focus 2011

"Unto him that loved us, and washed from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen."

Revelation 1:5-6

In this coming new year may we have a renewed focus in pursuing the Lord, allowing Him to work out in our lives the truth that we are kings and priests unto God.

In the Old Testament kings reigned over a certain territory or geographical region and they exercised their authority over that region.

Priests, on the other hand, dealt entirely with the ministry to God. Their purpose was to minister to God daily through sacrifices and rituals.

As New Testament (Covenant) believers we no longer minister to the Lord with animal sacrifices and rituals, but we minister to the Lord through our daily lives. Giving Him first priority, worshiping Him, yielding to His Spirit. Romans 12:1 tells us that we are now the sacrifice that He desires, "I appeal to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of (all) the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies (presenting all your members and faculties) as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God..."

Through a renewed focus of worship and dedication to God may we be Priests that minister to God.

As kings unto God, we exersize our divine authority in extending the Kingdom of God throughout our world. It was the purpose of kings, not only to rule over their region but to extend their kingdom as much as possible.

As believers it is God's desire that we are a witness to those around us, extending the Kingdom of God. This could be in our workplace, school, neighborhood, city and so forth. Spreading the Gospel.

As New Testament believers, kingship and the priestly office is not reserved for only a select few whom God calls, but we are all kings and priests to God.

"This is the 'day of the saints' - the age of the priesthood of all believers - not centered on one superstar 'man or woman of God' but on the entire Body of Christ being mobilized to do the work of Christ in the world"

- Colin Dye, Senior Minister, Kensington Temple, London

May I yield my life to a higher degree this coming new year, may I not live for myself but give of myself to the Lord.

prayer:

Father I praise You, I thank You that we are kings and priests in Christ. Help us to live worthy of this calling yielding everything we are and have to You. I praise you Lord, in Jesus name. Amen.

Hidden Treasure

"if you seek (Wisdom) as for silver and search for skillful and Godly Wisdom as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of (our omniscient) God."

Proverbs 2:4-5

These verses give us the key to knowing God on a more deeper level. We are told that if we seek Wisdom, which is Jesus Himself, as we would seek after silver then we would understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.

The key is that we must seek. It continues to say, that the knowledge of God is like hidden treasure.

There are treasure hunters that give their time, resources and energy to find certain treasures. Their life is consumed with finding treasures, they go to the remotes, most dangerous places taking immense risk seeking and searching for treasure.

To have a depth of knowledge of the Lord we have to seek Him as we would seek hidden treasure. In other words, that knowing God would consume our lives; we would hunger and thirst to know more of the Lord. We would seek Him with all of our heart, our mind, our soul and strength.

Many Believers are satisfied with knowing the Lord Jesus as Savior, they know He has saved them from sin and destruction; but there are few who will press on and seek to know the Lord in a much deeper and intimate way as the Apostle Paul exhorts, "And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:17-19)

May we press on to know the Lord in a more intimate, deeper level. That we would know His heart beat, what His agenda is, where He is moving on earth, what His secrets are; being consumed with knowing the depths of God, giving our lives to seek the Lord in all His fullness and glory.

prayer:

Father I thank You that You desire to reveal Yourself, but You want Your children to seek You and search for You as hidden treasure; give us strength and a heart that burns to know You more. You said in Your Word, ask, seek, and knock Lord help us to seek You with all our strength. I love You Lord, Amen.

Highest Priority

"And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head. And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made? For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, (a normal working mans's yearly wages) and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her."

Mark 14:2-5

As this story continues Jesus condemned the attitude of his disciples and commended the act of worship that this woman had done. I think many times we can have the attitude of these disciples.

Jesus is not looking for what we can do, He is more interested in who we are, our motives and the intents of our heart. Man looks at the outward appearance but God looks at the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7).

It is interesting to note that the disciples called this act of worship a waste. They said, "This perfume could have been sold and given to the poor." But Jesus rebuked them and said, "The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want." There will always be ministry to do. But God is more interested in our love and sacrifice to Him.

Sometimes, we may think that taking time out of our busy day to spend alone in prayer is a waste of time. Never think that time alone spent in fellowship with the Lord is wasted, as we spend time in His Presence we are transformed into His image and likeness. (2 Corinthians 3:18) The Lord wants our love, the devotion of our hearts.

