iamledhischild

IAM EXHORTATION - The Lord JESUS is our Righteousness

2012-02-01T02:18:00.002-06:00

"The Lord our Righteousness."
Jeremiah 23:6

It will always give a Christian the greatest calm, quiet, ease, and peace, to think of the perfect righteousness of Christ.

How often are the saints of God downcast and sad! I do not think they ought to be. I do not think they would if they could always see their perfection in Christ. There are some who are always talking about corruption, and the depravity of the heart, and the innate evil of the soul. This is quite true, but why not go a little further, and remember that we are "perfect in Christ Jesus."

It is no wonder that those who are dwelling upon their own corruption should wear such downcast looks; but surely if we call to mind that "Christ is made unto us righteousness," we shall be of good cheer. What though distresses afflict me, though Satan assault me, though there may be many things to be experienced before I get to heaven, those are done for me in the covenant of divine grace; there is nothing wanting in my Lord, Christ hath done it all.

On the cross he said, "It is finished!" and if it be finished, then am I complete in him, and can rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory,

"Not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith."

You will not find on this side heaven a holier people than those who receive into their hearts the doctrine of Christ's righteousness. When the believer says,

"I live on Christ alone; I rest on him solely for salvation; and I believe that, however unworthy, I am still saved in Jesus;" then there rises up as a motive of gratitude this thought--"Shall I not live to Christ?

Shall I not love him and serve him, seeing that I am saved by his merits?" "The love of Christ constraineth us,"

"that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves but unto him which died for them."

If saved by imputed righteousness, we shall greatly value imparted righteousness.

I AM CONSTRAINED

LORD JESUS:

Your love constrains me! Let me love you!

I love you with all my heart, mind, soul, and strength.

Let me love you, you are claiming every feeling of my soul.

Let that love in power prevailing, tender you my life's control.

For life's burdens, they are easy; life's sorrows lose their sting,

If in their pain they are all carried to please you.

If your smile I should bring.

I LOVE YAH IN THE LORD...

PRAY WITHOUT CEASEING, PRAY FOR AMERICA, ISRAEL, AND OUR LEADERS, OUR TROOPS, AND THE BODY OF CHRIST.

"If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land."
(2 Chron. 7:14)

I LOVE YAH IN CHRIST JESUS

Iamled…James Paul Rhodes…HIS CHILD

JESUS IS MY LORD

I AM LED BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD...
JESUS IS MY LORD.....

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IAM EXHORTATION - Coming out of the year 2011,

2012-01-31T04:31:00.002-06:00

Coming out of the year 2011,

Many in the Body of Christ have gone through times of dullness, dryness, and even barrenness, to a degree.

But, 2012 will be a year of increased fruitfulness for those who have not only persevered through the trials of the world but, more importantly, have embraced the pruning of God. Jesus' decree in John 15:16 that we "bring forth fruit that remains" will come to pass in greater levels of manifestation this year than we can imagine.

Ephesians 3:20 will be realized in ways that will bring forth Kingdom demonstrations in the earth that we have longed for but not previously seen: "Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us."

In the midst of this increased fruitfulness, we will also see the emergence of many new leaders in the Kingdom of God. These new leaders will walk and operate in levels of Kingdom authority and power that so many have been crying out for in the last season. These new leaders will not be recognized by the size of their meetings, but rather by the Christ like character that produces the kind of fruit that brings glory to God (John 15:8).

Your Influence Will Increase

In the goal-oriented mindset of our western culture, we are prone to believe that the key to being more fruitful is to "do more." However, in the Kingdom of God, the greatest key to fruitfulness is taught by Jesus as "abiding" (John 15:1-8).

Jesus prayed for us in John 17:21 that we would be one with the Father just as He was. Hearing the voice of God is imperative if we are to do His will in the earth. However, it is not in straining to hear that we do so, but rather simply drawing near to His heart. As we do this, we grow in knowledge of Him and intimacy with Him that causes us to more readily discern His voice.

The book of Second Peter begins and ends with the exhortation to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus.

Peter tells us (2 Peter 1:3-4) that we have already been given everything that God has to give us. It is becoming more intimately connected to Him that will cause us to experience the desires of our hearts, which are actually the desires of His heart. Second Peter 1:5 NLT says, "In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God's promises." He then goes on to describe how we do that. He lists seven godly characteristics that we are to focus on, pursue, and build our faith upon. They are virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. Verse eight gives us the promise that if we possess these things in abundance, we will never be barren nor unfruitful!

There are many of you reading this now that are part of the company of emerging leaders mentioned above. You have committed your lives to intimacy with Him. Your heart is like that of the apostle Paul when he said in Philippians 3:10 AMP, "[For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly]..."

The enemy has lied to you and tried to convince you that you are not useful in the Kingdom of God. I want to encourage you now that it is impossible for you to be unfruitful, because you have been abiding in Him.

Your influence is going to increase this year. You are going to step out in new levels of boldness that will bring demonstrations of the love and power of God into the earth and particularly in the sphere of your influence. Lives will be touched and changed by God working through you! Be encouraged. Continue to draw near to Him. This is going to be a great year for fruitfulness in the Kingdom of God!

PRAY WITHOUT CEASEING, PRAY FOR AMERICA, ISRAEL, AND OUR LEADERS, OUR TROOPS, AND THE BODY OF CHRIST.

I LOVE YAH IN CHRIST JESUS

Iamled…James Paul Rhodes…HIS CHILD

JESUS IS MY LORD

I AM LED BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD...
JESUS IS MY LORD.....

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IAM EXHORTATION - Make His Word the Last Word

2012-01-31T04:08:00.002-06:00

Open Eyes

Some of you accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior when you were young, before worldly wisdom could become part of your worldview. Still others became Christians as adults. Regardless of the when, the how is the same. It is an inexplicable mystery that cannot be explained scientifically or even spiritually without the Holy Spirit's aid.

