Inspired Word July 16, 2008

INSPIRED WORD

July 16, 2008

SCRIPTURE

2 Timothy 1: 6- 8: For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power, of love and of self-control. So do not be ashamed of your testimony of our Lord, nor of me a prisoner for His sake, but bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God.

SHARING

Many of you have been asking for something in prayer - this week, in the past, for months, or for years. I would like to share something with you that helped me to better understand my prayer requests to the Lord. Perhaps He will open our hearts to better understand what we are requesting of Him and how we receive what we ask for in prayer. It says here: Before we call God will answer; and while we are yet speaking He will hear us . (Isaiah 65: 24) Then another thought: Spiritual lust makes me demand an answer from God, instead of seeking God Who gives the answer. The meaning of prayer is that we get hold of God, not that we get hold of the answer. When I thought about this during the week as I was reading this, it occurred to me that the answer is already given. You have already been answered in whatever you had asked for in prayer because you turned to God Who is great. There is no time with God, so He has answered your requests. It is us who live in time and we may have to be patient.

SCRIPTURE

Daniel 10: 10 – 12: While the angel was speaking to me, I was in a deep sleep, with my face to the ground. Then he touched me and raised me to my hands and feet. He said to me, “Daniel, greatly beloved, pay attention to the words that I am going to speak to you. Stand on your feet, for I have now been sent to you.” And when he said this to me, I stood up trembling. He said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words.”

CONFIRMATON

This is a confirmation to both of the previous readings. “I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” (Psalm 27: 13 – 14)

SCRIPTURE

Psalm 62: 1 – 3, 6 – 9: My soul rests in God alone from Whom comes my salvation. God alone is my rock and salvation, my secure height; I shall never fall. My soul, be at rest in God alone, from Whom comes my hope. God alone is my rock and my salvation, my secure height; I shall not fall. My safety and glory are with God, my strong rock and refuge. Trust God at all times, my people! Pour out your hearts to God our refuge!

SCRIPTURE

Psalm 56: 3 – 4: O Most High, when I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God, Whose word I praise, in God I trust; I am not afraid; what can mortal man do to me?

SCRIPTURE

Psalm 92:4: “I sing for joy at the work of Your hands.” Each one of us is the work of His hands.

TONGUES

INTERPRETATION

My beloved, you are all I want! You are all I have ever wanted! From the moment you were created, I wanted you. I took on flesh to walk among you and live as you and save you because you are all I have ever wanted. I laid it all down for you because you are all that I have ever wanted!! It was worth it; I love you! I love you!! Do you hear Me? I love YOU!!!

You are all I have ever wanted!! My arms are open; they are open and outstretched to you. Come to Me NOW – you are all I have EVER wanted!! I want you! I love you!

EXHORTATION

We heard a tremendous story about the faithfulness of God. It is very moving and touching. But it is not just a story; it is a reality of life! This is where God brought us tonight. If we reflect back for a minute on the message in Tongues and Interpretation, God told us to come to Him. But He didn't just say, “Come to Me”, did He? He said, “Come to Me NOW! ” That really resounded! He said, “Come to Me NOW!! ” And all night long, He has been talking to us about His faithfulness. Look back for a minute on the words of that faithfulness, He said, “Come to Me NOW for I am your refuge.” Then He said, “Come to Me NOW for I am your shelter. Come to Me NOW for I am your comforter; come to Me NOW for I am your strength; I am your courage.” But the emphasis is on “Come to Me NOW!” Those words – courage, strength, comforter, shelter, and refuge - are the words which apply to the way that He wants us to be wrapped in His love. We are the work of God's hands and that is very important. The Lord says, “Can a woman forget her own baby and not love the child she has born? Even if a mother should forget her own child, I will never forget you!” (Isaiah 49:15) I can NEVER forget you! I have written your names on the palms of My hands.” That God Who has formed us with His hands says, “Come to Me NOW because I am your refuge, your shelter, your comforter, your strength and your courage. Trust in ME and I will show you my faithfulness.” So God has given us a path to walk on, but not to walk on slowly tonight because He emphasized, “ Come to Me NOW .” Not later, but NOW ! He wants us to experience the peace, the love, the comfort, and the knowledge, to know that His faithfulness will wrap us in His love just as soon as we reach out to Him; just as soon as we call upon His Name, just as soon as we do say from our hearts, “Lord, I trust You, I do trust You! I trust in Your faithfulness, I trust in Your courage, and I DO come to You now!”

EXHORTATION

Come rest and take His gift of grace, the Word is spoken. Come see, come see with Spirit eyes, come home, come lay your burdens down. His arms are open! I hope that this is what you have experienced here tonight, for this is what I have experienced.

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