Hello All,
I have an announcement to make...
Zeph Daniel interviewed Ronnie McMullen on podcast a few days ago..great interview..my Internet actually let me listen to it with only a few glitches...
The interview can be heard at Zeph's site .
http://zephreport.podomatic.com/
Zeph also has a lot of other interesting things to listen to so please go check it out.
Also I will be doing an interview with Zeph this week and will let you know when it is posted.
Remember Ronnie's sites.
http://thepropheticwatch.com
http://ufoencounterslive.com
Zeph and Ronnie are two of my favorite brothers and I feel very blessed to do interviews with them.
Now a couple more entries from Gentle Shepherd....
Reading: Isaiah 61:1-2
THE SPIRIT SHALL REST ON HIM
We have been talking about Jesus as the Branch. How many branches do we see about us? They sway in the wind as each season challenges the source of their strength and life. The tree, or the vine, must have a strong root system in order to maintain the very existence of the branches, but the branch must have the sustaining power to abide and maintain its connection to the source of life.
Jesus came out of the stem of Jesse. He came forth out of the root ordained and maintained by heaven. He would grow into the Branch that would be used by the Father. But, first He had to be identified and empowered in His humanity.
John the Baptist explained how he was to recognize the Messiah:
“…I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not; but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he who baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God” (John 1:32 -34).
The identification for the Promised One was the Holy Spirit descending on the Anointed One at His water baptism. The prophet Isaiah confirms this. He said of the Messiah that the Spirit of the LORD would rest on Him. With the abiding presence of the Spirit on the man Jesus, He was confirmed as the Messiah. He would walk in wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and in the fear of the LORD. He is our example. We need to walk in the abiding presence, power and riches of the Spirit.
As we grow in the knowledge of our Lord, we will understand what it means to be a branch. All life, power, wisdom, and purpose come from above. This is why our faith must reach upward and not inward and outward. Such a reach will allow us to consider the divine purpose and working of God that needs to take place in our lives. After all, it was true for Jesus in His humanity; therefore, it is true for us.
Prayer: Lord, we are so limited by our human focus, but we do have priceless examples that reveal Your perfect ways to us. Amen.
Reading: Jeremiah 23:5-6
A RIGHTEOUS BRANCH
Jesus is the Branch and from Him will come the life that will produce a gigantic tree. This tree will be a resting place, providing shade, and where fruit and strength reside. We know that this tree represents the kingdom of God .
In Zechariah we learned that Jesus came as a servant. In other words, He came in a position of servitude in order to come into submission to the plan and will of the Father. As a servant, He served as an example to us as to the type of attitude we must have, as well as the type of life we must learn how to live.
Jeremiah presents Jesus as a branch in another light. As already mentioned, Jesus is the Branch in which the life of God budded forth. This life represented His kingdom. Since the kingdom of God was going to be brought forth within the lives of men, there had to be a king to oversee it. We know God promised this king to King David. He stated He would establish the throne of David forever, as well as put a king upon the throne who would rule forever. This promise was in regard to the eternal kingdom being set up, as well as the future reign of the Messiah.
Jesus would clearly be king. He would not only be King of the Jews, but He would come back after His ascension as the King of kings, ready to be established on the throne of David forever.
This is also our glorious promise. The fact that Jesus is coming back is our blessed hope, but the other promise points to His righteousness being established from His throne throughout the earth. There will be justice, as well as prosperity, salvation, and safety.
The prophet Jeremiah summarizes that this branch will be called “The LORD our Righteousness.” As a branch in the kingdom of God , we must exhibit right standing with God and others. We must be honorable and just in all of our practices.
Prayer: Lord, our hope is in You, not in this present world. The world’s solutions are temporary, but You offer what is eternal. Amen.
©2008 Rayola Kelley, Gentle Shepherd Ministries. Permission is granted for non-commercial (free) distribution provided this notice appears.
www.gentleshepherd.com
Questions or comments welcome. Email: ministry@gentleshepherd.com
Monday, October 26, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
Pruning Hooks...
I can not say enough about how beautiful all the colors are this time of year.... I feel sorry for those who live in places where fall colors do not happen.
I guess I am one of those people who like things defined. That is why I like the changes of the seasons as it gives me markers of what comes next so I can prepare.
In the times a head I think we can see definite markers on the horizon. One thing I know is that being spiritually prepared is the most important thing for any of us. If our faith is not in place and our relationship with the Creator is not on the right footing then all of the physical preparations are in vain. Faith casts out all fear... and the only true faith is the faith we have in our Lord and Savior.... He is the rock we can count on and the only rock we know that will not shift or cause us to stumble.
