Tuesday, April 23, 2013

A Miracle of Jesus


 
     Within each miracle of Christ I see a proclamation of more than divine power: there is also a distinct revelation of our Heavenly Father’s message of “Good News” in every miraculous encounter. For example, like water to wine, Jesus desires to change us from lost sheep to the Bride of Christ. Like loaves and fish He creates abundance from our meager lives so that we might bless the multitudes.  He empties mute mouths of evil and fills them with words of praise and testimony; in order to spread the hope of Truth. Through the one man from the group of ten healed who returns to thank Jesus, we see how few will turn and seek our Redeemer; though Jesus died for us all. I see in Peter’s amazing catch of fish an illustration of how God wants to use our talents for His glory. Likewise, a single coin in the belly of a fish reminds us that when we obey the LORD’s instructions, He will meet our every need.

     When I contemplate the miracles Jesus performed among the multitudes I see more than opened eyes and strengthened limbs, I see miraculous compassion: Love which is compelled to flow from a source of pure goodness. “For while we were yet sinners,” Jesus loved us completely. Holding nothing back but His wrath and disdain for our sin, the LORD stepped out from the Holy of Hollies. Veiled by flesh He touched His creation with pure devotion. Though we were not priests, had not passed through the Sea and our hands were stained crimson, the Almighty drew us near. More than healing came from Jesus’ embrace.  Hope of becoming a miracle was born in the hearts of man.

     Imagine the hope of each person in Jesus’ midst as they wondered what miracle He might have for them. They gathered round, some stood in lines, all stood in awe but few heard His message. Yet, every miraculous healing was meant to convey the reality there is much more to life as we know it; more to see, hear, and walk through in this life, but only to be experienced through Jesus. Even Christ’s exorcisms proclaim His gospel truth. For sin leads to spiritual oppression, paralysis, blindness and destruction; only Jesus can free us from the oppression of evil and sin.  

     The nature of God to create life, nurture and sustain it, is powerfully put before us in His miracles of raising Lazarus from the tomb, the widow’s son, and Jairus’s daughter from the dead. These three miracles proclaim that eternal life through resurrection is God’s desire for us all; first for Christ and then for His sons and daughters. And God makes it clear eternal life does not begin at the grave but at the hands and feet of Jesus Christ. God’s compassion compelled Him to take the nails in our place that we might live as He intended.

     Accept the love of God as a sinner redeemed by the pierced hands and feet of the LORD and become His next miracle! Soon the love of God will pour into your life and the miracles your read on the pages of your bible will be part of your testimony. You will become a new creation in Christ. Your life will take on new meaning. You will desire to share the Good News of Jesus with others. You will see and hear things differently and turn from old patterns of thinking and living to follow Jesus.  You will seek to serve God by using your gifts. Obedience to Christ will no longer be an option but a desire and your rest will be found in the LORD.        

     Indeed, our hope is not based solely on the testimony of the Truth in the Holy Scriptures but on the power of Christ’s miraculous work in us day after day. I am a continuous miracle. You can be one as well.

That is the “Good News” at its best!    
Tracy L. Frazier
Director/Founder of The FOLD Ministry

For further contemplation watch the short Inspirational Video and music video below.
Video: Nick Vugicic - Truth on the Go: If You Can't Get A Miracle, Become One
Worship Music Video: Prince of Egypt - When You Believe 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gur8ccqrQ9c

Friday, April 5, 2013

Overcoming Offense


My command is this: Love each other
 as I have loved you. (John 15:12)
     When Jesus began his earthly ministry He interestingly invited men of the sea rather than of the Temple to be His disciples. James and John along with Simon Peter and Andrew--four fishermen who spent their days casting their nets into the water-- accepted Christ’s call to become fishers of men. Early in their discipleship, brothers James and John (whom Jesus nicknamed Son’s of Thunder), took offense when a Samaritan town rejected Jesus (Luke 9). Angrily they sought permission from the LORD to call down fire from heave to destroy these offenders, just as Elijah had once done against the prophets of Baal. However Jesus quickly rebuked them and revealed His ministry was about saving souls, not destroying them. The Son’s of Thunder would learn in time the art of casting love before men rather than destruction.

