A FRESH COMMITMENT TO THE WORD OF GOD

I want to share a Word of exhortation today that, to be perfectly frank, I know some may not want to heed. No, not because it’s a harsh or condemning word; for I don’t have any of those. It’s because it’s so simple that some might consider this “old” (see Matthew 13:52) — or too elementary.

Regardless, it’s what you need to hear! How do I know? Because it’s what I need to hear. It’s what the Body of Christ needs to hear. Whatever you need, this Word is your answer.

It’s not the “deep” things that hinder us. It’s the simple things (some of which we know, or think we know) — but we’re not doing them.

This is Your Answer

The Word I have to share with you is simply this — Make a fresh commitment to the Word of God. Do it again and again — and I’ll say it again — Whatever you need, this is your answer.

Not too long ago, the Lord spoke to my heart and said:

“Tell My people if they will heed My Word, stand on My Word, say what My Word says and act on My Word, that I will move heaven and earth to correct their situation. But if they will not believe My Word until their circumstances change, then there is nothing I can do.”

Now we all know that God can do anything — and in one sense that’s right — but in another sense, He’s limited to what you and I believe — and then only if what we believe is what He said first.

After He spoke this to my heart, my attention was immediately drawn to the Gospel of John, chapter 1…

John 1:1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

Before I go on, please re-read this verse a couple of times.

One time, I was reading this verse in my Bible, and I just got “stuck” there. I began to read it over and over. While doing that, two things went off in my spirit:

- First, our beginning must be the Word.

- Second, the Word must be GOD.

The Bible does not just contain the Word of God. It IS the Word of God — and looked at another way, is God Himself. To have success in any endeavor, obtain promises or to overcome in any situation:

- Our beginning must be the Word.

- The Word must be God.

Looking back, I can say that whenever I have gotten in a bind, whenever I’ve had a chronic problem, the Lord has always told me, “Son, get back to My Word!”

Our Beginning Must Be the Word

Remember this: If you are born again, you are born of the Word. That’s where you started! That’s in line with 1 Peter 1:23…

1 Peter 1:23 “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.”

Any failure in our Christian lives is due to leaving God’s Word!

1 Timothy 4:1 “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some (in the church) shall depart from the faith (which comes by the Word), giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils…(doctrines that explain away the Word).”

Examples of this are everywhere today. “God doesn’t heal today.” “If God wants someone to be saved, He’ll just do it. Don’t worry about witnessing to them.” (We could go on, but you get the picture.)

2 Timothy 4:2-4 “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. (3) 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; (4) And they shall turn away their ears from the truth (of the Word), and shall be turned unto fables.”

Speaking of fables, let’s turn to 2 Peter chapter 1…

Don’t ever substitute experience, a teaching, a prophecy, or anything else. Don’t let these things dissuade you from what “thus saith the Lord” in His written Word!

If you want to conquer a problem, start with the Word. Let the Word guide you, not your emotions; how you feel about the situation; what you heard Brother So-and-so say about it; or anything else!

2 Peter 1:16-21 “For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. (17) For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

Here Peter is speaking of his experience on the mountain of transfiguration (recorded in Matthew 17). I find it interesting that in verse 17, Peter left something out from his account of this experience. Compare this with Matthew’s account…

Matthew 17:5 “While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.”

When Peter recorded the incident in his second epistle, he left out the phrase “Hear ye Him” which was the Father’s very gracious way of telling Peter to “Keep quiet!” I think Peter probably left this part of the story out because, at the time, the Father was responding to Peter’s quick mouth, and to Peter, this part of the story was incriminating!

The Word of God: Sure, Solid, Reliable
Going on with 2 Peter chapter 1,

“(18) And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. (19) We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:”

Here Peter is saying that prophecy shines a light in a dark place. That’s a definite function of prophecy and prophetic words, to be sure. BUT, notice which prophecy Peter is talking about…

“(20) Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.”

The prophecy that Peter is speaking of is not the gift of prophecy, but the scripture itself. Scripture is God’s voice to you and me.

“(21) For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”

From verses 18, 19 and 20, we learn that the written Word of God is more sure than if you were to hear the audible voice of God.

Not only that, The Word of God is more sure than the ground on which we walk!

