ONLY A LOOK

DISCIPLESHIP: Who, What and How?

How do we create disciples?  We do not create them--Jesus does.  How do we win disciples?  We do not--it is not a challenge, contest, nor a membership quota.  How do we teach others how to be disciples?  We do not--it is not a lesson we can teach, for each disciple is taught through the Holy Spirit, who gives wisdom and understanding, supplies what is lacking, removes what is unclean and instills the power and  love of God.

Discipleship is a relationship with Jesus--a relationship that instills Jesus' love and power, which we exemplify and bestow upon others.  Jesus provides a relationship in which we abide in Him to be perfected.  Our ability to overcome, through Christ, lifts up the name of Jesus and draws men to Him. Power to change and save man, lies in His name, alone.  He shines a light through us that lights the way to Truth.

FOLLOWERS WHO LEAD

Jesus requests for others to follow Him, is not in reference to an earthly journey or destination.  We are to follow His example and have a relationship with Him that will lead us to God and the Kingdom.    Jesus' parables demonstrated to His disciples the will of God for His Kingdom, so that that which is done in Heaven will be done on earth.  He told them that, if they abide in Him and do the will of the Father, they will find that the Kingdom of God is within them.  After He ascended into Heaven, Jesus returned and breathed into them His Holy Spirit, then, sent them out into the world.

So, how can we increase discipleship?  What are we expected to do to lead others to discipleship?  We do just that...we lead.  We lead the way, so that others will follow, just as Jesus continues to lead us, through His Holy Spirit.  As His disciples, we must take His gospel into the world.  This does not mean that everyone must continuously travel, spreading the Gospel.  As we live our lives, within the world, we walk as Jesus' disciples.  In our daily walk, with Christ, we spread His Gospel and compel others to have a relationship with Him.  We can witness to others about our relationship with Jesus.  However, our walk...our walk, the way in which we live, work, love and carry ourselves, along with our faithfulness to God...this walk, the light and truth within us, must prove that we are truly His followers. It is truth, which will lead others to Christ and to become His disciple. 

HOW SHALL A MAN WALK?

Through our walk, we show others the path we follow.  So, we must be careful not to stray from that path, lest we be a stumbling block to others.  Our walk shows others that we can conquer the world, through Christ.  Our walk shows others how to solve worldly problems through accountability to God and Godly love.  Our walk shows that there is always a road ahead and you are never at a dead end.  Our walk shows hope and love.  Our walk provides others with a look at Jesus.  The choice becomes theirs to follow Him.  Only a look at Jesus, even a glimpse, can change hearts, calm storms, heal sickness and cast out evil.

By all accounts, Jesus should have had thousands of disciples, but all did not choose to follow Him.  Many thought it too hard because they would have to give up worldly things, people in their lives and surrender their will to God.  Yes, many heard Jesus speak, as the Word of God, and many believed Him.  Many believed because of His miracles.  However, true belief and discipleship is not only in mind, but in spirit.  Like the rich man, who did not want to sell his possessions (Matthew 19:16-24), one can believe, but choose not to follow and have a relationship with Jesus.  Jesus had disciples that began to follow, but found it too hard to continue because they feared or loved the world.  They took their eyes off of Jesus and sank into darkness. 

DISCIPLESHIP WITHIN THE CHURCH

Is it the responsibility of the church to lead people to discipleship? Yes, but many churches are in competition with Christ.  Many churches focus on the support of their own doctrine, rituals, membership, agenda and authority.  When we are in Christ, He alone is the authority.  Through Christ, we are free of false doctrine and legalism.  Christ focuses on bringing us to spiritual maturity for the Kingdom and everlasting life. To Christ, membership is of no importance, for all who follow, belong to Him.   To expect the institutional church to instill discipleship within it's members is to place " a kingdom against itself."  Jesus said, " "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation and a house divided against a house falls."  (Luke 11:17)  They will not cut off their own foot, nor will they cast stones at themselves.  Their lack of faith, love of self and the world, keeps them from believing in discipleship and truly looking at Jesus.  They need people to remain weak, sinful, hateful, lovers of the world and ignorant of Truth, in order to support their institution and cover their deceit that they lead people to follow religion.  A church that leads people to Jesus, leads people to discipleship.

GOD IS ALWAYS IN CONTROL

We can argue that we need to fix these types of churches.  We can argue that we don't need more mega churches.  We can argue that we should hold ministers accountable for the lack of discipleship within the church.  We...we...we.  In making these arguments, we must not forget that God is in control.  Just as He protects the true Body of Christ, He has a plan for true discipleship. 

Before we start assessing what we need and do not need; or what we can and can not do, or what should be done, we must not forget to acknowledge, proclaim and fear what God can do, could do and would do if it were not for His grace and mercy.  Let us submit to the will and power of God. When we base the functionality and fate of the church upon our own desires, assumptions, prejudice and short-sightedness, we attempt to limit the power of God, who is all knowing.  God is always in control. 

When we don't see God changing or controlling a situation, we want to change or control it ourselves. However, God is always in control.  God allows things in order that we may see His purifying power, which is part of the grace and mercy He bestows upon us.  When God allows, He is providing an opportunity to  help us distinguish and discern holiness and righteousness.  Every adverse situation is an opportunity for God to be glorified.

Our "we" and "I" should always give God glory, honor and power'  and acknowledge that without Him, we can do nothing.  Instead of focusing on what needs to be corrected, removed, or limited, we can ask God if it is His will to use us, within the situation, that He may be glorified and others will be led to the Kingdom. 

KEEPING OUR EYES ON JESUS

Jesus told His disciples, " It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come!"  (Luke 17:1)  Let us not be so distracted by these offenses so that our light becomes darkness and we can not be effective disciples and vessels for Christ.  The book of Revelation contains Christ's letters to the churches.  He knew many churches would fall to the darkness in the world and warns them even now of their lack of faith, their betrayal of their first love and their alignment with the evil one.

