Elvis Presley’s Friends Remember

Elvis Presley’s friends remember

    The newspapers are advertising an Elvis impersonator soon to perform in our fair city. Recently seeing the DVD put together by Elvis’ closest circle of friends, there is an inside look at the things they remember that possibly will not be reflected by a few songs sung by this impersonator.

    Elvis was brought up going to a Pentecostal church. He sang and danced and praised God with his mother every Sunday. As an adult, he approached one of his friends saying, “Mama taught me about the Holy Spirit. I want more. How do I get that? Mama had something real good.” His friend (who was part of a Gospel quartet) said, “I don’t know. I was taught that God gives you what you need.”

    There was evidence that Elvis had been gifted by the Holy Spirit. ‘Jim’ of the Imperials told of a time he was with Elvis and some others. Elvis wanted them to pray together. Jim was thinking that later on he would ask Elvis what he thought about heaven. Elvis commented,”We’ll get to that in just a moment, Jim.” “What?” Jim asked. Elvis said, “You were going to ask me about heaven, weren’t you?” “Yes.” “We’ll get to that in just a minute.” Jim recalls, “That blew me away.”

    Another incident described by Elvis’ backup group singer (Sweet Inspirations) showed further evidence of Holy Spirit. One person of the group had been diagnosed with cancer. Appointments were close together, as the case needed to be treated quickly. Elvis took the three singers aside and prayed for ‘God to take away the cancer.’ The next day the diagnosis revealed it was not there.

    When two girls held up a sign saying ‘Elvis is king’, Elvis firmly stated that “Jesus Christ is King,” another friend recalled.

    Because of Elvis’ popularity, he couldn’t go out in public. He was especially fond of staying up all night after a concert and singing Gospel songs with these quartet friends of his. J. D. Sumner and the Stamps, and the Jordanaires knew Elvis as ‘never wanting to sing Jailhouse Rock, or Hound dog types of songs, but always Gospel. Further, they commented, “He meant every word and it was like church, not just singing words, but praising God.”

    ”Elvis really loved God.” “He was very generous with people and felt that he got closer to God the more he helped people.” “He wanted to fulfill God’s purpose in his life.” (were a few other comments made by these friends.)

    At the time Elvis was popular, prejudice against the black people in the United States was rampant. Elvis hired black singers to work with him. He was pro-racial reconciliation and sometimes had to say, “If they don’t sing, neither do I.” to bigoted club owners.

    He had a fight on his hands singing Gospel music. All the managers and promoters wanted rather the naughty Elvis the Pelvis stuff. None the less, he did produce four Gospel albums. This was where his heart was and he said this to his friend. The reply came “Why don’t you just sing Gospel?” Elvis felt that thousands of people would be put out of work if he did. He cared about people.

    When we talk of the Christian lifestyle, we often use terms foreign to those not following Christ. So much of these background memories DVD clips spoke to me regarding what it means to ‘invite Jesus into your heart’. It isn’t physical, but rather spiritual— deep inside there is birthed a constant desire to praise Him and mean every word we sing. We want to do what He has created us to do. It’s real good.

    Elvis didn’t reckon how strong the opposition called ‘the world’ was and eventually did all that the promoters and managers required.

Non-Christian religious groups bombarded him, promising more of God. Elvis needed a whole lot more prayer support and Godly counsel than he accessed. One of his close friends remembered, “As a friend and a Christian , I felt I hadn’t done enough. I was concerned about Elvis’ health and gave him a Bible. ”

J.D. Sumner tearfully told his regret: “Elvis called me into his dressing room, and said, ‘I want you to come to Memphis. I want to talk to you about something important.’ “I never made it there. We never did talk about it.”

Elvis died young, probably drug related.

     We may not struggle with the loneliness of fame or the pressures of employing hundreds of people, but remember to put God first in all decisions. Jesus cited what keeps men from Him is home, family, or jobs. (Luke 14:16-23) As we draw near to God, He draws near to us and helps us overcome the pressures of the world.

