Month: February 2022

¹⁴ Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. ¹⁵ As a result, people brought those who were ill into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least PETER’S SHADOW might fall on some of them as he passed by. Acts 5

People were so desperate for the healing of loved ones that they laid them where even Peter’s Shadow might fall on them. God’s Power was being manifested in an amazing way.

¹⁶ Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing those who were ill and those tormented by impure spirits, and ALL OF THEM WERE HEALED. Acts 5

As in the days of the Lord, crowds gathered from far away, seeking help from the servants of God and they were ALL HEALED.

¹⁷ THEN the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. ¹⁸ They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. ¹⁹ But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out. ²⁰ ‘Go, stand in the temple courts,’ he said, ‘AND TELL THE PEOPLE ALL ABOUT THIS NEW LIFE.’

Trouble came quickly for those daring to offer a new alternative to the common religious practices. JEALOUSY followed by JAIL, but that very night an angel set them free and told them to go back to the Temple Courts and tell the people again! ALL BELIEVERS have a testimony, a witness to what God has done for us personally. God may be speaking to us today to go and speak to someone(s) about this New Life we’ve entered into. We may experience opposition but the angel said, ‘Go and tell people’ or at least someone. Many times God’s Spirit comes alongside to help AFTER WE’VE STEPPED OUT.

The religious rulers were astonished to find the apostles were free and testifying again about Jesus.

²⁸ ‘We gave you strict orders NOT TO TEACH IN THIS NAME,’ he said. ‘YET YOU HAVE FILLED JERUSALEM with your teaching…’

Above all the enemy does not want people speaking about THE NAME OF JESUS! Since we are the ones who bear His Name that’s a priority for us, just like the first believers.

A teacher called Gamaliel, warned the members of the Sanhedrin against opposing the believers.

³⁸ Therefore, in the present case I advise you: leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. ³⁹   BUT IF IT IS FROM GOD, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO STOP THESE MEN; you will only find yourselves fighting against God (good advice).’ Acts 5  

The apostles continued to speak about the Lord despite ill treatment and opposition. Some time ago the news told of a pastor in Canada who was wrongly arrested and thrown in prison for witnessing about the Lord. When he was released he went back out and started witnessing again, the abusive scare tactics didn’t prevail. God takes it seriously when His servants are ill treated and blesses those who speak for Him.

God bless and keep you today.

‘A Saving Shield’; has God connected you with someone to protect and help you through a difficult phase of your life’s journey? They may not even know God, but still help you.

27 When it was decided that we would sail for Italy, Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a centurion named Julius, who belonged to the Imperial Regiment.

Paul, God’s apostle and now a prisoner, was headed for Rome, in the company of another Roman centurion. Julius, named in scripture, would accompany Paul through a major storm and help save his life.

The journey began well enough, but the season was changing and the time for sailing in the Mediterranean was becoming dangerous. How often we begin confidently, but then circumstances change and life is not so favourable.

⁹ Much time had been lost, and sailing had already become dangerous because by now it was after the Day of Atonement. So Paul warned them, ¹⁰ ‘Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our own lives also.’ ¹¹ But the centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot and of the owner of the ship. Acts 27

The ship’s owner and captain didn’t heed Paul’s warning, no doubt they thought they knew better, but disaster lay ahead because of their rash decision. The ship was ‘battered’ (Life can feel like that at times) by a severe storm,  but Paul gave them hope (so important in a storm) after a visit from an angel of God.

²² But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. ²³ Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me ²⁴ and said, “Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.” ²⁵ So keep up your courage, men, FOR I HAVE FAITH IN GOD THAT IT WILL HAPPEN JUST AS HE TOLD ME.

The angel had revealed God’s will for the ship’s company caught in the storm, but they could still have been lost only for the intervention of the centurion.

³⁰ In an attempt to escape from the ship, the sailors let the lifeboat down into the sea, pretending they were going to lower some anchors from the bow. ³¹ Then Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, ‘Unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved.’ ³² So the soldiers cut the ropes that held the lifeboat and let it drift away.

Then when the ship was stuck on the sandbank, the soldiers wanted to kill the prisoners.

