Remove your sycamore tree--Part 2

    

     And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you. (Luke 17:6) 


                       In our last study, we saw how to identify the obstacles that hinder our prayers from being answered (1). Too many times, we hear people blaming the obstacles on Satan and his demons but I submit that many times, it can be other factors. Factors such as the flesh, a mountain or a sycamore tree. In this study, we are going to deal with the sycamore tree. Is there a sycamore tree in your life? We will deal with this subject as we bring up the 2nd step to be discussed in removing the sycamore tree in your life--getting to the root of the problem.
                        Trees have roots. A Sycamore tree was known to have bitter fruit. It's roots were strong and entrenched on the ground. Notice the wisdom of Jesus, he compared this to unforgiveness. Take some time to read Luke 17:1-6. In these passages of scripture, he spoke concerning forgiving others 7 times in a day.          
              Now, some of us will forgive 1 or 2 times in a day but 7 is a challenge, especially if the person continues to do the same thing over and over again. It is no wonder they said----Increase our faith.(Luke 17:5) In getting to the root of the problem, we see Jesus offering a solution. The disciples asked to increase their faith. Have you ever heard of people praying for more faith? Maybe it might have been you?
                 Jesus talked about planting seed! (Luke 17:6) Hear me out, beloved, please do not pray for more faith, instead start planting the seed which is God's word. When you pray, pray God's word over any situation or any circumstance. The Bible says that faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God. 
               Guard your heart because that is the ground in which you will deposit the seed. God's word is alive but your heart has got to be right. Many say that the heart is the spirit of man and that is true but in other passages, heart involves the mind, will and emotions. In Prov 4:23, the Hebrew word is "Labe" (Strong's concordance 03820) Labe means the emotions, affections and the mind. A look at the Message version gives us more clarity on the word heart---

 Above all else, guard your affections. For they influence everything else in your life. (Prov 4:23)(Message bible) 

                       Our spiritual inner being has been redeemed and is saved but the mind, will and emotions need to be renewed. That is why we need the mind of Christ to transform our thought life. As we spend some time on who we are in Christ and what belongs to us, we can become futile ground for the  seed(word) to grow. When we harbor bitterness, that hinders our prayers and growth. Now, we know that the fruit of the sycamore is bitter. We need to examine our hearts as far as bitterness is concerned. 
                   Many of us do not have a problem forgiving but bitter memories still linger in the lives of some Christians. They regress to the past and rehearse past hurts. We are soldiers for the Lord and this is a battleground. When a soldier is wounded, he/she cannot fight. (Prov 18:14) We need to deal with a broken heart and wounded emotions because it can cripple our faith and affect others as well. (Heb 12:15)
                      Thank God, Jesus dealt with this. In Luke 4:18 and Ps 147:3, God has promised to heal broken hearts and bind up emotional wounds. I am convinced that the reason many turn away from God and backslide is because of a broken heart. Marriages have been destroyed because of a lack of knowledge in that area. So, if you have a broken heart, there is good news---Jesus wants to heal you and give you a new beginning. As you do that, you will be able to begin the process in tossing that sycamore tree out of your path and getting results in your prayer life. God bless!

Prayer---Dear Heavenly Father, I come to you so you could examine me. If I have any offense against anyone, I ask you to forgive me. I, by faith, forgive whoever has trespassed against me. I ask you to bless them. I will commit to erasing any memory of that hurt. I receive healing of a broken heart. I receive healing in my emotions. You said that you have come to heal broken hearts and to bind up my wounds. I declare healing in my emotions and in my mind. I will walk in love and refuse to rehearse the past. I, now, start a new chapter in my life and I thank you for a new beginning. In Jesus name....Amen.

Bible verses courtesy of www.biblegateway.com

Helpful links---
1- http://wordandgrace.blogspot.com/2015/10/remove-your-sycamore-tree-part-i.html

Remove your sycamore tree! Part I.

                                             
                                                          A old Sycamore tree (1)

                                           And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you. (Luke 17:6) 

                        Do you have a sycamore tree in your life? Before you answer, let's consider some major points----

1. We have to learn how to identify the enemy and the obstacles that hinder us from having our prayers answered.
2. We need to get to the root of our problem.
3. We need to uproot and destroy that which is set before us.

