LIONS AND GIANTS and BEARS
by Bryan Hupperts
1 Samuel 17:34-37. 'But David said to Saul, "Your servant used
to keep sheep for his father; and when there came a lion, or a
bear, and took a lamb from the flock. I went after him and smote
him and delivered it out of his mouth; and if he arose against me,
I caught him by his beard, and smote him and killed him. Your
servant has killed both lions and bears; and this uncircumcised
Philistine shall be like one of them, seeing he has defied the
armies of the living God."'
Long before he was the great King of Israel, David was the runt
of the litter, the youngest kid in the family. He probably got the
hand me, hand me, hand me downs from his seven brothers.
Nobody expected too much from the baby of the family.
What I love about David is that he learned to worship God at a
young age. Something in this kid cried out to know God. He
learned warfare at a young age. Part of his family duties included
tending the family sheep flock.. I laugh when I hear kids
complaining about chores, taking out the trash, weeding the
flowerbed, and so on. David had to fight wild ravenous animals
as part of his family chores.
I have a friend who lives on a small rural Missouri farm. One of
his sons owned a 10-gauge shotgun. He and his kid sister were
walking back from the family shooting range when a rattlesnake
suddenly appeared right between his kid sisters' ankles. He
carefully loaded and aimed his shotgun and shot the snake in
half - right between his sister's legs. While I admired his heroism,
I asked him if what he did wasn't rather dangerous. If his aim
had been even a few degrees off, he would have shot his sister.
He retorted that he was a marksman (my phrase) and the only
dangerous thing in that garden was the snake. He was
protecting his sister.
In David's time, wealth was measured in livestock. For every lamb
that was lost to lions and bears, the family's financial security
was diminished. Most shepherds hurled stones using a leather
sling in order to scare the wild animals away. It's interesting that
David wouldn't let them take even one lamb. He would fight to
snatch them right out of their mouths. If they fought back, he
would kill them. He was intent on stopping the danger to his
family at the source. He duty was to protect the lambs even at
the cost of his own life.
Years later, another monster came on the scene. This one, a
giant named Goliath, was terrorizing the armies of Israel. A lion's
paw, a bear's paw, a six-fingered hand of a loathsome giant,
what's the difference? The lambs were in danger and one monster
kills as easily as another. David sought the king's permission
and blessing to go and kill this monster. It was all the same to him.
Fighting bears and lions were his training ground. He had been
faithful in the small tasks of defending the lambs. David would
grab the beards of the wildest animals that prowled the lands
and kill them - all for the sake of delivering defenseless lambs.
Who was watching David fighting alone on those obscure
mountains? No one except God. And God found in this young
man both the heart of a warrior and of a shepherd, one who would
willingly fight and, if necessary, lay down his life for the flock.
And no man has greater love than this.
The bears and lions that meet you in your younger years are
often disguised training grounds for God's greater purposes. If
David had not first fought and felled the lions and bears that tried
to ravage his father's flocks, he would have not been "proved"
to fight Goliath.
Most saints of God I know that are mightily used of the Lord
often spent years going through one trial and hardship after
another. Circumstances seemed to say they were accursed of
God. No matter what happened, they seem to find sorrow and
suffering at every turn. Yet it is these very trials that begin to
refine their hearts so that they come forth as gold, as useable
vessels in the King's service. Unfair hardships were God's hidden
grace to train them for His higher callings and purposes.
After a time, you begin to see danger merely as another opportunity
for God to show Himself strong on your behalf. So much of modern
Christianity has removed the risk factor of faith - we have it all too
well oiled and planned. When David was a lad, if the Lord had not
delivered him from the paw of the lion and bear, David would have
been mauled to death. He was the first and last line of defense
for the flock. If God did not strengthen him, he would have perished,
and the lambs would have kebob for any hungry beast that
happened to find them...
If you will not throw yourself into the fray to fight the bear and
lions, what will happen when the real strongholds, the giants,
finally come to mock you and your God? The devil, in the person
of Goliath, came using fear to war and make slaves of God's
people again. Will you suddenly rise up and learn to war? No,
the proving and training comes by stages. David was thoroughly
trained for the battle by the time he was a teenager, because he
faithfully did his assigned tasks when no one but God could see.
That's why the whole army of Israel sat cowering in fear; not a
man among them had been perfectly faithful to God's training in
his life. Only one was finally ready to fight the defiant giant in
the Lord's strength and prevail.
Think of the lions and bears that attack your life as stepping
stones to ultimate victory, and God's ultimate purposes for your
personal destiny. David was anointed as king years before he
was crowned king, and I suspect that battling lions and bears
was a necessary part of his training to one day shepherd his
nation. He who is faithful in the small things will be found faithful
in the big things.-Bryan Hupperts (c) 1998.
Sabtu, 22 Oktober 2016
More GREAT QUOTES
-Sermonindex.net
"Are there not millions of us who would rather go sleeping to hell;
than sweating to heaven?"
-Thomas Watson.
"Passing along the road the other day, we thought we had found
a very beautiful knife. On picking it up we found it to be only a
handle without a blade. So do we hear very beautiful sermons-
well written and well read-but they are without a blade. They cut
out no cancers of sin and carve out no models of piety. Sermons
must have blades!" -Author Unknown
"Several years ago... I remember coming across a book by Ernie
Reisinger called "Today's Evangelism" and I began to read it...
