FEBURARY 2012 EDITION OF THE SHEPHERDS WITHOUT THE BORDERS LIGHTHOUSE BUGLE MAGAZINE : MEMORY VERSES FOR THE MONTH: ―I HAVE ALSO HEARD THE GROANING OF THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL, WHOM THE EGYPTIANS KEEP IN BONDAGE; AND I HAVE REMEMBERED MY CONVENANT‖ ―IF THOU AFFLICT THEM IN ANY WISE, AND THEY CRY AT ALL UNTO ME,: AND IT SHALL COME TO PASS, WHEN HE CRIETH UNTO ME, THAT I WILL HEAR: FOR I AM GRACIOUS.‖ (Ex.6:5; 22:23, 27)
PASTOR AFAM MOSES: HANDLE YOUR SITUATION WITH CARE!
HEATHER ROBERTS: The Secret Meadow
TIMOTHY JAY WARD:
PRAYER!
Apostle Jessie Striggles: LEADERS - ARE YOU SHOCK PROOF?????
MARGARET MULLINGS : A Clear Vision
JOHN GRACE : "HOLINESS"
PASTOR JOEL MCNABB : HONEY ENLIGHTENING TO THE EYES
WITH GOD EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE
BABSIE VAN DER BERG:
THERE IS PURPOSE IN YOUR TRIAL: BY
PASTOR STELLA EBEGBUNA TOM ZART :DAVID AND GOLIATH & MANY MORE POWERFULLY INSPIRED WRITERS : JEFF GODSOWN, CATHERIN SKINNER, JOSEPH SAMUEL KING, SUSAN CLARK, PASTOR EMMANUEL BABA ISIAKA , DR. LEONARD ROBINSON , MARY BOLDEN , BISHOP & EVANGELIST LIBERTY? CONNIE GIORDANO ETC. THIS EDITION IS FULL & RICH WITH INSPIRED ARTICLES, POETRY ETC AND OUR YOUNGEST WRITER 15 YEARS OLD HEATHER ROBERTS!
WITH GOD EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE ...: ADDED BY BABSIE VAN DER BERG
A young man working in the army was constantly humiliated because he believed in God. One day the captain wanted to humiliate him before the troops. He called the young man and said: - Young man comes here, take the key and go and park the Jeep in front. the young man replied: - I can not drive! The captain said: - But then ask your assistance God! shows us that he exist! The young man takes the key and walked to the vehicle begins to pray ...He parks the jeep to the place PERFECTLY well as the captain wanted. The young man came out of the jeep and saw them all crying. They all said together: - We want to serve your God! The young soldier was astonished, asked what was going on?
CAPTAIN crying opened the hood of the jeep by showing the young man that the car had no engine. Then the boy said: See? This is the God I serve, THE GOD OF IMPOSSIBLE, the God who gives life to what does not exist. You may think there are things still impossible WITH GOD EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE...
HANDLE YOUR SITUATION WITH CARE: BY PASTOR AFAM MOSES /GENERAL OVERSEER FAITHFUL GOD MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL
The greatest privilege and honor any genuine Christian would wish to enjoy in life as case maybe, should be extending a mutual relationship with God and to seek God’s presence always. When God takes control of your situation, nothing else in this world will change his involvement in one’s affairs. As a Christian, you are expected to know deeply who is involved in your matter.
As a faithful Christian in taking any action, you should not allow your present situation or condition to dictate nor forecast your future. But you should always remain steadfast to overcome your difficulties by praying to God in heaven and seeking for his intervention. Furthermore, you should not allow good tidings around you to preside over your situation. When you carelessly handle good opportunity, it will certainly bring setback to your career or standard of living. But when someone approaches his/her good situation carefully, it will continue to remain good and excellent. The Book of Acts 16:22-26 A genuine spiritual experience needs to be tested in a real situation in order to expose the reality of the experience. When you are facing discomfort in life as a believer, never you be discouraged, look at first to the cross where Jesus Christ paid the price for the comfort which you need. Even when you are facing a terrible sickness, you should not be weak in spirit and mind. When Paul and Silas found themselves in a critical situation which they did not neither expected nor deserved. They still seek the presence of God that led to their total freedom from the prison. A man of faith always appreciates God in every circumstance whether good and bad. TO GOD BE THE GLORY !
PRAYER! : BY: TIMOTHY JAY WARD
In the life of a Believer, prayer is the lifeline that keeps us connected to the Father, and keeps open the channels of blessing into our lives. Prayer is what helps our minds to be clear, our hearts to be receptive and obedient, and our lives to be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit. I believe that prayer is critical to the growth of a Believer, and essential to developing one's fai th. I wish to discuss prayer as pertaining to Matthew 6: 58: V.5 - And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. V.6 - But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. V.7 - But when ye pray, use not vain repititions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. V.8 - Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. In these Scriptures I wish to discuss 6 P's of Prayer....
1st - Prayer is to be a "priority" in our life. It is not an option. The definition of priority is of utmost importance, first place. Prayer is to hold the place of utmost importance in our life. It is not a recommendation, but a command, from Jesus Himself. Three of the four verses declare - When thou prayest. 2nd - Prayer is to be "personal". Yes, it is alright to have others pray for us, but we must pray in and on our own behalf. Verse 6 declares - But THOU, when THOU prayest, enter into THY closet, and when THOU hast shut THY door, pray to THY Father which is in secret; and THY Father which seeth in secret shall reward THEE openly. We all must have our OWN relationship with Jesus. He wants to spend time with each of us individually, and fellowship with us. 3rd - Prayer is to be "private". Verse 6 states enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door. We are to get alone with God. Thy closet represents a place of comfort, safety, and rest. A place where we can be ourselves. It is a place where we can rid ourselves of all the distractions, and hindrances, that come against us. 4th - Prayer means "Pray". It is not merely a time to keep asking God to bless us with things. It is a time to worship Him from the very depths of our being. To magnify and exalt Him for who He is, and what all He has done for us. It is a time to not only speak, but to also listen. God desires to speak to us, if we will only listen. In 1 Timothy 2, there are four types of prayers listed. Supplications- which are specific prayers for specific needs. Prayers- which are general (basic) prayers. Prayers of confession, repentance, etc. Intercessions- which are prayers to God on the behalf of others. The last is giving of thanks- which is simply prayers of praise. Our prayer life should consist of and include all of the ones listed. 5th - Prayer is to have the right "Profession". Verse 7 shows us that we are not to keep saying the same old things over and over again, but to express ourselves from the heart. We are to be "real" with the Lord because He knows us, better than we know ourselves. We are to pray in accordance to His will, which is praying in accordance with His Word. If we need healing, profess the Word. If we need a financial breakthrough, profess the Word. Speak those things that be not as though they were.
6th - Prayer is to know who has the "Provision". The Father knows what we have need of, before we ask. Know that God wants to supply our needs. We are assured that when we pray, if we believe we have what we ask for, we WILL have it. So, know that when we pray, the answer WILL come. If we will implement these six P's in our prayer life, we will have the answers we seek; we will grow in our knowledge of the Truth; we will grow in our love for others; we will build up our faith; and we will have a meaningful, intimate relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
IT'S TIME TO GET REAL, GET RIGHT, AND GET READY....: PROPHETESS MARY BOLDEN
CHILDREN OF THE MOST HIGH GOD, IT'S TIME TO GET REAL, GET RIGHT, AND GET READY, FOR THE LORD OUR GOD IS SOON TO COME! THIS IS NO TIME TO WASTE ON FOOLISHNESS BY LISTENING TO SATAN TELL YOU THAT YOU HAVE PLENTY OF TIME. HE WANTS TO SEE YOU LOSE FOCUS AND FALL INTO ONE OF HIS FAMOUS TRAPS! HE IS OUT TO STEAL, KILL, AND DESTROY THE CHILDREN OF GOD. THIS WARNING FOR EVERYONE WHO IS CALLED BY THE NAME OF CHRISTIAN. YOU SAY YOU ARE A TRUE BELIEVER IN CHRIST JESUS? THEN, DO AS THE WORD OF GOD TEACHES US......."LET YOUR LIGHT SO SHINE." "BE A DOER OF THE WORD , NOT A HEARER ONLY."
IT'S ONE THING TO GO TO CHURCH REGULARLY AND SING IN THE CHOIR (PERHAPS) AND THEN LEAVE THAT BUILDING CALLED CHURCH AND FORGET THAT YOU ARE THE CHURCH! THAT'S RIGHT, WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST JESUS AND WE ARE TO GLORIFY HIM IN ALL THAT WE DO AND SAY! YES, I'M ANGRY AT THE DEVIL BECAUSE HE IS SUCH A LIAR! HE IS UP TO NO GOOD BECAUSE THERE IS NO GOOD THING IN HIM! AND ALL THOSE OF US WHO ARE STRIVING HARD TO DO THE RIGHT THING, WE ARE THE ONES HE TRIES TO TRIP UP AND CAUSE TO FALL! WELL, SAINTS OF GOD, IF YOU (AND I) KEEP OUR EYES ON THE PRIZE OF THE HIGH CALLING OF GOD INSTEAD OF ON MATERIALISTIC GAIN, WE WILL STAY FOCUSED ON WHAT GOD HAS FOR US TO DO. JESUS CAME ALL THE WAY DOWN FROM HEAVEN ON HIGH AND HE SHOWED US THAT HUMBLE IS THE WAY BY ALLOWING A YOUNG MAIDEN NAMEED MARY TO BEAR HIM IN HER WOMB VIA THE HOLY SPIRIT'S CONCEPTION AND THEN TO BE LAIN IN A MANGER BECAUSE MARY AND JOSEPH WERE TOLD THERE IS NO ROOM IN THE INN. HE CAME DOWN AS GOD, BUT IN THE FORM OF MAN. HE WAS SPIRIT INSIDE OF A FLESHLY BODY.
HE WAS TEMPTED JUST LIKE YOU AND I, BUT HE SINNED NOT! THAT TELLS ME WE CAN DO THE SAME. HE SAID, CHOOSE YE THIS DAY WHO YOU WILL SERVE....THEN, HE HELPED US OUT WITH THE RIGHT ANSWER...CHOOSE LIFE! BECAUSE THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH, BUT THE GIFT OF GOD IS ETERNAL LIFE. THERE ARE MANY DIFFERENT RELIGIONS IN THE WORLD TODAY. AND THE SAD THING IS MORMONS, JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES, ISLAMICS, ETC. SEEM TO HAVE SUCH A "PASSION" FOR WHAT THEIR RELIGION IS AND THEY ARE EVEN WILLING TO DIE FOR IT. BUT, SOME CHRISTIANS ACT AS THOUGH THEY ARE ASHAMED OF WHAT THEY SAY THEY BELIEVE IN. OH, THEY MAY WORSHIP AND PRAISE ON SUNDAY MORNING, BUT IF YOU FOLLOW THEM ON THEIR JOB , THEY WOULD SAY, "IT'S A PRIVATE THING" SO THEY DON'T WANT TO BE EMBARRASSED OR SHAMED BY MAN ON THEIR JOB. AND THEY DON'T BELIEVE IT'S RIGHT TO PRAY IN PUBLIC PLACES OUTSIDE OF THE CHURCH. AGAIN, FORGETFUL THAT WE ARE THE CHURCH.
JESUS SAID, "IF YOU ARE ASHAMEED TO OWN HIM BEFORE MAN ON EARTH, HE WILL BE ASHAMED TO OWN YOU BEFORE HIS FATHER AND HIS HOLY ANGELS IN HEAVEN!" HE ALSO WENT ON TO SAY IN ANOTHER PASSAGE, THAT WE NEED TO BE HOT OR COLD. HE SAID IF YOU'RE LUKE WARM, HE WILL SPEW YOU OUT OF HIS MOUTH! IT'S HIGH TIME THE TRUE SAINTS OF GOD TOOK A STAND UP FOR THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD' SAKE!! THAT' S RIGHT ..STAND, EVEN AFTER ALL YOU FEEL THAT YOU CAN DO...STILL STAND. HE SAID THE BATTLE DOESN'T BELONG TO US, IT'S THE LORD'S. SO YOU SEE, THAT'S ALL THAT HE EXPECTS US TO DO STAND ON HIS WORD AND LIVE THE SAME LIFE WE TEACH/PREACH AND SING ABOUT. GOD HAS NOT GIVEN US THE SPIRIT OF FEAR, BUT OF LOVE, POWER, AND OF A SOUND MIND. HE SAID,"TAKE MY YOKE UPON YOU AND LEARN OF ME. FOR MY YOKE IS EASY AND MY BURDEN IS LIGHT." SO WHY ARE THERE SO MANY CHILDREN OF GOD TRYING TO RUN AND HIDE FROM THEIR CALLING? MOST MEN AND SOME WOMEN ALIKE ARE IN HIDING, OR SO THEY THINK! I'VE SAID IT BEFORE ON FB, BUT LET ME SAY IT AGAIN.....
THERE IS NO HIDING PLACE FROM THE LORD. IF YOU GO TO THE MOUNTAINS, HE'S THERE. IF YOU GO DOWN IN THE VALLEY, HE'S THERE. EVEN IF YOU GO TO HELL, YOU WILL RAISE YOUR HEAD UP TO LOOK HIM RIGHT IN THE FACE. AND YOU CAN'T RUN FAST ENOUGH TO GET AHEAD OF HIM. HE KNEW YOUR ENDING SINCE THE BEGINNING. BE NOT DECEIVED, GOD IS NOT MOCKED; WHATSOEVER A MAN SOWETH, THAT SHALL HE ALSO REAP. NO MATTER WHAT YOU MAY BE TEMPTED OF...HE PROMISED TO SHOW US A WAY TO ESCAPE. AND NO MATTER WHAT YOU MAY BE GOING THROUGH IN LIFE, REMEMBER THIS; "NOTHING IS TOO HARD FOR GOD!" HE IS SOVEREIGN LORD; HE RULES AND SUPER RULES THE UNIVERSE. HE'S EL SHADDAI; ALMIGHTY; ALL POWERFUL; ALL SUFFICIENT GOD; HE'S GOD OF THE MOUNTAINS. HE SITS HIGH AND HE LOOKS DOWN LOW, BEHOLDING THE EVIL AND THE HOLY IN EVERY PLACE. SO JUST ERASE IT FROM YOUR MIND IF YOU THINK YOU CAN FOOL GOD! FOR GOD IS GOD OFALL OTHERS WHO MAY BE TRYING TO FOOL OTHERS INTO THINKING THEY ARE GOD.
