Pensacola Helene Jefferson's Blog, page 5

ARE THERE STILL SIGNS, WONDERS, AND MIRACLES TODAY?

ARE THERE STILL SIGNS, WONDERS, AND MIRACLES, TODAY?

“…“…How shall we escape, if we neglect SO GREAT SALVATION…” (Hebrews 2:3 KJV).

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Signs, wonders, and miracles are ALL actions of God that REVEAL his character, his presence, and his supernatural power in the natural WORLD. “… 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).

Miracles are said to be the signs and wonders. Signs are supposedly a divine intervention by God like when Jesus turned the water to wine or fed the thousands with a few loaves of bread. “…Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now. This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him…” (JOHN 2:10-12 KJV).

 “… he hath done marvellousthings…” (Psalm 98:1 KJV).

Wonders are marvelous works by God, beyond man’s human capabilities like the healing of the man born deaf and Lazarus being raised from the dead. “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). “…Jesus said…I am the resurrection and I am the LIFE…..” (John 11:25 KJV). “…The things which are impossible with men … [are] …POSSIBLE… [with God] …” (Luke 18:27 KJV).  

God has NOT changed. He STILL does the SAME signs, wonders, and miracles. “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he [still] doeth the works…” (John 14:10 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).

Every sign, wonder, or miracle is done to POINT people to GOD, to showcase his divine authority over ALL of life, to encourage DEPENDENCY upon God, and his HOLY POWER.  “…This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifestedforth his glory; and his disciples believed on him (depended upon him)…” (JOHN 2:10-12 KJV). “…[He is] the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for [him]?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV).

Signs, wonders, and miracles that are manifested by the God of CREATION are done to encourage, impart, confirm, or strengthen spiritual truths, spiritual understanding, spiritual insight, spiritual dependency upon God, or reveal his HOLY presence or character.“… Jesus answered, and said…This is the work of God: that ye believe [or depend upon] him whom he hath sent.” (John 6:29 KJV). “…This beginning of miracles did Jesus … and his disciples believed on him…” (JOHN 2:10-12 KJV). “…his disciples [depended upon] him…” (JOHN 2:10-12 KJV).

False prophets and fakes can do deceiving signs and wonders too, but they won’t FOOL God’s disciples. “… False messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform great signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones…” (Matthew 24:24 NLT).

God’s signs, wonders, and miracles are manifested to make people, on earth, STAND IN AWE of the God of Creation’s and his UNIQUE ability to DO LOVING, supernatural, wondrous WORKS!! “… Those who live at the ends of the earth stand in AWE of your wonders. From where the sun rises to where it sets, you inspire shouts of joy. Praise the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone does such wonderful things…” (Psalms 65:8 NLT). “… Praise the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone does such wonderful things…” (Psalms 72:18 NLT).

Signs, wonders, and miracles are NOT limited to how God WORKS providentially to SUSTAIN and HOLD together the natural realm. “…In him ALL THINGS …hold together…” (Colossians 1:7 NIV). “… [God is]…sustaining ALL THINGS… by his powerful word…” (Hebrews 1:3 NIV).

Signs, wonders, and miracles are the UNLIMITED WORKS of God that REVEAL and MANIFEST his presence, his character, his power, his sovereignty, and his purposes from the supernatural realm. “…The things which are impossible with men … [are] …POSSIBLE… [with God] …” (Luke 18:27 KJV).  

A TRUE sign, wonder, or miracle is a WORK or ACT of God; “NOT” man. God, the indwelling Holy Spirit, PERFORM signs, wonders, and miracles “IN” and “THROUGH” his people. “…The …HOLY SPIRIT …is the SOURCE of [signs, wonders, and miracles]. …it is …God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of us who are his. The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power (supernatural WORKS and PERFORMANCES) THROUGH each of us … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

. “…That great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work “IN US” what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…It is God which worketh IN YOU both to will and to do of hisgood pleasure…” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).

 “…I do nothing of myself…” (John 8:28 KJV).

“… Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know…” (ACTS 2:22 KJV).

“…God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and WITH POWER: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for GOD WAS WITH HIM. And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).

 “…The Spirit of the Lord [was] upon [him[, because he hath anointed [him] to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent [him] to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord…” (John 4:16-21 KJV). “…the Fatherthat dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

Signs, wonders, and miracles give credibility and confirmation to God’s WORD (Jesus), God’s presence, God’s character, and supernatural POWER in the lives of God’s chosen people. “…God publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signsthrough him, as you well know. …” (ACTS 2:22 KJV).

What were some of the signs, wonders, and miracles in the bible? All of Creation was full of signs, wonders, and miracles (Genesis 1 & 2). The flood was a wonder and the rainbow is an ongoing sign of God’s promise (Genesis 7 & 8). The tower of Babel was where God miraculously confused the languages (Genesis 11). Sodom and Gomorrah was miraculously destroyed by the rain of fire and brimstone from heaven (Genesis 19). Lot’s wife was miraculously turned into a pillar of salt Genesis 19). Sarah and Abraham miraculously conceived Isaac in their old age (Genesis 21).

Moses spoke miraculously to God through a burning bush that was NEVER actually consumed by the fire (Exodus 3). God revealed he was with Aaron when he miraculously changed his rod into a serpent (Exodus 7). God miraculously sent 10 plagues upon Egypt until they let HIS people go (Exodus 7-14). God miraculously parted the Red Sea so HIS people could cross over to the other side, on dry land and to safety (Exodus 14).

After travelling for days God’s people were thirsty and came to a body of water called Marah and found the water to be bitter. They cried out to God and God miraculously turned the water sweet, so they could drink it (Exodus 15).

God’s people also got hungry as they travelled through the wilderness. God miraculously sent them manna from heaven for days and days to provide for their nourishment (Exodus 16).

Balaam was sent to curse God’s people, but his donkey was stopped by angels sent by God. Balaam beat the donkey in order to make him continue the journey, but God miraculously made the donkey speak to Balaam and explain why he couldn’t continue. (Exodus 22).

God gave Joshua instructions on how to win the battle with Jericho. First they had to walk around the city seven times and afterwards the walls would fall down and they would be able to take the whole city. It happened just as God say it would; the walls of Jericho miraculously fell down and they victoriously took the city (Joshua 6).

The Amorites had attacked the Israelite’s allies and God allowed them to avenge them and win the battle by miraculously stopping the SUN from going down for a WHOLE day (Joshua 10).

God also miraculously sent LARGE stones from heaven to help them in the battle (Joshua 10).

God miraculously gave Samson, through the POWER of his Spirit, extraordinary human strength. He slayed a lion with his bare hands and defeated an entire army with the jawbone of an ass. God put the secret of his strength in his LONG hair (Judges 13-16).

A widow woman was low on flour and oil, and was preparing, for her and her son, to die from hunger. But God had mercy on her by miraculously making the flour and oil increase continually and she was able to feed Elijah and her household until the dry season stopped (1 Kings 17:8-16).

At the prayers of Elijah, God miraculously bought a drought upon the land and then at his prayers the rain miraculously returned, even though initially there was NOT a single cloud in the sky (1 Kings 18).

God, miraculously, delivered three Hebrew boys from a fiery furnace without a scorch, burn, or the smell of smoke on any of them (Daniel 3).

God, miraculously, delivered Daniel from the mouths of lions when he was thrown into the den with a whole bunch of them (Daniel 6).

God, miraculously, delivered Jonah from the belly of a whale and returned him safety to land (Jonah 2).

Jesus was miraculously and specially created to be an atoning sacrifice for the sins of the people. He was born of a virgin, and conceived by the Holy Spirit (John 1 & Luke 1).

Jesus miraculously healed blind people, deaf people, a woman with a spirit of infirmity, lepers, and many others (Matthew 9:27-31; John 9:1-7; Mark 7:31-37; Luke 13:11-17, 19:11-19).

Jesus miraculously turned water to wine (John 2:1-11). Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11:38-44). Jesus blessed the fishermen with supernatural increase at HIS WORD (John 21:1-14) Jesus fed thousands, twice, with a few loaves of bread and some fish (Matthew 14:32, 15:32 & Mark 6:30, 8:1; Luke 9:10, & John 6:1-14).

Jesus delivered people from demons (Matthew 8:28; Mark 1:23, 5:1; & Luke 4:33, 8:26). Jesus STILLED the storm at his WORD alone (Matthew 8:23 & Mark 4:37, & Luke 8:22). Jesus walked on water (Matthew 14:25; Mark 6:48, & John 6:15).

Jesus ROSE from the dead (John 21:1-14). Jesus was God in human form. “…Though he was God…” (Philippians 2:6-7 NLT). He was“…born as a human being…” (Philippians 2:6-7 NLT).

Thus, when it comes to signs, wonders, and miracles, God’s people PRAY, DEPEND UPON HIM, and EXPECT him to DO special FAVORS in their LIVES and on their behalf. “…Lord … Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus. After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness…” (Acts 4:28-30 KJV). “…the Fatherthat dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

God’s people DEPEND UPON him to confirm his OWN WORD by DOING the WORK of his promises through signs, wonders, and miracles. “…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 bymany miraculous signs…” (Mark 16:20 KJV). “…The …HOLY SPIRIT …is the SOURCE of [signs, wonders, and miracles]. … … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “… Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake…” (John 14:11 KJV). “…The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power (supernatural WORKS and PERFORMANCES) THROUGH each of us … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…The Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

Signs, wonders, and miracles are the responsibility of the HOLY SPIRIT. If you ASK or PRAY to God, and, DEPEND upon him, and EXPECT to do it; WILL HE? “…You can ask for anything in my name, and I “will” do it...” (John 14:12-14 NLT).

“…You can ask for anything in my name (jesus, the word of god)...” (John 14:12-14 NLT). “….You may ask for anything you want…” (JOHN 15:7 NASB). “…Ask and it will be given to you…” (Matthew 7:7 NIV). “…everyone who asks receives…” (Matthew 7:8 NIV).

 “…And this is the confidence that we have in him (Jesus), that, if we ask any thing according to his will (his word), he heareth us…” (1 John 5:14 KJV). “… [We] … Receive from him anything we ask, because we keephis commands (follow his instructions) and do what pleases him…” (1 John 3:22 NIV). “…If we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him…” (1 John 5:15 NIV).

Therefore,“…Trust in the Lord with all thine heart…”(Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “… lean not unto thine own understanding…”(Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “…The Father that dwelleth in [you], he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT).

 “… [His word] shall not return unto [him]… void, but it shall accomplish that which [God]… please[s], and it shall prosper in the thing whereto [God]… sent it…” (Isaiah 55:11 KJV). “…I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son…” (John 14:13 NIV).

Signs, wonders, and miracles are a responsibility of the Holy Spirit and “… he DOETH the WORK…” (John 14:10 KJV).

You are encouraged to choose to DEPEND upon the HOLY Spirit to DO the WORK “IN” and “THROUGH” you. . “……it is …God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of us who are his… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

The HOLY SPIRIT “removes” obstacles, troubles, problems, issues, and gets rid of them from your life. Don’t doubt, but CHOOSE to depend upon, the HOLY SPIRIT to DO the WORK or signs, wonders, and miracles. "…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 upon God) that what they say will happen, it will be done for them….” (MARKS 11:23 NIV).

WHATEVER you ASK for when you PRAY, believe or DEPEND UPON GOD that you HAVE received them and WHATEVER it is; is YOURS!! "… [DO] NOT DOUBT in [your] heart but [believe and depend upon God) …[and] what [you] say will happen, it will be done for [you]….” (MARK 11:23 NIV). “…The Fatherthat dwelleth in [you], he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

EXPECT the sign, wonder, or miracle to HAPPEN. God will even help your EXPECTANCY. “…He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). “…The WORK of God: [is] that [you] believe on him (depend upon him) whom he hath sent.” (John 6:29 KJV). “…It is Godwho WORKS IN YOU…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…That great Shepherd of the sheep, EQUIP (empower) you with everything good for doing his will…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…That great Shepherd of the sheep …may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT).

DEPEND UPON God to empower your dependency upon him and your expectancy from him THEN you will see signs, wonders, and miracles in your LIFE regularly!! “…It is God who WORKS IN YOU…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV).

Who will DO the sign, wonder or miracle? God does. “…The Fatherthat dwelleth in [you], HE DOETH the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…The HOLY SPIRIT “DISPLAYS” God’s power (supernatural WORKS or PERFORMANCES) THROUGH each of us … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

Why can you DEPEND UPON God to do the sign, wonder, or miracle? Because God CAN and he say HE WOULD. “…I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son…” (John 14:13 NIV). "… [DO] NOT DOUBT in [your] heart but [believe and depend upon me and) …what [you] say will happen, [and] it will be done for [you]….” (MARK 11:23 NIV). “…I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV).

“…[God] is able TO DO exceeding abundantly ABOVE all that we ask orthink…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV). “…he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…The things which are impossible with men … [are]… POSSIBLE [with God] …” (Luke 18:27 KJV).

Who is like the Living God of Creation? “…… I am God, and there is none like me…"(Isaiah 46:9-10 KJV).  ). “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).   

“… “I AM WHO I AM ’ This is My name forever, and this is My memorial-name to all generations…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “…I am  the Lord, the God of all flesh…” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). "… I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God…" (Revelation 1:8 NASB). “… I, the LORD … the first, and with the last. I am He...'" (Isaiah 41:4 NASB).  “...The lord is GOOD…there is none good but one, that is, God” (Nahum 1:7 & Mark 10:18 KJV). “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…  I, the Lord, am your healer…” (Exodus 15:26). “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV).  And, “There is none holy as the Lord…” (1 Samuel 2:2 KJV). “…God is the one who provides …” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV). “… God will supply all [your need]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “… [God] … will keep in perfect peace all who trust in … [him] … all whose thoughts are fixed on … [him!]” (Isaiah 26:3 NLT). “….The Lord is “my” shepherd ….” (PSALM 23:1-3 NLT). “… THE LORD … is Your rockand Your fortress, your deliverer, Your GOD, Your rock, in whom [you] … take refuge; Your shield and the horn of Your salvation, YOURstronghold.…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB).“…God [is[ with us…” (Matthew 1:23 NASB). “…[HE IS] WITH… [YOU] and  … [HE] WILL NOT LEAVE [YOU] …." (Genesis 28:15 ASV). “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).   

“…I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “…The things which are impossible with men … [are]… POSSIBLE [with God] …” (Luke 18:27 KJV). “…he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

“…I will do whatever you ask in my name…” (John 14:13 NIV). "… [Depend upon me and] …what [you] say will happen, [and] it will be done for [you]….” (MARK 11:23 NIV).

Why does God do signs, wonder, and miracles for HIS PEOPLE? God LOVES his people. “…the Lord loves His people …” (2 Chronicles 2:11 NASB). “… the Lordloved youand kept the oath which He swore to your forefathers…” (Deuteronomy 7:8 NASB). “… Blessed be the Lord your God who delighted in you to set you on the throne of Israel; because the Lord loved Israel (his people) forever…” (1 Kings 10:9 NASB). “…the Lord loves His people …” (2 Chronicles 2:11 NASB). “ … your God loved Israel (his people) establishing them forever …”(2 Chronicles 9:8 NASB). In “… His love and in His mercy He redeemed them…” (Isaiah 63:9 NASB). “… I have loved you with an everlasting love…” (Jeremiah 31:3 NASB). “… Even as the Lord loves the sons of Israel (his people)…” (Hosea 3:1 NASB). “ … I led them … with bonds of love, And I became to them as one who lifts the yoke from their jaws; And I bent down and fed them…” (Hosea 11:4 NASB).  “… Indeed, He loves the people…” (Deuteronomy 33:3 NASB).

Who are God’s people? Those who belong to him in Jesus Christ. “… [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).  “…Those who belong to Christ Jesus …” (Galatians 5 NLT). “…Because YOU BELONG to him...” (Romans 8:1 NLT). “ … (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belongto him at all.) …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “…He that is joined unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT (BELONG)…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). “…We are his; we are “HIS” PEOPLE...” (Psalms 100:3 KJV).

 “…You belong to Christ…” (1 Corinthians 3:23 NASB). “…you belong to God, my dear children…” (1 John 4:2-7 NIV).

ONLY God’s people are blessed and privileged to display and experience the true signs, wonders, and miraculous works of God.

 “… How blessed you are [people of God!] Who else is like you, a people saved(through the miraculous redemptive work) by the Lord? He is your protecting shield and your triumphant sword...” (Deuteronomy 33:29 NLT). “… I and the children the Lord has given me serve as signs … from the Lordof Heaven’s Armies who dwells in his Temple on Mount Zion…” (Isaiah 8:18 NLT). “…The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power (signs, wonders, and miracles) THROUGH each of us … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

God said to Abraham: “…I will BLESS thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a BLESSING: And I will BLESS them that BLESS thee …in thee shall all families of the earth be BLESSED…” (Genesis 12:2-3 KJV).

Thus through salvation: “…Christ hath REDEEMED [miraculously saved all families] from the curse of the law (eternal death) …That the “BLESSING of Abraham” might come on [“THEM”]… through Jesus Christ …” (Galatians 3:13-14 KJV).

“…BY GRACE have ye been SAVED THROUGH FAITH…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). “…I will save youthat you may BECOME A BLESSING....” (Zechariah 8:13 KJV).

“…you were called so that you may inherit a blessing…” (1 Peter 3:9 NIV).“…you will be a blessing…” (Genesis 12:2 NIV).

“….God has blessed, and I cannot reverse it!” (Numbers 23:20 NLT).  “…by the GRACE of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV). “…by the GRACE of God [you are]…what [you are]…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).

“…THY BLESSING is upon THY PEOPLE…” (Psalms 3:8 KJV). “…YOU MAKE [your people] “MOST” BLESSED forever; …” (Psalms 21:6 NASB). “…BLESSINGS are on the head of the righteous (God’s people)…” (Proverbs 10:6 NASB).  “…You surround [them] WITH FAVOR as with a shield…” (Psalms 5:12 NASB).

SALVATION IS a SIGN of A MIRACULOUS BLESSING!!

“… [God’s SAVED people shall] serve as signs … from the Lord of Heaven’s Armies who dwells in his Temple on Mount Zion…” (Isaiah 8:18 NLT). “…The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power (signs, wonders, and miracles) THROUGH each of [them] … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

Signs, wonders, and miracles are ALL blessings and favors God bestows upon his SAVED people. “…Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who HATH blessed us (the SAVED) with all spiritual blessingsin heavenly places in Christ…” (Ephesians 1:3 KJV).

By God’s GRACE you are “A” BLESSING. “…by the GRACE of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).  God DISPLAYS signs, wonders, and miracles “IN” and “THROUGH” his people by the Holy Spirit. “…The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power (signs, wonders, and miracles) THROUGH each of [them] … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “… [God’s people shall] serve as signs … from the Lord…” (Isaiah 8:18 NLT).  “…A man can receive nothing, except it BE GIVEN him from heaven…” (John 3:27 KJV). “…The LORD SHALL GIVE that which is good…” (Psalms 85:12 KJV). “…Every good GIFT and every perfect GIFT is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights…” (James 1:17 KJV).  “…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).

“…Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable GIFT[S]…” (2 Corinthians  9:16 KJV). “ …We have this treasure “in” earthen vessels…” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV).  “…[People will]… know (witness through signs, wonders, and miracles) that everything [you]… have IS A GIFT “FROM” [God]…” (John 17:6-9 NLT).

“…by the GRACE of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV). “…by the GRACE of God [you are]…what [you are]…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).

“… [God’s people shall] serve as signs … from the Lord…” (Isaiah 8:18 NLT).  “…The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power (signs, wonders, and miracles) THROUGH each of [them] … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

For instance, “…God gave Paul the power to perform unusual miracles…” (Acts 19:11 NLT). “…God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and WITH POWER:who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for GOD WAS WITH HIM…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).

 “…The Spirit of the Lord [was].. upon [Jesus], because he hath anointed [him]… to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent [him]… to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord…” (John 4:16-21 KJV).

Signs, wonders, and miracles are acts of God that he DISPLAYS “IN” and “THROUGH” his people by the POWER of his indwelling HOLY SPIRIT.

These ACTS of God are displayed as EVIDENCE that God is STILL working and demonstrating signs, wonders, and miracles upon the earth.

The miracle of SALVATION, ALONE, is a sign and is meant to establish Christian faith (dependency upon God). “… Believe me (depend upon me) that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me (depend upon me) for the very works' sake…” (John 14:11 KJV).

God’s people have experienced, throughout biblical history and in the present, that God has POWER over SIN, death, sickness, demons, and ALL the natural world through signs, wonders, and miracles. God has NOT changed. “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  “Jesus Christ is the sameyesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV).

ARE THERE “STILL” SIGNS, WONDERS, AND MIRACLES? YES, GOD HAS GIVEN THOSE WORKS TO HIS PEOPLE. “…I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me (depends upon me) will do the same works I have done, and even greater works (not different, but more global and expansive), because I am going to be with the Father…” (JOHN 14:12 NLT).

 

WHOSE REPORT WILL YOU BELIEVE: GOD'S OR MAN'S? “…BY THE ...

WHOSE REPORT WILL YOU BELIEVE: GOD'S OR MAN'S?

“…BY THE WORD of the Lord  …” (Psalms 33:6 NASB). “…All things  (SIGNS, WONDERS, AND MIRACLES) 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). “….Then you will know that I am the Lordyour God…’” (Exodus 16:12 NLT).

