The Word of the Day

Believer's Authourity

noreply@blogger.com (Bethel) — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 17:00:00 +0000

Ephesians 3:19-23
And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principalities, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all.

If you have received the gift of salvation from Jesus Christ, then you are the church which is the body of Christ। Notice in the scripture above, Eph 3:20 "Christ was raised from the dead and is seated at His Father's own right hand in the heavenly places, far above..." Now notice the scripture from Eph. 2:6 "And hath raised US up together and made US sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus." This is our place of authority on the earth. Christ is seated on the throne and we are seated with Him in authority. The president still can exercise his authority no mater if he is physically in his oval office or not. That is the same with us. We are seated with Christ in authority, so all we have to do is speak in the name of Jesus and things are done here on the earth.

Notice also in Eph। 3:21 what Christ was placed above: "All principalities, powers, might, and dominion, and every name that is named." And also look at Eph 6:12 "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." This is saying that we are in a war against Satin and his demons.

These devils try to influence and control believers and nonbelievers alike and we must not only stand against those demons who try to influence us but also those who would come against us, our family, finances, or ministry। Also we can take authority over them on behalf of others for their healing and deliverance. Mark 16:16-18 "He that believes and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believes not shall be damned. And these signs follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall by no means hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover."

And here is one of my favorite verses of authority: Mark 11:22-25। And Jesus answering saith unto them, "Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall SAY unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he SAITH shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he SAITH. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever you desire, when you pray, believe that you receive them and you shall have them. And when you sand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone: so that you Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses also."

May this be an encouragement to you today as you stand in faith. Now may the Lord bless you, and keep you, may He make His face shine upon you and give you peace, Amen.

Being Holy

noreply@blogger.com (Bethel) — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 18:29:00 +0000

BEING HOLY by: Charles R. Swindoll

Psalm 42

Our fast-lane living these days does not lend itself to the traits we have traditionally attached to godliness. Remember the old hymn we sang in church years ago? “Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord; abide in Him always and feed on His Word. . . . Take time to be holy, the world rushes on.”

We read those words, believe them, and would even defend them, but we sigh as we confess that more often than not we are strangers to them. The idea of taking the kind of time “to be holy” that our grandparents once did is rather dated.

Does this mean, then, that we cannot be holy? Does an urban lifestyle force us to forfeit godliness? Must we return to the “little house on the prairie” in order to be godly?

Obviously, the answer is no. If godliness were linked to a certain culture or a horse-and-buggy era, then most of us would be out of luck! As much as we might enjoy a slower and less pressured lifestyle, God has not called everyone to such a role or place.

Which brings us to a bottom-line question I seldom hear addressed these days: What exactly does it mean to be holy . . . to be godly?

Godliness cannot be confused with how a person looks (hard as it is for us to get beyond that) or what a person drives or owns. As tough as it is for us to be free of envy and critical thoughts, it is imperative that we remind ourselves that “God looks on the heart” (1 Sam. 16:7); therefore, whatever we may say godliness is, it is not skin deep.

Godliness is something below the surface of a life, deep down in the realm of attitude . . . an attitude toward God Himself.

The longer I think about this, the more I believe that a person who is godly is one whose heart is sensitive toward God, one who takes God seriously. This evidences itself in one very obvious mannerism: The godly individual hungers and thirsts after God. In the words of the psalmist, the godly person has a soul that “pants” for the living God (Ps. 42:1-2). What matters is the individual’s inner craving to know God, listen to Him, and walk humbly with Him.

Godly people possess an attitude of willing submission to God’s will and ways. Whatever He says, goes. And whatever it takes to carry it out is the very thing the godly desire to do.
The godly soul “pants” and “thirsts” for God.
The godly take God seriously.

