FirePOWER!     'Spiritual FUEL for the Soul'            The Agape Letters Ministry Newsletter | About us |  Archives |  Events | Devotional |  Prayer |  Proverbs | Photos | SEARCH | Trivia | Thursday July 29, 2010   (18th of Av, 5770)   "Rewarded by LOVE!"      2 Corinthians 12:15 (Amplified) But I will most gladly spend [myself] and be utterly spent for your souls. If I love you exceedingly, am I to be loved [by you] the less?      The Apostle Paul was quite straightforward in his appeal to the Corinthian Believers, explaining that his humanity was of no less importantance than was his spiriutal conviction that they receive the Gospel message without error or compromise. Rather than drawing attention away from the Truth, Paul shares the deepest thoughts of his own heart, that of his LOVE for their souls as opposed to what he could have gained from demanding their affection.      As with Christ Jesus, having gave of HIS LOVE without regard to HIS own well-being, knowing that any who would choose to Believe and follow HIM, would in the end receive a much Greater Reward for their Obedience. While today, many Believers continue facing stern opposition and ridicule for their uncompromising stand for Truth and Righteousness, it is the LOVE for those whose souls delicately hang in the balance of Eternity, that proves God's Spirit continues to WORK mightily through LOVE.      Where Paul addressed the question of whether the WORKing of Signs and Miracles by the Power of Holy Spirit proved his Authority as an Apostle, he pressed the issue regarding committment to Christ Jesus above all else. Of more importance than who God has chosen to use as HIS instrument of deliverance, it remains as fact that HIS SOUL desire is for man to choose LIFE through Christ Jesus. Burdens are exchanged for JOY, when someone cries out to God for Mercy, and TRUTH replaces rebellion when HIS Grace floods their hearts with LOVE, stretching far beyond the boundaries and limits of carnal understanding.     Paul was admonishing the Corinthians  for their distraction from the Kingdom message which he had presented earlier, his dedication uncompromised by their opposition, in knowing LOVE's Greatest Reward is a WORK of God's Spirit in every heart that submits to HIS guidance.... Father, the Good News has broken many hearts, some who have turned away from serving YOU. Not because the WAGES of their labors YOU Promised were short, but because they sought riches rather than relationship. May I be found Obedient to encourage those who labor, that together we may be busy in the fields of harvest. Not my will, O'Lord, but YOUR WILL be done in the earth. May YOU receive all Glory, Honor and Power, for it is in YOUR WORD, that I find the REWARD of YOUR Love for me... Amen and Forever Tuesday July 27, 2010   (16th of Av, 5770)   "Resurrection Living!"  2 Corinthians 4:8-12 (Amplified Bible)      We are hedged in (pressed) on every side [troubled and oppressed in every way], but not cramped or crushed; we suffer embarrassments and are perplexed and unable to find a way out, but not driven to despair; We are pursued (persecuted and hard driven), but not deserted [to stand alone]; we are struck down to the ground, but never struck out and destroyed; Always carrying about in the body the liability and exposure to the same putting to death that the Lord Jesus suffered, so that the [resurrection] life of Jesus also may be shown forth by and in our bodies. For we who live are constantly [experiencing] being handed over to death for Jesus' sake, that the [resurrection] life of Jesus also may be evidenced through our flesh which is liable to death. Thus death is actively at work in us, but [it is in order that [our] life [may be actively at work] in you.      Paul speaks of Resurrection Life that is continually at work in me each day. By revealing this Truth, I know that through the death of Christ Jesus, I have also been raised from death and that sinful nature which was before at work within my heart.      With Christ living within us, Believers are always carrying the memory of Jesus' death. Each day we must listen to God's Spirit, HIS Power that resurrected Christ from the grave. Like Paul, we too Proclaim that we are Victorious over those afflictions, persecutions and trials by the Blood of the Lamb and the WORD of Testimony.      In Christ, our strength is renewed each day as we continue to Faithfully live and grow in the knowledge of Truth, speaking of everything we know of Christ Jesus and the sacrifice of Love that HE made for our souls on Calvary over 2000 year ago.      Knowing that Christ Jesus Lives, brings all the more Peace and Joy, filling our hearts with HIS Love, overflowing into the lives of others around us, to work in ways that bring Glory and Honor to our Lord and KING.    