My Vote is the Deciding Vote!

Merry Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (Sabra) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:05:00 +0000

Photo courtesy of: jppi (www.morguefile.com)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! This is the time for reviewing the past year and rejoicing in God’s goodness and blessings to you. A time of praise and worship would definitely be appropriate. Maybe several times of praise and worship would be appropriate!

Whatever you've experienced, our God is the One who has upheld you from your youth. He has provided financially, answered prayers, and performed miracles. Better even than that is the fact that He loves you profoundly each and every day. His love is POWERFUL! It’s never-ending.

Another great thing to do would be to set goals (spiritual, emotional, relational, and financial) for 2010. Challenge and stretch yourself in your faith, in your tithing and giving, and in the time you spend with the Lord each week. God bless you and make His face shine upon you.

God Does Not Lie

noreply@blogger.com (Sabra) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 21:42:00 +0000

Thanks for looking in today! We’re looking at the fact that God does not lie—He performs His Word. His Word may be relied upon to the fullest.

God is not a man that He should lie nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good? (Numbers 23:19 NKJV)

Then the LORD said to me, “You have seen well, for I am ready to perform My word.” (Jeremiah 1:12 NKJV)

I will put My Spirit in you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken it and performed it,” says the LORD.’” (Ezekiel 37:14 NKJV)

Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar. As it is written: “That You may be justified in Your words, and may overcome when You are judged.” (Romans 3:4 NKJV)

Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. (Luke 21:33 NKJV)

. . . in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began . . . (Titus 1:2 NKJV)

. . .that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us. (Hebrews 6:18 NKJV)

All of these verses of the Bible verify that God cannot lie; that He performs His Word; and that when He speaks something, He’ll cause it to come to pass. This ought to fill us with great faith and confidence. We may trust every Word of God! Hallelujah!

LIFELINE

noreply@blogger.com (Sabra) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 07:09:00 +0000

Photo courtesy of: cammeraydave (www.morguefile.com)

Your Spirit has made me;
Your own breath gave me life.
You give knowledge and wisdom
As I walk in Your glory and Light.

Your Words are life to me.
They help me guard my heart.
I’ll never forget Your law;
For a great peace, to me, it imparts.

Through wisdom, I find life
And the fear of the Lord.
Like plants, the just will flourish;
Uprightness shall receive its reward.

Your wise laws are a fountain of life
Reaching to ev’ry time, place, and length.
You, alone, are my precious Lifeline—
Holding me with Your love and Your strength.

Copyright © 2004 Carolyn M. Flanagan

All Scriptures NIV:
Job 33:4; Proverbs 2:6; Proverbs 4:22, 23; Psalm 119:93; Psalm 119:165; Proverbs 8:35; Proverbs 22:4; Proverbs 11:28b; Proverbs 11:18b; Proverbs 13:14

The Value of Studying the Bible

noreply@blogger.com (Sabra) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 04:11:00 +0000

Welcome to our meditation today, friend. Why is the Bible and studying it important for our lives?

I will never forget Your precepts, for by them You have given me life. (Psalm 119:93 NKJV) The Word of God, the Bible, is health, healing, and medicine to all of our flesh (Prov. 4:20-22). It has power within it to bring itself to pass! (1 Cor. 4:20; Hebrews 4:12) It carries LIFE within it.

Another verse in the Bible says, “In the way of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death.” (Proverbs 12:28 NKJV) When we accepted Jesus as our Savior and Redeemer, we placed ourselves in “the way of righteousness” and placed ourselves onto a path with only LIFE on it.

And you know in all your hearts and in all your souls that not one thing has failed of all the good things which the LORD your God spoke concerning you. All have come to pass for you; not one word of them has failed. (Joshua 23:14 NKJV) Here the Bible reminds us that God’s Word comes to pass without fail.

I have more understanding than all my teachers for Your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, because I keep Your precepts. (Psalm 119:99, 100 NKJV) Here the Psalmist confesses that the Word of God is his meditation; and because he obeys the Word, it has made him understand more than his teachers or the ancients. It has made him wise.

