Praying With Authority.

 Elijah is a good example of someone who prayed with authority. The Lord sent him into battle the evil King Ahab and the 450 prophets of Baal. This was a spiritual conflict to prove who was the real God - Baal or the Lord of Israel.

Elijah's weapons were his knowledge of the Father's plan and the authority he had in prayer as a prophet of God.

His request - that Jehovah would make Himself known,  voiced publicly before his opponents, matched the Lord's will (Ex. 7:5; 1 Kings 18:37). And when God responded to Elijah's prayer,  the people declared, "The Lord, He is God"  (1 Kings 18:39).

Are you child of a God? If so, you can pray with spiritual might by making  sure your requests are in agreement with His will.

Daily Bible Promises

. Psalm 50:15

Call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.

.  Jeremiah 32:38

. They will be my people, and I will be their God.

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

 . Isaiah 44:3

For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants.

Quotes

. Seek to cultivate a buoyant, joyous sense of the crowded kindnesses of God in your daily life. - Alexander Maclaren

. There is only one you.  God wanted you to be you.  Don’t you dare change just because you’re out numbered! - Charles Swindoll

. Those blessings are sweetest that are won with prayers and worn with thanks. - Thomas Goodwin

. Our Saviour kneels down and gazes upon the darkest acts of our lives.  But rather than recoil in horror, he reaches out in kindness and says, “I can clean that if you want.”  And from the basin of his grace, he scoops a palm full of mercy and washes our sin. - Max Lucado

How To Observe Thanksgiving

Count your blessings instead of your crosses.

Count your gains instead of your losses.

Count your joys instead of your woes.

Count your friends instead of your foes.

Count your smiles instead of your tears.

Count your courage instead of your fears.

Count your full years instead of your lean.

Count your kind deeds instead of your mean.

Count your health instead of your wealth.

Count on God instead of yourself.

Meet Jesus, tell Him – Thanks.

Thoughts 

. A wise man does not wish to change his situation, because he knows that  it is possible to fulfil the law of God, the law of love, in every situation. - Leo Tolstoy

. Man needs but little for his body; but all his strength is insufficient to elevate his soul. – Michelangelo

. God does not dispense strength and encouragement like a druggist fills your prescription.  The Lord doesn’t promise to give us something to take so we can handle our weary moments.  He promises us Himself.  That is all.  And that is enough. - Charles Swindoll

Daily Bible Promises

. Joel 2:29

Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.

. Mark 12:30-31

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."

. Psalm 17:8

Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings.

'The Rock Meets Jesus' — John 1:42

When a new child is born, godly parents stare lovingly at their gift from the Father and wonder, "What will this child grow up to be?" They name the child, taking great care not to give that child a name that will be a burden. They want their child to be blessed by God and to be a blessing to others. But they don't know, they can't know, what lies ahead. Jesus changed Simon's name to Peter (Cephas), or the Rock.

Jesus could look beyond Peter's blustering ego and horrible failures to the man who loved God and who could be used mightily for the Kingdom. What does Jesus see in you? No matter where you have been or the road you have taken to this point, Jesus can give you a new life and a new name. He has great plans for you. Don't be dismayed.

Don't let discouragement claim you. If he can change Simon into the Rock, he can change you and use you mightily, too!

Thoughts 

. You are either becoming more like Christ every day or you’re becoming less like Him.  There is no neutral position in the Lord. - Stormie Omartian

. When the dream of our heart is one that God has planted there, a strange happiness flows into us.  At that moment, all of the spiritual resources of the universe are released to help us.  Our praying is then at one with the will of God and becomes a channel for the Creator’s purposes for us and our world. - Catherine Marshall

Daily Bible Promises

. Psalm 16:1

Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge.

. Psalm 40:1

I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry.

Psalm 68:3

May the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful.

Let's join our hearts together today, tens of thousands of us, and let's pray for God to make us a joyful and happy people who live righteously to his glory. For those in difficulty, let's pray for our mighty God to give them reasons to rejoice. For those who have been bountifully blessed, let's pray he opens our eyes to see the glorious riches that he has already poured into our lives.

General Facts About Affliction - 1

. God regulates it according to the law of saving and reaping -

Psalm 80:5

You have fed them with the bread of tears; you have made them drink tears by the bowlful.

Isaiah 9:1

Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom  for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali,  but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan—

. He determines the length –

Genesis 15:13-14

Then the Lord said to him, “Know for certain that for four hundred years  your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own and that they will be enslaved  and mistreated there.   But I will punish the nation they serve as slaves, and afterward they will come out  with great possessions

Numbers 14:33

Your children will be shepherds here for forty years,  suffering for your unfaithfulness, until the last
f your bodies lies in the wilderness.

Isaiah 10:25

Very soon  my anger against you will end and my wrath  will be directed to their destruction. ”

Jeremiah 29:10

This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years  are completed for Babylon, I will come to you  and fulfil my good promise  to bring you back  to this place.

. Not silent willingly –

Lamentations 3:33

For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to anyone.

. Men born in affliction –

Job 5:6-7

For hardship does not spring from the soil, nor does trouble sprout from the ground. Yet man is born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward.

Satan – Overcoming Deceptions

. By loving the truth

2 Thessalonians 1:10-11

on the day  he comes to be glorified  in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you.
    With this in mind, we constantly pray for you,  that our God may make you worthy  of his calling,  and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness  and your every deed prompted by faith.

. By watching out

Luke 21:8

He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them.

. By the Spirit’s guidance

John 16:13

But when he, the Spirit of truth,  comes, he will guide you into all the truth.  He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.

. By Distinguishing the spirits

1 Corinthians 12:10

to another miraculous powers,  to another prophecy,  to another distinguishing between spirits,  to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,  and to still another the interpretation of tongues.

.  By sincere devotion to Christ

2 Corinthians 11:3

But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning,  your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.

. By being aware of Satan’s schemes

2 Corinthians 2:11

in order that Satan  might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.

. By putting on God’s full Armor

Ephesians 6:11-12

Put on the full armor of God,  so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.   For our struggle is not against flesh and blood,  but against the rulers, against the authorities,  against the powers  of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Promises in Affliction: God Will - 2

. Be a refuge for them

Psalm 9:9-10

The Lord is a refuge  for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name  trust in you,  for you, Lord, have never forsaken  those who seek you.

. Remember their weakness

Psalm 103:13

As a father has compassion  on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;

. Hide them

Psalm 27:5

For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe  in his dwelling; he will hide me  in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.

. Consider them

Psalm 31:7

I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish  of my soul.
. Give them sufficient grace

2 Corinthians 12:9

But he said to me, “My grace  is sufficient for you, for my power  is made perfect in weakness. ”  Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

Thoughts

. George Muller had run and orphanage in England in the early 1800s that cared for 5,000 children.  He had made a vow never to ask people directly for anything, but to ask God instead to inspire them to provide food, clothing, money, or whatever else was needed.  He eventually received more than 50 million British pounds in donations, all without ever asking anybody for anything. – Unknown

. The life of the Spirit is not our life, but the life of God within us. - Teresa of Avila

'From All Over' — Mark 1:5

John didn't choose the most accessible location to do his ministry. Instead, he was located in the wilderness. Yet, people came from all over to hear him. Why? Because they were hungry for spiritual food. They longed to hear the voice of God through one of his servants, a true prophet.

