Sister Freda

One of my favorite passages in the Bible is Psalm 91. I'm reading an awesome book titled Psalm 91-God's Shield of Protection, and in this book it breaks down this entire chapter and elaborates on the promises found in this scripture. This past week something I read really stood out to me and I wanted to share it with you. In the fourth verse the scripture says, "His faithfulness is a shield and a bulwark". We've often heard it preached that His faithfulness is our shield, but in this scripture it also says that it is our bulwark. A bulwark was a tower built along the the city wall where defenders would shoot arrows and throw huge rocks at the enemies. So this tells me that His faithfulness is also my strong tower. From that tower, God will point out the enemy so he can't slip up on our blind side.

We see that this scripture used two symbols of protection and fortification. One being a shield, which is used for personal protection, and the other being the strong tower, which is our wall of protection. In other words, we are promised double protection in this verse. But like so many other things in the Bible, we must first accept these tools of protection and use them. We must run to that strong tower, and we must pick up that shield of faith.

One of the things I want to do for the new year is to make Psalm 91 a part of my everyday life. I don't want to go a day without reading this scripture and applying it in my daily walk. Read Psalm 91 today and see how much God loves you.  

Sister Freda

Psalm 91:11-12 For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways. They will bear you up in their hands, that you do not strike your foot against a stone.

Psalm 91 tells us so many different ways that God has designed His plan of protection. In this verse we find another promise of protection; "angelic protection". We read this passage of scripture and really have no idea of the magnitude of this promise. Only after we get to heaven will we fully know all the dangers from which we have been spared because of the intervention of angels on our behalf. In this verse it says that "He will give His angels charge concerning you"...When you take charge of something, you put yourself in a place of leadership. You take control of the situation of activity. In a work environment you tell what to do or how to do something. If angels are taking charge of the things that concern us, then God has given the angels authority to act in our behalf. This verse also says that the angels will "guard you in al your ways"...When I read this scripture, I think of a soldier standing guard, looking very alert, watching in all directions for danger. The soldier is ready to protect what and/or who he is guarding, at the first sign of attack. When I think of it in the way, then I realize how much more God's angels are capable of standing guard over us. The next time you feel alone, or find yourself in harm's way, remember that God has given His angels charge of you. His angels are personal, heavenly bodyguards, sent to watch over us.

Remember, there are more fighting for than against you    

Sister Freda

The past few weeks I've been studying about God's protection plan. I've learned through my life experiences, that I may have to go through some of the hardest struggles right before I experience my greatest blessings from God. This past Sunday we heard a sermon about how there are times when God's plan takes us through adversity as our key for advancement. I heard a minister at Prayer Conference put it this way-"David wasn't a crowned king because he killed a midget". We may face battles in our personal life, family, even in the church, but we need to remember that God is with is in the battles and He will bring us out victorious. This past week God brought scripture to me to help remind me just how He will protect us.

      Isaiah 43:2 When you past through the waters I will be with you, and through the rivers they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you

I serve an awesome God!

Sister Freda

In our Sunday School lesson this past Sunday we learned that God's calling sometimes takes us into places or situations where we aren't comfortable. There may be things He has called you to do that you don't feel qualified or capable of doing. There are really only two things that God requires; your obedience and your trust. As God's sons and daughters, He expects us to attempt things that are too large for us to handle....things we know we couldn't do without Him. We have to walk each day with the full understanding that we will face certain failure if we aren't 100% dependent on Him. That is called "living by faith"...We are called to step out by faith, to do and say things that could only come from God. When we pray for His hand on our lives He will enable us to meet His calling for our life.

This in my prayer for 2010....I pray that you would make this your own prayer for your lives and for our church in 2010.

O God, please expand my opportunities and my impact in such a way that I touch more lives for your glory. Let me do more for you than I have ever done before

Sister Freda

God never sends you into a situation alone. He always goes before you. Remember He went before the Israelites as a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. He always precedes you in every encounter. He is prepared to meet every need because He has gone before you and knows exactly what you will need in every situation.

Sister Freda  

For the past few weeks, it seems that I have been on my knees more than I've been standing upright. I don't really have an explanation other than my burden for our church and our families (our personal families and extended church families), has been extremely heavy. This past week while I was praying and talking to God about my feelings, the lyrics to a song that I sing come to mind. These are the words.

Each morning I get up, pick up my sword and shield. I start out to face another day. Blow after blow Satan tries to weaken me til' finally I fall down upon my knees. Then I look toward the heavens and to the Lord I cry, "It seems to me I'm losing in the fight"..

But He says, "Right there on your knees is where you're gonna win the fight. You're standing taller than you ever have before. Right there on your knees is where your battles will be won. So all you have to do is wait upon the Lord 

You know the war is raging and it seems there is no end. You can feel the forces of the enemy...So when you think his fiery darts are about to bring you down, don't give up, that's just where you wanna be...Cause when he thinks the battle over and he thinks that he has won; it's not over, it's only just begun. Because right there on your knees is where you're gonna win the fight. Your standing taller than you ever have before. Right there on your knees is where your battles will be won. So all you have to do is wait upon the Lord

2 Corinthians 10:4  For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds

Prayer is the request by man of GOD through the Holy Spirit to interfere in behalf of the who pray. My prayer is that others will join me on our knees in prayer for a divine intervention, that we would see God's hand moving in our church and families.

