We have to let the word translate the word.
I AM what does it mean?
Its everything we see IN JESUS!
HE explains all those amazing 'I AM' statements mostly throuout John.
I am the bread of life 6:48 (all from John)
I am from him 7:29
I am the light of the world. 8:12
I am from above 8:23
I am the one I claim to be 8:24
before Abraham was born, I am!" 8:58
I am the gate for the sheep. 10:7
I am the good shepherd. 10:11
I am the resurrection and the life. 11:25
"You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. 13:13
I am the way and the truth and the life. 14:6
I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me 14:11
am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 14:20
I am the true vine 15:1
As the Father has sent me, I am sending you. 20:21
Anything you lack, everything you need is found in the all supplying all powerful (never lacking) I AM!
Not I was, Not I will be - but I AM!
what can you lack that I AM can't provide?
- eric
The Exchanged Life
"Christ who is your life.." Colossians 3:4
-eric
Sunday, January 24, 2010
What kind of son's are we?
When you decide to follow JESUS (realizing your life has to consist of more than what you've got and your life isn't anything close to the 'abundant life' JESUS promised) then you come to understand that you become a son or daughter of GOD.
Because Ephesians 1:4-6 says
In love HE predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.
This teaching came to me this morning as I have watched the horror of Haiti as well as the miracles and love taking place in the story after the earthquake.
Today, I watched as planes arrived carrying babies/children to Ottawa CANADA, to adopting parents. These are little ones, some only wearing shorts and t-shirts arriving in Ottawa in January, to their newly waiting adoptive parents. Beginning a new life, leaving behind all the chaos, death, ruins of their former lives.
This is what JESUS does for us.
We were living a life of ruin, destruction, death, misery, confusion and error.
Thinking we were living (or surviving) ourselves yet never realizing the lack we had and really living a sub-par life.
No hope, no life, no answers, no joy, no peace, no provision - like orphans in a destroyed Haiti without parents without hope!
This is what GOD says our lives are (without HIM) and you wont maybe realize it, until you ask GOD to come into your life and change you. Then when you realize ALL your sins forgiven and HE comes and really lives inside, you will look around and everything will seem new, new joy, new peace and new life.
Like the orphans, little black children (I say this for a reason) coming to a very new country - CANADA and to new parents (some white parents) who they don't really know yet, but will be loved and start to live a life far different to the life they left.
GOD does this for us, adopting us as sons.
Why adopting?
Because we are not by nature like GOD, our sin natures act more like his enemy than a son. Just like a little black child, coming to new white parents.
In some ways not at all like each other.
We were created the Divine is not created. And at the fall of man, we received a sin nature (contrary and is an enemy to GOD) but now because of what JESUS has done, we can participate in the Divine nature!
2 Peter 1:4
Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
Just like the little orphans.
LOVE bridges the gap and makes that adoptive son/daughter just like a real
(natural birth) son or daughter!
Just like JESUS!
So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers. Hebrews 2:11
Poverty, Past, Race, Colour, Education, has no meaning they are 'Adoptive Sons/Daughters' and enjoy all the same benefits as anyone born in CANADA.
You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Galatians 3:26-28
GOD does this, accepts us despite our poverty, past, race, colour, education etc.. they have no meaning anymore as we are HIS kids (adoptive) and enjoy all the benefits of HIS kingdom / HIS family!
Real adoptive sons & daughters - with all the provision and freedom of a new country but still learning all the opportunity and benefits as we grow.
Real life - JESUS called it abundant life!
It starts now, we are not waiting for it, just like the little ones coming to CANADA for the first time on an airplane (most if not all for the first time) into a new life of potential, freedom and opportunity leaving behind death and destruction!
They've already enter in to it although just beginning to learn all the benefits they now already have as Canadian citizens.
What an offer to the little ones - leave the destruction/death of Haiti and enter into the freedom and life of Canada.
If they don't - they will die.
If they do - they will live.
Here's the only question:
When you gave JESUS your life, why do you act like it is still your own?
If you haven't yet, come to JESUS then what are you waiting for, Ask JESUS for HIS life and say you want to live for HIM instead! You wont regret it!
Because Ephesians 1:4-6 says
In love HE predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.
This teaching came to me this morning as I have watched the horror of Haiti as well as the miracles and love taking place in the story after the earthquake.
Today, I watched as planes arrived carrying babies/children to Ottawa CANADA, to adopting parents. These are little ones, some only wearing shorts and t-shirts arriving in Ottawa in January, to their newly waiting adoptive parents. Beginning a new life, leaving behind all the chaos, death, ruins of their former lives.
This is what JESUS does for us.
We were living a life of ruin, destruction, death, misery, confusion and error.
Thinking we were living (or surviving) ourselves yet never realizing the lack we had and really living a sub-par life.
No hope, no life, no answers, no joy, no peace, no provision - like orphans in a destroyed Haiti without parents without hope!
