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FirePOWER! | ||
| 'Spiritual
FUEL for the
Soul'
The Agape
Letters Ministry Newsletter
Wednesday June 30, 2010 (18 Tammuz 5770)"Wedding Invitation!" John 2:9 (Amplified Bible) And when the manager tasted the water just now turned into wine, not knowing where it came from--though the servants who had drawn the water knew--he called the bridegroom... This account of Jesus attending a wedding in Cana, is a picture of what the Bride of Christ is to be while in the earth. Our heavenly Father has planned a wedding, guests are invited and the feast takes place in heaven. Those who are Believers in Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior are in attendance because they Obediently accepted the Master's invitation. Just as Jesus had servants to fill the empty earthen vessels with water, this symbolizes HIM as the Living Water filling those who are empty. The transformation that takes place within those earthen vessels, of water becoming wine, depicts what happens when the outpouring of Holy Spirit comes upon those who have surrendered their lives to be used by the Master. Christ Jesus, is that Bridegroom, of whom all of heaven and earth will one day see in all HIS Glory and Power. Not one pair of eyes will miss HIS coming, for the earth will tremble and heaven will declare HIS Majesty. Mandated by the WORDs of Christ to HIS Disciples, Believers are to go into the byways and highways, inviting others to the banquet that Honors our Lord and Savior. Our Father's desire is such that, every man and woman be given an invitation to the blissful Wedding of HIS only Son. As for this being the 1st miracle which Jesus performed, it continues 2000 years later to be profoundly Prophetic of the condition of man. Empty earthen vessels, filled with Living Water and transformed by God's POWER of Holy Spirit to becomes New Wine, bringing Joy to not only those in attendance but also the Master of the Wedding banquet.. O'Lord, YOU have filled me
to Overflowing with Living Water, engulfing the very depths of my being with
YOUR Holy Spirit as a fresh Wine. I Rejoice with Gladness, that YOU so Lovingly
sent an Invitation to the wedding of YOUR Son. Transformed from an empty vessel
by YOUR Spirit of Life, I will one day stand before YOU as that Lovesick Bride.
Daily refresh me with YOUR Oil of cheer, making Joyous my heart as my eyes
behold the Bridegroom of heaven.. To YOU be all Glory and Power, as YOUR Holy
Name if Majestic and beyond compare. Use my life as an instrument of Praise, a
Trumpet of Worship in YOUR courts of Eternity... Amen
"Offerings of
Praise!" Hebrews 13:15 (Amplified) Through Him, therefore, let us constantly and at all times offer
up to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips that thankfully
acknowledge and confess and glorify His name. As the LORD inspires and
instructs us in understanding who Christ Jesus is through the revelation of HIS
Spirit, HE directs us to other scriptures that teach about the Offering of
PRAISE. Luke records in the Book of Acts of when Peter and John were chained,
confined and heavily guarded in prison, they continued to offer their Praises
unto the LORD despite their circumstances. Where the LORD intervened in
such a miraculous display of HIS POWER, HE knew of both Peter and John's
committment and conviction to Proclaiming HIS WORD. Acts 4:3
(Amplified Bible) Now when they saw the
boldness and unfettered eloquence of Peter and John and perceived that
they were unlearned and untrained in the schools [common men with no educational advantages], they marveled; and they recognized that they had been with Jesus. Peter and John both demonstrated by their OBEDIENCE, that they would PRAISE the LORD regardless, so dedicated were they to the
Proclamation of the Gospel of the resurrected Christ, they would be recognized
as having been in HIS Presence. Believing God's WORD to be the same yesterday,
today and forever, we should know what our LORD desires of us as HIS disciple,
to Worship and PRAISE HIM, regardless of our present circumstance or education.
