The abbreviation of Rest in Peace (RIP) is used quite significantly by those paying homage to a recently deceased person. It may be spoken casually or emotionally. What is interesting about it to me is that it suggests from the speaker's point of view that "peace" may be obtained in death. At the very least, perhaps "rest" is available from what could be identified as a struggle prior to one's demise or throughout their entire life. This term is used by those who are identified as Christians and by those who have no religious or faith affiliation whatsoever.
There is an actual Peace that can be lived and rested in prior to departing life. This Peace gives you a foretaste of the peace that awaits you in eternity.This Peace is Jesus Christ. Jesus is referred to as The Prince of Peace and the Peace HE promised to leave with HIS disciples before HIS death was The Holy Spirit or Comforter. Look at John 14:26-27 ~ 26) But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
27) Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. The Holy Spirit is The Spirit of Jesus Christ just as The Holy Spirit is The Spirit of GOD.
GOD is connected to everything in life and death and afterwards. HE has presented an invitation to all mankind to partake of HIS Salvation, Peace and Love through the sacrifice of HIS Son, Jesus Christ at Calvary. Are we able to speak peace over others who have left the living if we do not have the peace of GOD ourselves? Do we recognize peace as a condition or situation and do not see that it is the Person of The Holy Spirit?
Without Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we do not have the Peace that truly exists in the here, now and later. My prayer today is someone would recognize they have a real void in their life ~ the lack of true peace which can only be found in and through Jesus Christ. Call upon HIS name and ask HIM to reveal HIMSELF to you. HIS presence of peace will surround you and you will know the reality of what you cannot see by HIS tangible Spirit all around you. May you be saved to the uttermost by GOD Almighty when you call on Jesus.
May GOD Bless you and make your provisions upon this day in Jesus' name.
Monday, February 18, 2013
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Know Sin ~ Not Sin
I have had the opportunity to pray for quite a few people who thought they were sinning on a daily basis. While it has never been (and that has not changed) my desire to know what a person has done because my response has nothing to do with their past action; I have been upfront about asking them what makes them think they are sinning daily? There was just something about their fear or attitude that prompted me to ask that question. It could have also been the leading of the Holy Spirit guiding me to make that inquiry.
Every answer was the same. "I have these bad thoughts everyday." I asked the same question all the time. "Do you act out these thoughts?" They didn't. I can't really pinpoint with certainty why people think they are sinning when bad thoughts come to their minds. I don't know if it's predicated by religious dogma, bad interpretation of the Bible, cultural beliefs or third party influence outside of the church.
It is something that needs to be clarified from the Word of GOD and then, I am able to pray for that person who has been delivered from self-condemnation where it was never justifiably warranted.
There are several things that I can share in regards to this matter. First of all, the Word of GOD states in Hebrews 4:15 ~ For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Jesus was clearly tempted in all areas that man has knowledge of and experience about. The Bible says HE sinned not. HIS temptation and all temptation starts in the mind. The enemy of our souls can easily send an evil thought through the atmosphere to anyone. It only becomes a sin when you respond with action to it. Once this is understood, then people held captive to thoughts become free. Yes, the Truth (The Word of GOD aka Jesus Christ) does make us free. (John 8:32)
Secondly, the enemy is not GOD. He cannot be every place at once. He has a multitude of cohorts to do his evil bidding. They and their master can only speak thoughts to us and place temptations before us. They are completely unable to speak to our spirit (The Spirit of Christ) within us. That means you need to discern the voice you hear in your head vs. the voice that speaks to your heart or spirit. GOD is not going to tempt you. James 1:13 ~ Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempts he any man.
Thirdly, there is only one piece in the armor of GOD that is for offensive use and that is the sword, which is the Word of GOD. When confronted with thoughts that are contrary to the will of GOD, contrary to your walk with HIM and possibly harmful to your relationships or are in opposition to faith, you need to use your sword. Read Matthew 4 and see that Jesus answered HIS tempter with the Word of GOD. Jesus is our example. You have the authority to speak GOD's Word in response to the tactics of the enemy and silence him. The enemy seems to like to use the word 'if' a lot. GOD is not a GOD of "ifs". HE is a GOD of now and when. When GOD speaks it, it comes to pass. The only question is "when" for most of our minds and that is all a part of our trusting in HIM.
Spend time with your Father. Read HIS Word. Don't take what someone says about HIM or HIS Word and you are not willing to check it out yourself. Get to know HIM in the intimacy that Jesus Christ acquired for us at Calvary. Rest in HIS Grace, receive of HIS Goodness and know you are safe in HIS Salvation for you. It is the enemy's job to distract us and throw us off the mark. He will attempt to bring fear to cancel out your faith, doubt to diminish your trust, and use anything or anyone to get your focus and mind off of GOD. Let the Spirit of Christ rise up within you, so you can learn and know your Father's voice and rebuke the enemy at all times.
