The psalm features agricultural images to illustrate how God blesses those who trust Him. The image of a wife as a fruitful vine in the home and children as olive plants growing around the table illustrate prosperous family relationships. It is sad to think of the blessings on our families we miss because of our failure to trust God and to obey Him. 

Psalm 128 is called the “Marriage Prayer” because it is sung at Jewish weddings.

• What does it mean to be blessed?
• Who are the blessed?
•  How can we be blessed?

Psalm 128 declares a blessed life is when God is at the center of life and when that happens, the work, family and personal lives become all blessed by the Lord. Are you living a blessed life?

I. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE BLESSED?

To be blessed means to possess power for success and prosperity in both material and spiritual realms. To be blessed speaks of a rich and abundant life from God in the Physical (Deut. 15:14), Mental (Isa. 26:3), Emotional (Psa. 146:5), and Spiritual (Eph. 1:3).
II. WHO ARE THE BLESSED? 

A. the Bible is clear on who is blessed in: Psa. 1:1; 32:1; 34:8; 84:5, 12; 119:1; 146:5, etc. True blessedness is more connected with what you are in the Lord rather than what you have in the world!

III. HOW CAN WE BE BLESSED? 

The condition of blessedness lies in our willingness to be obedient to God and His word (Psa. 128:1).

Blessedness comes when our lives are rooted and grounded in God and His word (Deut. 11:26-28).

You know you are blessed when your conscience is clean and at peace with both God and men (Acts 24:16).

CONCLUSION:

•       The blessed life is conditioned upon the God-centered life! And when life is centered upon God’s word and will, it becomes a wonderful blessed life that positively affects the work, home and personal life.
•       The blessed life all begins when a person realizes that he is a sinner under God’s judgment and sees his need for Jesus as Lord and Saviour
•       Jesus said, “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36)

Ps. Shalom

Psalm 92:1 says “It is good to give thanks to the LORD, And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High.”

ü  God works in mysterious ways. Nothing good just happens. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is not variation or shadow of turning” (James 1:17).

ü  God is the source of everything good and what He promises, He provides. He provides everything for us, we need to thank Him and praise Him each day of life.

Bible testifies about “Praising and Giving thanks to God”

• 1 Chron 16:7-36 David praised God, then at the end of verse 36 it says “And all the people said, Amen, and praised the LORD.” David invites others to praise with him:
• Ps 34:3 “O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.”
• Psalms 69:30-31 “I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving. This also shall please the LORD better than an ox or bullock that hath horns and hoofs.”

The Bible says that it is a good thing to give thanks to God. And when we give thanks, two things follow, as described in verse 2– we will see evidence of God’s loving-kindness and His faithfulness in our lives.

•       The opposite of thankfulness is not ungratefulness.
•       The opposite of thankfulness is worrying.

When we learn to thank God for the situations in our lives, we will stop worrying and start trusting Him to take care of situations that we cannot handle.  The Bible commands us to thank God – why it is a command?

It is not our natural tendency to thank God. Sometimes we need to push ourselves to do it.

The Psalmist, in Psalm 103:1 is telling himself, to ‘Bless the Lord, O my soul and all that is within me’. We need a daily reminder to thank God and to bless His holy Name.

• We also like to take credit for good things that happen to us. Romans 1:21-22 says that when we do not glorify God as God, and if we are not thankful, we become foolish. We tend to build up vain imaginations about ourselves and we become filled with pride – and we become not wise, but foolish (see verse 23 also).

•  Luke chapter 17 tells of how there were 10 lepers who were healed, yet only one came back to thank God. As a result of returning to thank God, that 1 leper received wholeness, which the others did not receive. There is power in thankfulness.

• 1 Thessalonians 5:18 reminds us to give thanks in everything. The writer of this verse was Paul, who at the time of writing was languishing in a dark prison cell. If Paul, in his prison cell, could think of things to thank God for, surely you and I can do so too. 

•  When we begin to thank God for everything, we naturally begin to pray without ceasing and we are filled with joy. Colossi ans 3:17 says that ‘whatever we do, we must do everything in Jesus’ name, giving thanks in all things.’ 

In the beginning, the earth was without form and void. Over the next six days, the Lord created everything we needed. And He created them diverse, but balanced.

The enemy always fights everything that God has created and looks to create chaos into the system God created, which includes our spiritual life. Satan uses everything – sometimes even the most unexpected people – to sow chaos, false beliefs, fear and doubt to distort the ultimate truth.  This is why as a Christian, it is very important to live a balanced Christian life.

