Worthy of His Name?


2 Thessalonians 1:11
Amplified Bible

11With this in view we constantly pray for you, that our God may deem and count you worthy of [your] calling and [His] every gracious purpose of goodness, and with power may complete in [your] every particular work of faith (faith which is that [a]leaning of the whole human personality on God in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness).

David Langerfeld

When Alexander the Great ruled all the known world, he made it his policy to hear any appeal made to him. One day a young soldier was brought before Alexander for trial. The young man wore the tunic of Alexander's Army. "With what is he charged?" asked Alexander - who held absolute authority in all matters. There would be no appeal of his verdict. "He is charged with cowardice in battle," answered the prosecutor.

A great hush fell over the crowd gathered in the judgment hall. They knew Alexander as a general who expected his men to be valiant since he, himself, did not push his soldiers, but led them into the thick of battle. Alexander looked at the young soldier who was a mere youth, fair haired and still too young to shave. The angry scowl on his face slowly changed into an understanding smile, "What is you name, soldier?"

"Worthy King," responded the youth. "my name is the same as yours - Alexander."

Anger came back into Alexander's face, and he leaped to his feet. Alexander grabbed the soldier's tunic. "Young soldier." he said with great control, "either change your name, or change your behavior."

We are called "Christians". Are you worthy of the name?

Spiritual Makeover


Titus 3:4-5 New Living Translation

4 But—“When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, 5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.

Do you remember the day that you were first made over? God revealed Himself to you and you accepted Him into your life. He saved you and rearranged you. Why? Because of His loving kindness and tender mercy, not because of anything you did. Aren't you glad salvation is free? There is nothing that you can do to earn it or God's love. He washed all your sins away. New made you over, gave you a new life through His precious Holy Spirit.

A spiritual makeover is ongoing. You should always be growing spiritually. You are more mature now then you were when you first meet God. He constantly washing away your sins. Everyday with Jesus is a new day. You receive new mercy daily. MERCY, that means you didn't earn it. You cannot earn it. Everyday, your prayer should be Lord, make me over. I want to please you.

* If you don't know the Lord, today is a perfect day for a makeover! He will wash away your sin, your sorrow, disappointment, pain, loneliness. Ask Him to reveal Himself to you right now. He is a loving God. He will give you a new life, all you have to do is ask. It's simple. Say this, God I need you. I believe that You sent Your Son to die for me. If you meant it, congratulations! You received a spiritual makeover.

OVERCOMERS in 2008


Revelation 12:11, "And they overcame him by the Blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death."

Be encouraged that God has destined you to overcome in this life. In this new year, lean on Him to be your strength, sufficiency and overcoming strength.

John 16:33, "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

The Blood of the Lamb

Without the Blood of Christ we are helpless. His Blood is the most powerful ammunition we have against the enemy because His Blood gives us 24/7 access to the Throne of God so that we may find grace in time of need (Hebrews 4:16). Not only that, but we have a Mediator who stands on our behalf, even Jesus, who has gone before us as the Forerunner showing us the way to overcome in this life. This is a life that is in surrendered obedience to the Father, Who alone is able to save and deliver us in every and any situation. His daily faithfulness to us is found in our daily seeking after His desires.

The Blood of Christ has put us in such a position that we are able to access His grace and ability in our lives if we simply yield to Him. We must never underestimate the power of the Blood of Jesus. It never fails! We are daily washed, daily cleansed and daily delivered from the powers of darkness. This is why He told us to pray in the way: "deliver us from the evil one" (Luke 11:4).

The second we think we stand in our own strength is the same second that we will fall. Cursed is the man who trusts in man or himself and makes flesh his strength. The Blood of Jesus enables the Holy Spirit to abide in us. It is through communion with the Holy Spirit that we are able to be what God has called us to be.

The Word of Our Testimony

The word of our testimony is that which is already true about us, what the Lord has done, and what He will do! His word is sure. His promises endure. The Word of the Lord stands forever (Isaiah 40:8). Heaven and earth shall pass away, but His words will never pass away. As we hold fast the confession of His truth in our hearts as spoken with our mouths, we release divine destiny into the recesses of our being.

Divine transaction takes place when we come into agreement with Heaven. We can know beyond the shadow of a doubt that we will prevail because of the power of His Word anointed by His Spirit, being released through our mouths. Just as Jesus put the smack on the devil with the Word of God, so we also lay waste to the enemy's lies with His anointed Word flowing through us (John 8:44).