⁴² The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners to prevent any of them from swimming away and escaping. ⁴³ But the centurion wanted to spare Paul’s life and kept them from carrying out their plan.

The centurion protected Paul in the storm and spared his life. God sent another Roman soldier to defend his servant and ensure that His purposes for Paul would be fulfilled.

God can send someone to help you in your storm, take time to ask Him today and expect your answer. The prayers of intercessors can also act as a Shield when opposition is fierce.

Fathersloveministry is a faith based ministry, please Donate on our webpage today and help support the Father’s work;

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Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, FOR GOD LOVES A CHEERFUL GIVER. 2 Corinthians 9:7

The Lord is no man’s debtor, Hallelujah.

God rewards those who give to Him, don’t miss out on your blessings, give to Him today.

We are available to seek personal words of direction and encouragement for those who want them. Please contact us on our webpage above. We can also provide counselling online, contact our webpage. A donation is normally required for this service.

The Lord bless and keep you today.

10 At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. ² He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. ³ One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, ‘Cornelius!’ Acts 10

Cornelius, a Roman centurion, was devout and God-fearing and had an angelic visitation, telling him to send for Peter and where he was staying.

⁹ About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. ¹⁰ He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. ¹¹ He saw heaven opened… 

Peter too received a vision from heaven telling him;

¹⁴ ‘Surely not, Lord!’ Peter replied. ‘I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.’

¹⁵ The voice spoke to him a second time, ‘Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.’

Peter’s whole mindset, as a practicing Jew, was about to be changed and God had ordained it. Heaven’s viewpoint is often much higher than ours and may challenge beliefs we’ve been holding for a long time, so it was with the apostle Peter.

¹⁷ While Peter was wondering about the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found out where Simon’s house was and stopped at the gate.

PETER HAD LITTLE TIME TO CONSIDER THE VISION before three men were standing at the gate. God may want us to move quickly once He has begun something – don’t delay!

Peter took six others with him, Acts 11:12 and set out for Cornelius. God’s Spirit may well have ordained that seven Jewish believers should be present at Cornelius’ household. (The circumcised, ‘Jewish believers’, later criticised Peter for visiting gentiles and eating with them Acts 11:3, they hadn’t received any revelation.)

²⁷ While talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. ²⁸ He said to them: ‘You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean.’

Peter had been the leader in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost and now the Holy Spirit sent him to Cornelius. This gathering at the house of a Roman centurion was the birth place of the Gentiles in the Church, God’s Covenant people. Another dispensation began right in this meeting!

⁴⁴ While Peter was still speaking these words, THE HOLY SPIRIT CAME ON ALL WHO HEARD THE MESSAGE (Faith comes by Hearing). ⁴⁵ The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. ⁴⁶ For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.

Peter ordered the ‘new believers’ (Peter received them into the Church right then) be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ. Acts 10:48

When Peter shared these events with the Jewish believers in Jerusalem they accepted what God had done. Revelation came to them through their leader, yet before they’d heard his report they’d criticised him with the old mindset. God is moving powerfully in this day and things may never be the same again. We too need to be mindful of what the Spirit wants at this time.

God bless and keep you today.

⁹ So Naaman went with his horses and chariots and stopped at the door of Elisha’s house. ¹⁰ Elisha sent a messenger to say to him, ‘GO, WASH YOURSELF SEVEN TIMES IN THE JORDAN, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed.’ 2 Kings 5

Naaman’s standing, with his chariots and horses, was ignored by the man of God and he went away angry. But to get his healing he had to dip or go down, seven times (not once or twice, but seven times he had to bow down in the river). COMPLETE HUMBLING BEFORE GOD, we can only come on His terms.

¹⁶ The prophet answered, ‘As surely as the Lord lives, whom I serve, I WILL NOT ACCEPT A THING.’ And even though Naaman urged him, he refused. 2 Kings 5

We can never put anything on our side of the scales to lessen the debt, we are totally obligated to Him. Also Worldly wealth and status are worthless to receive the blessings of God (but finances can promote the Kingdom).

We read of another soldier, a Roman centurion, who sought the Lord for healing for his servant. Matt 8:5-13;Luke 7:1-10

This man was unique amongst those the Lord had met.

