As I study even further on this subject of healing, the Holy Spirit continues to lead me to many places in the word. On this particular night He has lead me to 2 Corinthians 12: 3-10.
3And I knew such a man (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth)-4How he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.5Of such an one will I glory; yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.6For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth. But now I forbear, lest any man should thnk of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.7And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.8For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.9And he said unto me, "My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness". Most gladly, therefore, will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.10Therefore, I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then am I strong.
Paul's "thorn in the flesh" was some kind of bodily weakness or disease; possibly it may have been an eye affliction. Undoubtedly the reason that its particular nature is not disclosed is so that Paul's cosolations (comfort), may be a benefit to all to whom any type of "thorn" is given. For God's people, weakness,infirmity, and even disease may be divinely permitted to cause us to be humble, to caution us against presumption in prayer, and exhibit the all-sufficiency of God's grace.
Paul was well aware of getting to the point of thinking to highly of himself, or even of others thinking to highly of him, because of what he had seen and heard. He thanked God for protecting him of that situation. In this case, it was a "thorn". Because of it, God was able to move Paul to knowing that His grace was all he needed. God will complete that which He started. He will mold us and make us into what He wants us to be. He takes full responsibility of that task and is perfectly sufficient to complete it. Thank you Lord for loving us in that kind of capacity. Thank you for providing us what we are incapable of supplying for ourself. Teach us Father to know that your grace is sufficient in all things.
In God's love,
Stan
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Sunday, January 10, 2010
A Work In Progress
We have been talking about this awakening for a few days now. As I was reading some of the blogs the other night, the Holy Spirit put the title of "A Work In Progress" in my thoughts. Now, I know there are many that really don't believe that the Holy Spirit moves in our thoughts and reveals to us what God wants said or done. For many, they think that we are just supposed to take what we learn and make the best decesions we can as we travel through this life. But we all know that God is in control. He does direct us in where we are going and what we will do. Whether we understand that or not, He does. There are many today that the Holy Spirit is filling with this awakening that is moving. Many have seen great things that the Lord is doing and will do. The Holy Spirit is encouraging us to speak these words. I personally have heard many responses to this message. I have been told that we are not in any more of a tougher time than in previous history, when we have faced similar obstacles. I have heard how many times this message has been spoken over the years. For many, this is just another day, just another obstacle.
I want us to hear the words of Luke, who is the author of the book of Acts. Acts beginning in chapter 2 verses 1-18.
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come,they were all with one accord in one place.2And suddenly there came a sound from heaven like a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.3And there appeared unto them cloven tongues as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.4And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and begun to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.5And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.6Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because every man heard them speak in his own language.7And they were all amazed and marveled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these who speak Galilaeans?8And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?9Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,10Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and sojourners of Rome, both Jews and proselytes,11Cretans, and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.12And they were all amazed, and were perplexed, saying one to another, What meaneth this?13Others, mocking, said, These men are full of new wine.14But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words;15For these are not drunk, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.16But this is that which was spoken through the prophet, Joel:17And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams;18And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit, and they shall prophesy.
You see, the Lord Jesus warned that during the whole period, while the Church is being formed by the Holy Spirit, many will reject His Gospel, and many others will pretend to believe in Him and will become a source of spiritual corruption and hinderance to His purpose in this age, in the professing church These will bring apostasy, particularly in the last days. Matthew 13:24-30. Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, "The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man who sowed good seed in his field;25But, while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.26But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.27So the servants of the householder came and said unto him,Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? From where, then, hath it tares?28He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou, then, that we go and gather them up?29But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.30Let both grow together until the harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn."
Matthew 13:36-40. 36Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house; and his disciples came unto him, saying, Explain unto us the parable of the tares of the field.37He answered and said unto them, " He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man;38The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom, but the tares are the children of the wicked one;39The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the age; and the reapers are the angels.40As, therefor, the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so shall it be in the end of this age.
Matthew 13:47-49. " Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered every kind,48Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away.49So shall it be at the end of the age; the angels shall come forth, and seperate the wicked from the righteous."