In Revelation chapter 2 the Lord says to the Church in Ephesus that they had left their first love. They had neglected the Highest Priority, which is Jesus Himself. He is our Highest Priority, to worship Him and love Him with all of our heart.

prayer:

Lord Jesus I thank You that You are calling us back to our First love, which is You. Forgive us for the times that we strayed from You and neglected time with You. Draw us back to You. I love You Lord. Amen.

Birthday

"For I know the plans I have for you, " Declares the Lord, "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11

Today is my birthday and I thought I would share the card I received from my mom. It has an incredible message.

It says:

In the journey of life,

GOD HAS A PLAN FOR YOU...

In the challenges of life,

GOD HOLDS A HOPE FOR YOU.

In all of life,

GOD HOLDS A LOVE FOR YOU.

Our hearts are full of love for you always, and we thank God for all that He has in His heart for you.

Love Mom and Dad.

In all of life God is in control, this is a message for all of us. May God richly bless you.

Philip

Promises of God

"but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place."

Luke 24:21

In Luke chapter 24 verses 13 through 32 we have the story commonly called, The Road to Emmaus. Two disciples were going to Emmaus and as they walked they discussed all that had happened the days before when Jesus was crucified and buried. Then that morning they received the report from Mary Magdalene and others saying they had found the stone rolled away from the tomb and the Lord's body gone and an angel saying that Jesus had risen from the dead.

As they walked and discussed these things the Bible says that Jesus himself came up and walked along with them, but they were kept from recognizing Him.

It is interesting to note that as they talked with Jesus, even though they did not know it was Him, they confessed their doubt as to the promises that they had received from the Lord before He was crucified.

The promises that He would be crucified at the hands of the Gentiles and on the third day rise from the dead. Jesus reprimands these disciples for being foolish in doubting and slow to believe the promises that were spoken in the Old Testament concerning the Messiah.

I believe that many times we are like these two disciples on the Road to Emmaus. God has given us countless promises in His Word, specific promises that He has spoken to our hearts and because we don't see them fulfilled right away we begin to doubt and say within, "Well, time has passed, and I still don't see it. I had hoped that it was true but maybe..."

Jesus reprimands the disciples for doubting and for being slow to believe.

Let us hold onto the promises of God, let us not doubt, if He has spoken something to you hold on and believe because when the time comes he will fulfill it.

prayer:

Lord Jesus I thank You for Your Word and the promises You have given us from Your Word. I pray that we will not doubt but believe and I pray that You will open our minds and hearts to trust and understand. Give us strength in the time of waiting. Thank you Lord. In Jesus name. Amen.

Blessed

"(Most) blessed is the man who believes in, trust in, and relies on the Lord, and whose hope and confidence the Lord is. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters that spreads out its roots by the river; and it shall not see and hear when heat comes; but its leaf shall be green. It shall not be anxious and full of care in the year of drought, nor shall it cease yielding fruit."
Jeremiah 17:7-8

I think it is difficult for those of us in American society to really comprehend these verses. With all of the amenities and services so readily available we really don't need to trust and rely completely on God. Even as Christians we have so much there are Christian books, music cds, movies, TV, games, Church programs and much more. It is easy to rely on these things instead of God.

The verse says, "(Most) blessed is the man who believes in, trusts in, and relies on the Lord, and whose hope and confidence the Lord is."

His complete trust and confidence is in God and God alone. I think it is easy to loose sight of the fact that God is still God and He is still in control. Many times it's easier to rely on the hand of man than it is to have complete trust in the Lord.
Proverbs 3:5 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."

If it was easy to completely trust in God everyone would be doing it, but it requires a life of faith and most do not want to pay that price.

The blessing from living this lifestyle are clear:

1. Like a tree planted by the waters.

2. Spreads out its roots.

Life will be deeply rooted and planted, you will have a strong base. Roots will go deep.

3. Not see and fear when heat comes.

You will be oblivious to the distresses in the earth and there will be no fear.

4. Leaf shall be green.

Your life will be full.

5. Not be anxious and full of care in the year of drought.

You will not suffer with anxiety or care in the times of testing and judgment on the earth.

6. Not cease to yield fruit.

Fruitful life.

prayer:

Dear Jesus thank You for Your wonderful Word. I pray that we will all desire to be planted in You and You will teach us to Trust completely and to rely entirely on You and Your Word. That we will not lean on our own understanding but we will put our confidence entirely on God and Him alone. Thank You Father. In Jesus name, amen.

