1 Corinthians 15:24 (Amplified Bible) After that
comes the end (the completion), when He delivers over the kingdom to God the
Father after rendering inoperative and abolishing every [other] rule and every
authority and power.
We have this Holy scripture as
confirmation, that when the rule of every government and kingdom of the earth
has been subdued and rendered powerless, Christ Jesus our Lord and KING will
rule Sovereignly with Authority and Power over every creature. Therefore, this
is reason for us as Believers to Rejoice greatly in this hour of the final and
greatest hour of the outpouring of Holy Spirit.
God's Love for the soul of every
man, woman and child, is the foundation for which the Gospel has been Proclaimed
with such fervor and zeal since the Day of Pentecost for over 2000 years. The
Kingdom has suffered violence from before the days of Christ, and it is that
Spiritual warfare for the hearts and full allegiance of mankind, that will be
fully consumated after this time which Paul refers to.
The battle belongs to the Lord,
and as Paul states, Victory belongs to the Kingdom of God and all those who have
subjected their hearts to HIS Authority and Rule. Dominion over our hearts by
Holy Spirit, is that spiritual ground of which Christ suffered agony and
disgrace on the cross for, and by HIS Resurrection demonstrated HIS Sovereignty
over death and the grave.
In HIS defeat of the kingdom of
darkness, Christ Jesus acquired our Freedom, transfering Life and Liberty to
those who completely surrender their hearts to HIM. We as Believers continue in
Faithful Obedience to our KING, to share this Good News with a world enslaved,
oppressed and persecuted by the enemy of God. It is HIS Sovereign Rule over our
hearts, that drives us to Declare this Gospel with Love and never ending Zeal,
as did Paul, Peter and a host of other Believers in Christ.
O'Lord, YOU purchased our
Freedom, ransomed us from a debt that we could not pay. Our Thanks and Praise to
YOU are from hearts filled with Joy. Songs of YOUR Righteousness well up in our
hearts and flow freely from our lips. Direct our footsteps each day as we take
dominion by YOUR Holy Spirit, of every kingdom and nation. To Glory of YOUR Son
Jesus, who in HIS Great Love for us, will deliver into YOUR hands all those who
have submitted their lives to YOUR Authority and Power.... Amen
Tuesday April 27 2010 (13 Iyar
5770)
"Obedience is Willful
Submission!"
1 John 3:20-22 (Amplified Version) Whenever our hearts in [tormenting]
self-accusation make us feel guilty and condemn us. [For we
are in God's hands.] For He is above and greater than our
consciences (our hearts), and He knows (perceives and
understands) everything [nothing is hidden from Him]. And,
beloved, if our consciences (our hearts) do not accuse us [if
they do not make us feel guilty and condemn us], we have
confidence (complete assurance and boldness) before God, And
we receive from Him whatever we ask, because we [watchfully]
obey His orders [observe His suggestions and injunctions,
follow His plan for us] and [habitually] practice what is
pleasing to Him.
John tells of
how my conscience must be in submission, not only to my will
but to HIS Will and HIS Purpose, in that I may become more
Obedient to HIS orders, follow HIS Plan and fulfill HIS
Purpose. Where others may be guided by Holy Spirit in a
differing direction than I, one common Purpose is the intent
of the Kingdom of God.
Each Believer
in Christ, each with differing understandings, must seek God's
Will and Purpose specifically for themselves, allowing Holy
Spirit to reveal God's Eternal Plan. I can only live within
the boundaries of my Calling and Purpose, and others must
follow that same direction for their own lives according to
what Holy Spirit gives them.
John was in no
uncertain terms moving away from God's Purpose for his life,
nor was he working towards being like Paul in his determined
vocation according to the Gospel of Christ. We must be
reminded, that our submission to Holy Spirit, is an act of
Willful Obedience rather than a weakness of our will.
Becoming all
that we can be in and for Christ, depends solely on our
commitment to fulfilling God's Eternal Plan, which has been
laid out for our lives before we were even born. John
recognized this for himself, Paul recognized this as well as
did Peter, and they constantly refused to be sidetracked in
their determination, nor were they defeated by their own
thoughts of condemnation or quilt. Neither were they dismayed
by any accusations coming from others against them in their
desire to serve Christ.
