Friday, May 25, 2007
The Queen Esther Anointing
REFLECT UPON ESTHER AND YOURSELF....
Esther 4:14 . . . Who knows? Perhaps you have come to royal dignity for just such a time as this."
- In the first chapter, the King is described along with all his wealth, associates, friends in high places, and spheres of influence. The King is throwing a little gathering for 180 days to celebrate and in the middle of his party his wife makes an unwise choice.
Esther 4:14 . . . Who knows? Perhaps you have come to royal dignity for just such a time as this."
- In the first chapter, the King is described along with all his wealth, associates, friends in high places, and spheres of influence. The King is throwing a little gathering for 180 days to celebrate and in the middle of his party his wife makes an unwise choice.
- In the second chapter, Esther, the story’s heroine is introduced. She is an orphan girl. One essential of walking in the "Queen Esther Anointing" or walking in the Favor of the LORD is to be adopted into GOD’s family. We are all orphans until adopted into GOD’s family. To have the favor of the KING, as in KING JESUS is to know the KING. Do you know your KING JESUS?
- In verse 2:8, Esther is taken to the palace…. which means she is taken from her home, her place of security, her place of identity, her place of comfort, her place of trust, and her family and thrust into an unknown place, with unfamiliar customs, without the comforts of her home and the love of her family. Are you willing to give up your family, your home and your place of comfort for your KING JESUS? It seems to be the second essential to walk in the fullness of the Queen Esther Anointing and to walk in the fullness of the LORD’s favor!
- In verse 2:10, Esther continued to respect and obey those in authority over her. It is vital until the time you are released in ministry or released in a position of authority that you seek wisdom and counsel from those the LORD has placed in authority over you. This could be a husband, a pastor, a friend, a brother, a father, a mother, an uncle, an aunt…each of us is accountable to someone…. and all of us are accountable to the LORD and to each other.
-In verse 2:14, Esther delighted the King. Do you know how to delight your KING JESUS? If so, do you?
- In verse 2:15, Esther listened to the advice of the King’s eunuch…. and followed his recommendations. Wisdom is finding out as much as possible before you enter another person’s territory.
- In 2:17, the King declares his love for Esther and he gives her his favor and grace. Hasn’t our KING JESUS declared HIS love for us and hasn’t HE given us HIS favor and grace freely?
- In 2:19, Esther continues to serve her King, continues to obey Mordecai, and brings truth to the King, which saves his life. Esther actively demonstrates her love for her King. Do we demonstrate our love for our KING JESUS? If so, how?
- Chapter 3 reveals Hamon’s plot to destroy, to kill, to annihilate, all the Jews, young and old, little children and women in a single day and plunder their possessions on the 13th day of Adar.
-The situation is revealed to Esther and she tells Mordecai about the consequences of going before the King and the possibility of death and the scepter not being extended to her. There is always a risk in obedience no matter what the LORD asks you to do, there is a risk….a risk of rejection, ridicule, betrayal, failure, loss, embarrassment, harassment and being misunderstood etc. What are you willing to risk? Really willing to risk?
- In verse 4:14 is one of the most popular verses "For such a time as this"……GOD is the author and finisher of our faith, HE is the one who had called us, HE is the one who prepares us…..long before Esther entered the palace GOD was preparing her. The key is do you allow GOD to prepare you? Do you want HIM to prepare you? Do you embrace HIS discipline? Do you embrace HIS fire? Do you trust HIM when you have no apparent earthly reason to do so?
-As the favor, grace and mercy of our KING JESUS is released to us we are set free to fly and we are transformed by HIS perfect love. When Esther went to the King's Chambers all of her history went with her. She was nothing more than a orphaned, Jewish girl in exile. Yet Esther was transformed by the love of her KING and became a queen. Isn't that what the love of GOD is really about? Transforming us unto the likeness of the KING of KINGS!
- In verse 4:16, Esther makes her commitment to her people, to her uncle, to her GOD! "If I perish, I perish!" Are we really willing to give our lives for each other? If you will ask the LORD to show you a way in which you could serve your family, your church family, your community, your city, your state, your nation….HE WILL SHOW YOU! SO ASK HIM!
- Esther fasted and prayed three days and on the third day she dressed in royal robes. In 5:1 she dressed appropriately for her king? Do we dress appropriately for our KING? When she went to see the King she did not demand entrance, interrupt and/or charge in….she waited until she was called. Do we wait for our KING to call us, to position us, to respond to us….or do we demand entrance, rudely interrupt, charge in and take over?
- In verse 5:3 the King offered her half the kingdom, this was 127 provinces from India to Ethiopia….not a small gift by any means. She did not get gold dust in her eyes….she was focused on her commitment, her mission for her people. Often wealth or money distracts us from the purposes of GOD in our lives…..if someone offered you hundreds of thousands of dollars would you be distracted from what GOD has called you to do? Staying focused on JESUS is an essential to walking the favor and anointing of the LORD!
- In verse 5:4, Esther served the King a banquet…..her heart was to serve her King. Is our heart to serve our KING JESUS?
- In verse 5:6, Esther served the King a Banquet of Wine…..again she was offered ½ the kingdom…..and her response…..was to serve HIM again…..including serving her enemy at the same table.
