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Showing posts with label Peter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Peter. Show all posts

Can These Bones Live Again...PROPHESY! Ezekiel 37

Can These Bones Live Again...PROPHESY! Ezekiel 37

What situation are you facing today that seems completely hopeless and devoid of restoration? Are you feeling powerless to change a circumstance, or too overwhelmed to think about it?  Do you feel buried in unresolve? Is there something or someone that just seems unchangeable and irreversibly lost? If any of these match your reality, let's talk this through for a minute. What you feel powerless to do, 'Your Father' God is powerful to prevail.

Whatever the Almighty God has done before, HE is willing and able to do it again.  HE is not limited to time and space like us humans.  HIS ways and thoughts far exceed ours on every level. Isaiah 55 HE never sleeps nor slumbers and nothing escapes HIS purview.  HE'S never caught off guard.  It's extremely important that we know God's promises to us HIS children, and the power that HE bestows on those who choose to walk in obedience to HIS precepts. Study HIS Word. Recite HIS promises to HIM. Isaiah 43. Jesus before HE left HIS disciples and went back to heaven told them that HE had given them more power than any force that they could/ would ever confront in the earth.

Luke 10:19

Behold, I give to you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

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The Israelites who were considered the people of God had been disobedient to HIS laws. As a result, God allowed them to be captured by one of their enemies the Babylonians, who destroyed their city and robbed their wealth.  They were driven from their homeland to Babylon.  While they were in exile, God confirmed that HE had not forgotten them and that HE would one day take them back there.  They were very grieved and homesick, hopeless even.  They had given up on God and even started worshiping other gods.  Inspite of their waywardness, God sent the prophet Ezekiel to encourage them to return to worshiping HIM.  But before God sent him, God gave Ezekiel several visions.  God revealed HIS restoration plan for HIS people in several ways.  One of the ways was by showing Ezekiel a valley of dead people - dry bones; people who had been dead for a very long while.  It was a valley filled with dry bones and no water nor plants.  There was absolutely no sign of life around.  There were no human resources available to change the situation.  Do you have any 'dead situations' lying around/ any sealed tombs or closets/ any heavy stones to roll away? What about memories, lost dreams, forgotten hopes?

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Sometimes, God allows us to be stripped of our capabilities so that we will attribute all the glory to HIM for the transformation HE will cause to occur in our lives.  It is very innate for us as humans to be self reliant and egotistic.  When we achieve/ accomplish things we forget that the very energy to achieve it comes from God.  We sometimes forget that we don't own anything, and that we're just managers. Like the bones in the valley, from dust we came and to dust we will all return.  It is intrinsic to God that we walk in full obedience to HIS laws.  The wealth HE allows us to have can be stripped away as well as it can be restored.  Ask Job. The health that we have can be stripped away as well as it can be restored.  Ask Nebuchadnezzar or Miriam. The family, the job, the security, the master plan, the whatever it is that we have can be stripped away as well as it can be restored.  Will and or does God have to take it away from you in order for HIM to get your attention?

Sometimes it's not even gone, it's just on the other side of the boat.  Like when Peter and the disciples were out fishing all night and caught nothing.  Sometimes we just don't know where to look. Jesus sent them right back out again to the very same spot and told them to cast their same nets on the other side of the boat. This time the boat began to sink because of the overload of fishes.  Then Jesus told them that HE would cause them to fish for men instead. Luke 5 That's it right there.  

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When Ezekiel saw the dry bones, God told HIM to prophesy and cause the dry bones to become a resurrected army.  An army advances a kingdom.  An army takes territory and takes orders from a King for the sake of his kingdom.  Jesus told HIS disciples, when you have seen ME you have seen The Father. John 14. Jesus was on a mission orchestrated by The Father. When Jesus resurrected his friend Lazarus after four days, that's what sealed his crucifixion.  That's when the Pharisees plotted to kill him. Jesus' resurrection power was undeniable.  John 11 But more importantly, Jesus' crucifixion was the fulfillment of Ezekiel's prophecy of David uniting Israel. Caiaphas reiterated Ezekiel.  Jesus was from the bloodline of David. The crucifixion was about Jesus restoring mankind back to a right relationship with The Father, while regaining the power and authority God originally gave us in the garden of Eden. Genesis 1 At the very center of it all, God just wants us to acknowledge HIM and serve each other with the resources HE has given to us.  Power and property is to be shared for the sake of advancing the kingdom of God in the earth.  That's what Pentecost was about. That was the Acts church. Acts 2.