We are One Body of Jesus:

It is not good for a child of Jesus to be disrespectful of the other gifts that exist and unteachable of the things that maybe beyond one’s understanding. Honour all ministers, ministries and churches. Some have more grace than others. Let’s learn to love and see them through the eyes of Jesus.

Stay Hungry for More of God:

We will know more of Him if we do not get familiar with the things of God. Don’t get stagnant in your Christian walk with God. There is no one who knows everything about God and His Word. Prayer on its own without the Word of God, which has to be the foundation, will make us lose out on victorious living. At the same time, the Word alone without the Holy Spirit and prayer will result in a dry and powerless faith walk.

Living Holy:

Remember not to judge anyone as if we are above mistakes. Never stop asking and learning either. The grace of God always leads us away from sin and not into sin. The Lord will forgive us each and every time we go to Him, but that gives us no permission to live in sin. The Word of God is powerful to empower us to live holy.

Let us remember 1 Thessalonians 4:

Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more.

For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives His Holy Spirit to you.

Put Your Trust in the Lord:

Keep no man elevated in the place of God. All of us need God’s grace and mercy. Learn to forgive and let love lead even when humans disappoint us. Remember we need love, forgiveness and mercy ourselves. If you are disappointed by a brother, sister or someone you look up to, pray for them and ask God to help you to not disappoint others.

Prayer and the Word:

Do not neglect prayer and reading the Word. In fact, make it your daily priority. The Word of God will empower, sanctify and equip you to live this life. When you keep God’s commandments, God will keep His promises. And remember His timing is always better than ours.

By Evangelist Shyju Matthew

Psalms 51 and 44, which were laments, Psalm 139, which is a psalm of praise, and Psalm 30, which is a psalm of thanksgiving.  Psalm 15’s not quite like those. It’s more cerebral and less emotional. It’s actually very similar to the books of Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. It is called a wisdom psalm.

THE QUESTION: WHO MAY DWELL WITH GOD?

David poses a question – just one question, stated twice, in two different ways. David asks who may sojourn, who may dwell, in the tent of the Lord, on His holy hill.

What did he mean by that? And what does it mean for us today? We’ll begin by looking at what David is talking about when he says “tent,” and “holy hill.”

There are two meanings we could take from the word “tent,” two related subjects here and means both. The first is the literal meaning – a tent, a temporary shelter. In particular, David speaks of God’s tent.  Israel centered its worship on the “Tent of Meeting,” also called the Tabernacle. It was a very large tent where the Ark of the Covenant was kept.   In David’s time, he had moved that Tabernacle to his capital city of Jerusalem, and placed it on the highest hill – Mount Zion. It was God’s mountain, a holy mountain, set apart for His use and kept pure for His glory. This was a place of worship – God’s house of worship.

The second meaning is a little broader and In Hebrew, they often used the word “tent” as shorthand for a household. This came from the days when their ancestors lived as nomads, moving from place to place, and living in tents. David is, in addition to speaking of God’s place of worship, asking: who may live in God’s household? Who may be part of His family? Who may call God “Father?” Who  may enjoy a close family relationship with this awesome God?

 Who may live in the place of constant worship? Who may enjoy life in the house of God? Brothers and sisters, is a gospel question! What must I do to be saved? It’s the same question! David is asking, “What does a worshipper of God – a Christian – look like?”

 THE ANSWER: ONE WHO LIVES RIGHTEOUSLY

Who can sojourn in God’s tent, and dwell on His holy hill? It’s God’s tent, for starters. It’s God’s hill. We don’t set the terms; He does. We don’t decide, as mere human beings, how one is acceptable to God – that’s God’s call to make. He sets the bar. He makes the standards. And since it’s a holy hill, we know that these standards will have something to do with holiness – that is, being set apart, pure, perfect, and spotless.

Who can sojourn in God’s tent, and dwell on His holy hill? Vs.2-5 There’s quite a list here. One of the first things we can draw from this is that a true worshipper values what is right. The worshipper “speaks truth in his heart” – he values the truth on the inside, not just on the outside.

So the worshipper of God values what is right. Second, a true worshipper does what is right. Indeed, most of this section speaks about outward behaviour, especially our behaviour toward others. The worshipper refrains from what is wrong, avoids what is evil. He does not slander with his tongue – saying false and hurtful things about others. No, he speaks the truth, in love. He does not do evil to his neighbor. No, he loves his neighbor as himself! He does not take up a reproach against his friend – that is, he throws no slurs, neither does he rejoice when others are insulted.

