The Restoration Ministries' Podcast: Recent Episodes
restorationministries
It is an honor to bring this Podcast to you. Michael & Charlene Cox are both ordained ministers with Full Gospel Churches International. This Podcast will teach The Living Word of God on the Love, Mercy, and Grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Mercy of the Lord endures forever - Psalms 107: 1
1st Cor. 12: 31 – 13: 3 But earnestly desire and zealously cultivate the greatest and best gifts and graces (the higher gifts and the choicest graces). And yet I will show you a still more excellent way [one that is better by far and the highest of them all--love].
(13: 1)IF I [can] speak in the tongues of men and [even] of angels, but have not love (that reasoning, intentional, spiritual devotion such as is inspired by God's love for and in us), I am only a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. (2) And if I have prophetic powers (the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose), and understand all the secret truths and mysteries and possess all knowledge, and if I have [sufficient] faith so that I can remove mountains, but have not love (God's love in me) I am nothing (a useless nobody). (3) Even if I dole out all that I have [to the poor in providing] food, and if I surrender my body to be burned or in order that I may glory, but have not love (God's love in me), I gain nothing. (Amplified Classic)
Love meets all the requirements of heaven, answered prayers, and harvest.
Matthew 22: 37 – 39 And He replied to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind (intellect). (38) This is the great (most important, principal) and first commandment. (39) And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as [you do] yourself. (40) These two commandments sum up and upon them depend all the Law and the Prophets. (Amplified Classic)
Everything Hangs on the Rod of Love. When you let love fall, your faith, healing, prosperity, prayers, deliverance, everything will fall.
Luke 10: 25 – 28 (Amplified Classic) And then a certain lawyer arose to try (test, tempt) Him, saying, Teacher, what am I to do to inherit everlasting life [that is, to partake of eternal salvation in the Messiah's kingdom]? (26) Jesus said to him, What is written in the Law? How do you read it? (27) And he replied, You must love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself. (28) And Jesus said to him, You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live [enjoy active, blessed, endless life in the kingdom of God].
Manifestations come through expressing God’s love toward others. But we have resisted God’s love for so long that we fail to see manifestations in our lives as we should. Real love always produces manifestations of His Presence. We must demonstrate love in order to have genuine manifestation of God’s Word in our life at all times,
John 13: 34 – 35 (Amplified Classic) I give you a new commandment: that you should love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too should love one another. (35) By this shall all [men] know that you are My disciples, if you love one another [if you keep on showing love among yourselves].
1st Corinthians 16: 14 Let everything you do be done in love (true love to God and man as inspired by God's love for us). (Amplified Classic)
Colossians 3: 17 And whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus and in [dependence upon] His Person, giving praise to God the Father through Him. (Amplified Classic)
Colossians 3: 14 And above all these [put on] love and enfold yourselves with the bond of perfectness [which binds everything together completely in ideal harmony]. (Amplified Classic)
We must learn how to love God so that we can love others and be more effective in the kingdom of God.
If God’s agape love is not working in our life, then the Kingdom of God will be limited in its ability to produce or manifest in our life.
Two of the greatest forces in life that effect everyone one of us are Love and selfishness. These two forces are involved in everything we do. They are involved in every decision that we make.
Everything we do and every decision that we make are related to one or the other of these two forces, Love or selfishness. One or the other is always present, but they cannot work together.
Mankind is born with a selfish nature. Selfishness is the reciprocal of love.
Agape love is not a human form of love. It is unconditional, limitless, selfless, and is not based on emotions. It tolerates anything. It is always others center.
Hebrews 2: 14 – 15 (Amplified Classic) Since, therefore, [these His] children share in flesh and blood [in the physical nature of human beings], He [Himself] in a similar manner partook of the same [nature], that by [going through] death He might bring to nought and make of no effect him who had the power of death--that is, the devil-- (15) And also that He might deliver and completely set free all those who through the [haunting] fear of death were held in bondage throughout the whole course of their lives.
Hebrews 4: 15 – 16 (NKJV) For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. (16) Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Jesus was also tempted with selfishness. Jesus used the Word to defeat selfishness. He anchored His choice in the Word. We should do the same.
Love is the distinguishing mark of the Christian: It is the only way the World will recognize us as Believers. The power flows from the unity of heart.
Matthew 18: 19 -20 (Amplified Classic) Again I tell you, if two of you on earth agree (harmonize together, make a symphony together) about whatever [anything and everything] they may ask, it will come to pass and be done for them by My Father in heaven. (20) For wherever two or three are gathered (drawn together as My followers) in (into) My name, there I AM in the midst of them.
The key to individual and corporate revival lies in the unity of heart or our Love one for another. Love between the individual and God which leads to the unity or Love of the corporate body and God.
John 13: 33 – 34 (Amplified Classic) I give you a new commandment: that you should love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too should love one another. (34) By this shall all [men] know that you are My disciples, if you love one another [if you keep on showing love among yourselves].
John 17: 20 – 23 (Amplified Classic) Neither for these alone do I pray [it is not for their sake only that I make this request], but also for all those who will ever come to believe in (trust in, cling to, rely on) Me through their word and teaching, (21) That they all may be one, [just] as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be one in Us, so that the world may believe and be convinced that You have sent Me. (22) I have given to them the glory and honor which You have given Me, that they may be one [even] as We are one: (23) I in them and You in Me, in order that they may become one and perfectly united, that the world may know and [definitely] recognize that You sent Me and that You have loved them [even] as You have loved Me. ** (1st John 4: 17 … As He Is so are we in this world.)
Love is the distinguishing mark of the Christian: It is the only way the World will recognize us as Believers. The power flows from the unity of heart.
