” So faith comes by hearing (what is told) and what is heard comes by the preaching (of the message that came from the lips) of Christ the Messiah Himself.” Romans 10:17 AMP
“But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?”. Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” Romans 10:17 NKJV
Recently (like very ……… this morning in fact) I heard a respected evangelist state that the ONLY way someone can have faith is through hearing the Word of God. This means that a person cannot have faith for anything unless they can attach a person (Jesus), or a scripture verse to their circumstance. I found this comment to be very interesting.
Faith is a very powerful force for without it, we cannot please God, in fact it is impossible. (Hebrews 11:6 ) Because we are living in such challenging, even urgent times, most all of us need to have an All Access Pass to Faith.
Well what is faith ? I use this definition from the Amplified: The leaning of the entire human personality on God in absolute trust and confidence in His power, Wisdom and goodness. The assurance, confirmation and title deed that are possessed when we trust Him.
So what do the unchurched have in their emotional arsenal since they cannot possess true faith ? They have HOPE. Hopeis a confident expectation of good in every situation. Hope is a great thing to possess. Actually I believe that Hope is probably second only to faith however hope is based in emotion which is tied to the Soul. (Mind, Will, and the Emotions) Although very useful, being hopeful can still be like being ‘positive’ . No One paid a price for your Hope but a BIG price was paid for your Faith. Faith is tied to the Spirit. Hope Helps but Faith Wins.
Faith is actually anchored into someone real – JESUS. One can actually bolt themselves onto the knowledge that they are God’s Beloved and He is working behind the scenes to bring all circumstances to good for those that love Him and that are called according to His purposes. (Romans 8:28 ) (News Flash: We are all called according to His purposes if we have accepted His Son as Savior).
The understanding that the only way to obtain true faith is through hearing the Word of God should expose renewed urgency to the cause of sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As if it were not already urgent enough, for people to actually mentally survive natural disasters, losing homes, deaths of loved ones to Covid or other maladies, and economic misfortunes – the only way to survive these extreme challenges is to rest in an unwavering faith, secured by the most powerful substance available and that is the Blood of Jesus.
To gain understanding of the payment made with the Blood of Jesus is to realize the level of sacrifice directed by God the Father to the only One that could make the exchange for our sin to save me and you. Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit in the womb of Mary, a virgin. (Luke 1:26-38) This allowed for a bypass of the blood line of Adam, which was a bloodline of sin. Jesus’ bloodline was required for Him to be without any sin – He had to be perfect. This was the only way that He could qualify to be the once and forever sacrifice to God on behalf of you and for me.
Jesus accepted this assignment while in Heaven from the beginning of time. He was not murdered, He laid down His life. He was/ is omniscient (all knowing) and knew exactly what would happen to Him. This is just one of the many, many reasons that we worship and exalt the name of Jesus. He is Lord and Savior of all and He earned the office of Christ – the Anointed One. This is why He was called ChristJesus after the Resurrection, when He officially ascended into the office.
1 In many separate revelations [[a]each of which set forth a portion of the Truth] and in different ways God spoke of old to [our] forefathers in and by the prophets,
2 [But] in [b]the last of these days He has spoken to us in [the person of a] Son, Whom He appointed Heir and lawful Owner of all things, also by and through Whom He created the worlds and the reaches of space and the ages of time [He made, produced, built, operated, and arranged them in order].
3 He is the sole expression of the glory of God [the Light-being, the [c]out-raying or radiance of the divine], and He is the perfect imprint and very image of [God’s] nature, upholding and maintaining and guiding and propelling the universe by His mighty word of power. When He had by offering Himself accomplished our cleansing of sins and riddance of guilt, He sat down at the right hand of the divine Majesty on high,
4 [Taking a place and rank by which] He Himself became as much superior to angels as the glorious Name (title) which He has inherited is different from and more excellent than theirs.” Hebrews 1:1-4
Faith is a gift reserved for those in relationship with the Almighty. Let us remain acutely aware that the sharing of our faith in Jesus is the only conduit by which the people that do not know Him, may access the sustained promises of the Divine.
