A Firm Foundation
Jesus based our foundation upon the Word of God. However it is not just knowing what it says, that makes a strong foundation. It is doing what it says.
Matthew 7:24-27
24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock:
25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.
26 “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand:
27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”
The emphasis is upon the hearing of God's Word, then the proper response to the hearing becomes going out and doing God's Word.
This doing the Word, is what establishes the foundation of faith. Stepping out and doing what you read in the Bible, creates an atmosphere for God to confirm His Word. Our faith then grows, as we become a doer of the word, not a hearer only. As we are anchored to Jesus as our Rock, His Spirit in us, is the creative power of God that flows out from us to others.
Jesus is our 'role model'. He came as the Word to demonstrate man's potential to be yielded to the Holy Spirit, and operate according to the Word of the Father. How Jesus acted, is our example, and foundation.
Notice in the above passage of scripture, that the storm beat upon each house the same way. It wasn't the storm that caused the destruction of the one house more than the other. Let me rephrase that for better clarity. The storm wasn't any more destructive in it's intensity against the house that fell, than against the house that stood. The difference was in the foundation.
One had a foundation built upon the Rock. Faith in Jesus, faith in God's word. The other did not.
There are many ways we may erode our foundation. Reading the bible, then adopting a doubt filled attitude. Such as, "I can't believe that is true."
"Maybe Jesus could do that, but I can't." Or, "Jesus said that, but I don't see how that could happen."
These thoughts disqualify us from being a doer of the Word, because without faith it is impossible to please God. We need a new way of believing, it is called RISK. Step out in faith, but make your foundation sure first. Read and pray until you come to the knowing that God is with you. Accept Jesus as the Lord of your life. Ask Him to live in you, then through you by His Spirit; The Comforter.
The receiving of Jesus as your Saviour is fundamental to living by Faith. Get to know Him as your personal Saviour. Read the Word to find out what it truly available to those who believe. Let the word of God become your foundation. Become strong in order to withstand the storms of life.
Pressure comes in many different forms. There is financial pressure, physical pressure, and emotional pressure. If you are under pressure in any area of your life, then you need to have a verse of scripture that is your foundation. Something to stand on when the winds are blowing, and the rain is falling and everything looks like it is impossible.
It is never to late, to begin building a strong foundation. Under gird your house with the Rock. Believe in the Word of God. Get so strong, that when a giant raises up against you, you have the Sword of the Spirit in your hand ready to chop off his head.
Our combat is clearly revealed in Ephesians 6:13-18a.
13 oTherefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
15 sand having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit,...
Above all, the shield of faith. Faith quenches those fiery darts, the thoughts that are aimed at you, the words that are spoken against you by others. People saying things that are contrary to what God says about you. In this world, those that do not have their minds renewed by scripture, always expect the worst. They expect the worst to happen not only to them but everyone else. Learn to cut off these words, declare the goodness of God over your life. Feed on the Word of God, it is health to your bones and life to your flesh. It is Light for your path. It is the Foundation of your walk. Amen.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Love or Hate
Love and Hate
John 15:17-20
17 These things I command you, that you love one another.
18 If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you.
19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
20 Remember the word that I said to you, A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.
For God so loved..John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
God so loved, He gave. He is still giving today. Today we have two choices or responses to the TRUTH=Jesus.
Embrace all that God is giving with open arms. Love what is being done on the earth in and by the Name of Jesus or reject it, sometimes with extreme prejudice.
The Lukewarm state is not a desirable option. see Rev 3:15,16. I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.
The Laodicians aqueduct system consisted of two springs, one hot, one cold at the source. However, by the time the water had traveled from the top of the area down the gravity feed pipes, at the bottom is was lukewarm. Not very palatable or tasty. I prefer cold water to quench my thirst, how about you? I freeze my water the night before heading out to the job site so it will stay cold during the heat of the day.It may melt during the course of the day, but it stays cold. In the winter I take a thermos to keep hot drinks hot, and warm me up when I get cold.
God desires a person consumed with the fire of God, a burning ember that will allow the Holy Spirit to fame the flames of Faith.
John 17:20-23
20 I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word;
21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.
22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one:
23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.
The Glory the Father gave Jesus. He, Jesus, has given to all those who will believe. That we may be One with the God.
And filled with the Love of God, verse 26.
