Experience the Gift of Salvation

Posted on May 26, 2020 | Devotions 1104

By Pastor Emelio Sebastian

Heavenly Father, I Give My Life To You!

PLEASE PRAY OUT LOUD:

Father God, I give my life to You. I confess with my mouth that Jesus Christ is my Lord and I believe in my heart that God has raised him from the dead. (Romans 10:9,10)

Jesus, I invite You into my life to be my Lord and Savior. Forgive me of all my sins. I receive Your love and forgiveness and I thank You that I am a brand new person. (2 Cor. 5:17). I thank You that as Your child, I am entitled to all the blessings that accompany salvation. (Psalm 103). Thank You Father for healing, wholeness, and restoration in every area of my life. AMEN.

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May '20

The Names of God

Posted on May 4, 2020 | Devotions 4880

May '20

By Pastor

Emelio Sebastian

It’s important for us to know and understand that God reveals Himself to us through His names.

Almighty God or El Shaddai

In Genesis 17:1, we see the first occurrence of God revealing Himself as Almighty God or El Shaddai. This is also one of the many covenant names through which God reveals Himself.

EL – means the Strong One and Shaddai –means the Breasted One. This pictures God as the strength giver, the satisfier, the All Sufficient One and the God who is more than enough! Abram could not become a father in the natural, so El Shaddai, the God who is more than enough, came on the scene and became his sufficiency.

My point today is that El Shaddai comes on the scene when there are great needs – kind of like now. He goes beyond the possible and He works and moves in the realm of the impossible. El Shaddai is the miracle working God! For us that means when something in our lives appears impossible or when there seems to be no way out of whatever mess we might find ourselves in, El Shaddai, the God of more than enough comes to our aid. So…don’t despair, If He can part the Red Sea for Moses He will surely come through for you!

Elohim or Eternal Creator

Elohim describes the creative nature and the creative power of God.

Gen.1:1 is the first reference of God revealing to us a part of His own character and nature that sets forth a purpose; to create! Under this name Elohim we see God at work creating the heavens and earth. The word God in this verse, is Elohim which should not surprise us as the beginning chapters of Genesis are all about the creation. In fact the name Elohim is used 32 times in Genesis alone.

In Genesis 2:4 we see a bit of a twist to Elohim…as we see a reference to the Lord God or Jehovah Elohim or Eternal Creator.

Elohim is also a derivative of El meaning strong or mighty as we saw in El Shaddai. Here is why the name Elohim is so important to us. In the beginning there was darkness and confusion. Chaos ruled until Elohim came on the scene. In the midst of that which was lost, chaotic and in darkness He begins to speak and through the creative power of His words He created light in the darkness, order in the chaos and He made us like himself! All that He did in the beginning He does for us still today. He creates order out of chaos in our lives also. He sheds light on our darkness and creates out of nothing, if need be, to provide what we need.

His existence as revealed by this name, is NOT only self-existence but He exists to meet the needs of His people and redeem them! He is speaking here about a covenant of redemption. It describes one who stands in a covenant relationship that is ratified by an oath. It expresses the very solemn covenant between God / Elohim and His people. Allow Him to be creator in your life!

Jehovah

I believe the understanding and the revelation of this name will really help you. I know it has helped me!

Jehovah is the redemptive name of God. It speaks to His Eternal nature, self-existence and the attributes that make Him God. It describes Jehovah as Redeemer. Jehovah also means Eternal One. It expresses eternity of being. It refers to God, without beginning and without end. There was never a time when God did not exist…there never will be! We have so much to look forward to! The name of Jehovah has several implications especially when it’s compounded with other names to reveal to us some of the other characteristics of Jehovah that we rely on every day. Exodus 6:2, 3…In verse 2 he says, “I am Yahweh – the Lord.” He is speaking of His covenant in regards to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He says, “They knew me as El Shaddai, Almighty God but I did not reveal Myself to them by My name Jehovah.” Before Moses our “fathers” did not fully understand the name Jehovah because God hadn’t revealed it to them. They had no understanding of this name as it related to covenant or redemption. They knew of the name but had no idea that it was those characteristics that distinguished Him as Jehovah. This name is important to us because His existence as implied by this name is not only about His self-existence but about the fact that He exists to meet the needs of His people and redeem them. It reminds us that we are in a covenant relationship with Jehovah! He is a covenant keeping God. He’s got our backs!

