AWAITING!! Watching & Praying
The Just Shall Live By Faith
I have the answer to the question AW Tozer asked, " Why, after years of Christian profession, do so many persons find themselves no farther along than when they first believed?" Simply because they do not want to go any further! People want to walk and talk their own way, do their own things, and remember God only when it's convenient for them! If one gets truly saved, I'm talking about radical Salvation, you know that God has forgiven you of some horrible sins, He has washed you clean by the blood of The Lamb!!! If one truly has experienced that personal, one on one relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, your heart will be on fire for the things of God! Old things have passed away, behold all things have become new! I can only testify of my own life and say without a doubt I know I'm not where I was at when I first believed! Hallelujah! But guess what?? You have to want it! Yes you have to want the knowledge of God with all your heart, soul, and mind. I didn't understand the Bible when I first got saved. However, I prayed. I said Lord as I read your Word, give me wisdom, knowledge and understanding of what I am reading and show me how to apply it to my daily life. He did!!! You have to want to read your Bible. You have to want to go to Church. You have want to pray for people. You have want to continually grow in the Lord and become strong by the power of His Might!!!!!!
Their is no excuse for one who claims Salvation to not grow in the Lord! NO EXCUSE! If, I, someone who was practically unchurched the majority of my life, who had no understanding, who previously had experienced no joy in the Lord, can come out of the miry clay to what God has formed in me today, then you can do it to!!!!!!! Get up and get on fire for the things of The Lord God Almighty! Turn the tv off, forget about the things going on in this world, get on your knees and pray, ask God to use you. Open up the only book under the sun that will set you free and give unto you Wisdom! Yes, all the answers to this life and the life to come is found only in the Holy Bible.
If you WANT to grow in the Lord, then you must read the Bible. That is God speaking to you. I perceive way too many professed Christians simply will not, because they do not want to feel the convicting power of the Holy Ghost to come upon them! They have no desire to change their carnal ways, they don't want to hear, and they want to go on living a "weak" life. NO, NO, NO, not me! My Bible tells me we have the Power of the Holy Ghost to live a most victorious life and Jesus gives us life and gives it to us more abundantly! Praise the Lord!
You want the knowledge of God? Well it will not be found just by visiting the local Church on a Sunday morning. You should live such a consecrated life, that studying God's Word, singing to Him and praying for the needs of others, has totally become your whole life. You will be at a place, that nothing else matters. Nothing! You will become lost in this world, but yet safely hid in Christ. You will then truly know what it means to say, "I am just a stranger and pilgrim passing through, for those of us who say such things declare plainly that we seek a country, that is a Heavenly. Wherefore God is not ashamed to be called our God: for He has prepared for us a city!!" Oh Jesus I am so ready for that New Jerusalem to come down from Heaven where you will rule as King forever. I pray you will allow me to be in that Choir from Jerusalem one Glorious Day.
I'll close now, but again there is no excuse for one to be in the same place they were when they first got saved. That is sad and that is not God's Will. How about growing up while there is still time. Get off the "bottle" this morning and get into the "meat" of the Word. Amen.
Tracey
AW TOZER:
Personal Life: The Knowledge of God
For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. --Hebrews 5:12
Probably the most widespread and persistent problem to be found among Christians is the problem of retarded spiritual progress. Why, after years of Christian profession, do so many persons find themselves no farther along than when they first believed?...
The causes of retarded growth are many. It would not be accurate to ascribe the trouble to one single fault. One there is, however, which is so universal that it may easily be the main cause: failure to give time to the cultivation of the knowledge of God....
The Christian is strong or weak depending upon how closely he has cultivated the knowledge of God....
Progress in the Christian life is exactly equal to the growing knowledge we gain of the Triune God in personal experience. And such experience requires a whole life devoted to it and plenty of time spent at the holy task of cultivating God. God can be known satisfactorily only as we devote time to Him. The Root of the Righteous, 7-9.
WHAT A WEEK!
To be entirely safe from the devil's snares, the man of God must be completely obedient to the Word of the Lord. The driver on the highway is safe, not when he reads the signs but when he obeys them.
Don't Suffer Shipwreck: by Aw Tozer
1 Tim. 1:18-19 This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck.
And yes, when one falls, how great is that fall!
Yet, we who truly know and understand theWord of God and still feel His Leading and Guidance, realize this is only "down time." What
appears to be a set back, is actually God doing His greatest Work. When one has an infirmity, a
bodily weakness, he or she often times works harder and carries on like nothing is wrong.
That is the very time the one who rests not day or night attacks with such viciousness, as to
defy all description! Where is that hedge of protection? Why did this happen now, when
such good was being accomplished? The evil one often attacks those he knows are weak and
have no one by their side. He knows he can trip that "one" up so bad, that he or she has
no desire to rise back up. This is why it is so imperative not to walk this Christian walk
alone! Ecc. 4:12 proclaims the truth about spiritual power and how to overcome the evil
one. - And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not
quickly broken. - You see, the threefold cord represents the spiritual power of two people,
it becomes more than double! That is the reason it is so important for 2 or more to agree in
prayer, for where unity is found, there is power! Where two or three is bound
together in the faith, fulfilling their calling of God, there is power! When satan attacks, the "threefold"
cord is not easily broken! May it be said the poison dart that was shot to
paralyze the work from the one who fell is only temporary. No devil in hell will be able to
come against the God called, when He tells His child to Arise! Until then I will study and pray and
believe for that "threefold cord." In Jesus NameI pray, Amen.
