The Power of Worship

[writeinvest]

Singing praises to God or worshiping him opens up a window to heaven. As your praise reaches the heart of God, it becomes a two way stream of communication. As you touch God with your praise, his Holy Spirit touches you and ministers to you. Praise and worship can also open the door to blessings from God.

We praise God because he is worthy of all praise. He is the maker of Heaven and earth and the entire universe. He has given us life and through his son has saved us from eternal damnation. He loves us completely despite of our short comings and sinful nature.

Probably the best examples of how to worship the Lord can be seen in the life and Psalms of King David.

God described David as “a man after his own heart”. David loved God and God loved David. David had a wonderful musical talent and regularly came before the Lord in songs of love and thanksgiving. He danced and played music to praise God. In (2 Sam 6:14-15) it says “And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod. So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet”. (KJV)

David wrote beautiful words to express his deep devotion and love for God. David actively pursued God, and desired to have a close personal relationship with him. This is demonstrated in (Psa 57:7 –10) where he writes “My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise. Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early. I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations. For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds”. (KJV)

When we praise God we are allowing the Holy Spirit to speak through us directly to our Father in Heaven. The Holy Spirit’s presence can be felt right inside of us and surrounding us as we speak to the Father through him. I have heard many times of healings taking place when people have been worshiping God, and I believe this is because the power of the Holy Spirit comes upon them and ministers to their needs while they are praising God.
There are several different Hebrew words used in the Bible to denote praise and worship. These can be translated into the following English meanings.
Worship - To fall down prostrate (especially reflexively in homage to royalty or God), to bow down, crouch, fall down flat, humbly beseech, make or do obeisance, do reverence or to stoop.

Praise - Literally to use (that is, hold out) the hand; to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively to bemoan (by wringing the hands): give thanks, rejoice; a celebration of thanksgiving for harvest, to kneel; by implication to bless God (as an act of adoration) or congratulate.

The main difference between worship and praise is that we worship God for who he is, and praise him for what he has done.

You will see that many of these translations display the theme of humility – of coming before God in subservience and in reverence of his awesome power. We are not praising him as we would a child who has done well, from the viewpoint of someone who is older and wiser – we are to praise him out of our total unworthiness to even be in his presence. In humility we need to grasp the magnitude of his awesome power, love and grace and praise him for them. We need to praise him for loving us despite of how unworthy we are of his love. We need to lift his name on high, not because of who we are, but because of who he is.

[aestan]

I really enjoyed reading your article. Are you interested in publishing it? If so please email me at info@gospelxmag.com.

God Bless

[JGP]

Fulfilling Our Purpose To It's Fullest Potential

This Is My Ministry and Mission Statement

To fulfill our purpose to it's fullest potential means not settling for anything less than what God has created and formed us to become. It all starts with God!

There are no accidents with God. Everything about us is unique. We are who we are because this is how God has shaped us. There are no two people the same. Not even twins. Each one of us has been created and formed from a mold that is one of a kind. Just as there are no two set of finger prints, eye prints, voice patterns or heart beats the same. We are unique individuals but with the same temporary assignments.

Our first purpose in life is to please God. Find out what pleases God and do it. God made us to love us and he longs for us to love him back. Our greatest objective in life should be to learn to love God and be loved by him. The greatest commandment as Jesus said is, "Love the Lord with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment." The Bible says, "He takes pleasure in those that honor Him; in those who trust in His constant love." With a lot of things in our lives we must learn to have faith, trust and honor God while waiting for His promises. Without faith it is impossible to please God. Did you know that trust is an act of worship? We are to worship God in all things. This is part of fulfilling our purpose to it's fullest potential.

Shaped For Serving God

Many of us know what our S H A P E consist of but in-case you've forgotten or you've not been taught then I'll give a brief description.

S - is spiritual gifts
H - is our heart
A - is our abilities
P - is our personality
E - is our experiences

God shapes each one of us for our ministry. We are all shaped differently and he doesn't waste anything. Right down to every experience and hurt-full moments we've gone through. Keep in mind we all have a ministry and a mission. Our ministry is for the church. Our mission is for the world, the unbelievers. The shape we are fits them both. In Isaiah 43;21 it says, "I have made Israel (that's us) for myself and these my people will some day honor me before the world." Before God created us he decided what role he wanted us to to play on earth. He planned exactly how he wanted us to serve him, and then he shaped us for those task. We are the way we are for a specific ministry. The Bible says, "We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works." God deliberately shaped and formed us to serve him in a way that makes our ministries unique. No one else could do your ministry the way that God has shaped you to do it. God takes our shape, remember this is the spiritual gifts, our hearts, abilities, personality, and experiences then uses them for the benefit of others.

My Own Personal Story

I have basically explained all this to share with you something God revealed to me on Sunday morning at the ending of service. I saw a circle that looked like a pie cut into different size pieces. This circle was my life and each piece of the circle represented different things in my life. There actually weren't that many smaller pieces as there was the bigger whole piece. The bigger section was over 3/4 of the whole circle. The reason God revealed this circle to me is he wanted me to see and share that our spiritual gifts and talents, our hearts, our abilities, and our personalities are only a part of the whole circle. And yes they're all God's and he formed them into our shapes but the biggest section of this circle should be our relationship with God. How much of us are we willing to allow him to consume. Now understand the circle that I saw and the number and size of the pieces in this circle were my life. Every ones circle is different, as are the number of pieces in the circle and sizes of the pieces. And the reason being we are all shaped differently. And not everyone allows God to consume as much of them and their lives as others.

