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Manifest Devotional
Today is a Good Day to Die!
Evangelist José Cuesta
Isaiah 6:1 - [Isaiah Called to Be a Prophet] In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple.
One of my favorite TV shows is Star Trek: The Next Generation. In the show, the Chief of Operations was a being name Worf. Worf was a member of the Klingon race and they had a saying right before going into battle “today is a good day to die!” To the Klingons it was a thing of honor to die in battle.
What a cool concept! If you think about it, dying is awesome if you are doing it for a greater cause. Our life on this earth is rather insignificant yet we do everything to stay alive. We are getting cosmetic surgery, hair replacements and other things that enhance our life for youth and life extension. We look good and are living our lives, but sincerely WE NEED TO DIE! Until we die to our flesh and the things that hinder us to the oracles of God, we can never really live. We are so hyped by images shown us by the media that we don’t have time to die to Christ.
Today is a good day to die to the things of the world and begin to bring life to the true sincere life in Christ. Living two lives is a lie…Kill one and let the other flourish in Jesus. TODAY IS A GOOD DAY TO DIE!
Lord, forgive us for not putting you first in all things. Our desire is to serve you with all our hearts and minds and being. Show us the thing that we need to put to death in our lives to please you first without reservation. We want to be used of you to win souls and be the example of Jesus. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Evangelist José Cuesta
Isaiah 6:1 - [Isaiah Called to Be a Prophet] In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple.
One of my favorite TV shows is Star Trek: The Next Generation. In the show, the Chief of Operations was a being name Worf. Worf was a member of the Klingon race and they had a saying right before going into battle “today is a good day to die!” To the Klingons it was a thing of honor to die in battle.
What a cool concept! If you think about it, dying is awesome if you are doing it for a greater cause. Our life on this earth is rather insignificant yet we do everything to stay alive. We are getting cosmetic surgery, hair replacements and other things that enhance our life for youth and life extension. We look good and are living our lives, but sincerely WE NEED TO DIE! Until we die to our flesh and the things that hinder us to the oracles of God, we can never really live. We are so hyped by images shown us by the media that we don’t have time to die to Christ.
Today is a good day to die to the things of the world and begin to bring life to the true sincere life in Christ. Living two lives is a lie…Kill one and let the other flourish in Jesus. TODAY IS A GOOD DAY TO DIE!
Lord, forgive us for not putting you first in all things. Our desire is to serve you with all our hearts and minds and being. Show us the thing that we need to put to death in our lives to please you first without reservation. We want to be used of you to win souls and be the example of Jesus. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Manifest Devotional
Discipline: Making Disciples and Changing Lives
Pastor Maxine Ball
At Breath of Life Ministries we are making disciples and changing lives. We do this through deliberate acts of practicing six disciplines that every disciple of Christ must have.
Spend time with the Master – John 15:5, Every disciple must make Christ a priority and spend quality time allowing God to speak to you and you responding to Him.
Live in the Word – John 8:31-32, The Word of God is essential to our growth and maturity.
Pray in Faith – John 5:7, If we abide in Christ and He abides in us, whatever we ask in prayer believing we shall receive.
Fellowship with Believers – John 13:34-35, The mark of a disciple is shown by his/her love. We make it a must to forsake not the assembling of ourselves with other believers in fellowship.
Witness to the World – John 5:8, Jesus commissioned us to go into the entire world to make disciples of every nation (unbelievers).
Minister to Others – John 15:13, Jesus told us that we must take up our cross and follow Him. This is done through voluntarily turning to a world in need and serving to meet the need.
The word discipline means training people to obey rules or a code of behavior; or controlled behavior resulting from training. This is how we do it. This is how we make disciples and change lives.
Dear God, thank you for choosing me to be your disciple. As I have practiced the six disciplines of being a disciple, my life has not been the same. You have given me such joy in knowing that I am developing a lifelong obedient relationship with you. You are changing my values to kingdom values and including me in your plan for the salvation of the world.
