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Manifest Devotional
ENCOURAGEMENT
Bishop Henry Cole
Ephesians 3:16 - That he would grant you , according to the riches of his glory , to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
Paul, in writing to the Church at Ephesus, prayed that God would give them the grace to endure the trails that they saw him go through and that they were going through. Earlier in the chapter he revealed the mystery of the gospel and the relation of the church to the Father (sons of God). As sons of God we have salvation from eternal death and can live this life without the fear of damnation but the hope of victory.
That prayer was prayed for all Christians, 70 ad. 2011, 2052, that God would strengthen us to face whatever life throws our way. The strength comes from the Holy Spirit, not from will power nor intellect, but by receiving the grace of God; for His Grace is sufficient for us. It is in our inner man or the substance of who we truly are in faith, character and integrity, that God strengthens us, that we would believe Romans 8:31, “In view of this, what can we say then? If God is for us, who can be against us?”
When you face your “life happens,” know that your Father stands with you, and because of His love for you, you will overcome whatever life throws your way.
Father, I thank you for your love and protection, give me strength to stand when I feel like I’m falling, to pray when I feel like cursing, to turn to you when I feel like running away from life’s problems. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Bishop Henry Cole
Ephesians 3:16 - That he would grant you , according to the riches of his glory , to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
Paul, in writing to the Church at Ephesus, prayed that God would give them the grace to endure the trails that they saw him go through and that they were going through. Earlier in the chapter he revealed the mystery of the gospel and the relation of the church to the Father (sons of God). As sons of God we have salvation from eternal death and can live this life without the fear of damnation but the hope of victory.
That prayer was prayed for all Christians, 70 ad. 2011, 2052, that God would strengthen us to face whatever life throws our way. The strength comes from the Holy Spirit, not from will power nor intellect, but by receiving the grace of God; for His Grace is sufficient for us. It is in our inner man or the substance of who we truly are in faith, character and integrity, that God strengthens us, that we would believe Romans 8:31, “In view of this, what can we say then? If God is for us, who can be against us?”
When you face your “life happens,” know that your Father stands with you, and because of His love for you, you will overcome whatever life throws your way.
Father, I thank you for your love and protection, give me strength to stand when I feel like I’m falling, to pray when I feel like cursing, to turn to you when I feel like running away from life’s problems. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Manifest Devotional
Strength
Pastor Renée Cole
Ephesians 6:10 - Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
What a day it must have been on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended on the twelve apostles, Mary, and the other disciples! Imagine it—they were praying together in Jerusalem. They had witnessed the miraculous and the painful crucifixion. I imagine that even in the midst of other believers, in some natural way they felt somewhat weak. Jesus was not “with” them—or so they thought.
As believers, and as some in the room may have felt, we find ourselves many times in this Christian walk feeling weak. Life’s events may not be working the way we think they should. Our minds wander, our faith is challenged to stay strong. Yet we realize that in our weakness, the Lord is made strong. Strangely, as with all miracles, there is a shift in the supernatural. Our wandering is overtaken by signs and wonders! Reflect on the day of Pentecost. We see strength in the midst of weakness. With a sound of a mighty rushing wind, the manifestation of the prophetic poured out in the house where they were gathered, and tongues of fire rested on them as they spoke in languages. What a miracle! But what was the result of this amazing encounter? Strength that overcame any weakness to do the work of the true and living Church! “Strength to do what?” you might ask. Well, read the scripture in Acts 2:1-41 and you will see that the Holy Spirit empowered the disciples just as He empowers us today to tell the good news of our risen Savior and the strength of His shed blood and resurrection for the forgiveness of all our sins. Hallelujah!
All of our strength comes from the Lord Jesus Christ and it all began, just as God promised through the prophet Joel. In the text (Joel 2:28-29) Joel foretold of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on human flesh. Just as the disciples were empowered to begin to proclaim the gospel of the risen Christ, we too must do so, but not in our own strength. We as disciples of Christ do preach daily by our lives. We can only do so as we endeavor to be “strong in the Lord, and in the power of HIS might” (Eph. 6:10). Like the disciples on the day of Pentecost, apart from the Lord we are weak, but in the power of the resurrected Christ, our Father God, and with Holy Spirit upon us, we find true strength.
Father God, I thank you that I realize that I have the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit to strengthen me to be a powerful disciple for you. Strengthen me by your power to be your witness everywhere, everyday and to everyone. Teach me not to rely on my strength, but to be strong in YOU, Lord, and in the power of your might. It is in Jesus’ mighty Name I pray, Amen.