             I) Identifying the enemy or obstacles that are before us.

             Prayer is a battlefield. In a war, we need to study and
observe what we are up against.  Sometimes, our obstacle can be 
Satan or a host of demons. Other times, it can be our flesh.
Mountains and sycamore trees can be included in this category, too. 
                              Sometimes, we are busy casting out Satan, when it can be a mountain or our flesh. Wisdom in battle is needed to identify what enemies or obstacles are placed before us. That is why when you are dealing with a testing that just will not go away, you need to pray in tongues. 
                        The subject of tongues is very,very controversial. 
Many say that it has passed away. Others say that it is from the devil but the truth of the matter is that it is scriptural and it is for today. Please think twice before you call it a sign from the devil. Jesus warned us about the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost. (Matt 12:31-32) 
                         There are many things that I would say about praying in tongues but I do not want to get off the subject of identifying the enemy or the obstacles that we must face. I would add that when you pray in tongues, you are praying mysteries. 
            There are times in which you can edify your spirit and speak in tongues but there are other occasions in which you are, actually, speaking the mysteries and it's answers to your problems. That is why the word encourages us to pray that we may interpret those mysteries in our own understanding. (I Cor 14:2, 13) 
                 You may ask how do I know what to pray for? Simple, When you just want to edify your spirit, you just speak in tongues knowing that it is strengthening your inner being. When the problems and testings are so out of control, that you do not know what to do, specify your prayer.
            In other words, say Lord, I am praying for the answer to my problem. Speak to me and show me what to do. Reveal your solution for this mystery that I am going through in Jesus Name. Now, after you prayed that prayer, start praying in tongues for as long as the Spirit leads. Afterwards, exercise some patience and praise God for the answer. 
            It may come in the next 10 minutes or it can take days. At times, it can be longer than a few days but I assure you, the answer will come. It can come in the form of Revelation knowledge, a dream or even a word in a church or Bible study. I realize that for some, this may be deep or perhaps you may be in disagreement with me but it is real. That is why we need to pray the prayer of Ephesians for ourselves and others.(2) When we do, we will see what the Spirit wants to show us and be effective in our prayer life. We will continue on this subject soon---God willing. 

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for teaching me in this day. Help me to identify key obstacles that are hindering my prayer life. Help me to focus more on praying in the Holy Ghost. Show me how to deal with the mysteries of my life and help me to walk in victory. In Jesus name...Amen! 

Friend, if you don't know Jesus in the pardon of your sins, Go to this link..http://wordandgrace.blogspot.com/search?q=sinner%27s+prayer

Links on the Holy Spirit----
(A) http://wordandgrace.blogspot.com/2013/10/dont-miss-out.html
(B) http://wordandgrace.blogspot.com/2013/10/dont-miss-out-part-2.html
(c) http://wordandgrace.blogspot.com/2013/10/dont-miss-out-part-3.html

                                  
(1) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sycomoros_old.jpg
(2) http://wordandgrace.blogspot.com/search?q=The+prayer+of+Ephesians

Find the missing piece!

                                Picture courtesy of http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

                                     For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ. (I Cor 2:16)