O'Lord, I
am humbled by YOUR Love, causing my heart to burn for YOU. I
desire to submit all that I am, so that YOU can make me all
that YOU Will. Take my hands and use them, speak through my
lips YOUR WORDS of Life. That YOUR Kingdom will flourish,
fulfilling YOUR Plan for Eternity. More of YOU my Lord, none
of me, I ask that YOU use me for YOUR Glory and Honor each
day...
Amen
Wednesday April 21 2010 (7 Iyar
5770)
"Freedom's Truth!"
Galatians 5:1-6 (Amplified Bible)
IN [this] freedom Christ has made us free
[and completely liberated us]; stand fast then, and do not be
hampered and held ensnared and submit again to a yoke of
slavery [which you have once put off]. Notice, it is I, Paul,
who tells you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be
of no profit (advantage, avail) to you [for if you distrust
Him, you can gain nothing from Him]. I once more protest and
testify to every man who receives circumcision that he is
under obligation and bound to practice the whole of the Law
and its ordinances. If you seek to be justified and declared
righteous and to be given a right standing with God through
the Law, you are brought to nothing and so separated (severed)
from Christ. You have fallen away from grace (from God's
gracious favor and unmerited blessing). For we, [not relying
on the Law but] through the [Holy] Spirit's [help], by faith
anticipate and wait for the blessing and good for which our
righteousness and right standing with God [our conformity to
His will in purpose, thought, and action, causes us] to hope.
For [if we are] in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor
uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith activated
and energized and expressed and working through
love.
There are many
TRUTHs I have yet to learn of and about God, and it is by HIS
Spirit, from whom I receive understanding of what I do not
know nor have experienced. It is Obedience and Faithfulness to
Christ, and HIS Spirit, both who bear Witness to the things of
God, will any be blessed and favored in receiving this greater
understanding. Paul, clearly INSPIRED by Holy Spirit, to write
revealing the TRUTH of Christ to us, knew exactly what we
need, to understand the eternal value concerning the fate of
all who refuse to accept and believe in Christ as Lord and
Savior.
The FREEDOM
that we enjoy as Believers in Christ, came at a price, costly
and eternal, COSTLY, in that Christ gave HIS Life as the ONE
and ONLY ransom found to be WORTHY which could purchase the
soul from captivity within the camp of God's enemy. Also being
ETERNAL, which closes the book, settles that question of one's
everlasting destiny, and Seals that part of the Covenant with
God which Deals with the condemnation and subsequent
punishment associated with sin.
It is only by
Revelation through Holy Spirit, that each person gains this
understanding, in that a CHOICE to Believe, Accept and LIVE in
HIS Freedom must be made. God's Grace abounds, out of HIS deep
Love for HIS Creation, that HE is able and willing to Save
only those who CHOOSE HIS Son as their Lord and Savior.
Countless Scriptures inspired by Holy Spirit, which servants
such as Paul, Peter and James, and then Obediently recorded
concerning the Enduring and Eternal Grace of God, HIS FREEdom
Gift to all who will by Faith CHOOSE HIM.
Throughout the
history of mankind, the behavior of captives following the
granting of their freedom, often CHOOSE to REMAIN as captives,
simply because it was comfortable, secure and provided for
their needs in the physical realm. These never quite
understand the eternal and spiritual association, where they
will reap the consequences of continuing to live in captivity
and bondage, where God's judgement is the eternal and
everlasting punishment of death and separation from HIS Holy
and Righteous Presence. HIS WORD proves that HE LOVES so
deeply, that WILLINGLY HE gave HIS only Son to die. Those who
by FAITH, choose to Believe and Obediently serve HIM as their
Master and Lord, will receive the Gift of Salvation and
Eternal LIFE...
O'Lord,
for those thousands of tongues which forever sing, of Christ,
and HIS Love for me as my Lord and my King. A choice must be
made by all who live, long before they die and are forever
lost. YOU broke the chains that long held me captive,
releasing me to serve and obey YOU, Lover of my soul. Upon the
Solid Rock of Christ, I now stand, Safe and secure from all
the harm in this land. My soul will live forever in YOUR
heavenly Kingdom, because I chose YOU, my Lord and my God, to
be my Savior and Redeemer now and forever. Hallelujah! HOLY,
HOLY, HOLY is YOUR Name,,, Amen
Monday April 19, 2010 (5 Iyar 5770)
"Rendering my Soul!"
