Posted by: dailywordofdestiny | June 30, 2014

RETURN TO ME!

“These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of My mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. …Yet I hold this against you; you have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place” (Revelation 3: 14-18; 2: 4, 5).

From the ancient past to this very day and hour, the LORD has inspired prophets and poets, and people just like you and me. At the heart of His every message to any one of us are these three words; “Return to Me”. We are living in times of widespread sin and sexual immorality. It is the popular opinion to be open-minded toward many types of sin, calling them “personal choices or alternative life-styles”. But when the body of believers begins to tolerate sin in their own lives or in the church as a whole, it is lowering the standards set before us in God’s holy Word. It absolutely discredits our witness of Christ! It is a sad day when the church takes a limited stand for God’s Biblical principles. Our corporate and apparent indifference to the evil around us is revealed in our inability to even see that there is sin within and without each of us. “My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken Me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water’ (Jeremiah 2: 13). As the “body of Christ” we are being divested of any divine power and truly, most of us don’t even notice it.

I feel the three words: “Return to Me” are Holy Spirit inspired and declare God’s heart for all of us in this hour and season of time. My prayer is that your spiritual ears will be opened to hear and your spiritual eyes opened to see the urgency of you KNOWING YOUR NEED FOR GOD in every moment of every day. For this is what the LORD says: “…This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at My word” (Isaiah 66: 2).

“Return to Me, I am your Creator.” Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. … Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the LORD forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as the members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts for God (Colossians 3: 5-16).

“Return to Me, I am your Redeemer.” This is what the LORD says – your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go” (Isaiah 48: 17). “There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars. On the earth nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21: 25-28). BUT, I KNOW that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God (Job 19: 25, 26)!

“Return to Me, I am your Father.” They have acted corruptly toward Him; to their shame they are no longer His children, but a warped and crooked generation. Is this the way you repay the LORD, O foolish and unwise people? Is He not your Father, your Creator, who made you and formed you (Deuteronomy 32: 5, 6)? Sing to God, sing praise to His name, extol Him who rides on the clouds—His name is the LORD—and rejoice before Him. A Father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy dwelling (Psalm 68: 4, 5).

“Return to Me, I am your Husband.” ‘Return, faithless people,’ declares the LORD, ‘for I am your husband. I will choose you—one from a town and two from a clan—and bring you to Zion. Then I will give you shepherds after My own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding. In those days, when your numbers have increased greatly in the land, declares the LORD, men will no longer say, “The ark of the covenant of the LORD.” It will never enter their minds or be remembered. It will not be missed, nor will another one be made. At that time they will call Jerusalem The Throne of the LORD, and all nations will gather in Jerusalem to honor the name of the LORD. No longer will they follow the stubbornness of their evil hearts’ (Jeremiah 3: 14-17).

Right living is more than simply avoiding sin. It requires decision and discipline. We MUST develop skills in right living because our behavior attracts attention to our God. We must pursue excellence in Christian living, for our God is faithful and is committed to preserving those who are faithful to Him. OUT OF OUR LOVE FOR HIM and IN THE RECOGNITION OF OUR NEED FOR HIM, we must come before Him with gratitude and the recognition of Him as LORD: all powerful, all knowing, and ever present GOD! Hallelujah!

The LORD would say unto you…

“Return to Me, Return to Me; I am your Creator, your Redeemer, your Father, and your Husband. I love you and I am all that you need. Acknowledge your guilt, repent, and turn from your wicked ways and then I will heal your land. I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten. I will send you grain, new wine, and oil. You will have plenty to eat, until you are full, and you will praise the name of the LORD your God. My glory will shine forth from you and My light will overcome the darkness around you. You will radiate with My love and I will touch the hearts of many through you. The road is not easy. It requires you to be disciplined, strong, and courageous; trusting always in the wisdom that I willingly give to you. Those of you who persevere and overcome will have power over the nations. Abide in Me. Rest in Me. Hide in Me. My presence is ever with you.”

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Posted by: dailywordofdestiny | June 24, 2014

THE OIL OF HIS PRESENCE

Go To The Source

Go To The Source

An old chorus I used to sing in Sunday School came to my mind to confirm what I was to write about this week:
Give me oil in my lamp
Keep me burning, burning, burning.
Give me oil in my lamp I pray.
Give me oil in my lamp
Keep me burning, burning, burning.
Keep me burning til’ the break of day.

Sing hosanna, sing hosanna, sing hosanna to the King of kings.
Sing hosanna, sing hosanna, sing hosanna to the KING!

What is “oil”? According to Oxford, it is any of various thick, viscous, usually inflammable liquids insoluble in water (i.e. petroleum); it can be used with colors as with oil painting; you can apply oil to lubricate (as in massage), impregnate or treat with oil; or you can soak a fabric with it, especially canvas, making it waterproof. There are many kinds of oil: mineral, fuel, whale, vegetable, cooking, melted fat, motor, lubricant, liniment, ointment, balm, salve, pomade, and hair. OIL comes from the Greek elaion, which was olive oil, the only kind of oil known in the Greco-Roman world.

The kind of oil I want to discuss today is the OIL OF HIS PRESENCE and how vital it is for you to soak in it every moment of every day. This OIL brings healing to every open wound, to every aching and tired muscle. When burned in a lamp, the fragrance will envelop your senses bringing calmness to your spirit. The OIL provides an excellent Source of Light and warmth for all who are caught in the night’s cool air and darkness. It is used to soak your daily bread in and the OIL not only adds a great flavor, it provides some calories for nourishment. Oils are many and varied properties make it extremely marketable. In fact, I have an example of just how marketable in 2 Kings 4: 1-7 and it could very well be the most valuable piece of information you need right now in light of the present “down-swing” in global economy. For you who have ears, HEAR what the Spirit is saying.

