Wonderful Counselor

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, You are my God and I trust You. Today I bless those family members and friends with whom I will be interacting during this Christmas season. Father, through Jesus Christ, You have enriched us in every way—in all our speaking and in all knowledge. We will glory in Your love, thanking You that through the Holy Spirit we are strengthened and empowered in our inner most beings. We are learning of the height and depth of Your great love for us, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

[So] that in Him in every respect you were enriched, in full power and readiness of speech [to speak of your faith] and complete knowledge and illumination [to give you full insight into its meaning].

1^st Corinthians 1:5 [AMP]

¹⁶ May He grant you out of the rich treasury of His glory to be strengthened and reinforced with mighty power in the inner man by the [Holy] Spirit [Himself indwelling your innermost being and personality].
¹⁷ 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]!

Ephesians 3:16-19 [AMP]

Blessed Christmas

”The blessing of the Lord be upon you”                                             Psalm 129:8 May you rejoice in the blessings of His love this Christmas and always. Please enjoy this beautiful rendition of  “O Holy Night”

Francis Ng Pastor Tabernacle of Christ www.fnministries.com

Just Stay

A nurse took the tired, anxious serviceman to the bedside.

“Your son is here,” she said to the old man.

She had to repeat the words several times before the patient's eyes opened.
Heavily sedated because of the pain of his heart attack, he dimly saw the young uniformed Marine standing
outside the oxygen tent.

He reached out his hand.

The Marine wrapped his toughened fingers around the old man's limp ones, squeezing a message of love and encouragement.

The nurse brought a chair so that the Marine could sit beside the bed.

All through the night the young Marine sat there in the poorly lighted ward, holding the old man's hand and offering him words of love and strength.

Occasionally, the nurse suggested that the Marine move away and rest awhile.

He refused.

Whenever the nurse came into the ward, the Marine was oblivious of her and of the night noises of the hospital - the clanking of the oxygen tank, the laughter of the night staff members exchanging greetings, the cries and moans of the other patients.

Now and then she heard him say a few gentle words, the dying man said nothing, only held tightly to his son all through the night.

Along towards dawn, the old man died. The Marine released the now lifeless hand he had been holding and went to tell the nurse. While she did what she had to do, he waited.

Finally, she returned.

She started to offer words of sympathy, but the Marine interrupted her.

“Who was that man?” he asked.

The nurse was startled, “He was your father,” she answered.

“No, he wasn't,” the Marine replied. “I never saw him before in my life.”

“Then why didn't you say something when I took you to him?”

“I knew right away there had been a mistake, but I also knew he needed his son, and his son just wasn't here. When I realized that he was too sick to tell whether or not I was his son, knowing how much he needed me, I stayed.”

The next time someone needs you ... just be there. Stay.

We are not human beings going through a temporary spiritual experience.

We are spiritual beings going through a temporary human experience.

This is what we are put on this earth to do anyway, right ?

Have a great day and bless someone else in some little way today!

God is so good.

Emotional Healing Meditations from Judypie

Think on These Things

Father, Your Word is my Handbook for renewing my mind to think and speak as You think and speak. By the grace of God I will think on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely and of good report. Your Word will renew my mind with Your thoughts, Lord, driving out thoughts of fear, doubt, bad feelings toward others, self-hatred, depression and unbelief in the name of Jesus. Amen.

For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].

Philippians 4:8 [AMP]

Letting Go

Father, I glory in what Christ Jesus has done for me. I let go—put aside all past sources of my confidence—counting them worthless, in order that I may experience Christ and become one with Him. I unfold my past and put into proper perspective those things that are behind. I trust in You, LORD, with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding. In all my ways I acknowledge You, and You will make my paths straight. Thank You, in the Name of Jesus. Amen.

⁷ I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. ⁸ Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ ⁹ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith.

Philippians 3:7-9 [NLT]

I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity I did not hide. I said, I will confess my transgressions to the Lord [continually unfolding the past till all is told]--then You [instantly] forgave me the guilt and iniquity of my sin. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!

Psalm 32:5 [AMP]

I do not consider, brethren, that I have captured and made it my own [yet]; but one thing I do [it is my one aspiration]: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead

Philippians 3:13 [AMP]

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. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6 [AMP]

Direction

Father, thank You for instructing me and teaching me in the way I should go and for guiding me with Your eye. Thank You for Your guidance and leadership concerning Your will, Your plan and Your purpose for my life. I hear the voice of the Good Shepherd, for I know You and follow You. You lead me in paths of righteousness of Your name’s sake. In Jesus Name, Amen.

I [the Lord] will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.

Psalm 32:8 [AMP]

The watchman opens the door for this man, and the sheep listen to his voice and heed it; and he calls his own sheep by name and brings (leads) them out. When he has brought his own sheep outside, he walks on before them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice.

John 10:3-4 [AMP]

He refreshes and restores my life (my self); He leads me in the paths of righteousness [uprightness and right standing with Him--not for my earning it, but] for His name's sake.

Psalm 23:3 [AMP]

Change

Father, direct my steps by Your word and let no iniquity have dominion over me. Uphold my steps in Your paths that my footsteps may not slip. Thank You that I am ever learning, ever growing and ever achieving. Things change because I'm changing; I am wonderfully and fearfully made. You give me the freedom and courage to be my creative self, which You made unique unto me. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Establish my steps and direct them by [means of] Your word; let not any iniquity have dominion over me.

Psalm 119:133 [AMP]

My steps have held closely to Your paths [to the tracks of the One Who has gone on before]; my feet have not slipped.

Psalm 17:5 [AMP]

I will confess and praise You for You are fearful and wonderful and for the awful wonder of my birth! Wonderful are Your works, and that my inner self knows right well.

Psalm 139:14 [AMP]

Emotional Healing

Heavenly Father, you saw my heartache and pain when I was brokenhearted. You sent your Word and healed me, and you delivered me from all my destructions. It didn't all happen in one day, but layer-by-layer you healed the emotional wounds [curing my pains and sorrows). Thank you for the anointing of Jesus that is at work binding up and healing my broken heart. In Jesus name. Amen.

He sends forth His word and heals them and rescues them from the pit and destruction.

Psalm 107:20 [AMP]

The Lord is close to those who are of a broken heart and saves such as are crushed with sorrow for sin and are humbly and thoroughly penitent.

Psalm 34:18 [AMP]

The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon Me, because He has anointed Me [the Anointed One, the Messiah] to preach the good news (the Gospel) to the poor; He has sent Me to announce release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to send forth as delivered those who are oppressed [who are downtrodden, bruised, crushed, and broken down by calamity],

Luke 4:18 [AMP]

Fruit of My Lips: Thanksgiving, Praise and Rejoicing

Lord, by Your Holy Spirit perfect the fruit of my lips. Help me draw thanksgiving forth from my innermost resources; reach down into the most secret places of my heart that I may offer significant thanksgiving to You in the name of Jesus. Amen

Through Him, therefore, let us constantly and at all times offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips that thankfully acknowledge and confess and glorify His name.

Hebrews 13:15 [AMP]

Father, You are worthy of all praise. We praise You for Your mighty acts, according to Your excellent greatness. We will praise You in the sanctuary with instruments and with the dance; with stringed instruments and organs; with cymbals and high-sounding cymbals. As long as we have breath, we will praise You, Father God, in the Holy Name of Jesus. You are a mighty God! Hallelujah!

¹ PRAISE THE Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in the heavens of His power!
² Praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him according to the abundance of His greatness!
³ Praise Him with trumpet sound; praise Him with lute and harp!
⁴ Praise Him with tambourine and [single or group] dance; praise Him with stringed and wind instruments or flutes!
⁵ Praise Him with resounding cymbals; praise Him with loud clashing cymbals!
⁶ Let everything that has breath and every breath of life praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!)