Speak in Love, with a pure heart. Even when others speak evil of you and your beliefs, you stand firm, rooted and grounded in the Love of Christ, the Anointing of the Holy Spirit that operates in you. It is the anointing that causes the "Ruckus". When God begins to confirm His Word with miracles, healings, and signs. A demonstration of God's love and goodness occur bringing things such as Gold teeth, gold dust, angel feathers, people being touched by the Power of the Holy Spirit, backs and shoulders healed, virus' destroyed, such as fevers, flue symptoms, and colds. All these things and many more cause a disturbance, both in the natural realm and the spiritual realm.
You would think a demonstration of God's willingness to be Glorified to the world would bring rejoicing. Not always the case!
These kinds of occurrences bring with them an opposition and hatred from those who have hidden realms of sin and unbelief. They even quote scripture, most often out of context to prove their opinions and lack of faith. Sometimes they are operating in a judgemental and envious spirit, which seeks to destroy that which they do not understand or control.
God is not under our control, we cannot manipulate Him to do our bidding. His Word is Truth, and it will stand, and bring forth its purposes and yield good fruit.
Biblical examples of opposition.
Jesus in Matthew 12:10-14
Mat 12:10 And,behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? That they might accuse him.
Mat 12:11 And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you,that shall have one sheep,and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day,will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out?
Mat 12:12 How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days.
Mat 12:13 Then saith he to the man,Stretch forth thine hand. And5 he stretched it forth; it was restored whole,like as the other.
Mat 12:14 Then the Pharisees went out,and held a council against him,how they might destroy him.
Jesus did not fit the box and viewpoint of the Pharisees, therefore they rejected Him and plotted to destroy Him. When God moves in Power and miracles happen, it stretches our faith to accept things we cannot explain or control. We either run to God and desire Him more, or in the case of the Pharisees we reject what we do not understand and condemn it.
In verse 15 it reads;
Mat 12:15 But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all;
Notice that many are attracted to Jesus because of the demonstration of God's Power and Goodness, His ability to show the willingness of God to heal.
Second example is of the Disciples:
Acts 3:6-9
Act 3:6 Then Peter said,Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.
Act 3:7 And he took him by the right hand,and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.
Act 3:8 And he leaping up stood,and walked,and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.
Act 3:9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God:
In this example the miracles stir up the people so much they ran towards them in order to hear the Way of Salvation.
Act 3:11 And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's,greatly wondering.
In this great recorded event from the book of Acts, we see that from this incident 5000 are added to the body of Christ.
Act 4:4 Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.
Many willingly embraced the Way of Salvation, and glorified God when shown how Jesus heals; the same is true today.
In the same manner the opposition to this whole salvation message is still in operation today.
Acts 4:9-12
Act 4:10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified,whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
Act 4:11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
Act 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Salvation is the Greek word SOZO
G4982 to save, that is, deliver or protect (literally or figuratively): - heal, preserve, save (self), do well, be (make) whole.
G4991 noun; rescue or safety (physically or morally): - deliver, health, salvation, save, saving.
In every use it refers to the entire person- spirit, soul and body being made whole.
In verse 18
Act 4:18 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.
Verse 21
Act 4:21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done.
Tension occurs..the lost and hungry ones searching for God are moved by the miracle and glorify and magnify God.
The prideful and envious threaten the believers; they operate out of jealousy, and a desire to return to the old ways of worshipping God. An outdated method had been done away with by the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross. Sometimes the opposition occurs by those who would like to be able to control their God. If He is doing something that does not fit their viewpoint, then it couldn't be God. I pray for the spirit of wisdom to bring people into oneness with all that God is doing. To embrace the otherworldly nature of a Supernatural being, that operates outside the limitations of our understanding.
I pray for boldness to preach and teach the word of God and expect the anointing of the Holy Spirit to confirm His Word with signs and wonders. Miracles that testify to Jesus' Kingdom being established on this earth, by those who dare to believe.
This is exactly the prayer from the bible that the early followers prayed in Acts 4:29-30
Act 4:29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,
Act 4:30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.
They prayed in one accord, and the Holy Spirit came in Power and the place was shaking, and they received the boldness from God to continue despite opposition, threats, flogging, and public stonings.
When you embrace all that God desires to give to His children, then things begin to shake, and miracles happen.