I AM THAT I AM…this is My name forever

Exodus 3:13-15… “What is his name?” God asked Moses to go to Egypt and deliver his people from their captivity. Moses inquiring of God wants to know how to respond when they ask him about who sent him. It’s important for us to know that he is not just asking His name, he is asking about the meaning of His name. In the Hebrew, to know a name means more than being acquainted with someone, it means to know by experience. The reality is that Moses wanted to experience God for himself.

God’s reply, “I AM THAT I AM…this is My name forever.”

In the Hebrew language it was YAHWEH or Jehovah. This name brought fear to the people because it was so sacred. In fact the original pronunciation was lost because people were afraid to speak this name. When God refers to Himself as I AM He is expressing the essence of who He is. He is speaking about His character, nature and the attributes that belong to God, and God alone. Jehovah expresses His omnipotence (all powerful), His omnipresence (all present) and His omniscience (all knowing). These are just a few of the attributes that make Jehovah…the Great I AM!

If you remember I AM THAT I AM has been interpreted in the Hebrew as “EHYEH ASHER AYEH” meaning…I WILL BE WHAT I WILL BE or “I will be for you who you need Me to be for you, when you need Me to be it.” This is important because it not only covers the present but our futures! God is the same yesterday, today and forever! This name is important to us because of what it expresses in terms of meeting our needs. I will be for you…a healer, a provider, your peace, your victory or your righteousness…whatever you need Me to be when you need it. This is who God is! This is our God, always powerful and always present to help us! Be like Moses and experience God in a new way! Forever!

May '20

The Names of God Part 2

Posted on May 3, 2020 | Devotions 3590

May '20

By Pastor

Emelio Sebastian

Jehovah Jireh

In Genesis 22, we find that Abraham was the first one to experience Jehovah Jireh. Jehovah Jireh comes on the scene to meet our needs. In fact the name means…God sees our needs ahead and makes provision for them! I like to say it this way, “The One who sees our needs in advance and has already made provision…we just have to believe the provision is there for us and then receive that provision by faith.”

Genesis 22 is the story of Abraham and his son Isaac after God asked Abraham to offer Isaac, his long awaited son conceived by faith, as a sacrifice. In obedience to God; Abraham took his son and ascended the mountain to offer his son to God as God had instructed. Remember, following the instructions of God leads us to our next miracle! Even as Abraham was climbing the mountain he was still speaking faith, “Wait here” he said to his servants, “the lad and I will go worship and return to you again.” What a powerful declaration of faith and trust in God! As Isaac is tied to the altar he asks his dad about the sacrifice. Abraham’s response, “My son God will provide…” Wow! You know the rest of the story. As Abraham was about to offer his son as a sacrifice the angel of the Lord stopped him and when Abraham looked up there was a ram caught in the thicket that became the offered sacrifice.

Then the scripture says Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah Jireh which means, “the Lord will provide”! Yes, He will provide for us too! Friends, just as God provided for Abraham He will provide for us! Maybe things have gotten a little tight because of the current challenge. Maybe you have lost your paycheck or your retirement savings has declined…be like Abraham and say out loud, “The Lord will provide.” He is our source! He knows what we need today, tomorrow, next week, next year and always. He has already made provision for us. Also read Matthew 6:30-33. Our today’s, tomorrow’s and our futures couldn’t be in better hands.

Jehovah Nissi

In Exodus 17:8-15, we learn about Jehovah Nissi! Nissi as we were taught in Sunday school means banner, a flag, a pole, a signal or a standard…as in standard bearer. It also means to lift up as an ensign.

In reality it means -Victory in Defeated Places! This name Jehovah Nissi is the true banner under which we obtain victory in our lives. This is an important aspect of Jehovah that we need to become very familiar with. God is revealing to us in this name an aspect of Himself that enables us to walk in victory, even if we feel defeated by our circumstances or situation.

If you remember the story when Moses’ hands were raised, the battle went Israel’s way. When Moses’ hands were down, the battle went the enemy’s way. What an example this is for us! If we will learn to lift our hands in worship to God, even in our defeated places, our banner, Jehovah Nissi will go to work on our behalf and the tide of the battle will turn from defeat to victory.

It’s also important to note that it’s not easy to lift up that banner alone. Sometimes we need the help and support of others to “lift up our hands” when we are in a battle and feeling defeated. Moses found victory…only with the help of others! As I explained earlier one of the words for banner is the word standard. In the Hebrew it is the word (noos) and it means to deliver or to put to flight. Read and study Psalm 60:4 and Isaiah 59:19

Jehovah Nissi is our Deliverer who puts the enemy to flight. He that has delivered in the past still delivers today! Will you believe God for your victory today?