Matthew 18: 19 -20 (Amplified Classic) Again I tell you, if two of you on earth agree (harmonize together, make a symphony together) about whatever [anything and everything] they may ask, it will come to pass and be done for them by My Father in heaven. (20) For wherever two or three are gathered (drawn together as My followers) in (into) My name, there I AM in the midst of them.
The key to individual and corporate revival lies in the unity of heart or our Love one for another. Love between the individual and God which leads to the unity or Love of the corporate body and God.
John 13: 33 – 34 (Amplified Classic) I give you a new commandment: that you should love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too should love one another. (34) By this shall all [men] know that you are My disciples, if you love one another [if you keep on showing love among yourselves].
John 17: 20 – 23 (Amplified Classic) Neither for these alone do I pray [it is not for their sake only that I make this request], but also for all those who will ever come to believe in (trust in, cling to, rely on) Me through their word and teaching, (21) That they all may be one, [just] as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be one in Us, so that the world may believe and be convinced that You have sent Me. (22) I have given to them the glory and honor which You have given Me, that they may be one [even] as We are one: (23) I in them and You in Me, in order that they may become one and perfectly united, that the world may know and [definitely] recognize that You sent Me and that You have loved them [even] as You have loved Me. ** (1st John 4: 17 … As He Is so are we in this world.)
A real gift comes from the heart and is given in love without expecting anything in return. No strings attached. If something is expected in return the gift is no longer a gift.
A real gift cost the giver something and is a blessing to the receiver.
A real gift comes from the heart not the purse or wallet and has nothing to do with financial value to the giver or the receiver. The Love in which it is given from the heart becomes its real value.
To the giver the most rewarding part of the gift is not the planning, the making or purchase of the gift but it is in the giving from the heart and how that gift is received by the receiver. The desire of the giver is the joy and blessing of the receiver. When the receiver receives the gift from the giver, they receive the heart of the giver.
The greatest gift that we can give to someone comes from our heart. There are some gifts that can only come from the heart of the person themselves. The gift of my Love, The gift of my Trust, The gift of my honor to the person, The gift of my forgiveness, The gift of my respect, The gift of my smile, The gift of my touch, The gift of my encouragement, The gift of my prayers, The gift of my kind words.
A gift given from the heart but not received in the manner and purpose given loses its value to both the receiver and the giver.
A true Christian should be living the true heart of Christmas 24/7, 365 and 1/4 or continuously
The Gift that we give God should have a value to God, come from the heart, and cost us something
What we give to God must be from the heart. God desires our heart. A gift of our self. The heart gift because we want to and choose to do so.
The Bible is full of God’s Gifts to Man.
Love is the Foundation for Everything in Christian Life. Whenever Jesus talks about keeping His commandments, He is talking about the commandment of love. Love is not a suggestion: it is a command from the Commander-in-Chief God.
Matthew 22: 34 – 40 (NKJV) But when the Pharisees heard that He had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. (35) Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying, (36) "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?" (37) Jesus said to him, 'YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.' (38) This is the first and great commandment. (39) And the second is like it: 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.' (40) On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."
John 15: 9 – 13 (Amplified Classic) I have loved you, [just] as the Father has loved Me; abide in My love [continue in His love with Me]. (10) If you keep My commandments [if you continue to obey My instructions], you will abide in My love and live on in it, just as I have obeyed My Father's commandments and live on in His love. (11) I have told you these things, that My joy and delight may be in you, and that your joy and gladness may be of full measure and complete and overflowing. (12) This is My commandment: that you love one another [just] as I have loved you. (13) No one has greater love [no one has shown stronger affection] than to lay down (give up) his own life for his friends.
Colossians 1: 9 – 14 For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; (10) that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; (11) strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; (12) giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. (13) He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, (14) in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. (NKJV)
As believers, it is essential that we know and understand God's Love and Mercy. That we develop trust in His Love and Mercy. This is the message that He so deeply desires for the world to know. It is our message to a dark and hurting world.
If we are to have faith and confidence in Him, we must trust in His mercy.
We must Develop Faith in the Mercy of God. God is faithful to His mercy.
Deuteronomy 7: 9 (NKJV) Therefore know that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments;
2nd Thessalonians 3: 3 (NKJV) But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.
The entire Word of God emphasizes God’s Love, Mercy, and Goodness. We can trust in His Mercy. His Mercy endures forever.
Psalm 145: 9 (NKJV) The LORD is good to all, And His tender mercies are over all His works.
Psalm 106: 1 Praise the LORD! Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.
God The Father wants us to trust and have confidence in His mercy. He wants us to build our faith concerning His love and mercy. He desires for us to step out on it and give Him a chance to demonstrate His mercy toward us.
"Choice - The Determining Factor"
Love is the Foundation for Everything in Christian Life. Whenever Jesus talks about keeping His commandments, He is talking about the commandment of love. Love is not a suggestion: it is a command from the Commander-in-Chief God.
Matthew 22: 34 – 40 (NKJV) But when the Pharisees heard that He had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. (35) Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying, (36) "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?" (37) Jesus said to him, 'YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.' (38) This is the first and great commandment. (39) And the second is like it: 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.' (40) On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."
John 15: 9 – 13 (Amplified Classic) I have loved you, [just] as the Father has loved Me; abide in My love [continue in His love with Me]. (10) If you keep My commandments [if you continue to obey My instructions], you will abide in My love and live on in it, just as I have obeyed My Father's commandments and live on in His love. (11) I have told you these things, that My joy and delight may be in you, and that your joy and gladness may be of full measure and complete and overflowing. (12) This is My commandment: that you love one another [just] as I have loved you. (13) No one has greater love [no one has shown stronger affection] than to lay down (give up) his own life for his friends.
Mark 11:25 - 26 (Amplified Bible Classic) - And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him and let it drop (leave it, let it go), in order that your Father Who is in heaven may also forgive you your [own] failings and shortcomings and let them drop. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your failings and shortcomings.