 

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EVERY THING GOD DOES, EVERY SIGN, EVERY WONDER, AND EVERY MIRACLE IS NOT ABOUT PROVING HIMSELF TO YOU, BUT IT IS ABOUT YOU “KNOWING” HIM PERSONALLY AND BECOMING A RECIPIENT OF HIS “GREAT” LOVE!! “….Then you will know that I am the Lordyour God…’” (Exodus 16:12 NLT). “…There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life…” (John 15:13 NLT). “...[God loves YOU] with an everlasting love….” (Jeremiah 31:3 KJV). “… he [has] done so many miracles before [you] ….” (John 12:37-40 NLT). “… [He has] done [those miracles] … so you will know that [He is] the Lord…” (Exodus 10:1-2 NLT). “….In [these signs, wonders, and miracles], thou (you) shalt (shall) know that I AM the Lord...” (READ Exodus 7:14-25). “…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).

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

“…BY THE WORD of the Lord  [I am the Lord, your God] …” (Psalms 33:6 NASB).

 “…All things  (including your relationship with God) 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 AND DIVINE NATURE—have been “CLEARLY SEEN”, being UNDERSTOOD FROM WHAT HAS BEEN MADE (your relationship with God)…” (Romans 1:20 NIV).

“…BY THE WORD of the Lord  [you are reconciled into a covenant relationship with the Holy God]…” (Psalms 33:6 NASB). “…God … reconciled us to himself through Christ (the Word) …” (2 Corinthians 5:18 NIV). “…[He sent the] …one … who can reconcileGod and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT). “… [Jesus] … hisname is [also] called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “…BY THE WORD of the Lord [we are reconciled to God!] …” (Psalms 33:6 NASB).

The WORD of God is a MIRACLE or a BIBLICAL REPORT. A MIRACLE is any action where God intervenes with the common and naturally normal operations by preforming something UNIQUELY supernatural.

You are SHORT-SIGHTED if you think MIRACLES are limited to supernatural healings and bringing someone back from the dead.

If you are a child of God you have experienced AT LEAST two MIRACLES. 1. Your very SALVATION is a miraculously ACT of God. 2. His indwelling Holy Spirit is another miraculously ACT of God.

1). The Gospel message or biblical report actually MIRACULOUSLY SAVES you. “….The Gospel of Christ (the WORD) … “IS” the power of Godunto SALVATION TO EVERY ONE THAT BELIEVETH (depends upon its truth)…” (Romans 1:16 KJV). “…BY GRACE (unmerited favor from God) have ye been saved through… FAITH (dependence upon the work of Christ on the cross)…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). “…The grace(unmerited favor) of our Lord was poured out on me (or transferred to me) abundantly, ALONG WITH FAITH (the power to depend upon God)… that are “IN” Christ Jesus (the Word)…” (1 Timothy 1:13-14 NIV). “… [The] Good News about Christ (the gospel message, the WORD alone)… It is the power (sign and wonder) of God at work (miraculously), saving everyone who believes…” (Romans 1:16 NLT). “…saved… NOT OF YOURSELVES, IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD; not of works, that no man should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).

2. The Holy Spirit comes to MIRACULOUSLY DWELL with you. “…God has sent forththe Spirit of His Son “INTO” [YOUR HEART]…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…God has given [you] his [Holy] Spirit as PROOF that [he [dwells]… in [you]…” (1 John 4:13 NLT). “ … Renewal [comes] by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior…” (Titus 3:4-6 NIV).  “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…the Spirit of God dwell in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “… [This Holy Spirit is] NOT OF YOURSELVES, IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD; not of works, that no man should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). “…Peter said to them, "REPENT…and you will receivethe gift of the Holy Spirit….” (Acts 2:38 NASB).

“…Every good GIFT and every perfect GIFT is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights…” (James 1:17 KJV).  “…The LORD SHALL GIVE that which is good…” (Psalms 85:12 KJV). “…A man can receive nothing, except it BE GIVEN him from heaven…” (John 3:27 KJV).“…What do you have that God hasn’t given you?” (1 Corinthians 4:7 NLT). “….ye shall receive the GIFTof the Holy Ghost…” (Acts 2:38 KJV).

 “…Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable GIFTs…” (2 Corinthians  9:16 KJV).

“… BY FAITH (depending upon God) [you] UNDERSTAND (become aware of) …that what [you] now see did not come from anything that can be seen [by sight] (two MIRACULOUS GIFTS of God’s POWER (salvation and the indwelling Holy Spirit)…” (Hebrews 11 NLT). “… We … [are able to] … understand that THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE WAS FORMED at God’s [Word], that what we now SEE did not come fromanything that can be SEEN (by sight)…” (Hebrews 11:3 NLT). “…Since the creation of the world, God’s  …ETERNAL POWER  …have been CLEARLY SEEN, being UNDERSTOOD FROM WHAT HAS BEEN MADE…” (Romans 1:20 NIV). “…The person WITHOUT the [Holy] Spirit DOES NOT accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the [Holy] Spirit. …” (2 Corinthians 2:12-15 KJV).  “…The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God's law (WORD), nor can it do so…” (Romans 8:7 NIV). “….Apart from Me (the Holy Spirit), you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

How are you saved? You are saved by the Power of God’s Word or the biblical report. How did the Holy Spirit come to dwell within you? The Holy Spirit was poured into your heart.

The biblical report is ABOUT the redeemed believer coming to KNOW, personally, who God, the Holy Spirit is. The biblical report REVEALS God. “… “I AM WHO I AM ’ This is My name forever, and this is My memorial-name to all generations…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “…I am  the Lord, the God of all flesh…” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). "… I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God…" (Revelation 1:8 NASB). “… I, the LORD … the first, and with the last. I am He...'" (Isaiah 41:4 NASB).  “...The lord is GOOD…there is none good but one, that is, God” (Nahum 1:7 & Mark 10:18 KJV). “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…  I, the Lord, am your healer…” (Exodus 15:26). “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV).  And, “There is none holy as the Lord…” (1 Samuel 2:2 KJV). “…God is the one who provides …” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV). “… God will supply all [your need]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “… [God] … will keep in perfect peace all who trust in … [him] … all whose thoughts are fixed on … [him!]” (Isaiah 26:3 NLT). “….The Lord is “my” shepherd ….” (PSALM 23:1-3 NLT). “… THE LORD … is Your rockand Your fortress, your deliverer, Your GOD, Your rock, in whom [you] … take refuge; Your shield and the horn of Your salvation, YOURstronghold.…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB).“…God [is[ with us…” (Matthew 1:23 NASB). “…[HE IS] WITH… [YOU] and  … [HE] WILL NOT LEAVE [YOU] …." (Genesis 28:15 ASV). “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).   

The biblical report is also about the redeemed believer coming to know what God, the Holy Spirit can do.“…I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “…The things which are impossible with men … [are]… POSSIBLE [with God] …” (Luke 18:27 KJV). “…he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

Two of the man reasons God, the Holy Spirit sent his biblical report was so his people could KNOW who he is AND whathe can do. “… he [has] done so many miracles before [you] ….” (John 12:37-40 NLT). “… [He has] done [those miracles] … so you will know that [He is] the Lord…” (Exodus 10:1-2 NLT). “….In [those signs, wonders, and miracles], thou (you) shalt know that I AM the Lord...” (READ Exodus 7:14-25). “…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).

The biblical report is meant to DIRECT his people's hearts to his love. “… [May his biblical report] direct your hearts TO the love of God…” (2 Thessalonians 3:5 NASB & Romans 12:3).“… [He has] done [these signs, wonder, and miracles] … so you will know that [He is] the Lord [your god]…” (Exodus 10:1-2 NLT). “…May the Lord (the Word) lead your hearts INTO a full understanding (awareness, knowing) and EXPRESSION of the love of God …” (2 Thessalonians 3:5 NLT). WHY? “…. [You shall] know that I AM the Lord...” (READ Exodus 7:14-25). “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “...He careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “…I will do whatever you ask in my name (Jesus, the Word)…” (John 14:13 NIV). "… [Depend upon me and] …what [you] say will happen [and]…will be done for [you]….” (MARK 11:23 NIV). “…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).

Sending the biblical report was MOTIVATED by LOVE. “…God SO LOVED the world that HE GAVE HIS “ONLY” BEGOTTEN SON…” (John 3:16 KJV). “…THIS IS LOVE …[HE]…SENT HIS SON ...” (1 John 4:10 NIV).

Sending the biblical report was also an ACT OF GOD that changed the course of nature FOREVER. “…By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place (to the Holy God)…” (Hebrews 10:19-20 NLT). “Jesus saith…I am the way…” (John 14:6 KJV).

In addition, SENDING JESUS CHRIST as the ATONING SACRIFICE for our SINS was the bonus!! “…HE GAVE HIS “ONLY” BEGOTTEN SON…” (John 3:16 KJV). “… [HE]… SENT HIS SON ...” (1 John 4:10 NIV). “…Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29 KJV). “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins…” (1 John 2:2 NIV).  “… [May the miracles of his SON, of his ATONING SACRIFICE, of his SALVATION, and his indwelling Holy Spirit, etc;] direct your hearts TO the love of God…” (2 Thessalonians 3:5 NASB & Romans 12:3).

“…. [AND You shall] know that [HE IS] the Lord [your God]...” (Exodus 7:14-25).

Knowing God is not merely limited to intellectual, logical, scientific, or natural knowledge, but revelatory knowledge. In addition, “…the person WITHOUT the [Holy] Spirit DOES NOT accept the things that come from the Spirit of God ….and cannot understand them because they are [spiritually] discerned only  …” (2 Corinthians 2:12-15 KJV).

“…they are [spiritually] discerned only through the [Holy] Spirit. …” (2 Corinthians 2:12-15 KJV). The Holy Spirit; the indwelling Holy Spirit, REVEALS God.

 “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).  “…God will supply all [your need to KNOW him]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “…God will generously PROVIDE all you need (revelation knowledge of him). Then you will always have everything you need (revelation knowledge of him) …” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT). “….Apart from Me (the Holy Spirit), you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV). “…the person WITHOUT the [Holy] Spirit DOES NOT accept ….and cannot understand [ the revelation knowledge of God] …” (2 Corinthians 2:12-15 KJV).

Knowing God depends upon spiritual revelation. “… BY FAITH (depending upon God) [you] UNDERSTAND (become aware of) …that what [you] now see did not come from anything that can be seen [by sight] …” (Hebrews 11 NLT).

Knowing God cannot be limited to a reliance upon human reasoning or human rationale. The flow of revelatory knowledge of God comes through the Holy Spirit.“…they are discerned only through the [Holy] Spirit. …” (2 Corinthians 2:12-15 KJV).

Human reason and logic is dominated by sin and influenced by the power of the evil one. God’s thoughts are HIGHER and more HOLY than mankind’s thoughts. “We know … that the whole world lies under the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19 RSV). Therefore,“ …the trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right (have revelatory of God), but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.  And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right (have a revelatory knowledge of God), but I can’t. I want to do what is good (have a revelatory knowledge of God), but I don’t. …I [am] …a slave to the sin that is … withinme. Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin? …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

“… The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These TWO FORCES are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. … …” (Galatians 5 NLT).

“….For from WITHIN, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, murder… wickedness … slander, pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from WITHIN…” (Mark 7:20-23 NLT). “... I [am] …a slave to the sin that is … WITHIN me …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). The human heart “…is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked…who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV). “... [Thus, God’s] ways are higher (holier) than your ways [and His] thoughts than your ways...” (Isaiah 55:9 KJV).

It is better NOT to lean upon human reason, logic, and understanding when it comes to KNOWING and DEPENDING upon God. “…NOT that we are sufficient OF OURSELVESto think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God…” (2 Corinthians 3:5 KJV). Therefore, “Trust in (depend upon) the Lord with all thine heart; and LEAN NOT unto thine own understanding…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).

Man’s reasonings and logic can make them believe they KNOW the right way, but without KNOWING God, through revelatory knowledge, their way can LEAD to death. “…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 rightunto a man, but the end thereof arethe ways DEATH ….” (Proverbs 16:25 KJV). “…and sin, when it is finished, BRINGETH FORTH DEATH…” (James 1:13-15 NLT).

God MIRACULOUSLY sent Jesus Christ to speaks to his people through his WORD, save them through supernatural power, sends forth the indwelling Holy Spirit into their heart, delivers them from spiritual death, perpetually provides for them, guides them through life, makes special interventions on their behalf, open and close doors no one else can open or close, extend ongoing favors, showers them with untold blessings, and on and on. “... [God loves YOU] with an everlasting love….” (Jeremiah 31:3 KJV). “… He [does].. so many miracles before [you] … so you will know that [He is] the Lord [your God]….” (John 12:37-40 & Exodus 10:1-2 NLT). “….In [these signs, wonders, and miracles], [you shall] know that [HE IS] the Lord [your God]...” (READ Exodus 7:14-25). “…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).

“…BY THE WORD of the Lord [signs, wonders, and miracles are] MADE…” (Psalms 33:6 NASB).

God is NOT trying to impress his people, or convince them of who he is, or prove himself to them by performing signs, wonders, or miracles, but he is trying to DRAW tem, to himself, with lovingkindness.“… I … WILL DRAW all men unto me…” (John 12:32 KJV). “…I have drawn youwith unfailing kindness…” (Jeremiah 3:13 NIV).

Most people want God to PROVE he is God by showing his stuff to them FIRST. “…The Pharisees and Sadducees came up, and testing Jesus, they asked Him to show them a sign from heaven…” (Matthew 16:1 NASB). “…Others tested him by asking for a sign from heaven…” (Luke 11:16 NIV).

Most people are ONLY after God’s stuff, but not HIM. “…A large crowd followed Him, becausethey saw the signs which He was performing on those who were sick…” (John 6:2 NASB). “…For this reason also the people went and met Him, because they heard that He had performed this sign…” (John 12:18 NASB).

Many people are loyal, committed, and faithful to God ONLY because of his stuff, but their hearts are FAR from him. “… Jesus answered them and said, "…Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled…” (John 6:26 NASB). “…This people draw near me with their mouth and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me…” (Isaiah 29:13 KJV).

When God does not readily perform or offer his stuff to their liking, most people will abandon and forsake him. “… So they said to Him, "What then do You do for a sign, so that we may see, and believe You? What work do You perform?” (John 6:30 NASB). “..Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Him, "Teacher, we want to see a sign from You…" (Matthew 12:38 NASB). “…you became proud and FORGOT ME….” (Hosea 13:6 NLT). “…for years on end my people have FORGOTten ME…” (Jeremiah 2:32 NLT).  “…They ABANDONED the Lord… they turned their backs on him….” (2 Chronicles 29:6 NLT).

People often think they are judging and testing God, when situations and circumstances are actually testing them. Certain situations and circumstances REVEAL the deceit that is in their OWN hearts. "…You shall remember all the way which the LORD your God has led you in the wilderness these forty years, that He might humble you, testing you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not…” (Deuteronomy 8:2 NASB).

True servants will serve God when his favors, signs, wonders, and miracles are overflowing and when they “seem” to have ceased. Apostle Paul said, “…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). His secret, “…I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

Those faithful followers are the ones who are truly blessed with perpetual blessings of favors, signs, wonders, and miracles in this life and the life to come! “…The faithful followers of the Lord… keep their promises even when it hurts…” (Psalm 15:4 NLT). “…‘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 returna 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).

God wants you to SEEK his heart first and foremost and not simply his stuff. “… Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need…” (Matthew 6:33 NLT).“…God will generously PROVIDE all you need. Then you will always have everythingyou need …” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT).“…he rewards those who sincerely seek him…” (Hebrews 11 NLT)

All his stuff is FREELY his people's and added to them BECAUSE them choose to SEEK his heart. God says, “…the world is MINE, and the fulness thereof…” (Psalm 50:12 KJV). Jesus said, “…All … THINE ARE MINE…” (John 17:10 KJV). “… [God, through Christ]… freely give [you]… ALL things?...” (Romans 8:32 KJV). “…What we have RECEIVED is not the Spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand (become aware of) what God has freely givenus. …” (2 Corinthians 2:12-15 KJV).

All that God has is ALREADY his people's because of the covenant relationship he has with them Jesus also said, “…He (the indwelling Holy Spirit) shall receive of MINE, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath ARE MINE: therefore said I, that he shall TAKE OF MINE, and shall shew it unto you…” (John 16:14-15 KJV). “…ALL THINGS are your's [in Christ]…” (1 Corinthians 3 KJV).

There is great VALUE in being in a relationship with God and gaining revelatory “KNOWLEDGE” of him through the Gospel message or the biblical report. “… Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ…” (Philippians 3:8 NLT).

In human relationships there is a GREAT focus upon what the other person can do YOU and LESS focus on what YOU can do for the other person.

When we SEEK after people’s stuff or what they can DO for us; it may not last. If they ever become unable to do or disabled from doing for you; you may abandon and forsake them.

Often when a person becomes unable to do or disabled from doing for you what they have always done; YOU and THEY will discover whether LOVE bonded you together or something else. ONLY true “LOVE” is the perfect BOND that unites one to another. “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…Love … the perfect BOND of UNITY...” (Colossians 3:14 NASB).

When someone becomes unable or disabled from doing for you what they have always done and you continue to care for them; most likely, LOVE has bonded you together. “…Love … the perfect BOND of UNITY...” (Colossians 3:14 NASB).

An unable or disabled person is so grateful for continued love and faithfulness that when they get their strength back they plan to bless you DOUBLE. Hannah was disabled from having children, but God healed her womb. “…Then Hannah prayed and [thanked God double], “My heart exults in the Lord … Because I rejoice in Your salvation. “There is no one holy like the Lord, Indeed, there is no one besides You, Nor is there any rock like our God…Even the barren gives birth...” (2 Samuel 1-10 NASB).

God is JOYFUL of your faithfulness he rewards you OPENLY and ABUNDANTLY! “….[the] FATHER which SEETH in secret, SHALL “REWARD” [you]… OPENLY….” (Matthew 6:18 KJV).  “…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..And in the world to come ...” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT).

It is established the promises in the biblical report become ACTS of God that REVEAL his character, his presence, and his supernatural power in the natural WORLD. “… Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done …” (Psalms 40:5 KJV). “… Though he had done so many miracles before them ….” (John 12:37-40 NLT).

Miracles are signs and wonders. Signs and wonders are experienced as an divine intervention of God like when Jesus turned the water to wine or fed the thousands with a few loaves of bread. “…Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now. This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him…” (JOHN 2:10-12 KJV).

 “… he hath done marvellousthings…” (Psalm 98:1 KJV).

Wonders and signs are also experienced as marvelous ACTS of God, beyond man’s human capabilities like the healing of the man born deaf or when Lazarus was raised from the dead. “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). “…Jesus said…I am the resurrection and I am the LIFE…..” (John 11:25 KJV). “…The things which are impossible with men … [are] …POSSIBLE… [with God] …” (Luke 18:27 KJV).  

God is STILL showing us signs and wonders. He has NOT changed. He STILL does the SAME miracles REPORTED in his Word. “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he [still] doeth the works…” (John 14:10 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).

Every sign or wonder is meant to reveal GOD or to showcase his divine authority over ALL of life or to encourage DEPENDENCY upon him, and his HOLY POWER.  “…This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifestedforth his glory; and his disciples believed on him (depended upon him)…” (JOHN 2:10-12 KJV). “… [He is] the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for [him]?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV).

God’s signs, wonders, and miracles are a byproduct of the covenant relationship between himself and his people. 

Remember his “son” was sent BECAUSE of his LOVE for YOU. “For God SO LOVED the world, that he GAVE…” (John 3:16). God wanted a RECONCILATION with YOU. “… [SO He sent the] …one… who [could]… reconcileGod and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).

ALL his ACTS are meant to express his love and inform his people that he is THEIR GOD (personal CAREGIVER of ALL their needs)!! “….Then you will know that I am the Lordyour God…’” (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).

God choose his people for the sole purpose of, first and foremost, being in a covenant relationship with him. “…I chose YOU....” (John 15:16 ASV).  “…You are a chosen people…” (1 Peter 2:9 NIV). “…As many as received him, to them gave he powerto become the sons of God…” (John 1:12). “…For I will have respect unto you …and establish my covenant with you.…”(Leviticus 26:9 KJV).

When his people choose to receive him by grace through faith they become ONE with him again in a covenant relationship. “…He that is joined unto the LORD is ONE SPIRIT…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). “…A right relationship with God that comes by faith…” (Romans 4:13 NASB). “…A person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ…” (Galatians 2:16 NLT).

When anyone chooses to receive him by grace through faith they also come to belong to him. “…YOU BELONG to him...” (Romans 8:1 NLT). “…[The covenant relationship is for] those who BELONG TO Christ Jesus…” (Galatians 5:24 NASB).

When you choose to receive him by grace through faith he belongs to you and PROVES it by giving himself to you through the indwelling Holy Spirit. “…God has sent forth the Spiritof His Son “INTO” [YOUR HEART]…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…God has given [you] his [Holy] Spirit as PROOF that [he [dwells]… in [you]…” (1 John 4:13 NLT). “ … Renewal [comes] by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior…” (Titus 3:4-6 NIV).  “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…the Spirit of God dwell in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). 

When you choose to receive him by grace through faith and choose to remain in the covenant relationship with him; he will take care of you.“… I am the one who answers your prayers and cares for you…” (Hosea 14:8 NLT). “… if God caresso wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith (dependency upon him)?” (Matthew 6:30 NLT). “…The Lord cares about our bodies…” (1 Corinthians 6:13 NLT).“… No one hates his own body but feeds and caresfor it, just as Christ cares for the church (the body of Christ)…” (Ephesians 5:29 NLT). “… Give all your worries and cares to God, for he caresabout you…” (1 Peter 5:7 NLT).