Tracey Swinson 10-19-09
Failure and Success: Quantity Rather Than Quality: AW Tozer
But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts. For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness-God is witness. --1 Thessalonians 2:4-5
Time may show that one of the greatest weaknesses in our modern civilization has been the acceptance of quantity rather than quality as the goal after which to strive....
Christianity is resting under the blight of degraded values. And it all stems from a too-eager desire to impress, to gain fleeting attention, to appear well in comparison with some world-beater who happens for the time to have the ear or the eye of the public.
This is so foreign to the Scriptures that we wonder how Bible-loving Christians can be deceived by it. The Word of God ignores size and quantity and lays all its stress upon quality. Christ, more than any other man, was followed by the crowds, yet after giving them such help as they were able to receive, He quietly turned from them and deposited His enduring truths in the breasts of His chosen 12....
Pastors and churches in our hectic times are harassed by the temptation to seek size at any cost and to secure by inflation what they cannot gain by legitimate growth. The mixed multitude cries for quantity and will not forgive a minister who insists upon solid values and permanence. Many a man of God is being subjected to cruel pressure by the ill-taught members of his flock who scorn his slow methods and demand quick results and a popular following regardless of quality. The Next Chapter After the Last, 7-8.
The many Pastors who are being "crucified" by their "ill-taught" members will one day stand before the judgment seat of Christ. The fear of God should make all the hair on your body stand right now! It does not matter how many people you have sitting in Church, it doesn't matter how much noise you are making, it doesn't matter how much activity you have going on! If Jesus Christ and Him Crucified is not being PREACHED, then your much activity is in vain! Activity will never replace old fashioned Gospel Preaching.
I'm truly sorry for the Pastors who have been slaughtered by their flock, who assumed they could run things better. Oh yes, judgment must begin at the House of God.
Sis. Tracey
10-15-09
JESUS IS THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. vs. 2 the same was in the beginning with God. vs. 3 All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made. ( There you go scientists and evolutionists, all things came into being through God!! Not one single thing was made independently.) vs. 4 in Him was life; and the Life was the Light of men. ( Life is only found in the Lord Jesus Christ. If you are not saved, then you do not have His Light abiding in you, therefore you most truly walk in darkness. And oh how great is that darkness!) vs. 5 And the Light shines in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. ( there is nothing hid that shall not be exposed!)
vs. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. vs. 7 the same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through Him might believe. vs. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. ( this is why I created my Web Site, to teach others about the saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.)
vs. 9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man who comes into the world. vs. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. vs. 11 He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. - I have personally experienced this pain and rejection from my own, concerning the Gospel!
vs. 12 But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them who believe on His Name.
Wow!! How exciting is that?? If you will only receive Him, He will give you the power to become His Son. All you have to do is believe on His Name. It is Faith in The Lord Jesus Christ and what He done for you at the Cross, that alone makes you a son or daughter of Almighty God. Make no mistake my friend, Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life and no man comes to the Father but by Him. ( John 14:6) Don't continue on down the wrong path, turn your life over to the Lord Jesus and let Him fill you with His Holy Spirit, in Jesus Name I pray, Amen.
Sister Tracey
August 13, 2009
Psalms 23 IS YOUR PASTURE GREEN OR DRY?
The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures: He leads me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His Name's sake. Yeah, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for You are with me; Your rod and your staff they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies: You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
My question this morning is your "pasture" alive or is it barren and dry? Following the voice of our Lord Jesus Christ will produce a life of fruitfulness, a life that has been quickened by His Holy Spirit, in other words, the Resurrected Life! If you are out there following any other "voice," you are surely abiding in that barren wasteland.
When your life is truly hid with Christ in God, He will lead you beside the still waters. Is your life full of turmoil and confusion? Do you live in a rat race, running here and there, yet have no peace nor real joy? Then you are not truly following after my Lord. His Word says He will lead you beside the "still waters!" Satan will come against you like a raging river, with every attempt to drown you. But Glory be to God who is the Giver of all good things! We serve One who will let you walk on the water!! You will only go under if you take your eyes off Him!
You may be walking through that valley of fear this morning, but I say call upon His Name and He will fill your soul with His Very Presence. 2 Tim. 1:7 says, For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Praise The Lord!!! Satan puts fear in your heart, but Jesus Christ, The Mighty Baptizer, He puts the Holy Ghost in you! Empowering you to be that bold and mighty witness for His Name Sake!
Yes goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our life and we will dwell in the House of The Lord forever more! As long as we do not depart from His Word, and His Ways, the Peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your heart and mind through Christ Jesus.
Yes that table is prepared, and your enemies, yeah they know it! That is the very reason you are persecuted and hated. But Jesus warned us very clearly that all men would hate us for trusting upon Him. Nevertheless, I know my God is with me and His rod and staff daily comforts me! Nevertheless I will Praise Him and serve Him, for He alone is worthy of all the Praise, Glory and Honor! In Jesus Name, Amen.