     In his book The Bait of Satan, author and Christian speaker John Bevere reminds the Church that our enemy the devil is also fishing for souls. Not only does our foe seek to hook us and destroy our testimony, he desires to reel us away from the Father and abundant life. According to Bevere, one of the baits the enemy uses to lure us is offense: an unkind word, rejection, exclusion or any kind of betrayal blinds us to the devil’s horrid hook before us. Like fish which swim circles around a tempting morsel, we can allow our minds to mull over an offense until our hearts desire to bite back. Before we know it, we are caught in trouble and the enemy gains control over us.  Jesus did say we would have trouble in this life because the days of man are filled with darkness and evil. But our Savior also told us not to fear;  “But take heart! I have overcome the world,” and Jesus did so on the cross (John 16:33NIV).

     Christ’s death on the cross was far more than an act of obedience to the Father’s will. Jesus’ sacrificial death was the greatest act of love ever expressed in our world. Undeniably love is the mightiest power known to man. Consider how Jesus held great power, but His might was both expressed and contained by His amazing love. When He healed it was driven by love. When Jesus rebuked it was guided by His love. Astoundingly, our LORD beholds the power to create, control or destroy anything, and yet all His acts are rooted in love. Notably, it is love which overcame the Son’s fear as he knelt in the garden of Gethsemane burdened with the plan of man’s redemption. Likewise, it was God’s devotion which compelled Him to die upon the cross. And it is love which continually and will forevermore conquer the devil’s dark influence over man.

      Simply stated, with Jesus there is no trickery or deception in the Father’s plan: no hook to fear. There is but love in all its forms and expressions to behold and abide in.  When we face the offenses of man cast before us by Satan, we have a choice: forgive and maintain our freedom to abide in the Living Water or take the bait of offense and be caught by the devil. Bevere points to Jesus’ warning that one of the signs of the end of the age is the hardening of hearts between brothers and sisters in the Church. Because of being offended many in the faith are prophesied to fall prey to cold hearts and false teachers (Matt. 4:9-13).

     Jesus proclaims the world would know His followers by the way they loved on another, (John 13:35). By the end of his life the Apostle John had learned well Jesus’ technique for saving the souls of man. For, the Son of Thunder in his latter days was known as the Apostle of Love.

Oh, Father, may it be the same for us!

 Tracy L. Frazier

Director/Founder of The FOLD: Fellowship Opportunity for Ladies Discipleship

 

Video: Full Circle;  Free From the Trap of Offense - 1/4 - John Bevere


Music Video: Natalie Grant – Perfect People


 

Scripture: Ephesians 4:30-32; And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of god, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.  Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.  Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving eachother, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

 

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Abiding in the Promised Land


God's Word is our map to the Promised Land!

     The Word of God is full of promises. Some promises are meant for the Hebrew nation of Israel while others are meant for the spiritual offspring of Abraham. One inheritance meant for both is an abundant life in the Promise Land.

     In the Bible we learn that God had designated a specific territory for His chosen people the Israelites. This promised property is where God Almighty did dwell among man in the midst of a people He purposed to be a holy nation. The Israelites were meant to be God’s light in a dark world filled with sin and its painful and deadly consequences: A beacon of hope that would draw others to the warmth of God’s love and provision. Under the care and protection of Yahweh, the tribes of Israel took possession of the Promised Land and received the blessings of abiding in the presence of God. Though they first stumbled in the desert with unbelief delaying their inheritance, life was rich as cream and sweet as honey for Jacobs offspring past the Jordan.  At least life was blessed from time to time in the Promised Land.

     The covenant promise made between God and his servant Abraham was established with conditions that Israel must obey to possess the blessings of the land. God’s laws required the nation to worship no other but the Lord Almighty. The One True God was their provider and protector; they were to seek only His favor while serving one another in love.  They were commanded to live set apart from the people of other nations who worshiped false gods, lived immorally and pursued every kind of wickedness: The Chosen People were to be holy as God is holy. Had Israel obeyed the Words given them by God, they would still be living abundantly in the Promised Land today. Tragically, they broke the laws of the Covenant again and again until more than territory was lost in Israel’s failure to abide in God’s word, the Lord’s blessing was also lost for a time.

