Month: November 2023

A QUICK GUIDE TO MIRACLES – The Key To The Mountain – Chapter 5

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

A Quick Guide to Miracles

– Chapter 5 –

The Mountain

Mark 11:23

Mark 11:22, “And Jesus answered, saying to them, “Have faith in God. Verse 23. “Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea, ’and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it will be granted him.

Verse 24. “Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you.

Verse 25. “Whenever you stand praying forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions. Verse 26. “But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your transgressions.”

We have just discussed Faith in the previous chapter. And once again, Jesus reminds us that we must have faith! Jesus remarks turn serious with the word “Truly I say…” which literally means “Amen”. It comes from the Hebrew word for “believe”, or faithful. Thus, it came to mean “sure” or “truly,” an expression of absolute trust and confidence.

Now, Jesus tells us that we must speak our faith. When Jesus says “Whoever says” means that our words are to affirm over, to point out with our words and to call by name.

Next, Jesus says we are to speak “And do not doubt” which means we are to make a decision, a distinction, and be at odds with doubt. We are to pronounce our decision and contend as a warrior and combatant of faith!

Jesus continues with this astounding statement, “but believe that what you say is going to happen, it will be granted you”.

Many educated religious people will try to convince you that this is not so. That Jesus did not mean what He just said. They will contend that Jesus was referring to Himself or they will place barriers of “depending on God’s will” to obscure of these plain Words of Jesus.

But, the Truth is out. Jesus said what He meant and meant every Word of what He said.

Jesus concludes with the “Key of Keys”. He says, “Whenever you stand praying, forgive…”

When Jesus said to “stand praying”, He was literally saying to stand firm and to persist; to keep on standing, immovable and firm, being of a steadfast mind, do not hesitate and do not waiver. And, again, I say STAND!

And, finally, “FORGIVE”. This requires that we separate ourselves from the past. It is the ONLY WAY we can move forward with God, in His Kingdom, and see His Miracles occur.

One of my favorite quotes says, “Resentment, the need for revenge, hurt, pride, arrogance and the lot, are the possessions which keep us chained to the rock of suffering, want and of lack, which is our exile from God.”

We must allow God to break these chains, and we must cast them off.

So, how do we utilize the Key of the Mountain?

ACTION POINT

In order to see the Miracle of Moving the Mountain,

    • Have faith in God – Just GO and DO!
    • Speak words of victory over the mountain, (literally)
    • Do not doubt in your heart,
    • Believe that what you say is going to happen,
    • Ask and believe that you have received what you have asked for,
    • Stand praying
    • Forgive, if you have anything against anyone

John 14:12 “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father. Verse 13. “Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. Verse 14. “If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.”

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

NEXT:  A QUICK GUIDE TO MIRACLES – The Key Of The Works – Chapter 6. (coming soon – please bookmark this page or subscribe for future episodes.)

PREVIOUS:  A QUICK GUIDE TO MIRACLES – The Key To The Mustard Seed – Chapter 4.

 

 

JUST TRYING TO MAKE OUR WAY – THE SOURCE

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

JUST TRYING TO MAKE OUR WAY – THE SOURCE

We, that is, all of us, are just trying to make our way. And most of us know the difficulties we will face every single day. Most of us put on a brave face and try to muster hope as we struggle to get through this life. There are a few of the privileged who don’t deal with or worry about such things, but even they will face the ultimate test – and they know it – as we all know it. The question that remains is HOW? How or what is the best way to move forward? How are we to successfully proceed in life? Which way will give us the most safety, sanctuary and some modicum of peace and success?

We Live In A Jungle

A cursory look at history will tell you about the wild swings between humanity’s proclivity for savagery toward one another and brief attempts at civility, decency and peace. I would suggest that reading a contemporary worldview (anything less than several thousand years old) of how to attain or achieve peace among people would be very shortsighted and myopically flawed.

On the other hand, a credible source of immense value would be a study covering tens of thousands of years with the main stated goal of discovering and finding a way for humanity to live in a truly peaceful coexistence – as impossible as that sounds, that is such a ‘Source’.

This “Source” as I shall call it for now, has gained widespread attention and millions of adherents over the centuries seeking to appropriate the grand promises of peace, safety and health.

