10 days ago, I had a mini stroke, known as a TIA. 8 days ago, I had a full stroke, leaving my right side useless and a stutter so bad I cannot speak, among other things.
The members of our church plant here have been wonderful. They are fearful I will leave and go back to the US. When they ask me about it, I answer them, "I am home right here where God put me." This is the truth. I cannot imagine leaving here.
They people here are use to missionaries who come for a time and leave them. It is important that they see dedication and faithfulness. This is a testimony of God's love to them. No, God did not cause the stroke. It is the thief that comes to steal, kill, and destroy. Jesus brings us life. However, as I make it past this storm in my life, good will come from it.
JoyfulWorks
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Who Am I? I Am Planting and Growing Good Seed.
*The Garden of Your Heart by Jason Peebles
For a moment, let’s look at a secret that Jesus taught in the Parable of the Sower (Mark 4:13-20). Jesus used a simple agricultural illustration to teach a
profound truth. And what is the secret? The secret is that your heart and mind function much like the soil in a garden. Whatever “seeds” you plant there will begin an immediate process of germinating, growing, and producing results. Thus, you must protect the garden of your heart by planting good seeds. If you allow the wrong kind of seeds (thoughts) to grow in your heart, then you will be headed for trouble. On the other hand, if you plant good seeds, then you will get a good crop. Your thoughts, desires, and plans are the “seeds” that produce your future. What takes place on the “inside” eventually determines what you get on the “outside.”
In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus emphasized the need to plant the seed of God’s Word in our hearts. Mark 4:14 clearly says, “The sower sows the Word.” More than any other type of seed, God’s Word has supernatural power to produce wonderful benefits and blessings in your life. There are many benefits that God’s Word has (which would be a wonderful study of its own) – and one of them is to help align your heart’s desires with God’s will. Another benefit is that God’s Word has a healing and therapeutic effect in your mind and emotions. Ephesians 5:26-27 says that God’s Word will wash (cleanse and heal) every spot and wrinkle (in other words, those areas that are damaged or stained in your emotions). God wants you to be free to pursue His plan without being hindered by past wounds, hurts, and painful memories.
The secret described in the Parable of the Sower has profound implications when you really understand it. Jesus taught relatively uneducated people by today’s standards by using the “seed principle” in relation to our thought life. For one thing, it means that if someone is not happy with their life right now, then they can use this secret to their advantage. Anyone can radically improve their future expectations by changing the kind of seeds they start planting now. If they will start planting God’s Word now, then a future crop of God’s
blessings will eventually overtake their current problems. God’s Word is the most powerful type of seed that you can plant. Unfortunately, the secret that
Jesus taught in the Parable of the Sower is something that most people never seem to really grasp. Even Jesus said that this “mystery” required the inspiration of God to fully grasp (Mk 4:11-13). Most people go through life assuming that they can watch any movie, listen to any music, entertain any thought, and then somehow get a good crop in the future. That’s just as ridiculous as a farmer who thinks that he can plant weeds and get a harvest of delicious apples! It doesn’t work that way in the natural realm and it doesn’t work that way in the spiritual realm either.
Throughout the Bible you will find this “inside/outside” connection. The seeds on the “inside” will determine the results you get on the “outside.” You can see the same idea when Jesus taught on abiding in the vine. John 15:7 says, “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, you shall ask what you will and it shall be done unto you.” As we pointed out earlier, Jesus promises
amazing results (answered prayers on the “outside”) when we truly abide in Him (on the “inside”). Wouldn’t you like to experience more of “whatever you ask shall be done unto you?” Wouldn’t you like to have the desires of your heart more aligned with the Father’s will? The invitation of John 15:7 is still open to us today.
*This article is from a study guide written by Jason Peebles. The Garden of Your Heart
For a moment, let’s look at a secret that Jesus taught in the Parable of the Sower (Mark 4:13-20). Jesus used a simple agricultural illustration to teach a
profound truth. And what is the secret? The secret is that your heart and mind function much like the soil in a garden. Whatever “seeds” you plant there will begin an immediate process of germinating, growing, and producing results. Thus, you must protect the garden of your heart by planting good seeds. If you allow the wrong kind of seeds (thoughts) to grow in your heart, then you will be headed for trouble. On the other hand, if you plant good seeds, then you will get a good crop. Your thoughts, desires, and plans are the “seeds” that produce your future. What takes place on the “inside” eventually determines what you get on the “outside.”
In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus emphasized the need to plant the seed of God’s Word in our hearts. Mark 4:14 clearly says, “The sower sows the Word.” More than any other type of seed, God’s Word has supernatural power to produce wonderful benefits and blessings in your life. There are many benefits that God’s Word has (which would be a wonderful study of its own) – and one of them is to help align your heart’s desires with God’s will. Another benefit is that God’s Word has a healing and therapeutic effect in your mind and emotions. Ephesians 5:26-27 says that God’s Word will wash (cleanse and heal) every spot and wrinkle (in other words, those areas that are damaged or stained in your emotions). God wants you to be free to pursue His plan without being hindered by past wounds, hurts, and painful memories.
