FirePOWER!     'Spiritual FUEL for the Soul'            The Agape Letters Ministry Newsletter | About us |  Archives |  Events | Devotional |  Prayer |  Proverbs | Photos | SEARCH | Trivia | Friday October 28, 2011  (30th of Tishrei, 5772)               "Consumed by Holy FIRE!"          Luke 12:49 (Amplified Bible) "(Jesus speaking) I have come to cast fire upon the earth, and how I wish that it were already kindled!"      When awakened by the alarming sound of sirens wailing in the distance and billows of smoke spiraling skyward, we know this is a sure sign that something is 'on Fire'. Our minds instantly visualize the very fact that property could ultimately be destroyed or that a human life could be lost, FOREVER.      As recorded by Luke, Christ Jesus DECLARES HIS mission of PASSION. God's Promised Holy Spirit is given to Believers, coming to inhabit tabernacles of flesh instead of stone temples, which God so deeply and lovingly desires to intimately dwell, the very heart of man.       Whenever a FIRE breaks out, there is a source of FUEL from which the blaze began, generated by a spark which in turn IGNITES the available kindling. Then the blazes begin raging upward and spreading outward, much like our desire to honor our Lord and King with Praises and share our burning Passion for HIM with others.      As a Believer in Christ, I must not only Confess Jesus as my Lord, but also be willing in my heart to be set 'On FIRE' by HIS Spirit. I too must be OBEDIENT in bringing others to HIM so they may also be totally consumed by God's Holy Fire, Holy Spirit burns unquenchably within my heart a passion for the lost. Refining me in every way, to be presented as a purified vessel, used effectively in HIS service.      O'Lord, release from heaven YOUR purifying Fire, to burn within my heart, YOUR PASSION for souls. Engulf this generation of Believers, with Flames, an unquenched and raging furnace. No man's flesh can stand in YOUR Holy Presence, only those souls that have endured YOUR refining FIRE. I shout Praises to YOU my LORD, for YOUR Spirit is the Living Oil Refining Disciples, Amen Thursday October 27, 2011  (29th of Tishrei, 5772)                         "Reconciled!"            Romans 5:9-11 (Amplified Bible) "Therefore, since we are now justified (acquitted, made righteous, and brought into right relationship with God) by Christ's blood, how much more [certain is it that] we shall be saved by Him from the indignation and wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, it is much more [certain], now that we are reconciled, that we shall be saved (daily delivered from sin's dominion) through His [resurrection] life. Not only so, but we also rejoice and exultingly glory in God [in His love and perfection] through our Lord Jesus Christ, through Whom we have now received and enjoy [our] reconciliation."       As Believers in Christ, we must always remember that before we were Reconciled to our Father God through Christ Jesus, we were considered as HIS ENEMY. Enemies of both Truth and the very Cross upon which Christ paid the ransom for our souls, with HIS Life.      Being an ENEMY of God is truly a difficult WORD for anyone to comprehend, much less accept when describing themself. Yet, it was the Cross and an empty grave that changed that over 2000 year ago.      God's WORD tells us that Christ LOVEs us so much, that while we were STILL an ENEMY of HIS Father, HE Lovingly and Sacrificially died for us, SO THAT WE COULD LIVE!      Without knowing Christ and the Truth of HIS death and Resurrection, none can be saved from the Wrath of a Holy and Righteous God. It is by HIS Grace that we are saved, and by HIS Mercy are we able to Rejoice and have fellowship with our Father and HIS Son.      God LOVES HIS Creation and HIS Will is that ALL mankind Joyfully receive this Reconciliation and Redemption with Thanksgiving and Praise, which is offered through HIS Son, our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus!      O'Lord, guide my heart as I desire to know YOUR Thoughts and Ways. YOUR Spirit has transformed me from an enemy to a son, an heir and joint-heir with Christ. Grant me both boldness and courage to speak YOUR WORDs of Life to those whose ears have not heard the Good News. Prepare their hearts to receive the Greatest Gift that brings Comfort and Peace to their weary soul. May YOU be Exalted and Praised forever and ever! Amen Wednesday October 26, 2011  (28th of Tishrei, 5772)                       "Powerful Proof!"           