Change The World

RAISE THE STANDARD!

2013-07-05T12:40:00.002-07:00

2 Chronicles 7:14-15 says, If My people, who are called by My name, shall humble themselves, pray, seek, crave, and require of necessity My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.

1. Humble- make lower; James 4:6, He gives grace to the humble, but rejects the proud.

2. Pray- James 5:16 , the earnest and fervent heartfelt prayers of a righteous man makes tremendous power available and dynamic in its working.

3. Seek My Face- to reach for; James 4:8, Come close to God and He will come close to you. God is waiting on us, we're not waiting on Him. Our heart and will must be yielded and broken to God . Not asking but seeking.

4. Turn from our wicked ways- a change of mind, then a change of purpose; a taking off of the old and a putting on of the new (Colossians 3:8). A fresh start, forgetting what is behind and pressing ahead.

In Christ,

Chris Jacobs

GOING BEYOND THE 4 WALLS OF THE CHURCH

2013-06-14T15:00:00.000-07:00

If you were to Google churches in your area you would find out that there are probably hundreds in your zip code. We see beautiful historical churches in our downtown regions and non for profit agencies claiming to be doing the Lord's work. Yet there still looms statistical facts that are disheartening and tragic. Joblessness and homelessness are still on the rise and many people are struggling. In our economic times families are becoming homeless and more children are on the streets. When you visit many churches you will also find out that they are not evangelism driven. Some churches would rather you come to them than they go to you. Even the word evangelism seems as if it is an offensive word in the church today. We may have a toy drive around Christmas and maybe a summer outreach depending on the church budget. Evangelism has been gravely neglected and rejected by the 21st century church. We are more interested in building our own personal kingdoms and buildings rather than doing true Kingdom work just as Jesus modeled. The church must adopt an evangelism mindset and go beyond the four walls of their comfortable, air conditioned sanctuaries and reach a lost, dying generation.

Jesus COMMANDED that we GO into ALL the world and PREACH the gospel to EVERY creature (Mark 16:15). This was not a suggestion but it was clearly a command. Over the years the church has become too comfortable and quite lackadaisical behind her walls. The church was not designed to be a country club for elite leaders and self righteous Christians. It was designed to be a hospital for a broken and dying world. If we are not IMPACTING the community that our church is located in, then what are we doing? If every family within a 10 mile radius does not know that we are available to them and their community, then what are we doing? We must tear down the wall that separates the church and community and began to GO so people will KNOW!

I challenge you today to become evangelism minded. Think outside the four walls of your church building to see how you can impact the people around you. It's time reach out to this hurting, dying world to let them know that Jesus Christ can heal and help them in every area of their lives.

God Bless,

Evangelist Chris Jacobs

Please support Operation Thirst as we take on the summer heat in Houston and minister the love of God to the homeless. Donate by clicking the link below:

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/REACH-MINISTRY.html?soid=1113703040038&aid=VHR6Mzfkc4A

MOVE FORWARD!

2013-01-10T12:46:00.003-08:00

I would like to start this blog by saying Happy New Year to everyone. I believe that this year is going to be one of the greatest years of your life. This is your year, this is your moment and God is going to show forth His goodness in your life. The thing I love about a new year is the fresh start. For many of you 2012 was challenging, difficult and troublesome. But thanks be to God that we serve a God of new beginnings. You can leave 2012 where it is, in the past. Paul says in Philippians 3:13, "... forgetting those things which are behind and reaching FORWARD to those things which are ahead." This is the year to move forward toward the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Our God's tender-mercies and loving-kindness are new every single morning. God gives us a fresh start everyday of our lives. What a wonderful and comforting thought. No matter the mistakes, setbacks, sins, struggles or disappointments you experienced in your past you can MOVE FORWARD with God's grace and mercy.

The enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10) and one of his must effective tactics is to keep you locked in the prison of your past. By doing so, he debilitates you from reaching the expected end that God has for you (Jeremiah 29:11). His lies entrap us in fear and cripples us from fulfilling the purposes of God for our life. Once we get the revelation that we have the right to a fresh start and a new beginning we can accomplish all that God has placed in us to accomplish. When the enemy reminds you of your past, you remind him of his future. You combat every one of his lies with the truth of God's word. You have a future in Christ Jesus!

