Why Should I Start a Bible School?

Why Should I Start a Bible School?.

Grace to live Holy and Happy!

Grace Leads to Holiness!

As we seek first Jesus again this morning, and commit to our yearly Bible reading plans, this thought is impressed upon my mind: Holiness!

Grace is simply God’s power towards us to do what we cannot do.

He wants us to be holy, like Jesus in this world!

Holiness, purity, integrity – almost forgotten word in today’s society, but the very nature and character of God.

Titus 2:11 For the grace of God (His unmerited favor and blessing) has come forward (appeared) for the deliverance from sin and the eternal salvation for all mankind.

12 It has trained us to reject and renounce all ungodliness (irreligion) and worldly (passionate) desires, to live discreet (temperate, self-controlled), upright, devout (spiritually whole) lives in this present world,

I like the way the King Jimmy translation says these verses:

Titus 2:11-12 (KJV)

¹¹ For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

¹² Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

So, grace from heaven, comes in the form of the HOLY Spirit, and teaches us….

What does He teach us?

To deny ungodliness and worldly lusts – to live soberly, righteously, and godly – where? In heaven?

Surely we will live holy there, but this verse is plain. Grace teaches us to live holy here, in this war-torn, broken world…no small task!

2 Timothy 1:9

[For it is He] Who delivered and saved us and called us with a calling in itself holy and leading to holiness [to a life of consecration, a vocation of holiness]; [He did it] not because of anything of merit that we have done, but because of and to further His own purpose and grace (unmerited favor) which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began [eternal ages ago].

Well, there you have it – true grace leads to true holiness (and, I might add, is the only path to actually get there).

I long to live a pure, holy life, full of love, laughter, peace, where we honestly treat others right from a pure heart – holiness is what this world needs.

He is determined to make us into the image of Jesus: Rom 8:29 CEV

and he has always known who his chosen ones would be. He had decided to let them become like his own Son, so that his Son would be the first of many children…

I remember reading a quote from Lincoln that has stayed with me over the years:

‘The test of a man’s character is not adversity as many would suggest, for many a good man has made it through a hard time, rather, give that man a little authority, and some money in his pocket, and then see how he treats his fellow man!”

Truly, poverty may reveal sin, but can also reveal eternal character!

God has decided to allow us to rise from the muck and the mire of the human experience, and become the people of honor both heaven and earth long for!

This is the true grace of God, the power to live a holy life!

May this be our desire and pursuit today!

Let’s Pray:

Father, work in us to will and to do of Your good pleasure. Cause us to love purity and holiness, and hate sin. Grant us grace to deny ungodliness, rejecting and and renouncing all that is not like You, Your love, Your presence, Your holiness, Your purity. All that will not enter heaven. Do this today, and every day I pray. I ask, knowing I am heard, for I ask in Your name Lord Jesus! Amen!

Prayer Requests: If you or your family need specific prayer for anything, please send us a prayer request. We as a family will pray for you today, and if you would, please let us know the wonderful ways God answers. This is a great encouragement to us. https://chrisaomministries.com/2016/08/06/the-purpose-of-this-blog/

Giving: For God so loved the world that He gave….

For God so loved the world, that He gave…

 

As I read my  Bible I read: Ex 35: ²¹ All whose hearts were stirred and whose spirits were moved came and brought their sacred offerings to the Lord.

Looks a lot like: 2 Corinthians 9:7

So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.

God is the giver of all life! His nature is to give! As we walk with Him, we discover the joy in giving, but notice in these verse this one thing:

In each case God stirred the heart of the person to give!

God knows how to take up an offering, and who He can stir to pay His bills.

For those of us called into full-time ministry, that takes all the pressure off of people, and puts it where it rightfully belongs: on His exceedingly great and precious promises.

He cannot lie, and He cannot fail, and He is well able to stir the hearts of those He has called to support us in our vision and mandate.

Our job is to remain holy, so that their offerings will be like this verse calls them: ‘sacred offerings’ unto the Lord.

Where do I give? Who do I give to?

Hebrews 7:8

Here mortal men receive tithes, but there he receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives.

I believe the correct answer to that question is not merely who, what and where, but according to this verse: HOW I give.

I must give in faith. Sure, mortal men receive tithes, but when I give, Jesus, the high priest of my confession, personally receives them as part of my worship, and then He acts in my life, bearing witness that He has risen from the dead: He LIVES!