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MasterLife Discipleship – The Disciple’s Cross
Pastor Maxine Ball
At Breath of Life Ministries we are making disciples and changing lives. We do this through deliberate acts of practicing six disciplines that every disciple of Christ must have.
Spend time with the Master – John 15:5, Every disciple must make Christ a priority and spend quality time allowing God to speak to you and you responding to Him.
Live in the Word – John 8:31-32, The Word of God is essential to our growth and maturity.
Pray in Faith – John 5:7, If we abide in Christ and He abides in us, whatever we ask in prayer believing we shall receive.
Fellowship with Believers – John 13:34-35, The mark of a disciple is shown by his/her love. We make it a must to forsake not the assembling of ourselves with other believers in fellowship.
Witness to the World – John 5:8, Jesus commissioned us to go into the entire world to make disciples of every nation (unbelievers).
Minister to Others – John 15:13, Jesus told us that we must take up our cross and follow Him. This is done through voluntarily turning to a world in need and serving to meet the need.
The word discipline means training people to obey rules or a code of behavior; or controlled behavior resulting from training. This is how we do it. This is how we make disciples and change lives.
Dear God, thank you for choosing me to be your disciple. As I have practiced the six disciplines of being a disciple, my life has not been the same. You have given me such joy in knowing that I am developing a lifelong obedient relationship with you. You are changing my values to kingdom values and including me in your plan for the salvation of the world.
________________________________________
MasterLife Discipleship – The Disciple’s Cross
Manifest Devotional
I HOPE SO...
Pastor Renée Cole
Psalm 31:24 - Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.
Oh how I love the Lord and all that he builds by faith in the lives of the believer. The songwriter wrote, “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and His righteousness...” How true the words of this song are. We do not have to look too far to see that in our darkest hour of need when we may feel torn down by life itself and often left hopeless, it is Jesus that has been our answer. Not the Jesus on the cross, but the risen Savior who did not come down from the cross, but was crucified, died, was buried, then resurrected for the remission of our sin! Jesus truly hung, bled, died, and rose again for us! What a powerful thought. For the disciples and all who gathered at the cross, it must have been challenging their faith, but their hope was in the power of God and the Word to do just what He said He would do. They did not lose hope. Surely, their spirits must have been strengthened and so should our hearts be when we reflect on,
Psalm 31:24 - “Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.”
Yes, there would be the resurrection of Jesus, but He would leave us a comforter—the Holy Spirit. Now that is hope!
The world needs more hope. We need more prophetic thinkers and doers. Jesus, was the Savior of the world who knew that He was the embodiment of hope. He still is the hope and promise for a sinful world. One of my favorite and one of the most intriguing and prolific philosophers of our time is Dr. Cornell West. He writes in his book, “HOPE on a TIGHTROPE”, and I quote him, “Prophetic thinkers are intellectuals willing to live and die for justice, love, and hope.” God is love, births hope, and Christ died for justice. Our debts were paid on the cross. You may not be a prophet, but you can be a prophetic thinker and doer!
Are we willing to live and die to the flesh for a life of hope, by the power of the one who died for it all? His name is Jesus.
I sure hope so!
Dear Lord, expand my thoughts, strengthen my heart, and increase my spiritual intellect. Let my hope be in you and you alone. Help me to be of good courage. My hope is built on you, dear Lord, so help me to give hope to others, to love more, and never to lose hope. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.
Pastor Renée Cole
Psalm 31:24 - Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.
Oh how I love the Lord and all that he builds by faith in the lives of the believer. The songwriter wrote, “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and His righteousness...” How true the words of this song are. We do not have to look too far to see that in our darkest hour of need when we may feel torn down by life itself and often left hopeless, it is Jesus that has been our answer. Not the Jesus on the cross, but the risen Savior who did not come down from the cross, but was crucified, died, was buried, then resurrected for the remission of our sin! Jesus truly hung, bled, died, and rose again for us! What a powerful thought. For the disciples and all who gathered at the cross, it must have been challenging their faith, but their hope was in the power of God and the Word to do just what He said He would do. They did not lose hope. Surely, their spirits must have been strengthened and so should our hearts be when we reflect on,
Psalm 31:24 - “Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.”
