This message is written by a pastor and brother in Christ and I hope the message speaks to you in a time when we need to "Hold On" and be strong in our belief. Know that we must hold on to what God has planned for us. We live in a world controled by evil and not by God, the scripture tells us that clearly and God didn't save us to fill a pew on Sunday's or whenever we find time to make it to church or turn to Him when things are going bad in our lives. He's with you when things are good too so remember to give praise and glory to Him always and he'll help you when the trials come along. God saved us to make an impact in the world and to share His Word with those of which we come in contact and that doesn't mean other brothers and sisters in Christ, no, that means those who have yet come to know Jesus. I encourage you to Hold On and to plug into the Word of God so that when you are being tried, you know what you are holding on to.
And now, here is Pastor Ron Acker.
Everyone is given a measure of faith, but our faith can grow and be stimulated to grow. It is inevitable! God is using this opportunity as an impetus challenge move us forward in faith. It is a quest to experience the fullness of God's glory in our life and minister to those hungering for what God has given to us. Holding on to the uncertainty of what God has planned for us...."is like Jacob wrestling with the Lord". It is a key to experiencing the definite promise of the blessings of God! Jacob told his wrestling opponent... "I will not let you go until you bless me!"(Gen 32:26) I imagine that he would have held on to him for days if he had to. His determination and desire was honored by God! He had a name changing experience that has impacted the world even to this present day! Oh Yes!!! All of Jacob's sons were already born at this point in time with the exception of Benjamin, but the name change came that day when Jacob held on until he received the blessing in a supernatural encounter with God. Some say that a nation was born here because of the name change, but I believe an embracing encounter with the Living God was experienced here and the "result" was a name change and unfathomable blessings! WOW! How awesome would it be for God to tell you...I am changing your Name!...Because you have held on! It comes by holding on / over coming! Rev 2:17
God was doing something new here with this "little Stinker" Jacob! Thank God he held on! You can too! If you listen and apply what God is telling you. You are being changed from Faith to Greater Faith....from Glory to GreaterGlory! The evidence is there my friend! The Finger Prints of God are noticed! I know that He has been touching you, molding you, shaping, changing, re-arranging you. He is not finished with you either. Just yield to His Spirit and His Word. Keep holding on! Philippians 1:3-6
I always pray with joy being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Be encouraged! GOD wants YOU!
Be Strong and Be Brave!
Friday, January 25, 2008
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Precious Rewards
Precious Rewards
Genesis 1-3Psalm 106:3
What is most important to you? Have you lived most of your adult life striving to make money? Where is the majority of your time spent – being at work? By the way, why do you work – to make money? Would you do the work you’re doing if there was not a monetary reward awaiting you at the end of your work hours? I think we could surmise that we spend a whole lot of time, in fact, the majority of our time trading our time for money. By virtue of how much time we spend in the pursuit of money, it must be really important.
Let’s step back a bit and see if we can learn from the Bible a thing or two about what is most important. Spending a lot of time making money can actually be a good thing when we get our hearts right and go about it correctly. I’ll bet that raised some eyebrows! Don’t leave yet - read further, please.
In Genesis the first chapter, God is busy. He spends six days creating the world as we know it. His response to each aspect of creation was the refrain, “And God saw that it was good.” After God had rested on the seventh day, He noted that one thing was “not good”, and that was the fact that man was alone (2:18). And so, He created a woman to be the suitable helper for Adam.
Adam had everything – the Garden of Eden, dominion over the animals, every seed bearing plant and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. “They will be yours for food.” He also had gold - “the gold of that land is good” (2:12), aromatic resins and onyx – all things of value and pleasurable in Adam’s sight. He was master of the universe at that point in time. But without another person, the woman, he was alone. And that “being alone” condition was “not good” according to God.
You likely expect that this is a message about how bad money is, and you would be wrong. Adam’s stuff was “good”, all of it was declared “good” by God Himself – scripture is very clear about that. God gave it to Adam and mankind because He creates good things for our good. He purposely gives good things to us. But the good things are incomplete, by themselves. Our very life situations are incomplete without other people, in particular, our spouses. This is a clear message for you and me – it is “not good” to be alone.
Our greatest rewards are not stuff, but that’s not to say our things and our money are bad – not at all. No, our stuff is actually good - but “stuff” leaves us incomplete without other people in our lives.
The word, “righteousness” occurs in the Bible more than 300 times. It means “right relationships”. It also means “prosperity” and “wealth” when you understand how and why we are truly blessed. The fact is, true wealth is actually found in our relationships - the people in our lives that we treat with righteousness. We have a blessed union with others by dialoguing with them, being available to them, and sustaining the relationship throughout our lives. Our right relationships are exceedingly precious things of value in our lives.
