Rock of Deliverance inTroubling Times

Written by
Johnny Israel
johnny@cityroompress.com

There is an old gospel song that refers to faith as "planted as a tree before the waters". In these troubling times, Christians are encountering difficult if not seemingly impossible obstacles, especially in economics and health issues. Never before has America faced uncertainties as she has in the last seven years. The whole world is under attack by religious extremists who are bent on destroying all things that are decent and moral, especially the God-given right of freedom that America and the free nations enjoy.

Yet as the world grows more restless, Christians are assured in God's Word that deliverance is just a prayer away. Our Heavenly Father has promised each and everyone of us that He will deliver us is the day of trouble. The Word teaches us to "look to the Author and Developer of our faith" as the source of our deliverance.

On a certain day the disciples were instructed by the Lord to get into a boat and cross to the other side of the sea. As Jesus slept in the lower part of the boat a storm arose, filling the boat with water. The disciples fearing they were about to drown woke Jesus up and said, "Master don't you care that we are about to drown? Jesus went to the bow of the boat and commanded for the winds and sea to calm. Immediately the storm ceased its violent rage. Jesus said to His disciples, " Oh you of little faith, why did you doubt?"

Jesus gave them the instructions to cross over to the other side, yet as the storm arose, they focused on the storm and not the dictates of Jesus. I often meet Christians, just like the disciples, whose eyes are on the world problems and not the Word of God. When troubles come, they are suddenly afraid for the worst to happen. God never promised us that we would not have troubles, nor would He shield us from life difficulties. He did promise us a way of escape through His Word.

As a believer, we must not kowtow to troubles, but face them with the Word of God. In the mouth of believers, the Word becomes a two-edged sword dividing and cutting away at our problems. The Holy Spirit is only moved by God's Word. The same Holy Spirit that resides in each believer, great and small. As the believer rises up in faith through the Word of God, the Holy Spirit moves in for our deliverance.

The difficulties we face are real. The world is in a chaos, yet as we remain in the Word, God builds a hedge around us. He is faithful and just to deliver us in these troubling times. Keep your focus on the Word of God, and God will deliver you from your troubles. That is His promise to you as a child of your Heavenly Father.

The God Kind Of Faith - Part 3 0f 3

Written by Johnny Israel
johnny@cityroompress.com

The Bible says, “Without faith it impossible to please Him…” The Lord instills in all of us a measure of faith. Faith is like a muscle. It must be exercised daily in order to increase in power. As we learned in parts 1 & 2, faith comes from hearing the Word of God. But that is just the beginning of increasing faith. The more we read and study the Word, faith increases.

The next step is speaking the Word in good times and bad times. The Word is the power of God to change the circumstances we face. The Bible says God’s Word will not return to Him void, but will accomplish that where it is sent. God has declared His Word, it is up to his to release the authority of the Word by speaking the Word into our circumstances.

We either act in faith or fear. Fear and faith are equal in action. We deny fear through faith in the Word, even when our circumstances seem fearful. In the case of sickness, we don’t deny the sickness, but we do deny its right to remain through faith, thereby vacating fear.

The Lord told us to remind Him of His Word. We do this in worship, praise, and prayer. There is something unique about God when He hears us speaking His Word over our circumstances. When we speak the Word the Holy Spirit’s ears perk up. He immediately begins to move in our behalf. It not only catches His attention, the Lord immediately dispatches Angels to help us fight the good fight of faith. The Word says that angels are ministering spirits sent forth to minister on our behalf.

A friend once told me that “faith people” put God in a box, they dictate to Him what they want instead of His will. I responded by saying, “No, God put Himself in a Book that has unlimited power for those that seriously take Him at His Word.” God never intended for us to be limited to our circumstances, He gave us His Word to empower us against the daily issues of life. This is part of God’s love for us. It is never His will to leave us powerless in the face of problems that require His power.

Remember, it is God’s Word that holds the power, not us. Yet, His power comes through us when we respond to His Word. God cannot act outside the scope of His Word, yet faith is the key to unlock the unlimited power of the Word. It is boundless power working on our behalf.

We can not change our circumstances at will, yet God does as we act in faith through His Word. The Word and God are as one, you can not separate the two. To identify with God, you must first identify with His Word. Word power comes through an intimate relationship with our Heavenly Father. Faith is a responsibility, mishandled we stumble blindly in our Christian walk. We are more than conquerors through Christ who is the author and developer of our faith. The good news is God rejoices in our faith, especially when we respond to His Word in dark times.

When fear and doubt enter our mind, we replace it with faith. I am not saying faith is easy when our minds are screaming fear. As I said, faith is a building exercise. We learn to first use faith for the small issues, then increase it as we grow in the Word. The old adage says, “When fear and doubt knocked at the door, faith answered and there was no one there.”

The God Kind of Faith - Part 2 of 3

Written by Johnny Israel
johnny@cityroompress.com

We first learned that a measure of faith is given to every person at the time of their new birth. We also learned in order to grow in faith, we must study the Word of God, and then we are to remind the Lord of His Word in Prayer.

Not to long ago one of my friends was sick in the hospital. He had been praying for healing, but his condition turned from bad to worse. Needless to say, he was greatly discouraged. He just could not understand why the Lord did not heal him. Was it his lack of faith, he questioned?

I reminded my friend that God has many alternatives to healing. One of His alternatives is using the skilled hands of surgeons and medicine. Yet he was told by other preachers that real faith only accepted the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit for healing. I responded, “Should your car blow a head casket, would you not take it to a mechanic to be fixed? The God kind of faith is using wisdom in time of our need. It allows God to choose His ways and means in our deliverance. The Lord may opt for a miraculous healing without a doctor, or he may elect to guide the skilled hands of a surgeon. Either way, our faith lies confidently in His Word for healing.

Once I was able to convince my friend that faith is not limited to a single decision, he was able to accept that fact that God honors our faith, yet it is His decision to the method for our deliverance. Faith accepts God’s Word as the final authority for what we believe for, no matter what form of method He prescribes.

Faith is simply accepting God’s Word at face value. What the Word declares, God will do. It is up to us to accept His Word as the final authority of our faith. In the case of my friend’s need for healing, faith does not deny he is sick, rather it denies the right of sickness to remain. The disease is real. Pain is real. We can’t deny these facts. Yet God’s Word is the final authority over the disease and pain.

