April Devotional

HEAVENLY HEAVENLYBREAD BREADVOLUME VOLUME44Issue Issue442012 2012

A monthly devotional with inspiring words for daily living

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 4 2012

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 4 2012

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 4 2012

Walk In The Newness Of Christ

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HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 4 2012

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 4 2012

HEAVENLY BREAD MISSION AND GOALS

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eavenly bread‘s mission is to provide inspirational devotional reading for all believers in our efforts to uplift the name of Jesus while spreading the gospel message of Christ throughout the world. Our meditation scriptures are designed to encourage more Bible reading, study and meditation as it is our sword used in our spiritual warfare with Satan.

It is our goal to obey Christ’s command as recorded in Matthew 28:19-20 by going into the entire world beginning in our Jerusalem, proceeding onto Judea, Samaria, and continuing until every man, woman and child have been taught Christ.

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 4 2012 Sun Apr 1

A New Creature In Christ 2 Corinthian 5:17 Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are past away; behold, all things are become new.

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ur scripture text makes a profound statement regarding the transformation that all believers experience by accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior through faith. We as believers now belong to God and are no longer separated from Him. Believers have been reconciled (v. 18) back to God through the atoning work of Christ.

What does it mean to be reconciled back to God? Reconciliation means that all who believe in Jesus Christ has been brought back into fellowship with God and is no longer alienated from our creator. Reconciliation is one aspect of Christ's atoning work on Calvary in the redemption process of restoring a broken fellowship.

Christ also justified us through His blood and then sanctified all believers so that we would become new creatures in Him. Believers' reconciliation become effective through the person's acceptance of Jesus Christ through faith as this is the work of God's amazing grace.

With that being said, being a new creature in Christ carries many blessings in that believers are no longer living in darkness as God the Father has commanded the light of Jesus Christ to shine in the hearts of believers (4:6). Believers come into the knowledge of God and His glory through Jesus Christ. Believers are no longer under Satan's control, but instead have a one-to-one personal relationship with God. Being new creatures in Christ, believers belong to God and are controlled by His Spirit-the Holy Spirit who resides in every believer.

As a new creature in Christ, the believer becomes a new person who has been renewed in the image of God and now lives holy lives before God that is pleasing to Him. Believers being new creatures in Christ become God's workmanship which was created in Christ Jesus as the believer will

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 4 2012 stand as say "what thus saith the Lord" by witnessing Christ the world over. Being a new creature in Christ, the believer sees things from God's perspective instead of his or Satan's. Seeing things from God's perspective, believers then manifest the holiness of God through holy living as many in the world is reading the Bible through the believer's lifestyle. Living holy lives is the righteousness of God that is shinning through every believer and will continue as believers remain in union with Christ.

As new creatures in Christ all believers have the love of God residing on the inside as His endless love allows believers to love all as God loves.

Being a new creature in Christ mean all believers have put on the righteous robe of God's salvation.

Our newness is in Christ Jesus.

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 4 2012 Mon Apr 2

Live A New Life Ephesians 4:23-29 And be renewed in the Spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

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n yesterday's topical discussion we discussed being a new creature in Christ, but today's focus is living a new life in Christ and in doing so all believers have put away the old way of life.

The things that believers use to do those things have no place in the believer's new life. Where there use to be lying, hatred, uncleanness and all other manner of evil deeds (vv 17-25) have been replaced with truth, love, joy, meekness and longsuffering (Galatians 5:22-23).

In the new life believers have been clothed in the righteousness of God (Philippians 3:9) as believers have the seal of the Holy Spirit who speaks to the sub consciousness of the believer's mind when Satan come to rob and steal one's joy. Satan will steal your joy by whispering doubt into one's minds which is contrary to the Will of God; because when God speak there is nothing to fear and or doubt.

God's Word is true and sure. God left the Holy Spirit as the believer's guide and teacher while living the Christian life. With the Holy Spirit as the believer's compass and the Bible as our road map, believers have the tools to live a life of righteousness.

A new life is one of holiness and righteousness.

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 4 2012 Tue Apr 3

Grieve Not The Holy Spirit Ephesians 4:30 ‌Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. t has been established just who the Holy Spirit is, His residency and His purpose in the lives of all believers. Just as a quick reminder, He is God in the third person and resides in every believer to teach, guide and protect all who will adhere to His voice.

Just as Jesus wept on occasions over the sins of this world so do the Holy Spirit and He can be grieved when we as believers fail to obey His voice, presence, and leading us in the path of righteousness (Romans 8:5-17; Galatians 5:16-25; 6:7-9).

Believers are encouraged to refrain from grieving the Holy Spirit because it is resisting God and resisting God leads to His fire being diminished or going out completely (Acts 7:51; 1 Thessalonians 5:19) in the lives of believers.