O'Lord, my Life is in YOU and brings gladness to my soul. Because YOU are alive in me, I will live and not die. Pressed but never crushed, Persecuted but never abandoned, Struck down but never destroyed. YOU have conquered and defeated every foe, that all who will receive YOU as Savior, Lord and King, they shall live in Victory and receive a Crown of Life. Faithfully I will live my days, to the Praise, Honor and Glory of YOUR Holy Name! Amen Monday July 26, 2010   (15th of Av, 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, Amen Friday July 23, 2010   (12th of Av, 5770)   "A Revelation Generation!"        Ephesians 3:4-7 (Amplified Bible)    In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God's holy apostles and prophets. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power.         As Paul writes of this Revelation he has received into the 'mystery of Christ', he mentions being 'gifted of God's grace'. This 'working of HIS power', is an appropriate explanation of God's Holy Spirit, and defines Paul's adamant stand as a servant of the Gospel to the Gentiles, making known a Revelation of God's Love for a people and to a Generation that had yet to understand who Christ Jesus is. I must Boldly Confess that my desire is to know more of God's Love through HIS Son, Christ Jesus, I continue searching with extreme dilegence to understand the 'inner workings' of HIS Spirit and HIS Power.        Knowing that Luke was himself a Gentile, and a chosen disciple of Christ, I know that not only did Luke write the Book of Acts, but since he is mentioned in several of Paul's letters as having accompanied him in his travels, it is quite possible that Luke's heritage was at the core of Paul's message to the church at Ephesus. The Revelation which Paul writes about concerning the mystery which has been revealed by Holy Spirit as to WHO Christ is and what HIS life, death and resurrection means for those who Believe in HIM is not in question here. And the very fact that Paul's letter touches the heart of a matter such as inheritance, I want to know if it was Luke whom Paul carried along with him as a testimony to God's Will in adopting non-Jewish Believers in HIS Kingdom.        If that is the case, then that might explain why so many times that when Paul and Barnabus entered the synagogues in the cities they visited, they were expelled, even beaten and left for dead, yet they continued in the 'mighty WORKing Power' of Holy Spirit. Prophetically proclaiming to each and every Generation the infinite Love which God expresses to HIS Creation, whether Jew or Gentile, bond or free, man or woman. Declaring that the 'circumcision' of my heart is by God's Spirit, is then the 'cutting away of my flesh' and the sinful nature which I inherited, it is then revealed and because God's WORD and the mystery of Christ which Paul preaches, is proof that Luke's adoption into God's family was a spiritual Law fulfilled through Christ Jesus.        As Paul goes on in this letter, he prays that along with the Ephesians, I too through the POWER of Holy Spirit, will gain God's 'glorious riches', the knowledge that Christ dwells within my heart through Faith. That I become as Luke was, a testimony to the immeasureable Mercy and Grace of God, extending far beyond just the eyes and ears of those 1st century Believers to this generation searching for significance in their lives.        O'Lord, as I read YOUR WORDs where Paul knelt in prayer, I too kneel in submission to YOUR Spirit of Authority and Power. To know more of YOU and YOUR Will is my willingness to Love YOU more, and be a Bold and Obedient witness of YOUR Revelation of Christ Jesus. YOUR Truth made evident and known by Holy Spirit, with confidence I look only to YOU for my Salvation and HOPE. As my Faith is deepened and strengthened in knowing YOUR Promise, I declare with my lips that YOUR Grace is abundant and sufficient to deliver me as YOU did Barnabus and the Apostle Paul, and break every link in the chains of bondage and oppression. I pray that YOUR mighty WORKing Power moves upon all whose hearts have been battered and will be deeply comforted by YOUR Love. Hallelujah, for it is YOUR Glory and Honor that must be declared and may YOUR WORDs of Life be forever Proclaimed in Power,,,, Amen Tuesday July 20, 2010 (9 Av 5770)  "Living PROOF!"   Romans 14:7-9 (Amplified Bible)      For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone. If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.        We have repeated these verses of scripture many times since being written by Paul, a Servant of Jesus Christ to the Believers in Rome. WORDs inspired by God's Holy Spirit to bear unmistakable PROOF of Christ' ownership of those who Believe of HIS death and resurrection from death and the grave. We today, must also be moved by them, to diligently share the HOPE we have in Christ, to those whose precious souls hang delicately in the balance of Eternity.        