David Wilkerson Today
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2010
YOU ARE SECURE IN YOUR FATHER’S LOVE!
Jesus said that when the prodigal son came home, he was welcomed back into his father’s house. He received a new robe, ate at his father’s table and had full forgiveness. But that didn’t make him an angel. On the contrary, I believe his father experienced a lot of problems with him before it was all over. But the one thing this son had to know was that he was secure in his father’s love!
He had to know his father would bear with him,work with him, love him. That’s how our heavenly father is with us. And yet we keep saying, “One of these days, I’m going to be so perfect and right before God that it will be easy for him to love me. ”No! He loved you when you were a sinner, a reprobate, an enemy to him. How much more does he love you now that you’re reconciled to him!
God has already said to you, “I loved you when you were an alien to me, when you were in rebellion and sin. Will I not love you even more now since you have committed to sonship?”We don’t rest confidently in his love as we should. And yet the Lord says of Himself that He IS love.
John wrote, “And we have known and believed that love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth (rests) in love dwelleth in God and God in him” (1 John 4:16).
And you shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all of your heart! (Jeremiah 29:13) The LORD is good to those that wait for Him; to the soul that seeks Him. (Lamentations 3:25)
Friday, October 29, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
The WORD - Leonard Ravinhill
Our Chart and Compass for this Year
By Leonard Ravenhill
Without a qualified guide, no mountain climber would attempt such an ambitious enterprise as the conquest of Mt. Everest. Before he reaches the upper areas of the Himalayas, which are shrouded in mists and blizzards, and have concealed crevices, he must cross a wilderness of ice. Every mountain climber knows there is but a step betwixt him and death. He may have the best climbing gear, his chart and compass may be the last word in efficiency, but still he needs a guide.
Modern ships are equipped with radar; some are loaded with sounding gear. Yet they are compelled to carry chart and compass, and at certain points must take a licensed pilot aboard.
Dare we as Christians attempt to walk the lonely heights of spirituality in the coming year without the chart of the Word of God and the guide of the Holy Spirit? Is the sea of life that is before us in this year less dangerous than the choppy ocean before the Atlantic liner?
It would be a good thing if, at the beginning of what must be a very fateful year in the affairs of men, we would say with the patient Job: "I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food" (Job 23:12).
Once again in many parts of the earth, the Word of the Lord is being blamed, burned, or banned. History is repeating itself. But God's Word is imperishable and infallible. Even in this super-scientific age we have no apologies to make for the Bible. It is God's final word to man. It is at the present God's only word to man. It is an infallible revelation from an infallible God to fallible man.
Any society which obeys the Bible's ten basic commandments can stand. Any society which disobeys these divine decrees will fall - however buttressed with wealth or military might.
A few years ago, amid the pomp and circumstance of the coronation of the present Queen Elizabeth of England, there was a pause in the ceremony. Then her Majesty was presented with a copy of the Bible and these words: This is the greatest treasure that earth affords. How true!
The blessed Word of the living God is more than a book of texts. It is also a textbook. The Bible is the only textbook which has charted the whole pathway for every man who has his back to the City of Destruction and his face to the City of God.
The Christian's pilgrimage is uphill all the way, and the staff upon which he leans is the Word of the Lord. The child of God must bear the burden and heat of the day, and the well of comfort from which he drinks continually is the Word of God. The Christian's way is dark, and the Word alone can be a lamp unto his feet and a light unto his path.
All life has its hazards. Wild beasts of the forest devour each other; cats pounce on mice; dogs kill cats; men kill dogs. Even the silent trees have their enemies. To all "life" there is the ever-present danger of a greater power.
The socialist says his enemy is undisturbed wealth. The school teacher seeks to destroy ignorance. Medical science battles with disease. Some wage war with untiring zeal against class distinctions and race-color barriers. The Christian life has more hazards than them all.
The Christian knows that to antagonize him and assail his march to heaven there are at least three great powers: the world, the flesh, and the devil. To combat these mighty foes, a merciful God has given us yet three greater powers: the blood of Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the Word of God. Just now I am thinking particularly of only the third power, the Word of God.
A Christian's muscles and sinews will strain under the loads which the Spirit will give. To insure spiritual stamina, each believing burden-bearer must eat the strong meat of the Word.
Satan, the enemy of souls, snipes pilgrims from behind some innocent-looking bush. A return volley must be given with the same weapon that the conquering Christ used -- "It is written." We overcome the devil by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. The sword of the Spirit must be ours too.
There is an inner reading of the Word of the Lord. In order to have this, the Holy Spirit, the Author of the Word, comes to indwell the believer and interpret the Word. Jesus said that man cannot live by bread alone.
But mankind does not even try to live by bread alone. He drinks at forbidden springs, steals forbidden fruit, and tries to slake his soul-thirst with forbidden stimulants.
Yet he who has embraced God-made prohibitions is glad that the Spirit himself, the Teacher, the Eternal Wisdom, condescends to take of the things of Jesus and reveal them to US.
The only problem in Christianity is living it. The best Christian is not necessarily a theologian with a mind as keen as a razor. To live the life that God honors, we must first read the Word, then we must obey it. This means that we must practice the Word, that knowledge must be transferred into action. "Be ye doers of the word and not hearers only," said our great Teacher.
Therefore, in this coming year, let us read the Bible to be wise, let us practice the Bible to be holy, and let us obey the Bible to be blessed!
By Leonard Ravenhill
Without a qualified guide, no mountain climber would attempt such an ambitious enterprise as the conquest of Mt. Everest. Before he reaches the upper areas of the Himalayas, which are shrouded in mists and blizzards, and have concealed crevices, he must cross a wilderness of ice. Every mountain climber knows there is but a step betwixt him and death. He may have the best climbing gear, his chart and compass may be the last word in efficiency, but still he needs a guide.