Losing Our Lives In Him

Loving not our lives--even unto death. That says it all. When we come to the crossroads of our hearts, there is a choice to make. What is more precious to us--the will of God or the desires of the flesh? Do we want what we want, or do we want what He wants? Do we have to have everything figured out? Do we have to have an answer for everything we don't understand? Does the head or the heart rule our decisions? It is at this juncture that we come to the threshold of decisions that make the difference in overcoming or being overcome.

The heart is deceitful; above all things who can know it? God knows our hearts much better than we do. Even when we think we know, we don't know like we need to know. His ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts are far above our own (Isaiah 55:9). Things may look fine on the surface, but then God breaks out His Holy Ghost vacuum cleaner that has a way of getting to the hidden things deep within us. It is not always the prettiest sight. But He is the BEST surgeon and only needs our cooperation to operate.

When we humble ourselves before Him, He is faithful to do His part and help us along. This is all part of allowing His life to abide in us. As His life abides in us, our life becomes hidden in Him (Colossians 3:3). As we abide in Him, our lives are absorbed in His Presence; His light consumes the darkness and we find His rest. A dead person knows how to rest and does not strive to make things happen. It is only when we reckon ourselves dead because of what Christ has already done on the Cross that we realize His work of the Cross in our own lives (Galatians 2:20).

In the address to the angels of the Book of Revelation, the churches, Jesus brings very strong affirmation, correction and promises as incentives to motivate us to overcome in this life. The new "Overcomers" CD reflects the heart of God in this respect. Click here to order the new release of Overcomers: To Him Who Overcomes--A Prophetic Declaration to the Modern Day Church of Revelation.

Overflowing blessings to you,

John Belt
Live In His Presence Ministries
Email: admin@liveinhispresence.com

Permission is granted (and you are also encouraged) to reprint these articles in hard copy form, as well as sending them to your own email lists and posting them on your own websites. We ask only that you keep ElijahList website, email contact info, and author contact information intact.

ElijahList Publications
310 2nd Ave SE,
Albany, OR 97321
www.elijahlist.com
email: info@elijahlist.net
Phone 1-541-926-3250

"This Year will be SWEET! and OVERCOMERS IN 2008"



"'Behold, the days are coming,' says the LORD, 'When the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him who sows seed; the mountains shall drip with sweet wine, and all the hills shall flow with it.'" Amos 9:13

I sense we are trumpeting in a major shift and season, a mightier outpouring of the Holy Spirit to empower the saints for harvest! Are you postured for sweet and mighty things of the Lord? Be prepared to be saturated with honey from the Rock as the Holy Spirit infuses and drenches you with His presence and power that will release and equip you with divine impartation for His plan for your part in this new season!

This is a spiritual transition point for many believers as God reveals His plans; His Heavenly blueprint, strategy and direction. We as believers and followers of Christ Jesus are the manifestation of His mighty plan! These are serious and exciting days, for God never does anything without purpose.

It's a good time to review your spiritual inventory and resolve to fine-tune your spiritual senses to "hear and see, touch and taste" of what the Lord is doing and is about to do! Reflect on what the Lord has already accomplished in you. Bind any "loose" ends that might hinder His blessings because you must decrease so that He can increase! Position yourself in intimacy, and resolve to draw ever closer to the Lord this year.

Get Ready for a Great Release and Fruit--Much Fruit!

This is the start of the season of a great release of God's blessings. What happens as a result of this mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit?

Fruit will come quickly!

We are living in the days where the crops will be so abundant and the land so eager to grow more that where once the plowman and the reaper toiled separately, now they will bump into each other as they gather harvest! Unity of believers under the banner of the love of Christ Jesus will herald in a bumper crop harvest as the Lord brings down showers of blessings upon His people.

Fruit will come from unexpected places!

Grapevines don't usually grow well on mountains or high hills, but in these days even the mountains will drip with SWEET wine and the hills will flow with it! What does that mean for your circumstances? What does that mean for your mountain? Expect the reality of: "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).

Sweetness will flow from your mountain and into your valley--lifting you out and into the river of His glorious presence and mighty outflow of blessings. Instead of feeling as though you're drowning in your circumstances, you'll drown in the good that God draws from them!

Fruit will come with great quality!

Expect not only a great harvest, but also a lasting one. God will empower even new saints with giftings and multiple anointings beyond imagination. The world will take notice as His very best flows into and through your life. Don't settle for a little bit of God--contend for more, because God only sends His very best seed. As the seed of His word and promises grow within you, it will accomplish His will and bring forth great quality, fruit!