THEY ARE ONLY small gods who want to make themselves THE BIG GOD! SATAN MAY COME AN ANGEL OF LIGHT. HE WILL ALSO PUT ON SHEEP'S CLOTHING AND BE A WOLF INSIDE. HE IS THE DEFEATED FOE, THOUGH. SO, DON'T LET HIM FOOL YOU. PUT HIM UNDER YOUR FEET! THE WAY TO DO THAT IS TO KNOW THE WORD OF GOD FOR YOURSELF AND SPEAK UP AND OUT BOLDLY. MORE SO THAN THAT...LIVE THE GOSPEL WITH YOUR ACTIONS AND ATTITUDE. BE WHO YOU SAY YOU ARE, DON'T JUST PRETEND. BECAUSE SOONER , RATHER LATER, YOU WILL BE FOUND OUT BECAUSE THE LORD IS GOING TO UNCOVER THE TRUTH! SO, JUST KNOW THIS, "WHOM THE SON SETS FREE IS FREE INDEED. AND WHERE THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS , THERE IS LIBERTY. SO, BE SET FREE TODAY. FOR WHOM THE SON SETS FREE IS FREE INDEED. GOD BLESS YOU ALL, LOVE IN JESUS, PROPHETESS SISTER MARY
WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE? A DIVINE SET-UP! : MARGARET MULLINGS
1 Kings 19:1 " And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, also how he had executed all the prophets with the sword. Verse (2) " Then Jezebel sent a message to Elijah, saying, " so let the gods do to me and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time. (3) " And when he saw that, he arose and ran for his life, and went to Be'er-she'-ba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there. " (4) " But he himself went a days journey into the wilderness, and came and set down under a broom tree. And he prayed that he might die, and said, " It is enough ! Now, LORD, Take my life, for I am no better than my father's !" (5) " Then as he lay and slept under a broom tree, suddenly an angel touched him, and said to him, " Arise and eat. " (6) " Then he looked, and there by his head was a cake baked on coals, and a jar of water so he ate and drank, and lay down again. (7) " And the angel of the LORD came back the second time, and touched, and said, " Arise and eat, because the journey is too great for you. " (8) " So he arose, and ate and drank, and he went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights as far as Horeb, the mountain of God. " (9) " And there he went into a cave, and spent the night in that place, and behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and He said to him, " What are you doing here, Elijah ? (10) " So he said, " I have been very zealous for the LORD God of hosts, for the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down down Your alters, and killed Your prophets with the sword, I alone am left, and they seek to take my life. " (11) " Then He said, " Go out, and stand on the mountain before the LORD." and behold, the LORD passed by, and, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind, and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; "
(12)" And after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire, and after the dire a still small voice." Take note in this chapter of 1 Kings 19 Yahweh (God) kept on asking Elijah this question....." What are you doing here, Elijah ? Notice how Elijah kept on giving Yahweh (God) the same answer ? Verse (14) " And he said, " I have been very zealous for the LORD God of Hosts, because the children Israel have forsaken Your covenant,torn down Your alters, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life. " What are you doing here ? Where ? You may ask....Here where you have allowed the lies of the enemy and persecution yo stop you from doing what Yahweh has mandated you to do. What are you doing here ? Isolated from others ? Fearful? Not praying fervently, fasting, and running hard after Yahweh with zeal ? What are you doing here ? You have moved from the place Yahweh assigned you to be ! Elijah allowed a woman named Jezebel to put fear in his heart fleeing and running for his life. He momentarily contracted amnesia; he forgot about the all powerful Yahweh whom he served ! What about you (me too)? Who or what have you allowed to cause you to move from the place where Yahweh assigned you to be ? Pause for a moment and calmly think about this.....What are you doing here ? For you see in spite of you being in the place where you are now there is good news ! It is a divine set-up ! Oh Hallelujah ! Stop running.....Listen ! You have got to return to where you have run from......It is a divine set-up. Read for yourself verse (15) " Then the LORD said to him: " Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when you arrive, anoint Hazael as king over Syria." What are you doing here ? A divine set-up I tell you (16) " Also you shall anoint Jehu the son of Nimshi as king over Israel. And Elisha the son of Shaphat of A-'bel-meho'-lah you shall anoint as prophet in your place. Take heed, it is a dangerous thing to run when Yahweh tells you to stand firm.
What is even more dangerous is to become fearful of mankind; it will become a snare to you. Here is what Yahweh revealed to Elijah, who thought he was the only prophet left who had not bowed to Baal. (18) " Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal and every mouth that has not kissed him !" From this day forward purpose in your heart to stop allowing the voice of the enemy to be stronger than the voice of Yahweh. Stop hiding like Elijah, you have already been anointed by Yahweh to do all He has mandated you to do ! Satan and his demons thought they had put the final nail in your coffin...but thanks be to Yahweh, the God who redeems. He has redeemed you from the power of the grave to do mighty exploits through the resurrection power of Jesus Christ ! Your return is a divine set-up......Can you hear Him asking you the same question He asked Elijah ? What are you doing here ? Open your spiritual eyes, you will see.....It is a divine set-up ! May Yahweh release to you ministering angels to awaken you as He did Elijah, and give to you the essential fuel (food) that you need to make the journey to fulfill your divine purpose ! Be encouraged and strengthened, you are not alone. Yahweh, the God who redeems has reserved for you divine connections symbolic of that of a relay race....each divine connection will give to you the baton synchronized for your return...Give Yahweh (God)....Give Him Praise !
THERE IS PURPOSE IN YOUR TRIAL: BY PASTOR STELLA EBEGBUNA
During a recent season of intense trial in my life, I cried out to the Lord in fasting and soul searching because of what I considered to be tremendous persecutions and trials of faith. I wanted the trials to cease and to come into a place of no trials. I got no quick response from the Father until once day the Holy Spirit dropped a scripture into my heart "Consider it pure joy when you fall into trials .... for the testing of your faith produces perseverance, perseverance produces character and character hope..." James 1:2-4. The word came to me to remind me of God's purpose and what can be achieved by me through my time of trial. The Holy Spirit also said through Paul "...we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulations produces perseverance and perseverance, character and character hope...."Romans 5:3-5 1. The trial if handled with a right attitude will birth a fruit of the spirit called patience, perseverance or long suffering.(Galatians 5:22). 2. Perseverance/Patience/long suffering will then produce in us character. The character of Christ is not just suppose to be a religious cloak we put on as a camouflage but it is suppose to be who we are. The goal of the Father is to make us like Christ Jesus. 3. Character then produces hope and Romans 5:5 tells us that "hope does not disappoint..." God allows trials to see the kind of stuff we are made of and to perfect us. In Deut 8:2-5 "And you shall remember that the LORD your God led you all the way this 40 years in the wilderness to humble you and test you, to know what is in your heart, whether you will keep His command or not......."
If we do not cooperate with God in our trials, we can become bitter, confused and disillusioned. Blaming God and others and following the path of rebellion and self will. Hang in there, there Is purpose in your trial.
"HOLINESS": BY JOHN GRACE
"For I am the Lord your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy, for I am holy" (Leviticus 11:44: I Peter 1:15). Holiness! The state of being required of us by God. Yet, it is one of the most misapprehended things. We have divers opinions about what holiness is, and what it looks like. In this short (and most certainly not comprehensive) note, I would like to clarify the term to some degree. Holiness does not consist of what you wear/don't wear or what you eat/don't eat. And yet, it does. We tend to gauge one's holiness by external and estimable means, but this won't do. "If you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations— "Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle,” which all concern things which perish with the using—according to the commandments and doctrines of men? These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh" (Colossians 2:20-23). Ritualistic obedience does not equate to holiness. It has the look of it, but lacks its true intent and power. True holiness goes far beyond the mere garb of piety and into the heart of Christianity. Holiness penetrates into the very essence of a man. We can do all the outward things but, as Paul writes, it will never effect the nature of man, viz. his flesh. Ritualistic worship and obedience cannot tame the sinful nature of man. All it does is cover it, and that only from the eyes of other men. God still sees behind the facade. The heart of a man also is not fooled. Holiness is indeed physical purity and moral blamelessness. It does indeed affect our choices of clothing and food. However, this is only the base of holiness. At its heart, holiness is about a dedication of one's whole self (body, mind, and spirit) to the Lord. It is a devotion of our entire being to the will and desire of the Lord Almighty! Holiness has, as its central motivation, the glory of God.
True Christianity is found in understanding that, through the Cross of Christ, we have been bought by God (redeemed from the slave-block of sin and self), and now we belong to Him, for the sake of His kingdom and glory. All that we now do, as Christians, should reflect the will and desire of the King, Who purchased us. All of our choices must be filtered through this understanding and toward this end. Holiness, then, is about representing God and His kingdom. Holiness is found when one surrenders his rights to God, and lives for the praise of His glory-in every facet of one's life. Thus to accurately represent Him, we must be like Him, bearing His image. Amen! This is why God calls us to "be holy". Because He Himself is holy. We must be set apart in every way, from the world around us, and to God Himself! Some may think the injunctions against worldliness too harsh. However, God does not! The "world" (system of independence and unrighteousness) is antithetical to God and His desires. When He called Israel out to be His people, He commanded them to live in a manner diametrically opposed to their heathen neighbors (the world around them). He wished them to stand out as a "peculiar people, God's own possession". To be distinguished from the world around us will invite ridicule, animosity, and even persecution. The world does not like reminders of its fallenness and rebellion against God. Thus, all who live as "outsiders" will be harshly rejected and maligned. God never said it would be easy to be His people. To the contrary, He said it would be difficult and raked with opposition and trouble. He called all who would follow Him to "take up your cross, and follow Me". This has not changed, nor will it. Despite our attempts (even as Christians) to remove the "burden" of holiness, the commandment abides. We have, in an attempt to make the Gospel more palatable, abrogated these commands and preached "love". But how can one truly love God and not hate those things which He hates? How can we say we love God and not keep the commands He requires? This is not love, nor is it the Gospel! It is a heresy that will damn those who follow it (I say this in love). The same is true of preaching holiness without love (which is, as previously mentioned, only ritualistic obedience, and profits nothing). True love and holiness go hand in hand and are inseparable in the Lord's kingdom! They are two sides of the same coin. Let us then cast off all notions of holiness that do not involve love, nor a wholehearted surrender to the will and purpose of God.
Let us, rather, throw ourselves wholly into the desires of God-body, soul,strength and mind! Let us be ever wary of anything that would keep us from this purpose and from glorifying God! Holiness is not a burden of works and external obedience. No! Holiness is rather the captivated heart's full joy! It is the dedication of one's entire being to God, for God! Holiness, when truly adorned, represents God fully and, as a result, we become the most satisfied people on the earth. Hallelujah!
Be holy, beloved! For He, our God, is holy!
HONEY ENLIGHTENING TO THE EYES: BY PASTOR JOEL MCNABB
"For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse� (Ro 1:20). The great creator has created all things in heaven and earth to reveal something about Him and His kingdom. There is not enough time for me to write about all of creation in this article, so I will try to shed a little light on some of the delicacies God has given us. The promise of God to the children of Israel, that He would give them a land flowing with milk and honey, as we read above everything in the natural reveals something in the spiritual, so also milk and honey has a spiritual context. In the New Testament we heard Peter speaking of desiring the sincere milk of the word, as new born babes to grow in the spirit (1Pe 2:2). The newly spirit born believer needs the basics of the Word of God that they may come to know all the Lord has for us. In he letter to the Hebrews, Paul reprimands them for not being able to eat the meat of the word and said, "Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe� (Heb 5:11-13).
Paul calls the milk, "the first principles of the oracles of God”, and he continues in Heb 6:1-3, telling them they need the principles and once they have them to go onto perfection. The perfection he is talking about is becoming a fully grown spiritual being in Christ, the measure and stature, like a child growing into adulthood. "For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known” (1Co 13:9-12). When a child is born, they are helpless, and need someone to care for them constantly, as they grow they are able to do more on their own, once they reach adulthood their need for help and guidance is complete. We say the have matured into a man or woman. As adults mankind had a need for more sustenance to meet of our grown bodies, so also as spiritual beings we have a need as we grow in knowledge of what God has for us. Twice in Job we are told, "the ear trieth words, as the mouth tasteth meat” (Job 12:11, 34:2). The fully grown believe has need of the meat of the Word of God, or like us we will be malnourished and weak, maybe even perish. As we take a look at what God has revealed about honey in His Word here are a interesting facts on honey I would like to share before we continue. HONEY Honey (English pronunciation: /ˈhʌni/) is a sweet food made by certain insects using nectar from flowers. The variety produced by honey bees (the genus Apis) is the one most commonly referred to and is the type of honey collected by beekeepers and consumed by humans. Honey produced by other bees and insects has distinctly different properties. Honey bees form nectar into honey by a process of regurgitation and store it as a food source in wax honeycombs inside the beehive. Beekeeping practices encourage overproduction of honey so that the excess can be taken without endangering the bee colony.
Honey gets its sweetness from the monosaccharides fructose and glucose and has approximately the same relative sweetness as that of granulated sugar (74% of the sweetness of sucrose, a disaccharide).[1][2] It has attractive chemical properties for baking, and a distinctive flavor which leads some people to prefer it over sugar and other sweeteners.[1] Most micro-organisms do not grow in honey because of its low water activity of 0.6.[3] However, honey sometimes contains dormant endospores of the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which can be dangerous to infants as the endospores can transform into toxin-producing bacteria in the infant's immature intestinal tract, leading to illness and even death[4] (see Health hazards below). Honey has a long history as a comestible and is used in various foods and beverages as a sweetener and flavoring. It also has a role in religion and symbolism. Flavors of honey vary based on the nectar source, and various types and grades of honey are available. It is also used in various medicinal traditions to treat ailments. The study of pollens and spores in raw honey (melissopalynology) can determine floral sources of honey.[5] Because bees carry an electrostatic charge, and can attract other particles, the same techniques of melissopalynology can be used in area environmental studies of radioactive particles, dust, or particulate pollution. Honey is created by bees as a food source. In cold weather or when fresh food sources are scarce, bees use their stored honey as their source of energy.[8] By contriving for bee swarms to nest in artificial hives, people have been able to semi-domesticate the insects, and harvest excess honey. In the hive there are three types of bee: a single female queen bee, a seasonally variable number of male drone bees to fertilize new queens, and some 20,000 to 40,000 female worker bees.[9] The worker bees raise larvae and collect the nectar that will become honey in the hive. Leaving the hive, they collect sugar-rich flower nectar and return. In the process, they release Nasonov pheromones. These pheromones lead other bees to rich nectar sites by "smell".[10] Honeybees also release Nasonov pheromones at the entrance to the hive, which enables returning bees to return to the proper hive.[10] In the hive the bees use their "honey stomachs" to ingest and regurgitate the nectar a number of times until it is partially digested.[11] The bees work together as a group with the regurgitation and digestion until the product reaches a desired quality. It is then stored in honeycomb cells. After the final regurgitation, the honeycomb is left unsealed. However, the nectar is still high in both water content and natural yeasts which, unchecked, would cause the sugars in the nectar to ferment.
[8] The process continues as bees inside the hive fan their wings, creating a strong draft across the honeycomb which enhances evaporation of much of the water from the nectar.[8] This reduction in water content raises the sugar concentration and prevents fermentation. Ripe honey, as removed from the hive by a beekeeper, has a long shelf life and will not ferment if properly sealed.[8] "The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb� (Ps 19:7-10). The Psalmist is clearly describing the Word of God as gold and not only honey, but the honeycomb as well. Honey is a precious commodity, just imagine if there were no bees, there would be no grain for us to eat. Honey is placed on the same status as that of gold. In the days of Saul, when Israel were fighting the Philistines, Saul urged them not to eat till night, that he might avenge himself of his enemies. They came to a wooded area and there was some honey on the ground, and the honey dropped on the ground, and no man would eat thereof for fear of the oath of King Saul. But Jonathan heard not when his father charged the people with the oath: wherefore he put forth the end of the rod that was in his hand, and dipped it in an honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes were enlightened. (1Sam 14:16-30) We want to hear that honey gives light, and in a spiritual sense honey is the revelation, meat of the Word of God. When John the beloved disciple was on the isle of Patmos receiving the Revelation of Jesus Christ, an angel with one foot on the land and the other on the sea came to him with a book opened, and John asked for the book, and the angel said, "Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey� (Rev 10:8-11). John took the book and ate, and sure enough, it was sweet to the taste, but became bitter to his belly.
So also when the Lord gives us revelation and understanding of God’s Word there comes with great responsibility, and hard times for those He has given it to. "For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow” (Ec 1:18). Jesus said, "For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more” (Lu 12:45-48). In the Word of God we have both milk and honey, things that are basic to the growth of the believer, and the things that are deeper for the mature believe to come to a greater understanding of the will of God. Those who have matured and have received of the honey need to be wise in what they are given as the preacher said, "Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it” (Pr 25:16). Revelation and understanding is good, but we must remember from whom it has come, God the Father, and not get puffed up in our own conceit. Even John the Baptist, when he went forth in the spirit and power of Elijah into the wilderness, his meat was wild locusts and wild honey. And he knew he was only a messenger not the message. Honey is The Revelation of Jesus Christ, and it will lead us to a greater understanding of God’s purpose here on earth and in the eternal. O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him” (Ps 34:8-9). Let us remember the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge, if we are given of the honey of God, He has given it to us for His glory and the glory of His kingdom. I pray now when you study the scriptures and see where honey is being used you may see it in a new light now. May the Lord enlighten your eyes, and you are satisfied with all the Lord has given. "Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ,
when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places� (Eph 1:16-20).
