IN JESUS’ NAME
Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. —John 16:24
One of my favorite collections of photos is of a family dinner. Preserved in an album are images of Dad, his sons and their wives, and his grandchildren in a time of thanks-giving and intercession.
Dad had suffered a series of strokes and was not as verbal as usual. But during that time of prayer, I heard him say with heartfelt conviction: “We pray in Jesus’ name!” About a year later, Dad passed from this world into the presence of the One in whose name he placed such trust.
Jesus taught us to pray in His name. The night before He was crucified, He gave a promise to His disciples: “Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full” (John 16:24). But the promise of asking in Jesus’ name is not a blank check that we might get anything to fulfill our personal whims.
Earlier that evening, Jesus taught that He answers requests made in His name so that He will bring glory to the Father (John 14:13). And later that night, Jesus Himself prayed in anguish, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will” (Matt. 26:39).
As we pray, we yield to God’s wisdom, love, and sovereignty, and we confidently ask “in Jesus’ name.”
Father in heaven, help us worry less about what we can get from You and more about what we can learn from You. As Your followers said, “Increase our faith” (Luke 17:5).
Nothing lies beyond the reach of prayer except that which lies outside the will of God.
BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY GHOST
Luke 24:49 "And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high."
This filling of the Holy Ghost is subsequent to the born-again experience.
Paul reveals in Rom. 10:9, that a person has to confess with his mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in his heart that Jesus was raised from the dead, before he can be saved.
It is possible to be saved, yet not have what Jesus said was the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Since the Holy Spirit is now given freely and we don't have to tarry for His coming, we can receive salvation and the baptism of the Holy Spirit at the same time. However, it is not automatic. We must ask and believe for the baptism of the Holy Ghost, just as we believed for salvation.
Speaking in tongues is unique to the Church Age. This is because when a person speaks in tongues, his new born-again spirit is speaking (1 Cor. 14:14), not his mind. Before salvation, our spirit was the part of us that was, "dead in trespasses and sins." Until we received a new spirit (2 Cor. 5:17), the Holy Ghost could not give us this supernatural communication with the Father.
There are two kinds of speaking in tongues which are clearly spoken of in 1 Corinthians 13:1. They are called "the tongues of men and of angels." The tongues of men are the known languages in which the disciples spoke. The tongues of angels, or heavenly languages, are the tongues that all Spirit-filled believers can speak, and are what Paul spoke about in 1 Corinthians 12-14.
Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would lead us into all truth and teach us all things. Receiving the baptism of the Holy Ghost is the single most important key to receiving revelation knowledge from God.
YOUR NEXT STOP IS A PLACE OF ABUNDANCE!
Psalm 66:12 - …we went through fire and through water; but You brought us out to rich fulfillment.
Are you in a situation where people are stepping all over you and they seem to have the upper hand? You feel as if the challenge you are facing is so big that you are going through fire. And you are so overwhelmed by everything that is happening around you that you feel as if you are drowning.
My friend, I want you to know that your heavenly Father hears your cry for help and He will rescue you. The psalmist says that “we went through fire and through water; but You brought us out to rich fulfillment”. If you have been through the fire and water, then your next stop is a place of rich fulfillment or abundance!
This place of abundance was indeed the next stop for a church member who had suddenly found himself facing allegations involving some money laundering activities within the bank where he was one of the top executives. Investigations later exonerated him, but because of the bad vibes caused by the incident, he was asked to resign.
He was then aged 52. Friends told him to retire and relax, but retirement was far from his mind. This brother believed that if God had allowed this to happen, it must be that He was leading him to a better place, one of rich fulfillment. And indeed, soon after this difficult experience, one of the top banks offered him a handsome salary to join them in one of their top positions.
A few years later, at age 56, he was headhunted by one of the biggest public-listed companies to start a new division. He accepted the offer and was paid double what he had been earning.
Beloved, your heavenly Father does not lie when He tells you that He will bring you out to rich fulfillment if you are going through a difficult time. Trust Him and you will find yourself stepping into your place of abundance!
Thought For The Day :
If you have been through the fire and water, your next stop is a place of rich fulfillment or abundance!
CHOOSE MERCY … CHOOSE WINNING SIDE !!!
Jesus showed mercy everywhere He went. In fact, right before He was going to be arrested and taken to the cross, He had a conversation with one of His disciples. He said, “Peter, you are going to deny me three times tonight before it’s all said and done.” Peter refused to believe it, “No way! I would never deny You. I’ll stand by You ‘til the end!” But just as Jesus said, the Bible shows us three accounts where Peter denied any association with Jesus. He was afraid and feared for his very life! You might think Jesus would be upset with him, but do you know how Jesus responded? After He died and rose again, He appeared to Mary at His tomb and said to her, “I want you to go and tell everyone that I’ve risen.” Then He said, “And go find Peter.” He singled him out. Why? Jesus wanted Peter to know that he was still loved, valued and forgiven even though he betrayed Him. Jesus didn’t hold a grudge. Instead, He extended mercy and restored Peter. And, He extends that same mercy to us every single day!
