Jesus...Then and Now

JESUS THEN...AND NOW

(INCLUDES "INTERCESSION" AND "LABORERS")

THEN I AM SAID "I WILL"

"My Son, I hear the captives' cry to be set free from sin's domain! John 3:16

So, will You go and give Your life and give them light to see again?"

Then I AM said, "I will, I will do ev'rything You ask Me to... Hebrews 10:5-7 Your heart's desire completely I want to show My love for You." (Interlude)

"Thou Son of David passing by, have mercy on me is my plea! Mark 10:46-52

0 listen to my life-long cry... open my eyes, I want to see!"

Then I AM said, "I will, I will do ev'rything you ask Me to... Acts 10:38 Your heart's desire completely fill... I want to show My love for you."

"He's coming... see the crowd out there... He's not afraid of leprosy! Luke 17:11-19 Oh, Master, please come over here, and make us whole, and set us free!"

Then I AM said, "I will, I will do ev'rything you ask Me to... Matthew 8:16-17 Your heart's desire completely fill... I want to show My love for you." (Interlude)

The TThe Great I AM is here today! His blood can cleanse the toughest stain. Rom. 10:8-10 If yoIIf you believe, then simply pray, "Lord Jesus, make me whole again!"

I AM will say, "I will, I will do ev'rything you ask Me to.. Luke 4:18-19 Your heart's desire completely I want to show My love for you." (Interlude)

"My Son, the time has finally come once more to enter sin's domain; 1 Thess. 4:16-17 So, will You go and bring them home... with Us forever to remain?"

The Great I AM will say, "I will, I will do ev'rything You ask Me to... Psalm 40:7-8 Your heart's desire completely

I want to show My love for You... I will ! I will !"

© 06/12/06. Written down by Carelyn Vardell, 4/30/83. Scribe hereby gives her permission for it to be freely reproduced and used for the glory of God; because Jesus said, "Freely you have received freely give." (Mt. 10:8) Amen.

III

The Living Word

He is the living Word,come in the flesh to earth;

He was God's chosen Lamb, cradled in Bethlehem.

He is the Door, the Light,the Way, the Truth, the Life;

His is the only Nameeternal life can claim.

He died on Calvaryand paid the price for me,

Conquered the evil one—see what my Lord has done!

And then He 'rose again,gave me His pow'r within.

Now I'm God's child, you see;I live in victory!

It was for me He came!I'll never be the same!

Lord Jesus Christ is His Name!

© 06/12/06 Written down by Carolyn Vardell, 10/10/75. Scribe hereby gives her permission for it to be freely reproduced and used for the glory of God; because Jesus said, "Freely you have received, freely give." (Mt. 10:8) Amen.

The Spirit of the Lord...And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him -

the Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding,

the Spirit of Counsel and Might,

the Spirit of Knowledge,

the Spirit of the reverential and obedient Fear of the Lord,

And the Spirit of the Lord shall make Him of quick

understanding,

And His delight shall be in

the reverential and obedient fear of the Lord.

And He shall not judge by the sight of His eyes,

neither decide by the hearing of His ears;

But with righteousness and justice

shall He judge the poor,

and decide with fairness for the meek,

the poor and downtrodden of the earth;

And He shall smite the earth and the oppressor

with the rod of His mouth,

and with the breath of His lips He shall slay the wicked.

And righteousness shall be the girdle of His waist,

and faithfulness shall be the Isaiah 11:2-5 Amplified

Jesus said...

I am able to do nothingfrom Myself

independently,

of My own accord – but

as I am taught of Godand

as I get His orders.

I decideas I am bidden to decide.

As the voice comes to Me,

so I give a decision.Even as I hear

I judge,

and My judgment is right (just, righteous),

becauseI do not seek or consult My own will -I have no desire to do what is pleasing...... to Myself,

My own aim,

My own purpose —but

I only desire to do the will and pleasure

of the Father Who sent Me.

John 5:30 Amplified

OLD, continued

OLD -NEW NEWGenesis-Malachi Matthew-John Acts-Revelation

Many of the things Jesus did had already been done through God's representatives in Genesis through Malachi.

GENESIS - MALACHIRaising the dead 1 Ki.17:17-24 Widow of Zarephath's son by Elijah2 Ki.4:32-37 Shunammite's son by Elisha2 Ki.13:21 Soldier by Elisha's bones

Multiplying or Healing Food and Provisions 1 Ki.17:14-16 meal and oil for widow and son by Elijah2 Ki.3:16-20 water for people and animals by Elisha2 Ki.4:2-7 oil for widow and sons by Elisha2 Ki.4:38-41 pottage for sons of prophets by Elisha2 Ki.4:42-44 loaves and corn for 100 hungry men by

Elisha

Miracles with WaterExo.14:15-31 Red Sea divided by Moses Exo.15:23-25 bitter water healed by MosesExo.17:5-7 water brought out of rock by Moses Num.20:7-11 water brought out of rock by Moses Josh.3:14-17;4:18 Jordan River parted by Joshua2 Ki.2:7-8 Jordan River divided by Elijah2 Ki.2:14 Jordan River divided by Elisha2 Ki.2:21-22 water of Jericho cured by Elisha2 Ki.3:16-20 ditches filled without wind or rain by Elisha

Controlling Forces of NatureJosh.10:12-14 stopping sun and moon by Joshua1 Ki.17:1,41-45 stopping and starting rain by Elijah2 Ki.6:1-7 gravity superceded by Elisha2 Ki.20:9-11 return of sun on dial by Isaiah

Cleansing Lepers Num.12:10-15 Miriam by Moses2 Ki.5:10-27 Naaman by Elisha

BY JESUS IN MATTHEW - JOHN

Mt.9:18-19,23-25 Jairus' daughterMk.5:22-24,35-43 Lk.8:41-42,49-56Lk.7:11-15 Widow of Nain's sonJn.11:4-45 Lazarus

Mt.14:15-21 5 loaves and 2 fishes Mk.6:35-44 feeding 5,000+Lk.9:12-17 Jn.6:5-14 Mt. 15:32-38 7 loaves and a few little fishes Mk.8:1-8 feeding 4,000+

Jn.2:1-11 water made into finest wineMt.14:22-33 walked on waterMk.6:45-51 Jn.6:16-21

Mt.8:18-26 stilling the stormMk.4:35-41 Lk.8:22-25 Mt.21:18-19 cursing the hypocrite fig treeMk.11:12-21

Lk.17:11-19 ten lepersMt.8:2 one leperMk.1:40 Lk.5:12

continued

GENESIS - MALACHIMiracles of Sight2 Ki.6:18-20 Syrian army by Elisha

Power over Animals and Fish 2 Ki.2:23-24 she bears obeyed Elisha

Curing Withered Limbs 1 Ki.13:4-6 Jeroboam by "man of God"

Protection from Those Who Lay in Wait by the Way Ezra 8:21-23,31 Ezra and company with temple vessels

BY JESUS IN MATTHEW - JOHN

Mt.9:27 two blind menMt.12:22 blind and dumb demoniacMk.8:22 blind manJn.9:6-7 man born blind

Mt.17:27 tax $$ in fish's mouthLk.5:1-6 draught of fishesJn.21:5-6 draught of fishes

Mt.12:10-13 man with withered handMk.3:1-5 Lk.6:6-10

Lk.4:28-30 Jesus—from the offendedJn.8:57-59

Look at the list on the left. All these were done by God's man, God's spokesperson, God's, prophet -- the one on whom God had put His Spirit and to whom He spoke. The list on the right are some of the miracles performed by Jesus–a man in whom God had put His Spirit and to whom He spoke, a man who was walking fully in the Old Covenant.

Jesus came to show what life in the Old Covenant should have been (Gal. 4:4; Mt. 5:17). He was also proclaiming His purpose for coming–to bring. God's authority and reign to earth, demonstrating what it would be like when the veil was rent, and prophesying what believers would do, think, and be when the New Covenant was "official."

Then . . . He made THE WAY(1) for us to be made brand new with old things passed away and all things become new, a

new spirit and a new "want to"(2) for God to write His Covenant upon our minds, even upon our innermost thoughts and

understanding, and engrave it upon our hearts (Heb. 8:10 Amplified)(3) for God, at last, to really be our God, and us, at last, to really be His people(4) for us to know God intimately in absolute and ultimate oneness

Jesus was ministering under the Old Covenant. We are ministering under the New Covenant with its better promises. No wonder Jesus said we'd do "greater things"!

If God's New Covenant people were walking NOW in the fullness of what they have already inherited, all forms of "Plan B" (heathen religions, psychics and witchcraft, drugs, gangs, medicine and surgery, credit and debt, etc.) wouldn't have a chance or an audience! All the needs that these alternatives say they can meet would be met by God's Word and His Spirit through His people–the New Covenant believers.

God has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness. We are the redeemed of the Lord!

Jesus said, "Just as the Father sent Me, I send you."(John 20:21 The Message)

I That Speak Unto Thee Am He John 4:26 There is One Who can make you one with God. [John 17:2-3, 21-23]

There is One Who can set your spirit free.

He's bought you back from satan's pow'r, He’ll break your chains this very hour...

I that speak unto thee am He!

There is One Who can fill your life with love. [John 13:34; 14:27; 15:11; 17:14-19]

There is One Who can give you peace within,

Give you joy for all to see, help you live consistently...


There is One Who can answer ev'ry question you have. [John 14:26; 16:13-15]

There is One Who can make the pieces fit,

Give you wisdom and knowledge, too; give direction for all you do...


There is One Who can heal ev'ry sickness and disease. [Matthew 11:4-6]

There is One Who can make you whole again -

Lengthen legs, open eyes, heal your body inside...


There is One Who can give you ev'rything you desire. [John 10:10]

There is one Who can fill your ev'ry need -

Show you how to make your way abundant living ev'ry day...


There is One Who can teach you how to spread the Word around, [Matthew 10:7-8]

Share God's love with your friends and fam'ly, too -

How to show them in the Word the price is paid, the vict'ry's won…

Set them free in spirit, soul, ‘n body, too!

There is One Who is coming, coming back again to take His church [Acts 1:11; Revelation 19:9]

To be forever by His side!

They will have a marriage feast, like a husband and His Bride...


Refrain:

I that speak unto thee am He! I that speak unto thee am He!

My name is Jesus, the Risen Lord, the Great I AM, the Living Word!

I that speak unto thee am He! [John 4:26; Luke 1:31; Revelation 1:18; John 8:58; 1:1]

© 06/12/06 Written down by Carolyn Vardell, 9/10/79. Scribe hereby gives her permission for it to be freely reproduced and used for the glory of God; because. Jesus said, "Freely you have received, freely give." (Mt. 10:8) Amen.

What Did Jesus Do... When People Didn't Believe?

"And Jesus, when He came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and He began to TEACH them many things." (Mk. 6:34)

"But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith He unto His disciples, 'The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth labourers into His harvest." (Mt. 9:36-38)

The very first thing He told the "labourers" to do was TEACH —

"Go ye therefore, and TEACH all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; TEACHING them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world" (Mt. 28:19-20)

and PREACH —

"Go ye into all the world, and PREACH the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; in My name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover."

So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, He was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and PREACHED everywhere, the Lord working with and confirming the word with signs following. (Mk. 16:15-20)

For over three years, the disciples had been watching Jesus follow the same pattern He was now giving them to follow—(1) teach or preach the Word, (2) then the signs will follow. Here's part of the record of what Jesus did:

Mt. 4:23-24 "And Jesus went about all Galilee, TEACHING in their synagogues, and PREACHING the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. And His fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto Him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and He healed them."

Mt. 5 – 7 "And seeing the multitudes, He went up into a mountain: and when He was set, His disciples came unto Him: and He opened His mouth, and TAUGHT them, saying... [the great Sermon on the Mount]." Then He healed the leper (8:3), the centurion's servant (8:8), Peter's mother-in-law (8:15), and delivered and healed all that were sick (8:16) —all in the same day of proclaiming the Sermon on the Mount.

Mt 13:54 "And when He was come into His own country, He TAUGHT them in their synagogue... and they were offended in Him. and He did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief " If unbelief didn't flee at His teaching, He did not agree with the unbelief. The sign that follows unbelief is ZERO.

Mk. 1:21 "And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day He entered into the synagogue, and TAUGHT..." The man with the unclean spirit was disturbing the religious atmosphere, but no one led the noisy man out. Jesus set him free! Signs followed His teaching.

Mk. 1:39 "And He PREACHED in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils." Mk. 3:14 "And He ordained twelve, that they should be with Him, and that He might send them

forth to PREACH, and to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils." Mk. 6:30 "And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told Him all things, both

what they had done, and what they had TAUGHT."

Mk. 10:1 "And He arose from thence, and cometh into the coasts of Judaea by the farther side of

Jordan: and the people resort unto Him again; and, as He was wont [His habit, His custom], He

TAUGHT them again."

Lk. 5:17 [Mt. 9:1, Mk. 2:1] "And it came to pass on a certain day, as He was TEACHING, that there

were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea,

and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was to heal them. And, behold, men brought in a bed a man which

was taken with a palsy...and when He saw their faith, He said unto him... 'Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house.' And immediately he rose up before them, and took up that whereon he lay, and departed to his

own house, glorifying God." Lk. 6:6 [Mt. 12:9, Mk. 3:1] "And it came to pass also on another sabbath, that He entered into the

synagogue and TAUGHT: and there was a man whose right hand was withered... and looking round about upon them all, He said unto the man, 'Stretch forth thy hand.' And he did so: and his hand was restored whole as the

other.” 1,

Jesus always TAUGHT the Word...then healed. If we'll go and PREACH, then the healing manifestation will be God's sign that follows His Word—not a compromise thereof. We've skipped over "and He taught them" trying to get on down to the miracle part. The Bible way is (1) first the Word, (2) then the sign. It isn't necessary to go through every account in Jesus' ministry. The pattern is clear. We aren't going to see the results Jesus had until we do what Jesus did.

