http://iceministries.org/devotional/ en-us Nucleus CMS v3.50 © Weblog http://backend.userland.com/rss http://iceministries.org/devotional//nucleus/nucleus2.gif http://iceministries.org/devotional/ http://iceministries.org/devotional/index.php?itemid=537 And the dragon was enraged against the woman,
and he went off to make war with the rest of her seed [fig., offspring],
the ones keeping the commandments of God and having the testimony of Jesus.
Revelation 12:17
(Analytical-Literal Translation)

Thus saith the Lord God, “I have sent divine instruction into My house and I have given My people an opportunity to come so that they can have an awareness of all that I am doing in this dispensation of time. You have heard My voice but still you have not fully responded, nor have you fully committed yourselves to ALL that I have commanded of you. Hear, O house of Zion, the cries of those who come into My house seeking My face and have come away feeling empty. Have not I given you the commandment to feed My sheep? Why then are they still hungry? Why are My sheep scattered? Where is the shepherd who will leave the ninety and nine and go after that one? Who will bind up their hurts and restore them to the fold?”

As we examine the contents of scripture we can find in it a reflection of our struggles and if we look hard enough we will see various descriptions of their origin. Within those pages there is rhyme and reason for ALL that we face and an express purpose for tenacity in the face of them. Today’s devotional scripture is no exception, for in it we are brought into an awareness of the fact that there is an adversary who has been persecuting and warring against the church for centuries; one whose disposition against us is fueled by rage. He has a fervent desire to annihilate those of us who keep the commandments of God; those who follow hard after Him and keep His precepts. Furthermore, the adversary has a special attraction to those who keep the testimony of Jesus Christ; more importantly, those who live the Word. Notice the plurality of the word ‘commandments’ because it is not just adherence to some of the Word, at varying intervals, but a determination to live by the ALL the dictates of scripture.

Our devotional scripture today serves as a reminder of the fact that we are a part of a triumphant army whose adversary has lost every war. “and he went off to make war…” This should be a message of encouragement for the brethren who love the Lord with all of their hearts, for only on this basis are we able to keep His commandments. “The “woman” represents the church, and the phrase “the remnant of her seed” must refer to her scattered children, that is, to the scattered members of the church, wherever they could be found. The reference here is to persecutions against individuals, rather than a general persecution against the church itself. He puts forth his power, and manifests his hostility, and commences his opposition against the spiritual church of Christ. The church is, however, safe from that attempt to destroy it, for the woman is described as fleeing to the wilderness beyond the power of the enemy, and is there kept alive. Still filled with rage, though incapable of destroying the true church itself, he turns his wrath, under the form of papal persecutions, against individual Christians, and endeavors to cut them off in detail.” (cf. Albert Barnes) How devastating for the devil, for in all this he still has not triumphed over us.

Beloved, we who have the testimony of Jesus Christ walk worthy of our vocation and understand the rules of engagement in war. The devil can only obstruct us in his warfare against us if we do not comprehend the rules and effectively operate according to divine protocol. Keeping the commandments of God brings us into a place of divine order and henceforth, divine protocol. It is our adherence to His Word that causes the Spirit to embrace us and intimately walk with us directing us as we go. Divine protocol is accessible for every child of God. The Word in us empowers us; the Word operating through us destroys the work of darkness. It is through His Word that we are made acquainted with His will concerning us which has the power to bring us into a level of understanding of who He is in us. Beloved, in essence we will lack nothing if we understand, keep and do His commandments for by them we shall live.

To do His commandments is to truly live!

Word For Today: The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do His commandments: His praise endureth forever. - Psalm 111:10 – There can be no true wisdom which does not recognize who God is.

