November 10, 2003

Prophesy, Declare the Word, over the Ladies’ Bible Study Group: Proverbs: 2:1-6  My (Daughters), if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; so that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and lightest up thy voice for understanding; if thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find knowledge of God. For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of His mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.

Remember Jesus Told Us: ^{Matthew 7:7} "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. ⁸ For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

John 10: 27 “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

LUKE 14:16-24

THE PARABLE OF THE GREAT SUPPER ~  

FEAST MENU Matthew 6:11  

·        Bread   (Matthew 4:4) (Jn 6:35) Jn 1:1)

·        Milk    (1 Pt 2:2-3) (Mk 10:14-15)

·        Living Water   (Jn 4:14, 7:37:38)

·        Meat    (Jn 6:53-58)

·        Drink   (“ “ )

·        Fruit   (Dessert Served Later) (Gal 5:22)

 

In the Bible Jesus is called by many, many other names! Far too many to list in this short study. But for this study I would like us to stay focused on a few, and when you read  them in Scripture, realize that those names are interchangeable with “JESUS” –Because He said of Himself” “I AM”: The Bread of Life    John 6:35

·        The Word of God    John 1:1

·        The Word is Seed   Luke 8

·        The Living Water   John 4:14

·        Meat (Flesh)       John 6:55

·        Drink (Blood)      John 6:55

·        Milk of the Word  1 Peter 2:2

·        Vine               John 15:1

Jesus is revealed to us in the written Word of God. He literally is the Word of God (John 1:1). The parable in Luke 14:16-24) could be likened to a great sumptuous feast that our Heavenly Father has invited us to partake of. The menu is listed above. As we devour the Word of God (“Every Word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God”) That “SEED” –(Word which we devoured) begins to germinate within us and reproduces fruit (Galatians 5:22) after its kind.

The more we hunger and thirst after righteousness-we will be filled. (Matthew 5:6) 

As we “Feast” on gods Word the seed grows and we become rooted and grounded in the love of Christ The SEED reproducing after its kind; Genesis 1:11&12) We begin to take on-or grow into-the likeness f Christ. Abiding in the vine (Jesus-John 15:1,6) causes us to bear much fruit. Our fruit should look like, smell like, and taste like Jesus’ Fruit, and it should also reproduce “after its kind”. Gal.5:22-23)

REMEMBER-As you read the Word of God, you are literally feasting on Jesus. You are eating the Bread of Life; you are drinking the Living Water; you are eating His flesh and drinking His blood. (John 6:53-56)

Psalms 34:8 “O taste and see that the Lord is good!

Psalms 119:103 “How sweet are Thy Words unto my taste! Yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth.”

For anyone who has difficult time understanding God’s Word let me encourage you…^{Matthew 7:7} "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. ⁸ For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.  Don’t be afraid to ask God to teach you and lead you, Ask-Seek-Knock

Seek... It is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom Luke 12:31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. ^{LK 12:32} "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.

 

• James 1:5 ~ If you need wisdom ...God gives it liberally!
• John 14:26 ~ Ask Holy Spirit to teach you about Jesus. Tell Him of your hunger and thirst for understanding of God’s Word to You.
• John 16:14-14 ~ Holy Spirit our Teacher
• Be persistent in asking God to open the “eyes of your understanding’ (Eph. 1:17-23)
• Jesus healed all the blind, and deaf, crippled. If we lack understanding of God’s Word, just like blind Bartimaeus, we need to cry out to God with hunger desperation, “Lord, that I might receive my sight!” Mark 10:51-52
• Mark 13:11, 16 Ask for God to give you Spiritual eyes that can “see” and understand the mysteries in God’s Word, and Spiritual ears to “hear” His voice.
• 1 Cor 1:30 Christ Jesus…is made unto us wisdom.
• Deut 28:2 And all these blessings shall come on Thee, and overtake* thee, if thou shalt harken (obey) unto the voice of the Lord thy God.

