Heavenly Bread by Dr. Willie B White

HEAVENLY HEAVENLYBREAD BREADVOLUME VOLUME44Issue Issue772012 2012

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 7 2012

A monthly devotional with inspiring words for daily living

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 7 2012

The Gift

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 7 2012

HEAVENLY BREAD MISSION AND GOALS

eavenly breadâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;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 Christâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 7 2012 Sun Jul 1

Salvation Isaiah 12:2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid; for the LORD, Jehovah is my strength and my song; He also is become my salvation.

uch has been written and discussed regarding salvation; however, salvation relates to eternal life for all who believe in Jesus Christ and accept Him as one's personal Savior. With that being said, the term salvation can be summed up as being deliverance from something or someone to something better. For our topical discussion, salvation is one's deliverance from the bondage of sin to eternal life, one of righteousness which is made possible through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. It is safe to say that without Jesus Christ there is no salvation. No amount of works can purchase your salvation; the only requirement is faith in Jesus Christ. Salvation is God's free gift which He freely gives through His Son Jesus Christ who gave His life on the cross of Calvary for the sins of the world. The only way to salvation is through Jesus Christ, it was Christ who was found worthy to die for man's sins. This is because Christ remained sinless while being fully God and through His death, burial and resurrection (Romans 3:24-25; 5:8-10) sin is forgiven as oppose to being covered over as it was the case with the priest's atonement. Christ's atonement for sin was a one-time payment and all who accept Jesus Christ in faith their sin-debt is marked PAID IN FULL. What a glorious benefit it is to have your sin-debt paid in full? The beautiful blessing of salvation is the Godhead working together to restore a broken fellowship between man and God the Father. It was God the Father's love that He gave the Son and the Son that He willingly gave His life for all who believe and the God the Holy Spirit dwells within each believer. Another blessing of salvation is that all who believe have an assured hope of spending eternity with our creator and Savior. God extends salvation as a result of His grace (John 1:16) as justice was demanded, but mercy prevailed. All who

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 7 2012 believe and respond in faith receives salvation (Acts 16:31, Romans 1:17, Ephesians1: 15). Other blessings of salvation are that believers pass from the bondage of sin and death to a spiritual free from Satan and his dominance. Salvation also brings a one-to-one relationship with the believer and God. Believers are also in fellowship with the God the Holy Spirit as all believers have been freed from sin. Believers have been spared the future wrath of God that will be enacted upon all unbelievers and sin. Lastly, believers will share in the glory of Christ our Savior as all believers will receive transformed bodies. Believers will receive a crown of righteousness as we will have overcome. Salvation is eternal life; therefore, accept God's free gift and live.

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 7 2012 Mon Jul 2

Christ The Savior John 4:42 â&#x20AC;Ś.Now we believe, not because of thy saying; for we have heard Him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world.

rom our scripture text we can define the term Savior as one who saves and Christ is our Savior because of what He done for all humanity as God the Father had declared all humanity guilty and a spiritual separation ensued. Christ was the only one found worthy to restore the spiritual divide that existed; therefore, He is our Savior. All believers have the same testimony as written in our scripture text because when one hears Christ and His message there is a change. Reflect on the Samaritan woman who met Jesus at the well and at the end of their conversation she was converted and testified to the whole town; they came to see Jesus and believed. The question now becomes, How does one hear Christ as He is no longer present in the flesh? Many believers who lived during Christ's earthly ministry heard Him for themselves, but believers today hear Christ through the preached and taught Word, daily Bible reading as it speaks to the hearts of men and believers' testimony. These questions come to mind, Do you hear Jesus saying, "come unto me and be saved"? Do you believe that He have paid your sin-debt in full? Jesus Christ is still calling men unto salvation and it is free to all who believe. Christ our Savior because He died for my and your sins.

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 7 2012 Tue Jul 3

The Anointed One Luke 4:18; Acts 10:38 ..God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power; who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with Him.

uring Jesus' earthly ministry many doubted His identity and questioned His authority and powers to do the things He done, but those doubters failed to believe prophecy as well as what had been written that the Son of man would come and do great things in the name of the Lord. However, there were many who recognized Jesus as the Anointed One sent by God who was God in the flesh (John 1:1) to seek and to save the lost. It is noteworthy to say that just as there were doubters during Jesus' day doubters remain today, but let me remind you that yes Jesus is God's Son for He is God and was anointed by God the Father "to preach the gospel to the poor, to heal the broken hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, to set at liberty them that are bruised" (Luke 4:18). God the Father anointed His Son to be the deliverer as God know what will happen before it happens and He has the answer or a deliverer simply because nothing take God by surprise. Let's be mindful of the fact that Jesus Christ is God and He was faithful and obedient to do the will of His Father for the sake of restoring a broken fellowship between God and man. Jesus Christ the Anointed One anointed by God the Father before the foundation of the world.