Every deficiency or lack in your life and community is an opportunity for you to walk in obedience to the word of God - PROPHESY!  When God asked Ezekiel, "Can these bones live"Ezekiel said "only YOU know Lord". Yes! God knows, let's say, a few things about power, and life, and death.  HE not only knows, but HE has a plan. Nothing on earth happens by coincidence. God always has a plan.  The thing is, are you aware of what it is?  Have you thought to ask HIM?  Have you chosen to wait on HIS response?  Are you walking in obedience? The veil in the temple has been ripped in two. There are no more secrets between us.  Mark 4 God's heart is right out in the open for those who dare to look.  God invites us to ask HIM the questions. 

Matthew 7: 7-8
7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

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The Almighty God is always about being in a relationship with HIS people.  HE chose to walk in Eden with Adam.  HE chose to lead HIS people in the desert. They were the ones who insisted on Moses being a mediator. They were the ones who insisted on an earthly king.  Yet, inspite of our rebellion and disobedience, God chose to restore us to himself; and in the process for us to bring others along with us. The things we receive or release are insignificant in the grand scheme of things.  They all have a lifespan. They are all tools God uses through us. The things are dry bones - hip bones, ankle bones, etc...  Whatever dead/ lifeless circumstance we encounter, our job is to prophesy.  

Speak what God says.  Declare HIS word over every situation.  Only then does the Holy Spirit take charge.  It is the Holy Spirit that gives life.  HE brought life to the dry bones in the valley. HE brought life to Lazarus and to Jesus in the tomb.  Jesus said, I must go, so that the Holy Spirit can come.  My job here is done.  I fulfilled my purpose.  John 16 Are you fulfilling your purpose?  Are you being led by the Holy Spirit? How are you allowing HIM to help you to change your situation for the sake of the kingdom? At the end of the day, is God getting the glory?  Where are you fishing? Are you still catching fish, or are you fishing for men too? God told Ezekiel that HE would restore HIS people as a testimony to the nations of HIS Kingship. Everything revolves around HIM. HE raises one and HE cancels another. Daniel 2 HE sanctifies and HE glorifies for the sake of HIS holiness. Romans 8 The harvest is extremely ripe.  The valley is full of dry bones. God is giving you an opportunity to live in power and purpose. Use it! Look around! Listen to HIM! Prophesy!

TESTIMONY: Jewish Air Force Colonel finds Yeshua in an unlikely place! - Why I'm One for Israel

WORSHIP: 
Israel & New Breed - Jesus At the Center (Live Performance)

The Almighty God is a Restorer - Prophesy!

Are You PINNED?..

 Are You PINNED?..

Is there a situation that has you feeling stuck/ trapped/ overwhelmed/ outnumbered/unable to get clear of it? Acts 12 Peter had multiple guards and gates. How many circumstances do you have currently working against you and your loved ones that the Almighty God your father cannot deliver you from?

Acts 12:4

4 After arresting him, he put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover.

Peter was being guarded by a total of sixteen soldiers.  The King had him arrested for preaching the word of God and had intended to kill him infront of everyone.  However God sent an angel to set him free and caused him to walk out of prison completely unharmed.  In addition, God had Herod kill all the guards, then God killed Herod.  Peter escaped and went on to preach in other cities without a scratch.  Know this, God always has the last say.  He is the author and finisher of your faith and fate, not man.  Hebrews 12.

Inspite of how outnumbered you might feel at times, do like Elisha.  Ask God to open your eyes so that you can see that there as so many, many, many more who are for you, than those who are against you. 2 Kings 6

2 Kings 6: 16

16 “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”

The trick is fear. Fear is the devil's primary weapon against the believers of Christ.  You have to train yourself to always remember that fear is not of God.  For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of love, power and a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1 Whenever you encounter overwhelming situations, you have to declare what you believe. For we overcome by the blood of The Lamb and the word of our testimony. Revelation 12  God is still the only Sovereign creator of the world. HE holds everything in place.  Absolutely nothing escapes HIM.  For HE hears all the cries of HIS people and delivers us from all of our troubles.  Psalm 34

You have to know that though you may encounter physical obstacles and boundaries, nothing happens in the physical without first happening in the spiritual realm.  The physical realm is like an extension of actions already taken in the spiritual realm.  Nothing happens without God's acknowledgement.  You need to understand the authority that God has given to you over the physical and spiritual realms. Luke 10 The weapons of our warfare are not carnal but are mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds. 2 Corinthians 10 Prayer is our greatest weapon.  The armour of God includes the Word of God. Ephesians 6 While Peter was in prison the other believers were somewhere else praying for him.  This is one of the primary reasons why you need community. 