A week prior to me seeing this circle I had written a letter. I put on paper exactly where I felt I was in my life at that moment with God. I had a lot of questions that I needed answers to. As most of us do. These were questions pertaining to my spiritual gifts, talents and things he had given me to do. At that time I felt because everything wasn't happening like he said they would that something was wrong. Not wrong with God but wrong with me. And this is exactly what satin wants us to think. If he can get us off track he's done what he set out to do. Where we sometimes think we are with God is not always true. And when we think he is distant doesn't mean that he is. Nor does the fact that things haven't come about as God said they would mean that they're not. He knows exactly where we are in our walk with him. He knows the exact right timing to bring everything together. And everything that he has promised will be if we have faith in waiting upon the Lord and faint not. After seeing my life in this circle I liked seeing it better from God's view then I did from my own. God never sees us as we see ourselves. From seeing the circle of my life thus far and examining my shape that God has formed, I understand from a whole different view my ministry and my mission. They aren't what I had thought for so long them to be. Many of you know I am an artist and writer. So I thought these were to be my ministry and mission. Not. But they are part of my shape.

From our greatest experiences he uses to prepare us for ministry. Our greatest ministry will likely come out of our greatest hurt. Look into your own circle of life and examine the different pieces of the circle. How much of that circle have you allowed God to consume and totally take control over. Study your shape that God himself has formed. You as myself may have a clearer view of your ministry and your mission.

My Ministry and My Mission

As I stated early in this message God will take our greatest experience and use it to benefit others. He allows us to go through painful experiences to equip us for ministering. If we truly desire God to use us we must understand this powerful truth. The experiences that we have resented, regretted not wanted to talk about wanted to hide and forget most in life -are for a fact the things God wants to use to help others. For who better to reach out and help someone, then someone that has also gone through it. I personally have always been one that refused in school to get in front of class and say anything. I would take an F for the class before I would move my body anywhere close to the front. I never wanted to say anything because I was afraid of saying something wrong or not saying it correctly. One time in class we were putting on a skit for our parents. My part was to jump up on a chair and scream because a mouse ran across the floor. My mother was so excited that I was going to be in this skit. What she didn't know it wasn't my choice but the teachers. My Mom even showed me what to do. I was so scared that I thought I was going to stop breathing. I wouldn't do it. I refused. Mom was furious with me. I have never wanted to be up front doing anything. Much-less open my mouth.

I didn't want to be noticed by anyone. I use to tell God just let me come to church, set where I want and not say or do anything to be noticed. Well I've now learn not to try to tell God how to do or not do anything. I remember being moved further from the back to the front and further from the door. He now tells me where he wants me to set in the body of Christ. And fully uses this body and mouth the way he desires. Everything changes with our growth in Jesus. If someone calls you strange or weird that's okay. Because the Bible says, "we are called peculiar."

LOVE

I have cried more tears over love and the hurtful experiences that came along with it then anything else in my entire life. The pain is worse than any example I could possible give to describe the agony and torment my heart has endured. No one truly knows except God. Who better to know what my pain has been but the one that sees and knows all. The one that endured more pain than what we could imagine. And he did it all for us.

The hurt over love didn't start when I was a toddler teenage or even as an adult. It started at the beginning of my life (birth) and carried through. I've never once been first at anything or in any ones life. Always second. Except when my children were infants. And even with that it wasn't long before their attention, as with other children put mom on the back burner. I'm sure you moms know what I talking about. There has always been someone or something that came before me. And I'm not talking about God being the one that was first. I could have dealt with being second in a lot of things but it was the love thing or lack of that continually crushed my heart. The acknowledgment that we all need.

You want to know the very first time I ever really felt someone love me? And I truly knew it was the love that I so desperately needed. A love that I had searched for all my life. It wasn't when I married. It wasn't when I first gave my life to the Lord. I felt his love but it wasn't the same love that is felt when I worship him. It is a love that is spirit, mind and body consuming. I have a heart for worshiping God. God says to worship him in all things. My heart has found where it belongs. My ears are tuned to God's heartbeat. And this is what he desires from everyone. This is the biggest part of my life. This is what God has shaped and wired me for. My spiritual gifts, my heart, my abilities, my personality and my experiences. I am SHAPED for worship. Not in song but in spirit, mind and body. What are the ways that I knew and that you'll know what your ministry and your mission in life are? Your heart will get emotional. Your inter promptings lead you in the correct direction. There is an enthusiasm that never leaves. And the effectiveness is ever lasting. The Bible says, "As a face is reflected in water so the heart reflects the person." God matches our calling and are capabilities.

So you see the worse deepest pain and experience that satin means for destruction God takes and turns into Kingdom business. God gets all the Glory. God is my unshakable center. He is the reason I worship.

In Closing

We must always remember we are unique individuals but with the same temporary assignments. Our ministry is for the church, our mission is for the world. Reaching beyond ourselves and not caring about what anyone around us thinks is a very good first step to take in worshiping. If you truly love God then love him with your whole heart. God is a gentleman and he will never do anything that would embarrass or scare you. Just let go and let God lead. He will take you in his arms and love you.

Is it easy not to be distracted during praise and worship? Only if you take your focus off God. We have the capabilities to stay connected. Tune everything else out except God. We can't think about anything except him. Raise your hands and give him praises. He will meet you more than half way. I need to tell you that there has not been one time during praise and worship that I have not been fully aware of anything that is going on around me. I just surrender my flesh to Christ and let go. God will not go against our will. As my spirit worships the Father we become as one. One body, mind and spirit. This didn't just happen over night nor did I get up one morning and my spirit say, "body get out of my way because I'm taking over." Our spirit is housed in the body and so is the Holy Spirit. The Father dictates to our spirit all the time. Our spirits knows things that God hasn't released to the mind.

Praise and worship isn't just for church. Not if we love him the way we think or say we do. There should be more taking place at home with us and the Holy Spirit then what takes place in the short time we're at church. I can remember the excitement I felt as I hurried home from doing things I had to go do. I could hardly wait to get back home into his Holy presences.

You need to understand God doesn't work the same with everyone. There's things he's done with and in me that he will never do with anyone else. And the same goes with you and someone else. We all have different callings but the same assignment.

The bottom line; my ministry is worship; world worship is my mission. My shape has been formed to fit them both. My character and personality are growing. God is broadening my experiences that I may be increasingly effective in service to the kingdom of God.

