Tuesday, April 26, 2011

“The Power of Prayer”

Words from the Daughter of Zion

“The Power of Prayer”

This week I’m going to begin some time on the subject of prayer, and I believe the study may continue for several weeks. We will see how it all goes. As well as the subject of praise that comes along with the subject of prayer.

I will start out with some scriptures here: James 5:16 says, “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so God can heal you. When a believing person prays, great things happen” Also let us go to Luke 11:1-4, “One time Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his followers said to him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his followers”. Jesus said to them, “When you pray, say: ‘Father, may your name always be kept holy. May your kingdom come. Give us the food we need for each day. Forgive us for our sins, because we forgive everyone who has done wrong to us. And do not cause us to be tempted’.” Prayer is the expression of mankind’s dependence upon Father God for all things. Prayer is sweet communion that the Lord Jesus had with His Father. We also can have that same kind of sweet communion with Father God as well. We gain closeness, love, joy, power, strength through this awesome contact and relationship with God.

Hebrew words translated “prayer” in the Old Testament: There are 6 different words use to denote prayer, but the 1 most frequently used is “Tefillah” (tef il law), which means supplication or intercession. The other terms used carry meanings such as “to plead a cause”, “to interpose as mediator”, to “burn incense”, “to whisper”.

There are 5 Greek words translated “prayer” in the New Testament that carry meanings such as: “prayer for particular benefits”; confidence in access to Father God”; “petition, requests”; “prayer in general “; “a vow”.

Prayer is most simply talking with God. Talking also involves listening as well as speaking. We need to hear from Father God as well as talk to Him. Our talking to Him is for 2 major reasons; to develop our relationship to and with Him, and in our service to Him. Matthew 7:7-11 says, “Ask, and God will give to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will open for you. Yes, everyone who asks will receive. Everyone who searches will find. And everyone who knocks will have the door opened. If your children ask for bread, which of your would give them a stone? Or if your children ask for a fish, would you give them a snake? Even though you are bad, you know how to give good gifts to your children. How much more your heavenly Father will give good things to those who ask him”. Prayer is to share, to discuss our feelings, desires, needs, problems, and seek direction, with the Father. Prayer is to enable us to be effective in our service to Him. To overcome evil, and to cause Father God’s will to be done in the earth.

Along with prayer, praise and the attitude of praise involve 6 specific areas of praying to Father God. 1. Prayer begins with praise, so always have that praise in our hearts and minds. He is so worthy of our praise. No matter the situation, or the subject matter of our prayer time with Him, praise is the key to it all. 2. Prayer continues with thanksgiving. 3. Prayer involves confession. 4. Prayer delights in intercession. 5. Prayer invites petition. 6. Prayer surely does involve that time of listening. That is the utmost reason we go to Him, that is to hear His voice, to express our love to Him, and His will for us in our lives. Spending time in His presence is so awesome, learn well to hear His voice, to follow Him in all that we do to serve Him, and to bring others to salvation. Do not miss out on the blessing of prayer, on the communion of the Lord Jesus. The precious time of abiding in Him and walking with Him in all areas of our lives.

Luke 18:1 says, “Then Jesus used this story to teach his followers that they should always pray and never lose hope.” The Lord Jesus wants us to do this, to pray. This is where our hope is, it is our communion with Him and Father God.

The apostles exhorted the early believers to pray. Read Colossians 4:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:17, 1 Timothy 2:1 & 8, 1 Peter 4:7, Jude 20, Ephesians 6:18. The examples of the Old Testament Saints as well Read Genesis 4:26, Genesis 12:8, Genesis 13:4, Genesis 21:33, Psalms 1-72, Daniel 6:10, James 5:17-18. The examples that Jesus gave us are in Mark 1:35, Luke 5:16, Luke 6:12, Luke 9:18, Luke 11:1, John 17, Hebrews 5:17. Also go to these passages : Acts 1:14, Acts 3:1, Acts 6:2-4, Acts 10:9, Romans 1:9-10, Ephesians 1:15-18, Philippians 1:3-5 , 2 Timothy 1:3, Philemon 4-6. Then go to these passages: Colossians 1:3-4,& 9-10, Colossians 4:12, 1 Thessalonians 1:2, 2 Thessalonians 1:11. Acts 2:42, Acts 4:23-31, Acts 12:5.

Prayer changes things: James 5:10 says, “Brothers and sisters, follow the example of the prophets who spoke for the Lord. They suffered many things, but they were patient.” The reading of the scriptures of James 5:13-18 are truly where we see the power of prayer. Take time to read, to study on this as well. Matthew 21:21-22 is a really good place to go to see the prayer of faith “Jesus answered, I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will be able to do what I did to this tree and more . You will be able to say to this mountain, ‘Go, fall into the sea.’ And if you have faith, it will happen. If you believe, you will get anything you ask for in prayer.” This is the passage where Jesus commanded the fig tree to dry up, because it was not producing figs.

We do have to have faith, determination in (time of) prayer and in our daily lives. It is really how we live and exist, how we breathe. In that total trusting in the Lord Jesus each and every day, prayer does change things. A lot of times it is our minds and hearts that do the changing, and we are then hearing the voice of the Father concerning the situations at hand. In that sweet time of communion with Him, He is leading us, and directing us in our steps to live this life.

In our prayer time we need to pray in faith believing, because doubt can not and will not change anything. It is the faith of believing, and thus receiving that is going to change things in our prayer life. When praying we need to be specific. We pray for the providence of our daily food. Matthew 6:11, Luke 11:3. In our prayer time we see the change of (environmental) conditions. James 5:17-18. In our prayer time we may even influence government leaders. 1Timothy 2:1-2. In prayer we bring release from prison, Acts 12:1-19, Philippians chapter 22. Hebrews 13:18-19. We may believe for healing in prayer, and there are a lot of scriptures on this subject of healing, for now go to James 5:14-15. In our prayer time we believe for deliverance from bodily harm- there is always Psalms 91, and then go to Romans 15:30-31, 2 Corinthians 1:8-11, 2 Thessalonians 3:2. Do not forget the passage in Ephesians 6, this is very important, for doing spiritual warfare. In prayer we have deliverance from spiritual attack – again Ephesians 6 does apply here as well, and again Psalms 91 is a very good passage for this, as well as Matthew 6:13, Mark 9:29, John 17:6-9,15, Luke 22:31-32, and other passages as you dig in the word and see His word. In prayer we have forgiveness of sins, Matthew 6:12, Luke 11:4, there are other scriptures on this as well. In prayer we protect our minds – there are loads of scriptures on this, for now go to Philippians 4:6-7. The whole book of Philippians is really good to read for seeing the joy of living this life with, and in Him. There is prayer for receiving the Holy Spirit – in Acts chapter 2. There are other passages on this as well. In prayer we gain the maturity of being a believer, and in living this life with Him. Passages to help us in this area are: Ephesians 1:15-19, Ephesians 3:13-19, Philippians 1:9-11, Colossians 1:9-12, Colossians 4:12, 2 Corinthians 13:9, 1 Thessalonians 3:10-13.