Your work is blessed!

When God releases blessings for harvest, He'll bless your work. Those who sow seed, tread grapes, reap, and plow still have to work; God won't do it all Himself, but under His blessing, the work is accomplished with zeal and joy! A true sign of revival is an increase in the activity of God's workers! These aren't days to take lightly, for God never does anything without purpose.

Restoration of Desolate Heritages

"'I will bring back the captives of My people Israel; they shall build the waste cities and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and drink wine from them; they shall also make gardens and eat fruit from them. I will plant them in their land, and no longer shall they be pulled up from the land I have given them,' says the LORD your God." Amos 9:14-15

If you've been hedging, or not walking in the fullness that God has for you, how can the honey get on your unsaved loved ones? Sound the shofar! Enter into this new year with the sweet honey and wine flowing in your life!

As I close I want to share one more thought with you. One of my favorite hymns that I have really enjoyed singing with hundreds of other precious friends in Christ is the following:

Sweet, Sweet Spirit

"There's a sweet, sweet Spirit in this place, and I know that it's the Spirit of the Lord.
There are sweet expressions on each face, and I know that they feel the presence of the Lord.
Sweet Holy Spirit, sweet Heavenly Dove, stay right here with us, filling us with Your love.
And for these blessings, we lift our hearts in praise.
Without a doubt we'll know that we have been revived, when we shall leave this place."

Something GREAT and Sweet is going to happen in your life this year!

Keith Miller
Stand Firm World Ministries
Email: info@sfwm.org


Permission is granted (and you are also encouraged) to reprint these articles in hard copy form, as well as sending them to your own email lists and posting them on your own websites. We ask only that you keep ElijahList website, email contact info, and author contact information intact.

ElijahList Publications
310 2nd Ave SE,
Albany, OR 97321
www.elijahlist.com
email: info@elijahlist.net
Phone 1-541-926-3250

If Your Face is Towards Me



Proverbs 18:10
King James Version

The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.


Brett Blair and James Moore

Pastor James Moore of Houston, Texas tells a story about a young man whose wife had died, leaving him with a small son. Back home from the cemetery, they went to bed early because there was nothing else he could bear to do.

As he lay there in the darkness--grief-stricken and heartbroken, the little boy broke the stillness from his little bed with a disturbing question, "Daddy, where is mommy?"

The father got up and brought the little boy to bed with him, but the child was still disturbed and restless, occasionally asking questions like "Why isn't she here?" and When is she coming back?"

Finally the little boy said, "Daddy, if your face is toward me, I think I can go to sleep now. And in a little while he was quiet.

The father lay there in the darkness, and then in childlike faith, prayed this prayer: "O God, I don't see how I can survive this. The future looks so miserable. But if your face is toward me, somehow I think I can make it."

That's what the Messiah came to teach us: that God's face is always towards us. Therefore, let the Messiah replace your insecurity with the following bedrock conviction: God and you are in this together. Nothing can happen that God and you together cannot manage. Nothing will ever be able to separate you from his love. Now, that's real security.

Brett Blair and James W. Moore, www.eSermons.com

He Will Sit As a Refiner and Purifier of Silver



unknown

Malachi 3:3 says: "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver."

This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what
this statement meant about the character and nature of God.

One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and
get back to the group at their next Bible Study.

That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to
watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her
interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver.

As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the
fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed
to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest
as to burn away all the impurities.

The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she
thought again about the verse that says: "He sits as a refiner and
purifier of silver." She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had
to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being
refined.

The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the
silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was
in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it
would be destroyed.

The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith,
"How do you know when the silver is fully refined?"
He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in
it"

If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has
his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.

New Beginnings


“Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert."
- Isaiah 43:18, 19

I am so excited about this year and all that is in store for all of us! 2008 is indeed a year of NEW BEGINNINGS and it is synchronized with the Hebraic Year 5768 —The Year of Samekh Chet. This means we are coming into, “The Year of the Full Circle of Life.” The number eight is eternal and it means “new beginnings.” The questions that I pose to you in this new year are: “Have you broken old cycles and put away old wineskins to make room for new wine and new wineskins? Have you submitted your will to the Lord and severed toxic relationships? Have you shifted from where you were?”