    An impersonator can show what was seen and heard. Fortunately, God looks at the heart. (1 Samuel 16: 7-13)

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The Servant’s Heart

The Servant’s Heart

    ”Lord, show me a servant’s heart,” I prayed one sunny afternoon as I was raking my front lawn. Not having a dog at the time, I noted some “doggie evidence” on my lawn. I began to muse where it came from. I had a neighbor at the time that let her two big dogs out to run and they always b-lined for my yard to chase my cats. This had gone on for months, so you can imagine the feeling rising up as I picked up after these beasts.

My mind flashed to Buckingham Palace and I thought of the Queen’s set of dogs. Surely someone cleans up after these, I mused. To them, it was just a part of the job.

    Immediately, my neighbor entered my driveway carrying a pup. “Isn’t he cute?” She cuddled him. Fortunately, my heart was in a good place that esteemed the person above the job, and I was able to sincerely say, “You make a fine couple.” She left, cuddling her new pup.

    Recalling her incredibly abusive past, and mistrust of people, I was glad to Lord prepared my mind for what could have been a disastrous outburst that would have destroyed years of ministry to her.

    People are more important than anything else to God. He gives us love for people and we can always ask for more. He loves everyone.

    Some prayers He delights to answer quickly.

    Jesus came not to be served, but to serve humanity. He taught, healed, loved, freed and bled for us. He washed the disciples’ feet and let them know their ministry was to help, love and serve others. Show others the mercy and kindness God has showed you. Only the born again heart can step away from the selfishness that is ours by birth. We are His workmanship, and beyond this world’s charitable giving, our ministry sees lives eternally transformed, as the love of God heals, saves and rescues from the inside, out. We love our King and all His wishes become a pleasure to do, by His power resident within. Walk in resurrection life.     

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Power from the Authority

Not fear—Power from the Authority

    What kids haven’t been struggling and finally one declares; “You have to give it to me, Dad said!” The struggle is over. The other knows authority and doesn’t want to explain his behavior to his dad.

    At times, in legal terms, there is one who has ’signing authority’. If that person’s signature isn’t on the cheque, it won’t be cashed.

    The police are often called ‘the authorities’. When they show up things come to order. They have authority to apprehend the unruly.

     Jesus told a short illustration that tells the Christian about his authority. : “It’s like a man going away; he leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch…” (Mark 13: 33)

    The story is mostly about keeping alert until Jesus comes again, but the use of the phrase ‘put his servants in charge’ parallels the authority Jesus has assigned to His people. Sometimes looking at another translation gives dimension to the text.

    ”For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.”

    Think about the words of the authority figure. They usually are statements and commands, as opposed to hopes or complaints. By far, the biggest issue causing people I know to not walk in victory is their declarations of troubles and fears (what might happen). As we visit, encouragement is given to them to know “My help comes from the Lord who made the heavens and the earth.” Think of the difficulty as an entity, and then resist it. Authority means take dominion. It’s not our power or wisdom or even what’s possible. We speak for our King. He never struggled or lacked. Faith speaks overcoming life.

    Charles Hunter, in his book ‘Handbook for healing’ suggests declaring; “I command all the electrical and chemical frequencies in every cell in my body to be in harmony and balance and to digest the bad cells.” That’s pretty firm and explicit; and the will of God. Give thanks and praise. A child might simply say “I bind and cast out (name problem) now in Jesus’ name.” Very cool. It has to obey the blood bought child of God. Father said.    

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A House of Prayer

A Special House

    At a year and a half of age, Karen Cunningham’s baby boy “James” began exhibiting abnormal behaviors. He would beat his head on the wall and floor; he would make holes in the wall and eat drywall. He ate rubber toys and chewed his fingers. His mother described him as a ‘wild animal’– anything would set him off in fits of rage and tantrums. He was very powerful, explosive. The ‘world’ diagnosed him as ‘no hope for change’ and having a permanent disorder. At the age of three, he was placed in a preschool for children with disabilities. He grew in size but his vocabulary was only 20 words and he was detached from others. Things looked hopeless, the worn out parents believed their son may have to be institutionalized.