Yes, there would be the resurrection of Jesus, but He would leave us a comforter—the Holy Spirit. Now that is hope!
The world needs more hope. We need more prophetic thinkers and doers. Jesus, was the Savior of the world who knew that He was the embodiment of hope. He still is the hope and promise for a sinful world. One of my favorite and one of the most intriguing and prolific philosophers of our time is Dr. Cornell West. He writes in his book, “HOPE on a TIGHTROPE”, and I quote him, “Prophetic thinkers are intellectuals willing to live and die for justice, love, and hope.” God is love, births hope, and Christ died for justice. Our debts were paid on the cross. You may not be a prophet, but you can be a prophetic thinker and doer!
Are we willing to live and die to the flesh for a life of hope, by the power of the one who died for it all? His name is Jesus.
I sure hope so!
Dear Lord, expand my thoughts, strengthen my heart, and increase my spiritual intellect. Let my hope be in you and you alone. Help me to be of good courage. My hope is built on you, dear Lord, so help me to give hope to others, to love more, and never to lose hope. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.
Manifest Devotional
Never Cease Proclaiming
Deacon Inga Robinson
Acts 5:41-42 (AMP): So they went out from the presence of the council (Sanhedrin), rejoicing that they were being counted worthy [dignified by the indignity] to suffer shame and be exposed to disgrace for [the sake of] His name. Yet [in spite of the threats] they never ceased for a single day, both in the temple area and at home, to teach and to proclaim the good news (Gospel) of Jesus [as] the Christ (the Messiah).
In spite of what you are going through or have been through, in spite of what indignities you have faced or will face, in spite of the shame or exposure, in spite of the threats or disgrace, NEVER cease to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ. Rejoice! For in the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For Jesus has overcome the world. [Jesus has deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.] (John 16:33 Amplified) If you are in church, on your job, in your house, or in town, never cease for a single day to proclaim and declare the gospel of Jesus in your life.
My Father, Lord and Savior, Thank you for hearing me when I pray. Thank you for being the Lamb that died on the cross for our sins. Lord when I was afflicted, I sought you, humbled myself before you and you answered. Lord, by your stripes, we are healed. When you rose on the third day, you had all power in your hands. In spite of all we may go through, it can’t compare to the price you paid for us. May we never cease (not for one day) to proclaim this gospel. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Deacon Inga Robinson
Acts 5:41-42 (AMP): So they went out from the presence of the council (Sanhedrin), rejoicing that they were being counted worthy [dignified by the indignity] to suffer shame and be exposed to disgrace for [the sake of] His name. Yet [in spite of the threats] they never ceased for a single day, both in the temple area and at home, to teach and to proclaim the good news (Gospel) of Jesus [as] the Christ (the Messiah).
In spite of what you are going through or have been through, in spite of what indignities you have faced or will face, in spite of the shame or exposure, in spite of the threats or disgrace, NEVER cease to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ. Rejoice! For in the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For Jesus has overcome the world. [Jesus has deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.] (John 16:33 Amplified) If you are in church, on your job, in your house, or in town, never cease for a single day to proclaim and declare the gospel of Jesus in your life.
My Father, Lord and Savior, Thank you for hearing me when I pray. Thank you for being the Lamb that died on the cross for our sins. Lord when I was afflicted, I sought you, humbled myself before you and you answered. Lord, by your stripes, we are healed. When you rose on the third day, you had all power in your hands. In spite of all we may go through, it can’t compare to the price you paid for us. May we never cease (not for one day) to proclaim this gospel. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Manifest Devotional
What are You Willing to Pay?