Watch and pray. Mark 14:37-38 says, “Then Jesus went back to his followers and found them asleep. He said to Peter, “Simon, are your sleeping? Couldn’t you stay awake with me for one hour? Stay awake and pray for strength against temptation. The spirit wants to do what is right but the body is weak.” Prayer keeps our ‘spiritual man’ awake and alert. Many believers, many Christians fall into temptation, and sin simply because they are spiritually asleep (caught off guard), through an obvious lack of prayer and spending that precious time with the Father. That time (is when) we all need to be in His word and hearing His audible voice, and we can only hear that when we are in the time of prayer and that sweet abiding in Him. As I have mentioned earlier, prayer is talking with, talking to our Father God, it is communication with Him. Communication builds relationship. There is no short cut to getting a relationship with Him. It takes time, it takes time in His presence, time in prayer that is so needed. Prayer opens the door to the supernatural in our lives. Everything we desire of Father God is available through the petition in prayer. Jeremiah 33:3 says, “Judah, pray to me, and I will answer you. I will tell you important secrets you have never heard before.” As a scripture I used here earlier- Luke 11:8 says, “So I tell you, ask, and God will give to you. Search(seek), and your will find. Knock, and the door will open for you.” As you pray, make prayer a time that you spend daily- it is so vital to living, so vital to living this life here on earth as a believer in the Lord Jesus. We need to spend time with the Lord, we need to spend time with our Father. We need to hear His voice, we need His love, His life, His direction for our lives. Prayer changes things as we follow in His obedience. Prayer renews, prayer refreshes. This world is so full of clutter. We need to get alone with Him to have that time to communicate, this is where we gain our strength in Him. We have delight in hearing His voice, just as He delights in hearing our voice.

God bless you. Stay in touch. If you need prayer, encouragement, just let me know.

Until next time, love and prayers, Teresa

Blessings to you all this week and stay in touch-

Send correspondence to this address:

208 N. Duncan Street, Apt. B, Marine, IL 62061

We appreciate your prayer and financial support. Stand with us as we minister His word and His love to those online and in our pathway.

If you are ever in the area, there is a Bible study at the above address each Thursday at 7 pm.

We are here if you need prayer, and know that we are here standing in prayer for you and with you concerning your needs. God bless you, until next time know that you are in my prayers, and be strengthened in His word and in His love.

Teresa Kay Abert

http://www.facebook.com/people/Teresa-Kay-Abert/573089659

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

“Occupy Until He Comes”

Words from the Daughter of Zion

“Occupy Until He Comes”

God bless you all this day. This week I am discussing “Occupy Until He Comes”

Luke 19:12-13 says to us “He said, a very important man went to a country far away to be a king and then to return home. So he called ten of his servants and gave a coin to each servant. He said, Do business with this money until I get back .”

The word ‘occupy’ is a military term. It evokes synonyms of capture, conquer, invade, obtain, seize, to take hold of, to possess, to keep. It also brings about the idea of being busy, to employ, engage, engross, monopolize, to use. It does not mean to tarry, to lodge, or to sojourn, loiter, delay, rest, stall, or to wait.

Jesus told this parable and used the word ‘occupy’ to exhort His disciples to spread the Gospel throughout the world. He wants us to be aggressive and a bit violent in our efforts to overcome the powers of spiritual darkness. It is possible to fulfill the Great Commission found in Mark 16:15. Matthew 24:14 says: “The Good News about God’s kingdom will be preached in all the world, to every nation. Then the end will come.”

To establish the return of the Lord Jesus Christ, this Commission must be fulfilled. Just like a farmer can not harvest his fields from his or her easy chair, so us as Christians can not stay in the pews, or sit around and watch television or whatever else is taking up our time, we must get out there and minister His love, and His word to a world that needs to know Him. Yes, we need training ground. We need training in discipleship, and in evangelism to a point, but we need to get on out there and touch souls, to see lives changed by the love and the power of the Lord Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit. We need to obey the call – we all are called. If you are born again, then you are called to the ministry of reconciliation. To see souls saved, to see people healed, set free, delivered and living a victorious life as a believer in Christ Jesus. We are truly the mouth piece that needs to minister this message, this life, this love to a world of people that need to know Him as Savior, Lord and Master of their lives. We need to “occupy” – to obey this call as a child of the Living God.

We need to see that His word is clear, and does not leave any room for slothfulness in the work left to be done in doing this Great Commission. We need to see that we have the courage to step on out and to do this, as individuals before the Lord, and together as the Body of Christ to unite in His love and power to see this done in Him. To do this in boldness, to “occupy” while there is still time, before ‘night’ comes. Praise the Lord, you all- let us do this! We have what it takes this day, this week, this month, this year! Let us make a declaration to reach these dear souls! Let us see lives touched and changed by His dear love, and share the Gospel of salvation, healing, and deliverance. Let’s see ourselves equipped to do this, and let us get the word of the Lord to a people that are so desperately looking for a direction, a life of fullness, and love .

Matthew 11:12 says “Since the time John the Baptist came until now , the kingdom of heaven has been going forward in strength, and people have been trying to take it by force.” (NCV)

Father God is calling His people into battle. He needs some “violent” soldiers now! Christians- believers need to rise up so that their witness – their lives shine in the dark places here on this earth, in our world that we do “occupy”. I am saying that a sleeping church is not what we are to be, we are to be awake to our call of the Great Commission. We have a job to do, and we are do all that we need to do to see this happen. Of course the devil does not want this to happen. So we need to stand up and to ‘violently’ stand when opposition comes, to go forth in His name to do what He has called us to do while there is still day time. J

In Ezekiel chapter 37 Father God led the prophet to the valley of dry bones, and told him to prophesy life. Yes- Life. When the prophet obeyed, things began to happen. Life gives way to life. The army began to take shape by a prophetic word from the Lord God.

So do not be ‘dried up’, without hope, and cut off like the bones spoken of in Ezekiel 37:11. Instead, let us follow Him in obedience. Let us become soft and pliable, with hope and determination, plugged into the Source of Life. For the Lord says in verse 14, “And I will put my Spirit inside you, and you will ‘come to life’. Then I will put you in your own land. And you will know that I the Lord, have spoken and done it, says the Lord.” Take Matthew 11:12 that I just shared with you and lay hold of it, for the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men and women of the Lord God have (and will) lay hold of it. Let us become a vibrant, militant, and forceful army of the Lord Jesus, an army that our Father God is raising up today in Jesus’ name. He needs His Body to rise up in His name. He needs the Great Commission still to be going on. Souls are still living here on this planet, and they are still in need of a Savior, a Lord, a Master. They still need a reason for life, and that is in Christ Jesus. People in the church do not need to be timid and fearful in doing the Great Commission. The Spirit of the Living God is on the inside of us, and we need to be all counted a member of the militant army of the Living God speaking Life into ‘dry bones’ all around us!

