DEO VOLENTE

DEO VOLENTE!   A phrase I heard while riding to work this morning. Deo Volente is Latin for God Willing. The speaker was speaking from the book of James and his topic was on “What To Do When You Don’t Know What To Do”. The topic today was on how are we living our life? On our terms or on God’s terms.

The story was told of a preacher who encountered a young man riding his motorcycle to town. When questioned what he was doing, the young man stated that he was on his way to town to sell this motorcycle. The preacher replied “God Willing.”  The young man laughed and stated that God had nothing to do with it. It was his decision on selling the bike. “You preachers are all alike. You see God in everything.”

The young man went on his way. Several hours later that afternoon, the preacher was sitting on his front porch and noticed a lone figure of a man walking down the road toward his house. He immediately recognized it was the young man he had met earlier that day. The young man was stumbling from side to side. His pants were torn open, exposing his bloody knees. His arm was in a makeshift sling. His shirt was ripped, his hair a mess, and he had scrapes and gravel all down one side of his body. The preacher immediately went out and met the young man. The preacher asked the young man what had happened. The young man slowly began to retell the events of that day.

“Well, as I was on my way into town, it began to rain. I sped up hoping to make it into town before the storm. As I was rounding a narrow curb in the road, I hit a patch of loose gravel and my bike slid out from under me. I slid 100 feet on the wet gravel. When I got up, I immediately noticed that my bike was utterly destroyed. I began to hobble down the road looking for help. I came upon a farm house. As I walked upon the front, I noticed the lone, scared woman standing at the door with a shotgun pointed in my face. I turned and began to run and she began to shoot. I ran through the woods filled with briars and thorns and got all cut up. I soon came to a clearing where I was able to get under a tree and be sheltered from the rain. While standing under the tree picking buck-shot out of my back, lightening struck the tree and knocked me out. When I came to, I began walking down this road.”

The preacher asked the young man what he was going to do next.

The young man replied, “I’m going home — God Willing.”

Now ask yourself, are you living your life on your terms and expecting God to bless it? Or, are you living your life on God’s terms and receiving all the blessings. Are you including God in everything you do, or just the “hard” parts?

I find myself sometimes using God as a standby. I try to fly on my own. After all, can’t I handle the normal, everyday, easy stuff? I don’t really need to bother God with the petty stuff. He’s way to busy for my day to day routine. 1 Peter 5:7 says: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” Did you get that “Cast ALL…He Cares for you.” 1 Samuel 2:6 (The Message) says, “…He protectively cares for his faithful friends, step by step, but leaves the wicked to stumble in the dark. No one makes it in this life by sheer muscle! God’s enemies will be blasted out of the sky, crashed in a heap and burned. God will set things right all over the earth, he’ll give strength to his king, he’ll set his anointed on top of the world!” James 5:10 (The Message) states: “You’ve heard, of course, of Job’s staying power, and you know how God brought it all together for him at the end. That’s because God cares, cares right down to the last detail.”

How much clearer can He put it. HE CARES about every detail in our life. Therefore, because he cares, we should be including Him in every detail. – yes, even in the small stuff. After all, if you don’t let Him be God in the small details, how can you let Him be God in the large?  You can’t see the future. James 4: 13 – 16: “Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil.”

We would do well to trust the one that does know the future and is eternal. Let’s try to live life from this point on under the phrase “Deo Volente”. God Willing!

Do you Drive 55?

In my teaching of Sunday School on Romans, Chapter 3, last week, we had a discussion of the Law – specifically the law given by God to the Jews.  Paul was speaking to the Jews and showing them that they held a special place – not because they were Jewish, but because God gave them His ordinances directly.  However, this did not give them special exemptions when it came to living their lives.  Paul was showing that all were given the same standards when it came to salvation; both “Jew and Greek”.

 In this lesson it also showed the reason for the law was not for salvation, but to point out the sin in our lives.  No on can be saved by the law.  The law can only point out the things in our lives that are sin.  We also discussed the fact that if you break one of the laws, then you are guilty of breaking the whole law of God.

 As part of this same discussion we spoke on the speed limit.  The questions were asked, “If the speed limit was 55 miles per hour and you are going 80 miles per hour, are you breaking the law?  What if you are going 56 miles per hour?”  These  questions sparked discussion on whether I, myself, never drove over the speed limit.  I quickly confessed that I was guilty of breaking the law.

