Draw Near to Jesus

End Time Prophecy – Follow Jesus Closely            April 18, 2010

By: Minister Burt Farias – Holy Fire Ministries

 

Follow Jesus closely, closely.

Draw near to me closely. It is a day of drawing near because of my fire.

Follow not that which is unclean, uncommon, and unworthy.

If they (so-called ministers of the Gospel) do not speak of my holiness and righteousness, do not follow them. Do not follow personalities, and those who draw attention to themselves even though they might have a large following.

Jesus will warn you of false spirits, error, and false doctrine.

It is a day when men of old will go down. It is a season of the passing of the torch to the next generation. It is a day NOW of drawing near to me, says the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

 

The Door of Blessings

God gives us doors, but they can only be opened when we meet the conditions (requirements) that God has set.

The Door of Blessings is opened when you meet the following requirements:

1.  Live a Holy Life by walking in the will and plan of God, rather than the ideals, attitudes, and customs of the world; and rather than the advice and purposes of sinners.

2. You walk in the will and plan of God by using the R-Reading, S-Studying, and M-Meditating method.  That is, Read, Study, and Meditate on the Word of God.

“But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.”  (Psalm 1:2)

“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”  (Joshua 1:8)

3.  When you tithe unto God you open the Door of blessings because God says in Malachi 3:10-11 “Bring all the tithes (the whole tenth of your income) into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and prove Me now by it, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.  And I will rebuke the devourer [insects and plagues] for your sakes and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground, neither shall your vine drop its fruit before the time in the field, says the Lord of hosts.”

God will rebuke the devourer (things that eat up your money).  For example, your car being constantly in need of repair.  The harvest you are reaping through tithing will not be premature, but an ON-TIME HARVEST.  Whatever you need, God will provide it when you need it.  He will provide more than you need.

“And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”  (Philippians 4:19)

Trust and depend on God for ALL YOU NEEDS, rather than the world system; rather than man.

“Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.  In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.  Be not wise in your own eyes; reverently fear and worship the Lord and turn [entirely] away from evil.”  (Proverbs 3:5-7)

 “Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.  Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.

They also do no iniquity: they walk in his way.  Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.  O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!  Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.  I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments.

I will keep thy statutes . . .”  (Psalm 119:1-8)

 TRUSTING IN THE LORD

 

But trust in and lean on the Lord without wavering and you won’t slide.

Trusting in self and relying on your own physical strength is an expression of pride.

 

Acknowledge God in all your ways, and from his thoughts and ways you will never part.

But if you decide to go your own way from your God-given purposes you will never start.

 

Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

And you will experience love, joy, and peace during the day and at night.

 

Honor and respect God in thought, word, and deed through love,

And you will ascend to higher spiritual heights like a dove.

 

Remember to put God first and not last,

Then you will experience joy unspeakable joy,

And a peace that surpasses understanding,

and a love for others that cannot be outcast.

 

©  1999 Karmen A. Booker

 

 

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Karmen A. Booker has been called by God to exhort and teach others the Word of God. She is the founder of Wings of Love Women’s Ministry (WLWM), which helps women realize healing and spiritual growth, while cultivating their God-given gifts and ministering in their local churches and their communities and the world.

WLWM’s desire is to connect with other women who have battled abuse in their lives, and who have been held back from moving forward for whatever reason. We encourage victims of abuse to go forth and grow in their personal relationship with Jesus Christ with more commitment and boldness, knowing that through healing and restoration “the good work God has began in them He will complete.’’

WLWM offers ministry resource products that are designed to encourage you to grow in your personal relationship with Jesus Christ and take you to higher spiritual heights of knowledge and understanding of the Word of God!!! These resources written and published by Ms. Booker are:  “You Are Called to Greatness”, “Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts”, “Life Enrichment Kit”,  “Seeking the Face of God”,  “You Are God’s Masterpiece”, “Christian Mentoring Guide for Women”, and  “Biblical Entrepreneurship”.

 

 

Digesting the Word of God

In the natural you use 3 senses relating to digesting food. 1^st you see the food; 2^nd you smell the food; and 3^rd you taste the food and chew it so you can be digested by the digestive organs.  It is then transformed so it can be used to nurture your physical body.