When you choose to receive him by grace through faith and choose to remain in the covenant relationship with him; he will forever be your CAREGIVER. “… [Jesus sets]… me in [god’s] … presence forever…” (Psalms 44:12 NASB). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  “Jesus Christ is the sameyesterday and today and forever…” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV). “…My Presence will go with you…” (Exodus 33:14 NIV). “…I am with you always, to the very end…"(Matthew 28:20 NIV). God will “…Never leave nor forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 KJV). 

When you choose to receive him by grace through faith and choose to remain in the covenant relationship; he will always and perpetually connect through and express his kind of LOVE to you. “Love is patient, 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. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres, Love never fails” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV).

When you choose to receive him by grace through faith and choose to remain in the covenant relationship; he will talk to you through his indwelling Holy Spirit. “…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). “…The Spirit of God dwell in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). . “…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT…” (John 6:63 KJV)

He will TEACH you through his biblical REPORT and his indwelling his Holy Spirit as a way to continually draw you closer and closer to him. "It is written in the prophets, 'AND THEY SHALL ALL BE TAUGHT OF GOD.' Every one that hath heard and hath learnedof the Father, cometh to me (John 6:45 KJV). .“… I … WILL DRAW all men unto me…” (John 12:32 KJV).

God, whom the redeemed are in covenant relationship with, “…restoreth [their] soul…” (Psalms 23:3 KJV). God is a “…restorer of thy life…” (Ruth 4:15 KJV).

God will perform signs, wonders, and miracles as REPORTED in his word, but his MAIN goal is to love you. He starts by restoring you so you can enjoy, benefit from, and receive this love. “For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of the wounds, saith the Lord…” (Jeremiah 30:17 KJV).

There is nothing you do or nothing you have done that will stop God from loving you (Romans 8:31-39). God’s “…grace is sufficient for you…” and his love covers the past, the present, and the future sins and mistakes (2 Corinthians 12:9 NASB).

In fact, his “…love covereth a multitude of sins…” (Proverbs 10:12, 1 Peter 4:8 ASV). No matter where sin has increased in your life over the past few hours, days, weeks, months, or years, God’s grace trumps it, because “…mercy triumphs over judgement.” (Romans 5:20, James 2:13 NASB).

God doesn’t just want you to know “about” his love as a collection of facts, but he wants you to “know” his love as an authentic covenant relationship experience.

God’s love is the perfect “bond” of unity, which is the truest and purest form of intimacy. “But he that is joined (attached) unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).

When you hear the “good news” of the gospel, you come to God, because his incredible love draws us (John 6:44). This is a sign, wonder, and miracle of God: HIS LOVE.

Like a magnet, you are powerfully restored and JOINED again to God, who “is” Love. “….The gospel of Christ …. is the power of God …” (Romans 1:16 KJV). “…[The Gospel] restoreth [your] soul…” (Psalms 23:3 KJV).“…He that is joined unto the LORD is ONE SPIRIT…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). “…A person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ…” (Galatians 2:16 NLT).

He so loved each one of us that he sent his magnetic love through his only Son, Jesus (John 3:16). “…God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son...the just for the unjust...that whosoever believeth in him should not perish (be punished)…” (John 3:16 KJV & 1 Peter 3:18 NASB). God “….is …not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9 KJV).

When Jesus (the Word) is lifted up from the earth he causes all men everywhere, that hear and believe to be powerfully and magnetically drawn to his love (John 12:32). “..If I (Jesus, the Word of God) be lifted up from the earth, [The Word]WILL DRAW all men unto [God]…” (John 12:32 KJV).

God sent his Son as a SIGN and his Holy Spirit as a WONDER because he MIRACULOUSLY loves and cares for you deeply.

The covenant relationship is another MIRACLE, for the new believer, for it is the SIGN that have salvation; it is a SIGN they are restored; and it is a WONDER that the Holy Spirit NOW dwells within them.

Here is what happens when someone encounters the Holy Spirit: “One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message” (Act 16:14 NIV). “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 4:10 NIV).

Lydia was simply listening to the MIRACULOUS gospel when God “opened” her heart to respond as Paul’s preached message. Paul’s message was about Jesus Christ, the WORD, and his LOVE.

The content of Paul’s message lets you know “…THIS is LOVE…” (1 John 4:10 NIV). If you didn’t know what love was or don’t know what it is God said, “pay attention,” “…THIS is LOVE…[God]… sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 4:10 NIV).

MIRACLE!! Meditate on that truth.

If you noticed, Lydia’s heart had to be opened, unlocked, released, or unfastened, BEFORE, she could RESPOND to the message of Love, which we know Paul preached.

WHO UNFASTENED IT? THE GOSPEL, THE WORD, THE GOOD NEWS; THE POWER OF GOD!!

Lydia’s heart was SUPERNATURALLY opened, so she could RESPOND again to God’s love!!! “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son… (1 John 4:10).

God uses signs, wonders, and miracles to heal your ability to RECEIVE his LOVE.

He is the Lord, your God. He desires to RESTORE you, so he can LOVE you. “For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of the wounds, saith the Lord…” (Jeremiah 30:17 KJV).

Every way in which past love relationships have hurt and wounded you, God will heal every one of them to the last drip drop and will restore you to emotional health.

God has MIRACULOUSLY healed you through Jesus and wants you to give every hurtful experience to him. God will absorb it for you as if happened to him. Jesus said, “….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).

In addition, He already carried “ALL” you hurts to the cross; so you wouldn’t have to. “…he [CHOSE to be] wounded for our transgressions, [he CHOSE to be] bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace [was] upon him; and with his stripes we are healed…” (Isaiah 53:5 KJV). “…[God through]…Christ [CHOSE to die]… for [your] sins according to the scriptures…” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4 KJV).

When you give your pain and heartache to God and depend upon to take it for you; the pain becomes his and he will avenge those hurtful experiences. The bible says, “Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath of God, for it is written: "Vengeance belongeth unto to me; I will recompense (repay)," saith the Lord” (Romans 12:19 ASV).

God miraculously protects ALL of his children, even you, letting no one “…do them wrong...” and says “….touch not mine anointed (his holy children who are set apart for his service) and do…[them] no harm.” (Psalm 105:14-15 KJV).

Here is an example of God taking your hurtful experiences and absorbing them for you: Paul was killing and persecuting God’s disciples and Jesus took it personally, as if Paul was doing it to him. “And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul,Saul, why persecutest thou ME? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him,Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man” (Acts 9:1-7 KJV).

GOD’S LOVE, HIS SALVATION HIS INDWELLING SPIRIT, and his BIBLICAL REPORT OR WORD WILL DO WHAT IT SAYS IT WILL DO!! SO WHOSE REPORT WILL YOU BELIEVE: MAN'S OR GOD'S?

 

 

THE NEW CREATION CAN SAY, WITH CONFIDENCE, "...I KNOW I'VE BEEN CHANGED..."

THE NEW CREATION SAYS "...I KNOW I'VE BEEN CHANGED?

"…Do you want to get well...?" (John 5:6 MSG).

*

 I believe EVERY child of God can be transformed into the image of Jesus Christ, by the renewing of their mind/heart with revelation knowledge (the LIVING Word).  “…be transformed by the renewing of your mind...[through the revelation knowledge of God’s truth, which is Jesus, the LIGHT of the world]...” (Romans 12:1 KJV).

Jesus said: “… I am (jesus, the word of god, who is) the light... (the revelation knowledge of God) ...of the world..." (John 9:5, 8:12 KJV). “... [the word, Jesus]... is a light to reveal God  to the nations...” (Luke 2:32 NLT).

“... [Jesus is]....A Light of revelation...” (LUKE 2:32 NASB). “…In this world we are LIKE JESUS…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). In this world, God’s people are also, “… the light of the world (WITNESSES of HIS revelation knowledge)..." (Matthew 5:14 KJV).

God’s people are“…the Light which … [is empowered to]...[enlighten] every man (woman)…” (John 1:19 NASB). “…. [They]... now have this light shining in [their] hearts ...This makes it clear that [their] great power is from God, not from [them]selves…” (2 Corinthians 4:5-7 NLT).

“...Therefore if any man(woman) be in Christ, he(she) is a NEW CREATURE: old things are passed away; behold, ALL THINGS ARE BECOME (MADE) NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).

Being MADE into a NEW CREATION means that God has MIRACULOUSLY prepared and equipped you BY THE POWER OF HIS WORD, with EVERYTHING you’ll ever NEED to be transformed into the IMAGE of Jesus Christ, HIS LIVING Word. “...old things are passed away; behold, ALL THINGS ARE BECOME (MADE) NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “…That great Shepherd of the sheep (God, the Holy Spirit), equip you with everything good for doing his will…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).

“…The Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV). “ …[you]…have this treasure  (the WORD, the indwelling Holy Spirit, the LIGHT, etc.) in [your]…earthen vessel (within the heart)...” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV). “… His (Jesus’) name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “… God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son (HIS WORD) into our hearts...” (Galatians 4:6 NASB).  “…THE WORDS ... they ARE SPIRIT…”(John 6:63 KJV).

“…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…It is God (the Holy Spirit) who worketh IN YOU (your heart), both to will and to do of His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “…Christ (the Word, the indwelling Spirit, the LIGHT) liveth in [you] …” (Galatians 2:20 KJV).

The indwelling Holy Spirit, the Word, the LIGHT, the GOOD seed EMPOWERS God’s people to “…be conformed (by becoming reconciled, restored, made whole, a new creation, or one Spirit with God through Christ again) to the image of his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV). “…Be transformed(by coming into agreement, by faith, with the New Creation you’ve become in Christ) by the renewing of your mind….” (Romans 12:2 KJV). “… [God’s people]... can do all things through Christ  (conform and transform) which strengtheneth [them to do it]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

There is NO DOUBT God’s people are NEW CREATIONS equipped with EVERYTHING they need to become transformed into the IMAGE of Jesus Christ.

Well, what is the problem? The problem is that transformation is a CHOICE of the human will. “…choose LIFE…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “…Choose you(MAKE A WILLFUL CHOICE) this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

“… I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “...Jesus (the LIVING Word of God, the indwelling Spirit, the revelation knowledge of God, the Holy Spirit) saith…I am ...the life…” (John 14:6 KJV). “…Choose youthis day whom ye will serve (obey, follow, etc.)….” (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).

The human will CAN create problems with transforming into the IMAGE of Jesus Christ.  In the Old Testament, when “…there was no king in Israel (RULE or LAW within their hearts): every man (woman) did that which wasright in his (her) own eyes...” (Judges 21:25 KJV).

God’s people often, willfully, followed their OWN stubborn choices. “…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). “...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).

So the question for God’s people is NOT can you transform into the IMAGE of Christ, but “Do you want to be transformed?” “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve (obey, follow, etc.)….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

If you are a NEW CREATION aren’t you already TRANSFORMED? Yes and No. “…beconformed …” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV). “…If any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a NEW creature…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “…Be transformed….” (Romans 12:2 KJV). “…by the renewing of[YOUR] mind….” (Romans 12:2 KJV).

God’s Holy Spiritconforms you by reconciling and restoring your soul with his SPIRIT. His POWERFUL WORD progressively transforms you by renewing your mind with the Holy Scriptures, which is SPIRIT too.

Thus, God sends forth the spiritual seed (Jesus, his Word), and it is SOWN into your heart. However, in order to transform, the SEED needs to be watered so it can GROW. “…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son (HIS WORD) into [y]our hearts...” (Galatians 4:6 NASB).  “…The sower (God) SOWETH THE WORD …The (spiritual) seed (Jesus) is the WORD OF GOD ….. THE WORD …was sown in [THE] HEARTS [of God’s people]... (symbolic of the ground or earth)…” (Mark 4:14-15 & Luke 8:11 KJV).

One of the GREATEST seeds ever sown into the EARTH was Jesus, the WORD OF God. Even GREATER is that seed was sown into the earth of the human heart. Jesus had another name. “… His name is called The Word of God (the spiritual seed)…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “ …[God’s people] have this treasure  (this spiritual seed) “in” earthen (human) vessels…” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV).

Jesus is the “spiritual SEED” and when the earth (also the human heart) receives and accepts the SEED it changes them into NEW CREATION. This spiritual SEED WILL always produce a fruitful crop when properly WATERED with LIVING WATER. “…The seed that fell on good soil ...  [will]... produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted... ” (Matthew 13: 18-23 NLT).“…The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…” (Galatians 5:22 NLT).

The spiritual SEED can ONLY be WATERED by spiritual WATER, so it can GROW and produce spiritual fruit that empowers transformation. “…God is Spirit ...[and his WORD is Spirit] …” (John 4:24, 6:63 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit is referred to, in the bible, as a “...spring of living water...” (Jeremiah 2:13 KJV).

The bible also says, “....I (God, the Holy Spirit) will pour my Spirit upon THY SEED...” (Isaiah 44:3 KJV). “…The seed is the WORD OF GOD …” (Mark 4:14-15 & Luke 8:11 KJV). “…The Holy Spirit  produces  ...(spiritual) fruit in [the lives of HIS people when the SEED is watered]….” (Galatians 5 NLT). 

“…God ...the … HOLY SPIRIT ... is the SOURCE of ...[LIVING WATER]…it is …God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of ...[HIS people]... The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s [working] power (to produce spiritual fruit) THROUGH each of [his people, when they water the “seed”] … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…the Father … he doeth the works...[of cultivating and producing spiritual fruit]…” (John 14:10 KJV).

As a NEW CREATION you must ask yourself: “...Do you want to be transformed?...” This may seem like a ridiculous question, until you or someone else starts LOOKING for spiritual fruit and can’t find any.“...Therefore if any man(woman) be in Christ, he(she) is a NEW CREATURE: old things are passed away; behold, ALL THINGS ARE BECOME (MADE) NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). You are CONFORMED by reconciliation and restoration to God’s Spirit.

 You are TRANSFORMED by renewing your mind through his POWERFUL WORD, which is also Spirit. “… God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son (HIS WORD) into our hearts...” (Galatians 4:6 NASB).  “…The sower (God) SOWETH THE WORD …The seed (Jesus) is the WORD OF GOD ….. THE WORD …was sown in THEIR HEARTS (the ground; earth)…” (Mark 4:14-15 & Luke 8:11 KJV).“…Be transformed….” (Romans 12:2 KJV). “…by the renewing of..[YOUR] mind….” (Romans 12:2 KJV).

Being a NEW CREATION means God has restored your soul to his Spirit and has SOWN the “spiritual SEED” into YOUR heart.

However, God’s people FREELY “choose” to water the spiritual seed (the SON) with spiritual water, (the Father) in order for it will GROW and PRODUCE spiritual fruit (the Holy Spirit) that empowers transformation. “...the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: ... THESE THREE ARE ONE...” (1 JOHN 5:7 KJV).

God KNOWS he has SOWN a GOOD SEED and he is CONFIDENT, if watered, it will NO DOUBT produce.

CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING BIBLE STORY: “…When the ground (which is symbolic for the human heart where the SPIRITUAL SEED is planted) soaks up the falling rain (which is symbolic for the LIVING WATER) and bears a good crop (the fruit of the Spirit, which displays God’s powerful WORKING SPIRIT) for the farmer, it has God’s blessing.   …” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT).

HOWEVER, “.... if a field (symbolic for the human heart) bear (produces) thorns and thistles [or a bad crop, instead], it is useless. The farmer will soon condemn that field and burn it…” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT).

The rain represents God, the Holy Spirit who is also called a “...spring of living water...” (Jeremiah 2:13 KJV). The bible says, “....I (God, the Holy Spirit) will pour my Spirit upon THY SEED...” (Isaiah 44:3 KJV).

God, the spring of LIVING of WATER, seen through the rain, falls upon the ground (or the human heart), where GOOD SEED (Jesus, the WORD) has been planted. “…The sower (God) SOWETH THE WORD … …” (Mark 4:14-15 & Luke 8:11 KJV). “……The seed (Jesus) is the WORD OF GOD …” (Mark 4:14-15 & Luke 8:11 KJV). “…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son (the GOOD seed) “INTO” ...[their].. HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB).“…THE WORD …was sown in THEIR HEARTS (the ground; earth)…” (Mark 4:14-15 & Luke 8:11 KJV).

In addition, Jesus had another name. “… His name is called The Word of God (the “good” seed)…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “ …[God’s people]... have this treasure  (this GOOD seed) “in” earthen vessels…” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV).

When properly WATERED by the LIVING WATER, Jesus, the good seed,will always produce a good crop (spiritual fruit). “...the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in [HIS people’s]... lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control…” (Galatians 5 NLT). “…The seed that fell on good soil ...  [will]... produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted... ” (Matthew 13: 18-23 NLT).

“…When the ground soaks up the falling rain and bears a good crop for the farmer, it has God’s blessing.  But if a field bears thorns and thistles, it is useless. The farmer will soon condemn that field and burn it…” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT).

The same rain fell upon the ground, which produced thorn and thistles. God is HOLY and righteous, but he is STILL an equal opportunity God. “... I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike...” (Matthew 5:44-45 NLT). “...[God, the Holy Spirit]... sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust... (Matthew 5:45 KJV).

It is God’s prerogative to demonstrate HIS MERCY to ANYONE  he chooses, even the UNJUST or the EVIL. God has the sovereign right to do what he wants.  “…If the Lord will...” (James 4:16 KJV). “... God said to Moses, “I will show mercy to anyone I choose, and I will show compassion to anyone I choose.” So it is God who decides to show mercy. We can neither choose it nor work for it...” (Romans 9:14-16 NLT).

Fortunate for the undeserving, “...HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY…” (Micah 7:18 KJV). “..come boldly unto the throne of GRACE ...[and] ... obtain mercy…”(Hebrews 4:16 KJV).

God is“... RICH IN MERCY…” (Ephesians 2:1-5 KJV). (Isaiah 63:9 NASB). “…Mercy triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB). “...[Thankfully]... it is God who decides to show mercy. We can neither choose it nor work for it...” (Romans 9:14-16 NLT).

The ground represents the human heart. The human heart can RECEIVE the rain, or reject it, or hardened to the point of becoming impenetrable. It is THAT kind of heart that will produce thorns and thistles. “…Today when you hear his voice, don’t harden your heartsas Israel did when they rebelled…” (Hebrews 3:15 NLT).

A hardened heart is SO compacted by sin and darkness it leaves NO ROOM for anything else to come in. “...  "Today," saying through David after so long a time just as has been said before, "TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE, DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS..."(Hebrews 4:7 NASB).

A person willfully and voluntarily CHOOSES to stubbornly keep the living water OUT, which will eventually dry up the heart until it hardens. “... the people replied, “…We will continue to live as WE WANT TO, stubbornly following our own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).

“…My people would not listen to me (they would not RECEIVE the living water). They KEPT DOING WHATEVER THEY WANTED, following the stubborn desires of their [OWN] evil hearts…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). “...But if a field bears thorns and thistles, it is useless…” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT).

When the RAIN falls, the hardened heart will not receive God, the LIVING water’s gracious love, refreshing, and care for them, through the rain.

Thus, they cannot and will not produce GOOD crops (spiritual fruit), but will, instead, become USELESS. “….Apart from [God, the LIVING water’s love, refreshment, and care]… [the just or the unjust will not and cannot]...do nothing (or produce spiritual fruit)…” (John 15:5 NIV). “…if a field bears thorns and thistles, it is useless. The farmer will soon condemn that field and burn it…” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT).

God GRACE is CLEARLY upon those who choose to receive and soak up his love, refreshment, and care.

Yet, those who have hardened their hearts, have cut themselves off from God’s Grace, through their own choices, and will no longer be USEFUL for God’s purposes.   “…it is useless. The farmer will soon condemn that field and burn it…” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT). "… You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men…” (Matthew 5:13 NASB).

“...If a man (woman) abide not in me, he (she) is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned....” (John 15:1-10 KJV).

A good crop (spiritual fruit) is the result of the ground or human heart that chooses to RECEIVE, ACCEPT, have FAITH, trust in or depend upon God, the LIVING water,to DO the TRANSFORMING work “IN” them (their hearts) and “THROUGH” them (their actions). “...There are many ways in which God works in [the lives of his people], but it is ....God (the LIVING water and powerful WORKING Spirit) who does the work in and through all of ...his...[people]… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “……the [HOLY] SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power (to cultivate and produce spiritual fruit) THROUGH each of [his people] … … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…It is God which worketh IN [his people] both to will and to do of hisgood pleasure…” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).  “…That great Shepherd of the sheep, equip [his people] with everything good for doing his will, and may he work “IN [them]” what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…the Father … doeth the works (of cultivating and producing spiritual fruit in and through HIS people)…” (John 14:10 KJV).

 “…When the ground soaks up the falling rain (it is trusting and depending upon the rain to cultivate it and enable it to produce) and [enable it to bear]...a good crop (become “spiritually” USEFUL) for the farmer, it (is the ground that soaks up the rain that) has God’s blessing (serves his purpose)…” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT).

“God [the LIVING water and powerful WORKING Spirit] … worketh in [his people]…” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “…the Father [the LIVING spiritual water] ...that dwelleth in… [the hearts of his people through the spiritual seed], he doeth the works (of cultivating (transforming) the NEW CREATION and producing spiritual fruit)…” (John 14:10 KJV). The apostle said:

“… I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law (without soaking up the LIVING water) could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ (the spiritual seed that gives or restores spiritual life and produces spiritual fruit) to die…” (Galatians 5:4 NLT).

“…God [the LIVING water] ...does the work IN AND THROUGH all of [THOSE] who are [truly] his [people]… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). "....The [spiritual seed watered by the spiritual LIVING water]...produces this kind of [spiritual]...fruit in [the].. lives.. [of God’s people] …” (Galatians 5 NLT) “…The Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE (first through reconciliation and second, by planting Jesus, the spiritual seed into his people’s hearts and third, by his people choosing to water the seed with the spiritual LIVING water)…” (John 3:6 NLT).  