Overtake: to overtake, catch up to, attain; obtain;  taken hold upon- “Chase you down and tackle you if necessary, to bestow His blessing upon you!” **

Deut 28:3 “Blessed Shat Thou Be:

** Blessed: To kneel down; to bless, pronounce blessings, give praise, give thanks, extol; to speak words in evoking divine favor; salute; abundantly bless. **

  

·             In the City

·             In the field

·             The fruit of thy body (your children)

·             The fruit of thy ground

·             The fruit of thy cattle

·             The increase of thy cattle

·             The flocks of thy sheep

·             Thy basket

·             Thy store

·             When thou comest in

·             When thou goest out  (In all routine affairs)

·             All your enemies shall be defeated before thy face

·             Blessings  upon your storehouses

·             Blessing upon all you set your hand to do

·             Your land (which the Lord gives you) is blessed

·             He will make you a holy people unto Himself

·             He will open unto Thee His good treasure

·             You shall lend and not borrow

·             You shall be the head and not the tail

·             You shall be above and not beneath

 

OBEY MY COMMANDMENTS!

Temptations:

• 1 Corinthians 10:13 ~ There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not suffer (permit) you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it (to endure; stand up under).

• 2 Corinthian 10”3-5 ~ For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh ;( for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high (proud) thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.

 

(See also Scriptures under: Confusion & Stubbornness.)

Peace

• Phil. 4:7-8 ~ The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest (honorable), whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.  (See also scriptures under worry)

• Psalms 23:1-6 (All of it! Memorize it if you haven’t already. Speak it aloud every time you are in need of peace.)

• John 14:27 ~ (Jesus Speaking) “Peace I leave with you, My Peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you, Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
• 2 Tim. 1:7 ~ for God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power (might), and of love, and of a sound mind (clear thinking).
• Ephesians 3:20 ~ Now unto Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly (very much more than) above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us…

• Confusion ~  (Disorder, rebellion, riot, tumults, commotions (Strong’s) Dictionary- Indiscriminant mingling; disorder; tumultuous condition; perturbation of mind; embarrassment; distraction; disconcertment. Mental uneasiness, or anxiety; mental disquiet.

 

• 1 Corinthians 14:13 For God is not a God of disorder but of peace… James 3:16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion (disorder) and every evil work.

My Note: Confusion could have many causes such as: low blood sugar (need for physical healing), fatigue: need of rest and possible physical healing. Also strife to one’s mind or situations-affairs of life. In this case

I refer to:

• Matthew 8:16-17 When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. ¹⁷ This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:

 

• Luke 10:19-20 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. ²⁰ However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."

·        Mark 16:17-18 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; ¹⁸ they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well."

Note: When by faith we use the name of Jesus against an oppressing or controlling spirit, we are invoking all the authority and power that Jesus’ name represents.

·        Ephesians 1:18-23  That the eyes of your understanding may be enlightened in order that you may know:

·        What is the hope of His calling

·        Riches of the Glory of His inheritance in the Saints

·        Exceeding greatness of His Power

·        To us who believe-according to working Mighty power

·        Wrought (effectually worked) in Christ when He raised Him from the dead.

·        Set Christ Jesus at God’s own right hand-heavenly places

1.Far Above

·        All principality

·        All power

·        All might

·        All dominion. Every name that is named not only     in this world but also in that which is to come

·        Put ALL THINGS UNDER HIS FEET

·        Gave Jesus the place of authority as head over

All things to the Church which is His

Body -Ephesians 2:6 ~ And God raised us up with  Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus...

Rebellion & Stubbornness (1 Samuel 22 & 23) But Samuel replied: "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like the sin of divination (witchcraft) (fortune telling), and stubbornness (arrogance), like the evil of idolatry.  Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected you as king."

Definition of Stubborn & Rebellious from the Word: (Ps 78:8) Set not their heart aright (prepared not their heart), and whose spirit was not steadfast.

Meek: Mind of temper; gentle; not easily provoked or irritated; submissive; humility.

Humility: state of being humble; one’s feeling of deference to another.

Humble: Not proud or arrogant; modest; meek; submissive; to bring down the pride or vanity of

Psalms 25:19 The meek will He guide in judgment; and the meek will He teach His way.