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 7 2012 Wed Jul 4

The Messiah John 1:41 â&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;ŚWe have found the Messiah, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.

erms Anointed One and Messiah translate to Christ when it is being used in reference to Christ our Lord and Savior. These terms are interchangeable as both mean Christ our Savior who delivered all believers from the bondage of sin and its powers. God the Father had promised many generations earlier that the Messiah would come and save His people so when Jesus came to earth as a man there were many skeptics, but many was blessed with the spirit of discernment to recognized Jesus as the promised Messiah. Our lesson text scene is just such example of Jesus being recognized for who He was-the promised Messiah. It is noteworthy to say that many was waiting and expecting the Messiah, but their views of His role as deliverer were quite different from the mission of Jesus. The people were looking for physical deliverance from oppression, but instead Jesus brought spiritual deliverance that would last a lifetime. Jesus' deliverance was eternal life through salvation only if we believe in Him. What a deliverer! The question now becomes, Did God fulfill His promise? Yes, because Jesus is the promised Messiah who delivered all who believe in Him from Satan's dominion and powers to a life of righteousness where heaven is our goal and living in the presence of God forever awaits all believers. Believers can shout for joy that a promise kept and a mission fulfilled. Jesus the Messiah anointed and appointed by God.

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 7 2012 Thu Jul 5

The Messengers Malachi 2:7 For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth; for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts.

hroughout biblical history God has used messengers to deliver His message to His people and specifically the message He wanted to convey. Today's lesson text is no different as the priests during Malachi's day were God's messengers and they were to speak as the oracles of God. Messengers during this time were to be holy and righteous as they represented God who is holy. God's messengers of Malachi's day were to live in holiness so that they would not become a stumbling block to God's people (v. 8). This principle applies to God's messengers today. Why is this so? This is because priests and believers' lifestyles maybe the only Bible others are reading; therefore, words and lifestyle must support each other. Let's reflect on some of God's Old Testament messengers, Isaiah when he spoke for God saying "what thus saith the Lord." Who can forget Joel when he warned God's people of perusing devastation if there were no repentance, and the out pouring of the Holy Spirit (2:28-29). There were angels who are recorded as messengers of God all of whom did one thing-deliver God's message. Not only is Jesus Christ the messenger sent from God, but He is the message. Believers are God's messengers as they are to witness to lost souls the world over. Believers, carry the message of the gospel of Christ to a dying world.

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 7 2012 Fri Jul 6

Mercy Ephesians 2:4-5 But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

hat is mercy? Mercy can be defined as love, compassion, care, and it is equated to God's covenant grace as shown in His treatment of His people. I like to define mercy as God giving humanity what we did not deserve which is His grace as a means by which all can be saved from sin and eternal separation from Him. Justice was demanded but grace and mercy took its place. How do you define mercy? Mercy is seen as God's care for His favorite creation-man in that He wants all to be save and have an intimate fellowship with Him. Mercy is God's love in action in that He lovingly gave His very best for man's salvation-Jesus Christ. Mercy is God's compassionate care in that He has made provisions for all man's needs, both physical and spiritual. God's mercy is wide enough to cover mankind wherever he may go; there is His protective hand guiding our way as He steers us around all hurt harm and danger. What a merciful God! God's mercy is seen in the midst of our troubles as He gently leads us through our dark valley days. His mercy is evidenced in His longsuffering giving time for repentance so the wrath of His judgment will be avoided. The merciful hand of God is upon you and me.

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 7 2012 Sat Jul 7

Justified Romans 3:24 Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

rom all the books I have read that defines justified as being made right with God, and scripture supports the definition as it relates to having a right standing with God (Psalm 143:2; Galatians 2:16). With that being said, the question now becomes How are believers are made right with God? Believers are made right with God by Jesus' shed blood in the redemptive process. Being justified is to have one's sins pardon or forgiven and a right standing restored; therefore, when God the Father looks at man He sees the righteousness of His Son. With that being said, then being justified in God is by His grace through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:24) as there is no justification without redemption. It is noteworthy to say that no amount of good works can or will give us the right standing with God the Father neither will good works forgive sin. Being justified in Christ is worth me making a personal testimony as all believers can say this, "my sins have been forgiven and placed in the sea of forgetfulness and I am no longer alienated from God; I have a restored fellowship with the Father." With the aid of the Holy Spirit I can and will remain in a justified status by living holy before a holy God." Being justified in Christ all believers are clothed in God's garment of salvation.

