Praise God! Greetings L.R.M friends and family,
Are you ready for 2017? If not, too late, because it’s here, “The Year of Character and Spiritual Development!” “Times of peace are made to prepare for times of war” (Bishop Blackmon). This year, members of Latter Rain Ministries’ M.E.D.S (Ministers, Elders, Deacons and Servants) will contribute monthly to the MEDS Blog; guided by our quarterly and monthly themes and I have the pleasure of posting this first blog.
Our quarterly theme is “Eternal Increase” and our monthly theme for January is “Spirit”! I want to encourage you to spend purposeful time investing in your spirit. It is an eternal investment, which will yield an eternal increase! I say purposeful because, as believers, we should always be investing in our spirit. However; “purposeful” investing is when we go above and beyond our normal investing. Jesus said “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.” (Matthew 13:44)
How do I invest? You might ask… We invest into our spirit by separating from the things of this world, fasting, spending time studying our bibles, praying/worshipping God, fellowshipping with other believers, making disciples and doing the work of the ministry! The bible says to “seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)
Galatians 6:8 says “For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” As I consider this scripture, I am reminded of how often Jesus would pray. Throughout the gospels you will find Jesus regularly getting away to commune with the Father (Luke 5:16). The results of that communion were supernatural! Through Jesus we have life everlasting and as a result that same communion available to us! He is the Spirit of God incarnate; and Jesus gave us His spirit (John 20:22). Therefore; He is our pattern of Character and Spiritual Development! So take out some time, especially the peaceful moments… when babies aren’t crying, workload climbing, news isn’t trifling and trials of life stifling; to prepare yourself for war… in the spirit! You won’t regret it!
Love you all and looking forward to our year of Character and Spiritual Development in 2017!
Blessings,
Elders Mark Buchanan
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Excellently delivered Elder! Prayer is the platform and launch pad for character development. Amen!