The Widows Oil
The wife of a man from the company of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that he revered the LORD. But now his creditor is coming to take my two boys as his slaves.” Elisha replied to her, “How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?” “Your servant has nothing there at all,” she said, “except a little oil.” Elisha said, “Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars (see Isaiah 64: 8; Jeremiah 18: 4-6; Matthew 25: 4; 2 Timothy 2: 19-21). DON’T ASK FOR JUST A FEW. Then go inside and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour OIL into all the jars, and as each is filled, put it to one side.” She left him and afterward shut the door behind her and her sons. They brought the jars to her and she kept pouring. When all the jars were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another one.” But he replied, “There is not a jar left.” Then the OIL stopped flowing. She went and told the man of God and he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debts. You and your sons can LIVE on what is left.” 2 Kings 4:1-7

The first thing you need to determine is, “Who is your creditor?” Who is it that owns you (Luke 16: 5-13)? Many will quickly say, “Well, Christ of course.” I ask you to consider that you cannot serve two masters and if your creditor is making a slave out of you, you need to repent because LIFE IN JESUS brings freedom ( Luke 4: 18, 19; John 8: 31-36). The next question is, “What do you have in your house?” If you have given your life to the LORD, you yourself are God’s temple and God’s Spirit lives within you (1 Corinthians 3: 18, 19). Is your temple consecrated; able to hold the OIL OF HIS PRESENCE (Luke 7: 44-48)? What would you be feeling if Jesus came to you and said, “Come, I must stay with you in your house today.”

In the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25: 1-13) you see that five had oil and even had some to spare while the others weren’t quite to the fill line. BUT, I want to draw your attention to the fact that ALL TEN fell asleep! Have you dozed off thinking all is clean and tidy in the temple? God also gave each of us talents and gifts to use to touch other people’s lives for Christ. W hat gifts are you using right now and which ones have you put in storage? God expects each of us to use well what He has given to us (Matthew 10: 8). Even a simple item (like the rod Moses had, like this widow’s oil) can be used to help thousands when God is in it (Matthew 14: 15-20; 15: 34-37)! Remember, a little oil goes a long way (Mark 4: 30-32). Hallelujah!

The widow and her sons were told to get the neighbors empty jars and NOT TO ASK FOR JUST A FEW. I see the empty jars as her neighbors. They could be the people God places across your path each day. The number of jars you ask for could also indicate your level of faith. WE serve a BIG GOD and it is us who put limits on Him (read about Jehoash in 2 Kings 13: 14-19). Do you ask God each day for opportunities to give Jesus to others (2 Corinthians 4: 7-12)? Put faith into action!

The woman and her sons went into the house and shut the door. The sons brought the jars to her and she POURED OIL INTO THEM. Perhaps this represents our prayer life. Who has God brought to you to pray for? I believe that in every 24 hour period God will bring several different people into your thoughts (even wake you up) that He KNOWS need prayer at that very moment. Do you stop for just a moment to pour the OIL OF HIS PRESENCE over them (Psalm 133)? Your prayers could actually change the circumstances in that person’s situation.

My friends, “The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 4: 7-11).

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Posted by: dailywordofdestiny | June 21, 2014

I AM GOD


Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth.
Sing to the LORD, praise His name; proclaim His salvation day after day.
Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous deeds among all peoples.
For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; He is to be feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens.
Splendor and majesty are before Him; strength and glory are in His sanctuary.
Ascribe to the LORD, O families of nations, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; bring an offering and come into His courts.
Worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness; tremble before Him, all the earth.
Praise the LORD. Praise, O servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD.
Let the name of the LORD be praised, both now and forevermore.
From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets,
the name of the LORD is to be praised.
The LORD is exalted over all the nations, His glory above the heavens.
Who is like the LORD our God, the One who sits enthroned on high,
who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth?
Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain?
The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together
against the LORD and against His anointed One.
The LORD foils the plans of the nations; He thwarts the purposes of the peoples.
But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever,
the purposes of His heart through all generations.
Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,
the people He chose for His inheritance.
(Psalm 96: 4-9; 113: 1-6; 2: 1, 2; 33: 10-12)

It has been a few weeks since Holy Spirit brought the words “Declare” and “Proclaim” into my spirit. I was in a small prayer group and we had just been praying for a woman who had recurring leukemia. It was like God said, “DECLARE/PROCLAIM My Word of life over this situation; BELIEVE I AM ABLE!”

Declare means: to announce openly or formally (declare war, a dividend), emphatically acknowledge possession of; revealing one’s intentions or identity. Praise the LORD! We have been declaring war on the enemy over many situations since and I personally see VICTORY in every situation we are praying for as it aligns with God’s Word.

Since returning to United States from China and Nepal, my spirit has been more keenly FOCUSED on God’s love. I am continually PRAISING God for His unconditional love for mankind! I am DECLARING His love into the lives of people I pray for, into situations that are brought to my attention, over the nations of the world, over leaders in all levels of authority, etc. If I BELIEVE God is love then I cannot help but DECLARE this to those who live right around me; in my community, to those in nearby cities, and then to the nations of the world. The more people delight in God’s presence, the more fruitful they will be. In Romans 14, Paul talks about the Kingdom of God; “…it is not a matter of eating or drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men” (vs. 17, 18).

However, you must know that God is both perfectly loving and perfectly just. He is merciful when He punishes, and He overlooks NO SIN. Proverbs 14:34 tells us that righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people. The result of sin is unending separation from God (see Mark 16: 15, 16; Romans 3: 21- 31; 5: 12 – 6: 23) and because we have been created in God’s image with an inborn thirst for communion with Him, separation from Him will be ultimate torment and misery. If in this life we choose to be independent of God, in the next life we will be separated from Him forever. In His love, God sent His only Son, Christ Jesus, to pay the price for the sin in our lives (John 3: 3, 16, 17; Luke 19: 10). Jesus invites all of us to open the door of our hearts to Him (Revelation 3: 20; Luke 4: 18, 19); to share everlasting fellowship with Him. Christ, the chosen Servant, reveals a character of gentleness, encouragement, justice, and truth and these loving attributes are desperately needed in the world today (see Isaiah 42: 1-4); in fact, it is in His name the nations will put their hope (Matthew 12: 15-21).