One man sat alone...

"...The blind man said, 'Rabbi, I want to see.' 'Go,' said Jesus, 'your faith has healed you.' Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road."

Mark 10:51-52

Recently I've been meditating on this portion of Scripture. Its the story of blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52). As Jesus passed through Jericho a blind man kept calling out His name, Jesus stopped and said to call him. Bartimaeus threw off his cloak, jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. Jesus said to him, "What do you want me to do for you?" and Bartimaeus said, "Rabbi, I want to see." Immediately he received his sight and Jesus replied, "your faith has healed you."

What has stood out to me is that Bartimaeus was specific in his request. All throughout the Scriptures when Jesus healed people, they were specific with their requests. The Centurion said, "Lord my servant lies at home paralyzed and in terrible suffering." (Matthew 8:6) The man with Leprosy came and begged the Lord that He would make him clean of his leprosy. (Mark 1:40-42)

The Lord desires that we are specific in our asking, we cannot just haphazardly pray with no direction. Even as earthly fathers we desire for our children to be specific in their asking (even though I'm not a father yet). If I say, "Son, what would you like for lunch?" and he replies, "whatever." I'm sure that drives a parent crazy. The Lord wants us to be specific in our asking, He gets all the glory when we know that only He could have answered our prayer.

prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus I praise You, I thank You that You have given us Your Word that leads and guides us daily. I pray that You will help us to understand that You are a God who desires to bless His children and answer their prayers, help us to be specific with You because You certainly were specific when You gave Yourself for us on the Cross. I praise You, amen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=756KQx3qbKY

His power within

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."

Ephesians 3:20-21

What is His power that is at work within us? It is the power of the Holy Spirit to understand and grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ (Eph. 3:18). We cannot grasp the love of Christ with our minds, it is too wide and long and high and deep. That is why Unbelievers can't understand why we love Christ and would give our lives to serve Him. They think we are crazy, but once you understand the incredible love of Christ, not with your mind but your heart then you would be willing to do anything for Him.

The apostle Paul says that we are rooted and established in love. In Christ's love for us. His love is unmeasurable, there is no end to it! The more we comprehend His love in our inner man the more we become strengthened in Him and filled with Him. "And to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." (vs 19)

I remember the first time I experienced the love of Christ. I was 19 years old, I was sitting in a small church in eastern Pennsylvania. There was a visiting preacher from Ghana, Africa. After he shared the message he gave an altar call for those who wanted to come and dedicate their lives to Jesus. I went forward and he prayed for me, a few moments later I went and sat down in a chair, as I sat there, I began to cry. It was as if Jesus was sitting in the chair in front of me, I remember feeling sorry for my sins and I cried because of the way I had treated Jesus. His love was so great as I wept in repentance for my lifestyle. For the first time I understood His love, not from my head but from my heart. - Lord Jesus I love You

prayer:

Jesus thank You for Your immeasurable love, that is so wide and long and high and deep. Your love that no one can comprehend unless You reveal it to them through Your Holy Spirit. Lord take my life once again and make all Yours, that I will serve You and honor You with everything. I love You Jesus, Amen.

PS. I pray for you that if you have struggled to understand or maybe have never truly understood the love of Christ, I pray that you will be strengthened in your inner man to know His love for you.

Where is your Faith?

"Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat... A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, 'Teacher, don't you care if we drown?' He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, 'Quiet! Be still!' then the wind died down and it was completely calm. he said to his disciples, 'Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?'"

Mark 4:39-40

It's interesting to note that Jesus was surprised at His disciples reaction. He says to them why are you so afraid? Don't you have faith? I think many times when we are in trials and the storms of life are raging that we look at God and say, "Lord don't you care? Don't you care that I'm going through this?" And God simply says, "Where is your faith." He is not panicking or walking around ringing His hands saying, "What are we going to do, My Son, what are we going to do, Sally has lost her job and now she won't be able to pay her bills and feed her kids." No, God is looking for us to excersize our faith and trust Him. He is looking for us to take control of the storms that are coming against us and stand on His Word.

- Its in the storms of life that our faith grows. Jesus was surprised that they did not have faith to overcome this storm. In our lives we will have storms and God is looking for us to grow up (spiritually) and be strong in our faith. James 1:2-4 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

God wants our faith in Him to be strong, so every time we are in a trial its just another opportunity to trust Him and say, "Ok, Lord here's another opportunity for You to show Yourself strong."