I believe you are being positioned to make a transition into the next dimension of glory in your life. It is pivotal right now as to how you have staked your claim and how you have allowed the Lord to have His way in your life. It is my prayer that you have entered this year in favor and not in bondage.

New beginnings start with a new mindset. It starts with seeing that unfamiliar place as a new place that you are willing to step into. New things will spring forth. This marks a shift in time. Something new is coming.

We are familiar with the scripture 2 Corinthians 5:17 that states we are new creatures in Christ. This Greek word for new is “kainos.” It means to be new or different. We are new in the sense of being different and having a new nature that brings transformation in and through our lives.

In Matthew 9:17 both of these words – new and different - were used in the one statement. You see, there was a practice of putting new wine in old wineskins. The wine or the Holy Spirit is not just different but we as new creatures need to be new or different to be transformed or changed from one stage to another.

These two words for new can also be called renewal. This can mean being restored to our first love or our faith being renewed. But the other meaning of renewal is a stage of newness when we are different than we were before. We are not to be renewed to where we were but to a fresh and new place.

Romans 12:2 speaks about the renewal of the mind. That is a total transformation of the way we think. The shift is coming but we have to be ready to move with God in the process of coming from the old to the new. There is a karios moment of time where we need to be prepared to change when God brings the shift.

Becoming new is not a time, season or event but recognition of a needed change. It is understanding and taking that recognition to make a choice or decision to begin again.

INSPIRATIONAL NUGGETS:


“The obstacles of your past can become the gateways that lead to a new beginning.” – Ralph Blum

“This is the beginning of a new day. You have been given this day to use as you will. You can waste it or use it for good. What you do today is important because you are exchanging a day of your life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever; in its place is something that you have left behind.. . let it be something good.” – Author unknown

For 2008, I decree and declare:

• That the Kingdom of God is your priority and His assignment for your life is your focus.
• That this is the year of Manifestation and Dominion
• That you will walk into unmerited and divine favor
• That you will find your hiding place in God and that you would be still and know that He is God
• That the old roots and all things that would hinder your growth in God must go
• That you do not backslide or look back into old ways, old methodologies, or old strategies
• That your territories will be enlarged and that there will be no limits on your minds
• That your relationships will be strategic and God-ordained and orchestrated
• That God’s Word over your life will be quickened and He will hasten to perform His Word
• That this is the year of performance and a year of blossoming
• That the enemy you saw before, you will no see no more
• That the heavens are opened over your life
• That the gates are open and you will go forth taking territory in dominion and authority
• That you are now living your most blessed and best days now
• That you work unto the Lord with diligence and excellence
• That you now have a creative, fresh, and cutting-edge mentality
• That God gives you the right constellation, relationships and divine partnerships
• That your hands are productive and you will have quantum and accelerated progress
• That everything that is misaligned now comes into divine alignment
• That you walk in divine timing and you will hit the prophetic timing of the Lord with accuracy and keen
discernment
• That you ascend into new realms of power and authority and access new dimensions of divine revelation
• That you will experience supernatural joy, supernatural strength, supernatural wisdom, supernatural
discernment, supernatural exploits
• That all financial doors are open, and all financial channels are free
• That you are blessed with abundance and all of your needs are met and you have more than enough to give
over and above all your needs
• That you are a success-oriented individual who has buying power on your dollar who lives in prosperity

I speak these words over your life in Jesus Name!

Kingdom Blessings,
Dr. N. Cindy Trimm, Ambassador of Hope

Kirk Franklin- Declaration (This Is It!)

This Enemy, You Will See No More


Judges 16:24a
New American Standard Bible

24When the people saw him, they praised their god, for they said,
"Our god has given our enemy into our hands,..."


God said that the enemy you are facing now, you will see no more. Angels have been dispatched to handle your enemy. You have victory over your enemy. You have prayed, you have fasted, you have dared to believe when it looked like all hope was gone. Rejoice! Praise your God! He has delivered your enemy into your hands.

The curse has been reversed, the struggle is over! "This enemy, you will see no more", says your God.
Happy Birthday, Dr. King!



I submit to you that if a man hasn't discovered something he will die for, he isn't fit to live.
Martin Luther King Jr.
Speech in Detroit, June 23, 1963

What Would You Die For?



Matthew 26:35
Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.

What would you die for? Would you die for Jesus? If someone had a gun to your head, told you to deny that Jesus is Lord, what would you do?

