By Marjorie Kinnee
In a devotion during a recent Sunday evening service, Bro. Gary Wilson presented 15 "I am's" mostly from the Gospel of John, calling them "Soul Food." While taking notes, I felt impressed to study each of the "I am's" throughout the book of John and during the following week found 45 instances which are listed below. Note the progression and unfolding revelation. For instance, in John 8, it is as though Jesus becomes His own attorney, calling both evidence and witnesses to the stand to testfy in His behalf. Before chapter 8 concludes, there is no doubt as to Who He is. He declares it plainly. Although the religious leaders reject Him, Jesus continues to reveal Himself to His disciples - for these men will carry the Gospel message to the ends of the earth. And it's on their faithfulness in carrying out that task that our salvation rests. (See John 17:20-21; Acts 2:38-39; 4:12; II Timothy 2:1-2)
Note also the repetitions as Jesus bears down on specific points. Six times He says, "I am He." Moreover, He repeats themes and hingepoints on which further revelation depends. In saying, "Search the Scriptures for in them ye think ye have eternal life but they are they which testify of Me." (John 5:39) and, "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, ...He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." (John 14:26) and, "Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth is come, He will guide you into all truth..." (John 16:13); Jesus let them (and us) know how our understanding would be enlightened and directed. (See also John 7:37-39.)
A big thank you to Bro. Gary Wilson for this challenging and exciting theme for study!
Here are the 45 "I am" references/instances...
in John's Gospel...
(1) 4:26 - "I am He that speaketh unto thee"
(2) 5:43 - "I am come in My Father's Name"
(3) 6:35 - "I am the Bread of Life"
(4) 6:48 - "I am that Bread of Life"
(5) 6:51 - "I am the Living Bread"
(6 & 7) 7:28 - "Ye know not whence I am" and, "I am not come of Myself"
(8) 7:29 - "I am from Him"
(9) 7:33 - "Yet a little while I am with you"
(10) 7:34 - "Where I am ye cannot come thither"
(11) 8:12 - "I am the Light of the world"
(12) 8:18 - "I am One that bear witness of Myself"
(13) 8:23 - "I am from above"
(14) 8:24 - "I am He"
(15) 8:28 - "I am He"
(16) 8:58 - "Before Abraham was, I am"
(17 & 18) 9:5 - "I am in the world" and, "I am the Light of the world"
(19) 9:39 - "I am come into the world"
(20) 10:7 - "I am the Door of the sheep"
(21) 10:9 - "I am the Door"
(22) 10:10 - "I am come that they might have Life"
(23) 10:11 - "I am the Good Shepherd"
(24) 10:14 - "I am the Good Shepherd"
(25) 11:15 - "I am glad for your sakes"
(26) 11:25 - "I am the Resurrection and the Life"
(27) 13:13 - "I am your Lord and Master"
(28) 13:19 - "I am He"
(29) 13:33 - "Yet a little while I am with you"
(30) 13:46 - "I am come a Light into the world"
(31) 14:6 - "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life"
(32) 14:10 - "I am in the Father, and the Father in Me"
(33) 14:11 - "I am in the Father, and the Father in Me"
(34) 14:20 - "I am in My Father, and ye in Me, and I in you"
(35) 15:1 - "I am the True Vine"
(36) 15:5 - "I am the Vine, ye are the branches"
(37) 16:32 - "I am not alone"
(38) 17:10 - "I am glorified in them"
(39) 17:11 - "I am no more in the world"
(40) 17:14 - "I am not of the world"
(41) 17:16 - "I am not of the world"
(42) 17:24 - "...be with Me where I am"
(43) 18:5 - "I am He"
(44) 18:8 - "I am He"
(45) 20:17 - "Touch Me not... I am not yet ascended to My Father" (See Luke 24:39.)
Additional "I am" references: Exodus 3:14; Matthew 28:20; Acts 9:5; 18:10; 22:8; 26:15.