 This got me to thinking.  Why do I go over the speed limit?  The answers that came to mind were the same answers that came out of the class.  “You have to speed to keep from getting run over by everyone else who speeds.”  “The people in front of me are just going way too slow.”  “I have to hurry up and be there on time.”  “It’s only speeding if you get caught.”  None of the answers are sufficient – they are all just excuses I use to justify my actions.

 Well, God got a hold of me about this.  I purposed that this week I would be conscious of my speed and not go over the speed limit.  Let me say, trying to stay at the appropriate speed limit has been a battle itself.  I find that I would have to mentally and physically make myself not keep pressing the gas peddle so much.  I had to make myself stay in the right lane where slower traffic is suppose to be.  I had to make myself conscious of what the appropriate speed limit was in my area.  It really surprises me that I was not cognizant of what the speed limit was on every road that I travel on a daily basis.

 Now, here is the real kicker.  I have stayed within the speed limit all week.  I keep going over in my mind while driving to consciously watch how fast I am going.  I’m being a good driver and following the law – right?!  So, in doing the right thing, I should feel all happy and “righteous” for this.  After all, doesn’t this make me a good person?

 While I was being a good driver, I noticed everyone else around me seemed to be going really fast.  People were rushing up behind me, putting on breaks, and hurriedly switching to the left lane to go around me.  Some did not look very happy that I was being a good driver.  Some drivers have ridden so close to my back bumper, they could have just come on into the back seat and ridden with me.  I have gotten some haughty looks from the other drivers.  But, you know what I told myself – “I’m doing the right thing and being the better person because of it.  If they have a problem with that – then it’s there problem.”  “Do they think they own the roads?”  “If they are in such a hurry, then go around.”  God bless there little speedy hearts!

 [ENTER GOD!]  Don’t you love those moments then God taps you on the shoulder and says, We need to talk.  Oh! And the conversation went something like this:

 Me:  Yes, Lord.

God:  Why are you looking at those other people and judging them?

Me:  What do you mean?

God:  I heard what you were thinking about those drivers that you thought were blowing you off the road.  I know the thoughts you had about them.  I could even sense a little anger – you would call it road rage – rising up in you.

Me:  But, God.  I’m doing the right thing here.

God:  Good for you.  You should always do the right thing.  But, doing the right thing does not make you better than anyone else.  By the way, I seem to remember last week, you were acting just like them.

 I had started out with the purpose of doing the right thing and following the law.  What God had to show me in this was my attitude towards others.  When we are doing the right thing, it does please God.  However, it does not give us any special merit in his book over anyone else.  We do the right thing because God loves us – not to make God love us.  I am thankful to Him for all he is showing me.  I thank Him for the “God moments” in my live.  I thank him for the lessons learned.

Prayer Warriors Are the Most Frightening, Powerful, Demon-Chasing, World-Moving Beings on Earth

by Francis Frangipane
May 7, 2009In our rapidly changing times people are desperate to know the future. Barely do we adjust to the last changes, when totally new realities explode into our world.

In answer to the common fears spawned by change, society has seen a plethora of occult and demonic sources—fortunetellers, astrologers and psychic hotlines—all pretending to be able to peek into the mystery of tomorrow. Indeed, how many otherwise intelligent individuals glimpse, at least occasionally, at their “astrological signs” trying to get an edge on knowing the future!

Why anyone would consult someone who can’t predict their own future is beyond me. These fortunetellers almost always live in abject poverty. Shouldn’t their ability to predict the future at least work for themselves? They could invest in the stock market or pick the right lottery numbers. They can’t even predict or better their own fortune, yet people go to them for discernment.

Tremendous Power In a Christian!

For Christians, God condemns this demonic, fleshly probing into the unknown. Indeed, as intercessors, He has called us not to wonder about the future, but to create it through the knowledge of His Living Word and prayer! Our Father gives us access to the future right now. You ask, How do we know what to pray? The Lord Jesus told us plainly,

“Pray, then, in this way: ‘Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.” Matthew 6:9-10

We can look at the conditions of the world and faint or look at the possibilities of God and take faith. To bring revival is to pray for the reality of God’s Kingdom to manifest on earth. Jesus was not offering His disciples a millennial prayer focus, for that rule of God’s Kingdom is coming whether we want it to or not! No, but Christ calls us to pray for God’s Kingdom to manifest in our world today.