Whether we are persecuted or not matters very little,
whether learned or unlearned neither matters as long as we stand boldly and give recognition to HIM for HIS Love and Compassion for us in whatever situation. Time after time in God's WORD do we read of where those who suffered for the Gospel, remained Faithful to give the LORD both HONOR and GLORY, Praise to HIS Name, whether spoken intelligently and understood by others or as Paul
describes, with spiritual groanings and utterings which are unknown to the
understanding, but flow from the depths within our heart where HIS Holy Spirit
dwells. O'Lord, I give YOU Thanks and
Praise for YOUR Love, Mercy that abounds with every gift given by Grace. My
heart races as I listen to YOUR Voice, knowing YOU desire to reveal more of YOUR TRUTH. Casting aside every weight that so easily constrains, I strive daily to bear witness of YOUR Salvation. For YOU have given no other Name, in heaven above nor on the earth below, by which anyone can be set FREE. Honor and Praise to YOUR Holy Name, Forever and Amen
"Upon that
Altar!" 1 Peter 2:24 (Amplified
Bible) He personally bore our sins in His [own] body
on the tree [as on an altar and offered Himself on it], that we might die (cease
to exist) to sin and live to righteousness. By His wounds you have been
healed. These WORDs of Peter, paint a
vivid picture in my heart, of God's deep Love for me. Broken fellowship between
mankind and God is due to Rebellion and Rejection, keeping many from
having a Restored relationship with God through HIS Son Christ Jesus. Redeemed
by the Precious Blood, HE who knew no sin became sin for us, that we might
become the Righteousness of God. Death reigns upon mankind, as
punishment for the Rejection of God and HIS Love, Christ Jesus came as the ONLY
ONE who could Restore that relationship. HE being blameless, bore our every sin,
sickness and infirmity, was despised by the world and was Obedient to
death. Where, by HIS Glorious Resurrection we are promised healing,
provision and LIFE. That physical wooden cross upon which
Christ was crucified, as Peter says, was an "Altar" that would forever
ALTER the lives of all who will receive HIM. Our own
"Calvary" must be as it was for Jesus, a place of death, to all that
is of the world, so that we might be Resurrected to NEW LIFE by Holy Spirit, the
POWER of God. Our complete and total healing came
because of God's Love which HE expressed through the sacrifice of HIS only
begotten Son, Christ Jesus. We must
sacrifice our "self" and be ALTERED and TRANSFORMED into HIS likeness by
Holy Spirit, bearing witness daily of God's LOVE and Redeeming Grace.
O'Lord, I
will forever Honor YOUR Name, for YOU are Righteous and Holy. From heaven, YOU
came in Love, to destroy death and give LIFE. My disease has been stripped away
by those Stripes, and my heart is renewed by those wounds. YOU O'Lord,
desire that I come to the cross, where YOUR Precious Blood washes away my sin,
purifying and making me whole again. I will forever Praise YOUR Holy Name. May
YOUR Love be made perfect in me, O'Lord, Amen
Tuesday June 22,
2010 (10 Tammuz 5770) "LOVE without Measure!" Hebrews 6:9-11(Amplified Bible) Even though we speak this way, yet in your case, beloved, we are now firmly convinced of better things that are near to salvation and accompany it. For God is not unrighteous to forget or overlook your labor and the love which you have shown for His name's sake in ministering to the needs of the saints (His own consecrated people), as you still do. But we do [strongly and earnestly] desire for each of you to show the same diligence and sincerity [all the way through] in realizing and enjoying the full assurance and development of [your] hope until the end, As a
Believer in Christ, we have been called of God to be bearers of the Gospel, the
Good News that Christ Jesus LOVEs us and gave HIS life for us over 2000 years
ago, so that we might LIVE. By the indwelling PRESENCE of Holy Spirit, we
are 'born anew' with a desire and a hunger to submit our hearts to HIM, loving
others more than we love ourselves. To
fulfil HIS work for which we have been appointed, our LOVE for Christ must be
strengthened daily. This prepares us for the Purpose for which HE has called us. Being 'Laborers of Love' in a world filled with hate and rebellion. We are
