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FirePOWER! | ||
| 'Spiritual
FUEL for the
Soul'
The Agape
Letters Ministry Newsletter
Monday November 30, 2009 (13 Kislev 5770) "A Valuable Message of
Suffering!" 2 Corinthians 6:7-10 (Amplified Bible) By [speaking] the word of truth, in the power of God, with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand [to attack] and for the left hand [to defend]; Amid honor and dishonor; in defaming and evil report and in praise and good report. [We are branded] as deceivers (impostors), and [yet vindicated as] truthful and honest. [We are treated] as unknown and ignored [by the world], and [yet we are] well-known and recognized [by God and His people]; as dying, and yet here we are alive; as chastened by suffering and [yet] not killed; As grieved and mourning, yet [we are] always rejoicing; as poor [ourselves, yet] bestowing riches on many; as having nothing, and [yet in reality] possessing all things. Each of us receive something different from God's WORD, an understanding deepened many times, simply because we are able to associate our present circumstance with someone who has also dealt with the very same issues. Taking a short look at the life of Paul, we find him writing of the trials and tribulations that he has endure for the sake of Christ Jesus and the Cross, both a reminder of shame, suffering and death.To glean a better understanding, we must look to Paul's life before his confrontation on the road leading into Damascus. Until he was upon his back, so to speak, Paul was a persecutor of the early church, arresting, beating and had even been part of a throng of Jews who stoned Stephen outside the city gates of Jerusalem. These accounts are part of his past, pertinent to the mess we have made of our life while in denial and rebellion, same as Paul. Jesus gave HIS Disciples the parable of the Seed, being sown, nourished and then havested or reaped. A simple illustration in the natural realm, but holds profound spiritual connotations. Not that God desires for any to suffer, it's reality often thought to be that HE does, but that is not Truth according to God's WORD. Paul points out in his letter to the Galatian Believers, the long term results of both natural and spiritual sowing and harvesting, Galatians 6:8 For he who sows to his own flesh (lower nature, sensuality) will from the flesh reap decay and ruin and destruction, but he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. It is God's desire that we prosper and be in health as our souls prosper, yet just as with Paul, a time comes when the 'dancing stops' and 'the band has to be paid' so to speak. Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write both WORDs of Caution and Comfort, for having one without the other, is contrary to God's WORD. Comfort and Hope during our afflictions and trials, is only found in Christ Jesus, as HE uses the 'MESS' many of us have made of our former lives, and transforms both our hearts and minds by Holy Spirit, where our New LIFE in HIM now becomes The Message which brings others to HIM. We must be Truthful about our past as was Paul, submitting to God's Spirit to then use our transformation experience as a Testimony to not only HIS Power to save but also to heal our broken hearts and strengthen us during any future suffering. O'Lord, my lips shout Praises to YOU for having rescued me from my destructive past, receiving me such Love as the father of the Prodigal son. I know YOUR Love for me, in that while I was far from YOUR Presence, YOU sent YOUR Son to find me and bring me into YOUR Kingdom of Joy and Peace. By YOUR Spirit have YOU brought me through many afflictions and tribulations, and now my voice must Declare YOUR Promise to those who are still living in the darkness and pain of denial and rebellion. YOU put a robe of Righteousness upon me and sealed me with YOUR Spirit of Grace, to share the inheritance of Kingdom LIFE, now and for eternity, AmenTuesday November 24, 2009 (7 Kislev 5770) "The Shadow of the
Cross!" Matthew 27:45-54 (NIV) From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"—which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" When some of those standing there heard this, they said, "He's calling Elijah." Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. The rest said, "Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to save him." And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus' resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people. When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, "Surely he was the Son of God!" After having my own 'Spiritual FUEL' tank refilled to overflowing last night in Hamilton, AL. at The Ramp, I want to share a brief summary of the message 'The Shadow of the Cross' which Damon was Obedient to release under the Anointing and Power of God's Spirit. For as our 'hearts' hunger for fresh 'manna', this Bread of Life comes as a filling and sustaining spiritual meal.Matthew the apostle directed by Holy Spirit, specifically defined the hours of Christ' crucifixion. As we all know that as the sun begins from sunrise, arching across the sky. In doing so, the shadow of any object begins as in a long direction, shortening it's presence as it approaches noon. This refers spiritually to the appointed time in which the heaviness of sin and shame fell upon Christ Jesus on the Cross. The Cross is not a place of suffering, it is a place of death. As Jesus hung upon that Cross, despised and rejected, Father