So, Jesus is Lord, and He speaks whomsoever He will, where to give, who to give to there, and then looks to see HOW we give, with a good heart, a heart of thanksgiving and worship unto Him.

Put a smile on Jesus face today. Do like He does, give!

There is joy and purpose in it, and He loves to get actively involved with us in our prosperity, as we give.

Worship!

Let’s Pray:

‘Father, show me what to give, where, to whom, today. May I worship you in this, giving glory and testimony to the fact that Jesus LIVES, He is risen from the dead, and He reigns! Amen”

https://chrisaomministries.com/2016/08/06/the-purpose-of-this-blog/

Rivers of Life – Fruit in Season!

https://www.cnet.com/news/beautiful-tree-grows-over-40-kinds-of-fruit/

John 7:38

Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”

This tree reminds me of growing, seasoned leadership.

How many rivers will flow out of us?

Depends how many we put in!

We can grow in leadership, ministries of compassion, teaching, healing, counselling, financial stewardship, prophetic, prayer, worship, working with children, youth, missions, evangelism, disciplining leaders, and on it goes.

In each case, we know nothing, the Lord tells us to do it, and we begin to read, network with others in that area, learn, apply and grow in a particular area, and as we do, we begin to bear fruit in that area!

How much fruit?

What kind of fruit?

Well, that all depends upon what we put into our hearts…. Take time to grow today, graft another branch on to your living tree of Jesus life flowing through you, then raise up an orchard of multi-fruited trees!

2 Timothy 2:15 [Full Chapter]

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

We have been grafted into the true vine, Jesus the Christ, and as we abide in Him, the sap, that is Holy Spirit flows through us to bear much fruit for the kingdom of God.

2 Corinthians 5:17 (Amp)

Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings a new life]

Let’s Pray:

‘Father, bring resources into my life, to graft additional fruit producing ministries into my life, and help me to recognize these, and take time to study and apply them to my life, in Your name I pray Lord Jesus, Amen’

https://chrisaomministries.com/2016/08/06/the-purpose-of-this-blog/

The Press and the Process – NO COMPROMISE!

The Press!

Sometimes in life, you just gotta go for it! Been thinking about this particular season of transition in my life, as I have gone from being a moving and shaking businessman as a contractor, to becoming more and more obedient to the heavenly call in full time missions these past years, to now, carefully balancing construction as a part time superintendent, to staying aggressively in the face of God to maintain my place in the office and the call….

‘As the things of earth, grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace’ the song goes..

The years of brutally hard work, and then before that the grueling schedule needed to survive my college degree, while maintaining national level fitness in the sport of triathlon, have come back to remind me, that the disciplines that must be in place, to be a champion.

Knowing my passion and drive, I have learned that I must come under the tight rein of the Holy Spirit, desperate for His presence, His voice, His leading, or the self imposed disciplines I would apply to myself, would bury me.

Yet, when we determine to settle for nothing other than the high calling of God in Christ Jesus, without compromise, and hunger for truth, and power with God, seems about every human relationship feels the test of the call.

In the natural, I have given it all. There is no financial seed left to give…in order to merely live each day, Jesus HAS to provide, there is no plan B.

And day by day, challenge by challenge, He has proved Himself faithful.

Has it been brutal? Yes!

Has it been rewarding?

To see the nations changed in prayer, the multitudes moved through my intercession, the experience the radical intimacy and fulfillment that only He can give, I must say, ‘YES!”.

Though I have nothing financially left, I get alone with Him, having stood upon His promises, and I look at the stars in the heavens…He made them!

He will reward this particular stand of faith, and He will not only restore everything I have given, and given up for Him, but will multiply it, and prosper me with not merely heavenly riches, but I will see wealth, and prosperity again, here, in the earth, in my life, supernaturally, by His hand.

To say I have been misunderstood, criticized, etc, would be an understatement, but I am consumed with One who totally satisfies, and I find myself loving people more and more, yes caring less and less whether they love back, or understand…

His voice, His presence, His Word come alive, are more than enough….

Certain things though, are only ‘as He wills..’

His timings, His gifts of the Holy Spirit, His appointments into public ministries, and His financial provisions and breakthroughs, we believe we receive them, and fight for them in faith, daily, yet, if the day ends, and it has not happened yet, then we roll the care of it over upon Him, and deliberately trust that He is faithful, that which He has spoken, that which we have believed we received, will surely come to pass.