to look to the Life of Christ as our example, witness HIS LOVE for his own
people, with such devotion and dedication, that HE willingly suffered at their
hands and was crucified. Every people, of every nation, tribe and tongue must
hear this message, be offered the opportunity to receive God's gift of Salvation and their rightful Inheritance as joint heirs with Christ as Sons and Daughters in the Kingdom of God. We must
endure as HIS witnesses, sharing the Mercy and Grace of our Heavenly Father to
the lost. We must also diligently with Boldness and Confidence, minister this
LOVE without Measure to our brothers and sisters in the Faith. Encouraging them
toward Obedience to their calling, and as Powerful Warriors continue sharing the Hope of all hopes, Christ Jesus as Savior, Lord and KING... Father, YOU faithfully
attend to me, providing all that I have need of as I belong to YOU. Loving me
through every moment, my heart desires nothing else but to please YOU. No
greater love is there but that YOU willingly gave YOUR life for me upon that
cross at Calvary. No greater Gift than that of LOVE, have YOU lavished upon me
through Holy Spirit. Guide me to continually serve others, and be a witness of
YOUR Love without Measure... Amen
Friday June 18,
2010 (6 Tammuz 5770) "Gardens in many Fields!" 1 Corinthians 3:9 (Amplified) For we are fellow workmen (joint promoters, laborers together)
with and for God; you are God's garden and vineyard and field under cultivation, [you are] God's building. God's WORD contains many
references that describe our relationship with HIM. Indeed, as fellow laborers,
planted in fields throughout the earth. God desires a harvest to come forth,
where Believers are called "HIS Divine handiwork", we are nourished and cared by our heavenly Father, as one would care for a garden. Every detail, from planting,
nourishing and finally the harvest is meticuously cared for as each stage is
vitally important. The growth of each 'plant', requires that the become
resilient in order to stand against the harshness of the 'earth' and bear
'fruit'. Looking upon the Body of Christ as HIS 'garden', our Father and 'Master Gardener' diversifies the 'plants', some being mature and bearing fruit, others as young and developing, tender yet growing strong under HIS careful 'SUPERvision'. John 15:2 (Amplified) Any
branch in Me that does not bear fruit [that stops bearing] He cuts away (trims
off, takes away); and He cleanses and repeatedly prunes every branch that
continues to bear fruit, to make it bear more and richer and more excellent
fruit. The elements which Believers
face many times are harsh depending upon the season, a testing of sorts for both mature and young alike, yet it is the spiritual 'Covering' of Holy Spirit that so watchfully guards and through HIS WORD are each enriched. Christ Jesus goes further with HIS description of my need for continual nourishment of HIS
Provision, John 15:4 (Amplified) Dwell
in Me, and I will dwell in you. [Live in Me, and I will live in you.] Just as no branch can bear fruit of itself without abiding in (being vitally united to) the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you abide in Me. The Body of Christ is a Variety
of 'plants', some of which are 'spices' and others the 'staples', each growing
separately yet together they produce their intended 'fruit'. Where HIS Purpose
from the diligent cultivating, planting, grooming and eventual reaping, produces forth such a delightful combination, pleasing in the sight of God. To one day be presented as a 'harvest' of Believers, who have been "Seasoned to
Perfection". Father, I must grow as YOU
have planted me, nourished in the admonition and counsel of YOUR WORD. YOUR Son
and Reign of YOUR Spirit, are LIGHT and LIFE to my heart and soul. Seeds of Hope planted deeply throughout the earth, watered by YOUR Precious fountain of TRUTH. Marking each with YOUR Spirit of Love, flowing freely from YOUR throne above. Fields of Harvest are made white by HIS Blood, transformed by YOU, and blended with fragrant spices, Come quickly O'Lord and reap the Fruit of YOUR Garden. Descend in YOUR Glory and Power, and carry YOUR Faithful Bride home....