⁸ For I MYSELF AM A MAN UNDER AUTHORITY, with soldiers under me. Luke 7

Authority means delegated power and to a large degree it’s what makes a society function. The centurion, because of his rank, understood the significance of authority. He knew that when he spoke those below him would immediately recognise and obey.

‘LORD, DON’T TROUBLE YOURSELF, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. ⁷ That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. BUT SAY THE WORD, AND MY SERVANT WILL BE HEALED. Luke 7

Jesus, you don’t have to come to my house, just speak the word and my servant will be healed. Your words carry that level of authority in them, the sickness will leave as soon as you tell it to. He fully recognised Jesus’ authority.

⁹ When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, ‘I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.’ ¹⁰ Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well. Luke 7

This man was a Roman soldier, but Jesus acknowledged that his faith was greater than that of the Jews. He may have been a sign of the coming Church, where many would find forgiveness through faith in the Lord. Jesus often chided his own disciples for their little faith, but the soldier understood how authority worked.

I am reminded of a book which I haven’t read for years, ‘The  Believer’s Authority’ by the late Kenneth Hagin. He brought out the importance of knowing who we are as believers in Christ and standing upon our authority.

²⁷ ‘So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.’

An army commander who had to learn the correct way to come before God – with nothing he could give the prophet.

We saw yesterday that Naaman was a man of good character and God had given him honour before his king.

He was a valiant soldier, but HE HAD LEPROSY. 2 Kings 5

Naaman had a problem he couldn’t resolve, a horrible disease. His wife’s servant girl knew someone who could help and shared it with her mistress. Maybe the lowest ranked person in the house, but she knew a Man of God in her native land. We as Believers can help people, no matter how grand they are, TO LOOK TO GOD if they’re willing.

Naaman sought the permission of his king, who gave him a letter for the king of Israel, and made ready to visit there.

⁵ ‘By all means, go,’ the king of Aram replied. ‘I will send a letter to the king of Israel.’ So Naaman left, taking with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold and ten sets of clothing. ⁶ The letter that he took to the king of Israel read: ‘With this letter I am sending my servant Naaman to you so that you may cure him of his leprosy.’ 

Naaman probably followed the custom of the day and brought lavish gifts for the Favour he was seeking. The king of Israel couldn’t do anything and tore his clothes on reading the letter, asking for Naaman to be healed. Following the customs of the day wouldn’t work, but Elisha heard and responded to the request.

⁸ When Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his robes, he sent him this message: ‘Why have you torn your robes? Make the man come to me and he will know that there is a prophet in Israel.’

Naaman was redirected to God’s prophet and arrived at his house with great pomp – he made a grand entrance and was promptly ignored. Was that a deliberate snub, would the army commander humble himself and obey the instructions given him?

⁹ So Naaman went with his horses and chariots and stopped at the door of Elisha’s house. ¹⁰ Elisha sent a messenger to say to him, ‘Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed.’ 

Naaman was angry at this treatment, but his servants talked to him and persuaded him to do as Elisha had told him.

¹³ Naaman’s servants went to him and said, ‘My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, “Wash and be cleansed”!’ ¹⁴ So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy.

People who usually give orders might not like to take them, especially when they’re just told to get on with it. We may receive instructions that grate on us, but sometimes the best thing is just to get on with them – Naaman’s obedience brought his healing and a new attitude towards the God who’d healed him.

¹⁵ Then Naaman and all his attendants went back to the man of God. He stood before him and said, ‘Now I know that THERE IS NO GOD IN ALL THE WORLD EXCEPT IN ISRAEL. So please accept a gift from your servant.’

Naaman, the proud soldier, had humbled himself and became a believer in the Living God. His flash of temper completely forgotten and a new, peaceful understanding in his heart and life.

God bless and keep you today.

CHARACTER COUNTS, it’s the one thing we’ll take into eternity.

The Bible has much to say about soldiers, some good and some not so good. Balance is important. We have a tendency to think the worst of those we dislike and the best of those we do like, but God sees us as we really are.