“… His name (Jesus) is...called The Word of God (the “spiritual” seed)…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “…THE WORDS (the SEED) .... theyARE SPIRIT…”(John 6:63 KJV). Thus, “…The Lord (the Word, the spiritual seed) is that Spirit (too)…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV).“…Jesus Christ (the Word, the spiritual seed) is IN YOU (each of God’s people)…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV).

“… God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son (HIS WORD) into [the] hearts [of his people]...” (Galatians 4:6 NASB).  “…The sower (God) SOWETH THE WORD …The [spiritual]...seed (Jesus) is the WORD OF GOD ….. THE WORD …was sown in THEIR HEARTS (symbolic for ground or earth)…” (Mark 4:14-15 & Luke 8:11 KJV). “…Jesus Christ (the WORD, the spiritual seed) is IN YOU (within God’s people)…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV).

“… [God’s people] CAN DO all things (display God’s spiritual fruit, and do righteous works) THROUGH Christ which strengtheneth [them]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “….Apart from [the spiritual seed and being watered by the spiritual, LIVING water]… [God’s people cannot]... do nothing [they cannot produce spiritual fruit]…” (John 15:5 NIV).

“…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).  “… …The seed is the WORD OF GOD (and is also SPIRIT) …” (Mark 4:14-15 & Luke 8:11 KJV). “…THE WORDS (of God (the SEED)) .... theyARE SPIRIT…”(John 6:63 KJV). “....I (God, the Holy Spirit) will pour my Spirit upon THY SEED...” (Isaiah 44:3 KJV).

 

 

EXAMPLES OF PEOPLE WHO BELIEVED GOD WAS ABLE TO DO WHAT HE SAID HE WOULD DO

           THOSE WHO BELIEVED GOD WOULD DO WHAT HE SAID HE WOULD DO AND HE DIDN'T FAIL

                    EXAMPLES OF THOSE WHO BELIEVE GOD:

GOD WILL DO WHAT HE SAYS HE WILL DO. HE WON'T FAIL

“…HOW MUCH MORE DO I NEED TO SAY? It would take too long to recount THE STORIES OF FAITH of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets…” (Hebrews 11 NLT).

*

 

The first example of GOD'S POWER is creation. God demonstrates his absolute FAITH in the POWER of his OWN WORD and the WORKING POWER of his Holy Spirit, from creation. “…Then God SAID, “Let there be light”; AND THERE WAS LIGHT…” (Genesis 1:3 NASB).

“…Then God SAID (God commanded with faith in his OWN word and OWN work of his Holy Spirit), “Let there be light”(Jesus, the Word SPOKE his command); AND THERE WAS LIGHT (The Holy Spirit DID what was spoken and commanded)…” (Genesis 1:3 NASB).

God expresses, reveals, and communicates his faith in his OWN WORD and WORKS of his HOLY SPIRIT. “...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). God says, I “…am WATCHING over my word to PERFORM it…” (Jeremiah 1:12 NASB).

The FATHER’s WORD is POWER. Every motivation or empowerment                   BEHIND faith is the Father’s WORD and concludes with WORK of his powerful HOLY SPIRIT.

Let’s examine the story of the dry bones:“…The hand of the Lord was on me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the Lord and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry. He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” I said, “Sovereign Lord, you alone know.” Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord!This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord.’” So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, and the bones came together, bone to bone. I looked, and tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered them, but there was no breath in them. Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Come, breath, from the four winds and breathe into these slain, that they may live.’” So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet—a vast army. Then he said to me: “Son of man, these bones are the people of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.’ Therefore prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: My people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel. Then you, my people, will know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves and bring you up from them.  I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the Lord have spoken, and I have done it, declares the Lord...’” (Ezekiel 37 NIV).

God gave a COMMAND to Ezekiel. “…PROPHESY (SPEAK) to these bones and SAY to them, ‘Dry bones, HEAR “THE WORD” of the Lord! This is what the Sovereign Lord SAYS to these bones: I WILL make breath enter you, and YOU WILL come to life. I WILL attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I WILL put breath in you, and YOU WILL come to life…” (Ezekiel 37 NIV).

God COMMANDS with complete confidence and faith in his OWN WORD and the POWER of his OWN HOLY SPIRIT. God has NO DOUBT that what his WORD says will happen; WILL HAPPEN. “…So shall MY WORD be that goeth forth out of my mouth: … it SHALL ACCOMPLISH [through the powerful WORK of the Holy Spirit] that which I please…” (Isaiah 55:11 KJV).

God also KNOWS his own HOLY SPIRIT is the invisible PROOF that it “WILL” happen. “…Faith is the substance (confidence, assurance, certainty, guarantee) of things hoped for, the evidence (PROOF) of things not seen…”(Hebrew 11:1 KJV).

God’s WORD is ALWAYSbacked-up by the WORK of his POWERFUL Holy Spirit. “…So I (Ezekiel) prophesied as I was commanded. And as I was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, and the bones came together, bone to bone. I looked, and tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered them, but there was no breath in them. Then ….breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet—a vast army…” (Ezekiel 37 NIV).

God was absolutely confident that the dry bones would live, again, by his WORD and would be manifested through the WORK of his Holy Spirit which PROVED it. Biblical examples of the WORK of God’s HOLY SPIRIT PROVES that THE FATHER’S WORD IS POWER. “…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).  

The WORK of the indwelling Holy Spirit begins with HEARING the WORD of God. “…I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then YOU WILL “KNOW” that I the Lord have SPOKEN, AND I HAVE “DONE IT” declares the Lord...’” (Ezekiel 37 NIV).

You can witness THE FATHER’S WORD AS POWER through the WORK of the Holy Spirit which activate by those who have FAITH in the POWER of his WORD too. There are many examples of faith in Hebrews 11, such as, through Noah. “…It was BY FAITH that Noah ….” (Hebrews 11 NLT).

God commanded Noah to build an ark, and promised to save his whole family. “…It was BY FAITH that Noah BUILT A LARGE BOAT to save his family from the flood. He obeyed God, who warned him about things that had never happened before….” (Hebrews 11 NLT). “…Faith is the substance (certainty) of things hoped for…”(Hebrew 11:1 KJV).

The certainty of what was HOPED FOR came to pass: “…Only Noah was left, and those with him in the ark. The waters flooded the earth for a hundred and fifty days…” (Genesis 7:17-24 NIV).

You can witness THE FATHER’S WORD AS POWER through the WORK of the Holy Spirit in the example of faith in Hebrews 11 regarding Abraham.

Abraham offered up Isaac as a sacrifice after being promised all his descendants would come through him. “…It was BY FAITH that 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)

You can witness THE FATHER’S WORD AS POWER through the WORK of the Holy Spirit in the example of faith in Hebrews 11 regarding Sarah.

Sarah and her husband were promised a child in their nineties; way past childbearing years. It was BY FAITH that even SARAH WAS ABLE TO HAVE A CHILD, though she was barren and was too old. She believed that God would keep his promise. And so a whole nation came from this one man who was as good as dead—a nation with so many people that, like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore, there is no way to count them…”(Hebrews 11 NLT).

You can witness THE FATHER’S WORD AS POWER through the WORK of the Holy Spirit in the example of faith in Hebrews 11 regarding the children of Israel.

The children of Israel crossed the red sea and miraculously escaped from their enemies. “…It was BY FAITH that the people of Israel WENT RIGHT THROUGH THE RED SEA as though they were on dry ground. But when the Egyptians tried to follow, they were all drowned…” (Hebrews 11 NLT).

You can witness THE FATHER’S WORD AS POWER through the WORK of the Holy Spirit in the MANY other examples of faith in Hebrews 11. “…BY FAITH … people OVERTHREW kingdoms, RULED with justice, and RECEIVED what God had promised them. They SHUT THE MOUTHS of lions, QUENCHED THE FLAMES of fire, and ESCAPED DEATH by the edge of the sword. Their WEAKNESS was TURNED TO STRENGTH. They BECAME STRONG in battle and PUT whole ARMIES TO FLIGHT. WOMEN RECEIVED their LOVED ONES BACK again FROM DEATH….” (Hebrews 11:1-35 NLT).

“…Faith … worketh by love…” (Galatians 5:6 KJV). “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…God … [ is FULFILLING]… THE WORK OF FAITH WITH POWER…” (2 Thessalonians 1:11 KJV). “…This is the WORK of God: that ye believe on him ...” (John 6:29 KJV). “…the Father that dwelleth in [you]… he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

Why are these stories of faith written and recorded in the bible. “…Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our LEARNING, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures 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).

If you are a redeemed believer you are an example of the WORK of the Holy Spirit, which has the power to SAVE. Are you saved? “…BY GRACE have ye been saved through [the Spirit of] 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). It “…is THE POWER of God (the WORK of the Holy Spirit) unto SALVATION …” (Romans 1:16 KJV). 

How were you saved? “….The gospel of Christ (the WORD) …. is THE [invisible]… POWER of God (the invisible WORK of the HOLY SPIRIT) unto SALVATION TO EVERY ONE THAT BELIEVETH (accepts, chooses, receives, etc.)…” (Romans 1:16 KJV).  “… [The] Good News about Christ. It is the POWER OF GOD (the WORK of the Holy Spirit) at work, saving everyone who believes…” (Romans 1:16 NLT). “… THE WORK OF FAITH WITH POWER…” (2 Thessalonians 1:11 KJV). “…This is the WORK of God: that ye believe on him ...” (John 6:29 KJV). “…Faith … worketh by love…” (Galatians 5:6 KJV). “…the Father … he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

You have witnessed THE FATHER’S WORD AS POWER through the Holy Spirit’s WORK of salvation. At God’s command, Jesus SPEAKS the WORD, and the HOLY SPIRIT “DOES’ the WORK of SALVATION.

How were the dry bones saved from death? “…The Sovereign Lord [SAID through Ezekiel]… to [those dead]… bones: I WILL make breath enter you, and YOU WILL come to life. I WILL attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I WILL put breath in you, and YOU WILL come to life…” (Ezekiel 37 NIV).

“…Then [at God’s WORD] ….breath (SPIRIT) entered them; they came to life…” (Ezekiel 37 NIV).

Would you agree the dry bones were dead people? “…The hand of the Lord was on me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the Lord and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry…” (Ezekiel 37 NIV).

Were you dead before Jesus Christ saved you? Yes, you were spiritually dead. “…YOU… were DEAD in your transgressions and sins…” (Ephesians 2:1 NIV). “…YOU were DEAD in your sins…” (Colossians 2:13 NIV).  Like the prodigal son, “… [YOU were]…. DEAD … [and]…LOST…” (Luke 15:24 NIV). You were“…SEPARATED from the LIFE of God…” (Ephesians 4:18 NIV).

How did the dry bones come ALIVE again? “… [God’s]…breath (SPIRIT) entered them; they came to LIFE…” (Ezekiel 37 NIV).

How did the first man Adam come ALIVE? “….God formed man of the dust of the ground (BODY), and breathed into his nostrils the breath of LIFE (SPIRIT); and man became a living soul (SOUL)…” (Genesis 2:7 KJV).

How did you come ALIVE again? “…God MADE you ALIVE with Christ. He forgave [you]… all [your]… sins…” (Colossians 2:13 NIV). God “….MADE [you]… ALIVE with Christ … …” (Ephesians 2:5 NIV). Like the prodigal son, “… [YOU were MADE]…. ALIVE AGAIN…” (Luke 15:24 NIV). “…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son (the WORD) “INTO” OUR HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…The Holy Spirit gives “BIRTH” to SPIRITUAL LIFE…” (John 3:6 NLT). “…the Father that dwelleth in [you]… he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

How did the dry bones respond to the Father’s WORD?  “…They came to LIFE…” (Ezekiel 37 NIV). How did Adam respond to God’s WORD? “…Man became a LIVING soul (SOUL)…” (Genesis 2:7 KJV). How did you respond to God’s WORD? God “….MADE [you]… ALIVE with Christ … ”  (Ephesians 2:5 NIV). “…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son (the WORD) “INTO” OUR HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB).

What actually MADE the dry bones, Adam, and You ALIVE? “…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT, and they ARE LIFE…” (John 6:63 KJV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…It is the SPIRIT who gives LIFE…” (John 6:63 NASB). “…Jesus said… I am the LIFE…..” (John 11:25 KJV). “…God has sent forth the Spiritof His Son (the WORD) “INTO” OUR HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…The Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE…” (John 3:6 NLT). “…The Fatherthat dwelleth in [you]… he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

Ezekiel was uncertain rather the dry bones could live but, he wasn’t uncertain of the sovereignty of God’s Holy Spirit. “…I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV).  “…[Ezekiel]… said, “Sovereign Lord, you alone know…” (Ezekiel 37 NIV).

God’s WORD activated the WORK of the Holy Spirit in spite of Ezekiel's uncertainty? God’s WORD in Ezekiel’s mouth was the same as God’s WORD in his own mouth. “…So [Ezekiel]… prophesied as [he]… was commanded. And as [he]… was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, and the bones came together, bone to bone. [he]… looked, and tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered them, but there was no breath in them. Then ….breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet—a vast army…” (Ezekiel 37 NIV).

THE FATHER’S WORD IS POWER. God’s WORD WORKS. Ezekiel didn’t know, personally, if the dry bones could live. However, He KNEW God’s WORD WORKED: “…I will put my Spirit in [them]… and [they]…will live…Then you will know that “I” the Lord have SPOKEN, and “I” have DONE it, declares the Lord...’” (Ezekiel 37 NIV).

God gave a commanding WORD to Ezekiel and he SPOKE it. “…PROPHESY (speak) to these bones and SAY to them, ‘Dry bones, HEAR “THE WORD” of the Lord! This is what the Sovereign Lord SAYS to these bones: I WILL make breath enter you, and YOU WILL come to life. I WILL attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I WILL put breath in you, and YOU WILL come to life…” (Ezekiel 37 NIV).

“... [God]… asked [Ezekiel]… “Son of man, can these bones live?” [He]… said, “Sovereign Lord, you alone know…” (Ezekiel 37:3 NIV). The dead, dry bones “… came to LIFE…” (Ezekiel 37 NIV).

The question screams out to EVERY redeemed believer “…can these bones live?”…” (Ezekiel 37:3 NIV). Many face DEAD situations and circumstances in life and like Ezekiel you may answer “…Sovereign Lord, you alone know…” (Ezekiel 37:3 NIV).

Ezekiel didn’t really answer the question. His lack of a direct answer looked like doubt, but it wasn’t. Usually uncertainty and unbelief are similar, yet different. In Ezekiel’s case the uncertainty or doubt was IN himself NOT God. “…But if you have doubts about whether or not you should eat something [or answer something, or do something,]… you are sinning if you go ahead and do it…” (Romans 14:23 NLT).

When you are uncertain about a matter; it is better not to answer or act on that uncertainty “… For you are not following your convictions. If you do anything you believe is not right, you are sinning…” (Romans 14:23 NLT).

Doing something with uncertainty brings about condemnation because it didn’t come from FAITH. “…And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.…” (Romans 14:23 KJV).

Uncertainty can be about YOU and not necessarily about God. Uncertainty can also STEM from a man or woman’s turning their backs from depending upon God and returning to relying upon their OWN oscillating human ability, human will, human emotions, or human mind, human faith, or human effort. “….Don't put your confidence in … people (or self); there is no help for you there….” (Psalms 146: 3 NLT).

However, in the cases of uncertainty God is STILL merciful. “…And you must show MERCY to those whose faith is wavering….” (Jude 22 NLT). “…Mercy triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB).

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). “…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). Therefore, “…you must show MERCY to those whose faith is wavering….” (Jude 22 NLT). “…Mercy triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB).

God showed mercy to the centurion while he struggled with faith. Struggling with faith is NOT always a sign of doubt or uncertainty about God, but about YOU. The centurion expressed he needed Jesus’ help with believing. The Centurion said to Jesus (the WORD): “…I DO believe; HELP me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24 NIV). “…Have MERCY upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy TENDER MERCIES…” (Psalms 51:1-4 KJV).

God’s merciful kindness assures you, “…I will supply all your NEED…” (John 12:32 KJV). Jesus’ disciples took pleasure in their insufficiency. “I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10 KJV). In Hebrews 11 it says that BY FAITH “… [people]… OUT OF WEAKNESS WERE MADE STRONG….” (Hebrews 11:33-34 KJV).

God says. “…My grace is sufficient for you, for MY POWER IS MADE PERFECT IN WEAKNESS…”(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). That’s why Ezekiel said, “…Sovereign Lord, you alone know…” (Ezekiel 37:3 NIV).

After the Centurion asked Jesus to help him with his doubt and uncertainty; he was empowered to receive and EXPECT what he asked God for. “…Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour…” (Matthew 8:13 KJV).  “…[You]… can do all things THROUGH Christ (the WORD) which strengtheneth [you]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

God’s HOLY, loving nature is gloriously merciful toward Ezekiel. God does not condemn Ezekiel, or reprimand him, or judge him, or lose patience with him, or get angry in regard to his uncertainty or doubt. Ezekiel’s answer stemmed from being aware of his OWN limitations, but NOT God’s. “…Sovereign Lord, YOU ALONE KNOW…” (Ezekiel 37:3 NIV).

God in his merciful love told Ezekiel to do something. “…PROPHESY (speak) to these bones and SAY to them, ‘Dry bones, HEAR “THE WORD” of the Lord! …” (Ezekiel 37 NIV).

Why did God do that? “…FAITH COMETH BY HEARING, and HEARING BY THE WORD OF GOD…” (Romans 10:17 KJV). “…Now FAITH IS the substance (certainty) of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen…” (Hebrews 11:1 KJV).

I used the Ezekiel example to demonstrate HOW God addresses areas of doubt or uncertainty. “…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT, and they ARE LIFE…” (John 6:63 KJV).

Not only did the dry bones HEAR the words of the Lord, but so DID Ezekiel. “…FAITH COMETH BY HEARING, and HEARING BY THE WORD OF GOD…” (Romans 10:17 KJV).

The centurion also came to Jesus, the WORD. “…Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto hima centurion, beseeching him,And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.  The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but SPEAK THE WORD ONLY, and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man under AUTHORITY, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so GREAT FAITH, no, not in Israel…” (Matthew 8:5-9 KJV).

Though the centurion questioned his OWN faith Jesus didn’t. “…When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so GREAT FAITH” (Matthew 8:5-9 KJV). However, the centurion said, “…I believe; HELP thou mine unbelief!” (Mark 9:24 KJV). Later, “…Jesus said unto the centurion …as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee…” (Matthew 8:13 KJV).

In both examples of faith, Ezekiel and the centurion showed signs of doubt and uncertainty within themselves. Yet Ezekiel acknowledged God’s sovereignty and the centurion acknowledged his authority.

The situations seemed humanly impossible, yet Ezekiel and the centurion both KNEW “…the things which are impossible with men are POSSIBLE with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV).“…He replied, “What is impossible for people is POSSIBLE with God...” (Luke 18:27 NLT).

The centurion said, “…SPEAK THE WORD ONLY…” (Matthew 8 KJV). Ezekiel said, “…YOU ALONE KNOW…” (Ezekiel 37:3 NIV).

The centurion and Ezekiel recognized, acknowledged, and humbled themselves under the ALMIGHTY sovereignty and authority of God. “..Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord...” (James 4:10 KJV). “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God…”(1 Peter 5:6 KJV).

The Christian journey takes you through difficult places or into situations with impossible human solutions, or in the middle of a valley of very dry, DEAD bones (like the 2021 pandemic). God may ask you “…Can these bones live?”…” (Ezekiel 37:3 NIV).

In John chapter 11 Jesus shows up AFTER Lazarus is DEAD. After something or someone DIES there is sadness, pain, disappointment, hopelessness, and a looming sense of pending resignation.

When situations and circumstances appear dead, this is usually the time and place where many people “give up.” They may have even accused God of not working things out for GOOD the way HE claimed it would (Romans 8:28).

Martha, Lazarus’s sister, said, “… as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming … Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died… ” (John 11:20-22 KJV).

Martha had concluded Lazarus was long dead and it was TOO LATE for Jesus, the WORD, to do anything about it. She told him Jesus: “…Lord, by this time, he stinketh: for he hath been dead for four days …” (John 11:39 KJV).  “…the things which are impossible with men are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV).  

Jesus responded: “…..Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the gloryof God?” (John 11:40 KJV). “…Jesus said…I am the resurrection and I am the life…..” (John 11:25 KJV).

“…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT, and they ARE LIFE…” (John 6:63 KJV). LIFE. LIFE. LIFE.

God has“…dealt to every man the measure of faith...” (Romans 12:3 KJV).  “…For verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you…” (Matthew 17:20 KJV).  “…Believest thou this?” (John 8:51 KJV).

What did the POWERFUL WORD of God SAY to Mary and Martha? Jesus asked Mary and Martha, “…Jesus said…I am the resurrection and I am the life…..” (John 11:25 KJV). “…where have ye laid him?..’ (John 11:34 KJV).

What did the POWERFUL WORD activate the HOLY SPIRIT to do for the Mary and Martha?   “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).

What did the POWERFUL WORD activate the HOLY SPIRIT to do for the centurion? “… And Jesus said to the centurion, “Go; it shall be done for you as you have believed.” And the servant WAS HEALED that verymoment…” (Matthew 8:13 NLT).