Whosoever Hears My Word and Receives It : BY Tim Benitez
Whosoever hears my word and receives itMatthew 13:1 The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side. Matthew 13:2 And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore. Matthew 13:3 And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; Matthew 13:4 And when he sowed, some [seeds] fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: Matthew 13:5 Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: Matthew 13:6 And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. Matthew 13:7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: Matthew 13:8 But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixty fold, some thirty fold. Matthew 13:9 Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. Matthew 13:10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? Matthew 13:11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. Matthew 13:12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. Matthew 13:13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. Matthew 13:14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: Matthew 13:15 For this people's heart is waxed gross, and [their] ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with [their] eyes, and hear with [their] ears, and should understand with [their] heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
Matthew 13:16 But blessed [are] your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. Matthew 13:17 For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous [men] have desired to see [those things] which ye see, and have not seen [them]; and to hear [those things] which ye hear, and have not heard [them]. Matthew 13:18 Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. Matthew 13:19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth [it] not, then cometh the wicked [one], and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. Matthew 13:20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Matthew 13:21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. Matthew 13:22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. Matthew 13:23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth [it]; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Matthew 13:24 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: Matthew 13:25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. Matthew 13:26 But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. Matthew 13:27 So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? Matthew 13:28 He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? Matthew 13:29 But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Matthew 13:30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn. Matthew 13:31 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: Matthew 13:32 Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof. Matthew 13:33 Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. Matthew 13:34 All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them:
Matthew 13:35 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world. Matthew 13:36 Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field. Matthew 13:37 He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; Matthew 13:38 The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked [one]; Matthew 13:39 The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. Matthew 13:40 As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. Matthew 13:41 The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; Matthew 13:42 And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Matthew 13:43 Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. Matthew 13:44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Matthew 13:45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Matthew 13:46 Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. Matthew 13:47 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: Matthew 13:48 Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. Matthew 13:49 So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, Matthew 13:50 And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Matthew 13:51 Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord. Matthew 13:52 Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe [which is] instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man [that is] an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure [things] new and old. Matthew 13:53 And it came to pass, [that] when Jesus had finished these parables, he departed thence. Matthew 13:54 And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this [man] this wisdom, and [these] mighty works? Matthew 13:55 Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? Matthew 13:56 And his sisters, are they not all with us?
Whence then hath this [man] all these things? Matthew 13:57 And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house. Matthew 13:58 And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief. As you read this chapter ask yourself what does Jesus mean? it's plain out in some of the verses, some will hear,somewill receive,and few will do it, as we approach these last days many will be offended at the true Gospel spoken by real men of God, because people don't like confrontation, the church for many years have gotten offended at great men of God as they spoke and bought change, every great move of God bought confrontation, and change, and offended many cultures and customs, today God is saying Harden not your hearts, hear what the prophets are saying because change is coming to the whole structure of what we know as church, and God is preparing for Himself a bride without spot or wrinkle, please examine these scriptures and ask yourself what categlory am I in? God Bless Pastor Tim and Rhonda
DAVID AND GOLIATH : TOM ZART
David, the shepherd, a tender of sheep Would pray to his God before he would sleep. One day he awoke to the roar of beasts A bear and a lion in search of a feast. David slew both with his knife and his hand Though still just a boy and not yet a man. The Lord's love for David was proven once again When he challenged the champion of the Philistine men. Goliath's beastly fingers and hideous toes Made David more selective with the stones that he chose. One for the giant, he knew he would slay Four more for his brothers who were laughing that day. The giant told David, "I'll tear you apart; The birds and the animals shall feast on your heart." David yelled back, "I'll soon see you dead And when I'm through I'll cut off your head!"
The worst of all men, drew high with his arm Came forth to David to do him great harm. The youth jumped ahead just as quick as a lynx A stone from his sling popped the giant where he thinks. Blood and bone spewed forth as that devil fell down; A thousand pound soldier lie dead on the ground. With Goliath's own sword, David chopped off his head Then took it to Jerusalem, to prove he was dead. JESUS There once was a traveler who was driven out of town On His shoulders was a burden that pushed Him to the ground. On His head was a crown made of thorns from a bush And the street was so crowded the guards had to push. They beat Him with nine tails each step of the way Where Christ found the strength, only God could say. They stopped at some sandstone at the top of a hill There was a round hole the cross would soon fill. They made Him lie down upon that wood cross There they nailed Him to prove who was boss. The beam was up-ended by the muscles of men As it plunged down the hole it was carved to fit in. Then Jesus looked up at the lightning that flew And cried, God, My Father, they know not what they do. They crucified our Lord as His blood flowed to earth
If inside you believe, you feel what love is worth. They wrapped Him in loincloth when He was taken down Then carefully removed His scarlet stained crown. They placed Him in a cave with a large, round, stone door Before sealing forever, they lay lilies on the floor. Though it wasn't very long, and the stone was rolled away For Jesus resurrected, to rise on Easter Day!
JESUS There once was a traveler who was driven out of town On His shoulders was a burden that pushed Him to the ground. On His head was a crown made of thorns from a bush And the street was so crowded the guards had to push. They beat Him with nine tails each step of the way Where Christ found the strength, only God could say. They stopped at some sandstone at the top of a hill There was a round hole the cross would soon fill. They made Him lie down upon that wood cross There they nailed Him to prove who was boss. The beam was up-ended by the muscles of men As it plunged down the hole it was carved to fit in.
Then Jesus looked up at the lightning that flew And cried, God, My Father, they know not what they do. They crucified our Lord as His blood flowed to earth If inside you believe, you feel what love is worth. They wrapped Him in loincloth when He was taken down Then carefully removed His scarlet stained crown. They placed Him in a cave with a large, round, stone door Before sealing forever, they lay lilies on the floor. Though it wasn't very long, and the stone was rolled away For Jesus resurrected, to rise on Easter Day!
DARTS OF THE DEVIL The darts of the devil fly free on the winds And sometimes they pierce both family and friends. Remember young Adam and his wife, Eve? When they gave into Satan, the Lord said, "leave". Ever since then, right up to today The devil makes sure we'll sin in some way. Wear all of God's armor, whatever you do; Should the darts of the devil seek out you. Thank God for Jesus who died on the cross. Our passage to heaven was paid by His loss. Every knee shall bow and tongues confess all That Jesus is our Lord at his final call.
Angels will descend with Jesus in the sky He'll greet us with open arms when it's our time to fly. For our Lord awaits all who believe And those who do not, shall be told to leave. Tom Zart’s 455 Poems Are Free To Share To Teach Or Show Support! By God’s Poet Tom Zart Most Published Poet On The Web! To Listen To Tom Zart’s Poems Go To = http://new.pivtr.com/en/schedule/tom-zart/ www.billcrain.net/musicpage.htm http://www.veteranstodayforum.com/viewforum.php?f=38
Tom Zart new.pivtr.com
THE FATHER'S BLESSING: BY PASTOR EMMANUEL BABA ISIAKA
• I declare prophetically, • For poverty, receive wealth. • For breakdown, receive breakthrough. • For disgrace, receive grace. • For reproach, receive honour. • For failure, receive success. • For denial, receive approval. • For loss, receive gain. • For sickness, receive health. • For ridicule, receive miracle. • Satanic counsels will not stand in your life. • Satanic prophecies and declarations over your life shall fail. • Let every evil words spoken into your life return back to sender. • No enchantment, no divination, no incantations shall prosper in your life. • Every curse operating in your life is hereby broken by the power of the shed-blood of Christ. • You are released from the consequences and effects of generational and carry-over curses right now. • I touch and I agree with you that every satanic counsels of the ungodly concerning your life and that of your family are hereby revoked and nullified by fire by force and by reason of the anointing. • I release the arrow of the fire of God against every power that is gathered against you. • The stones of confusion are hereby released into the camps of the evil one, let them be confused and tormented. • I command that your enemies will begin to fight each other. • Your enemies shall fall into their own pits and be caught by their own traps. • They will fall upon their own swords, eat up their own flesh and drink up their own blood. • The wickedness of the wicked shall fall upon their heads. • Whatever the enemy meant for evil in your life shall be turned around for your good. • So shall it be in your life now and always in Jesus name. • Amen!
The Principle Of Selfishness: CONNIE GIORDANO
The Principle Of Selfishness
"There is a principle of selfishness that lives within us that wants to think more of ourselves by putting down all the people that we know. It is a mistake to give into those mental impulses. Those ways of thinking bring certain sinful pleasure and satisfaction, but they do not produce true happiness. This comes from meeting the needs of others." - Principles To Live By - Dr. Gill Are you guilty of sin today? You may be shocked by this question. Surely, you know that you are not guilty of any sin. You would never think of sinning. Of course, when you think of sin, you are thinking of such acts as: adultery, fornication, stealing, lying, cheating, smoking, drinking, cursing, idolatry, or even engaging in certain worldly pleasures. Nonetheless, King Solomon in Proverbs 14:21 addressed a sin that most would like to overlook, and that is the sin of arrogance. Proverbs 14:21 says - "He that despiseth his neighbor sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he." What did Solomon mean by this statement? How do you know when you are "despising" your "neighbor"?
That word "despise" means to hold as insignificant or to scorn. What Solomon was saying here was that there will be people companions, friends, or those whom you know personally - who will have legitimate needs. To "despise" them is to look down on them because they have a need or are going through a difficult time or low circumstance in their life. To "despise" them is to believe that you are superior and wiser than them and that is why you are not affected by the same problem. To "despise" your "neighbor" is to also look down upon him because he has a natural blemish. This is unjust, cruel, and wicked - knowing that he is not the author of his own imperfections - which did not occur through his own fault or folly. If he was able, he would without hesitation do what he could to change them. To "despise" your "neighbor" is also to speak slightly of him... overlook him...not be friendly to him...nor converse with him simply because he is poor, of low circumstance, or lacks the education or right lineage or blood line. To "despise" your "neighbor" in any degree is to sin greatly. You are guilty of a heinous crime in God's sight. As a consequence, you will be reckoned and dealt with as a sinner. You will be condemned and punished - unless you repent of your arrogance, haughtiness, and selfishness. God calls the person - "happy" - who is kind, loving, and merciful to the brother or sister in affliction or who helps the one in need. He calls him "happy" who is able to look beyond the natural blemish or idiosyncrasy and see value or hidden "treasure" in each person. Having more power, a higher position, and belittling others does not produce happiness. On the contrary, having compassion on the suffering one in his distress by relieving him opens the door to true happiness and abundant blessings from God. It is well pleasing in His sight to see His children being generous and meeting the needs of another as well as accepting him for who he is.
Have you despised a brother or sister who is undergoing tough times? Have you looked down on another because they had legitimate needs or natural blemishes? Then you are guilty of sin! You have committed the sin of arrogance - which in the sight of God is no different than adultery, fornication, pornography, lying, idolatry, etc. "There is a principle of selfishness that lives within us that wants to think more of ourselves by putting down all the people that we know..." Do you have that "principle" operating in your heart today?
I think it's time for some serious heart-searching, don't you?
May God Bless His Word, Connie
THE PERFECT LOVER: BY Catherin Skinner
May He grant you out of the rich treasure of His glory to be strengthened and reinforced with mighty power in the inner man by the [Holy] Spirit [Himself indwelling your innermost being and personality]. May Christ through your faith [actually] dwell (settle down, abide, make His permanent home) in your hearts! May you be rooted deep in love and founded securely on love. That you may have the power and be strong to apprehend and grasp with all the saints [God’s devoted people, the experience of that love] what is the breath and length and height and depth of [of it];[That you may really come] to know [practically, through experience]; for yourselves] the love of Christ, which far surpasses mere knowledge [without experience]; that you may be filled [through all your being] unto all the fullness of God [may have the richest measure of the divine Presence, and become a body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself]! Ephesians 3:16-19 AMP He first loved us. He knew the measure of our days before we were ever born (Psalm 139:15-18). He called us and chose us (Hosea 2:14-16, 19, 20). He knows us so well He has even numbered the hairs on our head (Matthew10:30). He died that we might have life (John 3:16). He rejoiced over us (Isaiah 62:5). His love is everlasting (Jeremiah 31:3). And He longs to be your lover and your husband (Isaiah 62:1, 3, 4). We are His "Hephzibah.” He delights in us (vv5, 6). "As he thinketh in his/ (her) heart, so is he/ (she)” (Proverb 23:7 KJV). I belong to my Lover, and I am not my own, but entirely devoted to Him and owned by Him.” Glorying in this, that I am his, to serve him, my heart is at peace because I know that I am His desire. In Him my heart humbly and earnestly desires communion with Him (v 11, 12): Come, my lover, let us take a walk together, that I may receive counsel, instruction, and comfort from you,
and may make known my wants and grievances to you, with freedom, and without interruption.” Let us go early to the vineyards. That private and personal places where I can take every opportunity to ravish your heart as you so do mine. I desire to be better acquainted with state of my own soul and the present posture of its affairs. I promised my Lover to give him my best affections, and my best provision, for he will come in to us (me), and dine with us (me).( Rev. 3. 20) "There we shall find pleasant odours, for the mandrakes send out their fragrance. We shall also find that which is good for food, as well as pleasant to the eye: At our door is every delicacy.” The fruits and exercise of grace are pleasant to the Lord Jesus. These must be carefully devoted to his service and honour, must be always ready, as that which is laid up at our door. There is a great variety of these delicacies, with which our souls should be well stocked; we must have grace for all occasion. Those who truly love Christ will think all they have, even their delicacies, and what they have treasured up most carefully, too little to be bestowed on him. . (Song of Solomon 7: 10, 11, 12, 13) My Love For You Will Never End The Perfect Lover Of My Soul. Christ Jesus!! Amen…… Inspired by the Word of God Can you wait one more hour? By Helen Stubblefield Trowbridge Zondervan NIV Matthew Henry Commentary Reflections shared by Catherin Skinner
Blinded by Love: BY JEFF GODSOWN
The greatest thing we can do as humans is to love, not just love, but love unconditionally. 1Pe 4:8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. It’s also one of the ways we can be easily hurt, but God is good. God is our rearguard, He watches our backs, and when someone comes against us, God vindicates us. Recently, I have seen where many servants, children of God are being hurt for loving, and they’re not sure of what is going on, God has and is the answer though. People are people, some are servants and friends of the Lord Jesu, while others are just servants of self and or satan. Some are vessels that honor God while other are vessels that dishonor, only God truly knows their hearts and all that is contained within them. This includes those ruled by the demonic realm, such as one known as legion. God is always faithful, and because He looks at our hearts, rather than our outward appearance, He can see all that goes on with us. When we truly love unconditionally, we open ourselves up to be attacked, even by those, we thought we were close to. This is a cut, deeper and more painful than most of us have ever known, but again, God is faithful. He sees our hurts and He hurts right along side of us, but that isn’t the end of what God does. God is faithful, and in His faithfulness, He will expose any hurtful or wicked way in us, all of us. When a friend hurts us deeply, we definitely need to forgive them so we can move on and forward, but we also need to think outside of ourselves and the pain that was caused. What if God in revealing our hurtful and wicked ways, was also exposing those whom we called friend, as not the friend we should have around us.
Now just because someone hurts us, doesn’t give us license to rid ourselves of them. We seriously need to seek God in all things, even to asking Him, do I stay with this person as a friend, or do I move on. Even though someone hurt us deeply, what if the action was ordained of God to show us things we didn’t know, or what if it was preparation, because God wants us to seek Him for all things to come. We cannot run around with the attitude, I forgive you but kiss mine and end something God wanted to remain in place. God has things, places, and people, that are by His design, meant to teach us and grow us, but until we have the mind of Christ and the heart of God, we won’t see this, we will only see our hurt. Isa 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. Isa 55:9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. If we could just grasp hold of the ideology, that God has this amazing perfect plan for us, but it sometimes requires pain, in order to learn the lesson, then we would be far better off and better prepared for the next thing. We must never give up on loving epople unconditionally, even to our own hurt. We must also never forget, God knows who are His sons and daughters, and though He lets you go throught the hurt, He will not forsake you. As your rearguard, God will always protect you, from both friend and foe, we just need to give Him our hurts. God is more than willing to take them from us, God desires for our happiness, but more importantly, God desires to have a relationship with each of us, His children. Though there are times it may seem as if God is mean or unfriendly, He always, always, always has a perfect purpose in it. Sometimes that perfect purpose is just as simple as, seek Me at all times. When we become Christians, we go through battles, that we have no understanding about, God is just letting us know, He’s there for us. Sometimes those battles are designed to keep us coming to Him, instead of at the last moment, as the last measure. God is not a God in the box, if He’s there for us all the time, night or day, don’t you think He wants the same, from us.
