PLUMBLINE DEVOTIONAL: HEBREWS 2:5-18

TEXT:

HEBREWS 2:5-18

5  For He did not subject to angels the world to come, about which we are speaking. 6  But someone has testified somewhere, saying,

“What is man, that You think of him?

Or a son of man, that You are concerned about him?

7  You have made him for a little while lower than angels;

You have crowned him with glory and honor;

8  You have put everything in subjection under his feet.”

For in subjecting all things to him, He left nothing that is not subject to him. But now we do not yet see all things subjected to him.

9   But we do see Him who was made for a little while lower than the angels, namely, Jesus, because of His suffering death crowned with glory and honor, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.

10  For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the originator of their salvation through sufferings.

READ THE REST OF THE TEXT HERE:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+2%3A5-18&version=NASB

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved.

MARY'S SONG - EVERY MAN'S CHRISTMAS PRAISE

The pure joy and emotion of the Christmas season abounds, even in times which try the souls of many. There is a supernatural code written in the hearts of all people, by their Creator, which instinctively seeks to praise or give thanks to Someone higher. The Christian knows just Who this Someone really is - He is Almighty God, the Father of Lights Who gives good things to all people, and salvation to those who belong to Christ. 

So at a time of year when even some of the hardest hearts are open to days and weeks of build-up to the official observance of the Birth of Christ in a Bethlehem stable about 2020 years ago, we have the perfect opportunity and privilege to share this praise with those around us. But most of all, we are blessed more than others to know the Power, Promises and Love of God in these few verses of Scripture.

Thinking about Jesus, some of the best praise and worship about Him and to our Heavenly Father can be found in Mary's Song below. Some call it the Magnificat. These words pack such prophetic power and joyful thanksgiving to our God. They were given by the Holy Spirit to His servant, the humble young woman who gave birth to her first born child (she had six more with Joseph), so that we can learn from her words. 

Key in on verses 49-50 and let it sink in just how Mighty, Fearsome and Powerful God really is.

Let verses 51-52 teaches us humility as we see the coming Judgment of the haughty and arrogant.

Be grateful in Verse 53, that God gives grace, provision and love to the Humble who serve Him, as the day is coming when the Christ child of Christmas stands at the Helm on that Day, and completes all He has promised in Scripture....to the praise and Glory of His Name. Amen and amen as we all give thanks for this wonderful tome to the King.

Therefore, look at this song in that light:

LUKE 1:46-55

46 And Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord,

47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.

48 For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant;

For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.

49 For He who is mighty has done great things for me,

And holy is His name.

50 And His mercy is on those who fear Him

From generation to generation.

51 He has shown strength with His arm;

He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

52 He has put down the mighty from their thrones,

And exalted the lowly.

53 He has filled the hungry with good things,

And the rich He has sent away empty.

54 He has helped His servant Israel,

In remembrance of His mercy,

55 As He spoke to our fathers,

To Abraham and to his seed forever.”

(Photo Credit Here)

THE LORD'S PRAYER: THE MODEL EXPLAINED: PART 7

For Yours is the Kingdom, and the Power and the Glory

So what is the Kingdom.  By all means, it means – the Kingdom of Heaven.  But Kingdom living actually begins at the point of conversion, where we are changed transferred in an instant, supernaturally, from the domain of death and darkness to the Kingdom of Light. We read in 2 Corinthians 5:17 that “if any man be in Christ Jesus, he is a new creation”.  The original word “creation” here is “kitsis”. This is the same word which is used in Genesis 1:1 where the earth was darkness and a void and God CREATED the world out of nothing! Please let that sink in for a moment. We are new creations living in a faulty creation, yearning for its creator! Wow!