According to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.

Titus 3:5

Before Susan was introduced to the gospel at age 30, she loved the party scene: the drinking, the jokes, and the revelry with like-minded friends. But with the Holy Spirit's awakening, her eyes were opened and the parties were no longer fun but downright uncomfortable, particularly when the Lord's name was bandied about in vanity and ignorance.

Imagine your world without the miracle of regeneration. It is only by His mercy that you were chosen to experience His righteousness, which you could not attain on your own. Before you enter into the sanctuary of like-minded Christians today, confess your sins so that your eyes might be opened to His truths as it is preached.

With this in mind, then pray for all the churches in America that they will be devoted to living blameless, committed lives before the spiritually blind.

Recommended Reading: Titus 3:1-11 CLICK TO HEAR

Make His Word the Last Word

"I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty."
(Revelation 1:8)

Dear,

Jesus is the beginning and the ending. He is the Almighty. When He told us that in the Book of Revelation, He wasn't just giving us a general piece of information about Himself. He was giving us a powerful truth we can apply now, today!

Let me show you how. He said He is the beginning. So no matter what challenge or situation you may be facing right now, you need to start with Him. John 1:1 says Jesus is the Word. If you're going to start with Jesus, you're going to start with the Word. Don't do anything until you find out what the Word has to say about it.

Then, stay on the Word. As Colossians 1:23 says,

"Continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard."

Continue in the faith. The only way the devil can defeat you is to pressure you into throwing away the Word. Everything he does, every challenge he brings you is intended to make you doubt the Word of God. So don't let go of the Word, no matter what may happen. Settle it with God in prayer and stay with it forever. It is written!

Then end with the Word. Jesus said He was the first and the last. That means the word of your doctor is not the last word. Even the word of your pastor is not the last word. The Word of Jesus is the last Word!

Remember this: You are now what the Word says you are. You can do what the Word says you can do. And you can have what the Word says you can have.

Begin to believe that. Begin to say it out loud in faith.

Now shout the victory. Yes, now!

You don't have to wait to see the outcome to celebrate. You have Jesus' Word on the matter, so you know beyond any doubt that your breakthrough is coming. Once you've settled yourself on Him, you can be assured that;

He will have the last word!

Scripture Study: Proverbs 1:1-9

The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;

To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;

To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;

To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.

A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:

To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:

For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.

Prayer Prompts

A common question among Christians is, "Am I praying enough?" One signal that you should be praying more is "trouble" (another interpretation of "suffering" from today's verse). Do you have trouble in your home? Trouble in your family? Trouble at your children's school? Trouble at church? Trouble in your community, state or nation? If so, pray!

Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray.

James 5:13

Paul said to "pray without ceasing" (I Thessalonians 5:17). He obviously didn't mean to do nothing but pray. He must have been referring to an attitude of prayer, or the continual habit of prayer. Some specific requests Paul had were that people would know the dimensions of God's great love (Ephesians 3:18-19), that the doors of the gospel would be opened (Colossians 4:3), and that he'd be able to visit the church he was writing to (Romans 1:10). Study Paul's prayers and you will see that though he did pray for relief from trouble, he focused primarily on spiritual matters.

List your problems and not only pray for their solutions, but that you and those in your life will grow in God's Spirit and character. Read the headlines and pray for the nation's troubles, but more importantly pray that Americans and your leaders will yield themselves to Christ.

Recommended Reading:

II Corinthians 1:3-11

PRAY WITHOUT CEASEING, PRAY FOR AMERICA, ISRAEL, AND OUR LEADERS, OUR TROOPS, AND THE BODY OF CHRIST.

I LOVE YAH IN CHRIST JESUS

Iamled…James Paul Rhodes…HIS CHILD

JESUS IS MY LORD

CHRIST IS WISDOM

Iamled…James Paul Rhodes…HIS CHILD.
JESUS IS LORD

I AM LED BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD...
JESUS IS MY LORD.....

PLEASE SHARE EXHORTATIONS

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LETTER FROM GOD TO WOMAN:

2012-01-30T00:49:00.003-06:00

LETTER FROM GOD TO WOMAN:

When I created the heavens and the earth, I spoke them into being.

When I created man, I formed him and breathed life into his nostrils.

But YOU, woman, I fashioned after I breathed the breath of life into man, because your nostrils are too delicate. ...I allowed a deep sleep to come over him so I could patiently fashion you. Man was put to sleep so he could not interfere with the creativity.

From one bone, I fashioned you. I chose the bone that protects man's live. I chose the rib, which protects his heart and lungs and supports him, as you are meant to do. Around this one bone, I shaped

YOU......... I modeled YOU! I created you perfectly and beautifully. Your characteristics are as the rib, strong yet delicate and fragile.

YOU… provide protection for the most delicate organ in man, his heart. His heart is the center of his being; his lungs hold the breath of life. The rib cage will allow itself to be broken before it will allow damage to the heart. Support man as the rib supports the body.

YOU... were not taken from his feet, to be under him, nor were you taken from his head, to be above him. You were taken from his side, to stand beside him and be held close to his side...

WOMAN... you are my perfect angel... You are my beautiful little girl. You have grown to be a splendid woman of excellence, and my eyes fill when I see the virtues in your heart.

Your eyes ... don't change them. Your lips... how lovely when they part in prayer. Your nose... so perfect in form. Your hands so gentle to touch. I've caressed your face in your deepest sleep. I've held your heart close to mine. Of all that lives ...

YOU ARE MOST LIKE ME...