God turned HIS Face, slowly extracting from the earth the Light of the world. As HE hung there, they offered HIM soured wine, gall that would cause all of us to vomit just from the smell. Chastising HIM, some witnessing this cruelty, became so enraged that Jesus had cried out to God, something only an ordained High Priest was allowed to do at only certain times once a year. As HIS Precious Blood flowed from HIS head, hands and feet, those cleansing drops fell upon the earth, HIS flesh bruised and ripped, yet HIS Blood contained no impurity. As God had told Cain, 'your brother's blood cries for justice, Jesus' undefiled Blood dealt with the Judgement of God against mankind's sin. Choosing to accept this sacrifice of the Blood of Jesus as pardon, we must confess our own sin, and be cleansed by it's Power. Our sin is a crimson stain that is washed away by HIS Precious Blood. When Jesus cried out, HE released the very Breath of God, in order that Believers might be 'breathed' upon by Holy Spirit, giving New Life by the Spirit of God. The earth shook, splitting rocks and opening the graves of saints, pointing to what our life was before the WORD brought us out of darkness and into HIS Marvelous Light. As these saints were seen walking through the streets, we must as they, march through the earth Declaring Christ as Lord, Savior and King of both heaven and earth. The temple veil was ripped from top to bottom, assigning this as only the hands of God were able to accomplish. This reminds us that as God's Glory penetrates every nook and cranny of darkness that long covered the hearts of rebellious men on earth, this Light now shines brightly bringing Life to those once dead in their sin. Lastly, the centurion proclaims with his lips, that surely Jesus is the Son of God, confessing this openly only proves for certain Christ' Kingship and destroys every argument that defies Truth in the deafened ears of men who need God's WORD which can deliver their souls from bondage into the Kingdom where Freedom and Liberty in Christ Jesus Reigns Eternal. O'Lord, my Praise and Thanks to YOU on High, my heart desires YOUR Grace to bear my Cross daily. Strengthen my voice with YOUR Life giving Spirit, to declare with Authority, the Name of Jesus, as Christ the Son of the Living God. To whom all men must come that they may approach YOUR throne, purified and spotless by the Precious Blood of the Lamb. In HIS Holy and Majestic Name, AmenMonday November 23, 2009 (6 Kislev 5770) "In our
midst!" 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 (Amplified Bible) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of sympathy (pity and mercy) and the God [Who is the Source] of every comfort (consolation and encouragement), Who comforts (consoles and encourages) us in every trouble (calamity and affliction), so that we may also be able to comfort (console and encourage) those who are in any kind of trouble or distress, with the comfort (consolation and encouragement) with which we ourselves are comforted (consoled and encouraged) by God. For just as Christ's [own] sufferings fall to our lot [as they overflow upon His disciples, and we share and experience them] abundantly, so through Christ comfort (consolation and encouragement) is also [shared and experienced] abundantly by us. Certainly each one of us has experienced sorrow or suffering, at one time or another. As Paul writes, during those times, we are to look to our heavenly Father for it is HIS Comfort which both consoles and encourages us. Surpassing our frail comprehension of such Mercy and Comfort, we have been promised that HIS Spirit overshadows us in those hours of heart ache and grief.So often what we experience is silently preparing us for a time when we can offer Comfort and Encouragement to someone else. Having received abundantly in our time of need, we then are able as Believers to minister to others, which in turn, pleases our heavenly Father. This is a manifestation of Holy Spirit, flowing as Paul says, outwardly and into the hearts of those who might be suffering without any hope of comfort aside from our Faithfulness to be Obedient to Christ as HIS Disciples. For God's WORD declares that those outside the Kingdom will know we belong to HIM by both our Love for HIM, for other Believers and for them as well. As Paul also writes, our hearts are burdened by many things, but allowing God's Spirit to Comfort and Exhort us, we find HIS strength of endure those sufferings. Becoming driven to look for every opportunity to share both the Love of God within our hearts and the reality of why we have been called to be Comforters and Encouragers of others and one another. Knowing this Truth then enables us as it did Paul, to look upon our present infirmities, counting it all Joy and then seeing where God's Spirit leads us to console those who are broken hearted. O'Lord, YOUR Spirit comforts and consoles by heart, prompting me to Praise YOU for the strength YOU give to endure in this hour. Upon YOUR Promise to always be with me, it is with great Joy that I give YOU Thanks for Loving me with such depth. Direct me to those who are now suffering, that through me YOUR Spirit might soothe their broken heart, and by choosing to follow YOUR Son, they may be set free and become more than conquerors, Overcomers by the Blood of YOUR Precious Lamb and the WORD of Testimony to YOUR Power, mighty to heal and might to save. To YOU do all my Praises belong. AmenFriday November 20, 2009 (3 Kislev 5770) "Reflections of
