Morning Manna with love

ONE COMMON CALLING

9/30/2018

ONE COMMON CALLING

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Every morning I look out the window and watch the cars zipping by on the busy interstate highway. People coming and going just as Jesus said it would be on an ordinary day when he returns. Therefore, we need to pay attention and always be ready because he will come as a thief if we are not paying attention. He said to occupy until he comes, suggesting there's work to be done for his kingdom while we're here.

[Rev 16:15 KJV] 15 Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed [is] he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.

[Rev 3:3 KJV] 3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.

I took this picture of the billboard sign, though it's a little blurry, the sign says "helping people" which is a reminder to me of the common calling we all have. That is to love our neighbor as ourself.

Christ died for the world not just a select few. We as Christians are his eyes, hands and feet to take notice when we see someone in need. We should give them a helping hand when we can. If we see a stranger in need we can walk over to them and offer a few dollars or give them a tract with a message of the good news of God's kingdom. Hope for their future in Christ.

Sometimes we get complacent in our attitude lacking compassion for the homeless and those in need. At least for me, I had gotten to the point when I would see someone standing at the freeway exit, I would just pass them by, with an attitude.

Sometimes I would give but lately often I would grumble and say why don't they go get a job at McDonalds or something. But then I noticed a few weeks ago this new huge billboard sign staring me in the face at the exit I get off to go home.

Immediately I was convicted in my heart as I read the words, "helping people". Now this will be a test to see that my attitude changes. What I'm saying I don't feel I have to give every time but when I can I should, we all should.

But we can each answer the call to help people in whatever way God has called us to. It can be on the job, at the grocery store, laundromat, gas station, the mall, wherever. A kind word, a smile, sometimes is all that is needed to help someone on the brink of giving up.

I see this billboard as a reminder from the Lord that we must not judge those less fortunate than us and give WHEN we can or WHEN he moves us to in whatever situation he leads us to. The sign uses language that is simple. This blog posting is a sincere message from the Lord and it is just as SIMPLE as the billboard sign. The SIMPLICITY of CHRIST is in clear view for all to see on that billboard sign, and its a message from heaven calling to earth saying, "HELP OTHERS". LOVE your neighbors as you love yourself.

The billboard sign's a reminder that I should leave all judging to God. We are all called to help the poor and needy. That's the ONE CALLING we all have in common. I look out the window and see the highway every day, and it reminds me of God's GRACE, double GRACE. Also, I'm reminded where Isaiah speaks of this HIGHWAY where the REDEEMED of CHRIST will walk.

What a beautiful picture Isaiah paints for us to see in our minds eye the beauty of holiness that will cover the earth one day soon. Let us not forget as well, that we may be encountering an angel without knowing it. Let's do what we can to help others.

I'm working now on my attitude, thanking God for his blessings and most of all for his mercy and GRACE, double GRACE that is!!!! Praise the Lord!!!

[Hebrews 13:2 KJV] 2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

[Isaiah 35:8 NIV] 8 And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness; it will be for those who walk on that Way. The unclean will not journey on it; wicked fools will not go about on it.

[Psalm 29:2 YLT] 2 Ascribe to Jehovah the honour of His name, Bow yourselves to Jehovah, In the beauty of holiness.

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JESUS IS THE NAME I LOVE

2/11/2018

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You may have noticed there's been a movement going forth for a few years denying the name of Jesus for another name. It's called the sacred name movement or Hebrew roots movement.

This article is a lengthy response I made to a youtube video I saw today. The title of the video was and I quote, "I've Denounced Christianity! Following Yahuah!

(CAPS ADDED TO SOME SCRIPTURES FOR EMPHASIS)

The Lord helped me prepare my response which is now this blog article after listening to this beautiful young lady who seems to be sincere in her beliefs this afternoon. I hope it helps her to rethink her stance or maybe help someone else who has been thinking about this whole sacred name movement and the Hebrew roots movement.

I almost got caught up in it myself but I always prayed and most of all stuck to the written WORD of God which is our SWORD of the SPIRIT! Ephes 6:17

[Ephesians 6:17 NASB] 17 And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Glory to God! If you ever wonder about anything that doesn't seem right just trust the Spirit of God to lead you to the WORD! That's why we have it. That's why he had it preserved for us. Many died so that we could have his WORD at our disposal.

2Timothy 3:16-17 says,

16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

Not all Christians are under a so called denomination which was a big part of your argument. Many of us know truths like the true Sabbath among other things that are not taught in some churches. But what I found so interesting in my search for truth is that God has been gathering in the Gentiles since the days of Pentecost. In fact, on the day of Pentecost, the disciples were speaking the good news in the languages of the people that were present. Acts 2 bears this out.

[Act 2:4-5, 7-8, 11 KJV] 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. ...

7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? 8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? ... 11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.

You may say you feel sorry for Christians but I feel sorry for you that you have turned your back on Jesus Christ the Messiah. When I searched for truth about all the hoopla over the name of my Lord JESUS CHRIST Messiah, I was led to read Daniel Chapter 7 which speaks about the Son of Man.

We know who that is don't we? It is none other than the Son of God, Jesus Christ Messiah also known as Yeshua Ha Mashiach or Yehoshuah, or is it Yahoshua, or Yahushua. When you get down to it, they are all transliterations of languages. But I was amazed at what the Holy Spirit was saying to me in this scripture

[Dan 7:13-14 NIV] 13 "In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a SON OF MAN, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence.

14 He was GIVEN AUTHORITY, GLORY and SOVEREIGN POWER; ALL NATIONS and PEOPLES OF EVERY LANGUAGE WORSHIPPED HIM. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed."

Our beloved Saviour Jesus Christ has been given power and authority over ALL NATIONS and over every LANGUAGE. It didn't say ONE language to worship him but EVERY language. That is the KEY! No matter what language, it is .

In the end when everything is said and done, He will reveal the name that ONLY he knows. NO ONE KNOWS the true pronunciation of YHWH, no one living today. He promises to reveal it to those who at his COMING are the overcomers.

[Rev 3:12 KJV] 12 "Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, [which is] new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and [I will write upon him] MY NEW NAME."

Two last scriptures I am led to share here for someone that is searching for the truth about the sacred name movement which is a tactic of the ANTI_CHRIST movement. What is so amazing is that the Lord warns us of these things so that we will know ahead of time and understand and not be swept away by these things.

First let me say that there are TRUE Christians who ABIDE in Christ Jesus, who have a real relationship with HIM. He says, anyone that abides in HIM has the Father but if anyone DENIES him, they don't have the Father because HE IS THE WAY, the ONLY WAY to the FATHER. You deny him, forget it. You're lost.

Also it is not the TRUE Christians that are denying his name of JESUS CHRIST the MESSIAH. Jesus himself says the ones denying HIS NAME are of the SYNAGOGUE of SATAN., those saying they are JEWS. I mean need I say any more. The shoe FITS perfectly to this movement against JESUS Christ who is the TRUE LIGHT. If you appreciate the LIGHT you will see the truth and it will set you free. Notes his words below:

[Rev 3:8-9 NKJV] 8 "I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have NOT DENIED MY NAME. 9 "Indeed I will make [those] of the SYNAGOGUE of SATAN, who say they are JEWS ** and are not, but lie--indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you.

**(JUST FOR CLARITY AND DISTINCTION, I WOULD LIKE TO ADD THAT IN MY RESEARCH I'VE FOUND MOST WHO PROMOTE IN REJECTING THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST CALL THEMSELVES HEBREWS OR JEWS.

We speak English and God is not upset with the fact that the NT scriptures of the bible were written in the KOINE Greek language which HE ALLOWED because that's what most JEWS and people in the area spoke. These scriptures were later translated into Latin and then into our language of English.

OK so our language has the letter J. In translation, the Greek Iesous was changed to Latin, Iesus. English speaking translators changed the I to J which is how we got the name of Jesus. And you think our Lord doesn't allow for that when he has dominion over every nation, power and tongue.

All the languages of the world are in his hand as we read in Dan 7:14 above. The Lord has assured me that He receives my praise and worship as I call him by the name I read in my bible every day and was taught which is JESUS CHRIST MESSIAH.

I have no problem with calling my Lord by his Hebrew name, as I learned it as Yeshua Ha Mashiach or Yehoshua. As a matter of fact I think it's a beautiful name no matter what language and I really do love his Hebrew Jewish name. But when we are judged by this movement of people who choose to deny his name in other languages which clearly is not taught in the bible
that I don't agree with.

And to be honest, I'm not sure about this NEW name, I can't say one way or another. I pray that you who are reading this and have abandoned calling on the name of Jesus for a new name, a different name, I hope you will do more research on your own with the Holy Spirit's guidance and see if you still believe as you do about our Lord Jesus Christ. It's all about HIM as a person, not about what other people are doing or not doing.

I've done lots of research myself and prayed about this very subject. Meditate on the following scriptures

[2Co 11:3-4 NIV]

3 But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 4 For if someone comes to you and PREACHES a JESUS OTHER THAN the JESUS we preached, or if you receive a DIFFERENT SPIRIT from the Spirit you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough.

[1John 2:18-29 NIV] 18 Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the ANTICHRIST IS COMING, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour. 19 They WENT OUT FROM US, but they did NOT really BELONG to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us.

20 But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth. 21 I do not write to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it and because no lie comes from the truth. 22 Who is the liar? It is whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a person is the antichrist--denying the Father and the Son. 23 No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also.

24 As for you, see that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is what he promised us--eternal life. 26 I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray.

27 As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit--just as it has taught you, remain in him. 28 And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming. 29 If you know that he is righteous, you know that everyone who does what is right has been born of him.

That scripture is so timely today and it saddens me that people are falling for another name that just came on the scene what in our day and time around 2007. That's when I noticed it really started getting passed around on youtube as a teaching.

But again I say I hope and pray you reconsider, pray about it and meditate on all the scriptures I've put here for you or maybe it's someone else that needs this information. This information will be on my website morning manna with love.com if anyone reads this and would like more information.

There are many deceiving spirits out here promoting lies and confusion all for one purpose, to draw you away from JESUS CHRIST MESSIAH. It's the ANTI-CHRIST spirit. The same spirit was already infiltrating the church during the bible days and it's going headstrong today. I am a believer in Jesus Christ and PROUD of it. There is no other NAME above that name in whatever language we may speak.

It was said that Christians teach we're not to obey the commandments of God. I don't know what Christian church teaches that out right. As a Christian from my own personal bible study I read where it says we are to keep his commandments which means that we truly love him. His commandments are not burdensome. It's all about LOVE, the SIMPLICITY in CHRIST is amazing.

My understanding is you also partly left Jesus Christ not only because of his name but you left because of what others were doing or not doing in their walk with the Lord. We must each work out our own salvation with fear and trembling by studying the Word for ourself and spending time with Him. I'm not a part of organized religion. I was led to come out of Babylon the Great. I remain focused on him and him alone. It's all about my relationship with HIM. That's all he wants with each of us.

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THE FEAR OF THE LORD Part 2 (Repent Now)

11/4/2017

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Resist Every Perversive Evil Naughty Thought   James 4:7

Remember Elohim(God) Punished Evil-doers in Noah's Time   Genesis 6:13

Recall Every Prophetic Example in the New Testament 2Tim 3:16; 1Pet 3:20; Jude 6-7, 11

Repeat Effectual Prayers to Escape  Nasty Temptations James 5:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Run Expecting the Prize Enter the Narrow Thoroughfare   1Corinthians 9:24

[Rev 3:19-22 KJV] 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and REPENT. 20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. 22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Repent Now

Repent now is a message Jesus wants to relay today as he stands knocking at the door of each and every person's heart!    Will you invite him in, for he wants to dine with you NOW? That's a question you need only answer to him!

He died a horrible death for you and I so that we could have an intimate relationship with him. Cited above are a few acronyms for R.E.P.E.N.T., did any one in particular stand out to you perhaps? The one that struck a chord in me says we should Repudiate Evil Pleasures & Every Negative Thought that may come in to our mind and heart.

Repudiate means to "reject", "abandon", "cast off" and "lay aside".  That brings to mind the words of Hebrews 12:1;

[Hebrews 12:1 KJV] 1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset [us], and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

ARE YOU RUNNING TO EXPECT THE PRIZE BY ENTERING THE NARROW THOROUGHFARE?

Yes, run to get the prize, life eternal in heaven with our heavenly Father. To win the race means we must reach the finish line. It doesn't matter how fast we run, we can just as well walk at a steady pace, being patient with our circumstances of life.

The narrow road doesn't make it a cake walk yet with the right adjustments we can make it with the Lord's help. The weight of sin carries the pressures of an evil immoral world which will bog us down causing some to lose the race. Remember there's no sacrifice left for WILLFUL SIN!

[Hebrews 10:26 NIV] 26 If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left,

We must renounce, reject and abandon everything evil that is thrown at us in this world. Submitting to God will draw us close to Him. This should be our number one priority as we resist the devil. Yes, resisting is key as we take a stand against evil and endure under the various trials and tests of temptation.

[James 4:7 NIV] 7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

One day time will be up, meaning NOW is the time to draw close to God while there is time. Soon the Lord will pour out his wrath on this wicked world and only those who have taken refuge in Jesus Christ and his righteousness will escape. Now is the time to work out our salvation with FEAR and trembling!

[Phillipians 2:12 NIV] 12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed--not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence--continue to work out your salvation with FEAR and trembling,

[Joel 2:12 NLT] 12 That is why the LORD says, "Turn to me NOW, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning.

Noah and Lot are prophetic pictures cited in the New Testament to remind us that God will destroy the wicked and those who love the world. It was the FEAR OF THE LORD that moved Noah to repudiate all the evil in his day. COMPARE below Hebrews 11:7 KJV

7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with FEAR, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. KJV (caps and bold added for emphasis)

The NIV version of the above cited scripture says Noah's faith was moved by HOLY FEAR of the Lord. The Lord would never ask us to do something that is impossible to do. Like Noah, we have been given a free will to choose light over darkness, good over evil.

I hope this blog helps you, the reader to see how having a healthy fear of the Lord is not out of the ordinary. Noah is a good example set in the scriptures to give us some insight into the subject of the FEAR OF THE LORD.

[2Pe 2:4-7 KJV] 4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast [them] down to hell, and delivered [them] into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; 5 And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth [person], a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;

6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned [them] with an overthrow, making [them] an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; 7 And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:

Lot is another example we can glean insight from. He must have had the same HOLY FEAR of the Lord. For the evil in his day vexed his spirit. Are you bothered by the filth being put forth in the world today? Like Lot, it vexes my spirit to even hear one curse word. There's a celebrity that's extremely popular today and I can see why.

I feel drawn to his infectious smile and positive upbeat demeanor but his cursing defiles his character. For that reason I stay away from anything he does. It's apparent Lot appreciated the holiness and righteousness of God in his day! Noah and Lot both chose good over evil. Those seeking after the Spirit of God are the true sons of God, they will prevail as overcomers.
Compare 1John 2:14-17 and Romans 8:13

[1John 2:14-17 NIV] 14 I write to you, dear children, because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one. 15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.

16 For everything in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

[Romans 8:13 KJV] 13 "For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God".

Being led by the Spirit of God leads us down the road of repentance repudiating, hating the evil pleasures of this world. Does the phrase "evil pleasures" sound like an oxymoron to you, meaning a contradictory statement? Holy Spirit will NEVER contradict the Word of God.

Note these two translations of Proverbs 2:12-14

[Proverbs 2:14 NLT]  12 Wisdom will save you from evil people, from those whose words are twisted. 13 These men turn from the right way to walk down dark paths. 14 They take pleasure in doing wrong, and they enjoy the twisted ways of evil.

[Proverbs 2:12-14 NIV] 12 Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse, 13 who have left the straight paths to walk in dark ways, 14 who delight in doing wrong and rejoice in the perverseness of evil,

Some may think how could anything that is pleasurable be evil? Doesn't our heavenly Father God who is love want us to feel pleasure? He promises to give his children hope and a future as Jeremiah 29:11 says so eloquently?

[Jer 29:11 NIV] 11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Have you put your faith and trust in God's future for you? Our real life and future lies in God's hands. He created us giving us life and it's through his provision of salvation that our hope of eternity truly exist, and that is in Jesus Christ.

So therefore, to answer that question, consider the following. The determination of what's considered good or evil should always come from God, the Creator and not of ourselves or any other source.

[Rom 1:25 NIV] 25 They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator--who is forever praised. Amen.

[1John 4:8 NIV] 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

[Gen 1:31 NIV] 31 God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning--the sixth day.

God is the essence of love. His canopy of love covered Adam and Eve providing the best of fruits, all was good in the garden of Eden. Yet, there arose a problem in the garden of Eden. God told Adam and Eve they could eat the fruit from every tree in the garden, that it was good for them.

Except they were not to eat the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. We know how that scenario ended, they both ate the FORBIDDEN FRUIT symbolized often through tradition as an apple.

It matters not what kind of fruit was on the tree, whether apples, oranges or pears. The lesson to learn is that ONLY God knows what is BEST for us today just as he did for our first parents Adam and Eve.

They were deceived by the notion that God was holding back something GOOD from them. What I find interesting is that it doesn't say the tree of the knowledge of good and evil were two separate trees. They were banned to eat from the ONE tree of the KNOWLEDGE of good and evil.

[Gen 3:3-5 NLT] 3 "It's only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, 'You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.'"

4 "You won't die!" the serpent replied to the woman. 5 "God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil."

This ONE tree contained both good and evil knowledge. So to merely touch it would put them unavoidably into contact with what is evil. It was inevitable that they would suffer the consequences as God had forewarned them.

He knew their eating from this tree mattered not that there was good knowledge on the tree. I'm led to believe God was showing Adam and Eve that in spite of there being good in the world, there was also existed evil.

The tree symbolized God's sovereignty. SOVEREIGNTY means supreme power and authority, having dominion and ownership. God the Creator was only trying to protect his creation from evil.
If the tree would only have had evil, it could make a case for itself as being good.

Evil could pretend to be good in the face of those unfamiliar with it as Adam and Eve were. Therefore understandably God included good on the tree. Light would expose the darkness, truth exposed all the lies. Good exposed evil. Only the true God who is sovereign, dictates what is good.

Anyone opposed to what God says is good is evil. Satan opposed God's Word. Satan comes from the root of Strong's Hebrew H7853 which means adversary, opposer, and accuser. He accused God of holding back for the purpose of being selfish.

How untrue and ridiculous that line of thinking was when God is the very essence of LOVE. 1John 4:8 Selfishness is remotely uncharacteristic of God's true nature. As a matter of fact, he is everything in opposition to what He was accused of being.

[1John 4:8 NIV] 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

[John 8:44 NIV] 44 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

The only true God demonstrated a selfless love for all of mankind and all creation by sacrificing his only begotten Son on a torture stake. All who resist the lies of Satan have chosen to believe God knows what is best, trusting His Word as TRUTH.

Satan the devil is a LIAR and the father of lies. God reigns supreme in the hearts of all who recognize him as the Creator and true God.  What happened in the garden had lasting effects that would plunge all of future mankind into a world of sin, chaos and death.

[John 17:3 NIV] 3 Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.

Through Christ we have a way out of the dire circumstances of sin and death. Christ undid all the ramifications of Adam and Eve's sin. Through Christ we will have access to the tree of LIFE which contains only the GOOD fruit God wants to impart to us. God's servants will be free to come and go inside the city of the King, New Jerusalem. Have you fully surrendered yet to the Lord?

[Rev 22:2-3 NIV] 2 down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. 3 No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him.

What exactly does it mean to fully surrender and submit ourselves to God today? It means we allow the Holy Spirit to transform our minds to the good and acceptable will of Christ. It is the good and acceptable way of thinking that will lead us down the narrow path which leads to eternal life with God. Compare Romans 12:2

[Romans 12:2 KJV] 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.

Having a healthy fear of God leads us to obey his commandments which are a protection to all those heeding his command. Adam and Eve's disobedience led them outside of the Lord's set parameters bringing them outside of his banner of loving protection.

Compare Psalm 60:4, SOS 2:4 and Isaiah 5:26

[Psalm 60:4 NKJV] 4 You have given a banner to those who fear You, That it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah

[Song 2:4 NKJV] 4 [The Shulamite to the Daughters of Jerusalem] He brought me to the banqueting house, And his banner over me [was] love

[Isaiah 5:26 NKJV] 26 He will lift up a banner to the nations from afar, And will whistle to them from the end of the earth; Surely they shall come with speed, swiftly.

Naturally, all those who FEAR the Lord will be drawn to his banner of love and protection. Yet,  healthy HOLY FEAR is more. It's not ALL about what God can do for us. It's MORE about our desire to please the Lord, wanting to draw NEAR to HIM, it's MOST about the FEAR of separation from God.

Adam and Eve came into contact with all that was evil in spite of the fact that good was present on the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.  It led them onto the wrong path where there was only sin, separating them from God. Separation from God led to sickness, suffering and death. We must listen, trust and obey God, believing his word that He WOULD NOT withhold anything GOOD from us.

[Psalm 84:11-12 KJV] 11 For the LORD God [is] a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good [thing] will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. 12 O LORD of hosts, blessed [is] the man that trusteth in thee.

Jacob the Deceiver

Initially, the account of Genesis paints an unappealing picture of Jacob for us.  Jacob was known to be a liar, a trickster, a deceiver having tricked Esau his older brother out of his firstborn birthright blessing. He got the firstborn birthright blessing not only by tricking Esau but by straight out lying to his father Isaac. Compare Genesis chapters 25-27

[Gen 27:34-36, 41 NLT] 34 When Esau heard his father's words, he let out a loud and bitter cry. "Oh my father, what about me? Bless me, too!" he begged. 35 But Isaac said, "Your brother was here, and he tricked me. He has taken away your blessing."

36 Esau exclaimed, "No wonder his name is Jacob, for now he has cheated me twice. First he took my rights as the firstborn, and now he has stolen my blessing. Oh, haven't you saved even one blessing for me?" ...

41 From that time on, Esau hated Jacob because their father had given Jacob the blessing. And Esau began to scheme: "I will soon be mourning my father's death. Then I will kill my brother, Jacob."

Evil was ever present in Jacob's world just as it is today. Jacob feared for his life because of what he had done to his brother Esau. Jacob's fear of Esau was understandable. There is something profound we can learn in that situation as it parallels the time we are living in today.

Jacob sought God's blessing as he became no longer focused on the fear of man, his brother Esau but rather on God. Jacob prevailed because he didn't let up in his pursuit of God. By his persistence in seeking God, he got to see God face to face. He recognized God was sovereign finally SUBMITTING FULLY  to God. As a result he was a changed man as his life was preserved for the work God would call him to do.

[Genesis 32:30 KJV] 30 And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.

He called on the God of his forefathers Abraham and Isaac. Out of Jacob came the twelve tribes of the nation of Israel.  God changed Jacob's name to Israel to demonstrate it was his CHARACTER that had needed changing, his way of thinking and acting.

[Gen 32:24, 26-28 NLT] 24 This left Jacob all alone in the camp, and a man came and wrestled with him until the dawn began to break. ... 26 Then the man said, "Let me go, for the dawn is breaking!" But Jacob said, "I will not let you go unless you bless me."

27 "What is your name?" the man asked. He replied, "Jacob." 28 "Your name will no longer be Jacob," the man told him. "From now on you will be called Israel, because you have fought with God and with men and have won."

Israel means he who PREVAILS in God; PREVAIL means to TRIUMPH, to CONQUER, and OVERCOME. Have you embraced your new name, the name of ISRAEL and allowed God to CHANGE you as he CHANGED Jacob?

We are all born with the likeness of Jacob in character, but it is by the BLOOD, saving GRACE and the washing of the WORD that saves and transforms us. We may encounter God face to face like Jacob when we wrestle with the son of man, not letting go until we are blessed.

The son of man Jesus Christ reflects the very FACE of God the Father. The man Jacob wrestled with was a prophetic picture of our Lord Jesus Christ.

What is the most significant thing we can take away from this story of Jacob? Most important's in learning to trust in God, knowing he will rectify any conflicts and turmoil in our life when we put him first. We learn not to fear what man can do to us. It's about having a reverent fear of God. Moreover, in this instance, it points to the FEAR of being SEPARATED from GOD.

GIVE GOD GLORY FOR GRACE IF HE HAS CHANGED YOU! AMEN!!!!

Knowledge of God

[John 17:3 KJV] 3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

We can learn so much from the great teacher HIMSELF about God as we read the gospel accounts in the bible. The Holy Spirit will help to bring to mind the things we need to be mindful of in any given situation of life. Taking in the knowledge of God brings life eternal as it leads us to Jesus Christ who knew and did the perfect will of the Father as a demonstration for us.

One noteworthy instruction for these last days is to remain sober spiritually because the world is intoxicated by the polluted wine being served as entertainment and recreation amidst immense darkness. If we are wise and have a healthy FEAR of the Lord, we will OBEY ALL OF HIS COMMANDMENTS.

Proverbs 2:1-8 gives wise instruction to those fearing the Lord. Wisdom dictates that we store God's commandments in our heart and treasure the life his commands impart to us when we listen and obey them. Just as God told Adam and Eve, knowledge from the source he provides is what leads to life. The FEAR of God produces a HUNGER within us for the DEEP things of God, knowledge that leads to the tree of life. Compare

[1Co 2:10 NIV] 10 these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.

[Dan 2:22 NIV] 22 He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him.

[Pro 3:18 KJV] 18 She [is] a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy [is every one] that retaineth her.

[Rev 2:7 KJV] 7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

[Rev 22:14 KJV] 14 Blessed [are] they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

Wisdom leads us to search out for knowledge of God which serves as a protection for us. He is the one and only source to provide protection from evil. We must TRUST God at his WORD when he tells us what is GOOD knowledge because some knowledge simply is NOT GOOD. Discernment is needed to determine what knowledge is good coming from God, and that which is bad coming from evil sources. This we MUST remember and TAKE to HEART!