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 7 2012 Sun Jul 8

Grace Ephesians 2:7-8 That in the ages to come He might shew the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness towards us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God. uch has been written about grace and this trend will continue as God's spokespersons continue to proclaim the Word of God. Grace is defined as God's unmerited favor which is free. Grace is also looked upon as God's gift that comes through Jesus Christ and carries eternal life (v.8). Also, many define grace as God's Righteousness At Christ's Expense. Whatever definition you choose to define grace it is the essence of God's love in action and the cost to Him for restoring man's intimate love relationship with Him. God's grace is an expression of His love for His covenant people as it is His desire for an intimate relationship with mankind. God's love is further evidenced by the giving of His Son to restore that fellowship. When mankind did not love God He maintained His love for us. God's love would not allow Him to leave man in a state of lostness. God's grace is a personal experience and relationship with every believer as the believer has come to know God for him or herself and join the royal family of God where enormous blessings await. If the question were raised, Why does God give unbelieving souls His grace? The question can be answered by saying that God gives His grace to the unbelievers so the person can believe in His Son Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 2:11; 3:4). God gives the unbeliever His grace so that the person can be freed from sin (Romans 6:20-22). Also, grace is given so that all believers can and will do the will of God. Grace is given so that the believer will grow in the knowledge of Christ and become obedient unto Him. In becoming obedient to Christ the believer will witness Christ to lost souls and make prayer a daily part of his or her lives. Let's look at what receiving God's grace does for all believers;

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 7 2012 it gives the believer a spirit of humility as we humble ourselves before a holy God. Believers become students of the scriptures while obeying them in words and deeds. Receiving God's grace gives the believer the desire to hear and proclaim God's Word the world over as well as having a hunger for worshipping God in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). Receiving God's grace the believer is continually filled with God's Spirit. Allow me to close by saying that God's grace is His favor imparted on all believers. Grace is our undeserved favor.

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 7 2012 Mon Jul 9

Faith Mark 11:22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.

common definition for faith is one's belief, with that being said, faith in Jesus Christ is essential to one's salvation. This is because without faith or trust in Jesus Christ there is no salvation. It is noteworthy to say that the believer's faith in Jesus Christ is the foundational teachings of Christianity. It is these teachings and one's belief that brings salvation. Having faith is a heart issue as oppose to a factual head matter because the heart is the epicenter of all actions. Faith brings about repentance which includes admitting one's sin, confessing the sin and then turning away from sin to a life of righteousness. Faith in Jesus Christ results in personal testimony of the changes that occurred in every believer's life. Instead of seeing things through the world's eye the believer sees things from God's perspective and seeks to do things according to His will; faith in action. Most importantly, faith allows all believers to totally trust God in every situation as He is faithful to His promise of never forsaking or leaving His children. Faith and grace go hand in hand in that it is our faith in God for being who He is and what He has done in the lives of all believers and it is this faith that believers receives God's gift of grace, which He freely gives. A little faith move mountains.

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 7 2012 Tue Jul 10

Favor Esther 2:15; Luke 1:30; 2:52 Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king's chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her.

he story of Esther's courage and kindness she was able to save her people from destruction as the king had issued a decree that all Jews be destroyed. It can also be determined that Esther possessed a humble spirit one where she had respect for God, self and others and in doing so she found favor in the eyes of the king and God as He used her as His instrument of deliverance. Esther like Mary the mother of Jesus our Lord found favor in the eyesight of God because of her humble spirit and godly lifestyle (Luke 1:28, 30). What does this say for all believers both then and now? This makes a profound statement regarding godliness and a humbleness of heart as there is a commitment to do things God's way and live according to His laws. With that being said, favor can be determined as goodness, approval, which is God's grace. We know that God grants favor each day we rise to the dawning of a new day and all through the day God's favor is upon us. Thank God for favor.

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 7 2012 Wed Jul 11

Forgiveness Matthew 6:12,14-15; John 8:11 And forgive us of our debts, as we forgive our debtors. For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

oday's topical discussion highlights the essence of forgiveness as all wants to be forgiven, but often fail to forgive others; therefore, today's teaching is vital to being forgiven even from our heavenly Father. Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior died on the cross for the forgiveness of sin. Jesus Christ paid our sin debt in full and our broken fellowship with God has been restored. Being that our sins have been forgiven we are to sin no more and we can avoid sin with the help of the Holy Spirit. Jesus addressed the issue of forgiveness with Peter by stating that we should forgive our brother 70 x 7 which in essence means as often as it take. Our heavenly Father forgives us as many times as we go to Him in sincerity and with a humble heart. Forgiveness brings into focus the issue of trusting the person who has wronged us as if the wrong had never been committed; this is what Jesus done for all believers. Not only was our sins forgiven, but all believers have been given a right standing with God-justified. Therefore, when we forgive others we put them in a right standing with us. Forgive and be forgiven.