Un-forgiveness is a major hindrance to our faith and to our prayer life. Note what Jesus had to say about forgiveness in the scriptures above. He said, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him and let it drop (leave it, let it go). This is a commandment and not a suggestion. He said let it drop. As with all commandments and promises if God said it that makes it His idea. If it is His idea He will back it. If He said it He also placed within the commandment and the promise the power, the provision, and the ability to do it. We can do it. He will provide all that is needed to do it but we must chose to do it and start walking in it. This is a must for us. Join us in our study on this subject. It will change your life forever.
Having an established heart means that you are Spiritually or Love Minded. Walking in the Spirit is walking in love. You cannot walk in the Spirit without walking in Love
Romans 8: 5 - 6 (NKJV) For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. (6) For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
All sin (no matter what it is) is self-centered *** All Love is others centered.
Being Spiritually Minded (Love Minded) puts us in a place to know His Ways and what our ways are supposed to be.
Being Spiritually Minded (Love Minded) puts us in a place where we can hear the voice of The Holy Spirit. God Himself Who lives in each of us.
Being Spiritually Minded (Love Minded) puts us in a place where we can be guided by The Holy Spirit. Yes, in every area of life.
Being Spiritually Minded (Love Minded) puts us in place to know what and how to choose
Being Spiritually Minded (Love Minded) puts us in a place where God Himself has an eye on our path of life and He Himself will teach us how to choose
Being Spiritually Minded (Love Minded) puts us in a place where the Angels can protect and work for us.
Being Spiritually Minded (Love Minded) puts us in a place where we are victorious over the world
Proverbs 3: 1 – 10 (Amplified Classic) MY SON, forget not my law or teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; (2) For length of days and years of a life [worth living] and tranquility [inward and outward and continuing through old age till death], these shall they add to you. (3) Let not mercy and kindness [shutting out all hatred and selfishness] and truth [shutting out all deliberate hypocrisy or falsehood] forsake you; bind them about your neck, write them upon the tablet of your heart. (4) So shall you find favor, good understanding, and high esteem in the sight [or judgment] of God and man. When a man's ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.(5) Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. (6) In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths. (7) Be not wise in your own eyes; reverently fear and worship the Lord and turn [entirely] away from evil. (8) It shall be health to your nerves and sinews, and marrow and moistening to your bones. (9) Honor the Lord with your capital and sufficiency [from righteous labors] and with the firstfruits of all your income; (10) So shall your storage places be filled with plenty, and your vats shall be overflowing with new wine.
The person who has an established heart will dwell in the secret place of God’s Rest and Peace.
Psalm 91: 1 – 2 (Amplified Classic) HE WHO dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand]. (2) I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I [confidently] trust!
A person who has an established heart has set their love upon the Lord. In Psalm 91: 14 – 16 God Himself declares what He will do for the person who has an established heart setting their love upon the Lord.
Psalm 91: 14 – 16 (Amplified Classic) Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him; I will set him on high, because he knows and understands My name [has a personal knowledge of My mercy, love, and kindness--trusts and relies on Me, knowing I will never forsake him, no, never]. (15) He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. (16) With long life will I satisfy him and show him My salvation.
Proverbs 3: 1 – 2 (Amplified Classic) MY SON, forget not my law or teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; (2) For length of days and years of a life [worth living] and tranquility [inward and outward and continuing through old age till death], these shall they add to you.
Everything is an issue of the Heart – A love issue. Everything flows from the heart. That is why Love is the #1 Priority in life. Nothing is more important.
Proverbs 4: 20 – 23 (Amplified Classic) My son, attend to my words; consent and submit to my sayings. (21) Let them not depart from your sight; keep them in the center of your heart. (22) For they are life to those who find them, healing and health to all their flesh. (23) Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life.
God and His Word are One. John 1: 1 (Amplified Classic) IN THE beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself.
If God Is Love, then His Word Is Love.
Words are sown in the heart. The Word Is Life. That is why it is so vital that we protect the heart above all that we guard. The issues of life flow from the heart.
Matthew 6: 21(NKJV & Amp. Classic) For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
1st John 3: 1 (NKJV) Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. (2) Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.
1st John 4: 9 – 10 (Amplified Classic) In this the love of God was made manifest (displayed) where we are concerned: in that God sent His Son, the only begotten or unique [Son], into the world so that we might live through Him. (10) In this is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (the atoning sacrifice) for our sins.
1st Peter 3: 18 (Amplified Classic) For Christ [the Messiah Himself] died for sins once for all, the Righteous for the unrighteous (the Just for the unjust, the Innocent for the guilty), that He might bring us to God. In His human body He was put to death, but He was made alive in the spirit,
Ephesians 2: 1 (Amplified Classic) AND YOU [He made alive], when you were dead (slain) by [your] trespasses and sins
Ephesians 2: 4 – 5 (Amplified Classic) But God--so rich is He in His mercy! Because of and in order to satisfy the great and wonderful and intense love with which He loved us, (5) Even when we were dead (slain) by [our own] shortcomings and trespasses, He made us alive together in fellowship and in union with Christ; [He gave us the very life of Christ Himself, the same new life with which He quickened Him, for] it is by grace (His favor and mercy which you did not deserve) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ's salvation).
Matthew 22: 37 – 40 (Amplified Classic) (also Deu. 6: 3 – 9) And He replied to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind (intellect). (38) This is the great (most important, principal) and first commandment. (39) And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as [you do] yourself. (40) These two commandments sum up and upon them depend all the Law and the Prophets.
John 13: 34 – 35 (NKJV) A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. (35) By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."
It is God’s deep desire that we know Him in His Fullness and that we are deeply rooted in Him.
We are God’s Children. We should see everything through the eyes of Love.
