Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Praying in Jesus name!
Marc Roy via Facebook
((( TESTIMONY, A STRUGGLE WITH PORNOGRAPHY )))
I'M PRESENTLY COUNSELING A YOUNG MAN THAT IS STRUGGLING WITH THE SIN OF PORNOGRAPHY. I TOLD HIM PLAINLY TO TAKE THE TELEVISION, THE COMPUTER, THE LAPTOP, AND THE DVD PLAYER, AND THROW THEM IN THE GARBAGE IF HE HAS TO, IN ORDER TO AVOID THIS SIN.
HE ANSWERED AS A TRUE HUMBLE YOUNG MAN WHO DESIRES TO SERVE OUR LORD IN HOLINESS, HE SAID " PLEASE PRAY FOR ME, I'LL REMOVE THE COMPUTER, DISCONNECT THE INTERNET, AND I'LL BLOCK MYSELF FROM THE WIFI."
MAT 18:9.
And if thine eye offend thee ( CAUSES YOU TO SIN ), pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlastin life.
John 3: 16
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they be as wool.
Isaiah 1: 18
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and i will give you rest.
Matthew 11: 28
God is waiting for you today with his hand open to receive you. Come today, tomorrow may be too late.
Monday, May 27, 2013
Ephesians 6:10-20 NLT via HootSuite
A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.
www.youversion.com
Today I am reading day 148 of Everywhere I Go: Learning to See Jesus: http://t.co/oPJwfGEcoi
Day 148 - Everywhere I Go: Learning to See Jesus | The New Bible.com @TheJesusTeam on Twitter
Prophetic Voice Harvey via Facebook
I literally see MONEY (cash) floating.....Everywhere I look I see money. Some unexplained, unexpected, uncounted for money is about to pop up in your wallets, bank accounts, savings accounts, even on your bills. I'm telling you People of God this is REAL, and NO I'm not crazy...I see this happening right now, money in tress, on the ground, floating in the air... God is cutting the strings to some tied up stuff... Oh My... Money everywhere...I speak to it and say.. MONEY cometh to me NOW...#Lordireceivethis4myself
Apostle Victory via Facebook
SOMEONE IS FEELING LOW ON TODAY AND THE ENEMY IS TELLING YOU TO GO BACK TO YOUR OLE TRICKS AND RETRIEVE WHAT IS NEEDED FOR YOUR JOURNEY. WELL I CAME TO SEND OUT THE MEMO THAT YOU BETTER STAY IN THE WORD AND OBEY GOD. THIS SEASON GOD IS GETTING RID OF SOME SPIRITUAL MOTHERS, SPIRITUAL DADDY'S, RELATIVES, SO CALLED FRIENDS BECAUSE YOUR DEPENDANCY MUST BE TOTALLY AND COMPLETELY ON HIM. ONCE THIS PROCESS IS COMPLETED THE LORD THY GOD WILL SEND TRUE SPIRITUAL PARENTS, FAMILY, AND MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIPS THAT ARE IRON CLAD. YOU'LL HAVE MORE THAN ENOUGH TO HELP THOSE GOD ASSIGNS YOU TO HELP, AN INHERITANCE TO LEAVE TO YOUR GRANCHILDREN, AND MOST OF ALL A NEW COVENANT WITH THE TRUE AND LIVING GOD. FIND THE CLOSEST MIRROR AND STAND IN FRONT OF IT AND PROPHESY TO YOURSELF: I AM AN OVERCOMER, I THANK YOU GOD FOR THE NEW, YOU LORD ARE MY SHEPARD I CANNOT WANT, AND WATCH GOD. JESUS IS WAITING FOR YOU TO SPEAK THE WORD SO THAT HE CAN PERFORM HIS WORD!
Bruce Gordon Dorris II shared Alethea McClendon's status via Facebook
ANY QUESTIONS SEE THE HOLY SPIRIT AND NOT "FACEBOOK"...............Today you need to tell three of your haters to don’t get it twisted. I know I’ve made mistakes but my mistakes don’t define who I am. You see love lifted me, love is changing me and love has defined me because what you see is not the end of my story keep watching, stay hating because when it is all said and done GOD GET THE GLORY, because if people were busy doing what GOD has called them to do, they wouldn't be overly concerned with what GOD has called me to do in MY PORTION of the vineyard! Do YOURS and leave MINE alone!...#BOOM #any questions SEE THE HOLY SPIRIT.........CONSISTENCY SINCE NOVEMBER 2009 AND NO DEVIL AND HELL CAN STOP WHAT GOD HAS BLESSED
Alethea McClendon We take authority over every spirit working against the people of God today. Spirit of frustration and sabotage, we bind you in the name of Jesus. We release peace and we decree the will of God shall go forth. We decree that every fiery dart is quenched and every plan of the enemy is exposed!! Lord assassinate the spiritual assassins, annihilate the spirit of division. We pull down every strong hold in the name of Jesus!! Satan, The Lord rebuke you NOW!!! We release momentum, we decree our fire is restored... in the name of Jesus.
Money...I command you to be released to your assigned targets today in the name of Jesus! Many need a financial breakthrough right now! Hidden riches will begin to fall in the name of Jesus Christ to those that have been patient,,,The Holy Spirit is saying make sure that you break bread & use the money needed for your ministry. God is birthing mega ministries in Jesus name! GLORY TO GOD!
His Best—Our Blessing via Buffer
In the strictest of terms, Jesus as “Lord” is our Owner—even as serfs under ancient landlords were at the mercy of the owner of the fiefdom. They could be rewarded if he were benevolent, exploited if he were selfish.
Our submission to Jesus’ lordship holds no uncertainty in that regard. As the One who holds the power over those submitted to Him, He delights to bless and protect, to prosper and enrich all who acknowledge His lordship.
Jesus our Lord wants to bless you. He wants to rule in your life to protect you from foolishness and evil, and to fulfill your highest possibilities. That’s Christ’s lordly style, and that’s why He wants your submission. True submission makes way for His best to become our blessing!