The secret described in the Parable of the Sower has profound implications when you really understand it. Jesus taught relatively uneducated people by today’s standards by using the “seed principle” in relation to our thought life. For one thing, it means that if someone is not happy with their life right now, then they can use this secret to their advantage. Anyone can radically improve their future expectations by changing the kind of seeds they start planting now. If they will start planting God’s Word now, then a future crop of God’s
blessings will eventually overtake their current problems. God’s Word is the most powerful type of seed that you can plant. Unfortunately, the secret that
Jesus taught in the Parable of the Sower is something that most people never seem to really grasp. Even Jesus said that this “mystery” required the inspiration of God to fully grasp (Mk 4:11-13). Most people go through life assuming that they can watch any movie, listen to any music, entertain any thought, and then somehow get a good crop in the future. That’s just as ridiculous as a farmer who thinks that he can plant weeds and get a harvest of delicious apples! It doesn’t work that way in the natural realm and it doesn’t work that way in the spiritual realm either.
Throughout the Bible you will find this “inside/outside” connection. The seeds on the “inside” will determine the results you get on the “outside.” You can see the same idea when Jesus taught on abiding in the vine. John 15:7 says, “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, you shall ask what you will and it shall be done unto you.” As we pointed out earlier, Jesus promises
amazing results (answered prayers on the “outside”) when we truly abide in Him (on the “inside”). Wouldn’t you like to experience more of “whatever you ask shall be done unto you?” Wouldn’t you like to have the desires of your heart more aligned with the Father’s will? The invitation of John 15:7 is still open to us today.
*This article is from a study guide written by Jason Peebles. The Garden of Your Heart
Monday, July 15, 2013
Who Am I? I Am Effectively Asking, Seeking, and Knocking.
Unbelief produces an ineffective prayer life.
Why? Because when we pray with unbelieve we do not believe he is going to answer our prayer. We are just wishing He would.
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him?” Matthew 7:7-11
Jesus is teaching about prayer and about the very nature of God. He relates it to something we all can understand, the child-parent relationship.
The son was out in the fields working and by the time he comes home, he is hungry. His family is seated at the dinner table. Imagine how tired and hungry boy is. Then imagine the father, seeing the hunger of his child, pick up a rock and toss it to his son saying, “Here! Eat this!” Good fathers want to give their children good. Now, if this is true of earthly parents, imagine what our Heavenly Father wants to give us - if only we would ask.
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No one’s voice sounds sweeter to God than your voice. Nothing in the universe could keep Him from giving you His full attention when you pray. In fact, He longs to hear your prayer. In Psalm 34:8, the psalmist invites us to “taste and see that the LORD is good.” In this verse, “Lord” means “Jehovah, Abba Father.” In other words, your Abba Father, Dearest Daddy, is inviting you to come to Him in childlike faith, with a hungry heart so He can fill it with the gifts of peace, contentment and a satisfied spirit.
It is God’s very nature to give to His children. He has made all of His resources available to you. Do not doubt for a moment that He is a giving God with a heart that longs to bless, to encourage, to empower and to love you. God is not only able to answer your prayer, but He desires to answer your prayer. Ask and you will receive.
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Who Am I? I Am Attentive, Diligent, and Perseverant, and Ever Increasing!
"Learn to do well" through the Word of God. (Is 1:16,17) And, grow into the fullness who we are as Christians in Christ Jesus.
Man is made to increase daily. We, you and I, are made in the image of God. We have the spirit of Truth within us to lead us and guide is in everything we say and do. We can do anything God tells us to do.
"Knowledge, power, and skill are attained only through attention, diligence, and perseverance." Jesse Duplantis
This is how we learn. Remember school. Your math teacher in elementary school taught you times tables step by step. It was our job in school to pay attention to the teacher. At home we were practice drills... 1x1 is 1, 1x2 is 2, 1x3 is 3, and so on. We learned through diligence in practicing these drills, and persevered until we got all of them down in our memory.
As believers we can walk worthy of God and succeed in every good work as we increase in the knowledge of God. How do we get knowledge of God?
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Man is made to increase daily. We, you and I, are made in the image of God. We have the spirit of Truth within us to lead us and guide is in everything we say and do. We can do anything God tells us to do.
"Knowledge, power, and skill are attained only through attention, diligence, and perseverance." Jesse Duplantis
This is how we learn. Remember school. Your math teacher in elementary school taught you times tables step by step. It was our job in school to pay attention to the teacher. At home we were practice drills... 1x1 is 1, 1x2 is 2, 1x3 is 3, and so on. We learned through diligence in practicing these drills, and persevered until we got all of them down in our memory.
As believers we can walk worthy of God and succeed in every good work as we increase in the knowledge of God. How do we get knowledge of God?
"That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God." Colossians 1:10
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Pray the prayer in Ephesians 1:17-19 on a regular basis in your life as you study the Word of God, and you will see dramatic, daily growth and increase in His knowledge with a Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation.