- In verse 5:8, Esther served her enemy as unto the timing of the LORD. GOD has a timing, even when HE requires that we serve our enemies. These are not demons, these are people. These people are also the enemies of GOD. You must trust HIM regardless of who HE asks you to serve….it may not be someone you like, let alone can barely tolerate! It is about hearing HIS voice and walking in immediate obedience and completely trusting HIM with the results.
- In Chapter 6 the King honored Mordecai because of a previous act of honoring the King. The timing was impeccable. Sometimes we are overlooked and it may seem unfair but GOD’s time is ONLY HIS! To walk in the favor of the LORD you must trust HIM implicitly! Faith is believing for someone else. Trust is believing for yourself.
- In Chapter 7 the enemy is destroyed. GOD is still on the throne, always has been, always will be!
-Esther’s people are saved in chapter 8, notice the enemy is destroyed first then the people are saved….that might not be the order you would do things. GOD’s order is perfect.
- In Chapter 9 the Jews destroy their enemies and bring home plunder. So not only were they vindicated they were blessed with provision.
- A feast of Purim is established for the Jews to celebrate this victory in the LORD! GOD does enjoy a good party! Especially a victory party! It is essential when walking in the favor of the LORD to take time to celebrate, to party, to rejoice, to give HIM GLORY!
-Chapter 10 Esther’s family is returned to her….Mordecai is now 2nd to the King and living in the palace. Perhaps one of the ways to know if you are walking in the fullness of the LORD’s favor…."the Queen Esther anointing"….is that your family has been returned and restored to you.
The thing that stands out most about the story of Esther is the fact God is never mentioned in the book that tells the story AND I believe we need to use this as I reminder that God working in our world is not always obvious—even to those in the church.
The thing that stands out most about the story of Esther is the fact God is never mentioned in the book that tells the story AND I believe we need to use this as I reminder that God working in our world is not always obvious—even to those in the church.
Sometimes God uses the small things, the little things, the things that could be easily overlooked to accomplish His purposes. PRAISE BE TO GOD!
"When a friend calls you, how do you know it isn't just a prank caller? How do you know it's not your mother, father, brother, teacher or neighbor? You know because you know your friend. By spending time with your friend, you know how they talk—you know the expressions they use, the tone of their voice and the changes in their pitch when they're happy or sad. That's the way it should be with God: You know him—his character, his nature, his interests, his pleasures and displeasure, his joys and hurts—so well that you recognize him and his involvement in your life. God is inviting you to know more than just his voice, though. He is inviting you to know him."
Did Someone Whisper? The prophet Elijah had an awesome encounter with God, and it happened at the lowest moment in Elijah's life. The story, in 1 Kings 19, begins with the prophet hiding in a cave.
"Elijah, why are you here?" the Lord asked.
Exhausted and deeply sad, Elijah explained, "Lord, God All-Powerful, I've always done my best to obey you. But your people have broken their solemn promise to you. They have torn down your altars and killed all your prophets, except me. And now they are even trying to kill me.
Elijah was ready to call it quits. So what did the Lord ask him to do? Something a little odd, actually. He said, "Go out and stand on the mountain. I want you to see me when I pass by"
Elijah obeyed. But before he could step out of the cave, a thunderous wind hit the mountainside, shattering rocks in all its fierceness. But the Lord was not in the wind, or the violent earthquake that followed. He wasn't in the fire that rained from heaven after that. No doubt Elijah wondered what would come next: A lightning bolt? A flood? A volcanic outburst?
Instead, in the still silence, Elijah heard a gentle whisper. He knew it was the Lord. He got up, stood at the opening of the cave and hid his face with his coat.
The gentle voice asked Elijah the same question it had before: "Elijah, why are you here?" Elijah repeated his earlier answer. Then, the Lord gave Elijah specific instructions and told him he wasn't the only one refusing to worship idols. Seven thousand others had not left God to follow Baal.
Keep in mind that God whispered. To hear someone's whisper, you need to be near him or her. Whispering doesn't work very well if you're speaking to someone who's standing on the other side of the room. God doesn't want a long-distance relationship; he wants a close, intimate one.
How 2 Hear a Whisper
How do you begin to hear and recognize God's voice?
Five ways:
Have a seeking heart. In the Old Testament, David had this kind of heart. He once wrote, "In my heart, I long for you, as I would long for a stream in a scorching desert" (Psalm 63:1, CEV).
If you want to hear God's voice, you need to seek him like David. Be honest with him. Tell him any frustrations, fears or doubts you may have about hearing from him. Ask him to give you ears to hear and eyes to see the ways he is speaking to you. Ask him for the ability to recognize the difference between his voice and your thoughts.
Read your Bible. When you study the Bible, you open yourself up to the very heart and personality of God. As you study the Scripture, keep your eyes open for teachings and stories that reveal who God is and what he is like. Ask him to help you understand and apply what you're reading.
Be a good listener. Hearing God's voice requires one major thing: listening. While it may sound easy, actually making time to sit still can be a challenge in your super-busy world. It is hard to get quiet and even harder to stay that way. Prayer often gets interrupted by a "hold on a sec …" because the phone rings or someone's at the door.
Hearing from God is about more than just turning off the cell and getting away from doors. It requires a quiet heart. It means becoming still enough on the inside despite the craziness on the outside.