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 7 2012 Thu Jul 12

Chosen People Of God 1 Peter 2:9-10 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God; which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

oday's topical discussion describes the new classification of believers that is inherited from being in the family of God. The most important message in today's discussion is that God choose us instead of us choosing God. God in His infinite wisdom knew from the beginning of time who would become members of His royal family. God choosing believers we are called out of the darkness of sin which had us bound to Satan and his lies. Upon being summoned by God each believer have been called into the light of righteousness where believers are now of the royal priesthood of God, members of a holy nation as we are a peculiar people in that we see and do things different from the world. For this praises to God and prayers of thanksgiving is ever present. It is noteworthy to say that all believers are part of God's covenant peoples as He is faithful to them and His faithfulness lasts forever (Genesis 17:7; Psalm 89:3), which states in part "I have made a covenant my chosen." Believers are God's chosen people.

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 7 2012 Fri Jul 13

Compassion Matthew 9:36 But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

he setting for today's discussion takes place with Jesus preaching and teaching the gospel in the various synagogues and as He proclaimed the gospel message He noticed the need for more laborers in God's vineyard. Jesus was moved with compassion that there were so few proclaiming the gospel message. This leaves room for the Devil to come in and confuse the minds and hearths of the people. Every congregation should have a God filled leader who is willing and will stand firm on the Word of God as well as showing compassion for his or her congregation. Just as all congregations need spiritual feeding there are physical needs that must be met as well. Every believer's compassion for spreading the gospel message of Christ should be top priority as all believers have been commissioned by Christ Himself to witness the world over. Care and concern should for our fellowman's needs manifest Christ just as Christ did during His ministry. Whatever the need was Jesus addressed it so that He could speak to the spiritual condition of the person. In the grand scheme of our existence God made provision for all necessities of life is a testament to His compassion for the whole human race as well as all of creation. Show compassion for one another in doing so we imitate Christ.

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 7 2012 Sat Jul 14

The Redeemed 1 Chronicles 17:21; Galatians 3:13 And what one nation in the earth is like thy people Israel, whom God went to redeem to be His own people, to make thee a name of greatness and terribleness, by driving out nations from before thy people, whom thou hast redeemed out of Egypt?

f the question were raised, Who are the redeemed? The setting for our lesson the redeemed are the young nation of Israel whom God brought out of bondage in Egypt through the leadership of His servant Moses and after Moses then Joshua became the leader of Israel. Israel was God's chosen people to be an example to the world of His love and care providing they accept His favor as being the chosen nation. On a spiritual plane, the redeemed are all believers who have been washed in the blood of Jesus as He paid the price for our sins. The next question that comes to mind is, How were those redeemed that died before Christ came? All the faithful who died before Christ's coming is counted among the redeemed as their faith is counted as righteous. One's faith is essential to one's belief and without faith it is impossible to please God; therefore, those who believed God they were the righteous ones just as it was during Christ's earthly ministry and after His earthly ministry. Christ our redeemer; let the redeemed of the Lord say so.

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 7 2012 Sun Jul 15

Redemption Through Jesus Christ Hebrews 9:12; Romans 3:24; Ephesians 1:7 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood He entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

n yesterday's discussion we learned that all believers are the redeemed and today our focus is on believers' redemption through the blood of Jesus Christ who made a one-time atonement for sin. Unlike the yearly sin atonement made by priests who could not forgive sin whereas Jesus' atonement forgave sin. Therefore, all believers have been redeemed through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Allow me to take a few moments and emphasize the importance of Jesus' blood in the redeeming process. a) Jesus' blood is central to the redemption process as recorded in New Testament scriptures. b) In order to reconcile mankind back to God and forgive sin the innocent blood of a lamb was required and Jesus met all of God's requirements. In order to receive forgiveness one must repent of his or her sins, then redemption follows. c) Jesus' blood bought our freedom from Satan and sin's bondage and separation from God and now we have fellowship with God. d) Jesus' blood justified all who believe (Romans 3:24-25) so that all believers will have a right standing with God the Father. e) Jesus' blood cleanses all believers' conscience of guilt and the believer now have full assurance of salvation

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 7 2012 and can serve God wholeheartedly. Unbelievers are alienated from God and have no desire to obey His commandments, while believers on the other hand live to please God. f) Jesus' blood opened the door for all believers to come to God directly through Jesus Christ where one finds love, grace, mercy, compassion, help and salvation (7:25; 10:19; Ephesians 2:13). Believers are no longer required to go to the priest as Jesus Christ is our high priest. g) It is through Jesus' blood that the promises of the new covenant are contained and salvation is assured. h) Jesus' blood is the purifying agent that cleanses us from the stain of sin. When one say that he or she has been washed in the blood of Jesus means that His blood has cleansed the person of his or her sins and now the person is a new creature in Christ. When we all get to heaven we will have transformed bodies like Christ our Savior. Believers, Jesus' blood have redeemed us and now we are sanctified, justified, and regenerated to a new life in Christ. Yes, there is power in the blood of Jesus, wonder working power. Jesus' blood did what goats and claves could not do.

