revealed to man. By that, I mean, everything in creation was designed that it might fulfill a certain purpose, the reason for
its existence. Even evolutionist will agree, that everything has a purpose, a reason to exist. Therefore, to accept as fact that everything that exists some how found its purpose, why it exists from nothingness, comes from exactly what the Apostle Paul said, "But the natural man (those who learn through the five senses) does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."
When we look at creation as revealed in Genesis and how everything came to be, it is quite apparent that the purpose of creation seems to completely surround man. In fact, if we take man out of creation, creation with its resources and its beauty has no reason for existing. If God created the universe as a home for man, He must have had a reason for creating man. Today, more and more scientists are realizing that behind creation there is an intelligent Creator.
God, in His desire for man to know Him, formulated His inner thoughts and purposes into words, which man can see with his sense of sight, and hear with his sense of hearing. It's called the Bible. The Bible is God's revelation to man, and because we have no other channel through which we can know God or contact Him, we turn to that revelation to find out what He has told us of His reason for creating man. Of course to find revelation through the Bible, one must be born of the spirit. Jesus tells us, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God...Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." (John 3:3, 5-8) and, "God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:24) and, "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life." (John 6:63)
Again, looking at Genesis we see, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters." (Genesis 1:1-2) Notice, that God did not consider anything that He created before He considered the earth. Therefore, we conclude that the earth is the focal point of the rest of creation. However, if the earth is the reason for the stellar heavens, what is the reason for the earth? Again, looking at Genesis Chapter One we find the account of Creation. Creation consists of a series of spectacular acts by God. These creative acts culminate in the creation of man.
When man was created, we see that God's creative activity came to a rest. (Genesis 2:1-3) Man was the goal of God's entire creative movement. Man was the last and the highest of God's works. The earth has no reason for existing outside of man. It was only when God placed upon this earth a man created in His image and likeness, was there a reason for the vast universe which had been created. God had endowed this man with the capacities to enjoy the beauty of His workmanship, and to utilize its resources. The reality is, man is the only creature who can enjoy its beauty or use its resources to their fullest. (Psalm 8)
This brings us to the next question. What is the reason for man ? Until we know why God desired to create man, we do not know the entirety of God's reason for creation. So, let us look into the reason for mans existence. God's Word tells us, "I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters says the lord Almighty." (2 Corinthians 6:18), and, "For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named." (Ephesians 3:14-15) and "Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God." (1 John 3:1) Through these few scriptures we find the reason for man. The Father heart of God desired sons and daughters to share in His creation. This yearning passion took form, and God planned to create a man who would walk with Him as His child.
The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul tells us, "These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
But the natural man (those who learn through the five senses) does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." (1 Corinthians 2:13-14) The Holy Spirit through the Apostle James reveals, "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic." (James 3:13-15) Only through the Holy Spirit and the wisdom of God can man discern and understand the reality of "What is life all about...Why am I here...Where did everything come from?
Even though man may be confronted with an unexplained creation of which he, himself, is a part, with all of its fixed laws that govern it, within all creation a Master Designer is revealed to man. By that, I mean, everything in creation was designed that it might fulfill a certain purpose, the reason for
its existence. Even evolutionist will agree, that everything has a purpose, a reason to exist. Therefore, to accept as fact that everything that exists some how found its purpose, why it exists from nothingness, comes from exactly what the Apostle Paul said, "But the natural man (those who learn through the five senses) does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."
When we look at creation as revealed in Genesis and how everything came to be, it is quite apparent that the purpose of creation seems to completely surround man. In fact, if we take man out of creation, creation with its resources and its beauty has no reason for existing. If God created the universe as a home for man, He must have had a reason for creating man. Today, more and more scientists are realizing that behind creation there is an intelligent Creator.
God, in His desire for man to know Him, formulated His inner thoughts and purposes into words, which man can see with his sense of sight, and hear with his sense of hearing. It's called the Bible. The Bible is God's revelation to man, and because we have no other channel through which we can know God or contact Him, we turn to that revelation to find out what He has told us of His reason for creating man. Of course to find revelation through the Bible, one must be born of the spirit. Jesus tells us, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God...Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." (John 3:3, 5-8) and, "God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:24) and, "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life." (John 6:63)
Again, looking at Genesis we see, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters." (Genesis 1:1-2) Notice, that God did not consider anything that He created before He considered the earth. Therefore, we conclude that the earth is the focal point of the rest of creation. However, if the earth is the reason for the stellar heavens, what is the reason for the earth? Again, looking at Genesis Chapter One we find the account of Creation. Creation consists of a series of spectacular acts by God. These creative acts culminate in the creation of man.