Sister Freda

This past Sunday we heard that sometimes right before our biggest victory or blessings we could meet our toughest struggles. Satan will ramp up his attacks to try his best to defeat us because he doesn't want us to gain the victory that God has in store for us. During these hard times, sometimes Christians will give up in defeat right before they are to make their breakthrough.

When my son was a teenager, he had a shirt that he wore a lot. The first time I saw the shirt, he was walking through the room and I did a double-take....because on the front of of his shirt in very large letters it simply said "Don't fight Naked"...!!! But on the back it said "Put On The Whole Armor of God". I thought of this recently, and it is true that sometimes we get up and face Satan without being dressed for battle. Read Ephesians chapter 6 and you will find all the tools you need to defeat the devil.

You will need: The Girdle of Truth, Breastplate of Righteousness, Shod you feet with Preparation of the Gospel, Shield of Faith, Helmet of Salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit.

You will need ALL of these to defeat the devil. I have a favorite series about the Armor of God, and I am reading these books again for about the fourth time. Each time I read these books I learn something new that help me in my everyday life to defeat the devil. You know he won't always use the same temptation or trick to defeat you....he will try new tactics and you need to be prepared for him. This is not just something I'm writing to fill space in the bulletin. I fell strongly that our church is on the brink of a breakthrough but it's going to take all of us working together and uniting in a common cause to defeat the devil. And I know that he will try to defeat us and discourage us, but I also know that GREATER IS HE THAT IS IN US THAN HE THAT IS IN THE WORLD.

Our purpose as a church is to reach out to the hurting, suffering people and introduce them to our Savior. The devil's purpose is to trick and deceive them into and eternal life of hell. So when he sees us reaching out he will try with all his might to defeat us, and we must be prepared and untied to stand against him. Let's all remember to dress with the Whole Armor of God everyday to be able to defeat the devil and win our victory through Christ.   

Sister Freda

Do you have on your "girdle of truth"???. When I think about the armor of God and the scripture that says we should have our "loins girt with truth" I think about the fact that God is TRUTH. This is very true, but there is more to this than what we've been taught in the past. . It is believed that when Paul was writing this passage he was looking at a Roman soldier's uniform and used the Roman soldier's uniform and weapons to pattern his letter to the Ephesians. When a Roman soldier would get ready for battle, they would take a girdle and pull their tunic between their legs and tuck the excess fabric under the girdle so they wouldn't get tripped up or stumble over their tunic while in battle. So knowing this bit of information I realize Paul was also telling us that we would secure anything that would cause us to stumble or fall down when moving quickly in our daily battle as a Christian. We should also be spiritually sharp and have spiritual agility so that we can bee successful in our battles. This weekend we heard some wonderful messages while at the Youth Winter Retreat. We heard that we are as close to God as we choose to be....Remember He hasn't moved, we are the ones that have pulled away. We can decide to get as close to Him as possible so that when we look in the mirror we see God's love shinning out of us. When we are as close to God as possible, we will be less likely to stumble or fall in our battles, we will be wearing the "Girdle of Truth" everyday. We will be allowing His light to shine through our lives as a witness of His love to our family, friends, and church   

Sister Freda

"With the breastplate of righteousness in place.." Ephesians 6:14

The breastplate was a vital part of the soldiers armor. No trained soldier would go into battle without it. It protected the vital organs like the heart and lungs. This part of the scripture in Ephesians is telling us that Jesus is our righteousness. Our own righteousness is worthless in battle. If we start to believe that our own righteousness makes us worthy of God's protection we will not win in the fight against Satan. We have to get our eyes off ourselves and back on God. We must never forget that Jesus purchased our salvation on Calvary and the righteousness we have is through our relationship with Him. If we have a close relationship with Him, then our spiritual heart and lungs are protected. He needs to be the heartbeat of our life, and the air we breath. We need to be desperate for Him. He needs to be a priority in our life. This is a life or death decision. We will not make it without Him in our life. Over and over again in scriptures we hear that Satan is out to destroy our life and our families, everything that we hold precious is at stake. That is why God felt it was important to instruct us how to dress for battle against Satan. We have to be protected when we get up every morning and face the day because we don't know what attack we might face....But, the one thing we know for sure is that if we are properly dressed for battle, and if we are trained and ready to use the tools that God has given us, we will be victorious.

Make sure you wear the Breastplate of Righteousness Today!!!

Sister Freda 

Ephesians 6:15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace......

The Roman soldiers wore shoes that resembled sandals, that came up above the ankle and were held securely to the feet by leather straps. In the winter they lined the sandals with fur. Without his sandals a soldier would not be prepared to fight. He would become injured and he would not be able to continue in the battle. The bible tells us to put on the shoes of the gospel of peace. We need to prepare ourselves to fight by putting on the gospel of Jesus' life, death and resurrection. If we attempt to face a day in this life without His word in our heart, we could become injured and possibly stumble and fall. If we don't have His word in our heart we will live a life of fear and worry about our life and our future. We get peace to survive the battles of this life by reading God's word. If we use His word, we can fight with boldness, confidence, perseverance, and peace.

