Jacob The Heel Catcher - Spiritual Adultery
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Our Word for Today
“and He said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord GOD, You know (Ezek. 37:3).
During World War II, some six million Jews died at the hands of the Nazi butchers. It was Satan’s effort to destroy these ancient people, because he knew that the time had come for the beginning of their restoration. He did not succeed, but it was not for lack of trying.
Out of that funeral pyre, the death camps of Nazi Germany and Poland, the question asked some 2,500 years ago by the Lord of the Prophet Ezekiel now takes on meaning, “Can these bones live?” In 1948, the nation of Israel was reborn, one might say, thereby beginning the fulfillment of the Thirty-seventh Chapter of Ezekiel.
Within themselves, it was not possible, and is not possible, for them to live again.
Within themselves, there is no hope, as should be overly obvious!
However, listen to what the Lord told the Prophet some 2,500 years ago:
“Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, O My people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel” (Ezek. 37:12).
And that’s exactly what the Lord did. Out of the holocaust, He brought vagabond Jews from all over the world in order to establish the nation of Israel once again.
Concerning Israel and her restoration, some 500 years after the Prophecy of Ezekiel, the Apostle Paul said, “And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, there shall come out of Zion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
“For this is My Covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins” (Rom. 11:26-27).
Actually, Paul was quoting both Isaiah and Jeremiah (Isa. 27:9; Jer. 31:31).
Israel is God’s prophetic time clock. In other words, one can look at Israel and tell just how late the time actually is. To be sure, it is late. Israel is about to enter into the worst time of her existence, called the “Great Tribulation” (Mat. 24:21).
Zechariah prophesied that two-thirds of the people of Israel will die at that time (Zech. 13:8-9). Then, and only then, actually during the Battle of Armageddon, when it seems as if Israel will be completely destroyed, will they then begin to call upon the Lord. He will answer that cry. That is the Second Coming, the time that Israel will finally accept the Lord Jesus Christ.
It’s a shame that Israel will have to undergo such sorrow; however, millions in their own way have had to undergo trouble before they finally would say, “Yes,” to Jesus Christ.”
—Donnie Swaggart (taken from the “Word for Every Day”)
Donnie Swaggart
“and He said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord GOD, You know (Ezek. 37:3).
During World War II, some six million Jews died at the hands of the Nazi butchers. It was Satan’s effort to destroy these ancient people, because he knew that the time had come for the beginning of their restoration. He did not succeed, but it was not for lack of trying.
Out of that funeral pyre, the death camps of Nazi Germany and Poland, the question asked some 2,500 years ago by the Lord of the Prophet Ezekiel now takes on meaning, “Can these bones live?” In 1948, the nation of Israel was reborn, one might say, thereby beginning the fulfillment of the Thirty-seventh Chapter of Ezekiel.
Within themselves, it was not possible, and is not possible, for them to live again.
Within themselves, there is no hope, as should be overly obvious!
However, listen to what the Lord told the Prophet some 2,500 years ago:
“Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, O My people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel” (Ezek. 37:12).
And that’s exactly what the Lord did. Out of the holocaust, He brought vagabond Jews from all over the world in order to establish the nation of Israel once again.
Concerning Israel and her restoration, some 500 years after the Prophecy of Ezekiel, the Apostle Paul said, “And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, there shall come out of Zion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
“For this is My Covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins” (Rom. 11:26-27).
Actually, Paul was quoting both Isaiah and Jeremiah (Isa. 27:9; Jer. 31:31).
Israel is God’s prophetic time clock. In other words, one can look at Israel and tell just how late the time actually is. To be sure, it is late. Israel is about to enter into the worst time of her existence, called the “Great Tribulation” (Mat. 24:21).
Zechariah prophesied that two-thirds of the people of Israel will die at that time (Zech. 13:8-9). Then, and only then, actually during the Battle of Armageddon, when it seems as if Israel will be completely destroyed, will they then begin to call upon the Lord. He will answer that cry. That is the Second Coming, the time that Israel will finally accept the Lord Jesus Christ.
It’s a shame that Israel will have to undergo such sorrow; however, millions in their own way have had to undergo trouble before they finally would say, “Yes,” to Jesus Christ.”
—Donnie Swaggart (taken from the “Word for Every Day”)
Donnie Swaggart
Bread Crumbs “Freely Receive”
Too many people are attempting to earn what God has richly prepared and desires to graciously give freely. Some are seeking salvation through good deeds, assuring themselves that the good they are doing is sufficient to gain access to heaven. Most people (without really keeping an accurate record) feel that the good things they have done in their lives will surely out weigh the evil. Some Christians, after being saved by faith, have determined to pay a price of rituals, routines, or assorted religious activities that they believe will transform them into the image of Christ. God’s redemption plan does not depend upon the meager efforts of mortal man. Neither does the Biblical process of sanctification rely upon the misguided efforts of the religious zealot. Both salvation and sanctification are a work of God upon man. Mankind is instructed to place their faith in Christ and Him Crucified. God then does what we cannot. So if you are struggling to change yourself, stop and surrender to the truth of God’s Word. Trust entirely upon Christ’s work on the Cross. Then watch in amazement as the Holy Spirit takes over and does what only He can do. Its past time you found the rest that comes in Christ.
