Pensacola Helene Jefferson's Blog, page 12

THE MIRACLE OF JESUS CHRIST “….The Word became flesh…” (...

THE MIRACLE OF JESUS CHRIST

“….The Word became flesh…” (John 1:14 NASB). “…[AND] “…he became [THE] author of eternal salvation unto ALL …” (Hebrew 5:7-8-9 KJV).

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The MIRACLE of Jesus Christ is that he was especially created to be the atoning sacrifice. “…the Word …the only begotten (specially created) from the Father....” (JOHN 1:14 KJV). “…he became [THE] author of eternal salvation unto ALL …” (Hebrew 5:7-8-9 KJV).

 

God provided a way to bring mankind back into harmony with him through a new covenant relationship. “…For [it is] Christ …[who]…. died for sins ONCE for all,the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us [BACK] to God…” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB).

 

God desired to reconcile himself to mankind. SO HE DID. “…God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ …” (2 Corinthians 5:18 NIV).

 

In the Old Testament atonement was an animal sacrifice necessary for removing the stain of sins and reconciling man back to God through the forgiveness of those sins. “…Without [the] shedding of blood (an atoning sacrifice) [there] is no remission (or forgiveness of sins)…” (Hebrews 9:22 KJV)…”

The holiness of God is uncompromising and cannot/will not mix with sin on any level. In order to commune with or connect with God holinessis absolutely necessary. 

SIN creates a BARRIER between sinful man and the HOLY God. “… And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm (barrier) has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us…” (Luke 16:22-25 NASB).

This barrier will ALWAYS cause a SEPARATION, because HOLINESS can NOT and will NOT “EVER” MIX with SIN. “… And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm(barrier) has been set in place…” (Luke 16:22-25 NASB).

SIN and HOLINESS SEPARATES; just like oil and water. “…Your INIQUITIES (sin) have separated between you and your God (holy) …” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). “…It’s YOUR SINS that have cut you off from God (who is HOLY)…” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT).

That’s why God SENT Jesus, his son, who became like an EMULSIFIER in order to enable the mixture or emulsion of two unlikely substances. “…He that is joined [by Jesus] is ONE spirit… [OR united, through emulsion, with the HOLY God]” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).

If an emulsifier is added to oil and water it will miraculously enable them to MIX together. “…He that is joined (MIXED together) [by] the Lord (Jesus) [becomes] ONE Spirit… [OR is miraculously united, through emulsion, with the Holy God again]” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).“…. Old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).

Jesus miraculously enables the HOLY God and SINFUL mankind to MIX together and become ONE [unbreakable] SPIRIT again. “…What therefore God has joinedtogether, let no man separate…” (Mark 10:9 NASB). “…Love … is the perfect BOND of unity...” (Colossians 3:14 NASB). “…He that is JOINED unto the Lord is ONE Spirit…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). “…Let no one split apart what God has joined together…” (Mark 10:9 NLT).  

The emulsion happens through reconciliation, which is enabled by means of an atoning sacrifice. An atoning sacrifice can remove the barrier of sin that causes the separation between man and God in the first place. “…Without [the] shedding of blood (an atoning sacrifice) [there] is no remission (or forgiveness of sins)…” (Hebrews 9:22 KJV). “…Behold the Lamb of God (Jesus), which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29 KJV). “… [There is] … one … who can reconcileGod and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).

The main purpose of an atoning sacrifice is to forgive and cleanse a person from ALL their sins. “…He (Jesus) is the atoning sacrifice for our sins…” (1 John 2:2 NIV). 

Forgiving and cleansing a person from sins also SAVES their lives from eternal death. …EXCEPT YE REPENT, ye shall all likewise PERISH…” (Luke 13:3 KJV). “…BY GRACE … [you are] …saved …not of WORKS, that no man should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).  

Further, forgiving and cleansing a person from sins restores the covenant relationship between God and his people. “…He is faithful and just to FORGIVE us our sins, and to cleanseusfrom all unrighteousness…” (1 John 1:9 KJV). “…He that is JOINED unto the Lord is ONE Spirit (restored to the covenant relationship)…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).

Restoring the covenant relationship between God and his people requires a return to holiness through the atoning sacrifice for sins. “…God hath not called us for uncleanness, but unto holiness…” (1 Thessalonians 4:7 KJV). “…that we might be partakers of his holiness...” (Hebrews 12:10 KJV).  “…for I the Lordam holy,. …” (Leviticus 20:26 KJV). “...[SO] put on the new man, which after God is created in …true holiness...” (Ephesians 4:2 KJV).

The wages of sin is death. “…The wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23 KJV). An atoning sacrifice was required for the offense of sin to avoid the punishment which is death. “…Without shedding of blood [or an atoning sacrifice, there] is no remission [or forgiveness of sins]…” (Hebrews 9:22 KJV).

An atoning sacrifice meant that a person’s sins were completely removed. “…Behold the Lamb of God (Jesus), which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29 KJV).

An atoning sacrifice allowed the offender to enter into a closer relationship with the Holy God. “…By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place…” (Hebrews 10:19-20 NLT). “Jesus saith…I am the way…” (John 14:6 KJV).

Jesus Christ was especially sent by God and created for the sole purpose of becoming the atoning sacrifice for all of mankind from ALL nations. “….the Son of Man came (was sent and created) ….TO GIVE his life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28 NIV). “…he became [THE] author of eternal salvation unto ALL …” (Hebrew 5:7-8-9 KJV).

MIRACLE!!!  

Who needs Jesus’ sacrificial life? “…All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God…” (Romans 3:23). “…the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23). 

Let’s look at the MIRACLE of Jesus Christ as our atoning sacrifice. In the Old Testament animal sacrifices provided ONLY a temporary covering for sins. “…in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins year by year. For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins…” (Hebrews 10:1-4 NASB).

The shedding of blood was required by God as an atoning sacrifice for the removal of the stain of sin and for the forgiveness of sins. “…Without [the] shedding of blood [or an atoning sacrifice, there] is no remission [or forgiveness of sins]…” (Hebrews 9:22 KJV).

This animal sacrifices, though temporary and limited, satisfied God for the offenses of sins committed by his people. “…Without [the] shedding of blood [there] is “NO” … [forgiveness of sins]…” (Hebrews 9:22 KJV).

The animal, representing the atoning sacrifice of the day, was temporary. The animal’s shed blood (life), removed the sins of the people and freed them from the consequences of those sins, temporarily.

This is not complicated and it is a very small synopsis of this vast topic. Animal sacrifices took place thousands of years ago and was simply a method God used as the atoning sacrifice for the forgiveness of sin.

Animal sacrifices, of course, have LONG stopped. “… BUT the life … [is STILL] in the blood: and [God provided the life and gave] it to [his people to put] upon the altar to make an atonement for [their] souls: for it is the blood (life) that maketh an atonement for the soul…” (Leviticus 17:11 KJV).

Thus, during ancient times certain animals died to serve as temporary substitutes for the people’s sin.

It was a temporary substitute only and since it was temporary the animal sacrifices had to be repeated over and over every year.

The animal sacrifices, therefore, were a small tedious sample of the ultimate and permanent sacrifice predicted in Jesus Christ, who was to come!!!

“For the Law, since it has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the very form of things, can never, by the same sacrifices which they offer continually year by year, make perfect those who draw near.  Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, because the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have had consciousness of sins? But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins year by year. For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins…” (Hebrews 10:1-4 NASB).

Sin separates God from his people like oil separates from water. The simply DON'T mix together. “… [Their] … iniquities (sin) …separated [them]… from [their]… God (holy)… …” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV).  Jesus Christ became the atoning sacrifice in order to restore God’s people BACK to Him. “…He (Jesus) is the atoning sacrifice for our sins…” (1 John 2:2 NIV).  “For Christ … died for sins ONCE for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us [BACK] to God…” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB).

The relationship with God through Christ is a blood covenant between God and the believer. This covenant relationship is witnessed between Jesus and God. “… I and my Father are ONE…” (John 10:30 KJV).

A blood covenant is usually between two parties however, one or both of those parties can be a representative for an entire family or a group of people.

If one of the parties of the blood covenant is a representative of a group of people, he or she totally represents every single person, equally, in the group.

The representative also is the guarantee that every responsibility or binding agreement of the covenant will be kept by those he or she represents.

The representative, therefore, acts on behalf of everyone in the entire group. The representative is considered the “voice” and the “guarantee” for each individual member of the group.

In other words, each individual member of the group is represented “IN” his or her representative.

For instance, when the representative walked through the bloodied bodies in the Old Testament, he “sealed” the blood covenant for every single member of the entire group. This is a very basic explanation of a blood covenant.

Thus, in the New Testament, Jesus is both YOUR representative and atoning sacrifice in the NEW covenant relationship with God.

Jesus is the slain, Lamb of God, that was punished, with death, in your place and therefore is the atoning sacrifice for your sins. “…Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29 KJV).

In order to be an atoning sacrifice, the animal had to be alive, unblemished or innocent, and available to sacrifice their lives for another.

In order for God, through Jesus Christ, to become an atoning sacrifice he too had to experience being truly ALIVE in human form. And he had to keep himself freed and unblemished from sin while living in a cesspool of sin. “…We have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Jesus was human in every way except for sin; He lived a completely sinless life…” (Hebrews 4:15 KJV). “…ye were … redeemed … with the precious blood (life) of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot…” (1 Peter 1:18-19 KJV).

He had to also be willing and available to become the atoning sacrifice. Jesus definitely did “…not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His lifea ransom for many...” (Matthew 20:28 KJV).  

Animals, however, could ONLY serve as temporary substitutes, who died in the place of sinners.

Because they were ONLY temporary, animals had to be sacrificed year after year after year.

The MIRACLE is that Jesus Christ became a PERMANENT sacrifice and died ONCE for all sin. “For Christ … died for sins ONCE for all,the just for the unjust…” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB).

 “…God so loved the world that HE GAVE his only begotten (specially created) Son…” (John 3:16 KJV). “…Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and SENT His SON to be the [substitute] for our sins.” (1 John 4:10 KJV).

God came down from heaven and became FULLY human through Jesus Christ to become “YOUR” atoning sacrifice once and for all!!! “…Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slaveand was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form (through Jesus Christ]…” (Philippians 2:6-7 NLT).

God, himself, came in human form to become the atoning sacrifice for the stain of SINS upon mankind and in order to FULLY forgive or make amends for their sins.

God, therefore, took the JOB of becoming the atoning sacrifice upon himself. “… God works … what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…the Father that dwelleth in… [Jesus], he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

God came in the flesh through Jesus Christ. “… If a person claiming to be a prophet acknowledges that Jesus Christ came in a real body, that person has the Spirit of God…” (1 John 4:2 NLT).  “… Many deceivers have gone out into the world. They deny that Jesus Christ came in a real body. Such a person is a deceiver and an antichrist…” (2 John 1:7 NLT). “…Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written…” (John 21:25 NIV).

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness…” (2 Timothy 3:16 KJV).

“…the Word (Jesus) was made FLESH, and dwelt among us...” (JOHN 1:14). “…Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were EYEWITNESSES and servants of the Word…” (Luke 1:1-2 NLT). “….Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were EYEWITNESSES, and ministers of the Word…” (Luke 1:1-2 KJV).  “…For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were EYEWITNESSES of his majesty….” (2 Peter 1:16 NLT). “…the Word (Jesus) was made FLESH, and dwelt among us...” (JOHN 1:14).

God’s truths can only be understood “IF” God reveals them to you, through his HOLY SPIRIT. “….When we tell you these things, we DO NOT use words that come from human wisdom. Instead, we speak words GIVEN TO US by the Spirit, using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths. But people who aren’t spiritual CAN’T RECEIVE these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and THEY CAN’T UNDERSTAND IT, for only those who are spiritual CAN UNDERSTAND what the Spirit means…” (1 Corinthians 2 NLT).

God, the Father and Jesus the Son are ONE. “…I am in the Father, and the Father in me…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…The Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost …THESE THREE ARE ONE  …” (1 John 5:7 KJV).  “…The things which are impossible with men … [are] …POSSIBLE… [with God] …” (Luke 18:27 KJV).   “…I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “…The Word was God... And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth…” (John 1:1-14 KJV).  “…God so loved THE WORLD, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life…” (John 3:16).

 “…Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God…”(Philippians 2:6-8 KJV). “…Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges…” (Philippians 2:6-7 NLT). “…he …died a criminal’sdeath on a cross…” (Philippians 2:8 NLT). “…Who, being in the form of God …was made in the likeness of men … And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross…” (Philippians 2:6-8 KJV). “… he … was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form…” (Philippians 2:6-7 NLT).

As you can see, God, through Jesus Christ, came in human form to sacrifice himself, out of love for you in order to remove and forgive your sins!! Jesus’ sacrificial death was the atoning sacrifice for your sins. “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins…” (1 John 2:2 NIV).

You can NOW enter freely into the new blood covenant relationship with God THROUGH Christ. “…This cup is the new covenant in my blood …which is poured out for you…” (Luke 22:20 ASV).

Jesus’ death was like the death of the slain animal sacrifices in the Old Testament blood covenants.

His blood (his human life) is now the blood of the new covenant, which is an everlasting covenant (Ezekiel 37:26). “This is my blood (my life) of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:28 KJV).

Jesus is our permanent and once-for-all substitute for sin. His sacrificial death allows you to enter into an everlasting covenant relationship with God through your representative, JESUS CHRIST. “For Christ also died for sins ONCE for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us [BACK] to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB).

Jesus is both your atoning sacrifice and your representative in the covenant relationship with God. “For Christ also died for sins ONCE for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us [BACK] to God…” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB). “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins…” (1 John 2:2 NIV).

Jesus enters the relationship with God as your representative. We, who are “IN” Christ and are represented by Him, enter into the relationship, through him, too. “For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust…” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB).

Now, through Christ, we are able to keep the obligations and responsibilities of the covenant. “..For it is God who worketh in you, both to will and to do of His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).  “…I can do all things through Christwhich strengtheneth me…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). SHOUT!!!

In addition, Jesus becomes the “guarantee” that the covenant with God is kept. “…Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant…” (Hebrews 7:22 NIV).

When you choose to depend upon what Jesus Christ has done for you, you can enjoy the covenant relationship with God THROUGH HIM! Jesus said, "I and my Father are ONE." (John 10:30 KJV).  

Therefore, the bible says, “…that “they” may ALL BE ONE; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may BE IN US, so that the world may believe that You sent Me…” (John 17:21-23 NASB).

Jesus Christ was sent by the God of love and was especially created to become a ransom for many by his sacrificial death. He “IS” the atoning sacrifice for YOUR sin.

What did the human Jesus Christ have to go through in order to become the atoning sacrifice for your sins? “…Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe. And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands….Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man! When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him. But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar. Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away…” (John 19:1-16 KJV).

“…And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: Where they crucified him…” (John 19: 17-18 KJV).

“..After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth. When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost…” (John 19:28-30 KJV).

“…The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe. For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken. And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced…” (John 19:31-37 KJV).

“…And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus. And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight. Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.  Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid. There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews' preparation day; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand…” (John 19:38-42 KJV).

 “…Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you…” (JOHN 20:19-21 KJV).

What motivated God, through Jesus Christ, to suffer and die on the cross for YOU? “…There is no greater LOVE than to lay down one’s life…” (John 15:13 NLT). “Herein is LOVE, not that we loved God, but that HE LOVED USand sent His Son...” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “…Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great LOVE FOR US by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners” (Romans 5:6-8 NLT). “…God SO LOVED the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV).

Not only was God willing, through Jesus Christ, to become your atoning sacrifice, but he was JOYFUL about providing you with the GIFT of SALVATION.  “…keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the JOY awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame…” (Hebrews 12:2 NLT).

The sacrifice he was making for YOU held a greater VALUE for Jesus than the temporary shame of the cross. “…What we do see is Jesus, who for a little while was given a position “a little lower than the angels”; and because he suffered death for us, he is now “crowned with glory and honor.” Yes, by God’s grace, Jesus tasted death for everyone…” (Hebrews 2:9 NLT). “…Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth…” (Philippians 2:9-10 NLT).

The JOY of providing mankind with the GIFT of SALVATION far outweighed anything else or any other agenda as far as God was concerned. “… [He] spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all….?” (Romans 8:32 KJV).

God knew what the future held for Jesus, the Word of God. “…[Jesus, the Word would be]…“crowned with glory and honor.” …” (Hebrews 2:9 NLT). “… [Jesus, the Word would be]…elevated …to the place of highest honor …” (Philippians 2:9-10 NLT).

God knew “…when he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he [would] … be satisfied. And because of his experience …[he would] … make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT).

“…The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’” (Matthew 25:21 NLT). “…At that same time Jesus was filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit….” (Luke 10:21-22 NLT).

While on earth, God, through Jesus, was faced with deep grieves and sorrows, but his purpose of becoming the atoning sacrifice incited his JOY in spite of his trials and tribulations. “…Because of the JOY awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame…” (Hebrews 12:2 NLT).

The MIRACLE of Jesus Christ is that he willingly and voluntarily became the ATONING SACRIFICE for SIN and the RANSOM for many.  “…There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life…” (John 15:13 NLT).

He “IS” your LIVING SACRIFICE, your GIFT of SALVATION, your ETERNAL LIFE, the INDWELLING SPIRIT, and your EVERLASTING LOVE. “… I lay down my life... No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. …” (John 10:17-18 KJV). “…Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges…” (Philippians 2:6-7 NLT). “…he …died a criminal’sdeath on a cross…” (Philippians 2:8 NLT). “…There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life…” (John 15:13 NLT).

Mankind needed a SAVIOR and God, came down from heaven, and supplied their NEED for an atoning sacrifice. “… God will supply all [your need]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “…God will generously PROVIDE all you need…” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT). “…The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want …” (Psalms 23:1 KJV). “… You will always have everythingyou need  …” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT). JEHOVAH –JIREH means: "The Lord Will Provide."

The need for an atoning sacrifice originated with God; not man. God, himself, CREATED Jesus Christ as an acceptable, once and for all sacrifice for the removal and forgiveness of sin!

Before God sent and created Jesus to become the RANSOM for us all, there was NO permanent sacrifice for the removal or forgiveness of mankind’s sins.

God, through Jesus Christ, SENT a miraculous atoning sacrifice.

This MIRACLE stands above ALL the rest as a SIGN of God’s love and his heart’s desire to be reconciled to mankind. “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…Herein is ...[REAL]…love, notthat we loved God, but that HE [first] LOVED US...” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “…Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners (made amends for us sinners) …God showed his great LOVE … by sending Christ to die (to made amends) …” (Romans 5:6-8 NLT). “…There is no greater LOVE …” (John 15:13 NLT). “…God SO LOVED the world that he gave his only begotten (specially created) Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV).“…God … reconciled us to himself through Christ …” (2 Corinthians 5:18 NIV). “… [He sent the ] …one… who can reconcileGod and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).

This MIRACLE serves as a personal message to YOU.WHY? “… so [YOU WILL] know that [HE is] the Lord…” (Exodus 10:1-2 NLT). “….Then [you] will know that [he is] the Lord [your] God…’” (Exodus 16:12 NLT). “…[YOUR] god is the one who provides [your  atoning sacrifice]…” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV).

“…BY THE WORD of the Lord the heavens were made…” (Psalms 33:6 NASB).

“…BY THE WORD of the Lord [Jesus is your atoning sacrifice] …” (Psalms 33:6 NASB). “…Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29 KJV). “…He is the atoning sacrifice for [y]our sins…” (1 John 2:2 NIV).

 “…All things  (including the ATONEMENT for sins) came into being through [the WORD], and apart from [the WORD] nothing came into being that has come into being … (John 1:1-4 NASB).

“…Since the CREATION of the world God’s INVISIBLE QUALITIES—HIS ETERNAL POWER …—have been “CLEARLY SEEN”, being UNDERSTOOD FROM WHAT HAS BEEN MADE (Jesus, the ATONEMENT for your sins)…” (Romans 1:20 NIV).

