Jesus the Resurrec†ion

I always wanted to attend a prayer meeting, and last Tuesday, it happened to be in the church. I had the opportunity of being prayed over by Fr. Rufus Pereira. I was glad to tell him that like him I believed in God being the God of Impossibles. He asked me ‘What do you want? I simply stated I wanted God’s will in my life. He said that I need to be clear, again I replied ‘HIS WILL’. I knew it was God, reconfirming with me. And again and again, I would say, Your will be done. My life is in your hands, my God.

I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this? John 11:25

Lazarus and his two sisters, Mary and Martha, had a special relationship with Jesus. When Lazarus fell ill, his sisters sent a message to Jesus: Lord, the one you love is sick.  They do not state their request. Where there is love, there is no need to request a favor; it is enough to make the need known.

This request is very similar to Jesus' mother's request at the wedding of Cana. It presents a need but does not dictate to the Lord how He should respond. In these requests, there is a need that is made known to the Lord with humility and a knowing that it is His will that should be done.

Jesus' love for Lazarus and his sisters teaches us that our faith in God's love, even in the midst of adversity, is well grounded. Even those especially dear to God must go through the trials in life.

When Jesus heard the news, that Lazarus was sick, He waited for two more days. Jesus does only in accordance with His Father's will. He knew the sickness would not end in death. Jesus knew it was for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it. Jesus could have raised Lazarus from a distance. But Jesus was willing to go to Lazarus and his family, even though it was dangerous to go there. Jesus walked in the confidence of the trust He had in His Father.

When Jesus announces that they are to return to Judea, His disciples remind Him that the Jewish opponents had just been trying to stone Him there. Jesus tells them that they need not worry about what will happen to them for they have the Light of the World with them. "The Lord is my light and my salvation--whom shall I fear?" (Psalm 27:1). Remember, in your darkest hour, Jesus the Light of the world will be with you. For no matter what happens it will work out for the best, even as Lazarus's illness will work for the glory of God. Here is a word of assurance to all believers to trust God and not their circumstances.

When Jesus arrived in Bethany, Lazarus had already been dead and in the tomb for four days. When Martha discovered that Jesus was on His way, she went out to meet Him. "Lord," she said, "if You had been here, my brother would not have died." Even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You: CAN WE SAY THE SAME THING?

Jesus told Martha, "Your brother will rise again." But Martha thought He was talking about the final resurrection of the dead.

Jesus is the champion over death. Jesus said to Martha: ‘I am the resurrection and the life-Do you believe? Martha replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”

Martha then went and told Mary that Jesus wanted to see her. Jesus had not yet entered the village, most likely to avoid stirring up the crowd and calling attention to Himself. The town of Bethany was not far from Jerusalem where the Jewish leaders were plotting against Jesus.

When Mary met Jesus she was grieving with strong emotion over her brother's death. Deeply moved by their grief, Jesus wept with them.

Jesus then went to the tomb of Lazarus with Mary, Martha and the rest of the mourners. There he asked them to remove the stone from the burial place. Jesus looked up to heaven and prayed to His Father, closing with these words: "Lazarus, come out!" But if Martha and Mary would not believe, then they would never see the glory of God.

 

FACTS:

† Through the raising of Lazarus, Jesus showed the disciples, and the world, that He had power over death. It is absolutely essential to our faith as Christians that we believe in the resurrection from the dead.

† The most powerful message ever: "Whoever believes in Me, (Jesus Christ) receives spiritual life that even physical death can never take away."

† Jesus was moved to weep with the ones he loved. Like Martha and Mary, we can be our free selves, with God because He cares for us.

† Jesus waited to travel to Bethany because He knew already that Lazarus would be dead and that He would perform an amazing miracle there, for the glory of God. Many times we wait for the Lord in the midst of a terrible situation and wonder why He doesn't respond more quickly. Often God allows our situation to go from bad to worse because He's planning to do something powerful and wonderful; He has a purpose that will bring even greater glory to God.

REFLECTION: Are you in a difficult trial? Do you feel like God is delaying much too long to answer your need? Do you trust God even in the delay? Remember Lazarus. Trust that God must have a purpose for your trial, and that He will bring glory to Himself through it.

CONCLUSION: Jesus gives life by giving up His own life on the cross. The raising of Lazarus, is the sign that points towards--the life through the death of the Son of God.

In all that Jesus does we see the glory of God, for we see God's love and life-giving power. This is the heart of the Gospel. God's glory is thus seen in His victory over death--first the death of Lazarus, and then the death of Jesus Himself!"