Modern ships are equipped with radar; some are loaded with sounding gear. Yet they are compelled to carry chart and compass, and at certain points must take a licensed pilot aboard.
Dare we as Christians attempt to walk the lonely heights of spirituality in the coming year without the chart of the Word of God and the guide of the Holy Spirit? Is the sea of life that is before us in this year less dangerous than the choppy ocean before the Atlantic liner?
It would be a good thing if, at the beginning of what must be a very fateful year in the affairs of men, we would say with the patient Job: "I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food" (Job 23:12).
Once again in many parts of the earth, the Word of the Lord is being blamed, burned, or banned. History is repeating itself. But God's Word is imperishable and infallible. Even in this super-scientific age we have no apologies to make for the Bible. It is God's final word to man. It is at the present God's only word to man. It is an infallible revelation from an infallible God to fallible man.
Any society which obeys the Bible's ten basic commandments can stand. Any society which disobeys these divine decrees will fall - however buttressed with wealth or military might.
A few years ago, amid the pomp and circumstance of the coronation of the present Queen Elizabeth of England, there was a pause in the ceremony. Then her Majesty was presented with a copy of the Bible and these words: This is the greatest treasure that earth affords. How true!
The blessed Word of the living God is more than a book of texts. It is also a textbook. The Bible is the only textbook which has charted the whole pathway for every man who has his back to the City of Destruction and his face to the City of God.
The Christian's pilgrimage is uphill all the way, and the staff upon which he leans is the Word of the Lord. The child of God must bear the burden and heat of the day, and the well of comfort from which he drinks continually is the Word of God. The Christian's way is dark, and the Word alone can be a lamp unto his feet and a light unto his path.
All life has its hazards. Wild beasts of the forest devour each other; cats pounce on mice; dogs kill cats; men kill dogs. Even the silent trees have their enemies. To all "life" there is the ever-present danger of a greater power.
The socialist says his enemy is undisturbed wealth. The school teacher seeks to destroy ignorance. Medical science battles with disease. Some wage war with untiring zeal against class distinctions and race-color barriers. The Christian life has more hazards than them all.
The Christian knows that to antagonize him and assail his march to heaven there are at least three great powers: the world, the flesh, and the devil. To combat these mighty foes, a merciful God has given us yet three greater powers: the blood of Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the Word of God. Just now I am thinking particularly of only the third power, the Word of God.
A Christian's muscles and sinews will strain under the loads which the Spirit will give. To insure spiritual stamina, each believing burden-bearer must eat the strong meat of the Word.
Satan, the enemy of souls, snipes pilgrims from behind some innocent-looking bush. A return volley must be given with the same weapon that the conquering Christ used -- "It is written." We overcome the devil by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. The sword of the Spirit must be ours too.
There is an inner reading of the Word of the Lord. In order to have this, the Holy Spirit, the Author of the Word, comes to indwell the believer and interpret the Word. Jesus said that man cannot live by bread alone.
But mankind does not even try to live by bread alone. He drinks at forbidden springs, steals forbidden fruit, and tries to slake his soul-thirst with forbidden stimulants.
Yet he who has embraced God-made prohibitions is glad that the Spirit himself, the Teacher, the Eternal Wisdom, condescends to take of the things of Jesus and reveal them to US.
The only problem in Christianity is living it. The best Christian is not necessarily a theologian with a mind as keen as a razor. To live the life that God honors, we must first read the Word, then we must obey it. This means that we must practice the Word, that knowledge must be transferred into action. "Be ye doers of the word and not hearers only," said our great Teacher.
Therefore, in this coming year, let us read the Bible to be wise, let us practice the Bible to be holy, and let us obey the Bible to be blessed!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Strive To Righteousness
We should not only achieve righteousness for its blessings alone; we should aspire to righteousness because it is pleasing to God. The verses below in Isaiah 3 and 4 give a good picture of where we stand as a society in America today. I take the great liberty to express my opinion on this issue because I work at a High School in WV that is one of the largest in the state. I interact and observe the students and staff from an excellent vantage point. I observe the public at large as I go about my daily routine of life in the area in which I live. The verses below speak to all societies regarding those who willingly and willfully sin; and there is are very encouraging words for those of the population whose desire it is to live righteously according to the word of God.
In the outright arrogance that is growing like a weed immune to destruction, for the most part our society acts are described as such:
Jerusalem is ruined; Judah is fallen; because their tongue and their doings are against the LORD to provoke the eyes of His glory. The look on their faces witnesses against them and they declare their sins boldly as Sodom and do not attempt to hide it. Woe unto their soul! For they have rewarded evil unto themselves.
There are those who beat His people into pieces and grind the faces of the poor. The daughters of Zion are haughty and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton, wondering eyes, walking and mincing as they go and making a tinkling with their feet. Their pride and arrogance reaches up to the heavens.
What is God's reaction to such arrogance? He will smite with a scab the crown of the head and discover their secret parts. He will take away the bravery of the tinkling ornaments about the feet, the ear rings and their round tires like the moon (necklaces) the chains, the bracelets and the bonnets; the ornaments of the legs and the headbands and the earrings, the rings and nose jewels. The changeable suits of apparel and the mantles and the crisping pins, the glasses and the fine linen and the hoods and the veils.
Instead of sweet smell there shall be stink; and instead of a coat or wrapping a straight jacket, and instead of well set hair, baldness and clothing of sackcloth and burning instead of beauty. The men will fall by the sword and the mighty men of war. The gates of the cities will wail and mourn and being desolate the citizens shall sit upon the ground.
Thus, the reward for arrogance and rebellion against the King of Heaven and Earth.
What of the righteous? In the midst of such terror where do His people fit in? Do we suffer the same lot as a society in total rebellion? NO!