” And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, approached Him and said to Him, Teacher, we desire You to do for us whatever we ask of You. And He replied to them, What do you desire Me to do for you? And they said to Him, Grant that we may sit , one on Your right hand, and one on Your left hand, in Your glory, (Majesty and Splendor). But Jesus said to them, You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink or be baptized with the baptism (of affliction) with which I am baptized? And they replied to Him, We are able. And Jesus told them, The cup that I drink you will drink, and you will be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized. But to sit at My right hand or at my My left hand is not Mine to give, but (it will be given to those) for whom it is ordained and prepared.” Mark 10:35-40AMP
In the Greek there are two primary meanings of the word compete,or competition. One means strive or to out-do, the other relates to taking part (as an individual or team) in a competition. The first has a total focus on self – the other implies a desire for excellence to be the best, a leader, in a particular category. The latter could be a team with a business or athletic team, unified with a specific purpose. No stand-outs or rockstars, but a crew of souls rowing in the same direction to a rhythm that only they can hear.
In the above passage, the two disciples, James and John attempted to get the inside track on acquiring the most important real estate anywhere – the seats to the left and to the right of Christ Jesus. After all, isnt it always about location, location, location? What better location of power and authority could there be other than being seated in Heaven right next to Jesus Himself. Jesus informed James and John that these location decisions were not His to make but those of the Father. The Father is always the One that decides then orchestrates promotion, both then and now.
At times, I feel like I live in what must be the most competitive place on the earth. Where ‘for-no-reason’ competition abounds, including on the low end of the scale stomping the gas peddle when the light turns green to be first or racing below the yellow turning to red street light to be the last car through an intersection. These actions are irritating but the competition that I see among people is far more unsettling and a life disrupter of the highest order. A zero sum game with a goal that goes nowhere is to desire to be someone other than yourself. This seems to occur mostly in people (hate to say it but mostly women) that believe they have fallen short of a desired outcome for their life, or people going through a season of failure. There are a number of reasons why no one should succumb to the spirit of competition (envy).
It is the Holy Spirit that fashions and then enables specific gifts, skills and talents bestowed on each individual –
” All these (gifts, achievements, abilities) are inspired and brought to pass by one and the same (Holy) Spirit, Who apportions to each person individually (exactly) as He chooses. ” 1 Corinthians 12:11
Notice that the gifts, achievements and skills that one possesses are …. as He chooses. The Spirit of God Himself has designed each person with precision and in a way that He has desired them to be equipped and outfitted for life.
“And there are distinctive varieties of service and ministration, but it is the same Lord [ Who is served]. And there are distinctive varieties of operation (of working to accomplish things), but it is the same God Who inspires and energizes them all in all. But to each one is given the manifestation of the [ Holy] Spirit the (evidence, the spiritual illumination of the Spirit) for good and profit. ” 1 Corinthians 12:6-7
If the Spirit of God, the exact source and force of power that hovered over the earth to form it ‘In the Beginning, has fashioned each person with very specific skills and gifts that are placed there to benefit them for both good and profit, why would people not focus on perfecting their own gifts ?
For it is the Holy Spirit Who knows the specifics of God’s plan and purposes (Romans 8:27-28). He also is the One that determines your assignment (Acts 13:2-4). Spending times of intimacy in prayer, reading God’s Word and listening are the best ways to get to know His plans and what He wants for your life, through what He has given you. What is magnificent, is that the God that created the Universe even has a specific plan and purpose for each life. Remarkable!
Yet there is one more crucial element to understand about your plan, purposes and giftings. It is Jesus.
Because of the completed work based on Jesus’ sacrifice, every person that embraces Him as their Savior can look “unto Him” with expectation of finishing well and being a success in the eyes of God. Your victories are based on the knowledge of what Jesus did for you, over and above your own natural abilities and certainly over the natural abilities of others. The natural is important – these are how God has equipped you – however they are less than the supernatural transformation and breakthrough that will come when focused on Jesus.
God can and will place you into position to utilize your greatest gifts, skills and talents and can suddenly, even supernaturally open doors on your behalf.
These open doors are ‘doorways of grace‘ that cannot be forced but swing from their hinge in the perfect time and pre-ordained season to utilize your gifts for higher purposes. (At times ,this means in other geographic areas for the purposes of “special forces”.) Your personal experiences are also very beneficial in the decisions of plans and life purposes. Many people have lived through serious difficulties and the successful navigation of these unique experiences can be used to minister to many that are currently walking that road.