REMEMBER: The hard parts of life are occasions for learning about God and drawing CLOSER TO HIM. Jesus prays aloud for the sake of the crowd. It is precisely because Jesus is sent from God and does as God directs Him that He is heard by God. He is the obedient Son sent by the Father to do the Father's will.

His reason was to bring glory to God His Father, but it was also to prove to His disciples and the people, that He really was Who He said He was - the Son of God.

 

PRAYER: Father, thank You for walking with me even in the hard times. I know that my trials and troubles are only temporary. I trust that You are taking me through my circumstances to a place of victory and strength. Thank You for Your eternal blessing on my life today and always in Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

I AM who I say I am

 

Often, I hear people make negative comments. Things like, “I am stupid/a loser/dumb/not good looing/unlucky/getting old.” and “Nothing good ever happens to me.”

Scripture states that we are made in His likeness and image. When we make positive declarations, we are being God’s representatives on Earth.

God knows His identity and declares it. We must imitate God & declare goodness in our lives. Ultimately, it is what we say that collaborates with God's blessings for us. Words have power. Watch the words God uses 'I AM WHO I AM'. So If I speak 'I am blessed', I am speaking "God's favor".

To, my awesome and Almighty God, I am everything I am, because you loved me. Thank you, God!

 

God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” Exodus 3:14

I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Revelation 22:13

 

“God is, a positive God” and there is nothing negative about Him.

In the Bible, God has many names that describe His character. God has names that describe Him and His relationship to His people. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew name for “God” was considered so holy that the people wouldn’t even say it. Moses asked God, “Who should I say sent me?” God replied by saying, “Moses, my name is I Am.” In other words, “I am anything and everything you need.”

Today, God is saying the same thing to us! The Great I Am, the Almighty God is ready to supply all your needs according to His riches in glory. Open your heart of faith to Him today and receive all the blessings He has in store for you!

The Seven ‘I am’ sayings of Jesus from the Gospel of John

Each ‘I am’ is a description Jesus gave of Himself and is recorded in John’s Gospel.

† Bread  

I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me shall not hunger.  John 6:35

† Light  

I am the light of the world; he who fallows Me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life.  John 8:12

† Gate   

I am the gate; if anyone enters through Me, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.  John 10:9

† Good Shepherd   

I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for His sheep.  John 10:11

† Resurrection and Life     

I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me shall live even if he dies. John 11:25

† Way, Truth, Life

I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me. John 14:6

† True vine

I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.  John 15:1

• The divinity of Jesus Christ is further illustrated in John 8:58. Jesus said, “Truly, Truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am”, which means that Jesus existed before His human life on earth.

Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom He has delivered from the hand of the adversary. Psalm 107:2

It’s important to think right and believe right, but something supernatural happens when we verbally declare. You can say, “I am blessed, I am fearfully and wonderfully made.  I am more than a conqueror through Him who loves me.” “I may have had some setbacks, but I know those setbacks are a setup for a comeback! The favor of God is turning things around.” You are speaking Gods favour. 

Biblical truths who God made you to be:

I am God’s workmanship, created in Christ unto good works. Ephesians 2:10

I am more than a conqueror through Him Who loves me. Romans 8:37

I am far from oppression, and fear does not come near me. Isaiah 54:14

I am born of God, and the evil one does not touch me. 1 John 5:18

I am an ambassador for Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:20

I am part of a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a purchased people.  1 Peter 2:9

I am called of God to be the voice of His praise. Psalm 66:8

I am the righteousness of God in Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:21

I am the head and not the tail; I am above only and not beneath. Deuteronomy 28:13

I am healed by the stripes of Jesus. Isaiah 53:5

I am greatly loved by God. Romans 1:7

For God has not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, love, and a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

CONCLUSION: When you call on God, remember to call in reverence and in love for the word that expresses the essence of God in His most intimate relationship with you is LOVE, for God is love. 1 John 4:16

We are waiting for Yahweh;
He is our help and our shield,
For in Him our heart rejoices,
In His holy name we trust.
Yahweh, let your faithful love rest on us.
As our hope has rested in you.
Psalms 33:20-22

REMEMBER: Friends, we need to get out of the defeated, negative mentality. Remember, when you say what the Lord has done for you, when you declare, you are opening the door for God to move on your behalf. When you speak His promises, He is faithful to fulfill them and lead you into victory all the days of your life!