Sister Tracey
July 10, 2009
ACCORDING TO YOUR OWN HEART
Psalms 20:4 Grant You according to Your Own heart, and fulfill all Your counsel.
Wow, this really struck out at me this morning. How many times do we pray to God to give us the desires of our heart? How many times do we pray for such "petty things" in our life, and never once consider what He wants, what He desires? Do we ever sop and consider what is well pleasing to Him?
Holy Father, I pray You will forgive us for walking about like spoiled, rotten brats, wanting this and wanting that! Cleanse Your people from the error of our way. Lord God, this morning I want You! My only desire is to be in your Presence! I pray with my whole heart that Your Will be done on earth as it is in Heaven!! Instead of granting us our "silly" petitions, may we all give our hearts and lives to grant unto You, Lord God, according to Your Own Heart, that Your counsel will be fulfilled!
For Jesus Christ came to seek and to save that which was lost. It is not The Lord's Will that any should perish, but that all should come to Repentance. Holy Father, right now, I pray for the lost of the entire world, that they will receive The Message of the Gospel and be saved!! Yes, I pray the "lost man" will be found. May someone, somewhere this morning began to sing....
" Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me... I once was lost, but now I'm found, was blind, but now.... I see!!!!!!!!! Amen and Amen.
Sister Tracey
July 3, 2009
TRUTH FROM THE LATE GREAT
PROPHET: AW TOZER
Preaching: Truth Divorced From Life
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. --James 1:22
There is scarcely anything so dull and meaningless as Bible doctrine taught for its own sake. Truth divorced from life is not truth in its Biblical sense, but something else and something less....
No man is better for knowing that God in the beginning created the heaven and the earth. The devil knows that, and so did Ahab and Judas Iscariot. No man is better for knowing that God so loved the world of men that He gave His only begotten Son to die for their redemption. In hell there are millions who know that. Theological truth is useless until it is obeyed. The purpose behind all doctrine is to secure moral action....
Any man with fair pulpit gifts can get on with the average congregation if he just "feeds" them and lets them alone. Give them plenty of objective truth and never hint that they are wrong and should be set right, and they will be content.
On the other hand, the man who preaches truth and applies it to the lives of his hearers will feel the nails and the thorns. He will lead a hard life, but a glorious one. May God raise up many such prophets. The church needs them badly. Of God and Men, 25-28.
WAKE UP!!
Isaiah 56:10 His watchman are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs,
they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. vs.11 Yea, they are
greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds who cannot
understand: they all look to their own way, everyone for his gain, from his quarter.
( Israel lost her way because of these "blind watchmen" - Preachers! These "dumb
dogs that cannot bark" means they do not Preach the Truth of God's Word nor do
they warn of false doctrine. vs.11 simply means they do not have the spiritual
discernment which would enable them to lead people aright. They are worldly and
not spiritually minded, they are greedy after gain.)
Holy Father, I pray you will give your people discernment to know the True Prophet
among them from the false shepherds who are leading them astray. Lord Your Word
declares plainly that we are sinners and our righteousness are as filthy rags. Sinners
must repent of their wicked ways and ask Jesus Christ to forgive them of their sins.
The Doctrine of Jesus Christ is not a "feel good" Gospel. I will not pat you on the
back and say, 'ok my child your sins be forgiven you.' No, if you are walking in a
lifestyle of sin and serving divers lusts then you shall not partake in God's Holiness.
For we serve a Holy God and He looks away from sin.
Woe to the Preachers who corrupt the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hold the
Truth in unrighteousness. If you are not pointing souls to the Cross, to the shed
Blood of Christ, then you are a FALSE PROPHET. The Christian life is all about
Jesus Christ, and what He did! Whatever we do in this life should be done with the
intention of bringing glory to His Name, and not ourselves. I plead with people to
understand we are justified by faith. Titus 3:5 declares, not by works of
righteousness which we have done, but according to His Mercy He saved us, by the
washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit; vs6-7 Which He shed on us
abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by His Grace, we
should be made heirs according to the hope of Eternal Life. This Christian walk was
made possible because of what He did at the Cross. Do not ever forget that it was His
Work that He finished for you. You can enter into His Rest (He.4:10) and cease from
anything or anyone who would try to pull you away from the Cross of Christ.
Do not be fooled, do not be led astray. There are many speakers, so called, who are
telling pleasant words to tickle your ears, to make you feel good about yourself. The
Bible says we are to die to self. We are never to feel good about ourselves if we are
apart from Christ. Those self esteem promoters out there are deceivers, they are
trying to make you believe a lie. You are to die to pride, self will, selfishness, self
esteem, and all things that would cause you to think about yourself and not God.
Matthew 16:24-25 says, Then said Jesus unto His Disciples, If any man will come
after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whosoever
will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for My sake shall find it.
The problem with a majority of people today is that they only want to take up that
"little cross" that hangs so pretty around their neck and follow the "Dr. Feel Goods"
of this world. They have no desire to follow the one who will reprove and rebuke you
of your sins and unholy way of living. God forbid for that topic to be preached on a
Sunday Morning. The Pastor of a 1000 member plus congregation in the Modern
Church might loose the majority of its people, not to mention the tithes coming into
the Church. God forbid that a Pastor might actually say something that might
offend the "good brother or sister." People this is the day we are living in, where the
Gospel is being compromised. Our world is all about quanity and not quality. Forgive us Lord.