In that day, at the same time, the branch of the LORD shall be beautiful and glorious! The fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely for those who have escaped the scourge. Those who are His will remain and shall be called holy. When the LORD washes away the filth of society by His judgments by the spirit of judgment and burning (these are actual spirits He sets lose), those who have remained righteousness are witnesses that it does pay to obey.
Righteousness does have a reward. There shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat ( and it will get very hot in this process) and a tabernacle and place of refuge and covering from the storms and the great rains that wash away iniquity.
Jesus is our tabernacle. He is with us always; even to the end of the age. His ever present strength, the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead, will quicken our mortal bodies, as well as our spiritual being. Do not fear the things coming upon societies that rebel against God. We are of another kingdom. Though the earth be moved, He is ever present. He is our Rock, our Strong Tower, our Saviour and has given those who love Him eternal salvation.
In the outright arrogance that is growing like a weed immune to destruction, for the most part our society acts are described as such:
Jerusalem is ruined; Judah is fallen; because their tongue and their doings are against the LORD to provoke the eyes of His glory. The look on their faces witnesses against them and they declare their sins boldly as Sodom and do not attempt to hide it. Woe unto their soul! For they have rewarded evil unto themselves.
There are those who beat His people into pieces and grind the faces of the poor. The daughters of Zion are haughty and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton, wondering eyes, walking and mincing as they go and making a tinkling with their feet. Their pride and arrogance reaches up to the heavens.
What is God's reaction to such arrogance? He will smite with a scab the crown of the head and discover their secret parts. He will take away the bravery of the tinkling ornaments about the feet, the ear rings and their round tires like the moon (necklaces) the chains, the bracelets and the bonnets; the ornaments of the legs and the headbands and the earrings, the rings and nose jewels. The changeable suits of apparel and the mantles and the crisping pins, the glasses and the fine linen and the hoods and the veils.
Instead of sweet smell there shall be stink; and instead of a coat or wrapping a straight jacket, and instead of well set hair, baldness and clothing of sackcloth and burning instead of beauty. The men will fall by the sword and the mighty men of war. The gates of the cities will wail and mourn and being desolate the citizens shall sit upon the ground.
Thus, the reward for arrogance and rebellion against the King of Heaven and Earth.
What of the righteous? In the midst of such terror where do His people fit in? Do we suffer the same lot as a society in total rebellion? NO!
In that day, at the same time, the branch of the LORD shall be beautiful and glorious! The fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely for those who have escaped the scourge. Those who are His will remain and shall be called holy. When the LORD washes away the filth of society by His judgments by the spirit of judgment and burning (these are actual spirits He sets lose), those who have remained righteousness are witnesses that it does pay to obey.
Righteousness does have a reward. There shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat ( and it will get very hot in this process) and a tabernacle and place of refuge and covering from the storms and the great rains that wash away iniquity.
Jesus is our tabernacle. He is with us always; even to the end of the age. His ever present strength, the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead, will quicken our mortal bodies, as well as our spiritual being. Do not fear the things coming upon societies that rebel against God. We are of another kingdom. Though the earth be moved, He is ever present. He is our Rock, our Strong Tower, our Saviour and has given those who love Him eternal salvation.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
PRAYER - LEONARD RAVENHILL
Faith Laughs at Impossibilities
By Leonard Ravenhill
Peter in prison! What a jolt!
We are too far removed from the actual scene to catch the atmosphere of dismay the
Christians of that day felt.
Peter had moved from Pentecost to prison, from jeers to spears. He was guarded by sixteen soldiers. One wonders why such a defenseless man needed such a group to watch him. Could it be that Herod feared the supernatural, seeing he knew that Jesus escaped such a group that guarded Him?
Had Peter been hedged in by sixteen hundred soldiers, the problem would not have been increased nor the escape less sure. Peter was bound not only by two chains, but also by the thick walls of the prison, by the three wards of the prison, and finally by an iron gate.
When Peter is in prison, does the church organize a plan to get him released? No. When Peter is jailed, do the believers offer a plea to Herod or suggest a price to offer the lawmakers for his freedom? No. Peter had released others at the hour of prayer; now others must believe for his release.
Right through the book of Acts, which might be called The Acts of Prayer, we find prayer and more prayer. Dig into the book and discover this power that motivated the early church. In the twelfth chapter of Acts we find a group that prayed. Though a host encamped against Peter, in this were these believers confident: there was a God who could and would deliver. The one never-failing rescue operation was prayer. There was no hedging about in the prayers of those who made intercession for Peter.
Prayer was made without ceasing by the church unto God for him. They did not seem to be concerned whether Herod should die or not. They did not pray that they might escape Peter's fate. They were not asking that they have another exodus to a more hospitable country. They prayed for one person: Peter. They prayed for one thing: his release. The answer proves the point: "Whatsoever ye shall ask,... that will I do"
Some shabby interpreters of this story have said that when the pray-ers heard that Peter was at the door, they were unbelieving. I cannot accept this assumption. I am sure that they prayed with expectation. I like to think that they were for the moment staggered by the immediacy of the answer. They could be excused if they raised their eyebrows when Peter said, "I got out quite easily with an angel escort " (Next time you pass through the magic self-opening door at your supermarket, remember that the first door to open of its own accord was operated from above!)
Angel deliverances seem to find no place in our modern theology. Perhaps we would like the Lord to answer our prayers with the least embarrassment to us. After all, who expects that the angelic ranks should be disturbed just to bring deliverance to a praying soul? But supernatural results came for many of the praying saints of apostolic days. The Lord geared a property-damaging earthquake to get deliverance for an apostle. Prayer is dynamite.
There is no weapon formed against prayer that can neutralize it. Some things can delay answers to prayer, but nothing can stop the full purpose of God. "Though it tarry, wait for it."