    In 1999, Karen was invited to a Spirit filled Bible study. She desperately wanted a personal relationship with God and learned of a deliverance team in near Dallas,Texas. Seeking out help for her personal issues, she found freedom after an 8 hour session with this deliverance team. A woman approached her at the close of the session with word that God would deliver her son. The Lord had the prayer team pray for James for seven months before his first session. In the meantime, Karen grew in relationship to Jesus, learned how to pray for her son, how to speak ‘life’ messages to him rather than what she had been doing. She played worship music in his room to help him sleep.

    On February 17, 2000 James and his mom met with the deliverance team and prayer intercessors. James kept hitting his head and saying he wanted to go. The deliverance team and intercessors prayed briefly for James. He became peaceful and the team said that was enough for the day. There would be three more short sessions with the team. The strongholds had to leave in a specific order. By June, James was set free.

    We’ve seen how the body of Christ was able by the power of God to help this family. The invite to attend the Bible Study began the road to healing. No doubt the message and fellowship at the Study encouraged and welcomed Karen. The pastor at the church (Round rock Chapel) Dennis Hall later told how disruptive James was, yet the congregation emotionally supported Karen and her quest for help. “After deliverance, James was completely different,” the pastor explained. “He was peaceful and connected with the people.” James no longer needed to attend a special school. He fit in to normal school, though he had a lot of catching up to do. Today he is fourteen years old, six feet tall, and sports star of the class. He’s still struggling to catch up to the eighth grade class, but there is confidence he will graduate. James is saved and tells us, “The devil tried to kill me, but Jesus stopped him.”

    The doctor that initially diagnosed James at the age of three has recently met with James again. The doctor says James is appropriate, healthy, making decisions, a “Miracle”.”This is higher than the medical field.”

    Jesus called the place His people meet a ‘house of prayer’. This is how we connect to God and help others to connect with Him too.

    Glory to God for the help He gave James. “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12:4)

Good Tidings of Great Joy

Good Tidings of Great Joy

    We live in a wonderful time in history—the age of grace. Prior to Jesus redeeming mankind, people lived in a state of following laws in order to please God. They had made up over 600 of them. They needed to be ’saved’ from their own ways.

    The Lord wanted to ‘free’ mankind. He provided a Savior because He loves us. God so loved the world that He sent His only Son. He would change the covenant or agreement we were to follow. We could obtain the ‘free gift of righteousness’ through trusting in and obeying Jesus.

    The Gospel of John starts by telling us of Jesus’ background. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made. He became flesh and made His dwelling among us. He was in the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him. He came from the Father and was full of grace and truth.

    The law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

    By this we understand Jesus to be present at Creation. We also see that “to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” ‘Receive’ has to do with welcome, invite in. We speak words of confidence in who Jesus is and ask for forgiveness of our wrongs, understanding that He gave His life ‘one sacrifice for sins forever.’(Hebrews 10:12)

    We seek and find His way of living through the Gospels.( These were written by those who knew Jesus personally) How great is His goodness and love that He holds before each person this free gift of right standing before God! He asks we trust Him to save us and continue doing what He taught. He promises to help us by His power or grace. We can live our lives free from guilt and fear with power over sin when we become children of God. How great is our future with Him!    

    Look how this good news was alive and well in the 1700’s when the famous Christmas tune was written: Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King! ” / Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled./ Joyful, all ye nations rise, join the triumph of the skies/ With the angelic host proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem.”/ Hark! The herald angels sing, ‘Glory to the newborn King.’

Christ by highest heaven adored, Christ the everlasting Lord,/ Late in time behold Him come, offspring of a virgin’s womb./ Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; hail the incarnate Deity,/ Pleased as man with man to dwell, Jesus our Emmanuel/ Hark! The herald angels sing, ‘Glory to the newborn King.’