"That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power." Ephesians 1:17-19
Believers can grow everyday, increasing each and every day. All we have to do is listen (pay attention, as we get into His Word. "Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God."
After spending time in His Word and in prayer, take time to get still and hear Him. You will get to know His Word and will grow in the fullness of who we are in Christ Jesus as your diligently pray and study the Word of God, persevering in His power, strength, grace, and mercy until you got it!
Saturday, July 13, 2013
Who Am I? I Am Walking out His Greater Works.
In John 14:12–14, we discover one thing that God intends for our life by reading what Jesus said about the power of prayer. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.”
"One of the most important things we should want to do as Christians is to walk out the perfect plan of God for our life. How do we walk out that plan? We do it through prayer, through reading God’s Word, and through developing an intimate relationship with God. It is through prayer that we have a relationship with our Heavenly Father; it’s how we come to know Him better.
By developing an intimate relationship with God, we allow Him to start guiding us in His course for our life. We can rely on the fact that everything is going to be all right, because we know we are walking out His plan for our life. Since before we were born, God knew the plan for our life from beginning to end. Now we must choose whether or not we are going to walk in His plan, doing the works that Jesus did—and even greater works!" Lynette Hagin
"One of the most important things we should want to do as Christians is to walk out the perfect plan of God for our life. How do we walk out that plan? We do it through prayer, through reading God’s Word, and through developing an intimate relationship with God. It is through prayer that we have a relationship with our Heavenly Father; it’s how we come to know Him better.
By developing an intimate relationship with God, we allow Him to start guiding us in His course for our life. We can rely on the fact that everything is going to be all right, because we know we are walking out His plan for our life. Since before we were born, God knew the plan for our life from beginning to end. Now we must choose whether or not we are going to walk in His plan, doing the works that Jesus did—and even greater works!" Lynette Hagin
Friday, July 12, 2013
Intercessory what???
*Part 5 on Prayer for "Simply Prayer" 30-day Challenge: Pray for Missions in Asia.
Intercession? What is that?
Intercession is defined as an interposing or pleading on behalf of another person, a prayer to God on behalf of another.
An intercessor is one who take the place of another while praying for God.
While praying for others, an intercessor (someone praying for someone else, on their behalf) may be praying for someone lost, or someone sick, or someone in despair, or someone who needs direction in an area to move forward.
An intercessor can change the lives of one person or a whole nation just by taking the time to pray guided by the Holy Spirit with understanding of God's Word (His Will) in every situation.
Intercession? What is that?
Intercession is defined as an interposing or pleading on behalf of another person, a prayer to God on behalf of another.
An intercessor is one who take the place of another while praying for God.
While praying for others, an intercessor (someone praying for someone else, on their behalf) may be praying for someone lost, or someone sick, or someone in despair, or someone who needs direction in an area to move forward.
An intercessor can change the lives of one person or a whole nation just by taking the time to pray guided by the Holy Spirit with understanding of God's Word (His Will) in every situation.
"...and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." James 5:16
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| http://www.heartsonfire-ministries.org/prayer/ |
By being sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit, He will help us pray out God's will in situations in the lives of others, whether we know the other person or not.
After a while, you will begin to notice that people will come to mind, and you will have an urge, a need to pray for that person. You may not even know their name. As you obey and begin to pray according to God's Word a life is changed, a situation altered, a sickness healed, a life spared, and the enemy hindered.
If you are a Christian parent you will know what this is like. I have heard countless stories where a mother or father knew to stop what they were doing and pray for their child. As they did, miracles happened.
The same is true of those who choose to intercede for others.
Who Am I? I Am A Life Changer.
*Part 5 on Prayer for "Simply Prayer" 30-day Challenge: Pray for Missions in Asia.
Intercession? What is that?
Intercession is defined as an interposing or pleading on behalf of another person, a prayer to God on behalf of another.
An intercessor is one who take the place of another while praying for God.
While praying for others, an intercessor (someone praying for someone else, on their behalf) may be praying for someone lost, or someone sick, or someone in despair, or someone who needs direction in an area to move forward.
An intercessor can change the lives of one person or a whole nation just by taking the time to pray guided by the Holy Spirit with understanding of God's Word (His Will) in every situation.
Intercession? What is that?
Intercession is defined as an interposing or pleading on behalf of another person, a prayer to God on behalf of another.
An intercessor is one who take the place of another while praying for God.
While praying for others, an intercessor (someone praying for someone else, on their behalf) may be praying for someone lost, or someone sick, or someone in despair, or someone who needs direction in an area to move forward.
An intercessor can change the lives of one person or a whole nation just by taking the time to pray guided by the Holy Spirit with understanding of God's Word (His Will) in every situation.
"...and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." James 5:16
|
| http://www.heartsonfire-ministries.org/prayer/ |
By being sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit, He will help us pray out God's will in situations in the lives of others, whether we know the other person or not.
After a while, you will begin to notice that people will come to mind, and you will have an urge, a need to pray for that person. You may not even know their name. As you obey and begin to pray according to God's Word a life is changed, a situation altered, a sickness healed, a life spared, and the enemy hindered.