Distance was no barrier. Confession of their sins and baptism were not barriers. They were hungry for God. Are we hungry for God today? What barriers do we let keep us away from seeking God with all of our hearts?

Luke 2:4-5

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. —

For the next few days, let's journey with Joseph and Mary as they experience the incredible grace of God. These verses give us the basics: they took a trip south from their home, they went to Bethlehem which was King David's city, they were "betrothed" or pledged in marriage but not yet fully married, Mary was pregnant, and they were going there to register with the Roman government. Intrigue and scandal ripple between the lines of this straightforward account. Promise and fulfillment are strongly suggested with the connection.

Faithfulness through the midst of storm is demonstrated. A real historical context for everyday people is made with the presence of a Roman census. Scandal, promise, faithfulness, and history collide. Jesus enters our world very much in a place where we find ourselves — a place of hope and dreams marred by scandal and disappointment. He will be a people's Messiah. We know it before he is even born. It makes us love him and appreciate him more! . God has chosen to enter our world as one of us, not as some pristine and untouched alien from beyond. This is a Messiah we can reach and follow. This Jesus is one of us.

Thoughts 

. You should accept yourself, not as a master, but as a servant, and then all your bad feelings, your anxiety, alarm, uncertainty, and dissatisfaction will be changed into calmness and peace.  You will be filled inside with a clear vision of your purpose, and with a great joy. - Leo Tolstoy

. What has Jesus Christ ever asked you to do that wasn’t for your own good?

- Billy Sunday

Promises in Affliction: God Will - 1

. Hear the afflicted

Job  34:28

They caused the cry of the poor to come before him, so that he heard the cry of the needy.

. Save them

Psalm 18:27

You save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty.

. Have mercy on them

Isaiah 49:13

Shout for joy,  you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains!
 For the Lord comforts  his people and will have compassion  on his afflicted ones.

. Deliver them from fear

Psalm 34:19

The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all;

Psalm 50:15

and call  on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver  you, and you will honor  me.”

. Uphold them

Read: Psalm 37:23-33

Psalm 55:22

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.

. Reward them

Matthew 5:10-12

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
     “Blessed are you when people insult you,  persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.    Rejoice and be glad,  because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Ungodly: Opposite of godly

Psalm 15:2

The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth  from their heart;

Psalm 24:3

Who may ascend the mountain  of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place?

Psalm 37:16

Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked;

The ascension of the Messiah

Ephesians 4:8-10

This is why it says:

  “When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people.”
     (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions?   He who descended is the very one who ascended  higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.)

Acts 1:11

“Men of Galilee,”  they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back  in the same way you have seen him go into heaven

Isaiah 6:1

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. —

We often view difficult times, crisis times, as bad because the circumstances we face are very hard. But difficult times can also be an opportunity for our hearts to re-awaken to the steadfastness and the gloriousness of God, as well as our great need for him in our lives.

The crisis of Uzziah's death for Israel and Isaiah became the great opportunity for Isaiah to see God in a fresh way and to be called into a special ministry for God. How can God use your crises, hardships, trials, and difficulties? Why don't you ask him to show you!

The Day of the Lord - 2

Zephaniah 1:18

Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to save them on the day of the Lord’s wrath.”  In the fire of his jealousy the whole earth will be consumed, for he will make a sudden end of all who live on the earth.

Zephaniah 2:2-3

before the decree takes effect and that day passes like windblown chaff, before the Lord’s fierce anger comes upon you, before the day of the Lord’s wrath comes upon you.
 Seek  the Lord, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness,  seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the Lord’s anger.

Malachi 4:5

See, I will send the prophet Elijah  to you before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes.

1 Timothy 5:2

older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.

Read: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-1

Questions in 2 Kings

. Is it not because there  is no God in Israel to enquire of His  word. – 1:16

. Are they not written in the book of the chronicles  of the Kings of Israel? – 1:18

Luke 2:14

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." —

There is only one proper response for God's gift of Jesus — our praise and adoration. God's love, grace, favor, blessing, forgiveness, mercy, and salvation come to us through the incredible gift of Jesus. How can we not praise him? How can our hearts remain still and voices remain silent before such an incredible God? They can't, or won't, at least right now! Let's see their refusal as our reminder that we need to reach as many as possible before every knee bows and every tongue confesses that Jesus is Lord to the glory of the Father!

John 3:17

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. —

God is not the big Scrooge in the sky, critically looking down on his flawed children waiting to condemn those who mess up. Instead, he saw how broken, flawed, and messed up we were and entered our world to save it... to save us. God's purpose in sending Jesus is our life and our salvation.

Thoughts 

. Blessed are the single-hearted, for they shall enjoy much peace…If you refuse to be hurried and pressed, if you stay your soul on God, nothing can keep you from that clearness of spirit which is life and peace.  In that stillness you will know what His will is. – Amy Carmichael

. You should accept yourself, not as a master, but as a servant, and then all your bad feelings, your anxiety, alarm, uncertainty, and dissatisfaction will be changed into calmness and peace.  You will be filled inside with a clear vision of your purpose, and with a great joy. - Leo Tolstoy

. I firmly believe a great many prayers are not answered because we are not willing to forgive someone. - D. L. Moody

. Christianity says we were created by a righteous God to flourish and be exhilarated in a righteous environment.  God has “wired” us in such a way that the more righteous we are, the more we’ll actually enjoy life. - Bill Hybels

Evangelism

 . "Lord grant that the FIRE of my heart may melt the lead in my feet." – Unknown

. "The angel fetched Peter out of prison, but it was prayer that fetched the angel."-Thomas Watson

Psalm 3:8

From the LORD comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people. —
Deliverance does come from the LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, our Father. So we ask him to bless us with his richest and greatest blessings. But, he has already given his people the very greatest blessing, the gift of his Son. Now if we will only acknowledge and appreciate that blessing.

The Day of the Lord - 1

Isaiah 2:17-21

The arrogance of man will be brought low and human pride humbled; the Lord alone will be exalted in that day, and the idols  will totally disappear. People will flee to caves  in the rocks and to holes in the ground from the fearful presence  of the Lord and the splendour of his majesty, when he rises to shake the earth. In that day  people will throw away  to the moles and bats their idols of silver and idols of gold,  which they made to worship.

They will flee to caverns in the rocks  and to the overhanging crags from the fearful presence of the Lord and the splendour of his majesty, when he rises  to shake the earth.

Isaiah 34:8

For the Lord has a day  of vengeance, a year of retribution,  to uphold Zion’s cause.

Jeremiah 46:10

But that day  belongs to the Lord, the Lord Almighty—a day of vengeance , for vengeance on his foes. The sword will devour  till it is satisfied, till it has quenched its thirst with blood. For the Lord, the Lord Almighty, will offer sacrifice in the land of the north by the River Euphrates.

Ezekiel 13:5

You have not gone up to the breaches in the wall to repair  it for the people of Israel so that it will stand firm in the battle on the day of the Lord.

Ezekiel 30:3

For the day is near, the day of the Lord  is near—a day of clouds, a time of doom for the nations.