Hail the heaven born Prince of Peace! Hail, the Son of righteousness! / Light and life to all He brings, risen with healing in His wings./ Mild He lays His glory by, born that man no more may die/ Born to raise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth./ Hark! The herald angels sing, ‘Glory to the newborn King.’

    Few of us know these words by heart, yet look at them closely: “God and sinners reconciled” ; “The incarnate Deity ” means God became flesh; “Emmanuel ” means “God with us”.. Jesus’ purpose was to move man from the kingdom of sin to become children of God. He left behind heavenly glory and came that we no more would “die”. (spiritually “die’ refers to hell or eternal damnation) Jesus came to give us “second birth”—born again or born of the Spirit. John wrote about ‘beyond natural birth’ : “…to all who received Him (Jesus), to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God—children not born of natural descent, not of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” (John 1:12, 13)

    Jesus taught this to Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.” (John 3:5)

    Even John the Baptist told those who lived during the time of Jesus that “Jesus will baptize you with the Holy Spirit…” (Matthew 3:11)

    Celebrate Jesus this season—He loved us so much to sacrifice and make a way for all who receive Him and continue in His words to be one in Spirit with Him—forevermore.

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Flames + Games

Of Flames and Games

    There is word that the Olympic torch will pass our area soon. We learned about Mount Olympus in high school. The mythical god ‘Zeus’ and his wife ‘Hera’ lived there with many, many others, some in charge of crops, others of war, others of beauty and everything else you could imagine. Look up Greek mythology. The dictionary explains ‘myth’ is a made up story or fiction. The problem was that people worshipped, sacrificed, and prayed to these characters.

    The Olympic museum tells us how what goes on today ties in with ancient heathen practices. “The choice of Olympia as a departure point emphasizes the link between the ancient and modern games and underlines the profound connection between these two events…In the sanctuary of Olympia, where the ancient Olympic games took place, a flame burned permanently on the altar of the goddess Hestia, guardian of the city’s fire…fires were lit on the altars of Zeus and Hera, situated in front of their temples. To honor these gods, animal sacrifices were made in the same place. Today, nothing remains of the altars, but the present ceremony for the lighting of the Olympic flame in front of the temple of Hera acts as a reminder of these events. ”

    …”Ancient torch relays in Athens were part of religious ceremonies rather than sporting events. The flame was transmitted by runners and the first competitor to arrive at the altar of the god had the honor of renewing its fire. At a set time before the start of the ancient Olympic games, messengers wearing olive (branch) ‘crowns’ announced in other cities the exact date of the competitions…”

    Lighting the flame today all begins in Olympia, Greece. “A few months before the opening of the Olympic games, a ceremony is organized on the original site of the Olympic games, at the ancient sanctuary of Olympia. The flame is lit in front of the ruins of the temple of Hera by actresses playing the part of priestesses. The choreography and costumes used in the ceremony are based on those of antiquity. The flame is lit according to the ancient method of the sun’s rays in the parabolic mirror. The Olympic flame can only be lit in this way. The flame is placed in an urn and transported into the ancient stadium where it is given to the first runner by the high priestess responsible for this operation. This process takes place months before the opening of the games, in order to allow for the relay to take place and bring the flame to the host city.”

    Many people participate in the relay, bringing the flame to its destination. “The highlight of the opening ceremony of the Olympics is the entrance of the Olympic flame into the stadium. The final torchbearer often does a lap of the stadium before lighting the monumental cauldron with the Olympic flame…the flame remains lit for the duration of the games and is only extinguished at the closing ceremony.”

    At some point the Christian has to look at how much glory, praise and honor he should give a man. We are to respect and honor those in authority over us—parents, elders, those in leadership. Worship belongs to God alone.