Let us continue to seek, and to reach the lost souls that need the Lord Jesus. 2 Samuel 14:14 says, “We will all die someday. We’re like water spilled on the ground; no one can gather it back. But God doesn’t take away life. Instead, he plans ways that those who have been sent away will not have to stay away from him”(NCV). When Jesus passed through Jericho one day, He looked up in a tree, and he spotted a short man who had climbed there to get a better look at Jesus. This Jesus is the man of Galilee who performed all kinds of miracles. Imagine the man’s surprise when Jesus ordered him to come down, saying “I must stay at your house today”. Read in Luke chapter 19:1-9 about Zaccheus.

Zaccheus was the chief tax collector, and very wealthy. So imagine his further surprise when Jesus later said, “Today salvation has come to this house…. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost”. Look at verses 9 and 10 of Luke 19. No one at that time expected this to happen, but God does the unexpected. He also has the practice of meeting people at the point of their greatest need. Zaccheus so desperately needed a friend, as well as the most important need, salvation, and the very Presence of Jesus made him want to do good. Without any urging whatsoever, Zaccheus began to give from a grateful heart, and to make restitution in his dealings with the people. Jesus changes people from the inside out, and in so doing, removing all the facades. Let Him reside in us today. We have a job to do! That job is to “occupy”. It is to do the Great Commission until He comes. Life is what we need to see happen in those around us, and that life only comes through a personal relationship with God through the Lord Jesus.

God bless you all. I have this on my heart, look at James 5:20, “remember this: Anyone who brings a sinner back from the wrong way will save that sinner’s soul from death and will cause many sins to be forgiven.”

What could be more worth striving for than winning an eternal soul, a friend for all eternity? Proverbs 11:30 says “A good person gives life to others; the wise person teaches others how to live.” J

Remember this verse : King James Version -

Proverbs 11:30 :
"The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life;
and he that winneth souls is wise."

God bless you. Stay in touch. If you need prayer, encouragement, just let me know.

Until next time, love and prayers, Teresa

God bless you all . I am here if you need to talk or to pray.

Blessings to you all this week and stay in touch-

I am here if you all need to talk or to pray,

Send correspondence to this address:

208 N. Duncan Street Apt B, Marine,IL 62061

We are in need of prayer and financial support. Stand with us as we minister His word and His love to those online and in our pathway.

If you are ever in the area, there is a Bible study at the above address each Thursday at 7 pm.

We are here if you need prayer, and know that we are here standing in prayer for you and with you concerning your needs. God bless you, until next time know that you are in my prayers, and be strengthened in His word and in His love.

Teresa Kay Abert

http://www.facebook.com/people/Teresa-Kay-Abert/573089659

Words from the Daughter of Zion 2011

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

"Appointed Time "


"Appointed Time"

Words from the Daughter of Zion



Scripture Basis:

Ecclesiastes 3:1; Habakkuk 2:1-4; Isaiah 40:31;

The Book of Daniel; Psalm 17:6; Acts 3:19; Romans 4:20; Galatians 3:13; Galatians 4:4,5; Hebrews 10:35,36; Hebrews 11:11;Revelation 13:8

"Then the Lord answered me and said, "Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run with it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. Behold the proud, his soul is not upright in him; but the just shall live by faith." Habakkuk 2:1-4.

Time was created by God as a means for man to measure the fulfillment of His purpose. For God moves His eternal purposes into time for our sake, and conforms the everlasting into the temporal which we live in. God's eternal plan is worked out by the means of His timing. Galatians 4:4,5 states , "But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons" This scripture states that the fullness for time had come.

Revelation 13:8 tells us that Jesus was slain from the foundation of the world. How do these 2 scriptures work together? First, Jesus was slain in the eternal plan of God before the world's foundation was laid, yet, God purposed to bring Him forth at the right time to fulfill this purpose. Had Jesus come in previous moments of man's time, He could not have fulfilled the Father's purpose. The reason He did not come into this world before He did, is that Jesus had to be born at a certain time so that He could die a certain way. Scriptures prove each other, and God's word is true, it is valid. Jesus died a death that provided us justification. In Galatians 3:13, it says, "Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree")…" Jesus had to die a specific way to carry the curse that came through man partaking of a forbidden tree in the Garden.

Jesus came in a time when Rome controlled society, and crucifixions were a common means of putting someone to death. Everything in the natural and in the spiritual means tells us that Jesus came at the proper time. In light of this, when it comes to God's purpose in our lives, there is a timing that is involved in seeing its fulfillment. This is true whether it is salvation, healing, blessings in our lives, a time of revival, a major move of God in His church, or major decisions that we are to make individually, or in our family life. All of these come as God's eternal purpose fulfilled at the proper time. Even the end of time has already been appointed on God's timetable as we are told in the book of Daniel.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us, "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven," In stating "every purpose under heaven," it means every purpose on the earth, including God's eternal purposes have a direct timing attached to them. It was not a mere coincidence that Jesus' crucifixion was during the Jewish Feast of Passover. It was not an accident that the Holy Spirit was poured out during the Feast of Pentecost. God does everything on purpose and the right time, He leaves nothing to chance or happenstance. The same holds true to our lives, it is God's purposes in our lives-it works the same way. Think about it. Why did you get saved the day that you did?

What caused the difference in your understanding of God's love on one day over another? God has the right circumstances, and factors in order to be in His timing for us.

I have been thinking about the book of Acts. In chapter 3 of Acts, we see a man that was laid by the Beautiful Gate every day from his youth to beg for alms. It was one appointed day and time for this man to receive his miracle. It was when Peter and John ministered to him that it this man's appointed time to receive his miracle. This man received his miracle, he leaped, walked, and praised the Lord for this wonderful thing that had happened in his life. It was because it was time for God's touch in this man's life to be, to have happened, for most assuredly he did need a healing in his body and his life.

Even revival comes the same way. There are always certain things, factors that happen to bring things about. What causes a man to rise up in prayer, and to attract others to pray so that God sends revival to a particular time period, or particular set of people? In Evan Robert's life it was this way to see revival to come about. It was because he had seen a vision of Wales on fire, and he heard the prayer of man: "Lord lead us to your will" These 2 events led Evan Roberts to contend for revival, and this was the beginning of the Welsh Revival. The Welsh Revival was one of the greatest revivals in history.

Acts 3:19 tells us, "Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord." These times of refreshing are not permanent states of revival, but are seasons of God moving in a powerful way in our midst at different times of history in our lives. It is the moment the atmosphere changes and we are moved into a fresh understanding of God's love and power.