There is danger in the distraction of remaining mentally focused on a perceived competitor – always looking to the left and the right, overly concerned about the abilities of another. Striving to always be in competition is very counter productive and is guaranteed to steer a person off course – away from God’s desired direction. This will sound too simplistic but focus on Jesus and let everything in the periphery fade to black. Keep Jesus in the forefront and concentrate on what He has given you to do – this is the way to win your race. When people feel that they are not where they should be or experience failure, the spirit of competition can creep in and steal or derail God’s best, veering the unsuspecting off course. Envy, listed as one of the 7 deadly sins, is the root cause of the spirit of unhealthy competition. It is critical to remain vigilant against this spirit.
There is no reason to envy the abilities of others when the Father has something just as wonderful for you. The purpose of these skills, gifts and abilities that are knitted into the fabric of each person by the Holy Spirit is for the use for service of others. If you are properly engaged in serving others, there simply is not enough time to look at anything else. Serve well friends, serve well.
Tracy Gatewood Sacred Ramblings All Rights Reserved 2021 The Distraction that Destroys A Destiny Sharing Link: https://wp.me/p1zoxs-2UC
Author: Doorways of Grace: My Uncommon Journey to Healing, Wholeness and Meeting Jesus Available on Amazon and through Parson’s Porch
While in college, I made a terrible grade in psychology. So low in fact I believe the professor just felt sorry for me and passed me even though I did not earn the grade. So I claim no expertise on the subject of personalities with one exception – yours and mine are gifted to us by the Holy Spirit.
Personality has a convoluted definition and it is clear that no one else understands this mystery either – Wikipedia: Personality is defined as the characteristic sets of behaviors, cognitions, and emotional patterns that evolve from biological and environmental factors. While there is no generally agreed upon definition of personality, most theories focus on motivation and psychological interactions with one’s environment. I am not really sure what this is saying but do understand that faith can be a behavior, an emotional pattern that evolves from environmental factors. It is certainly released by interactions in one’s environment. Faith is primarily a Noun but can also be used as a Verb – By Faith, In Faith – Faith is active. The following is a definition that I find useful and requires action on the part of the person:
FAITH – The leaning of the entire human personality on Him in absolute trust and confidence in His power, Wisdom, and goodness. The assurance, confirmation, and title deed that we possess when we trust in Him.
I have written extensively about the mind, will and emotions – a package more commonly known as The Soul, as well as the importance of protecting the mind from fear and steps to take towards that goal. Protecting the mind from this constant barrage of fear and negativity in which we are living cannot be understated. The media “mockingbirds” are cawk, cawk, cawking out daily doses of catastrophe-riddled talking points that could give even the most Christ-focused person cause for concern. In this season and moving forward, we must be able to drink from a consistent flow of the well of peace to nourish and fortify our souls from all that bombards. We must learn to latch onto the soul’s anchor – Faith.
Today our globe is aflame with significant turmoil. The United States, a once relatively quiet and stable nation, has for the past 8 years been convulsing with riots, pandemic deaths, growing inflationary concerns, and political discord even hatred. Globally, we are experiencing major earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Famine has engulfed tens of millions living in third world nations as many industrialized nations have been working just to survive the pandemic, requiring their own resources to remain close at hand. And then there is Israel who is once again at war with the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas. Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system is a technological wonder that intercepts enemy missiles. To date, the Iron Dome has destroyed 200 rockets sent from Hamas to Israel in this current civil crisis. [ In my personal opinion, I believe that this war is actually a high level spiritual battle between two principalities that are warring over final control of this sacred region, manifesting through men. ]
In Ephesians 6, the Word says to “lift up your shield of faith” in order to extinguish the fiery darts of the evil one. The Amplified actually reads, Ephesians 6:16 “Lift up over all the (covering) shield of saving faith upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the (wicked) one. “ The Shield of Faith is your personal Iron Dome, a Dome powered by God’s own Spirit – the Holy Spirit. Faith triggers the release of the use of the Dome. Psalm 91:4 states – His truth and His faithfulness are a shield and a buckler. God is also faithful to defend. A shield of course is a larger protective device that can be placed over the arm. A buckler is small and used for more personal defense; lighter and swifter than a large shield. His Spirit will act as both your Iron Dome and your sword.