    Greek mythology was around at the time Paul preached at Athens. (Acts 17:16-34) The people in Ephesus rioted when their business was impacted by people turning from idols to Jesus. (Acts 19:23-41)

    Christianity has a very real living connection with the Living God. There is Spirit and life in the Gospels that moves us from seeing ‘what happened back then to those guys’ to ‘Jesus is speaking to me right now by what He said. Are we ‘one’?’ (John 17: 20-26)Biblically the Creator of the heavens and earth is fussy about having loyal followers, clean and separate from ’strange gods’. It’s like a faithful relationship –eternal blessings to those who remain ‘true’ for life.

    The things of this world grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.

He cared about what God Said

A Man Who Cared About What God Said or One In Spirit

    About 538 B.C. Cyrus, king of Babylon proclaimed that those people that were captured seventy years earlier would be released to return to their homeland. These exiles were God’s Chosen people. The temple in Jerusalem had been destroyed and needed to be rebuilt. Many went to do this job. The rebuilding of the temple was a massive project. After two years the builders had finished laying the foundation. There was a celebration with priests in their apparel blowing trumpets and playing cymbals praising God. The people sang and gave thanks and “all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid.” (Ezra 3:11)

    Whereas God’s people were rejoicing, enemy peoples that had settled in the area while God’s people were captive in Babylon were not in support of the temple rebuilding, or the nation itself. They succeeded in stopping the project for fifteen years.

    Meanwhile back in Babylon, King Cyrus died and Darius took the throne. He enforced the original decree made by Cyrus and helped financially to see the temple completed. He ruled “I decree that if anyone changes this decree, a beam is to be pulled down from his house and he is to be lifted up and hanged thereon. ” (Ezra 6:11)

    A scribe named Ezra who knew the Mosaic law well was dispatched from Babylon to get God’s chosen people back on track. He knew how the sacrifices were to be done, and how God wanted His people to live. His commission was serious from the king: “Ezra, after the wisdom of thy God, which you possess, appoint magistrates and judges to administer justice to all the people… and you are to teach any who do not know them. (Mosaic laws) Whoever does not obey the law of your God and the law of the king must surely be punished by death, banishment, confiscation of property or imprisonment. “(Ezra 7:25)

    The people of Israel had not kept themselves separate from heathen nations. There had been intermarriage and children born of these marriages. Ezra was appalled. Everyone who trembled at the words of the God of Israel gathered around him and sat appalled until the evening sacrifice. Ezra prayed and quoted to the Lord His command, “The land you are entering in to possess is a land polluted by the corruption of its peoples. By their detestable practices they have filled it with their impurity from one end to the other. Therefore, do not give your daughters in marriage to their sons, or take their daughters for your sons…” (Ezra 9: 10-12) It was a tough time. There was much weeping, praying, confessing. Then Shecaniah, came up with this word: “Let us make a covenant before our God to send away all these women and their children, in accordance with the counsel of my lord and of those who fear the commands of our God…we will support you, so take courage and do it. ” (Ezra 10:3,4) Difficult as it was, the exiles did as was proposed.

    Shecaniah had an excellent, humble, pure spirit. He cared about what God said. He respected and honored that so much as to suggest a most difficult solution. As we grow in our spiritual life, we will need to make difficult decisions. Jesus was heard to pray “Not My will, but Yours be done” at a most difficult time in His life.

    Way back in history not everyone had the ability to read and write. Today, things are different. To whom much is given is much required. We can know God’s ways through His Holy Word and the Holy Spirit who dwells in each one who has received Jesus as Savior and Lord. Human nature wants to distort or find ways around what God said. We look for other angles, or a way that ‘it doesn’t really apply now’ or ‘there are other things to consider.’ Imagine God in His glory speaking His Word to us as we read the Bible.

    ”The words of the Lord are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times.” (Psalm 12:6) It is no accident that Shecaniah’s name resembles Shekinah.    