Titus 3:5 - Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Pastor Loren Larson
Loren Larson Ministries
Too many people are attempting to earn what God has richly prepared and desires to graciously give freely. Some are seeking salvation through good deeds, assuring themselves that the good they are doing is sufficient to gain access to heaven. Most people (without really keeping an accurate record) feel that the good things they have done in their lives will surely out weigh the evil. Some Christians, after being saved by faith, have determined to pay a price of rituals, routines, or assorted religious activities that they believe will transform them into the image of Christ. God’s redemption plan does not depend upon the meager efforts of mortal man. Neither does the Biblical process of sanctification rely upon the misguided efforts of the religious zealot. Both salvation and sanctification are a work of God upon man. Mankind is instructed to place their faith in Christ and Him Crucified. God then does what we cannot. So if you are struggling to change yourself, stop and surrender to the truth of God’s Word. Trust entirely upon Christ’s work on the Cross. Then watch in amazement as the Holy Spirit takes over and does what only He can do. Its past time you found the rest that comes in Christ.
Titus 3:5 - Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Pastor Loren Larson
Loren Larson Ministries
Proverbs 22:5
Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.
The froward are the perverse that twist and distort the Truth unto their own destruction which refers to the thorns and snares along their way. They can never win for losing! The one who keeps his soul is the one who trusts in Christ, who is the Savior, Lover and Keeper of the soul that has come to Him through faith in His atoning sacrifice. Thorns and snares are not on the path of the just, but are only found in the way of those who reject Christ and His Cross. False prophets are many but none will be blamed at the Judgment Seat because it was always our flesh that was found lusting and following them for what they offered. Follow the Way of Christ, which is the Way of the Cross and live!
Seeking God in His Word and experiencing Him through faith in the sacrifice of Christ!
Pastor Curtis
Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.
The froward are the perverse that twist and distort the Truth unto their own destruction which refers to the thorns and snares along their way. They can never win for losing! The one who keeps his soul is the one who trusts in Christ, who is the Savior, Lover and Keeper of the soul that has come to Him through faith in His atoning sacrifice. Thorns and snares are not on the path of the just, but are only found in the way of those who reject Christ and His Cross. False prophets are many but none will be blamed at the Judgment Seat because it was always our flesh that was found lusting and following them for what they offered. Follow the Way of Christ, which is the Way of the Cross and live!
Seeking God in His Word and experiencing Him through faith in the sacrifice of Christ!
Pastor Curtis
Bread Crumbs “Faith & Grace”
Grace through faith is the only process by which God works in an individual’s life. Grace is not one of many processes by which God works but rather it is the only process by which God participates with the human race. God will not allow us to earn, work for, labour, or bargain for His grace; that would invalidate the very meaning of the word. Help from God that is not freely received and freely given does not qualify as ...grace. One aspect of the grace of God towards man is the moving and operation of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit operates in the Earth today as the spiritual overseer of God's redemption plan. He is here to both distribute and oversee the benefits available to the human race for which Christ died on Calvary. The Holy Spirit has the potential to bring to us everything that Christ’s death paid for. This “grace” will only flow unhindered and free when the believer’s faith is placed in the proper biblically designated object, the person and work of Christ. Therefore, true Bible faith will always maintain Christ and His finished work as its object. Faith in anything else is faith that God will not recognize or honor.
Romans 4:16 - Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,
Pastor Loren Larson
Loren Larson Ministries
Grace through faith is the only process by which God works in an individual’s life. Grace is not one of many processes by which God works but rather it is the only process by which God participates with the human race. God will not allow us to earn, work for, labour, or bargain for His grace; that would invalidate the very meaning of the word. Help from God that is not freely received and freely given does not qualify as ...grace. One aspect of the grace of God towards man is the moving and operation of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit operates in the Earth today as the spiritual overseer of God's redemption plan. He is here to both distribute and oversee the benefits available to the human race for which Christ died on Calvary. The Holy Spirit has the potential to bring to us everything that Christ’s death paid for. This “grace” will only flow unhindered and free when the believer’s faith is placed in the proper biblically designated object, the person and work of Christ. Therefore, true Bible faith will always maintain Christ and His finished work as its object. Faith in anything else is faith that God will not recognize or honor.