This question comes to mind, Why shouldn't believers yield control of his or her life to the Holy Spirit given all that the Godhead has done so that believers will spend eternity with Him? Yielding to the Holy Spirit and living holy lives unto God is an expression of thankfulness for what He has done and continues to do in believers' lives while knowing that believers are sealed by His Spirit until the day of redemption.

Grieve not the Holy Spirit by yielding to Him.

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HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 4 2012 Wed Apr 4

Be Filled With The Holy Spirit Ephesians 5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; hat does the phrase "filled with the Holy Spirit means to you? Allow me to say what the phrase means to me by saying this is a constant over flow of God's love that is imparted to my life daily while on this Christian journey. This constant renewal is something this writer like all other Christians experience daily (3:14-19) as we are bombarded with satanic attacks as he comes to steal and rob us of our joy.

Being filled with the Holy Spirit gives me the desire to worship, witness and serve God with a heart of gladness (Acts 4:3133). Being filled with the Holy Spirit believers sing praises unto the Lord, to talk Him daily through prayer and scripture reading as prayers are believers' communication with God. Being filled with the Holy Spirit keeps all believers living in faith through Jesus Christ. Being filled with the Holy Spirit all believers has committed themselves to God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Lastly, being filled with the Holy Spirit is as refreshing as the morning dew that God shares with all creation.

Being filled with the Holy Spirit is a blessing beyond measure as all believers operate in His power as believers "can do all thing through Christ who strengthened me" (Philippians 4:13).

Being filled with the Holy Spirit is our holy water, drink thereof.

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HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 4 2012 Thu Apr 5

Serve In The Newness Of The Spirit Romans 7:6 But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of Spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.

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n Paul's discourse to the Roman believers he is explaining that the law has no salvation; therefore believers are saved through faith in Jesus Christ by God's grace and are no longer bound by the law (vv 1-6). Paul makes an interesting analogy being under the law by using a woman's marriage to her husband as she is bound to him until he dies. Whereas if she leaves her husband for another husband she then is called an adulteress, but on the other hand if her husband dies she is no longer under the law of that husband and is free to marry someone else. So then the biblical analogy here is that we died to sin with Christ and rose with Him to a new life in the Spirit and serve in the newness of the Spirit as all believers have been begotten in the Spirit by Christ Jesus as He is the head of everything.

Paul also states that while being controlled by the flesh motions we bore fleshly fruits, but being in the Spirit we bear fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Believer need not look to the Old Testament law of sacrifices for salvation and forgiveness from God (Galatians 3:23-25; 4:4-5), but to Christ because we have been united with Christ through His atoning work at Calvary.

Believers serve in God's Spirit as we have received His forgiveness, regeneration and have the fruit of holiness (Romans 6:22-23).

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 4 2012 Fri Apr 6

Obtain A Crown Of Salvation 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

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n Paul's discourse to the Corinthians believers he is providing words of encouragement concerning the Christian race and the ultimate prize to be obtained is an incorruptible crown which is eternal salvation (v. 25).

It is noteworthy to say that all mankind is running a race of some sort, but only Christians will receive an incorruptible crown. In this Christian race all who endure and enter heaven will have exercised self-denial, being controlled by the Holy Spirit, loving others as thyself, and an unyielding love for God while being committed to doing His will.

In this Christian race we have the assurance that if we persevere to the end we have a reward waiting for us, which is living forever in the presence of the Lord and residing with Him the New Jerusalem. Today our bodies are corruptible as we are subjected to pain, tears, heartaches, and natural decay, but once we are dressed in incorruptibility all suffering, heartaches are gone forever. With that being said, all believers must remain focus on the prize that lie ahead because the Christian race isn't one that will be completed overnight; it can be likened to a marathon runner.

Eternal salvation, what a prize!

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 4 2012 Sat Apr 7

Have The Zeal Of God Romans 10:2 For I bear then record that they have the zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one what believeth.

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et's begin this discussion by defining zeal, which is to say one's enthusiasm, or eagerness toward someone or for something. Many have a great deal of zeal for many of the wrong or unrighteous things of this world. The purpose of today's discussion will focus on having the zeal of God as it is profitable to all believers.

With that being said, then believers being in the family of God must have an eagerness to do His will and live according to His righteousness.

What Paul was saying of his Romans believers is that many of the Jews during his time were not believers in Christ and were still abiding by the old covenant law. Christ came to fulfill the law and everyone who believes in Christ is saved as the law cannot save anyone. What does this say for the many believers who have believed and show a lackluster for God and His righteousness? Could it be that self-control is the dominant force instead of the Holy Spirit? Yielding total control to the indwelling Holy Spirit there is an eagerness to live holy and to do the will of God. Having the zeal of God is like wearing a constant smile.