]]> General http://iceministries.org/devotional/index.php?itemid=537 Thu, 8 Jul 2010 22:45:04 -0500 http://iceministries.org/devotional/index.php?itemid=535 All thy garments smell of myrrh, and
aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces,
whereby they have made thee glad.
Psalms 45:8

“The cry has gone out for My people to begin to intercede on behalf of the nations of the world. There is much unrest, much violence and much destruction being planned by the enemy. I have called you to lift up the sound of intercession in a time where people have ceased to pray but I called you because I know that I can count on you. You have witnessed the disturbances in your communities, in your governments and in your land and now is the time for you to stand in the gap and lift your nations up before Me that I might have mercy and abundantly pardon the people for their sins” says the Lord God of Hosts.

Have you ever felt the breath of God fan across the contours of your face as you were bowing down to worship Him? There is an awesome fragrance that emanates from being in His presence, have you ever smelled it? It is a fragrance that is unique yet familiar to those who delight in the secret place of the Most High. It is comparable to the fragrance of a rose garden with its different flowers of various colors. Colors of white, red, pink, peach or yellow and mixed in with them is a splash of lilies or chrysanthemums. Can’t you almost inhale the sweetness of the aroma, the freshness, the beauty? In his commentary on our devotional scripture Matthew Henry says it like this, “He keeps His court with splendor and magnificence. His robes of state, wherein He appears, are taken notice of, not for their pomp, which might strike an awe upon the spectator, but their pleasantness and the gratefulness of the odors with which they were perfumed. They smell of myrrh, aloes, and cassia (the oil of gladness with which he and his garments were anointed.)”

God has a fragrance that is like no other. Whatever comes in contact with this aroma is left with a scent that denotes having been in the presence of divine holiness. In Genesis 27:27 we read where Isaac speaking to his son concerning God’s fragrance said that Isaac could only have become familiar with the unique fragrance or aroma that comes from the presence of God because he had spent time in His presence. Therefore he was able to identify the smell that came from his son as that which is released through God’s divine blessings. In his estimation, a field which has had some contact with God smells unlike any other field for it is distinctly different. Today, you are invited into His courts where you are welcome to relax in the essence of an atmosphere scented with the sweetness of His presence. So come in, sit back, rest in His arms and inhale the freshness of His breath.

His fragrance is the essence of holiness, enjoy it!

Word For Today: His branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be as the olive tree, and his smell as Lebanon. – Hosea 14:6 – The aroma of God can only be distinguished by those who spend time in His presence.

]]> General http://iceministries.org/devotional/index.php?itemid=535 Wed, 7 Jul 2010 21:11:30 -0500 http://iceministries.org/devotional/index.php?itemid=533 Create in me a clean heart, O God;
and renew a right spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10

I hear the voice of the Lord saying, “Yours has always been the choice to either accept Me or reject Me, but remember that the decision you make – whether you make it today or a year from now – will determine your eternal fate both here on earth and in the hereafter. I have set before you the choice between life and death….choose life.”

In previous devotionals we have looked at the importance of making room in one’s heart for God and we have also seen how the heart can be deceptive and lead us into sin. Today, let us talk about cleansing the heart. You see, God is holy and as such He desires holiness without compromise. It is a fact that the first time God enters a person’s heart, the heart is unclean and in need of much washing, and if a person allows God to do the cleaning He will. However, as time goes by, many people allow their heart to become cluttered and filled with filth once again and God is pushed out or pushed to the side. I cannot stress enough the importance of having a heart that is clean and available to be used by God for His glory. So let us look at how we go about cleansing our heart before God.

First of all, understand that one’s heart must be totally and absolutely surrendered to God in order for it to be cleansed and for it to remain in a state of being clean. The presence of sin is not compatible with the presence of God in one’s life, just as light is incompatible with darkness (cf. Psalm 24:4). If you desire the presence of God to dwell and remain in your life then you must decide, not just in your mind but in your heart, to renounce sin and every work of darkness. Your heart must be delivered into the hands of God for Him and Him only to have dominion over it. Many are of the opinion that if they merely give to God a part of their heart, a little piece in the corner, that this should be enough to please God and that this should be enough to qualify them as good and clean; but not so. If God is not in full control of one’s heart then sin and darkness will still have some hold over your heart and over your life.