Evangelist Shari Cuesta
John 12:25 - Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
It never ceases to amaze me when we come to our altar experience and we’ve been forgiven our sins, God cleans us up and we commence our quest of servitude and kingdom labor. We start out sooooo great as we have it in our mind that we will serve God all our days without reservation and saving nothing. But then slowly the process begins—the further away we get from our altar experience, we tend to become less on-fire, more weighed down and more focused on the trials of life than the fruits of the labor. Our servitude begins to pale at best and becomes a stereotypical routine rather than an aggressive move on strongholds and dark forces. I believe the reason is that we don’t consider the cost of our salvation experience.
It costs a lot when you just get home from a mentally exhaustive experience at work and you’re so tired you can barely cook dinner, when you should be witnessing or planning an event to evangelize. It costs a lot when your money is so low and you see a need in someone’s life and you’re more worried about your bills than how God can be glorified in the situation. It costs a lot to trust in God when you can’t see the outcome of a situation and it seems hopeless. IT COSTS TO SERVE!
Considering the cost is your reasonable service in kingdom servitude. Jesus paid the highest cost of all and though He could have brought the entire situation to an end based on His problems, He chose to go through with what was before Him.
Question: When faced with trial after trial and mountain after mountain, do you consider the cost of kingdom servitude? If your service to God hasn’t cost you time, effort, money and other personal resources and sacrifices…you’re not in the true flow of worship and servitude. Service must cost you something!
Lord God, on this day we offer a prayer of sacrifice and servitude. Give us revelation on the price we are to pay to offer up true worship and servitude unto you. Our true desire is to please you and seek your favor. Let not our servitude be comfortable for us, but to those we are serving and let it be at the expense of the cost of the cross. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Evangelist Shari Cuesta
John 12:25 - Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
It never ceases to amaze me when we come to our altar experience and we’ve been forgiven our sins, God cleans us up and we commence our quest of servitude and kingdom labor. We start out sooooo great as we have it in our mind that we will serve God all our days without reservation and saving nothing. But then slowly the process begins—the further away we get from our altar experience, we tend to become less on-fire, more weighed down and more focused on the trials of life than the fruits of the labor. Our servitude begins to pale at best and becomes a stereotypical routine rather than an aggressive move on strongholds and dark forces. I believe the reason is that we don’t consider the cost of our salvation experience.
It costs a lot when you just get home from a mentally exhaustive experience at work and you’re so tired you can barely cook dinner, when you should be witnessing or planning an event to evangelize. It costs a lot when your money is so low and you see a need in someone’s life and you’re more worried about your bills than how God can be glorified in the situation. It costs a lot to trust in God when you can’t see the outcome of a situation and it seems hopeless. IT COSTS TO SERVE!
Considering the cost is your reasonable service in kingdom servitude. Jesus paid the highest cost of all and though He could have brought the entire situation to an end based on His problems, He chose to go through with what was before Him.
Question: When faced with trial after trial and mountain after mountain, do you consider the cost of kingdom servitude? If your service to God hasn’t cost you time, effort, money and other personal resources and sacrifices…you’re not in the true flow of worship and servitude. Service must cost you something!
Lord God, on this day we offer a prayer of sacrifice and servitude. Give us revelation on the price we are to pay to offer up true worship and servitude unto you. Our true desire is to please you and seek your favor. Let not our servitude be comfortable for us, but to those we are serving and let it be at the expense of the cost of the cross. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Manifest Devotional
EVANGELISM
Deacon Sidney Zollicoffer, Jr.
Acts 21: 8b-9 - and we entered into the house of Phillip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him. And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.
Even in the early church, we see here that people don’t necessarily have to possess the Office of Prophet nor possess any leadership role. In the early church the Holy Spirit gave the gift of prophecy to anyone He might choose: leader or layman, man or woman. The Prophet was merely that mouthpiece of a truth God desired to make known.
Has GOD given you a truth that He desires you to share with others? Speak it! Write it! Draw it! Type it! Show it! Live it! Just Share it with others. Now that’s Evangelism!
Heavenly Father, Hallelujah! Thank you for the Power of Communication and the Truth of Your Word. May we use it to bring life into a dying world! Thank you, Amen.