Faith is a simple process, we accept God at His Word, even in the mist of the most trying times. Then we allow Him to take the necessary action through the power of the Holy to accomplish the end result of our faith. The Holy Spirit is moved by faith, and faith is the key to God’s power. As we worship Him in faith, the Holy Spirit responds in our behalf. Jesus said in the Book of John, “Whatever you ask in my Name, that will I do.” Faith is asking, and then believing what we ask for is ours, and then we accept it as fact, even before we see the results. Faith is a substance of things hoped for. Whatever you are hoping for, faith is the key to receiving it.

Part 2 of 3

The God Kind of Faith – Part 1 of 3

Written by Johnny Israel

johnny@cityroompress.com

The Bible says, “Without faith it is impossible to please Him (the Lord).” Often I am ask about faith, what it is, and how to use it to overcome circumstances we are confronted with, especially for physical healing, finances, marital issues, including issues with our children.

Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for…” Notice it says faith is a substance (essence) of things hoped for. In other words, faith is the basis of what we believe. The Word says, “Let us draw near (to God) with the full assurance of faith…) Is faith more than conjuring a positive mental attitude?

When you, by faith, accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, your spirit was instantly regenerated a new, or born again. The old man of sin perished, the new man, your spirit, was made whole. At that moment, the Holy Spirit took permanent residence inside your body. Your body now houses the Spirit of God along with your regenerated spirit (the real you). When this happened, God imparted to you “a measure of faith”. In other words, a small portion of faith was imparted to your spirit man, the real you.

So if I have faith, then why do I struggle with faith, you may ask? It was your spirit that was made new at the time of your “new birth, not your mind. The mind is where in warfare between faith and doubt. For instance, your mind still retains the same me thoughts, and holds onto the doubts and fears before you were born again. The Apostle Paul said in Corinthians 2:10 “Let this mind be in you that was also in Christ Jesus…” How is that possible?

The first step to building faith is reading the Word. God’s Word not only encourages us in our circumspect walk with Him, it is the foundation to building up our faith. Again the Word says that when we pray, we are to remind the Lord of His Word. His Word says “We are healed by the stripes of Jesus.” When sickness attacks our bodies, we remind the Lord that we are healed by His stripes. The Word also says, “My God shall supply all your need according to the riches of His glory.” In financially difficult times, we remind the Lord it is He that meets our financial needs accord to His riches.

God is not short concerning his promises. The promises of God are “yes” and “amen” to the believers. As we study the scriptures, faith is imparted to our heart. The inspiration of the Word builds faith. When we pray the Word it is our communication of faith to a loving Heavenly Father that is eager to answer our prayers.

The first step to getting a measure of faith is accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. That leads us to step two, faith comes from hearing the Word (studying the Word); and step three we pray the Word. As we do so, faith becomes alive in us.

Polyester Faith - Virgin Wool Faith

Written by Johnny Israel

Two churches that I am personally acquainted with are currently in a building fund raising project. One church has taken on a huge debt, (Polyester Faith), and the other church has chosen to be debt free (Virgin Wool Faith) by raising the full capital for their building project. We’ll start with the polyester faith first.

Polyester Faith

First, let’s describe the term polyester faith. Polyester is a cheap synthetic oil product that is mainly used in clothing and plastics. The 1970s was the notorious years of discounted polyester suits, pants, and shirts. Stores such as Wal-Mart, Kmart, J.C. Penney, and most cheap discount stores sell polyester garments. The poor and indigents are synonymous when it comes to cheap, shoddy polyester clothing.

This polyester church (RCC) consists mostly of poor indigents that do not have a pot to cook in and a plate to eat off. Approximately 100 people attend this church on a weekly basis. Out of their 100 parishioners, 70% are indigent street urchins. Out of the other 30%, less than 20% of those support the church financially. This particular church meets every Sunday in a local movie theater at an enormous weekly cost to the church. Three years ago, the church sold its original church building for approximately $250,000, in which all the money has been spent foolishly on renting the above-mentioned movie theater, and other non-essentials to the church’s financial good. The money now spent, the church is broke and barely able to pay rent, and unable to meet its financial obligations.

Last November, RCC agreed to purchase an old three story building at a cost of 1.5 million dollars, which sits in the middle of an old abandoned car lot. The building itself is planned to house a small restaurant and meeting place for their youth. The problem is the church is broke, with very little income to barely meet their current needs. According to their agreement with the lender, RCC must first raise $300,000 dollars within 90 days. Since November of last year, the church has barely raised $5,000 dollars, yet they foolishly believe that they are in the Lord’s will.

Is it God’s will to obligate so few people with such an enormous debt without any financial resources? Most financial consultants would advise RCC leadership that they are sailing into turbulent waters. It is never the Lord’s will to strap his people with heavy financial burdens, especially in these trouble times. Would this pastor tell a financially strapped parishioner to go out and buy a new Cadillac, and the Lord will meet the obligations? That would be ridiculous, if not insane. Then why would this pastor take on a huge financial burden without first having the resources to meet the obligations? This is nothing but cheap polyester faith, deceiving them into believing they’re in God’s perfect will. This church is headed for disaster. Most likely RCC will not be around by the end of 2008.

Virgin Wool Faith

Virgin wool is 100% pure wool. It is the finest of all garments. This is where CEVF enters in.

CEVF’s pastor is a meticulous man for details. This man of God was once an administrator of a Christian school, whereas part of his job was overseeing the school’s budget. CEVF owns a church building that houses 600 people. They have out grown their old church, and now are in a building fund raising project. To date CEVF has raised nearly $900,000 dollars. Their goal is to sell their old church, which is estimated to be around 2.5 million dollars, plus to raise another 2 million for their new church. The church currently meets at a local high school for their Sunday services, while maintaining the old church for offices. The rest of the church is rented out to a day school; this money is going toward their weekly church operations.

This pastor refuses to burden the church with huge debts and enormous financial obligations. He has rather decided to go debt free, therefore relieving the church body from an unnecessary inconvenience. He has recognized the importance of being debt free, and the liberation of financial bondage placed on the church. This pastor is a wise man, who is building a solid foundation of financial freedom. While RCC continues to needlessly struggle financially, CEVF continues to prosper under the direction of an astute church leader.

Both pastors are good, decent servants of Christ. Both men are hard working, honest, and faithful, with a vision for Christ. However, the first one is on a destination of financial failure; the other one has chosen the path to financial success and freedom. Surely this is virgin wool faith. CEVF will be around for many years to come.

Alternative Health Care

Written by Johnny Israel

For some years a now a blood clot (thrombophlebitis) coagulated in my left leg, between the knee and ankle. The heart pumps blood through the arteries to the skin and tissues throughout the body. Deep vein thrombosis (throm-BO-sis), or DVT, is a blood clot that forms in a vein deep in the body. Blood clots occur when blood thickens and clumps together.