While you prepare in the physical be sure to make sure the spiritual is in order...the physical will parish but the spiritual will last forever....
Now blessings to you all as you meditate on the studies below....
Judy
Reading: Isaiah 18:4-7
PRUNING HOOKS
The reality of any plant or tree is that it must be pruned. We read that the people used an instrument called a pruning hook. This special tool involved a knife, but was also designed to prune the vine. God is faithful to use certain instruments to prune His people back to produce the fruit that is necessary for His glory.
This Scripture reveals that the fruit represents the labors of those who planted it. But, because of transgression the Lord is telling them that the creatures will partake of the fruit, and not those who planted the vine, for those who did the work will be scattered.
This prophecy was given to Ethiopia , but it needs to serve as a warning to us. We are laboring in the harvest field of humanity, but to partake of the fruit, God must designate and keep it for us. We must be reminded that God’s grace must be present towards His people, but His people must make sure that God can show His favor or grace towards them.
The Apostle Paul tells us how God’s grace is able to be bestowed upon His people in Romans 5:21: “That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ, our Lord.”
Clearly, if sin reigns, people will taste the bitter fruits of death. The other source that reigns is grace. But, consider what it reigns through: righteousness. As His people, we must be in an upright standing to ensure that God’s favor towards us will reign in our lives.
In Isaiah’s prophecy to Ethiopia , we can see that God will use pruning hooks to cut back the fruit of the land, not to show favor to the people, but to allow the creature to reap the fruit of it.
As Christians we assume that God will show His favor towards us no matter how we are living, serving and worshipping Him. Clearly, Scripture shows us the contrary. God’s grace or favor can only reign through righteousness.
Are you in the position for God’s grace to reign in your life?
Prayer: Lord, Your grace is unlimited favor, but it must reign through our lives within the boundaries of righteousness for us to experience it. Have Your way. Amen.
Reading: Isaiah 11:1-2
THE BRANCH
We have been considering being a branch in God’s kingdom. Our source, life, and productivity come from the Vine of life. However, the Vine of life, Jesus, began as a branch in the midst of humanity. He came out of the root of Jesse. We need to consider His journey as the Branch for our own edification.
Need to grow: In His humanity, Jesus had to grow. His life was connected to heaven. His ways were right, and through suffering and obedience, He was brought to perfection in His humanity. It is important to recognize that He grew in His humanity because He was in subjection to the Father.
The Spirit was upon Him: In His humanity, He had to be set apart and identified. The Spirit of God came upon Him to identify Him as the Messiah, and set Him apart to do a work. We can see this identification take place in the form of miracles, and we see Him set apart by His attitude and ways. We need to be identified as Christ’s followers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit working in our lives.
Insight: Since the Spirit of God was upon Him, He would be endued with wisdom, understanding, counsel, power, and knowledge in the fear of the Lord. Obviously, in His humanity, He needed the very wisdom of heaven to walk in understanding as our counselor, as well as in the power and knowledge of God. He had the necessary attitude that ensured His meekness and humility to carry out His mission.
As Christians, we need to take note of how the Branch of heaven, Jesus came out of the root of Jesse. We need to consider the environment the Branch developed in, as well as the type of life that came out of His side when He was offered on the cross.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for being the Branch. We can trust the life that has budded forth through Your redemption. Amen.
Reading: Isaiah 60:21-22
HE PLANTED THE BRANCH
We are clearly reminded who plants and grows everything in this present world and in the kingdom of God . As believers, we are looking forward to a time where everyone around us will be deemed righteous. The righteous will also inherit what God has for them. The reason why is because God will do the planting. In fact, two thousand years ago, God planted a branch. That branch grew up among humanity. His name is Jesus Christ.
Today, there is a lot of planting going on. The problem is the source of life that is being planted. God plants everlasting life in people through His Son, Jesus, but there are those who are claiming to be planting the life of Christ, but they are actually planting their own idea of life. The people that blindly follow these individuals are unable to recognize that these “leaders” can only produce a counterfeit or perverted concept of life. It might look like life, but it possesses only the seeds and ways of death.
It is hard for some people to realize that life only comes from God. The other aspect of this life is that it cannot come from just “any old god,” it must come from the God of the Bible.
The Bible is clear there is only one true God by nature. He alone is the essence of true life, and is the only one capable of producing this life in others. Although our politically correct society frowns on the concepts that there is only one true God, and only one true way to heaven, but these declarations of truth will never cease to serve as the absolute standard. In the end, such truths will stand when all other gods, beliefs, philosophies, and ways fall at Jesus’ feet.