The Creation of the earth and mankind was supposed to be an joyful thing for eternity. We all know what happened in Genesis 3 when sin entered the world. The Kingdom on earth which Jesus set up in the Garden of Eden was disrupted by Eve, Adam and the serpent (Satan). But there was an expiration date on this flawed state.  This expiration date is up when the Revelation chapter 19 white horse of Christ signals the permanent return to His planet of the Risen Messiah – Jesus Christ. He will then proceed to set His 1000 year (or Millennial ) Kingdom up in Jerusalem until the Final Judgment, which then leads to the Lake of Fire.

This is the “Kingdom come” we are praying for…on “earth as it is in Heaven”. The Kingdom of Christ is on this planet, believe it or not.  This will occur at the end of the Seven Years of Tribulation. But before all of this, we have today – now, the present time. These are the times God, our Heavenly Father, has chosen for us in which to live. This should be considered a privilege when we pray to Him, according to the model prayer He specifically taught us. 

What I have described above is a summary on the macro or larger picture of the Kingdom.  But to bring it to our own personal walk with God, in Christ, we have to know our own Identity in Christ (IIC). Going back to the original premise, at the point of conversion, the Righteousness of Christ, is imputed and embedded into our own spirit as the blessed Holy Spirit then comes immediately from Heaven to seal us until we come into His Presence – either through death in this life, or the coming Rapture. At that point, we also become heirs to Christ and therefore, are inheritors/participants of the Kingdom from Eternity past way into Eternity future!

What this means is we are living RIGHT NOW, as Kingdom people. The True Christian, born-again, converted and being sanctified in this life, IS a Kingdom man, woman and child in Christ! THIS is our IIC – our Identity in Christ. This is what gives us the right to even pray “Thy Kingdom come” to the King because (John 1:12).

Hence, we are Kingdom people, praying with authority, to the King to come and set up His 1000 year reign.  The discussion of the 1000  year Reign  of Christ with Him actually sitting in the Temple as King of Kings in Jerusalem, is going to happen on this blog, but in an appropriate time. But suffice it to say, that this is the kingdom we are praying for as all the saints will return to reign with Christ, until the second and final Judgment.  

Christians SHOULD be praying “Your Kingdom come on earth, as it is in Heaven…..because Yours is the Kingdom”. This will mean the complete end to ALL trials and tribulations, persecutions and the end of Satan’s reign on earth. There will be NO non-Christian in this Kingdom (and this means NONE)! This is our portion in the Land of the Living. This is what we lived our entire Christian lives for – because HIS is the Kingdom: Our Christ Who died on a Cross for us almost 2000 years ago!

The Power and Glory which will be revealed at the end of the Tribulation which Christians will never see. Jesus will cut through the clouds to destroy the pagans, the one world  government and all who have rejected Him, alive then in all the other fake religions. Read the Book of Revelation to see how scary that moment will be. The same Power with which Jesus defeated the grave....the same Power with which He caused His Spirit to live in all His people for all time...the same Power which gave us the Word became Flesh and which was also written down for us – that Power is coming in ALL His Glory! And the Glory of the Lord will be revealed with all His glorious power is shown to the perishing world one last time. For us, the Christian, we will return to dwell in this millennial kingdom which He asked us to preach about in 

Father in the Name of the Crucified, the One Eternal God, the Ancient of Days Who gave up His Throne in heaven, and became poor that we may become rich, thank You for this privilege not just belonging to Your Eternal family, but for granting mere mortals the right, authority and incredible amazing privilege of praying for the Return of the King! Lord, we long for That Day...that day, when we see Him face to Face, in glory and then fall at His feet, just like Your Apostle John in Revelation chapter 1! Lord Jesus, Yours is the Kingdom - the coming Kingdom which we speak off to Your people. Yours is the Power - You, oh Mighty King are all knowing, ever present and owner of everything. You, oh King of Kings are the true Commander of the Universe! 

You speak and the earth shakes. You speak and the seas roar. You whisper and all creation comes into being. The Heavens declare and reflect Your brilliant countenance. The oceans calls to the deep, the depth of Your Love for us. The winds blow a song of worship of the ever present Holy Spirit Who searches the hearts of men and women and children for those who are loyal to You. Yours is the Glory, the Glory which was Yours before the Foundation of the Earth. 