The love God gives over powers all. God receives all the glory.

Ms. Janice G Presson Copyright June, 2007

Notes and quotes taken from Purpose Driven Life

[JGP]

Jesus tells us that true worshipers will worship God in spirit and in truth.
John 4:24

This means we worship from the heart and the way God calls us to. Worship can include praying, reading God's Word with an open heart, singing, participating in communion, and serving others. It is not limited to one act, but is done properly when the heart and attitude of the person is in the right place.

Before we can worship on a level that is acceptable to the Lord Jesus there must be change within ourselves. We must enter into His presents with forgiveness for our sinful ways and of a true repetitive heart. Then from our hearts, not just from our lips, we give Him thanksgiving and praise. This is when change becomes real change and our worship is truly holy and acceptable to the Lord.

Worship in spirit, mind and body. This is beyond the fleshly weakness of ourselves. The spirit is willing, the mind is renewed and the body is crucified. Worship in spirit and truth. For all truths of God's Word will bare witness with our spirit.

There are different levels of worship just as there are different levels of our Christian walks with the Lord. Everyone is not on the same page at the same time. There are babys, youths, young adults, adults and mature adults of all ages in all stages of life. This also holds true in our levels of worship. Regardless of age God desires a new place of worship each time we enter into His presence. Not remaining steadfast without change from our previous worship time. For to long the body of Christ has been in a place of comfort. It is time to get out of the comfort zone into a place of Holy worship.

Spirit, mind and body. What a fulfiillment to Worship our Father all in one accord.

Amazing how for so long we feel we're right where we belong with God. But yet God wants much more for us than what we feel we're to desire or ask for.
The treasures that God has for us lay in waiting for lack of desiring or asking. If we knew there was a special gift waiting at someones house and all we needed to do was ask, then pick it up, would we wait? I know I wouldn't. There are store houses of blessings and gifts that await for our asking. God loves blessing His children.

The gifts God gives will last for eternity. Not as meterial things we desire in the physcial.





Free-lance Writer & Artist: Ms. Janice G Presson
Copyright June 9, 2007

[JGP]

Worship doesn't end after the music stops.



"My people do not reverence my presence." These are the words the Father spoke to me. People moving around, talking to one another, doing things other than honoring the Holy Spirit. If we could see Jesus in the physcial form, do you think our reverence, respect and honor would be different?

God is moving His people to higher ground. Entering the house of God we're to enter in with thanksgiving and praise.. This doesn't stop once praise and worship is over. It continues while being feed His Word through the servant of God the Holy Spirit chooses to speak through. It is continuous without ceasing we're to worship Him. We stand, walk and sit in His presence.

Have you ever been talking to someone and you see their attention drift or they get distracted? You know their not really listening to what your saying, even though nodding their heads and looking right into your eyes. How does this make you feel? When it happened to me I felt hurt. I felt what I was talking about wasn't important enough to them to stay focused. Well what do you think we're doing to the Holy Spirit when our attention drifts. We're distracted from the message being given in Church. We should never grieve the Holy Spirit. Yet this is actually happening in churches today. Have you walked away during a conversation because you knew you we're wasting your breath?

God is, moving His people to higher ground. Those who reverence the Holy Spirit will move into this higher place. Those who don't, will stay right where they are. God will never leave us or forsake us. But in all due respect, honor and reverence to the Holy Spirit, if He is grieved over our disrespect then why shouldn't He walk away?

In the Bible it teaches about the seven churches and the messengers that were sent to these churches. The people were told of the disobedience in God's house and what the consequences would be if it continued. We as children of God should feel the same way about our own homes. In my home from my family I will not tolerate disrespect. Not to me nor towards anyone else. If there is it is dealt with immediately. It is not allowed to get out of hand.

Worship is never ending children of God. In all that we do we are to honor, respect and reverence the Holy Spirit.

There should never be a leaden heart of God.
Janice G Presson copyright June 10, 2007

[MsSherry]

I thought the content of the articles was very good, but the misused words (reviled instead of revealed, for instance, in the Fullfilling our Purpose article) and lack of and/or unnecessary punctuation did make it difficult to get through them. (For instance "God is, moving his people to higher ground." doesn't need a comma.)

But interesting content.:)

[JGP]

In all truths we should live at all times. Worship by the truths of God's word. Tools and helpers God has provided.

How the Holy Spirit helps us worship

"How does the Holy Spirit help us worship? The Holy Spirit prays for us (Romans 5:5) , teaches us the words of Christ (John 14:26), and helps us feel loved (Romans 5:5). John 4:21-24

The spirit or the soul of man, as influenced by the Holy Spirit, must worship God, and have communion with him. Spiritual affections, as shown in fervent prayers, supplications, and thanksgivings, form the worship of an upright heart, in which God delights and is glorified.
John 4:22-24

22"Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. "
23 "But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. "
24 "God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. "

How to worship at all times.
In our busy world, it is to rush into our one-hour-a-week worship services without thinking about worship beforehand. We reflect and worry about the week'sproblems; we pray about whatever comes into our minds; and we do not meditate on the words we are singing. But God wants our worship to be conducted "properly in a good and orderly way" )1 Corinthians 14:40). Just as we prepare to meet a business associate or invited guest, we should carefully prepare to meet our King.

Worship should occupy the core of our lives and not just a few minutes once a week. We can worship at all hours if we stay awear of God's presence and guidance in all situations and if we maintain an attitude of serving him. Build your whole life around the worship of God rather than making it just another activity in a busy schedule.
1 Chr 9:33-34

The variety in worship
Israel's worship involved all of the senses. This reinforced the meaning of the ceremony and painted a dramatic picture that worship touches all of life.

Sight - the beauity and symbolism of the tabernacle; every color and hue had a meaning.
Hearing - the use of music; there were instructions for the use of a variety of instruments, and the Bible records many songs.
Touch - at the sacrifice, they were to touch the head of the animail symbolizing the fact that it was taking their place.
Smell - the sacrifices were burned, emitting a familiar aroma.
Taste - Israel's feasts were celebrations and memorials-much of the food was symbolic.