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 4 2012 Sun Apr 8

A Servant's Attitude Philippians 2:7-8 But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men; And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

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he term servant can be defined as one who serves others or in enslaved to another (Romans 1:1) as the Apostle Paul was a slave to the gospel of Christ. Being a servant of Jesus Christ is a freedom that is enjoyed by all believers (Romans 6:6-7; 8:2). The freedom that is enjoyed by all believers for being a servant of Jesus Christ is based upon His death and resurrection and believers are no longer bound to sin which brings eternal separation from God. If the question were raised, What is the attitude of a servant? It can be best answered by reflecting on the Apostle Paul's life and his dedication to preaching the gospel of Christ and remained committed to serving Christ regardless of his situation. Whenever Paul found himself embroiled in unfavorable situations he didn't not ask why me Lord, he simply continued his mission of proclaiming the gospel. With that being said, Paul demonstrated an attitude of commitment while remaining steadfast in his faith of God's deliverance. Paul's servant attitude was that he felt that it would be a gain if he lost his life for preaching the gospel of Christ because he would be present with the Lord.

Jesus Christ our Savior is the ultimate example of a servant's attitude as He served at the will of His Father and never waivered in the mission of shedding His blood for the remission of sin. Christ's disciples served Him diligently and suffered violent deaths for carrying the message of Christ to the world. When Christ asked His disciples to follow Him they immediately left all to follow Jesus.

There are many other notable biblical scholars and others who serve God with the proper servant's attitude; with dedication and a desire to please God. From the servants highlighted in this discussion self-

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 4 2012 exaltation weren't their focus. Their focus was carrying the gospel to the lost souls of the world so they too may be saved and enjoy the sweet taste of salvation and the reward of spending eternity with God. With that being said, the proper servant's attitude is self-denial.

These questions come to mind, in our service to God what does the world see in us, is it self-denial or self-exaltation? Is our faithfulness to Christ's message on display? In serving God are we willing to suffer hardships for the sake of the gospel? If so to what end? Until God says "good and faithful servant job well done."

A servant's attitude is dedication, faithfulness and self-denial.

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 4 2012 Mon Apr 9

Submit To God James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

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ur scripture text makes a profound statement regarding the believer's submitting him or herself to God which calls for total separation from this world and its ways. There are several reasons why Christians must submit total control of his or her life to God, because in the Christian's own strength the person is no match for Satan. The closer Christians come to God He will draw closer to you and the devil will have to flee because he knows that he is no match for God. It is worth noting that serving two masters is ungodly as Christ spoke of this while here on earth.

Therefore, submitting total control to God Christians have the power to withstand all Satan's fiery darts of wickedness as he attempts to separate us from God and His love.

It is noteworthy to say that total submission to God speaks of humility as it demonstrates the right view of God, self and others. God resists the proud and give an increase of His grace to humble persons (v. 6). Jesus Christ is our greatest example of humility as He is God, but submitted Himself to the will of His Father. Christians are to be in total submission to God. Lastly, being submitted to God is a testimony of one's faith in Him for who He is and what He has done and continues to do in the lives of all believers.

Submit to God He is worthy.

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 4 2012 Tue Apr 10

Depend On God James 4:13-16 …Ye that say, Today or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow; for what is your life? It is a vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.

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ur scripture text is encouraging us to depend on God in all that we do or anticipate doing as our total being depends on God's grace and mercy. Also, our scripture text alludes to becoming self-reliance because we do not know what tomorrow holds only God does. It makes a profound observation in that our lives are like a vapor here today and gone tomorrow.

The phrase in our lesson study text "if the Lord will, we shall live and do this or that" is a phrase I grew up hearing my mother use to preference whatever she planned to do. This phrase taught me an important lesson in aligning my will with that of the Lord's and to depend on God in every situation and all that I do. This is because if it's not God's will then it will not come to pass.

The lesson to be learned from today's discussion is to align our wills with God and be willing to do His will. We must never act independently from God. Depending on God is our total trust in Him.

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 4 2012 Wed Apr 11

Servants Of God Daniel 3:26; Acts 16:17 Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, ye servants of the Most High God, come forth, and come hither. Then Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego came forth of the midst of the fire (26). The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, these men are the servants of the Most High God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.

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cripture texts for today's focus discussion was selected to show through the demonstrated lives of the characters in each scriptures who were true servants of God and trusted Him regardless of their situations. The three Hebrew boys were true servants in that they refused to bow to the idol god erected by King Nebuchadnezzar and end result, God got in the fiery furnace with the Hebrew boys and the king acknowledged their God as the true God worthy of worship and serving. A similar situation is seen with Paul and Silas as they were bound and thrown in prison for casting out a demon who had possessed a young girl. Paul and Silas continued in prayer and songs. We know the results from Paul and Silas' prayer meeting; God delivered them using an earthquake and the jailer was saved.

The lesson to be learned from today's discussion is being a true servant of God will sometime result in believers being in sticky situations, but fear not because God is present and will deliver.

God's servants are committed to Him.