Obadiah 1:15

“The day of the Lord is near for all nations. As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds  will return upon your own head.

Zephaniah 1:7-8

Be silent  before the Sovereign Lord,  for the day of the Lord  is near. The Lord has prepared a sacrifice; he has consecrated those he has invited. “On the day of the Lord’s sacrifice I will punish  the officials and the king’s sons and all those clad in foreign clothes.

Facts about the Mysteries

Colossians 1:26

the mystery  that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people

Colossians 1:27

To them God has chosen to make known  among the Gentiles the glorious riches  of this mystery, which is Christ in you,  the hope of glory.

Ephesians 3;3

that is, the mystery  made known to me by revelation,  as I have already written briefly

Ephesians 3:8-9

Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people,  this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles  the boundless riches of Christ,    and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery,  which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things

1 Corinthians 4:1

This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants  of Christ and as those entrusted  with the mysteries  God has revealed

Romans 16:25-26

Now to him who is able  to establish you in accordance with my gospel,  the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery  hidden for long ages past,   but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings  by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from faith

1 Corinthians 13:2

If I have the gift of prophecy  and can fathom all mysteries  and all knowledge,  and if I have a faith  that can move mountains,  but do not have love, I am nothing.

Colossians4:3

And pray for us, too, that God may open a door  for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery  of Christ, for which I am in chains.

Ephesians 6:19-20

Pray also for me,  that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly  make known the mystery  of the gospel,   for which I am an ambassador  in chains.  Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
 

The Holy Things in Scripture – 12

. Priesthood –

1 Peter 2:5

you also, like living stones, are being built  into a spiritual house  to be a holy priesthood,  offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ

. Nation –

1 Peter 2:9

But you are a chosen people,  a royal priesthood,  a holy nation,  God’s special possession,  that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

. Conversation –

2 Peter 3:11

Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives

. Faith –

Jude 20

But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up  in your most holy faith  and praying in the Holy Spirit,

Psalm 34:12-13

Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. —

God reminds us that our words and the way we use our speech greatly impact the quality of life we enjoy. Nothing cuts short a vibrant life like evil speech and lies we tell. They set loose a force of deception and damage that we cannot control. This unleashed power not only damages those about whom and to whom we speak, but they eventually boomerang and come back and bring their deadly payload back into our own lives. Let's be people who speak what is right, good, wholesome, holy, true, and a blessing. (cf. Ephesians 4:20-5:12)

Thoughts 

Thou hast no life to lose, because thou hast given it already to Christ, nor can man take away that without God’s leave. - William Gurnall

Examples of Quiet Time

. Abraham

Genesis 22:3

Early the next morning  Abraham got up and loaded his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about.

Isaac

Genesis 24:63

He went out to the field one evening to meditate,  and as he looked up,  he saw camels approaching.

Moses

Exodus 34:4

So Moses chiseled  out two stone tablets like the first ones and went up Mount Sinai early in the morning, as the Lord had commanded him; and he carried the two stone tablets in his hands.

Joshua

Joshua 3:1

Early in the morning Joshua and all the Israelites set out from Shittim  and went to the Jordan,  where they camped before crossing over.

Samuel

1 Samuel 3:1

The boy Samuel ministered  before the Lord under Eli. In those days the word of the Lord was rare;  there were not many visions.

David

Psalm 5:3

In the morning,  Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly

Hannah

1 Samuel 1:19

Early the next morning they arose and worshiped before the Lord and then went back to their home at Ramah.  Elkanah made love to his wife Hannah, and the Lord remembered  her.

Paul

Acts 9:11

The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus  named Saul, for he is praying

Magdalene

John 20:1

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene  went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance

The Lord Jesus

Mark 1:35

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.

The Holy Things in Scripture – 11

. Church –

Ephesians 5:27

and to present her to himself  as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.

. Brethren –

1 Thessalonians 5:27

charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers and sisters

. Hands –

1 Timothy 2:8

Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands  without anger or disputing

. Scriptures –

1 Timothy 3:15

if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church  of the living God,  the pillar and foundation of the truth.

. Calling –

2 Timothy 1:9

He has saved  us and called  us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done  but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,

. Bishop –

Titus  1:8

Rather, he must be hospitable,  one who loves what is good,  who is self-controlled,  upright, holy and disciplined.

. Women –

1 Peter 3:5

this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God  used to adorn themselves.  They submitted themselves to their own husbands,

. Christ –

Hebrews 7:26

Such a high priest  truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners,  exalted above the heavens

David’s trust in trouble

Psalm 20:1

May the Lord answer you

when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob  protect you.

Psalm 61:3

For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe.

Psalm 62:1

Truly my soul finds rest  in God; my salvation comes from him.

Psalm 62:5

Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.

Psalm 63:1

You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you,  in a dry and parched land where there is no water.

Acts 2:41

Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. —

Wow! Wouldn't it be great to see 3,000 added to God's people in church today. Those who accepted Peter's message at Pentecost were baptized and the beginning of the early church started with an incredible bang. Earlier that day, only a small group of Jesus' followers had met to pray just as they had done for several days since Jesus' ascension. As night falls in Jerusalem, the number has jumped to over 3,000!

Acts 2 stands as a hallmark passage showing us the message of salvation, what the response of open hearts will be, and how the Holy Spirit uses this simple message to bring seeking hearts to salvation and community. Why don't you read Acts 2 today? Jot down what Peter says about Jesus. Notice what Peter tells the people to do to be saved. The Gospel is still just as simple, so let's not only st! udy it; let's share it, praying for God to bring revival to our times and to our broken land!

Prayer

. Holy God and comforting Father, please give me eyes to see and a heart to offer loving care to those around me who are grieving. During this special time of year, please use me to be a blessing to those in sorrow. In addition, dear God, help me to also encourage and support the joy of those who are rejoicing around me. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.

Holy Things in Scripture – 10

. Body –

1 Corinthians 3:17

If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.

. Children –

1 Corinthians 7:14

For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.

. Body and Spirit –

1 Corinthians 7:34

and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord’s affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit.  But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband.

. Saints –

Ephesians 1:4

For he chose us  in him before the creation of the world  to be holy and blameless  in his sight. 

Colossians 1:22

But now he has reconciled  you by Christ’s physical body  through death to present you  holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation

Colossians 3:12

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves  with compassion, kindness, humility,  gentleness and patience.

. Apostles –

Ephesians 3:5

which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets

Revelation 18:20

“Rejoice over her, you heavens! Rejoice, you people of God! Rejoice, apostles and prophets! For God has judged her with the judgment she imposed on you.”

Conditional Blessings

Leviticus 26:40

“‘But if they will confess  their sins  and the sins of their ancestors —their unfaithfulness and their hostility toward me,

Deuteronomy 7:12

If you pay attention to these laws and are careful to follow them, then the Lord your God will keep his covenant of love with you, as he swore to your ancestors.

 Deuteronomy 28:1

If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow  all his commands  I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth

Deuteronomy 30:1

When all these blessings and curses  I have set before you come on you and you take them to heart wherever the Lord your God disperses you among the nations,

Jeremiah 17:24

But if you are careful to obey me, declares the Lord, and bring no load through the gates of this city on the Sabbath, but keep the Sabbath day holy  by not doing any work on it,

John 1:7

He came as a witness to testify  concerning that light, so that through him all might believe.

