Sunday's Word

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.

1 Peter 1:3-9 (MSG)

Thursday's Word

 If with heart and soul you’re doing good, do you think you can be stopped? Even if you suffer for it, you’re still better off. Don’t give the opposition a second thought. Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you’re living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy. Keep a clear conscience before God so that when people throw mud at you, none of it will stick. They’ll end up realizing that they’re the ones who need a bath. It’s better to suffer for doing good, if that’s what God wants, than to be punished for doing bad. That’s what Christ did definitively: suffered because of others’ sins, the Righteous One for the unrighteous ones. He went through it all—was put to death and then made alive—to bring us to God.

1 Peter 3:15 (The Message)

War

 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.

Matthew 24:6

God's Word for Thursday, 27JAN22

 God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no weekend war that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels. Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.

Ephesians 6:12-13 (The Message)

Our Presidential Heritage

It is always great to reflect on the influence God has had on the founding and growth of America. Though revisionists try to erase God from our history, as Founding Father John Adams so plainly stated, “Facts are stubborn things.”

Today we celebrate this godly heritage and ask God to once again give us leaders who revere and honor Him. He has offered us mercy and deliverance from the powers of darkness that have ruled our nation for several decades, and we stand on His gracious promise. We also ask Him to give us righteous leaders in government, leaders who will honor Him, our heritage, and life.

The remainder of today’s post is just a few of the hundreds of quotes from previous Presidents, stating their faith in God, respect for His Word (the Bible), and honor of Christ and Christianity. Enjoy! 

~ Dutch Sheets

“It is impossible to rightly govern a nation without God and the Bible." George Washington

“The propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right, which Heaven itself has ordained." George Washington

“We recognize no sovereign but God, and no King but Jesus!" John Adams

“I consider a decent respect for Christianity among the best recommendations for public service.” John Adams

“The reason that Christianity is the best friend of government is because Christianity is the only religion that changes the heart." Thomas Jefferson

“The Bible is the first and almost the only book deserving of universal attention." John Quincy Adams

“My custom is to read four or five chapters of the Bible every morning immediately after rising. It seems to me the most suitable manner of beginning the day. It is an invaluable and inexhaustible mine of knowledge and virtue." John Quincy Adams

“We have staked the whole future of American civilization not on the power of government, far from it. We have staked the whole of our political institutions upon the capacity of mankind for self-government, upon the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves according to the commandments of God. The future and success of America are not in this Constitution, but in the laws of God upon which this Constitution is founded.” James Madison

“Finally, it is my most fervent prayer to that Almighty Being before whom I now stand, and who has kept us in His hands from the infancy of our Republic unto the present day, that He will so overrule all my intentions and actions and inspire the hearts of my fellow-citizens that we may be preserved from dangers of all kinds and continue forever a united and happy people.” Andrew Jackson

“We have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand, which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us, and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us." Abraham Lincoln

“I am profitably engaged in reading the Bible. Take all of this Book upon reason that you can, and the balance by faith, and you will live and die a better man." Abraham Lincoln

“All must admit that the reception of the teachings of Christ results in the purest patriotism, in the most scrupulous fidelity to public trust, and in the best type of citizenship." Grover Cleveland

“Before any man can be considered as a member of civil society, he must be considered as a subject of the Governor of the Universe. And to the same Divine Author of every good and perfect gift we are indebted for all those privileges and advantages, religious as well as civil, which are so richly enjoyed in this favored land." James Monroe

“A thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education." Theodore Roosevelt

“The foundations of our society and our government rest so much on the teachings of the Bible that it would be difficult to support them if faith in these teachings would cease to be practically universal in our country." Calvin Coolidge

“The study of the Bible is a post-graduate course in the richest library of human experience." Herbert Hoover

“The rights of man come not from the generosity of the state but from the hand of God." John F. Kennedy

“You can’t divorce religious belief and public service. . . I’ve never detected any conflict between God’s will and my political duty. If you violate one, you violate the other.” James Earl Carter, Jr.

“We asked for God’s help; and now, in this shining outcome, in this magnificent triumph of good over evil, we should thank God.” George H. W. Bush

“Each day millions of our citizens approach our Maker on bended knee, seeking His grace and giving thanks for the many blessings He bestows upon us." George W Bush

“Of the many influences that have shaped the United States into a distinctive nation and people, none may be said to be more fundamental and enduring than the Bible." Ronald Reagan

“If we ever forget that we are one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under." Ronald Reagan

Pray with me:

Father, it is an indescribable privilege to be part of a nation raised up by You to propagate the gospel of Your kingdom. You birthed America, and You have prospered and blessed us beyond measure. Our Founders knew You were involved in our formation; they knew and honored You as the only King. They worshiped You, honored Your Word, and believed in Your Son, Jesus Christ. And they led from “servant hearts” and unselfish motivations.