Romans 4:16 - Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,
Pastor Loren Larson
Loren Larson Ministries
Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
In the eyes of the Lord there is only one Way which every person should go and His name is Jesus. He is the Way to the Father and our Way of Life right now today and forever (John 14:6). Many have watched their children after years of taking them to church every Sunday, walk away from the things of the Lord and all spiritual matters. They say they do not understand what could have happened to them because God promised that if we would train them up in the Way they should go they wouldn’t depart from it and we had them in church all of their young lives. The bad news is that the church isn’t the Way. If we are not teaching our children proper, and do not have our children in a local church that is preaching and teaching THE WAY, which is Christ and His Way of the cross, we have lost them and it is a guarantee. The reality is that if we didn’t know to do this, then we are NOT experiencing what we could be either. What God promises He will keep among those who have faith in Jesus and His sacrifice FOR ALL THINGS.
Seeking God in His Word and experiencing Him through faith in the sacrifice of Christ!
Pastor Curtis
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
In the eyes of the Lord there is only one Way which every person should go and His name is Jesus. He is the Way to the Father and our Way of Life right now today and forever (John 14:6). Many have watched their children after years of taking them to church every Sunday, walk away from the things of the Lord and all spiritual matters. They say they do not understand what could have happened to them because God promised that if we would train them up in the Way they should go they wouldn’t depart from it and we had them in church all of their young lives. The bad news is that the church isn’t the Way. If we are not teaching our children proper, and do not have our children in a local church that is preaching and teaching THE WAY, which is Christ and His Way of the cross, we have lost them and it is a guarantee. The reality is that if we didn’t know to do this, then we are NOT experiencing what we could be either. What God promises He will keep among those who have faith in Jesus and His sacrifice FOR ALL THINGS.
Seeking God in His Word and experiencing Him through faith in the sacrifice of Christ!
Pastor Curtis
Your Word for Today
“and it shall come to pass, that everything that lives, which moves, whithersoever the Rivers shall come, shall live: and there shall be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters shall come thither: for they shall be healed; and everything shall live whither the River comes (Ezek. 47:9).
This of which Ezekiel speaks will take place in the coming Kingdom Age. The Temple will be rebuilt in Jerusalem, called the “Millennial Temple.” Jesus will rule and reign supreme (Isa., Chpt. 11).
The Scripture tells us that “waters,” i.e., “a river,” will issue out from under the threshold of the Temple and flow eastward. These waters will “come down from under the right side of the house, at the south side of the Altar,” which means that the channel is the Altar of Jehovah, i.e., Calvary.
This River is a type of the Holy Spirit. Even though it will be a literal river in the coming Kingdom Age, still, its properties will be very similar to the Spirit of God.
First of all, “The Man with a line in his hand” is the Lord Jesus Christ. He Alone can measure, because the measurement is His.
At first, the waters were only to the “ankles”; this typifies the Holy Spirit changing our “direction.” Next, the waters were to the “knees”; this addresses our prayer life. Then, the waters were to the “loins,” speaking of our procreation abilities, i.e., the bringing of children into the Kingdom of God. Then, finally, it was “waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over.” The Holy Spirit, of which all of this is a Type, is of such magnitude that no one has ever exhausted His potential, and no one ever will!
The waters will be living and life-giving; but there shall be no healing for the miry places (Vs. 11). Imperfection will continue to exist during the Millennium, for man will still be under trial. He will have freedom of choice. If he accepts Messiah’s rule, he will enjoy the blessings pictured in Verses 1 through 10 and Verse 12; but if he rejects that Government, he will be turned over to judgment, for Grace despised involves bitterness and death.
Millennium blessing will be powerful and abiding; it will greatly surmount and almost efface evil, but not entirely. Nor only in the New Heaven and New Earth will there be perfection (Rev., Chpts. 21-22).”
—Donnie Swaggart (taken from the “Word for Every Day”)
Donnie Swaggart
“and it shall come to pass, that everything that lives, which moves, whithersoever the Rivers shall come, shall live: and there shall be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters shall come thither: for they shall be healed; and everything shall live whither the River comes (Ezek. 47:9).
This of which Ezekiel speaks will take place in the coming Kingdom Age. The Temple will be rebuilt in Jerusalem, called the “Millennial Temple.” Jesus will rule and reign supreme (Isa., Chpt. 11).
The Scripture tells us that “waters,” i.e., “a river,” will issue out from under the threshold of the Temple and flow eastward. These waters will “come down from under the right side of the house, at the south side of the Altar,” which means that the channel is the Altar of Jehovah, i.e., Calvary.
This River is a type of the Holy Spirit. Even though it will be a literal river in the coming Kingdom Age, still, its properties will be very similar to the Spirit of God.
First of all, “The Man with a line in his hand” is the Lord Jesus Christ. He Alone can measure, because the measurement is His.
At first, the waters were only to the “ankles”; this typifies the Holy Spirit changing our “direction.” Next, the waters were to the “knees”; this addresses our prayer life. Then, the waters were to the “loins,” speaking of our procreation abilities, i.e., the bringing of children into the Kingdom of God. Then, finally, it was “waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over.” The Holy Spirit, of which all of this is a Type, is of such magnitude that no one has ever exhausted His potential, and no one ever will!