In fact, God everywhere in the Bible demands spotless perfection from His people. The sacrifices they brought had to be unblemished – no spots, no wounds, no injuries. Any sin, no matter how small, is a capital offence in God’s eyes.

Paul said in Romans, “The wages of sin is death.” Jesus Christ told His disciples in the Sermon on the Mount, “Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

Only one person in human history ever perfectly kept God’s law. Only one man was blameless, did no evil, perfectly loved His neighbor, truly and consistently valued the things of God, whose character was not only beyond any reproach, but never changed – and never changes. What we could not do, Jesus Christ did. He met and exceeded the standard God set.

Jesus died the death that we all deserve for our sins. He took the place of sinners on His cross. He was pierced for our transgressions. Crushed for our iniquities. The punishment that brings us peace was laid on Him. God the Father laid on His own Son, Jesus Christ, the sins of us all.

Through the blood of Jesus Christ, sis are washed away and called as righteous having privilege to worship Him holiness.

God bless immensively

Ps. Shalom (Preached @ Annex Hall)

]]> http://hallofhope.com/2012/04/22/what-god-expects-from-you/feed/ 0 Pastor shalom Abiding_in_Him http://hallofhope.com/2012/04/18/path-way-to-blessings/ http://hallofhope.com/2012/04/18/path-way-to-blessings/#comments Wed, 18 Apr 2012 12:01:45 +0000 Pastor shalom http://hallofhope.com/?p=3068 ]]> Secrets to Blessings

1 Sam 2:13 ff

• If don’t honor/respect your God…you cannot receive blessing
• Learn to respect God’ presence –Let us learn to honor Jesus/word of God
• When we disrespect…disobey ‘we lose blessing/prosperity’

Simple steps but difficult to follow the steps

Some of us have bitter experience in honoring servant of God or leadership and hard feelings/experience about their ministry (cheating).  Remember they may be cheated you but God will never cheat us.  The respect you give to them because God’ name…God will reward in your life.

Learn to respect your God, Learn to honor your God & Learn to abide in Presence of God 1 Sam 2:13 they did 5 simple wrong things: It will be a hinder not to prosper in life

1. They mocked the sacrifice offered to God 1Sam 2:13-14/17(in NT Praise Heb 13:15; Purity Rom 12:1-2) {Never mock praise…Purity}

2. They mocked faith in God: 1Sam 2:16{God’ says I am not divorced partner…alimony/ Maintenance money after divorce) I will work this company, enjoy my life according to flesh…but give my tithes…God is a rich or neither in scarcity nor need of anything from creation. Honor Him, What God blessed in your life.

Proverbs 3:9-10 Honor the Lord with your possessions, And with the first fruits of all your increase; So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine.

3. They mocked their own priestly ministry 1 Sam 2:28 (they had ministry from God/respect-honor…they did not pay attention/ignore

4. They made themselves fat (God spokes 3 times…Eli, Samuel (3:17) and prophet (vs 27)) God is interested to give in abundance or overflow to fatten our lives.  NT According to His richness…wants to make our life to prosper…we are called to be a channel of Blessing! You are consuming without contributing

5.  They sexually abused women in the temple: if you fight with one another, you may have get another friend but if you fight with God, whom you will approach? 1 Sam 2: 25 powerful statement….

Misuse & manipulating in relationships brings curse…don’t trust not in the strength of man nor in the flesh but in the lord thy God… some trust in chariots but we trust in the name of God

 Don’t trusts in flesh…God will rise your life above from the situation!

Pastor Shalom (Preached @ Faheheel)

O taste and see that the LORD is good; happy are those who take refuge in him…

Question: What kind of person writes words like that?

Answer: Quite obviously it was someone who knew Yahweh very well. 

If you recall your scripture/life of King David, He was a shepherd in his youth, spending lots of time praising God with songs while keeping one eye on the wolves that wanted lamb chops.

If you want to know how to have a good relationship with God, David is not a bad place to start. When you want to know something about a person, you ask the person who knows him well. David and the LORD, David and Yahweh were on the same page. 

In verse 8 of our text David gives us the equation that leads to a great blessedness, or happiness in God. He says:  O taste and see that the LORD is good; happy are those who take refuge in him

Background
Most scholars agree this Psalm was written to celebrate God’s protection for David when he was being chased all over the countryside by an angry King Saul. Note David’s testimony: 34:4-7

How to have a right relationship with Yahweh; how to be blessed?