God's appointed time for you! What are you believing God to do in your life? What promises are you standing on, and what word has your heart, and faith holding on to? Faith is very much needed, it is very vital, and it is by faith that we do please the Father. He very much desires for us, His children, the just to live by faith. What God speaks is for appointed times, and it is only a matter of time until God fulfills what He has promised for us individually, and in our families. Do not waver- stand on His word, stand in faith believing that what God has promised for us as His people is for us. Do not grow weary and weak. But stay strong in His word, speak His word, live His word and promises. Do not become faint, but stand, and keep your determination to see His promise to be fulfilled.

The writer of Hebrews gives us great hope. Hebrews 10:35-36 talks about this -"Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:"It is our endurance, and patience that gives us the ability to continue in believing, and waiting for God's appointed time.

Look at Abraham here for a while. God promised him an heir long before Sarah ever conceived, but he staggered not at the promise of God in unbelief (Romans 4:20) Sarah had to see it was faith in God as well, for she did not consider the deadness of her womb, but she counted God faithful who promised (see Hebrews 11:11)

Look at Joseph, who had a dream that led him from the pit, to Potiphar's house, to the prison, before bringing him into his destiny, and the fulfillment of what God had shown him. It is usually that in most cases that we have to withstand circumstances that are more than what we think that we can see any light of day in. This where the patience, the endurance, the test of our faith grows and sees us through to receive the promises, and fulfillment in our lives. God has a destiny for each one of us. We have to be determined to see it through to get to where He wants us in His plan.

The children of Israel, let us take a look at how God protected a child named Moses, he was raised in Pharaoh's palace, and ran away because he had killed a man. Yet in their despair, God was preparing this man to be their deliverer because their cries had come into the ears of God the Father. These same people had to spend the night with the Egyptian army on one side, and the Red Sea on the other, waiting for the break of day when God would lead them out in His timing. All because our God is the God of the appointed time.

What has God promised you my dear friend? What are you waiting upon God to fulfill in your life? Isaiah 40:31 says, "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not grow weary, they shall walk and not faint." I am here to encourage you, I need that encouragement as well sometimes. Let us keep our eyes on Jesus. Keep our faith, we are not to lose our faith, but see it strengthened each day. It grows each day that we walk in this Christian life. Hard times will come in this life, but with Him we will not faint, we will see His fulfillment, and destiny. He has a perfect appointed time to see His purpose in our lives to come to be.

Psalm 17:6 is one of those scriptures that I like for our family each day. I believe this is what God desires for us always to remember. I truly love the scriptures before and after this one, but we need to know that it says, "I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech."

We need to know that we have a God that loves us, and that He desires to hear us, and that He listens to us. We are His children, and He loves us. He cares, and with His appointed time we will see our faith, and patience, endurance bring us to the time of seeing that destiny, the fulfillment, and purpose come to be.

God bless you. Stay in touch. If you need prayer, encouragement, just let me know.


Until next time, love and prayers,


God bless you all . I am here if you need to talk or to pray.

Blessings to you all this week and stay in touch-

I am here if you all need to talk or to pray,

Send correspondence to this address :

208 N.Duncan Street

Apt B

Marine,Il. 62061

As Father God leads you- do pray for us here at the ministry.

We are in need of prayer and financial partners. Stand with us in these last days as we minister His word and His love to those online and in our pathway.

If you are ever in the area , there is a bible study at our home each Thursday 7pm.

We are here if you need prayer ,and do know that we are here standing in prayer for you and with you in your needs. God bless you , until next time –do know that you are in my prayers, and be strengthened in His word and in His love.

Teresa Kay Abert

http://www.facebook.com/people/Teresa-Kay-Abert/573089659


Words from the Daughter of Zion


Wednesday, March 23, 2011

“Cultivating with Father God”

Words from the Daughter of Zion

“Cultivating with Father God”

God bless you all today. God bless you this week . I pray that you are all doing well and happy in Him. This week I am going to touch on the subject of cultivating our relationship with our Father God.

Ecclesiastes 11: 6 says : “ Plant early in the morning , and work until evening, because you don’t know if this or that will succeed . They might both do well.”

Gardening is what is on my mind these days . My family and I have been planting indoors for the last month or so. Getting ready to till the ground,and have marvelous veggies this year from that garden in Jesus’ name. It takes time and work ,and so looking forward to doing it all. Tilling the ground, and tending to it, wartering the plants, then harvest time.

Father God’s nature – His creation has given us what we need to do this all. The important ingredients of sunshine, and rain. The miracle of the tiny seed. There is the seed and with out doing all that is needed with the tending , the watering and all that takes to take care of a garden –the seed alone will do nothing. It is the planting , the tilling , the prep time, tending , the watering , it takes it all to produce a wonderful garden. I am expecting a great garden this year in Jesus’ name.

The aspect of soil and nature, the sunshine, and etc alone the plant will not grow until we plant it. Life and breath are given to a person at birth, along with the great possibilities of growth and learning. Whatever the efforts are put into cultivating a productive life that will determine the kind of person, and the kind of fruit the person bears is up to the choice to plant ourselves in the right situations of life ,and in the word of our dear Father God.

It takes much more than our own efforts to be the person we know that we should be . That is where our walk with the Lord Jesus comes in at. To know that we are in need of a Savior , a Lord, a Master , that we are in need of a God that loves us so very much. As we accept Him as our Savior , Lord, and Master of our lives ,then we will know and experience that love that only He can give us. To have that added ingredient in our lives. We have got to go to work along with His plan for our lives, there is no work to have salvation , but we have to cultivate our walk and growth with Him. To grow in Him , to know that we can live this life with out Him. He is the vine and we are the branches, praise the Lord. J The Father God gave His only Son, the Lord Jesus to be that sacrifice for us , He died for us, He died so that we can ask for forgiveness of our sins, and to receive His life, salvation, His love for us.

A farmer, a gardener needs to know what crop, what seeds to plant. One would have to choose the right seeds to plant at the right time for there to be a crop ,and to be successful in that growth, and harvest. The longer we delay in dedicating our lives could possibly too late, we are accept this great love while that there is still time. These are the last days –and time to plant , time to receive Him as Savior , Lord, and Master – that time is now . Today is the day of salvation, today is the day that we do need to decide to follow Jesus. To decide to grow – to have our lives cultivated to live for Him. To walk with Him, to learn of Him, to walk in His attributes. To walk as representatives of the Almighty God of Heaven- our Heavenly Father God. To walk holy . Praise the Lord.

As we cultivate a daily relationship with Father God through prayer ,and spending time in His presence, studying and reading His word . He has promised to supply every need in our lives. This requires working hard in hand with Him tending and planning today and every day . Father God and us individually make the essential ingredients for the best that we can be in Him, We are to work with Him, and we can not fail to be the “cream of the crop” .