To the Broken Hearted

noreply@blogger.com (Bethel) — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 16:12:00 +0000

Psa 34:18 The LORD [is] nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

Do you have deep sorrow in your heart today? If you do then you can take comfort in the knowledge that you are not alone. The man of sorrows is with you. Jesus is the man of sorrows, for He bore all the sorrows of the world. Isa 53:3 He was despised and rejected--a man of sorrows, acquainted with bitterest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way when he went by. He was despised, and we did not care. Isa 53:4 Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows* that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God for his own sins!

Cast all your cares upon the Lord for He cares for you. Psa 56:8 (NLT) Lord, you keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. The Lord loves you so much that He feels sorrow when you feel sorrow.

Whatever it is that you are going through, it does not stand a chance against the Lord. Jhn 16:33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."

Therefore, Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths. Pro 3:5,6

Empty yourself before the Lord and you will find comfort and rest, do it daily if needed, and expect God's hand to turn things around for you. Psa 69:32The humble will see their God at work and be glad. Let all who seek God's help live in joy.

Isa 14:3 And it shall come to pass in the day that the LORD shall give thee rest from thy sorrow, and from thy fear, and from the hard bondage wherein thou wast made to serve.

Worship

noreply@blogger.com (Bethel) — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 16:33:00 +0000

Psa 89:15
Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of your presence, O' LORD.

Worship is the same as obedience. In order to worship you must surrender yourself, empty yourself, and finally loose yourself in love with God. It is the ultimate show of respect, it is more then praise. Praise is an act of thanksgiving. Worship is an act of marriage. It is complete and total surrender of ones being to the will of another.

When you surrender your life to Christ you are showing him worship. When you are who God created you to be, you are showing Him worship. He did not create you to be sinful, but to be like the image of His Son. When God calls you to something and you obey, it is an act of worship, when you disobey, it is a slap in the face of God and you dishonor him.

That is why it is so important to obey His commandments and know His ways and follow them. Therefore worship requires study of His Word, and prayer. It is something that can and should be practiced in our lives everyday. While we are at work we can worship Him by showing kindness to another, or by obeying our boss. In our marriage we can worship Him by loving and tending to the needs of our spouse. In every area of our lives there is an opportunity to worship God through obedience and surrender of our will. And let us not forget the total act of worship where we bow our knees to the Lord and remember His magnificence.

Psa 138:2
I bow before your holy Temple as I worship. I will give thanks to your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness, because your promises are backed by all the honor of your name.

Using the Gifts of God

noreply@blogger.com (Bethel) — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 16:28:00 +0000

Did you know that you are a gift? God fashioned you perfectly, for a specific purpose in the body of Christ. Romans 12:4-11 (NLT) 4 Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5 so it is with Christ's body. We are all parts of his one body, and each of us has different work to do. And since we are all one body in Christ, we belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others.
6 God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out when you have faith that God is speaking through you. 7 If your gift is that of serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, do a good job of teaching. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, do it! If you have money, share it generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.
9 Don't just pretend that you love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection, [fn2] and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically.

"When you attempt to serve God in ways you're not shaped to serve, it feels like forcing a square peg into a round hole. Its frustrating and produces limited results. It is also a waste of time, energy and talent." (Purposed Driven Life)

In order to use the gifts that God gave you, you must know what those gifts are. They are apart of who you are, so you must know yourself, what you are good at. God knows you better then anyone, so if you are unsure you can ask Him and he will reveal it to you. You are a special creation and are made for a specific function which is vital to the rest of us. A liver cannot operate as a heart, the body will die. Therefore do not do something nor allow someone who does not understand you to pressure you into doing something you are not meant to do.

Just give God your best, be who you are, and enjoy who God made you to be. He gave you all the tools you need to be effective, so do it in genuine love and passion for Christ.

Developing Your Friendship with God

noreply@blogger.com (Bethel) — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 17:12:00 +0000

James 4:8 - Draw close to God and He will draw close to you.

You are as close to God as you chose to be. Like any friendship you must work to develop your friendship with God. And one of the key elements of a meaningful relationship is honesty. Honesty about your faults and your feelings. 1Pe 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Trust him, and learn to care about what He cares about.