Matthew 24:35 “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” (cf. Mark 13:31; Luke 21:33)

When you left your house this morning, did you “work up” faith for the ground in front of your house to hold you up? Or that gravity would keep your feet on planet earth? I think not. So why do we try to believe the Word of God?

Let me say it again: The Word of God is more sure than the ground on which we walk. We might as well go ahead and agree with it now.

Bringing Heaven to Earth through the Word
Psalm 119:89 “For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.”

God’s Word is already settled in heaven…

Matthew 6:10 “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”

…but it’s not necessarily settled on the earth. That part is up to us. Our job is to settle the Word here, for we are workers together with God (2 Cor. 6:1).

Numbers 23:19-20 “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? (20) Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it.”

Believing God is understanding Who God is (v. 19), and what He put you here to do (v. 20). Notice:

1. God cannot lie.

2. He will fulfill His Word.

3. We cannot reverse what God has said.

Romans 3:3-4 “For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? (4) God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.”

When we think, speak or act contrary to the Word of God, we are calling God a liar. (Further, according to Galatians 6:7, we are mocking God.) God cannot lie (Titus 1:2).

Three things we must do:

1. Commit to the Word.

2. Find out what the Word says about your situation.

3. Agree with what the Word says, despite any evidence to the contrary. (We agree with the Word by thinking, speaking and acting according to the Word.)

The Word for Your Healing and Health
If you are sick or in need of a physical miracle, let me make it simple by exhorting you to apply this word to your situation.

What does God’s Word say about your health?

Exodus 15:26 “And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.”

Exodus 23:25 “And ye shall serve the LORD your God, and He shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee.”

Psalm 103:1-3 “Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. (2) Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: (3) Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases…”

Psalm 107:20 “He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.”

Isaiah 53:4-5 “Surely he hath borne our griefs (pains), and carried our sorrows (sicknesses): yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. (5) But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”

Matthew 8:17 “That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.”

1 Peter 2:24 “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.”

Romans 8:11 “But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken (make alive or heal) your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.”

3 John 2 “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.”

The Word for Your Finances
Of course, God’s Word deals with every area of life.

What does God’s Word say about your finances?

Joshua 1:8 “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”

We’ve been talking about the Word. Making the Word your meditation will bring prosperity and success.

Job 36:11 “If [you] obey and serve him, [you] shall spend [your] days in prosperity, and [your] years in pleasures.”

Psalms 23:1 “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

Psalm 35:27 “Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favor my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.”

Prosperity is God’s idea. If for the servants, how much more for His sons?

Psalms 65:11 “God crowns my year with His goodness, and His footsteps drop abundance.”

Psalms 84:11 “The LORD God is my sun and shield. He gives me grace and glory. No good thing will He withhold from me, because I walk uprightly.”

Isaiah 1:19 “(If) I am willing and obedient, and I (will) eat the good of the land.”

Matthew 6:33 “(If) I seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, all the things the world seeks after are added unto me.”

2 Corinthians 8:9 “Jesus was rich, yet for my sake He became poor, that I, through His poverty, might be rich.”

(This is redemptive language. Notice the exchange.)

2 Corinthians 9:8 “God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work…”

Philippians 4:19 “My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

3 John 2 “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.”

1 Samuel 2:7 “The Lord maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.”

Summing Up
Again, here are three things we must do:

1. Commit to the Word.

2. Find out what the Word says about your situation.

3. Agree with what the Word says, despite any evidence to the contrary. (We agree with the Word by thinking, speaking and acting according to the Word.)

Hebrews 6:12 “That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”

A commitment to the Word of God is not something we start and stop — or something we “try out” like a new car, to see if we like it. No, we’re in this for the “long haul.” Having said that — Take the Word and GO FOR IT!

Read this week’s edition here:
http://connectionsnews.wordpress.com/2009/10/18/connections-101809/

WorldWatch October 2009

Watch this video from one of our ministry partners!