Another benefit of studying the Scriptures is that we come to know God more intimately and to appreciate His beautiful attributes. In 2 Timothy, we’re told to study to show ourselves approved by rightly dividing the Scriptures. (2 Tim. 2:15) You’ll find that the more you learn of the Bible, the MORE you’ll want to study it because it will build your faith and draw you closer to God!

It's NOT Your Battle!

noreply@blogger.com (Sabra) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 05:17:00 +0000

Photo courtesy of: jade (www.morguefile.com)

Hello, and thanks for stopping by. It’s good for us to recognize when we’re fighting a battle that’s not ours.

. . . Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but Gods. (2 Chronicles 20:15 NKJV)

In this story, three armies came out against King Jehoshaphat and his people. But God told them that this was HIS battle, and that they should stand still and see the salvation of the Lord (2 Chron. 20:17)! Then the Lord set ambushments against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir; and they were defeated. Praise God! It took Jehoshaphat’s army three days to gather the spoil because there was so much.

This message that the Lord fights FOR us is repeated in other places in the Bible.

The Lord your God, who goes before you, He will fight for you, according to all He did for you in Egypt before your eyes. (Deuteronomy 1:30 NKJV)

You must not fear them, for the Lord your God Himself fights for you. (Deuteronomy 3:22 NKJV)

One man of you shall chase a thousand, for the Lord your God is He who fights for you, as He promised you. (Joshua 23:10 NKJV)

The Lord has already fought ALL of our battles victoriously through Jesus Christ, the Savior and Redeemer of all mankind.
• Jesus paid the penalty for our sins (Acts 10:43);
• made us righteous through Christ (Rom. 3:22; Phil. 1:11; 3:9);
• purchased all of the blessings of God for us (2 Cor. 1:20); and
• guaranteed an eternity with Him (1 Thess. 4:17)

Rejoice, brothers and sisters! Rest in the love of God and the finished work of the cross of Calvary!

A Kingdom of God Parable

noreply@blogger.com (Sabra) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:59:00 +0000

Hello! Pull up a comfortable chair and your favorite beverage. We’re pondering a passage in Mark, chapter 4.

Then He said, “To what shall we liken the Kingdom of God? Or with what parable shall we picture it? (31) It is like a mustard seek which, when it is sown on the ground, is smaller than all the seeds on earth; (32) but when it is sown, it grows up and becomes greater than all herbs, and shoots out large branches, so that the birds of the air may nest under its shade.” (Mark 4:30-32 NKJV)

According to my research, this parable that Jesus shared speaks of the destined greatness of the Kingdom of God, contrasting its limited present significance in a small band of original followers (in New Testament times) with worldwide domination at Jesus’ return.

In this passage, I hear a message of how the Kingdom of God, once planted in our hearts, will have an impact upon us and upon all the people we know. The Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ (the living Word) is the seed that is planted.

Once that seed is sown in a human heart, and nurtured by the water of the Word and the tender care of the Holy Spirit, it will grow from a tiny seed into a powerful, nurturing influence in a person’s life. As that implanted seed grows, the person matures spiritually and emotionally.

As we then allow the Holy Spirit to prune us, we produce more fruit and spread our influence ever farther. As we near the end of our lives, our impact for the Kingdom of God upon others will be wide and far-reaching. Hallelujah!

A Way to Study the Word of God

noreply@blogger.com (Sabra) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:09:00 +0000

Photo courtesy of: embalu (www.morguefile.com)

Greetings and welcome! Today I’m showing you how I study the Bible and learn from it.

Praise the Lord! I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright and in the congregations. (2) The works of the Lord are great, studied by all who have pleasure in them. (3 His work is honorable and glorious, and His righteousness endures forever. (4) He has made His wonderful works to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and full of compassion. (Psalm 111:1-4 NKJV)

This passage of Scripture teaches me a number of things:

• It’s good to praise God with my whole heart. (Ps. 33:1; 54:6; 73:28)
• God’s works are great. I can praise Him based upon the beauty of His works! (Deut. 3:24; 1 Chron. 16:9; Rev. 4:11)
• Those who have pleasure in God’s works study them! (Job 37:14; Ps. 66:5)
• God’s work is honorable and glorious—more reasons why He is worthy of my praise. (Ps. 19:1; 145:12; Exodus 15:11)
• His righteousness endures forever. All of these facets of God teach me about His nature, His attributes. (Ps. 45:6; 71:15; 89:14)
• He has made His wonderful works to be remembered—by me!! It’s good for me to meditate upon God’s works, miracles, and creation. (Ps. 71:17; 77:11; 78:4, 7)
• God is gracious and full of compassion (mercy). Through this I know that when I’m in trouble, God wants me to turn to Him for help. (2 Kings 13:23; Ps. 86:15; 112:4; 145:8)

As I read the Bible, a verse or passage (more than one verse) will become very meaningful to me. When that happens, I have a deep desire to study the truths in that verse or passage so that I may understand better. I search out other verses in the Bible which support the truths I found originally.

When I study the Bible this way, it does a number of things in me. It acquaints me with the true nature of God so that I know Him better and better. It drives the truths of the passage into my heart, and the more I meditate upon those truths, the more real they are in my life and my experience. Once the truth and wisdom of God have become real in my heart, they will flow freely from my mouth! In that way, I’m allowing rivers of living water to flow from my inner being! (John 7:38) May God bless you as you seek to know Him through His Word.

What I Do Have, I Give You

noreply@blogger.com (Sabra) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:11:00 +0000

Welcome, friend! This is the day the Lord has made, and we rejoice in it!

Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you? (Matthew 18:32 NKJV) This is where the master had forgiven his servant a HUGE debt. Then this SAME servant had his fellow servant put in jail, who owed him a small amount of money! Shouldn’t he have shown the same compassion that he had received?

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:32 KJV) Since God has forgiven us of ALL of our sins, shouldn’t we extend that same forgiveness to others?

Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” (Acts 3:6 NKJV) We can only give out of what we have received (or experienced) ourselves!

These verses teach us several things, among which are: (a) We must acknowledge the good things that we, ourselves, have received from our heavenly Father before we can minister those things to others. When we acknowledge that we have received compassion, we’re able to share compassion. (b) We’re told by the Lord in His Word that we should be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving to others, because we HAVE received those same things from God through Jesus Christ. (c) We can only give out of what WE DO HAVE! Are you aware of all that you HAVE in Jesus Christ?

Study what you DO HAVE in Jesus so that you may minister those wonderful blessings and gifts to the hurting and the needy. The world is waiting . . . yearning for the manifestation of the sons (children) of God. (Romans 8:19)

Would You Like to Flourish?

noreply@blogger.com (Sabra) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 02:38:00 +0000

Photo courtesy of: trostle (www.morguefile.com)

Greetings and salutations! What does it mean to flourish? It means to be green, thrive, grow, increase, prosper, do well, enlarge, or multiply. Who wouldn’t want to experience this?

Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing, to declare that the Lord is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him. (Psalm 92:13-15 NKJV)

The word fresh means: full of oil or fruit; fat. In modern times, fresh means: new, clean, unmarked, unsullied, innovative, inventive, or creative.

1. The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree; He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. (Psalm 92:2 NKJV)
2. He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like foliage. (Proverbs 11:28 NKJV)
3. The house of the wicked will be overthrown, but the tent of the upright will flourish. (Proverbs 14:11 NKJV)

These are promises of God for the righteous. These verses explain that when we are planted in God’s house (His family), we’ll receive these wonderful blessings:

• We’ll bear fruit in old age;
• We’ll be fresh – fruitful, innovative, creative;
• We’ll thrive, grow, increase, and prosper – spiritually, physically, and emotionally;
• We’ll have a heart to declare that God is upright, and that there’s NO unrighteousness in Him;
• We’ll know Him as our rock, our anchor;
• Our tent (home, household) shall flourish.

Plant yourself in the house (family) of God. Center yourself in God’s will for your life, and become a functioning member of your local church. Serve God as a member of the body of Christ, and enjoy the blessings that the Father pours upon you according to these verses!

God Has Given POWER!

noreply@blogger.com (Sabra) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:02:00 +0000

Hello and welcome!