BrotherBGD#2
Deuteronomy 7:13 NKJV
And He will love you and bless you and multiply you; He will also bless the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your land, your grain and your new wine and your oil, the increase of your cattle and the offspring of your flock, in the land of which He swore to your fathers to give you.
Job 33:14-18 NKJV via HootSuite
For God may speak in one way, or in another, Yet man does not perceive it. In a dream, in a vision of the night, When deep sleep falls upon men, While slumbering on their beds, Then He opens the ears of men, And seals their instruction. In order to turn man from his deed, And conceal pride from man, He keeps back his soul from the Pit, And his life from perishing by the sword.
Have you ever gotten lost? It can be one of the most frustrating feelings to not know where you are going. In fact, in some situations it can be terrifying. In verse 25, Peter compares us to sheep in that when we were living in sin, we were astray and lost. We didn't know where to go, but after repenting of our sins and receiving God's forgiveness we have returned to the flock that is led by God our shepherd. Where do you keep going astray? Maybe you are striving to stay on God's path, but keep getting sidetracked onto the secondary roads by some sin in your life. Confess that sin to God. Repent of it today and ask God to help you in fully overcoming it.
BrotherBGD#2
Copyright@DivineOrder
1 Peter 2:11-25 NET
Dear friends, I urge you as foreigners and exiles to keep away from fleshly desires that do battle against the soul, and maintain good conduct among the non-Christians, so that though they now malign you as wrongdoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God when he appears. Be subject to every human institution for the Lord’s sake, whether to a king as supreme or to governors as those he commissions to punish wrongdoers and praise those who do good. For God wants you to silence the ignorance of foolish people by doing good. Live as free people, not using your freedom as a pretext for evil, but as God’s slaves. Honor all people, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the king. Slaves, be subject to your masters with all reverence, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are perverse. For this finds God’s favor, if because of conscience toward God someone endures hardships in suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if you sin and are mistreated and endure it? But if you do good and suffer and so endure, this finds favor with God. For to this you were called, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving an example for you to follow in his steps. He committed no sin nor was deceit found in his mouth . When he was maligned, he did not answer back; when he suffered, he threatened no retaliation, but committed himself to God who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we may cease from sinning and live for righteousness. By his wounds you were healed . For you were going astray like sheep but now you have turned back to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.
Repentance results in forgiveness. We repent and God forgives. Repentance and forgiveness are not difficult concepts. Repentance is our action and forgiveness is God's reaction to us out of His perfect love for us. While the process is simple, the power of God's forgiveness is unfathomable. God's forgiveness eliminates all darkness in our lives and brings us into the light no matter what sins we have committed. God's forgiveness covers ALL sins including yours. How has the redemptive power of God's forgiveness changed and impacted your life?
BrotherBGD#2
Copyright@DivineOrder
1 John 1:5-10 NET
Now this is the gospel message we have heard from him and announce to you: God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him and yet keep on walking in the darkness, we are lying and not practicing the truth. But if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we do not bear the guilt of sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous, forgiving us our sins and cleansing us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar and his word is not in us.
Sunday, May 26, 2013
(Land of Delight) via Seesmic
Psalm 104 is a song of praise to the Creator God. It paints a picture of a land of delight, a land created by a God who is 'clothed with splendor and majesty' (v.1). It is a land as Eden must have been: the waters are plentiful, the food grows in abundance for the animals, and humans cultivate the earth. The days come and go, the seasons turn and God breathes in and out, giving breath to all he has created and also taking it away. He sends his Spirit and new life is created; the earth is renewed. Everything is as it should be. Everything is in balance just as it will be again when all things have been renewed: God, humans, animals, plants, earth - all living in harmony. Peter DeVos and the other authors of Earthkeeping in the Nineties address the nature of that harmony:
Relathionships, among the living things and between them and the non-living environment, are highly complex. Relationships and interactions are essential to the perpetuation of the health and beauty of the ecosystems!
As we understood more of the balanced intricacy of the biosphere, fewer and fewer people are willing to consider it all a meaningless accident; in the past decade it has become increasingly common for people to speak of the earth in terms of some mysterious purpose! Once again, in stumbling ways, creation is turning us toward the Creator. For this balance in the ecosystem is, to the Christian, an indication of a Creator who does all things well. The life-sustaining beauty of the created earth declares the glory of God, as God declares its goodness. Thus the more we understand of the intricacy of a healthy ecosystem, the more we learn of the Creator. Nevertheless, the intricacy occurs within healthy ecosystems, the balance is maintained by death. And death - of a plant, an animal, or another person - reminds us that we too are creatures. We are part of the biosphere!
It is true that we have a personal relationship with God, we are 'made in his image' and thus we stand apart in some ways from the rest of creation. But it is also clear that God has created us as he has all other creatures. We, too, are organisms, living within a rich but limited world. We share with all creatures fundamental biological needs: the need for energy and minerals, for food, air, and water! The life of the earth is our life, and we depend upon it. Thus the Christian respect for creation has a twofold source: believers delight in it as God's work and respect it as they respect their own bodies - for in a sense the biosphere is our extended body.