I got half way through that book and this is no exaggeration...
This is true. I fell out of that chair with such the fear of God upon
my life, and I pressed my face into those old boards of that room
in the city of Lima... I pressed my face as far into those boards
as they could get in fear... and cried out to God, "God, If you
promise not to kill me for the way I've preached your gospel, I
promise from here on out I'll never preach it that way again."
- Paul Washer
"The good old Puritans, I believe, never preached better than when
in danger of being taken to prison as soon as they had finished
their sermon. And however the church may be at peace now, yet
I am persuaded, unless you go forth with the same temper, you
will never preach with the same demonstration of the Spirit and
of power. Study, therefore, my brethren,-I beseech you by the
mercies of God in Christ Jesus,-study your hearts as well as
books; ask yourselves again and again whether you would preach
for Christ, if you were sure to lay down your lives for so doing?"
-George Whitefield.
"What will it cost me for God to break my heart?" - "It will cost you
absolutely everything." - Gerhard DuToit
Even Sodom
Even Sodom
(En Español)
All We Lack Is Christlikeness!
Jesus has a word to say, not only to us as individuals, but to entire cities as well. Luke records Jesus confronting a number of cities where He had performed miracles. We read: "Then He began to denounce the cities in which most of His miracles were done, because they did not repent" (Matt. 11:20).
I know we picture Christ in His gentleness and compassion, and so we should. However, Jesus strongly rebuked the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum (vv. 21, 23). And we shouldn't stop there, for with tears in His eyes, He wept and cried out to Jerusalem (Luke 13:34). If the Lord expected cities to repent in the first century, He expects cities can come to repentance again today, even as the men of Nineveh repented at the preaching of Jonah!
It was in this very context of reproving cities, however, that Jesus made a statement that unveiled the scope of God's redemptive power. He said, "For if the miracles had occurred in Tyre and Sidon which occurred in you, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes" (Matt. 11:21).
Tyre and Sidon were Gentile cities known for their debauchery and sin. Yet Jesus said that His life, revealed in power, can bring even the vilest of cities to "sackcloth and ashes." The strategy, therefore, to win our cities is for the church to reveal Christ's life in power. Yes, the revelation of Christ in us starts for us as individuals, but it multiplies when His life is revealed corporately in His body. Jesus says even the worst cities can repent and find God!
What hinders the turning of the people's hearts? Part of the answer lies with the church, with our sins of self-righteousness, indifference and unbelief. Pastors, listen, the future does not belong to the world; it belongs to the transformed church! God "desires all men to be saved" (1 Tim. 2:4). The sacrifice of Christ pays for the salvation of all men. Heaven waits only for the church to act.
One may say, "But that was then. Our cities are worse. They are beyond redemption." Not so. Jesus continued His correction of cities, saying, "If the miracles had occurred in Sodom which occurred in you, it would have remained to this day" (Matt. 11:23). Amazingly, when Christ is manifested in power, Jesus said even Sodom could find repentance!
Is America Sodom? Not yet, but it seems like it wants to be. In spite of America’s embrace of darkness, I believe all we need is a genuine move of God -- real miracles and actual transformed lives -- and multitudes in darkness will come to the light. Indeed, our cities have seen hell, so now let the church show them Heaven. The promise of Christ is that even Sodom could repent in the atmosphere and revelation of Christ's love and power. If there is hope for Sodom, there is hope for our cities as well!
Adapted from Francis Frangipane's book, When the Many Are One available at www.arrowbookstore.com.
A House United
and
When the Many Are One
Two-book package - $16.50
(Retail $30.00)
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Audios ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
(En Español)
All We Lack Is Christlikeness!
Jesus has a word to say, not only to us as individuals, but to entire cities as well. Luke records Jesus confronting a number of cities where He had performed miracles. We read: "Then He began to denounce the cities in which most of His miracles were done, because they did not repent" (Matt. 11:20).
I know we picture Christ in His gentleness and compassion, and so we should. However, Jesus strongly rebuked the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum (vv. 21, 23). And we shouldn't stop there, for with tears in His eyes, He wept and cried out to Jerusalem (Luke 13:34). If the Lord expected cities to repent in the first century, He expects cities can come to repentance again today, even as the men of Nineveh repented at the preaching of Jonah!
It was in this very context of reproving cities, however, that Jesus made a statement that unveiled the scope of God's redemptive power. He said, "For if the miracles had occurred in Tyre and Sidon which occurred in you, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes" (Matt. 11:21).
Tyre and Sidon were Gentile cities known for their debauchery and sin. Yet Jesus said that His life, revealed in power, can bring even the vilest of cities to "sackcloth and ashes." The strategy, therefore, to win our cities is for the church to reveal Christ's life in power. Yes, the revelation of Christ in us starts for us as individuals, but it multiplies when His life is revealed corporately in His body. Jesus says even the worst cities can repent and find God!
What hinders the turning of the people's hearts? Part of the answer lies with the church, with our sins of self-righteousness, indifference and unbelief. Pastors, listen, the future does not belong to the world; it belongs to the transformed church! God "desires all men to be saved" (1 Tim. 2:4). The sacrifice of Christ pays for the salvation of all men. Heaven waits only for the church to act.