Psalm 150:1-6 [AMP]

Father, we rejoice because we have been justified by faith, and have peace with You through our Lord Jesus Christ. By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. We shout glory to God in the heavenly heights, peace to all men and women on earth who please You. This is the day that You have made and we rejoice in You, God our Savior in the name of Jesus. Amen.

THEREFORE, SINCE we are justified (acquitted, declared righteous, and given a right standing with God) through faith, let us [grasp the fact that we] have [the peace of reconciliation to hold and to enjoy] peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). Through Him also we have [our] access (entrance, introduction) by faith into this grace (state of God's favor) in which we [firmly and safely] stand. And let us rejoice and exult in our hope of experiencing and enjoying the glory of God.

Romans 5:1-2 [AMP]

Glory to God in the highest [heaven], and on earth peace among men with whom He is well pleased [men of goodwill, of His favor].

Luke 2:14 [AMP]

R.I.P. Oral Roberts

Evangelist Oral Roberts has exited the planet after suffering from pneumonia at the age of 91 years. 

You may read details about the man, his ministry, and more at The New York Times.

There is also an audio retrospective available for listening at National Public Radio.

My Most Recent Divine Appointment by Melody Green

Last week my friend Paulette and I were running late and had not eaten anything before we left her house.  So we stopped en route to grab something quick at a small deli she liked. Just as we were about to walk in, an upbeat voice called out to us from the open window of a parked car.

“Hey, that’s a great place you’re gonna love it!” 

We nodded and gave a faint (hungry) wave back.

“I just had the little dumplings on the left side of the counter, but the salad with the nuts is great too,” the voice continued.  We paused at the deli door. “Everything is so good there… sorry for rambling, my mom just died, but you can’t go wrong at this place.  It’s the best.”

We started towards the curb as she continued recommending menu items.

“I’m in culinary school here, and this place is so…”

Stepping towards her, I interrupted, “Excuse me, did you just say your mom died?”

“Yes mam, this morning,” she said, as we inched our way to her car door and listened as her story unfolded.

Her name was Keisha and her mom, who’d recently been diagnosed with cancer, had been rushed to the hospital that morning.  They talked and prayed on the phone together and Keisha told her mom she’d be on a plane that afternoon to come see her. But another call came just a few hours later.  Her mom had slipped into a coma and died.

The sun was beating down hard on Paulette and me as we told Keisha how sorry we were for her loss.  She slipped out of her car and continued with her tragic story.  Her fiancé was just back from Iraq, mending from a gunshot wound, and they’d planned to travel to her mom’s for Thanksgiving so her mom and family could meet him.

Understanding how loss felt, I put my arm around her, and the next second she fell sobbing into both of our arms. “I believe in Jesus and go to church but the devil is trying to destroy me.  But he’s not gonna get the victory,” she declared. “I’m not going to let him win!”

Now that we were holding her, I could smell something stale, like old whisky on her t-shirt, and she was out of it with grief and whatever she’d used to numb the pain in her life.  But the Lord had us there to stand with her in her grief and comfort her breaking heart.  It seemed surreal.

We asked if we could pray for her and she said, “Yes. Yes, please.”

So there we stood, in a parking lot praying for Keisha her and her whole family.  We thanked God for sparing her fiancé’s life and identified with her great loss. We shared our faith and assured her that God totally loved her – and wanted all of her heart to be His.  It was somehow clear she’d been dabbling on the dark side and that a battle was going on for her soul, perhaps for a very long time.

It was a sensitive moment.  Not a time to preach or correct.  But her heart was soft and God gave us the words to gently remind her that Jesus wanted to be her only one – and to let everything else, not of Him, go. And she agreed and fought for herself with us in prayer.

“Something told me you ladies were safe,” she said, lifting her head. “That’s why I kept calling out to you, trying to get your attention.”  She started thanking the Lord for sending us to her.  “It’s exactly what I needed,” she said.  “Thank you Jesus!”

About 40 minutes later we said goodbye. I thought about how easy it would have been to totally ignore Keisha and plow forward into the deli.  To hear the growl of our stomachs instead of hearing those few sad words, tucked inside the cheerful-sounding voice of a stranger.  Instead of the hearing the Holy Spirit.

It’s so easy to miss the moment. To miss God.  I’ve missed Him before, more than I could ever possibly know.  But not last week.  God wanted to touch Keisha last week and we didn’t let Him down. It felt really good to know we played a small, but strategic part, in a painful part of someone else's journey.

Internationally known author, minister and songwriter Melody Green has traveled to over 30 nations to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. Her best selling book, “No Compromise. The Life Story of Keith Green” has been translated into numerous languages.  This article was reprinted by permission from Last Days Ministries’ November e-letter. For more information on Melody and her prolific ministry materials, visit http://www.MelodyGreen.com

Do What Is Good

He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, and to love kindness and mercy, and to humble yourself and walk humbly with your God?

Micah 6:8 [AMP]

I first heard the above scripture as a youngster in church.  Of all the theology spoken with much gravitas by our pastor, that one verse had a profound impact upon me.  Here, God is giving us a blueprint for doing what He considers to be good.  We are to practice justice... to love kindness and mercy... and to be humble and not proud and haughty.

Pastor Lon Solomon made note of the attitude of a tax collector in the Bible.  This man, unlike the self-righteous Pharisees, humbled himself before God and prayed, “Be merciful to me, a sinner.”  This man did not approach God in a proud or haughty manner... and as a result, his prayer was honored by God.  As we take on the right attitude, we can be vessels that God can use.

And how can we expect God to use us... even if we are average every day Christians?  We found the answer to that question in the following message from Pastor Francis Ng.

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in the power of your hand to do so.

Proverbs 3:27 [NKJV]

Dan Clark recalls when he was a teenager, he and his father once stood in line to buy tickets for the circus.  They noticed a poor family immediately in front of them.  The parents were holding hands.  They had eight children, all probably under the age of twelve.

He could tell that the circus was going to be a new adventure for them.  The attendant asked how many tickets they wanted.  The man proudly responded, “I’d like to buy eight children’s tickets and two adult tickets.”

When the attendant quoted the price, the man’s wife let go of his hand and her head drooped.
The man leaned a little closer and asked, “How much did you say?”

The attendant quoted the price again.

The man obviously didn't have the money.  He looked crushed.  Clark says his father watched all this, put his hand in his pocket, pulled out a twenty dollar bill and dropped it on the ground.  His father then reached down, picked up the note, tapped the man on the shoulder and said, “Excuse me, I think this must be yours.”

The man knew exactly what was going on.  He looked straight into Clark’s father's eyes, took his hand, shook it, and with a tear streaming down his cheek, replied, “Thank you, thank you, sir.”

“This really means a lot to me and my family.”  Clark and his father went back to their car and drove home.  They didn't have enough money to go to the circus that night, but it didn’t matter. They’d blessed a whole family, and it was something neither family would ever forget.  That's called “doing good.”

As we approach the holiday season -- where thoughts often turn towards buying gifts, having meals, and traveling to be with friends and family -- let us not forget to do good where we have the ability to do so.  Specifically, in reaching out and touching the lives of others.

This is not specifically referring to the giving of financial blessings... although that is often needed.  Sometimes it can be as simple as taking a few moments out of our schedules to touch someone’s life in ways that may seem trival... but that often have eternal reverberations.

I was recollecting the Blizzard of ‘85 with a friend who was in San Antonio Texas (as I was) during that event.  My friend was amazed at how a normally toasty town in South Texas could be inundated with a historic amount of snow.  But I also remember what appeared to be a homeless bum sitting on the sidewalk near my new apartment, begging for cash.  He had a bottle of booze in his hands and I figured there would be no way I would give my money to support some drunk’s alcohol habit.

