|
FirePOWER! |
| 'Spiritual
FUEL for the
Soul'
The Agape
Letters Ministry Newsletter
'A Warrior's Daily Journal'Wednesday April 29, 2009 (5 Iyar 5769) "Affirmation and
Correction!" John 4:13-14 (Amplified Bible)He who hears and heeds you [disciples] hears and heeds Me; and he who slights and rejects you slights and rejects Me; and he who slights and rejects Me slights and rejects Him who sent Me. The seventy returned with joy, saying, Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name! And He said to them, I saw Satan falling like a lightning [flash] from heaven. Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice at this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are enrolled in heaven. These WORDs of Christ are Comforting in many ways, reminding me of the real reason for which men and women for over 2000 years have persevered in Proclaiming the Gospel. These returning messengers may have been temporarily disappointed by the Lord's reaction to their exhuberance of having expelled demons by the use of HIS Name, but Jesus meant to intentionately direct their focus upon the True goal of their most recent journey into the countryside. To fault the disciples for their zeal, would most certainly take something away from any opportunity to learn a very important Kingdom principle. That in placing limits upon the Power given them by God, would obviously detract from the Lord's ultimate desire to deliver one's soul for Eternity. Often there is a tendency to measure success by a standard that is out of line with the intent and purpose of the original mandate. Where short-term results overshadow the final goal of the mission. As Powerful as the ministry of deliverance is, it should not be considered the 'be all-end all' to the problems which mankind face, as Christ so clearly explains. It is certainly a part of the overall Plan, and Believers have been given God's Spirit to accomplish much greater exploits for the Kingdom of heaven. O'Lord, YOUR Spirit
guides me to understand YOUR deepest desire, that my soul be
set free from the bonds of death. Gaining an Eternal
Inheritance of deliverance that exceeds my
expectation. Thanks and Praise to YOUR Holy Name, for Truth
comes and transforms my mind to that revelation of
YOUR Eternal mission. Train my lips to Declare YOUR
Grace, Love and Mercy, to a generation that longs for Life
that exists in YOUR Presence
forever, Amen
"Thirst
Quenching Water!" John
4:13-14 Jesus answered her, All who drink of this water will be thirsty again. But whoever takes a drink of the water that I will give him shall never, no never, be thirsty any more. But the water that I will give him shall become a spring of water welling up (flowing, bubbling) [continually] within him unto (into, for) eternal life. As Believers, we must rely completely and totally upon God's WORD and HIS abundant and endless supply of Grace and Mercy. That alone sustains us on our journey of Faith. Just as Christ Jesus revealed to the Samaritan woman who HE was and what she should be asking HIM for, HE also was revealing to us how HE is able to supply our every need without boundaries or limitations. Many times we look at a lake, river or pond, and see how it remains within the confines of it's banks or borders, yet whenever the flood waters come, the water level rises to a point that there are NO BOUNDARIES which can contain it. This is truly a picture of HIM flooding our lives with Holy Spirit, flowing into every crack and crevice, filling us to overflowing. Transforming us from a quiet and meandering stream, into a rushing river, teeming and overflowing with Life. Is not NOW the time that we as believers become saturated with God's WORD and HIS Spirit, and be flooded with the good things HE has promised to pour out upon us, without measure or boundary? The Samaritan woman received a far greater answer to her question, an answer that revealed much more of her need than she had been previously aware. For us, that too is how we learn of what our own heart needs, a thirst that can only quenched by the Living Water, the Thirst Quenching Gospel of Christ Jesus. O'Lord, YOU are my well
of constant supply, when my heart was parched and dry, YOU
give me a drink and soothed my weary soul. YOUR Spirit
quenches my thirst for more of YOU, and my lips must tell
others of YOUR Living Water. Every good and perfect thing
DOES come from YOU, and those who find YOU, have found the
River of Life. Flood my heart with all that is of YOU,
Amen
"Trumpets of Truth!" 1 Corinthians