Unfortunately, it has been misused and abused by many so-called leaders and teachers for selfish and self-appointed reasons, which ended by largely discrediting this “source” and harming millions of people in the process.

These men and women who would interpret this “Source” by their own standards and frail human worldviews, will do so, sometimes out of sincerity, sometimes out of ignorance and sometimes for personal gain. Whether it is for financial, political or social advantage, some will deliberately twist the teachings of this “Source” in an attempt to appeal to the masses while hiding their selfish, ignorant or dark agenda.

This ‘Source’ has been physically traced back over 2,700 years by ardent and dedicated followers and disciples of the “Source’, and the history recorded in these scribe’s and disciple’s writings has shown that when the principles and teachings of the ‘Source’have been correctly understood, applied and followed, success in terms of peaceful coexistence, material and financial success, social and racial integration, political and geopolitical, religious, educational and health reason have seen remarkable advances.

This “Source”, as you may or may not have guessed, transcends the physical and psychological realms and originates in the unseen spiritual world. This ‘Source’ is not from some ‘spooky, hocus-pocus world’, but is from the realm of what is known as the Kingdom of Heaven – the Kingdom of God.

Let there be no mistake, however. Simply reading, knowing and applying principles is not enough. It takes complete submission and surrender of one’s own attitudes, ways and even one’s own life to gain entrance to this Kingdom – this Realm.

Jesus said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God”. (John 3:5)

Again, the Bible in Galatians 5:19-21 says, “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

This is a Realm that benefits every person who believes in “The Source”, which is Jesus Christ and the written version, which is the Bible. It is found by the earnest seeker, by their faith, that He exists and is willing to follow and obey His teachings.

“There is a way that that seems right, but in the end leads to death”, (Proverbs 14:12).

The Bible is clear that a person must not change ‘one dot or iota’ of its teachings and fully receive the promised results. These teachings are really instructions on a way of thinking, acting and living. They must be followed, by faith, first in Christ Jesus, then in the way they are written and spoken.

It should be said that the results gained may come instantly for a few, but for most the results will manifest over a longer period of time.

You see, the main objective is not in the ‘getting of the promises’ but the primary outcome is to prepare you, the waiting recipient, to be able to receive the promises.

Unless one is properly grounded in faith and in mature spiritual humility, they cannot possibly receive all that God has promised. God is a gracious, loving and forgiving God, but He will not be fooled. Your commitment to Him must be genuine.

(Please note that this is not a ‘system, a procedure or a formula’. There is nothing magic. This is about becoming a child of God, and He will make you a brother, a friend and a joint-heir of Jesus Christ – provided for by a loving Father.)

It Is Not About Gratification – It Is About Sanctification

Again, the getting and receiving from God, Who is The Source of all things, is not the main point in successfully living your life. Receiving the promises and gifts of God are merely a means to aid you as you travel your brief time on this earth.

It is vital to know that by way of your life’s journey, you are either being made into the image of Christ, (Who is the perfect and exact representation of the Father), or you are perishing.

It is by seeking and following Him that you are being prepared – made suitable and ready – for a home which the Lord has prepared for you ahead of time. A home where you can spend all eternity with Him, in a wonderful and remarkable new heaven and new earth.

Now it is your turn: THINK.

Are you the one who says, “I am not here for a long time. I am only here for a good time!”

Or, are you the one who says, “I will be here for a short time – and the best of time is yet to come!”

So, should you ‘pay now’ and get the greatest of rewards, or squander your time now and lose it all?

Please, please, please dear friend. Choose wisely and join The Rising! You have heard it before: Jesus is The Only Way, The Life and The Source. Run to Him. Collapse in His Arms. Give yourself over to Him. He is eagerly waiting for you.

Your Brother and Friend in Christ,

Mike Young

A QUICK GUIDE TO MIRACLES – The Key To The Mustard Seed – Chapter 4

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

A Quick Guide to Miracles

– Chapter 4 –

The Mustard Seed

Matthew 7:20

Matthew 7:20 “And He said to them, “Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.”

Obviously Jesus starts contrasting something very small, such as a mustard seed, to something very large, a mountain, and something as powerful as moving that mountain.

