Dearest Saints,
I know there are some that agree, yet some disagree with me, but I believe there is the greater condemnation and then, there are those who will receive the greater rewards in Heaven. Jesus spoke harshly against the cities like Chorazin or Bethsaida that it will be more tolerable for Sodom & Gomorrah which means their punishment will be greater (Luke 10:13,14). In particular, Jesus often spoke more harshly against the Pharisees (Matt 23:14;23-29) who mentions about bearing the greater damnation (vs 14). He also mentions about those who have a heart and faith of a Child, that if anyone will become as a child, they will be amongst the greatest in the Kingdom of God (Matt 18:4). I also want to emphasize that when you read 1 Cor 3:10-15, it mentions about many Christians having our works tried by fire and much of our works is going to be burned up. In other words, there will often be little or no rewards, but barely making it in to Heaven by narrowly escaping the flames (1 Cor 3:12-15). Although we are never saved by works, we are saved to do good works and our works are going to be tried by God (1 Cor 3:14,15).
If a Child is expected to receive the best rewards and be amongst the greatest in Heaven, you can surmise that the Lord is most pleased when we become as a Child. That doesn't mean we think like a child and act like a child, but the need to have a heart of a Child. When you think of a Child and his/her earthly father, a child who loves will never question his father’s authority, his integrity, his instructions or expected to debate a matter. But rather, a child will always honor him, trust him and obey, regardless of how it may seem because he loves him and the child knows his father loves him and truly believes his father will care, protect and provide for him no matter what events may be happening. When you think that a child should be so blessed by having this kind of relationship with his earthly father, don't you think we should have this kind of loving relationship with our Heavenly Father that much more? I think we as Adults often miss out so much because we try to reason our way of thinking out of Gods instructions (2 Cor 10:5) when God says simply about something we should learn to follow. As an example, the Lord encourages us to eagerly prophesy so that the church may be edified (1 Cor 14:1,3). However, many don't believe that, but yet the Lord tells us just that in plain simple terms. This is when we are encouraged not to lean on our own understanding, but to trust Him regardless (Prov 3:5) by having that simple Child-like faith whom the Father is most pleased with. When a person has a mind of an adult, but a heart of a child, he/she will follow the Lord in every detail despite whether it makes sense or not because they choose to live by faith of what He says whether we understand it in our minds or not. We are encouraged to be adults in our thinking, but having a heart and faith of a child (1 Cor 14:20). When we have a heart of a Child and can have this relationship as a child has a loving relationship with his/her earthly father, we can be amongst the greatest in the Kingdom of God. When we are amongst the greatest in the Kingdom, we will know that the Lord is most pleased with us and will be greatly rewarded because of it. What a tragedy when many of those who may enter the Kingdom of God will have very little rewards and will suffer great loss because they failed to trust in their Heavenly Father like a Child would (1 Cor 3:15). I like to picture myself running as a little Child to the arms of the Father and calling Him "Abba Father" (Gal 4:6) or Heavenly Daddy. And just like an earthly child would run to his father, that we would do the same to our Heavenly Father who is able to love, protect and provide for us like no other because of His great and matchless love and care for us.
Please feel free to visit my website below. God bless.
In the Matchless Name of Jesus
Richard
Associate Director
Answers2Prayer
http://sites.google.com/site/greatestbuilderforourlife
http://www.answers2prayer.org/
Wednesday, 7 September 2011
Wonders of His Love & Care
Good Day Saints!!
I keep thinking how amazing it is to realize how powerful doubt and unbelief are. When you consider that all God has created, what God can do from nothing and turn it into something valuable. When no powers of the hosts of the entire spirits of darkness that can have any dominion over God. When there is no sickness or diseases that God cannot heal. That there is no bad situation that God cannot turn it around for our good. However, the only thing that does stop God is our doubt and unbelief. For Jesus could not do any miracles in His own hometown because of unbelief. Even though there is nothing God cannot do, He cannot work on behalf of anyone who chooses to doubt His ability to help us, doubt His Word, doubt His care and love for us or when we choose just to not believe. By not believing, is not simply choosing to out-right say to God...I will not believe, but in a subtle way, we choose not to believe when we doubt His Mercy that relents His punishment for us, doubt His Grace to receive His forgiveness and rich blessings for us. To live in fear is because we doubt His love and care for us. We doubt His love for us because we choose to believe the lies that He will not forget our past sins after we repent. Doubt and unbelief is such a horrible, most powerful and deadly deterrent for God to do any work through us. It is just simply a matter for people to choose Life or death, blessings or curses, because He admonishes us to make that wise choice to CHOOSE LIFE. I am so glad that when I have made big mistakes in the past, He has forgiven me and has chosen to totally forget my past sins. Many times, I have often walked in fear and doubt. Recently, God has impressed upon me to picture Jesus standing right beside me, smiling down on me and wants to bless my life because He is able, willing and always there for me. He knows so much about each of us, that our very hairs are numbered. That although I don't have my prayers answered the way I like them answered, I am stronger than ever... being rich in faith, love and trust in Him knowing that He loves me and is able and willing to care for me. Because with His help, I have made that bold determination to remain focused on the presence of God standing beside me, reaching down to hold my hand, ready to always forgive, care, provide, teach and richly bless me because of the suffering He endured. For all the penalties He endured for our sakes, I am free from any curse and am going to humbly receive all that He has blessed me with. I am amazed at His love for me and how He has transformed my life from believing that I was totally useless in life to now believing He can do a tremendous work through me.
