Archive for January, 2017

Taking Nothing For Granted

Tuesday, January 31st, 2017

Those who have suffered in similar manner tend to have greater compassion.  Jesus Who suffered for all of mankind has the utmost compassion for our weaknesses and frailties.  Those who are legalistic in nature expect compliance with the Law and rely on behavior modification of others.  The enforcement of the rule of law is necessary where lawlessness abounds.  At the time of the first Pentecost when FATHER gave the Law to Moses there was sin in the camp.  It is written by THE SPIRIT in Exodus chapter 32:

1 Now when the people saw that Moses delayed coming down from the mountain, the people gathered together to Aaron, and said to him, “Come, make us gods that shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.”

FATHER knew the people needed a standard to guide them toward righteousness and thus provided them with the Ten Commandments.  Immediately after being presented with the Ten Commandments they had proceeded to break the first Commandment given in Exodus 20:

2 ​​“I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

3 ​​“You shall have no other gods before Me.

4 ​​“You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth;

5 you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me,

6 but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.”

Breaking the Law had consequences for the people were unrestrained in their actions and they pursued corruption.  The result of their lawlessness was “about 3,000 men” were put to death that day.  We must realize that actions have consequences and we must correct our path and beliefs accordingly.  The Old Covenant provides an excellent contrast to the New Covenant.  In Acts Chapter 2 another event occurred on the day of Pentecost:

1 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.

3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them.

4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Peter stood up and explained what just happened and preached the Good News to those in attendance and admonished them saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.”  What was the result?

41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.

42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.

43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common.

The Law in itself does not bring forth life, it did not at Mount Sinai and it still does not today.  We all need The Holy Spirit active in our lives on a moment by moment basis.  We should not minimize the importance of ministry of The Holy Spirit as we walk out our daily lives and ministry.  Yes, every one of us has a ministry to fulfill.  Attempting to fulfill our calling without The Holy Spirit can become drudgery when it should be exciting and refreshing.

There are those who constantly focus on the 613 commandments and statutes.  Oh what a chore to stay compliant in this path of legalism.  Oh what a blessing to walk in just two commandments centered around the revelation of Love.  I choose the latter.  As we walk in Love we become more compassionate (as Jesus) toward those who are blinded by the world’s ways.  We are not to condone their blindness but to be a guiding light which will bring them to the true Gospel.  There are times we may be called to suffer in Christ but the time of suffering simply makes us more compassionate toward those with no hope.  Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT in Romans chapter 8:

2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.

3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh,

4 that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

Let us take nothing for granted as we walk according to THE SPIRIT.  Each day we will be presented with unique opportunities and events that are difficult when applying the Law of the Old Testament.  However when we walk according to HIS SPIRIT and Love, we are able to navigate throughout the day in a righteous and effective manner.  The ministry of The Holy Spirit may have been dormant in your life but that does not negate the need to submit to HIS SPIRIT in us.  Let us take nothing for granted but be grateful for all the provisions given to us by FATHER, most of all the ministry of The Holy Spirit.

All Authority

Monday, January 30th, 2017

Matthew chapter 28 Jesus spoke:

18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.

19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen!

We have been given the power and authority to use the name of Jesus Christ to minister life, heal, and restore.  In addition, we have been given The Holy Spirit to lead and guide us in all manner.  Let us no longer resist HIS Divine Intent but rather let us embrace HIS Words concerning our mandate to minister life to others.  Our every word and deed should glorify FATHER as we become fully mature in HIS Divine Intent of Love.

Romans 8: 11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

Is there any exception to HIS “all authority”?  Is there a sickness, disease, or other infirmity above HIS “all authority”?  A resounding NO!  The traditions and worldly motives of men have led us to believe that  pharmaceuticals are the best avenue to take in order to recover from sickness and disease.  We are bombarded with commercials on a daily basis designed to convince us to buy and consume their products.  Each of us must decide what path we take to wholeness.  If we are weak in faith then let us focus on building our faith by reading and studying HIS Word until we are more confident that HIS power and authority is greater than a drug.  You will know when that day has arrived.  I am not advocating taking action against your doctor’s orders but instead pursue life, healing, and restoration so your doctor will be able to attest  to the miracle of healing.