The interesting thing here is that Jesus is doing more than simply comparing ideas or images. He is helping us understand that we only need faith – regardless of its size – to perform miracles, or better said, so He can perform a miracle through us.

His disciples asked Jesus to “Increase their faith”, but Jesus says, “…for truly I say to you, if you Have Faith…” and this is not a metaphor. But, it is a profound statement. You see, Jesus has always marveled when He found faith among people, because there is so little of it. But, when faith was found to be present, miracles happen.

“Truly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith with anyone in Israel.”

Luke 8:5 “And when Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, imploring Him, Verse 6, and saying, “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, fearfully tormented.” Verse 7. Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.” Verse 8. But the centurion said, “Lord, I am not worthy for You to come under my roof, but just say the word, and my servant will be healed. Verse 9. “For I also am a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to this one, ‘Go!’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes, and to my slave, ‘Do this!’ and he does it.” Verse 10. Now when Jesus heard this, He marveled and said to those who were following, “Truly I say to you, I have not found such great faith with anyone in Israel.”

“O woman, your faith is great; it shall be done for you as you wish.”

Matthew 15:25 “But she came and began to bow down before Him, saying, “Lord, help me!” 26And He answered and said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” 27But she said, “Yes, Lord; but even the dogs feed on the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.” 28Then Jesus said to her, “O woman, your faith is great; it shall be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed at once.

“Seeing their faith, He said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven you.”

Luke 5:20 “Seeing their faith, He said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven you.” Verse 21. The scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, “Who is this man who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?” Verse 22. But Jesus, aware of their reasoning, answered and said to them, “Why are you reasoning in your hearts? Verse 23. “Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins have been forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? Verse 24. “But, so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins,”—He said to the paralytic—“I say to you, get up, and pick up your stretcher and go home.” Verse 25. Immediately he got up before them, and picked up what he had been lying on, and went home glorifying God. Verse 26. They were all struck with astonishment and began glorifying God; and they were filled with fear, saying, “We have seen remarkable things today.”

“Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

Luke 7:48 “Then He said to her, “Your sins have been forgiven.” Verse 49. Those who were reclining at the table with Him began to say to themselves, “Who is this man who even forgives sins?” Verse 50. And He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

“And nothing will be impossible for you.”

Matthew 19:26 “And looking at them, Jesus said to them, “With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Jesus Spoke about faith throughout His time on earth. He taught on faith, He encouraged people to have faith, He marveled at those who had faith and He chastised His own disciples for their lack of faith. So, just how can you and I have the kind of faith Jesus teaches?

The very best example in the Bible, and the model which will “increase our faith” are found in the book of Matthew:

JESUS SENDS HIS TWELVE DISCIPLES

Matthew 10:1 “Jesus summoned His twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every kind of disease and every kind of sickness.

Verse 7. “And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’

Verse 8. “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give.

Verse 9. “Do not acquire gold, or silver, or copper for your money belts, Verse 10, or a bag for your journey, or even two coats, or sandals, or a staff; for the worker is worthy of his support. Verse 11. “And whatever city or village you enter, inquire who is worthy in it, and stay at his house until you leave that city. Verse 12. “As you enter the house, give it your greeting. Verse 13. “If the house is worthy, give it your blessing of peace. But if it is not worthy, take back your blessing of peace. Verse 14. “Whoever does not receive you, nor heed your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake the dust off your feet. Verse 15. “Truly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city.”

Now Jesus’ disciples have walked with Jesus and have heard His teaching and seen His miracles, and they have been sent to do His Works. You would expect great faith among His followers, right?

Matthew28:16 “But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated. Verse 17. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful.”

Do you see that? Jesus’ own disciples, who worshiped Him. Yet, “SOME WERE DOUBTFUL.” Doubt is a real faith killer. And, if we were honest, that is the #1 problem for all of us. So, what is the answer?

Matthew 28:18 “And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Verse 19. “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, Verse 20, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Jesus had taught His disciples, He had modeled faith to them and now He sends them. That’s right. Despite their doubt and lack of faith He sends them. HE SENDS THEM ANYWAY. And that is the answer. He sends us. We are to “GO”, and despite our doubt, we are to go anyway.

And notice, Jesus did not just say, “Go to Church” or go to or conferences or concerts or to Bible college, or seminary”. This is where most of us get hung up.

