Saturday, March 20, 2010


Viewing Articles that Ignite Devotion

The following articles are designed to ignite your devotion to God as well as your love and compassion for others. Please give us feedback to help us understand your needs so we can develop or locate the resources for which you are searching. If you don't find what you are looking for, please contact us. Or, consider writing some content yourself and publishing it here on our site. So, take your pick below and let's get going... Or, feel free to use the Advanced Resource Browser. And, remember to forward articles you find helpful to your friends - be a spreader of the light...



Ask of Me

Article by Francis Frangipane
We live in unparalleled times. Not since the first century have more scriptures been fulfilled in a single generation. Each unfolding word brings down another mountain; it lifts another valley. In truth, the way is being prepared for our King's return into this world. The Great Revolt - The Lord forewarned that, during the end-time, "many will go back and forth, and knowledge will increase" (Dan 12:4). Contrast our time with any other in history: Not only are we traveling farther and more frequently, but we do so in a world inundated with increasing knowledge. It has been our privilege to behold the prophetic return of Israel to its land (Jer 16:14-15), and our misfortune to live when "the earth is...polluted by its inhabitants..." (Is 24:5).

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Celebrate Thankfulness
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Article by John Tisdale
This word sheds light on your ability to choose your own attitudes to life independent of the circumstances of your life. It discusses how our ability to celebrate life in the midst of the challenges is a key to responding to life instead of reacting to it. Our thoughts shape our words and our words shape our lives. We have the ability to transform our lives by coming into alignment with God's purposes at work happening in and around us.

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Cleansing the Holy Place

Article by Francis Frangipane
The Lord is cleansing us for the distinct purpose of bringing His people into His glory. Yes, out of His desire to present a pure bride to His Son, the Father is purging the church of its sin. He is refusing to allow our inter-church relationships to continue without love. According to the Scriptures, before Jesus returns, the body of Christ will be holy and blameless (see Eph 5:27; Titus 2:14; I Thess 5:23; Col 1:22; Phil 2:15; etc.). Through new and successive levels of purification, the house of the Lord will again receive and display the glory of God.

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First Knight - When Freedom and Captivity Collide
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Article by John Tisdale
This is a review of a movie through the lens of spiritual insights. This article considers the conflict that arrises when freedom and captivity collide. It is shown through the Hollywood film First Knight. It explores how passion and desire drive us toward the matters of the heart and yet barriers often keep us enslaved to so much less than life has to offer.

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From Death to Christ

Article by Francis Frangipane
Jesus warned His disciples about His impending crucifixion. "One of you will betray Me," He said. Yet, instead of turning to God in humble introspection, an argument actually arose among the disciples as to which one was the greatest. Jesus, who sees both the natural and spiritual realms, addressed Peter (who evidently "won" the argument): "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers" (Lk 22: 31-32).

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Honor's Highest Purpose

Article by Francis Frangipane
Last week we discussed how Ham's sin of exposing the shame of his father, Noah, led to Noah's curse upon Ham's son, Canaan. Noah saw in Ham a character flaw that would be passed on to Ham's children. The specifics of this curse would be that, from generation to generation, Ham's descendants would become the "servants of servants." Why would they abide in this economic slavery? Simply because one who habitually disrespects, shames or exposes the weaknesses of those in authority over them simultaneously disables their ability to advance in life.

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Hope is Near!
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Article by John Tisdale
This article is designed for someone who is struggling with difficult circumstances and is losing hope. It is a simple message and yet a much needed one in challenging times. In addition to text, it includes stunning graphics to set the tone for the message.

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Humility Precedes Holiness

Article by Francis Frangipane
A Holy Man is a Humble Man - "Learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart" (Matt. 11:29 KJV). The holiest, most powerful voice that ever spoke described Himself as "meek and lowly in heart." Why begin a message on holiness with a quote concerning humility? Simply because holiness is the product of grace, and God gives grace only to the humble. It is vital we understand that Jesus did not condemn sinners; He condemned hypocrites. A hypocrite is a person who excuses his own sin while condemning the sins of another. He is not merely "two-faced," for even the best of us must work at single-mindedness in all instances. A hypocrite, therefore, is one who refuses to admit he is, at times, two-faced, thereby pretending a righteousness that he fails to live.

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Obtaining the Endorsement of God

Article by Francis Frangipane
In the last days, God's word promises that the "mountain of the house of the Lord will be established" (Isaah 2:2). Our sincere conviction is that if this dwelling place of God truly emerges in our cities, it will transform entire regions and great revival will emerge. However, I would make it clear from the beginning, if our goal is anything other than becoming a home for Jesus, this truth will simply become another "wind of doctrine"; we will again be blown off course. Without the abiding fullness of Christ in the church, we will have no more impact in the world than a political party, whose strength rests in numbers and not God.

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Purity of Heart: Open Vision

Article by Francis Frangipane
In the book of Revelation there is a marvel: "in the center and around the throne, four living creatures full of eyes in front and behind . . . around and within" (Rev. 4:6, 8). Our purpose here is not to spend ourselves in speculations about these creatures. Our goal is to possess that purity of heart which comes from living in the awareness of God. We're seeking the open vision that is manifested at His throne.

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Return to Your Dwelling Place in God

Article by Francis Frangipane
Ultimately, I believe there are only two acceptable, core attitudes we should have toward the Almighty. The first attitude is heartfelt abandonment. This is the result of having found the Lord's Presence in a new unfolding of His glory. Heartfelt abandonment will always be accompanied by transcendent awe, unspeakable joy and irrepressible love. All of these are the result of having laid hold of the Lord; they are the consequences of His presence. The second core attitude we must possess comes in the seeming absence of God's presence. It is a relentless longing, an unquenchable thirst, to find Him whom your soul loves. Abandonment and longing are the two tracks that lead us into our destiny in God and guides into true spiritual fulfillment.

