The Prophets Longed For What We Have Now

Praised (honored, blessed) be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah)! By His boundless mercy we have been born again to an ever-living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 [Born anew] into an inheritance which is beyond the reach of change and decay [imperishable], unsullied and unfading, reserved in heaven for you, 5 Who are being guarded (garrisoned) by God’s power through [your] faith [till you fully inherit that final] salvation that is ready to be revealed [for you] in the last time. 6 [You should] be exceedingly glad on this account, though now for a little while you may be distressed by trials and suffer temptations, 7 So that [the genuineness] of your faith may be tested, [your faith] which is infinitely more precious than the perishable gold which is tested and purified by fire. [This proving of your faith is intended] to redound to [your] praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) is revealed. 8 Without having seen Him, you love Him; though you do not [even] now see Him, you believe in Him and exult and thrill with inexpressible and glorious (triumphant, heavenly) joy. 9 [At the same time] you receive the result (outcome, consummation) of your faith, the salvation of your souls.  1 Peter 1:3-9 AMP

All those, who have received Jesus as Lord and Savior, have every reason to rejoice and praise the Father for the great things He has done for us through Jesus. By His boundless mercy, we are born anew into an imperishable inheritance, reserved in heaven for us. We are being guarded by God’s power through our faith until we get to heaven and enjoy the fullness of our salvation. This great future should give us hope and make us glad, even though we may go through trials and suffer temptations here on earth. The genuineness of our faith is being tested like gold, which is purified by fire, and will be commended by Jesus when we see him. We haven’t seen Him and yet He is real to us through faith – we love Him and believe in Him and exult with heavenly joy. At the same time, His Spirit is working in us and bringing us closer to Him.

The prophets, who prophesied of the grace (divine blessing) which was intended for you, searched and inquired earnestly about this salvation. 11 They sought [to find out] to whom or when this was to come which the Spirit of Christ working within them was indicating when He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that should follow [them]. 12 It was then disclosed to them that the services they were rendering were not meant for themselves and their period of time, but for you. [It is these very] things which have now already been made known plainly to you by those who preached the good news (the Gospel) to you by the [same] Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Into these things [the very] angels long to look!  1 Peter 1:10-12 AMP

The prophets who prophesied about Jesus – His life, death, burial and resurrection – prophesied by the Spirit of God; not by their own will. 2 Peter 1:20-21 AMP says: “[Yet] first [you must] understand this, that no prophecy of Scripture is [a matter] of any personal or private or special interpretation (loosening, solving). 21 For no prophecy ever originated because some man willed it [to do so — it never came by human impulse], but men spoke from God who were borne along (moved and impelled) by the Holy Spirit.”

The Spirit of Christ worked in them and predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. They searched and earnestly inquired and sought to find out who the Messiah was and when He would appear, but it was revealed to them that it was not for them or for their time period. How blessed are we, that we should be so privileged to live in this Church dispensation! What a privilege we have, to not only be able to have seen the fulfillment of these prophecies, which have already taken place, and passed down to us by those who actually walked with Jesus; but to be recipients of God’s grace and to experience the brand new heart that King David and the prophet Ezekiel spoke of!

Even the angels long to look into these things and experience what we experience, but they cannot. We are the redeemed of God! How truly blessed we are!  Words could never express the blessing and privilege of this new life: being washed in His blood, the forgiveness of sin, sin having no more power over us, walking in His grace and resurrection life, filled with His Spirit, seated in heavenly places with Jesus, anointed with power and authority, children of the Most High and welcomed into His family.

For all that God has done for us – the least we can do is to fully appreciate what we have and to serve Him with all of our heart. We are purchased with the precious blood of Christ! He is holy and so we must be holy, too.