 “…Peter said to them, "REPENT, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit….” (Acts 2:38 NASB). “…REPENT YE, AND BELIEVE the gospel…” (Mark 1:15 KJV). “….God …now commandeth all men every where to REPENT…” (Acts 17:30 KJV). “… [I]…kept declaring ….that they should REPENT and TURN TO God…” (Acts 26: 20 NASB). "…Therefore REPENT AND RETURN, “SO” that your sins may be wiped away…” (Acts 3:19 “…EXCEPT YE REPENT, ye shall all likewise PERISH…” (Luke 13:3 KJV).

 “…BY THE WORD of the Lord [Jesus is the ATONEMENT for your sins] …” (Psalms 33:6 NASB). “…Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29 KJV). “…He is the atoning sacrifice for [y]our sins…” (1 John 2:2 NIV).

THE MIRACLE OF JESUS CHRIST IS THAT HE IS THE ATONING SACRIFICE FOR THE REMOVAL AND FORGIVENESS OF YOUR SINS.

BY CHOOSING TO DEPEND UPON HIS MIRACULOUS SACRIFICE UPON THE CROSS YOU ARE IN A “RIGHT” RELATIONSHIP WITH THE ALMIGHTY GOD!“…walk by faith (by depending upon God)...” (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV). ). “…A right relationship with God that comes by faith (by depending upon god)…” (Romans 4:13 NASB). “…A person is made rightwith God by faith in (or by depending upon) Jesus Christ…” (Galatians 2:16 NLT).

THE MIRACLE OF JESUS CHRIST!

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THERE IS "POWER" IN HIS HOLY WORD! SPEAK THE WORD ONLY!

THERE POWER IS IN HIS HOLY WORD: SPEAK THE WORD ONLY!

“… The Son of Man (the WORD) has authority on earth to forgive sins...” (Matthew 9:6 NASB). “… Jesus (the WORD) …SPOKE to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth…” (Matthew 28:18 NASB).

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The POWER of God and the AUTHORITY of God are closely related.  AUTHORITY is inherent in God’s POWER the same as HIS POWER is inherent in God’s WORD. “… [ALL] powerbelongs to God…” (Psalms 62:11 NASB).

The POWER inherent in God’s WORD naturally possesses the AUTHORITY to influence the ACTS or ACTIONS of people or events as God chooses, pleases, and desires. “… Jesus (the WORD) …SPOKE to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth…” (Matthew 28:18 NASB). “… He (Jesus) had a name written, that no man knew … his name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB).

The POWER of God tells YOU God has the SUPERNATURAL ABILITY to do whatever he CHOOSES to DO.

the AUTHORITY of Godtells you he has the SUPERNATURAL RIGHT to DO whatever he CHOOSES to do.

“… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB “…You are veryGREAT…” (Psalm 104:1-2 NASB). “… he [THAT] hath done marvellousthings…” (Psalm 98:1 KJV). “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).

God is the ULTIMATE BOSS who DIRECTS and DELEGATES all events and people IN HIS WORLD. “… [ALL] powerbelongs to God…” (Psalms 62:11 NASB). “…he does whatever pleases him…” (Psalms 115:3 NIV).  “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB

The WHOLE WORLD, therefore, is UNDER God’s POWER and AUTHORITY. .“…he does whatever pleases him…” (Psalms 115:3 NIV).  

He is the OWNER of the WHOLE WORLD. He is IN CONTROL and the WHOLE WORLD SUBMITS to his POWER and AUTHORITY. “…The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein…” (Psalm 24:1 KJV). “…the world is mine, and the fulness thereof…” (Psalm 50:12 KJV). “…Thine, O Lord is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine…” (1 Chronicles 29:11 KJV).

The AUTHORITY of God’s WORD comes from the SOVEREIGN right of God to direct and delegate the activities of his WORLD and the PEOPLES of the WORLD as he pleases. “…he does whatever pleases him…” (Psalms 115:3 NIV).  AND “…All the PEOPLES of the earth are regarded as nothing…. [The SOVEREIGN God] … does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT). “… the world is mine, and the fulness thereof…” (Psalm 50:12 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit is the ULTIMATE POWER and has the ULTIMATE AUTHORITY to DIRECT and DELEGATE the ACTS and ACTIVITIES of “HIS” WORLD with absolute ASSURANCE that these ACTS and ACTIVTIES will respond as EXPECTED to HIS WORD. “…[ALL] power belongs to God…” (Psalms 62:11 NASB). “…All authority has been given to [HIS WORD) in heaven and on earth … [therefore,] the powersof heaven and the peoples of the earth [submit to him] …” (Matthew 28:18 NASB & Daniel 4 NLT),

ALL POWER belongs to God and that POWER is inherent in his WORD. In addition, God’s AUTHORITY is also inherent in his WORD. For instance, “…God SAID, “Let there be light”; AND THERE WAS LIGHT…” (Genesis 1:3 NASB). The COMMAND (His WORD) is a SIGN of God’s authority. “…Let there be light…” (Genesis 1:3 NASB). The LIGHT is a SIGN of God’s POWER. “…THERE WAS LIGHT…” (Genesis 1:3 NASB).  “…. All things came into being through Him (the power and authority of his Word) … (John 1:1-4 NASB).

“… He (Jesus) had a name written, that no man knew … his name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB).

God’s POWER reinforces and gives WITNESS to his AUTHORITY. “…All authority has been given to [the WORD of God] in heaven and on earth … [which reinforces god’s] powers[over] heaven and the peoples of the earth …” (Matthew 28:18 NASB & Daniel 4 NLT), “…All things came into being through Him (God’s power and authority), and apart from Him (God’s power and authority) nothing came into being that has come into being … (John 1:1-4 NASB).

Understanding the POWER and AUTHORITY inherent in the WORD of God focuses on the source of influence on HIS ACTS and ACTIONS over events and people.

God’s AUTHORITY over EVENTS and PEOPLE is the REASON his people can TOTALLY depend upon his CARE. “…All authority has been given to [the WORD of God] in heaven and on earth … …” (Matthew 28:18 NASB), “...[god]… careth for you…” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “…[god]… “WILL” … [take care of]…that which concerns … [you]…” (John 14:31 NASB).

God’s AUTHORITY means that when God’s WORD is SPOKEN - over events and people - it or they have to SUBMIT to his WORD. “… [god’s] powers [are over] heaven and the peoples of the earth …” (Daniel 4 NLT).

God gives every man or woman the FREEDOM of CHOICE and they can willfully refuse to submit to the AUTHORITY of God’s WORD. “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

King Nebuchadnezzar was GIVEN the freedom of choice and could willfully SUBMIT to the AUTHORITY of GOD’s WORD, but he refused to submit.

The WORD of God to King Nebuchadnezzar was this: “…Your Majesty … Renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed. It may be that then your prosperity will continue…” (Daniels 4 NLT).

King Nebuchadnezzar chose not to SUBMIT to God’s WORD. However, his CHOICE could NOT stop the power and authority of God’s SPOKEN Word. “… This is … the decree (the WORD) the Most High has issued against …the king: You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox and be drenched with the dew of heaven. Seven times (years) will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes…” (Daniels 4 NLT).

King Nebuchadnezzar refused to CHOOSE to listen to God’s Word. He followed his OWN way.  “….Twelve months later,as the king was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, he said, “Is not this the great Babylon “I” have built as the royal residence, by “my” mighty power and for the glory of “my” majesty?”  Even as the words were on his lips, a voice came from heaven (God’s Word), “This is what is decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken from you. You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox. Seven times (years) will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes …” (Daniel 4 NLT).

King Nebuchadnezzar had the FREEDOM of CHOICE, but he did NOT alter the authority of God’s WORD.  “… Immediately what had been said about Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled. He was driven away from people and ate grass like the ox. His body was drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and his nails like the claws of a bird…” (Daniel 4 NLT).

King Nebuchadnezzar chose to refuse to SUBMIT to God’s WORD, but LEARNED the HARD way to RESPECT God’s POWER and AUTHORITY.  “…At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven ... Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever. His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation …” (Daniel 4 NLT).

King Nebuchadnezzar demonstrated the ONLY attitude appropriate for the AUTHORITY of God’s WORD. “…Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride (over God’s authority) he is able to humble (Daniel 4 NIV).

God’s ULTIMATE authority is a HARD REALITY in light of human will. “…He does as he pleases (not human will) with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth…” (Daniel 4 NLT).

Human WILL creates the illusion that ULTIMATELY mankind is autonomous over God’s SOVEREIGN authority. “…No one can hold back his hand (God’s hand) or say to him: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT).

Because of the DEEP and ENTRENCHING influence of human will submitting to God’s authority is challenging. “…Humble yourselves (submit yourself) therefore under the mighty hand of God…” (1 Peter 5:6 KJV).

To be autonomous usually means to follow your OWN stubborn desires. “But the people replied, “Don’t waste your breath. We will continueto live as WE WANT TO, stubbornly following our own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).

When it comes to God’s sovereignty, an autonomous person prefers NOT to be totally controlled by the authority of God’s WORD. “…Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency isof God…” (2 Corinthians 3:5 KJV).

The state of being autonomous is described as having the human will to make decisions to live as one pleases. “…We will continue to live as WE WANT TO…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).

King Nebuchadnezzar had authority over the royal kingdom, but God had authority over the KING and the KINGDOM. “…King Nebuchadnezzar. ….was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, he said, “Is not this the great Babylon “I” have built as the royal residence, by “my” mighty power and for the glory of “my” majesty?” (Daniel 4 NLT).

King Nebuchadnezzar clearly demonstrates the ideology of personal, human autonomy over God’s authority. “…, “Is not this the great Babylon “I” have built … by “my” mighty power and for the glory of “my” majesty?” (Daniel 4 NLT).“…This is what is decreed for you (by the AUTHORITY of God’s WORD), King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken from you. …” (Daniel 4 NLT).

He didn’t NEED to submit to God’s authority. He had his OWN “royal authority.” The King, therefore, preferred to live HIS life apart from God’s loving authority. Nebuchadnezzar choose to be the authority of HIS own SMALL piece of God’s World. . “…The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein…” (Psalm 24:1 KJV). “…the world is mine, and the fulness thereof…” (Psalm 50:12 KJV).

Thus, King Nebuchadnezzar rejected and ignored God’s authority and continued to do what he wanted to do. “…We will continue to live as WE WANT TO…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).

He CHOSE to continue to live independent of God’s sovereign authority. “…Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily (because of God’s GRACE and MERCY) …the HEART of the sons of men is fully set in them [Nebuchadnezzar continue to do as he pleased]… to do evil….” (Ecclesiastes 8:11 KJV).

Eventually, God’s WORD came to pass and demonstrated its POWER and AUTHORITY. “…And in the PROCESS of TIME “IT” CAME TO PASS…” (Genesis 4:3 KJV). “…For the vision [is] yet FOR AN APPOINTED TIME, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, WAIT FOR IT; because IT WILL SURELY COME, it will not tarry….” (Habakkuk 2:3 KJV).

Autonomy is basically man’s decision to live independently of God authority instead of submitting to his “rightful” Lordship.

This is God’s world and ALL peoples are under his authority. Therefore, he is ultimately sovereign and has the “RIGHT” to rule over the entire universe as HE pleases.

Autonomy, on any level, is mankind’s rejection of God’s “RIGHT” to rule. The original sin was not only the FIRST independent CHOICE, but also the REJECTION of God’s authority.

Self-autonomy, in ANY area of your life, is a continuation of the original sin of REJECTION and REBELLION against God’s sovereignty.

Your self-autonomy SAYS, God does “NOT” have LORDSHIP over “THIS” or “ANY” area of YOUR life.

Self-autonomy SAYS that individuals are self-governed to the degree that they can do WHATEVER they feel or believe is right without consideration of God’s authority. “….The way of a fool isright in his own eyes…” (Proverbs 12:15 KJV). “…There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death...”(Proverbs  14:20 KJV).  “…There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death….” (Proverbs 16:25 KJV).

Like it or not, God is in control, but he is not controlling. God is ultimately sovereign over events and people, yet HE did not create the human “will” to be controlled.

Even in the story of King Nebuchadnezzar, the King “still” had to voluntarily submit his “will” under God’s sovereign authority.

Nebuchadnezzar voluntarily submitted to God’s sovereignty. “…At the end of that time, I,Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven…. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever…” (Daniel 4 NIV).

Nebuchadnezzar further teaches us that having a human “will” is a privilege bestowed upon humanity by God who is the ultimate authority. “All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing.He (God) does as he pleases (not mankind) with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT).

God’s HOLY sovereignty is his right to do as HEpleases in his world and with the people in his world. “…He (God) does as he pleases (not mankind) with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth…” (Daniel 4 NLT).

Your human sovereignty is God’s bestowed privilegewhich is what gives you the right to choose to do what you want. However, you make those choices WITHIN God’s world and with HIS people that “HE” has given you authority over. “…The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein…” (Psalm 24:1 KJV).  “…all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God …The authorities are God’s servants …” (Romans 13:1-5 NLT). Authorities are meant to be God’s servant-leaders, who are ultimately under HIS authority.  

MOST people forget and become complacent about God’s ultimate authority. God doesn’t want you to ever forget “…the world is mine, and the fulness thereof…(Psalm 50:12 KJV). “…Thine, O Lord is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine…” (1 Chronicles 29:11 KJV).

You have been given a certain amount of authority in a small corner of God’s VAST world to do as you please, but WHO gave you that authority or position? “…What do you have that God hasn’t given you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift?...”(1 Corinthians 4:7 NLT).

 Doing what you please can be intoxicating, but it can always puff you up and make you become prideful. So be careful and remember, “…If the Lord will, [YOU] shall live, and do this, or that...” (James 4:16 KJV).

King Nebuchadnezzar learned his authority was bestowed upon him by God, the ultimate authority. “…Your royal authority has been taken from you …” (Daniel 4 NLT). “…All this happened to King Nebuchadnezzar.Twelve months later,as the king was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, he said, “Is not this the great Babylon “I” have built as the royal residence, by “my” mighty power and for the glory of “my” majesty?” (Daniel 4 NI V).

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: “….Do not forget that [God]… led you through ... He gave you water …He fed you…. He did all this so you would neversay to yourself, ‘I have achieved this wealth with my own strength and energy.’Remember the Lord your God. He is the one who gives you power (authority) to be successful ...” (Deuteronomy 8:17-17 NLT). “…For what gives you the right to make such a judgment? What do you have that God hasn’t given you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift?...”(1 Corinthians 4:7 NLT).

A position of authority can cause pride to blind you and you won’t be able to SEE your position is a bestowed privilege, “…Your royal authority has been taken from you …” (Daniel 4 NLT). Ultimate authority belongs to the sovereign God. “… It is the …Holy Spirit who gives all these gifts (authorities) and powers … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…The Lord gave and the Lordhas takenaway. …” (Job 1:20-22 NASB). “…. He (God) does as he pleases with… the PEOPLES (or authorities) of the earth…” (Daniel 4 NLT).“[God’s] …Holy Spirit …is the SOURCE [of it ALL]…” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

King Nebuchadnezzar didn’t think there was a higher authority than himself, but he discovered he was wrong “At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven…. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever… Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble” (Daniel 4 NIV).

“…Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities (First and Foremost; God, the ultimate authority). For there is no authority “except” from God,and those which exist are established by God…” (Romans 13:1 NASB). “…Now God gives usmany kinds of special abilities … He gives powerfor doing miracles to some, and to others power to prophesy and preach. He gives someone else the power to know whether evil spirits are speaking … It is the ….Holy Spirit who gives all these gifts and powers, deciding which each one of us should have… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

Authority comes from God and those WITH authority are to choose to FIRST submit to God’s authority themselves. “…Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities (God, the Holy Spirit.). …. established by God…” (Romans 13:1 NASB).

When those in authority don’t show respect by submitting to God, they are rebelling against him. “...So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished.…” (Romans 13:2 KJV).

Submitting to God’s authority is a SIGN of humble respect for God’s sovereignty. “…If My people which are called by My name shall humble themselves, and prayand seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways…” (2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV).

In these last days more and more people are showing less and less respect for God’ s authority.  “…in the last days perilous times shall come . For men shall be lovers of their own selves… unholy… heady, highminded….  evil men …shall wax worse and worse…”(2 Timothy 3:1-13 KJV). “…Ye shall know them by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV).

Unfortunately, disrespect and dishonor for God’s authority can also be heavily witnessed among his OWN people or those who profess to follow Jesus Christ. “…But my peoplewould not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted,following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts. They went backward instead of forward” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). “But the people replied, “Don’t waste your breath. We will continue to live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires”…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).

To show disrespect for God’s authority is to blatantly dishonor HIM. “… whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men…” (Colossians 3:23 KJV). “….Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, my brethren, YE HAVE DONE IT TO ME…” (Matthew 25:40 KJV).

“…fools display dishonor…” (Proverbs 3:35 NLT). “…THE WAY YOU LIVE will always honor and PLEASE the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. …” (Colossians 1:9-10 NLT).

 “… Jesus (the WORD) …SPOKE to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth…” (Matthew 28:18 NASB).

God is the BOSS. Show respect and honor to the AUTHORITY of his WORD. You may have the FREEDOM of CHOICE, but the WORD of GOD has POWER and AUTHORITY; eventually, LIKE NEBUCHADNEZZAR, you will SUBMIT to its (the WORD’s) sovereignty. “…At the end of that time, I,Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven…. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever…” (Daniel 4 NIV).

“….every tongue should CONFESS that Jesus Christ (the WORD OF GOD) is LORD (the SOVEREIGN authority) to the glory of God, the Father (the HOLY SPIRIT)…” (Philippians 2:11 KJV).

 “… His (Jesus) name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “…God …gave him the name (the WORD of GOD) above all other names, that at the name of Jesus (the WORD) every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth…” (Philippians 2:9-10 NLT).

POWERFUL!!!

JESUS GAVE GOD'S PEOPLE "HIS" WORD (JOHN 17:8). HE TOLD HIS PEOPLE TO SPEAK THE WORD ONLY (MATTHEW 8:8). ALL AUTHORITY AND POWER IS GIVEN TO GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT'S, WORD (MATTHEW 28:18)

WHEN JESUS (GOD'S WORD) SPOKE AND TOOK AUTHORITY OVER THE WINDS AND WAVES, THE WINDS STOPPED AND SEA CALMED. HE SPOKE THE WORDS "PEACE BE STILL" AND THEY OBEYED! (MATTHEW 4:39)

THE SAME WORKS JESUS DID, UPON EARTH, HIS PEOPLE ARE EMPOWERED TO DO ALSO

 

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LET THE WORD BECOME THE CENTER OF YOUR JOY & SECRET OF YOUR CONTENTMENT

GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT, THROUGH JESUS IS THE CENTER OF YOUR JOY & THE SECRET OF YOUR CONTENTMENT

“[God’s] …Holy Spirit …is the SOURCE [of it ALL]…” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

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 “…The … HOLY SPIRIT … is the source of [EVERYTHING] …” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). God, the Holy Spirit, is the ONE and ONLY SOURCE God’s people need for ALL things that CONCERN earthly life and spiritual life. “…His DIVINE POWER hath given unto [his people]... ALL THINGS that pertain unto life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV).

 “...He careth for you...” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “…The LORD “WILL” accomplish (take care of EVERYTHING)…that which concerns [his people]…” (John 14:31 NASB). “…God is the one who provides ....” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV).  “…God will generously PROVIDE all [his people]... need…” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT).

This is such a magnificent truth for God’s people. “...his divine power, God has given [his people]... everything [they]... need for living a godly life. [They]... have received all of this by coming to know him (accepting Jesus as Savior, hanging out with God, the Holy Spirit through Jesus, keeping daily company with HIM, etc.), the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence...” (2 Peter 1:3 NLT).