Practice patience. All of this takes time, effort and patience. Learning to hear, recognize and understand the ways God speaks doesn't happen overnight. It may take several years before you're completely comfortable with hearing and recognizing God's voice. No matter how long it takes, be confident that he has heard your prayers and will respond.
Obey God. Hearing from God doesn't mean much if we don't obey. But many people constantly wonder if what they hear is really from God. This keeps them from taking action. The fear of being wrong prevents them from ever having the opportunity to be right.
-Remember, God looks at the heart. When he sees you stepping out in faith—even if you're heading in the wrong direction—he can lovingly correct you, pointing you in the right direction.
-Through a pattern of obedience, you begin to develop a confidence and assurance that you really have heard from God. You can't really explain it. It's internal. Someone may ask how you know you're supposed to do something in particular. You respond, "I can just sense it inside. I just know."
-You just know. And the reason you know: You have been building a deep and growing friendship with God. It's a relationship so close that you can't help but hear that gentle whisper.
This article was adapted from God Whispers: Learning to Hear His Voice, by Margaret Feinberg. ©2002
Did Someone Whisper? The prophet Elijah had an awesome encounter with God, and it happened at the lowest moment in Elijah's life. The story, in 1 Kings 19, begins with the prophet hiding in a cave.
"Elijah, why are you here?" the Lord asked.
Exhausted and deeply sad, Elijah explained, "Lord, God All-Powerful, I've always done my best to obey you. But your people have broken their solemn promise to you. They have torn down your altars and killed all your prophets, except me. And now they are even trying to kill me.
Elijah was ready to call it quits. So what did the Lord ask him to do? Something a little odd, actually. He said, "Go out and stand on the mountain. I want you to see me when I pass by"
Elijah obeyed. But before he could step out of the cave, a thunderous wind hit the mountainside, shattering rocks in all its fierceness. But the Lord was not in the wind, or the violent earthquake that followed. He wasn't in the fire that rained from heaven after that. No doubt Elijah wondered what would come next: A lightning bolt? A flood? A volcanic outburst?
Instead, in the still silence, Elijah heard a gentle whisper. He knew it was the Lord. He got up, stood at the opening of the cave and hid his face with his coat.
The gentle voice asked Elijah the same question it had before: "Elijah, why are you here?" Elijah repeated his earlier answer. Then, the Lord gave Elijah specific instructions and told him he wasn't the only one refusing to worship idols. Seven thousand others had not left God to follow Baal.
Keep in mind that God whispered. To hear someone's whisper, you need to be near him or her. Whispering doesn't work very well if you're speaking to someone who's standing on the other side of the room. God doesn't want a long-distance relationship; he wants a close, intimate one.
How 2 Hear a Whisper
How do you begin to hear and recognize God's voice?
Five ways:
Have a seeking heart. In the Old Testament, David had this kind of heart. He once wrote, "In my heart, I long for you, as I would long for a stream in a scorching desert" (Psalm 63:1, CEV).
If you want to hear God's voice, you need to seek him like David. Be honest with him. Tell him any frustrations, fears or doubts you may have about hearing from him. Ask him to give you ears to hear and eyes to see the ways he is speaking to you. Ask him for the ability to recognize the difference between his voice and your thoughts.
Read your Bible. When you study the Bible, you open yourself up to the very heart and personality of God. As you study the Scripture, keep your eyes open for teachings and stories that reveal who God is and what he is like. Ask him to help you understand and apply what you're reading.
Be a good listener. Hearing God's voice requires one major thing: listening. While it may sound easy, actually making time to sit still can be a challenge in your super-busy world. It is hard to get quiet and even harder to stay that way. Prayer often gets interrupted by a "hold on a sec …" because the phone rings or someone's at the door.
Hearing from God is about more than just turning off the cell and getting away from doors. It requires a quiet heart. It means becoming still enough on the inside despite the craziness on the outside.
Practice patience. All of this takes time, effort and patience. Learning to hear, recognize and understand the ways God speaks doesn't happen overnight. It may take several years before you're completely comfortable with hearing and recognizing God's voice. No matter how long it takes, be confident that he has heard your prayers and will respond.
Obey God. Hearing from God doesn't mean much if we don't obey. But many people constantly wonder if what they hear is really from God. This keeps them from taking action. The fear of being wrong prevents them from ever having the opportunity to be right.
-Remember, God looks at the heart. When he sees you stepping out in faith—even if you're heading in the wrong direction—he can lovingly correct you, pointing you in the right direction.
-Through a pattern of obedience, you begin to develop a confidence and assurance that you really have heard from God. You can't really explain it. It's internal. Someone may ask how you know you're supposed to do something in particular. You respond, "I can just sense it inside. I just know."
-You just know. And the reason you know: You have been building a deep and growing friendship with God. It's a relationship so close that you can't help but hear that gentle whisper.
This article was adapted from God Whispers: Learning to Hear His Voice, by Margaret Feinberg. ©2002
REMEMBER OUR VETERANS THIS MEMORIAL DAY!