Not all knowledge is worthy of our attention because some things simply are not beneficial in knowing. Jesus had something to say about this in the book of Revelation when he rebuked those who felt it would be beneficial in knowing the deep things of Satan.

[Rev 2:23-24 NIV] 23 I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.

24 Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan's so-called deep secrets, 'I will not impose any other burden on you,

Never forget GOD'S enemy comes to kill, steal and destroy. His knowledge is what God tried to protect Adam and Eve from and it's the same today. FEAR of the LORD will keep us from seeking deep knowledge of God's number one enemy. The KJV uses the term, "depths" of Satan" which comes from Strong's concordance G899 "bathos" meaning deep or profound. Yet even deeper it comes from a root word G901 meaning "early in the morning". Who does that remind you of?

[Isaiah 14:12 KJV] 12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! [how] art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!

Lucifer, son of the morning is known as the angel of light, yet in reality he is the opposite of light. In him is ONLY darkness. He mimics the things of God to deceive everyone. Hearts PURE and God fearing will seek out God's will.

As truth seekers with PURE hearts persistence in pursuing truth is key. In this mindset, we will be able to discern what is truly of God. Also, the Holy Spirit will lead us to repentance to make adjustments as our needs call for. These treacherous times consist of great deception calling for keen awareness and spiritual discernment. Hear what the spirit is saying to the churches.

Jesus had good reason to tell us to avoid the deeper things of Satan because it's a matter of safeguarding our heart, mind and soul. The FEAR of GOD will deter us from reading, watching or listening to something that is not approved by God. Never forget that God alone can destroy both soul and body in hell.

[Matthew 10:28 KJV] 28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather FEAR HIM which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

The spirit is saying we must be careful in what we read, watch and listen to. Our eyes, ears, hands, feet, and nose can all lead us down the wrong path. Our various senses of sight, sound, smell and touch we often take for granted. It's through the senses that the enemy can gain access to our very mind and heart which is our soul.

Our eyes and ears can get us in trouble when we watch and look and listen to the wrong things, things that are evil and perverse. Sexual addiction stemming from easy access on the web has claimed many victims among the Christian population.

When led to walk down the wrong path some have been induced to commit perversive sexually immoral acts and even murder. The sense of smell can intoxicate one to over eat, over indulging in any and all lusts of the flesh.

[Proverbs 2:1-8 NIV] 1 My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, 2 turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding-- 3 indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, 4 and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure,

5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. 6 For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. 7 He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, 8 for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.

Roots Of Deception

[2Corinthians 11:13-16, 18 KJV] 13 For such [are] false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

15 Therefore [it is] no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

16 I say again, Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little. ...

18 Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also.

The deception Paul had to contend with in his day is abundantly clear from the above cited scripture. The roots of deception came from those that were seeking GLORY in their FLESH. How does that look today in practical terms? As much as I hate to admit it, I've walked on the self seeking glory red carpet before myself. It's not worth one red cent or penny as the saying goes.

It looks like pride, arrogance, and superiority, high mindedness. These so called "superfine apostles" in Paul's day were apparently good at what they did. On the outside they looked beautiful as the pharisees did in Jesus day but inside they were full of hypocrisy and pretension.

[Matthew 23:27 KJV] 27 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead [men's] bones, and of all uncleanness.

The root of deception is in the notion that looking good on the outside is what is truly beautiful. Today's standard of beauty is determined by the prevailing spirits controlling the world that influence every genre of the arts media especially users of social media. Have you found on social media it's all about how beautiful you look?

Not only how beautiful you look, but how much BETTER looking you are than the next person. Evidence shows this same spirit has crept inside the churches today, manifested among Christians socializing on the web. Have you been cautious or not so much in your dealings on social media?

Have you gotten caught up in the spider web of "Who's the prettiest or sexiest"? Have you run across the pictures of your Christian friends, particularly female, even Christian ministers that scream at you, "Do I look SEXY enough for you as I pose up close from an angle to catch you in the slanted gaze of my heavy painted eyes and pursed lips"? Who comes to mind when you see this in pictures? Remember Jezebel painted her eyes to seduce the man God sent to judge her.

[2Kings 9:30 NLT] 30 When Jezebel, the queen mother, heard that Jehu had come to Jezreel, she painted her eyelids and fixed her hair and sat at a window.

Have you mastered the close up pose, with the tilted angle to achieve the seductive eyes looking up into the lens of your camera. I stand accused. I was so caught up in this craze back in 2010. It was the Jezebel spirit all over me as the Lord let me know.

Not all of my selfies were reflecting this kind of spirit. So please don't misinterpret what I'm saying. Many people have nice pics of themselves (selfies) included whether they took them or someone else did. Also, I'm not saying that everyone who post selfie pics or are wearing eye make up and lipstick has a Jezebel spirit.

The lust and carnality behind some pictures we encounter on social media are undeniable. It's hard not to discern these spirits when you have the gift of spiritual discernment. Yet some pics you don't need the spirit of discernment because it's that obvious.

I listened to the Lord in 2010 and quickly removed those questionable pics I had of myself which reflected not only lust but a spirit of Jezebel as well. Most important, I had to change my way of thinking asking the Lord to purify my heart and make me over. It was the FEAR of the LORD in me.

There's a problem when we pose in ways reflecting a spirit of the world, a spirit of lust, pride and selfishness. You know what I'm talking about ladies. When social media was just getting started with the selfies, my experience was the seductive gaze of eyes and stance of how we pose in our pics. But today it's so much more.

It's now about the tight pants and the low cut, tight blouses/tank tops that are low cut exposing cleavage, the too short and tight skirts or body clinging dresses. The fashion trends are too revealing to be considered modest for a Christian. This goes for the men as well when they have pants so tight there's nothing left for the imagination.

The worldly spirit shows up in so many other ways on social media as well. As mentioned, at times in the past, I could be ADAMANT, forcefully contentious in some of my communications on social media. Sometimes when I discern that spirit trying to creep back in me I cringe inside and plead mercy from God. I know there's nothing wrong is expressing truth in light of the darkness that prevails in the world. I'm speaking of an ANGRY defensive, insecure spirit that can be rooted in PRIDE, HATRED or JEALOUSY.

Let's face it, the enemy knows exactly which buttons to push to set us off on social media or any scenario. We can be set off just from someone driving the speed limit in front of us. These are stressful times we live in. You may find that the Lord wants to limit your time drastically on social media as He did with me.

If you find that you can't leave social media for more than a few days or even a couple of weeks, then you likely have an addiction. Anything we can't control will control us. The only thing we should allow to control us would be the Holy Spirit or simply stated the will of God. I try to apply what the Lord is saying through me to the church to myself first and foremost.

Also, one last thing on this topic, the Jezebel spirit can manifest in men just as well. Clearly, it's a rebellious spirit. It was the spirit of rebellion that led Adam and Eve to partake of the forbidden fruit. It's a spirit that prevails in a fallen world.

The spirit of God revealed to me back in 2010 what direction I was headed if I didn't change. If we have the FEAR of the Lord, caution is readily taken by those wanting to avoid trouble in their relationship with the Lord.

I take time away from social media now, months at a time. It's good to get away and just spend quality time with the Lord. I'm careful about what kind of pics I post if any of myself. The FEAR of the Lord compels me to glorify and reflect God's spirit in everything I do or say and nothing less.

If you feel convicted in your heart about anything in this blog posting, take that up with the Lord. This is food for thought as the Lord leads me in writing. I realize this is a touchy subject indeed but I must speak truth as it is what it is.

...... to be continued in Part 3

Scriptures for reference:

[Rom 8:1-16 KJV] 1 [There is] therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:

4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded [is] death; but to be spiritually minded [is] life and peace.

7 Because the carnal mind [is] enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

10 And if Christ [be] in you, the body [is] dead because of sin; but the Spirit [is] life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

[Gen 25:31, 33 NLT] 31 "All right," Jacob replied, "but trade me your rights as the firstborn son." ... 33 But Jacob said, "First you must swear that your birthright is mine." So Esau swore an oath, thereby selling all his rights as the firstborn to his brother, Jacob.

[Gen 27:19, 21-22, 30, 36 NLT] 19 Jacob replied, "It's Esau, your firstborn son. I've done as you told me. Here is the wild game. Now sit up and eat it so you can give me your blessing." ... 21 Then Isaac said to Jacob, "Come closer so I can touch you and make sure that you really are Esau."

22 So Jacob went closer to his father, and Isaac touched him. "The voice is Jacob's, but the hands are Esau's," Isaac said. ... 30 As soon as Isaac had finished blessing Jacob, and almost before Jacob had left his father,

Esau returned from his hunt. ... 36 Esau exclaimed, "No wonder his name is Jacob, for now he has cheated me twice. First he took my rights as the firstborn, and now he has stolen my blessing. Oh, haven't you saved even one blessing for me?"

[Ezekiel 3:19 NLT] 19 If you warn them and they refuse to repent and keep on sinning, they will die in their sins. But you will have saved yourself because you obeyed me.

[Psalm 111:10 NIV] 10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.

[Proverbs 1:7 NIV] 7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

[Isaiah 13:13 NLT] 13 For I will shake the heavens. The earth will move from its place when the LORD of Heaven's Armies displays his wrath in the day of his fierce anger."

[Rev 6:17 NLT] 17 For the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to survive?"

[Rev 18:4-5 NIV] 4 Then I heard another voice from heaven say: " 'Come out of her, my people,' so that you will not share in her sins, so that you will not receive any of her plagues; 5 for her sins are piled up to heaven, and God has remembered her crimes.

[Rev 3:16-22 NIV] 16 So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17 You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.

18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. 19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.

20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

21 To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches."

[1Peter 2:9-12, 15-17 HCSB] 9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the One who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 11 Dear friends, I urge you as strangers and temporary residents to abstain from fleshly desires that war against you.

12 Conduct yourselves honorably among the Gentiles, so that in a case where they speak against you as those who do what is evil, they will, by observing your good works, glorify God on the day of visitation. ...

15 For it is God's will that you silence the ignorance of foolish people by doing good. 16 As God's slaves, live as free people, but don't use your freedom as a way to conceal evil. 17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the Emperor.

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I GOT MY HEALING and SO CAN YOU!

7/11/2017

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I GOT MY HEALING and SO CAN YOU!

I decided to do a blog about healing since I shared that I received my healing from God recently in a post on my FB page. Many people are suffering today with pain in one way or another to varying degrees. Not just physical pain but emotional and mental. What I have learned is that ALL PAIN no matter what kind is connected in our SPIRITUAL walk with the Lord. I can't say your pain is greater than or lesser than mine and vice versa.

Perhaps your pain I would not be able to withstand and it's the same with you as far as my pain. Nobody knows the trouble I've seen is a song lyric I have alluded to on several occasions in my blog postings because it's true. It's true for all of us in one way or another.

If you only knew some of the things I have had to endure it would make your skin crawl and you would squirm while thinking glad that's not me. The spiritual battles some have to endure and go through just because of the call on their lives can be intense.

I've learned to just let go and let God fight ALL of my battles. I've had to learn through severe trials and testings to speak God's Word according to the situation and watch Him move in the situation. Trusting God at his Word is so powerful when we put Him to the test and say ok God, you said you would fight all my battles. I will believe you and ask you to fight this battle for me.

I take refuge in you God. All the while I'm not only speaking to God but serving notice to the enemy who is putting me to the test. Also others prayers, those interceding for you go a long way. And I appreciate anyone that prays for me. But know that there are those praying against you as well.

So this is why we must always have on our full suit of armour provided by God. Our main weapon of warfare is God's Word and I have provided below some good scriptures you can put in your daily arsenal. Simply standing on God's Word no matter how bleak things may look or how bad we may feel, it's enough to sustain us in the storms of life.

We have Jesus words that when we build our foundation on HIM, the ROCK and not sand, which is anything other than him... when the rain comes pouring in and the winds start to beat us down...this is when relying on Jesus who is the Word will sustain us. Our Saviour not only saves us from our sins and death but from the present consequences of sin he rescues us from when we look to him for help. God allows us to go through the fire of testing. But in the end we come out as pure gold.

Now, speaking about healing, all I can do is tell you of my experience and how I was healed. I'm no one special nor any different from anyone else. God is not a respecter of persons. For what he does for one he will do for you. I believe my healing came about as others can testify to by my praying healing scriptures over myself out loud day after day without letting up.

Below I have listed a few of the healing scriptures I pray over myself most mornings but sometimes I may pray them later in the day.

Timing is not as important as is CONSISTENCY. It's like anything you are serious about, you don't go about it haphazardly or half way. Do it regularly, everyday or at least every other day continually. One thing you must do after praying these scriptures out loud is THANK the LORD and PRAISE the LORD for healing you no matter how you are feeling.

If you do this consistently everyday, you may notice you don't need any pain medication or whatever it is you are dealing with has gone away. The doctors gave me pain medicines and prescriptions for steroids that I never took. I'm in no way telling you to throw away your prescribed medications. I'm simply telling you what worked for me in my situation.

I have never liked taking medications because the side effects are worse than the symptoms that call for such medications. I know steroids are not good for you and for that reason I decided the pain I would just have to endure. I pushed and pressed in to the pain with prayer. I never knew excruciating pain like this before but God helped me through it.

I cried through the pain because I didn't want to take anything that I would become dependent on and the pain eventually went away or at least subsided and became endurable. The enemy will try and bring it back but just keep pressing in with prayer and believing. Having faith, believing is PARAMOUNT. You must believe, the least doubt will work against you.

God promises to watch over and perform his word. No word of his that is sent out that you speak out loud in faith or even inside your heart will return to HIM VOID. He will fulfil his word to the T. Give him all the GLORY he deserves. I give him GLORY for what he has done in my life. It's ALL ABOUT HIM and not me in any way. I'm just one of his servants and his child. He loves all of his CHILDREN ...Amen

BUILD YOUR FAITH IN GOD WITH THE WORD OF GOD

[Romans 10:17 KJV] 17 So then FAITH [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

First, if you need to build your faith... read Hebrews, chapters eleven through thirteen and the book of James.

Here are a few scriptures just to get you started to help build your faith before speaking the healing scriptures over yourself. I highly recommend you read these chapters in Hebrews in their entirety. Hebrews is timely and thought provoking, it will aid you tremendously to continue fighting the good fight of faith, building and strengthening your spiritual armour.

Remember faith cometh by hearing the Word of God. We hear with our spiritual ears as we read the Word, whether we are reading silently or out loud. What are you going through? Does the pain feel unbearable? What seems impossible is possible with God. Look at what Israel came through because of their trust and FAITH.

[Hebrews 11:29-30 HCSB] 29 By faith they crossed the Red Sea as though they were on dry land. When the Egyptians attempted to do this, they were drowned. 30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after being encircled by the Israelites for seven days.

Know that Jesus Christ the Messiah is still in the healing business today as he was in the days he walked on the earth.

[Hebrews 13:8 KJV] 8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.

[2Timothy 1:7 KJV] 7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

[Ephesians 6:10-18 KJV] 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places].

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

SPEAK TO THE MOUNTAIN

[Mark 11:22-24 KJV] 22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. 23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. 24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive [them], and ye shall have [them].

PRAY THIS WAY:

MOUNTAIN OF PAIN, SICKNESS(CANCER, HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, OBESITY, UNCONTROLLED HABITS OF ANY KIND (CALL IT WHATEVER IT IS), DEBT(BILLS), POVERTY(NO MONEY), ( whatever mountain it is you are wanting OUT of your life, speak to it and cast it into the sea)...by saying..

OH mountain of____________________ (poverty, mountain of pain, etc) (whatever it is) I remove you and cast you OUT OF MY LIFE FOREVER, throwing you into the SEA of NO RETURN, IN JESUS MIGHTY NAME... I DO PRAY and SEAL this prayer, AMEN. I do believe this prayer will come to pass, for it is already done in heaven. I thank you heavenly father for answering this prayer. Amen

"That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass;"

HEALING SCRIPTURES to SPEAK and PRAY over YOURSELF

*Speak the scriptures in first person, in other words change the words we, our or you, to me, my or I whichever is most appropriate when you pray to make it personal.

Example: Isa 53:5 says "with his stripes we are healed. Instead pray over yourself and say, "with his stripes I am healed." Make every scripture YOURS personally

Another example: Deut 7:15 says "The LORD will keep you free from every disease". Change to "The LORD will keep ME free from every disease".

[Isaiah 53:5 KJV] 5 But he [was] wounded for our transgressions, [he was] bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace [was] upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

[2Kings 20:5 KJV] 5 ....Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the LORD.

[Psalm 30:2-4 KJV] 2 O LORD my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me. 3 O LORD, thou hast brought up my soul from the grave: thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit. 4 Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.

[Exodus 23:25-26 KJV] 25 And ye shall serve the LORD your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee. 26 There shall nothing cast their young, nor be barren, in thy land: the number of thy days I will fulfil.

[Psalm 147:3 HCSB] 3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

[Isaiah 40:31 NIV] 31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

[Psalm 18:2 NIV] 2 The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

[Psalm 107:18-20 NIV] 18 They loathed all food and drew near the gates of death. 19 Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. 20 He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave.

[Psalm 118:17 NIV] 17 I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the LORD has done.

[Joel 3:10 KJV] 10 ... let the weak say, I [am] strong.

[Psalm 6:2 KJV] 2 Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I [am] weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed.

[Deuteronomy 7:15 NIV] 15 The LORD will keep you free from every disease. He will not inflict on you the horrible diseases you knew in Egypt, but he will inflict them on all who hate you.

[Psalm 41:4 KJV] 4 I said, LORD, be merciful unto me: heal my soul; for I have sinned against thee.

[Isaiah 57:18-19 KJV] 18 I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners. 19 I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to [him that is] far off, and to [him that is] near, saith the LORD; and I will heal him.

[Jeremiah 17:14 KJV] 14 Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou [art] my praise.

[Jeremiah 30:17 KJV] 17 For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD; because they called thee an Outcast, [saying], This [is] Zion, whom no man seeketh after.

[Hosea 6:1 KJV] 1 Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.

[Matthew 8:7 KJV] 7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.

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Where do I fit in, the church of Philadelphia or Laodecia?

5/4/2017

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"THE LORD IS COMING FOR A PURE BRIDE! NO ROOM FOR LUST, GREED, SELF ADORATION, HATRED AND BIGOTRY! WE ARE ALL GOD'S CHILDREN, HE'S CALLING OUT TO US ALL, SAYING COME TO ME. LEARN FROM ME, FOR I AM LOWLY MEEK AND HUMBLE. PURIFY MY HEART LORD, THAT I MAY DRAW CLOSE TO YOU"

I posted this a few days ago and this gentleman criticized me for my comment or status saying it was prideful to think we can be pure. He said only Jesus is pure and our purity will come from him alone not in ourselves. He implied in his statement that I was saying Jesus is only coming for those who have good works. Let me say, I am not one who believes we are saved by our works, I know it's by GRACE. I recognize fully that salvation comes through my accepting Jesus as my saviour, recognizing it's his BLOOD that cleanses me of all my sins.

However, the gentleman read things into my statement that are not there. I concluded in his statement that he believes the WHOLE church will be raptured because it is not based on works. Well, that is true, it's not based on the works of our FLESH but on the WORKS of the HOLY SPIRIT that is at WORK within US, that is if we are BORN AGAIN in the SPIRIT of GOD allowing the SPIRIT to do his work in us. I'm not here to say who is and who is not born again. I will speak on that more a little later.

[ROMANS 8:8-9, 14,16,27 HCSB] 8 Those who are in the FLESH CANNOT PLEASE GOD. 9 You, however, are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, since the SPIRIT of God LIVES in you. But if anyone DOES NOT have the Spirit of Christ, he DOES NOT BELONG to Him.

14 All those led by God's Spirit are God's sons. ... 16 The SPIRIT Himself testifies TOGETHER with OUR SPIRIT that WE ARE God's children, ... 27 And He who searches the hearts knows the Spirit's mind-set, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

I regret that I took offense and really went off in my replies though I used the scriptures to prove my points. I took his comment as a personal assault on me. I admit I overreacted. I apologize to anyone who saw my comments that I had to erase because I don't want anything on my page to distract from the message of love that I promote for God's kingdom. My posts are set for the public, for the purpose of seeking out those who may be lost and are seeking for the Lord and the truth of His WORD.

I'm not apologizing for standing up for what I believe in but it's for the spirit that came forth that overshadowed my comment. Having said that, my comment here and now is for the person who started to think his way of thinking was right. Let me tell you, don't fall for it, it's a trap of the enemy.

Jesus is COMING back for a PURE BRIDE and she will LOOK QUITE DIFFERENT from the LUKEWARM unfaithful bride church. You will recognize her by the FRUIT she bears, by the BANNER of LOVE the bridegroom covers her with. SHE LOVES holiness, righteousness, justice and mercy. Yes of course it's through Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith that will FINISH and COMPLETE the WORK he is doing in each one of us to make his PURE BRIDE.

[SONG OF SONGS2:4 NIV] 4 Let him lead me to the banquet hall, and let his banner over me be love.

The Holy Spirit cleanses us with the REFINING FIRE removing the dross, the dead works as we SUBMIT ourselves to the PROCESS. It's an ONGOING process where we are all in different phases of the process. God himself will be the ONE to say who is and who is not of the FAITHFUL BRIDE. His SPIRIT will testify with OUR SPIRIT as to whether we are INDEED born again.

If you are a born again Christian, with the fire of the Holy Spirit in you, there's no way you will remain the same person. It's a work in us the Lord does of purifying our hearts but as I mentioned we have to SUBMIT to HIM, in order for him to do the work in us.

[ROMANS 6:17-18, 21-23 HCSB] 17 But thank God that, although you used to be slaves of sin, you obeyed from the heart that pattern of teaching you were transferred to, 18 and having been liberated from sin, you became ENSLAVED to RIGHTEOUSNESS. ...

21 So what FRUIT was produced then from the things you are now ashamed of? For the end of those things is death. 22 But now, since you have been liberated from sin and have become ENSLAVED to God, you have your FRUIT, which results in SANCTIFICATION (another word for PURE and HOLY) -- and the end is eternal life! 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Those who are of the FAITHFUL bride, church of Philadelphia know exactly what it means to surrender their life, to give up the pursuits of this world. The faithful bride welcomes the cleansing FIRE and the washing of the Word because she wants to please her bridegroom.

[EPHESIANS 5:24-27, 32 HCSB] 24 Now as the church SUBMITS to CHRIST, 25....., just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her 26 to MAKE HER HOLY, cleansing her with the WASHING of WATER by the WORD. 27 He did this to present the church to Himself in SPLENDOR, without SPOT or WRINKLE or anything like that, but HOLY and BLAMELESS. ... 32 This mystery is profound, but I am talking about Christ and the church.

She wants to DRAW CLOSE to GOD. WE can only draw close through SUBMISSION, submitting our will for God's will to be done in our life. Yes, she wants to be PURE of Heart because she knows the PURE of Heart will see God.

[MATTHEW 5:8 HCSB] 8 The PURE in HEART are blessed, for they will SEE God.

The faithful bride that Jesus will come for is NOT perfect in herself. That is why she prays in her heart, "PURIFY MY HEART LORD, THAT I MAY DRAW CLOSE TO YOU"

I hope this blog posting will help someone understand the difference between the FAITHFUL and UNFAITHFUL bride. There's good reason why the last two churches listed in Revelation 3 are the churches of PHILADELPHIA, the FAITHFUL BRIDE church and the church of LAODECIA, the UNFAITHFUL church. I challenge you to read the book of Revelation, it is one of the most inspiring books of the bible in my opinion, especially for the faithful bride.

The church of Philadelphia likes what he, the bridegroom likes, she hates evil and everything this world has to offer like he does. She refuses to dance with the devil as the harlot bride church of Laodicea, the LUKEWARM church is doing.

There is a PURE bride, a small REMNANT group who will remain faithful until Jesus returns. No one appreciates GRACE more than the faithful bride church of Philadelphia and it's because of GRACE she desires to PLEASE the LORD in all she does.

[PROVERBS 8:13 NASB] 13 "The FEAR of the LORD is to HATE EVIL; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverted mouth, I HATE.

[AMOS 5:15 NASB] 15 HATE EVIL, LOVE GOOD, And establish justice in the gate! Perhaps the LORD God of hosts May be gracious to the REMNANT of Joseph.

When you fall in love with someone, you look for all the ways you can please them simply because you LOVE them. If we being imperfect can love someone enough to overlook their shortcomings, surely God will overlook our shortcomings. Yes, he will. It is the willful sinners, those who choose to do their own thing, loving this world which automatically makes them an enemy of God, enjoying the evil perverse entertainment of this world when we know it displeases God because he HATES evil.

[HEBREWS 10:26-29 NASB] 26 For IF WE GO ON SINNING WILLFULLY after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a terrifying expectation of judgment and THE FURY OF A FIRE WHICH WILL CONSUME THE ADVERSARIES.

28 Anyone who has set aside the Law of Moses dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29 How much SEVERER PUNISHMENT do you think he will deserve who has TRAMPLED UNDER FOOT the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has INSULTED the Spirit of GRACE?

The faithful bride hates EVIL as the bridegroom does, and she hates this world, having no part of it and yes she is tired of this evil world. Yet though she is tired, Jesus sees his beauty in her, for he calls her his beautiful maiden. She doesn't take his GRACE for granted, trampling his blood underfoot as the LUKEWARM church does.

[REVELATION 3:8, 10-11, 13 HCSB] 8 I know your works. Because YOU HAVE LIMITED STRENGTH, have KEPT My word, and have not denied My name, look, I have placed before you an open door that no one is able to close. ...

10 Because you have kept My command to ENDURE, I will also keep you from the hour of testing that is going to come over the whole world to test those who live on the earth. 11 I am COMING QUICKLY. Hold on to what you have, so that no one takes your crown. ... 13 "Anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.

[SONG OF SONGS 1:15 NIV] 15 He: How BEAUTIFUL you are, my darling! Oh, how beautiful! Your eyes are doves.

