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Thirty Things That Grace Can Do – Part I

  1. Grace can save the world.

Genesis 6:8 AMP – But Noah found grace (favor) in the eyes of the Lord.

Ephesians 2:8-9 NKJV – For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.

 

  1. Grace can give one all good things.

Psalms 84:11 NKJV – For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold From those who walk uprightly.

 

  1. Grace can bring men to repentance.

Zechariah 12:10 AMP – And I will pour out upon the house of David and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace or unmerited favor and supplication. And they shall look [earnestly] upon Me Whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for Him as one who is in bitterness for his firstborn.

 

  1. Grace can impart great blessings.

Acts 4:33 AMP – And with great strength and ability and power the apostles delivered their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace (loving-kindness and favor and goodwill) rested richly upon them all.

 

  1. Grace can bring salvation.

Titus 2:11-12 AMP – For the grace of God (His unmerited favor and blessing) has come forward (appeared) for the deliverance from sin and the eternal salvation for all mankind. 12 It has trained us to reject and renounce all ungodliness (irreligion) and worldly (passionate) desires, to live discreet (temperate, self-controlled), upright, devout (spiritually whole) lives in this present world.

Ephesians 2:4-10 NKJV – But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

 

  1. Grace can impart faith.

Acts 18:27 NKJV – And when he desired to cross to Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him; and when he arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace.

 

  1. Grace can justify.

Romans 3:24-25 NKJV – Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith.

Titus 3:7 NKJV – That having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

 

  1. Grace can overcome sin.

Romans 5:20 NKJV – Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more.

 

  1. Grace can reign in life if permitted.

Romans 5:21 NKJV – So that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

 

  1. Grace can make one God’s elect.

Romans 11:5-6 NKJV – Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace. 6 And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.

 

  1. Grace can give boldness.

Romans 15:15 NKJV – Nevertheless, brethren, I have written more boldly to you on some points, as reminding you, because of the grace given to me by God.

 

  1. Grace can make the unclean, clean.

1 Corinthians 10:29-31 KJV – Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man’s conscience? 30 For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? 31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

 

  1. Grace can give power.

1 Corinthians 15:10 NKJV – But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

Qualifications and Responsibilities of Leadership – Part II

I have counsel and sound knowledge, I have understanding, I have might and power. 15 By me kings reign and rulers decree justice. 16 By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges and governors of the earth.  Proverbs 8:14-16 AMP

  1. A great leader is one who is honest and truthful and who loves justice and righteous judgment.

You shall appoint judges and officers in all your towns which the Lord your God gives you, according to your tribes, and they shall judge the people with righteous judgment. 19 You shall not misinterpret or misapply judgment; you shall not be partial, or take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and perverts the words of the righteous. 20 Follow what is altogether just (uncompromisingly righteous), that you may live and inherit the land which your God gives you.  Deuteronomy 16:18-20 AMP

The Lord requires of leadership that they judge righteously and impartially, according to the laws of the land. They are NOT allowed to show favor to certain people in violation of the truth and the law. A great leader does not misinterpret the law or misapply judgment. A great leader is one who is not partial to, or favorable toward, only certain people. A great leader NEVER ever asks for or accepts a bribe.

And I charged your judges at that time: Hear the cases between your brethren and judge righteously between a man and his brother or the stranger or sojourner who is with him. Deuteronomy 1:16 AMP

Thus has the Lord of hosts spoken: Execute true judgment and show mercy and kindness and tender compassion, every man to his brother; 10 And oppress not the widow or the fatherless, the temporary resident or the poor, and let none of you devise or imagine or think evil against his brother in your heart.  Zechariah 7:9-10 AMP

You shall not pervert the justice due to your poor in his cause. 7 Keep far from a false matter and [be very careful] not to condemn to death the innocent and the righteous, for I will not justify and acquit the wicked.  Exodus 23:6-7 AMP

A great leader may NOT EVER pervert justice. There is NEVER a justification for perverting justice. A great leader does NOT disregard the rights of any person, for any reason. Leaders are bound by God’s law to execute justice – and not to delay it either. Deliberately condemning the innocent and acquitting the guilty is completely unacceptable to God. If you want to make God very angry, then call the wicked, good, and the good, wicked!

Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! 21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and prudent and shrewd in their own sight! 22 Woe to those who are mighty heroes at drinking wine and men of strength in mixing alcoholic drinks! — 23 Who justify and acquit the guilty for a bribe, but take away the rights of the innocent and righteous from them! 24 Therefore, as the tongue of fire devours the stubble, and as the dry grass sinks down in the flame, so their root shall be like rottenness and their blossom shall go up like fine dust — because they have rejected and cast away the law and the teaching of the Lord of hosts and have not believed but have treated scornfully and have despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.  Isaiah 5:20-24 AMP

Leaders who are arrogantly disrespectful of God and His laws will pay the price of His retribution! Leaders who get carried away by their own importance, and who are drunk on their own power – better beware. If they are a careless drunk, or covetous, or a glutton, or a philanderer, and they make the satisfaction of their own needs more important than doing the right thing, then it will be virtually impossible for them to do what is right. If you are transgressing God’s laws yourself, then you are not likely to apply justice in your judgment of others!

You need a clear head to judge wisely and to lead righteously. God forbids drunken leaders, because they always pervert justice. Because they have yielded to their carnality, and not held themselves to any decent standard, they can be either bribed and/or black-mailed to twist the law. Those leaders and judges who pervert justice for bribes, make no mistake, they will have a very bad ending.

  1. A great leader is one who is not partial to, or favorable toward, only certain people.

These also are sayings of the wise: To discriminate and show partiality, having respect of persons in judging, is not good. 24 He who says to the wicked, You are righteous and innocent — peoples will curse him, nations will defy and abhor him. 25 But to those [upright judges] who rebuke the wicked, it will go well with them and they will find delight, and a good blessing will be upon them.  Proverbs 24:23-25 AMP

You shall not be partial in judgment; but you shall hear the small as well as the great. You shall not be afraid of the face of man, for the judgment is God’s. And the case that is too hard for you, you shall bring to me, and I will hear it. Deuteronomy 1:17 AMP

A great leader sees people through God’s eyes and does not take advantage of them just because they can. A great leader does NOT disregard the rights of the powerless: an outsider, an orphan, a widow; a temporary resident, or a poor person. Justice must be applied according to truth and law, not according to a person’s station in life or what their life is worth in the eyes of man. In God’s eyes, ALL are equal, whether: rich or poor; old or young; pretty or ugly; male or female; master or servant; king or ordinary citizen. The Lord requires that law and justice be applied equally and impartially to all.

Cursed is he who perverts the justice due to the sojourner or the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow. All the people shall say, Amen.  Deuteronomy 27:19 AMP

He who oppresses the poor reproaches, mocks, and insults his Maker, but he who is kind and merciful to the needy honors Him.  Proverbs 14:31 AMP

Whoever mocks the poor reproaches his Maker, and he who is glad at calamity shall not be held innocent or go unpunished.  Proverbs 17:5 AMP

 

Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.  26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26 NKJV

God – the Father, Son and Holy Spirit – is the Source and Creator of life. There is no life apart from God, here on earth or in eternity. The life we have is a gift from Him. Jesus has power over life and death, as well as the power to forgive sins. Through His death on the cross, He conquered death and imparted His resurrection life to those who believe in Him. Death can never conquer this life! Even if your body dies, you will continue to live on in His presence. You will never experience the sting of death!

 

Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.  25 Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live. 26 For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself, 27 and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man. 28 Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice 29 and come forth — those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.  John 5:24-30 NKJV

 

Jesus said that the dead would hear His voice – He is talking about the spiritually dead who would hear, understand, and accept Him as Savior. The moment you receive Jesus as Lord and Savior, you are “born again” – at that very moment, you pass from death to life, and His resurrection life is activated in you. You are “revived” and eternal or everlasting life is yours from that moment on.

 

Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. 7 For he who has died has been freed from sin. 8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, 9 knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. 10 For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. 11 Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 6:3-11 NKJV

 

When you accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, you are baptized – immersed – into Christ. In God’s eyes, you (and your sins) were in him when He died. You were resurrected with Him, but your sins, and your sinful nature, remained in the grave. Now you walk in the newness of life – resurrection life! Jesus has dominion over sin and death – consider yourself dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord!