     Author and Speaker Beth Moore, encourages the Church with the truth that this side of the cross, New Testament Believers in Jesus Christ have their own Promise Land to enter and possess. While the Christian’s Promise Land is a spiritual territory to abide in it remains as real as the Holy Land of Israel. Likewise possession of the blessings inherent to the land, are subject to belief and obedience of its occupants.

     Gaining access to the gift of grace and eternal life through Jesus is simply gained through sincere repentance and a prayer of acceptance.  However possessing the Believer’s Promise Land takes battle. Just as the Israelites of old had to step into deep waters, shout in the name of Yahweh and draw their swords to take hold of their inheritance, so too must Christians fight the good fight to live abundantly in Christ.

     Jesus said “It is written:  ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word which comes from the mouth of God,” (Matthew 4:4NIV)

     I believe one principal of this truth is connected to Jesus’ title The Bread of Life. For through Christ we partake of His body--the bread--sacrificed for our sin and we gain eternal life. However, many Christians have long lives to live beyond their salvation experience. I hear in Jesus’ words, “but by every word which comes from the mouth of God,” that importance is equally placed on digesting also the truths and life principles God has commanded us to live by in His Word. The abundant life is connected to the balanced diet of both Christ crucified and resurrected life in obedience to the Word of God.

     Jesus also said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10 NIV )

     The Lord does not desire that we would merely hang on to our eternal salvation and live battered and broken while we wait for His return or our passing. Instead, Jesus desires we live victorious and blessed in a spiritual place of peace, joy, contentment, harmony, love, truth and purpose. These fruits of abiding in God’s Promise Land are not dependant on perfect circumstance. Even when fires of tests and trials rage and threaten destruction, we can trust the power of the Living Water is available for us to extinguish any threat.  

     Thereby the Word of God is critical to our possessing and abiding in the wonderful Promised Land of blessings. Beth reminds us that to believe God is to know he desires to bless our lives. Reading the Word, processing its truth, holding our own lives up to it as a mirror and discussing it openly with God will guide you to your Promise Land. With every step you will draw nearer to the heart of God where every Believer is destined to abide in a land flowing with milk and honey: a place of abundant provision, peace and beautiful.

Oh Father, help us with our unbelief!

Tracy L. Frazier
Director/Founder of The FOLD: Fellowship Opportunity for Ladies Discipleship



Video: Beth Moore – Believing God (:23:00 – :31:22);
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_PZeql7xIc

Music Video: John Waller – While I’m Waiting; 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6X71sXagUY

Scripture John 15:1-11NIV; 11NIV “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.  This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you.  Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love.”   

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Wielding the Word of God


      Jesus clearly teaches in His Word, “That man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God,” (Matthew 4:4NIV). The association the LORD makes between the Scriptures and life cannot be denied. For life is not only extended and fortified through the belief and intake of God’s Word it is also multiplied: the saving power of the Gospel rescues life after life from eternal death. Therefore, while it is necessary for us to feed our physical bodies nutrients from the earth, it is even more critical in order to thrive spiritually that we also digest the Holy Scriptures.  

      The LORD not only taught this life principle he demonstrated how to put it into practice. During His own temptation period in the desert, the LORD used the written Word as a shield and a sword to ward off the devil. Every baited lie the enemy cast before Jesus was rejected and cast down because Christ knew and declared the written Truth.  The power of God’s Word is evident in that though Jesus was physically weakened in the flesh due to His fasting, His Spirit was strong. What a boost this illustration is for the followers of Christ! For while we are weak in the flesh by nature, we like Christ can be mighty in our Spirit by the Word of God.