In Mark chapter 16 Jesus spoke on five areas of authority and power :

“And these signs will follow those who believe:

1  In My name they will cast out demons;

2  they will speak with new tongues;

3  they will take up serpents;

4  if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them;

5  they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

These five miraculous manifestations are to take place as we fully embrace the authority IN HIS NAME.  Satan holds men in bondage and Jesus sets men free of that bondage.  Jesus clearly stated in John chapter 10:

9 “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.

10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”

The Beloved Disciple wrote by THE SPIRIT in 1 John chapter 3:

7 Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous.

8 He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.

It is time for us to destroy the works of the devil by fully embracing the Authority of Jesus Christ.  We can dance around this mandate but it does not change the Truth contained in Jesus’ declaration.  Let us become passionate in our pursuit of HIS Fullness and no longer be tossed to and fro by men’s alternative doctrines.  Let us not be looked at as the generation of passivity, lukewarm attitudes, and fruitlessness.  Fast in whatever area that requires the breaking down of strongholds which are preventing you from ascending higher.  Let us prepare now to go forth in “All Authority” as mandated by our Elder Brother!

Self-Discipline

Sunday, January 29th, 2017

FATHER spoke in Jeremiah chapter 1:

4 Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying:

​5 ​​“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; ​​Before you were born I sanctified you; ​​I ordained you a prophet to the nations.”

​6 Then said I: ​​​“Ah, Lord GOD! ​​Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth.”

​7 But the LORD said to me: ​​​“Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ ​​For you shall go to all to whom I send you, ​​And whatever I command you, you shall speak.

8 ​​Do not be afraid of their faces, ​​For I am with you to deliver you,” says the LORD.

​9 Then the LORD put forth His hand and touched my mouth, and the LORD said to me: ​​​“Behold, I have put My words in your mouth.

10 ​​See, I have this day set you over the nations and over the kingdoms, ​​To root out and to pull down, ​​To destroy and to throw down, ​​To build and to plant.”

Each of us has had past kingdoms, thoughts, customs, persuasions, tendencies, and habits contrary to FATHER’S Kingdom.  They all must be rooted out, pulled down, destroyed and thrown away.  Our flesh must be dealt with once and for all for behold we are a new man or woman in Christ Jesus.  Because we are no longer of this world but still in this world, we must develop ourselves in “self” discipline.  It is a continual strengthening process and must remain at the forefront of our daily activities.  We must purpose to not allow ourselves to be lulled into anything that would compromise our walk with FATHER.  Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT in 2 Timothy chapter 2:

7 For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.

I believe FATHER has me write to you daily for you to receive daily HIS Word in order that we all are strengthen with HIS Love, power, and discipline.  HE chooses the topic and related verses each day so I am the first to benefit from HIS daily Spiritual nourishment.  First the spirit, then the body.  I expect my body to line up with HIS Word and become strengthened by HIS anointing.  I expect healing to occur as I regard HIS Word above all else for I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me.  In Proverbs 1 Wisdom spoke:

23 “Turn to my reproof,

Behold, I will pour out my spirit on you;

I will make my words known to you.”

It takes discipline, not denial, to root up and destroy our old ways in order to receive the pouring out of HIS Spirit on us.  Past doctrines and habits must be tested to see if they in fact produce good fruit.  If not, let us replace them with new habits and FATHER’S Divine Intent in our hearts and minds.  We must be disciplined in exercising the Word in our lives so that our fruit abound toward all mankind.  FATHER spoke through Isaiah in chapter 38:

16  Lord, your discipline is good, for it leads to life and health.
You restore my health and allow me to live!

By THE SPIRIT Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians chapter 9:

24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.

25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.

26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air.

27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

We must discipline our minds and our bodies, let us live in moderation.  The first thing Jesus did after He received power from On High was to spend forty days in the wilderness in a fasted state.  He brought both His mind and body under subjection then He was tested by the adversary.  Of course the first test dealt with food but Jesus did not give in but instead maintained control over His body’s demands.  That in itself was a test of faith. 

By THE SPIRIT in Hebrews it is written in chapter 12:

11 All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.

12 Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble,

13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed.

We all will be tested in self-discipline and let us do so with a positive attitude.  There is righteousness and healing on the other side so let us focus on the result rather than any pain or suffering while we are in the midst of moving toward a disciplined state.  Those who have taken command of their thought life and physical bodies will be rewarded for they have become trustworthy and will be given greater power and authority by FATHER to minister life to others.