One may say, "But that was then. Our cities are worse. They are beyond redemption." Not so. Jesus continued His correction of cities, saying, "If the miracles had occurred in Sodom which occurred in you, it would have remained to this day" (Matt. 11:23). Amazingly, when Christ is manifested in power, Jesus said even Sodom could find repentance!
Is America Sodom? Not yet, but it seems like it wants to be. In spite of America’s embrace of darkness, I believe all we need is a genuine move of God -- real miracles and actual transformed lives -- and multitudes in darkness will come to the light. Indeed, our cities have seen hell, so now let the church show them Heaven. The promise of Christ is that even Sodom could repent in the atmosphere and revelation of Christ's love and power. If there is hope for Sodom, there is hope for our cities as well!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Adapted from Francis Frangipane's book, When the Many Are One available at www.arrowbookstore.com.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Join us In Naples, Florida, November 11-13, 2016 for a conference with Pastor Francis Frangipane
The Keys to Spiritual Awakening:
Seeking the Face of God
The Keys to Spiritual Awakening:
Seeking the Face of God
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Books ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Save up to 45% this week
Limited time offer
Limited time offer
When the Many Are One
How
the Christian community - driven by grace, unified in love, and
activated by prayer - can bring revival and change the world.
Our
best efforts will not stop the flood of problems in our cities if we
remain isolated from each other. In a season when external forces are
causing disunity and division, Francis Frangipane calls us back to
oneness with Christ, and through Him oneness with other Christians. With
the character and power of Christ in our midst, the Church can again
bring transformation to our communities, our nation, and our world.
Book - $8.75 (Retail $15.00)
Ebook - $8.75 (Retail $15.00)
Ebook - $8.75 (Retail $15.00)
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
A House United
Church
splits, strife and division. Have you experienced the trauma of
division? Hell itself was created when Lucifer's ambition broke rank
with God. If you have experienced strife, either in your home or church,
A House United will guide you out of division and into the way
of peace. Francis Frangipane, speaking as a father to the church, shows
the importance of unity and how to build on the foundation of the
nature of Christ.
Special Note: We sold our previously released book It's Time to End Church Splits to
our friends at Chosen Books. The new edition, now called A House
United, has been somewhat revised. A new final section, which includes
three chapters, has been added.
Book - $8.75 (Retail $15.00)
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
A House United
and
When the Many Are One
Two-book package - $16.50
(Retail $30.00)
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Audios ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
House of Prayer
Audio Series
Audio Series
This
classic series from Francis Frangipane helps us to not only understand
the power of redemptive intercession but to walk in it to the glory of
God.
Message Titles:
A House of Mercy | Zeal for God's House | The Intercessor's Vision
Standing Before God | Prayer Warrior | The Life of Vision
If My People will Pray | A Call to Prayer
Standing Before God | Prayer Warrior | The Life of Vision
If My People will Pray | A Call to Prayer
CD Audio Series - $17.36 (Retail $28.00)
MP3 Audio Series Download - $8.68 (Retail $14.00)
MP3 Audio Series Download - $8.68 (Retail $14.00)
Rabu, 19 Oktober 2016
REVIVAL: THE URGENTLY NEEDED ANSWER and REVIVAL (a poem)
REVIVAL: THE URGENTLY NEEDED ANSWER and REVIVAL (a poem)
It is common to hear, today, that the only hope for the survival of our country,
as we have known it, is revival in the Church. Then, some of the same
believers will be heard saying, "The day of great awakenings is past."
If both statements were true, there would be no hope!
While it is true that we need revival, we can only have it on God's terms
- not attempting to 'pray down' revival while preaching Old
Covenant-style messages! When we preach New Covenant messages
consistently, we will experience the New Covenant, the crucified life or
revival.
On an individual basis, we have witnessed such revival for almost five decades
around the world. So it is no mystery, nor is our God capricious. It
has always been, and always will be, that revival must happen on an
individual basis, which can then spread from one believer to another.
Such is the goal of intentional discipleship. It is the ministry of the
Spirit's filling, which is readily available to prepared hearts.
Dr. Charles R. Solomon | bio - contact - website
Being at the end of fleshly resources is the common requirement, and experiencing the cross (Gal.
2:20; Rom. 6:6), is the common answer. We must be emptied of self
before being filled with the Spirit. However, it is difficult for a
church to admit defeat and being powerless, since it has been the 'go
to' source for these many years. Then, expecting revival to be a mass
outpouring in one fell swoop, as in some past awakenings, ignores the
need for heart preparation for each believer. In such awakenings, they
were filled with the Spirit, and the cross had to become a reality; but
they were not aware of the role of the cross. Therefore, they could not
deny themselves and take up the cross daily, since they did not know
they had taken it up once! As a result, revival did not continue. In the
case of the Welsh Revival of 1900, Jessie Penn-Lewis added this vital
dimension in her fine writing, after revival was no longer in progress.
Now we need revival based on the experienced cross, as we have witnessed
it since 1970. (This is simplified and packaged as the Wheel & Line (in Chapter 4) - a tested tool for troubled times!)
Print article PDF: Here
Minggu, 16 Oktober 2016
Where Is the Disciple's Cross?
Where Is the Disciple's Cross?