When I picture these wonderful thoughts (by keeping focused of His love and care for me), I am disgusted with myself from my past that I have often been fretful and ever holding on to guilt because I doubted His love and care for me. But now I am greatful that I don't hold any guilt because He lovingly sets me free because of His love for me. It makes me realize more and more how sad it must make God when people will choose not to believe when they want help but refuse to receive any Godly counsel all because they believe their sins exceed the Grace of God and choose not to believe His love and care for them. What else does God need to do to prove His love for us?? When I focus on His love for me over and over, more and more, the thought becomes more despicable to me that we should ever doubt His love or care. No wonder He says that when a person does not believe in Him, He is already condemned (John 3:18). All I can say is....How marvelous, How wonderful is my Saviours Love for me!! Speaking the powerful truth of His Word over me, over and over again to say that God loves me has now become a great stronghold and solid foundation in my life. I have more peace and steady calmness more and more when I speak the powerful truth of His love and word over me. It's amazing how powerful His Word is more and more when we hear ourselves speak His Word boldly over us. It is that Mighty Sword that defeats our enemy and he is no match to the powerful word of God when we continue to speak the power and protection of His Word over us. By keeping focused on His love for me, by speaking His blessings over myself and all of my entire situations in life, it keeps me ever so much stronger in Him. I will ask you to speak the blessings of Numbers 6:23 - 27, When God told Moses to SPEAK His Word over Aaron saying:
23"Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, `In this way ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them: 24The LORD bless thee and keep thee;
25the LORD make His face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee; 26the LORD lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.' 27"And they shall put My name upon the children of Israel, and I will bless them."
Rich blessings to all.
Please feel free to visit my website below. God bless.
In the Matchless Name of Jesus
Richard
Associate Director
Answers2Prayer
http://sites.google.com/site/greatestbuilderforourlife
http://www.answers2prayer.org/
"Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." Isaiah 43:19 (NKJV)
I keep thinking how amazing it is to realize how powerful doubt and unbelief are. When you consider that all God has created, what God can do from nothing and turn it into something valuable. When no powers of the hosts of the entire spirits of darkness that can have any dominion over God. When there is no sickness or diseases that God cannot heal. That there is no bad situation that God cannot turn it around for our good. However, the only thing that does stop God is our doubt and unbelief. For Jesus could not do any miracles in His own hometown because of unbelief. Even though there is nothing God cannot do, He cannot work on behalf of anyone who chooses to doubt His ability to help us, doubt His Word, doubt His care and love for us or when we choose just to not believe. By not believing, is not simply choosing to out-right say to God...I will not believe, but in a subtle way, we choose not to believe when we doubt His Mercy that relents His punishment for us, doubt His Grace to receive His forgiveness and rich blessings for us. To live in fear is because we doubt His love and care for us. We doubt His love for us because we choose to believe the lies that He will not forget our past sins after we repent. Doubt and unbelief is such a horrible, most powerful and deadly deterrent for God to do any work through us. It is just simply a matter for people to choose Life or death, blessings or curses, because He admonishes us to make that wise choice to CHOOSE LIFE. I am so glad that when I have made big mistakes in the past, He has forgiven me and has chosen to totally forget my past sins. Many times, I have often walked in fear and doubt. Recently, God has impressed upon me to picture Jesus standing right beside me, smiling down on me and wants to bless my life because He is able, willing and always there for me. He knows so much about each of us, that our very hairs are numbered. That although I don't have my prayers answered the way I like them answered, I am stronger than ever... being rich in faith, love and trust in Him knowing that He loves me and is able and willing to care for me. Because with His help, I have made that bold determination to remain focused on the presence of God standing beside me, reaching down to hold my hand, ready to always forgive, care, provide, teach and richly bless me because of the suffering He endured. For all the penalties He endured for our sakes, I am free from any curse and am going to humbly receive all that He has blessed me with. I am amazed at His love for me and how He has transformed my life from believing that I was totally useless in life to now believing He can do a tremendous work through me.
When I picture these wonderful thoughts (by keeping focused of His love and care for me), I am disgusted with myself from my past that I have often been fretful and ever holding on to guilt because I doubted His love and care for me. But now I am greatful that I don't hold any guilt because He lovingly sets me free because of His love for me. It makes me realize more and more how sad it must make God when people will choose not to believe when they want help but refuse to receive any Godly counsel all because they believe their sins exceed the Grace of God and choose not to believe His love and care for them. What else does God need to do to prove His love for us?? When I focus on His love for me over and over, more and more, the thought becomes more despicable to me that we should ever doubt His love or care. No wonder He says that when a person does not believe in Him, He is already condemned (John 3:18). All I can say is....How marvelous, How wonderful is my Saviours Love for me!! Speaking the powerful truth of His Word over me, over and over again to say that God loves me has now become a great stronghold and solid foundation in my life. I have more peace and steady calmness more and more when I speak the powerful truth of His love and word over me. It's amazing how powerful His Word is more and more when we hear ourselves speak His Word boldly over us. It is that Mighty Sword that defeats our enemy and he is no match to the powerful word of God when we continue to speak the power and protection of His Word over us. By keeping focused on His love for me, by speaking His blessings over myself and all of my entire situations in life, it keeps me ever so much stronger in Him. I will ask you to speak the blessings of Numbers 6:23 - 27, When God told Moses to SPEAK His Word over Aaron saying:
23"Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, `In this way ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them: 24The LORD bless thee and keep thee;
25the LORD make His face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee; 26the LORD lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.' 27"And they shall put My name upon the children of Israel, and I will bless them."