The other aspect of our God is that He can take a little branch like Abraham, and produce fruit a thousand-fold. He can take a small branch like David and produce a strong nation. He also took an unlikely branch in the form of His Son, and provided salvation for all who will believe.
Keep this in mind the next time you think you are insignificant in the scheme of things. Let God have your life and strength, and you will discover His strength and power.
Prayer: Lord, You are the essence of true life; therefore, I choose You as my source. Amen.
©2008 Rayola Kelley, Gentle Shepherd Ministries. Permission is granted for non-commercial (free) distribution provided this notice appears.
www.gentleshepherd.com
Questions or comments welcome. Email: ministry@gentleshepherd.com
I guess I am one of those people who like things defined. That is why I like the changes of the seasons as it gives me markers of what comes next so I can prepare.
In the times a head I think we can see definite markers on the horizon. One thing I know is that being spiritually prepared is the most important thing for any of us. If our faith is not in place and our relationship with the Creator is not on the right footing then all of the physical preparations are in vain. Faith casts out all fear... and the only true faith is the faith we have in our Lord and Savior.... He is the rock we can count on and the only rock we know that will not shift or cause us to stumble.
While you prepare in the physical be sure to make sure the spiritual is in order...the physical will parish but the spiritual will last forever....
Now blessings to you all as you meditate on the studies below....
Judy
Reading: Isaiah 18:4-7
PRUNING HOOKS
The reality of any plant or tree is that it must be pruned. We read that the people used an instrument called a pruning hook. This special tool involved a knife, but was also designed to prune the vine. God is faithful to use certain instruments to prune His people back to produce the fruit that is necessary for His glory.
This Scripture reveals that the fruit represents the labors of those who planted it. But, because of transgression the Lord is telling them that the creatures will partake of the fruit, and not those who planted the vine, for those who did the work will be scattered.
This prophecy was given to Ethiopia , but it needs to serve as a warning to us. We are laboring in the harvest field of humanity, but to partake of the fruit, God must designate and keep it for us. We must be reminded that God’s grace must be present towards His people, but His people must make sure that God can show His favor or grace towards them.
The Apostle Paul tells us how God’s grace is able to be bestowed upon His people in Romans 5:21: “That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ, our Lord.”
Clearly, if sin reigns, people will taste the bitter fruits of death. The other source that reigns is grace. But, consider what it reigns through: righteousness. As His people, we must be in an upright standing to ensure that God’s favor towards us will reign in our lives.
In Isaiah’s prophecy to Ethiopia , we can see that God will use pruning hooks to cut back the fruit of the land, not to show favor to the people, but to allow the creature to reap the fruit of it.
As Christians we assume that God will show His favor towards us no matter how we are living, serving and worshipping Him. Clearly, Scripture shows us the contrary. God’s grace or favor can only reign through righteousness.
Are you in the position for God’s grace to reign in your life?
Prayer: Lord, Your grace is unlimited favor, but it must reign through our lives within the boundaries of righteousness for us to experience it. Have Your way. Amen.
Reading: Isaiah 11:1-2
THE BRANCH
We have been considering being a branch in God’s kingdom. Our source, life, and productivity come from the Vine of life. However, the Vine of life, Jesus, began as a branch in the midst of humanity. He came out of the root of Jesse. We need to consider His journey as the Branch for our own edification.
Need to grow: In His humanity, Jesus had to grow. His life was connected to heaven. His ways were right, and through suffering and obedience, He was brought to perfection in His humanity. It is important to recognize that He grew in His humanity because He was in subjection to the Father.
The Spirit was upon Him: In His humanity, He had to be set apart and identified. The Spirit of God came upon Him to identify Him as the Messiah, and set Him apart to do a work. We can see this identification take place in the form of miracles, and we see Him set apart by His attitude and ways. We need to be identified as Christ’s followers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit working in our lives.
Insight: Since the Spirit of God was upon Him, He would be endued with wisdom, understanding, counsel, power, and knowledge in the fear of the Lord. Obviously, in His humanity, He needed the very wisdom of heaven to walk in understanding as our counselor, as well as in the power and knowledge of God. He had the necessary attitude that ensured His meekness and humility to carry out His mission.
As Christians, we need to take note of how the Branch of heaven, Jesus came out of the root of Jesse. We need to consider the environment the Branch developed in, as well as the type of life that came out of His side when He was offered on the cross.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for being the Branch. We can trust the life that has budded forth through Your redemption. Amen.