Light!" 1 John 1:5-7 (Amplified Bible) And this is the message [the message of promise] which we have heard from Him and now are reporting to you: God is Light, and there is no darkness in Him at all [no, not in any way]. [So] if we say we are partakers together and enjoy fellowship with Him when we live and move and are walking about in darkness, we are [both] speaking falsely and do not live and practice the Truth [which the Gospel presents]. But if we [really] are living and walking in the Light, as He [Himself] is in the Light, we have [true, unbroken] fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses (removes) us from all sin and guilt [keeps us cleansed from sin in all its forms and manifestations]. Whatever we say or do as Believers, must be in line with what John writes about of living and walking in the Light, Christ Jesus. John also states that one who stumbles about in darkness(unable to see spiritually), is both a person who speaks lies and walk around in ignorance of the true message of the Gospel.Having true and unbroken fellowship with Jesus and one another, Believers rely upon God's Spirit for guidance and revelation of spiritual things. As John refers to the Light, our spiritual vision is focused more keenly upon serving God and desiring unity amongst our fellow servants in Christ. When those outside the Kingdom of God listen to what Believer's say and watch what we do, they will most likely draw a conclusion based simply on whether there is any Truth being exposed by our lives. Integrity and Unity are manifestations overflowing from within our hearts, having been transformed and made new by Holy Spirit. In the Book of Acts, Luke writes in chapter 4 verse 32; 'Now the company of believers was of one heart and soul, and not one of them claimed that anything which he possessed was [exclusively] his own, but everything they had was in common and for the use of all.' Today, we must recognize that Luke was not merely refering to earthly posessions, but specifically those spiritual posessions of the very likeness and nature of Christ. Living among our peers, we must speak of the Truth, our hearts having been cleansed and set free from sin, we walk Holy and Righteous in the sight of God. Being a brilliant reflection of the Light, guiding the lost to the Truth. Where God's WORD can begin a WORK in their hearts, as they listen to and begin experiencing unbroken fellowship with HIM through HIS Son, Christ Jesus and with other Believers. O'Lord, YOU are the Light, guiding me into all Truth. Breathe YOUR WORD into my heart, that I may be a Faithful testimony to YOUR Grace and Power. Manifest through me the very nature of YOUR Son, Loving and Living in sweet fellowship with YOU and my fellow servants. Direct my footsteps to seek those who are walking in darkness. That their ears might hear the Gospel, and their eyes opened to the Truth by YOUR Light, AmenThursday November 19, 2009 (2 Kislev 5770) "Dispatched as Messengers of
Grace!" Acts 11:12-14 (Amplified Bible) And the [Holy] Spirit instructed me to accompany them without [the least] hesitation or misgivings or discrimination. So these six brethren accompanied me also, and we went into the man's house. And he related to us how he had seen the angel in his house which stood and said to him, Send men to Joppa and bring Simon who is surnamed Peter; He will give and explain to you a message by means of which you and all your household [as well] will be saved [from eternal death]. When I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them just as He did on us at the beginning. These verses rightly follow Luke's account of a vision Peter had while praying. Here Peter receives revelation from Holy Spirit, opening his 'eyes' to a Truth, of how God desired Obedience from those who were servants of Christ. A man-made barrier had been erected in Jewish culture, one that expressed the uncleanness of Gentiles. Christ came eating and drinking with those who were considered unclean, and now God's Spirit was revealing to Peter a much deeper understanding of the ministry which he had been called to.In some way, present day Believers as well, often misunderstand what Peter's vision really means, and myself included, have just recently began to comprend what God's Spirit meant by opening Peter's eyes to the 'cleansing and purification' of the defiled and unclean, which Christ had came to earth and accomplished by HIS sacrifice. Expounding upon this revelation of Truth, the writer of Hebrews records in chapter 10 verse 5 these WORDs of inspiration; Hence, when He [Christ] entered into the world, He said, 'Sacrifices and offerings You have not desired, but instead You have made ready a body for Me [to offer];' Do not our hearts yearn to declare the message of God's Mercy to those who are many times judged unclean and wretched by the skewed standards of man? It may be necessary that some may as Peter did, have Holy Spirit openly correct and discipline our hearts with the Truth, in order that our 'eyes' may be fully opened to see God's Purpose for appointing Believers as 'Ambassadors' of LIFE. Mankind's only HOPE is that those called as servants of Christ begin responding in Obedience to this appointment. Dispatched with the Kingdom message in our hearts, to be spoken Boldly and Courageously to those once regarded as unworthy of God's Mercy and Grace. O'Lord, YOU sent a sign from above, on the wings of pure Love. YOUR Perfect and Only Son, with YOUR message of Grace that cleanses my heart. YOU descended upon HIM as a snow white dove, revealing HIS Anointing, and drawing us closer to YOU through HIS sacrifice. Send me forth as a messenger of YOUR Mercy, to Declare Christ Jesus as the Way, the Truth and the LIFE. Fall heavy upon me Spirit of God, flooding my soul with those deep waters of cleansing. YOU lead me to Higher ground, to be a Light that will draw others to YOU, AmenTuesday November 17, 2009 (30 Cheshvan 5770) "In WORD and