- mjk
***
Saturday, July 30, 2011
I Shall Arise
By Angela Harwood
Ever since I can remember I’ve been tripping over my two feet, walking into walls, slipping and then falling up or down the stairs. It’s inevitable I’ve learned how to laugh at myself through these embarrassing moments in my life, but the moments when I fall spiritually, laughter is buried deep within me due to the conviction that grips my heart.
"Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me." (Micah 7:8)
Jesus knows we’re going to fail Him from time to time. I’m happy the Bible doesn’t paint a facade to make us think we’ll never fail. This verse says, "When I fall" not "If I fall," it isn’t having lack of faith, its reality. We are not perfect, that’s why we need a perfect Savior to run to when we’re hurting, afraid, seeking direction, and when we’ve fallen and feel like we can’t go on. When we are in the darkest place in our life, somehow God can shine His light and lead us.
One of the greatest strategies of the enemy is tempting us to sin and then if we give in to the temptation he’ll kick us while we’re down and rejoice. He’ll whisper lies saying, "I thought you were a Christian, if you get back up, you’ll be a hypocrite."
If I stepped out of my car today, slipped on a banana peel and fell flat on my face, I wouldn’t just stay there on the ground. I wouldn’t watch people walk by. If it started to rain, I wouldn’t just lay there and let the rain beat down on me. I’d get up again. Sure I might be a little embarrassed. Yeah, maybe I would have a few scrapes on my knee and dirt on my clothes, but I’m going to bandage up my wounds and brush off the dirt.
When we fall spiritually, we need to get up again. It’s important to brush it off and ask our loving Savior to forgive us. That’s how we grow as Christians. A cool Gatorade quote comes to mind, "You can either throw in the towel or you can use it to wipe the sweat off your face." We have a choice to give up when things get a bit hard, or we can look the devil in the eye and say, "I shall arise, the LORD is going to be my guiding light." God, in our weakness can fill us with His perfect strength. The Bible gives us a promise... "Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy." (Jude 1:24)
Know that God is able to keep you from falling and keep in mind when you do stumble that God is there to help you get back on track. Speak in faith, "I shall arise!"
Editor’s Note: Angela Harwood currently serves as youth pastor and music minister at the United Pentecostal Church, (Pastor Reginald R. Harwood,) in Elliot Lake, Ontario. She is a graduate of Apostolic Bible Institute in Saint Paul, Minnesota. As a licensed minister with the UPCI, Angela desires to reach this world with the gospel of Jesus Christ, and above all, please her Savior. - mjk
***
Ever since I can remember I’ve been tripping over my two feet, walking into walls, slipping and then falling up or down the stairs. It’s inevitable I’ve learned how to laugh at myself through these embarrassing moments in my life, but the moments when I fall spiritually, laughter is buried deep within me due to the conviction that grips my heart.
"Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me." (Micah 7:8)
Jesus knows we’re going to fail Him from time to time. I’m happy the Bible doesn’t paint a facade to make us think we’ll never fail. This verse says, "When I fall" not "If I fall," it isn’t having lack of faith, its reality. We are not perfect, that’s why we need a perfect Savior to run to when we’re hurting, afraid, seeking direction, and when we’ve fallen and feel like we can’t go on. When we are in the darkest place in our life, somehow God can shine His light and lead us.
One of the greatest strategies of the enemy is tempting us to sin and then if we give in to the temptation he’ll kick us while we’re down and rejoice. He’ll whisper lies saying, "I thought you were a Christian, if you get back up, you’ll be a hypocrite."
If I stepped out of my car today, slipped on a banana peel and fell flat on my face, I wouldn’t just stay there on the ground. I wouldn’t watch people walk by. If it started to rain, I wouldn’t just lay there and let the rain beat down on me. I’d get up again. Sure I might be a little embarrassed. Yeah, maybe I would have a few scrapes on my knee and dirt on my clothes, but I’m going to bandage up my wounds and brush off the dirt.