Ps 34:8 is answer

O taste and see that the LORD is good; happy are those who take refuge in him

Taste: To “taste” here is literally to perceive by experiencing.

Many people are more than willing to give their opinion about God without first knowing Him. People who claim to know all about living the spiritual life, yet have never even had an authentic conversation with God, have not “tasted”; they have only looked.

    “Taste” Hebrew word ‘ta-am’ which means {to taste/to perceive} “Tasting God” means taking Him at His word. It’s a leap of faith that says: “I commit my life to you, what will you do with me?”

       “See”: Hebrew word ‘ra-ah’ means {to see/inspect/look at} If “tasting” is to recognize by experience, “seeing” is knowing by that same experience. There is something that happens when you take that leap of faith – something on the inside that validates the closeness of God.

      “Good”: Hebrew word ‘towb’ means{ good, pleasant, agreeable}

Usually mostly world says I’ll believe it when I see it. But with God it’s the other way around; you will actually never see until you believe!  What we taste & see, according to David, is that the LORD is good!

The goodness of God includes both the beauty and amiableness of his being and the bounty and beneficence of his providence and grace; and accordingly, (1.) We must taste that he is a bountiful benefactor, relish the goodness of God in all his gifts to us, and reckon that the savour and sweetness of them.

Blessed is the man that trust in him – Compare the notes at Psalm 2:12.

 David knew what he was talking about…

When he was tasting and seeing and trusting he was among the most blessedly happy of men. When he got away from God and trusted in his own ways, his own strength and desires he became the most miserable wretch on the planet.

There are many unbelievers who feel God is a taker and not a giver.   Their feelings are, “Why would I want to hook up with a God who is a taker and not a giver?”

But, taste and see, God is really a GIVER who gives true…

God is a good God. He is definitely a giver and not just a taker … “Taste & See that the Lord is Good” That the Lord is good. You can only know this really and personally by experience.

God is a giver, not a taker. The Bible says that “God so loved the world that He GAVE…”(John 3:16) And Romans 8:32 says: “He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all–how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?”

Preached by Ps. Shalom

Like a soldier called to war, well groomed, sharp and disciplined, so we need to be in our lifes with Jesus. We are from the day we accept Jesus, positioned by our Saviour to be a leader. To be a leader right where we are! Leadership is not about how many people follow us, but it’s about how well we lead ourself and the people involved in our life. We need to be leaders carrying the grace of God to forgive and to serve!

LEADERSHIP—FORGIVING

Joseph a young boy with a dream from God was put into a pit by his own brothers, sold to slavery, grew up a slave in a foreign land to be later imprisoned. His situation gave him an opportunity to be upset. He could have been a completely discouraged young man who lost his dream from God. But with the God who gave him the dream, he was brought through his situation to being the Prime Minister of that land!

God made an opportunity for Joseph to meet with his brothers who were in great distress. They met Joseph as the Prime Minister not knowing who he was. Joseph was at a position where with one word from his mouth, his brothers could have seen their heads falling off their shoulders. When they recognized each other, the brothers were extremely afraid , but Joseph said.. But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.(Genesis 50:20)

People who move on without forgiving will neutralize their own growth potential. The ability to forgive makes a true leader. Unforgiveness and bitterness is like an invisible engine of a long train with compartments that reveal itself in time. The emotion of bitterness leads to drastic actions later revealed, like that of an unforgiving husband/wife who would eventually file a divorce or an unforgiving child who later rebel against his/her parents. It’s an engine having even stress and sickness as compartments!

Forgiving does not mean being foolish. There is a responsibility on us to never repeat mistakes we make!

We also learn from the Lord’s Prayer that we’re designed to receive from God when we forgive!

LEADERSHIP—SERVING

John 13: 8 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.

Let us in the midst of competing to do better each day not forget that we are called to empower each other, to help and to pray for each other. The Lord Jesus in John 13:8 insisted that He washed the feet of Peter for us to remember that even though we may be believers in the Lord Jesus, as long as we walk on this earth our feet will get dirty. We need to be cleansed by the blood of Jesus daily even though we may be the best of preachers and prophets!

Our Lord was being the servant leader we need to follow. He was empowering His disciples to run their race. He did not criticize the dirt on the feet but he asked for an opportunity to serve. We need to be people who add value to the life of another by serving, loving and forgiving.

When we clean ourselves we are satisfied by our standards. We need to allow Jesus to clean us by His word and His blood and be cleansed to His satisfaction!

By Pastor Johnson

Genesis 39:9 b “There is no one greater in this house than I, nor has he kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness/evil, and sin against God?”