A Prayer For Our Nation
God in heaven, we pray for peace... for healing hearts… for comfort and rest for those in need… for a strong sense of your presence and loving care… for restoration of hope. Give all in need of it confidence in their capacity to forgive and to rebuild lives. Grant us your grace and peace, and anchor us in your love.
Amen.
Our hearts and prayers are with all in need.
31 WAYS TO PRAY FOR OUR MILITARY
1. Protection—Psalm 34:7, Psalm 32:72. Wisdom—James 1:53. Peace—John 14:26, Philippians 4:74. Presence of God—Psalm 46:15. Inner Strength—Ephesians 3:166. Clear Mind—2 Timothy 1:77. Security—Psalm 17:88. Health for Physical Body—Philippians 4:139. Courage—Joshua 1:910. To Help Others—Philippians 2:3-411. To be aware of God’s love for them—Psalm 4212. Family concerns—1 Peter 5:713. Rest—Matthew 11:28-2914. Adjust to time change, sleep—Psalm 4:815. Unity in purpose—1 Peter 3:816. Loneliness—Deuteronomy 31:617. Children of military—Isaiah 54:13, Psalm 68:518. Spouses of military—Isaiah 40:1119. Patience while waiting—Psalm 33:2020. God directing their steps—Psalm 32:821. Diligent in their work—Colossians 3:2322. Resist temptation—1 Corinthians 10:1323. Discernment—Philippians 1:924. Traveling safety—Psalm 121:7-825. Fighting Depression—Psalm 42:526. Protection from Evil—2 Thessalonians 3:327. Encourage those around them—Proverbs 11:2528. Personal prayer life—Jeremiah 33:329. Deliverance from the enemy—Psalm 31:1530. Angels to guard them—Psalm 34:731. Persistence for the task—Galatians 6:9
God in heaven, we pray for peace... for healing hearts… for comfort and rest for those in need… for a strong sense of your presence and loving care… for restoration of hope. Give all in need of it confidence in their capacity to forgive and to rebuild lives. Grant us your grace and peace, and anchor us in your love.
Amen.
Our hearts and prayers are with all in need.
31 WAYS TO PRAY FOR OUR MILITARY
1. Protection—Psalm 34:7, Psalm 32:72. Wisdom—James 1:53. Peace—John 14:26, Philippians 4:74. Presence of God—Psalm 46:15. Inner Strength—Ephesians 3:166. Clear Mind—2 Timothy 1:77. Security—Psalm 17:88. Health for Physical Body—Philippians 4:139. Courage—Joshua 1:910. To Help Others—Philippians 2:3-411. To be aware of God’s love for them—Psalm 4212. Family concerns—1 Peter 5:713. Rest—Matthew 11:28-2914. Adjust to time change, sleep—Psalm 4:815. Unity in purpose—1 Peter 3:816. Loneliness—Deuteronomy 31:617. Children of military—Isaiah 54:13, Psalm 68:518. Spouses of military—Isaiah 40:1119. Patience while waiting—Psalm 33:2020. God directing their steps—Psalm 32:821. Diligent in their work—Colossians 3:2322. Resist temptation—1 Corinthians 10:1323. Discernment—Philippians 1:924. Traveling safety—Psalm 121:7-825. Fighting Depression—Psalm 42:526. Protection from Evil—2 Thessalonians 3:327. Encourage those around them—Proverbs 11:2528. Personal prayer life—Jeremiah 33:329. Deliverance from the enemy—Psalm 31:1530. Angels to guard them—Psalm 34:731. Persistence for the task—Galatians 6:9
Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service.
" as a day for strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, or hamlet churchyard in the land...It is the purpose of the commander-in-chief to inaugurate this observance with the hope that it will be kept from year to year while a survivor of the war remains to honor the memory of the departed."
-General John A. Logan of the Grand May 30, 1868
"Almighty and most merciful Father, we humbly beseech Thee, of Thy great goodness, to restrain these immoderate rains with which we have had to contend. Grant us fair weather for Battle. Graciously hearken to us as soldiers who call Thee that, armed with Thy power, we may advance from victory to victory, and crush the oppression and wickedness of our enemies, and establish Thy justice among men and nations. Amen."GENERAL GEORGE S. PATTON, JR.'S PRAYER "Patton Prayer" and Christmas greeting sent to the men of the Third Army December 8, 1944:
QUOTES TAKEN FROM VARIOUS MILITARY SOLDIERS, FAMIOUS PEOPLE AND COMMANDERS IN HISTORY...
"If everybody is thinking alike, then somebody isn't thinking."
"Do more than is required of you."
"If everybody is thinking alike, then somebody isn't thinking."
"Do more than is required of you."
"The challenges we face are never as important as the challenges we face up to."
"Live for something rather than die for nothing." ."
Never let the enemy pick the battle site."
"Success is how you bounce on the bottom."
"You shouldn't underestimate an enemy, but it is just as fatal to overestimate him."
"Live for something rather than die for nothing." ."
Never let the enemy pick the battle site."
"Success is how you bounce on the bottom."
"You shouldn't underestimate an enemy, but it is just as fatal to overestimate him."
"I personaly think we developed language because of our deep need to complain"
"Good ideas are not adopted automatically. They must be driven into practice with courageous patience."
"As with anything you set out to learn in life, you don't get from point A to point Z without touching upon all those letters in between."