PRAYER: Father in heaven, today I call on You — the Great I Am. Keep me close to your heart always. I surrender myself to You. I acknowledge You in everything I do.  I ask that You direct my steps.  I surrender every area of my life to You as I move forward in obedience to Your Word in Jesus name, Amen.

I Stand For GOD . . .

It saddens me a lot, when I look around me, and I see a lot of people who dwindle in their faith. As Christians our first of the ten, commandments, implies that ‘I am the Lord, your God, and there shall be no other Gods before me.' 

I see people placing their feet on both the boats. And I am talking about people who are born in the faith. My intention, would never be to hurt anyone. But being a Catholic, I have been brought up to believe that God is Sovereign. And my loyalties are with my God (The Father, His Holy Son 'Jesus' and the Holy Spirit). Triune Godhead, be adored! Amen. I stand for God.

Elijah took a mighty stand for God in the midst of the plague of unbelief that spread throughout the land of Israel.

Now Elijah the Tishbite, from Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word.”

Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah: “Leave here, turn eastward and hide in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan. You will drink from the brook, and I have directed the ravens to supply you with food there.”

 So he did what the LORD had told him. He went to the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan, and stayed there. The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook.

Elijah had the utmost confidence in God’s eternal promises, then he claimed them in prayer, believing with all his heart!

Elijah appears from out of nowhere to announce to King Ahab that it will not rain in Israel until Elijah speaks the word. This he declares in the name of Yahweh, the God of Israel. God then instructs Elijah to hide himself by the brook Cherith, where he could drink from its waters and be fed bread and meat morning and evening by the ravens.

Before God can work THROUGH us, He must work in us.

God calls Elijah to a lonely place. God is preparing him for Mt. Carmel; before Elijah is ready for TRIUMPH ON Carmel, he must experience trials at Cherith.

If God is going to use us, we must obey His Word, right away. If Elijah was going to Know God’s plan, purpose, and provision, he had to go there. That is the place where God said, I will feed thee.
Without obedience, you will never, ever know His plan, purpose, and provision!

God has all sorts of resources that we have never considered. Would Elijah have thought of Ravens bringing him bread and meat twice per day? Not a chance! Our God is Sovereign over all, and He takes care of those who seek first His Kingdom.

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart? Prov. 3:5,6
Patiently Wait for Direction from God, v.7

In other words, things happened beyond Elijah’s control. As Elijah abides by the brook it dries up. He waits on God, for God had promised I will feed thee there. He patiently waits for direction from God.

Elijah could say, why are you allowing my brook to dry up? Do you know why God allows our brooks to dry up, so we will learn patience. Have you ever prayed, Lord help me to be like Jesus. God uses trials to teach us to be more like Jesus! Elijah, remained faithful to the one God he believed in.
We must be patient in the unfolding purpose of God for our life. Do not rush God. We are often in a great hurry! God never hurries, He knows the outcome. When we love, we trust and we trust we know that God will bring us to the finish with perfection.
Waiting is a trial, but remember that we grow through patience.
David said in Psalm 34:19, Many are the afflictions of the righteous but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.

James 1:3-4 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

James 5:11 Behold we count them happy which endure!
Has your brook dried up? Remember that God knows the best pathway for you. Surrender, yourself totally to Him. Pray over the Word of God. Claim His promises. Get to know the Lord Jesus Christ.

Elijah was convinced God’s Word was True: He got it from Scripture: from the Law of Moses: Deut.11:16-17 Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived, and ye turn aside and serve other gods and worship them; then the Lord’s wrath will be kindled against you, and He will shut up the heaven, that there be no rain, and that the land yield not her fruit; and lest ye perish quickly from off the good land which the Lord gives you.

Trust in the goodness of the Everlasting God!

CONCLUSION: IMPORTANT: 

Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Deuteronomy 6:4

YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND. Deuteronomy 6:5  The law of Christ has a similar statement. Luke 10:27.

You shall have no other gods before me.
You shall not make for yourself a graven image,
or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above,
or that is in the earth beneath,
or that is in the water under the earth;
you shall not bow down to them or serve them;
for I the LORD your God am a jealous God,
visiting the iniquity of the fathers
upon the children to the third and the fourth
generation of those who hate me,
but showing steadfast love to thousands of those
who love me and keep my commandments.  Exodus 20 2-17

REMEMBER: God is simply too mighty in power. He exists beyond even time. He cannot be represented (Isaiah 40:21-26).