If we truly Love The Lord God with all of our heart, all of our soul, and all of our mind then we open the door for manifestations in every area of our life. Our Heart will be Established, and we will dwell in the Secret Place of God’s Rest.
Jeremiah 17: 7 – 8 (Amplified Classic) [Most] blessed is the man who believes in, trusts in, and relies on the Lord, and whose hope and confidence the Lord is. (8) For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which spreads out its roots by the river, And will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, And will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit.
1st Corinthians 13: 7 – 8a (Amplified Classic) Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening]. (8a) Love never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end]…
Colossians 2: 7 (Amplified Classic) Have the roots [of your being] firmly and deeply planted [in Him, fixed and founded in Him], being continually built up in Him, becoming increasingly more confirmed and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and abounding and overflowing in it with thanksgiving.
Love is the fuel source for our Faith.
Galatians 5: 6b (Amplified Classic)…but only faith activated and energized and expressed and working through love.
Our prayers are not effective if our Love walk is out of order.
All of God’s Ways are Love.
Ephesians 3: 17 – 19 (Amplified Classic) May Christ through your faith [actually] dwell (settle down, abide, make His permanent home) in your hearts! May you be rooted deep in love and founded securely on love, (18) That you may have the power and be strong to apprehend and grasp with all the saints [God's devoted people, the experience of that love] what is the breadth and length and height and depth [of it]; (19) [That you may really come] to know [practically, through experience for yourselves] the love of Christ, which far surpasses mere knowledge [without experience]; that you may be filled [through all your being] unto all the fullness of God [may have the richest measure of the divine Presence, and become a body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself]!
It is vital that we know the Ways of the Lord. We must become Spiritually Minded. To be Spiritually minded we must know God’s Ways. We must make His Ways our ways.
If we do not know God’s Ways, the enemy the Devil will be able to easily deceive us. We will be carnally minded. If we are carnally or fleshly, worldly minded our ways are not God’s Ways.
As we study God’s Living Word, and walk in Love, God’s Ways are revealed to us by the Holy Spirit. All of God’s Ways are revealed in Jesus Christ.
All of God’s Ways are Love because God Is Love. If God Is Love, then we are Love. If His Ways are all Love, then our ways are also Love.
The Ways of the Lord Are; Therefore, our ways are: Love – Absolute Truth – Mercy – Grace - Loving kindness - Goodness - Faithfulness – Integrity - Long suffering - Full of Joy - Eternal without ceasing – Holy - Steadfast - Righteous - Bring life – Always right
God Is Love! It is the reason for everything that He does. He does nothing that is not rooted and founded on Love because He Is Love!
Ephesians 2: 4 – 10 (Amplified Classic) But God--so rich is He in His mercy! Because of and in order to satisfy the great and wonderful and intense love with which He loved us, (5)Even when we were dead (slain) by [our own] shortcomings and trespasses, He made us alive together in fellowship and in union with Christ; [He gave us the very life of Christ Himself, the same new life with which He quickened Him, for] it is by grace (His favor and mercy which you did not deserve) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ's salvation). (6) And He raised us up together with Him and made us sit down together [giving us joint seating with Him] in the heavenly sphere [by virtue of our being] in Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed One). (7) He did this that He might clearly demonstrate through the ages to come the immeasurable (limitless, surpassing) riches of His free grace (His unmerited favor) in [His] kindness and goodness of heart toward us in Christ Jesus. (8)For it is by free grace (God's unmerited favor) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ's salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God; (9) Not because of works [not the fulfillment of the Law's demands], lest any man should boast. [It is not the result of what anyone can possibly do, so no one can pride himself in it or take glory to himself.] (10)For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].
Ephesians 2: 1 (NKJV) And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins,
Romans 5: 8 (Amplified Classic) But God shows and clearly proves His [own] love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for us.
John 5: 24 (Amplified Classic) I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, the person whose ears are open to My words [who listens to My message] and believes and trusts in and clings to and relies on Him Who sent Me has (possesses now) eternal life. And he does not come into judgment [does not incur sentence of judgment, will not come under condemnation], but he has already passed over out of death into life.
John 1: 1 – 5 (NKJV) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (2) He was in the beginning with God. (3) All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. (4) In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. (5) And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
John 1: 14 (NKJV) And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
Colossians 1:15 – 16 (NKJV) He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. (16) For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. (17) And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. (18) And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. (19) For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell,
(Amplified Classic) verse (15) He is the exact likeness.
Love is the foundation for everything that we do as Christians, actually, Love is the foundation for everything period. God does not just have love; He is love or The Person Love Himself.
1st John 4: 7 – 8 (Amplified Classic)Beloved, let us love one another, for love is (springs) from God; and he who loves [his fellowmen] is begotten (born) of God and is coming [progressively] to know and understand God [to perceive and recognize and get a better and clearer knowledge of Him]. (8) He who does not love has not become acquainted with God [does not and never did know Him], for God is love.
1st John 4: 16 – 17 (Amplified Classic) And we know (understand, recognize, are conscious of, by observation and by experience) and believe (adhere to and put faith in and rely on) the love God cherishes for us. God is love, and he who dwells and continues in love dwells and continues in God, and God dwells and continues in him. (17) In this [union and communion with Him] love is brought to completion and attains perfection with us, that we may have confidence for the day of judgment [with assurance and boldness to face Him], because as He is, so are we in this world.
Love (Himself) is the Point of Origin
The Law of Love has its point of origin in God Himself at the very beginning of all things
When God said Light Be! Love said Light Be!