We are to be planted in the Lord Jesus Christ , Psalm 1:3- 4 says : “ And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that bringeth forth his fruit in season; his leaf also shall not wither ; and whateversoever he doeth shall prosper . The ungodly are not so; but are like the chaff which the wind drives away.” We need to come to the point of appreciating and the rest in the wisdom ,and ways of the Lord Jesus. In the promises of His word . We need to let Him plant our feet on solid ground . He gives us confidence ,and strength . We know that if we are patient, and steadfast, we will then succeed in Him. We need to rest in that. The ungodly have no assurance . They may find gain , but it all temporary . Their lot is subject to the winds and storms of this lifetime. Fortuity holds no promise for the ones that are not born again, there is promise for us as believers , the ones that are born again , we have promise. Praise the Lord. J

We need growth in the Spirit . Praise the Lord. Ephesians 1:13-14 says : “ In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also after that ye believed , yet were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise , which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession , unto the praise of His glory.” Also John 15:15-16 says , “ Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth; but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit , and that your fruit should remain; that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name , he may give it you.” 1 Peter 1:23 says , “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible , by the Word of God which liveth and abideth forever.”

Not many living things have the durability of plant seeds . The seed of corn ,and some flowers has carried the germ of life in it for hundreds of centuries; seed has been found in the pyramids of Egypt that can still reproduce if it is planted.

But in the passage of time , all material things become subject to decay and corruption. When we as individuals are born into this world, in a sense, we have already begun to die. But we as as who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ ,experience our new , or second birth , a seed is sown in us that will never perish : and that seed is living , and abiding Word of God ! That lively seed pulsating within us in our strength ,and our light. Regardless of all the things around us that seem to be falling apart, that part of our being with Father God has sown in us through His Word will stand firm and safe.

No matter what this life brings to us in daily life, we can stand on the firm foundation of His word that we have planted in our hearts and in our spirits . Then we do not need to react negatively when situations arise ,and they will arise . We need to react – to respond with faith and belief in His love and His strength. His fertilizer for that eternal seed is what we do need, and to continually know that He covers us . Stay in His word,and His presence. Walk in His holiness, His spirit and His ways. We do need to be an open furrow for the Lord Jesus’ cultivator today- and everyday- praise His name.

We need to bloom where we are planted . Jeremiah 17:17-18 says : “ Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord , and whose hope the Lord is . For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters , and that spreadth out her roots by the river , and shall not see when heat cometh , but her leaf shall be green ; and shall not be careful in the year of drought , neither shall cease from yielding fruit.” In Isaiah 61:3 , believers are called “….trees of righteousness , the planting of the Lord .” Isn’t it good to know that you have been intentionally been planted ? You are no accident ! Father God knew us from the beginning … from our mother’s womb. – see Psalm 139:13. His plan is for us to prosper, for us to bloom with fragrant flowers and nourishing fruit . Even when the heat is on in this life time – in everday situations, when life is hard, and everything around us at times seems dry, He still provides His “rivers of living water “ springing up from the deep within to bring strength in time of trouble . – see John 7:38 . We need to keep trusting the Lord Jesus each and everyday of our lives . He has a plan , a purpose ,a destiny of our lives. We have individually have a unique identity and destiny upon the earth today. Please trust the Master Gardener with your lives. He loves you so very much. Spread your roots deeply beside the River of Life, and bloom where you are planted! We need to pray to our Father God ,and seek His face each day for each step that we take to please Him. We need to desire to be that fruit that is sweet . To be the fruit that is sweet so those who eat will grow spiritually strong ,and healthy . To put on total trust in Him ,and to bloom in His garden exactly where we are planted . We need to be peaceable fruit of righteousness. Hebrews 12:11 says , “ Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous , but grievous : nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby .” Do you ever feel like the Lord Jesus is chastening and disciplining you ? There are times when a father must discipline his children , and most assuredly , neither the father nor the children enjoys those times.But , because of the father’s deep love for them , the children understand that the discipline is given for correction ,and for growth in righteousness. The Word of God in Hebrews 12:6 says , “ For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth ….”Like every good father , Father God is in the business of perfecting His creation, His children. He truly only chastens His children. So if you are born again, you then belong to Him as a child of Father God. Verse 10 in Hebrews chapter 12 assures you that He does not chasten you for His pleasure but for your profit …”that (you ) might be partakers of His holiness.”

Get this in our minds of our Father God today as our Master Gardener , constantly pruning our lives so that we will be more fruit bearing . Always do remember Father God created us , He loves us ,and He carefully grooms us and takes care of us, and if you we allow Him, He can tend and till in our hearts and in our spirits . He carefully shows us where to become into holiness,and perfection in Him. The result of His careful pruning is “the peaceable fruit of righteousness .” I pray that is what we all so desire –is to be obedient to Him, to follow after His righteousnsess. We do need to pray , Father God, to our Master Gardener, our Lord Jesus – we do need to say mold me into them – that we so desire to be molded into their image each and every day that we live and move and have our beings. We need to so desire to be like our Master Gardener . To be walking in His ways, to be holy for He is holy- to be perfect in Him, He is perfect. We need to be molded into His image . We are not to look like this old carnal world. We are to be representatives of our Lord God. We are Christ Ambassadors. We are here on earth representing our Father. Representing our Lord Jesus. We are representatives of heaven. Praise the Lord forevermore. We are to be sons and daughters, to be servants of the Most High God unto righteousness unto holiness. We need to rejoice in the work He has assigned each one of us to do while we are still here on this earth. We are to be about the Father’s business, seeing souls saved, healed , delivered, set free, and equipping the saints for the ministry of reconciliation . I go on and on here for ever on all this subject. I will take some time later as the Lord leads on how we are walk after Him in righteousness. We here to do a job, we need to run this race for Him. We need to be totally serving Him, we need to see ourselves as He sees us as righteous . To walk a walk that when people see us – that they know that we are that Christ Ambassador. To know that we have allowed the Master Gardener to do what it takes to have us to be the branches that He needs us to be in Him.

Proverbs 18:20 says : “ A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth ; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.” We need to speak life – to speak love and to have His will working in our lives. John 15:7-8 says , “ If ye abide in me,and my words abide in you , ye shall ask what ye will , and it shall be done unto you . Herein is my Father glorified , that ye bear much fruit ; so shall ye be my disciples.”

We need to purpose in our hearts , in our minds to live for Him. He died for us – we need to live for Him. He is seated at the right hand of the Father God for us, He is interceding for us , He empowers us to live this life. As we read His word,and spend time with Him, we renew our minds daily in His word. To come before Him, and know that He is our Master Gardener ,and we let Him tend us ,and prune us. If we abide in Him, if we are born again, we do abide in Christ Jesus. If this is so , then we are to walk in Him , to represent Him on this earth. His words abide is us in the measure that they govern our lives ,and that we are act upon those words that abide in our lives.