Amen
Wednesday June 16,
2010 (4 Tammuz 5770) "Sealed by HIS Blood and Spirit!" Ephesians 1:13 (Amplified Bible) In Him you also who have heard the Word of Truth, the glad tidings
(Gospel) of your salvation, and have believed in and adhered to and relied on
Him, were stamped with the seal of the long-promised Holy Spirit.
Christ Jesus died for my sin taking upon HIMself my
judgement, and was resurrected by the Power of God. This fulfills God's
Prophetic WORD given through the Old Testament prophets who were inspired by
God's Spirit, as they spoke of Christ and testifed of HIM as being Truth.
Christ is God in the flesh and Holy Spirit is God in
Spirit, both are facts that are undisputed in the writings of Paul and the other writers of the New Testament. Paul as a young man, received instruction of scripture under a Pharisee named Gamaliel, and later he received revelation of those same Old Testament scriptures from God's Spirit. Today we are also
instructed as Believers in Christ by Holy Spirit into a deeper understanding
of HIS WORD and the Purpose HE has for our lives. Those sacrificial lambs and bulls, whose blood was
sprinkled upon the altar, sealed God's Covenant of Redemption with the
Israelites. This was the argument that the Pharisees brought against Paul's
claim of Christ Jesus as being the Lamb of God, who forgives and completely
absolves the trespass of man's sin against God. It is through the account of Paul's transformation by
Holy Spirit, being changed from the office of Pharisaical Priest administering
the Old Covenant through ritual, into a Kingdom Priest administering the New
Covenant through Righteousness by Faith. Having men like Paul, who were vigilent in their Faith, the body of Christ is empowered and equipped to extend the Gospel to the farthest corners of the earth. God's WORD states that the life of any man is in the
blood, and the Gospel of Truth states that my life is redeemed by the Blood of
Christ Jesus, which Holy Spirit bears witness of even today. Redeemed by HIS
Blood, taught by HIS Spirit, and SEALED for Eternity by both.... O'Lord, I place my Faith and my life in YOU alone. For it is YOU who fills my heart to overflowing, with the revelation of both YOUR Blood and YOUR Spirit. All that I have and all that I am, is YOURs to use in the Declaration of Christ as the Way, the TRUTH and the LIFE. Nothing but HIS Precious Blood, and YOUR Spirit of Truth, makes me Holy and Righteous in YOUR sight. My righteousness counts for nothing and is like filthy rags, but I have been made Righteous through Christ Jesus, sanctified by YOUR Holy Spirit and given direction and purpose in my walk by Faith. Mighty God and Everlasting Father, Teach me and guide me by YOUR Spirit of Truth,,, Amen
Tuesday June 15,
2010 (3 Tammuz 5770) "An ONGOING WORK!" Acts 19:20 (Amplified Bible) Thus the Word of the Lord [concerning the attainment through
Christ of eternal salvation in the kingdom of God] grew and spread and
intensified, prevailing mightily. The Gospel of Christ and
the WORK assigned to Believers as recorded in God's WORD has continued to grow
and spread for over 2000 years, and God's WORD has been both a guideline and an
outline for the Body of Christ, where members are unified in accomplishing the
Purpose and Will of God upon the earth. The Dispensation of Holy Spirit at
Pentecost, is the Impartation and Manifestation of HIS Authority and Power in
the lives of Believers, and must be recognized today as the Ongoing WORK in and
through us effectively accomplishing God's Eternal Plan of Redemption for man's
soul. Denying this TRUTH in
God's WORD is likened to unbelief , for it is the desire of our heavenly
Father that HIS Kingdom be established with Sovereign Rule and Reign and must be
accounted for as a Spiritual WORK in the lives of Believers rather than
looked upon as a work of certain men's flesh, having ended with the physical
deaths of the Apostles. The Church is commanded to
Obediently follow the examples of the 1st century Apostles, and the WORK of
God's Spirit will continue as the Prevailing POWER behind continuous Kingdom
Growth. The HIStory of the Church in the 21st Century is also an Expedient and
ONGOING WORK until Christ returns, and it to must be recorded and preserved for
those who continue the Plan and Purpose which God has beforehand ordained for
those who follow Jesus. Believers must cooperate along
this Truth, as the New Testament is an outline of how God desires HIS people to
live and advance the Gospel of Christ to every ear that will heed HIS Voice.