God’s people are blessed to be IN a “one SPIRIT” or “covenant unity” with God, the Holy Spirit, again. The covenant relationship with God, the Holy Spirit,means YOU belong to him, you are his child, you are his chosen people, his holy nation, and special possession. “…[God’s people]... that is joined unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). “….We are his; we are HIS PEOPLE...” (Psalms 100:3 KJV). “…ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light…(1 Peter 2:9 KJV). “… [God’s people]... BELONG TO CHRIST JESUS…” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT).  

BELONGING to God, the Holy Spirit. MEANS you are in a covenant relationship HIM and HE DWELLS within YOU. “…abidein me, and I in you…” (John 15:4 KJV). “…For I will have respect unto you …and establish my covenant with you.…” (Leviticus 26:9 KJV).

“… “God with us…” (Matthew 1:23 NASB). “…Behold, I AM WITH… [YOU] and  … I WILL NOT LEAVE [YOU] …." (Genesis 28:15 ASV). “…I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, to the very end…" (Matthew 28:20 NIV). “…God has said “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV).

“…Christ in you (SPIRIT) …” (Colossians 1:27 KJV).   “…the SPIRIT of God dwell[s] in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).

Every REDEEMED soul, that BELONGS to HIM, inherits ALL the RICHES and PROVISIONS of God’s SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS!! “…To the saints (God’s people) …who arefaithful “in” Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, WHO HAS BLESSED [HIS people]... with “EVERY” SPIRITUAL BLESSING in the heavenly placesin Christ…” (Ephesians 1 NLT).

“… [Everyone]… who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. [They]…are [ALL]… part of the same body, and enjoy the promise of blessings because THEY BELONG TO CHRIST JESUS…” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT).  

JESUS makes the difference in the covenant relationship with God, the Holy Spirit. “….Apart from Me (Jesus), you can do nothing (you cannot have a covenant relationship with God, the Holy Spirit)…” (John 15:5 NIV). “…[God, the Holy Spirit]... loved [mankind]and sent his Son (jesus)…” (1 John 4:10 NIV).  “… [He sent Jesus, because he is the] …one … who [could]... reconcileGod and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).

“…Jesus ...[Is the guarantee]...of a [better, enduring, and lasting]... covenant [with God, the Holy Spirit]…” (Hebrews 7:22 NIV). “…In him(Jesus, the WORD of GOD) ALL THINGS  (your SOUL and God’s HOLY SPIRIT)…hold together…” (Colossians 1:7 NIV). “…[GOD, the Holy Spirit is]…sustaining ALL THINGS (your SOUL and God’s HOLY SPIRIT)… by his powerful word (Jesus)…” (Hebrews 1:3 NIV).

Therefore, “… [God’s people are]…looking unto Jesus the AUTHOR (originator) and FINISHER (sustainer) OF [their]… FAITH…” (Hebrews 12:2a KJV). “…[God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus]...  HATH “BEGUN” A GOOD “WORK” IN [his people and]...WILL “PERFORM” IT until the day of Jesus Christ…” (Philippians 1:6 KJV). “…it is God who worketh in [his people]…” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).

“…May … God…EQUIP [his people] with everything good for doing his will…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…May … God… WORK IN [his people]... what is pleasing to him, THROUGH Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…The righteous will live by his (jesus’]... faith…” (Habakkuk 2:4 NASB). “… [God’s people] can do all things THROUGH CHRIST which strengtheneth [them]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “….Apart from [the indwelling Holy Spirit]… [god’s people]... CAN DO NOTHING…” (John 15:5 NIV).

God manifests the POWER of his indwelling Holy Spirit when he enables his people to display his GLORY, which gives witness to his presence, his goodness, and his working power IN and THROUGH them. “…It is God which worketh in [his people]… both to will and to do..” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “…The Father that dwelleth in [his people] … he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

“…The …HOLY SPIRIT …is the SOURCE of [it ALL.] …It is …God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of us who are his [people]. The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of [his people] … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

“…The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in [his people’s] lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…” (Galatians 5:22 NLT). “…I do nothing of myself…” (John 8:28 KJV). “…the Fatherthat dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…He helps me, and my heart is filled with JOY…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT).

“…power belongs to God…” (Psalms 62:11 NASB).  Jesus says: “… All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth…” (Matthew 28:18 NASB).

“…Christ liveth in [his people]…” (Galatians 2:20-21 KJV). “… Jesus Christ is in [god’s people]…” (2 Corinthians KJV). “…by the GRACE of God [God’s people are what they are]…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV). “…he (she) is a new creature...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).

“...[God’s people]...are kept by the power of God through faith...” (1 Peter 1:5 NASB). “...[The indwelling Holy Spirit]... has begun a good work in [God’s people and] will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ...” (Philippians 1:6 KJV). “…[god, the indwelling holy spirit]... doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

From the beginning, the POWERFUL acts of God, the Holy Spirit are displayed through CREATION. “…In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth .And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of GodMOVED upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and THERE WAS LIGHT…” (Genesis 1:1-3 KJV).

CREATION is a WITNESS of God’s presence, goodness, and working power. The earth was without form, it was void, and dark, but God, the Holy Spirit, MOVED, upon the void, filling it with LIGHT and LIFE.

“…The …HOLY SPIRIT …is the SOURCE of [it ALL.]  … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). God, the Holy Spirit, is MORE than able to SATISFY his people. “….Human desire is NEVER SATISFIED…” (Proverbs 27:20 NLT). God’s people choose to receive, by faith, that “…God will supply all [their need]…”(Philippians 4:19 NASB) AND “…[Only God will]… satisfy …” (Jeremiah 31:25 NASB).

God’s people, like the rest of the world, can spend a lifetime chasing after something or someone that will NEVER satisfy them. “….Human desire is NEVER SATISFIED…” (Proverbs 27:20 NLT).

Some of God’s OWN people will die with unsatisfied desire in their hearts. Others will give up and there will STILL be others that become complacent, Christian martyrs who – bless their hearts – sacrificed their desires for Christ. “….Human desire is NEVER SATISFIED…” (Proverbs 27:20 NLT).

But there is another group who stopped searching or chasing for satisfaction outside of God, the Holy Spirit, and tapped into the eternal SOURCE for EVERYTHING they could ever need, want, or desire. “…The …HOLY SPIRIT …is the SOURCE of [it ALL.]  … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

Whether they are aware of it or not, the unsatisfied soul approaches life like a leech seeking whom they can suck the life from, but won’t EVER be satisfied. "...The leech has two daughters, 'Give! Give!' they cry. "There are three things that are NEVER SATISFIED, four that never say, 'Enough!'…” (Proverbs 30:15 NIV).

Like a hustler on the corner with a cup, the unsatisfied soul hustles for their needs from other hustlers, who are hustling for their OWN needs. Thus, “….Human desire is NEVER SATISFIED…” (Proverbs 27:20 NLT). “…No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied.No matter how much we hear, we are not content…” (Ecclesiastes 1:8 NLT).

Whatever is broken, dysfunctional, or unsatisfied internally cannot be made right by a “thing” or a “person.” Whatever God’s people feel is a lacking or missing part of them will not and cannot be recovered, fixed, or fulfilled by a “thing” or a “person.” “…What is wrong cannot be made right. What is missing cannot be recovered…” (Ecclesiastes 1:15 NLT).

When God, the Holy Spirit, allows you to go without or experience a period of LACK for days, weeks, months, or years…there is a reason.“…To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose …” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 KJV).

“…the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 5:8-11 KJV).

After you suffer for a while, God will “….make you perfect (mature), stablish, strengthen, settle you…” (1 Peter 5:8-11 KJV). God will perfect (mature) you by removing hindering defects that keep you for living a full, wholeness Godly life. God will establish your heart to the point you will not be easily shaken by every unexpected situation or circumstance.

God will strengthen you so you will be able to stand against the wiles of the enemy and his forces of darkness. God will settle your heart and mind in peace, joy, love, and safety by giving you a firm, stable, solid foundation in his Word. These benefits are often gained after “…you suffer (LACK)… awhile…” (1 Peter 5:8-11 KJV). “…after that ye have suffered a while, [God]…make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 5:8-11 KJV).

Jesus suffered through a LACK of respect, LACK of honor, LACK of kindness, and LACK of recognition.  Yet, something AWESOME happened “…after [he]… suffered a while…” (1 Peter 5:8-11 KJV).  “[Jesus became]…highly exalted…” with a “name which is above every name” (Philippians 2:9).

In addition,“…at ...the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE SHOULD BOW, of things in heaven and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-11 KJV).

Job suffered through a LACK of family, LACK of wealth, LACK of health, and LACK of spousal support. Yet, something AWESOME happened “…after [he]… suffered a while…” (1 Peter 5:8-11 KJV).  “…The Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before …The Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: ….After this lived Job an hundred and forty years, and saw his sons and his sons’ sons, even four generations. So Job died, being old, and FULL of days...” (Job 42:12-17 KJV).

Joseph suffered through a LACK of family, LACK of freedom, LACK of justice, and LACK of reciprocity. Yet, something AWESOME happened “…after [he]… suffered a while…” (1 Peter 5:8-11 KJV). “…Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art: Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt. And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck; And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I am Pharaoh, and without thee shall no man lift up his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt…” (GENESIS 41).

The Hebrew Boys suffered through a LACK of religious freedom, LACK of justice, LACK of escape from the fiery furnace, and LACK of certainty whether God would, NOT could, but would rescue them. Yet, something AWESOME happened “…after [they]… suffered a while…” (1 Peter 5:8-11 KJV). “... Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come hither.Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, came forth of the midst of the fire. And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king's counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them. Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king's word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God. Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort. Then the king PROMOTED Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, in the province of Babylon…” (DANIEL 3).

Mary and Martha suffered through a LACK of Jesus’ presence when their brother was sick, LACK of Jesus’ presence when they buried him, LACK of Jesus’ comfort after their brother died, and LACK of hope for their brother’s human life. Yet, something AWESOME happened “…after [they]… suffered a while…” (1 Peter 5:8-11 KJV). “…Jesus said…I am the resurrection and I am the life…..” (John 11:25 KJV). “…..Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?” (John 11:40 KJV). “…where have ye laid him?..’ (John 11:34 KJV). “And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go...” (John 11:43-44 KJV).

In EVERY one of the ABOVE situations you can clearly see Satan “…intended to harm [God’s people]… but God intended it for good to accomplish what …[was]…done, the saving of many lives...” Genesis 50:20 NIV).

Their stories are still teaching us to this very day. “…For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that …through patience and comfort of the scriptures [we]…might have hope” (Romans 15:4 KJV). “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition…” (1 Corinthians 10:11 KJV).

In each story, LACK was a part of it, but each individual offers you some wisdom for keeping the FOCUS on the God, the Holy Spirit who is the SOURCE, even, during a period of LACK. “...[God wants he people to]... be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence  ....[to displaying fruitful characteristics] ....For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ…” (2 Peter 1: 4-9 KJV). “….if ye LOVE me… [as you say], [you will] … keep my commandments…” (John 14:15 KJV).  AND “...humble yourselves under the mighty power of God...” (1 Peter 5:6).

"… [Jesus]... humbled himself, and became obedientunto death, even the death of the cross...”  (Philippians 2:8 KJV). “…that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandments, even so I do…” (John 14:31 KJV).

“…Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame…” (Hebrews 12:2 NLT). “….Christ pleased not himself…” (Romans 15:3 KJV). Jesus said, “… I lay down my life... No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. …” (John 10:17-18 KJV). “…Father, …not My will, but Yours be done" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV).

Job said, “...though he slay me, yet will I trust in him…” (Job 13:15 KJV). “...Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked I shall return there. The Lordgave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord…” Job 1:20-22 NASB).

Joseph said, “… [It was]…intended to harm [me]… but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives…” Genesis 50:20 NIV).

The Hebrew boys said, “…“O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you.  If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty.  But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up…” (Daniel 3:16-18 NLT).

Mary and Martha got a revelation: “…Jesus told [them], “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?”  “Yes, Lord,” she told him. “I have always believed you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who has come into the world from God…” (John 11:15-17 NLT).

Whatever the LOSS or whatever the LACK, like Jesus, God’s people are to “…[entrust themselves]… to HIM who judges justly…” (1 Peter 2:20-23 NIV). Paul said, whatever is LACKING or MISSING, “….is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus [our]… Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ” (Philippians 3:8 NLT).

However, God, the Holy Spirit, is SO loving, gracious, and merciful, that when you give up your life, especially through various losses, for his SAKE, he will RESTORE it ALL back to you. “…‘We’ve given up everything to follow you…” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT).

And Jesus said to him, “…I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News,will receive now in return a hundred times as many houses, brother, sisters, mothers, children, and property – along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life...” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT).

Listen to what God says about your LOSSES and your LACKS: “…I assure you that EVERYONEwho has given up… [whatever] …for my sake and for the Good News, will receive NOW in returna hundred times as many …[whatever]…– along with persecution. AND in the world to come that person will have eternal life...” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT).

When Jesus was exalted above all others, or Job was doubly blessed, or Joseph was elevated to the highest positions in the land, or the Hebrews boys were promoted, or Mary and Martha received their brother back from the dead – WHO was the SOURCE of their BLESSINGS? Was it a “thing” or “person” ? A RESOUNDING NO!!!  “[God’s] …Holy Spirit …[was]... the SOURCE [of it ALL]…” (2 Corinthians 12 NLT).

No matter what God’s people have LOST or what they LACK, upon earth, they can EXPECT to receive ALL of it BACK from God, the HOLY SPIRIT.  “[God, the] …Holy Spirit …[is]... the SOURCE [of it ALL]…” (2 Corinthians 12 NLT). “…NOW  [in this earthly life, God will give, his people]....in return [for their trust and dependency upon HIM, during their period of LOSS and LACK]... a hundred times as many … [of whatever]…” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT).

Often, during periods of LACK and LOSS, NOTHING and NOONE provides a visible sign for God’s promised blessings.

The ONLY visible sign that God will return untold blessings to his people for ALL that they’ve LOSS or LACKED; IS HIS WORD!!! When God’s people look for visible signs, outside of God’s WORD, for his promised blessings, they will be disappointed EVERY time. “….Don't put your confidence in … people [OR THINGS]… there is NO HELP for you there….” (Psalms 146: 3 NLT).

However, “…WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM (God’s WORD) WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED…" (ROMANS 10:11 NASB). “…and HOPE (expectant HOPE in his WORD) DOES NOT DISAPPOINT… (ROMANS 5:5 NASB).

THEREFORE, “…TRUST in the Lordwith all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “…The LORD will accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [his people]…” (John 14:31 NASB).

“…The Spirit of GodMOVED… God said, Let there be light: and THERE WAS LIGHT…” (Genesis 1:1-3 KJV). “…the invisible [Holy Spirit]…from the creation of the world …is clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made…”(Romans 1:20 KJV).

“….The [miraculous]… power of God (the HOLY SPIRIT) unto salvation to everyone that believeth…” is “…clearly seen…”(Romans 1:16, 20 KJV) “…If any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).

It is impossible for mankind to save themselves from a sinful life dominated by sin. “…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin? …The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…the things which are impossible with men are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV).

“…Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved...” (Romans 10:12-13 KJV). It is “….The [miraculous]… power of God (the HOLY SPIRIT) unto salvation to everyone that believeth…” (Romans 1:16 KJV).

Immediately, “… all things are become new...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “…he that is joined (attached) unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). Now “…the Spirit of God dwell in[new creations]…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “…Now the Lord (Jesus, the WORD) is that Spirit…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV). “…Jesus Christ is in YOU…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV).

IF you can say, “…Christ liveth in me…” (Galatians 2:20 KJV). THEN“…It is God who works in you [NOW]… to willand to act in order to fulfill his good purpose…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “… the God of peace, … that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip[s] you with everything good for doing his will, and …work[s] in [you]… what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).

"You did not choose me but I chose you, and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit….” (John 15:16 ASV). “…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “…the things which are impossible with men are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV). “…Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself …neither can you unless you abide in Me. …apart from Me you can do nothing…” (John 15:4-6 NASB). "…My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so PROVE to be My disciples…” (John 15:8 NIV). “…the invisible [Spirit]…from the creation of the world …is clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made …” (Romans 1:20 KJV).

God’s people are “…clearly seen…” by the way they demonstrate love “…one to another …” (John 13:35 KJV). “...Ye are of God, little children …We are of God: …Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth NOT knoweth NOT God; for God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…the fruit of the Spirit is LOVE [etc;]…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). "… You… [will]… bear much fruit, and …PROVE to be [God’s]… disciples…” (John 15:8 NIV).“…It is God who works in ...[his people RIGHT NOW]… to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV).

When God begins working in people’s lives - that you are praying for - the ONLY sign will be HIS WORD!!! “….The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life…” (John 6:63 KJV). “….The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing….” (John 6:63 NLT).

When you look for signs that God is answering your prayers, outside of his Word, you will be disappointed EVERY time. “…WALK BY FAITH...” (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV). “….Don't put your confidence in … people [OR THINGS]… there is NO HELP for you there….” (Psalms 146: 3 NLT). “…Human effort accomplishes nothing.” (John 6:63 NLT). “…the flesh profiteth nothing…” (John 6:63 KJV). "…That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit…” (John 3:6 KJV). “….THE WORDS that I speak unto you, they are SPIRIT, and they are life…” (John 6:63 KJV).

“…IT SHALL BE DONE TO YOU ACCORDING TO FAITH…” (MATTHEW 9:29 NASB).  

When you are praying for something or someone, it is easy to get caught up with what you SEE and what you HEAR, and FORGET what God’s has promised through HIS WORD. God is working in the situation whether you SEE it or HEAR about it or not. “…walk by faith...” (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV). “…TRUST in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “…The LORD will accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [you]…” (John 14:31 NASB). “…. is there any thing too hard for [God]…?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV).

Remember, “…WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED…" (ROMANS 10:11 NASB). “…and HOPE DOES NOT DISAPPOINT… (ROMANS 5:5 NASB).

“…He has granted to [his people]… His precious and magnificent promises…” (2 Peter 1:4 NASB). “…As many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes …also … Amen …” (2 Corinthians 1:20 NASB). “...And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will , he hearethus…” (1 John 5:14 KJV).“…You can ask for ANYTHING in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father.  Yes, ask me for ANYTHING in my name, and I will do it...” (John 14:12-14 NLT).  

“…Not one of the good promises which the Lord had made … failed; all came to pass…” (Joshua 21:45 NASB).  “…So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it…” (Isaiah 55:11 KJV).“….THE WORDS that I speak unto you, they are SPIRIT, and they are life…” (John 6:63 KJV). “…MY WORD …shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it…” (Isaiah 55:11 KJV).

Ask God for ANYTHING; he will DO it and his Holy promises IS your CONFIDENT sign it will happen; TRUST and DEPEND UPON IT. “…You can ask for ANYTHING in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring GLORY to the Father ...” (John 14:12-14 NLT).  Jesus said this about Lazarus: “…..This sickness is not unto death, but for the GLORY of God…” (John 11:4 KJV). “…Jesus said to her (Lazarus’ sister), "Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will SEE THE GLORY OF GOD?”(John 10:40 NASB). “…Jesus said…I AM the resurrection and I AM the life…..” (John 11:25 KJV). “And HE THAT WAS DEAD CAME FORTH...” (John 11:43-44 KJV).

It is impossible for men (women) to raise dead situations without FAITH (trust and dependency) upon the power of God. “…the things which are impossible with men are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV). "… if you believe, you will SEE THE GLORY OF GOD?”(John 10:40 NASB).

God, the Holy Spirit is the SOURCE. “…The Spirit of God…  [powerfully]…move[s]…” (Genesis 1:1-3 KJV). “…the invisible [Spirit]… …is clearly seen…” (Romans 1:20 KJV)."…you will SEETHE GLORY OF GOD?”(John 10:40 NASB). “…[God’s] …Holy Spirit …[WILL BE]… the SOURCE [of it ALL]…” (1 Corinthians 12: 4-11 NLT).

Whatever you are trusting and depending upon God, the Holy Spirit, to do, through his promises, will be manifested for you to SEE with your own eyes. “...And HE THAT WAS DEAD CAME FORTH...” (John 11:43-44 KJV). “…[God’s] …Holy Spirit …[WILL BE]… the SOURCE [of it ALL]…” (1 Corinthians 12: 4-11 NLT).