Deacon Sidney Zollicoffer, Jr.
Acts 21: 8b-9 - and we entered into the house of Phillip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him. And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.
Even in the early church, we see here that people don’t necessarily have to possess the Office of Prophet nor possess any leadership role. In the early church the Holy Spirit gave the gift of prophecy to anyone He might choose: leader or layman, man or woman. The Prophet was merely that mouthpiece of a truth God desired to make known.
Has GOD given you a truth that He desires you to share with others? Speak it! Write it! Draw it! Type it! Show it! Live it! Just Share it with others. Now that’s Evangelism!
Heavenly Father, Hallelujah! Thank you for the Power of Communication and the Truth of Your Word. May we use it to bring life into a dying world! Thank you, Amen.
Manifest Devotional
Strength
Elder Angel Williams
2 Corinthians 11:9 - And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
If we were to be honest with ourselves, most of us do not like to admit our weaknesses. Our reasoning is two-fold: we just don’t like to admit that we are weak because that means we are really weak, and; if we admit that, there is a chance that someone will use our weakness against us. It is our natural inclination to protect ourselves, to protect our hearts and to save face.
This doesn’t work with God. In order for God to work on our behalf, we must be willing to accept the fact that we have weaknesses, and OFTEN we come to times in our lives where we cannot go any further. This gives God the opportunity to ‘make his strength perfect in our weakness’. Many of us miss out on the liberty, deliverance, and healing that God has in store for us simply because we are too proud to admit that we are weak. The reality is that when we are weak, that is when we really become strong. Because the moment we admit to God that we are truly weak and need his help, that is the moment that God works in us.
Let us be more like Paul and celebrate the fact that we are flawed, because that is how we know that moment, our being is only because of Christ! It is through Christ that we are stronger, wiser and better!
Father, thank you for the way you love and care for us. Thank you for being on standby, waiting for us to admit that we need your help. Give us the wherewithal to admit that we are frail, and need you. Help us to accept the help that you offer and make us stronger through our weakness. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Elder Angel Williams
2 Corinthians 11:9 - And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
If we were to be honest with ourselves, most of us do not like to admit our weaknesses. Our reasoning is two-fold: we just don’t like to admit that we are weak because that means we are really weak, and; if we admit that, there is a chance that someone will use our weakness against us. It is our natural inclination to protect ourselves, to protect our hearts and to save face.
This doesn’t work with God. In order for God to work on our behalf, we must be willing to accept the fact that we have weaknesses, and OFTEN we come to times in our lives where we cannot go any further. This gives God the opportunity to ‘make his strength perfect in our weakness’. Many of us miss out on the liberty, deliverance, and healing that God has in store for us simply because we are too proud to admit that we are weak. The reality is that when we are weak, that is when we really become strong. Because the moment we admit to God that we are truly weak and need his help, that is the moment that God works in us.
Let us be more like Paul and celebrate the fact that we are flawed, because that is how we know that moment, our being is only because of Christ! It is through Christ that we are stronger, wiser and better!
Father, thank you for the way you love and care for us. Thank you for being on standby, waiting for us to admit that we need your help. Give us the wherewithal to admit that we are frail, and need you. Help us to accept the help that you offer and make us stronger through our weakness. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Manifest Devotional
Strength!
Trustee Evette Clarke
Luke 12: 48 (New KJV) …For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.
God has entrusted everyone with gifts and talents to build the kingdom. It requires us to not get weary in well doing (Galatians 6:9). Instead, we must move and operate in God’s strength, power and authority. We have so much to offer the lost, hurt, and confused. It is through our gifts that someone is compelled to seek love and acceptance through Christ Jesus, whether it is through teaching, singing, dancing, sports, writing, or the like. Let’s use what God has given us to strengthen ourselves, edify the Lord and bring the gospel to the world. Our strength comes from knowing that we can do all things through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:13).