Moses's beautiful prayer put to song
Moses was not only a great prophet but a songleader as well. After three sermons, he changed the form of his message to singing. Sometimes reciting something in a different form makes it easier to remember. This song gives a brife history of Isreal. It reminds them of their mistakes, warns them to avoid repetition of those mistakes, and others hope that is found only in trusting God.

Deuteronomy 32
1 Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth.
2 My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass:
3 Because I will publish the name of the LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our God.
4 He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.
5 They have corrupted themselves, their spot is not the spot of his children: they are a perverse and crooked generation.
6 Do ye thus requite the LORD, O foolish people and unwise? is not he thy father that hath bought thee? hath he not made thee, and established thee?
7 Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee.
8 When the most High divided to the nations their inheritance, when he separated the sons of Adam, he set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of Israel.
9 For the LORD' portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance.
10 He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, he instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye.
11 As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings:
12 So the LORD alone did lead him, and there was no strange god with him.
13 He made him ride on the high places of the earth, that he might eat the increase of the fields; and he made him to suck honey out of the rock, and oil out of the flinty rock;
14 Butter of kine, and milk of sheep, with fat of lambs, and rams of the breed of Bashan, and goats, with the fat of kidneys of wheat; and thou didst drink the pure blood of the grape.
15 But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered with fatness ; then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation.
16 They provoked him to jealousy with strange gods , with abominations provoked they him to anger.
17 They sacrificed unto devils, not to God; to gods whom they knew not, to new gods that came newly up, whom your fathers feared not.
18 Of the Rock that begat thee thou art unmindful, and hast forgotten God that formed thee.
19 And when the LORD saw it , he abhorred them , because of the provoking of his sons, and of his daughters.
20 And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be : for they are a very froward generation, children in whom is no faith.
21 They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.
22 For a fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains.
23 I will heap mischiefs upon them; I will spend mine arrows upon them.
24 They shall be burnt with hunger, and devoured with burning heat, and with bitter destruction: I will also send the teeth of beasts upon them, with the poison of serpents of the dust.
25 The sword without, and terror within, shall destroy both the young man and the virgin, the suckling also with the man of gray hairs.
26 I said, I would scatter them into corners, I would make the remembrance of them to cease from among men:
27 Were it not that I feared the wrath of the enemy, lest their adversaries should behave themselves strangely, and lest they should say, Our hand is high, and the LORD hath not done all this.
28 For they are a nation void of counsel, neither is there any understanding in them.
29 O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!
30 How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the LORD had shut them up?
31 For their rock is not as our Rock, even our enemies themselves being judges.
32 For their vine is of the vine of Sodom, and of the fields of Gomorrah: their grapes are grapes of gall, their clusters are bitter:
33 Their wine is the poison of dragons, and the cruel venom of asps.
34 Is not this laid up in store with me, and sealed up among my treasures?
35 To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.
36 For the LORD shall judge his people, and repent himself for his servants, when he seeth that their power is gone, and there is none shut up, or left.
37 And he shall say, Where are their gods, their rock in whom they trusted,
38 Which did eat the fat of their sacrifices, and drank the wine of their drink offerings? let them rise up and help you, and be your protection.
39 See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand.
40 For I lift up my hand to heaven, and say, I live for ever.
41 If I whet my glittering sword, and mine hand take hold on judgment; I will render vengeance to mine enemies, and will reward them that hate me.
42 I will make mine arrows drunk with blood, and my sword shall devour flesh; and that with the blood of the slain and of the captives, from the beginning of revenges upon the enemy.
43 Rejoice, O ye nations, with his people: for he will avenge the blood of his servants, and will render vengeance to his adversaries, and will be merciful unto his land, and to his people.

Explanation of scriptures:
1,2 Moses begins with a solemn appeal to heaven and earth, concerning the truth and importance of what he was about to say. His doctrine is the gospel, the speech of God, the doctrine of Christ; the doctrine of grace and mercy through him, and of life and salvation by him.

3-6 "He is a Rock." This is the first time God is called so in Scripture. The expression denotes that the Divine power, faithfulness, and love, as revealed in Christ and the gospel, form a foundation which cannot be changed or moved, on which we may build our hopes of happiness. And under his protection we may find refuge from all our enemies, and in all our troubles; as the rocks in those countries sheltered from the burning rays of the sun, and from tempests, or were fortresses from the enemy. "His work is perfect:" that of redemption and salvation, in which there is a display of all the Divine perfection, complete in all its parts. All God's dealings with his creatures are regulated by wisdom which cannot err, and perfect justice. He is indeed just and right; he takes care that none shall lose by him. A high charge is exhibited against Israel. Even God's children have their spots, while in this imperfect state; for if we say we have no sin, no spot, we deceive ourselves. But the sin of Israel was not habitual, notorious, unrepented sin; which is a certain mark of the children of Satan. They were fools to forsake their mercies for lying vanities. All wilful sinners, especially sinners in Israel, are unwise and ungrateful.

7-14 Moses gives particular instances of God's kindness and concern for them. The eagle's care for her young is a beautiful emblem of Christ's love, who came between Divine justice and our guilty souls, and bare our sins in his own body on the tree. And by the preached gospel, and the influences of the Holy Spirit, He stirs up and prevails upon sinners to leave Satan's bondage. In ver. #13,14|, are emblems of the conquest believers have over their spiritual enemies, sin, Satan, and the world, in and through Christ.
Also of their safety and triumph in him; of their happy frames of soul, when they are above the world, and the things of it. This will be the blessed case of spiritual Israel in every sense in the latter day.

