IT IS NOT CHRISTMAS.......SO WHERE IS JESUS CHRIST NOW???
EMPTY, EMPTY, EMPTY, EMPTY, OCCUPIED, FULL FOREVER!!!!!!!!!
I The Manger-----
"And she brought forth her firstborn
Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling
cloths, and laid Him in a manger.."
(Luke 2:7)
"And the Child grew and became
strong in spirit, filled with wisdom;
and the grace of God was upon Him.'
(Luke 2:40)
Jesus Christ is not a baby anymore.......
so...the manger is empty!!!
II The Cross-----
"For God so loved the world that
He gave His only begotten Son, that
whoever believed in Him should not
perish but have everlasting life."
(John 3:16)
"Now it was the third hour, and they
crucified Him."
(Mark 15:25)
"Joseph of Arimathea...brought fine linen,
took Him down, and wrapped Him in the
linen."
(Mark 15:43-46)
Jesus Christ was taken down from the cross...
so...the cross is empty!!!
III The Tomb-----
"..And he (Joseph of Arimathea) laid Him
in a tomb which had been hewn out of the
rock, and rolled a stone against the door of
the tomb."
(Mark 15:46 (b)
"...He is risen! He is not here."
(Mark 16:6)
Jesus Christ is risen!-----
so...the tomb is empty!!!
IV The Throne-----
"the God of our Lord Jesus Christ...raised Him
from the dead and seated Him at His right hand
in the heavenly places."
(Ephesians 1:17, 20)
"...He always lives to intercede for us..."
(Hebrews 7:25)
Jesus Christ is seated at the right hand of God...
so...the throne is occupied!!! And Jesus Christ
always lives to intercede for us!!! HALLELUJAH!!!!!!!
V Our Hearts-----
"...confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and
believe in your heart that God has raised Him from
the dead, you will be saved."
(Romans 10:9)
"Do you not know that you are God's temple, and
that God's Spirit has His permanent dwelling in
you (to be 'at home' in you...)?"
(I Corinthians 3:16/Amplified Bible)
He is "at home" in us...He has come to stay..
so...our hearts are full forever!!! PRAISE HIS NAME FOREVER!!!!
But wait.....in the title of this message, "Empty" was listed four times.....
Where is the other "Empty" space?
That is a great question!!!
A. If you have not yet accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, now is the time to invite Him in!!! (Romans 10:9).
B. If Jesus Christ does already live in your heart - He is always ready and eager to bless us with more and more and more of His Presence!!!
"...that...you may have the richest measure of the divine Presence, and become a body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself!" (Ephesians 3:19/Amplified Bible)
C. To "make room" for more and more of Jesus Christ in our lives---we
1) must confess our sins, and ask Him to forgive us;
2) Give to Him all our fears, doubts, anxieties, depression, frustrations, condemnation, etc........
for He says in His Word: "...cast all your cares on Him, for He cares for you." (I Peter 5:7)
In exchange we will receive His forgiveness, His peace, and more of His Presence!!!!!!!!
So where is Jesus Christ today? As always - with us , and ever eager to fill us with more of HIMSELF!!!!!!!
Today!!! Let's ask Him: FILL US AGAIN, LORD JESUS!!!!!!!!
I am asking Him right now. Won't you join me!!!
Thank You !!! O Holy Lord God!!!!!!!
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
Monday, December 1, 2014
HALLELUJAH!!! HOLY GOD ALWAYS LEADS US IN TRIUMPH IN JESUS CHRIST!!!!!!!! (II Corinthians 2:14)
"And they overcame him- (the enemy and all obstacles) by the blood of the Lamb- [our posture under Jesus Christ's Finished!!! (Victorious!!!) work on the Cross], and by the word of their testimony-(steadfastness to the promise and authority of God's Word), and they did not love their lives to the death"- (love Jesus Christ more than life itself!). (Revelation 12:11)
Psalm 23:1-6---
"The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want (lack).
"He makes me to lie down in
green pastures;
He leads me beside the still
waters.
"He restores my soul;
He leads me in paths of
righteousness
For His name's sake.
"Yea, though I walk through the
valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
for you are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they
comfort me.
"You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
"Surely goodness and mercy shall
follow me
all the days of my life;
And will dwell in the house of
the Lord
forever."
Psalm 23 Prayer/Declaration!!!
O Holy God-Lord Jesus Christ!!!!!!! Because You are my Shepherd, I shall not lack anything I truly need.
You make me lie down in green pastures- (You cause me to rest in You).
You lead me beside the still waters-(I am refreshed in Your Presence!!!)
You restore my soul-(As I continue to meditate in and confess Your Word-You continually restore my soul).
You lead me in paths of righteousness for Your name's sake-(You guide me and enable me to do that which expands Your kingdom and glorifies You!!!!!!!!).
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil- for YOU- (Almighty God, Lord Jesus Christ my Savior, Everlasting Father, Himself my peace, my Strength and my Song, my Hope, my Joy, my Righteousness, my Love, my Life-----YOU are with me!!!!!!!!
(Genesis 17:2; Ezekiel 10:5; John 3:16; Isaiah 9:6; Ephesians 2:14; Isaiah 12:2; I Timothy 1:1; Psalm 43:4; Matthew 28:20; Joshua 1:5-9)
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me-(You comfort, console, extend compassion to me; with Your rod and Your staff, You guide me and enable me).
Wherever I am - even in the presence of my enemies-You provide Your Very Self for me---that I may celebrate You - partaking of Your righteousness, Your perfect love, Your abounding grace, Your richness in mercy!!!
You restore my soul.
You anoint my head with oil-(as I bow before You, get quiet and still before You - You give me protection for my head and my mind, and You empower me to keep my heart humble----so that YOU live THROUGH me!!!!!!!!
You restore my soul.
My cup runs over-(O Holy God!!! Because Jesus Christ's holy blood covers me-I am always!!! welcome in Your Presence!!!!! In truth-You desire that I walk in Your Presence continuously-now and forever!!!!!!!
You restore my soul.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life-(Your Holy, Almighty, Unchanging love, mercy, and grace are with me every step of the way, through all the days of my life.
Your Holy, Perfect Love is the very core of my being.
And I will dwell in Your house, with You, Forever!!!!!!!!
Oh let us more and more, continuously, walk, eat, sleet, trust, and rest in Jesus Christ Our Lord and Shepherd!!!!!!!!!
Amen.
"And they overcame him- (the enemy and all obstacles) by the blood of the Lamb- [our posture under Jesus Christ's Finished!!! (Victorious!!!) work on the Cross], and by the word of their testimony-(steadfastness to the promise and authority of God's Word), and they did not love their lives to the death"- (love Jesus Christ more than life itself!). (Revelation 12:11)
Psalm 23:1-6---
"The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want (lack).
"He makes me to lie down in
green pastures;
He leads me beside the still
waters.
"He restores my soul;
He leads me in paths of
righteousness
For His name's sake.
"Yea, though I walk through the
valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
for you are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they
comfort me.
"You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
"Surely goodness and mercy shall
follow me
all the days of my life;
And will dwell in the house of
the Lord
forever."
Psalm 23 Prayer/Declaration!!!
O Holy God-Lord Jesus Christ!!!!!!! Because You are my Shepherd, I shall not lack anything I truly need.
You make me lie down in green pastures- (You cause me to rest in You).
You lead me beside the still waters-(I am refreshed in Your Presence!!!)
You restore my soul-(As I continue to meditate in and confess Your Word-You continually restore my soul).
You lead me in paths of righteousness for Your name's sake-(You guide me and enable me to do that which expands Your kingdom and glorifies You!!!!!!!!).
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil- for YOU- (Almighty God, Lord Jesus Christ my Savior, Everlasting Father, Himself my peace, my Strength and my Song, my Hope, my Joy, my Righteousness, my Love, my Life-----YOU are with me!!!!!!!!
(Genesis 17:2; Ezekiel 10:5; John 3:16; Isaiah 9:6; Ephesians 2:14; Isaiah 12:2; I Timothy 1:1; Psalm 43:4; Matthew 28:20; Joshua 1:5-9)
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me-(You comfort, console, extend compassion to me; with Your rod and Your staff, You guide me and enable me).
Wherever I am - even in the presence of my enemies-You provide Your Very Self for me---that I may celebrate You - partaking of Your righteousness, Your perfect love, Your abounding grace, Your richness in mercy!!!
You restore my soul.
You anoint my head with oil-(as I bow before You, get quiet and still before You - You give me protection for my head and my mind, and You empower me to keep my heart humble----so that YOU live THROUGH me!!!!!!!!
You restore my soul.
My cup runs over-(O Holy God!!! Because Jesus Christ's holy blood covers me-I am always!!! welcome in Your Presence!!!!! In truth-You desire that I walk in Your Presence continuously-now and forever!!!!!!!
You restore my soul.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life-(Your Holy, Almighty, Unchanging love, mercy, and grace are with me every step of the way, through all the days of my life.
Your Holy, Perfect Love is the very core of my being.
And I will dwell in Your house, with You, Forever!!!!!!!!
Oh let us more and more, continuously, walk, eat, sleet, trust, and rest in Jesus Christ Our Lord and Shepherd!!!!!!!!!
Amen.
Friday, November 14, 2014
"WAITING,........WALKING,.............AND NO TALKING!!!
(God's plan for conquering Jericho).
After Joshua led the Israelites across the river Jordan and into the Promised Land of Canaan--------they came up to the walled city of Jericho!!!
Here, Joshua was made clearly aware that GOD HIMSELF is in charge!!!! It was Joshua's task, as it is ours, to know the Commander. We need to be on HIS side, not He on our side.
Read God's Word here-----
"And it came to pass, when Joshua
was by Jericho, that he lifted his eyes
and looked, and behold, a Man stood
opposite him with His sword drawn.
in His hand. And Joshua went to Him
and said to Him, 'Are You for us or
for our adversaries?
"So He said, '...No, but as Commander
of the army of the Lord I have now
come.' And Joshua fell on his face to
the earth and worshiped, and said to
Him, 'What does my Lord say to His
servant?
"Then the Commander of the Lord's
army said to Joshua, 'take your sandal
off your foot, for the place where you
stand is holy." And Joshua did so."
(Joshua 5:13-15)
The Destruction of Jericho
"Now Jericho was securely shut up
because of the children of Israel;
none went out, and none came in.
"And the Lord said to Joshua: "See!
I have given Jericho into your hand,
its king,, and the mighty men of valor.
You shall march around the city,
all you men of war; you shall go all
around the city once. This you shall do
six days. (Joshua 6:1-5)
"Now Joshua had commanded the
people, saying, "You shall not shout or
make any noise with your voice, nor
shall a word proceed out of your
mouth, until the day I say to you.
'Shout!' Then you shall shout."
(Joshua 6:1-5; 10)
Right about now.....you may be thinking..."Why did he command them 'You shall not shout or make any noise with your voice, nor shall a word proceed out of your mouth...."
You might even be thinking..."I would not like that!"
(Well, I would not like that either; but Holy God has a lesson here for me and for you-----just as He did for the Israelites!
Many texts in God's Word tell us to "wait on God", to stand still, to be silent before Him (Exodus 14:13-14; Psalm 37:7-8, etc.). When Joshua commanded them to be silent......he was probably remembering that Israel's 40 year punishment in the wilderness was a result of the people's murmuring in unbelief. (Numbers 14:26-35)
***[I, Barry, must confess---as I was reviewing this message--the Holy Spirit seriously convicted me about my murmuring and complaining, and strongly reminded me of how much God dislikes it!!! Oh God Most High, I confess my sin, I ask You to forgive me, and I ask Your enablement to repent--- (change my heart and behavior. Thank You!!!!!!! Amen)**
Now, with that history lesson in mind, Joshua's directive to keep silent is a precaution that teaches us. When we face great challenges, don't permit your lips to speak unbelieving words. Words can bind up or set free, so Joshua gave the order for silence!
We can't always help what we see or hear, but if we refuse to speak doubt or fear.....it will keep our hearts more inclined to what GOD can do, rather than what we cannot see!!!!!!!
"And Joshua rose early in the morning,
and the priests took up the ark of the Lord.
"Then seven priests bearing seven trumpets
of rams' horns before the ark of the Lord went
on continually and blew with the trumpets. and
the armed men went before them. But the rear
guard came after the ark of the Lord, while the
priests continued blowing the trumpets.
"And the second day they marched around the
city once and returned to the camp. So they did
six days.
"But it came to pass on the seventh day that they
rose early, about the dawning of the day, and marched
around the city seven (!!!) times in the same manner.
On that day only they marched around the city
seven times." (Joshua 6:12-15)
(verse 20)-
"So the people shouted when the priests blew the
trumpets.. And it happened when the people heard
the sound of the trumpet, and they shouted with a
great shout, that the wall fell down flat. Then the
people went up into the city, every man straight before
him, and they took the city."!!!!!!!
(Joshua 6:20)
HALLELUJAH!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow!!! If obedient silence, followed by an obedient shout, caused a wall to fall and a city to be taken.................what could God do with an obedient prayer lifted up in "...the name above every name...JESUS CHRIST" (Philippians 2:9)???
Let me tell you a true story abut prayer and our brothers and sisters that are persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ!!!
In a country where Christians are persecuted by the military forces....
A small local church planned to baptize some of its members in a local river....
The local military commander had been informed of the planned baptism, and he was determined to stop the baptism and imprison the church members. But it was a hot, humid day.....so the military commander decided that first, they would go swimming!