America now has many leaders who do not know You, do not respect You, and do not want You honored in our nation. They do not honor Your principles in Scripture, do not honor life, and many have become fools. They have led America down a path of rebellion and wickedness. Like the prodigal in Scripture, we have squandered our inheritance and wasted it on sin and selfish desires.

But also like the prodigal, we believe in Your mercy. We believe in the power of the shed blood of Jesus. We believe it cleanses us from all sin and unrighteousness. And we believe in restoration. We believe that You are restoring America to You and to our calling. We place our faith in nothing but Your blood and grace and, because of them, we boldly declare, “America shall be saved!”

Our decree:

We decree that America shall once again have a God-honoring person as our President, and a Congress led by a majority who love God and His ways.

Copyright © 2022 Dutch Sheets Ministries, All rights reserved.

Sunday's Word

 If you don’t know what you’re doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You’ll get his help, and won’t be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who “worry their prayers” are like wind-whipped waves. Don’t think you’re going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open.

James 1:5 (The Message)

Friday's Instruction

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.

Galatians 6:7-8 (NKJV)

Wednesday Words

Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

Matthew 7:13-14 (NKJV)

Monday 17JAN22

 Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

Philippians 2:14-16 (KJV)

God's Word for Saturday, 15JAN22

 So roll up your sleeves, put your mind in gear, be totally ready to receive the gift that’s coming when Jesus arrives. Don’t lazily slip back into those old grooves of evil, doing just what you feel like doing. You didn’t know any better then; you do now. As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God’s life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. God said, “I am holy; you be holy.”

(1 Peter 1:15-16 MSG)

God's Word for Monday, 5 JUL 21

 And in that day shall ye say, Praise the Lord, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.

Isaiah 12:4 (King James Version)

Joyfully you’ll pull up buckets of water from the wells of salvation. And as you do it, you’ll say, “Give thanks to God. Call out his name. Ask him anything! Shout to the nations, tell them what he’s done, spread the news of his great reputation!

Isaiah 12:4 (The Message)

God's Word for Monday, 21JUN21

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

Psalm 91:1 (King James Version)

You who sit down in the High God’s presence, spend the night in Shaddai’s shadow, Say this: “God, you’re my refuge. I trust in you and I’m safe!” That’s right—he rescues you from hidden traps, shields you from deadly hazards. 

Psalm 91:1 (The Message)

God's Word for 10JUN21

 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

Colossians 3:13 (King James Version)

So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.

Colossians 3:13 (The Message)

Matthew 7:13-14

 Don’t look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don’t fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires total attention. (MSG)

God's Word for Friday, 04JUN21

Thine, O Lord is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all.

1 Chronicles 29:11 (King James Version)

David blessed God in full view of the entire congregation: Blessed are you, God of Israel, our father from of old and forever. To you, O God, belong the greatness and the might, the glory, the victory, the majesty, the splendor; Yes! Everything in heaven, everything on earth; the kingdom all yours! You’ve raised yourself high over all. Riches and glory come from you, you’re ruler over all; You hold strength and power in the palm of your hand to build up and strengthen all. And here we are, O God, our God, giving thanks to you, praising your splendid Name.

1 Chronicles 29:11 (The Message)

The Advantage

“It is to your advantage that I leave,” Jesus told His disciples (John 16:7). Can you imagine a more ridiculous sounding statement? They had traveled with Him for three years, listening to Him expound on life, the ways of God, and the kingdom of heaven. His words carried such wisdom and authority that even His enemies said of Him, “Never has a man spoken in the way this man speaks” (John 7:46).

The disciples had watched Him cure blind eyes, open deaf ears, heal paralytics, cleanse lepers and raise the dead. Once when He needed money, He procured it from the mouth of a fish. On another occasion, when He needed to cross a lake and didn't have a boat handy, He simply walked on the water. And when storms tried to mess with Him, He knocked the wind out of them with the power of His words.

Then, He has the audacity to tell these men, “I'm going to leave you, and it's for your own good.” One can only imagine the shock and disbelief of the disciples. It wasn't completely unheard of for Him to shock them with His statements. "You'll have to eat My body and drink My blood," He said to a large crowd on one occasion. Keep in mind these people didn't go to church every week and partake of Communion. They had no idea what He was talking about, and several of His followers left Him over it.