For us to live IS Christ, FOREVER, BUT without HIM I(we) are dead, both physically and spiritually without having received HIS Gospel of Redemption and Salvation. We HAVE this Testimony, receiving from Holy Spirit the knowledge of those things hidden for centuries, but now revealed to us for the expansion and growth of God's Kingdom.        We must accept Holy Spirit as the ONE WITNESS WHO transforms our hearts, strengthening every Believer with inspiration and increases our knowledge of God's Purpose to Advance the Kingdom message of HOPE and Victory in Christ Jesus throughout the earth. This is the message of THIS HOUR and we must be Faithful in Proclaiming the Gospel with the same fervor and zeal as Paul over 2000 years ago.   O'LORD, death holds no POWER over YOU, LIFE in YOU and through YOU are given to me. I accept and believe YOUR Spirit as PROOF, that YOU died to set MEn free. For eternity I will Praise and Worship, my Lord, who rose in Victory. YOU set my feet upon the Solid Rock, to stand Proclaiming YOUR WORD. YOU alone O'LORD are Worthy of all Praise and Honor and Glory,,, Amen Thursday July 15, 2010 (4 Av 5770)  "Reigning Love!"      Acts 14:15-17 (Amplified Bible) Men, why are you doing this? We also are [only] human beings, of nature like your own, and we bring you the good news (Gospel) that you should turn away from these foolish and vain things to the living God, Who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything that they contain. In generations past He permitted all the nations to walk in their own ways; Yet He did not neglect to leave some witness of Himself, for He did you good and [showed you] kindness and gave you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with nourishment and happiness.      As Paul and Barnabus passionately Proclaimed the Gospel of Christ in the city of Lystra, they spoke of how God had permitted all of mankind to search for his own way in obtaining happiness. We as Believers in Christ must also Declare the message of Hope and Salvation, witnesses of both God's Grace and Love.      Even today, there are many as they were in Paul's day, seeking but never finding satisfaction, laboring day in and day out, yet have not realized that their journey must begin in Christ Jesus. To learn that Jesus is the only One who is able to give LIFE where death once reigned and desires to give you a Hope and a Future, is worthy to be Worshiped. HE created the universe, the heavens and the earth and everything contained in it , this is a treasure of knowledge that surpasses the highest level of understanding that anyone can ever obtain.      Fulfillment and satisfaction cannot be found in things which are earthly and carnal, they only leave a heart wanting and desiring more. Similar were those who for the 1st time, hearing the Holy Spirit inspired message of Christ Jesus. WORDs of Encouragement and Direction given through Paul, as a testimony of God's Provision for all of mankind. Some will respond and receive God's Gift, but there are many who will refuse to accept the invitation to know their Creator and become joint heirs in HIS Kingdom.      Revealing God's Truth to those who search endlessly but are empty and void of knowing HIS Grace, is an act of complete Obedience. Joy and Peace that our heart experiences in our relationship with Christ, is a constant reminder of WHO Reigns with Compassion and Kindness, having offered HIMself that we might receive every Blessing and Promise.      O'Lord, YOU shower me with YOUR Love so boundless and free, reigning in Compassion and with Kindness that is everlasting. YOUR Spirit brings Peace to those who are in turmoil, and Joy to those whose hearts have been broken by pain. Give me YOUR WORDs to be a bold witness of YOUR Grace, wherever I may travel I must speak them to whomever I meet. YOUR message of Salvation bringing Life and Hope in Love, driving out every thought of despair with visions of Abundant Truth from YOUR throne high above. Every Praise belongs to YOU, my Lord and King. Eternal and Holy is YOUR Name, for there is no other name in the universe that offers LIFE,,, Amen Monday July 12, 2010 (1 Av 5770)  "POWER = VICTORY!"     Hebrews 10:23-25 (Amplified Bible) So let us seize and hold fast and retain without wavering the hope we cherish and confess and our acknowledgement of it, for He Who promised is reliable (sure) and faithful to His word. And let us consider and give attentive, continuous care to watching over one another, studying how we may stir up (stimulate and incite) to love and helpful deeds and noble activities, Not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together [as believers], as is the habit of some people, but admonishing (warning, urging, and encouraging) one another, and all the more faithfully as you see the day approaching.      