I hope this blesses someone somewhere, don’t make God a stranger in your life and don’t be a stranger to God. Seek God in all thiing and watch what He’ll do for you and with you. Never worry about being blinded by love, for true love does cover a multitude of sins, remember what Jesus did on the cross, and His love is still there today. His love has never once lost it’s outgoing effectiveness, we are the only one’s that effect how God’s love works on and in us. Keep being blinded by love, God’s got your back and God bless you.
LEADERS - ARE YOU SHOCK PROOF????? : Apostle Jessie Striggles
MENTORING!!!! You must be a great listener. Listen, listen, listen - say very little. Let the person(s) talk, kick, scream, spit & YES EVEN CURSE!!!! Don't be so high in your mind that you are saying - I AM NOT LISTENING AT THOSE WORDS!!!! Well - here it is - HOW EVER THE POISON COMES OUT - LET IT COME OUT!!! After awhile - they will calm down!!!! God has used me to prevent many suicides just by listening & after they are tired - they go to sleep & suicide is off the table. ARE YOU SHOCK PROOF???? GOD gave me that TITLE years ago & it was to be preached everywhere to LEADERS!!! Now I really understand for the TIMES THAT WE ARE LIVING IN - God was saying GET READY!!!! People are in trouble like never before & seeking answers like never before. As a STRONG, FIERCE LEADER - you can NOT be SHOCKED at anything that comes out of their mouths. They are coming bold & you will be stunned at the things that they will put before you - IF YOU ARE NOT SHOCK PROOF!!! What are you going to say or do?
Are you going to say - OMG, I know they didn't just say that or just do that. WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO; BECAUSE YOU ARE STUNNED. I remember a Bishop from the UK preaching how a young man approached in the pulpit with a sexual explicit question. The Bishop was real - he said he was hoping the chior would sing a song - NO; or should I sing a song - NO as the young man stood waiting for an answer. I love this man - The Bishop finally had to ADDRESS THE QUESTION!!!! Knowing this - if we are NOT helping God's people then what are we doing? NOTHING!!!! SHOCK PROOF MEANS - I HAVE STAYED BEFORE MY FATHER & GREAT & MANY THINGS HE HAS SHOWN ME & HE HAS BUILT & EQUIPPED ME FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS!!!! Don't fake it, don't break down, don't back down; don't turn around like who are they talking to. FINAL WORD - If you are NOT shockproof yet as a Leader - then you have some growing pains to bear!!! Giving you the best that God has inside of me - from the desk of Apostle Jessie Striggles
The Quickening Anointing: Catch the Wave! : SUSAN C. CLARK
In recent weeks, I have felt God's heart of compassion for those in their 30s to 60s who are burned out, stressed out and have never realized their dreams. If that is you, know that you are very dear to God's heart and His eyes are focused on you. The Lord impressed upon me that it is time for a "quickening anointing" to be released. Imparting that "quickening anointing" is part of my mandate in this year. Wherever I minister, this is the message and the impartation: "It is time to step into a fresh baptism of God's love that will reawaken, revive and restore your anointing." The great awakening to the fresh baptism of His love is key to launching the love revolution that will release you to take your place in the coming revival.
Even now, the Lord is releasing a "quickening anointing" to those who have been crying out for revival and those who seem to have lost their vision and passion as the years and tears of life have weighed them down. You will carry a new anointing. But first – you are in need of the quickening anointing that will revive you. Then, fresh vision, authority and anointing will enable you to carry out your assignments and fulfill your destiny. "The quickening anointing" will restore individuals to their sacred destiny and accelerate their gifts and anointing. To "quicken" means a reviving, a refreshing, an increasing of life (see Psalm 71:20; 85:6; 119:37,40,88; Isaiah 57:10). It often has reference to the resurrection from the dead (see 1 Corinthians 15:36). Many in mid-life feel dead to dreams, visions and passion. It takes a supernatural impartation of the quickening spirit to release you from the spirit of this world. Position yourself to receive it. Cry out for it as you lie down in your home and soak in worship. Cry out for a quickening of your spirit and a fresh love revolution to begin with you. Power, Love and a Sound Mind This is what the Lord showed me is coming: "The coming love revolution will unleash the baptism of God's love so outrageously, that many will be transformed quickly. The anointing will break the yoke and impart the healing many desperately need.
Men and women will be positioned quickly into assignments reserved for them." (from Supernatural Anointing, Destiny Image , January 2012). Those who walk in prophetic and apostolic anointing seem to agree that God desires to increase the level of anointing in our lives and that this anointing contains three equal components: power, love and a sound mind. This power includes the gifts of the Spirit and the anointing specific to the assignment; love enables us to carry the anointing to others and sustain us along the way; the sound mind is full of joy and peace because it is ruled by faith, hope and love. The "quickening anointing" will increase love, power and a sound mind in you. God's anointing will cause an inrush of joy and peace that will shatter the mental sabotage and low energy many have labored under in recent years. It will fill you with His outrageous love and bring life to you emotionally, spiritually and physically. New vision and assignments will open to you. As some let the old visions and stagnant personal prophetic words go, the Lord will reveal new revelation to you about your assignment in this season of your life. No matter how old you are, your future has just begun and an impartation of the "quickening anointing" will release your youthfulness and you will run with revived energy and soar into the revelatory heights. I've never been so excited about what God is doing in these days. A love revolution is forming far out to sea like a series of waves that build on one another until the whole earth is consumed.
The first set of waves releases a quickening anointing. The second set of waves, a love revolution. The third set of waves will sweep across the world and release a worldwide revival. I believe that we can position ourselves to catch this incoming set of waves that will release to you a "quickening spirit" or "quickening anointing." It is being released – now. Catch the wave! Julia LorenJulia Loren Ministries Email: juliascribes@yahoo.com
Really heart touching......... ADDED BY :Babsie van der Berg
I was walking around in a Big Bazar store making shopping, when I saw a Cashier talking to a boy couldn't have been more than 5 or 6 years old.. The Cashier said, 'I'm sorry, but you don't have enough money to buy this doll. Then the little boy turned to me and asked: ''Uncle, are you sure I don't have enough money?'' I counted his cash and replied: ''You know that you don't have enough money to buy the doll, my dear.'' The little boy was still holding the doll in his hand. Finally, I walked toward him and I asked him who he wished to give this doll to. 'It's the doll that my sister loved most and wanted so much . I wanted to Gift her for her BIRTHDAY. I have to give the doll to my mommy so that she can give it to my sister when she goes there.' His eyes were so sad while saying this. 'My Sister has gone to be with God.. Daddy says that Mommy is going to see God very soon too, so I thought that she could take the doll with her to give it to my sister...'' My heart nearly stopped. The little boy looked up at me and said: 'I told daddy to tell mommy not to go yet. I need her to wait until I come back from the mall.' Then he showed me a very nice photo of him where he was laughing. He then told me 'I want mommy to take my picture with her so my sister won't forget me.' 'I love my mommy and I wish she doesn't have to leave me, but daddy says that she has to go to be with my little sister.' Then he looked again at the doll with sad eyes, very quietly..
I quickly reached for my wallet and said to the boy. 'Suppose we check again, just in case you do have enough money for the doll?'' 'OK' he said, 'I hope I do have enough.' I added some of my money to his with out him seeing and we started to count it. There was enough for the doll and even some spare money. The little boy said: 'Thank you God for giving me enough money!' Then he looked at me and added, 'I asked last night before I went to sleep for God to make sure I had enough money to buy this doll, so that mommy could give It to my sister. He heard me!'' 'I also wanted to have enough money to buy a white rose for my mommy, but I didn't dare to ask God for too much. But He gave me enough to buy the doll and a white rose. My mommy loves white roses.' I finished my shopping in a totally different state from when I started. I couldn't get the little boy out of my mind. Then I remembered a local news paper article two days ago, which mentioned a drunk man in a truck, who hit a car occupied by a young woman and a little girl. The little girl died right away, and the mother was left in a critical state. The family had to decide whether to pull the plug on the life-sustaining machine, because the young woman would not be able to recover from the coma. Was this the family of the little boy? Two days after this encounter with the little boy, I read in the news paper that the young woman had passed away.. I couldn't stop myself as I bought a bunch of white roses and I went to the funeral home where the body of the young woman was exposed for people to see and make last wishes before her burial. She was there, in her coffin, holding a beautiful white rose in her hand with the photo of the little boy and the doll placed over her chest. I left the place, teary-eyed, feeling that my life had been changed for ever...
The love that the little boy had for his mother and his sister is still, to this day, hard to imagine. And in a fraction of a second, a drunk driver had taken all this away from him. Please DO NOT DRINK & DRIVE. Now you have 2 choices: 1) Forward this message, or 2) Ignore it as if it never touched your heart. For those who prefer to think that God is not watching over us.... go ahead and delete this. For the rest of us..... pass this on. The value of a man or woman resides in what he or she gives, not in what they are capable of receiving. By: Vivek Anandhan
THE MERCY OF GOD IS AN OCEAN DIVINE: BY Debra Lynn Lake-Roberts
"He that trusteth in the Lord, mercy shall compass him about.‖ Psalm 32:10 The mercy of God is an ocean divine, A boundless and fathomless flood. Launch out in the deep, cut away the shore line, And be lost in the fullness of God. Refrain Launch out, into the deep. Oh let the shore line go. Launch out, launch out in the ocean divine, Out where the full tides flow.
But many, alas! only stand on the shore, And gaze on the ocean so wide. They never have ventured its depths to explore, Or to launch on the fathomless tide. Refrain And others just venture away from the land, And linger so near to the shore That the surf and the slime that beat over the strand Dash o’er them in floods evermore. Refrain Oh, let us launch out on this ocean so broad, Where floods of salvation o’erflow. Oh, let us be lost in the mercy of God, Till the depths of His fullness we know. Refrain Words: Albert B. Simpson, 1891. http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/m/e/mercygod.htm
DAVID VS GOLIATH: PRAISE AS A WEAPON OF WARFARE! BY PASTOR EMMANUEL BABA ISIAKA DAVID VS GOLIATH: PRAISE AS A WEAPON OF WARFARE! DON'T TRADE YOUR PRAISE WITH DOUBTS AND FEAR OF YOUR FOES!
"Now the Philistines gathered together their armies to battle, and were gathered together at Shochoh which belongeth to Judah..." (1 Samuel 17 vs 1). As we continue our discourse in the battle between the Israelites and Philistines. It is highly instructive to note again the place where the Philistines were encamped on. We had earlier observed that It was Israel's territory. It was Israel's domain. The ground the philistines were standing on belonged to the nation of Israel. It was known as SHOCHOH in JUDAH. What was it about this place that made it strategic enough for it to be the battle formation ground of the Philistines? SHOCHOH simply means DEFENSE. While JUDAH means PRAISE. Put together.
It is Defense in Praise. That was where the enemies of Israel were standing on. That was the ground they had already taken over before the first arrow was shot. They had already taken over Israel's Shochoch in Judah (Defence in Praise). Beloved, As we begin our activities for 2012 earnestly. Don't let the enemy take Praise away from your lips. Praise is our defense. Praise continues to enlarge the picture of God in us even in distressing times. Praise says; "No matter what the economic reality in our nation is, God is too faithful to fail"! Praise is our weapon for Spiritual warfare. Praise counters the spirit of despair. A distinctive characteristic of Praise is that it is extroverted in nature. It is characterised by outward celebrations. Beloved, Everything we see around us may be asking us not to Praise God. Harsh economic realities, challenges, denials,etc. With Praise, we can actually surmount every challenge. With Praise, we are simply telling the devil, "Things may shift but nothing will be lost because Jehovah
is still in charge." Quit complaining; let the Praise party begin! Pray with me,"Lord, nothing will take my praise" You are Loved and Appreciated. Emmanuel=God with us You are special, You are loved, You are appreciated My promise is to reply all mails
A Clear Vision: BY MARGARET
The path to your divine destiny is very painful! Yet very rewarding for pain is catapulting you... bringing the greatness in you out of you for the world to see, that God is the God of the impossible! He was born in a lowly stable and a manger was his crib! He grew and gained favor with God and with man.
Multitudes followed him hungering for the living bread! This did not distract him for he had a clear vision! No one saw it! not even his disciples yet he did. Then the time came and he walked all the way to Calvary's Hill He was crucified and buried Yet he arose triumphantly from the grave Saying to you and I See I have over come and so can you!
Keep a clear vision of who you are and where you are going. Set your eyes on the prize and with a clear vision and discipline reach for it! Stay on the path that will lead you straight to your destiny! Always keep a clear vision.
