Thomas Kiessling

No Boundaries

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 22:57:00 +0000

Be sure to get a copy of "No Boundaries" by Jerry Savelle at the IFC bookstore. Great read! Refreshing! Read it in one sitting! It will encourage you!

What about the future?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 14:30:00 +0000

There are certain things said by the Holy Ghost that bears repeating for this year 2011. I think it would do us good to heed the things which were spoken by brother Kenneth E. Hagin before he went home.

Start the year off right!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 14:07:00 +0000

Our goal for the next 21 days is to clearly identify the limitations and boundaries in our lives and experience total victory over them.

As individuals let’s believe for…

1. a deeper consecration and commitment to God and His Word
2. greater sensitivity and obedience to the Holy Spirit
3. greater boldness to share the Gospel with the lost
4. revelation knowledge for our children to walk with God
5. greater intimacy and unity in our marriages
6. more wisdom and favor in our careers
7. breakthrough in giving and debts paid off

As a corporate body let’s agree for…

1. Deeper commitment to our call to reach and disciple the lost. (Jesus came and spoke to them [eleven disciples], saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations”—Mt. 28:16-19)
2. Greater cooperation and participation with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. (Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, "this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 'and it shall come to pass in the last days, says god, that I will pour out of my spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams.”—Acts 2:14-17)
3. Greater revelation of God’s grace working in and through our lives. (see Mt. 20:1-16 parable about grace and the eleventh hour)
4. Divine protection and provision this year—remember Goshen (see previous blog)
5. The Spirit of counsel and might for Pastor Jonathan & Verna, and IFC staff and ministry team leaders (Isaiah 11:2,3)

What will 2011 be like?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 15:26:00 +0000

What associations does the number 11 have in the bible? Does it have any bearing on this new year 2011? It is an interesting study. If you look at the number 11 in relationship to Israel here are some interesting insights…

In Genesis is speaks of...

CONTENTION OVER THE LAND OF PROMISE: The eleven chiefs of Edom (descendants of Esau who rejected his birthright) became Israel’s bitter enemies who contend to this day over the birthright and the land of Israel—Genesis 36:40-43.

THE REMOVAL OF ISRAEL’S BLINDNESS: The eleven sons of Jacob who sold Joseph (a picture of Christ) into slavery had there eyes open in a time of severe famine to the identity of Joseph who brought deliverance to Israel.

In Deuteronomy it speaks of...

A CHOICE OF FAITH OR UNBELIEF: From Horeb (place of God’s law) to Kadesh Barnea (place of wilderness) was a journey of eleven days and is associated with one generations rebellion and another generation’s return to God, so it represents a choice to believe or rebel—Deuteronomy 1:1-34, 20:19,20. Deuteronomy is the second law, a reiteration of the first plus history and admonitions to the second generation after 40 years of wanderings. God makes a three fold appeal to the 2nd generation. First, a heart commitment to God and His Word—Deuteronomyt 6:5; 7:6-8. Second, a mandate upon parents and grandparents to disciple their children—Deuteronomyt 6:7-9. Third, admonitions throughout the book of Deuteronomy to bring social justice to the hurting and broken. (This is very similar to what Jesus declared about his ministry in Luke 4:17)

In Judges it speaks of...

TEMPTATION & MORAL CHAOS: Eleven hundred occurs in the book of Judges during a time when Israel had no leadership and where every man did what was right in his own eyes. Judges 16 tells the story of the Philistine bribe of 1100 shekels of silver deprived Israel of their mighty judge and deliverer, Samson. Judges 17 tells the story of Micah's introduction of idolatry and false worship into Israel.

In Jeremiah’s ministry it speaks of...

REJECTING THE WORD OF THE LORD: The reigns of Jehoiakim followed by Zedekiah (both evil kings) each were eleven years long and was a time of warning by the prophets that went unheeded, resulting in the fall of Jerusalem and that captivity of Judah into Babylon—2 Chronicles 36:5,6; 36:11-21.

However, if you look at the number eleven in relationship to the New Testament church here are some interesting insights…

DISCIPLE MAKING : The eleven apostles received the great commission and were also rebuked by the Lord for their unbelief and hardness of heart—Matthew 28:Acts 2:14-21.

OUTPOURING: The eleven apostles who witness the outpouring of the Holy Spirit—Acts 2:14-21.

HARVEST: The parable of the workers in the vineyard and the eleventh hour speaks of a great harvest, God’s grace, and the heart of serving—Matthew 20:1-16.

If there are any conclusions to be made I would say it depends on which side of the coin you are looking at. If there any associations to be made between the number eleven in the Bible and the year 2011 I choose faith, the Word, making disciples, great outpourings of the Spirit, and harvest! How about you?

Remember Goshen

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 01:27:00 +0000

Genesis 46:31–34NIV…
31 Then Joseph said to his brothers and to his father's household, "I will go up and speak to Pharaoh and will say to him, 'My brothers and my father's household, who were living in the land of Canaan, have come to me. 32 The men are shepherds; they tend livestock, and they have brought along their flocks and herds and everything they own.' 33 When Pharaoh calls you in and asks, 'What is your occupation?' 34 you should answer, 'Your servants have tended livestock from our boyhood on, just as our fathers did.' Then you will be allowed to settle in the region of Goshen, for all shepherds are detestable to the Egyptians."