Yes, her EYES are like DOVES to the bridegroom, Jesus(Yeshua) and it's because she has set the eyes of her HEART on the HOLY SPIRIT which is CHRIST in us. It is the HOLY SPIRIT, the LOVE DOVE from ABOVE I like to call him, that PURIFIES, REFINES through CHASTISEMENT, CORRECTION, GUIDANCE, INSTRUCTION and DISCIPLINE.

How would you interpret Jesus word to the LUKEWARM church that he's going to SPIT them out of his mouth...DOES that SOUND like he's going to take them in the RAPTURE? Does that SOUND like he's going to GATHER them to be with him when the TRUMPET sounds?

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The Fear of the Lord (Part 1 of 2)

12/8/2016

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Amazing Love is one of my favorite songs by Chris Tomlin. What you hear playing is an instrumental version of Tomlin's song. One part of the chorus goes like this:

Amazing Love, I know it's true
It's my joy to honor you,
In all I do, I honor you

The Lord brought this song to my mind this morning as I began writing this blog posting. Right away, the question "Why?" came to my mind. Then I thought, perhaps it's because he wants to draw our attention to his AMAZING LOVE for the Father. It was amazing love that led him to the CROSS first for the Father who sent him to the earth. It was the Father's will that he die for us providing salvation for all of mankind.

It was amazing love that he would honor the Father by obeying him, glorifying the Father by doing the work of the Father. This AMAZING LOVE was shared with mankind which was foreknown and planned before the foundation of the world. Just as we sing that it's our JOY to honor the Lord Jesus in a song such as Amazing Love, it was the JOY of Jesus to honor the Father's will and suffer a torture stake.

[Heb 12:2 KJV] 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the JOY that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

[Act 2:23 NIV] 23 This man was handed over to you by God's deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross.

[John 17:1-7 NIV] 1 After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: "Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. 2 For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him.

3 Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. 4 I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.

6 "I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. 7 Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you.

DELIGHT in the FEAR of the LORD

[Isaiah 11:2-3 NASB] 2 The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him, The spirit of wisdom and understanding, The spirit of counsel and strength, The spirit of knowledge and the FEAR of the LORD. 3 And He will DELIGHT in the FEAR of the LORD, And He will not judge by what His eyes see, Nor make a decision by what His ears hear;

Amazing love comes through the words of Isaiah 11:2-3 cited above where it speaks prophetically of Jesus Christ (Yeshua Ha Maschiach) having the spirit of the LORD YAHWEH (JEHOVAH) resting upon him. The spirit of the Lord, which consists of wisdom, understanding, counsel, strength, knowledge and the FEAR of the Lord are all wonderful facets of the Father's very being and essence. You may be wondering in what manner is the fear of the Lord a facet of his being. In the context of the Father's spirit, I am led to believe it is referring to his awe inspiring greatness, fierceness and power.

Jesus walked in the purpose and calling of the Father exemplifying the only begotten Son of God while being God himself. It is a paradox, a mystery I'm positively sure we will someday understand when we all get to heaven. In the meantime we simply believe by faith receiving it as truth, as it says, [John 1:1 NASB] 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

If Jesus, being God could fear the LORD YAHWEH, his Father and our heavenly Father, so should we. Isaiah 11:3 drives home the point of Jesus not fearing the Lord out of compulsion because it clearly states that he DELIGHTS in the FEAR of the LORD. "Delight" in Hebrew is "ruwach", Strong's #H7306.

Looking in Strong's concordance I see "ruwach" is found in the KJV (11) times by which (8) of the (11) times it is translated as smell and only (1) time as "delight". Ruwach is a primitive root that means to blow, breathe and literally to smell and by implication metaphorically to "delight" and "enjoy". Also by way of significance to "perceive".

I love digging deep getting to the root of things. I find it further interesting what Gesenius Lexicon says about the root word meaning of "ruwach". It says, "...to smell (as is done by drawing the air in and out by the nostrils,...to smell with pleasure, to be pleased with the smell of anything. ...hence generally to delight in. "His delight (speaking of Jesus) shall be in the fear of the Lord". The signification of a SWEET SMELL is often applied to that which PLEASES."

This is an awesome revelation that the fear of the Lord can be a delight because of the "SWEET SMELL" of the Lord. That doesn't negate the meaning to fear God in the way we are more inclined to understand. We most often think about the fear of the Lord in terms of having a deep sense of awe, respect and reverence for the Lord and of course being afraid and scared of God in the sense of displeasing him. We want to be doers of the Word. [James 1:22 KJV] 22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

John Bevere, an excellent teacher has put out an awesome in depth study on the fear of the Lord and I will share a few tidbits or highlights most appreciated. Most I think understand the basic principles on the fear of the Lord, which are to embrace and esteem God, to shun evil, to hate evil and depart from evil. These are all significant parts of the equation "to fear God".

Yet, Bevere's study helped me see another side of the equation, for it really does involve having a sense of dread and anxiety. In this case, it goes further. It means to feel afraid, scared and even moreso feeling terrified. Yes, that is feeling afraid, scared and terrified of being away from God.

When I heard John Bevere say that in his video teaching, I was like YES! I would have given him a high five if I could have. That's it. That's the meat in the pot of Fear of God stew. There's no worse feeling than feeling God is not with us. We may feel lost, abandoned, alone, and hurt when far away from God. But that's only if we DELIGHT in the FEAR of the LORD like Jesus! To delight in the fear of the Lord adds FLAVOR to the pot of stew.

Consider how profound that is, delighting in the fear of the Lord. Now I understand how the fear of the Lord draws us closer to God which is his desire for each of us. Jesus was close to the Father and it was evident he ENJOYED the time he spent with the Father. He often separated himself from everyone including his closest disciples to spend time in prayer and intimate association with the Father. I am learning to stay focused on my quest to draw close to the Father and the Lord Jesus with the help of our helper the Holy Spirit.

Let's go back to where we began speaking of what Gesenius Lexicon says about the root word meaning of "ruwach". It says, "...to smell (as is done by drawing the air in and out by the nostrils,...to smell with pleasure, to be pleased with the smell of anything. ...hence generally to delight in. Understanding the root meaning of delight as it is used in the context of Isaiah 11:3 brings into focus the dynamics at play in our close association with the Lord.

The "SWEET AROMA", the smell of the Lord will draw us in to him in close association just as it did our Lord Jesus. The sweet smell of his Spirit permeates the air as we soak in his presence sensing his love, joy, peace, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, patience, humility, wisdom and the awesome beauty of His holiness.

[Galatians 5:22-23 NASB] 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

[Psalm 29:2 KJV] 2 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.

We can dwell with the Lord spending intimate time just talking, worshipping and praising him in a comfortable setting we've set up in our home, or workplace if we have the luxury of our own private office space. Another private setting favorable for intimate time with the Lord can be in our cars. I've heard of some that are married with children say to steal away private time with the Lord, they go out to their car. Basically anywhere can be a sanctuary if we are alone in our thoughts of communication with the Lord.

I have come to "delight in the FEAR of the LORD" just as Jesus (Yeshua) when I turn on my worship/soaking music. I set the atmosphere for the HOLY SPIRIT which is what ushers in the sweet smelling aroma of God's spirit. The peaceful setting is condusive to enjoyable bible reading and meditation, conversations with God and just simply RESTING in his presence. Drawing close to HIM means everything to me.

My hope is that you also will come to "delight in the FEAR of the LORD" by holding God in the highest esteem and awe, being afraid or scared of being away or apart from God, shunning evil and best of all, enjoying the presence of God as you spend intimate time with him basking in the SWEET AROMAS of his presence.

Scriptures for reference:

[Act 2:23 NIV] 23 This man was handed over to you by God's deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross.

[Heb 12:2 KJV] 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the JOY that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

[John 17:1-8 KJV] 1 These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: 2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.

3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. 4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. 5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.

6 I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. 7 Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee.

8 For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received [them], and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.

[Psalm 73:28 KJV] 28 But [it is] good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.

[Heb 10:22 KJV] 22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

[John 15:26 KJV] 26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, [even] the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

[John 16:28 KJV] 28 I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.

[John 17:5 KJV] 5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.

[Luke 4:42 NLT] 42 Early the next morning Jesus went out to an isolated place. The crowds searched everywhere for him, and when they finally found him, they begged him not to leave them.

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Seeing the Face of God (Part 1)

11/12/2016

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[Micah 7:7 KJV] 7 Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me.

I had a wonderful dream early yesterday, on Friday morning. I went to bed Thursday night secure in the LOVE of the Lord. Early in the morning between 4:00-6:00am I dreamt I saw my Lord Jesus (Yeshua) and SEEING the FACE of the LORD, our BRIDEGROOM, couldn't have come at a better time. In the dream, I remember I was looking out a large picture window up at the sky and in the midst of the clouds I saw the Lord suddenly appear.

[Genesis 33:10 NLT] 10 But Jacob insisted, .... And what a relief to see your friendly smile. It is like seeing the face of God!

[Num 6:25 NLT] 25 May the LORD smile on you and be gracious to you.

[Psalm 4:6 NLT] 6 Many people say, "Who will show us better times?" Let your face smile on us, LORD.

[Psalm 67:1 NLT] 1 For the choir director: A song. A psalm, to be accompanied by stringed instruments. May God be merciful and bless us. May his face smile with favor on us. Interlude

His face and body were enormous in size and the vision was extremely clear and bright. There was no doubt that it was my Lord Jesus (Yeshua) himself, though I wouldn't be able to tell you what he looked like. Does it even matter? I don't think so, but that's me. I only noticed that He had the HUGEST SMILE I've ever seen on his face. He looked so fearless, strong and confident as the Mighty One, the Lion of Judah would, yet kind and gentle as a LAMB.

[Psalm 45:3 NASB] 3 Gird Your sword on Your thigh, O Mighty One, In Your splendor and Your majesty!

[Rev 7:17 NASB] 17 for the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and will guide them to springs of the water of life; and God will wipe every tear from their eyes."

I turned around and went to the opposite side of the room which had another picture size window. I looked out at the sky and saw him appear in the clouds again. Only this time I saw something else appear on top of the vision of him as though trying to block my view of seeing him. It was an indescribable image of some sort of symbol but I don't know what it was.

When I awakened and started to recall the dream, the Lord led me right away to the book of Micah. Immediately my eyes were drawn to Micah 7:2 which sounds precisely like a scriptural reference to the RAPTURE to me.

[Micah 7:2 HCSB] 2 Godly people have vanished from the land; there is no one upright among the people. All of them wait in ambush to shed blood; they hunt each other with a net.

Imagine soon, this scripture will be fulfilled when the Lord removes his FAITHFUL BRIDE from the LAND, the earth to be exact, taking her to heaven to be with HIM forever. Next as I continued to read Micah 7, I reached verse 7 which also struck a chord in me.

[Micah 7:7 HCSB] 7 But I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me.

On Wednesday morning, we elected a new president in one of the most divisive elections ever held in our history. I wrote these very words in my FB status that morning not knowing what Micah 7:7 said. Many that morning awakened elated and excited about the outcome of the elections, yet others felt like it was their worse nightmare.

However, there was another group of people such as myself that felt glad the elections were over and that we were one day CLOSER to seeing our LORD come for us, HIS WAITING and WATCHING FAITHFUL BRIDE. Seeing the FACE OF GOD was special of course but what made it even more special was HIS SMILE. When the Lord SMILES on us it makes everything else irrelevant. When God is for us who can be against us. Well, it doesn't matter does it.

I want to talk to you, the FAITHFUL WATCHING BRIDE of CHRIST. The Lord wants me to tell you to keep LOOKING up to the SKY. HE is INDEED coming SOONER than MOST think. He appreciates our LOYALTY, DEDICATION and FAITHFULNESS to HIM. We have made a conscientious decision to NOT PUT our trust in man at a time when the church is going in the opposite direction towards the world. But we know this world is passing away.

It's not that I have anything at all against Donald Trump. Did God have something to do with him getting into office. Perhaps, I believe so. But I think the church as a whole are missing the REAL PURPOSE behind it. I've heard several prominent ministers talk about Trump's presidency bringing a time for their WEALTH and PROSPERITY, saying that the rapture is many, many years away. One prominent minister says the rapture is more than twenty years away. According to their own words, they have been privileged to see the Father's timeline in heaven. Wow...I don't know. Time will bear out the truth for sure.

I pray for president elect Trump and the present administration as well as all world leaders so that God's kingdom work can be done and get accomplished for the sake of more lost souls coming in. But I want to be balanced in my view remaining SOBER and ALERT to the TIMES we are living in. I pray that you will remain FOCUSED and ALERT, staying on the WATCH and not get distracted by the WORLD and what it has to offer. This world is temporal but God's kingdom is ETERNAL.

[Matthew 25:13 NASB] 13 "Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour.

[Mark 13:35 NASB] 35 "Therefore, be on the alert--for you do not know when the master of the house is coming, whether in the evening, at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning--

We are no part of this world, not just in lip service but in our actions and deeds by remaining separate from the world and it's affairs to me means just that. My heart is towards heaven and not the things this world offers. I want nothing of it, period. All material things will soon be burnt up in the fire.

[2Peter 3:10 NASB] 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up.

The only thing of lasting value to remain will be those of a PURE HEART of GOLD.

[1Cor 3:15 NASB] 15 If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.

[2Timothy 2:22 NASB] 22 Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

[Psalm 73:1 NASB] 1 A Psalm of Asaph. Surely God is good to Israel,To those who are pure in heart!

[Matthew 5:8 NASB] 8 "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Those who are uncompromising and devoted. They are the TRUE ISRAEL of God. ISRAEL means the one who PREVAILS. Will you and I prevail, meaning overcome, enduring till the end by keeping our EYES focused on the Saviour, for he is our Salvation. The Spirit and the Bride say, "Come". Come Lord Jesus.

[Rev 22:17, 20 NASB] 17 The Spirit and the bride say, "Come." And let the one who hears say, "Come." And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost. ... 20 He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming quickly." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

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Seeing the Face of God (Part 2)

11/9/2016

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Seeing the Face of God (Part 2)

I had another awesome dream this morning surrounding the Lord. Two days in a row is more than I could ever ask for. Although, I don't remember a lot of the details I remember the important things for sure. Seeing the Lord's FACE again was more than awesome, though this time I was observing him from across the room and didn't really have a close up of what he looked like.

Let me start by saying in the beginning of the dream I saw a couple together that I assumed were either married or engaged. I don't know what it was but apparently I saw them together on several occasions to come to that conclusion. As the scene changed,  I was at a gathering and there was food being served. It wasn't elaborate or anything. It was like a get together of family and friends. This couple I noticed that stood out were standing together talking at the gathering. I couldn't keep my eyes off of them. I could tell he was smitten by her and it was obvious she was smitten by him.

I was curious because I realized this was the same young man I had seen earlier with a different woman. I couldn't believe that he was with this other young lady now. She looked a lot different from the first lady. This young lady I would describe as a plain Jane. I was completely mesmerized by this couple now observing their every move.

They danced a bit, then afterwards they seem to be having so much fun with each other. They were in deep conversation, laughing, talking, and jesting with each other like when you're telling someone a story and you hit them with your hand for emphasis demonstrating how close and familiar you are with each other. It was rather obvious that they were BOTH in LOVE with each other but were also good FRIENDS. I almost felt a little jealous, thinking wow I want whatever it is they have. Then I woke up. ha ha

The Holy Spirit gave me the interpretation right away. He said the first lady was the unfaithful harlot church who really loves the world more than the Lord. She has a relationship with him in title only as his wife but not in an authentic relationship. There's no intimacy, it's only a surface relationship. She's only interested in what he has to give to her but she's not willing to give back. Nor is she willing to find out what makes him happy. It's all about her.

The young lady I was mesmerized by was the FAITHFUL BRIDE of Christ. She can be described as a young maiden or shepherd girl., like one of the wise virgins perhaps. The Lord loves her because of her inner beauty, not for outward beauty. They have a close intimate relationship that they have developed over time. They really like each other and enjoy one another's company.

The Lord led me to read Song of Songs 4:8-11

[Song of Songs 4:7-11 HCSB] 7 You are absolutely beautiful, my darling, with no imperfection in you. 8 Come with me from Lebanon, my bride -- with me from Lebanon! Descend from the peak of Amana, from the summit of Senir and Hermon, from the dens of the lions, from the mountains of the leopards.

9 You have captured my heart, my sister, my bride. You have captured my heart with one glance of your eyes, with one jewel of your necklace. 10 How delightful your love is, my sister, my bride. Your love is much better than wine, and the fragrance of your perfume than any balsam.

11 Your lips drip sweetness like the honeycomb, my bride. Honey and milk are under your tongue. The fragrance of your garments is like the fragrance of Lebanon.

14 nard and saffron, calamus and cinnamon, with all the trees of frankincense, myrrh and aloes, with all the best spices.

Jesus loves spending alone time with his BEAUTIFUL FAITHFUL BRIDE because he knows she has eyes ONLY for Him and he has eyes ONLY for her. He can trust her words will always be sweet as honeycomb. They enjoy the same things, everything decent and moral. Standing in HOLINESS, she's more than a HOLY  bride, she's like a SISTER. Better said, like a good FRIEND.

Her beauty is surpassing, unrivalled, unparalleled, unmatched by the unfaithful bride who is really a prostitute. The faithful bride's beauty surpasses the worldly, fake, gaudy immodest dressing women that prance around, mincing their steps in their stilettos and high heels.

[Isaiah 3:16-24 NASB] 16 Moreover, the LORD said, "Because the daughters of Zion are proud And walk with heads held high and seductive eyes, And go along with mincing steps And tinkle the bangles on their feet, 17 Therefore the Lord will afflict the scalp of the daughters of Zion with scabs, And the LORD will make their foreheads bare."

18 In that day the Lord will take away the beauty of their anklets, headbands, crescent ornaments, 19 dangling earrings, bracelets, veils, 20 headdresses, ankle chains, sashes, perfume boxes, amulets, 21 finger rings, nose rings, 22 festal robes, outer tunics, cloaks, money purses, 23 hand mirrors, undergarments, turbans and veils.

24 Now it will come about that instead of sweet perfume there will be putrefaction; Instead of a belt, a rope; Instead of well-set hair, a plucked-out scalp; Instead of fine clothes, a donning of sackcloth; And branding instead of beauty.

The faithful bride doesn't put emphasis on her outer beauty. She is balanced in knowing where true beauty lies, within her heart. Her beauty comes from the fruits of the Spirit that are like jewels to beset her heart as the jewels of a necklace would lay on her chest across her heart.  The qualities of a meek, humble spirit are far more attractive than a selfish, proud and haughty spirit to our Lord

[Gal 5:22-23 NIV] 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

The shepherd girl or maiden has captured the GREAT SHEPHERD'S attention with her immense desire to please him and know him intimately. Like the cedars of Lebanon, she's refreshing, a breath of fresh air to the Lord. The Hebrew word for cedar is "eretz" meaning firm roots. The faithful bride has firm roots PLANTED in the Lord having a firm foundation in his righteousness.

24 Now it will come about that instead of sweet perfume there will be putrefaction; Instead of a belt, a rope; Instead of well-set hair, a plucked-out scalp; Instead of fine clothes, a donning of sackcloth; And branding instead of beauty

She's not stale or putrid smelly like the evil CARNAL fleshly prostitute who belongs to the world. Instead, her fragrance comes from perfumes like frankincense and myrrh which denote her lifestyle of self denial and self sacrifice. Christ Jesus is smitten by the sweet spirit of his faithful bride that is loving, kind, and unselfish.

Her love is so PURE and SIMPLE based on her knowledge of him. She knows and appreciates just how much he loves her. The love and presence of God is truly tangible when he lets us know that we have captured his heart. There is nothing to compare to feeling loved by our CREATOR. She doesn't take that kind of LOVE for granted because she knows it came at a great cost to him. His blood is most precious in her eyes and thereby she cherishes their relationship. I saw two people so much in LOVE they seemed to be made PERFECT for each other.

The FAITHFUL BRIDE aspires to have this kind of relationship with her bridegroom Jesus (Yeshua). The Lord assures me that he sees each of us in our personal one on one relationship with him in the way I saw him and the maiden in the dream. He is interested in each of us individually to have the kind of intimacy that sparks uninhibited conversation, and genuine interaction with him. We learn to trust God as we dialogue with him because as we talk with the Lord, he actually answers us back.

I asked the Lord how can we develop the kind of trust that leads to a close relationship when in reality he's not here with us in a physical sense. It's easy to observe this kind of relationship in a dream and write about it but Lord, what are practical, real ways I can share to help us all develop this kind of closeness with you?

The Lord said, read the Word. He leads me to Proverbs 2.

[Proverbs 2:1-22 HCSB] 1 My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, 2 listening closely to wisdom and directing your heart to understanding; 3 furthermore, if you call out to insight and lift your voice to understanding,

4 if you seek it like silver and search for it like hidden treasure, 5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God. 6 For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. 7 He stores up success for the upright; He is a shield for those who live with integrity

8 so that He may guard the paths of justice and protect the way of His loyal followers. 9 Then you will understand righteousness, justice, and integrity -- every good path. 10 For wisdom will enter your mind, and knowledge will delight your heart. 11 Discretion will watch over you, and understanding will guard you,

12 rescuing you from the way of evil -- from the one who says perverse things, 13 from those who abandon the right paths to walk in ways of darkness, 14 from those who enjoy doing evil and celebrate perversion, 15 whose paths are crooked, and whose ways are devious. 16 It will rescue you from a forbidden woman, from a stranger with her flattering talk,

17 who abandons the companion of her youth and forgets the covenant of her God; 18 for her house sinks down to death and her ways to the land of the departed spirits. 19 None return who go to her; none reach the paths of life. 20 So follow the way of good people, and keep to the paths of the righteous.

21 For the upright will inhabit the land, and those of integrity will remain in it; 22 but the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the treacherous uprooted from it.

The FEAR of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. That knowledge we need to get to know the Lord Jesus and the Father is found in the Word of God, the bible. He also said prayer, talking to him in prayer about our daily concerns, desires, needs. He wants us to come to him with our troubles. In this world we will have tribulation but he has overcome the world. However we want to know him in respect to what pleases him so we can do his will.

His will is not complicated is what I hear the Holy Spirit saying. It is quite simple. Love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. Love your neighbor as yourself. Love and pray for your enemies because we must surpass the ways of the world. Jesus said even people of the world love people who love them. The true mark of a Christian is to love those who don't love us back, those who don't know us but regardless, we give of ourselves to help anyone in need.

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I KNOW THAT MY REDEEMER LIVES

10/3/2016

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Morning Manna with Love ~ October 3, 2016 ~

My Redeemer Lives

Have you ever felt isolated and alone at a time you're experiencing great pain and suffering though you are surrounded by lots of people not just strangers but people you know care about you and your well being? Are you by chance going through a trial of sickness that is even life threatening where the pain is at times unbearable?

Which kind of pain is more unbearable, physical, mental or emotional? Well, that's a loaded question because you may be thinking, who are you to tell me your emotional or mental pain is less than my physical pain and vice versa. Exactly. But tell that to the person who's depression led them to commit suicide.

In the end PAIN and suffering is subjective. By subjective I mean it's not something you can verify. You can't verify my pain and neither can I verify your pain to compare and see if mine is greater or lesser than yours and vice versa. However, we can and should be sympathetic and empathetic towards one another.

Today many are going through hardships of pain and suffering whether physical, mental, emotional or spiritual. Much of the time whether our pain is physical, emotional, or mental it will have some kind of impact on our spiritual walk. It will either have a positive effect drawing us closer to the Lord or a negative effect drawing us further away from God.

That brings me to the subject of this blog posting. I was crying out to the Lord because of the physical pain I've been experiencing the last month that several times have brought me to my knees. Sometimes the pain is so unbearable and only with God's help can I endure it. I asked the Lord today while in prayer to lead me in what He wanted to speak to me about if anything. He led me to the book of Job chapter 19 and my eyes immediately went to verses 25-27. See below

[Job 19:25-27 NIV] 25 I know that MY REDEEMER LIVES, and that in the end HE will STAND on the EARTH. 26 And after MY SKIN has been DESTROYED, yet in MY FLESH I will see GOD; 27 I myself will see him with my own eyes--I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!

I love, love, love this scripture. YES, MY REDEEMER LIVES! HIS NAME IS JESUS CHRIST (YESHUA HA MASCHIAH). These words can be of great comfort to anyone who is battling a severe illness, especially one that is life threatening. Job says after my skin is destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God. When we get older, yes I'm a senior citizen, took my early retirement a couple of years ago so now you know my age. haha...as I was saying when you get to be my age and even some are younger but close, your skin starts to wrinkle and get thin.

Sometime there's pain just at the touch of your skin. This is what I imagine Job was feeling, pain at just the slightest touch yet he had hope to live again in the FLESH at that. This scripture so blessed my soul as I read it and I cried while thanking the Lord for his Word which is an ANCHOR for my and your soul as well. Nobody knows the trouble I've seen or been through...does that song sound familiar.

Though I've not been given a death sentence perhaps you reading this may have received one from the doctor or know someone who has. I will always stand on the Words of healing that are found in Isaiah 53:4-5, till I take my last breath or am raptured whichever comes first. As well as pray for those I know need healing in their body whether physical, mental, emotional or spiritual.

"Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed." NIV

You may not be old enough to remember that song. The questions I posed to you in the opening scenario are what came to mind as I started to read Job, chapters 18-23. What I love about JOB (pronounced JOBE) is the fact that he didn't know it was the devil bringing all the tragedies, the pain and sufferings his way. His suppose to be friends came I believe with the right intentions. However, they were self-assuming in that Job had done something bad. Their much needed attention as friends should be were enwrapped with countless hurtful words. They proved to be anything but comfort to Job.