Deed!" James 2:16-18 (Amplified Bible) And one of you says to him, Good-bye! Keep [yourself] warm and well fed, without giving him the necessities for the body, what good does that do? So also faith, if it does not have works (deeds and actions of obedience to back it up), by itself is destitute of power (inoperative, dead). But someone will say [to you then], You [say you] have faith, and I have [good] works. Now you show me your [alleged] faith apart from any [good] works [if you can], and I by [good] works [of obedience] will show you my faith. James was more than simply a hearer of God's WORD, he was a doer as well. Witnessing not only Christ Jesus as HE healed the sick and fed the hungry, but he also understood that Benevolence and Charity to the poor was a vital part of being an Obedient Disciple of Christ.Shallow words, as James describes, fall all too short of Jesus' desire for those who follow HIM. Rather, we are urged to move into action, allowing God's Spirit to manifest those same WORKs through us as those 1st Disciples witnessed. Hardly a day goes by, that many of us see the needy and downtrodden, many in need of clothing, food and shelter. Our calling is to be inclusive of not only their spiritual need, but their obvious physical needs as well. By HIS actions towards the needy, Christ portrayed effectively the Father's heart. A desire to provide for their immediate need, and then supply them with Power, able to sustain them through more difficult circumstances. In our own lives, many times we have personally witnessed the Provision of God. Often meeting a need before we even recognize it. We as Believers need Spiritual discernment, 'eyes' that recognize the hunger and nakedness of those we come in contact with daily. Feeding and clothing them physcially as well as spiritually, fulfilling Christ' instructions for those who desire to serve HIM both in WORD and deed. O'Lord, the cries of the hungry and naked pierce YOUR heart. Tune my ears to hear them and direct my hands to feed and clothe them. Bread for their stomachs and garments for their bodies, leading them to choose YOU as their Master who feeds their heart with YOUR Spirit and clothes their soul with LIFE. Reign upon my heart a burning desire to be both Faithful and Obedient, portraying YOUR Love for them, body, soul and spirit. In the Holy Name of YOUR Son Jesus I ask this, AmenMonday November 16, 2009 (29 Cheshvan 5770) "The UnSeparable
Love!" Romans 1:35-39 (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. For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening nor things to come, nor powers, Nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Paul writes that there is nothing able to separate us from God's Love which is in Christ Jesus our Lord, speaking here to Believers who have chosen to establish a Covenant relationship and openly confess HIM. There comes to mind an all too common phrase repeated by many nearing the end of their marriage vows. Where each will vow their Love, Devotion and Commitment to one another, even in poverty, sickness and finally death.As husbands and wives who are Believers, entering into an earthy marriage covenant with this words, we must be reminded of these WORDs of Paul describing in great detail our spiritual betrothal with Christ, made with our mouth a confession of our Love for HIM. We must also Declare, that nothing, not even death is able to separate us from HIS Love, for it is HE who died and rose again, conquering death for us spiritually. These verses, to the ears of many are confusing, especially to those who have not received Holy Spirit as their Counselor and Guide, leading and teaching them into all Truth. The 'absence' so to speak, of this 'minister', Holy Spirit, one's vows of devotion and commitment are carnally founded, and will surely end in death, just as the marriage vows proclaim. Paul's acute awareness of God's Love for us through HIS Son, our betrothed Bridegroom, nonetheless should excite our hearts, realizing just how deep this Love is which abides in our hearts. Once Holy Spririt reveals this Truth to our hearts, we are then freed from every thought of abandonment and rejection. For even though we suffer physically, we can as Paul says, rest assured that Christ stands beside us in poverty, sickness and even when we come to the threshold of life and Eternity. We have confidence in this one thing, that as the 'Lover of our Soul', there is nothing able to separate us from God's Love. O'Lord, YOUR Love for me is unchanging, Eternal and without end. Bound by YOUR Spirit, my heart rejoices in Truth, a relationship secured through Christ Jesus my Lord. Unashamed will I confess YOU with my lips, and Declare YOUR Love to others who are living in fear, having never commited their hearts to YOU. May I be pleasing to YOU in all that I do, for all that I am is found in YOU, Love for me that never fails nor will be separated by any afflictions I may endure. YOU are to be forever Praised, as my Savior and King, Lord of both heaven and earth, Everlasting Lover of my soul. AmenFriday November 13, 2009 (26 Cheshvan 5770) "The Weighty Presence of