This is what GOD says our lives are (without HIM) and you wont maybe realize it, until you ask GOD to come into your life and change you. Then when you realize ALL your sins forgiven and HE comes and really lives inside, you will look around and everything will seem new, new joy, new peace and new life.
Like the orphans, little black children (I say this for a reason) coming to a very new country - CANADA and to new parents (some white parents) who they don't really know yet, but will be loved and start to live a life far different to the life they left.
GOD does this for us, adopting us as sons.
Why adopting?
Because we are not by nature like GOD, our sin natures act more like his enemy than a son. Just like a little black child, coming to new white parents.
In some ways not at all like each other.
We were created the Divine is not created. And at the fall of man, we received a sin nature (contrary and is an enemy to GOD) but now because of what JESUS has done, we can participate in the Divine nature!
2 Peter 1:4
Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
Just like the little orphans.
LOVE bridges the gap and makes that adoptive son/daughter just like a real
(natural birth) son or daughter!
Just like JESUS!
So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers. Hebrews 2:11
Poverty, Past, Race, Colour, Education, has no meaning they are 'Adoptive Sons/Daughters' and enjoy all the same benefits as anyone born in CANADA.
You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Galatians 3:26-28
GOD does this, accepts us despite our poverty, past, race, colour, education etc.. they have no meaning anymore as we are HIS kids (adoptive) and enjoy all the benefits of HIS kingdom / HIS family!
Real adoptive sons & daughters - with all the provision and freedom of a new country but still learning all the opportunity and benefits as we grow.
Real life - JESUS called it abundant life!
It starts now, we are not waiting for it, just like the little ones coming to CANADA for the first time on an airplane (most if not all for the first time) into a new life of potential, freedom and opportunity leaving behind death and destruction!
They've already enter in to it although just beginning to learn all the benefits they now already have as Canadian citizens.
What an offer to the little ones - leave the destruction/death of Haiti and enter into the freedom and life of Canada.
If they don't - they will die.
If they do - they will live.
Here's the only question:
When you gave JESUS your life, why do you act like it is still your own?
If you haven't yet, come to JESUS then what are you waiting for, Ask JESUS for HIS life and say you want to live for HIM instead! You wont regret it!
How do we walk in this JESUS life?
Here is one of the biggest mistakes I had in my Christian walk.
I tried to walk it!
Its silly because 'Christian' means 'CHRIST IN'.
Christ in me.
What does that mean? Well it doesn't mean 'me in me' its not 'me' anymore!
Now I see that its HIM in me. HE walks HIS LIFE through and in me.
Before it was me puruing life now I see its 'life pursuing me'.
Actually HIS LIFE in me.
I dont stress myself about it, I don't try to do it.
I expect HIM to walk through me and ask HIM (many times) to speak or
act through me.
Then HE will set you up, we call them "GOD set-ups" as HE will put
us in situtions for the love of GOD to pour out to a hurting, confused world.
Its easy.
And when you live or rather have HIS LIFE, come through and out of you then the 'heats off', its not you or your problem, but HIS.
Opportunity to share JESUS will come easier, in fact many times they
will come up to you or start the conversation.
Or GOD will give you the words to say (especially if you ask HIM)
then speak.
John 7:38 (JESUS said)
Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of
living water will flow from within him."
Streams flowing out of you is not something you produce or create.
Its HIS life flowing out of a willing heart.
Do you believe it?
Are you willing?
What a JESUS Journey!
I tried to walk it!
Its silly because 'Christian' means 'CHRIST IN'.
Christ in me.
What does that mean? Well it doesn't mean 'me in me' its not 'me' anymore!
Now I see that its HIM in me. HE walks HIS LIFE through and in me.
Before it was me puruing life now I see its 'life pursuing me'.
Actually HIS LIFE in me.
I dont stress myself about it, I don't try to do it.
I expect HIM to walk through me and ask HIM (many times) to speak or
act through me.
Then HE will set you up, we call them "GOD set-ups" as HE will put
us in situtions for the love of GOD to pour out to a hurting, confused world.
Its easy.
And when you live or rather have HIS LIFE, come through and out of you then the 'heats off', its not you or your problem, but HIS.
Opportunity to share JESUS will come easier, in fact many times they
will come up to you or start the conversation.
Or GOD will give you the words to say (especially if you ask HIM)
then speak.
John 7:38 (JESUS said)
Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of
living water will flow from within him."
Streams flowing out of you is not something you produce or create.
Its HIS life flowing out of a willing heart.
Do you believe it?
Are you willing?
What a JESUS Journey!
Are you willing to be willing?
Sounds like a weird question I know but it really makes sense after awhile.
We had a guy we prayed for months back, who is a Christian but had his life savings taken out of his account by a greedy sister.
Unable to forgive his sister and broke he came for prayer angry.
Who could blame him, after all, he had everything taken away in trust situation with his sister. His sister, didn't hate her brother, just that she loved money more.
Actually if you love one, you'll hate the other!
Thats another story JESUS taught on, but back to this one.