Even though God’s Spirit lives in you – you must, by an act of your own will, take action to activate your faith – pressing your shield upwards in response to negativity, fear or anxious thoughts. Your default response to fear must be “Shields Up” in faith and to first remind yourself of God’s infinite love for you, that He will battle on your behalf (as Jehovah Nissi – Our Defender). Find a verse of scripture that pertains to your need and read it aloud. Read the verse from the position of victory and not pleading because Christ Jesus’ completed sacrifice places you securely in Him. Trust God’s word to never return void. Angelic enforcements are released by God to work on your behalf in response to His Word. Think Off-ense, Off-ense, Off-ense – NOT a defensive posture. We pray from VICTORY already Won! Thank you Jesus!
Daniel 10:12 “The he said to me, Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your mind and heart to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come as a consequence of (and in response to) your words.”
Do not allow the tormenting, self-abusing (condemnation) thoughts to continue to take up any of your mind’s real estate. Never allow the enemy to move in and establish his “man cave” in your mind, hanging out all day on a sofa, watching tv, eating hamburger sliders and slurping beer while slinging darts inside your head day after day. Tell him to “Shut Up” and give him no place to linger.
The true Master of the Mind is the Spirit of God. Holy Spirit manages the control panel for our peace and operates the internal Iron Dome that quenches those fiery darts of fear, condemnation, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, worry, and the damaging effects of shame. Gain understanding by getting to know Him through time spent for there is a reason that Jesus said that it was better if He left …………..
“However, I am telling you nothing but the truth when I say it is profitable (good, expedient, advantageous) for you that I go away. Because if I do not go away, the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you [into close fellowship with you]; but if I go away, I will send Him to you [to be in close fellowship with you]”.John 16:7 AMP
In His great Wisdom, Holy Spirit does have requirements of you in His Agreement to quench these darts – Forgiveness: you cannot hold unforgiveness and even worse, hatred, in your heart. Unbridled unforgiveness will release a sewer into the mind and He expects you to take the first step in cleaning it up – to forgive. Fear: fear is the red carpet on which all other negative emotions stride – jealousy, murderous rage, toxicity, paranoia, insecurity, trauma – there is a long list of negative emotions that impact the mind and will severely impact the physical body. There is a reason why Jesus commands, “Do not fear”. Fear will open a person’s soul to destruction. Understand that fear is a spirit with several levels that increase: anxiety, worry, panic, terror, trauma. On every level these fear- based emotions can be bound up and cast from your mind. Our minds and bodies are not wired to manage protracted, high levels of fear. (Authors Note: stress and fear are co-equals). And lastly there is Faith.
Release your fears to God and invite Him into the situation. Pray and then listen, listen, listen and watch as He directs and connects. There is no need to hang a Help Wanted sign – The Helper lives in you.
Reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus. Thank Him for allowing Himself to be put through a violent human death to allow His righteousness to be exchanged (redeemed) for our sin. All of this so that mankind could be reconciled back to Father God.
John 14:17 AMP “ The Spirit of Truth, Whom the world cannot receive (welcome, take to its heart), because it does not see Him or know and recognize Him. But you know and recognize Him, for He lives with you constantly and will be in you.”
In the Church today, there seems to be some confusion surrounding the role of the third person of the Trinity. Holy Spirit is not the Holy Beater, nor is He the Holy Chastiser – He is the Spirit of Jesus, Who raised Christ Jesus from the dead and Whom was released at Pentecost 50 days following the resurrection. In Acts, The Apostle Peter explains the how behind The Who:
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Acts 2:38 – 39 AMP “And Peter answered them, Repent (change your views and purpose to accept the will of God in your inner selves instead of rejecting it) and be baptized, every one of you, in the Name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of and release from your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise (of the Holy Spirit) is to and for you and your children, and to and for all that are far away, (even) to and for as many as the Lord our God invites and bids to come to Himself.”
The word ‘repent’ in Greek is described as Metanoia: to change course or direction. It does not suggest condemnation nor guilt which many modern churches teach. Jesus paid for guilt on the cross – Isaiah 53:5 ” ….. for He was bruised for our guilt and iniquities”. The Spirit of Jesus is a GIFT that is freely imparted through the acceptance of Christ. The Holy Spirit points us to answers held within Jesus. Jesus did not come to earth to condemn or judge, but only to save the lost. The reason people go to hell is not because of personal sin – Jesus has forgiven each of us. (1 John 2:1-2) People are condemned to hell because they do not accept Jesus as their payment for a sin debt they can never pay nor do they accept Him as their Lord and Savior.