So beloved, receive that fresh start and new beginning that the Lord has for you. As we start this new year choose to press FORWARD and escape the prison of your past. You are forgiven, redeemed and released from the mistakes of yesterday. Second Corinthians says, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a NEW creation; old things are passed away; behold all things have become NEW." So I encourage you to Keep MOVING FORWARD, NO LOOKING BACK!

In Christ,

Chris Jacobs

Beauty for Ashes: Overcoming the Pain of Sexual Abuse

2012-07-06T17:55:00.000-07:00

In the wake of the Jerry Sandusky conviction, the Tyler Perry confession of being sexually abused on Oprah, the Eddie Long accusations and the revelations of Catholic priests who also abused children for many decades, my wife and me felt compelled to write about it from a Christian prospective. We would be naïve to think that this is not a church issue and that there are not individuals in the pews and the pulpit who have been sexually abused in their lives. As ex-victims ourselves, we feel a compassion for those who have been sexually abused or experiencing abuse now. We know the pain, shame and sometimes destructive behaviors that are associated with this kind of abuse. But we also know the healing power of God and freedom that comes with it. Isaiah 61:3 proclaims, “To console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness (depression) that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.” In this article, we want to share with you a few keys that have helped us in our healing process.

When we took a statistical view point, we were astounded at the number of victims that have been affected by this kind of atrocious abuse. According to the U.S. Centers of Disease Control, 1in 3 girls are sexually abused before the age of 17 and 1 in 6 boys before the age of 18. Also, 20% of known rape victims in the U.S. are younger than 11 years of age and 35% of girls between grades 7-12 had been sexually abused.[1] Girls are more frequently the victims of sexual abuse, three times more than boys, but the number of boys is also substantial. Sexual abuse has increased 350% since 1980 according to several reports. Likewise, a 2003 national study of U.S. adults reported that 14.2% of men were sexually abused[2] and the U.S. Department of Justice reports that 10% of men and 50% of women who were incarcerated had been physically or sexually abused as a child. I am most certain that the numbers are slightly higher because of victims suffering in silence as we did. As you can see these statistics are disheartening and disturbing, but there is healing and deliverance through Jesus Christ as we will discover in the following paragraphs.

Before Chris and I go into the keys of healing, you must understand that healing is a process and not some instantaneous thing. We are faith-filled believers and know that God is a God of the suddenly, but in most instances of abuse healing takes time to come to complete fruition. We want people to understand that it will take time and effort on their part for healing to manifest. There are many traumas that accompany victims of abuse and all must be dissected. So we encourage all individuals of abuse to not only trust God for their emotional healing but also seek professional counseling.

The first step to restoration is to confront and acknowledge what happened to you. You cannot conquer what you do not confront! One of the enemy’s strategies is for you to ignore or forget the mistreatment that you endured or are presently enduring. He wants you to live in the oppression of shame and guilt which keeps you silent. After deceiving Adam and Eve to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, they became aware of their sinful state and hid in shame.[3] Satan continues to use this same ploy with those who have been sexually abused. For Chris and I, the healing process could not begin until we admitted we had been abused and realized it was not our fault. The majority of your healing occurs the moment you can speak out about being abused.

The next key to healing is forgiveness. Not only forgiving the abuser but also forgiving yourself. Most victims hold themselves responsible for the abuse incurred. As Jessica explained in the prior paragraph, this abuse was not your fault and you cannot hold yourself liable for the abuser’s perverse desires. Some of the indicators of unforgiveness rooted in abuse are low self-esteem, fear, co-dependency, anger both inwardly and outwardly, physical illness and unanswered prayers. Forgiveness is a powerful act and all of these negative traits will dissolve as you forgive the perpetrator and yourself. The bible says in Matthew 6:14 and 15 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your heavenly Father forgive your trespasses.” Paul also states to forgive one another as Christ has forgiven us.[4]

Finally and most importantly, you must receive the Father’s healing and know that His unconditional love is available for you. It is hard for the victim to receive God’s love because it is freely given, with no strings attached. The victim’s mentality must be renewed through the Word to receive this free gift. The Apostle Paul writes in Romans 8:32, “What then shall we say to these things, if God is for us, who can be against us. He who did not spare His own Son but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things.” There is a freedom that comes with God’s love. A freedom from the shame, pain, guilt and condemnation attached with sexual abuse. So receive your joy for mourning, gladness for sorrow, praise for suppression, healing for broken heartedness and BEAUTY FOR ASHES!