So the guy couldn't forgive although he knew he had to. Or at least he knew that it would be better off for him not to live with the anger, resentment and bitternesss of not forgiving her, but at the same time hated her! She took everything and when he confronted her, she brushed him off either unwilling or unable to pay it back.
So, he sits there wanting help, needing a prayer answered and frustrated like anything.
I asked him "would you be willing to be made willing"?
He looked puzzled.
I said again, would you be willing to let GOD change your heart, change your will in the situation?
You are told to forgive, because GOD has forgiven you but you can't do it of your self you need HIS help (GOD'S help in the matter).
He asked, 'what do I do?'
Pray (it went something like this, but please use your own words and pray from the heart) "LORD, I don't want to forgive my sister, in fact I can't - I hate her! But I am willing for you to change my heart and make me forgive her - change me, instead!."
It also happend to our son, he failed his math test and had been going on a spiral downward in math. Getting lower grades in it and starting to hate it. Other marks were alright but math was getting the better of him.
He voiced his displeasure. "I hate math, and my math teacher doesn't like me".
Finally the straw the broke the camels back was a math test failed. As he had never failed one before.
The math teacher called me and asked me if I could make him correct his mistakes at home on his math test and the teacher gave him his test to do over at home. Not a test redo, where he would get the benefits of a perhaps better mark, but just correct it at home and learn from it.
So, of course when the time came at home, this son of ours was angry and frustrated and not at all willing to do it.
Why?
This is how the devil beats us so easily.
He tells you lie like "you are no good in math"
and he repeats it often, like "you suck in math" is what he told our son.
Then loudy repeats these negative words.
Then you end up having to do hard math homework and the devil tells you again, "your math teacher hates you and you are no good in math - your the worst in the class."
Then you get rattled, and the devil is good at slowly building this lie into you for months (maybe years).
After awhile you fail your math test and the devil is quick to say, "see, you are terrible in it - the worst by far".
Then its too late, you believe the lie that is cemented in the fact that its so obvious because you just failed it!
So, he wouldn't correct his test - no way - no how.
Again, 'would you be willing to be made willing'?
Yes, was his plea.
Then to the LORD in prayer : "LORD, I hate math, I think my math teacher hates me as well, and I believe I am the worst in my class and don't even want to do math anymore - because I absolutely HATE IT! But..." he continued, "I am willing for you to make me willing, I am willing to have your heart in the matter."
Right after this he said "I feel a jolt of joy overtake me" and he did his entire test again (it took 2 hours) as he opened his math book and corrected all his errors.
Great stories, The man in the story above, found peace and left in joy.
Our son, found GOD's joy and both did something they had no planned desire
or ability to accomplish.
Great communicating - great parenting ability?
I think not!
GOD changes hearts - are you willing to be made willing?
We had a guy we prayed for months back, who is a Christian but had his life savings taken out of his account by a greedy sister.
Unable to forgive his sister and broke he came for prayer angry.
Who could blame him, after all, he had everything taken away in trust situation with his sister. His sister, didn't hate her brother, just that she loved money more.
Actually if you love one, you'll hate the other!
Thats another story JESUS taught on, but back to this one.
So the guy couldn't forgive although he knew he had to. Or at least he knew that it would be better off for him not to live with the anger, resentment and bitternesss of not forgiving her, but at the same time hated her! She took everything and when he confronted her, she brushed him off either unwilling or unable to pay it back.
So, he sits there wanting help, needing a prayer answered and frustrated like anything.
I asked him "would you be willing to be made willing"?
He looked puzzled.
I said again, would you be willing to let GOD change your heart, change your will in the situation?
You are told to forgive, because GOD has forgiven you but you can't do it of your self you need HIS help (GOD'S help in the matter).
He asked, 'what do I do?'
Pray (it went something like this, but please use your own words and pray from the heart) "LORD, I don't want to forgive my sister, in fact I can't - I hate her! But I am willing for you to change my heart and make me forgive her - change me, instead!."
It also happend to our son, he failed his math test and had been going on a spiral downward in math. Getting lower grades in it and starting to hate it. Other marks were alright but math was getting the better of him.
He voiced his displeasure. "I hate math, and my math teacher doesn't like me".
Finally the straw the broke the camels back was a math test failed. As he had never failed one before.
The math teacher called me and asked me if I could make him correct his mistakes at home on his math test and the teacher gave him his test to do over at home. Not a test redo, where he would get the benefits of a perhaps better mark, but just correct it at home and learn from it.
So, of course when the time came at home, this son of ours was angry and frustrated and not at all willing to do it.
Why?
This is how the devil beats us so easily.
He tells you lie like "you are no good in math"
and he repeats it often, like "you suck in math" is what he told our son.
Then loudy repeats these negative words.
Then you end up having to do hard math homework and the devil tells you again, "your math teacher hates you and you are no good in math - your the worst in the class."
Then you get rattled, and the devil is good at slowly building this lie into you for months (maybe years).
After awhile you fail your math test and the devil is quick to say, "see, you are terrible in it - the worst by far".
Then its too late, you believe the lie that is cemented in the fact that its so obvious because you just failed it!