So many times I have heard the saying "God does not expect you to be perfect" yet Mat 5:48 says "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." There are also 94 verses in the entire Bible instructing man to be perfect. God would not instruct us to do something that is impossible to do, and he will not give us more then we cannot handle. Therefore it is safe to say that He desires us and expects us to strive for perfection. Yet having said that, perfection is not a requirement of His friendship. In His grace, Jesus was a friend of the sinners and tax collectors, and in being their friend he was able to teach them and save them from destruction.

The most important element in any relationship of course is communication. It is impossible to have a relationship if the communication is one sided or obsolete. God Has already completed His task in communicating His love, mercy, grace, power, wrath, faithfulness, long suffering, deity, righteousness, and will, and has done so all in the person of His Son. Then on top of everything he gave us His Holy Spirit to guide and teach us truths, to communicate to us in every area of our lives which he does so as a gentleman while we turn a deaf ear. He has then communicated in His Word, how it was in the beginning and how it will be in the end. Let us then communicate to Him our love, thankfulness, desires, hopes, passions, faithfulness, and let us do so also in every area of our lives. And in doing this He will make you perfect.

Hbr 13:20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,

Hbr 13:21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom [be] glory for ever and ever. Amen.

To the Underdog

noreply@blogger.com (Bethel) — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 17:22:00 +0000

Matthew 4:18-20 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he said unto them, "Follow me and I will make you fishers of men." And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.

During that time, when a child became of age for school their parents would send them off to study the Torah. Many of them would memorize the entire Torah. If they did well by the time they were 12 would continue their studies under a Rabbi. They would search for the best and most well known Rabbi in hopes to be accepted as a student. But if they did not do well they would return home and study their fathers trade. These fishermen did not do well in their studies and returned home to take up their father's trade. Now Jesus by the time he was 12 went to the temple and preached to the Scribes and Pharisees (which were the top dogs) confounding them with his wisdom and interpretation of the scriptures. Jesus never studied under a Rabbi but of the Holy Spirit. (the same Holy Spirit that teaches us) Luke 4:14
And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about.

Now isn't it interesting that Jesus didn't choose the most eloquent disciples, or the most knowledgeable of students to follow him, but instead he chose fishermen. If you have ever been around fishermen of the sea you would know that they can be a tough crowd, hence the term sailor talk. This is a demonstration of His great love. No matter what you have done in life, He paid the penalty for all sin. He is calling the least of those in this world because it is not a matter of how good or bad you are but a matter of the heart. Therefore keep your heart teachable, rid yourself of pride and the desires of this world. The Holy Spirit speaks to all of us not just the so called Christians. Not one person is deserving of the gifts of the Lord yet he died willingly anyway. What are you willing to die for? Maybe you spouse, or children, or even boy or girl friends, but what about the most annoying person in your life, what about the people in your life who hurt you or put down, or what about your enemy? Just something to think about.

Names of God from Psalms 23

noreply@blogger.com (Bethel) — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 17:21:00 +0000

Psa 23:1-6 The LORD [is] my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou [art] with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Did you know that these Psalms proclaim the names of God?

Psa 23:1 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want: Jehovah-Jireh - The Lord is my provider, Jehovah-Raah - The Lord, my shepherd
Verse Meaning: I lack nothing

Psa 23:2 He maketh me lie down in green pastures: Jehovah-Jireh - The Lord is my provider
Verse Meaning: I have full provision

Ps 23:2 He leadeth me beside still waters: Jehovah-Shelom - The Lord of peace
Verse Meaning: He leads me to peace

Ps 23:3 He restoreth my soul: Jehovah-Rapha - The Lord that heals
Verse Meaning: I have restoration

Ps 23:3 He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness: Jehovah-Tsidkneu - The Lord our righteousness. Verse Meaning: He teaches me the ways of righteousness

Ps 23:4 Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me: thy rod and thy staff they comfort me: Jehovah-Shammah - The Lord ever-present. Verse Meaning: I have courage and peace instead of fear because the Lord is with me.