Rich blessings to all.
Please feel free to visit my website below. God bless.
In the Matchless Name of Jesus
Richard
Associate Director
Answers2Prayer
http://sites.google.com/site/greatestbuilderforourlife
http://www.answers2prayer.org/
"Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." Isaiah 43:19 (NKJV)
Power of Corporate Prayer
Dear Saints.
I have been meditating on what I believe God is saying to me. When we see who we are in Christ (John 1:12), and the God of the universe takes residence in our bodies (1 Cor 3:16), then we have the God given power to do and believe He tells us what we can do and what He can do through us. When we need prayer, we should never be too proud to ask for prayer, nor think when we ask for prayer from others, that it is because we lack faith. When we know who we are in Christ and the plans He has for our lives, to richly bless His Saints (Ps 35:27), we should have that steadfast assurance. When we do ask for prayer, let us not with-hold to ever ask for prayer from one another, because we need each others prayer regardless!! When we deny asking for prayer from one another, we end up not giving any value to each other, we deny the value of corporate prayer. We also allow the enemy to rob us and end up robbing others from their blessings to pray for anything specifically we need to pray about, because we need to speak His Word over any of our situation. However, I do appreciate sometimes we need to ask an unspoken request. Let us not with-hold from sending a message or even if it is a short sentence just to bless someone or answering a prayer request. Receiving a short reply is a blessing. Just like giving a cold cup of water in His Name, you will be rewarded (Matt 10:42). We need to see how powerful it is when each one of us collectively prays for one another with that faith filled prayer that is in agreement (Matt 18:19,20). It is like flooding the enemy and seeing him almost drown in a sea of the Blood of the Lamb. For when the prayer of one can cast a thousand, and two...ten-thousand, just imagine the power we have when we pray corporately (Deut 32:30). I was having a vision of the heavens opening and the hosts of angels sounding the trumpets and chasing the enemies away as they were fleeing for their lives. Therefore, there are a couple of things we need to do:
Know who you are in Christ, and when you do, you can pray in faith knowing He hears and answers prayer (1 John 5:14,15) because He wants to prosper His Saints (Ps 35:27);
Let us not be afraid to ever ask for prayer from each other, for by our confessing our faults one to another, our land will be healed (James 5:16);
Whenever we do ask for prayer, please don't perceive that others lack faith, or don't ever think it is because you lack faith, because we need to see and value the power of corporate prayer, and see the value of having each other praying on our behalf. Let us not deprive others to pray specifically for our needs. For we are one body with many members to make a spiritually healthy body.
When we do pray, let us have that bold determination that our God will answer prayer, and when He doesn't answer to our way of thinking, let us have that bold determined expectation that He has something better for us REGARDLESS!
In the Matchless Name of Jesus
Richard
Associate Director
Answers2Prayer
http://sites.google.com/site/greatestbuilderforourlife
http://www.answers2prayer.org/
I have been meditating on what I believe God is saying to me. When we see who we are in Christ (John 1:12), and the God of the universe takes residence in our bodies (1 Cor 3:16), then we have the God given power to do and believe He tells us what we can do and what He can do through us. When we need prayer, we should never be too proud to ask for prayer, nor think when we ask for prayer from others, that it is because we lack faith. When we know who we are in Christ and the plans He has for our lives, to richly bless His Saints (Ps 35:27), we should have that steadfast assurance. When we do ask for prayer, let us not with-hold to ever ask for prayer from one another, because we need each others prayer regardless!! When we deny asking for prayer from one another, we end up not giving any value to each other, we deny the value of corporate prayer. We also allow the enemy to rob us and end up robbing others from their blessings to pray for anything specifically we need to pray about, because we need to speak His Word over any of our situation. However, I do appreciate sometimes we need to ask an unspoken request. Let us not with-hold from sending a message or even if it is a short sentence just to bless someone or answering a prayer request. Receiving a short reply is a blessing. Just like giving a cold cup of water in His Name, you will be rewarded (Matt 10:42). We need to see how powerful it is when each one of us collectively prays for one another with that faith filled prayer that is in agreement (Matt 18:19,20). It is like flooding the enemy and seeing him almost drown in a sea of the Blood of the Lamb. For when the prayer of one can cast a thousand, and two...ten-thousand, just imagine the power we have when we pray corporately (Deut 32:30). I was having a vision of the heavens opening and the hosts of angels sounding the trumpets and chasing the enemies away as they were fleeing for their lives. Therefore, there are a couple of things we need to do:
Know who you are in Christ, and when you do, you can pray in faith knowing He hears and answers prayer (1 John 5:14,15) because He wants to prosper His Saints (Ps 35:27);
Let us not be afraid to ever ask for prayer from each other, for by our confessing our faults one to another, our land will be healed (James 5:16);
Whenever we do ask for prayer, please don't perceive that others lack faith, or don't ever think it is because you lack faith, because we need to see and value the power of corporate prayer, and see the value of having each other praying on our behalf. Let us not deprive others to pray specifically for our needs. For we are one body with many members to make a spiritually healthy body.