Pastor Renée Cole
Ephesians 6:10 - Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
What a day it must have been on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended on the twelve apostles, Mary, and the other disciples! Imagine it—they were praying together in Jerusalem. They had witnessed the miraculous and the painful crucifixion. I imagine that even in the midst of other believers, in some natural way they felt somewhat weak. Jesus was not “with” them—or so they thought.
As believers, and as some in the room may have felt, we find ourselves many times in this Christian walk feeling weak. Life’s events may not be working the way we think they should. Our minds wander, our faith is challenged to stay strong. Yet we realize that in our weakness, the Lord is made strong. Strangely, as with all miracles, there is a shift in the supernatural. Our wandering is overtaken by signs and wonders! Reflect on the day of Pentecost. We see strength in the midst of weakness. With a sound of a mighty rushing wind, the manifestation of the prophetic poured out in the house where they were gathered, and tongues of fire rested on them as they spoke in languages. What a miracle! But what was the result of this amazing encounter? Strength that overcame any weakness to do the work of the true and living Church! “Strength to do what?” you might ask. Well, read the scripture in Acts 2:1-41 and you will see that the Holy Spirit empowered the disciples just as He empowers us today to tell the good news of our risen Savior and the strength of His shed blood and resurrection for the forgiveness of all our sins. Hallelujah!
All of our strength comes from the Lord Jesus Christ and it all began, just as God promised through the prophet Joel. In the text (Joel 2:28-29) Joel foretold of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on human flesh. Just as the disciples were empowered to begin to proclaim the gospel of the risen Christ, we too must do so, but not in our own strength. We as disciples of Christ do preach daily by our lives. We can only do so as we endeavor to be “strong in the Lord, and in the power of HIS might” (Eph. 6:10). Like the disciples on the day of Pentecost, apart from the Lord we are weak, but in the power of the resurrected Christ, our Father God, and with Holy Spirit upon us, we find true strength.
Father God, I thank you that I realize that I have the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit to strengthen me to be a powerful disciple for you. Strengthen me by your power to be your witness everywhere, everyday and to everyone. Teach me not to rely on my strength, but to be strong in YOU, Lord, and in the power of your might. It is in Jesus’ mighty Name I pray, Amen.
Manifest Devotional
Comforting Rod
Pastor Lewis Green
Psalm 23:4 - Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
The shepherd’s rod and staff were generally used to protect and discipline the sheep. David said he found encouragement in them. Only of David did the LORD describe as being a man after His own heart. For despite his weaknesses, David was in love with GOD. At the pinnacle of the era of legalistic relationship with GOD, David was able to see through the misperceived vainer of what often appeared to be an angry and vengeful GOD, and perceive the heart of who the LORD truly was...and became smitten with Him.
When David felt the stroke of the LORD’s rod in His life, he became encouraged instead of discouraged because He knew that whom the LORD loves He rebukes and disciplines. Instead of misunderstanding the LORD’s correction, David fell more intensely in love with Him because of it. David knew that hardship and tribulation was not a sign of GOD’s anger. Rather, it was a reminder of how much the LORD utterly cared about him. Tears of pain and thanksgiving would stream down his face as he often looked up to the LORD in a complex mixture of agony and appreciation knowing that the Almighty lover of his soul had a sovereign purpose and plan for all things. And these are the precious tears that GOD saves in a bottle that is kept ever before Him. With treasured pleasure the LORD held up David’s hallowed tears before all heaven proclaiming “Now this is a man after my own heart. This is a man that understands me. This is a man that truly trusts me. This man sees through the veiled truth of the law and has found my heart. He may ever fail me, but I will never fail him.”
Therefore, the discipline of the LORD is a discouragement for them that don’t yet understand GOD but, an encouragement for them that do.
Father, Please teach me to be encouraged in your love especially in times of trial and tribulation. Thank you for the expression of Your love through the voice of your discipline. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Pastor Lewis Green
Psalm 23:4 - Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
The shepherd’s rod and staff were generally used to protect and discipline the sheep. David said he found encouragement in them. Only of David did the LORD describe as being a man after His own heart. For despite his weaknesses, David was in love with GOD. At the pinnacle of the era of legalistic relationship with GOD, David was able to see through the misperceived vainer of what often appeared to be an angry and vengeful GOD, and perceive the heart of who the LORD truly was...and became smitten with Him.