Guard Your Mind

Saturday, January 28th, 2017

Each of us has the responsibility to guard our minds.  We have the right and responsibility to determine what we think and dwell on.  Furthermore, we are individually accountable to FATHER.  In 2 Corinthians chapter 10, Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT:

4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,

5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ

Our thought life will ultimately convert to actions and what we dwell on generally determines our outcome.  If we dwell on how people have wronged us, then we will ultimately become bitter toward them.  It is our individual responsibility to bring every thought into captivity.  Look to no one else to do it for you.  The victor of this battle will determine whether or not you produce good fruit for the Kingdom.

Anything that negates or dilutes the Word of Our Heavenly Father must be jettisoned from our presence and we are accountable for what we allow to be presented before us.  There are 24 hour news channels because people have become addicted to bad news.  What impact does it have on their lives?  Do you think the news commentators have FATHER’S Wisdom concerning the events of the day?  We must actively protect ourselves from overexposure of man’s words, logic, and direction.  If we hear a lie frequently enough then it will become “truth” to us so we must protect ourselves from being exposed to men’s lies and deception.  We should ask FATHER to give us witness to the various inputs we receive in determining their validity.  HE will give us Wisdom, discernment and peace concerning what we should allow ourselves to be exposed to on a day to day basis.

We must cast down vain imaginations, those thoughts which are contrary to FATHER’S Divine Intent for our lives.  HIS written Word is the expression of HIS Divine Intent as well as HIS specific, spoken Word to those who hear HIM.  HIS Word is always in agreement with HIS Character whether we understand it or not.  FATHER promises us blessing and prosperity yet people listen to man’s logic and reasoning instead.  Just consider how FATHER delivered Israel time and time again in order for HIM to keep HIS Promise intact.  The Book of Judges shows us how HE persistently delivered the children of Israel as they habitually looked away from HIM.

If you have no abundance, how can you produce good fruit and be a blessing to others?  How long will people justify fruitlessness?  Until they die?

We all have an imagination so let us use our imagination to create blessing and prosperity in our lives in order to become a blessing to others.  In Proverbs chapter 8, Wisdom speaks:

18 “Riches and honor are with me,

Enduring wealth and righteousness.

19 My fruit is better than gold, even pure gold,

And my yield better than choicest silver.

20 I walk in the way of righteousness,

In the midst of the paths of justice,

21 To endow those who love me with wealth,

That I may fill their treasuries.”

Does enduring Spiritual wealth negate physical wealth?  Does a Spiritual treasury omit the physical?  No, first the Spiritual then the physical.  Jesus walked in enduring wealth but not at the expense of ministering to the physical needs of the people.  When wealth is used properly, it is a blessing.  When wealth is used with the wrong intent, it is a curse.  Wealth in itself is not bad but the intent of the one holding the wealth determines its qualities.  It is all about intent and if we don’t guard our mind, then our intent will lead to greed concerning money.

We must gain or regain perspective concerning FATHER’S Divine Intent toward us.  The truly good news of Salvation is expressed by THE SPIRIT in Isaiah chapter 61:

1 “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me,

​​Because the LORD has anointed Me ​​To preach good tidings to the poor;

​​He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, ​​To proclaim liberty to the captives,

​​And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;

2 ​​To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD,

​​And the day of vengeance of our God;

​​To comfort all who mourn,

3 ​​To console those who mourn in Zion,

​​To give them beauty for ashes, ​​The oil of joy for mourning,

​​The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;

​​That they may be called trees of righteousness,

​​The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.”

Jesus quoted the first portion of this passage in Luke chapter 4.  We are to be those trees producing fruit of righteousness for all to be given the opportunity to partake.  Let us accept our walk of righteousness and guard our minds from anything to the contrary.  Are you willing to stake your future on the limited wisdom and understanding of another person?  Does that person have superior wisdom to that of his or her Maker?  Obviously not.  In Philippians chapter 4, Paul wrote:

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

FATHER tells us what to dwell on in the above passage.  We must each assess our thinking in light of whatever things are noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, and virtuous.  If our thoughts do not meet this criteria, we are at risk of compromising our walk with FATHER.  It is imperative we guard our minds and protect ourselves from going astray.