How will tomorrow look if God answers the prayer Christ gave us? Read the Gospels. What we see in the life and power of Jesus Christ is a faith picture of God’s Kingdom. Jesus said that we can have that same full manifestation. In fact, He actually commanded us to pray for Heaven’s release!

The Prayer Womb

The reality God has planned will always manifest first in the prayer life of His intercessors. When you hear from God and then pray His Word, you are impacting the unformed essence of life with the Spirit of God Himself! Thus, God calls us, not only to know His Word, but to pray it. We must go from intellectualizing God’s Word to being impregnated by it.

I know churches have special areas where intercessors can pray or people meditate. But maybe we ought to change the name from “prayer room” to “prayer womb.” For everything good and holy that we see manifested in people, in churches and in life is first conceived, and then birthed, in the womb of prayer.

We have answers to prayer all around us. The place you are living in is an answer to prayer. Your church is an answer to prayer, as well as are your pastors, teachers and youth workers. As a church member, your attendance and participation is an answer to the prayer of your pastors and intercessors. When you asked God to lead you to the church you should attend, your current church became God’s answer to your prayer!

Paul wrote, “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might” (Ephesians 1:18-19).

If you are a Christian, there is a power accompanying your life that is greater than great—the “surpassing greatness of His power.” It is not human power, but the actual “strength of His might.”

Think About It: The Strength of God Almighty is Attached to Your Prayer Life!

The power of God’s might is His resurrection power. What does resurrection mean? It means that things which look dead, smell dead, and act dead, can be touched by God and raised to life!

God demonstrated this “power toward us who believe” first “in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and seated Him at His right hand in the Heavenly places” (Ephesians 1:19-20).

Right now, you have resurrection power attached to your prayer life! You can look on things that are absolutely dead and pray forth eternal LIFE! The power in us is the same potency God demonstrated when He raised Jesus out of the grave; it is resurrection power. Our mission is to bring resurrection life to situations that are dead.

If the devil challenges your prayer, remind him that you are seated with Christ, “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in the one to come” (Ephesians 1:21). Christ’s authority is final. But not only has the Father put “all things in subjection under His feet,” but He “gave Him as head over all things to the Church, which is His Body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all” (Ephesians 1:22-23).

Notice the Lord uses anatomical metaphors to explain the downlink of authority: Christ is the “Head” of a “Body” that has all things put under its “feet.”

This is a most profound understanding of our role: What the Head, Christ, has attained, the feet of the Church walk out. In other words, God has positioned the Church as the living bridge between the terrible conditions on earth and the wonderful solutions from Heaven!

As we truly, passionately, and accurately submit to Christ in prayer, the Kingdom of Heaven steadily enters our now prayed-for world. The key of course, is to know Christ’s Word. We do not have authority; Christ has authority. What we have is revelation and submission. But as we submit to the Word, and persevere in prayer, we can see the future conformed to God’s will.

Prayer Warriors Are Positioned By God

Jesus told a parable to show that men ought to pray at all times and not lose heart (see Luke 18:1-8). In other words, if you are not praying, you will lose heart. Most of the things I pray for I have to persevere and pray through to get the answer. God desires to see something deeper come out of my prayer time than just answered prayers. He wants me to become like Jesus, so He arranges battles that are character-forming. Not only will they ultimately change the world around me, but they’ll change me first. This is what all true prayer warriors have discovered.

When we picture a prayer warrior, we usually see a great-aunt or grandmother. I think that every family has one. You never find them looking into a crystal ball to know the future for little Johnny—they are at the throne of God creating Johnny’s future in prayer. They are not wondering if Mary is going to make it; they are praying her through to victory. They do not have time to lament Harry’s drinking problem; they are storming Heaven to see him delivered.

Prayer warriors are the most frightening, powerful, demon-chasing, world-moving beings on earth. In truth, they act like children of God! If they were to gaze at a crystal ball, it would explode! They look at astrological predictions and rebuke them. They never wonder about the future because they are too busy creating it through their faith in God.