Reading: Isaiah 60:21-22
HE PLANTED THE BRANCH
We are clearly reminded who plants and grows everything in this present world and in the kingdom of God . As believers, we are looking forward to a time where everyone around us will be deemed righteous. The righteous will also inherit what God has for them. The reason why is because God will do the planting. In fact, two thousand years ago, God planted a branch. That branch grew up among humanity. His name is Jesus Christ.
Today, there is a lot of planting going on. The problem is the source of life that is being planted. God plants everlasting life in people through His Son, Jesus, but there are those who are claiming to be planting the life of Christ, but they are actually planting their own idea of life. The people that blindly follow these individuals are unable to recognize that these “leaders” can only produce a counterfeit or perverted concept of life. It might look like life, but it possesses only the seeds and ways of death.
It is hard for some people to realize that life only comes from God. The other aspect of this life is that it cannot come from just “any old god,” it must come from the God of the Bible.
The Bible is clear there is only one true God by nature. He alone is the essence of true life, and is the only one capable of producing this life in others. Although our politically correct society frowns on the concepts that there is only one true God, and only one true way to heaven, but these declarations of truth will never cease to serve as the absolute standard. In the end, such truths will stand when all other gods, beliefs, philosophies, and ways fall at Jesus’ feet.
The other aspect of our God is that He can take a little branch like Abraham, and produce fruit a thousand-fold. He can take a small branch like David and produce a strong nation. He also took an unlikely branch in the form of His Son, and provided salvation for all who will believe.
Keep this in mind the next time you think you are insignificant in the scheme of things. Let God have your life and strength, and you will discover His strength and power.
Prayer: Lord, You are the essence of true life; therefore, I choose You as my source. Amen.
©2008 Rayola Kelley, Gentle Shepherd Ministries. Permission is granted for non-commercial (free) distribution provided this notice appears.
www.gentleshepherd.com
Questions or comments welcome. Email: ministry@gentleshepherd.com
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Becoming a Productive Branch
I have a few things to share with you all today so I guess I better get too it.
First off if you have not taken the time to read my last post with Ronnie's article please do so...
Next I am posting some info on keeping you all healthy in an unhealthy world.... and then I will continue the posts from Gentle Shepherd....
I will probably be writing a blog article soon..I can feel the urge starting up in my fingers...HA!
Have a blessed rest of the week....
Judy
Dr. Vinay Goyal is an MBBS,DRM,DNB (Intensivist and Thyroid specialist) having clinical experience of over 20 years. He has worked in institutions like Hinduja Hospital, Bombay Hospital, Saifee Hospital , Tata Memorial etc.. Presently, he is heading our Nuclear Medicine Department and Thyroid clinic at Riddhivinayak Cardiac and Critical Centre, Malad (W).
The following message given by him, I feel makes a lot of sense and is important for all to know:
The only portals of entry for the H1N1 virus are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible to avoid coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is.
While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps, not fully highlighted in most official communications, can be practiced (instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tamiflu):
1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).
2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face (unless you want to eat, bathe or slap).
3. Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don't trust salt). H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.
4. Similar to 3 above, clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. Blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.
5. Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C. If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.
6. Drink as much of warm liquids (tea, coffee, etc) as you can. Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.
Reading: Proverbs 11:28
BECOMING A PRODUCTIVE BRANCH
We have considered the Vine, now we must consider what it means to be a branch. The branch is simply an extension of the vine. It will not produce like branches, but fruit that represents the vine. The branches do not speak of themselves; they remain silent as the fruit speaks of the vine.
The reason branches do not speak of themselves is because they are not the source of life. They are simply the connection between the life of the vine as it produces the fruit, while its very life flows through the branches.
In religious zeal we can forget this reality. We think that, as branches, we are something special, but without the Vine we are nothing. It is vital that we keep this in mind. The life comes from the Vine. As branches, we are as dependent on the Vine, while the type of fruit that comes from our lives depends on our heart condition. In fact, the Vine not only gives life to the branches but purpose. The very life of Jesus is what buds out from the branches to produce the fruit. Therefore, we must allow all of our strength to be channeled and spent out to ensure fruit is produced to honor Him.
Solomon in his wisdom referred to people as branches. He gave us insight into what it would take for us to become a branch. It takes righteousness. We must become upright in our lives towards God to flourish like a branch in God’s vineyard.
This brings us to a walk of faith. We must walk by faith to flourish like a branch that is prepared and capable of producing fruit.
What about you? Are you flourishing in your life in Christ because of Your faith?
Prayer: Lord, You are the Vine, but it is in Your righteousness that I will flourish like a branch. I do desire Your righteousness. Amen.