I'm sure they cared about Job but didn't realize much of what they were saying was unjustified and untrue. Sometimes the people closest to us say all the wrong things at the wrong time. Though there's never a right time to say the wrong thing, it can hurt more when we are feeling our lowest. Their words attacked Job cutting him to the core. Though his friends and his wife were around him, he was ALONE in his pain and suffering. Notice what Job's so called friend Bildad said to him at Job 18: 18-21

[Job 18:18-21 NIV] 18 He is driven from light into the realm of darkness and is banished from the world. 19 He has no offspring or descendants among his people, no survivor where once he lived. 20 People of the west are appalled at his fate; those of the east are seized with horror. 21 Surely such is the dwelling of an evil man; such is the place of one who does not know God."

Can you imagine a good friend saying these kind of things to you after losing your children and all your life possessions and health. Here Job is hearing how others are talking bad about him, being appalled and the friend seems to be agreeing with their assessment.

Next his other friend Zophar adds more fuel to the fire they have set in front of Job falsely accusing Job just as Satan had falsely accused Job in the first place. Accusing him of oppressing the poor, leaving them destitute, taking their homes, homes he didn't own. How mean and hateful it would be to do that. We know from the record Job was nothing like described below.

[Job 20:19-23 NIV] 19 For he has oppressed the poor and left them destitute; he has seized houses he did not build. 20 "Surely he will have no respite from his craving; he cannot save himself by his treasure.

21 Nothing is left for him to devour; his prosperity will not endure. 22 In the midst of his plenty, distress will overtake him; the full force of misery will come upon him. 23 When he has filled his belly, God will vent his burning anger against him and rain down his blows on him.

What I find most amazing about Job is that he doesn't back down from his so called friends. He comes right back in defence of the attack upon his character by his three companions. When you read what Zophar says above, it's true that God's burning anger does come against the wicked. His words were true but they didn't apply to Job.

Also Job knew in his heart that he loved God and was probably WRESTLING with WHY God ALLOWED these trials and tribulation to come upon him. He says if ONLY I knew where to find Him , Job says if he search here or there for God he couldn't find Him. How many times have we felt the same, Oh God if only I could find you NOW, this moment, this time.

[Job 23:3 NIV] 3 If only I knew where to find him; if only I could go to his dwelling!

[Job 23:8-17 NIV] 8 "But if I go to the east, he is not there; if I go to the west, I do not find him. 9 When he is at work in the north, I do not see him; when he turns to the south, I catch no glimpse of him. 10 But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.

That's the worse feeling ever, when in our trials and tribulation God seems to be so far away that we feel isolated and so alone. I wrote a song called "Come Lord Jesus" a couple of years ago and this is the first verse along with the chorus.

Come O come Lord Jesus, my heart is longing for you, don't delay. Oh how I love you Jesus, why do you seem so far away? But I can see you through eyes of faith, at heaven's door we're face to face. And you remind me, that you're not gone...I feel your heartbeat within this song.

Chorus: I'm really not so far away, you say, my Holy Spirit's with you ALWAYS
Don't fret my child, in just a while,...you'll see me coming on the clouds...don't fret my child, in just a while...you'll hear, you'll hear the trumpet sound...I'm really not so far away today, my Holy Spirit's with you always

Though he couldn't find the Lord in the time of his hardest trials and sufferings he remained faithful to God having a healthy fear of God. We also, must fear God not wanting to displease him in any way, respecting Him for WHO he is.

13 "But HE STANDS ALONE, and who can OPPOSE him? He does whatever he pleases.

14 He carries out his decree against me, and many such plans he still has in store. 15 That is why I am terrified before him; when I think of all this, I fear him. 16 God has made my heart faint; the Almighty has terrified me. 17 Yet I am not silenced by the darkness, by the thick darkness that covers my face.

Notice in verse 14, JOB is saying that God is the one that carried out his plans against him. Yet in all he suffered he never cursed God because he did not consider God to be unjust. The HCSB says Job did not blame God. In either case, the final analysis says that his healthy fear of God keeps him balanced in his thinking.

He knows better than to CHALLENGE or OPPOSE God in saying God is wrong. In that sense of the word JOB did not blame God. No doubt Job had a close personal relationship with God, knowing God is love. Compare Job 1:8

[Job 1:8 NIV] 8 Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil."

So therefore, Job's probably thinking, I want to just ask God WHY? I say that because he says, "If only I knew where to find him; if only I could go to his dwelling. How many times have we ever thought WHY God? WHY is this happening? Are you doing this or is this the enemy? If so, WHY are you permitting it. Perhaps like Job, we're thinking if only I could go to heaven, to his dwelling.

Though we can go there by faith, sometimes our faith is lacking. Although Job lacked knowing all the circumstances behind his situation, he knew God had all the answers. That's TRUST. We must TRUST God that He knows what is best for us even though we don't always understand. But still we want to know WHY God! We just want to know. It's in our human nature.

[Job 1:22 HCSB] 22 Throughout all this Job did not sin or blame God for anything.

Compare the same scripture in the NIV

[Job 1:22 NIV] 22 In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.

Job made no charges of wrongdoing to God not knowing it was Satan doing everything to him. Also note what Job said in verses 11-12. He treasures God's word more than his daily bread.

11 My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside. 12 I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread

Job was likely familiar with Deut 8:3 which Jesus quoted to the devil in the desert that man must not live on bread alone but on every utterance of God. What a play on words because God's Word is our daily bread, the true manna from heaven. Jesus himself is the bread from heaven, the manna which is the Word of God. Compare John 1:1

[Mat 4:4 NIV] 4 Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every WORD that comes from the mouth of God.'"

[John 1:1 NIV] 1 In the beginning was the WORD, and the WORD was with God, and the WORD was God.

That is the point I would like to drive home in this article. We must continue to keep our integrity to God like Job no matter how hard it gets. If Job could continue to love and trust God thinking God was bringing all the trials and tribulation on him, how much more so for us. We know the truth behind the story of Job though Job and his friends had no idea of the TRUE circumstances behind his trial.

[Job 1:7-11 NIV] 7 The LORD said to Satan, "Where have you come from?" Satan answered the LORD, "From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it." 8 Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil."

9 "Does Job fear God for nothing?" Satan replied. 10 "Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. 11 But now stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face."

It was actually the devil, Satan behind it. Satan ask God "Does Job fear God for nothing?" It's the same today. He still accuses us falsely as he did Job and God allows him to test us in the same way. However, we can rejoice in the outcome of Job as he did receive everything back that was taken.

We all have a CROSS to bear in sharing in the sufferings of Christ. [2Tim 2:3 HCSB] 3 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Many Christians don't want to hear that today I know. We like the part about being heirs. I remember when I was making my posters of scriptures for my war room and one scripture I chose was Roman 8:17. I wrote it out in huge letters to read everyday.

[Rom 8:17 NIV] 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

But I have to admit, every time I got to the part about suffering, I got a lump in my throat. It's only normal but the Lord gives us the grace to endure if we ask and lean on him. For the JOY set before Him Jesus endured a torture stake. So we must endure. How? By keeping our eyes heavenward, setting the JOY that comes up ahead in our MAIN FOCUS.

We must take REFUGE in Him especially in times of suffering for righteousness sake. Even when our suffering is our own fault we can humble ourselves before the Lord for the Lord loves a contrite heart and spirit in that He will lift us up in His own due time.

[Isa 57:15 NIV] 15 For this is what the high and exalted One says-- he who lives forever, whose name is holy: "I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.

[Isa 66:2 NIV] 2 Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?" declares the LORD. "These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.

I will end with a special message to the faithful bride church, the church of Philadelphia. You are longing and awaiting the bridegroom. The Holy Spirit leads me to say that just as JOB's daughters were equally blessed with an inheritance along with his sons, so will the BRIDE church, comprised of the sons and daughters of God Most High soon receive their inheritance from the heavenly Father.

[Job 42:15 HCSB] 15 No women as beautiful as Job's daughters could be found in all the land, and their FATHER granted them an inheritance with their brothers.

The Lord wants to tell us that it won't be long before we are rewarded with blessings beyond our imagination. We have a special place in heaven with him, for we are seated with him in heavenly places now.

[Ephesians 2:4-6 NASB] 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,

Just as JOB was elevated after being humbled, the bride will be elevated and blessed by all including her enemies. Therefore take these words to heart and meditate on the promises of God, SAVOR the sweet sayings of Psalm 65:4

"How happy is the one YOU choose and bring NEAR to live in YOUR COURTS! We will be SATISFIED with the GOODNESS of YOUR house, the HOLINESS of YOUR TEMPLE. HCSB

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Storm on the Horizon

8/25/2016

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Photo courtesy of Ray Bilcliff ~ www.trueportraits.com

Storm on the Horizon (Word received August 25, 2016)

As soon as I woke up this morning I heard the Lord clearly say, read Isaiah 26. I had no idea what Isaiah 26 was about. I was more convinced than ever that I had just heard the Lord speak to me after reading it. These two verses spoke to me deeply for it is my daily heart cry, can you relate too?

[Isaiah 26:8-9 NLT] 8 LORD, we show our trust in you by obeying your laws; our heart's desire is to glorify your name. 9 All night long I search for you; in the morning I earnestly seek for God. For only when you come to judge the earth will people learn what is right.

It's a reassuring message of God's love for us and it speaks of his promise to protect those who are faithful to him. We are not appointed to his wrath. It also speaks directly to those who are not trusting in God or obeying him from their heart.

[Isaiah 26:10-11 NLT] 10 Your kindness to the wicked does not make them do good. Although others do right, the wicked keep doing wrong and take no notice of the LORD's majesty. 11 O LORD, they pay no attention to your upraised fist. Show them your eagerness to defend your people. Then they will be ashamed. Let your fire consume your enemies.

I want to highlight the concluding verses which summarize the focal points. They speak volumes for themselves. There will be joyous times for some but unfortunately there is a storm on the horizon for the world.

[Isaiah 26:19-21 NLT] 19 But those who die in the LORD will live; their bodies will rise again! Those who sleep in the earth will rise up and sing for joy! For your life-giving light will fall like dew on your people in the place of the dead!

20 Go home, my people, and lock your doors! Hide yourselves for a little while until the LORD's anger has passed.

21 Look! The LORD is coming from heaven to punish the people of the earth for their sins. The earth will no longer hide those who have been killed. They will be brought out for all to see.

Soon afterwards, the Lord gave me a Word expounding on what was on his heart and what He wanted me to relay as far as this message goes. There are lots of scriptures for reference at the end of the message.

Where is your FEAR of ME
Wait on the Lord for He is good to you. [Psalm 37:34 KJV] 34 Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see [it]. Why do you raise red flags that are opposing me. These are idols in your heart used to signal who you really are and what you stand for.

[Ezekiel 14:7-8 KJV] 7 For every one ...., which separateth himself from me, and setteth up his idols in his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, .....

Many hearts are unforgiving, far from me being full of hate, bitterness, and bigotry. My children you are different shades of color, of different ethnicities but you are ALL my creation, created in MY image. The world is watching you but what many of you have failed to realize is this, that I AM watching you. Where is your fear of ME? The enemy is manipulating many hearts to hate instead of love. You must each examine your hearts to know where I stand on the issues confronting you. I am the only answer to your problems in this world.

[Galatians 5:15 NLT] 15 But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another.

[1Peter 3:12 NLT] 12 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil."

Surrender your hearts with the banner of love upon your flagstaff. I didn't know what flagstaff meant so I looked it up. (Flagstaff means pole, it is the means by which we hold up the banner of love). Jesus carries the banner of love over his bride church though He is the banner of love himself. He is also the pole that holds the banner. Hold and wave your banner of love says the Lord to pursue peace with me. You must pursue peace with all your brothers and sisters first before I accept your signal of love towards me.

[Psalm 34:14 NIV] 14 Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it..

Open your hands to give to the poor, help those who cannot help themselves. Allow no room for evil, do not compromise your faith. This world is passing away. I will do away with all wickedness. It is a new day coming, a new era is about to begin leading to the demise of all who love this world of sin. It will mean the death of all who oppose my coming saith the Lord. There is no peace for the wicked. Stay in your homes and wait til my judgement passes over this wicked generation.

[Malachi 3:5 NIV] 5 "So I will come to put you on trial. I will be quick to testify against sorcerers, adulterers and perjurers, against those who defraud laborers of their wages, who oppress the widows and the fatherless, and deprive the foreigners among you of justice, but do not fear me," says the LORD Almighty.

Seek ME, Resist EVIL
Nothing will ever surpass or compare to what I am about to do. It is a unique day. Some will see me and find me in their chamber closet. I want to be found by all but not all want to find me. They only look to themselves to find in the end they were trapped by their own wayward thinking and selfish desires. They eat well but are always hungry never really satisfied. They are dying a slow spiritual death unawares. They have made a pact with death saying it will never come near me. But it will come upon you as a snare, snatching you into it's grip.

Repent my people who are called by my name. I am beginning with you because you know better. You know that I am a God who is holy. My Word is pure and unadulterated, being sacred just as my people are to me. My blood covers your sins as it was poured out for you. But it is not for you to take for granted and trample under feet. My promises from long ago will soon come to pass. You will see with your eyes the dead come to life as your mortal bodies are changed in an instant. The time is near, the clock is ticking towards the final count down.

[Hebrews 10:29 NLT] 29 Just think how much worse the punishment will be for those who have trampled on the Son of God, and have treated the blood of the covenant, which made us holy, as if it were common and unholy, and have insulted and disdained the Holy Spirit who brings God's mercy to us.

Serious times are ahead for those who are stubborn in heart. For those who are smart in their own eyes. For those who will seek me with all their heart I will be found. Read my Word. Seek me for yourself and find me. Love one another as I have loved you. It covers a multitude of sins. There are no divisions among my people. I didn't say there SHOULD be no divisions among my people. I say, "There ARE NO DIVISIONS AMONG MY PEOPLE". Period. Love is color blind.

(My comment: We must not take the BAIT of Satan. I just had a lesson in this from a study done at church recently based on John Bevere's book. Taking offense is a bait trap I have easily fallen into too many times so I'm working hard on not being so quick to take offense and more importantly to not hold onto it.)

Resist the spirit of offense, hatred, anger, bitterness, unforgiveness, pride and greed. Also resist the spirits of lust and sexual immorality which is debauchery. Debauchery is excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures engulfed in perversions, iniquity, wickedness, promiscuity and lewdness. Instead take the hand of my Holy Spirit. Let me guide you and teach you in the way of LOVE. Love and pray for those who hate you and persecute you. You will be challenged in how you love more and more these days.

LOVE the Ultimate Test
This is the ultimate test of your faith for many. For all will know you are my disciples not by your gifts and talents, nor by your ministry, your position on the corporate ladder, the size of your bank account, your house, the car you drive or any of your material possessions. You will not be known as my disciple by who you know or rub elbows with. It is only by the LOVE you have among yourselves.

2Corinthians 8:8 NLT] 8 I am not commanding you to do this. But I am testing how genuine your love is by comparing it with the eagerness of the other churches.

[1John 3:14, 16 NLT] 14 If we love our Christian brothers and sisters, it proves that we have passed from death to life. But a person who has no love is still dead. ... 16 We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters.

Real LOVE is not PRETENTIOUS. You cannot give something you don't have. You must have my HOLY SPIRIT. I am the only way, truth and life. Wait for ME. Keep WATCHING. I AM COMING SOONER than SOON! Your Lord Jesus Christ (Yeshua Ha Maschiach)

Scriptures for reference:
[Psalm 37:34 KJV] 34 Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see [it].

[Ezekiel 14:7-8 KJV] 7 For every one of the house of Israel, or of the stranger that sojourneth in Israel, which separateth himself from me, and setteth up his idols in his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, ......8 And I will set my face against that man, and will make him a sign and a proverb, and I will cut him off from the midst of my people; and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD.

[Malachi 3:5 NIV] 5 "So I will come to put you on trial. I will be quick to testify against sorcerers, adulterers and perjurers, against those who defraud laborers of their wages, who oppress the widows and the fatherless, and deprive the foreigners among you of justice, but do not fear me," says the LORD Almighty.

[Psalm 34:14 NIV] 14 Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
[1Peter 3:11 NIV] 11 They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it.

[Proverbs 25:21 NKJV] 21 If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;

[Isaiah 29:8 NKJV] 8 It shall even be as when a hungry man dreams, And look--he eats; But he awakes, and his soul is still empty; Or as when a thirsty man dreams, And look--he drinks; But he awakes, and indeed [he is] faint, And his soul still craves: So the multitude of all the nations shall be, Who fight against Mount Zion."

[Isaiah 58:7, 10 NKJV] 7 [Is it] not to share your bread with the hungry, And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; When you see the naked, that you cover him, And not hide yourself from your own flesh? ... 10 [If] you extend your soul to the hungry And satisfy the afflicted soul, Then your light shall dawn in the darkness, And your darkness shall [be] as the noonday.

[Isaiah 65:13 NKJV] 13 Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: "Behold, My servants shall eat, But you shall be hungry; Behold, My servants shall drink, But you shall be thirsty; Behold, My servants shall rejoice, But you shall be ashamed;

[Song of Songs 2:4 NKJV] 4 [The Shulamite to the Daughters of Jerusalem] He brought me to the banqueting house, And his banner over me [was] love.

[Hebrews 10:22 NKJV] 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

[James 1:27 NKJV] 27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, [and] to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

[James 3:17 NKJV] 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.

[1Peter 1:22 NKJV] 22 Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart,

[1Peter 2:2 NKJV] 2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby,

[Isaiah 26:4, 16, 19-21 NLT] 4 Trust in the LORD always, for the LORD GOD is the eternal Rock. ... 16 LORD, in distress we searched for you. We prayed beneath the burden of your discipline. ... 19 But those who die in the LORD will live; their bodies will rise again! Those who sleep in the earth will rise up and sing for joy!

For your life-giving light will fall like dew on your people in the place of the dead! 20 Go home, my people, and lock your doors! Hide yourselves for a little while until the LORD's anger has passed. 21 Look! The LORD is coming from heaven to punish the people of the earth for their sins. The earth will no longer hide those who have been killed. They will be brought out for all to see.

[Hebrews 10:26-27 NKJV] 26 For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries.

[Hebrews 10:29 NLT] 29 Just think how much worse the punishment will be for those who have trampled on the Son of God, and have treated the blood of the covenant, which made us holy, as if it were common and unholy, and have insulted and disdained the Holy Spirit who brings God's mercy to us.

[Acts 15:29 NKJV] 29 that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.

[Act 17:26 NKJV] 26 "And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings,

[Jeremiah 29:13 NIV] 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
[Amos 5:4 NIV] 4 This is what the LORD says to Israel: "Seek me and live;

[John 13:35 NIV] 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

[John 14:6 NIV] 6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

[Revelation 3:14-22 NLT] 14 "Write this letter to the angel of the church in Laodicea. This is the message from the one who is the Amen--the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God's new creation: 15 "I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! 16 But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!

17 You say, 'I am rich. I have everything I want. I don't need a thing!' And you don't realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. 18 So I advise you to buy gold from me--gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see.

19 I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference. 20 "Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. 21 Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne. 22 "Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches."

[2Corinthians 8:8 NLT] 8 I am not commanding you to do this. But I am testing how genuine your love is by comparing it with the eagerness of the other churches.

[1John 3:14, 16 NLT] 14 If we love our Christian brothers and sisters, it proves that we have passed from death to life. But a person who has no love is still dead. ... 16 We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters.

[1John 4:12 NLT] 12 No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us.
Keep on the Watch

[Gal 5:15 NLT] 15 But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another.
[1Pe 3:12 NLT] 12 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil."

[Philippians 4:5 NLT] 5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.

[1Peter 4:7 NLT] 7 The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers.

[Revelations 3:11 NLT] 11 I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take away your crown.

[Revelations 22:7, 12, 20 NLT] 7 "Look, I am coming soon! Blessed are those who obey the words of prophecy written in this book." ...
12 "Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds. ... 20 He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon!" Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!

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My Eyes Are Fixed On You JESUS!

1/3/2016

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Know Who You Are In Christ Jesus

12/15/2015

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Ye Are The Light Of The World!

[Matthew 5:14-16 KJV] 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Are You EXCITED About Doing God's Work?
Are we letting our light shine as Jesus himself said we should? If we are filled with the light of God does he expect us to hide it under a bushel or a basket. No, of course not. He says clearly in Matt 5:14 that we are not to put our light under a bushel or HIDE what God has called us to do. That is what the ENEMY wants EACH of us to do. God wants me to tell someone today, do whatever it is that God has called you to do for his kingdom work. If God has called you to share his WORD on FB, YouTube or any social media, in the work place, in the market place, do so by ALL MEANS. Shout it from the roof top IF that is what he has called you to do.

The KINGDOM WORK is not about who can outshine who, nor is it a competition. There is absolutely nothing wrong with doing things in EXCELLENCE to GLORIFY GOD with the GIFTS and TALENTS HE has GIVEN YOU for His Kingdom PURPOSE! Also, there's nothing wrong with being EXCITED and ZEALOUS about what God is doing through us in the ministry work.

Jesus sent forth his SEVENTY disciples into the field of harvest and they came back to him EXCITED about what God was doing through them. They had true JOY of HEART! That's a natural way to react when you realize God is using you in the ministry to be effective in reaching others and seeing lives changed. But it should not be the PRIMARY thing we are concentrated on. We must always be balanced.

[Luke 10:17-20 HCSB] 17 The Seventy returned with JOY saying, "Lord, even the demons submit to us in Your name." 18 He said to them, "I watched Satan fall from heaven like a lightning flash. 19 Look, I have given you the authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy; nothing will ever harm you. 20 However, don't rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."

Know Who You Are In Christ
Jesus told his disciples to be glad that their NAMES are written in heaven. So our ETERNAL LIFE in JESUS is most important overall. If we GAIN the whole world, GAIN RICHES, do all kinds of EXPLOITS, expelling demons, speaking prophecies, performing healings, having GREAT FAITH, etc and we LOSE our LIFE, what good is that. We can have a HUGE ministry or SMALL ministry either way, we must be balanced and keep our priorities in check as Jesus so lovingly taught his zealous and excited disciples. It applies to us today as well.

So, when we have our priorities in ORDER and our heart does not condemn us, we can be SECURE in WHO WE ARE IN CHRIST, in who we are called to be in HIM. We will RECOGNIZE and accept the role he has called us to have, with no need to feel insecure in seeing GOD excel someone else who has answered the call in their life as well. Nor will we feel incited to JEALOUSY because of someone else's GIFT or TALENT that the LORD has GIVEN to someone to be USED by HIM at a time such as this because LOVE is NOT JEALOUS. Do we LOVE our brothers and sisters ...this we must ASK ourselves, we must all examine our hearts before God.

It really TAKES COURAGE and BOLDNESS to share what God is putting in us with others. The courage and boldness comes from the ANOINTING of the HOLY SPIRIT. So if we are speaking forth God's Word, we can be content in knowing we are being LED by the HOLY SPIRIT. It is all about SAVING lives. This work is about sharing the WORD of GOD that has been PLANTED in our hearts if we are reading, studying and meditating upon the Word of God.

Hearts Motivated By LOVE
LOVE of GOD and NEIGHBOR should be the MOTIVATOR. But unfortunately this is not always the case. If we are motivated by LOVE to share what God has called us to do, then we have no reason to HOLD BACK. Even those who are sharing with the wrong motive will be dealt with by GOD. It's not for us to go on witch hunts to figure out a person's MOTIVE for what they do. ONLY God knows what's in a person's heart and he will judge ALL hearts in his own timing.

[1Co 4:5 HCSB] 5 Therefore don't judge anything prematurely, before the Lord comes, who will both bring to light what is hidden in darkness and reveal the intentions of the hearts. And then praise will come to each one from God.

[Mat 13:41 KJV] 41 The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;

Jesus also said something interesting about having light in us. Remember that the enemy can change himself to an angel of light. [2Co 11:14 HCSB] 14 And no wonder! For Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Jesus said that some person's light is really darkness that will be exposed when the light of a LAMP is shined on them. Jesus is the lamp.

[Rev 21:23 NIV] 23 The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.

[Luke 11:34-36 HCSB] 34 Your eye is the lamp of the body. When your eye is good, your whole body is also full of light. But when it is bad, your body is also full of darkness. 35 Take care then, that the light in you is not darkness. 36 If, therefore, your whole body is full of light, with no part of it in darkness, it will be entirely illuminated, as when a lamp shines its light on you."

Did you catch that revelation! If our EYE is good, which is the LAMP, then our WHOLE BODY will be FULL of LIGHT! What do we LOOK at! Are we watching pictures, movies, TV, even what we LISTEN to creates IMAGES in our MIND's EYE. If what we are watching and listening to is NOT SOMETHING JESUS would watch or listen to then any light in us is coming from the wrong source. If JESUS is our LAMP, it will be reflected in what our EYES are TAKING IN, WATCHING, etc. God's LAMP which holds His Holy Spirit will shine on US revealing the true source of LIGHT in us. The truth of God's Word will be in us. Glory to God!

Also, Jesus was speaking to the Pharisees who were hypocrites, making it all about appearance, trying to impress others. It was their hearts that were dark for they lacked compassion for the people. Everything they were doing was only to impress and appear good. They had NO LOVE in their heart. Only with the HOLY SPIRIT of God, HIS ANOINTING upon us, being born again in the spirit will we be any better than the Pharisees of Jesus day.

[Luke 11:38-41, 46 HCSB] 38 When the Pharisee saw this, he was amazed that He did not first perform the ritual washing before dinner. 39 But the Lord said to him: "Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and evil.

40 Fools! Didn't He who made the outside make the inside too? 41 But give from what is within to the poor, and then everything is clean for you. ... 46 Then He said: "Woe also to you experts in the law! You load people with burdens that are hard to carry, yet you yourselves don't touch these burdens with one of your fingers.

They were quick to tell the people where they were going wrong yet they didn't have a clue as to what was really important. They criticized the Lord for not washing his hands before eating where they were unclean inside, full of dead men's bones. White washed graves. Yet they had the nerve to judge the Lord because they had their OWN standards of judging others. How foolish and we can fall into the same trap when we start expecting people to live up to OUR STANDARDS of what is right and wrong. Let God be true and every man a liar. God sets the standard not us.

