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FirePOWER! |
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'Spiritual FUEL for the
Soul'
The Agape Letters
Ministry Newsletter
Hebrews 12:29 (Amplified Bible)
For our God [is indeed] a consuming
fire.
'A Warrior's Daily Journal'Monday March 30, 2009 (5 Nissan 5769) "Confrontation!" Acts 22:14 (Amplified Bible)And he said, The God of our forefathers has destined and appointed you to come progressively to know His will [to perceive, to recognize more strongly and clearly, and to become better and more intimately acquainted with His will], and to see the Righteous One (Jesus Christ, the Messiah), and to hear a voice from His [own] mouth and a message from His [own] lips; Luke records Paul's confession, as he gave testimony to his encounter with the Lord. 'Confrontation' with the Truth, stirred his hardened heart to either accept or resist Christ Jesus as Lord. Paul confesses to having audibly heard the Lord's voice. As Holy Spirit spoke through the lips of an Obedient Believer named Ananias. This latter boldness of the Apostle Paul encourages me, where standing before those who accused him of blasphemy, it is Holy Spirit who gives strength and courage to defend his Faith in Christ as the Redeeming WORK of God. Acts 22:20 (Amplified Bible) And when the blood of Your witness (martyr) Stephen was shed, I also was personally standing by and consenting and approving and guarding the garments of those who slew him. As Stephen had been stoned for Proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah and God's Son, Paul was also facing persecution, as he stood boldly and confidently speaking of God's Truth to those who by choice would not listen to God's Voice. Even though God's WORD is proclaimed throughout the world, there will be many who will despise and reject Christ, even persecute those who speak the Truth. Yet I see how God was Faithful many times to deliver Paul from the hands of those who sought to kill him, that this Message of Hope and Redemption through Christ Jesus would advance far beyond the ears of the Jews only, reaching also to the Gentile nations and the entire world. When Confronted with the Truth, the enduring Gospel of Christ that must be Boldly Proclaimed to ears that are eager to hear and receive God's revelation of Salvation and Eternal Life through HIS Son, Christ Jesus. O'Lord, upon my heart YOUR desire is made
sure, by YOUR Spirit will my hands labor in Faith. All I have
belongs to YOU, and in YOUR Loving Hands, lay my soul for
eternity. Use me today, Father I pray, to be YOUR Witness of
TRUTH and Light, so others may find YOUR Love. YOUR Spirit of
Power, continues to move over the darkness which veils the
hearts of men and by YOUR WORD do YOU reveal YOUR Son as King
of Glory, Mighty and Everlasting. My KNOWing is found in YOU
alone, O'Lord,
Amen
"Desiring to Know God's
heart!" Ephesians 3:20 Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]-- As I awake each morning, from the physical sleep which restores my body with strength, it must also be that my spirit(mind, will and emotions) receives 'ReNewed Strength' as did King David, where he desired within his heart to please God. My 'awakening' to what the 'Heart of God' truly means, came many years ago, and as I found what 'Desiring All of HIM' is, then nothing that I could ask, dream or even hope for of God could be 'TOO BIG'! Reading Paul's account of the ongoing 'WORK' of Holy Spirit, God's Power which brings new 'Light' into areas deep within my heart, it became both of 'Knowing and Experiencing' God, in ways that I had never known nor experienced before. Where King David had none to serve other than God, it was his desire in seeking God's 'heart' which brought 'Blessing' of strength, length of days and above all else, 'Knowing' HIM in a depth of knowing which exceeded his own comprehension. The Son has 'Risen' upon my face, and I must set my face towards HIM, as did King David and the Apostle Paul, in that everything I desire of God, begins with 'Desiring HIM'. Many will awake this morning, without knowledge of HIS Son, Christ Jesus, and it is God's deepest 'Desire' that 'All of HIM' be made 'KNOWN' to their hearts and minds, by the preaching and teaching of the Eternal Gospel. O'Lord, upon my heart
YOUR desire is made sure, by YOUR Spirit will my hands labor
in Faith. All I have belongs to YOU, and in YOUR Loving Hands,
lay my soul for eternity. Use me today, Father I pray, to be
YOUR Witness of TRUTH and Light, so others may find YOUR Love.
