Wouldn't you love to receive an early inheritance, especially if you are young and have a small family? Why wait when you could use it now? Talk about kindness and generosity. That is exactly what Jesus did for His bride, the church.
When Christ died and rose again, He bequeathed to His new bride, here on earth, His healing, His faith, His hope, His love, His peace , His forgiveness and everything He was on earth as the Son of God. Romans 8:16 says, " The Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with him." (ESV) His death and resurrection released the first installment of His inheritance. We don't have to first physically die to appreciate and appropriate His inheritance. We can start by enjoying it here on earth and receive the fullness later.
The following verses are only a few of the many blessings we have already inherited in Christ. The full inheritance awaits us, but until then, the Lord has released to His Bride an amazing EARLY inheritance for us to receive by faith. As you mediate on these verses you will be blessed.
WE HAVE INHERITED..............
1. All things that pertain unto life and godliness--2Peter 1:3
2 The divine nature of Christ--2 Peter 1:4
3. Power and anointing in the Holy Spirit--Acts 1:8, 1John 2:27
4. Forgiveness of sins and freedom from guilt--1John 1:9 &
Romans 8:1
5. Divine health and healing--Matthew 8:17
6. Prosperity in all things including our soul--3John 1:2
7. Love, joy, peace and righteousness in the Holy Spirit
Romans 14:17
8. Victory and freedom from the bondage of sin--Romans 8:11
9. More than conquerors in all things--Romans 8:37
10. An Abundance of grace for every good work
2 Corinthians 9:8
11. Freedom from poverty --assurance that our needs will be met.
Matthew 6:36
12. An understanding of the mystery of God's will--Ephesians 1:9
13. Divine guidance--Romans 8:14
14. Security--Psalm 91
15. Co-laborers with God--1 Corinthians 3:9
16. Seated in heavenly places with Christ--Ephesians 2:6
and much, much more.
In this life we already have received an inheritance far beyond anything that we deserve. To receive and experience all this inheritance here on earth will take more than a life time. Enjoy the journey.
Showing posts with label hope. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hope. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
Monday, July 11, 2016
SIX LITTLE STORIES
SIX LITTLE STORIES
I would like to share six little stories with you today. They are short and easy to remember.
1. Once all the people in a village decided to pray for rain. On the day of prayer all the people gathered, but only one boy came with an umbrella "THAT'S FAITH."
2. When you throw babies in the air, they laugh because they know you will catch them. THAT'S TRUST"
3. Overnight we go to bed without any assurance of being alive the next morning, but we still set the alarms to wake up. "THAT'S HOPE"
4. We plan big things for tomorrow in spite of zero knowledge of the future. "THAT'S CONFIDENCE "
5. We see the world suffering, but still we get married and have children. "THAT'S LOVE"
6. On an old man's shirt was written a sentence "I am not 81 years old" I am sweet 16 with 65 years of experience. THAT'S ATTITUDE."
Friday, November 15, 2013
THE TRUE ABUNDANT LIFE
As an American christian ,it is easy to think that the abundant life is a new house, a bigger house, a new car, fancy designer clothes, an Ivy league college education, an influential circle of friends and a 6 figure salary. It doesn't get any better than that. Thank you Jesus. But, what if you were living in Africa, India or South American? Would you feel that the Lord didn't care about you and was giving His leftovers to you? What is the abundant life that the Lord is speaking about in John 10:10?
I would like to propose the real abundant life is not a WHAT, but a WHO. Jesus said in John 14:6 that He was the way, the truth and the LIFE. I believe that Jesus is the abundant life and that His desire is to give to ALL His children, in every nation, Himself, if only we would believe His Word." Jesus came to give us life, and life more abundantly. Is this eternal life? It could be at some level, but He didn't say, I have come to give you 'eternal' life, but an 'abundant life'. We already have eternal life through our new birth, and no man can snatch us out of His hands.
However, we are still on earth with trials and tribulations. Is Jesus enough to take us through our testing times? When we are sick, struggling with a disease, or a besetting sin is Jesus enough? How can He help us.? Where is this abundant Jesus? It is written, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free." Free from what? I believe we are free from the consequences of Adam's sin, which is sin, sickness and disease. Jesus is our redeemer, healer and deliverer. We are NOT under the Law, but under Grace. We are children of a New Covenant, born again in Christ Jesus. That doesn't mean we don't sin, get sick and contract some disease. The Good news is Jesus has overcome the world. He died and absorbed into Himself all our sins, sicknesses and diseases that we inherited in Adam. By faith in His resurrection He gives to us His abundant life. Truly, it seems like an uneven exchange, but it is true.