Psalms 104:1-35 NKJV
Bless the Lord , O my soul! O Lord my God, You are very great: You are clothed with honor and majesty, Who cover Yourself with light as with a garment, Who stretch out the heavens like a curtain. He lays the beams of His upper chambers in the waters, Who makes the clouds His chariot, Who walks on the wings of the wind, Who makes His angels spirits, His ministers a flame of fire. You who laid the foundations of the earth, So that it should not be moved forever, You covered it with the deep as with a garment; The waters stood above the mountains. At Your rebuke they fled; At the voice of Your thunder they hastened away. They went up over the mountains; They went down into the valleys, To the place which You founded for them. You have set a boundary that they may not pass over, That they may not return to cover the earth. He sends the springs into the valleys; They flow among the hills. They give drink to every beast of the field; The wild donkeys quench their thirst. By them the birds of the heavens have their home; They sing among the branches. He waters the hills from His upper chambers; The earth is satisfied with the fruit of Your works. He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, And vegetation for the service of man, That he may bring forth food from the earth, And wine that makes glad the heart of man, Oil to make his face shine, And bread which strengthens man’s heart. The trees of the Lord are full of sap, The cedars of Lebanon which He planted, Where the birds make their nests; The stork has her home in the fir trees. The high hills are for the wild goats; The cliffs are a refuge for the rock badgers. He appointed the moon for seasons; The sun knows its going down. You make darkness, and it is night, In which all the beasts of the forest creep about. The young lions roar after their prey, And seek their food from God. When the sun rises, they gather together And lie down in their dens. Man goes out to his work And to his labor until the evening. O Lord , how manifold are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all. The earth is full of Your possessions— This great and wide sea, In which are innumerable teeming things, Living things both small and great. There the ships sail about; There is that Leviathan Which You have made to play there. These all wait for You, That You may give them their food in due season. What You give them they gather in; You open Your hand, they are filled with good. You hide Your face, they are troubled; You take away their breath, they die and return to their dust. You send forth Your Spirit, they are created; And You renew the face of the earth. May the glory of the Lord endure forever; May the Lord rejoice in His works. He looks on the earth, and it trembles; He touches the hills, and they smoke. I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being. May my meditation be sweet to Him; I will be glad in the Lord . May sinners be consumed from the earth, And the wicked be no more. Bless the Lord , O my soul! Praise the Lord !
Bruce Gordon Dorris II shared a link via Bible.
Today I am reading day 4 of Unwavering Conformity: A 21-day Study in Stewardship: http://bible.us/r/2S.4
Day 4 - Unwavering Conformity: A 21-day Study in Stewardship | The New Bible.com
bible.us
1 Corinthians 11:17-19 NLT
But in the following instructions, I cannot praise you. For it sounds as if more harm than good is done when you meet together. First, I hear that there are divisions among you when you meet as a church, and to some extent I believe it. But, of course, there must be divisions among you so that you who have God’s approval will be recognized!
via TweetDeck
1 Corinthians 12:27-28 NLT
All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it. Here are some of the parts God has appointed for the church: first are apostles, second are prophets, third are teachers, then those who do miracles, those who have the gift of healing, those who can help others, those who have the gift of leadership, those who speak in unknown languages.
via HootSuite
Ephesians 4:11-13 NLT
Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Ephesians 6:10-20 KJV via Seesmic
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 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. 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. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
Psalm 22:22 ASV I will declare thy name unto my brethren: In the midst of the assembly will I praise thee.
God’s Choir
God “inhabits the praises of Israel” (Ps. 22:3)—the gatherings of His people. The drama of worship is too grand a production to be produced by believers in lonely isolation from one another. So David worships on the hillsides, alone, but also says, “I will declare Your name to My brethren; in the midst of the congregation I will praise You.”
Just as the church choir is composed of multiple voices, so every one of the diverse gifts in the congregation is essential for worship. You may not be gifted as a soprano, alto, tenor or bass, but you are gifted—and your gift is needed in God’s choir!
The Heart of Praise
Psalm 37:5-6 ASV Commit thy way unto Jehovah; Trust also in him, and he will bring it to pass. And he will make thy righteousness to go forth as the light, And thy justice as the noon-day.
Light of God’s Love
Note the words “with the blazing light” and “from the noonday sun.” They signal a promise. The simple action of committing your day to God is a guarantee of blessing. The Lord’s increased brightness will fill your days until every shadow is gone! Just as irresistibly as the sun rises and masters the darkness, our Lord will bring the effects of His loving purpose into our daily lives.
Our Daily Walk
Proverbs 9:10 ASV The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom; And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
DIVINE GUIDANCE Picture Forty-second Street and Broadway, New York City. It's peak traffic time. Buses, cars, trucks, taxis, delivery vans - all are zipping by at a dull roar. On the curb is a mother cat with a kitten in her mouth. She is trying to carry her baby across the street at one of the busiest intersections on earth. She starts out. She darts back in. She darts out a little farther and is almost run over. She tries a third time with no success. Finally, an old Irish cop with a heart as big as the city itself sees her dilemma, and takes the situation in hand. Whistle blowing and hand raised, he steps out into the intersection of 42nd and Broadway and stops traffic cold. The mother cat sees her opportunity and scampers across safely. All the power and energy of New York City was held at bay by that policeman's right hand, but the mother cat never knew it. I wonder how many times in your life and my life the sovereignty of God has prevailed at critical junctures? How many times has He enabled us to move safely through a moment of difficult decision? You see, there is a moral guidance system by which we humans operate, and that system helps us determine the will and the purpose of God. We can sense it, but it is difficult to explain. Would God leave His children with no way to determine His will for their lives? Never. He has given us our own built-in reason, intelligence, giftedness and inclinations. Best of all, He has left us His own "inner voice" that speaks to us when we get still enough, and leads us in the right way. Don't lean solely on your own understanding. Acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path
Alethea McClendon via Facebook
If you have not been reborn of God's Spirit, then you are not a new creature with opened spiritual ears. You cannot understand nor hear Spiritual things: in fact, it may all seem like foolishness to you. Be wise, there are many churches that are led by people who have not been reborn, so instead of spiritual truth, they operate under the influence of their own twisted understanding. If it does not align with the Word of God, then it is not of God. "But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned" (1 Cor. 2:14).
Friday, May 24, 2013
www.youversion.com---download your free Bible app for your mobile device, tablet or pc.
Today I am reading day 2 of Unwavering Conformity: A 21-day Study in Stewardship: http://t.co/Oq0VAWcym3
Day 2 - Unwavering Conformity: A 21-day Study in Stewardship | The New Bible.com
Thursday, May 23, 2013
I feel the presence of God, the anointing is very thick in the atmosphere. Family, lift your hands towards the heavens & submit & fully surrender & receive the downpour of new wine & oil. We are in the midst of the Word coming forward, God is pouring out His Holy Spirit on all flesh. There is a heavy spirit of conviction in the air. All nations are being called to repentance & with a large cry of prayer & repentance we will see this dark world revived in Jesus name. Declaring life into the body of Christ in Jesus name. Declaring healing & unity into the body of Christ in Jesus name! \o/ Rise up Church on one accord & come out of the spiritual slumber. The time is now! We are royal strong eternal soul saving ambassadors building the Kingdom of God in spirit, truth & unity. We are the salt & light of this world. We are a called, chosen & set apart for such a time as this. We must gather into one accord & mobilize the Lord Jesus & our gifts & talents & do this only according to the will of God. God is calling those in spirit & truth to In-gather & fast!
via Hootsuite
www.youversion.com
Bruce Gordon Dorris II shared a link via Bible.