“This is what God the LORD says – He who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and all that comes out of it, who gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk on it; ‘I, the LORD, have called You in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep You and make You to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness. I Am the LORD; that is My name! I will not give My glory to another or My praise to idols. See, the former things have taken place, and new things I DECLARE; before they spring into being I announce them to you” (Isaiah 42: 5-9).

Part of Christ’s mission here was to demonstrate God’s righteousness and to be a light to all the nations. Through Christ, each of us has opportunity to share in His mission. Hallelujah!

“And I saw what looked like a sea of glass mixed with fire and, standing beside the sea, those who had been victorious over the beast and his image and over the number of his name. They held harps given them by God and sang the song of Moses the servant of God and the song of the Lamb:

Great and marvelous are Your deeds, Lord God Almighty.
Just and true are Your ways, King of the ages.
Who will not fear you, O Lord, and bring glory to Your name?
For You alone are holy.
All nations will come and worship before You,
for Your righteous acts have been revealed.
(Revelation 15: 2-4)

The LORD would say unto you…
“I gave you Jesus that you may see what I AM like. Only man limits the powerful and miraculous things I want to do on earth this day. I AM God; of resurrection and life. See that! Proclaim that! I restore and redeem and break through the darkness. I have made you many promises; seek them, find them, and DECLARE them over your life and situations. In Christ, the promises are “Yes” and the “Amen;” spoken through you as you believe in and trust that I AM able to do the impossible through you to the glory of My name. I AM the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

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Posted by: dailywordofdestiny | June 13, 2014

HIS GLORIOUS CHURCH


by Judy Smith

Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous;
it is fitting for the upright to praise Him.
Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to Him on a ten-stringed lyre.
Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.

For the word of the LORD is right and true;
He is faithful in all He does.
The LORD loves righteousness and justice;
the earth is full of His unfailing love.

By the word of the LORD were the heavens made,
their starry host by the breath of His mouth.
He gathers the waters of the sea into jars;
He puts the deep into storehouses.
Let all the earth fear the LORD;
let all the people of the world revere Him.
For He spoke, and it came to be;
He commanded, and it stood firm.
The LORD foils the plans of nations;
He thwarts the purposes of the peoples.
But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever,
the purposes of His heart through all generations.

Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,
the people He chose for His inheritance.
From heaven the LORD looks down
and sees all mankind;
from His dwelling place He watches
all who live on earth—
He who forms the hearts of all,
who considers everything they do.
No king is saved by the size of his army;
no warrior escapes by his great strength.
A horse is a vain hope for deliverance;
despite all its great strength it cannot save.
But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear Him,
on those whose hope is in His unfailing love,
to deliver them from death
and keep them alive in famine.

We wait in hope for the LORD;
He is our help and our shield.
In Him our hearts rejoice,
For we trust in His holy name.
May Your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD,
Even as we put our hope in You (Psalm 33)

Peace and joy fill my heart when I read the words of this Psalm! What victory there is in knowing all God’s words are right and true; that they can be trusted! God does not lie, forget, change His words, or leave His promises unfulfilled (see also Genesis 2; Psalm 119: 105; Isaiah 55: 11,12; Jeremiah 23: 29; Matthew 24: 35; John 17: 17; 2 Corinthians 1: 21-22; Colossians 3: 15-17; Hebrews 4: 12, 13; 6: 13-20). God is consistent and faithful in His love; His intentions never change; He wavers NOT from what He has stated and that makes me feel very secure in His care! There have been many instances in my lifetime that my “trust in God” has been put to the test. However, even with all my personal efforts at trying to work things out, He has proven faithful in accomplishing exactly what I need in each and every situation (James 1: 17).

God has promised many blessings to His people (deliverance from fear, protection, goodness, provision, answers to prayer, etc.) but many of these blessings require our active participation. The conditions for enjoying the blessings are listening to God’s voice and then doing what He says! Throughout all dispensations, these have been unchanging requirements for living in a covenant relationship with God (see Exodus 19: 5). In John 10: 27, Jesus also described those whom He acknowledged as “His sheep”—that is, His disciples: “My sheep hear My voice…and they follow Me.”

Hearing the voice of the Lord implies an intimate relationship with Him in which He can speak to each one of us personally. His communication is Spirit-to-spirit; His Spirit to our spirit. His voice penetrates to the innermost depths of our being and He may speak to us in this way through His Word, or He may impart a word of direct revelation. Blessings result from hearing God’s voice and doing what He says; however, curses result from NOT hearing God’s voice and NOT doing what He directs (rebellion…see Deuteronomy 28: 3-68).

Psalm 34 provides us with an extensive list of things we can put into place in our lives in order to appropriate the “good things / blessings” from above. God’s invitation to you: “Try this; I know you’ll like it.” The Bible often connects fear of the Lord (love and reverence for Him) with keeping His commandments (Ecclesiastes 12: 13). Obedience is the first step to discovering how good and kind He is. As we experience His goodness, our trust in Him increases. We may say that “we belong to the LORD”, but then we must also think about whether we revere Him? Do we demonstrate our respect and honor by a humble attitude and genuine worship? King David adds that a person who fears the Lord doesn’t lie, turns from evil, does good, and promotes peace (Psalm 34: 8-14). Therefore, a person who seeks peace cannot be argumentative and contentious and it is important that we see that peaceful relationships really are a product of our own efforts at peacemaking each day. Reverence is much more than sitting quietly in church; it includes obeying God in the way we speak and in the way we treat others.