 

But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.  1 Corinthians 15:20-22 NKJV

 

So it is with the resurrection of the dead. [The body] that is sown is perishable and decays, but [the body] that is resurrected is imperishable (immune to decay, immortal). 43 It is sown in dishonor and humiliation; it is raised in honor and glory. It is sown in infirmity and weakness; it is resurrected in strength and endued with power. 44 It is sown a natural (physical) body; it is raised a supernatural (a spiritual) body. [As surely as] there is a physical body, there is also a spiritual body. 45 Thus it is written, The first man Adam became a living being (an individual personality); the last Adam (Christ) became a life-giving Spirit [restoring the dead to life].  1 Corinthians 15:42-45 AMP

 

Physical death is inevitable, but it cannot keep you down – God promises that when Christ returns, you will be resurrected with Him and live forever in a glorified, supernatural, eternal body.

 

Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed — 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” 55 “O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.  1 Corinthians 15:51-57 NKJV

 

“We shall not all sleep” means that we will not all die – but we will all be changed. When Jesus returns, all believers – whether physically dead or living – will be resurrected into an incorruptible body in a twinkling of an eye. (See also 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). Death and the grave will never have complete victory over the child of God!

 

And this is the will of him that sent me, that everyone which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.  John 6:40 KJV

Whatsoever You Do in Word or Deed Do Everything in the Name of the Lord Jesus – Part II

And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.  Colossians 3:17 NKJV

To do everything in the Name of the Lord Jesus – in word or deed – is to do what is pleasing to Him, and also what brings honor and glory to Him.  As we seek to please God and to do what we do in the name of Jesus, we must do these things:

  1. Forbear with all men.

Be gentle and forbearing with one another…  Colossians 3:13a AMP

We must not only do no hurt to anyone, but we must do what good we can to all.

  1. Forgive all men.

Be gentle and forbearing with one another and, if one has a difference (a grievance or complaint) against another, readily pardoning each other; even as the Lord has [freely] forgiven you, so must you also [forgive].  Colossians 3:13 AMP

Jesus has freely forgiven us and asks us – from our heart – to be patient and forgiving with others.

So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not everyone his brother their trespasses.  Matthew 18:35 KJV

  1. Put on divine love.

And above all these [put on] love and enfold yourselves with the bond of perfectness [which binds everything together completely in ideal harmony].  Colossians3:14 AMP

Verse 12 says that we should clothe ourselves in tender mercy, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering, gentleness, patience, and forgiveness.  Verse 14 says that we must put on divine love as an outer garment – which is the finishing touch of a well-dressed Christian.  Love covers all, unites all, and binds us together as one in God’s perfectness and harmony.

Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily. 5 It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God’s love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong]. 6 It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail. 7 Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening]. 8 Love never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end].  1 Corinthians 13:4-8a AMP

  1. Let peace be the umpire of your life.

And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ’s] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always].  Colossians 3:15 AMP

Allow peace to rule your heart.  This word “rule” means: to be an umpire; to arbitrate, direct, and govern.  Peace must be your boss and lead you and guide you. You are called to live in peace in all things and through all things.  And also to be thankful and appreciative, continually giving praise to God.

  1. Know the Bible – know the Word of God.

Let the word [spoken by] Christ (the Messiah) have its home [in your hearts and minds] and dwell in you in [all its] richness…  Colossians 3:16a AMP

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.  2 Timothy 2:15 KJV

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.  2 Timothy 3:16-17 KJV

  1. Teach and admonish one another.

Let the word [spoken by] Christ (the Messiah) have its home [in your hearts and minds] and dwell in you in [all its] richness, as you teach and admonish and train one another in all insight and intelligence and wisdom [in spiritual things, and as you sing] psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, making melody to God with [His] grace in your hearts.  Colossians 3:16 AMP

  1. Use the Christian’s power of attorney.

And whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus and in [dependence upon] His Person, giving praise to God the Father through Him.  Colossians 3:17 AMP

And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.  John 16:23 KJV

Whatever we ask for must be asked of the Father in Jesus’ name.  Whatever we do – in word or deed – must be done in the name of the Lord Jesus.  It must be done in total dependence upon Him and must bring praise to God the Father through Jesus Christ.