Many are seeking strength to wake up, carry on, care for their family, find employment, start a business, give back, build, conquer, and become victorious! Let’s build God’s kingdom by strengthening the body one person at a time knowing that God has equipped each of us with everything we need. We each play a role in bringing this to fruition. To whom much is given much is required!
God, I know that the gifts you have given me and all that you’ve entrusted to me is for the building of your kingdom. I count it joy to serve you so the kingdom may be strengthened. For I give you all the honor and the praise. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.
Trustee Evette Clarke
Luke 12: 48 (New KJV) …For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.
God has entrusted everyone with gifts and talents to build the kingdom. It requires us to not get weary in well doing (Galatians 6:9). Instead, we must move and operate in God’s strength, power and authority. We have so much to offer the lost, hurt, and confused. It is through our gifts that someone is compelled to seek love and acceptance through Christ Jesus, whether it is through teaching, singing, dancing, sports, writing, or the like. Let’s use what God has given us to strengthen ourselves, edify the Lord and bring the gospel to the world. Our strength comes from knowing that we can do all things through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:13).
Many are seeking strength to wake up, carry on, care for their family, find employment, start a business, give back, build, conquer, and become victorious! Let’s build God’s kingdom by strengthening the body one person at a time knowing that God has equipped each of us with everything we need. We each play a role in bringing this to fruition. To whom much is given much is required!
God, I know that the gifts you have given me and all that you’ve entrusted to me is for the building of your kingdom. I count it joy to serve you so the kingdom may be strengthened. For I give you all the honor and the praise. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.
Manifest Devotional
The Connective (Hearts On One Accord)
Evangelist LaJeune Farmer
Acts 2:1 - When the day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
The connective manifest a servants heart. Hearts on one accord like the disciples in the upper room.
The upper room is like a metaphor of our communications station during prayer with God— keeping our minds stayed on the one who is the source and resource of perfecting Kingdom building. The “I Am” of life speaks, proceeds, prepares and provides from life’s beginning to life’s end or life’s eternity. Jesus sacrificed His life to save, serve and synchronize our lives for greater works—keeping us from the grips of death, teaching us the things of God the Father, bringing us together on one accord—leaving with us the Holy Comforter to continue his ministry of reconciliation. So, whoever believes in Jesus should not perish but have eternal life.
Standing on the word of God requires discipline in Him to endure the race. It requires training, tarrying, and telling your testimonies of victories won. Prayer, supplication, humility and submitting to the authority of the Holy Spirit are other requirements necessary to function as a team (one body), all for the ultimate goal of winning souls for Christ, just as it happened for Peter in the beginning of Acts. The same emotional, reckless and violent Peter who said he would follow Jesus even if it meant death instead, denied him. But after the Holy Spirit came upon him, 3,000 people were added to the church after hearing his sermon. This is an example of what happens to a life touched by the Holy Spirit of God.
Father God in the name of Jesus let it be unto us as it is in your word. Transform our hearts and minds empowering us with your Holy Spirit for the next harvest of souls coming home. Amen.
Evangelist LaJeune Farmer
Acts 2:1 - When the day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
The connective manifest a servants heart. Hearts on one accord like the disciples in the upper room.
The upper room is like a metaphor of our communications station during prayer with God— keeping our minds stayed on the one who is the source and resource of perfecting Kingdom building. The “I Am” of life speaks, proceeds, prepares and provides from life’s beginning to life’s end or life’s eternity. Jesus sacrificed His life to save, serve and synchronize our lives for greater works—keeping us from the grips of death, teaching us the things of God the Father, bringing us together on one accord—leaving with us the Holy Comforter to continue his ministry of reconciliation. So, whoever believes in Jesus should not perish but have eternal life.
Standing on the word of God requires discipline in Him to endure the race. It requires training, tarrying, and telling your testimonies of victories won. Prayer, supplication, humility and submitting to the authority of the Holy Spirit are other requirements necessary to function as a team (one body), all for the ultimate goal of winning souls for Christ, just as it happened for Peter in the beginning of Acts. The same emotional, reckless and violent Peter who said he would follow Jesus even if it meant death instead, denied him. But after the Holy Spirit came upon him, 3,000 people were added to the church after hearing his sermon. This is an example of what happens to a life touched by the Holy Spirit of God.