So brace up your minds; be sober (circumspect, morally alert); set your hope wholly and unchangeably on the grace (divine favor) that is coming to you when Jesus Christ (the Messiah) is revealed. 14 [Live] as children of obedience [to God]; do not conform yourselves to the evil desires [that governed you] in your former ignorance [when you did not know the requirements of the Gospel]. 15 But as the One Who called you is holy, you yourselves also be holy in all your conduct and manner of living. 16 For it is written, You shall be holy, for I am holy. 17 And if you call upon Him as [your] Father Who judges each one impartially according to what he does, [then] you should conduct yourselves with true reverence throughout the time of your temporary residence [on the earth, whether long or short]. 18 You must know (recognize) that you were redeemed (ransomed) from the useless (fruitless) way of living inherited by tradition from [your] forefathers, not with corruptible things [such as] silver and gold, 19 But [you were purchased] with the precious blood of Christ (the Messiah), like that of a [sacrificial] lamb without blemish or spot.  1 Peter 1:13-19 AM

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord: and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.  Psalms 33:12 KJV

Blessed means happy. When God is acknowledged as the supreme authority in a nation – that will be a blessed, happy peaceful nation! God doesn’t only bless nations He particularly chooses. He has chosen to bless ALL nations. He promised Abraham that every nation would be blessed by his Seed, Jesus. He desires to bless every nation, but He cannot bless them unless they serve Him.

If we serve Him then we are His and He is ours! He has chosen us as His own inheritance. We are His possession. Song of Solomon 2:16 says, “My beloved is mine and I am His!” How marvelous it is – for an individual or a nation – to belong to Almighty God!

The Lord looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men. 14 From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth.  Psalms 33:13-14 KJV

The Lord looks from Heaven and beholds the sons of men. This refers to the providence of God. Providence is a manifestation of divine care or direction. It means: the foreseeing care and guidance of God over the creatures of the earth – omnisciently directing the universe and the affairs of humankind with wise benevolence.

Matthew 5:45 tells us to love our enemies: “To show that you are the children of your Father Who is in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the wicked and on the good, and makes the rain fall upon the upright and the wrongdoers [alike].” (AMP) God loves and cares for ALL those He has created. It is HIS world and the devil is the trespasser. God is the source of life for everything that breathes on the earth and He is the one sustaining that life. When we display God’s love toward others, we display the nature of our Heavenly Father to the world.

The Lord looks from Heaven over all the inhabitants of the earth. He sees each and every one of them. He knows them and everything about each one – nothing is hidden from Him. He knows their hopes, their fears and the secret desires of their hearts. He is constantly reaching out to them and waiting for them to respond to His love and graciousness.

He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works.  Psalms 33:15 KJV

God made man in His own likeness and He gave Him the power to reproduce himself in his own image and likeness. “When Adam had lived 130 years, he had a son in his own likeness, after his image; and he named him Seth” (Genesis 5:3). God did not create men sinful, nor did He create them imperfect in body, soul, or spirit. That came through sin and the misuse of the facilities that were originally created perfect. Man made his own mess. Each one of us is created by God with the potential to be everything HE has created us to be. We make our own choice to be something less than that. He watches over us and sees everything we do. He knows best and He knows what’s best for us. If we will stop and look to Him for direction and guidance, He will lead us into life and blessing. Every person born on the earth has the same potential and the same opportunity to experience a right relationship with the Father and to have His blessing on every area of their lives.

There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength. 17 An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength.  Psalms 33:16-17 KJV

The greatest army cannot save a king, unless God is on his side. A king is just a man – like any other – and, without God’s protection and favor, can lose his life as easily as an ordinary soldier. The strength of a mighty man will not ultimately deliver him, unless God is with him. “Horse” refers to military strength. God rules over all nations and He is the one who both removes kings and also raises them up (Daniel 2:21); therefore a leader should not put their hope in their physical power. Whether we are a leader or a follower, these things cannot be the ground of our hope – our hope is in God and in His gracious offer to save us if we will only trust in Him. In Proverbs 8:15-16, He says: “By me kings reign, and rulers decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, all the judges of the earth.” (NKJV)

Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy; 19 To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. 20 Our soul waiteth for the Lord: he is our help and our shield. 21 For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name. 22 Let thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, according as we hope in thee.  Psalms 33:18-22 KJV

He is our help and our shield! There is salvation in no one else; therefore, as a nation, we should place our hope in God. When we wait on Him, look to Him, and trust in Him, we can be confident that He will save us, deliver us and keep us alive no matter what is happening in the world. Because we trust in Him, He will deliver us. When He delivers us, we will also be able to rejoice in His deliverance.

The only hope for a nation is the Lord God. They can try all avenues of the world’s wisdom and the hand of man, but they will fail. The more they pursue their misguided path, the deeper into the mess they get – as a nation and a society. This is what has happened with all the nations of the world. They are still trying to defy God and build their own personal Tower of Babel, but it is bound to fail. It is time for the nation to bow its knee, pray, obey, and put their hope and confidence in God again. Only then, will deliverance, freedom and prosperity be restored.

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord!

The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, 2 until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, 3 to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.  Acts 1:1-3 NKJV

 

Just like the Virgin Birth, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is central to our faith and salvation. 1 Corinthians 15:14 says: “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.” And 1 Corinthians 15:17 says: “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.” (NIV) Jesus died on the cross to pay the price for our sins and He rose again to give us new life – eternal life. Christianity is not just another religion – it is a genuine experience and a relationship with Almighty God through Jesus Christ. It is a fact that Jesus Christ rose from the dead. Hundreds of people personally witnessed His death on the cross and hundreds were witnesses of His resurrection. They saw Him, they spoke with Him, they touched Him, they ate with Him, and they saw Him ascend into the heavens into the presence of the Father and His angels.

 

Jesus’ Appearances After His Resurrection:

 

Mary Magdalene (Mark 16:9-11; John 20:11-18):

 

Now when He rose early on the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven demons. 10 She went and told those who had been with Him, as they mourned and wept. 11 And when they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe.  Mark 16:9-11 NKJV

 

The other women at the tomb (Matthew 28:8-10; Luke 24:1-11):

 

And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. 9 And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. 10 Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.  Matthew 28:8-10 KJV

 

Peter in Jerusalem (Luke 24:34; 1 Corinthians 15:5):

 

Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.  Luke 24:34 KJV

 

The two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Mark 16:12, 13; Luke 24:13-35):

 

After that, He appeared in another form to two of them as they walked and went into the country. 13 And they went and told it to the rest, but they did not believe them either.  Mark 16:12-13 NKJV

 

Ten disciples (without Thomas) behind closed doors (Mark 16:14; Luke 24:36-43; John 20:19-25):

 

And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. 37 But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. 38 And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? 39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. 40 And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.  Luke 24:36-40 KJV

 

All the disciples, with Thomas (excluding Judas Iscariot) (John 20:26-31; 1 Corinthians 15:5):

 

And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. 27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. 28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.  John 20:26-28 KJV

 

Seven disciples who were fishing (John 21:1-14):

 

After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself. 2 There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples.  John 21:1-2 KJV

 

This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.  John 21:14 KJV

 

Eleven disciples on the mountain (Matthew 28:16-20):

 

Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. 17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.  Matthew 28:16-17 KJV

 

A crowd of 500; Peter; Jesus’ brother, James; and Paul:

 

For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: 6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. 7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. 8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.  1 Corinthians 15:3-8 KJV

 

Those who watched Jesus ascend into heaven (Mark 16:19; Luke 24:44-49; Acts 1:1-11):

 

So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God.  Mark 16:19 NKJV

 

Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. 10 And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, 11 who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”  Acts 1:9-11 NKJV

The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, 2 until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, 3 to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.  Acts 1:1-3 NKJV

Just like the Virgin Birth, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is central to our faith and salvation. 1 Corinthians 15:14 says: “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.” And 1 Corinthians 15:17 says: “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.” (NIV) Jesus died on the cross to pay the price for our sins and He rose again to give us new life – eternal life. Christianity is not just another religion – it is a genuine experience and a relationship with Almighty God through Jesus Christ. It is a fact that Jesus Christ rose from the dead. Hundreds of people personally witnessed His death on the cross and hundreds were witnesses of His resurrection. They saw Him, they spoke with Him, they touched Him, they ate with Him, and they saw Him ascend into the heavens into the presence of the Father and His angels.