The Israelites lived in Goshen at peace for 400 years, until a new king arose over Egypt, who "did not know Joseph" (Exodus 1:8) and reduced them to slavery. The Israelite sojourn in Egypt lasted 400 years according to the word of the Lord to Abraham. There were seventy people of Israel who came to Egypt. Pharaoh gave Jacob and his sons the land of Goshen. Goshen is in Northern Egypt, east of the Lower Nile. This was very fertile land and perfect for grazing and agriculture. Israel flourished and multiplied in the land of Goshen. Observing Israel's great growth in Goshen, Pharaoh worried they would become too strong and would turn against him in times of trouble. So he set taskmasters over them, and made their lives hard, so hard the children of Israel cried out to God for deliverance. It was then, the generation of the 400th year, that God sent Moses as His deliverer. It was during this season where God put a “division, distinction or literally a deliverance between His people and Pharoah’s people (Exodus 8:20-32; 9:26)

God brought ten plagues upon Egypt were done to show the Egyptians and God’s people that He was far more powerful than any of their false Egyptian “gods”. When Pharaoh refused to allow the Israelites to leave Egypt and worship in the desert, God answered with the ten plagues (Exodus 7:14-12:30). Each plague was a display of God’s power over everything the Egyptians worshipped:

Nile River turns into blood (Ex 7:14-24) The Egyptian idol Hapi, god of the Nile is powerless.
Frogs (Ex. 7:25-29, 8:1-11) The Egyptian idol Heka, the toad goddess is powerless.
Gnats (Ex 8:12-15) The Egyptian idol Geb, the god of the earth is powerless.
Flies (Ex 8:16-28) The Egyptian “god” – Khepfi – the god of insects. Insects out of control, and Khepfi can’t stop them! The Egyptians think their god has been defeated, or is dead.
Livestock (Ex 9:1-7) The Egyptian idol Menvis, the bull god is powerless.
Boils (Ex 9:8-12) The Egyptian idol Thoth, the god of medicine is powerless.
Hail (Ex 9:13-35) The Egyptian idol Nut, (that's a good name for all idols), the sky goddess is powerless.
Locusts (Ex 10:1-20) The Egyptian idol Anubis, the god of the fields and “Isis” protector against locusts is powerless.
Darkness (Ex 10:21-29) The Egyptian idol Ra, the sun god is powerless.
Death of the First-born (Ex 11:1-10, Ex 12) The Egyptian idol Pharaoh himself, a god-king, and his first-born son, also a god were powerless.

Is there any difference between the idols of Egypt and the things men put their trust in today? Notice that God was making it clear that He alone has the power to save, heal, deliver, and preserve. What enables us to partake of His power is the covenant. Remember the Passover account, on the eve of Israel’s deliverance there was the smell of lamb cooking, the covenant meal was being prepared! They were to eat it in haste for God was about to bring them out!
God intervened on behalf of His plan & purpose for His people. His purpose was to redeem them and bring them out so they could fulfill His purpose. Psalm 105:37,38 says,

“He brought them forth also with silver and gold: and there was not one feeble person among their tribes. Egypt was glad when they departed: for the fear of them fell upon them.”

Cheerful Endurance

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 17:02:00 +0000

Our walk with the Lord should be described as a race of cheerful endurance. I've heard it said that the Old Testament Saints lived their lives looking forward to their coming Messiah while the Church looks back to the Cross. That is only part true. Christians are to live with an expectation of Messiah's second coming. Paul was blessed by the Thessalonian believers because they had received the Gospel of power with joy despite the persecution that arose against them. He exhorted them to continue in faith looking for the Lord's soon return. In fact all of the Apostle Paul's epistles are filled with admonitions to us in connection with the Lord's soon return.

For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything. For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God,and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come. (1 Thessalonians 1:8-10)

Today we are a generation like no other who are witnessing the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophets concerning Israel and their coming Messiah. We believe this will be His second coming but before He comes to deliver Israel from their plight with the nations He is coming for us. The scripture above states we are to wait for His Son who will deliver us from the trouble to come. Waiting does not mean sitting around and twiddling our thumbs. Waiting speaks of a cheerful endurance. That means we are engaged in the great commission. Making disciples is our primary motivation. We are engaged and overcoming all obstacles so that the job is finished.

I trust you are running your race with cheerful endurance. Get engaged with making disciples. Support your local church. Get involved in outreach. Share your faith with the un-churched. Remember He is coming soon!

The shadow of Peter

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 17:01:00 +0000

On the day of Pentecost the disciple who had denied the Lord three times had experienced a radical transformation in his life. God was all over Peter on the day of Pentecost! He was so impregnated with Holy Ghost power that if you came within the distance of his shadow you would be healed by the power of God. Wow! That I think is a radical transformation. What happened?