Do All Things In Excellence To Glorify GOD
There is nothing wrong in doing things in EXCELLENCE to GLORIFY GOD. We always want to give God our BEST. God has given many of his children GIFTS and TALENTS in this time of the END to be utilized in putting forth his messages that will APPEAL to those in NEED of the message. To those who have, more will be given and vice versa, those who have not, less will be given. Why does God say this? Could it be because the person who is grateful and recognizes what God has given them and shares it, puts it to work in the field of harvest.

By planting and watering seeds, the result is more will be given, the natural result is the reaping of a harvest in the field. Taking our talents and gifts, putting them to work for the harvest will lead us to plant seeds of the Love of Christ, of the gospel message to save lives. God has given some as apostles, prophtets, teachers, etc.

[Eph 4:11-13 NKJV] 11 And He Himself gave some [to be] apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;

We must all come to the UNITY of FAITH, coming to recognize that Jesus wants us to LOVE one another and work together, not competing with one another. He didn't call us ALL to do the same thing as the scripture here says. He gave some to do one thing or be one thing and someone else to do or be another thing. He calls All for the building of HIS BODY, for the ADDING of SOULS to the KINGDOM. That's what we MUST CONCENTRATE ON. That should be our FOCUS. The LIVES that can be saved. NOT how someone is being USED by GOD.

Answer Your Calling/Let Your Light Shine
One plants, one waters but it is GOD who makes it grow. [1Co 3:6-7 NIV] 6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. 7 So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. Many can have a share in saving ONE soul for the kingdom. This is a WORK ordained by God not man. In other words, don't let MAN or the ENEMY of God cause you to SHRINK back in any way of doing, saying, writing, sharing what God has given you to do. If he has called you to do something you feel is beyond your ability, know He will make it happen.

He will send people to help you to accomplish His WILL and PURPOSE which will GLORIFY HIM. It's all about his glory. It matters not how others see you, look at you or feel about you. Just do it because God wants HIS LIGHT to SHINE through YOU and I. He wants us to GLORIFY HIM in this DARK world. Praise God! To God be all the GLORY!

Wait on the Lord and do not give up in doing what is good. Others may never notice what you and I do but God will exalt us in his own timing as He sees fit. Jesus knew this well and that's why he spoke about it in John 8:50. Do all things to glorify God and leave others who allow the enemy to use them in judging you and accusing you of wrong motives to God. God will remove all things that are OFFENSIVE to HIS SPIRIT. All things that cause stumbling will be removed by the angels. All praise, glory and honor to God. For He is MIGHTY. We serve an AWESOME GOD! How can we not be EXCITED about HIM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Mat 13:41 KJV] 41 The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;

[John 8:50 NLT] 50 And though I have no wish to glorify myself, God is going to glorify me. He is the true judge.;

[James 4:10 HCSB] 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.

[1Peter 5:6 HCSB] 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time,

Scriptures for reference:

[Rev 21:23 NIV] 23 The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.

[Luke 11:34-36 HCSB] 34 Your eye is the lamp of the body. When your eye is good, your whole body is also full of light. But when it is bad, your body is also full of darkness. 35 Take care then, that the light in you is not darkness. 36 If, therefore, your whole body is full of light, with no part of it in darkness, it will be entirely illuminated, as when a lamp shines its light on you."

The Body Has Many Gifts
[Rom 12:1-21 HCSB] 1 Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. 3 For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one.

4 Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function, 5 in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another. 6 According to the grace given to us, we have different gifts: If prophecy, use it according to the standard of one's faith; 7 if service, in service; if teaching, in teaching; 8 if exhorting, in exhortation; giving, with generosity; leading, with diligence; showing mercy, with cheerfulness.

LOVE is KEY
9 Love must be without hypocrisy. Detest evil; cling to what is good. 10 Show family affection to one another with brotherly love. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not lack diligence; be fervent in spirit; serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer. 13 Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. 16 Be in agreement with one another. Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation.

17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Try to do what is honorable in everyone's eyes. 18 If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone. 19 Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for His wrath. For it is written: Vengeance belongs to Me; I will repay, says the Lord. 20 But If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him something to drink. For in so doing you will be heaping fiery coals on his head. 21 Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.

[1Co 4:5 HCSB] 5 Therefore don't judge anything prematurely, before the Lord comes, who will both bring to light what is hidden in darkness and reveal the intentions of the hearts. And then praise will come to each one from God.

[Mat 13:41 KJV] 41 The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;

[Luke 10:17-20 HCSB] 17 The Seventy returned with JOY saying, "Lord, even the demons submit to us in Your name." 18 He said to them, "I watched Satan fall from heaven like a lightning flash. 19 Look, I have given you the authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy; nothing will ever harm you. 20 However, don't rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."

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Love~ the Motivating Power of Unity

12/11/2015

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Morning Manna with Love ~ December 11, 2015

PAUL THE GREAT EXEMPLAR
We don't have to look hard for examples of those who were mature in the faith. The apostle Paul who came to be a pillar in the church was converted from Judaism to the Christian faith on the road to Damascus where the Lord Jesus appeared to him inside a brilliant light. He was struck with blindness and led to Ananias where he received back his sight, was baptized and came to receive his commission to preach the good news to the Gentiles. See Acts 22: 6-21

Some time later after his conversion he sought out the fellowship of the one man that Jesus built his church upon, giving him the keys to the kingdom. Taking that into consideration, Paul would come to know who Peter was in the hierarchy of the church. I presume this is the reason that he did go to visit Peter after having been preaching and evangelizing the Gentiles unabated without interruption for 3 yrs.

We can learn a great lesson from the apostle Paul's exemplar dealings with the Christian - Jewish church which we call today the Messianic Jews or Messianic church. Because the Apostle Paul was directly chosen and anointed by the Lord Jesus Christ for his ministry, it could be said that he didn't really need the APPROVAL of anyone since he was called and chosen DIRECTLY by the Lord himself.

But yet he felt the NEED to COME TOGETHER with Peter and later James and other elders of the Jerusalem church for the purpose of promoting truth and sound doctrine. But there was more. I believe UNITY in the church was a major concern and motivation for him to reach out as he did. Rightly so because Jesus said that LOVE was the PRIMARY identifying MARK of his disciples.

[John 13:34-35 KJV] 34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all [men] know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

ONE BODY, ONE FAITH AND ONE BAPTISM
The Lord has hierarchal arrangements that are clearly outlined in the bible, principles that are beneficial for all who belong to the body of Christ as are outlined in the book of Timothy. As each person recognizes his or her proper role in the church it leads to peace and order. It leads to unity and the bond of peace. We are the body of Christ which is not to be divided in to sects and denominations. Yet, sadly there are a lot of divisions in the church today. The bride church that the Lord is preparing through much refining and purification NOW will not be divided but UNIFIED in every way. We are to be ALL ONE BODY, ONE FAITH, and ONE BAPTISM. ALL ONE in CHRIST JESUS.

[Ephesians 4:3-32 KJV] 3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 [There is] one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who [is] above all, and through all, and in you all.

God is not ONE to be MOCKED. He is coming back for a beautiful bride who is spotless without stain or wrinkle. We have not arrived there yet. It's in the making as God is making a clarion call to his children today to get themselves and their houses in order. He is doing this work through his many servants in the church. Those called and chosen by him to teach and lead the saints are doing a perfecting work in the body. That is the purpose God has called those serving in the church. The purpose of EDIFYING the body not tearing down the body.

[2Pe 3:14 KJV] 14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
[Eph 5:27 KJV] 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

[Galatians 6:2-10 KJV] 2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. 4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5 For every man shall bear his own burden. 6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.

7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all [men], especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

FULL MEASURE AND FIRM FOUNDATION IN CHRIST
God is calling his children to grow up into the FULL measure of Christ. Those in the lead must set the example just as Jesus set the example for the disciples and the Apostle Paul set the example by seeking unity, peace and the edification of the brotherhood and church. We must not allow false man made doctrines to subvert our faith which weakens our relationship with the Lord.

[Ephesians 4: 11-14 KJV] 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we [henceforth] be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, [and] cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

Being swayed to and fro by the many false teachers and prophets sent into the body today by the enemy removes the firm foundation which is settled upon the ROCK, the rock being TRUTH. We must move on to maturity learning to discern the cunning and deceiving lies of the enemy inside the church today. Maturity comes as we get acquainted with truth. This is the only way to combat the spirit of deception, knowing the truth. God's Word is TRUTH which means we must read the bible and study to show ourselves approved by God. Sometimes the Word is taken out of context to support erroneous teachings. Only studying the Word for ourselves along with the help of the Holy Spirit will help us to understand what God is saying to us, helping us to know what is truly pleasing to God.

[2Tim 2:15 KJV] 15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
[John 17:17 HCSB] 17 Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.

[Isaiah 28:16 NLT] 16 Therefore, this is what the Sovereign LORD says: "Look! I am placing a foundation stone in Jerusalem, a firm and tested stone. It is a precious cornerstone that is safe to build on. Whoever believes need never be shaken.

[Luke 6:48 NLT] 48 It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built.

[2Tim 2:19 NLT] 19 But God's truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: "The LORD knows those who are his," and "All who belong to the LORD must turn away from evil."

THE POWER OF LOVE
This brings me back to the matter of LOVE. LOVE is the key to everything. It was likely LOVE that motivated Paul to go visit Peter. Those who have been called to serve the body in leadership, and those who operate in the gifts of the Holy Spirit must operate in LOVE. We must speak TRUTH in love. This is something we must ALL do however, in order to mature to the FULL measure of the HEAD of the BODY which is CHRIST.

LOVE is something the world lacks. It is a world of ME, MYSELF and I we live in today. It is LOVE that is the identifying MARK of the church. The reason the world lacks love is because their HEARTS are DARKENED by the spirit of the world. They are blinded by the god of this world. Everything is vanity and a chasing after the wind. This wind has entered the church through various means but that is another topic for another time. Each member of the body of Christ must join in with other connecting parts of the body. The only way the different parts will FIT together is that each part has the proper MEASUREMENT to fit in place.

LOVE is what each Christian is being measured in and by itself. Having a FULL MEASURE of love moves us to not only love those who love us which the world is capable of when it's in their own selfish means. We must love those who hate us and pray for our enemies and be willing to give our life for our brothers and sisters of the Faith. Above all be willing to give our life for the Lord.

15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, [even] Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. 17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:

19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 20 But ye have not so learned Christ; 21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

As we put on the mind of Christ he renews our mind creating a new person that is created in the righteousness and true holiness that is in God. As we continue to mature in LOVE we give no place for the enemy to come in. The Holy Spirit comes in and renovates the inside, our heart, mind and will. We forgive quickly and seek forgiveness as the need be to close the door of God's wrath which is coming upon those who are rebellious, living a life of selfishness, full of PRIDE which is a spirit of rebellion. Instead, we live to please God and put his will and purpose ahead of our own. Seeking the good of all we cherish the Holy Spirit which has been given to us to help us remain in the body being fitly united in love.

23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. 25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. 26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 27 Neither give place to the devil. 28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with [his] hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Paul set an excellent example for us to follow as well as the Lord himself set a proper example of humility. Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, demonstrating in a profound way how we are to interact with our dear brothers and sisters. With this kind of mentality and mind-set we will see the POWER of LOVE move in our lives and those we are closely associated with. We will shine brightly in a dark world. Our lamps will be overflowing with oil as the Holy Spirit is active and producing fruit in our lives. All praise and honor to God over all!!!!!

[John 13:5-6, 8-10, 12, 14 KJV] 5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe [them] with the towel wherewith he was girded. 6 Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? ... 8 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. 9 Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also [my] hands and [my] head.

10 Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash [his] feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all. ... 12 So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? ... 14 If I then, [your] Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.

Scriptural References:

[Act 22:6-21 KJV] 6 And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me. 7 And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 8 And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest. 9 And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me. 10 And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do.

11 And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus. 12 And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt [there], 13 Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him. 14 And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth. 15 For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard. 16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

17 And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance; 18 And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me. 19 And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee: 20 And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him. 21 And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.

[Eph 4:3-32 KJV] 3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 [There is] one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who [is] above all, and through all, and in you all. 7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. 9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)

11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we [henceforth] be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, [and] cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, [even] Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. 17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:

19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 20 But ye have not so learned Christ; 21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. 25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 27 Neither give place to the devil. 28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with [his] hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. 29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. 30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

[John 17:17 HCSB] 17 Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.

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Discerning Voices

11/22/2015

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A Word to the Faithful BRIDE

Through fasting and prayer this morning the Lord gave me many added scriptures and much needed clarification in this important message to the church, especially the faithful bride. The clarification came by way of my dissecting this topic into several voice categories, to show the distinguishing difference between the Lord's voice for the faithful bride, unfaithful bride and the world, voices of oppression and voices of lust and greed. Please hear what the spirit is saying, you who have ears to hear .

Jesus is the same YESTERDAY, TODAY and FOREVER
There are a lot of people claiming to hear from God these days. Many prophets and prophetesses are claiming to speak for God and some do. I have some friends I believe are hearing from God's heart as you probably do as well. It is not for me to say who does or does not hear from God. The proof is in the pudding as they say. The pudding being the Word of God. But, that is not the purpose of this blog or website. However, it is necessary that we know the Lord's voice because we could easily be deceived, even the elect can be deceived in these dark days of deception. I've been quiet waiting on the Lord to speak to me learning that presumptuously speaking leaves room for words of deception. It's wise to wait on the Lord.

So after waiting for quite some time, that is for me since September the Lord gave me permission to speak again. After spending quality time repenting of some things, seeking his will and soaking in his presence he did eventually speak to me a message I feel will resonate with some of you. He has given me a clear and fresh message that is clearly for his FAITHFUL bride as well as one for the HARLOT bride, the lukewarm church. This post is an introduction, a message about discerning the Lord's different tones and color of speech that he uses between the two bride churches, the faithful and unfaithful because there is a considerable difference. Though at times he speaks to the whole church and the world together or separately.

Jesus is the same TODAY, YESTERDAY and FOREVER. See [Heb 13:8 NLT] His voice is the same today as it was in the yesterdays of the past when he spoke to the unfaithful adulterous nation of Israel. If we truthfully and honestly contemplate the ramifications and outcomes of Israel's rebellious conduct throughout history, we will likely visualize God's open heart of LOVE towards them hearing the heart cry of a patient loving Father God towards his children. We will feel the pain of his broken heart as he was a loving Husband to the nation of Israel, who turned out to be an unfaithful adulterous wife. See Hosea 1:2

We can also hear the direct frankness and righteous indignation in the voice of Jesus in the gospels as he spoke to the proud Pharisees who could be likened to the unfaithful adulterous nation of Israel that the prophets of old spoke to and about to future generations.

The Faithful Bride surrenders ALL
The prophets of old and Jesus spoke words of judgement and condemnation justifiably so to the unfaithful adulterous nation of Israel. And now consider that God himself came down in the form of a man to win a FAITHFUL bride for his faithful Son Jesus Christ. The Lord's VOICE when speaking to his BRIDE, the remnant that would surrender fully to his calling and affections has a distinctly different TONE from the VOICE of judgement and condemnation when speaking to the UNFAITHFUL, UNSURRENDERED, UNYIELDING HARLOT NATION OF ISRAEL.

It is the PROFOUND, EVERLASTING and ENDURING LOVE of God that draws ME to HIM. We can hear the VOICE of the bridegroom for his bride clearly in the Song of Songs. HIS affections, compassion and I can't believe I'm saying this but in the wake of gaining understanding and wisdom even his disciplines by way of rebuke and correction I have come to find comfort and pleasure in. Also, one of the most profound lessons we can glean from the Song of Songs is that the Shulamite maiden learned to LOVE her BELOVED even more so after being trained by his absence of attention and affection. During this time she realized how her unyielding heart which was not fully submitted to his call to her and she was left feeling abandoned by him and all alone.

It's during times of fiery trials and tests that we may feel abandoned by God and all alone though if we allow God to finish the work in us we will reap the rewards of a peaceful, restful, intimate relationship restored fully with the ONE we love, our first love. Discipline yields peaceable fruit. Compare Hebrews 12:11 How about you? What is it that draws your heart to him? Walking humbly with God, not thinking more of ourselves than is necessary will create in us a thankful heart and spirit for God's correction. "But consider the joy of those corrected by God! Do not despise the discipline of the Almighty when you sin." Job 5:17 NLT

Discerning the true VOICE of the LORD
I felt the need to lay the foundation for the Word the Lord gave me this morning which I will share with you in Part 2. I love and cherish the times I get to spend in the throne room of HIS HEART as we commune together. His voice is always uncompromisingly strong and consistent in the clarity of TRUTH. His VOICE is consistently clothed in the apparel of LOVE which demonstrates the motive behind everything He says and does. At times though, we may NEED to hear his righteous anger and his frustration with us or even his playful side which is humorous and child like. I have found that each side has a distinct tone and that tone is directed by who it is he's addressing. When he speaks to us in private or through others, we can never ever CONTROL his TONE or WHAT he says.

But it is possible we can mistakenly or intentionally hear our own voice or the enemy's voice and put it forth as coming from the Lord. I have unfortunately done that before. This is why I am so careful now in saying thus says the LORD. Occasionally I have begun to read words that I thought were intended for the faithful bride as I start out reading but by the end of the message I feel beat up and bruised. Perhaps this is because the message was not directed to me though this is not to say the message was NOT from the LORD, just meant for a different audience, for the unrepentant, lukewarm harlot church bride, the wicked, those belonging to the world.

I felt beat up after reading the word because the voice didn't sound at all like a LOVING HUSBAND speaking to his FAITHFUL bride. At times the voice sounded more like a HUSBAND demanding WORKS OF SALVATION in exchange for his love to his FAITHFUL bride. What the Lord is leading me to understand is that often times when we feel this way after reading a word he's given through one of his prophets is because the message was not directed to us individually. This is where our spiritual discernment comes into play. He is helping me to understand that discernment is not only needed to clarify the voice speaking as to whether it is truly coming from him but also we must discern who the message was intended for. We must discern if the Lord is speaking to us individually.

For those fully surrendered and obedient hearts he willingly and graciously gives a special close intimate place in his HEART. This is a place he wants to share with all of his bride. So when the husband comes home to a FAITHFUL wife  who is doing all she humbly can to please him, what kind of treatment would you expect from him? What would you expect from a God who is the very essence of LOVE? She's prepared his favorite dish because she knows what he likes and want because he has written his commands on her heart but he throws it back to her saying it's distasteful because she fell asleep due to fatigue and the spaghetti was a little overcooked though it was still exactly prepared the way she knows he likes it.

Voices of Oppression
The reason she felt so fatigued is because of the spiritual warfare that is coming against her all day while he is away which makes her weak and tired. She felt pleased within herself after finishing his favorite dish, anticipating his approval as she would dine with him. This is the best analogy I could think of, hope it makes sense. So, instead she was met with his disapproval, his voice sounding like a tyrant. The meaning of TYRANT is a CRUEL and OPPRESSIVE ruler. The Lord himself is leading me to say to you, LISTEN and DISCERN the voice behind the prophetic words, dreams and visions given because they are not always from him.

Oppressive demonic spirits, lying, seducing and familiar spirits all speak with the voice of tyranny and oppression. They cause you to feel weighed down, beaten and heavy after reading their messages. Remember Jesus said HIS YOKE is EASY. It is not OPPRESSIVE, CRUEL or MEAN SPIRITED in any way form or fashion. Compare John 10:10 This is why we must know the Word of God to discern his spirit and know when he is speaking to our heart. The faithful bride of the end time church of Philadelphia is noted for having "little strength" yet the Lord places before her an opened door that no one can shut. Rev 3: 8

If what you are feeling beaten down and oppressed in your spirit after reading a prophetic word, dream or vision supposedly from God and you know there is no condemnation in your heart because you are abiding in Christ , constantly repenting because you love obeying his commandments, being a FAITHFUL obedient bride of the LORD, not detached from him but dwelling in him, something then is amiss. That is a warning sign for you that the message is not for you because it's not from the Lord. I've read comments on social media from time to time saying if ones message is always about the love of God and soft and mushy it must not be of God. It's not firm enough or tough enough. Well I say the devil is a liar.

The enemy hates the bride as much as he hates the Lord. He is especially after the faithful bride because of her love for God's commandments. She hates the evil in the world and refuses to compromise her allegiance to the Lord for the temporary pleasures of sin and of this world. Because of this Jesus said we would be persecuted for his name sake but we can take solace in knowing that he has conquered Satan and his world. It is only a matter of time before his kingdom will be fully established in this world. So because we love God and choose to obey him from our heart and can testify that Jesus is indeed Lord of our life, we can expect the enemy to attack us and one way is through false prophetic words, dreams and visions and date setting of Christ return for his bride.

"And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ." - Rev 12:17 KJV

Voices of Lust and Greed
Another voice speaking today through false prophetic words, dreams and visions are the voices of lust and greed. These demonic spirits speak lies and appeal to seduce you with words that stir the carnal flesh in it's desire for something it longs to have. Lust is having a strong sexual desire obviously but it also means to crave, burn for, ache for something it doesn't have but feels it must have at whatever cost. No matter the cost, even willing to covet something that belongs to his or her neighbor to satisfy this insatiable desire that will never be satisfied.

These spirits tell you that you are going to be prosperous and rich, yes you, whoever you are reading their word. It's not the Rhema word from God that I'm speaking of here. Sometimes God does speak to someone who may need finances for kingdom purposes or personal matters. But I'm speaking of those spirits who are speaking and appealing to the greed that lies beneath the surface in all of us. As Christians we must put to rest the works of the flesh by crucifying our flesh, laying down our life and selfish pursuits for the Lord.

We seek his will and not the will of our carnal flesh. The spirits of lust want to contaminate the bride by suggesting through sexually suggestive language given in some prophetic words, dreams, visions and pictures. We must be discerning in this matter because it is widespread on the internet and within the church. The world is drowning in a cesspool of sexual immorality. The bible is clear in saying what happens to those who are wallowing in this cesspool. Spirits of lust come as dog spirits. This is why it says in Revelation 22:15 outside are the dogs, not meaning our little pet poodle or great dane.

"But outside [are] dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie." - Rev 22:15 NKJV

These dog spirits which are seducing demonic spirits have only one desire and that is to get us to commit any type of sexual immoral act which is detestable before the Lord. We must resist these spirits which are persistent and relentless in their pursuit to soil the clean fine linen that the blood of Jesus has provided for each of his servants. "And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. ... 14 And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses." - Rev 19:8, 14 NKJV  Willful sin of any kind will only soil this precious robe of righteousness.

Voice of Discipline and LOVE
God is the very ESSENCE of LOVE. Why would the Lord want to brow beat his FAITHFUL obedient bride who is LONGING for HIM to return? She has proven by her stance of separation from the world her love and faithfulness to HIM and HIM ONLY. She shares in the soul winning work of the harvest in whatever way she can. If she can't literally get out in the field she supports those who can go out in the field in some way, whether it be by way of financial or either moral support.

Even if and when she has to be disciplined by the Father for she is not perfect in the real sense of the word perfection though she strives for it. However, his tone would be somewhat different to a disobedient child that is trying to be obedient and simply did something wrong mistakenly out of weakness or ignorance and even trickery of the enemy. But we would on the other hand expect a father's tone to be significantly different towards an unrepentant, rebellious, prideful child in need of discipline. Below is an example of the tone of speech we would expect to hear in the Lord's voice for his loving FAITHFUL bride of the church of Philadelphia.

Voice of Bridegroom's Heart for His Faithful Bride
"You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you. Come with me from Lebanon, my bride, come with me from Lebanon. Descend from the crest of Amana, from the top of Senir, the summit of Hermon, from the lions’ dens and the mountain haunts of leopards. You have stolen my heart, my sister, my bride; you have stolen my heart with one glance of your eyes, with one jewel of your necklace. How delightful is your love, my sister, my bride! How much more pleasing is your love than wine, and the fragrance of your perfume more than any spice!" Song of Songs 4: 7-10

Maybe it's just me but it seems I hardly ever hear a message from the Lord spoken directly for the FAITHFUL bride only. And to me this seems odd because I know how the LORD speaks to me in my time I spend with HIM in my private time and much of the time I hear a voice I'm not familiar with in some of these prophetic messages on FB and YT. I realize we are now living in the time where judgement has started with the church but it is also the time when those who are sold out to the Lord will shine brightly in the darkness.

An Illustration ~ Two Figs in a Basket
What I am saying is that the Lord is not only talking to the lukewarm church today, he has just as much to say in the way of significance for his WAITING FAITHFUL UNCOMPROMISING BRIDE as he does for the unfaithful harlot church bride. The prophet Jeremiah was given a vision of two baskets of figs, one basket was full of early ripened figs good enough to eat and the other basket of figs were so bad they could not be eaten.

The Holy Spirit leads me in understanding of this illustration that the good figs represented the remnant which is a symbolic typology of todays FAITHFUL bride church. God talks to Jeremiah about how he feels about the good figs, how he will build them up and NOT TEAR them DOWN. On the other hand, the bad evil (naughty) figs would be thrown away not worth eating which represents the unfaithful and unyielding nation of Israel which today is a type of the UNFAITHFUL bride church.

In this account you can hear and feel the distinctive TONES of speech God uses for the good and evil figs. Here the evil bad figs receive a word of rebuke spoken in a TONE of REBUKE and JUDGEMENT saying they will be banished to the sword, famine and plagues. On the other hand, he says to the good fig that he wants to build her up in other words EDIFY her, NOT TEAR her DOWN. This is just one example of God's distinct tones of speech which differ according to who he is addressing.