15-18 Here are two instances of the wickedness of Israel, each was apostacy from God. These people were called Jeshurun, "an upright people," so some; "a seeing people," so others: but they soon lost the reputation both of their knowledge and of their righteousness. They indulged their appetites, as if they had nothing to do but to make provision for the flesh to fulfil the lusts of it. Those who make a god of themselves, and a god of their bellies, in pride and wantonness, and cannot bear to be told of it, thereby forsake God, and show they esteem him lightly. There is but one way of a sinner's acceptance and sanctification, however different modes of irreligion, or false religion, may show that favourable regard for other ways, which is often miscalled candid. How mad are idolaters, who forsake the Rock of salvation, to run themselves upon the rock of perdition!

19-25 The revolt of Israel was described in the foregoing verses, and here follow the resolves of Divine justice as to them. We deceive ourselves, if we think that God will be mocked by a faithless people. Sin makes us hateful in the sight of the holy God. See what mischief sin does, and reckon those to be fools that mock at it.

26-38 The idolatry and rebellions of Israel deserved, and the justice of God seemed to demand, that they should be rooted out. But He spared Israel, and continues them still to be living witnesses of the truth of the Bible, and to silence unbelievers. They are preserved for wise and holy purposes and the prophecies give us some idea what those purposes are. The Lord will never disgrace the throne of his glory. It is great wisdom, and will help much to the return of sinners to God, seriously to consider their latter end, or the future state. It is here meant particularly of what God foretold by Moses, about this people in the latter days; but it may be applied generally. Oh that men would consider the happiness they will lose, and the misery they will certainly plunge into, if they go on in their trespasses! What will be in the end thereof? #Jer 5:31|. For the Lord will in due time bring down the enemies of the church, in displeasure against their wickedness. When sinners deem themselves most secure, they suddenly fall into destruction. And God's time to appear for the deliverance of his people, is when things are at the worst with them. But those who trust to any rock but God, will find it fail them when they most need it. The rejection of the Messiah by the Jewish nation, is the continuance of their ancient idolatry, apostacy, and rebellion. They shall be brought to humble themselves before the Lord, to repent of their sins, and to trust in their long-rejected Mediator for salvation. Then he will deliver them, and make their prosperity great.

39-43 This conclusion of the song speaks, 1. Glory to God. No escape can be made from his power. 2. It speaks terror to his enemies. Terror indeed to those who hate him. The wrath of God is here revealed from heaven against them. 3. It speaks comfort to his own people. The song concludes with words of joy. Whatever judgments are brought upon sinners, it shall go well with the people of God.


Scriptures and notes taken from:
Life Application Bible
King James Version (1769) with Strong
Janice G Presson copyright June 11,2007

[JGP]

!thumbsup! Thanks! MsSherry I use a lot of commas in writing to show a pause before going on with the sentance.
I thought the content of the articles was very good, but the misused words (reviled instead of revealed, for instance, in the Fullfilling our Purpose article) and lack of and/or unnecessary punctuation did make it difficult to get through them. (For instance "God is, moving his people to higher ground." doesn't need a comma.)

But interesting content.:)

[JGP]

Somewhere there has been lost the first and for most importance of love, communication and brotherhood in the church. Sometimes in the process of moving forward with God's will in our lives and for the church, the body of Christ (God's people) gets lost in everything else that is going on. We forget our brothers and sisters in Christ and the love we should have for one another. If there were no body, the brotherhood, (the people) there would be no church.

Sometimes loosing sight of the love of God for his body things become superficial. You can have and be doing everything you know your to be doing for Christ and everything seems to be right but where is the love for your brother? If there is not love there is nothing. The doors are open, the lights are on, the cameras are rolling but the love for your brothers in Christ has disappeared.

Impersonal impacts no one. Never loose sight of where it all first began. To many times ministries have failed, church doors have closed because of loosing sight of one thing. The love of God, for his people. To much emphases on being known or expanding and becoming more shines the wrong light on the real purpose and will of God in the eyes of the body of Christ. And to those on the outside watching us.

God has a great plan for his Church. But sometimes the lights of bigger, better and more than any one else could be the wrong message being sent. The sheep of the Fathers flock holds top priority over anything else. If the sheep wonder looking for love somewhere else how many will be lost and who stands accountable for those sheep?

We are responsible for our bothers and sisters in Christ. God says, "love them more than ourselves". That means more than our ministries, our missions and yes even the things of the church. For without our love in brotherhood there would be no church. Where does love fit in everything that we are doing for Christ? If it doesn't come first then it is being done with the wrong intent. It's time to check our reasons for what it is we're doing in the Name of Jesus..

God-bless

[JGP]

It was the beginning of what I thought was going to be a great day. Then at the moment I had no more than spoke it out of my mouth, there was a knock at the door. I set my coffee cup down on the table next to my chair and went to see who was knocking so abruptly on my door at such an early hour. As I opened the door there was a loud voice saying, "is anyone home, hello, is anyone here?" I was totally taken by surprise when I saw who was standing at my door. His name, Jeffery Long, a member of my church. God, forgive me for what I'm about to say. But this man would make even the strongest, maturest Christan I know question God's en-tent for having Jeffery in the ministry he is in.


You see Jeffery is a puppet master in the puppet ministry. He has no tact, he's obnoxious, and he is just totally annoying. I am really going to need to get on my knees before God by the time I finish with my story. Jeffery was at my house in need of a helper for the puppet show that was being given on Sunday morning. As he explained, the girl that usually helps in the programs had called in sick. I thought to my self, I wonder why God allowed this? Am I being tested, or punished for not inviting Jeffery to my luncheon last Sunday after church? As Jeffery continued talking as fast as he could get the words out of his mouth, I continued praying for God to please help me. I kept waiting for God to stop him from talking just long enough to tell me, this was a mistake or that he needed someones address or phone number to help him with the program. But I heard nothing. Nothing but Jeffery.


By the time Jeffery was finished with his plead for help with the program all I could do was nod my head. My head was saying yes, and my thoughts were thinking why me God, why me. As Jeffery went out the door he was totally appreciative of my help. I closed the door leaning on it with all my weight thinking, why did I even open it in the first place. As I stood there still listening for God to tell me why me, I yet to hear his voice. So, I told myself there is a lessen to be learned in all of this. I will just have to wait to see what it is.