Maybe you’ve been denied by someone. Maybe you’ve been hurt. Maybe you are working through some pain right now. Remember, Jesus gave us an example of mercy. He shows us mercy so that we can show mercy to others. It’s easy to take offense. It’s easy to hold on to the hurt and pain of the past. But the best way to move forward is to give all that pain to God and show mercy and forgiveness. Start today by praying for those who have hurt you. If possible, do something nice for them in return. Ask God to help you learn to forgive and extend mercy to others. It’s not always easy, but it starts with a choice. You make the choice, and God makes the change in your heart.
This holiday season as you are around family and loved ones, remember, mercy always triumphs over judgment. Choose mercy instead of judging and condemning others, and choose the winning side!
Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment. (James 2:12-13, NIV)
IGNORE THE WINDS AND WAVES
But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” - Matthew 14:30
Peter got out of the boat and walked on water at the command of the Lord. But when he felt the boisterous winds, he panicked, started sinking and cried, “Lord, save me!”
Immediately, the Lord stretched out His hand and saved him.
Let me ask you this: If the winds weren’t boisterous that night, would Peter have been able to walk on water? Of course not! Peter’s feat had nothing to do with how strong the winds or waves were. It had everything to do with Jesus. As long as he fixed His eyes on Jesus, Peter was able to do what he saw the Lord doing.
In the same way, my friend, when the boisterous winds of painful symptoms or bad medical reports clamor for your attention, remember that receiving your healing has nothing to do with how bad they are. It has everything to do with how Christ has already paid the price for your healing and health. It has everything to do with how He is right now, above every disease that can plague your body. So keep your eyes on Jesus and walk in His strength, healing and life!
The same can be said about receiving provision from the Lord. Does it really depend on how well the economy is doing? So why pay attention to the bad reports and get all worried? Keep your eyes on Jesus and step into His abundant supply!
My friend, don’t let the stormy winds and waves of your challenges distract you. They have nothing to do with whether you walk victoriously over your circumstances or not. Just keep your eyes on Jesus—and receive your miracle!
WORDS OR ACTIONS?
'Let us not love with words...but...actions.' 1 John 3:18 NIV
We must care about people’s spiritual and practical needs. It’s hard for someone to grasp the concept of God’s love when they don’t know where their next meal is coming from, or where they’ll sleep tonight. Food banks worldwide are seeing a dramatic upsurge in emergency requests. Volunteer Cindy Crosby writes: ‘Each client is as different as the patterns in a kaleidoscope: the retired, the mentally ill, single mothers, young men fallen on hard times… And not everyone is grateful. Some are angry… some refuse eye contact… some leave without saying more than a few words… If you volunteer just to feel good about yourself, you’ll give up. Lofty ideals shatter like stained glass pelted by rocks… It’s the success stories that stick… The refugee mother whose son went on to Harvard on a scholarship… the woman who thanked me more times than I could count… the mother of six who showed palpable relief because that month she could feed her family… I remember Jesus’ words, “I was hungry…you gave Me something to eat…I was a stranger…you invited Me in.” (Matthew 25:35 NIV) Now when I think of hunger, I see faces. And that has made all the difference.’ It’s easier to love in theory than reality, especially when it comes to people who are difficult or different. But genuine love isn’t defined by what feels good or bad; God’s already set the standard. ‘If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?…Let us not love with words…but…actions.’ (1 John 3:17–18 NIV)
ARE YOU SEEKING THE GIFTS OR THE GIVER?
Sometimes we get so caught up in seeking God's presents that we forget all about His presence! God wants every believer to remain in His presence and have a personal relationship with Him just like you would with any other friend.
King David knew the importance of seeking God's presence and dwelling with Him. In Psalm 27:4, David writes, One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. David set himself to seek and require one thing--God's presence.
The next two verses (Psalm 27:5-6) tell us the rewards of seeking God: For in the day of trouble He will keep me safe in His dwelling; He will hide me in the shelter of His tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at His tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the Lord.
The rewards of seeking God are awesome; not only will you develop a closer relationship with God, but you will also find true joy and contentment.
Psalm 16:11 says, You will fill me with joy in your presence. In other words, joy is
found in God's presence--not His presents! Therefore, evaluate your life to make sure that you're seeking God, not just His gifts.