Righteousness is vertical and horizontal. When we are right with God (the vertical), we experience true prosperity. When we are right with our fellow man (horizontal), we experience true wealth. When we serve others, we begin to understand what God really wants for us to do in life. When we give to others and help others, we create great wealth in our lives.
So, if you are working a lot of hours, you can actually experience wealth in the midst of that commitment – but not in the sense of more hours leading to more dollars. No, more dollars are good, but of much greater value is being able to serve and love our fellow man within the context of our business in the midst of our work. We can take care of one another in the marketplace. Your business is a great place to make that happen. In fact, serving others with right relationships is what business really is. And serving others is the truly rewarding aspect of all relationships.
Business is any entity that has customers. Having customers is nothing more than having relationships with others. The more genuine your service is to others, and the more customers you have, the greater the value you have placed into the world. You’ve given their lives something that they want and need to have. The money you receive from your service or products is simply a by-product of the “right relationship”. How important it is to understand that the quality of the relationship comes first! In the end, after the money and the service have long-since passed, it will be the relationship of two caring souls that is the most rewarding and memorable aspect of your knowing that person.
When children bicker and show selfish tendencies, we as parents are not impressed. It’s when our children finally treat their siblings with love and compassion that we as parents are gratified. When a child shows compassion for a sibling and goes out of their way to add value in their life - that represents a joyous milestone for us. We’re proud of them for creating a “right relationship”, rather than selfishly focusing on their own needs.
That’s what God want us to do in all our relationships. He’s already given us all the stuff we’ll ever need. He’s taken care of that aspect of our lives and will continue to do so. Believing and trusting in that fact is a large component of true “faith”. God is pleased when He sees us trusting Him, and when we’ve entered into “right relationships” with others – when we go out of our way to serve them, care for them, and show genuine love for them like He’s done for us.
Righteousness – “right relationships” with God and others is our reward. The better we get at serving others in genuine love and compassion, the more accurately we hit the mark, and experience true prosperity. The result of righteousness is fulfillment – the long-lasting kind. And yes, we can make some money along the way, a by-product of a good relationship.
God made all the stuff in the Garden. He made the gold and the money, too. It is good if He made it. But it’s not good to be alone. Let’s be sure to put our relationships first. Make them genuine. Make them long-lasting. And by doing so, true righteousness and the best kind of prosperity will be your precious rewards.
“Blessed are they who maintain judgment and treat others with righteousness constantly.” Psalm 106:3
God Bless!
Monday, January 7, 2008
Imagination - A Great Gift
This is by a friend in Christ from Florida, Janice Cook. Janice and her husband are a blessing to know and are truly Godly people. Enjoy this writing by Janice.
Our imagination is a great gift from God. We can let the enemy defeat us with it or let God inspire us with it. We can imagine all kinds of what if's that will fill us with fear. Or we can say Lord what if I stepped out of my comfort zone and just did it. Dare to believe I can do, what you said I could do. Greater works than you. You said I could do the impossible. You said I could move mountains. You said I could pray for the sick and they shall recover. You said I could lead people to Christ and witness the new birth by being a witness for you.
Lord what if ? I woke up each morn, And say Hello! Jesus, I love You and I am available to do Your will today.
What if Lord? I started each day in prayer Making myself available to You.
What if ? I put You and Your Word first in my lifeWhat if ? Before I speak, I say a quiet prayerLord, what would you have me say?
What could I do to encourage this person today? What could I say or do to help them see, You love them? Open my eyes to see what You see in that person Standing beside or in front of me.
What if? When I heard someone say, I am sick, I say, May I pray for you, God still heals today !And pray right there in Wal Mart or Church. What if I had more fear of missing You and Your will Than looking smart and being accepted and loved by all. Am I willing to be a fool for You, in the eyes of man.
What if? You opened a door and I did not walk through it Because I had not prepared my heart before You Lord. Help me see, Not to be blind to opportunities You place before me each day.
How can I be a light to the world When I have failed to spend time with You. Have I become cold or luke warm Lord, You are The Flame. Help me burn with Your desires. Help me to show forth your Glory with every breath and move I make.
Help me be bold in the marketplace. Help me be on a mission not just with AC But on a mission for You. Their are those out there Waiting to hear about AC. I can't see them but they are there, Hidden in the marketplace like Pearls. Funny a Pearl starts out As a small grain of sand, An irritation to the oyster, The Pearl maker.