‘IMAGINE NO RELIGION’ BILLBOARDS HIT DETROIT
The first few billboards promoting atheism are up in the Metro-Detroit area with more signs on the way, announced the group sponsoring the signs. In total, seven large billboards reading “Imagine No Religion” or “Praise Darwin: Evolve Beyond Belief” will be erected at locations around the city. The billboard designs feature the phrases written in calligraphy against a stained-glass window background, like those found in churches. The signs are part of a campaign by Freedom from Religion Foundation, which has placed similar billboards in over 10 states and more than 30 cities. Currently, “Imagine No Religion” billboards are up in Indianapolis and suburban St. Louis. The group also plans a “billboard blitz” in Las Vegas…. Read this in full at
http://www.christianpost.com/article/20090930/-imagine-no-religion-billboards-hit-detroit/index.html

Published in CONNECTIONS weekly newsletter. Read current issue here: http://connectionsnews.wordpress.com/2009/10/03/connections-100409/

“For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.”
1 Corinthians 2:2 (NIV)

The Apostle Paul made a strong resolution to know nothing but Christ and him crucified.  Paul’s message was radically simple. Salvation was in Christ alone.  That means it’s not Christ plus your good behavior; it’s not Christ plus the years you taught a Bible study; it’s not Christ plus your tithe; it’s not Christ plus the church you attend.

It’s not Christ plus the number of verses you memorize; it’s not Christ plus your title in the church; it’s not Christ plus wisdom from the latest Christian seminar; it’s not Christ plus a desert fast (or even a dessert fast!).  It’s not Christ plus a good driving record; it’s not Christ plus well-behaved children; it’s not Christ plus your new shined shoes; it’s not Christ plus the right job; it’s not Christ plus the right spouse; it’s not Christ plus a college education; it’s not Christ plus the latest technology.

It’s simply Christ.  Christ plus nothing.  That’s our message, and it’s a message that is as right today as it will be in 2999.

May your prayer be nothing but Christ and him crucified.

Min. (Dr.) Franklin D. Coleman

PathOfLifeMinistries.net

He is the First and Last,
the Beginning and the End!
He is the keeper of Creation
and the Creator of all!
He is the Architect of the universe
and the Manager of all times.
He always was,
He always is,
and He always will be…! !

Unmoved,
Unchanged,
Undefeated,
and never Undone!

He was bruised and brought healing!
He was pierced and eased pain!
He was persecuted and brought freedom!
He was dead and brought life!
He is risen and brings power!
He reigns and brings Peace!

The world can’t understand him,
The armies can’t defeat Him,
The schools can’t explain Him,
and the leaders can’t ignore Him.

Herod couldn’t kill Him,
The Pharisees couldn’t confuse Him,
and the people couldn’t hold Him!

Nero couldn’t crush Him,
Hitler couldn’t silence Him,
The New Age can’t replace Him,
and Donahue can’t explain Him away!

He is light,
love,
longevity,
and Lord!!

He is goodness,
Kindness,
Gentleness,
and God.

He is Holy,
Righteous,
mighty,
powerful,
and pure.

His ways are right,
His word is eternal,
His will is unchanging,
and His mind is on me.

He is my Redeemer,
He is my Savior,
He is my guide, and
He is my peace!

He is my Joy,
He is my comfort,
He is my Lord, and
He rules my life!

I serve Him because
His bond is love,
His burden is light,
and His goal for me is abundant life.

I follow Him because
He is the wisdom of the wise,
the power of the powerful,
the ancient of days,
the ruler of rulers,
the leader of leaders,
the overseer of the overcomers,
and the sovereign Lord of all that was and
is and is to come.

His goal is a relationship with ME!
He will never leave me,
never forsake me,
never mislead me,
never forget me,
never overlook me,
and never cancel my appointment in His
appointment book!

When I fall, He lifts me up!
When I fail, He forgives!
When I am weak, He is strong!
When I am lost, He is the way!
When I am afraid, He is my courage!
When I stumble, He steadies me!
When I am hurt, He heals me!
When I am broken, He mends me!
When I am blind, He leads me!
When I am hungry, He feeds me!
When I face trials, He is with me!
When I face persecution, He shields me!
When I face problems, He comforts me!
When I face loss, He provides for me!
When I face Death, He carries me Home!! !

He is everything for everybody everywhere,
every time, and every way.
He is God,
He is faithful.
I am His,
and He is mine!

My Father in heaven can whip the father of this world.

So, if you’re wondering why I feel so secure,
understand this…
He said it and that settles it.
God is in control,
I am on His side,
and that means all is well with my soul.

Every day is a blessing for GOD is! HALLELUJAH!!

