Fire of God Ministries Church

Last week, we placed this imitation orchid plant under the cross on the pulpit. On Tuesday, my wife and Minister Sarah and the kids went to the church to clean. They saw the imitation orchid plant glowing. Was it the reflection from the sun ray? If you observe carefully, it is more or less glowing. The children went up to look at it and they said it was glowing. A sign?

God will give breath and life to dry bones.

Fire of God Ministries International Church
Fremont, CA

If Jesus lives in us, then shouldn't we do as He did?

If we say we are believers and if we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, then should we not be walking in His footsteps? Should we not be doing the things He had done and perhaps greater since He went to the Father? Is He not our role model and our standard? If we are born of God, should we not be overcoming the things of the world? Shouldn't Truth be setting us free as we move from Glory to Glory? Yet, why are so many in bondage and still held captive when He had come to set the captives free?

Do we really know HIM? A Pharisee or priest (pastor) at that time knew the first five books of the bible word for word memorized by the time he was twelve or thirteen years old. A Pharisee knew more Word than some of the best bible scholars today. Yet, when Love showed up, they did not recognize HIM. Most of His people or the nation of Israel had fallen into apostasy. They had known the message but they did not know the Person of Love who was now walking in their mist. They were preaching another Messiah. They were expecting another Messiah. They knew about HIM but they had failed to know HIM.

More than two thousand years later, are we any better? Would we really recognize His Voice? Do we know HIM or do we only know about HIM? Is our knowing HIM only words of cliche? Is our knowing HIM only words of enthusiasm? Is our knowing HIM only the emotions of our flesh?

Do you recognize Love? Love is a Person. And if Love lives in you, then shouldn't His Love be manifesting in you? If we really Loved HIM, shouldn't we be obeying HIM? Shouldn't we be following HIS commandments? Shouldn't we be tearing down the idols in our lives and in our hearts? Shouldn't we be seeking His Holiness? Shouldn't His Holiness be manifesting in our lives? Shouldn't His Glory to rising from us? Shouldn't we be willing to lose everything for HIM? Shouldn't we be willing to even give up our own lives for HIM? Is HE revealing HIMSELF to us through His LOVE?

John 14:21 (NLT) Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.”

Shouldn't we be willing to give up our lives for others so they may know LOVE? God is Love and so Love is a Person. And unless one has JESUS, one cannot know LOVE for Love is HIM. So what did HE do to show us HE LOVED us. HE had died horribly in pain for us. HE had sacrificed HIMSELF for us. HE had taken our place for us. This is Love.

And if we are to say HE is in us, then should not the LOVE in us be willing to sacrifice for others? If we truly believe in HIM, then should we not be willing to lay down our lives for HIM and others? Shouldn't we be willing to die horribly if necessary if we say Love is in us? IF we say "Yes!" Then why is it just mere words for many but their hearts are so far?

For those who are alive and for those who have been given much grace, then let us show HIS LOVE to HIM and others. How can we say we Love others when we sacrifice so little time? Jesus had LOVED us with ALL of His Heart. He had dearly prayed for His chosen. He had dearly prayed for HIS people. And God answered HIM. Why? Because JESUS had a deep reverence for God.

Do you have a deep reverence for God? Many of our families and friends are sick, in bondage, and held captive under the enemy. Yet, we rather spend our time of grace over the things of and in the world. Where your time is, is where your heart is.

We are a people who must humble ourselves repenting, seeking HIS FACE, and turning from our wicked ways. Then and only then will HE heal our land. Otherwise, judgment is coming. How will you pray? If you say Jesus lives in you, then will you pray as HE HAD PRAYED FOR HIS PEOPLE? WILL YOU FOLLOW IN HIS FOOTSTEPS? Will you plead with a loud cry and tears? Will you allow HIM to break you and will you suffer for HIM?

Hebrews 5:7-8 While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death. And God heard his prayers because of his deep reverence for God. 8 Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered.

Glory to HIM
Fire of God Ministries International Church
Fremont, CA
Pastor Steve Yong Kim

With Loud Cries and Tears

If we say we are believers and if we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, then should we not be walking in His footsteps? Should we not be doing the things He had done and perhaps greater since He went to the Father? Is He not our role model and our standard? If we are born of God, should we not be overcoming the things of the world? Shouldn't Truth be setting us free as we move from Glory to Glory? Yet, why are so many in bondage and still held captive when He had come to set the captives free?

Do we really know HIM? A Pharisee or priest (pastor) at that time knew the first five books of the bible word for word memorized by the time he was twelve or thirteen years old. A Pharisee knew more Word than some of the best bible scholars today. Yet, when Love showed up, they did not recognize HIM. Most of His people or the nation of Israel had fallen into apostasy. They had known the message but they did not know the Person of Love who was now walking in their mist. They were preaching another Messiah. They were expecting another Messiah. They knew about HIM but they had failed to know HIM.

More than two thousand years later, are we any better? Would we really recognize His Voice? Do we know HIM or do we only know about HIM? Is our knowing HIM only words of cliche? Is our knowing HIM only words of enthusiasm? Is our knowing HIM only the emotions of our flesh?