THE COVENANT RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT, IS THE CHANGE AGENT FOR EACH AND EVERY SITUATION YOU ENCOUNTER. “…His DIVINE POWER [which dwells within his people]... hath given unto [them]... ALL THINGS that pertain unto life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV). “...He careth for [his people]...” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “…The LORD “WILL” accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [his people]…” (John 14:31 NASB).

EVERY MENTAL, EMOTIONAL, HEART, SPIRITUAL, FINANCIAL, PHYSICAL NEED YOU HAVE, GO TO THE SOURCE OF IT ALL!  “…God is the one who provides ....” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV).  “…God will generously PROVIDE all you need…” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT). “...his divine power, God has given [his people] everything [they]... need for living a godly life. [God’s people]... have received all of this by coming to know him (accepting Jesus as their Savior, getting to know him through HIS WORD, keeping company with him on a daily basis, etc. God, the Holy Spirit), the one who called [his people] to himself by means of his marvelous glory (presence, goodness, working power,) and excellence...” (2 Peter 1:3 NLT).

 “…[God, THE] …Holy Spirit …[IS]… the SOURCE [of it ALL]…” (1 Corinthians 12: 4-11 NLT).

 

 

FOR THE GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE, I LOVE TO PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME!

 

 FOR THE GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE I LOVE TO PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME

“…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). God is HOLY. “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

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“…In the beginning was the Word… (John 1:1-4 NASB). “…THE WORDS … they ARE SPIRIT (God)…” (John 6:63 KJV).“…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).

“…[Adam and Eve]… heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day …” (Genesis 3:8 KJV).

“…[Adam and Eve]… heard the voice of the Lord God …” (Genesis 3:8 KJV). “…BY THE WORD of the Lord the heavens were made, And by the breath of His mouth all their host…” (Psalms 33:6 NASB).

God SPOKE the world into existence and he SPOKE to Adam and Eve.

His VOICE was audible and it sounded as if he was WALKING in the garden. “… [Adam and Eve]… heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day …” (Genesis 3:8 KJV).

However, and in addition to HEARING his VOICE “walking” “IN” the garden, they HID themselves from his PRESENCE. “… [Adam and Eve]… heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day …and hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst trees of the garden…” (Genesis 3:8 KJV).

“…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). When God STARTED creating the world his SPIRIT “…moved upon the face of the waters…and [then] God SAID….” (Genesis 1:2-3 KJV). “…The invisible [Spirit]…from the creation of the world …clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made…”(Romans 1:20 KJV).

God’s SPIRIT is “clearly SEEN” by the things MADE which means the VOICE of the SPIRIT moved through the GARDEN and MADE a walking SOUND. “… [Adam and Eve]… heard the voice of the Lord God walking …” (Genesis 3:8 KJV).

Regardless of HOW the voice of the LORD, God was heard WALKING or MOVING through the garden; God’s -who is SPIRIT - VOICE was HEARD. “… [Adam and Eve]… heard the voice …” (Genesis 3:8 KJV).

God SPEAKS to his people through Jesus, HIS WORD, which is SPIRIT. “…THE WORDS THAT I (Jesus, the WORD) SPEAKunto you, they ARE SPIRIT…” (John 6:63 KJV). WHY ARE GOD’S WORDS SPIRIT? “…God is Spirit…” (John 4:24 KJV). “… “I AM WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).

 AND God also confirms HIS WORD through signs, wonders, and miracles, such as SALVATION, TRANSFORMATION, and CONFIRMATION. “…[GOD]… moved upon the face of the waters…and [then] God SAID….” (Genesis 1:2-3 KJV).

God MOVES today, which is CLEAR by the things MADE. “…If any man be in (joined to) Christ, he is a [MADE into a] NEW creature: old things are passed away; behold, ALL THINGS are become NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).  

The indwelling HOLY SPIRIT is God’s WAY of bonding and connecting to his people once they are SAVED by the POWER of his WORD. “… [The WORD of GOD]... is the power of God at work (through the CONFIRMING work of the HOLY SPIRIT), saving everyone who believes (depends upon the word)…” (Romans 1:16 NLT “…God has given [you] HIS [Holy] Spirit as PROOF that … he [dwells]…in [you]…” (1 John 4:13 NLT “…God … SENT forth the [Holy] Spirit of His Son “INTO” [Y]OUR… HEARTS (SOULS)…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB).

God’s indwelling Holy Spirit RETURNS to JOIN mankind’s SOUL to “HIS” HOLY SPIRIT again. God “….made [you (soul)]… ALIVE with Christ (the WORD)… …” (Ephesians 2:5 NIV). “…May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you (soul) holy and whole[BY PUTTING] you together [again]—[by HIS HOLY] spirit, [your] soul, and body …” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 MSG).

God, the HOLY SPIRIT comes to dwell in YOU by JOINING with your SOUL in a covenant relationship. “…The [Holy] Spirit of God dwellin you (joined to you)…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “…Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you (joined to you)?” (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV). “…God hath said, I will dwell in them (joined to them), and walk in them (joined with them); and I will be their God, and they shall be my people…” (2 Corinthians 6:16 KJV).

However, “…God is not human …” (Numbers 23:19 NIV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).“…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). god, the holy spirit-the perfect soulmate - completes you.  “…May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole  [and] put (or JOIN) you together [AGAIN]—with [God’s HOLY] spirit, [your] soul, and body …” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 MSG). “…Jesus Christ is in you (joined to your SOUL)…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…Jesus Christ maketh thee whole (HOLY)…” (Acts 9:34 KJV). NLT).

“…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). god, the holy spirit transforms your nature because you “now” belong to him.   “…Ye shall be holy unto me:for I the Lord am holy…” (Leviticus 20:26 KJV). “…Jesus Christ (the WORD, which is SPIRIT) is in you (joined to you)…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God. But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do nothave the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.)….” (Romans 8:8-11 NLT).

“…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). god, the holy spirit makes you holy (sets you apart & totally frees you from sin). “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). “…you are … A HOLY NATION…” (1 Peter 2:9 NASB). “…be holy, because I am holy…” (1 Peter 1:16 KJV). .  “… [God’s indwelling Spirit is]…for our profit, that [we] might be partakers (participants) of his holiness...” (Hebrews 12:10 KJV).   “…by the Grace of God … [you are what you are] …” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).  “…work at living (work at depending upon the indwelling Holy Spirit to live) a HOLY life, for those who are not HOLYwill not see … [God] …” (Hebrews 12:14 NLT).

“…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). god, the holy spirit enables you to be and become holy (set apart & totally free from sin). HOW? “…It is God who works IN YOU to will and TO ACT…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “….Apart from [Jesus, the WORD, which is also SPIRIT]…YOU CAN DO NOTHING…” (John 15:5 NIV). “…God hath said, I will dwell in them…” (2 Corinthians 6:16 KJV). “…May … God … WORK IN US what is pleasing to him, THROUGH Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…the Father (also God, the Word and God, the Holy Spirit) that dwelleth in (is joined to) me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

“…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). god, the holy spirit supplies the holiness. “…God will supply all [your NEED for HOLINESS]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “…God will generously PROVIDE all you NEED (for HOLINESS). Then you will always have everything you NEED (of HOLINESS) …” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT). “…ye shall (will (guaranteed)) be holy unto me: for I the Lordam holy…” (Leviticus 20:26 KJV). “…It is God who works (HIS HOLINESS) IN YOU …” (Philippians 2:13 NIV).

Thus, HOLINESS is “NOT” something you DO; it is something that is done “for” you.“…the Father that dwelleth in (is joined to) … [you], he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…God …works in you  (by being joined to  you)… TO ACT in order to fulfill his good purpose…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV).  “ … God … equip you with everything good for doing his will…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV)

In addition HOLINESS is something you become through God, the indwelling Holy Spirit. “…The Holy Spirit gives birth to… [HOLINESS]…” (John 3:6 NLT). “ …The Spirit of God dwelleth in you (or is joined, sealed, bonded, etc. to you)…” (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV). “…[The holy God] …  that dwelleth in me (is joined, bonded, sealed to YOU), he doeth the works (of making you HOLY)…” (John 14:10 KJV).

Further, HOLINESS is something you are EMPOWERED to practice through God, the indwelling Holy Spirit. “… God … work[s] … in … [you] … what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…the Father that dwelleth in (that is joined to YOU), he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

“…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). god, the holy spirit transforms your status too. “…you are … A HOLY NATION…” (1 Peter 2:9 NASB).  He, himself was“….set apart for the gospel of God...” (Romans 1:1 NASB).  “…God anointed (set apart) Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and POWER…” (Acts 10:38 NIV).Thus, “…you are … A HOLY (set apart) NATION…” (1 Peter 2:9 NASB).

I AM HOLY. ONLY “…By the grace of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV). “… Apart from [Jesus, You]…can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

“…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). god, the holy spirit removes limitation. “…The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to [the sinful nature]. …I don’t really understand myself, for I want to [be holy] …but I don’t [allow myself to depend upon God’s indwelling Spirit]... Instead, I do what I hate. So I am not the one doing wrong; it is [the sinful nature]… living in me that does it.  And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to [be Holy) … [which]… is right, BUT I CAN’T…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by [impurity and unholiness]?” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). 

“…The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).  “..If the Son (the WORD, which is SPIRIT) therefore shall make you free, you SHALL be free indeed…” (John 8:36 KJV). “….Apart from [the indwelling spirit] ,.. [you] … can do nothing (YOU CAN’T BE HOLY)…” (John 15:5 NIV).  

“…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). god, the holy spirit, strengthens you to do things you couldn’t do before. He will “…strengthened [you]… with might by his Spirit in the inner man…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV). “… [He strengthens you]…according to the POWER that worketh IN [YOU]…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV). “… God  … work[s] … in … [you] … what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…the Father … he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

 “…The things which are impossible with men … [are] …POSSIBLE… [with God] …” (Luke 18:27 KJV).   “…I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “…HE WHICH HATH “BEGUN” A GOOD “WORK” IN [YOU]… “WILL” “PERFORM” IT “UNTIL” the day of Jesus Christ…” (Philippians 1:6 KJV).

HOWEVER,  “…I am the vine, you are the branches…” (John 15:1-11 NASB). “…abide in me, and I in you. …” (John 15:4 KJV).  “…The branch cannot bear fruit (SPIRITUAL FRUIT) of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me…” (John 15:4-6 NASB).

“…If a man abide NOT in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned…” (John 15:6 KJV). “…the Father … he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

“…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). the beneficial BLESSINGS FOM god, the holy spirit are a result of “you” choosing to abide in (OR STAY JOINED TO) the covenant relationship.  “…I am the vine, you are the branches…” (John 15:1-11 NASB). “…abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me…” (John 15:4 KJV).

“…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). god, the holy spirit is an active participant in the covenant relationship with EACH OF HIS CHILDREN. “…The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s (ACTIVE) “POWER” THROUGH each of us (WHO ARE IN A COVENANT RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM) … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).  

In conclusion, The holy spiritsaves your soul, confirms god’s word, displays god’s power, produces spiritual fruit, empowers HOLY behaviors, STRENGTHENS ABILITIES, supplies needs, reveals god’s character, unites with MAN’S SOUL THROUGH the bond of love, and joins or seals HIMSELF with MAN’S SOUL THROUGH the indwelling holy spirit. “…The …HOLY SPIRIT …is the SOURCE of [IT ALL!!]. … … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). THEREFORE,“…The Father (THE HOLY SPIRIT) that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

FOR INSTANCE, the Holy Spiritworks “in” and “through” HIS people DISPLAYING his POWER by the CONFIRMING works of his HOLY SPIRIT. “…God publicly endorsed  Jesus the Nazarene by doing (by displaying HIS) powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him, as you well know. …” (ACTS 2:22 KJV). . “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “… the disciples went everywhere and preached, and the Lord worked through them, confirming what they said by many miraculous signs…” (Matthew 16:20 NLT). “… God confirmed the message by giving signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit whenever he chose…” (Hebrews 2:4 NLT). “…The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of us … … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).  “…he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

The human FLESH, which is NOW the SINFUL NATURE; it CAN “NOT” help you follow God’s HOLY instructions; nor can the FLESH benefit, motivate, activate, or EMPOWER Holy conduct. “…I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t….I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…Who will free [you] from this life that is dominated by SIN? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…I will put a NEW SPIRIT in you (it will be JOINED to you)…” (Ezekiel 36:26 NLT “…The Lord (Jesus Christ, the WORD, which is also SPIRIT) is that Spirit…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV). “…if the Son (Jesus Christ, the WORD, which is also SPIRIT)…shall make you FREE …” (John 8:36 KJV). “…, ye shall (GUARANTEED) be FREE indeed (without a doubt) …” (John 8:36 KJV).

IN ADDITION, the FRUIT of the HOLY SPIRIT will NEVER be produced by the FLESH. “…The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in [y]our lives: ….” (Galatians 5 NLT).

The FRUIT of the HOLY SPIRIT is not a human performance, but the DISPLAY of God’s power THROUGH “HIS people. “…The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s (ACTIVE) power THROUGH each of us (IN A COVENANT RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM) … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).   

The FRUIT of the SPIRIT is PROOF that YOU are God’s disciples and are JOINED in a COVENANT RELATIONSHIP. “…God has given [you] HIS Spirit as PROOFthat … he [dwells]…in [you]…” (1 John 4:13 NLT).  

The FRUIT of the HOLY SPIRIT gives GLORY to GOD or MAKES HIS PRESENCE KNOWN! "…My Father is glorified by this (his presence is made KNOWN), that “YOU” bear much fruit, and so PROVE to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NIV).

“…It is the SPIRIT who “GIVES” LIFE; the flesh profits nothing…” (John 6:63 NASB).  “…. The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of us … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “… [God’s people will]… bear much fruit, and …PROVE to be [God’s]… disciples…” (John 15:8 NIV).

“…He who ABIDES in (stays joined, by CHOICE, to) Me and I in (joined to) him (her), he (she) bears much fruit … ” (John 15:1-11 NASB). "…My Father is glorified by this (his presence is made KNOWN), that “YOU” bear much fruit, and so PROVE to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NIV). “…Ye shall know … [God’s people]… by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV).

A FRUITFUL “CHRISTLIKE” life begins with the HOLY SPIRIT. “…It is the SPIRIT who “GIVES” (or produces) LIFE (especially a fruitful life)…” (John 6:63 NASB). 

The HOLY SPIRIT works “IN” his people to DO the things PLEASING to God. “…Now may the God of peace, … that great Shepherd of the sheep …work in [you] what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ,,,” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…It is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).

The HOLY SPIRIT “TRANSFORMS” his people. “,,,Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, ALL THINGS are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “…I WILL GIVE you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. …” (Ezekiel 36:26 NLT). “… [Therefore]… we all … are changed into the same image [of Christ] from glory to glory …” (2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV). “…By the GRACE of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).

The Holy SpiritCONFIRMS his “OWN” Word. “…God publicly endorsed (confirmed) Jesus the Nazarene (the WORD) (HOW?) by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs “THROUGH” him, as you well know. …” (ACTS 2:22 KJV). “…the Fatherthat dwelleth in [Jesus, the Word), he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…The disciples went everywhere and preached, and the Lord worked through them, CONFIRMING what they said (HOW?) by many miraculous signs…” (Mark 16:20 KJV). “…The …HOLY SPIRIT …is the SOURCE of [signs, wonders, and miracles]. … … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “… God CONFIRMED the message by giving signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit whenever he chose…” (Hebrews 2:4 NLT).

The Holy SpiritPRODUCES God’s FRUIT. “…The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control….” (Galatians 5 NLT). . “…Now God GIVES US many kinds of special abilities (confirmed and revealed through fruit, signs and wonders), but it is the same HOLY SPIRIT who is the source of them all.…”(1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

The Holy Spirit DISPLAYS God’s POWER “in” and “through” “HIS PEOPLE.”  “…It is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works (of producing spiritual FRUIT)…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…. The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of us … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

The HOLY SPIRIT“EMPOWERS” Holy character and abilities “IN’ HIS people. The Holy Spirit empowered JESUS to do the WONDERFUL WORKS he did upon earth! “…God anointed (empowered) Jesus of Nazareth (also the WORD, which is SPIRIT) (HOW?) with the Holy Spirit and POWER (WHAT DID JESUS DO?)…he went around doing good and healing all ….(WHY WAS JESUS ABLE TO DO WHAT HE DID?) because God (the holy spirit) was with him…” (Acts 10:38 NIV). “…the Father that dwelleth in [Jesus, the WORD), he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

HOW does the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT empower or strengthen YOU to do the WORKS of God? “…Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me (depends upon God’s WORD), the works that I (the WORD) do shall he (she) do also; and GREATER WORKS than these shall he (she) do;because I go unto my Father…” (John 14:1 KJV). “…It is God which worketh in you…” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “…. The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of us … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “… [YOU will]… bear much fruit, and …PROVE to be [God’s]… disciples…” (John 15:8 NIV).

The IMPORTANCE of the Holy SpiritDISPLAYING spiritual FRUIT “in” and “through” his people is to GIVE GLORY to GOD which means THEY REVEAL and CONFIRM his PRESENCE in the WORLD! "…My Father is glorified by this, that “YOU” bear much fruit, and so PROVE to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NIV).

“… Apart from Me (God, the Holy Spirit), you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).However, “… [You] … can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth … [you]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “…It is God who works in [you]…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV).

“…The Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE…” (John 3:6 NLT). “…Ye shall know them by their fruit…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “…The fruit of the [indwelling Holy]… Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). "…My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so PROVE to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NIV).

“…The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s (ACTIVE) power THROUGH each of us (IN A COVENANT RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM) … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).  

“…The [HOLY SPIRIT]... that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

 “…The …HOLY SPIRIT …is the SOURCE of [IT ALL!!]. …” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

WHY DOES GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT, DO ALL THINGS FOR HIS PEOPLE?

 “… He [has] done so many miracles before [HIS PEOPLE] ….” (John 12:37-40 NLT). “… [He has] done [those miracles] … so [THEY WILL] will know that [He is] the Lord…” (Exodus 10:1-2 NLT). “… I am the Lord yourGod…’” (Exodus 16:12 NLT).

 “…Your rock and Yourfortress, your deliverer, Your GOD, Your rock, in whom [you can] … take refuge; Your shield and the horn of Your salvation, YOURstronghold.…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB).

Shout hallelujah!!

“… Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done …” (Psalms 40:5 KJV). “… he had done so many miracles before them ….” (John 12:37-40 NLT). “… hehath done marvellous things…” (Psalm 98:1 KJV).

“…[GOD, THE] …HOLY SPIRIT …is the SOURCE of [IT ALL!!]. …” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

 

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IF FAITH IS A GIFT FROM, YOU HAVE ALL THE FAITH YOU NEED? USE IT!

                                                                   
THE "GIFT" FAITH

“…Now FAITH IS the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen…” (Hebrews 11:1 KJV).

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Faith is often a hard concept to grasp. God “…dealt (GAVE) to every man the measure of faith...”(Romans 12:3 KJV). “….IT IS THE “GIFT” OF GOD…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).

The “measure of faith” and the “fruit of faith, from God, is the perspective of faith, this blog takes and believes to be the assurance, certainty, or confidence of things hoped for and evidence or proof of things not YET seen. “…Now FAITH “IS” the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen…” (Hebrews 11:1 KJV).

From this perspective, the Hebrews 11:1 Faith is God’s GIFT. “… FAITH “IS”…” (Hebrews 11:1 KJV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is …faith…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “…The measure of faith...” (Romans 12:3 KJV). “….IT IS THE “GIFT” OF GOD…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).

Activating the Hebrews 11:1, this "gift" of faith depends upon HEARING God’s WORD. “… [The measure of or Spirit of] …Faith cometh by HEARING… the WORD of God…” (Roman 10:17 KJV). HEARING God’s word ACTIVATES the Hebrews 11:1 faith, dwelling within the redeemed believer, through the POWER of the Holy Spirit. “…According to the POWER (the Holy Spirit) that works WITHIN us…” (Ephesians 3:20 NASB).