2 Corinthians 13:3-5 (Amplified Bible) "Since you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you. For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God's power. Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God's power we will live with him to serve you. Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you unless, of course, you fail the test?"      When Believers in Christ die to themselves, believing in the resurrection of Jesus by the Power of God, they become citizens and joint heirs in the Kingdom of God!      Believers must deny the sinful nature of controlling our own destiny, and then allow Holy Spirit to guide us into a greater understanding of God's WORD, only then are we considered servants to the KING of kings.      Having Faith that Jesus is the Son of God, and that HE abides in you, becoming more than conquerors, Overcomers and Witnesses of HIS Power, is Living Proof that the servant honors his Lord and Savior.      We as Believers in Christ, possess the Power of God in every area of our lives through Holy Spirit, who indwells and empowers us. This ongoing WORK of God in our lives is a Testimony to HIS POWER.      The test of Faith, NEVER COMPROMISING in thought, word or deed, portrays both Commitment and Obedience. We become Victorious over this struggle because Christ conquered them for us through HIS resurrection.      O'LORD, I ask for a double portion of YOUR Spirit of Power and Wisdom, given and revealed as I serve YOU alone. I confess my weakness, and Proclaim YOUR strength, unto a world of lost and dying people who are without Hope. May Christ, who lives within me be Glorified, HIM alone receiving all the Praise and Glory, as HE is my Lord of Lords, and my King of Kings, Amen Monday October 24, 2011  (26th of Tishrei, 5772)                  "Weapon of Deliverance!"             Hebrews 4:12 (Amplified Bible)  "For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart. "      These WORDs inspired by Holy Spirit and recorded by the writer of Hebrews, reaffirms what the majority of the 1st century Apostles and Disciples were proclaiming as Truth. In the debate over whether God's Power was an active, continual and ongoing Work of God through Believers.      Bringing this same debate into the 21st century, it seems that I must refrain from 'dulling' what God has spoken of as 'sharper' than any two-edged sword. Any limiting of Holy Spirit as God's assigned and designated 'Weapon of Warfare', who manifested in many instances, both as Power to perform signs and wonders and Authority over that spiritual realm which Christ declared as conquered territory.      Territory which Believers have gained by inheritance through HIS death and triumphant resurrection to Glorious and Everlasting Life. I must NOT be 'simple-minded' in my understanding of this, NO, I MUST be 'Christ-minded' concerning Holy Spirit, who SPEAKS in Power and Authority, inhabiting Believers as God's appointed and designated 'Kings and Priests'.      I MUST acknowledge and declare HIS Spirit as True and Living, both Alive and Effective as testimony to God's unchanging WORD. I agree with the Apostle Paul, there is nothing more 'dead'lier, than a dispatched 'Warrior', a Believer in Christ', who has decided by their own interpretation, that God's Spirit for some unproven reason, has been divinely recalled.      My God GIVES HIS Spirit to all who desire HIM!      Perceiving that there is either NO spiritual warfare currently taking place in the earth, OR too many whose walk teters back and forth across the 'dividing line' between 'slave and servant', have bypassed and ignored the 'dispensation' of God's WORD, and have decided that HIS 'Sword of the Spirit' is ineffective and/or useless for the Lord's generation of today.      Either 'Advance the Kingdom of God' upon the earth, or be as one 'exposed and sifted' by HIS Spiritual Counsel, who will then render a judgement which amounts to Eternal 'banishment' from the Very Presence of God!      O'Lord, YOU are a Fire and a Rock, and YOU burn and crush YOUR every enemy. I stand each morning in awe of YOUR Power, to breathe Life into souls once dead. The world sees only dry bones, but I SEE an ARMY. Filled with YOUR Spirit, I will die only once and live forever, those who would ignore YOUR WORD, will die twice and be dead forever. Rise up, O' Army of God, listen to the sound, the earth and all of it's fullness, belongs to the Lord, our Savior and King. Proclaiming Victory in Christ Jesus, all around the world. Amen Friday October 21, 2011  (23rd of Tishrei, 5772)                  "Servants of Holy Fire!"             