That, which is in the world, is for the world and will remain until the appointed time. However, be mindful of that which God allows, for God can change things and people of the world into good  and use them for His purpose, for He has all power.

There are those,  in the world, having heard the Word, by choice, choose to remain of the world.  Blessed are those, in the world, who have looked at Jesus, heard His voice and are no longer of the world.  And just as we, through His power, have been changed to become one, we are purposed for His good.  As disciples, we become not only the voice of Jesus' Gospel, but the image of Him that others see.  In order for them to see Jesus, we must let His light shine through us.  To be certain the light within us is not darkness, we must keep our eyes on Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ; for we have a charge to keep and a God to glorify.

OPPORTUNITY FOR DISCIPLESHIP

Jesus made sure that everyone would have opportunity to follow Him.  He sent His disciples out into the world, to heal the sick, forgive sins, and draw others into the Kingdom.  The difference between success of one person over another is often opportunity.  God provides a multitude of opportunities for everyone to hear His Word.  Jesus continues to send teachers, preachers, evangelists, prophets and apostles to equip the saints.  And if we be equipped, need we have fear of the tactics of the enemy, or should we, His disciples, seize each opportunity before us to glorify our God?  It is something to think about the next time we forget that...God is in control.  We need only to take a look at Jesus.

WE ARE ONE

"The answer to your prayer begins with your measure of faith. 

Too often, we ask God to do what we really don't believe He can do, or we want Him to do all the work,  when our faith is the answer to our problem.  He has given us power, through our faith in Christ, to conquer the world.    

Lord, increase our faith."

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WE ARE ONE

My brothers and sisters,

My heart is filled with love and joy in the knowledge that we are one in the Spirit.  The Father is in the Son. The Son is in the Father.  We are one with the Father, Son and His Holy Ghost.  Through the sacrifice and petition of Jesus, we are One.  (John 17:20, 21)

I speak not of our individual relationship with the Trinity, but of our combined relationship together.  I speak not of a church congregation or membership (for they are not one), but an inseparable fusion and fellowship.  You and I, through the power of His Holy Ghost, are one.  What does this mean? How can many become one?  We must see beyond our flesh.  We are spiritual beings, linked with other spiritual beings, through His Holy Spirit.  Why?  In order that we may be perfected together.  So, that, we may be of one mind to move as the Body of Christ.  So, that, we may be a powerful force against the darkness.  So, that, we will draw others to Christ.  So, that, the love of Christ in us will prove to the world that He was God's Son.  (John 17:22,23)

 ONE IN PRAYER

Know this, my brothers and sisters, that you may be a more effective vessel, within the Body of Christ.  As we are one with His Holy Spirit, we are one when we pray. What does this mean?  It means that with this knowledge, we can be more effective as a body.  It means that as you pray, His Holy Spirit within us all hears and acts on your behalf.  Even if I am not aware of what you have prayed for, I can be an effective vessel.  His Holy Spirit, the Father and Son, within us, can place it upon my heart to pray for what is needed and use me accordingly.  It is not magical, mystical or paranormal, for we never give Satan credit for what belongs to God.  Through the power of God, we are given wisdom and guidance, discernment and remembrance.  His Holy Spirit can bring to mind situations and scriptures that will help and lead us to pray for others, go to others and act on their behalf.  Why use others to pray, also?  Because, we are one and everything we do effects those around us. When we ask our Father for something, He responds.  Prayer changes things, for Jesus said that if we ask in His name and it be the will of the Father, it will be given.

Know this, also, that you may be a more effective vessel.  Prayer shows faith in God.  It is not a time of doubt but an affirmation of His power and ability to do all things. 

Prayer is not only for times of weakness and need.  Prayer is a time to offer yourself as a willing vessel to do His will.  

It is a time to prepare for spiritual battle and be strengthened.  It is a time for intercession. 

Prayer is a time to tell Him what is in your heart and let Him know you are His. It is a time to praise and love God. 

FAITH IN PRAYER

Prayer shows God your measure of faith and that you place your faith in Him.  The answer to your prayer begins with your measure of faith.  Too often, we ask God to do what we really don't believe He can do, or we want Him to do all the work, when our faith is the answer to our problem. He has given us power, through our faith in Christ, to conquer the world.  Lord, increase our faith.

When you pray, do not pray as if your words are floating upward to be caught by God, or as if He has to strain to hear them, or do not think that only angels, clergy, dead saints or the mother of Jesus can intercede for you.  For we are His saints and His Holy Spirit, the living presence of God, is within us.  Through Christ, we are given the privilege of supplication, in His name. 

Acknowledge God's presence within you.  Center yourself and fill yourself with prayer.  Be filled with His Holy Spirit, who hears and acts on our behalf.  When we are in battle, just as Jesus prayed in the garden, we must fill each fiber of our being with prayer.  As the Body of Christ, we pray unceasingly.  Our lives become a prayer for the Kingdom.  How is this possible?  Through faith.

I pray that you have ears to hear what I tell you and through His Holy Spirit, it will be revealed as truth.  I tell you nothing new, for it is the spoken word of Jesus, that we are one.  Yet, it is one of many things that Satan does not want you to know or believe, so that we will remain divided and weak. 

Above all things, know this--no one can limit the power of God!  He is the same today as He was yesterday and will be forever more.  As He spoke to His people through His Holy Spirit, long ago, He continues to speak today.  Those who belong to Him, hear Him.

When we have true faith in God, we know that He is aware of our every need and will provide for us.  God wants to mature and equip us so that we can be used to meet the needs of others.  Let us, listen to His voice, so that our prayers reflect what is needed and our surrender to His will.

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Lord, let our life be hope for the downtrodden and those who have given up.