Isaiah 56:11 speaks of the Preachers who are greedy dogs which can never have
enough, they are shepherds who cannot understand, they all look to their own way,
every one for his gain. I'm afraid one too many have made the 'CALLING OF
GOD' into a 'PROFESSION OF GOD.' This money Gospel has to be stopped in the
Name of Jesus Christ. 1Timothy 6:3-5 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not
to wholesome words, even the Words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the Doctrine
which is according to Godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about
questions and strifes of words, whereof comes envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the Truth, supposing
that gain is Godliness: from such withdraw yourself. (Have no dealings with these
Preachers) We should be grounded in this Truth: vs 6-8 But Godliness with
contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain
we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
(You will not here this from those big-wigs on TV, they Preach something else)
It sickens me this morning to think of Shepherds who look to their own way, for his
own gain. The True Shepherd, Jesus Christ, was a Servant unto all. He ministererd
unto sinners, even to those who hated Him. How many of us are willing to serve and
minister to those who despise us? Jesus did. He is our example, we are to have the
Mind of Christ. That is Scriptural, not humanistic psychology.
Wake up and speak as the oracles of God! Speak His Word bodly as if there is no
tomorrow. Isaiah 55:6-7 Seek ye the Lord while He may be found, call ye upon Him
while He is near: let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his
thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and
to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. - Amen.
Sister Tracey- August 14, 2008
WHAT IS GOD'S PURPOSE FOR YOU?
Colossians 1:9-10 For this cause we also, since the day we heard
of it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that you might
be filled with the knowledge of His Will in all wisdom and
spiritual understanding; That you might walk worthy of the
Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and
increasing in the Knowledge of God;
God's Purpose and His Will for you is clearly laid out in
these two verses. You do not need to run out and buy some book
to find out about your "purpose driven life." Dearly Beloved, it
is the Father's Will that you have wisdom and understanding in
the Word of God; that you walk worthy of the Lord unto all
pleasing. Your behavior in this life time should be led in such a
Holy, and God-Conscientious manner that others around you
will know you have been in the Presence of The Almighty! The
Holy Spirit enables the Believer to walk worthy before the
Lord when we place our Faith solely upon the Finished Work at
the Cross. When we daily acknowledge that Jesus Christ paid
a terrible price for our Salvation, we understand that is how
we are able to walk about, in this day of Grace. With that
said, we ought to be fruitful in every good work and always
increasing in the Knowledge of God. Hallelujah! When it is in
the power of your hands to do good to others, just do it. With
Jesus in your heart and reading and studying His Word daily,
your knowledge of God will increase. And that Dear Saints is
the Father's Will for you. When you are alone in His Word, you
are learning of Him. And in closing, 1 Co. 15:58 Therefore, my
beloved Brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always
abounding in the Work of the Lord, (telling others about Jesus!)
forasmuch as you know that your labour is not in vain in
the Lord.
Amen.
Sister Tracey - Dec. 5th, 2008
"Christ"Mas, When Christ Was Born!
Luke 2:7-11 And she brought forth her First-Born Son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the Angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the Angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
This morning a message is going out to the whole world. It does not matter about the color of your skin, your religious background, if you are rich or poor, the President of a Country, or a scrooge of scrooges. I am here to proclaim that Christmas Day is all about Jesus Christ and not about Santa Claus, Christmas Trees, spending all your money, Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer and such like. Jesus Christ came in the flesh to redeem lost man back to God. Period! This is a most precious and Holy time to celebrate the birth of our Lord God. For if Almighty God had not allowed His only Begotten Son to be born into this world, every single human being on the face of the Earth would be lost to this day. But Glory be to our Most High God the day Jesus was born and the glorious light from Heaven shone down on that manger.
Let us be so very thankful for our Lord Jesus Christ's ULTIMATE sacrifice. For a time He gave up His glory with the Father to come down to sinful, fallen man. We were unworthy for such love Christ bestowed upon us. May Your Holy Spirit convict hearts all over the world this month, that December 25th is to celebrate Your Birthday! May souls get saved, and the backslider in heart turn back to you. I pray the true Spirit of Christmas will fill every heart far and wide - which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
How about it people? Are you lost and without a Saviour? Do you feel that void in your heart? Santa Claus will not fill it, not even a tree filled with presents under it. But I know someone who will, and His Name is Jesus, the sweetest and most powerful Name you will ever know. All you have to do is repent of your sins, and ask Him into your heart and He will forgive you of all your sins. The Bible says, Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. vs. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Say this prayer, Jesus I ask you to forgive me of all my sins, come into my heart and be the Lord of my life. I believe you died and rose again that I might be saved. Thankyou for saving me, In Jesus Name, Amen! If you said that prayer sincerely, go tell someone. Confess with your mouth, Ro. 10:11 says, For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed.
Receiving the free gift of Eternal Life, by your expressed Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, is the best gift you will ever receive! So how about sharing the gift of salvation to a lost loved one this Christmas Season. You have freely received, so freely give. It is the greatest joy to know you are saved and on your way to Heaven. To have the Sanctifing Peace of God in your soul is a blessing indeed.