Imagine my surprise when the Holy Spirit spoke and directed me to give $50 (a tithe I had set aside for the following Sunday) to the guy.  I figured it had to be a mistake.  I had to be imagining things.  After all, that was God’s money.  But after much prayer, I obeyed God and went back to give the $50 bill to the guy.  Long story short... he was near the end of years of running from God.  He had in his pocket a bottle of pills and was planning on washing down the pills with the vodka and ending his life.  We prayed on that sidewalk and he recommitted his life to Christ.  He took the money to a cheap motel nearby and called his family.  That night was the blizzard that hit San Antonio.  I imagine that, under other circumstances, he would be a frozen corpse.  But thanks be to God who knows each of us and puts His blessings in our path.

One thing that I recall was that this young man had made an earlier attempt at cleaning up... and went to a church requesting help.  He was turned away.  Man, how often do we as Christians wind up dropping the ball and, worse, feeding the atheists (see our book Please Don’t Feed the Atheists at http://link2power.org).

We recently heard about a divine appointment that Melody Green experienced... she was famished and ready to grab food at a deli when a young woman interrupted her train of thought.  She quickly realized that this woman had a spiritual need and chose to pray with and minister to her rather than give precedence to her growling stomach.  Sound familiar? 

Then the woman left her water jar and went away to the town. And she began telling the people, Come, see a Man Who has told me everything that I ever did! Can this be [is not this] the Christ? [Must not this be the Messiah, the Anointed One?] So the people left the town and set out to go to Him. Meanwhile, the disciples urged Him saying, Rabbi, eat something. But He assured them, I have food (nourishment) to eat of which you know nothing and have no idea. So the disciples said one to another, Has someone brought Him something to eat? Jesus said to them, My food (nourishment) is to do the will (pleasure) of Him Who sent Me and to accomplish and completely finish His work.

John 4:28-34 [AMP]

As you spend time in prayer this week, ask the Lord to show you ways that you might touch someone’s life.  Whether it is a financial blessing... a prayer... or whatever, be a vessel of the love of God manifest in this world.

Selah.

Wisdom from Judypie: The Power of Thanksgiving

Forgiven

Father, in the name of Jesus, I am blessed. I am happy because You gave me a fresh start; my slate’s wiped clean. I count myself blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) — You are holding nothing against me and you’re not holding anything back from me. When I confessed my sin, my guilt dissolved, my sin disappeared. In the Name of Jesus I thank You!

¹ BLESSED (HAPPY, fortunate, to be envied) is he who has forgiveness of his transgression continually exercised upon him, whose sin is covered.
² Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man to whom the Lord imputes no iniquity and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
³ When I kept silence [before I confessed], my bones wasted away through my groaning all the day long.
⁴ For day and night Your hand [of displeasure] was heavy upon me; my moisture was turned into the drought of summer. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!
⁵ I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity I did not hide. I said, I will confess my transgressions to the Lord [continually unfolding the past till all is told]--then You [instantly] forgave me the guilt and iniquity of my sin. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!
⁶ For this [forgiveness] let everyone who is godly pray--pray to You in a time when You may be found; surely when the great waters [of trial] overflow, they shall not reach [the spirit in] him.

Psalm 32:1-6 [AMP]

⁷ Blessed and happy and to be envied are those whose iniquities are forgiven and whose sins are covered up and completely buried.
⁸ Blessed and happy and to be envied is the person of whose sin the Lord will take no account nor reckon it against him.

Romans 4:7-8 [AMP]

Strength

Father, when I am weak You give me power. When I have no might You strengthen me. I will wait upon You, LORD, and You shall renew my strength. I shall mount up with wings as eagles. I shall run and not be weary; I shall walk and not faint. You are my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? LORD, You are the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? If God be for me, who can be against me? Amen.

²⁹ He gives power to the faint and weary, and to him who has no might He increases strength [causing it to multiply and making it to abound].
³⁰ Even youths shall faint and be weary, and [selected] young men shall feebly stumble and fall exhausted;
³¹ But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired.

Isaiah 40:29-31 [AMP]

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?

Psalm 27:1 [AMP]

Triumphant Praise

Father, our Lord and God, receive our song of praise as we raise our voices in song to You, the One who rides upon the clouds! Jehovah is Your name--we rejoice in Your presence. We are singing a new song of triumphant praise, and shout for joy to the God of our salvation. Hallelujah!

Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully [on the strings] with a loud and joyful sound.

Psalm 33:3 [AMP]

Sing to God, sing praises to His name, cast up a highway for Him Who rides through the deserts--His name is the Lord--be in high spirits and glory before Him!

Psalm 68:4 [AMP]

Thanksgiving

It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises to Your name, O most High. Now thanks be unto You, our God who always leads us to triumph in Christ, and through us manifests the fragrance of Your knowledge in every place. Thank You for Your unspeakable gift. You give us the victory, and we give thanks always for all things unto You, our God and Father, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

IT IS a good and delightful thing to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises [with musical accompaniment] to Your name, O Most High,

Psalm 92:1 [AMP]

But thanks be to God, Who in Christ always leads us in triumph [as trophies of Christ’s victory] and through us spreads and makes evident the fragrance of the knowledge of God everywhere,

2^nd Corinthians 2:14 [AMP]

At all times and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father.

Ephesians 5:20 [AMP]

Now thanks be to God for His Gift, [precious] beyond telling [His indescribable, inexpressible, free Gift]!

2^nd Corinthians 9:15 [AMP]

Thank God for Everything?

Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

Ephesians 5:20 [KJV]

As a Christian, am I supposed to thank God for everything that comes my way? There is a lot of discussion about this verse in churches today. However, we need to be scripturally discriminating about this and analyze what we are giving thanks for.

Are you supposed to give God thanks for your little child getting hit by a car and dying? When your husband dies of cancer and leaves you with five children to raise. Do you thank God? There are many churches that preach that we are to give thanks in these and other evil situations. They say, “Well, the Lord gave and the Lord has taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord. ” No!

I can’t thank God when someone dies and goes to hell. I can’t thank God when someone is crippled with some paralysis and he can’t even feed himself. Is this what the scripture is asking me to do? Am I to thank God for everything that happens - good or bad?

The Spirit of God gave me a revelation regarding this scripture which I want to share with you today. Look at the twentieth verse again, “giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. ” Notice that the things we are to give thanks for are those that are “unto God. ”

In Matthew 22:16-21 (NKJV) we read, “And they sent to Him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, ‘Teacher, we know that You are true, and teach the way of God in truth; nor do You care about anyone, for You do not regard the person of men. Tell us, therefore, what do You think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?’  But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, ‘Why do you test Me, you hypocrites?  Show Me the tax money.’  So they brought Him a denarius. And He said to them, ‘Whose image and inscription is this?’ They said to Him, ‘Caesar’s.’   And He said to them, ‘Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’”

We are supposed to give thanks to God always for the things that He has done, not for what the devil has done. Do you understand? We give God thanks, credit, praise and glory for what He has done! You don’t thank God for what the devil has done. You don’t thank God that somebody died and went to hell. You don’t thank God that somebody is sick and helpless or because somebody was killed or murdered. Don’t blame God for what the devil does.

I know that the idea of a devil is far fetched for some intellectuals. However, whether you believe it or not, the devil still exists. The Word of God says it and I believe God’s Word. Some of you are in denial and that is why the devil has been whipping your heads. He has tricked you into believing that he doesn’t exist and you have been calling the things that the devil has been doing in your life, “the works of God. ”
Even as a society we have been blaming God for all manner of destruction. The insurance companies write into their insurance contracts, “Acts of God. ” There are certain things they won’t insure because they say that the flood, hurricane, tornado and earthquakes are “Acts of God. ”

First John 3:8 says: He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.

If Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil, then the devil must have some works. Is this right? Jesus described the devil and his works in John 10:10, “The thief does not come except to seal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. ”

The devil has some works and when the devil does his works you are not to give God thanks for what the devil has done. You give thanks unto God for what He has done. Render unto God the things that are God’s and render unto Satan the things that he has done. Stop blaming God for the things that the devil is doing!