The unknown writer of the Book of Hebrews, tells of Christ Jesus' eternal devotion and obedience to God's will concerning HIS sacrifice. Noting that forgiveness is granted to us through HIS unlimited and enduring Mercy and Grace. In the Book of Ephesians, Paul is inspired by Holy Spirit to explain the everlasting declaration of God's POWER as each Believer is "Re-Created".     Ephesians 2:10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.      It is by God's design and definition in HIS WORD, that we are original creations. Created 1st as a man, after the likeness and image of God. Rebellion and sin came through the 1st Adam, therefore it is necessary that each of us must become a "New Creation" through the Power of Holy Spirit, that same POWER who Resurrected Christ. We have now become a "NEW CREATION" fashioned after the firstborn of that Resurrection, Christ Jesus.      Hebrews 10:15-16 The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First he says: "This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds."      Then we must accept HIS WORDs as TRUTH, testifying that HE is ABLE to WRITE HIS WORD in our heart and upon our minds. After all, HE IS my LORD and my God who CREATED me. HIS Enduring Love for each of us must be Proclaimed and exhibited in our lives through our unwavering love for others. For whatever Holy Spirit reveals, we must become witnesses of, as encouragers to one another and to others as the John writes,     1 John 5:3-5 This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.     God's WORD bears LIGHT to eyes that have been dimmed by the darkness of this world. Being witnesses of this revelation is a WORK of FAITH in OBEDIENCE to Christ Jesus, because Holy Spirit now directs us in executing HIS plan and Purpose for which we were Designed and Destined.      O'Lord, YOU knew me even before I was born, and it is YOU who control my destiny, now and forever. I must live in Obedience to YOU and YOUR WORD, where every step I take is by Faith in YOU. No longer will I be burdened by heavy yoke of sin, for YOU have brought me out of bondage. YOUR Spirit guides me, YOUR WORD teaches me, for YOUR ways are Truth and Life, and I must tell others of the Victory that is only found in YOU. Direct us to share this with those who are still held captive by sin and strife. Revealing YOUR Grace and Mercy in Love, for only in YOU is HOPE made Alive with POWER. Forever will I Exalt and Magnify YOUR Holy Name,,, Amen Friday July 9, 2010 (27 Tammuz 5770)  "Mighty Warriors ARISE!"     1 Corinthians 14:7-8 (Amplified Bible) "If even inanimate musical instruments, such as the flute or the harp, do not give distinct notes, how will anyone [listening] know or understand what is played? And if the war bugle gives an uncertain (indistinct) call, who will prepare for battle?"      Paul instructs his readers about the appropriate use of "tongues", a gift from God for edifying and strengthening Believers. Using this gift as an instrument of communication between Believer and God, Paul likens this to musical instruments like the flute and harp, but especially as a Trumpet or bugle. As is noted in Paul's day and still exists today, confusion and misunderstanding surrounds this necessary and useful Gift. The enemy has robbed many Believers of the full POWER of Holy Spirit, likened to stripping Warriors of their weapons, leaving them both unarmed and unprotected.      In a different direction from Holy Spirit, Believers must begin seeing themselves as the Kingdom Warriors that God intends us to be. Taught, trained and thoroughly prepared by Holy Spirit for engaging the enemy and the kingdom of darkness in battle. As a Believer, God has given us POWER to defeat the enemy both in our personal lives and throughout the earth whereever darkness and evil oppresses and persecutes those in fellowship with HIM as Sons and Daughters.      Spiritual 'Training' by Holy Spirit teaches and prepares Believers to understand the 'Vision' they have been given. The ability to 'See' in the spiritual realm, where the enemy attempts to kill, steal and destroy us at every opportunity and likewise thwarting every advance of HIS Kingdom within the hearts of those held captive in the camp of the enemy.      Truthfully, there is a misunderstanding in the nature of this Gift, and without correction from God's WORD, more damage is being done to the Unity of the fellowship of Believers, than is being done against the kingdom of darkness. This division must not continue, if we are to continue the WORK we have been called to and walk each day in the Victory of Christ.      