Jeremiah 24: 1-10 1 The LORD shewed me, and, behold, two baskets of figs [were] set before the temple of the LORD, after that Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon had carried away captive Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim king of Judah, and the princes of Judah, with the carpenters and smiths, from Jerusalem, and had brought them to Babylon. 2 One basket [had] very good figs, [even] like the figs [that are] first ripe: and the other basket [had] very naughty figs, which could not be eaten, they were so bad. 3 Then said the LORD unto me, What seest thou, Jeremiah? And I said, Figs; the good figs, very good; and the evil, very evil, that cannot be eaten, they are so evil. 4 Again the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

5 Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel; Like these good figs, so will I acknowledge them that are carried away captive of Judah, whom I have sent out of this place into the land of the Chaldeans for [their] good. 6 For I will set mine eyes upon them for good, and I will bring them again to this land: and I will build them, and not pull [them] down; and I will plant them, and not pluck [them] up. 7 And I will give them an heart to know me, that I [am] the LORD: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God: for they shall return unto me with their whole heart.

8 And as the evil figs, which cannot be eaten, they are so evil; surely thus saith the LORD, So will I give Zedekiah the king of Judah, and his princes, and the residue of Jerusalem, that remain in this land, and them that dwell in the land of Egypt: 9 And I will deliver them to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth for [their] hurt, [to be] a reproach and a proverb, a taunt and a curse, in all places whither I shall drive them. 10 And I will send the sword, the famine, and the pestilence, among them, till they be consumed from off the land that I gave unto them and to their fathers. - Jer 24:1-10 KJV

Concluding Note: So, let there be no misunderstanding. God has given me here a clear message to his waiting FAITHFUL BRIDE. I am in no way saying prophetic words, visions, and dreams that rebuke and warn the wicked and lukewarm church are not from God. Clearly they are and most necessary and therefore expected because of the time we are living in.   So there must never be a diluting or downplaying of the Words spoken by God's true prophets that are clearly meant for the lukewarm church, the harlot unfaithful adulterous church bride or the wicked and all who love and belong to the world in general.

****But here is the reason we can expect at times to discern a tyrant, oppressive voice speaking to oppress God's precious FAITHFUL bride today through deceiving spirits speaking false dreams, visions, and prophetic words, brow beating the faithful remnant bride of Christ:

"And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ". - Rev 12:17 KJV

The clear message the Lord wants us to understand here is that we can and should discern whether the message we are reading is intended for us or not and most important to discern whether the message originated from God or not. We must always test the spirit asking the Lord for spiritual discernment and spiritual clarity.

With spiritual discernment, SPIRITUAL clarity will be imparted to us substantiated first by God's Word, being truth and second, with further SPIRITUAL clarity our understanding of intended audience will resonate within our heart as clarification is substantiated by the tone of voice, language spoken and overall message given.

Scriptural references:

Discipline of the Lord
"But consider the joy of those corrected by God! Do not despise the discipline of the Almighty when you sin."
Job 5:17 NLT

God's Faithful Bride Loves and Keeps His Commands
"Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him& keep his commandments."Deut 7:9 NIV

"Then I said: "LORD, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments," - Neh 1:5 NIV

"Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind." - Ecc 12:13 NIV

"I prayed to the LORD my God and confessed: "Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments," - Dan 9:4 NIV

"And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him." - 1Jo 2:3-4 KJV

"And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. ... 24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us." - 1Jo 3:22, 24 KJV

"By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous." - 1Jo 5:2-3 KJV

"And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it." - 2Jo 1:6 KJV

"Here is the patience of the saints: here [are] they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. - Rev 14:12 KJV

"Blessed [are] they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city." - Rev 22:14 KJV

God's Voice Is the Same Always
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." Heb 13:8 NLT

Enemy's Motive is Always Reflected in his Voice
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10 NIV

"And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. - Rev 12:17 KJV

God's Voice of Compassion for the REMNANT which is a type of the FAITHFUL bride church
"Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD. Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD. And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase.

And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the LORD. Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.   Jeremiah 23: 1-6 KJV

God's Tone of Voice towards UNFAITHFUL bride church
"The beginning of the word of the LORD by Hosea. And the LORD said to Hosea, Go, take unto thee a wife of whoredoms and children of whoredoms: for the land hath committed great whoredom, departing from the LORD." Hosea 1:2 KJV

God's Voice of Discipline at First can seem harsh
"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:11 NIV

God's Tone of Voice to His Faithful Bride
"You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you. Come with me from Lebanon, my bride, come with me from Lebanon. Descend from the crest of Amana, from the top of Senir, the summit of Hermon, from the lions’ dens and the mountain haunts of leopards. You have stolen my heart, my sister, my bride; you have stolen my heart with one glance of your eyes, with one jewel of your necklace. How delightful is your love, my sister, my bride! How much more pleasing is your love than wine, and the fragrance of your perfume more than any spice! SOS 4: 7-10 NIV

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The Heart of Missionary Work

8/13/2015

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All Children Hold a Special Place In God's Heart

We are called to care for the orphans

See the world through the eyes of children

Every child deserves to laugh and smile

Local Missionaries in our Neighborhoods
Not all missionaries work in foreign countries. If you have the desire to be a missionary but see no way of going to a foreign country don't despair. We can do the work of a local missionary right in our own country. How so you ask? It is very simple. You can actually enter a foreign land right inside the neighborhood you live in. In one neighborhood you may find dozens of different cultures and nationalities. Also many foreigners move to the USA everyday fleeing war torn countries, often leaving behind some or all family and friends with just the clothes on their back.

The children are often orphans, the ones hurt the most needing to be nurtured and cared for because of the damage done to their little minds and heart. Love is a healing balm that can bring their little smiles back. There may be some orphans like this in need of love right in your very own neighborhood, some have single parents that are focused on making a living and lack the skills or desire to love and nurture their own children. Even some of the adults have orphan spirits meaning they never received proper love and attention when they were growing up. All of these people live among you and I right inside our neighborhoods.

Heart of a Missionary
What is required to be a local missionary? For starters a LOVE for God and neighbor, a profound desire to reach and save the lost. Well, there's one other thing needed to be EFFECTIVE in the missionary field whether local or long distance, "EMPATHY". The British dictionary describes empathy as the power of understanding and imaginatively entering into another person's feelings. I like this definition because it describes what the apostle Paul said about himself when going to preach and teach the gentiles. He had to immerse himself in the culture of the people he was sent to serve.

(1Corinthians 9:19-23 NIV) 19 Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21 To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

Embracing Cultural Differences
I imagined the apostle Paul being sent by God to the gentile nations feeling uncomfortable at times yet he did what he had to do to accomplish his goal of preaching the gospel and saving souls. We meet him as Saul who was a highly educated man in the Jewish religion and culture. I can further imagine he loved his Jewish roots, and culture, the music, the arts, the food, their ways of speaking and relating to one another. Yet when the Lord met him on the road to Damascus, he was a changed man becoming the apostle Paul.

He had to embrace and even perhaps come to like some of the different cultures he encountered as he traveled. He would have experienced different ethnic foods, music, arts and other cultural nuances that were present at that time. As long as it was not against Godly principles, I can imagine him breaking bread and sharing his life experiences and vice versa, with the people of different ethnic backgrounds. We know many different ethnic groups were present in Jerusalem from the account at Acts 2:5-11 when the Holy Spirit was initially poured out.

I would like to add further to this by sharing just a little of my experience of being a local missionary in my own country. Some years ago around 1988 in my location we were beginning to get an influx of spanish speaking people. I was zealous for sharing the gospel and wanted to share with the spanish speaking people I would encounter as well. So I found a spanish speaking group that was focusing on evangelizing the spanish people in our local community. I bought some books and prayed for God's help and began learning to speak the spanish language. What I want to speak about here is the experience I had within this new different culture from my own.

I totally immersed myself in their culture which was extremely difficult in the beginning. Not only was there a language barrier but I had to lay down my own personal comfort level and embrace their cultural differences. I learned to like their differences once I got past my own fears of getting too close and involved. But that's exactly what I did. I got up close and personal. They were willing to let me inside their world and opened their homes to me. I ate their foods, shared their joys and pains, listened to their music, understood their religious beliefs and backgrounds to teach them about the true God and his purpose for them.

I enjoyed this new culture as I got to know them and guess what? They in turn embraced me and my differences of cultural background. They allowed me to share my ethnic background of food, music, language and everything that goes along with our being who we are. It was as though I had moved to a foreign land. The people in the congregation were from many different South American countries like Chile, Columbia and Ecuador, Spain, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, the Dominican Republic islands etc.

Each country mentioned here had the Spanish language in common but they each had a different cultural experience of it's own. Learning new cultures and languages can be challenging and yet enlightening and enriching to our lives. It was hard but yet it was worth taking off my shoes of comfort. My own ways of doing things and settling in their world, working and toiling the soil of differences to plants the seeds of God's Word in their hearts did pay off. Over the course of time there was much fruit of my own as well as theirs I got to share and eat with them. Six years later I was moving to another location, to a different state as the Lord was expanding my territory in working with Spanish speaking people. Having said all of this, only for the purpose of showing that we can make a difference right where we are at in our own communities as well as other cities and states.

Heart Motive is Key
Am I committed to stay the course? Commitment is the other thing that is needed. Once you get involved within the community you are working in you have to be committed to the reason and purpose you are there in the first place. This will keep you on track during difficult times when I have to ask myself why am I doing what I'm doing. If I'm doing it for the right reason, to really love these people I've been sent to by God to help I will not give up when I start to feel uncomfortable. The commitment helps me to stay focused on the Lord's will in that it is about saving souls and not about my comfort level.

This must be the primary motive. It's about going beyond my comfort level and embracing cultural differences if there are any. But not only must I embrace their differences I must also show them that I like their cultural differences. This takes you and them to a deeper cultural level of trust and acceptance. I'm speaking of things that are not contrary to God's righteous principles that we can embrace to break down the walls that divide us. This is what I believe the apostle Paul did as he evangelized to the gentiles. Not only do we have to deal with the enemy that is attacking us but also dealing with the issues surrounding the people we are trying to help. So it involves a lot of tilling and toiling of the soil, preparing hearts, the soil for the seeds of God's word to be planted in and firmly rooted.

In the province of Corinth Paul had become so comfortable with them that he could tell them exactly what was on his heart. He shared the good, bad and ugly with them just as they had with him to a certain point. Compare 2Cor Chapters 1-3. In his second letter to the Corinthians we can see how profound the love was Paul had for a people who were not as open to him. They held back their love being more reserved. This is a good lesson for those working in the ministry knowing we may have to give and give of ourselves without receiving the same measure or any measure in return. Yet the apostle Paul experienced much joy of immersing himself within the different cultures of the gentile nations he was sent to by God.

(2Cor 2:3-4 NIV) 3 I wrote as I did, so that when I came I would not be distressed by those who should have made me rejoice. I had confidence in all of you, that you would all share my joy. 4 For I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to grieve you but to let you know the depth of my love for you.

(2Cor 6:11-13 NIV) 11 We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you. 12 We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. 13 As a fair exchange--I speak as to my children--open wide your hearts also.

God may want to send you somewhere right in your own country, maybe a different city, or a different neighborhood where the people look different than you. Perhaps they are of a different ethnic background, perhaps the difference is in the language, or the skin color, or perhaps they're deaf and you are called to learn sign language. These are all local fields in need of local missionaries.

The heart of the missionary is simply LOVE for God and neighbor, EMPATHY and COMMITMENT. Compare 2Cor 6: 3-13 When you have these three components together the Lord can use you in a most satisfying way. You don't have to necessarily go to a foreign country to be a missionary. That's all good if that is what he has called you to do. If it is the case, he will provide all that is needed to bring that to past. So in either case just have a willing spirit and heart.

The heart of the missionary LOVES God and likes to embrace other cultures

Scriptural references:

(1Corinthians 9:19-23 NIV) 19 Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21 To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

(James 1:27 NIV) 27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

(1John 4:16, 20 NIV) 16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. ...

20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.

(2Cor 2:3-4 NIV) 3 I wrote as I did, so that when I came I would not be distressed by those who should have made me rejoice. I had confidence in all of you, that you would all share my joy. 4 For I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to grieve you but to let you know the depth of my love for you.

(2Cor 6:11-13 NIV) 11 We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you. 12 We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. 13 As a fair exchange--I speak as to my children--open wide your hearts also.

(Acts 2:5-11 NIV) 5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: "Aren't all these who are speaking Galileans?

8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs--we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!"

(Psalm 90:16 NIV) 16 May your deeds be shown to your servants, your splendor to their children.

(Psalm 102:28 NIV) 28 The children of your servants will live in your presence; their descendants will be established before you."

(Psalm 103:13, 17 NIV) 13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; ... 17 But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children--

(Psalm 112:2 NIV) 2 Their children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.

(Psalm 115:14 NIV) 14 May the LORD cause you to flourish, both you and your children.

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Do I have enough oil to make it?

7/31/2015

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Darkness looms on the horizon, do you have extra oil to keep your lamp shining?

Morning Manna with love ~ July 31, 2015

Our Light Must Shine In the Darkness
We live at a time of dense spiritual darkness when our lamps need to be full of oil to light our pathway leading to our heavenly Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. Am I a wise or foolish virgin? Am I short on oil and if so, why? How and where do I get the oil from? How do I keep an overflow supply? What happens if I wait to the last minute and ask a wise virgin for some of their oil? These are all good questions that I will try to answer in this blog from the scriptures.

I asked the Lord why did the wise virgins tell the foolish virgins to go and buy oil, wasn't it free? So, I was thinking, and this is my own take on what happened. The wise virgins knew what was up with the foolish virgins. Their answer to the foolish virgins was rhetorical, I think. It's like this, you ask me a stupid question, I'll give you a stupid answer. As PRECIOUS as the OIL is, why would I (wise virgin) give my oil away to you (foolish virgin) when you also had ACCESS to the FREE FLOW of OIL as I did. In other words, the wise virgins knew the foolish had enough time and knowledge to know how to get extra oil for themselves. So, their lack of oil was due to their own selfishness, laziness, and foolish behavior.

The Lord helped me to understand, although the OIL is FREE flowing, the oil does cost us something. The currency to buy the oil is not as obvious as today's currency of money as we know it to be. The currency to purchase the oil is called TIME. TIME is the most valuable currency of today and it is a free gift from the Lord to everyone. Every day we wake up and breathe we are given more time, FREE of charge. So therefore, that makes the OIL we can PURCHASE with TIME FREE. However, what must be weighed in the analysis of this parable are several variables by which determine whether we are one of the foolish or wise virgins. The clincher here is found in how the currency of time is spent. We can buy many different things with our money. So it is with time. It can be used to purchase many things besides the much-needed OIL in our illustration. Rationally we can conclude that the foolish virgins expended their time pursuing their own things rather than the things of God.

Are We Wise or Foolish with Our Time?
Obviously, the foolish virgins didn't spend their TIME wisely seeking the Lord getting to know him intimately or personably. Both the foolish and the wise virgins had the Word of God at their disposal. Only the wise however used their allotted TIME wisely, TIME being the ONLY currency needed to purchase the extra oil required. The time came when both the wise and foolish virgins time ran out when the bridegroom arrived. Sadly, the foolish had no oil left to keep their lamps lit to see their way in a dark world. No doubt as their lights were going out, they were being reminded how at one time they were healthy vines attached to the olive tree whose branches had become detached and were dying. The most obvious and simple answer of this parable is that the oil they needed was the Holy Spirit. Yet it goes much deeper than that.

The oil which is the Holy Spirit is found in the Word, the written Word of God, the Holy Bible and in the living Word, Jesus Christ. We live in a complex world which puts a lot of demands on our time. The wise virgins utilized their currency of TIME to buy out time from their busy schedule to study and meditate on the Word of God, thereby receiving an impartation of God's Holy Spirit which is Christ in us, the living Word. As we study and meditate on the Word, we come to know Jesus as a person and we are able to develop a close personal relationship with him and the Father through the Holy Spirit.

TIME is of the essence when it comes to buying out the opportune time for ourselves. Why? Because the days are indeed wicked. The Lord will soon return, and he will come as a thief to those who are not paying attention, not ready, unprepared and have no oil left in their lamps. The profound darkness of this world will overtake them because they have either gone back to sleep, are drunk off the maddening wine of this world, sick and depressed, and just running low or completely out of oil which is needed to keep going in a dark world such as this.

Signs We Are Running Low or Out of Oil
If you can't see any hope in your future at all and feel everything is hopeless, you're either low on oil or even more so completely out. We know the oil is the Holy Spirit. Jesus said, you must be born again to see the kingdom of God. The impartation of the Holy Spirit is a personable unforgettable experience. The bible calls him the "Comforter". He's my best friend who leads me in the way to go. We follow his lead in this dark world which will ultimately lead us to the day of Christ return or the end of our life on earth. When we are filled with the Holy Spirit the fruits of the Holy Spirit will manifest in our life as a witness to the glory of God. His spirit keeps us going as a comforter when times get really hard and we're going through severe trials, testing and persecution. One special fruit of the spirit is "JOY". If we lack joy of the spirit, we know we are running low or even completely out of oil.

Jesus knew we would get tired, feel hard pressed to the point of wanting to give up altogether. This is why he said he would leave us with the comforter. Feeling happy in such circumstances is unrealistic and not what God expects but he promised he would never put on us more than we can bear. He will sustain us and even give us a JOY that's unspeakable in the midst of severe trials. I have felt so much JOY when under pressure that I knew without a doubt it was the Lord's presence. Peace is another fruit of his spirit. He gives peace that surpasses all understanding. No one would understand even we ourselves would ever understand how we can feel this immense JOY and PEACE under such trying circumstances that we may be undergoing in this dark world. But only with oil in our lamp will we have the comfort and help of the Holy Spirit to get us through as He supplies the much-needed extra oil as the days grow more wicked. Compare Romans 5:1-5

"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have PEACE with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we REJOICE in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also REJOICE in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character, and character hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." Romans 5:1-5 NIV

If you had an overflow of oil at one time and find that you have somehow lost your JOY and PEACE, it's likely that you have given all your oil away or just used it all on yourself. It's time to replenish your supply now. We need to open and read our bible and meditate upon God's promises to draw strength as he imparts his spirit upon us. Also, make time for prayer and communing with the Lord, another way to get more oil. It's imperative we keep an overflow to keep our lamps full and lit in this dark world. We know what happened to those who were out of oil when the Lord came as a thief. The door will be opened at a specific time, a day and hour we know not so we must be ready and watching every day. The foolish were unprepared and waited too late to get prepared. They wanted to go in, but the door had been shut. Jesus refused to open the door to them and said I don't know you. That's a harsh statement but truth can be harsh. It's better to be informed now so that we can make wise decisions now that will shape our destiny to be included among the wise virgins.

(Eph 5:15-17 NIV) 15 Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.

We must know what the will of the Lord is. All the signs around implore us to wake up because the bridegroom is coming. This is not the time to go back to sleep as is the case likely with some of the foolish virgins. All the virgins heard the call that the bridegroom was coming. They all started out on the same road going out to meet the bridegroom upon his arrival. It is time for self examination. If you are wondering what would indicate whether I am spiritually asleep or awake, consider this. Those that are awake can see that many things going on in the world today are clear signs and signals of the Lord's soon return. So, you may now say, oh good I'm AWAKE then. I know what the scriptures say, and I can see all the signs. Yes, but is this enough?

(1Thess 5:6 NIV) 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.

(Rev 16:15 NIV) 15 "Look, I come like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake and remains clothed, so as not to go naked and be shamefully exposed."

TIME for Self-Examination
OK, upon self-examination we will realize whether we are awake and recognize how we are spending our time when awake. There is more to realizing we are awake to what's happening in the world. Being awake also signifies how one spends their AWAKE TIME, yet there's more required in the determining factors of whether one is a wise or foolish virgin. The scripture says not only should we stay awake but also, we must remain clothed and not go naked being shamefully exposed. If one's time is being spent pursuing the things of the world, being entertained by the worldly demoralizing entertainment, our precious currency of time is being wasted. Association with the world removes our clothes, our spiritual covering of God's Holy Spirit.

Without the Holy Spirit the fruits one could bear are replaced by the works of the flesh, which leads to shame, being left out of the presence of God. No oil can be attained in such a lifestyle of pursuits as this. Only maddening wine is what one will get for their currency of time in these pursuits which leads to being spiritually intoxicated, in other words drunk. This maddening wine leads to spiritual ruin, a state of confusion, becoming too weak and tired to do anything related to your spiritual edification. This is why the Lord warns us....

(Ephesians 5:18 ) 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Spiritual debauchery is utter ruin. Let us therefore spend time in pursuits that invite us into the opened door to put us in God's presence. There we can sing songs from our heart, songs of praise and worship and thanksgiving, simply thanking the Lord for all he has done and seeking his spirit. Be WISE with your TIME, it's the most valuable currency above all. It's worth more than all the gold and silver in the world. We need to buy extra oil now while we can. It's free! Oil that comes from the Holy Spirit by way of the written Word, the Holy Bible and the living Word, Jesus Christ. The wise virgins had their overflow of oil recognizing the price was small when compared to what they were receiving with their precious currency of time. It was a currency well spent, being worth every second of their time spent studying and meditating upon the Word of God. All the more was their getting to spend time soaking in the presence of the Lord with the Father through the Holy Spirit. Most important, our getting to know the Lord means life, everlasting life. See John 17:3 Don't be one of the FOOLISH virgins where Jesus will close the door and say, I don't know you!

(Matt 25: 10-13) 10 "But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. 11 "Later the others also came. 'Lord, Lord,' they said, 'open the door for us!' 12 "But he replied, 'Truly I tell you, I don't know you.' 13 "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

(John 17:2-3 NKJV) 2 "as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. 3 "And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.

More Scriptures for reference:
(Matt 25:1-13 NIV) 1 "At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3 The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. 4 The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. 5 The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. 6 "At midnight the cry rang out: 'Here's the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!' 7 "Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps.

8 The foolish ones said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.' 9 " 'No,' they replied, 'there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.' 10 "But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. 11 "Later the others also came. 'Lord, Lord,' they said, 'open the door for us!' 12 "But he replied, 'Truly I tell you, I don't know you.' 13 "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

(1Thess 5:6 NIV) 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.

(Rev 16:15 NIV) 15 "Look, I come like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake and remains clothed, so as not to go naked and be shamefully exposed."

(Eph 5:15-20 NIV) 15 Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

(1Peter 1:23 NIV) 23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.

(Heb 4:12 NASB) 12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

(Psalm 119:48, 97, 148 NIV) 48 I reach out for your commands, which I love, that I may meditate on your decrees. ... 97 Mem Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. ... 148 My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises.
(John 1:1, 14 KJV) 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ... 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

(Act 4:31 KJV) 31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

(Act 6:4 KJV) 4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

(Act 10:44 KJV) 44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

(John 12:35 KJV) 35 Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.

(Rom 13:12 KJV) 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

(2Co 4:6 KJV) 6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to [give] the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

(1Thess 5:4-5 KJV) 4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. 5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

(1Pet 2:9 KJV) 9 But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an 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:

(1Pet 5:5 KJV) 5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all [of you] be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

(Rev 3:5, 18 KJV) 5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. ... 18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and [that] the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

(Gal 5:19-25 KJV) 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told [you] in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

(Rom 5:1-5 NIV) 1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

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Be Ye Engrafted with the Word

7/22/2015

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Morning Manna with Love ~ Corn of heaven's treasure holds hidden manna unmeasured ~ July 22, 2015

Be Ye Engrafted with the Word

(James 1:21 NIV) 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

The Lord led me to this scripture this morning as I was reflecting on how much I LOVE his Word. First the scripture says to GET RID of ALL moral FILTH and the EVIL that is so prevalent. Get rid of means like throw away, get it out of your sight period. Now, first let me say this is not me telling YOU my interpretation of applying this scripture is what you must do. But I don't watch TV anymore at all. Every so often I may watch the news but that's even rare.. But I don't watch TV anymore at all. I have headline news alerts that come up on my phone screen so I do keep up with what is happening in the world. The Word of God says we must get rid of ALL moral filth and EVIL. I try to avoid all the filth and evil on the internet as well. I work on guarding my eye and ear gates deliberately daily. My feet must be FIRMLY planted in the Word.

If we were to clean our home and say we have a trash bag where we put all the trash laying around, do you hold on to the trash bag and open it up and look at the trash, do you take the trash back out of the bag and sit it on the table you're sitting at. Do you take some pieces of the trash and put it on a plate, then pour dressing over it and eat it. Of course not you say who would do something as ridiculous as that. You insult my intelligence. Friend I'm sorry but this is what we do when we say we are Christians but look at the filth that is on TV. I use to watch it, I was a big fan of the housewives and I tried to stop watching and so I let go of my cable but guess what? I found I could watch them on my computer from the channel's website.

It's only been a few months that I've totally given up the TV but even when I was limiting my time I noticed the programs that were extremely popular and even among Christians because I've seen the comments here on Facebook. UMPIRE (you know what I’m talking about) was one of the top rated new shows this year to air on F_X. I never watched it though I was tempted because let's face it all the lights, music, beautiful and handsome faces, flashy clothes, it appeals to our flesh but I could see from the commercials that it was FULL of filth.

Yes I said it. Hollywood glamorizes filth and we bring this filth into our homes when watching these shows. I use to do it not too long ago myself. So even though I never watched that particular show I was still forced to take in some of its filth if I was not by my remote to change the channel during its promotional commercials. Many commercials are filth. They pop up before your eyes before you can blink an eye. You never know what will come up next. So, do I continue to hold on to the bag of trash in my home by watching my TV knowing that pretty much every channel serves the same filth.

If you say I only watch Christian TV, well how do you get to those channels? Do you click from channel to channel to get to that channel? If so, you are likely to see something or hear something that is filth and evil. The bible says we should GUARD our heart. The eyes and ears are channels to our heart and mind. Whatever seeds of filth and evil we take in is stored inside lying in wait to produce fruit. Enough said about that. I think you will get the picture.