Prayers and Meditations for Thanksgiving Week

Wisdom and Understanding

Father, in the name of Jesus, I listen carefully and hear what is being said to me. I incline my ear to wisdom and apply my heart to understanding and insight. Humility and fear of You bring wealth and honor and life. Thank You for loving me. Amen.

Making your ear attentive to skillful and godly Wisdom and inclining and directing your heart and mind to understanding [applying all your powers to the quest for it];

Proverbs 2:2 [AMP]

The reward of humility and the reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.

Proverbs 22:4 [AMP]

Comfort

Father, in the darkness of night You are composing a new song for me that I might sing a hymn of praise. Many will see and fear and put their trust in You. By day You direct Your love, at night Your song is with me – a prayer to You, the God of my life. When my heart is breaking You take up the cadence and blend it with Your song of comfort. In the name of Jesus I thank You for loving me. Amen.

And He has put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many shall see and fear (revere and worship) and put their trust and confident reliance in the Lord.

Psalm 40:3 [AMP]

Yet the Lord will command His loving-kindness in the daytime, and in the night His song shall be with me, a prayer to the God of my life.

Psalm 42:8 [AMP]

Deliverance

Most High God, You are my Defender. You are a Mighty Savior. You will rejoice over me, your beloved child, as You deliver me from my sins and bring me into a right relationship with You, oh merciful Father. Amen.

The Lord your God is in the midst of you, a Mighty One, a Savior [Who saves]! He will rejoice over you with joy; He will rest [in silent satisfaction] and in His love He will be silent and make no mention [of past sins, or even recall them]; He will exult over you with singing.

Zephaniah 3:17 [AMP]

Giving of Thanks

It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises to Your name, O most High. Now thanks be unto You, our God who always leads us to triumph in Christ, and through us infuses (manifests) the fragrance of Your knowledge in every place. Thank You for Your unspeakable gift. You give us the victory, and we give thanks always for all things unto You, our God and Father, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

IT IS a good and delightful thing to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises [with musical accompaniment] to Your name, O Most High,

Psalm 92:1 [AMP]

But thanks be to God, Who in Christ always leads us in triumph [as trophies of Christ's victory] and through us spreads and makes evident the fragrance of the knowledge of God everywhere,

2^nd Corinthians 2:14 [AMP]

At all times and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father.

Ephesians 5:20 [AMP]

Now thanks be to God for His Gift, [precious] beyond telling [His indescribable, inexpressible, free Gift]!

2^nd Corinthians 9:15 [AMP]

Lord, You are our God. You made us; we are the sheep of Your pasture. I enter into Your gates with thanksgiving, and into Your courts with praise. I am thankful unto You, and bless Your name. Lord, You are good; Your mercy is everlasting; and Your truth endures to all generations – that includes my children and grandchildren and future generations. I go forth this day rejoicing with a joyous spirit and a glad heart in the name of Jesus. Amen.

¹ MAKE A joyful noise to the Lord, all you lands!
² Serve the Lord with gladness! Come before His presence with singing!
³ Know (perceive, recognize, and understand with approval) that the Lord is God! It is He Who has made us, not we ourselves [and we are His]! We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
⁴ Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and a thank offering and into His courts with praise! Be thankful and say so to Him, bless and affectionately praise His name!
⁵ For the Lord is good; His mercy and loving-kindness are everlasting, His faithfulness and truth endure to all generations.

Psalm 100 [AMP]

Fruit of My Lips

Lord, by Your Holy Spirit perfect the fruit of my lips. Help me draw thanksgiving forth from my innermost resources; reach down into the most secret places of my heart that I may offer significant thanksgiving to You in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Through Him, therefore, let us constantly and at all times offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips that thankfully acknowledge and confess and glorify His name.

Hebrews 13:15 [AMP]

The law of kindness is in my mouth, and I purpose to speak words of wisdom. I realize that the words that I speak contain the power of life and death, and in the name of Jesus, I loose from myself an attitude of sarcasm, and bind to myself an attitude of kindness. I bind mercy and truth about my neck, and write them upon the table of my heart. When my words instigate anger, forgive me and help me correct my speech. When an angry person challenges me, help me remember that a soft answer turns away wrath. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

She opens her mouth in skillful and godly Wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness [giving counsel and instruction].

Proverbs 31:26 [AMP]

To have respect of persons and to show partiality is not good, neither is it good that man should transgress for a piece of bread.

Proverbs 28:21 [AMP]

Truly I tell you, whatever you forbid and declare to be improper and unlawful on earth must be what is already forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit and declare proper and lawful on earth must be what is already permitted in heaven.

Matthew 18:18 [AMP]

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.

Proverbs 3:3 [AMP]

A SOFT answer turns away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger.

Proverbs 15:1 [AMP]

Let these words of wisdom bless you during this week of Thanksgiving.

Wisdom from Judypie: Cast Your Care

Do you know the reason we are stressed? Because we think our needs are not going to be met. We say, “Oh my goodness, I'm not going to have what I need!” Jesus tells us not to worry about what you are going to eat. And don’t worry about what you are going to wear. He’s saying only one thing is important — His righteousness. These things don't even take significance until your deepest needs are met. You are to find your satisfaction in Him. If you don't find your satisfaction in Him, you're going to be stressed. Are you stressed out about something today? Turn it over to Jesus and turn your focus to Him. Let Jesus meet your needs and transform your heart today. (Adrian Rogers)

But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and green and tomorrow is tossed into the furnace, will He not much more surely clothe you, O you of little faith?

Matthew 6:30 [AMP]

“Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”-
Psalm 46:10

Father, You are leading me on paths I do not know, past all my fantasies, hopes, doubts and fear. When I go through deep waters and great trouble, You will be with me. When I go through rivers of difficulty, I will not drown! When I walk through the fire of oppression, I will not be burned up -- the flames will not consume me. Even though I walk through the shadow of death I will fear no evil. You lead me in the paths of righteousness for Your name's sake. In the name of Jesus I will rejoice in You and be glad. Amen.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned or scorched, nor will the flame kindle upon you.

Isaiah 43:2 [AMP]

¹ THE LORD is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack.
² He makes me lie down in [fresh, tender] green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful waters.
³ He refreshes and restores my life (my self); He leads me in the paths of righteousness [uprightness and right standing with Him--not for my earning it, but] for His name's sake.
⁴ Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me.
⁵ You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my [brimming] cup runs over.
⁶ Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord [and His presence] shall be my dwelling place.

Psalm 23 [AMP]

Father, in the name of Jesus, I clothe myself with humility [as the garb of a servant, so that its covering cannot possibly be stripped from me]. I repent and renounce pride and arrogance. Father, You give grace to the humble. Therefore I humble myself under Your mighty hand, that in due time you may exalt me. Amen.

⁶ But He gives us more and more grace (power of the Holy Spirit, to meet this evil tendency and all others fully). That is why He says, God sets Himself against the proud and haughty, but gives grace [continually] to the lowly (those who are humble enough to receive it).
⁷ So be subject to God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him], and he will flee from you.

James 4:6-7 [AMP]

³⁴ Though He scoffs at the scoffers and scorns the scorners, yet He gives His undeserved favor to the low [in rank], the humble, and the afflicted.
³⁵ The wise shall inherit glory (all honor and good) but shame is the highest rank conferred on [self-confident] fools.

Proverbs 3:34-35 [AMP]

Cast All Your Care

Are you worried, anxious about anything? I encourage you to pray this prayer aloud:

In the name of Jesus, I cast the whole of my care [all my anxieties, all my worries, all my concerns for my future, my family, once and for all] on You, for You care for me affectionately and care about me watchfully. Amen!