God bless you all . I am here if you need to talk or to pray.

Blessings to you all this week and stay in touch-

I am here if you all need to talk or to pray,

Send correspondence to this address :

208 N.Duncan Street

Apt B

Marine,Il. 62061

As Father God leads you- do pray for us here at the ministry.

We are in need of prayer and financial partners. Stand with us in these last days as we minister His word and His love to those online and in our pathway.

If you are ever in the area , there is a bible study at our home each Thursday 7pm.

We are here if you need prayer ,and do know that we are here standing in prayer for you and with you in your needs. God bless you , until next time –do know that you are in my prayers, and be strengthened in His word and in His love. Daughter of Zion.

Teresa Abert

http://www.facebook.com/people/Teresa-Kay-Abert/573089659

Words from the Daughter of Zion - Teresa Kay Abert

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

“A Good Soldier for the Lord Jesus” - -“Run to win” “Jesus was a Revolutionary”

Words from the Daughter of Zion

“A Good Soldier for the Lord Jesus” - -“Run to win” “Jesus was a Revolutionary”

God bless you all today. God bless you this week . I pray that you are all doing well and happy in Him. This week I am touching on us being a good soldier in Jesus.

“Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 2:3

The Apostle Paul was exhorting young Timothy concerning the right heart attitudes that are necessary to be a good soldier . We have 4 points here to come to being in the right heart attitudes.

  1. Endures hardship in James 1:12 “Blessed is the man who preserves under trial , because when he has stood the test , he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. “Jeremiah 48:10 goes on to say, “A curse on him who is lax in doing the Lord’s work ! A curse on him who keeps his sword from bloodshed!”
  2. Pleases Father God (his Commander) – Verse 4 speaks about : A soldier so desires to please his commanding officer .
  3. Strives for mastery lawfully . Verse 5 : “…he does not receive the victor’s crown unless he competes according to the rules .” Read Deuteronomy 28 to see what blessings are in store for following orders obediently and correctly.
  4. Is interested in the spoils . Verse 6 “ The hardworking farmer(soldier) should be first to receive a share of the crops (spoils) .” Jesus spoke of it this way : “This is to my Father’s glory , that you bear much fruit , showing yourselves to be my disciples (soldiers) .” John 15:8

We are to have our prayer to be to our Father God – to our Commander in Chief , We are ready for our marching orders today. We want to be part of His kingdom’s army bringing deliverance to the oppressed .

We need to run to win this race that is before us . “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run , that ye may obtain .” 1 Corinthians 9:24

The people of Greece in the Apostle Paul’s time were athletic and competitive in the events at Olympia . The original sole event , a 210 yard race that was held 778 B.C. in honor of Zeus , the supreme god of Greek mythology . So at the church of Corinth could relate easily to what Paul was trying to say when he used “running a race “ as an illustration in writing the spiritual truths .

In this scripture , he explains the need for strict training if you want to run the race in such a way as to obtain the prize. In verse 25: “ And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things ….”

This Christian life , this walk for the Lord Jesus is to be one of fruit bearing of a true disciple. It can be aimless struggles of ups and downs if we do not listen and obey our Father God. We need to learn and study His word , and to renew our minds daily in His word. Spend time with the Father and with our Lord Jesus. To spend time with the Holy Spirit , we need to spend that precious time with the Lord to live this life for Him. To show forth His ways to a world , to a people that needs to know His love, and saving power, healing power , deliverance. Praise His name ! We need to watch our diets, to have proper discipline in all areas of our lives, to be in preparation for what lies ahead in our lives. Again I stress highly to feed on the word of the Lord Jesus , to talk daily with the Lord Jesus. That fellowship in His presence is so needful . It is so necessary , every breath that we breathe comes from Him,and we are to be so thankful ,and to spend that time praising Him,and spending time from Him. Gaining all that we can from Him to live this life for Him . To draw all men and women unto Him. . Can we all get excited here about this- this life is full of joy and peace in the Holy Spirit . Learn how to be fruit bearing , to be the disciple that has made the mark of the high calling that we need to see is on our lives as children of the Living God. We need to see that Father God has the wisdom . It is He that assist us in our studies of His word . In doing this – we prepare to be a workman that need not to be ashamed .

We have a job to do , to be about the Father’s business while there is still time. Jesus was a revolutionary , and that is what we are to be in Him. “And whosoever will be chief among you , let him be your servant . Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered to , but to minister , and to give his life a ransom for many .” Matthew 20:27-28

Father God is preparing the way- and we are to hear His voice to see what steps to take for the time of people , of all people groups to come to the Lord Jesus. He is setting the groundwork for this to happen. We need to just listen ,and to obey – as to who ,and when to talk , to minister to those that He puts in our pathway to minister to . Evangelism in this time, in the last days is crucial ,and we need to be so wise and obedient in how to reach those in our world . The world is our goal, we must reach souls for the Lord Jesus. To do this at whatever the cost. We need to see an unprecedented thrust of evangelism that never before.

Our Lord Jesus was a revolutionary , just consider His teachings throughout the New Testament. “Love your enemies “; “Bless them that curse you”; “Do good to them that hate you “; “Pray for them which despitefully use you , and persecute you .” Look at Matthew 5:44. One would have to be radical to live his life by these principles. That is what the Lord Jesus would have us to do and to be .

Literal adherence to the principles laid down by Jesus Christ would result in world wide revolution ….a revolution motivated by love, a revolution executed by love, and a revolution culminating in love! The Word of God , the Bible prophesies it…. Let us believe for it ! Let us read Joel 2:32 “ Then anyone who calls on the Lord will be saved because on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be people who will be saved , just as the Lord has said . Those left alive after the day of punishment are the people whom the Lord called.”

God bless you all . I am here if you need to talk or to pray.

Blessings to you all this week and stay in touch-

I am here if you all need to talk or to pray,

Send correspondence to this address :

208 N.Duncan Street

Apt B

Marine,Il. 62061

As Father God leads you- do pray for us here at the ministry.

We are in need of prayer and financial partners. Stand with us in these last days as we minister His word and His love to those online and in our pathway.

If you are ever in the area , there is a bible study at our home each Thursday 7pm.

We are here if you need prayer ,and do know that we are here standing in prayer for you and with you in your needs. God bless you , until next time –do know that you are in my prayers, and be strengthened in His word and in His love. Daughter of Zion.