                                Life. It is full of mysteries and unanswered questions. Even Christian are at their wit's end trying to figure out what to do in life. While I do not have all the answers to life's problems, God's word does. Many Christians and Non-Christians have the mistaken notion that we have to take what life dishes out to us and as we hold on, we get to heaven and forget about the pains of the earth. 
                                Now, please do not misunderstand me, I am not saying that you will be problem-free. It is a fact that we live in a fallen world and problems are always going to hit you, sometimes, unexpectedly. What I am saying is that God has given us a battle manual, his word and it has the answers that you and I need in this life. 
                     In fact, when you made Jesus the Lord of your life, he, not, only saved you from death and hell but he gave you the anointing(power) to use to face the testings and trials of life. The word Christ is defined as anointing. A careful study of Acts 4:25-26 makes reference to PS 2:1-2. If you carefully look at the word Christ in Acts 4:26, it is translated as the anointed in PS 2:2. When you go to Isa 10:27, the anointing is defined as yoke breaking, burden removing power.
         To sum it up, Christ is the yoke breaking, burden removal power of God. A yoke is bondage to sin, sickness, debt, etc. A burden is stress,fear or worry. I Cor 2:16 says that you have the mind of Christ. Here is the icing on the cake, the word says that Christ has been made unto us wisdom. (I Cor 1:30) What is wisdom? Wisdom is the ability to come up with answers to life's toughest problems. 
         So, in essence, that means that if you are working as a janitor or CEO of a company, there is in you wisdom to, not, only be the best in your field but to come up with answers to problems in the workplace. An example was Joseph. His wisdom helped save a whole nation! So, friends, if you do not know what to do when problems hit you. If your back is against the wall, let the mind of Christ flow through you. You will be surprised at the answers that God will give you in life. 
     For all who contact me, I want to send you a gift. I want to send you a personalized prayer that will help you unlock God's secrets, mysteries and give you answers in life. If you are bored with your bible reading, now it's time for a change. Let it come alive and give forth answers to life's toughest problems.
          Also, if you do not know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, I have a special link for you below to start an exciting adventure in your life. Please contact me in my contact form. I want to pray with you.

A) Salvation---http://wordandgrace.blogspot.com/2012/05/sinners-prayer.html?spref=fb

B) Teaching links---
1- http://wordandgrace.blogspot.com/2015/09/put-god-in-remembrance.html
2- http://wordandgrace.blogspot.com/2014/08/are-you-kingdom-minded.html

Don't let circumstances have the last word!

                                        For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.(Heb 4:12)

                         Are you in a rut? Plagued by health problems? Prayers not getting through? You are not alone. Many Christians are on the verge of giving up. Some are even mad at God, blaming him for their circumstances. Friends, let get this straight, God is not holding you back. He wants you to prosper and be in health as your soul prospers. 
                          One thing that we need to see is that Faith operates by laws. (Rom 3:27) In the natural, Gravity is a law. What goes up must come down but when a greater law was discovered which was the laws that governed aviation, man could fly and be above gravity. Those laws of aviation was available even in the beginning of time but it was not discovered until the early 1900's. 
               The same applies to the spiritual in the realm of faith. God's word says my people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. (Hosea 4:6) Knowledge is the key to open the door of faith. I am not talking about head knowledge. You can know all there is to know about the Bible and still be defeated in the arena of life. I am talking about heart knowledge. Revelation knowledge that will open your eyes to the truth of God's word and bring about answers to your problems. 
             The first rule of thumb in understanding how the laws of faith operates is to have the mind of Christ. Now the word Christ is not Jesus last name. The word Christ is anointing which means the power to lift burdens and to destroy yokes in your life. (Isa 10:27) When you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you have at your disposal the mind of Christ. You may ask--If I have the mind of Christ, why am I still going through these problems? 
          Simple. You have to allow it to flow and release its power. (Phil 2:5) There are certain things that we need to know about the laws of faith and releasing the mind of Christ to have results. One important factor in the laws of faith is to know that you have it. I hear Christians praying---Give me more faith. God has already given you faith and it's in his word....

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Rom 10:17)

           So, if you have a bible, you carry with you the seeds of faith. The seeds of freedom of sin and bondage, the seeds of healing for your body, the seeds of financial freedom and provision, etc. As you put those seeds into good ground which is your heart, it will grow and manifest itself into the desired results. 
           Your mind plays an important role in this battleground of faith. A classic example was Joshua. Moses, his mentor was dead and overnight, he was in charge of more than a million people to pastor in the wilderness. He had battles to fight, giants to defeat and lands to occupy. In this midst of this, he turned to God and prayed. As he did, God gave him an answer...