Sixteen Reasons to Praise God

Sing to the Lord, all the earth; show forth from day to day His salvation. 24 Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous works among all peoples. 25 For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised; He also is to be [reverently] feared above all so-called gods. 26 For all the gods of the people are [lifeless] idols, but the Lord made the heavens. 27 Honor and majesty are [found] in His presence; strength and joy are [found] in His sanctuary. 28 Ascribe to the Lord, you families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength, 29 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name. Bring an offering and come before Him; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness and in holy array. 30 Tremble and reverently fear before Him, all the earth’s peoples; the world also shall be established, so it cannot be moved. 31 Let the heavens be glad and let the earth rejoice; and let men say among the nations, The Lord reigns! 32 Let the sea roar, and all the things that fill it; let the fields rejoice, and all that is in them. 33 Then shall the trees of the wood sing out for joy before the Lord, for He comes to judge and govern the earth. 34 O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever! 35 And say, Save us, O God of our salvation; gather us together and deliver us from the nations, that we may give thanks to Your holy name and glory in Your praise. 36 Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, forever and ever! And all the people said Amen! and praised the Lord.  

1 Chronicles 16:23-36 AMP

There are so many reasons to praise and bless the Lord. Here are just a few:

We praise Him because of His creation (1 Chron. 16:23;26).

Everything God does, He does perfectly and marvelously.  We are His creation, along with the world and everything in it.  We worship Him for He has done all things well, and we are grateful to be alive and living on this beautiful earth that He has made for us.

We praise Him for His salvation (1 Chron. 16:23;35).

When mankind sinned, God did not leave us in our sin, He sent Jesus to save us from sin, condemnation, and hell.

We praise Him for His glory (1 Chron. 16:24;28;29).

We acknowledge the glory of God and we praise Him for His glory. He is worthy of all worship, honor and praise.

Let them praise the name of the Lord: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven.  Psalms 148:13 KJV

We praise Him for His marvelous works among all nations (1 Chron. 16:24). 

Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.  Psalms 96:3 KJV

We praise Him for His greatness (1 Chron. 16:25) 

For the Lord is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods.  Psalms 96:4 KJV

We praise Him for His power. 

Be exalted, Lord, in Your strength; we will sing and praise Your power. Psalms 21:13 AMP

We praise Him for His great honor (1 Chron. 16:27).

Sing forth the honor and glory of His name; make His praise glorious!  Psalms 66:2 AMP

My mouth shall be filled with Your praise and with Your honor all the day. Psalms 71:8 AMP

We praise Him for His strength and His joy (1 Chron. 16:27).

O my Strength, I will watch and give heed to You and sing praises; for God is my Defense (my Protector and High Tower).  Psalms 59:9 AMP

But I will sing of Your mighty strength and power; yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy and loving-kindness in the morning; for You have been to me a defense (a fortress and a high tower) and a refuge in the day of my distress. 17 Unto You, O my Strength, I will sing praises; for God is my Defense, my Fortress, and High Tower, the God Who shows me mercy and steadfast love.  Psalms 59:16-17 AMP

We praise Him for His name (1 Chron. 16:29).

Sing forth the honor and glory of His name; make His praise glorious!  Psalms 66:2 AMP

We praise Him for His establishment of creation (1Chron. 16:30). 

When I view and consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained and established.  Psalms 8:3 AMP

We praise Him because He reigns (1 Chron. 16:31).

The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles and coastlands be glad!  Psalms 97:1 AMP

The Lord reigns, let the peoples tremble [with reverential fear]! He sits [enthroned] above the cherubim, let the earth quake!  Psalms 99:1 AMP

We praise Him for His coming righteous judgment (1 Chron. 16:32). 

Say among the nations that the Lord reigns; the world also is established, so that it cannot be moved; He shall judge and rule the people righteously and with justice.  Psalms 96:10 AMP

We praise Him for His presence (1 Chron. 16:33).

Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are those who dwell in Your house and Your presence; they will be singing Your praises all the day long. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! Psalms 84:4 AMP

We praise Him for His goodness (1 Chron. 16:34). 