When we fall spiritually, we need to get up again. It’s important to brush it off and ask our loving Savior to forgive us. That’s how we grow as Christians. A cool Gatorade quote comes to mind, "You can either throw in the towel or you can use it to wipe the sweat off your face." We have a choice to give up when things get a bit hard, or we can look the devil in the eye and say, "I shall arise, the LORD is going to be my guiding light." God, in our weakness can fill us with His perfect strength. The Bible gives us a promise... "Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy." (Jude 1:24)
Know that God is able to keep you from falling and keep in mind when you do stumble that God is there to help you get back on track. Speak in faith, "I shall arise!"
Editor’s Note: Angela Harwood currently serves as youth pastor and music minister at the United Pentecostal Church, (Pastor Reginald R. Harwood,) in Elliot Lake, Ontario. She is a graduate of Apostolic Bible Institute in Saint Paul, Minnesota. As a licensed minister with the UPCI, Angela desires to reach this world with the gospel of Jesus Christ, and above all, please her Savior. - mjk
***
After the Test
By Justin C. Jeffrey
David... Job... Peter...Each of these servants of God went through tests. Let’s look at what happened during their tests and what each one did after their test was over.
Each of these men had a test that most of us have had or are going through today, and some of us may have to face one of these tests in the future. Now, not all these tests that each man went through were caused by them being tempted of something. Sometimes God chooses to put us through a test in which we have no decision about what brings it about. Sometimes God gives us no decision about what to do during the test. But all of us have a decision about what to do after the test, and that is a test in itself.
II Samuel 11:2-5 – Because of David’s sin, the child that David and Bathsheba had as a result of adultery, was stricken by God with a sickness and on the seventh day, the child died.
Job 1:1-3 – tells us what kind of man Job was, and of his great wealth and children. Job did the will of the Lord and was blessed because of it, but little did Job know the kind of test that was about to be laid before him. Job 1:15-19 – When it seemed all was lost and then his health was taken away, Job’s tests were still not ended. His wife lost faith and then his 3 friends, who’d come, supposedly to help and support him in his grief, became his fiercest attackers; judging him, accusing him of harboring some secret sin in his heart, and insisting God was punishing him and thus, he needed to repent. Their accusations were false. Job was not being punished, he was being tested.
Matthew 26:31-35 – Even though Jesus told Peter and all the disciples that they would deny Him, Peter said that he would rather die than betray Jesus. Peter did not yet understand that when Jesus said something, was going to happen, it was going to happen! Peter’s confidence in himself was such that he was sure it couldn’t happen. We all know the story. The night came, Jesus was betrayed and taken prisoner, and what did Peter do? He denied Jesus three times before the cock crew. The Bible says when that happened, Peter remembered the Word of the Lord, and went out and wept bitterly. (Matthew 26:69-75)
David’s test was of Lust and Murder – yet David didn’t become wicked because of the test or because what he did during it. Instead, after the test, David humbled himself, repented, and asked God for forgiveness. God forgave him and gave him another son named Solomon who was the best king of Israel and God blessed David all the rest of his days.
Job’s tests were trials and tribulations – Yet they did not cause him to curse God or give up on God. Job decided to serve God and trust him through all the pain and the accusations of his friends and that after the test was over he would still be serving God... He maintained his integrity through it all until the Lord said, "That’s enough" and rewarded him double.
Peter’s test was of faith – The fact that Peter did not believe that he would deny the Lord three times after Jesus told him he would, reveals that Peter’s faith was in the wrong place. He thought he was strong enough to take a stand for Jesus no matter what. Peter’s misplaced faith (in himself) was tested and he failed. He could have thought, "I’m not worth anything, I just failed Jesus. Why did this happen to me?" He could have gone out and do like Judas Iscariot; give up and commit suicide. But no, Peter did not do any of these things. After the test, Peter went to Galilee and waited to see Jesus again. His faith had not failed.