We Are To Be A Fruitful Branch

Friday, January 27th, 2017

In John chapter 15 Jesus spoke:

1 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. “

The vine provides life, nourishment, and healing to the branches in order that the branches produce good fruit.  Our nature is derived from Jesus Christ thus our walk should reflect HIS Divine Intent of Love.  We are to live an abundant life as we embrace our connection to The Vine- Jesus Christ.  In John chapter 10 Jesus spoke:

10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

I have heard many speak against abundance but typically they are among those who are not living life abundantly so they rationalize why these Words of Jesus don’t apply to them or us.  The thief thrives on scarcity whereas abundance prevails in the Kingdom.  If we are not fruitful, we must look in the mirror and accept the reality that we are lacking in some area.  We must not let our ego justify our insufficiency but instead let us repent and move forward IN CHRIST.  It is the abundance of life that gives healing, strength, energy, and sufficiency in all things.  Why challenge the Words of Jesus and FATHER?  Let us turn away from our unbelief and embrace the Word.  Let us mediate on HIS Word until It becomes infused in our being.

Let not worry, fear, and doubt consume you.  By THE SPIRIT Peter wrote in his first letter, chapter 5:

6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,

7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

As we cast our cares upon FATHER, HE will remove the worry, fear, and doubt plaguing us.  As a result of walking in Love, faith, and hope, HE will exalt us and HIS Life flowing through us will minister to others.  Let us walk above and independent of circumstances by embracing HIS reality above all else.  FATHER is against anything that negatively impacts us which includes both sin and sickness.  The flow of life is meant to deal in both areas and so let us receive life in it fullness rather than a minimum portion.  FATHER laid both sin and sickness on Jesus in order that we no longer be subject to either.  Take time to dwell and consider this reality.  We must cleanse ourselves of unbelief by the washing of HIS Word.  Let us no longer be as sheep who have gone astray but let us respond to HIS Words of life and restoration.

What happens to a diseased or dead branch which does not yield good fruit?  In John 15 Jesus continued:

2 “Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. “

As we mature we will expose areas of weakness preventing us from excelling in other areas.  Those areas we are not called to will use up resources which should be directed to our calling.  As we pray “THY Will be done” in our lives, FATHER closes the doors to those perceived opportunities which are in fact distractions.  Our focus must center on producing good fruit for the Kingdom.  If we are only consuming without giving then we are not producing fruit.  FATHER expects us to increase our fruitfulness with time and maturity.  Fruit trees are meant to produce year after year, not “one and done”.  Jesus continued:

3 “You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.

4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.”

Jesus makes it quite clear that we receive life by abiding IN HIM.  Those who do not renew their minds with the Words of Jesus Christ will become dull in hearing and their fruit production will subside.  Instead of revelation they will resort to logic and reasoning.  This logic and reasoning will not sustain life for it has no life-giving nourishment.  Jesus emphasizes this point:

5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. “

Without Jesus Christ at the center of our hearts and consciousness, we can do nothing.  If what we are studying and pursuing does not directly exalt Christ in our lives then we must ask if it is a waste of time and energy.  As we abide in Christ and His Words, we can expect our desires to be fulfilled:

7 “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.

8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.”

If we want to glorify FATHER then we should focus on bearing much fruit.  You cannot deny these Words spoken by Jesus.  There is no hidden meaning to look for in an attempt to redefine His directive to us.  Let us accept His Words at face value and simply pursue a life of producing good fruit by being a fruitful branch.  Let us inspect our fruit.  Is there any?  Is it good fruit?

The Enemy’s Weapon- Deception

Thursday, January 26th, 2017

Focus on your future, not your past.  The enemy’s goal is to deceive us by directing our focus to our past mistakes and lawlessness.  Instead we need to find out who we are IN CHRIST.  One purpose of FATHER’S Word is to purge and cleanse us by HIS fiery Word.  In Ephesian chapter 5, Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT:

25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,

26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word,

27 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.

We are His Bride and it is His Divine Intent to sanctify and cleanse us so let us not resist it but actively embrace it every day.  The result is a glorious body without spot or wrinkle, holy and without blemish.  The enemy would try to convince us that our spots and wrinkles are with us forever but that is a lie we must not accept.  Jesus was without spot or blemish then took on sin so that all of us who were with spot and blemish could become pure, innocent, and be made whole.  Hold on to that reality!

To Deceive means “to believe something that is not true”, typically in order for the one who originates the deception to gain some personal advantage.

Ephesians chapter 5:

3 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints;

4 neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.