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Raspberries

Raspberries

    Years ago my neighbor called and said, “If you want any raspberries, better come and pick ‘em.”     By the time I got there others had picked most of the berries. For me picking was very slow—one here, one there. It took hours, but my fondness of pure raspberry jam kept me working.

    After a while at home I gazed on the day’s work: three pints of pure raspberry jam, all sealed and cooling! From out of nowhere the idea to give away 2 of these to people who had hurt me came to mind. I resisted. No! Anything but these! I sat quietly knowing it was a God-thing. The enemy wouldn’t want me to bless them who cursed me. I knew what was the right thing to do, yet my feet weren’t moving. Maybe there was another way…

    Realizing if I focused on putting one foot ahead of the other, I could obey. Two jams left home for relocation.

    Spiritually, this physical obedience paid off big time. The recipients were completely shocked, blessed and sorry. Personally was freed from negative thoughts and emotions regarding these and all that happened or was soon to unfold. The impossible happened. Friendships were birthed. There is no explanation for how that could happen. Good overcame evil. There was power in obeying Jesus’ directions: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, Do not resist and evil person, if someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.’ (Matthew 5: 38-45) As time went by, I also needed to pray for these, in order to maintain our relationships. At first I might say, “Lord, I’m sorry I don’t mean this blessing, but I’m praying it in obedience. ” Later, my heart changed and the prayer was sincere.

    To the natural man, this is impossible and unappealing. To us with confidence in Jesus, we know He called out for forgiveness of those who hurt Him. In the early church, Stephen also called out for those stoning him to not be punished. Saul’s conversion to apostle Paul came shortly after.

    We may not understand spiritual dynamics, but Jesus has clearly stated what will cause God to get involved in our lives. Sometimes it’s not easy to obey. Fortunately we have the same Spirit as Jesus living in us. Know His leading, make the flesh follow suit. The blessing of God in the situation is then released. He keeps His Word. He cannot lie.

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Sweet Dreams

Sweet Dreams from the Lover of my soul

    As a child, I had nightmares. Not that I was watching scary movies or reading scary books, these weren’t allowed. Religion was every Sunday, and I learned scary things from catechism. I found out after I died I’d go to a torture place to pay for my sins. I tried to find peace by buying statues. I had a Mary and Joseph and Jesus with His heart showing. Later, I got a Theresa necklace pendant from my grandmother. The cross in my room had Jesus’ body on it. It was scary, too.

    There was a particularly bad nightmare that seemed to start every night when I fell asleep. It went on for a long time. The scene was this: I was walking in the alley and a gang of big teenage boys were chasing me and yelling bad words. They had knives. It was dark.

    I was scared of the dark. I didn’t want to go to bed. I’d pray the rosary, but it made me think of the brutality of the crucifixion.

    Finally, the mercy of God intervened. The nightmare started as usual. The chase was on—but wait—a brilliant gold coin about the size of our toonie was on the ground ahead. I picked it up and saw what I perceived to be the face of Jesus on it peacefully smiling at me. I said, “Jesus” and clutched the coin to my chest. The big dark figures ran away and I never had another nightmare.

    Needless to say, Jesus became my hero. Since I’ve grown up and come to understand the Bible, I thank Jesus for impressing on me to focus on Him instead of idols and statues. It would be nearly two decades before I understood that Jesus died for me and I wouldn’t have to suffer for my sins. I readily invited Jesus into my heart and life and wanted to know more about Him. The Bible became my mentor. When I couldn’t understand the Old Testament, I’d flip to the New Testament red letters—the words of Jesus. They brought comfort and truth that gave me discernment and sound judgment. They taught me to only pray to my Heavenly Father in Jesus’ name. Check out Proverbs 3:21, 24: “Keep sound judgment and discernment… when you lie down, you will not be afraid, when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.” Praise Jesus, it’s true.