In spite of Peter’s ignorance, (at this time,) and failure to understand Who Jesus truly is and the kind of God He is, there was that wonderful promise Jesus made, "But I have prayed for you, that your faith fail not. And when you are converted, strengthen your brethren." Jesus did not intend for this test to crush Peter, but to prove to him Who it was that was the source of his strength.
In Conclusion – The benefits of continuing to follow God after the test, no matter what happens or happened during the test are clearly illustrated in the lives (and tests) of these three men. It is up to us what we do after the test. If we have faith in God, after the test, we will continue to walk the straight and narrow road. We won’t give up. That’s what God wants us to do after the test. That is what God wanted David and Job and Peter to do after their tests and they did it. In each case, the result was a greater blessing than they ever had been blessed with before.
I Peter 4:12-19 – says fiery trials are not to be considered as strange, but as cause for rejoicing because you are becoming a partaker in Christ’s sufferings. Though you may not understand it now, when His glory is revealed, you will be glad with exceeding joy. [This is the same Peter talking!] If you are reproached for the Name of Christ, be happy! for the Spirit of God rests on you. Your accusers are speaking evil of Jesus, but you are glorifying Him. Commit your soul to Him who has the power to keep it. He is faithful!
Editor’s Note: – Justin is our youth leader. The hand of the Lord is evident on his life and he is a faithful servant to the local church, Pastor Foreman, and to our E.D.G.E. youth group. This message is from a youth service. - mjk
***
David... Job... Peter...Each of these servants of God went through tests. Let’s look at what happened during their tests and what each one did after their test was over.
Each of these men had a test that most of us have had or are going through today, and some of us may have to face one of these tests in the future. Now, not all these tests that each man went through were caused by them being tempted of something. Sometimes God chooses to put us through a test in which we have no decision about what brings it about. Sometimes God gives us no decision about what to do during the test. But all of us have a decision about what to do after the test, and that is a test in itself.
II Samuel 11:2-5 – Because of David’s sin, the child that David and Bathsheba had as a result of adultery, was stricken by God with a sickness and on the seventh day, the child died.
Job 1:1-3 – tells us what kind of man Job was, and of his great wealth and children. Job did the will of the Lord and was blessed because of it, but little did Job know the kind of test that was about to be laid before him. Job 1:15-19 – When it seemed all was lost and then his health was taken away, Job’s tests were still not ended. His wife lost faith and then his 3 friends, who’d come, supposedly to help and support him in his grief, became his fiercest attackers; judging him, accusing him of harboring some secret sin in his heart, and insisting God was punishing him and thus, he needed to repent. Their accusations were false. Job was not being punished, he was being tested.
Matthew 26:31-35 – Even though Jesus told Peter and all the disciples that they would deny Him, Peter said that he would rather die than betray Jesus. Peter did not yet understand that when Jesus said something, was going to happen, it was going to happen! Peter’s confidence in himself was such that he was sure it couldn’t happen. We all know the story. The night came, Jesus was betrayed and taken prisoner, and what did Peter do? He denied Jesus three times before the cock crew. The Bible says when that happened, Peter remembered the Word of the Lord, and went out and wept bitterly. (Matthew 26:69-75)
David’s test was of Lust and Murder – yet David didn’t become wicked because of the test or because what he did during it. Instead, after the test, David humbled himself, repented, and asked God for forgiveness. God forgave him and gave him another son named Solomon who was the best king of Israel and God blessed David all the rest of his days.
Job’s tests were trials and tribulations – Yet they did not cause him to curse God or give up on God. Job decided to serve God and trust him through all the pain and the accusations of his friends and that after the test was over he would still be serving God... He maintained his integrity through it all until the Lord said, "That’s enough" and rewarded him double.