When man was created, we see that God's creative activity came to a rest. (Genesis 2:1-3) Man was the goal of God's entire creative movement. Man was the last and the highest of God's works. The earth has no reason for existing outside of man. It was only when God placed upon this earth a man created in His image and likeness, was there a reason for the vast universe which had been created. God had endowed this man with the capacities to enjoy the beauty of His workmanship, and to utilize its resources. The reality is, man is the only creature who can enjoy its beauty or use its resources to their fullest. (Psalm 8)
This brings us to the next question. What is the reason for man ? Until we know why God desired to create man, we do not know the entirety of God's reason for creation. So, let us look into the reason for mans existence. God's Word tells us, "I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters says the lord Almighty." (2 Corinthians 6:18), and, "For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named." (Ephesians 3:14-15) and "Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God." (1 John 3:1) Through these few scriptures we find the reason for man. The Father heart of God desired sons and daughters to share in His creation. This yearning passion took form, and God planned to create a man who would walk with Him as His child.
The Bible also reveals, "Even as
[in His love] He chose us [actually picked us out for Himself as His
own] in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be
holy (consecrated and set apart for Him) and blameless in His sight, even above reproach, before Him in love.For
He foreordained us (destined us, planned in love for us) to be adopted
(revealed) as His own children through Jesus Christ, in accordance with
the purpose of His will [because it pleased Him and was His kind intent]." (Ephesians 1: 4-5 AMP) Although the Apostle Paul is sharing this revelation with the church, nevertheless we see that in the mind and in the loving heart of Father God, there resonated a desire to have a family before He created the heavens and the earth.
What does all of this mean to us? Basically, God Himself has placed the highest premium possible upon man. There is absolutely nothing else in all creation that God loves more. Unfortunately, Satan has been very subtle in blinding the minds of man to the Father nature of God. The average Christian has had no real consciousness of God as being his or her loving, caring Father. To comprehend and live a life filled this the wonderful knowledge, that we have a Father God who loves us beyond measure, it can only come by revelation through God's Word by the Holy Spirit. Once our spiritual eyes are enlightened, opened, to this truth, we will see our purpose in Father God's brilliant plan, and rest in His surrounding, abounding love. The writer of Hebrews tells us, "By faith we understand
that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which
are seen were not made of things which are visible." (Hebrews 11:3)
So, knowing these things should cause believers to never see themselves as unworthy, or unable to please our Heavenly Father. Simply put, ever person, especially believers should see themselves as Father God does, of unlimited value. However, we can only understand these things by faith not through intellectualism. With that said, I challenge you to pray and receive from the Holy Spirit the prayer the Apostle Paul prayed for the church, "that
the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you
the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling,
what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints." (Ephesians 1:17-18) The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all...
Monday, April 30, 2018
Why Should We Care
There seems to be many people today who have a constant problem with worrying. In fact almost everyone has it. It even seems to be contagious. It also can lead to all kinds of physical and mental disorders. People who worry excessively throughout their life, look at most everything from a negative perspective, that something bad is going to happen to them, someone they know or even just things in general. But the people who worry so much are forgetting some very important life lessons, the most important being, worrying doesn't change a single thing, it does not help one bit. In the "Sermon on the Mount," Jesus speaks to us concerning worry. He says...
"Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?...For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." (Matthew 6:25-27, 32-34)
Let's be honest. There are many uncertainties that we face on a daily bases, but Jesus tells us pretty much was was stated above. Worrying doesn't change a single thing, it does not help one bit. However, Jesus gives us the greatest advice that we need to apply if we want to move away from worrying. First, we need to know without doubt that our Heavenly Father knows everything that we need, period! Next, we are to focus on this very important thing, seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, (and as we do, believe that) all these things (things pertaining to life) shall be added to you.
Worry leads to the waste of vital energy and can disturbs our health systems, impairing our ability, and if severe enough, can lead to mental disorders. The fact is, worrying comes when we think of negative "future" possibilities, that is, thinking about negative things that could happen although they may never happen at all. The bottom line is this, worry is a reflection of a lack of faith. It is steeped in doubt, fear and unbelief. It is a lack of trusting in God's ability and willingness to take care of His children no matter what circumstances or situations they may face. The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Peter tells, us, "Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully." (1 Peter 5:7 AMP)
When believers learn to cast their every care on the Lord and trust Him, they will come to find, that there aren't enough enemies in all the world to defeat them. The person(s) who trusts absolutely in the wisdom of God the Father and does not lean upon his own understanding, can face the world knowing that he who, "Trusts in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6). There it is. The Lord will direct our path.
Jesus tells us, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and My Father are one.” (John 10:27-30) What wonderful news, "our Father is greater than all." How we need this precious, wonderful fact to sink down into our heart and fill our mind. The Father loves us, knows us, and cares for us. He is greater than any problem that confronts us and any circumstance that tries to imprison us.