Prayer warriors are positioned by God to pray for their families. I remember when my Dad came to the Lord. For ten years we would intellectually clash about God during our visits. Finally, on one trip he arrived at our home “armed” with an argument against God. He said, “If there really is a God, why doesn’t He always answer prayer?” He was secure in his position, and I was tired of the argument. I went into another room for a few minutes and prayed, “Lord, You’ve got to give me an answer.”

When I returned I could see my Dad felt he won this round. I love my dad very, very much, but I said, “Dad, forget all the people that you think didn’t get answers to prayer—you yourself are an answer to prayer! You are alive today because our entire family daily prays for you.” (He was very overweight and smoked a pack of cigarettes daily). Then I continued, “But let’s experiment. You say God doesn’t answer prayer; we say He does. So, for one week we won’t pray for you, and we’ll see what happens.”

I can’t remember ever seeing my dad turn so pale. He looked over at my Mom and said, “Hon, tell the boy not to do that.” Then, with beads of sweat forming on his forehead, he said to me, “Okay. What do I have to do to keep you praying for me?”

In three minutes, he went from not believing in prayer to begging us to keep praying for him. I said, “Dad, the only way I’ll keep praying for you is if you pray right now and give your life to Christ,” and my dad at that moment received Christ. The Lord answered my prayer.

Prayer anchors us in God’s strength for our battles. Each of us knows prayer works: we are saved because someone else prayed for us! Thus, looking at the miracle of our own conversion, we gain confidence in God’s help to transform others.

You Are a Prayer Warrior!

Luke 21:36 tells us to be “praying in order that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” Every time the Bible talks about standing before God, it is speaking of a position of anointed authority and commissioning. Elijah stood before God as did Gabriel. It speaks of one who stands before God as an attendant to the Almighty. When they decree God’s Word, it comes to pass.

Jesus said, “With God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). Under that banner, we pray and believe God. The Holy Spirit ever lives to make intercession. All we need to do is open our hearts to Him and prayer is going to come forth.

Look at the terrible issues of our world right now. Every need we see is where God wants us to release, through prayer, His future for that situation. God shows us what is wrong so we can pray for things to be made right. Why waste energy criticizing what’s wrong when our prayers can change it!

The Lord our God in the midst of us is mighty. Our weapons are mighty to pulling down strongholds. Stop thinking of yourself as unable to pray. That’s a lie out of hell. You are a prayer warrior!

There was a time when that great aunt or grandmother was a younger woman. She might have been just like you, and God showed her the needs around her. His grace came and she made a decision not to judge, but to pray. She didn’t start off strong, but she became strong. Now it’s your turn to make that decision to be the prayer warrior for your family, church or city!”

Let’s pray: Lord Jesus, You said that the armies in Heaven follow You, and Your name is called “the Word of God.” Help me to not only believe Your Word, but pray it in the power of the Holy Spirit! I accept that You have called me to be a prayer warrior. By Your grace, I receive a new anointing in intercession. Amen!

Francis Frangipane
Ministries of Francis Frangipane
Email: francis1@frangipane.org

Francis Frangipane’s Itinerary:
June 12-14, 2009
Wasilla Assembly of God
125 West Riley Avenue; Wasilla, Alaska
Contact: 907-376-5732

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What are men looking for from “Church”?

What is it that men really want from Church?  Is it better music?  Is it easier lessons?  Is it more buddies to hang out with?  Is it just a place to come and make myself feel better about everything I did the week before?  Is it some place I would rather not go?  What does the church have to offer me as a Man?

 

In a quote from  What Do Men Need From Their Pastors? By Patrick Morley, he states:

 

“Today’s average man is like a deer caught in the headlights of a Hummer. He doesn’t fully understand—and so can’t apply—what God has to say about a man’s identity, purpose, relationships, marriage, sex, fathering, work, money, ministry, time, emotions, integrity, and dozens of other subjects.

 

However, men routinely “bluff” when asked, “How are you doing?” Pastors observe this all the time. For that reason, I think we should be just as concerned about the men who have not yet become statistics as those who have.

 

Many of these men are under the loving discipline of a God who, like the hound of heaven, refuses to let them wander too far from the green pasture.