I went about my day doing the normal days duties and still in the back of my mind thinking of Jeffery. That evening I ask God to forgive me for my actions and thoughts pertaining to Jeffery. And in the hush of silence of my own mind, I head God speak to my heart. "You are the one that will give Jeffery the friendship he needs." I thought, God was that you? He spoke again saying, "all reasons for my decision you will not understand at this time. But in time you will." With that, I went to bed early to be ready for the mornings program.


As I went into the church to help Jeffery ready for the program, I was approached by a young lady. She ask me if I knew where she could find Jeffery Long? I pointed her in the direction of the stage door entrance. As she walked away she was pulling a letter from her briefcase. I didn't think any more about it until I entered the back stage dressing room. There I found the young lady leaving with her head down and trying not to look upset. Then as she passed me I could see Jeffery holding this letter in between his hands. The look on his face I will never forget. He looked like he had just lost his best and only friend in the world. All I could say was Jeff, Jeff. Are you okay? Is there anything I can do? Please tell me what's wrong. Jeffery had no words. For the first time in all the three years I have known him he said nothing. I Walked over to Jeffery and knelt down beside him. I removed the letter from his hands and began to read it. It wasn't a letter, but a telegram from the Ambassador of Afrea. Some where in the middle East. The first words I read were, it is my deepest regret to inform you of your families fatal tragedy. Both your parents and your siblings were killed in a trouble accident. I gasp. I could hardly compose myself. I put my arms around Jeffery and tried to get him to look up at me. He didn't even know I was there. I rushed out into the church to get help from some of the elders of our church. Jeffery was taken to the hospital for observation.


Days went by, then weeks and still no good word on Jeffery. Each day I would call to see if there were any change in his condition. On the first day, of the first month, of Jeffery's families death and Jeffery's condition the Lord spoke to me once again about Jeffery. "You are the one". I am the one? "You are the one that will give Jeffery the friendship he needs." Then I remembered the same words the Lord had spoke to me a month before. And I also remembered He had told me, "all reasons for my decision you will not understand at that time. And I didn't. He said in time I would. And now I do.


Jeffery had not spoken from the moment he read the telegram from the middle East. It was now my time to be the friend that Jeffery needed. Everyday from that morning, I would go to the hospital and spend as much time with him as I could. After two months in the hospital Jeffery was being sent home. Myself and a few others from our church were there waiting for Jeffery's arrival home. Jeffery was in good health, he just wouldn't, or couldn't talk. The doctors said in time he might begin to talk again.


As the months passed I became closer and closer to Jeffery. We even worked the puppet ministry together. He was still the puppet master, but I was the voice of the puppet master. It took a lot of hard work to be able to know Jeffery's every move with the puppets to make sure the voice was with the right movement.


After about a year I realized I had fallen in love with the puppet master. And the puppet master was just as much in love with me, as I was with him. Jeffery and I were married. About eight months after we were married I awoke to someone in the kitchen whistling. I ran down the stairs to see who in the world was in my kitchen whistling at that hour of the morning. And in the same moment wondering, where Jeffery was. And who do you think was in my kitchen whistling? Jeffery! Once again I gasped. Jeffery turned to me and the very first words I heard were, "I love you! I have been in love with you for over five years. Before I lost my voice, before I lost my family, before I came to your home that morning to ask for your help with the program."


Jeffery went on to tell me his actions, behavior and his talking so much before was his nervousness when he was around me. He didn't know how else to get my attention.


I talked God for Jeffery and his behavior before hand, because if he had been any different I probably wouldn't of even known who he was. He was the thorn in my side. Put there by God for a reason.


What or who is the thorn in your side?
Know that it is there for a reason.
We must do as God instructs us in any given situation. Or the consequences will become as a thorn in our side.
The young lady was instructed to befriend Jeffery. And not try to understand.

Scriptues confriming a throm in the side:
Numbers 35;55
Joshua 23;13
Judges 2:3

God-bless

[JGP]

It was middle of the afternoon, around the time most would be getting ready to get back to work after a nice lunch with a few friends. The mood in the office was relaxed and the boss was gone for the rest of the day. My friend and I were planning to go to the beach for the weekend. We couldn't wait for the last few hours of the day to click right on by. Our bags were packed and in the car waiting our departure. The hour finally arrived and we were on our way.


Linda and I were so excited for this time of relaxation, sun and fun. Linda and I had been close friends for over twelve years. We attend the same high school and collage together. Our moms were also close friends from their teenage years. Linda and I had a lot of history together. Through broken hearts over brake ups with boy friends in high school to proms and graduations. Most people that didn't know us well thought we were sisters. We were both blond, 5"2 and green eyes. The only difference was I weighted about 12 pounds more than Linda did.


We arrived at my grandparents beach house around 8:00 p.m. They had taken a vacation away for the summer but had left the key in the flower pot just inside the gate. Linda and I unloaded the car then took a walk on the beach just as the sun was setting. I loved to be at the beach in the summer. The evenings there are like no other place to me. We decided to go into the little beach community for dinner. We hadn't taken the time to shop for food in all our excitement of getting here. We went to a place called Ricks. The food was very good there and they had a open dinning area outside facing the water. Linda and I were enjoying the view and waiting for our food when she said, there was a strange feeling she just couldn't shake. I ask her what she thought it might be? She said, she wasn't quite sure but she felt there was almost an urgency in her spirit. She wasn't sure for what but it was very strong. I ask Linda, do you think something is wrong at home? She said, I don't think it's that king of urgency. WELL, what kind is it then. I could feel myself getting a little anxious. We decided to try to not think about it until we knew more. Linda said, "who knows it could be something really good, and were acting as though it is all bad."