The Pearls God wants me to gather may be A thorn in my flesh and just simply get Under my flesh and rub me the wrong way. Maybe they look like GIANTS in my eyes And make me feel like a grasshopper.
What if ? Lord, I had no fear and no doubt. Just faith to do your will. Brave and strong in power of Your might. A Giant slayer, a water walker. Well, faith I have, a mustard seed is enough. You gave me enough to get saved and believe and with that same faith, I can do all things Through Christ who strengthens me for You are the author and the finisher of my faith. But it is up to me to cast down and drive out All the doubt and fear. Yes, to the enemy, I have that power in Jesus Name. I don't have to be double minded and defeated.
Old mindsets go. I have the mind of Christ. God's Word and the right computer to run it. My brain or mind was made to think Godly thoughts. The Word of God, The language of Love, The language of Jesus, The language of Faith, The language of the Bible. Everyone knows that if you get the virus out, the computer works like it was designed to work by the manufacture, the creator. But I own the computer and it is up to me to de-bug it.
God in Us The Hope of Glory, Janice Cook
Our imagination is a great gift from God. We can let the enemy defeat us with it or let God inspire us with it. We can imagine all kinds of what if's that will fill us with fear. Or we can say Lord what if I stepped out of my comfort zone and just did it. Dare to believe I can do, what you said I could do. Greater works than you. You said I could do the impossible. You said I could move mountains. You said I could pray for the sick and they shall recover. You said I could lead people to Christ and witness the new birth by being a witness for you.
Lord what if ? I woke up each morn, And say Hello! Jesus, I love You and I am available to do Your will today.
What if Lord? I started each day in prayer Making myself available to You.
What if ? I put You and Your Word first in my lifeWhat if ? Before I speak, I say a quiet prayerLord, what would you have me say?
What could I do to encourage this person today? What could I say or do to help them see, You love them? Open my eyes to see what You see in that person Standing beside or in front of me.
What if? When I heard someone say, I am sick, I say, May I pray for you, God still heals today !And pray right there in Wal Mart or Church. What if I had more fear of missing You and Your will Than looking smart and being accepted and loved by all. Am I willing to be a fool for You, in the eyes of man.
What if? You opened a door and I did not walk through it Because I had not prepared my heart before You Lord. Help me see, Not to be blind to opportunities You place before me each day.
How can I be a light to the world When I have failed to spend time with You. Have I become cold or luke warm Lord, You are The Flame. Help me burn with Your desires. Help me to show forth your Glory with every breath and move I make.
Help me be bold in the marketplace. Help me be on a mission not just with AC But on a mission for You. Their are those out there Waiting to hear about AC. I can't see them but they are there, Hidden in the marketplace like Pearls. Funny a Pearl starts out As a small grain of sand, An irritation to the oyster, The Pearl maker.
The Pearls God wants me to gather may be A thorn in my flesh and just simply get Under my flesh and rub me the wrong way. Maybe they look like GIANTS in my eyes And make me feel like a grasshopper.
What if ? Lord, I had no fear and no doubt. Just faith to do your will. Brave and strong in power of Your might. A Giant slayer, a water walker. Well, faith I have, a mustard seed is enough. You gave me enough to get saved and believe and with that same faith, I can do all things Through Christ who strengthens me for You are the author and the finisher of my faith. But it is up to me to cast down and drive out All the doubt and fear. Yes, to the enemy, I have that power in Jesus Name. I don't have to be double minded and defeated.
Old mindsets go. I have the mind of Christ. God's Word and the right computer to run it. My brain or mind was made to think Godly thoughts. The Word of God, The language of Love, The language of Jesus, The language of Faith, The language of the Bible. Everyone knows that if you get the virus out, the computer works like it was designed to work by the manufacture, the creator. But I own the computer and it is up to me to de-bug it.
God in Us The Hope of Glory, Janice Cook
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Daily Confessions
Speak these confessions into your life today and always. This is a new day and a new year. Be encouraged!
I set the course of my life today with my words:
I declare today that I will not be defeated, discouraged, depressed or disappointed.
I am the head, I have insight, I have wisdom, I have ideas, I have authority.
I exercise my authority today with my words and I decree a thing and it is so.
Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4)…the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead, lives in me… (Romans 8:11)
I give glory and honor on earth to God by completing the work He gave me to do. (John 17:4)
My God will meet all my needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus (Phil 4:19) therefore everything I need has already been provided.
As I speak words today, they come to pass (Job 22:28); they go before me, they bring the things to pass that I desire; and they stop all attacks, assaults, oppression, and fear from coming to my life.