First the Word —

then the sign following... confirming the Word.

If we don't have time to teach the Word, we're in too big a hurry. The Word comes first. The church service is led more by the clock than by the Spirit. We're so busy with singing, announcements, recognize this one and that one, planned sermon, hurry up—until all the allotted time is used up; and when the most important thing comes to the front with a need for a miracle, we're in too big of a hurry—pressured by the limiting clock on the back wall—to teach them the unlimited truth. We leave them, yea, even agree with them to settle for "Plan B" simmering on the back burner.

Would we do that if Jesus suddenly appeared on the platform—watching to see if His 21st century disciples are doing what He did? Would we do that if they were coming forward to be born again and were settling for the world's way, saying,

"Maybe if I'm good enough..." "Maybe if I come to church enough..." "Maybe if I give enough money..." "Maybe if I witness to enough people..."

No! There is no other way to be born again but Jesus' redemptive sacrifice! That's true for healing, too. It's the same redemptive sacrifice.

Jesus did not agree with their unbelief If He had, the boy would have remained epileptic because his

father had unbelief (Mk. 9:24), the Bethesda pool man would have kept on waiting for someone to put him in the moving water (Jn. 5:1), the daughter of Abraham who was stooped altogether would never have been loosed (Lk. 13:11), and Peter would have drowned (Mt. 14:30-31). Jesus taught them. However brief His sermon, it was exactly what was needed to dispel "Plan B" and sweep them into absolute faith—sign-resulting FAITH! He didn't send the woman with the issue of blood back to her doctors and say He'd pray for God to direct their hands and give them wisdom (Mk.5:25-34). Notice: Paul never referred anyone to Dr. Luke.

What was the pattern of the disciples and the Church in Acts? Jesus had said to them, "And as you go, PREACH...heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils..." (Mt. 10:7-8); and "Go ye... PREACH...and these signs shall follow...the Lord working with and confirming the Word with

signs following." (Mk. 16:15-20) Here's part of the record of what the disciples did:

Acts 2:14 Peter PREACHED, and thousands were saved. Acts 2:42-43 "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' DOCTRNE...and many wonders and

signs were done by the apostles."

Acts 4:4 "Howbeit many of them which heard the word [PREACHED] believed; and the number

of the men was about five thousand."

Acts 4:29-33 Their prayer was "boldness to SPEAK Thy Word...that signs and wonders may be

done...and they SPAKE the Word of God with boldness...and with great power gave the apostles witness

of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus." Acts 5:42 "And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to TEACH and PREACH

Jesus Christ" —not "Plan B."

Acts 6:7-10 "And the Word of God increased... disciples multiplied... Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles...and they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he SPAKE."

Acts 8:6-7 "And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip SPAKE,

hearing and seeing the miracles which he did..." Acts 9:32-35 "...as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at

Lydda [and you know he TAUGHT them!]... and Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole:

arise, and make thy bed.' And he arose immediately. And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord."

Acts 14:8-10 "And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked: the same heard Paul SPEAK: who steadfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, said with a loud voice, 'Stand upright on thy feet.' And he leaped and walked."

Acts 19:8-12 And Paul went into the synagogue, and SPAKE boldly... and God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul; so that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them."

God supports no "Plan B" for someone's being saved, and He supports no "Plan B" for healing. Jesus paid a horrible price at the whipping post and cross for the curse of sickness; and if God supported any "Plan B" for healing, He would be devaluing the cross. It's almost blasphemy to even consider such a thought! God doesn't work through medicine, doctors, or surgery to bring healing...anymore than He would work through trying hard, being good, giving money, or any other "work" that someone would use to earn being born again. It's by grace through faith...and nothing else.

There was a little boy playing in his second-floor bedroom one cold December afternoon. His mother was downstairs; and when she became chilled, she turned up the thermostat to make the house warmer. The little boy began to get too warm in his room, and he began to fan and fan and fan himself. Meanwhile, the chill in the house was gone, so the mother turned the thermostat down to the original temperature. The boy didn't know that and assumed his fanning had made everything cool off again—not knowing the one who had turned the heat up had also turned it back down again.

The devil, who causes the sickness, simply withdraws his forces that caused the sickness, fever, etc.; and people think the medicine, doctors, surgery, chemotherapy, etc., healed them, and even ignorantly say God

healed them. At other times, satan doesn't withdraw the sickness and death happens; and if he can, he twists things around so the people blame God for that, too.

These next two entries are copied directly from Strong' s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, page 75 in the Greek Dictionary of the New Testament:

#5331 pharmakeia, [pronounced] far-mak-i-ah; from #5332; medication ("pharmacy"), i.e., (by extension) magic (literally or figuratively): -- [translated in the KJV] sorcery, witchcraft

#5332 pharmakeus, [pronounced] far-mak-yoos '; from pharmakon (a drug, i.e., spell-giving potion); a druggist ("pharmacist") or poisoner, i.e., (by extension) a magician: -- [translated in the KJV] sorcerer.

Look again at what's being accepted about healing. The world's way has infiltrated the Church! That's what happened at Thyatira (Rev. 2:18-29). They received as truth the "seed" of one other-than-their-covenant-partner. That's adultery. Unbelief is adulterous "seed." There can be no mixture in faith. If there's mixture,it's no longer faith— it's unbelief. Either Jesus is the Healer, or He isn't.

But beware! If you do not believe, value, honor, and reverence Jesus as Healer—and Him alone; then you are saying, "The torturous mutilation at the whipping post and on the cross was not sufficient to purchase my healing. Jesus' sacrifice needs some help where I'm concerned."

James 5:14-15 "Is any sick among you?" [In the Church today, the question would have to be, "Is there any among you that's not sick?"] "Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him." The sick is to call for the elders [believing ones, hopefully], but they are not to pray for the request "in church." They are to GO to the sick—teach, pray, anoint—and God confirms their obedience to and faith in His Word with wholeness following.

If we get a prayer request turned in, and it says they want us to agree for "successful Plan B," then we should send someone to them to TEACH them "Plan A"—the Word! I'll go! Send me!

It' s far better to "offend" someone (if that's how they react when you begin to TEACH, rather than agree with their unbelieving compromise), than it is to offend Calvary's sacrifice and the precious Body and Blood of Jesus. If we reverence God and His Word, we'll have no fear of men or of offending men. Jesus had people get offended at His teaching, too (Mt. 13:54).

John G. Lake said, "Very frequently, prayer is made a refuge to dodge the action of faith. Just exactly as Moses came down there and began to pray instead of honoring God's Word to him by the use of his rod, so many times our prayer becomes offensive to God; because, instead of praying as Moses did, God demands us to stretch forth our hand, exercise our rod of faith, and divide the waters! God demands the action of the believer's faith in God. You, stretch out your hand and divide the waters!"

There's nothing else for God to send or do to bring the harvest! Everything's been done and given–it is finished! That means...it's the preaching and teaching that's going to have to change in these last days...so that signs and wonders will be poured out. Signs confirm the pure Word. The mixed Word that's been ministered hasn't produced the visible, right-now, seen-by-everyone signs, because signs don't follow hybrid seed (unbelief). Pure Word will produce signs and wonders, and the harvest will come running... just like they did to Jesus and in the book of Acts!

Since Jesus TAUGHT, we ought...

and we ought to teach what He taught!

"And they went out and preached everywhere,

while the Lord kept working with and confirming the message

by the attesting signs and miracles that closely accompanied.

Amen… so be it"

(Mark 16:20 Amplified)

When Jesus wentto a "wake,"

He went toawake

that which was dead!

(Lazarus, Jairus' daughter, Widow-of-Nain's son)

We are JOINT-HEIRSwith Jesus!

Jesus says,"I've given you a new commandment—that you love one another the way I have loved you. How much love

is that? I loved those people (you read about in My Word) enough to be moved with compassion and make them whole.

"I spent time in My Father's presence and listened constantly. That's why I only spoke and did what I had heard and seen Him say and do.

"My one purpose was to destroy the works of the devil; and that's why the blind saw, the lame walked, the lepers were cleansed, the deaf heard, the dead were raised, and the poor had the Good News preached to them.

"Remember: I didn't do those miracles as 'God in an earth suit,' as some preachers have told you. Think about it—if I had been on earth as 'God in an earth suit,' I would not have needed to be anointed by God with the Holy Ghost and power. Right? Furthermore, if I had done the miracles as 'God in an earth suit,' I would be unjust to tell you to do what I did.

"It was the Father-that-dwelled-in-Me that did all those miracles, and that's why I was just when I said, `He that believeth on Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater than these shall he do; because I go unto My Father.' When I was where you are now, I was a man—a flesh and blood human, just like you—filled with the Holy Spirit, just like you.

"Hey—don't treat these verses lightly! Believe them! They're in red!

"You have the same equipment I had if you're filled with, led by, and listening to the Holy Spirit. It won't be you doing the miracles, but the-Father-that-dwelleth-in-you! Peter had really gotten hold of this when he said to Aeneas, 'Jesus Christ makes you whole.'

"Be moved by compassion and believe—that's all! The-Father-that-dwelleth-in-you will do the same works through you that He did through Me—and even greater! If you can believe, all things are possible to him that believes . . . because with God all things are possible!

"You ain't seen nothin' yet!

"You need to say what I said and do what I did. That's when the end-time harvest will come in like a flood—when they are witnessing the signs-and-wonders proof from God that what you're saying is true! That's how it happened with Me and with the early Church. You have the same authority and power I had. The-Father-dwelling-in-you will confirm His Word with the miraculous signs following.

"I've already finished My part! The ball's in your court! As My Father sent Me, I've sent you.

"Love 'em.

Listen.

Do what you know to do.

I'll see to it—you've got My Word on it!"

(Jn. 13:34; Mk. 6:34; Jn. 10:27; 5:19; 12:49-50; 1 Jn. 3:8; Lk. 7:22; Acts 10:38; Jn. 14:10, 12; Acts 9:34; Mk. 9:23; 10:27; Isa. 59:19; Mt. 24:14; Jn. 10:37; Mk. 16:20; Jn. 11:45; Acts 2:31; 4:4; Jn. 19:30; Col. 2:15; Rev. 1:18;

Heb. 1:3; Mt. 16:19; Jn. 20:21; 14:13-14; 15:7; Heb. 6:17-18; Jere. 1:12)

Why Did Jesus Come?

Jesus Himself said why He had come...

For I came down from Heaven, not to do Mine Own will, but the will of Him that sent Me.

Jn. 6:38

For the Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. Lk. 19:10

For even the Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister and to give His life a

ransom for many. Mk. 10:45

I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Lk. 5:32

I am not come to destroy the law or the prophets, but to fulfill. Mt. 5:17

Let us go into the next town, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth. Mk. 1:38

I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on Me should not abide in darkness.

Jn.12:46

For this cause [redemption] came I unto this hour. Jn. 12:27

For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.

1 Jn. 3:8

I came not to judge the world but to save the world. Jn. 12:47

I came not to send peace, but a sword... to set a man at variance. Mt. 10:34-35

I am come to send fire on the earth. Lk. 12:49

To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto

the Truth. Jn. 18:37

I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. Jn. 10:10

"He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked...

because as He is, so are we in this world.

... the voice of the Lord, saying,

`Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?'

Then said I,

`Here am I; send me.’

1 Jn. 2:6; 4:17; Isa. 6:8

Since we have been sent and are to be as He is in this world, then we can go back and read these

reasons again... inserting " I " and "me"! These are why He's sent US! These are why WE have come!

I am come to do the will of Him that sent me!

I am come to seek and to save that which is lost!

I am come to minister and to give my life a ransom for many!

I am come to call sinners to repentance!

I am come to fulfill the law and the prophets!

I am come to go and to preach!

I am come a light!

For this cause came I unto this hour!

I am come to destroy the works of the devil!

I am come to save the world!

I am come to send a sword... to set a man at variance!

I am come to send fire on the earth!

I am come to bear witness unto THE TRUTH!

I am come that they might have lif and have it more abundantly!

Believe it, for Jesus has chosen YOU and ordained YOU! So be it!

THEN...Jesus said words like “then” and “in that day” when He was referring to the time after His death, resurrection, and ascension... when the Holy Spirit would be given.

They were already praying, preaching, baptizing, healing, casting out some demons before, but these things He promised would happen then... that then is NOW:• Then I will send the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, The Spirit of Truth (Jn. 16:7)

Then My followers will fast (Mt. 9:15)• Then you'll do the works I'm doing and greater ones (Jn.14:12)• Then you'll see Me and you shall live because I live (Jn.14:19)• Then you shall know that I am in the Father, you are in Me, and I am in you (Jn.14:20)• Then the Comforter shall teach you ALL things and bring ALL things to your

remembrance, whatsoever I've said to you (Jn.14:26)• Then you shall bear witness of Me because you have been with Me (Jn.15:26)• Then you'll be able to hear and understand many things I have to say but cannot say them

yet... The Spirit of Truth will lead and guide you in ALL truth (Jn.16:12-15)• Then no one will be able to take your joy from you (Jn.16:22)• Then whatsoever you shall ask the Father in My name, He will give it you. Ask! Your joy

will be full! Ask in My name! (Jn.16:23-25)• Then I won't speak to you in proverbs, but I'll show you plainly the Father (Jn.16:25)• Then you'll be one, as Me and My Father are (Jn.17:11,21)• Then you'll be with Me where I am, beholding My glory (Jn.17:24)• Then you shall remit sins for others (Jn.20:23)• Then you shall receive power, and you shall be witnesses (Acts 1:8)• Then He-that-raised-up-Jesus-from-the-dead shall quicken your mortal body by His Spirit

that dwelleth in you. (Rom. 8:11)

That then… is… NOW !

Amen !