Now when the multitudes saw it, they marveled (were afraid) and glorified God, who had given such power to men. (Matthew 9:8 NKJV, explanation added)

Jesus had just forgiven the sins of a paralytic man and then, Jesus healed him! The man took his bed and walked away. This was demonstrating Jesus’ delegated authority to forgive sins, and also His power to heal the sick and to perform miracles. The crowd gave all the glory to God.

Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. (Luke 10:19 NKJV)

Jesus was speaking to His followers in this verse. The same power and authority that Jesus had, He gave to us in order for us to set the captives free, heal the sick, perform miracles, and bring glory to God.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV)

The Holy Spirit who has been given to us IS the Spirit of power, love, and self-control.

So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” (John 20:21 NKJV)

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” (Luke 4:18, 19 NKJV)

As Jesus was sent to earth by the Father to accomplish the Father’s will, so WE are sent by Jesus to continue Jesus’ assignment here on the earth: that the will of God may be done on earth as it is done in Heaven. We’ve been given authority and power to fulfill our assignment. Exercise your God-given power and authority, and you will have an exciting and fulfilling life. God has anointed you for this purpose.

God is Ready to Forgive

noreply@blogger.com (Sabra) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 20:54:00 +0000

Photo courtesy of: Jeremy Flanagan

Greetings, friends! Our Savior God is READY to forgive! Ready means completely prepared, duly equipped, immediately available for use, willing, eager, or predisposed.

For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You. (Psalm 86:5 NKJV) To receive His forgiveness, simply call upon Him and ask Him for what you need. The Lord is ABUNDANT in mercy—it is one of His beautiful character traits.

Mercy means a) kindness or forgiveness; b) compassion; c) a welcome event or situation that provides relief; or d) the easing of distress or pain. Jesus is always willing to ease our distress or pain. (Matt. 8:3; Luke 5:13)

God is good (1 Chron. 16:34), and His mercy endures forever. (2 Chron. 7:3; Ps. 100:5; 106:1; 118:29)

He is always ready to forgive for He is the author of salvation. (Psalm 3:8; 130:4; Acts 5:31; 13:38; Ephes. 1:7; Col. 1:14) Trust in His mercy and love, and receive His forgiveness today, friend.

In His Presence

noreply@blogger.com (Sabra) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 04:54:00 +0000

Photo courtesy of: Jeremy Flanagan

Hello, and thanks for joining this meditation today. We’re thinking about all of the beautiful blessings we receive when we REALIZE that we are in the presence of the Lord always!

And He said, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” (Exodus 33:14 NKJV) When we set aside special time to listen to the Lord and to talk with Him, we are entering into the rest of the Lord. When we can just sit in His presence and allow His love to wash over us and to cleanse us from the cares of life, we are entering into His rest.

You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psalm 16:11 NKJV) In His presence, we receive direction (the path); complete and comprehensive joy; and His good pleasures forevermore. (Psalm 36:8)

You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the plots of man; You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues. (Psalm 31:20 NKJV) We have to be sure that we’re following the Holy Spirit obediently so that we do not contribute to strife ourselves. When we’re in the secret place of God’s presence, we’re protected from evil, strife, and gossip. Realize this: God is WITH US always! He is Jehovah Shammah—the God who is present.

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. (Psalm 91:1 NKJV) It’s a “secret place” because most Christians don’t realize or acknowledge that the Lord is with them always! We DWELL—live every moment—in His presence. He never leaves us nor forsakes us. (Hebrews 13:5) We abide under the shadow of His protection; the covering of His peace, and the shelter of His love. (Psalm 78:52, 53)

Part 2: But--They're Only Words!

noreply@blogger.com (Sabra) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:41:00 +0000

Welcome! We’re continuing yesterday’s topic about the importance of words.

Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; when he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive. (Proverbs 17:28 NKJV) You’ll be considered wise and perceptive if you are economical with your words!