Be sure and put on your "gospel shoes" today!!

Sister Freda    

"In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one". Ephesians 6:16

The Roman soldiers used small round shields and large rectangular ones. The large shields was about 4 foot tall and 2 feet wide. It was made up of layers of laminated wood covered by layers of linen and leather. A brass or bronze rim covered the edge as a protection against the sword attacks. Shields were primarily used as individual protection but would be overlapped with others to form a large wall of protection. When the Romans attacked walled cities, archers would stand on the walls and shoot fiery arrows down at the soldiers. The Roman soldiers would overlap their shields and they would be able to continue advancing toward the gates of the city despite the attack of fiery arrows.

Our faith in Jesus is our shield. If we have faith and our hope and trust is in Him, we can withstand the fiery darts of the wicked one. Without our shield of faith in Jesus we would be wounded and we would fail in our Christian walk. We would not be able to continue in our fight against the Devil. When the Roman soldiers were fighting, if they dropped their shield, it became useless and the soldiers fate rested within himself. We trust in Jesus alone as our shield. We can not rely on our own abilities in this battle. The only way we can defeat the Devil is if we hold on to our shield of faith. There are also times when we, as a united body need to join our faith with our brothers and sisters in Christ to build each other up and help protect each other from Satan's attack. Let's all make sure we hold on tight to our shield of faith, and we are alert and aware of the battle that is raging around us. If we see a brother or sister in need, let's join our faith with theirs and help protect each other in our daily battles.

Sister Freda 

Take up the helmet of Salvation. Ephesians 6:17

The Roman army helmet was usually made of bronze. Cheek-pieces were made on the side of the helmet and these were secured under the chin with a leather strap. These "cheek-pieces" were added to protect the sides of the face. A "shelf" was added to the back of the helmet to protect the neck and shoulders from arrows that fell from above or behind the soldier. A "bill" was added to the from of the helmet to cover the eyes and ears. The helmet was essential for survival. It was designed to protect from an assault to the head that would be fatal if not for the protective covering of the helmet. In this scripture in Ephesians, we are being told that we need this covering and protection of salvation for our total deliverance from our sinful life. We find deliverance in Jesus in every situation; either physical, emotional or spiritual.

When we think about the Roman soldier's helmet, we see it protect his head, eyes and ears. Most often Satan will launch his strongest attacks on our minds, to steal our joy and peace. That is why we should keep our mind protected from his attacks. We should also protect our eyes and ears. Satan will launch spiritual attacks of temptation against us and if our eyes and ears are not protected we could fall prey to his attacks. Jesus has to be our source, our guide, our "way out" in any bad situation. We can't depend on our own abilities to be able to survive. Without his helmet the soldier was very vulnerable to attacks in battle. We are the same way. We are not able to survive without the helmet of Salvation. Without this we are certain of a life of misery, trouble and heartache. We are no match for the devil on our own. BUT...with the Salvation of Jesus purchased on Calvary, we can be assured of victory.

Sister Freda

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy set before him, endured the cross, scorning it's shame, and set down at the right hand of the throne of God"  Hebrews 12:2

Jesus knew the purpose for his life on earth. He went to Calvary with the full knowledge of that purpose in mind.  2 Corinthians 5:21 tells us that Jesus became sin for us so that we could be forgiven and find righteousness in God's sight.

Jesus looked beyond the suffering, shame and death on the cross, and focused on the Joy that was to come.  The Bible says there is great Joy in Heaven when a sinner is saved.  Jesus also looked forward to the joy that would come from each good work and deed done by Christians.

What is our purpose in life, as followers and believers in Jesus?  We could answer and say our purpose is to love God and serve Him, and that would be a correct answer . . . But our main purpose in life would be to give Him JOY!!!!

If you aren't a Christian, today would be an awesome day to make the decision to give your life over to Him.  The one who can save you from your sins, is waiting with His arms open, ready to receive you, with love today.  If you are already a Christian, do something good for someone today.  Look around and speak words of Christian love and mercy to someone.  If you know someone in need, help to fill their need.  Think about the expectations that Jesus has for your life...how would he expect you to act to help a brother in need... to speak words of forgiveness to someone who has done you wrong...to show kindness to someone who is depressed or discouraged.

As we celebrate this special day, while we give honor to Jesus for His life and resurrection, think about how you can give Him a special gift today.  Give Him the gift of JOY!!!!!

Sister Freda

This past week marked the one year anniversary of my husband and I joining the great body of believers at the Alabaster Church of God. This has been an awesome year. We've enjoyed many "first time" experiences during this past year. We've stepped out on a journey that is definitely new to us. During this year we've learned the true meaning of "Trust in the Lord"....One of the daily devotions I read a few days ago really spoke directly to my heart. It said, "when you are shaken out of your comfort area, grip His hand tightly and look for growth opportunities. Instead of complaining about the hard task that you are faced with, accept the challenge of something new. Remember that God leads you from glory to glory, making you fit for the Kingdom of Heaven. Say "yes" to the way God works in your life. Trust God and don't be afraid".  