Teresa Abert

http://www.facebook.com/people/Teresa-Kay-Abert/573089659

Words from the Daughter of Zion - Teresa Kay Abert


Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Hope and Faith - Escaping the devil’s lies--Teresa Kay Abert - Words from the Daughter of Zion

Hope and Faith - Escaping the devil’s lies

Words from the Daughter of Zion

"Hope and Faith - Escaping the devil's lies "

"And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness sake, you are blessed. And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled. But sanctify the Lord in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; "1 Peter 3:13-15

Hope... confidence in the future; assurance that things will go well, and a desire with expectation of fulfillment. It is the substance of our faith and the ability to look beyond every difficult moment. Hope does not make us ashamed. We can live without food for about 40 days, we can live without water for about 3 days, but we truly can not live without hope and faith. Hope and faith is the reason we as people can stay afloat in dark times, and the strength by which we face every day. Without hope and faith we can not make it in this life. In these days that we live in, when so many are feeling fear because of the uncertainties of life; we need to have a refreshing of the hope that is in Christ Jesus. When many think of hope, they think about unrealistic expectations instead of present realities. But let me tell you that the hope inside us is not based upon fantasy, but on the reality of certain foundational and firm principles that are in the Word of God. These principles are that God is good, and His plan for our lives is good; His plan for us goes beyond this life. His plans are for now, the future, and for eternity. He loves us so very much. We will look at these principles. God is good! The very essence of everything we believe about God comes from this truth. If God is not good, then salvation is a myth. If He is not good, He is not worth serving, and living for. But the fact of the matter is, that God is good! It is the things of this world; the things, the circumstances that the devil uses to try to convince us that God is not good. That is all it is too… an attempt to try to stop us; the devil loves to discourage us, he loves to lie to us. The devil is the father of lies. The Word of God is true. God loves us so very much, yet so many people believe all the lies of the devil, and many fall for it hook, line, and sinker!

Our hope is based upon the reality that God is good all the time, no matter what the circumstances. He does not have to work up to being good. He is good! Circumstances in this life do not have to be the dictate of our lives. The Word of God, and how we apply the it to our everyday lives is what dictates our whole future.

God's plan for our lives is good. Because God is good, He has developed good plans for our lives. Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." God's plan for you is good. No matter what the circumstances are, or what your present situation is… God's plan for you is always good! It is the devil that comes to steal, kill, and to destroy. But Jesus came that you might have abundant life (John 10:10). God even showed us His love while we were still sinners. Let us go to Romans 5:8 – "But God demonstrated His own love toward us, in that while we sinners, Christ died for us." If God would offer up His own Son as a sin offering for us, then how good a plan does God have for His people? In fact Paul answers this in Romans 8:32 saying, "He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not also with Him freely give us all things?" God's plan for us is a good plan, and Jesus is the evidence of that. Jesus is the One true source of it all. Everything that you have need of will be fulfilled according to the call God has placed on your life… you will not lack anything you need to fulfill the calling. His ways are higher than our ways - His plan is better that any plan we could possibly devise for ourselves!

God's plan for us goes beyond this life, so not only has God demonstrated His love for us in this life, but He has prepared a place for us to live with Him forever. In John 14:1-3, Jesus tells His disciples that when He went away, and He was going to prepare a place for all who loved Him. That truth is revealed to us in the book of Revelation by thousands upon thousands of saints that are present before the throne of God right now. Someday you and I too will be worshipping Him in that great crowd for all of eternity. There is a place for us in heaven, and whether by death or by His second coming, we are going to be with Him forever… for eternity. Of course heaven is our home only if we are born again and have become a new creation in Him. We have an eternal hope. "But after that the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man appeared… That being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life." Titus 3:4&7. Heaven is the blessed hope of all of His people who are alive, and the hope of His own that have passed on from this life, for God's plan does not leave us at the grave without hope, but Colossians 1:27 tells us that our hope is, "…Christ in you , the hope of glory." Hope can be difficult to hold on to when so many situations and problems arise against you. Hope can seemingly 'fly away' some days. In fact, hope can seem to take a 'sabbatical' at the time when you need it the most. But God never intended hope to slip away from us. I Corinthians 13 lists hope with faith and love as eternal, and it is never to pass away. You may be asking – 'How do we then develop hope inside of us when we feel it beginning to slip away? How do we reawaken our confidence in the future when the present is so alarming?' We do it by speaking to ourselves words of hope. Speak the Word of God to ourselves day and night, continually. Hope is the confidence you build up as you face the giants of your life. It is found in the words throughout the Bible. We see confidence in the words of David as he reminds himself of the victories God had won before he was going out to face Goliath. It is seen in the numerous times that David encouraged himself in the Lord as he was running from Saul. It is the confident expectation that God had called him to be the King of Israel, in spite of everything that was trying to tell him otherwise. In our lives we must stir up our remembrance of God's promises, desires, and plans, so that we do not lose hope. Far too many Christians become their own worst enemy as they speak out words of doubt, fear, and unbelief that undermines their own confidence in the future God has for them. Too many… far too many Christians spend time rebuking the devil over their depression, when they themselves let the door open for depression to walk on in. We need to renew our minds daily in the Word of God, and to take on His mind and walk in His word and will for our lives. Here is what happens when people focus on the depression, they allow the devil to initiate and plant a thought- a set of thoughts. Lies are all the devil has to give us. The devil plants these thoughts in the mind of the ones that are unprotected by the Word of God. The devil knows that depression and discouragement are things that stops people in their tracks. This discouragement and depression settles deep in the spirit and soul of one that does not renew their mind. As these thoughts become words of hopelessness, and doubt, the cycle begins. Soon people find themselves sitting out of church, talking about their problems all the time. Becoming dependent on this ongoing cycle of despair. This is not a sight to behold. They want comfort without facing this cycle, and overcoming it. They are wanting to reach out beyond themselves, and they find it hard actually getting out of this cycle of despair. As children of God we are to speak over ourselves His words, and His promises that are in His word. Others can help when depression is an issue, but it is truly up to us individually to speak faith, and hope… to see the love that God has for us individually that gives us strength to go on in this life. All of this could have been prevented if we as God's children would just put the word of God in our hearts and in our minds. If we just keep our faith and hope in God. We need to rebuke the devil, and not accept his words, lies, and negative thoughts. Reject the lies of the devil! Begin to speak the word of God over our lives. Speak His promises and plans; speak them out loud to ourselves and to others. Speak them in faith believing. When we see that in our minds, or thoughts are not clear and hope seems far away. That is when we need to remind ourselves to see that hope restored; see that confidence arise in our minds and hearts. We do not need to walk in the valley of depression, and disparity… or live for the circumstances of this life. The valleys are there, but we do not have to camp out in them. We can walk through them. Do not stay in that valley, let us move on up. Hope will not fail. Hope is that eternal life line to God that allows us to walk through this life looking forward. It is that which allows for us to face uncertainties and keep on moving ahead confidently. That is the reason we must speak it, live it, and nurture it. Hope will give you the strength to take another step when everything tells you to give up and tells you to stop in your tracks. Go to your Bible and read what it says about that hope in Romans 5:5, "Now hope does not disappoint…" Here are some more scriptures that will help you: Psalm 71:14 says : "But I will praise you yet more and more." Then we go to Proverbs 13:12 which says "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes it is a tree of life." Romans 15:4 says, "For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." Psalm 33:18 says, "Behold, the eyes of the Lord is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in His mercy. 1 Corinthians 15:19 says, "If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable."