Jesus said, "for the Father Himself loves you..." (John 16:27) "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him." (John 14:23) God's love for His children and our response to it make us one. Say out loud right now, "My Heavenly Father loves me; He is going to see to it that I do not have needs that will embarrass me; He will help me carry my load; My Father loves me and gave His Son up for me; Although His love is for multitudes, His love is specifically for me; I no longer have to be afraid of life with a Lover like Him; I know that He will enable me to make good; He will enable me to make a success of life; He will give me the strength to overcome every day; He lives in me and makes His home in me; My Father is greater than all!!!
The Holy Spirit also speaks to us through the Apostle Paul revealing for us another golden nugget of truth to rid ourselves of worry. Of course this comes back to trusting in the Lord. He says, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you." (Philippians 4:6-9)
Folks, we are in good hands. Our Heavenly Father has given every one of His children the same rights in His family. Though a person may have a different gift than another, he is not any dearer to the heart of the Father than any other of His children. The Father has no favorites. (Romans 2:11) The closer that our fellowship is with the Father and Son, the sweeter and richer our life will be. So, let us cast all of our cares on Him for He cares for us affectionately and cares about us watchfully. May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you...
"Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?...For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." (Matthew 6:25-27, 32-34)
Let's be honest. There are many uncertainties that we face on a daily bases, but Jesus tells us pretty much was was stated above. Worrying doesn't change a single thing, it does not help one bit. However, Jesus gives us the greatest advice that we need to apply if we want to move away from worrying. First, we need to know without doubt that our Heavenly Father knows everything that we need, period! Next, we are to focus on this very important thing, seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, (and as we do, believe that) all these things (things pertaining to life) shall be added to you.
Worry leads to the waste of vital energy and can disturbs our health systems, impairing our ability, and if severe enough, can lead to mental disorders. The fact is, worrying comes when we think of negative "future" possibilities, that is, thinking about negative things that could happen although they may never happen at all. The bottom line is this, worry is a reflection of a lack of faith. It is steeped in doubt, fear and unbelief. It is a lack of trusting in God's ability and willingness to take care of His children no matter what circumstances or situations they may face. The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Peter tells, us, "Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully." (1 Peter 5:7 AMP)
When believers learn to cast their every care on the Lord and trust Him, they will come to find, that there aren't enough enemies in all the world to defeat them. The person(s) who trusts absolutely in the wisdom of God the Father and does not lean upon his own understanding, can face the world knowing that he who, "Trusts in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6). There it is. The Lord will direct our path.
Jesus tells us, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and My Father are one.” (John 10:27-30) What wonderful news, "our Father is greater than all." How we need this precious, wonderful fact to sink down into our heart and fill our mind. The Father loves us, knows us, and cares for us. He is greater than any problem that confronts us and any circumstance that tries to imprison us.
Jesus said, "for the Father Himself loves you..." (John 16:27) "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him." (John 14:23) God's love for His children and our response to it make us one. Say out loud right now, "My Heavenly Father loves me; He is going to see to it that I do not have needs that will embarrass me; He will help me carry my load; My Father loves me and gave His Son up for me; Although His love is for multitudes, His love is specifically for me; I no longer have to be afraid of life with a Lover like Him; I know that He will enable me to make good; He will enable me to make a success of life; He will give me the strength to overcome every day; He lives in me and makes His home in me; My Father is greater than all!!!
The Holy Spirit also speaks to us through the Apostle Paul revealing for us another golden nugget of truth to rid ourselves of worry. Of course this comes back to trusting in the Lord. He says, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you." (Philippians 4:6-9)
Folks, we are in good hands. Our Heavenly Father has given every one of His children the same rights in His family. Though a person may have a different gift than another, he is not any dearer to the heart of the Father than any other of His children. The Father has no favorites. (Romans 2:11) The closer that our fellowship is with the Father and Son, the sweeter and richer our life will be. So, let us cast all of our cares on Him for He cares for us affectionately and cares about us watchfully. May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you...