Peter after denying the Lord went into hiding, probably thinking that if they came after Jesus they were going to come after him. But the Lord had prayed for Peter that his faith would not fail and so after His resurrection Jesus restored Peter to His call. Jesus called Peter to be a fisher of men! Peter went back to fishing terribly disappointed with himself that he had failed Jesus. He crashed big time. But look what Jesus did to bring about Peter's recovery in John 21:15-17.

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these others do?" "Yes, Master," was his answer; "you know that you are dear to me." "Then feed my lambs," replied Jesus. Again a second time He asked him, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" "Yes, Master," he said, "you know that you are dear to me." "Then be a shepherd to my sheep," He said. A third time Jesus put the question: "Simon, son of John, am I dear to you?" It grieved Peter that Jesus asked him the third time, "Am I dear to you?" "Master," he replied, "you know everything, you can see that you are dear to me." "Then feed my much-loved sheep," said Jesus.

For each time Peter denied the Lord, Jesus gave him the opportunity to confess his love to Him and his commitment to the calling upon his life. Not only that but Peter received the new birth and the baptism of the Holy Spirit. He was a changed man! His confession had a key role in his recovery. If I could use the illustration of a computer crash, Peter hit the reset button to make his recovery.

Remember that the gifts and callings of God are irrevocable even when you fail. If you find yourself coming up short be sure to hit the reset button. Begin to confess your love to Jesus, your commitment to the call, and confess who you are in Christ. God wants to mark your life with His presence and power so much so that when people come within the distance of your shadow they can be touched and healed by God's love, power and everlasting Gospel!

Stay true to your calling

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 20:26:00 +0000

What did the Apostle Paul mean about pressing toward the mark of the high calling? The mark of the high calling is Jesus Himself. He has called us to Himself. As the Apostle Paul explains in Philippians 3:8-10...

Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of
Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count
them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own
righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ,
the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power
of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to
His death.

To “WIN Christ” means coming to a place of personal intimacy with Him where His presence, His approval, and His acceptance is a reality to you.

To be “FOUND in Christ” means understanding your identity as an adopted son, which is what all of the Apostle Paul’s epistles are all about. Throughout the New Testament epistles are the truths of your spiritual identity, you have got to mine them through personal study and allow the Holy Spirit to reveal them to you so they become a part of you. When I say mine them, write them down and begin to meditate upon them and confess them over your life.

To KNOW His power and sufferings is to personally experience what it means to live a crucified and resurrected life. That real life experience begins when you pick up the cross of loyalty and devotion to Christ, deny yourself and stay true to God and His call upon your life.

We live in an age of distractions which means we need to learn to "press in" everyday to the call which we have received to know Jesus and make Him known to all those around us! Stay true to the call, He is coming soon bringing His reward with Him!

Take care of God’s house and he will take care of yours!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 16:23:00 +0000

The story of Jacob reveals a clear picture of the promise of tithing. Jacob made a commitment to put God first in his finances. Putting God first in your finances means giving Him the first 10% of your income. Putting God first also means being committed to a local church that He calls you to. That is where you bring the tithe to worship God.

"And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, So that I come again to my father's house in peace; then shall the LORD be my God: And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God's house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee."-Genesis 28:20-22

When Jacob was cheated out of his wages ten times by his uncle Laban God stepped in and turned Jacob’s financial situation around. God saw everything that happened to Jacob and had a plan for his financial turnaround.

“for I have seen all that Laban doeth unto thee. I am the God of Bethel, where thou anointedst the pillar, and where thou vowedst a vow unto me: now arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy kindred.” --Genesis 31:12,13

Read the story in Genesis 30:31-43 and discover the strategy Laban employed to turn his financial situation around, it clearly was a divine strategy with a miraculous outcome! When you make a commitment to God like Jacob did you will have access to God’s wisdom for your finances. Ask God for His wisdom and he will give you His perspective, His ideas, His strategies for your finances so that you can be financially self sufficient!

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.”--James 1:5,6

Called To The Other Side

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 02:55:00 +0000

Jesus calls us to the 'other side'. What do I mean by the other side? The story of Jesus leading his disciples across the Sea of Galilee to reach people in need of God's saving touch. Mark 4:35; 5:1,2 reads...

On the same day, when evening had come, Jesus said to His disciples, “Let us cross over to the other side.” Then they came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gadarenes. And when He had come out of the boat, immediately there met Him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit.”

There was a man bound and broken, a walking dead man who was about to have an encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ! What's on the other side? Lost people in need of a Savior. When we cross the other side we can expect to see a demonstration of the Gospel. There is no greater sight to behold than a demonstration of God’s love and power in the life of one bound and broken. See the result of this man's encounter in Mark 5:16, 18-20. His life became a testimony of the goodness of God!

Then they came to Jesus, and saw the one who had been demon-possessed and had the legion, sitting and clothed and in his right mind. And when Jesus got into the boat, he who had been demon-possessed begged Him that he might be with Him. However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, “Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.” And he departed and began to proclaim in Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him; and all marveled.