The waters will be living and life-giving; but there shall be no healing for the miry places (Vs. 11). Imperfection will continue to exist during the Millennium, for man will still be under trial. He will have freedom of choice. If he accepts Messiah’s rule, he will enjoy the blessings pictured in Verses 1 through 10 and Verse 12; but if he rejects that Government, he will be turned over to judgment, for Grace despised involves bitterness and death.
Millennium blessing will be powerful and abiding; it will greatly surmount and almost efface evil, but not entirely. Nor only in the New Heaven and New Earth will there be perfection (Rev., Chpts. 21-22).”
—Donnie Swaggart (taken from the “Word for Every Day”)
Donnie Swaggart
Bread Crumbs “The Journey of Faith”
Faith must make its journey from the head to the heart. The truths that we hear and initially believe must be tested as to their genuineness. If they pass the test, then we have faith that can be put to use in our everyday life. If faith is not genuine and secured in the heart, it will not endure the rigors of the test and will fade away under the pressure brought against it. To the believer, this is known as the trial of our faith. The test usually comes as a gut wrenching, heart crumpling, mind blowing event, or even a series of events. It will seem both impossible to bear up under and more than just a little unfair. But as always, God is working something together for our good. He is building something that will last, something that will assist us through our long and difficult journey on earth. If need be, if He deems it best, this trial may be lengthy and exhausting. But as the song says, in the end, it will be worth it all. So hold out and hang on! God is doing something great! Always remember, the greatest opposition always comes right before the greatest blessing.
1 Peter 5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
Pastor Loren Larson
Loren Larson Ministries
Faith must make its journey from the head to the heart. The truths that we hear and initially believe must be tested as to their genuineness. If they pass the test, then we have faith that can be put to use in our everyday life. If faith is not genuine and secured in the heart, it will not endure the rigors of the test and will fade away under the pressure brought against it. To the believer, this is known as the trial of our faith. The test usually comes as a gut wrenching, heart crumpling, mind blowing event, or even a series of events. It will seem both impossible to bear up under and more than just a little unfair. But as always, God is working something together for our good. He is building something that will last, something that will assist us through our long and difficult journey on earth. If need be, if He deems it best, this trial may be lengthy and exhausting. But as the song says, in the end, it will be worth it all. So hold out and hang on! God is doing something great! Always remember, the greatest opposition always comes right before the greatest blessing.
1 Peter 5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
Pastor Loren Larson
Loren Larson Ministries
Proverbs 22:7
The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.
In this old world, the rich will always rule over the poor as money speaks volumes and it is the love for it that is the root of all evil (1 Tim 6:10). Jesus has told us who have been chosen to be rich in faith (James 2:5) to take care of the poor. There is a warning here concerning borrowing as it automatically puts one in the place of serving the one he has borrowed from to a certain degree.
The rich in God’s eyes are those who are poor in spirit and through His grace will reign in life through righteousness by His Son Jesus Christ (Romans 5:21).
Seeking God in His Word and experiencing Him through faith in the sacrifice of Christ!
Pastor Curtis
The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.
In this old world, the rich will always rule over the poor as money speaks volumes and it is the love for it that is the root of all evil (1 Tim 6:10). Jesus has told us who have been chosen to be rich in faith (James 2:5) to take care of the poor. There is a warning here concerning borrowing as it automatically puts one in the place of serving the one he has borrowed from to a certain degree.
The rich in God’s eyes are those who are poor in spirit and through His grace will reign in life through righteousness by His Son Jesus Christ (Romans 5:21).
Seeking God in His Word and experiencing Him through faith in the sacrifice of Christ!
Pastor Curtis
The spirit in which we speak and act, matters. If we find ourselves making excuses for how we treat people, those like us AND those not like us...perhaps it's time to return to the simplicity of the Gospel. Me first, Lord. - "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." - I John 4:7-11.
"Oh LOVE OF GOD, how rich, how pure...How measureless and strong...It shall forever more endure the saints and angels song..." - Little children, love one another.
Cornell Ministries
"Oh LOVE OF GOD, how rich, how pure...How measureless and strong...It shall forever more endure the saints and angels song..." - Little children, love one another.
Cornell Ministries
Your Word for Today
“and it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for you, before I be taken away from you. And Elisha said, I pray you, let a double portion of your spirit be upon me. And he said, You have asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so unto you; but if not, it shall not be so (II Ki. 2:9-10).
There have never been two Prophets quite like Elijah and Elisha. The name “Elijah” means “Jehovah is God,” and figures Law. “Elisha” means “God is Salvation,” and represents Grace. Elisha has now been some ten years with Elijah — a testing time — and the last test now comes.