In moments of weakness, I have heard Him say, ‘Are you still willing?’, and repeatedly, I have said, ‘Yes, Lord, strengthen, equip me to the responsibility before me, give me grace to survive the brutality of the savage unbelief, and contest of wills around me…;

Some days, I reread, Heb 5:7  Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;

The brutality, the attempted tyranny of the ungodly expectations of people, who are not hearing, seeing, experiencing what is screaming inside of you…

I understand the heart of Paul, when he exclaimed…

Ac 26:19  Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:

Hab 2:3  For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

I am not a Calvinist, believing in the great sovereignty of God, like we are some fluff in the wind of the cosmos.

No, I am a son of my heavenly Father, and a man of faith, passion, authority, passionately standing upon His promises, that He must fulfill, for He cannot lie.

What does faith look like though, when each day, as you believe, that which you have prayed for most definitely does not come to pass? When it feels like the heavens are brass, and that our faith confessions seem to hit some kind of metal dome over our heads, unheard by God?

In our anguish of soul, comes the comforter, the great One in the earth, the breath and voice of God, and He brings words of encouragement, that nothing on this earth can compare to…

Simple words, like ‘Child, I love you, and I hear your heart, your quietest whispers in the night, and I am with you, and am bringing to pass that which you have believed, for did I not promise and commission these things to you?’

Simple comforts like: ‘You have done my perfect will today!”

These keep me going, like Joseph:

Ps 105:19  Until the time that his word came: the word of the LORD tried him.

There is a timing of a thing, and until that appointed time, I am aggressively reading, praying in tongues, after doing my faith confessions for the day, for I must keep my faith fed, strong, and I must fill my soul with good teaching, to grow, to press, to feed the raging hungers inside my heart!

Ps 17:3  Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.

I fight to keep my words right, for this is the way of perfection, holiness, and as I allow the Word to grow and work deeper and deeper in my heart, this becomes easier and easier, for as my deepest desires are changed, as He takes His knife to my fears, my filth, my stinking thinking, a practical purity emerges. I don’t have to rigidly watch my confessions as much, for out of my transformed heart, my mouth speaks, and good things come out…

Ps 18:30  As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.

I trust in Him. He has spoken. I am sorely tried, but after it is all done, I shall be that vessal of honor described in the Word, purged, and fully fit for the Masters use…

Passionate love is worth the pursuit….

God is love….

Let’s pray:

‘Father, I know You, and I hear Your voice. May I not shrink back, or give up, but bring you great glory, in believing. Strengthen me to fully obey, without compromise or reservation, exactly what You have shown me. Comfort me daily, and equip me, for the responsibility of the call, in Your name I pray Lord Jesus.Amen’

Revival begins with me!

Praying in Tongues Makes Pure Hearts…

Mat_5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

Proverbs 20:27 The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord, searching all the inward parts of the belly.

As we pray in tongues, our very spirit, cries out to God, in His language. Our deepest thoughts of heart, expressed perfectly to Him, in a language that our minds don’t understand, but that exactly speaks our deepest desires….

Romans 8:26 (EXB)

²⁶ ·Also [or In the same way], the Spirit helps us ·with [or in] our weakness. We do not know ·how to pray as we should [or what we ought to pray for]. But the Spirit himself ·speaks to God for us [intercedes] with ·deep feelings [^Lgroanings] ·that words cannot explain [or that are inexpressible; or that are unspoken; or too deep for words].

As we have been aggressively seeking God here in Tulsa, pressing into Him, praying in the Holy Spirit and seeking His face, I have noticed a wonderful dynamic happening.

In me, Holy Spirit is revealing insecurities and ‘stinking thinking’, and as I confess it to Him, He is changing, transforming me, to become more like Jesus, a better man.

Yet, as I have surveyed the spiritual landscape, I have seen folks ‘blowing up’ in anger, relationships severed or strained, and intense conflicts erupting. So, I asked God what is going on.

Initially, I thought it was all of the devil, a counterattack from the aggressive press we are in in prayer, to turn America and nations back to Jesus, and I am sure that there is some of that occurring, but the Lord showed me something deeper and more profound occurring.

Seems that He Himself, was gently knocking on peoples hearts, Christians that loved Him, but who, like me, had insecurities, secret sins, trauma, and deep core pain issues in their soulical realm.

As we have pressed in, our human spirits have been empowered by the Holy Spirit, and the first word of His name, is Holy!