When we do pray, let us have that bold determination that our God will answer prayer, and when He doesn't answer to our way of thinking, let us have that bold determined expectation that He has something better for us REGARDLESS!
In the Matchless Name of Jesus
Richard
Associate Director
Answers2Prayer
http://sites.google.com/site/greatestbuilderforourlife
http://www.answers2prayer.org/
Monday, 22 August 2011
Freeing Gods People
Dear Saints.
It is always a deep desire for me to encourage each one with a wonderful revelation that God inspires me to share for His glory and to benefit each of us. As I was heading to work, I was thinking about the bondages many of Gods people are in today. This is comparable to the fact that the Isrealites, who were considered Gods chosen people were also in bondage to the Egyptians (who is considered the world), under the rulership of Pharoah, who we can compare to the devil himself, because he is identified as the ruler of the people of this world known as the god of this world (2 Cor 4:4). All through the chapters from Exodus 5 to Exodus 12, we see how Moses & Aaron came together as Gods Representatives to tell Pharoah to "Let My People Go" according to the will of God!! We, as Gods Representatives are compared to as Moses and Aaron (as Gods own Representative). When we compare ourselves as His Representative, just like Moses and Aaron were, we are to do the same by telling the devil (who represents Pharoah) to let go of Gods people!! Every time Pharoah hardened his heart and would continue to resist the demands given by Moses & Aaron, different plagues came against him and tormented him and often times the entire nation of Egypt. The plagues would intensify each time he hardened his heart against the commands of Moses & Aaron, being Gods Representative. When we are reminded to not live by Bread alone, but by every Word of God (Matt 4:4), then we too should do like Moses and Aaron and tell the devil to let go of Gods people and stop tormenting them. Otherwise, just like Moses and Aaron did, we too can pronounce a plague that will torment the devil and his angels as the Lord wills. Every time I feel like the devil is holding on and resisting when I speak against him, I continue with Gods authority to bind him under the curse of the Blood of Jesus that is to forever cling to him and not let go that will forever torment him. And every time he continues to harden his heart and resist, just like Pharoah did, that he will be a recipient of greater torment and a double portion of the Blood of Jesus to come against him until he is tormented to the point where he finally relents, just like Pharoah finally did.
As I take more time to ponder His Word more and more, He continues to give me revelation that what we read in His Word is for us to put to use, rather then just reading this as just some form of bedside story and just simply having knowledge of an historic event. He tells us in 2 Tim 3:16 that All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. Therefore, what we read about this event is for our profit if we will put it to use. I believe that God had Moses and Aaron continue to do this for many times in order to teach us to be persistent and continue to declare our authority as Gods Representatives. What many Christians may be in torment may relate to financial difficulties, unsaved family, friends and relatives, different types of physical illnesses, unemployment and many other possible causes. We need to be persistent to come together (just like Aaron was with Moses), we need to make our demand to the devil, just like Moses did to Pharoah and tell him to let go of our unsaved loved ones...let go from our brothers and sisters who are fighting illnesses or whatever the case may be and tell him if he resists, that with Gods authority, that he will be a recipient of receiving plagues from God and will intensify every time he resists. By being persistent, we will develop the patience that will have its perfect work completed within us so that we lack nothing (James 1:4). Let us encourage one another to be doers of His Word and not hearers only (James 1:22-25) and live by every Word that proceeds out of the mouth of God because the Bible is His Word and not just know about events we read, but to live by them. May God strengthen us to be persistent and be stronger and stronger in the Lord and boldly declare His Word which is the sword of the Spirit that attacks the enemy. For God tells us that the Righteous are as bold as a lion when we have confidence in the Lord because of who He is and what He should mean to each of us, has accomplished entirely for us and gave us His authority as His Representative (Luke 10:19).