Ps 23:5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Jehovah Nissi - The Lord our bannor. Verse Meaning: I have protection, preservation, and honor

Ps 23:5 Thou annointest my head with oil, my cup runneth over
Verse Meaning: I have joy, and shall always have fullness of blessing

Ps 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:
Verse Meaning: I shall have Devine favor all the days of my earthly life

Ps 23:6 and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Verse Meaning: I have a heavenly home prepared for me when my time on earth is over

I hope this is an encouragement to you as you reflect on the goodness of God and his provision, and I hope it draws from your heart praises for Him bringing you closer to Him.

Pray for Israel

noreply@blogger.com (Bethel) — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 17:04:00 +0000

This letter was taken form http://www.israelmybeloved.com/channel/word_from_zion/article/196 it touched my heart and I feel that this is something every Christian in the US should read.

Only in the Spirit can this be understood.

Many have asked why I’ve been silent for over a week about the insanity here in Israel. I am still shaking my head in total unbelief. Please keep in mind that what you are about to read is my very simplistic evaluation, knowing that there are many complications not mentioned here.

First we pull out of Gaza under pressure from the Bush White House, knowing that it would become a terrorist stronghold. I like most Israelis sat in total unbelief and watched Ariel Sharon who we all had trusted completely taken over by George W. Bush. We watched Sharon go against his country and even his own party and use words that no other Prime Minister ever used, like occupation, and a Palestinian State to mention a couple. We watched Sharon bring Olmert from the 33rd position in the Likud Party all the way to the position of his number one in the Government. It seems now with 20/20 hind sight that is how far back Sharon had to reach into the Likud ranks to find someone who would continue the planned destruction of Israel. And once again we sat still without protest like sheep being led to the slaughter once again. I have asked God many times if He has placed something in the minds of us Jews that allows us to be intelligent in many ways and yet stupid in others, or how a people who have suffered the horrors of the Holocaust can once again sit still and allow someone like Sharon and Olmert lead us into yet another Holocaust? But like you when I read the prophetic Word of God I find all my answers of what is to come and what will be. Then we sit still and allow Egypt (our peace partner) to open its border for tons of weapons moving into Gaza preparing Hamas for an all out war. To add insult to injury we allow these same Hamas terrorists to shell our cities and towns in the western Negev, causing death and destruction to our Jewish citizens and we do little to nothing about it, because Bush says we must show restraint to help his efforts in Iraq. Now Hamas has completely taken over the entire Gaza Strip, turning it into another Taliban state living under Islamic Sharia Law. And as everyone knew would happen all the weapons supplied by the US to Abbas in Gaza are now in the hands of those who have sworn to destroy Israel and kill every Jew. And the weapons continue to flow into Gaza in preparation for all out war. The world is now being told that the good news is Abbas can now be dealt with in Judea and Samaria (West Bank) that he is a moderate terrorist. When it has only been a few weeks ago when he made the statement that both and Hamas and Fatah should be turning their guns on Israel and not on each other. The fact that he is a Holocaust denier and sworn enemy of Israel seems to be forgotten. Or is it that everyone has forgotten that Fatah is a terrorist organization, and the PLO is headed by Abbas. That the Aksa Martyrs Brigade has killed more Jews with suicide bombers than Hamas has and it too is under the control of Abbas and Fatah. Or that the reason the average “Palestinian” voted for Hamas in their election was they were fed up with all the corruption in the Abbas government. That while the average “Palestinian” lived on a $1,000 or less a year, all of the Government officials lived in mansions and drove new high dollar Mercedes with money giving by the US and EU.