John 15:26 AMP “But when the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby) comes, Whom I send to you from the Father, the Spirit of Truth Who comes (proceeds) from the Father, He (Himself) will testify regarding Me.”
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There is a True North, or a “true Truth” that has been established on the earth by God the Father. This “True North” is available to all that hear the voice of the Shepherd and that will read God’s Word. The absolute truth of God’s laws and principles slice through clutter and confusion, clarifying difficult topics with application to all things past, present and future. God, in His mercy, also dispatches The Gift of His Spirit with periodic customized messages direct to our own spirit that bring clarity and truth to challenging circumstances, shining a light on the way forward. There is a reason that Jesus said that we should be glad that He was going away because something better was coming. The Cavalry has now truly come but you must get to know Him, spend time with Him and cultivate His presence.
So what is Truth ? Recently I had a discussion with someone that presented a narrative on circumstances of which I had observed at close range. What was true in his mind was 180 degrees from how I viewed the exact set of circumstances. He had crafted his own truth-narrative to cover for failures that he would not own. (We are all capable of espousing creative narratives to protect our egos and reputations.) To him, the facts he stated were unequivocally true – to me they were a ridiculous lie. It was pointless to challenge his story as it would only end in an argument and nothing I said would change his mind. I decided to pray that the Spirit of Truth would take care of the matter.
Another word for Truth is also “reality” – the Holy Spirit can be considered the Spirit of Reality, God’s kingdom reality – which is the only truth that matters. There is also a term called ‘universal truth’ which means what it says that a particular truth would be universally accepted by most people or a category of people (We’ll use Christians). For example: It is universally understood and accepted by all Christians that Jesus was conceived in the womb of Mary by the Holy Spirit, therefore bypassing the Adamic line of sin. Although we cannot ask Mary how this happened and discern for ourselves through first person testimony, we believe the Word of God and accept the account as being true. In the above illustration regarding the opposing narratives, there is no universal truth to which to refer and it comes down to character and perception. Fortunately, with the Spirit of Truth, we can always depend on the excellence of God’s character and His nature and trust that He is only delivering to us His “true Truth”.
John 16:13 AMP But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole truth, the full Truth). For he will not speak His own message (on His own authority); but He will tell whatever He hears (from the Father; He will give the message [on His own authority]; but He will tell whatever He hears (from the Father) and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come (this will happen in the future). He will honor and glorify Me, because He will take care of (receive, draw upon) what is Mine and will reveal (disclose, transmit) it to you.
Pray for a strengthening of your personal relationship with the Holy Spirit. Ask Him to make Himself known and shown to you. Honor the Spirit and acknowledge Him when He confirms or discloses (transmits Spirit to spirit) information from God to you. He is doing it for your betterment and to glorify the work of Jesus. He truly is a Gift from the Father and paid for with the Blood of the Son.
Hebrews 1:2-4 AMP ” But in the last days He has spoken to us in [ the person of a ] Son, Whom He appointed Heir and lawful Owner of all things, also by and through Whom He created worlds and the reaches of space and the ages of time [ He made, produced, built, operated, and arranged them in order]. He is the sole expression of the Glory of God [the Light-being, the out-raying or radiance of the divine ], and He is the perfect imprint and very image of [God’s] nature, upholding and maintaining and guiding and propelling the universe by His mighty Word of power. When He had by offering Himself accomplished our cleansing of sins and riddance of guilt, He sat down at the right hand of the divine Majesty on high. Taking a place and rank by which He Himself became as much superior to angels as the glorious Name (title) which He has inherited is different from and more excellent than theirs. “
Day 1 Among many things that Jesus is, “He is the perfect imprint and very image of [God’s] nature” that propels the very universe by His Word! How is nature of the human kind defined ? This nature refers to personality, temperament, and character. Jesus is the exact replica, even the imprint of God. As we read scripture and see how Jesus heals, forgives, loves and speaks – we too can believe that this is exactly how God the Father would treat us and others. As a child, I mistakenly believed that God was always on a “sin hunt” waiting to find fault in all on which I placed my hands. This opened the door to constant stress and fear and was a completely false assertion. God is on a “righteousness hunt” and seeks opportunities to bless your life.