A short while before this preposterous "it's better for you that I leave" statement, Jesus was at it again, telling them things they wouldn't understand until later. This time He was waxing eloquent about heaven:

"In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way where I am going." (John 14:2-4)

At this point in His homily, Thomas - thank God for Thomas - spoke up and said what they were all thinking: "We don't have the slightest idea what you're talkin' about" (v. 5, Sheets' paraphrase). Jesus didn't seem too bothered by it and carried on with His speech.

Not understanding the "heavenly homes" statement is one thing, the disciples probably thought, we'll just trust Him on that one. But this leaving business was different. Leaving? Better? I don't think so.

What did Christ mean when He said, "It is to your advantage that I go away"? Two understandings will help us. The first has to do with his choice of the word advantage, or as the King James Version says, "expedient". The Greek word is sumphero, which means "to bring together.” Since bringing right things or people together produces benefits or an advantage, the word was used for the concept of expediency or gaining an advantage.

Christ was telling His disciples, "My departure will cause a new connection to take place for you. This 'bringing together' will be of great benefit to you, more so than even My physical presence."

The second piece of information that brings enlightenment to Christ's words is an awareness of who He was going to connect the disciples with: Holy Spirit. Why would this relationship be so advantageous? Because Holy Spirit would be with them in spirit form, not in a flesh-and-blood body as Christ had been, and could be everywhere at once. He could actually be "in" them, not just "with" them (John 14:17).

I don't believe many people come anywhere close to grasping this revelation at its fullness. God is in us. Yahweh, the Almighty, Everlasting God, the I AM - that God is inside us. What might we be like if we could only receive a full revelation of this? Perhaps we would become "little Christs", which is the meaning of the word Christian. Could it be that Christ's own words concerning us doing the same things He did would be fulfilled? Would we be miracle workers, life transformers, fearless, completely unselfish, and always led by Holy Spirit? Would we walk in perfect love? As staggering as these things seem, I believe we would.

Read what two leading Christian voices of our day wrote concerning Holy Spirit. Jack Hayford says of Him:

“It is the Spirit who keeps the word alive, and progressively being ‘incarnated’ in me…
It is the Spirit who infuses prayer and praise with passion and begets vital faith for the supernatural.
It is the Spirit who teaches and instructs me so that the "mirror" of the word shines Jesus in and crowds sin out…
It is the Spirit who will bring love, graciousness, and a spirit of unity to my heart; so that I not only love the lost and want to see people brought to Christ, but I love all other Christians, and refuse to become an instrument of injury to Christ's body - the church.”1

The late Bill Bright, founder of Campus Crusade for Christ, states it this way:
“He guides us (John 1:13), empowers us (Micah 3:8), and makes us holy (Romans 15:16). He bears witness in our lives (Romans 8:16), comforts us (John 14:16-26), gives us joy (Romans 14:17)...
As our teacher of spiritual truths, the Holy Spirit illuminates our minds with insight into the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:12-13) and reveals to us the hidden things of God (Isaiah 40:13-14)...
As you are filled with the Holy Spirit, the Bible becomes alive, prayer becomes vital, your witness becomes effective, and obedience becomes a joy. Then, as a result of your obedience in these areas, your faith grows and you become more mature in your spiritual life.” 2

Great stuff. Holy Spirit is all of this and more. He was Christ's Helper and He must be ours, as well. As a human, Jesus was filled with, led by, empowered by, and anointed by the Holy Spirit (see Luke 4). Acts 10:38 also tells us Christ derived His power and anointing from Holy Spirit. This very same Holy Spirit resides in us and wants to be our source of power and strength. But so often we don't make the connection, not allowing His power to flow.

In a seminary missions class, Herbert Jackson told how, as a new missionary, he was assigned a car that would not start without a push. After pondering his problem, he devised a plan. He went to the school near his home, got permission to take some children out of class, and had them push his car off. As he made his rounds, he would either park on a hill or leave his car running. He used this ingenious procedure for two years. Ill health forced the Jackson family to leave, and a new missionary came to that station. When Jackson proudly began to explain his arrangement for getting the car started, the new man began looking under the hood. Before the explanation was complete, the new missionary interrupted, "Why, Dr. Jackson, I believe the only trouble is this loose cable." He gave the cable a twist, stepped into the car, pushed the switch, and to Jackson's astonishment, the engine roared to life. For two years needless trouble had become routine. The power was there all the time. Only a loose connection kept Jackson from putting the power to work. 3

J.B. Phillips paraphrases Ephesians 1:19-20, "How tremendous is the power available to us who believe in God." When we make firm our connection with Holy Spirit, His life and power flow through us. Don't waste this amazing help.