Do you recognize Love? Love is a Person. And if Love lives in you, then shouldn't His Love be manifesting in you? If we really Loved HIM, shouldn't we be obeying HIM? Shouldn't we be following HIS commandments? Shouldn't we be tearing down the idols in our lives and in our hearts? Shouldn't we be seeking His Holiness? Shouldn't His Holiness be manifesting in our lives? Shouldn't His Glory to rising from us? Shouldn't we be willing to lose everything for HIM? Shouldn't we be willing to even give up our own lives for HIM? Is HE revealing HIMSELF to us through His LOVE?

John 14:21 (NLT) Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.”

Shouldn't we be willing to give up our lives for others so they may know LOVE? God is Love and so Love is a Person. And unless one has JESUS, one cannot know LOVE for Love is HIM. So what did HE do to show us HE LOVED us. HE had died horribly in pain for us. HE had sacrificed HIMSELF for us. HE had taken our place for us. This is Love.

And if we are to say HE is in us, then should not the LOVE in us be willing to sacrifice for others? If we truly believe in HIM, then should we not be willing to lay down our lives for HIM and others? Shouldn't we be willing to die horribly if necessary if we say Love is in us? IF we say "Yes!" Then why is it just mere words for many but their hearts are so far?

For those who are alive and for those who have been given much grace, then let us show HIS LOVE to HIM and others. How can we say we Love others when we sacrifice so little time? Jesus had LOVED us with ALL of His Heart. He had dearly prayed for His chosen. He had dearly prayed for HIS people. And God answered HIM. Why? Because JESUS had a deep reverence for God.

Do you have a deep reverence for God? Many of our families and friends are sick, in bondage, and held captive under the enemy. Yet, we rather spend our time of grace over the things of and in the world. Where your time is, is where your heart is.

We are a people who must humble ourselves repenting, seeking HIS FACE, and turning from our wicked ways. Then and only then will HE heal our land. Otherwise, judgment is coming. How will you pray? If you say Jesus lives in you, then will you pray as HE HAD PRAYED FOR HIS PEOPLE? WILL YOU FOLLOW IN HIS FOOTSTEPS? Will you plead with a loud cry and tears? Will you allow HIM to break you and will you suffer for HIM?

Hebrews 5:7-8 While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death. And God heard his prayers because of his deep reverence for God. 8 Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered.

Amplified Version

Hebrews 5:7-8  In the days of His flesh [Jesus] offered up definite, special petitions [for that which He not only wanted ^[b]but needed] and supplications with strong crying and tears to Him Who was [always] able to save Him [out] from death, and He was heard because of His reverence toward God [His godly fear, His piety, ^[c] in that He shrank from the horrors of separation from the bright presence of the Father].

Glory to HIM
Fire of God Ministries International Church
Fremont, CA
Pastor Steve Yong Kim

Eat the meal with urgency

Exodus 12:11-12 (AMP) And you shall eat it thus: [as fully prepared for a journey] your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it in haste. It is the Lord’s Passover.12 For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment [proving their helplessness]. I am the Lord.

This was the Lord's Passover. The was the last meal in Egypt before God's people were to leave. The instructions were to be fully prepared for the journey as ready to leave and eat the lamb in haste. The NLT version has it as eat the meal with urgency.

Exodus 12:11-12 NLT ¹¹ “These are your instructions for eating this meal: Be fully dressed,^[a] wear your sandals, and carry your walking stick in your hand. Eat the meal with urgency, for this is the Lord’s Passover. ¹² On that night I will pass through the land of Egypt and strike down every firstborn son and firstborn male animal in the land of Egypt. I will execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt, for I am the Lord!

Verse thirteen speaks about God's judgment. It is the last judgment of Egypt as all the first male born Egyptians and the first male born of animals are killed. The angel of death had been released.  Even today, many people die everyday. Many are judged by God and many die in their sins. Our God has not changed. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. 

The Passover is the foreshadow of Jesus' sacrifice. He is the lamb that was sacrificed for the sins of the world. He told His disciples we must eat His flesh and drink His Blood to have life. The instructions were to be ready fully dressed and not naked. The instructions were to eat the Passover lamb in haste or urgency. 

Today, in the USA, seventy percent of Americans consider themselves Christians. Traditionally, in most hotels and motels, there is a bible in each room. Most Americans own more than one bible per household. Yet, we are not eating the Word or Passover lamb in haste or with any urgency. Many Christians read the bible with no urgency or importance. Many bibles in the homes of today's Christians collect dust. We live in the church age of Laodicea which is the lukewarm church. Jesus told this church they are naked and pitiful and HE will spit them out of His mouth unless they repent.

Judgment is coming to the western world and especially America. We must feed from His Word with URGENCY or HASTE. There is not much time left. We must learn to digest spiritual meat and learn to know what is Right and Wrong. Those who continue on milk may continue to stumble as they do not know how to do what is right. For His people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge and those who continue to reject His knowledge and law, He said He will reject and forget our children.

Hebrews 5:13-14 ¹³ For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right. ¹⁴ Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.

Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you [the priestly nation] have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you that you shall be no priest to Me; seeing you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children.

Fire of God Ministries International Church
Pastor Steve Yong Kim

Dear Beloved, although God may use such venues as Facebook to bring in His Word and to gather His chosen, the enemy is also at work in the same field. It is not good to feed from just any source. There are more bad and deceptive sources than there are truth.