Hebrews 1:7-9 (Amplified Bible) "Referring to the angels He says, [God] Who makes His angels winds and His ministering servants flames of fire; But as to the Son, He says to Him, Your throne, O God, is forever and ever (to the ages of the ages), and the scepter of Your kingdom is a scepter of absolute righteousness (of justice and straightforwardness). You have loved righteousness [You have delighted in integrity, virtue, and uprightness in purpose, thought, and action] and You have hated lawlessness (injustice and iniquity). Therefore God, [even] Your God (Godhead), has anointed You with the oil of exultant joy and gladness above and beyond Your companions."      God's WORD urges those who Believe in HIS Son Christ Jesus to spread the Good News of HIS Kingdom, anointing them with an everlasting source, 'the Oil of Joy and Gladness'. Much like a Fire which consumes everything in it's path, Holy Spirit comes with an assignment from God, a burning desire within and as a refiner of the hearts of those who delight in HIS Righteousness, seeking only 1 thing, to fulfill HIS Purpose throughout the earth.      Generations of 'Servants' have been dispatched under HIS Commission, having been chosen as an acceptable 'Burnt Offering', an aroma carried upon the 'Winds' and reaches into the very Presence of God in heaven.            Isaiah 61:3 (Amplified Bible) "To grant [consolation and joy] to those who mourn in Zion--to give them an ornament (a garland or diadem) of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, the garment [expressive] of praise instead of a heavy, burdened, and failing spirit--that they may be called oaks of righteousness [lofty, strong, and magnificent, distinguished for uprightness, justice, and right standing with God], the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified."      As we begin to exercise our Faith, guided by these WORDs spoken by the Prophet Isaiah, it will be from these 'Ashes' that God will display HIS 'Beauty and Splendor'. This 'Lord's Generation' must be Faithful to Proclaim 'The Glory of God', ushering into the earth the revelation of Christ as the 'Triumphant' King who will return, bearing HIS 'Scepter of Righteousness' which will divide those found to be Holy from among those who have rejected HIS Name.      O'Lord, YOUR Holy Fire within my bones, drives out the dreaded chill of death. YOUR angels forever Praise in heaven above, serving as a Wind carrying YOUR Gospel of Truth. YOUR Glory will Reign over every heart that has chosen YOU as Savior and King. As YOUR WORD and Spirit brings Life and Salvation, YOU also bring Judgement upon the unrepentant. I chose to be a 'Burnt Offering', consecrated and purified by YOUR Holy Fire, a messenger of YOUR Grace to all, Amen Wednesday October 19, 2011  (21st of Tishrei, 5772)                 "Adorning the Bride's Heart!"           1 Peter 3:4 (Amplified Bible) "But let it be the inward adorning and beauty of the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible and unfading charm of a gentle and peaceful spirit, which [is not anxious or wrought up, but] is very precious in the sight of God. "      As Peter writes these WORDs, he is sharing an Understanding of a Believer's heart, one that is adorned with God's Spirit of Gentleness and Peace. God's WORD tells us that Christ Jesus was tempted by every form of evil that is common to man, yet HE remained Faithful and Obedient to HIS mission, fulfilling the purpose for which HE came to earth.      Jesus, being that one and only sacrifice found to be worthy and acceptable in God's sight, whereby through HIS death and resurrection, all might have know HIS Provision of Salvation, Abundance of Life and receive God's Promised Holy Spirit for guidance and further instruction in our daily lives.      That Peace, Gentleness and Love we have received, are spiritual adornments which we must desire most from HIM, them being a portion of HIS Gifts through HIS Spirit. As Peter and the other disciples walked alongside the King of Glory, it was not until later did he and the others receive God's Spirit as evidence of their transformation. Then they fully understood Christ' mission and the purpose HE desired to accomplish in and through their lives.      