Monday, April 23, 2018
Words That Prosper
The Holy Spirit spoke through Solomon some exceedingly great words of wisdom that all believers should embrace and apply to life. One of these nuggets of wisdom concerns the words that we speak. Now, if the words that we speak have no impact, then the Holy Spirit would not have given us these words of wisdom that are recorded in Proverbs. Due to believers not being mindful of this, many find themselves always struggling or are living in defeat and failure, because they speak or confess the wrong things. In fact, whether blatantly or out of ignorance they have spoken the words of the devil, of darkness, and those words hold them in bondage. Solomon tells us, "You are snared by the words of your mouth; You are taken by the words of your mouth." (Proverbs 6:2)
As we can see, this is not theory, but a fact. In other words, it is a spiritual law. Jesus said, "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life." (John 6:63) The Word of God is spirit and life. The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul tells us, "Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God’s favor) to those who hear it." (Ephesians 4:29 AMP)
This Scripture is a strong, direct command to every believer. Polluted language, corrupt communication out of ones mouth are things such as, gossiping, griping, murmuring, complaining, faultfinding, cursing, speaking vulgarities or any speech that is unprofitable, that is, speaking words which do not build up, edify. Simply put, our words are to minister grace to the hearers which includes ministering grace to own hearts as we ourselves speak. That's why we should say what God says about every detail of our lives. For instance, our speech is corrupt if we were to say such things as, "It seems as though everyone is sick, therefore I will probably be sick also." God's Word tells us, "And the inhabitant will not say, “I am sick..." (Isaiah 33:24)
Another example of this comes from doubting God's Word. You may find yourself saying, "God is withholding something from me," when God's Word says, "For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
The Lord will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly." (Psalm 84:11) Jesus said, "...Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." (Matthew 12:34) Therefore, whatever is in the heart will come forth through the mouth. This is one of the reasons why believers must be filled with God's Word. It needs to be in our heart, so it comes to the forefront in every situation, in every conversation. The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Peter says, "If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever." (1 Peter 4:11)
As believers let the Word of God take hold of their lives, the Holy Spirit will inspire your words. He
will lead you to speak words of health, prosperity, and power, instead of sickness, financial struggles and weakness. The Apostle Paul tells us, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." (Colossians 3:16-17) When God's Word dwells in you richly, you will speak His Word in the face of all circumstances and or situations.
With that said, here are a few things to consider removing from our speech...
So, let us train ourselves to imitate our Lord (Ephesians 5:1) and speak His Word in every circumstance or situation that we may face. In doing so, we impart grace to the hearer and also to ourselves. The Holy Spirit through the Prophet tells us, "So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:11) The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you...
As we can see, this is not theory, but a fact. In other words, it is a spiritual law. Jesus said, "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life." (John 6:63) The Word of God is spirit and life. The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul tells us, "Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God’s favor) to those who hear it." (Ephesians 4:29 AMP)
This Scripture is a strong, direct command to every believer. Polluted language, corrupt communication out of ones mouth are things such as, gossiping, griping, murmuring, complaining, faultfinding, cursing, speaking vulgarities or any speech that is unprofitable, that is, speaking words which do not build up, edify. Simply put, our words are to minister grace to the hearers which includes ministering grace to own hearts as we ourselves speak. That's why we should say what God says about every detail of our lives. For instance, our speech is corrupt if we were to say such things as, "It seems as though everyone is sick, therefore I will probably be sick also." God's Word tells us, "And the inhabitant will not say, “I am sick..." (Isaiah 33:24)
Another example of this comes from doubting God's Word. You may find yourself saying, "God is withholding something from me," when God's Word says, "For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
The Lord will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly." (Psalm 84:11) Jesus said, "...Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." (Matthew 12:34) Therefore, whatever is in the heart will come forth through the mouth. This is one of the reasons why believers must be filled with God's Word. It needs to be in our heart, so it comes to the forefront in every situation, in every conversation. The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Peter says, "If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever." (1 Peter 4:11)
As believers let the Word of God take hold of their lives, the Holy Spirit will inspire your words. He
will lead you to speak words of health, prosperity, and power, instead of sickness, financial struggles and weakness. The Apostle Paul tells us, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." (Colossians 3:16-17) When God's Word dwells in you richly, you will speak His Word in the face of all circumstances and or situations.
With that said, here are a few things to consider removing from our speech...
- "I can't." For God's Word says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)
- "I have lack." For God's Word says, "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)
- "I am fearful." For God's Word says, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7)
- "I do not have faith." For God's Word says, "...God has dealt to each one a measure of faith." (Romans 12:3)
- "I am weak." For God's Word says, "...The Lord is the strength of my life..." (Psalm 27:1)
- "I am defeated." For God's word says, "Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ..." (2 Corinthians 2:14)
- "I lack of wisdom." For God's Word says, "But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God..." (1 Corinthians 1:30)
- "I am sick." For God's Word says, "...by His stripes I am healed." (1 Peter 2:24)
- "I am worried." For God's Word says, "casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7)
- I am unworthy." For God's Word says, "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus..." (Romans 8:1)
- "I am just a sinner saved by grace." For God's Word says, "For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." (2 Corinthians 5:21
So, let us train ourselves to imitate our Lord (Ephesians 5:1) and speak His Word in every circumstance or situation that we may face. In doing so, we impart grace to the hearer and also to ourselves. The Holy Spirit through the Prophet tells us, "So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:11) The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you...