Psa_23:3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

He has begun to gently love out some deep hurts and traumas in peoples lives, and as He has come knocking, first gently, now with greater and greater insist-ency and power, and folks have gone off.

The searing pain of His love, too savage to handle, people withdrawing or throwing up defenses of anger, in order to avoid His surgical knife applied to our hearts.

He is not going to stop! Too many of us have prayed too great of a price, to allow old wineskins, and religious constructs, learned behaviors to hinder what must be done.

Luke 20:18

Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.

It is time to fall upon the stone and become broken weeping puddles before Him, allowing the depths of His love, and fire to burn away our bitterness, betrayals, pain, pride, self-righteousness, perversions, lusts, rage, and ungodly control, letting Him truly be Lord of our lives, our families, and our church.

Psalm 139:23-24  (KJV)

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:

24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

One definition of wicked comes from the root noun,
wick¹

[wik]

Spell Syllables

noun

1. a bundle or loose twist or braid of soft threads, or a woven strip ortube, as of cotton or asbestos, which in a candle, lamp, oil stove,cigarette lighter, or the like, serves to draw up the melted tallow orwax or the oil or other flammable liquid to be burned.

verb (used with object)

2. to draw off (liquid) by capillary action.
http://www.dictionary.com/browse/wicked

The sense then, of ‘wicked’ is ‘to be braided with evil’.

Through original sin, we are all fallen creatures, dead in our sins.

Yet, we have become new in Jesus, born-again, righteous children of the king!

Yet, this is in our spirit – our soul now has become the battlefield, where our mind, will and emotions would struggle to keep us living in our old nature. This part of us, must become renewed, transformed, by the Holy Spirit and the Word of God, as He carefully ‘unbraids’ our wicked motives and thought patterns and gives us new life.

This must be the cry of our hearts, to be Holy, and when He answers, we must allow Him to forgive, cleanse, and unravel the twisted cords our wicked ways have made our lives become.

Jacob, the deceiver, supplanter, con man, cried out to God, and after wrestling with an angel, became Israel, prince with God and man, the man of honor he was created to be.

This, is true revival. No more games with God, but deep brokenness, humility, and cleansing of heart, that brings His presence and glory into the earth, through us.

Let’s Pray:

‘Father, I hunger and thirst for what only You can give, not mere positional holiness through Jesus blood, but true purity of heart, motive, restoration of my soul, in the depths and core of my being. Break through every wall I have set up in my heart against You, truth, and cleanse me from my wicked ways, my deepest pains, my sickest secrets, that I might be the vessal of honor you have called me to be, fit for Your use Lord Jesus, Amen’

AMBASSADORS! By His Grace!

Ambassadors!

2 Cor 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.

am•bas•sa•dor ( m-b s -d r, -dôr )

n.

1. A diplomatic official of the highest rank appointed and accredited as representative in residence by one government or sovereign to another, usually for a specific length of time.

2. A diplomatic official heading his or her country’s permanent mission to certain international organizations, such as the United Nations.

3. An authorized messenger or representative.

4. An unofficial representative: ambassadors of goodwill.

We are ambassadors for Christ, diplomatic officials of the highest rank appointed and accredited as representatives in residence by one government or sovereign to another, and our term is for life. Wherever He sends us, for however long a time period, we are citizens of heaven, sent to represent the government of heaven, the kingdom rule and reign of God, into this generation, by Jesus Christ, king of Kings, and Lord of Lords, Himself.

Our job description is clearly defined in the book, we are to speak His Words, implement his operational procedures, and conduct ourselves as royal dignitaries of love, into whatever culture He sends us. We represent HEAVEN! The government of God. We are not to do our own agenda, nor speak our own words, but as sent ones, we speak the Word of God, declaring His decrees, and He backs up His Word with His power and authority.

High honor and privilege! Holiness of heart and life required, for we represent the great King of all the universe!

Our job, is to reconcile people to God, loving them to life, gently living, and teaching them them the whole counsel of God, until they grow in grace to the point, where they see that the love, understanding, training, equipping, and vision they have received, is the answer to this world, and they, begin to Go, and love and instruct people in the name of Jesus.

Paul considered himself Christ’s ambassador. What is an ambassador? He is an authorized representative of a sovereign. He speaks not in his own name but on behalf of the ruler whose deputy he is, and his whole duty and responsibility is to interpret that ruler’s mind faithfully to those to whom he is sent.