If you are a Christian parent you will know what this is like. I have heard countless stories where a mother or father knew to stop what they were doing and pray for their child. As they did, miracles happened.
The same is true of those who choose to intercede for others.
Thursday, July 11, 2013
The Spirit HImself Opens our Eyes and Ears of Understanding
*Part 4 on Prayer for "Simply Prayer" 30-day Challenge: Pray for Missions in Asia.
Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you in prayer.
The Holy Spirit lives within believers, and He will help us in our prayer lives.
"Listen well and listen good. Listen like you should. Open the eyes ofy our spirit. Close the yes of your mind. Close the eyes and ears of your mind to religious thoughts and training in church praying. Listen to the New Covenant, the Truths unveiled. Rejoice in them and walk in the light of them, and act upon them. And, prayer will become real. The supernatural will be an everyday affair, and you will love the Lord. And, worship and honor Him. For you see, He hears and answers prayer." Kenneth E. Hagin
Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you in prayer.
The Holy Spirit lives within believers, and He will help us in our prayer lives.
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:26-27
The Holy Spirit is our helper. We often do not know what to pray for ourselves or others. We do not know the full situation. However, if we pray with the help of the Holy Spirit, we pray out the full situation.
We do not have to pray prayers that say, "If it be your will God." We can know His will by the Holy Spirit's help in understanding the His Word, the Bible.
"That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power." Ephesians 1:17-19As New Covenant Christians, we have the Holy Spirit to help us in our prayers - to help us communicate with God. If you find yourself not knowing how to pray often in situations, turn to the passage in Ephesians above and begin to pray it for yourself. This prayer alone, will change your life. Allow the Holy Spirit to give you understanding of God's Word as your read it and begin to apply it in your own life and in your prayer life.
"Listen well and listen good. Listen like you should. Open the eyes ofy our spirit. Close the yes of your mind. Close the eyes and ears of your mind to religious thoughts and training in church praying. Listen to the New Covenant, the Truths unveiled. Rejoice in them and walk in the light of them, and act upon them. And, prayer will become real. The supernatural will be an everyday affair, and you will love the Lord. And, worship and honor Him. For you see, He hears and answers prayer." Kenneth E. Hagin
Who Am I? I Am Seeing with Understanding
We do not have to pray prayers that say, "If it be your will God." We can know His will by the Holy Spirit's help in understanding the His Word, the Bible.
"That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power." Ephesians 1:17-19As New Covenant Christians, we have the Holy Spirit to help us in our prayers - to help us communicate with God. If you find yourself not knowing how to pray often in situations, turn to the passage in Ephesians above and begin to pray it for yourself. This prayer alone, will change your life. Allow the Holy Spirit to give you understanding of God's Word as your read it and begin to apply it in your own life and in your prayer life.
"Listen well and listen good. Listen like you should. Open the eyes ofy our spirit. Close the yes of your mind. Close the eyes and ears of your mind to religious thoughts and training in church praying. Listen to the New Covenant, the Truths unveiled. Rejoice in them and walk in the light of them, and act upon them. And, prayer will become real. The supernatural will be an everyday affair, and you will love the Lord. And, worship and honor Him. For you see, He hears and answers prayer." Kenneth E. Hagin
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
He continued on to say "AND"...
*Part 3 on Prayer for "Simply Prayer" 30-day Challenge: Pray for Missions in Asia.
Jesus did not stop with verse 24 in Mark 11. He continued on to say "AND"...
Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. Mark 11:24-25
Why? Because prayer and your faith will not work in unforgiveness. Unforgiveness allows the devil to enter in and play with your mind, even causing guilt and condemnation that draws you away from your Heavenly Father.
Unforgiving is defined as "Not willing to gorgive or excuse people's faults or wrongdoings." This means forgiveness is a choice. We make a conscious choice to forgive others.
Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. Mark 11:24-25
Jesus did not stop with verse 24 in Mark 11. He continued on to say "AND"...
Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. Mark 11:24-25
Why? Because prayer and your faith will not work in unforgiveness. Unforgiveness allows the devil to enter in and play with your mind, even causing guilt and condemnation that draws you away from your Heavenly Father.
"But, you don't know what they did, I can't forgive that." According to the definition and according to God's Word, you can forgive them. It is as much of a choice as it is to choose to love someone.
Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. Col 3:13Why is this so important in prayer?
His Word is clear. To be in willing obedience to God, we must make the decision to forgive, otherwise we are not forgiven of our sins.
"If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land." Isaiah 1:19According to Isaiah choosing not to forgive (being unwilling and disobedient) prevents us from receiving "the good of the land." This prevents us from receiving the desires of our hearts that we pray.
Who Am I? I Am Willing and Obedient.
*Part 3 on Prayer for "Simply Prayer" 30-day Challenge: Pray for Missions in Asia.
Jesus did not stop with verse 24 in Mark 11. He continued on to say "AND"...
Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. Mark 11:24-25
Why? Because prayer and your faith will not work in unforgiveness. Unforgiveness allows the devil to enter in and play with your mind, even causing guilt and condemnation that draws you away from your Heavenly Father.
Unforgiving is defined as "Not willing to gorgive or excuse people's faults or wrongdoings." This means forgiveness is a choice. We make a conscious choice to forgive others.
Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. Mark 11:24-25
Jesus did not stop with verse 24 in Mark 11. He continued on to say "AND"...
Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. Mark 11:24-25
Why? Because prayer and your faith will not work in unforgiveness. Unforgiveness allows the devil to enter in and play with your mind, even causing guilt and condemnation that draws you away from your Heavenly Father.
Unforgiving is defined as "Not willing to gorgive or excuse people's faults or wrongdoings." This means forgiveness is a choice. We make a conscious choice to forgive others.
"But, you don't know what they did, I can't forgive that." According to the definition and according to God's Word, you can forgive them. It is as much of a choice as it is to choose to love someone.
Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. Col 3:13Why is this so important in prayer?
His Word is clear. To be in willing obedience to God, we must make the decision to forgive, otherwise we are not forgiven of our sins.
"If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land." Isaiah 1:19According to Isaiah choosing not to forgive (being unwilling and disobedient) prevents us from receiving "the good of the land." This prevents us from receiving the desires of our hearts that we pray.
Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. Mark 11:24-25
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Who Am I? I Am Believing I Am Receiving.
*Part 2 on Prayer for "Simply Prayer" 30-day Challenge: Pray for Missions in Asia.
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. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. Mark 11:23-24
When you pray believe that you have what you prayed for. Notice this says, right at the moment that you are praying, BELIEVE that you received what you have prayed for.
"But I don't see it, I don't have it. I need to keep praying for it." you may think. We walk by faith, not by sight. God's Word says to BELIEVE you have received WHEN you are praying for it, at that moment.
When you pray, and when you believe that you have received as you pray, faith begins to work. If you believe you have the answer you do not ask for it again. Rather, thank Him for giving you the answer to your prayer.
"Therefore....."
*Part 2 on Prayer for "Simply Prayer" 30-day Challenge: Pray for Missions in Asia.
"When you see a 'therefore' in the bible, stop and see what it is there for." Kenneth Hagin
"When you see a 'therefore' in the bible, stop and see what it is there for." Kenneth Hagin
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. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. Mark 11:23-24
When you pray believe that you have what you prayed for. Notice this says, right at the moment that you are praying, BELIEVE that you received what you have prayed for.
"But I don't see it, I don't have it. I need to keep praying for it." you may think. We walk by faith, not by sight. God's Word says to BELIEVE you have received WHEN you are praying for it, at that moment.
When you pray, and when you believe that you have received as you pray, faith begins to work. If you believe you have the answer you do not ask for it again. Rather, thank Him for giving you the answer to your prayer.
Monday, July 8, 2013
Who Am I? I Am boldly at the throne "in the name of Jesus Christ."
Why pray 'in the name of Jesus Christ"?
July 15th -August 13th, 2013 is the 30-Day Challenge: Prayer for MIssions in Asia . To aid those who find it difficult to spend time in prayer or have not really checked out what God's Word has to say about prayer, the next month of posts to Discovered Treasures Bible Study and .Who Am I? DailyDevo will focus mainly around prayer - how to talk to God.
Where do we learn how to talk to God? The same place we learn about His character, His likes, His dislikes, what pleases and displeases Him - In His Word.
There is one thing I want to point out in the Word before we go further on prayer.
The bible is divided into two covenants, the Old Covenant (before Christ died on the cross and rose again for us), and the New Covenant (after Christ died on the cross and rose again.) This is very important because many people go to scriptures like the Lord's prayer to learn to pray. There is nothing wrong with praying what is in the Lord's prayer. However, if you will note, it was a prayer example prayed before Christ had died.
When people prayed before Christ died, they did not have the Holy Spirit within them. This did not come until Christ died and rose again. It was not until Jesus died that the curtain (veil-Heb 9:1-9) that separated the Holy of Holies from man was torn from the top down. “And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom” (Matthew 27:50-51). It was not until then that we could become temples of the Holy Spirit. You will see this in Acts 1 while the disciples were in the upper room and they were filled with the Holy Spirit.
Prayer before this event, was not guided prayer by the Holy Spirit directly to the Father. Rather there were rules of the Law (located basically in the first five books of the bible) to follow, sacrifices to be made, and a representative (the priest) just to talk to God and get right with Him.
In Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:2-4 the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray. And He did. But this is not the New Covenant Church praying, it is the Old Covenant Church. Jesus had not yet died and rose again. The Holy Spirit was yet dwelling within their renewed spirit, and they had no authority over satan yet. Why? Because man had not yet been bought and paid for by the precious blood of Jesus Christ at that time.
You will notice that they did not yet pray IN THE NAME OF JESUS in that prayer. Why? He had not yet paid the price for sin of mankind. We did not yet have authority in the name.