ACTS 2:22

Jesus of

Nazareth, a man

approved of God

among you

by miracles, signs, wonders

which GOD did

by Him

in the midst of you

as ye yourselves also know

...and ye shall be witnesses

of Me... (Acts 1:8)

He that believeth

on Me

the works that I do

shall he do also,

and greater works than these

shall he do

because I go unto My Father

(John 14:12)

GO...preach...and they went forth

and preached everywhere,

the Lord

working with and confirming

THE WORD

with signs following!

(Mark 16:15,20)

A M A N

verified by God

by the miraculous

GOD did the impossible

by the MAN

instantly manifested and

seen by everyone!

...furnish proof of Jesus

...a BELIEVER

verified BY GOD

by the miraculous

which GOD DOES

by the BELIEVER...

seen by all!

the LORD

verified THE WORD

by doing the impossible!

When we believe and do the possible,

God will manifest the impossible!

I Have Brought You to My Kingdom

Esther 4:14; Matthew 6:33; 10:7-8

I have brought you to My Kingdom

for such a time as this.

I have brought you to My Kingdom


Go, preach the Gospel of My Kingdom.

Seek only My righteousness.

For I have brought you to My Kingdom


I have brought you to My Kingdom; go tell

them what I said.

I have brought you to My Kingdom; go tell

them what I said.

Go, cleanse the lepers! Cast out demons!

Heal the sick and raise the dead!

For I have brought you to My Kingdom;

go tell them what I said.

For I have brought you to My Kingdom


© 06/12/06. Written down by Carolyn Vardell, 04/13/86. Scribe hereby gives her permission for it to be freely reproduced and used for the glory of God; because Jesus said, "Freely you have received, freely give." (Mt. 10:8) Amen.

Anointed Luke 4:18-19

God anointed mewith His Spirit free;

all His power, love, and wisdom

now abide in me.

For God anointed me;

like Him I can be...

preach the Good News, heal the blind man,

set the captive free.

Now I am anointed,

sent to heal the broken,

free those who are oppressed,

preach the Year of Jubilee...for

God anointed me

with His Spirit free;

all His power, love, and wisdom

flowing out through me.

© 06/12/06. Written down by Carolyn Vardell, 11/17/80. Scribe hereby gives her permission for it to be freely reproduced and used for the glory of God; because Jesus said, "Freely you have received freely give." (Mt. 10:8) Amen.

The Life of GodJohn 5:26; 14:11-21; 1 John 5:11-15

The life of God now abides in me.

What makes God God is inside of me.

Through Jesus, His Son, united as one -

The life of God lives within me.

His love, His joy and compassion,

His faith, His peace, and His grace,

His strength, His pow'r, and His wisdom, too -

Manifested through me for this time and place.

The life of God that abides in me

Is there to share with the world I see.

As I let Him live and reach out and give,

The life of God sets people free.

©06/12/06. Written down by Carolyn Vardell 07/03/80. Scribe hereby gives her permission for it to be freely reproduced and used for the glory of God; because Jesus said, "Freely you have received, freely give." (Mt. 10:8) Amen.

Christ-like One John 14:12

All He thinks and says and does, He now can do through me.

I've been made a Christ-like one in ev'ry way, you see.

I am not my own: He bought me with His blood.

Now I will think and say and do His Word today.

I'm to do the works He did and greater, greater ones –

Heal the sick and raise the dead, feed hungry, hungry ones,Calm the angry storm and set the captive free,But the greatest work of all -- to make you "family."

I'm to tell you, "Jesus died and 'rose, He arose again!

He's redeemed you from the law of death, the curse of sin.

Just believe His Word, confess Him as your Lord,

Then you will be made new and have His life within.

"Now you're in the Family because you're born again,In Covenant with Father God through Jesus Christ, the Lamb.

You've a right to all He has; you're joint-heir with the King!

His Holy Spirit sevenfold abides within.

"All He thinks and says and does, He now can do through you.

You are now a Christ-like one! He lives, He lives in you!

You are not your own: He bought you with His blood.

Now you can think and say and do His Word today."

© 06/12/06. Written down by Carolyn Vardell 09/16/75. Scribe hereby gives her permission for it to be freely reproduced and used for the glory of God; because Jesus said, "Freely you have received freely give." (Mt. 10:8) Amen.

I Walk in Love 1 John 2:5-6; Ephesians 3:14-21; 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

I walk in love with my neighbors and fam'lies,spreading the Word of His love and His grace, letting His pow'r flow out through my fingers, letting the world see Him in my face!

I walk in love with my brothers and sisters.We are a body in unity.

Our feet are deeply rooted and grounded in the God of love that set us free.

Because of new birth and new creation, we are the Body of Jesus Christ.

We walk in love . . . we walk like our Father, and we do exploits miraculous!

I'm independent of circumstancesfor I have died, and Christ lives through me.

I have decided to walk in God's love— it never fails; right prevails in victory!

I walk in love with my neighbors and fam'lies,spreading the Word of His love and His grace, letting His pow'r flow out through my fingers,

letting the world see Him in my face!

06/12/06. Written down by Carolyn Vardell, 07/11/80. Scribe hereby gives her permission for it to be freely reproduced and used for the glory of God; because Jesus said, "Freely you have received, freely give." (Mt. 10:8) Amen.

HATH A

1 Corinthians 14:26, 39-40

How is it then, breth'ren,

When you gather in Him,

Ev'ryone hath a tongue,

Hath an interpretation.

When you gather as one

In the name of the Son,

Ev'ryone hath a doctrine,

Hath a revelation.

Forbid not to speak in tongues;

Desire that you prophesy;

In order and decency

Should all be done to edify.

Meditate ere you come,

For ev'ryone hath a psalm;

Spend time in pray'r that day—

You hath a part to play.


One with Me and My FatherJohn 17:21,23; John 10:16; Psalm 23:2

I have prayed that you would be one,

One with Me and My Father...

List'ning to one voice,

Following the one Good Shepherd.


One with Me and My Father...Resting in the pasture I provide,

Green and by the peaceful water.


One with Me and My Father...Then the world will see

That the Father God has sent Me.


One with Me and My Father.One with Me and My Father.

One with Me and My Father.


It's Been Good

It's been good to be with Jesus,

singing and praise God.

It's been good to be with family,

brothers and sisters now.

It's been good to hear the spoken Word,

see the signs following—

Covenant family gathering in His name

gathering 'round the Living Word.

We are His Body, indwelt by His Spirit,

and He is the Christ, the Living Head.

When we gather as one in the name of the Son,

Jesus is here, just as He said.

It's been good to be with Jesus,

singing and praise God.

It's been good to be with family,

brothers and sisters now.

It's been good to hear the spoken Word,

see the signs following—

Covenant family gathering in His name

gathering 'round the Living Word.

06/12/06. Written down by Carolyn Vardell, 08/02/78. Scribe hereby gives her permission for it to be freely reproduced and used for the glory of God; because Jesus said, "Freely you have received, freely give." (Mt. 10:8) Amen.

Jesus said,

Faithful Over Little . . . . . . Ruler Over Much

To Whom Much Is Given . . . . . . Much Is Required

Greek

Matthew 25:21, Thou hast been faithful

over many things . . ."

In the Message Bible, it says,

Luke 12:48, "For unto whomsoever much

is given,

of him shall be much

required.

trustworthy [Webster - worthy of confidence, dependable]

puny: [translated in KJV as] little, a season, small, a while

[comes from down + stand] When down is used in combination with other words, it denotes opposition, distribution, or intensity. Stand is translated in KJV as abide, appoint, bring, continue, covenant, establish, hold up, lay, present, set (up), stanch, stand (by, forth, still, up) [Webster - denotes upright and active position]. Make thee ruler in the Greek means to place down (permanently), i.e., designate, constitute, convoy: [translated in KJV as] appoint, be, conduct, make, ordain, set many, much: [translated in KJV as] often, largely, abundant, great, plenteous "Good work! You did your job well. From now on, be My partner." many, much: [translated in KJV as] often, largely, abundant, great, plenteous

give: [translated in KJV as] bestow, commit, deliver, grant, put [Webster - to put into the possession of another for his use;

to commit to the trust or keeping of another; to transfer from one's authority or custody; to offer to the action of another; to designate as a portion]

many, much: [translated in KJV as] often, largely, abundant, great, plenteous

seek: [translated in KJV as] be (go) about, desire, endeavour, enquire, require, seek after (for) [Webster - . . . implies a search for something hidden]

over a few things,

I will make thee ruler d o w n

+ s tand

In the Message Bible, it says, "Great gifts mean great responsibilities; greater gifts, greater responsibilities."

With... Gabriel said to Mary, "...for with God nothing shall be impossible." (Lk.1:37) Jesus

said to us, "...with men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are

possible." (Mk. 10:27)

The Holy Spirit of Truth knew I was reading these words, but I was hearing and believing

something other than (and less than) what it actually says. Suddenly, I "saw" myself standing at the

half-court line of a basketball court. I was given a basketball and told that if I could make a basket

from half-court, I would receive one million dollars. Now, for me, that's totally impossible! I wasn't

even sure I could get the ball TO the goal line -- let alone IN the goal! Then... I looked over on the

sideline and saw Michael Jordan standing there with a basketball in his hands, waiting for his turn to

make a basket from half-court; and I said to myself, "For him, it's possible, but for me -- no way."

Then I saw it! I'd been reading the above scriptures, but I'd been omitting the

WITH... and saying, "for God nothing shall be impossible," like "for Michael Jordan, it's

possible." But these promises don't just say FOR, they say FOR WITH !

WITH is a Covenant term. You can't have a Covenant if you're alone -- a Covenant is

made with someone. With God... God with me... I am in the Father in Covenant union. It's no

longer just puny little ol' me trying to do what He said... all alone. No! I am with God, and He's

with me! We are a majority! "If God be for me, who can be against me? Nay, in all these things

we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us...for He hath said, I will never leave

thee, nor forsake thee. Lo, I am with you alway..." (Rom. 8:31,37; Heb. 13:5; Matt. 28:20)

Now, the promises are first person (that's me) and present tense (right NOW -- which

is exactly when I need them)!

"With men it is impossible, but not with God...

for with God, all things are possible!"

QUALIFIED BY GOD

When your Father says, "My child,

I have a job for you to do.

I will reveal the what and where and when and I'll be there to see you through.

Don't get ahead or lag behind Me, child; be sure to hearken to My voice.

You are the best one for this job, you see; of all the others, you're My choice!"

Then know -- you're qualified, qualified by God... empowered and equipped, enabled and made fit. Yes, you are qualified, qualified by God...

empowered and equipped, enabled and made fit.

“There will be some along the way, and they will try to drag you down.

They'll say, ‘You're living in a fantasy!’ You will be tempted to turn 'round;

but I have prayed you will withstand the test... that you'll be strong through flood and fire!

I will encourage and sustain you, child, and through each test, I'll lift you higher."

Then know -- you're qualified, qualified by God...

empowered and equipped, enabled and made fit. Yes, you are qualified, qualified by God...

empowered and equipped, enabled and made fit.

© 06/12/06. Written down by Carolyn Vardell 06/11/83. Scribe hereby gives her permission for it to be freely reproduced and used

for the glory of God; because Jesus said, "Freely you have received, freely give." (Mt. 10:8) Amen.

S t r e n g t h e n e d . . .

"And I will strengthen them in the Lord, and they shall walk up and down

in His name," saith the Lord. (Zech. 10:12)

Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a

man, and He strengthened me; and said, "O greatly beloved, fear not.

Peace be unto thee. Be strong, yea, be strong." And when He had

spoken unto me, I was strengthened; and said, "Let my Lord speak, for

Thou hast strengthened me." (Dan. 10:18-19)

Be Thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort.

Thou hast given commandment to save me, for Thou art my Rock and

my Fortress! (Psa. 71:3)

In the day when I cried, Thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me

with strength in my soul. (Psa. 138:3)

...that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be

strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man. (Eph. 3:16)

...strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto

all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness. (Col. 1:11)

What good would a lighthouse be if it could not stand the storm?

The light would be snuffed out and could not warn of harm;

But since it stands up tall on bedrock sure and strong,

The lighthouse stands the storms of life and shines the whole night long!

With Christ in you, you are a lighthouse in the night,

And shining just comes nat'rally when you're a light;

So let your light so shine then ev'ryone will see -

The Light Himself empowers you to shine victoriously!

So shine on brilliantly... The Light Himself they'll see...

Keep shinin' nat’rally!

06/12/06. Written down by Carolyn Vardell 01/24/85. Scribe hereby gives her permission for it to be freely reproduced and used for the glory of God; because Jesus said, "Freebryou have received, freeb Igive." (Mt. 10:8) Amen.

Light and Salty . . . . . . . .

Jesus said,

You are the salt of the earth!

But if salt has lost its taste —

its strength, its quality —

how can its saltiness be restored?

It is not good for anything any longer

but to be thrown out and trodden under foot by

men.

You are the light of the world!

A city set on as hill cannot be hid.

Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a peck-

measure,

but on a lamp stand,

and it gives light to all in the house!

Let your light so shine before men

that they may see your moral excellence

and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds,

and recognize, honor, praise, and glorify

your Father Who is in heaven!

Matthew 5:13-16 Amplified

Scriptures About Who I Am... IN HIM

Father, You are glorified in me. Keep me through Your own name, that I might have Your joy fulfilled in

me.

Because of Your Word given to me, I am not of the world. Keep me from evil. Sanctify me and

thoroughly set me apart through Your truth — Your Word is truth.

As You sent Jesus and in the same glory, You send me into the world to preach the Good News, to

heal the sick, raise the dead, cast out demons, and set the captives free!

