|
FirePOWER! | ||
| 'Spiritual
FUEL for the
Soul'
The Agape
Letters Ministry Newsletter
Thursday May 27, 2010 (14 Sivan 5770) "Destined for Purpose!" Colossians 1:23 (Amplified Bible) [And this He will do] provided that you continue to stay with and in the faith [in Christ], well-grounded and settled and steadfast, not shifting or moving away from the hope [which rests on and is inspired by] the glad tidings (the Gospel), which you heard and which has been preached [as being designed for and offered without restrictions] to every person under heaven, and of which [Gospel] I, Paul, became a minister. As Paul, we as Believers in Christ who have received our 'Calling' have also received God's Gift of Power through HIS Spirit to edify, teach, and empower us. We must respond to Holy Spirit and follow those directions for our lives into the 'Purpose' for which HIS Kingdom is to be advanced in the earth. Paul could just as well have left the city of Damascus 'feeling closer' to God as others often do today, but then there would have been far less accomplished in the Kingdom of God since that day 2000 years ago. Confronted by our Lord, in such a dramatic way, must be considered more a coincidence, but an 'Experience' that will transform our heart. Setting in motion a driving ambition to fulfill that 'Purpose for which God has Called'. 'Receiving Sight' from the Holy Spirit, is such a Powerful testimony as it was for Paul, but there must also be a burning desire within our hearts for others. Where many today are headed down a much similar road, leading eventually to 'Death and Eternal Separation' from the Presence of a Holy and Righteous God. We must Boldly Declare both the 'WORD and WORKs' of the Gospel to them, giving them opportunity to choose the Way, the Truth and the Life as the path for their journey in life. Paul left Damascus, and as he listened Holy Spirit, he was also 'Taught and Prepared' by God's WORD in fulfilling of God's Purpose. He diligently lived each and every day to go 'Beyond the Destiny and Calling' that had been placed upon his life. Where the phrase, 'Nothing Lost, Nothing Gained', carries with it the stigma of an unfilled committment to a 'Purpose', we must never be found guilty of believing, 'Whatever Will Be, Will Be' nor becoming a ''silent witness' in in our Testimony of God's Provision of Grace and Mercy, but we must willingly Declare HIS Purpose to others hopelessly traveling away from the Kingdom of God... O'Lord, YOUR Spirit speaks
to my heart loudly, of the WORKs in Christ that YOU have set before me. Talents
which I must be using in YOUR Kingdom, are FOREVER for YOUR Glory, and not
mine!! YOUR Gospel is 'Proclaiming Salvation in Christ' to lost souls, to me
this is more important than anything else. Drive me each day to 'Speak' YOUR
WORDs of Life, loosing my selfish desire to 'Play' religion. My 'Purpose' is to
SERVE YOU in everything that I do, and everything that YOU are 'DUE' will I
surrender of myself! Direct me in all YOUR Ways, O'Lord that I fulfill YOUR
'Call', Eternal and Everlasting WORD,
Amen
Tuesday May 25, 2010 (12 Sivan 5770) "Victory NOW!" 2 Corinthians 2:14 (Amplified Bible) But thanks be to God, Who in Christ always leads us in triumph [as trophies of Christ's victory] and through us spreads and makes evident the fragrance of the knowledge of God everywhere, Paul writes in this scripture of our status in Christ, 'trophies of Christ's VICTORY', an Honor given HIM by our heavenly Father for HIS defeat of death on our behalf. Freedom has a 'fragrance' that appeals to those who are captive, both physically and spiritually. The knowledge of God and HIS Provision, must be make known by our Testimony. Granted Liberty at Calvary, Believers in Christ Jesus receive healing, deliverance and gifts which necessitate our Witness to spread the Good News to every ear on earth. From oppressor to oppressed, Paul records both Trials and Triumphs in his epistles. Often troublesome, but always Triumphant, the accounts of his journey towards Rome reveals God's Truth in such a way as to encourage and inspire Believers 2000 years later. Many of us will never face what Paul endure for the sake of the Gospel, yet our commissions remains the same. Never under his own power or strength, but under the Anointing, Authority and Power of Holy Spirit was Paul able to persevere such afflictions. We as Believers are to find in Paul's inspired WORDs, both Solace and Zeal. Comforted by the knowledge that Victory was attained by Christ on our behalf, we must Passionately continue Proclaiming the Gospel, even if under similar circumstances as Paul, we will be strengthened by Holy Spirit with Boldness and Courage. As the scent of our lives permeates the four winds of the earth, evenso must our voices Declare this same message of Victory in Christ Jesus to the broken, captive and dying. For in the hour of our greatest affliction, God's Spirit manifests supernaturally in POWER, undefeated and Victorious. The mantle of Evangelism must be United with the Apostoslic and Prophetic. Directed by Holy Spirit as Teachers to those newly Redeemed through Christ, and carefully watched over by Pastors. Every Believer has been appointed to a position of servanthood. Let us continue as Paul instructs, 'make evident the fragrance of the the knowledge of God,,,, EVERYWHERE.... O'Lord, I Exalt and Glorify YOUR Holy Name with Praise and Thanksgiving. For YOU alone are worthy to Redeem my soul, grant Liberty and direct my footsteps in Righteousness. Called as a Warrior for Truth, a Victor's trophy that Declares LIFE to all who hunger and thirst for Freedom. Speak YOUR WORDs through my lips, TRUTH is Victorious over every obstacle, YOUR Anointing has broken the yoke of bondage. I have overcome, through the Precious Blood of Jesus and the Testimony of HIS Reign as my Lord, Savior and King... AMEN