What did the POWERFUL WORD activate the HOLY SPIRIT to do for Ezekiel? “…So [Ezekiel]… prophesied as [he]… was commanded. And as [he]… was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, and THE BONES CAME TOGETHER, bone to bone. [he]… looked, and tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered them, but there was no breath in them. Then ….BREATH ENTERED THEM; they came to LIFE and STOOD UP on their feet—a vast army…” (Ezekiel 37 NIV).

What did the POWERFUL WORD activate the HOLY SPIRIT to do for YOU? “…God MADE you ALIVE with Christ. He forgave [you]… all [your]… sins…” (Colossians 2:13 NIV). “…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son (the WORD) “INTO” OUR HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB).

In these examples of the WORK of the Holy Spirit, the bottom line is: THE FATHER’S WORD ACTIVATES IS POWER!!  GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT, IS ABLE TO DO WHAT HE PROMISES, IN HIS WORD, TO DO AND HE WON'T FAIL!!

 

THE WORD OF GOD IS "POWER"

THE WORD OF GOD IS POWER

“… [The] Good News about Christ (the gospel message, the WORD alone)… It is the power (sign and wonder) of God at work (miraculously), saving everyone who believes…” (Romans 1:16 NLT).

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God emphasizes HIS “POWER” to SAVE is “IN” his WORD. The WORD is the ACTUAL POWER OF GOD THAT CAN SAVE you! “… [THE WORD] It is the power of God at work (miraculously), saving everyone who believes (depends)…” (Romans 1:16 NLT).

God generously DISPLAYS his POWER“IN” and “THROUGH” his people by the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT.

These ACTS of God’s POWER are displayed as CONFIRMATION that God’s WORD still brings “ALL THINGS” into existence.

SALVATION, for instance, is an ACT of God’s POWER and it is meant to strengthen one’s FAITH or dependency upon God’s WORD. “… Believe me (depend upon me, the WORD) that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me (depend upon me) for the very works' sake…” (John 14:11 KJV).

God’s people have experienced and witnessed God’s POWER, throughout biblical history. God has NOT changed. “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  “Jesus Christ is the sameyesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV).

God’s power is clearly seen by the things he makes, creates, or brings into existence.

God’s POWER is able to CREATE, SAVE, DELIVER, COMFORT, GUIDE, EMPOWER PURPOSE, HEAL, ENDOW WITH PEACE, LOVE, KEEP COMPANY WITH YOU, PROVIDE JOY, PROVIDE, ETC. ETC.

For EXAMPLE, all of Creation was the result of his POWER (Genesis 1 & 2). The flood (the first one ever) was done by his hand (Genesis 7 & 8). During the tower of Babel, it was God who confused the languages (Genesis 11). Sodom and Gomorrah was destroyed by the rain of fire and brimstone from heaven (Genesis 19). Lot’s wife was turned into a pillar of salt Genesis 19). Sarah and Abraham conceived Isaac in their old age (Genesis 21).

God spoke to Moses through a burning bush and the bush was NEVER actually consumed by the fire (Exodus 3). God changed Aaron’s rod into a serpent (Exodus 7). God miraculously sent 10 plagues upon Egypt until they let HIS people go (Exodus 7-14). God parted the Red Sea so HIS people could cross over to the other side (Exodus 14).

After travelling for days God’s people were thirsty and came to a body of water called Marah and found the water to be bitter. They cried out to God and God turned the water sweet, so they could drink it (Exodus 15).

God’s people also got hungry as they travelled through the wilderness. God sent them manna from heaven for days and days to provide for their nourishment (Exodus 16).

Balaam was sent to curse God’s people, but his donkey was stopped by angels sent by God. Balaam beat the donkey in order to make him continue the journey, but God made the donkey speak to Balaam and explain why he couldn’t continue (Exodus 22).

God gave Joshua instructions on how to win the battle with Jericho and he WON (Joshua 6).

The Amorites had attacked the Israelite’s allies and God allowed them to avenge them and win the battle by stopping the SUN from going down for a WHOLE day (Joshua 10).

God also sent LARGE stones from heaven to help them in the battle (Joshua 10).

God gave Samson extraordinary human strength. He slayed a lion with his bare hands and defeated an entire army with the jawbone of an ass (Judges 13-16).

A widow woman was low on flour and oil, and was preparing, for her and her son, to die from hunger. But God had mercy on her by causing the flour and the oil to increase continually and she was able to feed Elijah and her household until the dry season stopped (1 Kings 17:8-16).

At the prayers of Elijah, God bought a drought upon the land and then at his prayers the rain miraculously returned, even though initially there was NOT a single cloud in the sky (1 Kings 18).

God delivered three Hebrew boys from a fiery furnace without a scorch, burn, or the smell of smoke on any of them (Daniel 3).

God delivered Daniel from the mouths of lions when he was thrown into the den with a whole bunch of them (Daniel 6).

God delivered Jonah from the belly of a whale and returned him safety to land (Jonah 2).

Jesus was miraculously and specially created to be an atoning sacrifice for the sins of the people. He was born of a virgin, and conceived by the Holy Spirit (John 1 & Luke 1).

Jesus healed blind people, deaf people, a woman with a spirit of infirmity, lepers, and many others (Matthew 9:27-31; John 9:1-7; Mark 7:31-37; Luke 13:11-17, 19:11-19).

Jesus turned water to wine (John 2:1-11). Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11:38-44). Jesus blessed the fishermen with supernatural increase (John 21:1-14) Jesus fed thousands, twice, with a few loaves of bread and some fish (Matthew 14:32, 15:32 & Mark 6:30, 8:1; Luke 9:10, & John 6:1-14).

Jesus delivered people from demons (Matthew 8:28; Mark 1:23, 5:1; & Luke 4:33, 8:26). Jesus STILLED the storm (Matthew 8:23 & Mark 4:37, & Luke 8:22). Jesus walked on water (Matthew 14:25; Mark 6:48, & John 6:15). Jesus ROSE from the dead (John 21:1-14).

All these ACTS of GOD’s reveal ALL the things God’s GREAT POWER is ABLE to DO or PERFORM.

God is ALL-POWERFUL and ALL POWER belongs to HIM. “…powerbelongs to God…” (Psalms 62:11 NASB).

God’s POWER allows HIM to do IMPOSSIBLE things. “…The things which are impossible with men are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV).

God’s POWER confirms NOTHING is TOO HARD for HIM. “…I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). Is your DELIVERANCE impossible

God’s POWER confirms God is ABLE to do as he PLEASES and NO ONE can STOP him. “…he does whatever pleases him…” (Psalms 115:3 NIV).  AND “…All the PEOPLES of the earth are regarded as nothing…. [El Shaddai] … 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).

God’s POWER confirms he is MORE than CAPABLE of DOING whatever HIS WORD says HE WILL DO! “…[I AM]…Persuaded ... what he (God)…promised (through his WORD)….he [is]…able to perform….” (Roman  4:21 KJV).

God’s POWER IS AN INHERENT PART OF THE WORD of GOD. “… [THE WORD] It is the power of God at work (miraculously), saving everyone who believes (depends)…” (Romans 1:16 NLT). “….TO [THOSE]…WHO ARE SAVED, [THE WORD] IS THE POWER OF GOD….” (1 Corinthians 1:18 KJV). “…UNTO THEM, WHICH ARE CALLED…[THE WORD IS]…THE POWER OF GOD…” (1 Corinthians 1:24 KJV).

IT is the POWER,  inherent, in God’s WORD that BOUGHT everything into EXISTENCE. “…All things came into being through Him (the POWER inherent in his WORD), and apart from Him (the POWER inherent in his WORD) nothing came into being that has come into being … (John 1:1-4 NASB).

The POWER inherent in God’s Word strengthens his TRUSTWORTHINESS and dependability among his people. “…This beginning of miracles (demonstrating and confirming the POWER inherent in HIS WORD)did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifestedforth his glory; and his disciples believed on him (depended upon him)…” (JOHN 2:10-12 KJV).

Not only can God’s people TRUST and DEPEND upon him to DO what he SAYS he will DO, but they can be ASSURED of God’s trustworthiness “TO” do it! “…All your commands are TRUSTWORTHY…” (PSALM 119:86 NLT). “… “Everything you have heard … is TRUSTWORTHYand true…” (REVELATION 22:6 NLT).. “…the Scripture says, "WHOEVER [depends upon or trusts in] HIM (Jesus, the Word) WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED…" (ROMANS 10:11 NASB).

God’s people can RELY upon his POWER to HELP them through difficult situations and circumstances of life. “…The Lord helps them, rescuing them from the wicked. He saves them, and they find shelter in him…” (Psalms 37:40 NLT). “…Blessed are those who wait for his help…” (Isaiah 30:18 NLT). “…The Lord who made you and helps yousays: Do not be afraid …my servant …my chosen one…” (Isaiah 44:2 NLT). “… The Sovereign Lord helpsme…” (Isaiah 50:7 NLT).  “… The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT). “…You are my helper and my savior…” (Psalms 40:17 NLT).

God USES his POWER to HELP his people so they will “KNOW” him. “….Then you will know that I am the Lordyour God…’” (Exodus 16:12 NLT).

Depending UPON the POWER of God to work “IN” and “THROUGH” you by the indwelling Holy Spirit is essential in building a STRONG foundation of TRUST in the covenant relationship with God. “…You can ask for anything in my name (the word of god), and I “will” do it...” (John 14:12-14 NLT). “…You can ask for anything in my name (jesus, the word of god)...” (John 14:12-14 NLT). “….You may ask for anything you want…” (JOHN 15:7 NASB). “…Ask and it will be given to you…” (Matthew 7:7 NIV). “…everyone who asks receives…” (Matthew 7:8 NIV).  “…God … is able, through his mighty power … to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think …” (Ephesians 3:20-21 NLT).

YOU CAN TRUST GOD, YOUR COVENANT PARTNER AND CAREGIVER!!

GOD CONFIRMS THE POWER INHERENT IN HIS WORD IN ORDER TO BUILD THE TRUST BETWEEN YOU AND HIM.

HE WANTS YOU TO KNOW HE IS THE LORD, YOUR GOD. YOUR TRUSTING AND DEPENDABLE GOD!

God wants his people to SEE him as their GREAT, MIGHTY, and POWERFL God and personal CAREGIVER. . “….Then you will know that I am the Lord your God…’” (Exodus 16:12 NLT). “… I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob as El-Shaddai—‘God Almighty’—but I did not reveal my name, Yahweh, to them…” (Exodus 6:3 NLT).

Every biblical STORY recorded about God’s POWER is to ENCOURAGE his people to TRUST and DEPEND upon his GREAT and MIGHTY ability to LOVE them, CARE for them and provide for their EVERY need. “…For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning…” (Romans 15:4 KJV).  “…the things which are impossible with men … 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). “…Trust in the Lord with all thine heart…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).  “…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).

Remembering, studying, and being AWARE of the GREAT things God’s has DONE can encourage TRUST and DEPENDENCY upon God’s POWER.  “…The things which are impossible with men … [are]… POSSIBLE [with God] …” (Luke 18:27 KJV). “…[god will] doeth the [CONFIRMING] works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

There are so MANY human weaknesses. There are so MANY human limitations. There are so MANY situations and circumstances that are out of human control. “…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). “…that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things…” (2 Corinthians 8:9 KJV). “…He willkeep you strong to the end…” (1 Corinthians 1:8 NLT).

Human ability, ALONE, is “NOT” sufficient to sustain all the troubles one faces in LIFE. “…When I am weak, then am I strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10 KJV). “…[God’s] strength is made perfect in weakness...” (2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV). “…I can do ALL THINGS through Christ which strengtheneth me…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

 “…When [you are]…weak, then [are you]…strong …[God’s]… power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NIV).  

WE NEED HIS HELP AND HE READILYHELPS!!! “…He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). “…The Lord helps them, rescuing them from the wicked. He saves them, and they find shelter in him…” (Psalms 37:40 NLT). “…Blessed are those who wait for his help…” (Isaiah 30:18 NLT). “…The Lord who made you and helps you says: Do not be afraid …my servant …my chosen one…” (Isaiah 44:2 NLT). “… The Sovereign Lord helps me…” (Isaiah 50:7 NLT).  “… The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT). “…You are my helper and my savior…” (Psalms 40:17 NLT). “..Therefore come boldly unto the throne of GRACE, that [you]… may obtain mercy, and find GRACE to help in time of need…”(Hebrews 4:16 KJV). “….Then you will know that I am the Lord your God…’” (Exodus 16:12 NLT).

When God HELPS he HELPS through the POWER of his Holy Spirit. “…..This is the WORD of the LORD, [spoken through, the mouthpiece,] Zerubabel, saying, Not by [human] might, nor by [human] power, but by my (GOD’S) Spirit…” (Zechariah 4:6 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).

No matter how weak YOU are; the WORD of GOD is NOT WEAK, but can be DEPENDED upon for its inherent POWER to ACCOMPLISH far more than YOU can ASK or THINK. “…all GLORY to God, who is able, through his mighty power… to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think …” (Ephesians 3:20-21 NLT).

The WORD of GOD has the inherent POWER to WORK “ALL THINGS” together for GOOD when you LOVE him and have been CALLED according to his purpose. You have been “… called out of darkness into his marvellous light” (1 Peter 2:9 KJV). “…I chose YOU....” (John 15:16 ASV). “…All things work together for GOOD (God’s kind of good) to them that LOVE GOD, to them who are THE CALLED to his purpose” (Romans 8:28 KJV). “… [The evil one] … meant evil against … [you] … but … [God, the Holy Spirit] … meant it for good…”  (GENESIS 50:15:21).

“… [Thus,]… this is the confidence that we have in him (Jesus, the WORD), that, if we ask any thing according to his will (his word), he heareth us…” (1 John 5:14 KJV). “… [We] … Receive from him anything we ask, because we keephis commands (follow his instructions) and do what pleases him…” (1 John 3:22 NIV). “…If we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him…” (1 John 5:15 NIV).

God is ALL-POWERFUL and ALL POWER belongs to HIM. “…powerbelongs to God…” (Psalms 62:11 NASB).

God’s POWER allows God to do IMPOSSIBLE things. “…The things which are impossible with men are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV).

God’s POWER means NOTHING is TOO HARD for HIM. “…I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). Is your DELIVERANCE impossible?

God’s POWER CONFIRMs God is ABLE to do as he PLEASES with people, situations, circumstances, and any other  ISSUE his PEOPLE may FACE. “…[ALL] powerbelongs to God…” (Psalms 62:11 NASB).  “…he does whatever pleases him…” (Psalms 115:3 NIV).  AND “… All the PEOPLES of the earth are regarded as nothing…. [The ALL POWERFUL 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).

God’s POWER CONFIRMS he is MORE than CAPABLE of HANDLING whatever HIS WORD SAYS he WILL HANDLE! “…[god’s power persuades his people that]... what he…promised (IN HIS WORD)….he [is]…able to perform….” (Roman  4:21 KJV).

God says, I “…am WATCHING over my word to PERFORM it…” (Jeremiah 1:12 NASB “…So shall MY WORD bethat 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).

BECAUSE: “…[ALL] powerbelongs to God…” (Psalms 62:11 NASB).

 

EVERY DAY GOD IS FOR HIS PEOPLE! GOD "NEVER" CHANGES!

THE LORD’S PRAYER 2021

“…GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD…”

“…after this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen…” (MATTHEW 6:9-13 KJV).    

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Jesus said, in his prayer, “…GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD…” which means he acknowledged God, the Holy Spirit, as the SOURCE of daily, spiritual nourishment for HIMSELF and his DISCIPLES. Jesus did say, “…OUR…” Jesus was also straight forward in ASKING God, the Holy Spirit for his daily bread. He said, “…GIVE US…” In addition, he ASKED, specifically, for, “…BREAD…”

Jesus KNEW who he was when he prayed this prayer. “… I am the bread of life…” (Luke 6:48 NASB). “… [AND HE IS] … The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). This is important, to know, when praying, that the DAILY BREAD is Jesus, who is ALSO the WORD of God!

God’s people are familiar with JESUS and his NAME. jesus’ name means: “savior” “anointed one” "Emmanuel: god is with us" “the lord of salvation” and “The Word of God…” Further, Jesus ALSO called himself, THE BREAD OF HEAVEN.

“…I’m telling you the most solemn and sober truth now: Whoever believes in me has real life, eternal life. I am the Bread of Life. Your ancestors ate the manna bread in the desert and died. But now here is Bread that truly comes down out of heaven. Anyone eating this Bread will not die, ever. I am the Bread—living Bread!—who came down out of heaven. Anyone who eats this Bread will live—and forever! The Bread that I present to the world so that it can eat and live is myself, this flesh-and-blood  (the atoning sacrifice) self.” At this, the Jews started fighting among themselves: “How can this man serve up his flesh for a meal?” But Jesus didn’t give an inch. “Only insofar as you eat and drink flesh and blood (accept Jesus as the atoning sacrifice or the one who died for your sins), the flesh and blood of the Son of Man, do you have life within you. The one who brings a hearty appetite to this eating and drinking has eternal life and will be fit and ready for the Final Day. My flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. By eating my flesh and drinking my blood you enter into me and I into you. In the same way that the fully alive Father sent me here and I live because of him, so the one who makes a meal of me lives because of me. This is the Bread from heaven. Your ancestors ate bread and later died. Whoever eats this Bread will live always…” (John 6:48-58 MSG).

Jesus, God’s LIVING Word was the “…BREAD of HEAVEN…”, which meant this was a spiritual type of nourishment that was NECESSARY for the survival of the redeemed soul or New Creation in Christ Jesus. “…This is the Bread from heaven…” (John 6:48-58 MSG). “… I am the bread of life…” (Luke 6:48 NASB).

God, the Holy Spirit, is the SOURCE of this spiritual nourishment and we are to ASK for it EVERY "SINGLE" DAY when we PRAY to HIM. “… [God, the Holy Spirit] … will supply all [the need of his children]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). . “[God, the] …Holy Spirit …is the SOURCE [of it ALL]…” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

“…Your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things…” (Matthew 6 KJV). “…God will supply all [your need]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “…Trust in the Lord with all thine heart…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “…[I am] … the one who provides …” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV).

“…You (his redeemed children) can ask for anything “in my name” (in his “word”), and I will do it...” (John 14:12-14 NLT).

The “…BREAD of HEAVEN…” is used as a figure of speech that means spiritual nourishment from God, the Holy Spirit. God’s people are to ASK, by faith, for this spiritual nourishment, that comes from God, the Holy Spirit, and God alone, day by day. “….Then you will know that I am the Lordyour God…’” (Exodus 16:12 NLT).

God’s people, PARTAKE, in this spiritual nourishment by faith in the PROVIDER who SUPPLIES, all and whatever they need, faithfully, every single day of their lives. “…GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD…”“….Then you will know that I am the Lordyour God…’” (Exodus 16:12 NLT).

During a TEST of faith, God is NOT simply wanting his people to TRUST and DEPEND upon what he CAN “DO” for them, but he wants them to TRUST and DEPEND on HIM as a LOVING GOD who LOVES THEM. “…For God so loved the world, that HE GAVE…” (John 3:16). “…Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and SENT…” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “… All who declare that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God.  We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them…” (1 John 4:16 NLT).

If God people are to get to KNOW HIM as a LOVING God who LOVES each of them, personally, it will come through a loss of personal self-autonomy. THEIR faith is “not” TESTED simply to EXAMINE whether they will believe in what he can DO for them, but to EXAMINE what they believe about WHY or WHAT motivates God, the Holy Spirit, to DO IT! God’s people are NOT merely putting their TRUST in what God can DO for them, but, first and foremost, in his HOLY LOVE for them. “…We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love…” (1 John 4:16 NLT).

“… [God] knoweth the way that I take; when he hath tried me (tried my FAITH in his HOLY LOVE), I shall come forth as gold…” (Job 23:10 KJV). “…All who declare that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God. We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world.  Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. We love each other because he loved us first…” (1 John 4:15-19 NLT).

God’s people left their OLD LIFE and became NEW CREATIONS in Christ. They are NOW on a Christian journey that leads them to eternal life. The Israelites were on a similar journey when they Left Egypt and journeyed to the PROMISED LAND. While in the wilderness they FACED many DANGEROUS and HARSH situations and circumstances. They murmured and complained to Moses and Aaron. “…The whole community of Israel complained about Moses and Aaron. “If only the Lord had killed us back in Egypt,” they moaned. “There we sat around pots filled with meat and ate all the bread we wanted. But now you have brought us into this wilderness to starve us all to death…” (Exodus 16:2-3 NLT).

The LOVING God, who LOVED them didn’t hold that against them, but FOUND ways to PROVIDE for them. One of those provisions was MANNA or what they called “…BREAD from HEAVEN…” “…the Lord … has heard your complaints, which are against him, not against us. What have we done that you should complain about us?” Then Moses added, “The Lordwill give you meat to eat in the evening and bread to satisfy you in the morning, for he has heard all your complaints against him. What have we done? Yes, your complaints are against the Lord, not against us…” (Nehemiah 9:9-12 NLT).

As you can see, God responded, to his complaining people, with patient love. “… I have heard the Israelites’ complaints. Now tell them, ‘In the evening you will have meat to eat, and in the morning you will have all the bread you want. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God…’” (Exodus 16:12 NLT).

WHY DID GOD RESPOND THE WAY HE DID? God is love and love is patient and kind. “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…Love is patient, loveis kind… It is not easily angered, It keeps no record of wrongs …Love never fails…” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV). …” (Psalms 117:2 KJV). “… The Lord is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness…” (Psalms 145:17 NLT).

“…That evening vast numbers of quail flew in and covered the camp. And the next morning the area around the camp was wet with dew. When the dew evaporated, a flaky substance as fine as frost blanketed the ground.  The Israelites were puzzled when they saw it. “What is it?” they asked each other. They had no idea what it was…it is the food the Lord has given you to eat…” (Exodus 16:13-16 NLT).