Jesus’ Appearances After His Resurrection: 

Mary Magdalene (Mark 16:9-11; John 20:11-18):

Now when He rose early on the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven demons. 10 She went and told those who had been with Him, as they mourned and wept. 11 And when they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe.  Mark 16:9-11 NKJV

The other women at the tomb (Matthew 28:8-10; Luke 24:1-11):

And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. 9 And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. 10 Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.  Matthew 28:8-10 KJV

Peter in Jerusalem (Luke 24:34; 1 Corinthians 15:5):

Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.  Luke 24:34 KJV

The two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Mark 16:12, 13; Luke 24:13-35):

After that, He appeared in another form to two of them as they walked and went into the country. 13 And they went and told it to the rest, but they did not believe them either.  Mark 16:12-13 NKJV

Ten disciples (without Thomas) behind closed doors (Mark 16:14; Luke 24:36-43; John 20:19-25):

And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. 37 But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. 38 And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? 39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. 40 And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.  Luke 24:36-40 KJV

All the disciples, with Thomas (excluding Judas Iscariot) (John 20:26-31; 1 Corinthians 15:5):

And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. 27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. 28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.  John 20:26-28 KJV

Seven disciples who were fishing (John 21:1-14):

After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself. 2 There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples.  John 21:1-2 KJV

This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.  John 21:14 KJV

Eleven disciples on the mountain (Matthew 28:16-20):

Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. 17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.  Matthew 28:16-17 KJV

A crowd of 500; Peter; Jesus’ brother, James; and Paul:

For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: 6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. 7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. 8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.  1 Corinthians 15:3-8 KJV

Those who watched Jesus ascend into heaven (Mark 16:19; Luke 24:44-49; Acts 1:1-11):

So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God.  Mark 16:19 NKJV

Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. 10 And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, 11 who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”  Acts 1:9-11 NKJV

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.  2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV

Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come!  2 Corinthians5:17

If anyone is in Christ, he is a brand new creation. ALL old things have passed away. ALL things have become new. Your old life is dead and so is your sin nature. You are dead to sin and alive to God.

Old things have passed away:

The old covenant has passed away and a new one has taken its place:

And this will be My covenant (My agreement) with them when I shall take away their sins.  Romans 11:27 AMP

“This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them,” 17 then He adds, “Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.”  Hebrews 10:16-17 NKJV

Your old sin nature is dead – you are dead to sin – sin has lost its power over you:

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.  Ephesians 2:4-10 NKJV

We know that our old (unrenewed) self was nailed to the cross with Him in order that [our] body [which is the instrument] of sin might be made ineffective and inactive for evil, that we might no longer be the slaves of sin. 7 For when a man dies, he is freed (loosed, delivered) from [the power of] sin [among men].  Romans 6:6-7 AMP

Your sin is forgiven – it is dead and buried:

Blessed and happy and to be envied are those whose iniquities are forgiven and whose sins are covered up and completely buried. 8 Blessed and happy and to be envied is the person of whose sin the Lord will take no account nor reckon it against him.  Romans 4:7-8 AMP

All things have become new:

Everything in your life is new: you have a new heart; a new nature; a new covenant; a new Lord; a new perspective; a new outlook; a new beginning; a new way of life. You have been born again by the Spirit of God.