In the Matchless Name of Jesus
Richard
Associate Director
Answers2Prayer
http://sites.google.com/site/greatestbuilderforourlife
http://www.answers2prayer.org/
It is always a deep desire for me to encourage each one with a wonderful revelation that God inspires me to share for His glory and to benefit each of us. As I was heading to work, I was thinking about the bondages many of Gods people are in today. This is comparable to the fact that the Isrealites, who were considered Gods chosen people were also in bondage to the Egyptians (who is considered the world), under the rulership of Pharoah, who we can compare to the devil himself, because he is identified as the ruler of the people of this world known as the god of this world (2 Cor 4:4). All through the chapters from Exodus 5 to Exodus 12, we see how Moses & Aaron came together as Gods Representatives to tell Pharoah to "Let My People Go" according to the will of God!! We, as Gods Representatives are compared to as Moses and Aaron (as Gods own Representative). When we compare ourselves as His Representative, just like Moses and Aaron were, we are to do the same by telling the devil (who represents Pharoah) to let go of Gods people!! Every time Pharoah hardened his heart and would continue to resist the demands given by Moses & Aaron, different plagues came against him and tormented him and often times the entire nation of Egypt. The plagues would intensify each time he hardened his heart against the commands of Moses & Aaron, being Gods Representative. When we are reminded to not live by Bread alone, but by every Word of God (Matt 4:4), then we too should do like Moses and Aaron and tell the devil to let go of Gods people and stop tormenting them. Otherwise, just like Moses and Aaron did, we too can pronounce a plague that will torment the devil and his angels as the Lord wills. Every time I feel like the devil is holding on and resisting when I speak against him, I continue with Gods authority to bind him under the curse of the Blood of Jesus that is to forever cling to him and not let go that will forever torment him. And every time he continues to harden his heart and resist, just like Pharoah did, that he will be a recipient of greater torment and a double portion of the Blood of Jesus to come against him until he is tormented to the point where he finally relents, just like Pharoah finally did.
As I take more time to ponder His Word more and more, He continues to give me revelation that what we read in His Word is for us to put to use, rather then just reading this as just some form of bedside story and just simply having knowledge of an historic event. He tells us in 2 Tim 3:16 that All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. Therefore, what we read about this event is for our profit if we will put it to use. I believe that God had Moses and Aaron continue to do this for many times in order to teach us to be persistent and continue to declare our authority as Gods Representatives. What many Christians may be in torment may relate to financial difficulties, unsaved family, friends and relatives, different types of physical illnesses, unemployment and many other possible causes. We need to be persistent to come together (just like Aaron was with Moses), we need to make our demand to the devil, just like Moses did to Pharoah and tell him to let go of our unsaved loved ones...let go from our brothers and sisters who are fighting illnesses or whatever the case may be and tell him if he resists, that with Gods authority, that he will be a recipient of receiving plagues from God and will intensify every time he resists. By being persistent, we will develop the patience that will have its perfect work completed within us so that we lack nothing (James 1:4). Let us encourage one another to be doers of His Word and not hearers only (James 1:22-25) and live by every Word that proceeds out of the mouth of God because the Bible is His Word and not just know about events we read, but to live by them. May God strengthen us to be persistent and be stronger and stronger in the Lord and boldly declare His Word which is the sword of the Spirit that attacks the enemy. For God tells us that the Righteous are as bold as a lion when we have confidence in the Lord because of who He is and what He should mean to each of us, has accomplished entirely for us and gave us His authority as His Representative (Luke 10:19).
In the Matchless Name of Jesus
Richard
Associate Director
Answers2Prayer
http://sites.google.com/site/greatestbuilderforourlife
http://www.answers2prayer.org/
Our God given Vision
Good Day.
I heard a teaching recently about Gods people having a vision and the importance of keeping our vision in front of us, so we won’t lose focus.
A great scripture regarding this is found in Genesis 30:31-43 (Amplified Version) where Laban was supposed to give Jacob the spotted and speckled sheep. When Laban deceived Jacob, he received the sheep other than what he wanted. So, with the sheep he had that was one colored, he put a spotted and speckled rods in front of the sheep during conception and kept those rods in front of the sheep (vs 39). When it was time for them to give birth, they indeed gave birth to spotted and speckled sheep because they became focused on the speckled rod that was in front of them. The following verses are the Amplified Version of Gen 30:31-43.
[Laban] said, What shall I give you? And Jacob said, You shall not give me anything, if you will do this one thing for me [of which I am about to tell you], and I will again feed and take care of your flock.
Let me pass through all your flock today, removing from it every speckled and spotted animal and every black one among the sheep, and the spotted and speckled among the goats; and such shall be my wages.
So later when the matter of my wages is brought before you, my fair dealing will be evident and answer for me. Every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats and black among the sheep, if found with me, shall be counted as stolen.
And Laban said, Good; let it be done as you say.
But that same day [Laban] removed the he-goats that were streaked and spotted and all the she-goats that were speckled and spotted, every one that had white on it, and every black lamb, and put them in charge of his sons.
And he set [a distance of] three days' journey between himself and Jacob; and Jacob was then left in care of the rest of Laban's flock.
But Jacob took fresh rods of poplar and almond and plane trees and peeled white streaks in them, exposing the white in the rods.
Then he set the rods which he had peeled in front of the flocks in the watering troughs where the flocks came to drink. And since they bred and conceived when they came to drink,
The flocks bred and conceived in sight of the rods and brought forth lambs and kids streaked, speckled, and spotted.
Jacob separated the lambs, and [as he had done with the peeled rods] he also set the faces of the flocks toward the streaked and all the dark in the [new] flock of Laban; and he put his own droves by themselves and did not let them breed with Laban's flock.
And whenever the stronger animals were breeding, Jacob laid the rods in the watering troughs before the eyes of the flock, that they might breed and conceive among the rods.
But when the sheep and goats were feeble, he omitted putting the rods there; so the feebler animals were Laban's and the stronger Jacob's.