Purpose to reach people in your world. Purpose to cross over to the other side! Purpose to step into the shoes of those who do not know of the saving grace you have come to discover in Jesus! When you do you will encounter resistance both from within yourself and your circumstances. That is exactly what the disciples encounter when they followed Jesus to the other side. Mark 4:36-41 reads...

Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”

Jesus demonstrates in this story the believer's authority. He has commissioned us to take the Gospel to the world and has given us all authority to get the job down. Let this story encourage you to exercise your authority both in prayer for those who are lost and in commanding the will of God over your adversary the devil. Jesus is coming soon! We need to bring closure to the great commission! We have the authority to do it through the wonderful name of Jesus!

Insight for 2010 the new year

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 12:35:00 +0000

There is a story in the Gospels that has been speaking to me repeatedly over the past few years and even more so now. As I read the story the Holy Spirit impresses upon me that first, 2010 will be a year of turbulence but a year of great victory. I believe that the authority of the believer and the name of Jesus will be exercised and realized by many at IFC as the text below demonstrates. –Mark 4:35-41

35 On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over
to the other side.” 36 Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along
in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. 37 And a great
windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already
filling. 38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and
said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”
39 Then He
arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind
ceased and there was a great calm. 40 But He said to them, “Why are you so
fearful? How is it that you have no faith?”[a] 41 And they feared exceedingly,
and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey
Him!”

Secondly, I believe 2010 will be a year of ministry opportunity for the Gospel. Zechariah 8:23 comes to mind. It is a prophecy concerning the Jews in the last days but it encouraged me to believe for revival. It says, “Thus says the LORD of hosts: ‘In those days ten men from every language of the nations shall grasp the sleeve of a Jewish man, saying, Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.” The story of the mad man of Gadara speaks of ministry opportunity to me. It is interesting that after He received God’s touch he went and published the Lord’s compassion in Decapolis, which means ten cities as you read in Mark 5:15,18-20 below…

15 Then they came to Jesus, and saw the one who had been demon-possessed and had
the legion, sitting and clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid.

18 And when He got into the boat, he who had been demon-possessed begged
Him that he might be with Him. 19 However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to
him, “Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done
for you, and how He has had compassion on you.” 20 And he departed and began to
proclaim in Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him; and all marveled.

Early Saturday morning I saw the year 2010 with a “X10” next to it, when I awoke I was impressed to search the phrase “ten times” in my QuickVerse electronic bible. I was amazed to find four stories that confirms what has been in my heart for the new year for me and my family. I have taken these things as prayer directives from the Lord for IFC. Take note of these stories and let them encourage you in the new year!

The 1st story is about Laban and Jacob. Genesis 31:7,41,42 records how God restored Jacob financially after Laban had cheated him ten times [10X]concerning his wages and employment. My first prayer directive for IFC: FULL PLOYMENT IN 2010

The 2nd story is about God’s choosing of Caleb in Numbers 10:22. After Israel had offended God ten times [10X] in the wilderness He separated out Caleb from the crowd to possess his inheritance. God singled him out because of the spirit of faith that was upon Caleb, the phrase ‘because he wholly followed the Lord’ reveals my second prayer directive for IFC: THAT WE WOULD WHOLLY FOLLOW THE LORD IN 2010

The 3rd story is about Job holding on to his hope in Job 19:3, 25. Job after being reproached by his friends ten times [10X] made a statement that is very revealing. In the midst of his overwhelming trial he says, “I know my redeemer lives and I will stand before him in the last day.” This reveals my third prayer directive for IFC: THAT WE WOULD HAVE HIGH EXPECTATION FOR WHAT GOD WANTS TO DO THIS YEAR AS WELL AS AN AWARENESS OF HIS SOON RETURN.

The 4th and final story is about Daniel and company in Daniel 1:19,20. Read chapter 1about the Kings demands and their consecration. They were found to be ten times better in wisdom and understanding as a result of their consecration. This brought them favor in the sight of the king. This reveals my fourth prayer directive for IFC: THAT WE WOULD CONSECRATE OURSELVES AND OPERATE IN HIS WISDOM AND FAVOR. DIVINE PROMOTION.

Happy New Year IFC! Remember, the best is yet to come!

Revelations: Before the Throne

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:31:00 +0000

One of the greatest privileges we have as believers is to come before the throne of grace to find help in time of need. When Jesus comes for His church everyone shall receive reward based on their walk of faith. John the Apostle in Revelations 4:3-11 has a awesome vision of the throne of God.

3 And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald. 4 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of gold on their heads. 5 And from the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices. Seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. 6 Before the throne there was[e] a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back. 7 The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle. 8 The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” 9 Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying: 11 “You are worthy, O Lord,To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.” -Revelations 4:3-11

The book of revelation is full of symbolism that must be interpreted by the bible itself and not personal speculation. Who is sitting on the throne whose attributes can't be seen because of the glory shining forth? Who are the elders that are 24 in number given robes and crowns? Are their seven Spirits of God? Who does the seven lamps of fire speak of? What does the sea of glass represent? And what of the four living creatures.