Peter’s test was of faith – The fact that Peter did not believe that he would deny the Lord three times after Jesus told him he would, reveals that Peter’s faith was in the wrong place. He thought he was strong enough to take a stand for Jesus no matter what. Peter’s misplaced faith (in himself) was tested and he failed. He could have thought, "I’m not worth anything, I just failed Jesus. Why did this happen to me?" He could have gone out and do like Judas Iscariot; give up and commit suicide. But no, Peter did not do any of these things. After the test, Peter went to Galilee and waited to see Jesus again. His faith had not failed.
In spite of Peter’s ignorance, (at this time,) and failure to understand Who Jesus truly is and the kind of God He is, there was that wonderful promise Jesus made, "But I have prayed for you, that your faith fail not. And when you are converted, strengthen your brethren." Jesus did not intend for this test to crush Peter, but to prove to him Who it was that was the source of his strength.
In Conclusion – The benefits of continuing to follow God after the test, no matter what happens or happened during the test are clearly illustrated in the lives (and tests) of these three men. It is up to us what we do after the test. If we have faith in God, after the test, we will continue to walk the straight and narrow road. We won’t give up. That’s what God wants us to do after the test. That is what God wanted David and Job and Peter to do after their tests and they did it. In each case, the result was a greater blessing than they ever had been blessed with before.
I Peter 4:12-19 – says fiery trials are not to be considered as strange, but as cause for rejoicing because you are becoming a partaker in Christ’s sufferings. Though you may not understand it now, when His glory is revealed, you will be glad with exceeding joy. [This is the same Peter talking!] If you are reproached for the Name of Christ, be happy! for the Spirit of God rests on you. Your accusers are speaking evil of Jesus, but you are glorifying Him. Commit your soul to Him who has the power to keep it. He is faithful!
Editor’s Note: – Justin is our youth leader. The hand of the Lord is evident on his life and he is a faithful servant to the local church, Pastor Foreman, and to our E.D.G.E. youth group. This message is from a youth service. - mjk
***
Angels
By Betty D. Austin
"The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God..." (II Corinthians 10:4)
Angels Defined:
Hebrew[Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance] – mal’ak [mal-awk] From an unused root meaning to dispatch as a deputy; a messenger; spec. of God, i.e. an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher). Interestingly, the same word is used when Scripture speaks of "evil" angels. Throughout Scripture – be it Hebrew, Greek or even Chaldean (Daniel 3:28) the definition is the same.
Other Old Testament Words Translated "Angels" Define Character, Position, or Power:
Psalm 8:5 [El-o-heem] "a little lower than the angels." Meaning: of the supreme God.
Psalm 68:17
Psalm 78:49
To break to pieces,
To make good for nothing... ...all powers that challenge God or His people!
Psalm 78:25... {abburr, ab.beer} "angel’s food." The meaning here denotes mighty, stouthearted, strong, valiant or chiefest ones... "He cast upon them the fierceness of his anger, wrath, & indignation, and trouble, by sending evil" [to bind; lit. or fig.,] "angels among them." [the Egyptians]. [shin’an, shin-awn] "thousands of angels:" the Lord is among them. The word translated angels in this passage means change – to alter (situations).This is the definition, without exception, in the New Testament...
Greek – aggelos (ang’el-os), to bring tidings; a messenger. A pastor, by implication.
From a word meaning: to lead; by implication to bring, drive (reflex), go, (spec.) pass (time, or (fig.) induce; be, bring (forth), carry, (let) go, keep, lead away, be open.
Scriptural Definitions of Angels:
Hebrews 1:7, 14
Revelation 22:8-9 – "I am thy fellowservant."Fellowservant: A co-slave; i.e. servitor or ministrant of the same master (human or divine). From a word denoting union; with, together by association, companionship, instrumentality, resemblance, pos-session. Frequently therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subservience.
of thy brethren the prophets
of them which keep the sayings of this book
Conclusion: "Worship GOD!"