Let's be strong in our faith trusting in Him!

prayer:

Father, I thank you that You are in control. You are enthroned in heaven and You are at peace. I pray that You would strengthen my faith to know that You are in control and that all is well, and I speak to the winds and waves of troubles in my life and say peace be still, all is well, in Jesus name. Amen

Perfect Love

"Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love."

1John 4:18 NLT

Many times as Believers we come to God with a performance based mentality. Which says, that if I do good God will love me, if I say the right things, act the right way and never "mess up" God will love me and be able to use me. It is true that as Believers we are to keep ours selves from idols (any thing that takes the place of God, 1John 5:21) and obey His Commandments. In 1John 2:15-16 the Apostle John exhorts Believers not to love the world nor anything it offers, and we are to walk in the light as God is in the light (1John 1:7).

There are times though, when we can become unbalanced and feel that if I'm not doing the right things or if I have failed God, he doesn't love me anymore. That is called imperfect love, which is performance based and it produces fear in our lives. In verse 15-16 of 1John 4 it says, "All who confess that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God. We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love."

Imperfect love does not rely on the work of the cross, but on ones own performance. When we understand that God's love is not based on our performance, but His mercy through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, there should not be any "unbalanced" fear of judgment.

Our heavenly Father loves us with out conditions, His Son paid the price for our sins and He accepts into His family with no conditions attached, pimples and smelly feet and and all!

Rest in His wonderful love.

prayer:

Father, I thank You for Your divine love, which is so much greater than any love here on earth. It is greater than any earthly mother or fathers love and it is not dependent on my performance but on Your grace and abounding mercy. Thank You for giving Your Son, Jesus, for me and redeeming me from my sin and shame. I bless Your wonderful and matchless Name, the Name of Jesus. Amen.

The Fire of God

"...after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire."

Matthew 3:11-12

- John the Baptist said that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. What is the purpose of fire? Fire consumes anything in its path, it purges and cleanses uncleanness. Precious metals are melted down by fire so that the impurities can be skimmed away. Fields are purposely burned to cleanse the old and make way for the new.

As Christians we also need the fire of God to cleanse us and purge us of our old life. That is why Jesus came baptizing with fire to purge His followers of the old ways and to bring new life. It says that He will burn up the chaff, that is all the unwanted and useless material from the wheat. We need the fire of God to burn up the chaff in our lives.

If we want the manifest Presence of God to dwell in our lives we first need the purging and cleansing of the fire of God.

When Solomon dedicated the Temple in the Old Testament it says that fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple (2Chronicles 7:1). The glory of God did not fill the temple until the burnt offerings and sacrifices were consumed by the fire from heaven first. The fire purged then the glory filled the temple.

We need a fresh baptism, immersion in the fire of the Lord to cleanse us and purge the dross and sin away, then His Presence can abide with us. In Romans 12: 1 it says present your bodies a living sacrifice holy and acceptable unto God. As we present ourselves and our lives to God He will consume us and it will allow His Presence to be manifested in our lives.

prayer:

Jesus consume me with your fire, baptize me and purge me from all sin and uncleanness even hidden sins that I am not aware of, cleanse me and fill me with your Presence. I praise Your Name, I glorify Your holy Name. Amen

The Fellowship of the Unashamed

I was going through some papers on my desk today and found a hand out that was given to me at a church service. It is quite encouraging and I hope it blesses you and inspires you to say, "yes Lord, I want to be in the Fellowship of the Unashamed"

I'm part of the fellowship of the unashamed. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made; I'm a disciple of His.

I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure.

I'm finished and done with low living, sight walking, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, worldly talking, cheap living and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded.

I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, am uplifted by prayer, and I labor with power.

Written by a young pastor in Zimbabwe, Africa, later martyred for his faith in Christ.

prayer:

Lord Jesus may I not be ashamed of You nor Your Word, I pray for strength and courage to stand and be counted as one who has overcome this world and its temptations. I thank You for Your love and grace. Amen.

Return from India

Praise the Lord for His goodness.

My father and I have returned from India, God blessed in a special way. We both shared in a Bible School, in church services, in house meetings and village meetings. The Lord's Presence was very real and the Word of God flowed unhindered. It was truly a privilege to serve the people in India. We pray for God's continued favor and move in Northern India.