Thoughts 

. One great piece of mischief has been done by the modern restriction of the word temperance to the question of drink.  It helps people to forget that you can be just as intemperate about lots of other things.  A man who makes his golf or his motorcycle the center of his life, or a woman who devotes all her thoughts to clothes or bridge or her dog, is being just as “intemperate” as someone who gets drunk every evening.  Of course, it does not show on the outside so easily; bridge mania or golf mania do not make you fall down in the middle of the road.  But God is not deceived by externals. - C. S. Lewis

. To love another person is to help them love God. - Soren Kierkegaard

Holy Things in Scripture – 9

 Holy Things in Scripture – 9

. Jesus –

Acts 4:27

Indeed Herod  and Pontius Pilate  met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus,  whom you anointed.

. Law –

Romans 7:12

So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous and good.

. Commandment –

Romans 7:12

So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous and good.

2 Peter 2:21

It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them.

. Lamp –

Romans 11:16

If the part of the dough offered as firstfruits  is holy, then the whole batch is holy; if the root is holy, so are the branches

. Root –

Romans 11:16

If the part of the dough offered as firstfruits  is holy, then the whole batch is holy; if the root is holy, so are the branches

. Sacrifice –

Romans 12:1-2

Therefore, I urge you,  brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice,  holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.   Do not conform  to the pattern of this world,  but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his good, pleasing  and perfect will.

. Kiss –

Romans 16:16

Greet one another with a holy kiss.
 All the churches of Christ send greetings.

A Remnant Saved

Jeremiah 15:11

The Lord said,
  “Surely I will deliver you  for a good purpose; surely I will make your enemies plead  with you in times of disaster and times of distress.

Jeremiah 23:3

“I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them and will bring them back to their pasture, where they will be fruitful and increase in number.

Ezekiel 6:8

“‘But I will spare some, for some of you will escape  the sword when you are scattered among the lands and nations” ‘But I will spare some, for some of you will escape  the sword when you are scattered among the lands and nations

Two Blind Men Healed

Matthew 20:29

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care

Mark 10:46

Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging.

Luke 18:35

As Jesus approached Jericho,  a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging.

Nehemiah 12:30

When the priests and Levites had purified themselves ceremonially, they purified the people, the gates and the wall. —

God has placed each of us in a circle of influence. Before we try to "clean up" those around us, let's first offer ourselves to God to be consecrated and to be made pure by his grace. Then, let's live in a way that shows the impact of that holiness in our lives. Jesus told us to remove the plank from our own eye before we try to clean the speck out of someone else's eye. For leaders at any level, "living holy" is essential before calling others to holiness! God's greatest times of spiritual renewal begin when leaders first consecrate themselves to God and his work.

Holy Things in Scripture – 8

. Covenant –

Daniel 11:28-30

The king of the North will return to his own country with great wealth, but his heart will be set against the holy covenant. He will take action against it and then return to his own country.
    “At the appointed time he will invade the South again, but this time the outcome will be different from what it was before.   Ships of the western coastlands  will oppose him, and he will lose heart.  Then he will turn back and vent his fury  against the holy covenant. He will return and show favor to those who forsake the holy covenant.

. Gods –

Daniel 4:8-9

Finally, Daniel came into my presence and I told him the dream. (He is called Belteshazzar,  after the name of my god, and the spirit of the holy gods  is in him.)

    I said, “Belteshazzar, chief  of the magicians, I know that the spirit of the holy gods  is in you, and no mystery is too difficult for you. Here is my dream; interpret it for me.

. Flesh –

Haggai 2:12

If someone carries consecrated meat in the fold of their garment, and that fold touches some bread or stew, some wine, olive oil or other food, does it become consecrated? ’”

The priests answered, “No.”

. Land –

Zechariah 2:12

The Lord will inherit  Judah  as his portion in the holy land and will again choose  Jerusalem.

. Angels –

Matthew 25:31

“When the Son of Man comes  in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne.

. Prophets –

Luke 1:70

(as he said through his holy prophets of long ago),

Acts 3:21

Heaven must receive him  until the time comes for God to restore everything,  as he promised long ago through his holy prophets.

Blessings of Faith

Justification – Romans 3:26

he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.

Complete Healing – Acts 3:16

By faith in the name of Jesus,  this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.

Promised Spirit – Galatians 3:14

He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus,  so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.

Salvation – Ephesians 2:8

For it is by grace  you have been saved,  through faith —and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God

Sanctification – Acts 15:9

He did not discriminate between us and them,  for he purified their hearts by faith.

Divine Love – 1 Timothy 1:5

The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart  and a good conscience  and a sincere faith

Great Assurance – 1 Timothy 3:13

May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless  and holy in the presence of our God and Father  when our Lord Jesus comes  with all his holy ones.

God’s Presence – Hebrews 10:22

let us draw near to God  with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings,  having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience  and having our bodies washed with pure water.

Victorious Life – 1 John 5:4

for everyone born of God  overcomes  the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.

Ever Possibility – Mark 9:23

“‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”

Holy Things in Scripture – 7

. Habitation –

Psalm 68:5

A father to the fatherless,  a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.

. Promise –

Psalm 105:42

For he remembered his holy promise given to his servant Abraham.

. Work –

Psalm 145:17

The Lord is righteous  in all his ways and faithful in all he does.

. Jerusalem –

Isaiah 4:3

Those who are left in Zion,  who remain  in Jerusalem, will be called holy,  all who are recorded  among the living in Jerusalem.

. Seed –

Isaiah 6:13

And though a tenth remains  in the land, it will again be laid waste.  But as the terebinth and oak  leave stumps  when they are cut down,  so the holy  seed will be the stump in the land.”

. Flock –

Ezekiel 36:38

as numerous as the flocks for offerings  at Jerusalem during her appointed festivals. So will the ruined cities be filled with flocks of people. Then they will know that I am the Lord. ”

. Chambers –

Ezekiel 42:13

Then he said to me, “The north  and south rooms  facing the temple courtyard  are the priests’ rooms, where the priests who approach the Lord will eat the most holy offerings. There they will put the most holy offerings—the grain offerings,  the sin offerings  and the guilt offerings —for the place is holy.

Pointing Others to Jesus' — John 1:15

John the Baptizer was courageous. John was passionate, but he realized he was just a "pointer" — someone who directed people to someone far greater than himself. Jesus was in existence long before John appeared on the scene. In fact, Jesus existed before creation. No matter how important others viewed him, John knew God had sent him to earth with one primary job: Point others to Jesus, the preexistent "Word" of God!

In a world full of people obsessed with getting their fifteen seconds of fame, John is a breath of fresh air. His life challenges each of us to ask an important question: Will I spend my life helping others know of Jesus' greatness rather than having them focus on me?

1 Samuel 12:20

"Do not be afraid," Samuel replied [to the people of Israel]. "You have done all this evil; yet do not turn away from the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart." —

Israel wanted a King. This crushed Samuel's heart and angered God with the people's lack of faith. Samuel, however, reminds them that while they have stumbled and fallen, they must not abandon the LORD himself. Instead, their political concerns must give way to their total allegiance to God and their willingness to serve him fully.