The Scripture indicates that Elisha knew that Elijah was going to be taken. Exactly how, that he did not know! Consequently, Elisha will not let the great Prophet out of his sight. Irrespective that Elijah told him first to remain in Gilgal, then to remain in Bethel, and finally to remain in Jericho, Elisha, prompted by the Spirit of God, knew that he must not let Elijah out of his sight. He hungered and thirsted after Righteousness; consequently, he would be filled (Mat. 5:6).
And then, at the miracle of the parting of the waters of Jordan, Elijah said to his protégé, “Ask what I shall do for you, before I be taken away from you.” The answer from Elisha was instant, “Let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.” Elisha wanted the Power of God. He was little interested in anything else.
For what is the modern Church seeking?
Then Elijah said to him, “You have asked a hard thing.” A better translation from the Hebrew would be, “You have staked a great claim.” And that’s exactly what the Holy Spirit wanted him to do. Far too many Christians presently are staking insignificant claims, or rather none at all. The Church desperately needs those who will “stake a great claim,” i.e., “ask for the impossible.”
To be frank, it was impossible for Elijah to give any part of his spirit to Elisha, much less a double portion; however, the Lord could do such; to be sure, the Lord did so such! There only was one requirement:
Elisha was not to take his eyes off the great Prophet. If Elisha observed Elijah as he was translated, he would receive his request; if not, “it shall not be so.” To be sure, the moment this tremendous spectacle occurred, i.e., the translation of Elijah, and done so by a “chariot of fire, and horses of fire,” Elisha was intently observing, and he received exactly that for which he asked — a double portion.
The “double portion” is exactly what I want from the Lord, and it should be exactly what you want. Grace promised it to Elisha, and Grace gave it to Elisha. Grace will do the same for us! We must not be satisfied with the status quo, or even what has been. There awaits a double portion for all who will believe.
Elisha got exactly that for which he asked. He performed exactly twice as many miracles as Elijah.”
—Donnie Swaggart (taken from the “Word for Every Day”)
Donnie Swaggart
“and it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for you, before I be taken away from you. And Elisha said, I pray you, let a double portion of your spirit be upon me. And he said, You have asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so unto you; but if not, it shall not be so (II Ki. 2:9-10).
There have never been two Prophets quite like Elijah and Elisha. The name “Elijah” means “Jehovah is God,” and figures Law. “Elisha” means “God is Salvation,” and represents Grace. Elisha has now been some ten years with Elijah — a testing time — and the last test now comes.
The Scripture indicates that Elisha knew that Elijah was going to be taken. Exactly how, that he did not know! Consequently, Elisha will not let the great Prophet out of his sight. Irrespective that Elijah told him first to remain in Gilgal, then to remain in Bethel, and finally to remain in Jericho, Elisha, prompted by the Spirit of God, knew that he must not let Elijah out of his sight. He hungered and thirsted after Righteousness; consequently, he would be filled (Mat. 5:6).
And then, at the miracle of the parting of the waters of Jordan, Elijah said to his protégé, “Ask what I shall do for you, before I be taken away from you.” The answer from Elisha was instant, “Let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.” Elisha wanted the Power of God. He was little interested in anything else.
For what is the modern Church seeking?
Then Elijah said to him, “You have asked a hard thing.” A better translation from the Hebrew would be, “You have staked a great claim.” And that’s exactly what the Holy Spirit wanted him to do. Far too many Christians presently are staking insignificant claims, or rather none at all. The Church desperately needs those who will “stake a great claim,” i.e., “ask for the impossible.”
To be frank, it was impossible for Elijah to give any part of his spirit to Elisha, much less a double portion; however, the Lord could do such; to be sure, the Lord did so such! There only was one requirement:
Elisha was not to take his eyes off the great Prophet. If Elisha observed Elijah as he was translated, he would receive his request; if not, “it shall not be so.” To be sure, the moment this tremendous spectacle occurred, i.e., the translation of Elijah, and done so by a “chariot of fire, and horses of fire,” Elisha was intently observing, and he received exactly that for which he asked — a double portion.
The “double portion” is exactly what I want from the Lord, and it should be exactly what you want. Grace promised it to Elisha, and Grace gave it to Elisha. Grace will do the same for us! We must not be satisfied with the status quo, or even what has been. There awaits a double portion for all who will believe.
Elisha got exactly that for which he asked. He performed exactly twice as many miracles as Elijah.”
—Donnie Swaggart (taken from the “Word for Every Day”)
Donnie Swaggart
Bread Crumbs “My Supply”
When I consider the Cross of Jesus Christ, I see both the event that actually took place as well as the results of that event. Not only was I saved from the penalty of sin as a result of Calvary, but the benefits earned by Christ’s sacrifice were placed ”in His riches in glory” and became the sum total of my inheritance. At the Cross, Jesus provided me with treasures both physical and spiritual. These blessing are of such magnitude that no man’s natural inheritance could ever equal the limitless supply of that which is available to humanity in Christ. Everything you would ever need in this lifetime and throughout eternity exists in the provision of “His riches in glory.” Jesus went to Calvary once to establish these benefits. He does not have to worry about replenishing these benefits because they are so extensive that they will never be used up. They will never become corrupted or decayed. No being will ever break in and steal the treasures of your inheritance as they are guarded by God Himself. I travel to Calvary time and again, day after day, and need upon need. By faith I can lay claim to the blessed results of Christ's Finished Work. Let me boast in nothing but the Cross!