He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.  Colossians 1:13-14 NKJV

You are made alive in Him:

And you [He made alive], when you were dead (slain) by [your] trespasses and sins.  Ephesians 2:1 AMP

You are born of Him:

If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him.  1 John 2:29NKJV

You have been made righteous and your spirit is now alive unto God:

For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.  2 Corinthians 5:21 NKJV

But now since you have been set free from sin and have become the slaves of God, you have your present reward in holiness and its end is eternal life.  Romans 6:22 AMP

You are resurrected with Christ:

Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.  5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. Romans 6:4-6 NKJV

If then you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, thus sharing His resurrection from the dead], aim at and seek the [rich, eternal treasures] that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 And set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth. 3 For [as far as this world is concerned] you have died, and your [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God.  Colossians 3:1-3 AMP

Resurrection life is operating in you from the inside out:

But if Christ lives in you, [then although] your [natural] body is dead by reason of sin and guilt, the spirit is alive because of [the] righteousness [that He imputes to you]. 11 And if the Spirit of Him Who raised up Jesus from the dead dwells in you, [then] He Who raised up Christ Jesus from the dead will also restore to life your mortal (short-lived, perishable) bodies through His Spirit Who dwells in you.  Romans 8:10-11 AMP

Clothe yourself in this new nature:

Do not lie to one another, for you have stripped off the old (unregenerate) self with its evil practices, 10 And have clothed yourselves with the new [spiritual self], which is [ever in the process of being] renewed and remolded into [fuller and more perfect knowledge upon] knowledge after the image (the likeness) of Him Who created it. Colossians 3:9-10 AMP

Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.  Psalms 103:1-2 KJV

We bless the Lord from our heart and soul and ALL that is within us – as an expression of our desire to worship and honor Him with all we have and with all we are. As we bless Him, we should remember all His benefits. Every child of God should know what benefits have been made available to them, but what are those benefits?

Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases.  Psalms 103:3 KJV

Benefit 1: He forgives all of our sin.

Benefit 2: He heals all disease.

Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies.

Psalms 103:4 KJV

Benefit 3: He redeems our lives from destruction.

Benefit 4: He crowns us with loving kindness.

Benefit 5: He crowns us with tender mercies.

Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.  Psalms 103:5 KJV

Benefit 6: He meets every need and satisfies us with good things.

Benefit 7: He renews our youth like the eagle’s.

The Lord executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.  Psalms 103:6 KJV

Benefit 8: He executes justice for all oppression.

He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.  Psalms 103:7 KJV

Benefit 9: God gives His children knowledge of His ways.

Benefit 10: He gives His children knowledge of His acts/deeds.

The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.  Psalms 103:8 KJV

Benefit 11: He is merciful and gracious toward us.

Benefit 12: He is patient – longsuffering – slow to anger.

Benefit 13: He is abundant in mercy.

He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger forever.  Psalms 103:9 KJV

Benefit 14: His reproof is temporary. He brings correction, but He does not continue to harp on it.

Benefit 15: He will not retain His anger forever. His anger will pass.  He is slow to anger and quick to forgive.

He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.  Psalms 103:10 KJV

Benefit 16: He deals mercifully with our sins. He is patient with us when we sin.

Benefit 17: By His mercy, He does not give us what we deserve – the punishment. By His grace, He gives us that which we do not deserve – forgiveness and righteousness.

For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.

Psalms 103:11 KJV

Benefit 18: He shows infinite mercy to those who respectfully fear and honor Him.

As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.  Psalms 103:12 KJV

Benefit 19: He thoroughly removes our sin – so far – that it will never show up on our account ever again. It will never, ever again be held against us.

Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him.  Psalms 103:13 KJV

Benefit 20: He feels the same way toward us, and treats us the same way, that a loving father would treat his very own children.

For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.  Psalms 103:14 KJV

Benefit 21: He knows all our faults and flaws and He knows all our weaknesses and frailties, and He loves us, even so.