Jehovah Shalom

Judges 6:24…(read Judges 6 today), Jehovah Shalom. The Lord is Peace! He doesn’t just give peace…He is our peace! Peace…(eirene)…peace, rest in contrast to strife, denoting an absence or end of strife. It speaks about a state of untroubled, undisturbed well-being. Peace of mind is a real problem today. Many people don’t have the peace of God that brings wholeness and soundness of mind, they depend on medications, counselors and psychiatrists in an attempt to get the peace that only Jesus can give them…and with Jesus it’s free.

Jehovah Shalom appears on the scene because the children of Israel were living in a constant state of fear. (sound familiar) The Midianites, a once defeated enemy, had reemerged and begun plundering Israel. Gideon was concerned about the assignment that the Lord had given him. He felt overwhelmed, worried, stressed out and under qualified. Fear set in! The angel of the Lord spoke to him, “peace be unto you, fear not.” When Gideon realized he had heard from the Lord he built an altar of worship and called it Jehovah-Shalom…a tribute and reminder of the Lord’s provision and promise of peace.

Jehovah-Shalom comes from the root word Shalam…which means to be whole, to be sound, to be safe. It means to live in harmony with God, to make secure or to be peaceful. It also means to be friendly or make a friend. The principal meaning of Shalam is completion and fulfillment. It is the desirable state of wholeness in which relationships are restored. Another word that comes from Shalam and is Shalom. Shalom means health, security, tranquility and welfare. It also means well, whole, secure, safe, peaceful and happy. Man do we need that today!

Shalom is a satisfied condition and an unconcerned state of peace. It implies a sense of well-being and is a harmonious state of mind and soul both internally and externally. Shalom implies the absence of strife but is so much more as it expresses completeness, harmony and wholeness.

Even in this season of pandemic, isolation and fear we can have peace. Not peace as the world gives but the kind of peace that only Jehovah Shalom can give. After all, Isaiah 9:6… reminds us that He is the Prince of Peace! He doesn’t just bring peace…He is peace…He is our peace and can be counted on to meet the greatest need in man…peace with God and peace with self. Romans 15:33…Now the God of Peace be with you all…Amen!

Jehovah Tsidkenu

Jeremiah 23:5,6 and Jeremiah 33:16…Jehovah Tsidkenu…the Lord our Righteousness is not one of the Jehovah names that we hear much about but it is a name that is very important to us.

When this prophesy was released; Israel was in a spiritually dark place. In that place God used this word as a sign to Israel to show them that even in the dark times their righteousness was not about them but that He, God, was about to raise up a righteous king and He would be called the Lord Our Righteousness. He gave them a word of hope!

Righteousness is a character trait and attribute of God. It is defined as the quality of being right or just. Isaiah 64:6 – reminds us that our righteousness is as filthy rags. But, Isaiah 61:10 – reminds us that we have been clothed with the garments of salvation and covered by His robe of righteousness. It is not possible for us to say that we have any righteousness apart from God! Without Jehovah Tsidkenu we remain lost in our own unrighteousness. Thank God that is not the case and we don’t have to remain in that place!

The understanding of this name is so critically important to us. The enemy is always reminding us of our sin, faults and shortcomings and our tendency is to agree with the enemy and beat ourselves up over the sin or mistake we made. Has that ever happened to you or am I the only one? No matter how hard we try there is nothing we can do to become righteous. Our righteousness is totally and completely dependent on God. We are righteous because of Jesus and when we fully understand that it will change our lives forever. We will walk in a freedom that few really experience. We must stop agreeing with our enemy, stop condemning ourselves, stop beating ourselves up with guilt and shame over our past mistakes and come into agreement with God and what He says about us.

We are partakers of His divine nature! He is our Righteousness! He has taken our sin and in exchange given to us His Righteousness; therefore we are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus! Will you accept the truth that you are the righteousness of God today?

Jun '19

Psalm 91

Posted on Jun 30, 2019 | Devotions 4600

Jun '19

By Minister

Dawn Dell

Psalm 91

Verse 1: Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

Take lengthy residence up (not temporary) and live

Verse 2: I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

To be under that shadow is a decision. Decide to look at the fruit in my life. Sound was first. Say: to declare, to promise, to speak out of your heart and comes out of your mouth- The Lord is the strength of my life, my refuge, and my fortress. Say to the mountain be thou removed from my life. Speak to it. After I decide, after I dwell, and after I say; #3 will happen.