'Immeasurably More'

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

— Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV

Are you a dreamer? Even if you are not a dreamer, imagine the most highly impossible thing you could do to honor God. Then realize that God can do far more through you than that — more than you can even begin to imagine! And the power to do it? The power at work within you? Ah yes, you guessed it: It is the power of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 3:16)! The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work within each true follower of Jesus (Ephesians 1:17-20).

Thought

This joy in God is not like any pleasure found in physical or intellectual satisfaction.  Nor is it such as a friend experiences in the presence of a friend.  But, if we are to use any such analogy, it is more like the eye rejoicing in light.
- Augustine

God’s Timing

While God’s promises may be delayed, they are never diminished with time. We can always trust God’s timing. God sometimes may seem silent, but His work is never dormant. You may not hear God speaking, but you can see Him working. He is rarely early, but He is never late and while you are waiting on God’s timing, you can be sure He is working.

His sovereignty allows His silence. He came as a child of an earthly mother so we could become children of a heavenly Father. He gives us spiritual freedom, a supernatural family and special favour.

Spiritual Thoughts 

. Our sense of joy, satisfaction, and fulfilment in life increases, no matter what the circumstances, if we are in the centre of God’s will. - Billy Graham

. We should be completely clear about these two facts: God is not obligated to heal, and healing is not His greatest gift. – Unknown

.It is always the case that when the Christian looks back, he is looking at the forgiveness of sins. - Karl Barth

Lamentations 3:57

Faith comes off conqueror, for in these verses the prophet concludes with some comfort. Prayer is the breath of the new man, drawing in the air of mercy in petitions, and returning it in praises; it proves and maintains the spiritual life. He silenced their fears, and quieted their spirits.

Thou saidst, Fear not. This was the language of God's grace, by the witness of his Spirit with their spirits. And what are all our sorrows, compared with those of the Redeemer? He will deliver his people from every trouble, and revive his church from every persecution.

He will save believers with everlasting salvation, while his enemies perish with everlasting destruction.

Romans 12:15

Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. —

While misery may love company, grief tends to make us withdraw and hide. Let's remember those who have lost loved ones, especially this time of year. Let them know how you valued their loved one and miss him or her, too. Please keep these folks in your prayers and in your social plans, as well. In addition, make this a season of true joy — affirm others by rejoicing in their blessings

Holy Things in Scripture – 6

. Heaven –

Psalm 20:6

Now this I know:
 The Lord gives victory to his anointed.
 He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary
 with the victorious power of his right hand.

. Oracle –

Psalm 28:2

Hear my cry for mercy
 as I call to you for help,
 as I lift up my hands
 toward your Most Holy Place.
. Spirit –
Psalm 51:11
Do not cast me  from your presence
 or take your Holy Spirit  from me.

. Mountains –

Psalm 87:1

He has founded his city on the holy mountain.

Isaiah 11:9

They will neither harm nor destroy
 on all my holy mountain,
 for the earth  will be filled with the knowledge  of the Lord
 as the waters cover the sea.

. Arm –

Psalm 98:1

Sing to the Lord  a new song,
 for he has done marvellous things;
 his right hand  and his holy arm
 have worked salvation  for him.

Dear Readers

I greet each one of you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I do believe as we are all entered the New Year and our Mighty God might have blessed each one you. Be close to the Lord, He will lead and guide you.

Friends,  the year has changed, but is there is any changes taken place in our place. Let’s not treat just one more Year has gone by!

let’s think about our personal spiritual  lives. We do witness and see countless people are dying every day and they are in the spiritual graves.

Somebody has to go down and full them of them. It's not one day job but it’s daily work. That's the reason Bible tells us, take your cross on a daily basis.

Matter is urgent as the 'Great Commission' tells us.

Lord God has given each one of us different spiritual gifts, let's use them to save our brothers and sisters.

Therefore, my earnest request to my readers, let's pray constantly.

I would like to make a request to  all of you those who got your personal witnesses, testimonies, kindly send them to me on my mailing address: (edwinjames44@gmail.com), so that many will be benefitted and even many be saved!

As I receive your contributions, I am going to publish the same in this blog.

Each one of you take good care and God be with you and bless you.

Yours in His service

Edwin James.
Mumbai.
98203 54911

Holy Things in Scripture – 5

. Water –

Numbers 5:17

Then he shall take some holy water in a clay jar and put some dust from the tabernacle floor into the water.

. Instruments –

Numbers 31:6

Moses sent them into battle,  a thousand from each tribe, along with Phinehas  son of Eleazar, the priest, who took with him articles from the sanctuary  and the trumpets  for signaling.

. Vessel –

1 King 8:4

and they brought up the ark of the Lord and the tent of meeting  and all the sacred furnishings in it. The priests and Levites  carried them up,

. Ark –

2 Chronicles 35:3

He said to the Levites, who instructed  all Israel and who had been consecrated to the Lord: “Put the sacred ark in the temple that Solomon son of David king of Israel built. It is not to be carried about on your shoulders. Now serve the Lord your God and his people Israel.

. City –

Nehemiah 11:18

The Levites in the holy city  totaled 284.

. Hell –

Psalm 2:6

“I have installed my king
 on Zion,  my holy mountain. ”

. Temple –

Psalm 5:7

But I, by your great love,
 can come into your house;
 in reverence  I bow down
 toward your holy temple.

'Left Behind' — Mark 1:19-20

Jesus continued walking by Lake Galilee. He saw two more brothers, James and John, the sons of Zebedee. They were in their boat, preparing their nets to catch fish. Their father Zebedee and the men that worked for him were in the boat with the brothers. When Jesus saw the brothers he told them to come. They left their father and followed Jesus. - Mark 1:19-20

There is a cost to following Jesus. Some people won't understand. Some of those who won't understand may even be in our own families. However, we are called to follow, knowing that others we love might not be willing to face the cost of that discipleship. Don't be fooled, dear friend, by preachers promising everything while implying there will not be heartbreak or hardship.

Some we love will not follow with us. However, our hope and prayer is that their reluctance will only be temporary and that through us they will come to know the Jesus we follow. The first step, however, is to follow ... no matter the cost!

1 Samuel 12:22

For the sake of his great name the LORD will not reject his people, because the LORD was pleased to make you his own. —

The great and holy God will not be unfaithful. In fact, he will act to show his character and honor his holy name, even when his people don't deserve his grace. Why God would love and preserve us and our great Israelite ancestors is nothing short of grace, love, and faithfulness.

'Not Seeking the Spotlight' — John 1:19-21

This was John's testimony when the Jewish leaders sent priests and Temple assistants from Jerusalem to ask John, "Who are you?" He came right out and said, "I am not the Messiah." "Well then, who are you?" they asked. "Are you Elijah?" "No," he replied. "Are you the Prophet we are expecting?" "No."