Truth!" Jude 1:23-25 (Amplified Bible) [Strive to] save others, snatching [them] out of [the] fire; on others take pity [but] with fear, loathing even the garment spotted by the flesh and polluted by their sensuality. Now to Him Who is able to keep you without stumbling or slipping or falling, and to present [you] unblemished (blameless and faultless) before the presence of His glory in triumphant joy and exultation [with unspeakable, ecstatic delight]-- To the one only God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory (splendor), majesty, might and dominion, and power and authority, before all time and now and forever (unto all the ages of eternity). Amen (so be it). A single letter, one chapter written by a Servant of Christ Jesus, addressed to the Chosen and Elect of God, bears both exhortation and a warning. Simple in it's message of warning, yet profound in the context of exhorting Believers to realize that many remained, then as they are now, outside the Kingdom and seemingly unaware of their eternal destiny.Looking at these WORDs written by Jude, each one inspired by God's Spirit, certainly personifies what Jesus spoke of concerning those being the least in the Kingdom. Thereby being raised up as one assigned to Declare the Glory, Honor and Splendor of the Holy One of God, to become as a Trumpet, heralding the Authority and Majestic of the King of both heaven and earth. Compared to the literary standards of this world, Jude's letter is 'weightless', benign of any depth pertinent to the philosophies of existence. Yet spiritually these WORDs are 'weighty', and contain unmeasureable Truth concerning the breadth and depth of God's Purpose for Believers. Bearing immense revelation to our hearts, of the urgency to Proclaim the message of Salvation to a world of disoriented and misquided people, who are destitute in their understanding of Christ Jesus and HIS Passion for perishing souls. This single letter, one chapter written by a Servant of our Lord and Savior, must ignite our hearts with a burning desire and unquenchable zeal to Declare the infinite Mercies and Graces of a Loving God. Fueled by Holy Spirit, our tongues must never cease to Decree the Kingdom of God nor be silent as to our Proclamation of the Hope and Peace offered by the Gospel. The consistency and gravity of this Declaration, must lay heavy upon our hearts, for as Jude reminds us of the lateness of the hour demands our Commitment and Obedience to the Calling and Election of God. Dispersing the Good News of Christ Jesus, with Boldness, directing the hearts of the lost towards the Son of God. O'Lord, I have been crushed by YOUR weighty Presence, prepared by YOUR Holy Fire and I cry out to YOU, that I be presented as a pleasing aroma in YOUR nostrils. I submit my heart to YOUR Refining furnace of preparation, for this endtime Outpouring of YOUR Spirit upon all who Confess YOU as Lord and Master. Direct me by YOUR WORD, to be Charitable and Loving, giving the Bread of Life and the Living Water of Truth to those whose hearts are barren and dry. Raise up this generation to Declare YOUR Holiness and Righteousness, being before all time, is now and WILL be forever and ever. AmenWednesday November 11, 2009 (24 Cheshvan 5770) "A Glorious
Vision!" Acts 7:55-56 (Amplified Bible) But he, full of the Holy Spirit and controlled by Him, gazed into heaven and saw the glory (the splendor and majesty) of God, and Jesus standing at God's right hand; And he said, Look! I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing at God's right hand! Luke records a very important event in the history of the early church. One that we as Believers must be cherish and be continually reminded of. That in this account of Stephen, and those convicting WORDs he spoke while being stoned, were more than mortal words spoken by a dying man, but WORDs which shared the Vision of Christ with one who stood close by, holding the coats of Stephen's accusers.Going further, Luke makes a point to mention that Stephen was 'full of Holy Spirit' and 'controlled by HIM', which we must Believe to be of utmost importance for us as we Boldly Declare what God's Spirit has revealed to our hearts. Stephen proclaimed to all within earshot, that he was seeing Jesus, the Son of man, standing at God's right hand. For those listening, their hearts were 'dull' to the Truth, but Stephen prayed that their 'eyes' would be opened, where they too might view Christ Jesus in all of HIS Majesty and Splendor. Seen as 'standing at God's right hand', a place of Honor and Power, this vision of 'the Glory and Majesty of God's Son should prove that Holy Spirit reveals to us a spiritual dimension, which we must Testify of, Declaring without hesitation or reserve the Authority and Kingship of Christ. Luke mentions Jesus' WORDs, most likely Stephen and many others were present, as HE Declared that we would be able to envision spiritual things only as Holy Spirit reveals them to our heart. Luke 9:27 (Amplified Bible) (Jesus speaking) However I tell you truly, there are some of those standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God. God's Spirit rests fully upon True Believers today as did in the 1st century, opening not only our eyes, but our hearts as well, to the innermost and Holiest part of heaven, the Very Presence of God. We must proclaim as did Stephen, the Glory of Christ and Obediently bear witness of HIM as the Son of God, as long as we both live and breathe, and in such a time as when our days come to an end! O'Lord, YOUR Spirit comforts me day after day, bringing me into YOUR Holy and Glorious Presence. I see and know YOUR Love for me, much deeper than any valley or ocean, trusting YOU for having delivered me, and will deliver those who are lost and wayward. Setting them Free, with Liberty to Proclaim YOUR Glory and Majesty, Lord, Savior and Triumphant KING. YOU are sight to the blind and HOPE to the lost. YOU will I Declare 'til the end of my days. For in YOUR Presence is where I long to be. AmenTuesday November 10, 2009 (23 Cheshvan 5770) "A Servant of