2:6-7 Yet when we are among the full-grown (spiritually mature Christians who are ripe in understanding), we do impart a [higher] wisdom (the knowledge of the divine plan previously hidden); but it is indeed not a wisdom of this present age or of this world nor of the leaders and rulers of this age, who are being brought to nothing and are doomed to pass away. But rather what we are setting forth is a wisdom of God once hidden [from the human understanding] and now revealed to us by God--[that wisdom] which God devised and decreed before the ages for our glorification [to lift us into the glory of His presence]. A deeper knowledge of God is revealed by Holy Spirit to Believers in Christ, in order that we may receive HIS wisdom. Revealing deep TRUTHs by a means of communication that confounds the wisdom of this age, and all those who blindly follow it to destruction. We learn these TRUTHs of God through HIS voice which is alive and lives within us, and as Paul warns, "Be not deceived by the wisdom of this age", for the enemy seeks only to 'kill, steal and destroy'. Confusion comes to those who listen to the enemy, and are confused and decieved into believing that their lives have meaning and purpose, yet they live in hopelessness and despair. It is these who must hear the message and Gospel of Christ Jesus, a message of Hope, Joy and Life, the TRUTH which bears meaning and purpose for Eternity. God's Voice is speaking clearly to many, calling them to turn from listening and believing the enemy's lies, for destruction awaits those who follow them. Holy Spirit reveals the long hidden Wisdom of God, and as Believers, we have been commanded by Christ to repeat those TRUTHs which we hear and believe. Believers are Trumpets sent forth to herald the Good News among the captives. Anointed and Called to Raise our VOICEs, shout loudly from every hill and mountaintop, Christ Jesus is Lord. The message of Hope and Peace that brings Honor and Glory to the King of kings. O'Lord, my Hope is in YOUR WORD, I have learned great TRUTHs by listening to YOUR voice. YOUR Glorious Presence is revealed by Holy Spirit each moment. I am charged with speaking YOUR TRUTH, in Love with Power and Authority. My Life is in YOU alone, to serve YOU with all I am in this day and hour. YOU desire that none perish, but by Faith, receive YOUR Son, and the Glorious message of Kingdom living, Life Now and Forevermore. Amen
'A Warrior's Daily Journal'Thursday April 23, 2009 (29 Nissan 5769) "In the
Case of Love!" Acts 24:14-16 (Amplified Bible)But this I confess to you, however, that in accordance with the Way [of the Lord], which they call a [heretical, division-producing] sect, I worship (serve) the God of our fathers, still persuaded of the truth of and believing in and placing full confidence in everything laid down in the Law [of Moses] or written in the prophets; Having [the same] hope in God which these themselves hold and look for, that there is to be a resurrection both of the righteous and the unrighteous (the just and the unjust). Therefore I always exercise and discipline myself [mortifying my body, deadening my carnal affections, bodily appetites, and worldly desires, endeavoring in all respects] to have a clear (unshaken, blameless) conscience, void of offense toward God and toward men. Paul, having been trained as a Pharisee, was quite capable of defending his Faith and Hope in Christ, offering extensive and compelling testimony of his own personal knowledge to the validity of God's provision of Salvation through HIS Son, proven both by the Law and the Prophets.Now some 2000 years later, I myself as a Believer in Christ must both, live my life as one sanctified by my Faith and by my confession based on the Truth and an Eternal Hope, be a courageous witness such as was Paul, to the Truth of God before all men. A compelling and convincing testimony of God's Son, HIS provision for the forgiveness of my sin, and the blessed assurance of Eternal Life by HIS Resurrection. This constitutes the full essence of God's revelation to the Prophets, and to Believers of today, who counseled by HIS Spirit will Honor HIM with their testimony. I personally plead my case, that I would be found quilty of all charges against me, knowing that by my speaking just one sentence in defense of Christ as my Savior and Lord, that it would result in bringing conviction by Holy Spirit upon the hearts and minds of many who are in need HIS redeeming Love. O'Lord, place YOUR WORDs upon my lips, of YOUR Truth, by the Power of Holy Spirit. Give me increasing strength each day, to stand and face every trial. I plead before men of this present age, my full confession of Faith and Hope in Christ. Grant me O'Lord, a courtroom filled with souls, longing to hear YOUR Truth, so that their ears may hear my testimony which will be pleasing to YOU. Where their eyes will behold YOUR Glory and Majesty, and their heart quickened by the evidence. YOU neither fail nor waver, YOU never change nor leave me alone in the midst of my trials, Everlasting and Forever, YOU are my Savior and Lord, Amen
'A Warrior's Daily Journal'Wednesday April 22, 2009 (28 Nissan 5769) "The
LIGHT Switch!" Ephesians 5:8-10 (Amplified Bible)For once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of Light [lead the lives of those native-born to the Light]. For the fruit (the effect, the product) of the Light or the Spirit [consists] in every form of kindly goodness, uprightness of heart, and trueness of life. And try to learn [in your experience] what is pleasing to the Lord [let your lives be constant proofs of what is most acceptable to Him]. As a child of Light, a Believer must walk by Faith and be constantly guided by Holy Spirit, never relying upon their physical eyesight which was formerly dimmed by darkness, as Paul experienced firsthand in his own life.Where Paul had previously walked in darkness that completely obstructed his vision of who Christ Jesus truthfully is, God in HIS Sovereign Power removed the scales from his eyes