     The key which unlocks the power of the Almighty against our enemy is the knowing of the Word. Believing in Christ and receiving Him as our Savior gains us eternal life, but more is needed to live out our Christian purpose in this world. Jesus says, “I have come that they might have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10NIV). This kind of Christian life only comes through feasting upon the Scripture and obeying what it says. For the work of Christ in His earthly ministry bears witness to His divine position as Son of God. His work upon the cross frees us from the shackles of slavery to sin and its eternal consequences. Jesus’ resurrection from the dead shatters fear of death and comforts us with hope of peace beyond the grave. Yet, it is His Word which provides a shield in the battle for our souls and places a weapon in our hands. What makes up the bulk of  the word “sword”? The word… “WORD”!

     In the physical realm the sword of man is only as strong and victorious as its possessor. However, in the spiritual battle men, women and children need not despair for their physical weakness. Praise God all followers of Christ are fiercely empowered with the eternal almighty power of the Word. Young and old are capable of wielding the power of heaven through knowing the first spoken and later written Word of God. The same power which created the heavens and the earth is unleashed against the kingdom of darkness when we speak God’s Word.

     Lisa Bevere, author of Girls with Swords encourages women to rise up with the power of the Living Word in our hearts and minds to wreck havoc in the enemy’s plans and take back territory for the Kingdom. I say “Amen!” to Lisa’s battle cry. The scriptures testify again and again that the Truth defeats the darkness and pushes back the devil. Dear sisters we cannot leave the fight up to a few warriors in the faith. We are all needed in this war!

     Ladies, my prayer is that we united in Christ will purpose to be in the word, study the word and build up our arsenal of knowledge of Scripture. May we take seriously the reality that we are called to the battlefield in our minds and in our hearts to know and align with Truth proclaiming victory in Jesus Christ. Not only that we may live the abundant life Jesus desires for us, but that we would also rescue prisoners of war sentenced to eternal death in the enemy’s camp.

Lord, inspire us by your Holy Spirit to sharpen our sword through daily focused reading in Your Word. Grant us opportunity to be not only hearers of Your Word, but doers by Your Word.  May we “be strong and of great courage” before are foe and bring glory to YOU our God!"  

For the King!
Tracy Frazier
 
For further contemplation watch the short IV (Inspirational Video) and Music video below.

Video: Lisa Bevere - Girls with Swords
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ptm-d9JxHhw

Music video: Mercy Me - Word of God Speak
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYu8ZyETnKo

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Caring for the Pride


    
          When you hear the word “pride” what comes to mind? In most parts of the word “pride” is associated with the arrogant attitude of believing highly of self. However, for people living in Tanzania the word “pride” is associated with sleepless nights and fearful days in fields and villages. According to Abigail Tucker writer for the Smithsonian this reality is due to the 3,000 lions and their warring prides vying for territorial reign within the country’s borders, (Smithsonian magazine, January 2010).  Tucker’s brief surveillance of numerous prides under the guidance of foremost expert on lions, Craig Packer, granted her interesting new insights to the behaviors of the ferocious monarchs of the animal kingdom.
          Living safe and sound in the foothills of Southern California, my reality of a pride of lions is quite different than the Tanzanians'. Having only seen lions neutered by captivity, my affection for God’s majestic beast is explained. Notably Disney’s heart-warming movie, The Lion King as well C.S. Lewis’ literary caricature of Jesus, Aslan the Great Lion, have greatly encouraged adoration for the beauty of the pride.  And now, for the body of Christ, author and renowned speaker, Lisa Bevere offers more reason to regard the pride with respect and awe.

          Having studied lionesses for several years, Lisa has gained insight to the parallel of instinctual habits of the pride and the spiritual grooming of ladies in the body of Christ. The majestic cats' manner of interaction and care for one another not only sets them apart from the rest of their kind, it provides an illustration of how important acceptance and social grooming are to the sustainability of the Church.  Interviewed by James Robison on Life Today, Lisa Bevere emphasizes that the act of social grooming is key to helping each lioness look and act her best. 
          In the Church the concept of social grooming would apply to our spiritual self which directly impacts our disposition and outward expression.  The ladies of the church who engage in face to face connection and build each others spirit up through sincerity, compassionate care, encouraging discipleship and God guided accountability glow from the beauty treatments exchanged with their sisters in Christ. The result being a body of believing women who radiate spiritual beauty beyond compare and bring glory to the King of Kings. Just as social grooming sets lions apart from the rest of their kind, spiritual grooming should set God's children apart  from the rest of mankind as well.   