Oh, that men would praise [and confess to] the Lord for His goodness and loving-kindness and His wonderful works to the children of men!  Psalms 107:8 AMP

We praise Him for His eternal mercy (1 Chron. 16:34). 

But as for me, I will enter Your house through the abundance of Your steadfast love and mercy; I will worship toward and at Your holy temple in reverent fear and awe of You.  Psalms 5:7 AMP

We praise Him for His blessing (1 Chron. 16:35).

His name shall endure forever; His name shall continue as long as the sun [indeed, His name continues before the sun]. And men shall be blessed and bless themselves by Him; all nations shall call Him blessed! 18 Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, Who alone does wondrous things! 19 Blessed be His glorious name forever; let the whole earth be filled with His glory! Amen and Amen! Psalms 72:17-19 AMP

Is There Not A Cause? – Part Two

Publish date: 10/25/2015

And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God? 27 And the people answered him after this manner, saying, So shall it be done to the man that killeth him. 28 And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab’s anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle. 29 And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?  1 Samuel 17:26-29 KJV

 

Who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?

 

Goliath defied Israel and their God. God was not going to let that happen. He found a young boy with few qualifications in the natural, but who had an unswerving faith in God. Saul, and Israel’s army, saw a giant, but David saw a mortal man defying Almighty God. David had a cause and God anointed him to fulfill that cause. A teenager killed an experienced warrior, who was impossible to defeat in the natural, all because he looked at the situation, not from man’s point of view, but from God’s point of view. No matter how big your giant is, God has the plan to slay it. What cause has God called you to? What giant is out there defying your God? They will not prevail against a man or a woman, filled with faith, and obedient to His plan. 

 

The devil is a liar – God is true

 

Goliath had a big mouth and he made a lot of scary sounding threats, but David cut his head off. Goliath trash-talked God, but David lifted God up and magnified Him. The devil tries to intimidate you with his lies and fear – but that is all he is – a liar. The truth will always defeat the lie – no matter how big and scary it is. Start talking about how good and how great God is! The truth will prevail. What lie is the devil telling you? Chop its head off!

 

Please God – not man

 

God can only use you to the level of criticism you can handle. Other people’s opinions and criticism could not stop David. The rest of the army stood around waiting for who knows what. David saw that there was a cause, and that something needed to be done. He had God to fight for him, so there was no reason to wait. He took action, found the giant’s weakness, killed him, and cut his head off. People may try to discourage you with negativity or mockery, but you need to continue to do what is right and to do what God has called you to do. Please God – not man.

 

Courage and faith

 

David was not encumbered with man’s armor or heavy weapons. He was able to move quickly and stay out of the range of Goliath’s weapons. David was an expert marksman with a sling and stones. What made him dangerous to Goliath – was not just his skill – but his courage and faith in God. Even the most skilled marksman will miss the mark when he is shaking in fear. 

 

Use the skills God has already given you

 

David had already seen victories against a lion and a bear, so he had experience with impossible situations that built his faith in God. He could not have done what he did without absolute faith and trust in God. When you face new problems, remind yourself of – and encourage yourself in – what God has already done in the past. Your strength comes from God. Use the skills He has already given you and move forward in life.

 

The greater the challenge, the greater the victory

 

That one act – slaying the giant – launched David into prominence in Israel. Without Goliath, no one would have known David’s name. He was already called and anointed by God to be king, and it would be years before he sat on the throne, but everyone knew of him and they also knew that the hand of God was upon him. 

 

Sometimes your challenges come not from the enemy, but from within your own camp

 

David’s victory over Goliath made him very popular with the people. Unfortunately, they made him very unpopular with Saul, who was afraid of Goliath, and who was now violently jealous of David – especially since David now carried the anointing that Saul had lost. 

 

Sometimes the small things are more challenging than the big ones – you need courage and you also need patience

 

While David was hiding and avoiding being killed by Saul, he faced his greatest personal tests. Even though it didn’t look like it sometimes, God was still on his side and His plan was being worked out in David’s life. When David took the throne, he was no longer a boy, but a mature man of proven character. Because he kept his eyes on God and His help, and because he was patient and conducted himself honorably, the tests, trials, and opposition did not wear him down or take him out – rather they helped to develop his character. It’s not the challenges that have the power to conquer us – it is our own attitude that makes the difference between victory and defeat.