About a year and half ago I was praying for some young people in my home church and I prayed "God shake up their world"...Then during that same prayer time, I felt the awesome presence of God and I changed my prayer to "God shake up my world"...then I started singing "I'll say yes to your way, I'll say yes to your will"...I had no idea what God had in mind for us at that time, but I know without a shadow of a doubt that we are now exactly where He wants us to be.

We want to THANK the good people of this church for welcoming us with open arms and for being there to help in any and every situation that comes up. This is truly a "great" church with some of the most warm and friendly people that I have ever had the pleasure to meet.

We count it a great privilege and honor to work among you, and to be a part of this great family of people called the Alabaster Church of God!!!

Sister Freda

A Heartfelt Thanks

The words "Thank You" are just not adequate to express how much we appreciate the Love that was shown to us this past weekend for Pastor Appreciation Day. We want to say "thank you" for all the gifts, cards, acts of kindness and love that was shown to us and our family. This was an awesome experience for us, and "YES" we feel "LOVED"!!! I can't think of anything that you could have done to make this a better day for us!! It was a perfect way to celebrate our first year here at ACOG.

We know we are exactly where God wants us, and we are so glad and appreciative for everyone that is working with us to make ACOG a church that God can use to reach our community. family and friends. I want to see the same kind of love that was shown to us this past weekend, spread out the doors of this church into our community, to reach those who are so desperately searching for Love. I know we are on the right path, and I know that God is smiling at our church. He is pleased with the direction we are heading.....But we don't need to get complacent or too sure of ourselves. I know from experience that when God is working, the devil is working too. We need to stay "prayed up, fired up and geared up" for the fight. Next Sunday I will finish the articles on the Armor of God. It is so important for us to get up everyday and be dressed for battle. In His Word, God has given us all we need to be able to defeat the devil...all we need to do is pick up the weapons and tools that He has supplied for us to be victorious!!!

Once again, we want to say "THANK YOU" to everyone for the Love an generosity that was shown to us and our family this past weekend. We Love All of YOU!!!!

Pastor Ken and Freda

....and the sword of the spirit, which is the Word of God. Ephesians 6:17

The Roman soldier carried a small dagger and a larger two-edged sword used for thrusting. When used at close range by a skilled soldier, this sword was a deadly weapon. In Ephesians Chapter 6, Paul tells us that the sword represents the Word of God. God's word is a powerful weapon against our enemy when it is used under the Spirit's power and direction. We need to take up the "Sword of the Spirit" each and every day. We need to use the Word of God to help us when we face troubles and difficult life situations in our daily walk. When we think about all the thousands of verses in the Bible, we realize that each verse can be very powerful depending on the situation. A good practice for new Christians is to memorize key Bible verses so that you can have them ready for immediate use when your mind and thoughts are under attack by Satan. Make sure you pick up you Sword today!!!  

Sister Freda

Do you know what love is?

Sister Freda

Sister Freda

Many times during our Christian walk we are faced with difficult and trying circumstances and situations. Sometimes these situations come on suddenly and catch us by surprise. We don’t understand the reason why we must go through these trials. Most often we focus on the problem, and we fail to see God’s hand at work. We need to remember that God uses these times to prepare us to be used by Him.  He uses these times to teach us to trust Him and build up our faith in Him. I’m reminded of the song “Through it All” by Andrea Crouch. The words of that song remind me “if I never had a problem, I wouldn’t know that God could solve them, I wouldn’t know what faith in His word could do”…..

I am reading a book titled “Victory In the Wilderness” …this book explains the journey of the children of Israel through their wilderness. God’s purpose for leading them in the wilderness was to test, train and prepare them to be sanctified warriors. But they perceived it as a punishment…they complained and acted in wicked ways. When the time came for them to leave the wilderness and take the promised land, they believed the rumors of weak men, rather than God. They looked at their own ability and not God’s promise. When we go through the wilderness we need to remember that God didn’t bring us to that place to abandon us. Don’t ever think that while you are going through your hard trial that God has stopped working in your life. It is during these trials that we see some of the greatest miracles in our lives. We need to remember when we walk through the times of wilderness in our lives, that the “promised land” waits for us. God is creating us to be vessels for His use.

Sister Freda

Job 23: 8-10 (NKJV)   Look, I go forward, but He is not there, and backward, but I cannot perceive Him; when He works on the left hand, I cannot behold Him; when He turns to the right hand, I cannot see Him.  But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me.  I shall come forth as gold.