Every Believer has been Promised by God, that each would receive HIS Spirit as our Source of Power and Life, being lavished with those very same Gifts of 'Spiritual Jewelry'. We must 'Wear' them within our heart, so that those who are 'spiritually naked' and are living outside the Kingdom of God, may one day find HIM and receive the incorruptible adornments of God's Holy Spirit.      Where the Bride of Christ will one day be presented by our Lord, as pleasing and precious into our heavenly Father's Glorious Presence.      O'Lord, adorn my heart with those Precious Jewels of Love, Peace and Understanding , that YOUR Glory be seen as Beautiful and Majestic. YOU are the Source and the Giver of Life Everlasting, and YOU alone will I Forever Trust and Obey. All that I have, and ever HOPE to be, is found only in YOUR WORD and given by YOUR Spirit. Clothe me with YOUR Spirit forever, as I bear a Faithful Witness and Testimony to YOUR Son Christ Jesus. For HE WAS and IS and WILL Always be the LIFE that now lives within my heart. May the heart of YOUR Bride be found pleasing and acceptable in YOUR sight, Amen Tuesday October 18, 2011  (20th of Tishrei, 5772)                    "Igniting THIS Generation!"                Romans 13:11 (Amplified Bible) "Besides this you know what [a critical] hour this is, how it is high time now for you to wake up out of your sleep (rouse to reality). For salvation (final deliverance) is nearer to us now than when we first believed (adhered to, trusted in, and relied on Christ, the Messiah). "      As Believers we must understand the urgency with which Paul writes these WORDs. That we are living in such a critical hour, where some are 'asleep' figuratively. Here Paul purposely draws our attention towards this unchanging fact, that as one generation passes, another generation draws nearer to redemption, sooner rather than later.      Everyone must know that while sleep is a vital necessity for healthy living, Paul is referring to a state of mind occupied by thoughts other than the WORK of advancing God's Kingdom, a time sensitive message that must be delivered with priority.      At the time Paul wrote this letter to the Romans, I seriously think that he was confident that time was drawing to a close, for the world which he knew existed then, had never heard of Christ Jesus much less knew of God's Plan for the Salvation and the Redemption of man's soul.      As such today now some 2000 years after Paul's mention, there are many Believers who are faithfully proclaiming the arrival of a generation that could very well fulfill the Great Commission, and usher in those final days of which Christ spoke of.      While reading this scripture, I like so many before me, awaken to the impending reality of that long awaited day and hour, which means as each daybreak pierces through the eastern morning sky, all of mankind is yet one day closer to when Christ Jesus returns to claim HIS church of Faithful, True and Awakened Believers.      O'Lord, YOUR Voice speaks with such a Holy and Sweet refrain, Awakening me to the reality that many suffer loss and pain. Shake me as I slumber to watch and pray, any hour YOU may come during the night or day. Rest awaits all who remain Obedient to the end. YOUR Spirit Transforms and Renews me with POWER, filling my mind with the Truth of Everlasting Life in YOU. How Great is YOUR Faithfulness, Gracious Lord, Amen Monday October 17, 2011  (19th of Tishrei, 5772)             "Growing into Maturity!"        Hebrews 6:1 (Amplified Bible) "THEREFORE LET us go on and get past the elementary stage in the teachings and doctrine of Christ (the Messiah), advancing steadily toward the completeness and perfection that belong to spiritual maturity. Let us not again be laying the foundation of repentance and abandonment of dead works (dead formalism) and of the faith [by which you turned] to God,"      There is such a deep longing in my heart, to mature spiritually towards the completeness and perfection written about here in the Book of Hebrews.      Being directed and moved by God's Spirit, from a level of infancy towards a higher level of understanding called maturity. Much similar to a student who progresses from a position of learning fundamentals, and passionately yearns yet for a deep intimate relationship with HIS Master.      The foundational Truths of repentance, given by Christ Jesus are part of the Gospel which comprises the Cornerstone of one's spiritual growth. Along with a total abandonment of fruitless and dead actions, works that are neither purposeful nor profitable.      