May the Lord Bless You with much understanding and HIS extreme wisdom in Jesus' name!
Every answer was the same. "I have these bad thoughts everyday." I asked the same question all the time. "Do you act out these thoughts?" They didn't. I can't really pinpoint with certainty why people think they are sinning when bad thoughts come to their minds. I don't know if it's predicated by religious dogma, bad interpretation of the Bible, cultural beliefs or third party influence outside of the church.
It is something that needs to be clarified from the Word of GOD and then, I am able to pray for that person who has been delivered from self-condemnation where it was never justifiably warranted.
There are several things that I can share in regards to this matter. First of all, the Word of GOD states in Hebrews 4:15 ~ For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Jesus was clearly tempted in all areas that man has knowledge of and experience about. The Bible says HE sinned not. HIS temptation and all temptation starts in the mind. The enemy of our souls can easily send an evil thought through the atmosphere to anyone. It only becomes a sin when you respond with action to it. Once this is understood, then people held captive to thoughts become free. Yes, the Truth (The Word of GOD aka Jesus Christ) does make us free. (John 8:32)
Secondly, the enemy is not GOD. He cannot be every place at once. He has a multitude of cohorts to do his evil bidding. They and their master can only speak thoughts to us and place temptations before us. They are completely unable to speak to our spirit (The Spirit of Christ) within us. That means you need to discern the voice you hear in your head vs. the voice that speaks to your heart or spirit. GOD is not going to tempt you. James 1:13 ~ Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempts he any man.
Thirdly, there is only one piece in the armor of GOD that is for offensive use and that is the sword, which is the Word of GOD. When confronted with thoughts that are contrary to the will of GOD, contrary to your walk with HIM and possibly harmful to your relationships or are in opposition to faith, you need to use your sword. Read Matthew 4 and see that Jesus answered HIS tempter with the Word of GOD. Jesus is our example. You have the authority to speak GOD's Word in response to the tactics of the enemy and silence him. The enemy seems to like to use the word 'if' a lot. GOD is not a GOD of "ifs". HE is a GOD of now and when. When GOD speaks it, it comes to pass. The only question is "when" for most of our minds and that is all a part of our trusting in HIM.
Spend time with your Father. Read HIS Word. Don't take what someone says about HIM or HIS Word and you are not willing to check it out yourself. Get to know HIM in the intimacy that Jesus Christ acquired for us at Calvary. Rest in HIS Grace, receive of HIS Goodness and know you are safe in HIS Salvation for you. It is the enemy's job to distract us and throw us off the mark. He will attempt to bring fear to cancel out your faith, doubt to diminish your trust, and use anything or anyone to get your focus and mind off of GOD. Let the Spirit of Christ rise up within you, so you can learn and know your Father's voice and rebuke the enemy at all times.
May the Lord Bless You with much understanding and HIS extreme wisdom in Jesus' name!
Sunday, February 10, 2013
A Taste of GOD's Love
Being loved by GOD is the most magnificent feeling and state of mind to be in, in the entire world. Knowing that The Creator of All has taken a special interest in me is very overwhelming at times. I could never have a relationship as intimate with anyone like I can with GOD. HE gets me. I continue to pursue HIM and I continue to see changes in myself. These changes are a direct result of pressing into HIS heart and desiring to know HIM and what pleases HIM. There's an old song playing right now called "So GOD Can Use Me". It's quite appropriate. I desire to be available for HIS use. I have to be. There is an urgency residing in me to be about HIS business and add to HIS kingdom, serve HIS people, make HIM known among the nations. It is a passion I don't seem to have control of and it resides within me.
I am very grateful that GOD has me around others who want more from HIM and are pursuing HIM as equally fervent as I am. HIS love and peace surround me and there is no better place to be than in HIS presence. How many times has HE answered my prayers or petitions made on behalf of others? Countless. GOD does not ignore us. GOD invites us to know HIM and try HIS Word. HE beckons us with HIS Precious Holy Spirit that is always pointing to Jesus Christ. GOD is faithful and HE's bound to HIS Word. HIS promises are for HIS People and they are waiting for us to take ahold of them. GOD stands by HIS Word. GOD is HIS Word. HE does not change it and HE will not change it.