Today I am reading day 1 of Unwavering Conformity: A 21-day Study in Stewardship: http://bible.us/r/2S.1
Day 1 - Unwavering Conformity: A 21-day Study in Stewardship | The New Bible.com
(The True Gospel)
The Lord Jesus Christ is truly ALIVE!!
And it is appointed for men to die once, but after that to face judgment, (Hebrews 9:27NKJV)
WHAT MUST I DO!! To be saved?
Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent (Acts 17:30 NKJV).
You must repent. This means a complete change regarding sin. There must be a change of mind. You must admit that you are a sinner, a rebel against a holy and loving God. There must be a change of heart — genuine sorrow and shame at the vileness: and filthiness of your sin. Then you must be willing to forsake it and change the direction of your life. God challenges people to prove their repentance by their deeds (Acts 26:20). You must do this. God will not forgive any sin you are not willing to forsake.
Sin is [Transgression] of God's Perfect Holy Moral Law. (you are Guilty!!)
(read:
Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:19-21 NKJV).
(REPENT ~ read on:
Being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 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 (Romans 1:29-32 NKJV).
(REPENT ~ read on:
Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God (I Corinthians 6:9, 10 NKJV).
(REPENT ~ read on:
But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. (2 Timothy 3:1-5, 7 NIV)
To repent is to go in a new direction, seeking wholeheartedly to live in a way that pleases God. Repentance does not save, yet no sinner ever was or ever will be saved without it. None but Christ saves—but an impenitent heart cannot receive Him.
How can I get right with God? How can Christ become my Savior?
As a result of the fall of man in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:6), every part of man—his mind, will, emotions and flesh—have been corrupted by sin. Because of man’s sinful nature, he does not and cannot seek God. He has no desire to come to God and, in fact, his mind is hostile toward God (Romans 8:7). God has declared that man’s sin dooms him to an eternity in hell, separated from God. It is in hell that man pays the penalty of sin against a holy and righteous God. This would be bad news indeed if there were no remedy.
All the Bible’s teaching points to the death of Jesus. Neither his perfect life nor his marvelous teaching nor his powerful miracles are the focus of the Bible’s message. These are all important, but above all else Jesus came into the world to die. What makes his death so important? The answer is that he died as a Substitute, a Sin bearer and a Savior. Jesus the Substitute. This demonstrates the love of God. Sinners are guilty, lost and helpless in the face of God’s holy law, which demands punishment for every sin. How can they possibly escape God’s righteous wrath? The Bible’s answer is this: God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). As part of an amazing rescue plan God the Son volunteered to take the place of sinners and bear the just penalty for their sin. The sinless Son of God willingly suffered and died for them, the righteous for the unrighteous (1 Peter 3:18).
Jesus the Sin bearer. This demonstrates the holiness of God. There was nothing ‘faked’ about Christ’s death. The penalty for the sins of others was paid in full by the death of God’s sinless Son. As he hung on the cross he cried out, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’ (Mark 15:34). At that terrible moment God the Father turned his back on his beloved Son, who then endured the penalty of separation from God.
All men are under the fierce just wrath of God because of their vile wickedness. Someone had to drink down that wrath. Jesus on that tree bore the guilt of his people and stood in their law place. Then all the holy just hatred, wrath, judgment, and justice of God like blinding white light came crushing down on the head of Christ. Have you never read — And it pleased the Lord, YAHWEH, to crush his Son — to grind him to powder (Isaiah 53). Notice how this shows God’s perfect holiness. All sin, every sin, must be punished — and when Jesus took the place of sinners he became as accountable for their sins as if he had been responsible for them. The one man who lived a perfect life suffered the double death penalty of the guilty.
Jesus the Savior. This demonstrates the power of God. Three days after his death, Christ was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead (Romans 1:4). He gave many convincing proofs that he was alive and he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him (Acts 1:3; Romans 6:9). In raising Christ from the dead, God powerfully demonstrated that he accepted his death in the place of sinners as the full and perfect payment of sin’s penalty and as the basis on which he can offer a full and free pardon to those who would otherwise be doomed to spend eternity in hell.
You must have faith in Christ. First of all, this means accepting that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:16) and that Christ died for the ungodly (Romans 5:6). Secondly, it means believing that in the power and love Christ is able and willing to save you. Thirdly it means actually putting your trust in Christ, relying upon him and him alone to make you right with God. Your proud; sinful nature will fight against abandoning trust in your own ‘goodness’ or religion. Yet you have no alternative. You must stop trusting in anything else and trust only in Christ, who is able to save completely those who come to God through him (Hebrews 7:25).
If God has shown you your need, and given you this desire, then turn to Christ — and do it now! Ideally, pray aloud to him; this may help you to be clear about what you are doing. Confess that you are a guilty, lost and helpless sinner, and with all your heart ask Christ to save you, and to take his rightful place as the Lord of your life, enabling you to turn from sin and to live for him.
The Bible says that if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved and that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved (Romans 10:9; Romans 10:13). If you truly trust Christ as your Savior and acknowledge him as your Lord, you can claim these promises as your own.
Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance (Matthew 3:8 NKJV).
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Ephesians 6:10-20 AMP via Seesmic
In conclusion, be strong in the Lord be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides]. Put on God’s whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil. For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere. Therefore put on God’s complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place]. Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God, And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace. Lift up over all the [covering] shield of saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one]. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God. Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God’s consecrated people). And [pray] also for me, that [freedom of] utterance may be given me, that I may open my mouth to proclaim boldly the mystery of the good news (the Gospel), For which I am an ambassador in a coupling chain [in prison. Pray] that I may declare it boldly and courageously, as I ought to do.