and revealed the Light which transformed his life. Sometimes the 'SWITCH' that God chooses to use in revealing HIS Son, is less miraculous than that with which God used to open Paul's spiritual eyesight, nonetheless it is God and HIS unwavering desire that man 'SEE and KNOW' HIM as Savior and Lord that TRUTH and Life prevail. Another form of 'SWITCHing', brings forth physical pain and is used many times as a corrective measure of discipline, yet the eventual outcome of either brings 'Increased Knowledge' of exactly who is 'In CHARGE' of Eternity. All my Thanksgiving and Praises belong to God, where my deepest desire is to travel this life 'guided' by the LIGHT, as HE reveals Truth and Righteousness each day, than to be deceived by a desire to travel at the 'speed' of light, where simply gaining knowledge of the vast unknown of space would leave me empty and void of Eternal Life.... O'Lord,
YOU gave me sight of YOUR Glory, filling my heart
with YOUR Love. YOU have rescued my dark and disturbed soul,
and now YOU guide my path by YOUR Spirit of Truth. Position me
where I may see other's wanton need, that I might plant and
nourish YOUR Holy SEED. Boldly will I declare YOUR WORD in the
earth, Christ is Lord and Master of a vast domain. I must
listen to Holy Spirit each day, and live by that WONDERFUL
Light o LIFE, as Christ Jesus is the ONLY True and Living
Way. Amen
"A
Vision of God's Kingdom!" 2 Peter 1:8-10
For as these qualities are yours and increasingly abound in you, they will keep [you] from being idle or unfruitful unto the [full personal] knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). For whoever lacks these qualities is blind, [spiritually] shortsighted, seeing only what is near to him, and has become oblivious [to the fact] that he was cleansed from his old sins. Because of this, brethren, be all the more solicitous and eager to make sure (to ratify, to strengthen, to make steadfast) your calling and election; for if you do this, you will never stumble or fall. Peter writes of the many times he spent with Christ on the holy mountain, listening to and praying with the Anointed One of God. This was much more than a mere mention of being physically at a place of great height, but that of being at a spiritual height which opened his eyes so that he might have seen the vast expanse of the Kingdom of God.I know that in Mark chapter 9, Peter along with James and John, witnessed Christ Jesus talking with Moses and Elijah. His eyes had beheld the Glory and Majesty of God's Son, also hearing what he must do by listening and obeying the Lord. The mention of spiritual blindness, refers to the hindered vision of those who look for and walk after the pleasures of the flesh. Christ had opened Peter's eyes to the spiritual realm, similiar to when satan had tempted the Lord with visions of granduer and power over the kingdoms and nations of the earth. It is in his preceding WORDs that Peter reveals those desired qualities that a Believer in Christ is given by Holy Spirit. A spiritual transformation that bears forth both an increased knowledge of what God's Kingdom must be and also how Believers are called and positioned to be fruitful and productive. Peter was adamant that until he breathed his last breath, his voice would be a bold and strong witness of those things which God's Spirit had revealed. This should be seen more as a message of the measure of our Faithfullness to listen and obey what Holy Spirit reveals to our hearts, rather than that of simply gaining increased knowledge and then doing little or nothing with the vision.
O'Lord, I will heed YOUR WORDs
of direction and guidance. Lead me up YOUR Holy mountain,
where I may see and hear those things which I must be a
witness of. YOU make the crooked paths
straight, and level even the steepest hills. My feet are
guided by YOUR Light, and my heart listens to YOUR
Voice. I will walk and be renewed by YOUR
Spirit each day. My lips declare YOUR Name, Exalted and
Lifted High, Forever and Amen
"Knowing
the Heart of God!" Acts 28:27
For the heart (the understanding, the soul) of this people has grown dull (stupid, hardened, and calloused), and their ears are heavy and hard of hearing and they have shut tight their eyes, so that they may not perceive and have knowledge and become acquainted with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their souls and turn [to Me and be converted], that I may heal them. Inspired by God's Spirit, Luke records here of Paul addressing man's defiant nature, of being obstinate towards receiving the WORD of Truth. A very dangerous attitude to have, yet so many without knowing, are living this very life which Paul speaks of. Whereas, not only are there unbelievers who live in resistance, of seeing and hearing the Truth of God, but also there are also Believers who have tightly 'shut' the 'eyes and ears' of their hearts to God's Spirit. Paul was actually addressing those who claimed to love God, even worshipping HIM by ritual and tradition according to the Law. Many that day believed in Christ, yet there were many more who refused to acknowledge HIM as Messiah and God's Son. A great number of people, never fully realized the desire of God's heart, a character and nature that is foreign and thought to be unknowable.
