Stay within your calling.

"And they withstood Uzziah the king, and said unto him, It appertaineth not unto thee, Uzziah, to burn incense unto the Lord, but to the priests the sons of Aaron, that are consecrated to burn incense: go out of the sanctuary; for thou hast trespassed; neither shall it be for thine honour from the Lord God.

 Then Uzziah was wroth, and had a censer in his hand to burn incense: and while he was wroth with the priests, the leprosy even rose up in his forehead before the priests in the house of the Lord, from beside the incense altar.

And Azariah the chief priest, and all the priests, looked upon him, and, behold, he was leprous in his forehead, and they thrust him out from thence; yea, himself hasted also to go out, because the Lord had smitten him."

                                     (2 Chronicles 26:18-20)

                        The word for today is find your calling and stay in it. We, all, have a calling and assignment in our lives. As we study 2 Chronicles 26:18-20, we see an example of entering into the wrong calling. King Uzziah was a great king who was used of God in a mighty way. His calling was to be a King and use his leadership skills to bless Israel but something happened along the way. He, got sidetracked. I, personally, believe that he, probably, observed the Aaronic priesthood and their ways of worship. 

                             This, most likely, fascinated him. He, probably, felt like he should bring the censer to burn incense unto the Lord. His intentions might have been good but he forgot that this privilege was given to the descendents of Aaron, who were called to the priesthood. After a while, he took upon himself the duties of the priesthood. The priests, observing this, stood in his way. They tried to prevent the King from making the greatest mistake of his life.  Seeing this, pride rose up in King Uzziah's heart and he become angry. Suddenly, something happened---leprosy started to form in his forehead. 

                            How does that applies to us? Brethren, if you feel a calling for ministry, do not, just, jump in and do it. Our feelings can trick us much like King Uzziah. Our soul (Mind, will and emotions) need to fall in line with the word. (Heb 4:12) Hebrews 4:12 clearly tells us that God's word is like a sword and it separates soul and spirit. In other words, it is the final authority. 

                                 Next, confirm your calling with the church leadership. Finding a good church and Pastor is important because it keeps us from error. The word says that in the multitude of counsellors, there is safety. Do not take it upon yourself to start a ministry without taking the time to wait and confirming your calling. Take heed of what happened to King Uzziah. 

                                 Another way to confirm your calling is through the gifts that God has given you. Whether it be natural,spiritual or both, you have been endowed with special gifts,talents and skills to fulfill your calling. Once you enter into your calling and domain, you cannot help but excel.  Some people are like a fish out of water. They think because they have a desire to sing, they should sing in the choir but upon hearing them, it is plain that they do not have the gift to sing. Where he leads, he provides. 

                            God wants us to offer the best that we have in us to him. So, in this day, if you do not know your calling and assignment, find out. If you do know your calling but you feel led to enter another field of ministry, take heed. Talk to God about it and avoid a costly mistake. 

Bible reference provided by www.biblegateway.com

Fasting---A few thoughts to ponder ( Part 2)

Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? (Isa 58:6)

                              In our last study of fasting, we saw four major points in this verse. We covered step one and saw how it helped save a nation during the time of Esther,the queen. If you missed our last study, check out the link provided below(1). Today, God willing, we will analyze the rest of the major steps. Let's review the other remaining major steps----                          

                          1- To loose the band of wickedness
                          2- To undo the heavy burdens
                          3- To let the oppressed go free                        
                          4- To break every evil yoke

                         In step 2, Fasting will undo the heavy burdens. What is a burden? A burden is a weight. It can be stress, anxiety, worries, cares, etc. It, also, implies a crushing. We, all, know what stress and worry can do for you. It's consequences on  health can be damaging, so the meaning of crushing is implied in a negative sense. Are you stressed out or worried? Fasting is a way for you to focus on the Lord and undo those burdens. The word says to cast your care upon him (Jesus), for he careth for you. It, can, also be a burden to pray for a nation or a loved one When we obey the leading of the Lord and undo these burdens upon him, miracles start to happen and you sense a peace within.
                        Step 3 is speaking of deliverance for the oppressed. Oppression is an annoying or constant attack from an enemy. It can be a nervous breakdown, constant mental harassment or a foothold that the enemy can have on a believer's life. It is a sad state of affairs when Pastors and leaders from the church are bound and oppressed by pornography but there is hope. Scripture teaches us that we have the mind of Christ. When we put on Christ, his mind and thoughts, we can have victory over oppression. Fasting is a strong tool to break those strongholds.

                           

                                                       Example of a Wooden Yoke              

                                 Finally, step 4--Every evil yoke. What is a yoke? A yoke is a wooden or metal object (Picture above) in which two oxen were side by side plowing. They were forced to work the land for its master. The Christian was under the yoke of Satan but, now, through Christ, we have a different yoke. (Matt 11:28-30) A yoke can symbolize bondage, soul-ties or attachment. It can be sickness, debt or carnality. When you fast in faith, knowing what belongs to you,it can be a powerful tool for deliverance. It can destroy any yoke no matter how hard it can be! (Isa 10:27) Whether it be of wood(Carnality) or Iron (Satanic bondage, his unction(Power) can break any attachment to the enemies of our soul. (Jer 28:13)
                                 So, having this in mind--Fasting can be fun! Healing, peace and financial provision is yours but the most important of all, having the mind of Christ. When you have the mind of Christ and take upon his desires, you can rise up to be the victor God meant for you to be! God bless.