 

They are like sheep without a shepherd, and they regularly show up at church on Sunday morning looking for—what? Actually, many of them don’t really know what they’re looking for. They probably think they’re looking for relief from temporal troubles, but what they need is a personal encounter with the Good Shepherd. They need to become disciples of our Lord and Savior Jesus.”

 

This brought up some rather tough issues for me to consider.  As the Men’s Ministry Director at our church, I am concerned that most men do not grasp the full understanding of what a true relationship with Jesus Christ is and how it affects their daily lives.  I am also not sure they understand what they should be getting out of their “church” experience. 

 

As men, we hear what we should do; we think we know how to do it – but how many of us are just pulling from our self knowledge and not seeking what God has for us.  How many of us are relying on ourselves (or our friends) to have the answers to our life’s problems?  Oh, and the article mentioned the word “disciple.”  I thought there were only 12 of those – and they didn’t fare so well.  What does it mean to be a disciple and do I really want to be one.

 

I want to hear from some other men out there.  What is it that you are looking for or need from your church.  Let me know what you think is missing – or that your church does well.  Do you have that personal relationship with Jesus?  Does it affect your daily life?

 

Tell me what you think.

The Importance of Praise

Our church has been experiencing such a profound outpouring of the Holy Spirit.  We are placing into practice the God-given power that we have always had access to, but didn’t seem to utilize.  One of the aspects we have been learning and experiencing is true Praise to God.  Most “Christians” don’t seem to understand what true praise does for them as well as for the Spirit Man.  True Praise is our lifeline.  LIFE – in that it gives us what we need to survive and grow in Christ – LINE – in that is our direct link to an almighty God who desires or relationship with Him.

There is a great article on the Elijah List that I read; from from John Belt: “Dialing God’s Phone Number: P-R-A-I-S-E!”  It is a great article on the appropriate and personal parts of true praise.  Click on the link and enjoy.  OH!  And get your praise ON!!!

Peace

During this time of year, we all hear about it, we sing about it and we long for it.  However, not many of us achieve it.  In Luke 2:4-18 the angel proclaims that PEACE is brought to men who will receive Christ.  Follow the link to four ways to find peace this Christmas season.

Review of When The Soul Mends by Cindy Woodsmall

My wife read this book and the following is her review:  “Not having read the prior two books in this series, it took a while to understand what had transpired.  However, upon learning what Hannah had endured, it would have been only too easy and understandable for her to turn her back on her family.  Instead, she took the tough road and the story of love, forgiveness and reconciliation was amazing.”

If you are interested in learning more about Hannah and her home, you can purchase the book online you can go to the following links:
- www.Amazon.com
- www.ChristianBook.com
- www.FamilyChristian.com

Me Myself & I Am

I have finished the review for this book.  I was pleasantly surprised when I received this book.  The first thing I was expecting was your normal you-read and you-learn book.  When I first opened the book I was taken aback as this was not your normal book.  I wanted to read, not write a book.  However, this is excactly what it says.  It is a chance for you, yourself and the Great I AM to come together and  write your story.

This book caused me to stop and think about things in my life that I had not thought about in a long time.  It also enabled me to re-live some things that made me laugh; it made me a little embarrassed, and it also made me cry.   It also enabled me to deal with some things I thougtht I had put past me.  What an awesome time for God to come and sit with me and speak into my life.

I would highly recommend this book.  It will enable you to put a lot of thougt into who you are and what are you really doing with your relationship with Jesus.  It also alows you to put down in words for review and for recording, things that you will definatley want to share with others in your life.

This book can definatley be used for one-on-one with God, discussion with your family, and discussion within a group.  It offers you questions to consider and how it affects your walk.  If you are looking for a challenge that will both inspire and move you, then get and complete this book.  I will be sharing this book with my family and friends.

And don’t forget to purchase the book online you can go to the following links:
- www.Amazon.com
- www.ChristianBook.com
- www.FamilyChristian.com

—————————————————————————–

Okay. Coming soon will be my first book review. I will be reviewing the below book this month. Keep checking back for my review. Also, you will have a chance to win the book I will be reviewing. Please send me comments on why your relationship with God is so important to you. I will choose one of you from your comments to win this book. Make sure you provide your email address in your comment so I can notify you if you win.