"A man must know his destiny… if he does not recognize it, then he is lost. By this I mean, once, twice, or at the very most, three times, fate will reach out and tap a man on the shoulder… if he has the imagination, he will turn around and fate will point out to him what fork in the road he should take, if he has the guts, he will take it."
"Life is tough. It's tougher if you're stupid."
"What our enemies have begun, we will finish"
"We will not tire, We will not falter, We will not fail."
"You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on having both at once."
"Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding."
"It's an ugly world out there — that is why most people wear sunglasses"
"You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on having both at once."
"Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding."
"It's an ugly world out there — that is why most people wear sunglasses"
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
How does a person get to heaven?
How does a person get to heaven?
If you ask most people this question, they will say something like, "If you do more good things than bad things, God will probably let you into heaven." The above thinking will reserve your place in hell. You need FAITH IN THE BLOOD OF JESUS. There are no good deeds that you can do on your own that will erase the sins that you have committed. Jesus SHED BLOOD for you sins. He came to save you from the GUILT of past sins and the POWER of sin over your life.
FACT
The Bible says that nobody is good enough to get into heaven. Each one of us has broken God's commandments--not one person is excepted. You have personally lied and committed other sins.
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)
I don't care how much "good" stuff you do, you still can't go to heaven. You are dead in tresspasses and sins. Your good deeds do not commend you to God in any way. You've ignored Him chosing to live life the way YOU see fit.
I don't care how much "good" stuff you do, you still can't go to heaven. You are dead in tresspasses and sins. Your good deeds do not commend you to God in any way. You've ignored Him chosing to live life the way YOU see fit.
But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. (Isaiah 64:6)
According to the above verse, we still come up short even when we try to do good deeds BECAUSE we are not doing them under God's authority. We do them because WE think they are good. We ignore what God says.
According to the above verse, we still come up short even when we try to do good deeds BECAUSE we are not doing them under God's authority. We do them because WE think they are good. We ignore what God says.
But I'm a good provider,I don't lie, I never killed anybody, I don't beat my wife, I don't drink, smoke or do drugs!"
You're still a spiritual crook. You have broken the GREATEST COMMANDMENT IN THE BIBLE ...
What is the greatest commandment?
Matthew 22:36-38 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with ALL thy heart, and with ALL thy soul, and with ALL thy mind. THIS is the first and great commandment.
FACT
FACT
If we could earn our way into heaven, Jesus died for nothing!
I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. (Galatians 2:21)
God is Holy. We are sinful. By His very nature, God cannot have fellowship with us sinners. There is no amount of "good" that we can do to make up for our crimes against God. They must be punished. And the wages are DEATH
The wages of sin is death...(Romans 6:23)
God is Holy. We are sinful. By His very nature, God cannot have fellowship with us sinners. There is no amount of "good" that we can do to make up for our crimes against God. They must be punished. And the wages are DEATH
The wages of sin is death...(Romans 6:23)
FACT
WE ALL DIE SOMEDAY PHYSICALLY BUT THE CHOICE OF DYING SPIRITUALLY LIES WITH US!
God doesn't want to remain your enemy and He does not want you to go to hell.
As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die... (Ezekiel 33:11)
The Lord is...not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (II Peter 3:9)
FACT
In spite of your wickedness and rebellion, God loved you enough to send His ONLY BEGOTTEN Son to die for your sins
he Bible says, "... thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people FROM their sins." (Matt 1:21).
he Bible says, "... thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people FROM their sins." (Matt 1:21).
Jesus did not die so that you could keep sinning and go to heaven. He came to save you from the GUILT and the POWER of sin. Jesus DESTROYED the works of the devil on calvary (I John 3:8).
FACT
When you are unsaved, sin hath dominion over you. Sin is your boss and you can't do anything BUT sin.
When you are unsaved, sin hath dominion over you. Sin is your boss and you can't do anything BUT sin.
The Father sent His only begotten Son, Jesus to die in your place. Remember that the wages of sin is death--that is why He died, to pay YOUR wages. The Lord Jesus Christ was your substitutionary sacrifice. The world's greatest love story is summed up in the following verse--
For God so loved the world, that he gave his ONLY BEGOTTEN Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)
Jesus said, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13) How can you show more love than giving your very life for someone else's life?
Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
...Christ died for the ungodly. (Romans 5:6)
FACT
Love the Lord thy God with ALL thy heart, and with ALL thy soul, and with ALL thy mind. THIS is the first and great commandment.
ARE YOU READY TO REPENT OF YOUR SINS? -to forsake your evil ways and
listen to God?
ARE YOU READY TO REPENT OF YOUR SINS? -to forsake your evil ways and
listen to God?
-but now commandeth all men every where to REPENT. (Acts 17:30)
...TURN TO GOD, AND DO WORKS MEET FOR REPENTANCE. (Acts 26:20)
"And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple." (Luke 14:27)
If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, THOU SHALT BE SAVED. (Romans 10:9)
Jesus waits with open arms for those that want life. The choice is yours.
REPENT and talk to the Lord in prayer in your own words right now. Don't put off making a decision for Jesus, tomorrow may be too late.