Righteousness!" Philippians 1:11-12 (Amplified Bible) May you abound in and be filled with the fruits of righteousness (of right standing with God and right doing) which come through Jesus Christ (the Anointed One), to the honor and praise of God [that His glory may be both manifested and recognized]. Now I want you to know and continue to rest assured, brethren, that what [has happened] to me [this imprisonment] has actually only served to advance and give a renewed impetus to the [spreading of the] good news (the Gospel). Few will argue that Paul as a Believer, lived a large portion of his life imprisoned, continuing to communicate to his readers the good news and the LIFE giving message of HOPE found in Christ Jesus. The WORK of God's Spirit in Paul's life was not hindered by the physical restraints which prevented him from traveling as he had done on numerous occasions. Rather, Holy Spirit continued to bring revelation to Paul, often behind locked doors, similar to that Day of Pentecost, when the Disciples were waiting as Jesus had instructed them, to receive Boldness and Power.Living as a Believer in Christ in the world today, for some has become a present day replay of Paul's life. Even many of those Disciples who were gathered together at Pentecost, were a short time later persecuted horribly, and some imprisoned by Paul, before he experienced and came to know Jesus as God's Son, Redeemer and Savior. A striking revelation for many, who in the past had suffered greatly at Paul's hands, they now listened to him speak of Christ with unrivaled intensity and read of his many exploits for the Kingdom of God, as he tells them of his unshakeable devotion to Honor and Praise his Lord and King, even while imprisoned. We must Rejoice in our slight afflictions when compared to those of Paul, completely devoted in our Submission and Obedience to God's Spirit, allowing the Manifestation of Righteousness to proceed from our hearts as well as our actions. Unless we persevere as did Paul, it is possible that the message of Hope and Salvation may never reach those whose ears so despearately need to hear of God's Truth which can and will set them 'Free'. O'Lord, may YOUR fruit of Righteousness, manifest in my life as it did in Paul's. Guide me by YOUR Spirit, to live and speak as he did, of the Glorious and Redeeming message of HOPE found in YOUR Son, Christ Jesus. May each one who reads and hears the manifestation of Truth and Righteousness in YOUR WORD, be set Free. Only to be bound in YOUR Mercy and Grace to be witnesses of Light, that clothes their soul with Garments of Praise. AmenMonday November 9, 2009 (22 Cheshvan 5770) "The Prince of Peace offers
Rest!" Luke 1:79 (Amplified Bible) To shine upon and give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to direct and guide our feet in a straight line into the way of peace. True Peace comes only to those who come into a relationship with the Prince of Peace, Christ Jesus, bringing them into the Kingdom of God from out of the kingdom of darkness, where death and eternal separation from the Holy Presence of God is the end results.It is written in the Book of Proverbs chapter 14 verse 12, 'There is a way which seems right to a man and appears straight before him, but at the end of it is the way of death.' What many today see is only the enemy attempting to appease their flesh with a wide variety of pleasures, but by choosing to follow these lies, a reward awaits them that punishes their disobedience and rejection with an eternity of suffering and pain. Luke witnessed firsthand the Peace that surpasses all understanding, having established a deep relationship with Christ, recording in the Book of Acts, countless instances of people who by Faith found God's Peace. Holy Spirit gives Peace to those whose hearts have been healed, bearing gifts which exhort Believers and enables them to share with others the message of Hope, many times speaking God's WORD through their submissive lips, when mere mortal words fail. This Peace flows from within our hearts like a river, sweeping away all the debris that once cluttered our hearts, and refreshes our spirit with Living Water. Where the Overflow must reach the ears and hearts of those caught in the clutches of God's enemy, offering the Way, the Truth and the Life as the Hope that saves their soul from the depths of destruction and misery. O'Lord, YOUR Peace calms and soothes my burdened soul, refreshing me with fountains of Living Water. Stir my heart to share this Hope with others whose hearts yearn for rest, but are lost in their journey to find happiness from the offerings of this world. Speak YOUR WORDs through my lips, to be heard by those whose ears have been deafened by the enemy. I will Honor YOU with my Obedience, that YOUR Will be accomplished in the earth as it exists eternally in heaven. YOUR Mercy and Grace will follow me all the days of my life. AmenFriday November 6, 2009 (19 Cheshvan 5770) "POWERful