Because of Jesus Christ, I have access to the Throne of GOD and I can come boldly with any request. In dreams, I have seen myself just sitting at HIS feet. That is a special place to be for any child with their Father. A place of complete security, intimate companionship and sheer adoration. While on earth, I doubt we can fully grasp the love GOD has for us. We have an idea of what it's like because of the sacrifice Jesus made. But this love of GOD that enters into us has us constantly rethinking our old thoughts. I learn to love more and to love what I did not know was possible to love. Compassion goes to another level with and through GOD.
GOD has given me a taste of HIS love and I cannot be satisfied with anything else. A taste of love that never fails. A taste of love that is always growing and becoming deeper. A love that corrects and holds you up. A love that gives you strength and a love that restores. A love that inspires hope and builds up your faith. A love invested in HIS Power and a love that invests in you. A love that compels you to share it with others.
I live to know HIM and the Power of HIS Resurrection. I take it one day at a time and attempt to press in closer and closer. What Jesus has done on the inside of me shows up in my actions. HE loves me for who I am and I could not ask for more. My intent is to be in HIS presence now and for the rest of eternity. Shalom.
I am very grateful that GOD has me around others who want more from HIM and are pursuing HIM as equally fervent as I am. HIS love and peace surround me and there is no better place to be than in HIS presence. How many times has HE answered my prayers or petitions made on behalf of others? Countless. GOD does not ignore us. GOD invites us to know HIM and try HIS Word. HE beckons us with HIS Precious Holy Spirit that is always pointing to Jesus Christ. GOD is faithful and HE's bound to HIS Word. HIS promises are for HIS People and they are waiting for us to take ahold of them. GOD stands by HIS Word. GOD is HIS Word. HE does not change it and HE will not change it.
Because of Jesus Christ, I have access to the Throne of GOD and I can come boldly with any request. In dreams, I have seen myself just sitting at HIS feet. That is a special place to be for any child with their Father. A place of complete security, intimate companionship and sheer adoration. While on earth, I doubt we can fully grasp the love GOD has for us. We have an idea of what it's like because of the sacrifice Jesus made. But this love of GOD that enters into us has us constantly rethinking our old thoughts. I learn to love more and to love what I did not know was possible to love. Compassion goes to another level with and through GOD.
GOD has given me a taste of HIS love and I cannot be satisfied with anything else. A taste of love that never fails. A taste of love that is always growing and becoming deeper. A love that corrects and holds you up. A love that gives you strength and a love that restores. A love that inspires hope and builds up your faith. A love invested in HIS Power and a love that invests in you. A love that compels you to share it with others.
I live to know HIM and the Power of HIS Resurrection. I take it one day at a time and attempt to press in closer and closer. What Jesus has done on the inside of me shows up in my actions. HE loves me for who I am and I could not ask for more. My intent is to be in HIS presence now and for the rest of eternity. Shalom.
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Do Greater Works Require Greater Faith?
John 14:12
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
We should unequivocally have total and complete trust and faith in GOD. What GOD does for Jesus, has been made available for us to do as well, by Jesus. The very same
signs and wonders should have manifestation in our lives giving glory to and testimony of GOD. We should be cognizant at all times of the precious Holy Spirit of GOD residing within us to manifest the works of GOD through the gifts and faith HE has given us.
I am somewhat disappointed when a person becomes ill in the church and we are asked to pray for GOD's wisdom in choosing the right doctor ~ or if they are having surgery, for GOD to direct the hands of the doctors and nurses involved. While this is a good thing to do ~ a far better thing to do would be to pray or speak GOD's healing and Grace over HIS son or daughter first. It's almost as if we are taking a step backward to believe in GOD for the effectiveness of a doctor's ability vs. trusting GOD for the patient's immediate healing. If we can trust GOD to guide a doctor's hand for successful surgery, why can't we trust the same GOD to heal the patient HIMSELF? Are we reluctant or fearful in stepping out on faith, and if so, at what point do we enlarge our faith?
Jesus did not pray for any physician tending anyone who was ill. HE healed all who HE came in contact with. HE set the example for us and I am so looking forward to more testimonies of those who visit hospitals and empty the beds.We should never limit GOD because we are limiting our own faith when we do that. Believe GOD to do the same as HE did with Jesus and the Holy Spirit will be there to guide and prompt us. I do believe that we are more than able to pray for doctors taking care of patients. I just think the application of faith is not being prioritized to bring greater glory to GOD.
May we see with great spiritual eyes on Christ, the great works HE did that glorified HIS Father. May we may bring glory to GOD and point to HIS extreme goodness and impact the Kingdom of GOD with multitudes of new inhabitants! Let's start utilizing our faith by believing GOD with the faith we have and believing HIM for more. Pray and fast or just step out of the boat to increase our faith at every opportunity and see what GOD will do!