YOUR Spirit of Power, continues to move over the darkness
which veils the hearts of men and by YOUR WORD do YOU reveal
YOUR Son as King of Glory, Mighty and Everlasting. My KNOWing
is found in YOU alone, O'Lord, Amen
"So the Blind might SEE!" Ephesians 1:7-10 In Him we have redemption (deliverance and salvation) through His blood, the remission (forgiveness) of our offenses (shortcomings and trespasses), in accordance with the riches and the generosity of His gracious favor, Which He lavished upon us in every kind of wisdom and understanding (practical insight and prudence), Making known to us the mystery (secret) of His will (of His plan, of His purpose). [And it is this:] In accordance with His good pleasure (His merciful intention) which He had previously purposed and set forth in Him, [He planned] for the maturity of the times and the climax of the ages to unify all things and head them up and consummate them in Christ, [both] things in heaven and things on the earth. For centuries, students of Prophetic Revelation have studied both the Old Testament books of Daniel and Ezekiel, and the Book of Revelation, each describing God's Judgment upon mankind. Only a few have truly received divine inspiration in their interpretation, as opposed to a growing number who continue in contradiction to God's overall Plan and Purpose for the Redemption of man's soul. Through the inspiration and divine counsel of Holy Spirit, Paul instructs Believers, those men and women of Faith having been adopted as Kingdom Sons and Daughters in the Body of Christ, to the intricate details which ultimately lead us towards the fulfillment and fateful climax of mankind's existence and eternal destiny. Surely we who long for the visible manifestation of God's Power, seek earnestly to hear HIS Voice and be guided towards maturity, especially during these days and hours when darkness encroaches upon territory that has been Redeemed from the kingdom of darkness. Prophetic revelation from Holy Spirit is given for the advancement and establishment of God's Kingdom within our hearts. Where gaining the Precious Gift of Discernment, the Spiritual insight into the mystery of HIS Purpose, Plan and Will, must be released in Obedience. Believers in Christ must pursue with abandon, every Divine impartation of Wisdom and Understanding, for the souls of many continue to hang in the balance, awaiting to hear the Gospel of Christ Jesus. The message is clear, our Lord and Savior, the Bridegroom is soon to return, and Believers must be busy in the Father's WORK of Declaring Redemption to the multitudes who are lost and sightless of the unfolding reality of Eternity in HIS Glorious Presence.
O'Lord, YOU keep a viligent watch over YOUR WORD that
YOUR Purpose and Will be accomplished. May I be found Faithful
to Declare YOUR Mercy and Grace in this hour,
Amen
"Ruined for the
Master!" Acts 26:18 (Jesus speaking) To open their eyes that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may thus receive forgiveness and release from their sins and a place and portion among those who are consecrated and purified by faith in Me. I would dare to say, that this single sentence spoken by Christ Jesus over 2000 years ago, has led many to realize their wretched state, and cry out to the Lord for HIS forgiveness. Adding that, HIS Spirit burning deep within their hearts, directs them to leave behind both their present agony and despair, and press onward in Faith, knowing and declaring that their life now belongs to a different master. As Paul stood before an earthly king on this day, he confessed his allegiance to another King, ONE who reigned over every part of his life. There was never before a single persecutor of the Body of Christ quite like Saul of Tarsus, yet in an instant, the twinkling of an eye, his very life was transformed by this one sentence. Those who would criticize sincere confessions during times of distress, need only to read of the accounts of Peter or Paul and Silas, and find that Proclaiming Christ as Lord and Master, as a King who Rules and Reigns over every part of their life, must be then be silent, listen and be convinced of the miracle. Declaring the supernatural transformation which took place when God's Spirit intervened in my own life is also a miracle, being the core and foundation of my confession of Faith which imparts a whole new perspective on who controls Life, and the path I have taken since that day and until death. Regardless of the specific time or date of one's bold confession of allegiance to Christ Jesus, it then becomes our responsibility, as it was for Paul on that day, to Declare and Proclaim our transformation with such exhuberance and zeal, that many will then know and realize we are now captives only to the Authority and Power of Holy Spirit. Completely ruined for the Cause of Christ.
O'Lord, speak YOUR WORDs of Truth through my lips which
desire to Honor YOU alone. Cause those whose ears hear my
confession, to be drawn to YOU by Holy Spirit. Impart
upon their hearts a deep hunger to know YOUR Gift of
Peace, exceeding all human comprehension and
understanding. Transform their heart and mind with the
anointing of YOUR Holy Fire in Power. Destroy every
burden that hinders and ruin them forever with a Passion and a
Zeal to live by Faith for their Lord and
Master, Amen
"The Unshakeable Kingdom!" Hebrews 12:11 For the time being no discipline brings joy, but seems grievous and painful; but afterwards it yields a peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it [a harvest of fruit which consists in righteousness--in conformity to God's will in purpose, thought, and action, resulting in right living and right standing with God]. The outcome of any discipline, specifically that in the life of a Believer from the hand of the Lord, is to produce the desired harvest, a pure and undefiled Fruit of Righteousness. Admonishment in the WORD by the writer of Hebrews, must be seen as a 'threshing floor', that process of separation necessary in conforming to God's Will and Purpose. Sometimes grievous and painful as it may be at the time, discipline has always and will continue to be the Lord's Way of training and equipping Kingdom Sons and Daughters. Developing the measure of maturity necessary for the mission in which they have been called and appointed. My own experiences with discipline from the Lord, has hopefully shaped me into the person HE ultimately desires. Often shaking me in such a Way as to break off those things which hinder my relationship with HIM. Yielding to HIM, I have learned many times a valuable lesson in the process. As this current 'shaking and sifting' is taking place, separating the desired 'wheat' from the tares that defiles the harvest, one sure Truth remains unchanged. The Kingdom of God stands forever as the only Unshakeable kingdom, into which many have desired to come, yet it has been the Lord's discipline that has been rejected and the 'threshing floor' will be littered with those who have refused to conform. Complete submission of all that is me, into the Loving hands of God, allows Holy Spirit to burn away the chaff according to the Lord's Purpose, and I will become the 'refined' commodity that is pleasing and so very precious in HIS eyes.