Many times we say ‘God is with us…’ we take for granted and carry a talisman and talisman will work.  We think God will work in you, no matter how is my life but God doesn’t work that way….looking into His word…HS teaching this evening.

John 2 says ‘Ran out of vine’ – Jesus presence was in there midst but they faced major problem/issue ‘Ran out of vine’.  But when they did whatever Jesus said… (Believed and trusted in His word)…They are able to see supernatural Blessing…There is a responsibility you doing what God has told you to do.   I am asking this evening are you believing and obeying Jesus in your life. Strong Determination!

Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brothers…and Joseph brought a bad report of them to his father.

 Zech 4:10 says who [with reason] despises the day of small things? 

(Insignificant/no identity/unrecognized…but remember that is the beginning of life/stage…God is honoring it/making effective and productive)

17 years living with His Father Jacob (man who wrestles with God & received Blessing) knows the secret of success+ living God/El shadai…Pet Son Gen 37:3 – Not only learn from His Father but believe and obeyed in life- to reach the path of success.

 Joseph response to Evil plan/deception/lust…How then can I do this great wickedness/evil, and sin against God?”

Waiting for the perfect Ladder of Success…ready to go through process of God…to be a channel in God’ Purpose

1. Gazing of success: God’ prospective Stick unto Him/plug in

First Incident…In the Pit

Genesis 37:24 Then they took him and cast him into the [well-like] pit which was empty; there was no water in it. {God is with Him…nothing happen-Already God thought & Planned for His life…} Vs 25 Then they sat down to eat their lunch. When they looked up, behold, they saw a caravan of Ishmaelites [mixed Arabians] coming from Gilead, with their camels bearing gum [of the styrax tree], balm (balsam), and myrrh or ladanum, going on their way to carry them down to Egypt.

Second Incident…House of Potiphar

v  God was with Him: Vs 2 – But the Lord was with Joseph and he [though a slave] was a successful and prosperous man;

• Ø Joseph was with God: Vs. 3 – And his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made all that he did to flourish and succeed in his hand.

v  Vs. 5 – the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake;

Third Incident… In the Prison

And Joseph’s master took him and put him in the prison

v  Vs. 21 – But the Lord was with Joseph, and showed him mercy and loving-kindness and gave him favor in the sight of the warden of the prison.

• Ø Vs. 23 – for the Lord was with him and made whatever he did to prosper.

God is with us-Immanuel-His presence is always with His children; brings healing, prosperity, peace…our life should be transformed for His glory!

Are you with God/working with God…? Time to introspect ourselves (No one watching over you…but God is watching over you…remember)

Read Psalms 139:2-3 & 7

Vs 2 You know my down sitting and my uprising; You understand my thought afar off. You sift and search out my path and my lying down, and You are acquainted with all my ways.

Vs 7 where could I go from Your Spirit? Or where could I flee from Your presence?

Jesus share about life & success in Luke 12: 17 (self description about life… And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’) vs 20 (God’ description about life…But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’

Luke 12:21 says… “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”

To reach the ladder of success little compromise may lead to next level- but Deception brings destruction/death-end of life.  Many people beyond success/money/power/authority but their life will end in miserable because ‘they don’t know truth’.

God was with Joseph in Pit/Phatipor’ house/in Prison/in place…but question is here…are you with God?

“It doesn’t really matter where you begin; when God is with you and when you are in God”

Ps. Shalom (Preached @ Hall of Hope)

Many people pray like Elisha, “Lord, give me a double portion of Your anointing.”  Yet they do not realize the preparation that is involved for such a miraculous thing to occur.  Here are seven things that happened in the life of Elisha before God allowed him to receive “the double portion” anointing.

1.  Elisha faced the spirit of the enemy.  Elijah and Elisha confronted the same enemy – the spirit of Jezebel.  Elijah faced a demonic spirit through this woman that once caused him to flee for his life (1 Kings 19).

Who Is Jezebel?  The Lord told the church at Thyatira, “I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols” (Revelation 2:20).

It is clear from this portion of Scripture that Jezebel is the spirit of filth and fornication which we still fight even today.  Only by the anointing can that spirit be overcome.

2.  Elisha relied on God.  Before Elijah was taken up into heaven, Elisha declared his loyalty and devotion to God by repeating these words: “As the Lord lives” (2 Kings 2:2, 4, 6).