By praying "In the name of Jesus" we are going to the Father with authority given to us by Jesus. Through faith and by grace we are saved (Eph 2:8), we receive a new spirit man making us an adopted child of God, and we can boldly go before the throne of God in prayer "in the name of Jesus Christ."
Where do we learn how to talk to God? The same place we learn about His character, His likes, His dislikes, what pleases and displeases Him - In His Word.
There is one thing I want to point out in the Word before we go further on prayer.
The bible is divided into two covenants, the Old Covenant (before Christ died on the cross and rose again for us), and the New Covenant (after Christ died on the cross and rose again.) This is very important because many people go to scriptures like the Lord's prayer to learn to pray. There is nothing wrong with praying what is in the Lord's prayer. However, if you will note, it was a prayer example prayed before Christ had died.
Prayer before this event, was not guided prayer by the Holy Spirit directly to the Father. Rather there were rules of the Law (located basically in the first five books of the bible) to follow, sacrifices to be made, and a representative (the priest) just to talk to God and get right with Him.
In Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:2-4 the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray. And He did. But this is not the New Covenant Church praying, it is the Old Covenant Church. Jesus had not yet died and rose again. The Holy Spirit was yet dwelling within their renewed spirit, and they had no authority over satan yet. Why? Because man had not yet been bought and paid for by the precious blood of Jesus Christ at that time.
You will notice that they did not yet pray IN THE NAME OF JESUS in that prayer. Why? He had not yet paid the price for sin of mankind. We did not yet have authority in the name.
And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. (24) Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. John 16:23-24
At the end of His ministry, just before he died on the cross, Jesus changed the way they were to pray.
And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. John 14:13-14
How to Pray in the New Covenant
July 15th -August 13th, 2013 is the 30-Day Challenge: Prayer for MIssions in Asia . To aid those who find it difficult to spend time in prayer or have not really checked out what God's Word has to say about prayer, the next month of posts to Discovered Treasures Bible Study and .Who Am I? DailyDevo will focus mainly around prayer, how to talk to God.
Where to we learn how to talk to God? The same place we learn about His character, His likes, His dislikes, what pleases and displeases Him. In His Word.
There is one thing I want to point out in the Word before we go further into the Word on prayer.
The bible is divided into two covenants, the Old Covenant (before Christ died on the cross and rose again for us), and the New Covenant (after Christ died on the cross and rose again.) This is very important, because many people go to scriptures like the Lord's prayer to learn to pray. There is nothing wrong with praying what is in the Lord's prayer, however, if you will note, it was a prayer example prayed before Christ had died.
When people prayed before Christ died, they did not have the Holy Spirit within them. This did not come until Christ died and rose again. It was not until Jesus died that the curtain (veil) that separated the Holy of Holies from man (Mk 15:38, Mt 27:51, Lk 23:45). It was not until then that we could become temples of the Holy Spirit. You will see this in Acts 1 while the disciples were in the upper room and they were filled with the Holy Spirit.
Prayer before this event, was not guided prayer by the Holy Spirit directly to the Father. Rather there were rules of the Law to follow, sacrifices to be made, and a representative (the priest) just to talk to God and get right with Him.
In Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:2-4 the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray. And He did. But this is not the New Covenant Church praying, it is the Old Covenant Church. Jesus had not yet died and rose again. The Holy Spirit was not given to them to renew their spirit and dwell within them, they had no authority over satan yet. Why? Because man hand not yet been bought and paid for by the precious blood of Jesus Christ at that time.
You will notice that they did not yet pray IN THE NAME OF JESUS in that prayer. Why? He had not yet paid the price for sin of mankind. We did not yet have authority in the name.
By praying "In the name of Jesus" we are going to the Father with authority given to us by Jesus. Through faith and by grace we are saved (Eph 2:8), we receive a new spirit man making us an adopted child of God, and we can boldly go before the throne of God in prayer "in the name of Jesus Christ."
Where to we learn how to talk to God? The same place we learn about His character, His likes, His dislikes, what pleases and displeases Him. In His Word.
There is one thing I want to point out in the Word before we go further into the Word on prayer.
The bible is divided into two covenants, the Old Covenant (before Christ died on the cross and rose again for us), and the New Covenant (after Christ died on the cross and rose again.) This is very important, because many people go to scriptures like the Lord's prayer to learn to pray. There is nothing wrong with praying what is in the Lord's prayer, however, if you will note, it was a prayer example prayed before Christ had died.
Prayer before this event, was not guided prayer by the Holy Spirit directly to the Father. Rather there were rules of the Law to follow, sacrifices to be made, and a representative (the priest) just to talk to God and get right with Him.
In Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:2-4 the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray. And He did. But this is not the New Covenant Church praying, it is the Old Covenant Church. Jesus had not yet died and rose again. The Holy Spirit was not given to them to renew their spirit and dwell within them, they had no authority over satan yet. Why? Because man hand not yet been bought and paid for by the precious blood of Jesus Christ at that time.
You will notice that they did not yet pray IN THE NAME OF JESUS in that prayer. Why? He had not yet paid the price for sin of mankind. We did not yet have authority in the name.