I understand how difficult, it must be to wait, especially when we want something so bad. But know this God, is a God of patience. He brings about everything in its right time. If you have potential, you know nothing of, then God, lets you go through those circumstances where you will notice something about you that you never knew. My point being, trust God completely. Because Without obedience, you will never ever get to know His plan, purpose, and provision! Always, remember, to be faithful to God. Love Him with all your heart. HE deserves all the love. You will never, ever find anyone who will love you the way He does. Get to know Him, and you will feel that rhythm in your heart always, and I mean always. Together (you and God)are unstoppable. Oh! If you only knew of His immense love, I promise you, you would be writing this article along with me. I love the following hymn and I wish I could hear us sing:

We stand for God and for His glory
The Lord Supreme and God of all.
Against his foes, we raise His standard,
Around His cross, we hear His call.
Strengthen our faith, Redeemer,
Guard us when danger is neigh
To Thee we pledge our lives and service,
Strong in a trust that ne'er shall die.
To Thee we pledge our lives and service
Strong in a trust that ne'er shall die.

God’s WILL . . .

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.  1 John 5:14

At the heart of every conversation with God is the opportunity to know His will.

And at the heart of God’s will is an infinite love for you, and a passionate, persistent, dedicated, and instense drive to bless you.

There is a day in a year, when you want to stop and think, what is it you really want? Today, I celebrate my  birthday. I’m thinking of all the times, when I tried really hard, to make things work right and would get sorely disappointed. I did not understand God’s ways. Yesterday on my way, home, me and my friend got to talking. She asked me of my plans for my birthday, and I simply stated that I had none. I believe when you make plans, you can end up getting disappointed, when the plans fail. But think of it this way, you surrender all of your thoughts to the Almighty, and He makes them come about In His time and In His way. When, I pray, I always ask for God’s Will. I want, what God wants for me. God will always provide the best and so I believe.

Scripture makes it abundantly clear that God first and foremost wants us to know Him, to have a relationship with Him, to bring glory to Him by the way we live our lives, by how we relate to Him and others. God is the Creator of all, and all of creation, including me and you, exists to bring Him glory.

When God’s will is accomplished, its results are amazing. His will has no limits and His vision sees every possibility.  Our willingness to believe and readiness to receive the blessings He provides for — can open the door to blessings, or can stand in the way of achieving success and fulfillment.

You can do every twisted thing you can think of and still God will be looking to accomplish His will for your life. God never gives up. His blessings will chase you down and overtake you when you aren’t expecting it.  He will surprise and delight you.  And once you open the door, even ever so slightly, God is going to start bringing everything He has and handing it over to you. The blessings may come faster than you notice them or more subtly than you can resist them at first.  But open your eyes and you will see that every time you look, every time you step out in faith and listen — God is right there ready to hand you the victory and fulfill the dreams of your heart that you never believed possible before.

God is not going to give up. He is going to take every opportunity to show you the value of His will, to demonstrate the quality of His blessings, and to send His gifts in such abundance that sooner or later you will take notice.  God’s will is perfect, and its perfect for you. Open yourself up to the fact that His will is worth pursuing not because its His, but because its the best possible outcome in every situation.  And then get ready to receive, because when you are in agreement with God, He will fill your life up to the fullest and overflowing with good things.  He will give you the desires of your heart, and bless you in ways that you haven’t even imagined.  God’s will, be done.

CONCLUSION: The truth is that we don’t need to know the details or even the reasons relating to God’s will for our life – we only need to know Him. He loves us so much and He enjoys His relationship with us; He enjoys leading us by His Spirit; let’s enjoy following His Spirit too.

Because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by Him we cry, “Abba, Father.” Romans 8:13-15

REMEMBER: Christ taught us that knowing God's will and living in obedience to that will is the key to it all! Think about this, that Jesus, being the Son of God, did His Father's will. He came to this earth, lived a simple life and was brutally tortured and killed, so that we might live. Which person, knowing all this would choose to come to live this life? None of us. Only, my sweet Jesus. So much love, for us, for His Father. And from the Father-to us, so much more love. Do you think from a Father's point of view, it would be easy to let your only loving, most obedient child be crucified? I don't think so. So before, you think, that your will is important, kindly think of God. God's Will is important. God submitted to us out of love. Let us remember and do the same. We owe that to God. For, God is the potter; we are the clay. God keeps us spinning on His potter's wheel, shaping and reshaping us as He bathes our lives in tears to make us more Christ-like so He can use us for His will.

God is sovereign. 