You’ll never receive God’s anointing until you learn to totally depend on the Lord.  Elisha had a wonderful role model in the prophet Elijah – the one who stood before the 450 prophets of Baal and declared: “Lord God of Abraham, lsaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel and, that I am Your servant, and that I have done all these things at Your word”  (1 Kings 18:36).  That’s when the fire fell and consumed the burnt sacrifice.

3.  Elisha learned how to serve.  Young Elisha was plowing in a field – it was seed time – when he was called to become the servant of Elijah (1 Kings 19:19).  He came from a well-to-do family – after all, they had ‘twelve yoke of oxen’ (v. 1 9).  And Elisha was obviously a hard worker since his family could have hired a servant to do the same job.

Plowing and praying go hand in hand.  Scripture tells us to “break up your follow ground, for it is time to seek the Lord” (Hosea 10:12).  The moment he committed himself to Elijah, he became his servant, not his slave.

Do you want the anointing?  Get involved in a church or a ministry and start serving.  When you serve you are sowing your life as seed for an anointing that one day will be yours.

Just before Elijah was taken to heaven in a whirlwind, Elisha vowed that he would not leave the prophet’s side.  He declared, “As the Lord lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you” (2 Kings 2:4).  He was saying, “As long as you remain anointed, I will not depart from you.”

4.  Elisha was a man of faith.  In the final days before Elijah’s departure, Elisha – over the prophet’s objections – stayed with him as he journeyed to four places: Gilgal, Bethel, Jericho, and the Jordan.  Each has a special meaning.

Gilgal is the place where faith begins.  That’s where the manna ceased and the children of Israel had to learn to live by faith and not by sight (Joshua 5).  For forty years they had seen a cloud by day, a fire by night, and manna on the ground.  Then it was over.  And so it is with us.  The anointing will not come on our lives until we begin to walk by faith.

5.  Elisha knew what it meant to be tested.  Next, they travelled to Bethel – yet Elisha still would not leave the prophet’s side.

Bethel is the place of trials and tests.  That’s where Jacob fled when he was running away from his brother.  He lost his family and his comfort – and was sleeping there with a rock for a pillow.  It was at Bethel that Jacob made a vow that if the Lord would allow him to “come again to my father’s house in peace, then shall the Lord be my God” (Genesis 28:21).  And so also, will we be tested before God will entrust us with His anointing.

6.  Elisha knew how to wage warfare.  The two men of God journeyed to Jericho – the place of warfare.  The place where Joshua had fought his greatest battle (Joshua 6).

Elisha became a man of war in the spirit.  He understood the power that belongs to every believer, that can unlock chains and open doors.  We need to realize that “the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds”  (2 Corinthians 10:4).

When the demons of hell come against you, stay strong.  Declare, “I will not let this thing bring me down; I’m staying until the anointing comes.”

7.  Elisha had a vision.  Finally, they journeyed to the banks of the river Jordan where the Lord tested Elisha’s vision.  Was it of man, or of God?  The prophet said to the servant, “Ask!  What may I do for you, before I am taken away from you.”  Elisha said, “Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me (2 Kings 2:9).

Elijah responded, “You have asked a hard thing.  Nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so for you.” (2 Kings 2:1 0).

In other words, “If your vision is clear, and your eyes are on things above, you’ll receive it!”  Habakkuk 2:2 declares “write the vision and make it plain.”

There are 3 keys to seeing a vision fulfilled.

1) It must be plain, meaning a vision cannot be cloudy or full of questions.

2) You must run to receive it, meaning your prayer life must intensify.  Walking is prayer – running is intensified prayer.

3) The vision is for “an appointed time.”  Wait for it.  Never give up.  Your faith is vital for the vision’s fulfilment.

Suddenly, the prophet was raptured – caught up into the heavens!  A chariot of fire appeared – yet Elisha could see clearly enough to pick up the mantle that was left behind.

 He walked to the same river where he had seen the prophet Elijah use the mantle to separate the waters.  He said, “Where is the Lord God of Elijah?” – and the waters of the Jordan were again miraculously parted (2 Kings 2:14).

 By Evangelist Benny Hinn

 The Kingdom of God System: A Higher Way of Living

 Did you know you can live a stress-free life in the midst of economic hardship, financial crises, and shortage? You can thrive and prosper in the midst of hard times. It just depends on the system in which you are operating.

Those who belong to God have a higher way of life available to them because of their covenant with God. When you know your rights and the promises of God outlined in His Word, you will have absolutely no fear in the midst of chaos.