Amen---Let us pray for Oklahoma in the midst of this natural disaster.
Stephanie Hull via Facebook
My prayer today....Please be with the families and Search & rescue workers Father...bring restoration, comfort and strength. In Jesus name.ALSO SHOW US HOW TO BE A LIGHT IN A DARK WORLD.AMEN
Amen!
Stephanie Hull via Facebook
Psalm 69:32 NLT
The humble will see their God at work and be glad.
Let all who seek God’s help be encouraged.
Jeremiah Bansah via Facebook
Never follow a multitude to do evil nor allow yourself to be swept away by the besetting sins that afflict your friends or generation. Even in church, do not be a partaker in the sins of rebellion, evil speaking against authority or profanity. Do not be amongst the numbers who carry magnifying glasses looking for weaknesses in leaders. Certainly avoid brethren who sow seeds of discord amongst brethren and are bold to speak against authorities God has set in His house in the name of boldness!
Jeremiah Bansah via Facebook
It looks likes the people you started with have gone ahead of you.You ask yourself,is there anything wrong me?All your friends are marrying,have gotten a job,doing well in ministry,have gotten their papers etc.Beloved it is never too late.After prayers this afternoon the Lord has asked me to tell you things will turn around.As Elijah supernaturally overtook Ahabs chariot so you will overtake.(1 Kings 18:46 ..Then the hand of the LORD was on Elijah, and he girded up his loins and outran Ahab to Jezreel.)Get ready,the anointing to overtake,outrun is coming upon you.Receive it now in Jesus name.Amen!!
Monday, May 20, 2013
Stewards of Unity via Seesmic
Paul is asking his readers to live together in the unity of the Spirit, to be a fellowship of believers who love, support, encourage and help one another. Author, speaker and church planter John White (1924-2002) says, 'It is not possible to exaggerate the importance of your fellowship with you fellow Christians. You need their love. You need their discipline. They need yours.' White cites the prayer of Jesus in John 17:20-23, in which Jesus prayed specifically for the unity of his followers. Jesus' reason? 'That the world may believe' (Jn 17:21). White continues:
For the church was to be left on earth for that purpose; that the world might believe. Power in testimony is evidently not something that the church can possess as a sort of separate package; it cannot exist alone. The church that convinces men that there is a God in heaven is a church that manifests what only a heavenly God can do, that is to unite human beings in heavenly love. Wherever the sign of loving unity exists, the world will be convinced.
Author and social activist Jim Wallis claims that the need for koinonia (fellowship) of the unified church is the greatest need in the church today.
The greatest need is not simply for kerygma, the preaching of the gospel; nor for diakonia, service on behalf of justice; nor for charisma, the experience of the Spirit's gift; nor even for prophetia, the challenging of the king. The greatest need of our time is for koinonia, the call simply to be the church, to love one another, and to offer our lives for the sake of the world. The creation of living, breathing, loving communities of faith at the local church level is the foundation of all the other answers.
The community of faith offers a visible and concrete alternative, and issues a basic challenge to the world as it is.
Each Christian has it in his or her own power to be a steward and promoter of unity. White says,
You can begin in your own life to be an answer to the high priestly prayer of Christ. You can become a small focus of change. If you are willing to be a channel of unity, you will find the power of heaven on your side. Not only will you experience pains and joys of an order you had not dreamed possible, but you will become the scent of life to non-Christians around you. The sight of loving unity among believers arrests the unbeliever. It crashes through the barriers of his intellect, stirs up his conscience and creates a tumult of longing in his heart. He was created to enjoy the very thing you are destroying.
1 Chronicles 29:10-12 NLT
via HootSuite
Then David praised the L ord in the presence of the whole assembly: “O L ord , the God of our ancestor Israel, may you be praised forever and ever! Yours, O L ord , is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O L ord , and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things. Wealth and honor come from you alone, for you rule over everything. Power and might are in your hand, and at your discretion people are made great and given strength.
Bruce Gordon Dorris II broadcast a podcast on Spreaker. — at Leesburg, Florida, United States.
2 hours ago
~ 5/19/2013 ~
The Jesus Team - The authentic gospel station operating under the direct download of the Holy Spirit. This broadcast operates only by the spirit of unity, love & truth. Jan of 2014 will start the Kingdom buisness station 24/7 broadcast. If your interested in working as a team to build the Kingdom of God in unity please email me @ thejesusteam1111@yahoo.com Proverbs 29:18 God is going to do big things with the 24 hour broadcast. The vision consists of 3-4 hour live talk shows.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Psalms 150:1-6 NLT
Praise the L ord ! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heaven! Praise him for his mighty works; praise his unequaled greatness! Praise him with a blast of the ram’s horn; praise him with the lyre and harp! Praise him with the tambourine and dancing; praise him with strings and flutes! Praise him with a clash of cymbals; praise him with loud clanging cymbals. Let everything that breathes sing praises to the L ord ! Praise the L ord !
Friday, May 17, 2013
Mark 8:34-36 NKJV via HootSuite
When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?
Jeremiah 17:7-8 NKJV via HootSuite
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord , And whose hope is the Lord . For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which spreads out its roots by the river, And will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, And will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit.
Today I am reading day 138 of Everywhere I Go: Learning to See Jesus: Get the free Bible App @ www.youversion.com or from your mobile device app store/ youversion
Today I am reading day 138 of Everywhere I Go: Learning to See Jesus: http://t.co/qOnecexYWa
Day 138 - Everywhere I Go: Learning to See Jesus | The New Bible.com
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(WHERE IS JOY?) via Buffer
We long to experience the soul-delighting, abundant life that Jesus spoke of in John chapter 10. Many of us catch glimpses of it, but they do not satisfy. Instead they only whet our appetite for more. When joy surprises us, it comes as almost an achea sharp realization that there is more to life than we are experiencing, more than we have yet laid hold of. I believe that hurry, noise and crowds are the tools of the Enemy, who is out to rob us of joy and destroy our souls. But God stands ever ready to offer us that for which our hearts long. The psalmist wrote that joy is found in God's presence. Meditation on God and His goodness is our answer to the Enemy's onslaught. Someone has described meditation as a cup of tea. We are the hot water. God's word is the tea bag. Hearing the word through a sermon or Bible study lesson is like dipping the tea bag in water. But taking time to read, study and memorize scripture is like immersing the tea bag in water and letting it steep for an extended period of time. When we consistently combine God's word with time and a teachable heart, His truth permeates our very lives. Like sponges, our hearts absorb more and more of Him, and we are transformed in the process.