Similar to digesting food, we must Digest the Word of God.  There are 3 processes in digesting the Word of God.  1^st you READ the Word; 2^nd you Study the Word of God; 3^rd you Meditate on the Word of God.  I call it the RSM Method = R-Reading +  S-Studying +  M-Meditating.  When you engage in this process, you begin to digest the Word so that it nurtures your spirit.  The Word takes root in your heart and renews your mind.

As you meditate on the Word of God, you will be like a tree, constantly nurtured in the right amount and the right time.  Therefore, you will constantly yield a harvest and  prosper.

 Joshua 1:8 says “This book of the law shall not depart out of thine mouth; but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it.  For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success.” 

 If you mediate on the Word of God day and night and apply the Word of God, then you shall have (present tense = NOW (always NOW) Good Success & PROSPERITY.  Prosperity does not only mean riches, but Increase; Abundance; Overflow.

“The uncompromisingly righteous shall flourish like the palm tree; they shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.  Planted in the house of the Lord, they shall flourish in the courts of our God.”  (Psalm 92:12-13)

The Hebrew word for flourish is “parach”, which means to spread; abroad; abundantly; blossom; break forth; bud; grow; spring; make fly.  I wrote a poem, which I believe really brings enlightenment regarding flourishing.

 

SET MY SAIL TO THE WIND

The wind blows from the North, South, East and West.

Sometimes it is gentle;

Other times it is brisk and fierce.

But there is one wind that is steady and constant – the wind of the Spirit.

It leads and guides you unto all truth – the Word of God.

The Word of God is the truth, the way, and the life.

You will constantly move forward, and not backward.

You will constantly flow in the purposes of God.

But you must affix your heart and mind on His Word, not on your feelings and emotions.

Allow the Word of God to lead you along the path of righteousness;

And you will never go wrong.

You will set your feet on solid ground,

Instead of going around and around.

 

©  2005   Karmen A. Booker

 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Karmen A. Booker has been called by God to exhort and teach others the Word of God. She is the founder of Wings of Love Women’s Ministry (WLWM), which helps women realize healing and spiritual growth, while cultivating their God-given gifts and ministering in their local churches and their communities and the world.

WLWM offers ministry resource products that are designed to encourage you to grow in your personal relationship with Jesus Christ and take you to higher spiritual heights of knowledge and understanding of the Word of God!!! These resources written and published by Ms. Booker are:  “You Are Called to Greatness”, “Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts”, “Life Enrichment Kit”,  “Seeking the Face of God”,  “You Are God’s Masterpiece”, “Christian Mentoring Guide for Women”, and  “Biblical Entrepreneurship”.

Developing Christian Character

Developing Christian Character

Faith produces virtue > knowledge > self-control > steadfastness > godliness > brotherly affection > Christian Love

When you develop these qualities, they will keep you from being idle (unfruitful) unto the Lord Jesus Christ.

  Messiah  –     Anointed One

If you lack these qualities, you are spiritually blind and lack vision.

“My people perish for a lack of vision.”  (Proverbs 29:18)

 

There are four types of vision:

Myopic Vision – People with myopic vision are nearsighted that they live only for today. Their vision of the future is fuzzy. They can barely see beyond their noses.

Peripheral Vision – People with peripheral vision are blindsided by side issues. These visionaries are hampered in moving forward because they catch the threatening images of lurking problems in the corners of their eyes. They are fearful of shadowy difficulties and people lurking on the sidelines who will defeat their efforts. These folks are easily distracted.

Tunnel Vision – People with tunnel vision see only what is dead ahead of them and assume that their slender view of reality reflects the whole world. They don’t see other persons or other issues.

Panoramic Vision – People with panoramic vision see the “Big Picture”. They see beyond today. They see what is ahead of them and what is to their sides. They have a basic understanding of the key ingredients of a healthy organization and know the steps necessary to take to get them there.

MAKE SURE YOUR VISION IS PANORAMIC, so you can be

Productive and Move Forward.

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Karmen A. Booker has been called by God to exhort and teach others the Word of God. She is the founder of Wings of Love Women’s Ministry (WLWM), which helps women realize healing and spiritual growth, while cultivating their God-given gifts and ministering in their local churches and their communities and the world.