While the troops were cooling off in the river..... a breeze sprang up.....and it blew away the clothes of the commander (only)!!! Humiliated, the commander ordered his troops to return back to their base (without him). The commander stayed in the water until dark.....and walked home in the dark.....naked.
(The people were indeed baptized in the river, as the Lord had planned).
So, What should you, and I do (daily)???
Jesus Christ's chosen and beloved ones, let us:
1) Ask God for His plans,
2) follow His directions,
and "be silent", "shout", or "pray" in JESUS CHRIST'S HOLY NAME!!!!!!!!!
and flood the atmosphere with thanksgiving, praise, and worship to "THE LORD, THE MOSH HIGH GOD "!!!!!!!!!!!! (Genesis 14:22)
(God's plan for conquering Jericho).
After Joshua led the Israelites across the river Jordan and into the Promised Land of Canaan--------they came up to the walled city of Jericho!!!
Here, Joshua was made clearly aware that GOD HIMSELF is in charge!!!! It was Joshua's task, as it is ours, to know the Commander. We need to be on HIS side, not He on our side.
Read God's Word here-----
"And it came to pass, when Joshua
was by Jericho, that he lifted his eyes
and looked, and behold, a Man stood
opposite him with His sword drawn.
in His hand. And Joshua went to Him
and said to Him, 'Are You for us or
for our adversaries?
"So He said, '...No, but as Commander
of the army of the Lord I have now
come.' And Joshua fell on his face to
the earth and worshiped, and said to
Him, 'What does my Lord say to His
servant?
"Then the Commander of the Lord's
army said to Joshua, 'take your sandal
off your foot, for the place where you
stand is holy." And Joshua did so."
(Joshua 5:13-15)
The Destruction of Jericho
"Now Jericho was securely shut up
because of the children of Israel;
none went out, and none came in.
"And the Lord said to Joshua: "See!
I have given Jericho into your hand,
its king,, and the mighty men of valor.
You shall march around the city,
all you men of war; you shall go all
around the city once. This you shall do
six days. (Joshua 6:1-5)
"Now Joshua had commanded the
people, saying, "You shall not shout or
make any noise with your voice, nor
shall a word proceed out of your
mouth, until the day I say to you.
'Shout!' Then you shall shout."
(Joshua 6:1-5; 10)
Right about now.....you may be thinking..."Why did he command them 'You shall not shout or make any noise with your voice, nor shall a word proceed out of your mouth...."
You might even be thinking..."I would not like that!"
(Well, I would not like that either; but Holy God has a lesson here for me and for you-----just as He did for the Israelites!
Many texts in God's Word tell us to "wait on God", to stand still, to be silent before Him (Exodus 14:13-14; Psalm 37:7-8, etc.). When Joshua commanded them to be silent......he was probably remembering that Israel's 40 year punishment in the wilderness was a result of the people's murmuring in unbelief. (Numbers 14:26-35)
***[I, Barry, must confess---as I was reviewing this message--the Holy Spirit seriously convicted me about my murmuring and complaining, and strongly reminded me of how much God dislikes it!!! Oh God Most High, I confess my sin, I ask You to forgive me, and I ask Your enablement to repent--- (change my heart and behavior. Thank You!!!!!!! Amen)**
Now, with that history lesson in mind, Joshua's directive to keep silent is a precaution that teaches us. When we face great challenges, don't permit your lips to speak unbelieving words. Words can bind up or set free, so Joshua gave the order for silence!
We can't always help what we see or hear, but if we refuse to speak doubt or fear.....it will keep our hearts more inclined to what GOD can do, rather than what we cannot see!!!!!!!
"And Joshua rose early in the morning,
and the priests took up the ark of the Lord.
"Then seven priests bearing seven trumpets
of rams' horns before the ark of the Lord went
on continually and blew with the trumpets. and
the armed men went before them. But the rear
guard came after the ark of the Lord, while the
priests continued blowing the trumpets.
"And the second day they marched around the
city once and returned to the camp. So they did
six days.
"But it came to pass on the seventh day that they
rose early, about the dawning of the day, and marched
around the city seven (!!!) times in the same manner.
On that day only they marched around the city
seven times." (Joshua 6:12-15)
(verse 20)-
"So the people shouted when the priests blew the
trumpets.. And it happened when the people heard
the sound of the trumpet, and they shouted with a
great shout, that the wall fell down flat. Then the
people went up into the city, every man straight before
him, and they took the city."!!!!!!!
(Joshua 6:20)
HALLELUJAH!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow!!! If obedient silence, followed by an obedient shout, caused a wall to fall and a city to be taken.................what could God do with an obedient prayer lifted up in "...the name above every name...JESUS CHRIST" (Philippians 2:9)???
Let me tell you a true story abut prayer and our brothers and sisters that are persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ!!!
In a country where Christians are persecuted by the military forces....
A small local church planned to baptize some of its members in a local river....
The local military commander had been informed of the planned baptism, and he was determined to stop the baptism and imprison the church members. But it was a hot, humid day.....so the military commander decided that first, they would go swimming!
While the troops were cooling off in the river..... a breeze sprang up.....and it blew away the clothes of the commander (only)!!! Humiliated, the commander ordered his troops to return back to their base (without him). The commander stayed in the water until dark.....and walked home in the dark.....naked.
(The people were indeed baptized in the river, as the Lord had planned).
So, What should you, and I do (daily)???
Jesus Christ's chosen and beloved ones, let us:
1) Ask God for His plans,
2) follow His directions,
and "be silent", "shout", or "pray" in JESUS CHRIST'S HOLY NAME!!!!!!!!!
and flood the atmosphere with thanksgiving, praise, and worship to "THE LORD, THE MOSH HIGH GOD "!!!!!!!!!!!! (Genesis 14:22)
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
HELP!!!!!!!!
YOUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS ARE IN DANGER!!!!!!!
MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS ARE IN DANGER!!!!!!!
November 2nd was the International Day of Prayer for persecuted Christians!!!
(More about the date later).
There are now more than 100 Million Christians (our brothers and sisters) around the world that are being persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ!!! Yes, 100 Million!!!!!
To our brothers and sisters, "Persecution" is not just an unpleasant sounding word!
To each one of them, persecution can mean a life-or-death every day and every night - and sometimes - a life-or-death decision with every breath.
To your brothers and sisters, and my brothers and sisters, persecution can mean something between not being allowed to go to school, or not being allowed to have a job ----- to having their 5-year-old child's head cut off---because the child refuses to deny Jesus Christ.
It can mean not being allowed to go to church, not being allowed to have a Bible, it can mean being
chased out of your home (and your nation!) by crazed men shooting machine guns at you---forced to flee your home - with literally nothing other than the clothes on your back!!! Nothing.
It can mean being locked up in a jagged metal shipping container--for years and years--while suffering 120-degree heat and freezing cold!!!!
You might be thinking....."our brothers and sisters".......where do you get that?
In God's Word, HE says:
"...so we, though many, are one body in Christ,
and individually members one of another."
(Romans 12:5)
"But God has combined the members of the body...that
its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one
part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored,
every part rejoices with it."
(I Corinthians 12:24-26)
"Remember the prisoners, as though in prison with them, and
those who are ill-treated, since you yourselves also are in the body."
(Hebrews 13:3)
"So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was
earnestly praying to God for him."
(Acts 12:5)
"They will also answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or
thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and
did not help you? He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever
you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'"
(Matthew 25:44-45)
"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you
a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so
that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ."
(Romans 15:5-6)
Now we should be thinking-------"How can I help?"
All these that we are "...one-with in the body of Jesus Christ"---they ask that first---we must pray for them!!!
They do not ask that we pray for the persecution to end!!!
They ask that we pray that they remain strong-----and that they may lead their persecutors to faith in Jesus Christ!!!!!!!
Here below are 3 most vital needs, along with 3 powerful passages/promises from God's Word,
and the ONE who fulfills every promise of GOD!!!!!!! (II Corinthians 1:20)
Need # 1: PROTECTION- (Daniel 3:1-25)-
Shadrach, Meshach, & Abednego refused to worship the false god.
They would worship only the One True God!!!
Verse 17, Our God is able to deliver us..."
Verse 19, "the furnace was heated seven times hotter!"
Verse 25, God protected them...and Jesus was "with them" in the fire!
Matthew 28:20, "I (Jesus) am with you always."
"Jesus Christ ("the 'Yes' answer to every promise of God" (II Cor. 1:20/Amplified Bible)- is the same yesterday, today and forever."!!! (Hebrews 13:8)
Need # 2: PROVISION- (Matthew 14: 13-21)-
Jesus multiplied five loaves and two fish...to feed 5,000 men plus women and children. Twelve baskets of food remained!!!
"Jesus Christ ("the 'Yes!' answer to every promise of God" (II Cor. 1:20) is the same yesterday, today, and forever."!!! (Hebrews 13:8)
Need # 3: HOPE-(I Timothy 1:1)- Jesus, (Himself!!!) is "...our hope."
"May the God of our hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing-that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing with hope,"!!! (Romans 15:13/Amplified Bible)
"Jesus Christ ("the 'Yes!" answer to every promise of God" (II Cor. 1:20)is the same yesterday, today, and forever."!!! (Hebrews 13:8)
As mentioned above, November 2nd was the International Day of Prayer for Persecuted Christians...
But you and me, together - let's pray through November 30th.
---You know what, we do not have to stop praying November 30th at midnight.
---Their needs will not end Nov 30th.
---God will!!! continue answering prayers beyond Nov. 30th!!!!
Go to: www.opendoorsusa.org for more ways to help these members of our family.
Praising and thanking our Holy God for Who He Is!!! And for His answers to our prayers!!!!!
For the glory of "The LORD, the Most High GOD," (Genesis 14:22)
YOUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS ARE IN DANGER!!!!!!!
MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS ARE IN DANGER!!!!!!!
November 2nd was the International Day of Prayer for persecuted Christians!!!
(More about the date later).
There are now more than 100 Million Christians (our brothers and sisters) around the world that are being persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ!!! Yes, 100 Million!!!!!
To our brothers and sisters, "Persecution" is not just an unpleasant sounding word!
To each one of them, persecution can mean a life-or-death every day and every night - and sometimes - a life-or-death decision with every breath.
To your brothers and sisters, and my brothers and sisters, persecution can mean something between not being allowed to go to school, or not being allowed to have a job ----- to having their 5-year-old child's head cut off---because the child refuses to deny Jesus Christ.
It can mean not being allowed to go to church, not being allowed to have a Bible, it can mean being
chased out of your home (and your nation!) by crazed men shooting machine guns at you---forced to flee your home - with literally nothing other than the clothes on your back!!! Nothing.
It can mean being locked up in a jagged metal shipping container--for years and years--while suffering 120-degree heat and freezing cold!!!!
You might be thinking....."our brothers and sisters".......where do you get that?
In God's Word, HE says:
"...so we, though many, are one body in Christ,
and individually members one of another."
(Romans 12:5)
"But God has combined the members of the body...that
its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one
part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored,
every part rejoices with it."
(I Corinthians 12:24-26)
"Remember the prisoners, as though in prison with them, and
those who are ill-treated, since you yourselves also are in the body."
(Hebrews 13:3)
"So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was
earnestly praying to God for him."
(Acts 12:5)
"They will also answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or
thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and
did not help you? He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever
you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'"
(Matthew 25:44-45)
"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you
a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so
that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ."
(Romans 15:5-6)
Now we should be thinking-------"How can I help?"
All these that we are "...one-with in the body of Jesus Christ"---they ask that first---we must pray for them!!!
They do not ask that we pray for the persecution to end!!!
They ask that we pray that they remain strong-----and that they may lead their persecutors to faith in Jesus Christ!!!!!!!
Here below are 3 most vital needs, along with 3 powerful passages/promises from God's Word,
and the ONE who fulfills every promise of GOD!!!!!!! (II Corinthians 1:20)
Need # 1: PROTECTION- (Daniel 3:1-25)-
Shadrach, Meshach, & Abednego refused to worship the false god.
They would worship only the One True God!!!
Verse 17, Our God is able to deliver us..."
Verse 19, "the furnace was heated seven times hotter!"
Verse 25, God protected them...and Jesus was "with them" in the fire!
Matthew 28:20, "I (Jesus) am with you always."
"Jesus Christ ("the 'Yes' answer to every promise of God" (II Cor. 1:20/Amplified Bible)- is the same yesterday, today and forever."!!! (Hebrews 13:8)
Need # 2: PROVISION- (Matthew 14: 13-21)-
Jesus multiplied five loaves and two fish...to feed 5,000 men plus women and children. Twelve baskets of food remained!!!
"Jesus Christ ("the 'Yes!' answer to every promise of God" (II Cor. 1:20) is the same yesterday, today, and forever."!!! (Hebrews 13:8)
Need # 3: HOPE-(I Timothy 1:1)- Jesus, (Himself!!!) is "...our hope."
"May the God of our hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing-that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing with hope,"!!! (Romans 15:13/Amplified Bible)
"Jesus Christ ("the 'Yes!" answer to every promise of God" (II Cor. 1:20)is the same yesterday, today, and forever."!!! (Hebrews 13:8)
As mentioned above, November 2nd was the International Day of Prayer for Persecuted Christians...
But you and me, together - let's pray through November 30th.
---You know what, we do not have to stop praying November 30th at midnight.
---Their needs will not end Nov 30th.
---God will!!! continue answering prayers beyond Nov. 30th!!!!