Reading: Zechariah 3:8
MY SERVANT
The amazing part about the revelation of Jesus becoming a branch was a mystery that was veiled to the eyes of those who failed to walk by the simple faith of a child. Such people will never see the revelation of this mystery because of unbelief. They are blinded by the darkness that is in this present world. They will never come to the realization of who God is nor will they discover how to love Him. The reality is they prefer to choose another god and follow their particular concept of their idol, but they will never have that living witness of the true God.
As we follow Jesus as the branch, we will see the part He played in our redemption. We will follow the Branch as He progresses from being a stem of Jessie to becoming the Branch that will be used up for the glory of God.
In this prophecy concerning Jesus, we see into His disposition. He will become a Branch in the Father’s hand. In order to do this He had to take on the disposition of a servant. Keep in mind the branch has no significance outside of the vine. In His humanity, Jesus had no significance outside of fulfilling the plan of the Father. The winds of the world would blow against His resolve to finish the course as the Lamb of God. Satan would use the platform of the barren wilderness to tempt Him to veer away from the plan. The noisome sounds of men mocking Him to step outside of His mission would also follow Him to the cross. However, He was firmly grounded into the very plan of the Father. Nothing would deter Him from becoming the Lamb of God.
The Word tells us that the Father would bring forth Jesus as His Branch, and as His servant. His very roots would reach into the corridors of heaven. His purpose would be ordained from the very throne of the Almighty. This Branch would be used by the Father to bring forth our redemption.
Prayer: Lord, we have much to be thankful for. You are the Branch that brought forth the eternal plan of redemption. Praise Your Holy name. Amen.
©2008 Rayola Kelley, Gentle Shepherd Ministries. Permission is granted for non-commercial (free) distribution provided this notice appears.
www.gentleshepherd.com
Questions or comments welcome. Email: ministry@gentleshepherd.com
First off if you have not taken the time to read my last post with Ronnie's article please do so...
Next I am posting some info on keeping you all healthy in an unhealthy world.... and then I will continue the posts from Gentle Shepherd....
I will probably be writing a blog article soon..I can feel the urge starting up in my fingers...HA!
Have a blessed rest of the week....
Judy
Dr. Vinay Goyal is an MBBS,DRM,DNB (Intensivist and Thyroid specialist) having clinical experience of over 20 years. He has worked in institutions like Hinduja Hospital, Bombay Hospital, Saifee Hospital , Tata Memorial etc.. Presently, he is heading our Nuclear Medicine Department and Thyroid clinic at Riddhivinayak Cardiac and Critical Centre, Malad (W).
The following message given by him, I feel makes a lot of sense and is important for all to know:
The only portals of entry for the H1N1 virus are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible to avoid coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is.
While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps, not fully highlighted in most official communications, can be practiced (instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tamiflu):
1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).
2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face (unless you want to eat, bathe or slap).
3. Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don't trust salt). H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.
4. Similar to 3 above, clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. Blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.
5. Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C. If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.
6. Drink as much of warm liquids (tea, coffee, etc) as you can. Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.
Reading: Proverbs 11:28
BECOMING A PRODUCTIVE BRANCH
We have considered the Vine, now we must consider what it means to be a branch. The branch is simply an extension of the vine. It will not produce like branches, but fruit that represents the vine. The branches do not speak of themselves; they remain silent as the fruit speaks of the vine.
The reason branches do not speak of themselves is because they are not the source of life. They are simply the connection between the life of the vine as it produces the fruit, while its very life flows through the branches.
In religious zeal we can forget this reality. We think that, as branches, we are something special, but without the Vine we are nothing. It is vital that we keep this in mind. The life comes from the Vine. As branches, we are as dependent on the Vine, while the type of fruit that comes from our lives depends on our heart condition. In fact, the Vine not only gives life to the branches but purpose. The very life of Jesus is what buds out from the branches to produce the fruit. Therefore, we must allow all of our strength to be channeled and spent out to ensure fruit is produced to honor Him.
Solomon in his wisdom referred to people as branches. He gave us insight into what it would take for us to become a branch. It takes righteousness. We must become upright in our lives towards God to flourish like a branch in God’s vineyard.
This brings us to a walk of faith. We must walk by faith to flourish like a branch that is prepared and capable of producing fruit.
What about you? Are you flourishing in your life in Christ because of Your faith?
Prayer: Lord, You are the Vine, but it is in Your righteousness that I will flourish like a branch. I do desire Your righteousness. Amen.