But now we hear Rice say we must now support Abbas and give him millions of dollars to rearm his terrorists with. Front Page Jerusalem Post today says, “US RESUMES FINANCIAL AND POLITICAL TIES WITH PA. It’s not enough that because of the Bush pressure on Sharon we now have a Taliban State on our southern borders that has sworn to destroy the State of Israel and kill every Jew, he wants to now finish the job and turn the heart land of Israel into a terrorist state as well, and his spin doctors are very quick to start their propaganda to the whole world. We now have Barak back as our Defense Minister with his eye squarely on the Prime Ministers job; we all know that he will give it all to the Arabs even the Old City and the Temple Mount. We now have Shimon Peres the epitome of total evil as our next President. While Netanyahu who so many believe to be the best man for the job of PM sits still with his mouth shut and seems to have no fight left in him. So to say things look bad here in Israel would be a very fair statement. As terrible as the above may seem it is pale in comparison to what Iran and Syria have in store for Israel. For months now Iran has been shipping convoys of weapons into Lebanon to rearm Hezbollah with longer range missiles under the ever watchful eye of the UN. Russia, North Korea and China have been arming Syria with Iranian financial backing. And Iran has hundreds of long range missile aimed at Israel of which anyone of them could be carrying a nuclear warhead purchased from any number of the old USSR countries. While Egypt sits unnoticed allowing Hamas in Gaza to rearm and they too have a very large and dangerous army thanks to the US. Egypt has a long memory and they want revenge for 1967 and 1973 wars. All this only means that if Israel just sits here and waits it will be destroyed or nearly destroyed and only God can then save her. But then that sounds Scriptural doesn’t it! But don’t think it is only Israel that will be destroyed, the United States is the main target and with Israel out of the way look out USA the terrorists cells in the US will begin their planned destruction of that country as well. In the meantime God is showing the US His displeasure of the back stabbing that the US is doing to Israel…

Excerpted from ‘The Golden Report’ by Jerry Golden - Jerry@thegoldenreport.com
© Israel My Beloved

Refuge

noreply@blogger.com (Bethel) — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 16:09:00 +0000

Isa. 54:10

For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee.

In the last days after the seven years of tribulation Jesus will return with all the saints from the rapture and upon His arrival the mountains shall erupt and fall and become hills. Isa 64:3 When thou didst terrible things [which] we looked not for, thou camest down, the mountains flowed down at thy presence. What message does this tell us, other then the awesome power of God?

The mountains were always a place of refuge for Israel, and will be again for all believers fleeing the terror of the anti-christ. When Jesus returns to reign there will no longer be a need for a place of refuge, because our true refuge has come. It will symbolize freedom and victory, and all the saints will rejoice.

Today we can still take refuge in him. Psalm 91:1,2
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, [He is] my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

Armor of God

noreply@blogger.com (Bethel) — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 16:58:00 +0000

Finally, my brotheren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. --Ephesians 6:10-18

Have you ever wondered what these verses mean? How do you put on the armor of God? Do you pray it on? That is what I used to think, but after a close study I realized it is much more then that.

If you look at each element of armor you see that it is all the word of God. Notice the belt of truth, that holds all the other armor peaces in place. Did you know that below the belt, the hem of the garment was known as a symbolism of authority and power. That is why the women with the issue of blood in Matt. 9:20 said to herself, "if I only touch the hem of his garment I will be healed" and she was.

The knowledge word of God is our armor. Knowledge of our righteousness in Christ, which protects the entire head. Knowledge of the truth of who we are in Christ. Knowledge of the Word produces faith which will quench all the firey darts of the evil one. Knowledge of the scriptures of authority (the sword of the Spirit), and our promises, which we use to fight the fight and stand our ground. Standing in what? The shoes of preparation of the gospel of peace. Isn't that the goal of our calling here on earth, peace. Peace can only be brought about and established through the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Morning Devotional from Blue Letter Bible

noreply@blogger.com (Bethel) — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 17:03:00 +0000

Today's devotional is from blueletterbible.org, I thought it would be an encouragement to you as it is to me, hope you enjoy.