When “the measure of faith” or the “Spirit of Faith” empowers the believer it is experienced as complete dependence upon the indwelling WORK of God “IN” and “THROUGH” them. “…Trust in the Lordwith all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV)

When common human faith motivates people it is dependent on non-spiritual principles or values, but instead, relies upon human reason, established bodies of human knowledge, human logic, or scientific theories. However, without God’s WORD, the Hebrews 11:1 faith is not activated. .“…[The measure of or the Spirit of] ...Faith cometh by HEARING… the WORD of God…” (Roman 10:17 KJV).

Human faith is often experienced as trust in one’s OWN understanding OR someone else’s understanding, character, nature, logic, reason, knowledge, or behavior. “…LEAN NOT unto thine own (or anyone else's) understanding…”(Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).

When “the measure of faith” or the “Spirit of Faith” empowers the redeemed believer it depends on hearing the trustworthy WORD of God to become ACTIVATED. It is experienced and witnessed as a strong, confident dependence upon the Lord, PRODUCED by the WORD and the indwelling WORK of the Holy Spirit. “…Trust in (depend upon) the Lord (the word) with ALL thine heart…”(Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

Faith, of any kind, is a system of belief that usually involves an absolute trust in or dependence upon a person, a thing, or idea and concepts. “…He… [completely] … entrusted himself to him who judges justly…” (1 Peter 2:19-23 NIV).

Faith, of any kind, is usually a personal unwavering conviction about certain religious truths, or human truths or facts. “…Abraham believed God…” (James 2:18-24 NIV).

Faith is the opposite of disbelief and is therefore motivated by confident trust in or dependence upon “A” person, “A” thing, or ideas and concepts. “…Trust in (or depend upon) the Lord with ALL …” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).

Faith, of any kind, is a FIRM, sincere, and confident belief in one’s OBJECT of FAITH; whatever “IT” is or whoever “IT” is. “…Abraham believed God (his object of faith), and it was credited to him as righteousness, and he was called God’s friend…” (James 2:18-24 NIV).

People struggle with their faith in God. Most people think faith in God relies totally upon their human faith or human effort.

However, human faith or human effort often takes redeemed believers on the path of uncertainty, ambiguity, insecurity, or doubt at times. “…I DO believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24 NIV).

My book is more explanatory and will basically discuss the Hebrew 11:1 faith, or “the measure of faith,” or the Spirit of Faith that comes from God, in more detail as a GIFT that is PRODUCED by the indwelling Holy Spirit. “…The [God-given] measure of faith...” (Romans 12:3 KJV).“…The fruit of the Spirit is …faith…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).

Human faith is experienced as human-effort and usually DEPENDS upon things or people from the natural world as OBJECTS of FAITH.

Faith (belief), human or divine, is empowered by something or someone, the believer, considers absolutely and totally trustworthy. “….The decrees (WORDS) of the Lord are TRUSTWORTHY, making wise the simple…” (PSALM 19:7 NLT).  “…All your commands are TRUSTWORTHY…” (PSALM 119:86 NLT). “…your laws are perfect and completely TRUSTWORTHY…. “ (PSALMS 119:138 NLT). “…This hope is a strong and TRUSTWORTHY anchor for our souls…” (HEBREWS 6:19 NLT). “Everything you have heard and seen is TRUSTWORTHYand true…” (REVELATION 22:6 NLT).

The believer considers something absolutely dependable or someone’s WORD completely trustworthy. “… [God is]… WATCHING OVER [his] WORD TO PERFORM IT …” (Jeremiah 1:12 NASB). “…So shall my word … that goeth forth out of my mouth: IT SHALL NOT RETURN UNTO ME VOID, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11 KJV).  “…Not one of the good promiseswhich the Lord had made to the house of Israel failed; ALL CAME TO PASS…” (Joshua 21:45 NASB). 

Dependable and trustworthy people have PROVEN reliability and character. It may be EASY to GIVE them, without fear of disappointment, your complete hope or expectancy. “… HOPE DOES NOT DISAPPOINT… (ROMANS 5:5 NASB). “…For the Scripture says, "WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED…" (ROMANS 10:11 NASB). “… HE WHO BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED… (ROMANS 9:33 NASB). “…In You they trusted and WERE NOT DISAPPOINTED…. (PSALMS 22:5 NASB).

A dependable and trustworthy something or someone is a SAFE choice for entrusting your complete hope or expectation in. “…He… [completely] … entrusted himself to him who judges justly…” (1 Peter 2:19-23 NIV).

Faith, human or divine, in a dependable and trustworthy thing or person becomes stronger and stronger every time the DEPENDABLE or TRUSTWORTHY thing or person PROVES reliability. “…Not one of the good promises which the Lordhad made to the house of Israel failed; ALL CAME TO PASS…” (Joshua 21:45 NASB). 

When faith in a dependable or trustworthy thing or person grows it becomes more than knowledge; it becomes experience.

Experience develops into a deeper, more committed dependability or trust in “that” thing or person. Job had a committed dependability upon God and he said, “…Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him…” (Job 13:15 KJV).

Faith, in a dependable and trustworthy thing or person, becomes a reliance upon their PROVEN RECORD. “…Trust in the Lordwith all thine heart…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).

Once a PROVEN RECORD is established, it becomes easier to make a confident and personal commitment to trust in or depend upon “that” THING or PERSON with ever growing certainty.“…The LORD “WILL” accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [you]…” (John 14:31 NASB). “...Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV).  

Once a PROVEN RECORD is established in a thing or person, over a LONG period of time, it or they become TRUSTWORTHY as an OBJECT of one’s dependence or trust.  “….IS THERE ANY ROCK (TRUSTWORTHY) LIKE OUR GOD…..” (1 SAMUEL 2:2 KJV). “…All he does is just and good, and all his commandments are TRUSTWORTHY….” (PSALMS 111:7 NLT).

 For example, God told Abraham he would have a son at 90+ years old and from that son he would make him a GREAT nation. “…Abraham believed God…” (James 2:18-24 NIV).

“And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. And I will make my covenant between me and thee…” (Genesis 17 KJV). “…And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing. …And in thee SHALL ALL FAMILIES of the earth be blessed…” (Genesis 12:2-3 KJV).

However, God told him to sacrifice his only son on the altar. You may wonder, like I did, if Abraham sacrifices his son on the altar, how will he become a GREAT nation through Isaac. After all, he is already past 99 years old. Well, “…Abraham believed God…” (James 2:18-24 NIV)..

“…It was BY FAITHthat ABRAHAM OFFERED UP ISAAC as a sacrifice when God was testing him. Abraham, who had received God’s promises, was ready to sacrifice his only son, Isaac, even though God had told him, “Isaac is the son through whom your descendants will be counted.” Abraham reasoned that if Isaac died, God was able to bring him back to life again. And in a sense, Abraham did receive his son back from the dead…” (Hebrews 11 NLT)

“…Abraham believed God…” (James 2:18-24 NIV). “…Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping--believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, "That's how many descendants you will have!" (Romans 4:18 NLT).

To this day, everyone who has faith in God, like Abraham did, is considered Abraham’s seed. “…Understand, then, that those who HAVE FAITH ARE children of Abraham. Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” So those who RELY ON FAITH are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith…” (Galatians 3: 7-9 NIV).

Abraham was empowered to have unwavering faith in God. “…Abraham believed God…” (James 2:18-24 NIV). “…Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping—believing..." (Romans 4:18 NLT).

Abraham was empowered with a FAITH that enabled him to sacrifice his only son while expecting that God would STILL be able to make him a GREAT nation through Isaac. “…Abraham reasoned that if Isaac died, God was able to bring him back to life again. And in a sense, Abraham did receive his son back from the dead…” (Hebrews 11 NLT). “….I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV).

The object of Abraham’s faith was the trustworthy, HOLY, dependable Jehovah God. “…It was BY FAITH that ABRAHAM OFFERED UP ISAAC … Abraham reasoned that if Isaac died, God was ABLEto bring him back to life again.…” (Hebrews 11 NLT). “… Is there any thing too hard for [God]?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV).

Human faith depends upon a person’s OWN human effort whereas the Spirit of Faith depends upon the indwelling WORK of the Holy Spirit.

Doubt need “NOT” be a party to the Spirit of Faith. “…YOU MUST BELIEVE (depend upon) AND NOT DOUBT….” (James 1:6-8 NIV).  The extreme of doubt is inundated with uncertainty, skepticism, double-mindedness, instability, hesitancy, or distrust. “…A double minded man is unstable in all his ways….” (James 1:8 KJV).

The extreme of doubt comes when no one and nothing is considered dependable or trustworthy. "…Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and DOES NOT DOUBT in their heart but believes (depends) that what they say will happen, it will be done for them….” (MARKS 11:23 NIV).

Hebrews 11:1 faith, or the “measure of faith,” or the “spirit of faith” is meant to produce assurance or a certainty of things “hoped for” while doubt WILL produce the uncertainty of things “hoped for. Thus, God “…dealt (GAVE) to every man the measure of faith...” (Romans 12:3 KJV). “….IT IS THE “GIFT” OF GOD…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). “…WALK BY [THAT]…FAITH...” (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV). “…IT SHALL BE DONE TO YOU ACCORDING TO YOUR [indwelling Spirit of]…FAITH…” (MATTHEW 9:29 NASB).  

Human faith enables a person to depend upon self-effort, other human effort, a place, a thing, a plan, or established ideas, truths, or concepts that are based on human knowledge, reason, scientific facts, or logic.

Hebrews 11:1 faith, or the “measure of faith,” of the “spirit of faith” empowers the  redeemed believer, through the WORK of the Holy Spirit to put complete confidence in God.

The HOLY SPIRIT is activated by “hearing” the Word of God, but the believer chooses to willfully depend upon the indwelling WORK of the Spirit of Faith.

Faith, whether human or divine, chooses to rely upon something good happening, regardless of what else is happening or is said, by way of their dependable and trustworthy OBJECT OF FAITH.“…Now FAITH ISthe substance (assurance, certainty, etc.) of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen…” (Hebrews 11:1 KJV).

Faith, whether human or divine, depends upon and completely trust IN “that” thing or person, without wavering; expecting that what they “hope for” will eventually come to pass. “…And in PROCESS of time IT CAME TO PASS…” (Genesis 4:3 KJV).

Putting faith, whether human or divine, in a thing or person means you EXPECT the desired OUTCOME “WILL” happen. “….I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV).

Faith, whether human or divine, is an important part of everyday life. “…WALK BY FAITH...” (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV).

Somewhere along the line, common, routine, or general human faith is placed in a person, yourself, a place, a thing, a plan, a truth, or an idea. Every day faith is a natural part of life.

Common, routine, or general faith is necessary to sit down in a chair, drive a car, that you are safe in your home, that the water you’re drinking is drinkable water, or that the food you eat from the store is safe.

Common, routine, or general human faith depends regularly on the air that is breathed, the ability to walk, run, talk, be independent, and have the ability to make decisions for your life.

Having common, routine, or general faith makes life a lot more pleasant. It is a pleasure to get in a car and be able to depend upon it to drive safely from one place to another instead of walking. It is a pleasure to bring food home from the grocery stores to feed yourself and your families and be able to depend upon it to be SAFE for yourself and family.

Faith, therefore, is necessary to have a healthy life with reduced stress. So many things people depend upon are taken for granted such as; breathing, walking, talking, independence, or the gift of time. Without some level of dependence life can be unfulfilling, unhealthy or restrictive, or full of fear.

Without some level of dependence or trust, all that is left is doubt. Doubt ushers in uncertainty, fear, along with negative perspectives and expectations of life. If you don’t have common, routine or general every day faith life can be wishy-washy and unreliable MOST of the time.

Faith is used every single day of your life. Human faith, however, altars and wavers, but the indwelling Spirit of Faithnever loses its potency, power, sustainability, or consistency. “…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  “…The Spirit of God dwell in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “…the Father that dwelleth in [you], he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

Human faith is humans effort that enables you trust in temporary resources that don’t and won’t last forever. “…after a while the brook dried up ….” (1 KINGS 17:1-7 NLT). “…So the people of Israel ate manna for forty years until…” (Exodus 16 NLT).

Hebrews 11:1 faithempowers you to trust in and depend upon God, the Holy Spirit and the object of faith that NEVER changes, is absolutely certain, and will never let your hope down.“… FAITH IS the substance (CERTAINTY) of things hoped for (EXPECTED)…” (Hebrews 11:1 KJV). “… FAITH IS … the evidence (PROOF) of things not seen…” (Hebrews 11:1 KJV). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV).

However, the OBJECT of Faith that you depend upon or trust in will be the OBJECT of Faith that produces the results of your HOPE or EXPECTATION. “…IT SHALL [always]… BE DONE TO YOU ACCORDING TO YOUR FAITH…” (MATTHEW 9:29 NASB).  Human or Divine.

 

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INSIDE "YOUR" STORM, GOD IS WORKING THINGS TOGETHER FOR GOOD

 

RIGHT SMACK DAB  “INSIDE” THE STORM, GOD IS WORKING IT TOGETHER FOR GOOD

“…But before very long there rushed down from the land a violent wind, called Euraquilo; and when the ship was caught in it and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and let ourselves be driven along … we were scarcely able to get the ship’s boat under control …they used supporting cables in undergirding the ship …they let down the sea anchor  …The next day as we were being violently storm-tossed, they began to jettison the cargo; and on the third day they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands. Since neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small storm was assailing us, from then on all hope of our being saved was gradually abandoned.…” (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB).

*

In this scripture, an Euraquilo wind was a seamen’s term for an eastern or northeastern wind common in the winter season on the island of Malta. It was this violent, tempestuous, and hurricane wind that caused the shipwreck in Acts chapter 27. “…But before very long there rushed down from the land a violent wind, called Euraquilo…” (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB).

The Euraquilo wind has been known to cause horrific waves, lasts for days, and cause much death and property destruction. When the Euraquilo wind BLOWS, usually resistance is useless. “… when the ship was caught in it and could not face the wind, we gave way to it … (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB).

In this story, the seamen CHOSE to sail, which led them into a STORM with so much WIND FORCE they had to surrender the ship to its POWER. “… when the ship was caught in it and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and let ourselves be driven along … (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB).

Some STORMS are unexpected, but sometimes you are warned the storm is approaching, but CHOOSE to face the risk anyway, in hope, you will come through them in  your OWN strength. “…the infamous nor’easter, struck. They lost all control of the ship. It was a cork (a powerless object) in the storm…” (Acts 27:15 MSG).

People often prefer to be the controllers of their own STORMS in LIFE. Nonetheless, a Euraquilo wind is the enemy of all human control or autonomy. “…the ship  … was a corkin the storm…” (Acts 27:15 MSG).

Every human effort, the seamen made, to keep THEIR SHIP undisturbed by the STORM or to keep things as NORMAL as possible, failed. “…they used supporting cables in undergirding the ship …they let down the sea anchor  …The next day as we were being violently storm-tossed, they began to jettison the cargo; and on the third day they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands..…” (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB).

The seamen struggled and struggled to AVOID the STORM’S disruption or damage to their SHIP, but it did NOT work. “…Since neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small storm was assailing us, from then on all hope of our being saved was gradually abandoned.…” (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB).

They COULDN’T control the WIND. We can’t control death, evil people or their attitudes, injustice, the stock market crash, some sicknesses, haters of your faith, divorces, etc.

INSIDE “certain” STORMS of LIFE it is unusually impossible to remain dependent upon human effort or strength. “But the people replied, “Don’t waste your breath. We will continue to live as WE WANT TO, stubbornly following our own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).

Unfortunately, inside A STORM some people think of themselves as self-sufficient, but eventually even they realize they can’t sustain control. “…Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God…” (2 Corinthians 3:5 KJV).

King Nebuchadnezzar thought his sufficiency was his OWN human effort and strength. “…King Nebuchadnezzar. … was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, he said, “Is not this the great Babylon “I” have built as the royal residence, by “my” mighty power and for the glory of “my” majesty?” (Daniel 4 NLT).

King Nebuchadnezzar did what he believed was right in his OWN eyes. “….The way of a fool isright in his own eyes…” (Proverbs 12:15 KJV). “…There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death...”(Proverbs  14:20 KJV).  “…There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death….” (Proverbs 16:25 KJV).

King Nebuchadnezzar CHOOSE his OWN way and did not heed God’s warning that a STORM was coming. “Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe…” (Proverbs 28:26 NIV).

King Nebuchadnezzar trusted in his OWN self-sufficiency. “… he said, “Is not this the great Babylon “I” have built as the royal residence, by “my” mighty power and for the glory of “my” majesty?” (Daniel 4 NLT).

 “But the people replied, “…We will continueto live as WE WANT TO, stubbornly following our ownevil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).

King Nebuchadnezzar kept doing whatever he wanted to do and did not HEED the warnings of the coming STORM. “…But my people would not listen to me. They KEPT DOING WHATEVER THEY WANTED, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).

God is in control of HIS world and people are being self-sufficient “WITHIN” his world.  “All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing.He (God) does as he pleases (not mankind) with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth…” (Daniel 4 NLT).

Thus, people think because they have self-sufficiency within the scope of their SMALL little world, they also have self-sufficiency within the WIDE scope of God’s much LARGER world. “…He (God) does as he pleases (not mankind) with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth… (Daniel 4 NLT).

The events, situations, circumstances, or the STORMS of LIFE that happen are ALL under God’s sovereign control. “… No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT).

Job did not have control over what happened to him. If he did have control, he would have stopped it. “One day when Job’s sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby, and the Sabeans attacked and made off with them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The fire of God fell from the heavens and burned up the sheep and the servants, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and made off with them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” While he was still speaking, yet another messenger came and said, “Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” (Job 1:13-20 NIV).

Job could NOT control “ANY” of the events that happened. Job relinquished and respected the sovereign control, he came to recognize, to God. He also did it with the right attitude. He said “… though he (God) slay me, yet will I trust in him…” (Job 13:15 KJV). Job also said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord…” Job 1:20-22 NASB).

When the loss of self-sufficiency leaves you helpless and vulnerable; you will either give way to discouragement and anger or you will surrender control to God. “… when the ship was caught in it and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and let ourselves be driven along … (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB). “…all hope of our being saved was gradually abandoned.…” (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB). “… Jehoshaphat … BEGGED the Lord for guidance.” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).  

A loss of self-sufficiency will allow people to see, realize, and discover the LIMITS of their human effort and strength . “….Apart from [Jesus], [they]… can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

The less strength a person has over the STORMS of LIFE; the less self-sufficiency they realize they truly have too. “…They lost all controlof the ship…” (Acts 27:15 MSG).

A loss of self-sufficiency is ALWAYS a struggle for some people, but, in the midst of the STORMS of LIFE, if God’s people call on HIM he will help them. “...Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of GRACE … and find GRACE to help in time of need…” (Hebrews 4:16 KJV).

The STORMS of LIFE may last for moments, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, or years. “…King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken from you. You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox. Seven times (years) will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereignover all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes.” Immediately what had been said about Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled…” (Daniel 4 NLT).

To experience the loss of self-sufficiency can often become unbearable, humbling, hopeless, full of anger, and frightening. “…Since neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small storm was assailing us, from then on all hope of our being saved was gradually abandoned.…” (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB).

In the story of Lazarus in John 11 it seems God did not intervene in a timely manner. … Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died… ” (John 11:20-22 KJV).

In the loss of self-sufficiency it may seem “too late” or impossible for God to fix what seems completely hopeless and out of control. “…the things which are impossible with men are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV). “….I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: IS THERE ANY THING TOO HARD FOR ME?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “…NOW UNTO HIM THAT IS ABLE to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or THINK, according to the power that worketh in us…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV).

It is normal, for a self-sufficient person, to feel angry and “OUT” of control INSIDE the STORMS of LIFE. “…all hope … was gradually abandoned.…” (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB).