Benefit 22: He is understanding, gentle and kind toward us in spite of our sin and disobedience.

As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. 16 For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.  Psalms 103:15-16 KJV

Benefit 23: Even though our lives are short compared to the span of time and eternity, the love of God gives value to every life lived, no matter how long or short.

But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children.  Psalms 103:17 KJV

Benefit 24: Eternal mercy upon them that fear Him.

Benefit 25: Eternal righteousness unto them that fear Him.

Benefit 26: Eternal righteousness also unto their succeeding generations, as they raise and teach them to fear God.

To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.  Psalms 103:18 KJV

Benefit 27: He bestows the blessing of righteousness to covenant keepers.

Benefit 28: He bestows the blessing of righteousness upon the obedient.

The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.  Psalms 103:19 KJV

Benefit 29: A dependable, eternal throne of grace and a God who rules over all.

Benefit 30: We have membership in the kingdom of God.

Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. 21 Bless ye the Lord, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure. 22 Bless the Lord, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the Lord, O my soul.  Psalms 103:20-22 KJV

Foundation Scriptures:

 

Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

Hebrews 10:23 KJV

A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled. 21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.  Proverbs 18:20-21 KJV

 

1. Death and life are in the power of the tongue – so watch your mouth:
2. When you listen to some people speak, you realize why their lives are in a mess.
3. Your tongue is the rudder of your ship of life. (James 3:2-14)
4. Call those things that are not as though they are. Don’t call those things that are as though they are not. (Romans 4:17-21)
5. Romans 4:17-21 KJV – “(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,)  before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. Who against hope believed in hope, that he might  become the father of many nations; according  to that    which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. And being not weak in faith, he considered not  his own body now dead, when he was about an  hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of  Sara’s womb: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully      persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to  perform.”
6. Faith does not deny the facts, but it looks to the greater truths/facts of God’s Word.

 

2. Guard your mouth – watch your tongue:
3. Start speaking God’s Word over your life and circumstances instead of speaking the  circumstances.
4. Get rid of negativity. Let the weak say, “I am strong.” Let the sick say, “I am healed.” Let the  poor say, “I am rich.”

 

3. God’s Word covers every area of our lives – start speaking and praying God’s Word.
4. God says it; I believe it; that settles it.
5. Numbers 23:19 KJV – “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?”
6. Here are just a few of God’s mighty promises:
7. I have received abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness and I shall reign in life through Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:17)
8. I am like a tree planted by the rivers of water. (Psalms 1:1-3)

III. I shall not want. (Psalms 23)

1. I live in the secret place of the most High and abide under the shadow of the Almighty. (Psalms 91)
2. I am blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.

(Ephesians 1:3)

1. I am seated at the Father’s right hand, with Christ, in heavenly places. (Ephesians 1:20)

VII. I am an heir of God, and joint-heirs with Christ. (Romans 8:17)

VIII. God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all I can ask or think – according to the power that is working in me. (Ephesians 3:20)

1. So many scriptures that cover every aspect of our lives. Make a list of them and begin to confess God’s Word over your life and circumstances.

 

4. This is God’s plan for man:
5. God’s plan is that we should use the authority, and the keys of the kingdom, which God has  given us, to speak His Word and change the  world.
6. Romans 10:8-10 KJV – “But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and  in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we  preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth  the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart  that God hath raised him from the dead,  thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man  believeth unto righteousness; and with the  mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
7. Believing God’s Word in your heart, and speaking it in faith, is a powerful combination.
8. Watch your mouth.
9. Do not speak the devil’s lies
10. Speak only what God speaks.