Therefore, the most important part of having a clean heart is surrendering to the sovereign and majestic power of God to deliver and cleanse. It is also necessary to check your heart daily, check those things that you meditate on and ask God to align your desires to His divine will. As you surrender yourself to God for Him to create in you a clean heart, know that He will have to strip away some of the old familiar things that you have grown used to. You will find yourself turning away from certain things that you would normally do, your thoughts will change and you will think more of pleasing God and doing His will. These are signs of God’s hand at work.

In order to maintain this, it is necessary for you to read His Word daily and fill your spirit with worship and praise by only listening to songs that glorify God. Most of all, allow your life to become saturated with prayer, learn to commune or talk to God every day. Also, should you sin, never hesitate to confess and repent for His Word tells us that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (cf.1st John 1:9). As you do these things, you will grow in your relationship with God and your heart will remain in proper relationship with Him.

Remember, surrendering to God is the key!!

Word For Today: Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in His holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart - Psalm 24:3-4 – Ask the Lord and He will create a pure heart within you.

]]> General http://iceministries.org/devotional/index.php?itemid=533 Mon, 5 Jul 2010 23:18:06 -0500 http://iceministries.org/devotional/index.php?itemid=531 Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy:
for I am the LORD your God.
Leviticus 20:7

I see storms; major hurricanes destined for places which have not seen them for a long time and even where it has never been seen before. There is an urgent call for prayer for the islands of the seas. Pray and make intercession for the Caribbean concerning this hurricane season. Pray for Cancun, I see trouble brewing. Brethren pray and cry out for the mercies of God for many are saying “peace, peace” where there is no peace.

In today’s world Christianity has become a tradition for some; a religious ritual rather than a relationship; even to the point where some in ministry practice ceremonial cleansing instead of living sanctified lives. The perfunctory performance of Sunday morning worship and the incidentals during mid-week, if there is sufficient time available. Apart from superficial living many get caught up in the “name and claim it” hype; rehearsing the Word as a form of motivational tool yet holiness is irrelevant to their lifestyle. Although rehearsing the Word is good spiritual discipline we must adhere to the whole letter of its teachings.

Faith is a primary element of our Christian beliefs and as such we must constantly remind ourselves and rehearse in our spirits the precepts contained therein. However, we must apply ourselves to holy living. Our lifestyle should correspond with our declaration of the blessings we pronounce over our lives. To seek the gift without seeking the Giver is evidence of superficiality and no substance that bears evidence of intimacy with God the giver of ALL blessings. In other words, many have forgotten to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. Instead the gift is the main objective of their worship. “Give me! Bless me! I am this and I will do that” but there is no submission to God.

The words written in our devotional scripture is a summons to the people not to defile themselves and a call to maintain a state of cleanliness. “Sanctify yourselves therefore” gives the connotation of one who has been examined and warned lest they be found lacking in some area ascribed to moral and spiritual decadence. They are being brought into the realization that God requires holiness of them and that they should sanctify themselves. In a general sense, to cleanse, purify or make holy; to separate, set apart or appoint to a holy, sacred or religious use. In essence “Sanctify yourselves therefore” sends this message: abstain from impious and idolatrous practices, and separation from all that gave into those practices, as well as observing the holy commandments of the Lord. “And ye shall keep My statutes, and do them: I am the LORD which sanctify you” (cf. Leviticus 20:8) “and be ye holy;” or a separate people from all others in worship and conversation: “for I am the Lord your God;” who is a holy God, and therefore it became them to be holy, in imitation of him.

This is the mandate and call of God for every believer, regardless of who we are. We are being summoned to sanctify ourselves and live holy in ALL manner of conversation before the Lord and those around us. Arise and shake off the spirit of compromise and walk holy in the sight of the Lord God of hosts. Be ye separate and dare to come out from among such as walk contrary and serve the Lord in Spirit and in truth; for He seeks such to worship Him. Beloved, time is running out; the day is far spent so let us make haste to prepare for the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Sanctify yourselves and live in true holiness before the Lord!