2 Timothy 3:1 This know, also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
The rapture of the church is upon us. God gave us the events that would take place before the coming of Jesus to take His church out of here. Although it is true, that no man will know the day or the hour that He will come, the bible is very clear about us being able to see the season. The only thing that is preventing Jesus from returning now, is that there is still one to save. The minute He nets the last one, we shall immediately see him in the sky. All of us who hear the Holy Spirit's call to speak His message, speak it. What ever He is leading you to do, do it. The movement has been kicked up a notch. As I said before, we are at last call. Lets hold on to His hand and watch with anticipation this work that He is doing. Lets speak the prophesy, see the visions, and dream the dreams as the Spirit of God is pouring it out to us in these days. God doesn't want us to seperate the harvest , only to catch it.
May you be filled with the Spirit,
Stan
I want us to hear the words of Luke, who is the author of the book of Acts. Acts beginning in chapter 2 verses 1-18.
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come,they were all with one accord in one place.2And suddenly there came a sound from heaven like a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.3And there appeared unto them cloven tongues as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.4And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and begun to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.5And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.6Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because every man heard them speak in his own language.7And they were all amazed and marveled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these who speak Galilaeans?8And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?9Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,10Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and sojourners of Rome, both Jews and proselytes,11Cretans, and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.12And they were all amazed, and were perplexed, saying one to another, What meaneth this?13Others, mocking, said, These men are full of new wine.14But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words;15For these are not drunk, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.16But this is that which was spoken through the prophet, Joel:17And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams;18And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit, and they shall prophesy.
You see, the Lord Jesus warned that during the whole period, while the Church is being formed by the Holy Spirit, many will reject His Gospel, and many others will pretend to believe in Him and will become a source of spiritual corruption and hinderance to His purpose in this age, in the professing church These will bring apostasy, particularly in the last days. Matthew 13:24-30. Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, "The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man who sowed good seed in his field;25But, while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.26But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.27So the servants of the householder came and said unto him,Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? From where, then, hath it tares?28He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou, then, that we go and gather them up?29But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.30Let both grow together until the harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn."
Matthew 13:36-40. 36Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house; and his disciples came unto him, saying, Explain unto us the parable of the tares of the field.37He answered and said unto them, " He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man;38The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom, but the tares are the children of the wicked one;39The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the age; and the reapers are the angels.40As, therefor, the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so shall it be in the end of this age.
Matthew 13:47-49. " Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered every kind,48Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away.49So shall it be at the end of the age; the angels shall come forth, and seperate the wicked from the righteous."
2 Timothy 3:1 This know, also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
The rapture of the church is upon us. God gave us the events that would take place before the coming of Jesus to take His church out of here. Although it is true, that no man will know the day or the hour that He will come, the bible is very clear about us being able to see the season. The only thing that is preventing Jesus from returning now, is that there is still one to save. The minute He nets the last one, we shall immediately see him in the sky. All of us who hear the Holy Spirit's call to speak His message, speak it. What ever He is leading you to do, do it. The movement has been kicked up a notch. As I said before, we are at last call. Lets hold on to His hand and watch with anticipation this work that He is doing. Lets speak the prophesy, see the visions, and dream the dreams as the Spirit of God is pouring it out to us in these days. God doesn't want us to seperate the harvest , only to catch it.
May you be filled with the Spirit,
Stan
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
The Power of His Blood
Sin, sin, sin. What a powerful word. The bible tells us that we all have sinned and fallen short. For the wages of sin is death. Sin receives the punishment of eternal death. Being cut off from God without the ability to receive anything from Him. Those who die in sin will be cast into utter darkness, eternal damnation. At the Last Supper Jesus spoke to His disciples and He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, "Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins". When Jesus was crucified on the cross, it was the shedding of His blood that covered and conquered all sin. The price had been paid for all sin debt. There no longer was a wage for sin. God supplied us a perfect gift to pay our price. For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. So, in reality, we are not lost because of sin, but because we reject the perfect sacrifice of Jesus for our salvation.