Adam : Walked with me in the cool of the day, YET HE WAS LONELY. He could not see or touch me. He could only feel me. SO ... Everything I wanted Adam to share and experience with me, I fashioned in you:

My HOLINESS, MY STRENGTH, MY PURITY, MY LOVE, MY PROTECTION AND SUPPORT.

WOMAN... YOU ARE SPECIAL... Because YOU are an extension of me. Man represents my image, woman my emotions. TOGETHER, you represent the totality of GOD.

SO...MAN...TREAT WOMAN WELL. LOVE HER, RESPECT HER, FOR SHE IS FRAGILE...AND SHE IS GOD'S WOMAN…….

iamled…James Paul Rhodes…HIS CHILD.iamledhischild@yahoo.com

I AM LED BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD...
JESUS IS MY LORD.....

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THE GREAT I AM -

2012-01-30T00:03:00.003-06:00

The Great I Am

"God said to Moses, 'I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you' "
(Exodus 3:14, NIV)

TODAY'S WORD

Have you thought about how big your God is today? Do you realize you have the Creator of the universe on your side? He's the God who spoke the worlds into existence.

He's called the Great I Am. He's saying today,

"I am everything you need. I am your strength. I am your wisdom. I am your protection. I am your provider. I am your way maker. I am your problem solver. I am your dream giver. I am your victory!"

David put it this way in Psalm 138, "Though I am surrounded by troubles, You will bring me safely through. Your fist is clenched against my enemies. Your power will save me." Maybe you feel like David today. You're surrounded by all kinds of difficulties. You're tempted to just settle right where you are. But you need to get your fire back. Instead of focusing on how big your problems are, focus on how big your God is! He is everything you need. He is the Great I AM, and He is the one leading and guiding you into victory in every area of your life!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father in heaven, thank You for loving me and setting me free. I choose to focus on Your greatness today. Thank You for being the I Am—everything that I need to live the life of victory. In Jesus' Name. Amen

THE LORD'S DAY - Unless one is born (FROM OBOVE )he cannot see the kingdom of God.

2012-01-29T01:41:00.003-06:00

THE LORD'S DAY

New Journey

Babies are wonderful ... so tiny, helpless and innocent. New parents are especially fun to watch with their newborns ... no other infant is as cute or smart! However, babies don't stay babies forever. They grow and mature, continuing the journey of life established at their birth.

Today's verse speaks of a concept the Jewish Pharisee named Nicodemus had a difficult time understanding. How can someone be born again? Jesus provides this explanation:

"That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." (John 3:6)

The flesh - your human body - is a product of Earth, while the very essence of who you are - your spirit - is a creation of God. It is your choice whether you continue the journey in the flesh, feeding on the things of the world, or be reborn through the Holy Spirit into the kingdom of God.

Search your heart today as you pray for His Spirit to lead and nurture you. If you're still living for the world, it's time to start a new journey! And ask the Lord to draw our nation's leaders to Himself, that they may see His kingdom in their lives.

Recommended Reading: John 3:1-15, 19-21 CLICK TO HEAR

Inside Out

Paul instructs you to take off weak character traits such as anger and put on good ones like kindness, as if they were socks in a dresser drawer. But how do you actually take off bad habits and put on good ones? If you are like so many who have already messed up on your New Year resolutions, you may be asking that question.

Colossians 3:1 tells you to set your mind on Heavenly things. Today's verse elaborates, saying your new self is itself being renewed ... in knowledge. The putting on and off of bad habits begin in the mind - with a determination to learn of, understand and be like Jesus.

Put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.

Colossians 3:10

So instead of concentrating on that diet, trying to keep a perfect house, or making your next million, focus on Christ and His promises. Commit your day to the Father in prayer. Become familiar with the voice of the Holy Spirit by reading the Bible. And trust that God will change you from the inside out.

Also pray for your government leaders to seek the Lord ... so that a renewed way of thinking will govern their actions and decisions.

Recommended Reading: Colossians 3:1-17 CLICK TO HEAR

It's Unanimous

The people of Israel had been taken captive ... away from their homeland, away from their place of worship, away from the temple where God dwelt.

But the Lord was with them. And He had plans to bring them back again. His desire for them was that they become a people of one heart and one mind, and He promised to give them that sense of unanimity.

According to recent polling, America today is more divided than ever before. The battle lines are often more distinct than blurred. Even the idea of compromise leaves both sides unsettled. Unfortunately, what is true in the secular realm is also true among Christians in this nation.

Yet don't you suppose that it is God's desire that believers in the United States indeed be united - like-minded - with a singleness of purpose and a Christ-likeness that would restore America to holding His values?

Intercede today for true renewal in the nation. Ask the Lord to bring that same renewal to the country's leaders. Find oneness with the Lord so you can say, "Between Him and me, it's unanimous!"

Recommended Reading: Ezekiel 11:16-21 CLICK TO HEAR

Change You Can Believe In

Mary Hartley is a nutritionist who dispenses advice online to those seeking to lose weight or live healthier lifestyles. One reader wrote to ask Mary how long it takes to change a habit. Mary's answer was probably not particularly encouraging - though honest. She answered:

"Forever!

'Experts' have written that it takes 21 days, 30 days, 45 days, 60 days, six months, one year, two years, and even ten years to successfully extinguish an old behavior, but in reality ... we must constantly work to maintain change by controlling our environment, renewing our commitment."

It's not easy or expeditious to make the changes we need in our lives - unless God is the One orchestrating the change. When you receive your new spiritual body, it will happen "in the twinkling of an eye." (I Corinthians 15:52) The way the Lord works is truly a "mystery" compared to the way things work in the natural world ... but you can trust that He will work supernaturally in response to your prayers.

Don't be discouraged by your circumstances or the state of your nation. Ask God to change the things that are wrong today and believe, genuinely, that He will.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 111 CLICK TO HEAR

PRAY WITHOUT CEASEING, PRAY FOR AMERICA, ISRAEL AND OUR LEADERS, OUR TROOPS, AND THE BODY OF CHRIST.