If you are a victim of sexual abuse or know someone being abused please contact: www.americanhumane.org

[1] McCreary Adolescent Health Survey, 1999

[2] Briere, J. & Elliot, D.M. 2003 Child Abuse, 27, 1205-1222

[3] Genesis 3:7,9

[4] Ephesians 4:32

Where are the Fathers?

2012-06-22T20:35:00.001-07:00

Where are the Fathers?

By Evangelist Chris Jacobs

According to the U.S. Department of Census 43% of U.S. children live without their fathers which is five times the national average, 90% of homeless and runaway children are fatherless, thirty two times the average and 85 % of all youth incarcerated come from fatherless homes, twenty times the average[Texas Department of Corrections]. A 2002 Department of Justice survey of 7,000 inmates revealed that 39% of those incarcerated lived in mother only households and one fifth experienced a father who was also imprisoned. Daughters of single parents without a father involved are 53 % more likely to marry as teenagers, 711% more likely to have children as teenagers and 164% more likely to have a pre-marital sexual encounter. As a father these statistics are staggering and very tragic. However on a brighter and more encouraging note, children with involved, loving fathers are significantly more likely to do well in school, have a healthy self-esteem, exhibit compassion and avoid high risk behaviors such as drug use, truancy and criminal activity compared to those who have uninvolved fathers.

Unfortunately this spirit of fatherlessness has slinked its way into Christendom and the Body of Christ. If we were to take a statistical look at the church, the numbers of the spiritually fatherless would be equal to or undoubtedly higher than those we just concentrated on. It saddens me to see this term “spiritual father” used so lightly. The Church must make sure not to become involved in faddish or popular terms that come and go. From my own experience, I can count on both hands how many times a pastor or minister has called me “son”. But as soon as you are not a part of his or her ministry, you become an orphan. One of the definitions of an orphan is a child who has lost both parents and less commonly, one parent. This regrettably paints a picture of the Body of Christ today. So many have been orphaned and abandoned by self-proclaimed spiritual fathers and mothers as well as those appointed and anointed by God to be spiritual fathers or mothers. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 4:15[Amplified], “After all, though you should have ten thousands teachers [guides to direct you] in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers, For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the glad tidings (the Gospel).”

In today’s Christian world there are countless preachers, pastors, prophets and teachers (instructors), but the question remains, where are the fathers? Where are those willing to take the time to raise true sons and daughters in the Kingdom? Yes, being a father takes time, patience, sensitivity and commitment. In the same light, spiritual fathers must adopt this way of viewing spiritual parenting. At times being a father is very inconvenient and all selfishness must be disregarded. As Moses was to Joshua, as Elijah was to Elisha, as Naomi was to Ruth and as Paul was to Timothy, those in five-fold ministry must be to those entrusted to them by God. I consider every believer to be a spiritual cover or guardian to people they have led to Christ and discipled. As Jesus said in Matthew 28:19 we must not only go but we are to make disciples of all nations and people. This was not a suggestion but a command.