 

David trusted God to keep His word to him

 

David had two opportunities to kill the man who was trying to kill him, but he wouldn’t raise a hand to King Saul, the man whom God had anointed and appointed. His men thought it was God delivering Saul into David’s hand, but David had too much respect for God. He showed Saul kindness and mercy and allowed God to deal with Saul. No matter what God has promised you, you need to resist the urge to accomplish it by natural means. The shortcut is not God’s plan. Stay on the path God has placed you on and allow God to bring His plan for you to pass.

Praying Over Yourself Part II

Foundation Scripture: 

Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. 14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: 15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. 16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. 17 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. 18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.  James 5:13-18 KJV

Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, 16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; 17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: 18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, 20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.  Ephesians 1:15-23 KJV

 

  1. Praying God’s Word.
  2. God’s Word is His Will.
  3. Romans 10:17 KJV – “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
  4. Faith begins where the will of God is known.
  5. When you pray His Word, you pray His Will.
  6. Speaking it out loud – meditate – Joshua 1:8, xPsalm 1:1-3
  7. Everything we get from God is through His Word – Romans 10:8-10

 

  1. Our assignment this week.
  2. Ephesians 1:16-22
  3. Personalize the prayer – write your name in – we will pray together.
  4. Make this prayer yours.
  5. Pray this every day this week.

 

  1. What you should expect.
  2. You should expect to receive exactly what is covered in this prayer.
  3. Numbers 23:19 KJV – “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?”
  4. James 1:16-17 KJV – “Do not err, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”
  5. John 10:10 KJV – “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” 

 

  1. Today is your day to receive. 
  2. Open your heart by faith.
  3. He watches over His Word to perform it.
  4. Jeremiah 1:12 KJV – “Then said the Lord to me, You have seen well, for I am alert and active, watching over My word to perform it.”
  5. Receive now!

Prayer Confession:

I cease not to give thanks that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto me the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him: The eyes of my understanding being enlightened; that I may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is His body, the fulness of Him that filleth all in all.

For Unto Us Is Born

“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne.

Foundation Scriptures

Isaiah chapter 7 verse 14  Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign:  Behold, the young woman who is unmarried and a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel (God with us ).

Luke chapter 7 verses 10 & 11  And when the messengers who had been sent returned to the house, they found the bond servant who had been ill quite well againSoon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and His disciples and a great throng accompanied Him.

1 John chapter 3 verse 8  But he who commits sin (who practices evildoing) is of the devil (takes his character from the evil one), for the devil has sinned (violated the divine law) from the beginning.  The reason the Son of God was made manifest (visible) was to undo (destroy, loosen, and dissolve) the works the devil (has done).

It is a historical fact that Jesus was born.  What scholars dispute is whether He was all God or all man or part God and part man.  We know, from the Bible, that He was God manifest in the flesh.  He is completely God and completely man.

Think about this:  His birth, life, death and resurrection have affected the earth like none other before or since.  This year is 1996 A.D. – Anno Domini – the year of our Lord!  He was the Word made flesh and dwelt among us.  He affected the timetable of a whole planet – this is not something you can deny or ignore.

Isaiah chapter 9 verse 6  –  For unto us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father (of Eternity), Prince of Peace.

His name shall be called “Wonderful” because He is so wonderful.  There is none like Him in all the earth.  Our Lord Jesus Christ is so wonderful in His saving, healing and delivering power.  Wonderful in His miraculous virgin birth, wonderful in His sinless life, wonderful in His miracle ministry of signs and wonders.  Wonderful in His conquest of sin, sickness and satan at Calvary.  Wonderful in His supernatural resurrection from the dead.  Wonderful in His present day ministry interceding for us at the Father’s right hand in Heaven.  Wonderful in His power to cleanse and forgive every sin.  Wonderful in His ability to set every captive free.  Wonderful in His grace that heals the broken hearted and breaks every bondage.  He is wonderful because His love reaches out to touch and transform all who will come to Him and call upon His name.

Acts chapter 4 verse 2   –  But many of those who heard the message believer (adhered to and trusted in and relied on Jesus as the Christ).  And their number grew and came to about 5,000.