And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. (24) Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. John 16:23-24
At the end of His ministry, just before he died on the cross, Jesus changed the way they were to pray.
And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. John 14:13-14
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Who Am I? I Am Thankful For Those Walking Towards Victory With Me.
Combat Buddies
Throughout our lives, we bond with people, friends, classmates, neighbors, coworkers, family, etc. As a military spouse for many years, I have witnessed one of the strongest bonds, those of soldiers who have served and/or fought together. I can remember my even grandfather telling his war stories, and it was the bonds that he formed while there that stood out in those stories.
Military bonds were formed during the years I spent as a spouse of a soldier. Bonds that withstand time. , My husbands military service ended quite a while ago, but the friends that could pick up the phone or walk in our door without missing a beat, the friends we welcomed most warmly, are those with whom he served.
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| Photo credit: soldieroffinance.com |
The mission field, in a sense, is also a combat zone, especially in countries where spreading the Gospel is illegal and/or heavily penalized. While what we do as missionaries is not in a physical war, it is a spiritual war. The enemy - SATAN.
The past five years, in which I have served full-time on the mission field has produced bonds very similar to those of combat buddies/service buddies. There is a sense of trust, and a mutual commitment formed that is essential among those who serve together on the front lines against Satan as ground is taken daily for Jesus with the Gospel Message moving steadily forward. Our mission is to stand together firm against the enemy while clothed in the armor of God (Ephesians 6), knowing that victory is ours IN CHRIST!
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Combat Buddies
Throughout
our lives, we bond with people, friends, classmates, neighbors, coworkers,
family, etc. As a military spouse for many years, I have witnessed one of
the strongest bonds, those of soldiers who have served and/or fought together.
I can remember my even grandfather telling his war stories, and it was
the bonds that he formed while there that stood out in those stories.
Military
bonds were formed during the years I spent as a spouse of a soldier.
Bonds that withstand time. , My husbands military service ended quite a
while ago, but the friends that could pick up the phone or walk in our door
without missing a beat, the friends we welcomed most warmly, are those with
whom he served.
|
| Photo credit: soldieroffinance.com |
The
mission field, in a sense, is also a combat zone, especially in countries where
spreading the Gospel is illegal and/or heavily penalized. While what we
do as missionaries is not in a physical war, it is a spiritual war. The
enemy - SATAN.
The
past five years, in which I have served full-time on the mission field has
produced bonds very similiar to those of combat buddies/service buddies.
There is a sense of trust, and a mutual committment formed that is
essential among those who serve together on the front lines against Satan as
ground is taken daily for Jesus with the Gospel Message moving steadily
forward. Our mission is to stand together firm against the enemy while
clothed in the armor of God (Ephesians 6), knowing that victory is ours IN
CHRIST!
Who Am I? I Am "In Christ", Bought by the Precious Blood of Christ.
"In Christ" is a term used by Christians to describe their who they are at their fullest potential as a Spirit-led believer (John 16:3).
The church at Galatia adequately describes life without Christ, "Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world." Galatians 4:3
What is the difference between the two? The heart. It make the difference between going through the motions, and actually being a Christian, "In Christ."
He must be your total source in everything, health, supply, salvation, prosperity, joy, peace, love, strength, and so on.
"In Christ" means living His way, not our way. This is the only way to get the life He has intended you live, the abundant, victorious life.
The church at Galatia adequately describes life without Christ, "Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world." Galatians 4:3
What is the difference between the two? The heart. It make the difference between going through the motions, and actually being a Christian, "In Christ."
"In Christ" means living in the power and authority provided by the name of Jesus. It means living on the side of "I have been bought and paid for by the blood of Jesus." I am a child of God. It means Jesus is Lord of your life. He is master in ALL of your life, not just part of it.
He must be your total source in everything, health, supply, salvation, prosperity, joy, peace, love, strength, and so on.
"In Christ" means living His way, not our way. This is the only way to get the life He has intended you live, the abundant, victorious life.
How NOT To Choose A Children's Pastor/Leader.
Choosing the right leader for your team is crucial to an effective children's ministry that will carry out the vision of the church as a whole. In some cases, parents choose the church they attend based on the children's ministry. The pastor/leader lays the foundation, sets the atmosphere among the team, the parents, and the children. Choosing this perfect person is not an easy task. First and foremost, there is no PERFECT person. Choosing a children's pastor/leader is not cut and dry. The last post described the perfect children's pastor/leader. This post shares the absolute no-no's of choosing a children's pastor/leader.
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First, we have Julie Do-It-All. Julie is an example of one who wants to lead, but does it all herself. The teachers come in and Julie is right there going over every instruction for the weekly craft, every snack is prepared, every lesson is cookie cutter shadow of exactly the way Julie would do it herself. She spends all her time hovering over the teachers and with the children. If she leaves, she fears something will not be done her way.
Julie Do-It-All maybe great at what she does with the children, what she does works great for her. However, the role of the children's pastor/leader is to provide and atmosphere for the teachers to do what they do best, teach. Her time is in training the teachers the overall vision of the ministry, how to use the curriculum provided, how to minister to the family as a whole. What works best for one teacher, may not work best for another.