(Mat 6:22-23 NIV) 22 "The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

Also not everything served on Christian TV is necessarily pure, clean and healthy food to eat. Some of what is served is watered down diluted and contaminated with the spirit of the world. Whoever is a friend of the world is an enemy of God. This is why I gave TV up altogether. It was the BEST thing I could have ever done as far as my walk with the Lord is concerned and my being able to hear him speak to me.

The second part of the cited scripture says; HUMBLY accept the WORD PLANTED in YOU. The word humbly comes from the Greek word in Strong’s Number G4240 matching the Greek πραΰτης (praÿtēs), this word is often rendered gentleness of spirit and meekness. These are all fruits of the Holy Spirit in us. As we humble ourselves before God drawing close to him, his Spirit leads us. The gentle meek spirit is drawn to the Word of God. This is a major key of my hearing God's voice. I LOVE the WORD of GOD, the HOLY BIBLE.

I read it every day. I've always loved the Word. It's food for the soul. It's PLANTED inside of me. The Word is inside of you if you READ and MEDITATE on it. JESUS is the LIVING WORD. HE SPEAKS to our HEART through the WORD. It is planted, stored inside where we can draw on it all day and night. We become like a tree planted by the river of life that flows from GOD himself.

(Psalm 1:1-3 NIV) 1 Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, 2 but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. 3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither-- whatever they do prospers.

I can hear his voice because his Words are planted inside of my heart. And because Jesus is the LIVING Word he will manifest himself to you when you call upon him. When you love on him in your heart meditating on his promises he becomes REAL to you. You begin to actually SEE HIM within YOU and you begin to SPEAK to him. If you don't hear him speak back to you don't worry, keep doing it anyway. I promise you if you do one day when you least expect it, you will hear him answer you back.

Scriptures for reference:

(Rev 3:20 NKJV) 20 "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.

(Pro 4:23 NIV) 23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

(Mat 6:22-23 NIV) 22 "The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

(Jas 4:4 NIV) 4 You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.

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Speak Truth With LOVE

7/2/2015

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Photo courtesy of Ray Bilcliff ~ www.trueportraits.com

Love Should Compel Us To Warn The Wicked
Ezekiel 33: 8-9 tells me that I must warn the wicked to repent or else God will require their blood from my hands. That's pretty serious. I must obey God in warning the wicked BUT I believe and I am led by the holy spirit to do it out of love. Someone I know recently spoke about why they are warning the wicked about the consequences of their sinning. They gave the analogy of the Titanic which I thought was a perfect analogy.

If you know the titanic is about to go down and sink, wouldn't you warn people to save their life by telling them about the fact that the boat is sinking but arriving boats of safety have arrived to take them to safety. Jesus is the ark(boats) of safety. You've seen the water slowly coming in the ship but they don't believe you when you tell them about the inevitable danger of the boat sinking.

It's love though that compels you and I to warn the people of the impending catastrophe coming upon this earth if they don't get off the boat or out of this world of sin. Not only will they die if they refuse to get on the ark of safety but they will spend eternity in hellfire, a place that was created for the devil and his demons. But because they continue to rebel against God as Satan and the demons have they will end up in the same place.

I'm Just A Sinner Saved By Grace
I know that I am a sinner saved only by the blood of Jesus and his grace. Knowing this reminds me that I have no right to judge anyone. God and his Word does all the judging. I'm just a messenger saved by the blood of Jesus. Also Ezekiel 33:8-9 compels me to warn the wicked else their blood is on my hands. So that makes it even more compelling that I warn the wicked not just out of love for my neighbor but because God demands that I do so.

Tell me this, how could you not be on fire for God and the Lord's return. What does this world have to offer that's better than what is waiting for us in heaven. God loved us so much that he sent his only begotten son to die a cruel death so that we could be free to live a life free from the bondage of sin now and life eternal in paradise. All we have to do is accept the Lord's gift of life.

Then we must repent of our sins daily and ask the Lord to cleanse our heart, purify us if we are wanting to get REAL with God. Stop the playing around. We must not play around with the Lord. He sees everything anyway. I know, I played around for a long time and finally I realized I had to give everything to him. I had to fully submit my will for his will.

Bottom line coming COMPLETELY out of the world is the bottom line and each person will know what it will take for them to know that they are truly out of the world. It took me a long time to come out of the world completely. I kept leaving and going back and leaving and going back.

It was the worldly entertainment that had me in it's clutches but once I stopped entertaining myself with any worldly entertainment of any kind I knew I was out of the world. No more TV or movies for me. No games, no worldly events, celebrations, etc. Thing is, time is running out. Leave now while it is still time. You will feel so much closer to God once you do.

The lukewarm church has embraced the spirit of the world so it's not surprising the immoral things Christians are watching on TV and the movies. It was not that long ago I was watching them. No one may know what you are watching in the privacy of your home but remember that God knows and the enemy knows. You will answer to one or the other.

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Our God is FAITHFUL

7/2/2015

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Deuteronomy 32:4 NIV - "He is the Rock, his works are PERFECT, and all his ways are just. A FAITHFUL God who does no wrong, upright and just is he".

Photo courtesy of Ray Bilcliff ~ www.trueportraits.com

FAITHFULNESS OF GOD
Wow here we are in a new month and the year is already more than half way gone. God is still FAITHFUL because he is PERFECT in all his ways. We've seen the world escalate into more wickedness than ever reminding us that we are living in the days of Noah and Lot. In spite of all that has happened we can be confident that our deliverance is near. It is NOT a time to EMBRACE fear or react to the enemy's tactics.

Our weapons are mighty to the pulling down of strongholds. We can and must go to the throne of God and pray for the lost and wicked. God is Faithful! We must appreciate the faithfulness he has for his WORD to perform it fulfilling his will and purpose concerning all things in this world. His Word tells us that HE ALONE will speak the final verdict and judge and punish the wicked of the world in his timing.

Mal 4:3 NIV - "3 Then you will trample on the wicked; they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day when I act," says the LORD Almighty."

GOD IS LOVE
We don't have to shout and scream and try to force God down the throat of anyone. He doesn't force himself on anyone. He didn't force himself on us. So why should we try to FORCE God on anyone. Perhaps some will repent before that final judgement is rendered by God when he brings his wrath upon the wicked. But first his judgement will fall on the church, the lukewarm church. That time is NOW.

The true church, church of Philadelphia recognizes its role in these last days. She is on fire for God detesting the evil this world embraces. She offers intercessory prayers for the lost and wicked and serves notice by giving clear warnings to the wicked motivated by the love of God. The fruit we produce will demonstrate what spirit we are operating under. God is LOVE. Jesus is LOVE. IF we lift him up this will allow him to work through us. Perhaps it may move some of them to see the Lord's love and mercy and they repent of their wicked ways. It is the LOVE of God to draw men unto him.

1Jo 4:8, 16 NIV - "8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. ... 16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them."

John 12:32 NIV - "32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.""

1Cor 5:12-13 NIV - "12 What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? 13 God will judge those outside. "Expel the wicked person from among you.""

Gen 18:25 NKJV - "25 "Far be it from You to do such a thing as this, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous should be as the wicked; far be it from You! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?""

CONCLUSION
In all of this I am saying that we must continue to warn the wicked of the consequences of their sinful ways. We must speak truth unashamedly but with love and discernment of the Holy Spirit. God will use his servants in the way he calls them individually. We do not all speak alike or act alike. But we must all speak the TRUTH in LOVE and our actions should be motivated by LOVE.

Luk 6:31-33, 35-37 NIV - "31 Do to others as you would have them do to you. 32 "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. ... 35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. 37 "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven."

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A memorable lesson on humility

6/30/2015

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Humility-A Lesson I Learned
by Faith Gray Cross

Our spiritual cleansing and healing is a great work and challenge that is necessary for our spiritual growth and maturity as Christians. As difficult the challenges at times can be, we should not fail to see all learning opportunities as gifts from God that he has bestowed upon us. We should submit willingly to the active process if we appreciate what the Lord wants to do in us and where he wants to lead us which is all designed and implemented by the holy spirit. With this mindset we can learn some very valuable lessons that are memorable and worth sharing with others. Here is one such experience I know I will never forget.

I use to work at an institution that sponsors the resettling of refugees and aiding immigrants to get established in our society as responsible tax paying citizens. I had one of the most enlightening experiences one afternoon on the job. I got a candid lesson on HUMILITY through a client in one of my housekeeping training classes that I taught. This young man appeared to be about 20yrs old to me and to my surprise he told me he was 27 yrs old.

Let me tell you about this young man Don Lee (name changed for privacy). Don Lee fled his country of Laos to come over to the United States. In order to escape his poverty stricken land it meant his leaving behind his parents and entire family and friends. Now he lives here in midwest alone, yet he forges ahead to make a life for himself in a foreign country. After the training class had ended all the students trickled out one by one, thereby leaving me and him alone in the hallway outside of the class room. He had a heightened look of anticipation on his face to say something.

To my surprise, he said to me, “Teacher, God loves the United States. God has blessed the United States. Maybe one day He will bless my people and my country”. He quickly looked away from me as though he had said something wrong. Now please understand where this is going. We are told to never discuss religion with the clients...as a matter of fact we are given specific instructions to never try to convert their religion. So of course, I was a little stunned by his remarks at first, knowing where this conversation could lead. You can imagine the opened door of opportunity I saw but I looked at him and noticed how sad he looked yet he seemed to be forcing a smile out of respect for me when he talked about God loving the United States.

What True Humility Looks Like

I told him that God loved him and his country as well and that one day everything would be made right by God. He said, “Yes, I know”. In all the conversation I found out he was a Christian like me. I told Don Lee that the Lord must have told him it was safe to open up to me as he had. Then I asked him if I could pray for him. Without any hesitation in his voice he said yes. As I started to pray he had a blank stare on his face but the next thing I knew, his head was bowed low ...eyes closed and he listened intently as the Lord started speaking to his soul through my prayer. He all of a sudden appeared to be tired and beaten down to me. My heart ached for him.

When I finished praying, he looked at me and said thank you bending over and BOWING his head in true humility with a quiet submissive like spirit. Next he extended his hand to me to shake his hand. After I shook his hand He told me everyone in his village back home were Christian. I was so happy to hear that in a communistic, idol- worshiping, war torn and poverty stricken land like Laos there are Christians living there. The living God is active in Laos turning hearts to the King of kings and Lord of lords Jesus Christ.

As soon as he left and I was alone to ponder what had just happened....I completely lost it and broke down in tears. Coming from his background he could have been filled with hatred, anger and bitterness. But all I saw was a meek and modest soul grateful for the chance to live in a country that we often take for granted. I started to pray in my heavenly language...I was so broken and I just started rebuking out loud the spirit of pride. I was just crying out to the Lord thanking him for showing me HIMSELF in this young man. I felt as though I had just seen the Lord Himself and I was so overcome in my spirit and humbled in his presence.

The Lord said to me, Faye what you just saw was TRUE HUMILITY. I continued to cry, no bawl is more like it and I told the Lord how sorry I was for being so prideful. I know I was there in the room crying and praying for a good 15-20 minutes. It almost felt like this person was an angel to me. Have you ever encountered someone who you felt was sent by God...that the moment was God ordained. That's how I felt about that experience. I thanked the Lord for granting me such a profound lesson in humility. I felt HIS LOVE and COMPASSION through Don Lee for me so strongly. God’s love is truly AMAZING!

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God Is Healing Wounded Hearts

6/10/2015

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God Is Healing Wounded Hearts

~ He leads me beside quiet waters ~

Psalm 23:1-6 NIV - A psalm of David.

1 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

In my quiet time with the Lord this morning he told me to read Psalm 23 and share with the Morning Manna with love readers that he wants to heal any and all wounded hearts. He said, Faye, tell them how I've healed your once wounded heart and how you now rest in a place in me where there is no presence of evil, the cup of peace overflows you like a mighty rushing river yet it leads to still and calm waters beside green pastures. Tell them how you dwell in the house of the Lord through the tabernacle of grace which is in my heart inside of your heart. It is where I want all my children to come and take solace in me.

[Isaiah 55:3 NLT] 3 "Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, and you will find life. I will make an everlasting covenant with you. I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David.

I can tell you the Lord has been faithful in every way, every word he has spoken to me has come true. I seek him every day all day long. I love him so. I'm only sharing how God has blessed me with a deeper walk with him and he wants me to share it with everyone, for those who are wanting to walk more deeply with him. For sure that's not the only place God meets us but this is a special place we can go if we want to. It's a place where I go in him when I want to talk to him or hear from him regarding anything of concern or just seeking his will. It's a peaceful place of rest where I feel really close to him. Remember it was said that Enoch walked with God.

That's exactly what I wanted and I do walk with Him. I can literally feel him at times walking by my side. Do you feel that close to him? I hope so, it's a beautiful experience for sure. Remember it was also said that Moses was God's friend.  Exodus 33:11 NIV - says, "The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend." Jesus said we are his friends.

[John 15:15 KJV] 15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

The church is privileged to be both his bride and his friend, though some will know him only as a casual friend in this life time because of their own choosing. John the Baptizer knew Jesus as a friend and stated that the bride would be closer because she belonged to the bridegroom. See as it is stated here at John 3:29 NIV - 29 "The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete."

*Added insight: As John has stated here, he is the friend of the bridegroom but the bride belongs to the bridegroom. The word translated as belongs comes from the Greek word echo, Strongs G2192. It means to hold, to own or have as one's possession. Have we surrendered our life to the bridegroom allowing him possession of our soul, permitting him to take hold of our life walking hand in hand with him. The new insight is that of John who is not the possession of Jesus yet it says he attends the bridegroom.

When you own something you want to take care of it. Do we as the bride take for granted the bridegroom's love because we know he will take care of us? Do we take his grace and mercy for granted? Or do we realize how blessed and privileged we are to be in such a close position with the Lord? Do we desire to attend to him as a friend, taking personal interest in him, seeking to find out and do what is pleasing to him. John, a friend attended the bridegroom, waiting, listening for him. Hearing the bridegrooms voice brought him joy and without it , all was incomplete.

The word attending is used in the NIV and the complete thought is rendered from really two greek words. First, it is the Greek word histemi, Strongs G2476 which means to bid to stand for in the midst of others or before judges, to stand by or near being immovable and firm. The second word is the Greek word akouo, Strongs G119. It is translated as " hear " 418X but it also means to attend to as one considers what has been said.

So in the final analysis we see that John as a friend is loyal in face of opposition, firm, immovable, listening and anticipating to hear the voice of the bridegroom so that he can attend to the needs of the bridegroom. His loyalty cost him his head literally.

[Mark 6:24-25 NIV] 24 She went out and said to her mother, "What shall I ask for?" "The head of John the Baptist," she answered. 25 At once the girl hurried in to the king with the request: "I want you to give me right now the head of John the Baptist on a platter."

If John merely a friend of the bridegroom feels this way about the Lord, all the more so should we. Our love should be overflowing knowing His ownership of us was bought at such a great price, for his precious blood is proof of his tremendous love for us. Joy describes the condition of John's heart at hearing the messiah's voice. Is his voice like a calming stream that brings a surpassing peace to your mind and heart. It was to John I bet. It is to me. [Phil 4:7 DBY] 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses every understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts by Christ Jesus.

But what was it that made John so firm in his stand for the Lord? It was because he knew exactly who Jesus was.

[John 1: 6-9 KJV] 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name [was] John. 7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all [men] through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but [was sent] to bear witness of that Light. 9 [That] was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

Do we know the Lord? One day we will finally get to know the Lord as Moses did, visibly face to face. When we see Jesus we see the Father. [John 14:9, 11 KJV] 9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou [then], Shew us the Father? ... 11 Believe me that I [am] in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.

But for now through eyes of faith, we can see him face to face in the tabernacle of his heart located in the temple of his love. I go there boldly each morning asking for grace for the day to empower me to do what he has called me to do for his eternal glory. You can go there too. You don't have to go far, no traveling through space. Just look within your heart. His heart is in our heart, the true temple of today through the Holy Spirit.  There is where we can get to know him. Also reading the word will help us get to know him for he is the Word of God.

[1Co 6:19-20 NIV] 19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

[Pro 30:5 KJV] 5 Every word of God [is] pure: he [is] a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

[John 1:1 KJV] 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

I have my early morning routine when I wake up.  Sometimes I read my healing scriptures out loud or read a passage(s) of scriptures he has put on my mind. I sit in my chair looking out the window to thank him for his beautiful creations. There's two little bunny rabbits I see on occasion that chase each other over and over again. I love to watch them playing and frolicking on the green grass and the parking lot. They appear to be playing tag or hide and seek, which reminds me of something I read a few years ago in Tommy Tenney's book, "God Catchers".

He talked about how Father God likes to play hide and seek with his children. I learned to play this game with the Father and I finally got caught by him but sometimes it's the other way around, that I catch him. haha For what seemed to be a long time, he chased after me and finally I fully surrendered letting him catch me. Then at one point the game started over again which I initiated. I started chasing after him because I LOVED BEING in HIS PRESENCE. Now I wanted to draw even closer to him. It's all fun no matter who is doing the chasing or who catches who. The chase is fun for sure but the clincher is in the final catching.

Do you remember as a child ever playing hide and seek with family or friends? Do you remember the exhilaration you felt with your heart pounding at the moment you were caught? You both fell down laughing. That's the feeling I felt and even feel now when I think about the moment God caught me, when we both laughed at our coming together. The unspeakable JOY of being in HIS PRESENCE is undeniable. We have to be like a little child with God. When we lay aside our own agenda, and seek him with all our heart like a child he begins the game of hide and seek with us. He even likes for us to pursue and chase after him. Better yet, He LOVES it!

Yet, if we are new in this game, most times He chase us leading us in the game with the Helper, his Holy Spirit where we may end up in a place all alone, feeling isolated in the game called life. This part of the game of hide and seek may be most challenging. If and when we are led into the wilderness the Holy Spirit helps us to adapt reminding us that God is a LOVING GOD and in control and will not let us down if we don't give up and faint or fall by the wayside. Even so, He will pick us up and nurse us back to health.

You know something I find amazing is when he's doing the chasing our mindset is totally different from when we are chasing after him. Maybe it's because we're not in charge when he's chasing after us. As the game of hide and seek with God leads us into the wilderness where we are hiding there's no one around, no friends, no spouse, no children; just us alone with ourself and our thoughts. We may be thinking, what will I do if he catches me?

I can't possibly live up to his expectations. I can't be perfect, I've tried and I always mess up, falling short. Don't you see, he already knows this about us but He still wants to be with us. All he ask of us is that we try having a pure heart towards HIM. He knows we will never be PERFECT though we are encouraged to reach for it, to be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect. The best we can do in this sinful flesh is walk in and after HIS Holy Spirit because He is the Perfect ONE, we will be abiding in Him. The perfection is in Christ. That's why he left heaven to come down to earth in the form of a man to save us from our sins. He's wanting to catch you and I to tell us that it's okay, he likes who we are in HIM. He made us forming us out of the dust. Yet there is no condemnation for those who are (abiding) in Christ Jesus.

Who are we to say to the potter, why did you make me this way or that way. You don't have to keep running away from me my child, he says. Instead run into my loving arms where I will hold you and heal all the wounds in your heart child. Wow, I was astonished when I realized I could really hear God speak to me those words to heal my wounded heart. It didn't happen overnight either. It's a matter of getting to know God and learning to trust Him. When we arrive at this point in our relationship with God we like to chase after HIM, pursue HIM with all our might and strength. Now we're the initiator in the game of hide and seek.

Our chase begins when we no longer live to please ourselves but find more pleasure in doing the things we know are pleasing to him. The game is most enjoyable I feel when we are at this point in our relationship with the Lord. Whether we are chasing God, pursuing Him or He is chasing us is irrelevant. We want to catch him and the thrill of the catch is so gratifying to our soul. But by now it's even enjoyable if He's chasing us because either way we end up with HIM. He's the best CATCH! We start to LONG for HIM, for His presence because HIS LOVE IS SO AMAZING. We now want to please HIM and do whatever it takes to STAY CLOSE to HIM and COMMUNE with HIM. Glory to God!

I'm still walking it out with him day by day. It took some work figuring out which voice was his and which was mine or the enemy's voice. He told me that when I begin to understand clearly who he is and get to know him I will be able to discern when I'm hearing from him. Sometimes the enemy pretends and comes as an angel of light but can a zebra remove his stripes? No! Neither can the enemy remove the anger, vile speech, lust, lies and every form of evil from his being and the truth comes out in the end. Prayer, reading the Word and seeking God's will leads us to the place where we can hear his voice.

All of his sheep will know and recognize his voice. So in all of this I'm telling you who are reading this, if you are feeling distant from God he is now speaking to you. First repent and rend your heart to God. Submit fully, surrender your heart and soul to him. Maybe you have past hurts and broken relationships that have left you with a wounded spirit. It's not beyond repair and God can heal it for you with the balm of his healing graces. It comes through the gift of the holy spirit. Go to God in prayer. Approach his throne with a humble heart yet boldly, don't be afraid. Jesus opened the way...his body was the curtain that was torn so that we may have access to the Father. He asked me to tell everyone today that he wants to heal all the wounded hearts. Go to Abba daddy, he's waiting for you now.

Scriptures for reference:

The Sheep Hear His Voice
Jhn 10:3 NKJV - ""To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out."

Heb 3:15 NKJV - "while it is said: "Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.""

Walking In The Spirit/Being Perfect in Christ
Rom 8:1, 6-14 NIV - "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus

Rom 8: 6-14 NIV - "Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you. Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation--but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God."

2Ti 3:17 KJV - "That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."

Heb 13:21 KJV - "Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen."

Jas 1:4 KJV - "But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."

The Potter's Hand Over Us
Isa 64:8 NKJV - "But now, O LORD, You are our Father; We are the clay, and You our potter; And all we are the work of Your hand."

Rom 9:21 NKJV - "Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor?"

Draw Near To God
Psa 73:28 NKJV - "But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, That I may declare all Your works."

Heb 10:22 NKJV - "let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."

Jas 4:8 NKJV - "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded."

Satan Turns Himself To An Angel of Light
2Co 11:14 NKJV - "And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light."

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Sound the Alarm

6/2/2015

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Early this morning I asked the Lord if there was a special scripture or message he wanted me to share today. I was immediately led to open my bible and my eyes automatically zoomed in on Joel 2:1-2. God loves us all so much and it's with HIS love that I give this message to all who read it. I have posted many scriptural references at the end as back up.

Sound the Alarm
Joel 2:1-2 NKJV - 1 Blow the trumpet in Zion, And sound an alarm in My holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble; For the day of the LORD is coming, For it is at hand: 2 A day of darkness and gloominess, A day of clouds and thick darkness, Like the morning [clouds] spread over the mountains. A people [come], great and strong, The like of whom has never been; Nor will there ever be any [such] after them, Even for many successive generations.

There's no time for beating around the bush. There was an urgency in the air with the Lord. It is time for us all to fall to our knees and REPENT of ALL sin before the LORD.

God wants us to come out of the world. We must leave this world behind and separate ourselves because he that LOVES the world is an enemy of God. James 4:4 If we are immersed in the world and all that it stands for, God is willing and able to clean us up after we come out of the world. It is by our faith in Jesus, the lamb of God whose blood was poured out upon the cross that we are cleansed. It is notable in the bible account that the leper went to Jesus, he asked to be cleansed and Jesus was willing to cleanse him. When we closely associate with the world we get contaminated with a spiritual leprosy. Leprosy was a disease that left ugly sores on the body and a foul stench . The world of sin, its evil entertainment, sexual immorality and all things unholy, unclean is likened to ugly sores in the eyes of a holy and righteous God. This spiritual leprosy of sin leaves a foul stench in the Lord's nostrils as well.

Those who have truly come out of the world and I'm not speaking of physically coming out but meaning they are IN(live in) the world and NO PART(no PARTicipation) of any sorts of the world). No participation is like saying no association, plain and simple. As mature Christians we likewise find every form of evil, including ALL EVIL worldly entertainment, ALL the sexual immorality as REPULSIVE to look at, as it is to look at a leper's sores and we find this world smells as foul as the opened running sores on a leper. God is not going to LOWER his standards and values to those of the world. We must ELEVATE our mindset and change to God's way of thinking.

That's what true REPENTANCE means...to turn around changing our course while getting on the right path, the path of righteousness. This is why he says, come out of her (Babylon the Great) my people if you do not want to share in her sins. Revelation 18:4 Simply stated babylon the great is the WORLD EMPIRE of EVIL. He is coming SOON to destroy all who love the wickedness of this world.

But before he comes to destroy the world, he is giving a fair warning for us to get our houses in order. Just like in Noah's day, men were eating and drinking, marrying and being given in marriage til the flood came and swept them all away. Just like in the days of Lot and other times of the past sexual sin was prevalent, men sleeping with men, women sleeping with women, men sleeping with animals. God punished those worlds but before he did he sent his angels to remove LOT and his family and an ark to save Noah and his family.

If we've left the world which is the SODOM and Gomorrah of today, then that's great! We have taken a great step with a good start but we must maintain a healthy fear of God and know that He is Lord of our life. Yes, take a warning from Lot's wife. Wavering, looking back at the world longing for it again can get us in spiritual trouble. If we still love the world and turn back to it before Jesus comes, we may lose our life just as Lot's wife who turned to look back after leaving was turned to a pillar of salt. Going back to the world is like a pig going back to wallow in its own vomit. That is gross and so is the evil in this world if we see it as God does. We must all learn to hate what God hates and love what he loves.

We can see the severity of God and also see the LOVE of God in that he wants to save his people who come to him. He doesn't want to see anyone lose their life. Instead he gives us a new life to be lived in him. Rest in him knowing that he loves us with an unfailing love.

Scriptural References:

God is Sounding the Alarm; Giving Fair Warning of His Coming Wrath (The Day of the Lord)
Joel 2:1-2 NIV - 1 Blow the trumpet in Zion; sound the alarm on my holy hill. Let all who live in the land tremble, for the day of the LORD is coming. It is close at hand-- 2 a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness. Like dawn spreading across the mountains a large and mighty army comes, such as never was in ancient times nor ever will be in ages to come.