There is none more glorious. There is none more marvelous. There is none more magnificent. There is no adjective and there are not enough words in all the languages of the earth to describe You, oh Yahweh, Alpha and Omega, Beginning and the End! You, Who sees the End from the Beginning, birth in us a new birth of freedom to yearn for the pure milk of Truth - Truth of Who You are. Truth of the Glory of the soon coming ruler of the Kingdom. Your Glory precedes You, as we live in the eternal now, as co-inheritors, which You have made us, oh Ancient of Days. We love You. We adore You. We magnify and bless Your glorious and Holy Name above all Names, in Thy Name - the Name of Jesus, we pray! AMEN!! 

KEYS TO REVIVAL

KEY #3 - PRAYER

The value of prayer in revival cannot be overstated.  Every major revival in America and other countries began with prayer. The Second Great Awakening began in New York City when a burdened man named Jeremiah Lanphier read the times, which were not much different than today!  The financial picture of New York City (and thus most of the industrial sector of the North) was desperate and there was no move of God in America for decades.  The last revival had taken place when the controversial Charles Finney was on fire throughout the north eastern United States preaching the Gospel and leading hundreds of thousands to Christ.

Jeremiah Lanphier printed out and passed out flyers all over America’s largest city inviting men to a prayer meeting at the Fulton Street church he attended. The meeting was set for September 23, 1857 at noon. Even though thousands of flyers were handed out, not one person showed up for lunch time prayer until about 30 minutes in. Finally 6 men got together to pray for their city, businesses, community and family, where factories closing, unemployment and worse had destroyed many a family.  

One week later, 40 prayer warriors showed up at Fulton Street to pray at Lanphier’s noon time weekly prayer meeting.  From that day, it was changed to a daily noontime prayer meeting instead of weekly and within SIX MONTHS,  ten thousand (as in 10,000) New York businessmen started meeting DAILY for prayer - IN NEW YORK CITY! Today, one would be hard-pressed to find ten (10) men in one small town who would even meet weekly to pray for their families, neighborhoods or anything! What resulted out of all of this praying and seeking the Face of the Lord was that over 1 million were saved across America as the fires of revival caught the head wind and spread like, well, wild fires on the prairie. The renewal and awakening which began in New York City with one man, then six, then forty was a result of prayer, not just prayer for the natural but fervent prayer which brought repentance and sorrow of the sad human condition of the day.

Every move of God began with personal repentance and prayer, and none genuine was a result of a church or group of people sitting comfortable in their pews chanting "Lord bring revival". Every turn around in the spiritual atmosphere came out of an environment of idolatry, crime (against God and man) and general despair. It happened with the Welch Revival where bars shut down and the cops had no work to do, so they formed barbershop quartets and it happened in the Old Testament. Back then, godless men had destroyed much of the Word of the Lord, much like they are attempting to these days, and pagan "worship" abounded. Still God's word never goes away and a copy of the Word was found during the reign of King Josiah who had it read out loud.

Scripture says "Moreover, Shaphan the scribe told the king saying, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.” And Shaphan read it in the presence of the king. When the king heard the words of the book of the law, he tore his clothes...(2 Kings 22:10-11)." Are we rendering our spiritual hearts today as the Word of the Lord convicts us? What happened when the pure milk of the Word of God convicted the king to lead him to tear his clothes, was an acknowledgement of his and the people's sins. It cut him to the quick.