Delivering Angels:
Psalm 91:11... "give His angels charge of thee ...lest thou dash thy foot against a stone."A stone: To build (with). Something, (in a spiritual sense) intended to be a building block.
Matthew 4:6; Luke 4:10-11... Satan quotes this passage out-of-context at the temptation of Jesus. The word used here means stone [lit. or fig.] as a millstone or a stumbling stone. – Ministering spirits, flames of fire ... sent forth to minister for the heirs of salvation.
Guardian Angels:
Matthew 18:10 "...their angels do always behold the face of My Father."Our "guardian angel" is always...
looking toward the "face of our Father,"
waiting & watching" for directions or orders from our Father,
always at attention for ministry on our behalf.
Observing Angels:
I Corinthians 4:9 "...for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men."Spectacle: [theatron: theatre] something to look at – a place for public show, a general audience. By implication, "a show itself." Thus, angels are always interested & watching us.
I Timothy 5:21 – "I charge thee before..."
God
The Lord Jesus Christ
The elect angels
Paul understood that God manifest in Jesus Christ and the elect angels are always beholding us. We are always in the presence of the omnipotent God and His elect angels. Therefore, worship God – praise God – pray to God – and the elect angels will be dispatched for the occasion or need.
Hebrews 12:22 – "Ye are come unto..."Mt. Sion, city of the Living God, the
heavenly Jerusalem
To an innumerable company of angels.
I Peter 3:22 – "Angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto Him."
So, we pray – asking in Jesus’ Name – and He hears. The result: Angels, authorities, and powers respond to His Authority and minister to the heirs of salvation – His heirs!
Considering this Scripture, do you believe it is necessary to ask God to dispatch a specific angel for a specific situation, location or need?
Prayer Mingled with Incense, Offered by Angels, Before the Throne:
Revelation 8:3-4 – "And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand."[Anyone who has lived in the south and had to call in the exterminator or "fumigator" to be rid of pests understands the context of this word. Life is so much more pleasant after the fumigator has done his work!]Our prayers ascend upon the altar before God. Angels stand before the altar with censors, offering incense. The incense goes up, before God, with our prayers. The incense and prayers mingle together – angels are dispatched on our behalf – and we become a "sweet smelling savour" to God.
"Thanks be unto God which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, ...for we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ."
(II Corinthians 2:14)
Editor’s Note: – mjk Sis. Betty Austin is involved in the writing ministry, teaching and reaching out to enlighten and encourage the Body of Christ. She attends the Apostolic Church (Pastor Steve Warman) in Auburn Hills, MI.
***
Incense: [Greek: qitter – kit-tare] means "perfume". It comes from a word meaning fumigation in a close place, thus driving out occupants. [Jesus Christ] (3 witnesses)
"The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God..." (II Corinthians 10:4)
Angels Defined:
Hebrew[Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance] – mal’ak [mal-awk] From an unused root meaning to dispatch as a deputy; a messenger; spec. of God, i.e. an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher). Interestingly, the same word is used when Scripture speaks of "evil" angels. Throughout Scripture – be it Hebrew, Greek or even Chaldean (Daniel 3:28) the definition is the same.
Other Old Testament Words Translated "Angels" Define Character, Position, or Power:
Psalm 8:5 [El-o-heem] "a little lower than the angels." Meaning: of the supreme God.
Psalm 68:17
Psalm 78:49
To break to pieces,
To make good for nothing... ...all powers that challenge God or His people!
Psalm 78:25... {abburr, ab.beer} "angel’s food." The meaning here denotes mighty, stouthearted, strong, valiant or chiefest ones... "He cast upon them the fierceness of his anger, wrath, & indignation, and trouble, by sending evil" [to bind; lit. or fig.,] "angels among them." [the Egyptians]. [shin’an, shin-awn] "thousands of angels:" the Lord is among them. The word translated angels in this passage means change – to alter (situations).This is the definition, without exception, in the New Testament...