Three people come to mind, Judas, Peter, and Paul. Judas sold Jesus out for money. He betrayed Jesus even though he witnessed miracles. He saw Jesus heal people, feed the multitude, even raise Lazarus from the dead. In the end, his love for money proved stronger than his love for Jesus. Or did it, Judas could not handle the guilty and committed suicide. Then there was Peter. He loved Jesus but denied Him because he was afraid of what people would think or say, he wrestled with doubt. He loved Jesus but was not prepared to be persecuted for it. Well, At least at first. Peter went on to do great exploits for Jesus. On the day of Pentecost, he lead thousands to Jesus. Ultimately, Peter did die for Jesus. Then there was Paul. He spend his life persecuting Christians until God knocked him off his horse and caused him to be blind so that he would be able to see. His sight was restored after going to see Ananias. Paul served God with a physical ailment. Paul was jailed and beaten many times because his attitude was for God i live and for God I'll die.

Is Jesus the reason you live? Will you die for Him? All three men died. They all died for Jesus. Two died in right standing, doing everything they could for the kingdom. One died because he could not take the guilt of playing a role in sending Jesus to His death (even though it was part of God's plan).

Dying for Jesus doesn't just mean that you will give your physical body. It is also spiritual. You may not be called to give your body for Jesus. But, we are all called to die to the things of the world. We are called to kill the flesh, killing the sinful nature. Sin feels good. Humans like to lie, cheat, do drugs, drink alcohol, fornicate,not give tithes and offering, and everything else that separates us from Jesus. It hurts more to give up what you like, for what God wants.

God Bless

Take Action



Matthew 7:7-8
New Life Version

7 "Ask, and what you are asking for will be given to you. Look, and what you are looking for you will find. Knock, and the door you are knocking on will be opened to you. 8 Everyone who asks receives what he asks for. Everyone who looks finds what he is looking for. Everyone who knocks has the door opened to him.

Are there things that you want to accomplish spiritually, professionally, or personally? God is always involved in the affairs for His people. When you have a relationship with God, it is never one sided. First, you should pray and ask God what He wants you to do. Then, look for opportunities to do what He said. Next, get moving. Start knocking on doors, spiritually and naturally. That dream job is not just going to fall in your lap. Go out and look for it, apply, and leave it up to God. No one is going to just going to give you a house. Consider what you need, how much you can afford, and apply for a mortgage. That ministry is not going to just happen. You have to study to show yourself approved. You have to serve a man or woman of God, be mentored by them. God says, faith without works is dead.

If you ask, you will receive. If you knock, doors will open. What God has for you, is for you. If it is for you, then it is yours.

God Bless

A Decree Will Stop the Enemy


Psalm 8:2
Holman Christian Standard Bible

2 Because of Your adversaries,
You have established a stronghold
from the mouths of children and nursing infants,
to silence the enemy and the avenger.

Psalm 28:8
New American Standard Bible


8The LORD is their strength,
And He is a saving defense to His anointed.


A decree is defined as an order usually having the force of law; to command or enjoin; having the force of a law enacted by the legislature. So what does that mean to you? God has given you dominion and power because you are His. Even if you are a babe in Christ, you can speak in the name of Jesus and it will silence the enemy and the avenger. The enemy is constantly scheming on you. You no longer belong to him and he's furious. He comes like a roaring lion trying to devour you. But a decree will stop him. You can command the enemy to get behind you. Use the law given to you which is the word of God. Things have to change when you speak the Word.

You have the power to establish a stronghold because of who you are. A stronghold is not always a negative thing. A stronghold is a a fortified place, a place of security or survival, a place dominated by a particular group or marked by a particular characteristic. God is your defense, your security. He is a hiding place from the enemy and the issues of life. He is your strength and you are His anointed one.

It may sound simple, but a decree will stop the enemy.

God Bless

Come Up Higher



Revelation 4:1
New International Version

1After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, "Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this."

Today, I went to the home going service of a mother in Zion. She was a grandmother to me although we are not biologically related. We do have the same spiritual DNA. I was shaken when I heard the news. She was in church on a Sunday and passed that Thursday. We had endless talks and shared many laughs. She nurtured me. She was honest to a fault. If you wanted to know the truth, Mother would tell you. Sometimes you didn't even have to ask. As humans do, I asked the Lord why.

His response was, "come up higher". As Mother transitioned from this life into the arms of a loving God, He opened the door for her to enter Heaven. She is dancing around the throne. She is now beholding the beauty of our beautiful Savior. He called her higher to a place where she would no longer be sick, pay bills, or worry about loved ones.