HOPE!" Romans 15:13 (Amplified Bible) May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope. As Paul writes of the Joy and Peace that Believers experience in Christ, he firmly establishes a Kingdom dynamic which we find both Comforting and Encouraging. That through our Faith in Christ Jesus, we receive the gift of Power from HIS Spirit, abounding and overflowing, firmly establishing within our hearts, a HOPE that captivates every area of our lives.No less effective today than in Paul's day, is the Truth made alive within our hearts and minds, daily transforming us into Christ-likeness, as we surrender more of ourselves to Holy Spirit. This becomes evident even moreso, when our first and foremost reactions becomes more like those of Christ Jesus, especially when we encounter obstacles which attempt to undermine and weaken our HOPE in what we have been anointed and called to accomplish within the earth. Knowing of whose POWER we have been, and under whose Authority we live, our journies many times take us into and through difficult situations, displaying undeniable proof that Kingdom living involves Holiness, Righteousness and the Peace of God's Spirit, to conquer and overcome those attacks against our Faith. These are much more than attributes or characteristics of the Kingdom of God, they are such a crucial and vital part, that neither can be separated nor exist one from the other, because that would in effect, dishonor the integrity and intent of God to fully manifest HIMself in and through the Sons and Daughters of Light abiding in the earth. There is LIFE to be experienced within the Kingdom of God, there is Salvation in the Blood of Jesus, and there is Power in Holy Spirit, True Authority able to fully transform our hearts, renew our minds to that of Christ, fulfilling our Father's deepest desire for those who will Boldly Declare HIS Son as Lord, Savior and KING. O'Lord, YOUR WORD is a sweet sound in my ears, a reminder of YOUR Love for me. By YOUR Spirit is my HOPE strengthened and my mind renewed to the Truth which has set me free. YOUR Promises I receive by Faith, as they bring Joy and Peace to my soul. In Obedience will I Declare YOUR Kingdom to others, that they too may Live and know YOUR Mercy and Grace. My HOPE is built upon nothing less, than the Precious Blood of Jesus and HIS Righteousness, able to Reconcile many to YOU, desiring that none perish, but live in Victory now and forevermore, AmenThursday November 5, 2009 (18 Cheshvan 5770) "IGNITE our
Hearts!" Luke 24:32 (Amplified Bible) And they said to one another, Were not our hearts greatly moved and burning within us while He was talking with us on the road and as He opened and explained to us [the sense of] the Scriptures? As I recall my first encounter with Christ Jesus, the King of Glory, I like Paul was journeying down my own road of life. At such a pivotable moment, I too experienced the Light that fell upon my heart, revealing things to me about myself, that I had long hidden away. It was then, that I felt that burning desire within my heart to become a Believer and a bold witness for Christ. Later realizing that HE called me to proclaim HIM as Lord and Savior to a lost and dying generation which now many years later, still rejects HIM as Savior and Lord, compeletly dismissing Eternity in the Presence of Almighty God as a HOPE for their soul. Holy Spirit ignites within our hearts a Passion, a burning desire within our hearts to search those Scriptures, opening and revealing the Truth to us. That Eternal message of God's never ending desire that all men return to HIM, become reconciled into spiritual fellowship through HIS Son, and begin living a New Life of walking by Faith with HIM each and every day. Each one of us must desire to mature in the fullness of HIS WORD, and long to see HIS Glory manifesting not only within our hearts, but in our daily lives as well. That is what Holy Spirit longfully desires to reveal to us, the knowledge of how our lives will ultimately affect others along our journey, having our Resurrected Savior and Lord abiding and dwelling within our heart. Holy Fire burns night and day within our hearts, producing Light by which all men must look to in order to find their way, leaving that old way of life which only leads to death, and follow HIM who gives us New Life. Where we, as those traveling on the road to Emmaus, walk with Christ and incline our ears and hearts towards HIM as HE opens the Scriptures to us. HIS Church, believing HIS WORD, empowered by Holy Spirit, has been IGNITED and must be totally consumed by HIS Holy FIRE. A flaming, raging and compassionate desire that is never to be quenched nor satisfied until that time when Christ returns for HIS Bride. She is to be busy in her Father's work, laboring in Love, having been washed in the Blood of the Lamb, adorned with HIS robes of righteousness, prepared and patiently waiting for her Bridegroom. The Promise of HIS Glorious return seems very near, and may even now be at the door of many whose hearts need to hear the Good News.
O'Lord, purify YOUR
church, YOUR bride, that she be ready on the Day of YOUR
Glorious appearing. Purify my heart O'Lord with this one
desire, that others may see YOUR Love burning within me. To be
Holy, set apart for YOU my Master, a witness of YOU enflamed
by YOUR Spirit, searing my heart with YOUR Eternal WORD, ready
to do YOUR WIll. That not one soul be lost, to forever be
without YOU.