⁵ Likewise, you who are younger and of lesser rank, be subject to the elders (the ministers and spiritual guides of the church)--[giving them due respect and yielding to their counsel]. Clothe (apron) yourselves, all of you, with humility [as the garb of a servant, so that its covering cannot possibly be stripped from you, with freedom from pride and arrogance] toward one another. For God sets Himself against the proud (the insolent, the overbearing, the disdainful, the presumptuous, the boastful)--[and He opposes, frustrates, and defeats them], but gives grace (favor, blessing) to the humble.
⁶ Therefore humble yourselves [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you,
⁷ Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.

1^st Peter 5:5-7 [AMP]

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.

Philippians 4:6 [AMP]

Things vs. People

While a man was polishing his new car, his 4 yr old son picked up a stone and scratched lines on the side of the car.  In anger, the man took the child’s hand and hit it many times not realizing he was using a wrench.
At the hospital, the child lost all his fingers due to multiple fractures.  When the child saw his father... with painful eyes he asked, “Dad when will my fingers grow back?”  The man was so hurt and speechless.  He went back to his car and kicked it several times.  Devastated by his own actions... sitting in front of that car he looked at the scratches; the child had written “LOVE YOU DAD.”

The next day that man committed suicide.

Anger and Love have no limits;
choose the latter to have a beautiful, lovely life & remember this:
Things are to be used and people are to be loved.
The problem in today’s world is that people are used while things are loved.

Let’s try always to keep this thought in mind:

Things are to be used,
People are to be loved.

Watch your thoughts; they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions..
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become character;
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny...

“The happiest people on this earth planet are not those who live on their own terms, but are those who change their terms for the ones whom they love.”

Regards
Pastor Ng Francis
www.fnministries.com

Wisdom from Judypie: Spiritual Strength

Father, the end of all things is at hand, and we will be serious and watchful in our prayers. Above all things help us have fervent love for one another -- love that covers a multitude of sins. May we be hospitable to one another without grumbling, and minister to each other with the ability You supply. In all things we pray that You will be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion for ever. Amen.

⁷In the same way you married men should live considerately with [your wives], with an intelligent recognition [of the marriage relation], honoring the woman as [physically] the weaker, but [realizing that you] are joint heirs of the grace (God's unmerited favor) of life, in order that your prayers may not be hindered and cut off. [Otherwise you cannot pray effectively.]
⁸Finally, all [of you] should be of one and the same mind (united in spirit), sympathizing [with one another], loving [each other] as brethren [of one household], compassionate and courteous (tenderhearted and humble).
⁹Never return evil for evil or insult for insult (scolding, tongue-lashing, berating), but on the contrary blessing [praying for their welfare, happiness, and protection, and truly pitying and loving them]. For know that to this you have been called, that you may yourselves inherit a blessing [from God--that you may obtain a blessing as heirs, bringing welfare and happiness and protection].
¹⁰For let him who wants to enjoy life and see good days [good--whether apparent or not] keep his tongue free from evil and his lips from guile (treachery, deceit).
¹¹Let him turn away from wickedness and shun it, and let him do right. Let him search for peace (harmony; undisturbedness from fears, agitating passions, and moral conflicts) and seek it eagerly. [Do not merely desire peaceful relations with God, with your fellowmen, and with yourself, but pursue, go after them!]

1^st Peter 3:7-11 [AMP]

To You, O Lord I pray. My enemies will not triumph over me, and I will never be disgraced for trusting You. Show me the path where I should go, point out the right road for me to walk. Lead and teach me for You are the God who gives me salvation. Thank You for seeing me through eyes of everlasting love and kindness. Your integrity and uprightness will preserve me, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

¹UNTO YOU, O Lord, do I bring my life.
²O my God, I trust, lean on, rely on, and am confident in You. Let me not be put to shame or [my hope in You] be disappointed; let not my enemies triumph over me.
³Yes, let none who trust and wait hopefully and look for You be put to shame or be disappointed; let them be ashamed who forsake the right or deal treacherously without cause.
⁴Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths.
⁵Guide me in Your truth and faithfulness and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You [You only and altogether] do I wait [expectantly] all the day long.

Psalm 25:1-5 [AMP]

Father, You have not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and of a sound mind. We will not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord. You saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to Your own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before time began. You called us and You are faithful to do it in the name of Jesus.

⁷For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.
⁸Do not blush or be ashamed then, to testify to and for our Lord, nor of me, a prisoner for His sake, but [with me] take your share of the suffering [to which the preaching] of the Gospel [may expose you, and do it] in the power of God.
⁹[For it is He] Who delivered and saved us and called us with a calling in itself holy and leading to holiness [to a life of consecration, a vocation of holiness]; [He did it] not because of anything of merit that we have done, but because of and to further His own purpose and grace (unmerited favor) which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began [eternal ages ago].

2^nd Timothy 1:7-9 [AMP]

Faithful is He Who is calling you [to Himself] and utterly trustworthy, and He will also do it [fulfill His call by hallowing and keeping you].

1^st Thessalonians 5:24 [AMP]

I will love You, O LORD, my strength.
The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;
My God, my strength, in whom I will trust;
My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised;
So shall I be saved from my enemies. Psalm 18:1-3

Check Yourself (from Judypie)

A guy rushed into a service station one day and asked the manager if he had a pay phone. The manager nodded, “Sure, over there.”

The guy inserted a couple of coins, dialed and waited for an answer. Finally someone came on the line.

“Uh, sir,” he said in a deep voice, “could you use an honest, hard-working young man?”

The station manager couldn’t help overhearing the question. After a moment or two the guy said, “Oh, you already have an honest, hard-working young man? Well, okay. Thanks all the same.”

A broad smile stretched across his face. He hung up the phone and started back to his car, obviously elated.

“Hey, just a minute,” the station manager said, “I couldn’t help but hear your conversation. Why are you so happy? I thought the man said he already had someone and didn’t need you?”

The guy smiled. “Well, you see, I am that honest, hard-working young man. I was just checking up on myself!”

If you’re serious about walking with God, examine yourself regularly. Are you praying, reading God’s Word and renewing your mind daily?

How about your attitudes?

Are they slipping?

Your attitudes send a signal before you’ve said a word.

They are like traffic signals. Sometimes they flash red, which means “stop, don’t get in my way, I’m too busy to love, help, or care.”

Sometimes they flash yellow, which means “I’m touchy and out-of-sorts, I could go either way.”

Sometimes they flash green, which means, “Let’s go, I’m with you, you can count on me.”

The Bible says, “Let us examine our ways...and...return to the Lord.”

What needs to be examined regularly?

Our ways!

Let us test and examine our ways, and let us return to the Lord!

Lamentations 3:40 [AMP]

The Wooden Bowl

I guarantee you will remember the tale of the Wooden Bowl tomorrow, a week from now, a month from now, a year from now.

A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year-old grandson.

The old man’s hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered

The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather’s shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor.

When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth.

The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess.

“We must do something about father,” said the son. “I’ve had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor.”

So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner.

There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner.

Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl.

When the family glanced in Grandfather’s direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone.

Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food.

The four-year-old watched it all in silence.

One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor.

He asked the child sweetly, “What are you making?” Just as sweetly, the boy responded, “Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up.” The four-year-old smiled and went back to work.

The words so struck the parents so that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done.

That evening the husband took Grandfather’s hand and gently led him back to the family table.

For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.

On a positive note, I’ve learned that, no matter what happens, how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.

I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles four things:

1. A rainy day
2. The elderly
3. Lost luggage
4. Tangled Christmas tree lights

I’ve learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents, you’ll miss them when they’re gone from your life.

I’ve learned that making a “living” is not the same thing as making a “life.”

I’ve learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.

I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back sometimes.

I’ve learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you but if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others, your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.

I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.

I’ve learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one.

I’ve learned that every day, you should reach out and touch someone.

People love that human touch -- holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.

I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn.

I’ve learned that you should pass this on to everyone you care about.

I just did.