The LOVING God, who LOVED his people PROVIDED for them and HELPED them. “…The Lord helps them, rescuing them from the wicked. He saves them, and they find shelter in him…” (Psalms 37:40 NLT). “…Blessed are those who wait for his help…” (Isaiah 30:18 NLT). “…The Lord who made you and helps you says: Do not be afraid …my servant …my chosen one…” (Isaiah 44:2 NLT). “… The Sovereign Lord helps me…” (Isaiah 50:7 NLT).  “… The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT). “…You are my helper and my savior…” (Psalms 40:17 NLT). “….Then you will know that I am the Lordyour God…’” (Exodus 16:12 NLT).

This “…BREAD from HEAVEN…” was literally bread they could eat every day. God, the Holy Spirit, SENT the BREAD, to them, and it would miraculously appear each morning, for forty years, during their STAY in the wilderness. “…The Israelites called the food manna. It was white like coriander seed, and it tasted like honey wafers… everyone had just enough. Those who gathered a lot had nothing left over, and those who gathered only a little had enough. Each family had just what it needed…So the people of Israel ate manna for forty years until they arrived at the land where they would settle. They ate manna until they came to the border of the land of Canaan.” (Exodus 16:16-18, 31, 35 NLT). “…the Lord brought us forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with great terribleness, and with signs, and with wonders…”(Deuteronomy 26:8 KJV).

If you READ this story and ALL you SEE it what God, the Holy Spirit, DID for his people, then you MISSED the most important lesson. “… the Lord loved you and kept the oath which He swore to your forefathers…” (Deuteronomy 7:8 NASB). “… Blessed be the Lord your God who delighted in you to set you on the throne of Israel; because the Lord loved Israel forever…” (1 Kings 10:9 NASB). “… Because the Lord loves His people …” (2 Chronicles 2:11 NASB). “ … your God loved Israel establishing them forever …”(2 Chronicles 9:8 NASB).

 “… I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness…” (Jeremiah 31:3 NASB). “… Even as the Lord loves the sons of Israel, though they turn to other gods…” (Hosea 3:1 NASB). “ … I led them … with bonds of love, And I became to them as one who lifts the yoke from their jaws; And I bent down and fed them…” (Hosea 11:4 NASB). He has “….loved [you]...with an EVERLASTING love….” (Jeremiah 31:3 KJV). A “…Love … [that] … never FAILS….” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV).  “…We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love…” (1 John 4:16 NLT).

When God’s people are going through CHALLENGING TIMES they are only INTERESTED in or only FOCUSED on what God, the Holy Spirit, can DO for them. Most of the time anxiety, stress, worry, fear, and other negative reactions are still present in his redeemed people, because they are “not” INTERESTED in or FOCUSED on WHY God, the Holy Spirit, will DO for them what HE PROMISES!

FAITHFULLY, the LOVING GOD provided for the people, in the wilderness, he loved them just like he PROMISED he WOULD day after day. He gave them instructions too. God told the Israelites what to do every day in order to benefit from his provisions. “…These are the Lord’s instructions:Each household should gather as much as it needs. Pick up two quarts for each person in your tent.” So the people of Israel did as they were told. Some gathered a lot, some only a little. But when they measured it out, everyone had just enough. Those who gathered a lot had nothing left over, and those who gathered only a little had enough. Each family had just what it needed. Then Moses told them, “Do not keep any of it until morning.” But some of them didn’t listen and kept some of it until morning. But by then it was full of maggots and had a terrible smell …On the sixth day, they gathered twice as much as usual—four quarts for each person instead of two. Then all the leaders of the community came and asked Moses for an explanation.  He told them, “This is what the Lordcommanded: Tomorrow will be a day of complete rest, a holy Sabbath day set apart for the Lord. So bake or boil as much as you want today, and set aside what is left for tomorrow.” So they put some aside until morning, just as Moses had commanded. And in the morning the leftover food was wholesome and good, without maggots or odor. Moses said, “Eat this food today, for today is a Sabbath day dedicated to the Lord. There will be no food on the ground today. You may gather the food for six days, but the seventh day is the Sabbath. There will be no food on the ground that day.” …” (Exodus 16: 16-30 NLT).

Of course, like in the 21st century, there were THOSE who didn’t follow his instructions? “…Then Moses told them, “Do not keep any of it until morning.” But some of them didn’t listen and kept some of it until morning. But by then it was full of maggots and had a terrible smell … Some of the people went out anyway on the seventh day, but they found no food. …” (Exodus 16: 16-30 NLT).

However, THOSE who choose to follow his instructions experienced, for themselves, the KIND of PROVIDER God, the Holy Spirit, truly was. “.. the people of Israel ate manna for forty years until they arrived at the land where they would settle. They ate manna until they came to the border of the land of Canaan.” (Exodus 16:16-18, 31 NLT).

God PROVIDED for them, faithfully, EVERYDAY for 40 years. “… the people gathered the food morning by morning, each family according to its need...” (Exodus 16:21 NLT). “…God is the one who provides …” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV).  “….Then you will know that I am the Lord your God…’” (Exodus 16:12 NLT). “…the one who provides …” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV).

When God’s people pray, “…GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD…” like Jesus say to do, we are asking God, the Holy Spirit, for the spiritual nourishment we will need for “…THIS DAY…”

“…These are the Lord’s instructions: Each household should gather as much as it needs …Those who gathered a lot had nothing left over, and those who gathered only a little had enough. Each family had just what it needed. Then Moses told them, “Do not keep any of it until morning.” But some of them didn’t listen and kept some of it until morning. But by then it was full of maggots and had a terrible smell …” (Exodus 16: 16-30 NLT).

God WILL supply the spiritual NEED for his people day by day. They can depend upon it. “…God is the one who provides …” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV). “… God will supply all [your need]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “…. The Lordis my shepherd; I shall not want. ….” (PSALM 23:1-3 NLT).

LIVING by faith in NOT “only” about what God, the Holy Spirit, can DO for you, but it is MAINLY about his HOLY LOVE for you, which is the reason WHY he will DO it. This truth makes a BIG difference. “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…God is [REAL]… LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV).

The REDEEMED experience “REAL” love WHEN they become RECONCILED AND RESTORED to God, the Holy Spirit, THROUGH Jesus, the indwelling Holy Spirit that is POURED into the hearts of God’s people. “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…God is [REAL]… LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…God’s …[REAL] … lovehas been poured out INto …[your]… hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us…” (Romans 5:5 NIV).  

REAL LOVE (God, the Holy Spirit) is mankind’s FIRST LOVE because he loved them WAY BEFORE they ever loved him back. “…Herein is ...[REAL]…love, not that we loved God, but that HE [first] LOVED US...” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “We love, because [REAL LOVE]… “FIRST” LOVED US…” (1 John 4:19 ASV). “….God SHOWED HIS GREAT [and real] LOVE FOR US by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners…” (Romans 5:7-9 NLT). “… [Nothing]…will be able to separate us from the [real] love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord…” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). He has “….loved [you]...with an everlasting  … [real] love….” (Jeremiah 31:3 KJV). “…God is … [real] love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…There is no greater  … [real] LOVE …” (John 15:13 NLT).

Therefore, “…This is REAL LOVE…” (1 John 4:10 NLT). “…This is REAL LOVE—NOT that we loved God…” (1 John 4:10 NLT). “…THIS IS LOVE: NOTthat we loved God, but that he… [really]… loved us …”(1 John 4:10 NIV). “…THIS IS LOVE: NOTthat we loved God, butthat he …[really] … loved us and sent his Sonas an atoning sacrifice for our sins…”(1 John 4:10 NIV).

“… I have loved you with an everlasting love;Therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness…” (Jeremiah 31:3 NASB). “…A “…Love … [that] … never FAILS….” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV).  “…We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love…” (1 John 4:16 NLT).

 “…May the Lord DIRECT [your]… hearts TO the love of God ...” 2 Thessalonians 3:5 NASB).

First, Jesus PRAYED and started with this: “….Our Father, which art in HEAVEN…” Jesus KNEW who God, the Holy Spirit, was, to him, by DIVINE CONNECTION (he called him Father). “… “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV).

Second, he also KNEW, exactly, where to FIND his Father, at ALL TIMES, in order to SPEAK with HIM (in the heavenly REALM that dwelled within). “…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).

Third, Jesus said, in his prayer, “…HALLOWED BY THINE NAME…” which showed the respect and reverence he had for God, the Holy Spirit’s HOLINESS and his POWER. “… Glory in His “holy” name …” (1 Chronicles 16:10 NASB).  “…I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence …” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV). “…THY NAME is GREAT in might…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).

Fourth, Jesus emphasized and acknowledge, in his prayer, that God’s KINGDOM had come. “…THY KINGDOM COME…” Jesus’ arrival, upon earth, was a MESSAGE that God’s KINGDOM had come, arrived, or was now PRESENT. The THINGS and EVENTS that HAPPENED, while Jesus was upon earth PROVED God’s KINGDOM had COME and was starting to MOVE forward to the KING of kings FULL REIGN.

Fifth, Jesus said, in his prayer, “…GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD…” which means he acknowledged God, the Holy Spirit, as the SOURCE of daily, spiritual nourishment for HIMSELF and his DISCIPLES. Jesus did say, “…OUR…” Jesus was also straight forward in ASKING God, the Holy Spirit for his daily bread. He said, “…GIVE US…” In addition, he ASKED, specifically, for, “…BREAD…”

Jesus KNEW who he was when he prayed this prayer. “… I am the bread of life…” (Luke 6:48 NASB). “… [AND HE IS]… The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). This is important, to know, when praying, that the DAILY BREAD is Jesus, who is ALSO the WORD of God!

"....IF GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT, IS FOR YOU, THEN GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT IS "MORE" THAN THE WHOLE WORLD AGAINST YOU...." (ROMANS 8:31).

  

 

WAI...

                                                    
WAITING IS MERELY A GOD ORDAINED DELAY SET FOR GOD'S TIMING AND ACCORDING TO HIS PLAN

“…When he heard, therefore that he (Lazarus) was SICK, he abode two …[more]…daysin the same place where he was…” (John 11:6 KJV).

*

 WAITING or DELAY can turn seconds into minutes; minutes into hours; hours into days; days into weeks; weeks into months; and months into years. WAITING or DELAY is the BIGGEST killer of HOPE. “…When he heard, therefore that he (Lazarus) was SICK, he abode two…[more]… days in the same place where he was…” (John 11:6 KJV).

Jesus delayed his time of arrival to Martha and Mary’s situation and decided to tarry where he was instead of coming immediately to their rescue. “…My Lord delayeth his coming…” (Luke 12:45 KJV).

Lazarus’ sickness was obviously an emergency to his sisters. Martha and Mary may have been desperate for Jesus’ presence, but he chose to delay his coming. “…he (Lazarus) was SICK, [but Jesus]… abode two…[more]… days in the same place where he was…” (John 11:6 KJV).

The problem with delay it that it happens when someone is WAITING for your arrival. Delay can cause disappointment, on the part, of the people or person waiting for the one who is delayed, especially if it seems to be a matter of life or death. “…My Lord delayeth his coming…” (Luke 12:45 KJV).

Jesus was delayed on purpose. He said, “…I am glad for your sakes (his disciples) that I was not there (when Lazarus died), to the intent, you may BELIEVE….” (John 11:15 KJV).

Delay requires WAITING. Martha and Mary, most likely, WAITED for Jesus to show up during Lazarus’ sickness, his physical death, the funeral arrangements, the service, the burial, and the repast. “… They that WAIT UPON the LORD shall renew [their] strength…” (Isaiah 40:31 KJV).  “…WAIT ON the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: WAIT, I say, on the LORD…” (Psalms 27:14 KJV). “…The LORD [is] good unto them that WAIT FOR HIM…” (Lamentations 3:25 KJV). “…THOUGH IT TARRY, WAIT FOR IT….” (Habakkuk 2:3 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).

The HEART CRIES OUT DURING GOD”S periods of DELAY. “…How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me?” (Psalms 13:1 NASB.“…Since I am afflicted and needy, Let the Lord be mindful of me. You are my help and my deliverer; Do not delay, O my God… (Psalms 40:17 NASB). “…I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my God…” (Psalms 69:3 KJV).

A delay forces you to go through and endure unexpected events and experiences.“...though he slay me, yet will I trust in him…” (Job 13:15 KJV).

 Hope is challenged to hold out through days, weeks, months, and years BEFORE you SEE the actual manifestation of God’s glory.“…And in the PROCESS of time IT CAME TO PASS…” (Genesis 4:3 KJV).  

It took 13 years before Joseph SAW God’s promise to make him ruler. “…Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren … Now Joseph had a dream …There we were, binding sheaves in the field. Then behold, my sheaf arose and also stood upright; and indeed your sheaves stood all around and bowed down to my sheaf.” And his brothers said to him, “Shall you indeed reign over us? Or shall you indeed have dominion over us?” …….  Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt” (Genesis 37: 2, 5-14, 41:37-46).

Joseph hoped and endured 13 years of being a slave and a prisoner. “…[But]… in the PROCESS of time … [what God promised]… CAME TO PASS…” (Genesis 4:3 KJV).

No matter what you go through it can NOT STOP the PROMISES of God on your life. “...God has blessed, and I cannot reverse it!” (Numbers 23:20 NLT). “…As many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes …also … Amen …” (2 Corinthians 1:2 NASB). “…Jesus said to her, "Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?" (John 11:40 KJV).

Martha and Mary EXPERIENCED and endured Lazarus’ sickness and death. “… [Lazarus] … whom thou lovest is sick…” (John 11:3 KJV). “…Lazarus is dead…” (John 11:14 KJV).

Likewise, Job experienced and endured the loss of family, wealth, and health. “One day when Job’s ….donkeys were grazing nearby …the Sabeans attacked and made off with them.…another messenger came and said, “The fire of God fell from the heavens and burned up the sheep and …another messenger came and said, “The Chaldeansformed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and …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). . “…Satan….smote Job with boils from the sole of his feet unto his crown…” (Job 2:7 KJV).

Joseph experienced and endured mistreatment from his brothers, being thrown into an empty, dark pit, and being sold as a slave. “…And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him. And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh. Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit ... And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stript Joseph out of his coat, his coat of many colours that was on him; And they took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it … Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt…” (Genesis 37).

The Hebrew Boys experienced and endured controversy for standing up for their faith and being thrown into a fiery furnace. “…Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: therefore he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated. … Therefore because the king's commandment was urgent, and the furnace exceeding hot, the flames of the fire slew those men that took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace…” (DANIEL 3).

Jesus experienced and endured mistreatment, physical abuse, and crucifixion. “Then 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).

However, after a GOD-ORDAINED DELAY, they ALL SAW the manifestation of the Glory of God. “…After …[they] … suffered … [or were delayed for]… a little while, [God promised to]… restore, support, and strengthen [them], and …  place you on a firm foundation” (1 Peter 5:10 NLT).

“…After …. [they] … have suffered ... [or have been delayed for]… a little while…”  (1 Peter 5:10 NLT). There will be “a little while” or a delay AND there will be an “after.”

Delays, no matter how severe or LONG, are temporary and the bible says, “…the suffering …[or delays]… of this present time ARE NOT worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us…” (Romans 8:18 KJV). “…For our light affliction …[or delays], …which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory…” (2 Corinthians 4:17 KJV).

PROOF OF GOD’S GLORY: “….Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth…” (John 11:42-43 KJV).

PROOF  OF GOD’S GLORY: “…The Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: … So Job died, being old, and FULL of days...” (Job 42:12-17 KJV).

PROOF OF GOD’S GLORY: “Pharaoh sent for Joseph,and he was quickly brought from the dungeon. …“ You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you.”…So Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt.”  … Thus he put him in charge of the whole land of Egypt…”(Genesis 41 NIV).

PROOF OF GOD’S GLORY: “…Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego…. Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, in the province of Babylon” (Daniel 3 KJV).

PROOF OF GOD’S GLORY: Jesus is “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).

However, Job, Joseph, Jesus, the Hebrew Boys, and Martha and Mary ALL had to actually live through and experience extremely challenging DELAYS or PERIODS OF WAITING. “…After [THEY had]… suffered … [or been delayed for]… a little while…” (1 Peter 5:10 NLT).

What should you know about DELAYS? Delays have a purpose. Delays are about God’s love for you and NOT some kind of punishment. Delays are NOT about God’s denial, condemnation, or deprivation of you or your HOPES. Delays can be God-approved. Delays are meant to be a holy and intimately dependent experience with God. Delays are NOT about your will, but God’s will. . “…My Lord delayeth his coming…” (Luke 12:45 KJV).

Jesus delays his visual arrival on purpose. “…I am glad for your sakes (his disciples) that I was not there (when Lazarus died), to the intent, you may BELIEVE….” (John 11:15 KJV).

“….To the intent, you may BELIEVE….” (John 11:15 KJV). God was speaking to his disciples; those who already had a level of faith.

Yet, raising Lazarus from the dead was intended to propel them into a HIGHER level of faith by witnessing, first-hand, a MIRACLE. “..This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him…” (John 2:11 KJV).

Jesus CAME to earth that MAN would believe. It is the manifestation of his POWER that encourages BELIEF!“…[Jesus]…came for a witness…that ALL men through HIM might BELIEVE…” (John 1:7 KJV). “…Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto these, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? Thou shalt SEE greater things than these…” (John 1:50 KJV).

One ACT of God’s power builds and prepares one for the NEXT level of BELIEF. “….and many more BELIEVED “because” of his own words…we BELIEVE, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and KNOW that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world…” (John 4:41-42). “…I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me…” (John 11:41-42 KJV).

Martha and Mary believed that their brother would rise again in the resurrection on the last day, but Jesus intended to enable them to exercise a GREATER measure of faith. “….To the intent, you may BELIEVE….” (John 11:15 KJV). “…These things have I written unto you that BELIEVE on the name of the Son of God; that ye may KNOW that ye have eternal life, and that ye may BELIEVE on the name of the Son of God...” (1 John 5:13 KJV).

The disciples, no doubt, already BELIEVED Jesus could prevent Lazarus’ death, or simply rebuke his sickness, or restore him to health, or raise him immediately from the dead. “…The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, … he hath anointed me (Jesus) to PREACH the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to PREACH deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To PREACH the acceptable year of the Lord…” (John 4:16-21 KJV).

God had another MIRACLE in mind, for Martha and Mary, to ELEVATE their faith even HIGHER and make it STRONGER. “….To the intent, you may BELIEVE….” (John 11:15 KJV).

It was important that Lazarus died a physical death.”…I am glad for your sakes that I was not there…” (John 11:14 KJV).

Martha and Mary’s spiritual growth in FAITH depended on it. “…that you “may” believe…” (John 11:14 KJV).

The FAITH of God’s people is PRECIOUS to him! “….the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold that perisheth though it is proved by fire, may be found unto praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ:” 1 Peter 1:7 ASV). “[God] knoweth the way that I take; when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold…” (Job 23:10 KJV).

ACTS of FAITH are the building blocks for MORE faith, GREATER faith, and STRONGER faith.“…HOW MUCH MORE DO I NEED TO SAY? It would take too long to recount THE STORIES OF the FAITH of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets… [Through]… FAITH these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight. Women received their loved ones back again from death….” (Hebrews 11:1-35 NLT).

Jesus DELAYED his coming for the INTENT purpose of raising Lazarus from the DEAD. Raising Lazarus, from the dead, was also to BUILD a STRONGER faith for Martha, Mary and his disciples “IN” the POWER of Christ. “…that ye may BELIEVE on the name of the Son of God...” (1 John 5:13 KJV).

While DELAY or WAITING makes people focus on what is happening on the OUTSIDE, God is focusing on the HEART.  “…The LORD looks at the heart…”(1 Samuel 16:7 NASB).

God took Israel through the wilderness (trials or tribulations) for forty years. One reason he did it was to “….know what was in [their]…heart…” (Deuteronomy 8:2 KJV).

Many believers claim to be God’s people, yet struggle, in their heart, with faith. “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any one of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God” (Hebrews 3:12 KJV). “... Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief (as Israel)…” (Hebrews 4:10-11 KJV). “…I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24 NIV).

“…WALK BY FAITH...” (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV). “…live by faith, not by sight….” (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV).“...God seesnot as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart…”(1 Samuel 16:7 NASB). God is looking at the “…hidden man of the heart…” (1 Peter 3:4 KJV). “… From within, out of the heart of man, proceed evil thoughts…these … come from within, and defile a person.” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV).  God KNOWS the heart “…is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked…who can know it [except God?]…” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV).

It’s a DELAY not DEATH. It’s a DELAY with the intent to help God’s people BELIEVE. “…[That]…ye MAY BELIEVE…” (John 11:14 KJV).

HOPE was not meant to be weakened, but to grow STRONGER. Jesus TOOK Martha and Mary BACK to the PLACE where they BURIED their hope. “…the PLACE“WHERE” the DEAD was laid…” (John 11:39-41 KJV).

“…Jesus said…I am the resurrection and I am the LIFE…..” (John 11:25 KJV).  

DEAD HOPE can be brought out of the BURIAL CHAMBERs, of the heart, with a pray of faith. A prayer of faith that God HEARs. “…Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, thank you for hearing me. You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe you sent me.” (John 11:41-42 NLT). “…And the prayer of faith SHALL save the sick (even the sin sick soul), and the Lord SHALL raise him up…” (James 5:15 KJV).