I also want to point out verse 9 to you; ‘those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.’ Maybe you feel you are lacking many good things? It is important that we remember that God KNOWS what each of us need and it is a fact that our deepest “needs” are most often spiritual. Many will face unbearable hardship and poverty, yet still have enough spiritual nourishment to continue to live for God. David is praising God for His goodness—that all who call upon God in their times of need will be heard, sometimes in unexpected ways. Perhaps God desires that we learn that we NEED HIM more than we need to achieve our immediate desires, or escape from the pain of grief, loss, failure in day to day life? I admit that I NEED Him in my life; that I NEED His help every moment of every day; and that I am so GRATEFUL for His faithfulness and for His many blessings in my own life!

Psalm 100
Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before Him with joyful songs.
Know that the LORD is God.
It is He who made us, and we are His;
we are His people, the sheep of His pasture.

Enter His gates with thanksgiving
and His courts with praise;
give thanks to Him and praise His name.
For the LORD is good and His love endures forever;
His faithfulness continues through all generations.

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Posted by: dailywordofdestiny | May 14, 2014

SURVIVING YOUR STORM


Listen to my prayer, O God, do not ignore my plea; hear me and answer me. My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught at the voice of the enemy, at the stares of the wicked; for they bring down suffering upon me and revile me in their anger. My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death assail me. Fear and trembling have beset me; horror has overwhelmed me. I said, ‘Oh that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest—I would flee far away and stay in the desert; I would hurry to my place of shelter, far from the tempest and the storm'” (Psalm 55: 1-8).

I read this Psalm and thought about various times throughout my lifetime that I have been in the psalmist’s place. My heart has been in anguish and I have felt the kind of fear that has left me almost breathless. I have wanted to run away, to find a hiding place that was far away from the assault of the storm. Many of my storms occurred during a time when I was rebellious and immature; at a time I wanted to be free from the rules of parents, free to live any way I pleased. I was not walking in obedience to the LORD; in fact, through many of the storms, I was not walking with Him at all.

Today I look into two passages of Scripture that deal with storms in peoples’ lives. The first one talks about people who may not know the Lord as Savior; or perhaps they used to have a relationship with Christ, but the world has drawn their hearts and lives away from Him. The second one speaks more to those who may “think” they are spiritually strong. In the coming days, each of us must be ABSOLUTELY certain in whom and in what we have placed our trust. All of us need to be “up close and personal” with Jesus Christ as our Lord in order that we will be able to STAND firm in our faith in the storms about to converge throughout all countries of the world.

Jesus tells us a story of a young man and the storm he faced because of his life choices; perhaps you will recognize him. “There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. Not long after that, the younger son got together all that he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and he hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him in the field to feed the pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything” (Luke 15: 11-16).

The storm for this young man is through the very fact that he had to work among pigs. To protect themselves from defilement, Jews would not even touch pigs. For a Jew to stoop to feeding them was indeed a great humiliation, and for this man to have to eat food that the pigs had touched was to be degraded beyond belief! He had truly “hit bottom.” Have you ever been in a place where you once had everything but threw it away on an delusion that there was “something more” out there for you? I see many young and old who are in “escape mode” today; trying to run from the reality of their present life that began in an impulsive and poor choice. Husbands (fathers), wives (mothers), drugs, sex, rock andn roll for that single moment of “pleasure” have culminated in the tempest that is now raging about them (addictions, single parent families, in jail/out of jail, no income, abortion, pornography, child slavery, abuse in the worst imaginable forms, depression, anxiety, HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases, FEAR of rejection, abandonment, of being all alone, guilt, anger, homosexuality, hopelessness, and helplessness, etc.). Many of them have “hit their rock bottom.”

Mark 4 tells us of a storm in the lives of some of Christ’s disciples. “That day when the evening came, He said to His disciples, ‘Let us go over to the other side.’ Leaving the crowd behind, they took Him along, just as He was, in the boat. A furious squall came up and the waves broke over the boat so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern sleeping on a cushion” (vs. 35- 38). The disciples with Jesus that day were seasoned fishermen; they had fished on the Sea of Galilee many times and were aware that there were frequent, violent, and unexpected storms. The disciples panicked in this one because the storm threatened to destroy them all and Jesus seemed to be indifferent; He was actually asleep!

Have you been in situations in which you perceive your life, or the life of a loved one is being threatened? Have you felt PANIC? What am I going to do, where am I going to get help, why is this happening, etc. Have you ever said, “Where are You, God? Why haven’t You heard my cries for help; haven’t You seen my tears, my grief, my frustration, my fear?” The disciples lived with Jesus, but they underestimated Him because they didn’t know enough about Him at the time this storm occurred. We, on the other hand, have God’s complete Word which means that today we really have no excuse for our ignorance in who He is or in His ability.

I now draw your attention to the rest of the story. In the young man’s life we read, “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.’ So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. …The father said to his servants, ‘Quick, bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found’…” (Luke 15: 17-24).

It often takes great sorrow or tragedy (a storm) to cause people to look to the only One who can help them. Our heavenly Father watches and waits for each of us to recognize our NEED for Him. God’s love is constant, it never varies (James 1: 16-18), it is patient and welcoming. He will search for us and bring about opportunities that give us the chance to respond and return to Him, but He will not force us. He just waits patiently for us to come to our senses. Hallelujah!

We left the disciples frantically bailing water out of their boat as Jesus slept peacefully on a cushion. “The disciples woke Him and said to Him, ‘Teacher, don’t You care if we drown?’ He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to His disciples, ‘Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith’ (Mark 4: 38-40)?”

Unfortunately, we, like the disciples, often underestimate God’s power to handle the crises in our lives. Although we may not consciously do it, we tend to think that God has lost control and we’re at the mercy of the winds of fate. In reality, God IS sovereign; He controls the history of the world as well as our personal destinies. Whatever difficulty (storm) you may be facing at this time or in the future, you have two options: (1) you can worry and assume Jesus no longer cares or, (2) you can RESIST FEAR and put your TRUST IN HIM to look after you and all that concerns you. For God says in His Word, “For I know the plans I have for you; plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you a hope and a future. Then 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,” declares the LORD, “and I will bring you back from captivity. …” (Jeremiah 29: 11- 13).