God said to the king ‘Thus says the Lord God of Israel, “Regarding the words which you have heard, because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what I spoke against this place and against its inhabitants that they should become a desolation and a curse, and you have torn your clothes and wept before Me, I truly have heard you”. (2 Kings 22:18b-19)

Revival can come and the Lord can hear us, and will react according to His own Sovereign Will. Even in the Great Awakenings from Whitefield to Lanphier and D.L. Moody to Duncan Campbell and Life Action Ministries, God did NOT move across an entire people. He only moved upon those whose hearts were set upon Him and then brought many into glory as a result of that faithfulness. The majority still rejected Him, and were and will be judged in His Wrath. Still, there is no magic to revival. King Josiah's repentance and leadership in actively getting rid of the evil junk in the lives of his people, of removing all symbols of the evil idols and allowing the Word of God to be read and taught constantly resulted in something really powerful for a time. It was that specific season for the people of Jerusalem which led to their spiritual revival at that time. It WAS the reading and preaching of the Word. Read this account right here.

To that end, finally, the Apostle Paul prayed and ask for the same in 2 Thessalonians 3: 1-5 "Finally, brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it did also with you; 2 and that we will be rescued from perverse and evil men; for not all have faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. 4 We have confidence in the Lord concerning you, that you are doing and will continue to do what we command. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ."

The rapid spreading of the Word of the Lord, which convicts and leads many to repentance and salvation, is how we should pray. We have the example of King Josiah's HEARING the Word and the subsequent turning of all Jerusalem to the Lord and then Paul's prayer here that the Word will led to rescue, strength, protection and then confidence and the turning of hearts unto the love of God, standing strong in the Knowledge and Faith of Jesus Christ. This is our true prayer of revival. May we never depart from it but press on daily, as we seek a strong move of the Savior across a dry and spiritually barren land.

LORD, I AM AMAZED BY YOU - CREATION

From Psalm 19:1-6 (ESV)

OUR INCREDIBLE CREATOR

Creator of the Universe:

1 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. 

2 Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. 

3 There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. 

4 Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun, 

5 which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy. 

6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing hidden from its heat. 

KEYS TO A GODLY LIFE PART 7/12 - LIVING FOR GOD

THE DAWN OF GLORY SERIES:

PLEASE READ THE PASSAGE, THEN - WATCH THE BRIEF EXPOSITION FROM THE PLUMBLINE VIDEO:

1 Peter 4:1-19

4 Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. 3 For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties and abominable idolatries. 4 In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excesses of dissipation, and they malign you; 5 but they will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For the gospel has for this purpose been preached even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as men, they may live in the spirit according to the will of God.

7 The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. 8 Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Be hospitable to one another without complaint. 10 As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
SHARE IN CHRIST'S SUFFERINGS

12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; 13 but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. 14 If you are reviled for the name of Christ,you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; 16 but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner? 19 Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation

WHAT IS THE GLORY OF GOD?

Most Christians associate the word "Glory" with God. This is as it should be. But what does Glory mean. What does it mean when a song's lyrics rise up in your heart even as you prepare the meet the challenges of this day? Well the English online dictionary has the following definitions of "GLORY":
glory [ˈglɔːrɪ]

 1. exaltation, praise, or honour, as that accorded by general consent the glory for         the exploit went to the captain

2. something that brings or is worthy of praise (esp in the phrase crowning glory)

3. (Christianity / Ecclesiastical Terms) thanksgiving, adoration, or worship glory be to God

4. pomp; splendour the glory of the king's reign

5. radiant beauty; resplendence the glory of the sunset

6. (Christianity / Ecclesiastical Terms) the beauty and bliss of heaven

7. a state of extreme happiness or prosperity

(Source - the Free Online Dictionary)

The Hebrew word from the Bible, which is what we are really MORE interested in, is tremendously beautiful. The word is "Kavod". Now this is very interesting concept. Kavod literally means "armaments"! As in the battlefield gear covering the Lord God or YAHWEH (Jesus). That tells me all I need to know about, love about and have a righteous and Holy fear about in God - He is a Warrior, He is not to be trifled with and He is serious about Who He is.