Use us Lord, to show true repentance, that you may be glorified and others will repent

May we be an example to show others how to forgive

Purify our hearts to love others as you love us

Create in us a clean spirit and a steadfast love

Use us, Lord, to comfort those in sorrow and distress

Use us, Lord, to feed the hungry and provide clothing and shelter

Use us, Lord, to heal the sick

Lord, let our life reflect the joy you have given us

Help us to live in truth and righteousness

Let us bring peace within a troubled world 

Strengthen us to be soldiers of light and vigilant watchmen

Use us, Lord, to protect your Kingdom

Keep us from the evil one 

Lord, help us to live a life of true discipleship to bring others to you

Help us to nurture and protect your children

Use us to feed your flock 

May we speak your Word boldly

Jesus, let our life show others that your yoke is easy and your burden is light. Although, they may be heavy laden with the cares of this world, when they take upon your yoke, they can stand in the knowledge that they have a Father in Heaven who holds us in His hands ; who will deliver us; and will never leave us alone.

Jesus, help us to abide in you.  Jesus, increase our faith.

We love you, Lord.  Where can we look without seeing the magnificent work of your hands? There is no love like yours that manifests itself so greatly to fill a universe.  Knowing you has given us life, whereas, we were unknowingly asleep with sin and death.  Now, there is no life without your truth and righteousness.   The world hangs upon the breath of your grace and mercy.  We hunger for your holiness and your living Word.

Father, awaken the sleeping and prepare us for the battles and trials ahead; for the time of spiritual war is at hand.  You have given us so many talents and skills to prepare the way.  Guide us, Lord.  Help us to equip those to come who must stand on the front lines until you come, Jesus.

In their time of struggle give them comfort in knowing that life on earth can be hard by choice or circumstance, but it is for a time and season.  But, God gives us assurance that through His grace and mercy, even the most wretched, hungry soul, tormented, abused or beyond pain, can find comfort in Christ who feeds the spirit and prepares a better place. 

Although a man be too weak to speak or unable to raise or fold a hand in prayer.  God hears the silence and feels the pain.  Others may look on him as hopeless and accursed, but this poor soul, through God has been blessed, for he lights the way for others to the Kingdom.

Help them light the way, Father.  This we humbly pray, in your name, Jesus

We submit ourselves to your will and your way.  United together.  We are One.

We give you all glory, honor and power, with praise,

 Have Thy Way Lord, We Stand Fast

Your servants, within Your Kingdom

Amen

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Finally, remember this--Our Lord, and Savior, Jesus Christ is the author and finisher of our faith.  Abide in Him and your faith will be perfected. You are never alone. We are One. (Hebrews 12:1,2)


1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

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AN ERA OF SPIRITUAL FAMINE

January 26, 2013

     Father, with so many people who profess to believe in you and your commandments, where is all the darkness coming from?  We are living in an era of spiritual famine.  The moral decay of society is felt world-wide.  Why has it spread so rapidly and gotten so out of control that it is seemingly inescapable?  Is there a lack of fertile ground for your word to take root?  Is there a drought that has dried up the land? 

     The world has a great number of places to worship, Father. Your word is broadcast on television and radio.  Satellites and internet carry your message to computers and wireless devices. There is no shortage of sermons and there are a plethora of books to lead people to you.  Billions of people have had an encounter with your word. 

      Nonetheless, the darkness in the world reflects an attitude of indifference to you and rejection of you, dear Lord.  Despite zealous practices of various religions and groups, claiming to uphold God's will, we find that they, too, are covered in darkness.  War, economic greed and hardship, along with social unrest have hardened people's hearts,  They wrestle with doctrine and legalism that keeps them divided.  They seek to limit the power of God, placing their faith in man and the world.  We  have built our Tower of Babel through globalization and the internet and now there is more confusion then ever before. 

     Jesus, the world has seen without believing and heard without understanding.  Many churches do not preach your Gospel because they can not resist the pleasures and ways of the world.  Many have not and will not understand your Gospel; that you came that we might conquer the world and enter the Kingdom here on earth.  Our salvation does not end with your crucifixion and resurrection. Nor do we have to wait for you to come back and make us perfect, then, take us  to heaven to live holy.  We are made perfect by abiding in you.  Through you, we conquer the world and live in holiness.  This is the Gospel that you have left us and we thank you, Lord.  We await the day of your return and prepare the way.  We thank you for providing a way for us to have abundant life in your Kingdom.  Help us to abide in you, as you abide in us. 

     If we do not abide in you, Jesus, we have no armor to conquer the world.  We have no anchor to weather the storms of life.  Although we fill ourselves with  food, wine, lust and material things, still, we remain spiritually starved.   

     Speak to us Lord. Open our hearts and minds that we may pour your Word upon the earth.  Speak to us Lord.  So that we may create fertile ground and your seed will not be scattered.  Fill us with your love, Father, so that when  we look upon someone, anyone, today, we will ask ourselves, "Do we really want them to die and go to hell...to suffer eternal damnation?"  

     Help us lift You up.  Help us to keep our lamp burning.  Help us to be vigilant watchmen and strong gatekeepers.  Let us not fall asleep when the hour has come for prayer.

 

     Many boast and say, "We have Jesus, what do we have to worry about?  Jesus paid it all.  All is forgiven.  He will always take care of us. "  

     Yes, Jesus, you did pay it all, but all to you I owe.  It is time to pay back. 

     Let this prayer be a light to stand against the darkness.  Let it be a sword of truth  and a shield of righteousness.  Let it be a trumpet to awaken those who are asleep in darkness.  Let it be a call to the righteous to put their hands to the plow, sow the seed and prepare for the increase.  Let it be a beacon to bring your sheep home.  

     Forgive us of our transgressions against you, oh Lord.  Help us to acknowledge you in all we say and do.  Increase our measure of faith, so that you may open up the doors of heaven, pour out blessings that fill up our cup and make it overflow.  Help us to love as you love and to forgive as you forgive. We bless you, Lord. We praise you, Lord.  We give you honor and glory.   In Jesus' name. Amen

 If no one is accountable, then who is to blame?