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 7 2012 Mon Jul 16

Sanctified Through Christ 1 Corinthians 1:30 But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.

o sanctify something or someone is to set it or them apart from the rest. This is what occurs when believers accept Christ as his or her personal Savior. Sanctification is the process that God takes us through that cleanses us of our sins which makes the person whole so the person can become like Jesus Christ our Savior. In the sanctifying process the person's character and conduct make a radical change in that the old is purged and the new is visible. The need to be sanctified is that believers become a peculiar people, a called out nation to be in fellowship with God who is holy; therefore, being members of God's royal family believers must likewise be holy. Being sanctified, believers will serve God with sincerity and a humbleness of heart. As a sanctified people we have been consecrated back to God to do His will. God's plan and will is that there will be a generation of people that are His and He will be their God. Man was created in the image and likeness of God to be in fellowship with Him sin broke this fellowship, but God being who He is through His Son Jesus Christ the broken fellowship has been restored. Sanctified in Christ carries many blessings in that believers have God the Holy Spirit living inside and believers remain connected to Christ. Christ Jesus our sanctifier.

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 7 2012 Tue Jul 17

Transformed Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good; and acceptable, and perfect will of God.

ased on our lesson text we can determine that the term transformed means a change which can and will occur inwardly and outwardly, which all begins with a change of heart/mind as this is the center of all thoughts and actions. Paul in our discussion text is encouraging all believers to not be consumed by this world and its value systems as they are contrary to the way and will of God. There is enormous pressure to conform to this world's values because they are popular and is looked upon as the norm, but be mindful they are abnormal to God's and His laws. We must be mindful that this present world is under Satan's rules and God's people are being attacked with humanistic philosophy and beliefs, which is to say whatever appears right is what is acceptable. Also, a non-transformed mind places its values in unbiblical views. The question now becomes, What must believers do to live a transformed life? Believers must remain connected to Christ through His word, daily reading and meditation on the word and yielding to the indwelling Holy Spirit. Believers must remain Christ-centered and focused simply because all believers are a called out people and are no longer of this world even though we remain in this world until we reach heaven. A transformed mind is one that has embraced God's holy law.

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 7 2012 Wed Jul 18

A Vessel Of God Matthew 25:4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

oday's text is taken from the verses of Jesus' parabolic teaching on the wise and unwise using ten virgins where five took extra oil for their lamps while the other five took only enough oil without making allowance for any delays that may occur. What this parable teaches is perseverance in faith and being spiritually prepared for any unseen danger, or obstacles that we are sure to encounter on this Christian journey. The other lesson in this parable is the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit-the oil which represents true faith and righteousness. A delay in Christ's return is giving time for all to repent and be saved. What is known for sure is that Christ will return for His bride the church, but the date is uncertain. Therefore, with the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit believers will be more than ready when Christ returns. The extra oil in this scripture represents an abundance of the Holy Spirit to God's faithful believers who abide in Christ. The five virgins without extra oil were based upon Christ's immediate return and are viewed as those who fail to preserve until the end. We have looked at the meaning of our study text; let's look at believers being vessels of God in that we are members of God's holy nation and have His Spirit residing in us as He aids us in being prepared for Christ's return while we remain faithful to Him. Believers we are vessels of God.

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 7 2012 Thu Jul 19

The Zeal Of God Isaiah 59:17 For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke.

ccording to the Student Bible Dictionary (P.253) and is supported by scripture the definition of zeal is to have enthusiasm, or eagerness for something or someone; however, for the purpose of today's discussion we will focus on zeal as having an eagerness to share God's Word with others while remaining enthusiastic about our love for God. We who are eager about God's Word and sharing His word are looked upon as zealous. A zeal for God and His message becomes vivid as it is played out in Paul's life as he suffered many things for the sake of the gospel of Christ. Paul traveled throughout Asia Minor preaching Christ and in many instances establishing Churches so they too could continue spreading the gospel of Christ. Who can forget Paul and his companion Salas being bound in prison, but held a midnight prayer meeting; not only were they delivered but the jailer and his household were saved. Many of the Old Testament prophets stood in the face of stiff opposition while preaching repentance, simply because of their obedience to God and having a zeal for Him and His Word. Many believers today have the same zeal as they face opposition in declaring God's Word. What are we to do? Stand firm for God is with us. Be as zealous about His word as He is about being our God.