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 4 2012 Thu Apr 12

Washed In Jesus' Blood Revelation 1:5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood.

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oday's topical discussion describes who Jesus is and what He has done in the lives of all believers. He died for the sins of the world. To receive salvation all must accept the atoning work of Jesus Christ as He willingly sacrificed His life by giving His blood for the remission of sin. Only Jesus' blood was suitable to atone sin as required by God the Father, because Jesus was sinless and both God and man.

Therefore, believers being washed in the blood of Jesus have life ever after and have a crown of life waiting for us in heaven. Being washed in Jesus' blood, the believer have been clothed in the righteous garment of God's salvation and now live holy lives before God to manifest Christ's glory for the entire world to see. Being washed in the blood of Jesus all believers have been redeemed, justified, sanctified, forgiven and regenerated and are now new creatures in Christ.

Nothing but the blood of Jesus saved my soul from hell!

Yes, all believers have been purchased with the precious blood of Jesus the unblemished Lamb of God (1 Peter 1:19) that washed me whiter than snow.

Jesus' blood what a cleanser!

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 4 2012 Fri Apr 13

Serve God With Reverence Hebrews 12:28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.

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erses 18-27 issues dire warnings against turning from God as the day will come when He will destroy this world and its order and the only thing that will remain will be His kingdom.

Scripture has it that God will destroy the world this time with fire and it will be replaced with a new heaven and earth (Revelation 20:11; 21:1; 2 Peter 3:10-13). God has proven Himself to be truthful to His word. No one knows when the end will come, but we know for sure it is coming; therefore, it behooves everyone to live and serve God with reverence as it pleases Him. What God requires in the way of service to Him is a reasonable portion of our service to Him. God doesn't ask much of His people in comparison to what He has done and continues to do in our lives. He asks for a tenth of our harvest; He wants us to use our gifts that He has blessed us with in giving service to Him. He has given each of us a different gift for the edification of the church.

If the question were raised, How do we serve God with reverence? We reverence God with honor, adoration and praises for He is worthy of all honor for He is sovereign. We are to serve God by glorifying His holiness and righteousness as His righteousness is what all men will be judged.

Reverence God for He is holy.

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 4 2012 Sat Apr 14

Show Brotherly Love Romans 12:9-12 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that with is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectionated one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

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aul is encouraging us to love one another as we are faithful to Christ Jesus in love because He first loved us. When we show love for one another we are being obedient to Christ's love command as well as manifesting His love in us for the world to see.

All believers have been taught how to love by God Himself as He imparted His love to us while we didn't love Him as He gave His only begotten Son to die our sins to restore a broken fellowship.

Believers show brotherly love by providing for those in need both spiritually and materially. We are to sympathize with the heartaches of others doing what we can to help ease the pain of their sorrows and troubles. We offer intercessory prayers for the sick or those who just need someone to pray for them. We are to honor our brothers and sisters with respect while highlighting the good qualities we all have both good and not so good qualities, but still God loves us all the same. Most importantly, loving one another shows our godly character as love is one of God's attributes because He is love.

Lastly, believers have God's Spirit living on the inside to aid in our brotherly love for all men.

Love as God love.

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 4 2012 Sun Apr 15

Sealed With God's Spirit Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise.

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ur scripture text provides the order of sequence by which all believers become sealed with God's Spirit. The first step in becoming sealed with God's Spirit is that every believer heard the word of truth, trusted it to be God's Word as the gospel unto salvation, after which all believers are sealed with His Spirit. Being sealed with God's Spirit is His indentifying mark of ownership for all believers.

These questions come to mind, Who is God's Spirit and what is His role in sealing the believer? First, God's Spirit is the Holy Spirit who is God in the third person. Second, He resides in every believer as He provides the necessary evidence of our adopted Sonship into the family of God. Third, the Holy Spirit regenerates all believers so they can and will live in the newness of God. Fourth, the Holy Spirit delivers us from the power of sin and Satan (Romans 8:1-17; Galatians 5:16-25). Fifth, the Holy Spirit awakens our awareness that God is our Father (v. 5). Sixth, the Holy Spirit empowers believers to boldly witness Christ the world over (Acts 1:8; 2:4). Seventh, the Holy Spirit provides wisdom and knowledge to the believer (v. 17). Eight, the Holy Spirit provides help for the believer when he or she needs to draw near to God the Father (2:18). Ninth, the Holy Spirit builds the believer's body into the temple of God as believers' bodies are to be holy. Tenth, the Holy Spirit strengthens the inner believer and motivates believers in the Christian Community in becoming more Christ-like (4:3, 13-14). Lastly, the Holy Spirit aids the believer in making intercessory prayers.

Therefore, the work of the Holy Spirit in sealing every believer is essential to believers remaining in fellowship with God. God being all knowing knew that as every sinner is freed from the bondage of sin

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 4 2012 and Satan's control a one-to-one relationship is established with God Satan would be angry and make every attempt to steal what doesn't belong to him.