He tells us, His disciples, to go and make disciples, to baptize them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. He tells us to teach them to observe all that He commanded, and that He would with us until the end of this Age.

ACTION POINT

Now go. Go and…

    • Pray and make an opportunity to witness to someone.
    • Pray and make a disciple,
    • Pray and baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,
    • Pray and teach them to observe all that He commanded,
    • Pray and heal the sick,
    • Pray and raise the dead,
    • Pray and cleanse the lepers,
    • Pray and cast out demons.
    • Freely you received, freely give

ANYTHING LESS IS JUST RELIGION

John 14:12 “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father. Verse 13. “Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. Verse 14. “If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.”

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

NEXT:  A QUICK GUIDE TO MIRACLES – The Key To The Mountain – Chapter 5. (please bookmark this page or subscribe for future episodes.)

PREVIOUS:  A QUICK GUIDE TO MIRACLES – The Key To The Vine – Chapter 3.

 

IS CURRENT DAY ISRAEL the same as the BIBLICAL ANCIENT ISRAEL?

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

        IS CURRENT DAY ISRAEL the same as the BIBLICAL ANCIENT ISRAEL?          

There are many convincing and credible essays, sermons and commentaries asserting, or claiming, that ancient Israel is not the same – and cannot be equated with – the modern nation state and geographical land of Israel.

This can be, and is a controversial topic especially in light of world conditions and the appearance that we may be near the End of Days as spoken of in Bible Prophecy.

I believe these arguments which say modern Israel is not the same as Biblical ancient Israel are correct on many points. However, there is one glaring element that is being ignored which cannot and should never be ignored.(click green text for a detailed Bible reference): The destruction and restoration of Israel, as foretold in prophetic scriptures, which occurred, the first time in 586 B.C., (the destruction of the first Jewish Temple) and served a dual role as a foreshadowing of the destruction of the second Jewish Temple, which also serves as a foreshadowing of the rebuilding of a third temple which is neceeary for the ‘abomination of desolation’ to occur.

Then most importantly was the regathering of Jews from all over the world for the reconstitution of Israel as a nation within the boundaries of their ancient homeland, which occurred in 1948, IN JUST ONE DAY, as was also prophesied in  Isaiah 66:8.

(Please note: the colored text contains important links in the matters being put forward or you can read the reprint fronm Biblegateway.com at the end of this article.)

Regardless, neither a temple nor a geographic piece of land proves or disproves that ancient Israel is or is not the same as current day Israel. Besides no Temple, as of this date, has been rebuilt, but scriptures say it will be rebuilt, and when that  happens, according to the Bible, the sacrifices will be re-instituted and there is strong suggestion within scriptures that Israel (or at least a part of the population and government) will re-enter a covenant relationship with God – as it was with ancient Biblical Israel as the groundwork for the recognition of Jesus as the Messiah within Israel and the acceptance of the final covenant given by God through the Son.

I am saying that we are seeing the formative stages of (#1), Israel returning to a covenant relationship with God, (#2), the government of Israel will once again become a Covenantal theocracy, and (#3), the nation will come to recognize Jesus as their long awaited Messiah. It would seem this must occur to correctly set the state for the events of the coming Great and Terrible Day of the Lord and specifically the 3 ½ year period (the first half of the Great Tribulation period) prior to the 6th tribulation trumpet which will mark the second 3 ½ years of the Wrath of the Lamb, the blowing of the 7th tribulation trumpet followed by the pouring out of the wrath of the seven tribulation bowls.

Theologians and Bible teachers have often prematurely connected Bible prophecies to current day events, only to revise or recant their predictions as the day of fulfillment drew closer and more facts were known. And, I believe that is the case here.

These things are coming to pass. Where does Israel fit in? Is it just the ‘Bloodline Jews’ who are the Biblical Israel? Or is it the state Nation of Israel? Or is it the Spiritual Israel? Or is it all who have confessed the Name of Jesus and have been grafted into the Olive Tree?

Your Brother and Friend in Christ Jesus,

Mike Young

(I realize that this short essay needs additional citations, footnotes and references, which I have omitted for brevity, but are available upon request. If you have any comments or questions, please use the reply or comment box and let’s talk.