Most deep vein blood clots occur in the lower leg or thigh. They also can occur in other parts of the body. A blood clot in a deep vein can break off and travel through the bloodstream. The loose clot is called an embolus. When the clot travels to the lungs and blocks blood flow, the condition is called pulmonary embolism (PULL-mun-ary EM-bo-lizm), or PE.

A few months ago, I came across “Your Health Today” a weekly cable television health show hosted by Doctor Richard Becker and his lovely wife, Cindy. (Doctor Becker’s website is http://www.bioinnovations.net.) As it happen a viewer called in to get advice from Doctor Becker on thrombophlebitis. Doctor Becker counseled the caller to immediately take Omega 3 oil, along with other supplements. As I listened to the doctor’s wisdom, I decided to follow the same advice.

After two weeks of taking Omega 3 in the form of fish oil, the swelling and pain in my leg abated. At one point the pain associated with the swelling and lack of blood flow in my leg was so horrendous that a local doctor recommended immediate surgery. That was on the same day I had to good fortune to come across “Your Health For Today”.

Since then, I have religiously taken a good multivitamin, along with supplements of A, B12, C, D, E, Oregano Oil, Garlic, Zinc, Magnesium, Folic Acid, Milk Thistle, Ginkgo Biloba, and a few other minerals, and nutrients. I also bought a professional juicer. I daily juice vegetable juice and or fruit juice. Then, I made a change in my diet. Refined sugar, bread, and dairy products, are no longer part of my daily staple. My current diet consist of 60%Vegetables and fruit. This has made a wonderful difference in my body. My energy level is returning to that my youth; my mind is clear and strong, as well as, I am losing weight.

I am a firm believer in the health benefits of vitamins and nutrients. Contrary to the pharmaceutical companies’ persuasion that vitamins do little in the way of promoting good health, more and more medical doctors are advising patients of their health benefits.

It seems clear that pharmaceutical drugs do more harm than good. The dangerous risk factors of death are a proven fact. Just listen to any television drug commercial. The side effects are endless. Common sense tells us that vitamins and health supplements promote the same medical benefits as pharmaceutical drugs, without the dangerous side effects, Then why not choose alternative health care over drugs?

Kings and Priests Before God

Written by Johnny Israel

"And He has made us kings and priests unto His Father; to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever." Revelation 1:6 KJV

John the revelator wrote this scripture passage while living in exile on the Greek island of Patmos, an island in the Aegean Sea. Historians tell us this legendary Apostle of Faith is the author of First, Second, and Third John, as well as the Book of Revelation, also known as “The Apocalypse of John.”

It is no coincidence that John refers to the Body of Christ as kings and priests. The word king is interpreted as “one who rules a wise kingdom; the word priests is interpreted as “a person having authority.” Luke 10:19 declares, “Behold I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing by any means hurt you.” All through the four Gospels, Christ taught his disciples they possessed awesome power in His name. He sent them out to heal the sick, cast out demons, and to raise the dead.

Paul the Apostle said in the Book of Ephesians 2:6…”and He made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:” Paul was instilling in us Believers that even though we are in the world and not of the world, we are not weak in power. Paul reminded us Believers, that we are already seated with Christ in glory and authority. The Church was birth in the power of the Holy Spirit. It was this mighty power of the Holy Spirit that the disciples performed monumental miracles. In the Book of Acts, Peter and John were brought before the religious zealots and severely beaten for their faith. After their release they prayed, “And now Lord, behold their threats: and grant to your servants, that with all boldness we may speak your word, by stretching forth your hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the Name of your Holy Child Jesus.” Acts 4:29-30

Notice they prayed for boldness to speak the word by God stretching forth His hand to heal. The Word refers to the Believers as the Body of Christ. As the body of Christ, we are God’s hands on the face of this earth. They Word says, “You shall lay hands on the sick and heal them.” Just as the Devil needs a body to work through to accomplish his evil deeds, God also requires a body move through to perform the power of His Word, and that body is the Believers. While this statement may anger preachers, it nevertheless is true, God’s power is limited to the faith of the Believers. Nothing happens without the Believers first submitting to the Word by allowing the Holy Spirit to move through them.

Unfortunately, today’s Believers are constantly bombarded with candy-coated sermons from the pulpit with doubts and unbelief. We are often told, “If God chooses to perform miracles through His Word, then the choice is up to Him.” What a foolish statement. Smith Wigglesworth, the mighty man of God once said, “If the Spirit of God does not move, then I will move the Spirit.” Wigglesworth knew that God and His Word are one. That the anointing of the Holy Spirit comes through Word obedience; and most of the time obedience goes against the tradition of pulpit teachings.

The Apostle John reminds us that we are kings and priests, that we are people of authority and power. We are not “old shoes” for Christ, but rather we rule as kings and priests in command of lives circumstances. It is time for the Body of Christ’s return to its rightful position of authority. The Believer is called to change the world; and not become slave to the world’s circumstances. The Word tells us in Revelation, “As He is now so are we.”

Called to Preach, But Not Anointed

Written by Johnny Israel

Years ago, in the seventies, I had the privilege of meeting, C.M Ward, (now deceased) a nationally and internationally recognized author, pastor, preacher, and evangelist. C.M. Ward was a man in constant prayer that loved studying the Word. In the mid seventies, he was responsible for leading the Assemblies of God Church in a national revival, where thousands of young people gave their hearts to Christ. During this powerful revival period, the Assembly of God organization grew mightily in numbers; it was through this man’s direction, the Assembly of God churches were forced to build newer and much larger church buildings all across America to accommodate the mass of young people attending services.

Whether by radio, television or the pulpit, this great man of God never closed a sermon without giving people an invitation to come to Christ; and come they did in masses. God’s hand was on this great man through the power of the Holy Spirit. In other words, C. M Ward was an anointed preacher that often encountered, what is called a, “chamber room” relationship with Christ. He was always in prayer, always in worship, always in the Word, and always ready to lead any person that came across his path to Christ.

C.M Ward has long been deceased. His memory of greatness has long been forgotten. Over the years, new Church leaders have come and gone. What once was a religious institution of faith and power has been replaced with contemporary complacency, the flames of revival fire has long simmered Luke warm, its embers of Holy Spirit power are covered in a heap of present-day humdrum. Sadly, in their efforts to attract people to the Church, preachers all across this nation have willing surrendered their anointing for a more fashionable “social club” where one size of faith fits all. The Church’s protocol is come as you are, don’t bring your Bibles, we won’t embarrass you with a public proffer to receive Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, and please note, for your comfort, donuts and coffee are served in the foyer of the Church.