A loss of self-sufficiency is a sign of human limitations and can cause discouragement. Paul said: “…I urge you to keep up your courage, for there will be no loss of life among you, but onlyof the ship. …I believe God that it will turn out exactly as I have been told…” (Acts 27:22-25 NASB).  “….And so it happened that they all were brought safely to land…” (Acts 27:44 NASB).

God is sovereign over STORMS of LIFE. Therefore, “…Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).

The STORMS of LIFE can’t be controlled with human self-sufficiency or with limited human strength. Only God can control our STORMS and process us victoriously through them. “…the things which are impossible with men are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV).

Wherever you have been robbed of human self-sufficiency or strength; it is a good time to acknowledge your helplessness and submit the outcome to God. The bible says, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).

No matter how BIG the storm God can still, “…do far more abundantly beyond all that [you]… ask or think, according to the power that works within [you]…” (Ephesians 3:20 NASB). “…Only believe” (Mark 5:36 KJV).

The loss of self-sufficiency and strength is very frightening for some, but comfort, rest, and a sense of safety can be gained by trusting that God can DO the impossible. “…the things which are impossible with men are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV).

God’s incredible POWER to FIX our storms is often incomprehensible. “… But as it is written: “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for those who love Him…” (1 Corinthians 2:9 KJV). “….And so it happened that they all were brought safely to land…” (Acts 27:44 NASB).

In the story of Lazarus Jesus showed up in God’s sovereign timing!!! At God’s appointed time, “… [all could see]...the glory God (his presence, his goodness, and his power), [and]…that the Son of God (the Word) …[was also]…glorified thereby…” (John 11:4 KJV). “….And so it happened that they all were brought safely to land…” (Acts 27:44 NASB).

The enemy of God’s sovereignty is man’s refusal to let go of human self-sufficiency and relying upon the limitation of human strength. “…not Mywill, but Yours be done…" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV).  Jesus came to do God’s will. “…I seek NOT mine own will…” and submitted to His will. “…but THE WILL of the Father which hath sent me...” (John 6:38 KJV).  “…For I have come down from heaven NOT TO DO MY WILL BUT to do THE WILL of him who sent me…” (John 6:38 NIV).

When God or his Word is not sovereign INSIDE your STORMS, your outcome will be a lot different than Job’s, Daniel’s. the Hebrew boys, Peter’s, or the seamen. “….And so it happened that they (the seamen) all were brought safely to land [because God’s Word said they would]…” (Acts 27:44 NASB). However, “…whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap….” (Galatians 6:7 KJV). “….For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption…” (Galatians 6:8 KJV). “…But my people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts. They went backward instead of forward”” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).

God is ALWAYS in control, but he is not controlling. “… No one can hold back his handor say to him: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT).  However, “… I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore [YOU]…choose life…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV).

Even in a loss of self-sufficiency you can “STILL” willfully chose to follow your OWN way, which will always be in conflict with God’s willingness to HELP you.“…my peoplewould not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts. They wentbackward instead of forward”” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).

The seamen listened to the word given through Apostle Paul the second time. “….And so it happened that they all were brought safely to land…” (Acts 27:44 NASB).

God rightfully has sovereignty over his world and everybody that dwells it in. “…The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein…” (Psalm 24:1 KJV). “… He (God) does as he pleases withthe powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth… (Daniel 4 NLT).

God’s has CONTROL, but he is NOT controlling, YOU have the “human will” to choose your OWN way. “… I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore [YOU]…choose life…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “…my peoplewould not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted...” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).

If you have been through or are going through a STORM simply surrender the outcome to God’s will. “…"Father, if you are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV). “…If the Lord will, [I] shall live, and do this, or that...” (James 4:16 KJV).

To be self-sufficient is to depend upon the limitations of your own control or human strength. To surrender to God is to depend upon the unlimited control of God’s sovereignty such as his love, his care, and his empowering strength. “…the things which are impossible with men ARE POSSIBLE WITH GOD…” (Luke 18:27 KJV).  “….I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: IS THERE ANY THING TOO HARD FOR ME?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “…NOW UNTO HIM THAT IS ABLE to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or THINK, according to the power that worketh in us…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV).

 “… when the ship was caught in it and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and let ourselves be driven along … (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB). “…the infamous nor’easter, struck. They lost all control of the ship. It was a cork in the storm…” (Acts 27:15 MSG).

Once a STORM is set in motion; it cannot be retracted. The atmosphere is disturbed and normal is disrupted.  An Euraquilo wind is the enemy of self-sufficiency. “…the ship  … was a corkin the storm…” (Acts 27:15 MSG). The SHIP could no longer be supported or sustained by human self-sufficiency or strength, but it became weakened, submissive, and subservient to the STORM.

If a Euraquilo wind is blowing through your life and you have given way to it, by becoming frightened, weak, anxious, powerless, nervous, overly concerned with the outcome, helpless, or discouraged; then: BOLDLY CALL ON GOD. “...Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of GRACE… and find GRACE to help in time of need…” (Hebrews 4:16 KJV). “…Trust in the Lordwith all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding…”(Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).

I have some FOOD for thought QUESTIONS: Has your self-sufficiency weakened and human strength weakened during your STORM of LIFE? Are you WILLING to SURRENDER the outcome of the STORM to God’s sovereign love, care, and empowering strength?“… Jehoshaphat was terrified by this news...” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).

“...God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam ...“Be still, and know that I am God ... The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress...” (Psalms 46 NLT).

God will FIGHT for his people and TAKE CARE of the things that concern them. “…He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). . “…If God isfor us, who is against us? ... …” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). “...No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper...” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV). “…The LORD will accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [you]…” (John 14:31 NASB).

“….And so it happened that they all were brought safely to land (to their destiny)…” (Acts 27:44 NASB).

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GOD’S GRACE NEVER LEAVES YOU “… since it is through God...

GOD’S GRACE NEVER LEAVES YOU

“… since it is through God’s kindness (the indwelling Spirit)… it is not by [your]… good works. God’s grace …[makes all his actions toward mankind (saved or unsaved)]…—free and undeserved…” (Romans 11:6 NLT).

“...to show us his GRACE through Christ Jesus...who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for GOD WAS WITH HIM…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV & 2 Timothy 1:9).

“...God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it...” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT).

                                               *

Biblical GRACE is God’s FAVOR toward mankind who does not deserve it, is not worthy of it, nor can they ever earn it.

God’s GRACE is extended, through expressions and demonstrations of heartfelt kindness, simply because of God’s unconditional LOVE toward mankind.

Some of those heartfelt expressions of kindness is God’s willingness to save mankind’s soul from perishing, forgive their sins, reconcile them to his Holy Spirit, adopt them as his own children, and generously endow them with boundless spiritual blessings and gifts.

Mankind can NEVER earn God’s GRACE. ONLY his unconditional love compels, drives, or motivates him to TREAT them kindly in spite of their many faults, wrongdoings, and flaws.

In order to APPRECIATE God’s GRACE toward his people and ALL of mankind it is important to consider the BENEFIT and amazing GIFT of GRACE.

“….I was born a sinner (I was born without the indwelling Holy Spirit)—yes, from the moment my mother conceived me….” (Psalms 51:5 NLT).

The FLESH is the sinful nature. The SINFUL NATURE “only” knows how to SIN. Sins are the immutable symptoms of “that” nature. “...I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good,but I don’t. …I [am] …a slave to the sin (the symptoms of the flesh/sinful nature) …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…the wages of sin (the end result of having a flesh/sinful nature ONLY) is death…” (Romans 6:23 KJV). “…For all have sinned (all have been born with a flesh or sinful nature)…” (Romans 3:23 KJV). “…all have ... come short of the glory of God (all are born WITHOUT the indwelling Holy Spirit)…” (Romans 3:23 KJV).

HOWEVER, let’s look at how God expressed and demonstrated his HOLY LOVE and GRACE. “…God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV).

“... Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation(substitute, intervention) for our sins.” (1 John 4:10 KJV).

“…Christ (an expression of God’s LOVE and GRACE) ... suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring [mankind back] to God …” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV).

Without Jesus Christ, the FLESH or SINFUL NATURE cannot be changed. It “IS” what it “IS,” a FLESH/SINFUL NATURE. “…Apart from [Jesus Christ]… [mankind cannot]... do nothing [they cannot change their flesh/sinful nature]…” (John 15:5 NIV).

King David said: “….I was born a sinner ….” (Psalms 51:5 NLT). "…That which is born of the flesh is flesh…” (John 3:6 KJV).

“...Who will free me from this life that is dominated by [the flesh/sinful nature]?” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

“...I [am] …a slave to the ..[innate, enduring, etc.]... sin that is … within me (within my flesh/sinful nature) …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

“...I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good,but I don’t …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

“...The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin (through the flesh/sinful nature)…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

“...Who will free me from this life...?” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “...The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

God did NOT send Jesus to CHANGE mankind’s SINFUL NATURE, but to completely DELIVER them from it!

Through God’s unconditional LOVE and GRACE mankind can BE DELIVERED from the FLESH/SINFUL nature, which means they are SET FREE and HEALED through Jesus Christ.“…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by [my]...[flesh/sinful nature]?” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).  “…If the Son therefore shall make you free, you SHALL be free indeed…” (John 8:36 KJV).

Is anything too hard for God to DELIVER you from? “…I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV).

 “…The things which are impossible with men are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV).

 “… THE LORD … is Your rock and Yourfortress, your deliverer…” (Psalms 18:3 NASB).

 “…Therefore if any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “...For in him [God’s people]... live, and move, and have [their] being (their NEW IMAGE, identity, ETC.); as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring...” (Acts 17:28 KJV).

It is mankind’s CONDITION without God’s unconditional LOVE that makes God’s GRACE, toward them, so very, very important and AMAZING.

They were BORN SINNERS, which automatically makes them GUILTY before God, they are considered ENEMIES of God, deserving of DEATH, unable to be RIGHTEOUS or GOOD, and without any WAY to be justified or MADE RIGHT with God, the Holy Spirit.

“….I was born a sinner ….” (Psalms 51:5 NLT).

“...all the world (every male and female) may become guilty before God....” (Romans 3:19 KJV).

“...we were enemies...” (Romans 5:10 KJV).

“…the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23 KJV).

“...There is none righteous, no, not one...” (Romans 3:10 KJV). “...I want to do what is good, but I don’t …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

“...Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight...” (Romans 3:20 KJV).

Spiritually they are LOST, DEAD, UNCLEAN, and SEPARATED from God, the Holy Spirit.

LOST and spiritually DEAD souls are headed toward everlasting punishment and eternal SEPARATION from God, the Holy Spirit. Oh but, “…The GIFTby grace……” (Romans 5:15 KJV).

“…BY GRACE have ye been saved through… FAITH; and that NOT OF YOURSELVES, IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD; not of works, that no man should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).

“..The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with faith… that are [“through” jesus Christ]…” (1 Timothy 1:13-14 NIV).

Thus, “… the GRACE of God, and the gift by GRACE, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath ABOUNDED unto many…” (Romans 5:15 KJV). 

“…God is able to make all GRACE abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things…” (2 Corinthians 8:9 KJV).

“…My GRACE is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness...” (2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV).

“..Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of GRACE, that we may obtain mercy, and find GRACE to help in time of need…” (Hebrews 4:16 KJV).

“…where sin abounded, GRACEdid much more abound…” (Romans 5:20 KJV).

“…They which receive abundance of GRACE … shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ…” (Romans 5:17 KJV).

 HOW? According to, “...The grace GIVEN unto [mankind]…” (Romans 12:3 KJV). “…the grace of God which is GIVEN [to mankind]... by Jesus Christ...” (1 Corinthians 1:4 KJV). “…Every one of us is GIVEN GRACE according to the measure of the gift of Christ…” (Ephesians 4:7 KJV).

 “…FREELY [mankind has]... RECEIVED...” (Matthew 10:8 KJV).

God’s GRACE is a FREE GIFT to the RECIPIENT, which means they OWE NOTHING for it. “…The GIFT by grace……” (Romans 5:15 KJV).

God’s GIFT of GRACE, comes along with the GIFT of SALVATION, both are FREE toward mankind, however it was COSTLY to Jesus Christ.  “…, my righteous servant (Jesus) ... [made]... it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT).

“…Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us [back] to God …” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV).

“... Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation(substitute, intervention) for our sins.” (1 John 4:10 KJV).

God’s GRACE is a GIFT and once God gives it to mankind they OWN it and it is theirs to KEEP for as long as they choose. “…the grace that is GIVEN …” (Romans 12:6 KJV). “…Because of the grace that is GIVEN ... of God…” (Romans 15:15 KJV). “…the grace of God which is GIVEN ...by Jesus Christ...” (1 Corinthians 1:4 KJV). “…Every one ... is GIVEN GRACE according to the measure of the gift of Christ…” (Ephesians 4:7 KJV).

When God GIVES the GIFT of GRACE it belongs to the RECEIVER permanently and God will NEVER take it BACK or change his mind. “…the grace of God which is GIVEN ...by Jesus Christ...” (1 Corinthians 1:4 KJV). “…The GIFT by grace……” (Romans 5:15 KJV). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  “...Jesus Christ (God’s WORD) is the same yesterday and today and forever...” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV). “…I am (and my GRACE is]... with you always, to the very end…"(Matthew 28:20 NIV).

God’s GRACE compelled HIM to willingly GIVE his SON, unsparingly and sacrificially, so that mankind would PROFIT from it. God “…spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all….” (Romans 8:32 KJV). “...[Jesus]... said, It is finished…” (John 19:28-30 KJV). “… I lay down my life... [FOR mankind] …” (John 10:17-18 KJV).  Jesus “…[gave] ...his life a ransom for many...” (Matthew 20:28 KJV).

“… the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ .. though HE WAS [spiritually] RICH, yet for [mankind’s]... sakes he became [spiritually] poor, that [they]... through his poverty might be [spiritually] RICH…” (2 Corinthians 8:9 KJV).

“... his life [was made]... an offering for sin...” (Isaiah 53:10-11 NLT). “...Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners...” (1 Timothy 1:15 NLT).  “...Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him...” (Hebrews 7:25 NLT).

Jesus came “…to give His life a ransom for many…” (Matthew 20:28 NIV).

“... Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and SENT His SON to be the propitiation (substitute, intervention) for our sins.” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “…There is no greater love …” (John 15:13 NLT).

The AMAZING gift of God’s GRACE is TOTALLY unmerited, undeserving, and FREE. “… since it is through God’s kindness… it is not by [mankind’s]… good works. God’s grace …[makes all his actions toward us]...free and undeserved…” (Romans 11:6 NLT).

God’s GRACE is continual and ongoing through the “covenant unity” relationship with HIM. “…My grace issufficient for you…” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV).  “…NOT that we are sufficient OF OURSELVES to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God…” (2 Corinthians 3:5 KJV).“…I AM [and my grace is]... WITH YOU ALWAYS, to the very end…"(Matthew 28:20 NIV).  “…he remainsfaithful [with his gift of grace] …” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT).

God’s people can actively benefit from God’s GIFT of GRACE and it is ENCOURAGED. “...come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and ... will find grace to help us when we need it most...” (Hebrews 4:16 NLT).

God’s people are empowered and strengthened in their personal, professional, and ministerial life because the GIFT of God’s GRACE is always with them. “...By the grace of God I am what I am...” (1 Corinthians 15:10 KJV).

“...his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain...” (1 Corinthians 15:10 KJV).

“...I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me...” (1 Corinthians 15:10 KJV).

“...the grace of God which was with me...” (1 Corinthians 15:10 KJV).

God’s GRACE is UNIQUE to God and his HOLY nature. God’s kind of GRACE is really NOT a natural response for most human beings.

Extending GRACE means that you WILL NOT treat a person according to their wrongs towards you.  “…“Mygrace is all you need. …”“… MY GRACE is sufficient for thee…” (2 Corinthians 12:9; 2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV & NLT).

“…In this world [God’s people]... are like Jesus…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). They are to “...Be[come] … imitatorsof [Jesus]…”(Hebrews 12:14; Ephesians 5:1 ASV). “… growing in every way more and more like Christ…” (Ephesians 4:14-16 NLT).

Nonetheless, when someone does you wrong it is a GREAT temptation to do them wrong too through revenge, defense, violence, mistreatment, or a nasty, harsh physical or verbal response. “…The Kingdom of Heaven can be compared to a king who decided to bring his accounts up to date with servants who had borrowed money from him. In the process, one of his debtors was brought in who owed him millions of dollars. He couldn’t pay, so his master ordered that he be sold—along with his wife, his children, and everything he owned—to pay the debt.

“But the man fell down before his master and begged him, ‘Please, be patient with me, and I will pay it all.’ Then his master was filled with pity for him, and he released him and forgave his debt. “But when the man left the king, he went to a fellow servant who owed him a few thousand dollars. He grabbed him by the throat and demanded instant payment.

“His fellow servant fell down before him and begged for a little more time. ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it,’ he pleaded. But his creditor wouldn’t wait. He had the man arrested and put in prison until the debt could be paid in full. “When some of the other servants saw this, they were very upset. They went to the king and told him everything that had happened.

Then the king called in the man he had forgiven and said, ‘You evil servant! I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me. Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?’ Then the angry king sent the man to prison to be tortured until he had paid his entire debt.

“That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart…” (Matthew 18:23-35 NLT).

God’s GRACE says: “…love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another…” (John 13:34-35 KJV).

Therefore, “…As ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise…” (Luke 6:31 KJV).

“…Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them! If you only love the lovable, do you expect a pat on the back? Run-of-the-mill sinners do that. If you only help those who help you, do you expect a medal? Garden-variety sinners do that. If you only give for what you hope to get out of it, do you think that’s charity? The stingiest of pawnbrokers does that…” (Luke 6:31-34 MSG).

God’s GRACE heals. “…I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him…” (Hosea 14:4 KJV).

God’s GRACE is compassionate, listens, and responds kindly. “…My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry…” (James 1:19 NIV).  “…A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger…” (Proverbs 15:1 NIV).

 “…The older counselors replied, "If you are good to these people and do your best to please them and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your loyal subjects…" (2 Chronicles 10:7 NLT).

God’s GRACE is all his people NEED. “…“Mygrace is all you need. …” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT). God’s GRACE, within the “covenant unity” relationship with his people, is FAITHFULLY demonstrated. “…The GIFT by grace……” (Romans 5:15 KJV). “…He … remains faithful (in his demonstration of GRACE) …” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV). 

“...even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ...” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT).

GRACE is God, the Holy Spirit’sunconditional LOVE expressed and demonstrated. “…God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV). “...Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (substitute, intervention) for our sins...” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “…Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God …” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV).

Grace, God, the Holy Spirit’s love expressed and demonstrated, is the unmerited and undeserving treatment toward those who don’t deserve it, who didn’t earn it, and weren’t worthy of it. “…Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners…” (Romans 5:6-8 NLT).  “…“My grace is all you need. …” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT). “… My grace is sufficient for thee: …” (2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV).

Human beings, no matter how decent, will NEVER be an immutable source of grace. GRACE is an immutable attribute of God, only, and it is GOVERNED by HOLY LOVE.

It is always a FIRST response from God, but not always from humans. When Israel had wronged God he responded by saying: “…I WILL heal their apostasy (I will heal their unfaithfulness toward me through GRACE), I will love them freely, For My anger has turned away from them.…” (Hosea 14:4 KJV). “…Where sin increased, [My]...grace abounded all the more…” (Romans 5:20 NASB).

God’s “…grace is sufficient for you…” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NASB).  His “…love covereth a multitude of sins…” (Proverbs 10:12, 1 Peter 4:8 ASV). His “…Mercy triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB). “…I WILL HEAL their apostasy, I will love them freely…” (Hosea 14:4 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit’s GRACE is incomparable. Look what the ungrateful servant did:  “…his master was filled with pity for him, and he released him and forgave his debt. “But when the man left the king, he went to a fellow servant who owed him a few thousand dollars. He grabbed him by the throat and demanded instant payment. “His fellow servant fell down before him and begged for a little more time. ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it,’ he pleaded. But his creditor wouldn’t wait. He had the man arrested and put in prison until the debt could be paid in full…” (Matthew 18:23-35 NLT).