Please get out of the world's ways. For they think their much spending, fancy decorations and teaching their children to believe in Santa Claus is the way to celebrate. It is all deception! Our children should grow up believing and trusting in Jesus Christ, the Saviour of our souls. May God Bless everyone through out the whole world of this knowledge. And I want to close with saying, Happy Birthday Jesus, I love you with all my heart and soul. Amen.
Sister Tracey
December 3, 2008
1 Co. 1:11-13 For it has been declared unto me of you, my Brethren, by them which are of the House of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.
Now this I say, that every one of you says, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were you baptized in the name of Paul?
1 Co. 3:3-4 For you are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are you not carnal, and walk as men? For while one said, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are you not carnal?
I want to ask the same question the Apostle Paul asked, is Christ divided? Is there a Baptist Christ, a Pentecostal Christ, a Methodist Christ, a Jehovah Witness Christ, or a Catholic Christ? Paul also posed the question, "am I crucified for you?" My question that I bring before the table, was the Pope crucified for you or for that matter was any of the 'late great' of our times who brought Reformation to the Church crucified for you? No! Our one and only Lord Jesus Christ was Crucified and Resurrected to redeem lost man back to God.
Too many Christians in the world get caught up in their Denominations, whereby comes envying, strife, and divisions. People in the United States are divided because of their beliefs and stands for their political party. But I perceive too many Christians are divided one from another on how they believe about God through their Denomination. This greatly hinders the work and move of the Holy Ghost in our lives. God is not divided. It is God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. These three agree as one and are in perfect unity. We, as His Children, should not be divided! As Paul said in 1 Co. 1:10 Now I beseech you Brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
This Thanksgiving Season let us remember our Creator, The Lord God Almighty. Let us remember His only Begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who was nailed to that Cross for you and me. Let us be forever thankful for the All Powerful, All Knowing, Abiding Presence and Comfort of the Holy Ghost, whom Jesus Christ sent down to us after His Resurrection.
This Thanksgiving Day let us lay aside our Denominational differences, our 'spiritual pride and arrogancy,' that has been the down fall of many a Christian. Let us come together in the unity of the Spirit as a Member in this Remarkable Body of Christ wherein we are called. The Believers, which is the Beautiful Bride, who is washed in the Blood of the Lamb and has made herself ready for the Bridegroom. Our Lord Jesus Christ is coming down with Great Glory and Power to receive us up where we will forever be with Him. He is not coming after a certain Denomination, but my Jesus is coming for those who believe upon His Name. Those who have repented from their sins and have asked for His forgiveness. Yes, He is coming for those who are looking for Him! Let us ever be so very Thankful for our many and mighty blessings He has bestowed upon us. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.
Sister Tracey- Nov. 20th, 2008
Psalms 95:2-7 Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto Him with Psalms. For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In His hand are the deep places of the Earth: the strength of the hills is His also. The sea is His, and He made it: and His hands formed the dry land. O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. For He is our God; and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand.
The Word of God is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. I wonder is this the reason most people would rather not read the Holy Bible? Is it because they do not want to feel the convicting power of the Holy Ghost upon them? When you read and study the "True Word" of God, the Holy Spirit convicts and deals with the heart of man. It is for this reason I am writing to you today, to stand up and defend the Authorized King James Version of the Holy and Sacred Scriptures.
THE CRUCIFIED LIFE
Ga. 2:20 I am Crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live: yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, Who loved me, and gave Himself for me.
Our "True Churches" are not full today because people are not walking the 'Crucified Life.' Oh yes, they say they are Christians and no I am not doubting their testimony of faith in Christ. But the Believer must understand it is much more than just saying you are a Christian. Paul said in James 2:18, Yes, a man may say, You have Faith, and I have works: show me your Faith without your works, and I will show you my Faith by my works. This means the fact that a profession of Faith is profitless. Christians have so much misery and uncertainty because they refuse to deny who they are. I want to deny myself, because I am nothing but stinking, filthy, rotting flesh apart from Christ. I realize the moment I look away from the Cross, I resort back to the 'old man.'
I say again too many Christians are not walking properly before the Lord their God because they have not allowed the Holy Spirit to "Crucify" them. It is just the truth! I HAVE BEEN THERE. To truly become Christ's Disciple, you must stay in His Word. His Word must become your whole life. You must crave His Word more than you crave food. You must desire His Perfect and Holy Will to be done in your life even if it contradicts how you think it should be. Again, I'VE BEEN THERE! I have been guilty of telling God, 'no, I want it this way, this is the desire of my heart.' After all, did not God tell us He would give us the desires of our heart? But praise be to God for protecting us from our own stupidity the days we attempted to walk in the flesh and spirit at the same time. The days we thought we knew best. God has told me no for a reason. And the day one accepts that and can have peace in their heart over a matter, then one is truly walking the Crucified Life. For Him to increase and you to decrease, is to say Lord your Will be done, no matter how painful.