Mathew 5:5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

Isaiah 1:16-19… wash and make yourselves clean.  Take your evil deeds out of my sight!  Stop doing wrong learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed.  Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow. "Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD.  "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.  If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land; Psalms 51:10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Lying/Gossip/Sowing seed s of discord: (Sins of our mouths)

• Psalm 51:10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
• Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
• Matthew 15:18-20 But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man `unclean. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.  These are what make a man `unclean';
• Ephesians 4:29-32   Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.  Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Married Couples Blessing ~ Eccl 4:12b ~ A *threefold* cord is not easily broken (*Lord ~ Husband ~ Wife*)

Couples Desiring a Baby ~ Psalms 113:9 ! He maketh the barren woman to keep her house, and a joyful mother of children, Psalms 127:3 ~ Lo, children are an heritage from the Lord; and the fruit of the womb is His reward

Praying for Lost Loved Ones ~ Ye know... Ye were redeemed.. With the precious Blood of Christ for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins. Put me in remembrance; let us plead together; declare thou, that thou may be justified ~ Isaiah 43:25 -26; Rom 5:8 ~ God commendeth His love toward us in that , while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Victim of Abuse ~ Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb?  Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have engraved thee upon the palms of my hands. Is. 49: 15-16; Psalms 103:4 Bless the Lord…who redeemeth thy life from destruction Who crowneth thee with mercies.;

Ps 27:10 ~ when my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.; (Phil 3:13 & 14 ~ Under guilt)

Widows ~ Is 54: 4- 5

Discernment ~ Mal 3:16 & 18 ~ For them that fear the Lord, and thought upon His name…(They) shall return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.

Insomnia ~ I will both lie down in peace and sleep; for Thou Lord, only maketh me dwell in safety ~ Psalms 4:8 & Jeremiah 29:11&12.

Finances ~ Psalms 112:1 -3 ; Deut. 8”18; Ps. 23:5 : (much more)

Growing Older ~ Psalms 92:14&10; Ps 103:1,2,&:2 Cor, 3:18

 

                       by Valerie Chastain

As extraordinary women of God, we should settle for no less than extraordinary children and grandchildren. Let us always remember — James 5:16b The Effectual, Fervent Prayer of the Righteous Man (Woman) Availeth Much.

 Some of our most powerful prayers are when we pray God’s Word. Deut. 7:12 & 13 - tells us that God will bless the fruit of our womb. (those who are in covenant with God, through Jesus Christ).

One of my favorite scripture verses that I pray, as I put our Lord in remembrance of His Word ~ Isaiah 43:26 ~  Put Me in remembrance; Let us plead together is   Psalms 112:1-2  ~ Praise  Ye the Lord. Blessed is the man who feareth the Lord; and delighteth greatly in His commandments. His seed shall be mighty upon the earth; the generation of the upright shall be blessed

 Remember that GOD Watches Over His Word, To Perform It; read and speak this scripture as He tell us: Isaiah 55:11 -...My Word shall not return to me void…

  These promises are not only to our children, but this Word also includes arc grandchildren:

The Mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon those who fear him; and his righteousness unto children’s children!-Psalms 103:17

  What about our way-word children? Our Lord wants us to have faith in Him as pray His Word.

Jeremiah 24:7  ~ Then I will give them a heart to know Me, that I am the Lord and they shall be my people, and  I shall be their God, for they shall return to Me with their whole heart !!!

  Another excellent verse to pray is:

Isaiah 44:3 -4   I will pour my Spirit on Your descendants and blessing on your offspring..

We all desire to see his Spirit poured upon our descendants and His blessings upon our offspring

Please remember — a mother’s or grandmother’s prayer does have the ability to expedite all these promises of God!  One may ask, “Does God really want to bless our children?” Let us speak this Word to God in our prayers.