It grieves my heart when I sin to know that it cost My Lord His life. There is only one answer I know, "It will cost me my life," and I can't continue to sin. I hate my sin. It is wicked. I am very grateful for the gift of repentance and being able to take responsibility for my sin of unbelief, rebellion, self-righteousness,, self-pity, pride, arrogance, unforgiveness, hate, anger, and complaining. The list goes on and on. I don't feel condemned, but graciously forgiven and am being changed from the inside out from glory to glory.
Yes, Jesus is the abundant life no matter where we live. He has
overcome the spirit of the world, our flesh (sin nature) and the devil. Satan no longer can hold us in bondage to our sin, but only what we consciously or unconsciously give Him. Apart from the Lord, we can do nothing that is holy, righteous and good. He is the new life in us that produces the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, faithfulness, gentleness,kindness, goodness, and self-control. He is our health, our provider, our righteousness, our wealth, our hope, our faith, our love, our forgiveness, our mercy, and our ABUNDANT LIFE no matter what nation we might live in.
I would like to propose the real abundant life is not a WHAT, but a WHO. Jesus said in John 14:6 that He was the way, the truth and the LIFE. I believe that Jesus is the abundant life and that His desire is to give to ALL His children, in every nation, Himself, if only we would believe His Word." Jesus came to give us life, and life more abundantly. Is this eternal life? It could be at some level, but He didn't say, I have come to give you 'eternal' life, but an 'abundant life'. We already have eternal life through our new birth, and no man can snatch us out of His hands.
However, we are still on earth with trials and tribulations. Is Jesus enough to take us through our testing times? When we are sick, struggling with a disease, or a besetting sin is Jesus enough? How can He help us.? Where is this abundant Jesus? It is written, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free." Free from what? I believe we are free from the consequences of Adam's sin, which is sin, sickness and disease. Jesus is our redeemer, healer and deliverer. We are NOT under the Law, but under Grace. We are children of a New Covenant, born again in Christ Jesus. That doesn't mean we don't sin, get sick and contract some disease. The Good news is Jesus has overcome the world. He died and absorbed into Himself all our sins, sicknesses and diseases that we inherited in Adam. By faith in His resurrection He gives to us His abundant life. Truly, it seems like an uneven exchange, but it is true.
It grieves my heart when I sin to know that it cost My Lord His life. There is only one answer I know, "It will cost me my life," and I can't continue to sin. I hate my sin. It is wicked. I am very grateful for the gift of repentance and being able to take responsibility for my sin of unbelief, rebellion, self-righteousness,, self-pity, pride, arrogance, unforgiveness, hate, anger, and complaining. The list goes on and on. I don't feel condemned, but graciously forgiven and am being changed from the inside out from glory to glory.
Yes, Jesus is the abundant life no matter where we live. He has
overcome the spirit of the world, our flesh (sin nature) and the devil. Satan no longer can hold us in bondage to our sin, but only what we consciously or unconsciously give Him. Apart from the Lord, we can do nothing that is holy, righteous and good. He is the new life in us that produces the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, faithfulness, gentleness,kindness, goodness, and self-control. He is our health, our provider, our righteousness, our wealth, our hope, our faith, our love, our forgiveness, our mercy, and our ABUNDANT LIFE no matter what nation we might live in.
Saturday, November 9, 2013
95 YEAR OLD BILLY GRAHAM PRAYS FOR OUR NATION
This is a prayer that we all can agree with before our Father in Heaven. Billy Graham at 95 years old is still interceding before the Throne of Grace. THERE IS POWER IN AGREEMENT. Let us pray in agreement with him.
"Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those who call evil good,' but that is exactly what we have done. We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values. We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery. We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare. We have killed our unborn and called it choice. We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable. We neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem. We have abused power and call it politics. We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition. We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression. We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment. Search us, Oh God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from sin and set us free. Amen!"
Also, I believe the Lord is saying " It is time to take back our land from the enemy. Satan has no right to America." Jesus paid the price for our country with His BLOOD. As the body of Christ arises and joins the Head, (Jesus),we will march through this land on our knees and watch the Lord restore its godly heritage. Jesus needs His body to pray, NOW!. How can a body exist without the head? or a head without a body? We must be one body; THE BODY OF CHRIST.
Together by faith, if we repent and turn fully to Jesus, He as the head will continue to instruct us how to pray His heart and give us back our Nation. America belongs to the church and the church belongs to the Lord Jesus.
"Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those who call evil good,' but that is exactly what we have done. We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values. We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery. We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare. We have killed our unborn and called it choice. We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable. We neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem. We have abused power and call it politics. We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition. We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression. We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment. Search us, Oh God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from sin and set us free. Amen!"
Also, I believe the Lord is saying " It is time to take back our land from the enemy. Satan has no right to America." Jesus paid the price for our country with His BLOOD. As the body of Christ arises and joins the Head, (Jesus),we will march through this land on our knees and watch the Lord restore its godly heritage. Jesus needs His body to pray, NOW!. How can a body exist without the head? or a head without a body? We must be one body; THE BODY OF CHRIST.
Together by faith, if we repent and turn fully to Jesus, He as the head will continue to instruct us how to pray His heart and give us back our Nation. America belongs to the church and the church belongs to the Lord Jesus.
Thursday, August 8, 2013
KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN
One of the first things that the enemy does when he attacks a nation or a people, is to close the churches. Satan HATES churches. Every church on this earth, even a so-called "dead" one, is a sign, and symbol to him of the Living God. He hates anything that reminds him of God because he knows his fate. He seeks to destroy the works of God every chance that he gets.
If Satan cannot use the Communists to close the churches like he has in many, many nations, then he will use other methods. He will use the laws of taxation.
Only the prayers are keeping the churches of our nation from being taxed now. But the devil is causing the money-hungry men to look with eyes of greed upon the churches, the institutions which God's people have built for His glory. Satan covets their money and would like to use them for his own cause.
Satan will also use compromising shepherds and the indifference and lukewarmness of the people to take over the churches for warehouses, etc. He would like them to just stand empty and be falling apart because of disuse. Whether by disuse or misuse, he seeks to destroy all churches and keep them from being houses of worship.
Our heritage as a nation is our churches.We were birthed out of a religious persecution seeking a new land to worship the ONE TRUE GOD. Now we have become a nation of many gods. We must guard our liberty and freedom and integrity. Let us not be deceived. We must be awake to the enemies intention against the church. Satan has a plan to abolished every church in every nation. But the GOOD NEWS is God's PLAN IS GREATER! He is building His church with living stones, brick upon brick. The true church may be hidden from view today, but it is growing more and more powerful in every nation all of the time. The Holy Spirit is continuously setting us apart to Christ alone.
We do not need a building to worship, we are a temple, individually and collectively, and as we gather together, it is the Spirit of worship that draws us to our God and one another.. Wherever two or three are gathered together in His Name, the Lord is right in our midst.
This is not a day to be asleep, wandering around in the world trying to find yourself. If we are a true born again believer, we have already been found and the Lord is setting us apart for His glory. Amazing days are ahead for those whose God is the Lord Jesus Christ. When the days get darker and His judgement more evident, by the grace of God He will hide us in the cleft of the rock and care for His own. His care for us will be sufficient for us to reach out and supernaturally care for others in need. I have read the back of the book and we win!!!! OUR GOD IS A GREAT GOD AND GREATLY TO BE PRAISED.
If Satan cannot use the Communists to close the churches like he has in many, many nations, then he will use other methods. He will use the laws of taxation.
Only the prayers are keeping the churches of our nation from being taxed now. But the devil is causing the money-hungry men to look with eyes of greed upon the churches, the institutions which God's people have built for His glory. Satan covets their money and would like to use them for his own cause.
Satan will also use compromising shepherds and the indifference and lukewarmness of the people to take over the churches for warehouses, etc. He would like them to just stand empty and be falling apart because of disuse. Whether by disuse or misuse, he seeks to destroy all churches and keep them from being houses of worship.
Our heritage as a nation is our churches.We were birthed out of a religious persecution seeking a new land to worship the ONE TRUE GOD. Now we have become a nation of many gods. We must guard our liberty and freedom and integrity. Let us not be deceived. We must be awake to the enemies intention against the church. Satan has a plan to abolished every church in every nation. But the GOOD NEWS is God's PLAN IS GREATER! He is building His church with living stones, brick upon brick. The true church may be hidden from view today, but it is growing more and more powerful in every nation all of the time. The Holy Spirit is continuously setting us apart to Christ alone.
We do not need a building to worship, we are a temple, individually and collectively, and as we gather together, it is the Spirit of worship that draws us to our God and one another.. Wherever two or three are gathered together in His Name, the Lord is right in our midst.