(En Español)
In our modern era we have a different version of Christianity than that which Christ founded in the first century. Our version secures a hope in the afterlife but does little to change us in the present life. We are still as easily offended and as unloving as those who do not know Christ -- and we are certainly just as divisive.
Yes, we marvel at what Christ accomplished at Calvary, but we shrink from what He desires to fulfill in us. We desire His blessings but not His backbone. Because we have diluted the full purpose of Christianity, which is functional conformity to Christ (Eph. 4:24), the power to transform us is likewise diluted. As a result, our leaders fall, marriages fail, and the gospel is reduced to a course on ethics, which we can take or leave since God forgives us anyway.
As awesome as being forgiven is, the Son of God did not lay down His life only to secure our forgiveness; the eternal goal of His sacrifice was to secure our full transformation. Forgiveness is but the first stage of transformation.
Thus, when Paul writes of knowing the "power of [Christ's] resurrection," he unites resurrection power with "being conformed to [Christ's] death" (Phil. 3:10). Conformity to Christ's death is the purpose of the disciple's cross; it is the gateway into the resurrection power of Jesus Christ.
The Anthem of the Cross
Why do we not hear more messages about the disciple's cross? We hear much on inner healing; we know basically how to lead people to Christ. We have even adopted and adapted into our Christian theology terminology from modern psychology -- we know when something needs "closure" or the problems associated with "dysfunctional families."
But when will we discuss the power of Christ's cross? When will we rediscover the power of the crucified life?
It is not as though the symbol of the cross is absent from our culture; on the contrary. The cross sits majestically on top of our great cathedrals and it adorns our most humble worship centers. It embellishes Bible covers and religious books alike. Not only is it incorporated into the sacred emblem of our many ministries, it is also the insignia for numerous charitable foundations, hospitals, and relief agencies. Row upon row, it stands guard in our cemeteries. It has even become a popular jewelry item, worn by Christians and non-Christians alike.
Yet when was the last time you heard a sermon on the disciple's cross? Or asked the clerk at the Christian bookstore for the section on carrying the cross? Or when did you last participate in a worship service that included just one song about triumphantly bearing the cross? Apart from a hymn or two, the emphasis on the cross is missing.
Yes, we hear of faith, hope and love; we seek spiritual gifts, blessings and prosperity, but why is there so little emphasis on the disciple's cross? My goal today is not to expose what is lacking with Christian music or bookstores. From my heart I commend our psalmists for their majestic melodies; their worship songs truly communicate deep and intimate adoration of God. But where is the anthem of the cross? Where are the musical scores that centralize and exalt the very crest of Heaven, the triumphant sign of the Son of Man? When will we hear songs that, like banners, unfurl before the army of God, inspiring us to embrace the life and redemptive path of our crucified King?
In truth, we lack lyrics about the disciple's cross because we avoid teaching the disciple's cross. Our minstrels are only writing songs inspired by current theology. The fault lies in the pulpit and with those of us who are Christian leaders. Under the guise of compassion for the weak, we have presented a gospel that's weak. We present comfort, but not challenge and sympathy without standards.
My friends, let us not deny the weak their comfort nor the infirm their healing, but let us also press toward the full stature of Christ. Jesus said uncompromisingly to His disciples, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me" (Matt. 16:24). It is time to get serious with God, to pick up the cross and discover again the power that accompanies a crucified life. The cross is the power of God.
Lord Jesus, for too long I have lived in spiritual immaturity. I have sought to be coddled instead of crucified. With all my heart I desire to become like You, Jesus. Forgive me for being so easily distracted and so addicted to comfort. Hear my heart, O Lord, and restore me to true conformity to You in all things. Amen.
You might consider getting the book This Day We Fight as a companion in developing your warfare posture. www.arrowbookstore.com
Is
there a spiritual place, a shelter, where God actually keeps us, "and
the evil one does not touch" us (1 John 5:18)? Yes, there is a place in
the heart of God where we can find immunity and protection, where we are
literally surrounded by the Lord's presence. Once we enter this place,
nothing can defeat us. Twenty-one profound chapters, each highlighting a
different dimension of our Father's love and protection, each well able
to escort you into the warmth and safety of the shelter of the Most
High.
Book - $6.50 (Retail $10.00)
(En Español)
In our modern era we have a different version of Christianity than that which Christ founded in the first century. Our version secures a hope in the afterlife but does little to change us in the present life. We are still as easily offended and as unloving as those who do not know Christ -- and we are certainly just as divisive.
Yes, we marvel at what Christ accomplished at Calvary, but we shrink from what He desires to fulfill in us. We desire His blessings but not His backbone. Because we have diluted the full purpose of Christianity, which is functional conformity to Christ (Eph. 4:24), the power to transform us is likewise diluted. As a result, our leaders fall, marriages fail, and the gospel is reduced to a course on ethics, which we can take or leave since God forgives us anyway.
As awesome as being forgiven is, the Son of God did not lay down His life only to secure our forgiveness; the eternal goal of His sacrifice was to secure our full transformation. Forgiveness is but the first stage of transformation.
Thus, when Paul writes of knowing the "power of [Christ's] resurrection," he unites resurrection power with "being conformed to [Christ's] death" (Phil. 3:10). Conformity to Christ's death is the purpose of the disciple's cross; it is the gateway into the resurrection power of Jesus Christ.