The message which Christ brought to earth, was one that defined the depths of God's Love for fellowship and guidance for those who will receive it. With a heart convicted of sin, one's need for forgiveness and the HOPE of a Savior WHO redeems us from the stronghold of darkness. Of those who confess and repent of their ways, God's WORD says that HE calls them Sons and Daughters. Heirs and joint-heirs with Christ of an inheritance, receiving Holy Spirit WHO reveals those long hidden mysteries of God's heart. To hear and see this Truth as it is continually being revealed by HIS Spirit, Believers will grow in the Grace and Knowledge of Christ. Faithful to seek HIS Divine Will and Purpose, that of Declaring that HIS Kingdom is near, even now living within us, the very depth of God's heart revealed by HIS WORD, Alive, Flourishing and Prospering in our lives. O'Lord, my
soul desires to hear and see the deepest thoughts and
ways of YOUR heart. I have been drawn by YOUR Spirit to
search the depths of YOUR WORD, finding YOUR Truth to be Life
and Victory. I long to sit at YOUR feet and hear YOUR Voice
speak of those things kept close to YOUR heart. Reveal
them by YOUR Spirit to others who also long to know YOU
intimately. Amen
"Becoming a Pursuer!" 1 Peter
3:11 Let him turn away from wickedness and shun it, and let him do right. Let him search for peace (harmony; undisturbedness from fears, agitating passions, and moral conflicts) and seek it eagerly. [Do not merely desire peaceful relations with God, with your fellowmen, and with yourself, but pursue, go after them!] Luke records in Luke 24:12, that Peter 'QUICKly' left the room where the disciples were gathered praying together, 3 days after Jesus had been crucified and buried in the grave. Upon hearing the report from the women who had just returned from the empty tomb, many of these disciples were in unbelief, because they had not completely understood Christ' WORDs with their heart. All too many times, it is much easier to acknowledge God's WORD with our minds from an intellectual viewpoint, yet the 'TRUTH' must infiltrate our heart, where a deep and lasting impact will be made upon our lives. Only 3 days earlier, it was this same Peter, who denied that he even knew Jesus, much less 'Confessing' that he was a 'FOLLOWER'. Luke also records that it was this same Peter, who after receiving the 'Fullness of Holy Spirit', on the Day of Pentecost, boldly and courageously 'Proclaims' Christ Jesus as mankind's Savior and Redeemer. Peter had earlier only 'Followed' along with Christ in his mind, but until he concluded in his 'heart' this TRUTH, Christ Jesus IS the 'Way, the TRUTH and the Life', only then did he 'Pursue or CHASE' after HIM with everything, his HEART, SOUL, MIND and STRENGTH!!! Coming into that fulfilling position of 'FAITH' such as is recorded of Peter, I too must submit my 'heart' completely to God's Holy Spirit and become a 'PURSUER'. Proclaiming as did Peter, James, John and Paul that Christ Jesus is Lord, Resurrected and ALIVE! O'Lord, YOUR Spirit draws me deeply into YOUR Presence, where I can see and know YOUR Will and Purpose for my life. YOUR WORD says, 'more blessed are those who have not seen, yet they BELIEVE in ME'. I must then 'CHASE' after those who continue having not seen YOU nor do they believe in YOU as Lord and Savior. O'Lord, may I run 'QUICKLY' towards that 'Fire of YOUR Spirit', that with my lips I will 'CONFESS' YOU Reign forever in my heart, soul and mind. Burn within me, YOUR Holy Fire! Amen
'A Warrior's Daily Journal'Thursday April 16, 2009 (22 Nissan 5769) "Unity
Manifests in Devotion!" Matthew 6:1-18 (Amplified Bible)And whenever you are fasting, do not look gloomy and sour and dreary like the hypocrites, for they put on a dismal countenance, that their fasting may be apparent to and seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full already. But when you fast, perfume your head and wash your face, So that your fasting may not be noticed by men but by your Father, Who sees in secret; and your Father, Who sees in secret, will reward you in the open. These WORDs were spoken by Christ immediately after HE lead HIS disciples in a prayer that is refered to as 'The Lord's Prayer'. The Lord's WORD are reminders of how we must maintain our relationship with HIM. As HE was providing for us an example of prayer, Christ was also teaching an important TRUTH about Devotion. Following HIS example, of seeking God in that quiet and secret place, is rewarding, deepening our relationship with HIM. Believers must take these WORDs as instruction, understanding the depth of God's desire to answer our prayers and reward those who are Faithful. We must realize the urgency in dedicating the time to communicate those things which our heart deems needful. We will see a manifestation of God's Power in our lives through Fasting and Prayer, and we will be RESTORED in Unity, both with our heavenly Father and our fellowship with other Believers. Our prayer for correction and direction, must be at the forefront of our plea, and our Faithfulness to HIS Will becoming evident in our Devotion to HIM. Our love for our Brothers and Sisters will be strengthened, and HIS Kingdom's work will move forward unhindered! O'Lord, YOUR Will for me, is to be Faithful and Obedient as I seek to Honor and Glorify YOU. My heart belongs to YOU, my soul, YOURs for eternity. Show me YOUR Power and Might, for YOUR Glory surrounds me, bearing Light in the darkest night. Look upon YOUR servant with Mercy, as my heart longs to see YOUR Kingdom advance, Amen