Who and what is to blame for the spiritual famine we are experiencing? Surely someone or something deserves the blame.  Man always looks for blame and finds it somewhere.  It is an old tactic man has used for ages. 

Like Cain, who slew his brother Abel, we continue to eschew responsibility for our actions and bestow blame on one another.  Where lies the blame? 

Cain answered God,  “Am I my brother's keeper?” (see Genesis 4:8-10).  

Adam blamed Eve, “...“The woman whom Thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate.” ( see Genesis 3:9-12). 

I wonder what would have happened if Adam would have sought God, confessed his sin, asked for forgiveness and repented?  Instead, knowing they had done wrong, Adam and Eve chose to hide.  Adam chose to hide in blame...blaming Eve for corrupting him.  Their choices became an important lesson in man's history, for we continue to hide in the darkness of blame.

Blame continues to be more of an answer and solution to the problems we face, while accountability to God is quickly being replaced by the popular ideology of Secularism, Humanism and religions based on prosperity and self-satisfaction. Diverting blame stems from man's pride and is the refuge to which he runs to escape truth and responsibility. This is where we find the world today, running from the light of the truth, and hiding in the darkness of blame. The darkness was always there, but accountability held it back.

"The watchmen have stopped watching and the gatekeepers are overcome, as the darkness attacks."

We can not remove the cornerstone that holds us up or forget our responsibility first and foremost to God.  In doing so, we forsake true worship and worship Him only with our lips.  While we place blame on others, God's children lay under siege and in bondage.  The watchmen have stopped watching and the gatekeepers are overcome as the darkness attacks.   Shrouds of darkness have blocked out the light, lulling people to sleep and many have never awakened.  When did this happen, you ask?  Why didn't I notice?  Aren't you exaggerating, panicking  and being too critical?  If these are the questions you are asking, then perhaps you too are asleep and while you sleep, the darkness continues to feed.  If you are blaming a political party, a group of people, drugs, alcohol, violence, pornography or anything else for the darkness, then perhaps, you too are trying to escape accountability.  There is one body and together we stand accountable.

We look to those in darkness to decide what is right and wrong for us and the world.  But, how can lovers of the world and darkness distinguish right from wrong?   They do good but know not from where it comes.  Their good is self-serving.  They lean back and say, "Look what I have done.  Why do I need God?"

Sowing and Expanding Fertile Ground

As the Body of Christ, we function together as a whole.  Blame is counterproductive, as it will effect the unity of the body.  Each member must support the other members and is accountable for the fortification and increase of the body.  If we walk in the light, as God walks in the light, we will fellowship, one with another.  We must act as a unified body, if we are to overcome the darkness.  God said, if we repent He will heal the land.  We can break the chains of blame through repentance and begin to spread light to create fertile and holy ground that produces righteousness. Darkness will not be able to withstand the Light of Truth.

 Many have become apathetic and stand idly by, thinking, " What will be, will be.  These are the end times and there is nothing we can do.  We must let things happen as they will happen."  Jesus said that those who stand firm till the end will be in His Kingdom.  Therefore, we must keep oil in our lamps and keep our lamps burning, awaiting the return of the Bridegroom.  We must continue to till the soil, remove the stumbling blocks and sow the seed (the Word of God and the Gospel of Jesus) to bring repentance and turn the children to the Father.   The road to repentance is paved with adversity but leads to increase and blessings.  To understand increase, is to know that through His grace and mercy, we have already been blessed.  Stand fast, my brothers and sisters--stand fast, immovable and unshakeable.

 By the grace and mercy of God
Your Servant
Mishael

FELLOWSHIP

1 John 1:7

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light,

 we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin

What Is Fellowship? 

Many define fellowship as:

• Going to church
• Visiting and praying for others
• Being a church leader
• Greeting and shaking hands
• Attending a church event
• Gathering with other believers
• Being involved with a ministry

     Certainly these things are included in fellowship, but can any one be defined as fellowship?  Yes. No.  Maybe? Then what is fellowship?  Who is to participate in fellowship? Who can benefit?  Why is it important not to forsake (abandon) fellowship?  Why must we walk in the Light to have fellowship with one another?
 

Seeing the Body as a Whole 

 

     To understand fellowship, we must look at the Body of Christ as a whole.  Ephesians 4:15,16 tells us that the parts of the body work together to increase and edify the Body of Christ.  In order for the body to work together, there must be a unifying force able to help it connect and communicate.  This is where fellowship comes in.  Fellowship is part of the growth and maturing of the body through the unification of the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 4:11-16

¹¹ And He gave some to be apostles, and some prophets, and some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,

¹² for the perfecting of the saints for the work of the ministry, and for the edifying of the body of Christ,

¹³ until we all come into the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;

¹⁴ that we henceforth be no longer children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine by the sleight of men and their cunning and craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

¹⁵ but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things, who is the Head, even Christ,

¹⁶ from whom the whole body, fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

 close

• Footnotes
• Cross References
• Verse Numbers
• Headings
• Red Letter

 

Unification of the Body

     How does God expect the whole Body of Christ to fit and function together, when people are so different and divided?  Certainly, we can't be expected to unite every church and denomination.  Time and experience has taught us that there are insurmountable obstacles on the pathway to unity.   One might think this to be an unachievable task and unrealistic.  Or is it?  Perhaps, because of our limited vision, we have given ourselves tasks and burdens that God has not put upon us.  We have put our trust in man's ideas and vanity, instead of God's truth.  Jesus provided a different path and means to unite the Body of Christ when He imparted His Holy Spirit to guide us into the Light.

     God told us, that as we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another.  So, to be a part of the body, we need only to be in Him, to move and function together.  If we profess Christ, we know that the Father is in the Son, and the Son is in the Father.  Even more, if Christ be in me, then, I have knowledge and confidence that, "I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13  If we see with God's eyes, it becomes very clear how the parts of the body fit together, each part having their own function to increase and strengthen the body, but with like-mind, with Jesus Christ as the Head.