God also is calling us higher. He has things that He wants to show us. He has marvelous things that He wants to do through us. God wants us experience new joy, fresh anointing, and a more intimate relationship with Him.

God is calling you higher. He wants to show you more of His glory. Fall in love with Him all over again.

God Bless

Master Can You Use Me?


2 Timothy 2:21
Holman Christian Standard Bible

21 So if anyone purifies himself from these things, he will be a special instrument, set apart, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.

When a new year begins, my bishop always calls us to a fast. 2007 started out rocky for me to say the least. In the month of January, I experienced betrayal, was talked about, and lied on.I never even saw it coming. The enemy hit me hard. I wanted to lash out at the people who had done me wrong. Anyone who knows me, knows that I have an opinion about everything, all the time. I wanted to say something. Yell at the people involved, defend myself. But God would not allow me. He told me to be quiet and let Him fight my battle. My only recourse was warfare prayer. I began to war in the spirit and let Him handle it. It was a difficult time. It was then that I began to write. I wrote like I did many years ago when I wanted to be a journalist. I did not understand why i felt compelled to write. But God knew.

In the middle of the storm, God began to show me that there was a purpose. It was for my good. He told me that I had to get through that to get to where He was taking me. I could not see it then, but I was being purified. I was in the refiner's fire. He was getting rid of things that He could not use and bringing other things to the surface. He brought the gift of writing to the surface. He was guiding me into ministry. This was to purify me and encourage others. In 2007, God allowed me to start this ministry, minister at a women's conference, and start a Christian magazine. He also showed me that I was a spiritual sniper...anointed to war in the heavens. He showed me that I was an intercessor and had a powerful gift to sit in His lap and fellowship with Him, then pray His will. What an awesome and loving God. In fact the ministry of intercession was the greatest gift He brought to the surface.

Why am I sharing this? To let you know that everything that is happening now ( the good and bad) has purpose. You are being purified. You are and will be a special instrument, set apart for the Master's use.

God Bless

Why? Because You're Different



1 Peter 2:9
New Living Translation

9 But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.

Have you ever felt like people around you don't really know who you are? The Bible says that you are peculiar. Peculiar is defined as 1: characteristic of only one person, group, or thing : distinctive 2: different from the usual or normal: a: special particular b: odd curious c: eccentric

God says that you are peculiar. You are peculiar not just to the world but to other Christians. You don't have the same testimony as anyone else. You are unique. You don't have the same gift, ministry, or anointing as anyone else either. The world does not understand you, because you have Christ...you are light. Darkness does not understand light. You have been called out of darkness. Now you see that you were in sin. Now your see God's glory, His majesty, His power.

God designed you the way He wanted you to be. Other Christians may not fully understand your purpose or God's plan for you. You will be frustrated time and time again if you seek advice from someone who does not that there are things that are unique about you(even another Christian). Ultimately, you must seek God for direction. You can go to a Christian that is mature and whose advice you trust. But, they are human too. They might give you advice that contradicts what you feel in your spirit. Start there but don't end there. Take everything to God in prayer and supplication (asking humbly and earnestly). God will give you the right advice always. Trust Him.

God Bless

Be Still


Psalm 46:10
Amplified Bible

10Let be and be still, and know (recognize and understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth!

We live in a microwave society. Everything is done in a hurry. You no longer have to wait until you get home to make a phone call. You don't have to even stop to pay a toll. A wealth of information is at your fingertips in a matter of seconds. You can prepare a meal in minutes. Technology is a wonderful thing. We thank God for the technological advances.

God does not work like that. We don't always get an instant answer to prayer. God sits outside of time. What may seem urgent to us is not always urgent to Him. His ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts. He stands at the beginning and the end. He is alpha and omega. His ways are beyond ours. We tend to want God to move in our time and forget that His timing is always perfect.

Be still and recognize and understand that He alone is God. He alone is worthy to be praised. He alone is worthy of all honor. His name is above every name. Get quiet before Him and let Him speak to your heart, mind, and spirit. The timing is up to Him.

God Bless

Trading the Old Man for the New


Colossians 3:8-10
New Living Translation

8 But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. 9 Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. 10 Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.

Why is it so hard to be a Christian? It is an old story. The internal struggle of mankind has always gone on and always will. The old nature is constantly at war with the new. Since we are in flesh, we have a sinful nature.