Reading: Zechariah 3:8
MY SERVANT
The amazing part about the revelation of Jesus becoming a branch was a mystery that was veiled to the eyes of those who failed to walk by the simple faith of a child. Such people will never see the revelation of this mystery because of unbelief. They are blinded by the darkness that is in this present world. They will never come to the realization of who God is nor will they discover how to love Him. The reality is they prefer to choose another god and follow their particular concept of their idol, but they will never have that living witness of the true God.
As we follow Jesus as the branch, we will see the part He played in our redemption. We will follow the Branch as He progresses from being a stem of Jessie to becoming the Branch that will be used up for the glory of God.
In this prophecy concerning Jesus, we see into His disposition. He will become a Branch in the Father’s hand. In order to do this He had to take on the disposition of a servant. Keep in mind the branch has no significance outside of the vine. In His humanity, Jesus had no significance outside of fulfilling the plan of the Father. The winds of the world would blow against His resolve to finish the course as the Lamb of God. Satan would use the platform of the barren wilderness to tempt Him to veer away from the plan. The noisome sounds of men mocking Him to step outside of His mission would also follow Him to the cross. However, He was firmly grounded into the very plan of the Father. Nothing would deter Him from becoming the Lamb of God.
The Word tells us that the Father would bring forth Jesus as His Branch, and as His servant. His very roots would reach into the corridors of heaven. His purpose would be ordained from the very throne of the Almighty. This Branch would be used by the Father to bring forth our redemption.
Prayer: Lord, we have much to be thankful for. You are the Branch that brought forth the eternal plan of redemption. Praise Your Holy name. Amen.
©2008 Rayola Kelley, Gentle Shepherd Ministries. Permission is granted for non-commercial (free) distribution provided this notice appears.
www.gentleshepherd.com
Questions or comments welcome. Email: ministry@gentleshepherd.com
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
What is truth?
This is an article my brother and friend in Christ, Ronnie McMullen wrote. I thought it was very thought provoking and you all know how I love that !! I copied this from his site. http://thepropheticwatch.com/ .
Enjoy....
What is Truth?
By Ronnie McMullen
I shall start this article out with: What is truth? I mean, really! What is truth? Is it your truth? Is it my truth? Is it the truth? Here is the problem with Christianity, religion, our make-up (inner-soul), and how we live. Does anybody really have a definition for the truth? As it is written, Jesus says, "I am the way, I am the truth, and I am the life, and no one comes to My Father, except through me." So, we know that the Christ is the truth. Yeshua, or is it Jesus? Or is it . . .?? You see, people have different perspectives and different perspectives ignite different truths. But, what really makes a truth? A truth should be absolute, but I believe there is something else that defines truth. It is how we perceive. There are those that believe in Buddha, there are those that believe in Mohammad, there are those that believe in Jesus, there are those that believe in New Age, there are those that don't believe, and it is all based on how they see. . . the truth. Truth involves belief. Those that don't believe in a Savior, will believe to be agnostic. Maybe those in another country believe in Zen. There are those that believe that there is no Christ, but only Lucifer. (our New World Order believes this, and this is the weakest of all beliefs) But if we find out what absolute truth really defines as, do we really believe in it? In other words, you believe in Jesus, but do you really? Do you believe in just a piece of Jesus? You may say, "no". But, the truth is, from my perspective, we all believe in a piece of the teachings of Jesus Christ. How can I say that? Just look at how many denominations rule this world. All denominations have a piece, belief systems have a piece and even satanism has a belief system within its walls. Not a positive belief system, but a belief system. If we understand this, then we understand there is power, even in a negative belief system. There is positive energy, ie: Jesus Christ, and there is negative energy. As I sent out my newsletter, my newsletter was surrounded by the subject "addiction to fear". What is fear? Is fear negative energy or positive energy? Who presides over fear? Why do we have fear? Is it possible that those that have fear, have not enough truth or belief? Is it possible that fear and its negative energy has overtaken the positive energy? It seems to me, and I am not a scientist, that it takes positive energy and negative energy to move objects; ie: a car. Is our faith system powered by fear or is our faith system powered by love? Do