Reveal to me that You love me the same way You love Jesus, and that Jesus made the way for me to dwell

in Your presence now... and forever. John 17:9-26

You are praying for me and mediating the New Covenant for me... that my faith fail not... that I am quick

to repent and turn around when I grieve You... and that I strengthen others by my own walk in You and in Your

faithfulness to me. Luke 22:32

Father, I praise You for continuing to send laborers into my life — bold, loving, listening-to-You, full-of-the-

Word laborers... and that You make me that same kind of laborer to others. Matt. 9:37-38

I thank You always for Your unlimited favor that You continue to give to me by Jesus, the Anointed One...

that in everything I am enriched by Him... in all utterance and in all knowledge. 1Cor.1:4-5

I believe You that I do what is honest, avoiding the very appearance of evil. 2 Cor.13:7

I praise You for revealing to me that I am now reconciled to You... and that I stand in Your presence, face

to face... that You see me forgiven and clean through the blood of Jesus... so that I do not receive Your unlimited

favor in vain. 2 Cor.5:20, 6:1

I praise You that You give unto me the spirit of wisdom and revelation (of insight into mysteries and

secrets) in the deep and intimate knowledge of Yourself, by having the eyes of my heart flooded with light,

so that I can KNOW and UNDERSTAND

(1) the HOPE to which You have called me

(2) and how rich is YOUR glorious INHERITANCE IN ME Your saint, Your set-apart

one. And so that I can KNOW and UNDERSTAND

(3) what is the immeasurable, unlimited, and surpassing greatness of Your POWER IN AND

FOR ME who believes

as demonstrated in the working of Your mighty strength which You exerted in Christ [also a man, who was

believing} when You

(a) RAISED Him from the dead

(b) and SEATED Him at Your Own right hand in the heavenly places far above ALL rule,

2

authority, power, dominion, and every name...

(c) and PUT ALL THINGS UNDER His feet

(d) and APPOINTED Him Head of the Church.

I believe You, Father, that You cause me to personally know and understand that even as You did these

things for Jesus, You've done these for me — delivered me from that which had me bound, and lifted me all the

way up to total victory. You cause me to know and understand that Your love for me caused You to make me

ALIVE with the life of Jesus Christ... that Your mercy and unlimited favor have delivered me from the judgment

my depravity deserved, and has made me a partaker in salvation (wholeness), and has raised me up and seated me

in Your presence.

You've done this for me to demonstrate to me the immeasurable, limitless, and surpassing riches of Your

unlimited favor in kindness and goodness toward me in the Anointed Jesus. For it is by Your unlimited favor I am

delivered from judgment and made a partaker of salvation through my faith — not because of anything I've done to

try to deserve it — it's Your gift to me.

I am Your handiwork, recreated (high-born) in Jesus to do those good works (exploits!) which You

planned beforehand for me to do... taking the paths which You prepared ahead of time that I should walk,

living the good life which You pre-arranged and made ready for me to live.

I praise You that I am NO LONGER separated and living apart from You, excluded, utterly estranged, and

outlawed with no share in the covenant promises... without knowledge of Your Word, without hope, without God.

But NOW, I, who was once so far away, have been brought near BY THE BLOOD of Jesus. You are my

peace — peace at last with You and with myself. I now have access to You, can stand in Your presence, have

fellowship with other believers, am consecrated and set apart for Yourself, and belong to Your Own household.

I am built on Jesus, anchored in the Rock, rooted and grounded in the Word, filled, taught, and

empowered by the Holy Spirit, fulfilling Your plan for me in Your Kingdom! Eph. 1:6--2 :22

Out of the rich treasury of Your manifested presence, Father, I believe You to strengthen and reinforce

my inner man with mighty power by the Holy Spirit Himself indwelling my innermost being and personality.

Through my faith, may Christ, the Anointed One, actually dwell, settle down, abide, and make His

permanent home in my heart!

May I be rooted deep in Your love and founded securely on Your love... so that I have the power

and am strong to apprehend and grasp the experience of that love — its breadth, length, height, and depth...

(1) so that I really come to KNOW — practically and through my own experience — the love of Jesus the

Anointed One, which far surpasses mere knowledge without experience,

(2) that I may be FILLED through all my being unto all the fullness of God to the point of being wholly

filled and flooded with God Himself!

Now — to You Who, by the action of Your power at work within me, is able to carry out Your purpose in

me and to do superabundantly, far over and above ALL I dare ask or think — infinitely beyond my highest prayers,

desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams — to You be all the glory in the Church (of which I am now a part) and in the

Anointed Jesus forever! So be it! Eph.3:16-21

Father, I praise You that I am an imitator of You — I copy You and follow Your example — thinking like You

think, saying what You say, doing what You do; and I walk in love for others unselfishly, even as the Anointed One

3

did when He laid down His life for the world.

I rejoice that immorality, impurity, greediness, filthiness, coarse jesting, and covetousness are no longer

named in me, nor do I associate with those who partake in those things. For once I was in darkness, but now I

am light in the Lord, and I walk as a child of light, leading the life of those native-born to the Light.

The effect of the Light (the Spirit in me) consists in every form of kindly goodness, uprightness of

heart, and trueness of life. I am learning what is pleasing to you, Lord, and my life is constant proof of what

is most acceptable to You.

I take no part in and have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds and enterprises of darkness, but instead,

my life is so in contrast to the darkness as to expose, reprove, and convict those in the darkness. I look carefully

how I walk. I live purposefully, worthily, and accurately as the wise... making the very most of the time and

buying up each opportunity, because the days are evil. I am no longer vague, thoughtless, and foolish, but now

have understanding and firmly grasp what Your will is. I am now drunk, filled, and stimulated with the Holy

Spirit... speaking Your Word, worshipping You, and always giving thanks to You for Your love toward me.

Eph.5:1-20

Thank You for making me STRONG IN YOU, empowered by my union with You, drawing strength from

You — that strength which Your boundless power provides. At salvation I put on — and I keep on — Your whole

armor so that I am able to successfully stand up against ALL the strategies and the deceits of the devil. For I do not

wrestle against physical opponents, but rather against evil spirits of darkness. Therefore, I have put on Your complete

armor so that I am able to resist and firmly stand my ground. I tighten the belt of truth around my loins; put on the

breastplate of integrity, moral rectitude, and right standing with You; having shod my feet in preparation to face the

enemy with the firm-footed stability, promptness, and readiness produced by the good news of the Gospel of peace;

lifting up over all the covering shield of saving faith upon which I quench ALL the flaming missiles of the wicked

one; and taking the helmet of salvation (wholeness) and the sword the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God;

praying at ALL times, on every occasion, and in every season in the Spirit with ALL manner of prayer; keeping alert

and watching with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of ALL Your consecrated

people. Eph.6:10-20

I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that You Who began the good work in me will continue it

until the return of Jesus — developing that good work, perfecting it, and bringing it to full

completion in me!

I pray that my love may abound yet more and more and extend to its fullest development in knowledge and

all keen insight — that is, that my love may display itself in greater depth of acquaintance and more comprehensive

discernment; so that I may surely learn to sense what is vital, and approve and prize what is excellent and of real

value — recognizing the highest and the best, and distinguishing the moral differences; and that I may be untainted,

pure, unerring, and blameless that — with heart sincere, certain, and unsullied — I may approach the day of Christ,

not stumbling nor causing others to stumble.

May I abound in and be filled with the fruits of righteousness (of right standing with God and right doing)

which come through Jesus Christ, the Anointed One, to the honor and praise of You, Father — that Your glory may

be both manifested and recognized in me! Phil.1:3-6, 9-11

4

I believe that I cultivate, carry out to the goal, and fully complete my own salvation with reverence, awe,

and self-distrust, that is, with serious caution, tenderness of conscience, watchfulness against temptation, and

shrinking from whatever might offend You and discredit the name of the Anointed One. Not in my own strength, for

it is You, Father, Who is all the while effectually at work in me — energizing and creating in me the power and

desire both to will and to work for Your good pleasure, satisfaction, and delight. Phil.2:12-16

I believe that I (like Paul) say, "Not that I have now attained this ideal or am already made perfect, but I press

on to lay hold of, grasp, and make my own that for which Christ Jesus, the Anointed One, has laid hold of me and

made me His Own. I do not consider that I have captured and made it my own yet; but one thing I do and it is my

one aspiration — forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal to

win the supreme and heavenly prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling me upward. I hold true to what I have

already attained, and I walk and order my life by that. I want my brethren to be able to follow my example and

observe and live after the pattern I have set." That's what I say! Phil.3:12-13, 16-17

You are teaching me to not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in

everything by prayer and petition (definite requests) with thanksgiving to continue to make my wants known to You.

And Your peace, which transcends all understanding, garrisons and mounts guard over my heart and mind in Jesus the

Anointed One. My mind is being renewed so that whatever is true, worthy of reverence and is honorable, whatever is

just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind, winsome, and gracious — if there is any virtue

and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, I think on, weigh, and take account of these things,

choosing to fix my mind on them. Phil.4:6-8

For this reason, I cease not to pray and make special request, asking that I may be filled with the full, deep,

and clear knowledge of Your will in all spiritual wisdom , in understanding, and in discernment of spiritual things;

that I may walk, live, and conduct myself in a manner worthy of You, Lord, fully pleasing to You and desiring to

please You in all things, bearing fruit in every good work and steadily growing and increasing in the knowledge

of You, Father, with fuller, deeper, and clearer insight, acquaintance, and recognition.

I pray that I may be invigorated and strengthened with all power, according to the might of Your glory, to

exercise every kind of endurance and patience with joy...giving thanks to You, Father, Who has qualified and made

me fit to share the portion, which is the inheritance of the saints in the Light. You, Father, have delivered me and

drawn me to Yourself out of the control and the dominion of darkness and have transferred me into the

Kingdom of the Son of Your love, in Whom I have my redemption through His blood, which means the

forgiveness of sins and wholeness in every way. Co1.1:9-14

Although I at one time was estranged and alienated from You and of hostile attitude of mind in my wicked

activities — yet now, You have reconciled me through Jesus' death, in order to present me in Your presence as holy,

faultless, and irreproachable — provided I continue to stay in the faith, well-grounded, settled, and steadfast... not

shifting or moving away from the Gospel I have heard. Col.1:21-23

My prayer is that my heart may be braced, comforted, cheered, and encouraged as I am knit together with

other believers in love; and that I may come to have all the abounding wealth and blessings of assured conviction

5

of understanding, and that I may become progressively more intimately acquainted with, and may know

more definitely, accurately, and thoroughly, the mystery of You and the anointed One..: for in Him are all

the treasures of wisdom, knowledge, and enlightenment.

I pray this in order that no one may mislead and delude me by plausible, persuasive, and attractive

arguments and beguiling speech.

I am delighted at the sight of standing shoulder to shoulder with other believers in such orderly array

and the firmness, solid front, and steadfastness of my faith in Christ — that leaning of my entire human

personality on You in absolute trust and confidence in Your power, wisdom, and goodness.

As I have therefore received the Anointed One, Jesus the Lord, I pray that I walk, regulate my life, and

conduct myself in union and conformity to Him... having the roots of my being firmly and deeply planted in Him,

fixed and founded in Him, being continually built up in Him, becoming increasingly more confirmed and established

in the faith, just as I was taught, and abounding and overflowing in it with thanksgiving.

I pray that no one carries me off as spoil or takes me captive by his so-called philosophy and

intellectualism, and vain deceit (idle fancies and plain nonsense), following human tradition (man's ideas of the

material world, rather than the spiritual), just crude notions following the rudimentary and elemental teachings of

the universe, and disregarding the teachings of Christ, the Anointed One.

For in Him, the whole fullness of the Godhead continues to dwell in bodily form, giving complete

expression of the divine nature...and I am now in Him, made full and have come to fullness of life, for in Christ I

too am filled with the Godhead — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — and reach full spiritual stature. And He is the

Head of all rule and authority.

In Him I have been spiritually circumcised by Christ's stripping off the body of the flesh — the whole

corrupt, carnal nature with its passions and lusts. When I was buried with Him in baptism, I was also raised with

Him to a new life through my faith in the working of You, Father, as displayed when You raised Jesus up from the

dead. And I, who was dead in trespasses (my sensuality and sinful carnal nature), You have brought to life together

with Jesus, having freely forgiven me all my transgressions; having cancelled and blotted out and wiped away

in the handwriting of the note with its legal decrees and demands (which was in force and stood against me).

This note with its regulations, decrees, and demands, You set aside and cleared completely out of my way by

nailing it to Jesus' cross.

You, Father, have disarmed the principalities and powers ranged against me and made a bold display

and public example of those powers, in triumphing over them in Jesus and in His cross.

I pray I will let no one defraud me by acting as an umpire and declaring me unworthy and disqualifying me

for the prize by not holding fast to Jesus. Co1.2:2-19

Because I have been raised with Christ from the "dead" to a new life, I pray I aim at and seek the rich eternal

treasures that are above, and that I set my mind and keep it set on what is above — the higher things, not on things

that are on the earth. For, as far as the world is concerned, I have died; and my new, real life is hid with Christ in

You. When Christ reappears, then I also will appear with Him in the splendor of His glory.

I believe I have now put away and rid myself completely of all those things in which I once walked

and to which I was once addicted; and I have clothed myself with the new spiritual life, which is ever in the

process of being renewed and remoulded into fuller and more perfect knowledge upon knowledge, after the

image and likeness of You Who created and re-created me.

6

I believe I clothe myself — as Your own picked representative, Your chosen one who is purified, holy, and

well-beloved by You Yourself, Father — by putting on behavior marked by tenderhearted mercy, kind feeling,

humility, gentle ways, patience, and good temper. I am gentle and forbear with others, readily pardoning others,

even as You, Lord, have freely forgiven me. Above all these, I put on Your love. I let the peace of Jesus rule and

act as umpire continually in my heart — letting that peace decide and settle with finality all questions that arise in

my mind. I am thankful, appreciative, and give praise to You, Father, always.