We have all heard the phrase “the fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree” in reference to parents and their children. In this case God and Jesus are both the tree – the tree of life!
Prayer Point: Lord Jesus – you returned to earth to bring Glory to the Name of God your Father. Thank you for becoming a living example of Love, Truth and Grace that have left a legacy for all that trust in and rely on You. Help me to become a living letter of your love for all that I encounter today. As I focus on You I ask that my nature be changed into your loving and merciful image.
Day 2 When Jesus went to the Cross – He became The Exchange for our sin debt owed to a holy God. All Sin from the beginning of time until the end of time was imputed unto Jesus as our eternal, once and for all sacrifice for mankind. There is no one else that could have become this sacrifice. Jesus, who was sinless, contained the blood of a holy, perfect Deity. The Holy Spirit formed Jesus supernaturally in the womb of his mother Mary, then a virgin thus circumventing the bloodline of Adam creating paternity with God alone. Jesus the sacrificial lamb was born for one purpose: to die – for us. Understand that you too have a purpose-filled birth. You too were born to die, allowing the opportunity to briefly use your gifts to the full for His Kingdom, then live eternally with Him. Think vapor or mist. If God had not desired you to be with Him eternally, He would never have given you life. The Holy Spirit of Jesus knitted you to exact specifications with gifts and skills desired in the time and season in which you live. You were born on purpose – for purpose. So … Be purpose – full.
Prayer Point: Father, you formed me from the beginning of my life with a plan and purpose to succeed that is tied to Your Kingdom. Please direct my steps to align me with people and places that put me in your order. Reveal my purposes. Teach me by your Spirit how to merge secular and sacred into the vocation for which I have been called. Your Son established my example remaining on purpose while doing both Your business and maintaining His as a carpenter. Help me to live in order and on purpose while being an example of Christ’s excellence in all that I do.
Revelation 1:5-6 AMP “And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.“
Day 3 When Jesus dismissed His own Spirit from the Cross on Golgotha (John 19:30) His resurrection 3 days later served as a ratification of a new covenant made with God on our behalf. This agreement set into motion a way of life established on grace rather than based on law – be or do good and in return get good. The Jewish people lived under a suffocating 613 Hebrew laws that overshadowed every aspect of life. One definition of grace is undeserved favor. If you have made Jesus the Lord over your life, you are co-heirs with Christ and live under grace. You have been given everything from God that has been given to Jesus. Gamechanger. Grace is not earned through works or performance, it is simply offered as a gift from a Father full of love for His children. It is our nature to feel the need to work to earn. We strive and toil and stress however this direction is not God’s best. This also does not mean we are idle – we have responsibilities and careers over which we are given stewardship for His glory – but work from rest.
Jesus has bridged the deep divide of sin then re-connected us back to every blessing that God promised to Father Abraham. Abraham was the line of the Seed (Christ) in which all things are blessed. You too are blessed if in the line of Abraham; you are blessed to be a blessing.
Prayer Point:Great God and Father of All good things, thank you for the grace that you have given me by covenant through your precious Son, my Lord Jesus. Thank you for giving me favor that I do not merit. Because of your goodness, your grace in my life makes me love you even more. As a co-heir with your Son, I have all that He has and am seated and protected in Heavenly realms with You. Today I pray for the manifestation of every blessing given to Abraham. Today I ask for blessing on my family, my finances, my health, and my relationships.
Day 4 There are two attributes of Christ’s sacrifice that people focus on as the highest result of His death and resurrection: cleansing from sin, and eternal life in Heaven with God the Father. These most certainly are the ‘Big Two’. Many mysteries surround the fullness of the sacrifice of Jesus. There are less recognized and life altering benefits that He accomplished, one that is mentioned alongside the cleansing of sin which is the riddance of guilt. Guilt is condemnation. At the cross Jesus not only took your sin debt in exchange for His life, He also took the condemnation (guilt) that accompanies the sin. You no longer are required to feel guilt – Jesus has paid the price to erase it. So why do I still feel guilty you may ask? You may need to repent which requires no condemnation on your part. Repent means Metanoia (Greek) to turn and walk in another direction, simply turn and go another way. No guilt or shame involved. Just tell God you were wrong, then turn, and walk away. Jesus has paid for your sin, shame, your guilt. You are free. Condemnation brings death but the Spirit brings life!