So, he wouldn't correct his test - no way - no how.
Again, 'would you be willing to be made willing'?
Yes, was his plea.
Then to the LORD in prayer : "LORD, I hate math, I think my math teacher hates me as well, and I believe I am the worst in my class and don't even want to do math anymore - because I absolutely HATE IT! But..." he continued, "I am willing for you to make me willing, I am willing to have your heart in the matter."
Right after this he said "I feel a jolt of joy overtake me" and he did his entire test again (it took 2 hours) as he opened his math book and corrected all his errors.
Great stories, The man in the story above, found peace and left in joy.
Our son, found GOD's joy and both did something they had no planned desire
or ability to accomplish.
Great communicating - great parenting ability?
I think not!
GOD changes hearts - are you willing to be made willing?
Healing Miracle of Eric's Dad Jan 13 2010
Got a call from my Dad that he couldn't go to work (as some of you know, we work together).
Found him in intense pain unable to get up with stomach pain.
Instantly went to the LORD about it and laid hands on my dad according to scripture. (we've scene GOD do amazing things when we do things HIS way). What a life!
Anyway, some fear came over me as my Dad couldn't get up. After commanding sickness and pain to leave (nothing changed) I went and made him some tea.
Came up expecting prayers to be answered (because we've seen GOD work fast and expect HIM to answer prayer), but nothing only intense pain.
I asked the LORD, what do you want me to do. Its important to ask GOD "what's your take on the situation" or "how do you see it LORD" because if HE says something to you, you will be set free.
Anyway, didn't hear anything from the LORD and laid hands on my Dad again.
Still nothing.
1 hour changed to 2 hours with no answer to prayer no change.
Asked Dad what I could do for him.
Curled up in pain he motioned with his head - nothing. (like nothing I could do).
After about 15 more minutes he asked, if I could drive him to the walk in clinic. Which we did.
As we sat their waiting, my Dad hunched over in pain we were both praying and really waiting more for GOD then the doctor.
The scripture came to me from the LORD. "The help of man is worthless".
I said to the LORD in my spirit, 'I know but what do you want me to do'. As I continued to rub my Dads' back and pray both in English and in tongues. (if you don't get the tongues part, ask me or better yet, ask GOD).
Anyway, nothing changed, we were now waiting in the doctors office for about 20 minutes my dad not even able to sit upright but with his head between his legs in obvious pain.
"Surely HE took your pain" is what the scripture says in Isaiah 53
I remembered these words and that the help of man is worthless and asked GOD again what HE wanted me to pray or do?
HE gave me this word "twisted bowel"
I commanded the bowel to be normal in JESUS name.
Then a huge surge of pain went through my Dad's body (but we don't judge by appearances) and then the doctor called him in.
My dad hobbles down the hall and the doctor takes him in.
The LORD reminds me that I have my dad's health card in my pocket. He then told me to hold the health card and pray over it pleading the blood of JESUS. So I did.
Then the LORD told me to hold the card in my hand in the air.
I asked HIM why?
HE told me you were holding your Dad up to me. So I held the card about ear level in the chair I was in. As I did, the doctor asked me to go down the hall and come in.
When I did to my surprise my Dad was sitting upright and smiling!
Knowing the doctor didn't have him in for very long, I wondered.
The doctor said "I didn't do anything but check his blood pressure and it was normal" but he started to get perked up and looking more normal. She said I don't know what did this..."
I said instantly to her "the devil!"
She didn't disagree as she had no other answer.
She told him to eat lightly, drink plenty of tea and water etc..
We blessed the doctor by saying "thank-you and may the LORD bless you". She responded (to our surprise) 'God Bless you too'.
I dropped my Dad off at home, made him a cup of tea and he said "I feel wonderful, like a huge peace on me" something like that, and fell into a deep sleep.
Woke up, totally healed and put together a book shelf in our home office after that.
The help of man is worthless. Psalm 60:11
I am the LORD that heals you. Exodus 15:26
Praise the LORD!
Found him in intense pain unable to get up with stomach pain.
Instantly went to the LORD about it and laid hands on my dad according to scripture. (we've scene GOD do amazing things when we do things HIS way). What a life!
Anyway, some fear came over me as my Dad couldn't get up. After commanding sickness and pain to leave (nothing changed) I went and made him some tea.
Came up expecting prayers to be answered (because we've seen GOD work fast and expect HIM to answer prayer), but nothing only intense pain.
I asked the LORD, what do you want me to do. Its important to ask GOD "what's your take on the situation" or "how do you see it LORD" because if HE says something to you, you will be set free.
Anyway, didn't hear anything from the LORD and laid hands on my Dad again.
Still nothing.
1 hour changed to 2 hours with no answer to prayer no change.
Asked Dad what I could do for him.
Curled up in pain he motioned with his head - nothing. (like nothing I could do).
After about 15 more minutes he asked, if I could drive him to the walk in clinic. Which we did.