'A Warrior's Daily Journal'Wednesday April 15, 2009 (21 Nissan 5769) "Inaugurial Declaration!" Hebrews 2:8-9 (Amplified Bible)For You have put everything in subjection under his feet. Now in putting everything in subjection to man, He left nothing outside [of man's] control. But at present we do not yet see all things subjected to him [man]. But we are able to see Jesus, Who was ranked lower than the angels for a little while, crowned with glory and honor because of His having suffered death, in order that by the grace (unmerited favor) of God [to us sinners] He might experience death for every individual person. God's WORD is revealed to those whose hearts are surrendered and are in complete subjection to Holy Spirit. Their eyes and ears having been fully opened to the Truth, seeking above all else, to see the manifest Glory of Christ Jesus, ruling and reigning Triumphantly and Victoriously over every inhabitant of heaven and earth. A Divine Declaration has been issued and Decreed. Every king and kingdom will soon fade away. The dominions and governments of mankind will be replaced with the complete and total Rule and Reign of the Kingdom and Government of our Sovereign Lord Christ Jesus. What the Old Testament Prophets and New Testament Apostles and Disciples heard and saw, is recorded within the pages of God's inerrant and infalliable WORD. Promises of Eternal consequence, based entirely upon God's Grace and Mercy, freely given to all who will humbly submit to HIS Son. Believers in Christ have made preparations in their hearts, receiving these Promises with Joy and Thanksgiving. Settling for Eternity, the destiny of their souls. As the writer of Hebrews notes, those who have received God's Spirit, have been legally adopted as Sons and Daughters of a Kingdom that will endure throughout all Eternity. Inhabitants that have committed their lives to the Authority and Power of One WHO conquered death, rose in Victory and awaits that day when HE will Judge all things. Those who are subject only to the King of kings, have been given the rightful commission, Authority and Power as Ambassadors to Declare the Good News with such fervor and zeal, that every heart must hear and know that Salvation and Eternal Life has been purchased with the Precious Blood of the Lamb of God. O'Lord, my soul longs for YOUR return,
where every knee will bow and every tongue confess that YOU
are Lord. Prepare my heart to boldly Proclaim YOUR Gospel,
that transforms those whose hearts are held captive in the
kingdom of darkness. Open their eyes and ears to the Spirit of
Truth. YOU have Triumphed over every enemy, and surely YOU are
Lord and Master of heaven and earth, Amen
"Reconciled through
Resurrection!" Romans 5:9-11
Therefore, since we are now justified (acquitted, made righteous, and brought into right relationship with God) by Christ's blood, how much more [certain is it that] we shall be saved by Him from the indignation and wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, it is much more [certain], now that we are reconciled, that we shall be saved (daily delivered from sin's dominion) through His [resurrection] life. Not only so, but we also rejoice and exultingly glory in God [in His love and perfection] through our Lord Jesus Christ, through Whom we have now received and enjoy [our] reconciliation. As Believers in Christ, we must always remember that before we were Reconciled to our Father God through Christ Jesus, we were considered as HIS ENEMY. Enemies of both Truth and the very Cross upon which Christ paid the ransom for our souls, with HIS Life.Being an ENEMY of God is truly a difficult WORD for anyone to comprehend, much less accept when describing themself. Yet, it was the Cross and an empty grave that changed that over 2000 year ago. God's WORD tells us that Christ LOVEs us so much, that while we were STILL an ENEMY of HIS Father, HE Lovingly and Sacrificially died for us, SO THAT WE COULD LIVE! Without knowing Christ and the Truth of HIS death and Rresurrection, none can be saved from the Wrath of a Holy and Righteous God. It is by HIS Grace that we are saved, and by HIS Mercy are we able to Rejoice and have fellowship with our Father and HIS Son. God LOVES HIS Creation and HIS Will is that ALL mankind Joyfully receive this Reconciliation and Redemption with Thanksgiving and Praise, which is offered through HIS Son, our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus! O'Lord, guide my heart as I desire to know YOUR Thoughts and Ways. YOUR Spirit has transformed me from an enemy to a son, an heir and joint-heir with Christ. Grant me both boldness and courage to speak YOUR WORDs of Life to those whose ears have not heard the Good News. Prepare their hearts to receive the Greatest Gift that brings Comfort and Peace to their weary soul. May YOU be Exalted and Praised forever and ever! Amen