Revelations: Rapture

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:27:00 +0000

I have been on a rapture watch the past 2 years. What is a rapture watch you may ask? Remember the summer season? We did not have many this past summer but you are familiar what comes with the summer season aren't you? Thunderstorm watches and warnings! Well I believe we are in the season of the rapture, so I am living in the light of Jesus soon return when He will call us up to meet Him in the air! Could it be 2010? 2011? Only the Lord knows but a wise servant is on a watch. What is to come?

After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, “Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this." Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne. -Rev. 4:1,2

The apostle John heard a voice as it were a trumpet speaking to him. That is what the apostle Paul teaches concerning the mystery of the church and its resurrection. Paul spoke of believers being resurrected at the last trump.

Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. -1 Cor. 15:51,52

For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. -1 Thess. 4:16,17

When the trumpet sounds will you be ready to stand before the throne of God unashamed? Will the way you live your life now have merits for eternal rewards? What you do for Jesus counts for eternity! Why you do what you do counts for eternity! Let's make it count!

Revelations: The Message of the Hour

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 12:53:00 +0000

In the opening chapters of the book of Revelation, our Lord Jesus gave a message to the seven churches of Asia in John's day which is relevant for our day as well. The message of the hour is to embrace the Word and the Spirit! With all that is going on in our world today there is something that will put you over the top! God's Word and God's Spirit!

As you read the following scriptures to the seven churches you will see very clearly what God expects the church to do in the last days. He expects us to overcome by faith in His Word and to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. As you read these scriptures, ask yourself, "Am I overcoming? Am I hearing and obeying the Spirit of God?"

Revelation 2:7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcomes will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
Revelation 2:11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcomes shall not be hurt of the second death.
Revelation 2:17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcomes will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knows saving he that receives it.
Revelation 2:26 And he that overcomes, and keeps my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations.
Revelation 3:5 He that overcomes, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
Revelation 3:12 Him that overcomes will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.
Revelation 3:21 To him that overcomes will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

God has given us His Word and His Spirit to live victoriously in these last days! There is something I find missing in the church today and it is a radical commitment to the Word of God and a complete surrender to the Spirit of God. The Word and the Spirit is available to us because of the price that Jesus paid but in order for the church to taste victory its level of commitment must come up to the level that Jesus demonstrated. He surrendered all! If you want to taste His victory then I encourage you today to make a radical commitment to the Word of God and surrender fully to the Holy Spirit who has been sent to help you, guide you, comfort you, and sustain you! To him who overcomes! He that has an hear let him hear what the Spirit is saying!

Revelations: Divine Encounter

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 17:36:00 +0000

The apostle John was caught up in the Spirit. He heard a loud voice, it was Jesus, which he said sounded like a trumpet saying, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last.” John begins to describe what he saw in Revelations 1:12-18...

Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.

John had a face to face encounter with the Lord. Read the prophets who had visions of the Son of God and they are quite similar. Jesus Christ is alive and He is visiting people in our day. I believe one thing is certain, that God desires to have a personal encounter with everyone of his children. He wants to manifest His presence in our lives. He wants to speak into our lives as well. Notice in this text how the voice of the Lord Jesus is described--a loud voice, like a trumpet, like the sound of many waters. The description reveals the authority in the words of Jesus.

When the Lord laid His hands on John fear departed from Him. In the Lord's presence there is no fear. In fact many times in the Gospels Jesus dealt with the spirit of fear to those He was about to minister to. Today with all the instability in our world we are not to fear but to hear the words of Jesus. Jesus spoke from the Mount of Olives concerning His return and gave signs. He also made it clear that we should not be afraid when we see the signs of His return but to recommit our lives to Him, look up with expectation, and do what He has called us to do.

The signs in the book of Revelation are not meant to bring fear but faith concerning God's plan of redemption. His plan will unfold and it will go down just as He said it would. I would encourage you to read Matthew 22-25 alongside the book of Revelations. Revelations amplifies each of the signs Jesus gave His disciples. Jesus gives us signs so that we can discern the time and season of His return. Those who understand the signs know what to do! Do you know what time it is? Do you know what you should be doing in the midst of the troubling news of our world? Don't get in fear get in faith! Believe God for His provision, His protection and His promises. Fulfill the great commission He has given you. Tell someone about Jesus! He is coming soon!

Revelations: The Blessing

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 21:39:00 +0000

This blog is the beginning of a series of my meditations concerning the book of Revelation.

The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his
servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by
his angel unto his servant John: Who bare record of the word of God, and of the
testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. Blessed is he that readeth, and they
that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written
therein: for the time is at hand. -Revelation 1:1-3

The book of Revelation is all about the great God and Savior Jesus Christ, the one who created us and redeemed us back to the Father, the one who is presently seated at the right hand of God the Father interceding for us, and the one who is soon to return and set up His Kingdom upon the earth. This book was written to the church who are to be His servants spreading His Gospel throughout the nations. It is to us that He wants to show us things which are to come.

There is a blessing to those who hear and take to heart the things declared and revealed in this book. They will surely come to pass! What blessing could be imparted as a result of reading, hearing and understanding the book of Revelation?