      We must be careful to distinguish the Body of Christ from the institutional church.  Today, the tares grow with the wheat.  However, when Christ returns for His church, the Body of Christ, He will sift the tares from the wheat.   Until then, we must examine ourselves.  Are churches today working together in fellowship?  Some would say, "Yes, they all spread God's Word."  Are they speaking the truth in love?  Again, some might say, "Yes."  Others might say that many churches today operate in an illusion, a façade, or they have created their own truth.  As disciples, we must spread the true Gospel of Jesus, so that true fellowship abounds, bringing others into the Light, increasing and fortifying the Body of Christ.

Truth and Love are Essential to Fellowship

     To find truth and love, we have to deny ourselves; who we think we are; that which we were; and what we think we should be.   We humble ourselves in repentance, die to ourselves and allow Christ to live in us, removing all iniquity (sin)  by the power of  His Holy Spirit. Then, love will cry out for truth and truth answers with love. 

     As the Body of Christ, we are compelled to walk and speak in truth.  If we fail to do so, we injure and weaken ourselves.  As it is explained in Ephesians 4:25, " Therefore, putting away lying, let every man speak truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another."  If we harm the members (parts) of the body, we too, being part of the body are afflicted.  We can not have true fellowship if we hide or deny the truth, neither are we in fellowship, if there is malice or deceit in our hearts.  Our fellowship effects the whole Body of Christ; not just ourselves; not just our church, community, city, state or nation; for we are called to unity and truth in Ephesians 4:4-6:

⁴ There is one body and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;

⁵ one Lord, one faith, one baptism,

⁶ one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all

Fellowship requires commitment to the truth and to one another. 

     We grieve the Holy Spirit when our hearts do not pursue truth.  When we allow ourselves to be swayed or influenced by false doctrine or beliefs pertaining to certain rituals, status or appearance necessary to worship and fellowship with God, a struggle begins within us, that can eventually tear us away from the truth and God.  When we abandon fellowship, we not only fail to grow and strengthen ourselves, we fail others, also.  A weakened mind and body, falls prey to sin and deceit. 

Fellowship is the coming together of God's people, endowed by the power of the Holy Spirit,  exemplifying (showing) the glory of God, to increase and fortify the Body of Christ.  In other words, our fellowship should depict who God is; His will and His way.  

     If we worship in spirit and truth, our commune (fellowship) with God, produces a true fellowship with others in the body.  Fellowship looses God's power within the body to: help others become edified; built-up; strengthened; increased in faith and love; able do the work and will of God; worship Him; and live abundant and everlasting lives.

Fellowship is part of worshipping God. 

 

     God requires that we worship Him in spirit and in truth.  He has given us a spiritual connection, through which we come to purification, to live in holiness, righteousness and repentance.  We can not have true fellowship (commune) with God if we despise, harm or have a hardened heart against a member of the body. 

John 4:23,24 (KJV): 23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
 

Philippians 3: 3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

 

Accountability

     Worldly fellowship can be like running the gauntlet.  It is clouded by darkness and pain.  Pain may be inflicted, just by entering the door and walking down the aisle.  One may feel the pangs of mental and emotional distress, due to discriminating stares and gossip coming from both sides, by those who call themselves Christians and children of God.  It is no wonder that some see no difference from the treatment they receive in the world.  The darkness in the world is harsh enough. When people are looking for refuge and deliverance and only find more darkness in the church, we have stood in the way of leading them to God. Often, after the Word of God draws men, hurt and pain from worldly fellowship, within the church, drives them away.  As children of God, we stand accountable in all things.  With fellowship, comes accountability to God and others.  Therefore it is imperative that we walk in the light.

  

    Fellowship tests our spiritual growth and maturity by the fruit we bear.  Learning to fellowship can make us very uncomfortable and expose weakness and sin.  Reward comes as we surrender to His will and allow Him to abide in us.  Through His Holy Spirit, we learn to walk in the Light and begin to bear the fruits of the spirit.  Galatians 5 (KJ21)

²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

²³ meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
 

Father, we magnify and glorify your name. We come to you in spirit and in truth. We humble ourselves in repentance of our sins, that we may be cleansed. Search us and remove any darkness within, that we may fellowship with you and walk in the Light.

Father, forgive us for standing in the way, preventing others from coming to know you. Help us to love our neighbors as we love ourselves; seeking and speaking truth in love. Let our eyes be filled with light that others may see you. When we look upon the hurt and pain of others, let our fellowship comfort and heal, through your Holy Spirit within us.

As we pray, we pray as members of the Body of Christ. We pray that others will come to walk in your Light that we may commune with one another.  May we strengthen one another through fellowship and prepare the way of our Lord. Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.

In the name of your Son, the Truth, the Light and the Way. It will be. Amen

By the Grace and Mercy of God

Your Servant

Mishael

Your Measure of Faith

Questioning Our Faith

Daily, we are exposed to a world of diversity...a world driven by the pursuit of power, material things and pleasure. We must function within a social conglomerate that meshes people from various backgrounds and cultures, whose morals and values may differ from our own. The pressure of this conglomerate, added to the responsibilities of family and work, compounded by the technology that orchestrates our lives, can be overwhelming and confusing, causing us to weaken and sometimes question our faith. As a result, we begin to use other people, things and standards in the world as a gauge to measure our lives, our self-worth and our faith. Comparing our lives to others, may bring doubt that God exists; if He has all power; or if we are worthy of His blessings. Our doubts and fears deprive us of the power of His Holy Spirit within us, for it is portioned to us by our measure of faith.