"I will pour water upon him that is thirsty." —Isaiah 44:3
When a believer has fallen into a low, sad state of feeling, he often tries to lift himself out of it by chastening himself with dark and doleful fears. Such is not the way to rise from the dust, but to continue in it. As well chain the eagle's wing to make it mount, as doubt in order to increase our grace. It is not the law, but the gospel which saves the seeking soul at first; and it is not a legal bondage, but gospel liberty which can restore the fainting believer afterwards. Slavish fear brings not back the backslider to God, but the sweet wooings of love allure him to Jesus' bosom. Are you this morning thirsting for the living God, and unhappy because you cannot find him to the delight of your heart? Have you lost the joy of religion, and is this your prayer, "Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation"? Are you conscious also that you are barren, like the dry ground; that you are not bringing forth the fruit unto God which He has a right to expect of you; that you are not so useful in the Church, or in the world, as your heart desires to be? Then here is exactly the promise which you need, "I will pour water upon him that is thirsty." You shall receive the grace you so much require, and you shall have it to the utmost reach of your needs. Water refreshes the thirsty: you shall be refreshed; your desires shall be gratified. Water quickens sleeping vegetable life: your life shall be quickened by fresh grace. Water swells the buds and makes the fruits ripen; you shall have fructifying grace: you shall be made fruitful in the ways of God. Whatever good quality there is in divine grace, you shall enjoy it to the full. All the riches of divine grace you shall receive in plenty; you shall be as it were drenched with it: and as sometimes the meadows become flooded by the bursting rivers, and the fields are turned into pools, so shall you be—the thirsty land shall be springs of water.

Worthy of the Son

noreply@blogger.com (Bethel) — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 20:19:00 +0000

A Song to the Church.

Its been such a long time since that day upon the hill,
That I died to set you free and imparted you my will.
My Father He cried aloud and called you out of sin,
you came to be broken full of sorrow and fear within.

But I look at you now and am filled with joy at the glory on your face,
you're beautifully clothed in righteousness and are warmed by my embrace.
So let us sing and shout with joy, for the time has come,
when you've been presented worthy of the Son.

My heart broke for you as I touched your dirty face,
you cried forgive me Jesus and save me by your grace.
Just then you were transformed from darkness into light.
I gave beauty for ashes and your wrongs I made right.

I look at you know and am filled with joy at the glory on your face,
you're beautifully clothed in righteousness and are warmed by my embrace.
So let us sing and shout with joy, for the time has come,
when you have been presented worthy of the Son.

I gave you all authority and power on the earth,
My Spirit breathed new life in you and I rejoiced at your birth,
Your innocence is like the child's that I call my own,
and I've waited so long for the day that we could be one.

And I look at you now and am filled with joy at the glory on your face,
you're beautifully clothed in righteousness and are wormed by my embrace.
So let us sing and shout with joy, for the time has come
when you've been presented worthy of the Son.

Called to Love

noreply@blogger.com (Bethel) — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 19:58:00 +0000

2 Peter 1:3-8

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who has called us by His own glory and goodness. Through these he as given us very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge and to knowledge, self-control; and to self control, perseverance; and to perseverance godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

School does not stop when you graduate from college. Learning begins at birth and ends at our death. From the very instant a child is born it is learning, learning to breath, to cry, to recognize its mother and to survive. The same is true when we are born again by the Spirit of God. Life here on this earth is to prepare us for eternity. We are to grow from faith to faith, and the end result is love.

Love was there in the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth and established all the wonderful things in nature we experience today, all this was created for us, for our benefit out of perfect love. Love still is, right now at the very moment, God loves you! Love is, and He is calling you to become one with him. One in our mind, one in our spirit, and one in our love. Romans 12:2 "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing,and perfect will." Also Mat 5:48 says "Be perfect therefore, even as your heavenly Father is perfect." He has called us to be his bride. Are not husband and wife to become one? We are his body and he is the head of the church. Is not the body one? We are called to unity, and the force that binds us is love. Which is his commandment to us, to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself. Becoming one takes a lifetime of education and personal change. Let us be good students then that we might partake in His heavenly calling.

