POWER IN THE WORD!

Let's Praise the Lord Today!

Psalm 150:1-6 Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness. Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals. Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD
Just as David fell upon his face many times, humbled and full of adoration for the Lord so should we. We should bow down before the Lord, surrendering our hearts and lives to Him completely. Making our mouths sing out as an instrument of praise to our Savior, Jesus Christ. "I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will show forth all thy marvelous works, I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High." (Psalm 9:1-2) Moses had a song of thankfulness in His heart for the Lord, "The Lord is my strength and song," Moses and the children sang, "and he is become my salvation... he is my God... and I will exalt him." Scripture tells us how David once cried out to God when he was delivered from his enemies and from the hand of Saul,"The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; the God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence. I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised." Psalm 100 explains that there is a God, who is real and who must be praised, we do this by making a joyful noise unto Him and serving Him throughout our days with gladness. "Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations." There are many blessings given to each of us from the Lord. His word tells us all good things come to those who love and serve the Lord. Let's thank Him for His goodness, and mercy. All our blessings come from Him, so let's sing a song of thankful praise to our Lord!

Living Fearless!

2 Timothy 1:7: "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
The Lord never promised that our time spent here on earth would be trouble free. In fact the Bible warnes us of perilous times near the coming of the Lord. I think we would all agree according to scripture that we are living in the last days. 2 Timothy 3:1 says, "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come." In Matthew 3 Jesus describes His return to the disciples. Matthew 24: 3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?
4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.
5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.
9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.
10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
Yet though these times are promised to come, the Lord is very direct in His word that we should fear nothing and pray about everything. The Lord promises time and time again to never leave us, that He will be our refuge and strength. He is our shield, our strong tower, our loving Father. These times may test our faith, but we are promised power, and authority over our circumstances and adversaries if we put our trust in Him. We are more than conqueror's through Christ Jesus! The Lord reminds us to let not our hearts be troubled with things of the world, but to keep our eyes and hearts on Him. "He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord'' (Psalm 112:7) So what really do we have to fear with the Lord on our side? "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind'' (2Timothy 1:7). The world may be filled with trouble and uncertainty, however... God is our only certain hope in time of trouble, our ever present help, His love is endless and never fails! We must live each day praising God and giving thanks for His grace and mercy. Keeping His word hidden in our hearts, and our minds focused on Him and His very soon coming!

TAMING THE TOUNGE THROUGH PRAYER

Have you ever had someone approach you with a comment that you felt was a deliberate attack? Most everyone has been in this situation at one time or another. Do you remember how you felt when that person walked away? Maybe angry, belittled, or possibly broken hearted. We know this is not of God, the Bible tells us the most controlling and powerful part of our body is the tongue. We are taught through the word to be humble and meek in our speech and in the way we treat others. With the tongue we use to sing praises and lift prayers to the Lord, that instrument can also be used to tear down, and disappoint. Now, let's not get the term "meek" confused with "weak". In fact.....it takes great strength and self control to say nothing rather than to rattle off hurtful words that I promise you will regret afterwards. It also means keeping composure in some of the most grueling and provoking circumstances. This is not always easy, in fact it can be quite difficult! Retaliate with love and understanding, think against what the enemy would have you to believe. I myself have been in situations in which I became angry and used my words to hurt back the person who hurt me. The counter reaction made me feel worse because I reacted in a way that was less than what the Lord had expected of me. Through years of experience with others and through my own mistakes and struggles, the Lord is steadily teaching me to be less and less quick to speak and more and more meek! James 1:19-21 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: 20For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. 21Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.26If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. The dictionary defines the term bridle as a means to control or hold back; restrain; curb. The Greek terminology defines "meek" as mild mannered, gently and kind in attitude, opposite of anger or wrath. This is how the Lord expects us to bridle our tongues. Through the help of the Lord and strength through Him, He will help us do this successfully, leaving us with a right spirit and a clear conscience. 1 Timothy 1:5 But the aim of our instruction is love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. We will be held accountable and judged for the words we speak, and we must work out our own salvation. Back biters, whispers, accusers, liers, evil doers, they too will answer and be judged. Their works will not go unnoticed or unaccounted for either. Matthew 12:36But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. 37For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. It is not our place to judge them while here on earth, it is our place to love them with a godly love to the best of our ability. Through scripture I have found it is best to separate yourselves from those who cause affliction and use evil ways to provoke you. It is possible to set yourself apart while still loving their souls enough to earnestly pray for them with a godly love.
Luke 21:36Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. Sometimes if we have been deeply hurt in the past we can become over sensitive to the motives of others. This too is a trick from the enemy, causing us to put up a guard between us and others from fear of being hurt again. The enemy would like nothing more than to make us feel isolated, unloved, worthless, and discouraged. How can we go about the Lord's business, building His kingdom or obtaining a healthy spiritual walk with that mind set? Prayer changes minds that are set to believe on things that aren't reality. Prayer is our weapon against the enemy, prayer protects our families, prayer changes perspective, prayer gives you joy and peace, prayer makes you a friend to many, prayer gives hope to the hopeless! Prayer tames the attitudes of others and the attitude we carry within. Remember David, even though he had commited such terrible sins, he was never to good to fall on his face before God and be accountable for his sins. David desired and knew he needed the Lord's help. Through his prayer to God he asked for change! Psalm 51:1Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. 2Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.3For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. 4Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. 10Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. We must see a need for change within us! THERE IS NOTHING THAT CAN'T BE OVERCOME OR CHANGED THROUGH PRAYER, PRAYER CHANGES EVERYTHING!