BrotherBGD#2
Psalms 16:11 NKJV
You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Brenda Overjoyed Smith
WE DON'T HAVE A WAY. Jesus Christ is the Way. The Truth. and The Life. We are as far from God as we want to be. If His manifest presence is not in our midst, it is not because of Him, but because our own choice. Many who give lip service to wanting the Holy Spirit to lead their ministries and their lives are unwilling to give up their own programs and fully trust Him to do this in His own way. God simply moves in different ways at different times. He does not do the same thing twice in the same way. His Sovereignty, and His dramatic and unique demostrations are so different that it is best we just get out of this way. Our goal should be always to submit to the Will of God and to follow his leading. The more we do this, the more He will usually manifest His wonderful presence. It's God's Way or No Way!
Alethea McClendon
I AM BLESSED AND NOT LUCKY................. To me there is no such thing as luck. After taking a honest look over my life, I knew I was put here for something more. I knew I was to be destined for greatness, because of my humble, appreciative, loving self. I knew God had the road map to my life, already mapped out and all I had to do drive along the safe path that was set for me. So that's what I did, hitting some major potholes on the way, stepping in some quicksand but never sinking. You know what I'm talking about! That unforeseen grace and mercy, that you and God only know about. I realized as I journeyed in faith not worrying about anything along my path, I would share God's wisdom to as many as I can! Helping them get out of bondage. Teaching about his mercy and grace, and agape love to ALL that are heavy burden or simply don't know AND WILL /WANT to receive him. Teaching not to become a peddler of flesh(conformed to this world), but a peddler of the spirit ( be transformed, with the renewing of your mind daily)
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Ephesians 6:10-20 NKJV via Seesmic
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 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. 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. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
Today I am reading day 137 of Everywhere I Go: Learning to See Jesus: http://t.co/LI11s1KIM3
Day 137 - Everywhere I Go: Learning to See Jesus | The New Bible.com
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Come and listen to me LIVE on @spreaker
~ Repentance Part #4 ~
spreaker.com
The Jesus Team - The authentic gospel station operating under the direct download of the Holy Spirit. This broadcast operates only by the spirit of unity, love & truth. Jan of 2014 will start the Kingdom buisness station 24/7 broadcast. If your interested in working as a team to build the Kingdom of....
@TheJesusTeam on Twitter
Bruce Gordon Dorris II shared Apostle Chivan Roker's status.
Now, I'd like to share with you what I believe to be one of the most powerful aspects of the nature of breakthrough. It is what I call"Manifested Breakthrough." Manifested breakthrough is not just God breaking into a situation from one direction, but it is God placing Himself in the very center of what needs to change and then manifesting His power, presence and glory!
• The Manifested Power of the Holy Spirit....WILL GIVE YOU MANIFESTED BREAKTHROUGH ALSO?????
: The Holy Spirit, the most powerful FORCE in the universe, is very Active on Planet Earth today.MAN WEAKE UP AND SMELL THE ROSES OR COFFEE...WHATEVER YOU WANT TO SAY...THE HOLY SPIRIT IS YOUR PLUG IN TO MANIFESTED BREAKTHROUGH!!!!!
We often do not think of His power as being the exact same power that raised Jesus from the dead. THE HOLY SPIRIT IS THE GOD ON EARTH...THE SAME RESURRECTING POWER THAT ROSE JESUS CHRIST FROM THE GRAVE?????? PRAY IN THE SPIRIT AND EXPECT A BREAKTHROUGH
The Declaration of Romans 8:11 is this: "But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your MORTAL bodies through His Spirit who dwells IN you
." We need to believe God and ask Him for the release of Holy Spirit Power – the power of the resurrection in our lives. BIG POWER LITTLE devil...
.
Scripture also says that the anointing breaks the yoke. Many Believers these days are walking around with heavy yolks of everything from religious expectations to orphaned thinking and condemnation. God's desire is to manifest breakthrough to obliterate yolks by the anointing Isaiah 10:27
KNOCK OUT POWER WITH JESUS CHRIST...SO RECIEVE YOUR BREAKITHROUGH BY SPEAKING IN TONGUES......BIG AMEN
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Monday, May 13, 2013
Today I am reading day 133 of Everywhere I Go: Learning to See Jesus: http://t.co/jHutzS8tvP
Day 133 - Everywhere I Go: Learning to See Jesus | The New Bible.com
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Soon I Can Praise You Face-to-Face via Buffer
Lord Jesus, you took on my humanity and were born just like me. You honored the human race by living among us and as one of us. You offered your body on the cross, were buried like us, and rose again not only in spirit but in body too.
When you ascended into heaven, you brought your body with you! You took our humanity to the very throne room of heaven. You are now bonded to us into eternity. We praise you and worship you! We are honored by your total commitment to the rescue of the human race.
As for me, I can live joyfully and confidently because you have guaranteed my ultimate victory over death, grave, and hell. I can bear anything, undergo any hardship, absorb any sorrow, face any satanic attack, or endure any loss when I know that I will soon be with you.
I’m not worried about what I will leave behind here on this earth. You will replace it all and give me much more. But my greatest treasure in heaven, Lord Jesus, is you. I can’t wait to see you face-to-face. I am eager to give you my love and worship in person. “And I--in righteousness I will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness” (Psalm 17:15).
Come soon, Lord Jesus. Come!