Redeemed from the Curse

noreply@blogger.com (Bethel) — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 16:07:00 +0000

Galatians 3:13

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written, cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.

What is the curse of the law? In Deuteronomy 28:15-68 the curses for disobeying the law (love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul & strength, love your neighbor as yourself) are given in explicit detail, but to summarize it for you, the curses consist of poverty, sickness, and death. Now if you observe the works of the devil from John 10:10 "The thief cometh not, but to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I (Jesus) have come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. You see that the Lord has destroyed the works of the devil just as is said in 1 John 3:8 "He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil."

For those who are in Christ and are born of God are not under the law any longer. In them the law is established and the blessings of the law are upon them. The curses of the law can no longer afflict them. So, why do bad things still happen to those who are born of God? 1 Peter 5:7-10"Cast all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resisteth steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, established, strengthen, and settle you."

In a nut shell, most of the time bad things happen because we allow these things to happen, we do not listen to the guidance of the Lord and we go off our own way and cause problems for ourselves. And sometimes our faith is being tested. Has something bad ever happened to you when you just started getting back into the Word, and you are being faithful doing what you know God wants you to do, then the devil comes against you because you are becoming a threat to him? When this happens you are to stand steadfast in the faith, faith in what? In the Word! We are redeemed from the curse! Search your heart and make it right before the Lord, forgiving those who have done you harm, just has Christ has forgiven you. Continue being faithful, and pay close attention to the voice of the Lord inside you, and praise God with all your heart and strength, and wait patiently because he will answer your prayers and fill your heart with joy because of His mighty hand will move on your behalf.

Purpose

noreply@blogger.com (Bethel) — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 16:39:00 +0000

1Corinthians 2:9-10

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of men the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea the deep things of God.

Rom 8:28

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.

Isn't it great to know that we have a purpose? Just as a child desires deeply to know that his birth brought joy and goodness into the lives of his parents, so is our desire to bring joy to the heart of God by fulfilling the purpose of our Creator. Knowing that we have a good God, a loving Father above all fathers who has good things planned for our lives; (Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.) makes serving Him a joy and makes life worth every effort.

No one in their right mind would want to serve a god who is hateful and evil unless they themselves are the children of disobedience. Eph 2:2 Where in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God who is rich in mercy, for his great love, wherewith he loved us. Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace are you saved).

Praise be to God for his great love who when we were children of disobedience, Christ loved us and "became sin for us so that in him we might be the righteousness of God through Christ Jesus" (2 Cor 5:21) now having become a new creature our desire is unto God and not for ourselves for we have become children of God having a purpose unto that which is good and not that of evil.

Believer's Authority

noreply@blogger.com (Bethel) — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 16:02:00 +0000

Ephesians 3:19-23

And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principalities, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all.

If you have received the gift of salvation from Jesus Christ, then you are the church which is the body of Christ. Notice in the scripture above, Eph 3:20 "Christ was raised from the dead and is seated at His Father's own right hand in the heavenly places, far above..." Now notice the scripture from Eph. 2:6 "And hath raised US up together and made US sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus." This is our place of authority on the earth. Christ is seated on the throne and we are seated with Him in authority. The president still can exercise his authority no mater if he is physically in his oval office or not. That is the same with us. We are seated with Christ in authority, so all we have to do is speak in the name of Jesus and things are done here on the earth.

Notice also in Eph. 3:21 what Christ was placed above: "All principalities, powers, might, and dominion, and every name that is named." And also look at Eph 6:12 "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." This is saying that we are in a war against Satin and his demons.

These devils try to influence and control believers and nonbelievers alike and we must not only stand against those demons who try to influence us but also those who would come against us, our family, finances, or ministry. Also we can take authority over them on behalf of others for their healing and deliverance. Mark 16:16-18 "He that believes and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believes not shall be damned. And these signs follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall by no means hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover."