How many times have you heard of "Christian Marriages" having trouble? Have you ever wondered how two people who claim Christ as their Saviour, yet they end up fighting like heathens who know not God. I perceive it is because one is Crucified with Christ and the other is walking in self, worshipping the work of his own hands, seeing how he may please himself. The couple who is trying to maintain a relationship in this capacity will have no true peace and joy in their marriage. For the one knows that Jesus Christ alone is the answer. And He alone can enable you to have life and have it more abundantly. They know it is about the Spirit of God and not their own. This person becomes unselfish and willing to sacrifice, even their own life, to put the needs of others first. On the other hand, the Christian partner who does all the telling and finger pointing, and yet rufuses to surrender the matter to God, is walking in the flesh. This person totally trusts in his own abilities and strengths. This person has no true peace and joy, they know deep inside they are wrong, yet will not change. Selfishness and controlling are their nature, they have a form of Godliness but deny the power there of. They proclaim and confess Christ but in works they deny Him. ( And I am not talking about Church attendence or handing out flyers on the street corner. The works I speak of are the little things.) They get offended easily and lash out with their tongue. Yes they know how to crucify others but will not surrender to their own Crucifixion. The Word says be ye not unequally yoked together with an unbeliever. God I know you tell us not to add unto your Word. But I strongly feel in my spirit for the sake of the family unit, not to be yoked together with a man or woman who proclaims to be saved, but yet walks and talks like the average 'Joe.' Brothers and Sisters flee from such a one. The Apostle Paul stated very clearly that in marriage one would have trouble in the flesh. IT DOES NOT HAVE TO BE THAT WAY! If you say you are Christlike, then act Christlike. If not, then quit taking the name of the Lord my God in vain.
I commend Christian men who truly honor their wives as the weaker vessel. Thankyou for abiding by the Word and walking humbly before the Lord your God. And women you do the same, with all love, humilty and forgiveness. You know we only have one chance down here on Earth. Jesus Christ will judge us for our motives one day. Let us redeem the time wisely, unselfishly, and walk the Crucified Life. Amen.
Sister Tracey- Sat. August 9, 2008
HOW MUCH LONGER?
Isaiah 40: 28-31 Hast thou not known? hast thou not
heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator
of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary?
there is no searching of his understanding. 29 He giveth
power to the faint; and to them that have no might he
increaseth strength. 30 Even the youths shall faint and
be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: 31 But
they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their
strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they
shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and
not faint.
This goes out to all my fellow, like minded Believers who
are experiencing "burn out." He gives power to the
faint; and to them who have no might He increases
strength. What a mighty and powerful promise we have
to stand on! No matter how "low" you feel, God will give
His Power to sustain you. We have to abide by and
believe what He says to be so. If not, then most
certaintly we are of all 'men' most miserable.
Lord God, help me to "wait upon you." You have
promised to renew my strength where I can run, and not
be weary, and to walk and not faint. Forgive me for
wanting to stop this fight and give up. Forgive me for
having a bad attitude of not wanting to wait upon You
anymore. Forgive me for allowing discouragment to set
in, only to weaken my Faith and Confidence in You,
Lord Almighty. I ask You to exalt the valley of the
hurting and weeping and bring down the mountain and
hills of the oppressors of this world, that they may know
they can no longer touch Your anointed, and above all,
may they know You are God, the Almighty, the First and
the Last and all flesh will see Your Glory! Amen.
Sister Tracey- August 4, 2008
LET'S REDEEM THE TIME!!!
Colossians 4: 5- 6 Walk in wisdom toward them who are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be always with Grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man.
My heart's desire is to walk in such a way, that all I say
and do will bring glory and honor to our Lord Jesus
Christ. There are people in this world who are hurting
and lost. May the time I have left here on Earth be used
wisely to proclaim the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
May gracious and pleasant words flow through my
mouth to bring edification to the hearers around me and
comfort to those who are cast down. May my speech be
seasoned with the Word of God, which is quick,
powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword!!
When the Word of God becomes your whole life, (your
food) you will know how to answer every man for the
reason of the hope that is in you. With the power of the
Holy Ghost leading and guiding you, you will be able to
let your light so shine before all men. I call upon the
saved in Christ Jesus to truly walk in wisdom, redeeming
the time by giving your testimony and the Word of God.
When someone asks of you, how do you carry on? May
you boldly declare you serve the Lord Jesus Christ, who
came to this Earth and suffered greatly and died on the
Cross. May you say 'I have been washed clean, white as
snow, in the Blood of the Lamb.' May you say, My Master
is preparing a mansion for me and one day soon that
trumpet is gonna sound, and we will be caught up to be
with Him forever more! Praise the Lord and Hallelujah!
May God richly bless you and anoint you with power
and boldness to proclaim the mighty Word of God.
Sister Tracey- July 20, 2008
HE IS!
Isaiah 28:29 This also comes forth from the Lord of Hosts, which is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working.
This verse is so absolutely beautiful to my heart
and soul. My God is " wonderful in counsel." How
awesome is that? His Counsel is pure, His Counsel is
upright, His Counsel is life changing (if your life is not
changed, then you have not received His Word), His
Counsel is soul saving, His Counsel is life everlasting,
His Counsel is the Word of God! Read it, read it and
weep. Read it, read it and rejoice. Read it, and
tell others about the Living, dynamic, Holy Ghost
inspired Book that will change your life, set you free
and put you under such an anointing that you will cry
out, Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty, which
was, and is, and is to come!
To read and understand that He is "excellent in
working," sets me in a peaceful valley this morning! For
only God, by the work of the Holy Ghost, can recreate
the heart of man to worship Him in Spirit and in Truth.