Acts 12: 5

5 So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.

Christians need other christians in order to be successful in this world.  When you are feeling weak/ overwhelmed you need someone else to stand on your behalf.  When the Israelites were fighting in battle, everytime they held up Joshua's arm his army was advancing. But whenever his arms fell down, their enemy was winning. Exodus 17  Find yourself a church where people pray earnestly for each other.  We all need a support system.  For that is what we are - a system.  1 Corinthians 12 You are the body of Christ. We cannot operate successfully without the help of other believers.  We are our brother's keeper, that's God's intent.  We have to get back to being like the 1st church in Acts where the believers cared for each other.  Most importantly, 'the Acts Church' was led by the Holy Spirit.  Greater is HE that is in us than HE that is in the world. 1 John 4 You will not be able to experience a victorious lifestyle of liberty and overcoming, without the directive and continued support of the Holy Spirit. John 15 Allow yourself to be led by the Holy Spirit who gives peace and wisdom  for every challenge you will ever encounter. Your goliath infront of you is not greater than the God who's in you. Stay connected!

TESTIMONY: The Only Rabbi to the Nations | Yeshua In The Rabbinic Text, Ep.7


WORSHIP: You are my strength | Miranda Curtis

The real question isn't are you pinned but rather, The Holy Spirit - Is He In You?

Speaking In Tongues Is For Every Believer!

Speaking In Tongues Is For Every Believer!


Sometimes we tend to complicate such simple truths like the fact that "speaking in tongues is for every believer in Jesus Christ as Lord".  First of all, Jesus Christ came to earth in the form of a human being in order to introduce us to our ability to be able to use spiritual power and authority on earth.  When Adam and Eve disobeyed God in Eden they lost the priviledge of dominion.  They gave it to the devil. (That's why Jesus had to die on the cross. God would only accept a pure sacrifice as atonement.)  Jesus took it from him and gave it back to us.  Romans 8 However, because it's new to us, we need(ed) a tutor.  So Jesus gave us the Holy Spirit as our tutor to fix the problem.  The problem was that, as long as Jesus was in the earth in physical form, HE was the only person who was enabled by the Holy Spirit.  HE had to leave in order for us to receive enablement.  John 16 The Holy Spirit enables humans to access the supernatural power of God.  This allows us to:

  • Communicate with God effectively.
  • Gain wisdom, understanding and solutions for everyday challenges.
  • Use the power and authority God gives to every believer.
  • Overcome the world. i.e. represent the greatest power on earth. 
  • Live fearlessly.
  • Manipulate the atmosphere.
Speaking in tongues is a spiritual experience.  It is when a believer is enabled to speak in an unknown language for the sake of edification.  It can be self edification or that of other person(s).  The person speaking the language has never been formally taught the language.  It is the Holy Spirit that gives the enablement.  1 Corinthians 14 Speaking in tongues can manifest itself in different forms such as at Pentecost when the disciples were in Jerusalem in the upper room. Acts 2. Or when Peter was speaking to the gentiles at Cornelius's house in Acts 10. Or when Paul was speaking to the jewish believers in Ephesus about the baptism of the Holy Spirit in Acts 19 Sometimes we are just the vehicle.  The Holy Spirit advocates to God on our behalf in our weakness and about things we know nothing about.  God's thoughts and ways are far more higher than ours.  Other times, there's prophecy when God sends a message through one believer and the revelation/ interpretation through another.

Speaking in tongues is empowerment.  It was a norm for the  believers during the time of the apostles.  In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul had to admonish the saints by letting them know that it was not a competitive gift.  Love was what was imperative, not speaking in tongues nor the gift of prophecy.  When a believer accepts Jesus Christ as his/her Lord and Savior God gives them the Holy Spirit as a companion/ tutor to teach them about the kingdom of God.  Just as physical baptism is an outward show of a believer's allegiance to God, so too is 'spiritual baptism' as an allegiance to the Kingdom of God.  Speaking in tongues is a sign of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, like a ring is a sign of marriage.  What is important is your commitment, covenance and faithfulness to its laws.  It is the vows that make the union, not the ring.  As we seek to know and understand the Kingdom of God; the Holy Spirit will reveal it to us. And one of the instruments which He uses, is the gift of tongues.  The end goal is not the gift, but the giver. Jesus came that we might have life, and have it more abundantly.

TESTIMONY: Sam Nadler found answers about God and the Holocaust in the most surprising place!