Paul used this “ambassador” image twice — both in connection with his evangelistic work. Pray for me, he wrote from prison, “that utterance may be given me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak” (Eph. 6:18-20). He wrote also that God “gave us the ministry of reconciliation…So we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We beseech you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:18-20).

Paul called himself an ambassador because he knew that when he proclaimed the gospel facts and promises and urged sinners to receive the reconciliation effected at Calvary, he was declaring Christ’s message to the world. The figure of ambassadorship highlights the authority Paul had, as representing his Lord, as long as he remained faithful to the terms of his commission and said neither less nor more than he had been given to say.

James Packer, Your Father Loves You, Harold Shaw Publishers, 1986.

Let’s pray:

“Father, thank you for loving me, and showing me Your plan for my life. Now, I take my place in your gift and calling, determined to Go where you ask me to go, and stay where you ask me to stay. Show me how to unlock Your gifts, potential and destiny in others, as I walk in your authority, grace, and recognition, that you are indeed king of the universe, making me a servent of the most high God….”

Shout Unto God With A Voice of Triumph!

The Shout of a King!

Num_23:21 He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel: the LORD his God is with him, and the shout of a king is among them.

2Ch 13:14 And when Judah looked back, behold, the battle was before and behind: and they cried unto the LORD, and the priests sounded with the trumpets.

2Ch 13:15 Then the men of Judah gave a shout: and as the men of Judah shouted, it came to pass, that God smote Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah.

2Ch 13:18 Thus the children of Israel were brought under at that time, and the children of Judah prevailed, because they relied upon the LORD God of their fathers.

In this account, we read how the kingdom of Israel was divided into the camps of Judah, under the leadership of king Abijah, and Israel being lead by Jeroboam. Abijah, set the house of the Lord in order, and served the Lord, according the manner prescribed in the Word of God. Jeroboam, did not.

So, there was war between them.

Yet, even as the battle lines were drawn, Abijah tried to convince Jeroboam to go home, because God was not with him in the battle. Yet Jeroboam attacked, in what appeared to be a great strategy, surrounding the army of Abijah, and attacking from the rear, in ambush. Yet he did not count the words of Abijah…for the shout of a king was among them!

They blew the trumpets and shouted unto God in the battle, and God delivered them, and the children of Judah saw victory that day.

Remember Jericho? Here a good shouting song:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFb8LraKMMY

So I see in the earth today, a similar situation arising in the church of the Lord Jesus Christ.

There are those of us, pursuing Him, with all of our heart, mind, soul and strength, determined to hear His voice, align our lives with His Word, and to live for Him, daily, in spirit and in truth.

Yet, enemies have arisen in the land: here in America they come from the political system espousing abortion, same sex marriage, lies, treachery, and compromise with Islam.

Many Christians say that we are too radical, that we just need to accept that the political winds have changed, simply live and let live…while our enemies seek to attack all that is right, true, noble, honorable, loving, kind, and righteous in this nation.

Up from deep within me rises a SHOUT!

It is a shout of Holiness unto the Lord, the cry of the Victory of Jesus over all of our enemies.

Do I look like a fool in meetings where conventional wisdom requests things be done decently and in order?

Perhaps, but I feel like David facing Goliath, and hearing his many brothers, and I echo his words:

1Sa_17:29 And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?

There is a cause!

The cause of Christ demands a shout!

There is a fight of faith to be won, for the fate this nation, the United States of America, hangs in the balance, as we rise up in violent faith, to fight for her, from ‘enemies within, or tyranny without!’. The battle is fierce in prayer, but we must win it here, or the payment that sin always exacts will be paid upon the soils of this land, for the wages of sin, is death.

We will win this battle, this war, for God is with us, and He that marches with us, is mighty to save, deliver, and prevail against wicked spirits, and godless men that serve them….

So?

Get in your car, your bedroom, your backyard and shout unto God with a voice of triumph! Scream your passion, your frustration, your cry for deliverance unto Him, and watch, like Jericho, the walls of complacency, containment, apathy, fear, and religion crumble at YOUR feet, as Jesus, mighty warrior, arises to fight for YOU, His child…SHOUT!

Why Jerusalem? Why Israel?

Why Jerusalem? Why Israel?

Mic 4:1 But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it.

Mic 4:2 And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and 

the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

These are the last days. This is a prophetic word, given by God to the prophet Micah, for these times.