Psalms 17:15 NLT
Because I am righteous, I will see you. When I awake, I will see you face to face and be satisfied.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. http://bible.us/116/isa53.5.nlt
Isaiah 53:5 New Living Translation | The New Bible.com
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(Unity)
Psalms 133:1 KJV
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
Ephesians 4:3 KJV
Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:13 KJV
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:
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Bruce Gordon Dorris II shared Barbara Gaines's status.
2 minutes ago
.
Amen! The Holy Spirit has been speaking to me in the same area. I keep hearing hidden riches. Thank God for this anointed woman of God. God will & has confirmed his word! Praise the Lord Jesus Christ like never before.
''' THERE IS A WEALTH TRANSFER TAKING PLACE '''
THE WEALTH OF THE WICKED IS NO LONGER STORED BUT BEING TRANSFERED
Matthew 14:23-33 NCV After he had sent them away, he went by himself up into the hills to pray. It was late, and Jesus was there alone. By this time, the boat was already far away from land. It was being hit by waves, because the wind was blowing against it. Between three and six o’clock in the morning, Jesus came to them, walking on the water. When his followers saw him walking on the water, they were afraid. They said, “It’s a ghost!” and cried out in fear. But Jesus quickly spoke to them, “Have courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.” Peter said, “Lord, if it is really you, then command me to come to you on the water.” Jesus said, “Come.” And Peter left the boat and walked on the water to Jesus. But when Peter saw the wind and the waves, he became afraid and began to sink. He shouted, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught Peter. Jesus said, “Your faith is small. Why did you doubt?” After they got into the boat, the wind became calm. Then those who were in the boat worshiped Jesus and said, “Truly you are the Son of God!”
Week 1: The Wind and the Waves
THE WATER OF HIS WORD
Read Matthew 14:22-33.
The disciples did not want to leave and get into the boat. They didn’t understand why Jesus was sending them away. And then they found themselves in the midst of a great storm and He was nowhere in sight. Recall a time when you have not understood why God was allowing something to happen.
WALK ON TRUTH
Since Jesus is fully God and fully man, He would have known that He was sending the disciples out into a storm and into a very difficult situation. Are you in a “storm” or a difficult situation right now? Do you know someone who is? What is most perplexing to you about the situation? Have you ever considered that the Lord would not only allow you to head straight for a storm but might have sent you right into it? Bring your thoughts and feelings to the Lord as you read Psalm 40.
FOCUS THE EYES OF YOUR HEART
Quietly recite today’s focus passage. Hide it in your heart, meditate on it, and make it your prayer throughout the day.
Matthew 14:31-33
Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
Friday, May 3, 2013
John 13:1-17 NKJV Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end. And supper being ended, the devil having already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray Him, Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. Then He came to Simon Peter. And Peter said to Him, “Lord, are You washing my feet?” Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this.” Peter said to Him, “You shall never wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!” Jesus said to him, “He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you.” For He knew who would betray Him; therefore He said, “You are not all clean.” So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.
Service. Not the most fun word out there. It usually means work, so why do it? Why volunteer to serve others? Well, there is precedent for it - Jesus did it. In today's reading, we are going to look at the example Jesus set for us by serving others.
In this passage, two levels of service are demonstrated:
1. Jesus engages in the ministry he loves, that he was created for - teaching and preaching to others. (This is found in the chapters surrounding John 13, so it doesn't say this exactly. In fact, it doesn't say it anywhere in John 13, because he and those on his ministry team a.k.a. disciples are taking a break from ministry to relax and eat together.)
2. Jesus serves the people he is working with. Its finally time for a break, and Jesus chooses to serve his team during his downtime.
Look for ways to serve God using your greatest passions. If you could create your ideal ministry in the church, what would you want to do? Would you sing on a worship team? Maybe paint a picture during the sermon? Help teach kids? Whatever you do, try to do it with a group. This group that you serve with could become your closest friends, as you serve God together. If you are already serving in church, what are some ways you can invest in those you serve alongside?
Matthew 9:9-12 NKJV As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” So he arose and followed Him. Now it happened, as Jesus sat at the table in the house, that behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” When Jesus heard that, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.
On Animal Planet the other day, there was a guy who was bitten by an extremely venomous snake somewhere in the bush in Africa. The snake bit him in the ankle and the fast-acting venom hit his bloodstream very quickly. His friends rushed him to the nearest place where he could get a ride to the hospital. It took them several hours to get him treatment. Finally, after a long series of events, the hospital staff identified the type of venom and gave him anti-venom to counteract the deadly poison.
This man's friends knew he was dying, and they did everything possible to get help for his critical condition. In today's passage, you'll see that Jesus did the same thing, except that he was responding to those in critical condition, spiritually. Jesus cultivated relationships with people who were spiritually dying and in need of serious help. His radical lifestyle was marked by love, sacrifice, and reaching out to people who needed salvation.
For the past 14 days, we've been thinking about how crucial it is to be a part of a church - a community of believers. Today, spend some time thinking about the people in your world (e.g. school, work, neighborhood) that God may be prompting you to reach out to. Many people have never experienced the love of God or the hope that he gives. What are some ways that you can be intentional about sharing Jesus with them? How can you introduce them to this idea of community?
Today I am reading day 2 of Marriage and Commitment:
Ephesians 5:22-33 NKJV
Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.
How to UNCOVER God's Word:
ASK - God to connect with you here. In prayer, start by slowing down, inviting God to be present. Begin with focus and openness to see what God has for you.
READ - the selected section of Scripture slowly. Take note of the words and phrases that intrigue you, reading them a second time if necessary.
REFLECT - on what grabs you. What connections do you see at this point in your life? How might God be speaking to you through these words? Stop long enough to let this take root and thank God for engaging you.
RESPOND - to the Scripture. Speak directly to God about what's on your mind and heart. Look for ways to live out what you've uncovered - individually and with your church. And look for ways to bring what you have discovered to others.
Matthew 14:23-33 NKJV And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.”
Week 1: The Wind and the Waves
THE WATER OF HIS WORD
Read Matthew 14:22-33.
The disciples did not want to leave and get into the boat. They didn’t understand why Jesus was sending them away. And then they found themselves in the midst of a great storm and He was nowhere in sight. Recall a time when you have not understood why God was allowing something to happen.