As I said before, Linda and I have a long history of things happening in our lives together. But one thing I will tell you is, when Linda says, she feels something in her spirit you better know it is so. It's like when EF Hutton speaks, everything stops and everyone listens. If you have ever known anyone like that, or if you yourself are like that then you know what I'm talking about. Linda's grandmother use to tell us our spirit is to be as one with the Father. And the spirit knows what the mind doesn't. Because the Holy Spirit searches all things. And he talks to our spirit about the things the Father has spoke to him.


Linda and I finished our dinner with a nice slice of peach pie, with home made ice cream on top. It was time for the doors to be closing so we readied ourselves for the drive back to the beach house. When we were driving back Linda was very still. She didn't say over two or three words. As soon as we in the cottage Linda said, she was tired and was calling it a night. I told her I loved her and that I would see her in the morning. She gave me a hug and said, her too.


Morning came and breakfast was a french pastry, grandmother had put in the freezer for us and a glass of juice. Linda and I decided to just spend the day laying around and enjoying the sun. Living in the city we didn't get much time to sun tan. We loaded our towels, lotion, radio and some reading material into our back packs and were gone for the day. After about three hours of laying in the sun Linda said, she needed to do something and would be back in a few. I said, okay, and she asked if I needed anything? I told her maybe a fresh bottle of water. Then she was gone. I had fallen asleep while waiting for Linda to return from the cottage. And when I woke up it had been around two hours since Linda had left. I loaded everything into my and Linda's back packs and started to turn towards the beach house. As I looked up over the water I could see this amazing huge cloud in the sky. It didn't look like most of the clouds you see at the ocean. I turned and headed towards the direction of the beach house. I was a little concerned as to what had happened to Linda. Wondering why she hadn't returned to the beach. I couldn't call her because we had decided to turn our cell phones off and leave them in the car for the entire weekend.


When I got to the beach house I didn't see Linda when I first went in. I put the back packs down and decided to see if Linda had maybe laid down for a while and also fell asleep. I knocked on Linda's bedroom door. And called her name as I opened the door. When I open the door there was Linda on her knees praying. I slowly backed out of her room as not to disturb her prayer time. My friend Linda is a faithful prayer warrior. I have seen this girl in intercessory prayer for hours before. I decided to take a quick shower and make a trip into town for food while Linda was in prayer and before it became dark. Where the beach house is located there are very curvy roads back up to town. And I didn't like to drive the road at night. I knew I had enough time to get there and get back before it was dark.


While I was in town I ran into one of my grandmothers friends in the market. She was asking about my family and how I and Linda were enjoying a weekend away from the city. My grandmother had told her friend we would be staying in the beach house for the weekend while they were gone. I got so involved with talking to grandmothers friend I lost track of the time. I excused myself and hurried to get the things I needed and head back to the beach. By the time I got out of the store it was just about dusk. As I approached the curves in the hills, I noticed something ahead in the center of the road. As I got closer it appeared to be moving towards me. It look just like the cloud that I had seen earlier in the day over the ocean. Just as I was about to approach the curve, just at the cloud I head a loud explosion. At that same time I lost control of the car.


The car began to head towards an embankment and the trees. The car went up the embankment, between the trees and over the cliff. All I can remember is the car turning over and over. When I opened my eyes the car was on it's side and I was still in it. I could only see the sky through the pine trees. The windows were broken so I was looking through broken glass from where I was laying. I couldn't move to get out of the car. My seat belt was locked and wouldn't unlatch. As it began to get darker all I could see was green sky. My eyes were blurry and it look like the sky had turned green.


It didn't seem but a few minutes of being in the car that I heard someone calling my name from above me. I thought to myself who, unless, no, I couldn't be dead, or I would be out of the car looking down. I tried to turn my head to see who and from where my name was being called. Then there looking through the front windshield was Linda and a police officer. Are you alright? ARE YOU ALRIGHT? Linda yelled. Yes, yes, I'm okay. But the sky is green. Linda laughed and said, the sky isn't green, were up in a tree. By the time the office released my seat belt and pulled me up through the window it was now just about to dark to see. Sure enough we were in a huge pine tree. My car had went air boron when it hit the embankment and landed on its side in a tree. The lady that was in the car behind me said, the minute my tire blew I was inside of this cloud that just seemed to pick me up and set me in this tree.


After I had got home from the hospital Linda and I were setting in front of the fireplace talking. She said she knew what the feeling in her spirit was. The Lord had quicken her spirit to pray without ceasing. She had went from the beach to the beach house and prayed until she knew it was done. She said she saw me in the spirit while praying. She told me the cloud I saw was a huge angel. And that is how I got into the tree. Just below that tree was a three hundred foot drop off. When the tire blew the angel carried the car through it's ordeal and placed it in the tree. If I had of been in the curve of the road when the tire blew the officer told her I would have hit the mountain. And I probably wouldn't be here now.


A prayer warriors job is long at times, for they must pray it through. If it were not for Linda being obedient to the calling of God, I wouldn't be sharing my story of, the night the shy turned green.

Thank you Lord for your prayer warriors and the angels you place to watch over us.
God-bless
copyright2007

[JGP]

Beyond the green hills past the pink, purple, blue and gold sunset is a realm of another kind.....


Early in the spring in 1994, the month of April, I awoke one morning earlier than usual. The sun was beginning to peek over the hill tops. I got up slipped on my robe and walked to my front door. As I opened the door I could smell the most beautiful fragrance in the air. I walked out on to my front porch. I could see by the early morning sunlight that the first spring showers of the year were in motion. I decided to sit for a while on my porch swing to enjoy the beautiful moment. The beautiful smell of honeysuckle that was growing all around my porch. The sound of rain gently dropping in the puddles, the beautiful colors in the sky by early morning light.


As I sat there in the midst of all this beauty looking at the colors in the sky above the hills, which were very close to my home, I saw something I couldn't believe. I couldn't see very well. I thought I was seeing things. I stood up and walked to the entrance of my porch. I blinked my eyes two or three times. But still I saw the same things. While rubbing my eyes I turned and moved very slowly into the house still not taking my eyes off this exquisite sight. Once inside the front door I ran to my bedroom where I had left my glasses lying on the bedside table. I put them on quickly while running back to the front door. I stopped. I walked very slowly back onto the porch and hoped that what I had seen was still there. Thinking to myself that the prospect would probably not be.