The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom, and his tongue talks of justice. 31 The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide. (Psalm 37:30, 31 NKJV) If we hide various Bible passages in our heart, by memorization, it will become easy to express wisdom and justice. But this will never come “naturally” to us; it only comes through meditating and memorizing the truths of the Bible. This is also a promise that if we will hide the Word in our hearts, our foot will not be snared. (Proverbs 3:21-23 KJV)

If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 4:11 NKJV) Our mission on earth is to speak as the oracles of God, and to bring God glory and honor! A key to completing this assignment is each one guarding his mouth and tongue, and being thrifty with one’s words. Of course, this can only be done by relying upon the grace of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

If we’re careful with words, measuring each one to be sure it’s needful to say, we’ll take control of our entire life. We might even determine to speak only in order to build up and strengthen—never to tear down or weaken—never to whine, complain, or criticize. Love always edifies the hearer (1 Cor. 8:1), so speak and walk in love, friend. The Holy Spirit has already given each of us the grace that we need to live this way.

Part 1: But--They're Only Words!

noreply@blogger.com (Sabra) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:27:00 +0000

Photo courtesy of: eos53 (www.morguefile.com)

I’m so glad you’ve joined me! Today, let’s think about our words. There was an old saying we chanted when we were kids: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me!” Of course, we all know that words can pierce and wound like a sword.

There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health. (Proverbs 12:18 NKJV) If our words are grounded in the Scriptures and full of faith, then they will promote health—not only to the hearer but also to the speaker! Hallelujah!

The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord, but the words of the pure are pleasant. (Proverbs 15:26 NKJV) The pure have a pure heart, and from the heart the mouth speaks. (Matt. 12:34; Luke 6:45) This explains why the words of the pure are pleasant—they arise from an unpolluted, undefiled heart. These are words that will bless the hearers.

He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding is of a calm spirit. (Proverbs 17:27 NKJV) One who has Godly knowledge is frugal with his words; and as a result, he has a tranquil and serene spirit. He isn’t concerned with showcasing what he knows, or with dominating a conversation. A person who trusts the Lord in all circumstances of life has peace reigning in his or her heart.

Do not be rash with your mouth, and let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven and you on earth; therefore let your words be few. (Ecclesiastes 5:2 NKJV) This is good advice friends: LET OUR WORDS BE FEW for God above is a witness to our words. He understands the thoughts and intents of our hearts! (Heb. 4:12)

IN YOU!

noreply@blogger.com (Sabra) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:05:00 +0000

I’m glad you’ve stopped by! Since you’ve accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, do you know that you have wonderful things IN YOU? Yes, you do! Read on!

1. . . . the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. (John 14:7 NKJV) The Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth, dwells IN YOU. Hallelujah!

2. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. (Romans 8:11 NKJV) The Holy Spirit who lives IN YOU wields wonder-working power! He keeps your body whole, strong, and healthy.

3. Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? (1 Corinthians 3:16 NKJV) Because the Holy Spirit resides IN YOU, you: a) are set apart, b) made holy, and c) serve as a temple of God because you carry the Spirit of God within you!

4. To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. (Colossians 1:27 NKJV) The power of salvation, the Holy Spirit (who is also known as the Spirit of Christ - Romans 8:9 & 8:11;Philippians 1:19; 1 Peter 1:11) lives IN YOU and is your hope of glory on this earth and in all eternity.

5. You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4 NKJV) He who is IN YOU is the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit is greater than the devil who is in the world. Therefore, you have VICTORY (overcoming power) dwelling IN YOU. Use His power to set the captives free, heal the sick and hurting, and overcome the works of the devil.

6. And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him. (1 John 4:16 NKJV) God, the Holy Spirit, the God who is love, abides IN YOU! God loves you perfectly and completely because God is love, and His perfect love is IN YOU! Share His awesome love with everyone your life touches. All that we are and all that we have—even love—is through the grace of God. Hallelujah!

Leaders, Shepherd the Flock of God

noreply@blogger.com (Sabra) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 04:30:00 +0000

Photo courtesy of: carmemlucia (www.morguefile.com)

This is the day the Lord has made! We rejoice and are glad in it!