The bible says: “…A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another…” (John 13:34-35 KJV). “…Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!” (Matthew 18:21-22 NLT).

“…I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours. But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too…” (Mark 11:24-25 NLT).

We can’t always redeem ourselves from the wrongs or offenses committed against others. “...His fellow servant fell down before him and begged for a little more time. ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it,’ he pleaded. But his creditor wouldn’t wait. He had the man arrested and put in prison until the debt could be paid in full…” (Matthew 18:23-35 NLT).

Many of us have often felt like the fellow servant who owed a “few thousand dollars”: “…he went to a fellow servant who owed him a few thousand dollars. He grabbed him by the throat and demanded instant payment. “His fellow servant fell down before him and begged for a little more time. ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it,’ he pleaded. But his creditor wouldn’t wait. He had the man arrested and put in prison until the debt could be paid in full…” (Matthew 18:23-35 NLT).

All of God’s people make mistakes with those they love and care for, whether intentionally or unintentionally, whether real or imagined, whether true or false, and no matter what, they simply can’t FIX it.

God’s people learn through these experiences, hard as they are to process through, human beings ARE NOT their SOURCE of continual or ongoing GRACE.

“...If [God’s people]... confess [their] sins, [God, the Holy Spirit] is [the] faithful [ONE who is]... just [and ready to]... forgive ... [their] sins, and to cleanse [them]... from all unrighteousness…” (1 John 1:9 KJV).

HIS GRACIOUS and unconditional LOVE covers over MANY wrongs and offenses made by his people. “…For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more…" (Hebrews 8:12 NIV). His “…love covereth a multitude of sins…” (Proverbs 10:12, 1 Peter 4:8 ASV).

When you truly and authentically experience his LOVING GRACE you will choose to love like that too. “...We love, because he first loved us...” (1 John 4:19 ASV). "…For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little…" (Luke 7:47 NASB).

God’s GRACE-filled and UNCONDITIONAL “…LOVE is patient, [God’s grace-filled]…love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. …[God’s grace-filled]…love never fails...” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV).

Truly God’s “…grace is sufficient for you…” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NASB). “…I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely…” (Hosea 14:4 KJV). “…I will restore…and I will heal thee of the wounds, saith the Lord…” (Jeremiah 30:17 KJV).  God is a “…restorer of thy life…” (Ruth 4:15 KJV). ….The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.  He restorethmy soul….” (PSALM 23:1-3 NLT). God’s “…grace is sufficient for you…” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NASB).

“...In this world we are like Jesus…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). God makes it clear about walking in GRACE. “…DO NOT repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing…” (1 Peter 3:9 NIV). “…May the GRACE of the Lord Jesus be with God’s holy people…” (Revelations 22:21 NLT).

“...God’s wonderful grace...” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT). “…The GIFT by grace……” (Romans 5:15 KJV). “… “God with us…” (Matthew 1:23 NASB). “…God has said “Never will I leave you (without my GRACE); never will I forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV).

“…I AM [and my GRACE is]... WITH YOU ALWAYS, to the very end…"(Matthew 28:20 NIV).  “…Behold, I AM [and my GRACE is]... WITH… [my people] … and  … I WILL NOT LEAVE [them] …." (Genesis 28:15 ASV).

“… The LORD thy God …will not fail thee, nor forsake thee…” (Deuteronomy 31:6 KJV).  “… Behold, I am [and my GRACE is]... with … [my people] and will keep … [them] whithersoever [they]… goest…I [nor my GRACE]... will not leave [them] ..." (Genesis 28:15 ASV).

 

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A GENEROUS DONATION VERSES A SACRIFICIAL DONATION:

                                                                       
                A LIVING SACRIFICE      IT’S YOUR “REASONABLE” SERVICE

“…Brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service…” (Romans 12:1 KJV).

*

 

God GAVE the LARGEST donation ever RECORDED in all HISTORY. “…God… GAVE his ONLY….SON…” (John 3:16). And his Son GAVE his LIFE. “….the Son of Man came …to GIVE his life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28).

It wasn’t the donation of Jesus’ money, or material possessions, or clothes, or time that mattered as much as the "sacrificial" donation of his life. He GAVE his LIFE because he knew “…he [would be]…“crowned with glory and honor.” …” (Hebrews 2:9 NLT). And one day “… [he would also be]…elevated …to the place of highest honor …” (Philippians 2:9-10 NLT).

God, the father, knew “…when he (Jesus) sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. And because of his experience, my righteous servant (Jesus) will make it possible for MANY to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT).

When the right "sacrificial" donation is GIVEN, God will say, “WELL DONE.” “…The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’” (Matthew 25:21 NLT).

GIVING your body as a LIVING SACRIFICE is a "willful" OFFERING and there is no GREATER donation than giving YOUR LIFE.  “….the Son of Man …GIVE his life…" (Matthew 20:28). “…If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you GIVE UP YOUR LIFE for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it…” (Mark 8:35 NLT). “…I assure you that everyonewho has GIVEN UP[whatever]… for MY SAKE and for the GOOD NEWS,will “RECEIVE NOW” in return a hundred times…– along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life...” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT).

GIVING your body as a living sacrifice means to offer it, willfully, or dedicate it, voluntarily and completely to God. . “…Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God…” (Romans 6:12-13 NLT).

GIVING your body as a living sacrifice is a demonstration of your love for God and your appreciation for all he has done for you. “…If the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live…” (Romans 8:11-13 KJV).

GIVING your body as a living sacrifice is both is an outward  and inward witness of the offering of your life to God, the Holy Spirit. “…Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind…” (Romans 12:2 KJV).

How do you conform, or transform or GROW, spiritually, in order to make this kind of offering to God? It starts by hearing the word of God. “…Faith cometh by HEARING… the word of God…” (Roman 10:17 KJV). “…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT, and they ARE LIFE…” (John 6:63 KJV). Next, you study the word in order for it to dwell in your hearts abundantly. “…STUDY to shew thyself approvedunto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth…” (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV). “…Let the WORDof Christ dwell in you richly” (COLOSSIANS 3:16 KJV). Thirdly, meditate on scripture every chance you get; day or night. “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful” (Joshua 1:8 NIV). “…His delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night…” (Psalms 1:2 KJV). And, finally, if you can, memorization helps you hide the word in your heart. “…Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word HAVE I HID in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee…” (Psalms 119:9-11 KJV).

Hearing, studying, meditating, and memorizing the Word of God will heavily assist, the indwelling Holy Spirit, in conforming, and transforming or developing you, spiritually, into true Christ-likeness. “…All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness…” (2 Timothy 3:16 KJV). “…So that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work…” (2 Timothy 3:17 NASB).

Therefore, “…May he (God) equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. …” (Hebrews 13:21 NLT).

Allowing scripture to conform or transform, or develop you; with the help of the indwelling Holy Spirit, empowers you to “….prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God…” (Romans 12:2 KJV).

It leads and requires the redeemed believer to GIVE their bodies or life's as living sacrifices. “…Brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice…” (Romans 12:1 KJV). “…which is your reasonable service…” (Romans 12:1 KJV).

In addition, GIVING their bodies as living sacrifices is also a form of worship. Worship is the attitude and expression you ascribe to someone you deem VALUABLE or WORTHY of praise, or adoration, or total reverence. “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the PRAISES of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light…” (1 Peter 2:9 KJV).

Another form of worship is submission or servitude. By surrendering to the Lordship of God, the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ, the redeemed are GIVING their bodies as living sacrifices. Jesus SAID he definitely did “…NOT come to be served, but to serve, and to GIVE His life a ransom for many...” (Matthew 20:28 KJV). “…Father, …not My will, but Yours be done…" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV). “… [Jesus]…humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross…” (Philippians 2:8 KJV).

 “…You Samaritans know very little about the one you worship, while we Jews know all about him, for salvation comes through the Jews. But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth…” (John 4:22-24 NLT).

True worship happens and true worshippers worship "IN" the PRESENCE of God's Spirit and truth, which NOW dwells within them. “…the SPIRIT of God dwell inyou…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).  “…thy word is TRUTH…” (JOHN 17:17 KJV). “…It is God which worketh in you  … to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth (empowers) me.” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

This kind of worship calls for the authentic engagement of both the heart and body.“…Bless the Lord, O my soul: and ALL that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits…” (Psalm 103:1-2 KJV). “…And David was DANCING before the LORD with ALL his might…” (2 Samuel 6:14 NASB). “…..Love the Lord thy God with ALL thy heart and with ALL thy soul and with ALL thy mind and with ALL thy strength: this the first commandment.  …” (Mark 12:28-31 KJV).

King David was a true and sincere worshipper. He prayed and asked God to help him become a true worshipper. “…Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may HONOR (worship) you…” (Psalm 86:11 NLT). God complimented David.  “…He (God) raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the sonof Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will…” (Acts 13:22 KJV).

God does GREAT things for his people. Therefore, God totally merits the adoration, reverence, devotion, honor, worship that is DUE his name; especially for “WHO” he is and “WHAT” he has done!! “…When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The Lord hath done GREAT THINGS for them. The Lordhath done GREAT THINGS for us; whereof we are glad…” (Psalm 126:1-3 KJV).

If you pay attention to the gospel you will see that apostles taught constantly about all the things God has done for us through Christ. For instance, “… the mercies of God … ” (Romans 12:1 KJV).

His MERCIES are received through forgiveness of sins, justification by faith, unmerited grace, right relationship with God through reconciliation in Christ, peace with God, and the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit. “…It is of the Lord's MERCIES that we are not CONSUMED, because his compassions FAIL NOT. They are NEW EVERY MORNING…” (Lamentations 3:22-23 KJV).

God is “... RICH IN MERCY…” (Ephesians 2:1-5 KJV). “…because HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY…” (Micah 7:18 KJV). “...O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is GOOD; for his MERCY endureth for ever” (1 Chronicles…” 16:34 KJV). “…he is good; for his MERCY endureth for ever…” (2 Chronicles 5:13-14 KJV). “…The Lord is…plenteous in MERCY…” (Psalms 103:8 KJV). “…Great is his MERCY toward them that fear him…” (Psalms 103:11 KJV). “…The MERCYof the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting …” (Psalms 103:17 KJV).

In addition, the bible further teaches how you should respond to all he has done for you through Christ. “…Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. …” (Romans 8:11-13 KJV). “…Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind…” (Romans 12:2 KJV). “… present your bodies a living sacrifice …” (Romans 12:1 KJV).

GIVING your body as a living sacrifice is not an act of duty, but a gesture of love. “…Everything we have has come from you, and we give you only what you first gave us! …” (1 Chronicles 29:14 NLT).

God's people show their love for God by GIVING their bodies as a living sacrifice BECAUSE he FIRST gave his body for them and he FIRST loved them too “…He Himself bore OUR SINS in His BODYon the cross…” (1 Peter 2:24 NASB). “We love, because HE FIRST LOVED US…” (1 John 4:19 ASV). “…Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that HE LOVED US...” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “For God SO LOVED the world, that he GAVE…” (John 3:16). God “…SPARED NOT his own Son, but delivered him up FOR US ALL…” (Romans 8:32 KJV).

Back in Apostle Paul’s day the Hebrews bought animals to sacrifice as an offering and NOW he was teaching them THEY were to be the sacrifice. Sacrifices for sin required the death of an animal, but ALL that ended with Jesus. “…Christ …. died for sins ONCE for all, the just for the unjust…” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB). “… Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;…” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4 KJV).

 “For the [Mosaic]…Law, since it has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the very form of things, can never, by the same sacrifices which they offer continually year by year, make perfect those who draw near.  Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, because the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have had consciousness of sins? But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins year by year. For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins…” (Hebrews 10:1-4 NASB). “He (Jesus, the word) is the atoning sacrifice for our sins…” (1 John 2:2 NIV).

“…God has shown us a way to be MADE RIGHT with him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago. We are MADE RIGHT with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely MAKES US RIGHT in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.  For God presented Jesus as the SACRIFICE for sin. People are MADE RIGHT with God when they believe that Jesus SACRIFICED his life, shedding his blood. ….HE MAKES SINNERS RIGHT in his sight when they believe in Jesus…” (Romans 3:21-26 NLT).

Therefore, “… Present your bodies a living sacrifice …” (Romans 12:1 KJV).  “…which is your reasonable service…” (Romans 12:1 KJV).

 “Reasonable service”is one that is equitable, just, and fair or the “least” you can offer; considering what God has done for YOU. “Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners…” (Romans 5:7-9 NLT).

Redeemed Believers are FREE from the domination of sin “…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by SIN? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…if the Son…shall make you FREE, ye shall be FREE indeed.” (John 8:36 KJV). “….Apart from Me, you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

Redeemed Believers are NOW EMPOWERED by the indwelling Holy Spirit to choose God’s ways. “For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth (empowers) me.” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “….Apart from Me, you can do NOTHING…” (John 15:5 NIV).

Nonetheless, many redeemef believers are not willing to choose to offer even their “…reasonable service…” (Romans 12:1 KJV). “…Choose LIFE…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “…The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who CHOOSE that way. …” (Matthew 7:13-14 NLT).“…Jesus saith…I am THE WAY … and THE LIFE…” (John 14:6 KJV). “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth (empowers) me.” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

Apart from Jesus, the indwelling Holy Spirit, you CAN’T GIVE your “reasonable service.” (Romans 12:1 KJV). “….Apart from Me, you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV). Even Jesus professed he could do NOTHING by himself. “…the Son can do NOTHING of himself [and also said,]…I can of mine own self do NOTHING…...” John 5:19, 30 KJV).

“…Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do NOTHING of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise…” (John 5:19 KJV). “…I can of mine OWN self do NOTHING … I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me…” (John 5:30 KJV). “… I lay down my life... No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. …” (John 10:17-18 KJV). Christ “…humbled himself and became obedient unto death (inward), even the death of the cross (outward)…” (Philippians 2:8 KJV).  Two deaths: “Obedient unto to death” and “death on the cross.”

Peter and Paul were living sacrifices too.  Peter said, “…‘We’ve GIVEN UP everythingto follow you…” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT). Paul said, “….everythingelse is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus [our]… Lord. For his sake I have DISCARDED everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ…” (Philippians 3:8 NLT).

Like Jesus, Peter, and Paul, “… Present your bodies a living sacrifice …” (Romans 12:1 KJV).  “…which is your reasonable service…” (Romans 12:1 KJV). 

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INDWELLING JOY, IN SPIRIT OF TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS, IS GOD'S GIFT

 

                                                                             
                                     JOY

“…Always be full of joy in the Lord…” (Hebrews 11:1 KJV).

*

JOY is often described as gladness, merriment, dance, exultation, well-being, great delight, gleeful shouts, cheerfulness, leaping, exuberance, excitement, sparkling, happiness, rejoicing, or laughter.

People experience many of the above emotions when they hear the “GOOD NEWS” of the Gospel on Sunday mornings. “… [The]…good news that will cause great JOY for all the people…” (Luke 2:10 NIV).

This response is called “the JOY of the Lord” which stems from the heart and comes from being “IN” Christ. “…The JOY of your salvation…” (Psalms 51:12 NIV).

“…and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly REJOICE with JOY inexpressible and full of glory…” (1 Peter 1:8 NASB).

 JOY is an emotional response that stems from the HEART, when one believes they possess something “TRULY” GOOD. “…His divine power hath GIVEN unto us ALL THINGS that pertain unto LIFE and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV). “…The …Holy Spirit …“GIVES” ALL THESE GIFTS and powers… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…unspeakable GIFT(S)…” (2 Corinthians  9:16 KJV). 

This possession of GOOD, for some, may include love, health, trusting relationships, fulfilled dreams,  answered prayers, victories over troubles, receiving expected hope, enjoying your labors, having family, having friends, and finding pleasure in what you have been given. These are GOOD things too, but they are NOT everything.

For others, GOOD includes possessing the present blessings of a life “IN” Christ and the HOPE of future blessings of eternal life. “…The GIFT of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ ….” (Romans 6:23 KJV).

This ADDITIONAL “GOOD” includes the possession of God’s free gift of salvation, his promises that are yes and amen “IN” Christ, and sharing in the riches of God’s glory, which is Christ, the indwelling Spirit, within the HEART. ”… ye [are]…savedby grace through faith…it is the GIFT of God…” (Ephesians 2:8 KJV). “…As many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes …also … Amen …” (2 Corinthians 1:20 NASB). “…The RICHES of the glory…CHRIST IN YOU…” (Colossians 1:25-28 KJV).

JOY is the response of the HEART to GOOD, to pleasurable events, and delightful experiences. Some believers are, especially and exceedingly, JOYFUL over the blessing of being FREE from sin. “…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin? …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).  

Some believers are also exceedingly JOYFUL for the blessing of having a RIGHT and covenant relationship with God. “…A right relationship with God…by faith…” (Romans 4:13 NASB).

Some believers are JOYFUL for the opportunity to KNOW God, to be ONE spirit with him, and to be in his PRESENCE. “…The people who KNOW their God will be strong…” (Daniel 11:32 NLT). “…He that is joined unto the Lord is ONE spirit…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).  “…you will fill me with JOY in your presence…” (Psalms 16:11 NIV).

Some believers are GLAD to truly UNDERSTAND and be AWARE that God is the SOURCE and OBJECT of true JOY. “…fill my heart with JOY…” (Psalms 4:7 NIV). “…Restore to me the JOYof your salvation…” (Psalms 51:12 NIV). “…I will REJOICEin the Lord. I will be GLAD…” (Psalms 35:9 NLT). “…The humble will be filled with fresh JOYfrom the Lord…” (Isaiah 29:19 NLT).

God-given JOY is always available, but it is a choice. “…REJOICE in the Lord…” (Philippians 3:1 NIV). “…REJOICE in the Lord always…” (Philippians 4:4 NIV).  “…REJOICE always…” (1 Thessalonians 5:16 NIV). “…Always be JOYFUL…” (1 Thessalonians 5:16 NLT).

Therefore, God’s JOY does not STEM from emotions, people, or circumstances, but from indwelling POWER. “…I saythese things….so that they may have the full measure of my JOY within them...” (John 17:13 NIV). “…I have told you this so that my JOY may be in you and that your JOY may be complete…” (John 15:11 NIV). “…Ask and you will receive, and your JOYwill be complete…” (John 16:24 NIV).“…Rejoice and be glad…” (Matthew 5:12 NIV).

God-given JOY has a supernatural origin. God-given JOY is a fruit or side effect of the indwelling spirit. “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, JOY, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). Since JOY is given BY the Spirit, NOTHING can TAKE it away! “…That my JOY might REMAINin you, and that your JOY might be full…” (John 15:11 NIV).

God-given JOY is a HALLMARK of the people of the Kingdom of God. “…The Kingdom of God is …a matter …of righteousness, peace and JOY in the Holy Spirit…” (Romans 14:17 NIV). “…God’s kingdom …[is about]… what God does with your life as he sets it right, puts it together, and completes it with JOY…” (Romans 14:17 MSG).

God-given JOY doesn’t erase or eliminate trials and tribulations, but it HELPS to STRENGTHENS you to ENDURE them. This kind of JOY helped Jesus. “…Because of the JOY awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame…” (Hebrews 12:2 NIV).

“…We can REJOICE, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance…” (Romans 5:3 NLT).  “…When troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great JOY…” (James 1:2 NLT). “…We give great honor to those who endureunder suffering. For instance, you know about Job, a man of great endurance. You can see how the Lord was kind to him at the end, for the Lord is full of tenderness and mercy…” (James 5:11 NLT).  “…Be very GLAD—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world…” (1 Peter 4:13 NLT).

When going THROUGH trials and tribulations indwelling JOY is the SOURCE of contentment. “ …The Lord is my shepherd; I SHALL not want. … …”(Psalms 23 KJV). “…I have learned to be CONTENT whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation,whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want…” Philippians 4:11-12 NIV). “….I can do (be JOYFUL) all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

Instead of weakening our walk in the Lord, during trials and tribulation, indwelling JOY can strengthen it.  “…The jailer put … [God’s people] … into the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in the stocks. Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God…” (Acts 16:24-26 NLT).