Confession is made unto Repentance, and God's WORD is much, much more than
anything that the carnal mind of man can comprehend, therefore HE gives HIS Holy
Spirit for revealing HIS Glory to this world, and Believers filled with HIS
Spirit must advance forcefully with courage and determination, pressing forward
against the kingdom of darkness. The WORK of the Church will be finished when a shout from
heaven declares, 'Time is No More!' and Christ Jesus our Lord returns as
Triumphant King. O'Lord, YOUR Spirit is both
Authority and Power, given to those who call upon YOU as Lord and Savior.
Testimony of YOUR Grace must be declared every day, that none should be lost but
find YOUR Way. Direct me as I labor in YOUR fields white with harvest, in unity
with others determined to Honor and Glorify YOU. The Reign of YOUR Spirit Rules
YOUR Kingdom, and I desire to be a Bold Citizen and Faithful Servant. Thanks and
Praise to YOUR Holy Name Forever,,,,
Amen
Wednesday June 9,
2010 (27 Sivan 5770) "Incorruptible Desires!" 1 John 2:15 -17 (Amplified Bible) "Do not love or cherish the world or the things that are in the
world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. For all
that is in the world--the lust of the flesh [craving for sensual gratification]
and the lust of the eyes [greedy longings of the mind] and the pride of life
[assurance in one's own resources or in the stability of earthly things]--these
do not come from the Father but are from the world [itself]. And the world
passes away and disappears, and with it the forbidden cravings (the passionate
desires, the lust) of it; but he who does the will of God and carries out His
purposes in his life abides (remains) forever." John writes a reminder of what
our 'old man' once sought after so desperately as pleasureable, finding our
significance from the world and the things of it. God's WORD states
emphatically, that we as Believers are raised in Christ Jesus as 'New
Creatures', born anew by Holy Spirit, seeking nothing else but the Righteous
things of our heavenly Father, leaving behind our carnal appetite, feeding daily
upon fresh spiritual 'food'. The corruptible things of the
world, as John says, brings death upon those who crave them. They are not from
the Father, because our heavenly Father gives us Life in Christ Jesus.
Exchanging those fleshly desires with incorruptible ones, is a Divine WORK of
Holy Spirit within our hearts. 'Cravings' for Spiritual things,
must be what we long for, as they are what remain Eternally. Longing for
Holiness and Righteousness are to be the 'appetite' our heart craves. It is only
by the Power of Holy Spirit, having transformed the sinful and displeasing
desires of our heart, into desires that are aligned with the Will of God, that
bring True Joy and Peace. Believers must resist compromise
and the mixture of worldly desires, and embrace with Gladness those desires
which lead to Righteousness and LIFE. Each day we must surrender our will to the
Will of our heavenly Father, for HE rewards those who seek HIS Kingdom first,
denying what the world offers. What God supplies for our Victory over death, is
far and above, exceedingly abundant and Glorious. Greater even than our
imagination can comprehend, because we submit our desires to the direction of
Holy Spirit, and that commitment each day leads to Everlasting LIFE in HIS Holy
and Majestic Presence.... O'Lord, I long for YOUR
Kingdom of Life to have dominion in the earth. YOUR Spirit of Truth brings HOPE
where death once reigned unfettered. Keep my eyes safe from lustful sights, my
heart from lustful desires and direct my lips to Declare Victory in Christ Jesus
to those who have fallen victim to the passions of this world. Not of this
world, are those who daily crucify their flesh, desiring to reap the fruit of
Holy Spirit. All that is from YOU remains forever, spiritual nourishment that
fill my soul's hunger and thirst for more of YOU.. To YOU be all Glory and
Power, Honor and Praise to YOUR Holy Name.. Amen