Free Christian Ebooks http://walthope.tripod.com
http://walthope.wordpress.com
Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. —John 16:24
One of my favorite collections of photos is of a family dinner. Preserved in an album are images of Dad, his sons and their wives, and his grandchildren in a time of thanks-giving and intercession.
Dad had suffered a series of strokes and was not as verbal as usual. But during that time of prayer, I heard him say with heartfelt conviction: “We pray in Jesus’ name!” About a year later, Dad passed from this world into the presence of the One in whose name he placed such trust.
Jesus taught us to pray in His name. The night before He was crucified, He gave a promise to His disciples: “Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full” (John 16:24). But the promise of asking in Jesus’ name is not a blank check that we might get anything to fulfill our personal whims.
Earlier that evening, Jesus taught that He answers requests made in His name so that He will bring glory to the Father (John 14:13). And later that night, Jesus Himself prayed in anguish, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will” (Matt. 26:39).
As we pray, we yield to God’s wisdom, love, and sovereignty, and we confidently ask “in Jesus’ name.”
Father in heaven, help us worry less about what we can get from You and more about what we can learn from You. As Your followers said, “Increase our faith” (Luke 17:5).
Nothing lies beyond the reach of prayer except that which lies outside the will of God.
BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY GHOST
Luke 24:49 "And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high."
This filling of the Holy Ghost is subsequent to the born-again experience.
Paul reveals in Rom. 10:9, that a person has to confess with his mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in his heart that Jesus was raised from the dead, before he can be saved.
It is possible to be saved, yet not have what Jesus said was the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Since the Holy Spirit is now given freely and we don't have to tarry for His coming, we can receive salvation and the baptism of the Holy Spirit at the same time. However, it is not automatic. We must ask and believe for the baptism of the Holy Ghost, just as we believed for salvation.
Speaking in tongues is unique to the Church Age. This is because when a person speaks in tongues, his new born-again spirit is speaking (1 Cor. 14:14), not his mind. Before salvation, our spirit was the part of us that was, "dead in trespasses and sins." Until we received a new spirit (2 Cor. 5:17), the Holy Ghost could not give us this supernatural communication with the Father.
There are two kinds of speaking in tongues which are clearly spoken of in 1 Corinthians 13:1. They are called "the tongues of men and of angels." The tongues of men are the known languages in which the disciples spoke. The tongues of angels, or heavenly languages, are the tongues that all Spirit-filled believers can speak, and are what Paul spoke about in 1 Corinthians 12-14.
Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would lead us into all truth and teach us all things. Receiving the baptism of the Holy Ghost is the single most important key to receiving revelation knowledge from God.
YOUR NEXT STOP IS A PLACE OF ABUNDANCE!
Psalm 66:12 - …we went through fire and through water; but You brought us out to rich fulfillment.
Are you in a situation where people are stepping all over you and they seem to have the upper hand? You feel as if the challenge you are facing is so big that you are going through fire. And you are so overwhelmed by everything that is happening around you that you feel as if you are drowning.
My friend, I want you to know that your heavenly Father hears your cry for help and He will rescue you. The psalmist says that “we went through fire and through water; but You brought us out to rich fulfillment”. If you have been through the fire and water, then your next stop is a place of rich fulfillment or abundance!
This place of abundance was indeed the next stop for a church member who had suddenly found himself facing allegations involving some money laundering activities within the bank where he was one of the top executives. Investigations later exonerated him, but because of the bad vibes caused by the incident, he was asked to resign.
He was then aged 52. Friends told him to retire and relax, but retirement was far from his mind. This brother believed that if God had allowed this to happen, it must be that He was leading him to a better place, one of rich fulfillment. And indeed, soon after this difficult experience, one of the top banks offered him a handsome salary to join them in one of their top positions.
A few years later, at age 56, he was headhunted by one of the biggest public-listed companies to start a new division. He accepted the offer and was paid double what he had been earning.
Beloved, your heavenly Father does not lie when He tells you that He will bring you out to rich fulfillment if you are going through a difficult time. Trust Him and you will find yourself stepping into your place of abundance!
Thought For The Day :
If you have been through the fire and water, your next stop is a place of rich fulfillment or abundance!
CHOOSE MERCY … CHOOSE WINNING SIDE !!!
Jesus showed mercy everywhere He went. In fact, right before He was going to be arrested and taken to the cross, He had a conversation with one of His disciples. He said, “Peter, you are going to deny me three times tonight before it’s all said and done.” Peter refused to believe it, “No way! I would never deny You. I’ll stand by You ‘til the end!” But just as Jesus said, the Bible shows us three accounts where Peter denied any association with Jesus. He was afraid and feared for his very life! You might think Jesus would be upset with him, but do you know how Jesus responded? After He died and rose again, He appeared to Mary at His tomb and said to her, “I want you to go and tell everyone that I’ve risen.” Then He said, “And go find Peter.” He singled him out. Why? Jesus wanted Peter to know that he was still loved, valued and forgiven even though he betrayed Him. Jesus didn’t hold a grudge. Instead, He extended mercy and restored Peter. And, He extends that same mercy to us every single day!