Job is going through his "wilderness" in this verse.  The more he looks for God's hand moving in his circumstances, the more "hidden" God seems to be.  However, God was working, and He knew exactly what was happening in Job's life.  So just because God's works are not always obvious, it doesn't mean that God's not working in your behalf.  Sometimes God chooses to allow tests in our lives to help mold our character and make us more mature Christians.   Think about how it is with our children.  When they were newborn babies, we did everything to supply their needs.  They needed us to feed them, bath and dress them.  But as they grew we gave them a chance to learn to do things on their own.  Sometimes they would get frustrated when they missed their mouth with their food, but if we had continued to do everything for them they would never learn to take care of their basic needs, and grow and mature as they should.  When we were "newborn Christians" it seemed that God manifested Himself in our lives at our first cry for help...but as we grow as Christians, God allows us to go through times in which He doesn't respond instantly to our every call.  There may be a time during your personal "wilderness", that you feel alone and unloved, and even ignored, but this is not true.  It seems that God is miles away, but he is walking right by our side.  He has promised to never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).   This "wilderness" time is when our "Christian character" is developed.  The "Wilderness" is also where the fruit of the Spirit is cultivated.  During the "wilderness time" you will search His word, you will have an earnest desire to know Him.  You will urgently need to hear from Him, so you will spend time in His word.  You will spend time in prayer.  Our pursuit during this "wilderness time" should be for His Heart not His Provisions.  If you are going through a "Wilderness", let Him be your "Daily Bread"...just like the manna from heaven was sent to the children of Israel.  Allow Him to be your "All in All"....if you seek Him and put Him in the proper place in your life, you will come out of your "wilderness" in His due time.  Remember ALL of His Promises are YES and AMEN !!!!!!!!!

Sister Freda

The reason God was not pleased with these people was that even though they were in his presence, they did not follow His instructions and were disobedient.  The children of Israel did not pursue God, so they were not able to know His ways.  They got excited about His mighty works and miracles, because they benefited them.  The focus was on themselves.  They were satisfied with the benefits of salvation, but there was no longing for more of God.  On time God told Moses to tell the children of Israel to consecrate themselves, for He was coming to Mount Sania to speak to them.  But when the day came and the Lord manifested His presence with rumblings and thunder, the people ran away.  They asked Moses to go and talk to God for them and come back and tell them what He had to say to them.  They did not want a PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP with God.

Sister Freda

Isaiah 40:3 The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

God uses the “wilderness” to purify your motives and intentions. God does this to help prepare us for His returning. He is not returning for an unholy or unpure bride. We are living in the time of His second coming. We need to make sure that our hearts are prepared for this great event. Most people who attend church feel they are ready for Jesus to return, but the sad truth is that most ARE NOT ready. America has poured billions of dollars into Christian literature, outreach and television programs. We have more Bible schools, training centers and churches than any other nation. But yet, we have millions of people living around us who are not truly saved. So many people have not “truly repented”. True repentance is real change of mind and attitude toward sin and its cause. So many people just have an attitude about the consequences of sin, but not the sin or the cause of sin. When we truly repent and turn our whole life over to God, we will live a different life. We will desire a personal relationship with Him. We will want to bring others into His kingdom. Our churches would be overflowing if we truly saw the urgency of the hour. We need to reach out to the lost and dying in our community, and our families. As true Christians, we should live our lives as examples of God’s grace and blessings.

In the Old Testament, there were prophets who were the “voice of God”. Just like then, even now in these last days, God will raise a prophetic anointing. This time the mantle will rest on His Church, to cry out to the lost. We should “cry out” to the “wilderness” (the world) the “way of the Lord”…….

Acts 2:17-20 (NKJV) “our sons and your daughters shall prophesy …and on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy…before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord…”

BUT before God judges the nations, He will judge His Church. Before the Church can be the “voice crying out in the wilderness” ….We MUST repent…..

1 Peter 4:17-18 (NKJV) “For the time has come for judgement to begin at the house of the God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? Now if the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?”
 

Come and let us return to the Lord; for He has torn, but He will heal us; He has stricken, but He will bind us up.
Hosea 6:1 (NKJV)
God is calling His Church to return to Him.  The Church in America has been following signs.  The word of God tells us the signs are supposed to follow the believer....It seems we have it backward.  People pursue gifts and anointing of the Spirit rather than the character and heart of God.  God tell us to "Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts.....(1 Corinthians 14:1)  But we have turned this around and we pursue spiritual gifts, and desire love...People will drive hundreds of miles to be in a miracle service, but they still will not allow God to deal with their anger, bitterness, unforgiveness, strife, etc...in their hearts.

The anointing of God is a gift which can not be earned or learned.  A gift is given freely, or it is not a gift.  We can not bribe God by our gifts or our performance.  When you are operating under the anointing of God you will see that the anointing is for the sake of others, not for yourself.

The Lord is in a process of bringing His Church to a crisis of judgment, to turn Her heart back in true repentance. 
John 6:56 " He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in Him. "
Abide in Christ, feed on Him....He is our Life Source.....Our true source of joy and life must be Jesus, and Him only....

What do you pursue?  What do you desire?  Do you pursue success, wealth, healing...?
PURSUE GOD !!!!  When you pursue HIM, not for what He has or can do, but for who He is, you will find ALL the treasures hidden with Him.  It is in this secret place that gifts are given freely, never to be taken from you.

Sister Freda

A Word From Sister Freda

Sister Freda

A Word From Sister Freda

This is continuation from last week's article:
In Malachi 3:3 we see how Jesus will refine His Church from the influence of the world, just as a refiner purifies gold.  In the refining process, gold is ground into powder and then mixed with a substance called flux.  The gold and the flux is then put into a furnace and melted at a very high temperature.  The alloys or impurities are drawn to the flux and rise to the surface.  The gold is heavier so it remains at the bottom.  The impurities, or dross, are then removed.