          During our Table Talk at The FOLD we discussed what makes us feel like we belong within our Church pride. The ladies shared that being acknowledged, greeted, embraced, invited, listened to, remembered, encouraged, appreciated and prayed for made them feel valued and a part.  When these expressions toward each other are absent in the Church, the ladies in the pride become vulnerable to attack. For the enemy of our souls roams around like a roaring lion seeking to kill and destroy us all, (1 Peter 5:8). Left outside the circle of fellowship sisters in Christ suffer more than the loss of spiritual grooming. This rejection and exclusion can lead to heartache and despair which can produce poor attitudes toward their church family and lead to ungodly behavior. The result is a disconnected and un-kept pride of women who do not bring glory to God.
           In the lion’s world, the threat of attack from roaming males looking to take over a pride warrants the lionesses remain on guard. They suffer greatly when a challenger enters their realm; their cubs are mercilessly put to death by the conquering beast and the lionesses are often killed while trying to protect their young. Interestingly the new insight Abigail Tucker shares of Craig Packer’s research of the pride is that the lionesses’ curious close quarters are not due to social harmony as previously determined but instead for protection. Simply stated, the pride’s survival rests on the closeness of the lionesses.  Without their fortifying relational bonds the pride's chances to increase in number are lost.

          Caring for the pride is critical. Whether you visit the ailing, encourage the downtrodden or lend a helping hand to a ministry leader, reach out and draw your sisters in Christ near. Strengthen your sisters and you fortify Christ’s Church. In the words of Lisa Bevere, “Our truest beauty is not reflected in our own mirror but in how we have affected other people.”
May the pride of the Lion of Judah be known for great beauty!
Tracy Frazier
 
For further contemplation watch the short Inspirational Video and music video below.
Video: Lisa Bevere - Strengthening Each Other LIFE Today/James Robison
Worship Song: Laura Story - Mighty to Save (hit pause and let video load a bit before playing)
 
Lisa Bevere says our differences are important to help strengthen the pride of women in God’s Church. How does drawing on the strengths of women in the pride make a difference to the body and to you personally?  
SHARE YOU THOUGHTS BY POSTING A COMMENT.

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

A Court of Passion


           
            Shakespeare understood passion. The brilliant poet and playwright had a way of tapping the deepest fears and desires in the human experience and poetically exhibiting them in dramatic theater and tale: Shakespear's Macbeth, Othello, Hamlet and Tempest still highly favored by Arts enthusiasts. Even so, who can forget the passion of his Romeo and Juliet as they fought for their unity against all the forces resolved to keep them apart?  Their story transcends beyond the page and stage into our spirit. Their romance hints to a story we all play a part in and speaks to our deepest desire to be passionately loved.

            Since before time the heart of God was filled with passion. Flowing from his fingertips, passion created heaven and earth and all that dwells within them. Yet, at the end of God’s vast and inspired work one creation, like nothing else, would capture His holy heart; you and me.  Thus begins the greatest romance.

            The grand and everlasting tale of God’s passion for our love dwarfs any other romance story. Romeo with all his poetic charm and fervor pales in comparison to the suitor of our souls. For the LORD’s passion compelled Him to endure the humility of life that he might destroy the enemy  which is death. Stripping Himself of His eternal glory, the King of Kings donned the temporal flesh of man that He might capture our hearts through His sacrificial death on the cross.

            “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends,”  (John 15:13 NIV).

            Romeo had passion for Juliet, yet his love led to death for he and his bride. On the other hand, Jesus’ love for you and me leads to eternal life. Notably passion conveys action. It is defined by Google's web dictonary as a “strong and barely controllable emotion”. The word evokes focus, determination and energy towards something. Thereby passion does not merely happen in our lives, it comes from resolve and compells us into action. 
            So here are some questions to ponder in regards to our relationship with the LORD.