REPRINT of detailed information on the ‘final element’ proving that the ‘current-day Israel will be converted to a Covenantal Theocracy once again:

Taken from Biblegateway.com Ezekiel 36

The Mountains of Israel to Be Blessed

Ezekiel 36:1, “And you, son of man, prophesy to the mountains of Israel and say, ‘You mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord. verse 2 Thus says the Lord God, “Because the enemy has said of you, ‘Aha!’ and, ‘The ancient heights have become our property,’ verse 3 therefore prophesy and say, ‘Thus says the Lord God, “For good reason they have made you a desolation, and they crushed you from every side so that you would become a possession of the rest of the nations and you have become the talk and the whispering of the people.”’” verse 4 Therefore, O mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord God. Thus says the Lord God to the mountains and to the hills, to the ravines and to the valleys, to the desolate ruins and to the deserted cities which have become prey and a mockery to the rest of the nations which surround you, verse 5 therefore thus says the Lord God, “Most certainly in the fire of My jealousy (love for that which is Mine) I have spoken against the rest of the nations and against all Edom, who appropriated My land for themselves as a possession with wholehearted joy and with uttermost contempt, so that they might empty it out [and possess it] as prey.” verse 6 Therefore prophesy concerning the land of Israel and say to the mountains and to the hills, to the ravines and to the valleys, “Thus says the Lord God, ‘Behold, I have spoken in My jealousy (love for that which is Mine) and in My wrath because you have endured the [shameful] insults of the nations.’ verse 7 Therefore thus says the Lord God, ‘I have lifted up My hand and sworn [an oath] that the nations that are around you will themselves endure their [shameful] insults. verse 8 But you, O mountains of Israel, will put out your branches and bear your fruit to My people Israel; for they will soon come [home]. verse 9 For, behold, I am for you, and I will turn to you [in favor], and you shall be cultivated and sown. verse 10 I will multiply people on you, all the house of Israel, [indeed] all of it; the cities shall be inhabited and the ruins will be rebuilt. verse 11 I will multiply on you man and animal; and they will increase and be fruitful. And I will cause you to be inhabited as you were formerly, and I will do better [things] for you than at your beginning. Then you will know [with great confidence] that I am the Lord. verse 12 Yes, [O mountains of Israel] I will cause men—My people Israel—to walk on you and take possession of you, so that you will become their inheritance and never again bereave them of children.’

verse 13 “Thus says the Lord God, ‘Because they say to you, “You [O land] are a devourer of people and have bereaved your nation of children,” verse 14 therefore you will no longer devour people, and no longer bereave your nation of children,’ says the Lord God. verse 15 I will not let you hear insults from the nations anymore, nor will you bear disgrace from the peoples any longer, nor will you cause your nation to stumble [through idolatry] any longer,” says the Lord God.’”

verse 16 Moreover, the word of the Lord came to me, saying, verse 17 “Son of man, when the house of Israel was living in their own land, they defiled it by their [own] behavior and by their [idolatrous] actions. Their conduct before Me was like the uncleanness of a woman during her [physical] impurity. verse 18 So I poured out My wrath on them for the blood which they had shed on the land and because they had defiled it with their idols. verse 19 Also I scattered them among the nations and they were dispersed throughout the countries. I judged and punished them in accordance with their conduct and their [idolatrous] behavior. verse 20 When they came to the nations wherever they went, they profaned My holy name, because it was said of them, ‘These are the people of the Lord; yet they have come out of His land.’ verse 21 But I had concern for My holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the nations where they went.

Israel to Be Renewed for His Name’s Sake

verse 22 “Therefore say to the house of Israel, ‘Thus says the Lord God, “It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about to act, but for My holy name, which you have profaned among the nations where you went.verse 23 I will vindicate the holiness of My great name which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned among them. Then the nations will know [without any doubt] that I am the Lord,” says the Lord God, “when I prove Myself holy among you in their sight. verse 24 For I will [foot note a]take you from the nations and gather you from all the countries and bring you into your own land. verse 25 Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your uncleanness and from all your idols. verse 26 Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you, and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. verse 27 I will put my Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My ordinances and do them. verse 28 You will live in the land that I gave to your fathers; and you will be My people, and I will be your God. verse 29 I will also save you from all your uncleanness, and I will call for the grain and make it abundant, and I will not bring famine on you. verse 30 I will multiply the fruit of the tree and the produce of the field, so that you will not suffer again the disgrace of famine among the nations. verse 31 Then you will remember [clearly] your [own] evil ways and your deeds that were not good, and you will loathe yourselves in your own sight for your sins and for your outrageous atrocities. verse 32 I am not doing this for your sake,” says the Lord God. “Let that be known to you. Be ashamed and humiliated for your [wicked] ways, O house of Israel!”