As we sat their waiting, my Dad hunched over in pain we were both praying and really waiting more for GOD then the doctor.
The scripture came to me from the LORD. "The help of man is worthless".
I said to the LORD in my spirit, 'I know but what do you want me to do'. As I continued to rub my Dads' back and pray both in English and in tongues. (if you don't get the tongues part, ask me or better yet, ask GOD).
Anyway, nothing changed, we were now waiting in the doctors office for about 20 minutes my dad not even able to sit upright but with his head between his legs in obvious pain.
"Surely HE took your pain" is what the scripture says in Isaiah 53
I remembered these words and that the help of man is worthless and asked GOD again what HE wanted me to pray or do?
HE gave me this word "twisted bowel"
I commanded the bowel to be normal in JESUS name.
Then a huge surge of pain went through my Dad's body (but we don't judge by appearances) and then the doctor called him in.
My dad hobbles down the hall and the doctor takes him in.
The LORD reminds me that I have my dad's health card in my pocket. He then told me to hold the health card and pray over it pleading the blood of JESUS. So I did.
Then the LORD told me to hold the card in my hand in the air.
I asked HIM why?
HE told me you were holding your Dad up to me. So I held the card about ear level in the chair I was in. As I did, the doctor asked me to go down the hall and come in.
When I did to my surprise my Dad was sitting upright and smiling!
Knowing the doctor didn't have him in for very long, I wondered.
The doctor said "I didn't do anything but check his blood pressure and it was normal" but he started to get perked up and looking more normal. She said I don't know what did this..."
I said instantly to her "the devil!"
She didn't disagree as she had no other answer.
She told him to eat lightly, drink plenty of tea and water etc..
We blessed the doctor by saying "thank-you and may the LORD bless you". She responded (to our surprise) 'God Bless you too'.
I dropped my Dad off at home, made him a cup of tea and he said "I feel wonderful, like a huge peace on me" something like that, and fell into a deep sleep.
Woke up, totally healed and put together a book shelf in our home office after that.
The help of man is worthless. Psalm 60:11
I am the LORD that heals you. Exodus 15:26
Praise the LORD!
A Real Example Of Hearing From GOD
I mentioned earlier that, we can often pray, but we need to learn to listen.
You teach your kids to talk, but then you have to teach them to listen.
Its in that order that prayer also must be learned. First we learn to say our prayers and thats important, but also have to learn to listen in our prayers too.
We have many times we've heard GOD speak and when you act on HIS words amazing things can happen.
Yesterday, we were leaving on a family trip which would be a two hour drive and it was sunny outside. Since our move, I couldn't find my perscription sunglasses for over a month! Since I use them alot and can't use normal sunglasses it was harder driving at times.
But yesterday was a lot more than just driving around town, we are now going out of town on a 2 hour trip on the highway without my perscription sunglasses.
My wife asked me, the old, where did you look for them before and we started to re-look. Now the time I noticed they were missing I asked GOD to help me, I can give you all kinds of stories where the LORD showed us missing things -fast too!
But this time, I was more desperate (not in my plea, but my state because now I really need them!)
I went to my front closest and looked again, and saw my yellow rain/jacket (which I had looked in before). Its the type of jacket you don't wear often but is used. Now the funny thing about this yellow jacket is that when we bought them we bought 2 not one. One for me, and one for my dad the exact same size everything.
We have often worn each others jackets over the years as well.
Well this time I go to the closet and look through all the jackets again and seeing the yellow jacket I hear the LORD tell me "you have 2 yellow jackets".
Instantly I went to look in the other closest (where my Dad's stuff were) and found his yellow jacket (with my sunglassess in it!).
We were joyful, and thankful to the LORD for it was fast! And we could go on our way. Everyone praising!
Here's the thing I took out of it. I was now in a more desperate state (in other words GOD knows now I really need them) also I slowed down enough and allowed (looked for inside me) HIS voice to gently, lovingly come to me.
HIS voice was not in the wind, fire or earthquake to Elijah but in a still small voice. 1 Kings 19: 9-13
We tell our kids, GOD's voice is generally so soft, you could miss it.
The devil on the other hand yells and bosses you and brings fear and burden (not peace).
GOD gently told me "you have 2 yellow jackets".
That is all I needed!
Often only 1 word or a few sentences is all you need to then step out on faith on and GOD will do the rest.
I am convinced that David didn't know the entire story when facing Goliath but new his GOD, who had delivered before from the lion and bear would deliver again.
As David stepped out in faith the rest was history. HE didn't hear the play by play from GOD but heard a small little word or sentence that reminded him what GOD did before when protecting his sheep to the lion and bear.
See 1 Samuel 17: 31-36
Once you know what GOD has done before you step out in confidence and speak boldly.
Praise the LORD!
You teach your kids to talk, but then you have to teach them to listen.
Its in that order that prayer also must be learned. First we learn to say our prayers and thats important, but also have to learn to listen in our prayers too.
We have many times we've heard GOD speak and when you act on HIS words amazing things can happen.