Prayer Point:Father I know I am forgiven through the eternal blood of your Son’s sacrifice. I do understand that __________________________________ was a wrong action and I acknowledge that its not your best for me. Thank you for your immutable, unchanging love allowing me to speak to you knowing you will never leave nor forsake me, no matter what. Shame and guilt, by the power and authority that I have in the name of Jesus and by the blood of Jesus I command you to go in Jesus name. Holy Spirit I ask you to sprinkle the blood of Jesus on my mind, purifying it from every unrighteous thought including condemnation, shame and self-hatred. Shame, condemnation – You have no legal right nor no place in me. 1Peter 3:18-22 AMP “For Christ (the Messiah Himself) died for sins once for all, the Righteous for the unrighteous (the just for the unjust, the innocent for the guilty), that He might bring us to God. In His human body He was put to death, but He was made alive in the spirit, In which He went and preached to the spirits in prison, The souls of those who long before in the days of Noah had been disobedient, when God’s patience waited during the building of the ark in which a few (people) actually eight in number were saved through water. And baptisms, which is now a figure for deliverance, does now also save you (from inward questionings and fears), not by the removing of outward body filth (bathing), but by providing you with the answer of a good and clear conscience (inward cleanness and peace) before God [ because you are demonstrating what you believe to be yours ] through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. And now He has entered into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with (all) angels and authorities and powers made subservient to Him”.
Day 5 Jesus was with God from the beginning of time and the formation of the world where He lived in heavenly realms with God. John 1:1-3 “In the beginning before all time there was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God and the Word was God Himself. Jesus was present originally with God. All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him was not even one thing made that has come into being“.
His entrance onto the earth occurred as the child of Mary and Joseph. Jesus came to earth on specific assignment, to ratify the agreement He made with God to create a New Covenant with mankind. Jesus came on a rescue mission to save the people from eternal death at the hands of “the law”, a system where there could be no winners with a holy God. Jesus’ return to earth was perfectly planned from the beginning. He was born to die – for you.
Prayer Point: Father I thank you for loving me enough to send your Son to die so that I can live eternally in heaven with both of you. Jesus, You have brought infinite glory to God our Father through your great sacrifice. You are the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and end and source of all things. Although the world was made through you, the world did not recognize you but now I do. Thank you for saving me. Thank you for loving me. I am forever in Your grip.
Revelation 22:16 AMP “I, Jesus, have sent My messenger (angel) to you to witness and to give assurance of these things for the churches (assemblies). I am the Root (the Source) and the Offspring of David, the radiant and brilliant Morning Star”.
Day 6 If you embrace the son of God as Savior, you have been given ministering spirits also called ANGELS sent out to serve and protect like a heavenly military for those marked to inherit salvation. Even the devil acknowledged the service of angels. When he tempted Jesus in the desert he said, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, ‘For He will give His angels charge over you, and they will bear you up lest you dash your foot against a stone’ “. (ref: Psalm 91:12) We must assume that they were dispatched as the Word was spoken out – Psalm 103:20 “Bless the Lord, you His angels, you mighty ones who do His commandments, hearkening to the voice of His word.“ Although God is Commander of the Army of Angelic Hosts, all angels are under the feet of Jesus and they are to worship His Son (Heb 1:6). Angels are not to be worshiped by man (Rev 22: 8-9) but are used for them as servants of God to assist His people in times of need. Commander of the Lord’s Army | Reformed Bible Studies & Devotionals at Ligonier.org
Prayer Point:Father, and Commander of the Angel Armies, I thank you for the service of your mighty army on behalf of your people. Your angels insure the activation of your Word. As I speak your Word aloud in faith it shall meet your power and I will see miracles, signs and manifestations of your mighty promises in my life. To you be all honor and glory forever and ever. Ephesians 2: 6-10 AMP “And He raised us up together with Him [when we believed], and seated us with Him in the heavenly places, [because we are] in Christ Jesus, 7 [and He did this] so that in the ages to come He might [clearly] show the immeasurable and unsurpassed riches of His grace in [His] kindness toward us in Christ Jesus [by providing for our redemption]. 8 For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God; 9 not as a result of [your] works [nor your attempts to keep the Law], so that no one will [be able to] boast or take credit in any way [for his salvation]. 10 For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us]”.