DEAD HOPE can be totally revived or returned to LIFE by the COMMAND of the GOSPEL (which is JESUS, the LIVING Word). “…Lazarus COME FORTH…he that was dead came forth…” (John 11:43-43 KJV).

DEAD “HOPE” can be brought BACK to absolute spiritual health and the GRAVE CLOTHES removed. “…He that was DEAD came forth, bound, head and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, ‘Loose him, and let him go.’” (John 11:44 KJV).

Grave clothes represent EVERYTHING that your HOPE was  bound or wrapped in such as: doubt, disappointment, what you saw, what you heard, what you lived through, what didn’t happen, what did happen, the enemies lies, the weapons the enemy formed against you, and weariness.

It is easy to see how HOPE DIES, especially with long-term DELAYS or PERIODS OF WAITING. God intends for you to make it to the FINISH LINE by redeeming your HOPE. “…He willkeep you strong to the end…” (1 Corinthians 1:8 NLT).

 “…My Lord delayeth his coming…” (Luke 12:45 KJV). “…I am glad for your sakes (his disciples) that I was not there (when Lazarus died), to the intent, you may BELIEVE….” (John 11:15 KJV).

Therefore, “Let us NOT become weary in doing good, for at the PROPER TIME WE WILL REAP A HARVEST if we do not give up”…” (Galatians 6:9 NIV).

“…If God is for [you], who …[or what]…is against [you]? …” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). “…. And he that was dead came forth…” (John 11:42-43 KJV).

THEREFORE...............

“… They that WAIT UPON the LORD shall renew [their] strength…” (Isaiah 40:31 KJV).  “…WAIT ON the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: WAIT, I say, on the LORD…” (Psalms 27:14 KJV). “…The LORD [is] good unto them that WAIT FOR HIM…” (Lamentations 3:25 KJV). “…THOUGH IT TARRY, WAIT FOR IT….” (Habakkuk 2:3 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

 

GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT, PRESENCE COMES WITH HIS GIFT OF PEACE

PRAISE INVITES HIS PRESENCE

GOD’S PRESENCE COMES WITH HIS GIFT OF PEACE

“ “…God has said “Never will I leave [my people]; never will I forsake [them]…” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV). “…I AM WITH [my people]... ALWAYS, to the very end…"(Matthew 28:20 NIV). 

“…Behold, I AM WITH… [my people] … and  … I WILL NOT LEAVE [them] …." (Genesis 28:15 ASV).

 “… Behold, I am with … [my people, faithfully] and will keep … [them] whithersoever [they]… goest…I will not leave [them] ..." (Genesis 28:15 ASV).

*

If God’s people are “IN” God’s presence it means they are in the SAME place as God is and are close enough where he can HEAR them, SEE them, and LOOK them in the FACE.“...Thou God seest me...” (Genesis 16:13 KJV). “...You’re the God who sees me!...” (Genesis  16:13 MSG).

“...My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret...” (Psalm 139 NASB). “…Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes…” (Hebrews 4:13 NLT). “...You are a God who sees me...” (Genesis 16:13 NASB).

On the other hand, if God’s people are “IN” God’s presence it means God is in the SAME place as they are and they are also close enough to HEAR him, SEE him, and LOOK into the FACE of his GLORY too.

THEY HEAR HIS VOICE through jesus: “...if anyone hears My voiceand opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him (her), and he(she) with Me...” (Revelation 3:20 NASB).“And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day:” (Genesis 2:8-11 KJV).

“...a voice came from heaven…” (Daniel 4 NLT). “...I heard thy voice in the garden...” (Genesis 2:8-11 KJV). “...we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire: we have seen this day that God doth talk with man, and he (she) liveth…” (Dueteronomy 5:24 KJV).

“...He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out...they follow him because they know his voice...” (John 10:1-10 NASB).

THEY SEE HIM (god, who is SPIRIT) THROUGH JESUS: “…The invisible [Spirit]…from the creation of the world is …clearly seen, being understood by the things that are MADE …” (Romans 1:20 KJV).

“The Son is ... the EXACT representation of his being (which is SPIRIT)…” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV). “…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). “…Jesus saith unto him… he that hath SEEN ME HATH SEEN the Father (his presence or GLORY) …” (John 14:9 KJV).

THEY witness HIS GLORY OR PRESENCE THROUGH CREATION AND THROUGH JESUS:  “… The heavens declare His righteousness, And all the peoples have seen His glory…” (Psalms 97:6 NASB). “..Behold, the Lord our God hath SHEWED [his people]... his GLORY …” (Deuteronomy 5:24 KJV).

“...[When]... the Word (God, through Jesus, the speaking SPIRIT) became flesh, and dwelt among us ...[mankind]... saw His glory...” (John 1:14 NASB). “The Son (God, through Jesus, the speaking SPIRIT) is the RADIANCE of God’s glory...”  (Hebrews 1:3 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit wanted his people BACK in his presence. So, God sent THE ONE (Jesus, his WORD) to reconcile their LOST and spiritually dead souls and his Holy SPIRIT back together again. “… [He (God, who is SPIRIT) sent the] …one  (his WORD, which is also God who becomes the speaking SPIRIT through Jesus)… who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).

The lost and spiritually dead soul is RESTORED to God’s Holy Spirit again. “…He (she) that is joined unto the LORD is ONE SPIRIT…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). “…God … sent forth the Spirit of His Son (his WORD) “INTO” [Y[OUR HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB).

“…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). “…The Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE …” (John 3:6 NLT).

The lost and spiritually dead soul was MADE whole again. “...Therefore if any man(woman) be in Christ, he(she) is a new creature...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “…Jesus Christ maketh thee whole…” (Acts 9:34 KJV).  “..…your whole SPIRIT and SOUL and BODY be preserved blameless…” (1 THESSALONIANS 5:23 KJV).

“... and man (woman) became a living soul (soul AGAIN)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV).  The LIVING is God’s indwelling SPIRIT and the soul, which means the ONCE lost and spiritually dead soul shares an intimate “covenant unity” with God, the Holy Spirit.  

There is NO LONGER a barrier or chasm between your soul and God, who is SPIRIT. “... 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).

“…[their] ...INIQUITIES … separated … [them from] ... God…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). “…It’s YOUR SINS that … [will] ...cut you offfrom God…” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT).

“… [So God, the Holy Spirit sent the] …one … who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus (through whom God becomes the speaking SPIRIT)…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).

Each one of God’s people, who have accepted Jesus, his WORD, by faith, into their hearts, have the PRESENCE of God within them through the indwelling Holy Spirit.

“…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).

“….ye shall receive the GIFT of the [indwelling]...Holy [Spirit]…” (Acts 2:38 KJV).

“…God...[the Holy Spirit SENDS]... the Spirit of His Son (his WORD) “INTO” [Y[OUR HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB).“…He (she) that is joined unto the LORD is ONE SPIRIT…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).

“...your life is hidden with Christ in God...” (Colossians 3:3 NASB). The butter blends into the CAKE batter becoming HIDDEN until there is NOTHING left but ONE single, undivided,  NEW CREATION called a CAKE.

“...[Thus]...any man(woman) be in Christ, he(she) is a new creature...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “...This makes it clear that our great ... [indwelling]...power is from God, not from ourselves…” (2 Corinthians 4:7 NLT).

“…the Spirit of God dwell in [New creation]…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).  “….the Spirit of God dwelleth in [new creations]..” (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV). “…[The New Creation’s]... body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in [them], which [they] have [received]... of God, and [they]... are not [their[... own?” (1 Corinthians 6:19 KJV).

“…God hath said, I will dwell in [new creations], and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people...” (2 Corinthians 6:16 KJV).

“…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…the Spirit of God dwell in [New Creations]…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “…Jesus Christ (his WORD) is IN [New Creations]…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “ …[New Creations]... have this treasure  (the indwelling Holy Spirit) “in” earthen vessels…” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV).

“…God [is]...with [his people]…” (Matthew 1:23 NASB).

God’s people often FAIL to realize that being in the PRESENCE of God, the Holy Spirit means to BE in the presence of GREATNESS. “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV). “…You are veryGREAT; You are clothed in SPLENDER Covering Yourself with LIGHT as with a cloak…”(Psalm 104:1-2 NASB).

“…His radiance is like the sunlight; He has rays flashing from His hand…” (Habakkuk 3:4.NASB).

“… Who is like You among the gods, O Lord? Who is like You, majestic in holiness,Awesome in praises, working wonders?...” (Exodus 15:11 NASB).

“…God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all…” (1 John 1:5 NASB). “…the BEAUTY of … [god’s] … holiness…” (2 Chronicles 16:29 KJV).

“… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). “… I, the LORD, am the first, and with the last …[of HOLINESS] ... I am He...'" (Isaiah 41:4 NASB). “… I am the first and I am the last, And there is no … [HOLY] … God besides Me…” (Isaiah 44:6 NASB). “… there is none holy as the Lord…” (1 Samuel 2:2 KJV). “… Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come…” (Revelation 4:8 KJV).   

“… You set [your people]... in Your presence forever…” (Psalms 44:12 NASB). “…YOU MAKE [your people]... “MOST” BLESSED forever … in YOUR PRESENCE…” (Psalms 21:6 NASB).

“…Jesus Christ is in [God’s people]…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…Christ in [God’s people] …” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). “…The Spirit of God dwell[s] in [God’s people]…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).  “...[God’s people are].... crucified with Christ: nevertheless [they[... live; yet not [them], but Christ liveth in [them]…” (Galatians 2:20 KJV). “…if Christ be in [God’s people]… [then] …the Lord …[is] … in [their]... presence…” (Romans 8:10 KJV &Exodus 33:16-23 NIV).

It is the REDEEMED, RECONCILED, and RESTORED soul, made WHOLE, through Jesus, that is allowed to enter into the most holy of holies, which is God’s PRESENCE. Jesus is the WAY. “…Jesus saith unto him, I amthe way, the truth, and the life …” (John 14 6 KJV). “…This is the way; WALK in it…" Isaiah 30:21 NIV). “… Jesus opened a new and life-giving way  ... into the Most Holy Place…” (Hebrews 10:19-20 NLT).

“...let [God’s people]... come boldly to the throne of our gracious God (to HIS PRESENCE). There [God’s people]... will receive his mercy, and [they]... will find grace to help [them when [they]... need it most...” (Hebrews 4:16 NLT).

“… [God]...you set [your people]... in Your presence forever…” (Psalms 44:12 NASB). “… because THEY BELONG TO CHRIST JESUS…” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT).

“…[god’s people]... are a chosen people. [They]... are royal priests, a holy nation, God's very own possession.As a result, [they]... can show others the goodness of God, for he called [each of them]... out of the darkness into his wonderful light…” (1 Peter 2:9 NLT).

From the moment the lost and spiritually dead soul comes INTO God’s PRESENCE, through Jesus, their lives are NEVER the same. “…God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son...the just for the unjust...that whosoever believeth in him should not perish (be punished)…” (John 3:16 KJV & 1 Peter 3:18 NASB). God “….is …not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9 KJV).

God, who is SPIRIT, becomes the speaking SPIRIT through the Word of God. The WORD or speaking SPIRIT, then “…[becomes the POWERFUL working SPIRIT] ...of God [that SAVES everyone who trusts in and depends upon his WORD to do what it says it will do]…” (Romans 1:16 KJV). “…God sent ... his Son (his WORD through Jesus) ... that the world THROUGH HIM (god, the speaking spirit) might BE SAVED…” (John 3:17 KJV).

“... I, am the Lord (the word of god, who is spirit); and beside me (God’s word) there is no saviour. I (God, who is Spirit, through Jesus) have declared, and have saved …the Lord (the word of god, who is spirit “is”), your redeemer…: (Isaiah 43:10-15 KJV).

“… [THE WORD of GOD, who is SPIRIT]...It [also]... is the [working]...power of Godat work (miraculously), saving everyone who believes (trusts and depends)…” (Romans 1:16 NLT).

“….TO [THOSE]…WHO ARE SAVED, [THE WORD of god, who is spirit] IS [also]...THE POWER OF GOD….” (1 Corinthians 1:18 KJV).

“…UNTO THEM, WHICH ARE CALLED…[THE WORD of god, who is spirit IS]…THE POWER OF GOD…” (1 Corinthians 1:24 KJV). It is the POWERFUL WORD of God, who is SPIRIT that becomes the powerful working SPIRIT that results in salvation.

” “…THE WORDS THAT I (Jesus) SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT (god)…” (John 6:63 KJV). “…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). “…the Word [is]...God … (John 1:1-4 NASB).

If you could have obtained salvation, by your own efforts, then Christ would NOT have had a need to die upon the cross. “… The life which [God’s people] now live in the flesh [they]... live by the [indwelling fruit of]... faith [produced and empowered by] ... the Son of God (the WORD of GOD, who is SPIRIT) … for if righteousness come by the law (self-effort, self-autonomy, etc.), then Christ... [...also the atoning sacrifice]... is dead in vain…” (Galatians 2:20-21 KJV).

“…the Father (God, who is SPIRIT) that dwelleth in me (Jesus), he doeth the [powerful]...works…” (John 14:10 KJV).“…Apart from Me (Jesus, his WORD), [God’s people]... can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).     “… if keeping the law (self-effort, one’s own power) could make [them]... right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die…” (Galatians 5:4 NLT). “…Who will free [the lost and spiritually dead soul] from this life that is dominated by SIN (self-effort, self-autonomy etc.)? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord (the WORD of GOD, who is SPIRIT and becomes the speaking SPIRIT and the powerful working SPIRIT through JESUS)…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

“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, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the SPIRIT…” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB). “… Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And ... he was buried, and …he rose again the third day according to the scriptures…” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4 KJV).

What HAPPENS when the lost and spiritually dead soul comes FACE to FACE with God’s PRESENCE? They “…RECEIVE (obtain, accept, etc.) ... theengrafted WORD, which is able to SAVE [their]. souls…” (James 1:21 KJV).  GOD’S PRESENCE SAVE.

“…everyone who asks receives (obtains, accepts, etc.)…” (Matthew 7:8 NIV). GOD’S PRESENCE OFFERS SALVATION TO ALL THAT ASK AND RECEIVES.  

“... AS MANY as received (obtained, accepted, etc.) him (the WORD of GOD), to them GAVE HE [INDWELLING] ... POWER TO BECOME THE SONS OF GOD, even to them that believe (depend upon) ...his name (the WORD of GOD)…” (John 1:12 KJV). GOD’S PRESENCE MAKES THOSE WHO RECEIVE HIS OFFER OF SALVATION HIS CHILDREN.

 “…BY GRACE have ye been saved through… FAITH (through dependence upon the WORD of GOD); and that NOT OF YOURSELVES, IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD; not of works, that no man should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). GOD’S PRESENCE OFFERS SALVATION AS A “FREE” GIFT.

Salvation is the FIRST manifestation of God’s PRESENCE to the lost and spiritually dead soul, which is OFFERED “through” his WORD and  experienced through the WORKING POWER of his Spirit. “…If any man be in Christ, he is a NEW CREATURE …” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).

“… [New creations]… are HIS workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works …” (Ephesians 2:10 KJV). “…it is God which worketh in [new creations]…” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).

“…NOT that [new creations]… are ADEQUATE IN [THEMSELVES]… to consider anything as coming from [themselves]… but [THEIR]… ADEQUACY IS FROM GOD…” (2 Corinthians 3:5 NASB).

“…Now GOD GIVES [new creations] many kinds of special abilities … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “… The ... Holy Spirit ... is the source of ... all ... [special abilities done by new creations]… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…There are different kinds of service to God …but it is the same GOD WHO “DOES” THE WORK IN AND THROUGH ... [new creations]... who are his… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

“…The Holy Spirit “displays” God’s power THROUGHeach [new creation]… … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…It is the ... Holy Spirit who gives [new creations]... all these gifts and powers, deciding which each one of [them] should have… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

“… [Because of God’s presence, God’s people are] ... ...NEW creature[s] …” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “…old things are passed away…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).   “…ALL THINGS are become NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).  

“…God has given [his people] HIS [HOLY] ...Spirit as PROOF that … he [dwells]…in [them]…” (1 John 4:13 NLT “…God … SENT forth the Spirit of His Son (the WORD of God, who is SPIRIT) “INTO” [their]… HEARTS (in seed form)…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB).

“…The Spirit of God dwell[s] in [his people. They are reconciled to God, restored to his SPIRIT, and made WHOLE again)…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).  “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…THE WORDS ... they ARE SPIRIT (God)…” (John 6:63 KJV). “…the Word was [and is]... God… (John 1:1-4 NASB).

“… [The WORD of GOD, who is SPIRIT]... liveth in [his people]…” (Galatians 2:20 KJV). “…[New creations]... can do all things through Christ  (the word of God, who is spirit) which strengtheneth [them]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

“… [God, the Holy Spirit] grant[s]… [new creations]… to be strengthened with might by his [holy] ... Spirit in the inner man…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV).

“… The God of peace … that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip[s] [new creations]... with everything good for doing his will, and …work[s] in [new creations]… what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).

“…NOW UNTO [THE WORD OF GOD, who is SPIRIT]... THAT IS “ABLE” TO DO… according to the [HOLY]... POWER that worketh in [new creations]…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV).

“…I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “…The things which are impossible with men are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV).

“….Apart from Me (God, the Holy Spirit), [new creations]... can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).  “…[A new creation’s]... great power is from God [who is SPIRIT]…” (2 Corinthians 4:5-7 NLT).

“…BY THE WORD of the Lord [God’s people are INDWELLED with the PRESENCE of God’s GREAT POWERFUL GLORY]…” (Psalms 33:6 NASB). “…His divine ... [indwelling] ... power hath given [new creations] ... ALL THINGS that pertain unto life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV).

“…All things [COME] into being through Him (the WORD of GOD, who is SPIRIT), and apart from [the WORD of GOD, who is SPIRIT] nothing [COMES] into being that [WILL or HAS] come into being … (John 1:1-4 NASB). “... O TASTE and “see” that [Word of GOD, who is SPIRIT]... is GOOD...” (Psalms 34:8 KJV).

“...BLESSED (happy, nourished) is the man (woman) that trusteth in him (and depends upon him)...” (Psalms 34:8 KJV).

God the Holy Spirit’s  PRESENCE surrounds his people with FAVOR, spiritual blessings, and untold GIFTS. “…You surround … [your children] … WITH FAVOR (blessings and gifts) as with a shield…” (Psalms 5:12 NASB).

”…  ye [are]…saved through faith…it is the GIFT of God…” (Ephesians 2:8 KJV). “…The GIFTby grace……” (Romans 5:15 KJV). “…The GIFT of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ ….” (Romans 6:23 KJV).  “….ye shall receive the GIFT of the Holy Ghost…” (Acts 2:38 KJV). “…the GIFTof righteousness…” (Romans 5:17 KJV). “…I am leaving you with a GIFT—peace of mind and heart...” (John 14:27 KJV). “…God has given us different GIFTSfor doing certain things well…” (Romans 12:6 NLT). “…every man hath his proper GIFT of God...” (2 Corinthians 7:7 KJV). “…Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable GIFT(S)…” (2 Corinthians  9:16 KJV).

“…his divine power hath given unto [his people].. ALL THINGS that pertain unto life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV).

“…you will fill [your people] with JOYin your presence…” (Psalms 16:11 NIV).

“…God[‘s PRESENCE) has said “Never will I leave [my people  without MY WORD]; never will I forsake [them]…” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV). “…I AM (my presence is) WITH [my people]... ALWAYS, to the very end…"(Matthew 28:20 NIV). 

“…Behold, I AM (my PRESENCE is) WITH… [my people] … and  … I WILL NOT LEAVE [them] …." (Genesis 28:15 ASV).

“… Behold, I am (my presence is) with … [my people, faithfully] and will keep … [them] whithersoever [they]… goest…I will not leave [them] ..." (Genesis 28:15 ASV).

“…[God, who is SPIRIT]... will fill [his people]... with JOY in [his] PRESENCE …” (Psalms 16:11 NIV). “… The LORD thy God (who is the PRESENT SPIRIT)…will not fail [his people], nor forsake the[m]…” (Deuteronomy 31:6 KJV).

“….The JOY of the Lord, [that comes from god’s presence]... is [the] strength [of God’s righteous people]…” (Nehemiah 8:10 KJV).

 “…I am leaving you with a GIFT [OF]—PEACE of mind and heart [THAT ALSO COMES FROM GOD'S PRESENCE[...” (John 14:27 KJV).

  

YOU ARE PREDESTINED AND CHOSEN BY GOD!

YOU ARE Predestined and Chosen by God

 “God chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world.” (Ephesians 1:4).

"...You did not choose me but I chose you, and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should abide:  that whatsoever you ask of the Father in my name he may give to you...” (John 15:16 ASV).

*

God chose each one of his children to be his very own. This is the place that the “covenant unity” relationship with God, the Holy Spirit, actually begins.

In other words, the relationship starts the moment God, the sovereign Holy Spirit, willingly DECIDES to choose you in the ON PURPOSE. It is important for God’s people to know that God choose THEM, on purposeand that THEY were NOT the ones who chose Him!!

"...You did not choose me but I chose you, and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should abide:  that whatsoever you ask of the Father in my name he may give to you...” (John 15:16 ASV).  God is the Chooser.

“...God chose[his people] ...in Christbefore the foundation of the world...” (Ephesians 1:4).

“…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 can’t DENY they have been chosen by God through Christ. God doesn’t CHOSE people because they are special, are deserving, or worthy, or have earned his favor. “……There is NEITHER Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female…” (Galatians 3:26-28 KJV).

“…God SHOWS NO FAVORITISM.  In every nationHE ACCEPTS thosewho fear him and do what is right—…there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all…” (Acts 10:34-36 NLT). “…God is no RESPECTER OF PERSONS: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. The word which God sent … preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)…” (Acts 10:34-36 KJV).