Love Himself walked with Adam in the Garden of Eden
Love Himself made covenant with Abraham
Love Himself told Moses to tell the Israelites “I Am sent me” (burning bush)
Love Himself brought Israel out of Egypt
Love Himself gave Moses the Ten Commandments
Love Himself parted the Red Sea
Love Himself came in the flesh as the baby Jesus
Love Himself walked with the disciples and performed the miracles
Love Himself washed the feet of the disciples
Love Himself hung on the Cross for us and took all of our sins paying the entire price for us
Love Himself now dwells inside of all Born Again children of God. As He Is So are we in this world.
Love Himself is coming again.
An established heart is fixed, steadfast, unwavering, trusting in the Lord always and in all circumstances no matter what those circumstances are. The established heart does not weaver in times of trouble or distress. A person with an established heart does not worry, fret, or fear. They do not focus on the problem but on the answer.
A person who has an established heart is a person who walks the Love Walk no matter what the circumstances are. The person with an established heart has set their love upon the Father. This person will be walking in the fruit of the Spirit.
The Person with an established heart is Spiritually minded, and God’s Word ruled. God and His Living Word is first place in this person’s life. They are not ruled by their senses, emotions, or feelings. God and His Living Word are first place in this person’s life. The person with an established heart or who is Spiritually minded will be God and others centered, not self-centered.
Proverbs 4: 23 (Amplified Classic) Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life.
Colossians 3: 1 – 3 (Amplified Classic) IF THEN you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, thus sharing His resurrection from the dead], aim at and seek the [rich, eternal treasures] that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. (2) And set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth. (3) For [as far as this world is concerned] you have died, and your [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God.
Galatians 5: 25 (Amplified Classic) If we live by the [Holy] Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. [If by the Holy Spirit we have our life in God, let us go forward walking in line, our conduct controlled by the Spirit.]
Psalm 25: 1 (Amplified Classic) UNTO YOU, O Lord, do I bring my life. (2) O my God, I trust, lean on, rely on, and am confident in You…
Focus: definition
To adjust your eye, a lens, a TV, or similar item to produce a clearer image. To fix or settle on one thing; to concentrate. To focus one’s attention on a specific subject or question.
One of the main tactics that the enemy uses is to try and keep our focus on the wrong thing. He works hard at drawing our focus away from God and His Living Word. Throughout Scripture we see people who had their Life focus on God and His Word, or they did not.
No matter what was going on in David’s life, good or bad, David placed his life focus on God and His Word. He corrected himself, his emotions, and the way he responded to the circumstances of life based on God and His Word. The one thing that was most important to David, His life focus, was his relationship with God. The same should be true of every Christian
Psalm 25: 1 – 2 (Amplified Classic) UNTO YOU, O Lord, do I bring my life. (2a) O my God, I trust, lean on, rely on, and am confident in You.
Psalm 27: 1 (Amplified Classic) THE LORD is my Light and my Salvation--whom shall I fear or dread? The Lord is the Refuge and Stronghold of my life--of whom shall I be afraid?
Right in the middle of the storms of life David asked one thing of the Lord.
Psalm 27: 4 (Amplified Classic) One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek, inquire for, and [insistently] require: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord [in His presence] all the days of my life, to behold and gaze upon the beauty [the sweet attractiveness and the delightful loveliness] of the Lord and to meditate, consider, and inquire in His temple.
David was a man with a life focus. A life of real worship. Place your focus in life on God and His Word and watch the circumstances in your life change.
We need to change our focus in life to see our lives through the eyes of Love and God’s Living Word.
When we do that, we will be filtering everything through the Love factor which will bring confidence, faith, rest and peace. It will also put us in a position to hear from the Holy Spirit as he guides and teaches us. He already knows the answer.
Matthew 6: 33 – 34 (Amplified Classic) But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides. (34) So do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own. Sufficient for each day is its own trouble.
Matthew 7: 16 - 20 (Amplified Bible) You will fully recognize them by their fruits. Do people pick grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles? (17) Even so, every healthy (sound) tree bears good fruit [worthy of admiration], but the sickly (decaying, worthless) tree bears bad (worthless) fruit. (18) A good (healthy) tree cannot bear bad (worthless) fruit, nor can a bad (diseased) tree bear excellent fruit [worthy of admiration]. (19) Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and cast into the fire. (20) Therefore, you will fully know them by their fruits.
James 3: 14 – 18 (Amplified Bible) But if you have bitter jealousy (envy) and contention (rivalry, selfish ambition) in your hearts, do not pride yourselves on it and thus be in defiance of and false to the Truth. (15) This [superficial] wisdom is not such as comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual (animal), even devilish (demoniacal). (16) For wherever there is jealousy (envy) and contention (rivalry and selfish ambition), there will also be confusion (unrest, disharmony, rebellion) and all sorts of evil and vile practices. (17) But the wisdom from above is first of all pure (undefiled); then it is peace-loving, courteous (considerate, gentle). [It is willing to] yield to reason, full of compassion and good fruits; it is wholehearted and straightforward, impartial and unfeigned (free from doubts, wavering, and insincerity). (18) And the harvest of righteousness (of conformity to God's will in thought and deed) is [the fruit of the seed] sown in peace by those who work for and make peace [in themselves and in others, that peace which means concord, agreement, and harmony between individuals, with undisturbedness, in a peaceful mind free from fears and agitating passions and moral conflicts].
Are you in need of a refreshing? Are you weary in your body, mind, and spirit? Are you being beat up by the circumstances of life? Do you need a change? Do you know that God Himself has already prepared the place of rest, refreshing, and revival for us? He has already given us the keys to enter that place. It is God’s desire for us to be in a continuous state of refreshing before and even during the storms of life that come our way.
Act 3:19 (Amplified Bible) - So repent (change your mind and purpose); turn around and return [to God], that your sins may be erased (blotted out, wiped clean), that times of refreshing (of recovering from the effects of heat, of reviving with fresh air) may come from the presence of the Lord;
Jeremiah 6:16 (Amplified Bible) - Thus says the Lord: Stand by the roads and look; and ask for the eternal paths, where the good, old way is; then walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk in it!