Isaiah 1:25-26 (NKJV)  I will turn my hand against you, and thoroughly purge away your dross, and take away all your alloy.  I will restore your judges (leaders) as at the first, and your counselors (Christians) as at the beginning.  Afterward you shall be called the city of righteousness, the faithful city.

Sometimes the "fire" that he uses to refine us are the trails that we must deal with while we go through our daily walk as a Christian.

1 Peter 1:6-7 (NKJV) In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trails, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 

One characteristic of gold is that it is resistant to rust or corrosion.  Other metals tarnish as a result of atmospheric changes, but gold does not change.  Brass may look like gold in color, but it does not behave as gold.  Brass tarnishes easily.  It has the look or appearance of gold, but lacks the characteristics of gold. Satan will try his best to deceive us and make us feel that something is good when it is not.  We must stay pure in God's sight....Do not be deceived by things or people that are not true and pure.

Look at each decision and / or relationship you venture into with the mindset of what is right in God's sight.  Is this a relationship that God would approve?  Is this a decision that God would approve?  Everything that looks good is not always good!!!  My Dad always says "just because it shines, doesn't mean it's gold"....and that's true in our life and in the church.  Be alert and on guard to what is true, pure and holy in God's sight.

Sister Freda

I am studying a book titled "Names of God" by author Nathan Stone.  This is a wonderful book and if you have an opportunity to read this I would suggest that you do so.  But I wanted to share some of what I have found in this book with you for the next several Sundays.  We all call on the name of God when we pray, but in the original Hebrew language of the Bible there were different names used to describe the character and the person of God.  I feel like it would be a beneficial for us to all realize what these different names are and what they mean to us as Christians and children of God.

The name, "Elohim", represents supreme power and sovereignty, as well as a lasting covenant relationship which He is ever faithful to keep.  We should draw comfort from knowing that our God is a Mighty God, able to do ALL THINGS...yet He is faithful to us even in the every day battles and struggles that we face as His child

Sister Freda

Sister Freda

Sister Freda

Sister Freda

The name Jehovah-Jireh is the next name in our study of the names of God.  This name is first introduced in the Bible in Genesis chapter 22.  It is in this scripture passage that God instructs Abraham to take his only son, Isaac, and offer him as a sacrifice.  Abraham believes God's previous promise that He would multiply Abraham's seed, and he moved in this faith, without resistance to God's command.  This story reveals Abraham's obedience and faith, and Jehovah's gracious provision of a substitute sacrifice.  Abraham called the place "jehovah-Jireh", (interpreted "It shall be provided").  The word "jireh" can be interpreted as "to see" or "to appear", or "provide".  When connected to the name Jehovah, it is often times used to describe Jehovah God as our "provider", or "God will provide".  Out of this experience, Abraham and Isaac must have developed a more spiritual relationship of love between them as father and son.  They had experienced Jehovah's delivering grace.  Abraham now saw his beloved son as the gracious gift and possession of God, one that God had entrusted to him, but also one that he was willing and ready to render back to Him at any moment.  This experience of Abraham and Isaac was a prediction of Jehovah's full and glorious provision for man's sin. 

John 3:16 "God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son..."

Romans 8:32 " He that spared not His own Son, but delivered him up for us all..."

1 John 4:9 "In this was manifested the love of God toward us, in that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him..."

The thing that Abraham foreshadowed on Mount Moriah was realized and accomplished when God's Son cried out on the cross "It is finished"...

Isaac asked his father, Abraham, "where is the lamb?"  John the Baptist announced "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:29).

This Lamb is the center of heaven's glory and the object of it's adoration.  Ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands say with a loud voice "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and might, and honor, and glory and blessings".  Yes and every creature will join in saying "Blessing and honor, and glory, and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb forever and ever" (Revelation 5:11-13).

Sister Freda

The next name in our study of the Names of God is "Jehovah-Rophe".  This name means "Jehovah heals".  The word "rophe" is used many times in the Old Testament, and each time it is used with a meaning of "restoration or healing".  The first time we see this word in the Bible is in Exodus when the children of Israel have escaped Egypt and crossed over the Red Sea, and then were immediately faced with three days without water.  When they did come upon water it was not fit to drink.  The water was bitter and the place was named "Marah" (interpreted "bitter water").  The people grumbled and blamed Moses and God for bringing them out into the wilderness to die of thirst.  Moses cries out to God and Jehovah God gave Moses instructions to throw a tree into the waters and they immediately became sweet to taste.  God spoke to Moses and said that if they would listen to God's voice and do as He said, then He would put none of the diseases upon them which He had brought upon the Egyptians, "for I am Jehovah-Rophe" (Jehovah that healeth thee).  So out of Israel's trial in the wilderness there came a new and comforting name of God.  Jehovah that heals...God made a promise to the children of Israel that He would always be their Healer, but this promise was based on their obedience to His word.