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 7 2012 Fri Jul 20

Dwell In Zion Isaiah 28:16 Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation; he that believeth shall not make haste.

ho is the foundation stone being referenced in our scripture text? The foundation stone is the Lord Himself as He is not just any stone but the precious corner stone for all who believe in Him is assured of salvation. As Isaiah was prophesying about the coming Messiah-Jesus Christ the fulfillment of this prophecy is recorded in New Testament scriptures Romans 9:33; 1 Corinthians 3:11; Ephesians 2:20; 1 Peter 2:4-6. It is noteworthy to say that if any man tries to build his or her salvation on anything other than Christ is like building on quick sand. Jesus Christ is the corner stone chosen by God the Father from the foundation of the world to be the Savior of the world and throughout the generations many have disowned Christ for who He is, but those will not dwell in Zion with our Savior. The question now becomes, Where is Zion? For our discussion Zion is heaven or the city of God as referenced in our study text. Revelation 14:1 alludes to the fact that Zion is heaven or being where God is. When the writer John describes what he saw were the many disciples who traveled with Jesus everywhere He went as they were coming out of Zion. Dwell in Zion; that's where God is.

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 7 2012 Sat Jul 21

Spiritual Gifts 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 ..There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it the same God which worketh all in all.

aul is addressing the believers at Corinth explaining the diversities of the Spiritual gifts that are given by God the Holy Spirit as all gifts are given for the purpose of edifying the body of Christ. Every believer has been gifted by the Holy Spirit to perform a specific ministry according to God's grace. Each spiritual gift is to manifest God's love, grace and power of the residing Holy Spirit among God's people. Many times a person's spiritual gift will be used to aid others in need as well as a confirmation of God's unending love and care. The administration of one's spiritual gift is evidenced by the different ways of services rendered to others and the church as these gifts are a direct manifestation of the Holy Spirit. Spiritual gifts are effective in the spiritual warfare against Satan and all evil forces that Christians encounter. It is wise for Christians to be award of false spiritual gifts as they are sent by Satan himself to deceive many. Christians/believers must try the spirit by the spirit as God's Spirit will win out every time. There are many individual spiritual gifts such as healing, wisdom, speaking in tongues, and etc, but all given by God. There are also ministerial leadership gifts left by Christ to lead His church. Use your God-given gift to edify Christ.

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 7 2012 Sun Jul 22

The Gift Of Ministry Ephesians 4:11-12 And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ; n yesterday's discussion we focused on Spiritual gifts, but for today's discussion our focus is gifts of ministry as our scripture text outlines the leadership ministerial gifts Christ left for His church for the sole purpose of (a) educating the saints/believers and (b) to edify His body-the church. Each ministerial leadership gift is called and sanctioned by Christ to proclaim His gospel message. Any church that does not recognize and or accept the calling of any of these ministerial gifts will have a negative affect on the church and kingdom building. Each ministerial leadership gift has its special place in Christ's church and is important to church growth for both the individual believer and congregation as a whole. It is noteworthy to say that just as there are diversity of individual spiritual gifts the ministerial leadership spiritual gifts carries the same principal. Spiritual gifts work on the same principal as the physical body as the church is Christ's body. As Christ's church continues its growth we see the gift of ministry among God's people being bolder than every before as the called ministerial spiritual leaders step forth in faith and obedience to God's call of proclaiming His message the world over. As the gift of ministry continues its growth we are witnessing more and more women proclaiming God's message with boldness as empowered by the Holy Spirit. There is growth in preachers, teachers, apostles, evangelists and these ministers proclaim God's Word worldwide and technology is aiding in this process. The ministry of witnessing is experiencing phenomenal growth as more and more believers are realizing that they have been commissioned by Christ to witness beginning in their Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the world over. Every believer's Jerusalem is one's immediate surroundings. Another

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 7 2012 contributing factor is that believers are not ashamed of the gospel of Christ neither is there any hesitation of letting the world know that yes I am a Christian. This brings into focus the message that if we as believers are ashamed to witness Christ before men, then Christ is ashamed to witness us before His Father. The gift of ministry represents favor from God the Father as each gift is from God for a special purpose, which is to glorify Him. With that being said, the gift of ministry is a blessing from God to bless others. Use your gift of ministry to God's glory.

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 7 2012 Mon Jul 23

The Blood Of Christ Hebrews 9:12-14 â&#x20AC;Ś.By His own blood He entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for usâ&#x20AC;ŚHow much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? he blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ paid our sin debt as all who believe in Him and accept His atoning work on Calvary's cross have eternal life. Christ's blood did what the blood of goats and bullocks failed to do in that His blood reconciles all believers back to God the Father thus removing the alienation that sin brings. With that being said, Jesus' blood forgives sin for those who repent. Through Jesus' blood believers are no longer bound to Satan and his powers as believers now have the power to resist sin with the help of the Holy Spirit. Christ's blood justifies all believes which gives us a right standing with God as His blood cleanses all believers from the stain of unrighteousness to one of righteousness. Christ's blood is the purifying agent that causes all believers to live regenerated lives before God. Therefore, when God the Father looks on man He sees the righteousness of His Son Jesus Christ. It is Christ's blood that gives believers the blood bought right to come boldly to the throne of God where one will find love, grace and mercy (Hebrews 4:16). The blood of Christ is all encompassing of God's love.