We are the nations, and we are to go, to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, to the city of the great King, Jerusalem, capital of the whole earth, city of our God. Jesus is Jewish, and this is His country, His home, His land! If we claim to love Him, we must love His homeland, His family, His people…

Our Christian conviction is that Christ is also the messiah of Israel. Certainly it is in the hands of God how and when the unification of Jews and Christians into the people of God will take place.

Pope Benedict XVI

The Word of the Lord shall be decreed from Jerusalem, and we will walk in His paths, Jesus the way and the waymaker, and Holy Spirit will teach, instruct, guide, and write the law of God on the fleshly tables of our hearts.

God has given eternal covenant to the Jewish people. Jesus, Yeshua, Son of God, is divine in that God, Creator of the Universe has given all people, all nations, and therefore is the Father of all who would believe, yet Mary, the one God chose to give birth to Messiah, is of the lineage of the House of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, from the house of David, making Yeshua, fulfillment of the covenant to the house of Israel, Messiah, Savior to all who would believe…

Do you have it in your heart to return to Israel? This is heaven tugging at your heartstrings, for these words, written thousands of years ago, must come to pass, for God is Holy. He cannot lie. When He has spoken, it must come to pass!

Let’s pray:

‘Father, next year in Jerusalem! Jesus, make a way for me, my family, my church to celebrate You in praise, adoration, and thanksgiving, in the land you call home. Amen!’

As I read my Bible I read:

Jesus? Are you the Messiah to the Jewish people?

John 10: 24 Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.

25 Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of me.

Interesting conversation here: Modern day paraphrase. “Jesus, are you really the awaited Messiah? Tell us straight up!”

“Yes, I am, I have already told you that I am the Messiah, but you refuse to believe what I have told you. If you will not believe what I am telling you, everywhere I go, my Father uses me to do mighty miracles to bear witness of who I am. If you will not believe what I say, believe the miracles!”

Bottom line: Jesus, God the Son, is the Messiah! We who were not born Jewish, have the incredible privilege of coming into relationship with the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, only because of the great mercy of Jesus. This should humble us, and make us wonderfully grateful today. I am so grateful to know God, personally, intimately, today! Thank you Jesus!

 

Ephesians 2:15

having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; that he might create in himself of the two one new man, so making peace;

 

When God Tests…

As I read this passage, I am reminded of the answers to prayer, God may give…

Mark 10:36 “What is your request?” he asked.

37 They replied, “When you sit on your glorious throne, we want to sit in places of honor next to you, one on your right and the other on your left.”

38 But Jesus said to them, “You don’t know what you are asking! Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of suffering I am about to drink? Are you able to be baptized with the baptism of suffering I must be baptized with?”

39 “Oh yes,” they replied, “we are able!”

Then Jesus told them, “You will indeed drink from my bitter cup and be baptized with my baptism of suffering.

I cried out to the Lord in my zeal: ‘Test me Lord!’ that I might be promoted, and of eternal worth in Your kingdom. Now, in my test, I have almost despaired even of life itself. Some days, the veil between heaven and earth is very slim, and heaven looks very attractive….Yet, I will live and not die, and declare the glory of God!

God can humble and test us at a level, we could not possibly know we needed….

Imagine this event, in context, if you will. God has led the children of Israel out of Egypt, parting the Red Sea, with great signs and wonders. Now, they find themselves dying of thirst in the middle of the desert. (Anyone who has ever worked in Arizona or New Mexico heat can relate). They find water, but it is poison…so they cry out to God (Good plan!), and He provides a way to cleanse and purify the water so that they can drink it.

Exodus 15:25

Then he cried out to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a tree; and he threw it into the waters, and the waters became sweet. There He made for them a statute and regulation, and there He tested them.

Psalm 17:3

You have tried my heart; You have visited me by night; You have tested me and You find nothing; I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress.

Ever had that happen? You day was insane!

You cry out to God for deliverance, and He, by His Holy Spirit, visits us in the night, and gives us understanding, and strength to endure…

He expects us to prevail, to pursue, and to walk out the process…

Psalm 105:19

Until the time that his word came to pass, The word of the Lord tested him.

Man or woman of God – STAND for what you know He has spoken!

Let’s pray:

‘Father, please bring strength, courage, special faith, and the confirmation and comfort of Holy Spirit to us in our test, as we purpose to fully obey you! I cry out, knowing my need, JESUS! Help me! Amen’