The world is in chaos as never before. Around this world people are fearful of what the future holds for them. Rogue nations are murdering their citizens at an alarming rate, and the threat of a pandemic disease, such as the Bird Flu, is close at hand. There is that possibility nuclear weapons can fall into the hands of religious hate mongers that are bent on the destruction of the free world. Yet with all the world’s troubles at our doorstep, the Church has traded God’s anointing for a mere morsel of coffee and donuts. Its candy-coated sermons are soft peddled to its members as spiritual atonement to the gates of Heaven.

It will take God’s anointing to raise the Church from the trash heap of contemporary socialism she is buried beneath, if she is going to survive the troubling times ahead of her. The Lord’s anointing and power comes through prayer, worship, and an intimate relationship in the Word of God. Unfortunately, today’s Church offers little prayer, is far from worship, and proffers little revelation of the Word, and has never experienced C.M Ward’s chamber room relationship with their Heavenly Father. They are called to preach, but not anointed.

Hello Santa Claus, Goodbye Jesus

Written by Johnny Israel

The Sunday before Christmas, I attended a nationally known denominational church whose history is embedded in charismatic gifts of the Holy Spirit. This particular denomination’s core belief is in the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and baptism of tongues and fire. However, I was soon disappointed in the Christmas service. The pastor failed to mention Jesus, Christmas, or the birth of Christ one time in his message. The message’s central theme was on the building project and the money needed for said project. Not to mention that not even one scripture was even quoted during the service. It reminds me of Paul the Apostle to the Church: “When you should be on the meat of the Word, you are still on milk.”

There was no worship or inspirational prayer. There was no Christmas or festive decorations, or anything that assumed the Christmas spirit. Instead, the church invited Santa Claus as its honored guest. The sad part was that Santa received more recognition on Jesus’ birthday than the Son of God.

In these troubling times, the Church is in much need of a spiritual revival. The world is sitting in the valley of dry bones without the presence of God's Spirit. Never before in its history has the Church faced moral decline, spiritual vacuum, and political corruption as it has now. Whenever Santa Claus becomes the honored guest in God’s house, the Holy Spirit has no other recourse than find a new house to abide in. The Lord is searching for people to worship Him with all their heart and souls. Today’s Church has become nothing more than a ‘social club’ for the gathering of the saints. If the Church is going to survive these troubling times, it must return back to its first love, and give preeminence to the Lord Jesus Christ in worship, prayer, and assembly. Hello Santa Claus, Goodbye Jesus.

Blood Entitlement

Blood Entitlement
Written by Johnny Israel
Grace, Faith, Justified Ministries

A television reporter asked an illegal alien, “Why should U.S. citizens pay for illegal aliens’ medical costs?” The woman simply replied, “We’re entitled to it.” Today’s society expects entitlement ranging from free medical, SSI, low income housing, including utilities, welfare, and food banks. The list is endless. But these rights come with a heavy burden on societies taxpayers. We have come to expect, no demand free services as an entitlement right. History has shown when something is given freely it is as easily discarded by the recipient as having little or no value. As the cliché says, ‘easy come, easy go,’ tagging society as a throwaway culture. Dissatisfied in marriage, we enter into another relationship. We insist on having the best life has to offer without counting the responsibility that comes with our demands. In other words, the U.S. culture covets ‘something for nothing’ expectations. However, there is a prerequisite to entitlement freebees: prepayment by taxpayers.

The Bible tells us that Jesus freely suffered death on the cross as payment for the sins of the world. Through Him, we are justified by faith as if we have never sinned. When we accept his forgiveness of our sins and receive Him as Lord and Savior, we inherit certain inalienable rights. The right to be called sons of God. The right to be endued with Holy Spirit power. The right to enter His presence without condemnation, making our requests known, expecting to be heard. As a child of God purchased by blood, we are entitled to His authority on the face of this earth to change the circumstances of our life. Unlimited authority that the Bible refers to as ‘power over all the enemy and nothing by any means shall harm you.’ According to the Word, you receive entitlement to physical healing, prosperity, peace of mind, deliverance of circumstances, spiritual, mental, and physical strength, a wholesome marriage, protection for yourself and family. Christ died on the cross for the whole man: spiritually, mentally, physically, financially, materially, parentally, and socially. The umbrella of His death and resurrection shields every area of the believer’s life.

Christ’s entitlements are unmerited favor, given without cost to every believer. You cannot earn His favor or entitlements; He has already paid the price on the cross. To receive the benefits of His entitlements requires registration in the Lamb’s Book of Life. You register at the foot of the cross by accepting His forgiveness for your sins, and receiving Him as Lord and Savior in your heart.

The world, nature and the devil is in opposition to the believer’s entitlements. Your antagonist the devil seeks to bar God’s blessing by getting you to accept your circumstances as God’s will for you. It is often preached from the pulpit that we are to thank God for our illness. This is foolish thinking. If a robber breaks into your home, you would not simply stand by and praise God as he carted off your possessions. You would do everything in your power to stop him. The Bible says, “The devil comes to steal and destroy, I come that you may have life.” As a believer, you are entitled to God’s entire blessing, including His authority to change your circumstances, no matter how difficult or impossible they may seem. To access His entitlement, we remind Him of His Word. For financial matters the Apostle Paul said, “My God shall supply all of your need according to His riches in Christ Jesus.” In sickness the Bible says, “I am the Lord that heals you.” Reminding the Lord of His Word pleases Him, and we are strengthened in faith. Jesus said, “Whatever you ask in my Name that will I do.”

Are you entitled to His blessings to change your circumstances? Yes. Whatever your circumstances may be, the Lord has granted you unmerited entitlement to overcome the problem. Once you presented your request to Him, accept your situation to change for the better. The Word says the promises of the Lord are ‘yes and amen.’ The believer is covenanted through blood. You have been given blood entitlements here in this world and in the world to come.

Johnny Israel

Mel Gibson

Johnny Israel
City Room Press
August 1, 2006

A few days ago the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department arrested Mel Gibson for DUI. TMZ.com, a Hollywood celebrity watch dog, reported that Gibson resisted arrest, refused to cooperate with sheriff officers, and said anti-Semitic remarks. The following day, Mel Gibson released a statement apologizing for his actions. Immediately after Gibson’s arrest the Jewish and Christian community condemned the actor, and producer of the Passion of Christ, stating, “Gibson’s true colors have come out showing he is an anti-Semite.”