we give and love based on fear and negative energy? Or do we give and love based on positive energy? When we give or love, do we do it to receive? Or, do we do it, just because? And, if we love or give to receive, does this now turn to negative energy? It seems to me, in my humble opinion, when the subject is all about our self, when we do to receive, then, our number one thoughts would be, "What do we get?" Is this selfishness? Is selfishness negative energy? Let's just grab another perspective. Did Yeshua use His power from the Father for himself? Did He walk on this earth for thirty plus years under negative power or under positive power? Jesus entered into this world, and was a part of this world, but He was not of this world. Did the power of this worlds laws and physics apply to Christ and the task His Father gave to Him? Did He bow to the power that this world had to offer? Or did He rise above that power? Did He rule over that power? Obviously in the days of Jesus, there was a negative force, and that negative force was commanding man to rule by its power. (The Luciferian agenda) There has been a New World Order since way before the Bible era. A New World Order is not a new series of words. The law of God was given to this world, and man was to rule by its law. But, a New World Order implies that the law of God is not sufficient for man and that the world must exist away from the law of God and unto the law of man. . . or another god. Man believing (faith) his truth that he is god. This is their truth. This has crept its way into our churches as becoming "the truth". Ministries revolve around money and finances, which they call manna from heaven. But if you look up the truth of what manna really is, it is a white substance, like coriander, that has nothing to do with the financial state. We are told by Mega ministries to give all that you have, just as the widow's mite. The story of the widow's mite had nothing to do with giving all that you had, but had everything to do with the heart-mode. And this leads me to the core of this article. HEART MODE What is the intent of your heart? I use the word giving because when one gives, it takes that person away from oneself. When you give, you release yourself from the bondage of this world. When you give, unknowingly, (in other words, not just to friends and family) but you give to a place where you have no control, you are releasing yourself from the matrix of this world. Few can do this. In fact, few can give period, even to friends and family. Giving comes directly from the soul. Giving was based in the power of Yeshua. Giving is truly based in the power of the Father. In fact, and I truly mean fact, we would not live, breathe, see, smell, taste and so on, without the Father's gifts. You would not have your measly, pitiful job, you would not have a roof over your head, you would not have anything, including your speech. You would not have a brain, you would not have breath of life. Everything we are and have is because of the Creator. The Creator gave us our gifts, but the gifts have outweighed the Creator in today's worldly show. Few follow the Father and know that He is the Creator. We would rather hold on to our books, to the memories of what we were told by another man, than to hold on to the truth that is deep within our soul. We do know what is wrong and what is right, but you become what you practice. Practice selfishness and become selfish. Practice greed and you become greedy. Practice anger, you become hateful. Practice lies, and you become a liar. And when you do not give, you have opened the door to darkness. What is truth? I believe truth is absolute and directly from the Father. But, my truth says that that is my perception. Your truth might say something different. It's too bad "the truth" could not be a standard practice for all, with only one perception. Instead, there is "our truth" based on perception, confusion and knowledge or lack of knowledge. This is why there is such a great division among people and among people that are in the faith. I challenge you to start with the absolute truth and use writings to confirm that absolute truth within your soul. Most of our knowledge comes from memory from books. Very little of our knowledge that we have learned, have we truly learned from the Spirit of God. Take away our books, you take away everything. My question to you is, What about when we learn something that does not conform to a book? Do we call it a lie? Do we call it the devil? Do we call it. . .? Our mind, as I've said in my radio shows, run on an average of 8%. Is God a moron that He will not enlighten us to the other 92% sitting upon our shoulders? And, what is that 92% called? Truth? Lie? Perception? Do we know? I want to challenge you to search your heart for the Spirit of God. If you are in the box that the religious leaders have labeled "truth" , you are in bondage. I believe the Lord would say to you, There is no box. And that is His perception. That is His truth. That is "THE TRUTH".
Enjoy....
What is Truth?