Growing in one's Faith which leads us towards a higher level of Obedience in the building of HIS Kingdom, and refraining from the busy-ness of constructing a kingdom of our own.      There is much more to be accomplished, as one diligently searches the heart of God for direction and instruction. Traveling each day along the path which leads us towards Righteousness and Holiness, as it is being revealed by Holy Spirit, our sure and trustworthy Guidance Counselor.      O'Lord, teach me each day more of YOUR Ways and Thoughts, that my life be a pleasing and acceptable offering in YOUR Sight. Instruct me by YOUR WORDs of Truth and Light, that I may Praise YOUR Name with my lips. To live being an example of YOUR Son, where others will seek and find YOU and Eternal LIFE. Salvation's message comes by Faith, and works of LIFE reveal YOUR Mercy and Grace. YOUR Spirit opened deaf ears and blind eyes, to hear and see YOUR Glorious and Majestic Truth. YOUR WORD spoken in tongues of men and angels. Hark, heaven's heralding host of angels sing, and as a Believer, I too must boldly proclaim, Christ Jesus reigns as my Savior, Lord and King, Amen Thursday October 13, 2011  (15th of Tishrei, 5772)                 "With a Heart of Love!"              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, "      We have been called as Believers to be witnesses of both Truth and Righteousness, bearing the Good News of Hope, deposited deep into our hearts by Holy Spirit, a burning desire to Love and Encourage others to continue pressing on in diligence and sincerity. How can we fulfill HIS work, which to us has been appointed, without ourselves having first experienced HIS deep and continual Love personally?      Looking to Christ as the example, there is undeniable evidence of HIS LOVE for all people throughout God's WORD. Willingly, Jesus suffered at the hands of HIS accusers and was crucified on Calvary so that all men of every nation, could have the opportunity to receive God's gift of Salvation and a rightful Inheritance as heirs and joint-heirs with HIM in the Kingdom.      We continue not only being mere witnesses to the Mercy and Grace of our heavenly Father to the lost, but also as ministers to our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, without boundary or measure, diligent to Declare the unfathomable depths of God's Love and Passion for the souls of all.      May we each daily experience our Father's heart of Love, and be Faithful to Proclaim HIS Mercy and Grace without fear or shame.      O'Lord, YOU Faithfully attend to me and all that I have need of. Through each and every moment of my day, I experience YOUR deep Love for my soul. Within my spirit I desire only to please YOU, seeking to be a visible expression of YOUR Love to others. Of YOUR many gifts, which YOU lavish upon me through Holy Spirit, guide me as I encourage and strengthen my brothers and sisters in Christ. I completely submit my heart to YOU, direct me as a minister of YOUR Grace and Mercy, Amen Tuesday October 11, 2011  (13th of Tishrei, 5772)                 "Reflections of Light!"           1 John 1:5-7 (Amplified Bible)  "And this is the message [the message of promise] which we have heard from Him and now are reporting to you: God is Light, and there is no darkness in Him at all [no, not in any way]. [So] if we say we are partakers together and enjoy fellowship with Him when we live and move and are walking about in darkness, we are [both] speaking falsely and do not live and practice the Truth [which the Gospel presents]. But if we [really] are living and walking in the Light, as He [Himself] is in the Light, we have [true, unbroken] fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses (removes) us from all sin and guilt [keeps us cleansed from sin in all its forms and manifestations]."      Whatever we say or do as Believers, must be in line with what John writes about of living and walking in the Light, Christ Jesus. John also states that one who stumbles about in darkness(unable to see spiritually), is both a person who speaks lies and walk around in ignorance of the true message of the Gospel.      Having true and unbroken fellowship with Jesus and one another, Believers rely upon God's Spirit for guidance and revelation of spiritual things. As John refers to the Light, our spiritual vision is focused more keenly upon serving God and desiring unity amongst our fellow servants in Christ.      