(1) http://wordandgrace.blogspot.com/2016/02/fasting-few-thoughts-to-ponder.html
 Bible verses courtesy of www.biblegateway.com



                         

                     

Pastor's post---03/05/2015

                     
                                                

                           Courtesy of www.kosherstock.com-Matzo cracker


                           A look at communion--Part II

                  In our last study, we saw how the some of the disciples of Jesus misunderstood the message of communion. Many were offended when he spoke of eating his flesh and drinking his blood but Jesus was making a point. He was breaking them out of their traditions and religion to bring them to a higher place in God. Many times, we miss the true meaning of communion with the Pastor saying a few scriptures. Afterwards, we drink the grape juice and cracker and then go on our way.
                 The word says to do this in remembrance of me(Jesus). We see it as salvation for our spirits. We see the juice symbolic of his blood shed on the cross but that is as far as we go. We need to see the whole picture. Years ago, when I went to a Baptist church, this minister prior to having the church take communion issued some warnings. He said that communion was only for the saved. In that service, he warned the unsaved and those who were sinning, not to partake of the communion elements. How many times have you heard that warning being issued? ( I Cor 11:27-28)  
                  We can read it from scriptures, but Pastors need to issue a solemn warning. If there is any who is not saved, to make it plain and to, also, issue an invitation to Salvation. Also, we need to examine ourselves--Is there strife in our hearts, unforgiveness, sin,etc?  We need to pause and take inventory through the Holy Spirit. Folks, this is very serious in God's eyes and not doing it properly can cause many to get sick, weak or die. ( I Cor 11: 30) We are renewing God's covenant!
                   Another beauty of communion is to encourage people to look at the broken body. That body represents healing. I, for one, like to celebrate communion with the Matzo cracker. Why, because I believe that is unleavened bread and it was the bread that Jesus used to celebrate communion. Another reason why I, personally, like to use it is that the marking on it represents the stripes that Jesus took for you and me. 
           Physical healing is a part of Salvation. The Greek word  includes Spiritual, physical and financial salvation. A case in point is James 5:15. It says to save the sick. Why? Because the physical healing in one's body is physical salvation. When celebrating communion, Pastors ought to encourage their flocks to receive healing in their bodies and emotions. It is included in communion. In my next post, I will have more on communion. God bless. 

Other helpful links---

http://wordandgrace.blogspot.com/2015/03/pastors-post-03042015.html

http://wordandgrace.blogspot.com/2013/06/some-thoughts-on-lamb-of-god-part-1.html


                   

Do you have pregnant faith?

                                    Image courtesy of [image creator name] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

" A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world." (John 16:21)

                                     Faith! A wonderful word! In this day and age, we have heard great faith teachings and many of us have gotten wonderful breakthroughs. I, as well as many others in the body, have seen times in which we have gotten answers to prayer after prayer until we hit that wall. What happens when we hit that wall? Some of us get discouraged. Other times, we get mad at God. Some would even say that it is not God's will to have his promises.
                                But, friend, God's word is--- Yea and Amen (1) God is not a man that he should lie. If its a promise that is in his word, it will surely come to pass. In fact, Jesus did what he had to in the cross. He is seated on the right hand of the Father interceding for us so that we may be able to get a revelation of his word. He has given us ALL things that pertain to life and godliness (2). All that you need is already given to you!
                                  If that is so, why don't we have it? Friend, God's promises are not going to fall down from heaven to you. There is a fight of faith. Take for example, salvation. Jesus  died for the world and purchased salvation. In fact, he is not willing that any perish but that all come to repentance. So, what is the problem?
                                  Again, the promises of God are not going to fall down on you from heaven---You have a part to do and that is to receive his word. Receiving Jesus as your Savior opens the door to salvation and it starts with your mouth. In fact, that is the pattern that God expects us to use in prayer. When we pray, we need to receive his word.
                       When circumstances arises and start talking to us, we need to receive the word and talk back to it.  A good example is Mary. When she was visited by the angel Gabriel, she received the word. She did not argue with the angel nor allowed herself to be overcome by circumstances. She, just, received the word and became pregnant.(3)
                                       Have you prayed and prayed, only to see it going from bad to worse?  Have you confessed God's promises until you are blue in the face, only to see zero results? May I submit to you if you have done all you know what to do, but nothing has improved---You may have pregnant faith. When you receive God's word, it grows inside of you and when the promise is about to come to pass, there is travailing and birth pains. Breakthrough is about to take place!
                                       See the picture above of the happy lady? That is what we are supposed to do, even in the midst of sorrows and pain. We need to PUSH. We need strength! How do we get strength? The joy of the Lord is our strength! (4) Rejoice, sing and start to dance. See the promise as a fact and believe me, within a short time, you will birth that promise.
                                      So, don't give up. Fight the good fight of Faith. The devil has been defeated and with a song in your heart, your manifestation of God's promises will surely come to pass. Before I finish, let me end with this---My son and his wife were separated for 6 years. Family members were telling me to give up. It got worse, but I held on.
                         After six years, they came back together. I had experienced "birth pains", but after a while, I saw God's promise manifest itself. Too many of us give up and say---Oh well, its must be God's will for me. Don't blame God, but look at yourself and see where you have missed it. Chances are that you may have pregnant faith! If you do, remember to PUSH----The joy of the Lord is your strength! God bless!

Scriptures---  (1) I Cor 1:20
                      (2) II Peter 1:3
                      (3) Luke 1:38
                      (4) Neh 8:10

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