He withholds no good thing from His children, Psalms 84:1b

Vicki Russell

God created everything by speaking WORDS, Through faith we Understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. - Heb. 11.3

We were created in His image, with the same ability to speak and actions do occur because of our words. Have you ever heard “garbage in, garbage out”? We must set a watch guard upon our own minds. Let us always be mindful of the books, TV, movies, radio, music and even to whom we allow to teach us. Our Lord tells us- I say unto you that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account of it in the day of judgment For by thy words thou shalt be just and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.  Mat 12.36, 37

We can not error when we are immersed in God’s WORD. Let the WORD of Christ dwell in you richly, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another, in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. — Col. 3:16

We are told in Jeremiah 1:29, that our Lord watches over His WORD to perform it. It is a wise person that learns to pray His WORD. He tells us in Heb. 4:12  - For the WORD of God is living, and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and Of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

• We shall overcome him, by the Blood of the Lamb and the WORD of our testimony. Rev. l2: 11

• Greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world. - I John4: 4

• I am blessed going out, blessed coming in; blessed in the city and blessed in the field. -- Deut. 28:3

• I ‘(he, she) shall not die, but live; and declare the works- Of the Lord. - Psalms 118:17

Our words have the power to build up, or tear down. That applies to not only our husbands and our children, and others, but also ourselves. We may edify ourselves by reading, singing, memorizing and even sharing God’s WORDS with others. Think of how kings in the secular world may give a verbal order, and it is carried out to suit “his majesty”. So it is with us as we live our lives through Christ Jesus. Proverbs 25:11 -- tells us: a word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a picture of silver. Do we realize how it pleases God when we speak words of life!

Do you know this incredible fact? — that the power of life and death is in the words we speak?! Our Lord tells us in Proverbs 18:21 — Death and life are in the power of the tongue . . Let us not be guilty of speaking “nay” when a sister or brother is praying “yea, yea, Lord”. Surely it is better to say nothing, than to speak negative against another’s prayer of faith.

Think upon the WORDS of our Lord, as He teaches us that out of the heart, does the mouth speak. Matt. 12 35— For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.

Yes, Yes, - we are creating life or death whenever we speak. Whenever we sing. Maybe we talk on the phone casually to a neighbor or friend. Do you realize that by what we say, we ARE allowing those to whom we are speaking, to see right into our hearts? Let us make a conscious effort to speak words that will please our Lord!

What a precious WORD to think upon is this one: (We) being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the WORD OF GOD, which LIVETH and ABIDETH FOREVER!!!

- I Peter 1: 23

                                                                   by Vicki Russell 2/23/04

             LITTLE IS MUCH WITH GOD

We may think “I must d something ‘great’ for God; after all — look what lie has done for me!

Do you know — He is more pleased when we do ‘small’ things out of loving obedience to Him.

Love is not passive; but active. To a Christian — Love is active.

Few of us will ever do really ‘great’ things (Great, as in the eyes of man).

Let us realize it is ‘greater’ in the eyes of our lord that we be obedient. He tells us in John 1t5:l2 — ‘This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you.

We may think that what we do is just ‘little’, but let us remember that Little is Much with our Lord! He says in His Word: Mark 9:41 — Whosoever shall give a cup of water to drink in my name... he shall not lose his reward.

 

LOVE IS KIND~ I Corinthians 13:4

Let us take every opportunity to practice LOVE in ‘little’ ways. Perhaps a note written to someone the Lord lays on your heart; or bake some cookies for a shut-in; a neighbor that needs a ride to the doctor or grocery store. The ‘little’ things we can do are endless. What a terrific way to use those gifts and talents God gave to each of us.

You may think it is such a little thing, but our Lord tells  us in Mathew 6:4 Thy Father who seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.   SO... Let not your left hand, know what your right hand doeth. Matthew. 6:3 - The Lord is ‘greatly’ pleased when we let (his) love flow through us to others!!!

BUT, if we desire to pass from “first grade into second grade” (spiritually), hear the words of the Lord: ‘But 1 say unto you that HEAR, love your enemies, do good to them who hate you, bless them that curse you, and pray for them who despitefully use you.”

— Luke 6:27, 28.

                                                      Vicki Russell ~ March 1, 2004

 

    You Are Destined For Greatness!