Saturday, February 2, 2013
How Do I Know GOD Exists (Part 2)
I know GOD exists by the Resurrection Power of Jesus Christ. The same power that raised Christ from death now operates and works through me. The very same power is responsible for bringing my thoughts, desires and passions into the mindset of Christ.
It would not have been enough to pray to GOD and have a relationship based on my whispering and speaking aloud to the Most High GOD ~ if I had not experienced seeing
HIM bring HIS Word to pass in my life and knowing HE had answered my prayers. That is proof above proof. Why? Because I didn't have to make an appointment and wait to see HIM, Who is invisible, to pour out the issues of my heart and find peaceful reassurance through faith, that GOD had settled whatever the problem may have been.
I cherish my relationship with GOD. HE knows all of us before we are cognizant of HIM. And the Love HE has for us is phenomenally extravagant beyond our strong imaginations. HIS Love is rich with expectancy and it flows over into our souls drawing us to give to others. It truly is a mighty river that keeps on rushing and flowing with no end in sight.
GOD's very presence enhances me to strive for excellence and to be a representative, an ambassador of HIS nature and The Gospel of Grace. Sometimes I disappoint myself. Perhaps I should say, "A lot of times I disappoint myself." But GOD is so gracious and kind and HE just reveals HIS love more and more to me. I am reminded to look at the early disciples in the New Testament and read their words and look at their actions. Then I can get a grip on myself and know GOD has not let go of me and has no intentions of doing so.
If I could not talk about GOD, praise, worship, sing to, sing about or magnify HIS love with my actions ~ then I would be no different than this keyboard. HE has filled me to overflowing and I am unable to contain it to myself. That is a distinguishing feature about GOD working in your life. It is also fascinating that those who come to accept Jesus Christ for their Lord and Savior encounter feeling a burden removed from them. They somehow feel lighter after confessing and repenting of their sinful lives. That one spiritual act spoken in the natural realm has impacted them because of GOD's forgiveness. The sins that Jesus died for have been removed and the blood of Jesus applied (HIS righteousness). No one is able to move or do anything faster than GOD!
I am not a teacher of The Word of GOD, but with HIS help, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me @ Zerubbabel2@gmail.com and I will be glad to assist you.
May the GOD of Heaven and Earth Bless you richly today through HIS Beloved Son Jesus Christ ~ HE, alone, is able to Create a Way out of No Way for you!
It would not have been enough to pray to GOD and have a relationship based on my whispering and speaking aloud to the Most High GOD ~ if I had not experienced seeing
HIM bring HIS Word to pass in my life and knowing HE had answered my prayers. That is proof above proof. Why? Because I didn't have to make an appointment and wait to see HIM, Who is invisible, to pour out the issues of my heart and find peaceful reassurance through faith, that GOD had settled whatever the problem may have been.
I cherish my relationship with GOD. HE knows all of us before we are cognizant of HIM. And the Love HE has for us is phenomenally extravagant beyond our strong imaginations. HIS Love is rich with expectancy and it flows over into our souls drawing us to give to others. It truly is a mighty river that keeps on rushing and flowing with no end in sight.
GOD's very presence enhances me to strive for excellence and to be a representative, an ambassador of HIS nature and The Gospel of Grace. Sometimes I disappoint myself. Perhaps I should say, "A lot of times I disappoint myself." But GOD is so gracious and kind and HE just reveals HIS love more and more to me. I am reminded to look at the early disciples in the New Testament and read their words and look at their actions. Then I can get a grip on myself and know GOD has not let go of me and has no intentions of doing so.
If I could not talk about GOD, praise, worship, sing to, sing about or magnify HIS love with my actions ~ then I would be no different than this keyboard. HE has filled me to overflowing and I am unable to contain it to myself. That is a distinguishing feature about GOD working in your life. It is also fascinating that those who come to accept Jesus Christ for their Lord and Savior encounter feeling a burden removed from them. They somehow feel lighter after confessing and repenting of their sinful lives. That one spiritual act spoken in the natural realm has impacted them because of GOD's forgiveness. The sins that Jesus died for have been removed and the blood of Jesus applied (HIS righteousness). No one is able to move or do anything faster than GOD!
I am not a teacher of The Word of GOD, but with HIS help, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me @ Zerubbabel2@gmail.com and I will be glad to assist you.
May the GOD of Heaven and Earth Bless you richly today through HIS Beloved Son Jesus Christ ~ HE, alone, is able to Create a Way out of No Way for you!
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