“…  [Everyone who belongs, to him through Jesus, however, and] … who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children… because THEY BELONG TO CHRIST JESUS…” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT).

The ONLY motivating reason God CHOSE each one of his children is his LOVE for them.  “...IN LOVE....[God, the Holy Spirit]... predestined [his people]... to ADOPTION AS SONS (daughters) through Jesus Christ to Himself ACCORDING TO THE KIND INTENTION OF HIS WILL …” (Ephesians 1 NLT).

“...He predestined [his people]... to adoption as sons and daughters through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will...” (Ephesians 1:5 NASB).

Not ONLY does he CHOOSE his people out of HIS LOVE, but he OFFERS them GRACE in order to FAVOR them with his FREE GIFT of SALVATION. “…BY GRACE have ye been saved through… FAITH (through dependence upon God’s WORD); and that NOT OF YOURSELVES, IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD; not of works, that no man should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).

Every male and female upon earth was born WITHOUT God’s, indwelling Holy Spirit In all truth, without Jesus, the atoning sacrifice of sin, mankind is deserving of death. “…All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God…” (Romans 3:23). “….I was born a sinner (I was born without the indwelling holy spirit)….” (Psalms 51:5 NLT).

“...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[ful nature] …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…the wages of sin is [spiritual]... death…” (Romans 6:23 KJV). “…For all have sinned (all have been BORN “without” the indwelling Holy Spirit)…” (Romans 3:23 KJV). “…all have ... come short of the glory of God (all are missing God’s indwelling PRESENCE)…” (Romans 3:23 KJV).

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

"...You did not choose me but I chose you...” (John 15:16 ASV). 

Everyone who RESPONDS to his choosing THEM will become his people. “… AS MANY as received him…” (John 1:12 KJV). “…receive the word implanted….” (James 1:21 NASB).  “…God has sent forth the Spiritof His Son (the Word) “INTO” [YOUR HEART]…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB).

“…Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly. Along with faith … that are [“through” the power of the WORD of GOD]…” (1 Timothy 1:13-14 NIV).

God is“... RICH IN MERCY…” (Ephesians 2:1-5 KJV).  “… delighteth in mercy…” (Micah 7:18 KJV).

 “...God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners…” (Romans 5:7-9 NLT).  “…the Lord loves His people …” (2 Chronicles 2:11 NASB). “...God, …sent his Son ….” (1 John 4:10 NIV).  In “… His love and in His mercy He redeemed them…” (Isaiah 63:9 NASB).

 “...God said to Moses, “I will show mercy to anyone I choose, and I will show compassion to anyone I choose.” So it is God who decides to show mercy...” (Romans 9:14-16 NLT).

“...We (mankind or God’s people) can neither choose it nor work for it...” (Romans 9:14-16 NLT).

God chose you and chose to show you MERCY on his own sovereign volition. This LOVING opportunity is the WAY God, through Christ, made it possible to be in a “covenant unity” relationship with HIM again.

This TRUTH tells us that it is God, the Holy Spirit, “only” one who determines the PLAN of SALVATION. "...You did not choose me but I chose you...” (John 15:16 ASV). 

He chose you with the intention of bestowing upon you everlasting love, multiple blessings, miraculous mercy, unlimited favor, amazing grace, and bountiful spiritual gifts.  “…in [him] whom also we were made a heritage, having been foreordained according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his will...” (Ephesians 1:11 KJV).

God loves the unlovable and the worst sinner, which is everyone with a sinful nature. Mankind has to trust God’s love and “… lean not upon [our]… own understanding…” (Proverbs 3:5 KJV).

The bible says “…in all thy getting, get understanding…” however, that kind of understanding comes by faith.“...By faith we understand that the worlds have been framed by the word of God, so that what is seen hath not been made out of things which appear...” (Hebrew 11:3 ASV).

“O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past tracing out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?” (Romans 11:33-34 ASV).

God has also said, “… my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways…..as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than you ways and my thoughts than your thoughts…” (Isaiah 55:8-9 ASV).

God’s HOLY character, words, and actions have untold depths. “….the [depths] of the riches…of [God’s]….wisdom and … knowledge….” (Roman 11:33-34).  Often God’s “…ways [are] past tracing out…”

Thus, it is NOTHING, but AMAZING that God loves wretched mankind and chooses them to become his people.  “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9 NIV).

God said “this” about Israel, “...For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth...” (Deuteronomy 7:6).

I am NOT an expert on the topic of predestination, but the following paragraphs are my three perspectives, for now, after a little studying. First, predestination (includes salvation’s all-inclusive invitation “to every one that believeth...or CALLS upon the name SHALL be saved...” (Romans 10:4, 13 KJV) = This is God’s will).

Second, predestination (includes select election “…he chose us (the elect) in him before the foundation of the world…” (Ephesians 1:4-5 ASV) = based on God’s will too).

Third, predestination (includes foreknowledge “… whom he did foreknow, he also did predestine…” (Romans 8:28-30 KJV) = (all God’s will).

Here’s a quick review: A). Predestination says EVERYONE who BELIEVES and CALLS upon Jesus shall be saved (Romans 10:4, 13). B). Predestination says God CHOOSES people to be saved. C).Predestination says it is through God foreknowledge that some are saved. 

Are those views right? Are they contradictory? Can anyone be saved or are some elected? Predestination is based on God’s sovereign will, which is “...done in earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10 KJV).

GOD SAID: "...You did not choose me but I chose you...” (John 15:16 ASV). 

“…God SHOWS NO FAVORITISM.  In every nationHE ACCEPTS thosewho fear him and do what is right—…there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all…” (Acts 10:34-36 NLT). “…God is no RESPECTER OF PERSONS: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. The word which God sent … preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)…” (Acts 10:34-36 KJV).

“…  [Everyone who belongs, to him through Jesus, however, and] … who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children… because THEY BELONG TO CHRIST JESUS…” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT).

Being predestined to be CHOSEN actually doesn’t exclude anyone. “…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).

“…RECEIVE (obtain, accept, etc.) ... theengrafted WORD, which is able to SAVE your souls…” (James 1:21 KJV).  “…everyone who asks receives (obtains, accepts, etc.)…” (Matthew 7:8 NIV).  “... AS MANY as received (obtained, accepted, etc.)him (the WORD of GOD), to them GAVE HE [INDWELLING] ... POWER TO BECOME THE SONS OF GOD, even to them that believe (depend upon) ...his name (the WORD of GOD)…” (John 1:12 KJV).

YOU willfully RECEIVE or ACCEPT this gift of God. “…BY GRACE have ye been saved through… FAITH (through dependence upon the WORD of GOD); and that NOT OF YOURSELVES, IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD; not of works, that no man should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).

GOD SAID: “... In every nationHE ACCEPTS thosewho fear him and do what is right—…there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all…” (Acts 10:34-36 NLT). "...You did not choose me but I chose you...” (John 15:16 ASV). 

What matters is that YOU are chosen by Godand that you “…..[were] predestined according to [His]… purpose who worketh  all things after the counsel of his own  will...” (Ephesians 1:11 KJV).

God chose mankind (the world) “…before the foundation of the world…” (Ephesians 1:4),

God is sovereign and omniscient. Thus, whatever “predestination” view you choose, if you are part of the world, God has personally, called YOU to respond by faith. “...But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name...” (John 1:12).

God chooses you. “No one can come to me except the Father which hath sent Me draw him...” (John 6:44 KJV).

And the only criterion for His choosing you is based on his love for you and NO other reason. “...Jehovah did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all peoples...” (Deuteronomy 7:7 ASV).

NO human being can DO anything to be chosen by God. "...You did not choose me but I chose you, and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should abide:  that whatsoever you ask of the Father in my name he may give to you....” (John 15:16 ASV).  God is the Chooser.

Mankind is the RECIPIENTS who ACCEPT his choosing. “...To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made [the lost and spiritually dead souls]... accepted in the beloved” (Ephesians 1:6 KJV).

 “...He (she)... that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).  Jesus said, "I and my Father are one." (John 10:30 KJV).Remember true “covenant unity” ONENESS is unique to God and can be experienced by the relationship with Him through Christ.

Jesus said God “….sheweth him all things that himself doeth” (John 5:20 KJV) and “….whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner” (John 5:19) and the “...Son can do nothing of Himself” (John 5:19 KJV).

“...he (she) that is joined unto the Lord is one (intimate) spirit...” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).

GOD DOESN'T "NEED" YOUR PRAISE; PRAISE BENEFITS YOU!!

GOD’S IS ALWAYS PRAISED WITHOUT HUMAN WORDS

“…The heavens declare the GLORY of God…” (Psalms 19:1 KJV).  “…The heavens are telling of the glory of God…” (Psalms 19:1 NASB). “…God’s glory  is on tour in the skies…” (Psalms 19:1 MSG). “… The heavens declare His righteousness, And all the peoples have seen His glory…” (Psalms 97:6 NASB).

 

“…The heavens declare the GLORY of God…” (Psalms 19:1 KJV).  “…The heavens are telling of the glory of God…” (Psalms 19:1 NASB). “…God’s glory  is on tour in the skies…” (Psalms 19:1 MSG). “… The heavens declare His righteousness, And all the peoples have seen His glory…” (Psalms 97:6 NASB).

God’s creative WORKS SPEAK and REVEAL to mankind that He EXISTS. He is the LORD, your GOD!

“… BY FAITH (by depending upon God) we understandthat THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE WAS FORMED at God’s [WORD], that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen.” (Hebrews 11 NLT). “…In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth …” (Genesis 1:1, 31 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).

Without, the indwelling Holy Spirit, to PROVIDE a revelation of God’s creative existence; mankind will REDUCE creation to an act of “intellectual design.”

From my perspective “intelligent design” LIMITS creation to man’s human observations and their subjective reports from those observations.

Human information is ALWAYS a result of human intelligence. Human intelligence is ALWAYS based on subjective human observation or research of God’s creative WORKS.

No matter how great and well-informed intellectuals present their information; it is ALWAYS the product of the HUMAN mind.

“…The heavens declare the GLORY of God…” (Psalms 19:1 KJV).  “…The heavens are telling of the glory of God…” (Psalms 19:1 NASB). “…God’s glory  is on tour in the skies…” (Psalms 19:1 MSG). “… The heavens declare His righteousness, And all the peoples have seen His glory…” (Psalms 97:6 NASB).

The HOLY WORD “clearly” presents creation as the WORK of God, which GENEROUSLY “SPEAKS” of his existence. “…Since the creation of the world, God’s  …ETERNAL POWER  …have been CLEARLY SEEN, being UNDERSTOOD FROM WHAT HAS BEEN MADE…” (Romans 1:20 NIV).

Scientists, atheists, physics, and many documented theories have resigned to the fact that the universe had a beginning. Thus, these professionals have all rallied for the “Big Bang” cosmos, which actually supports, though NOT intentional, Genesis 1:1. “…In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth …” (Genesis 1:1, 31 KJV).

 “…Since the creation of the world, God’s  …ETERNAL POWER  …have been CLEARLY SEEN, being UNDERSTOOD FROM WHAT HAS BEEN MADE…his POWER and Godhead (Father, Word & Holy Spirit); so that [MANKIND] are WITHOUT excuse [of his EXISTENCE]…” (Romans 1:20 NIV).

God’s EXISTENCE is revealed so POWERFULLY through his CREATION that NO human will have an EXCUSE to deny him. “…Since the creation of the world, God’s   …POWER and Godhead (Father, Word & Holy Spirit [is CLEARLY SEEN]; so that [MANKIND] are WITHOUT excuse [of his EXISTENCE]…” (Romans 1:20 NIV). “… The heavens declare His righteousness, And all the peoples have seen His glory…” (Psalms 97:6 NASB).

The MORE you LEARN about God’s CREATIVE WORKS, the MORE he is REVEALED to YOU, especially if you have the indwelling Holy Spirit. “…The person WITHOUT the [Holy] Spirit DOES NOT accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the [Holy] Spirit. …” (2 Corinthians 2:12-15 KJV). “… We … [are able to] … understand that THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE WAS FORMED at God’s [Word], that what we now SEE did not come fromanything that can be SEEN (by sight)…” (Hebrews 11:3 NLT). “…The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God's law (WORD), nor can it do so…” (Romans 8:7 NIV). “….Apart from Me (God, the Holy Spirit), you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

The MORE God’s people discover God’s creative WORKS, the MORE those WORKS confirm his EXISTENCE. “I AM” is an title of God. “… “I AM WHO I AM ’ This is My name forever, and this is My memorial-name to all generations…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).

“I AM” basically means GOD EXISTS perpetually from the past, in the present, and eternally into the future through God’s OWN sufficiency. “…I am (or I exist as) the Lord, the God of all flesh…” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). "… I am (or I exist as) the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God…" (Revelation 1:8 NASB). “… I (exist as), the LORD … (I am or exist as) the first, and with the last. I am ( or I exist as) He...'" (Isaiah 41:4 NASB).

 “I AM” CONFIRMS that GOD “is” the sufficient and objective existence of all other existence. "… I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty…" (Revelation 1:8 NASB).

“… I, the LORD, am the first, and with the last. I amHe...'" (Isaiah 41:4 NASB). “… I am the firstand I am the last, And there is no God besides Me…” (Isaiah 44:6 NASB). “… Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come…” (Revelation 4:8 KJV). 

“I AM” CONFIRMS, not only does GOD exists, but his existence is “clearly seen.”   “… “I AM WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). “…The invisible [Spirit, I AM]…from the creation of the world is …clearly seen, being understood by the things that are MADE …” (Romans 1:20 KJV). “ ... All things came into being (existence) through Him (I AM), and apart from Him (I AM) nothing came into being (existence) that has come into being (existence)…” (John 1:3 NASB). “… I amHe...'" (Isaiah 41:4 NASB). “… I am the firstand I am the last…” (Isaiah 44:6 NASB). "… I am the Alpha and the Omega," …" (Revelation 1:8 NASB).

God, the GREAT “I AM” confirms and demonstrates what existence means by REVEALING, himself, through CREATION as the ULTIMATE existence. “… I am He...'" (Isaiah 41:4 NASB). “… “I AM WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). “… “This is My name forever, and this is My memorial-name to all generations…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).

God, the GREAT “I AM,” created the condition of existence. “… All things came into being (existence) through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being (existence) that has come into being (existence)…” (John 1:3 NASB).  “… there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and we existfor Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ (the WORD of GOD), by whom are all things, and we existthrough Him (the WORD of GOD)…” (1 Corinthians 8:6 NASB). “… “I AM WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). Existence “IS” who God “IS.”

There is, therefore, NO existence outside of God’s existence. There is NONE like HIM!!! “… “I AM WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB)."… who is  (who exists)… who was (who has existed) and who is to come (who exists in the future for “all” eternity), the Almighty … [I am] …" (Revelation 1:8 NASB).“…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV). “… Blessed be the LORD God…” (Psalm 72:18 KJV). “…my God, You are veryGREAT…” (Psalm 104:1-2 NASB).

“…GOD “IS” SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). God EXISTS as Spirit. “… “I AM” WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).

God EXISTS perpetually and eternally. “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).  “…the earth is filled with the LORD's GLORY (existence; presence)…” (Number 14:21 NLT).

God’s existence is EVERYWHERE! It is among us, within us, around us, and through us. “… “I AM WHO I AM … who is … who was and who is to come, the Almighty (existence)…" (Exodus 3:14-15 & Revelation 1:8 NASB).

God’s existence, in the created world, is HOW GOD makes himself KNOWN to mankind.“…the whole earth is full of his GLORY (existence)…” (Isaiah 6:3). “…the earth is filled with the LORD's GLORY (existence)…” (Number 14:21 NLT).

God’s existence in creation says I exist. “…God who created all things…” (Ephesians 3:3-4, 9 NASB). “… there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and we existfor Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we existthrough Him…” (1 Corinthians 8:6 NASB).

“..Thou didst create all things, and because of Thy will they existed and were created…” (Revelation 4:11 NASB).

“…In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth …  And the Spirit of God (or existence) MOVED upon the face of the waters…” (Genesis 1:1-3 KJV).

God “IS”EXISTENCE .  “… “I AM (the ultimate existence) WHO I AM (the ultimate existence)…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). Therefore, “… I am (“I exist as”) God, and there is none else … and there is none like me…" (Isaiah 46:9-10 KJV).  

Because God exist; YOU exist. HE created you ON PURPOSE and bought YOU into existence. “…we exist through Him…” (1 Corinthians 8:6 NASB). “… Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?  If I ascend to heaven, You are there;If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the dawn, If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, Even there Your hand will lead me,And Your right hand will lay hold of me. If I say, “Surely the darkness will overwhelm me, And the light around me will be night, “Even the darkness is not dark to You, And the night is as bright as the day. Darkness and light are alike to You. For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;Wonderful are Your works, And my soul (my existence) knows it very well …” (Psalms 139: 7:14 NASB).

By the GRACE of God I exist and you exist. By God’s GRACE I am present, in this life, and you are present in this life. “…by the GRACE of God I AM (you are) what I AM (you are)…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).

ALL of creation has their existence THROUGH God, the GREAT “I AM.”  . “… “I AM” WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). “…we exist through Him…” (1 Corinthians 8:6 NASB).  “… In Him we live and move and exist…” (Acts 17:28 NASB). “… in him we live, and move, and have our being… “ (Acts 17:28 KJV).

“… HE Himself GIVES to all people LIFE and BREATH and all things…” (Acts 17:25 NASB).  “…I charge you in the presence of God, who GIVES LIFE to all things…” (1 Timothy 6:13 NASB).

God, the GREAT “I AM,” existed FIRST and THEN created the existence of the world and mankind. “…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). “… “I AM” WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). “…And the LORD God …breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and man became a living soul…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV). “…I AM what I AM …” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).

All of creation exists because of GOD. “… In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light day, and the darkness He called night. And there was evening and there was morning, one day. Then God said, “Let there be an expanse in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.” God made the expanse, and separated the waters which were below the expanse from the waters which were above the expanse; and it was so. God called the expanse heaven. And there was evening and there was morning, a second day. Then God said, “Let the waters below the heavens be gathered into one place, and let the dry land appear”; and it was so. God called the dry land earth, and the gathering of the waters He called seas; and God saw that it was good. Then God said, “Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees on the earth bearing fruit after their kind with seed in them”; and it was so. The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed after their kind, and trees bearing fruit with seed in them, after their kind; and God saw that it was good. There was evening and there was morning, a third day. Then God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night, and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years; and let them be for lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth”; and it was so. God made the two great lights, the greater light to govern the day, and the lesser light to govern the night; He made the stars also. God placed them in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth, and to govern the day and the night, and to separate the light from the darkness; and God saw that it was good. There was evening and there was morning, a fourth day. Then God said, “Let the waters teem with swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth in the open expanse of the heavens.” God created the great sea monsters and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarmed after their kind, and every winged bird after its kind; and God saw that it was good. God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” There was evening and there was morning, a fifth day. Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures after their kind: cattle and creeping things and beasts of the earth after their kind”; and it was so. God made the beasts of the earth after their kind, and the cattle after their kind, and everything that creeps on the ground after its kind; and God saw that it was good. Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” …God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good…” (Genesis 1 NASB),

“…we existthrough Him…” (1 Corinthians 8:6 NASB).

One day God decided to bring mankind into existence. “… LET US MAKE man … after our likeness (our EXISTENCE) …” (Genesis 1:26 KJV). “…in his OWN image (LIKENESS)…..male and female created he them (BOUGHT THEM INTO EXISTENCE)…” (Genesis 1:27 KJV). “…And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground (body),and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (Spirit); and man became a living [existing] soul (soul)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV).

“…“…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). “… “I AM” WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). “…And the LORD God …breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and man became a living (existing) soul…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV). “…I AM what I AM …” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).

God EXISTS and because he exists; YOU EXIST. “…  I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul (MY EXISTENCE) knows it very well…” (Psalms 139:14 NASB).

GOD’S CREATIVE WORKS EMPOWERS YOU to exist both in the physical realm and in the spiritual realm. “… HE Himself GIVES to all people LIFE and BREATH and all things…” (Acts 17:25 NASB).    “… In Him we live and move and exist…” (Acts 17:28 NASB). “… in him we live, and move, and have our being… “ (Acts 17:28 KJV).

“…The heavens declare the GLORY of God…” (Psalms 19:1 KJV).  “…The heavens are telling of the glory of God…” (Psalms 19:1 NASB). “…God’s glory  is on tour in the skies…” (Psalms 19:1 MSG). “… The heavens declare His righteousness, And all the peoples have seen His glory…” (Psalms 97:6 NASB).

It is IMPORTANT to HEAR God SPEAK to YOU through CREATION. Creation is a “clearly seen” CONFIRMATION of his EXISTENCE EVERYWHERE. “… the disciples went everywhere and preached, and the Lord worked through them, confirming what they saidby 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 disciples went everywhere and preached, and the Lord worked through them, confirming what they said by many miraculous signs…” (Mark 16:20 KJV).

The BIBLE says God CREATED the universe and God CONFIRMS his WORD through EVERYTHING that EXISTS.

The PURPOSE of HEARING God SPEAK to YOU through CREATION is to further REVEAL himself to YOU and DEEPEN the covenant relationship you have with HIM.

God wants you to KNOWhe is the LORD, YOUR GOD! “… he hath done marvellousthings…” (Psalm 98:1 KJV). “…I’ve … done it … so you will know that I am the Lord…” (Exodus 10:1-2 NLT). “… Then you will know that I am the Lordyour God…’” (Exodus 16:12 NLT).