Word For Today: Up, sanctify the people, and say, Sanctify yourselves against tomorrow: for thus saith the Lord God of Israel. There is an accursed thing in the midst of thee, O Israel: thou canst not stand before thine enemies, until ye take away the accursed thing from among you - Joshua 7:13 - Sanctify yourselves therefore and walk in victory!

]]> General http://iceministries.org/devotional/index.php?itemid=531 Mon, 5 Jul 2010 00:32:54 -0500 http://iceministries.org/devotional/index.php?itemid=529 With my whole heart have I sought You:
O let me not wander from Thy commandments.
Thy Word have I hid in mine heart,
that I might not sin against Thee.
Psalm 119:10-11

“My Word concerning you today is that I want to give you more than what you are asking. I want to give you life everlasting which goes beyond anything you may have even thought you needed. Your expectations have been small but I want to enlarge your surroundings and cause you to see My goodness in your life. Everything that you’re involved with is nothing compared to the glory of having My presence in your life” says the Lord.

Yesterday we spoke about making room in your heart for God; today let us explore the sins of the heart. Right now some of you may be asking, “Can my heart sin?” Let us look to the Word of God and explore what it has to say about the way of the heart and how it relates to us. In the book of Jeremiah, the Lord says, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” In other words, the heart cannot always be trusted.

Luke 6:45 says, “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth that which is evil: for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” Therefore, we see that the inception of that which is good or evil comes from the heart. That is why Jesus declared to those who followed Him, “I say unto you, that whosoever looks on a woman and lusts after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart.” (cf. Matthew 5:28) You might ask how this can be. Well, the fact of the matter is that our flesh follows the instruction of our heart to carry out that which the heart tells it to do. Thus, the state of a man’s heart determines his actions. In other words, sin first enters into our heart before it manifests itself in our actions.

For example, murder and hatred are first kindled in the heart of a man or woman before that person commits the act. In such a case, a person is not counted as being guilty of sin only after the crime is committed , instead, the person is counted as having sinned and murdered from the time hatred and murder were conceived in the heart of that person. That is why God wants our heart. He knows that it can be deceitful and utterly wicked, harbouring unforgiveness, spite, envy, bitterness, pride, lust and all manner of evil. He desires for us to surrender our hearts to Him so that He can enter therein and remove the filth and pour in of Himself.

Today, take a moment to examine your heart. Say like the psalmist said, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (cf. Psalm 139:23-24). Examine your heart and those things that you meditate upon and place everything before God today.

He will change your heart if you allow Him to do so!!

Word For Today: Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin? - Proverbs 20:9 - No man. But thousands can testify that the blood of Jesus Christ has cleansed them from all unrighteousness.

]]> General http://iceministries.org/devotional/index.php?itemid=529 Wed, 30 Jun 2010 10:37:27 -0500 http://iceministries.org/devotional/index.php?itemid=527 Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart,
and be no more stiffnecked.
Deuteronomy 10:16

“I know your fears and I understand your pain. I see your tears and I hear your cries. I simply ask that you trust Me so that I can carry you through these struggles. I desire to be everything that you need in life but you have to trust Me” says the Lord.

How much room do you have in your heart? This may seem like a strange question but the truth is that we often give place to so many different things in our heart that we leave no place for God. So often the heart is allowed to become filled with things, just a whole lot of things, while purpose and godliness are left out of the equation. The heart is the seat of our emotions or what is often referred to as our feelings. Thus, it is where such things as love, hate, desire, passion and even unforgiveness dwell. In some hearts, one or two of these things might have a prominent position, in others only one, and still there are some that are clustered with a little bit of everything in different proportions. Over the next few days we will be looking at the nature of the heart.