The Story of You and God

Me, Myself, and I AM
A Unique Question and Answer Book: The Story of You and God
Written by Matthew Peters
Contribution by Elisa Stanford and Multnomah Books

Open this book to any page and take a new look at you, where you’ve been on your spiritual journey, and where you’re going. Out loud, in private, in order, or backwards all the way, this book of questions will have you laughing, praying, thinking, and maybe asking a question or two yourself. It’s a creative and revealing way to get to know God–and you–better than ever. So go ahead. Grab a pen. And get ready to get real.

Release Dates: November 3rd – 7th

Summary:

A new experience of God comes one question at a time in this fun and provocative journal. Made up entirely of insightful, profound, and occasionally ridiculous questions, Me, Myself, and I AM invites you to open to any page, open yourself to God, and be the author of yourown story.

Questions range from spiritually intriguing—

You overhear God talking about you. What do hear him saying?

to thought-provoking—

You are on a long car trip with a close friend who is not a Christian and the conversation turns to faith. What is your biggest fear about what your friend will ask or say?

to challenging—

Do you believe that all of Jesus’s followers have a responsibility to tell others about him?

to just plain fun—

If your life before you became a Christian were a movie, its title would be:

Animal House
As Good as It Gets
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
It’s a Wonderful Life

Me, Myself, and I AM will entertain, inspire, and get you thinking about your spiritual life from brand new angles. Whether you use Me, Myself, and I AM as a reflective tool, a way to start conversations with friends and family, or as a spiritual time capsule to look back on years later, their own words will create a powerful journey of self-discovery.

And don’t forget to purchase the book online you can go to the following links:
- www.Amazon.com
- www.ChristianBook.com
- www.FamilyChristian.com

When the Soul Mends

One for the Ladies.  I have asked my wife to review this one.  Look for the review soon!

Author: Cindy Woodsmall

Summary: After receiving a desperate and confusing call from her sister, Hannah Lapp reluctantly returns to the Old Order Amish community of her Pennsylvania childhood.

            Having fled in disgrace two years earlier, she finally has found a satisfying role in the Englischer world, as well as love with Martin Palmer, a man with whom she can safely entrust her heart. But almost immediately after her arrival in Owl’s Perch, the disapproval of those who ostracized her reopens old wounds.

            As Hannah is thrown together with former fiancé Paul Waddell to work for her sister Sarah’s mental health, unexpected truths surface about the events during Hannah’s absence, and she faces an agonizing decision. Will she choose the Englischer world and the man who restored her hope, or will she heed the call to return to the Plain Life—and perhaps to her first love?

            This intriguing final novel in the Sisters of the Quilt series is richly textured with authentic details drawn from the author’s real-life connections with Amish Mennonite and Old Order Amish families.

“Some Trust in Chariots”

by John Belt
Nov 20, 2008

“Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.” Psalm 20:7

It is in God that we put our trust. He is where we find our rest. All of our hope is in Him and His promises are sure. He will never leave us or forsake us and will keep us as we abide in His love.

“As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love.”
John 15:9

Some Trust in Chariots

While many are putting their trust in man for their deliverance, we must realize that our only hope is in the Lord our God. He is the One who dwells in the center, and all things revolve around Him and Him alone. If we will realize this, absorbing this revelation, we can then enter into a place where all that comes at us will also revolve around Him. When we have placed Him at the center of our hearts to reign on the throne of our lives, all things that we face must bow the knee to Him.

“…that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in Heaven, and of those on Earth, and of those under the Earth…” Philippians 2:10

We function from another realm entirely that transcends the systems and idolatrous thinking of this world. We will have no other gods before us. It is a sight to see how many on the planet are looking for a person, someone or something to worship, but most refuse to acknowledge the only true God. Many have been caught up in the spirit of the world, sponging in soulish hope that is no hope at all, but simply the slight of deception. Many are looking for someone to lead them because they have lost sight of the Lord.