I have often heard my pastor say that all believers have God's identifying mark written in our foreheads that is visible only to God and Satan. With that being said, believers know that they belong to God from His indwelling Spirit who fills us daily with His love, care, grace and mercy. Allow me to say that being sealed with God's Spirit carries many blessings and all believers are assured of his or her salvation because all are kept by the Holy Spirit.

God's Spirit-the Holy Spirit what a sealer!

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 4 2012 Mon Apr 16

A Child Of God Romans 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.

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n yesterday's topical discussion we discussed being sealed with God's Spirit the Holy Spirit and the steps necessary for believers to become sealed with His Sprit, but today's focus is being a child of God and we have this knowledge as it is witnessed by God Himself the Holy Spirit.

What does the Holy Spirit bear witness to? The Holy Spirit let every believer know yes you are a child of God through the atoning work of Christ. Believers remain in union with Christ through the Holy Spirit residing in every believer. He also testifies of God's love for us and believers are children of God and have the right to call Him Father. His love for believers puts every believer on part with the love God has for His Son Jesus.

Being children of God believers have the ability to live holy and righteous lives before God as believers have been set apart for service to God. As children of God believers no longer conform to this world and its systems while we remain in this world. As children of God believers are candles that is shinning light in a sin-darken world.

Being a child of God represents royalty.

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 4 2012 Tue Apr 17

The Temple Of God 1 Corinthians 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

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he term temple refers to a place of worship or where God dwells which includes the church/congregation as a whole and the individual believer. With that being said, every believer is obligated to live holy lives as God's Spirit the Holy Spirit resides in each of us. The church is the temple of God and it too must be holy as it is looked upon as the bride of Christ and when Christ returns He is coming back for His pure bride-the church.

What does it mean for the church to remain holy? The true church is made up of individual believers who carries within them the spiritual church and come together in a local church to worship God. As every believer remains holy as each is the residing place of the Holy Spirit; therefore, the church as a whole like individual believers must refrain from becoming corrupt in a corrupt society and must stand firm on God's Word. The church is the city that is set upon the hill to manifest the holiness of God. Believers must remember who they are and to whom they belong-God; therefore, believers are the lighted candles that shine the brightness of Christ in a sin darkened world. With that being said, the church as a whole and every believer is the dwelling place of God the Holy Spirit who cannot and will not live in an unclean house.

Temples are God's residing place-be holy.

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 4 2012 Wed Apr 18

Contend For The Faith Jude 1:3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

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ude the half brother of Jesus and brother of James was writing to the believers in the Jerusalem church warning them against false teachers who were teaching that their salvation allowed them to continue sinning without adverse consequences. What Jude was telling Christians in the Jerusalem church was to stand firm in what they knew to be true. The truth is that all who believe is saved

by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Christians both then and now have been freed from sin and set aside to live holy lives that are pleasing to God and sin is unacceptable to God. How must one contend for the faith? Believer must refute sin when ever and wherever sin manifests itself. This can also mean standing against sin in the church, in our home, communities and jobs.

Believers are dressed in God's protective body amour and there is nothing to fear when saying "thus saith the Lord" as the Bible is the ultimate authority on God's Word. Contending for the faith can be seen in one's daily lifestyle as well as proclaiming the truth of the gospel message to all. The gospel message is the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He is God's Son and all who believe in Him shall be saved. This is the Christians' faith.

Defend you faith.

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 4 2012 Thu Apr 19

Lift Up The Name Jesus Psalm 34:3 O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.

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o lift up the name Jesus is to offer praises for His righteousness, who He is and what He has done and continued to do in the lives of all mankind. If one were to take an inventory of the goodness of the Lord the list would be enormous as His blessings are imparted daily to every living soul. It matters not if a person is a believer the Lord still blesses for this He is worthy of all praises, honor and glory daily.

The believer has even more to magnify the Lord for as the believer has been delivered from sin and the bondage of Satan to a life of holiness where a one-to-one relationship exists. Every believer has a personal testimony of the Lord's deliverance. The believer has been born into the royal family of God where he or she is justified and sanctified by the blood of Jesus. The Lord has delivered both the saved and unsaved from physical mishaps as only He could and for this magnifying the Lord is in order.

Let's all join together in magnifying the Lord for His goodness and mercy as it has been on display throughout generations and will continue for generations to come.

Let's lift up the name Jesus as it is the only name by which men can be saved. Jesus! Jesus! Jesus is His name.

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 4 2012 Fri Apr 20

Pray Constantly Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfast in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

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rayer has a long rich history of being intertwined in the lives of mankind and certainly played a vital role in the early Christian church as evidenced from our study text. Prayer is commonly referred to as talking to God with a sincere heart and faith that God will answer our prayers.