Verse 3: Surely He will save you from the Fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence.

Save you. To snatch, to rescue, to escape. A snare, a trap sent, anything that will cause you to fall into a dangerous place. Hold your peace and He will fight for you.

Verse 4: He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

Proverbs 6:2 The Bible says you are snared by the words of your mouth.

Verse 5: You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day,

1 John 1:3 says everyone who sins, misses the mark. The power of sin has been legally broken, but we are still tempted. There is the pride of life, the lust of the flesh and the love of the world. In Luke 22:31, it says Satan has desired to sift you like wheat. Satan has come to bring a lawsuit against you. He has an open door by the words of our mouth. After we miss the mark, if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9. Hebrews 4:1 says we are able to come to the throne of grace and mercy.

Verse 6: Nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.

I repent because my testimony doesn’t look good right now. I repent because I have let You down! I repent because I offended you. I plead guilty.

Verse 7: A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.

Allow the transformation of Your life into my mind, my will and my emotions! The enemy needs your words, your will, your voice, and your life to be able to be in agreement with his plan to defeat you! Don’t let your words condemn you!

Verse 8: You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.

Exodus 14: 18 says, The voice of a stranger is pressure on your flesh. We do not follow the voice of the stranger. He has no power or authority. He is an illegal alien. We have all power and authority given to us!

Verse 9: If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling,

Stuck, trap. No way out. An impossible situation. Matthew says: By your words you are justified and by your words you are condemned. Tame your tongue! No blame, no complaining, call out to God! Shut your mouth! Say The Lord is my refuge!

Verse 10: No harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent.

The angels hearken to the voice of the Lord not the voice of complaining! The Lord will fight for you; you only need to be still!

Verse 11: For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;

If you harden your hearts it will bring you to a wrong decision. The greatest glory you can give to God is to allow Him to do the impossible! Trusting Him, make the devil pay for what he thinks he’s gonna defeat YOU with.

Verse 12: They will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

He is the High Priest of our confession!

Verse 13: You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

Jesus will defend you! It’s Jesus!

Verse 14: “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges My name.

Matthew 12:34 says You (the righteous man), bring out of your mouth what is stored up in him.

Verse 15: He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.

1 Timothy 2:8. says Lift up holy hands without wrath, anger and doubting. When you are caught, confess it, humble yourself, repent and shut up and see God the just judge work on your behalf.

Verse 16: “With long life I will satisfy him and show him My salvation.”

Psalm 91: We have escaped! Be hidden in God. He will save, rescue and deliver me from the Fowler’s snare!!!! You will observe and see the punishment of the wicked. Psalm 91:1-16

Aug '18

Love Is A Force

Posted on Aug 5, 2018 | Devotions 4730

Aug '18

By Pastor

Lucy Sebastian

Love is an act of service! Be grateful!
Being grateful begins when our sense of entitlement ends!

The Bible tells us, “Be devoted to one another with [authentic] brotherly affection [as members of one family], give preference to one another in honor; never lagging behind in diligence; aglow in the Spirit, enthusiastically serving the Lord; constantly rejoicing in hope [because of our confidence in Christ], steadfast and patient in distress, devoted to prayer [continually seeking wisdom, guidance, and strength], contributing to the needs of God’s people, pursuing [the practice of] hospitality.” Romans 12:10-13

A sacrifice is an act of offering something precious. Malachi 3:13

With what shall I come before the Lord [to honor Him] And bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, With yearling calves? Will the Lord be delighted with thousands of rams, Or with ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I present my firstborn for my acts of rebellion, The fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you Except to be just, and to love [and to diligently practice] kindness (compassion), And to walk humbly with your God [setting aside any overblown sense of importance or self-righteousness]? Micah 6:6-8

Narcissism is all about me! Don’t be narcissistic.

Honor is something that I give – not something that I get!

Love is a force!
Look at each person and the see the unfolding destiny in their life!

Bless them in their hearts. Don’t assume people know what you know about God. They know what they have seen, what they have heard, and what has been been spoken to them. People should feel God when you’re in their presence!

That’s why its so important to watch your gates! Your eye gates, your ear gates, and your mouth gate.

The glory of God is in you! I have a gift of love inside me and so do you!

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is within you, whom you have [received as a gift] from God, and that you are not your own [property]? 1 Corinthians 6:19

I am not my own.

Depend on God – Ask God to show you where to go, what to say, what to hear and who to talk to.

Plan and practice joy!

Feb '18