WALKING WITH GOD!

In Romans 8 Paul illustrates the difference between walking in the spirit opposed to walking in the flesh. The term "walk" had a much more significant meaning than a person just walking. The term was used to describe a lifestyle. Walking in the flesh is merely identifying one living a sinful or worldly lifestyle. When we walk in the Spirit, we are than living a lifestyle that is centered around God and His infinite will. Galatians 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the SpiritRomans 8:6-8 6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. 8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.What makes us a child of God? Through scripture I have come to believe that we must have a converted mind and spirit to become a child of God. Converting our sinful nature to a life of holiness and a Christ like manner. Now this does in no way apply that Christians are infallible or without fault. If this were the case there would be no need for a Savior. The truth is we do need a Savior, God alone can save us from ourselves. We are born with a fleshly or worldly nature, only through Christ can we resist the temptation on sin and live a righteous life. Romans 8:16-17 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.We are protected heirs of Christ, and we must know how to sustain or keep such an inheritance. The "Once saved, always saved" method of believing is not biblical. However, repenting daily and praying in the Spirit will help eliminate distractions that pollute our minds and spirits. Staying focused on God and our walk with Him will only bring peace and happiness to our lives. Remember, the mind is Satan's playground. 1Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. John 8:32, Jesus said, "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." The way you think widely depends upon your level of happiness, peace, freedom, victory and strength. Now there are times when God will allow certain obstacles to take place in our lives. These obstacles are not allowed to destroy us but to build us up in faith, confidence and wisdom. Proverbs 3:26 For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken. Even Paul prayed for the removal of a hindrance from his life, but God did not take away that burden away immediately. God wanted Paul to learn a valuable lesson first. Our walk with God should be a progressive process. There will be ups and downs, days when you feel you have taken a faithful leap of progression and other days when you feel you may have taken a few steps or even a mile backwards. The most important lesson to be obtained.....be determined to never give up, never quit the path you've been allowed to walk! Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

POWER & STRENGTH IN THE LORD!

"I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me." Philippians 4:13  What is the true meaning of this verse and what benefits can it bring to us if we remind ourselves of Gods' strength daily? The word of God is filled with encouragement that gives strength and power to all who believe and receive it! Satan fights against us by attacking our mind, but if one fills their mind with scriptures of God given hope, strength and power the devil is powerless in his efforts to make us feel inadequate and defeated. These thoughts and feelings are directly from the enemy to keep us bound and unable to be a productive vessel for the Lord. Paul was explaining in this passage that he knew God could change his circumstances. Often though, it is us that God desires to change rather than the circumstance. God wants to remove all doubt and fear from us, he does this by changing the way we think and react to situations in our lives. Molding us into His likeness, giving us confidence and teaching us to depend on Him for answers. Once we acknowledge Him all we do and through every circumstance we can have assured peace that the Lord will give us strength to see us through! We are totally inadequate by ourselves, but through the Lord we are made adequate enough to conquer and accomplish what we set out to do. John 15:4-5 “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me." 5 “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing." The Lord empowers us to do His will and what ever purpose and plan He has for us to fulfill! I am so thankful for a life filled with victory, He is limitless and we are more than conquerors through Him! "No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us." Romans 8:37 NLT

HE IS RISEN AND ALIVE!

A man was walking down a street when he noticed in a store window a beautiful
painting of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. He stood there gazing at the picture for the longest than
realized that a little boy was standing beside him. He patted the little boy on the head and said, "Son, what
does that mean?" The little boy said, "Doncha know? That there man is Jesus, an' the woman that's crying
is His mother, an' them others is Roman soldiers. They killed Him." The man smiled and then started walking
away. In a few moments he heard someone running, turned and saw that it was the little boy. He came
running up to the man, out of breath, and said, "Mister, mister, I forgot to tell you that he didn't
stay dead."
2 Timothy 2:8, "Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according
to my gospel."

Isn't it awesome to know that our God is ALIVE! Death couldn't even conquer our Savior!

The Resurrection:

Mark 16
1When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. 2Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb 3and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?” 4But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. 5As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. 6“Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’” 8Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid. 9When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. 10She went and told those who had been with him and who were mourning and weeping. 11When they heard that Jesus was alive and that she had seen him, they did not believe it. 12Afterward Jesus appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking in the country. 13These returned and reported it to the rest; but they did not believe them either. 14Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen. 15He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. 16Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” 19After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. 20Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.
God's word makes it very clear the certainty of Jesus' resurrection. The angel was given a mission to roll the stone from the tomb not to let Christ out but this act was done to allow His followers in to see He was risen and alive. Jesus had told His desciples that He would die on the cross but would surely rise again. Even though the Lord had prepared them for this, they still didn't totally understand it until they witnessed this awesome confirmation. Remember they fled the tomb quickly, trembling and amazed!  1Timothy 4:10 "and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe." Jeremiah 10:10 But the LORD is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation. Praise the Lord, aren't you too thankful to know the Lord, and know He is real and alive today! What a blessing it is to feel His prescence within us, leading and guiding us through our lives. His loving kindness never fails us and without Him we surely would be lost forever. But we shall inherit the most outstanding reward in the end, we will spend an eternity with Him in Heaven. Such greatness our future's hold in Him!