The Anthem of the Cross
Why do we not hear more messages about the disciple's cross? We hear much on inner healing; we know basically how to lead people to Christ. We have even adopted and adapted into our Christian theology terminology from modern psychology -- we know when something needs "closure" or the problems associated with "dysfunctional families."
But when will we discuss the power of Christ's cross? When will we rediscover the power of the crucified life?
It is not as though the symbol of the cross is absent from our culture; on the contrary. The cross sits majestically on top of our great cathedrals and it adorns our most humble worship centers. It embellishes Bible covers and religious books alike. Not only is it incorporated into the sacred emblem of our many ministries, it is also the insignia for numerous charitable foundations, hospitals, and relief agencies. Row upon row, it stands guard in our cemeteries. It has even become a popular jewelry item, worn by Christians and non-Christians alike.
Yet when was the last time you heard a sermon on the disciple's cross? Or asked the clerk at the Christian bookstore for the section on carrying the cross? Or when did you last participate in a worship service that included just one song about triumphantly bearing the cross? Apart from a hymn or two, the emphasis on the cross is missing.
Yes, we hear of faith, hope and love; we seek spiritual gifts, blessings and prosperity, but why is there so little emphasis on the disciple's cross? My goal today is not to expose what is lacking with Christian music or bookstores. From my heart I commend our psalmists for their majestic melodies; their worship songs truly communicate deep and intimate adoration of God. But where is the anthem of the cross? Where are the musical scores that centralize and exalt the very crest of Heaven, the triumphant sign of the Son of Man? When will we hear songs that, like banners, unfurl before the army of God, inspiring us to embrace the life and redemptive path of our crucified King?
In truth, we lack lyrics about the disciple's cross because we avoid teaching the disciple's cross. Our minstrels are only writing songs inspired by current theology. The fault lies in the pulpit and with those of us who are Christian leaders. Under the guise of compassion for the weak, we have presented a gospel that's weak. We present comfort, but not challenge and sympathy without standards.
My friends, let us not deny the weak their comfort nor the infirm their healing, but let us also press toward the full stature of Christ. Jesus said uncompromisingly to His disciples, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me" (Matt. 16:24). It is time to get serious with God, to pick up the cross and discover again the power that accompanies a crucified life. The cross is the power of God.
Lord Jesus, for too long I have lived in spiritual immaturity. I have sought to be coddled instead of crucified. With all my heart I desire to become like You, Jesus. Forgive me for being so easily distracted and so addicted to comfort. Hear my heart, O Lord, and restore me to true conformity to You in all things. Amen.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
You might consider getting the book This Day We Fight as a companion in developing your warfare posture. www.arrowbookstore.com
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Join us In Naples, Florida, November 11-13, 2016 for a conference with Pastor Francis Frangipane
The Keys to Spiritual Awakening:
Seeking the Face of God
The Keys to Spiritual Awakening:
Seeking the Face of God
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
35% off of select books
Limited time offer
Limited time offer
The Shelter of the Most High
Is
there a spiritual place, a shelter, where God actually keeps us, "and
the evil one does not touch" us (1 John 5:18)? Yes, there is a place in
the heart of God where we can find immunity and protection, where we are
literally surrounded by the Lord's presence. Once we enter this place,
nothing can defeat us. Twenty-one profound chapters, each highlighting a
different dimension of our Father's love and protection, each well able
to escort you into the warmth and safety of the shelter of the Most
High.
Book $8.45 (Retail $13.00)
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Power of Covenant Prayer
Gain
the victory over the effect of curses. The section on persevering
prayer is a must for anyone serious about attaining Christlikeness. The
second part is the conclusion of a teaching on spiritual protection.
Powerful insights on the nature of curses and how to walk in spiritual
victory and freedom.
Book - $6.50 (Retail $10.00)
A YEAR of MIRACLES (Video) - Andrew Strom
A YEAR of MIRACLES (Video) - Andrew Strom
Filmed in Australia, this video is about the amazing things God
has done this year that we have never seen before. It is called,
"Freed by the Power of God". Take a listen at the link below-
https://youtu.be/8VsxSllxJoY
Special blessings to all.
Filmed in Australia, this video is about the amazing things God
has done this year that we have never seen before. It is called,
"Freed by the Power of God". Take a listen at the link below-
https://youtu.be/8VsxSllxJoY
Special blessings to all.
Jumat, 07 Oktober 2016
DESERT BLOSSOMS
DESERT BLOSSOMS
by Bryan Hupperts
"He led you through the great and terrible wilderness (desert), with
its fiery serpents and scorpions and thirsty ground where there was no
water; He brought water for you out of the rock." - Deut. 8: 15
"And you shall remember all the way which the Lord your God has led
you in the wilderness (desert) these forty years, that he might humble
you, testing you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would
keep his commandments or not." - Deut. 8: 2
The dry times, those painful seasons of barrenness, are times to be
humbled before the Lord. Jesus said that the Father was glorified when
we bare "much fruit that remains." Notice when the children of Israel
finally got fruit...after they had walked through the desert.
Fruitfulness is the ultimate objective of God for you when he has you
walking through a desert.
What is precious in the desert? Sand? No, there is shifting sand
everywhere. Sky? No, in fact, there is little protection from the
merciless beating of the sun. What is precious in the desert is water.