Thank you for your prayers,

Philip

India

Praise God for His Faithfulness.
I have now been in India for 2 weeks. God has been so faithful and wonderful, I have had the opportunity to share in a Bible School and in a house meeting as well as pray for a family that I evangelized on my last trip. They were excited to see me and received me very well.

Tomorrow I will be sharing in a village meeting and again on Sunday.

Please pray for God to pour out of His Spirit and to touch many lives. God is moving mightly in Northern India.

God bless
Philip

Keeping Our Hearts for God

"Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life." Proverbs 4:23 (NLT)

Our heart is the key to our lives, the course of our life is directed by our hearts. Its our responsibility to keep our hearts for God. The Bible says that David had a heart after God that would do His will. Our heart is like a compass, we will know in what direction our lives will go according to the compass of our hearts.

In the following verses of Proverbs 4 there are 3 things given that I believe will allow us to keep our hearts for God.

verse 24, "Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips."

Our Mouths, we need to keep a watch at our mouths. The anointing of the Holy Spirit is easily destroyed by wrong conversation, In Ephesians it talks about not grieving the Holy Spirit, especially by what comes out of our mouths. Lets guard our mouths and let only things that glorify God and bless Him come out.

verse 25, "Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you."

Our Vision, I have met many Christians who do not know what their calling in life is. We are all called and God has a purpose for each one of us, we need to fix our eyes on our purpose and run after it.

1Corinthians 12:27-28, says that we are all part of the Body of Christ, just as each member of the body has a specific purpose so we each have a specific purpose.

verse 26, "Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil."

Our Walk, let us stay on the right path. Keeping our feet from walking into evil, living yielded and submitted to the Lord. We need to keep on the narrow road. Amen

In this day and hour God is looking for those whose hearts are following Him.

prayer:

Lord, may I keep my heart for You. Set a guard at my mouth and watch me that I will never get out from Your will. Keep my eyes focused on You and the purposes that you have called me to and keep me from evil, I pray. I yield to You, have Your way in my life I pray, In Jesus name. Amen.

The Blessings of Giving

"And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"

Acts 20:35

Before departing for Jerusalem on his final missionary journey the Apostle Paul met with the church leaders of Ephesus in the city of Miletus (an ancient seaport of Greece, no longer in existence). He reminds them how he behaved when he was amongst them teaching. He did not take advantage of them by asking for money, but he worked and provided for his own needs; plus he was able to give to the poor. In verse 35 he reminds the church leaders that it is more blessed to give than to receive.

- When is the last time you helped someone in need? Not just by giving money but maybe by helping someone, giving them a ride when needed. Maybe, taking care of someones children; giving them a break. There are many ways to give, a smile, a friendly handshake an encouraging word. Lets do it today! There are incredible blessings when we give to others.

Remember its more blessed to give than to receive

prayer:

Father, help me be a giver. Help me put others first, that I would be consider-et of others. Thank You for giving Jesus, I love you Lord. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

God's Presence

"How amiable are Thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts! My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the Living God."

Psalm 84:1-2

- How amiable (lovely) are Your Tabernacles...

Does your heart yearn to be in the Presence of God continually? Psalm 84 was written for the Sons of Korah, the worshipers who daily ministered to God in the Tabernacle of David and the Psalmist cries out, "How lovely are Your Tabernacles, O Lord of hosts!"

Do we have such hunger and longing in our hearts? Do we place highest priority on seeking the Lord and being in His Presence?

Jesus commended Mary in Luke 10:42 for setting at His feet and hearing His words, while Martha was "busy" serving.

prayer:

Lord, I pray that You will stir up that hunger in me for Your Presence that I will long to be with you and recognize that the most important thing is to be with You. Set me free from the distractions of this world and draw me close to You. In Jesus Name, amen.

Fragrance of Christ

"But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing."
- 2 Corinthians 2:14-15

- Sadhu Sundar Singh relates a story of a journey he made into Tibet, he said he stopped at a mountain village and the people in it were very dirty and unwashed. He goes on to say that he saw a boy examining him with great intent and held out his hands comparing them to his. Then he saw the little boy go out and wash his hands in a stream. He then came back and again compared them to Sadhu Singhs.
Singh says, that when this boy saw his washed and clean hands it had impressed the boy and caused a desire in him to have clean hands just like Singhs.