Hi, friends! Here are standards for those who are Pastors, elders, or pastoral leaders in a church. If you would LIKE to become a Pastor, elder, or leader, study the Scriptures to discover what is required of such a person. Then begin to live that out in your life; behave as if you already ARE a Pastor, elder, or leader. It will not go unnoticed by God, and He will put you into the position you desire. (1 Tim. 3:1)

Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords (masters) over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. (1 Peter 5:2, 3 NKJV)

1. Shepherd the flock of God AMONG YOU! That means everyone that you come into contact with daily! Make an impact for GOOD on those you connect with regularly—even your own family members! (Mark 3:14; 16:15; Acts 5:42; 8:4; Hebrews 6:10, 11; 2 Timothy 4:2)
2. We’re to serve as overseers. An overseer is an administrator, manager, or someone who gets things done. We’re to help people—help them receive all that they need by whatever means that the Lord directs us to use. Whatever a person’s needs are, the salvation of Jesus Christ has already met that need! We’re put here to help people see this truth, and to help them to receive God’s blessings. (Matthew 6:10; 16:19; 18:19; Acts 20:28; Philippians 4:19; Colossians 1:27; 1 John 5:14, 15)
3. We are supposed to serve willingly and eagerly, with a good attitude and cheerful heart. We are called, each one of us, to BE a blessing! (Colossians 3:23, 24; 1 Peter 3:9)
4. We are told not to “lord” it over people. Instead we are to sacrifice and humble ourselves even as our Savior, Jesus, sacrificed and humbled Himself to provide and secure our salvation. (Matthew 18:4; 23:12; Romans 12:1, 16; Ephesians 5:2; Philippians 2:8; Hebrews 13:16; 1 Peter 2:5; 5:6; James 4:6, 10)
5. The sheep have been entrusted to the care of their church leaders, and we are NEVER to harm the sheep. We are serving as an under-shepherd under the authority of Jesus, the Good Shepherd! (Jeremiah 50:6; Ezekiel 34:10; John 10:11, 14; 1 Peter 5:4)
6. The Word tells us that we should be examples to the flock. Jesus was our example and we’re to follow in His footsteps. (John 13:14-16; Philippians 3:17; 1 Peter 2:21)

God bless you and flood you with His love and grace, as you pursue your leadership role in the Kingdom of God.

Wisdom is Desirable, Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Sabra) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 23:13:00 +0000

Welcome back, friend! Did you realize that the Bible teaches us that wisdom is a very desirable thing to possess, and that it characterizes wisdom as feminine? Here’s the conclusion of our study on Wisdom.

4. Does not wisdom cry out, and understanding lift up her voice? She takes her stand on the top of the high hill, beside the way, where the paths meet. She cries out by the gates, at the entry of the city, at the entrance of the doors . . . (Proverbs 8:1-3 NKJV) Wisdom calls out to ALL people, imploring us to take her advice and follow her ways. She speaks of excellent things: truth, righteousness, and understanding. (Proverbs 8:4-8)

5. For wisdom is better than rubies, and all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her. (Proverbs 8:11 NKJV) No earthly wealth is better to possess than God’s wisdom. Wisdom will actually assist us to gain wealth. This is another reason to pursue wisdom.

6. Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding, I have strength. (Proverbs 8:14 NKJV) Study the Scriptures that deal with wisdom, and you will have found good counsel, understanding, and strength!

7. Wisdom has built her house, she has hewn out her seven pillars . . . (Proverbs 9:1 NKJV) Wisdom has strength, and builds toward a goal—-and with a purpose. If you read the rest of this chapter, you’ll see that wisdom always plans ahead, and calls out to those who are foolish and need understanding.

8. He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; he who keeps understanding will find good. (Proverbs 19:8 NKJV) The person who pursues and retains wisdom loves himself and finds good!

Just as a woman likes to be pursued, in like manner, wisdom is characterized in the Bible as needing to be pursued and sought after!! We should hunt for, follow after, look for, track, and go after wisdom. She is most desirable. Desirable means attractive, pleasing, advantageous, wanted, needed, and considered necessary for life.

Wisdom is a source of life and blessing to ALL who hold her securely and retain her continuously! Are you pursuing beautiful wisdom and all the good things that she bestows?