A single drop of water can make the difference between living and
dying. Water is the precious commodity of life. Life processes only
occur in the presence of water. Most plants cannot survive in deserts.
For those that can, survival depends on their tap root digging deep
through the sand to find water. Water is the survival issue in arid
lands. Having water is the decisive factor between what lives and what
dies.
Look at the history of God's dealings with his saints. He led his
people out of Egypt by the hand of Moses...through the desert headed
to the promised Land. John the Baptist lived in the desert until the
word of the Lord came to him. Jesus was "led by the Spirit" into the
desert to be tested by the devil. Paul spent years in the desert
before his commissioning as an Apostle. God has used the drought of
many deserts to forge some of His finest saints.
Deserts are such obscure places. They precede blessing but are
themselves looked upon as curses. They function to bring you to the
place of having to only concern yourself with the basics of existence.
It is when water, symbolic of the Living Word of God, becomes they
only issue of your life, what you live and die by, are you finally
ready to enter into the Masters service. One drop from heaven is all
you need. When all else in this world appears as sand in your eyes,
empty barren waste, you are ready for
Kingdom service.
Deserts have the curious effect of hardening your resolve while
humbling your heart before God.
Plants grow in direct relation to the amount of water available. When
you can blossom with just a little water, you can blossom anywhere!
After the desert, you will be "like a tree planted by the water"
thriving!
The only plants that survive the desert have root systems that can
find water. The roots' absorption force must be greater that that of
the soil. In other words, you have to thirst more for the Waters of
Life than the world. It is when you hunger and thirst for
righteousness that you are satisfied.
Don't curse the desert times. God is testing you, seeing what is in
your heart. Actually, he is letting you see what He has seen all
along. Allow your roots to grow deep into God so that "out of your
belly shall gush forth rivers of living water." A river in the desert
suddenly springing forth? Sure, that's His way.
God often uses the desert to prepare the messenger. When the messenger
is ready, then the message comes. We have our part to prepare
ourselves for the ministries God calls us to. We also have to be
prepared by God for those same tasks. When we can serve Him in a place
of barrenness, we can serve Him in a place of fruitfulness. It is when
we are humbled and broken of our own power that God can then show
Himself strong on our behalf.
There are some beautiful things growing in the desert. Be patient and
let Him finish what he has started in you. It takes a deep, well
developed root system, to be able to not only nourish a plant, but
produce and feed the growing fruit on its' branches. If there are no
roots, there will be no fruit. And His goal is to bring you to a place
of fruitfulness.
-Bryan Hupperts (c)1997.
by Bryan Hupperts
"He led you through the great and terrible wilderness (desert), with
its fiery serpents and scorpions and thirsty ground where there was no
water; He brought water for you out of the rock." - Deut. 8: 15
"And you shall remember all the way which the Lord your God has led
you in the wilderness (desert) these forty years, that he might humble
you, testing you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would
keep his commandments or not." - Deut. 8: 2
The dry times, those painful seasons of barrenness, are times to be
humbled before the Lord. Jesus said that the Father was glorified when
we bare "much fruit that remains." Notice when the children of Israel
finally got fruit...after they had walked through the desert.
Fruitfulness is the ultimate objective of God for you when he has you
walking through a desert.
What is precious in the desert? Sand? No, there is shifting sand
everywhere. Sky? No, in fact, there is little protection from the
merciless beating of the sun. What is precious in the desert is water.
A single drop of water can make the difference between living and
dying. Water is the precious commodity of life. Life processes only
occur in the presence of water. Most plants cannot survive in deserts.
For those that can, survival depends on their tap root digging deep
through the sand to find water. Water is the survival issue in arid
lands. Having water is the decisive factor between what lives and what
dies.
Look at the history of God's dealings with his saints. He led his
people out of Egypt by the hand of Moses...through the desert headed
to the promised Land. John the Baptist lived in the desert until the
word of the Lord came to him. Jesus was "led by the Spirit" into the
desert to be tested by the devil. Paul spent years in the desert
before his commissioning as an Apostle. God has used the drought of
many deserts to forge some of His finest saints.
Deserts are such obscure places. They precede blessing but are
themselves looked upon as curses. They function to bring you to the
place of having to only concern yourself with the basics of existence.
It is when water, symbolic of the Living Word of God, becomes they
only issue of your life, what you live and die by, are you finally
ready to enter into the Masters service. One drop from heaven is all
you need. When all else in this world appears as sand in your eyes,
empty barren waste, you are ready for
Kingdom service.
Deserts have the curious effect of hardening your resolve while
humbling your heart before God.
Plants grow in direct relation to the amount of water available. When
you can blossom with just a little water, you can blossom anywhere!
After the desert, you will be "like a tree planted by the water"
thriving!
The only plants that survive the desert have root systems that can
find water. The roots' absorption force must be greater that that of
the soil. In other words, you have to thirst more for the Waters of
Life than the world. It is when you hunger and thirst for
righteousness that you are satisfied.
Don't curse the desert times. God is testing you, seeing what is in
your heart. Actually, he is letting you see what He has seen all
along. Allow your roots to grow deep into God so that "out of your
belly shall gush forth rivers of living water." A river in the desert
suddenly springing forth? Sure, that's His way.