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 7 2012 Tue Jul 24

The Lamb Of God John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold, the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

he scene for today's topical discussion is John witnessing to who he was and that the promised Messiah who was to come after him who was promised before him who would be the Savior of the world. John and Jesus were cousins in the early life, but John was anointed by God from his mother's womb to witness Christ. As John was preaching repentance and baptizing in the Jordan River being obedient to his calling he saw Jesus coming and recognized Him as the Lamb of God who was slain from the foundation of the world (v. 30). Jesus' earthly appearance was to die for the sins of the world as His coming was no after thought. Jesus being the Lamb of God was authenticated during His baptism when the dove descended upon Jesus' shoulder and a voice spoke from heaven saying, "This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased" (Matthew 3:17). Jesus Christ being the Lamb of God in that it was His sacrificial death on the cross that would redeem mankind from the bondage of sin and restore a broken fellowship with God the Father. It is through Jesus' blood that all believers will have their robes washed in His blood (Revelation 7:14). Therefore, Jesus was before everything and is after everything-the beginning and the end. Jesus Christ the righteous Lamb of God.

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 7 2012 Wed Jul 25

Sacrifice Mark 12:33 And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbor as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.

et's begin today's discussion by posing the following questions, What is a sacrifice? What is the purpose of sacrifices? What was sacrificed on our behalf? The Student's Bible Dictionary (P. 207) defines sacrifice as something offered in worship. Genesis 31:54 supports this definition as Jacob offered sacrifices on the mount and summoned his brothers to share in the breaking of bread together. With that being said, sacrifices are for worship and offer repentance for sin as this is done in obedience to God. In the Old Testament blood sacrifices were offered yearly by the priests as an offering to atone sin. In the New Testament a one-time sacrifice was done by Jesus Christ to atone for man's sin. Christ's sacrifice was far superior to that of animal blood sacrifices in that Christ's atonement forgave sin whereas animal sacrifices pointed to the need for a Savior. With that being said, it was Jesus Christ who suffered, bled and died for the sins of the world, thus He became man's propitiator. The question now becomes, What can we as believers sacrifice to God as an expression of gratitude for what He has done for us? Romans 12:1 provide the answer in stating that we are to present our bodies as a living sacrifice to God through our reasonable service to Him. Be a living sacrifice.

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 7 2012 Thu Jul 26

Propitiation 1 John 2:2 ..He is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

rom our lesson text we can determine the definition of propitiation is atonement or a covering, which is what Jesus Christ did for the sins of the world and all who believe in Him will be saved. Jesus Christ took the punishment from God for our sins so that we escaped the punishment due humanity. With that being said, Jesus Christ became all believers propitiator in that He was made sin for the world to appease God. In doing so all believers' sin has been forgiven and a fellowship restored. Propitiation is God's love in action in that He gave His Son and the Son gave His life. What love! John expressing the fact that Jesus died for the whole world is so that the unbeliever can come to Christ and enjoy the blessings of being a member of the royal family of God as well as having the assurances of spending eternity with God. Let's close today's discussion by saying, given the magnitude of what Christ done for us He is worthy of all praises, honor and glory. Let's thank God for His willingness to cover our sins and free us from its bondage as His action was undergirded by love. 1 John 4:10 states, Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us; and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins." There is no greater love than that of our propitiator Jesus Christ.

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 7 2012 Fri Jul 27

Repent Matthew 3:1-2 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, And saying, repent ye; for the kingdom heaven is at hand.

hat does it mean to repent? To repent is to admit to something in one's heart first, then confess the wrong and then turn away from the wrong to the right way or God's way of doing thing. For today's discussion purposes, we will focus on repentance as it relates to sinners repenting of his or her sins. Repentance is the basic foundation for ones faith to take hold which opens the door for salvation as an unrepentant heart keeps faith from entering. This is because an unrepentant heart does not believe that there is a God neither did Christ die for his or her sins. Why were John and others calling for sinners to repent? The call to repent was so that all who believe would have salvation as it is God's desire that all are saved. Just as the Old Testament prophets called for repentance by proclaiming "what thus saith the Lord" was a call for repentance the call is still being made today as there are many who have not heard the gospel of Christ. The call for repentance was necessary due to sin which began with Adam's disobedience to God, and since that day sin has alienated man from God and for a restored fellowship a changed heart is required to gain forgiveness and receive salvation. Have a change of heart and repent.