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.(Josh 1:8) 

           A couple of points to observe in the above verse is the book of the law. The book refers to the word. Second, the word meditate comes from the Hebrew which is murmur. God understood Joshua's situation. God knew that he needed help so he told him to look at his word by murmuring it. As you murmur God's promises, it is going to your heart and transforming your mind. It is giving you a mental picture of God's promises and what belongs to you. 
              One thing to consider, change does not happen overnight. When you plant a seed, it takes time to grow but as you, constantly, feed your mind and heart on God's word, it will bring forth a breakthrough. If you have been blessed by these teachings, contact me and let me know. More to come on this interesting subject. God bless. 

Confession--I have the mind of Christ. I have his thoughts, will and desires. I will not be moved by what I see but I will be moved on what I believe. His word is alive. His word is powerful and I am more than a conqueror. Circumstances and problems will have to bow before the word. Thank you, Lord, for giving me the victory---In Jesus name. Amen! 


Previous teachings---
1-http://wordandgrace.blogspot.com/2015/09/having-trouble-hearing-from-god.html
2-http://wordandgrace.blogspot.com/2015/09/when-you-have-jesus-you-have-it-all.html
3- http://wordandgrace.blogspot.com/2015/09/put-god-in-remembrance.html

Bible Verses courtesy of www.biblegateway.com
Visit our website...http://www.prayerswithpower.com



                                 

Put God in remembrance!

                                         

 Greetings. Last time, we were studying about how the spirit is different from the soul. We saw how this principle is related to prayer and how we can hear from God through his word. (1) In this study, we will elaborate more on the mind and getting powerful results in prayer. Let's start with the following verse below... 

 Put me in remembrance: let us plead together: declare thou, that thou mayest be justified.   (Isa 43:26)

 If you ever want to have powerful results in prayer, put God in remembrance of his word. Get familiar with his will and what is promised to you. Notice the last word justified in Isa 43:26. Always make sure in prayer that there is no sin involved. Confess it and get rid of it. Declare your position in Christ Jesus. Declare that you are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. (II Cor 5:21) When you declare who you are in Christ, sin will not have a hold on you. 
               That does not mean that you will not stumble. We, all, at one point, miss the mark and fall short. What that means is that we will grow stronger and go from glory to glory. When you get rid of your old habits, The Lord will show you other things that you were not aware of that are stumbling blocks in your life. When we reach that level, we are growing from glory to glory. 
                  A classic example were the Jews. They winded up in Egypt as slaves. Their lives were miserable. Why? Because they got comfortable in their prosperous lifestyle and got into idolatry. Even though God delivered Joseph from his dungeon and promoted him to the palace, he got into mixture by marrying a woman of Egypt. (Gen 41:45) Joseph was, also, into fortune telling. (Gen 44:1-5) Yet, in spite of this, God blessed him--What grace!
                   Nevertheless, brethren, sin has its consequences. As the years passed by, the Jews got deeper and deeper into idolatry and winded up as slaves to the Egyptians. (Lev 26:17) This resulted in years of bondage unto those that hated them but God had an ace up his sleeve. There were a couple of Jews who remembered God and his ways. Soon, they were bringing God into remembrance of his promises through prayer. 

 And I have also heard the groaning of the children of Israel, whom the Egyptians keep in bondage; and I have remembered my covenant.(Exo 6:5/Rom 8:26) 

What did God do? He was pleased! He saw that prayer was mixed with his promises and the word. I believe that he was laughing and having a joyous time. Why? He knew that his joy was about to deliver his people from bondage! (PS 105:43) Friends, two things to remember in this lesson. When you pray, put the Lord in remembrance. Pray his promises to him. Second, release the force of joy. Dance, jump up for joy and laugh. Even if you do not feel like it, do it anyway. As you lift up your sacrifices of joy, God will see it and a breakthrough will come your way. Remember, you are in covenant with God and God is laughing at your enemies. (PS 2:1-4) God bless! 

(1)http://wordandgrace.blogspot.com/2015/09/having-trouble-hearing-from-god.html   

Verses provided by www.biblegateway.com
Visit our website...http://www.prayerswithpower.com


                  

                   

When you have Jesus, you have it all!

      

    

   ... we are more than conquerors through him that loved us..