God often uses the desert to prepare the messenger. When the messenger
is ready, then the message comes. We have our part to prepare
ourselves for the ministries God calls us to. We also have to be
prepared by God for those same tasks. When we can serve Him in a place
of barrenness, we can serve Him in a place of fruitfulness. It is when
we are humbled and broken of our own power that God can then show
Himself strong on our behalf.
There are some beautiful things growing in the desert. Be patient and
let Him finish what he has started in you. It takes a deep, well
developed root system, to be able to not only nourish a plant, but
produce and feed the growing fruit on its' branches. If there are no
roots, there will be no fruit. And His goal is to bring you to a place
of fruitfulness.
-Bryan Hupperts (c)1997.
Sabtu, 01 Oktober 2016
"Come and See"
"Come and See"
(En Español)
John and Andrew began their spiritual commitment to God's will as disciples of John the Baptist. In fact, they had actually been standing near the prophet when Jesus walked by. As the Baptizer saw Jesus, he cried out, "Behold, the Lamb of God!" and from that moment the two disciples began to follow Jesus (John 1:35-37).
This was an insightful account. It is John's handwritten testimony of how he came to the Son of God. Yet John has deeper truths to reveal beyond this historic portrayal. He is also going to reveal what we should each ultimately seek when we come to Christ.
Let's pick up the narrative. The two disciples, having heard and believed John's messianic proclamation about Jesus, are now walking, perhaps hurriedly, to catch up to Jesus. They are within conversation range.
When we approach the final season of our lives, will the things we have achieved be transferable into eternal accounts? Or will we have spent our time and energies on that which is void of true life?
Jesus asks, "What are you seeking?" It is a very important question. The Lord desires that we take inventory of our passions and objectives and then chart our course toward heavenly values. You see, many say they love Jesus. What they mean is that, in time, they hope to get around to loving Jesus. Right now, however, they barely know Him and almost never spend time seeking Him.
The proof that we love Him is that we keep His commandments (John 14:15). What must He think when so many who say they love Him are, in fact, not loving Him but actually having an affair with this world? May God have mercy.
Yet this is not your situation. In spite of your flaws and weaknesses, you sincerely desire to possess more of God. You have emerged from your trials determined to walk closer to the Lord. Indeed, Christ sees this holy desire and, to Him, it is the most precious part of you.
The Lord's heart is also moved toward those who follow Him, though they may walk limping. To those wounded by injustice or the effects of sin, the Lord's promise remains faithful: "A bruised reed He will not break and a dimly burning wick He will not extinguish" (Isa. 42:3). Surely He will bring to victory the justice due you.
Like John and Andrew, we, too, "behold the Lamb of God." Just as He asked them, so He turns and asks us, "What are you seeking?"
The Dwelling Place of Christ
In response to Jesus' probing question, the disciples' answer may seem strange. For they did not ask Him for greater power or one of His many spiritual gifts. Instead they asked Jesus something more personal and intimate: "Where dwellest Thou?"
I'd like us to consider the poignancy of their answer. They wanted to know where Jesus lived. There are times when a question transcends the simple boundaries of intellectual curiosity and actually reveals one's quest in life. Such is now the case: they are seeking to live with Jesus. They are searching for the dwelling place of God.
Our Father wants us to ask for spiritual gifts and special blessings of health and financial prosperity. To desire these things is not wrong; it is just not enough. Inside the heart of a God-seeker is a quest for more. We are in search of the "dwelling places" of God. In truth, our hearts have been divinely programmed. There are within us "the highways to Zion" (Ps. 84:5).
Our destination is nothing less than oneness with Christ. All fruitfulness comes from living in spiritual union with Jesus. In contrast, whatever we offer as service to God that is not the result of our union with Christ, that labor is in vain; it is a weak comfort. For apart from Him, we can do nothing.
John tells us in his first epistle that those who say they abide in Him ought to walk "in the same manner as He walked" (1 John 2:6). Abiding in Jesus leads to walking like Jesus.
Beloved, there is yet much more to learn and discover concerning our Lord! We must beware of spiritual complacency. Recall the prayer of Moses: at the end of his life -- after being used by God to confront and defeat the gods of Egypt, after dwelling in the Lord's glory and beholding miracle after miracle for forty years -- Moses prayed, "You have begun to show Your servant Your greatness and Your strong hand" (Deut. 3:24).
"You have begun?" No matter how much we attain, no matter what revelations of God's glory are ours, we have only begun to see His glory.
The disciples answered astutely, "Rabbi, where dwellest Thou?" May this become our prayer as well: Where do You live, O Son of God? Where is Your dwelling place? To all who feel similarly, Christ says to us what He promised them: "Come and see."
Dear Master, I turn to You now. You are my life's greatest goal. I desire to live with You, to abide in the wonder of a life united with You.
Adapted from Francis Frangipane's book, I Will Be Found by You, available at www.arrowbookstore.com.
Is
there a spiritual place, a shelter, where God actually keeps us, "and
the evil one does not touch" us (1 John 5:18)? Yes, there is a place in
the heart of God where we can find immunity and protection, where we are
literally surrounded by the Lord's presence. Once we enter this place,
nothing can defeat us. Twenty-one profound chapters, each highlighting a
different dimension of our Father's love and protection, each well able
to escort you into the warmth and safety of the shelter of the Most
High.