There are distinct and biblical characteristics that a spiritual father must possess. First, I believe he must know your calling and purpose before being a part of your spiritual destiny. Just as Paul knew Timothy’s calling in 2 Timothy 4:5, true spiritual fathers must know their son’s or daughter’s calling. Many “spiritual fathers” want to mold you into what they think you should be. This is not biblical but indeed is manipulative and must be confronted and rejected. Secondly, he or she must be available at all times. As a father I am readily available to my daughter twenty four hours, seven days week. What good is a father if he is not accessible? Thirdly, he must cover and protect you no matter what. Just as God our Father protect and covers us daily so should spiritual leadership. As I previously mentioned, many “spiritual fathers” abandon you when you are no longer involved in their vision or ministry. I do not have the option of deserting Jazmyn, my daughter, when she is no longer in our home. I would be considered a deadbeat father and so should those who have abandoned their spiritual children. Finally, a true father should want his children to be better and more successful than he is. A father should never muzzle a child’s gifts, talents or anointing. There is no room for competition in the Kingdom and certainly not among family. Proverbs 23:15-16 [Msg] says, “Dear child, if you become wise, I’ll be one happy parent. My heart will dance and sing to the tuneful truth you will speak.”

In conclusion, I truly believe that God is fostering true fathers in the Body of Christ. Those with the Kingdom agenda and also those committed to the role of spiritual fatherhood. Hopefully, pastors are becoming more aware of their responsibility to help rear sons and daughters who are healthy spiritually, emotionally and relationally. As Malachi 4:6 says, “And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.”

GET YOUR MIND RIGHT!

2011-02-10T12:44:00.000-08:00

As I preach in the prisons and disciple young men in the things of God, one of the most frequently asked questions is how to get your thought life under control. First you must understand that your mind did not get saved and will never be saved. The part of you that was saved was your inner man or your spirit man. You are a spirit(the God part of you), you have a soul(mind, will and emotions) and you live in a body(your earth suit). Your mind does not comprehend the things of God nor has a desire to(1 Cor. 2:14). That is why you have to make it servant to your spirit by daily renewal. Romans 12:2 says, "And do not be conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may know what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. It is your responsibility to renew your mind daily through the Word of God. One definition for renew means to update. Your mind needs a constant update from its carnal, sinful and earthly thinking. The mind is where the battlefield is and the conflict takes place between good and evil(Romans 7:13-25). Paul found out that his continual battle of sin was in his sinful, unrenewed mind and body. He tried to get his mind and body to line up with his spirit and that is what we have to do to be victorious believers. Your spirit must be king, your soul must be servant and your body must be slave. Satan wants to gain control of your mind so he can influence your thoughts. He also uses your senses(the flesh) to deceive and control the mind. When you do not release negative experiences from your mind then it can lead to mental,emotional and spiritual disorder. Notice every sin begins with a though first, then eventually if it goes unchecked it will produce sin. The transformation from natural man to the spiritual man takes place in the mind. We must WIN the battle of our minds to be victorious. God does not remove or shut down the desires of the flesh. He wants you to overcome, manage, maintain and control these desires.

5 Keys to renewing your mind.
1. The Word-this is how you remove your old thinking and replace it with a new mindset. The Word teaches all things that we need to know to be successful believers.
2. Worship-this invites the presence of God into your mind. The bible says that you are the temple or the dwelling place of His presence. Where the spirit of the Lord is there is liberty. Every negative, carnal, sinful thought has to go when the presence comes in.
3. Praying in the Spirit- every time I pray in the Spirit it feels as if my mind is being washed out. The Holy Spirit, I believe is taking His spiritual soap and washing your minds from dirt, grim and other stinking thinking that does not belong.
4. Meditate on good things-one thing that really gets under my skin, is negative people. Philippians 4:8 tells us to meditate on things that are pure, noble, just, and lovely not on the negative in every situation. Meditate on the good things in your life and dismiss the bad.
5. Talk to yourself-Jesus in Mark 11:23,24 tells us to speak to the mountain and command to be cast into the sea. We have to talk to our minds and command negative thoughts to be thou removed. It may seem silly to talk to yourself, be in order to be a conqueror over your mind you must. When sinful, negative thoughts come in, command them to get out in the name of Jesus!!

It is time that we change our thinking and get our minds aligned with our spirits. It is time to GET YOUR MIND RIGHT!