Human Sacrifices

The  darkness that lives amongst us has an insatiable appetite.  It feeds on greed, selfishness, violence and immorality that is conceived in the hearts of men.  In the face of darkness, the morality of society digresses, in order to meet the demands of its hunger.   The darkness creates an illusion of progress and prosperity, freedom and power.  Society is distracted by its endless creativity and heightened pleasure, as well as social problems resulting from moral decay.  While millions fall asleep under the spell of worldly pleasure, they are shackled, chained and enslaved to darkness.  The hungrier the darkness becomes, the more society digresses, until moral decay is beyond extraction.

In order to maintain this overindulgent appetite, society chooses to make human sacrifices.  The old, the poor, weak and sick, minorities and even children are obvious casualties in order to feed its appetite for the sin of the world, but no one is exempt. People become dehumanized.  They become numbers within a system of statistics that determine their status and well-being.  These  facts and figures become guidelines to value and devalue lives, according to their perceived impact upon society.  Desire outweighs need and sets the standards for individuals and families. A society which promotes material wealth, pride and vanity will lead people to seek relationships  based on self-gratification which revolve around what others can do for them, instead of what they can do for others. 

America, is not the only nation who feeds the darkness and sacrifices her children.  She is not alone in her malevolent attitude, nor do the roots of darkness reach only to her shores.  The hungry darkness searches for the rotting corpses of sin throughout the world.  Those who point a finger need only look around them.  If they are not casting the light and love of God, then they are covered in darkness.  Where there are hardened hearts, there is no light, and no place for them in the Kingdom.  Those who do not seek the Kingdom of God, are lovers of the world.  If they are lovers of the world, then they are lovers of darkness and a prisoner to sin.

Some say sin and darkness are the reality of the world. There is nothing we can do.  However, it is a reality created out of fear and pride, comprised of many false layers.  Peel away the layers of equations and data and remove the quagmire of self-gratification strangling relationships, then move beyond the superficial layers of material wealth and want, and find the inescapable reality that the world fears.  It is the reality of the immeasurable unknown, which can only be met with immeasurable faith in God.  Faith that trust God to take care of the past, present and future.  Faith that lives beyond fear.  Faith that lives in God's Truth and Light, for when you accept God's truth, there is no need to create your own false truth that leaves you in darkness.

Measuring Up 

Often, we find ourselves changing in order to please the world.  Sometimes, we may become depressed because we can not meet either our own or others' expectations.  Like Job's companions, other Christians may question our faith because we do not meet their idea of being blessed and faithful to God.  Faith can not be measured by material wealth, status or earthly pleasure.  Faith has a greater reward.  God will open the doors of the Kingdom and give you life everlasting.  Faith reaps the fruits of the Holy Spirit and brings joy more precious than gold.

The adversary always wants to put doubt in our mind as to whether or not we are measuring up to being children of God.  Often, this causes people to set unrealistic and unattainable goals for themselves.  Most people believe they must fix themselves or "get right" before pursuing a relationship with God and other believers.  Many religions and doctrine teach that there are stages, steps, procedures and goals one must meet to achieve a higher state of mind or spirit.  They may lead us to believe that our relationship with God is contingent upon completing these steps. As people observe or come into contact with those who claim to be believers, they may feel inferior and not worthy or capable of being like them .  Some may even be deterred by the behavior or treatment they receive. 
 

Your Measure of Faith

 

The world will tell us that we are hopeless and of no value,  but we are always important to God.  God always wants a relationship with us, even when we feel we are at our worst.  We are made perfect through Him.  Only God can complete the work He has begun.  Our relationship with Him is based on our faith. 

 

We repeat our mistakes over and over again, not because we do not meet the world's standards, but because we need to have faith and trust God more.  Our knowledge of the Word of God and our prayers often lack faith.  We hear the Word but do not receive it into our hearts.  Our pride tells us not to surrender all.  Then, our lack of faith allows us to be led into trials and temptations, leaving our prayers unanswered.  We may believe we are trapped on an endless treadmill, when there is always the option to get off by increasing our faith in God. 

 

You can not measure faith of a Christian by whether or not they attend church regularly.  There may be those who know little or nothing about the Bible, but have more faith that God is able to change their life because they have heard and truly believed.  Who are we to try and squash their faith by telling them that we know more about God and the Bible then they do?  Be encouraged that God's love embraces all who seek Him in spirit and in truth.  Jesus longs to increase His flock and reward our faith.

 

God does not want to withhold anything from us.  We prevent Him from giving to us because of our rejection and rebellion through disobedience and lack of faith.  We are left to wander in the wilderness to grow in faith because we refuse to surrender all to God.  Faith does not come with age.  We are told to come to God with the heart of a child because it is natural for children to place faith in those who care for them. God has given us the spirit of His Son.  If we abide in Christ, He will keep us from sin as well as perfect and reward our faith.

 

DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN?

     Through prayer and supplication, we invite the Holy Spirit (God) into our lives.  He is always waiting for the invitation to abide in us.  By His grace, we are granted the privilege to rest and abide in Him.  The Holy Spirit is not an it, a thing, a guest or a visitor.  He is a host...a heavenly host...the living presence of God within us, returning us to the Garden of Eden to walk with Him; this time in the Light of Jesus, His Son, the Word of God.  Through the Word of God, we are invited to taste and see the goodness of the Lord and to commune with Him.

     Although, He abides in us, He is our host, for He nourishes and sustains us.  We do not nourish and sustain Him.  For what can we offer the Lord that is not His?  What wisdom or strength can man impart that does not come from the Lord?

     Do you know what you have been given?  We are blessed with the presence and power of God within us.  His Holy Spirit brings us comfort, healing, wisdom, strength and joy--unspeakable joy beyond earthly comparison.  What human deed or event can bring joy that compares to the joy of the Holy Spirit...joy that is not fleeting, but everlasting?

     Because of His heavenly gift, we do not have to reach out to access God.  We need only to acknowledge His presence within us and understand what we have been given.  Yes, we can feel Him within us and others can feel Him through us.  He is always there.  He will never leave us alone. Hallelujah!  Therefore, let us be holy, lest we grieve Him within us.  Let us walk boldly in faith, for we walk in the Light.