In amazement to me what I had seen just moments before was still there. It was evident even more so with my glasses on. What was so exquisite before was now a miracle before my very eyes.
Angels, angels and more angels. I stood there in total astonishment not wanting to move in fear of scaring them away. They were every where. Like sentinels around my home. The colors that surrounded them were unbelievable. Crimson, emerald, purple, blue and ever color of the rainbow. As I stood there watching the angels I felt the most loving warmth throughout my whole body. Even though I never heard a word, I knew they were telling me I was loved. To never fear in what I believed, my own inter-knowing and that I am not alone.


As the sun moved higher over the hill tops the sky grew brighter. I began to lose the sight of this beautiful vision. What has seemed to me to be hours were in fact only minutes. Upon losing all sight of those beautiful celestial beings I sat very quietly on my porch swing thinking of what I saw. I know I had to have been sitting there a good hour, when I heard someone calling my name.

Rebecka! Rebecka!

I jumped up and turned around. It was my best friend Bernice, who lived just about a mile away in the small town of Tomicka. She was walking up the path towards my house. The rain had stopped and the sun was brilliantly shinning. As Bernice, came closer the anxiety grew within me. I couldn't wait to tell her of my early morning experience.

As she stepped up on the steps of my porch she ask, "why are you still sitting outside in your robe and slippers? Do you know what time it is?"

Bernice, I said. I've got to tell you something that happened this morning.

Okay, but tell me while your getting dressed. Have you forgotten what we are doing today? Bernice, replied while still walking.

What? Oh, the fair. No, No, I didn't forget.

Come on get dressed we are going to be late for the pie contest, said Bernice.

Yes, but listen to what happened this morning. I tried to talk while getting dress. Bernice was in the kitchen getting the pies ready to take to the fair and couldn't hear a word I was saying.

What! What are you talking about Rebecka?

Bernice yelled from the kitchen. "I can't understand what you are saying. It sounded to me like you said, ""you saw angels."" I know I didn't hear you correctly did I? Asked, Bernice.

Rebecka, said quietly to herself, "yes, that's what I said, I saw angels." As Rebecka finished getting dressed for the fair she thought to herself, she'll never believe me. Why should she? I probably wouldn't believe me either if I hadn't seen them myself.

For almost a year Rebecka had been ill. She had lived with her grandmother since the age of twelve. Both of her parents were killed in an airplane crash. Her grandmother was the only living relative. Rebecka and her grandmother lived together for almost twelve years in her grandmother's little country house.


Rebecka and Bernice were finally on their way to the fair. While walking Rebecka, began to tell Bernice of her experience she had that morning.

Bernice's only reply was, "I'm sure that's what you thought they were, but I'm sure there is a logical reason for what you saw."

Rebecka, spoke in a harsh tone of voice. "Yes, Bernice, I'm sure there is a logical reason for me to have seen what I saw. And I'm sure my reason would be completely different than yours."


Once at the fair Bernice and Rebecka put their pies up for display.

" Rebecka," Bernice said, "I wouldn't tell anyone else of your experience you told me about."

Why is this? Rebecka, replied.

Bernice, looked into Rebecka's eyes, leaned closer and spoke softly saying, "some people might think you a little strange."

With that remark Bernice, patted Rebecka on the hand and walked away. What Rebecka was trying to understand was why someone would think her strange? Because she said, she saw angels playing in the early mornings light? She remembered her own first reaction and feelings. Not knowing for sure, maybe I'm seeing things, can this be? So, with this in mind Rebecka didn't mention her experience to anyone else throughout the day.

As the day grew towards evening Rebecka, began to collect her assortment of pies that were left from the pie sale. Not many were left to carry home. For she had brought ten pies to sale and was left with only two. While Rebecka was placing her pies into the basket she began to once again remember the beautiful angels. Just as she turned to step away from the table to begin her walk home Rebecka, felt that same loving feeling that she had felt that morning while on her porch. She stood very still. Waiting, looking,and hoping. Just maybe she might see the angels again. But she saw nothing.

As she stood there in silence Bernice, walked up to her saying, "what are you doing Rebecka? People are staring at you. What are you looking at? Don't tell me you are seeing angels again. Are you?"


Rebecka, replied in a very pleasant voice. No, no I don't see them. But I know they are here.

With that statement Bernice, took Rebecka, gently by the arm leading her away from the fair towards Rebecka's home.


By the time Rebecka, reached her home it was already getting dusk. As she approached her front door she felt this loving, peaceful feeling within. It consumed her whole body. She knew without a doubt that her angels were near. Listening she could hear music. A soft airy breeze began to move around her. She could smell the sweet fragrance of honeysuckle. Rebecka knew in her heart that she was standing in the presence of angels. God's most precious celestial beings from the heavenly realm. And at that very moment she moved near to her front door. As she reached to open the door she heard a whisper in her ear.

"Turn around my child."

Upon turning Rebecka, knew in her heart whom had spoke to her. And as she turned she heard these words.

"Presences of angels you have seen
Some would call it a beautiful dream
To reason as why, is not for you and I
God has given you, your angels for reasons of his own
Yours is to enjoy the knowing that some may only assume
The feelings you feel will always bring us near
Forever and always we shall be here."

Hearing these words Rebecka turned. There in the dusk of evening above the green hills. In the midst of the pink, blue, purple and gold sunset were her angels.

At that very moment Rebecka's thoughts were of Bernice. If only she, too would believe. For those who believe, so to shall they receive.

It has been said, "there are times when we must go beyond all logic and take a chance with what we feel."

These are the times when everything or everyone around you is saying, "No, it isn't!" And yet something deep inside you says, "Yes, it is."

Be blessed
Copyright 2007
May the Lord strenghen you throughout your day...