Many are being misled through groups and individuals that are deceived. There is no such thing as a "prophet school." You cannot think of what you just ate last night and become qualified as a "prophet." Dream, visions, the ability to go to heaven or hell, prophecy, and other gifts do not give one the authority to teach or preach. Such gifts are there so we can draw closer to God. But when pride enters and people assume the authority to teach, they enter a road of deception. Our God is not a God on demand. You cannot force God to give you a Word. You cannot force God to speak to you. He is Sovereign and you are not. Many have gone into divination and witch craft using the name of the Lord. Many are deceived. Many have made their gifts into idols leading others to corruption and more deception.

Ezekiel 14:3-9 (NLT) “Son of man, these leaders have set up idols[a] in their hearts. They have embraced things that will make them fall into sin. Why should I listen to their requests? 4 Tell them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: The people of Israel have set up idols in their hearts and fallen into sin, and then they go to a prophet asking for a message. So I, the Lord, will give them the kind of answer their great idolatry deserves. 5 I will do this to capture the minds and hearts of all my people who have turned from me to worship their detestable idols. 6 “Therefore, tell the people of Israel, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Repent and turn away from your idols, and stop all your detestable sins. 7 I, the Lord, will answer all those, both Israelites and foreigners, who reject me and set up idols in their hearts and so fall into sin, and who then come to a prophet asking for my advice. 8 I will turn against such people and make a terrible example of them, eliminating them from among my people. Then you will know that I am the Lord. 9 “‘And if a prophet is deceived into giving a message, it is because I, the Lord, have deceived that prophet. I will lift my fist against such prophets and cut them off from the community of Israel.

Many baby Christians are able to receive the gift to speak in tongue. Many baby Christians are able to receive the other spiritual gifts to draw closer to God.  But does this gift give one authority to teach or preach? Then how does receiving dreams or visions give one authority to teach or preach? But the bible says baby Christians cannot discern from what is right. Only those who are on spiritual meat are able to discern from right or wrong. This is why many baby Christians may continue in sin such as smoking, drinking, lusting, coveting, gossiping, adultery, idolatry, and so on. There are many traps to keep Christians in their baby state.  But unless they grow up, such carnality will disqualify them from entering the Kingdom of God. Such carnality will eventually bring judgment into their lives.

Hebrews 5:13-14 (NLT)  For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right. 14 Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.

Once you find the place in which God leads you to feed from, then you must stay and be fed. There are too many going from place to place, people to people, church to church, groups to groups, books to books, to find food. But when you go from place to place, groups to groups, do you not realize your hunger is not satisfied. It is because many are restless and feeding from false sources who gives false hopes and dreams.

You must find those who have been given the authority to preach HIS WORD and to feed HIS people. What marks the authority of God on a person or ministry. It is the anointing that marks the authority. The higher the anointing the higher the authority. It is not just about people falling down when hands are laid on them. Cliches do not give anyone authority. Look for the FRUIT!! You will know them by the fruit. The gifts and prophecy will all pass away but His Fruit of Love and Word will endure FOREVER. Is a ministry built on dreams and visions or the Word of God? Dreams, visions, the ability to go to heaven and hell, and the ability to prophecy and hear God are supplements to the WORD. But many churches and people have it backwards. Many rather than seek the Word and the fruit of the Holy Spirit seek the gifts of God. If you seek the Word, you seek God for HE is the WORD. Many seek the gifts to puff their own kingdoms. Many attempt to force God to their own needs and demands. This is wrong and will lead you to deception.

Jeremiah 23:28-29 (AMP) The prophet who has a dream, let him tell his dream; but he who has My word, let him speak My word faithfully. What has straw in common with wheat [for nourishment]? says the Lord.29 Is not My word like fire [that consumes all that cannot endure the test]? says the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks in pieces the rock [of most stubborn resistance]?

In any ministry, the Love of God must be present and manifesting. The lives of people must be changing. The lives of people must become free since the Truth is to set us free. There must be freedom for the Spirit brings freedom. Within time as people to seek the Lord, there must be true joy and peace within those who hear the Words. Yes, it is still up to the individual to adhere to the commandments of God for all this is conditional. It is according to His Grace and our obedience to His Word.

Do not just join any group. Do not just listen to any individual. Do not just listen to any ministry. Do not just listen and accept any dream, vision, or testimony. And please do not join any so called "prophet school." You must ask God. You must ask God to show you who to follow that are following Jesus according to HIS WILL. You must ask God to lead you to people that should be praying for you. You must ask God to lead you to people who will feed you. Deception will become so bad that if possible even the elect may be deceived. You must stand from a position knowing you can be deceived and there are more deception out there than truth. The world is enemy ground. But He has called us to take the land.

God is looking for the FRUIT. He has planted the seeds. The laborers are few but those who have been sent by HIM are looking for a particular fruit within the harvest. The Father is expecting the fruit of the Holy Spirit within the harvest. He is chosen a people set apart, consecrated in HIM, purified in the FIRE, and those who have HIS nature. They have His Fruit. They have the Fruit of LOVE. For HIS LOVE will endure FOREVER!!

Fire of God Ministries International Church
Pastor Steve Yong Kim

Churches built by cut stones

Exodus 20:24-26 “Build for me an altar made of earth, and offer your sacrifices to me—your burnt offerings and peace offerings, your sheep and goats, and your cattle. Build my altar wherever I cause my name to be remembered, and I will come to you and bless you. 25 If you use stones to build my altar, use only natural, uncut stones. Do not shape the stones with a tool, for that would make the altar unfit for holy use. 26 And do not approach my altar by going up steps. If you do, someone might look up under your clothing and see your nakedness.