Go to: www.opendoorsusa.org for more ways to help these members of our family.
Praising and thanking our Holy God for Who He Is!!! And for His answers to our prayers!!!!!
For the glory of "The LORD, the Most High GOD," (Genesis 14:22)
Thursday, October 16, 2014
His Word -- Going Out -- And Coming Back to Him!!!
GOD'S WORD.....GOING OUT.......AND COMING BACK TO HIM!!!!!!!!!
"Let the words of Jesus Christ, in all their richness, live in you and make you wise..."...Bringing praise, and worship, thanksgiving, and glory, and honor unto God...And love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control...and blessing and healing to your family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers!!! (Colossians 3:15/Galatians 5:22)
"In all their richness..."
Oh, how rich is that???
So rich that all the riches and all the power of all the nations - are less than "dust on his scales" - as compared to his word. (Isaiah 40:15)
So desired, rich and powerful...that our brothers and sister in Jesus Christ in some countries risk themselves, their children and their grandchildren being killed by the government for having just a portion of God's Word.
(That also is a measure of how much the enemy fears God's word.)
So desired by our brothers and sisters, and so feared by the enemy...that in another nation - a pastor painstakingly copied Bible verses on pieces of toilet tissue, rolled it into tiny pieces and gave them to prisoners - who them hid them in cracks in the wall.
When this was discovered by the guards - the pastor was arrested (and most likely executed). The prisoners were tortured.
His Word is so rich and powerful - when it is received humbly and wholeheartedly it will continually transform our hearts, minds and spirits!
Because God says:
(Isaiah 55:11) "So shall my Word be that goes out of my mouth; it shall not return to me void (empty, without fruit), but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it."
Jesus!!! O Jesus the living word of God. (John 1:1, 15, Revelation 19:13)
You came to Earth...Jesus Himself said "I speak just as the Father has told me." (John 8:28/12:50)
What did God say in Isaiah 55:11? "Every word that goes forth from my mouth."
Jesus - (when he was tempted by Satan) said:
"It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:4)
Jesus said "Your sins are forgiven." (Mark 2:5)
On the cross Jesus said "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." (Psalm 31:5)
And, Jesus said "It is finished." (John 19:30)...
"Your Word...coming back to you, Father..."
Oh but Jesus...You are coming back for us!!!!!
Oh God!!! Your word coming back to you...as prayers, declarations, thanksgiving, praises...ministering to others through our lives - having completed that for which You sent it, and prospering in that for which it was sent."
Let me tell you a story...
Several weeks ago, Mary and I visited two of Mary's aunts - Aunt Jean (age 95), and Aunt Noreen (age 97). (They both are retired teachers.)
Aunt Noreen Blackburn told me a couple of stories about her last two years of teaching (before she retired ) -
(She spoke to her students) -
A) "I can't teach you about the Bible - that is against the rules, but I am going to have my devotional time, and you can listen if you want to."
Later, when she finished, she told them, "If you want to know more - there is a box by the door with Bible lessons in it, you can pick one up as you leave."
After the children left, Aunt Noreen looked - and all the lessons were taken!
She continued doing her devotions, and putting Bible lessons in the box - the children would take them all.
Then children started coming from other classes, saying "I want some of those Bible lessons"!!!
B) One day at school, they brought some little African American children into Aunt Noreen's classroom and said:
"Mrs. Blackburn, these children can't learn anything! But could they just sit in your room so they will have someone to watch over them?"
Aunt Noreen said, "Sure."
[Aunt Noreen said to me (Barry)..."Everybody can learn something, so I asked these children, "Would you like to learn how to type?" They said "Yes."
(Now remember, it had been said "These kids can't learn anything.")
So Aunt Noreen taught them all how to type. First, she taught them how to type accurately; then told them, "Now that you are accurate, practice to increase your speed." (They all did learn to type.)
Fast forward about 30 years...Aunt Noreen was in a shopping mall...She heard someone call her name..." Mrs. Blackburn, Mrs. Blackburn"...It was an African American gentleman...He introduced himself, his wife and children, and he told Aunt Noreen:
"Mrs. Blackburn, you taught me how to type. That is how I make my living now. And I have a really good life!"...
Oh! Father!!! "Your word coming back to you."!!!
When Jesus Christ - "The word of God" (John 1:14/Revelation 19:13) comes back for us, takes us into heaven....
He will not be void (empty, fruitless).
He will be bringing back to the Father all of us - His children, and all that His Word has accomplished in and through our lives -
The harvest of His Word - will fill - all of heaven!!!
"Let the word of God, in all its richness, live in you and make you wise..." And let His harvest fill all of heaven!!!
Let us read His Word, study His Word, meditate on His Word, declare His Word, proclaim it, share it, email it, text it, sing His Word!!! For the glory of God and His kingdom!!!
Hallelujah!!!
All praise to Jesus Christ!!! (Revelation 5:12)
"Let the words of Jesus Christ, in all their richness, live in you and make you wise..."...Bringing praise, and worship, thanksgiving, and glory, and honor unto God...And love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control...and blessing and healing to your family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers!!! (Colossians 3:15/Galatians 5:22)
"In all their richness..."
Oh, how rich is that???
So rich that all the riches and all the power of all the nations - are less than "dust on his scales" - as compared to his word. (Isaiah 40:15)
So desired, rich and powerful...that our brothers and sister in Jesus Christ in some countries risk themselves, their children and their grandchildren being killed by the government for having just a portion of God's Word.
(That also is a measure of how much the enemy fears God's word.)
So desired by our brothers and sisters, and so feared by the enemy...that in another nation - a pastor painstakingly copied Bible verses on pieces of toilet tissue, rolled it into tiny pieces and gave them to prisoners - who them hid them in cracks in the wall.
When this was discovered by the guards - the pastor was arrested (and most likely executed). The prisoners were tortured.
His Word is so rich and powerful - when it is received humbly and wholeheartedly it will continually transform our hearts, minds and spirits!
Because God says:
(Isaiah 55:11) "So shall my Word be that goes out of my mouth; it shall not return to me void (empty, without fruit), but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it."
Jesus!!! O Jesus the living word of God. (John 1:1, 15, Revelation 19:13)
You came to Earth...Jesus Himself said "I speak just as the Father has told me." (John 8:28/12:50)
What did God say in Isaiah 55:11? "Every word that goes forth from my mouth."
Jesus - (when he was tempted by Satan) said:
"It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:4)
Jesus said "Your sins are forgiven." (Mark 2:5)
On the cross Jesus said "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." (Psalm 31:5)
And, Jesus said "It is finished." (John 19:30)...
"Your Word...coming back to you, Father..."
Oh but Jesus...You are coming back for us!!!!!
Oh God!!! Your word coming back to you...as prayers, declarations, thanksgiving, praises...ministering to others through our lives - having completed that for which You sent it, and prospering in that for which it was sent."
Let me tell you a story...
Several weeks ago, Mary and I visited two of Mary's aunts - Aunt Jean (age 95), and Aunt Noreen (age 97). (They both are retired teachers.)
Aunt Noreen Blackburn told me a couple of stories about her last two years of teaching (before she retired ) -
(She spoke to her students) -
A) "I can't teach you about the Bible - that is against the rules, but I am going to have my devotional time, and you can listen if you want to."
Later, when she finished, she told them, "If you want to know more - there is a box by the door with Bible lessons in it, you can pick one up as you leave."
After the children left, Aunt Noreen looked - and all the lessons were taken!
She continued doing her devotions, and putting Bible lessons in the box - the children would take them all.
Then children started coming from other classes, saying "I want some of those Bible lessons"!!!
B) One day at school, they brought some little African American children into Aunt Noreen's classroom and said:
"Mrs. Blackburn, these children can't learn anything! But could they just sit in your room so they will have someone to watch over them?"
Aunt Noreen said, "Sure."
[Aunt Noreen said to me (Barry)..."Everybody can learn something, so I asked these children, "Would you like to learn how to type?" They said "Yes."
(Now remember, it had been said "These kids can't learn anything.")
So Aunt Noreen taught them all how to type. First, she taught them how to type accurately; then told them, "Now that you are accurate, practice to increase your speed." (They all did learn to type.)
Fast forward about 30 years...Aunt Noreen was in a shopping mall...She heard someone call her name..." Mrs. Blackburn, Mrs. Blackburn"...It was an African American gentleman...He introduced himself, his wife and children, and he told Aunt Noreen:
"Mrs. Blackburn, you taught me how to type. That is how I make my living now. And I have a really good life!"...
Oh! Father!!! "Your word coming back to you."!!!
When Jesus Christ - "The word of God" (John 1:14/Revelation 19:13) comes back for us, takes us into heaven....
He will not be void (empty, fruitless).
He will be bringing back to the Father all of us - His children, and all that His Word has accomplished in and through our lives -
The harvest of His Word - will fill - all of heaven!!!
"Let the word of God, in all its richness, live in you and make you wise..." And let His harvest fill all of heaven!!!
Let us read His Word, study His Word, meditate on His Word, declare His Word, proclaim it, share it, email it, text it, sing His Word!!! For the glory of God and His kingdom!!!
Hallelujah!!!
All praise to Jesus Christ!!! (Revelation 5:12)
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
"Our plans and hopes..........OUR HIGHEST DREAMS..........HIS GREATER GLORY!!!!!!!!"
Thank You Lord, for yellow maple trees!!!
On our property line, but in a place that you cannot see from our house, is an especially beautiful maple tree. When the leaves change color in the autumn, the leaves on this specific tree become a beautiful shade of red ; and when the sun shines directly on that tree - the leaves are such a bright shade of red- it is as if they are glowing.....it is truly a beautiful, glorious sight!!!
(Our plans and hopes)---
A few years ago, I decided that I wanted to purchase two red maple trees just like that one (described above), so I could plant them near our home. I took a leaf from that very special red maple tree, preserved the leaf, and mailed it to a landscaping expert. I requested the expert to identify the species of the tree - so that I could buy two of them.
In his return letter, my friend-the landscape expert did identify the species of the tree; but he cautioned me that "there is no way to determine whether the leaves will be red, or yellow, when the trees mature!
Because the place where we live belongs to God---
"The earth is the Lord's, and all its
fullness,
the world and those who dwell
therein."
(Psalm 24:1)
--I prayed much, asking that His will be done, and if it can be His will - "please guide me so that I get the maple trees with that special shade of red in the autumn".
I purchased two maple trees and planted them in the chosen locations (near our home). The trees are now mature -- they are strong, healthy, and truly beautiful. And every fall, the leaves turn a beautiful shade of............yellow. And truly, they are beautiful!! Thank You Lord!!!
This fall (2014) as I walk through the woods surrounding our home, our Holy God in His perfect love -- is showing to me many different species of trees, in many different locations -- and they each have leaves of that special shade of red!!!!!
So, in His timing, I am seeing and enjoying the beautiful red leaves that I wanted.
In His love, Holy God our Father first gave to me the yellow maple trees- - - so that I would have greater appreciation for the red ones, and for the greater numbers and varieties and locations!
This is far more than just a story about trees and pretty leaves.....
It is a message from our Holy God Who is Almighty---He loves each of His children intensely -- and He wants to open "the eyes of our hearts" so that we can know - that He wants to do things in and through us that we would not dream of nor dare ask----- AS IT IS WRITTEN IN HIS WORD:
"Now to Him Who, by His power
that is at work in us, is able to do...
far over and above all that we dare
ask or think (infinitely beyond our highest
prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes,
or dreams)---to Him be glory in the church
and in Jesus Christ..."!!!!!!!!!
(Ephesians 3:20/Amplified Bible)
He wants to work in and through our lives to achieve His Kingdom Purposes, and to display His Holiness and HIS GREATER GLORY!!!!!!!!
God's timing in what He does is crucial.....
Let's take a look in the New Testament at the book of John...and what happened to Lazarus:
"Now a certain man was sick,
Lazarus of Bethany, the town of
Mary and her sister Martha.
"It was that Mary who anointed the
Lord with fragrant oil and wiped His
feet with her hair, whose brother Laza-
rus was sick.
"Therefore the sisters sent to Him (Jesus),
saying, 'Lord, behold, he whom You
love is sick.
"When Jesus heard that, He said,
'this sickness is not unto death, but
for the glory of God, that the Son of
God may be glorified through it.'
"Now Jesus loved Martha and her
sister and Lazarus.
"So when He heard that he (Lazarus) was sick,
(Jesus) stayed two more days in the place
where He was. (What???...Read the verse above again!!!!)
"Then after this He said to the disciples,
'Let us go to Bethany (in Judea) again.'
"Then Jesus said to them plainly,
'Lazarus is dead.
'And I am glad for your sakes that
I was not there, that you may believe.
Nevertheless let us go to him.'
"So when Jesus came, He found that
(Lazarus) had already been in the tomb
four days.
"Now Martha said to Jesus, 'Lord,
if You had been here, my brother
would not have died.
"But even now I know that what-
ever You ask of God, God will give
You.
"Jesus said to her, 'Your brother will
rise again.
"Martha said to Him, 'I know that
he will rise again in the resurrection
at the last day.
"Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection
and the life. He who believes in Me,
though he may die, he shall live.
" 'And whoever lives and believes in Me
shall never die. Do you believe this?'
"She said to Him, 'Yes, Lord
I believe that You are the Christ, the
Son of God, who is to come into the world.'