He is my source of existence and Savior.
He keeps me functioning each and every day.
Without Him, I will be nothing.

-UNKNOWN-

Ekklesia Gathering

Chicago, Illinois , August 19, 2009:
Path Of Life Ministries announces the “ekklesia fellowship.”
A place to share and discuss God’s Word, exhort, pray and bless each other.

Many people today are reclaiming the 1st century gathering of God’s ekklesia (called out ones.) These gatherings met in homes and were more personal and intimate. Each person recognized that they were the temple of the Lord and operated in the gifts of the spirit as God led.

Path Of Life Ministries has made available the “ekklesia fellowship” telephone gathering to share God’s move with other home fellowships.

Every Friday night from 8:00 P.M. CST to 9:00 P.M. CST, we will gather for prayer and exhortation.
1. Call: 1-218-339-4600
2. Dial PIN#: 638537#
3. Further instructions will follow

Thank you in advance for joining us.

Min. Frank Coleman
PathOfLifeMinistries.net

-End

YOUR SACRIFICE SHALL BE REWARDED

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:38

A long time ago, I discovered that the secret of overflowing success (in whatever a person does) is to make God a priority in life. I learnt by experience that the moment a person  is willing to use his life and resources to serve God, he or she becomes God’s priority. The life and story of Solomon is a testament to that. He touched the heart of God when he offered one thousand animals as burnt offering to Him in one night (2 Chronicles 1). For that reason, God appeared to Him and asked him to ask for anything he wanted. So also it was for Cornelius. His giving was so much that God went out of His way to send Peter to save him (Acts 10).

When Jesus gave instructions to the people on the mount (Luke 6:20-49) He shared with us principles that would stand the test of time. Jesus ended this lesson with these words: “But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.” Luke 6:49

We need to take heed to God’s Word, better yet, we need to PRACTICE God’s word as Jesus admonishes us to do.

My brother, my sister, I do not know what you do; neither do I know your present condition in life. But I’ll tell you this, you can begin to access the blessings of God, if you can learn to touch the heart of God. The law of giving and receiving is eternal (Genesis 8:22). If you can learn to operate this key, the blessings of God shall be yours in Jesus name. However, there are some people who have been operating this key without commensurate result. Such occurrences are not caused because God has not released the blessings but because some forces have withheld the blessings from getting to them. Are you one of these? I release the anointing that breaks barriers upon you now. The barrier that is blocking you from receiving those blessings is shattered right now. Prepare for a great harvest because henceforth, your sacrifice shall be rewarded in Jesus name.

Prayer For Today
Every power that stands between me and my reward is destroyed. Henceforth, I shall receive the reward for my sacrifice in Jesus name.

ARE YOU BLESSED?
Please let me know by writing me and sharing your testimony/praise reports.

Peace be unto you.
Sincerely,

Min. Frank Coleman
http://www.pathoflifeministries.net

FORGETTING GOD: WHY DECADENCE DRIVES OUT DISCIPLINE.
by Philip Yancey
Observing the modern world, French sociologist Jacques Ellul noted a striking trend: As the Christian gospel permeates society, it tends to produce values that, paradoxically, contradict the gospel. I sometimes test his theory while traveling overseas. I ask foreigners about the United States, the world’s largest majority-Christian society.

“When I say the words United States, what comes to mind?” I ask. Invariably, I get these responses:

Wealth. Representing only 6 percent of the world’s population, the United States generates more than a third of the world’s economic output and dominates global finance.

Military power. We are, as the media constantly remind us, “the world’s only superpower.” Indeed, our current military budget exceeds the total of the next 23 biggest-spending nations combined.

Decadence. Overseas, most people get their images of the United States from Hollywood movies, which seem to them obsessed with sex and crime.

European nations, with their Christian roots, tend to manifest similar characteristics, which run counter to the teachings and example of Jesus, whose life was marked by poverty, self-sacrifice, and purity. No wonder followers of other religions, such as Islam, puzzle over Christianity, a powerful faith that nonetheless produces the opposite of its ideals in society at large. What accounts for this strange development? …. Read this in full at
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2004/september/21.104.html

Published in “Connections”
Read entire issue here:
http://connectionsnews.wordpress.com/2009/08/18/connections-081609/

Read it here:
http://connectionsnews.wordpress.com/2009/08/10/connections-080909/