— John 1:19-21

Who are you? What would you do to be viewed as important by others? How much does your acceptance by others matter? I don't know about you, but these are convicting questions for me. Most of us are not happy living our lives in the shadow of someone else, no matter how important that person is. Most of us want to be viewed as significant. John the Baptizer, however, lived a life of importance BECAUSE he chose the shadows and pointed others to Jesus, the Light. He directed his followers to Jesus. He refused to be called the Messiah they were seeking. God was pleased with John's choice! Jesus said of him, "John was like a burning and shining lamp, ..." (John 5:35). May the same also be true of each of us!

Holy Things in Scripture – 4

. Feasts –

Leviticus 23:2

Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘These are my appointed festivals,  the appointed festivals of the Lord, which you are to proclaim as sacred assemblies.

. First fruits –

Leviticus 23:20

The priest is to wave the two lambs before the Lord as a wave offering,  together with the bread of the first fruits. They are a sacred offering to the Lord for the priest.

. Year –

Leviticus 25:12

For it is a jubilee and is to be holy for you; eat only what is taken directly from the fields.

. Animals –

Leviticus 27:9

“‘If what they vowed is an animal that is acceptable as an offering to the Lord,  such an animal given to the Lord becomes holy.

. House –

Leviticus 27:14

“‘If anyone dedicates their house as something holy to the Lord, the priest will judge its quality as good or bad. Whatever value the priest then sets, so it will remain.

. Field –

Leviticus 27:16

“‘If anyone dedicates to the Lord part of their family land, its value is to be set according to the amount of seed required for it—fifty shekels of silver to a homer of barley seed.

. Every Consecrated thig –

Leviticus 27:28

“‘But nothing that a person owns and devotes  to the Lord—whether a human being or an animal or family land—may be sold or redeemed; everything so devoted is most holy  to the Lord.

. Tithe –

Leviticus 27:30

“‘A tithe  of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy  to the Lord.

'The Missing Ingredient!'

On one occasion, while he [Jesus] was eating with them [the disciples], he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." - Acts 1:4-5 NIV

Jesus' closest followers had seen him betrayed, crucified, and raised from the dead. They had been with the Lord after his resurrection — they had touched his scars, shared meals with him, and heard his voice. They had an incredible story to tell, and the world desperately needed to hear their message. However, they lacked one crucial ingredient to begin their mission: They did not have the Holy Spirit. Jesus told them to wait! In spite of the urgency of the disciples' mission, everything was on hold until Jesus poured out the promised Holy Spirit.

No matter how well we think we may be ready to do great things for God, we must also remember that we are not ready to begin without the power of the Holy Spirit!

The Chief end of all Prayer

John 14:13

And I will do whatever you ask  in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

Revelation 4:11

“You are worthy, our Lord and God,
 to receive glory and honor and power,
 for you created all things,
 and by your will they were created
 and have their being.”

1 Corinthians 12:14

Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. —

The human body is an amazing collection of parts, members, vital organs, systems, and interdependent structures. When the body is healthy and these different elements of the body work in concert with one another, the human body can do amazing things. The same is true with the Body of Christ! As long as we do our part and offer it for the good of the whole, Christ can do amazing things through us!

Holy Things in Scripture – 3

. Offerings –

Leviticus 2:3

The rest of the grain offering belongs to Aaron and his sons;  it is a most holy  part of the f
od offerings presented to the Lord.

. Coat –

Leviticus 16:4

He is to put on the sacred linen tunic,  with linen undergarments next to his body; he is to tie the linen sash around him and put on the linen turban.  These are sacred garments;  so he must bathe himself with water  before he puts them on.
. Sanctuary –
Leviticus 16:33
and make atonement for the Most Holy Place, for the tent of meeting and the altar, and for the priests and all the members of the community

. God –

Leviticus 19:2

Speak to the entire assembly of Israel  and say to them: ‘Be holy because I, the Lord your God,  am holy.

. Fruit –

Leviticus 19:24

In the fourth year all its fruit will be holy,  an offering of praise to the Lord

. Name –

Leviticus 20:3

I myself will set my face against him and will cut him off from his people;  for by sacrificing his children to Molek, he has defiled  my sanctuary  and profaned my holy name.

. Priest –

Leviticus 21:6

They must be holy to their God  and must not profane the name of their God.  Because they present the food offerings to the Lord,  the food of their God,  they are to be holy.

Judah’s ruin and weakness

Lamentation 1:12

“Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by?
 Look around and see.
 Is any suffering like my suffering
 that was inflicted on me,
 that the Lord brought on me
 in the day of his fierce anger?

Lamentation 2:9

Her gates  have sunk into the ground;
 their bars  he has broken and destroyed.
 Her king and her princes are exiled  among the nations,
 the law  is no more,
 and her prophets  no longer find
 visions  from the Lord.

Lamentation 5:1

Remember, Lord, what has happened to us;
 look, and see our disgrace.

Acts 15:16

After this I will return
 and rebuild David’s fallen tent.
 Its ruins I will rebuild,
 and I will restore it,

Evangelism 

"No one is a firmer believer in the power of prayer than the devil; not that he practices it, but he suffers from it." -Guy H. King

Edwin Elisha James

Edwin Elisha James
An Evangelist.

Edwin James is an evangelist and the son of Late. Rev. Elisha James, who served the Lord for 42 years in the capacity of Pastor, Lecturer in the Seminary and District Superintendent..

Over the years Edwin has grown with the Lord and his commitment to preach wherever the Lord leads him has fructified in bringing hundreds of souls to the Lord. His efforts have taken him over many locations worldwide especially USA and Korea.

In India, he is an active member of the Church, regularly preaching where he is invited and attends conferences both nationally and internationally.

As our Lord leads, those who are interested to invite him anywhere to share God’s Word for God’s people anywhere, (Specially now as the Lent is approaching) may kindly contact him on his mailing address:     edwinjames44@gmail.com

Holy Things in Scripture – 2

. Convocation –

Exodus 12:16

On the first day hold a sacred assembly, and another one on the seventh day. Do no work  at all on these days, except to prepare food for everyone to eat; that is all you may do.

. Things –

Exodus 28:28

The rings of the breastpiece are to be tied to the rings of the ephod with blue cord, connecting it to the waistband, so that the breastpiece will not swing out from the ephod.

. Crown –

Exodus 29:6

the turban  on his head and attach the sacred emblem  to the turban.

. Oil –

Exodus 30:25

Make these into a sacred anointing oil, a fragrant blend, the work of a perfumer.  It will be the sacred anointing oil.

. Altar –

Exodus 29:37

For seven days make atonement for the altar and consecrate it. Then the altar will be most holy, and whatever touches it will be holy.

. Day –

Exodus 35:2

For six days, work is to be done, but the seventh day shall be your holy day, a day of sabbath  rest to the Lord. Whoever does any work on it is to be put to death.

. Worshippers –

Exodus 29:37

seven days make atonement for the altar and consecrate it. Then the altar will be most holy, and whatever touches it will be holy.

[Message No: 6003]

Holy Things in Scripture – 1

. Ground –

Exodus 3:5

“Do not come any closer,”  God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.”

. Nation –

Exodus 19:6

you will be for me a kingdom of priests  and a holy nation.’  These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.”

. Sabbath –

Exodus 16:23

He said to them, “This is what the Lord commanded: ‘Tomorrow is to be a day of sabbath rest, a holy sabbath  to the Lord. So bake what you want to bake and boil what you want to boil. Save whatever is left and keep it until morning.’”