Blessings to you,

Evangelist Chris Jacobs

A SEASON OF RESTORATION

2011-01-12T14:00:00.000-08:00

Over the last few years with the economic turmoil and crisis many people have lost jobs, houses, finances and many other things. Also we have an enemy, the Devil, who has been robbing from us for quite too long. His full time job is to kill, steal and destroy. But we are embarking on a season of restoration. Joel 2:25 says, "I will restore the years that the locust have eaten up." God is a Restorer. He is a God who is restoring order to His children's lives. The word restore has a few different meanings but I want to focus on these three:

To bring back to existence, use or the like; to restore order. Many believe that they cannot be use by God anymore but God is bringing them back to use for the Kingdom of God. That divorced person, that person in prison, on the street or in a shelter who feels like you cannot be used of God anymore. You are still useful to His Kingdom.
To put back to a former place, position or rank; to restore a king to his throne. God is placing you back to the position you belong in Him. He is restoring the image you have of yourself. You are a King and you have a kingly anointing. He is putting you back on the your throne. You are going to reign again.
To give back; restitution. Proverbs 6:31 says that if a thief(the enemy) has been found out he has to repay sevenfold. The devil has been exposed today as a robber and he must pay us back everything that he has stolen. Recompense is coming to you. He may have stolen your peace, joy and family but today is your day of justice and he must REPAY.

Restoration is a promise that you can receive from God. In the days ahead I want you to reclaim the things that has been lost or stolen. I believe that many people have broken relationships that need to be restored. God says He is going to restore them. Some have lost jobs but in this season you will receive the job you have been believing for with a double salary. He is able and willing to move on your behalf. We have to get violent with the enemy because he has gotten violent with us. We are taking back all that he has stolen from us in Jesus name! Job received double for his loss. This is the hour of double return Hallelujah!!! Restoration is coming to your life.

God Bless,

Chris Jacobs

THE ANOINTING MAKES THE DIFFERENCE

2010-11-03T12:41:00.000-07:00

We are living in a day and time where everyone wants to accomplish great things in life. Everyone is chasing success and power. Even in the church people have a strong desire to do the will of God on earth for themselves. But people do not understand that it is not going to be accomplished through your own power or strength. Zechariah 4:6 states that it is not by might nor by power but by the Spirit(who produces the anointing). The anointing is an empowerment from God through the Holy Spirit which causes the believer to become fruitful, fat, powerful, conquering, successful, spiritual and blessed to accomplish God's purpose and plan for your life, for others spiritual growth, development and strength. You can not fulfill God's purpose without the anointing of the Holy Spirit. The anointing transforms you from natural to supernatural, from weak to strong and from fearful to faith-filled. It transforms you from Clark Kent to SUPERMAN! Glory!!

The olive is the symbol of the anointing in the bible. It represented wealth and fruitfulness. It was called the king of all trees(Judges 9:8,9). It grows very slow and must be maintained diligently and well kept. The olive can grow crops that produces oil for centuries. They gather it through shaken and beaten and also beat them with long poles. They crush them to release the oil. Many of you have been experiencing these symptoms in this season. But be of good courage because God is producing an anointing in you. That is why all hell has been breaking out in your life. God is using the trials of life to produces a yoke destroying, burden removing anointing.

Purpose of the anointing:

Empower you to conquer your enemies(Luke 10:19).
To preach. We all are called to preach where ever we go(Isaiah 61:1-4).
To heal the broken(Isaiah 61:1-4).
To proclaim liberty to the prisoners.
To glorify God(Acts 2:39-47).
To empower you to use your gifts & ministries for the church(I Cor. 12, Eph. 4:11,12).

How to get it:

Salvation. You must accept Jesus in your life(Romans 10:9, 10).
The Holy Spirit. You must be filled with the Spirit. The anointing comes through Him(Luke 4:18).
Impartation. From your pastor, mentor or other ministers(1 Timothy 4:14).
You already have it. Tap into it(1 John 2:27).

The anointing is going to make the difference in your life. When you begin to tap into that anointing in the days ahead you will experience a lifting off of your shoulders. You will allow the anointing to do it's job and you will not try to make things happen. The Spirit is going to empower you to accomplish the purpose of God for your life and will bring you in your wealthy place.