The first requirement in prayer is to believe. -Believe that God is and that "he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." -Believe that God is alive and therefore has power-not only for Peter's deliverance, but for ours. -Believe that God is love and that He cares for His own. -Believe that God is power and therefore no power can stand against Him. -Believe that God is truth and therefore cannot lie. -Believe that God is kind and that He will never abdicate His throne or fail in His promise.
Reflecting on the story of Peter, I am rebuked, humiliated, chagrined, stung. Why? Because there are some great modern saints, Watchman Nee for one, who for years have suffered and been held captive by communists and others. Many of the saints today are shut up in prison. The same fate has befallen some of God's choice witnesses in Vietnam and in the Congo.
Such perils to other members of the Body demand concern, concentration, and consecration to a committed plan of prayer on their behalf. I fear that prayer has not been made to God without ceasing for these suffering kinsmen.
Mr. Bunyan shows us his Christian held captive by the Giant Despair in Doubting Castle. The key to his deliverance was Promise. We Christians are in captivity on many levels today personal, domestic, church, and missionary enterprise. But fetters break and dungeons fall when prayer is made by the church unto God- -Prayer without ceasing; -Prayer that might shatter our status quo; -Prayer that drains us of every other interest; -Prayer that excites us by its immense possibilities; -Prayer that sees God as the One that rules on high, almighty to save; -Prayer that laughs at impossibilities and cries, "It shall be done"; -Prayer that sees all things beneath His feet; -Prayer that is motivated with desire for God's glory.
The praying of the believer can become a ritual. The place of prayer is more than a dumping ground for all our anxieties, frets, and fears. The place of prayer is not a place to drop a shopping list before the throne of a God with endless supplies and limitless power.
I believe the place of prayer is not only a place where I lose my burdens, but also a place where I get a burden. He shares my burden and I share His burden. "My yoke is easy and my burden is light." To know that burden, we must hear the voice of the Spirit. To hear that voice, we must be still and know that He is God.
This calamitous hour in the affairs of men demands a church healthier than the one we have. This blatant manifestation of evil in the youth and in the violation of God's commandments throughout the world calls for a faith that will not shrink.
Can we let our prayer swords rust in the scabbards of doubt? Shall our prayer harps hang tuneless on the willows of unbelief -If God is a god of matchless power and incredible might, -If the Bible is the unchangeable Word of the living God, -If the virtue of Christ is as fresh today as when He first made the offering of Himself to God after His resurrection, -If He is the one and only mediator today, -If the Holy Spirit can quicken us as He did our spiritual fathers, Then all things are possible today.The seas were boiling, the winds were howling, the sails were tearing, the spars were flying, the stars were hiding, Euroclydon was blasting. The people were cringing and crying, sobbing and sighing. One man alone was praising. All were expecting death save Paul. Amidst a scene of hopelessness, if ever there was one, Paul cries, "Sirs, I believe God" (Acts 27).
As things seem to fall apart these days, I am going to join Paul. I am going to say in faith, "Sirs, I believe God." Will you join me?
By Leonard Ravenhill
Peter in prison! What a jolt!
We are too far removed from the actual scene to catch the atmosphere of dismay the
Christians of that day felt.
Peter had moved from Pentecost to prison, from jeers to spears. He was guarded by sixteen soldiers. One wonders why such a defenseless man needed such a group to watch him. Could it be that Herod feared the supernatural, seeing he knew that Jesus escaped such a group that guarded Him?
Had Peter been hedged in by sixteen hundred soldiers, the problem would not have been increased nor the escape less sure. Peter was bound not only by two chains, but also by the thick walls of the prison, by the three wards of the prison, and finally by an iron gate.
When Peter is in prison, does the church organize a plan to get him released? No. When Peter is jailed, do the believers offer a plea to Herod or suggest a price to offer the lawmakers for his freedom? No. Peter had released others at the hour of prayer; now others must believe for his release.
Right through the book of Acts, which might be called The Acts of Prayer, we find prayer and more prayer. Dig into the book and discover this power that motivated the early church. In the twelfth chapter of Acts we find a group that prayed. Though a host encamped against Peter, in this were these believers confident: there was a God who could and would deliver. The one never-failing rescue operation was prayer. There was no hedging about in the prayers of those who made intercession for Peter.
Prayer was made without ceasing by the church unto God for him. They did not seem to be concerned whether Herod should die or not. They did not pray that they might escape Peter's fate. They were not asking that they have another exodus to a more hospitable country. They prayed for one person: Peter. They prayed for one thing: his release. The answer proves the point: "Whatsoever ye shall ask,... that will I do"
Some shabby interpreters of this story have said that when the pray-ers heard that Peter was at the door, they were unbelieving. I cannot accept this assumption. I am sure that they prayed with expectation. I like to think that they were for the moment staggered by the immediacy of the answer. They could be excused if they raised their eyebrows when Peter said, "I got out quite easily with an angel escort " (Next time you pass through the magic self-opening door at your supermarket, remember that the first door to open of its own accord was operated from above!)
Angel deliverances seem to find no place in our modern theology. Perhaps we would like the Lord to answer our prayers with the least embarrassment to us. After all, who expects that the angelic ranks should be disturbed just to bring deliverance to a praying soul? But supernatural results came for many of the praying saints of apostolic days. The Lord geared a property-damaging earthquake to get deliverance for an apostle. Prayer is dynamite.
There is no weapon formed against prayer that can neutralize it. Some things can delay answers to prayer, but nothing can stop the full purpose of God. "Though it tarry, wait for it."
The first requirement in prayer is to believe. -Believe that God is and that "he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." -Believe that God is alive and therefore has power-not only for Peter's deliverance, but for ours. -Believe that God is love and that He cares for His own. -Believe that God is power and therefore no power can stand against Him. -Believe that God is truth and therefore cannot lie. -Believe that God is kind and that He will never abdicate His throne or fail in His promise.
