From the desk of Steve Shultz:

Sandy Warner is an author and teacher and she's written over 22 books - we have many of her books available as E-Books in our download store. This article by Sandy is about the fruit we've sown in our lives being made manifest in 2009. It's a great teaching and word about how seeds take fruition.

We've also included a couple of Sandy Warner's popular E-Books that are downloadable by .pdf format. Today is the last day that all downloads and teachings are on sale for 33% off. I'd get 'em while they're on sale at this price!

Blessings,

Steve Shultz

101+ Ways God Speaks (And How to Hear Him) by Sandy Warner $8.71 $13.00 E-Book (.pdf format) Must use code for 33% discount: 8V857318

Beautiful Butterfly: God's Mystery by Sandy Warner $3.34 $4.99 E-Book (.pdf format) Must use code for 33% discount: 8V857318

2009 is the year that the fruit of our lives becomes manifested. Spiritually speaking, the number 9 represents the nine fruits of the Spirit. Before a baby is born, a seed is planted, and then it takes shape and silently forms within limited boundaries. In the fullness of time, that baby breaks forth outside its limits and suddenly appears. In that moment of breakthrough, we see its "face" for the first time. That is a good analogy for 2009 in regards to making known the manifestation of the seeds that were planted and nurtured in our lives.

Jesus told us to "know" the fruits. In the Greek, this means to be fully acquainted with, to be sure, understand, resolve, perceive and be knowledgeable about what kind of fruit we are producing and what to do about it. The Lord wants us to understand; understanding is a well of life (see Proverbs 16:22)!

Without this knowledge, we see through a glass darkly and only know in part. But when the Lord shines His light, then we see the face of our fruit and we will "know" even as we are "known." This same Greek word "to know" (#1921 Strong's) is in both of these Scriptures below:

"Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know (#1921) them." Matthew 7:17-20 (Emphasis added)

"For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know (#1921) even as also I am known (#1921)." 1 Corinthians 13:12 (Emphasis added)

As we suddenly see the face of the good and bad seeds we have nurtured in our lives, what can we do in 2009 to partner with the Lord? Here's some tips on how to "face and embrace" both kinds of fruit and understand them as God does.

See God's Perspective: Swallow His Love

Bad Fruit: When the Lord spotlights our bad fruit, it is so that He can deliver us from the death that bad seeds cause in our life. See destruction from His perspective. He loves us so much, He wants to deliver us...(more)

"Pray that the war between Israel and Palestine is shorter and less devastating than what military and political speculators around the world are predicting."

EDITOR'S NOTE: BCN recognizes the Scriptural call to support and stand with Israel. At the same time, we know that God loves both Israelis AND Palestinians; both Jews AND Muslims; and of course, Christians. While this particular prayer request is focused on Christians who are affected by the Gaza war, we believe we are called to pray for ALL of those in the area—for God's Divine intervention in the situation. It is only God's Spirit that can change the heart of a terrorist. –Aimee Herd, BCN.

(Garden Grove, California)—An estimated 10,000 Israeli ground troops moved into Gaza on Jan. 3rd, [in answer to the continuous rocket and long range missile attacks on Israel by the terrorist organization, Hamas]. [Meanwhile,] the small community of Christians in the area have been drawing strength from their faith in God. Last week's attacks left more than 400 dead and 2,000 injured and the numbers are expected to dramatically increase.

According to reliable reports cited by Open Doors USA, the Gaza Baptist Church building was still standing this morning but has had some of its windows shattered by the bombings.

In an e-mail addressed to Open Doors ministry supporters, Open Doors USA President/CEO Dr. Carl A. Moeller writes: "Some Christian families left Gaza for Bethlehem over the holidays and are now separated from their loved ones with the border sealed. Many of the hospitals, already lacking basic medicines and medical equipment, are overwhelmed with the casualties and often are without power.

"This is serious trouble for Christians in Gaza. Even before the recent end to the ceasefire (December 19) and the bombings, the estimated 3,000 Christians in Gaza have been living in fear from threats from Islamic militants."

Moeller asks US Christians to join him in prayer for these brave Christians in Gaza in the wake of this new outbreak of violence.

"Pray that the war between Israel and Palestine is shorter and less devastating than what military and political speculators around the world are predicting. Pray that Christian families will be reunited. Pray that the Gaza Baptist Church building will be spared from the bombs," said Moeller.

According to Moeller, earlier this year one Believer in Gaza stated: "Seventy percent of the Christians want to leave Gaza because they are very afraid. But we love Gaza. It's our country, we have roots here, our homes are here. We will not know anyone if we go somewhere else."

Moeller concludes: "Pray that the seeds Brother Andrew sowed with Hamas and other prominent militant groups and the Gazan Christians sowed throughout the years when the Palestinian Bible Society actively shared God's love with Muslim friends and neighbors will bear fruit. May their offerings of Christ's love result in peace and God's glory." ...(more)

Source: ASSIST News Service

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