When David felt the stroke of the LORD’s rod in His life, he became encouraged instead of discouraged because He knew that whom the LORD loves He rebukes and disciplines. Instead of misunderstanding the LORD’s correction, David fell more intensely in love with Him because of it. David knew that hardship and tribulation was not a sign of GOD’s anger. Rather, it was a reminder of how much the LORD utterly cared about him. Tears of pain and thanksgiving would stream down his face as he often looked up to the LORD in a complex mixture of agony and appreciation knowing that the Almighty lover of his soul had a sovereign purpose and plan for all things. And these are the precious tears that GOD saves in a bottle that is kept ever before Him. With treasured pleasure the LORD held up David’s hallowed tears before all heaven proclaiming “Now this is a man after my own heart. This is a man that understands me. This is a man that truly trusts me. This man sees through the veiled truth of the law and has found my heart. He may ever fail me, but I will never fail him.”
Therefore, the discipline of the LORD is a discouragement for them that don’t yet understand GOD but, an encouragement for them that do.
Father, Please teach me to be encouraged in your love especially in times of trial and tribulation. Thank you for the expression of Your love through the voice of your discipline. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Manifest Devotional
THE PROOF IS IN THE PUDDING
Pastor Maxine Ball
Acts 4:13-14 - Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.
We are in a day and age when things that happen are no longer taken at face value. There was a day when unless you saw something, you didn’t believe it to be true. However, in today’s world there have been so many technological developments that just about anything can be manipulated to change the reality of what you see. Even our psyche can play tricks on us to have us believe things that are not really there or things that happened to us that really never happened.
The phrase, “the proof is in the pudding,” in actuality is a variation of a proverb that has been shortened from “the proof of the pudding is in the eating.” The meaning becomes clear when you know that ‘proof’ here is a verb meaning ‘test.’ The more common meaning of ‘proof’ in our day and age is the noun meaning ‘the evidence that demonstrates a truth’. The latter meaning , the evidence that demonstrates a truth is what Acts 4:13-14 is all about. The boldness of Peter and John caused many people to marvel at the miracles they performed. The test or proof of the miracle of healing performed by Peter and John stood boldly before the people. What could be said? The evidence that demonstrates the truth of when we have been with Jesus, is the boldness we have to speak and act upon the Word. As the old cliché goes, the only way to know something works is to test it or experience it yourself.
Abba Father, I know that I have had a personal encounter with you. My prayer is that those who do not know you seek a personal encounter with you. Once you have made yourself known to them, they will never be the same. The Holy Spirit will give them the same boldness to share your word and work so that others will come to know your truth. “O taste and see that the Lord is good!”
__________________
clarion-call.org
Pastor Maxine Ball
Acts 4:13-14 - Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.
We are in a day and age when things that happen are no longer taken at face value. There was a day when unless you saw something, you didn’t believe it to be true. However, in today’s world there have been so many technological developments that just about anything can be manipulated to change the reality of what you see. Even our psyche can play tricks on us to have us believe things that are not really there or things that happened to us that really never happened.
The phrase, “the proof is in the pudding,” in actuality is a variation of a proverb that has been shortened from “the proof of the pudding is in the eating.” The meaning becomes clear when you know that ‘proof’ here is a verb meaning ‘test.’ The more common meaning of ‘proof’ in our day and age is the noun meaning ‘the evidence that demonstrates a truth’. The latter meaning , the evidence that demonstrates a truth is what Acts 4:13-14 is all about. The boldness of Peter and John caused many people to marvel at the miracles they performed. The test or proof of the miracle of healing performed by Peter and John stood boldly before the people. What could be said? The evidence that demonstrates the truth of when we have been with Jesus, is the boldness we have to speak and act upon the Word. As the old cliché goes, the only way to know something works is to test it or experience it yourself.
Abba Father, I know that I have had a personal encounter with you. My prayer is that those who do not know you seek a personal encounter with you. Once you have made yourself known to them, they will never be the same. The Holy Spirit will give them the same boldness to share your word and work so that others will come to know your truth. “O taste and see that the Lord is good!”
__________________
clarion-call.org
Manifest Devotional
KEEP SHINING!
Elder Angel Williams
Matthew 5:14-15 - You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
Did you notice that one of the first things people do upon entering a room is to turn on a light? Have you ever noticed that light and darkness cannot occupy the same space or that light allows us to see as opposed to the dark, which limits our sight and our vision?