When those outside the Kingdom of God listen to what Believer's say and watch what we do, they will most likely draw a conclusion based simply on whether there is any Truth being exposed by our lives. Integrity and Unity are manifestations overflowing from within our hearts, having been transformed and made new by Holy Spirit.      In the Book of Acts, Luke writes in chapter 4 verse 32;        'Now the company of believers was of one heart and soul, and not one of them claimed that anything which he possessed was [exclusively] his own, but everything they had was in common and for the use of all.'      Today, we must recognize that Luke was not merely referring to earthly possessions, but specifically those spiritual possessions of the very likeness and nature of Christ. Living among their peers, we must speak of the Truth, our hearts having been cleansed and set free from sin, we walk Holy and Righteous in the sight of God. Being a brilliant reflection of the Light, guiding the lost to the Truth. Where God's WORD can begin a WORK in their hearts, as they listen to and begin experiencing unbroken fellowship with HIM through HIS Son, Christ Jesus and with other Believers.      O'Lord, YOU are the Light, guiding me into all Truth. Breathe YOUR WORD into my heart, that I may be a Faithful testimony to YOUR Grace and Power. Manifest through me the very nature of YOUR Son, Loving and Living in sweet fellowship with YOU and my fellow servants. Direct my footsteps to seek those who are walking in darkness. That their ears might hear the Gospel, and their eyes opened to the Truth by YOUR Light, Amen Friday October 7, 2011  (9th of Tishrei, 5772)                "Rejoice in HIS Glory!"              1 Corinthians 1:30-31 (Amplified Bible) "But it is from Him that you have your life in Christ Jesus, Whom God made our Wisdom from God, [revealed to us a knowledge of the divine plan of salvation previously hidden, manifesting itself as] our Righteousness [thus making us upright and putting us in right standing with God], and our Consecration [making us pure and holy], and our Redemption [providing our ransom from eternal penalty for sin]. So then, as it is written, Let him who boasts and proudly rejoices and glories, boast and proudly rejoice and glory in the Lord."       It was Paul who was chosen to deliver this message of revelation concerning the knowledge of Christ Jesus, previously hidden through ages past. God's Divine plan, manifesting HIS Glory through Believers under the watchful supervision of Holy Spirit, is now no less important in today's order of Kingdom business, than it was during the beginning of the 1st century church.      Surely, some back then were boasting of their own accomplishments, even so to the point of taking personal ownership in the expansion and growth of the Kingdom of God. Paul was surely grieved, as we know the Lord is, that any boasts or pride in the works of our flesh bring forth dissenion and division in the Body of Christ.      Addressing these issues is never a task to be taken lightly, as we find countless examples where foolish pride wrought serious consequences. Of fellowship among Believers being seriously hindered and even destroyed, but also fellowship with the Lord suffered.      We must learn above all things, restraint from Holy Spirit. Desiring resolution and restoration of fellowship with the Lord through confession and prayer. Rejoicing in the accomplished WORK of Christ on the Cross, where HE both resolved the requirement of sacrifice and restored communion and fellowship with HIS own flesh.      This crucifixion or the laying down of our own desires, is the beginning of a relationship which grows and expands into every area of relationship that we have.      It is in these WORDs written by Paul, which reveal a Truth of Kingdom dynamics that eludes the philosophies of the wise, and paves the way for the humble of heart to enter into the Gates of Praise. What greater Joy, than to Rejoice and Glory in the midst of bonded fellowship, Believers having Common Unity, which pleases HIM Who desires to reveal HIS Glory in us.      O'Lord, guide me by YOUR Spirit, to seek reconciliation and restoration within the Body of Christ. Where the veil of separation has been destroyed, and YOUR Presence engulfs and surrounds YOUR people. I cast off every boast, and Declare YOUR Praises with my lips that have been kissed by YOUR Grace. Amen Thursday October 6, 2011  (8th of Tishrei, 5772)                 "Valuable Information!"             