We are living in a time where anything goes. Our children are playing no longer worrying about falling of the monkey bars, but worried about getting shot at the park. Men are marrying men, women are marrying women. People are calling wrong right and right wrong. Men have become lovers of themselves. The church even talks more about financial prosperity than spiritual prosperity. The church has become consumed with building membership and not God's kingdom. Pastors are not exposing sin or preaching deliverance like they should for fear of losing revenue.

It is time for us to stop fooling ourselves. It is time to strip ourselves of the old nature that says it is alright to lie, curse, and backbite. January is the beginning of the year, make up in your mind today that you will renew your mind and spirit. Let's be more like Christ. Let's cast out demons, do the will of the Father, feed the hungry, minister to the sick, clothe the naked...

We are called to be the hands and feet of our Lord. Trade in the old man for the new one today. While trying to stick to your New Year's resolution, resolve to show the love of Jesus everyday in a big or small way.

God Bless

How Do You Measure Up?

Matthew 17:20
The Message

20"Because you're not yet taking God seriously," said Jesus. "The simple truth is that if you had a mere kernel of faith, a poppy seed, say, you would tell this mountain, 'Move!' and it would move. There is nothing you wouldn't be able to tackle."

The Word of God says that everyone has been given a measure of faith. Some people believe God for everything. Some people's faith wavers. Some struggle with unbelief. Faith is the substance of things hoped for...the evidence of things not seen. Abraham is the father of faith. He believed God for great things, He was not perfect but a man of great faith. Thomas walked with Jesus, yet he doubted.

Do you have faith like Abraham or doubt like Thomas? Or do you find yourself somewhere in between? All you need is a little faith, the size of a mustard seed(that's pretty small)and you can move mountains. What is the mountain in your life today? Do you have the faith to move it?

God Bless

The ABC's of Starting Over

David Langerfeld

The ABC's of Starting Over

Mark 10:46-52

Is your life predictable? Do you do the same thing, day after day? Do you feel as though 2008 will be just as dull and monotonous as 2007? There is a wonderful passage that gives you a practical example of how one man changed his life. It gives you the ABC's of how to change your life.



Mark 10:46-52 - Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (that is, the Son of Timaeus), was sitting by the roadside begging. [47] When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" [48] Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" [49] Jesus stopped and said, "Call him." So they called to the blind man, "Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you." [50] Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. [51] "What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked him. The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see." [52] "Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you." Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.

From this passage, we can discover the ABC's to help us change our life.

A - Assume Responsibility For Your Own Life!

v. 47 - When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"

We live in a generation that tries to blame someone else for its problems.

Teenagers blame their parents,

Parents blame their children,

Workers blame their co-workers or their boss.


Things happen that you can't control - but you can control your response. Let me repeat that. Things happen that you can't control - but you can control your response. I hear people say all the time. He makes me so mad or she makes me so mad.


Nobody can make you mad. You're the only person who can make you mad. People can do things that upset you, things you don't like, things that hurt you. But you decide how you're going to respond.

Look back at the scripture. See what did Bartimaeus did and did not do.

1. He didn't blame someone else.

He didn't think that God or anyone else owed him something.

2. He did go to Jesus. He humbled himself and sought help and deliverance.


B - Believe You Can Change (V. 51).

[51] "What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked him. The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see."



He believed he wouldn't walk away the same.

He believed that he'd be DIFFERENT.

So often people pray...

"God, if you'll just change my employer,

if you'll just change my husband or my wife

if you'll just change my children or my Friend,

if you'll just change my boss, or co-worker, or relative


God never promises that he will change your situation. God does promise that he will change YOU. He'll change your attitude... your perspective... Your outlook... Then you can change your attitude toward your situation.


C - Clarify What It Is You Really Need

[51] - "What do you want me to do for you?"


Specific prayers get specific answers. How often do we pray, "God bless the missionaries overseas." Jesus already knew what the man needed. Jesus just wanted the man to say it.


How often do we play communication games with each other? A wife will tell me, "He doesn't meet my needs." "Well, does he know what you need?" "Sure, he loves me, he ought to know." " Maybe he ought to know, but that doesn't necessarily mean he really knows. You have to tell him what your needs are."



Another example: "I'm so mad at him." "Well, does he know why you're mad at him." "Of course, he does. He knows what he did!" "How does he know? Did you tell him?" "I don't have to tell him. He knows."