O'Lord, YOU discipline me as a Son in YOUR Kingdom, for
my life belongs to YOU alone. Carry me from this place of
shaking, and deliver me into YOUR storehouse which was
built upon Christ Jesus, the Solid Rock. YOUR Purpose is to
prepare me for the 'Fire', which will purify my heart for
Righteousness. My Joy is complete a I live each day in YOUR
Will, Obedient to follow YOUR Spirit as HE teaches
me the depths of Holiness and Truth,
Amen
"Kingdom of Light!" Colossians
1:12-14 Giving thanks to the Father, Who has qualified and made us fit to share the portion which is the inheritance of the saints (God's holy people) in the Light. [The Father] has delivered and drawn us to Himself out of the control and the dominion of darkness and has transferred us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, In Whom we have our redemption through His blood, [which means] the forgiveness of our sins. God's WORD reveals the character and nature of our relationship with HIM. Here, Paul shares the innermost Truth of the Gospel, having himself experienced the Transformation into the Kingdom of Light from the control and dominion of darkenss. As each day unfolds with the news of crumbling kingdoms and nations that are being shaken and ruined, it is in God's WORD that I find Comfort and Peace. Settling my heart with Good News, that the Kingdom of God endures forever and has no end. How else could Paul and those early Believers of the 1st century church continue in Faith, except for the knowledge that an inheritance awaited them. That Hope, fueled by the Power of God's Spirit, renewed their hearts and minds daily. With this knowledge, Believers today find that living in Freedom and Victory through the death, burial and resurrection of Christ Jesus, strengthens and also prompts us, as it did Paul and others, to Proclaim the Gospel with intense fervor and zeal. For in this life we have many trials and tribulations which will, if we allow, attempt to test and even undermine our Faith. Yet our Hope still rests in the unchanging message that Christ overcame this life, and offers Life in HIS Kingdom to all that will respond to the 'drawing' of Holy Spirit, as Paul describes. What greater Comfort is there to know, than that of the Truth, which is continually being revealed by God's Spirit. Of a Kingdom occupied by saints, operating in the fullness of both HIS Power and Authority. Manifesting the Glory of our Lord and Savior, as a vivid testimony to the Redemptive sacrifice which Christ offered, assuring Believers of Victory and Everlasting Life.
O'Lord, YOUR WORD draws me into a deeper
relationship, where I learn of YOUR heart's desire for my
life. Nothing else will ever surpass that knowledge, that YOUR
Kingdom stands forever, unchanging and unshaken. May I be
Faithful to Proclaim YOUR Gospel with zeal, believing that
others will find rest and safety in YOUR Kingdom of
Light. Amen
"Standing as a Witness of
TRUTH!" 2 Timothy
4:1-5 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. Paul, as a prisoner to the Gospel of Christ Jesus, gives a distinct and comprehensive outline of the duties and requirements for Believers in Christ, who are called by God into HIS service of ministry. He continues with a warning to us concerning those who oppose us, and also of those within the Body of Christ who will desert the fundamental teachings and beliefs of Faith. It is noteworthy, that Peter quite possibbly was in Rome about this time writing his 2nd letter, which also contains a warning for us of those who would be quick to oppose the TRUTH and persecute those chosen by God to teach and preach the Gospel of Christ. Increasing deception was infiltrating the Church, and both Paul and Peter were writing to us of this problem, which exists even today within the Body of Christ. Now, if 2 of the most recorded New Testament writers, seemingly near the end of their lives would revisit these charges against fellow believers, then the accounts must be TRUE. For it is required that at least 2 witnesses, as recorded by Paul and Peter, together they were giving coinciding testimonies against the same problem. Most notably though is this, if there be 3 witnesses, which may have included the Apostles Paul, Luke and Peter. Then the testimony is to be received as TRUTH by the reader!!! Why then today, as I read and study God's WORD, do those who have access to these same writings, not adhere and conform to this principle? Widely known as holding to TRUTH, where during the 1st century Church, Believers were called upon to respect God's Anointing upon the outspoken who preach and teach HIS message of Forgiveness, Redemption, Salvation and Hope. The Gospel of Christ Jesus, claims Eternal Life is gained by living righteously in the sight of Jehovah God, witnessed by HIS Son, Christ Jesus and Holy Spirit, a TRUTH defended over 2000 years by those who gave their lives to see the Gospel preserved. O'Lord, bear me up through these troubling days, that I may continue serving YOU without error. I continually confess and repent, as YOU have commanded, to be cleansed from all unrighteousness. To passionately proclaim YOUR Son, TRUTH and HOLINESS, speaking YOUR WORDs of Life in Obedience to YOU, Amen