We seem to be a very judgemental world. We tend to develope attitudes towards people for the things they do. Listen to what Paul wrote in Romans 14: 13-15. Let us not, therefore, judge one another any more; but judge this, rather; that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother's way. I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is NOTHING unclean of itself; but to him that esteemeth anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. But if thy brother be grieved with thy food, now walkest thou not in love. DESTROY NOT HIM with thy food, for whom Christ died. In other words, Jesus has overcome that sin and any other that we might do. So do not condemn one another of it. But instead, turn them to Jesus. The world can get itself in total bondage of their acts of sin. They become trapped to who they are. Jesus died on the cross to set us free. It was the shedding of His blood that forgives us for all our sins. When we come to know Jesus, His blood covers us from all our unrighteousness. We are free from the penalty of sin. God said that if we would simply ask Him for forgiveness that He would forgive us of our sin. It's forgiven, finished, wiped away. Not because we did anything to recieve the forgiveness, but because of what Jesus did for us. Now here is the deal, if our Father can forgive us, who gave His Son for us, then why can't we forgive all our brethern likewise?!
We need to get our eyes off of what people are doing, and get our eyes on what Jesus has done. By doing so, then we can truly love one another as Christ has loved us. Our hearts will be filled with compassion for one another like never before. When they hurt, we will hurt. When they cry, we will cry. We will hold their hands with ours and place them in the victorious hand of Jesus. Leading them to a life of freedom in a relationship with our Lord. In doing so, they will become an ambassador with Christ just as we have. They know people that are hurting just as they are. They can understand, because they are there, or have been there. God is seeing them through, just as He will all. I believe that this is what discipleship is all about. Living together, caring for one another as Jesus cares. Seeking a greater relationship with our Lord together. We have all heard that actions speak louder than words. That's one powerful statement. Many of us want to bring out the bible and whip the word on each other. But I am certain that our actions in how we handle our daily life, will speak far greater of who God is in our life, than any word we might speak. When people can see us live, instead of talk, then they will see Jesus. Be you a doer of the word, and not just a hearer only.
In my previous post, I have spoken about this great movement, or awakening as my sister has said. These are the days for us to be doers. For people to see the love of Jesus flowing from us each and every day. All that we come in contact with, reach out with a smile, or a touch of kindness , so that they can see there are some who do love and care. As that relationship developes, invite them to participate in those life changing groups we are a part of. You notice I didn't say the word church. This is that difference in the times approach that I was talking about previously. You may have to start a care group in your home. Or meet for a dinner somewhere once a month. There is so many ways we can reach out to God's people. Talk with your friends and come up with what you feel comfortable with doing, but do it. Our churches have developed an institution that has the people and the means to go out into the utter most parts of the earth reaching the lost and the needy. By the way, the utter most parts of the earth, is down the street, your neighborhood, all those you come in contact with in your every day living. I encourage you to take the step. God will priovide all that is needed. He always does.
On a mission,
Stan
We seem to be a very judgemental world. We tend to develope attitudes towards people for the things they do. Listen to what Paul wrote in Romans 14: 13-15. Let us not, therefore, judge one another any more; but judge this, rather; that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother's way. I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is NOTHING unclean of itself; but to him that esteemeth anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. But if thy brother be grieved with thy food, now walkest thou not in love. DESTROY NOT HIM with thy food, for whom Christ died. In other words, Jesus has overcome that sin and any other that we might do. So do not condemn one another of it. But instead, turn them to Jesus. The world can get itself in total bondage of their acts of sin. They become trapped to who they are. Jesus died on the cross to set us free. It was the shedding of His blood that forgives us for all our sins. When we come to know Jesus, His blood covers us from all our unrighteousness. We are free from the penalty of sin. God said that if we would simply ask Him for forgiveness that He would forgive us of our sin. It's forgiven, finished, wiped away. Not because we did anything to recieve the forgiveness, but because of what Jesus did for us. Now here is the deal, if our Father can forgive us, who gave His Son for us, then why can't we forgive all our brethern likewise?!