2 Timothy
4:1-2 (Amplified Bible)I CHARGE [you] in the presence of God and of Christ
Jesus, Who is to judge the living and the dead, and by (in the light of) His
coming and His kingdom:
Herald and preach the Word! Keep your sense of urgency [stand by, be
at hand and ready], whether the opportunity seems to be favorable or
unfavorable. [Whether it is convenient or inconvenient, whether it is welcome or
unwelcome, you as preacher of the Word are to show people in what way their
lives are wrong.] And convince them, rebuking and correcting, warning and urging
and encouraging them, being unflagging and inexhaustible in patience and
teaching.
As I read where the Apostle Paul
instructs Timothy to continue proclaiming the Gospel of Christ, I commit my
heart to continually search God's WORD for the undeniable and unrefutable Truth,
leaning entirely upon God's Spirit for discernment, and by gaining an even
greater understanding of Righteousness and HIS Kingdom, I must fulfill my
appointed role as a witness and teacher of HIS Grace, Love and Power.
Seeking earnestly, as Paul inspired by Holy
Spirit writes, myself being sufficiently prepared to give clear and concise
testimony to the Hope which I hold so dear, having heard the Good News and
responded in Faith to the credible Power of God, having raised HIS Son Jesus
from the dead.
Where God through HIS WORD promises to all who
Believe in Christ Jesus, I have willingly chosen to follow HIM in Obedience,
granting Salvation from HIS Judgement against the wicked and HE dispenses the
Inheritance of Eternal Life to all who endure opposition and persecution for HIS
Name, ultimately to my very last breath will I proclaim this Truth.
Looking forward to, with great anticipation and
longing, receiving a Victor's crown of Righteousness, there is no other gauge
deemed sufficient in this earthly realm of knowledge which compares to God's
Seal of HIS Spirit upon my heart and soul.
No degree of learning granted will ever quench
the fire of everlasting punishment assigned to those who reject Christ as Lord
and Savior, having therefore rendered my soul exclusively to HIS Authority, I
along with many others have been divinely appointed, commissioned and ordained
by God to do as Paul instructs.
O'Lord, YOUR Wisdom teaches me patience and
endurance, a spiritual gift far more valuable than earthly wealth.
YOUR
desire for me is for my soul to prosper,
gaining an inheritance of increased knowledge.
YOUR
Peace meets my every need for which I hunger,
each
day quenching my thirst for more of YOU.
My
soul finds rest in YOU, safety in YOUR arms open wide,
comforting me as I faithfully follow YOU in
Faith.In Truth and Spirit, I willingly render my soul to YOU,,,
Amen
Thursday April 15, 2010 (1 Iyar
5770)
"Preparing and Sustaining
Laborers!"
Ephesians 2:12-13
(NIV) "...to prepare God's people for works of
service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we
all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son
of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of
the fullness of Christ."
It is vital
that we as individual followers of Christ Jesus and as members
of the corporate body of Believers, that we understand God's
Plan and Purpose for our growth and maturity in the
dispensation of individual callings and corporate giftings.
Where our heavenly Father's greatest desire is that each
Believer completely and wholly attain the fullness of
Christ-likeness.
Destined by
the gifting of Holy Spirit to reach unity, in Faith and the
Knowledge of God's Son, we are more aptly prepared to stand
firm against the enemy and the ever encroaching kingdom of
darkness which attempts to shadow every living thing with
evil.
Granted the
supernatural POWER of Holy Spirit, each and every Believer is
given specific gifts that enable us to attain this maturity,
and thus bear fruit as evidence that we belong to
Christ.
Galatians 5:21-23
(NIV) "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy,
peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness
and self-control. Against such things there is no
law."
The unity that
God desires for those who Believe in and Follow Christ, can
only be accomplished where Holy Spirit has unfettered control
of our lives. Holding nothing back, we relinquish our hearts
and submit to God's Plan, fully prepared to every good WORK,
bringing forth increase for the Kingdom of God. Overtaken by
POWER and supervised in works of service by Holy Spirit,
Victory is guaranteed. Faith and Works go hand in hand, no
Faith equals no Work, one without the other equals an
incomplete Christ-like follower, and according to God's WORD
is deemed unfit to share in the Inheritance....