Reflecting on the story of Peter, I am rebuked, humiliated, chagrined, stung. Why? Because there are some great modern saints, Watchman Nee for one, who for years have suffered and been held captive by communists and others. Many of the saints today are shut up in prison. The same fate has befallen some of God's choice witnesses in Vietnam and in the Congo.
Such perils to other members of the Body demand concern, concentration, and consecration to a committed plan of prayer on their behalf. I fear that prayer has not been made to God without ceasing for these suffering kinsmen.
Mr. Bunyan shows us his Christian held captive by the Giant Despair in Doubting Castle. The key to his deliverance was Promise. We Christians are in captivity on many levels today personal, domestic, church, and missionary enterprise. But fetters break and dungeons fall when prayer is made by the church unto God- -Prayer without ceasing; -Prayer that might shatter our status quo; -Prayer that drains us of every other interest; -Prayer that excites us by its immense possibilities; -Prayer that sees God as the One that rules on high, almighty to save; -Prayer that laughs at impossibilities and cries, "It shall be done"; -Prayer that sees all things beneath His feet; -Prayer that is motivated with desire for God's glory.
The praying of the believer can become a ritual. The place of prayer is more than a dumping ground for all our anxieties, frets, and fears. The place of prayer is not a place to drop a shopping list before the throne of a God with endless supplies and limitless power.
I believe the place of prayer is not only a place where I lose my burdens, but also a place where I get a burden. He shares my burden and I share His burden. "My yoke is easy and my burden is light." To know that burden, we must hear the voice of the Spirit. To hear that voice, we must be still and know that He is God.
This calamitous hour in the affairs of men demands a church healthier than the one we have. This blatant manifestation of evil in the youth and in the violation of God's commandments throughout the world calls for a faith that will not shrink.
Can we let our prayer swords rust in the scabbards of doubt? Shall our prayer harps hang tuneless on the willows of unbelief -If God is a god of matchless power and incredible might, -If the Bible is the unchangeable Word of the living God, -If the virtue of Christ is as fresh today as when He first made the offering of Himself to God after His resurrection, -If He is the one and only mediator today, -If the Holy Spirit can quicken us as He did our spiritual fathers, Then all things are possible today.The seas were boiling, the winds were howling, the sails were tearing, the spars were flying, the stars were hiding, Euroclydon was blasting. The people were cringing and crying, sobbing and sighing. One man alone was praising. All were expecting death save Paul. Amidst a scene of hopelessness, if ever there was one, Paul cries, "Sirs, I believe God" (Acts 27).
As things seem to fall apart these days, I am going to join Paul. I am going to say in faith, "Sirs, I believe God." Will you join me?
AS HE IS - SO ARE WE
There is a passage of Scripture that says, "As He was, so are we" in the earth. We are His representatives. He prayed to the Father in John 17 that we not be removed from the earth, but that we may become One with He, the Father and the Spirit.
In that context I examined Isaiah 35 and have been thinking about what it says for several days now. I would like to pass it along. It is said that all it takes for evil to prosper is for good people to do or say nothing. Most do not want to get involved when they seen wrong doing because they do not want to be dragged into the issues another may face. Even in the midst of brazen wrongdoing, most will cower and hide; hoping it does not involve them.
Did Christ act in such a manner? What if He had not cleansed the Temple, cast out demons, confronted the religious leaders of the day with hard questions that made them examine themselves? What kind of "christ" would this have been? Someone we would want to emulate? I think not!
Isaiah 35 can be taken in context of our effectiveness when we confront evil and the madness of this age. Those who are under the power of the enemy, oppression and great turmoil will experience Christ working through us and great manifestations will occur as truly His will is done on earth, right now, as it is done in heaven. Isaiah 35 says ~
" The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them: (us)
and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose. It shall blossom abundantly and rejoice even with joy an dsinging;"
" The glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the LORD, and the excellency of our God. Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not; behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; He will come and save you."
( God is in the saving business! )
Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters breat out, and streams in the desert. And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water:"
" in the habitation of dragons, where each lay, shall be grass with reeds and rushes. And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The Way of Holiness: the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein."
" No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there: And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away."
This is the effect the righteous have against those who are captive and bound by this world system of evil, oppression and depression. Jesus said that "the Kingdom of God is within you..." It is where ever we are! Nothing shall prevail against the children of the Great King. We need to appropriate this by faith. Remember that He said that when we are faithless and running low, He is still faithful.
What a God we have! Live it; apply it to every circumstance. Walk in righteousness and minister to those who are captive. Do not fear the mighty fierce looks of those who oppress. God can make our foreheads as hard as theirs, as hard as iron if necessary. Fight the good fight of faith, press onward to attain the prize of the high calling of God we have in Christ Jesus. He who has promised to never leave us or forsake us is or great Rock, our Fortress and our Deliverer in times of trouble.
In that context I examined Isaiah 35 and have been thinking about what it says for several days now. I would like to pass it along. It is said that all it takes for evil to prosper is for good people to do or say nothing. Most do not want to get involved when they seen wrong doing because they do not want to be dragged into the issues another may face. Even in the midst of brazen wrongdoing, most will cower and hide; hoping it does not involve them.
Did Christ act in such a manner? What if He had not cleansed the Temple, cast out demons, confronted the religious leaders of the day with hard questions that made them examine themselves? What kind of "christ" would this have been? Someone we would want to emulate? I think not!
Isaiah 35 can be taken in context of our effectiveness when we confront evil and the madness of this age. Those who are under the power of the enemy, oppression and great turmoil will experience Christ working through us and great manifestations will occur as truly His will is done on earth, right now, as it is done in heaven. Isaiah 35 says ~
" The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them: (us)
and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose. It shall blossom abundantly and rejoice even with joy an dsinging;"
" The glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the LORD, and the excellency of our God. Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not; behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; He will come and save you."
( God is in the saving business! )
Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters breat out, and streams in the desert. And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water:"
" in the habitation of dragons, where each lay, shall be grass with reeds and rushes. And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The Way of Holiness: the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein."