Maybe you’ve been denied by someone. Maybe you’ve been hurt. Maybe you are working through some pain right now. Remember, Jesus gave us an example of mercy. He shows us mercy so that we can show mercy to others. It’s easy to take offense. It’s easy to hold on to the hurt and pain of the past. But the best way to move forward is to give all that pain to God and show mercy and forgiveness. Start today by praying for those who have hurt you. If possible, do something nice for them in return. Ask God to help you learn to forgive and extend mercy to others. It’s not always easy, but it starts with a choice. You make the choice, and God makes the change in your heart.
This holiday season as you are around family and loved ones, remember, mercy always triumphs over judgment. Choose mercy instead of judging and condemning others, and choose the winning side!
Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment. (James 2:12-13, NIV)
IGNORE THE WINDS AND WAVES
But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” - Matthew 14:30
Peter got out of the boat and walked on water at the command of the Lord. But when he felt the boisterous winds, he panicked, started sinking and cried, “Lord, save me!”
Immediately, the Lord stretched out His hand and saved him.
Let me ask you this: If the winds weren’t boisterous that night, would Peter have been able to walk on water? Of course not! Peter’s feat had nothing to do with how strong the winds or waves were. It had everything to do with Jesus. As long as he fixed His eyes on Jesus, Peter was able to do what he saw the Lord doing.
In the same way, my friend, when the boisterous winds of painful symptoms or bad medical reports clamor for your attention, remember that receiving your healing has nothing to do with how bad they are. It has everything to do with how Christ has already paid the price for your healing and health. It has everything to do with how He is right now, above every disease that can plague your body. So keep your eyes on Jesus and walk in His strength, healing and life!
The same can be said about receiving provision from the Lord. Does it really depend on how well the economy is doing? So why pay attention to the bad reports and get all worried? Keep your eyes on Jesus and step into His abundant supply!
My friend, don’t let the stormy winds and waves of your challenges distract you. They have nothing to do with whether you walk victoriously over your circumstances or not. Just keep your eyes on Jesus—and receive your miracle!
WORDS OR ACTIONS?
'Let us not love with words...but...actions.' 1 John 3:18 NIV
We must care about people’s spiritual and practical needs. It’s hard for someone to grasp the concept of God’s love when they don’t know where their next meal is coming from, or where they’ll sleep tonight. Food banks worldwide are seeing a dramatic upsurge in emergency requests. Volunteer Cindy Crosby writes: ‘Each client is as different as the patterns in a kaleidoscope: the retired, the mentally ill, single mothers, young men fallen on hard times… And not everyone is grateful. Some are angry… some refuse eye contact… some leave without saying more than a few words… If you volunteer just to feel good about yourself, you’ll give up. Lofty ideals shatter like stained glass pelted by rocks… It’s the success stories that stick… The refugee mother whose son went on to Harvard on a scholarship… the woman who thanked me more times than I could count… the mother of six who showed palpable relief because that month she could feed her family… I remember Jesus’ words, “I was hungry…you gave Me something to eat…I was a stranger…you invited Me in.” (Matthew 25:35 NIV) Now when I think of hunger, I see faces. And that has made all the difference.’ It’s easier to love in theory than reality, especially when it comes to people who are difficult or different. But genuine love isn’t defined by what feels good or bad; God’s already set the standard. ‘If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?…Let us not love with words…but…actions.’ (1 John 3:17–18 NIV)
ARE YOU SEEKING THE GIFTS OR THE GIVER?
Sometimes we get so caught up in seeking God's presents that we forget all about His presence! God wants every believer to remain in His presence and have a personal relationship with Him just like you would with any other friend.
King David knew the importance of seeking God's presence and dwelling with Him. In Psalm 27:4, David writes, One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. David set himself to seek and require one thing--God's presence.
The next two verses (Psalm 27:5-6) tell us the rewards of seeking God: For in the day of trouble He will keep me safe in His dwelling; He will hide me in the shelter of His tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at His tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the Lord.
The rewards of seeking God are awesome; not only will you develop a closer relationship with God, but you will also find true joy and contentment.
Psalm 16:11 says, You will fill me with joy in your presence. In other words, joy is
found in God's presence--not His presents! Therefore, evaluate your life to make sure that you're seeking God, not just His gifts.
Free Christian Ebooks http://walthope.tripod.com
http://walthope.wordpress.com
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