And here is one of my favorite verses of authority: Mark 11:22-25. And Jesus answering saith unto them, "Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall SAY unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he SAITH shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he SAITH. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever you desire, when you pray, believe that you receive them and you shall have them. And when you sand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone: so that you Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses also."

May this be an encouragement to you today as you stand in faith. Now may the Lord bless you, and keep you, may He make His face shine upon you and give you peace, Amen.

A New Life

noreply@blogger.com (Bethel) — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 17:12:00 +0000

Are you looking for more in your life? For peace? Do you have built up hurt and anger toward others and yourself? Do you sometimes feel like you are unloveable and don't deserve love from others? The world would tell you that you are depressed and you need to take medication. Although this may help surpress the pain, it will not heal it. The Bible says "And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." John 8:32

The truth is that you were created to have a loving relationship with God. He is patiently and lovingly waiting for you to respond to His invitation to salvation. Yes, you can receive forgiveness for your sins and assurance of eternal life through faith in His only Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved" (John 3:16-17). "Now this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent" (John 17:3).

You may be asking yourself: "How can I know God?" Man is able to know the true and living God through His Word (that is, the Bible). The Bible reveals God's character and His plan for mankind. It is through reading His Word that we come to a knowledge of the righteousness of God and that which He requires of us.

What is it that prevents us from personally knowing God? Our sin has separated us from God — our corruption is to such a degree that we cannot know Him personally and cannot experience His love. God's Word says, "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). Man was created to have fellowship with God, but because of his sin (i.e., anything that is against the righteousness revealed in God's Law) he is prevented from that fellowship. This includes anything less than perfect obedience to God's commands.

"The wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23a). The ultimate result of this death is an eternity in Hell. This spiritual death forces a separation from God. Man is sinful and God is holy. This creates a gulf unbridgeable by man making that intended fellowship impossible. The only solution is a divine bridge — that bridge is Christ.

God created a way by sending His Son to pay the price for our sin. "God demonstrated His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). He died in our place; He who knew no sin became sin for us. This removed our burden of sin and allows us to enter into that desired fellowship if we follow His way. He is the only way. Jesus said "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6).

It is not just enough that you know these truths. We must individually place our trust in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. It is by repenting of our sins and believing on Christ that we can know God personally and experience His love. "But as many as receive Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name" (John 1:12).

"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them" (Ephesians 2:8-10).
"Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38).

You can receive Jesus Christ right now by faith. "If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart, one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made to salvation" (Romans 10:9-10).

Are willing to let go and trust in the God who truely loves you, who created you - even the person inside you; who chose to make you as special as you are, out of perfect love? If your answer is yes, then right now tell him that you believe in Him and place your faith in His Son. Talk to him and tell him of your sorrows, tell him of the pain, tell him you need his forgiveness and desire to know His love.

If you have just prayed this prayer, then congratulations — and welcome to His family. We, all being His children, share in a heavenly inheritance! We are heirs to heaven and are promised the eternal pleasure of glorifying God. As our life here on earth progresses, God will continue to work in our hearts. We are daily being conformed to the image of Christ, Himself. We will begin to live lives of righteousness. Obedience to God will not be a burden to us, but rather a joy.

You may wonder, now that you are a Christian, "What now?" Our greatest recommendation for believers, new and old, is fourfold: 1) find a church so you might hear the preaching of the Word and rejoice in the fellowship of other Christians, 2) study the Bible for that is where we learn of God and His plans, 3) pray to Him to strengthen your faith and increase your love toward Him, and 4) enjoy the blessings given by God in the heavenly ordained sacraments: baptism and the Lord's Supper. All of these will work to encourage and build upon your faith. If you have any questions, search the Scriptures, ask your Pastor, or please feel free to ask us.

bwilson.kids@gmail.com