Preparing For The Coming Moves Of God " Going to the next level " : BY TIM BENITEZ
The Coming Moves Of God,Moving To The Next Level,We're coming into New Dimensions of God, as we are coming to the end of this age,the bible says in the last days perilous times Will come, but it also says that knowledge will increase, and the true church of Jesus Christ will be illuminated, highly lifted up and joined together in one accord and with one purpose ( without spot or blemish) to bring Glory and to Declare and Decree Gods Kingdom and Dominion on the Earth, He says in the last days I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, we're coming to this move, which won't be a move but a habitation to usher in His Glory, and presence, to prepare for His coming in the clouds for His Bride, but before this happens this move will come, When the children of Israel was leaving Egypt, it was an example of Gods people moving into new Dimensions of His spirit, they moved with the cloud by day and a fire by night, it wasn't by any of their power, or strength, but by obedience, when they were disobedient it caused Gods anger, the church too long has been in disobedience and let God move only when they wanted it and rejected His prophets and prophetic moves, when God moves by His Spirit things have to happen, preparations repentance, acknowledging, and turning back to Him, as we're approaching the last and final explosion, bigger than anything ever seen, o His Spirit we have to be ready as (1) a person (2)a company (3)a corporate battalion
(4) an army, the first thing they did when leaving Egypt is got their equipment together for the journey, God is preparing us by releasing back to the body of Christ an increase of Gifts Ephesians 4: The Apostle,Prophet,Evangelist,Teacher,and Pastor, many churches won't accept Gods order because of teachings and traditions of man, also because so many self appointed apostles and prophets set themselves up as leaders and got off the wall with positions,power, and wrongful and hurtful prophecies, but God is now releasing true anointed people, and positions, and accurate prophetic movements to bring order,and restoration to this, if you want to be a part of this last day movement you have to change your mind and attitude concerning these positions and callings,The next thing God is setting up an army with ranks, it don't matter what man thinks, God has an order of leaders who He calls qualified to lead this army, some of the greatest leaders in the bible was misfits whom men would never pick, but Gods ways isn't Mans way, we have to be in tune with the leading of the Holy Spirit to recognize these leaders because they're spiritual Gifts of the Spirit to the church and have to be spiritually discerned, so we can't examine them by Mans schooling or educational credentials, there's many pastors and leaders who has been to Mans schools and aren't fit to lead, Gods Leaders will have an open access to the Spirit of God, They're worshipers, and they exalt Jesus Christ only, they count themselves as nothing but also know their positions in the army,men who don't exercise their positions are weak in battle, we're in a war, the worst war ever, we're fighting for lost souls for eternity,so as leaders they have to be firm,and move in power and demonstration of the Holy Ghost,In these last days we have to be prepared for what the Spirit of God is saying and doing, we need to know what He's saying for NOW, not yesterday, not tomorrow but NOW, we need to remember the past moves to strengthen us, but not stay there, we need to be in tune and recognize each move He does, an army that's powerful knows what their positions and jobs are, and are ready at any moment to make a change, constantly coming up with new strategies, by examining past strategies and mistakes and weaknesses and strengths,what used to work then may or may not work NOW,
I was at the beach the other day and was thinking and meditating on the Lord and praying, the Lord showed me by allowing me to see the waves, when the waves came it moved everything and brought up everything on the bottom, all hidden and dead things, and washed it to shore, when the waves stopped everything was still and peaceful, and got ready for the next wave, as we approach the coming moves of God, things in our life will be brought to surface, every hidden thing we didn't even know we had, there's allot of positioning, transitioning,shifting, and this is a time that's very emotional because God begins to deal with things we have left deep down, but as it's brought up we're being moved into the next level or next move,as we allow these things to be dealt with, if not we keep bobbing with the waves and don't go to the next level, when these waves of change come we have to do allot of warfare because the attacks increase because the devil don't want us to be in tune with God, or change so there's allot of warfare,with the emotional part, but as the waves begin to get still, then we have peace and can relax and prepare for the next move or level God has for us,so let's move with these waves, and be in tune for what God is saying, I pray this message challenges you, and prepares you, and changes your way of thinking as God moves you from Glory to Glory, God bless, Pastor TIm and Rhonda
THE BREAD OF LIFE: BY Catherin Skinner
Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. (John 6:35) Father, I pray that a spiritual violence will grip our hearts, that You will turn us into warriors of worship. I pray that we will not stop until we break through the heavens, until there’s a crack in the heavenlies, until there is an open heaven. Our cities and nation need You, Lord. We need You. We’re tired of digging through the carpet for crumbs. Send us Your hot bread from Heaven, send us the manna of Your Presence…. No matter what you need or feel you lack in your life— what you really need is Him. And the way to get Him is to get hungry. I pray that God will give you an impartation of hunger because that will qualify you for the promise of the fullness. Jesus said: "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.‖ (Mt. 5:6) If we can get hungry, then He can make us holy. Then He can put the pieces of our broken lives back together. But our hunger is the key. So when you find yourself digging for crumbs in the carpet at the House of Bread, you should be praying, "Lord, stir up a firestorm of hunger in me.‖
Reflections Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. (John 6:35) I don’t know about you, but I do know that I have been struggling to get back this hunger that satisfied my every being both spiritually and naturally. Therefore this is my cry to our Father in heaven. Amen God is dealing with me strongly in dreams and visions. Some I can get a clear understanding of, and others I await His interpretation thereof. I can see how they all connect together in what God wants to do in me and the lives of His people. "My soul thirst and follow hard after Thee my Lord God.‖ Give us this day our daily bread. (Mt. 6:11) Lord that we may hunger and thirst no more. You are the Bread & Living Water that we seek and need. You Lord prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (Psalm 23:5, 6) "Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy, and eat! (Isaiah 55:1) Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me as the Scriptures had said, "Streams of living water will flow from within him. By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. (John 7:37, 38)
Heaven Father, fill us until our plates are full and cup overflows. This I ask in Jesus Mighty Name. Amen Inspired by the Word of God Written Tommy Tenney -The God Chasers Reflections of Catherin Skinner
Three Chambers of God's Love ~ BY SUSAN C. CLARK
A Look at Love Through the Tabernacle of Moses Since "God is love" (1 John 4:8) and the Creator of the universe, it stands to reason that all expressions of love originate in Him. When considering God's love, the Greek word agape (pronounced a-gah-pay) is often discussed because it is a sacrificial love. I see agape as the foundation of all love, yet I don't believe we are to stop there; I believe agape was intended to take us some place further. If we "stop-ay at agape" (a little play on words) we will be missing the fullness of the relational qualities of love which God has designed. In order to understand more fully this thing called love, let's look at it symbolically through the tabernacle of Moses. Moses' tabernacle is essentially one large rectangle with a smaller rectangle within it. The smaller rectangle is separated into two parts thus creating three unique sections that are all contained within one building. Heavy veils that act like our modern day doorway separate these sections. The first section or chamber is called the outer court; the second, the inner court or holy place; and the third, the holy of holies or most holy place. Thus we have three chambers in one. Interestingly, ancient Greek has three primary words for love: agape, phileo, and eros. Hebrew on the other hand has just one primary word: ahab (Strong's #157). Yet, just as the tabernacle is three chambers in one, all three Greek expressions of love are contained in the one Hebrew word ahab (Strong's #157).
Ahab love encompasses all these different expressions: - human love for another, includes family, and sexual - human appetite for objects such as food, drink, sleep, wisdom - human love for or to God - the act of being a friend - God's love toward man, Israel, righteousness - lovely, lovable - friends, lovers - to like Let's look at these three chambers alongside of the three Greek words for love. Please keep in mind that just as the three chambers are contained in the one tabernacle, the three expressions of love in Greek are contained in the one Hebrew word, ahab. Door #1 – The Outer Court – Agape – Sacrificial Love In Greek, agape love is expressed as self giving love that gives freely without asking anything in return. It is a love of choice and refers to the will rather than the emotion. It seeks the highest good for another at all costs. We see agape love functioning in the outer court. This is the first court that you enter when coming into the Tabernacle. As you enter the outer court you see the brazen altar where a lamb or other animal was slain to take away sin. John 1:29 tells us that Jesus Christ is "the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." Visualizing this scene we can grasp a fuller understanding of God's love. One of the qualities of agape love is that it meets the needs of another regardless of the cost. God saw our need for a Savior and willingly gave His one and only Son as a sacrifice in order to restore the fellowship between God and man. Agape is the foundation of all love, and when we receive His gift of sacrificial love we enter into the family of God. It is enough to have our lives redeemed and to receive the promise of eternal life, however, this is only the first area in the Tabernacle. There is another door to the next chamber; I call it the door of friendship. You see, agape does not require the personal friendship of phileo, or the emotional aspects of it, but I believe that it desires it. I believe the Lord is inviting us to walk through the door into the next chamber and experience the aspects of His friendship love.
Door #2 – The Inner Court - Phileo - Friendship Love Jesus said, "I no longer call you servants... I call you friends" (John 15:15 NCV). Friendship love, phileo, speaks of feelings and emotions. It describes a heart-to-heart connection, a knitting of souls. A friend is someone with whom you share your joy and sorrow, your sin and shame, and your doubts and insecurities. You trust this person with what is on your heart so you are able to reveal the real you to them. Naturally, you won't share all of that with just anybody; you are only going to share that with your close, personal friends. I call these special people in my life "inner court friends." Just like in the Tabernacle of Moses, all were welcome in the outer court, but only a special group had access to the inner court: the Levites. The Lord desires to engage at that level of relationship with us, too. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him..." (Revelation 3:20). We won't be close to the Lord if we keep the door to our heart closed. Notice, there is only one letter difference between "close" and "closed": the letter "D." In the Hebrew alphabet, the letter "D" is a dalet and is the pictograph of a door! Beloved, Jesus is inviting us past the outer court and into the holy place saying, "Let Me see your face, let Me hear your voice" (Song of Solomon 2:14). Perfect love has cast out fear. This friendship is a safe place to talk to Him, to share with Him, to let Him see the real you. He won't reject you. He will hold you and do what no human relationship can... He will heal you. Let's pause a moment. I am sensing the Holy Spirit ministering His phileo love right now... Thank You, Lord... We have seen how the outer court reveals the sacrificial love of God and how the inner court reveals the friendship love of God. We can remain outer court or inner court friends with Jesus our entire life and that would be wonderful, however, there is still one more door in the Tabernacle. I believe God wants us to experience the full progression of His love. This third door gives us access to the Holy of Holies, where only one goes in to be alone with the presence of the Lord. In the Tabernacle of Moses, that one person was the High Priest. It is here as we are alone with God that we can encounter oneness with the LORD.
Door #3 – The Holy of Holies – Eros – Longing Love The Greek word for love, "eros," means: longing, desire, and passionate love. You won't find the Greek word eros in the Bible, but you'll find its meaning in the Hebrew word "ahab." As I mentioned earlier, all the qualities of love that we have spoken of so far are found in this one Hebrew word. God is love, and He is the one and only true God of love. During ancient Hebrew times the best man or "friend of the bridegroom" waited outside the door of the wedding chamber listening to hear the voice of the bridegroom rejoicing. This sound signified that the marriage had been consummated; husband and wife were now one flesh. "As the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you" (Isaiah 62:5b). This is a sound of rejoicing that is released in Heaven from our Bridegroom God. In John 3:29, John the Baptist describes himself as the friend of the Bridegroom who is standing at a door, listening for the sound of the Lord's voice. Could this third chamber be a type of the third Heaven that Paul went to by the Spirit and received the revelation of the great mystery concerning the Church? "For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh" (Ephesians 5:31). Using the natural to define the supernatural, Paul said the great mystery that he was speaking of was Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:32). When we speak of being the Bride of Christ, we're not speaking of a person but rather a position, a type of spiritual standing. Throughout the Bible many relationships are used as a natural example to define a spiritual principle. Marriage is the most intimate of all relationships. A couple gets married because they are more than friends. The couple is connected on an emotional level that trumps any other human relationship. When two people are in love they want to spend the rest of their lives together. They want nothing but death to separate them. They want this person to be the first one they see in the morning and the last one they see at night. Their love is so strong that they can't seem to get close enough no matter how tightly they squeeze. They can rest in each other's embrace knowing they are loved and accepted by the other.
Beloved, the Lord desires this relationship with us. This closeness won't be experienced in the outer court with His agape love, or in the inner court through His phileo love. The oneness of God's love will only be experienced in the third chamber, the Holy of Holies as we abide alone with Him. This is the longing love of God's heart and the whole plan of creation from the beginning. God just wants to dwell (tabernacle) with us because He is infatuated with us. Set free from the bondage of sin and death in the outer court and healed in the inner court, we learn to trust love again so we can run full speed ahead into the next chamber and embrace our destiny, Jesus Christ. That is the fullness of love. Amen and Amen. Tiffany Ann LewisDancing with the Flame of the Lord Ministries Email: tiffanyann@tiffanyannlewis.com
Can These Bones Live? : Tim Benitez
Can These Dry Bones Live?Ezekiel 37:1 The hand of the Lord was upon me,and carried me out in the spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley, which was full of bones, and caused me to pass by them round about, and behold there were many in the open valley, and lo they were very dry, and He said unto me,son of man, can these bones live? and I answered, O Lord God, "thou know est" again He said unto me, prophesy upon these dry bones,hear the word of the Lord, Thus said the Lord God unto these bones: behold I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live, and I will lay sinews, upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you,and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live and know that I'm the Lord.Ezekiel 37:7 So I prophesied as I was commanded, and as I prophesied there was a noise and behold a shaking,and the bones came together, bone to His bone,As Ezekiel was looking at the bones in the valley, (he was in the valley among dead things, things that appeared to be gone, over, dead, dry, no life, no hope, dead to the natural) ( got the point?) everything looked dead and dry,God told him to prophesy,speak to those dead things) He asked Ezekiel "what do you see?" Ezekiel said I see dead dry bones,what once had a form and structure, decayed and lifeless,God asked:"can these bones live? can dead dry things which has no life in it, can it come back together? can it live? it doesn't appear so,it don't look so, no one would believe it, then God said:" prophesy, speak to them dead things that seem hopeless,and formless, command them to live!
God told Ezekiel to prophesy,speak,stepping into the faith spirit realm, not looking at the natural, see it different, see it live! and Ezekiel prophesied and commanded those dead dry things to live! ( He called those things that wasn't as though they were,) then God moved on his faith,on Gods spoken word, Ezekiel spoke Gods word to it! Gods word brings life to dead dry things, Ezekiel prophesied Gods written word and spoke Gods written word into the circumstance and God moved on Gods word used by Ezekiel and God put life into the dead bones and God put breath, and life and structure back together, on something that had no meaning,no structure, no life, no hope, no form, God put skin on it, and the dead thing came to life, there was a noise from Heaven and the Heavens and earth shook, because when God moves life has to come to dead things, Jesus said: "I am the resurrection and the life, he that believes on me, though he were dead, yet shall he live'. This word works on every situation: marriages, families, husbands,wives,sick people, dead people, old people, young people, ( you have to prophesy and speak Gods written word to the circumstance and say : " Thus saiths the written word of God and as you speak "believe!" and it will come to pass, because faith activates God. God Bless Pastor Tim and Rhonda Benitez
SEIZING LOVE: BY JOHN GRACE
"For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God" (Ephesians 3:14-19). We speak often of being "filled with the Spirit", and of "experiencing the presence of God's love". These are wonderful, and excellent benefits to have. Nevertheless, Paul asserts that in order to be "filled with all the fullness of God", we are to know Christ's love. To experience the emotion of being loved by God is (again) wonderful, but it will not anchor you in the time of great storms or faithquakes. Emotions will never sustain you. This is why Paul stresses the notion of knowing God's love, which is different than feeling God's love. To know (ginosko in the Greek) means to perceive, understand, be resolved about. It is a settled understanding that keeps regardless of the situations at hand. That is why Paul urges believers to be "rooted and grounded in love". It's a bedrock that allows us to grow in grace, strength, faith (which works by love), and the fullness of the Spirit. You see, God wants us to grasp fully the measure of His love in all its splendid glory. He wants us to experience its height,, its length, its scope, its depth, its width...all of it.
Plunge yourself into the river of His love. Comprehend its measure and limitless value and worth. Grab hold of all the wisdom and God-birthed energy of His Spirit that is found only in His love. Settle it once and for all in your spirit that you are forgiven and loved. Meditate for long stretches on the glory of all that happened upon the Cross, for on that Cross, love was displayed in all of its splendor and fullness, as Love died to pay your ransom, and Love rose again to secure your seat beside the heavenly Throne, next to Himself! It is utterly beyond awesome all that Love has purchased for us, beloved! Seize love! Seize all the wonderful goodness, mercy, grace, forgiveness, security found in only the Triune God Who loves you infinitely, endlessly and lavishly! Go beyond merely dipping your toe in the waters of love. Splash out, swim far, dive deep into the vast, unending depths thereof! Seize it with all of your heart! With all of your might and strength, seize love! With all that is within you, seize God!!!
Walking Through The Valley Of The Shadow Of Death! : BY MARGARET MULLINGS
Be encouraged as you read ! I was running on a path where the road was being cut off rapidly from me. It seemed, the faster I ran....the road was getting shorter. Then the unthinkable happened. I was locked in a box....in there was terrible ! With zeal and determination, I climbed up out of there into an unknown place; where I saw many people walking in through a gate. Heading for the gate, I was stopped by a man, but before he could say anything to me.
A message rang out loud and distinctly...." Tell her it is not time for her to come in her yet. " I awakened, it was all a dream. Yet the pain was real. The doctors had done all thy could do....I was scheduled for another major surgery of which I did not want to take.... Having been in the theater so many times before. I actually cringed at having to go in there again. The comfort of the word rang out from Psalm 34:19 " Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all. " At that very moment I was reminded of a trip to the Holy Land. life changing it was until the tour guide said to the group, " We are now going to ride through the actual place David, the Psalmist spoke of in Psalm twenty three....The valley of the shadow of death." Looking at this place....I was completely horrified.....
it looked so dangerous, and the road was very narrow.....seemed hardly enough road for the bus to ride on. I spoke up.....STOP the bus, let me off ! The thing is I may have been the only who came off the bus. Now reality was setting in, walking through the valley of the shadow of death is not a particular place.....It is what you actually have to walk through, and while the doctors may have done all that they can do. Even going as far as telling you, you only have very little time left here on earth. I stopped by to ask you this question. Whose report will you believe ? I an a living witness, my prognosis was not good. Very close relatives were dreaming dreams about me. They said... " You don't have much time left. "
I grew worse yet my faith remained strong; and one morning awakened during the wee hours....did not have enough strength.....so much pain ! The tugging from within was urgent, causing me to crawl to the secret place. I heard a whisper " Turn to Psalm 119:17 read it....immediately my spirit within got a hold of that word. " You shall not die, but live to declare the works of the Lord. " I was instructed to put this word on the wall of my bedroom and in my bathroom. Two weeks later, I felt myself slipping away before the scheduled surgery. I cried to the Lord.....said my last prayer, was interrupted by these words..." Turn your face to the wall... read the word written there. " Now verbalize it..." You shall not die, but life to declare the works of the Lord. "
Instantly, the Word became Spirit and the Word became life ! Instantly I was healed....I jumped up out of the bed, ran int the bathroom.....there was the Word again..."You shall not die , but live to declare the works of the Lord. " Still went in for the scheduled surgery....There the doctors discovered a miraculous healing.....This happened to me about twelve years ago. Walking through the valley of the shadow of death, you do not have to die.. In fact many times Yahweh (God) will show Himself mightily if you and I would only believe ! On a tour of the Holy Land, you can tell the bus driver to stop the bus and you can get off the bus like I did; but when you are walking through the valley of the shadow of death situations....You cannot back up, you've got to walk through whatever you are faced with.