. Men –

Exodus 22:31

“You are to be my holy people. So do not eat the meat of an animal torn by wild beasts; throw it to the dogs.

. Place –

Exodus 26:33

Hang the curtain from the clasps and place the ark of the covenant law behind the curtain. The curtain will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place

. Garments

Exodus 28:22

“For the breast piece make braided chains of pure gold, like a rope

. Gifts –

Exodus 28:38

It will be on Aaron’s forehead, and he will bear the guilt involved in the sacred gifts the Israelites consecrate, whatever their gifts may be. It will be on Aaron’s forehead continually so that they will be acceptable to the Lord.

Message No: 6002]

Answers John’s Disciples

Mark 2:18-20

Now John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting.  Some people came and asked Jesus, “How is it that John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees are fasting, but yours are not?”
    Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? They cannot, so long as they have him with them.   But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them,  and on that day they will fast.

Luke 5:33-35

But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them;  in those days they will fast.”
    He told them this parable: “No one tears a piece out of a new garment to patch an old one. Otherwise, they will have torn the new garment, and the patch from the new will not match the old.   And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the new wine will burst the skins; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined.   No, new wine must be poured into new wineskins.

Questions in 1 Kings

. What wouldst thou? – 1:16

. Hast thou said, Adonijah reign? – 1:13

. Has thou said, Adonijah shall reign after me,  and he sit upon my throne? – 1:24

. Is this thing done by my lord the King, and thou hast not showed it unto thy servant, who should sit on the throne of my lord the king after him? – 1:27

Quote

. Christians, above all others, are people of the long view, the long purpose, and the long plan.  They plan how to live today, how to live tomorrow, how to live forever.  And they plan this for all people, for they have not only the long view, they have also the wide view.  They think in terms of the world as a whole. -

E. Stanley Jones

[Message No: 5998]

Ways false prophets are known - 3

By Professing to do, not doing the will of God 

Matthew 5:20

For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.

Read Matthew 23:1-33

By Their Destiny

Matthew 25:41

Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels:

Matthew 25:46

And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

2 Corinthians 11:13-15

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.

Revelation 19:20

Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone.

Revelation 20:10-15

The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.
      The Great White Throne Judgment
     Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.

[Message No: 5995]

Return to Capernaum: Heals palsied man

Mark 2:1

And again He entered Capernaum after some days, and it was heard that He was in the house.

Luke 5:17

Now it happened on a certain day, as He was teaching, that there were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting by, who had come out of every town of Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was present to heal them.

John 2:12

After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples; and there they abode not many days.

Questions in Revelation

. Who is worthy to open the Book, and to lose the seals thereof? – 5:2

. How long, O Lord, do you not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? – 6:10

Answers the Pharisees

Mark 2:15-17

And it came to pass, that he was sitting at meat in his house, and many publicans and sinners sat down with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him. And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with the sinners and publicans, said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners? And when Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of a physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners

Luke 5:30-32

But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect  complained to his disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”

    Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.   I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

[Message No: 5997]

Ways false prophets are known - 2

By Satanic Backing 

Matthew 24:24

For false Christ’s and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.

Acts 8:9-13

But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great, to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the great power of God.” And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time.

But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done.

2 Corinthians 11:13-15

 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.

2 Thessalonians 2:8-12

 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Revelation 16:13-16

And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.

   “Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.”

   And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon.

Revelation 19:20

Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone

Read - Acts 13:6-13, Acts 16:16-24 & Revelation 13:1-18

[Message No: 5994]

My only Hope

Lord, there is none beside thee to help. (2 Chronicles 14:11,).

Remind God of His entire responsibility. "There is none beside thee to help." The odds against Asa were enormous. There was a million of men in arms against him, besides three hundred chariots. It seemed impossible to hold his own against that vast multitude. There were no allies who would come to his help; his only hope, therefore, was in God.

It may be that your difficulties have been allowed to come to so alarming a pitch that you may be compelled to renounce all creature aid, to which in lesser trials you have had recourse, and cast yourself back on your Almighty Friend.

Put God between yourself and the foe.

Questions in 1 John

. Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? – 2:22

. And wherefore slew he him? – 3:12

Showers of Blessing

I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing (Ezekiel 34:26).

What is your season today? Are you experiencing a season of drought? If so then it is the season for showers. Are you going through a season of great heaviness with dark clouds? Then that too is the season for showers. "Your strength will equal your days" (Deut. 33:25). "I will send... showers of blessing." Notice that the word 'showers' is plural.

God will send all kinds of blessings. And all His blessings go together like links in a golden chain. If He gives you saving grace, He will also give you comforting grace. God will send "showers of blessings." Look up today, you who are dried and withered plants. Open your leaves and flowers and receive God's heavenly watering.

Let but your heart become a valley low,
And God will rain on it till it will overflow.

[Message No: 5996]

Ways false prophets are known - 1

By outward general conduct 

Matthew 5:20

For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.

2 Timothy 3:5

having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!

Read Matthew 6:1-24 & Matthew 23:1-23

By the kind of fruit in works produced 

2 Corinthians 11:13-15

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.

Philippians 1:15-17

Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel.

Philippians 3:3

we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh,

Philippians 3:17-19

Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things.

Read: Matthew 23:1-24

[Message No: 5993]

Persistent Prayer

Urgent persistent prayer involves your whole soul being. It is a mighty movement of your whole soul toward God.

"You will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me  with all your heart,I will be found by you " - Jer.29:12-14.

Bounds said, "Heaven is too busy to listen to half-hearted prayers". God cannot tolerate lukewarmness. Prayer finds flame. It is the fiery intercessors who conquer. Desire is the flame within; intercession is the flame leaping out to God.

Daily Bible Promises . 

John 3:3

. Jesus replied, "Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again."

. 2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

Quotes

. Praying is no easy matter.  It demands a relationship in which you allow someone other than yourself to enter into the very center of your being, and to see there what you would rather leave in darkness, to touch there what you would rather leave untouched. - Henri Nouwen

. The Lord will either calm your storm or allow it to rage while He calms you.
Unknown

Hebrews 12:25

See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven?

With the gift of Jesus comes an awesome responsibility: we must listen, follow, and honor him! If God demanded that his people obey his lesser messengers who were prophets or kings, what do you think the responsibility is for us to listen when he has emptied heaven of his Son's glory so that it might shine on us?

[Message No: 5992]

As He was And as He was - 2

. As He is – Revelation 1:15

His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters;

As He was – Luke24:39

Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.”

. As He is – Revelation 1:15

His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters;

As He was – John 19:33

But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs.

. As He is – Revelation 1:16

He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength.

As He was – Psalm 22:6

But I am a worm, and no man;
 A reproach of men, and despised by the people.

. As He is – 1 John 3:2

Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.

As He was – Isaiah 53:1

has believed our report?
   And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?