Second Corinthians 13:14 says, "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all." The term “fellowship” is from koinonia and is rich with meaning, revealing some of what the Holy Spirit wants to be in our lives. The following English words are all translations of koinonia:

Fellowship - Holy Spirit wants to visit with us.
Communion - Holy Spirit wants to commune with us.
Sharing together - Holy Spirit wants to share his insights and power with us.
Participation in or with - Holy Spirit wants to participate in our efforts and activities.
Distribution - Holy Spirit wants to distribute revelation, gifts, anointings, and blessings to us.
Impart - Holy Spirit wants to impart God's nature and benefits to us.
Partaking - Holy Spirit wants us to partake of His anointing and life.
Partnership - Holy Spirit wants to partner with us.
Companionship - Holy Spirit wants the pleasure of your company.

"May the koinonia of the Holy Spirit be with you."

What a loaded statement. We are told in Proverbs that God wants an "intimate" relationship with us (3:32), not a superficial one. Psalm 25:14 says, "The secret of the Lord is for those who fear Him, and He will make them know His covenant." Secret and intimate are translated from the same Hebrew word, cowd, which means "couch, cushion, or pillow". The picture is one of two intimate friends seated on a couch; or perhaps a wife and husband sharing a pillow, enjoying the pleasure of one another's company.

Holy Spirit wants that kind of relationship with you - get to know Him!

Pray with me:

Thank you, Father, that after Your Son Jesus' time on earth, You sent us another Helper - Yourself in Holy Spirit form - to dwell not just among but within us. His indwelling was given to guide us as we steward the great victory that Jesus won.

Holy Spirit, we want to experience all of who You are and what You do. We don't simply want to know of You; we desire to have You alive and active in every part of our speech, actions, and thoughts. We want to manifest the empowerment for Christ-likeness and kingdom advancement You bring.

Holy Spirit, You're also the connection to sweet communion with the Father, further glimpses of God's depths, and doing greater works than Jesus did. Help us to receive a full revelation of how we can be led by You in every way. Open the scriptures and position our hearts to understand koinonia with You. We request the pleasure of Your company.


Watch prayer here:https://youtu.be/QNu-V2heSj8

_____________________________
Jack W. Hayford, The Power and Blessing: Celebrating the Disciples of Spirit-Filled Living (Colorado Springs: Victor Books, 1994), p 21, quoted in Robert Heidler, Experiencing The Spirit (Ventura, CA: Renew Books, 1998), p 34.
Bill Bright, The Holy Spirit (San Bernardino, CA: Here’s Life Publishers, 1980), p 116, p 121, quoted in Robert Heidler, Experiencing the Spirit (Ventura, CA: Renew Books, 1998), p 35.

Craig Brian Larson, Illustrations for Preaching and Teaching (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1993), p 182.

~ Dutch Sheets

God's Word for Wednesday, 26 MAY 21

 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

John 3:17 (King James Version)

God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again.

John 3:17 (The Message)

God's Word: the Recompense

(Note: if this passage seems strange or without context, just keep an eye on the news. ~ Paul)

And I will feed them that oppress thee with their own flesh; and they shall be drunken with their own blood, as with sweet wine: and all flesh shall know that I the Lord am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob.

Isaiah 49:26 KJV

And your enemies, crazed and desperate, will turn on themselves,
    killing each other in a frenzy of self-destruction.
Then everyone will know that I, God,
    have saved you—I, the Mighty One of Jacob.

Isaiah 49:26 MSG

God's Word for Sunday, 02 MAY 21

And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

1 John 5:14-15 (King James Version)

My purpose in writing is simply this: that you who believe in God’s Son will know beyond the shadow of a doubt that you have eternal life, the reality and not the illusion. And how bold and free we then become in his presence, freely asking according to his will, sure that he’s listening. And if we’re confident that he’s listening, we know that what we’ve asked for is as good as ours.

1 John 5:14-15 (The Message)

God's Word for Monday, 26 APR 21

 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

Hebrews 7:25 (King James Version)

Earlier there were a lot of priests, for they died and had to be replaced. But Jesus’ priesthood is permanent. He’s there from now to eternity to save everyone who comes to God through him, always on the job to speak up for them.

Hebrews 7:25 (The Message)