"Then, when Mary came where Jesus was,
and saw Him, she fell down at His feet,
saying to Him, 'Lord, if You had been here,
my brother would not have died.'
"Therefore, when Jesus saw her weeping,
and the Jews who came with her weeping,
He groaned in the spirit and was troubled.
"And He said, 'Where have you laid him?'
They said to Him, 'Lord, come and see.
"Jesus wept."
(Lazarus Raised from the Dead)
"Then Jesus, again groaning in Himself,
came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a
stone lay against it.
"Jesus said, 'Take away the stone.'
Martha, the sister of him who was dead,
said to Him, 'Lord, by this time there is a
stench, for he has been dead four days.
"Jesus said to her, 'Did I not say to you
that if you would believe you would see
the glory of God?'
"Then they took away the stone from the place where
the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up
His eyes and said, 'Father, I thank You that You
have heard Me.
'And I know that You always hear Me, but
because of the people who are standing by
I said this, that they may believe that You
sent Me.
"Now when He had said these things,
He cried with a loud voice,
'Lazarus, come forth!'
"And he who had died came out... bound
hand and foot with graveclothes, and his
face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus
said to them, 'Loose him, and let him go.'
Then many of the Jews who had come to
Mary, and had seen the things Jesus did,
believed in Him."
(John 11:1-7; 14-15; 17; 21-27; 32-35; 38-45)
Jesus got there four days after Lazarus died. When He got Mary and Martha's message - He stayed where He was at the time. He rarely does exactly what we want or ask. He always does His Father's will!!! (John 5:19; John 8:28; John 12:50; Matthew 26:39, 42)
God will allow us to get into situations that are beyond human help.
Why? In order to give Him an opportunity to display the glory of His resurrection life!!!
We all know that death is mighty........but Jesus is Almighty!!!
(A brief recap)----
Jesus did not heal Lazarus; He came at "4 days past dead", and resurrected him!!! And he gave Lazarus back to his family alive and well!
He did this so that He could demonstrate HIS RESURRECTION LIFE for HIS GREATER GLORY!!!!!!!!
Jesus Christ says, "I am the resurrection and the life. Believe in me."
(John 11:25-26)
Dear Brothers, Sisters, and Friends, let us believe in Jesus Christ more and more!!!
Let us submit to Jesus Christ more and more...so He can display His resurrection life
in and through our lives........
FOR HIS GREATER GLORY!!!!!!!!!!!!
YES!!!
(See also Ephesians 1:15-21)
Thank You Lord, for yellow maple trees!!!
On our property line, but in a place that you cannot see from our house, is an especially beautiful maple tree. When the leaves change color in the autumn, the leaves on this specific tree become a beautiful shade of red ; and when the sun shines directly on that tree - the leaves are such a bright shade of red- it is as if they are glowing.....it is truly a beautiful, glorious sight!!!
(Our plans and hopes)---
A few years ago, I decided that I wanted to purchase two red maple trees just like that one (described above), so I could plant them near our home. I took a leaf from that very special red maple tree, preserved the leaf, and mailed it to a landscaping expert. I requested the expert to identify the species of the tree - so that I could buy two of them.
In his return letter, my friend-the landscape expert did identify the species of the tree; but he cautioned me that "there is no way to determine whether the leaves will be red, or yellow, when the trees mature!
Because the place where we live belongs to God---
"The earth is the Lord's, and all its
fullness,
the world and those who dwell
therein."
(Psalm 24:1)
--I prayed much, asking that His will be done, and if it can be His will - "please guide me so that I get the maple trees with that special shade of red in the autumn".
I purchased two maple trees and planted them in the chosen locations (near our home). The trees are now mature -- they are strong, healthy, and truly beautiful. And every fall, the leaves turn a beautiful shade of............yellow. And truly, they are beautiful!! Thank You Lord!!!
This fall (2014) as I walk through the woods surrounding our home, our Holy God in His perfect love -- is showing to me many different species of trees, in many different locations -- and they each have leaves of that special shade of red!!!!!
So, in His timing, I am seeing and enjoying the beautiful red leaves that I wanted.
In His love, Holy God our Father first gave to me the yellow maple trees- - - so that I would have greater appreciation for the red ones, and for the greater numbers and varieties and locations!
This is far more than just a story about trees and pretty leaves.....
It is a message from our Holy God Who is Almighty---He loves each of His children intensely -- and He wants to open "the eyes of our hearts" so that we can know - that He wants to do things in and through us that we would not dream of nor dare ask----- AS IT IS WRITTEN IN HIS WORD:
"Now to Him Who, by His power
that is at work in us, is able to do...
far over and above all that we dare
ask or think (infinitely beyond our highest
prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes,
or dreams)---to Him be glory in the church
and in Jesus Christ..."!!!!!!!!!
(Ephesians 3:20/Amplified Bible)
He wants to work in and through our lives to achieve His Kingdom Purposes, and to display His Holiness and HIS GREATER GLORY!!!!!!!!
God's timing in what He does is crucial.....
Let's take a look in the New Testament at the book of John...and what happened to Lazarus:
"Now a certain man was sick,
Lazarus of Bethany, the town of
Mary and her sister Martha.
"It was that Mary who anointed the
Lord with fragrant oil and wiped His
feet with her hair, whose brother Laza-
rus was sick.
"Therefore the sisters sent to Him (Jesus),
saying, 'Lord, behold, he whom You
love is sick.
"When Jesus heard that, He said,
'this sickness is not unto death, but
for the glory of God, that the Son of
God may be glorified through it.'
"Now Jesus loved Martha and her
sister and Lazarus.
"So when He heard that he (Lazarus) was sick,
(Jesus) stayed two more days in the place
where He was. (What???...Read the verse above again!!!!)
"Then after this He said to the disciples,
'Let us go to Bethany (in Judea) again.'
"Then Jesus said to them plainly,
'Lazarus is dead.
'And I am glad for your sakes that
I was not there, that you may believe.
Nevertheless let us go to him.'
"So when Jesus came, He found that
(Lazarus) had already been in the tomb
four days.
"Now Martha said to Jesus, 'Lord,
if You had been here, my brother
would not have died.
"But even now I know that what-
ever You ask of God, God will give
You.
"Jesus said to her, 'Your brother will
rise again.
"Martha said to Him, 'I know that
he will rise again in the resurrection
at the last day.
"Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection
and the life. He who believes in Me,
though he may die, he shall live.
" 'And whoever lives and believes in Me
shall never die. Do you believe this?'
"She said to Him, 'Yes, Lord
I believe that You are the Christ, the
Son of God, who is to come into the world.'
"Then, when Mary came where Jesus was,
and saw Him, she fell down at His feet,
saying to Him, 'Lord, if You had been here,
my brother would not have died.'
"Therefore, when Jesus saw her weeping,
and the Jews who came with her weeping,
He groaned in the spirit and was troubled.
"And He said, 'Where have you laid him?'
They said to Him, 'Lord, come and see.
"Jesus wept."
(Lazarus Raised from the Dead)
"Then Jesus, again groaning in Himself,
came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a
stone lay against it.
"Jesus said, 'Take away the stone.'
Martha, the sister of him who was dead,
said to Him, 'Lord, by this time there is a
stench, for he has been dead four days.
"Jesus said to her, 'Did I not say to you
that if you would believe you would see
the glory of God?'
"Then they took away the stone from the place where
the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up
His eyes and said, 'Father, I thank You that You
have heard Me.
'And I know that You always hear Me, but
because of the people who are standing by
I said this, that they may believe that You
sent Me.
"Now when He had said these things,
He cried with a loud voice,
'Lazarus, come forth!'
"And he who had died came out... bound
hand and foot with graveclothes, and his
face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus
said to them, 'Loose him, and let him go.'
Then many of the Jews who had come to
Mary, and had seen the things Jesus did,
believed in Him."
(John 11:1-7; 14-15; 17; 21-27; 32-35; 38-45)
Jesus got there four days after Lazarus died. When He got Mary and Martha's message - He stayed where He was at the time. He rarely does exactly what we want or ask. He always does His Father's will!!! (John 5:19; John 8:28; John 12:50; Matthew 26:39, 42)
God will allow us to get into situations that are beyond human help.
Why? In order to give Him an opportunity to display the glory of His resurrection life!!!
We all know that death is mighty........but Jesus is Almighty!!!
(A brief recap)----
Jesus did not heal Lazarus; He came at "4 days past dead", and resurrected him!!! And he gave Lazarus back to his family alive and well!
He did this so that He could demonstrate HIS RESURRECTION LIFE for HIS GREATER GLORY!!!!!!!!
Jesus Christ says, "I am the resurrection and the life. Believe in me."
(John 11:25-26)
Dear Brothers, Sisters, and Friends, let us believe in Jesus Christ more and more!!!
Let us submit to Jesus Christ more and more...so He can display His resurrection life
in and through our lives........
FOR HIS GREATER GLORY!!!!!!!!!!!!
YES!!!
(See also Ephesians 1:15-21)
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
"WARM WELLS", "HEART BURN",.........AND "THE FULLNESS OF GOD"!!!!!!!!!
(Luke 24:13-53/Ephesians 3:19)
After Jesus Christ was crucified for my sins, and your sins, and for the sins of all the world (Luke 23:33)----- two of His disciples were walking on the "way" from Jerusalem to Emmaus - and they encountered the resurrected Jesus Christ - "the Way" (John 14:6). "But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him." (Luke 24:13-16)
These two disciples were very disappointed, sad, and frustrated - because the One that they had "thought" was the "Messiah" ----- had just died! Their hopes had been crushed by His death.
[They were sad because their hopes had been crushed. Perhaps their hopes were crushed- - - - -because they had placed their hopes on their own expectations, rather than on the person of Jesus Christ, and on what the Scriptures say about Him-the Messiah!!! (Isaiah chapters 52 & 53). More about that later].
First, Jesus asked the two disciples some questions, then He listened to them, and then - "...beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself". (Luke 24:27)
"When they neared the village of Emmaus ("Warm Wells"), "...He (Jesus) acted as if He would go further. But they constrained Him, saying 'abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent'. And He went in to stay with them.
"Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them.
"Then their eyes were opened and they knew (recognized) Him; and He vanished from sight.
"And they said to one another, 'Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?' " (Luke 24:17-32)
See here how Jesus asked them questions, listened to them, and then opened/explained the Scriptures concerning Himself to them; then He was revealed to them when He blessed and broke the bread, and gave it to them.
When "...He vanished from sight..."- - - that caused them to talk about Him more, meditate on His words more, pursue Him, and seek His Presence more, share with others about Jesus, and worship Him more!!! (Luke 24:32-53)
O K, it is confession time for me (Barry):
Holy God in His perfect love has been very graciously and patiently working on me for a long time - teaching me to put my hope (not on my expectations), but on His Person-His character-His Word!!!
In John 16:13 Jesus (Himself) tells you and me: "...He (the Holy Spirit) will guide you into all truth".
So, as you and I continue to submit ourselves to God, and read, study, and declare the Scriptures, and ask the Holy Spirit - - - He will open/explain the Scriptures to each of us, filling our lives with more and more of His Presence!!!
As IT IS WRITTEN IN HIS WORD:
"...That you may experience for yourselves the love of Christ...that you may have the richest measure of the divine Presence, and become a body wholly filled with God Himself!"
(Ephesians 3:19/Amplified Bible)
"Lord...let it be to me according to your word." (Luke 1:38)
Amen.
(Luke 24:13-53/Ephesians 3:19)
After Jesus Christ was crucified for my sins, and your sins, and for the sins of all the world (Luke 23:33)----- two of His disciples were walking on the "way" from Jerusalem to Emmaus - and they encountered the resurrected Jesus Christ - "the Way" (John 14:6). "But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him." (Luke 24:13-16)
These two disciples were very disappointed, sad, and frustrated - because the One that they had "thought" was the "Messiah" ----- had just died! Their hopes had been crushed by His death.
[They were sad because their hopes had been crushed. Perhaps their hopes were crushed- - - - -because they had placed their hopes on their own expectations, rather than on the person of Jesus Christ, and on what the Scriptures say about Him-the Messiah!!! (Isaiah chapters 52 & 53). More about that later].
First, Jesus asked the two disciples some questions, then He listened to them, and then - "...beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself". (Luke 24:27)
"When they neared the village of Emmaus ("Warm Wells"), "...He (Jesus) acted as if He would go further. But they constrained Him, saying 'abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent'. And He went in to stay with them.
"Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them.
"Then their eyes were opened and they knew (recognized) Him; and He vanished from sight.
"And they said to one another, 'Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?' " (Luke 24:17-32)
See here how Jesus asked them questions, listened to them, and then opened/explained the Scriptures concerning Himself to them; then He was revealed to them when He blessed and broke the bread, and gave it to them.
When "...He vanished from sight..."- - - that caused them to talk about Him more, meditate on His words more, pursue Him, and seek His Presence more, share with others about Jesus, and worship Him more!!! (Luke 24:32-53)
O K, it is confession time for me (Barry):
Holy God in His perfect love has been very graciously and patiently working on me for a long time - teaching me to put my hope (not on my expectations), but on His Person-His character-His Word!!!
In John 16:13 Jesus (Himself) tells you and me: "...He (the Holy Spirit) will guide you into all truth".
So, as you and I continue to submit ourselves to God, and read, study, and declare the Scriptures, and ask the Holy Spirit - - - He will open/explain the Scriptures to each of us, filling our lives with more and more of His Presence!!!