Pastor Ng Francis
www.fnministries.com

Please Don’t Feed the Atheists

We recently announced the release of our book, Please Don’t Feed the Atheists, available at the Powerhouse Store and at http://link2power.org. We are hoping that this book helps get the message across to the church that it is time to quit with some of the harmful shenanigans that have been taking place and focus on doing the work that Jesus did and is calling His body to do:

The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon Me, because He has anointed Me [the Anointed One, the Messiah] to preach the good news (the Gospel) to the poor; He has sent Me to announce release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to send forth as delivered those who are oppressed [who are downtrodden, bruised, crushed, and broken down by calamity],

Luke 4:18 [AMP]

Unfortunately, there is a continuation of a politically motivated mindset that is distracting Christians from this calling and setting their focus upon things that not only do not help those whom the Lord has called us to reach, but it makes the church into a laughingstock in the sight of the atheists and those who would criticize the truth of the gospel.

For example, there are those who are going back and rewriting history for questionable reasons.  For example, Snopes noted a revision of the writings of George Washington that inserted content to make the Founding Father’s message seem more of a religious statement than originally drafted.  Since when has twisting the truth been necessary to advance a Christian message?  This is something that the atheists, agnostics and others jumped on, a potentially embarrassing situation.

As we mentioned in the book, it is interesting how much bad press Moslems get when radicals commit atrocities in the name of Islam. But even worse publicity is rising when people calling themselves Christians commit such atrocities.

Think about the people who believe God would have them to shun those who look different than they.
A good friend told me that he, along with his wife and children, were told to leave a church they were visiting because of their skin color… despite the fact that they were ministers in that very same denomination.
People do crazy things like that all the time and slap the label of “Christianity” on top of it.  And when that happens, the atheists have a good time at the Lord’s expense.

The good news is that, if Saul could be turned around by an encounter with the risen Savior (he later became known as the Apostle Paul, writer of a large percentage of the New Testament), then imagine what wonderful things would happen in our society if those who populate churches each week would actually get past the empty practice of liturgy and, rather, get in touch with Jesus on a personal level.

Can you imagine it?

Christians practicing love instead of hatred?

Christians seeking manifestations of Christ’s righteousness and not self-righteousness?

Christians who judge the beam in their own eyes rather than judging the speck in someone else’s?

The sad reality is that people like Saul of Tarsus will walk into houses of worship, kill people, and assume that God were pleased. However, if God wanted someone dead, he could manage that without anyone’s help. But killing people is not what God is about.

The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

2^nd Peter 3:9 [NKJV]

Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the Goodness of God leads you to repentance?

Romans 2:4 [NKJV]

A Christian filmmaker recently produced a documentary entitled, “Lord Please Save Us from Your Followers.” That film explores the schism between the foundational beliefs of this country and the personal beliefs of its citizens.

In the film’s trailer, you can see clips of people with bullhorns protesting the “tyranny” of those insane Christian fanatics. But did Jesus suffer and die on the cross for people to practice tyranny or insane fanaticism? Unfortunately, there are way too many people who wear the Christian label and demonstrate behaviors that feed the atheists’ hatred for our God.

The Christian label?

You may faithfully go to church Sunday after Sunday. The reality, however, is that going to church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than going to McDonalds makes you a cheeseburger. Jesus put it this way:

But He will say, ‘I tell you I do not know you, where you are from. Depart from Me, all you workers of iniquity

Luke 13:27 [NKJV]

Whoa! That’s a pretty deep scripture to be throwing around. But the bottom line is that if all we are accomplishing is making it easier for atheists and practitioners of other religions to blaspheme the Lord (2^nd Samuel 12:14), then we need to seriously evaluate what it is we profess to believe in.

More importantly, we should evaluate whether our behavior lines up with what should be our belief system.

It has been said that without fuel, a fire cannot burn. You need oxygen or wood or flammable gas or some other combustible substance in order to create and/or maintain a fire. Well then, if we are feeding the atheists with the fuel to support their rejection of God, then what does that make us?

And, what would that inspire the Lord to say to us when we stand before Him?

Meditations from Judypie: Healed Body / Renewed Mind

A Healing Prayer

Jesus was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces He was despised, and we esteemed Him not.

Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered Him stricken by God, smitten by Him, and afflicted. But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed. I receive divine healing for my spirit, soul and body in the name of Jesus. Amen.

He was despised and rejected and forsaken by men, a Man of sorrows and pains, and acquainted with grief and sickness; and like One from Whom men hide their faces He was despised, and we did not appreciate His worth or have any esteem for Him. Surely He has borne our griefs (sicknesses, weaknesses, and distresses) and carried our sorrows and pains [of punishment], yet we [ignorantly] considered Him stricken, smitten, and afflicted by God [as if with leprosy]. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our guilt and iniquities; the chastisement [needful to obtain] peace and well-being for us was upon Him, and with the stripes [that wounded] Him we are healed and made whole.

Isaiah 53:3-5 [AMP]

Renewing Thought Patterns

It is written, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.” I no longer desire to conform to the pattern of this world, but may I be transformed by the renewing of my mind. Then my thoughts and my ways will be changed to Your thoughts and your ways, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].

Romans 12:2 [AMP]

The Power of God’s Word

As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, they do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is God’s word that goes out from His mouth. When He speaks and when I speak His word, it will not return empty, but will accomplish what He desires and achieve the purpose for which He sent it. Father, I thank You for creating in me Your desires. Amen.

For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain and snow come down from the heavens, and return not there again, but water the earth and make it bring forth and sprout, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, So shall My word be that goes forth out of My mouth: it shall not return to Me void [without producing any effect, useless], but it shall accomplish that which I please and purpose, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

Isaiah 55:8-11 [AMP]

Meditation

The scriptures you have just studied contain the life shaping/ world changing power.  But that power needs to be activated by mixing it with faith.  Allow the Word of God to build faith within your heart (faith comes by hearing... hearing by the word of God).  As your faith rises, make a verbal declaration right where you are and receive your healing in Jesus’ name.  Receive a renewed mind by the power of God’s Holy Word.  And then, think of those other people in your life who need the power of God to be manifest in their lives.  Pray for our local and national leaders.  Pray without ceasing.  Pray with confidence in God’s faithfulness to deliver you. 

FIRST OF all, then, I admonish and urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all men, For kings and all who are in positions of authority or high responsibility, that [outwardly] we may pass a quiet and undisturbed life [and inwardly] a peaceable one in all godliness and reverence and seriousness in every way.

1^st Timothy 2: 1-2 [AMP]

Refined Like Gold Tried in the Fire

“He has made everything appropriate in its time.”

Ecclesiastes 3:11 [NAS]

The roller coaster of life runs both day and night. Some trips take place in the dark, where things are difficult to distinguish. 'Who is among you that fears the Lord, that obeys the voice of His servant, that walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God' (Isaiah 50:10 NAS).

Yes, even the godly who 'fear the Lord' and who 'obey the voice of His servant,' will at times walk where there seems to be no light to guide their footsteps and no warm glow to comfort their troubled senses. These are not times of punishment, retribution, or abandonment. No, they're times when God is working out the next important stages of your development, aligning you for greater advancement in His kingdom!

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, men who feared the Lord and obeyed His Word, were ordered to be burned alive for refusing to worship the king's golden image (See Daniel 3).

Listen to their faith confession:

1) 'Our God...is able to deliver us' (v 17).

They never doubted God's ability.

2) 'And he will deliver us.' They never doubted God's intention.

3) 'But if not...we will not...worship the golden image' (v 18). They never considered an alternative of faithfulness to God. They had to go through to get through, and they did! You will too. Stay on the roller coaster. 'Trust in the name of the Lord and rely on (your) God.' He has the last word, not the devil, circumstances or people. Like the three Hebrews, you will come out refined as gold tried in the fire.