Acts 5:16,17
Act 5:16 There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.
G2323 therapeuō
From the same as G2324; to wait upon menially, that is, (figuratively) to adore (God), or (specifically) to relieve (of disease): - cure, heal, worship.
Once again as miracles happen, opposition occurs. Root of this is jealousy. More recognition by the people for those moving in the gifts of the Holy Spirit than those already established in minstry but lacking power.
verse 17
Act 5:17 Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,
G2205
From G2204; properly heat, that is, (figuratively) “zeal” (in a favorable sense, ardor; in an unfavorable one, jealousy, as of a husband [figuratively of God], or an enemy, malice): - emulation, envy (-ing), fervent mind, indignation, jealousy, zeal.
Now our choice is either to respond in Love or Hate.
Love which forgives or hate resulting in bitterness, and jealousy.
Acts 5:40-42
Act 5:40 And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
Act 5:41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.
Act 5:42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.
After being beaten and commanded to keep silent about Jesus. They counted it a joy to suffer for Jesus, and were bold to continue daily preaching, and teaching Jesus in the temple and in every house.
For the Love of God constrains us.
We desire to share the Goodness of God, the Glory of Jesus' Name for today, and the share in the sufferings of bringing the true gospel of Jesus Christ complete with helps/gifts of the Holy Ghost.
So today those who need healing in their bodies
Those who want a fresh touch of the Holy Spirit for their lives
And those who want to experience the spiritual renewal of their souls/salvation through Jesus Christ.
I pray for boldness..step out.
Be blessed today and every day. Amen!
John 15:17-20
17 These things I command you, that you love one another.
18 If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you.
19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
20 Remember the word that I said to you, A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.
For God so loved..John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
God so loved, He gave. He is still giving today. Today we have two choices or responses to the TRUTH=Jesus.
Embrace all that God is giving with open arms. Love what is being done on the earth in and by the Name of Jesus or reject it, sometimes with extreme prejudice.
The Lukewarm state is not a desirable option. see Rev 3:15,16. I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.
The Laodicians aqueduct system consisted of two springs, one hot, one cold at the source. However, by the time the water had traveled from the top of the area down the gravity feed pipes, at the bottom is was lukewarm. Not very palatable or tasty. I prefer cold water to quench my thirst, how about you? I freeze my water the night before heading out to the job site so it will stay cold during the heat of the day.It may melt during the course of the day, but it stays cold. In the winter I take a thermos to keep hot drinks hot, and warm me up when I get cold.
God desires a person consumed with the fire of God, a burning ember that will allow the Holy Spirit to fame the flames of Faith.
John 17:20-23
20 I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word;
21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.
22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one:
23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.
The Glory the Father gave Jesus. He, Jesus, has given to all those who will believe. That we may be One with the God.
And filled with the Love of God, verse 26.
Speak in Love, with a pure heart. Even when others speak evil of you and your beliefs, you stand firm, rooted and grounded in the Love of Christ, the Anointing of the Holy Spirit that operates in you. It is the anointing that causes the "Ruckus". When God begins to confirm His Word with miracles, healings, and signs. A demonstration of God's love and goodness occur bringing things such as Gold teeth, gold dust, angel feathers, people being touched by the Power of the Holy Spirit, backs and shoulders healed, virus' destroyed, such as fevers, flue symptoms, and colds. All these things and many more cause a disturbance, both in the natural realm and the spiritual realm.
You would think a demonstration of God's willingness to be Glorified to the world would bring rejoicing. Not always the case!
These kinds of occurrences bring with them an opposition and hatred from those who have hidden realms of sin and unbelief. They even quote scripture, most often out of context to prove their opinions and lack of faith. Sometimes they are operating in a judgemental and envious spirit, which seeks to destroy that which they do not understand or control.
God is not under our control, we cannot manipulate Him to do our bidding. His Word is Truth, and it will stand, and bring forth its purposes and yield good fruit.
Biblical examples of opposition.
Jesus in Matthew 12:10-14
Mat 12:10 And,behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? That they might accuse him.
Mat 12:11 And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you,that shall have one sheep,and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day,will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out?
Mat 12:12 How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days.
Mat 12:13 Then saith he to the man,Stretch forth thine hand. And5 he stretched it forth; it was restored whole,like as the other.
Mat 12:14 Then the Pharisees went out,and held a council against him,how they might destroy him.