Amen
"Shouts of Adoration and
Praise!" Hebrews 4:11 Let us therefore be zealous and exert ourselves and strive diligently to enter that rest [of God, to know and experience it for ourselves], that no one may fall or perish by the same kind of unbelief and disobedience [into which those in the wilderness fell]. We must each diligently examine God's WORD, gleaning from it's fullness an abundance of Wisdom, coming to a knowledge of God's heart for a people to be set free and abide each day in the Inheritance HE provides for those who hold fast to the Promise. One can only imagine the level of excitement in the hearts of the children of Israel as they crossed the Jordan River for the first time. We too, must express our Joy and Thankfulness to God, for having led each one of us out of our own 'wilderness', crossing over that perverbial 'river' which once separated us from the Inheritance God has Promised us. Make no mistake, on the other side of our 'river', we will find the full Blessing and Favor of God, yet we will also encounter such things which will often test our Obedience to HIS Will. This is where Holy Spirit comes alongside us, gently urging us onward in our journey through a land, both physical and spiritual. There will be both immediate and long term rewards, land flowing with 'milk and honey' and obvious trials that will present themselves as deterents to our fully posessing our Rightful Inheritance. The 'rest of God' which the writer of Hebrews refers to, is to be a 'look back' for us, to those days in the history of Israel, but also as Believers it must also be a 'look ahead' for we have chosen to follow Christ Jesus as HE leads us. There are many whose fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, and a host of earthy kinsmen have gone on before us, enjoying and experiencing in their own lives the excitement and zeal of Kingdom living. Today, we too enjoy and experience the manifestation of Kingdom living, and as we conquer the 'land' we have been given in Christ, our voices too must resonate with Shouts of Praise, similar in Obedience to that of the Israelites as they witnessed the walls of Jericho crumble and fall before the Lord of Hosts. As we travel both through this earth physically, and through the spiritual realm, seeing through 'eyes' made bright by God's Spirit, we are to Rejoice exhuberantly as we Declare dominion over and experience every Promise the Lord has fulfilled through HIS Son Christ Jesus. This is to be our Witness to the world, that our God is a Mighty God, mighty to Save, both in Battle and in Rest. O'Lord, YOU direct me in my journey through this Land of Promise, meeting my need in Abundance and Victory. Setting my face towards YOU, leads my heart to Obey YOUR Will, taking dominion over every hill and valley, bringing Glory and Honor to YOU my KING. Strengthened by YOUR Power, none can stand before YOUR people, soon bowing their knee in Worship of YOU. I will Lift my Voice in shouts of Adoration and Praise, for YOU have led me through the wilderness, and now my eyes behold YOUR Kingdom of Truth and Righteousness. A Holy city in which many souls have found YOUR rest, AmenMonday November 2, 2009 (15 Cheshvan 5770) "Choosing to Invest
Wisely!" 1 Thessalonians 1:10 (Amplified Bible)And [how you] look forward to and await the coming of His Son from heaven, Whom He raised from the dead--Jesus, Who personally rescues and delivers us out of and from the wrath [bringing punishment] which is coming [upon the impenitent] and draws us to Himself [ investing us with all the privileges and rewards of the new life in Christ, the Messiah]. As it was in the days of Paul, man longs today for a future secured by tangible riches, not fully understanding the privileges and rewards of having received New Life in Christ which safeguards their Eternity. Looking only short term to stockbrokers of fund managers who will guide them to make contributions and investments, many today strive relentlessly in hopes of securing their financial destiny without regards to the reality of Eternity. Yet Paul says we all must look, and anxiously await the coming of God's Son, the only ONE able to provide us with the long term security we desire, from having totally invested our hearts into HIS Redemption Plan. Investing in worldly sense, is a risky and often futile attempt as has been proven, simply because fraud and greed soon overcome either or both parties involved. In the Kingdom of God, we find Honesty and Righteousness to be the monikers of Christ Jesus, witnessed by HIS WORDs that fall upon our ears and burn within our hearts like nothing we have ever experienced. It was this experience of lasting Peace that Paul, Peter and the others, so deeply desire to convey in their pleas for men and women to receive with Gladness, the rewards and treasures from having deposited their heart and soul in the Loving Hands of Christ. Believers of today must be as willing as were those in the 1st century, to lay up for themselves treasures in heaven, laying aside their carnal desires for something which Christ says will perish. Only are the True riches and wealth of the Kingdom of God realized when Holy Spirit becomes our guide, the manager of our heart leading us to LIVE each day as witnesses of HIS Blessing and Favor for having made the Right Investment for our souls. O'Lord, take my life and use me as a testimony of YOUR Promise, restoring my soul with every Good and Perfect gift from YOUR storehouse of endless Love. Made alive through YOUR Provision of Life, my heart burns with YOUR Holy Fire, a passionate pursuit of that Glorious Day in which I will lay many crowns at YOUR feet. Direct my path as I Declare YOUR WORD as the One True Investment that if any choose to commit their hearts to, will never see decay nor rot. YOU provide a TRUST fund that will never cease, is endless and everlasting, outweighing anything this world has to offer. In YOU alone, are True riches and wealth found, Amen
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