verse 33 ‘Thus says the Lord God, “On the day that I cleanse you from all your sins I will also cause the cities [of Israel] to be inhabited, and the ruins will be rebuilt. verse 34 The desolate land will be cultivated instead of being a desolation in the sight of everyone who passes by. verse 35 Then they will say, ‘This land that was deserted and desolate has become like the garden of Eden; and the waste, desolate, and ruined cities are fortified and inhabited.’ verse 36 Then the nations that are left around you will know that I the Lord have rebuilt the ruined places and planted that which was desolate. I the Lord have spoken, and will do it.”

verse 37 ‘Thus says the Lord God, “This too I will let the house of Israel ask Me to do for them: I will increase their people like a flock. verse 38 Like the flock for sacrifices, like the flock at Jerusalem during her appointed feasts, so will the desolate cities be filled with flocks of people. Then they will know [with confident assurance] that I am the Lord.”’”

Footnotes:

  1. Ezekiel 36:24. This prophecy has been in the process of fulfillment since World War II. The Jews have for centuries been dispersed among all the nations with only a few remaining in the homeland. But by a.d. 1960 one-sixth of the Jewish population of the world was in Israel. Already they had been made “one nation” (37:22a)—between sunrise of one day and sunset of the next—“a nation born in one day” (Is 66:8). But the greatest event of all is yet to come (Ezek 37:22b-25). This prophecy will be fulfilled in its entirety.

A QUICK GUIDE TO MIRACLES – The Key To The Vine – Chapter 3

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

A Quick Guide to Miracles

– Chapter 3 –

The Vine

John 15:4

“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.

“I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me, you can do nothing.

“If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

“My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.

“Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love.

“If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.

“These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.” – John 15:4-11

The very first word of John 15:4, “Abide”, gives us one of the Keys of the Kingdom of God from which Miracles emanate.

The word “Abide” is in the Greek aorist tense as an imperative. This means Jesus is saying that the action of this Word, “Abide”, has no regard for past, present or future. It is something we are to continue doing, an ongoing action. And as an imperative command, not a request.

For the true Christ follower, disciple, Christian, Jesus is saying, beginning in verse 1, because He is The True Vine, and His Father is The Vinedresser, every branch in Him (that is, the true follower) that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit.

This is not meant to be a harsh or threatening word, but, this is the way of God’s Economy, His Kingdom, so, do not be deceived. If you are not bearing fruit, you are not a true believer, and you are removed from “The Vine”. If you are bearing fruit as a Christian, you will be pruned so you may bear more fruit and God is glorified.

This fruit, is The Fruit of the Spirit of God, which is His love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law, and is manifest in our hearts, minds, bodies and lives. (There is no other kind of fruit by The Spirit or of the Kingdom of God).

Jesus continues by saying, you, the true believer and follower of Jesus (a Christian) are already made clean (Katharos = cauterized, cleansed by fire) because of the word which I have spoken to you, so you shall “Abide” in Me and I will “Abide” in you.

John 15 is not a platitude or a sermon. It is not hyperbole, nor is it an idiom. John 15 is the plain prophetic Truth. If you Abide in Him, He will cleanse you and prepare you for His Service. He will remove from you, anything and everything that would prevent you from bearing His fruit or which might prevent you from asking whatever you will, so He can give it to you and Glorify Himself.

Then, and only then, can you ask what you wish, and it shall be done unto you.

ACTION POINT

    • Abide in Him – Spend your days, literally, walking with Him, talking to Him.
    • Make His Word to Abide in you – memorize His Word and dwell in it 24/7.
    • Ask for “Everything Kingdom” – in order to bear His Fruit. He will do it!
    • Practice, practice, practice the Fruit!