In order for a person to have a true relationship with God, it is necessary for them to surrender to Him their heart. Thus, they must willingly and actively give over their heart to the ownership of God. This handing over of the heart also means that they must accept Him or invite Him into their heart. Now the reason some people have delayed doing this is that they are so occupied with other things that there is no vacancy in their heart, no room to let Jesus in.

Apart from feelings, what are some of the things that fill people’s heart? People refuse to give Jesus room because their heart is occupied by other people; in other words, their heart is filled by the person they love romantically, whether they are married or unmarried. A person’s heart can also be occupied by their ambition, where they want to go in life and the plan they have drafted as to how to get there. A person’s heart can also be filled with greed for worldly pleasures and gain to the point where they become fully consumed by finding the treasures they seek. That is why the Bible says, “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (cf. Matthew 6:20-21)

There is a saying which says, ‘God is a gentleman’, which simply means that God will never force Himself on anyone, He will not enter in unless you invite Him in. However, be aware, for when you invite Him in, you must make proper accommodation for Him to dwell. Examine yourself…

Is there room for the Master in your heart?

Word For Today: Blessed are they that keep His testimonies, and that seek Him with the whole heart. - Psalm 119:2 - They are doubly blessed whose outward life is supported by an inward zeal for God’s glory.

]]> General http://iceministries.org/devotional/index.php?itemid=527 Tue, 29 Jun 2010 12:12:30 -0500 http://iceministries.org/devotional/index.php?itemid=525 Be not deceived:
evil communications corrupt good manners
1st Corinthians 15:33

Hear the word of the Lord concerning thee O Israel: “For I shall burn with fire those who devise mischief against you and shall wipe them out from being a nation” says the Lord. Violence in every street and a cry is going up as the young of the land are slain. Be watchful O Jerusalem. Weep and pray; travail before the Lord your God. I hear the voice of the Lord saying that there is great confusion coming into the land of the Philippines for there is violence lurking. Be vigilant and pray; gather the intercessors and cry out.

The famous author William Shakespeare wrote in one of his plays a very interesting statement alluding to the conduct of one of his characters as ‘a rude despiser of good manners.’ In others words, one whose manners are devoid of consideration for that which is considered as ethically good or morally reasonable conduct. Thinking about this statement caused me to reflect upon 1st Corinthians 15:33 which states: “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” Both the writing of William Shakespeare and the Bible concurs that one’s manners has the potential of destroying or distorting everything decent around them and can be attributed to the code of ethic which is practiced. “Evil communications corrupt good manners - There are many sayings like this among the Greek poets; but this of the apostle, and which according to the best manuscripts makes an Iambic verse, is generally supposed to have been taken from Menander’s lost comedy of Thais. ‘Bad company good morals doth corrupt.’ There is a proverb much like this among the rabbins: ‘There were two dry logs of wood, and one green log; but the dry logs burnt up the green log’. There is no difficulty in this saying; he who frequents the company of bad or corrupt men will soon be as they are. He may be sound in the faith, and have the life and power of godliness, and at first frequent their company only for the sake of their pleasing conversation, or their literary accomplishments: and he may think his faith proof against their infidelity; but he will soon find, by means of their glozing speeches, his faith weakened; and when once he gets under the empire of doubt, unbelief will soon prevail; his bad company will corrupt his morals; and the two dry logs will soon burn up the green one.” (cf. Adam Clarke’s Commentary)

In some cases one might argue that ethics and morals have no bearing in the rationale of this person who has the habit of introducing corruption to that which is good. My grandmother had a saying: “it only takes one bad apple to spoil the whole bunch.” The Apostle Paul says it like this: “A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.” We as Christians are called to exhibit behaviors which demonstrate the nature and character of our Father; conduct which will enhance those around us and cause them to draw closer to Him as they see His reflection through our behavior. Matthew 7:16a clearly tell us: “Ye shall know them by their fruits...” The Saviour gives the proper test of their character. People do not judge a tree by its leaves, or bark, or flowers, but by the fruit which it bears. The flowers may be beautiful and fragrant, the foliage thick and green; but these are merely ornamental. It is the “fruit” that is of chief service to man; and he forms his opinion of the nature and value of the tree by that fruit. The profession may be fair; but the “conduct” - the fruit - is to determine the nature of the principles.