"If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." (2 Chron. 7:14)

I LOVE YAH IN CHRIST JESUS

Iamled…James Paul Rhodes…HIS CHILD

JESUS IS MY LORD

I AM LED BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD...
JESUS IS MY LORD.....

PLEASE SHARE EXHORTATIONS

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iamledhischild@yahoo.com

IAM EXHORTATION - God Wants You Well

2012-01-28T03:25:00.002-06:00

God Wants You Well

The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD: "Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will let you hear my words." So I went down to the potter's house, and there he was working at his wheel. And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter's hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to do. Then the word of the LORD came to me: "O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter has done? declares the LORD. Behold, like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel."

-- Jeremiah 18:1-6

Here's the lesson God wanted Jeremiah to hear: He is the true master craftsman. He is a potter who is making something beautiful out of every life. He will take the old ugly mistakes and sins and make them into something completely new!

"Youth is a blunder, maturity is a struggle, and old age is regret."

WRONG: because when you truly know God, you can live victoriously! So whatever the ugliness is in your life, be assured that through the blood of Christ, God molds you and makes you into something beautiful!

Well, let me tell you why that's certainly true for those in Christ. The ancient art of making pottery is virtually unchanged even today. A potter will take a helpless, lifeless lump of clay and then knead it and squeeze it until it's soft and pliable. And then when he gets it just right, he takes that piece of clay and he does something called throwing, where he places the clay on a spinning table. And as that clay is placed upon that turning wheel, the potter's hands then begin to pressure the clay and work it until he makes something beautiful out of that old ugly piece of clay.

LIFE'S BLUNDERS AND SINS DON'T HAVE TO STICK WITH YOU FOREVER BECAUSE IN CHRIST, GOD WILL FORM YOU INTO SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL!

God Wants You Well

"For I will restore health unto thee,
and I will heal thee of thy wounds,
saith the Lord"

(Jeremiah 30:17)

Dear,

God wants you well! He wants you healthy and strong in every single area of your life.

He wants you to be spiritually strong. Strong in faith. Strong in the Word. Strong in redemption. Strong in the love of God.

He wants you to be well in your mind, to be strong and stable emotionally.

He wants you to have a healthy will, a will that's aligned with His will.

He wants your body to be well. He wants you free from the bondages of pain, sickness, and care. Free from the worries and woes of this earthly life.

Your heavenly Father wants you well!

What's more, in this day and hour, He needs you well. He needs you living in victory and healing so that you can teach others how to do it too. We're stepping into a time when that kind of knowledge is an absolute necessity. There's no more time for the Body of Christ to limp along, uninformed and unprepared for the devil's attacks.

In fact, here's what the Lord has told me:

The further you go, the more dangerous things in the earth will become. People will have to grow in the realities of redemption and the "how to's" of living by faith in order to live in the great, overcoming way I have planned for them.

Jesus gave Himself in death so that we could be well. He was raised in life, ever making intercession for us now so that we can be well. And He wants us to be healthy and strong as a witness in these last days to a world that's filled with terror--a witness of His love, His grace, and His power.

Receive Jesus' healing power in every area of your life. Start applying it by faith right now. Commit yourself to getting well and growing strong in every area of your life today!

Scripture Study: Psalm 107

O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy; _

Trust God to Do it His Way

"As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts"
(Isaiah 55:9, NIV)

TODAY'S WORD

Every person has things they believe for, situations they want to see changed, and dreams God has placed in their hearts. But sometimes, we try to figure out how it's all going to happen. AND If we're not careful, we'll put God in a box and try to tell Him how to do it, when to do it, and where to do it. Today's scripture tells us that God's ways are not our ways. They are higher and better than our ways.

If you don't get your way, if things don't happen on your timetable, instead of getting discouraged, why don't you believe that God has something better in store? Just because it doesn't happen your way doesn't mean it's not going to happen. Remember, God has a plan. He's got it all figured out. Don't limit Him by trying to get it done your way. Instead, simply say, "God, I'm trusting You. I know You have my best interest at heart. And even if I don't get my way, I'm going to stay open and believe that You're still directing my steps into the abundant life You have for me."

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Heavenly Father, I choose to trust You. I cast my cares on You. I give You my plans, dreams, and desires for the future. Thank You for working behind the scenes on my behalf. Give me Your peace as I wait patiently to see Your plan unfold. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

And when he [Jesus] had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch." -- Luke 5:4

Do you remember the story in the book of Luke when the disciples had fished all night and caught nothing? Seeing they were empty handed, Jesus told Simon Peter to throw the nets on the other side of the boat.

Now, you can hear the lack of excitement in Simon Peter's response when he said, "Master, we toiled all night and took nothing!" But still he threw the net out as Jesus told him to do. And a miracle happened! They caught so many fish that their two boats began to take on water!

So overwhelmed with what he saw, Simon Peter "fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord." (Luke 5:8).

You see, Simon Peter came to the end of himself, but Jesus was just beginning! In fact, Jesus gave him a new calling saying, "From now on you'll be catching men."

Have you reached the end of yourself? Has your toil left you empty-handed? Are you exhausted from working in your own strength? If so, then it's time to fall at Jesus' feet.

Yield to Jesus completely. Follow his direction. And he will restore you and prepare you to fulfill your calling in his kingdom.

HAVE YOU REACHED THE END OF YOURSELF? IF SO, THEN IT'S TIME TO FALL AT JESUS FEET.

Iamled…James Paul Rhodes…HIS CHILD.

JESUS IS LORD.

The Power Of Tithing

And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD's.

It is holy to the LORD.

