Monthly Archives: February 2011

To The Teaching & The Testimony!

Posted on February 25, 2011 by mcalmond

As Believers, the Word of God as a whole, was written in part that we might discover and apply to our everyday lives, what it means to live for the Lord God Almighty. We are to live and walk out our lives as His children, as His servants, servants of the Most High God. The simple result of this was to be His evident witnesses in the earth. The truth is that far too many professing believers in the Lord Jesus Christ only profess a faith in Him, while when it comes to living and walking out the written Word of God in our everyday lives, well, that is totally another matter.

Jeremiah 6:10 (NKJV) To whom shall I speak and give warning, That they may hear? Indeed their ear is uncircumcised, And they cannot give heed. Behold, the word of the Lord is a reproach to them; They have no delight in it.

It is apparent that there is an all too clear devaluing of the Word of God as the Righteous Standard for our every day life and living. It has in oh so many ways become a reproach, some thing of shame, or disgrace and embarrassment. It has in some circles even become a point of blame for the world’s problems.

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Categories: Awakening, Believer, Bibles, Body of Christ, Calling, Character, Christian Maturity, Dying to Self Will, Edification, Exhortation, Following Through, His Chosen, Holiness, Holy Spirit, Hope, Humility, illumination, In Spirit and In Truth, Inspiration, Light, Obedience, Perseverance, Post Modern, Priorities, Repent, Repentance, Righteousness, Salvation, Selflessness, Simplicity, Steadfastness, Teaching, Tenaciousness, Training, Transformation, Truth, Witness, Word, Word of God, Worship | 4 Comments

Strength and Encouragement in the Psalms

Posted on February 19, 2011 by mcalmond

Psalms 119:81 (NKJV) My soul faints for Your salvation, But I hope in Your word.

My heart genuinely goes out to the untold thousands of people who get up each and everyday and go to jobs they hate, whose lives are trapped into their circumstances and yet are faithfully lived out anyway. My heart truly goes out to the thousands of lives who, in a very real way, have no life but their jobs and their homes with very little in between. These are those who all too often have no real social life, no real outlets but TV, eating and working to pay their bills. There seems to be very little purpose that is rewarding, nor is there any real sense of accomplishment. No, their lives seem no more than survival attained by the never ending cycle of work, sleep, eating, watching TV, etc. Yes, to one and all of these my heart genuinely goes out to you because most assuredly, I have lived here.

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Categories: Abiding, Absolute Dependency, Being Built Up, Believer, Benefits, Christian Maturity, Confidence, Dependency, Encouragement, God's Faithfulness, Holiness, Holy Spirit, Intimacy, Jobs, Perseverance, Promises, Protection, Sacrifice, Simplicity, Steadfastness, Tenaciousness, Thankfulness, Thanksgiving | Leave a comment

He Who Completes Us

Posted on February 13, 2011 by mcalmond

Man’s faith is incomplete in itself. It needs God’s gift of faith (Rom 12:3) to join together with his, completing that faith so that man can come into God’s saving faith. This is accomplished by the Power of God the Holy Spirit, God’s grace and His Living Word.

Man in every aspect is incomplete apart from a union in and with the Lord Jesus Christ. It is in this union that we are only made complete  through God’s saving faith in Christ Jesus and the resulting regenerative Work of God.

Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NKJV) For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.

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Categories: Absolute Dependency, Being Built Up, Believer, Calling, Calvary, Christian Maturity, Core Values, Crucifixion, Dependency, Edification, Empowerment, God Faith, His Chosen, Holiness, Hope, Humility, Man's Faith, Promises, Repent, Salvation, Saving Faith, Seeking The Lord Jesus, Spirit, The Power of God, Transformation, Truth, Word of God | 2 Comments

Worship, In Spirit and Truth

Posted on February 11, 2011 by mcalmond

Worship is a word that is all too often bantered about within the church. This is done in positive and often not too positive ways. Often much of what is discussed has more to do with forms of worship than the actual substance of worship. As to form, there seems to be, in my mind anyway, a lot of room for various forms or expressions of worship in the Word of God. My purpose isn’t really to focus upon the forms of worship as much as of the substance of worship.