The comfort in this is your faith shall make you whole...your faith and obedience will bring you out of the valley of the shadow of death, being made whole in strength, provision, and blessings to bring glory and honour to HIS name ! The WORD is ringing like a bell....Can you hear it ? Read what it says.... Psalm 23:4 " Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. " Jehovah ROHI is the LORD your Shepherd...He is walking with you as you walk through what may seem like walking through the valley of the shadow of death....Come on give Him PRAISE !
GLORY IN WORSHIP AND REJOICE IN LIFE: BY JOSEPH KING
WORSHIP QUICKENS THE ANOINTING IN YOU THAT QUICKENS UNSPEAKABLE JOY. Psalm 132:13 For the LORD hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation. Psalm 132:14 This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it. Psalm 132:15 I will abundantly bless her provision: I will satisfy her poor with bread. Psalm 132:16 I will also clothe her priests with salvation: and her saints shall shout aloud for joy. Psalm 132:17 There will I make the horn of David to bud: I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed. Psalm 132:18 His enemies will I clothe with shame: but upon himself shall his crown flourish. Oh yes, deep worship in the glory of GOD will cause a lot of laughter and praise will fill your mouth. The goodness I have just dwelled on is going to be accompanied with a constant sense of delight. The scriptures declare correctly that the blessings of God add no sorrow (Proverbs 10: 22). By that, I do not mean that you will not be tested. You definitely will. The glad tidings of the Lord will nevertheless meet stiff opposition from the enemy. Remember, he hates you and the kingdom of God. At every opportunity he seeks to devour and destroy the people of God, especially those He is good to.
When he observed the good life of Job, he was provoked to destroy all of it. Thanks be to God who protected Job’s life. As long as Job had breath and remained a vessel that could contain the anointing of God, it was a matter of time before all he had lost was restored. In fact, the anointing took it to another level for Job’s blessings were multiplied. I believe this is what the scriptures means when it states: Though the devil comes like a flood, the Spirit of Go raises the standard (Isaiah 59: 19). Are you anointed brother? Is the Spirit that raised Christ from the dead resident in you? Don’t cry. I love it the way James counseled the early church when he said: Consider it pure joy, my brothers whenever you face trials of many kinds (James 1:2). He knew from both the word and experience that the joy of the Lord is a great strength (Nehemiah 8:10). This joy of the Lord is not merely a surface delirious bout of empty excitement. We are not dealing with facades here. God is not fake, He is more than real. The joy am blowing about is a deep innermost unction given by the anointing of the Holy Ghost at work in a believer. It is unlike the joy of the world that is premised on the pleasures of this world or the desires of the flesh. It is a joy deeper and richer than any joy you can ever get. The joy I am sharing about is a cloud of blessed assurance that saturates a person by reason of the anointing. And when it does, your trial becomes a stepping stone. People with this joy in their depth are constantly aware of promotion, of a solution. They know down deep that they are never alone. In whatever circumstance, no matter how low the enemy may seek to take them,
they are coming out. PRECIOUS AND I ENJOY THE LORD, ENJOY LIFE, AND PRAY FOR YOU TO BE QUICKENED IN THE JOY OF THE LORD.
This is why you find some folk dancing and shouting in church and yet when you take a critical assessment of their plight you think, "How can they do that?� Some of them have no job, or lack a friend, or a house, or even family but it does not matter. Some may have just been informed by the doctor of a deadly viral infection like HIV/AIDS, or have an impending problem looming over their heads threatening to strike at any moment. No matter the situation, even in prison, ostracized, bound and constrained, they know that God is incharge. The joy in them is a sign of God’s great power at work. And they know that as long as God is working they cannot be kept bound. As long as God is working my dear, His immeasurable strength will overcome whatever enemy is poised against you. This was the experience of the maverick Apostle Paul and his friend Silas. When they were thrown in prison and locked in shackles of iron, they sensed their relief. The sign was the welling up of joy that burst out in acclamation of praise. As they sung praises and hymns the scriptures tell of how there was an earthquake that shook the ground of the prison causing its very walls to collapse and the shackles to be loosed off the hands of the prisoners (Acts 16:23- 26). My dear friend, let that joy out. Do not despise it. The joy of the Lord is an incredible strength far greater than your imagination. Do not let negative thoughts of fear, worry and anxiety rob you of this immeasurable strength. Once you begin to joy in the Holy Ghost, those walls of limitation, hatred, debt and sickness will tumble down. Yes, greater is He that is in you than the devil that is in the world (1 John 4:4). In you the Lord of hosts is releasing joy that confirms His work for you and your victory. Did you know that when you joy in the Lord, you are actually celebrating with the Spirit of God? When you sing praises and hymns to the Lord you are actually glorifying Christ with the Holy Spirit. The point is that He then is obliged to manifest the meaning of your excitement. When the Holy Spirit witnesses your joy, He moves in action to make it complete. That is why the scriptures declare that the Lord inhabits the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3). Meaning, that apart from the inner strength of the anointing there will be an outward attendance of Almighty God. The joy of the Lord is an open invitation to Him.
Think about it: Picture God hearing praise rising to His impeccable throne in the Highest of Heaven and descending down to its source only to find an entrapped but divine enthusiast. Do you think He is cruel to enjoy your praise and leave you caught in trouble unfazed? That is not the God we serve. He is loving, kind and good to all. Praise Him and He will descend to your rescue. I am actually convinced that the fastest means to realize the salvation of God in any circumstance is to engage His joy in utmost and sincere praise. And the anointing is the only means of doing this. When you operate the anointing in your life, you are really a perennial host of God’s delivering hand and comforting presence. And the presence of the Lord is really another awesome level of enjoyment that the world can never give you. Thanks be to the grace of God’s anointing at work in the life of a believer that enables them to be a sanctuary of God’s presence.
This note has been derived from my book THE DISCIPLINE OF THE ANOINTING which can be derived from my site @ www.josephkingbooks.com for no charge whatsoever.
Divine Audacity BY DR. LEONARD ROBINSON
Some years ago President (then Senator) Barack Obama wrote a book called Audacity of Hope. I am in some respects borrowing from his title to make a point here. The President's book implies that against all odds there was an abiding audacity to hope that there could be change for his own life and for the American people. God has a "Diivine Audacity" too from which He launched His plan to establish His Kingdom in the earth. God has made it that everything you are looking for is found in the Kingdom of God. Jesus over and over again preached that the Kingdom is as...A treasure, A pearl, A seed. The implication is that everything you need is contained [in] the Kingdom of God. The other day someone I admire made this statement and I am sure to them they certainly thought they were right because the concept to which they were speaking from comes out of their religious training and convictions yet expressed an inability to grasp the revelation of the Kingdom although they may understand a few Kingdom concepts. Here is what they said, "The Kingdom is based on Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ is not based on the Kingdom of God." They went on to say "The Kingdom of God is based on the resurrection of Jesus Christ." Now the above words are more an expression of their "belief system" than being based on truth. This person's contention is that the key to entering the Kingdom is based on being Born Again and therefore the Kingdom is bassed on Jesus Christ not that Jesus Christ is based on the Kingdom. So my friend's emphasis is on the "resurrection".
His contention is that without the resurrection of Jesus you cannot have the Kingdom therefore the resurrection is vitally important to be preached and lets not preach the Kingdom without the resurrection. Now of course I agree [in part]. Before anything was there is God's governing authority. The existense of Jesus is the result of God having purposed to establish His Kingdom. God's "Divine Audacity" was to establish His government [in] man and He started with Adam. "Everything is the Kingdom of God." I can't emphasize that enough! When you understand what the Kingdom is then you can understand the power of the Kingdom and that the purpose of the resurrection was not just to save souls but it was God's divine audacity being acted out in sending His Son, because the Father wants everyone to experience and be [in] the Kingdom, and He wants the Kingdom to be in them. The Kingdom of God is the highest order of truth. God already purposed to send His Son who was there with Him before ever the world was; His Son who was the lamb that was slain before the foundations of the world, to come fulfill God's divine audacity to establish His Kingdom. Why do you think that the truth of the Kingdom of God has been hidden from the Church for so long? Why do you think that when you start to understand the Kingdom but don't fully understand it the wicked one (poneros) comes to snatch away the word of the Kingdom that is sown in your heart? Interestingly enough one of the things poneros comes with is religion. He can't wait to snatch the word of the Kingdom out of your heart and throw you back into religion and he will keep you from being able to differentiate the two. Its because the devil knows that when you understand the Kingdom of God you understand the gospel message that signals his (devil) ultimate destruction. The resurrection doesn't bother the devil. What you know about the cross doesn't bother the devil. What you know about faith, prosperity and so many other doctrines doesn't bother the devil. What bothers the devil is when you are beginning to understand the Kingdom of God. Why is that? What is so powerful about the Kingdom of God that it launches the devil on an attack against you to keep you from understanding the Kingdom? Here is the answer.
The Kingdom of God represents the power and authority of God Himself. The Kingdom of God is the highest order of truth and is the very purpose that God sent Jesus into the earth for. The Kingdom of God, God's governing authority was also God's purpose for redeeming man. God's divine audacity was to believe that His will, His purpose, His plan is to supersede man's everything, so He sends His Son to establish for God, what God wanted all along, God's Kingdom will in earth, expressed through man, who reflect the culture of the Kingdom as its citizens. There are many doctrines out there. There is the doctrine of salvation, doctrine of faith, doctrine of the Holy Spirit, there is this doctrine and that doctrine and people arrive at their understanding of their doctrines in large part by the instructions they received from the varied denominational groups to which they made themselves a part. But, the Doctrine of the Kingdom of God is the doctrine of God's governing authority in the earth and His purpose to establish that government. Therefore the Kingdom of God is not based on Jesus Christ in essence but that the Kingdom of God is the very foundation of God's will, His purpose and intent for His people and God purposed that Jesus Christ would be the means by which people could come into God's Kingdom reality. So, the devil knowing what you don't know, will work overtime to drag you back into the religion you came out of, even causing you to believe you hear things about the Kingdom that weren't said, because he is working overtime to keep you from ever really understanding the Kingdom of God. One day while teaching I said, "Salvation is not enough" and now for two months or more I have had to deal with a battle over the concept "Once Saved, Always Saved." The concept is not even a doctrine. Its a "belief system or system of belief" advanced by religious men that causes one to extrapolate out of scripture that you cannot lose your salvation. That's not a doctrine of the Lord Jesus Christ or a doctrine of God and certainly has no basis for debate among those who are understanding the Kingdom of God and His sovereign will for a people that He has redeemed. Jesus paid the price so that you could "live" the price He paid but if you fail to live the price by not living according to the righteousness that Jesus made you to be, then you forfeit, frustrate and in some instances annul God's grace.
You are either wheat or tare, good fruit or bad fruit, hot or cold, righteous or unrighteous, you are either faith in believing or unbelieving, there is no middle of the road. You are either a child of God or a child of disobedience practicing the deeds of your father (devil). The term shouldn't be "Once Saved Always Saved", the term should be "Once Saved, Live Like It." There are over 50 verses that refute the concept, "Once Saved, Always Saved." Once saved, always saved is for those who once saved remain saved having purposed to live the salvation Jesus purchased for them. Grace is not a pass. Grace is a means of access and a means of capability. You can live the righteousness Jesus provides because you've been graced to do so. Living the righteous life is made possible now because of Jesus Christ. He is the fulfillment of the law, the means of redemption, and is now your capacity to live the God-kind of life, operating the God-kind of faith, as you walk in the God-kind of love. If you rebell, if you go back like a dog turned back to its vomit, or you in other ways choose to deny the grace afforded you to live the God-kind of life then you have brought yourself out from under the governing authority of God to give you life and you've made yourself subject to the god of this world, the devil, and again you sin brings death, eternal death, hell where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Friends, when I made the statement, "saved is not enough" I wasn't saying that salvation didn't do what it is supposed to. I was saying that you are saved for a purpose. Being saved is not enough. You've got work to do now. You are supposed to be preaching and teaching the Kingdom of God and Christ. You are supposed to be about your Father's business reconciling man back to God. Saints you didn't get saved to sit. You are saved to serve and that is all that I was saying when I made the statement "saved is not enough". Friends on Facebook here, let me tell you, your unwillingness, even rebellion against the message of the Kingdom is the same message God will use to judge you by. How can I say this you ask? When Jesus sent his 70 disciples to preach the Kingdom He said that if the people the message of the Kingdom was preached to rejected the message (if the son of peace be not there then take your peace, shake the dust off your feet) go out into the street and say "this day the Kingdom has come upon you". Friends that is judgment! The message that is intended to bless the people is also the message that curses them when they reject it. On this matter of the preached message of the Kingdom Jesus said, "If they reject you they reject me and if they reject me they reject the Father who sent me." Saints that does not change.
Its a powerful Kingdom concept based on the preached message of the King. When a King sends a messenger and you reject the messenger you are rejecting the King and if you reject the King you are rejecting His government authority. Today if we don't agree with the message we are dismissive in a self-righteousness and it speaks to the lack of hunger and preference for being entertained that has dominated this generation and many before it. The Kingdom holds everything you need. The Kingdom of God is the answer to your every question and solution to your every problem. The Jesus of the Kingdom is the Messiah King, the King of kings and Lord of lords in the earth. He is God's sovereign and the means for you to enter into the Kingdom. Without Jesus you cannot experience the Kingdom and Jesus purpose was to get you into the Kingdom. The Kingdom of God is not bassed on the resurrection but had it not been for Jesus resurrection you could not experience the Kingdom of God. What I am saying here is that the Kingdom of God always was God's original intent. You can know all the Bible stories and all the doctrines but if you don't know the Kingdom of God you don't know anything. In Bible School I learned about the Covenants, the Adamic Covenant, the Mosaic Covenant, the Davidic Covenant, Old Testament and New Testament Survey, the Names of God, and Faith. We even studied many of the great revivalist like Aimee Simple McPherson, Jack Coe, A.A. Allen, Katherine Khulman and Oral Roberts. Later as a student in a School of the Prophets I learned about the Prophetic Church, Apostles and Prophets and the Move of God. I learned about how to hear from God and how to stir up your gift and just what the gifts were and how they operated. I learned that there was an order, a protocol to God's purposed order in the earth, particularly in the Church. In all of that teaching, in all of that training and instruction not one course on the Kingdom of God. What am I saying here? You can study the resurrection and still never know why the resurrection except the religious answer that our religious training gave us. You can string together a volume of scripture and still miss the scriptures that disprove what you believe.
You can graduate Seminary with a Phd in Divinity and never discover God's Divine Audacity to establish His Kingdom in man and God's purpose to use Jesus to accomplish it. In other words, there is enough religious concepts to keep you busy thinking you've arrived. So let me advance the Kingdom here in your thinking. There is absolutely nothing that exist to include Jesus Christ without the Kingdom of God if you understand that the Kingdom of God is God's governing authority, His rule, His dominion and His right to rule. When you understand the Kingdom of God you understand that Jesus was the means to an end. God sent Jesus for the express purpose of giving you an opportunity to see the Kingdom now. Jesus told Nicodemus, "You must be Born Again". Saints Born Again is not a religious concept. Born Again is the necessary requirement for receiving the righteousness that makes you holy so that you can experience the Kingdom now and eternal. God is after getting you into the Kingdom and getting the Kingdom into you and the devil is after getting you into religion and getting religion into you. The devil knows Bishop, the devil knows Pastor that if you ever start disciplining yourself to study and preach the Kingdom then the end will come. Elder the devil doesn't care how much Bible you think you know. He is not afraid of your Bible knowledge per say. He is afraid of the preached message of the Kingdom. Jesus Himself said, And this good news of the Kingdom shall be preached as witness throughout all nations and then the end shall come. You can get thousands, millions of people saved (and we should) but that doesn't move the devil. He knows that while we get people saved he gets them enslaved to a religoius system that will never free them. Will that person go to heaven. I only hope so. The more I study the Kingdom and understand the purpose for salvation I am not so sure who is going to heaven. Never forget, the Word says..."If the righteous scarcely be saved" The Kingdom was before ever the world was because the Kingdom is God's governing authority, His will, His purpose. Jesus express purpose in redeeming man is so that mankind can exprience the Kingdom.