In the verse above we are told that as Believers we spread the fragrance of Christ to those around us. As Children of God our lives should be full of the Presence of God and just like the boy in whom a desire was born to have clean hands like Sadhu Sundar Singhs so to unbelievers will have a desire to know the Lord and experience Him like us. When we live lives that are Christ-like and His presence is evident in our lives it should cause those around us to desire the same.

prayer:
Father I thank you for Your love and mercy, I thank You that You have chosen us to carry Your Presence, may we yield daily and allow Your Holy Spirit to be manifest in our lives. I praise You Father, in Jesus name amen.

Being Fruitful

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful... No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me."
John 15:1-4

-- Jesus is looking for fruit in our lives. Bearing fruit, means that we are healthy and vibrant spiritually. That we are connected and receiving from the life-giving "sap" of the Holy Spirit.
There are different types of fruit that the Bible mentions:
Good Fruit (Luke 3:9)
Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22)
Love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, self-control

As we abide (dwell, live) in Christ everyday, He will produce the fruit in our lives; the key is staying connected to Jesus.

prayer:
Father I pray that You will help me abide in Your Son. That I may be fruitful and may be pleasing to You. Help me when I get disconnected from You, bring me back I ask. I praise You and I love You, in Jesus name. Amen.

Not ashamed of the Gospel

"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life-not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace."
2Timothy 1:7-9

- I have come to realize that most of our fears in sharing the Gospel are not true. If we are sincere and genuinely care about someone it will be sensed. Usually, they will appreciate someone taking the time to talk to them about spiritual matters.
There is a cost in sharing and living for God, though. The apostle Paul was being persecuted for his ministry and Timothy knew this.
There will always be those who will resist the Gospel and righteousness. Satan will always stand against a Christian who is trying to live for God and win others to Jesus. This is when we have to realize that God has given us a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline and the afflictions that will arise because of the Gospel can be overcome by God's power and love. If we stay connected to the Lord we can overcome anything that comes against us.

prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus You have not given me a spirit of fear. Fear does not come from You, help me understand this and walk in power and love and self-discipline. Help me be strong and courageous in You and know that You are always there to strengthen me. I praise You Lord. amen

Pictures from India

Preaching at a church


Sharing a devotional at a School


Train station in Lucknow

House prayer meeting with Roman Catholic youth

Village people

Village church

Man testifying of being healed from kidney pain

Praise the Lord

Praise the Lord from the earth,..you mountains and all hills...Let them praise the Lord (Psalm 148: 7-13)

"Praise the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts that of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness."
Psalm 150:1-2

-- All of Psalm 150 is about Praising the Lord.

The previous 4 Psalms also begin with exhortations to praise the Lord. It is clear that God desires our praise. I believe praising the Lord is extremely important, for the simple fact that it takes our minds off of ourselves and places our focus on God. When we praise the Lord it releases Him to work in our lives.

When Judah was being attacked by the Moabities and Ammonites, Jehoshaphat appointed song leaders to praise the Lord. As they praised, the Bible says that the Lord set ambushments against the enemy and they were defeated (2Chr. 20:21-22).

Joshua and the Israelites marched around Jericho, and on the 7th day and the 7th march around the city that day; they shouted to the Lord and the walls of Jericho came crumbling down (Joshua 6:12-22).

When we praise God in spite of how our circumstances look it does something in the heart of God and releases His power into our lives.

Lets learn to praise the Lord at all times, it may not be easy, but it allows God to work by His mighty power.

prayer:

Father I thank You for Your word, I thank You that You are the Almighty living God. Teach me to humbly praise You at all times, even though I don't feel like it sometimes. Take my life now and make me all that You want me to be. I praise You right now, I worship You. In Jesus Name, amen.

Not forgetting who we were

In Luke 7:36-50 there is the story of the woman that washed and anointed the feet of Jesus. She wept and her tears fell on His feet and she wiped them with her hair. Then, she took an alabaster box of ointment and anointed His feet with it. Being in a Pharisees house, the Pharisee said within himself that if Jesus was a prophet He would know what kind of woman was touching Him. Then Jesus knowing his thoughts begins to tell Peter a story, that a creditor had two debtors one owing much more than the other. The creditor knowing that they could not pay their debt forgave them both. Then Jesus asks Peter, which one would love the creditor more the one who owed less or the one who owed more. Peter says the one who owed the most.