Ephesians 6:10 (Amplified Bible) - In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides].
John 14:26 - 27 (Amplified Bible) - But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you. (27) Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.]
God is the one who qualifies us to walk with Him. On our own we could never qualify ourselves. He has already paid the price and completed the work. When we got Born Again, He put in us by The Holy Spirit, everything we need to qualify for a personal relationship with God The Father Himself. No matter what comes our way in this life He has made a way for us. He will teach us how to stand in the midst of the storms of life.
Matthew 6:33-34 (Amplified Bible Classic) But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides. (34) So do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own. Sufficient for each day is its own trouble.
Colossians 3:1-4 (Amplified Bibl Classic) IF THEN you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, thus sharing His resurrection from the dead], aim at and seek the [rich, eternal treasures] that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. (2) And set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the highter things), not on the things that are on the earth. (3) For [as far as this world is concerned] you have died, and your [new real] life is hidden with Christ in God. (4) When Christ, Who is our life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in [the splendor of His] glory.
Philippians 3:7;10-11 (Amplified Bible Classic) But whatever former things I had that might have been gains to me, I have come to consider as [one combined] loss for Christ's sake. (10) [For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection [which it exerts over believers], and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed [in spirit into His likeness even] to His death [in the hope] (11) that if possible I may attain to the [spiritual and moral] resurrection [that lifts me] out from among the dead [even while in the body].
Are you in need of a refreshing? Do you really want to come up higher? Do you desire to have a deeper more intimate relationship with the Lord? Do you desire to stay refreshed in your spirit? Do know that God Himself also deeply desires this for you?
God has already prepared a special place just for you where you can be refreshed and where you can have that deeper intimate relationship with Him.
A secret place.
Psalm 91:1 – 2 (Amplified Classic) HE WHO dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand]. (2) I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I [confidently] trust!
Psalm 91: 14 – 16 (Amplified Classic) Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him; I will set him on high, because he knows and understands My name [has a personal knowledge of My mercy, love, and kindness--trusts and relies on Me, knowing I will never forsake him, no, never]. (15) He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. (16) With long life will I satisfy him and show him My salvation.
John 15: 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.
Abide - The Greek word used here is “meno” It means to stay in a given place, state, or expectancy – To abide, continue, dwell, endure, be present, remain, stand, tarry for.
IF - If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you
We are to abide in Jesus. We are to abide in the True Vine. The Word is to abide in us. We are to abide in His Love. Jesus will abide in us. When we abide in the True Vine we are one.
If we abide in Him without the Word abiding in us we become a weak and diseased branch and have to be pruned, purged, or cut-off.
We are to abide in Him and His Word is to abide in us. Both are by our choice.
The Abiding Word! It is a condition of the heart. The abiding Word always brings forth fruit.
What hinders or prevents the Word from abiding and being fruitful? A major cause and possibly #1 cause is our lack of walking the love walk. Faith works by Love
Galatians 5: 6 … faith which worketh by love. (Amplified Bible) … faith activated and energized and expressed and working through love.
If we are not walking in love our faith will not work. Without our faith the Word cannot be activated. Without our faith the Word will be dormant and unable to bring forth life or fruit.
At the fall of Adam and Eve, man was separated from God by man’s own choice. It was never God’s intention to be separated from man. Since that moment God has been doing nothing else but bringing man back into oneness, or reconciliation with Himself. God’s desire is for God and Man to be one
As far God the Father, He has already made His choice and paid the entire price for the reconciliation. All that is left for man to make his choice. It has to be man’s own choice to be reconciled to God. Man chose to be separated from God, so it had to man’s choice to return to God.
Reconciliation between God and Man is God’s number 1 priority. It was so important to God that He paid for our reconciliation with the life of His only Son Jesus.
John 3: 16 – 17 (Amplified) For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life. (17) For God did not send the Son into the world in order to judge (to reject, to condemn, to pass sentence on) the world, but that the world might find salvation and be made safe and sound through Him.
Ephesians 2: 4– 5 (Amplified) But God--so rich is He in His mercy! Because of and in order to satisfy the great and wonderful and intense love with which He loved us, (5) Even when we were dead (slain) by [our own] shortcomings and trespasses, He made us alive together in fellowship and in union with Christ; [He gave us the very life of Christ Himself, the same new life with which He quickened Him, for] it is by grace (His favor and mercy which you did not deserve) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ's salvation).
1st John 3: 8 …For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.
The price has already been paid in full. All provision has been made by our Loving Heavenly Father. The invitation has been made. We can now be reconciled to our Father God if we want to and choose to.
1St John 4: 15 – 17 (NKJV) Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. (16) And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him. (17) Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world.
John 15: 1 – 5(NKJV) "I Am the True Vine, and My Father is the Vinedresser.(2) Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.(3) You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.(4) Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.(5) "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.
If we do not abide in the True Vine we are cut off. The condition to fruit bearing is to abide in Him. The abiding word always brings forth fruit
Love is the fruit. It is the condition of the heart that determines the fruit. Everything hangs on the rod of love. Without Love it falls or dies. It is then cut off taken away purged by the Father.
John 15: 8 – 9 (NKJV)By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.(9)"As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love.(10) If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love.
It is Impossible to please God without Faith
Hebrews 11: 6 (Amplified Classic) But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him [out].
Faith is not something we do occasionally when we need something. Faith is a lifestyle, a way of life. It is habitual for the Believer to walk in Faith throughout all their lives. If a Believer or Born-Again person, is not walking in Love and in Faith in God and His Word that person is abnormal.
When we believe (Adhere to, Trust in, and Rely on) God and His Word as absolute truth our Faith unlocks the inheritance that Jesus paid for and God Himself gave to us.