As IT IS WRITTEN IN HIS WORD:
"...That you may experience for yourselves the love of Christ...that you may have the richest measure of the divine Presence, and become a body wholly filled with God Himself!"
(Ephesians 3:19/Amplified Bible)
"Lord...let it be to me according to your word." (Luke 1:38)
Amen.
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
MAY OUR LIVES.......BE A DANCE TO HIS HOLY SONG!!!!!!!!
"The Lord God in your midst,
The Mighty One, will save;
He will rejoice over you with
gladness,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing."
(Zephaniah 3:17)
"Kings of the earth and all peoples;
Princes and all judges of the
earth;
Both young men and maidens;
Old men and children...
"Let them praise the name of the
Lord,
For His name alone is exalted;
His glory is above the earth and
heaven."
"Let Israel rejoice in their Maker;
Let the children of Zion be joyful
in their King.
"Let them praise His name with
the dance;
"Let them sing praises to Him with
the timbrel and harp.
"For the Lord takes pleasure in
His people;
"He will beautify the humble with
salvation."
(Psalm 149:2-4)
(Just a few days ago, I took an early morning stroll through the woods around our home...
May you be richly blessed by what our Holy Lord God enabled me to see.....)
The Lord God - "When He utters His voice...He brings the wind out of His treasuries..." (Jeremiah 51:16)..........the spider web, and the leaves carrying their water droplets, "dance" on the breeze.....
The beams of sunlight dance upon the crystal silk of the spider web, and upon the leaves, and upon the beautifully clear water droplets..........
O may we more and more continually see His signs and hear His songs!!! May we more and more continually "dance" our lives (our hearts, our thoughts, our words, our actions!) in worshipful harmony with His songs - rejoicing and singing unto Him as He "rejoices over us with singing"!!!!!!! (Zephaniah 3:17)
The silk of the spider web stretched out like a crystal harp - the beams of sun-light (Son-light!) dancing a holy, beautiful, love-song upon the strings..
O Holy Spirit, we pray - please teach us to surrender to You, and to trust You, and to depend on You!!! Oh enable us to dance our lives, in trusting love and worshipful symphony with Jesus Christ's songs over each of us!!!
For He not only "rejoices over us with singing.."..........He Himself is "...our strength and our song"!!!!! (Isaiah 12:2)
He Himself is our love song, our praise song, our song of worship, our song of grace, our song of comfort, our song of embrace, our song of hope, our song of understanding, our song of grief, our song of joy, our song of victory!!!!!!!
As we more and more dance and sing our lives in worshipful harmony with Him, He can enable us to "tune out" (the noise of our flesh and the world) - that is not in harmony with Him. For now, we are "... in the world" (John 17:11), but not of the world." (John 17:14).
Singing and dancing our lives in harmony with Him will become more and more a wedding dance as "the day" approaches - when He our Holy Bridegroom comes to take us home!!!!!!!
(Isaiah 62:5/Revelation 19:6-9)
HALLELUJAH!!! HALLELUJAH!!! HALLELUAH!!! HALLELUJAH!!! HALLELUJAH!!!
AMEN!!!
(See "His Glorious Light..."/August 20th, and "Silent Song"/July 6th) messages for more on sunlight and spider webs.)
Holy God is everywhere!!! (Psalm 139:7-12) He is "ready to perform His word..." (Jeremiah 1:12) and to show you His sights and signs!!! Let's "...ask" and keep on asking Him!!!!! (Matthew 7:7)
"The Lord God in your midst,
The Mighty One, will save;
He will rejoice over you with
gladness,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing."
(Zephaniah 3:17)
"Kings of the earth and all peoples;
Princes and all judges of the
earth;
Both young men and maidens;
Old men and children...
"Let them praise the name of the
Lord,
For His name alone is exalted;
His glory is above the earth and
heaven."
"Let Israel rejoice in their Maker;
Let the children of Zion be joyful
in their King.
"Let them praise His name with
the dance;
"Let them sing praises to Him with
the timbrel and harp.
"For the Lord takes pleasure in
His people;
"He will beautify the humble with
salvation."
(Psalm 149:2-4)
(Just a few days ago, I took an early morning stroll through the woods around our home...
May you be richly blessed by what our Holy Lord God enabled me to see.....)
The Lord God - "When He utters His voice...He brings the wind out of His treasuries..." (Jeremiah 51:16)..........the spider web, and the leaves carrying their water droplets, "dance" on the breeze.....
The beams of sunlight dance upon the crystal silk of the spider web, and upon the leaves, and upon the beautifully clear water droplets..........
O may we more and more continually see His signs and hear His songs!!! May we more and more continually "dance" our lives (our hearts, our thoughts, our words, our actions!) in worshipful harmony with His songs - rejoicing and singing unto Him as He "rejoices over us with singing"!!!!!!! (Zephaniah 3:17)
The silk of the spider web stretched out like a crystal harp - the beams of sun-light (Son-light!) dancing a holy, beautiful, love-song upon the strings..
O Holy Spirit, we pray - please teach us to surrender to You, and to trust You, and to depend on You!!! Oh enable us to dance our lives, in trusting love and worshipful symphony with Jesus Christ's songs over each of us!!!
For He not only "rejoices over us with singing.."..........He Himself is "...our strength and our song"!!!!! (Isaiah 12:2)
He Himself is our love song, our praise song, our song of worship, our song of grace, our song of comfort, our song of embrace, our song of hope, our song of understanding, our song of grief, our song of joy, our song of victory!!!!!!!
As we more and more dance and sing our lives in worshipful harmony with Him, He can enable us to "tune out" (the noise of our flesh and the world) - that is not in harmony with Him. For now, we are "... in the world" (John 17:11), but not of the world." (John 17:14).
Singing and dancing our lives in harmony with Him will become more and more a wedding dance as "the day" approaches - when He our Holy Bridegroom comes to take us home!!!!!!!
(Isaiah 62:5/Revelation 19:6-9)
HALLELUJAH!!! HALLELUJAH!!! HALLELUAH!!! HALLELUJAH!!! HALLELUJAH!!!
AMEN!!!
(See "His Glorious Light..."/August 20th, and "Silent Song"/July 6th) messages for more on sunlight and spider webs.)
Holy God is everywhere!!! (Psalm 139:7-12) He is "ready to perform His word..." (Jeremiah 1:12) and to show you His sights and signs!!! Let's "...ask" and keep on asking Him!!!!! (Matthew 7:7)
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
HIS GLORIOUS LIGHT........HIS HOLY PRESENCE - "...on earth as it is in heaven"!!!
"...The great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal...and the city was pure gold, like clear glass." (Revelation 21:10-11, 18)
God's sunlight (Son-light) shining on the crystal-silk of a spider web, displaying pure golden light - revealing the presence of God!!! Jesus Christ taught us to pray: "Let Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:8-13)
God's sunlight (Son-light) shining on the crystal-silk of yet another spider web, displaying all the colors of a rainbow - which is a "...sign of the covenant of God with man..." (Genesis 9:8-13); and a rainbow around the throne of God in heaven (Revelation 4:3)-------Jesus Christ taught us to pray "...let it be on earth as it is in heaven". (Matthew 6:8-13)
God is present with us all of the time - wherever we are. "I am with you always..." (Matthew 28:20).
"Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Your presence?
"If I ascend into heaven, You are there;
If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.
"If I take the wings of the morning,
and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
"Even there Your hand shall lead me,
and Your right hand shall hold me."
"If I say, 'Surely the darkness shall fall on me,'
Even the night shall be light about me;
"Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You,
But the night shines as the day;
The darkness and the light are both alike to You."
(Psalm 139:7-12)
We have only to enter into His Presence-----
"Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
And into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name."
(Psalm 100:4)
"You are holy, enthroned in (You establish Your Presence
in) the praises of Israel (Your people)."
(Psalm 22:3)
Oh let us praise Him and keep on praising Him!!! He is worthy!!!!!
Let us ask Him and keep on asking Him to open our hearts and let us experience His Presence for ourselves-----day-by-day, and night-by-night!!!!!!!!
Oh praise You O God Most High!!! (Genesis 14:22)
Oh praise You Lord Jesus Christ!!! You are the King of Glory!!!! (Psalm 24:10)
Oh thank You and praise you my Holy Lord Jesus!!!
I love You and honor You!!!!
I worship You!!!
I bow before You!!!!
I worship You!!!!
"Let it be on earth as it is in heaven"!!!!!!!!
Amen
"...The great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal...and the city was pure gold, like clear glass." (Revelation 21:10-11, 18)
God's sunlight (Son-light) shining on the crystal-silk of a spider web, displaying pure golden light - revealing the presence of God!!! Jesus Christ taught us to pray: "Let Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:8-13)
God's sunlight (Son-light) shining on the crystal-silk of yet another spider web, displaying all the colors of a rainbow - which is a "...sign of the covenant of God with man..." (Genesis 9:8-13); and a rainbow around the throne of God in heaven (Revelation 4:3)-------Jesus Christ taught us to pray "...let it be on earth as it is in heaven". (Matthew 6:8-13)
God is present with us all of the time - wherever we are. "I am with you always..." (Matthew 28:20).
"Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Your presence?
"If I ascend into heaven, You are there;
If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.
"If I take the wings of the morning,
and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
"Even there Your hand shall lead me,
and Your right hand shall hold me."
"If I say, 'Surely the darkness shall fall on me,'
Even the night shall be light about me;
"Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You,
But the night shines as the day;
The darkness and the light are both alike to You."
(Psalm 139:7-12)
We have only to enter into His Presence-----
"Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
And into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name."
(Psalm 100:4)
"You are holy, enthroned in (You establish Your Presence
in) the praises of Israel (Your people)."
(Psalm 22:3)
Oh let us praise Him and keep on praising Him!!! He is worthy!!!!!
Let us ask Him and keep on asking Him to open our hearts and let us experience His Presence for ourselves-----day-by-day, and night-by-night!!!!!!!!
Oh praise You O God Most High!!! (Genesis 14:22)
Oh praise You Lord Jesus Christ!!! You are the King of Glory!!!! (Psalm 24:10)
Oh thank You and praise you my Holy Lord Jesus!!!
I love You and honor You!!!!
I worship You!!!
I bow before You!!!!
I worship You!!!!
"Let it be on earth as it is in heaven"!!!!!!!!
Amen
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
JOSH..........WITH (THE PRAYERS OF) Us Added = ???????
YOU! Yes, YOU! - How important are you???
Are you as important as Josh???
But wait - let's not ask your opinion, nor my opinion - let's ask Jesus Christ - for you see...He paid the price for you, and for me, and for Josh.
Let me tell you a story - a true, personal story.
My wife Mary and I got married November 26, 1983. For the first 15 or 16 years of our marriage, we never had a flat tire on any of our vehicles, except for 1 or 2 flats...which happened in our own driveway!
In the summer of 1999, God called Mary and me to drive out to a prayer conference in Colorado Springs, Colorado. But the most important part of the trip was before we arrived in Colorado.
In addition to attending the prayer conference, God had called us to drive through the American Indian Reservations located in Kansas, Nebraska, and South Dakota, and to pray for the men, women, children, and families that live there. Indeed our Faithful Holy God blessed us with many wonderful, powerful prayer opportunities, in many different villages and towns..........and although we did not yet know it.....we were on our way to meet Josh!
Many of the villages and homes were in very remote places. As I mentioned earlier, it was summer-----it can get very hot in South Dakota in the summer!!!
Remember - I said earlier that in the first 15 or 16 years of our marriage - we had no flat tires except in our own driveway.........well, on a very hot afternoon in June, on a remote section of the highway - we had a flat tire!
By God's grace, I changed the tire with no difficulty, and we continued our trip.
Immediately, Mary and I began asking our Holy Lord God to guide us to the nearest place where we could get the flat tire repaired as soon as possible. (Of course we were also praying that we would not have another flat before we got this one repaired!)
It was after dark when we reached the nearest town, and all of the stores, service stations, etc. were closed, so we spent the night there in Custer, South Dakota..
As we drove through Custer the next morning, praying and searching for help.....finally we spotted a sign - "We Repair Tires". "Hallelujah!!!!! Thank You Lord Jesus!!!!!!! When we drove up to the service station, I saw a lady standing near the cash register, so I explained our problem to her. She replied to me: "Josh does all of our tire work, I'll send him out to your car".
In just a moment, a very young boy walked up to our car, he said that his name was Josh, and that he would repair our tire. As I opened the car trunk so that he could get the flat tire, I asked Josh: "How old are you, Josh?" He answered, "nine years old".
Josh repaired the tire quickly and easily, and, as I watched him put the tire back on the car, and put the spare tire back into the trunk, it was obvious that Josh was indeed an excellent and experienced "tire repair man"!!!
When Josh was finished with our car, I went into the station, and paid the lady (Josh's Mother) for the repair. I then looked around the station until I found Josh, I gave him some money for himself, and then I talked with him about how much "GOD LOVES HIM!!!"
So, "how important is Josh?"
Well,
First - Josh is so important to Jesus Christ that He chose to die on the cross ...to save Josh and forgive him for his sins - rather than to live without him!!!
*** Please read that (above) again.**
Second - Josh is important enough to God - that He would have Mary and me drive all the way from north Georgia to South Dakota (approximately 1,521 miles), so that we would have a flat tire in a remote area - within driving distance from Custer - so that we could meet Josh and tell him ...about God's love for him!!!!!!!
So, to "recap" (pun intended) my questions at the beginning of this message:
Are you as important as Josh?
Is every person as important as Josh?