What are natural and uncut stones? Why were they not able to use cut stones?

When building His altar, God said to use only natural and uncut stones. Using stones shaped by a tool made His altar unfit for holy use. Today, when we build His churches, they must be led and created by the Holy Spirit. Shaped stones represented man's effort and their own ideas, time, and plans. Stones made naturally that were uncut were created by God. Uncut natural stones take much time to shape itself. The churches must be built by God and by His time.

I read that in the USA each year over 4000 churches close down. These 4000 pastors will answer to God for making His Word of no affect and for taking His Name in vain. These churches were built using cut stones with the tools of man. They were built and opened in the flesh rather than in the spirit. Moreover, God may have judged and closed such churches.

Churches opened using natural uncut stones are opened by the lead of the Holy Spirit. They will be a church that overcome the gates of Hell. The altars or churches built by uncut stones are places in where the Spirit of the Lord is and where the Spirit of the Lord is...there is FREEDOM.

2 Corinthians 3:17 (NLT) For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

God said do not approach His altar by going up the steps or someone may see your nakedness. We are to approach His altar humbling ourselves on our knees with repenting hearts. We are not to approach it with unrepented sins with pride. Otherwise, doing so will be in our nakedness.

Fire of God Ministries International Church
Pastor Steve Yong Kim

Only in Brokenness - Revised

Only in brokenness will one find true intimacy with the Lord. Only in brokenness will one find the beauty in the Lord. Only in brokenness will one find the ways of the Lord. Only in brokeness can your broken fellowship with the Lord be restored. Only in brokenness are your hinderances removed.

And it is in this low point of brokenness you will rise and soar like the eagles. He will give you beauty for ashes. In brokenness the captives are set free. It is a time in which the Lord's favor have come. In brokenness, instead of despair, there will be festive praises.

But you must continue to eat and drink from the Living Bread and Water, respectively. Otherwise, you will begin to fall again. The flesh has a tendency to forget so easily. In abundance, many began to drift away. When the blessings are suppose to be a blessing they become the hindrance as men lose themselves in "things." Then these "things" become idols and gods as men forget their creator.

Deuteronomy 8:10 When you have eaten your fill, be sure to praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you.11 “But that is the time to be CAREFUL! BEWARE that in your plenty you do not forget the Lord your God and disobey his commands, regulations, and decrees that I am giving you today. 12 For when you have become full and prosperous and have built fine homes to live in, 13 and when your flocks and herds have become very large and your silver and gold have multiplied along with everything else, be careful! 14 Do not become proud at that time and forget the Lord your God, who rescued you from slavery in the land of Egypt. 15 Do not forget that he led you through the great and terrifying wilderness with its poisonous snakes and scorpions, where it was so hot and dry. He gave you water from the rock! 16 He fed you with manna in the wilderness, a food unknown to your ancestors. He did this to humble you and test you for your own good. 17 He did all this so you would never say to yourself, ‘I have achieved this wealth with my own strength and energy.’ 18 Remember the Lord your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful, in order to fulfill the covenant he confirmed to your ancestors with an oath.19 “But I assure you of this: If you ever forget the Lord your God and follow other gods, worshiping and bowing down to them, you will certainly be destroyed. 20 Just as the Lord has destroyed other nations in your path, YOU ALSO WILL BE DESTROYED if you refuse to obey the Lord your God.

Deuteronomy 31:16-20 (Amplified Bible)And the Lord said to Moses, Behold, you shall sleep with your fathers, and this people will rise up and play the harlot after the strange gods of the land where they go to be among them; and they will forsake Me and break My covenant which I have made with them. 17 Then My anger will be kindled against them in that day, and I will forsake them and hide My face from them. And they shall be devoured, and many evils and troubles shall befall them, so that they will say in that day, Have not these evils come upon us because our God is not among us? 18 And I will surely hide My face in that day because of all the evil which they have done in turning to other gods. 19 And now write this song for yourselves and teach it to the Israelites; put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness for Me against the Israelites. 20For when I have brought them into the land which I swore to their fathers, a land flowing with milk and honey, and they have eaten and filled themselves and become fat, then they will turn to other gods and serve them, and despise and scorn Me and break My covenant.

Hosea 5:11 The people of Israel will be crushed and broken by my judgment because they are determined to worship idols.

Man continues to make the same mistake over and over. History repeats itself. There is nothing new under the sun. Because of the sinful nature of man, history continues to repeat.

Revelation 2:5 "Remember then from what heights you have fallen. Repent (change the inner man to meet God's will) and do the works you did previously [when first you knew the Lord], or else I will visit you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you change your mind and repent."

And this is why God will shake ALL THE NATIONS. This is why JUDGMENT must come. The world and His own people will know His Righteousness through His Judgments. We also learn of His Great Love through His Judgments. It is out of His Grace, HE still saves a remnant for His Name sake. He saves a remnant according to His promise.

Psalm 110:6 He will execute judgment [in overwhelming punishment] upon the nations; He will fill the valleys with the dead bodies, He will crush the [chief] heads over lands many and far extended.