WORSHIP: Holy Spirit By Meddy


Draw near to God, and HE will draw near to you!


God THE FATHER..

 God THE FATHER..


Not everyone can relate to having grown up with a father, nor even having a father who acted like one.  Unfortunately that's the truth for most.  But the fact that some people have never experienced snow doesn't mean that snow doesn't exist.  Thank God that HE didn't leave one of the most influential human roles to chance.  HE himself decided to be our perfect example to compare all others to.  So if we ever are curious about what fatherhood entails we just have to look to how God has demonstrated HIS attributes to us.  Here are a few of those:

1. Source - a father is a source.  He provides the seed for an embryo to be developed.
2. Provider - he works so that his family's needs are met economically.
3. Protector -  his wife and children depend on him for security from danger.
4. Patriarch - he leaves a legacy for his children and other generations that follow.
5. Positive - he is driven by finding solutions to familial problems.
6. Support - even when he disagrees with your actions, he will always support your positive growth and development.
7.Resourceful - he always has ideas and solutions to problems that you could never imagine.  
8. Safe - you can always rest in his presence.

Genesis 1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.  Man was the last thing God created.  2 Peter 1 HE made sure that everything that we would need for life and godliness were prepared for us in advance of our arrival.  John 1 All things that were made were made by HIM, and without HIM wasn't anything made that was made.
Psalm 23 Because God is our Creator, HE knows exactly what we need for sustenance and development.  HE has created each of us with a unique purpose and destiny; and equipped us with all that we will need to accomplish both. Jeremiah 1  HIS plans for each of us is to give us a hope and a future.  Jeremiah 29

Life comes with many challenges.  Each season has its own list of obstacles and ditches of all sorts. Sometimes it's like a complete maize, and we need the guidance of an expert to help us navigate the best path.  God is consistent in HIS protection of HIS people.  2 Samuel 22  Sometimes our enemies are disguised as our friends and we need help to know the difference between the two.  Sometimes God has to rescue us from ourselves. Proverbs 14  Ever since Adam and Eve sinned God promised mankind that HE would send a Saviour Genesis 3.  From Abraham all the way to Malachi God has been faithful to HIS promises to HIS people. Deuteronomy 28.  HE has led them through history to a point when they could be reconciled to HIS original plan of peace, joy, love and unity with HIM.  Isaiah 53

Inspite of their continual disobedience and worship of foreign gods, etc... God's attitude has been one of forgiveness and blessings. 2 Chronicles 7  Abram was human just like us, and got it wrong a couple of times.  God remained on his side and goaded him to do the right thing of eventually trusting HIS Word. Genesis 12 God was patient with HIM up until the very end.  When he lied about his wife, obeyed his wife and slept with his helper etc...  But in the end we saw growth and transformation when he was willing to sacrifice Isaac.  He trusted God to provide a sacrifice instead of his son. Genesis 22 God's ulterior motive is reconciliation to a people who trust in HIS Word. HE is always faithful.

Everything that we have and have access to come from God.  Job 38 God doesn't consult us when HE'S making HIS laws or precepts, or whatever. Psalm 135  HIS ways and thoughts are far much higher than ours. Isaiah 55  Eyes have not seen nor ears heard, nor has it entered into the hearts of man what God has prepared for those that love HIM. 1 Corinthians 2 HIS love for us is everlasting.  HE is eternal and HE exists outside of space and time.  God created time. What HE has said to one man applies to all of mankind.  Our carnal mind cannot comprehend nor interpret HIS ways except by the help of the Holy Spirit which Jesus introduced to us. John 15 

Now God demonstrates HIS love towards us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.  
Romans 5 We can rest assured that God cares about everything about us.  When we are weak, HE is strong. Psalm 46 There is absolutely nothing that can separate us from HIS love except our rejection of HIM. Romans 8 Even then, as our creator HE understands our frailty.  HE makes provision for us and leads us to repentance via the tutorship of the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit is our spiritual teachers who helps us to embrace and appreciate the loving nature of a God who needs nothing, yet gives us everything, even HIS only son.  HE trust us with HIS most prized possession, the Messiah - Jesus Christ. John 3 We are the apple of HIS eyes.  And when we are able to confide in and surrender to HIM like David did, then we will truly experience the love of a father, Our Father the Almighty God. Psalm 17

TESTIMONY: 
What do Reagan, Billy Graham, and this Jew have in common?


WORSHIP: Our Father (LIVE) - Bethel Music & Jenn Johnson | For the Sake of the World

Find rest in HIM!

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