WALK ON TRUTH
Since Jesus is fully God and fully man, He would have known that He was sending the disciples out into a storm and into a very difficult situation. Are you in a “storm” or a difficult situation right now? Do you know someone who is? What is most perplexing to you about the situation? Have you ever considered that the Lord would not only allow you to head straight for a storm but might have sent you right into it? Bring your thoughts and feelings to the Lord as you read Psalm 40.
FOCUS THE EYES OF YOUR HEART
Quietly recite today’s focus passage. Hide it in your heart, meditate on it, and make it your prayer throughout the day.
Matthew 14:31-33
Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Deuteronomy 6:6-9 ASV And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be upon thy heart; and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thy house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thy hand, and they shall be for frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the door-posts of thy house, and upon thy gates.
Revelation 3:20-22 ASV 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. He that overcometh, I will give to him to sit down with me in my throne, as I also overcame, and sat down with my Father in his throne. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches.
Why am I here? How do I beat this loneliness? What makes my life so hard? Where is that one special relationship? In such moments, you feel like something's missing, something's wrong in your world. Like perhaps there's something you haven't done, or someone you don't know but are supposed to. At times you feel you have found it, perhaps in a love relationship, but that feeling never seems to last. Every relationship, even good ones, leave you with this hole in your heart. Something isn't right, but you can't find it or fix it. So you keep looking, trying things. Click ahead to the next day to learn more.
Luke 5:1-7 ASV Now it came to pass, while the multitude pressed upon him and heard the word of God, that he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret; and he saw two boats standing by the lake: but the fishermen had gone out of them, and were washing their nets. And he entered into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the multitudes out of the boat. And when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Put out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answered and said, Master, we toiled all night, and took nothing: but at thy word I will let down the nets. And when they had done this, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes; and their nets were breaking; and they beckoned unto their partners in the other boat, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink.
Walk in Radical Obedience
Jesus said 'if you love Me, you will obey Me'.
Your obedience to God's Word in your life is the most important step in fulfilling your destiny and finding His blessing.
Obedience is not always an easy task. The choice of obedience can make you nervous, uncomfortable and even unpopular with others. However your decision to obey the Holy Spirit's leading in your life on a daily basis is your platform to true success.
After spending all day trying to catch fish in the river, Peter and his men were about to give up. That very moment, Jesus turned up on the scene and asked him to cast his net one more time on the other side. Peter was understandably hesitant. He was an experienced fisherman who had been trying all day.
However, he chose to obey the word of the Lord.
Noah chose to obey God despite never seeing rain. Abraham chose to obey God and took Isaac to the point of sacrifice until God stepped in.
God requires radical obedience from you. He asks you to heed His words and obey them. Follow His precepts. Apply His principles and allow the leading of the Holy Spirit in your life.
Your obedience is the greatest expression of your love for God.
Genesis 9:1-17 ASV And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth. And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every bird of the heavens; with all wherewith the ground teemeth, and all the fishes of the sea, into your hand are they delivered. Every moving thing that liveth shall be food for you; as the green herb have I given you all. But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat. And surely your blood, the blood of your lives, will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it. And at the hand of man, even at the hand of every man’s brother, will I require the life of man. Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man. And you, be ye fruitful, and multiply; bring forth abundantly in the earth, and multiply therein. And God spake unto Noah, and to his sons with him, saying, And I, behold, I establish my covenant with you, and with your seed after you; and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the cattle, and every beast of the earth with you. Of all that go out of the ark, even every beast of the earth. And I will establish my covenant with you; neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of the flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth. And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations: I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth. And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud, and I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh. And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth. And God said unto Noah, This is the token of the covenant which I have established between me and all flesh that is upon the earth.
Genesis 8:21-22 ASV And Jehovah smelled the sweet savor; and Jehovah said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man’s sake, for that the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more everything living, as I have done. While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease .
"God's Covenant With Creation
In Genesis 8:21-22 we get to listen in on God's response to Noah's sacrifice. After blessing Noah and his family, God repeats in 9:11 his pledge from 8:21. He follows up by establishing a physical sign to remind people forever of his everlasting promise.
"God responded to Noah's burn offerings by covenanting with Noah, his descendants, and every living creature in a divine oath to sustain and preserve creation," comments stewardship theologian Ronald E. Vallet. "God's covenant with Noah had a universal dimension; it was unconditional, unilateral, and everlastingÉand it included all people. Because it was made apart from or before Israel, it is upheld independent of the community of faith, Israel. God's covenant with Noah made other covenants possible."
Veteran Bible expositor J. Alec Motyer reflects on the covenant and its sign:
If in the world as constituted before the Flood, there had been such a thing as a rainbow, the Lord here took the familiar and filled it with new meaning--just as later, he would do, with bread and wine. But the word translated "rainbow" is actually "bow"--the weapon. It is as if the Lord were saying, "See, the war is over; I have hung up my bow." And ever after, as soon as a threat loomed, Noah saw too the "sign" that no ultimate threat could again touch him: the Lord had promised.
Vallet recalls:
Only twice in my life have I seen a complete double rainbow, unbroken from horizon to horizonÉThe two rainbows have taken on a new meaning for me. The primary rainbow is to remind God of the promise of care and concern. The secondary rainbow, subdued and inevitably related to the primary rainbow, speaks to me of our human responsibility as God's stewards. TheÉearth needs human care, and humans have a responsibility toward nonhuman recipients of God's promise of care for the earth and all its inhabitants (see Ge1; 2 and Hos 2:18).
As an addendum to this Genesis account, Motyer notes that in Noah humanity had a new start, a second chance. This is why Genesis 9:1,7 echoes the account of Eden (cf. Ge 1:28). But sadly, Noah, notwithstanding grace, was still a sinner, the founder of a new humanity; and like his father Adam, he was only able to have sons in his own likeness (cf. Ge 5:3). And as Milton writes in Paradise Lost, so it would remain "till one Greater Man Restore us, and regain the blissful Seat" (see Isa 11:1-9; Rev 22:1-5)."
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