Psalm 119:120 My flesh trembles and shudders for fear and reverential, worshipful awe of You, and I am afraid and in dread of Your judgments.

We must return to brokenness so His people will repent!! Although many are waiting for His Return, they are far from HIM. They honor HIM with their lips but their hearts are far from HIM.

And this is why many of you are being broken now. He is raising up His Army to prepare the Way for His Return. Persevere and endure in all things brethren. You must learn to Trust Him even if you are to lose everything. In brokenness, you will discover Life. In brokenness, you will be ALIVE IN HIM!! No more hindrances of the world to clog your view or your thoughts. In your brokenness  you will learn His Ways. For He esteems a contrite spirit who trembles at His Word.

Fire of God Ministries International Church
Pastor Steve Yong Kim
March 28, 2011

A tenth to the High Priest Jesus - An act of obedience

Genesis 14:18-20 (NLT) And Melchizedek, the king of Salem and a priest of God Most High,[a] brought Abram some bread and wine. 19 Melchizedek blessed Abram with this blessing:

“Blessed be Abram by God Most High,
Creator of heaven and earth. 20 And blessed be God Most High,
who has defeated your enemies for you.”
Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of all the goods he had recovered.

Melchizedek came to Abram with some bread and wine. The bread represents the Word of God and the wine represents the Holy Spirit. Abram then gave a tenth of all the goods he had recovered.

Most Christians make tithes and offering to receive a blessing. Many start to tithe thinking they will receive a hundred fold. Many think this because this is how many churches attempt to bribe their people into tithing and to make offerings. They are not tithing and offering out of obedience but out of greed. But if you read the proper order, the blessing was spoken first. The blessing is already available. It was spoken to Abram by Melchizedek. But for us to obtain this blessings since we are the heirs and seed of Abraham, we must act as our forefather Abraham did. He gave a tenth of all the goods he had recovered. He did not give it to receive the blessing. The blessing was spoken first. But today, many view it backwards.

We read of the blessings and the promise to Abraham and the Christians today receive the blessing. If we are to inherit and receive the blessings, then are we not obligated with the promises or vows our forefathers had made on themselves and on our behalf? The bible speaks numerous times as it refers God as the God of Abraham, the God of Issac, and the God of Jacob. Who are these people? Let us briefly touch on Jacob.

Genesis 28:16-22 (NLT) Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I wasn’t even aware of it!” 17 But he was also afraid and said, “What an awesome place this is! It is none other than the house of God, the very gateway to heaven!” 18 The next morning Jacob got up very early. He took the stone he had rested his head against, and he set it upright as a memorial pillar. Then he poured olive oil over it. 19 He named that place Bethel (which means “house of God”), although it was previously called Luz. 20 Then Jacob made this vow: “If God will indeed be with me and protect me on this journey, and if he will provide me with food and clothing, 21 and if I return safely to my father’s home, then the Lord will certainly be my God. 22 And this memorial pillar I have set up will become a place for worshiping God, and I will present to God a tenth of everything he gives me.

Did Jacob give a tenth to receive protection, food, and clothing? No, God gives us these things out of His Grace. And as God continues to provide for His children whether they obey or not, He out of His Grace still sends the rain. So Jacob, our forefather, made a vow to God. He said if God would be with him, protect him, provide food and clothing that he would present a tenth of everything the Lord gave him. Verse 20 shows that he had made a VOW. This vow resonates down the generations as we are the heirs and seed of Abraham and we serve the God of Abraham, the God of Issac, and the God of Jacob. 

Today and many generations past, we Christians wait for God to provide first before we decide to give him His tenth or before we make an offering. Many make ridiculous promises to God saying they will give to HIM if HE allows them to win the lottery or get that high promotion. In fact, we attempt to give to him in our abundance rather than in our obedience. All we are required to do is obey. If we obey, we can tap into the blessing spoken thousands of years over Abraham. But since most have not obeyed, they are thus receiving curses rather than blessings.

Moreover, many Christians are erroneously taught that they do not have to tithe to God a tenth of all their income anymore. They are taught it has to do with "law" and the Old Testament.

If you read Malachi chapter 3:10, most versions if not all versions say to bring ALL of your Tithes to God's storehouse.

Malachi 3:10 (NLT) Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!

Many Christians have been led to believe this verse meant all of your money. But if you read this verse and word carefully, it says to bring all the tithes into the storehouse. All of the tithes represents 10%. Many of God's people were and are robbing God because they were not obeying God. They were tithing less than 10%. Just as today, they are tithing what they have determined with their own minds and personal will and thus they are robbing God showing that they do not trust HIM. Moreover, rather than tapping into the blessing that Melchizedek has spoken over Abram and to his descendents, they are tapping into the curses. And as a result, the devourer is released upon their disobedient lives.

But the Amplified version specifically states in parenthesis

Malachi 3:10 (AMP) 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..

Malachi 3:11-12 (AMP) 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. 12 And all nations shall call you happy and blessed, for you shall be a land of delight, says the Lord of hosts.

Therefore the opposite applies if we do not tithe properly out of disobedience. When we begin to obey and start to tithe properly, then the blessings can continue as the devourer is REBUKED! If we do not tithe properly, then the devourer has authority over us to destroy the fruits of our ground and our vine will drop before our time in the field. We will be cursed economically. What else is our fruit? Our fruit is our children. We will bring down a curse to them as well. Moreover, those who rob God will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

But the question still remains for many. Is tithing done away with through the ceremonial law or is it still in effect as a commandment? In fact, why was tithing instituted? Why was this necessary? Does God need our money? No, it was to teach us something. What does tithing teach us?