He is MY loving FATHER!
He is our Healer!
He is our Provider!
God – my God – is a RIGHTEOUS God! 
A God of TRUTH and FAITHFULNESS to His WORD! 
His WORD is TRUTH!

PRAYER: Lord, I pray You would give me Your wisdom and understanding in all things. I know wisdom is better than gold and understanding better than silver-Proverbs 16:16, so make me rich in wisdom and in understanding. Give me discernment for each decision I must make. Thank You, Lord, that You will give me the counsel and instruction I need, even as I sleep. And lord, most of all teach me to surrender my will to yours with Love. Your will, my God be done. Amen.

Do You BELIEVE?

Do you believe God is willing to come quickly to solve your problem?

We pray, we cry aloud to God, but we go our way not believing He has heard us! We walk away from the Lord’s presence—away from the church—wondering if He has even paid attention!

Perhaps as you read this, you are going through something that calls for Him to act on your behalf. The very nature of your problem wants an answer.

Do you believe God watches your every move, as a father does his infant child? 

Do you know in your heart He is interpreting every thought you think? 

Do you know that God collects every tear. He is at work hearing every sigh, loving and caring for you?

For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. 2 Chronicles 16:9.

Do you believe God is absolutely, totally aware of your every thought, grief, pain, trial, financial burden, family problem—and that He wants to see you through them all?

The psalmist tells us, As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him. Psalm 103:13.

The Hebrew word for pity means 'to hold, love, be compassionate.' God puts His arms around you, He holds you. He says, 'I know your thoughts, your concerns, every battle you face and I care!' No matter what you are going through, no matter how you feel, the Lord sees it all! He feels the very feelings of your infirmities. He knows every move you make—all you say and do.

REMEMBER: The Lord is always ready to hear and answer our cry for help. For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You . . . . In the day of my trouble I will call upon You, for You will answer me. Psalm 86:5. David said, My God is ready to answer me in the very moment I cry out to Him! I go to my Lord and cry, Help! All that God is waiting for—is your heartbroken cry, uttered in child-like faith!

CONCLUSION: God is not mad at you right now. He knows the way you feel—and He cares! He is saying, Yes, you are going through a great trial. But you are My child and I am going to bring you through!’

 

The Anointing of Ease

The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me …to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor. Luke 4:18–19.

Friends, I believe this is our year to be released from every bondage and anything that would hold us back. It’s our time of restoration.

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:30.

Last night, at Church, I felt the word at Ease. There is an ease when you know you are in the purpose of God's will, and when you take that step of faith. When against all Odds you know that God is calling you to do certain things.

My yoke is Easy Jesus said. His anointing fills in the gaps of I don't think I can - I CAN do all things, through the anointed one and His anointing on me.

Obedience is more powerful than any circumstance that might cause one to fall back. We all go through difficult seasons. We need to be careful, to not lose our enthusiasm.

Yes, there are seasons when we have to stand strong and do the right thing even though it's difficult; but don't make the mistake of settling there and thinking that's the way it's always going to be. When you step into this anointing of ease, the things that used to be difficult will suddenly become easy. Things you used to struggle with won't be a struggle anymore. God gives you a supernatural grace–a favor–that lightens the load and takes the pressure off. Stay in faith, keep believing and keep hoping. No matter how difficult things may seem, stand strong because His anointing of ease will carry you through!

The anointing that abides in us is there to help us to overcome the world and those things that come against us and the plan of God for our life.

The Holy Spirit Himself - whom God has promised will come to live in us and will never leave or forsake us.

... as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 2Cor 6:16

And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever. John 14:16

... for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Heb 13:5

REMEMBER: No matter how hopeless, a situation, may look, it wont be forever. Things are definitely going to change. Be convinced, in your heart. I may not know your present circumstances, or the many tragedies you have faced, but I say this with complete confidence in God, that there is nothing that cannot be accomplished. Believe in God, at all times. Do not be afraid, of the things you see or have to face. You will be tested and when tested, be completely obedient to God. Every test produces strength, and each test brings you closer to God. The closer you get, the better you understand each and every situation. And God, and you will share a frequency, that only time will tell.

CONCLUSION: God has already planned your breakthrough-it is a key element in His good plan for your entire life. His anointing is His help and His presence made available to you! The anointing brings a holy ease into life. Things that are a struggle when tackled in our own strength become easy with God's awesome anointing. 

PRAYER: Abba, Father thank You. I ask for Your supernatural anointing to remove every burden and destroy every yoke of bondage in my life in Jesus, Name. Amen.