In Him,

Chris Jacobs

ACCESSING HEAVEN'S TREASURY

2010-10-09T09:22:00.000-07:00

Deuteronomy 28:12 states, "The Lord shall open to you His good treasury, the heavens, to give the rain of your land in it's season and bless the work of your hand." I want to focus on the word treasury. When I think about the word, what usually comes to mind is the US treasury, the treasury department or a government treasury. The word treasury means an office for keeping and distributing funds. When the word is used in biblical context, it often denotes the treasury of the temple where gold, silver and gifts were kept. I want believers to understand that heaven has a treasury and we have access to it. When the Lord revealed this to me it blow me away. I have read Deut. 28 for years but never grasp verse 12 like I have now. Now that we know we have access, how do we make withdrawals when we need.
1. Obey His Word-Verse 1 gives us the answer by saying, to be watchful to do all His commandments which I command you this day. Obedience to His voice and His commands are the key. Isaiah 1:19 says "If ye be willing and obedient you shall eat the good of the land."
2. Use your faith-Most people believe that faith is only their belief in God. But we have another kind of faith that obtains things from the supernatural to the natural. Hebrew 11:1 says faith is an assurance or title deed to things we hope for;faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses. Before we break that down, I want to focus on things. What does things means to you? Things means things. Whatever you need or desire. Jesus said whatsoever things you ask in prayer believe you receive and you shall have them. Faith is the key to open the door to the treasuries of heaven and access the things we need here on earth to fulfill His covenant. Faith always gets His attention. Hebrews 11:6 says without faith it is impossible to please God. We must start using our faith concerning our needs and desires.
3. Make deposits-We have to make deposits in our heavenly account to make withdrawals. You can not make a withdrawal from your bank account without having made any deposits. The bible says give and it shall be give unto you. Proverbs 3:9,10 says, "Honor the Lord with your capital and with the firstfruits of your income and so shall your storage places and vats shall overflow with new wine." We have to become BIG givers to receive a BIG harvest. Whatsoever you sow that shall you reap. Are you making any deposits?

ONLY BELIEVE!

2010-10-03T21:28:00.000-07:00

Mark 9:14-29 records an interesting account of Jesus, the disciples, a father and his son with the deaf & dumb spirit. This boy had a spirit since he was a child. He asked the disciples to cast it out of him but they could not. They were not able to because they were faithless. They depended on Jesus' power instead of the power he had given them before He sent them out (Luke 9:1-6). Jesus asked them "How long shall I be with you?" I believe Jesus wanted them to use their own faith to deal with this situation. It's not going to be His faith alone, but the two faiths working together to bring forth the result. Faith unleashes the power of God (Eph. 1:19) and we have that power unto us. In verse 22 the boy's father asked, "Jesus if you can do anything?" Jesus said "Why do you ask if I can do anything? All things are possible to him who believes. You can do anything if you have faith in God (Matt. 21:22). Believe in what, you say? In His Word and His will. Romans 1:17 says that the just shall live by faith. So my brothers and sisters begin to believe the impossible. Dare to step out on the Word of God. I challenge you to use your faith like never before. Believe God for your healing, unsaved family, and increase in your finances. There is nothing impossible with God. All the impossibility is with us when we measure God by the limitations of our unbelief. ONLY BELIEVE!

15 Faith Facts to help you in your situation

1. Faith opens the door of signs, wonders & miracles (Mark 16:17)

2. Fear hinders faith (Luke 8:50)

3. Faith makes you open your mouth and speak (Mark 11:24, 2 Cor. 4:13)

4. Faith requires obedience and works (James 2:17AMP, Deut. 28:1)

5. Faith gives us victory (1 John 5:4)

6.Unbelief quenches faith (Mark 9:22).

7. Believing God unleashes His power (Eph.1:19).

8. You will never thirst again if you believe God (Matt 21:11).

9. Faith perceives as real fact what is not revealed to the senses ( Heb. 11:1).

10. Praise & Worship empowers & increases your faith (Romans 4:20).

11. Faith is the open door through which the Lord comes.

12. Faith requires obedience ( James 2:17 AMP).

13. Jesus is the Author & Finisher of our faith (Heb. 12:2).

14. Faith overcomes (1 John 5:4).

15. Faith without works is dead (James 2:17).

IGNITED BY THE SPIRIT- A study of the Holy Spirit

2010-10-01T12:59:00.000-07:00

John 14:16 & 17, “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever- The Spirit of Truth, Whom the world cannot receive (welcome, take to its heart), because it does not see Him or know and recognize Him. But you know and recognize Him, for He lives with you [constantly] and will be in you [AMPLIFIED VERSION].