Leviticus 27:30

The principle of tithing is so important because it is the most basic Bible test of your faithfulness in stewardship. It also qualifies or disqualifies you from God's wealth and abundance.

Tithing predates the Mosaic law because Abraham was a faithful tither long before the law was established on Mount Sinai. When he met Melchizedek, he "gave him a tithe of all" (Gen. 14:19-20). Abraham's faithful stewardship resulted in him becoming the richest man of his generation.

Jacob was a tither. When he came to Bethel, he made a vow to the Lord, "Of all that You give me I will surely give a tenth to You" (Gen. 28:22). Jacob's faithful stewardship also resulted in him becoming the richest man of his generation.

Abraham and Jacob prove that saints of God started tithing long before Moses gave the law. Tithing has to do with your heart and love for God. You tithe not because you have to, but because you want to. When Moses eventually came along, the people were taught tithing.

At the end of the Old Testament, Malachi the prophet says, "'Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,' says the Lord of hosts, 'If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, so that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,' says the LORD of hosts" (Mal. 3:10-11).

Here, the Bible gives you five great blessings that you can experience if you tithe regularly:

(1) Your church will continue to be a blessing. The storehouse in Your church will be full, enabling it to continue to disciple you and evangelizing the world.

(2) Heaven will be open over you. You will hear from the Lord clearly. You can easily walk in His presence and His power will become readily available to you at all times.

(3) The devourer will be rebuked. God will protect your finances from being "eaten away" by Satan and the financial system of the world.

(4) Your hard work will bear fruit. Your career will take off and you will prosper in your work place.

(5) Your investments will prosper. The wise investments you make will bring back a good return.

Be a regular tither every month and "try God now"

In your faithful giving!

JESUS WAS A TITHER…

PRAY WITHOUT CEASEING, PRAY FOR AMERICA, ISRAEL, AND OUR LEADERS, OUR TROOPS, AND THE BODY OF CHRIST.

I LOVE YAH IN CHRIST JESUS

Iamled…James Paul Rhodes…HIS CHILD

JESUS IS MY LORD

Iamled…James Paul Rhodes…HIS CHILD.

JESUS IS LORD.

IAM EXHORTATION - The Power of the Lord will Come Upon His People - We Are Going to Need It

2012-01-27T00:01:00.002-06:00

The Power of the Lord will Come Upon His People

- We Are Going to Need It

Overall, the Body of Christ is walking in about 15 percent of the prophetic vision that we are called to have under the New Covenant.

As we are told in 1 Corinthians 3, we are supposed to be experiencing more of the glory of God than Moses did. We are also told in Hebrews 7:22 that we have been given "a better covenant." The greatest of what was experienced under the Old Covenant should be the floor of what we experience in the New Covenant. However, we have not yet seen this, as we have not yet seen "the greater works" than what the Lord did as He promised in John 14. However, His Word is true and we can be sure that before the end of this age we will see these.

The Glory of the Lord

Because we experience more than previous generations does not mean that we are greater than they are. In fact, it could be that we are inferior, but the increased glory is revealed because of the increased darkness, just as we see in Isaiah 60:1-3:

Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. For behold, darkness will cover the earth, and deep darkness the peoples; but the LORD will rise upon you, and His glory will appear upon you. And nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.

The greater glory comes at the very time of the greater darkness, and it also comes because of it. We also see here that the glory will prevail, and the light will win over the darkness. For this reason, we will see such a rising of the power of the Lord upon His people because we are going to need it.

We all want to see miracles, but very few want to be put in a place where they have to have them. We are entering such a time. The greater prophetic revelation promised in Acts 2 "in the last days" is because we are going to need increased guidance in these times.

Prophetic Authority and Revelation Double

This year we will see prophetic authority and revelation double, but even then, we will have a long way to go before coming to the level of maturity we will need in this ministry for the times we are entering.

Under the Old Covenant, there were prophets who knew everything enemy kings were saying even in their most secret places—virtually nothing could be hidden from the prophets. We are in need of such prophets today. Under the Old Covenant, they were shocked when any major event took place that they did not foresee. Today we are still shocked when we foresee a major event, but that will now change.

Regardless of how well we know the Lord's voice now, we need to resolve to know it at least twice as well this coming year. We need to pursue hearing Him speak to us in many more ways and about many more things than we have been open to in the past. The times that we are entering are going to help us in this pursuit. As 1 Corinthians 14:1 exhorts:

Pursue love, yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.

As we are told in 1 Thessalonians 5:5-11:

We are sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night, nor of darkness; so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober. For those who sleep do their sleeping at night and those who get drunk get drunk at night. But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him. Therefore encourage one another, and build up one another, just as you also are doing.

Resolve that this year you are going to get closer to the Lord than ever before, and know His voice at least twice as good as ever before. We are going to need it.

PRAY WITHOUT CEASEING, PRAY FOR AMERICA AND OUR LEADERS, OUR TROOPS, AND THE BODY OF CHRIST.

I LOVE YAH IN CHRIST JESUS

Iamled…James Paul Rhodes…HIS CHILD

JESUS IS LORD

I AM LED BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD...
JESUS IS MY LORD.....

PLEASE SHARE EXHORTATIONS

http://iamledhischild.blogspot.com

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iamledhischild@yahoo.com

IAM EXHORTATION - COMMIT YOUR LIFE TO CHRIST AND WALK IN HIS LIGHT.

2012-01-26T02:31:00.002-06:00

"A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty." -- Matthew 13:3-8

A friend of mine was telling me about an individual who recently came to Christ, but had never once heard the Gospel until now. And it's true that with all the churches in America today, even where I'm from in the so-called Bible belt, men and women are growing up without a clear witness of the Gospel.