If you make it anything more than that you make it religion. Redemption is God bring man back into right fellowship with Himself and God had the Divine Audacity to have such a plan and include you and I in it. Do you want to experience the Kingdom now? Do you want to break form the sand traps of religion? Are you willing to challenge your thinking and embrace Kingdom concepts that are designed to make you free? Then you need to start challenging yourself to do three things. 1. Study the Kingdom of God without any pre-conceived notions. Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you the Kingdom of God. Find all the Kingdom verses first in the New Testament and let the Holy Spirit begin to lead you and guide you into all truth. In other words, become a child again. Pride and stubborn selfwill even while studying the Kingdom only invites the devil. God still resist the proud and gives more grace to the humble. 2. When you see these verses on the Kingdom of God ponder them, write them down and write yourself a note about what God is saying concerning a particular verse or passage of scripture concerning the Kingdom of God. 3. Purpose to preach the Kingdom of God. Now here is the hard part. You've got years of religious training on preaching anything you thought you were inspired to preach and the devil knows it so he keeps giving you material from the Bible. Make no mistake, the devil knows that the Kingdom of God is the subject that God purposed would be the means by which the devil will be destroyed. So everyday make the devil pay. Preach the Kingdom, teach the Kingdom and teach that Jesus is the Messiah King of the Kingdom and the only means by which man can be saved and you will be preaching the Kingdom and teaching about Jesus just as the early Apostles and disciples did and I have good news for you. Whenever you preach the Kingdom and minister Jesus to the people power is always available. Dr Leonard Robinson Sr Pastor Kingdom Vision Ministries International Philadelphia, PA 267-357-9816
BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2012 DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. WAS A UNIQUE VOICE FOR POSITIVE CHANGE: HOW ABOUT YOU? (COPIED FROM BISHOP STEVEN LIBERTY SR. BOOK: http://issuu.com/the2011bugle/docs/the_shepherds_light_in_a_world_of_tota l_darkness.d BY EVANGELIST FAVOR LIBERTY
What really are the duties of a True Minister of God? The first and fore most duty of a Minister is that He/she is Selected, Chosen, Called and Charge to be a VOICE.
Yes Sir, in this one word we can define our most principal reason for being a Minister of God. But the real meaning lies in the answer to the question that says; A minister is a Voice for who, to who, to say what, and where? The Shepherd/Minister is a Voice but not just any voice. Earlier I told about this Pastor who was encouraging his members to lie and steal from others and confess later. He is a voice also but for whom? It is very essential to know that there are many voices in the world today calling for different reasons but ours is a single voice, representing both the problem and the solution. That is why it is very important to know the answer to these questions or else we miss the entire point. Of course: as I said the earth is full of voices of different types and shapes and sounds; so it is very necessary to define the type of voice we are talking about here. To do this we will have to examine several different responsibilities that qualify this unique voice we are referring to. The first and foremost thing you should understand here is that you are not a voice of your own but the voice of He who send you. Indeed you are an Ambassador of the King; bearing a message from the Kingdom to His subjects and at the same time an Ambassador from the subjects to the King; taking back their problems, iniquities. You are also something else but let’s stop a little and examine Ambassadorship.
I did a little survey with Ministers of God from different categories; Apostles, Evangelist, Pastors, Teachers, and Prophets asking them about their interpretations of what they think are the duties of a Pastor. Yvonne Wilson answers this way.‖ Christ Jesus, said that He came to serve not to be served...so therefore a true minister of God...should serve the flock of God, in the place of God in the earth... Speaking and doing what thus saith the LORD...for we are ambassadors of Christ Jesus, servants of the most high God, we should look like Him, talk like Him, walk like Him, and most of all Love like Him...for God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son; He gave of Him self… Therefore we should laid down our life for Him, pick up our crosses and follow Him and forsake all for Him... be about His business, preaching / teaching the good new of Jesus Christ, telling people that they should repent, be baptized, in the name of Jesus… warning the world that He is coming back again, so we should be living our life as though He is coming right now… being holy for He is Holy…Hallelujah and Amen God Speed and Good Journey 09 ―
James Bartlett said… WHAT ARE THE DUTIES OF A TRUE MINISTER OF GOD???
A Minister or Preacher is an Ambassador or Representative of God and is strictly charged of God to speak His Everlasting Word, to whom we are sent to speak to. The responsibility that is upon this Minister is great (it is a matter of Eternal Life or Death, for both the Minister and the listeners). A Minister is to always be able to hear the Voice of the Lord. He must spend a great deal of time in Prayer, Fasting, the Study of The Word of God, and Meditation. The purpose of this is so that he will ready to whatever God want him to when he called upon for the service of the Lord. A Minster must always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in us. We need to lead by example: Paul told the Church "to be followers of him as he was a follower of Christ" 1 Corinthians 11. We need to Preach and Teach the Word, Reprove, Rebuke, Exhort (Encourage). We need to feed God's people with what God has given to us, help them to know what the right to is, and to stay away from doing the wrong things, and why.
No matter what our job is as a Minister, we need to be ready to do the other parts as well. For example a Pastor still needs to visit other Churches as much as possible (doing the work of an Evangelist). Making full proof of you Ministry, I believe we need to know when to feed and when to be fed (we need to eat from the Master's Table to). We need to always be ready to share the Word of God to those who need it, both Christians and the Lost. We need to be ready to help any one, and evryone that we can, when we can, where ever we can. Matthew 25:31 - 46 Lets see our yard stick for measuring the true if indeed this is what the Master meant. The Bible says : ―Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth and teach thee what thou shalt say;(Ex.4:12) ―And I will set up Shepherds over them which shall feed them; and they shall fear no more….But if they stood in my counsel, and have caused my people to hear my words, and then they should have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings. The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream, and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully‖.Jer.23:4; 22; 28) ―And thou son of man….And thou shall speak my words unto them….‖(Ezek.2:6-8)
―That ye may teach the children of Israel all the statues which the Lord hath spoken unto them by the hand of Moses‖ (Lev.10:11) ― Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warefare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness….O Zion, that bringeth good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain;….He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are young‖(Isa.13;9;11) ―And shall say, cast ye up, cast ye up, prepare the way, take up the stumbling block out of the way of my people.‖(Isa.57:14) ―Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.‖( Isa.58:1) ―I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day or night: ye that make mention of the Lord, keep not silence, and give Him no rest, till He establish, and till He make Jerusalem a praise in the earth.‖(Isa.62:6)
―But the Lord said unto me, Say not, I am a child, for thou shall go to all that I shall send thee, and whatever I command thee thou shall speak. Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver, saith the Lord. Thou therefore gird up thy lions, and arise, and speak unto them all that I command thee.; be not dismayed at their faces, lest I confound thee before them. For behold I have made thee this day a defenced city, and an iron pillar, and brazen walls against the Kings of Judah‌.‖(Isa.1:7,8,17,18) The Minister is indeed a very unique voice and as we have notice as a double Ambassador; for God and man. He/She is a voice bringing an unedited message directly from God to man and a voice taking a message from man back to God. Yes, a very unique voice indeed. Unlike what we see and hear today in many of our churches across the world it is God who puts words into the mouth of His Minster/Shepherds. The Minister is to use his/her voice to teach the congregation the statues laid down by God for them to follow. But sadly and quite contrary to performing this duty the Shepherd/Minister is now using the pulpit to break and encourage the breaking of the statues of God. Many today use this position to distribute lies and exploit the people; claiming that it is within their powers to prosper the poor.
The Shepherd/Minister is call to duty to comfort the people because many are the afflictions of this world; but today it is the duty of the Minister to afflict countless frustrations on the people at every meeting where they gather huge sums of money/materials from them by cohesion, trickery and the misinterpretations of the Gospel to fit their selfish needs. Instead of being comforted the people are confuse. Imagine the sweetness in the massage giving to the Minister. The True Shepherd /Minister first and fore most duty is to be an Ambassador with a message. The Prophet Isaiah calls it a message of ―Good Tidings‖. It is a message that speaks about a wonderful God who is capable of feeding His people; being there for them when things seems wrong and sad, healing their sickness and gathering their young ones and loving and caring for them. Yes a very unique message that does not exclude times of trails and temptations that are bound to come at times; but include promises of assistance during those times. God is not the magician many are falsely presenting to be but a God who understands our ups and downs brought upon us by our evil ways of sin. It is the duty of His messenger to represent Him as He is; not as they want Him to be, in order to put across their vain desires. God is a God of love a love radiates from every thing that surrounds Him.
That is the difference between the True servant of God and the false one. The false Minister do not care what it takes others as long as they can buy him/her new cars, shoes, houses, planes, etc. He does not care if they are sick of hungry or the children are out of school or if it is their last to eat that day as long as they contribute it for that false project he is claiming to have. Are you a True Minister/Shepherd? If so you are a voice of love from a God of love who cares. The True Shepherd/Minister is also the voice of an Advocate. He/She is responsible to represent the people in times of difficulties and frustrations before the Lord; to represent the depressed, downtrodden, oppress, and disadvantaged on earth before the rulers of this world. But I know for a fact that in many cases this is contrary to the true. Indeed a very unique task. Are you a True Shepherd/Minister of God? Are you a Voice for the King? As a Voice of the Lord you are also a messenger who brings a direct message from God and not yourself; as most do today. You are a messenger to God’s people and you must deliver His messages without fear or favour. Sometimes the message God give you to deliver may not suit your taste (as in the case of Jonah) but you are in no position to question God. Whatever He says He is capable to implement and if He wants it done it will be done with or without you.
Jesus told the religious Leaders of His day that if the people stop shouting praises, the stones would; and He meant every word He said. Other times He gives messages of comfort and restoration; (―Then spake Haggai the Lord’s messenger in the Lord’s message unto the people, saying, I am with you, saith the Lord‖). (Haggai 1:13) As a Voice you are a very unique person that has been called, chosen and charged to represent two kingdoms; therefore there is a very high expectation from both God who choose you and man/woman who you take the message to and for. That is one of the reasons many Ministries have lost value in the sight of both God and man. Many of their Ministers/Shepherds speak and teach rubbish for either exploiting their congregations or inciting them. There is no knowledge in their words and what they preach is quickly forgotten, minutes after the service. What the people remember is how you shouted until goose bumps fill their bodies, how much you collected, who you incited them against. Many of them forget the scripture you preach from or your theme and most importantly what you said about God. I have been in churches where the Minister/Shepherd asked if anyone remembered the theme of he last Sunday message and it took more than five minutes to get an answer; and the one who give the answer took it from his/her notebook and not memory.
Let me tell you why this is happening; for it is written: For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. (John.3:20). Their deeds are so evil that they are afraid to preach or teach the truth before it be used as a measurement stick against them. They are wolves and using the Gospel as a means to gain earthly riches for themselves and their families. It is written about such Ministers/Shepherds: ―For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greek seek after wisdom; But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jew a stumbling block, and unto the Greek foolishness‖ (1Cor.1:18, 22, 23). The Bible clearly instructs us Shepherds to be very careful what we say at any given time. ―For the priest lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth, for He is a messenger of the Lord of host‖) (Mal.2:7). Interestingly in our world today, many of our members learn how to lie, steal, corrupt, cheat, and even murder and get away with it(once they bring ten percent to the church): from the very lips of the Minister. A recent research carried out proves that many of the drug pushers, fruaders, internet criminals, rapist, etc., in some African Islamic countries are sadly professing Christians.
The worst part of this is that in most cases those representing them (maybe to release them before the case goes to court) or taking a lawyer for them are Ministers/Shepherds. Well it would have a decent ending if they were releasing them to for the sake of evangelizing to them and helping them change their lives; but contrary to this they paid heavily to those Ministers/Shepherds and their churches are fill. The Muslims who collaborate with them spread this news and use it as a tool to convince their people that Christianity is a fake religion for criminals. I learned that in such countries, certain group of churches have less than one percent of the indigenous as members. This shameful behaviour destroys the reputation of Christianity and should be stopped at once. It is must be rooted out because it is not of Jesus Christ, but the devil who seeks to destroy us. God highly value His True Ministers/Shepherds and recommend them highly to the flocks. Any Voice representing the Most High is His Ambassador and should live and act like an Ambassador because you came to prepare a way for the people to receive God through the Gospel you preach or teach. How can you preach/teach one thing and live another? It is not possible and you do not represent God.
It is written : (―Behold I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me; and the Lord whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to His people, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in; behold He shall come saith the Lord of host‖) (Mal.3:1). Bishop, What are you trying to say; are we now John the Baptist, that we should have these qualifications? Of Course you are, Dear Ministers of God, and you need to prepare the earth for the second coming of Jesus Christ. Your flocks should be able to follow that path that you have laid down for them to meet God for themselves and benefit from the promises of His covenant. Before coming to destroy the works of darkness upon the face of the earth; the Lord commands His Ministers to prepare the earth by uniting families in the right path. He compare you with Elijah His prophet; who brought message of draught to Ahab, was on the run most of the time, fed by divine instructions, raise the dead, prayed and God answered with fire, and taken to heaven alive in a vehicle. This time the mission for you our modern day Elijah/True Shepherd /Minister is to unite the earth before the second coming of Jesus Christ, before the final defeat of the power of darkness. Isn’t that a huge enough task that we must concentrate our effort towards instead of seeking vanities?
If we do not prepare the earth for the Lord’s coming we will all perish with the powers of darkness. For God instructs that if is not done He might just as well come and ―smite the earth with a curse‖ Yes, these are not my instructions but God, as written in His Holy Word/ ―Behold I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse‖(Mal.4:5-6). Ministers/Shepherds can’t you see that the causes of numerous wars, economical disasters, incurable diseases, are because of our failure to unite the world with the Word of God? Don’t you know that he great darkness overtaking the earth is a result of our submission to greed, selfishness, lack of wisdom, disunity and not implementing the duties that we were called, chosen, and charge to do by the Lord ? Can’t you understand that speaking with one voice, singleness of heart and purpose pleases God? No, you do not, because of what you stand to loose financially, materially, politically etc., so you will continue to stick to your doctrines, traditions, beliefs that divide instead of unite; and yet we all claim to be Christians. We are the solution and yet we choose to be the problem.
2Cor. Do you know, Ministers/Shepherds; that the thorn that now buffets you from preaching/teaching/living the truth of God Word is your pride, love for material things, riches, that expensive car you worship; after exploiting your congregation to but it, women who you take advantage of in the name of the Gospel, yachts, private planes, etc., that their acquisition have become more important to you than the task on hand? I did not say you have no right to own them but when the passion of owning them takes first place in your life, brother/sister it is of Satan and not God. Ministers/Shepherds the Apostle Paul recognized that his own thorn came because Satan wanted to stopped the vast revelation from God that he received and spread; but he use his own thorn to help check himself and remember that he was just human and in no way God. In this way the messenger of Satan was defeated because in no way did the thorn impede Paul but encourage him. (―And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure‖2Cor 12:7.) Interestingly enough from what we see here Satan’s messenger has the ability to plants thorns in the flesh.