The moral to this devotional is simply found in this: Shun the very appearance of evil; practice Psalm 1 everyday and forsake the companionship and counsel of the ungodly; seek to do good at all times; make sure that your conversation is seasoned with salt; always minister grace to the hearers; give no place to the devil and place no stone of stumbling before others by practicing bad attitudes. Remember…

Do not corrupt good manners or entertain others who do!

Word For Today: A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompense of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him - Proverbs 12:14 – It’s not what you say, it’s what you do

]]> General http://iceministries.org/devotional/index.php?itemid=525 Sun, 27 Jun 2010 23:37:54 -0500 http://iceministries.org/devotional/index.php?itemid=523 Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that
as a man chasteneth his son
so the LORD thy God chasteneth thee
Deuteronomy 8:5

I hear the Spirit of the Lord saying, “Your change has come.” “This is the time that many prodigals shall return home, for I shall bring your sons and daughters from afar” says God. I see many families reuniting as the Lord moves miraculously to restore families. “Rejoice” says the Lord, “for restoration is decreed for your family.”

There are seasons in our lives when we go through dark days, turmoil and tribulations, even to the point that we find ourselves asking the question, “God have you forsaken me?” “Where are You?” It is in these seasons that we must examine our walk with Christ; this is the time when we need to do some checks and balances to evaluate our obedience level. I have experienced times in my life when the Lord has given me a specific instruction and for some reason I did not move immediately. I may have even failed to remember the instruction, but at a later time it suddenly comes to mind and I exclaim, “Oh no, I forgot!” Perhaps your excuse was that you were not sure it was God or it was just too hard to do, but whatever the reason, it is disobedience and it carries a weight in the Spirit that puts us in violation of God’s instructions. As a result we eventually experience the chastening of the Lord.

Now I know that it’s customary for us to see every negative situation that we experience as demonic in origin and so our approach is to bind and loose rather than to check for God’s purpose in the matter. Yet, in our devotional scripture we see clear evidence that there are times when God will chasten – reprimand; punish; discipline; correct; castigate; censure us, so that we are brought back into right perspective. Proverbs 19:18 says, “Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.” We often loose so much valuable time focusing on the demonic realm as the source of the problem, when in reality our heavenly Father will often allow negative situations to affect or afflict us in order to correct us, discipline us or as an instrument of reprimand. Because He loves us He will allow bad experiences to bring us into His good and expected end for us.

Hebrews 12:5-13 says it like this: “And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of Him: For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but He for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.” Now, that’s what I call…

Food for thought!

Word For Today: As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent - Revelation 3:19 - It is a proof of love on God’s part, if we go astray, to recall us by warning and by trials.

]]> General http://iceministries.org/devotional/index.php?itemid=523 Tue, 22 Jun 2010 23:56:41 -0500 http://iceministries.org/devotional/index.php?itemid=521 I love them that love Me;
and those that seek Me early shall find Me.
Proverbs 8:17

I hear the Spirit of the Lord saying that this is the season of return, for many that have forsaken you shall return. Many that lost their first love shall return and many that lost their way shall find it once again. It is a new day child of God, begin to walk in it and declare the heart of your God and the power of His might for He has delivered you from your enemies.

There are many of God’s people that are seeking His face in this season because of varying degrees of trouble. There are issues with the family where children or marriage is concerned; financial issues and ever inter personal relationships issues; issues which drive us to seek the face of God for solutions and solace. But not many understand that the desire of the Lord is for us to seek Him, just to adore and worship Him for who He is. How often do we find the time to get into God’s presence without asking petitions or making supplications? How often do we get into His presence just to tell Him, “I love you Lord; You are awesome; wonderful; You are altogether lovely; magnificent and marvelous”?