Thus the man increased and became exceedingly rich, and had many sheep and goats, and maidservants, menservants, camels, and donkeys.
Our Mission and Vision for us to see, needs to be in front of us continually, so we can envision (in our spirit) by the Grace of God. God doesn't want us to look at our past or circumstances right now, He wants us to see and envision of what we can be and press forward to do radically through us to be a rich blessing to many many souls. Just like Abraham was told by God to get out of the tent (enclosed by looking at his own circumstances) and He told Abraham to get out of the tent and look at the stars and get this vision that he will have descendants as numerous as the stars (Gen 15:1-5). He told Abraham first to Fear Not!! Then got him to take his eyes off his circumstances (from being inside the tent) and get a vision (by looking out) so he could see what God was promising him.
I encourage you to pray and be lead of God to write a vision because He wants each of us to have a vision. For He says that My people perish for lack of vision Prov 29:18. Therefore, everyone has a God given vision, but not every Christian has taken any steps to write down and pursue their God given vision which our dear Lord wants to give.
Please feel free to visit my website below. God bless.
In the Matchless Name of Jesus
Richard
Associate Director
Answers2Prayer
http://sites.google.com/site/greatestbuilderforourlife
http://www.answers2prayer.org/
"For with God nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment" (Luke 1:37). Amplified Version
I heard a teaching recently about Gods people having a vision and the importance of keeping our vision in front of us, so we won’t lose focus.
A great scripture regarding this is found in Genesis 30:31-43 (Amplified Version) where Laban was supposed to give Jacob the spotted and speckled sheep. When Laban deceived Jacob, he received the sheep other than what he wanted. So, with the sheep he had that was one colored, he put a spotted and speckled rods in front of the sheep during conception and kept those rods in front of the sheep (vs 39). When it was time for them to give birth, they indeed gave birth to spotted and speckled sheep because they became focused on the speckled rod that was in front of them. The following verses are the Amplified Version of Gen 30:31-43.
[Laban] said, What shall I give you? And Jacob said, You shall not give me anything, if you will do this one thing for me [of which I am about to tell you], and I will again feed and take care of your flock.
Let me pass through all your flock today, removing from it every speckled and spotted animal and every black one among the sheep, and the spotted and speckled among the goats; and such shall be my wages.
So later when the matter of my wages is brought before you, my fair dealing will be evident and answer for me. Every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats and black among the sheep, if found with me, shall be counted as stolen.
And Laban said, Good; let it be done as you say.
But that same day [Laban] removed the he-goats that were streaked and spotted and all the she-goats that were speckled and spotted, every one that had white on it, and every black lamb, and put them in charge of his sons.
And he set [a distance of] three days' journey between himself and Jacob; and Jacob was then left in care of the rest of Laban's flock.
But Jacob took fresh rods of poplar and almond and plane trees and peeled white streaks in them, exposing the white in the rods.
Then he set the rods which he had peeled in front of the flocks in the watering troughs where the flocks came to drink. And since they bred and conceived when they came to drink,
The flocks bred and conceived in sight of the rods and brought forth lambs and kids streaked, speckled, and spotted.
Jacob separated the lambs, and [as he had done with the peeled rods] he also set the faces of the flocks toward the streaked and all the dark in the [new] flock of Laban; and he put his own droves by themselves and did not let them breed with Laban's flock.
And whenever the stronger animals were breeding, Jacob laid the rods in the watering troughs before the eyes of the flock, that they might breed and conceive among the rods.
But when the sheep and goats were feeble, he omitted putting the rods there; so the feebler animals were Laban's and the stronger Jacob's.
Thus the man increased and became exceedingly rich, and had many sheep and goats, and maidservants, menservants, camels, and donkeys.
Our Mission and Vision for us to see, needs to be in front of us continually, so we can envision (in our spirit) by the Grace of God. God doesn't want us to look at our past or circumstances right now, He wants us to see and envision of what we can be and press forward to do radically through us to be a rich blessing to many many souls. Just like Abraham was told by God to get out of the tent (enclosed by looking at his own circumstances) and He told Abraham to get out of the tent and look at the stars and get this vision that he will have descendants as numerous as the stars (Gen 15:1-5). He told Abraham first to Fear Not!! Then got him to take his eyes off his circumstances (from being inside the tent) and get a vision (by looking out) so he could see what God was promising him.
I encourage you to pray and be lead of God to write a vision because He wants each of us to have a vision. For He says that My people perish for lack of vision Prov 29:18. Therefore, everyone has a God given vision, but not every Christian has taken any steps to write down and pursue their God given vision which our dear Lord wants to give.
Please feel free to visit my website below. God bless.