Most Christians sleepwalk through their lives not knowing fully, this God. They know the Western God Who will overlook any and every transgression. But here are some examples of the Warrior in Him:
Psalm 3:3 says the Glory (Kavod) of God is His Shield
Psalm 24:8 we read "who is this king of the kavod, YHWH is strong and mighty, YHWH is mighty in battle."
Job 29:20 associates His Glory (Kavod) with His "Bow" - a weapon!
Exodus 16:7 says "In the morning you will see the glory of the LORD, because he has heard your complaints, which are against him, not against us. What have we done that you should complain about us?" This means - He will deal with these people, and you will not just His Power but His fury in dealing with this situation.

The thing to ponder this day and always, is what does the glory of God really mean to us, to our spirit? Are we in a place - through obedience, prayer, fasting and submission where we are so tuned in to His Spirit that when He speaks, we instantly perk up and listen? OR are we in a place almost of the unredeemed - floundering, rebelling and almost shaking our fist at Him?

This is not the way to God. Beholding His Glory is the True Mark of a believer, a follower and the man or woman. Capturing the TRUE meaning of His Glory is the TRUE mark of the person who is serious about seeking after Him. Amen

ENJOYING FOREVER.....

 

MY LIFE VERSE: PSALM 27:4

Secondary Life verse tomorrow - Jeremiah 20:11

A Bible verse speaks to each of us in a different way at different times in our lives. While the verse itself has only one meaning - (that which the Lord meant to say) - each verse speaks to us differently, depending on our circumstances at the time we're reading it! This is the amazing thing about the Living, Breathing Word of God! There is no other Book like it, at any point in human history.

Some folks have a "Life verse", that which defines us and our walk with the Lord. The verse is also representative of our thinking and where we are at our sanctification. Our favorite verse could even show if we are being transformed into the image of His Wonderful Son Jesus...or do we think more in the flesh!  So without further ado, I wish to introduce you to my Life verse....what it says; what it means and how Scripture further interprets Scripture. My Life Verse looks forward to eternity and expresses my gratitude and total joy at just being allowed to be in the Presence of the Living God!

Now, my friends, is there any better thing you can think of?! Read on....

One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple......Psalm 27:4 (ESV)


Psalm 27:4 begins “I have asked one thing from the Lord.” If you have one thing to ask of the Lord, what would it be? Solomon asked for a heart of wisdom and he was blessed beyond measure. The wisest man who ever lived wrote the Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and the Song of Solomon. Solomon, the son of the man who wrote Psalm 27, asked for wisdom but his life of unimaginable wealth and ease, corrupted his morals and his soul so much; he forgot why he asked for it in the first place!
Therefore making a powerful request before the Lord comes with responsibilities. Do not make them unless you intend to fulfill them….or in other words “be careful what you ask for!”  


The next phrase is “to dwell in the House of the Lord all the days of my life”. Does this mean to take your bed into the church building? No! The word “dwell” should be interpreted as “abide”. Jesus said in John 15: 4-7 “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you”. (Emphasis mine)


If you are a Saved, Sold out, Sanctified Son or daughter of the Savior, you will know what He means by “abiding in Him” - STAYING IN HIS WORD!! NOT just a set quiet time each morning where you worship, wait and then go to work, but a daily constant walk with Jesus who is called the WORD of God (In the Beginning was the Word, and the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, John 1:1). This walk is a lifetime spent of walking, talking, listening, worshipping, Praising Him in the Storm and discipling to Spiritual maturity.  You want to know Jesus? You wish to dwell in the House of the Lord all the days of your life? KNOW THE BIBLE!


The next phrase says “gazing on the Beauty of the Lord”. The Book of Revelation describes the awesome vision of the Lord Jesus as He looks right now (read Revelation 1:9-16).  There is a powerful artist rendition of the King when He returns in Judgment after the Great Tribulation which I suggest you look it. Click on this link: www.thekingiscoming.com  and look at the home page. Jesus is not in a manger anymore. That was 2000 years ago! All through this powerful final book of the Bible, the Majestic, indescribable visions of He who sits on the Throne and His Son are described in powerful detail.  This confirms what Isaiah saw when God took him up into His Own Presence in Isaiah 6:1 “In the year of King Uzziah's death I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted, with the train of His robe filling the temple”.