We need to get our eyes off of what people are doing, and get our eyes on what Jesus has done. By doing so, then we can truly love one another as Christ has loved us. Our hearts will be filled with compassion for one another like never before. When they hurt, we will hurt. When they cry, we will cry. We will hold their hands with ours and place them in the victorious hand of Jesus. Leading them to a life of freedom in a relationship with our Lord. In doing so, they will become an ambassador with Christ just as we have. They know people that are hurting just as they are. They can understand, because they are there, or have been there. God is seeing them through, just as He will all. I believe that this is what discipleship is all about. Living together, caring for one another as Jesus cares. Seeking a greater relationship with our Lord together. We have all heard that actions speak louder than words. That's one powerful statement. Many of us want to bring out the bible and whip the word on each other. But I am certain that our actions in how we handle our daily life, will speak far greater of who God is in our life, than any word we might speak. When people can see us live, instead of talk, then they will see Jesus. Be you a doer of the word, and not just a hearer only.
In my previous post, I have spoken about this great movement, or awakening as my sister has said. These are the days for us to be doers. For people to see the love of Jesus flowing from us each and every day. All that we come in contact with, reach out with a smile, or a touch of kindness , so that they can see there are some who do love and care. As that relationship developes, invite them to participate in those life changing groups we are a part of. You notice I didn't say the word church. This is that difference in the times approach that I was talking about previously. You may have to start a care group in your home. Or meet for a dinner somewhere once a month. There is so many ways we can reach out to God's people. Talk with your friends and come up with what you feel comfortable with doing, but do it. Our churches have developed an institution that has the people and the means to go out into the utter most parts of the earth reaching the lost and the needy. By the way, the utter most parts of the earth, is down the street, your neighborhood, all those you come in contact with in your every day living. I encourage you to take the step. God will priovide all that is needed. He always does.
On a mission,
Stan
Monday, January 4, 2010
The Movement
As most of you can see, it's been a long time since I have written anything on this site. There has been a lot of things going on for the past few months. It is exciting to see many more blogs being started with which the Holy Spirit can use to get His message out to His people. We never know where or who God might use to reach those in their time of need. He also reaches out to the writers as they write His words, in their needs. Being one of these writers, I can tell you from first hand experience, that God is busy about ministering to my needs as I write.
I have mentioned through casual conversation with my family, that I believe this will be a year of great awakening for people all across this country. I think we will see one of the greatest movements our Lord will do, this year. Our world and our country has fallen to one of our worst times ever, if not the worst. As I write to you this morning, be careful not to think this is a message of "doom and gloom". On the contrary, this is a message of victory !! Every place we look, we are hearing the same message. Our economy has hit a tremendous low. There are thousands this morning without a job to go to. Bills are stacking up so high that we barely can see over them. Acts of aggression are seen daily around the world, with most directed to America. Our political system is at odds internally like never before. The American people are losing hope in our ability to see this through. We are arguing about anything and everything. We have seen Tea Parties get together to drive this division even further. Our big businesses are at the brink of collapsing. Is there any wonder that people are afraid?
The Movement-
God is in control!! As we watch all the events happen that are mentioned above, we have to come to the conclusion that God is allowing these things to take place. We also know that God does not make any mistakes. He has a purpose and His purpose is always for good!! Could God be allowing us to see that we cannot have confidence in men or things. Most of us say we know that truth, yet the majority of us find our ability to live, in those things. When we are turned upside down and confronted with major loss, we can truly see what kind of person we are. I don't say these things to condemn us because God doesn't allow them to happen to condemn us. He is revealing our weaknesses and His PERFECTNESS!! The exciting thing about this time, is that we will be lead to see our God in a light like we never have before. He will show us that in any and all situations, we can count on Him. People all around the world, in this time, will be searching for answers. God will show us what the answer is. He is preparing the church to be used like never before. God will supply strength to get the job done.