Soldiers in general would have been feared and hated as occupiers, imposing foreign rule in the land of Israel. Sometimes God allows things for His own purposes, for example the Roman occupation of Judea brought their roads and trade across the Mediterranean area. In doing so they also provided a new way for the spread of the Gospel to many more people.

5 Now Naaman was commander of the army of the king of Aram. He was a great man in the sight of his master and highly regarded, because through him the Lord had given victory to Aram. He was a valiant soldier, but he had leprosy. 2 Kings 5

The Bible refers to Naaman as, ‘a great man, highly regarded and a valiant soldier’. These things were commendable and they are recorded and acknowledged in the God’s Word. God saw the good in Naaman, even though he was later humbled when he came to Elisha.

⁴ When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, ‘This man deserves to have you do this, ⁵ because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue.’ ⁶ So Jesus went with them. Luke 7

The unnamed centurion in Capernaum with the sick servant, sent the Jewish elders to go and ask Jesus for help. While they were talking to Jesus, they told him ‘this man loves our nation and has built our synagogue’. They argued on the basis of his character – CHARACTER COUNTS.

¹⁴ Then some soldiers asked him, ‘And what should we do?’

He replied, ‘Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely – be content with your pay.’ Luke 3

John the Baptist spoke to the soldiers, obviously aware of how they dealt with the people. He told them what they should do to get right before God. He didn’t ignore them nor rebuke them but told them what God required of their particular group. Maybe that didn’t sit well with those Jews around him.

10 At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. ² He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. Acts 10

Cornelius the Roman centurion was visited by God’s angel, but firstly his good character was outlined. He and his family were God-fearing, (there are really only two types of people, Godly and Godless). He gave generously and prayed regularly and they became the first gentile believers in the new Church, what a privilege and a blessing for all of us who followed them.

Good Character is built by patience and constantly living our lives to honour God. There are no shortcuts, but in the end our Character will reward us.

God bless and keep you today.

⁶⁰ Then he fell on his knees and cried out, ‘LORD, DO NOT HOLD ‘THIS SIN’ AGAINST THEM.’ When he had said this, he fell asleep. Acts 7

The last recorded words of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, were a short but heartfelt prayer. He’d already spoken powerfully and truthfully about the history of Israel, but the religious ‘gnashed their teeth at him’. They were so angry at the words Stephen spoke by the Spirit that they had to kill him. (Great anger and bitterness still exists today under the guise of religion, different religions, including Christianity. A Christian Missionary couple working in Pakistan used to be apprehensive if religious parties could be elected to govern – it usually meant trouble for them)

Stephen’s death was the forerunner to a powerful, coming move of God through His newly established Church.

On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Acts 8:1

‘On that day’, the outbreak of persecution was immediate. They’d gotten rid of Stephen, the man whose wisdom they couldn’t subdue;

…who began to argue with Stephen. ¹⁰ But they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke. Acts 6

They now sought to scatter the whole Church, but God permitted it and the Good News spread further afield.

⁴ Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. ⁵ Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there. Acts 8

Stephen was a man full of the Holy Spirit, even his face shone when he spoke to the religious. He didn’t just speak the words of God while he lived but even as he died. Stephen could have cursed those killing him, but even as he was being assaulted he asked God not to hold it against his attackers. Stephen didn’t place any hindrances to the coming move of God by critical, judgemental words – HE FORGAVE THEM. Words are such a powerful thing;

²¹ Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
And those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18

The weakest believers have the life of God in them and have power by their words to create a reality of ‘death or life’! Stephen spoke words of life for all around him and didn’t block God’s Grace for others in the future.

Believers need to surrender our mouths to the Spirit and speak Life, not destruction to those around us.

Fathersloveministry is a faith based ministry, please Donate on our webpage today and help support the Father’s work;

fathersloveministry.co.uk

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, FOR GOD LOVES A CHEERFUL GIVER. 2 Corinthians 9:7

The Lord is no man’s debtor, Hallelujah.

God rewards those who give to Him, don’t miss out on your blessings, give to Him today.

We are available to seek personal words of direction and encouragement for those who want them. Please contact us on our webpage above. We can also provide counselling online, contact our webpage. A donation is normally required for this service.

The Lord bless and keep you today.