But as for me, I trust in You, O LORD;
I say, “You are my God.”
My times are in Your hand;
Deliver me from the hand of my enemies,
And from those who persecute me.
Make Your face shine upon Your servant;
Save me for Your mercies’ sake.
Do not let me be ashamed, O LORD, for I have called upon You…
Oh, how great is Your goodness,
Which You have laid up for those who fear You.
Which You have prepared for those who trust in You
In the presence of the sons of men!
You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence
From the plots of man;
You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion
From the strife of tongues.
(Psalm 34: 14-20)

The LORD would say unto you…
“Be careful to obey what I have told you and shown you. To know what is wrong, you must first know what is right according to My truth. You must learn to focus your eyes on My Son and His way of life for in so doing you will not be distracted by the cares of this world. I have never left you alone to struggle in the storms of life; for I have only called you to come alongside Me and to participate with Me in what I am doing. My power is released into all things I know need to be accomplished in these days. Submit to My control and let Me work through you by the power of My Spirit. REST in My presence and Trust in Me to get you to the place where you are to be in this season and for this time in history.”

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Posted by: dailywordofdestiny | May 5, 2014

FAITH IN ADVERSITY


“Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints. Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved, and that by God. As a prisoner for the Lord, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 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. If you falter in times of trouble, how small is your strength. But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness” (Jude 3; Philippians 1: 27, 28; Ephesians 4: 1-3; 1 Timothy 6: 12; Ephesians 6: 11, 12; Proverbs 24: 10; 2 Corinthians 12: 9, 10).

Faith means: belief, confidence, trust, security, assurance, certainty, conviction, persuasion. ‘The faith’ consists of the gospel proclaimed by Christ and the apostles. It is the fixed and unalterable truth, given by Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3: 14, 15) and embodied in the New Testament. However, ‘the faith’ is more than objective truth; it is a way of life to be lived in love and purity (Colossians 1: 9-14). In order to live in a manner worthy of the Lord, we must be strengthened by His power. It is a kingdom that comes in power to baptize all believers in the Holy Spirit, that they may proclaim the gospel to all nations (Mark 16: 15-18) with signs and miracles (Matthew 10: 1; 28: 18-20; John 10: 25; Acts 10: 38). It is an ongoing experience of receiving from God his own life; nothing else can enable us to overcome sin, Satan, and the world (Philippians 4: 13). Those of us who are faithful to Christ have a solemn obligation to contend for the faith (1 Timothy 6: 11-16).

Contend (Gk epagonizomai) describes the battle that the faithful believer must fight in defense of the faith. The word ‘fight’ is from the Greek word meaning “agonize.” Our Christian life is a fight, an intense struggle that requires persevering loyalty to Christ and it requires a personal defense of the gospel in whatever occupation or place that He has you situated in today (yes, even you mothers staying at home). Contending for the faith also means that we must take a direct stand against those within the visible church who deny the Bible’s authority or distort the ancient faith as presented by Christ and the apostles. It is important that the gospel message is NOT weakened by compromise of its authority, distorting its truth, or explaining away its power and promises. But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not “Yes” and “No.” For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by me and Silas and Timothy, was not ‘Yes’ and ‘No,’ but in Him it has always been ‘YES.’ For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ. And so through Him, the “Amen” (see Revelation 3: 14) is spoken by us to the glory of God. Now it is GOD who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, and set His seal of ownership on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come (2 Corinthians 1: 18-22). “Amen” is a proclamation that expresses confidence in God’s love and faithfulness and the certainty of His promises. It is the VOICE OF FAITH, reaffirming and identifying with the truth of Christ’s unshakeable gospel!

It is important that each of us honestly assess our “faith level.” There are several in people in the New Testament who are examples of faith and their faith is at various levels. I will leave it to you to check each of them out in Judges 6, Mark 8: 22-25, Matthew 14: 28-31, and Matthew 8: 5-13. Whether these people had little or great faith is relatively unimportant. If you exercise your faith (whatever amount) it is enough to please God and He will do what needs to be done and more! smile Jesus says, “…I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. NOTHING will be IMPOSSIBLE for you” (Matthew 17: 20).

True faith is effective faith that produces results. It will move mountains. True faith is not a belief in “faith” as a force or power, but it is “faith in God” (Mark 11: 22-25). It is a work of God within each of our hearts as Christians (Philippians 2: 13) as it involves a divinely imparted awareness to our hearts that our prayers are answered. It is created within us by Holy Spirit; we CANNOT PRODUCE IT IN OUR OWN MINDS (Romans 12: 2, 3). Since true faith is a gift imparted to us by Christ, it is MOST IMPORTANT to draw near to Christ and His Word and to deepen our COMMITMENT (CONTEND) to, and confidence in Him (Philippians 3: 15-21). We are dependent on Him for EVERYTHING; “apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:4-8; Hebrews 4: 14-16). We MUST SEEK HIM FIRST; He is the Author and Finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12: 1-3). His close PRESENCE and our OBEDIENCE to His Word are the source and secret of true faith. Faith is under God’s control and it is given on the basis of His love, wisdom, grace, and for His kingdom purpose. It is given to accomplish His will and to express His love for us; not to be used for our own selfish agenda (James 4: 1-8).

The reality of all I have written is that it is not always easy for us to be faithful to Him. UNBELIEF negates His ability to do much in our lives; it actually neutralizes His ability to work within our lives (Matthew 9: 27-30; Mark 5: 25-36). A good example of this is recorded in Matthew 13: 53-58. I am contending for faith in Christ’s Word and in Mark 9 He outlines our need for personal recognition of our unbelief and need for Him. Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. “It has often thrown him into the fire or water to kill him. But, IF you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” “If You can?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for him who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; HELP ME OVERCOME MY UNBELIEF” (vs. 21-24)! I give Him praise that He understands and sympathizes with our weaknesses (Hebrews 4: 14-16). We MUST CONFESS our lack of faith and pray that He would give us the faith that is needed to move our personal mountains. Hallelujah!

Dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Study God’s Word and make a determined effort to know the truth and teachings within the Scriptures; pray in the Spirit for He will inspire, guide, energize, sustain, and help you do battle in your praying; be faithful in your obedience to God’s Word; and finally and most importantly, stay IN LOVE WITH HIM; stay close to Him and bask in His presence for as long as you possibly can each day. For then you WILL SEE GREAT FAITH ARISE IN YOUR HEART and your strength to stand WILL BE SURE.

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Posted by: dailywordofdestiny | April 29, 2014

HUMILITY: Who Is The Greatest


HUMILITY: Who Is the Greatest?

“And the LORD spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they would not listen. Therefore the LORD brought upon them the captains of the army of the king of Assyria, who took Manasseh with hooks, bound him with bronze fetters, and carried him off to Babylon. Now when he was in affliction, he implored the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers, and prayed to Him; and He received his entreaty, heard his supplication, and brought him back to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD was God” (2 Chronicles 33: 10-13).

What is it that most often disturbs our hearts; our peace and our joy in life? It is PRIDE seeking to be something. Throughout the Bible God provides examples of pride (i.e. Nebuchadnezzar, Naaman, Saul, etc.) and God’s decree is irreversible, “God resists the proud, but gives grace unto the humble” (James 4: 6). “Whosoever exalts himself shall be abased; and he that humbles himself shall be exalted” (Luke 14: 11). “Whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant” (Matthew 20: 27).

When you think of the word humble, what do you see? I believe that our journey into salvation and the fact that the Spirit of God lives within those who know Him, will certainly bring us to our knees in submission and reverence to Almighty God. That He chooses to LIVE within me, HUMBLES me. To be ‘humble’ describes a person who is devoid of all arrogance and self-exaltation — a person who is willingly submitted to God and His will.

“Therefore, whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18: 4).

I believe many of us still need to be saved from our pride and our self-will (from ourselves). I have often heard complaints of how much pride exists in the church of Christ? What is it that causes division, strife, and envying that is often found even among the most spiritual of the saints? Why is it that in a family there is bitterness and offense? What causes harsh judgments and hasty words? What causes estrangement between friends? What causes evil speaking, selfishness, and indifference to the feelings and needs of others? I believe it is the PRIDE of man (see James 4). He lifts himself up, and he claims the right to have and speak his opinions and judgments as he pleases and whenever he pleases because his opinion is ‘always the best one and is always the right one! There is great wisdom in Proverbs and it speaks clearly of this very thing. “The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, and before honor is humility (15: 33). Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty and before honor is humility (18: 12). By humility and the fear of the LORD, are riches and honor and life” (22: 4).

The nearer we get to God and the more fully we come to know Him, the more we will recognize our need for Him alone (see John 3: 30, 31). Remember Peter in his early days as a disciple? He was an eager beaver, impulsive, self-confident and yet, later on there was an obvious ‘difference’ in how and what he spoke. “Ye younger, submit yourself unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another. … Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time” (1 Peter 5: 5, 6). Peter finally got it! He went through some major challenges in his life as a disciple, as we will; but he finally understood and dared to preach humility to all. Hallelujah! Humility will restore our right relationship with God. God is God and there is no other god beside Him.

Peter’s change was most evident on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2: 14-41). Why? Because Holy Spirit arrived on the scene at the appointed hour and He shook the place and all the one hundred and twenty faithful prayer warriors (Acts 2: 1-4)! Holy Spirit means the LIFE, DISPOSITION, TEMPER, and the INCLINATION of Jesus, brought down from heaven into our hearts. His mighty workings He will bestow as gifts to all who will receive (see 1 Corinthians 12). For the three years that Jesus walked on earth and taught His disciples were merely a preparation time. He said, in connection with the outpouring of Holy Spirit, “I will come again” (John 14: 3). This was His assurance that God’s very Spirit would indwell us and live His life in and through us.” Praise the LORD! Jesus; the humble One, the meek, the lowly, and the gentle One pored out His precious Gift; Holy Spirit, into the hearts of His disciples so that ‘pride in self’ would be expelled by the LOVE God breathes into us through His Spirit!

How can you and I possess humility? As with everything, DESIRE it and ask God to deliver us from every vestige of pride. Set aside other things and begin to actively seek God in this; persist in coming day after day, laying your heart against His heart. “Jesus, give me more of You.” He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him (Psalm 37: 4). Humility, gentleness, meekness, patience, kindness, etc. are given to you in Christ Jesus, by the power of Holy Spirit. If Christ is your life, He is around you on every side and He longs to fill you with Himself! There is nothing in heaven, earth, or hell that can keep the light of Christ from shining into the heart that is empty and open.

Take courage today and TRUST Jesus to come into your heart and take possession of it. When you have submitted everything to Him, there will be a life of blessed and daily fellowship with Him. You will feel the necessity for ever deeper quiet time with Him, for worshipping and adoring Him, and for just sinking down before Him in helplessness and humility saying with me:

“Jesus, I am nothing; You are everything. I know why I do not have the perfect life. It is most often because of my pride; but today, come and dwell in my heart, take it and place it under Your care. Lord, here I am; come in and take possession of my heart, purify it and indwell me in Your fullness. Fulfill my desire to be like You, having the same love and being in one accord with You. Let nothing that I do be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind, let me not look out just for myself, but that I will put the interests of others first. Amen.”

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Posted by: dailywordofdestiny | April 19, 2014

PUT ON JESUS!