Monday, April 16, 2018
Who Am I
When Moses encountered "the Angel of the Lord who appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush" (Exodus 3:2), he was given instructions concerning the mission that the Lord had called him to. Before Moses departed, he asked, "Indeed, when I come to the children of Israel and say to them, the God of your fathers has sent me to you, and they say to me, what is His name?’ what shall I say to them? And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, I AM has sent me to you...This is My name forever, and this is My memorial to all generations." (Exodus 3:13-15)
I AM that I AM is the common English translation of the response that God revealed to Moses when he asked for His name. I AM in the Hebrew language is usually translated in English Bibles as "I AM...I WILL BE...I SHALL BE." Some translations render this name as "I WILL BE WHAT I WILL BE." The King James version of the Bible reveals God saying "I am" 508 times in the Old Testament and 211 times in the New Testament. Although they may be repeated, such as, "I am the Lord" or "I am God," nevertheless God reveals Himself as I AM throughout His Word. Other examples of this are, "I am the Lord who heals you." (Exodus 15:26) "I am Almighty God." (Genesis 17:1)
Taking this a step further, we also see, "For I am the Lord, I do not change" (Malachi 3:6) from the Old Testament, and "Jesus Christ (God in flesh) is the same yesterday, today, and forever" (Hebrews 13:8) from the New Testament. So, why are these things so very important for believers to fully comprehend? Simply put, because far to many of God's children, who love Him and serve Him are living under the weight of a Christianity that has been and is still being taught that God is no longer "I AM" but is now, I was or I may. What is meant by this statement? I am not trying to be condescending or condemning, but the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul tells us, "lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices." (2 Corinthians 2:11)
Although Paul says, "we are not ignorant of his devices" this does not insinuate that every believer is not ignorant of Satan's devices. Unfortunately, many believers are ignorant of his plans and schemes. Paul also tells us, "Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons." (1 Timothy 4:1) What are deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons? Deceiving spirits are evil spirits that cause someone to accept as true or valid that which is false or invalid. Those who fall prey to such deceptions, obviously do not know it. The doctrines of demons are doctrines blatantly contrary to Scripture. Again, because these doctrines are deceptive, they are easily accepted.
The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul is speaking to us emphatically, not to be ignorant of Satan's deceptive plans, which purpose is to bring apostasy, departing from the faith, through doctrines that are contrary to God's Word. Some good examples of these erroneous doctrines that have been accepted in many sectors of the church, come from teachers that say the age of miracles has past; that God is able to heal, but it may not be His will in certain circumstances; that sickness is God's will for His children. What a deceptive scheme. Satan has worked quite hard to hide the truth from all people, especially believers, concerning these things. Satan has broadcasted these unscriptural, deceptive and illogical doctrines so much, that it has almost succeeded in reducing Almighty God from I AM to I was or I may.
Let us now look at how this plays out in the lives of believers by looking at some Scriptures concerning Israel's condition under Egyptian rule. "And the Lord said, (to Moses) I have surely seen the oppression (affliction; shatter; troubles; misery; poverty; illness; depression) of My people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sorrows (great pains and suffering)" (Exodus 3:7) Although this was prior to the giving of the Law, Israel was in covenant with God through the covenant that God established with Abraham. For the sake of time, let's skip forward to God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt and see what took place. Keep in mind their condition mentioned above. "He (I AM- God) also brought them out with silver and gold, and there was none feeble (lacking physical and mental strength as a result of age or illness) among His tribes." (Psalms 105:37) Under the Abrahamic covenant, Israel went from poverty to wealth, and from lacking physical and mental strength as a result of age or illness, to health as they exited Egypt. God also promised Israel, "...I will fulfill the number of your days." (Exodus 23:26)
Next, look at what David also recognized under the same covenant concerning I AM, "Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s." (Psalm 103:1-5) "Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation." (Psalm 91:14-16)
Now let's look at the Scriptures concerning what God the Father worked in Christ for all, especially for believers. "But now He (Jesus) has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises." (Hebrews 8:6) Notice that Jesus is the, "Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises." Question? How is it that those under a lesser covenant could have so much available or given to them by I AM than those under "a better covenant, which was established on better promises" by the same I AM? The reality is, Old Testament prophets and kings as well as angels have desired to look into this age of grace. What strange doctrines confront believers who are under this better covenant established on better promises that have absolutely no Scriptural evidence that the age of miracles have past and that the sick are not to look for better promises than those under a lesser covenant.
We know, according to Scriptures, God "desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." (1 Timothy 2:4) But, is God more willing to show the mercy of forgiveness to the devil's children, the lost, than He is to His own children? Is He willing to show more mercy and provide better promises to those under a lesser covenant than He is to His own Children who through the meritorious work of Christ are under a better covenant with better promises? Absolutely not! The fact is, our Heavenly Father loves His own children even more than He loves the sinner and His promises to all believers are greater than those under the old covenant. Not only is He able, but He is completely willing in all circumstances to heal, deliver, preserve, rescue, save, provide, make whole and give long life His children. So, let us shed ourselves from all doubts as to who God is and know without doubt that He never changes. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. For He is and will ever be, I AM!!!