Love is the Power Source – Faith in God and His Word is the Key. Love and Faith in God and His Word work together to enter His place of Rest
You cannot function is doubt and Faith at the same time. (It is impossible to please God without Faith). Doubt is what Satan used in the Garden of Eden. He is still using doubt today.
When you function in doubt, worry, and fear you enter into unrest and cannot enter the place of God’s Rest in His Word.
Faith in God and His Word causes us to enter into the place of God’s Rest and Peace. Faith in God and His Word becomes our anchor.
Are you walking in doubt, worry, and fear? Faith in God and His Word will cast out doubt, worry, and fear.
Faith is a condition of the heart. It is rooted in the absolute truth of God’s Word which cannot lie and cannot be changed.
Faith is not a movement. Faith is the lifestyle of the born-again Christian. Faith is the only way to please God.
Hebrews 11: 6 (NKJV) But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Are you looking at the circumstances of your life through the eyes of faith in the absolute truth of God’s Living Word or through the eyes of fear, worry, and doubt?
Every Commandment and every Promise in God’s Word are absolute Truth. They cannot be changed or altered. God cannot lie.
God and His Word are ONE – When you receive, believe, and act on The Word, you are receiving and believing God Himself. You are activating and putting into action what He says, and it will come to pass. It is the absolute truth of God’s Word abiding in the heart that brings forth the harvest.
Psalm 19: 8 – 10 (Amplified Bible Classic)The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure and bright, enlightening the eyes. (9) The [reverent] fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. (10) More to be desired are they than gold, even than much fine gold; they are sweeter also than honey and drippings from the honeycomb.
God’s Commandments and Promises require a response. A choice must be made. No response is a response.
The Living Word must enter the heart before it can be unfolded. Once unfolded in the heart it will bring forth light or revelation even to the simple.
Psalm 119: 130 (Amplified Bible Classic)The entrance and unfolding of Your words give light; their unfolding gives understanding (discernment and comprehension) to the simple.
This episode is part 2 in a series 5.
No matter what we are going through in this life, good or bad, it is a heart condition. The heart is the center of our life. All the issues of life flow from the heart.
Proverbs 4: 23 (Amplified Classic) Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life.
God’s Living Word can change the condition of our heart if we position ourselves for the Word to work. We must abide in Him and His Word must abide in us.
John 15: 7 (Amplified Classic) If you live in Me [abide vitally united to Me] and My words remain in you and continue to live in your hearts, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you.
Psalm 119: 130 (Amplified Classic) The entrance and unfolding of Your words give light; their unfolding gives understanding (discernment and comprehension) to the simple.
God’s Living Word Is Alive therefore the Word will bring forth life.
Hebrews 4: 12 (Amplified Classic) For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart.
Everything, no matter what it is, is a condition of the heart. The heart must be guarded above all that we guard.
Proverbs 4: 23 (Amplified Classic) Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life.
Matthew 6: 21(Amplified Classic) For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Matthew 12: 33 – 37 (Amplified Classic) Either make the tree sound (healthy and good), and its fruit sound (healthy and good), or make the tree rotten (diseased and bad), and its fruit rotten (diseased and bad); for the tree is known and recognized and judged by its fruit. (34) You offspring of vipers! How can you speak good things when you are evil (wicked)? For out of the fullness (the overflow, the superabundance) of the heart the mouth speaks. (35) The good man from his inner good treasure flings forth good things, and the evil man out of his inner evil storehouse flings forth evil things. (36) But I tell you, on the day of judgment men will have to give account for every idle (inoperative, nonworking) word they speak. (37) For by your words you will be justified and acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned and sentenced.
Proverbs 13: 2 - 3 (Amplified Classic) A good man eats good from the fruit of his mouth, but the desire of the treacherous is for violence. (3) He who guards his mouth keeps his life, but he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.
Where is your confidence? That is a question that we all must answer every moment of our lives.
When the problems of life come our way where do we place our confidence? Do we really have confidence in God and His Word?
If we really had the confidence and trust in God and His Word that we say we have, we would respond differently to the problems and circumstances of life.
Confidence must be developed. We must develop confidence in God and His Word before the problem or issue. Our confidence in God and His Word must be full time, never ending, continuous, and be our habitual lifestyle.
We need to practice our trust and confidence in God and His Word every day in every circumstance and situation of life. Not just when problems are present. It is the only way we can be ready when the real problems and storms of life come our way.
Are we sure that where, what, and who we are placing our confidence in is trustworthy, secure, solid, and faithful? God and His Word are always trustworthy, solid, and faithful.
We need to change our focus in life to see our lives through the eyes of God’s Word. When we do that, we will be filtering everything through the Love factor which will bring confidence, faith, rest and peace. It will also put us in a position to hear from the Holy Spirit as he guides and teaches us. No matter what the problem is the Holy Spirit already knows the answer. He will guide us if we position ourselves to hear Him.
What we focus on the most becomes who we are. We claim to be Christians so we should live by God’s Word.
Just in case you have not noticed there is trouble in this world. In this season we are living in we all, in one way or another, are concerned by what is taking place in the world around us. Whether it be in our own personal lives or the world around us. Trouble is not something new to this world it has been around since the fall of Adam. If you are alive there are times of difficulty that come your way. The troubles and storms of life very seldom just affect us. What we do during these times of trouble and storms will also affect others around us.
John 16: 33 (Amplified Classic) I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]
What we do in the midst of the troubles and storms of life will determine the amount of effect they have on us. It will also determine how long they last, when, and if we come out of them. We choose whether we walk in peace in our lives or fear and worry.
God is not keeping us from walking in peace!
The Word of God brings peace and confidence. Peace will cause us to stand firm on the solid rock. Fear stands on sand. When the pressure is on, fear runs and cannot stand. When the pressure is on, Peace will remain firm, and we will be able to stand therefore.