Being in constant prayer with God establishes a virtual relationship with Him and then a horizontal relationship is established.

This is evidenced from our lesson text as Apostles were in fellowship with one another through teaching, the breaking of bread and prayer.

Just as prayer was a vital part of the early church so must it be today.

When believers come together on one accord in prayer supernatural things happen as it did on the Day of Pentecost. Our church and community will grow just as it did then and individuals' lives will be bountifully blessed.

Allow me to close today's discussion by saying I remember growing up in the South where prayer and fellowship was a part of my daily life whether in school, home or church and there were nothing like hearing those saints as they went to God in prayer. They began with a song and you could feel the Holy Spirit moving throughout.

There was peace and harmony in each institution because all was on one accord.

Do we have to be in a group setting to pray? No, just simply pray wherever you are and as many times a day you feel the need.

There is no sweeter communication than with God.

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 4 2012 Sat Apr 21

Make Other Disciples Acts 2:47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

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esterday's focus discussion was constant prayer as it was a vital part of the early church as it established a virtual relationship with God and then others, but today's focus discussion is making other disciples through our praise, worship and witnessing Christ. The results from doing so were that others came to Christ through the church. This remains true for the church today.

Evidence from others coming to the early church was the believers' righteous influence and witnessing power had such positive effect on the entire community that many came and daily joined the church. This principle applies today when Christians come together and sincerely worship God. He will grant favor and others will come and ask "what must I do to be saved and join the church. These new converts are now Disciples of Christ who will in turn make other disciples.

Witnessing Christ to the world, Christians will make other disciples as witnessing is a command issued by Christ Himself (Matthew 28:19-20). Christ's church and His ministry continue to grow thus adding to God's kingdom.

Looking through my spiritual eye and time travel I see the joy and harmony experienced by early Christians as it is today when Christians come together in sincere worship, praise and witness others come to Christ as they did then.

Witnessing Christ and making other disciples is a beautiful sight to see.

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 4 2012 Sun Apr 22

Doing All In Jesus Name Acts 3:6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I to thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.

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ur scripture teaches an important lesson to all who are doing a service for the Lord. Peter stated that he had no material goods for the poor beggar man, but was willing to give what he had. Peter had a divine healing from the Lord as Peter instructed the man to get up and walk in the name of Jesus. Peter was filled with the Holy Ghost and was dedicated to continuing the ministry of Christ.

Healing was one of the ministerial gifts the church could perform and Peter exercised this gift. Peter's fame spread as he was doing such great things in the name of the Lord that many sought him out to perform such miracles. Peter healed Aeneas and raised Tabitha from the dead (9:32, 36). Peter's ability to heal the sick and raise the dead can be directly attributed to the power of God-the Holy Spirit residing in Peter and Him being in control. Allow the Holy Spirit to work you and me.

In our service for the Lord there will be many times when we lack material goods to provide, but what we do have is a word from the Lord and when material goods are available they too should be given in Jesus' name.

The lesson to be learned from this text is that whatever we do for the Lord is to be done in the name of Jesus, because it is the power of God working through us as it did Peter and the other apostles who performed many miracles, signs and wonders as they carried the gospel of Christ.

When I witness services being rendered and it appears as though Christ is omitted from the service and is all about selfexaltation, then these questions come to mind, What God says about having false pride or wrong motives in our services to Him. Does He look favorable on selfish motive? Praises from man is short lived while praises from God is everlasting. With that being said, then it

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 4 2012 behooves all who do anything let it me for God's glory and in the name of Jesus. It is noteworthy to say that Christ being God Himself did not seek a reputation for Himself and all He did was to honor His Father and do His Father's will.

We can reflect on the great missionary preach Paul who did great things for the Lord and he always referenced who gave him authority and that he was a servant of Christ.

Do what we do for the Lord in Jesus' name and watch the Holy Spirit work.

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 4 2012 Mon Apr 23

Serve The Needy Acts 9:32-43 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas; this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.

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esterday's discussion focused on Peter's healing the lame man, but today's focus is on providing for the needy in our communities as we continue looking at Peter's work in serving the Lord. Peter raised Tabitha from the dead and healed Aeneas who had been lame for many years and confined to his bed for eight years (vv.

32-35). This act met a physical need to meet a spiritual need (v. 35).

The woman Dorcas in our lesson text was a worker of doing good needs to all those in need. God sometimes works through other people as part of His provisional care as He encourages all who have to give to the less fortunate.

During the early church the need of the church and community became overwhelming until the disciples appointed the trustees to care for the needs of the women and children of the church. This addresses the issue of the church addressing the needs in its respective communities.

I have witnessed many churches in today's society who have the ability to provide material goods to those in need and they do while trying to meet the person's spiritual need as well. Meeting the needs of society's less fortunate isn't left solely to the church, but to individuals as well.

We are blessed to be a blessing; therefore, bless as God has blessed you.