I believe the Word has its home in my heart and mind, and it dwells in me in all its richness, as I teach,

admonish, and train others in all insight, intelligence, and wisdom in spiritual things — including singing and making

melody to You with Your grace in my heart. And whatever I do — no matter what it is — in word or deed, I do

everything in the name of my Lord Jesus, and in dependence upon His Person. Whatever I do, I work at it heartily

as something done for You and not for men. Co1.3:1-4, 8-10, 12-17, 23

I believe I am earnest, unwearied, and steadfast in my prayer life, being both alert and intent in my

praying with thanksgiving.

I behave myself wisely — living prudently and with discretion — in my relations with those of the outside

world. At all times my speech is gracious, pleasant, winsome, and seasoned with salt, so that I am never at a loss

to know how I ought to answer anyone who puts a question to me. Co1.4:2, 5-6

Father, I continue to thank You that my work is energized by faith and my service is motivated by

love, and for my unwavering hope of Jesus' return.

I am Your beloved, Father, and I recognize and know that You have selected and chosen me; for the Gospel

preached to me was not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit. I have set myself to become an

imitator of the Lord in spite of persecution, and have become a pattern for other believers who trust in, adhere to,

and rely on Jesus; and everywhere the report goes forth of my faith. 1 Thess.1 :2-8

I praise You, Father, that I am being personally exhorted, stimulated, encouraged, and charged to live a

life worthy of You, Who has called me into Your Own kingdom. I especially thank You that when I received

the message, I welcomed it not as the word of mere men but as what it truly is, the Word of God, which is

effectually at work in me, exercising its superhuman power in me who adhere to, trust in, and rely on it.

Father, I believe You to guide my steps, and make me to increase, excel, and overflow in love for all people,

so that You may strengthen, confirm, and establish my heart faultlessly pure and unblamable in holiness in Your

sight at the coming of Jesus. 1 Thess.2:11-13; 3:11-13

I believe You for the working of Your Word in me so that I walk so as to please You, attaining yet greater

perfection in living this life. For this is Your will that I should be consecrated, separated, and set apart for pure and

holy living, that I abstain and shrink from all sexual vice, that I should know how to possess, control, and manage

my own body in purity, separated from things profane, and in consecration and honor — not used in the passion of

lust like the heathen who are ignorant of You, the true God, and have no knowledge of Your will. 1 Thess.4:1-5

I pray that I get to know the leaders You've placed over me in Your kingdom, recognizing,

acknowledging, appreciating, and respecting them for who they are. I hold them in very high esteem.

I am at peace with others. I admonish those who are out of line (loafers, disorderly, and unruly); I encourage

7

the timid and fainthearted; I help and give my support to the weak and am very patient with everybody, always

keeping my temper. I do not repay evil for evil, but always aim to show kindness and seek to do good to everybody.

I am happy in my faith and rejoice and am glad-hearted always. I am unceasing in prayer — praying

perseveringly. I am thankful for Your faithfulness to me always. I do not quench Your Holy Spirit. I do not

despise inspired instruction, exhortation, or warning; but I test and prove all that I hear by what Your Word

says, so that I recognize what is good, and to that I hold fast.

I abstain from, shrink from, and keep aloof from all evil in whatever form or whatever kind it may be.

Father, I believe You, the God of peace Himself, to sanctify me through and through — that is, separate

me from profane things, make me pure and wholly consecrated to You — so that my spirit, soul, and body be

preserved sound, complete, and found blameless at the coming of Jesus. Faithful and utterly trustworthy

are You Who is calling me to Yourself, and You will also fulfill Your call on me by hallowing and keeping

me.

1 Thess.5:12-24

I give thanks, Father, that my faith is growing exceedingly, and my love toward others is increasing

and abounding.

I pray that You, Father, may count me worthy of my calling and Your every gracious purpose of goodness;

and with power You may complete in every particular my work of faith, so that the name of Jesus be glorified

through and in me. 2 Thess.1:3, 11-12

I give thanks that You chose me from the beginning for salvation through the sanctifying work of the Holy

Spirit. I pray that I hold fast to the Word I've been taught; and that You, Father, will comfort and encourage my heart

and strengthen me in every good work and word, making me steadfast and keeping me from swerving. You are

faithful, and I believe You to strengthen me, set me on a firm foundation, and guard me from the evil one.

I pray that I do not become weary or lose heart in doing right, but I continue in well-doing without

weakening. I believe You, Lord of Peace, that You grant me Your peace at all times, in all ways, under all

circumstances and conditions. 2 Thess.2:13, 15-17; 3:3, 13, 16

I pray no one will despise or think less of me because of my youth, but I will be an example for other

believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity. I devote myself to teaching and exhorting others, not

neglecting the gifts of the Spirit that are in me, throwing myself wholly into my ministry so that my progress is

evident to everybody. 1 Tim.4:12-15

I pray that I flee from everything that's not pleasing to You, Father. I aim at and pursue righteousness — that

is, right-standing with You and true goodness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentle-heartedness. I fight the

good fight of faith and lay hold of the eternal life to which I was summoned and confessed the good confession of

faith before many witnesses. I pray that I keep all Your precepts unsullied, flawless, and irreproachable.

1 Tim.6:11-14

I pray that I stir up, rekindle the embers, fan the flame, and keep burning the inner fire from You that is in

me; for I have not been given the spirit of fear, but rather the spirit of love, power, and a disciplined mind. I believe

8

I am not ashamed to testify to and for You, Lord. You have delivered, saved, and called me with a holy calling -

not because of anything I did, but to further Your purpose and grace. 2 Tim.1:6-9

I pray I hold fast to what I've heard. I guard and keep the Truth which has been entrusted to me. I study the

Word for myself and rightly divide the Word of Truth. I realize every scripture is God-breathed and is profitable for

instruction, for reproof, for conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, and for training in

righteousness; so that I, as a child of God, may be complete and proficient, well-fitted, and thoroughly equipped for

every good work. I pray I herald and preach the Word, keeping my sense of urgency — whether the opportunity

seems favorable or unfavorable, whether it be welcome or unwelcome — I preach the Word.

2 Tim.1:13-14; 2:15; 3:16-17; 4:2

I pray that grace and peace be multiplied to me in the full, personal, precise, and correct knowledge of You

and of Jesus my Lord. For Your divine power has bestowed upon me all things that are requisite and suited to life and

godliness through the full, personal knowledge of You Who called me by and to Your own glory and excellence. By

means of these, You have bestowed on me Your precious and exceedingly great promises, so that through them I may

escape by flight from the moral decay, rottenness, and corruption that is in the world because of lust and greed

and may become a sharer and partaker of Your divine nature. 2 Peter 1:2-4

AMEN

Then the Word of the Lord said unto me, "Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit," says the Lord

of hosts. For who are you, O great mountain of human obstacles? Before the power of the Word of God and

believing, you shall become a plain — a mere mole hill! And my Lord and I shall bring forth the finishing gable

stone of this new "temple" with loud shoutings, crying, "Grace! Grace to it!" Zech.4:6-7 first person/present tense

Be it unto me according to Your Word. Luke 1:38

Joint-Heir Declarations —

As a joint-heir with Jesus, these are your declarations, too:

My food (nourishment) is to do the will (pleasure) of Him Who sent me and to accomplish and completely finish His work. (John 4:34)

I am able to do nothing from myself—of my own accord; but I am able to do only what I see the Father doing For whatever the Father does is what I do in the same way [in my turn]. The Father dearly loves me and discloses (shows) to me everything that He Himself does. And He will disclose to me—let me see—greater things yet than these, so that you may marvel and be full of wonder and astonishment.

I am able to do nothing from myself—independently, of my own accord—but as I am taught by God and as I get His orders. [I decide as I am bidden to decide. As the voice comes to me, so I give a decision.] Even as I hear, I judge and my judgment is right (just, righteous), because I do not seek or consult my own will—I have no desire to do what is pleasing to myself, my own aim, my own purpose—but only the will and pleasure of the Father Who sent me . . .

. . . for the works that the Father has appointed me to accomplish and finish, the very same works that I am now doing, are a witness and proof that the Father has sent me. And the Father Who sent me has Himself testified concerning me. (John 5:19-20, 30, 36-37)

As you find more references, add them to this list . . .

Put Ye in the Sickle

Joel 3:13-14; Matthew 9:37; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21; Romans 10:8-10

Put ye in the sickle, the harvest is ripe and ready.

Ministers of reconciliation all are we. Put ye in the sickle,

it's up to you and me. Multitudes in the Valley of Decision,

and reapers all are we.

Tell them they are reconciled, tell them they are free,

Tell them they have been redeemed— Jesus paid their penalty;

And if they will believe it, confess Him as their Lord,

Then they will receive it according to His Word.

Put ye in the sickle, the harvest is ripe and ready.

Ministers of reconciliation all are we. Put ye in the sickle,

it's up to you and me. Multitudes in the Valley of Decision,

and reapers all are we.


Jesus Is Here

My Jesus bled from His hands, from His feet, from His head and from His back in my stead. "It is finished," He cried— and the blood flowed from His side.

Jesus, You're here filling needs by Your Word and Your Pow'r, and I receive all I need by Your grace through my faith in Your blood. You love me.

Jesus is here filling needs by His Word and His Pow'r, so now receive all you need by His grace through your faith in His blood. He loves you.


Prayer of the Christian

who wants to fulfill God's plan

for their life . . .

Father, regarding the mission You have given me to do . . .

prompt me with Your Word and whatever "way of escape" I need

and supply me with the wisdom to hear You

and the courage to choose to obey You

so that . . .

my mission is protected from the uncommitted,

my principles are protected from the undisciplined,

my morals are protected from those with a driven appetite,

Your Truth in me is protected from man-pleasers,

my vision is protected from the opinions of the complacent,

my liberty is protected from all controllers and manipulators,

and

my mission—the mission You have given to me—is

empowered and fulfilled.

So be it.

FEED & KEEP THE VISION

DOING WHAT JESUS DID . . .

TEACHING DELIVERING PREACHING RAISING COUNSELING CALMING HEALING MULTIPLYING

AND MORE!!!

Living, moving, and having my being... walking, thinking, talking, praying, ministering...

in constant communion with my Father... by the Father-that-dwelleth-in-me...

abiding in the secret place of the Most High...

Covenant Communion!!!

M Y C H I L D R E N AND FAMILY

SAVED, HEALED, FILLED,

AND

THRILLED !!!

$ A B U N D A N T $ FINANCE$

to meet ALL need$ and

lavi$hly give, give, give with never a thought of $$$$ no more "choking" over $$$

NEW JOB ALL DAY ... EVERY DAY

DOING WHAT

JESUS DID!

The Name of Jesus

Mark 16:15-18

It's in the Name, the Name of Jesus these signs shall follow them that believe;

and in that Name, they'll tell the Good News—"Man has been reconciled, he's been set free!"

And in that Name, they'll have authority over the enemy and his ploy . . .

he cannot harm or even hurt them; he cannot steal, kill, or destroy.

And in that Name, they'll speak new languages, they'll talk in secrets with God above;

and through their hands the sick will be made well—it's in His Name, His pow'r, His love!

The Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth—it's in His Name, His pow'r,

His love!

© 06/12/06 Written down by Carolyn Vardell, 11/20/75. Scribe hereby gives her permission for it to be freely reproduced

and used for the glory of God; because Jesus said, "Freely you have received freely give." (Mt. 10:8) Amen.

Jesus didn't pray... in Mark 4:35-41

He SPOKE to the "opposite"

of what He had said,

and it obeyed!

We are to REBUKE*

whatever

is opposite (contrary) to

and

tries to prevent

God's Word to us

from coming to pass!

* (Greek) forbid (Webster) command against

prohibit (... implies absolute restriction and expected obedience)

Wi t h S i g n s Fo l l o w i n g . . .

"And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with and confirming the

Word with signs following." Mark 16:20

Confirm means to give new assurance to the validity, to attest to the truth of something, the removing of

doubts by an indisputable fact. We should be looking for confirming signs and wonders because that's the way God

chose to validate whatever is being preached regarding His word. We aren't to seek the signs, but we are to value

their purpose.

Signs are God's way of saying, "Here's My stamp of approval! The Word you just heard is pure and right-

on! Receive it as truth. Because you now have My thumbs-up, you will not be able to cop-out by saying, 'Well, I'm

not sure what that preacher said is really what God meant by that passage of scripture.' I've just proved to you

that what the preacher said is exactly what I said, and is exactly what I meant when I said what I said. You are

without excuse. My Word that you've heard is required of you. You do your part, and I'll do Mine. Don't mix any

tradition, limitation, or doubt with it; because if you do, I won't be able to do My part."

God works with and confirms what is preached with evidence that only He can do. If there are

no confirming signs and wonders following what is preached, God is, by doing nothing, saying, "What you've

just heard was not pure, because My Word was mixed with tradition based on man's experiences, limitation

that justifies puny faith, and blatant contradictions. Give this unbelief no place. It has offended Me and

grieved My Spirit of Truth."

God planned that there would be a standard established whereby everyone would know if what was

preached was really the Word, the pure Word of God. He didn't want our fickle feelings or physical "goose

bumps" to be the indicating tests--"I felt this . . ." or "Didn't you sense His presence?" Signs and wonders are

for all to see and hear--saint and sinner alike. Signs don't depend on if all the hearers believe it or not, but on if

the Word preached is accurate or not. It's not our responsibility to make people believe, but only to go and

preach the Good News. Whether the hearers believe or not is their choice. (Mark 16:15-16)

Signs and wonders follow the Word, but what follows the signs? What are the results of signs?

John 12:10-11 - "But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death, because

that by reason of him many of the Jews went away and believed on Jesus."

Acts 3:9-10 - ". . . and all the people saw him walking and praising God, and they knew that it was he

[the man who had been the lame beggar]. . . .and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which

had happened to him. "

Acts 4:4 - "Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed, and the number of the men

was about five thousand."

Acts 5:11,14 - "And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these

things. And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women."