Yesterday, we were leaving on a family trip which would be a two hour drive and it was sunny outside. Since our move, I couldn't find my perscription sunglasses for over a month! Since I use them alot and can't use normal sunglasses it was harder driving at times.
But yesterday was a lot more than just driving around town, we are now going out of town on a 2 hour trip on the highway without my perscription sunglasses.
My wife asked me, the old, where did you look for them before and we started to re-look. Now the time I noticed they were missing I asked GOD to help me, I can give you all kinds of stories where the LORD showed us missing things -fast too!
But this time, I was more desperate (not in my plea, but my state because now I really need them!)
I went to my front closest and looked again, and saw my yellow rain/jacket (which I had looked in before). Its the type of jacket you don't wear often but is used. Now the funny thing about this yellow jacket is that when we bought them we bought 2 not one. One for me, and one for my dad the exact same size everything.
We have often worn each others jackets over the years as well.
Well this time I go to the closet and look through all the jackets again and seeing the yellow jacket I hear the LORD tell me "you have 2 yellow jackets".
Instantly I went to look in the other closest (where my Dad's stuff were) and found his yellow jacket (with my sunglassess in it!).
We were joyful, and thankful to the LORD for it was fast! And we could go on our way. Everyone praising!
Here's the thing I took out of it. I was now in a more desperate state (in other words GOD knows now I really need them) also I slowed down enough and allowed (looked for inside me) HIS voice to gently, lovingly come to me.
HIS voice was not in the wind, fire or earthquake to Elijah but in a still small voice. 1 Kings 19: 9-13
We tell our kids, GOD's voice is generally so soft, you could miss it.
The devil on the other hand yells and bosses you and brings fear and burden (not peace).
GOD gently told me "you have 2 yellow jackets".
That is all I needed!
Often only 1 word or a few sentences is all you need to then step out on faith on and GOD will do the rest.
I am convinced that David didn't know the entire story when facing Goliath but new his GOD, who had delivered before from the lion and bear would deliver again.
As David stepped out in faith the rest was history. HE didn't hear the play by play from GOD but heard a small little word or sentence that reminded him what GOD did before when protecting his sheep to the lion and bear.
See 1 Samuel 17: 31-36
Once you know what GOD has done before you step out in confidence and speak boldly.
Praise the LORD!
We Don't Do This (or do we)?
Ok, how about a little silly story (parable maybe) the LORD gave me at 4:25 am Saturday January 22 2010 in a hotel room on a little family vacation.
We don't do this (or do we)?
Here's the story:
Two brothers named Jack and Wayne, always enjoyed their summer holidays and part of their time off consisted of them spending time with their loving grandparents at their cottage.
These two boys knew their grandparents treated them well, and looked forward to the time they could all be together. Their parents joked by saying things like, "we think Grandma and Grandpa spoil you, they are so good to you" and "when you return to Mom and Dad, we have to deprogram you".
Anyway the two boys only about 1 year apart usually made the trek up north together and being a long ride, would talk.
One of them, it was Jack, who said "I know of a way to get more out of Grandma and Grandpa".
"What?" said Wayne.
"Yeah" continued Jack, you know that Grandma and Grandpa ain't poor, and we don't see them too often, but I have some formulas that worded right, will get them to give even more to us.
Confused, Wayne asked, "More of what?"
"More ice cream, staying up late, more fishing and getting them to even drive us into town and buying us stuff." said Jack.
Seeing it was a long trip up, Wayne said, "Ok, Jack, what's your great plan"?
Jack pulled out a sheet of paper and began to share the planned out way of being able to speak with Grandma and Grandpa and get more out of them.
"Alright, Wayne", Jack continued, "here it is, the first thing is when we are in a store or the ice cream parlor, get real loud and 'pushy' when making your demands, make sure everyone in the store can hear you, and that will increase your chances of getting more."
"Loud and pushy?" questioned Wayne.
"Yeah, it makes sure they hear you" answered Jack. "It increases your chances of getting more".
Wayne asked, "More what, what are we getting more of?"
"More ice cream, how about that? And more of everything else and how about even getting little extras, things we normally wouldn't get, like a trip into town and having Grandma and Grandpa max their credit cards for some new fishing equipment even." said a self convinced Jack.
"Now, that was rule or step One now for the Second rule or idea is this: Make sure you say it like this," as Jack positioned himself more upright in his seat to show Wayne he was standing up and speaking out. "You would say this: Grandma & Grandpa, you know how long its been since I've seen you and you know how much you miss me throughout the year and look forward to seeing us each summer," even louder Jack continued, "So, we insist that you wouldn't want to look bad in front of the customers in the store, so because you are kind and able to and love us and we your grandchildren came all this way, GIVE US MORE ICE CREAM NOW and Take US TO THE HARDWARE STORE TO PICK UP NEW FISHING SUPPLIES!"
Wayne sat there and thought this must be some kind of a joke.
Jack continued, "Ok, if that doesn't work, try approach 3".
"Approach 3? What is that?" Wayne wondered.