We do the same thing with God. We assume that since God knows everything, we don't have to tell him. But that's just exactly the opposite of the way God operates. He wants us to tell him what we need. Exactly what we need. Jesus will meet your needs when you tell him what your needs are. But sometimes He doesn't meet your needs because you never tell Him what you really want and how you really feel.



Notice his cry - "Have mercy on me." He was Beggar. Yet, notice, he didn't cry out for food, or clothing, or money or housing. He was given sight that day. He was healed that day - because he realized that his most basic need was for mercy and grace. He needed what only Jesus was offering - and because of that, he was healed.


D - Decide to Stop Worrying

1. First, Stop Worrying About What Other People Will Say

(v. 48) Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more.



What were they telling him?

Shut up! Nobody wants to hear what you have to say!

This isn't the right place.. This isn't the right time...

Nobody's ever done it that way before...

You can't do that - just be quiet



We have to quit worrying about what other people think. In this particular situation, everyone else was wrong. Everyone else told him he shouldn't do it that way. He didn't care what the protocol was. He didn't care if all the people agreed that you just don't approach Jesus that way. He knew he needed help and he wasn't going to be denied.



Have you prayed for something and God hasn't answered you yet?

Keep on calling out to God.

Do you have a need and God hasn't met it yet.

Keep on calling out to God.

Are you hurting and don't have an answer?

Keep on calling out to God.



Are people telling you to give up?

Are people telling you to quit?

Are people telling you that God doesn't care?

Are you worried about what other people think or what other people will say?

Are you concerned about how it might look?

Are you worried that other people will think you crazy or you're a fanatic?

Stop worrying.

Don't quit.

Don't give up

JUST CRY OUT EVEN LOUDER



One of the greatest attributes a Christian can have is persistence and perseverance. Jesus tells a parable about the neighbor who comes at midnight and is rewarded for his persistence. Someone once said, God doesn't answer shallow prayers, he answers desperate prayer.






2. Second, Stop Waiting for the Ideal Circumstances

v. 46 As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus was sitting by the roadside begging.



Bartimaeus almost missed his chance. Jesus was on his way out of town. This is the last time Jesus would come to Jericho. If he had missed JESUS, he never would have been healed.

We have to quit waiting for just the right time.

We have to quit waiting for the right opportunity to come along. It may not happen.

We have to do something now.


E - Exercise Your Faith

[50] Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.



Sometimes, we have to do something different.

We can't do the same old thing.

If we're really going to change,

If we want life to be different,

we have to do something bold and dramatic.



Bartimaeus did something unique and unusual for that day and time. It was not normal for a man to cast aside his garment. It was not the usual protocol for a man to leave his garment. Sometimes we have to do something totally out of the norm. Totally different. Hebrews 12:1 says, let us lay aside every weight, every sin that so easily entangles us." Notice those words, lay aside every weight and every sin.



We know the sins. But what are the weights? Whatever is keeping you from keeping Jesus first in your life. Whatever is keeping you from running to Jesus. Whatever is holding you back from surrendering your life to the LORDSHIP of Jesus so he can do a miracle in your life.





F - Follow Jesus

[52] "Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you." Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.



He was a beggar, he was blind, he had been healed. It would have been so easy to go into town and tell everybody what had happened - to show the priest, to show his friends and relatives, to let the whole town know that he had been healed - but that's not what the scripture says. It simply says, "He followed Jesus!"



2008 can be totally different from 2007 if you'll...

A - Assume responsibility for your own life

B - Believe you can change

C - Clarify what it is you really need.

D - Decide to stop worrying

1. Stop worrying what other people will say

2. Stop waiting for the ideal circumstances

E - Exercise Your Faith

F - Follow Jesus!

It's All About the Kingdom


Romans 12:3
The Message

3I'm speaking to you out of deep gratitude for all that God has given me, and especially as I have responsibilities in relation to you. Living then, as every one of you does, in pure grace, it's important that you not misinterpret yourselves as people who are bringing this goodness to God. No, God brings it all to you. The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, not by what we are and what we do for him.


How do you see yourself? Do you see yourself as others do or as God sees you? The only goodness in you is the God in you. All the gifts and talents He has given you is to build His kingdom. All of the blessings you have are for His glory. You have what you have and you are who you are because of His grace. What is grace? Undeserved favor.

As God uses you, don't think to highly of yourself. God works through you but He doesn't need you to accomplish His purpose. He has blessed you to bless someone else. Don't make the mistake of thinking it was you. Don't worry about recognition or accolades. It's all about the kingdom.

Be a Kingdom builder.

God Bless