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 4 2012 Tue Apr 24

Christ The Head Of The Church Colossians 1:18 And He is the head of the body, the church; who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things He might have the preeminence.

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n today's topical discussion we will focus on Christ as the head of the church as He is the first ever to rise from the dead in an immortal body (1 Corinthians 15:20) and upon His resurrection He became the head of the church. The New Testament church began on this day when Jesus' disciples received the Holy Spirit as this was a promise made by Jesus before His trial and crucifixion that the Holy Spirit would regenerate them. In John 14:17 the phrase "he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you." Jesus imparting the Holy Spirit to His disciples on His resurrection day was the disciples new covenant experience of the regenerating presence of the Holy Spirit (JKV Commentary). We know that on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 1:8; 2:4) the disciples and all present were baptized in the Holy Spirit.

Christ being the firstborn from the dead and all who died in Christ was raised with Him to a new life of righteousness as He died for the sins of the world. With that being said, Christ is the head of the church being that He created all things (v 16), it is in Him that all things dwells (v 19) and through His death He reconciled all things (humanity and the entire universe) were brought into unity and harmony with Christ (vv16-18). Be mindful of the fact that only those who have accepted Christ as Lord and Savior have been reconciled back to God. Believers are the church and Christ is the head.

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 4 2012 Wed Apr 25

Workman Unto God Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

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hat is our lesson study text saying to us? First, let's look at God's works, which is to create, save, guide, and to sustain (Psalm 8:6; Philippians 1:6). Second, believers cannot work his or her way to salvation, but because of our faith in Jesus Christ we do good works as a testimony to our faith. As stated in James 2:17 faith without works is dead.

With that being said, we are saved by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ and not by our works (Ephesians 2:8-9). Believers then are created by God to do good works (v. 10) which is undergirded by God's love and our love for Him and others. Notice love for self is omitted from the equation. Even though believers cannot work his or her way to heaven, but our service record is being kept in heaven and will one day be judged (1 Corinthians 3:13-15); therefore, it behooves every believer to let his or her faith show in his or her works for the Lord.

Lastly, being God's workman is being obedient to the Great Commission of proclaiming the gospel message the world over while living holy lives for the world to see Christ manifested in us. Carrying the gospel of Christ is doing the work of the Lord as it is building God's kingdom.

Believers, ye are God's messengers.

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 4 2012 Thu Apr 26

Members Of The Household Of Faith Ephesians 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God.

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hat does it mean to be a member of the household of faith? As a member of the household of faith means that all believers have accepted God's gift of salvation which came through our faith in Jesus Christ and have accepted Him as Lord and Savior. Therefore, becoming a member of the faith community we now are citizens of heaven and will one day reside with Christ there.

Believers are no longer alienated from God but have been reconciled back to God through Christ's atoning work at Calvary.

Being a member of the household of faith means that we as believers have been called out of this world and the bondage of sin to a live of sanctification and have a right standing with God our Father.

As a member of the household of faith we as believers become adopted sons of God and co-heirs with Christ Jesus God's Son. As a member of the faith community we are committed to continuing the gospel message of Christ and kingdom building. As members of the household of faith believers become part of a holy nation and a royal priesthood that have become peculiar to the world simply because believers are a chosen generation (1 Peter 2:9).

Blessings galore await believers as members of God's family.

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 4 2012 Fri Apr 27

"Speak As The oracles Of God" 1 Peter 4:10-11 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another; as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth; that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever.

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eter is encouraging his readers concerning the gifts given

by God and how they should minister to one another using God given gifts, because each gift is given according to God's will. In other words, our God given gifts are to be managed wisely and not for self gain or gratification. Every person has been given different gifts, some to teach, sing, pray, heal, speak in tongues, but all was given by God for the purpose of edifying the body of Christ-the church.

Oracles are defined as divine words or utterance (Student Bible Dictionary P. 170); therefore, to "speak with the oracles of God" is to speak as He gives utterance, which is to say just what was revealed to you. With that being said, failing to speak God's divine words or what was revealed to us is failing to be good stewards over one's gift of speaking for God. Utilizing you speaking gift, Do you speak as instructed by God? He is to be glorified.

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 4 2012 Sat Apr 28

Magnify God Philippians 1:20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.

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aul's commitment to pleasing God and do the will of Christ was his primary and only focus so that Christ would be magnified whether it was in life or death. Verses 21-22 makes it very plain of Paul's desire to glorify Christ at all cost, but he was willing to continue living his earthly life in order to continue spreading the gospel of Christ.

We magnify Christ through holy living by being obedient to His commandments as outlined in the Holy Scriptures. All scriptures were written by inspired men of God for man's benefit (2 Timothy 3:16). God's scriptures are designed for instructions in righteousness for the perfection of man so that we may do good works for the Lord (v. 17).