Foundation Scriptures: 

And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. 2 And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority. 3 And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. 4 And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him? 5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. 6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. 7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. 8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. 9 If any man have an ear, let him hear.  Revelation 13:1-9 KJV

Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. 14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: 15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. 16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. 17 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. 18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.  James 5:13-18 KJV

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.  1 Timothy 2:1-4 KJV

 

1. The enemy has an agenda for America and the nations of the world.

a. Isaiah 14:12-15 KJV – “How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! 13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. 15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.”

b. The devil has always wanted his throne to be higher than God’s, but he was cast out of heaven and defeated by Jesus.

c. He has a plan to challenge God’s authority by using mankind.

d. The plan involves bringing as many people and nations under his influence as he can.

e. The Bible tells us in the books of Daniel and Revelation that the devil will try to bring multiple nations under one government, one system of worship, and one economy (money system).

f. This global system – the concentration of power – is not of God.

g. There is no telling what the globalists are planning.

h. We need to press in in prayer now more than ever during this period of transition in America.

 

2. The Lord has a plan to defeat the enemy once and for all, and He will defeat him. 

a. The Lord has given us the victory, but moving forward we need to pray more than ever before.

b. The new administration has the task of choosing and appointing four thousand people to positions in the government. We need to pray:

c. That Godly people are chosen, people who love God, and America, and the Constitution.

d. That the rule of law be restored.

e. That the wicked people, who have positions of authority, are demoted and removed.

f. That our borders would be safe.

g. That the preachers would wake up and be bold in their pulpits.

h. That the people would wake up and stand up for righteousness in the pews.

 

3. Pray that the globalist agenda would be destroyed.

a. One more hour of daylight.

b. Mass mobilization of the Body of Christ.

c. That millionaires would be raised up to fund the harvest.

d. Occupy till He comes.

e. That we bear much fruit (John 15:1-7).

f. That we (the Church) affect every area of society for the good.

 

4. Sundays are a celebration of all God is doing Monday to Saturday.

a. These works shall He do, and greater works, through us (John 14:12).

b. Let’s see Tampa, St. Pete, and Clearwater shaken.

 

5. Houses of Joy strategy.

a. Each One Reach One.

b. Each One Teach One.

c. Make Disciples.

d. Win the Lost at any Cost.

e. Take our streets and neighborhoods for Jesus.

f. Bring about transformation.

g. All hands on deck – whatever your hand finds to do.

h. Will you let God use you?

Foundation Scriptures:

In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. 2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. 3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: 4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. 5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. 6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. 8 And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. 9 And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. 10 Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.  Matthew 28:1-10 KJV
1. The Power of God was displayed at the Resurrection.

a. The stone was rolled away.

b. The keepers of the tomb passed out – fell as dead men.

c. Romans 8:11 KJV – “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 your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.”

d. The Spirit of God in you quickens – makes alive; brings life to – your body.

e. Jesus is the source of eternal life.

f. 1 John 5:11-13 KJV – “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.”

g. The life of God comes into us at the new birth.

h. He who has the Son has life.

i. John 10:10 KJV – “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”

j. Jesus gives abundant life.

2. The Well and the River.

a. The well:

b. John 4:10-14 KJV – “Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. 11 The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water? 12 Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle? 13 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: 14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.”

c. The river:

d. John 7:37-39 KJV – “In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. 38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)”

3. Resurrection Power Working in You.

a. Jesus prepared the disciples for the coming of the Holy Spirit.

b.  John 14:16-19

c. John 14:26

d. John 15:26

e. John 16:7-14

f. Then He told them to go and tarry at Jerusalem.

g. Acts 1:8 KJV – “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”

h. You shall receive power – virtue – dunamis.

i. Acts 2:1-4 KJV – “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

j. Mark 5:25-34

k. The woman with the issue of blood touched His garment and virtue flowed out of Him – He felt it; she felt it.

l. John G. Lake – bubonic plague had no effect on him.

m. Romans 8:2 KJV – “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.”

4. This Resurrection Life is for Everyday Life.

a. We need to learn about, and receive from, this anointing.

b. This anointing works for your home, marriage, work, and even play.

c. You will live the high life when you make the decision to live in the anointing on a daily basis.