Jesus then compares this story to the woman who is washing and anointing His feet with oil. In verse 47 He says,
"Wherefore I say unto thee, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much; but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little."

-- Sometimes it is easy to forget where we were before we met the Lord and from how much He forgave and cleansed us. This woman poured out her love and appreciation on Jesus as the Son of God, the One whom she knew could forgive and cleanse her sins. Lets never lose that love that appreciates how much the Lord has forgiven and washed us from. Amen

prayer:
Father we praise You today and we thank You for sending Your Son to earth, and Jesus we thank You for Your forgiveness and washing. You forgave and embraced me even when I did not want You. I love You Lord Jesus, thank You. Amen

How to be filled with the Holy Spirit

-- It is so important that we are filled with the Holy Spirit daily. It is only through the power and Presence of the Holy Spirit that we can live lives that are pleasing to the Lord. Jesus was full of the Holy Spirit when He faced Satan's temptations. We also need to be full of the Holy Spirit as we walk in this present world.
The question is how may I be filled with the Holy Spirit daily and how do I stay filled.
Looking at the life of Jesus He was filled with Holy Spirit when He obeyed the Fathers command to be baptized. He obeyed His Father's will.

When we are walking in obedience to the Word of God and and submitting to the Fathers will for our lives we can be filled with the Holy Spirit everyday.

Then, we are filled as we seek Him through prayer. Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit as He prayed. (Luke 3:21-22) The disciples were baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost as they were praying and seeking. (Acts 2:1-2)

-- Two important factors to be filled with the Holy Spirit.
1. Walk obediently before God
2. Seek the Lord through prayer

"And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness."
Acts 4:31

prayer:
Father I thank You for Your Holy Spirit who is my Helper and Comforter I pray for grace to yield to You daily and to Your will for my life. I pray that You will fill me now with Your Holy Spirit and give me strength for my day. Fill me now. I love You Lord. In Jesus Name, amen.

Full of the Holy Ghost

"And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,"
Luke 4:1

-- Sometimes I think it slips our minds that Jesus relied entirely on the Holy Spirit while He was on earth. Jesus was full of the Holy Spirit when He confronted Satan and his temptations. Jesus was as much human as we are. He needed the power and in-filling of the Holy Spirit daily.

We also must understand the importance of being full of the Holy Spirit daily. Without Him we cannot live pleasing to the Lord. Everyday, may it be our highest priority to be full of the Holy Spirit. This is accomplished by simply surrendering to the Holy Spirit daily and giving Him full control.

prayer:
Heavenly Father, I pray for a yielded and contrite heart that knows the necessity of being full of Your Spirit. I surrender my will, thoughts, ideas and ambitions to You today; take full control of me now and fill me with Your Holy Spirit I pray. In Jesus Name, amen.

Jesus is Lord and Christ

"Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified both Lord and Christ."
Acts 2:36

-- Jesus is Lord and the Christ. He is King and the promised Messiah. God exalted Jesus as Lord. He came to earth as a servant, humbling Himself, and God has given Him the Name that is above all names. All will bow at the Name of Jesus. Know today that Jesus is Lord and the promised Messiah. He is King and the Christ. Yield to Him as Lord and serve Him as Christ, the Anointed One, the Son of the Living God.

Jesus we praise You, we thank You that You are Lord and the Christ. We praise Your Name may Your Name be exalted on our lips, we praise You Lord, amen.

In His service,

Philip

p.s. I will be returning to the USA on April 6. Please be praying for safe travels.

Sharing a devotional at a school in India

Perfect Love

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him, because He first loved us."
1John 4:18-19

-- Our love is made perfect in that we have boldness to approach God. We have been made "righteous" through the blood of Jesus and therefore we have boldness to come to God. In perfect love there is no fear. When our hearts are right and pure before God, there is no fear. We should be bold because of the love of God, perfect (righteous) love castes out fear.

Father I thank You for your love, that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. In Your Son, we are made righteous. Father I love you because You first loved me and my righteousness is in Your Son Jesus. Thank You for Your love. In Jesus Name, amen.

In His service,
Philip

Preaching in India

Pure mouths

"For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth: Who, when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not; but committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously"
1Peter 2:22-23

- Jesus is our example! We are to follow in our Lord's steps. When He was persecuted He did not answer back, he did not curse back, He did not complain, He blessed. The Bible said there was no guile found in His mouth. No iniquity came from the mouth of Jesus only blessings, and forgiveness. He did not bite back when He suffered at the hands of the Romans. He blessed and forgave and committed Himself to God.