The Bible states, that we, as believers, are the light of the world. What good news! Our light is so bright that we are a like city on top of hill. If you ever travel at night, the view of a city with lights is awe-inspiring. Not only are we beautiful, but we are put in a special place (a lampstand) so that not only one person can see, but all who are in the house!
Just remember that whenever you turn on a light, if you look closely, and at the right angle, you can see flecks of imperfection or dust and dirt. What does this mean? It means that even as light, we are imperfect, but we can still keep shining.
Matthew 5:16 goes on to say, “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in heaven. So, keep shining and keep doing good work, because God is not through with us yet!
Father, we pray that in all that we do, or say and think, you get the glory. Let our works speak to your glory and let the light of your glory affect us and all those around us. Amen!
Elder Angel Williams
Matthew 5:14-15 - You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
Did you notice that one of the first things people do upon entering a room is to turn on a light? Have you ever noticed that light and darkness cannot occupy the same space or that light allows us to see as opposed to the dark, which limits our sight and our vision?
The Bible states, that we, as believers, are the light of the world. What good news! Our light is so bright that we are a like city on top of hill. If you ever travel at night, the view of a city with lights is awe-inspiring. Not only are we beautiful, but we are put in a special place (a lampstand) so that not only one person can see, but all who are in the house!
Just remember that whenever you turn on a light, if you look closely, and at the right angle, you can see flecks of imperfection or dust and dirt. What does this mean? It means that even as light, we are imperfect, but we can still keep shining.
Matthew 5:16 goes on to say, “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in heaven. So, keep shining and keep doing good work, because God is not through with us yet!
Father, we pray that in all that we do, or say and think, you get the glory. Let our works speak to your glory and let the light of your glory affect us and all those around us. Amen!
Manifest Devotional
Luke 17:5 - And the apostles said unto the Lord, “Increase our faith.”
Romans 12:3 - For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
What does it mean for a Christian to grow in faith? We are commanded in scripture to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Pet. 3:18). This growth is a spiritual growth, growing in faith. Faith for the Christian is a process. As a tender plant grows in the ground and matures, and eventually bears fruit, even so the Christian begins his/her new life with a measure of faith that may at times be extraordinary; nevertheless, it is not mature, steady and resolute faith. Such faith does not come over night.
Moses had the faith of a giant, but not in the beginning. At first, even though he saw the evidence of God in the burning bush, even though Moses heard the voice of God, even though Moses saw miracles at the hand of God, Moses did not trust that God could be with his mouth. He wanted someone else to do the talking (Ex. 4: 10-15). Moses didn’t comprehend at that time that God was All Powerful, even able to help him overcome his slowness of tongue. Moses did not understand that all his accomplishments depended upon God, not Moses, nor Moses’ ability to speak well. Moses didn’t have enough faith that God was able to help him overcome his weakness. Some of us are the same way. We don’t have enough faith in God to believe He can help us overcome our weakness and use us in spite of ourselves—in spite of our weakness.
The first steps in growing faith is realizing that it is a spiritual process. First, you must accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. If you do not accept Jesus Christ as the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world, then you cannot grow your faith. The Bible says, “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Rm. 10:17). This means that it is the word of God that enables one to “hear” spiritually, and it is the hearing of the Word that brings faith. The more you learn about God and about how He operates, the greater will be your faith.
Faith must be in your heart. Jesus spoke of hearing the word and keeping it (Lk. 8:15). Hear the word, then make a decision to keep the word in your heart. As you surround yourself with the word and guard your heart, faith will come (Prov. 4:20-24). Faith has to be in two places—in your heart and in your mouth. As you speak the word over your situations, it brings the power of God into that situation. Speaking the word builds your faith in that word, and brings the power of God into your life to change things according to that word (2 Cor. 4:13).
As we Hear the Word, Believe the Word, and Speak the Word, remember to walk in love. Faith only works when we are walking in love (Gal. 5:6). Jesus left us with one main command—to love; to love God and one another. Love is concerned with others, and is concerned with ministering the love of God to those around us. When you are walking in love, you don’t have “you” on your mind, you have others on your mind, and you are believing God to take care of you (James 1:22-25). The key is diligence. As you stay consistent in feeding the Word into your heart and in Speaking the Word over your situations, Faith will come. And as you walk in love, that faith will begin to grow in your life.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Lord, I declare that I am not weak in faith when I consider my circumstances. I am growing strong and am empowered by faith as I give praise and glory to you God—satisfied and assured that You are able and will keep your word and do what you have promised in my life. Thank you Lord, I give you all the honor and glory in Jesus’ Name, amen.