Father, I acknowledge your holy presence within me. Help me to be holy that I may be wholly thine  When others see me, let them see you.  When I touch others, let them feel your life changing Holy Spirit.  When I speak, may they hear the Word of God.  Help me to walk in your Light to dispel the  surrounding darkness.  "Thy Kingdom come.  Thy Will be done, as in Heaven, so in earth."

Amen

By the Grace and Mercy of God,

Your servant

Mishael

SEEING THE INVISIBLE

     If we believe God to be our life-giving power, then, is it possible to see and touch Him in the form of His Holy Spirit?  When Jesus' disciples asked that He might show them the Heavenly Father, His reply was that they need only to look at Him.

John 14:9 King James Version (KJV)

"Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?" 

     If Jesus meant, He looks like God, then perhaps, we can imagine God as the Jesus depicted in some pictures, with a beard, brown eyes, long and wavy hair; or long, blond hair and blue eyes.  Jesus said that the Father is in Him and He is in the Father.  Even so, God was standing there and the disciples were unable to see Him.  Jesus' reply to His disciples, implies that they have limited vision. 

     If we continue to seek God only with our eyes, we too have limited vision.  Our eyes and mind can identify water as being a clear liquid.  Although, it is comprised of more than one element, we do not see it beyond its liquid form.  We breathe air and it consists of various gases we are unable to see with our eyes. It is not uncommon  for us to describe or label an object as being in its true form, yet, we see it only as our eyes can project it to us.  It is no wonder that, like the apostles, we too are blinded, when we try to seek the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit, only with our eyes. 

     Exodus 3:14. "Ehyeh asher ehyeh"  translates in Hebrew as, "I Will Be What (That, Who,  Which, Where) I Will Be."  It is God's definitive answer to Moses concerning His name, which leaves no question to who He is and what He can do.  His name is a declaration that He is and forever will be many things.  Man can not limit the power of God.

Exodus 13:21 (KJV)

"And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night"

     Jesus demonstrates "I Will Be What I Will Be" in the following statements::

• “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. (John 6:35)
• “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12) 
•  I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. (John 10:9) 
• “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11)
•  “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.” (John 11:25-26)
•  “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
• “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

     Until you come to know the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Jesus' metaphoric statements are simply that...just metaphors.  Without spiritual eyes and understanding, it is hard to conceive that He can possibly be that, which He says.  Impaired by limited vision, man can not move beyond that which he can see, touch or explain scientifically.

     The unproven and unexplained are categorized as supernatural and metaphysical.  In as much, as the human mind and body may fit into this category, we do not consider ourselves to be supernatural, although we are unable to explain the force within us, regulating our thoughts and functions.  As incredible as life is, the act of being alive has become commonplace to us...an everyday occurrence. 

       We live in a busy world, where most people, while trying to cope with everyday life,  don't have time or take time to think about the unknown.  It is more comfortable to settle for limited, incomplete scientific explanations for our existence, allowing one to take for granted, that humans, a massive accumulation of cells and water, function for some reason or another.  Despite the multitude of questions and unknown factors, many still deem God's existence improbable and unjustifiable, finding it incredible that a higher power not only created them, but is able to impart His own essence into one's being. 

     Incorrect interpretations of the Bible and false teachings have misled Christians into believing God's Holy Spirit comes and goes, but does not dwell within us.  The adversary continues to place fear in our minds to convince us that such an act is impossible and even if this higher power exists, dwelling within the human body would be controlling and possessive.  Having a powerful entity in us and over us every second, watching and judging, is an unsettling thought for some people and a threat to their concept of free will.  They want control over their lives and believe that they have the right to live free and autonomous lives.  They believe we are intelligent beings capable of deciding our own destiny and well-being.  They believe it is in their best interests to reject anything that interferes with living and doing as they please.  Many consider the idea of an unknown, higher intelligence to be an insult to their intelligence. The leap from corporeal thinking to spiritual thinking is a leap that some people simply can not or will not make, due to pride. 

God does not possess--He abides, or lives in us, at our invitation.  We have a choice to rest and abide in Him freely and ask Him to watch over and guide us through life, here on earth.  As a result of rejecting Him or not trusting Him to guide us, we continue to sin and make unwise choices.

 

By the Grace and Mercy of God,

 

Your servant

 

Mishael

CHASING THE BREATH OF GOD

 Genesis 2:7 (KJV)

"And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul."

SEEING THE INVISIBLE

"Instead of facing our insecurities, man creates new truths."

     When we receive a wrapped gift, on a special day, we can't wait to unwrap it to see what we have been given.  Filled with hope and anticipation, we anxiously await the opportunity to remove the wrapping, show off our gift and put it to use.  We have a Father in Heaven, who shows us His undying love, by giving us so much, each day.  Yet, nothing compares to His love, when He gave the gift of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins, that we may have abundant and everlasting life.  To fulfill His promise, Christ arose from the dead, ascended into Heaven, and imparted the gift of God's Holy Spirit.  Can we unwrap this gift and make use of its wondrous power and beauty? Can we unwrap something we cannot see...or make use of something we feel is intangible?  Perhaps, sometimes, we even doubt His existence in us.

     As we develop a closer relationship with God, it becomes evident that the Holy Spirit is very real and tangible.  Tangible I say?  How do you touch God?  Is this humanly possible? Scientists have discovered that the human body has endless known and unknown capabilities.  Consider the process of accessing a thought or memory.  Where does this intelligence come from?  Is intelligence limited to genetic make up, determined by DNA, along with the accumulation of knowledge and experience? If so, how are thought patterns mapped on cells and how are they maintained, erased or blocked?  How does the body know to initialize these functions; when and why to do them?