Speaking of the church, "God's people", our work will be different from how we have seen it in the past. Just having our church doors open for people to walk through won't work any more. The numbers of people needing help is greatly increasing. The needs are huge. Physical, emotional, and financially. Our ministry will become as Jesus intended. He was constantly walking and ministering among the people. He didn't wait for people to come to Him, He was with them. The church will need to start programs and workshops with real substance to them. Our commitments will need to be increased. Our time will be needed more than anything else. People will need a shoulder to cry on. They will need leadership in the word that comes from the Holy Spirit. They will need hope in a very desperate time. Compassion and love will be important, but God will carry it further. He will bring forth action that will give hope and people will be comforted. I am convinced that God will use the "CHURCH" for this work. Not the building, the people. This will not be a denominational movement but a spiritual movement. All of this will be centered around JESUS just as it should be. Our differences will fall to the wayside and our hearts will be filled with action. We are in the time for LAST CALL. Our Lord's return is close at hand. So, for the church,relax, hold on to His hand, listening intently to what is being requested, commit and enjoy the greatest ride we have ever been on.
Romans 13: 11-12
And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
The night is far spent, the day is at hand; let us, therefore, cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.
God's love,
Stan
I have mentioned through casual conversation with my family, that I believe this will be a year of great awakening for people all across this country. I think we will see one of the greatest movements our Lord will do, this year. Our world and our country has fallen to one of our worst times ever, if not the worst. As I write to you this morning, be careful not to think this is a message of "doom and gloom". On the contrary, this is a message of victory !! Every place we look, we are hearing the same message. Our economy has hit a tremendous low. There are thousands this morning without a job to go to. Bills are stacking up so high that we barely can see over them. Acts of aggression are seen daily around the world, with most directed to America. Our political system is at odds internally like never before. The American people are losing hope in our ability to see this through. We are arguing about anything and everything. We have seen Tea Parties get together to drive this division even further. Our big businesses are at the brink of collapsing. Is there any wonder that people are afraid?
The Movement-
God is in control!! As we watch all the events happen that are mentioned above, we have to come to the conclusion that God is allowing these things to take place. We also know that God does not make any mistakes. He has a purpose and His purpose is always for good!! Could God be allowing us to see that we cannot have confidence in men or things. Most of us say we know that truth, yet the majority of us find our ability to live, in those things. When we are turned upside down and confronted with major loss, we can truly see what kind of person we are. I don't say these things to condemn us because God doesn't allow them to happen to condemn us. He is revealing our weaknesses and His PERFECTNESS!! The exciting thing about this time, is that we will be lead to see our God in a light like we never have before. He will show us that in any and all situations, we can count on Him. People all around the world, in this time, will be searching for answers. God will show us what the answer is. He is preparing the church to be used like never before. God will supply strength to get the job done.
Speaking of the church, "God's people", our work will be different from how we have seen it in the past. Just having our church doors open for people to walk through won't work any more. The numbers of people needing help is greatly increasing. The needs are huge. Physical, emotional, and financially. Our ministry will become as Jesus intended. He was constantly walking and ministering among the people. He didn't wait for people to come to Him, He was with them. The church will need to start programs and workshops with real substance to them. Our commitments will need to be increased. Our time will be needed more than anything else. People will need a shoulder to cry on. They will need leadership in the word that comes from the Holy Spirit. They will need hope in a very desperate time. Compassion and love will be important, but God will carry it further. He will bring forth action that will give hope and people will be comforted. I am convinced that God will use the "CHURCH" for this work. Not the building, the people. This will not be a denominational movement but a spiritual movement. All of this will be centered around JESUS just as it should be. Our differences will fall to the wayside and our hearts will be filled with action. We are in the time for LAST CALL. Our Lord's return is close at hand. So, for the church,relax, hold on to His hand, listening intently to what is being requested, commit and enjoy the greatest ride we have ever been on.
Romans 13: 11-12
And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
The night is far spent, the day is at hand; let us, therefore, cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.
God's love,
Stan
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