John 4:23-24 (NKJV) But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. 24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

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Categories: A Simple Reminder, Abiding, Absolute Dependency, Anointing, Believer, Body of Christ, Church, Commands, Dependency, Encouragement, Father, Foundations, Holy Spirit, In Spirit and In Truth, Inspiration, Intimacy, Ministry, Ministry Motivation, Obedience, Prayer, Prophetic, Revelation, Seeking The Lord Jesus, Simplicity, Source, Surrender, The Power of God, Waiting on the Lord, Word of God, Worship | 2 Comments

The Benefits of Speaking in Tongues, Pt 2

Posted on February 7, 2011 by mcalmond

Getting back to our discussion, in the larger context of the passage, we see that the appropriate use of Tongues corporately is to be with the corresponding gift of Interpretation. If there is no corresponding gift of interpretation then there should be no corporate expression of tongues before the Body. With interpretation you then have that which is equal to prophecy (1 Cor 14:5). Regardless of how you would interpret prophecy, tongues with the corresponding gift of interpretation is equal to prophecy in importance for the edification of the assembly of believers. If you see Prophecy as Preaching God’s Word, then tongues spoken out loud and then followed by interpretation is as Preaching God’s Word. If you see Prophecy as something else, then what you see it as, is equal to Tongues with Interpretation. This all seems very clear to me and yet it is also problematic.

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Categories: Abiding, Absolute Dependency, Baptism of the Holy Spirit, Being Built Up, Belief System, Believer, Benefits, Body of Christ, Calling, Calvary, Church, Communion, Confidence, Dependency, Edification, Empowerment, Encouragement, Exhortation, Faith, Father, Flesh, Gifts of the Holy Spirit, God Faith, God's Righteousness, God's Love, Growing in Faith, Healing, Holy Spirit Benefits, Holy Spirit Hearing, Holy Spirit Seeing, Hope, Intimacy, Light, Ministry, Obedience, Prayer, Prophetic, Questions, Resurrection Life, Revelation, Rhema, Signs & Wonders, Speaking in Tongues, Spirit, Teaching, Thankfulness, Thanksgiving, The Power of God, Transformation, Victory, Witness, Word of God, Work of God | Leave a comment

The Benefits of Speaking in Tongues, Pt 1

Posted on February 7, 2011 by mcalmond

Acts 2:1-4 (NKJV) When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

I will attempt to focus more on the Tongues aspect of this Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Much has been made of this gift, positively and negatively. My question is simply why would anyone not want all that the Lord Jesus has for them, no matter what? I want all that is his, no matter what it is or how it appears to others or even how stretching it is for me.

Tongues are a vital gift. It is not as some have declared, simply something that was limited as just for the first century church. It seems that all who were there in the upper room spoke with other tongues, or spoke in languages that they did know. This was borne witness by those of various nations and languages that were present. This did not happen only here. We see that it took place within the early church to the point that it seems to have been common. I think that this is important. What I mean is that in the days of Acts and the early church, the gifts of the Spirit, including Tongues, seem to be simply accepted as part of a believer’s and of the church’s life. It all seems to have been rather prevalent. Yes there were issues of abuse or misuse, not unlike today, but not issues of having to defend their use; yes, a need to explain, set in order, correct, but not defend. There was encouragement to not forbid speaking in tongues or to not despise prophecy, for example, but not a need to defend their rightful place within the church and its ministry.

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Categories: Abiding, Anointing, Awakening, Baptism of the Holy Spirit, Being Built Up, Believer, Benefits, Body of Christ, Character, Church, Commands, Communion, Dependency, Edification, Empowerment, Gifts of the Holy Spirit, God Faith, God's Love, Grace, Holy Spirit Benefits, Holy Spirit Hearing, Holy Spirit Seeing, Hope, Intimacy, Ministry, Now Word, Prayer, Promises, Prophetic, Revelation, Seeking The Lord Jesus, Signs & Wonders, Son and Holy Spirit, Speaking in Tongues, Spirit, Spirit of Truth, Stirrings, Teaching, Thanksgiving, Transformation, Word of God, Work of God | 1 Comment

Holy Spirit Baptism & Godly Character

Posted on February 7, 2011 by mcalmond

In light of my having shared with you our three part series on the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, and with another series on the Benefits of Speaking in Tongues (Pt One and Two) soon to follow this post, I just felt that I should share with you this post on the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and the issue of Godly Character right in the middle of them. It has been the severe lack of a Godly Character that has done more harm to the church and its witness of the Lord Jesus Christ in and before the world, than any other weakness we as the people of God have.

I, for one, believe that we need not have to choose between our needing and thus becoming a people of Godly Character and the Holy Spirit anointed power of God. I believe the Lord God Almighty has intended for us both. However, a Godly Character comes more slowly, through the fires of refinement and discipline, healing and deliverance, and a righteous inculcation of the Holy Word of God. It is this reality, this all too often painful process over time and growth in the Lord Jesus Christ, that most seem not to desire nor embrace, let alone seek after. We all too often seek the power without the heart and character of God, to our shame and error. While this is a lengthy post, I pray it is of value to all who take the time to read it with an open heart to the Lord Jesus Christ and what He is saying through us, each and every one.