Just as it was with the children of Israel in the desert, many cry out “if God does not come on our terms we will find something or someone to worship and offer everything to him!” (see Exodus 32:8). Of course God never comes on our terms, but does things His way – so He will hand those who rebel against Him over to delusion, giving them over to their sin, iniquity and foolishness (see Romans 1:28). Our hearts must be solidified in the secret place with the Lord. It is only there that we will find true trust, commitment and security in the Lord (see Psalm 91).

Positioned to Praise

With all the transition happening in the earth, those who are positioned in praise before God will be the ones that glow with the glory from His throne. Praise is where our victory lies (see Psalm 22:3). We need to know and experience the spiritual realities of the Kingdom of Heaven in our hearts daily. Praise brings us into such a place where we can experience the power of His love at all times.

God inhabits the praises of His people. We must be reminded of this daily in an experiential way, not just in Word. This requires us to set our hearts and minds in His direction. Our focus needs to be set upon Him, to glorify Him. As we do we will experience victory in our spirit.

Another factor to be aware of is the “noise” level in our souls. If we have a high noise level and have a hard time finding peace, our praise can be just “more noise.” We should be asking the Lord to quiet the noise of our heart, anxiousness, frustrations, opinions and all the other stuff that clogs our connection with God.

Once you have pinpointed these things, offer them to the Lord, casting all of them before Him. We should divest ourselves of all concern, asking for His grace to do so. Then begin to lift our voices in praise, clapping our hands and dancing. There is a freedom in being able to worship in this way.

“The work of righteousness will be peace, and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever” Isaiah 32:17. When this is combined with a “noiseless” soul, there can be deeper experiences with the Lord where the glory of His Presence is like a thick saturation through our beings.

In all these changes going on we need to remind ourselves that nothing is too difficult for the Lord. It is His glory to come in the difficult times and bring breakthrough and blessing, which makes our faith in Him that much stronger. This is really where the rubber meets the road and our faith is tested true as gold. In this place His glory shines the brightest.

“His glory covered the heavens, and the earth was full of His praise. His brightness was like the light; He had rays flashing from His hand, and there His power was hidden.”Habakkuk 3:3-4

Brightness is the place He desires to bring His people. He wants our faces to be radiant with His Presence, peace and love. Our connection with Him is solidified as we draw near to Him with pure hearts knowing that only He has the solutions of our days. What is impossible for man is possible with God. This is His delight, to show Himself strong on behalf of His people.

Working All Things Together

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

We also must remind ourselves that God has a “no-fail” plan. We have the best plan imaginable because no matter what – all things work together for the good to them that love God and are the called according to His purposes. As long as we align ourselves with His heart and desires we cannot go wrong.

“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.” John 15:6-8

He is always there as our Father to see that the best comes out of every circumstance and situation. God is always reminding us of promises like these so that we can always stay in a place of faith and expectancy in what He will do. He is continually drawing us saying, “My child, come to Me and I will be your reward and meet your every need.” He is not a father who would leave us. He will never leave us nor forsake us but will be with us in all places wherever we go.

Finding His Rest

“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:29

Answers will many times evade us and this is why He entreats us not to seek the answers, but to seek Him. When we find Him we find rest for our souls. As we give Him the firstfruits of our time, He will reward us with the rest that can come no other way. If peace has been lost it is only because we have lost Him. He never leaves us.

He is always right there. To find the rest that He gives the connection must be restored. When this is restored there is a continual flow of His Spirit to water the earth of our hearts. His waters tenderize us and cause us to let all concerns fall away.

“Thus says the LORD God of Israel: ‘Concerning the words which you have heard – because your heart was tender, and you humbled yourself before God when you heard His words against this place and against its inhabitants, and you humbled yourself before Me, and you tore your clothes and wept before Me, I also have heard you,’ says the LORD.” 2 Chronicles 34:26-27

This life is a vapor and worry will only steal the goodness of God that is available to us as His family. His rest is our inheritance and leads us to a place of faith. It is His rest that awaits us in His living room. He is always ready and willing to minister His life to us.

Worship in the Glory!

John Belt
Live In His Presence Ministries
Email: admin@liveinhispresence.com

John Belt’s Itinerary:
November 22 & December 13, 2008
Glory Gatherings (7:00pm)
New Life Vineyard Chapel
2470 Princeton Road; Hamilton, OH 45011
Contact: 877-707-7625 or admin@glorygatherings.org

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