Acts 20:32 (Amplified Bible) "And now [brethren], I commit you to God [I deposit you in His charge, entrusting you to His protection and care]. And I commend you to the Word of His grace [to the commands and counsels and promises of His unmerited favor]. It is able to build you up and to give you [your rightful] inheritance among all God's set-apart ones (those consecrated, purified, and transformed of soul). "      Luke and others traveled with Paul on those early missionary journeys, going to places where people had never heard the Gospel of Christ, the message of Salvation, or the Hope of Eternal Life. What Joy must have filled the hearts of those who, for the first time heard God's WORD, as told from such a Faithful messenger as Paul, who himself had been 'transformed of soul'.      A message which clearly changed Paul's life, and his outlook on the things which are of Eternal consequence. I must say that I am amazed and in awe at the number of Promises in God's WORD which deal with everyday life and the many situations that I find myself in. Yet, who knows better about my life, and how I must live, than my Creator, my Lord and my Savior, whom I have placed my Trust and Hope in, for it will be how Faithful am in this life, living to please God, for that is what HE desires for me.      God's WORD is LIFE, that in itself is cause for me to cling to each and every WORD, much like each breath of air that I breathe, it has to be the source of my existence, much like it was for Paul, Luke and the others that traveled preaching and teaching about the Messiah, Christ Jesus. Life must be more about the TRUTH, and my God who holds me so tightly in HIS Loving hands, that I can almost feel and hear HIS breath. Where death has been conquered by Christ, no more to hold me or any other Believer captive. It is living a life hidden in Christ, that the Peace and Promises of God are realized.      O'Lord, show me the depths of YOUR heart, as I am surrounded by YOUR Presence. Guide me by Holy Spirit, manifesting every Promise given by YOUR WORD. All else will fail, but YOUR WORD will endure forever. Teach me YOUR Ways and judge the attitude of my heart. May my labors be forever fruitful, declaring YOUR message of Salvation and Truth. YOU are the Life which every hungry soul desires. YOUR Kingdom must advance, flourish and increase throughout the earth, as YOUR Faithful messengers Proclaim Christ Jesus to every nation, Amen Tuesday October 4, 2011  (6th of Tishrei, 5772)                  "The Glory of it All!"              1 Peter 4:12-13 (Amplified Bible) "Beloved, do not be amazed and bewildered at the fiery ordeal which is taking place to test your quality, as though something strange (unusual and alien to you and your position) were befalling you. But insofar as you are sharing Christ's sufferings, rejoice, so that when His glory [full of radiance and splendor] is revealed, you may also rejoice with triumph [exultantly]."      This present suffering which many Believers are facing, is but a prelude to the revealing of Christ's Glory, Majesty and Splendor. Unveiled only to those whose eyes have been opened, and their hearts and minds transformed by God's Spirit. To some, suffering for the sake of Christ is considered a senseless endeavor, painful both physically and spiritually. Yet in these WORDs written by Peter, we find revelation as to the reason, a testing of the quality of our Faith. All too familiar with suffering, those apostles and disciples knew that their present circumstance was surviveble, because Christ had suffered much more to Redeem them, thereby rendering them as examples of HIS Divine Blessing and Favor.      Likening the process of refining a precious metal such as gold with fire, this fiery purification process produced consecrated and sanctified vessels that would then be able to contain heaven's most precious commodity. Since the day of Pentecost, Peter and the others had surrendered their lives to Proclaim the Gospel, submitting themselves completely to the purifying WORK of Holy Spirit. Where each day, they were mocked and ridiculed, many times beaten and imprisoned, simply because they spoke so boldly and courageously of the revelation of Christ Jesus and HIS Resurrection. That declaration in and of itself today, brings about intense ridicule and suffering, yet our Testimony is more effectively recognized as trustworthy, by the way in which we Rejoice for being found Faithful to allow God's Spirit to Comfort us.      