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 7 2012 Sat Jul 28

The Love Of God John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. any refer to this passage of scripture as the golden text of the Bible and it is easy to make this claim as this passage of scripture makes a profound statement as to the love of God which is His very nature. Reflecting on the Bible one can see God's love as the central theme as it is written by God through inspired men. God expresses His love for humanity as He desires an intimate relationship with mankind and one day all who accepts His love gift of salvation will spend eternity with Him as husband and wife. It is no accident or after thought that God loves humanity the way that He does; simply because His Spirit lives in all men as He breathed the breath of life into mankind. As we love God we love ourselves and if we love ourselves then we must love God as He lives inside of us. God's love encompasses all humanity with the "whosoever" and He provides some assurances in return for loving Him, which are everlasting life which is to say that we will spend eternity with God. Spending everlasting life with God we will be spared the punishment of the second death of eternal separation "perish". The declaration of "God's love engulfs me" is profound in that there is no escaping His love. What great love!

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 7 2012 Sun Jul 29

God's Will Matthew 6:10; Mark 3:35 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother

et us look at the Will of God from its meaning to get a clear understanding by reflecting on what the Bible says regarding God's Will. With that being said, some passages of scripture refer to the Will of God as His law which King David points out in Psalm 40:8 and Paul in Romans 2:17-18 considers knowing the law of God is synonymous with knowing His Will. Laws are given for instruction purposes and can be interpreted as His Will because God wants mankind to walk/live according to His instructions as He knows all and sees all. Now, let us look at God's Will from the view point of His perfect and permissive wills and determine which is of Him. God's perfect will is what He desires for mankind. 1 Timothy 2:4 and 2 Peter 3:9 expresses God's perfect will that all be saved and once saved then the believer should not fall from grace (John 6:40) and will spend eternity with God. The fact of this matter is that many will not be saved as they will fail to hear and adhere to God's Word, but this doesn't negate His desire. The permissive of God is what He permits or allows as this is contrary to His expressed perfect will. The wickedness and sinful nature of man is contrary to the perfect will of God as He created man to be in perfect harmony with Him. God is allowing the evilness that is being witnessed in the world today, but in His own time sin will be destroyed for good and the perfect balance between man and God will once again be restored. If the question were raised, Why does God have a perfect and a permissive will? This is because man was created with the ability to choose right from wrong as he is a free-will agent. Also, when man freely chooses to obey God and live according to His laws then true

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 7 2012 love is manifested. It can be said also that obeying God's laws one will accept His gift of salvation through faith in His Son Jesus Christ; which is what He wants as supported in our scripture text (Mark 3:35). The question now becomes, How do we know the Will of God? This knowledge comes through divine revelation, scripture reading and meditating on God's Word. Once we know the Will of God the question is how do we respond? Do we respond in obedience or disobedience? There are rewards for responding positively and consequences for rejecting the Will of God. Which will you choose, God's perfect will or His permissive will?

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 7 2012 Mon Jul 30

God's Goodness Romans 2:3-4 ..Despisest thou the riches of His goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

hat Paul was expressing to the Romans believers is that just because God is longsuffering does not meant that He will not punish sin, but instead His delay is giving time for repentance. As discussed in an earlier discussion that it is God's perfect will is for all to be save and spend eternity with Him, but if you continue in your sinful ways then His judgment is sure to come. With that being said, then it behooves all to adhere to His goodness and enjoy the richness of His fellowship. There is no greater fellowship than with God our creator and sustainer. God's goodness is on display from every aspect of our lives from the beginning to the end. His goodness is far too numerous to count. The ultimate goodness of God was shown when He gave His only begotten Son as the sacrificial Lamb for man's sins. There maybe other gods, but only one true and living God who provides salvation, which is the believer's eternal resting place when this life has ended as well as providing for all man's needs while here on earth. God's goodness is such that for all who believe we then become part of His royal family of priests, a holy nation that is set apart from this world (1 Peter 2:9). Thank God for His goodness and manifest His character.

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 7 2012 Tue Jul 31

Eternal Life 1 John 5:11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.

erses 6-10 provides a definition of eternal life in that it begins the moment a person accepts Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior in that He died for the sins of the world. No man has eternal life apart from Jesus Christ in that man lacked the ability to pay his sin-debt. John 3:16-17 explains the essence of eternal life and that Jesus came for that purpose. Many scholars and theologians describes eternal life as a quality of life that never ends, one where the current suffering experienced in this life ceases to exist. There will be no more tears to shed, no more heartaches to bear and believers will not be subjected to the evil deeds we now face. This is because our God will have restored perfect peace and harmony and all believers will reside with Him in heaven. What a life to live? Given the assured promise of a wonderful life to be lived as a result of accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior, then choosing eternal life is the guiding force behind one's decisions and actions. The question now becomes, Which do you choose eternal life or eternal separation? Eternal life is everlasting.

HEAVENLY BREAD VOLUME 4 Issue 7 2012

Thank you for allowing me to share Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 DVDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 7 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 7 2012