Friday May 21, 2010 (8 Sivan 5770) "Discerning the Depths!" Philippians 1:8-10
(NIV) "God can testify how I
long for all of you with the affection of Christ
Jesus. And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and
more in knowledge and depth of insight,
so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure
and blameless until the day of
Christ,"
If
I am to understand what Paul means by 'discerning what is best', I
must depend solely upon Holy Spirit to reveal God's WORD for
this 'increased knowledge' and 'insight into the depths' of just how much
affection Christ Jesus has for all who believe in HIM.
Love is a necessary and vital part of life,
comprised of a myriad of emotions, some shallow and superficial while others are
deep and oftentimes heart wrenching.
To understand what Paul
is expressing as he writes, of knowing the 'affection of Christ
Jesus', I am urged to follow an example portrayed through the life, death
and resurrection of my Lord and Redeeming Savior.
While Life is so often characterized merely by the
quality of living, Paul portrays the quality LOVE which Christ expressed
2000 years ago at Calvary.
As the 'foundation' was being
laid in the hearts of HIS disciples, it is upon this LOVE, which HIS church
would be built and stand strong throughout the ages, despite the hurts and
broken committments that inevitably test even the most dedicated Believer.
Being much
more than just a casual acquaintance, but as an ageless Testimony and Witness to
the world of such self-less sacrifice, through HIS Spirit are
Believers romanced in a binding and everlasting Covenant relationship with
Christ. As a betrothed Bride, Believers are instructed to remain pure
and blameless towards that day of our Bridegroom's soon return.
Father, YOUR
Love for me is such a comforting bliss,
sweet fellowship with kisses that I dare not miss.
YOUR hands extended towards me both in Passion and
pain,
a sight that lifts my heart with such comforting
gain.
By YOUR Spirit is my life made new and
whole,
a Promise and a seal that strenghens my weary
soul.
YOU walk with me each day as a Lover and dear
friend,
I dare not miss one moment as my life will someday
end.
My Faith rests upon YOU and YOUR unchanging WORD,
the most Precious Love song I have ever heard.
YOU sing and dance over me as I watch for YOUR
Glorious return.
O'Lord, I will Exalt and Magnify YOUR Name in all
the earth,
Amen
Monday May 17, 2010 (4 Sivan 5770) "A Living Testimony!" John 5:36-38 (NAS Bible) (Jesus speaking) "But the testimony which I have is greater than the testimony of John; for the works which the Father has given Me to accomplish--the very works that I do--testify about Me, that the Father has sent Me. "And the Father who sent Me, He has testified of Me. You have neither heard His voice at any time nor seen His form. "You do not have His word abiding in you, for you do not believe Him whom He sent." John the beloved of Jesus took great lengths to record these WORDs of Christ, both as a testimony and a reminder of the works given by the Father for HIM to accomplish. Should we as well, be testifying of those WORKs to be accomplished, Declaring captives FREED, the blind, deaf and lame HEALED, the lost and wayward RESCUED? It is through the repetitious Declaration of the calling upon our lives as witnesses, which is fed by these WORDs of Christ, that literally ignites within our hearts that burning desire to see others come to know HIM who has known us since before we were born. Unable to see the vision which Christ revealed by HIS coming, many will continue pouring through the scriptures completely missing the intention of it's mission. This WORK which has been appointed to Believers, is an ongoing, minute by minute, NOW calling. What was in the past stays there, what is in the future is yet to be fulfilled, it is in the NOW, this present day and hour, where Faithfulness is of the utmost importance. Clothing the naked, feeding the hungry and restoring vision to the blind are the WORKs we have been assigned, both physical as well as spiritual in application. There are those more financially able to supply the physical where others are in position to support these WORKs spiritually. Have we been found guilty of 'robbing' God of either? Faith minus WORKs equals WORKs minus Faith. NO Faith = NO WORKs = NO Faith. We must fully comprehend what God desires of us, lest we be found wanting when the day and hour of HIS coming is revealed in Glory and Splendor. Choose this day whom you will serve, as for me and my house, WE WILL SERVE THE LORD... O'Lord,
the burden of my heart was taken away at Calvary, YOU replaced
that with a desire to see YOUR WORK accomplished in the earth
through my life. For me to LIVE is Christ, not I that lives
but Christ ALIVE in me. Direct my hands to YOUR business at
hand, for this is Pleasing and Acceptable in YOUR sight.