This is not a day to be asleep, wandering around in the world trying to find yourself. If we are a true born again believer, we have already been found and the Lord is setting us apart for His glory. Amazing days are ahead for those whose God is the Lord Jesus Christ. When the days get darker and His judgement more evident, by the grace of God He will hide us in the cleft of the rock and care for His own. His care for us will be sufficient for us to reach out and supernaturally care for others in need. I have read the back of the book and we win!!!! OUR GOD IS A GREAT GOD AND GREATLY TO BE PRAISED.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
A Desert Place
Have you ever wondered why it took forty years for the Israelites to cross over the Jordan river into the Promised Land, when they were ONLY ELEVEN DAYS away! One would think,"that's crazy, how could that ever happen?" But, it did. The Israelites wandered in the desert because of their fear and unbelief.
Have you ever experienced a kind of desert place in the Lord and wondered how you got there? Your devotions are dry, your fellowship with the Lord is distant, and reading the word is dull? Somehow' you feel cut off and cry out to the Lord, "Where are You?" and the response is silence.
If you are wandering in a desert place, I understand exactly how you feel and it is a hard to understand how you got there. At times, I have wandered for days and even weeks! The cry of my heart is, " Why is this happening? I miss you Lord. I don't understand? If this is a test of my faith, then I have failed miserably."
Over the years, I have come to learn two things about a desert place. I am sure that you could share many more with me. The first time I experienced the desert, the Lord spoke to me about His people Israel in Numbers 13 and 14. When Moses sent out the ten spies into the promised land, only Caleb and Joshua BELIEVED what the Lord told them even BEFORE they went out. The other eight spies were filled with fear and unbelief and cost the whole Nation the opportunity of living in the promised land for forty years. They doubted God's word and their unbelief grieved God's heart. He wanted to give them a new home land with all kinds of possibilities.
As I pondered this story, I am very grateful that I was are not living back then. My unbelief isn't any different than theirs. I have God's written word speaking to me every day. But when the trials and temptations come, where is my faith? I have doubted God's Word! My doubt has lead to unbelief and unbelief led to discrediting God's character, who created me. The only way out of this horrible dry place, is to confess my sin of unbelief and not try to excuse myself pretending I believe God for everything, because I didn't. The Lord had to reproved me, and that was a good thing. My confession was the road to freedom. I was now more acquainted with the spirit of doubt and unbelief and able to recognize its voice and rebuke it.
The same voice of the devil that spoke to Eve in the Garden is in the world today questioning God in everything, "Did God say". I am continuing to learn, when I hear that voice, to stop and question,"IS IT GOD'S WORD OR THE DEVIL'S LIES!"
Faith in God is a gift, we receive when we are born again. It is like a muscle that has to grow through trials and tribulations. James 1:2 says, " for you know that the testing of your faith, produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing."
My second thought about being in a desert place doesn't have to do with doubt and unbelief. Once the Lord spoke to my heart, "The desert place doesn't have to be a hard place. It is a time of testing and a time when you grow the most in your faith. Have you ever seen a desert flower? They are some of My most beautiful flowers. They have learned to grow in a dry place because they know that I care for them. You are My desert flower".
Brother and sister, if you are in a dry place, and you are trusting God with His plans for your life, you are becoming one of His most beautiful desert flowers. A delight to His eyes, as you increase in your faith. God will be able to do the impossible through you. He is perfecting your faith and you will lack nothing. You will be able to believe Him for anything, because in the days ahead, it will be a good thing that your faith has been exercised.
Have you ever experienced a kind of desert place in the Lord and wondered how you got there? Your devotions are dry, your fellowship with the Lord is distant, and reading the word is dull? Somehow' you feel cut off and cry out to the Lord, "Where are You?" and the response is silence.
If you are wandering in a desert place, I understand exactly how you feel and it is a hard to understand how you got there. At times, I have wandered for days and even weeks! The cry of my heart is, " Why is this happening? I miss you Lord. I don't understand? If this is a test of my faith, then I have failed miserably."
Over the years, I have come to learn two things about a desert place. I am sure that you could share many more with me. The first time I experienced the desert, the Lord spoke to me about His people Israel in Numbers 13 and 14. When Moses sent out the ten spies into the promised land, only Caleb and Joshua BELIEVED what the Lord told them even BEFORE they went out. The other eight spies were filled with fear and unbelief and cost the whole Nation the opportunity of living in the promised land for forty years. They doubted God's word and their unbelief grieved God's heart. He wanted to give them a new home land with all kinds of possibilities.