Philippians 4:19 - But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Pastor Loren Larson
Loren Larson Ministries
When I consider the Cross of Jesus Christ, I see both the event that actually took place as well as the results of that event. Not only was I saved from the penalty of sin as a result of Calvary, but the benefits earned by Christ’s sacrifice were placed ”in His riches in glory” and became the sum total of my inheritance. At the Cross, Jesus provided me with treasures both physical and spiritual. These blessing are of such magnitude that no man’s natural inheritance could ever equal the limitless supply of that which is available to humanity in Christ. Everything you would ever need in this lifetime and throughout eternity exists in the provision of “His riches in glory.” Jesus went to Calvary once to establish these benefits. He does not have to worry about replenishing these benefits because they are so extensive that they will never be used up. They will never become corrupted or decayed. No being will ever break in and steal the treasures of your inheritance as they are guarded by God Himself. I travel to Calvary time and again, day after day, and need upon need. By faith I can lay claim to the blessed results of Christ's Finished Work. Let me boast in nothing but the Cross!
Philippians 4:19 - But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Pastor Loren Larson
Loren Larson Ministries
Proverbs 22:8
He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail.
Whoever is found serving iniquity will also be found reaping vanity which is trouble and nothingness. A part of the great mystery which is now being revealed by God’s Spirit of sanctification and living in victory through faith in the cross has revealed that the child of God is either serving the Sin Nature or serving Righteousness (Romans 6). To have faith in anything other than Christ’s work at the cross for any provision from the Lord is to sow iniquity and to reap nothing but that which is vain.
The rod, or rather authority in the anger of the one who sows iniquity, which is always the end result when they realize they’ve lived and sown in vain all their lives and all has failed. Trust in Christ at this very moment and escape ALL failure which the flesh can only produce. Jesus paid for our escape and deliverance from all vanity at the cross!
Seeking God in His Word and experiencing Him through faith in the sacrifice of Christ!
Pastor Curtis
He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail.
Whoever is found serving iniquity will also be found reaping vanity which is trouble and nothingness. A part of the great mystery which is now being revealed by God’s Spirit of sanctification and living in victory through faith in the cross has revealed that the child of God is either serving the Sin Nature or serving Righteousness (Romans 6). To have faith in anything other than Christ’s work at the cross for any provision from the Lord is to sow iniquity and to reap nothing but that which is vain.
The rod, or rather authority in the anger of the one who sows iniquity, which is always the end result when they realize they’ve lived and sown in vain all their lives and all has failed. Trust in Christ at this very moment and escape ALL failure which the flesh can only produce. Jesus paid for our escape and deliverance from all vanity at the cross!
Seeking God in His Word and experiencing Him through faith in the sacrifice of Christ!
Pastor Curtis
Follow The Man Bearing the Pitcher of Water
“And the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the passover (the lamb was killed), His disciples said unto Him, Where will You that we go and prepare that You may eat the passover? (A place had to be prepared.) And He sent forth two of His disciples (refers to Peter and John [Lk. 22:8]), and said unto them, Go ye into the city (Jerusalem), and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water (this was seldom done by men): follow him (in a spiritual sense, this man was a type of the Holy Spirit). And wheresoever he shall go in, say ye to the goodman of the house (believed to have been owned by John Mark, or his family, who wrote the gospel according to Mark), The Master says, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with My disciples? (Actually says, ‘My guestchamber.’) And he (the owner of the house) will show you a large upper room furnished and prepared (was in a state of readiness): there make ready for us (has to do with the preparation of the passover ingredients). And His disciples went forth, and came into the city, and found as He had said unto them: and they made ready the passover (meant that Peter and John took the paschal lamb to the temple where it was there killed, with the priests officiating, with the blood poured out at the base of the brazen altar; the carcass of the lamb would have then been brought back to this house, where it would have been roasted and prepared by the disciples)” (Mk. 14:12-16) (The Expositor’s Study Bible).
The baptism with the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in other tongues is God’s greatest gift to the church. It is through the Holy Spirit that God works in the church and in our lives. Actually, one could say that the Spirit is the executive of the Godhead, working in us and on behalf of us.
The infilling of the Holy Spirit is a separate and distinct work of grace afforded to us by and through what Christ did at Calvary.
With the Holy Spirit, the believer and the church are vibrant and dynamic. Without the Holy Spirit, the work that could be done is greatly hindered.