Abiding” is the stuff of Miracles!

Your Brother and friend,

Mike Young

NEXT:  A QUICK GUIDE TO MIRACLES – The Key To The Mustard Seed – Chapter 4. (coming soon – please bookmark this page or subscribe for coming episodes).

PREVIOUS:  A QUICK GUIDE TO MIRACLES – Clean Hands and a Pure Heart – Chapter 2.

 

A QUICK GUIDE TO MIRACLES – Clean Hands and a Pure Heart – Chapter 2

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

A Quick Guide to Miracles

– Chapter 2 –

CLEAN HANDS & A PURE HEART

Psalms 24:3

Psalms 24:3 gives us the first steps to preparing ourselves to “Walk in the Works God has prepared ahead of time”. These first steps may prove to be the most difficult, even for the most sincere and devout. (For a description, see Matthew 4:1-8 )

But, like a combination lock, being close just isn’t going to work. This must be accomplished, in order.

A Psalm of David

Verse 1. The earth is the LORD’S, and all it contains,
The world and those who dwell in it.

Verse 2. For He has founded it upon the seas
And established it upon the rivers.

Verse 3. Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD?
And who may stand in His holy place?

Verse 4. He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
Who has not lifted his soul to falsehood
And has not sworn deceitfully.

Verse 5. He shall receive a blessing from the LORD

And righteousness from the God of his salvation.

Verse 6. This is the generation of those who seek Him,
Who seek Your face—God of Jacob.

Verse 1, names the ‘earth’ and the ‘world’, which is all encompassing. These two ancient Hebrew words, together, refer both to the entire physical planet and all the inhabitable parts along with its uncleanness, impurity of lustful, luxurious, profligate living and impure motives. In other words, despite its faults – despite our faults – we are the Lord’s creation. It is important that we recognize our RELATIONSHIP and our CONDITION before God. This is the only way to begin.

We Must Confess

Verse 2 seems a bit mysterious, but, the context of the ancient Hebrew words will help us understand. (a) The ancient Hebrew word ‘seas’ has the context of ‘mercy’. In fact, can mean “House of Mercy”.

(b) And the ancient Hebrew world ‘rivers‘ is in the context of ‘to move by the use of the hands; take in hand, to manage, administer and govern’.

Taken together, we can understand that God House is a House of mercy, and He shows us His mercy by His Own Hands, as he guides and manages our lives.

This reassures us that He Loves us and cares for us even though we are yet sinners. We must understand, acknowledge and embrace this truth before we can ever hope to ‘ascend the hill of the Lord’.

We Must Confess

Verse 3 asks, as we all must ask. “Who can ascend the hill of the Lord?” The context of the ancient Hebrew word “who” means “what kind of person” is permitted and refers to the “invisible mountain” of God; and the word “hill” carries the idea of “invisible”.

So, we ask, what kind of person, indeed, is permitted to ascend this most Holy of Mountains? And, how are we to find the invisible?

We Must Confess

Verse 4 gives us our answers.

(A) The person who has “clean hands“. The ancient Hebrew words “clean hands” carry the context of

  • Bowed down in reverence and in submission; clean, free from, exempt, clear, innocent
  • free from guilt, clean, innocent
  • free from punishment
  • free or exempt from obligations

(B) And, the person who has a “pure heart” (interestingly, the context can be found to be that of a “vine”, as found in John 15 – Heart = Kardia; Clean = Katharos, purified by as by fire, i.e., cauterized. )

  • emanating from within the heart, soul and mind, the core of a person, pure, clear, sincere
  • clean, empty

This cleansing and being made free from guilt and punishment, which emanates from the very heart, soul and mind of a person, is possible only by complete and utter surrender to Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior.

(C) This person who can ascend the Hill of the Lord is one “Who has not lifted his soul to falsehood and has not sworn deceitfully” is where things become difficult, for who has not? But, this word is rich with meaning and goes much deeper:

    • This person is one “Who”, has not committed acts contrary to law and justice, prohibited by law, illicit, criminal.
    • Who has not acted on their will of passion, of the emotions nor is a person of dubious character
    • This word, “Who”, refers directly to Aceldama, or the “Field of Blood”, a field purchased with Judas’s betrayal money, located near Jerusalem; So this someone “Who” would not betray another.
    • A person whose word or acts are never of emptiness, nothingness, vanity, lying or of worthless conduct.