Jeremiah 29:

11  I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome

12 Then you will call upon Me, and you will come and pray to Me, and I will hear and heed you.

13 Then you will seek Me, inquire for, and require Me [a vital necessity] and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.

14 I will be found by you, says the Lord... The Amplified Bible

You are not an accident! You have a divine destiny! Your life has purpose! And it is possible for you to discover exactly what that plan is, and follow it the rest of your life!

Hebrews 12:

1 . . .let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; . . .KJV

• Lay aside” every lie from Satan that belittles you or your purpose in God!

• Choose to agree with God’s promises over your life!

• Trust Jesus to develop and finish the work that He has begun in you!

Philippians 1:

6 And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [/right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you The Amplified Bible

I Peter 2:

9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people THAT YE SHOULD SHOW FORTH THE PRAISES OF HIM Who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. KJV

• If you are God’s child, you are RIGHT NOW a priest unto God!

• You are RIGHT NOW part of the holy nation by way of the blood covenant through Jesus. (GaI.3:8, 13-14)

• You are a peculiar people from the Greek that means a purchased possession (1 (Cor..22-24)(I Cor.6”19b,2c

• We were purchased with the precious blood of Jesus for the purpose of SHOWING FORTH THE PRAISES OF HIM!!!

• Focus your attention on WHO GOD IS.. .and WHAT GOD HAS DONE! When we focus our attention on all that God is: All-Mighty and All-Powerful, All-Knowing, able to be everywhere at all times, the names of God (and what they mean), and when we focus on what He has done, both in the Bible and in our own lives: PRAISE IS THE OUTCOME! (ISAIAH 40)

• When we FOCUS upon Who God is and What He has done, our vision and concept of God becomes much bigger! Self and problems become smaller. God can handle any problem. (Mk 1O:2

Psalm 22:

3 But Thou art holy, 0 Thou that inhabits the praises of Israel God DWELLS in our praises!!! KJV

Psalm 68:

1 Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered (defeated): let them also that hate Him flee (in defeat) before Him.

2 As smoke is driven away, so drive them away: as wax melteth before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of Got!. KJV

Follow your destiny by praising God in every situation, and watch the great things God Himself does in your life’s situations as He makes His DWELLING PLACE in the center of your praises!

                                            March 8. 2004 Valerie Chastain

Ephesians 3:17-19 “. . . that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend (grasp) with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.”

Selah! Let’s stop and think on this Scripture. God is inviting us to “measure” the love of Christ!

• Breadth The measure or extent of any plane surface from side to side; width; largeness of mind.

Psalms 103:12 “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.”

The distance between the nails in Jesus’ hands, from His left hand to His right, is the greatest measure of the breadth of His love for us.

• Length The longest measure of any object, linear measure from end to end; extent from start to finish, as of a word, book, or time period.

John 17:24 (Jesus speaking) “Father, / will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am; that they may behold My glory, which Thou hast given Me: for Thou lovedst Me before the foundation of the world.

Revelation 13:8 ... the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

Revelation 1:8, 11 (Jesus speaking) “I am Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the Ending,” saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

The Trinity: Our Heavenly Father, Jesus, Son of God, and Holy Spirit, planned the redemption of humanity before the creation of the world. Jesus counted the cost! He decided that we were worth so great a price!

• Depth    The quality of being deep; measure or distance downward, inward, or backward; deepness as of water; abstruseness (Remote from ordinary minds or notions; difficult to be comprehended or understood; profound—); intellectual penetration; gravity or seriousness; a deep part or place, as of the sea; intensity, as of silence or color; an unfathomable space, or abyss; a deep or underlying region, as of feeling; the remotest or most extreme part, as of space.

Micah 7:18-19 Who is a God like unto Thee, that pardoneth iniquity and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He retaineth not His anger for ever, because He delighteth in mercy. He will turn again, He will have compassion upon us; He will subdue our iniquities; and Thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea

Ephesians 4:8-10 . . . “When He ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.” (Now that He ascended, what is it but that He also descended first into the lower of the earth He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above a/l heavens, that He might fill all things.)

Acts 2:27 (King David speaking prophetically of Jesus) “.. because Thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt Thou suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption.”