" No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there: And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away."
This is the effect the righteous have against those who are captive and bound by this world system of evil, oppression and depression. Jesus said that "the Kingdom of God is within you..." It is where ever we are! Nothing shall prevail against the children of the Great King. We need to appropriate this by faith. Remember that He said that when we are faithless and running low, He is still faithful.
What a God we have! Live it; apply it to every circumstance. Walk in righteousness and minister to those who are captive. Do not fear the mighty fierce looks of those who oppress. God can make our foreheads as hard as theirs, as hard as iron if necessary. Fight the good fight of faith, press onward to attain the prize of the high calling of God we have in Christ Jesus. He who has promised to never leave us or forsake us is or great Rock, our Fortress and our Deliverer in times of trouble.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Do Not Limit God
David Wilkerson Today
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2010
I HAVE LIMITED GOD BY BEING SATISFIED WITH TOO LITTLE!
God has so much he wants to give you. His desire is to “open you the windows
of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to
receive it” (Malachi 3:10). He stands in a full storehouse, saying, “I am a
giving, loving God—but so few will receive from me. They won’t let me be God
to them!
Of course, we are to thank God for all he has done and given already. Yet we
are not to be satisfied with what we think is a lot! Many Christians aresatisfied to sit in church and be blessed by God’s presence. Such people are no more than “satisfied sponges”! They soak everything up—but they limit
God in their lives, when he so wants to anoint them for service.
When the disciples marveled at Christ’s miracles, Jesus replied, “God has
an even greater work ahead for you!” Most of us are like the disciples. We
see one miracle, and we’re satisfied to talk about it for the rest of our
lives. Yet if we really knew God and let him be God to us, we would ask him for
so much more:
• We would reach into the heavenlies by faith, believing God to bring down
the godless leaders in local, state, and federal agencies. We would bring down
principalities and powers, as God said!
• We would believe God to help us saturate our city with the gospel of Jesus.
We would stand up in faith against every weapon aimed against us, and we would
be putting down satanic strongholds in our families and churches.
Our vision would be limitless. We would believe God for even greater things for His kingdom!
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2010
I HAVE LIMITED GOD BY BEING SATISFIED WITH TOO LITTLE!
God has so much he wants to give you. His desire is to “open you the windows
of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to
receive it” (Malachi 3:10). He stands in a full storehouse, saying, “I am a
giving, loving God—but so few will receive from me. They won’t let me be God
to them!
Of course, we are to thank God for all he has done and given already. Yet we
are not to be satisfied with what we think is a lot! Many Christians aresatisfied to sit in church and be blessed by God’s presence. Such people are no more than “satisfied sponges”! They soak everything up—but they limit
God in their lives, when he so wants to anoint them for service.
When the disciples marveled at Christ’s miracles, Jesus replied, “God has
an even greater work ahead for you!” Most of us are like the disciples. We
see one miracle, and we’re satisfied to talk about it for the rest of our
lives. Yet if we really knew God and let him be God to us, we would ask him for
so much more:
• We would reach into the heavenlies by faith, believing God to bring down
the godless leaders in local, state, and federal agencies. We would bring down
principalities and powers, as God said!
• We would believe God to help us saturate our city with the gospel of Jesus.
We would stand up in faith against every weapon aimed against us, and we would
be putting down satanic strongholds in our families and churches.
Our vision would be limitless. We would believe God for even greater things for His kingdom!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
RESTORATION - Asher Instrater
Thursday, October 7, 2010
ASHER INSTRATER
We believe in the biblical principle of restoration. God made everything in the world "very good". (Genesis 1:31) Yet, Adam's sin and Satan's rebellion caused much destruction. God's plan of redemption not only saves us from damnation, it also restores the damage that was caused.
That restoration is first personal. Our spirit, soul, and body are redeemed. However, God's restoration is also general, and includes everything in the world. Personal restoration is better known in the Christian world, while world restoration is better known in the Jewish world. The New Covenant includes both.
The traditional Jewish prayer, "Aleinu" (It is incumbent upon us), which closes every service, three times per day, makes a petition - - "to repair the world in the kingdom of El Shaddai." The word here for "repair" is - - "Tikkun." [This is the name we use for our cooperative ministries with Dan Juster, Don Finto, David Rudolph, Eitan Shishkoff and Paul Wilbur.]
World restoration (Tikkun) is central not only to our ministry, but to the worldview of the kingdom of God. There are five passages in the New Covenant that speak specifically of world restoration.
1. Matthew 17 - The Church
2. Romans 11 - The Messianic remnant
3. Matthew 19 - Natural Creation
4. Acts 1 - Kingdom of Israel
5. Acts 3 - All Things
Matthew 17:11
Elijah is coming first and will restore all things.
Yeshua prophesies that someone in the spirit and power of Elijah will come "first" - that means before Yeshua returns. The "days of Elijah" restoration will take place before the 2nd Coming. The phrase, "all things," cannot mean all things in the world, because that will only happen after Yeshua returns. This restoration is parallel to the prophecy that "the bride will make herself ready." (Revelation 19:7) The elements of the kingdom of God will be restored within the community of faith before Yeshua returns. When He returns, what is within the people of God will be revealed and given to the nations. A central theme of prophetic ministry in our generation is the restoration of the true Church as we approach the 2nd Coming.
Romans 11:15
What will their restoration be but life from the dead?
There will also be a restoration of the Messianic remnant of Israel. This dual restoration can be seen in Revelation 7:4 and 9. The elements to be restored are those found in the early community of faith in the book of Acts. There we see sacrificial love, extravagant giving, bold evangelism, miraculous signs, and unity of the saints.
The end times remnant of Israel will be even stronger than the apostolic community of the first century (Romans 11:12). The revival of the end times will be greater than the revival they experienced (Acts 2:17). The Messianic remnant will be a key element leading to the resurrection of the dead.