Oh Lord may we have the same attitude, may our mouths be pure and holy before You. That when we are hurt by someone we will not bite back and complain. That we can have mouths were no corruption comes out, but only blessing. Lord give us pure and sanctified mouths as You had, I love You Jesus, amen.

In His service,
Philip

My trip to India is winding down, please pray for strength and divine guidance, many blessings.

The Poor in Spirit

"Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
Matthew 5:3

- In this verse Jesus says that the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to the poor in spirit. What is He saying? The poor in spirit means those who have a humble heart, humility, contrition. God dwells in the high and lofty place with those of a humble spirit (Isaiah 57:15). Pride is not permitted in the Kingdom of God. The world's system is the opposite. The world system says to be great you must be someone who takes and climes to the top even if it means stepping on others. The Kingdom of God is opposite, if you want to enter the Kingdom of God and partake of its benefits you must have a humble spirit and serve others.

Lord give us this humble spirits, that we will surrender and yield our wants and desires to You and say, "Thy will be done not mine" Give us a humble spirit that looks to You at all times.

In His Service,
Philip

Please pray as I am still in North India. Pray for God to confirm His Word with signs and wonders. Pray for the dear people that they will understand the Gospel and what it means to follow Jesus.

Time in India

It has been almost a month since I've updated my blog. God has been so faithful and good during the entire time in India. I am still here for another month. I have ministered in house meetings and preached twice in churches. In every service God's Presence is so real and wonderful and the people are receiving the Word of God. Many who have never heard the Gospel are hearing it for the first time! Praise the Lord. I have had the priviledge to pray and lead a Hindu woman to the Lord, her Christian friend was so thankful; she shook my hand and thanked me with tears in her eyes. The people are hungry for God. Please pray that they will give their entire lives to the Lord.
Many blessings,
In His service,
Philip

Serving God in India

Three weeks in India are coming to a close. It has been a time of adapting, learning, testing, and persevering. I spent the past week overcoming a mild bought with bronchitis. God has been faithful and His healing hand has been on me. I have been able to preach the Gospel on two occasions to school children. These children come from Muslim and Hindu families. God has allowed me to speak to them and tell them that Jesus loves them and has a wonderful plan for their lives. I have also shared the Gospel with several people on a one to one basis. It is amazing to see the hunger in the peoples hearts for Jesus. God has been faithful, northern India is a land in tremendous need of the Gospel. The population is immense and the witness of the Gospel is few, but God is sending forth laborers. Praise God!
Please pray for souls to be loosed and the power of the Gospel to be manifested through signs and wonders and miracles.
Many blessings
In His service,
Philip

Prayer, our connection with God

"After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone."
Matthew 14:23

-- It is mentioned many times in the Gospels how Jesus withdrew into solitude and prayed. (Luke 5:15-16; 9:18)
During these times of prayer what was Jesus doing? I believe He was communing and communicating with His Father. He was probably telling His Father about the day and receiving instructions for the following.
Jesus disciples asked Him to teach them how to pray. They never asked him how to heal the sick or raise the dead. They knew that the great secret to Jesus life and ministry was prayer.

We too, need to have this hunger and desire for prayer and communion with the Father. In prayer we receive strength and life to our spirits. I pray that we all will be filled with a new passion and desire to spend time in prayer. It's our connection with the Lord. Amen.

prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus I ask that You will give us a fresh hunger to spend time with You in prayer. I pray Holy Spirit that You will stir our hearts to be in communion with the Father daily. I praise You Lord. Amen.

In His service,
Philip

** I leave for India on the 24 of January. Please pray for me, that God will move mightily and many souls will be saved. I will be there for 10 weeks.

Covering the earth with the glory of God

"But [the time is coming when] the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea."
Habakkuk 2:14

-- The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord! We have a part in fulfilling this prophecy. How can the knowledge of the Lord fill the earth? Through people. We are the ones He has chosen to spread the Gospel, the knowledge of Him. Ordinary Believers like you and me.

May we give ourselves to spreading the Gospel in 2010. Amen.

prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus I pray that You will burden our hearts to share Your Gospel with others. I pray that we will be stirred to reach out to others and tell them about You this new year. I love You Lord. Amen.

In His service,
Philip