5 For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.

7 Therefore do not be partakers with them.

We all have a need to be accepted and feel worthy in some aspect of our life.  There are those who would manipulate us by feeding that need with accolades in order to extract something from us.  Typically it is money but sometimes it is power and control.  Others will belittle and offend us in order to exalt themselves for their egos need to be fed.  Some will use false pride or a disappointing look.  We must not allow others to manipulate us and deceive us by their words and actions.  FATHER will give us the grace to minister and/or correct if needed.

There are those who are out to offend us because our walk exposes their darkness and in response they will retaliate.  In Luke chapter 17 Jesus spoke:

1  Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come!”

We must not respond in like manner but be assured that FATHER will evoke judgment where judgment is due.  This is why we must seek HIS Face and HIS Wisdom on a daily basis so that as offences arise, we are prepared and of good courage.  Living in isolation is not the answer to avoiding offences.  Jesus was confronted by His enemies on a frequent basis yet those people did not prevent Him from His calling.  In fact, they played a critical role in His destiny.

Two questions each of us must ask ourselves:

“What do I believe?”

“What am I doing about it?”

We are to serve FATHER by serving people.  This is what Jesus did in His ministry.  This is what each of the disciples did in the Book of Acts.  Let us not be deceived by the carnal man or those who would attempt to confirm what the carnal man wants to hear.  Anything or any words which attempt to convince us that we cannot become Christ-like is “anti-Christ” in nature which at its core is deception.  Jesus came to reveal FATHER to us and to reveal the real “us” to us.  We should not be deceived into doing “nothing” on behalf of the Kingdom.  Paul was intimately aware of the deception by the evil one as he wrote by THE SPIRIT in Ephesians chapter 6:

13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;

18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit

Consider this directive word by word.  Let us read it in a fresh and slow manner.  We must shut down our logic and receive this passage anew.  Rather than just acknowledging these words, let us fully receive them wholly and completely.  As we do, the enemy will be unable to deceive us in any manner.

His Power In Us

Wednesday, January 25th, 2017

We have the ability to walk in the fullness of FATHER just as Jesus walked in His ministry.  Our minds would try to bring up our past in order to convince us we are not worthy of this fullness yet HIS Word reveals to us that he uses men and women like us to do HIS bidding.  Until Paul was converted he was an enemy of Christians yet FATHER used him mightily after had gave his life to Christ.  By THE SPIRIT Paul wrote in Ephesians chapter 3:

14 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

15 from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,

16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man,

These writing are intended to strengthen your inner man so that you will be able to overcome the obstacles set before you.  Each of us has a unique set of obstacles and circumstances yet HIS power in us is able to overcome all.  We must exercise our inner man every day in order that we are able to withstand the wiles of the devil.  Let us not become weak simply by lack of exercise in HIS Word.  We need a healthy diet of feeding on The Word rather than overindulging in entertainment which is fleeting at best.  THE SPIRIT continues:

17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,

18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—

19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

If we are not living a “Christ-centered” life, we should be.  When we redirect our focus away from the words and acts of Christ then we begin to lose our passion and become lukewarm.  Little by little the world seeps into our focus and then we wake up one day weak and lethargic.  The best way to avoid this is by daily exercise and diet.  Some will take these words to heart and change while others will simply go through the motions are remain weak in their walk.  Let us keep our eye on the goal of being filled with all the fullness of FATHER.

20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,

21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

It is critical to understand that HIS ability to work on our behalf is determined by the power that works in us.  In Matthew 13:58 “Now Jesus did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief.”  Our daily exercise of planting HIS Word in us removes unbelief.  That is the reality of the way HE designed us.  We become like the company we keep.  Jesus did not fellowship with the Pharisees or Sadducees though He did interact with them during ministry.  They were enemies who intended him harm.  He Loved them but did not maintain an ongoing relationship with them.  There are those people who will drag us down in our goal of being filled with the fullness of FATHER.  It is necessary to distance ourselves from them or we will take on their ways.

Each of us has a destiny to walk in the fullness of FATHER.  We must feed ourselves with our destiny in mind.  If we feed the negative, we will become negative but if we feed the positive we will become positive.  If we focus on walking in Love, we will become Love.  It’s that simple.  We must plant seeds of Love in ourselves so that we become rooted and grounded in Love.  As HIS Word enters our hearts, our faith grows and overtakes doubt and unbelief.  Our Love grows to the point where it becomes first nature to forgive all those who have wronged us in the past.  Their hurtful words and acts just don’t matter anymore and will no longer consume our thoughts and focus.