Most of us mistakenly think that in order to be righteous I myself have to make myself righteous. The truth is I cannot do enough in my own strength to make myself righteous before God. Righteousness or right standing with God is a free gift from God. God is the only one that can make us right with Him. Righteousness cannot be earned; it is a free gift from God. There is no amount of works that I can do that will ever make me right with God.
Either we are right or we are wrong. There is no middle row. There is no neutral. Either we are saved (Born Again) or we are not. Either we are in darkness or we are in the light. Either we are walking with God or we are not walking with God. There is no middle ground.
Righteousness is simply being right. God said Today I present to you, Life and Death, Choose Life. If you are going to be right you have to do it God’s way. You have to choose Life. It is harder to live wrong than it is to live right. The only real peace in life comes from being right. God has made a way but He will not make us walk in it.
It is time to make a new beginning. It is time to let your past be your past at last. What you do with today will determine your future. Your life today will be the fossil of your life tomorrow. What we do today will determine not only our future, the future of our children, but also the future of those yet to be.
In order to change anything our choice is involved. The right to choose has been given to Man by God and we are being held accountable for the choices that we make in this life.
Deuteronomy 30: 19 – 20 (Amplified Bible Classic) I call heaven and earth to witness this day against you that I have set before you life and death, the blessings and the curses; therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live (20) And may love the Lord your God, obey His voice, and cling to Him. For He is your life and the length of your days, that you may dwell in the land which the Lord swore to give to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Romans 8: 5 – 6 (NKJV) For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. (6) For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
One of the issues that we all face from time to time is weariness. Weariness can be a major hindrance in our lives.The Word of God has a lot to say about becoming weary and fainting and how to overcome and prevent it. Weariness effects our prayer life, our faith, our strength, our peace, our rest, our relationships, and even our health.
Most of us focus so much on the problems and issues of life that it causes us to stress, worry, and fear. We can then become depressed and lose heart. We are focusing on the wrong things. What we focus and meditate on is what we will become. We have the right and power to choose and change what we focus and meditate on.
We must govern what we focus on.
Philippians 4: 6 – 7 (Amplified) Bible Classic) Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. (7) And God's peace [shall be yours,
Galatians 6: 9 (Amplified Bible Classic) And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint.
1st John 5:14 – 15 (Amplified Bible Classic) And this is the confidence (the assurance, the privilege of boldness) which we have in Him: [we are sure] that if we ask anything (make any request) according to His will (in agreement with His own plan), He listens to and hears us.(15) And if (since) we [positively] know that He listens to us in whatever we ask, we also know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that we have [granted us as our present possessions] the requests made of Him.
Matthew 21: 22(Amplified Bible Classic) And whatever you ask for in prayer, having faith and [really] believing, you will receive.
“Show Us The Father”
God has been revealing His Heart, His Thoughts and His Ways from the very beginning. It is The Father’s deep desire that His people know Him, that all mankind know Him, that they know His Heart and His Ways.
Jesus came to reveal the Heart of the Father. The Holy Spirit has also been sent to reveal the Heart of The Father and the Heart of Jesus. We, God’s Children, have also been sent to reveal the Heart of the Father. From cover to cover The Living Word of God, the Bible, reveals God’s Heart and Ways.
It should be our deepest desire to know the Father’s Heart.
Ephesians 1: 4 – 6 (Amplified Bible Classic) Even as [in His love] He chose us [actually picked us out for Himself as His own] in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy (consecrated and set apart for Him) and blameless in His sight, even above reproach, before Him in love.(5) For He foreordained us (destined us, planned in love for us) to be adopted (revealed) as His own children through Jesus Christ, in accordance with the purpose of His will [because it pleased Him and was His kind intent] (6) [So that we might be] to the praise and the commendation of His glorious grace (favor and mercy), which He so freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.
The Cross is all about new life and real freedom
Jesus came to bring new life. To set the captives free.
Jesus came to bring reconciliation between God the Father and mankind. New life in Christ Jesus. That is what the Cross is all about. No matter how big the hurt. No matter how heavy the burden, no matter how far down you have gone there is still help available for you.
There is One Who can make a way where there is no way.
There is someone real and who does love you just as you are. He can raise you up and restore your life and joy. He can give you rest for your soul.
Whatever the need or problem, Jesus is the answer.
No matter who we are or how wealthy or poor we are we all have things that we place a high value on. As we go through the seasons of our lives the things that we place a high value on tend to change. What do we treasure in this life? Is our heart a treasury or just a storehouse? What do we have stored in our hearts? Does it qualify as true riches or fool’s gold? Are we hoarders of things that we may or may not be able to use or that have no real value? Are our hearts filled with the true riches of the Kingdom of God or the fleeting riches of this world?
Matthew 6: 19 – 21 (NKJV) Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; (20) but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. (21) For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Love is the Master Key of Master Keys. Love is the Master Key to all life. The Master Key to Marriage, family, all of your relationships, business, health, freedom from fear, worry, depression, and everything that can come against man. The power flow in our lives and in the Church flows from our Love for God.
Agape Love is unlimited, Agape Love can never be overcome, Agape Love never fails, Agape Love is Eternal without ceasing, Agape Love transcends Time and Eternity, Agape Love is the most powerful force that exist in both Time and Eternity. God’s Agape Love is the reason for creation of both Time and Eternity, Heaven, Earth, and Hell and all that is or ever will be.
The only limit that God’s Love has where we are concerned is the limit that we Love God. This is also our limit.
When we love God with all our hearts, all of our souls, and all of our minds we become divinely connected with God Himself. The more we love God the more we become connected to God and experience His love for us and through us in ever increasing ways. This is God’s greatest desire.