'A Warrior's Daily Journal'Monday April 13, 2009 (19 Nissan 5769) "Follow
HIM Who LIVES!" Colossians 2:8-10 (Amplified Bible)See to it that no one carries you off as spoil or makes you yourselves captive by his so-called philosophy and intellectualism and vain deceit (idle fancies and plain nonsense), following human tradition (men's ideas of the material rather than the spiritual world), just crude notions following the rudimentary and elemental teachings of the universe and disregarding [the teachings of] Christ (the Messiah). For in Him the whole fullness of Deity (the Godhead) continues to dwell in bodily form [giving complete expression of the divine nature]. And you are in Him, made full and having come to fullness of life [in Christ you too are filled with the Godhead--Father, Son and Holy Spirit--and reach full spiritual stature]. And He is the Head of all rule and authority [of every angelic principality and power]. We as Believers in Christ must stand steadfast in our faith, knowing Jehovah God is the one and only TRUE God!!!There are many traditions and false religions that lead their followers to worship a false god who is dead. Many will even worship someone who is still alive, confusing their minds with deep and vainless philosophies. Christ asked, "Why look for the living among the dead?" We are to worship the TRUE Jehovah God and HIS Son who is alive, Christ Jesus. Is it not a basic principle that sheep will only follow their master's voice? A dead shepherd leaves nothing for his sheep to remember him by. Before Christ Jesus, the Great Shepherd, ascended to the right hand of God's Throne, HE gave HIS Disciples Holy Spirit, to counsel and guide us each day. I will follow HIM in all HIS ways, listening to HIS voice, for HE will teach me to know and understand all things concerning the Truth of God and HIS Everlasting WORD. I will know and understand HIS Authority. Seeing HIS manifest Power, keeping me safe and secure, from all evil that surrounds me. O'Lord, YOU are alive in me, direct me each day with YOUR WORDs of Life. Show me great and mighty things that my eyes have never seen. Speak Truth to my ears, that my heart may know YOU and YOUR Ways. With a Voice of Triumph will I Declare YOUR Grace and Mercy. To YOU my King, all Honor and Praise to YOUR Holy Name! Amen
'A Warrior's Daily Journal'Friday April 10, 2009 (16 Nissan 5769) "Resurrection Living!" 2 Corinthians 4:8-12 (Amplified Bible)We are hedged in (pressed) on every side [troubled and oppressed in every way], but not cramped or crushed; we suffer embarrassments and are perplexed and unable to find a way out, but not driven to despair; We are pursued (persecuted and hard driven), but not deserted [to stand alone]; we are struck down to the ground, but never struck out and destroyed; Always carrying about in the body the liability and exposure to the same putting to death that the Lord Jesus suffered, so that the [resurrection] life of Jesus also may be shown forth by and in our bodies. For we who live are constantly [experiencing] being handed over to death for Jesus' sake, that the [resurrection] life of Jesus also may be evidenced through our flesh which is liable to death. Thus death is actively at work in us, but [it is in order that [our] life [may be actively at work] in you. Paul speaks of Resurrection Life that is continually at work in me each day, revealing this Truth, that through the death of Christ Jesus, I have also been raised from death and that sinful nature which was before at work within my heart.Alive in Christ, Believers are always carrying the memory of Jesus' death. Each day I must listen to God's Spirit, HIS Power that resurrected Christ from the grave. Like Paul, I too Proclaim that I am Victorious over those afflictions, persecutions and trials by the Blood of the Lamb and the WORD of Testimony. In Christ, my strength is renewed each day, to continue Faithfully living and growing in my knowledge of Truth, speaking of all that I know of Christ Jesus and the sacrifice of Love that HE made on Calvary over 2000 year ago. Knowing that HE Lives, brings all the more Peace and Joy, filling my heart with HIS Love, overflowing into the lives of other Believers, to work in ways that bring Glory and Honor to God, my heavenly Father. O'Lord, my Life is in YOU and brings gladness to my soul. Because YOU are alive in me, I will live and not die. Pressed but never crushed, Persecuted but never abandoned, Struck down but never destroyed. YOU have conquered and defeated every foe, that all who will receive YOU as Savior, Lord and King, they shall live in Victory and receive a Crown of Life. Faithfully I will live my days, to the Praise, Honor and Glory of YOUR Holy Name! Amen