God has promised many blessings to His people (deliverance from fear, protection, goodness, provision, answers to prayer, etc.) but many of these blessings require our active participation. The conditions for enjoying the blessings are listening to God’s voice and then doing what He says! Throughout all dispensations, these have been unchanging requirements for living in a covenant relationship with God (see Exodus 19: 5). In John 10: 27, Jesus also described those whom He acknowledged as “His sheep”—that is, His disciples: “My sheep hear My voice…and they follow Me.”

Hearing the voice of the Lord implies an intimate relationship with Him in which He can speak to each one of us personally. His communication is Spirit-to-spirit; His Spirit to our spirit. His voice penetrates to the innermost depths of our being and He may speak to us in this way through His Word, or He may impart a word of direct revelation. Blessings result from hearing God’s voice and doing what He says; however, curses result from NOT hearing God’s voice and NOT doing what He directs (rebellion…see Deuteronomy 28: 3-68).

Psalm 34 provides us with an extensive list of things we can put into place in our lives in order to appropriate the “good things / blessings” from above. God’s invitation to you: “Try this; I know you’ll like it.”

The Bible often connects fear of the Lord (love and reverence for Him) with keeping His commandments (Ecclesiastes 12: 13). Obedience is the first step to discovering how good and kind He is. As we experience His goodness, our trust in Him increases. We may say that “we belong to the LORD”, but then we must also think about whether we revere Him? Do we demonstrate our respect and honor by a humble attitude and genuine worship? King David adds that a person who fears the Lord doesn’t lie, turns from evil, does good, and promotes peace (Psalm 34: 8-14). Therefore, a person who seeks peace cannot be argumentative and contentious and it is important that we see that peaceful relationships really are a product of our own efforts at peacemaking each day. Reverence is much more than sitting quietly in church; it includes obeying God in the way we speak and in the way we treat others.

I also want to point out verse 9 to you; those who seek the LORD lack no good thing. Maybe you feel you are lacking many good things. It is important that we remember that God KNOWS what each of us need and it is a fact that our deepest “needs” are most often spiritual.

Many will face unbearable hardship and poverty, yet still have enough spiritual nourishment to continue to live for God. David is praising God for His goodness—that all who call upon God in their times of need will be heard, sometimes in unexpected ways. Perhaps God desires that we learn that we NEED HIM more than we need to achieve our immediate desires, or escape from the pain of grief, loss, failure in day to day life?

I admit that I NEED Him in my life; that I NEED His help every moment of every day; and that I am so GRATEFUL for His faithfulness and for His many blessings in my own life!

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Posted by: dailywordofdestiny | April 12, 2014

YOU HAVE AN ASSIGNMENT!


Last Fall, early in the morning, God gave me a recognizable object lesson through what happened to my dog, Yoshi. We had been traveling for a couple days and had Yoshi had been on a short leash throughout the journey. One morning we were able to let him off leash into a wooded field and when he realized it, he ran at top speed enjoying his freedom. When we called he would immediately return to us, but then would be off running after something else that caught his eye.

One of those eye-catchers was a skunk. Yoshi had never seen one before and he wanted to make friends with this furry, very slow, creature. We called several times for him to STOP, but he turned a deaf ear to our plea and was rewarded with being sprayed by the skunk. Yoshi backed away and the skunk began to slowly meander away in the opposite direction. However, Yoshi was not deterred and he chased the skunk once again and was given a second blast of the skunk’s offensive spray. He finally realized he didn’t care for the smell and when he ran to us, we backed away and would not allow him near. Poor Yoshi, he rolled in the long, dewy grass, in dirt, and ran through a few creeks but no matter what he did he couldn’t get rid of the bad smell. He then had to go through the cleansing process which he liked even less, but the reward was that we received him with open arms. How like so many of us! I praise the Lord daily for His unconditional love and forgiveness! The next day I took Yoshi for his walk and it took some persuasion to get him to walk along the same path.

I was convicted in my spirit when I thought about Yoshi and his actions. I have to say that I sometimes choose to disregard Holy Spirit’s warning to “Stop” and then whine and cry out to Him when I come up stinking. Disobedience is sin and sin separates us from our communion with God. BUT PRAISE THE LORD, “…where sin abounded, GRACE did much more abound” (Romans 5: 20)! When I recognize my wandering and repent, He willingly takes me into His open arms (1 John 1: 8-10).

Many of us are in different places in our spiritual journey, but no matter where we are along that road, we are called to live our life in obedience according to God’s Word. Jesus tells us in Luke, “And that servant, which knew his lord’s will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more” (12: 47, 48).

During the last few years God has connected my heart/spirit with many brothers and sisters around the world. We all live together on this very small planet, earth and although our homeland, culture, status, position, station in life, etc. may vary, we are ONE in and through Jesus, the Christ, the Son of God and each of us is a NEEDED member of “His body” (1 Corinthians 12: 14-27). YOU are “special” and “valuable” in the eyes of God and YOU have an assignment in His kingdom that will only be accomplished effectively through you. I have been abundantly blessed to be able to pray with many of you and I know that God connected us for just that very reason. My FAITH level has come up higher and way beyond what I ever dreamed and I pray yours has as well.

God is rearranging my time and I find myself alone more often. During this time I have begun to seek Him with an increased hunger and a deep desire to fulfill my covenant relationship with Him. I have great peace as I open His Word each day; listening closely to hear His special words just for me in the moment I am in. My heart overflows with gratitude and thankfulness for this time alone and my prayer time is a blessed time of communion with the ONE I truly love. He consumes me.

I pray the glorious prayers found in Ephesians 1: 15-23 and 3: 13-21 over you and your loved ones. Stand firm in your faith!