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Standing Behind Our Wall

Article by Francis Frangipane
The sense of distance we often feel between Christ and ourselves is an illusion. As we enter the days prior to Christ's Second Coming, the Lord shall begin to remove that falsehood. Indeed, He promises, "In that day you shall know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you" (John 14:20). The Scriptures tell us that Christ is the vine, we are the branches; He is the head, we are His body; He is the Lord and we are His temple. From start to finish, the Bible declares the Lord not only has a dwelling in heaven, but that He also abides perpetually in redemptive union with His people. The ever-present focus of His activity is to guide us into oneness with Himself.

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The Fundamentals of Addiction
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Article by John Tisdale
This article is designed to give you a high level overview of the dynamics at play in an addiction. It provides a foundation upon which other articles will build. It discusses some strategies to gaining victory over past addictive patterns that have robbed you of life. If you or someone you know struggles with addiction, this may be a good starting point for understanding some of the keys involved.

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The Intensifying Presence

Article by Francis Frangipane
"He is the sole expression of the glory of God the Light-being, the out-raying of the divine and He is the perfect imprint and very image of [God's] nature, upholding and maintaining and guiding and propelling the universe by His mighty word of power." Hebrews 1:3 amplified. I know the unrepentant world is destined for the Great Tribulation, and that many worldly Christians will become spiritual prisoners of the Antichrist. But as far as the living, praying church is concerned, if we continue to climb toward the standard of Christlikeness, ahead of us lies a time of great glory and harvest. In support of this holy goal, let me submit to you an encounter I had with the Lord.

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The Land Beneath Our Feet

Article by Francis Frangipane
As a speaker in citywide and regional prayer conferences, I am often asked to unmask the "spiritual power" opposing the body of Christ in the conference region. City leaders and intercessors have even asked if I knew the "name" of the principle spirit that is resisting the church in their area. "Do you want to know the name of the most powerful spirit opposing most Christians?" I ask. Eager faces respond affirmatively. "It's Yahweh."

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The Peril of Religious Flesh

Article by Francis Frangipane
Two Types of Knowledge - There is a type of knowledge that is doctrinal, theological and instructive, and there is a type of knowledge that is born out of a revelation of God. Both are known as "truth," both produce a certain type of person, and both are accepted as "Christianity." You can be certain that God wants us to have right doctrines, but we must never content ourselves with merely the accumulation of correct knowledge. For this knowledge often remains just a file of religious facts; where the Word of God is viewed more as a museum than a power plant.

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The Power of Honor - The Curse of Dishonor

Article by Francis Frangipane
Among all in his era, Noah was the most godly. He alone was considered by the Almighty, blameless. In a time when terrible wrath was about to unfurl, Noah alone found favor with the Lord. Consider this man Noah and what he experienced: Aware that the end of his world was at hand, he faithfully preached repentance for over one hundred years, yet his words converted no one. His eyes beheld the terrible descent of the wrath of God; his ears heard the terrifying cries, the final cries, of an entire civilization. His mind experienced the horrifying destruction of every man, woman and child outside the ark.

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The Redemption of a Broken Man
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Article by John Tisdale
This is a story of God's work of redemption in the life of an average man named John Tisdale. Here he shares his personal journey of searching and finding what he's been looking for his whole life. It is written in somewhat of a poetic style and uncovers the author's heart-felt cry to experience the touch and transforming power of God into his life.

 

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The Unloved Beloved
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Article by John Tisdale
This article focuses on a message of divine love. It is designed for the person who is struggling with understanding his/her needs for love and acceptance (and not feeling either). It goes below the surface of the obvious and considers some important principles about your real identity and worth.

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Those Who Sigh and Groan

Article by Francis Frangipane
The true church is a child in the womb of God; what the Almighty feels affects us. We absorb into our spiritual DNA the great loves of God; His passions become our passions. However, there are things that He also hates. Without becoming self-righteous, we must allow ourselves to feel the Lord's hatred for sin and injustice; we must receive into our spirits His attitude concerning violence, abuse and abortion.

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Two Sets Of Books

Article by Francis Frangipane
It was not a dream. It was simply a thought in the middle of the night, but it came into my mind with such clarity that it roused me from my sleep. It said, "He keeps two sets of books: one is exact and the other forgiving." I barely had time to wonder who it was that kept these mysterious two accounts when the parable of the wise, but wasteful, steward surfaced in my mind. The story, which comes from Luke, chapter 16, tells of a manager who was soon to be dismissed for squandering his employer's wealth.

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Unrelenting Love

Article by Francis Frangipane
The Bible describes our relationship with the Christ in strong symbolic pictures of oneness: He is Head of a body, Husband of a wife, God in His temple. In spite of these powerful metaphors, there remains a sense of distance between the Presence of the Lord and ourselves. This distance is a test. Our call is to possess that love of God which reaches even into eternity and brings the glory and Person of Christ into His earthly House.

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What Will Be Valuable in Heaven?
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Article by John Tisdale
This is an interesting question that you may not have considered before. It is apparent that heaven has an economic system. Scripture speaks repeatedly of having treasures in heaven (as well as there being a least and greatest in heaven). Yet, what is it that will have value there? We can derive the answer from a simple principle of economics that scripture indicates is at work in God's eternal economy...

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When Christ is Formed in Us

Article by Francis Frangipane
The intercessory prayer of the Apostle Paul was not just a prayer for protection or for a few blessings to rest upon the saints. He said, "My children, with whom I am again in labor until Christ is formed in you" (Gal 4:19). Paul was "in labor" to bring forth the actual spirit of Christ within the church. Let me say it again: his goal was Christ, not merely Christianity!

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