Deuteronomy 14:23 Bring this tithe to the designated place of worship—the place the Lord your God chooses for his name to be honored—and eat it there in his presence. This applies to your tithes of grain, new wine, olive oil, and the firstborn males of your flocks and herds. Doing this will teach you always to fear the Lord your God.   

If you read the end of Malachi chapter 3, there is a book referenced. This book is called the book of remembrance. And the names of those who feared HIM are written in there. Deuteronomy chapter 14 showed that tithing was to teach His people to fear HIM. In Malachi 3, the ones who feared HIM were the proper tither and they observed the consequences of those who had disobeyed this commandment as the devourer was released upon their disobedient lives. Is teaching people to fear God part of the "Law?"

Malachi 3:16-18 Then those who feared the Lord talked often one to another; and the Lord listened and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him of those who reverenced and worshipfully feared the Lord and who thought on His name.17 And they shall be Mine, says the Lord of hosts, in that day when I publicly recognize and openly declare them to be My jewels (My special possession, My peculiar treasure). And I will spare them, as a man spares his own son who serves him.18 Then shall you return and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him who serves God and him who does not serve Him. 

The author of Hebrew states that Jesus is the High Priest in the order of Melchizedek. Moreover, the bible says Jesus is the High Priest in the order of Melchizedek FOREVER.

Hebrews 5:10 Being designated and recognized and saluted by God as High Priest after the order (with the rank) of Melchizedek.

Hebrews 6:20 Where Jesus has entered in for us [in advance], a Forerunner having become a High Priest forever after the order (with the rank) of Melchizedek.

Those who believe unto Jesus for their salvation are the seed and heirs of Abraham who had given a tenth to Melchizedek. And if Jesus Christ is appointed the High Priest in the order of Melchizedek which means King of Salem (Peace) and King of Righteousness, then just as our forefather Abraham gave a tenth to the King of Peace/Righteousness, we are to continue to give our tenth to Jesus Christ the appointed High Priest through His churches as He is a High Priest FOREVER in the order of Melchizedek! Moreover, Jacob had made a vow.

Galatians 3:29 (AMP) And if you belong to Christ [are in Him Who is Abraham’s Seed], then you are Abraham’s offspring and [spiritual] heirs according to promise.

And if Abraham, Issac, and Jacob are our forefathers and if we are the seed and heirs to that promise, then the vows they make to God also apply to us as well. We expect the blessings spoken to them even in our generation but are we not to accept the promises and vows they had made to God? Are we not the children of the God of Abraham, the God of Issac, and the God of Jacob?

May your names be written in the Book of Remembrance. A people declared to be a special treasure. May we be the people of the God of Abraham, the God of Issac, and the God of Jacob. May we be a people who obeys showing our Love to HIM. 

Fire of God Ministries International Church
Fremont, CA
Pastor Steve Yong Kim

Worship in spirit and truth

You must all be careful of what you read and what you listen too. You are spiritually feeding from it. Whether it may be truth or deception, such exposure is an exposure either to the Holy Spirit or demons, respectively. If you continue to read and listen to false messages, then you will become those messages as those spirits behind those messages will latch on to you. And the more you are exposed to it, you will believe it to the end. If you continue to read that Obama is the Anti Christ and the mark is the veri chip, then you will believe in such messages. Such belief becomes stronger and stronger as you continue to spiritually feed from such sources. If you continue to hang around people who slander Obama or other governing authorities, then you pick up those spirits and you will become a slanderer.

Faith comes from hearing and hearing. If you read and follow the Word of God and its revelation, then your faith is directed toward God. If you continue to read and follow false messages that are camouflaged as part of the Word of God, your faith will be directed toward the lies.

Learn from your mistakes. Stop trying to force the issue. I have observed it is easier for people chasing world events and prophecy rather than spending quality time with God.

Matthew 24:24 (NLT) For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform great signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones.

In the last days, if possible, even God's chosen ones may be deceived. Sadly, everyone thinks its the other person. If you do not think you can be deceived, you are already deceived. Examine yourselves rather than looking at others.

2 Corinthians 13:5 (NLT) Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you[a]; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith.

What is to worship in Spirit and Truth?

John 4:24 God is a Spirit (a spiritual Being) and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth (reality).

Romans 12:1 (AMP) I appeal to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship.

Spiritual worship is to dedicate our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and well pleasing to God. What is to worship in truth?

2 Timothy 2:13 If we are faithless [do not believe and are untrue to Him], He remains true (faithful to His Word and His righteous character), for He cannot deny Himself.

To worship in truth is to be faithful to HIM. Yes, He has always been faithful to us. But have we been faithful to HIM? Many of us are wavering to the left and right and many have ship wrecked their faith. How many of us have been consistently faithful to HIM?

Have we been worshiping HIM in Spirit and Truth? Are you living lives worthy of of HIM as a living sacrifice, holy and well pleasing to God and consistently being faithful to HIM? If not, then it is time to turn completely to HIM in full surrender. Stop looking at the distractions. You must get to know HIM now more on an intimate level. The world is becoming darker as the light in God's people become dimmer and dimmer. But those who choose to let HIM break them will shine brighter and brighter in the mist of the darkest hour that is coming. May you all choose wisely.