_________________________________
Reference: Growing Faith-Voyle A. Glover
Romans 12:3 - For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
What does it mean for a Christian to grow in faith? We are commanded in scripture to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Pet. 3:18). This growth is a spiritual growth, growing in faith. Faith for the Christian is a process. As a tender plant grows in the ground and matures, and eventually bears fruit, even so the Christian begins his/her new life with a measure of faith that may at times be extraordinary; nevertheless, it is not mature, steady and resolute faith. Such faith does not come over night.
Moses had the faith of a giant, but not in the beginning. At first, even though he saw the evidence of God in the burning bush, even though Moses heard the voice of God, even though Moses saw miracles at the hand of God, Moses did not trust that God could be with his mouth. He wanted someone else to do the talking (Ex. 4: 10-15). Moses didn’t comprehend at that time that God was All Powerful, even able to help him overcome his slowness of tongue. Moses did not understand that all his accomplishments depended upon God, not Moses, nor Moses’ ability to speak well. Moses didn’t have enough faith that God was able to help him overcome his weakness. Some of us are the same way. We don’t have enough faith in God to believe He can help us overcome our weakness and use us in spite of ourselves—in spite of our weakness.
The first steps in growing faith is realizing that it is a spiritual process. First, you must accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. If you do not accept Jesus Christ as the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world, then you cannot grow your faith. The Bible says, “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Rm. 10:17). This means that it is the word of God that enables one to “hear” spiritually, and it is the hearing of the Word that brings faith. The more you learn about God and about how He operates, the greater will be your faith.
Faith must be in your heart. Jesus spoke of hearing the word and keeping it (Lk. 8:15). Hear the word, then make a decision to keep the word in your heart. As you surround yourself with the word and guard your heart, faith will come (Prov. 4:20-24). Faith has to be in two places—in your heart and in your mouth. As you speak the word over your situations, it brings the power of God into that situation. Speaking the word builds your faith in that word, and brings the power of God into your life to change things according to that word (2 Cor. 4:13).
As we Hear the Word, Believe the Word, and Speak the Word, remember to walk in love. Faith only works when we are walking in love (Gal. 5:6). Jesus left us with one main command—to love; to love God and one another. Love is concerned with others, and is concerned with ministering the love of God to those around us. When you are walking in love, you don’t have “you” on your mind, you have others on your mind, and you are believing God to take care of you (James 1:22-25). The key is diligence. As you stay consistent in feeding the Word into your heart and in Speaking the Word over your situations, Faith will come. And as you walk in love, that faith will begin to grow in your life.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Lord, I declare that I am not weak in faith when I consider my circumstances. I am growing strong and am empowered by faith as I give praise and glory to you God—satisfied and assured that You are able and will keep your word and do what you have promised in my life. Thank you Lord, I give you all the honor and glory in Jesus’ Name, amen.
_________________________________
Reference: Growing Faith-Voyle A. Glover
Manifest Devotional
MANIFEST
Bishop Henry Cole
1 Corinthians 3:13 - Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.
When we think of manifest, we think of something being revealed to us that will enhance our life, finances or status in society. Paul gives us the true results of manifestation in what God looks for. It is what we do with our life, finances and status that God says will be manifested.
An artist takes a blank canvass or a piece of wood and then uses his time and creates a masterpiece that reveals what that canvass or piece of wood can become. This creation brings joy or peace to those who see it and displays what the artist has worked and manifested with his time and gift. The thoughts, dreams expressions and/or visions of the artist have been revealed. God desires that we take our life, combined with the gifts and talents that He has given us, and create a masterpiece for His kingdom. This work, Paul states, will be revealed by the trying of fire (trails and tribulations) and the judgement of God. How much more should we, as saints of God, use our gifts, talents, finances and status for the kingdom of God to be manifested to the world?
As Jesus’ words are manifested in our life, let our life reveal that we are doers of the word and not hearers only.
Father let our hearts receive the manifestation of your Holy Spirit to empower us to do a work that is pleasing unto you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Bishop Henry Cole
1 Corinthians 3:13 - Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.
When we think of manifest, we think of something being revealed to us that will enhance our life, finances or status in society. Paul gives us the true results of manifestation in what God looks for. It is what we do with our life, finances and status that God says will be manifested.