Jesus did not fit the box and viewpoint of the Pharisees, therefore they rejected Him and plotted to destroy Him. When God moves in Power and miracles happen, it stretches our faith to accept things we cannot explain or control. We either run to God and desire Him more, or in the case of the Pharisees we reject what we do not understand and condemn it.
In verse 15 it reads;
Mat 12:15 But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all;
Notice that many are attracted to Jesus because of the demonstration of God's Power and Goodness, His ability to show the willingness of God to heal.
Second example is of the Disciples:
Acts 3:6-9
Act 3:6 Then Peter said,Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.
Act 3:7 And he took him by the right hand,and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.
Act 3:8 And he leaping up stood,and walked,and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.
Act 3:9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God:
In this example the miracles stir up the people so much they ran towards them in order to hear the Way of Salvation.
Act 3:11 And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's,greatly wondering.
In this great recorded event from the book of Acts, we see that from this incident 5000 are added to the body of Christ.
Act 4:4 Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.
Many willingly embraced the Way of Salvation, and glorified God when shown how Jesus heals; the same is true today.
In the same manner the opposition to this whole salvation message is still in operation today.
Acts 4:9-12
Act 4:10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified,whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
Act 4:11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
Act 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Salvation is the Greek word SOZO
G4982 to save, that is, deliver or protect (literally or figuratively): - heal, preserve, save (self), do well, be (make) whole.
G4991 noun; rescue or safety (physically or morally): - deliver, health, salvation, save, saving.
In every use it refers to the entire person- spirit, soul and body being made whole.
In verse 18
Act 4:18 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.
Verse 21
Act 4:21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done.
Tension occurs..the lost and hungry ones searching for God are moved by the miracle and glorify and magnify God.
The prideful and envious threaten the believers; they operate out of jealousy, and a desire to return to the old ways of worshipping God. An outdated method had been done away with by the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross. Sometimes the opposition occurs by those who would like to be able to control their God. If He is doing something that does not fit their viewpoint, then it couldn't be God. I pray for the spirit of wisdom to bring people into oneness with all that God is doing. To embrace the otherworldly nature of a Supernatural being, that operates outside the limitations of our understanding.
I pray for boldness to preach and teach the word of God and expect the anointing of the Holy Spirit to confirm His Word with signs and wonders. Miracles that testify to Jesus' Kingdom being established on this earth, by those who dare to believe.
This is exactly the prayer from the bible that the early followers prayed in Acts 4:29-30
Act 4:29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,
Act 4:30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.
They prayed in one accord, and the Holy Spirit came in Power and the place was shaking, and they received the boldness from God to continue despite opposition, threats, flogging, and public stonings.
When you embrace all that God desires to give to His children, then things begin to shake, and miracles happen.
Acts 5:16,17
Act 5:16 There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.
G2323 therapeuō
From the same as G2324; to wait upon menially, that is, (figuratively) to adore (God), or (specifically) to relieve (of disease): - cure, heal, worship.
Once again as miracles happen, opposition occurs. Root of this is jealousy. More recognition by the people for those moving in the gifts of the Holy Spirit than those already established in minstry but lacking power.
verse 17
Act 5:17 Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,
G2205
From G2204; properly heat, that is, (figuratively) “zeal” (in a favorable sense, ardor; in an unfavorable one, jealousy, as of a husband [figuratively of God], or an enemy, malice): - emulation, envy (-ing), fervent mind, indignation, jealousy, zeal.
Now our choice is either to respond in Love or Hate.
Love which forgives or hate resulting in bitterness, and jealousy.
Acts 5:40-42
Act 5:40 And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
Act 5:41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.
Act 5:42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.
After being beaten and commanded to keep silent about Jesus. They counted it a joy to suffer for Jesus, and were bold to continue daily preaching, and teaching Jesus in the temple and in every house.
For the Love of God constrains us.
We desire to share the Goodness of God, the Glory of Jesus' Name for today, and the share in the sufferings of bringing the true gospel of Jesus Christ complete with helps/gifts of the Holy Ghost.
So today those who need healing in their bodies
Those who want a fresh touch of the Holy Spirit for their lives
And those who want to experience the spiritual renewal of their souls/salvation through Jesus Christ.
I pray for boldness..step out.
Be blessed today and every day. Amen!
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