In the Matchless Name of Jesus
Richard
Associate Director
Answers2Prayer
http://sites.google.com/site/greatestbuilderforourlife
http://www.answers2prayer.org/
"For with God nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment" (Luke 1:37). Amplified Version
Blessed to be a Blessing
Dear Saints,
I think often about how God sees and cares about the little things we do. Just think of the blessings we miss out when we fail to do even the smallest things for others. In mans sight, when we simply show kindness to others, man sees this as insignificant, but in Gods sight, it is very significant. How would man even think that giving a cup of cold water in His Name would be rewarding at all? Some men would some times not even say "thank-you". Yet, God tells us that not only will we be rewarded, but will be richly rewarded when we give a cup of cold water to another in His Name. I think we often compare God to man and think that He does and sees things the same way man does. We often think that when we do great things, that is only when the Lord is really pleased, which is nothing but a lie. Every time you smile at someone or give a warm greeting, you will be blessed for all eternity. When you say a sweet simple prayer from the heart for someone, you will be blessed. When you encourage someone, you will be blessed. Or give a small portion of your time to someone who is lonely, you will be greatly rewarded. The smallest of blessings you receive from God is far greater than the greatest reward man receives from other men because they only last momentarily. The rewards God gives are eternal which no reward on earth can ever compare to. That is why we should never get discouraged when we feel we do not get the recognition or be rewarded when we feel we deserve it. If you know God to the measure of knowing how much He loves you and sees what you do, we will know without a shadow of doubt that He will reward you, unless you are trying to receive mans reward. It should cause us to just want to do the best we can and be the best we can be even when man does not reward us, because we serve a God who loves to reward His people. When we do anything to receive the applause of men, we will end up being ashamed to realize that we have forsaken being greatly rewarded for all eternity from God simply because we sought the rewards from man instead of doing good to others out of love (Matt 6:2-5). In fact, knowing this, By His Grace, I want to do and be the very best I can be for Gods Kingdom and will not trouble my spirit to ever be rewarded because we serve the One who is JUST and our labour done in love is never in vain. It is encouraging to know that we don't have to have a big ministry or do great things to be rewarded by God. Just think how many times we may have missed out being blessed and storing for us treasures in Heaven simply because we did not share a smile, did not greet our Brethren, did not make that phone call to simply say hi. When we realize that there are so many "little" things we can do for one another, we should always be finding ways to be a blessing to one another in any way, whether small or great. I don't want anyone to regret missing out on Gods blessings and His rich rewards simply because we failed to do the little things that truly can brighten someones day. By His Grace, we can be a rich blessing to someone each day and not only be rewarded in Heaven, but be rewarded even today inheriting His Joy and Peace simply because we first receive His love for us that compels us to do things out of love for others.
It is my prayer that when we are tried by fire, that we will not suffer from our works being like wood, hay or stubble that burns to ash, (because we have failed to seek to be a blessing to others), but the results of gold, silver and priceless stones as our great eternal rewards (1 Cor 3:10-15) simply because we ask Him to use us to bless others. May we allow God to compel us and be determined to see how we can be a richer blessing in little ways to many souls and be more blessed because of it.
Please feel free to visit my website below. God bless.
In the Matchless Name of Jesus
Richard
Associate Director
Answers2Prayer
http://sites.google.com/site/greatestbuilderforourlife
http://www.answers2prayer.org/
I think often about how God sees and cares about the little things we do. Just think of the blessings we miss out when we fail to do even the smallest things for others. In mans sight, when we simply show kindness to others, man sees this as insignificant, but in Gods sight, it is very significant. How would man even think that giving a cup of cold water in His Name would be rewarding at all? Some men would some times not even say "thank-you". Yet, God tells us that not only will we be rewarded, but will be richly rewarded when we give a cup of cold water to another in His Name. I think we often compare God to man and think that He does and sees things the same way man does. We often think that when we do great things, that is only when the Lord is really pleased, which is nothing but a lie. Every time you smile at someone or give a warm greeting, you will be blessed for all eternity. When you say a sweet simple prayer from the heart for someone, you will be blessed. When you encourage someone, you will be blessed. Or give a small portion of your time to someone who is lonely, you will be greatly rewarded. The smallest of blessings you receive from God is far greater than the greatest reward man receives from other men because they only last momentarily. The rewards God gives are eternal which no reward on earth can ever compare to. That is why we should never get discouraged when we feel we do not get the recognition or be rewarded when we feel we deserve it. If you know God to the measure of knowing how much He loves you and sees what you do, we will know without a shadow of doubt that He will reward you, unless you are trying to receive mans reward. It should cause us to just want to do the best we can and be the best we can be even when man does not reward us, because we serve a God who loves to reward His people. When we do anything to receive the applause of men, we will end up being ashamed to realize that we have forsaken being greatly rewarded for all eternity from God simply because we sought the rewards from man instead of doing good to others out of love (Matt 6:2-5). In fact, knowing this, By His Grace, I want to do and be the very best I can be for Gods Kingdom and will not trouble my spirit to ever be rewarded because we serve the One who is JUST and our labour done in love is never in vain. It is encouraging to know that we don't have to have a big ministry or do great things to be rewarded by God. Just think how many times we may have missed out being blessed and storing for us treasures in Heaven simply because we did not share a smile, did not greet our Brethren, did not make that phone call to simply say hi. When we realize that there are so many "little" things we can do for one another, we should always be finding ways to be a blessing to one another in any way, whether small or great. I don't want anyone to regret missing out on Gods blessings and His rich rewards simply because we failed to do the little things that truly can brighten someones day. By His Grace, we can be a rich blessing to someone each day and not only be rewarded in Heaven, but be rewarded even today inheriting His Joy and Peace simply because we first receive His love for us that compels us to do things out of love for others.
