the Remnant

We hear a lot of talk about the " Remnant ", but do we truly understand the

meaning of this word. If you look it up in a dictionary, you will find some definitions

that resemble the following:

1) something left-over, a remainder

2) surviving trace of vestige

3) small surviving group of people

4) a gragment or scrap

These are all good definitions but there is more. Consider for a moment the essence

of a human life. A person has ups and downs in this lifetime. Sometimes, events or

causes that are beyond their control, tend to scar or damage a person. Sometimes people

feel that they are less or unacceptable to work for the Lord. God does not work with

your beginning properties or lifestyles that are acquired, he works with what you have left

and then builds you up from that. He takes your brokenness and creates a whole person,

a new being and uses you to proclaim victory in His name. You are placed on the Potter's

Wheel and reshape, reoraganized, renwed and rejuvinated. If we teach this then, people

would believe there is hope. Love in Christ is hope for all. Salvation is there for all who

will open up there hearts and minds to God. It is freely given.

Now let's take a look at how "Remnant" is defined in the biblical sense. It has a deeper

meaning according to the scriptures. Genesis 45:7 says, "God sent me ahead of you

to preserve for your REMNANT on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance."

In other words God planned the Remnant from the beginning. He knew exactly how

to execute the plan for the True Believers that are to represent Godliness in the last

days here on earth. Throughout the Bible their are references to HIS people, HIS

chosen, HIS followers of Jesus Christ, or HIS anointed, etc. What does is mean to us?

Here are a few suggestions of what Remnant means:

1) survivors of any great catastrophe

2) converted sons of God in the last days

3) those that survive the persecution of satan

4) those who prevail and are promised wonderful blessings

          and rewards for their faithfulness

God has reserved for Himself a faithful  group of believers. They are to do big things

as a demonstration of His power over strength and abilities of men. One scripture

phrases it as "He has chosen the foolish things of this world, to confound the wise."

(1 Corinthians 1:27) Many to us may not appear to be Remnant material but, we are

not the judge, God is.We see unlikely candidates and God sees potential.God uses

what you have after brokenness, so HE may rebuild HIS way. He can fashion you after

His own heart. God chooses these:

1)weak     2) weary     3) injured      4) those persecuted     5) cast outs   6) poor

7) humble to be a Remnant

The work is done through the Holy Spirit. These selected develop a strict devotion

to the Truths of His word. Then they are called to do the following:

1) repentance

2) obedience

3) prayer

4) proclamation

5) steadfast  courage

6) sacrifice

How does God show this towards them? By examples of great Mercy and Protection,

examples of great Wisdom and Knowledge, examples of Deliverance and Change, and examples of great Obedience and Faithfulness through them displayed. But, just how do we recognize those that are really REMNANT material? These are just some of the attributes that they will display:Godly lifestyle, gifts exhibited, sound doctrine, shared

spiritual characteristics, impassioned voices of concern for church and the lost, deep

committment, they initiate & motivate & trail blaze, a stirring in the spirit, a disatisfaction with superficial faith and mediocore christianity, a sense of urgency,

pursuit of deeper & more powerful prayer, recognition that spiritual warfare is real,

emphasis on the whole bible, heart for evangelism-to see lost saved, a compelling

desire to proclaim God's Word.

If you can identify yourself with any of the descriptions given, you know that you are

well on your way and in good company. These are just characteristics of those who

are set-aside for God's Kingdom Principles and as HIS workmen. The assignment is

great, but as any true believer recognizes, it is a labor of Love. Love for God, love for

His statutes, and love for His work in the earth. Arise to the call ! Be counted among

them that will reign with Jesus forever more. Will "YOU" answer the call?

God Bless and keep you all.