O'Lord,
guide me as I humble myself to YOUR Spirit. Building up my
most Holy Faith, I pray that YOU send me forth into the fields
of harvest. Given gifts to accomplish the WORK, I am
strengthened and sustained by YOUR POWER, guaranteed to
produce in my life the fruit of Holy Spirit. Set my feet upon
the pathway of Righteousness, that I may bring forth the
increase from fields that are laden with souls ripe for
harvest. To YOU is all Glory and Honor due, for with my lips I
will forever Praise YOUR Holy Name..
Amen
Wednesday April 14, 2010 (30 Nissan
5770)
"Way of
Excellence!"
Luke 16:15 (Amplified) But He said to them, You are the ones who
declare yourselves just and upright before men, but God knows
your hearts. For what is exalted and highly thought of among
men is detestable and abhorrent (an abomination) in the sight
of God.
These WORDs affirm what is
detestable in the sight of God, exalting a wicked and
unrighteous lifestyle, all the while opposing the LIFE of
Holiness and Righteousness portrayed by Christ Jesus. The way
of living which is seen from a carnal viewpoint seems
profitable, yet it only leads to destruction and alienation
from God's Holy Presence.
Jesus came to show man
'The Way', better in every aspect when compared to the
judgement delivered upon those who serve the desires of their
own heart. God's Spirit gives direction to those who desire to
serve HIM with their thoughts and actions aligned with those
of Christ, which oppose the devastating results of serving and
feeding the appetite of the flesh.
Believers in Christ
are declared Righteous and Holy because they have chosen to
deny their own desires to follow HIS Way of Truth, a Life that
is only lived according to HIS WORD. Striving to attain favor
in God's sight by any way other than through Christ, is
detestable and brings grief and sorrow upon those who choose
the alternate path.
The Apostle Paul
encourages Believers to desire the more 'Excellent
Way' .
1 Corinthians 12:31
(Amplified) But earnestly desire and zealously
cultivate the greatest and best gifts and graces (the higher
gifts and the choicest graces). And yet I will show you a
still more excellent way [one that is better by far and the
highest of them all--love].
Transformed by the
Power of HIS Spirit, Believers are to walk each day by Faith
through this life, knowing Christ Lives in them, declaring in
LOVE that HIS Righteousness must be the Guiding Light which we
must follow.
O'Lord, YOUR Way is
LIGHTer in every way, the course I choose to follow by Faith.
YOU alone are Exalted High above, my Lord and my God forever
jealous for souls. Guide me to live pleasingly in YOUR sight,
resisting the desires that offend YOU. YOUR Praises are
forever upon my lips, Glory and Honor belong to YOU alone.
Shine through me YOUR Light of Hope, the path of Truth which
leads me home...
Amen
Wednesday April 7, 2010 (23 Nissan
5770)
"Sharing in the Glory and
Inheritance!"
Romans
8:16-18 (Amplified Bible)
The Spirit Himself [thus] testifies together
with our own spirit, [assuring us] that we are children of
God. And if we are [His] children, then we are [His] heirs
also: heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ [sharing His
inheritance with Him]; only we must share His suffering if we are to
share His glory. [But what of that?] For I consider that the
sufferings of this present time (this present life) are not worth
being compared with the glory that is about to be revealed to us and
in us and for us and conferred on us!
Paul writes
of the revelation he received from Holy Spirit, a glimpse of God's
Glory manifesting in and through those who Believe
that Christ Jesus is the Resurrected and Living Saviour and
Lord. Detailing the Freedoms and Liberties given to those
who are directed to live and walk each
day by God's
Spirit.
Suffering was
something Paul knew all too well, as he had some years
earlier been ordered to locate and persecute those who Believed
in Christ. Here in these WORDs, he now writes of the suffering and
persecution he himself endures as a Believer. Yet, because of his
having witnessed unspeakable things in the spiritual realm, Paul
urges us to resist our selfish desires, and seek to fulfill those
desires of God which will lead us to live our lives in Holiness and
Righteousness.
I
find that Paul's dedication to the sharing of what Holy Spirit
revealed, draws me to conclude that sharing both in God's Glory and
HIS suffering, is worthy of being included as an heir of both
Salvation and Spirit filled Living.
Presently the world mimics the lifestyle of the Romans in the
days which Paul writes of. Lascivious living, unfettered and
seemingly uncondemned, yet an inheritance of eternal suffering and
destruction awaits those who partake. Living as Paul states, as the
Righteousness of God through Christ Jesus, brings about
persecution and suffering for a season and a time, yet it's
Inheritance is guaranteed through the Testimony of Holy
Spirit.