Father God in the name of Jesus let it be unto us as it is in your word. Transform our hearts and minds empowering us with your Holy Spirit for the next harvest of souls coming home. Amen.
Manifest Devotional
Author and Finisher
Pastor Lewis Green
Hebrews 12:2 - Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith...
The Bible says that JESUS is the author and finisher of our faith. The word finisher actually translates as ‘developer’. JESUS is the beginner and finisher of our faith. Therefore, since the conception and maturity of my faith in Him didn’t begin with me, neither then can it end with me. Hard as I try, I cannot grow myself up in the LORD, for I am not the author and developer of my faith. In time, we ‘developees’ learn that it is entirely up to the ‘Developer’ to complete the good work that He Himself began in us. Accepting this is key to learning to get out of His way that He might be free to have His way in our lives.
For when the faith of a person is developed, his whole person is perfected. A Person is not considered mature because he is good and never sins, but a person is considered mature, in GOD’s eyes, when as he learns to single-mindedly trust in the LORD’s sovereign decisions and directions for his life—keeping step with Him in all things, at all times...both good and bad alike. For faith is not always believing GOD for a thing; sometimes, it’s trusting Him in a thing. Therefore, test, trials, and tribulations are but divine tools fashioned of the LORD to build our faith—which is more precious to the LORD than gold is to a man.
This is why the Bible says that “without faith it is impossible to please GOD.” Your faith in Him is priceless to Him. And with each step of faith you take with Him, that which is so precious to Him grows and grows until it blossoms like a uniquely beautiful flower in the barren desert of the world. Therefore, your developing or blossoming faith in all areas of your life, although beneficial to you, is a pleasurable Bouquet of love to Him.
Father, Please teach me to trust you with the direction and the developments that you bring into my life. For just because things may sometimes seem to be out of my control, it doesn’t mean that it’s out of Your control. Teach me to keep step with you in the midst of whatever comes my way, that I might please you with my faith in you continually. In JESUS’ Name, Amen.
Pastor Lewis Green
Hebrews 12:2 - Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith...
The Bible says that JESUS is the author and finisher of our faith. The word finisher actually translates as ‘developer’. JESUS is the beginner and finisher of our faith. Therefore, since the conception and maturity of my faith in Him didn’t begin with me, neither then can it end with me. Hard as I try, I cannot grow myself up in the LORD, for I am not the author and developer of my faith. In time, we ‘developees’ learn that it is entirely up to the ‘Developer’ to complete the good work that He Himself began in us. Accepting this is key to learning to get out of His way that He might be free to have His way in our lives.
For when the faith of a person is developed, his whole person is perfected. A Person is not considered mature because he is good and never sins, but a person is considered mature, in GOD’s eyes, when as he learns to single-mindedly trust in the LORD’s sovereign decisions and directions for his life—keeping step with Him in all things, at all times...both good and bad alike. For faith is not always believing GOD for a thing; sometimes, it’s trusting Him in a thing. Therefore, test, trials, and tribulations are but divine tools fashioned of the LORD to build our faith—which is more precious to the LORD than gold is to a man.
This is why the Bible says that “without faith it is impossible to please GOD.” Your faith in Him is priceless to Him. And with each step of faith you take with Him, that which is so precious to Him grows and grows until it blossoms like a uniquely beautiful flower in the barren desert of the world. Therefore, your developing or blossoming faith in all areas of your life, although beneficial to you, is a pleasurable Bouquet of love to Him.
Father, Please teach me to trust you with the direction and the developments that you bring into my life. For just because things may sometimes seem to be out of my control, it doesn’t mean that it’s out of Your control. Teach me to keep step with you in the midst of whatever comes my way, that I might please you with my faith in you continually. In JESUS’ Name, Amen.