Book - $6.50 (Retail $10.00)
(En Español)
John and Andrew began their spiritual commitment to God's will as disciples of John the Baptist. In fact, they had actually been standing near the prophet when Jesus walked by. As the Baptizer saw Jesus, he cried out, "Behold, the Lamb of God!" and from that moment the two disciples began to follow Jesus (John 1:35-37).
This was an insightful account. It is John's handwritten testimony of how he came to the Son of God. Yet John has deeper truths to reveal beyond this historic portrayal. He is also going to reveal what we should each ultimately seek when we come to Christ.
Let's pick up the narrative. The two disciples, having heard and believed John's messianic proclamation about Jesus, are now walking, perhaps hurriedly, to catch up to Jesus. They are within conversation range.
Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest Thou? He saith unto them, Come and see. ---John 1:38-39 KJVThere are many reasons one comes to Christ. We may seek Him for health issues or to possess the keys to prosperity. Perhaps we need deliverance or are burdened with the cares of a loved one. Yet, as the Lord asked John and Andrew, so He asks each of us: What are you seeking in life? What goals compel us?
When we approach the final season of our lives, will the things we have achieved be transferable into eternal accounts? Or will we have spent our time and energies on that which is void of true life?
Jesus asks, "What are you seeking?" It is a very important question. The Lord desires that we take inventory of our passions and objectives and then chart our course toward heavenly values. You see, many say they love Jesus. What they mean is that, in time, they hope to get around to loving Jesus. Right now, however, they barely know Him and almost never spend time seeking Him.
The proof that we love Him is that we keep His commandments (John 14:15). What must He think when so many who say they love Him are, in fact, not loving Him but actually having an affair with this world? May God have mercy.
Yet this is not your situation. In spite of your flaws and weaknesses, you sincerely desire to possess more of God. You have emerged from your trials determined to walk closer to the Lord. Indeed, Christ sees this holy desire and, to Him, it is the most precious part of you.
The Lord's heart is also moved toward those who follow Him, though they may walk limping. To those wounded by injustice or the effects of sin, the Lord's promise remains faithful: "A bruised reed He will not break and a dimly burning wick He will not extinguish" (Isa. 42:3). Surely He will bring to victory the justice due you.
Like John and Andrew, we, too, "behold the Lamb of God." Just as He asked them, so He turns and asks us, "What are you seeking?"
The Dwelling Place of Christ
In response to Jesus' probing question, the disciples' answer may seem strange. For they did not ask Him for greater power or one of His many spiritual gifts. Instead they asked Jesus something more personal and intimate: "Where dwellest Thou?"
I'd like us to consider the poignancy of their answer. They wanted to know where Jesus lived. There are times when a question transcends the simple boundaries of intellectual curiosity and actually reveals one's quest in life. Such is now the case: they are seeking to live with Jesus. They are searching for the dwelling place of God.
Our Father wants us to ask for spiritual gifts and special blessings of health and financial prosperity. To desire these things is not wrong; it is just not enough. Inside the heart of a God-seeker is a quest for more. We are in search of the "dwelling places" of God. In truth, our hearts have been divinely programmed. There are within us "the highways to Zion" (Ps. 84:5).
Our destination is nothing less than oneness with Christ. All fruitfulness comes from living in spiritual union with Jesus. In contrast, whatever we offer as service to God that is not the result of our union with Christ, that labor is in vain; it is a weak comfort. For apart from Him, we can do nothing.
John tells us in his first epistle that those who say they abide in Him ought to walk "in the same manner as He walked" (1 John 2:6). Abiding in Jesus leads to walking like Jesus.
Beloved, there is yet much more to learn and discover concerning our Lord! We must beware of spiritual complacency. Recall the prayer of Moses: at the end of his life -- after being used by God to confront and defeat the gods of Egypt, after dwelling in the Lord's glory and beholding miracle after miracle for forty years -- Moses prayed, "You have begun to show Your servant Your greatness and Your strong hand" (Deut. 3:24).
"You have begun?" No matter how much we attain, no matter what revelations of God's glory are ours, we have only begun to see His glory.
The disciples answered astutely, "Rabbi, where dwellest Thou?" May this become our prayer as well: Where do You live, O Son of God? Where is Your dwelling place? To all who feel similarly, Christ says to us what He promised them: "Come and see."
Dear Master, I turn to You now. You are my life's greatest goal. I desire to live with You, to abide in the wonder of a life united with You.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Adapted from Francis Frangipane's book, I Will Be Found by You, available at www.arrowbookstore.com.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
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Limited time offer
The Shelter of the Most High
Is
there a spiritual place, a shelter, where God actually keeps us, "and
the evil one does not touch" us (1 John 5:18)? Yes, there is a place in
the heart of God where we can find immunity and protection, where we are
literally surrounded by the Lord's presence. Once we enter this place,
nothing can defeat us. Twenty-one profound chapters, each highlighting a
different dimension of our Father's love and protection, each well able
to escort you into the warmth and safety of the shelter of the Most
High.
Book $8.45 (Retail $13.00)
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Power of Covenant Prayer
Gain
the victory over the effect of curses. The section on persevering
prayer is a must for anyone serious about attaining Christlikeness. The
second part is the conclusion of a teaching on spiritual protection.
Powerful insights on the nature of curses and how to walk in spiritual
victory and freedom.
Book - $6.50 (Retail $10.00)
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