"Its when you are not getting it, you can say it like this. 'Grand Ma and Grand Pa we beg you, please provide us with more ice cream, one scoop is not enough, we have been good boys all year and try to listen to what you say, and although we are only your grandchildren, and don't deserve it, we beg you, please give us 2 scoops instead of one". Jack acted out.
"And, Oh yeah, I almost forgot," Jack carried on, "If your real desperate it works even better say something like this; 'Grandma and Grandpa, you know I am your favourite and that being older, and a leader, and getting straight A's in school, and sharing my lunch when others forget theirs, and giving some of my old toys away to the underprivileged at Christmas time, and making my bed everyday and doing my chores (not like some of the other kids in my area), give me 2 scoops instead of only 1 and bring us to the hardware store for fishing supplies."
Wayne sat there and thought then after a few moments said, "you make it too complicated, I think Grandma and Grandpa love us, all we have to do is ask and if it is something we need, they'll make sure we get it".
I think we make prayer complicated, and have a list of some formula's that we have to say or do in a certain way or order for GOD to hear and answer prayer.
And if we don't say it right, then we won't get it, we could 'lose are petition'.
Make sure you don't say this, make sure you don't talk out of faith. Speak faith.
What is faith?
Although not seeing the result (yet), trusting GOD in love will deliver you.
Its amazing to me, how I catch myself making complicated prayers that are either based on my performance (pride and works of the flesh) or trying to convince GOD that HE is good and loving so that HE has to do it. The funny thing is that HE is good and loving and even more so then loving Grandparents because HE is love.
HE also hears us, because the Bible teaches that doesn't GOD, who creates the ear not hear himself? Psalm 94:9
And like any loving parent, already knows what is best for us and is willing to do the best for us and others because of love. HE simply wants to! Because that what love does - it gives! John 3:16
Love is never for itself (that's lust) its always giving, that is its function that is its power it can only give.
We talk about giving to GOD - you can't.
HE gives to you and like any parent with children or their kids have friends over, they would give something and expect it to be shared. We have two sons, and if we give a game or treats, we expect them to share together not one of them to horde it all to themselves.
Acts 17:23-25 explains it all; “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him [...].”
Lets look at this (its one of my favourites).
HE does not live in temples built by hands. Your church or temple or place of worship doesn't contain GOD. GOD lives in humans not buildings. Like I've said many times before church is an organism not an organization!
HE (GOD) is not served by human hands like HE needed anything. GOD doesn't need your money, your talents, your savings, your gifts you can't give HIM anything because HE doesn't need it because HE is the source of all life, and all giving!
Don't say 'I put money in the offering plate, I gave to GOD this week'. HA!
Now I know that when you do it to the lease, you are doing it to GOD. We are taught that in scripture but you don't do it because GOD needs it but a fellow human being needs it and out of love you do it - that's like giving it and doing it to JESUS.
But remember where the supply comes from, and remember HE is the source of all blessing and remember that everything flows out of love, never compulsion but let love lead you.
Prayer is easy, but the real challenge is learning to listen not speak. We all can speak to GOD (prayer) but prayer is a two way street, you've got to learn to hear as well as speak.
The bible even tells us be quick to listen and slow to speak. James 1:19
Can you hear HIS voice - that's the key.
And can you trust HIS love and that HE hears you and is working it out for you.
HE has to deliver you what parent wouldn't?
HE loves you, and If HE (GOD, FATHER, PAPA) gives you himself in JESUS and dies for you won't HE (GOD) also with JESUS freely or graciously give you all things? Romans 8:32
Everything comes to you out of love - its all free - it has to be grace!
GOD doesn't give any other way.
Otherwise you expect to get like Jack and what parent would give to a son acting like that?
Its simply - its loving - its free!
We don't do this (or do we)?
Here's the story:
Two brothers named Jack and Wayne, always enjoyed their summer holidays and part of their time off consisted of them spending time with their loving grandparents at their cottage.
These two boys knew their grandparents treated them well, and looked forward to the time they could all be together. Their parents joked by saying things like, "we think Grandma and Grandpa spoil you, they are so good to you" and "when you return to Mom and Dad, we have to deprogram you".
Anyway the two boys only about 1 year apart usually made the trek up north together and being a long ride, would talk.
One of them, it was Jack, who said "I know of a way to get more out of Grandma and Grandpa".
"What?" said Wayne.
"Yeah" continued Jack, you know that Grandma and Grandpa ain't poor, and we don't see them too often, but I have some formulas that worded right, will get them to give even more to us.
Confused, Wayne asked, "More of what?"
"More ice cream, staying up late, more fishing and getting them to even drive us into town and buying us stuff." said Jack.
Seeing it was a long trip up, Wayne said, "Ok, Jack, what's your great plan"?
Jack pulled out a sheet of paper and began to share the planned out way of being able to speak with Grandma and Grandpa and get more out of them.
"Alright, Wayne", Jack continued, "here it is, the first thing is when we are in a store or the ice cream parlor, get real loud and 'pushy' when making your demands, make sure everyone in the store can hear you, and that will increase your chances of getting more."