Sister Freda

The name of God that we see in our study is Jehovah-Nissi interpreted "Jehovah my banner".  A "banner" in ancient days was not always interpreted as a flag.  It was sometimes interpreted as a bare pole with a shining ornament on top, an ensign, a standard, and among the Jews it was often interpreted as a miracle.  We see Jehovah-Nissi first introduced in the 17th chapter of Exodus.  The children of Israel were faced with opposition by the Amalekites.  The Amalekites were descendants of Amalek who was the grandson of Esau.  This group of people became terrible enemies of the Israelites throughout history.  This chapter describes Israel's first encounter with this fierce group of people.  The Amalekites were out to utterly destroy the children of Israel.  Moses told Joshua to take the men and go out and fight against the Amalekites.  Moses stood on the hilltop and held up the rod that he had used when the children of Israel were delivered from Egypt.  It was this same rod Moses used when God parted the waters of the Red Sea.  It was the same rod that he used when God brought water out of the rock.  This was the "rod of Elohim", the rod of the mighty outstretched arm of God.

As long as Moses' arms were outstretched with the rod, the Israelites were winning the battle.  If Moses let down his arms, the Amalekites started to over-take the Israelites.  Men stood on either side of Moses to support his arms and Israel was finally victorious in the defeat of the Amalekites.

God used this battle to make it known to all the Israelites and to their enemies and anyone else who was watching this awesome battle, that the victory depended totally on God.  God was in charge of the battle.  Under His banner, victory was always assured.  The rod was a symbol and pledge of His presence and power and working on their behalf.

This battle, as I just described, can serve as an analogy of our own spiritual warfare.  This enemy represents all the powers in the present day that war against God and us as Christians.  One thing we need to learn from this story is that we cannot fight this battle in our own strength.  We have to hold up the banner of God to be victorious.  "We must be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.  We must put on the whole armor of God." (Eph 6:10-12) Another thing to remember is that victory is assured if we stand under His banner.  "Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (I Cor 15:57) and "always causeth us to triumph in Christ" (II Cor 2:14)

Sister Freda

The next name of God in our study is Jehovah-M'Kaddesh, which means Jehovah who sanctifies". This name is first seen in the book of Leviticus. Leviticus is the book of life, or walk and worship of a
people already redeemed. The book of Leviticus sets forth the holy way in which a people already redeemed should walk worthy of their calling. The terms "sanctify" used in the original Hebrew language
was translated as "dedicate", "consecrate", "sanctuary", "hallow", and "holy". Most often this word was translated as "holy", but it's primary meaning was to "set apart" or "separate".

When used to describe God, the Bible says "Jehovah, He is God; there is none like Him" (Deut 4:35), "a just God and a Savior; there is none beside me" (Isa 45:21) The Bible is telling us that there is no God that can compare to the True and Living God, Jehovah. He was set apart from all the heathen deities of that day. He is Holy and there is none like Him. "For I, Jehovah your God, am holy".....

It is the glory and beauty of His holiness that God wishes to impart to us. Psalm 90:17 "Let the beauty of Jehovah our God be upon us". It is God's desire that the man whom He made in His image, who corrupted that image through sin, should be restored to that image. This is "righteousness and true holiness", putting on the new man which is after God"....(Eph 4:24)
 

God picked out a people (the children of Israel), and he set them apart or sanctified them saying, "Speak unto the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy for I Jehovah your God am holy" (Lev 19:2). A holy God demands holiness from his people. He chooses to also separate from all evil and He commands that His people serve no other Gods but Himself.

The term "sanctify" or "separated" means participation in the nature of Jehovah, His character and His works. Holiness is positive and active. The people of God must be holy in practice as well as separated in position. Leviticus 20:7 says "Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy"....God has endowed us with free will. He commands His people to be holy but He will not force them to be so. He gives us the power to be holy through his redemption, but ever man must exercise that provision and power. This holiness is a process, not something accomplished all at once. This act or process of obedience and sanctification must last as long as man lives. It requires our continued exercise and choice. The Bible tells us that "holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord" (Hebrew 12:10) Only the pure in heart can see God. "Not having a spot or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that you should be Holy and without blemish" (Eph 5:26,27) and that we shall be like Him when He shall appear. "And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure" (1 John 3:3).
 

"For this is the will of God, even your sanctification" (I Thess 4:3), the sanctification of the whole spirit and soul and body blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (I Thess 5:23).
 

Sister Freda

The next name of God we see in the Bible is Jehovah-Shalom, which means "Jehovah is peace". This name was introduced to us in the book of Judges the 6th chapter. Prior to this chapter in the Bible we read where the children of Israel had turned their back on God and had strayed from his instructions. He allowed them to suffer oppression by the Midianites. The Midianites and their allies (which included the
Amalekites), would raid the Israelites homes and take everything they could, including their food and cattle, and then they would destroywhat they could not take. The Israelites were forced to hide in the
caves and in the mountains. Gideon was a young man who still believed in the God Jehovah. He was threshing wheat in a wine press, so as not to be seen. Jehovah appeared before him with a promise of
deliverance. After some time of hesitation, Gideon finally accepted
the promise of Jehovah. He erected an altar and called the place
"Jehovah-Shalom", because he was confident of victory and peace.
 