For example, when you need money, the world system tells you to go borrow or use credit to meet your needs. Its goal is to get you in financial bondage, not freedom. On the other hand, the Kingdom of God system is based on seedtime and harvest. When you have a financial need, you sow a seed and reap a harvest. God’s way of providing for His people has no strings attached.

God’s Kingdom is your safety net in the midst of turbulence. He has a promise for every situation you may face in this world. Job 5:22 and Psalm 91 is also full of promises that guarantee protection from danger and destruction on every level.

The key to operating in God’s system is seedtime and harvest. You do not have to worry where your next meal is coming from or how your bills are going to be paid when you know your God. Your job, in God’s system, is to seek His way of doing things, which means sowing seed. When you focus your efforts on being a seed-sower, everything else will be added to you. There is nothing too hard for God, and as long as you have seed in the ground and are living your life in obedience to His Word, you have a harvest of abundance coming your way! When the world is freaking out, wondering what will happen next, you will be safely positioned in the secret place of the Most High God!

Developing a Kingdom mindset is going to take getting in the Word and renewing your mind. All our lives we have been trained to operate according to the world’s system; we must unlearn those old ways and habits and receive a new “download.” God’s thoughts are higher than the world’s and so are His plans for your life. You have a right to total life prosperity, in good times and bad. All you have to do is receive it by faith and learn to operate in God’s Kingdom.

II. God’s Formula for Success

Living in the kingdom of God has tremendous benefits. As Believers, we must make it a priority to do things God’s way so we can access what He has made available to us through His Word. There is a formula for success in the kingdom of God, and if we follow it, we will get consistent results. This requires a renewing of our minds and a willingness to do things differently. God’s method of operation is completely different from the world’s way. It requires faith, diligence, and consistency in executing certain spiritual principles. By following His plan, we can see manifestation in our lives, not some of the time, but all the time.

The first step to manifestation in the kingdom of God is to speak God’s Word. Many times, a person’s heart is full of faith but that faith never gets released into the atmosphere because he or she doesn’t actually say what God has said! Speaking the Word of God is critical to getting results in the kingdom.

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and if you’re not saying anything, you’re not creating anything. Keeping the Word in our mouths at all times is vital because of the creative power of words. Hebrews 10:23 says, “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering.” Our “profession” is our confession, or what we profess from the Word of God. We should make this a continual practice as the apostle Paul instructs. Continually speaking God’s Word through regular confessions also repels the enemy. Satan cannot stand against a Believer who has a revelation of the power of speaking the scriptures.

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 says, “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” We can see from the scripture that “talking” the Word should be done on an ongoing basis.

The second step in God’s formula for success is to meditate on God’s Word. Meditation is simply pondering, considering, and muttering the Word of God. When we meditate on God’s Word, it expands our capacity for faith and transforms our ability to believe and receive. By meditating on the Word we fix our minds and set our hearts on the desired result we are seeking.

Psalm 1:1-3 says that the man who is empowered to prosper is the one who meditates on the Word day and night. This is the same approach we should take while spending time seriously pondering the scriptures. We can meditate the Word by applying it practically to our lives, putting ourselves in agreement with it, speaking it, and realizing its integrity. Meditating on the Word makes our way prosperous (Joshua 1:8).

The third step in God’s formula for success is to act on the Word of God. Faith without works is dead, which means it is not enough to simply hear the Word and believe it, but we must also act on it in order to get to our destination. Faith is a practical expression of our confidence in God and His Word. Many times, Christians get preoccupied with the spiritual side of things and neglect to do anything practical in the natural realm. When God speaks a Word, whether through the written scriptures or a rhema Word spoken to the heart, it requires some type of corresponding action on our part.

God’s formula for success is fail-proof. Speaking the Word releases faith, meditating on it builds the image of it on the inside of you, and stepping out on what the Word says connects you to the promised manifestation. The result is success and absolute victory in every area of your life!

Pastor Shalom

In Bible speaks about kingdom and authority…what is the significance or importance or message to children of God. All mind-sets, ideas, beliefs, and methods of operation fall under one of these categories.  There are two kingdoms in operation in the earth—the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness.

 The kingdom of darkness operates through a system the Word refers to as “the world.” It is a way of doing things that opposes the Word of God. The world system is based on the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16) and is headed for destruction.

The world system is governed by the spirit of selfishness and is ruled by Satan. Everything from the way relationships are conducted to finances is based on principles that are designed to steal, kill, and destroy. We were all born into this corrupt world system, and many of us were a part of it at one point; however, as Christians we are now a part of a new kingdom and, consequently, a new system of operation.