'A Warrior's Daily Journal'Wednesday March 18, 2009 (22 Adar 5769) "A Purse of Riches!" Romans 2:4-5 (Amplified Bible)Or are you [so blind as to] trifle with and presume upon and despise and underestimate the wealth of His kindness and forbearance and long-suffering patience? Are you unmindful or actually ignorant [of the fact] that God's kindness is intended to lead you to repent (to change your mind and inner man to accept God's will)? But by your callous stubbornness and impenitence of heart you are storing up wrath and indignation for yourself on the day of wrath and indignation, when God's righteous judgment (just doom) will be revealed. As many will agree, change that is for the better is a good thing, and it is us who receives the benefits. Being made alive in Christ, supernaturally changes our lives from a state of staleness, into precious vessels, containing HIS Glory.Did not God take a 'sow's ear', possibly someone such as the Apostles Paul, Peter or even a sinner like me, and make a 'silk purse' which then is able to contain the good things that HE gives? God's Spirit transforms my heart and mind with an ever increasing Knowledge of Christ Jesus, building up wealth which exceeds any earthly riches. From a callous and indignant heart, our Glorious Father God is continually changing me by the renewing of my mind by HIS Spirit, into a vessel or purse that will actually contain the Wealth of HIS Kindness, Forbearance and long-suffering Patience, doing so out of HIS Love for me. Everyday, Believers are to take their talents given by the Lord, and invest them in such ways that the Kingdom of God flouishes in the midst of drought and famine. Paul urges me to seriously consider the value of being made the Righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, because nothing compares to the price HE paid for my soul on Calvary. Having emptied HIMself in order that I might inherit every spiritual treasure, surpassing earthly wealth which soon fades and becomes worthless. O'Lord, I am forever changed by YOUR Love, and I will Praise YOU all the days of my life. YOUR Spirit delivered TRUTH and purpose, to my thirsty soul which before was callous and dry. YOU are changing me into who YOU want me to be. I will Worship YOU with all that I have, because YOU gave me Life when I was dead, Amen
'A Warrior's Daily Journal'Tuesday March 17, 2009 (21 Adar 5769) "In This Hour!" John 12:27 (Amplified Bible)(Jesus speaking) Now My soul is troubled and distressed, and what shall I say? Father, save Me from this hour [of trial and agony]? But it was for this very purpose that I have come to this hour [that I might undergo it]. As we face each day's troubles and trials, often mere human words are inadequate to fully describe the agony and distress. We must then look to the WORDs of Jesus, to find the Comfort and Peace that our soul longs for. In comparison to the suffering which our Lord endured, our own times of discomfort and pain must draw us even closer to the reality of what Christ accomplished at Calvary. Where in HIS own body, HE bore our burdens and grief, and was Victorious. Were it not for our own Cross that we each must bear to be Followers of Christ, we would not have the Assurance and Hope which builds and strengthens our own Faith. In that hour of dire need, our prayer must be that our Obedience fulfills God's Plan and Purpose, crucifying in each of us of that which has hindered growth. That Seed which falls to the ground, must first die, in order that Life springs forth and produces an abundant harvest. This was a parable that Jesus used to effectively teach HIS disciples that Life can only come from those things which die. Our own sorrows last for only a season, as we are awakened by God's Spirit to the Light, destroying those dark clouds of oppression. Each day our future is met with the penetrating beams of the Son, rising in granduer and splendor, as our Conqueror. Having bought and paid for our eternity, with HIS Blood, which in that hour HE submitted completely to the Father's Will and was Obedient to HIS own death. In dying to our own way, we are Born Anew, given birth by God's Spirit, defeating the enemy that once held us captive and persecutes us through afflictions and trials of every kind. 1 John 5:4 For whatever is born of God is victorious over the world; and this is the victory that conquers the world, even our faith. It is then our Faith, fully knowing that Christ was willing to suffer greatly for our benefit, that we boldly stand as Victors over the domain of darkness. Given Power by God's Spirit to defeat the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and the pride of life. O'Lord, my soul longs for YOU, to know YOUR Ways which are higher and nobler than mine. Teach me YOUR Thoughts and direct my steps, that each day they may be Pleasing and Acceptable in YOUR sight. Establish YOUR Kingdom in my heart, for In This Hour, I submit my all to YOU, Amen
'A Warrior's Daily Journal'Monday March 16, 2009 (20 Adar 5769) "Kingdom Principle!" 2 Corinthians 5:21 (Amplified Bible)For our sake He made Christ [virtually] to be sin Who knew no sin, so that in and through Him we might become [endued with, viewed as being in, and examples of] the righteousness of God [what we ought to be, approved and acceptable and in right relationship with Him, by His goodness]. Paul, an Apostle and bondservant of Christ, received Counsel from Holy Spirit concerning the Truth of God's Kingdom. It is the Body of Christ, HIS church who is given the complete and everlasting inheritance of God's Kingdom, as heirs and joint-heirs with Christ, sharing both the responsibility and the rewards of Faithfullness and Obedience. The WORDs of Christ Jesus, spoken so plainly to those who questioned HIS Authority, give me Comfort and Peace, as a Believer who has received the same Spirit of God, as did the those disciples of the early church. Matthew 21:43 I tell you, for this reason the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce the fruits of it. By God's Authority, Christ Jesus is now seated at the Right Hand of our Heavenly Father, as King and Lord over all of heaven and earth. These WORDs of Christ are crucial and vitally important as instructions to HIS Believers who by appointment of The King, are to be adhered to and followed Obediently, Matthew 28:18-20 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Therefore, according to God's WORD, I am bound also as a servant, as was Paul the Apostle, under the Authority and Command of Christ Jesus, to bring Increase 'Into the Kingdom' of God, sharing the rewards and duties alongside those who diligently preach the Gospel Message of Salvation through Christ, King of kings, Lord of lords and Savior to all who will by Faith accept and Obey HIM until HE returns. O'Lord, YOUR WORDs burn deeply into my heart, commanded by YOUR Love, branded by YOUR Holy Fire. YOUR message of repentance is being proclaimed by those who have heard and in Obedience have accepted. YOU do not change, from Everlasting to everlasting, O'Lord, it is YOU who commands everything from YOUR Throne. I must do YOUR Will, declaring without hesitation, the Kingdom of God is at hand. I fall on my face and cry, Holy, Holy, Holy. YOUR Spirit of Holy Fire burns deep within me, Amen