Hebrews 6:19 says, "This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil …." Hebrews 11:1 says, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." These scriptures, along with many others, show us that there is hope to take hold of and to hold onto. We have hope, and that hope is in this life, which leads to eternity. Do not lose your hope! Hold onto it with all of your might! Let that promise of healing, that God has given you, stir up your hope. You know that declaration from God that states your family will be saved, do not let go of it; stand upon your hope in God and His promise. Do not lose hope! Your faith is made up of your hope… your hope is sustained by His promise, and that hope will not make you ashamed. Do not be worried that what you hope for will not come to pass, because even when deferred, it will still come, and be a 'tree of life'. Keep on hoping…trusting… and believing! Walk in Faith! We have hope in this life because God has given it to us, and this is because He is good. He will bring hope's fulfillment because He is good. The devil does not want us to hope. So let us defy him and live by faith, hope, and love. Then we will be victorious and live this life for our great and loving Savior Jesus Christ.

We are meant to be doing well. "He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" Romans 8:32

Remember this, the devil's days are numbered… he is going to burn, but my Lord Jesus is going to remain forever. When we as Christians realize the importance of who our Father is and who we are in Christ, we are not going to walk around defeated. We are going to not only be just conquerors, but we are going to be "more than conquerors" (Romans 8:37) because Jesus took care of us at Calvary. He is still taking care of us. This is allowing us to relax, praise, and glorify God while having a wonderful time in life! As Christians we are not part of this world. We are in it, but not part of it. We are part of a heavenly world. We are representatives on this earth. We are ambassadors for God, and He will see to it that we always have enough to do the job for Him on this earth, and to minister His love and word to others. To live as His children, we need to look to God as being the greatest. Because He is the greatest! God is big- He has enough- more than enough of whatever we have need of as His children. As the children of God we are washed in the blood of Jesus. That blood is what the devil hates. God did not make this world for the devil 'and his gang'. He made it for you and me, to have a good time here and now. As His children, we can say that we used to have problems, but now we have answers! We have to live among circumstances, but we have the Word of God that we live by to overcome these circumstances. We now have Jesus to handle these problems and circumstances.

This is where faith and hope come in, by living the word day to day. We have health in Him. The word says we are healed. Healing is ours. Prosperity is ours. Love is ours. Peace is ours. Joy is ours. Guidance and protection are ours. Romans 10:13 says, "For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." The Greek word for 'saved' (as used in this verse) is 'Sozo' which means- to save, to deliver or protect; heal, preserve; do well; to be whole.

We have everything because of Him! God's Word offers all of this to us because of His love. Because of Calvary we have life, abundant life. As we live for Him and live to walk in His righteousness; we know we have all that is ours because of His love for us.

God gave to us all freely. We can take them freely, because of what He did at Calvary. When are we going to start living beyond where we are? When are we going to see ourselves beyond the confinement of the valleys; the valleys of depression, indecision, and despair? Let us live beyond the humdrum of everyday life.

Please remember that we have an eternal hope. Let us read "But after that the kindness and love of God our Savoir toward man appeared… That being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life." Titus 3:4& 7.

Now let's read Hebrews 11:13, this speaks about the great men and women of old who "All died in faith, not having received the promises (of God), but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth." You must also embrace this confidence in God, even if that prayer is yet unanswered, or that healing is yet incomplete. Knowing the struggles of this earth are less important then your promises afar off…. Eternity! This world is not our home, you are just passing through on your way to the heavenly city that God has prepared for you. "But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He hath prepared for them a city." Hebrews 11:16. Remember, God will limit and control the extent of your testing while here on earth. He will not let you be tested beyond what you can bear, but He will provide a way out (an answer, or escape) so that you can get through it. See 1 Corinthians 10:13. Our hope is in the Lord; our strength is in the Lord. We need to be persuaded of His promise of eternal life. So let us all keep on looking up… looking to the Lord for all that we have need of. "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." James 1:17. Keep looking up! Many Christian mothers, including myself, say this phrase to lift the spirits of our children. My husband and I have a beautiful daughter that we remind to 'keep looking up'! You know we all need to help each other with this – we all need to remind each other to keep looking up. As we go and study the specifics of the word "man" in the Greek language is "anthropos" which means, literally, "the up-looking one." The cattle of the field look down… horses look down… dogs look down, but, men and women are created in God's image, and created to look up to discover their heavenly Father who is the Creator of the universe and the source of all hope and strength. In the midst of a chaotic world, this hope from above and within gives permanence and stability to the Christian, even in the stormy seas of life. "And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh" Luke 21:28.

God, the Creator, never changes. Malachi 3:6a says, "For I am the Lord, I change not…" Also go to Psalm 119:89. He is our direction and strength. He is the one that sees us through.

Keep looking up, for "Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it"

(1 Thessalonians 5:24) We can depend on God. People are often fickle. There are some people that you could very well depend on. As children of God, we should be dependable. But the bottom line is that God does not change, and we can depend on Him, He is dependable. Keep looking to Him. We have new life in Him. "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new" 2 Corinthians 5:17. Notice this scripture says, "all things are become new" …. not that there are "all new things."… when you come to know Christ. New life is manifested out of the old as you grow in the strength of the Lord. God's Word says that the real strength of your spirit, body, and mind depends on the might of His spirit in your inner man (see Ephesians 3:18). When you ask Jesus into your life, He actually sends you the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit gives us the strength to live this life; to walk inside of us and with us along this journey of life here on earth. Jesus lives His life and personality (mind, emotions, and will) through you by the Holy Spirit. "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 2:5). For every difficult situation you face, Christ promises to give you the inner strength you need to overcome.

He says, "I am come that (you) might have life, and that (you) might have it more abundantly (John 10:10). LIFE MORE ABUNDANTLY! Jesus does not want you to be sick in body; He does not want you to be discouraged in mind, or weak in spirit… for He has made all things new. We are to grow into His likeness and to be walking in His life and in His joy in this life that we are living in the 'now'.

If you have any prayer needs please send me a message. If you would like to find out how to make a decision for salvation, in making Jesus the Savior of your life, pleae send me a message. Stay in touch and the Lord bless you. I pray that this blog has encouraged you. Love and prayers, The Daughter of Zion – aka- Teresa Kay Abert


Until next time - blessings to you and to yours.
We all need each other ,and my family and myself in this ministry are needing prayer and financial partners. Any correspondence can be sent to us at this address:
Chaplains Ron and Teresa Abert
and Kathy Abert
208 N.Duncan Street
Apt B
Marine,IL. 62061

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