By Ronnie McMullen
I shall start this article out with: What is truth? I mean, really! What is truth? Is it your truth? Is it my truth? Is it the truth? Here is the problem with Christianity, religion, our make-up (inner-soul), and how we live. Does anybody really have a definition for the truth? As it is written, Jesus says, "I am the way, I am the truth, and I am the life, and no one comes to My Father, except through me." So, we know that the Christ is the truth. Yeshua, or is it Jesus? Or is it . . .?? You see, people have different perspectives and different perspectives ignite different truths. But, what really makes a truth? A truth should be absolute, but I believe there is something else that defines truth. It is how we perceive. There are those that believe in Buddha, there are those that believe in Mohammad, there are those that believe in Jesus, there are those that believe in New Age, there are those that don't believe, and it is all based on how they see. . . the truth. Truth involves belief. Those that don't believe in a Savior, will believe to be agnostic. Maybe those in another country believe in Zen. There are those that believe that there is no Christ, but only Lucifer. (our New World Order believes this, and this is the weakest of all beliefs) But if we find out what absolute truth really defines as, do we really believe in it? In other words, you believe in Jesus, but do you really? Do you believe in just a piece of Jesus? You may say, "no". But, the truth is, from my perspective, we all believe in a piece of the teachings of Jesus Christ. How can I say that? Just look at how many denominations rule this world. All denominations have a piece, belief systems have a piece and even satanism has a belief system within its walls. Not a positive belief system, but a belief system. If we understand this, then we understand there is power, even in a negative belief system. There is positive energy, ie: Jesus Christ, and there is negative energy. As I sent out my newsletter, my newsletter was surrounded by the subject "addiction to fear". What is fear? Is fear negative energy or positive energy? Who presides over fear? Why do we have fear? Is it possible that those that have fear, have not enough truth or belief? Is it possible that fear and its negative energy has overtaken the positive energy? It seems to me, and I am not a scientist, that it takes positive energy and negative energy to move objects; ie: a car. Is our faith system powered by fear or is our faith system powered by love? Do we give and love based on fear and negative energy? Or do we give and love based on positive energy? When we give or love, do we do it to receive? Or, do we do it, just because? And, if we love or give to receive, does this now turn to negative energy? It seems to me, in my humble opinion, when the subject is all about our self, when we do to receive, then, our number one thoughts would be, "What do we get?" Is this selfishness? Is selfishness negative energy? Let's just grab another perspective. Did Yeshua use His power from the Father for himself? Did He walk on this earth for thirty plus years under negative power or under positive power? Jesus entered into this world, and was a part of this world, but He was not of this world. Did the power of this worlds laws and physics apply to Christ and the task His Father gave to Him? Did He bow to the power that this world had to offer? Or did He rise above that power? Did He rule over that power? Obviously in the days of Jesus, there was a negative force, and that negative force was commanding man to rule by its power. (The Luciferian agenda) There has been a New World Order since way before the Bible era. A New World Order is not a new series of words. The law of God was given to this world, and man was to rule by its law. But, a New World Order implies that the law of God is not sufficient for man and that the world must exist away from the law of God and unto the law of man. . . or another god. Man believing (faith) his truth that he is god. This is their truth. This has crept its way into our churches as becoming "the truth". Ministries revolve around money and finances, which they call manna from heaven. But if you look up the truth of what manna really is, it is a white substance, like coriander, that has nothing to do with the financial state. We are told by Mega ministries to give all that you have, just as the widow's mite. The story of the widow's mite had nothing to do with giving all that you had, but had everything to do with the heart-mode. And this leads me to the core of this article. HEART MODE What is the intent of your heart? I use the word giving because when one gives, it takes that person away from oneself. When you give, you release yourself from the bondage of this world. When you give, unknowingly, (in other words, not just to friends and family) but you give to a place where you have no control, you are releasing yourself from the matrix of this world. Few can do this. In fact, few can give period, even to friends and family. Giving comes directly from the soul. Giving was based in the power of Yeshua. Giving is truly based in the power of the Father. In fact, and I truly mean fact, we would not live, breathe, see, smell, taste and so on, without the Father's gifts. You would not have your measly, pitiful job, you would not have a roof over your head, you would not have anything, including your speech. You would not have a brain, you would not have breath of life. Everything we are and have is because of the Creator. The Creator gave us our gifts, but the gifts have outweighed the Creator in today's worldly show. Few follow the Father and know that He is the Creator. We would rather hold on to our books, to the memories of what we were told by another man, than to hold on to the truth that is deep within our soul. We do know what is wrong and what is right, but you become what you practice. Practice selfishness and become selfish. Practice greed and you become greedy. Practice anger, you become hateful. Practice lies, and you become a liar. And when you do not give, you have opened the door to darkness. What is truth? I believe truth is absolute and directly from the Father. But, my truth says that that is my perception. Your truth might say something different. It's too bad "the truth" could not be a standard practice for all, with only one perception. Instead, there is "our truth" based on perception, confusion and knowledge or lack of knowledge. This is why there is such a great division among people and among people that are in the faith. I challenge you to start with the absolute truth and use writings to confirm that absolute truth within your soul. Most of our knowledge comes from memory from books. Very little of our knowledge that we have learned, have we truly learned from the Spirit of God. Take away our books, you take away everything. My question to you is, What about when we learn something that does not conform to a book? Do we call it a lie? Do we call it the devil? Do we call it. . .? Our mind, as I've said in my radio shows, run on an average of 8%. Is God a moron that He will not enlighten us to the other 92% sitting upon our shoulders? And, what is that 92% called? Truth? Lie? Perception? Do we know? I want to challenge you to search your heart for the Spirit of God. If you are in the box that the religious leaders have labeled "truth" , you are in bondage. I believe the Lord would say to you, There is no box. And that is His perception. That is His truth. That is "THE TRUTH".
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