Pastor Ng Francis
www.fnministries.com

Classic Blog: The Law of the Spirit of Life

It really troubles me when religious people refer to Romans Chapter 7 to excuse their sins. And I deplore the line, "we are only human and we are going sin." And almost as revolting is the line, "we sin every day." Immoral sinful people, religious or otherwise, are always looking for crutches to hold them up in their unbelief. In Romans 7 the Apostle Paul was emphasizing the weakness of the flesh and the need of the power to overcome sin. If they would only read chapter eight they would find there, using a famous line, "the rest of the story."

Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus

Romans 8:1 [NASU]

[for those who are in Christ Jesus] Now go back to Romans, chapter 6, beginning in verse 3----

Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death

Romans 6:3 [NASU]

Again in the book of Galatians, “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ” (Galatians 3:27 NAS).

[baptized into Christ Jesus] If a person is baptized into Christ Jesus, baptized into His death and then raised up in the newness of life then he is in Christ Jesus.

“Therefore there is now no condemnation.” Understand, the Apostle is not speaking of a water baptism here he is speaking of dieing to the sinful deeds of the flesh. Dead men do not sin, they are dead.

What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it?

Romans 6:1-2 [NASU]

Now if you have not been baptized into the death of Christ then the old sin nature of the flesh is still very much alive and you will sin.

Let's continue, “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.” (Romans 8:2 NASU)

There is no condemnation for who?? For those who have been baptized into Christ Jesus, those who have crucified the flesh and buried it with Christ; those who have followed their Lord into the “regeneration” (Matthew 19:28) into the new birth.

For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit”

Romans 8:3-4 [NASU]

[who do not walk according to the flesh] The requirement of the law of sin and death is fulfilled in those who have been baptized into Christ Jesus and have received the gift of the Holy Spirit and are walking according to His power and leading.

For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, {set their minds on} the things of the Spirit.”

Romans 8:5 [NASU]

[set their minds] It is a matter of submission or "mind set." One who has submitted has set his mind on the things of God and is lead of the Spirit of God, thus he is empowered to overcome sin.

For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

Romans 8:6-8 [NASU]

[for the mind set on the flesh is death] A stern warning for those who say, “we are only human and we are going to sin, even the apostle Paul sinned.” (That gives me chills.) Where is your mind set? If it is set on the things of the flesh, it is set on death!!!

[but the mind set on the Spirit] The mind set on the Spirit is life and peace and the fruit he bears is the fruit of righteous.

For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

Romans 8:14 NAS

We must remember that our Lord came and died a horrible death to take away our sins, not to prepare a way we could wallow in them and still go to heaven. The biggest sin committed by church going people is that of drunkenness and immorality---this is what people are wanting to hold on to but still have a clean conscience---there is no way people!!! Either be converted or die in your sins.

Pastor Jake

From the Presidential Prayer Team

Right-Minded Intercession

Caryl sadly read her newspaper and laid it down on the table. “What is happening to our country?” she groaned. Caryl wanted to blame the new administration, but she knew better; her devotional reading for

"The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." - James 5:16

that morning was based on Proverbs 21:1. She recalled its words: “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.”
It reminded Caryl that leaders are appointed by God to accomplish His purposes. Bowing her head, she immediately asked God to guide her elected officials with wisdom and to turn their hearts to Him. Daryl also asked the Lord to direct her leaders in determining foreign affairs, the economy and unemployment, and prayed for the safety of the President and his family, thanking God for them.
James 5 reminds you that as you pray like Caryl – and do so with the right-minded attitude – your intercessions will have a mighty impact. Pray decisively and confidently for your president and leaders, regardless of your opinions of the day’s headlines…and God will move on behalf of our nation.
Recommended Reading: I Peter 4:1-2, 7-11
- Kathy Lumbert

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Our 12th Book

It seems that Christians often create more atheists than they create converts. This book examines this trend and offers solutions.

The thesis of the book is that the (mis)behavior of many who wear the Christian Label is the motivation for many who have abandoned their faith. It causes those who have never held faith to reject the very premise. It has caused others to position themselves as enemies of the gospel. It is a malady in the body requires personal medicine to affect a needful cure. Charlie Peacock wrote a song called Personal Revolution in which he lyrically explores the need for all of us to get past the trappings of our religious traditions and have an internal revival, sloughing off the negativity of our past and to manifest the new life that comes from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Often, easier said than done.

Now on sale at The Powerhouse Ministry Store.  

Good and Right Prayers

Dr. David Jeremiah told an interesting story about prayer in his book Prayer: The Great Adventure. In that book, he recounted the following:

While serving at a small field hospital in Africa, I traveled every two weeks by bicycle through the jungle to a nearby city for supplies. This required camping overnight halfway. On one of these trips, I saw two men fighting in the city. One was seriously hurt so I treated him and witnessed to him about the Lord Jesus Christ. I then returned home without incident. Upon arriving in the city several weeks later, I was approached by the man I had treated earlier. He told me he had known that I carried money and medicine. He said, “Some friends and I followed you into the jungle, knowing you would camp overnight. We waited for you to go to sleep and planned to kill you and take your money and drugs. Just as we were about to move into your campsite, we saw that you were surrounded by 26 armed guards. I laughed at this and said, “I was certainly all alone out in the jungle campsite.” The young man pressed the point, “No sir, I was not the only one to see the guards. My five friends also saw them, and we all counted them. It was because of those guards that we were afraid and left you alone.” At this point of my church presentation in Michigan, one of the men in the church stood up and interrupted me. He asked, “Can you tell me the exact date when this happened?” I thought for a while and recalled the date. The man in the congregation then gave his side of the story. He stated, “On that night in Africa it was day here. I was preparing to play golf. As I put my bags in the car, I felt the Lord leading me to pray for you. In fact, the urging was so great that I called the men of this church together to pray for you. Will all those men who met to pray please stand?” The men who had met that day to pray together stood... there were 26 of them!

It is no secret that prayer has power.  When you pray effectual and earnest prayers, things change.  What things in your life would you like to see changed?  You can -- if you pray the right way... and, with the right heart.  If Dr. Jeremiah’s life can be affected across the continent... then how much more can our prayers take affect on things affecting our lives right here at home?

This is particularly true in terms of the current political and economic situation.

The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].

James 5:16b [AMP]

That being the case... shouldn’t we as Christians spend time praying for our political leaders... and not speaking negatively about them?

Yes, there are things that our current president has said that a lot of people disagree with. But then again... every president in history has had detractors over one thing or another. But what is our responsibility as Christians?

FIRST OF all, then, I admonish and urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all men, For kings and all who are in positions of authority or high responsibility, that [outwardly] we may pass a quiet and undisturbed life [and inwardly] a peaceable one in all godliness and reverence and seriousness in every way. For such [praying] is good and right, and [it is] pleasing and acceptable to God our Savior, Who wishes all men to be saved and [increasingly] to perceive and recognize and discern and know precisely and correctly the [divine] Truth.

1^st Timothy 2:1-4 [AMP]

This evening I heard a Christian making condemning statements towards the President. On the news, I heard about a pastor who has been preaching that he wants the President to die and go to hell.

That is not what the Bible teaches. In 1^st Timothy, we are told to pray for those in positions of authority so that we may live quiet and undisturbed lives. That type of prayer... positive prayers for all men to be saved and to know the Truth, is what Paul calls in this passage good and right.

When those scriptures were written, Caesar Nero was having Christians crucified, burned alive, and wrapped in skins to be mauled to death by wild animals.  And yet, the admonition was not to pray that Nero die and go to hell... but rather that he and others in authority be saved and come to know the divine Truth.

Let’s focus on praying good and right prayers.

These Things Ought Not to Be So

“...These things ought not to be so.”

James 3:10 [NKJV]

The Bible says: “With [our tongue] we bless our God... and with it we curse men... these things are not to be so” (James 3:8-10 NKJV).

It displeases God when we praise Him in church on Sunday then tear someone down at work on Monday. “But what I’m saying is true,” you say. “All a mans ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord” (Proverbs 16:2 NIV).