The answer is "YES!!! (Please read II Corinthians 1:20).
Jesus Christ paid the same price (THE HIGHEST POSSIBLE PRICE!!!!!!!) for you, for Josh, and for me.....as He paid for Moses, David, as He paid for Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and for Paul (through whom He wrote much of the New Testament!!!)
Oh, and the title of this message - "Josh---with the prayers of Us Added"..........
What does that mean?
In the Old Testament book of Joshua we see that Joshua led all of the Israelites into the Promised Land!!! In the book of Numbers -600,000+ warriors are listed. Add a wife, and (at least) 2 children per family.....and the total is 2 million four hundred thousand + (2,400,000 +)!!!
Since the day that we met Josh...Mary and I, and others, have been praying for Josh!
How many people will Josh (with the prayers of Us Added)----- [JoshUA = Joshua].....
How many people will he lead into HEAVEN!!!???!!!
God has the names written in the Lamb's Book of Life!!!!!!! (Revelation 21:27).
Jesus Christ has defined ONCE-FOR-ALL how vitally important you are to Him!!!
YOU! Ask Jesus to save you!!!
YOU!, BE HIS!!!
YOU, BE THERE IN HEAVEN!!!
AMEN.
YOU! Yes, YOU! - How important are you???
Are you as important as Josh???
But wait - let's not ask your opinion, nor my opinion - let's ask Jesus Christ - for you see...He paid the price for you, and for me, and for Josh.
Let me tell you a story - a true, personal story.
My wife Mary and I got married November 26, 1983. For the first 15 or 16 years of our marriage, we never had a flat tire on any of our vehicles, except for 1 or 2 flats...which happened in our own driveway!
In the summer of 1999, God called Mary and me to drive out to a prayer conference in Colorado Springs, Colorado. But the most important part of the trip was before we arrived in Colorado.
In addition to attending the prayer conference, God had called us to drive through the American Indian Reservations located in Kansas, Nebraska, and South Dakota, and to pray for the men, women, children, and families that live there. Indeed our Faithful Holy God blessed us with many wonderful, powerful prayer opportunities, in many different villages and towns..........and although we did not yet know it.....we were on our way to meet Josh!
Many of the villages and homes were in very remote places. As I mentioned earlier, it was summer-----it can get very hot in South Dakota in the summer!!!
Remember - I said earlier that in the first 15 or 16 years of our marriage - we had no flat tires except in our own driveway.........well, on a very hot afternoon in June, on a remote section of the highway - we had a flat tire!
By God's grace, I changed the tire with no difficulty, and we continued our trip.
Immediately, Mary and I began asking our Holy Lord God to guide us to the nearest place where we could get the flat tire repaired as soon as possible. (Of course we were also praying that we would not have another flat before we got this one repaired!)
It was after dark when we reached the nearest town, and all of the stores, service stations, etc. were closed, so we spent the night there in Custer, South Dakota..
As we drove through Custer the next morning, praying and searching for help.....finally we spotted a sign - "We Repair Tires". "Hallelujah!!!!! Thank You Lord Jesus!!!!!!! When we drove up to the service station, I saw a lady standing near the cash register, so I explained our problem to her. She replied to me: "Josh does all of our tire work, I'll send him out to your car".
In just a moment, a very young boy walked up to our car, he said that his name was Josh, and that he would repair our tire. As I opened the car trunk so that he could get the flat tire, I asked Josh: "How old are you, Josh?" He answered, "nine years old".
Josh repaired the tire quickly and easily, and, as I watched him put the tire back on the car, and put the spare tire back into the trunk, it was obvious that Josh was indeed an excellent and experienced "tire repair man"!!!
When Josh was finished with our car, I went into the station, and paid the lady (Josh's Mother) for the repair. I then looked around the station until I found Josh, I gave him some money for himself, and then I talked with him about how much "GOD LOVES HIM!!!"
So, "how important is Josh?"
Well,
First - Josh is so important to Jesus Christ that He chose to die on the cross ...to save Josh and forgive him for his sins - rather than to live without him!!!
*** Please read that (above) again.**
Second - Josh is important enough to God - that He would have Mary and me drive all the way from north Georgia to South Dakota (approximately 1,521 miles), so that we would have a flat tire in a remote area - within driving distance from Custer - so that we could meet Josh and tell him ...about God's love for him!!!!!!!
So, to "recap" (pun intended) my questions at the beginning of this message:
Are you as important as Josh?
Is every person as important as Josh?
The answer is "YES!!! (Please read II Corinthians 1:20).
Jesus Christ paid the same price (THE HIGHEST POSSIBLE PRICE!!!!!!!) for you, for Josh, and for me.....as He paid for Moses, David, as He paid for Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and for Paul (through whom He wrote much of the New Testament!!!)
Oh, and the title of this message - "Josh---with the prayers of Us Added"..........
What does that mean?
In the Old Testament book of Joshua we see that Joshua led all of the Israelites into the Promised Land!!! In the book of Numbers -600,000+ warriors are listed. Add a wife, and (at least) 2 children per family.....and the total is 2 million four hundred thousand + (2,400,000 +)!!!
Since the day that we met Josh...Mary and I, and others, have been praying for Josh!
How many people will Josh (with the prayers of Us Added)----- [JoshUA = Joshua].....
How many people will he lead into HEAVEN!!!???!!!
God has the names written in the Lamb's Book of Life!!!!!!! (Revelation 21:27).
Jesus Christ has defined ONCE-FOR-ALL how vitally important you are to Him!!!
YOU! Ask Jesus to save you!!!
YOU!, BE HIS!!!
YOU, BE THERE IN HEAVEN!!!
AMEN.
Sunday, August 3, 2014
"YOU RESTORE MY SOUL" [HIS ETERNAL PROMISES - OUR CONTINUING BLESSINGS]
(From Psalm 23 and other portions of God's Word)
*** Please read this slowly,..... as you meditate upon it. Thank you. **
O Lord Jesus Christ!!!
Because You are my Shepherd - I will not lack anything that I truly need.
You cause me to lie down in lush, green meadows (to rest in You).
You cover me with Your blanket of "...everlasting love...and underneath are Your everlasting arms". (Jeremiah 31:3/Deuteronomy 33:27)
"You lead me beside still waters (waters of comfort and rest).
"You restore my soul.
"You lead me in the paths of righteousness for Your name's sake." (Psalm 23:2b-3)
You restore my soul.
"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)
You restore my soul.
O Holy God!!! You declare: "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." [ give rest...(Hebrew) nu'ach "noo-ahch" . God's Presence soothes, comforts, settles, and quiets us.] (Exodus 33:14).
You restore my soul.
"The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you, the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace." (Numbers 6:24-26)
You restore my soul.
"Behold, the Lord God shall come with a strong hand, and His arm shall rule for Him; behold, His reward is with Him, and His work before Him. He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those who are with young." (Isaiah 40:10-11)
You restore my soul.
"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)
You restore my soul.
"...Peace, be still." (Mark 4:39) " ...My peace I give to you."
(John 14:27) "He is Himself our peace." (Ephesians 2:14)
You restore my soul.
"Amazing grace! How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see.
"'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved; How precious did that grace appear * the hour I first believed." [Amazing Grace! How Sweet the Sound (Public Domain)]
You restore my soul.
"You will show me the path of life;
In Your Presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore." (Psalm 16:11)
You restore my soul.
"...You are with me; Your rod and your staff, they comfort me." (Psalm 23:4)
"Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus,
by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh,
and having a High Priest over the house of God,
"Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful." (Hebrews 10:19-23)
Now, I am with You LORD JESUS!!!
Thank You LORD JESUS CHRIST!!!
You restore my soul.
Amen
(From Psalm 23 and other portions of God's Word)
*** Please read this slowly,..... as you meditate upon it. Thank you. **
O Lord Jesus Christ!!!
Because You are my Shepherd - I will not lack anything that I truly need.
You cause me to lie down in lush, green meadows (to rest in You).
You cover me with Your blanket of "...everlasting love...and underneath are Your everlasting arms". (Jeremiah 31:3/Deuteronomy 33:27)
"You lead me beside still waters (waters of comfort and rest).
"You restore my soul.
"You lead me in the paths of righteousness for Your name's sake." (Psalm 23:2b-3)
You restore my soul.
"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)
You restore my soul.
O Holy God!!! You declare: "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." [ give rest...(Hebrew) nu'ach "noo-ahch" . God's Presence soothes, comforts, settles, and quiets us.] (Exodus 33:14).
You restore my soul.
"The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you, the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace." (Numbers 6:24-26)
You restore my soul.
"Behold, the Lord God shall come with a strong hand, and His arm shall rule for Him; behold, His reward is with Him, and His work before Him. He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those who are with young." (Isaiah 40:10-11)
You restore my soul.
"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)
You restore my soul.
"...Peace, be still." (Mark 4:39) " ...My peace I give to you."
(John 14:27) "He is Himself our peace." (Ephesians 2:14)
You restore my soul.
"Amazing grace! How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see.
"'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved; How precious did that grace appear * the hour I first believed." [Amazing Grace! How Sweet the Sound (Public Domain)]
You restore my soul.
"You will show me the path of life;
In Your Presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore." (Psalm 16:11)
You restore my soul.
"...You are with me; Your rod and your staff, they comfort me." (Psalm 23:4)
"Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus,
by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh,
and having a High Priest over the house of God,
"Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful." (Hebrews 10:19-23)
Now, I am with You LORD JESUS!!!
Thank You LORD JESUS CHRIST!!!
You restore my soul.
Amen
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
"THE INNOCENCE SECRETION"
While watching a television program about scientific research on the life of elephants-----I heard about a very interesting discovery in this field.
When young male elephants begin to get "interested" in mature female elephants.....that puts the young male elephants in grave danger. The adult bull elephants can easily kill the young males for this behavior.
But the scientists have discovered that these young bulls secrete a substance that - (by its odor) reveals to the adult males - "this young one is innocent - he is no threat" to the increase... of the adult bull's kingdom.
"The Innocence Secretion"............
In Genesis (chapters 27 & 28), Isaac is old and blind, and He is about to bless Esau, his eldest son. [To "bless" meant "to transfer - from father to eldest son - the family's material property, aspirations, and spiritual promises"].
However, Jacob (the younger son), and his mother Rebekah, hatch a plan to take advantage of Isaac's blindness-----and to trick him into giving Esau's blessing to Jacob instead!
One of the ways they accomplished this was to put Esau's clothes on Jacob - so that Jacob would smell like Esau.
Surprisingly, the trick worked!! Isaac Blessed Jacob:
"...may God give you of the dew of heaven,
and the riches of earth;...
May God Almighty bless you,
and make you fruitful and multiply you..."
(Genesis 27:27; 28:3)
Now you may be thinking - "But Jacob and his Mother sinned - and they received the blessing!?!..."
And God allowed this???
Yes.
"God preferred Jacob, and rejected Esau" (Malachi 1:2-3).
[God sometimes does things...for reasons only HE knows. He is "Adonai" (Sovereign Lord)].
I sin.
You sin.
And we all desperately need, and want, God's blessings!!!
*** If we do not accept the blood of Jesus Christ for our salvation...then we are in grave danger!!! **
BUT GOD!!! Because God's Son Jesus Christ poured out His Holy blood on His cross for us.....there is forgiveness and cleansing in the blood of Jesus Christ!!!!!!!! (Hebrews 9:22/I John 1:7)
Because Jesus Christ did pour out His blood for us.....we can... "... clothe ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 13:14)
Okay, so I can be clothed with Jesus Christ; but what about the "smell" - of my sin?
Because there is "...forgiveness and... cleansing " in the blood of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 9:22/I John 1:7)................(so) we are to God...the fragrance of Christ..."!!!!!!!!! (II Corinthians 2:15)
Available to you, to all of us under the covering of the blood of Jesus Christ is:
Salvation (Mark 14:24/Acts 4:16) Healing (Isaiah 53:5)
Protection (Exodus 12:13) Provision (Psalm 105:37a)
Life (Psalm 105:37b/Lev. 17:14/John 10:10b) Forgiveness (Hebrews 9:22)
Cleansing (I John 1:7) Redemption (Ephesians 1:7)
Justification (Romans 5:9) Sanctification (Hebrews 13:12)
Peace (Colossians 1:19-20) Washing (Revelation 1:5)
Overcoming Power (Revelation 12:11) Speaking Power ((Hebrews 12:24)
Access to the Presence of GOD (Hebrews 10:15)
Plead the blood of Jesus Christ over your family and over every area of your life!!!!!!!
(For the rest of the story - please read Genesis 1:1 through Revelation 22:21))
While watching a television program about scientific research on the life of elephants-----I heard about a very interesting discovery in this field.
When young male elephants begin to get "interested" in mature female elephants.....that puts the young male elephants in grave danger. The adult bull elephants can easily kill the young males for this behavior.
But the scientists have discovered that these young bulls secrete a substance that - (by its odor) reveals to the adult males - "this young one is innocent - he is no threat" to the increase... of the adult bull's kingdom.
"The Innocence Secretion"............
In Genesis (chapters 27 & 28), Isaac is old and blind, and He is about to bless Esau, his eldest son. [To "bless" meant "to transfer - from father to eldest son - the family's material property, aspirations, and spiritual promises"].
However, Jacob (the younger son), and his mother Rebekah, hatch a plan to take advantage of Isaac's blindness-----and to trick him into giving Esau's blessing to Jacob instead!