Greek – aggelos (ang’el-os), to bring tidings; a messenger. A pastor, by implication.
From a word meaning: to lead; by implication to bring, drive (reflex), go, (spec.) pass (time, or (fig.) induce; be, bring (forth), carry, (let) go, keep, lead away, be open.
Scriptural Definitions of Angels:
Hebrews 1:7, 14
Revelation 22:8-9 – "I am thy fellowservant."Fellowservant: A co-slave; i.e. servitor or ministrant of the same master (human or divine). From a word denoting union; with, together by association, companionship, instrumentality, resemblance, pos-session. Frequently therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subservience.
of thy brethren the prophets
of them which keep the sayings of this book
Conclusion: "Worship GOD!"
Delivering Angels:
Psalm 91:11... "give His angels charge of thee ...lest thou dash thy foot against a stone."A stone: To build (with). Something, (in a spiritual sense) intended to be a building block.
Matthew 4:6; Luke 4:10-11... Satan quotes this passage out-of-context at the temptation of Jesus. The word used here means stone [lit. or fig.] as a millstone or a stumbling stone. – Ministering spirits, flames of fire ... sent forth to minister for the heirs of salvation.
Guardian Angels:
Matthew 18:10 "...their angels do always behold the face of My Father."Our "guardian angel" is always...
looking toward the "face of our Father,"
waiting & watching" for directions or orders from our Father,
always at attention for ministry on our behalf.
Observing Angels:
I Corinthians 4:9 "...for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men."Spectacle: [theatron: theatre] something to look at – a place for public show, a general audience. By implication, "a show itself." Thus, angels are always interested & watching us.
I Timothy 5:21 – "I charge thee before..."
God
The Lord Jesus Christ
The elect angels
Paul understood that God manifest in Jesus Christ and the elect angels are always beholding us. We are always in the presence of the omnipotent God and His elect angels. Therefore, worship God – praise God – pray to God – and the elect angels will be dispatched for the occasion or need.
Hebrews 12:22 – "Ye are come unto..."Mt. Sion, city of the Living God, the
heavenly Jerusalem
To an innumerable company of angels.
I Peter 3:22 – "Angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto Him."
So, we pray – asking in Jesus’ Name – and He hears. The result: Angels, authorities, and powers respond to His Authority and minister to the heirs of salvation – His heirs!
Considering this Scripture, do you believe it is necessary to ask God to dispatch a specific angel for a specific situation, location or need?
Prayer Mingled with Incense, Offered by Angels, Before the Throne:
Revelation 8:3-4 – "And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand."[Anyone who has lived in the south and had to call in the exterminator or "fumigator" to be rid of pests understands the context of this word. Life is so much more pleasant after the fumigator has done his work!]Our prayers ascend upon the altar before God. Angels stand before the altar with censors, offering incense. The incense goes up, before God, with our prayers. The incense and prayers mingle together – angels are dispatched on our behalf – and we become a "sweet smelling savour" to God.
"Thanks be unto God which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, ...for we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ."
(II Corinthians 2:14)
Editor’s Note: – mjk Sis. Betty Austin is involved in the writing ministry, teaching and reaching out to enlighten and encourage the Body of Christ. She attends the Apostolic Church (Pastor Steve Warman) in Auburn Hills, MI.
***
Incense: [Greek: qitter – kit-tare] means "perfume". It comes from a word meaning fumigation in a close place, thus driving out occupants. [Jesus Christ] (3 witnesses)
Prayer is the Key
By Pastor Ken Foreman
Text: I Timothy 2:1-8; Key Verses: 1-3
6.) Why Pray? –
Text: I Timothy 2:1-8; Key Verses: 1-3
Seven Keys to Effective Prayer
1.) Who to Pray for –
- Kings and those in authority; leaders, those who make decisions for us; our lives, our children, our country.
- Pray for our brothers and sisters – this is intercessory prayer.