Jesus not only went to the cross taking our physical punishment, but He also descended into hell “where He took captivity captive”. Our sins were placed upon Him at the cross. He had to go into hell. Hell is the place of spiritual punishment.

• Height   The vertical distance from the lowest level to a given point; altitude or elevation; the state or condition of being tall.

Psalms 103:10-11 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth so great is His mercy toward them that fear Him.

John 12:32-33 (Jesus speaking) “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth will draw all men unto me.” This he said, signifying what death he should die.

John 15:13 (Jesus speaking) “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

Romans 8:34   Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again; Who is even at the right hand of God Who also maketh intercession for us.

Even as the breadth of Christ’s love could be measured east to west from the nails in His hands, so also, the measure of the height of His love can be measured from the nails in His feet to the thorns upon His head.

The love of Christ is measured in His work of redemption. No cost was too great. No price too high to pay. You and I are valued most highly in God’s economy. If He considered us “worth it”, who are we to doubt our own worth? But therein is the crux, or the pivot point of truth. We are most valuable.. IN HIM. Our value and worth is because of the price He had to pay.

I Corinthians 6:19-20 . . . are not your own, for ye are bought with a price therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

I Peter 2:9 Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, A PECULIAR PEOPLE THAT YE SHOULD SHOW FORTH THE PRAISES OF HIM Who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

A peculiar people means that we are a purchased possession. We were purchased for a reason: we are to show forth His praises. Let us make every action of our lives praise” unto Him.

Even though we could never possibly fathom the fullest extent of God’s love for us because He is infinite; that infinite love has, nevertheless, been invested in us if we have made Him our Lord. We have been impregnated with His very life!

GOD IS LOVE. I John 4:16

IN HIM (JESUS) DWELLETH ALL THE FULLNESS OF THE GODHEAD BODILY. Col. 2:9   WHOSOEVER SHALL CONFESS THAT JESUS IS THE SON OF GOD, GOD DWELLETH IN HIM, AND HE IN GOD. I John 4:15

SELAH! SELAH!! SELAH!!!

March 15, 2004         Valerie Chastain

Never doubt nor fear as you pray for your children, or grand-children, or special loved one. God’s Word tells us: Thus saith the Lord that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, who will help thee: fear not. - Is 44:2

One of the most comforting and powerful scriptures you may pray is: Yea, before the day was, I Am He; and there is none that can deliver out of My hand; I will work, and who shall hinder it? - Is. 43:13

Do put our Lord in remembrance of His Word, as He instructs us in Is. 43:26 Put me in remembrance, let us plead together; declare thou, that thou mayest be justified. One can never error when you pray God’s Words.

When you pray for those special loved ones, consider these scriptures that do two major things. (1. They please God as He hears His Word. 2. They build-up your faith as you hear yourself praying. . faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word o/God. Romans 10:1 7.)

•    I will pour my Spirit on your descendants, and blessing on your offspring. - Is. 44:3b

•    The mercy o/the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon those who fear Him, and His righteousness unto children’s children. l 103:17

•   Praise ye the Lord. Blessed is the man who fèareth the Lord, who delighteth greatly in His commandments. His seed shall he mighty upon the earth; ... - Psalms 112:1&2

Do keep this truth at the forefront of your mind as you pray: Our Lord delights in our prayers for others. Remember as you pray scripture

. . . AlI theses scriptures are given by inspiration of God, and are profitable or doctrine, for reproof. . . for instruction in righteousness that the man (woman) of God may he perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 11 Tim. 3:16 & 17

Embrace and pray this Word of love from our Lord for all your special loves ones: 1 will give them a heart to know Me; that I Am Lord; and they shall be My people and I shall he their God, for they shall return to Me with their whole heart. Jer. 24:7

Be encouraged by these few scriptures of power. Memorize them and put them in first person as you pray for “Patty” or “David”, etc. Again, I remind you to pray out loud God’s Word. You will see God’s right hand do valiantly. (Ps. 118:15 16).

Isn’t God good?!

                                                                                         Vickie Russell

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