God is worthy of magnification as He is faithful, merciful, loving and truthful (Psalm 138:2). God is to be magnified in all that we do or say as He is above all, in all and knows all. How do you magnify the Lord? Is in songs of praise, prayers of adoration, thanksgiving, worship and our service? Can we say like Mary "My soul doth magnify the Lord?" (Luke 1:46), or will we say, Christ be magnified in my body (Philippians 1:20)? "O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together" (Psalm 34:3).

Magnify the Lord He is worthy.

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 4 2012 Sun Apr 29

Live By Faith Hebrews 10:38 ‌The just shall live by faith; but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

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iving by faith is the guiding principle of Christian living as it governs our relationship with God as we are in union with Christ through His atoning work at Calvary. Faith is fundamental to our salvation as it is through faith and God's grace that all believers are saved. Living by faith in Jesus Christ is a requirement of God so that all who believe will receive His free gift of salvation. Living by faith believers grows from stage of maturity to the next to progress toward righteousness in order to experience the full benefit of righteous living.

Living by faith means that all believers believe and trust in the resurrected Christ and have accepted Him as Lord of his or her life.

This belief is with the believer's total being and has committed oneself to doing God's Will and obeying His commandments. Living by faith means that the believer have repented of his or his sins and have turned away from the old man to the new man that have been created in Christ Jesus. With that being said, then living by faith without the commitment to sanctification is impossible as the two are in-separable.

Allow me to say that being sanctified means that all believers have been called out of this world and set apart from this world so that believers can and will live a sanctified life by faith. Being sanctified to live by faith means that believers have a personal devotion to Christ through love, trust, and gratitude for what He done for us and therefore remain loyal to Him. Living by faith means that all believers have been justified by Christ and now have a right standing with God. Living by faith also means that believers are no longer under the bondage of sin and have been redeemed and reconciled back to God. If the question were raised, When do this faith journey begins?

It begins the moment we as believer believe in Jesus Christ and

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 4 2012 continues as believers grow stronger in Christ and remain in union with and loyal to Him. All believers have help on this faith journey from the indwelling Holy Spirit who directs paths along the way.

These questions come to mind, How strong is your faith? Is there faith growth on this Christian journey? Through faith in Christ can the world see Him manifested through your good works?

It is through one's faith in Jesus Christ and a renewed relationship with God believers are exempt from God's oncoming wrath (Romans 1:18; 8:1).

Live by faith as it is unto righteousness.

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 4 2012 Mon Apr 30

Be Vigilant 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.

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eter is encouraging all believers both then and now to be wise and aware of your adversary the devil as he is constantly seeking to impede the believer's faith journey as believers have committed him or herself to doing the will of God. How must believers be vigilant of our adversary? This is achieved by first refusing to believe his lies as he is a masterful strategist and is very clever in laying straps. Reflect on how he deceived Eve into eating the forbidden fruit, he is still at work in the world today. Second, believers are to be watchful by studying God's Word and living according to His Word. Third, believers must rely on the Holy Spirit in our efforts to refrain from falling prey to Satan.

Fourth, believers must remain fully dressed in God's body armour as God knew that Satan would make every effort to destroy believers (Ephesians 6:11-18). Therefore, believers are to take the fight to Satan through prayer and God's Word-the Bible.

1 John 4:4 states, "greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world;" therefore, use your resources and remain watchful of your surroundings, because Satan is on the prowl. He wants to destroy you.

Believers, we have victory; Christ won the victory.

Watch as well as pray.

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 4 2012

Thank you for allowing me to share God’s Word with you.

Advertisements: I am available for workshops, seminars, speaking engagements, and book signings.

Visit website at http://willie-writing.blogspot.com www.shepherdministries.info.com white3285@sbcglobal.net All books, articles, devotionals and coming DVD’s are available through my website www.shepherdministries.info.com, Amazon.com, All Christian bookstores, or by writing to 21514 Green Hill Rd Ste. #141Farmington Hills, MI48335

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 4 2012 Bio Dr. WILLIE B. WHITE holds two Masters of Arts degree in Adult education (MA Ed, MA SED and an Honorary Doctorate).

Ms. White is a certified Dean and instructor in Christian Education, a college professor and special education teacher K-12.

She frequently publishes articles in The Informer magazine of the SSPB. First book, “The Lord is My Shepherd”, (2007) PublishAmerica. “An Expose Of The Holy Spirit”, released June 2009, “Heavenly Bread”, released July 2009, a monthly devotional.

Ms. White publishes a weekly blog discussion Uplifting Insighthttp://willie-writing.blogspot.com.

Works in progress, DVD Who is God? An inspirational video, next books, God’s Moral laws: The Ten Commandments, and My Faith Journey with Jesus. All material is available through www.shepherdministries.info.com, or by writing to 21514 Green Hill Rd. Ste 141, Farmington Hills, MI 48335

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 4 2012