                                                              (Romans 8:37)   

                
                  What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the name----Jesus? A good man? A wise man? To some, a fictional character that may not exist? I've come to tell you that the name of Jesus is more than that. Don't knock it until you try him.
              The word says that taste and see that the Lord is good. I can tell you all day about the apple but if you have not tasted it, you won't know its flavor. Many get angry at God because their prayer was not answered, but I've come to tell you that God, still, answers prayers. The only requirement is that you've got to come by the book---The word of God! 
               Perhaps some that read this think I'm in denial, but I've come to tell you that Jesus is real. When you invite him in your heart, you have it all. How? By this simple word---Wisdom! The world is looking for wisdom. One of the definition of wisdom is getting answers to complex problems.
                The word tells us that Christ is made unto us wisdom.(I Cor 1:30) That means that when you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, he becomes wisdom inside of you. Think of this--You have a genius living inside of you! The word says that you have the mind of Christ. The word Christ means the anointing and we know that its power will break the yoke of the enemy!
                   That doesn't mean that life will be a bed of roses. There will be challenges--There will be tests! Why? Because we live in a fallen world. Many Christians are going under and some wind up in mental institutions---Why? Because they have allowed the circumstances to defeat them! What you don't know can hurt you! The body needs to know what they have in Christ. 
                    That is why the word says---Let this mind be in you! (Phil 2:5) You have to let the mind of Christ rise up and help you in life. How? First, you ask him for wisdom. When you do that, that wisdom that is inside you will rise up and provide answers. Another way is through prayer. Spend some time alone with him. Practice being silent and hearing his voice. 
                      Another way is through confessing the word. The word, itself, has the power to give you wisdom. Get up everyday and confess the mind of Christ. Confess that you are wise. Confess that you are his sheep. As we identify with him, you will see the end result. No matter what you are going through in life, remember God knows the end from the beginning. He will turn your testings into testimonies and make you more than a conqueror! 

Prayer---Lord, thank you for your word. I confess in this day that I have the mind of Christ. I confess that I am his sheep and hear his voice. I am wise and I always make the right decisions. I will not be moved by the circumstances because they are subject to change. Your word is mighty and will change circumstances to conform to your word. I cannot lose because I am more than a conqueror. In Jesus Name---Amen! 

Check out our facebook page---https://www.facebook.com/wordandgrace56

More teaching links---
1-http://wordandgrace.blogspot.com/2015/09/dont-let-circumstances-have-last-word.html
2-http://wordandgrace.blogspot.com/2015/09/find-missing-piece.html

Do you want a new beginning? Ask Jesus into your life...http://wordandgrace.blogspot.com/2012/05/sinners-prayer.html

Bible verses provided by www.biblegateway.com


             

Having trouble hearing from God?

                                             
                           
                      

                                         (courtesy of stockimages at FreeDigitalPhotos.net)
                                                    Don't get discouraged. Help is on the way!
                                                     

   My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me                                         (John 10:27)

                Having trouble hearing from God? You are not alone. Many are frustrated and angry at failing to hear from God. Others have put a "fleece" only to find out that they have been deceived. In order to hear from God, you must ask yourself---What is my relationship with Jesus? Are you spending quantity time with him? 
             I, recently, celebrated my 36th year of marriage. I have spent a lot of time with my wife knowing what gets her uncomfortable and what she likes. When she calls me on the phone, I recognize her voice. Why? Because I have spent some time knowing her and have trained my ear to know her voice. 
             The same in the world of the Spirit. God knows that, most of us, have busy schedules. Some of us, just, pray for 15 minutes and have a minute devotional. Beloved, God understands that we have things to do, decisions to make and earn a living. Here is some food for thought---Have you ever set aside an hour to pray and hear from God? Jesus told his disciples to tarry an hour, yet, they fell asleep. (Mark 14:34-38) 
                         My friends, there is a lot to prayer that you and I have, yet, to understand. Let me illustrate a personal example. My prayer routine is for the first 30 minutes to praise and worship, intercede and then talk to God. Afterwards, I dedicate the last 30 minutes to Bible study and hear what God has to say. There may be some days in which I, just, praise and worship without asking him for a thing. Prayer does not have to be a dull routine. In fact, when you praise and worship, you release the spirit of prophecy over yourself. (Rev 19:10)
                         Brethren, there are many ways in which to hear from God. The main thing to know is that God speaks through his word. We live in a "feeling" world. Remember the popular phrase--If it feels good, do it? Many carry that thought in making important decisions and then when things don't go right, they blame God. Don't blame God. Check your feelings. Be careful with your feelings. Always make sure you have a direct confirmation from God. 
                 To better understand this, let's look at the following----