I AM that I AM is the common English translation of the response that God revealed to Moses when he asked for His name. I AM in the Hebrew language is usually translated in English Bibles as "I AM...I WILL BE...I SHALL BE." Some translations render this name as "I WILL BE WHAT I WILL BE." The King James version of the Bible reveals God saying "I am" 508 times in the Old Testament and 211 times in the New Testament. Although they may be repeated, such as, "I am the Lord" or "I am God," nevertheless God reveals Himself as I AM throughout His Word. Other examples of this are, "I am the Lord who heals you." (Exodus 15:26) "I am Almighty God." (Genesis 17:1)
Taking this a step further, we also see, "For I am the Lord, I do not change" (Malachi 3:6) from the Old Testament, and "Jesus Christ (God in flesh) is the same yesterday, today, and forever" (Hebrews 13:8) from the New Testament. So, why are these things so very important for believers to fully comprehend? Simply put, because far to many of God's children, who love Him and serve Him are living under the weight of a Christianity that has been and is still being taught that God is no longer "I AM" but is now, I was or I may. What is meant by this statement? I am not trying to be condescending or condemning, but the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul tells us, "lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices." (2 Corinthians 2:11)
Although Paul says, "we are not ignorant of his devices" this does not insinuate that every believer is not ignorant of Satan's devices. Unfortunately, many believers are ignorant of his plans and schemes. Paul also tells us, "Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons." (1 Timothy 4:1) What are deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons? Deceiving spirits are evil spirits that cause someone to accept as true or valid that which is false or invalid. Those who fall prey to such deceptions, obviously do not know it. The doctrines of demons are doctrines blatantly contrary to Scripture. Again, because these doctrines are deceptive, they are easily accepted.
The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul is speaking to us emphatically, not to be ignorant of Satan's deceptive plans, which purpose is to bring apostasy, departing from the faith, through doctrines that are contrary to God's Word. Some good examples of these erroneous doctrines that have been accepted in many sectors of the church, come from teachers that say the age of miracles has past; that God is able to heal, but it may not be His will in certain circumstances; that sickness is God's will for His children. What a deceptive scheme. Satan has worked quite hard to hide the truth from all people, especially believers, concerning these things. Satan has broadcasted these unscriptural, deceptive and illogical doctrines so much, that it has almost succeeded in reducing Almighty God from I AM to I was or I may.
Let us now look at how this plays out in the lives of believers by looking at some Scriptures concerning Israel's condition under Egyptian rule. "And the Lord said, (to Moses) I have surely seen the oppression (affliction; shatter; troubles; misery; poverty; illness; depression) of My people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sorrows (great pains and suffering)" (Exodus 3:7) Although this was prior to the giving of the Law, Israel was in covenant with God through the covenant that God established with Abraham. For the sake of time, let's skip forward to God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt and see what took place. Keep in mind their condition mentioned above. "He (I AM- God) also brought them out with silver and gold, and there was none feeble (lacking physical and mental strength as a result of age or illness) among His tribes." (Psalms 105:37) Under the Abrahamic covenant, Israel went from poverty to wealth, and from lacking physical and mental strength as a result of age or illness, to health as they exited Egypt. God also promised Israel, "...I will fulfill the number of your days." (Exodus 23:26)
Next, look at what David also recognized under the same covenant concerning I AM, "Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s." (Psalm 103:1-5) "Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation." (Psalm 91:14-16)
Now let's look at the Scriptures concerning what God the Father worked in Christ for all, especially for believers. "But now He (Jesus) has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises." (Hebrews 8:6) Notice that Jesus is the, "Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises." Question? How is it that those under a lesser covenant could have so much available or given to them by I AM than those under "a better covenant, which was established on better promises" by the same I AM? The reality is, Old Testament prophets and kings as well as angels have desired to look into this age of grace. What strange doctrines confront believers who are under this better covenant established on better promises that have absolutely no Scriptural evidence that the age of miracles have past and that the sick are not to look for better promises than those under a lesser covenant.
We know, according to Scriptures, God "desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." (1 Timothy 2:4) But, is God more willing to show the mercy of forgiveness to the devil's children, the lost, than He is to His own children? Is He willing to show more mercy and provide better promises to those under a lesser covenant than He is to His own Children who through the meritorious work of Christ are under a better covenant with better promises? Absolutely not! The fact is, our Heavenly Father loves His own children even more than He loves the sinner and His promises to all believers are greater than those under the old covenant. Not only is He able, but He is completely willing in all circumstances to heal, deliver, preserve, rescue, save, provide, make whole and give long life His children. So, let us shed ourselves from all doubts as to who God is and know without doubt that He never changes. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. For He is and will ever be, I AM!!!