Isaiah was so filled in amazement and convicted immediately of his sin, he fell down in front of the Throne and cried out “Woe is me, I am ruined!” (vs.5). We are not in Heaven yet, so we are not yet dwelling for eternity with Jesus in the presence of the Holy One and His Angels. However, we can still gaze on His Beauty by marveling at His Word; tasting His Word; praising and praying to Him; adoring what His Hands have made and awaiting His Return!


Finally “and seeking Him in His Temple.”  Number 1: I would rather be a janitor in the Temple of the Living God than a prince of this dying world. Number 2: The good thing about seeking Him is: He can be found! Number 3: Seek Him primarily in His Word and then through prayer. One note about praying – in order to seek Him properly in prayer, spend most of your prayer time listening, being quiet and allowing Him to reveal Himself to you. This is Biblical. Psalm 46:10 says “Be still and know that I am God.” (NKJV)


…  “in His Temple”. The Hebrew word which King David used here is “HEKAL”. This word actually means “Tabernacle”. Here is what the writer of Hebrews said about the Tabernacle, which God told Moses to erect: “who serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, just as Moses was warned by God when he was about to erect the tabernacle; for, "SEE," He says, "THAT YOU MAKE all things ACCORDING TO THE PATTERN WHICH WAS SHOWN YOU ON THE MOUNTAIN.”Hebrews 8:5 (emphasis mine).


The temple or tabernacle described in our Bibles is not church as we are accustomed to. This Biblical tabernacle is a mere copy of the real temple of God, where God and His Son will be residing with mankind in the New Heavens and Earth described in Revelation 21! I like to interpret this phrase also as Christ would when He told the Pharisees that He could raise the Temple up in three days, even if they destroyed it. Little did those ignorant men know He was referring to the Body – the Temple of the Holy Spirit! So another way to seek Him in His Temple is to seek after Jesus in the actual Personhood of His Entire Being...right now, through Prayer, Praise and Bible study! Are you doing these things? If so, then double down and worship Jesus even more! It's great for the soul!


This  is what my favorite verse of Scripture means to me....and how about yours?! Pray about it and let the Lord show you a meaningful one, geared just for you, if you don't have one yet!
Amen.

THIRTY DAY PRAYER CHALLENGE - DAY 19

PRAY THE NAMES OF GOD

DAY 19


GOD IS SOVEREIGN


One of the many definitions of Sovereign is "An almighty monarch or ruler....who possesses the ultimate or supreme power" (basically, to do as he wills). Many kings of the earth (and some queens) have exercised that, to the detriment of their subjects. History records one of the most brutal monarchs was Mary, Queen of Scots. 


Known as Bloody Mary, she brutalized and killed many who did not agree with her state run church at the time. Most of her victims were Christians. However, one in particular scared the daylights out of her. His name was John Knox, the founder of the Presbyterian Church.


Knox was well known as a prayer warrior who specialized in  Imprecatory prayer (which is prayer, as King David did in Psalm 35, asking God to deal harshly with one's enemies). Knox was a like a thorn in the side of Bloody Mary. She is known to have said "I fear the prayers of John Knox more than ALL the assembled armies of Europe"!


Here is the absolute monarch of Britain, afraid of one man praying to a God! While imprecatory prayers are not to be trifled and played around with, Prayer in General to the Supreme Monarch of the Universe is not just highly recommended but mandatory for the believer!


Think about the Royalty in Heaven: Father God - Abba - is Sovereign. I mean, He sits on His Throne RIGHT NOW-RIGHT NOW, and myriads of angels attend Him in His Court! Then Jesus...oh my Jesus! How sweet the Name of Jesus sounds, in a believer's ears!