But on the other hand, there are people all across our country who have heard the Gospel over and over, but their hearts have been hardened. Now that's a dangerous position because Proverbs 29:1 says, "He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing."

God's patience will not always persist with man. And unfortunately, I'm afraid there are so many people sitting in churches today who have heard the Gospel many times but have never really trusted in Jesus Christ. They grew up in a Christian family, their parents took them to church, but they've never had an experience of salvation in Jesus.

So ask yourself this simple question: "Which soil am I?" Do you just do the Christian routine out of habit, or are you truly bearing spiritual fruit? If you're the first, it's never too late to recommit your life to Christ and experience the joy of truly walking in his light!

DON'T JUST GO THROUGH THE CHRISTIAN ROUTINE WITH A HARDENED HEART, BUT COMMIT YOUR LIFE TO CHRIST AND WALK IN HIS LIGHT.
You Hold the Keys

"I have pursued mine enemies, and overtaken them...they are fallen under my feet."
(Psalm 18:37-38)

Dear,

If you've been standing around wringing your hands and worrying about what the devil is doing, it's time you made a switch. It's time you put that devil under your feet!

Jesus has already given you all the power and authority you need to do it. He's given you the keys of the kingdom. He's promised you that whatever you declare locked on earth is locked in heaven and whatever you declare unlocked on earth is unlocked in the heavenlies (Matt. 16:19). That means you can speak the Word and bind wicked spirits. You can speak the Word and loose the angelic forces of God to work in your behalf.

What's more, you've been given the power of attorney that enables you to use the mighty Name of Jesus. A Name that's above every other name. A Name which will cause every knee to bow--in heaven, in earth, and under the earth! (Phil. 2:9-10).

So don't waste time worrying about the devil. Take authority over him. Bind the evil spirits that try to destroy your home, your church, and your nation. Loose God's Word in the earth and enforce it with the Name of Jesus.

You hold the keys. Learn to use them and before long the devil will be wringing his hands worrying about you!

Scripture Study: Matthew 16:13-27

When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?

And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.

He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?

And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.

From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.

Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.

But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

Take my life, O Christ divine

Take my life, O Christ divine,
Make it holy, just like thine;
Every act and thought and word
Be an outflow from my God.

Guide my feet and keep my heart;
Let me not from thee depart;
Let me breathe thy warming love,
That my soul be drawn above.

Draw me, Jesus closer draw;
Thy strong arm around me throw;
Draw me to thy pierced side;
In thy bosom let me hide.

Teach me all thy will and word,
That my life be filled with God;
Teach me. Lamb of Calvary,
How to live this life for thee.

~Charles E.Orr~

Proof Producer

The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD.
Luke 4:18-19

The Holy Spirit is a very supernatural Spirit. He comes with a tangible presence and power. Healing, deliverance, signs and wonders should be a normal, daily part of your life. You must not be afraid to move in the miraculous because one major way God is going to bring in the harvest through you is by the working of signs and wonders.

There is a tendency among some to scoff at signs and wonders. "Oh, they are not really important! Don't major on them!" Yet, the Bible very clearly indicates that signs and wonders are integral parts of New Testament Christianity. Healing, deliverance and miracles all confirm and prove that Jesus is the Man of God (Acts 2:22).

Although no one spoke like Jesus, His testimonial is not one about His eloquence. His is one of great power: "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him" (Acts 10:38).

The presence and power of the Holy Spirit were so openly demonstrated by Paul that "unusual miracles" were taking place in his ministry (Acts 19:11-12). That refers to the kind of miracles that don't happen every day. How many Christians can even attest to miracles of any kind ever happening to them at all?

When converts are powerfully touched by the Lord in a miraculous way, it proves to them that God is real and that He cares for them. That was how the early Christians stirred up so many to obey the gospel. Not by their own natural talents or great knowledge, but by the mighty signs and wonders that they demonstrated (Rom. 15:18-19).

Every time healing, deliverance or a miracle takes place, it gives the world proof that Jesus is alive. Are you a "proof producer"? Beyond your clever arguments and debates, how do you show the reality of Christ in a tangible and undeniable way?

Make a decision today.

Move in the supernatural power of God!

PRAY WITHOUT CEASEING, PRAY FOR AMERICA, ISRAEL, AND OUR LEADERS, OUR TROOPS, AND THE BODY OF CHRIST.

I LOVE YAH IN CHRIST JESUS

Iamled…James Paul Rhodes…HIS CHILD

JESUS IS MY LORD

Iamled…James Paul Rhodes…HIS CHILD.

JESUS IS LORD

IAM EXHORTATION - DEAR CHILDREN OF GOD - ALL THOSE THAT ARE LED BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD

2012-01-24T00:23:00.002-06:00

DEAR CHILDREN OF GOD

iamled....... HISCHILD

ALL THOSE THAT ARE LED BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD
ARE THE CHILDREN OF GOD:

BY FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST;

HE HAS MADE ME WORTHY TO RECEIVE ALL THAT HE REPRESENTS;

I am everything that the WORD declares that I am. I worship the LORD with all my heart, soul, and strength. I lift my hands and my voice in praise unto His name.

HE IS WORTHY OF ALL PRAISE AND HONOUR
and HE has made me worthy to praise His name,

MY LORD JESUS!

BY THE AUTHORITY OF THE NAME OF JESUS :

I DECLARE that my home is filled with peace, protection, provision,
and happiness.

I CLAIM FAVOR in business wherever I go (and by the way, my business is offensive warfare against you Satan).

I will walk in abundance of health and healing, I have been made
rich in every way, so that I can be generous on every occasion.

My life is filled with Love, Joy, Peace, Wisdom and Understanding.

I have the mind of CHRIST and possess a sound mind and body.

Daily I choose to think on the things that are true, right, noble, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy.

I choose blessings and reject curses.