'A Warrior's Daily Journal'Saturday March 14, 2009 (18 Adar 5769) "Faith is Victorious!" 1 John 5:4 (Amplified Bible)For whatever is born of God is victorious over the world; and this is the victory that conquers the world, even our faith. Believers in Christ are called to be witnesses of the Gospel of Christ, just as the Apostle John, I must remain steadfast in my Faith that Christ is exceedingly and abundantly able to do everything above and beyond anything that I could ever Hope or Ask for. Why are so many believers unable to 'See' the Victory that Christ has already attained for us through HIS death and resurrection? Sometimes I look around and see that many believerss have too many 'things of life' which distract them, for them to experience the fullness of Life that they now have in Christ Jesus. 'Seeing' those things which only Holy Spirit can reveal to me as a Believer in Christ, rests not upon HIS Power and Authority, because they are eternal and unquestionable, but rather upon my measure of Faith and Desire to 'SEE' HIS Will done in my Life. God's WORD says 'All things are POSSIBLE with God!', where I believe HIS WORD to be TRUTH requires a great Faith on my part to 'SEE' those 'things' becoming reality, but it also requires me to be Obedient to ASK HIM for the 'Abundance and Overflow' which I am entitled to as part of my 'Inheritance' I have now as a 'Citizen of HIS Kingdom'. I must diligently seek HIS Glory and Honor in all that I am, all that I have and all that I ever HOPE to be, in order that HIS Will be accomplished here on the earth 'NOW' as it is and will forever be in heaven, not at some vague or obscure place or time in the future. HE ordains my footsteps and the footsteps of HIS Faithful, to be traveled into that future, yet it is my Faith in and Obedience to HIM, and never by the works of my hands. These Promises belong to Believer's NOW, being fulfilled in us through Christ Jesus and God's Spirit, manifesting HIS Glory and POWER in our lives. O'Lord, New Life in YOU is a Promise YOU have fulfilled, now I must live and walk everyday by YOUR Spirit. All things will pass away, but YOUR WORD never will, where only YOU are the Way, the Truth and the Life, it is YOUR WORDs that I believe and must tell others about. I ask for a double outpouring of YOUR Spirit upon my life, for in these troubled and treacherous days ahead, that I will be used Mightily and Powerfully by YOU, for YOU alone will receive all of my Honor, Glory and Praise. Holy, Holy, HOLY, are YOU, O'Lord, As YOU are in heaven and in all the earth, Amen
'A Warrior's Daily Journal'Wednesday March 11, 2009 (15 Adar 5769) "Personality Development!" Ephesians 4:13 (Amplified Bible)[That it might develop] until we all attain oneness in the faith and in the comprehension of the [full and accurate] knowledge of the Son of God, that [we might arrive] at really mature manhood (the completeness of personality which is nothing less than the standard height of Christ's own perfection), the measure of the stature of the fullness of the Christ and the completeness found in Him. As Believers we each should desire an increasing knowledge of Christ Jesus, and personally I find these WORDs of Paul as affirmation that he devoted the remainder of his life to longing for and teaching about the 'Fullness and Completion' that could be attained through uncompromising 'Faith'. Teaching of God's Presence and Power, available to all who accept and receive Christ as Savior and Redeemer, it is Holy Spirit who develops within every Believer's heart, a mature understanding of God's Everlasting TRUTH and Source of Salvation. Open and defiant rejection of God's WORD, only leads down the pathway of eternal destruction, and one's soul is guilty of a transgression that is reprehensible in HIS sight. Righteousness of God, which is found only in Christ Jesus, brings one's soul into that 'Oneness in Faith' which was both a witness and testimony of while he lived, declaring this Truth to all who desired to mature in Faith. Before his Damascus road experience with the Lord, Paul was inadequately prepared in his repetitious memorization of scripture to recognize God's Presence and Power. As Paul continued to submit himself to the revealing WORK of Holy Spirit, his character and personality developed into Christ-likeness. My own 'Transformation' is a WORK to be developed into 'maturity', receiving continuous counsel from Holy Spirit each day, drawing me ever closer to that measure of perfection, made possible only through Christ. O'Lord, my soul has been bought with
YOUR Son's Precious Blood, which has been sprinkled upon that
altar for my forgiveness. HIS sacrifice offers reconciliation
and restoration, to my soul which was wrought with guilt and
unrighteousness. By YOUR Grace, was YOUR Mercy given, so
bountiful and free. In my heart I desire to receive from YOU,
both YOUR Presence and Power through Holy Spirit. YOU manifest
a Completeness that I could never attain, yet by Faith, I
receive YOUR Fullness in and through HIM. Teach me by YOUR