This Christmas, reflect again on the goodness of God and the fact that Jesus really is the reason for the season!  As Christians, we have something to shout about and celebrate, because Jesus lives and in Him we live and move and have our being.

Rejoice, child of God, for unto us a son is born, a Savior who is Christ the Lord!

THE DEITY OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST

“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne.

MY ABSOLUTES—THE THINGS I CANNOT COMPROMISE
THE DEITY OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST

Foundation Scriptures: John 1:1-2; John 8:58; John 10:30

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  John 1:1-2 NKJV

Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.”  John 8:58 NKJV

I and the Father are One.  John 10:30 AMP

His Virgin Birth.

  1. Isaiah 7:14 AMP—Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign: Behold, the young woman who is unmarried and a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel [God with us].
  2. Luke 1:26-38—The angel visits Mary
  3. Matthew 1:18-23—The angel comes to Joseph in a dream: Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.

His Sinless Life.

  1. Isaiah 53:9 AMP—And they assigned Him a grave with the wicked, and with a rich man in His death, although He had done no violence, neither was any deceit in His mouth.
  2. 1 John 3:5 NKJV—And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin.
  3. Hebrews 7:26-28—Jesus, our perfect High Priest.
  4. 1 Peter 2:22 AMP—He was guilty of no sin, neither was deceit (guile) ever found on His lips.

His Miracles.

  1. Acts 2:22 AMP—You men of Israel, listen to what I have to say: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man accredited and pointed out and shown forth and commended and attested to you by God by the mighty works and [the power of performing] wonders and signs which God worked through Him [right] in your midst, as you yourselves know.
  2. Acts 10:38 KJV—How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
  3. John 2:11
  4. John 2:23
  5. John 3:1-2
  6. John 11:47
  7. John 20:30-31 NKJV—And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.

His Substitutionary Work at the Cross.

  1. 2 Corinthians 5:21 NKJV—For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
  2. Hebrews 9:28a NKJV—So Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many.
  3. 1 Peter 2:24a NKJV—Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness.
  4. 1 John 2:2 NKJV—And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.
  5. 1 John 4:10 NKJV—In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
  6. Propitiation: an atonement; to render favorable; favorable, gracious, kind. The earliest recorded form of the word is propitiatorium: the mercy seat, place of atonement.
  7. Colossians 1:22 AMP—Yet now has [Christ, the Messiah] reconciled [you to God] in the body of His flesh through death, in order to present you holy and faultless and irreproachable in His [the Father’s] presence.
  8. Hebrews 2:17 NKJV—Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.
  9. Romans 4:24b-25—Jesus—betrayed and put to death because of our misdeeds and raised to secure our justification.
  10. 2 Timothy 2:11 AMP—The saying is sure and worthy of confidence: If we have died with Him, we shall also live with Him.
  11. Colossians 1:13-14 NKJV—He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.
  12. Revelation 1:5-6—Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood.

His Bodily Resurrection from the Dead.

  1. Matthew 28:5-6 NKJV—But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. Luke 24:36-43—Jesus shows Himself alive to His disciples after the resurrection.
  2. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4—He was buried, and rose again the third day.
  3. Acts 2:23-28—God raised Jesus from the dead, because it was not possible for death to hold Him.

His Exaltation to the Right Hand of God.

  1. Acts 1:9-11—This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”
  2. Acts 2:32-36—Jesus was exalted to the right hand of God.
  3. Hebrews 1:1-3—Jesus appointed Heir of all things.
  4. Philippians 2:9-11 NKJV—Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

SUFFERING FOR THE CAUSE OF CHRIST – PART TWO

Thus has God fulfilled what He foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that His Christ (the Messiah) should undergo ill treatment and be afflicted and suffer.  Acts 3:18 AMP

Jesus suffered and died for us, bearing our sin, shame, sickness, disease, torment and death. The suffering that Jesus bore, in His own body, was necessary for us in order that we would, through Him, escape the suffering of eternal damnation. He rose also from the dead for us, so that we might receive His life.