2.) What to Pray for –
- Salvation for the lost and that those who are saved will be kept.
- "The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord." (Proverbs 21:1) Pray for God to touch their hearts.
- Prayer changes things and people, and it moves the heart of God.
- Things we know are in God’s will. Note: Badgering God may get an answer, but will get the consequences as well. If we want something outside of God more than God, if we’re striving for our wants, we may get (grasp) it – but Psalm 106:15 says, "And He gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul."
- There’s only so much we can do – so we do what’s possible. God does the impossible. (John 14:13)
We Must Pray!
3.) When to Pray –
- When things are going good.
- When things are not going good.
- When we feel we’re on the mountaintop.
- When we’re down in the valley.
- "...Men ought always to pray and not to faint." (Luke 18:1b)
- Everywhere...
- Anywhere... home, outdoors, church, car, basement, closet, bedroom, living room, kitchen...
- When we cannot bear to write it down and give it to the preacher to bring before the congregation.
- Pray in secret – God rewards openly.
- Pray openly – in the House of God. "My House shall be called a house of prayer." (Matthew 21:13)
- "Lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting." (I Timothy 2:8)
- Pray with love and faith. (James 1:6-8; Hebrews 11:6)
- Pray in Jesus’ Name. (Colossians. 3:17)
- Pray without ceasing. (II Thessalonians. 5:17)
- The disciples asked the Lord, "Lord, teach us to pray!"
- Humbly
- Patiently – actively enduring until He comes.
- Wait – for the answer to be manifest.
Warning! ~ Prayer is going to change you!
A. It will cause you to become dependant on God.
B. It will show you your limits.
C. It will open your eyes to the God Who has no limits.
Prayer is the Key!
6.) Why Pray? –
- To have peace...
- Prayer is the vehicle that causes you to be able to release things, to turn things over to God. He knows our needs before we ask. (Matthew 6:8)
- Prayer is more than getting things - it is...
- something in the cupboard...
- something in the driveway...
- something in the bank...
- more than healing...
- more than material things.
- Pray to grow closer to God
- Pray to grow and mature in Him
- Pray to get to know Him
- Prayer brings down the strongholds of the enemy.
7.) Pray to Communicate –
- When you love someone, you want to talk to them, to communicate with them. In today’s technology, the internet and social websites have built friendships and even marriages!
- The more you pray, the easier it will be; more enjoyable, more peace, know Him better
- "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men... in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour." (I Timothy 2:1)
- Marriages can be saved.
- Lives changed and rearranged.
- Circumstances can be turned around.
- Souls can be saved!
- "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16)
- "And the Lord appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to Myself for an house of sacrifice: If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My people; If My people, which are called by My Name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." (II Chronicles 7:12-14)
- "No good thing will He withhold from them that love Him." (Psalm 84:11)
Pray! ~ Prayer is so very important! ~ PRAYER is the KEY!
***
Saturday, July 2, 2011
But For...
By Mary Beth Wholters
But for a dream... Joseph
But for a burning bush... Moses
But for Goliath... David
But for Haman... Esther
But for a journey... Ruth
But for an ark... Noah
But for the desert... Israel
But for denying His Name... Peter
But for the Damascus Road... Paul
But for an angel... Mary
But for a well... the Samaritan woman
But for mud... Blind eyes opened
But for a thank you... a leper made whole
But for a cross... you
But for a burning bush... Moses
But for Goliath... David
But for Haman... Esther
But for a journey... Ruth
But for an ark... Noah
But for the desert... Israel
But for denying His Name... Peter
But for the Damascus Road... Paul
But for an angel... Mary
But for a well... the Samaritan woman
But for mud... Blind eyes opened
But for a thank you... a leper made whole
But for a cross... you
Editor's Note: Mary Beth Wholters and her three children moved to Michigan and New Life last fall, when her husband was stationed in Afghanistan. They have become a help and a blessing to the church in many ways.
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