In this account given to us in Mark, we are given a glimpse of the person and work of the Holy Spirit.
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“And the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the passover (the lamb was killed), His disciples said unto Him, Where will You that we go and prepare that You may eat the passover? (A place had to be prepared.) And He sent forth two of His disciples (refers to Peter and John [Lk. 22:8]), and said unto them, Go ye into the city (Jerusalem), and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water (this was seldom done by men): follow him (in a spiritual sense, this man was a type of the Holy Spirit). And wheresoever he shall go in, say ye to the goodman of the house (believed to have been owned by John Mark, or his family, who wrote the gospel according to Mark), The Master says, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with My disciples? (Actually says, ‘My guestchamber.’) And he (the owner of the house) will show you a large upper room furnished and prepared (was in a state of readiness): there make ready for us (has to do with the preparation of the passover ingredients). And His disciples went forth, and came into the city, and found as He had said unto them: and they made ready the passover (meant that Peter and John took the paschal lamb to the temple where it was there killed, with the priests officiating, with the blood poured out at the base of the brazen altar; the carcass of the lamb would have then been brought back to this house, where it would have been roasted and prepared by the disciples)” (Mk. 14:12-16) (The Expositor’s Study Bible).
The baptism with the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in other tongues is God’s greatest gift to the church. It is through the Holy Spirit that God works in the church and in our lives. Actually, one could say that the Spirit is the executive of the Godhead, working in us and on behalf of us.
The infilling of the Holy Spirit is a separate and distinct work of grace afforded to us by and through what Christ did at Calvary.
With the Holy Spirit, the believer and the church are vibrant and dynamic. Without the Holy Spirit, the work that could be done is greatly hindered.
In this account given to us in Mark, we are given a glimpse of the person and work of the Holy Spirit.
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Passover
In verse 12, the Scripture tells us that it was the time of the Passover.
As you know, the Passover typified Calvary and our salvation. This tells us that all of the great benefits of Calvary (healing, deliverance, joy, peace, etc.) can only come to us after our conversion and the infilling of the Spirit, for power and service can only come after one has been saved.
During the Passover week, there could have been up to 2 million people gathered in Jerusalem.
During Passover, approximately 250,000 lambs would be offered up in sacrifice. A quart of blood would be drained out of each lamb. The blood would fall into a golden bowl, and then the bowl would be passed down from priest to priest until it reached the brazen altar, and then the blood was poured over it. There were conduits running out from the brazen altar in which the blood would be carried to the brook Kidron, where for days it would run red with the blood.
However, in spite of all the lambs being offered up during the entirety of the dispensation of the law, and all the blood that would flow from the lambs being offered up, the sin of man could only be covered. However, when Christ, the Lamb of God, died on Calvary, one drop of His blood was enough to atone for all sin—past, present, and future.
When the Passover was observed, the entire lamb was to be eaten, except for some of the inward parts, meaning, you must accept all of Christ and not just the part of Him you desire.
They were to eat the lamb in a reclining or resting position, typifying the rest that comes to man through Christ (Mat. 11:28-30).
They were to eat the lamb with bitter herbs, meaning, they were never to forget that they were once slaves in Egypt, unable to free themselves. Today, man cannot free himself from sin except through the blood of Christ. Man cannot earn it, buy it, or inherit it. Only through the acceptance of Christ as man’s Redeemer can one be free from the bitter slavery of sin.
They would eat the meal with unleavened bread, meaning, there could be no sin in the Passover.
Then they would drink a cup of wine, with the wine representing joy—the joy that comes to man when he knows that all sin has been forgiven and cleansed.
The Man Bearing A Pitcher Of Water
When the disciples inquired of the Lord as to where they would eat the Passover, He told them to go into the city “and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water.”
There are two things that are important here:
• The water is one of the symbols of the Holy Spirit (Ex. 17:6; Ezek. 36:25-27; 47:1; Jn. 3:5; 4:14; 7:38-39). The Holy Spirit is the fountain of Living Water, the purest and the best. The Holy Spirit is a veritable River of Life. As natural water purifies, refreshes, and quenches thirst, so the Holy Spirit purifies, refreshes, and quenches our spiritual thirst. As natural water is an indispensable source of physical life, the Holy Spirit is an indispensable element of spiritual life. As the song says:
There’s a river of life,
Flowing out from me,
Makes the lame to walk,
And the blind to see;
Opens prison doors,
And sets the captive free,
There’s a river of life,
Flowing out from me.
• Men in those days didn’t carry water. This was a task reserved for women, thus, a man carrying water would stand out amongst the entire crowd crossing the streets of Jerusalem. The Holy Spirit stands out. He cannot be hidden. You can spot a person, work, or a church that is full of the River of Life; they stand out.
Immediately upon the acceptance of Christ, the Lord sends the believer to meet the man bearing a pitcher of water. It is the will of the Lord that after salvation, the believer go on and be filled with the Holy Spirit according to Acts 2:1-4.