From my own personal experience almost 30 years ago, I will never forget my reading and pouring over the book of revelation as a new christian. I read it over several times, not understanding all that I was reading but the Holy Spirit was moving upon me as I read and considered what was chronicled in the book of Revelation. It produced in my heart an expectation that some day soon I would see face to face the One who had died for me and purchased with such great price my redemption. It produced a desire in my heart to want to please Him and to do His will.

So what is the blessing? I believe it is the Spirit of God imparting grace to live victoriously over the flesh, the world and Satan's influence with an expectation that one day soon we will stand before the Lord Jesus Christ and make Him proud! When you live with that kind of reality, real expectation, you desire to do things right by Him who lives on the throne, to please Him and satisfy Him.

After all He has the right of expectation over every human life to repent and come to the knowledge of the truth. Jesus said, "I am the truth, the life, and the way!" Who else paid such a great price? Who is there that has ever walked the face of this planet and demonstrated so great love? Who has revealed the Father God? Who? There is none but the LORD JESUS CHRIST!

What did the Jewish Prophets know about God?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 17:38:00 +0000

I am fascinated how God in the Old Testament with amazing accuracy declared things to come even in our generation. Every prophet was given a glimpse of the Day of the Lord that was hundreds of years into the future. There are many terrible judgements against the Nations prophesied by these prophets. But what else did they see?

As you study their writings you will find they indeed had an encounter with the Lord and were awe struck by His glory and holiness. They all had a revelation of the goodness and mercy of the Lord.

Think about the prophet Jonah whom God instructed to warn the Assyrians of coming catastrophe if they did not as a nation repent from their sins. Jonah disobeyed the call to preach repentance because he probably knew God would show mercy to a nation that could spell trouble for Israel.

And God saw their works (the Asyrians repentance), that they turned from
their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would
do unto them; and he did it not. But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he
was very angry. And he prayed unto the LORD, and said, I pray thee, O
LORD, was not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled
before unto Tarshish: for I knew that thou art a gracious God, and merciful,
slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest thee of the evil.--Jonah
3:10-4:2

Good thing for the Asyrians that Jonah was not on the throne or they would have been toast! Consider our nation today-is God still rich in mercy today-if we will but turn to him in repentance? I believe that He is which means we are living in a season where the church must pray, pray, pray!

The Prayers of the Apostle Paul

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:28:00 +0000

The prayers of the Apostle Paul express the full intent of the Holy Spirit's work in our lives. Pray and confess these powerful prayers over your life then pray in the Holy Spirit. By doing so you yield yourself to His wonderful ministry to change you into the image of Jesus.

Father, fill us with the knowledge of your will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that we may honor and bring praise to you, pleasing you in every area of our lives, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of you. Strengthen us with your might according to your glorious presence and power that we would demonstrate patience in every situation and longsuffering with every individual with your joy as our strength, in Jesus name. (Colossians 1:9-12)

Father, grant us the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Open the eyes of our understanding that we may know and experience the hope to which you called us—Christ in us the hope of glory, the richness of the inheritanc—our rights and privileges secured by Jesus blood, your divine presence and power in us and amongst us who believe in Jesus name. (Ephesians 1:17-20)

Father, strengthen us in our inner man with Holy Spirit power and ability so that Christ—the anointed One and His Anointing—may dwell and live through us, so that we can discover the depth, length, breadth and height of your love and be filled with all the fullness of God in Jesus name. (Ephesians 3:16-19)

Father, increase our love and passion so that we may grow in the knowledge of you and discern what is truly your highest and best, making wise choices and right decisions, that we may live pure and holy and ready for Christ’s return, that we may be filled with the fruits of His righteousness in Jesus name. (Philippians 1:9-11)

Visions of Jesus! He is coming soon!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 27 May 2009 17:45:00 +0000

Jesus is coming in all of His glory to set up His Kingdom upon the earth! Are you ready for Him? Do you love Him? Are you serving Him? Are you looking for His soon return? The scripture says that when He appears we shall be like Him and everyone who has this hope purifies himself! What a blessed hope we have in light of all the troubling events that are befalling the world today. The signs are everywhere announcing that He is coming! What will the world see when Jesus returns with the church to 'terra firma'? What did the prophets see?

Daniel saw the Lord...
... a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz: His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.--Daniel 10:5-6

Ezekiel saw the Lord...
...upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it. And I saw as the colour of amber, as the appearance of fire round about within it, from the appearance of his loins even upward, and from the appearance of his loins even downward, I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and it had brightness round about. As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake.--Ezekiel 1:26-28

John saw the Lord...
...one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp two edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.--Revelation 1:12-16

Until He comes seek the face of the Lord Jesus Christ! The one who took your place in death and rose from the grave to advocate for you the rights and privileges of His Kingdom. He is alive forevermore and His power is readily available for any need or any situation you face. The secret is getting into the presence of the Almighty, All powerful, and gloriously wonderful Jesus Christ! In His presence you will discover His power because the hiding place of His power is in His presence, that is what the prophet Habakkuk saw...