WLWM’s desire is to connect with other women who have battled abuse in their lives, and who have been held back from moving forward for whatever reason. We encourage victims of abuse to go forth and grow in their personal relationship with Jesus Christ with more commitment and boldness, knowing that through healing and restoration “the good work God has began in them He will complete.’’

WLWM offers ministry resource products that are designed to encourage you to grow in your personal relationship with Jesus Christ and take you to higher spiritual heights of knowledge and understanding of the Word of God!!! These resources written and published by Ms. Booker are:  “You Are Called to Greatness”, “Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts”, “Life Enrichment Kit”,  “Seeking the Face of God”,  “You Are God’s Masterpiece”, “Christian Mentoring Guide for Women”, and  “Biblical Entrepreneurship”.

DEVELOPING A WINNING ATTITUDE

For we are God’s own handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us, [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them, [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].

(Ephesians 2:10 – AMP)

God said in His word that he has already preordained your life.  He has a plan to prosper you and not to harm you.

How do you fulfill His plan for your life?

By developing a Positive Attitude. There is a winning attitude and a losing attitude.  In order to be successful in life, you must have a winning attitude.

What is a Winning Attitude?

It is Christ’s attitude.  In Philippians 2:5 – AMP, it says, “Let this same attitude and purpose and humble mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus.”

Jesus never ran from adversity.  He never gave up in the midst of adversity.   He maintained a winning attitude, and trusted, relied upon, and depended on the power God gave him to overcome adversity.  This is the same attitude that you must develop in your life.  You must determine to win at any cost, relying solely and completely on God to strengthen you and carry you through to victory.  Your attitude is more than a feeling.  It is what will enable you to keep fighting in the midst of adversity when others have given up and thrown in the towel.

Jesus never quit.   When He knew He was about to be crucified on the cross, he surrendered his will to God’s will by saying “Thy will be done.”  He endured all of the pain and suffering on the cross to save you from eternal death in hell.

We must endure (outlast) adversity like Jesus.  Whatever you are going through, whatever Satan is trying to do in your life, make a decision today and remain determined to endure (outlast) it and triumph through the power and strength God has given you to overcome.   “We are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him who loved us.” (Romans 8:38)

If you will begin to develop a Winning Attitude, then nothing Satan tries to do to you will move you.  If Satan cannot move you, then you cannot be defeated.  You will Triumph in Christ and fulfill God’s plan for your life.

 

 

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Karmen A. Booker has been called by God to exhort and teach others the Word of God. She is the founder of Wings of Love Women’s Ministry (WLWM), which helps women realize healing and spiritual growth, while cultivating their God-given gifts and ministering in their local churches and their communities and the world.

WLWM’s desire is to connect with other women who have battled abuse in their lives, and who have been held back from moving forward for whatever reason. We encourage victims of abuse to go forth and grow in their personal relationship with Jesus Christ with more commitment and boldness, knowing that through healing and restoration “the good work God has began in them He will complete.’’

WLWM offers ministry resource products that are designed to encourage you to grow in your personal relationship with Jesus Christ and take you to higher spiritual heights of knowledge and understanding of the Word of God!!! These resources written and published by Ms. Booker are:  “You Are Called to Greatness”, “Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts”, “Life Enrichment Kit”,  “Seeking the Face of God”,  “You Are God’s Masterpiece”, “Christian Mentoring Guide for Women”, and  “Biblical Entrepreneurship”.

 

The Branch

I am the True Vine, and My Father is the Vinedresser.  Any branch in Me that does not bear fruit (stops bearing) He cuts away (trims off, takes away); and He cleanses and repeatedly prunes every branch that continues to bear fruit, to make it bear more and richer and more excellent fruit.

You are cleansed and pruned already, because of the word, which I have given you.  Dwell in Me, and I will dwell in you.  [Live in Me, and I will live in you.]  Just as no branch can bear fruit of itself without abiding in (being vitally united to) the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you abide in Me.  I am the Vine; you are branches.  Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit.  However, apart from Me you can do nothing. (John 15:1-5)

The branch that is not connected to its source of nourishment withers and dies.  It is essential for the branch to remain connected to the source.  That source is God – Jesus – The Word.

“If a person does not dwell in Me, he is thrown out like a [broken-off] branch, and withers; such branches are gathered up and thrown into the fire, and they are burned.” (John 15:6)

We must remain (abide) connected to The Word (Jesus Christ) in order to continue growing spiritually and prospering.