Results in life: Operating according to the dictates of the world positions you for failure and defeat…

 Often we allow the world’s way of doing things to take over our lives. However, as Christians, we have available to us a way (a kingdom) that is far more powerful than the world’s system. In order to see God-kind of results in our lives, we must make the kingdom of God a priority. We must activate our faith, refusing to doubt the power of His kingdom.

1. Kingdom of Darkness:

When we talk about kingdoms, there are a few key things to consider so that we can gain concept of how things work. There are some established principles about kingdoms that apply to both God’s kingdom and the kingdom of darkness.

• Every kingdom has a king, and every king has dominion in his respective area of influence.
• Kingdoms have territories, as well as citizenship that is made up of people who are a part of that particular kingdom.
• Kingdoms have a constitution or set of rules that govern how the kingdom operates, as well as a government that involves hierarchy.
• Kingdoms also have armies that go to battle against other kingdoms when necessary.

2) The kingdom of God:

Those who are born again are a part of God’s kingdom and are to no longer govern their lives according to the world’s system.

• Our King is Jesus and our constitution is the Bible, which contains the guidelines for how we are supposed to conduct ourselves in the kingdom of God.
• The government of heaven is comprised of Jesus, those who have made Him Lord of their lives, and angels, who make up God’s army.
• The territory that belongs to us is the entire earth. Though the enemy has gained a lot of territory for his purposes and agenda, our job is to take back what God originally intended for us to have by spreading the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Results in life: Believers have a specific area of influence that will enable them to take territory for the kingdom of God. We each play a vital role. The gifts, callings, abilities, and strengths God has endowed each person with is designed to help establish and advance the kingdom. God has called us to infiltrate for kingdom purposes. We are called to go out into the world, into the marketplace, and into the public sector to bring the reality of the kingdom to people so they can ultimately give their lives to the Lord.

Application:

1. Being effective for God’s kingdom: will mean making some difficult decisions at times…

2. Know and Exercise Your Authority

3. The Kingdom of God System: A Higher Way of Living 

Ps. Shalom (Preached @ Faheehel)

Sometimes we can become so fixed on receiving new revelation from God that we allow some of the basic principles we’ve learned to slip. Faith, the importance of speaking God’s Word, and the power of the blood of Jesus are some of the fundamental principles of Christianity that we should constantly put ourselves in remembrance of.

Another important principle that Believers must keep at the forefront of their thinking is the importance of attending to God’s Word. In the daily hustle and bustle of life, it can become easy to allow our time spent studying and meditating on the Word to decrease. We must make a consistent effort to keep first things first in our lives, which means daily attending to God’s Word.

As Believers, we know Jesus came so we could live the abundant life (John 10:10). We also know that the just shall live by faith. So, what is the connecting factor to living this abundant life the Bible promises? The answer is found in Proverbs 4:20-22, which says, “My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.” We see where life is located—in the Word of God. And when we pay close attention to the Word, and internalize it, abundant life will flow out of us.

We must make a quality decision to commit to the Word and consistently obey it. That is the way we access the abundant life, which translates as total life prosperity, or success in every area of life. We must be doers of the Word to get any results.

So, how do we attend to the Word of God? Well, the definition of attend is “to direct and apply oneself; to pay attention,” according to Webster’s Dictionary. Every day, we must allow our time spent with the Word to be our priority. On a practical level, it means spending time reading the Bible before we step out of the house in the morning, being consistent in making confessions of faith at some point during the day, listening to the Word being preached regularly, and allowing God’s way of doing things to be the basis for how we handle the situations we face throughout the day, and in life in general. This is what it means to attend to the Word of God.

When we attend to the Word, there is the potential for us to produce tremendous results in our lives. In Mark 4:20, Jesus says, “And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the WORD, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.” In verse 23-24, He says, “If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.” Any person who has ears to hear (inclined, fixed to hear, and act on what God says) will receive even more from the Lord! That is the abundant, overflowing life that Jesus came to give us.

Attending to God’s Word means taking God at His Word, fully trusting that what He said, He will do. It means casting all our cares on Him and choosing to think on the promises of God at all times. When we attend to the Word, we don’t allow the news reports or the media to affect our faith. We don’t make plans based on what the world says, but we frame our worlds through the Word of God.

If we would begin to refocus our attention on God’s Word, and commit to making it the centerpiece of our lives, we will begin to see some amazing things begin to happen in our circumstances. The Word contains the life force of God that has the ability to eradicate anything that does not line up with the blessing. Attend to it and you will see results!

by Creflo Dollar (article)

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