Jehovah in His own person is perfect peace. He must be peace if He is to be the source of peace to us. He could never give to others a peace that passes understanding if He were not perfect, unfailing peace
Himself. This our hope !!!
 

In the Old Testament we read how He wants us to have peace. "For I know the thoughts I have toward you, saith Jehovah, thoughts of peace, and not of evil" (Jer 29:11). "O, that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! Then had they peace been like a river, and they righteousness as the waves of the sea" (Isaiah 48:18). "The Lord will bless His people with peace" (Psalm 29:11)
 

Gideon's name for Jehovah finds it fullest expression and meaning in the New Testament. (John 14:27) "My peace I give unto you".....(John 16:33) "These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace".  (Luke 1:78.79) "to guide our feet in the way of peace". At His birth a
multitude of heavenly host sang "Peace on Earth" (Luke 2:14)

Jesus also preached and promised peace. It was through His death that we have the promise of peace. "Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1). "The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds
through Christ Jesus" (Phil 4:7).

There is no peace apart from Him, either for individuals or nations.
(Romans 3:11, 17) Those who are not thus righteous do not know the way
of peace". It is Glory to God in the highest, (and then and only then)
Peace, Good Will among men.

Sister Freda

The next name in our study of the names of God is "Jehovah-Tsidkenu".  This name is interpreted as "Jehovah our Righteousness".

This name was introduced in Jeremiah 23:5-6.  At this time in history the kingdom of Judah was falling.  There had been good kings, followed by bad kings, and mainly a time of unstable conditions.  Jeremiah predicted the captivity of Judah by Babylon.  But Jeremiah also predicted that Israel would return from captivity and be restored to it's land.  He also predicted that Jehovah would raise up a Righteous Branch, (a King), who should reign and prosper and do judgment and justice in the earth, and bring peace and security to Israel, and who should be called Jehovah our Righteousness. (Jer 25:5,6).

The word "tsidkenu" is interpreted "righteousness".  It's original meaning was "stiff" or "straight".  The word is also often interpreted as "a full weight or measure".  (Lev 19:35,36) "Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment ...in weight or measure.  Just balances, just weights...shall ye have:  I am Jehovah your God....."

(Job 31:6) "Let me be weighed in an even balance that God may know mine integrity"....

In Isaiah we first learn of the Servant who would be wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities.  Upon Him (Jehovah) would lay the iniquity of us all.....The manifestation and provision of Jesus Christ as our "Jehovah-Tsidkenu"....the sacrifice for our sins...Jesus is Himself the "Righteous One"...So on our part, His righteousness is given to us as a free gift through faith.

"Jehovah-Tsidkenu"....This name reveals to us the method and the measure of our acceptance before God; cleansed in the blood of the Lamb; clothed with the white robe of the righteousness of Him who is Jehovah !!!

Sister Freda

This Sunday we will learn about the last name in our study on the Names of God.  This name is "Jehovah-Shammah" translated "Jehovah is there".  This name is introduced in the last verse of the book of Ezekiel.  The Israelites had been in Babylonian captivity for 25 years. The holy Temple had been destroyed, but Ezekiel prophesied that Jehovah would return to a new temple and the glory of his majesty would fill this new Temple.  Jehovah had promised His presence among His people from the very beginning.  In Exodus we read where Jehovah spoke to Moses and said, "My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest".  In Deuteronomy 63:9 we read "In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them; in his love and pity he redeemed them; and he bare them and carried them all the days of old". 

In the Old Testament the glory of Jehovah's presence was limited to the children of Israel.  But in the New Testament this promise becomes more personal.  We are now considered to be the "temple of God".  (I Cor 3:16) "Know ye not that ye are a temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you".  The Church as a Body of Christ is now called the habitation of God.  Of the true Church it can be said, "Jehovah is there".    But we have an even greater hope and expectation than just His presence that we feel here on this earth.  "There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High" (Ps 46:4).

Sometime during the next few days most of us will be asked the question, "What are you thankful for"....?  I've thought about that question this week as I was finishing this study on the Names of God.  I don't know if anyone else was encouraged or helped by this study, but I know it was good for me to go through these names and realize what the names of God mean and how this can be made personal in my life.

This is my "Thanksgiving List" for 2010:  I am thankful that God has been revealed to me as Elohim the "Great Creator".  I am thankful to know God as "Jehovah" the Name above All Names.   I am thankful to know God as my "El Shaddai" the one who is Almighty, Sufficient and can Satisfy my soul. I am thankful that God is my "Adonai", the Sovereign Lord and My Master. I am thankful that God is my "Jehovah-Jireh", My Provider.  I am thankful that I know God personally as “Jehovah-Rophe” the God who Heals Me.  I am thankful that God is my “Jehovah-Nissi”, and His banner over me is Love and Victory.  I am thankful that God is my “Jehovah-M’Kaddesh” the one who Sanctifies Me.  I am thankful that God is my “Jehovah-Shalom”, the God of my Peace.  I am thankful that God is “Jehovah-tsidkenu”, God of Righteousness.  I am thankful that God is “Jehovah-Rohi”, The Shepherd of My Life.  I am thankful that God is "Jehovah-Shammah" and that He lives in my heart today.

Sister Freda

Sister Freda

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