'Spiritural Warriors' MUST BE taught the TRUTH, just because you do not 'See' your enemy, does not lessen the fact that satan and his demons exist, and even more so, that their 'mission' is to steal Joy from Believers, destroy the Hope whe have in Christ and kill each and every one who are weak in their knowledge of Truth.      Where confusion exists in the understanding of Truth, the enemy has gained a foothold and must be resisted even moreso. Listening intently to the counsel of Holy Spirit for direction is much needed, and as Paul instructs, we are to use every Gift given to the Glory of the Father and for the advancement of HIS Kingdom.      Father, YOUR WORD divides TRUTH from darkness and error, where YOUR Light shines brightly for all men to 'SEE' and find the Way that leads to LIFE. YOU command a vast army, having prepared us with POWER to battle the enemy, where we take back ALL the territory that has been stolen. In YOUR Kingdom, we are gathered together as were the Disciples with Jesus, to become instruments of Warfare and Worship. Our Joy is to lift our voices as Trumpets, sounding the alarm, awakening the hearts of those bound by the adversary. Our lips must declare Victory upon the earth, as it IS in Heaven, bringing Glory and Honor to Christ Jesus, our Lord and Triumphant KING... Amen Tuesday July 6, 2010 (24 Tammuz 5770)  "Preserved for Service!"         Philippians 1:19 (Amplified Bible) For I am well assured and indeed know that through your prayers and a bountiful supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ (the Messiah) this will turn out for my preservation (for the spiritual health and welfare of my own soul) and avail toward the saving work of the Gospel.      Paul wrote this letter to encourage each of us, confirming the Powerful WORK of Holy Spirit, which was ongoing in his life as well as ours despite current circumstances. Obvious, is the fact that Paul is 'Rejoiceing' from the Love and Compassion given by the Believers in Philippi. Often this is how God moves in our own lives, by moving in and through the lives of other Believers.     In these troublesome days, we must take Paul's WORDs of exhortation, and apply them whenever we encounter such hurdles that seem to attack the 'Unity of Fellowship' between ourselves and other Believers in Christ. From Paul's deep relationship with Christ through Holy Spirit, he was able to continue claiming 'Victory' through the finished WORK of Christ for the sake of furthering the Gospel. Overlooking and even disregarding his own personal 'Trials and Persecution', Paul continued Proclaiming the Kingdom of God in 'Obedience'. An ever increasing number souls are to be 'Restored in Fellowship' with God through the witness of 'Faithful and True' believers, through their bold, courageous and unwavering 'Testimony' during times of extreme affliction.      Therefore, through 'Everything' it is imperative that every Believer in Christ continue as Paul did,         Philippians 4:4-7 (Amplified Bible) Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, gladden yourselves in Him]; again I say, Rejoice! Let all men know and perceive and recognize your unselfishness (your considerateness, your forbearing spirit). The Lord is near [He is coming soon]. Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. And God's peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.      O'Lord, when I am weak, YOU are Strong. YOU carry me through each day by YOUR Amazing Love. There is none other that I will 'Lean Upon' but YOU, O'Lord. For it is YOU that I will 'Rejoice' in all of my days, that others might come to know YOU and YOUR Son. Speak YOUR 'WORDs of Life' through me today, that some lost soul might find the WAY. I am YOURs O'Lord, Use me as YOU Will, I pray... Amen Sharing this FirePOWER! Devotional with your family and friends, will have an impact upon their lives. This generation deserves to hear the message of God's Kingdom, knowing that Christ Jesus loves them and desires that they know HIM.   Romans 10:15     And how can men [be expected to] preach unless they are sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of those who bring glad tidings! [How welcome is the coming of those who preach the good news of His good things!] (Amplified Bible) The Vision of The Agape Letters Ministry is to Equip, Exhort and Inspire Believers to become Victorious Spiritual Warriors of Christ Jesus. Training them to Boldly and Courageously Advance the Kingdom WORK of God, recognizing the FirePOWER available to them under the anointing and presence of Holy Spirit within their lives. Encouraging them to Walk by Faith, fulfilling the mandate of Proclaiming the Gospel as Ambassadors of Christ throughout every nation upon the earth.   For HIS Glory, Jake Tribble www.theagapeletters.com   Contact US! Did someone forward this Devotional to you? Subscribe now to receive your own copy every day.