Wisdom is Desirable, Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Sabra) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 20:53:00 +0000

Photo courtesy of: Jeremy Flanagan

Greetings and salutations! The Scriptures have much to say about wisdom. Did you realize that the Bible teaches us that wisdom is a very desirable thing to possess, and that it characterizes wisdom as feminine?

1. Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding; for her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, and her gain than fine gold. (Proverbs 3:13, 14 NKJV) Blessed is the person who has wisdom. Wisdom’s profits are better than silver or gold!

2. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, and happy are all who retain her. (Proverbs 3:17, 18 NKJV) Wisdom has pleasant and peaceful ways. She is a source of life, and confers happiness on those who hold onto her as a desirable attribute.

3. Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call understanding your nearest kin . . . (Proverbs 7:4 NKJV) As a person might share secrets with their sister and seek her advice, so WE need to receive wisdom’s counsel for all of our daily needs.

Know God = Have Strength & Courage

noreply@blogger.com (Sabra) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 00:25:00 +0000

Hi, and welcome! Pursuing a deep, profound knowledge of God and His nature will impart courage and strength to your soul.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 NKJV)

. . . the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits. (Daniel 11:32b NKJV)

And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force. (Matthew 11:12 NKJV)

. . . strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” (Acts 14:22 NKJV)

The better you know God, which is a consequence of studying the Bible and spending time in the presence of the Lord, the greater courage, strength, and boldness you’ll have to serve Him.

You’ll have boldness to be His ambassador on the earth, enforcing the will of God on earth as it is done in Heaven. (Matthew 6:10)

You’ll have courage to step out in faith and heal the sick, preach the Word, and testify to God’s love for all mankind.

Lastly, you’ll have the strength and perseverance needed to pass through tribulations, and enter the kingdom of God. (see verse above)

Deepen your relationship with the Lord so that you KNOW Him well; and become bold, strong, and courageous today, my friend!

Good Things to Know

noreply@blogger.com (Sabra) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:36:00 +0000

Photo courtesy of: Jeremy Flanagan

Greetings, friends! Here are some lessons I’ve learned along my way. These are applicable to and useful for all who have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord.

• As soon as you receive an assignment from the Lord (which might come through your Pastor; the person who is your spiritual covering; or through the Holy Spirit), you’re anointed to fulfill it! (Isa. 61:1; Luke 4:18) Anointed = set apart, empowered to act
• Jesus is the Lord of your spirit, soul, and body. (Acts 2:36; 1 Cor. 8:6; Phil. 2:11)
• Your anointing is sufficient for your life and your world. (2 Cor. 1:21, 22)
• We’re anointed to KNOW things. (1John 2:20)
• Decree what the Bible says about you. (Numbers 22:35, 38; Mark 11:23)
• The Word must be made flesh to have authority. (Ezek. 12:25, 28)
• Guard your heart. (Prov. 4:23-27; Phil. 4:7)
• Pray in the Spirit. (Romans 8:26; 1 Cor. 14:13-15; Ephes. 6:18)
• Walk in love; faith works by love. (Gal. 5:6) Life will test your love.
• A disciple of Christ performs signs and wonders. (Acts 2:43; 4:30; 5:12; 6:8)
• Meditation upon the Scriptures transforms my belief system! (Ps. 19:14; 49:3; Phil. 4:8; 1 Tim. 4:15)
• You are delivered from the POWER of darkness and transferred into the kingdom of Jesus Christ. (Colossians 1:13, 14)

Enjoy your extraordinary, spiritual journey, friends!

Abandon the "Fear of Man"

noreply@blogger.com (Sabra) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 01:38:00 +0000

Hello, and thanks for checking with us today. The fear of man means having a concern for men’s opinions; being affected by another’s good opinion of you; or a desire to be popular with others.

The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? (Psalm 118:6 NKJV)

The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe. (Proverbs 29:25 NKJV)

So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?" (Hebrews 13:6 NKJV)

The one who trusts in the Lord shall be safe. Safe means secure or set on high. Don’t look for man’s approval; look for God’s approval.

He will make you secure, and give you success in life. God’s opinion should be the ONLY one about which we’re concerned!