'A Warrior's Daily Journal'Thursday April 9, 2009 (15 Nissan 5769) "This
House Will be Filled!" John 12:3 (Amplified Bible)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. I truly believe the Body of Christ has entered into the 'Latter Days', where the Lord is positioning HIS Faithful to receive the Fragrant OutPouring of Holy Spirit. An aroma so pleasing in HIS nostrils, a Spiritual Cleansing and Purifying of those Chosen to fulfill HIS Good and Perfect Will.Unless we begin to utilize the fullness of Power we have been given by the Lord, then and only then will our Testimony begin producing the intended 'fruit' of our labors in the fields 'white with harvest'. Viewed as a ceremonial jesture of her Devotion and Love for Jesus, Mary took the most precious thing she possessed, a bottle of expensive and fragrant oil, and lavishly poured it upon the feet of our Savior. I can almost smell the fragrance in the house, as in my mind I picture this scene. The house in which the Disciples were gathered, I believe is a figurative comparison to the Body of Christ. As Believers commit to following HIM, our lives are given in service, knowing the full price that Christ paid for our souls. For it is sure now, as was then, that some who do not understand, will voice their opposition and resentment, to the omnious fact that our Lord desires that we display our Love for HIM, such as Mary did. The house which the Lord built, contains all that is of HIM. Believers know that their bodies are the temple of Holy Spirit. Anointed and separated for service, Cleansed and Purified for the completion of HIS Perfect Will throughout the earth. Believers have been Anointed with the same Power which raised Christ Jesus from the grave. To Live and Testify of HIS Love for those who wander hopelessly lost outside HIS Courtyard of Praise. O'Lord, YOU gave YOUR Life that I might know YOU and Live. Given Power from on High, that I may speak Declarations of Life over that which is dead. All my Praises belong to YOU, and at YOUR Precious feet do I bow in humble Adoration. Fill this house with YOUR Oil of Righteousness, such a Pleasing Aroma that others will see and know that I have given YOU my life. Amen
'A Warrior's Daily Journal'Wednesday April 8, 2009 (14 Nissan 5769) "Rejoice
as Overcomers!" Romans 8:35-37 (Amplified Bible)Who shall ever separate us from Christ's love? Shall suffering and affliction and tribulation? Or calamity and distress? Or persecution or hunger or destitution or peril or sword? Even as it is written, For Thy sake we are put to death all the day long; we are regarded and counted as sheep for the slaughter. Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us I CHOOSE the road less traveled, the one Christ said would lead to me into HIS righteousness, running and finishing the course which Paul assures me will end in Victory, receiving a Crown of Eternal Life from my Lord.Having a Covenant with God, requires Faith in HIS Provision of a Redeemer and Savior, Christ Jesus. Living daily in Obedience to HIS WILL, a plan and purpose outlined for my life throughout HIS WORD. As I now Live and Prosper because HIS Life manifests within and through me. It is HIS Promise that all who remain Faithful will be raised up with HIM on that beautiful day. A day that is soon coming, when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Christ Jesus is Lord, to the Glory and Honor of our Father, and every eye will behold HIS Majesty and Splendor. Then eternity will be as HE revealed to John in Revelation 2:10; ....Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. Rejoice, count it all joy and remain Faithful in suffering for the Name of Christ, believing that HIS Resurrection is Victory for the UNDefeated, an eternal reward worth pursuing! Believers must, without fear or hesitation, continue to Declare and Proclaim the Kingdom message. The days ahead may be treacherous, and many may suffer greatly for the cause of Christ. Many souls hang in the delicate balance of Eternity, yet HE bore the weight of Judgement for our sin, giving HIS Love to all who choose to Faithfully follow HIM. O'Lord, each day direct my life in YOUR WILL, cause my heart to hunger and thirst for more of YOU. Find me remaining faithful and true, testifying of HIM who sits at YOUR Right Hand. Everlasting to Everlasting will HIS Name be Praised, Hosanna in the Highest, YOUR Kingdom is established forever and ever, Amen
'A Warrior's Daily Journal'Tuesday April 7, 2009 (13 Nissan 5769) "Serve