“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” (III John 2)

God wants us to prosper and be in health, even as our soul (mind and emotions) prosper.  The soul can’t prosper unless it is transformed.  Transformed by The Word.

“Do not be conformed to this world (fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs), but be transformed (changed) by the entire renewal of your mind (by its new ideals and its new attitude), so that you may prove (for yourselves) what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of god, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect (in His sight for you).” (Romans 12:2)

Our mind must be continually transformed by Living Waters.  We can’t physically live without water, and we can’t spiritually live without The Word.

“My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.  Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.  For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.” (Proverbs 4:20-22)

There are many people walking around who are physically alive, but spiritually dead because there is no Word in them No Jesus in them.  Jesus is the source of spiritual life.  We may eat, drink and be merry (engage in worldly pleasures) and think we are living the life. That is, to party, drink alcoholic beverages, do drugs, have premarital sex, play sports till the sun goes down, and not have Jesus in our life (heart and mind); not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ the Messiah – The Anointed One.

But we aren’t “living the life” because we don’t have Jesus (the source of life) inside of our heart and mind.  So we are really living DEATH.

For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life (his blessed life in the kingdom of God)?  Or what would a man give as an exchange for his (blessed) life (in the kingdom of God)? (Matthew 16:26)

The most important relationship in our life is the one we have with Jesus.   Not our relationship with our mother, father, or brother.

” . . . truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.” (I John 3)

“He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me:  and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.   And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.” (Matthew 10:37-38)

STAY CONNECTED

Stay connected to Jesus Christ even when the winds fall and the valleys run deep.

When it seems like all you need is sleep.

When it seems there is no way out.

Trust in Jesus, He is the truth and the way without a doubt.

He will shape and mold you all the way through.

Just don’t give up when you are feeling blue.

The trials and tribulations we experience are designed to strengthen our faith and trust in Jesus (the Holy One).

I challenge you to be a Branch that Remains Connected to the Vine – Jesus Christ.

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Karmen A. Booker has been called by God to exhort and teach others the Word of God. She is the founder of Wings of Love Women’s Ministry (WLWM), which helps women realize healing and spiritual growth, while cultivating their God-given gifts and ministering in their local churches, their communities and the world.

WLWM’s desire is to connect with other women who have battled abuse in their lives, and who have been held back from moving forward for whatever reason. We encourage victims of abuse to go forth and grow in their personal relationship with Jesus Christ with more commitment and boldness, knowing that through healing and restoration “the good work God has began in them He will complete.’’

WLWM offers ministry resource books that are designed to encourage you to grow in your personal relationship with Jesus Christ and take you to higher spiritual heights of knowledge and understanding of the Word of God!!! These resources written and published by Ms. Booker are:  “You Are Called to Greatness”, “Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts”, “Life Enrichment Kit”,  “Seeking the Face of God”,  “You Are God’s Masterpiece”, “Christian Mentoring Guide for Women”, and  “Biblical Entrepreneurship”.

 

 

Hidden Rivers of Life

He is the source of the living waters that flow.

Constantly within us, which renders an outside glow.

Jesus is the source of living waters.

If we trust in him, He will fill us with an ever-flowing stream of living water.

Water that nurtures and purifies our soul.

Allowing us to reach our godly goal.

A goal that is enhanced and multiplied through holy and righteous living.

Focusing not on receiving from others, but giving.

Giving our time, talents, and gifts sent from above;

To be a blessing to others and to show our love.

We must be faithful and true,

For it is only in this that our true light (Jesus within our hearts) will shine through.

We must continue to grow by studying and meditating on His Word.

Then and only then will the living waters flow.

Keep growing in the Word daily so the living waters within you will grow deeper and higher,

And your inner spiritual light will shine through brighter and brighter.

Don’t delay for time is running out.

We must remain in the flow of living waters to avoid everlasting drought.

 

©   1998 Karmen A. Booker

 

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For more inspiring and encouraging poems by Karmen A. Booker, purchase her book, “Seeking the Face of God”.

She has produced ministry resources that are designed to equip and encourage women to grow in their spiritual walk with Jesus Christ, and discover and fulfill their God-given purpose for the Advancement of the Kingdom of God.