An artist takes a blank canvass or a piece of wood and then uses his time and creates a masterpiece that reveals what that canvass or piece of wood can become. This creation brings joy or peace to those who see it and displays what the artist has worked and manifested with his time and gift. The thoughts, dreams expressions and/or visions of the artist have been revealed. God desires that we take our life, combined with the gifts and talents that He has given us, and create a masterpiece for His kingdom. This work, Paul states, will be revealed by the trying of fire (trails and tribulations) and the judgement of God. How much more should we, as saints of God, use our gifts, talents, finances and status for the kingdom of God to be manifested to the world?
As Jesus’ words are manifested in our life, let our life reveal that we are doers of the word and not hearers only.
Father let our hearts receive the manifestation of your Holy Spirit to empower us to do a work that is pleasing unto you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Pentecost - 50 Days of Devotions - May 29 - Day 36
Psssst…The Answers Are in the Book!
Pastor Reneé Turner
John 7:38 - He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
A sister shared a testimony with me. During an appointment she happened upon a discussion between two men. The man who was speaking said, “I always wished that I could find a book that gave me the answers to any problem I would ever have. Whenever anything came up that I couldn’t handle, all I’d have to do is look in that book.” The person to whom he spoke confidently replied, “Well, such a book does not exist, but I guess it would be nice if it did.” With that, the first man pulled out His Bible and began sharing from his book of answers.
What my sister was most blessed by was the creativity of the brother in his evangelizing. He simply presented what everyone desires…life’s answers. He found someone who would admit that an “answers book” would be good to know about—and even nicer to own.
Most of have at least one copy of the book of answers. It’s even available online—free of charge. We take opened-book tests every day, but often we won’t take time to look up the answers to our problem. We take guesses, and we fail.
We’re the owners of the most powerful book in the world! It’s got all the answers and we can share them with whomever we’d like, whenever we’d like…and still maintain our integrity. Nobody gets cheated except the enemy.
So pick up the book, the Bible, and keep it close. You might want to highlight those answers that you’ve needed quite often and commit them to memory so that when someone else presents that problem to you, the answers will flow out of you like rivers living water. And that, my friend, is what we call Evangelism…sharing the good news, the answers to living that God has provided in His answer book.
God, I thank you for providing life’s answer to me, free of charge. It is your desire that I would share you, the answer, the way, the truth and the life. Teach me to take the time needed to study the answers and allow your Holy Spirit to write them upon my heart. I desire to fill myself with your word so that in my actions, words and deeds my life becomes a living Epistle, read of men. So let it be for your glory, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Pastor Reneé Turner
John 7:38 - He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
A sister shared a testimony with me. During an appointment she happened upon a discussion between two men. The man who was speaking said, “I always wished that I could find a book that gave me the answers to any problem I would ever have. Whenever anything came up that I couldn’t handle, all I’d have to do is look in that book.” The person to whom he spoke confidently replied, “Well, such a book does not exist, but I guess it would be nice if it did.” With that, the first man pulled out His Bible and began sharing from his book of answers.
What my sister was most blessed by was the creativity of the brother in his evangelizing. He simply presented what everyone desires…life’s answers. He found someone who would admit that an “answers book” would be good to know about—and even nicer to own.
Most of have at least one copy of the book of answers. It’s even available online—free of charge. We take opened-book tests every day, but often we won’t take time to look up the answers to our problem. We take guesses, and we fail.
We’re the owners of the most powerful book in the world! It’s got all the answers and we can share them with whomever we’d like, whenever we’d like…and still maintain our integrity. Nobody gets cheated except the enemy.
So pick up the book, the Bible, and keep it close. You might want to highlight those answers that you’ve needed quite often and commit them to memory so that when someone else presents that problem to you, the answers will flow out of you like rivers living water. And that, my friend, is what we call Evangelism…sharing the good news, the answers to living that God has provided in His answer book.