...TURN TO GOD, AND DO WORKS MEET FOR REPENTANCE. (Acts 26:20)
"And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple." (Luke 14:27)
If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, THOU SHALT BE SAVED. (Romans 10:9)
Jesus waits with open arms for those that want life. The choice is yours.
REPENT and talk to the Lord in prayer in your own words right now. Don't put off making a decision for Jesus, tomorrow may be too late.
Take you back
LORD IT’S BEEN AWHILE SINCE I KNELT AND TALKED TO YOU
I THOUGHT I HAD EVERYTHING UNTIL I STUMBLED…
DO YOU RECALL WHEN I USED TO KNOW YOU?
YOU NEVER LEFT ME BUT I FORGOT ABOUT YOU…
I’M STILL A SINNER LORD CAN YOU FORGIVE MY FOOLISH WAYS?
I CALL OUT TO YOU LORD…
PLEASE TAKE ME BACK!
I CAN’T LIVE MY WHOLE LIFE OVER BUT I CAN START TODAY
I’LL PUT MY BEST FOOT FORWARD AND LET YOU LEAD THE WAY!
I LIFT MY VOICE IN PRAYER FORGIVE ME LORD MY FOOLISH WAYS!
JESUS TAKE ME BACK!
-S.MARIE-
Coming Back To Jesus
The Bible tells us of a very special story. In Luke 15 we read the parable of The Prodigal Son. It is so special ... While the son was in the far off land his father waited patiently for him to come home. This is Jesus' heart beat for you. Right now regardless of what you have done Jesus is waiting and willing to accept you. Right now I am going to invite you to pray a prayer with me to place your life back into His hands. Just as when you first said "Yes" to Him it is time to say "I'm back". He will take you gladly and with open arms. Let's pray.
Jesus here we are. Lord I am bringing a special child of yours back home. Jesus your child is willing to come back and to live the life. I pray that you would give him or her peace ... The peace that comes from you. I pray that you would give the person strength to face up to the life they have been living. I pray that you would lift off the burden and what Satan meant for bad to now be transformed.
Now friend it is your turn to pray. I don't doubt a number of things have happened over this past while in your life. Jesus has interest in you as well as setting you free from the life you have been living. Take time to pray right now. First off say "Hello" to Jesus again. Tell Him in your words that you are coming back. Jesus did something really special for us. He died to take the place of our sins. He will lift the burden off of you as you confess the sins you have been involved with in this last while. It may just be that you drifted and today you are coming home. It might be more then this. In any case you are welcomed and accepted by our Father in Heaven and by Jesus who died for you and bridged the way to life. Right now take time to pray..
Jesus here we are. Lord I am bringing a special child of yours back home. Jesus your child is willing to come back and to live the life. I pray that you would give him or her peace ... The peace that comes from you. I pray that you would give the person strength to face up to the life they have been living. I pray that you would lift off the burden and what Satan meant for bad to now be transformed.
Now friend it is your turn to pray. I don't doubt a number of things have happened over this past while in your life. Jesus has interest in you as well as setting you free from the life you have been living. Take time to pray right now. First off say "Hello" to Jesus again. Tell Him in your words that you are coming back. Jesus did something really special for us. He died to take the place of our sins. He will lift the burden off of you as you confess the sins you have been involved with in this last while. It may just be that you drifted and today you are coming home. It might be more then this. In any case you are welcomed and accepted by our Father in Heaven and by Jesus who died for you and bridged the way to life. Right now take time to pray..
Lonely But Never Alone
Lonely But Never Alone
ME AND MY LONLINESS
A true companion she's always there.
When I'm beaten and broken -tired and worn
she sits by me and adorns my home.
Alone at the table or on a room full of people
she indulges me in her presence.
Curled up with me in my bed at night
she's the constant that never goes away.
Exhilarated, angry, anxious or unhappy she is forever present.
No matter how preoccupied I am I still know she's there
What should I do-it's so hard to cope
With her Constantly by my side
-Shawn Moede-
"HE WHO BELIEVES IS NEVER ALONE"
Imagine that you're in a place so dark that you can't see even the faintest trace of light. You don't know where you are, and you're afraid to reach out because you don't know what's lurking around you. If you are overwellemed with emotions out of your control, that may be how you feel much of the time—and that's frightening. You wonder if the darkness will ever go away, if you'll ever see and feel the light of the sun on your face again. Nothing in your life feels stable, except for the continuing blackness around you.
God says not to fear because he is always with you. That means that even in the dark times, when you can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, he is walking with you, holding your hand securely in his. And even when you don't know where you're going, he's gently leading you into healing and wholeness. That's why the Bible says you can still rejoice in God's goodness, and "rest in hope." (See also Job 30:16–31; Psalm 46; Lamentations 3:17–26.)
When I'm beaten and broken -tired and worn
she sits by me and adorns my home.
Alone at the table or on a room full of people
she indulges me in her presence.
Curled up with me in my bed at night
she's the constant that never goes away.
Exhilarated, angry, anxious or unhappy she is forever present.
No matter how preoccupied I am I still know she's there
What should I do-it's so hard to cope
With her Constantly by my side
-Shawn Moede-
"HE WHO BELIEVES IS NEVER ALONE"
Imagine that you're in a place so dark that you can't see even the faintest trace of light. You don't know where you are, and you're afraid to reach out because you don't know what's lurking around you. If you are overwellemed with emotions out of your control, that may be how you feel much of the time—and that's frightening. You wonder if the darkness will ever go away, if you'll ever see and feel the light of the sun on your face again. Nothing in your life feels stable, except for the continuing blackness around you.