As I pondered this story, I am very grateful that I was are not living back then. My unbelief isn't any different than theirs. I have God's written word speaking to me every day. But when the trials and temptations come, where is my faith? I have doubted God's Word! My doubt has lead to unbelief and unbelief led to discrediting God's character, who created me. The only way out of this horrible dry place, is to confess my sin of unbelief and not try to excuse myself pretending I believe God for everything, because I didn't. The Lord had to reproved me, and that was a good thing. My confession was the road to freedom. I was now more acquainted with the spirit of doubt and unbelief and able to recognize its voice and rebuke it.
The same voice of the devil that spoke to Eve in the Garden is in the world today questioning God in everything, "Did God say". I am continuing to learn, when I hear that voice, to stop and question,"IS IT GOD'S WORD OR THE DEVIL'S LIES!"
Faith in God is a gift, we receive when we are born again. It is like a muscle that has to grow through trials and tribulations. James 1:2 says, " for you know that the testing of your faith, produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing."
My second thought about being in a desert place doesn't have to do with doubt and unbelief. Once the Lord spoke to my heart, "The desert place doesn't have to be a hard place. It is a time of testing and a time when you grow the most in your faith. Have you ever seen a desert flower? They are some of My most beautiful flowers. They have learned to grow in a dry place because they know that I care for them. You are My desert flower".
Brother and sister, if you are in a dry place, and you are trusting God with His plans for your life, you are becoming one of His most beautiful desert flowers. A delight to His eyes, as you increase in your faith. God will be able to do the impossible through you. He is perfecting your faith and you will lack nothing. You will be able to believe Him for anything, because in the days ahead, it will be a good thing that your faith has been exercised.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
When your faith is challenged
Martin Luther was one of the great religious reformers of the 16th century. His faith was challenged many times. The following is a response to the devil when the enemy accused of being a sinner.
"When the devil accuses us and says, "You are a sinner and therefore damned,' we should answer, 'Because you say I am a sinner, I will be righteous and saved.' 'No,' says the devil, 'you will be damned,' And I reply, 'No, for I fly to Christ, who gave Himself for my sins. Satan, you will not prevail against me when you try to terrify me by setting forth the greatness of my sins and try to bring me into heaviness, distrust, despair, hatred, contempt and blasphemy against God. On the contrary, when you say I am a sinner, you give me armor and weapons against yourself, so that with your own sword I may cut your throat and tread you under my feet, for Christ died for sinners. As often as you accuse that I am a sinner, so often you remind me of the benefit of Christ my Redeemer, on whose shoulders, and not on mine, lie all my sins. So when you say I am a sinner, you do not terrify me but comfort me immeasurably."
I love it. Satan lost. Salvation is ours and we can stand up and proclaim from the roof tops, "It is finished" Jesus won the battle and we are to stand and occupy until the Lord comes again. The earth is the Lord's and the fullness there of. Jesus won back what Adam lost. The Holy Spirit is with us and in us to stand fast in the truth. The enemy hates us, and that is a good thing. The Lord is our protection and on our side.(Psalm 91) The devil has NO authority over us. We belong to the Lord Jesus and to Him alone. Rise up church and proclaim our God is great and greatly to be praised. He is above all gods. There is no one but OUR GOD! May He continue to enlarge our hearts to contain more and more of Him for the glory of God, and turn America back to Himself.
"When the devil accuses us and says, "You are a sinner and therefore damned,' we should answer, 'Because you say I am a sinner, I will be righteous and saved.' 'No,' says the devil, 'you will be damned,' And I reply, 'No, for I fly to Christ, who gave Himself for my sins. Satan, you will not prevail against me when you try to terrify me by setting forth the greatness of my sins and try to bring me into heaviness, distrust, despair, hatred, contempt and blasphemy against God. On the contrary, when you say I am a sinner, you give me armor and weapons against yourself, so that with your own sword I may cut your throat and tread you under my feet, for Christ died for sinners. As often as you accuse that I am a sinner, so often you remind me of the benefit of Christ my Redeemer, on whose shoulders, and not on mine, lie all my sins. So when you say I am a sinner, you do not terrify me but comfort me immeasurably."
I love it. Satan lost. Salvation is ours and we can stand up and proclaim from the roof tops, "It is finished" Jesus won the battle and we are to stand and occupy until the Lord comes again. The earth is the Lord's and the fullness there of. Jesus won back what Adam lost. The Holy Spirit is with us and in us to stand fast in the truth. The enemy hates us, and that is a good thing. The Lord is our protection and on our side.(Psalm 91) The devil has NO authority over us. We belong to the Lord Jesus and to Him alone. Rise up church and proclaim our God is great and greatly to be praised. He is above all gods. There is no one but OUR GOD! May He continue to enlarge our hearts to contain more and more of Him for the glory of God, and turn America back to Himself.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)