God is Jealous Over You!

noreply@blogger.com (Sabra) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 03:56:00 +0000

Photo courtesy of: patriciaegreen (www.morguefile.com)

Glad you’ve joined us, friend! Did you know that God is jealous over you?

. . . For I the Lord your God, am a jealous God. . . (Exodus 20:5 NKJV)

. . (for you shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God) . . . (Exodus 34:14 NKJV)

Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously?” (James 4:5 NKJV)

The Lord LOVES you and yearns for a deep relationship with you jealously. He wants your mind, heart, emotions, will, and your worship. He is your Husband, and wants to have time with YOU.

Make time to seek Him, praise Him, and listen to Him today, my friend.

The Lord Takes Your Part

noreply@blogger.com (Sabra) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 05:05:00 +0000

Welcome to our Bible study. We’re meditating upon the awe-inspiring statements in Scripture that remind us that God Himself fights FOR us! Hallelujah!

You must not fear them, for the Lord your God Himself fights for you. (Deuteronomy 3:22 NKJV)

One man of you shall chase a thousand, for the Lord your God is He who fights for you, as He promised you. (Joshua 23:10 NKJV)

Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; defend me from those who rise up against me. (Psalm 59:1 NKJV)

Do not say, “I will recompense evil;” wait for the Lord, and He will save you. (Proverbs 20:22 NKJV)

Don’t take revenge in any situation. Patiently trust in and wait upon the Lord to save you and deliver you. According to these verses, God has promised to fight FOR us and to save us. Be wise, and heed His advice—you’ll be glad you did!

Rest in His Grace

noreply@blogger.com (Sabra) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 23:46:00 +0000

Photo courtesy of: kconnors (www.morguefile.com)

Greetings and thanks for joining us! We’re meditating upon resting in the Lord and living by His grace.

There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His. (Hebrews 3:9, 10 NKJV)

For we who have believed do enter that rest, as He has said: “ So I swore in My wrath,‘ They shall not enter My rest,’” although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. For He has spoken in a certain place of the seventh day in this way: “And God rested on the seventh day from all His works”… (Hebrews 4:3, 4 NKJV)

There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His. Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience. (Hebrews 4:9, 10 NKJV)

The Lord wants His people to REST in Him—by faith. When we trust in Him and His Word, we find a place of rest and peace. This place of peace and rest should become our heart attitude at ALL times!

Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ … (1 Peter 1:13 NKJV)

For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. (John 1:17 NKJV)

And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work. (Romans 11:6 NKJV)

We can learn to enter God’s rest when we trust in and KNOW fully the grace of God that was given to us through Jesus Christ, so that we would be able to rest from our works. We no longer need to ever think of earning our salvation. Jesus has already done it for us! He provides a steady flow of grace to us moment by moment to enable us to live the Christian life successfully.

He loves us all the time! Glory in His love and His presence with you!

Our Actions Speak

noreply@blogger.com (Sabra) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 03:30:00 +0000

Thanks for stopping by, and welcome! Our actions (deeds) speak volumes about us. Did you know that?

Even a child is known by his deeds, whether what he does is pure and right. (Proverbs 20:11 NKJV) Our deeds may reveal the condition of our heart.

Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and do not wipe out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God, and for its services! (Neh. 6:19 NKJV) We may offer up good deeds to the Lord as an offering and sacrifice.

Thus they were defiled by their own works, and played the harlot by their own deeds. (Psalm 106:39 NKJV) It’s possible for a person’s deeds to defile them!

According to your ways and according to your deeds they will judge you,” Says the Lord God. (Ezek. 24:14 NKJV) People will judge us according to our deeds even more than according to what we say. This makes it very important for us to obey the Bible in our daily lives, and to obey the voice of the Holy Spirit whenever He urges us to act on behalf of Heaven.

Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds. (2 Cor. 12:12 NKJV) When we perform signs, wonders, and miracles by the power and anointing of the Holy Spirit, we’re accomplishing mighty deeds on behalf of the Kingdom of God.

We are an open book, read of all men. We should be mindful that what we SAY we believe and our actions agree with each other! Live for Jesus today, friends!