We haven't wanted to put the proper emphasis on the Word-validating, truth-attesting, and doubt-

removing signs, because they weren't following the Word we were hearing and ministering. We cannot judge

whether the Word preached is true or not by our experiences; but if the Word preached is true and if we believe

it, our experiences should prove the Word true. We are told to judge the fruit of the one ministering the Word--". .

. who have spoken unto you the Word of God: whose faith follow . . ." (Heb. 13:7) What is the fruit of the

preaching we hear today--still walking in sickness? still something missing? still something broken?

It's sad that we have to refer back to someone who lived 50+ years ago to find sign-producing believing

and preaching. The signs that the Holy Spirit did through Jesus were God's stamp of approval on what Jesus

preached and on the life He lived. The signs were manifested from God because Jesus spoke the pure Word, He

believed it, and He lived it. That's for us, too! He said so in John 14:12 and 1 Peter 1:16.

What would happen if everyone who is ministering the Word of God would proclaim what Jesus did in

John 10:37, "If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not" -- and then go on to teach the pure Word of

God and do the works of Jesus and greater?!?!? That's the "witness" [in Greek, evidence] Jesus was talking about

in Matthew 24:14--the Word and the confirming signs--just like Jesus did it.

Walking

Walking each step of the way,

List'ning to ev'ry word You say,

Knowing You'll never lead me astray,

Knowing this is the only way,

Resting in Your love for me,

Trusting You for what I cannot see,

Doing each thing You tell me to,

Drawing on the strength from You…

Walking each step of the way,

List'ning to ev'ry word You say,

Knowing You'll never lead me astray,

Knowing this is The Way.


Spilled Apples

A few years ago a group of salesmen went to a regional sales convention in Chicago. They had assured their families that they would be home in plenty of time for Friday night's dinner.

In their rush, with tickets and briefcases, one of these salesmen inadvertently kicked over a table which held a display of baskets of apples. Apples flew everywhere. Without stopping or looking back, they all managed to reach the plane in time for their nearly missed boarding. All but one. He paused, took a deep breath, got in touch with his feelings, and experienced a twinge of compassion for the girl whose apple stand had been overturned.

He told his buddies to go on without him, waved goodbye, told one of them to call his wife when they arrived at their home destination and explain he's taking a later flight. Then he returned to the terminal where the apples were all over the terminal floor. He was glad he did.

The 16 year old girl was totally blind! She was softly crying, tears running down her cheeks in frustration, and at the same time helplessly groping for her spilled produce as the crowd swirled about her, no one stopping, and no one to care for her plight. The salesman knelt on the floor with her, gathered up the apples, put them into the baskets, and helped set the display up once more. As he did this, he noticed that many of them had become battered and bruised; these he set aside in another basket. When he had finished, he pulled out his wallet and said to the girl, "Here, please take this $20 for the damage we did. Are you okay?"

She nodded through her tears. He continued on with, "I hope we didn't spoil your day too badly."

As the salesman started to walk away, the bewildered blind girl called out to him, "Mister..." He paused and turned to look back into those blind eyes. She continued, "Are you Jesus?"

He stopped in mid-stride, and he wondered. Then slowly he made his way to catch the later flight with that question burning and bouncing about in his soul: "Are you Jesus?"

Do people mistake you for Jesus? — anonymous

" Where is YOUR faith? "

Jesus said to His disciples— "Let's go across to the other side." They took him in the boat as he was. Other boats came along. A huge storm came up. Waves poured into the boat, threatening to sink it. And Jesus was in the stem, head on a pillow, sleeping! They roused him, saying, "Teacher, is it nothing to you that we're going down?" (Mark 4:35-38 THE MESSAGE)

So quickly they forgot—when the huge storm came up that was opposite to what Jesus had said: "Let's go across to the other side." They said: "We're going down!"

But do I — do we — do the same thing?

When the huge opposite storm of sickness comes up, do we forget that God's Word says, "He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, 'Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree.' Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed." (Ps. 107:20; Gal. 3:13; 1 Pet. 2:24) ?

When the huge opposite storm of fear comes up, do we forget He said, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27) ?

When the huge opposite storm of "What will I do if . . . ?" comes up, do we forget He said, "There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me," saith the Lord. . . . he hath said, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." So that we may boldly say, "The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me." (Ps. 91:10; Isa. 54:17; Heb. 13:5-6) ?

Then he [Jesus] arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. And he said unto them, "Where is your faith?" (Luke 8:24-25)

Jesus is saying to us – “Where is YOUR faith?”

WHO IS IN CONTROL? Jesus said,

"All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach

all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of

the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded

you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

"And these signs shall follow them that believe; in my name shall they cast out

devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they

drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and

they shall recover.

"Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all

the power of the enemy: and nothing shall be any means hurt you." Matthew

28:18-20; Mark 16:17-18; Luke 10:19

SO, WHO IS IN CONTROL NOW?

WHOSE RESPONSIBILITY IS IT NOW

TO STOP THE STEALING, KILLING, AND DESTROYING?

THE BALL IS IN OUR COURT!

The only time people should say, "God is in control'.'

is when the blind see, the deaf hear, the lame walk, and the dead are raised!

As long as we ask God to be and do

(what He said in His Word He already is and has done)

we are waiting for HIM to "move"...

and what is the result? ZERO

BUT...when we acknowledge, believe, and proclaim

who He already is and what He already has done,

then we recognize ...

the next "move" is up to us!

It's our turn!

The ball's in our court!

The result will be...

the manifestation of Him and His Word

in our lives and through us to others!!!

THAT's REVIVAL !!

Do what you know to do!

God continues . . .

One day when I was so exasperated with a child's stupidity,

I cried out, "God, how do You put up with us—

watching us making so many foolish choices and

living so far short of our inheritance?"

And I realized—He doesn't have anyone to cry out to!

Then the thought came—

He doesn't have a need to cry out . . .

He just looks at me patiently,

nudges another laborer across my path,

smiles,

and continues to believe in the power of His love.

Multitudes Joel 3:14; Mt. 9:38; 2 Cor. 5:19

Multitudes in the valley,

the Valley of Decision.

The day of the Lord is near,

the day of the Lord is near . . .

Pray ye the Lord of the Harvest

send laborers into the valley

To tell them, "You have been reconciled -

reconciled to your God!"




the day of the Lord is near . . .

Christians, we are the laborers

our Father has sent to the valley

To tell them, "You have been reconciled -

Reconciled to your God!"




the day . . . is near . . in the valley.

© 06/12/06. Written down by Carolyn Vardell, 1976. Scribe hereby gives her permission for it to be freely reproduced and used for the glory of God; because Jesus said, "Freely you have received, freely give." (Mt. 10:8) Amen.

LABORERS——Matthew 9:36-38

BUT when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith He unto His disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth labourers into His harvest.

According to Strong's, here are the original meanings for these words:

BUT when He saw the multitudes (a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by

extension, a class of people; figuratively, riot)

He was moved with compassion (pity, have the bowels yearn) on them, because they fainted (relaxed), and were scattered (flung, dispersed, thrown) abroad, as sheep having no shepherd [that is, without their protector and provider, their guide, their hero, their role-model, their caretaker *].

Then saith He unto His disciples,

The harvest (reaping, crop) truly is plenteous,

but the labourers (toilers; figuratively — teachers, workers, workmen) are few (puny (in extent, degree, number, duration, or value));

Pray (petition, beg (as binding oneself), i.e., petition, beseech, pray to, make request) ye

therefore the Lord of the harvest (reaping, crop)

that He will send forth (eject, thrust, bring forth, cast forth, drive, put forth, send forth) labourers (teachers, toilers, workmen)

into His harvest (reaping, crop).

Ananias was called to be a laborer for Saul of Tarsus, the Christian-killer. God told Ananias the name of the street (Straight Street), the name on the mailbox (Judas), the needy person's name (Saul, of Tarsus), what he was doing (for, behold, he prayeth), and that Saul already knew the laborer's name (Ananias) and how he would minister to Saul. All those details drove away the fear that was attacking Ananias; and he went, and God watched over His Word to perform it! Countless newborn-Christians in the known world at that time and two-thirds of the New Testament were the result! (Acts 9:1-22, especially verses 10-18)

Other non-puny laborers in the Bible: Whale to Jonah, Jonah to Nineveh, Jewish maid to Naiman (via Naiman's wife), donkey to Balaam, pigs to prodigal son, Andrew to Simon Peter, Simon Peter to Cornelius, Philip to person-in-need in Azotus, Elijah, Elisha, John Baptist to Israel . .

* not from Strong's, but from meditating on what a shepherd is to the sheep

Scripture reassures us,

"No one who trusts God like this—heart and soul—will ever regret it."

It's exactly the same

no matter what a person's religious background may be:

the same God for all of us,

acting the same incredibly generous way

to everyone who calls out for help.

"Everyone who calls, 'Help, God!' gets help."

But how can people call for help

if they don't know who to trust?

And how can they know who to trust

if they haven't heard of the One who can be trusted?

And how can they hear

if nobody tells them?

And how is anyone going to tell them,

unless someone is sent to do it?

That's why Scripture exclaims,

"A sight to take your breath away!

Grand processions of people

telling all the good things of God!"

Romans 10:11-15 The Message Bible

INTERCESSION When faith rises in intercession for someone...

so that I "hear" a sound of abundance of rain,

then from my spirit I speak of things that are not as though they were...

where the unseen is actually more real than the seen... Rom.4:17-21

[remembering that God said Dan.9:3, 10:12; Ezek.22:30-31]

Father, You are glorified in them. Keep them through Your own name, that they might have Your joy

fulfilled in them.

Because of Your Word given to them, they are not of the world. Keep them from evil. Sanctify them and

thoroughly set them apart through Your truth — Your Word is truth.

As You sent Jesus and in the same glory, You send them into the world to preach the Good News, to

heal the sick, raise the dead, cast out demons, and set the captives free!

Reveal to them that You love them the same way You love Jesus, and that Jesus made the way for them

to dwell in Your presence now... and forever. John 17:9-26

You are praying for them and mediating the New Covenant for them... that their faith fail not... that they

are quick to repent and turn around when they grieve You... and that they strengthen others by their own walk in

You and in Your faithfulness to them. Luke 22:32

Father, I praise You for continuing to send laborers into their lives — bold, loving, listening-to-You,

full-of-the-Word laborers... and that You make them that same kind of laborer to others. Matt. 9:37-38

I thank You always on their behalf for Your unlimited favor that You continue to give to them by Jesus,

the Anointed One... that in everything they are enriched by Him... in all utterance and in all knowledge.

1Cor.1:4-5

I believe You that they do what is honest, avoiding the very appearance of evil. 2 Cor.13:7

I praise You for revealing to them that they are now reconciled to You... and that they stand in Your

presence, face to face... that You see them forgiven and clean through the blood of Jesus... so that they do not

receive Your unlimited favor in vain. 2 Cor.5:20, 6:1

I praise You that You give unto them the spirit of wisdom and revelation (of insight into mysteries and

secrets) in the deep and intimate knowledge of Yourself, by having the eyes of their heart flooded with light,

so that they can KNOW and UNDERSTAND

(1) the HOPE to which You have called them

(2) and how rich is YOUR glorious INHERITANCE IN THEM, Your saints, Your set-apart

ones. And so that they can KNOW and UNDERSTAND

(3) what is the immeasurable, unlimited, and surpassing greatness of Your POWER IN AND FOR

THEM who believe

as demonstrated in the working of Your mighty strength which You exerted in Christ [also a man, who was

believing] when You (a) RAISED Him from the dead

(b) and SEATED Him at Your Own right hand in the heavenly places far above ALL rule,

authority, power, dominion, and every name...

(c) and PUT ALL THINGS UNDER His feet

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(d) and APPOINTED Him Head of the Church.

I believe You, Father, that You cause them to personally know and understand that even as You did

these things for Jesus, You've done these for them — delivered them from that which had them bound, and

lifted them all the way up to total victory. You cause them to know and understand that Your love for them

caused You to make them ALIVE with the life of Jesus Christ... that Your mercy and unlimited favor has

delivered them from the judgment their depravity deserved, and has made them partaker's in salvation

(wholeness), and has raised them up and seated them in Your presence.

You've done this for them to demonstrate to them the immeasurable, limitless, and surpassing riches of

Your unlimited favor in kindness and goodness toward them in the Anointed Jesus. For it is by Your unlimited

favor they are delivered from judgment and made partakers of salvation through their faith — not because of

anything they've done to try to deserve it — it's Your gift to them.

They are Your handiwork, recreated (high-born) in Jesus to do those good works (exploits!) which You

planned beforehand for them to do... taking the paths which You prepared ahead of time that they should walk,

living the good life which You pre-arranged and made ready for them to live.

I praise You that they are NO LONGER separated and living apart from You, excluded, utterly

estranged, and outlawed with no share in the covenant promises... without knowledge of Your Word, without

hope, without God.

But NOW, they, who were once so far away, have been brought near BY THE BLOOD of Jesus. You

are their peace — peace at last with You and with themselves. They now have access to You, can stand in Your

presence, have fellowship with other believers, are consecrated and set apart for Yourself, and belong to Your

Own household.

They are built on Jesus, anchored in the Rock, rooted and grounded in the Word, filled, taught, and

empowered by the Holy Spirit, fulfilling Your plan for them in Your Kingdom! Eph.1:6--2:22

Out of the rich treasury of Your manifested presence, Father, I believe You to strengthen and reinforce

their inner man with mighty power by the Holy Spirit Himself indwelling their innermost being and personality.

Through their faith, may Christ, the Anointed One, actually dwell, settle down, abide, and make His

permanent home in their hearts!

May they be rooted deep in Your love and founded securely on Your love... so that they have the power

and are strong to apprehend and grasp the experience of that love — its breadth, length, height, and depth...