Provision is given to the Faithful, multiplication to the
laborer who is found doing YOUR Will. Grant me the occassion
to be a Testimony to YOUR Love, for that fills every longing I
have. To YOUR Name be all Glory and Honor, Praises to YOUR
Holy Name,, Forever and Amen
Friday May 14, 2010 (1 Sivan 5770) "REFLECTION!" 2 Corinthans 3:18 (Amplified Bible)
And all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we]
continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord,
are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing
splendor and from one degree of glory to another; [for this comes] from the Lord
[Who is] the Spirit. Having received the knowledge of who Christ is from
Holy Spirit, we are challenged by Paul to continuously view the image that is
being 'Reflected' in and through our lives to those around us each and every
day. As we are Faithful in this daily "Inspection', our journey will see the
'New' horizons of Glory to Glory which our Lord and King has set before us to
experience in our walk with HIM. The WORD of God, must be the ONLY measurement to
which we look for, as HIS desires are to prepare the Bride as blameless and
spotless for the coming our the Bridegroom. All that is in our lives that
hinders this 'ReModeling' WORK of Holy Spirit, must be discarded, torn down,
ripped up by the roots and destroyed, so that we may enter into that LIFE of
Holiness and Righteousness necessary to be Acceptable and Pleasing in the 'eyes'
of the LOVER of our Soul. Choosing to go through the process of purification
that comes when Holy Spirit has been given full and unfettered access to the
deepest recesses of our hearts, then and only then does the 'Cleansing of HIS
Temple' begin to take shape and form of the only Perfect and Priceless treasure
which dwells within us, the Glory of the LORD. Our 'faces' are unveiled and we are now able to view
HIS Glorious Presence, once hidden from our sight, but not made visible by Holy
Spirit, having opened the 'eyes of our understanding' to the deep and secret
things of Jehovah God. There is nothing in heaven nor earth that matches the
Majesty and Splendor of our Lord, for HE made everything, and all things will
one day come into subjection to HIS Authority and Power. Till every nation and kingdom of the earth becomes
the Kingdom of our God and of HIS Christ, should be that
ONE desire which consumes us from breath to breath..... O'Lord, Praises to YOU for having destroyed the veil
that hindered my eyes from viewing YOUR Glory. Nothing compares to the radiance
of YOUR Presence, for in that I am drawn to be molded and shaped by Holy Spirit
to become a 'Reflection' of YOUR Son. Rend the veil that hinders the eyes of
those who stand outside in the courtyard of carnality, reveal YOUR longing to
them for fellowship through YOUR only begotten Son. That they might enter into
that Holy of Holies, and receive the full impartation of Holy Spirit upon their
hearts, for HE brings conviction of our transgressions and upon our confession,
YOU are Faithful to forgive and YOUR Spririt begins the purification which
renders us as blameless and spotless, prepared for the coming of our Bridegroom.