WORD, more of YOUR Righteousness that I may live Holy and
Acceptable in YOUR Sight, O'Lord. I shall Praise YOU forevever
with all that I am,
Amen
"Confident Expectation!" 2Corinthians 10:15
We do not boast therefore, beyond our proper limit, over other men's labors, but we have the hope and confident expectation that as your faith continues to grow, our field among you may be greatly enlarged, still within the limits of our commission, The Apostle Paul expresses his HOPE to those who read his letter to the Corinthians, a Confident Expectation that as our FAITH continues to grow, others might hear the Good News of Salvation and Redemption of Christ Jesus.Previous mention of those who measured themselves by their own works, Paul identifies that the WORK he is Commisioned for, is the WORK of God's Spirit, transforming our thoughts and actions to align with those of Jesus. As Paul reminds us of the ongoing spiritual battle for the hearts, minds and ultimately the souls of men, he urges us to be prepared for every advance of the enemy. Holy Spirit had directed Paul and his traveling companions many times, averting them from dangers that threatened to overtake them. Declaring the Kingdom of God, and the TRUTH about the fulfillment of a Promised Savior, Paul dared not boast about other men's labors, but with Confidence assures us that the Gospel he preached Glorified only Christ Jesus. That must also be our testimony, that in all that we say and do, brings Glory and Honor to our LORD, our Savior WHO Redeemed us with HIS Precious LIFE giving Blood. It is this message that Paul desired others to know of, and what he urges us today to also strive for more than our own recognition. O'LORD, I will follow YOU all the days of my life, for I am alive in YOU to serve and Obey. Good News to the broken and downcast, TRUTH that comforts and guides me as I serve YOU. Flood my heart with YOUR WORDs of HOPE, that others may find YOU and be made whole. May YOU alone be Glorified in all that I am, for YOU are my Savior, my LORD and my KING, YOUR Rule and Reign is Forever, Amen
'A Warrior's Daily Journal'Monday March 9, 2009 (13 Adar 5769) "HOPEful Message!" Act 3:17-19 (Amplified Bible)And now, brethren, I know that you acted in ignorance [not aware of what you were doing], as did your rulers also. Thus has God fulfilled what He foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that His Christ (the Messiah) should undergo ill treatment and be afflicted and suffer. So repent (change your mind and purpose); turn around and return [to God], that your sins may be erased (blotted out, wiped clean), that times of refreshing (of recovering from the effects of heat, of reviving with fresh air) may come from the presence of the Lord; We must remember that God's Love is a refreshing message of HOPE. Believers in Christ enjoy the forgiveness that came through the sacrifice Christ made of HIMself out of HIS Great Love for us.Not only are we forgiven, but we also received Holy Spirit as HIS promise of one who would comfort and teach us all things concerning HIS Glory and Power. Where there is no HOPE in the life of unbelievers, we are to speak of the message of Salvation through Christ, God's Son, HIS lamb of sacrifice that restores us into everlasting fellowship with HIM! Our having this promised HOPE, we are now no longer ignorant but accountable because HIS Spirit now inhabits our hearts, and reveals those mysteries that have long been hidden from our sight by the blindness that was associated with sin. A call for repentance, will draw us closer to HIM who Loves us, and was willing to give HIS life as a ransom for us. That is the Message of HOPE that we must be diligently sharing with a world of lost and wandering souls, void of Hope nor reconciled and restored into fellowship with God through Christ Jesus. O'Lord, YOU alone are worthy to
be PRAISED. I will lift up YOUR name on high. For my soul longs to
see and know more of YOU, as YOU have promised to show me YOUR
Glory. I am no longer blinded by ignorance, but now I see clearly
YOUR Spirit, the Everlasting Truth of YOUR WORD, Forever and Amen
"Divine Directive!" Colossians 1:27-29 (Amplified Bible)To whom God was pleased to make known how great for the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ within and among you, the Hope of [realizing the] glory. Him we preach and proclaim, warning and admonishing everyone and instructing everyone in all wisdom (comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God), that we may present every person mature (full-grown, fully initiated, complete, and perfect) in Christ (the Anointed One). For this I labor [unto weariness], striving with all the superhuman energy which He so mightily enkindles and works within me. To understand God's 'Divine Directive' as explained by Paul, I must first look at why God desires to 'Reveal' HIMself through HIS WORD and by HIS Spirit. As Paul 'Preached and Proclaimed' Christ as Lord, he was energized with 'Superhuman' Power, for the purpose of accomplishing his assignment.Having 'SEEN' Christ on the road leading into the city of Damascus, is as 'UPclose and Personal' as you can get. An astonishing vision of HIM who Created the heavens and the earth, and all that is contained in the universe. Many Believers in Christ have also 'SEEN' the Lord, some in visions and dreams, still others within the pages of God's WORD. Revelation of Kingdom living which transformed their lives forever. However a Believer gains that 'INSIGHT' of Christ, God's PURPOSE still remains the same, Christ is the 'Destination' of our 'Search' for HOPE. Living under that same 'Divine Directive' as did Paul and the 1st Century Disciples, every Believer must 'REALIZE HIS Glory'. Being 'Dedicated' to the 'Direction' in which God desires to use us in 'Proclaiming' HIS Kingdom of Power. Accomplishing HIS WORK within us, energizing us by HIS Spirit and guiding us each day with HIS WORD. O'Lord, YOU made known YOUR Glory to me, that I might follow HIM and find my way. Faith in YOU teaches me to Trust in YOU, and I must Obey YOUR calling to Proclaim Truth. YOUR desires must become my desires, where all who search will find YOUR Son, and receive from YOU forgiveness and Eternal Life. By YOUR Spirit will all of YOUR directives be accomplished, and precious souls will be added to YOUR Kingdom. Glorify HIS Holy Name above every name, in heaven above and in the earth beneath, Amen