Monday, April 9, 2018
Praise the Lord
Praise the Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty firmament! Praise Him for His mighty acts; Praise Him according to His excellent greatness! Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; Praise Him with the lute and harp! Praise Him with the timbrel and dance; Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes! Praise Him with loud cymbals; Praise Him with clashing cymbals! Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord! (Psalm 150) Can we possible imagine what would happen in every community, city, state and even the entire world if believers would take this Psalm at face value and praise the Lord this way? It says, "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord." We must conclude that the only exception to praising the Lord as revealed in this Psalm would be if one had no breath, which means they would not be alive.
So, what is praise? Praising the Lord has two aspects. First, praise is proclamation, which means to announce, declare or broadcast publicly. Therefore, praise is a public declaration. A public declaration of what? It is the public declaration of the great and powerful works of God. It is expressed by singing, playing musical instruments, and giving shouts of joy, as well as by different postures of the body, including clapping, raising the hands, and dancing. We see this in the life of David the king and Israel, as they brought the Ark of the Covenant of God to the city of David, "And so it was, when those bearing the ark of the Lord had gone six paces, that he sacrificed oxen and fatted sheep. Then David danced before the Lord with all his might; and David was wearing a linen ephod. So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting and with the sound of the trumpet." (2 Samuel 6:13-15) "Thus all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the Lord with shouting and with the sound of the horn, with trumpets and with cymbals, making music with stringed instruments and harps." (1 Chronicles 15:28)
What a sight this must have been. How they were honoring the Lord with exuberant music, dance and shouting. Sadly though, "Davids wife, Michal, Saul’s daughter, looked through a window and saw King David whirling and playing music; and she despised him in her heart." (1 Chronicles 15:29) It was sad because David was not dancing with all his might to draw attention to himself but, it was before the Lord who had chosen him to be ruler over Israel. (2 Samuel 6:21) Due to Michal accusing David of being undignified in his exuberant praise before the Lord, "Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no children to the day of her death." (2 Samuel 6:21) This is also sad, because many in the church today consider those who shout, dance, clap, etc., in a church service is carnal, out-of-order and even disrespectful to the Lord, when in fact they are making a public declaration of the great and powerful works of God. The fact is, when it comes to praise among believers today, I believe that we have not been exuberant enough over the wonderful, powerful works of God.
The second aspect of praise is sacrifice. "Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name." (Hebrews 13:15) The Greek word for sacrifice refers to a victim, a killing. Every sacrifice implies death. In this case, the victim for the sacrifice is the flesh. Therefore, praising God requires a sacrifice because it is something that goes beyond our strength, convenience, desire, and comfort. To praise God, something of ourselves, something ungodly must die, must be killed, such as apathy, pride, selfishness, worry, fear, bad thoughts, bad attitudes or anything else that keeps us from wholeheartedly expressing His greatness, His great works. Our praises to the Lord are not simply during a church service, this is implied, but our praise is to be continuous, a life style.
Our sacrifice releases the Holy Spirit to move among us, coming to our aid bringing us to the place where once something in us has died, praising ceases to be a sacrifice, as it was in the beginning and now becomes the fruit of our lips, meaning, our praise becomes natural, spontaneous and heartfelt. Praise to the Lord was so important to David, He set up a system of continuous praise in the tabernacle David had erected for the Ark of God. (1 Chronicles 16:1), "And David appointed some of the Levites to minister before the ark of the Lord, to commemorate, to thank, and to praise the Lord God of Israel." (1 Chronicles 16:4) I believe that praise and worship will be the catalyst that will usher the last major outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
During the beginnings of the early church, the Jewish converts were insisting that the Gentiles observe the Law of Moses as part of their conversion to Christianity. It had come to the place where, "the apostles and elders came together to consider this matter." (Acts 15:6) Through all the debate, dispute and witness of the situation, the Holy Spirit through the Apostle James speaks, "After this I will return and will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; I will rebuild its ruins,and I will set it up." (Acts 15:16) James is giving a paraphrase of Amos 9:11 plus some things spoken by the Prophet Hosea.
The point being made is this; that some time after the Messiah (who is the seed and the Son of David) has come into the world, and following a great shaking up of Israel and the nations, there’s going to be a great revival and a return to the days as they were in King David’s time. It will be a time of great expansion of the kingdom of God. In those last days the tabernacle of David will be rebuilt and this tabernacle will be a refuge and a place of deliverance and salvation not just for the Jewish people, but will include Gentile's also. Together, Jew and Gentile would celebrate, praise the wonderful works of King Jesus.