Few welcome these trials and ordeals, of which many times the pain and suffering seem overwhelming. For it is the finished WORK in our lives which we must be concerned with, bringing Glory and Honor to our Savior and Lord, where we are presented as a purified and unblemished Bride to Christ, our Bridegroom. Triumphant Believers are cheerful, full of Holy Spirit, the Fire of God which burns from our hearts, those things which will contaminate and lessen the quality of our Witness.      Romans 8:18 "[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!"      Believers in Christ as Paul writes, have been anointed with God's Spirit and dispatched with the uncompromising mandate to reveal the Truth. Where none of the sufferings we endure go unnoticed by God, for HE has conferred upon us the Glory of HIS Son, that we should count it a great Joy to suffer for HIS Name. Rejoicing with exuberant shouts of Praise, giving HIM Thanks for being brought forth as sons and daughters, heirs and joint heirs of both Triumph and Victory, for HIS Glory. O'Lord, YOU have baptized my heart with FIRE, igniting Passion by YOUR Spirit of Power. Guide me as I invade the darkness, delivering the message of Freedom to the captives. Lost souls crying out for Mercy, must hear the Good News from my lips, destined to declare YOUR Glory throughout the earth. Open their eyes to see YOUR Truth, standing to Redeem their souls from despair. It is by YOUR Grace have I been set free, and I must raise my Voice in Triumph, and Faithfully sound the alarm for a people to know YOU as their Lord and King. Forever will I stand in YOUR courts of Praise, Worshiping YOU in Spirit and Truth, Amen Monday October 3, 2011  (5th of Tishrei, 5772)                  "Captivated by Faith!"              Luke 22:32 (Amplified Bible) "(Jesus speaking) But I have prayed especially for you [Peter], that your [own] faith may not fail; and when you yourself have turned again, strengthen and establish your brethren."      Luke writes that Jesus prayed specifically for Peter's Faith, that it would not fail but be firmly established and strengthened, soon to face the many trials that were sure to come. We too face trials daily that are meant for harm, but through our Faith, we remain strong and unmoved, neither shaken nor sifted by them.      As God's WORD records the history of the 1st century Believers, we must understand that Christ' prayer still remains valid some 2000 years later. Calling us to Faith which must remain solid and unshakeable. Peter went on to later become that bold and courageous witness, which Christ had urged him to become. We must understand that what Christ prayed, was not only for Peter, but for us as well, to encourage, strengthen and establish HIS WORDs firmly in the hearts of other Believers.      It was this same Peter, strengthened by the Power of Holy Spirit, who was later able to see past the bars and chains which imprisoned him. Singing Praises to the Lord for his deliverance and freedom spiritually, despite the fact he was physically chained and shackled. Luke records Peter sharing his Faith in Christ with the jailer and his family, testifying of Christ and his own personal Faith which held him firmly as a 'Captive' to God's WORD.      This Good News of 'Deliverance and Freedom' must be proclaimed to everyone, including many who are Believers in Christ, who often struggle in their own Faith. Just as Peter, we are to encourage one another with our testimonies, and declare those WORDs prayed by Christ long ago, remain valid today, firmly establishing and further strengthening us through Holy Spirit.      O'Lord, I will sing Praises to YOUR Name which is above all names, a song put upon my lips by YOUR Spirit. My Faith is strengthened each day by YOUR WORD to stand firm against every trial. Use my lips to Obediently Proclaim YOUR Message of Deliverance and Freedom to those held as captives. Bind my heart with YOUR WORDs of Grace and Mercy, and release me to testify of that Day which is soon to come, when every knee will bow before YOU, and every tongue will confess YOU are Lord and King of both heaven and earth. 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? 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