It is my prayer that when we are tried by fire, that we will not suffer from our works being like wood, hay or stubble that burns to ash, (because we have failed to seek to be a blessing to others), but the results of gold, silver and priceless stones as our great eternal rewards (1 Cor 3:10-15) simply because we ask Him to use us to bless others. May we allow God to compel us and be determined to see how we can be a richer blessing in little ways to many souls and be more blessed because of it.
Please feel free to visit my website below. God bless.
In the Matchless Name of Jesus
Richard
Associate Director
Answers2Prayer
http://sites.google.com/site/greatestbuilderforourlife
http://www.answers2prayer.org/
Sunday, 21 August 2011
Judas, The Man who never knew
Dear Saints, A friend of mine sent me this article. It's amazing how a person such as Judas could be with Christ for these several years, and yet not truly know Him. Otherwise, I believe if he really knew Jesus personally, he would not have done the dispicable. It's a very profound article I know you will find interesting.
I’ve wondered at times what kind of man this Judas was. What he looked like, how he acted, who his friends were.
I guess I’ve stereotyped him. I’ve always pictured him as a wiry, beady-eyed, sly, wormy fellow, pointed beard and all. I’ve pictured him as estranged from the other apostles.
Friendless. Distant. Undoubtedly he was a traitor and a quisling. Probably the result of a broken home. A juvenile delinquent in his youth.
Yet I wonder if that is so true. We have no evidence (save Judas’s silence) that would suggest that he was isolated. At the Last Supper, when Jesus said that his betrayer sat at the table, we don’t find the apostles immediately turning to Judas as the logical traitor.
No, I think we’ve got Judas pegged wrong. Perhaps he was just the opposite. Instead of sly and wiry, maybe he was robust and jovial. Rather than quiet and introverted, he could have been outgoing and well-meaning. I don’t know.
But for all the things we don’t know about Judas, there is one thing we know for sure: He had no relationship with the Master. He had seen Jesus, but he did not know him. He had heard Jesus, but he did not understand him. He had a religion but no relationship.
As Satan worked his way around the table in the upper room, he needed a special kind of man to betray our Lord. He needed a man who had seen Jesus but who did not know him. He needed a man who knew the actions of Jesus but had missed out on the mission of Jesus. Judas was this man. He knew the empire but had never known the Man. Judas bore the cloak of religion, but he never knew the heart of Christ.
We learn this timeless lesson from the betrayer. Satan’s best tools of destruction are not from outside the church; they are within the church. A church will never die from the immorality in Hollywood or the corruption in Washington. But it will die from corrosion within—from those who bear the name of Jesus but have never met him and from those who have religion but no relationship. Judas bore the cloak of religion, but he never knew the heart of Christ. Let’s make it our goal to know Him deeply who personally loves each of us.
Please feel free to visit my website and Blog address below. God bless.
In the Matchless Name of Jesus
Richard
Associate Director
Answers2Prayer
http://sites.google.com/site/greatestbuilderforourlife
http://www.answers2prayer.org/
I’ve wondered at times what kind of man this Judas was. What he looked like, how he acted, who his friends were.
I guess I’ve stereotyped him. I’ve always pictured him as a wiry, beady-eyed, sly, wormy fellow, pointed beard and all. I’ve pictured him as estranged from the other apostles.
Friendless. Distant. Undoubtedly he was a traitor and a quisling. Probably the result of a broken home. A juvenile delinquent in his youth.
Yet I wonder if that is so true. We have no evidence (save Judas’s silence) that would suggest that he was isolated. At the Last Supper, when Jesus said that his betrayer sat at the table, we don’t find the apostles immediately turning to Judas as the logical traitor.
No, I think we’ve got Judas pegged wrong. Perhaps he was just the opposite. Instead of sly and wiry, maybe he was robust and jovial. Rather than quiet and introverted, he could have been outgoing and well-meaning. I don’t know.
But for all the things we don’t know about Judas, there is one thing we know for sure: He had no relationship with the Master. He had seen Jesus, but he did not know him. He had heard Jesus, but he did not understand him. He had a religion but no relationship.
As Satan worked his way around the table in the upper room, he needed a special kind of man to betray our Lord. He needed a man who had seen Jesus but who did not know him. He needed a man who knew the actions of Jesus but had missed out on the mission of Jesus. Judas was this man. He knew the empire but had never known the Man. Judas bore the cloak of religion, but he never knew the heart of Christ.
We learn this timeless lesson from the betrayer. Satan’s best tools of destruction are not from outside the church; they are within the church. A church will never die from the immorality in Hollywood or the corruption in Washington. But it will die from corrosion within—from those who bear the name of Jesus but have never met him and from those who have religion but no relationship. Judas bore the cloak of religion, but he never knew the heart of Christ. Let’s make it our goal to know Him deeply who personally loves each of us.
Please feel free to visit my website and Blog address below. God bless.
In the Matchless Name of Jesus
Richard
Associate Director
Answers2Prayer
http://sites.google.com/site/greatestbuilderforourlife
http://www.answers2prayer.org/
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