They might just go unnoticed if we do not do a spiritual check up frequently. The Apostle Paul really wanted God to take away this temptation but the Lord give him a very wonderful answer that should reassure us that these temptations are not above us. We do not have to bow to them, but use them as a weapon against the sender. Paul was conscious of its presence and used it as a check mate to pride, etc., what about you? If you are a true Minister/Shepherd of God, you will notice that God answer to Paul reassures us that regardless of what kind of thorn the devil inflicts upon you His Voice; you have the power to overcome. He answered: ―….My grace is sufficient for you for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness….‖ (2Cor. 12:9a) That is why in proclaiming this great victory the Apostle Paul could boast in the power of God’s grace that render the power of Satan’s thorn useless and powerless over his life; with these words: ― Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak the, I am strong‖ (2 Cor. 12:9 b10). Many Ministers use this verse to encourage their members to swim in sin; because we are under the Grace of God; but the Grace makes one strong to overpower the thorns of the messenger of Satan, thus having victory over the trials and temptations placed before you to fall.
Yes, you are supposed to be the Voice of God among men exhibiting all the attributes thereof. Shepherds do you know that you are qualified to hear clearly the voice of God? What if God speaks to you today, will you recognize His voice? Many claimed to be walking according to the instructions of God but in fact are walking by the principles of man’s logic and reason. As Shepherds/Ministers of God, it is very important to identify the voice of God, because Satan tries to perfect his art of duplication daily. However the voice of God is very extraordinary and unique and can readily be identify by those who truly serve the Lord. Let’s take a look at a few examples of True Ministers/Shepherds who had the unique experience of hearing the voice of the Lord; some recognizing it, while others had to be told. It is not an ordinary voice and leaves a lasting effect upon those who hear it. It is unique and powerful beyond the imagination of man; it brings understanding, knowledge and wisdom, as we digest and interpret them. It is written: (―And when they went, I heard the noise of their wings, like the noise of great waters, as the voice of the Almighty, the voice of speech, as the noise of an host: when they stood, they let down their wings; As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord.
And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake; (―And the sound of the cherubim’s wings was heard even to the outer court, as the voice of the Almighty God when He speaketh‖. Ezek 1:24,29;10:5) But Christ claimed that what these men heard were just the tip of the iceberg. The voice of God is more marvellous than you think; therefore there is a very sure way of recognizing it for clear interpreting it, and that is through acceptance and acknowledgement of Christ. God Himself pointed us to that method. ―And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me; Ye have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His shape‖ (John 5:37). Jesus was simply saying that what was seen or heard in the past needed to be fully understood and that type of understanding comes only through Him. Read also ( John 12: 28-30) The True Shepherd/Minister is also the voice of an Advocate. He/She is responsible to represent the people in times of difficulties and frustrations before the Lord; to represent the depressed, downtrodden, oppress, and disadvantaged on earth before the rulers of this world. He/she is expected to wed and bury them, be the shoulder they can cry upon in times of distress, be their consultant in times of confusion, nurture and nourish them when they are physically and spiritually malnourish, and the Voice that they can hear the instructions of God through.
But I know for a fact that in many cases this is contrary to the true. Indeed a very unique task. Are you a True Shepherd/Minister of God? Are you a Voice for the King? If you are really the Voice of God that I am talking about: what is expected of you? You are to represent them before God and man and help them to put their lives in order. That is why your calling is unique and demands a lot. You become an administrator for the people way of living. Much of what they do or say depends on how you mold them. You control their way of thinking because they see you as an oracle of God Himself; therefore if you are a crook, sadly majority of your congregation see it as a way of life. That is why I believe from the bottom of my heart that it is within the means of the church and not the political institution to take over and correct the economical downturn of our world today. However instead of finding solution to the economical problems, the Ministers are the ones to increase it by exploiting the people. Because as a Minister, you are also a responsible to build the community to the standard God’s wants it to be. The people respect and you are the confidante for many suffering minds. Now because it is part of your role you must also be the solution. The people look up to you for it. Half of the church members lost their jobs, people are homeless and hungry; and there you are preaching nonsense calling it politics.
People go to God for solutions in times like these and as the Voice, Ambassador, and confidante; of God they expect an answer from you. But many Ministers eyes are so close because of greed that they think it all starts and ends in that hall they call church. Take the United States for instance; many have lost their jobs and businesses are closing for the lack of customers. If the church was in control they would start teaching/training their members some self sustainable skills and liaising with businesses to supply the items needed to help their members get started. If these people were trained in honesty, decency, and hard work; they would paid back for themselves for the items they received to get them started and regularly paid their dues to the church, without been being force or lied to. Take for example the Ministers from Africa, India, etc.; who every year wants people to help out with money, money, and money. My question is when will they become mature and dependent on themselves? Never, if they continue to get those hands-outs instead of being taught how to fish, open a fishing industry and help others to open theirs. But the Ministers of the big nations think that if they help these people to become independent; their own ministries will suffer because they will have nothing to raise money for.
But all this is planted by Satan because he knows a fully economically control Church will easily defeat his purpose and tactics. If each group that was made financially independent return five percent to those Ministries that set them up; there will be no need to lack; but dishonesty and fear have close the doors of trust and the right path have overgrown with weeds. Well back to your duties. You have the duties to regulate the patterns that their discussions take daily positively lay the ground work for the shaping their outlook. Many times it is not an easy task and some like Dr. King die in the process. The end result was he did not die for nothing, for his vision lives on and he continues to motivate others with the truth of its impact. He recognized very early that even to the detriment of his life and that of his family; if change was to come than he had to be not only a Minister but a Advocate for truth, confronting the powers of his days with the need to bring the needed change that made a people/nation as God wanted them to live. He sought justice by the only means he knew how that would fit the recommendation of a Minister of God; through encouraging the people to understand the force behind truth ,even through non-violent means.
As a dispenser of the knowledge of God, he prove that only through love and not blood shed could this problem be solve; for blood had already been shed on the cross of cavalry. He was one of the ambassadors of God that was truly a voice during our modern days. Ministers/Shepherds, It is your duty to weep for your people before the Lord. You are to spend time daily lifting them up in prayers and seeking directions that will affect the way they live their every day life. For it is written: ― Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say; Spare thy people Lord, and give not thy heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is your God?‖(Joel 2:17) That is the question many modern day heathens ask when they see the way we live; our faithlessness, our submissions to the ills of this world instead of taking control over them. We are expected to go and do always according to the will and instructions of God and not ours. The reason many Ministers/Shepherds have so much storm in lives today is because they fail to follow the clear and precise instructions of God Almighty. You see if you do you might be thrown into the sea of life difficulties and problems until you realize your true calling. God instructions are always clear like this: ―Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city,, and cry against it; for their wickedness come up before me.‖
(Jonah 1:2) It instructs you when to move, where to move, what to do once you get there and why. It is always necessary to grasp this very important point or most of the time you find yourself flogging a dead horse that you are calling ministries. Because He send you he also provides specific instructions for how you will be taken care of during that period (Matt. 10:11-12).There is also a particular behaviour pattern laid down for you as you work in the lord’s vine yard; you are not the boss but the servant and you are to serve the people you shepherded. This is where we fail today many times over. Today instead of been servants we wear big titles, robes, caps/hats etc. and want those we are to serve to bow to us. It is so sad. Take Jesus for example; walking most of the time, people calling Him just Jesus most of the time, and yet He is the King of Kings. I came to understand that great men serve and empty men spend their time fighting for titles and boasting about their achievements. For it is written: ―….you knows that the princes of the gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you; but whosoever shall be great among you let him be your minister; And whosoever shall be chief among you let him be your servant: even as the son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and give His life as a ransom for many‖ (Matt. 20:25-28;Mk.10:43-45) (I love you Jesus).
Today in many ministries’ we see the attributes of the authorities of the world and one cannot serve two masters at the same time. Yes as the Voice of the Lord; we are instructed to be as humble as little children in our faith in God, have compassion, be witnesses to the ends of the earth, baptizing those converted, preaching the good news to the poor (not selling the good news to the poor) casting out demons and evil spirits, healing the sick and setting at liberty the physically and spiritually imprisoned.
God will walk with me down streets.... : BY BABSIE VAN DER BERG
God will walk with me down streets Where no one else will walk God will talk with me 'bout things Of which no one else will talk When no one else will walk And no one else will talk When no one will God will God will bear with me The little worries No one knows are there God will care for me Whenever there is No one else to care When no one will be there And no one else will care When no one will God will
God will talk with me When friends forget And fail to understand God will strengthen me When I am weak And need a helping hand When no one understands Or lends a helping hand When no one will God will When no one will God will ~God Will~
TRIBUTE TO WHITNEY HOUSTON (BROWN): A TALENTED CHILD OF GOD THAT BECAME THE DEVIL’S WORKSHOP: BY BISHOP STEVEN LIBERTY SR. Don’t misread me for I am a great lover of Whitney; but like all good things that goes wrong; lessons must be learned and documented for future generations. There is word on the street that Whitney went to heaven because the last song she sang was ―Jesus loves me‖ and I am no judge of that. But I know that even if one dies on the pulpit preaching and His life did not follow the principles that take one to heaven; he/she will end up in hell. Again I am so sorry for being so brunt during this period but we must face the facts if lessons must be learned. Some said she was save and might have confess that she wanted to go to Jesus; but dear friends it is not by only saying you want to go to Jesus, but people who reach such decisions must not only profess it with the mouths for you can meet Jesus Christ any time and any where here on earth,
and when you do meet Him your life will be renewed and those former things like drug habits will be broken as signs of your new birth. When God gives an extraordinary talent; He does so with intent or propose and in this case it was to glorify Him in the mist of men. Do you know that Whitney could have earn even more money ,fame and even a long ,healthy, and successful life if she had used her beautiful voice to sing praises to God and preach His word through songs? Do you know she could have made those same love songs with better words and people would still love them and dance to them? But the Devil understood this fact and spotted her and sends a virus in her life that would plant seeds of distraction that would lead to an early death. If you had followed the life of this talented and famous creation of God like I did; you would notice visible signs of the devil taking over her life and beautiful voice. You could see physically when God was thrown out of her life and Satan took over. Her ways of life began to change; her voice began to desert her and her spiritual and physical structure gradually began to fade.
It was visible and if she had any true friends who had her well being in heart: they would have led her to the very Jesus she spoke and sang about so much; but in actual fact did not know. It pains my heart to write these things about a person whose voice I love so much; but there are many such Whitney’s out there whose heeds to be saved before it is too late. They are famous, rich, poor, our brothers, sisters or extended family members or even we; who has miss the road to their God given destiny and heading for an early death. Most of the time God speaks to us physically but we ignore the message and close our eyes and ears to realities. In the film ―Body guard‖ Whitney sang this very song,‖ Jesus Loves Me‖ for her friend who died because of carelessness and drunkenness. Little did she realized that God was warning her in that movie of the dark path she had chosen and how drugs, drunkenness would over take her life if she did not open her eyes on time.
Like in her film, death followed her everywhere, day and night. God love her so much and did all He could to save her but most of you who have it all; think that money& fame is the end of the road. So many things happened in her life time that serve as an warning ;like the death of a musician and friend who abused the same substances she did ; but she failed to heed the voice of God. Now instead of telling her sad story of failure to the world so that others will not follow her footsteps; the world is sending her to heaven because of money and fame. Don’t get me wrong, I pray that she will make it there but my personal belief is that her death was a suicide; intentional or not because of the path she followed. Whitney left a great legacy but it will always be of a woman with a beautiful voice who miss the way earlier in life and became the Devil’s workshop.
I want to say this to all parents who are so eager to push their young immature children to the streets because of some talent they discovered in them, without a God fearing mentor; as long as the bucks row in. Beware for the wrong mentor do not care what it take to get the money rowing in; drugs ,alcohol, etc. They destroyed the spiritual, mental and physical well being of these young immature children and they become adults before their minds are prepared properly and usually end up a mess. WHAT ABOUT YOU MY FRIEND; WILL YOU COME TO YOUR SENSES WHILE THERE IS YET TIME, OR WILL YOU WAIT UNTIL IT IS TOO LATE. JESUS IS HERE AND WAITING FOR YOU. YOU CAN FIND HIM ANYWHERE, ANYTIME, DAY OR NIGHT.
TO THE FAMILY, FRIENDS, ETC OF WHITNEY HOUSTON; I ENTEND MY DEEPEST SAMPATHY AND PRAY THAT GOD WILL COMFORT YOU IN THIS SAD PERIOD IN YOUR LIFE. IF YOU JUST HAD ANOTHER CHANCE I AM SURE YOU WOULD DO IT RIGHT. THAT IS WHY I AM URGING YOU TO DO THE RIGHT THING IN YOUR GRANDCHILDREN AND LOVE ONES LIVES. MAY HER SOUL REST IN PEACE AND THE LIGHT OF GOD WHO ALWAYS LOVED HER AS SHE WAS SHINE UPON HER .
WELCOME TO THE CORRIDORS OF THE SHEPHERDS LIGHTHOUSE BUGLE MAGAZINE The Shepherds Bugle is the voice of Shepherds Without Borders Lighthouse Ministries; which comes out once monthly to highlight messages, news, visions, projects, strength & weakness of the United Body of the Kingdom of God. Inspired Shepherds come together monthly to write message etc for the community of God chosen. Every shepherd chosen, charged, and called by God (YHWH) to care for His flocks is officially a member. Shepherds serve as an ambassadors of the Kingdom of God , advocates for petitioning God for mankind, administrators for the handling and distributing the truth of God's Word and they need a watch tower on the hilltop to help them not to crash against the stones of temptations placed in their path by the Devil. This magazine is the shepherds’ consultant for wisdom and direction when it comes to how the work of the Kingdom of God is being carried out in different places around the world. It is also a confronter of the evil practices that are carried out in the name of the kingdom of God. It is no respecter of any particular doctrine, tradition, color, language, social status, or geographical locations. It is the voice for the united kingdom of God's body of workers in the vineyard here on earth. This magazine is the discussion leader of any topic concerning the kingdom of God and the warfare of God's people. Here you will see and post the work you do for the kingdom; however it should be clear that every work you see here is the responsibility/views of the writer who placed it there and not always necessarily the views of everyone. It is a medium to serve as an encourager for the shepherds around the world who are striving to get the truth of God's Word out even at a risk to their own families and lives. As a spotlight, we intend to also serve as a ground inspector of the work of every ministry we can and highlight their strengths and weaknesses. Shepherds, we say a big welcome to you and your flocks. Let this place be a companion and knowledge dispenser, a place where you can rest and discover your God given talents, your historian where you can view the past and log the present, the nurturer of your visions, your opportunities spotter, and critic.
I know many times when you are in the wrong and we speak about it, you might be hurt, go home and pray about it, and please come for a second look. Partake and make this place a home away from home. Make this place a secret corner for airing your views and questions that have been bothering you for a long time. Please allow Shepherds Bugle to help you develop your ministries and broken lives. To date we are sharing the word in (67) nations of the world and nearly all of the major cities and towns in those countries as listed below : United State United Kingdom. Senegal Pakistan Germany Canada. India South Africa. Russia France Australia Nigeria. Ireland Ghana Philippines Uganda Burkina Faso. Kenya Trinidad and Tobago Sweden Ukraine Mexico Cameroon Israel Singapore Spain Hungary United Arab Emirates Czech Republic Cote D'Ivoire Malaysia Mauritius Saudi Arabia Norway China Italy. New Zealand Kuwait Luxembourg Switzerland Gambia Liberia Barbados Iceland Romania Macedonia Thailand Bahrain Turkey Indonesia Egypt Peru Estonia Colombia Argentina Mongolia Taiwan Poland Slovakia Belarus Morocco South Korea Ethiopia Antigua and Barbuda Netherlands Unknown - European Union TWO FLAGS WERE ADDED TO OUR OUTREACH IN JANUARY AND WE PRAISE GOD FOR REACHING THE WORD THERE : THEY
ARE THE BAHAMAS
AND CONGO
Unity is strength and if we are to ever reach the ends of the earth; penetrating every doctrine ,traditions ,creed, or religious belief with the living word of God , then we must united on all fronts. To date we are struggling to keep the touch burning. While the magazine is and will always be totally free of charge; we need the help of volunteers and finance to paid for electricity, housing etc. Your will contributions of any among & prayers could go a long way to assist us.
ARE YOU READY WHEN THE LORD SHALL COME???????