Day 7 We know that Jesus is now seated at the right hand of God, overseeing the Government of His Kingdom. As Believers in Christ, we are to aim for and seek the rich, eternal treasures that are above, where Christ is seated with God. We are not to become overly occupied with worldly behavior. We are to focus on what is above – Jesus. (Colossians 3:1-4) In Christ, your old life has passed and with Christ Jesus you have risen to a new life. In fact, you have undergone a “spiritual circumcision”. Because you are “In Christ”, your sin nature has been stripped away, you are now embedded and hidden In Him. Through the renewing of the mind; reading the Word and spending time with Him, you can become remolded and reshaped in the image of the One Who created you. (Colossians 3:10).
Prayer Point:Father God as a representative in this city, community and field of industry, I ask you to grow Christ’s likeness in me. Make Him greater through me and help me to become lesser. As a citizen of your kingdom I desire to make an eternal impact in areas that are on your heart. As I spend more time in Your Presence reveal to me more about specific concerns that are on Your heart in my community.
Many Christians believe that the sole purpose of deploying the gospel message to an unbelieving world is to simply offer eternal life. Could there be more to what we accept as why Jesus returned to earth from Heaven? Most definitely yes. He returned to not only glorify His Father but to bring all people life and life to the full. (John 10:10 ) Eternal living begins at the point of acceptance of Jesus, not just at a person’s point of death. This is the game changing reality in which we live. The eternal life that Jesus came to give is to be walked out while here on the earth. What Jesus paid for holds significant benefit for the living and nothing for which He paid with His own body and blood should go un-utilized.
When we exercise the privilege to engage in prayer – we do so to attract the Kingdom of heaven on behalf of all on earth. We join hands with the Spirit that hovered over and formed the earth to partner with Him on behalf of the living to heal the sick, deliver the addicted, rescue the poor, rebuke and dismantle damaging negative emotions, and even pray to change the course of nations, directing these nations into their destinies and the divine will of God.
“Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed by thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven …….. ”
When I embarked on this journey to write Prayer University it was to reveal the primary attributes of Jesus as: Our Peace, Our High Priest, Our Righteousness, Our Savior, Our Healer and more – so that when we participate in the discipline of prayer, words could flow emboldened through the empowerment of the knowledge and understanding of Him. Communion, fellowship and intimacy in times of prayer with the Father release the dunamis power of what Jesus died to give through the delivery system of His Holy Spirit. Intimacy and knowledge of the holy can only be developed through a consistent time of prayer. In its simplest form, prayer is fellowship and communion with God. There are no shortcuts to intimacy with Him or anyone.
One of the many benefits or attributes through Christ’s sacrifice that we possess while here is that God awarded us dominion over everything. In the garden, Adam lost dominion and authority for all but Jesus came to redeem them back from Satan’s hand. Jesus as The Redeemer, by His blood, exchanged our sin for His righteousness, redeeming everything lost and saving those that claim Him from eternal damnation. His sacrifice flung wide a gateway of access to health and healing, deliverance, provision, wholeness, peace and restoration. In fact, the word “salvation” in the Greek actually means: Material and temporal deliverance from danger and apprehension; preservation, pardon, restoration, healing, wholeness, and soundness. The acceptance of Jesus as Savior immediately unlocks access to kingdom life in the full. As Andrew Wommack states, “Its a present tense possession. ”
Dominion and Authority Colossians 1:16 “For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. “
Genesis 1:28 “And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
Luke 10:19 “Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.”
It is challenging, perhaps impossible, to fully grasp the magnitude of all Jesus died to give. It would become one’s life work to comprehend and actually walk out what He has given. Few people take the time to explore and to plumb the depths of the mysterious treasury held within the sacrifice and resurrection of Christ or the gifts He offers from the permanent offices of the Divine. Make it your joyful duty to explore all that He has done. Accept the dominion and authority for which you have been rightly given. Use it to draw Heaven to earth, and to allow for the will and power of God in Christ Jesus to flow fully through you and for others.
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Session #12 Prayer University On Earth as it is In Heaven
Tracy Gatewood Sacred Ramblings All Rights Reserved 2020 Sharing Link: On Earth As It is in Heaven – https://wp.me/p1zoxs-2R2
Tracy Gatewood 