Mel Gibson is not only one of the most successful box office draw in Hollywood, he is also one of the most respectable men. When Gibson filmed the Passion, my Jewish brothers immediately castigated him as an anti-Semite. On the other hand, Christians worldwide hailed Gibson as imaginative director that captured the true personification of the crucifixion of Christ.

Since Gibson’s arrest, Jews have demanded the Hollywood film industry blacklist him, listing him as an anti-Semite. Christians have also jumped on the bandwagon, wagging tongues of accusations without first having all the facts surrounding his arrest. It may be understandable why Jews tag Gibson as an anti-Semite, seeing how they consider the Passion an anti-Semitic film. But is Gibson an anti-Semite? Those who have worked closes to Gibson say ‘no’. Gibson is a generous man, supporting charitable organizations that include financial support for underprivileged Jewish children in Israel.

Jesus told his followers, before removing the speck out of their brother’s eye they must first remove the log from their own eye. Meaning, before we judge Gibson for his faults, we first must judge ourselves for our sins. Which one of us has not in the heat of passion made derogatory statements that we immediately regretted saying? Or have acted in a way that is unbecoming of our Christian faith? When the Jews caught a woman in the act of adultery, Jesus said, “He without sin let him cast the first stone.” One by one the accusers threw down their stone and walked away in shame.

Gibson is a brother in Christ. As a brother, we are not to judge or condemn him, but rather to pray for him. When we condemn a brother, we pass judgment on ourselves. Not to mention judgment, gossip, condemnation of a brother blocks the Lord’s blessing in our personal life. The Word tells us to pray for each other, and to love one another as Christ loved the church. These are not the days to wag our tongues in destructive gossip, but to pray as we have never prayed before. God lists gossip as one of the seven deadly sins that blocks the presence of our Heavenly Father. Gossip grieves the Holy Spirit, the same Spirit that resides in you and me. The Apostle James said it best, “Can bitter water and sweet water flow out of the same fountain? With the same tongue we bless God and curse men. This should not be so”

The next time you hear a brother in the Lord criticize Mel Gibson, ask them if they have first lifted him up in prayer. The Holy Spirit is love. Criticism is neither a fruit of the Spirit nor a gift. God is not the author of criticism, the devil is. When we criticize a brother, we join allegiance with the devil. The Bible tells us the Devil is the author of strife and division, and that Christ delivered us from the power of darkness and has translated us into the Kingdom of His dear Son. As children of God, we are forbidden by the Spirit to use our tongue for evil, but rather commanded to edify, esteem, and exhort a brother in the Word. On the cross, Christ took upon himself all people’s sins, including Gibson’s. To criticize a brother is to null and void the works of the cross, making His sacrifice ineffective. Therefore, let us remember Mel Gibson as a brother in Christ that deserves our prayers and not our criticism.

Johnny Israel

Government Power vs. God's Power

Written by: Johnny Israel

“Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the Name of the Lord our God.” Psalms 20:7

I dare say we can all agree that we are living in perilous times. America and the free nations are engaged in a Holy War of radical Muslims bent on destruction, murder, and mayhem. At the same time, America’s Constitutional civil rights are being battered, beaten down, and morphed into a meaningless historic piece of lambskin purely as window dressing. While the government operates under a veil of secrecy to build an information database on all Americans under the guise of fighting world terrorism, the world is rapidly moving toward a one-world government, commonly known as ‘The New World Order.’

At a time when nations are rapidly stockpiling an arsenal of weapons, preparing for Armageddon, Christians are facing a serious challenge to their faith, righteousness, and commitment to Christ. The world is in a weapons race for laser guided nuclear bombs, mega bombs, sophisticated hand held nuclear weaponry, bombs that implode above ground, bombs that explode deep within the earth. We have chemical bombs, dirty bombs, poison gas bombs; every kind of sophisticated weapon of might and power to destroy man.

Governments strive on might and power. The stronger controls the weaker. A nation with sophisticated arsenals holds a secure position of power. Those without sophisticated weaponry are subservient to those that have. It is the law of nature: The strong rules the weak.

God’s law operates on a completely different forum. “Not by power, nor by might, but by My Spirit says the Lord.” While men use physical means to obtain power, God’s power is born of the Holy Spirit. Government power seeks to control men. God’s Spirit seeks men to empower with the authority of His Word. This is where real power lies. Worldly power is founded on fear. The greater government power, the more fearful their enemies are. God’s power is founded on love. “For God so loved the world He sent His only Son…” Love sent Christ into the world to bare our sins on the Cross-, and it was love that raised Christ from the dead, and seated Him at the right hand of the Father. Brother, that is power.

Dictators seek power over men. The Holy Spirit seeks out men to empower with the Word. Government power enslaves men to serve them. Christ has become servant to all men. Dictators hold their subjects in bondage for one purpose only: control. Christians are free servants, empowered to heal, cast out demons, raise the dead, share the Good News, and to preach the Gospel.
The scope of power relies on where you put your trust. Is your trust in Government power, or is it in the Almighty, the Supreme Powerful One? The Bible tells us there is power in the Name above every name: Jesus Christ. At His Name every knee shall bow, every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord of Lords, and King of Kings. As for me, I place my trust in the Name of Jesus, the ultimate source of power.

The Messianic Seed

Written by: Johnny Israel

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then are you Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. (Gal. 3:28-29)

The term Messianic Jew is universally defined as a person of Jewish ancestry that has received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Christians often refer to Messianic Jews as “completed Jews.” And for some strange reason, Christians have the belief that Messianic Jews hold a more sacred position in God’s heart than other members in the Body of Christ. They are wrong.

Let us address the term completed Jew. According to the above-stated scripture passage, Paul the Apostle says there is neither Jew nor Greek (gentile)… for you are all one in Christ. What a profound statement. God does not see Jew or Gentile in the Body of Christ. He sees one body… Christ’s Body. Recently, I heard a preacher say that God favors Messianic Jews because of their Abrahamic bloodline. He gave no scriptural reference to back up his theory. There is only one DNA that governs favorable passage into God’s Chamber Room: Christ’s blood.