Fire of God Ministries International Church

Jezebel - The Controlling Spirit

There are 4 parts. Please see all four.

Fire of God Ministries

God has called you for this moment

The book of Esther speaks about one of God's people who becomes the queen to king Ahasuerus (Xerxes). In those days, king Ahasuerus reigned from India to Ethiopia. It consisted over 127 provinces and he reigned between the years of 486 to 465 BC.

I do not know how many Christians have read the book of Esther but I will just briefly touch on it before getting to the main point. Deep calls unto deep. I hope God gives you the insight and revelation on the type or shadow of this story. I will not go into much of the insight for it would require much more research and posting. I would like to discuss part of the story that exemplify His Grace.

King Ahasuerus had made a feast for his people in Shushan the capital, both great and small for seven days in the court of the garden in the king's palace. Queen Vashti, also gave a feast for the women. On the seventh day, when the king was merry with wine, he called for his queen Vashti, to display her beauty. But the queen refused and this angered the king. The king then consulted with his wise men and they recommended he divorce her. The king divorced the queen and she was banished.

The king's ministers recommended he find a virgin to replace the queen. The search went out to find a virgin for the king. Beautiful young virgins were gathered from all his provinces. In order for these virgins to presented to the king, they had to go through a purification process.

A certain Jew name Mordecai had "brought up Hadassah, that is Esther, his uncle’s daughter, for she had neither father nor mother. The maiden was beautiful and lovely, and when her father and mother died, Mordecai took her as his own daughter" (Esther 2:7). Under Mordecai's direction, Esther did not divulge her identify as a Jew.

The virgins had to go through a twelve month regulation of purification. "Since this was the regular period for their beauty treatments, six months with oil of myrrh and six months with sweet spices and perfumes and the things for the purifying of the women" (Esther 2:12). After the purification process, the maidens went in turn to see King Ahasuerus. Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus on the tenth month of Tebeth in his seventh year of reign.

Esther had found favor in the sight of King Ahasuerus and he held a feast. It was Esther's feast and the king gave a holiday. Esther became queen and she continued to hide her true identity.

One of the king's servants, Haman, was seated above the princes and Mordacai would not bow down to him in reverence. This angered Haman very much and he sought to destroy him. Haman further found out that Mordacai was a Jew and he sought to destroy all the Jews. Haman was able to convince king Ahasuerus to order a decree to kill all the Jews for he claimed that they did not keep his laws. Then the king ordered the decree for all Jews to be killed on an appointed day.

Mordacai had found out rented his clothes and sought to give this information to seek help from queen Esther. However, queen Esther first reply was not very positive. She was afraid to go in fear of death. But Mordacai replied if she did not go, she would perish regardless and God would find another way.

Esther 4:10-17 (AMP) Then Esther spoke to Hathach and gave him a message for Mordecai, saying,11 All the king’s servants and the people of the king’s provinces know that any person, be it man or woman, who shall go into the inner court to the king without being called shall be put to death; there is but one law for him, except [him] to whom the king shall hold out the golden scepter, that he may live. But I have not been called to come to the king for these thirty days.12 And they told Mordecai what Esther said.13 Then Mordecai told them to return this answer to Esther, Do not flatter yourself that you shall escape in the king’s palace any more than all the other Jews.14 For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance shall arise for the Jews from elsewhere, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows but that you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this and for this very occasion?15 Then Esther told them to give this answer to Mordecai,16 Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast for me; and neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. I also and my maids will fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law; and if I perish, I perish.17 So Mordecai went away and did all that Esther had commanded him.

Esther did not ask to be queen. She was placed as a queen by the Grace of God. As queen, she benefited from all the material blessings and all the advantages from such a position. Esther did not do anything to earn her way to be a queen. Her beauty and grace was not from her own but from the Grace of God.

Today, many of God's people are in either high positions or low positions. Today, many of God's people are prosperous and many are not. Some are enjoying much while some are enjoying less. Some are very talented and some are not as much. Many did not choose where to be born or in which family. Whether we were born in wealthy or into poor, we must understand and give thanks regardless to the King of Kings for all things work out according to His purpose. All that we have is given by His Grace! All of us have a calling. Our calling is to OBEY. For some, our calling may require much while for others, our calling may be only for a moment. For Hannah, her calling was to earnestly pray and cry out until Samuel was born. It was through her difficulties the prayers were birthed as she uttered prayers in the temple of God.

However, like Esther's attitude at first, many of God's people today are rich and they think they do not need anything but in reality many today are naked and poor. Mordecai said "Do not flatter yourself." She did not want to risk her position, benefits, and comfort. She wanted someone else to be responsible when the calling fell on her lap. She was giving an excuse. All God required is one person to cooperate and have enough faith to save a nation.

Revelation 3:17 (AMP) For you say, I am rich; I have prospered and grown wealthy, and I am in need of nothing; and you do not realize and understand that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.