As we are rooted and grounded in Love, our quest for knowledge as being the solution to everything subsides.  We are content in whatever state we are in.  Some people work their brain to the extreme as they search and dissect Scripture t the point where they become worn out.  We need to stop and let FATHER show us what is important for us to know and understand.  Knowledge by itself isn’t power, having the fullness of FATHER in us is the true power.  This is how we are able to comprehend what is important and relevant to our destiny.  Everything else simply falls by the wayside and withers away.  As we walk IN HIM, we reflect HIS Glory to all generations.  Amen!

My Right of Choice

Tuesday, January 24th, 2017

Each of us determines our own path.  I set my own goals and I choose to fully align myself with FATHER and get life’s best through HIM rather than through man’s wisdom and understanding.  As I proceed, I have joy which the world does not understand for their joy is found in the temporal rather than the everlasting.  I am FATHER’S best in the area of my calling because HE created me with all the gifts needed to fulfill the path HE put me on.  As I spread HIS Love I receive HIS blessings in my life and how sweet they are.  I am content no matter what state I am in.  HE created me in HIS likeness and thus as I mature I begin to reflect HIS Character toward others.

The only person who can limit me is me because I make my own decisions.  Even my bad decisions are beneficial for my training and HIS grace and mercy prevail as HE instructs me through HIS teaching lesson.  When I chose Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I chose life. In John 10, Jesus spoke:

9 I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.

10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

The Greek word for “life” is zōē.  It means the “GOD kind of life”, or life as FATHER intends it through HIS Love.  We are to life life to its fullness rather than accept man’s definition of life.  When I say yes to FATHER’S Divine Intent then my life glorifies HIM.  No other path produces life but instead leads toward death and destruction. 

FATHER allows both vessels of honor and vessels of dishonor to coexist foe we each have a choice.  Little do the vessels of dishonor realize that they play part in the overall plan.  FATHER in HIS Wisdom is able to make use of all whom HE created.  In Matthew chapter 13 Jesus spoke:

24 Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field;

25 but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way.

26 But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared.

27 So the servants of the owner came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?’

28 He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The servants said to him, ‘Do you want us then to go and gather them up?’

29 But he said, ‘No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them.

30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.” ’ ”

We have the choice of what we plant in our hearts.  If we plants seeds of life and love then we will reap both.  If we plant seeds of death, death is what we will reap.  FATHER tells us to “choose you this day whom you will serve” and I have chosen HIM, HIS Son, and have received HIS Holy Spirit.  The disciples asked Jesus to explain the parable above and He spoke:

36 Then Jesus sent the multitude away and went into the house. And His disciples came to Him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the tares of the field.”

37 He answered and said to them: “He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man.

38 The field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked one.

39 The enemy who sowed them is the devil, the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels.

40 Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age.

41 The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness,

42 and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

43 Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!

You can be sure that HIS words will come to pass and those who have rejected Him have also rejected FATHER.  They will go through a purging process and be refined as well.  The only question is “when”?  I chose to go through the door of Jesus Christ and live life more abundantly as He defines it, not man.  Each day we have the opportunity to proceed closer to FATHER or turn away toward the trappings of the world.  Let us choose daily to remain on the straight, narrow path toward full intimacy with Our Heavenly Father.  Let nothing distract us in this endeavor, let us choose life more abundantly.

Release The Past

Monday, January 23rd, 2017

In 1 Samuel chapter 16, FATHER spoke:

1 Now the LORD said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go; I am sending you to Jesse the Bethlehemite. For I have provided Myself a king among his sons.”

The process of mourning is the act of releasing the past.  Samuel had anointed Saul to be king and Saul had ultimately compromised The Word and failed.  Samuel also felt like a failure and was wallowing in self pity when FATHER spoke to him and told him to “fill your horn with oil” and go forth for HE had other tasks at hand for him to accomplish.

We all have failures and disappointments in our past but we must let them go and no longer dwell on them.  We must quit allowing those past failures to consume our focus but instead we must look ahead in order that we fulfill our calling.  By THE SPIRIT Paul wrote in Ephesians chapter 5:

15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise,

16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,

19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,

20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

21 submitting to one another in the fear of God.