God is on my side today and, therefore, I cannot be defeated.
His favor surrounds me today as a shield. (Psalm 5:12). I expect favor today from heaven and from the earth as provided by God.
Jesus had favor with God and man (Luke 2:52), and as He is so am I on this earth. (1 John 4:17)
Therefore, I have favor today with God and man.
I expect and receive favor in my home, favor in my job, favor in my business, favor in my ministry, favor with my finances, favor in every deal I am involved in.
I have the wisdom of God today. I will think the right thoughts, say the right words and make the right decisions in every situation I face today.
My mouth speaks wisdom and my heart is filled with understanding. (Psalm 49:3)
I ask for, and receive, an abundant supply of wisdom and understanding today from God (James 1:5)…wisdom from above, wisdom that is pure, peaceable, gentle, unwavering, willing to yield, without hypocrisy. (James 3:17)
Wisdom and understanding are better than silver and gold and nothing I desire can compare with them; therefore, I make it my ambition and desire to have understanding and wisdom; therefore I know I will have all of the other desires of my heart. (Proverbs 8:10-11)
My words go before me in securing my divine health and healing…
I will not be sick today; I will not be sad today; I will not be broke today; I will not be confused today.
I have health today; I have joy today; I have all the money I need in the name of Jesus.
My steps are ordered by the Lord… (Psalm 37:23)
I have a covenant with God and by the blood of Jesus I release my divine protection and divine provision.
I expect to have divine appointments today, to run into the right people, and to be delivered from the wrong people.
Any adversity, attack, accidents and tragedies that were headed my way are diverted right now in Jesus’ name.
Now I speak to:
every mountain of fear
every mountain of discouragement
every mountain of stress
every mountain of depression
every mountain of lack and insufficiency
And I say, “Be removed and cast into the sea in Jesus’ name!” (Mark 11:23) I expect the best day of my life spiritually, emotionally, relationally and financially today in Jesus’ name.
I set the course of my life today with my words:
I declare today that I will not be defeated, discouraged, depressed or disappointed.
I am the head, I have insight, I have wisdom, I have ideas, I have authority.
I exercise my authority today with my words and I decree a thing and it is so.
Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4)…the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead, lives in me… (Romans 8:11)
I give glory and honor on earth to God by completing the work He gave me to do. (John 17:4)
My God will meet all my needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus (Phil 4:19) therefore everything I need has already been provided.
As I speak words today, they come to pass (Job 22:28); they go before me, they bring the things to pass that I desire; and they stop all attacks, assaults, oppression, and fear from coming to my life.
God is on my side today and, therefore, I cannot be defeated.
His favor surrounds me today as a shield. (Psalm 5:12). I expect favor today from heaven and from the earth as provided by God.
Jesus had favor with God and man (Luke 2:52), and as He is so am I on this earth. (1 John 4:17)
Therefore, I have favor today with God and man.
I expect and receive favor in my home, favor in my job, favor in my business, favor in my ministry, favor with my finances, favor in every deal I am involved in.
I have the wisdom of God today. I will think the right thoughts, say the right words and make the right decisions in every situation I face today.
My mouth speaks wisdom and my heart is filled with understanding. (Psalm 49:3)
I ask for, and receive, an abundant supply of wisdom and understanding today from God (James 1:5)…wisdom from above, wisdom that is pure, peaceable, gentle, unwavering, willing to yield, without hypocrisy. (James 3:17)
Wisdom and understanding are better than silver and gold and nothing I desire can compare with them; therefore, I make it my ambition and desire to have understanding and wisdom; therefore I know I will have all of the other desires of my heart. (Proverbs 8:10-11)
My words go before me in securing my divine health and healing…
I will not be sick today; I will not be sad today; I will not be broke today; I will not be confused today.
I have health today; I have joy today; I have all the money I need in the name of Jesus.
My steps are ordered by the Lord… (Psalm 37:23)
I have a covenant with God and by the blood of Jesus I release my divine protection and divine provision.
I expect to have divine appointments today, to run into the right people, and to be delivered from the wrong people.
Any adversity, attack, accidents and tragedies that were headed my way are diverted right now in Jesus’ name.
Now I speak to:
every mountain of fear
every mountain of discouragement
every mountain of stress
every mountain of depression
every mountain of lack and insufficiency
And I say, “Be removed and cast into the sea in Jesus’ name!” (Mark 11:23) I expect the best day of my life spiritually, emotionally, relationally and financially today in Jesus’ name.
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