One of the ways they accomplished this was to put Esau's clothes on Jacob - so that Jacob would smell like Esau.
Surprisingly, the trick worked!! Isaac Blessed Jacob:
"...may God give you of the dew of heaven,
and the riches of earth;...
May God Almighty bless you,
and make you fruitful and multiply you..."
(Genesis 27:27; 28:3)
Now you may be thinking - "But Jacob and his Mother sinned - and they received the blessing!?!..."
And God allowed this???
Yes.
"God preferred Jacob, and rejected Esau" (Malachi 1:2-3).
[God sometimes does things...for reasons only HE knows. He is "Adonai" (Sovereign Lord)].
I sin.
You sin.
And we all desperately need, and want, God's blessings!!!
*** If we do not accept the blood of Jesus Christ for our salvation...then we are in grave danger!!! **
BUT GOD!!! Because God's Son Jesus Christ poured out His Holy blood on His cross for us.....there is forgiveness and cleansing in the blood of Jesus Christ!!!!!!!! (Hebrews 9:22/I John 1:7)
Because Jesus Christ did pour out His blood for us.....we can... "... clothe ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 13:14)
Okay, so I can be clothed with Jesus Christ; but what about the "smell" - of my sin?
Because there is "...forgiveness and... cleansing " in the blood of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 9:22/I John 1:7)................(so) we are to God...the fragrance of Christ..."!!!!!!!!! (II Corinthians 2:15)
Available to you, to all of us under the covering of the blood of Jesus Christ is:
Salvation (Mark 14:24/Acts 4:16) Healing (Isaiah 53:5)
Protection (Exodus 12:13) Provision (Psalm 105:37a)
Life (Psalm 105:37b/Lev. 17:14/John 10:10b) Forgiveness (Hebrews 9:22)
Cleansing (I John 1:7) Redemption (Ephesians 1:7)
Justification (Romans 5:9) Sanctification (Hebrews 13:12)
Peace (Colossians 1:19-20) Washing (Revelation 1:5)
Overcoming Power (Revelation 12:11) Speaking Power ((Hebrews 12:24)
Access to the Presence of GOD (Hebrews 10:15)
Plead the blood of Jesus Christ over your family and over every area of your life!!!!!!!
(For the rest of the story - please read Genesis 1:1 through Revelation 22:21))
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
GOD WILL CARRY US THROUGH!!!!!!!
(Prayer and declaration given to me by the Holy Spirit during a very difficult trial; and continuing to be declared back to our Holy God in thanksgiving and praise!!!!!!!)
Oh Holy God!!! Our faith is in You!!!
You will carry us through (this trial) - you always do!!!
As You did in Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy(etc.) with Abraham, Moses, Joshua, and others too...
As You did with David in I &II Samuel, I & II Kings, I & II Chronicles and Psalms, too - You will carry us through!!!
So You did with Esther and Mordecai, You also did with Isaiah, Jeremiah,, Ezekiel, Hosea, Jonah, Zephaniah, Zechariah, and Malachi --- to Your Own Personal Character You are true - You carried them through!!!
Oh Holy God!!! We are Your children too, and our faith is in You!!!
You were faithful to Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
You carried through all Your faithful ones in Acts, Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, carried through Your children in Thessalonians, Timothy, and Titus, too.
You were with Paul, James, Philemon, Peter, John---
You were continually Present in and with Jesus Your Holy Son!!!
You, the unchanging One - through these trials - are changing us into the image of Your Son!!!
(II Cor. 3:18)
Oh Holy God!!! Our faith is in You!!!!!!! You will carry us through!!!!!!!
You "Lord, are my Shepherd..."
"Yea, though I walk through the valley of
the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
I will live with You in Your house forever."
(Psalm 23:1, 4, 6-b)
THANK YOU!!!!!!! PRAISE YOU MOST HIGH GOD!!!!!!!
(Prayer and declaration given to me by the Holy Spirit during a very difficult trial; and continuing to be declared back to our Holy God in thanksgiving and praise!!!!!!!)
Oh Holy God!!! Our faith is in You!!!
You will carry us through (this trial) - you always do!!!
As You did in Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy(etc.) with Abraham, Moses, Joshua, and others too...
As You did with David in I &II Samuel, I & II Kings, I & II Chronicles and Psalms, too - You will carry us through!!!
So You did with Esther and Mordecai, You also did with Isaiah, Jeremiah,, Ezekiel, Hosea, Jonah, Zephaniah, Zechariah, and Malachi --- to Your Own Personal Character You are true - You carried them through!!!
Oh Holy God!!! We are Your children too, and our faith is in You!!!
You were faithful to Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
You carried through all Your faithful ones in Acts, Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, carried through Your children in Thessalonians, Timothy, and Titus, too.
You were with Paul, James, Philemon, Peter, John---
You were continually Present in and with Jesus Your Holy Son!!!
You, the unchanging One - through these trials - are changing us into the image of Your Son!!!
(II Cor. 3:18)
Oh Holy God!!! Our faith is in You!!!!!!! You will carry us through!!!!!!!
You "Lord, are my Shepherd..."
"Yea, though I walk through the valley of
the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
I will live with You in Your house forever."
(Psalm 23:1, 4, 6-b)
THANK YOU!!!!!!! PRAISE YOU MOST HIGH GOD!!!!!!!
Sunday, July 6, 2014
"THE SILENT SONG' (that speaks volumes!!! about HOLY GOD OUR FATHER!!!)
Early this morning (7/3/2014) I went out to "Galilee" - ("Galilee" is a place in our front yard where I often go to worship and commune with God the Father. God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.)
As I worshiped God, I saw the sunlight reflecting from some tree leaves in the distance;
although there are many trees in this forest, the light "found its way" from God's heart through the sun (the Son of God!!!) ---to my eyes...and to my heart!!! (In John 8:12, Jesus Christ declares: "I AM the light.")
Then, as I looked closer, I could see a new spider web being formed between some trees. At the same time, I could feel a light breeze, and I could see the spider web "dancing" on the breeze. As the sunlight "danced" and flashed upon the spider web,...it illuminated the web in such a way that a
cross
of light (shimmering light) appeared on the web!!!!!!!
Psalm 135:7 States "...God brings the wind out of His treasuries...". So, God caused the breeze.....the spider web danced in movement on the breeze.....the sunlight flashed and danced on the spider web.....revealing the cross!!!
"For God Who said 'Let light shine out of darkness, has shone in our hearts...to beam forth the Light for the illumination...of the majesty and glory of God...as it is manifest in the Person, and is
revealed in the face of Jesus Christ."!!! (II Corinthians 4:6/Amplified Bible)
(Yes, please read the above verse one more time!)
"The Holy Sprit will guide you into all truth." (John 16:13)
"...The great, mighty, and awesome God..."!!! (Nehemiah 9:32)
"Let every thing that has breath praise the Lord."!!! (Psalm 150:6)
Let us all be frequently asking the Lord our God - to "...flood the eyes of our hearts with His
light...that we may know the hope to which He has called us..." (Ephesians 1:17-18/Amplified Bible)
Early this morning (7/3/2014) I went out to "Galilee" - ("Galilee" is a place in our front yard where I often go to worship and commune with God the Father. God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.)
As I worshiped God, I saw the sunlight reflecting from some tree leaves in the distance;
although there are many trees in this forest, the light "found its way" from God's heart through the sun (the Son of God!!!) ---to my eyes...and to my heart!!! (In John 8:12, Jesus Christ declares: "I AM the light.")
Then, as I looked closer, I could see a new spider web being formed between some trees. At the same time, I could feel a light breeze, and I could see the spider web "dancing" on the breeze. As the sunlight "danced" and flashed upon the spider web,...it illuminated the web in such a way that a
cross
of light (shimmering light) appeared on the web!!!!!!!
Psalm 135:7 States "...God brings the wind out of His treasuries...". So, God caused the breeze.....the spider web danced in movement on the breeze.....the sunlight flashed and danced on the spider web.....revealing the cross!!!
"For God Who said 'Let light shine out of darkness, has shone in our hearts...to beam forth the Light for the illumination...of the majesty and glory of God...as it is manifest in the Person, and is
revealed in the face of Jesus Christ."!!! (II Corinthians 4:6/Amplified Bible)
(Yes, please read the above verse one more time!)
"The Holy Sprit will guide you into all truth." (John 16:13)
"...The great, mighty, and awesome God..."!!! (Nehemiah 9:32)
"Let every thing that has breath praise the Lord."!!! (Psalm 150:6)
Let us all be frequently asking the Lord our God - to "...flood the eyes of our hearts with His
light...that we may know the hope to which He has called us..." (Ephesians 1:17-18/Amplified Bible)
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
God Has Good Plans For You!!!
In Psalm 139:16 God tells us "before your day of birth, I wrote down all the days of your life."
God says to each of us, personally, "I know the plans I have for you...They are plans for good, to give you a future and a hope". (Jer. 29:11)
In John 17:26, Jesus is praying, and declaring unto God..."Father, I have made your name known to them (your beloved), and revealed your character, your very self" to these your beloved,...that the love which you have for me, be felt in their hearts"!!!
If I may paraphrase -- that these your beloved will feel, and experience-for-themselves, that you love them as much as you love me!!! That when you call their names...your heart is touched and thrilled and moved with divine love and joy!!!
"For it is my prayer and your desire (Jesus could not pray anything except God's perfect will) that they know you love them, each, personally!!! That you do indeed rejoice over them!!! (Isaiah 62:5)
I wrote down your every day before you were born...
I have plans for you, plans to give you a future and a hope...
I can take any loss, any hurtful thing that happens to you, -- and turn it into good,...blessing you, and bringing glory to me!!!
When I was a little boy, (a long time ago!), from birth to age six, I lived in a little white house in Toccoa, Georgia, with my father, Taft Coker, my mother Sarah, and my sister Brenda.
Across the street from our house was the "railroad track" of the Elberton Railroad.
In those days, almost every little boy wanted to grow up to be a railroad engineer!! To sit up high and drive the train!! To see that train flying up the track, whistle blowing, smoke boiling from the stack...just filled me with excitement, and wonder and mystery!
Well little boys and older men like me, and most other people like candy, and like surprises!
My uncle, Joe Taylor, worked on that railroad. He was a brakeman. And every time that railroad train went up the track in front of my house...come flying out of that train into my front yard...would be a small brown paper bag full of candy...just for me. My "Uncle Joe" would throw that out to me whenever the train went up the track in front of my house.
Little did I know at the time, but God-Our-Abba-Father had my every day written down, and he had plans for me, plans for good.
When I was 6 years old, both my father and mother died of illness. In my father's will (also God-My-Abba-Father's Will), I was given to Willard Taylor (my aunt) and Joe Taylor to be their son.
So, God, our Abba-Father, before anyone else knew my days...He was building a relationship of love, faithfulness, giving, and joy between me and the man who would be my daddy..."Uncle Joe" who always threw candy to me from the train.
("He knows the plans he has for us, and they are plans for good, to give us a future and a hope").
So, from age 6, Mama Joe and Papa Joe raised me in a good Christian home, loving me as their own son. At my age 37, God brought Mary and me together!!! In that same year, Papa Joe died, and I got to become more deeply acquainted with Mary's Dad - "Papa J."
Papa J. is one of the gentlest, most generous and giving persons that I have ever known. (He has never called me his "son-in-law). He has always introduced me to people as his "son-in-love".
Our pastor Roger Bourgeois has, since I really turned my life over to Jesus, been my spiritual father.
Roger and Beth, all those on the church staff, my friends at work, Mary, daughters Katy and Carrie, Will, and eventually Chandler, David and Michael, will all tell you...
...That I try to find out what kind of candy, or pastry, that is their favorite, and frequently I bring them some of that favorite treat -- just to bless them and tell them that I love them.
Just a year or two ago, Roger helped me to see the connection...
That because God-Our-Abba-Father, by his love through "Uncle Joe" throwing that candy to me from the train, built a relationship of love with me -- that is his same love (by His grace) through me, wanting people to know that they are loved, and that he wants to continually bless them and build his relationship with them.
Today, accept this message as a sweet gift from Him. He invites you to daily give Him the sweet gift of communing with him in prayer, praise and worship unto Him.
In those times of communion with him, begin asking Him to reveal to you how He has intimately loved you, drawn you to Him, provided and prepared for you. And offer up to Him...that the rest of your days be as He has most-lovingly planned them for you.
In celebration of Jesus Christ!!! He is "The Lord Most High", "the King of Glory", "Our High Priest Who Understands", our passionate Bridegroom who is returning soon!!!
(Ps. 47:2; Ps. 24:7-8; Heb. 4:15; Is. 62:5; Rev. 19:6-8)
God says to each of us, personally, "I know the plans I have for you...They are plans for good, to give you a future and a hope". (Jer. 29:11)
In John 17:26, Jesus is praying, and declaring unto God..."Father, I have made your name known to them (your beloved), and revealed your character, your very self" to these your beloved,...that the love which you have for me, be felt in their hearts"!!!
If I may paraphrase -- that these your beloved will feel, and experience-for-themselves, that you love them as much as you love me!!! That when you call their names...your heart is touched and thrilled and moved with divine love and joy!!!
"For it is my prayer and your desire (Jesus could not pray anything except God's perfect will) that they know you love them, each, personally!!! That you do indeed rejoice over them!!! (Isaiah 62:5)
I wrote down your every day before you were born...
I have plans for you, plans to give you a future and a hope...
I can take any loss, any hurtful thing that happens to you, -- and turn it into good,...blessing you, and bringing glory to me!!!