     Perhaps, there exists something that cannot be seen, even under the highest powered microscope, or exposed by any chemical or physical laboratory experiment man can devise.  Perhaps, it is as invisible as air and can come and go as the wind, from any direction.  Perhaps, we just don't know what we are looking at and it is staring us in the face.  Perhaps...  Yet, this power has cause and effect, in much the same way atoms, electrons, protons and neutrons create physical reactions, but this force remains unseen and untouched. So, we have been told.

     The human body has been created with miraculous organs and senses.  We can see or hear a word and an image appears in our mind.  We can see a word and recall a taste, touch or smell. All because, we can access information, from a seemingly unlimited capacity of memory, stored in a comparatively small head.  Hmm... and the unknown, higher power, which many claim to have created this wondrous creature, can not be seen, nor touched.  So, we've been told. 

     Surely, there must be a way to see something so complicated and powerful, capable of creating such an advanced organism that can procreate, experience pain, joy, nourish and educate itself to survive and thrive in its ever changing environment, world and universe.  Could this force be evasive, or just not there? Or, do we simply lack the technology to detect it?  Still, we know that something is there to keep us all together, due to the sheer fact that we are alive and remain under its influence to grow, change, contribute and influence other human beings.  Day to day, we share a certain amount of faith and hope, that life will continue, until external or internal forces decide otherwise.

     Can it be, that man has examined every cell in the human body, only to have their origin remain a mystery?  Can it be, that time has worked against us and buried the secret deep within?  Or, could it be that this life-creating matter does not belong to us and is not ours to keep, destroy, alter or duplicate?  Wherein, it must remain an unsolvable mystery to us...for now.  But, that's not good enough. 

     From the Garden of Eden to the exploration of the earth and outer-space, it is evident that the unknown has never been acceptable to man.  We simply must know.  So, instead of facing our insecurities, man creates new truths. That which man cannot prove, he devises theories, philosophies, conjectures and inconclusive analyses, which do not offer proof and confirmation, but instead, authoritative resolution.  Such as, the scientific theory that mankind crawled out of a primordial pool and evolved.  If one choses, to accept this school of thought, one can not deny that there are still more questions to be answered, such as, where did the matter in the pool come from and what internal mechanism spurred it into evolution?

     Why would a creator leave us in such darkness and confusion, or has He?  For those who doubt or reject God's existence, we believers have simply created our own answer to the unknown.  However, once one has truly accepted, unwrapped and utilized God's gift, one realizes that the unknown has always been the answer.  The allure and intrigue of the unknown is God's way of inviting us to get to know Him.  We chase the breath of God to understand our own existence.

     As we unwrap the gift of His Holy Spirit, life takes us on an incredible and very different path, where soon, we discover that God is not hiding how we came into existence.  Right now, He is trying to show us that it is more important to understand why we exists.

By the Grace and Mercy of God,

Your servant

Mishael

ACTION

Blessings to the Body of Christ,

I am pleased to hear that new ministries are being created and the fruits of your ministry have lead others to discipleship.  We must continue to pray that others may come to see the deception of false doctrine, denominations and religion, which are created and exists as an excuse and deterrent from having a direct and accountable relationship with God. Our lives must show others how to live as spiritual beings and how to acknowledge the power and presence of the Holy Spirit within them.

This Holy Day, reminds us that He, the Holy Spirit (the Holy Ghost) is always with us because of the sacrifice and salvation of Jesus Christ. The Holy Ghost is the strength and power of the Gospel, the Rock upon which Christ built His church; sent to purify us and make us whole; sent to draw us into the Kingdom and graft us onto the Vine.

Can man make anything Holy? Can man create fertile ground? Can man bring repentance? As disciples, our work becomes fruitless, impotent and in vain without the Holy Ghost. As with Simon, the sorcerer, we see that some people may believe, they may be baptized, but there is no change. There is no change because they receive under their own will, conditions and pride, when it is not their will that must be done, but God's will. We have read in Acts 8:14-23

14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:

15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:

16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,

19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.

20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.

22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.

23 For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.

Today, the world is filled with so much bitterness and the shackles of bondage have been tightened to keep God's people in sin and bondage. As we spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we must be aware that more is required of us to free God's people. Yes, we can sit back and wait upon the Lord and trust the wonder working power of His Holy Spirit. Yes, we believe that His light will shine through us and His power will penetrate the stone walls built up around the hearts of others, remove the scales from their eyes to see their sin and repent.  We want to believe that once others have accepted the Lamb of God, sacrificed for their salvation, they will live in the fullness, abundance and everlasting life promised to them. Yes, belief is needed...patience is needed, also.

Yet, God told the apostles at Jerusalem that something else was needed for the Samarians who believed, so, they sent Peter and John to them. The Samarians had been in bondage to idol worshiping and sin for a long time. Action was needed so the seeds scattered would take root. Peter and John took action and prayed for the Holy Ghost to come upon the Samarians.

Will we allow our seed to be blown away, snatched, trampled, wither and die, or will we take action to loose the Holy Spirit to fall upon others? Will we take action: by the laying on of hands; through prayers of supplication, words of edification and exhortation; by walking in the Light and experiencing His miraculous power; by speaking and praying things into existence; by living in the Kingdom to show others the Kingdom; and by humbling ourselves to die daily and live in Christ that we may follow and serve? Upon this Holy Day, this is my prayer for me and the body of Christ. Let us take action with love and faith to increase the Kingdom through the power of the Holy Ghost.

The Holy Ghost is our embedded connection with God, to empower us, that we may empower others. All praise, glory and honor be to God, our Father, who continues to love us so much, having given His only begotten Son up to the cross, so that today, He lives in us and we by faith can abide in Him.

When someone asks, “What is God telling you today?” We can answer because we have direct access to the Good Shepherd. We are His sheep and we know His voice. There is no question of who He is, because He is the same today, as He was yesterday.

Pray for me as I pray for you. As we serve and worship, let it be in spirit and in truth, so that the power of the Holy Ghost may enlighten and transform, creating a new being in Christ.

By the Grace and Mercy of God,

Your servant

Mishael