Come Out ~ Be No Part of the World
2Co 6:17 NKJV - 17 Therefore "Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you."
John 17:14 NIV - 14 I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world.

Can't Love the World and God too
James 4:4 NIV - 4 You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
John 7:7 NKJV - 7 "The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me because I testify of it that its works are evil. (The World hates God-it is his ENEMY)

We Must Repent
Mar 6:12 NKJV - 12 So they went out and preached that [people] should repent.
Luk 13:3 NKJV - 3 "I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.
Act 2:38 NKJV - 38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

We Must Hate EVIL As God Hates EVIL
Proverb 8:13 NKJV - 13 The fear of the LORD [is] to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverse mouth I hate.
Amos 5:15 NKJV - 15 Hate evil, love good; Establish justice in the gate. It may be that the LORD God of hosts Will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.
Isaiah 5:20 NKJV - 20 Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

Jesus Extends His Love~ Ready to Clean Us From the Spiritual Leprosy of this World
Mar 1:40-42 NKJV - 40 Now a leper came to Him, imploring Him, kneeling down to Him and saying to Him, "If You are willing, You can make me clean." 41 Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out [His] hand and touched him, and said to him, "I am willing; be cleansed." 42 As soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed.

Time Is Urgent ~ Running Out
Rom 13:11-14 NIV - 11 And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.

Leave the World Empire of Evil-Babylon the Great
Rev 18:2-5, 8, 24 NKJV - 2 And he cried mightily with a loud voice, saying, "Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird! 3 "For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury." 4 And I heard another voice from heaven saying, "Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. 5 "For her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities. ... 8 "Therefore her plagues will come in one day--death and mourning and famine. And she will be utterly burned with fire, for strong [is] the Lord God who judges her. ... 24 "And in her was found the blood of prophets and saints, and of all who were slain on the earth." (This verse (24) shows that "Babylon the Great is the EMPIRE of EVIL, no one country like the US as some say is babylon the great, is responsible for EVERYONE SLAIN on the Earth)

We Must Get Our House (cleaned) and In Order
Matthew 23:25 NKJV - 25 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence.
Ephesians 5:26 NKJV - 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word,
James 4:8 NKJV - 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse [your] hands, [you] sinners; and purify [your] hearts, [you] double-minded.
1John 1:9 NKJV - 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Days like Noah and Lot (Sodom and Gomorrah)
Matthew 24:37-44 NKJV - 37 "But as the days of Noah [were], so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 38 "For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, 39 "and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 40 "Then two [men] will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. 41 "Two [women will be] grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. 42 "Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. 43 "But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. 44 "Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

God Will Punish Again Those Engrossed In Sexual Sin ~ He has not changed
Romans 1:26-32 NKJV - "26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them."

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Who Are You Resisting ~ the Devil or Holy Spirit?

5/27/2015

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Which Road Will You Choose to Travel?

"13 "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 "Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." - Mat 7:13-14 NKJV

Resisting the Devil

The Lord gave me part of this word Sunday, May 3rd, 2015 and the rest today. NOW is the time I'm directed by Him to release it. So, I know this will be a RHEMA word for someone who's reading this now. Both questions posed above, first, "Who Are You Resisting ~ the Devil or Holy Spirit?" and second, "Which Road Will You Choose to Travel, the narrow or wide road?" are profound questions that only we can answer for ourself. Consider that you've been trying your best to resist the devil as it says to do in James 4:7b, "7 ....... Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." - James 4:7 NIV

But for some reason it seems he hasn't left at all. Well, for one it doesn't say he will never come back again; does it? Or perhaps he did leave, but you opened the door and let him back in, another possibility. Only when Jesus locks satan away during the 1,000 yr. millennial reign will the devil not be around to bother God's servants or anyone again except for the short period when he will be let out again.

We know there is only one door (Jesus Christ) that leads to life and if you are a Christian it may be safe to assume you know that but not everyone reading this is a Christian or at the same level or crossroad in life. So please keep that in mind while reading. Please note what John 10: 7, 9 says,

"7 Then Jesus said to them again, "Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. ... 9 "I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture." - John 10:7, 9 NKJV

So the scriptures show Jesus is the narrow gate or door that leads to the narrow and straight path leading to life. Only a few though find this path which indicates that a person must be looking for this door in order to find it, they must be seeking for Jesus. There are (2) roads, the narrow where only a few find it but most people, the world at large are on the broad path as the following scripture shows us.

"13 "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 "Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." -
Matthew 7:13-14 NKJV

Consider this.....

Resisting the Holy Spirit

Did you know that we can "resist God (the Holy Spirit)?"   Yes, we can by walking in rebellion as the Israelites did in ancient times. It is the same today, rebellious hearts and being stiff necked towards God leads us down the broad and spacious road. This road accommodates our every move giving us the freedom that only the world offers which is to live a life of debauchery, living the way WE WANT TO.

Resisting the Holy Spirit is evidenced in the life of someone who says to himself/herself, whatever feels good, like Nike, "just do it". It says I decide what is right or wrong for me, not God. Isn't that the very issue that was raised in the Garden of Eden? The spirit of rebellion was unleashed by Adam and Eve. Now today most choose to go down the same path.

They resist the Holy Spirit which is our helper and friend, the One to help us do what is pleasing to God. He is the essence of LOVE, but the world rejects Him. The worldly person only loves those that love them for their own selfish gain. Note what Acts 7:51 says,

"51 "You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit!" - Act 7:51 NIV So it's pretty clear what it means to resist the Holy Spirit which is not good at all. But....

So, to resist the devil means we are walking the straight and narrow path that leads to eternal life in paradise and to the contrary, resisting the Holy Spirit means we are walking with the world down the wide and spacious road that leads to destruction. The first question that may come to your mind as it did mine is how do I resist the enemy (devil)?

The word "resist" comes from the root meaning of (2) greek words found in Strong's Concordance ~ G473, ante transliterated as anti which means opposite or oppose and G2476, histemi which means to stand, to fix and firmly establish and be of steadfast mind. So we get the picture, resisting means to OPPOSE or go against with a FIRM stance. To resist is more than saying; devil, I resist you in the name of Jesus.

I can see and hear myself doing and saying this over and over again without any seeming results just as you may have done or said or know someone who is being challenged in this regard.

Submit to God First

I asked the Lord, "What is it I'm doing wrong?" He said in so many words, "Faye, speaking the declaration, I resist you devil in Jesus name is a good start because the devil must flee at the name of Jesus. You must truly resist by putting those words into action otherwise they are just empty words.

What's more significant is that you must make sure to apply the first part of the scripture first and foremost. Look at the scripture again." It says,"7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." - James 4:7 NIV  " Ok Lord, I get it. Submitting to you comes first. But I thought I had done that. In that conversation with the Lord I came to understand that this is all a lifelong process that I am still walking out with the Lord and learning from Him as I go.

The Holy Spirit is our friend and he will take us by the hand and lead us step by step if we allow Him to. How do we do that? First just giving him permission to take control of our life is what submitting to God means. He further led me to understand that our motive for resisting the devil is paramount in determining the outcome of any given situation. Proverb 20:27 helps us to see that God knows the reasons why we do and say the things we do. He can see what is hidden in our heart.

"27 The LORD's light penetrates the human spirit, exposing every hidden motive." - Pro 20:27 NLT

"Saying you resist the devil, rebuking evil is an important step in the process of drawing close to me", says the Lord. Submission, LOVE of God and his commandments should be the primary reason and motivating factor that leads us to resisting the devil and all forms of evil no matter what it is. An improper motive will not bring the results we expect.

If our motive is merely to get relief from the fiery test and trials we're going through and not to fully submit to God with the aim of drawing closer to Him, we will end up in the same place or worse off. Jesus said when a spirit leaves, he goes seeking for a place of rest and finds none so he says, I will go back to the place I left. He finds it empty, clean and spacious, returning back with even more bad spirits.

We must submit FULLY to God to receive His Holy Spirit. We want to be filled with the Holy Spirit. If we are not fully submitted to God, we will be led down the path of destruction. Because as soon as the test or trial ends, we'll go right back to doing our own thing. Living selfishly, only pleasing ourselves and growing further away from God rather than drawing ever CLOSER to Him.

So the understanding I have gotten from all of this can be summed up in a few steps. There are 5 steps we can take to fully submit and draw close to God and enjoy a personable close intimate relationship with Him. In this way we can stay on the narrow road which leads to life. No, it's not the easy road but it's well worth taking it to have a close personable relationship with our Creator. With the help of the Holy Spirit we can resist the enemy and maintain a pure heart and conscience before God.

Step (1) Submit to God

Pure motives before God and pure love for God will draw us ever so near to God as He draws ever so near to us.  To submit to God is like asking Jesus to come into our heart to cleanse us and purify us with the refiner's fire. Christ blood has saved us and cleansed us of all sins. Submitting to God however, is like saying God please take over and help me to not sin against you. I know I'm forgiven but I want to please you with my life. We recognize we can't do this in our own strength but need the help that only God supplies through Jesus and the Holy Spirit. King David was a good example of someone who prayed to God to cleanse him from the evil desires of his carnal flesh.

When we fully submit to God we will see that it is an ongoing process, a lifestyle so to speak. We know the lust of our flesh can easily get us into trouble but only if we allow it. The lust of the senses can entrap us into the claws of the enemy, but drawing close to God and submitting to the Lord is the key to being under his power of strength and protection. Giving God full reign over our will is required to be fully submitted to God. Putting God's will ahead of our own says we love God with our WHOLE heart, mind, soul and strength. Now that we have submitted our life to God and asked him to cleanse and purify our hearts because we want to draw close to him, what comes next?

Step (2) Resist the Devil

Now that we've got our priorities right, motivated by the love of God, time to take a firm stand for God. Don't speak empty words, but resist the enemy by taking action. Take up the full armor of God each and every day. Study to understand how each weapon of warfare is needed and how it is used. Ephesian 6: 10-18 says,

"10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

13 Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints--" - Ephesian 6:10-18 NKJV

Step (3) Making Your Mind Over

You must decide who you will serve this day. The world is passing away, will you choose to love it or yourself more than God and go down into destruction with it. The apostle John said, "17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever." - 1John 2:17 NKJV We must make up our mind because the choice is ours to make, God does not force us to serve him. We are free moral agents. He wants us to serve him out of a pure heart filled with pure love.

This comes from our getting to know God through his Son, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Each person of the godhead, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit has a specific role to play in our life. How much do you want to know the very character of God displayed in the many facets of his personality? If I say I would like to know God in every way possible, the level of our relationship and intimacy will depend a great deal on my response to the next (2) steps.

Step (4) Bunker In With God

Getting bunkered in with God is like saying God, I'm all in this with you Lord. I love you and want to know you in a close personal way and I want to understand how I can be a better person for you. Bunkering in means we spend time with God in prayer and worship, talking and praising him throughout the day in quiet heart to heart meditation or out loud. To paraphrase John 17:3 it says, 'This means everlasting life their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ.'

Through consistent bible study time we can take in this life giving knowledge of God the Father and Jesus Christ Messiah. Simply seeking his will and purpose for our life keeps us humble before him.  We listen for the voice of Jesus through the Holy Spirit as he leads us each day in opportunities to demonstrate the love of God in action. The fruits of the Holy Spirit will manifest in our life as we stay bunkered in with Him.

Also we will be trained by the Holy Spirit with the provided spiritual weapons for spiritual warfare. This means that we can bunker in the trenches with God along with his endtime army of today. We must press on ever forward in the race for life until the end of this age. As we bunker in with the Lord we know we are covered and protected by Him and His holy angels.

Step (5) Firmly Planted in the Word of God

All we have to do is STAND! Stand on the word of God. Jesus is the Word of God. See Rev 19:13 Let us trust in Jesus, our Saviour and Friend by putting our faith into action, for faith without works is dead thereby, obeying his instructions and commandments. Develop a love for his commandments which are not burdensome. Every word, every promise, every prophecy will all come true simply because God cannot and will not LIE.

It's totally against his nature and besides there's no reason for Him to lie or contradict himself. He's the Almighty God, the one who tells the beginning and the end of a matter before it's time. He sends his word forth and it accomplishes whatever he sends it out to do, never to return to him void. Compare Isaiah 55:11 Hallelujah!

Scriptures for Reference:

Holy Spirit ~ Gift, Counselor, Teacher, Helper and Friend
"52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit." - Act 13:52 NKJV

"8 "So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us," - Act 15:8 NKJV

"6 Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia." - Act 16:6 NKJV

"6 And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied." - Act 19:6 NKJV

"5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." - Rom 5:5 NKJV

"13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." - Rom 15:13 NKJV

"14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn't confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me." - John 15:14-15 NLT

"13 These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual." - 1Co 2:13 NKJV

"14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen." -
2Co 13:14 NKJV

"4 God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will?" - Heb 2:4 NKJV

"13 "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!"" - Luke 11:13 NKJV

"12 "For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say."" - Luke 12:12 NKJV

"26 "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you." - John 14:26 NKJV

"5 "for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." ... 8 "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."" - Act 1:5, 8 NKJV

"4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." - Act 2:4 NKJV

"31 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness." - Act 4:31 NKJV

"31 Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied." - Act 9:31 NKJV

Do NOT Resist the Holy Spirit
51 "You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit! Act 7:51 NIV

but do.....

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

Weapons of Spiritual Warfare
"10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints--" - Eph 6:10-18 NKJV

World engulfed In Lust
"27 In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error." - Romans 1:27 NIV

"5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry." - Colossians 3:5 NIV

"16 For everything in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--comes not from the Father but from the world." - 1John 2:16 NIV

Making a Choice
"17 But if thine heart turn away, so that thou wilt not hear, but shalt be drawn away, and worship other gods, and serve them; 18 I denounce unto you this day, that ye shall surely perish, and that ye shall not prolong your days upon the land, whither thou passest over Jordan to go to possess it. 19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: 20 That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them." - Deuteronomy 30:17-20 KJV

"18 And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not." - Malachi 3:18 NIV

Word of God
"9 "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. 10 As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, 11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." - Isa 55:9-11 NIV

"2 in the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time," - Titus 1:2 NIV

"18 God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged." - Hebrews 6:18 NIV

"5 "Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him." - Proverbs 30:5 NIV

"12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." - Hebrews 4:12 NIV

"5 who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age" - Hebrews 6:5 NIV

"23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God." - 1Peter 1:23 NIV

"14 I write to you, dear children, because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one." - 1John 2:14 NIV

"2 who testifies to everything he saw--that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ." - Rev 1:2 NIV

"13 He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God." - Rev 19:13 NIV

Stand Still ~ Stand Firm
"16 "Now then, stand still and see this great thing the LORD is about to do before your eyes!" - 1Sa 12:16 NIV

"17 You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.' "" - 2Ch 20:17 NIV

"16 "No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light." - Luk 8:16 NIV

"9 Another reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything." - 2Co 2:9 NIV

"27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel" - Phl 1:27 NIV

Love God with Pure Heart and His Commandments
"127 Because I love your commands more than gold, more than pure gold," - Psa 119:127 NIV

"5 The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith." - 1Ti 1:5 NIV

"22 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart." - 2Ti 2:22 NIV

"3 For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome." - 1John 5:3 NKJV

Faith Without Works Is Dead
"20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? ... 26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." - Jas 2:20, 26 NKJV

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A Song of Ascents ~ Leading My Soul to Mt. Zion

5/25/2015

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I Will Lift Up My Eyes To The Hills ~

Photo courtesy of Ray Bilcliff ~ www.trueportaits.com

A Song of Ascents. "1 I will lift up my eyes to the hills--From whence comes my help? 2 My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. 3 He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. 4 Behold, He who keeps Israel Shall neither slumber nor sleep. 5 The LORD is your keeper; The LORD is your shade at your right hand. 6 The sun shall not strike you by day, Nor the moon by night. 7 The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. 8 The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in From this time forth, and even forevermore." - Psa 121:1-8 NKJV

May 25, 2015 For those who have ears to listen...

Lift your eyes up to the hills because there is a new day dawning. Look up and see what the Lord has for you for He never sleeps nor slumber. Therefore seek Him with all your heart. Lift up your eyes to the hills that ascend to His very throne where He's seated established forevermore; for He will GUIDE our footsteps to know which way we should go so much so that our foot will not be moved when we need to stand still and wait on HIM. As we trust Him in the days ahead we will be fully equipped to take a firm stand in whatever we are facing with various trials and tests to see His glory manifest in our lives. Chase no more after the WINDS of VANITY, worldly dreams that lead us nowhere because they are empty dreams not meant to be.

Pursue instead His will for you, as He puts dreams with purpose in our heart that glorify Him and it is His will to make them come to a realization if you look to Him first and foremost for our life's fulfillment. Preservation of our soul should be our major concern to keep ourselves from all manners of evil. Live a life of freedom as a child of God. He will provide protection for us, so may our will be in line with His will which is to safeguard our heart and mind.  What our mind stays on will find a place in our heart.

Compare 1Chron 28:9 and Prov 4:23 "23 Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life." - Pro 4:23 NLT

Take hold of what the Lord offers us today and look only to Him. As we go to the spiritual Mount Zion, we can take hold and climb by way of the ROCK, Jesus Christ (Yeshua Ha Maschiach)  who will lead us into His shelter under His wing. It's a canopy of His very presence to provide us shade; whereby to keep us preserved in this present day of evil. How do we pray? Pray that you may be found worthy to escape the things which are about to come upon the earth. The One who is, who was and is to come will be coming SOON!

I will lift up my eyes to the hills, from whence comes my help? It is the Lord himself, the Holy One of Israel, the Alpha and the Omega God Almighty. See Rev 1: 2

Scriptures for reference:

The Lord Will Direct Our Steps When We Follow Him
"32 So be careful to do what the LORD your God has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left." - Deut 5:32 NIV

"14 Do not turn aside from any of the commands I give you today, to the right or to the left, following other gods and serving them." - Deu 28:14 NIV

"2 He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD and followed completely the ways of his father David, not turning aside to the right or to the left." - 2Kings 22:2 NIV

"27 Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil." - Proverbs 4:27 NIV

"21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."" - Isaiah 30:21 NIV

Everything is Vanity without God
"6 But we are all like an unclean thing, And all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags; We all fade as a leaf, And our iniquities, like the wind, Have taken us away." - Isa 64:6 NKJV

"14 I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and indeed, all is vanity and grasping for the wind." - Ecc 1:14 NKJV

"1 I said in my heart, "Come now, I will test you with mirth; therefore enjoy pleasure"; but surely, this also was vanity. ... 21 For there is a man whose labor is with wisdom, knowledge, and skill; yet he must leave his heritage to a man who has not labored for it. This also is vanity and a great evil. ... 26 For God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy to a man who is good in His sight; but to the sinner He gives the work of gathering and collecting, that he may give to him who is good before God. This also is vanity and grasping for the wind." - Ecc 2:1, 21, 26 NKJV

"19 For what happens to the sons of men also happens to animals; one thing befalls them: as one dies, so dies the other. Surely, they all have one breath; man has no advantage over animals, for all is vanity." - Ecc 3:19 NKJV

The Lord's Throne Is Established Forever
"7 The LORD reigns forever; he has established his throne for judgment." - Psa 9:7 NIV

"19 The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all." - Psa 103:19 NIV

Why We Must Guard Our Heart
"9 "As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever." - 1Ch 28:9 NKJV

"29 But from there you will search again for the LORD your God. And if you search for him with all your heart and soul, you will find him." - Deu 4:29 NLT

"16 "But be careful. Don't let your heart be deceived so that you turn away from the LORD and serve and worship other gods." - Deu 11:16 NLT

"13 "If only you would prepare your heart and lift up your hands to him in prayer!" - Job 11:13 NLT

"22 Listen to his instructions, and store them in your heart." - Job 22:22 NLT

"8 O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge. Interlude" - Psa 62:8 NLT

"10 For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy." - Pro 2:10 NLT

"1 My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. ... 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding." - Pro 3:1, 5 NLT

"23 Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life." - Pro 4:23 NLT

God Sees and Judges What Is In Our Mind and Heart
"36 Who has put wisdom in the mind? Or who has given understanding to the heart?" - Job 38:36 NKJV

"2 Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; Try my mind and my heart." - Psa 26:2 NKJV

Freedom Granted To All Children of God
"45 I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts." - Psa 119:45 NIV

"1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners," - Isa 61:1 NIV

"21 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God." - Rom 8:21 NIV

"17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." - 2Co 3:17 NIV

"1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. ... 13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love." - Gal 5:1, 13 NIV

"12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence." - Eph 3:12 NIV

"25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it--not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it--they will be blessed in what they do." - Jas 1:25 NIV

"16 Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God's slaves." - 1Pe 2:16 NIV

"19 They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity--for "people are slaves to whatever has mastered them."" - 2Pe 2:19 NIV

Endtime Admonition ~ Promises of Hope and Deliverance
"36 "Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man."" - Luk 21:36 NKJV

"2 Deliver me in Your righteousness, and cause me to escape; Incline Your ear to me, and save me." - Psa 71:2 NKJV

"7 Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen. 8 "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End," says the Lord, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty."" - Rev 1:7-8 NKJV

"7 "Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book."" - Rev 22:7 NKJV

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God's Favor Is NOW

5/19/2015

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Time of God's Favor ~ Day of Salvation

Photo: Courtesy of Ray Bilcliff ~ www.trueportraits.com

This morning the Lord led me first thing to 2 Corinthians, chapter 6 where it speaks about the time of God's favor and day of salvation. The timing of the day of salvation is closely tied to the day of God's favor obviously and NOW is that time!

"1 As God's co-workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. 2 For he says, "In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you." I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation." - 2Co 6:1-2 NIV

How is God's favor being expressed today? Just look around you and see the explicit beauty of his creations. No matter where you live in the world, if you live long enough you will experience seeing the beauty of a clear blue sky with fluffy white clouds, or a beautiful sunset. Or you may be fascinated by the intrinsic design of a dragonfly that delicately balances itself in midair hovering over a single blade of grass or the leaf of a tree.

The apostle Paul said to the Corinthian congregation that God's grace was not to be taken for granted. Why? Because Jesus dying on the cross was not for nothing. He reconciled the once broken relationship between God and man. Our sins are no longer counted against us. Glory Hallelujah! Christ opened the way that we could experience a one on one relationship with the Most High God, the creator of all the universe.

"17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." - 2Co 5:17-21 NIV

He went on to say that whether good times or bad times, time of testing or persecution, time of prosperity or time of need we can experience God's favor. "4 Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; ... 10 sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything." - 2Co 6:4, 10 NIV Not only did Paul speak about the reconciliation between God and man but he also spoke about our heavenly dwelling place which is the spiritual dwelling place, our spiritual body. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord he said. This statement is quite provocative in itself because it is suggesting that we now have a spiritual body that is in heaven and one day we will take off the physical body and be clothed with the spiritual body which is eternal. How is this possible you may ask? God made it all possible.

"1 For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. 2 Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, 3 because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. 4 For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5 Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. 6 Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. ... - 2Co 5:1-6, NIV

So in conclusion, we see God's favor NOW today in all the beauty of his creations and through his means of salvation which is Christ reconciling us back to God, ours sins no longer counted against us, the spiritual body (temple) we now have as a means to communicate with God today (compare John 4: 23,24) and it culminating with the promise of eternal life ~ if we put our faith and trust in Jesus. This is the day of God's favor. It's his will NOW as it was in the beginning with Adam to dwell in communion among His creation only it's in the spiritual realm for now. It is seen through eyes of faith but the day is coming when we will see him face to face. God who is a Spirit is pleased when we worship him with spirit (through the tabernacle of our heart) and (with) truth (his Word, the bible). Compare John 4: 23-24

"23 "But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. 24 "God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."" - John 4:23-24 NKJV

What is truth? Someone asked Jesus that very same question. He said, God's Word is truth. Compare John 17:17

So, like King David as recorded in the Word at 1Chronicles 16: 23-36, let us worship the Creator NOW and forever by singing praises and magnifying his great name YHWH through YesHuWaH (Jesus). He is truly WORTHY of ALL Praise, Glory and Honor! Amen!

"I tell you now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation." 2 Corinthians 6:2b Photo Ray Bilcliff ~ www.trueportraits.com

"23 Sing unto the LORD, all the earth; shew forth from day to day his salvation. 24 Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvellous works among all nations. 25 For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised: he also is to be feared above all gods. 26 For all the gods of the people are idols: but the LORD made the heavens. 27 Glory and honour are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place. 28 Give unto the LORD, ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength. 29 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.

30 Fear before him, all the earth: the world also shall be stable, that it be not moved. 31 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice: and let men say among the nations, The LORD reigneth. 32 Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof: let the fields rejoice, and all that is therein. 33 Then shall the trees of the wood sing out at the presence of the LORD, because he cometh to judge the earth. 34 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever. 35 And say ye, Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather us together, and deliver us from the heathen, that we may give thanks to thy holy name, and glory in thy praise. 36 Blessed be the LORD God of Israel for ever and ever. And all the people said, Amen, and praised the LORD." - 1Chron 16:23-36 KJV

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Morning Manna ~ the SWORD of JESUS mouth ~

ONE COMMON CALLING​

Seeing the Face of God (Part 2)

Morning Manna with Love ~ October 3, 2016 ~ My Redeemer Lives

Storm on the Horizon (Word received August 25, 2016)

Ye Are The Light Of The World!

Morning Manna with Love ~ December 11, 2015

A Word to the Faithful BRIDE

All Children Hold a Special Place In God's Heart

Morning Manna with love ~ July 31, 2015

God Is Healing Wounded Hearts

Which Road Will You Choose to Travel?

I Will Lift Up My Eyes To The Hills ~

Time ﻿of God's﻿ Favor ~ Day of Salvation

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Morning Manna with Love ~ October 3, 2016 ~

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Time of God's Favor ~ Day of Salvation