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Categories: Absolute Dependency, Baptism of the Holy Spirit, Believer, Body of Christ, Character, Church, Commands, Dependency, Dying to Self Will, Empowerment, Exhortation, Flesh, Gifts of the Holy Spirit, God's Righteousness, God's Love, Holiness, Holy Ghost Burdens, illumination, Lies, Ministry, Ministry Motivation, Obedience, Preaching, religious idolatry, Repent, Repentance, Seeking The Lord Jesus, Self Destruction, Selflessness, Simplicity, Speaking in Tongues, Spirit, Surrender, Training, Transformation, True Love, Truth, Unrighteous Ambition, Word of God | Leave a comment

The Baptism of God’s Love

Posted on February 7, 2011 by mcalmond

1 John 3:10 (NKJV) In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother.

It is said of the Apostle John, that when he was very old and had to be carried on a stretcher to church that one day after the service the young men asked John for a Word from the Lord. He is said to have raised himself up on one elbow and said “Love one another”. The young men were very frustrated by this. “John”, they said, “you always say this” to which John then replies, “If you do this that is enough”.[1]

It was 1980, Colorado Springs, Colorado. We had just recently moved our family there after our first pioneer work had closed under difficult circumstances. We had hoped that we would be able to begin another work in Colorado Springs however the Lord had something else in store for us. We would become participants in a rather miraculous event in the life of a church there.

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Categories: Body of Christ, Calling, Calvary, Character, Church, Commands, Empowerment, Exhortation, Foundations, Gifts of the Holy Spirit, God's Love, His Chosen, His Gift of Love, illumination, Inspiration, Intimacy, Loving One Another, Mercy, Ministry Motivation, Obedience, Openness, Prophetic, Prophetic Revelation, Repentance, Seeking The Lord Jesus, Signs & Wonders, Son and Holy Spirit, Spirit, Spirit of Truth, Steadfastness, Surrender, Teaching, The Lord Jesus, The Power of God, Transformation, True Love, Visions, Work of God | 1 Comment

The Baptism of The Holy Spirit, Pt 3

Posted on February 7, 2011 by mcalmond

As we continue our discussion from part two, we need to note that under this Holy Spirit’s endowment/gift of power for effectual ministry, or anointing, Peter then goes on to say that this promise is for you and for your children and for all who are afar off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself (Acts 2:39). Verse 38 of this same text is that which references Salvation. The context of this message has to do with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the questions that then arose in response to the demonstration power of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit upon the Disciples of Christ Jesus who were present in the upper room. The power of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples being what it was drew attention, negative and positive, by those who were in observation of the disciples. This attention prompted their responses and questions that then needed to be addressed by Peter. It was addressed and in the power of the Holy Spirit provided Kingdom of God results.

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Categories: A Simple Reminder, Anointing, Baptism of the Holy Spirit, Belief System, Believer, Body of Christ, Calling, Calvary, Church, Commands, Communion, Confidence, Core Values, Dependency, Empowerment, Exhortation, Faith, Foundations, God's Faithfulness, Grace, Holy Spirit Hearing, Holy Spirit Seeing, illumination, Inspiration, Intimacy, Ministry, Now Word, Old Blog Post, Openness, Prayer, Preaching, Priorities, Promises, Prophetic, Prophetic Revelation, Resurrection, Rhema, Salvation, Seeking The Lord Jesus, Signs & Wonders, Son and Holy Spirit, Spirit, Spiritual Warfare, Standing in Faith, Surrender, The Lord Jesus, The Power of God, Training, Transformation, Truth, Vulnerability | Leave a comment

The Baptism of the Holy Spirit, Pt 2

Posted on February 7, 2011 by mcalmond

John 20:23 (NKJV) If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”

What is most clearly associated with the Good News? Isn’t it that in and because of Christ Jesus and his death and blood shed upon the cross of Calvary that we are and can be born again, having all of our sins forgiven? In fact I believe that the Good News is simply because of Christ Jesus and it is, “Be of Good Cheer for In Christ Jesus your sins are forgiven, Believe it or not!” They were empowered with the message and reality of the Gospel, the message of reconciliation through the forgiveness of sins by the redeeming work of Christ Jesus upon the cross, as accepted by the Father God through the resurrection of his only son, Christ Jesus and through their now being indwelt by the Holy Spirit of the living God as regenerated children of the Most High God! Yes!

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Categories: Baptism of the Holy Spirit, Believer, Calling, Calvary, Church, Commands, Dependency, Empowerment, Encouragement, Exhortation, Holy Spirit Hearing, Holy Spirit Seeing, Hope, Inspiration, Intimacy, Ministry, Prayer, Preaching, Promises, Prophetic, Rhema, Salvation, Signs & Wonders, Son and Holy Spirit, Teaching, The Lord Jesus, The Power of God, Vulnerability, Waiting on the Lord | Leave a comment

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