. As He is – Revelation 1:6

and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

As He was – Isaiah 52:14

Just as many were astonished at you,
 So His visage was marred more than any man,
 And His form more than the sons of men;

[Message No: 5988]

Find Refuge

  “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” - Psalm 91:1-2

As we enter a new year, we realize that last year is history and the coming year is a mystery. We do not know what the coming year will bring. We live in turbulent times — politically, morally, financially, and socially. Only God knows what the new year will bring. That is why we must stick courageously with Jesus and His word.
When we dwell with Him and on Him and allow ourselves to draw near to Him, we can rest in His shadow. We can rest with Him near because He is our refuge and our fortress, our hiding place, our protection, and our defence. He is our God, in whom we trust.

In this world there will always be trouble, but Jesus said, “… take heart, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

As we face the year ahead, may we have the patience of Job, the wisdom of Solomon, and the courage to stand by our Christian convictions.

DROPPING TO MY KNEES

Father, thank You that we can come to You in prayer anytime, day or night, whether on our knees, on our chairs, on our beds, or walking throughout this magnificent world You’ve created for us. I pray that You would speak to our hearts today about how our prayer lives can be more effective and how we can have richer conversations with You.

Speak to our hearts in a way that only You can do, guiding us in the best next steps we can take to grow in our faith, to grow in our devotion to You, and to touch the lives of others through prayer. We ask this all in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Quotes

. Obedience is the road to freedom, humility the road to pleasure, unity the road to personality. - C. S. Lewis

. Our critics are the unpaid guardians of our souls. - Corrie ten Boom

[Message No: 5991]

Psalm 90:2

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. —

So often we look up and time has passed us by. The things we promised ourselves we'd accomplish and the deeds we told others we'd do get left undone. Before we know it, days have become weeks, and weeks months, and months years. We find ourselves unable to do what we once assumed we could do any time we want.

We must ask the Spirit of God to help us see and seize the opportunities the LORD places in our path.

Waiting for God’s help?

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;

And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.

 When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,

 Nor shall the flame scorch you.” – Isaiah 43:2

God does not open paths for us in advance of our coming. He does not promise help before help is needed. He does not remove obstacles out of our way before we reach them.

Yet when we are on the edge of our need, God's hand is stretched out.

Micah 6:8

He [God] has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. —

God's desires for us are not hard to discern. He wants to bless us with salvation. The incredible gift of his Son is powerful testimony to this truth. Yet salvation from sin and death is not something he wants to happen in our lives just once.

He wants our lives to daily reflect his salvation and to share it with others. When we act justly, pursue mercy in our relationships, and honor him with our worship from a humble heart then God's salvation becomes real in our lives and impacts others with his grace.
In the language of Jesus, we work for God's kingdom to come and will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

[Message No: 5990]

As He was And as He was - 1

. As He is – Revelation 2:1

“To the angel of the church of Ephesus write,

  ‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands

As He was – John 19:18

where they crucified Him, and two others with Him, one on either side, and Jesus in the center.

. As He is – Revelation 1:13

and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band.

As He was – John 14:4

and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band.

. As He is – Revelation 1:13

and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band.

As He was – John 19:23

Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His garments and made four parts, to each soldier a part, and also the tunic. Now the tunic was without seam, woven from the top in one piece.

. As He is – Revelation 1:14

His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire;

As He was – John 19:2

And the soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and they put on Him a purple robe.

. As He is – Revelation 1:14

His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire;

As He was – John 19:30

So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.

[Message No: 5987]

The Promise of Guidance

  “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path.” Proverbs 3: 5 & 6

January is a time when we look ahead and plan into a new year. Sometimes the way is exciting and clear. Other times it may be foggy and uncertain.

God’s word gives us sure footing as we stand on the threshold of a new day. Every single morning His call to us is to trust Him with our day. He will direct our paths one step at a time.

These verses go on to encourage us not to be wise in our own eyes and to walk in ways pleasing to God. The promise of this kind of trust even aids our health as confidence in God will even reduce our stress.

Acknowledging Him in every step and every decision is a wise way to live.

New Year – Kingdom People

John 3:3

In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." —

"Fast away the old year passes..." But we can be new and fresh and clean (cf. 2 Cor. 4:17). Kingdom people are those who have been born fresh and new through the power of the Spirit and the grace of God (cf. John 3:3-7; Titus 3:3-7; John 1:11).

So as we close out the old year, with its good things and bad, achievements and failures, successes and disappointments, let's approach the New Year as Kingdom people. God's mercies are new every morning and our lives can be made new everyday by the Holy Spirit who lives in us. Yes, we have been born again. But each sunrise offers us the opportunity to be made new, to live in a fresh new way, as God's grace rekindles our hopes and the Holy Spirit makes us new as we trust in Jesus our Lord.

Prayer

. Holy and Righteous Father, I know that you have declared me righteous and holy because of Jesus' sacrifice. Now I ask that you help me live up to what you have declared me to be. Through your Holy Spirit's indwelling, please fill me with your love and drive out anything unclean, evil, or rancid that dwells in my heart. Thank you. In Jesus' name. Amen.
[Message No: 5989]

Two Ways or The Contrast - 3

The reference to be read opposite each other:

.. Romans 1:1 & Acts 8:3

Romans 1:1

Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God

Acts 8:3

As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison.

.. Matthew 7:14 & Matthew 7:13

Matthew 7:14

Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

Matthew 7:13

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.

.. Daniel 6:3-4 & 1 Kings 15:30-33

Daniel 6:3-4

Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm. So the governors and satraps sought to find some charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful; nor was there any error or fault found in him.

1 Kings 15:30-33

because of the sins of Jeroboam, which he had sinned and by which he had made Israel sin, because of his provocation with which he had provoked the Lord God of Israel to anger.

   Now the rest of the acts of Nadab, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel? And there was war between Asa and Baasha king of Israel all their days.

      Baasha Reigns in Israel
     In the third year of Asa king of Judah, Baasha the son of Ahijah became king over all Israel in Tirzah, and reigned twenty-four years. He did evil in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the way of Jeroboam, and in his sin by which he had made Israel sin.

[Message No: 5977]

God’s Abundant Thing

Abundant Mercy – For the Lost –

1 Peter 1:3

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

Abundant Grace – For the Needy –

1 Tim. 1:14

And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.
Abundant Pardon – For the Guilty –

Isaiah 55:7

Let the wicked forsake his way,
 And the unrighteous man his thoughts;
 Let him return to the Lord,
 And He will have mercy on him;
 And to our God,
 For He will abundantly pardon.

Abundant Life – For the Dead –

John 10:10

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.

Abundant Power – For the Weak –

Ephesians 3:20

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,

Abundant Peace – For the Troubled –

Psalm 37:11

But the meek shall inherit the earth,
 And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

Abundant Joy - For the Sad –

Philippians 1:26

that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again.

[Message No: 5986]

Two Ways or The Contrast - 2

The reference to be read opposite each other:

.. Romans 5:1-2 & Isaiah 57:20-21

Romans 5:1-2

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Isaiah 57:20-21

But the wicked are like the troubled sea,
 When it cannot rest,
 Whose waters cast up mire and dirt.
  “There is no peace,”
 Says my God, “for the wicked.”

.. Romans 8:1 & Romans 8:5-8

Romans 8:1

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit

Romans 8:5-8

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

.. John 10:9 & John 10:1

John 10:9

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

John 10:1

Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

{Message No: 5976}