 And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. (Gen 2:7) 

Pay special attention to the word soul. Many times we confuse soul with the spirit but they are different. The word says that man was created in the image of God. (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) Man is a tri-part being--Spirit, soul and body ( I Thess 5:23) Just as God has different personalities manifested so the same is with man. Adam was not mentioned as a living spirit (Which he was), but the word makes special mention of soul. Why?
                      To understand this, the soul is the mind, will, desires and emotions. Adam had his mind tuned into God. He could trust his feelings and emotions but something happened. The moment Adam and Eve sinned, their soulish part got separated from God and they became carnal. Jesus solved that dilemma. When a person becomes born-again, they get the mind of Christ. The same mind that was operating just like Adam in the garden. 
                   When you have the mind of Christ, you have wisdom at your fingertips. (I Cor 1:30) The solution to all of your problems. Scientist have discovered that man, only, uses less than 10% of their minds. I believe during Adam's time, his mind was super advanced. Who knows what kind of inventions existed during his time in the garden of Eden? 
            History confirms this, too. Many caves have writings and images of people traveling through the skies with advanced spaceships. Here is some food for thought, even though Adam was kicked out of the garden, his mind was still advanced. While others in his family lines went into sin and depravity, God preserved a remnant that became a holy priesthood. (Gen 4:26)
                  In fact, Adam was so advanced that he live more than 900 years! Man started to get his years shortened because of sin and nature. When the rains came during Noah's time, some scientists believe that a protective shield was penetrated which allowed harmful ingredients to shorten man's life. Also, notice that when man started eating meats, his life span got affected. (Gen 9:3) 
                  Now in spite of all this, why do Christians get filled with anxiety and do not make use of the mind of Christ? Part of this is ignorance of their identification with Christ. In my next study, I will elaborate more on hearing the voice of God. God bless. (More to come.)

Bible verses courtesy of www.biblegateway.com
                             
                    
                  

                    

                               


                 

The power of Joy!

                                                  Shout your way to Victory!


                                Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.(Hab 3:17-18) 

                    There is a tendency of a que sera, sera attitude in the body of Christ. We attribute everything including destruction as an excuse to praise God. God is sovereign and everything that happens is God's will---Allow me to, respectfully differ. The word says to give to Cesar what is Cesar and to God what is God's. Jesus said that the thief comes to kill, steal and destroy but I (Jesus) come to give life abundantly. ( John 10:10) Jesus wants us to have life in our health, finances, relationships, etc. 
                   The key word to see in Hab 3:18 is joy. Joy is a fruit of the spirit. Joy can be expressed in a shout, dance or even laughter among other things. (PS 126:1-2/Ps 149:3/Ps 32:11) Joy is a powerful weapon. Even Job in the midst of suffering knew about this power. He said that in the midst of corruption and famine to laugh. ( Job 5:22) Why? If you read the end of the book of Job, you will find that God restored unto him double for his trouble.(Job 42:10) Joy is a powerful weapon. 
                   So powerful is joy that God released it to set his people free from Egyptian captivity. (Ps 105:42-43) I, personally, believed that there were a remnant of Jews bringing into God's remembrance his covenant with his people. As God heard the words of his covenant being lifted up in prayer, he unleashed his force of joy upon his people and made them free. The best part is that none of them came out of the land broke or sick. (Ps 105:37) The word feeble is translated from the Hebrew as sick. 
               What about you, friend? Are you in captivity? Have you been frustrated regarding your prayers? Unleash the power of joy in your life. You are in covenant with God. God is laughing at your enemies, so it is time to laugh along with him and see his power at work! (Ps 2:4)

Verses courtesy of www.biblegateway.com

                                     

Salvation is a gift---

                 

                               --Assembly required! 