Monday June 7,
2010 (25 Sivan 5770) "Flaming Tongue!" Luke 1:64 (Amplified Bible)
And at once his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and
he began to speak, blessing and praising and thanking God. How Blessed are those who give
Praise and Thanks to God. Their lips confessing with Joy HIS Holiness and
Righteousness, Declaring Grace and Mercy to those who so desperately search for
meaning and purpose in their lives. We must desire to share the Good News with
'tongues of FIRE'. This should be a portrait of every Believer in Christ, our
hearts opened to the Truth, our lips loosed to freely Exalt and Magnify the Name
of our Lord. A miracle in itself, where our
stony hearts have been transformed into hearts of Passion. Zealous in our
Proclamation of Christ as Savior and King, made known to us through Obedient men
like Luke, John, Peter and Paul. We must aggresively pursue every opportunity to
speak of all that Holy Spirit has revealed to us. It is our Testimony of God's
Love that reaches into the remote lands of the earth, into the depths of men's
stony hearts with voices of Hope which communicate LIFE and Victory through
Christ Jesus. Our confession should never
cease, night and day should we be singing Praises. Giving Thanks to God
continually for HIS boundless affections. Of all the conversations we engage in
every day, this message of Peace and Love should take precedence over everything
else. Having an intimate relationship with our heavenly Father through Christ,
is the beginning of an Eternity of Praise and Worship. Never ceasing to cry,
Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord, who is worthy to receive Glory, Honor and
Praise. With our tongues we speak of our
Lord, who ransomed our souls from despair. Raised us with HIM, seated us in
heavenly places, very the Presence of our heavenly Father. What more exciting
than to share that we have received an Inheritance as adopted sons and
daughters. Joint heirs of the Glory and Majesty of our King who reigns
triumphantly over our lives. O'Lord, I will Bless
YOUR Holy Name and YOUR WORDs will be continually in my mouth. In this hour are
many who long for Peace, hungry and thirsty hearts that are starving for Love.
YOU have opened my ears to hear YOUR voice, WORDs of Life that Comfort my soul.
Direct my feet to travel the highways and byways, sharing YOUR invitation become
part of YOUR family. Surround me with that 'Flaming FIRE', for it's LIGHT leads
men from darkness into the Glorious Kingdom of YOUR Holy Son Christ Jesus. In
HIS Name I pray, YOUR Good Pleasure is having YOUR Will done on earth as it is
in heaven... Amen
Wednesday June 2,
2010 (20 Sivan 5770) "LOVE Reconciles!" Romans
8:35-39 (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. Here Paul tells of a
LOVE that exceeds the limits of our carnal understanding.
God's Love that reaches so deep into the very soul of man,
that HE knows of even our most secretive thoughts and
emotions. It is this Love of God,
dwelling within each Believer in the person of Holy Spirit,
that One Day will separate HIS sheep from those who have
denied HIS Promise and Offering of Love. Only HIS sheep
hear, know and respond to HIS Voice, those who follow HIM
through their darkest times, are diligent in
Declaring HIS WORDs of Truth and Life .
Physical death will separate
our soul and spirit from our mortal bodies, yet it is
that spiritual death to ourselves that is concealed
in Christ, reconciled in Life by HIS Spirit, now made complete
in HIS never-ending Love for us. Having fulfilled in the
person of Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior, that Divine WORK
of Redemption accomplished at Calvary. O'Lord, my soul longs for
more, of YOUR Love and Power. Holy Spirit guide me in my
battle, obtaining VICTORY on every front. I must never
separate my desire, but proclaim Christ, so that YOUR Will can
be done through me. Praise, Honor and Glory to the Risen Lord,
Amen
Romans
10:15 |