-Would you consider your relationship with the LORD   passionate?
-Do you long to spend time with Him?
-In what ways do you strive to honor Jesus?
-What place does praise, obedience and gifts of service hold
  in your relationship?
-Do people have reason to “talk” about your passion for God?  
            These are questions I ask myself as I present them to you.  My desire is to remind us of this unfathomable lover of our souls who longs to court us and draw us into a rich and satisfying relationship. Jesus is ready to sweep us off our feet. Will we let Him? Sisters in Christ, let's give the world some passion to talk about!

            Our challenge at The FOLD last evening was to go on a date with the LORD. To set a specific time, at a designated place and share uninterrupted time together with Jesus. Some might share coffee time. Others may steal away to a park to read His Word. Still, someone may be inclined to stroll along the beach in His presence. The place does not matter, the pursuit does.
             I am certain of the LORD’s passion for us and I know Jesus would be delighted to have a special date with you!  
 
Tracy Frazier
 
Keeping with the concept of Christ's passion, you may enjoy the following:

Christine Caine-"Stop Acting Like A Christian and Be One"
Parts 1 & 2
Music video: All For Love-Hillsong; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjJNEsDJPFk
 

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Keeper of Dreams


 
          
             If I were to ask you, "What tangible item is especially valuable to you?" what first comes to mind? Have you taken steps to protect or secure your valuables in a safe or safety deposit box? What consequences would be suffered if your valuables were to suddenly disappear?

            Being entrusted to care for something valuable is a big responsibility. Whether it is the well being of children, the care of an aging parent and their estate or the finances for a million dollar company there is much riding on your stewardship. The fact that people can get hurt and companies can crumble if we do not monitor and tend to these responsibilities is reality. Therefore it is wise for us to carefully consider what has been placed in our care.

            God has been speaking to me about my dreams for the past several years.  When I reflect on the dreams I have hoped for as a young girl, wife and mother I can see evidence of the LORD’s detailed attention and protection. Over the years as I have sought the will of God for my life, some dreams have faded without care while others have burst forth in vibrant hues.  He has put great effort into showing himself faithful and trustworthy to reassure me that my dreams are safe in his care.  Each step along the way has not been covered in pixie dust. Still, He has proven himself a worthy keeper of my dreams.

            Recently God has spoken to me about His dreams. He has revealed that the dreams He has for my life are His valuable property placed in my care. Like the talents given to the three stewards in Jesus’ parable God has given me his dreams to manage and care for. The reality that I have been entrusted with something of great value to the LORD has radically changed my attitude about seeking His will in my life. I used to see God’s will attached primarily to my becoming more like Jesus, producing fruit in my life and leaving a legacy of love. Now, I see that in the process of my growing in faith, works and relationship the LORD has specific plans for my life which will make a notable difference for His Kingdom. In other words He has placed some of His valuable dreams in my care. The reality of this excites and terrifies me! Because when I stop and consider the work of the LORD's hand in creation, the beauty and awe inspiring design he dreamt up, I can hardly imagine what visions his dreams hold for me.

            Jesus teaches in His parable that of the three stewards given some of the master’s valuable property, two tend to the talents with care and respect. They invest the talents and increase the value of the master’s property. They proved worthy of the trust that was placed in them and their joy was to have contributed to the master’s estate. The third steward buried the master’s valuable in the dirt and seemingly forgot about it until called upon to give an account. The neglect of this steward is evident and warrants a harsh rebuke. For the master’s estate was no better off due to the poor stewardship of this servant.

            God’s dreams for our lives are valuable property placed in our care. The question we must ask and significantly ponder before answering is “Are we good stewards of God’s dreams?” I trust as you spend time with the LORD discussing His dreams for your life, He will give you the answer to that question. How I pray by the power of our Master, each of us hears the praise, “Well done!”
Tracy Frazier

For further contemplation watch the short Inspirational Video and music video below.
IV: Beth Moore http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOgSNnkTFfI
Devotion Song/Video: You Raise Me Up http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DorNUsi5LE

What is God saying to you about His dreams for your life? Post a comment and share.