(1) so that they really come to KNOW — practically and through their own experience — the love of

Jesus the Anointed One, which far surpasses mere knowledge without experience,

(2) that they may be FILLED through all their being unto all the fullness of God to the point of being

wholly filled and flooded with God Himself!

Now — to You Who, by the action of Your power at work within them, is able to carry out Your purpose

in them and to do superabundantly, far over and above ALL I dare ask or think — infinitely beyond my highest

prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams — to You be all the glory in the Church (of which they are now a

part) and in the Anointed Jesus forever! So be it! Eph.3:16-21

Father, I praise You that they are imitators of You — they copy You and follow Your example —

thinking like You think, saying what You say, doing what You do; and they walk in love for others unselfishly,

even as the Anointed One did when He laid down His life for the world.

I rejoice that immorality, impurity, greediness, filthiness, coarse jesting, and covetousness are no longer

named among them, nor do they associate with those who partake in those things. For once they were in

darkness, but now they are light in the Lord, and they walk as children of light, leading the lives of those native-

born to the Light.

The effect of the Light (the Spirit in them) consists in every form of kindly goodness, uprightness of

heart, and trueness of life. They are learning what is pleasing to you, Lord, and their lives are constant proof of

what is most acceptable to You.

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They take no part in and have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds and enterprises of darkness, but

instead, their lives are so in contrast to the darkness as to expose, reprove, and convict those in the darkness.

They look carefully how they walk. They live purposefully, worthily, and accurately as the wise... making the

very most of the time and buying up each opportunity, because the days are evil. They are no longer vague,

thoughtless, and foolish, but now have understanding and firmly grasp what Your will is. They are now drunk,

filled, and stimulated with the Holy Spirit... speaking Your Word, worshipping You, and always giving thanks

to You for Your love toward them. Eph.5:1-20

Thank You for making them STRONG IN YOU, empowered by their union with You, drawing strength

from You — that strength which Your boundless power provides. At salvation they put on — and they keep on -

Your whole armor so that they are able to successfully stand up against ALL the strategies and the deceits of the

devil. For they do not wrestle against physical opponents, but rather against evil spirits of darkness. Therefore,

they have put on Your complete armor so that they are able to resist and firmly stand their ground. They tighten

the belt of truth around their loins; put on the breastplate of integrity, moral rectitude, and right standing with

You; having shod their feet in preparation to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, promptness, and

readiness produced by the good news of the Gospel of peace; lifting up over all the covering shield of saving faith

upon which they quench ALL the flaming missiles of the wicked one; and taking the helmet of salvation

(wholeness) and the sword the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God; praying at ALL times, on every occasion,

and in every season in the Spirit with ALL manner of prayer; keeping alert and watching with strong purpose and

perseverance, interceding in behalf of ALL Your consecrated people. Eph.6:10-20

I thank You, Father, upon every remembrance of them. In every prayer of mine, I always make my

entreaty and petition for them with joy. I thank You for their fellowship in advancing the Gospel from the first

day they "heard" it until now. I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that You Who began the good work in

them will continue it until the return of Jesus - developing that good work, perfecting it, and bringing it to

full completion in them!

I pray that their love may abound yet more and more and extend to its fullest development in knowledge

and all keen insight — that is, that their love may display itself in greater depth of acquaintance and more

comprehensive discernment; so that they may surely learn to sense what is vital, and approve and prize what is

excellent and of real value — recognizing the highest and the best, and distinguishing the moral differences; and

that they may be untainted, pure, unerring, and blameless that — with hearts sincere, certain, and unsullied —

they may approach the day of Christ, not stumbling nor causing others to stumble.

May they abound in and be filled with the fruits of righteousness (of right standing with God and right

doing) which come through Jesus Christ, the Anointed One, to the honor and praise of You, Father — that Your

glory may be both manifested and recognized in them! Phil.1:3-6, 9-11

I believe that they cultivate, carry out to the goal, and fully complete their own salvation with reverence,

awe, and self-distrust, that is, with serious caution, tenderness of conscience, watchfulness against temptation, and

shrinking from whatever might offend You and discredit the name of the Anointed One. Not in their own strength,

for it is You, Father, Who is all the while effectually at work in them — energizing and creating in them the power

and desire both to will and to work for Your good pleasure, satisfaction, and delight. Phil.2:12-16

I believe that they (like Paul) say, "Not that I have now attained this ideal or am already made perfect, but

I press on to lay hold of, grasp, and make my own that for which Christ Jesus, the Anointed One, has laid hold of

me and made me His Own. I do not consider that I have captured and made it my own yet; but one thing I do and

it is my one aspiration — forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward

the goal to win the supreme and heavenly prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling me upward. I hold true to

what I have already attained, and I walk and order my life by that. I want my brethren to be able to follow my

example and observe and live after the pattern I have set." That's what they say! Phil.3:12-13, 16-17

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You are teaching them to not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in

everything by prayer and petition (definite requests) with thanksgiving to continue to make their wants known to

You. And Your peace, which transcends all understanding, garrisons and mounts guard over their hearts and

minds in Jesus the Anointed One. Their minds are being renewed so that whatever is true, worthy of reverence

and is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind, winsome,

and gracious — if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, they think on, weigh,

and take account of these things, choosing to fix their minds on them. Phil.4:6-8

For this reason, I cease not to pray and make special request for them, asking that they may be filled

with the full, deep, and clear knowledge of Your will in all spiritual wisdom , in understanding, and in

discernment of spiritual things; that they may walk, live, and conduct themselves in a manner worthy of You,

Lord, fully pleasing to You and desiring to please You in all things, bearing fruit in every good work and

steadily growing and increasing in the knowledge of You, Father, with fuller, deeper, and clearer insight,

acquaintance, and recognition.

I pray that they may be invigorated and strengthened with all power, according to the might of Your

glory, to exercise every kind of endurance and patience with joy...giving thanks to You, Father, Who has

qualified and made them fit to share the portion, which is the inheritance of the saints in the Light. You, Father,

have delivered them and drawn them to Yourself out of the control and the dominion of darkness and

have transferred them into the Kingdom of the Son of Your love, in Whom they have their redemption

through His blood, which means the forgiveness of sins and wholeness in every way. Co1.1:9-14

Although they at one time were estranged and alienated from You and of hostile attitude of mind in their

wicked activities — yet now, You have reconciled them through Jesus' death, in order to present them in Your

presence as holy, faultless, and irreproachable — provided they continue to stay in the faith, well-grounded,

settled, and steadfast... not shifting or moving away from the Gospel they have heard. Co1.1:21-23

My prayer is that their hearts may be braced, comforted, cheered, and encouraged as they are knit

together with other believers in love; and that they may come to have all the abounding wealth and blessings of

assured conviction of understanding, and that they may become progressively more intimately acquainted

with, and may know more definitely, accurately, and thoroughly, the mystery of You and the anointed One... for

in Him are all the treasures of wisdom, knowledge, and enlightenment.

I pray this in order that no one may mislead and delude them by plausible, persuasive, and attractive

arguments and beguiling speech.

I am delighted at the sight of their standing shoulder to shoulder in such orderly array and the firmness,

solid front, and steadfastness of their faith in Christ — that leaning of their entire human personality on You in

absolute trust and confidence in Your power, wisdom, and goodness.

As they have therefore received the Anointed One, Jesus the Lord, I pray that they walk, regulate their

lives, and conduct themselves in union and conformity to Him... having the roots of their being firmly and

deeply planted in Him, fixed and founded in Him, being continually built up in Him, becoming increasingly

more confirmed and established in the faith, just as they were taught, and abounding and overflowing in it with

thanksgiving.

I pray that no one carries them off as spoil or makes them themselves captive by his so-called philosophy

and intellectualism, and vain deceit (idle fancies and plain nonsense), following human tradition (man's ideas of

the material world, rather than the spiritual), just crude notions following the rudimentary and elemental

teachings of the universe, and disregarding the teachings of Christ, the Anointed One.

For in Him, the whole fullness of the Godhead continues to dwell in bodily form, giving complete

expression of the divine nature...and they are now in Him, made full and have come to fullness of life, for in Christ

they too are filled with the Godhead — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — and reach full spiritual stature. And

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He is the Head of all rule and authority.

In Him they have been spiritually circumcised by Christ's stripping off the body of the flesh — the whole

corrupt, carnal nature with its passions and lusts. When they were buried with Him in baptism, they were also

raised with Him to a new life through their faith in the working of You, Father, as displayed when You raised

Jesus up from the dead. And they, who were dead in trespasses (their sensuality and sinful carnal nature), You

have brought to life together with Jesus, having freely forgiven them all their transgressions; having canceled

and blotted out and wiped away in the handwriting of the note with its legal decrees and demands (which

was in force and stood against them). This note with its regulations, decrees, and demands, You set aside

and cleared completely out of their way by nailing it to Jesus' cross.

You, Father, have disarmed the principalities and powers ranged against them and made a bold display

and public example of those powers, in triumphing over them in Jesus and in His cross.

I pray they will let no one defraud them by acting as an umpire and declaring them unworthy and

disqualifying them for the prize by not holding fast to Jesus. Co1.2:2-19

Because they have been raised with Christ from the "dead" to a new life, I pray they aim at and seek the

rich eternal treasures that are above, and that they set their minds and keep them set on what is above — the

higher things, not on things that are on the earth. For, as far as the world is concerned, they have died; and their

new, real life is hid with Christ in You. When Christ reappears, then they also will appear with Him in the

splendor of His glory.

I believe they have now put away and rid themselves completely of all those things in which they once

walked and to which they were once addicted; and they have clothed themselves with the new spiritual life,

which is ever in the process of being renewed and remoulded into fuller and more perfect knowledge upon

knowledge, after the image and likeness of You Who created and re-created them.

I believe they clothe themselves — as Your own picked representatives, Your chosen ones who are

purified, holy, and well-beloved by You Yourself, Father — by putting on behavior marked by tenderhearted

mercy, kind feeling, humility, gentle ways, patience, and good temper. They are gentle and forbear with others,

readily pardoning others, even as You, Lord, have freely forgiven them. Above all these, they put on Your love.

They let the peace of Jesus rule and act as umpire continually in their hearts — letting that peace decide and

settle with finality all questions that arise in their minds. They are thankful, appreciative, and give praise to You,

Father, always.

I believe the Word has its home in their hearts and minds, and it dwells in them in all its richness, as they

teach, admonish, and train others in all insight, intelligence, and wisdom in spiritual things — including singing

and making melody to You with Your grace in their hearts. And whatever they do — no matter what it is — in

word or deed, they do everything in the name of their Lord Jesus, and in dependence upon His Person. Whatever

they do, they work at it heartily as something done for You and not for men.Co1.3:1-4, 8-10, 12-17, 23

I believe they are earnest, unwearied, and steadfast in their prayer life, being both alert and intent in their

praying with thanksgiving.

They behave themselves wisely — living prudently and with discretion — in their relations with those of

the outside world. At all times their speech is gracious, pleasant, winsome, and seasoned with salt, so that they

are never at a loss to know how they ought to answer anyone who puts a question to them. Co1.4:2, 5-6

Father, I continue to thank You for them and for their work energized by faith and their service

motivated by love, and for their unwavering hope of Jesus' return.

They are Your beloved, Father, and I recognize and know that You have selected and chosen them;

for the Gospel preached to them was not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit. They have

set themselves to become imitators of the Lord in spite of persecution, and have become a pattern for other

believers who trust in, adhere to, and rely on Jesus; and everywhere the report goes forth of their faith.

1 Thess .1:2-8

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I praise You, Father, that they are being personally exhorted, stimulated, encouraged, and charged to live

lives worthy of You, Who has called them into Your Own kingdom. I especially thank You that when they

received the message, they welcomed it not as the word of mere men but as what it truly is, the Word of God,

which is effectually at work in them, exercising its superhuman power in them who adhere to, trust in, and rely

on it.

Father, I believe You to guide their steps, and make them to increase, excel, and overflow in love for

each other and for all people, so that You may strengthen, confirm, and establish their hearts faultlessly pure and

unblameable in holiness in Your sight at the coming of Jesus. 1 Thess.2:11-13; 3:11-13

I believe You for the working of Your Word in them so that they walk so as to please You, attaining yet

greater perfection in living this life. For this is Your will that they should be consecrated, separated, and set

apart for pure and holy living, that they abstain and shrink from all sexual vice, that each of them should know

how to possess, control, and manage his own body in purity, separated from things profane, and in consecration

and honor — not used in the passion of lust like the heathen who are ignorant of You, the true God, and have no

knowledge of Your will. 1 Thess.4:1-5

I intercede for them — that they get to know the leaders You've placed over them in Your kingdom,

recognizing, acknowledging, appreciating, and respecting them for who they are. They hold them in very high

esteem.

They are at peace among themselves. They admonish those who are out of line (loafers, disorderly, and

unruly); they encourage the timid and fainthearted; they help and give their support to the weak and are very

patient with everybody, always keeping their temper. They do not repay evil for evil, but always aim to show

kindness and seek to do good to one another and to everybody.

They are happy in their faith and rejoice and are glad-hearted always. They are unceasing in prayer -

praying perseveringly. They are thankful for Your faithfulness to them always. They do not quench Your Holy

Spirit. They do not despise inspired instruction, exhortation, or warning; but they test and prove all that they

hear by what Your Word says, so that they recognize what is good, and to that they hold fast.

They abstain from, shrink from, and keep aloof from all evil in whatever form or whatever kind it may

be.

Father, I believe You, the God of peace Himself, to sanctify them through and through — that is,

separate them from profane things, make them pure and wholly consecrated to You — so that their spirit, soul,

and body be preserved sound, complete, and found blameless at the coming of Jesus. Faithful and utterly

trustworthy are You Who is calling them to Yourself, and You will also fulfill Your call on them by

hallowing and keeping them. 1 Thess.5:12-24

I give thanks, Father, that their faith is growing exceedingly, and their love toward others is increasing

and abounding.