    People tell me things have changed in the church of my youth. I am skeptical, as when I visit friends of that faith, they still live among statues. The idea of Mary as ‘born without sin’ has grown to make her ‘queen of heaven’ to whom incense is burned. When I first discovered the Bible concordance and learned how to use it, I was able to look up these man-made doctrines in the Bible. Purgatory, mass, rosaries, immaculate conception, assumption, coronation, confessional are all non- Biblical. A person would have to check out history to find out when and why these were invented. As Paul felt as he entered Athens and saw the idolatry, so too my soul is ‘deeply distressed’ (Acts 17:16) for those who were taught as I was. There is one mediator between God and man and that’s Jesus. As Son of God, His death on the cross was for all mankind who would turn from their sin and follow His ways. Beyond the peace that Jesus immediately gives to our soul upon repentance, there follows an awesome assurance of eternal life from Holy Spirit, when that infilling takes place. Flee idolatry, it’s sinful. Resurrection life and peace come from Jesus alone. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX    

Amazing Grace

Amazing Grace

    Have you ever felt inadequate, ill-equipped or unworthy to do what you understand to be the will of God in your life? Good news—His grace is available to empower and enlighten all who will ask Him for it. Grace is defined as “God’s divine influence on the heart and its reflection in our life. It is undeserved favor.” One of the most precious resources the Christian has is access to God’s grace. Paul encourages us to approach the throne of grace “with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16) We need God’s help to do what He has called us to do; God’s help to overcome.

    In his book: ‘Grace—Power Beyond Your Ability’ Dennis Burke explains: “The real strength of Jesus’ message is not our ability in ourselves, but our potential in Him. …God does not call you to do what you are capable of doing in your own strength…His plans can seem overwhelming from the human point of view…See your situation through the eyes of God and what He promises in His Word in order to stretch beyond the limits of your ability and draw instead upon the infinite resources of His ability.” The fulfillment of His tasks comes according to His grace (power) not our ability. ”

    Jesus was filled with grace and truth. We are saved by grace through faith.

    Paul comments : “I am the least of all apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God, but by the ‘ grace’ of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not without effect . No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.” (1 Corinthians 15: 9, 10)

    Andrew Moyo had an overwhelming experience of the grace of God show up at a morning service. He recalls: “In 1996, we conducted a 7 day believer’s conference in the rocky mountain city of Kabala in Uganda. Hordes of people flocked the facilities 5 hours before start time, just to get a seat. These people prayed fervently for God’s touch and impartation upon their lives. I was invited to the platform to minister, The minute I took the pulpit, I closed my eyes, lifted my hands to the Father and worshipped Him with words of love and adoration. …The anointing of God was so strong that the entire church was slain in the power of the Holy Spirit. For hours everyone was on the floor. Many were set free from demonic oppression, receiving healing in their bodies and received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, with the evidence of speaking in other tongues. Hours later, they got up and testified of what God had done in their lives. Everyone had a personal experience with the power of God and a praise report to glorify God. I had never seen anything like that before. Once and for all I knew God wanted to use me even more than I ever imagined, but I needed to know what He was doing to help me stay in the center of His prophetic purpose in my life. As I waited in His presence, He spoke to me, “Son, what you witnessed and encountered this afternoon is My grace.”

    This was an intensive empowering of an entire church that was hungry for God’s power to save, heal and rescue its people. All these people would make an impact everywhere they went from that service forward. They would have abundant faith to help others to find freedom. There would be much joy because of all the healings and freedom from oppression.

    As we pray at home, we may need healing in our heart because of brokenness or abuse. God’s love often soothes and releases in a gentle way. This too is grace. The weak gain strength by God’s grace. Thanks to Jesus, we are free to ask for mercy and grace at anytime and our promise from the Word of God is: “Ask and you shall receive.” Never linger in the wasteland of sin, guilt, shame, condemnation, unforgiveness or addictions. God wants us to live an abundant victorious, outreaching, Christian experience by His power.

    ”May the God of peace sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The One who calls you is faithful and He will do it.” (1 Thessalonians 5: 23, 24) Grace says: “You can do it, I’ll help.”    

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