 “…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” OUR HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…Christ [is]…in you …” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). “…The Spirit of God dwell[s]… inyou…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “…The Holy Spirit gives birth to… SPIRITUAL LIFE (which includes JOY)…” (John 3:6 NLT).  “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, JOY…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).

 “…Those the Lordhas rescued will return … singing; everlasting JOY will crown their heads. GLADNESS and JOY will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away…” (Isaiah 35:10 NIV). “…That my JOYmight REMAIN in you, and that your JOYmight be full…” (John 15:11 NIV).

So no matter what you are going through, or how long you’ve been going through it, or how you FEEL about going through it, let your God-given JOY keep you glad, cheerful, excited, happy, rejoicing, and laughing. “….The JOYof the Lord is your strength…” (Nehemiah 8:10 KJV).

They say the WORLD didn’t give you this JOY and the world CAN’T take it away!

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ONE DAY WITH IS GOD IS FAR BETTER THAN ANYTHING ELSE.....

                                                                           THE GATEKEEPER: I WOULD RATHER BE A DOORKEEPER IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD “… a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God , than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. …” (Psalms 84:10 KJV).

*

 

To appreciate Psalms 84:10 and how it relates to USHERS is to mediate on “…a day in thy courts…” One day spent in devotion, praise, and reverence in God’s courts or place of worship offered more preference than any other place in this world or this life.

“….[ONE]… dayin thy courts…” was so pleasant, a KING would rather be A DOORKEEPERthan be in the“…tents of the wicked…” (Psalms 84:10 KJV).

There is more SATISFACTION for ALL people, with GOD, no matter their position or office, than ANY PLACE without GOD. Therefore, King David said, “…I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God…” (Psalms 84:10 KJV).

The Psalmist’s affirmation is that “...A DAY…” in God’s courts is better than a thousand ANYWHERE else (Psalms 84:10 KJV).  

To SERVE as a doorkeeper or USHER, in God’s courts, was preferred OVER “ANY” position, lofty or otherwise, especially if it was in a place of wickedness. “… A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else! I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God than live the good life in the homes of the wicked.…” (Psalms 84:10 NLT).

The word “courts” point to temple worship or, in modern terms, church worship.

“…Enter Hisgates with thanksgiving And His courts with praise.Give thanks to Him, bless His name...” (Psalms 100:4 NASB).

However, in the Old Testament, God’s “courts” were the OPEN spaces that actually SURROUNDED the temple.  “… A single day in your courts …” (Psalms 84:10 NLT).

So it was the “courts” that held worship and NOT the actual temple building. “…Enter …His courts with praise...” (Psalms 100:4 NASB).

The “courts” were a PLACE of worship. What was it about WORSHIP that made the Psalmist (King David) prefer it to ANY thing else; even if he had to go from KING to doorkeeper?  “…I  (king david) would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God.…” (Psalms 84:10 NLT).

Worship can be defined as giving heartfelt reverence, homage, praise, thankfulness, honor, or adoration to God. “…They arose early in the morning and worshiped before the Lord…” (1 Samuel 1:19 KJV). “…He worshipedthe Lord there…” (1 Samuel 1:28 NASB). “…that I may worshipthe Lord...” (1 Samuel 15:25 NASB). “… that I may worship the Lord your God…Saul worshiped the Lord…” (1 Samuel 15:30-31 NASB). “…David …came into the house of the Lord and worshiped…” (2 Samuel 12:20 NASB). “…David was coming to the summit, where God was worshiped…” (2 Samuel 15:32 NASB).

Worship is an action and worship is an attitude that reveals the relational connection between the indwelling Holy Spirit, within the heart and God’s Truth.  “…They worshiped and gave praise to the Lord, saying, “Truly He is good, truly His lovingkindness is everlasting...” (2 Chronicles 7:3 NASB). “…worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness…” (1 Chronicles 16:29 KJV).

They WORSHIPED and PRAISED God by SAYING he was GOOD, his LOVINGKINDNESS was everlasting, and for the BEAUTY of his HOLINESS!

In order to give sincere reverence or devotion to God, you will voluntarily practice and develop actions and attitudes of worship.  

The indwelling Holy Spirit will empower your actions. “…For it is Godwho works in you ….to act…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). God’s truth will empower your attitude. “…be transformed by the renewing of your mind (attitude)….” (Romans 12:2 KJV).

Worship stems from the indwelling Holy Spirit within the heart. “…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” [Y]OUR… HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “… that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith…” (Ephesians 3:17 NASB). “…God hath said, I will dwell in them…” (2 Corinthians 6:16 KJV).  

What is “IN” the heart EMPOWERS the actions. “…For it is God who works in you …to act…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions…” (Matthew 7:15-20 NLT). “…Ye shall know them by their fruits (actions)…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “…the fruit (action) of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).

 “…God has sent forth the Spiritof His Son “INTO” [Y]OUR… HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…The Lord …[Jesus]… is that Spirit …” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV). “…Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV).  “…THE …[word is] … SPIRIT…” (John 6:63 KJV). “…Thy WORD is truth…” (JOHN 17:17 KJV). “…The Lord …[Jesus]… is that Spirit …” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV). “…Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). Therefore, worship, “…in spirit (the word) and truth (the word )…” (John 3:23 NASB).

Again, “…Christ in you, …” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). "…God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth (The Word)…" (John 4:24 NASB). “… True worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth…” (John 3:23 NASB).  

Jesus didn’t just SPEAK the TRUTH. Jesus LIVED the TRUTH. Jesus WAS the TRUTH. “…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT…” (John 6:63 KJV). “Jesus saith…I am the truth…” (John 14:6 KJV).  “…Thy WORD is truth…” (JOHN 17:17 KJV).

True WORSHIP stems from the SPIRIT. True WORSHIP stems from the TRUTH. So worship, “…in spirit and truth…” (John 3:23 NASB).

God’s WORD is both SPIRIT and TRUTH. “…THE WORDS …they ARE SPIRIT…[and]…Thy WORD is truth…” (JOHN 6:63, 17:17 KJV).

Worship - the sincere reverence, honor, devotion, and adoration for God - is an attitude that empowers action. In other words, it causes one to WALK in fellowship with God’s Word. “…If we “SAY” that we have fellowship with him, and WALK IN DARKNESS, WE LIE, and DO NOT THE TRUTH…” (1 John 1:6 KJV).

For instance, obedience or following God’s instructions is worship and is an ATTITUDE  that inspires an ACTION. “….If ye LOVE (attitude) me… keep (action) my commandments (follow my instructions)…” (John 14:15 KJV).  

The WORD (Spirit and Truth) is a pathway for believers to WORSHIP by following God’s instructions. “…worship…in spirit and truth…” (John 3:23 NASB). “….If ye LOVE (attitude) me… keep (action) my commandments (follow my instructions)…” (John 14:15 KJV). “…THE [commandments or instructions, or WORD of God] …they ARE SPIRIT…[and]…Thy WORD is truth…” (JOHN 6:63, 17:17 KJV).

The inspired, SPIRITUAL TRUTHS of God’s Word renew the mind’s attitude and drive the believer’s actions. “….If ye LOVE (attitude) me… keep (action) my commandments (or follow my instructions)…” (John 14:15 KJV). ).  

Christlikeness, thus, becomes a lifestyle of ongoing, private and public worship of God. “…If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey (action)God’s commandments, that person IS A LIAR (true attitude) and is not living in the truth (true worship)…” (1 John 2:4 NLT).

The WORD (JESUS) is the central FOCUS of sincere WORSHIP. “….If ye LOVE (attitude) me… keep (action) my commandments…” (John 14:15 KJV). ).  

God deserves the sincere worship of his redeemed people for WHO he is and for WHAT he has done!! “… There is NONE like unto thee, O LORD; thou art GREAT, and thy name isgreat in might.…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV). “…The Lordhath done GREAT THINGS for us; whereof we are glad…” (Psalm 126:1-3 KJV).

In addition, there is NONE “HOLY” like the LIVING GOD!! “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV).  And, “There is none holy as the Lord…” (1 Samuel 2:2 KJV). “…be holy, because I am holy…” (1 Peter 1:16 KJV). “…Let them praise thy GREAT … name; for it is HOLY…Exalt ye the Lord our God and WORSHIP at his footstool;  for HE is HOLY…Exalt the Lord our God, and WORSHIP at his HOLY hill, for the Lord our God is HOLY…” (Psalms 99:3-9 KJV). “…I am God and “NOT” man; the HOLY One in the midst of thee…” (Hosea 11:9 KJV).

This HOLY God decided and chose to LOVE unholy YOU. “…God so loved the world (including YOU), that he gave his only begotten Son…” (John 3:16). “…God is love…” (1 John 4:8).  “…he first loved …[you]…” (1 John 4:19 ASV). “…[he is]…familiar with all [your]… ways…” (Psalm 139:1-3 KJV) “…[he]…CHOOSE YOU [anyway]…” (John 15:16 ASV). “…[he drew you]… unto …[himself]…” (John 12:32 KJV). “…Every one that hear[s]….and learn[s]….of the Father, cometh to [him]…” (John 6:45 KJV). “…Your INIQUITIES [HAD]… separated between you and your God…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV).  BUT “…[HE FORGAVE your]...wickedness and will remember [your]… sins no more…" (Hebrews 8:12 NIV). “…BY GRACE have [YOU]… been saved THROUGH FAITH… IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). “….the gospel of Christ …. is the power of God unto SALVATION TO EVERY ONE THAT BELIEVETH…” (Romans 1:16 KJV). “… Believe in thine heartthat GOD HATH RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD, [YOU]… shalt be SAVED…” (ROMANS 10:9 KJV).

Not ONLY is God worshipped for his HOLINESS (who he is) and his GREAT SALVATION (what he has done), but also for his POWER (his abilities and interventions). “…POWER belongeth unto God...” (Psalms 62:11 NIV).

The Hebrew and Greek words for God’s power are exousia or dunamis and simply mean power or authority, or miraculous ability. “…POWER belongethunto God...” (Psalms 62:11 NIV).

God’s holy POWER is second to NONE. It is dunamispower. Dunamis power is where UNIQUE miracles and supernatural works originate from God, the Holy Spirit and God, ALONE. “…BY THE WORD of the Lord the heavens were made, And by the breath of His mouth all their host…” (Psalms 33:6 NASB).

“…In the beginning was the Word, and the Wordwas with God, and the Word was God. … (John 1:1-4 NASB). “…He (the WORD) was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him,and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being… (John 1:1-4 NASB).

 “…Since the CREATION of the world God’s INVISIBLEQUALITIES—HIS ETERNAL POWER…—have been “CLEARLY SEEN”, being UNDERSTOOD FROM WHAT HAS BEEN MADE…” (Romans 1:20 NIV).

“…There is NONE like unto thee, O LORD; thou artGREAT, and thy name is great in might.…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).

There is no power like that of God’s power. “… There is NONE like unto thee, O LORD; thou artGREAT…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV). “…POWER belongeth unto God...” (Psalms 62:11 NIV).

There are many examples of power and many definitions of power, but none of those powers are comparable to the POWER of God. “… There is NONE like unto thee, O LORD;” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).

No matter who holds positions of power; ultimately all power BELONGS to God. “…POWER belongethunto God...” (Psalms 62:11 NIV).

If one possesses power of any kind, it was given to him by God. “…There is NO POWERbut of God: THE POWERS that be are ordained of God…” (Romans 13:1 KJV). “….[God]…changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding…” (Daniel 2:21 KJV).

“…In order that the living may know That the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind, And bestows it on whom He wishes …” (Daniel 4:17 NASB). “…Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above…” (John 19:22 NIV). ALL “…POWER belongeth unto God...” (Psalms 62:11 NIV). 

“…The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein…” (Psalm 24:1 KJV). “…for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof…” (Psalm 50:12 KJV). “…all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine…” (1 Chronicles 29:11 KJV).

The WORD (spirit and truth) of God is “…the POWER of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth…” (Romans 1:16 KJV).

God’s dunamis power is often translated as miraculous power, especially since it extends far and abundantly above normal, common human power or capability.God “… is able TO DO exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV).

Jesus displayed that POWER. “…Jesus realized that POWER had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?” “You see the people crowding against you,” his disciples answered, “and yet you can ask, ‘Who touched me?’ Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering…” (Mark 5:30-34 NIV).  “…God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and POWER, and …he went around doing good and healing all ….because God was with him…” (Acts 10:38 NIV).

God used others to display that POWER too. “…Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and POWER, performed great wonders and signs among the people…” (Acts 6:8 NIV).  “…God did extraordinary MIRACLES (power) through Paul…” (Acts 19:11 NIV).“…I persevered in demonstrating among you the marks of a true apostle, including signs, wonders and MIRACLES (power)…” (2 Corinthians 12:12 NIV).

“…The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of us … the …Holy Spirit who gives all these gifts and POWERS…” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

The uniqueness of God’s POWER and what separates it from any other power is that it originates from his HOLY SPIRIT. . “…Since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities— HIS ETERNAL POWER AND DIVINE NATURE—have been CLEARLY SEEN, being UNDERSTOOD FROM WHAT HAS BEEN MADE…” (Romans 1:20 NIV).

God’s POWER is the PRIMARY and ULTIMATE POWER that moves, shakes, sustains, and controls the entire universe and everything in it. “… I HAVE MADE the earth, the man and the beast that are upon the ground, by MY GREAT POWER …” (Jeremiah 27:5 KJV).  “…Lord God! behold, THOU HAST MADE the heaven and the earth by THY GREAT POWER …” (Jeremiah 32:17 KJV). “..[God is]...sustaining ALL THINGS by his powerful word…” (Hebrews 1:3 NIV). “… [Through God’s POWER]… ALL THINGS hold together…” (Colossians 1:7 NIV).

God GENEROUSLY shares his POWER with his people. “…He giveth POWER to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength…” (Isaiah 40:29 KJV).  “…Truly I am full of POWER by the Spirit of the Lord…” (Micah 3:8 KJV).

Divine, holy POWER belongs to God and ONLY “he” can give it to man. “…Thou say in thine heart, MY POWER and the might of MINE HAND hath gotten me this wealth. But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is HE THAT GIVETH THEE “POWER” TO GET WEALTH…” (Deuteronomy 8:17-18 KJV). “…Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I HAVE POWER to crucify thee, and HAVE POWER to release thee? Jesus answered, Thou couldest have NO POWER at all against me, EXCEPT it were given thee from above…” (John 19:10-11 KJV).

Jesus GAVE credit for his POWER to God and God alone.  “…As thou (God) hast GIVEN HIM POWER over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him…” (John 17:2 KJV). “…And hath GIVEN HIM AUTHORITY to execute judgment also…” (John 5:27 KJV). “…Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel. For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him…” (John 5:19-23 KJV).

In addition, Jesus demonstrated the POWER God GAVE him. “…the Son of man HATH POWER on earth to forgive sins…” (Matthew 9:6 KJV).  “…WITH AUTHORITY AND POWER he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out…” (Luke 4:36 KJV).

Jesus GAVE his disciples power and authority over the unseen world too. “…Then he called his twelve disciples together, and GAVE THEM POWER AND AUTHORITY over all devils, and to cure diseases…” (Luke 9:1 KJV).

The believer’s POWER and AUTHORITY “depends” totally upon the indwelling SPIRIT. “…God… works IN YOU…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…God hath said, I will dwell in them…” (2 Corinthians 6:16 KJV). “…The Spirit of God dwell[s]… inyou…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).  ). “…The Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV). “…[You are]…the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you…” (1 Corinthians 6:19 KJV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).  “…the Lord is that Spirit [too]…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV). JESUS SAID, "I and my Father are…ONE…" (John 10:30 KJV). Therefore, “…Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…Christ in you, …” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). “…All POWER “IS” GIVEN unto [JESUS CHRIST]…in heaven and in earth…” (Matthew 28:18 KJV).

The believer’s POWER and AUTHORITY also “COMES” completely FROM the indwelling SPIRIT “…may …[god]… work IN [you]… what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ,…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).  “…HE (the Holy spirit) WHICH HATH “BEGUN” A GOOD “WORK” IN YOU “WILL” “PERFORM” IT “UNTIL” the day of Jesus Christ…” (Philippians 1:6 KJV). “…God hath …given [YOU]… the Spirit of ….POWER…” (2 Timothy 1:7-8 KJV). “…To be strengthened (empowered) with might by his Spirit in the inner man…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV). T “….Apart from [jesus], you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).  YOU “…can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth (empowers) [YOU]….” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “…according to the POWER that worketh IN [you]…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV).

God’s indwelling POWER is not passive or inactive, but is the supernatural dunamis enabling a life of true WORSHIP.“… True worshipers “will” worship the Father in spirit and truth…” (John 3:23 NASB).  “… [GOD’S] …WORDS …they ARE SPIRIT…Thy WORD is truth…” (JOHN 6:63, 17:17 KJV).
“…God …EQUIP “you” …and may he work IN [YOU]…  what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ (the LIVING Word)…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…God… works IN YOU to will and to act…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “….apart from Me (Jesus, God’s WORD), you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV). “…He gives POWER to the weak and strength to the POWERless.…” (Isaiah 40:28-31 NLT).“…NOW UNTO HIM THAT IS “ABLE” to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the POWER that worketh IN US…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV). “… [YOU are]…strengthened (empowered) with MIGHT by his Spirit in the inner man…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV).

 “…By the grace of God I AM what I AM…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV). “… True worshipers will worship…” (John 3:23 NASB).

Worshipping includes the whole person, both the sacred and secular self. This means the private worship of the individual links with the public worship to fellowship with the larger worshipping church community. “…the whole assembly worshiped…” (2 Chronicles 29:28 NASB).

The practice of worship, thus, is an ongoing, lifestyle expression of praise, devotion, reverence, and honor revealed through acts of obedience to God’s commands. “…Worship the Lord with reverence…” (Psalms 2:11 NASB).

Acts of obedience is what bonds the Christian community together with the SOLE purpose of worshipping the LIVING God and him ONLY. “…You shall fear only the Lord your God; and you shall worship Him and swear by His name…” (Deuteronomy 6:13 NASB).

Worshipping together includes organized singing, prayer, devotion, bible study, preaching, music, tithes and offerings, the Lord’s Supper, traditional liturgical responses, and special seasonal programs. “…While the whole assembly worshiped, the singers also sang and the trumpets sounded…” (2 Chronicles 29:28 NASB).

Worship offers a way to give praise to God and honor God with one’s whole being. Worship is a sign that God’s indwelling spirit is renewing the attitude and driving the behaviors. “…Ye shall know them by their fruits (actions)…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV).

When God is working in the lives of his people love, peace, gentleness, kindness, etc; is its fruit. “…the fruit (action) of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).

A lifestyle of obedience to God, in all areas of one’s life, exemplifies the full expression of Christian worship.

The practice of worship in God’s courts has evolved throughout the centuries from a traditionally Jewish form and practice to a more Gentile one. Worship has gone from a theocentric worldview to a Christocentric perspective.

However, the practice of worship, between Jew and Gentile greatly differs, but both still center on the reading and exposition of the Scriptures. “…The gospelof Christ…is the POWER of God unto salvation to every one that believeth to the JEW first, and ALSO to the GREEK(Gentile)…” (Romans 1:16 KJV).

Back in the day, I’ve learned the Israelites entered the COURT from the east GATE. “… A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else! I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God than live the good life in the homes of the wicked.…” (Psalms 84:10 NLT).

One day spent in devotion, worship, reverence, and gratefulness in God’s courts was preferred over the grandest places or positions in the dwellings of wickedness.

Therefore, the Psalmist said, “…I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God…”  (Psalms 84:10 KJV).

Thus, “…Enter Hisgates with thanksgiving And His courts with praise.Give thanks to Him, bless His name...” (Psalms 100:4 NASB).

There is no wonder, the USHER , like King David, often say: “…I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God…”  (Psalms 84:10 KJV).

 

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