By trying to handle everything herself, and making the teachers follow step-by-step cookie cutter instructions, because that is what works for her, stifles the gifts and talents the teachers bring to the ministry, and the anointing they carry. Having a do-it-all yourself approach limits the growth of the children's ministry to what one person can do themselves. The ministry cannot grow beyond the limits of one person.
Second, we have Joey New-Christian. Joey New-Christian is passionate and excited. He shares the new Gospel message with everyone he comes into contact. He is so excited he wants to attend everything and participate in everything.
While his enthusiasm is great, and can light the fire of those around him. He lacks the foundation that will keep and hold him in place when something goes wrong, and challenges present themselves. Even choosing a newbie to the church can be risky. It takes time to get to know someones strengths and talents, and their faithfulness.
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Third, we have Carla Want-A-Position. Carla wants to the respect and the importance of the title. She comes every week to services, and maybe even goes to every function. She is always right in the center of the action. Appearance is very important. She would not be caught dead near so-n-so or so-n-so, because they are not the in crowd. Instead, she is part of the click...the group that hangs out and does not let others inside. After all influence is everything.
Ministry is work, children's ministry is REALLY work! It is not a show. Ministering to children is from the heart to the lost, whether they be the child, the child's parent, the child's siblings and friends. Becoming a children's pastor/leader is not for someone seeking a position. These people tend to be very prideful. In children's ministry, humble is required. The children can see right through anything else. Volunteers do not want to work for leaders who are position seekers. The staff will begin to dwindle, and the ministry to the children themselves suffer.
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Fourth, we have Allen Been-Around-Forever. Often, a children's ministry will be found in need of locating a new children's pastor/leader quickly. Alley Been-Around-Forever has been a faithful teacher. She has a great character and personality. She teaches well each week, and the parents seem to like her. What is not to like about her?
Most often in a crunch, the church will choose someone as children's pastor/leader simply because there is no one else around. Alley Been-Around-Forever may seem like she could do the job and fill the need at the moment. However, what is not taken into account here is that she may very well be called and anointed to teach, not lead. She is great with the children, but can she manage a team of adults, fulfill the administrative duties, and let go of the hands on classroom experience? The Children's Pastor/Leader is a different calling and anointing than that of a teacher. By taking the fish out of the water, the whole children's ministry will suffer, even with the good faith heart of Alley Been-Around-Forever.
Every Pastor/Board must be very careful in choosing a leader. It may mean taking time and even referrals from other trustworthy Pastors/churches to find the right leader. He/she will not carry all the qualities of the PERFECT pastor/leader discussed in the last post, but they will possess many of them, and display a teachable spirit that will lend to learning and obtaining the remaining qualities necessary to leading a Children's ministry effectively.
Friday, July 5, 2013
Who Am I? I Am Knocking, Seeking, Asking, Finding, and Receiving.
Many people before they become Christians, and even some who are Christians do not think that much about God. They think He might be out there somewhere, but He is not active in peoples daily life. With this type of thinking it seems pointless to talk to a God.
Most people are not even sure the God things works. They go to church on Sundays, once or twice a month, and Easter. They even think the morals of God's Word seem good. Yet, the people around them who are preaching healing, prosperity, and how to walk in love are not living examples of such things.
Why is this so in the life of a Christian? We expect this of someone who does not know Christ. Why would the life of someone who is a follower of Christ not reflect the Jesus within them?
They, also, do not know Christ. They have yet to meet the ONE, TRUE AUTHOR of the inspired Word. It is when we meet Jesus, the Person, and have truly made him Lord (Master) over our lives, out of the LOVE that He first showed us, that we reflect Him on the outside as well as the inside.
How do we get to know this Person?
Read God's Word for ourselves. As we read the Word of God, we must allow the Holy Spirit living inside to guide us (John 16:13). It is through reading the Bible with eyes open that we discover the living Word changes us from the inside out, bringing to LIGHT new ways of seeing things that we have never seen before.
Pray this prayer from Ephesians (below) daily and read His Word. Open your eyes and ears unto the Him and get to know not just Him, but you through Him.
Most people are not even sure the God things works. They go to church on Sundays, once or twice a month, and Easter. They even think the morals of God's Word seem good. Yet, the people around them who are preaching healing, prosperity, and how to walk in love are not living examples of such things.
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| Photo credit: adelightfulhome.com |
They, also, do not know Christ. They have yet to meet the ONE, TRUE AUTHOR of the inspired Word. It is when we meet Jesus, the Person, and have truly made him Lord (Master) over our lives, out of the LOVE that He first showed us, that we reflect Him on the outside as well as the inside.
How do we get to know this Person?
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| Photo credit: dineenmiller.blogspot.com |
Pray this prayer from Ephesians (below) daily and read His Word. Open your eyes and ears unto the Him and get to know not just Him, but you through Him.
That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: Ephesians 1:17-21
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