If God has allowed us to be rich, it is for the purposes of His Kingdom and not ours. Yes, we will benefit from it as we will get to enjoy what comes with it but when God calls, we must be willing to lay it all down including our lives. At the end, queen Esther realized her calling and why she had been placed in that position. She had been made queen out of God's Grace. She was now willing to risk her life and go to the king trusting God so that her people may be saved. But as you can see, before she risked her life, all of God's people were ordered to fast and pray. Today, many of us can not even fast for three days from food. Are we really certain we can lay down our lives for the Lord?

God may be prompting someone to do their part in order to advance the Kingdom of God. For those who are in possession of much, He may be prompting you to give so His Kingdom may advance. For those who are talented, He may be calling you into His service to help build. For those who are called into His ministry, He may be calling you to be His ministers on the pulpit. We are the body and we have all been called whether small or great according to His purpose. But if you do not answer the call, deliverance will come from somewhere else and your family may perish. As Scripture says, "And who knows but that you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this and for this very occasion?" You must fully obey. You cannot negotiate with God and give Him less or less of you. Esther at the end knew she must go risking her life. She said, "If I perish, I perish!"

Are we willing to die for Jesus Christ who had died for us? Many can say they will but God is testing all of us each day to see if we can give up the little or big things of the world that are in our possession. Will you lay it down at the cross for the purpose and advancing of His Kingdom? Are you willing to give it all up if He asked you? Search your heart brethren. Many are called but few are chosen. Only few choose to obey.

May you all make choices that will Glorify HIM to advance His Kingdom doing His Will. May you all grow in His Grace moving from Glory to Glory!!

Matthew 7:21 (AMP) Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father Who is in heaven.

Fire of God Ministries
Steve Yong Kim
July 29, 2012

Depth of His Grace

Most Christians do not understand the depth of God's Grace. And many continue to sin willfully, ignorantly and/or intentionally knowing or not knowing they are doing wrong.

Isaiah 48:9 For My name’s sake I defer My anger, and for the sake of My praise I restrain it for you, that I may not cut you off.

But Grace is there waiting for them to repent and turn from their wicked ways. For the hearts of men are very wicked. Grace is waiting for His people to cry out for MERCY!

Ecclesiastes 8:11 (AMP) Because the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, the hearts of the sons of men are fully set to do evil.

Judgment is coming. Judgment is coming for many and it FIRST starts with the household of God. Ask God to examine your hearts. There are so Christians cheating on God with so many idols. So many blind heading to the ditch and eventually to Hell. Ask God to help us understand the depth of His Grace and Mercy. Ask HIM to lead you to HIS TRUTH. Humble yourselves!! Pride and jealousy will lead you to deception. Humble yourselves for this is the road to His Throne. May your eyes be opened to His Truth.

We need to be living lives worthy of HIM bearing fruits of repentance.

Fire of God Ministries International

I AM YOUR PORTION AND YOUR INHERITANCE by Diane Solver

“And the LORD said to Aaron, "You shall have no inheritance in their land, neither shall you have any portion among them. I am your portion and your inheritance among the people of Israel.” Numbers 18:20

“At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD to stand before the LORD to minister to him and to bless in his name, to this day. 9 Therefore Levi has no portion or inheritance with his brothers. The LORD is his inheritance, as the LORD your God said to him.)” Deuteronomy 10:8-9

 

In the Old Testament, when Israel came into the promise land, the tribe of Levi had no share of the land. All of the other tribes of Israel had received part of the land as an inheritance, except the priestly tribe of Levi (which Aaron and his sons were a part). But even though they don’t have physical inheritance, they are in fact the most blessed of all the tribes. How amazing would it be to have Daddy God say to you, “I am your portion and your inheritance.” Those words made them richer than all the other tribes, richer than anyone who has lived in this world. They had nothing, but they in fact have everything because they have God.

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9

In the New Testament, it says that we are Daddy God’s chosen race, a royal priesthood and a people for HIS own possession. We are the priests of the Most High God. And Daddy God is also telling us that He is our portion and inheritance. He is our all in all. Those who have Him as their treasure have all things in One. Did we find our satisfaction in Him alone that even we may be denied by other treasures, He remain to be our source of happiness and contentment? And even though we may be given the privilege to have other gifts, those gifts are nothing as compared of having Him.

Daddy God can give us many gifts. But His best gift is only one and that gift is Himself. Above all gifts, above anyone or above anything, our God is our most treasured possession. How many among us have Him as our most treasured possession? Many are striving and doing everything they can to get what they want. And mostly, people are seeking for the gifts that perish. How many among us are seeking God? How many are looking for Him until we find Him as our treasure that we would be willing to lose everything only to have Him?



Some are saying that being a Christian is lonely. Those who say it have not yet found the real treasure. They don’t have Daddy God. Because if they have Him, they would know that Christians are the happiest, the most rich, and the most blessed people in the Earth.

Many are saying that they love God but where is their heart? Their hearts are maybe in their money, in their jobs, in their family, in their dreams etc. The Bible says that where our treasure is, there our hearts will be also. What is your treasure? Daddy God chose us and has set us apart as His valued possession. Those who cannot have Daddy God as their treasure, as their portion and inheritance today cannot be His possession someday. Oh, how blessed to be among His most prized possession. And someday we will hear Him say to us, “These are My people, My offspring, My treasured possession among all peoples.”

"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” Matthew 13:44

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, 46 who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.” Matthew 13:45-46

3 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” 1 Peter 1:3-5

 

ALL GLORY TO GOD!

-Daddy’s girl