When we experience difficult periods in our lives, when life seems full of setbacks, financial troubles, or sickness, we may not have the desire to praise God, and yet, this is precisely the time when God will ask us to present the sacrifice of praise with the fruit of lips giving Him thanks. So, if we want to live at the forefront of what God is saying and doing, if we desire to live in constant blessings and to be permanently on fire for Him, then continuous praise should become the forefront part of our lives.
So, what is praise? Praising the Lord has two aspects. First, praise is proclamation, which means to announce, declare or broadcast publicly. Therefore, praise is a public declaration. A public declaration of what? It is the public declaration of the great and powerful works of God. It is expressed by singing, playing musical instruments, and giving shouts of joy, as well as by different postures of the body, including clapping, raising the hands, and dancing. We see this in the life of David the king and Israel, as they brought the Ark of the Covenant of God to the city of David, "And so it was, when those bearing the ark of the Lord had gone six paces, that he sacrificed oxen and fatted sheep. Then David danced before the Lord with all his might; and David was wearing a linen ephod. So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting and with the sound of the trumpet." (2 Samuel 6:13-15) "Thus all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the Lord with shouting and with the sound of the horn, with trumpets and with cymbals, making music with stringed instruments and harps." (1 Chronicles 15:28)
What a sight this must have been. How they were honoring the Lord with exuberant music, dance and shouting. Sadly though, "Davids wife, Michal, Saul’s daughter, looked through a window and saw King David whirling and playing music; and she despised him in her heart." (1 Chronicles 15:29) It was sad because David was not dancing with all his might to draw attention to himself but, it was before the Lord who had chosen him to be ruler over Israel. (2 Samuel 6:21) Due to Michal accusing David of being undignified in his exuberant praise before the Lord, "Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no children to the day of her death." (2 Samuel 6:21) This is also sad, because many in the church today consider those who shout, dance, clap, etc., in a church service is carnal, out-of-order and even disrespectful to the Lord, when in fact they are making a public declaration of the great and powerful works of God. The fact is, when it comes to praise among believers today, I believe that we have not been exuberant enough over the wonderful, powerful works of God.
The second aspect of praise is sacrifice. "Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name." (Hebrews 13:15) The Greek word for sacrifice refers to a victim, a killing. Every sacrifice implies death. In this case, the victim for the sacrifice is the flesh. Therefore, praising God requires a sacrifice because it is something that goes beyond our strength, convenience, desire, and comfort. To praise God, something of ourselves, something ungodly must die, must be killed, such as apathy, pride, selfishness, worry, fear, bad thoughts, bad attitudes or anything else that keeps us from wholeheartedly expressing His greatness, His great works. Our praises to the Lord are not simply during a church service, this is implied, but our praise is to be continuous, a life style.
Our sacrifice releases the Holy Spirit to move among us, coming to our aid bringing us to the place where once something in us has died, praising ceases to be a sacrifice, as it was in the beginning and now becomes the fruit of our lips, meaning, our praise becomes natural, spontaneous and heartfelt. Praise to the Lord was so important to David, He set up a system of continuous praise in the tabernacle David had erected for the Ark of God. (1 Chronicles 16:1), "And David appointed some of the Levites to minister before the ark of the Lord, to commemorate, to thank, and to praise the Lord God of Israel." (1 Chronicles 16:4) I believe that praise and worship will be the catalyst that will usher the last major outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
During the beginnings of the early church, the Jewish converts were insisting that the Gentiles observe the Law of Moses as part of their conversion to Christianity. It had come to the place where, "the apostles and elders came together to consider this matter." (Acts 15:6) Through all the debate, dispute and witness of the situation, the Holy Spirit through the Apostle James speaks, "After this I will return and will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; I will rebuild its ruins,and I will set it up." (Acts 15:16) James is giving a paraphrase of Amos 9:11 plus some things spoken by the Prophet Hosea.
The point being made is this; that some time after the Messiah (who is the seed and the Son of David) has come into the world, and following a great shaking up of Israel and the nations, there’s going to be a great revival and a return to the days as they were in King David’s time. It will be a time of great expansion of the kingdom of God. In those last days the tabernacle of David will be rebuilt and this tabernacle will be a refuge and a place of deliverance and salvation not just for the Jewish people, but will include Gentile's also. Together, Jew and Gentile would celebrate, praise the wonderful works of King Jesus.
When we experience difficult periods in our lives, when life seems full of setbacks, financial troubles, or sickness, we may not have the desire to praise God, and yet, this is precisely the time when God will ask us to present the sacrifice of praise with the fruit of lips giving Him thanks. So, if we want to live at the forefront of what God is saying and doing, if we desire to live in constant blessings and to be permanently on fire for Him, then continuous praise should become the forefront part of our lives.
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