And His brightness was like the sunlight; rays streamed from His hand, and there [in the sunlike splendor] was the hiding place of His power.--Habakkuk 3:4 AMP

He is waiting for you! Touch the hem of His garment and discover His power flow! Power over sin, power over sickness and disease, power to sustain you, power to deliver you! It's your right! It's your privilege! God's power flowing through you!

Time for Visitation

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 12:45:00 +0000

This past Sunday was Palm Sunday which celebrates Jesus entry into Jerusalem fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9, "Your King is coming to you, lowly, sitting on a donkey." The people were crying out, "Hosanna to the Son of David, blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!" as He came into the city. But if you read the text of Matthew 21-23 concerning His visit it reveals a tragedy. The people were not ready for a visitation from God. Jesus gave a rebuttal to the people's cry as He left Jerusalem for the last time in Matthew 23:39 stating, "you shall see Me no more till you say, Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD."

The story is very revealing because it shows us today what is required of us to experience a visitation from God. In fact I don't want God to just visit, but to dwell in my house! When Jesus visited Jerusalem He did three things that were not pleasant at all.

He first cleansed the temple because it had become a place of profiteering versus a place of prayer. (Matthew 21:12-17)
He cursed the fig tree (which is symoblic of the nation of Israel) because it had no fruits of repentance on its tree for Him to partake of. (Matthew 21:18-22)
He rebuked the spiritual leaders for their blindness in not preparing the people for the time and season of His first coming that had been prophesied by the law and the prophets. (Matthew 21:23-23:36)

This story makes it very clear what is necessary for the church to experience a visitation from God, to experience revival and restoration. Though the children of Israel cried out, "Hossanna" which means "send now prosperity" they were not ready. I want to be ready for a visitation from God, I want to see lives healed and restored and prosperity come to the church! Here is what must happen.

We must recognize that we are temples of the Holy Spirit and that our lives are to be a prayer. The sin of prayerlessness must be dealt with in our lives.
We must recognize that Jesus is looking for the fruits of repentance in our lives. We must turn from sin and immerse ourselves in His Word for cleansing. Jesus told His disciples you are clean because of the Word I have spoken over you. The Psalmist said, "Thy Word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against you."
Jesus expects that His ministers be in the know, that they recognize the times and seasons, that they are discerning of God's plan and purpose and lead the people into a place of revival.

We are living in very troublesome times but very exciting times as well. Your perspective all depends on what side of the fence your on. It's time for a visitation! Jesus is coming in our life time! Churches need to wake up! Preachers need to wake up!

You can prepare yourself for a personal visitation and revival! Simply cry out for it! Turn from prayerlessness and acknowledge your dependence upon Him! Immerse yourself in the Scriptures. Pray for our leaders in government that their spiritual blindness to be removed--it is the curse of our day. Pray for your Pastors, the ministry gifts, the missionaries that you support that they would be in the flow of God's plan for His body! It's time! Position yourself! Get hungry and thirsty for a fresh touch of God's presence and power!

Is your cup running over?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 11:49:00 +0000

What did the psalmist mean by a cup running over. If you think about it a cup is a container to drink from. As believers we have the capacity to drink from the Spirit of God. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:13) If you are to really make a difference in peoples lives with the Gospel you have got to be full of the spirit and have plenty of overflow in your life. Jesus gave us the abundant life of God to enjoy and spill over on others. That abundant life is His presence and power at work changing us, shaping us, and renewing us.

How do you get your cup to run over? You have to come to the table the Lord has prepared for you. There with His disciples on the eve of His betrayal, Jesus brought His disciples to the table of the New Covenant. That is the table He brings us to. Psalm 23:5,6 says,

"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life."

God has prepared a table for you to eat and drink of all the promises of the New Testament Epistles. The Kingdom is not food and drink per se but righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. When you partake of Him, His Word, His Spirit, your cup begins to fill up! For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.

"Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee"—2 Corinthians 1:20-22

Notice your position at the table. Your head has been anointed! When you see this in Old Testament, the anointing of the head--it signifies an entry into a position of honor; setting apart for a sacred purpose; a reviving. That is what Jesus did for us, made us alive in Him, raised us up to sit with Him in heavenly places. We have been given the right and privelege to be called the children of God. God calls everyone of His children to the table! I hope you hear the Spirits call to come to the table. Fellowship with Him, His Word, His Spirit and let your cup run over!

"Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters! You who have no money, come, buy and eat! Yes, come and buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and let your soul delight itself in abundance"— Isaiah 55:1-2

A friend in high places!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 17:48:00 +0000

True friendship enriches our lives. The greatest friend of all came to give us life and life more abundant. You have a friend in high places who desires intimacy with you. He alone can meet our deepest needs.

Everyone has a set of core needs that only He can fill. Many times we try to fill these needs through other relationships, activities, personal accomplishments and so forth. However only Jesus can satisfy us through and through. There are four needs that intimacy with Jesus satisfies...

Acceptance-knowing you are loved!
Identity-knowing you are valuable and significant!
Security-knowing your future is provided for in every way!
Purpose-knowing you have a gift and calling to fulfill!