God’s Word contains Books known as the ‘Wisdom Literature’ to be read and digested by believers. (Wisdom is also referred to as a female figure; Wisdom calls aloud in the street, SHE RAISES HER VOICE in the public square. Proverbs 1:20 Some believers today have encountered her)

¹¹ WISDOM, like an inheritance, IS A GOOD THING
    and benefits those who see the sun.
¹² WISDOM IS A SHELTER
    as money is a shelter,
but the advantage of knowledge is this:
    WISDOM PRESERVES THE LIFE OF THOSE WHO HAVE IT.  Ecclesiastes 7

God’s Word urges us to seek wisdom, but not the wisdom of the world;

¹³ Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. ¹⁴ But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. ¹⁵ Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is EARTHLY, UNSPIRITUAL, DEMONIC. ¹⁶ FOR WHERE YOU HAVE ENVY AND SELFISH AMBITION, THERE YOU FIND DISORDER AND EVERY EVIL PRACTICE. James 3

God is not a God of Disorder nor Confusion but of Peace and Harmony.

¹⁷ But the wisdom that comes from heaven IS FIRST OF ALL PURE; THEN PEACE-LOVING, CONSIDERATE, SUBMISSIVE, FULL OF MERCY AND GOOD FRUIT, (Mercy and Good Fruit are together) IMPARTIAL AND SINCERE. ¹⁸ PEACEMAKERS WHO SOW IN PEACE REAP A HARVEST OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. James 3

A few more statements from Proverbs regarding the Heavenly Wisdom.

³² Better a patient person than a warrior,
    one with self-control than one who takes a city. Prov. 16 (That’s a remarkable statement)

²⁷ The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint,
    and whoever has understanding is even-tempered. Proverbs 17

¹⁰ Where there is strife, there is pride,
    but wisdom is found in those who take advice. (Best to be teachable/take correction) Proverbs 13

God bless and keep you in His Peace today.

The number ‘9’ is a significant number, occurring 49 times in Scripture, and meaning completeness and holiness. Christ died at the 9th hour/3pm and opened the way of salvation for everyone. The holiest day of the Jewish Calendar, Yom Kippur (The day of fasting), begins at sunset on the 9th day of the seventh month. Leviticus 23:32

It’s also interesting that after the coming of the Holy Spirit that we have the 9 Gifts of the Spirit, 1 Corinthians 12 and also the complementary 9 Fruits of the Spirit, Galatians 5. (Galatians is the 9th book of the New Testament (NT) and 5:22, 5+2+2 when added equals 9! Troy Brewer, Prophetic Numbers)

Babies or new life is birthed after 9 months, so that’s also very significant.

The Gospel of Luke, the doctor and probably the only Gentile writer in the NT, records some supernatural events not mentioned in the other gospels. It’s interesting that they are recorded in Luke because Paul tells Jews look for signs;

²² Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, …²⁵ For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. 1 Corinthians 1

There were ‘9’ supernatural manifestations around the time of Jesus’ birth.

Two angelic visitations, to Zechariah and later to Mary, the mother of Jesus. Luke 1:11; 1:26

Three prophetic utterances;

Elisabeth (mother of John), ‘Why am I so favoured that the mother of my Lord should come to me?’ Luke 1:43

Mary’s Song

⁴⁶ And Mary said:

Two appearances in the heavens;

The appearance of the angels to the shepherds to tell them of the birth of the Messiah. Luke 2:8

The visit of the Magi;

‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.’ Matthew 2:1 (The only sign not in Luke’s Gospel)

Two prophetic confirmations when Jesus was presented in the Temple;

²⁹ ‘Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
    you now dismiss your servant in peace.
³⁰ For my eyes have seen your salvation,
³¹     which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
³² a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
    and the glory of your people Israel.’ Luke 2, Simeon

³⁶ There was also a prophetess, Anna, … She never left the temple but worshipped night and day, fasting and praying. ³⁸ Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.  Luke 2

God speaks in many ways and on many different levels today; it’s said He is the greatest code maker. He wants to speak to each of us in ways that He has chosen, don’t be disheartened but ask Him to reveal what He’s saying now and believe He will.

God bless and keep you today.