God, I thank you for providing life’s answer to me, free of charge. It is your desire that I would share you, the answer, the way, the truth and the life. Teach me to take the time needed to study the answers and allow your Holy Spirit to write them upon my heart. I desire to fill myself with your word so that in my actions, words and deeds my life becomes a living Epistle, read of men. So let it be for your glory, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Pentecost - 50 Days of Devotions - May 28 - Day 35
BUILDING FAITH
Deacon Phillip Reynolds
Hebrews 11:1 - Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Faith is the substance. The word substance is translated Hupostasis, which means “that which underlies the apparent; that which is the basis of something, hence, assurance, guarantee and confidence” (Spiros Zodhiates, The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament, p. 1426). God has dealt each one of us a measure of faith (Romans 12:3) that grows exceedingly (2 Thessalonians 1:3) by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17).
If we want something manifested in our life, it begins and ends with faith. The end result of faith is a manifestation of what has been hoped for. We are called to walk in faith. In other words to act as though what we hope for is actually manifested in the natural world because faith has already unlocked it in the supernatural world. We’re not talking ATM and prosperity. What I’m talking about is “Lord your will be done,” I yield to what you have in store for me and by faith I walk in the confidence that all things, no matter what (broke or rich, full or hungry, pain or pleasure), work together for the good. Therefore we must walk with a confident understanding that God WILL hear and God WILL manifest.
Father God, Please allow me to submit to your will and have faith in the manifestation of your presence and blessing in my life. Amen.
Deacon Phillip Reynolds
Hebrews 11:1 - Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Faith is the substance. The word substance is translated Hupostasis, which means “that which underlies the apparent; that which is the basis of something, hence, assurance, guarantee and confidence” (Spiros Zodhiates, The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament, p. 1426). God has dealt each one of us a measure of faith (Romans 12:3) that grows exceedingly (2 Thessalonians 1:3) by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17).
If we want something manifested in our life, it begins and ends with faith. The end result of faith is a manifestation of what has been hoped for. We are called to walk in faith. In other words to act as though what we hope for is actually manifested in the natural world because faith has already unlocked it in the supernatural world. We’re not talking ATM and prosperity. What I’m talking about is “Lord your will be done,” I yield to what you have in store for me and by faith I walk in the confidence that all things, no matter what (broke or rich, full or hungry, pain or pleasure), work together for the good. Therefore we must walk with a confident understanding that God WILL hear and God WILL manifest.
Father God, Please allow me to submit to your will and have faith in the manifestation of your presence and blessing in my life. Amen.
Pentecost - 50 Days of Devotions - May 27 - Day 34
Manifestation Equals Love
Pastor Sylvia van Laar
1 Corinthians 12:7 (NIV) - Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
Breath of Life’s (BOL) theme for 2011 is Manifest. The dreams and visions that God has given us as a church and individuals are to manifest this year. They will manifest by, each individual and the body of Jesus, the church, using the gifts of the Holy Spirit for building the Kingdom of Heaven/God. Not our own kingdom but God’s Kingdom. Scripture makes it clear that each member of the body of Christ has been given at least one spiritual gift, if not many, by the Holy Spirit.
If you have the gift of prophecy, healing, word of knowledge, discernment of spirits...whatever spiritual gift you have it is a manifestation of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is made known, revealed, by our use of our gift(s). Our gifts are to manifest by sharing the good news of Jesus and being doers of the Word. To build the Kingdom of God is to die to self and live for Jesus and others, the common good. To build the Kingdom of God is to truly love God first, and love others.
Manifest the Holy Spirit. LOVE!
Abba, thank you for the manifestation of the Holy Spirit. Help me to use my spiritual gifts for the good of all and to Your Glory. Make me love as you are love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Pastor Sylvia van Laar
1 Corinthians 12:7 (NIV) - Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
Breath of Life’s (BOL) theme for 2011 is Manifest. The dreams and visions that God has given us as a church and individuals are to manifest this year. They will manifest by, each individual and the body of Jesus, the church, using the gifts of the Holy Spirit for building the Kingdom of Heaven/God. Not our own kingdom but God’s Kingdom. Scripture makes it clear that each member of the body of Christ has been given at least one spiritual gift, if not many, by the Holy Spirit.
If you have the gift of prophecy, healing, word of knowledge, discernment of spirits...whatever spiritual gift you have it is a manifestation of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is made known, revealed, by our use of our gift(s). Our gifts are to manifest by sharing the good news of Jesus and being doers of the Word. To build the Kingdom of God is to die to self and live for Jesus and others, the common good. To build the Kingdom of God is to truly love God first, and love others.
Manifest the Holy Spirit. LOVE!
Abba, thank you for the manifestation of the Holy Spirit. Help me to use my spiritual gifts for the good of all and to Your Glory. Make me love as you are love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