I pray for them that You, Father, may count them worthy of their calling and Your every gracious

purpose of goodness; and with power You may complete in every particular their work of faith, so that the name

of Jesus be glorified through and in them. 2 Thess.1:3, 11-12

I give thanks that You chose them from the beginning for salvation through the sanctifying work of the

Holy Spirit. I pray that they hold fast to the Word they've been taught; and that You, Father, will comfort and

encourage their hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word, making them steadfast and keeping

them from swerving. You are faithful, and I believe You to strengthen them, set them on a firm foundation,

and guard them from the evil one.

I pray that they do not become weary or lose heart in doing right, but they continue in well-doing without

weakening. I believe You, Lord of Peace, that You grant them Your peace at all times, in all ways, under all

circumstances and conditions. 2 Thess.2:13, 15-17; 3:3, 13, 16

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I pray no one will despise or think less of them because of their youth, but they will be examples for

other believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity. They devote themselves to teaching and

exhorting others, not neglecting the gifts of the Spirit that are in them, throwing themselves wholly into their

ministry so that their progress is evident to everybody. 1 Tim.4:12-15

I pray that they flee from everything that's not pleasing to You, Father. They aim at and pursue

righteousness — that is, right-standing with You and true goodness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and

gentle-heartedness. They fight the good fight of faith and lay hold of the eternal life to which they were

summoned and confessed the good confession of faith before many witnesses. I pray that they keep all Your

precepts unsullied, flawless, and irreproachable. 1 Tim.6:11-14

I pray that they stir up, rekindle the embers, fan the flame, and keep burning the inner fire from You that

is in them; for they have not been given the spirit of fear, but rather the spirit of love, power, and a disciplined

mind. I believe they are not ashamed to testify to and for You, Lord. You have delivered, saved, and called them

with a holy calling — not because of anything they did, but to further Your purpose and grace. 2 Tim.1:6-9

I pray they hold fast to what they've heard. They guard and keep the Truth which has been entrusted to

them. They study the Word for themselves and rightly divide the Word of Truth. They realize every scripture is

God-breathed and is profitable for instruction, for reproof, for conviction of sin, for correction of error and

discipline in obedience, and for training in righteousness; so that they, as children of God, may be complete and

proficient, well-fitted, and thoroughly equipped for every good work. I pray they herald and preach the Word,

keeping their sense of urgency — whether the opportunity seems favorable or unfavorable, whether it be

welcome or unwelcome — they preach the Word. 2 Tim.1:13-14; 2:15; 3:16-17; 4:2

I pray that grace and peace be multiplied to them in the full, personal, precise, and correct knowledge

of You and of Jesus our Lord. For Your divine power has bestowed upon them all things that are requisite and

suited to life and godliness through the full, personal knowledge of You Who called them by and to Your own

glory and excellence. By means of these, You have bestowed on them Your precious and exceedingly great

promises, so that through them they may escape by flight from the moral decay, rottenness, and corruption

that is in the world because of lust and greed and may become sharers and partakers of Your divine nature. 2

Peter 1:2-4

AMEN Then the Word of the Lord said unto me,

"Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit,"

says the Lord of hosts.

For who are you, O great mountain of human obstacles?

Before the power of the Word of God and believing intercession,

you shall become a plain — a mere mole hill!

And my Lord and I shall bring forth

the finishing gable stone of this new "temple"

with loud shoutings, crying,

"Grace! Grace to it!"

Zech.4:6-7 first person/present tense

INTERCEDING FOR OTHERS (fill in the blanks)

I daily and tirelessly intercede for the lost, the backslider, and those that haven't heard the whole Gospel! 2 Cor.

10:3 says, "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal,

but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds; casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth

itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ."

(1) In Jesus' name, I tear you down, strongholds of [name them—for example: alcohol, drugs, greed, selfishness,

the past, spiritual offences, sexual perversions, lies and lying, all deceptions, speeding, unworthiness, all darkness, anger,

unforgiveness, pornography, false happiness, thrill-seeking, foul language, fence-sitting, evil music/movies/jokes, work-a-

holic-ism, all fear, money, etc.]; and I demolish you in the name of Jesus. You will no longer rule __________ 's life. You

will not blind __________ to the truth any longer. ______________ does not see and hear the Gospel through your grid.

___________sees the pure Gospel the way God says it. sees it in truth, and the truth sets ___________ free. I

boldly say, " ________________ is set free!" I am not afraid of you, strongholds. I am not intimidated by you. You are not

bigger than God, nor bigger than the name of Jesus. You cannot overcome the Word of God, God's promises to me for

______________ , the power of the cross, the blood of the Lamb, the angels of God, the Spirit of God, or the sword of the

Spirit. You cannot overcome them! I tear you down in Jesus' name. Come down!

(2) I bring ___________ before You right now, Father. You have told me in these verses in 2 Cor. 10:3-5 that I

have weapons through which You release Your awesome, miracle-working power to destroy the root of pride in

___________ . Now I go after that root of pride that says, "I don't want to give control of my life to another. I want to rule

my own life." I come against that thing, based on Your Holy Word, Father, that says, "Every knee shall bow and every

tongue shall confess that Jesus is Lord." (Phil. 2:10-11) I say that ____________ won't do it on the other side of the grave,

but ____________bows the knee in this life and says, "Jesus is my Lord"—not himself or doing it 'my way,' not satan, not

money, not power, not work, nor any other area of pride. Stronghold of pride in ____________ , I demolish you in the all-

powerful name of Jesus. I tear you down, pride, and I say you will not rule ____________________ . You will not control

_______________ ! NO! NO! NO! The power of the humility of the cross is against you, pride, and overcomes you in the

mighty name of Jesus!

(3) Satan, I bind you; and in Jesus' name, I forbid your plans, schemes, devices, reasonings, arguments,

theories, thoughts, and plots from succeeding today in keeping __________ blinded to the truth. Every thought that you

plan to send to ___________ , I take authority over it, and I capture it right now in the name of Jesus! I say "NO" to it! It

will not affect __________ today.

Now, Lord, I capture every thought, every scheme, every plan, every trap, and every devise that satan has laid to

keep ____________ in darkness. I do mean EVERY! You said, "EVERY," Lord, and that's what You meant! That's what I

mean, too! I capture EVERY thing that distracts from You...every thing that causes ___________ to want to

live according to the pleasures of the flesh...whatever it may be. I lay hold of every plot, and I demolish them and take

them captive in the name of Jesus. Plans and schemes, you are NOT going to rule ___________ 's life. Your trap and plot

will not succeed in the name of Jesus!

Now, Father, I give You thanks. You said I'm to offer my petitions and requests to You with thanksgiving. My

faith is STRONG! I believe You're stronger than the devil. I believe that You are stronger than the strongholds. I believe

You're stronger than pride, Jesus. I believe in You! Your arm is not short, that it cannot save. I believe You're awesome,

and You can do anything! I believe You are ALL-MIGHTY! Great and powerful! I believe there's nothing

too hard for You! I speak Your awesome power and might over ____________ ! I call ___________ by name, and I say

Your power is BIG enough to save _____________ and to tear down EVERY stronghold and demolish them once and for

all! I exalt You, Jesus! Thank You, Jesus! Your understanding is limitless. You're smarter than the devil. Hallelujah!

Father, I believe You for protecting and shielding ___________ in Jesus' name. Father, I ask You to send laborers

across ___________ 's path today who will be BOLD and have UTTERANCE from You—the GOOD NEWS—the power

of God unto salvation (Mt.9:37; Eph. 6:19; Rom. 1:16)

Father, You said "our households" are to be saved, too! (Acts 16.21) You said our sons and daughters are taught

by You, and great is their peace! (Is. 54:13) You said they are Your disciples, and they prophesy! (Acts 2:17) You said

_________ that erred (wandered, strayed, vacillated) in spirit comes to understanding, and ____________ that murmured

(grumbled, rebelled, disobeyed, resisted) learns (and teaches) doctrine (instruction received). (Isa.29:24) So I say, "THEY

ARE!" I rejoice! I shout for joy! Almighty God, I bless Your name! No one like You, Lord Jesus! Hallelujah to the King

of Kings and the Lord of Lords! The Lord Jesus Christ!

"The earnest, heart-felt, continued prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available—

dynamic in its working!" (James 5:16 Amplified)

This is my confidence:

Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? But thus saith THE LORD, "Even the

captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with

him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children. And I will feed them that oppress thee with their own flesh;

and they shall be drunken with their own blood, as with sweet wine: and all flesh shall know that I the Lord am thy

Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob." (Isa. 49:24-26)

So shall My word be that goeth forth out of My mouth: it shall not return unto Me void, vut it shall

accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. (Isa. 55:11)

And blessed is she that believed, for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the

Lord...because she judged Him faithful Who had promised. (Lk. 1:45; Heb. 11:11)

Biblical Intercession

2 Peter 3:9 — The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."

Thank You, God, that You love _______ . It is not Your will that any should perish, but that all come to repentance.

1 John 2:2 — "And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world."

You've already died for ________ and provided for their sin to be forgiven. You are their atoning sacrifice.

I STAND here as an intercessor AND SPEAK the things that need to happen.

Matthew 9:38 — "Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest." Romans 10:17 — "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." 1 Corinthians 1:21 — "...it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe." Psalm 107:20 — "He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions (pitfalls in the Hebrew)." 1 Peter 1:23 — "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever."

I PRAY the Word of God will come across ________ 's path. Lord of the Harvest, I PRAY You will send laborers across their path—full of Your Word, power, courage, faith, and love...even right now.

John 14:26 — "...and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."

I PRAY that the Word they've already heard (even as a child) will come back to their remembrance.

John 12:40 — "He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them."

2 Corinthians 4:4 — "In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of

them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the

image of God, should shine unto them."

2 Timothy 2:25 — "In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God

peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth."

[A demonic power is working to blind them so the Word won't shine. God needs

somebody in a physical body to stand and take their authority and command (rebuke) satan.]

I TAKE AUTHORITY and I COMMAND the blindness to be gone in the name of

Jesus...the hardness of heart to be gone.

Because I am interceding for another person, and the #1 determining factor in them is their own free will, I don't just pray this prayer one time. Because I believe and break the power of the

spirits that cause this blindness and hardness of heart, it works! God opens their heart; and all of a sudden, the deception is gone. The Word is coming to them. They're remembering scriptures,

and people are coming across their path. But, if that person isn't ready to repent and receive, they will reject this conviction and drawing

of the Holy Spirit; and their own free will has more power and authority over them than I do. So, even

though I pray this, and I know it's working, they have the right to reject it. If they reject it, then I have

to pray that prayer again...and again, as the Holy Spirit prompts me. It's not that I prayed in unbelief.

The person just hasn't responded yet.

So I pray it again, and I believe God to minister to them and break that blindness. Through

the number of times they're hit with the Gospel, it will eventually penetrate and soak into them.

Therefore, I pray this prayer over and over and over again, because they are constantly voiding

my prayer over and over again by hardening their heart.] *

John 20:23 — "Whosoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them..."

[Remit in the Greek means to send forth, lay aside, send away (like when cancer is said to be in remission). I'm not forgiving the sin, but I am dealing with the effects that sin causes in them.]

I REBUKE the hardness of heart, lying spirits, deception, evil reports, physical symptoms

and sensations, offenses, strongholds, evil imaginations, addictions, unclean spirits, false

doctrine, all fear, shame, despair, hopelessness, apathy, unforgiveness, hurt, anger,

traditions, religious spirits, rash and heady spirits, hatred, rebellion, unbelief, demeaning

spirits, inordinate affections, perversions, and every other high thing that exalts itself

against the knowledge of God.

...in Jesus' Name, AMEN

* I have learned much on this subject from the teachings of Andrew Wommack (www.awmi.net); and if I have quoted him in any of

this teaching, I give the credit to him.

http://www.awmi.net/

ALL THINGS Does NOT Mean "All things"

Romans 8:26-28 in the King James says,

26Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

27And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

The ALL THINGS in the title is referring to the "all things" in verse 28 of Romans 8 (above), which is referencing all the benefits of the Spirit of Intercession's helping us as we pray or petition God, namely-

1) strengthens our weaknesses in knowing what to pray for and how to pray for it

2) makes intercession for us with unutterable groanings 3) searches the hearts (ours and God's) 4) knows the mind of God's Spirit 5) as a result of 1 – 4, God's Spirit intercedes for us and through us

according to God's will for us (His Word, His Blood Covenant, His Will)

6) as a result of 1 – 5, the conclusion is: All things (in 1-5) work together for our good as God's beloved, called, and purposed.

However, when verse 28 is quoted apart from verses 26 and 27, 99.44% of the time, the "all things" is referring to some catastrophe—using verse 28 as a blanket to say, "No matter what horrible thing has just happened to you or someone you love, God will make it all turn out for your good in the end." Those that say this may intend for it to be comforting to the devastated hearer, but it is not comforting at all!

The non-believer and the baby-Christian (who have not learned from God's Word about His faithfulness to His Word...and that it is the devil that steals, kills, and

destroys—not God) will be confused and get offended at God...thinking He allowed the catastrophe...or that He could have stopped, but didn't.

Romans 8:28 is quoted out of context at funerals so many times; and, as a result, there are many people who have turned against God. That's serious!

Romans 8:28 is often quoted out of context by people being interviewed on television after a destructive tornado just ripped through their town and home...no telling how many viewers have been offended at God as a result!

Jesus didn't say anything like that to Mary and Martha when their brother Lazarus was in the grave...nor to the widow of Nain as the funeral procession for her dead son passed in front of Jesus...nor to Jairus whose young daughter had just died! No! Whenever Jesus went to a wake, He went to awake the dead, and He did!

Conclusion: Be alert to how you use "all things work together for good"... and be sure your usage is in line with the red letters that Jesus spoke in John 10:10—"The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."

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Jesus...Then and Now

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