HIM with Gladness!" Acts 20:22-24 (Amplified Bible)And now, you see, I am going to Jerusalem, bound by the [Holy] Spirit and obligated and compelled by the [convictions of my own] spirit, not knowing what will befall me there-- Except that the Holy Spirit clearly and emphatically affirms to me in city after city that imprisonment and suffering await me. But none of these things move me; neither do I esteem my life dear to myself, if only I may finish my course with joy and the ministry which I have obtained from [which was entrusted to me by] the Lord Jesus, faithfully to attest to the good news (Gospel) of God's grace (His unmerited favor, spiritual blessing, and mercy). I must have asked myself hundreds of times, would I continue SERVING Christ with JOY and ZEAL, if I knew that such suffering and future persecutions were awaiting me as it was for those early 1st century apostles and disciples? How could I be a moocher or a worthless servant, flagrantly gobbling up all the good things of God, both the Gracious outpouring of HIS abundance and also the Kindness of my brothers and sisters who serve HIM continually and completely with such determination? Think how it feels to know that there are Believers such as the Apostle Paul, giving their very lives each and everyday in service to Christ and HIS Kingdom. Not once looking back with regret, that they have Faithfully served our Lord and Savior in their duties! Am I not the least bit concerned, that there are some who profess to be children of God, who seem to be just tagging along, lapping up the goodness and favor from others, and never once making a sacrifice of their own for the Kingdom of God? I will not question the Master, of the talent(s) which I have been given or the lack thereof, when HE gave to other servants 5, 10 or even more. I must take what HE has given me, be Thankful, and go about my duty of serving HIM in Obedience and with Determination! It could be that HE knows more about what I will do with what HE has given, therefore HIS Promise of Increase will I receive with Gladness, and be willing to use them as Holy Spirit directs me. O'Lord, I desire to be faithful to YOU, and strive to serve YOU completely to my death. Not that I am looking for my own reward, but that YOU will see increase into YOUR Kingdom. Each time I remember YOUR sacrifice made for my soul, I willingly bow at YOUR feet in adoration, humility and praise. El Shaddai! YOU supply my every need. YOU alone will I worship and serve all the days of my life, Forever and Amen
'A Warrior's Daily Journal'Monday April 6, 2009 (12 Nissan 5769) "Language that Brings
Life!" John 6:63 (Amplified Bible)(Jesus speaking) It is the Spirit Who gives life [He is the Life-giver]; the flesh conveys no benefit whatever [there is no profit in it]. The words (truths) that I have been speaking to you are spirit and life. John the Apostle records Christ Jesus confronting those who heard HIS WORDs and were confused and offended by them, complaining and grumbling that HIS WORDs were uncomprehendable. Knowing many would turn away from following HIM, after finding it too difficult to understand HIS Authority, Christ reveals an even deeper TRUTH concerning HIS Spirit. There is ONLY ONE God, the REAL God WHO created the heavens and the earth, and all that are contained in them. Ordaining HIS Spirit to keep a Diligent and Eternal watch over each and every part of God's WORD, an ongoing conversation exists today even as it did during Jesus' day, and will forevermore exist. Jesus spoke of those things which HE heard spoken in heaven, a dialogue of WORDs which men's hearts found too difficult to understand, yet all LIFE began with God, HIS WORD and Holy Spirit conversing in WORDs which John writes later were unutterable and many would be unable to bear them. As there are many languages on the earth, there is ONLY ONE language spoken in heaven, and it is ONLY God's Spirit WHO can interpret that to any man, particularly the Revelation of Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God. That so many would turn away from following Christ in HIS day, lends itself to the TRUTH that as then and is today, without Holy Spirit man's vocabulary is limited and finite in comparison to that of God's, thus carnal understanding and knowledge are limited, and it is that which Christ states is unprofitable for HIS Kingdom. Intercession of Holy Spirit, confirms not only the Authority of Christ, but also the Authority of God's inerrant and infallible WORD, translating to my heart where no earthly language can accurately express HIS TRUTHs revealed from heaven which are necessary for LIFE. O'Lord, YOUR WORD is the Bread of Life, that fills my heart with abundance and overflow. YOUR Spirit speaks Truth which my ears must hear, guiding me to walk in YOUR Way each day. YOU are the ONE and ONLY God WHO gives Eternal Life, providing Forgiveness, Redemption and Salvation. Use me to Boldly Proclaim YOUR Majestic Glory and Righteousness, opening blind eyes to see YOU as Everlasting Light. Overcoming darkness with Joy and Peace that passes all understanding, All Praise to YOUR Holy Name. YOUR Kingdom is established and WILL Reign Forever, Amen
|