Matthew 19:28
In the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
As both the international Church and the remnant of Israel come into their fullness (Romans 11:15 and 25), they will together call upon Yeshua to return (Matthew 23:39, Revelation 22:20). At that time the kingdom of God will be established on the earth for a thousand years. This Millennial kingdom will include two key elements.
The first is "regeneration." The Hebrew translation says, "renewal of creation." The Greek original is paliggenesia - pali means "again" and "genesia" means "genesis" like creation in the book of Genesis. Natural creation will be redeemed (Romans 8:19-22). The heavens and earth will be renewed as they were immediately after the flood of Noah (II Peter 3:3-5). People will begin to live longer lives (Isaiah 65:17, 20).
The second element is a world wide kingdom with its capital in Jerusalem.
Acts 1:6
Will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?
The apostles expected Yeshua to restore the Davidic kingdom immediately upon His resurrection from the dead. However, He told them they first had to receive the Holy Spirit and preach the gospel to the nations. His kingdom was to be international, not just Israelite; and spiritual, not just governmental. It is a renewal and expansion of the Davidic kingdom (Isaiah 2:2-4). The former dominion will be restored (Micah 4:8).
Yeshua will sit upon His throne in Jerusalem; the apostles will sit on twelve thrones governing the tribes of Israel. Those who have "followed Him" will sit on thrones governing the rest of the nations - when Yeshua returns in glory (Matthew 16:27; 19:28; 24:30; 24:46-47; 25:21; 25:31; 26:64).
Acts 3:21
Whom the heavens must receive until the time of the restoration of all things; which God has spoken by the mouth of all His prophets since the world began.
Ultimately, God will restore all things. There is nothing that will not be restored. This includes everything planned at creation; everything prophesied to Israel; everything promised to the Church. It includes all things in heaven and earth (Ephesians 1:10). God's commitment to restore all things is a source of great hope and encouragement to us all.
ASHER INSTRATER
We believe in the biblical principle of restoration. God made everything in the world "very good". (Genesis 1:31) Yet, Adam's sin and Satan's rebellion caused much destruction. God's plan of redemption not only saves us from damnation, it also restores the damage that was caused.
That restoration is first personal. Our spirit, soul, and body are redeemed. However, God's restoration is also general, and includes everything in the world. Personal restoration is better known in the Christian world, while world restoration is better known in the Jewish world. The New Covenant includes both.
The traditional Jewish prayer, "Aleinu" (It is incumbent upon us), which closes every service, three times per day, makes a petition - - "to repair the world in the kingdom of El Shaddai." The word here for "repair" is - - "Tikkun." [This is the name we use for our cooperative ministries with Dan Juster, Don Finto, David Rudolph, Eitan Shishkoff and Paul Wilbur.]
World restoration (Tikkun) is central not only to our ministry, but to the worldview of the kingdom of God. There are five passages in the New Covenant that speak specifically of world restoration.
1. Matthew 17 - The Church
2. Romans 11 - The Messianic remnant
3. Matthew 19 - Natural Creation
4. Acts 1 - Kingdom of Israel
5. Acts 3 - All Things
Matthew 17:11
Elijah is coming first and will restore all things.
Yeshua prophesies that someone in the spirit and power of Elijah will come "first" - that means before Yeshua returns. The "days of Elijah" restoration will take place before the 2nd Coming. The phrase, "all things," cannot mean all things in the world, because that will only happen after Yeshua returns. This restoration is parallel to the prophecy that "the bride will make herself ready." (Revelation 19:7) The elements of the kingdom of God will be restored within the community of faith before Yeshua returns. When He returns, what is within the people of God will be revealed and given to the nations. A central theme of prophetic ministry in our generation is the restoration of the true Church as we approach the 2nd Coming.
Romans 11:15
What will their restoration be but life from the dead?
There will also be a restoration of the Messianic remnant of Israel. This dual restoration can be seen in Revelation 7:4 and 9. The elements to be restored are those found in the early community of faith in the book of Acts. There we see sacrificial love, extravagant giving, bold evangelism, miraculous signs, and unity of the saints.
The end times remnant of Israel will be even stronger than the apostolic community of the first century (Romans 11:12). The revival of the end times will be greater than the revival they experienced (Acts 2:17). The Messianic remnant will be a key element leading to the resurrection of the dead.
Matthew 19:28
In the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
As both the international Church and the remnant of Israel come into their fullness (Romans 11:15 and 25), they will together call upon Yeshua to return (Matthew 23:39, Revelation 22:20). At that time the kingdom of God will be established on the earth for a thousand years. This Millennial kingdom will include two key elements.
The first is "regeneration." The Hebrew translation says, "renewal of creation." The Greek original is paliggenesia - pali means "again" and "genesia" means "genesis" like creation in the book of Genesis. Natural creation will be redeemed (Romans 8:19-22). The heavens and earth will be renewed as they were immediately after the flood of Noah (II Peter 3:3-5). People will begin to live longer lives (Isaiah 65:17, 20).
The second element is a world wide kingdom with its capital in Jerusalem.
Acts 1:6
Will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?
The apostles expected Yeshua to restore the Davidic kingdom immediately upon His resurrection from the dead. However, He told them they first had to receive the Holy Spirit and preach the gospel to the nations. His kingdom was to be international, not just Israelite; and spiritual, not just governmental. It is a renewal and expansion of the Davidic kingdom (Isaiah 2:2-4). The former dominion will be restored (Micah 4:8).
Yeshua will sit upon His throne in Jerusalem; the apostles will sit on twelve thrones governing the tribes of Israel. Those who have "followed Him" will sit on thrones governing the rest of the nations - when Yeshua returns in glory (Matthew 16:27; 19:28; 24:30; 24:46-47; 25:21; 25:31; 26:64).