Slander begins with pride; it says, “When I’m right and you’re wrong, I have the right to say so.” No, people flock to church altars for healing from wounds inflicted by Christians. Gossip broke their spirits.
One lady writes: “I went through a period of trying to overcome gossip but I’d still tell it to my husband.

Although I knew he wouldn’t repeat it, I realized that by exposing him to it I was poisoning his spirit. That’s when I decided to change what was coming out of my mouth.”

What you say about someone colors how others see them. One pastor tells all his new members, “If you hear another member slandering somebody, stop them right away and say, ‘Excuse me, who hurt you, ignored or slighted you? We’ll pray together about it so that God can restore peace to this body, but we won’t let you talk about people who aren’t around to defend themselves.’” Ninety-nine times out of a hundred, the issue dies right there; or the offender leaves.

“Be... gentle, and patient, accepting each other in love...” (Ephesians 4:2-3 NCV). Since none of us are infallible and all of us need to be treated gently, patiently and with love, let’s make it a habit of treating each other that way.

Pastor Ng Francis
www.fnministries.com

Overcoming Life’s Obstacles

During a small group fellowship, my brothers in Christ and I discussed those issues in our lives that had been holding us back.  We all wanted to be the men that God has called us to be...  yet we have all experienced things that seemed to be roadblocks in life that needed to be overcome. 

Some in the group reported dysfunctional relationships with parents or other family members.  Others mentioned dysfunctional relationships within the church, or with other believers.  Some of us had issues in the workplace that required prayer. 

And, of course, we all had issues with relationships. 

The common denominator that all of this boiled down to was the need for each of us to overcome strongholds in each of our lives.  But, fortunately, the word of God provides the answer.  If we are born again children of the Most High God, then we are world overcomers.

For whatever is born of God is victorious over the world; and this is the victory that conquers the world, even our faith.  Who is it that is victorious over [that conquers] the world but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God [who adheres to, trusts in, and relies on that fact]?

1^st John 5:4-5 [AMP]

I was blessed to come home and read some powerful meditations on overcoming from our dear sister Judypie.  These answered those issues in my life -- and I am positive that, as you read and meditate on them, they will help you with whatever you are dealing with and going through in your life.

Overcoming Fear of my Enemies

Let it be done to me according to Your Word.  My head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me: therefore will I offer sacrifices of joy in Your tabernacle; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises unto the Lord.  Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.  When You said, “Seek my face,” my heart said to You, “Your face, Lord, I will seek.” You have been my help; do not leave me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation.  Even if my father and my mother forsake me, the Lord will take me up.  In the name of Jesus, You are a Father who will never leave me or forsake me; I will never be abandoned or left without support.  Amen.

And now shall my head be lifted up above my enemies round about me; in His tent I will offer sacrifices and shouting of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.  Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud; have mercy and be gracious to me and answer me! You have said, Seek My face [inquire for and require My presence as your vital need].  My heart says to You, Your face (Your presence), Lord, will I seek, inquire for, and require [of necessity and on the authority of Your Word].  Hide not Your face from me; turn not Your servant away in anger, You Who have been my help! Cast me not off, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation! Although my father and my mother have forsaken me, yet the Lord will take me up [adopt me as His child].

Psalm 27:6-10 [AMP]

Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support.  [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]

Hebrews 13:5 [AMP]

Guide me in Your truth and faithfulness and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You do I wait all the day long.  Laus Deo! Psalm 25:5

Overcoming Denial

Father, I thank You for delivering me out of the dominion of darkness and translating me into the kingdom of Your dear Son.  You are at work in me, helping me work out my own salvation.  I yield to the ministry of transformation as You energize and create in me the desire and will to face the problematic issues in my life.  In the name of Jesus, I crush, smash and dissolve the stronghold of denial.  Then I shall know the truth and the truth will set me free.  Amen.

[The Father] has delivered and drawn us to Himself out of the control and the dominion of darkness and has transferred us into the kingdom of the Son of His love

Colossians 1:13 [AMP]

Not that I have now attained [this ideal], or have already been made perfect, but I press on to lay hold of (grasp) and make my own, that for which Christ Jesus (the Messiah) has laid hold of me and made me His own.  I do not consider, brethren, that I have captured and made it my own [yet]; but one thing I do [it is my one aspiration]: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead

Philippians 3:12-13 [AMP]

And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free.

John 8:32 [AMP]

I will love You, O LORD, my strength.
The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;
My God, my strength, in whom I will trust;
My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised;
So shall I be saved from my enemies.  Psalm 18:1-3

Overcoming Fear with Faith

Lord, teach us Your way, and lead us in a smooth path, because of our enemies.  Do not deliver us to the will of our adversaries for false witnesses have risen against us, and such as breathe out violence.  We would have lost heart, unless we had believed that we would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.  We wait on You LORD; we are of good courage and You shall strengthen our hearts.  We are waiting on the LORD! We pray in the name of Jesus.  Amen.

Teach me Your way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain and even path because of my enemies [those who lie in wait for me].  Give me not up to the will of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen up against me; they breathe out cruelty and violence.  [What, what would have become of me] had I not believed that I would see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living!

Psalm 27:11-13 [AMP]

“Your Word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” Psalm 119:11

Overcoming Doubt and Unbelief

Father, I believe Your Word, and ask You to remove any unbelief or doubt concerning the integrity of Your promises.  In the name of Jesus, I renounce the world’s allurements that attempt to pull me into sin—they are ineffective in my life.  Your Word is my standard and because I am a doer of Your Word, I will not be deceived.  The fresh Manna of Your Word keeps me on target with Your plans, Lord.  My steadfast confidence is in You, in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

¹²[Therefore beware] brethren, take care, lest there be in any one of you a wicked, unbelieving heart [which refuses to cleave to, trust in, and rely on Him], leading you to turn away and desert or stand aloof from the living God.

¹³But instead warn (admonish, urge, and encourage) one another every day, as long as it is called Today, that none of you may be hardened [into settled rebellion] by the deceitfulness of sin [by the fraudulence, the stratagem, the trickery which the delusive glamor of his sin may play on him].

¹⁴For we have become fellows with Christ (the Messiah) and share in all He has for us, if only we hold our first newborn confidence and original assured expectation [in virtue of which we are believers] firm and unshaken to the end.

¹⁵Then while it is [still] called Today, if you would hear His voice and when you hear it, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion [in the desert, when the people provoked and irritated and embittered God against them].

¹⁶For who were they who heard and yet were rebellious and provoked [Him]? Was it not all those who came out of Egypt led by Moses?

¹⁷And with whom was He irritated and provoked and grieved for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose dismembered bodies were strewn and left in the desert?

¹⁸And to whom did He swear that they should not enter His rest, but to those who disobeyed [who had not listened to His word and who refused to be compliant or be persuaded]?

¹⁹So we see that they were not able to enter [into His rest], because of their unwillingness to adhere to and trust in and rely on God [unbelief had shut them out].

Hebrews 3:12-19 [AMP]

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord! Joshua 24:15

Praise Him!

O my Lord and God, today is the day that You have made; I will rejoice and be glad in it! Hallelujah! I praise You, my God, in Your holy house of worship, I praise You under the open skies; I praise You for Your acts of power, and for Your magnificent greatness.  Let all those with the trumpet, castanets, banjo, flute, cymbals, the big bass drum, fiddles and mandolins praise You.  Let all those who dance praise You in their dance.  Let every living, breathing creature praise You because You are God! Hallelujah! Amen.

Hallelujah! Praise God in his holy house of worship,
praise him under the open skies;

Praise him for his acts of power,
praise him for his magnificent greatness;

Praise with a blast on the trumpet,
praise by strumming soft strings;

Praise him with castanets and dance,
praise him with banjo and flute;

Praise him with cymbals and a big bass drum,
praise him with fiddles and mandolin.

Let every living, breathing creature praise God!
Hallelujah!

Psalm 150:1-6 [MSG]