The Old Testament Hebrew word Ruwach which means WIND (Genesis 1:2); The New Testament Greek word Pueuma which means BREATHE or BREEZE (Acts 2:2).

Most Christians today understand Jesus the Son and God the Father as two very distinct Persons within the Godhead; however, there has been much confusion over the identity of the Holy Spirit. Many people throughout the ages have thought of the Holy Spirit more as a thing than a Person. The Holy Spirit is a Person not a thing or a feeling; He is the third Person of the Godhead (1 John 5:7). As we get to know the Person of the Holy Spirit we will want to have a closer relationship with Him just as we would the Father or Son.

Jesus left the Holy Spirit here on the earth to comfort and help us. His assignment was completed and He was no longer going to be on earth to show His disciples the ways of God. Jesus is now at the right hand of God, so He left the Holy Spirit to help us fulfill the great commission and our purpose on this earth. The New Testament church began with the Holy Spirit and He is still in operation on the earth today. He is just as active today as He was in Acts.

What does the Holy Spirit do?

The Holy Spirit is our Comforter (John 14:18).
The Holy Spirit is our Helper (John 14:16).
The Holy Spirit is our Teacher (John 14:26).
The Holy Spirit is our Intercessor (Romans 8:26 & 27).
The Holy Spirit reveals Truth to us (John 16:13).
The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sins (John 16:8).
The Holy Spirit is our power source (Acts 1:8).

Qualities of the person of The Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit has intellect. 1 Corinthians 2:10. But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit seartheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
The Holy Spirit has knowledge. 1 Corinthians 2:11 even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
The Holy Spirit has emotions. Ephesians 4:30 And grieve (to make sad or sorrowful) not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
The Holy Spirit has His own will and He makes decisions. Acts 16:6 Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia,
The Holy Spirit loves. Romans 15:30, Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;

People full of the Holy Spirit

· Peter(Acts 4:8)

· Stephen (Acts 6:5, Acts 7:55)

· Phillip (Acts 6:5, Acts 8:5-13)

· Paul (Acts 9:17)

10 Facts from Acts on The Holy Spirit

1. The Holy Spirit exalts God (Acts 2:11).

2. The Holy Spirit makes you bold (Acts 4:8-12, 31).

3. The power of the Holy Spirit cannot be denied (Acts 4:16).

4. Being filled with the Holy Spirit makes some people uncomfortable (Acts 5:13).

5. Being filled with the Holy Spirit makes you an outcast but people will respect you (Acts 5:13).

6. People will be changed when they come in contact with someone filled the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:15 & 16).

7. Religious people hate Holy Spirit filled people (Acts 5:17).

8. The Holy Spirit is imparted through the laying on of hands (Acts 11:15).

9. The Holy Spirit launches you out in ministry (Acts 13:4).

10. You speak and the Holy Spirit falls (Acts 11:15).

PRAY FOR YOUR LEADERS

2010-09-29T23:43:00.000-07:00

God has commanded us in 1 Timothy 2:2 that we must pray for all who are in authority over us. Satan is unleashing his arsenals on those who hold leadership positions in the body of Christ today. Do you know that Satan hates preachers? Whether pastors, prophets, apostles, evangelists or teachers;he hates God's vessels in the earth and will try to destroy them in any way possible. His job on this earth is to steal, kill and destroy everything that is of God and he starts with the head and works his way down. I truly believe that many men and women of God have fallen because the saints and those under them have not girded them up in prayer. I do not know if you realize it or not, but our leaders are human too. They face temptations, setbacks, discouragement and misunderstanding. I must also say, probably more than the lay person or regular folks. Why so? Because they are responsible for more souls than the average Christian. They are shepherds over a flock and if Satan can destroy, mislead or discourage them, than he can destroyed an entire flock. Did you know that all authority has been appointed by God according to Romans 13:1? From the President to the pulpit, God has orchestrated this entire world system and everything in it. He knew Saul would turn His back on Him one day(1 Sam 15), but He still placed him in leadership over Israel for a purpose. You see friends, God has already written the end from the beginning and He has made all things to work out in His plan, good or bad. That is why when we do not understand you trust God.