Only in His Excellent Work can He take man in
his self centered, arrogant minded, and self-willed flesh
and make a new creature in Christ! I praise your Holy
Name Father, even this morning as I reflect on the work
you have done in me. When you come to Christ and get
saved, you walk around like you are on "cloud nine."
You are elevated and have a desire to tell everyone about
Jesus. I don't care to burst anyone's bubble, but there
will come a day of purging. You see, when you get
saved, God is not through with you yet. He wants you
prepared and meet for the Master's Use. He desires that
you walk Holy and blameless before Him all the days of
your life. [Eph. 1:4] But far too many of us still hang on
to our old ways, the old sinful, carnal nature.
John Chapter 15, verse 2 says, Every branch in Me that
beareth not fruit He takes away: and every branch that
bears fruit, He purges it, that it may bring forth more
fruit. I looked up the proper definition of purge, which
means to cleanse, clear, or purify by separating and
carrying off whatever is impure. I suppose it is how
stubborn you are that will determine how " painful"
this process of purging will be. I can testify that I
underwent great pain and torment in times past as I
went through God's Reconstructive Surgery. It is a
letting go of your way and a full submission to His Will.
Proverbs 14:12 says, There is a way which seems right
unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
If you truly want to serve the Lord and walk humbly
before thy God, you must allow Him to "purge" and
"crucify" you from your self. Today ask God to make
you Christ-Centered. It can be a painful process or it
can be easy. It is up to you if you want to hang on to
"you" or get a hold of Christ. But one thing, never
forget, it is Him who Is Excellent in Working. It is a
great Work of the Holy Spirit that Sanctifies you. Let's
give God all the Praise and Glory, in Jesus Name I pray,
Amen.
Sister Tracey- June 30, 2008
SAVE YOURSELF
Acts 2:37:40 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the Apostles, Men and Brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the Gift of the Holy Spirit. For the Promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all who are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
The end of all things as you know it, is coming to an end soon. We are living in the last Chapter of the Church Age. It is high time to awake out of sleep and examine yourselves, whether you be in the Faith. As John the Baptist proclaimed in Matthew 3:2, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Sinners MUST repent and believe the Gospel, the backsliders need to repent and serve the Lord thy God with love and a thankful heart. The "lukewarm" needs to wake up and get on fire for Jesus and rise up out of your "spiritual lazy chair." We who are saved and know the Truth should reach out to a lost and dying world. We should let our light so shine before men with the love, mercy, and compassion that the Lord Jesus Christ has placed inside of us. As there was a call to repentance then, so is there now. The Book of Acts 3:18-23 tells us, But those things, which God before had showed by the mouth of all His Prophets, that Christ should suffer, He has so fulfilled. Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the Presence of the Lord; And He shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: Whom the Heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His Holy Prophets since the world began. For Moses truly said unto the Fathers, A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; Him shall you hear in all things whatsoever He shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that Prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.
If you know in your heart, that you have never asked Jesus Christ to forgive you of your sins and to save your soul, then today is your day. Joshua 24:14-15 tells us, Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the Lord. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
I beseech you to be like the people in Joshua's day, Jo.24:24- And the people said unto Joshua, The Lord our God we will serve, and His voice we will obey. You do not have to live a life of sin and shame! Come out from among them and be saved. 1 Thess. 5:9-10 says, For God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
Please remember this about my God..... 2 Peter 3:8-15 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His Promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to Repentance, But the Day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the Heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervant heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all Holy conversation and Godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the Coming of the Day of God, wherein the Heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervant heat? Nevertheless we, according to His Promise, look for new Heavens and a new earth, wherein dwells Righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that you look for such things, be diligent that you may be found of Him in Peace, without spot, and blameless. And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is Salvation; even as our beloved Brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him has written unto you;
Again, I ask you to save yourself from this wicked generation, in Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Sister Tracey - June 27, 2008
ARISE!
Since the Tower of Babel people have come together to rise up for one cause or another. I am not one to give percentages but the far greater of uprisings in our time have been worldly, not of God whatsoever. People have a tendancy , including myself to set goals for their life or to fulfill some calling that has no eternal value. We who are saved ought to have the mind of Christ. We should ever seek to fulfill His Will in our lives, not to please ourselves, but Him who has called us.
God's Word is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Therefore the Book of Acts is still in force, it is not a Book of the past. As Jesus said Arise then, He is also saying Arise up people and come out from among them and be ye separate. That simply means "separate" yourselves from the ways of the world. Open up your Bible and start speaking His Words. 1 Peter 4:11 says, If any man speak, let him speak as the Oracles of God; if any man Minister, let him do it as of the ability which God gives: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Personally, I've had one, too many in my lifetime to tell me, " you can't do that." I bought into the lies for the greater part of my life. Now my God is saying, Arise! For His Word is in my heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones. Jesus says, 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.' I am not so much concerned with the "all things" as much as I am about the "little thing" that just might touch someones life. Lord send me to that one who needs a Word from you.
My Pastor once said, "Despise not the little things." What a remarkable statement! If God has put something on your heart, no matter how insignificant you might think it is, please go forward with it. Acts 10:4 tells us that God knew exactly the heart of Cornelius. The Angel told him, "Your prayers and your alms are come up for a memorial before God." Now this Scripture pertains to a man who loved God but was not saved. But I am applying it for an example that God sees what you are doing or want to do in His Service. FEAR NOT, allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide you. If you have the desire, He has the Ability!