Believers take the reference to Messianic Jew out of context. Technically, there is no such thing as a Messianic Jew. It is a term today’s Christians use to identify Christian Jews. The scripture forbids selective profiling in granting favor to one member of the body over another. The Word says, “God is not a respecter of person.” In fact, Paul the Apostle says boldly, “If you belong to Christ, then are you Abraham’s seed…” All Christians have inherited rights of Abraham through Christ; it is through Jesus Christ that we receive the Covenant promise of the Spirit through faith. (Gal. 3:13) There is only one Blood Covenant that bond Messianic Jews and Christians alike. For you are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. (Gal. 3:26)

If Abraham’s DNA was the key to Covenant then Christ would not have had to shed His blood on the Cross. God’s Covenant to Abraham was a Covenant of faith, promised to him and his descendents after him. The Abraham Covenant required animal blood sacrificed on the holy alters for the forgiveness of sin. It was a temporary means to salvation. However, Abraham’s Covenant became moot at the Cross. At the time Jesus’ blood was poured out on the Cross, the Abrahamic Covenant was fulfilled. A new Covenant was ratified on the Cross. Christ did not do away with the old Covenant, but fulfilled it; thereby giving way to a better, more complete Covenant. This New Covenant guarantees all men access to God the Father through Christ Jesus. The blood of bulls, goats, and lambs that were offered for the sins of the people are no longer required. The Bible says, “Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood, Christ entered once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.” (Hebrew 9:13)

Therefore, it is not the children of Israel that God favors, but those who are purchased by the blood of Christ. While God will protect a remnant of Israel, Israel no longer holds the key to salvation. Descendants of Israel have a natural bloodline to Abraham. They are Abraham’s physical seed. But the promise to Abraham was not physical, but rather spiritual. Abraham’s Covenant was temporal (subject to change). Change it did on the Cross. Messianic Jews, in God’s eye, are Christians, not Jewish Christians. All Christians have equal standing with their Heavenly Father through Christ Jesus. Every believer, Jew or gentile, is birth by the spiritual loins of Abraham through faith in Christ Jesus. “If you belong to Christ, then are you Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Whatever your ethnic or cultural history, as a believer, you have unmerited favor with your Heavenly Father through Christ Jesus our Lord.

Has The Church Become Militant?

Written by: Johnny Israel

In the Book of John 15:27, just before Christ suffered on the cross, He said to His disciples, "And you shall bear witness because you have been with me from the beginning." For nearly three years the disciples were with Jesus 24/7. They were eyewitnesses to His mighty miracles. The sick were healed, the lame walked, the blind received their sight, and the dead were raised to life. Yet at one point, they wanted more. They desired to see Israel free from Roman domination. In their hopes that Jesus has come to set Himself as King of Israel, they asked, "Lord have you come to restore Israel?" However, Jesus had bigger and better plans, not just for Israel, but for the world. The disciples had their eye on a man created government. Jesus' eye was on the world as a whole. Instead of addressing government rule, Jesus instructed His disciples to (1) heal the sick, (2) cast out demons, (3) raise the dead, and (4) preach the Good News. In other words, the purpose of the Gospel is to bring souls into the Kingdom of God.

The government Jesus was setting up was one of Good News, not politics, or fighting causes for this or that. He was after the heart and souls of men. His followers were given one mission, win souls for the Kingdom. Even though the political spectrum was overbearing at the time, Jesus refused to participate in the rights or wrongs of the political agenda. That was not His mission or purpose.Jesus' cousin, John the Baptist is locked in prison. John sent his servant to Jesus, inquiring if He was the One the prophets foretold about, or should they look for another? Two things transpired here. John did not address the horror of confinement, or his wrongful conviction. He needed assurance from Jesus that He was the Christ. John's eye was on God's promise to send the Messiah. In his oppressive state of captivity, he sought assurance from Jesus that He is the Christ. Look how Jesus answered him in Luke 7:22. "Then Jesus answering said, "Go your way, and tell John what things you have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the leper are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the Gospel is preached."

Brother that was all the assurance John needed. Notice how Jesus never addressed John's captivity or the evils of the Roman government. Was John wrongfully imprisoned? Yes. Did John have a right to complain against the government? Yes. Yet, neither John nor Jesus said one word against the Roman government. Jesus did not hold rallies, nor did he gather the believers together to march in protest of John's imprisonment. He stayed the course the Father sent Him on.

Today's church has taken a different turn in the road. Called to preach the Good News, the church has become a political machine. In these last few years the church has preached more on politics than winning souls for Christ. She has attacked the judiciary, politicians, promoted canidants, fought against laws, marched and rallied for this cause and that... all in the Name of Christ. We've argued over the placement of the ten commandments, prayer in school, abortion, homosexuals, the marriage of gays, federal laws, state laws, and local governments. The list is endless. We have held our banners high, saying we will no longer tolerate the unbelievers' way of life. Our Christian flag, we said, bores battle scar wear. We declared we possess the love of Christ; and out of the same mouth we declare ourselves as militants for Christ. How wrong can we be? Has the church traveled so far off track that they lost sight of the Great Commission?

Paul the Apostle said, "We fight not against flesh and blood, but against pricipalities, against rulers of darkness, against spiritual wickness in high places. In other words, the believers fight is in the spirit realm, not the physical. We pull down stronghold through prayer. Not establishing tougher laws, forcing the nonbeliever into submission. If the church is going to fullfill the Great Commission of Christ, we must return to our first love. It is time that we take our eye off the world's agenda and placed them Christ's agenda. While I agree we face disturbing issues of abortion, as well as political chaos, the scope of the believers' faith is Christ. It is prayer that changes circumstances, not a political agenda. When prayer changes the situation it is permanent. However, political laws are temporary, they are subject to change at any given moment. One is a conversion of the heart, the other an outward temporary change subject to the whim of man.

Lord, You Have Searched Me, And Know Me

Written by: Johnny Israel

Psalm 139:1-3 (1) "O Lord, you have searched me, and know me.(2) You know my sitting down and my rising up, you understand my thoughts afar off. (3) You direct my path, and are acquainted with all my ways. (Revised from King James Version)

A friend of mine is a successful businessman. He is astute in money matters, attending to business issues 24/7. Recently, my friend called me, saying his relationship with Christ is not what it should be. “I don’t have the time to read the Bible,” he complained. “All my efforts go into my work.” When I inquired if he was attending church, he replied, “I can’t find the time.” Having known my friend’s background, coming from an impoverished home growing up, being a financial successful businessman was the most important goal in his life. Married, with three children, the family took a backseat to his business ventures. Through his hard work, his business grew to be financially successful. He had all the trappings of success, a three-story house, luxury automobiles, children in college, and a beautiful wife. But, what he lacked most of all was spiritual success. I am reminded of the scripture, “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul?”