Follow Him
The Lord instructed the disciples to follow the man.
This speaks to the fact that as believers, we are to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. Everything we do is to be done in accordance with the guidance and leading of the Holy Spirit.
When the Lord first called His disciples, He stated, “Follow Me,” and now He says, “Follow Him,” the Holy Spirit.
Upper Room
The Lord said, “He will show you a large upper room.” This pertains to all we need for life and godliness. Everything is found in the upper room. Notice that He said, “Large upper room.” Everything the Lord has for us is big.
Furnished
The room is already furnished; we don’t add anything to it. The Holy Spirit knows what we need.
Prepared
The large upper room is furnished and prepared by the Holy Spirit and not man, a church, or a denomination, but by the Holy Spirit alone.
So, follow the man bearing a pitcher of water!
Pastor Donnie Swaggart
In verse 12, the Scripture tells us that it was the time of the Passover.
As you know, the Passover typified Calvary and our salvation. This tells us that all of the great benefits of Calvary (healing, deliverance, joy, peace, etc.) can only come to us after our conversion and the infilling of the Spirit, for power and service can only come after one has been saved.
During the Passover week, there could have been up to 2 million people gathered in Jerusalem.
During Passover, approximately 250,000 lambs would be offered up in sacrifice. A quart of blood would be drained out of each lamb. The blood would fall into a golden bowl, and then the bowl would be passed down from priest to priest until it reached the brazen altar, and then the blood was poured over it. There were conduits running out from the brazen altar in which the blood would be carried to the brook Kidron, where for days it would run red with the blood.
However, in spite of all the lambs being offered up during the entirety of the dispensation of the law, and all the blood that would flow from the lambs being offered up, the sin of man could only be covered. However, when Christ, the Lamb of God, died on Calvary, one drop of His blood was enough to atone for all sin—past, present, and future.
When the Passover was observed, the entire lamb was to be eaten, except for some of the inward parts, meaning, you must accept all of Christ and not just the part of Him you desire.
They were to eat the lamb in a reclining or resting position, typifying the rest that comes to man through Christ (Mat. 11:28-30).
They were to eat the lamb with bitter herbs, meaning, they were never to forget that they were once slaves in Egypt, unable to free themselves. Today, man cannot free himself from sin except through the blood of Christ. Man cannot earn it, buy it, or inherit it. Only through the acceptance of Christ as man’s Redeemer can one be free from the bitter slavery of sin.
They would eat the meal with unleavened bread, meaning, there could be no sin in the Passover.
Then they would drink a cup of wine, with the wine representing joy—the joy that comes to man when he knows that all sin has been forgiven and cleansed.
The Man Bearing A Pitcher Of Water
When the disciples inquired of the Lord as to where they would eat the Passover, He told them to go into the city “and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water.”
There are two things that are important here:
• The water is one of the symbols of the Holy Spirit (Ex. 17:6; Ezek. 36:25-27; 47:1; Jn. 3:5; 4:14; 7:38-39). The Holy Spirit is the fountain of Living Water, the purest and the best. The Holy Spirit is a veritable River of Life. As natural water purifies, refreshes, and quenches thirst, so the Holy Spirit purifies, refreshes, and quenches our spiritual thirst. As natural water is an indispensable source of physical life, the Holy Spirit is an indispensable element of spiritual life. As the song says:
There’s a river of life,
Flowing out from me,
Makes the lame to walk,
And the blind to see;
Opens prison doors,
And sets the captive free,
There’s a river of life,
Flowing out from me.
• Men in those days didn’t carry water. This was a task reserved for women, thus, a man carrying water would stand out amongst the entire crowd crossing the streets of Jerusalem. The Holy Spirit stands out. He cannot be hidden. You can spot a person, work, or a church that is full of the River of Life; they stand out.
Immediately upon the acceptance of Christ, the Lord sends the believer to meet the man bearing a pitcher of water. It is the will of the Lord that after salvation, the believer go on and be filled with the Holy Spirit according to Acts 2:1-4.
Follow Him
The Lord instructed the disciples to follow the man.
This speaks to the fact that as believers, we are to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. Everything we do is to be done in accordance with the guidance and leading of the Holy Spirit.
When the Lord first called His disciples, He stated, “Follow Me,” and now He says, “Follow Him,” the Holy Spirit.
Upper Room
The Lord said, “He will show you a large upper room.” This pertains to all we need for life and godliness. Everything is found in the upper room. Notice that He said, “Large upper room.” Everything the Lord has for us is big.
Furnished
The room is already furnished; we don’t add anything to it. The Holy Spirit knows what we need.
Prepared
The large upper room is furnished and prepared by the Holy Spirit and not man, a church, or a denomination, but by the Holy Spirit alone.
So, follow the man bearing a pitcher of water!
Pastor Donnie Swaggart