I choose life abundantly in CHRIST JESUS.

Now I worship and boldly declare the praises of the

ALMIGHTY GOD JEHOVAH !

I give HIM all the glory for freedom, restoration,

And victory in every area of my life .
AMEN! AMEN!

IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST !

I AM DEFENDED by the armor of the

ALMIGHTY GOD JEHOVAH,

My loins are girded with Truth,

I have on the Breastplate of Righteousness,

My feet have on the shoes in Preparation

To share the GOSPEL OF PEACE,

I have the Shield of FAITH,

Which turns away the fiery darts of the Devil,

I have on the Helmet of Salvation.

TODAY I AM EMPOWERED with the

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD,

Which is His Mighty WORD.

LISTEN TO ME, spirits of darkness!

IN FULL POWER AND AUTHORITY

I BIND YOU ALL

IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST OF NAZARETH!

SO BE IT.

I AM LED BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD...JIM

I LOVE YAH IN THE LORD

iamled...James Paul Rhodes...HIS CHILD.

JESUS IS MY LORD

PRAY WITHOUT CEASEING, PRAY FOR AMERICA, ISRAEL, AND OUR LEADERS, OUR TROOPS, AND THE BODY OF CHRIST.

I LOVE YAH IN CHRIST JESUS

Iamled…James Paul Rhodes…HIS CHILD

JESUS IS MY LORD

In Memory OF, Pauline Smith Stiffler (MOM)

2012-01-20T22:11:00.005-06:00

In Memory OF

Pauline Smith Stiffler

Born
July 13, 1923

Died
January 22, 2009

Arrangements By
Mizell-Faville-Zern Funeral Home
6411 Parker Avenue
West Palm Beach, FL
833-4061

MOM....TRANSLATED !!!

TO CHRIST LIKENESS, FROM NIGHT TO DAY,

TRANSLATED TO THE IMAGE OF HIS SON:

As a flash of lightning,... Sudden,... Vivid,... Clear;

Clothed in glistening splendor will our LORD APPEAR.

One electric millisecond! .......LO the SAINTS

ARE THERE.

Caught away to greet HIM, in the SHIMMERING AIR.

IN AN EYE'S SWIFT "TWINKLING"

AT HIS TRUMPET SHOUT.......

SKYWARD, SWEPT UP

TO.......SEE HIM;

SHE SHALL BE CHANGED,

WITHIN...WITHOUT.

THE INSTANT WE SEE HIM, LIKE HIM WE SHALL BE; IN HEAVEN FOREVER, HIS DEAR, RADIANT, GLISTENING, FACE TO SEE.

MOM

THE RIVER OF LIFE:

Rev 22:1 And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.

Rev 22:2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

Rev 22:3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:

Rev 22:4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.

Rev 22:5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light:

AND THEY SHALL REIGN FOREVER AND EVER.

MOM

Iam…IN THE MIDNIGHT HOUR

I LOVE YOU MOM

AND I ALLWAYS WILL

I WILL SEE YOU SOON

I AM FIGHTING A GOOD WARFARE

YOU WOULD BE VERY PROUD OF ME

JESUS IS MY LORD!

jimmy

iamled... James Paul Rhodes... HIS CHILD.

JANUARY 22, 2012 … IN THE YEAR OF

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST

"I sought him, but I found him not."

2012-01-20T01:51:00.002-06:00

"I sought him, but I found him not."

- Song of Solomon 3:1

Tell me where you lost the company of Christ, and I will tell you the most likely place to find him. Have you lost Christ in the closet by restraining prayer? Then it is there you must seek and find him. Did you lose Christ by sin? You will find Christ in no other way but by the giving up of the sin, and seeking by the Holy Spirit to mortify the member in which the lust doth dwell. Did you lose Christ by neglecting the Scriptures? You must find Christ in the Scriptures.

It is a true proverb, "Look for a thing where you dropped it, it is there." So look for Christ where you lost him, for he has not gone away. But it is hard work to go back for Christ. Bunyan tells us, the pilgrim found the piece of the road back to the Arbour of Ease, where he lost his roll, the hardest he had ever travelled. Twenty miles onward is easier than to go one mile back for the lost evidence.

Take care, then, when you find your Master, to cling close to him. But how is it you have lost him? One would have thought you would never have parted with such a precious friend, whose presence is so sweet, whose words are so comforting, and whose company is so dear to you! How is it that you did not watch him every moment for fear of losing sight of him?

Yet, since you have let him go, what a mercy that you are seeking him, even though you mournfully groan, "O that I knew where I might find him!" Go on seeking, for it is dangerous to be without your Lord. Without Christ you are like a sheep without its shepherd; like a tree without water at its roots; like a sere leaf in the tempest--not bound to the tree of life. With your whole heart seek him, and he will be found of you: only give yourself thoroughly up to the search, and verily, you shall yet discover him to thy joy and gladness.

And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.

"Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the Scriptures."
- Luke 24:44, 45

He whom we viewed last as opening Scripture, we here perceive opening the understanding. In the first work he has many fellow-laborers, but in the second he stands alone; many can bring the Scriptures to the mind, but the Lord alone can prepare the mind to receive the Scriptures.

Our Lord Jesus differs from all other teachers; they reach the ear, but he instructs the heart; they deal with the outward letter, but he imparts an inward taste for the truth, by which we perceive its savor and spirit.

The most unlearned of men become ripe scholars in the school of grace when the Lord Jesus by his Holy Spirit unfolds the mysteries of the kingdom to them, and grants the divine anointing by which they are enabled to behold the invisible.

Happy are we if we have had our understandings cleared and strengthened by the Master! How many men of profound learning are ignorant of eternal things! They know the killing letter of revelation, but its killing spirit they cannot discern; they have a veil upon their hearts which the eyes of carnal reason cannot penetrate.