Was it wrong for my friend to desire success? Of course not. It is God who implants the desire in His people for success. In the Book of Mathew 25: 14-28, Jesus told a parable of a wealthy squire that decided to go on a journey. In his absent, the squire gave three of his servants money to invest for him. When the squire returned, he inquired about his money. The first man doubled the squire’s money through proper investment. The second man did the same. The squire was extremely pleased with these servants. The squire said, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things.” However, the third man went and buried the squire’s money. Thinking the squire would be pleased that he had returned the exact sum entrusted to him, said, “Lord, I knew you are a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not sowed. And I was afraid and went and hid your money in the earth. Look, the money you have entrusted to me is yours.” The squire answered, “You wicked and slothful servant, you knew that I reap where I sow not, and gather where I have not labored: You should have at least put my money into the bank, then at my coming I should have received my money with interest...”

My friend understands the ends-and-outs of business. Having sacrificed his life to his business success, he missed out on the greatest blessing of all: an intimate relationship with Christ. You see, if only my friend would have included Christ into his business, Christ would have advised him in every business decision. This would have saved my friend countless hours of hard work to achieve his success. Jesus is jealous of our time, he desires to fellowship with us in every aspect of our lives. When we invite Him into all our decisions, it is then we are guaranteed spiritual growth and successful business achievement. We are made in His image, for His pleasure. Going through life without enjoying fellowship with Him invites spiritual emptiness, no matter how successful your business has become.

Cold, Hot, or Lukewarm

Written by: Johnny Israel

In the Book of Revelation 3:14-16 (New King James Version)
14 “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: 15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.

Have you ever met Christians who were either to cold or to hot in their personal relationship with Christ? Or how about the believer that is neither hot nor cold? The above-scripture refers to this person a being lukewarm. Unfortunately for the body of Christ is overflowing with the cold, hot and the lukewarm.
The cold Christian has very little sympathy or love for anyone but himself. He governs his faith by Biblical laws and regulations; his faith is one of being legalistic. There is no room for the Spirit mixing with the Word in his heart. He is more apt to quickly judge other believers for their failure to be as he is: legalistic, arrogant, and indifferent.
The hot Believer is just the opposite, only he is usually pushy, overzealous, and most assuredly, annoying. You heard the adage, “He is so Heavenly minded that he is no earthly good.” He speaks perennial Elizabethan phrases: Praise God, Glory Hallelujah, Amen brother, and so forth. In his zeal to have nonbelievers submit their lives to Christ, he most assuredly is doing all the talking, and very little listening. While there is nothing wrong with having zeal for Christ, it must be coupled with wisdom. When to speak, when to listen, what to share, and how to share. These are important issues for the Believer to when over the nonbeliever.
On the other hand, we have the lukewarm Believer. He is neither legalistic nor zealous for the Kingdom of God. He confesses Christ as Savior, but aside from that, he lacks commitment. He is easily persuaded to sin. He spends his free time watching television, relaxing around the house, or gets involved into some other form of entertainment. The last thing on his mind is church, the Bible, or sharing his faith. He is referred to as the social Christian. Christ refers to this kind of Believer as lukewarm. He warns in the above-passage of scripture, He will spit the lukewarm Believer out his mouth. In other words, they are in serious jeopardy of judgment and damnation by Christ on the judgment day.The Bible tells us that Christ came into the world to forgive sinners. God so loved each and every one of us that He sent His Son into this world to cleanse us from sin, and to give us eternal life with Him. God is not legalistic or arrogant, but love. It is through His love we come to Him. He also is not desiring His people to be so hot that fail to use wisdom in their zeal to win the lost to Christ. And, He definitely will spit you out of His mouth if your relationship with Him is lukewarm. So what is it He is looking for in the Believer? A person who will open up their heart in compassion and understanding for a lost and dying world, just as He did when He sent Christ in the flesh. For the world to see Christ, they must first see a compassionate and loving Christ in you. Again, an old adage says, “Our actions speak louder than our words.” How true this is. You want to win your neighbor to Christ, spend time in prayer for him. Lift him up into the Chamber Room of your Heavenly Father. By praying for your neighbor, you will begin to respond to him in compassion and caring, that he will see Christ in you.

Sower, Seed, and Heart

Written by: Johnny Israel

An old acquaintance of mine, an immigrant from Romania, was a member of the same charismatic church I attended. His prayers were loud, fast, and repetitious. Often times, during church worship, prophecies bellowed from my acquaintance that usually proclaimed some doomsday disaster. His church attendance was exemplary. On many occasions, he substituted teaching Sunday school classes, or filled in as a lay preacher. By all outward appearance, he was considered by the congregation a pillar of the church. However, there was another side to this man. A side that was dark and devious. One early morning the local police arrested him on charges of child molestation, possession of child pornography, money fraud, and felony theft. At first he had convinced the church he was falsely accused. Then as the evidence surmounted, he eventually plead guilty on all counts. To say the least this particular church was dumbfounded. How could a man that prayed, read his Bible, attended church regularly, and taught Sunday school allow the Devil to hold him captive to sinful devices?

The answer is in the Book of Matthew, chapter 4. A sower went out to sow, the Word says. Some seed fell by the way side, some fell on stony ground, some among thorns, and some fell on good ground. Jesus tells us the seed that fell by the way side the birds came and devoured the seed. The seed that fell on stony ground began to sprout life, having shallow root; because there was no depth of earth for the roots to dig down, the sun’s heat caused it to dry up. Those seed on thorny ground grew, but the weeds choked the life out of the seed. However, the seed that fell on good ground sprang to life, yielding fruit. My friend’s heart was filled with thorns: cares of this life, lust, greed, and sexual desires. The Word (seed) began to spring forth with life, but due to sin gripping at his heart, the seed was choked off. Sin eventually took full control of his life. The end result was disgrace for him, his family, his friends, not to mention the pain and suffering of his victims.

God only desires one thing from you: your heart. The Devil is after the same heart. If God has your heart, He has all of you. The Devil is constantly bombarding the Christian heart with lascivious desires. God’s Word is the antibiotic to sin’s desire. The Word mixed with Spirit produces life. Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the Word of God is alive, and powerful, and sharper than any two edge sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. God is not looking for great warriors; He desires a tender heart, one that will allow Christ to reign in. My friend’s heart became corrupted with sin, and eventually sin wedged its way onto the throne of his heart. The best remedy to destroying sin is to open your heart to Christ. Christ’s throne is just a heart beat away.

Has The Church Become Militant?