"Loud and pushy?" questioned Wayne.
"Yeah, it makes sure they hear you" answered Jack. "It increases your chances of getting more".
Wayne asked, "More what, what are we getting more of?"
"More ice cream, how about that? And more of everything else and how about even getting little extras, things we normally wouldn't get, like a trip into town and having Grandma and Grandpa max their credit cards for some new fishing equipment even." said a self convinced Jack.
"Now, that was rule or step One now for the Second rule or idea is this: Make sure you say it like this," as Jack positioned himself more upright in his seat to show Wayne he was standing up and speaking out. "You would say this: Grandma & Grandpa, you know how long its been since I've seen you and you know how much you miss me throughout the year and look forward to seeing us each summer," even louder Jack continued, "So, we insist that you wouldn't want to look bad in front of the customers in the store, so because you are kind and able to and love us and we your grandchildren came all this way, GIVE US MORE ICE CREAM NOW and Take US TO THE HARDWARE STORE TO PICK UP NEW FISHING SUPPLIES!"
Wayne sat there and thought this must be some kind of a joke.
Jack continued, "Ok, if that doesn't work, try approach 3".
"Approach 3? What is that?" Wayne wondered.
"Its when you are not getting it, you can say it like this. 'Grand Ma and Grand Pa we beg you, please provide us with more ice cream, one scoop is not enough, we have been good boys all year and try to listen to what you say, and although we are only your grandchildren, and don't deserve it, we beg you, please give us 2 scoops instead of one". Jack acted out.
"And, Oh yeah, I almost forgot," Jack carried on, "If your real desperate it works even better say something like this; 'Grandma and Grandpa, you know I am your favourite and that being older, and a leader, and getting straight A's in school, and sharing my lunch when others forget theirs, and giving some of my old toys away to the underprivileged at Christmas time, and making my bed everyday and doing my chores (not like some of the other kids in my area), give me 2 scoops instead of only 1 and bring us to the hardware store for fishing supplies."
Wayne sat there and thought then after a few moments said, "you make it too complicated, I think Grandma and Grandpa love us, all we have to do is ask and if it is something we need, they'll make sure we get it".
I think we make prayer complicated, and have a list of some formula's that we have to say or do in a certain way or order for GOD to hear and answer prayer.
And if we don't say it right, then we won't get it, we could 'lose are petition'.
Make sure you don't say this, make sure you don't talk out of faith. Speak faith.
What is faith?
Although not seeing the result (yet), trusting GOD in love will deliver you.
Its amazing to me, how I catch myself making complicated prayers that are either based on my performance (pride and works of the flesh) or trying to convince GOD that HE is good and loving so that HE has to do it. The funny thing is that HE is good and loving and even more so then loving Grandparents because HE is love.
HE also hears us, because the Bible teaches that doesn't GOD, who creates the ear not hear himself? Psalm 94:9
And like any loving parent, already knows what is best for us and is willing to do the best for us and others because of love. HE simply wants to! Because that what love does - it gives! John 3:16
Love is never for itself (that's lust) its always giving, that is its function that is its power it can only give.
We talk about giving to GOD - you can't.
HE gives to you and like any parent with children or their kids have friends over, they would give something and expect it to be shared. We have two sons, and if we give a game or treats, we expect them to share together not one of them to horde it all to themselves.
Acts 17:23-25 explains it all; “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him [...].”
Lets look at this (its one of my favourites).
HE does not live in temples built by hands. Your church or temple or place of worship doesn't contain GOD. GOD lives in humans not buildings. Like I've said many times before church is an organism not an organization!
HE (GOD) is not served by human hands like HE needed anything. GOD doesn't need your money, your talents, your savings, your gifts you can't give HIM anything because HE doesn't need it because HE is the source of all life, and all giving!
Don't say 'I put money in the offering plate, I gave to GOD this week'. HA!
Now I know that when you do it to the lease, you are doing it to GOD. We are taught that in scripture but you don't do it because GOD needs it but a fellow human being needs it and out of love you do it - that's like giving it and doing it to JESUS.
But remember where the supply comes from, and remember HE is the source of all blessing and remember that everything flows out of love, never compulsion but let love lead you.
Prayer is easy, but the real challenge is learning to listen not speak. We all can speak to GOD (prayer) but prayer is a two way street, you've got to learn to hear as well as speak.
The bible even tells us be quick to listen and slow to speak. James 1:19
Can you hear HIS voice - that's the key.
And can you trust HIS love and that HE hears you and is working it out for you.
HE has to deliver you what parent wouldn't?
HE loves you, and If HE (GOD, FATHER, PAPA) gives you himself in JESUS and dies for you won't HE (GOD) also with JESUS freely or graciously give you all things? Romans 8:32
Everything comes to you out of love - its all free - it has to be grace!
GOD doesn't give any other way.
Otherwise you expect to get like Jack and what parent would give to a son acting like that?
Its simply - its loving - its free!
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