                    

                                             Are you ready to assemble your gift?  (1)

                   
            As I pondered upon the joy of Salvation and its benefits, the Lord pointed out a couple of things that are essential to the body of Christ. Years ago, while driving along a country road, I passed by a church marquee that read "Salvation is a gift--Assembly required." It brought me back years to my childhood when my father brought me my first bike. 
                I used to walk by the store and see all those beautiful bikes on display so, naturally, I got excited when my dad told me that he was buying a bike for me. That day, he came home and brought a box. Then, I saw him take out his toolbox and, patiently, assembled the bike for me. When the finished product was done--Viola, I had a brand new bike to enjoy! 
               You may ask what is the point?  The point is in order to make proper use of your salvation, you need to open the package. Next, assembly is required. In the natural, my Dad helped me to assemble my gift, which was a bike. In the spiritual, the assembling of your gift comes through the church. Heb 10:25 says not forsaking the assembling of yourselves together. 
               If you accepted Jesus but are not going to church, your gift is not properly assembled. That is why people are pulling out their hairs and questioning God when He is saying assembly required. I thank God for Christian TV. It is a great side tool to have especially for the sick and shut ins but while you are healthy and strong, you need to find a good church. 
             Eph 4:8-16  is the key. A good church is one in which the five-fold ministries are in operation. Through the Holy Spirit, he assembles what is lacking in your gift so that you can enjoy your salvation and then tell others about it. As you do, you will find your place in Christ and be able to do exploits for him. Then, when you are fully matured, you can be a gift unto others as well. Amen. 

                                               (1) http://public.fotki.com/kelvinkay/collection_of_beaut/xmasparty061.html
       

A mass exodus?

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

                                           

And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth. (Isa 11: 12)

                       Friends, there is a mass exodus coming.  One notable area will be from the United States. God is calling for his people to come back to the land of Israel. It is, already, happening from nations like Ethiopia and even China itself. Recently, Prime minster Netanyahu extended an invitation for the French Jews to immigrate to Israel after some attacks on the Jews and their synagogues.

                        One thing that will call tremendous attention will be on the Latino side. Why? After doing an intense study, I found out that about 90% of Hispanics have Jewish blood. Spain had a large community of Jews and when they got persecuted, they were faced with two alternatives---Convert to Catholicism or be exiled. Some compromised their faith in order to stay and became Catholics mixing in with the general population. These groups of Jews were called Sephardic Jews.  

                          Here is where the plot thickens, If you are Hispanic and have a last name ending in EZ, most likely you have Jewish blood. I have enclosed a link in which you can read about this and trace your name. (1) I, personally, believe that this move will call attention because of the Latino population joining in that exodus. I may be laughed at but that's OK. I rather be laughed at and be right than wrong. 

                              If you study history, the German Jews were very patriotic especially during the 30's. They refused to move even when the Lord sent some prophets to warn them to get out of the land.  We, all, know what happened. Adolph Hitler took over and there was a holocaust that, nearly, wiped them out. Friends, the Lord will have his way whether you like it or not. If you are Jewish or have Jewish blood, you have two choices--- You can go the fisherman's way while the door is open or you can chose the hunter's way when the door is closed---Your choice. 

              Let's look at the following verses----

                 " Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that it shall no more be said, The Lord liveth, that brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt; But, The Lord liveth, that brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north, and from all the lands whither he had driven them: and I will bring them again into their land that I gave unto their fathers. Behold, I will send for many fishers, saith the Lord, and they shall fish them; and after will I send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every mountain, and from every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks. " (2) (Jer 16:14-16)

                 Time is winding down. To all my Hispanic friends and family members, seek the Lord concerning this. Get prepared and ask for God's guidance. Time is winding down and I believe that God is up to something. A Pastor friend of mine once said--I would rather be in a dangerous place in God's will then to be in a safe place and out of God's will. Pray for this next great event in America. God bless.

(1) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sephardi_Jews

(2) Verses courtesy of Biblegateway.