God says not to fear because he is always with you. That means that even in the dark times, when you can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, he is walking with you, holding your hand securely in his. And even when you don't know where you're going, he's gently leading you into healing and wholeness. That's why the Bible says you can still rejoice in God's goodness, and "rest in hope." (See also Job 30:16–31; Psalm 46; Lamentations 3:17–26.)
Lonliness comes from within and can affect every part of our feelings, thoughts, behaviors, relationships, and most importantly our Christian faith. One might say that loneliness comes from an inner need to be intimate and to "connect" on several personal levels (mentioned above) for the purpose of feeling safe and secure.
What causes loneliness? Many factors can precipitate loneliness. Factors such as: death, divorce, being single, physical/mental illness, breaking off of a relationship, being away from friends, family and home or maybe not having friends, family and a home.
Where do we turn when loneliness leads to despair? As Christians, we look to God and His Word for strength, guidance, comfort, and peace.
"I can do everything through him who gives me strength".Philippians 4:13
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.Philippians4:6-7
"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalms 73:26
"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalms 73:26
When I am anxious, tired and discouraged, I am reassured by the promises of God. I rest in those promises and arise to a new day remembering that I am sustained not by bread but by the word of God. Then I feel secure.
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Mathew 11:28
"The Lord is near to all who call upon him, to all who call upon him in truth" Psalm 145.18
"Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you." Psalm 55.22
"And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:20b
"I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand I shall not be moved." Psalm 16:8
"I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand I shall not be moved". Psalm 16:8
"God is with you even in the darkest night".Psalm 16:7–9
The battle has already been won, all we have left to do is call on the name of Jesus.
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Mathew 11:28
"The Lord is near to all who call upon him, to all who call upon him in truth" Psalm 145.18
"Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you." Psalm 55.22
"And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:20b
"I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand I shall not be moved." Psalm 16:8
"I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand I shall not be moved". Psalm 16:8
"God is with you even in the darkest night".Psalm 16:7–9
The battle has already been won, all we have left to do is call on the name of Jesus.
You may feel lonely but you are NEVER alone!
LET GO LET GOD
LET GO OF THE PAST AND YOUR FUTURE WILL START, WHEN YOU FINALLY LET GO AND LET GOD.
Did you know:
A drowning man cannot be saved until he is utterly exhausted and ceases to make the slightest effort to save himself.
So you did it again, and you're feeling guilty. You're beginning to wonder if you'll ever break out of this vicious cycle. You feel like you've confessed the same sin to God more than a hundred times, and you're sure he must be tired of hearing about it. You promise God and yourself that you'll never let it happen again. But soon you find yourself in the same place—you've messed up, and you're too embarrassed to talk to God about it.
As long as we are trying to do anything, [God] can do nothing. It is because of our trying that we fail and fail and fail. God wants to demonstrate to us that we can do nothing at all, and until that is fully recognized, our disappointments and disillusionments will never cease.
There is no need to worry, pray every day. As of right now, chose to turn it over to God. He’ll take care of it.” Worring solves nothing, it just causes unneeded anxiety. If there is a problem that you are worried about STOP worrying. Just say a little prayer and let go of the problem and let God work it out. Then, trust, with all your heart that God will solve the problem, or bring the answer to you, or make the situation go away.
Whatever you are worried about becomes bigger the more you worry about it.
From this moment on, make the conscious decision to Just let go and let God handle it. Trust and everything will turn out right.
Philippians 4:6, we are commanded, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God."
Since worrying is not a necessary part of a believer's life, how does one overcome worry? Let's see what God has to say about this matter. In 1 Peter 5:7, we are instructed, "cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." God does not want us to carry around the weight of problems and burdens. In this Scripture, God is telling us to give Him all of our worries and concerns. Why does God want to take on our problems? The Bible says because He cares for you. That's right, YOU. God is concerned about everything that happens to you. No worry is too big or small for His attention. When we give God our problems, He promises to give us His peace which surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7).
If there are worries in your life today, I encourage you to give them to Jesus. Jesus says, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light" (Matthew 11:30). Will you accept His invitation, right now? Jesus is only a prayer away
If there are worries in your life today, I encourage you to give them to Jesus. Jesus says, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light" (Matthew 11:30). Will you accept His invitation, right now? Jesus is only a prayer away
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
God in his LIVING word
God, in his living Word, makes innumerable promises in answer to every need and direction in every circumstance to those who love Him and obey His Word; and God will forever be faithful to his promises...