God has placed a "strong desire" in my spirit to read and study His Word, a zeal I cannot walk away from, although I have tried. We sing a song in Church called, "Let Our God Arise." Folks, sometimes He calls us to Arise. Let us do that for His Glory. Amen.
Sister Tracey
May 5, 2008
JUST A WARNING!
Preaching: Preach to Make Them Sweat
Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to
Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall
we do?"
--Acts 2:37
I preach to my congregation week after week. And I pray that I
may be able to preach with such convicting power that my people
will sweat! I do not want them to leave my services feeling good.
The last thing I want to do is to give them some kind of
religious tranquilizer--and let them go to hell in their
relaxation.
The Christian church was designed to make sinners sweat. I have
always believed that, and I still believe it. The messages
preached in our churches should make backslidden Christians
sweat. And if I achieve that objective when I preach, I thank
God with all of my heart, no matter what people think of me.
Jesus Is Victor!, 61-62. [ AW Tozer]
Now this is the difference between "True Ministers" like AW Tozer of his day and the modern day "feel good preachers" we currently hear. I really do not have a whole lot to add to AW's sermon than this..... People you better wake up and listen. Judgment is coming, judgment is coming, Great God Almighty, judgment is coming to the "Church World." The Book of 2 Ti. 4:1-4 tells me right where the "modern church" is at. 'I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing and His Kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned into fables.
I will always hold my first Church of God Pastor with high esteem. For he preached with authority under the anointing of the Holy Ghost, with no respect of persons. His preaching would either lead you to repentance or drive the hardened sinner out the door. Praise the Lord, he preaches to make them "sweat" as AW once said. My first Pastor did not preach to tickle no man's ears!! You keep on keeping on Pastor!
In no way do I get myself mixed up in politics. For that is a worldly system, I am waiting upon Jesus Christ to return and rule as King over the entire world. But I have to throw in my two cents about yesterday's ruling in California. Beware!!!!!!!! It will not be long now until another tragedy takes place. I am sorry, but God warned us in Jude 7, Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. Oh the ruins of Sodom and Gomorrah, Dr. George Adam Smith says: " Here was laid the scene of the most terrible judgment on human sin. The glare of Sodom and Gomorrah is flung down the whole length of Scriptural history. It is the popular and standard judgment of sin. The story is told in Genesis; it is applied in Deuteronomy, by Amos, by Isaiah, by Jeremiah, by Ezekiel and Zephaniah, and in Lamentations. Our Lord employs it more than once as the figure of the judgment He threatens upon cities where the word is preached in vain, and we feel the flame scorch our own cheeks (Mt. 10:15; 11:24; Luke 10:12; 17:29). Paul, Peter, Jude makes mention of it. In Revelation the city of sin is spiritually called Sodom. Though the glare of this catastrophe burns still, the ruins it left have disappeared.
I want to close with comforting words to the people of God, to the ones who have not turned their backs on Jesus Christ and the Cross. Proverbs 3:25-26 Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.
We thank you and Praise your Holy Name Father for warning us ahead of time, In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.
Sister Tracey - May 16, 2008
WEEPING!
Malachi 1:8 And if you offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? and if you offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? offer it now unto your Governor; will he be pleased with you, or accept your person? saith the Lord of Hosts.
Tears formed in my eyes as I got a grasp as to what the Lord is saying here. How many come to Church each week and offer a "sick sacrifice?" People pull out a little something to sacrifice unto God while at the same time their heart is far from God. I can sense all around me that people are not worhipping in truth and in spirit. Their heart is full of evil and rottenness is in their bones. Today too many people half heartedly sacrifice to our Lord Jesus Christ. Their minds are lame from a lack of pure Holy Ghost given Bible Knowledge and their hearts are sick simply because of unbelief! You put more into your "Governor" of this world, which can be nailed down to your 401K Retirement plan and such like. May we all repent of offering evil sacrifices unto God and start investing in our retirement for the Great Coming Kingdom Age where Jesus Christ will reign as King of kings and Lord of lords.
In the Law of Moses, God ordered that the Sacrifices, the Lambs, should be perfect and without blemish. Please understand this teaches us to put God first and give Him our very best! Do not misunderstand me, I am not just talking about your tithes. This matter includes your whole self, your thoughts, deeds, and actions. Everything we say and do should be thought of as a sweet smelling sacrifice unto the Lord our God. Let us not offer polluted bread upon His Altar anymore. For His eyes run to and fro throughout the whole Earth. 1 Chron. 28:9 tells us that God wants us to serve Him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the Lord searches all hearts, and understands all the imaginations of the thoughts. John 4:23 says, But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him.
Lord I pray Your people will receive Holy Ghost conviction and offer no more "sick sacrifices." For you are an Awesome, Most Powerful and Holy God whom deserves our very best. You gave us Perfection by sending Your only Begotten Son Jesus Christ, who paid such a horric price to allow us this "humbling" privilege to be able to come bodly to the Throne of Grace. May our Praise and Worship be acceptable in Thy sight from this day forward, in Jesus Name I pray, Amen.
Sister Tracey- May 24, 2008