Written by: Johnny Israel

In the Book of John 15:27, just before Christ suffered on the cross, He said to His disciples, "And you shall bear witness because you have been with me from the beginning." For nearly three years the disciples were with Jesus 24/7. They were eyewitnesses to His mighty miracles. The sick were healed, the lame walked, the blind received their sight, and the dead were raised to life. Yet at one point, they wanted more. They desired to see Israel free from Roman domination. In their hopes that Jesus has come to set Himself as King of Israel, they asked, "Lord have you come to restore Israel?" However, Jesus had bigger and better plans, not just for Israel, but for the world. The disciples had their eye on a man created government. Jesus' eye was on the world as a whole. Instead of addressing government rule, Jesus instructed His disciples to (1) heal the sick, (2) cast out demons, (3) raise the dead, and (4) preach the Good News. In other words, the purpose of the Gospel is to bring souls into the Kingdom of God. The government Jesus was setting up was one of Good News, not politics, or fighting causes for this or that. He was after the heart and souls of men. His followers were given one mission, win souls for the Kingdom. Even though the political spectrum was overbearing at the time, Jesus refused to participate in the rights or wrongs of the political agenda. That was not His mission or purpose.

Jesus' cousin, John the Baptist is locked in prison. John sent his servant to Jesus, inquiring if He was the One the prophets foretold about, or should they look for another? Two things transpired here. John did not address the horror of confinement, or his wrongful conviction. He needed assurance from Jesus that He was the Christ. John's eye was on God's promise to send the Messiah. In his oppressive state of captivity, he sought assurance from Jesus that He is the Christ. Look how Jesus answered him in Luke 7:22. "Then Jesus answering said, "Go your way, and tell John what things you have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the leper are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the Gospel is preached." Brother that was all the assurance John needed. Notice how Jesus never addressed John's captivity or the evils of the Roman government. Was John wrongfully imprisoned? Yes. Did John have a right to complain against the government? Yes. Yet, neither John nor Jesus said one word against the Roman government. Jesus did not hold rallies, nor did he gather the believers together to march in protest of John's imprisonment. He stayed the course the Father sent Him on.

Today's church has taken a different turn in the road. Called to preach the Good News, the church has become a political machine. In these last few years the church has preached more on politics than winning souls for Christ. She has attacked the judiciary, politicians, promoted canidants, fought against laws, marched and rallied for this cause and that... all in the Name of Christ. We've argued over the placement of the ten commandments, prayer in school, abortion, homosexuals, the marriage of gays, federal laws, state laws, and local governments. The list is endless. We have held our banners high, saying we will no longer tolerate the unbelievers' way of life. Our Christian flag, we said, bores battle scar wear. We declared we possess the love of Christ; and out of the same mouth we declare ourselves as militants for Christ. How wrong can we be? Has the church traveled so far off track that they lost sight of the Great Commission? Paul the Apostle said, "We fight not against flesh and blood, but against pricipalities, against rulers of darkness, against spiritual wickness in high places. In other words, the believers fight is in the spirit realm, not the physical. We pull down stronghold through prayer. Not establishing tougher laws, forcing the nonbeliever into submission.

If the church is going to fullfill the Great Commission of Christ, we must return to our first love. It is time that we take our eye off the world's agenda and placed them Christ's agenda. While I agree we face disturbing issues of abortion, as well as political chaos, the scope of the believers' faith is Christ. It is prayer that changes circumstances, not a political agenda. When prayer changes the situation it is permanent. However, political laws are temporary, they are subject to change at any given moment. One is a conversion of the heart, the other an outward temporary change subject to the whim of man.

Psalms 32:8

Written by: Johnny Israel

"I will instruct you and guide you in the way you should go, I will counsel you with my eye." Psalms 32:8

All through the Bible, God promise the believer that He not only will watch after them, He will personally guide them and instruct the believer in the ways of his life. So often, we have drifted along trying to figure out what we should be doing with our life; and how accomplish it. Yet, God specifically says He will personally guide us, not only that, but instruct us along the way. So then why are we worried about our jobs, vocation, or goals? Is it because we willfully ignore the Holy Spirit's direction by attempting to work things out within ourselves? Personally, there are times when I have not listen to the Spirit's prompting, and traveled off in my own direction. The end result was distresses. Was it God that failed me? Or was it me failing to trust Him to guide and instruct me? Of course it was not God failing me. Would I have listened to the Holy Spirit my choices would have turned out differently. Don't we really make His promises out to be difficult by not trusting him, even when we believe our way is the best way? The Bible says, "As many as led of the Spirit are called the sons of God." The key to personal success, whether financial, marital, or social, is following the leading of the Holy Spirit. Remember, it is His responsibility to speak to us, it is our responsibility to follow his direction. Once we apply the two, we have guaranteed success. In the Book of Numbers 23:19 it says, "God is not a man that He should lie, nor the Son of Man that He should repent. Has he said, shall he not do it, has He spoken, will He not make it good." There are times we literally must take our hands off what we believe to be best for us, and allow Him to instruct us in the matter. The Bible says, "Call unto me, and I will answer you..." Jeremiah 33:3. All through the old and new testament, God offers his services to guide us in every aspect of our lives. Isn't it about time we allowed Him to be the Lord in all of our decisions?

Justified By Faith

Written by: Johnny Israel

Romans 5:1 says, "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." What does it mean justified by faith? The word justified means "vindicated" "blameless" or "to be made right." It literally means "without sin." When we receive Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior, the Bible says we are cleansed by the shedding of His blood, and made whole, or without sin. He vindicated us or justified us by our faith in His death on the cross and resurrection from the dead. Justification is worked by faith. Faith, simply put, means "a firm belief in something said or an act." Jesus died on the cross, yet you or I was not present at the cross to witness His death. We accept this fact by faith. We were not present when the disciples saw Jesus ascend into Heaven. Again, we accept this by faith. By doing so, our faith justifies us from an unrighteous state to righteousness. Justification is empowered by faith. Faith is the unseen force the works justification. You can not be justified without faith, yet faith is the foundation to justification. What does this mean for you and me. We simply acknowlege that Jesus died on the cross for our sin; and by faith we accept His forgiveness for our sin. Then a mighty transformation takes place in our heart and spirit. We become a new creation, the old self has died to sin, the new man, or self is justified or make right, by faith. We are a new creation in Christ Jesus. God's plan of salvation for man is simple, so simple that it bewilders us that He suffered and rose again. The Bible states that righteousness has come upon all men, yet not all men will receive His righteousness. Reach out to Him in simple faith, and He will esteem you as his righteous child. Justified by faith.