Paul further tells of the
groanings of all creation, those who abide in Christ endure
sufferings Faithfully, for they too have received divine
revelation from God's Spirit as to the Inheritance awaiting them.
It would be
incomprehensible to think that a Believer would conceive sharing
with others anything which would lead them to death and eternal
separation from God's Glorious Presence. Yet, there is a
message of Truth, which Believers must be ever viligant to
Proclaim, for the souls of millions so delicately hang in
the balances of Eternity. Only that we should be as Paul,
and fully realize the weight of our own conviction to share the
Inheritance, would mean that others would enter into the
Kingdom of God, a Life fully immersed by Holy
Spirit.
O'Lord, YOU have opened my eyes to
the Splendor and Glory of YOUR Son. This world has nothing for me,
only YOU have provided for my future, Eternity in YOUR
Presence. My heart is pierced with many sorrows, yet YOU
Comfort me by YOUR Holy Spirit. I render all that I am to YOU,
use me now to Boldly and Fearlessly Proclaim that YOUR Kingdom
awaits all who will receive with gladness YOUR Offering of Love.
There is never any condemnation for those who abide in YOU
and are guided by YOUR Spirit of Holiness and Righteousness. To YOU
be all Praise, Glory and Honor, Amen
Monday April 5, 2010 (11 Nissan 5770)
"Attentive Witnesses!"
Luke 24:45
(Amplified Bible) Then He
[thoroughly] opened up their minds to understand the
Scriptures,
Obedient to Jehovah and inspired by Holy
Spirit, Luke records earlier in this chapter of the Testimony of two
men who had an 'eye opening' encounter with Christ Jesus just a few
days after the Resurrection. Jesus appears to Cleopas and another
man while they traveled on the road to Emmaus from Jerusalem.
Because they lacked true understanding of the Holy Scriptures,
Christ opens their minds and hearts in revelation to who HE is.
Astonished by this knowledge, and after Jesus broke bread and gave
thanks, HE instanly disappearred from their sight, Cleopas and his
friend left immediately and returned to Jerusalem to find Peter and
the others, who were gathered together, also waiting Obediently as
the Lord had earlier commanded.
There was a time in our own lives, when
we were as Cleopas and his friend, knowing of Christ Jesus, but not
fully understanding HIM as the Truth of God's Prophetic WORD. Then
the revelation of Jesus came to our hearts and minds, opening our
eyes spiritually through Holy Spirit, given by God as our Counselor
and Teacher of this Truth. We must Rejoice in this, for we too have
encountered Christ Jesus on our own journey, not to the city of
Emmaus, but on the road of LIFE where God leads us away from the
cruelty of Calvary, in the Thanksgiving of the Resurrection.
Our voices of Witness to the
Resurrection and manifested revelation from Holy Spirit, must be as
ALIVE with excitement and POWER as were those of these two men.
Where they sought to be united with other Believers, in a place of
'waiting'. Expecting the POWER of God to manifest through our lives,
we must receive with Praise and Thanksgiving every tidbit of
revelation given by Holy Spirit. Often we will be alone with our
Lord, just as was Cleopas and his friend were at Emmaus, and at
other times we might be gathered together with other Believers, who
also are expectantly waiting for God to reveal HIMself in a mighty
way.
Whenever and whereever we might be at
the time, it is of the utmost importance that we yield in submission
to Holy Spirit. For it is in submission that we 'see and know'
Christ Jesus is in our midst, revealing HIS Love and Passion for
those who have no knowledge of HIS sacrificial death much less HIS
Glorious Resurrection. We are emmisaries of this Truth, Witnesses of
HIS Presence, meeting us each day as we journey the byways and
highways of this life.
We must put aside all the other
distractions that would hinder our 'meeting' with Jesus, and give
HIM our devoted and undivided attention. For it is during those
times that we will hear HIS voice of Testimony, and be nourished and
strengthed by the encounter.
O'Lord, YOU have
revealed Truth and Righteousness as the direction our lives must
follow. Given Holy Spirit to counsel and teach our hearts through
YOUR WORD, where daily our hunger and thirst is quenched and
sustained. YOU are Faithful to show us YOUR Love for us, and we give
YOU Praise and Thanksgiving for the Gift of LIFE as we share our
Testimonies of YOUR Grace... Amen