For you have been granted [the privilege] for Christ’s sake not only to believe in (adhere to, rely on, and trust in) Him, but also to suffer in His behalf. 30 So you are engaged in the same conflict which you saw me [wage] and which you now hear to be mine [still].  Philippians 1:29-30 AMP

It is a privilege to live for Christ and a privilege also to suffer on His behalf. Only when you truly treasure His sacrifice made for you, will you realize that it is a privilege, not a shame or a hardship to suffer for Him.

But the Lord said to him, Go, for this man is a chosen instrument of Mine to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the descendants of Israel; 16 For I will make clear to him how much he will be afflicted and must endure and suffer for My name’s sake.  Acts 9:15-16 AMP

When you truly accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you have a revelation of how much He has done for you, in dying for you, and you are now motivated to devote yourself also to fully live for Him. This commitment means that you will also inevitably suffer on His behalf. The suffering you are to bear is not sickness or disease, but it is the suffering of persecution and also the hardships connected with what it takes to preach the Gospel to ALL people, whether it is received or not, so that on That Day none will have an excuse before God. Look at what Paul endured for the sake of the Gospel:

We put no obstruction in anybody’s way [we give no offense in anything], so that no fault may be found and [our] ministry blamed and discredited. 4 But we commend ourselves in every way as [true] servants of God: through great endurance, in tribulation and suffering, in hardships and privations, in sore straits and calamities,5 In beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless watching, hunger; 6 By innocence and purity, knowledge and spiritual insight, longsuffering and patience, kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in unfeigned love; 7 By [speaking] the word of truth, in the power of God, with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand [to attack] and for the left hand [to defend]; 8 Amid honor and dishonor; in defaming and evil report and in praise and good report. [We are branded] as deceivers (impostors), and [yet vindicated as] truthful and honest. 9 [We are treated] as unknown and ignored [by the world], and [yet we are] well-known and recognized [by God and His people]; as dying, and yet here we are alive; as chastened by suffering and [yet] not killed; 10 As grieved and mourning, yet [we are] always rejoicing; as poor [ourselves, yet] bestowing riches on many; as having nothing, and [yet in reality] possessing all things.  2 Corinthians 6:3-10 AMP

Are they [ministering] servants of Christ (the Messiah)? I am talking like one beside himself, [but] I am more, with far more extensive and abundant labors, with far more imprisonments, [beaten] with countless stripes, and frequently [at the point of] death. 24 Five times I received from [the hands of] the Jews forty [lashes all] but one; 25 Three times I have been beaten with rods; once I was stoned. Three times I have been aboard a ship wrecked at sea; a [whole] night and a day I have spent [adrift] on the deep; 26 Many times on journeys, [exposed to] perils from rivers, perils from bandits, perils from [my own] nation, perils from the Gentiles, perils in the city, perils in the desert places, perils in the sea, perils from those posing as believers [but destitute of Christian knowledge and piety]; 27 In toil and hardship, watching often [through sleepless nights], in hunger and thirst, frequently driven to fasting by want, in cold and exposure and lack of clothing. 28 And besides those things that are without, there is the daily [inescapable pressure] of my care and anxiety for all the churches! 
2 Corinthians 11:23-28 AMP

You can see that Paul did not suffer sickness to glorify God, but he did suffer great opposition, in the spirit and in the flesh, and much persecution.

So for the sake of Christ, I am well pleased and take pleasure in infirmities, insults, hardships, persecutions, perplexities and distresses; for when I am weak [in human strength], then am I [truly] strong (able, powerful in divine strength).  2 Corinthians 12:10 AMP

We are hedged in (pressed) on every side [troubled and oppressed in every way], but not cramped or crushed; we suffer embarrassments and are perplexed and unable to find a way out, but not driven to despair; 9 We are pursued (persecuted and hard driven), but not deserted [to stand alone]; we are struck down to the ground, but never struck out and destroyed; 10 Always carrying about in the body the liability and exposure to the same putting to death that the Lord Jesus suffered, so that the [resurrection] life of Jesus also may be shown forth by and in our bodies.  2 Corinthians 4:8-10 AMP

Because we have Jesus Christ living in our hearts, we will never be totally defeated. In the end the devil never wins. The Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost always prevail. Whatever the devil intends for harm, the Lord will turn it around for good and frustrate his plans. So take heart – continue to keep your eyes on Him and continue to walk in His joy – you will finish your course, you will run and complete your race and you will win your prize!