'A Warrior's Daily Journal'Thursday March 5, 2009 (9 Adar 5769) "Warrior under
FIRE!" 1 Peter 1:7 (Amplified Bible)So that [the genuineness] of your faith may be tested, [your faith] which is infinitely more precious than the perishable gold which is tested and purified by fire. [This proving of your faith is intended] to redound to [your] praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) is revealed. The night Christ Jesus was arrested in the Garden, the Apostle Peter had surely proven his bravery to be unquestionable, but it was his loyalty to Christ that would later be tested when asked by the servant girl if he was one of Jesus' disciples, as they both stood in the courtyard outside warming themselves by the fire.I find that God intended for this account in Peter's life to be recorded, so that I could see the Spiritual relationship with fire, not only as a means of warming myself against the cold of uncertainty, but as a picture of what I must endure as a purified Believer of Christ. The Apostle John also wrote of this incident, possibly having heard Jesus tell Peter that 3 times he would deny being known as one of HIS Disciples, yet I read later where Peter repents, standing LOYAL to Christ, boldly PROCLAIMING HIM as Lord, Savior and King. Faith then became Peter's strength and Testimony, where before in the Garden, it had been his arrogant bravery which had brought about such testing standing by a fire, where he feared being strong. Bravery in battle is a much desired characteristic and trait necessary for any Warrior to possess, but it is Faith in the hands of that same Warrior that Luke says Christ seeks to find when HE returns. Luke 18:8 (Amplified Bible) ...However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find [persistence in] faith on the earth? Faith must be found in a Believer's heart, and as Holy Spirit is described as a Holy FIRE which fell upon those Disciples at Pentecost, God must purify my heart from witless bravery, training me by HIS Spirit as a Kingdom Warrior, made ready to face every questioning of my Loyalty to Christ when HE so Gloriously returns. O'Lord, may YOUR Name always and forever be Praised, by my lips that speak YOUR Precious WORDs of Life. Burn within me that flame of YOUR Holy Fire, purifying my heart of every arrogant vice. May YOUR Light guide me as I follow YOUR call, conquering every night so filled with darkness and despair. I will be Loyal to YOU only, Sovereign LORD and KING, defeating the enemy who tries to kill, steal and destroy my soul. YOUR Power is given to me as my Spiritual sword, cutting away those deafening sounds which my ears once heard. May YOU find me FAITHfull when YOU return, as YOUR Praise and Honor and Glory will be revealed. That FIRE of YOUR Holy ONE burns within me, Amen
'A Warrior's Daily Journal'Wednesday March 4, 2009 (8 Adar 5769) "Rejoice in HIS
Glory!" 1 Corinthians 1:30-31 (Amplified Bible)But it is from Him that you have your life in Christ Jesus, Whom God made our Wisdom from God, [revealed to us a knowledge of the divine plan of salvation previously hidden, manifesting itself as] our Righteousness [thus making us upright and putting us in right standing with God], and our Consecration [making us pure and holy], and our Redemption [providing our ransom from eternal penalty for sin]. So then, as it is written, Let him who boasts and proudly rejoices and glories, boast and proudly rejoice and glory in the Lord. It was Paul who was chosen to deliver this message of revelation concerning the knowledge of Christ Jesus, previously hidden through ages past. God's Divine plan, manifesting HIS Glory through Believers under the watchful supervision of Holy Spirit, is now no less important in today's order of Kingdom business, than it was during the beginning of the 1st century church. Surely, some back then were boasting of their own accomplishments, even so to the point of taking personal ownership in the expansion and growth of the Kingdom of God. Paul was surely grieved, as we know the Lord is, that any boasts or pride in the works of our flesh bring forth dissenion and division in the Body of Christ. Addressing these issues is never a task to be taken lightly, as we find countless examples where foolish pride wrought serious consequences. Of fellowship among Believers being seriously hindered and even destroyed, but also fellowship with the Lord suffered. We must learn above all things, restraint from Holy Spirit. Desiring resolution and restoration of fellowship with the Lord through confession and prayer. Rejoicing in the accomplished WORK of Christ on the Cross, where HE both resolved the requirement of sacrifice and restored communion and fellowship with HIS own flesh. This crucifixion or the laying down of our own desires, is the beginning of a relationship which grows and expands into every area of relationship that we have. It is in these WORDs written by Paul, which reveal a Truth of Kingdom dynamics that eludes the philosophies of the wise, and paves the way for the humble of heart to enter into the Gates of Praise. What greater Joy, than to Rejoice and Glory in the midst of bonded fellowship, Believers having Common Unity, which pleases HIM Who desires to reveal HIS Glory in us. O'Lord, guide me by YOUR Spirit, to seek reconciliation and restoration within the Body of Christ. Where the veil of separation has been destroyed, and YOUR Presence engulfs and surrounds YOUR people. I cast off every boast, and Declare YOUR Praises with my lips that have been kissed by YOUR Grace. Amen