We are LOVEsick for HIS coming.. To HIM who Loved us and gave HIS life that we
might have LIFE, abundant and free,, AMEN
"The
Deepest Love!" "Being Chosen for
LIFE!" John
15:16 (Amplified Bible) (Jesus speaking)
You have not chosen Me, but I have
chosen you and I have appointed you [I have planted you], that
you might go and bear fruit and keep on bearing, and that your
fruit may be lasting [that it may remain, abide], so that
whatever you ask the Father in My Name [as presenting all that
I AM], He may give it to you. No
matter how much we try to justify ourselves to
other people, it is who we are in God's sight that carries
weight for eternity. I may not
be what others expect of me, never quite being exactly what
they think I should or should not be, but rather who and what
God expects and has called and prepared me to be and be doing,
must be my focus each and every day. At first
glance, it is much easier for me to look at others
and attempt to judge them and their shortfalls against my own
perception of more noble deeds, yet not I nor anyone else but
Christ, is the example of Holiness and Righteous which
God desires that we live by. Christ Jesus
is who I am subject to as the measurement set by God,
both in Faith and Works, Every living
Believer in Christ has been chosen by God as
instruments of Praise, Purpose and Power O'Lord, fill
my day with more of YOU, so that others see YOUR Glory and
Might. YOU have brought me safe this far, through every trial,
trouble and dark of stormy night. In YOU alone, O'Lord, do I
find, Peace and Strength for each new day, as I serve YOU,
with my heart, my soul and all my strength. I will Exalt and
Magnify YOUR Holy Name, abiding in YOU, bearing fruit that
pleases YOU, Amen
Monday May 10, 2010 (26 Iyar 5770) Romans 8:37-39 (NIV) No, in all
these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am
convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the
present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything
else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is
in Christ Jesus our Lord. Mere human words are incapable
to fully convey the breadth and depth of God's Love for us, in that while we
were still sinners, Christ Jesus gave HIS life for us. This understanding is
received only under the counsel and guidance of Holy Spirit, made alive in our
deepest and innermost being by the POWER of God which resurrected our Lord from
death and the grave. Surely Paul, had been qualified
in the earthly sense, as a Pharisee and dedicated student of Holy Scripture, but
it is by the anointing and inspiration of Holy Spirit that he received
revelation that enabled him to express this 'Gripping Love' of our heavenly
Father. Many times, it is when we are
pressured by the events which surround us, do we cry out for comfort and
strength. This is when our understanding is opened to the Truth of God's
unfailing Love, and Holy Spirit awakens our heart with a revelation that
consoles even our deepest hurt. As we continue daily to draw
upon God's Spirit for direction and guidance, we must continually be reminded
that nothing in all of creation, has any greater power than that of Holy Spirit.
For it is this same POWER that brought sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf
and Salvation to the lost. In all this, we are more than conquerors, we are
Victorious as heirs and joint-heirs with Christ in the fathomless and
immeasureable Love of our heavenly Father... O'Lord, YOUR Grace is sufficient
and YOUR Mercies enduring and everlasting. To know that YOUR Love is so deep,
comforts my heart and strengthens me for the trials that I face. May YOUR face
be forever before me, as YOU grip me tightly in YOUR nail scarred hands. By YOUR
side that was pierced, YOUR Precious Blood flowed freely for my deliverance and
forgiveness. Of YOUR Love will I forever Declare to others, for by YOUR Spirit
are we given POWER to Rule and Reign over the darkness that attempts to invade
our hearts. YOUR Glory and Honor will I Exalt and Praise forevermore....
AMEN
Monday May 3, 2010 (19 Iyar 5770) Building up
the church, encouraging and edifying the Believers brings Glory and Honor to
Christ, where a Believer's Faith is strengthened and directed for God's purpose
of Proclaiming the Good News of the Gospel to a lost and dying generation.
We must seek daily direction and guidance from Holy
Spirit, to be both encouraged and be an encouragement to our brothers and
sisters in Christ, for that is as the Paul explains, something to strive
for and to excel and abound in. God purposed
to bestow HIS Power only upon those who believe in HIM, which in turn, bears the
undisputed resemblance to the manifestations of HIS WORK through HIS Son, Christ
Jesus. Desiring every part of HIM that we have inherited, then our
greatest desire is for a greater measure of HIS Gifts of Holy Spirit, for
that is an Obedient response on our part, to God and HIS Eternal
WORD.
O'Lord, YOUR Work is accomplished through YOUR
Spirit, by whom I desire to be taught and directed. Each day I must listen to
YOUR Voice, for YOUR WORDs speak loudly to my heart. Pour out of YOUR Abundant
and Endless Love, those Gifts that are my Inheritance in Christ. Work through
me, O'Lord, that others may know, YOUR Spirit is Power and Life, Forever and
Forever. Fill YOUR servants with YOUR Spirit, O'Lord that Greater and Mightier
WORKs be done,,,
Amen
Romans
10:15 |