Jesus Christ says… “You may ask anything in my Name, and I will do it. If you love me, you will do what I command” John 14:14-15
“Fear not.. For I am with you” Isaiah 41:10
“The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” Psalms 34;17-18
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God” Isaiah 43:2-3c
“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed” 1 Peter 4:12-13
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” Mathew11:28
Father's Love Letter My Child… You may not know me, but I know everything about you…Psalm 139:1 I know when you sit down and when you rise up…Psalm 139:2 I am familiar with all your ways…Psalm 139:3 Even the very hairs on your head are numbered…Matthew 10:29-31 For you were made in my image…Genesis 1:27 In me you live and move and have your being…Acts 17:28 For you are my offspring…Acts 17:28 I knew you even before you were conceived…Jeremiah 1:4-5 I chose you when I planned creation…Ephesians 1:11-12 You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book…Psalm 139:15-16I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live…Acts 17:26 You are fearfully and wonderfully made…Psalm 139:14 I knit you together in your mother's womb…Psalm 139:13 And brought you forth on the day you were born…Psalm 71:6 I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me…John 8:41-44I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love…1 John 4:16 And it is my desire to lavish my love on you…1 John 3:1 Simply because you are my child and I am your father…1 John 3:1 I offer you more than your earthly father ever could…Matthew 7:11 For I am the perfect father…Matthew 5:48 Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand…James 1:17 For I am your provider and I meet all your needs…Matthew 6:31-33 My plan for your future has always been filled with hope…Jeremiah 29:11 Because I love you with an everlasting love…Jeremiah 31:3 My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore…Psalm 139:17-18 And I rejoice over you with singing…Zephaniah 3:17 I will never stop doing good to you…Jeremiah 32:40 For you are my treasured possession…Exodus 19:5 I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul…Jeremiah 32:41 And I want to show you great and marvelous things…Jeremiah 33:3 If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me…Deuteronomy 4:29 Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart…Psalm 37:4 For it is I who gave you those desires…Philippians 2:13 I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine…Ephesians 3:20 For I am your greatest encourager…2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles…2 Corinthians 1:3-4 When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you…Psalm 34:18 As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart…Isaiah 40:11 One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes…Revelation 21:3-4 And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth…Revelation 21:3-4 I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus…John 17:23 For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed…John 17:26 He is the exact representation of my being…Hebrews 1:3 He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you…Romans 8:31 And to tell you that I am not counting your sins…2 Corinthians 5:18-19Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled…2 Corinthians 5:18-19 His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you…1 John 4:10 I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love…Romans 8:31-32 If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me…1 John 2:23 And nothing will ever separate you from my love again…Romans 8:38-39 Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen…Luke 15:7 I have always been Father, and will always be Father…Ephesians 3:14-15 My question is…Will you be my child?…John 1:12-13 I am waiting for you…Luke 15:11-32
Love, Your Dad. Almighty God
Jesus Christ says… “You may ask anything in my Name, and I will do it. If you love me, you will do what I command” John 14:14-15
“Fear not.. For I am with you” Isaiah 41:10
“The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” Psalms 34;17-18
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God” Isaiah 43:2-3c
“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed” 1 Peter 4:12-13
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” Mathew11:28
Father's Love Letter My Child… You may not know me, but I know everything about you…Psalm 139:1 I know when you sit down and when you rise up…Psalm 139:2 I am familiar with all your ways…Psalm 139:3 Even the very hairs on your head are numbered…Matthew 10:29-31 For you were made in my image…Genesis 1:27 In me you live and move and have your being…Acts 17:28 For you are my offspring…Acts 17:28 I knew you even before you were conceived…Jeremiah 1:4-5 I chose you when I planned creation…Ephesians 1:11-12 You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book…Psalm 139:15-16I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live…Acts 17:26 You are fearfully and wonderfully made…Psalm 139:14 I knit you together in your mother's womb…Psalm 139:13 And brought you forth on the day you were born…Psalm 71:6 I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me…John 8:41-44I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love…1 John 4:16 And it is my desire to lavish my love on you…1 John 3:1 Simply because you are my child and I am your father…1 John 3:1 I offer you more than your earthly father ever could…Matthew 7:11 For I am the perfect father…Matthew 5:48 Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand…James 1:17 For I am your provider and I meet all your needs…Matthew 6:31-33 My plan for your future has always been filled with hope…Jeremiah 29:11 Because I love you with an everlasting love…Jeremiah 31:3 My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore…Psalm 139:17-18 And I rejoice over you with singing…Zephaniah 3:17 I will never stop doing good to you…Jeremiah 32:40 For you are my treasured possession…Exodus 19:5 I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul…Jeremiah 32:41 And I want to show you great and marvelous things…Jeremiah 33:3 If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me…Deuteronomy 4:29 Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart…Psalm 37:4 For it is I who gave you those desires…Philippians 2:13 I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine…Ephesians 3:20 For I am your greatest encourager…2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles…2 Corinthians 1:3-4 When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you…Psalm 34:18 As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart…Isaiah 40:11 One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes…Revelation 21:3-4 And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth…Revelation 21:3-4 I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus…John 17:23 For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed…John 17:26 He is the exact representation of my being…Hebrews 1:3 He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you…Romans 8:31 And to tell you that I am not counting your sins…2 Corinthians 5:18-19Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled…2 Corinthians 5:18-19 His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you…1 John 4:10 I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love…Romans 8:31-32 If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me…1 John 2:23 And nothing will ever separate you from my love again…Romans 8:38-39 Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen…Luke 15:7 I have always been Father, and will always be Father…Ephesians 3:14-15 My question is…Will you be my child?…John 1:12-13 I am waiting for you…Luke 15:11-32
Love, Your Dad. Almighty God
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