The body of Christ needs to fall back on their knees and began to intercede for those who rule over their souls. The bible says that the effectual, fervent prayers of the righteous availeth much(James 5:17). Lets begin to go in our secret place and tear down the strongholds of the enemy over our leaders. Lets begin to pray for the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, counsel and might, understanding and fear of the Lord for our leaders(Isaiah 11:2). We need to get serious about using our authority in the spirit and take back all that belongs to us. We need to rise up and stand in the gap for our nation, our churches, our schools and our families so we will not be destroyed. We should call on the mercies of God to cover our leaders. People of God, we need to PRAY!! It is time to seek the Lord while He may be found because tomorrow might be too late. God Bless and I love you.

http://www.livingwd.org/ministries/prayerministry/confessions/

IS WISDOM CLOWNING YOU?

2010-09-28T08:20:00.001-07:00

We are living in a time and generation where everyone does what they want to do and what makes them feel good without any reverence for God nor any regard of others knowledge of God. I remember the day when you valued and respected knowledgeable people’s opinion and guidance for your life, people had a reverential fear of the Lord. To lay a strong foundation we must understand the meaning of Wisdom. Wisdom is the ability to judge correctly and to follow the best course of action based on knowledge and understanding. To make it plain, Wisdom is following the laws and principles of the Word of God. The Word of God is Wisdom. As I read Proverbs chapter 1, I realized that many people, including myself, have ignored Wisdom several times in their lives and I can go on to say are ignoring Wisdom right now. Solomon said in Proverbs 1:26 because you have ignored Wisdom she will LAUGH at your calamity and will mock you when things come on you that cause you terror and panic. Lady Wisdom has been crying out in the streets, market place and even in your personal lives. Can I ask you the same question that came up on my spirit as I read this? Is Wisdom clowning you? Are in your situation because you ignored Lady Wisdom? Has calamity come upon you because you refused her counsel? Most likely you are in that situation because you rejected Wisdom. But the good news is that you can get back on course today. James 1:5 says, “If anyone lacks Wisdom let him ask of God who gives to all liberally, without reproach and it will be given to him.” All you have to do is receive and obey the spirit of Wisdom. The beginning of Wisdom is the fear of the Lord (Prov. 1:7). The word fear here is not to be afraid but to worship and respect God; to honor Him and His precepts. Secondly, we must ask Him to give us Wisdom and with this Wisdom comes knowledge, understanding, peace, direction, protection, wealth and health. So let us not be simple any longer but embrace the spirit of Wisdom so she can stop clowning and laughing at us.

God Bless,

Evangelist Chris Jacobs

Expect Something Great!!

2010-09-27T10:08:00.000-07:00

God meets us at our level of expectation. What are you expecting? God can only do what we believe He can do. If we can expand and enlarge our level of expectation, we can expand, enlarge and increase what God can do in our lives. Expectation is not based on external events or circumstances. Expectation is rooted in God. It is a supernatural force that comes from having faith in God and His word. It comes from the inside out. It keeps on expecting even when there is delay and disappointment. Romans 4:18 says that Abraham had this kind of expectation. His expectation was based on God's promises. Never let go of your expectation(Heb. 10:23).

Expectation produces the vitality and energy we need to keep pressing on even when things are difficult(Ps.31:24). It produces the courage we need to take risks and do what we have done before. As far as faith is concerned, the promises of God are a done deal. Faith produces expectation. Faith is the confident assurance that God will bring His promises to pass in our lives. The evidence of faith is confident expectation. What is the fruit of expectation? JOY. Our expectation is going to result in an answer from God.

So I encourage you my brothers and sisters to start expecting good things today. Think Big. Believe Big. Dream Big. But most of all expect God to something great in your life today.