Acts 3:21
Whom the heavens must receive until the time of the restoration of all things; which God has spoken by the mouth of all His prophets since the world began.
Ultimately, God will restore all things. There is nothing that will not be restored. This includes everything planned at creation; everything prophesied to Israel; everything promised to the Church. It includes all things in heaven and earth (Ephesians 1:10). God's commitment to restore all things is a source of great hope and encouragement to us all.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Seen and Unseen
There are things seen; and things unseen. Which are more influential in our lives? Colossians 1 speaks of this, saying, "For by Him (Christ) all things were created. What is in heaven and what is in earth. He created visible and invisible; whether they are thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; ALL things were created by Him and for Him."
This concept, no, this fact can boggle's the mind. Remember the Apostle Paul said we do not fight against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers. And, all power has been given to the Son. Jesus, Son of David (an earthly king) and yet, the Son of God! How human, how Divine! Jesus has the keys of hell and the grave; not Satan!
Which is more real? The invisible or the visible? Which is most real to us? Heaven or earth? Who do we battle - an enemy and forces that are unseen. Humans and events in our lives here on earth tend to focus our mind on our own belly button. We are so involved in just surviving for the day or the week that we forget about the unseen forces that both assist us and engage us in battle. Both forces are real.
But remember, Christ created them all. It was all created out of nothing; by the Word of His mouth the earth was formed. Christ is before all things, and by Him all things consist. Hebrews 1 says that Jesus is the brightness of the Father's glory and the express (identical) image of His person. He upholds all things by the Word of His power.
This mighty, Godly being, both human and divine, now sits at the right hand of the Father. He is sitting there, a position of rest, while the Father makes His Son's enemies His footstool. If we get this picture of Christ, our Saviour, it makes the journey more bearable. The trials and tribulations only strengthen our resolve and determination to finish this earthly race and obtain our eternal glorified bodies; a body likened unto His glorious body!
The picture of the suffering Christ is a thing of the past. It has served His purpose. Now at the close of the age we need a new revelation of who He is in these last of days. He is not returning as a lily white being surrounded by feminine angels. He is coming back as a mighty Heavenly Warrior ready to fight for what was given to Him by the Father. The promised inheritance is at stake.
Sin is running its course. The cup of iniquity will reach its necessary level of fullness by the Father's determination, enough people will have been deceived. And, Believers will have gotten to the place where we all realize who our Saviour really is.
He's coming back for those who are looking for Him; waiting in anticipation as a Bride awaits anxiously for her Groom.
Here on earth it sometime seems that God hides Himself; Scripture infers that He does at times. But, there are treasures in those dark times. There are hidden riches in the secret places. (Isaiah 45) Our job is to have faith in what Christ says - He is always with us; He never leaves us or forsakes us. The deep darkness of life has hidden treasure only available if we follow Him into those places. He is in there! King David said, "Where can I go from Your presence? If I go to the depths of hell, You are there, if I travel to the ends of the earth, You are there."
Never, ever forget - He is in us through the working of the Holy Spirit in us - He is coming to defeat His enemies. He will make crooked places straight and break in pieces the gates of brass and cut in sunder the bars of iron. Sin and our enemy will be shortly defeated.
Do not lose heart! Let us look up, for our redemption is drawing near.
This concept, no, this fact can boggle's the mind. Remember the Apostle Paul said we do not fight against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers. And, all power has been given to the Son. Jesus, Son of David (an earthly king) and yet, the Son of God! How human, how Divine! Jesus has the keys of hell and the grave; not Satan!
Which is more real? The invisible or the visible? Which is most real to us? Heaven or earth? Who do we battle - an enemy and forces that are unseen. Humans and events in our lives here on earth tend to focus our mind on our own belly button. We are so involved in just surviving for the day or the week that we forget about the unseen forces that both assist us and engage us in battle. Both forces are real.
But remember, Christ created them all. It was all created out of nothing; by the Word of His mouth the earth was formed. Christ is before all things, and by Him all things consist. Hebrews 1 says that Jesus is the brightness of the Father's glory and the express (identical) image of His person. He upholds all things by the Word of His power.
This mighty, Godly being, both human and divine, now sits at the right hand of the Father. He is sitting there, a position of rest, while the Father makes His Son's enemies His footstool. If we get this picture of Christ, our Saviour, it makes the journey more bearable. The trials and tribulations only strengthen our resolve and determination to finish this earthly race and obtain our eternal glorified bodies; a body likened unto His glorious body!
The picture of the suffering Christ is a thing of the past. It has served His purpose. Now at the close of the age we need a new revelation of who He is in these last of days. He is not returning as a lily white being surrounded by feminine angels. He is coming back as a mighty Heavenly Warrior ready to fight for what was given to Him by the Father. The promised inheritance is at stake.
Sin is running its course. The cup of iniquity will reach its necessary level of fullness by the Father's determination, enough people will have been deceived. And, Believers will have gotten to the place where we all realize who our Saviour really is.
He's coming back for those who are looking for Him; waiting in anticipation as a Bride awaits anxiously for her Groom.
Here on earth it sometime seems that God hides Himself; Scripture infers that He does at times. But, there are treasures in those dark times. There are hidden riches in the secret places. (Isaiah 45) Our job is to have faith in what Christ says - He is always with us; He never leaves us or forsakes us. The deep darkness of life has hidden treasure only available if we follow Him into those places. He is in there! King David said, "Where can I go from Your presence? If I go to the depths of hell, You are there, if I travel to the ends of the earth, You are there."
Never, ever forget - He is in us through the working of the Holy Spirit in us - He is coming to defeat His enemies. He will make crooked places straight and break in pieces the gates of brass and cut in sunder the bars of iron. Sin and our enemy will be shortly defeated.
Do not lose heart! Let us look up, for our redemption is drawing near.
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