Jesus is called the King of Kings three times in the New Testament and if you click here, a new window will pop up with one page carrying ALL three verses! 
In 1 Timothy 6:15, He shows He is the King of Kings. 
In Revelation 17:14, the stupid rulers of this world will line up one day soon to fight the Lamb - Jesus, Whom they will never defeated, because He is the King of Kings.
In Revelation 19:16. He returns on His white horse and on His robe is written "King of Kings"! 

Friends, this is the REAL Monarch and Supreme Commander of all things! There is no other! Therefore, read this passage and pray with me:


Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you are exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.
(1 Chronicles 29:11-13 ESV)


Father, in the Name of Jesus, Majesty, Ruler of the Universe, Almighty and Most Sovereign Lord, I come to You now, on bended knee, in all humility, praising You for Who You are!

Lord there is none like You. No one else can make the stars shine, the seas to roar and the wind to sing. No one else can cause the mountain to break open yet deliver and delicate snowflake, of which, no two are alike! No one else can send a fish to swallow Jonah, yet use two fish and some loaves of barley to feed thousands with many baskets of leftovers.

My God and My King, You rise above the Heavens where You have been seated from time eternal to infinity. My puny mind cannot grasp the true Regal Nature of Your Glory in the Heavens or the power worship right now, before You, in the Throne Room! It just floors me, Abba Father!


You give Grace to the Humble, Judgment to the evil.
You give Riches untold, some of them material and temporal things.
You give Good things to those who blaspheme and curse You, because You are good and generous....and with the hope that many will be saved regardless.
You give Strength, health and true joy every morning to those who walk in Your Anointing and seek You out daily!

Great is Your faithfulness, Lord unto me and everyone whom You have called by name to be a daughter or son of the Living God.

O Sovereign God, Who maketh and knoweth all, I worship You in the Fullness of Your Glory and bask in Your Holy Presence this wonderful day that You have made! Thank You, my master! I remain, ready to do Your Perfect Will, in the Name of Jesus,
Amen!

TOMORROW: GOD IS JEHOVAH-NISSI

(image by google images)

GLORY TO GOD OR GLORY TO YOU?

VISION

by

Crystal  Banks Tait

We hear this word A LOT. I have taken business in college so of course I have heard about vision with respect to business planning.

 

We all hear this word in churches with respect to the vision that God has planted in the heart of the pastor for a church.However, how often do we, or are we, directed to apply this word as a road map for our own lives?

Crystal Banks Tait

In watching a ministry leadership conference, my thoughts about vision that many pastors were speaking of directed me to the things that I "do" for God and why I do what I do. When I hear the pastors speak of things in relation to leading their churches I apply it to my family, my children, my position as a follower within my own church, as well as learning and developing skills for the plans that God has for me in the future.

What was MY vision for the things that I am doing in my life? 

I had never asked this question before. 

What IS my motivating force? 

This all seems so simple yet it is likely something that most of us are not doing I would venture to say. Have YOU asked yourself why you do what you do in your life? 

The first thing that came to my mind when I thought of the things “I do” for God was my blog. What is the motivating force behind my blog? What is my vision through this blog? Is it for myself or is it really for God?

I reflected on other things that I have been attempting to be involved in and get started for “God”. Things in which I am attempting to find my "place" in at our local church and really my "place" on the planet in God's grand scheme of things.

 

I have never assessed what my vision was for my life. Why do I do, what I do, and what do I hope to get accomplished by doing a, b, c, or d? 

Those should be the first questions we ask ourselves PRIOR to taking the action step! Vision and mission SHOULD always be developed IN PRAYER! 

The first thing I thought of after reflecting on my past year or two of activities was my blog. 