'A Warrior's Daily Journal'Tuesday March 3, 2009 (7 Adar 5769) "HIS Abiding
Glory!" 2 Corinthians 3:8 (Amplified Bible)Why should not the dispensation of the Spirit [this spiritual ministry whose task it is to cause men to obtain and be governed by the Holy Spirit] be attended with much greater and more splendid glory? In Paul's reference to the temporary dispensation of God's Glory during the days of Moses, it is here that he provides us with a glimpse of God's Spirit as the continual and ever present Glory and Splendor which Believers have obtained through the Promise fulfilled by the Resurrection of Christ. Where before the Holy Presence of God descended into the Holy of Holies, such a deep sacred place where HE desired to reveal HIMself to mankind. Choosing rather to reside permanently in the very heart of HIS Creation, coming to earth in the form of flesh, so that HIS Spirit might draw man into HIS heart by reconciling us in fellowship through Christ. The intense radiance and splendor of God's Glory now manifests within man, as Holy Spirit dwells in that deep and sacred place of our heart. The veil which once separated us from HIS Presence, was torn away allowing full and unencumbered access into HIS secret place. Christ Jesus ascended into heaven's realm, offering HIS own blood as a once for all sacrifice of atonement. Thereby allowing the release of God's Spirit to rest and abide continually within the hearts of those who desire to come near. Seemingly as difficult to understand today, as it was in Paul's day, of the spiritual Victory accomplished by Christ Jesus, man has only to step forward across the threshold of doubt and enter by Faith into God's Holy Presence. Abiding in HIS Glory and Splendor, is at the very core of every Believer's desire, a deep longing to fellowship with the Lover of our soul. Who over 2000 years ago, purchased our eternity with the very LIFE that HE came to give, HIS Spirit is Life, and as HIS Spirit reigns, so are we alive in HIS Presence. We have not been left alone, to battle nor labor against the darkness, but have been given Authority and Power to have dominion and reign as Sons and Daughters in HIS Kingdom. Living in the Light of HIS Glory, given the spiritual ministry of bringing others into the knowledge of Christ and of the Gospel which releases them from the captivity of death and delivers them into Eternal habitation in HIS Glorious Presence.
O'Lord, Rule and Reign over my heart as I willingly
surrender to YOUR Spirit. YOU abide continually within that
secret place, of my soul that longs for a glimpse of YOUR
Majestic Glory. Manifest YOUR Light through me, that
others may find the doorway that leads into YOUR Holy
Presence, my Savior and Lord
always, Amen
"OutPouring of the New
Wine!" Acts 2:33 (Amplified Bible)Being therefore lifted high by and to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promised [blessing which is the] Holy Spirit, He has made this outpouring which you yourselves both see and hear. On the Day of Pentecost, it was Peter who boldly stood and Proclaimed that God's Spirit was being Poured Out upon HIS Faithful Servants. Being given POWER to Declare the Gospel of Christ Jesus, opening both the eyes and ears of men to the long awaited Truth, and God's Promise to dwell within the hearts of HIS people. This visible OutPouring of God's Spirit with POWER, is what every Believer must continually pray for during these days of growing doubt and unbelief around the world. Sights and sounds that will lend Testimony to the Grace and Mercy of God. While many that day shouted, 'these men are drunk', having drank excessively of the 'fermented' wine which 'numbs the mind and loosens the tongue'. It would be Peter who spoke courageously of the 'New Wine' from heaven, having received the Anointing of God's Spirit who 'destroys the yoke' of bondage to the former indulgences of unrighteousness, and Transforms both 'mind and tongue' of Believers in Christ to think and speak with Authority and Clarity. Reminded of how Jesus had miracuously transformed the water into wine at the wedding, those who listened to Peter, heard and saw the Spiritual Transformation of earthly vessels, from old wineskins into New Wineskins. Men and women so dramatically changed, that those listening were both astonished and captivated by the WORDs they heard. The very opposite of being drunk upon one's self, but 'Spirited from on HIGH', speaking in tongues and languages heard and understood, those who witnessed God's Outpouring, upon men who were unlearned and even less known by any earthly standard were blessed spiritually beyond measure . As today, much like that day when Peter stood and Proclaimed Christ as Savior and Lord, many will reject what their eyes and ears see and hear, yet the Truth remains that God's Spirit has miracuously Transformed these old vessels into 'New Wineskins' which contains the Anointing and Power of Holy Spirit. Declaring the Kingdom of God to an audience that longs for a HOPE and a FUTURE, empty of all pain and sorrow. O'Lord, filled with YOUR Spirit I must
speak boldly and courageously of YOUR Son. That ears may hear
the Precious Gospel that miracuously Transformed my
heart. I will drink daily of YOUR New Wine that
bears Life to my soul. Quenching my dry and thirsty
heart, with YOUR sweet Spirit of Grace. May YOU be
Honored and Praised, Exalted and Glorified by this. May
Peace and Unity in Love be always in my heart, as I
willingly serve YOU with my
life, Amen
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