Such was our case a little time ago; we who now see were once utterly blind; truth was to us as beauty in the dark, a thing unnoticed and neglected. Had it not been for the love of Jesus we should have remained to this moment in utter ignorance, for without his gracious opening of our understanding, we could no more have attained to spiritual knowledge than an infant can climb the Pyramids, or an ostrich fly up to the stars.

Jesus' College is the only one in which God's truth can be really learned; other schools may teach us what is to be believed, but Christ's alone can show us how to believe it. Let us sit at the feet of Jesus, and by earnest prayer call in his blessed aid that our dull wits may grow brighter, and our feeble understandings may receive heavenly things.

PRAY WITHOUT CEASEING, PRAY FOR AMERICA, ISRAEL, AND OUR LEADERS, OUR TROOPS, AND THE BODY OF CHRIST.

I LOVE YAH IN CHRIST JESUS

Iamled…James Paul Rhodes…HIS CHILD

JESUS IS MY LORD

I AM THE RIVER OF LIFE:

2012-01-19T06:29:00.002-06:00

I AM THE RIVER OF LIFE:

iamled...James Paul Rhodes...HIS CHILD.

Iamledhischild@yahoo.com

Rev 22:1 And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.

Rev 22:3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:

Rev 22:4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.

Rev 22:5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign forever and ever.

Rev 22:1-5 -

The heavenly state which was before described as a city, and called the new Jerusalem, is here described as a paradise, alluding to the earthly paradise which was lost by the sin of the first Adam; here is another paradise restored by the second Adam.

A paradise in a city, or a whole city in a paradise!

In the first paradise there were only two persons to behold the beauty and taste the pleasures of it; but in this second paradise whole cities and nations shall find abundant delight and satisfaction. And here observe,

I. The river of paradise.

The earthly paradise was well watered: no place can be pleasant or fruitful that is not so. This river is described,

1. By its fountain-head - the throne of God and the Lamb.

All our springs of grace, comfort, and glory, are in God; and all our streams from him are through the mediation of the Lamb.

2. By its quality - pure and clear as crystal.

All the streams of earthly comfort are muddy; but these are clear, salutary, and refreshing, giving life, and preserving life, to those who drink of them.

II. The tree of life, in this paradise. Such a tree there was in the earthly paradise, Gen_2:9. This far excels it. And now, as to this tree,

observe,

1. The situation of it - in the midst of the street, and on either side the river;

or,

As might have been better rendered, in the midst between the terrace-walk and the river. This tree of life is fed by the pure waters of the river that comes from the throne of God. The presence and perfections of God furnish out all the glory and blessedness of heaven.

2. The fruitfulness of this tree.

(1.) It brings forth many sorts of fruit - twelve sorts, suited to the refined taste of all the saints.

(2.) It brings forth fruit at all times - yields its fruit every month. This tree is never empty, never barren; there is always fruit upon it. In heaven there is not only a variety of pure and satisfying pleasures, but a continuance of them, and always fresh.

(3.) The fruit is not only pleasant, but wholesome. The presence of God in heaven is the health and happiness of the saints; there they find in him a remedy for all their former maladies, and are preserved by him in the most healthful and vigorous state.

III. The perfect freedom of this paradise from every thing that is evil (Rev_22:3):

There shall be no more curse; no accursed one - katanathema, no serpent there, as there was in the earthly paradise. Here is the great excellency of this paradise. The devil has nothing to do there; he cannot draw the saints from serving God to be subject to himself, as he did our first parents, nor can he so much as disturb them in the service of God.

IV. The supreme felicity of this paradisiacal state.

1. There the saints shall see the face of God; there they shall enjoy the beatific vision.

2. God will own them, as having his seal and name on their foreheads.

3. They shall reign with him for ever; their service shall be not only freedom but honour and dominion.

4. All this shall be with perfect knowledge and joy. They shall be full of wisdom and comfort, continually walking in the light of the Lord; and this not for a time, but for ever and ever.

Rev 22:1 -

Pure river of water of life -

This is evidently a reference to the garden of paradise, and the river by which it was watered; and there is also a reference to the account, Eze_47:7-12.

Water of life, as we have seen before, generally signifies spring or running water; here it may signify incessant communications of happiness proceeding from God.

Eze 47:7 Now when I had returned, behold, at the bank of the river were very many trees on the one side and on the other.

Eze 47:8 Then said he unto me, These waters issue out toward the east country, and go down into the desert, and go into the sea: which being brought forth into the sea, the waters shall be healed.

Eze 47:9 And it shall come to pass, that every thing that liveth, which moveth, whithersoever the rivers shall come, shall live: and there shall be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters shall come thither: for they shall be healed; and every thing shall live whither the river cometh.

Eze 47:10 And it shall come to pass, that the fishers shall stand upon it from En-gedi even unto Eneglaim; they shall be a place to spread forth nets; their fish shall be according to their kinds, as the fish of the great sea, exceeding many.

Eze 47:11 But the miry places thereof and the marshes thereof shall not be healed; they shall be given to salt.

Eze 47:12 And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine.

Eze 47:12 -

Shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade - A description that suits the righteous, who are still producing -

1. The fruits of faith.

2. The fruits of the Spirit.

3. The fruits of love to God, obedience to his holy will, and love to all men. Benevolence, mercy, charity, kindness, etc.

The leaf thereof for medicine - See Rev_22:1-5. Even the leaves, the holy profession of the righteous, is a spiritual medicine. Righteousness is thus encouraged in the world.

The profession points out the salvation, as it shows the nature and sufficiency of that salvation; for a just creed contains all the articles of the Christian faith.

Iamled...James Paul Rhodes...HIS CHILD.

Iam ledhischild@yahoo.com