Be keenly aware that verses One through Four are more than just reminiscent of Jesus being led by The Spirit into the wilderness to be tested (Matthew 4:1-11) they are prophetic foreshadowing of things which have come to pass and continue to come to pass.

Jesus sets the example of The Testing we must all endure and complete. His example is the standard for all who follow. He shows us all how we are to “ascend the Hill of the Lord”.

Then in Matthew 5:1“He (Jesus) went up on the mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. 2 He opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying,”

Verse 3. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Verse 4. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Verse 5. “Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.

Verse 6. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

Verse 7. “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

Verse 8. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Verse 9. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God

Verse 10. “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Verse 11. “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.

ACTION POINT

The significance of the Blessing and the Righteousness from the Lord cannot be overstated. Think and meditate on what happens to the disciple who completes the course of testing set out by the Lord:

    • For mine is the kingdom of heaven
    • For I shall be comforted
    • For I shall inherit the earth
    • For as I hunger and thirst for righteousness, I shall be satisfied
    • For I shall receive mercy
    • For I shall be pure in heart and I shall see God
    • For I will become a peacemaker and shall be called the son or daughter of God
    • For when I am persecuted for the sake of righteousness, mine is the kingdom of heaven

Now, we are to Go and walk in the footsteps of Jesus. He has told us that “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

We must find and embrace acceptance of His Mercy and His Complete forgiveness, by God’s Grace through faith in Jesus’ completed work on the cross…

The Greatest of all Miracles will Happen when we are made clean – free from all guilt and free from punishment.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

NEXT:  The Key of The Vine (Coming Soon – please bookmark this page or subscribe for future episodes).

PREVIOUS:  By What Authority

A QUICK GUIDE TO MIRACLES – By What Authority? – Chapter 1

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

A “Quick Guide to Miracles”

– Chapter 1 –

BY WHAT AUTHORITY?

Matthew 21:23

  • Jesus touched their eyes; and immediately they regained their sight and followed Him.
  • The crowds going ahead of Him, and those who followed, were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David; BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD; Hosanna in the highest!”
  • And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all those who were buying and selling in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves.
  • And the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple, and He healed them. Seeing a lone fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it except leaves only; and He *said to it, “No longer shall there ever be any fruit from you.” And at once the fig tree withered.
  • And Jesus answered and said to them, “Truly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ it will happen. “And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”

“When He (Jesus) entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to Him while He was teaching, and said, “By what authority are You doing these things, and who gave You this authority?” – Matthew 21:23

Jesus did not answer the Pharisees because they could not answer His question.

So, I ask you, the reader, by what authority did Jesus do these things, and who gave Him this authority?

This is a question which must be answered by anyone who would be a disciple of Jesus. Jesus tells His disciples that they will continue His Works, and will do even greater works than He (John 14:12), so it is imperative that we, His disciples, know the answer.

Another time, in the Temple, the Jews were persecuting Jesus for healing a man on the Sabbath, and this time Jesus gives a response:

“But He answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I Myself am working.”

“For this reason therefore the Jews were seeking all the more to kill Him, because He not only was breaking the Sabbath, but also was calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God.

“Therefore Jesus answered and was saying to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner.”

“I can do nothing on My own initiative. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.” – Matthew 5:17-19, 30

ACTION POINT

  • We must attain the Mind and Attitude of Christ
  • We must practice His ways. We must bear in mind that it is not we who do these works, but it is He.
  • We must know that we can only do what we see the Father doing. We say only what we hear the Father saying, because we can do nothing of ourselves.
  • We must listen and watch for the Father – literally.
  • We must be still and know that He is God – get alone with Him
  • We must allow the Holy Spirit to quicken and train our spirit to be alert and sensitive to the voice of God.

John 14:12, “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father. 13 “Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 “If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.”

Please remember, we must study and be diligent to present ourselves approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

NEXT:   A QUICK GUIDE TO MIRACLES – Clean Hands and a Pure Heart – Chapter 2 – coming soon. Please bookmark this page or subscribe to receive each future chapter.