Why do I blog? What is my vision for my blog and what do I hope to accomplish through blogging. So I thought about it and my vision for my blog is that I want to share my life experiences in hopes that it will help others to continue in or change their lives in a way that will allow them to live in an intimate, real relationship with Jesus Christ. I want Christians to have God as a close friend and confidant and not only live as surface Christians and I want to share what that looks like so that they can have it for themselves.

God used that leadership conference to show me that what it all comes down to is vision. 

Your vision will set your path.

The vision for my life in general is to live my life in the most God honoring way that I possibly can. Making myself available however God wants me to be available to accomplish whatever He wants me to accomplish. I know God has a plan and a vision for my life. 

God has given me gifts and talents and I intend on developing them for His glory. When I get to heaven and God asks me what I did with the gifts, talent & treasures He gave me, I am hoping that my answer will be, “I used them to bring Glory to You.” The answer I hope to hear is "Well done!”

My blog is using my life story to inspire others to trust God. To inspire others to get to know God and to read His word every single day. God longs to know YOU. God yearns to know you and speak to you just as a mother or father longs to speak and hold their child. Or a child longs to speak and hold their mother or father.

Next time I want to get involved in something, instead of just throwing up a prayer and saying God, do you want me to do ___________. Or alternatively, should I?

I will PAUSE, look for the vision behind the action in PRAYER. 

I think we need to set a vision for all things we do in life.

I want to have a VISION for my family, a VISION for my marriage and a VISION as a parent to name a few. 

If the vision does not line up with the Word of God, and God is not behind what I do, even the small things that I involve myself in daily, it is time to do something different.

The vision sets the path for your footsteps and mine.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm119:105

Image courtesy Google Images

GUEST WRITER WEEK: CATHERINE FRUISEN

 ETIQUETTE

On a short-term mission in 2004, I experience several fairly rough weeks. The trip culminates in a big community outreach event: a rock concert, performed by a band of young guys from our team. The play list includes songs with an evangelical message, wrapping up with twenty minutes or so of pure worship, and a gospel presentation. The event is successful for the usual reasons—people hear about Jesus, and believe what they hear, thank God! It is also precisely what I need at this moment. The music is balm. It changes me, much for the better.

Catherine Fruisen

I have work to do after the show but in the middle of the commotion I scramble to find the guys to thank them. I want to assure them that, on top of everything else, God used them to patch me up. My motive is the Golden Rule. I'm not seeing a whole lot of fruit from my particular role in this mission; hearing a kind word from anyone would mean the world to me, so I assume the same would be true for them. My new mission in this moment is to encourage the band. When I finally find them and get their attention, I give them my words of love and appreciation. And they brush me off. Totally.

Change the location, people and situation, repeat a thousand times, and here we are today, seven years later. My mission to encourage fellow believers who have blessed me has been poo-pooed so often, I've lost count. Having been on the receiving end of many accolades and pats-on-the-back myself, I understand the dilemma. God said, "I will not give my glory to another."  I know that it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. We're all worthless sinners; even our best works are no better than filthy rags. On the other hand, consider this: rather than having devoted the last two months of your life to organizing the event for which I am commending you, you could have chosen to ignore God's call. You could have spent that time sitting on the couch in your den eating pretzels, watching CSI. So you see, you did have a part to play! Good job, friend!

"Words of Affirmation" are a Love Language; some of us really need those words. Obviously God knows this, which is why encouragement is a gift of the Holy Spirit. We all have a God-given need to give and receive encouragement: for some of us, giving encouragement is our strongest gift. If Mama raised you right (which of course she did), you know it's rude to refuse a gift. If we don't learn to receive, others are denied the opportunity to give.

On behalf of my fellow Exhorters, I would like to extend an invitation to believers everywhere: As a Church, let's reconsider basic etiquette.  Embrace a simple "Thank you." If you really must add your standard, "It was all God, I had nothing to do with it," by all means, go for it. Meanwhile, I've got my carefully-thought-out reply ready to go: "You're welcome!"

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:11