When you experience the revelation of the Father's love, when you discover who you are in Christ Jesus, when you hear the affirmation of your Father and the witness of His Spirit within, when you discover the gifts and graces within you become...

a secure person
a confident person
an intentional person
a giving person

Consider the book of Proverb's definition of friendship. I see Jesus, a friend in high places, faithful and true in good times and bad times, always encouraging me and directing me with His Word and Spirit. in all of these. This is the kind of friendship people are starving for. Let's be Jesus to someone else! A friend who loves at all times!

Proverbs 17:17 A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
Proverbs18:24b ...there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
Proverbs 27:6a Faithful are the wounds of a friend...
Proverbs 27:9 Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.
Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance
of his friend.

Provision through fasting and prayer

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 13:50:00 +0000

The story of 2 Chronicles 20 is a favorite story of mine and I would like to show you a checklist you can make for yourself while on the 21 day Daniel fast...

1. Purpose to seek the Lord by prayer and fasting concerning the need, issue, or problem you are facing—verse 1-5
2. Put God in remembrance of His Promise, find scripture that covers your case—verse 6-11 (Notice that Jehoshaphat put the Lord in remembrance of His promise made to Solomon at the temple dedication—2 Chronicles 7:12-16 It is recorded that Jehoshaphat had the faith of His fore father David and a strong passion for God’s Word so much so that he initiated a teaching revival throughout the cities of Judah—2 Chronicles 17:3-9)
3. Keep your eyes on Jesus not the circumstance—verse 12
4. Listen to the Holy Spirit’s instructions He will give direction for your life—verse 14-17
5. Seal what God says to you with worship so that it settled in your heart—verse 18,19
6. Encourage yourself in the Lord when you face your circumstances—verse 20
7. Don’t loose your shout! Praise manifest God’s presence and silences the enemy—verse 21,22

As Jehoshaphat led Israel in the fast the answer to their problem came. Verse 23-30 records that they came to the Valley of Baca (Blessing) where they spent three days gathering the spoil. The outcome was great joy and rest from their enemies.

Right Place Right Time

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 18:04:00 +0000

Israel was on its journey to the promise land. They were to pass through the desert. As they set out through the wilderness God would lead them to places of provision for their families. The first encampment after passing through the red sea was a place called Marah. There they found water that was bitter. But Moses threw a piece of wood into the waters and God made them sweet. That piece of wood speaks of the cross of Jesus Christ, it speaks of our redemption, it speaks of God's grace being applied to our life so that all our bitter experiences turn sweet because of His redeeming grace.

Moses led Israel from the Red Sea and they went into the Desert of Shur. For three days they traveled in the desert without finding water. When they came to Marah, they could not drink its water because it was bitter. So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, "What are we to drink? Then Moses cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a piece of wood. He threw it into the water, and the water became sweet. --Exodus 15:22-25

Then they continued on their journey and came to another place called Elim (meaning trees). Again, God had provision for them at the right place and at the right time! Twelve wells of water and seventy palm trees. Wow! Consider Israel was twelve tribes led by 70 elders under the Apostleship of Moses. Do you think God was trying to get their attention that He would provide for them along the journey?

Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs and seventy palm trees, and they camped there near the water.--Exodus 15:27

As you start this year off do not listen to the political and economic pundits of the day. Do not be inundated with the newspaper, magazines, and TV that shout crisis, crisis, crisis! Rather recognize that Jesus on the cross made provision for your future! Even though there is economic difficulty that overwhelms many people with fear and anxiety, purpose to continue on your journey expecting God's provision to show up for you this year at the right place and the right time. How do you stay focused? It is simple, remember to keep your eyes and heart on the Word. Remember what the Psalmist said in chapter 1...

His delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water,which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers!

Stay in the Word and you will be at the right place at the right time for God to show up and provide for you!

The power of one that blessings may come

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 22:58:00 +0000

It was by the obedience of one that many are saved…
“so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous”— Romans 5:19b

It is by the one who plants or waters that harvest comes…
“ I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase”—1 Corinthians 3:6,7

It is the spirit upon the one who ministers that freedom and liberty comes…
“ But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal”—1 Corinthians 12:7 For to one is given…

the word of wisdom
the word of knowledge
special faith
gifts of healing
working of miracles
prophecy
discerning of spirits
divers kinds of tongues
the interpretation of tongues

“But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will”—1 Corinthians 12:11

It is the encouragement of one who can edify the church body…
“When ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying”—1 Corinthians 14:26

It is the seed of the one given that makes God’s grace abound to others…
“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work”—2 Corinthians 9:7-8

It is the Gospel spoken by one that brings hope to the hopeless…
“Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you”—1 Peter 3:15

It is the God-given ability invested in the one that serves the needs of others…
“As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth”—1 Peter 4:10,11

You see everyone has been given a measure of grace…
“ But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ”—Ephesians 4:7

And everyone has been dealt a measure of faith…
“For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith”—Romans 12:3

And everyone has received an anointing within…
“But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things”—1 John 2:20

For God has uniquely equipped each one of us for His own good purpose that blessings may come…
“But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him”—1 Corinthians 12:18