We too must fill our horn with oil and be filled with THE SPIRIT of FATHER.  We must walk in Love, in Light, and in Wisdom.  In order to do this we must be filled with HIS SPIRIT which HE is willing to give to those who sincerely ask.  In Luke chapter 11 Jesus spoke:

9 “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.

10 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.

11 If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish?

12 Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?

13 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”

We are told to use the days wisely- make the best use of time.  Does making the best use of time include dwelling in the past?  A resounding “No”!  It is time to get over the past and move on.  FATHER had to nudge Samuel for his disappointment was not the end of the world and FATHER had chosen a replacement.  We must bury the past and release it once and for all.  We must no longer expend time and energy on past mistakes and embrace what FATHER has for us today.  If someone has wronged you then forgive them and pull up any root of bitterness growing within you.  Clear the decks and move on.  There is much to do for the Kingdom and we must not let our past hinder us any longer.  Shred the regret for this is a new day behold all things are new.

If Peter had dwelled and stayed in his past he would not have been used to do mighty works in the Book of Acts.  Thankfully he released the past and was filled with The Holy Spirit.  By THE SPIRIT it is written in Acts chapter 3:

6 Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”

7 And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.

8 So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God.

If Peter who spent 3 1/2 years with Jesus then denied Him 3 times could release his past and move on, then so can we.  After he released his past and his horn was filled with oil he did great and mighty works for Christ.  We are called to do the same.

Teaching, Preaching, and Healing

Sunday, January 22nd, 2017

Do you want peace on earth and goodwill toward all men and women?  We can demand our individual rights from our governments in an attempt to modify the behavior and laws governing the country we live in or we can minister Love and change the hearts of those around us.  In turn, they will want to pursue the righteous path of respecting the rights of all.  Man’s way is to pursue change by force whereas the way of Heaven is by Love.  There are a multitude of philosophies and theory but truly the only path we should pursue is one which FATHER reveals to us.  HE will confirm our path by signs and wonders.  Shouldn’t our priority be to bring Heaven to earth?  Won’t that solve the problems besetting the world today?  Do you think that more demonstrations and/or bloodshed will convince others of what is right for all to live by?  People want to be treated fairly and ultimately according to the principles of Love.

By THE SPIRIT Matthew wrote in chapter 4:

23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people.

Jesus came to show us FATHER but He also came to show us “us”.  He is our Example to walk and live by.  Why spend time focusing, analyzing, and assessing the ministry or life of others when our Perfect Example is already provided?  Oh how simple it is if only we will embrace this Truth!  We have the solution for change yet many continue to only concern themselves with “me and my four and no more”.  Jesus gave His life for us yet are we willing to do the same for others?  He told us what our priority should be in Matthew chapter 24 when He spoke:

18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.

19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Without FATHER, Jesus, and The Holy Spirit, we have nothing to offer except another man’s opinions, traditions, or philosophies.  FATHER has chosen us to carry HIS Word unto all the world thus HE trusts us to do so.  As we walk in Love we will then value and esteem each person whom FATHER sends across our path in order that we might minister life.  We Love and serve FATHER by Loving and serving mankind.

We have the power to plant seed in other peoples’ lives.  This is what teaching and preaching is all about.  But how do we engage a greater audience?  By walking in the power and authority given to us by FATHER.  This power and authority is entrusted to those who walk in the same manner as Jesus, centered around unconditional Love.  We must ponder and consider this until we come to the place where we trust the seed of the Word to accomplish its mission.

Have you surrendered your will to man’s tradition and philosophy?  Have you accepted an empty life of neutrality where darkness is an acceptable way of life?  By THE SPIRIT it is written in Isaiah chapter 5:

​​20  Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil;

​​Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness;

​​Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

​21 ​​Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes,

​​And prudent in their own sight!

What is your level of commitment to the Gospel?  What are you willing to give in order that the Great Commission will be fulfilled?  Many believers want to live out a passive life and be insulated from the works of the devil.  They want to be left alone and pursue their own interests without being inconvenienced in any manner.  Jesus spoke to this issue in His Revelation chapter 3:

14 “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write,

‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God:

15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot.

16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.

17 Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—

18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.

19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.”

It is time to heat things up.  You may not be called to teach, preach, and heal in a public forum but you can support those who are called to be at the forefront.  It is time to be counted as a supporter as a minimum.  Take heed to what Jesus specifically said about those who remain in their passive, self-centered state.