It is important for us to understand that our solutions are found when we worship Him and set our love for Him as our number one priority. Oh how wonderful it is to bask in the presence of the Lord as we pour our love to Him and feel the glow of His appreciation. We come away knowing His heart and feeling the passion of His love for us. The light of His countenance shines in our eyes and upon our faces as a reflection of His glory and approval of the time we spent together. In an atmosphere of pure unadulterated love we are empowered to face every trial or trouble that comes our way.

We need to come to the place of understanding that the joy of the Lord is our strength, but it is only in His presence that we find that quality of joy. The Psalmist says it like this, “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in Thy presence is fulness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” (cf. Psalm 16:11) In His presence, loving Him just for who He is will bring you fullness of joy and pleasure that you cannot even begin to fathom, because it extends into the borders of releasing gifts into your bosom that you didn’t even ask Him for.

Our Heavenly Father delights in us when we show Him affection. Remember we are told that He is love and so it stands to reason that if we pour out our love upon Him it will result in Him responding in kind. We are dealt with intimately, He begins to pour out His heart and share secret things with us that will give us strategies for our warfare. He will tell us things before they happen and even things like what’s going on in the stock market. Think about it, there are numerous things that He will reveal. Psalm 40:16 says, “Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified.” Beloved, the Lord wants to share His heart with you, but He needs you to change your focus, from your needs to spending quality time with Him, loving on Him.

Come with me and let’s love on our Father; He is worth it!

Word For Today: That I may cause those that love Me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures - Proverbs 8:21- He desires to give us His best, we need to let Him.

]]> General http://iceministries.org/devotional/index.php?itemid=521 Tue, 1 Jun 2010 23:10:21 -0500 http://iceministries.org/devotional/index.php?itemid=519 A time to kill, and a time to heal
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
Ecclesiastes 3:3

There is a distinct sound in the realm of the Spirit; I hear the rumbling of the Spirit as He is about to break forth in the Body of Christ to bring a fresh flow of power. We are in the days of prophetic accuracy as true prophets shall arise with boldness preaching “Holiness unto the Lord.” I hear the Spirit of the Lord saying, “It’s time to fast and seek My face for I shall pour out double for your trouble.”

There are many believers going through varying seasons at this point in time. Some are faced with desperate situations which threaten to literally swallow them up; while others may be experiencing the mountain top bliss of God’s presence. You may be in the midst of that season of desperation right now, however, irrespective of the season or the time in which it comes, there is a point where that season must come to a climax. In other words, “this too shall pass” it shall come to an end; for it is divinely appointed that your mourning shall be turned into dancing. Yes, it is appointed that your time of weeping shall endure for a season, but joy is divinely appointed to come in the morning. You shall see morning, as the Son arises to shine into your dark situation with the rays of His glory released to dispel the darkness. Yes, it shall pass!

“A time…” the enemy has but a short time to oppress you; the clock is ticking on the countdown to your release from the clutches of the enemy. The bells of the Spirit are about to chime, heralding your victory as a shift takes place in time signifying the changing of the guards. “A time…;” for those that have been rejoicing over your troubles to experience their dark days in order that they may acquire the understanding that troubles have significance. You see, troubles can signify sin as well as growth, transition or divine mandate. Daniel 11:35 says it like this: “And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed.”

“A time…” appointed that your lack shall come to an end and the days of financial overflow shall come upon you. “A time…” appointed for healing in your marriage; your family; your emotions; your body; your church and your ministry. Yes, it shall pass! It shall all pass for it is appointed. Herein lies your hope as you face each passing day…

It is only for a time!

Word For Today: And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book - Daniel 12:1- Know that in the time of great distress and trouble, there is supernatural angelic help given to the people of God.

]]> General http://iceministries.org/devotional/index.php?itemid=519 Mon, 31 May 2010 20:53:03 -0500