The LORD would say unto you…
“Do not search for security in the world you inhabit. You tend to make mental checklists of things you need to do in order to gain control of your life. If only you could check everything off your list, you could relax and be at peace. But the more you work to accomplish that goal, the more things crop up on your list. The harder you try, the more frustrated you become. There is a better way to find security in this life. Instead of scrutinizing your checklist, focus your attention on My Presence with you. This continual contact with Me will keep you in My Peace. Moreover, I will help you sort out what is important and what is not, what needs to be done now and what does not. Fix your eyes not on what is seen (your circumstances), but on what is unseen (My Presence).” (S. Young)

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Posted by: dailywordofdestiny | April 5, 2014

IN LOVE WITH GOD


“And this is the will of Him (God) who sent Me (Jesus), that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on Him (Jesus), may have everlasting life; and I (Jesus) will raise him up at the last day” (John 6: 40).

The Greek word for “sees” is theoreo, a verb denoting action and means to enjoy the presence of one. To come into the Presence of Light is to first become Light – something we do.

The definition of “believe” in both the Hebrew and the Greek is: to trust in, rely upon, to cleave to. These are things we do that establish, support, and uphold what we believe. Jesus said in Mark 8:34, “if anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself, take up whatever cross he has to bear daily and follow after Me.” In Mark 10:38 Peter says, “We have given up everything to follow You.” ‘Follow’ means; to cleave steadfastly to, to conform wholly to His example in living and, if need be, in dying. The Hebrew meaning of ‘to cleave to’ is davaq, first used in Genesis 2:24 and it means: to become inseparable; to stick, cling to, to follow closely.

We can say we believe in anything but, if we are to believe Truth; it is what we “do” that determines what we believe. Eternal life does not come by believing “in” Jesus. To believe is to exhibit the faith “of” Jesus (Galatians2:20 and John 17:3). To “know” is davaq.

“But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life” (Jude 20, 21).

The Bible is filled with passages telling us of God’s love (i.e. 1 John 4) for us; however, I believe that if I were to ask most Christians what they KNOW of God’s love for them, they would recite John 3: 16. I do not think that there are many of us who have learned what it is to be KEPT in His love. Being fully convinced of God’s unconditional love for us all the time (see Romans 8: 37-39) is one of our greatest weapons against Satan’s attacks in our daily life. In saying that, it should then be obvious that the enemy will do his best to make you doubt God’s love for you. There have been times in my own life when I have asked myself, “Do I just have religion rather than a relationship with my Father? Do I know about Him without really knowing Him?” God delivered His revelation to me through His Word and I feel it is worth sharing with all of you.

Jesus’ final prayer on earth (John 17) speaks clearly about the Father’s love; “Father, I will that they also, whom Thou (God) hast given Me (Jesus), be with Me where I am; that they may behold My glory, which Thou (God) hast given Me: for Thou (God) lovedst Me (Jesus) before the foundation of the world” (vs. 24). We KNOW God has no beginning and no end; He IS perpetual/eternal. Jesus was loved by the Father “always/forever” (hard to wrap our finite mind around this) and in His prayer Jesus went on, “That the love wherewith Thou hast loved Me may be IN THEM (you/me), and I in them” (vs. 26). Jesus is basically saying, “Father, I know You will love those I bring into My body, just as You have loved Me.” Therefore, when the Father loved Jesus in eternity, He loved us too (see Ephesians 1: 4-14)! God has always loved both His Son and us (see Jeremiah 31: 3; 2 Thessalonians 2: 16)!

How long has God loved you, loved me? He has loved us forever, because GOD IS LOVE; it is His nature and He is the Beginning and the End.
When will He stop loving you? He won’t ever stop; “Now before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour was come that He should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved His own which were in the world, He loved them unto the end” (John 13: 1).

We need to GET THIS TRUTH deep into our spirit; for the knowledge of God’s love for us is our comfort and our strength in the trials and temptations of everyday life (1 John 4: 15-19). If we “dwell (stay in a state of expectancy) in God’s love,” we will keep ourselves in His love. His love is constant; His mercies are NEW every morning and He is faithful; the LORD is our portion therefore we will hope in Him (Lamentations 3: 21-26). Praise the Lord!

I am doing a study of Hebrews and I encourage you to read/re-read this awesome book. Many may think that because God loves us forever that we don’t have to worry about any sin that may be in our life. Not so, for “whom the LORD loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth” (Hebrews 12: 6) and you can read more about this in Hebrews 12 and other places in Scripture. When our choices lead to negative results we often “blame” God, and feel He doesn’t care; however, it is in our moments of weakness and sin that He will draw us back to Himself. A great example of this is found in Jeremiah 31. Israel is in a backslidden state and yet God LOVES, “Is Ephraim my dear son? Is he a pleasant child? For since I spake against him, I do earnestly remember him still: therefore my bowels are troubled for him; I will surely have mercy upon him, saith the LORD” (vs. 20). “The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee” (vs. 3).

So, how does God’s love impact our lives? We have to look to Christ as our example. What impact did the Father’s love have on Jesus? 1 John 3: 16 says, “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down His life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” The fruit (of God’s love) revealed to us through Christ was the sacrifice of Himself for others (Matthew 7: 16-20). To lay down our life for our brothers and sisters means that we must die to this world; to self, pride, and ambition and be totally surrendered to God and His kingdom agenda. We must allow Holy Spirit to do an inventory of all that is in our soul and when He reveals things that need to change, we must willingly go to the throne of God’s grace; knowing that only through Christ’s atoning sacrifice (1 John 2: 1, 2; 2 Corinthians 7: 10, 11) can our lives be made ready for service to our brethren. If I am fully persuaded that God is faithful to forgive and restore me, I have the power to resist all temptation. I’ll know He is with me no matter what I will face and I’ll know He loves me through it all.

The LORD would say unto you…
“I desire the love of man’s heart in abundant measure. Not because I will be adored for Myself and for My own gratification, but because I know that only as the love of man flows out to Me does man obtain his purest and best. That rush of love, which follows understanding and realization of My Love for man, sweetens and purifies his whole being. “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” The love you give to your neighbor is the overflow of your love to Me.”

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