When I was a little boy, (a long time ago!), from birth to age six, I lived in a little white house in Toccoa, Georgia, with my father, Taft Coker, my mother Sarah, and my sister Brenda.
Across the street from our house was the "railroad track" of the Elberton Railroad.
In those days, almost every little boy wanted to grow up to be a railroad engineer!! To sit up high and drive the train!! To see that train flying up the track, whistle blowing, smoke boiling from the stack...just filled me with excitement, and wonder and mystery!
Well little boys and older men like me, and most other people like candy, and like surprises!
My uncle, Joe Taylor, worked on that railroad. He was a brakeman. And every time that railroad train went up the track in front of my house...come flying out of that train into my front yard...would be a small brown paper bag full of candy...just for me. My "Uncle Joe" would throw that out to me whenever the train went up the track in front of my house.
Little did I know at the time, but God-Our-Abba-Father had my every day written down, and he had plans for me, plans for good.
When I was 6 years old, both my father and mother died of illness. In my father's will (also God-My-Abba-Father's Will), I was given to Willard Taylor (my aunt) and Joe Taylor to be their son.
So, God, our Abba-Father, before anyone else knew my days...He was building a relationship of love, faithfulness, giving, and joy between me and the man who would be my daddy..."Uncle Joe" who always threw candy to me from the train.
("He knows the plans he has for us, and they are plans for good, to give us a future and a hope").
So, from age 6, Mama Joe and Papa Joe raised me in a good Christian home, loving me as their own son. At my age 37, God brought Mary and me together!!! In that same year, Papa Joe died, and I got to become more deeply acquainted with Mary's Dad - "Papa J."
Papa J. is one of the gentlest, most generous and giving persons that I have ever known. (He has never called me his "son-in-law). He has always introduced me to people as his "son-in-love".
Our pastor Roger Bourgeois has, since I really turned my life over to Jesus, been my spiritual father.
Roger and Beth, all those on the church staff, my friends at work, Mary, daughters Katy and Carrie, Will, and eventually Chandler, David and Michael, will all tell you...
...That I try to find out what kind of candy, or pastry, that is their favorite, and frequently I bring them some of that favorite treat -- just to bless them and tell them that I love them.
Just a year or two ago, Roger helped me to see the connection...
That because God-Our-Abba-Father, by his love through "Uncle Joe" throwing that candy to me from the train, built a relationship of love with me -- that is his same love (by His grace) through me, wanting people to know that they are loved, and that he wants to continually bless them and build his relationship with them.
Today, accept this message as a sweet gift from Him. He invites you to daily give Him the sweet gift of communing with him in prayer, praise and worship unto Him.
In those times of communion with him, begin asking Him to reveal to you how He has intimately loved you, drawn you to Him, provided and prepared for you. And offer up to Him...that the rest of your days be as He has most-lovingly planned them for you.
In celebration of Jesus Christ!!! He is "The Lord Most High", "the King of Glory", "Our High Priest Who Understands", our passionate Bridegroom who is returning soon!!!
(Ps. 47:2; Ps. 24:7-8; Heb. 4:15; Is. 62:5; Rev. 19:6-8)
Friday, June 13, 2014
The origin of the name "Galilee Breeze - The Holy Spirit Revealing Jesus Christ"
While on tour of Israel (Nov. 26 - Dec. 5, 2012), I was so richly Blessed to have several divine encounters with the Lord God, both on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, and during a boat ride across the Sea of Galilee.
During these divine encounters, I could genuinely feel the Presence of the Lord.
After returning home from Israel, over a period of several months I continued to seek the Lord during worship - corporate worship at church, and individual worship wherever I was at the time. By the grace of God, I did continue to experience His Presence.
During the most intense encounter of His Presence, I was standing on the shore of a lake near Toccoa, Georgia. Except for the many beautiful stars that I could see in the sky - it was very dark that early morning. As I continued worshipping God while I gazed at the wonder and beauty of the stars, I felt a breeze blowing toward me from off the water.
After only a few minutes, I had to get into my car and drive on to my job.
As I prayed over the next few days, the Lord enabled me to understand that the breeze represented the Holy Spirit -- {in the New Testament the Greek word (pneuma) can be used to say "breath, breeze, Spirit, etc.}; and the Holy Spirit was telling me that Jesus Christ was out on the surface of the lake.
In John 16:13, Jesus states "...He (the Holy Spirit) will guide you into all truth." Thus Galilee Breeze - revealing Jesus Christ!!!
May the Holy Spirit continue revealing Jesus to us all!!!
During these divine encounters, I could genuinely feel the Presence of the Lord.
After returning home from Israel, over a period of several months I continued to seek the Lord during worship - corporate worship at church, and individual worship wherever I was at the time. By the grace of God, I did continue to experience His Presence.
During the most intense encounter of His Presence, I was standing on the shore of a lake near Toccoa, Georgia. Except for the many beautiful stars that I could see in the sky - it was very dark that early morning. As I continued worshipping God while I gazed at the wonder and beauty of the stars, I felt a breeze blowing toward me from off the water.
After only a few minutes, I had to get into my car and drive on to my job.
As I prayed over the next few days, the Lord enabled me to understand that the breeze represented the Holy Spirit -- {in the New Testament the Greek word (pneuma) can be used to say "breath, breeze, Spirit, etc.}; and the Holy Spirit was telling me that Jesus Christ was out on the surface of the lake.
In John 16:13, Jesus states "...He (the Holy Spirit) will guide you into all truth." Thus Galilee Breeze - revealing Jesus Christ!!!
May the Holy Spirit continue revealing Jesus to us all!!!
Monday, June 9, 2014
God's Perfect (and Perfecting) Love
GOD'S PERFECT (AND PERFECTING) LOVE!!!!!!!
It was after Christmas, at a time when many of us allow our thoughts to turn away from the birth, life, death, resurrection, and return of Jesus Christ...back to our "normal" life. It is as if we subconsciously think: "Well, Christmas is over, it's time to change my focus back to the routine" of work, school, etc.
But God our Father, Jesus Christ our Lord is "the same yesterday, today, and forever" (Heb 13:8). His all-knowing perfect love for everyone of us is the same December 31st (or any other day) as it is December 25th!
Yes, God has our every day written down; He knows our every need; He knows what He needs to do to continue changing us into the image of Jesus Christ.
So there it was, Dec. 31, 1985, and some friends who lived in another town called me, and asked me to come celebrate New Year's Eve with them.
Mary, and our daughters Katy and Carrie, were visiting relatives in Miami over the holidays, so I drove my mother's car to visit my friends.
It was a very cold night, with an "icy" wind making it feel even colder! About half-way to my friends' house, the car's headlights began to get weaker and weaker. With the weather becoming even rougher, I decided to turn around and go back home. (I did not want to be caught out in that weather with car trouble!).
As I drove back through Clarkesville, GA, that which I feared and dreaded -- happened! The headlights failed completely, the car stopped dead still -- on a hill! The car had no electrical power, not even enough to operate the emergency flashing lights.
(Now this was before we had cell phones). There were no service stations open. There were no pay phones on that side of town. I prayed and prayed..."Lord, what am I going to do?!"
I was in a residential area. So all I could think to do was to go to the nearest house, and see if someone would allow (me), a complete stranger, into their house on New Year's Eve night, in order to use their phone.
A very elderly lady answered my knock on the door. I thought to myself: "If she is here alone, she won't let me in." I had underestimated God's grace. He gave me great favor with her! She invited me into her warm house. She told me that I could use the telephone - "as much as I needed to".
First I called the friends that I had planned to visit. I explained my situation, and they agreed to pray for me. Next I tried to call some service stations for help...no one was open. After praying some more, I decided to call my mother and tell her what had happened. As we talked, she remembered that the son of one of my father's friends owned a service station in Toccoa, a town near where my mother lived. Perhaps I could call him at home, and see if maybe he could help me.
As she prayed, Mother struggled to remember the man's name, and finally succeeded. His name is Michael Purcell. Again, I was thinking..."It is not likely that I will find him at home on New Year's Eve night." I could not remember ever having met the man, so I was also doubting that he would come that far, that late at night, in order to help me.
Again, I had underestimated Got's unmerited favor! Mr. Purcell was indeed at home. After I described the failure of the headlights, and the total failure of the car's electrical system, Mr. Purcell said that he believed it was due to a battery failure. He further stated that he would go to his station, pick up a battery, then he would meet me at my car! Glory to God!!!
After talking with Mr. Purcell, I told the lady whose phone I was using, that I would go out to the car and wait for Mr. Purcell there. She insisted that it was too cold for me to wait out there; that I must "stay in the house where it was nice and warm."
I didn't have to wait long. Mr. Purcell arrived, and quickly installed the new battery. The car started promptly, the headlights and electrical system worked "like new"! Mr. Purcell even followed me home, making sure that I arrived safely!!!
God has promised to "complete the good work (he) has begun in (us)" (Phil. 1:6).
I had had a fear of having car trouble while traveling. Because God is faithful to His word (II Tim. 2:13) -- He allowed me to go through this total car failure -- away from home -- in very bad weather.
Let's look at the names of the people He used to help me overcome. The elderly lady who allowed this total stranger into her house on New Year's Eve night, who game me access to her telephone, and a warm place to wait...Her name was Mrs. Trusty. (God saying..."Barry, trust Me."!!!). (II Chron. 20:20).
The man who came, fixed the car, and escorted me safely home...his name is Michael. God says in His word that there are "myriads" of angels; and that we each have at least two guardian angels (Psalm 91(. In all of the Bible, only two of the angels' names are listed: Gabriel and Michael. God says in Hebrews 1:14 "...the angels...are sent to serve those who will inherit salvation".
My daily commute to work was one of my most important prayer times. My route took me by Mrs. Trusty's home - and I prayed for her family daily. And of course I prayed daily also for Michael Purcell and his family.
(GOD'S "PERFECT LOVE CASTS OUT ALL FEAR' (I JOHN 4:18)
GOD IS "...FAITHFUL...TO HIS WORD AND TO HIS RIGHTEOUS CHARACTER..."
(II TIMOTHY 2:13/AMPLIFIED BIBLE)
PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME!!!!!!!
It was after Christmas, at a time when many of us allow our thoughts to turn away from the birth, life, death, resurrection, and return of Jesus Christ...back to our "normal" life. It is as if we subconsciously think: "Well, Christmas is over, it's time to change my focus back to the routine" of work, school, etc.
But God our Father, Jesus Christ our Lord is "the same yesterday, today, and forever" (Heb 13:8). His all-knowing perfect love for everyone of us is the same December 31st (or any other day) as it is December 25th!
Yes, God has our every day written down; He knows our every need; He knows what He needs to do to continue changing us into the image of Jesus Christ.
So there it was, Dec. 31, 1985, and some friends who lived in another town called me, and asked me to come celebrate New Year's Eve with them.
Mary, and our daughters Katy and Carrie, were visiting relatives in Miami over the holidays, so I drove my mother's car to visit my friends.
It was a very cold night, with an "icy" wind making it feel even colder! About half-way to my friends' house, the car's headlights began to get weaker and weaker. With the weather becoming even rougher, I decided to turn around and go back home. (I did not want to be caught out in that weather with car trouble!).
As I drove back through Clarkesville, GA, that which I feared and dreaded -- happened! The headlights failed completely, the car stopped dead still -- on a hill! The car had no electrical power, not even enough to operate the emergency flashing lights.
(Now this was before we had cell phones). There were no service stations open. There were no pay phones on that side of town. I prayed and prayed..."Lord, what am I going to do?!"
I was in a residential area. So all I could think to do was to go to the nearest house, and see if someone would allow (me), a complete stranger, into their house on New Year's Eve night, in order to use their phone.
A very elderly lady answered my knock on the door. I thought to myself: "If she is here alone, she won't let me in." I had underestimated God's grace. He gave me great favor with her! She invited me into her warm house. She told me that I could use the telephone - "as much as I needed to".
First I called the friends that I had planned to visit. I explained my situation, and they agreed to pray for me. Next I tried to call some service stations for help...no one was open. After praying some more, I decided to call my mother and tell her what had happened. As we talked, she remembered that the son of one of my father's friends owned a service station in Toccoa, a town near where my mother lived. Perhaps I could call him at home, and see if maybe he could help me.
As she prayed, Mother struggled to remember the man's name, and finally succeeded. His name is Michael Purcell. Again, I was thinking..."It is not likely that I will find him at home on New Year's Eve night." I could not remember ever having met the man, so I was also doubting that he would come that far, that late at night, in order to help me.
Again, I had underestimated Got's unmerited favor! Mr. Purcell was indeed at home. After I described the failure of the headlights, and the total failure of the car's electrical system, Mr. Purcell said that he believed it was due to a battery failure. He further stated that he would go to his station, pick up a battery, then he would meet me at my car! Glory to God!!!
After talking with Mr. Purcell, I told the lady whose phone I was using, that I would go out to the car and wait for Mr. Purcell there. She insisted that it was too cold for me to wait out there; that I must "stay in the house where it was nice and warm."
I didn't have to wait long. Mr. Purcell arrived, and quickly installed the new battery. The car started promptly, the headlights and electrical system worked "like new"! Mr. Purcell even followed me home, making sure that I arrived safely!!!
God has promised to "complete the good work (he) has begun in (us)" (Phil. 1:6).
I had had a fear of having car trouble while traveling. Because God is faithful to His word (II Tim. 2:13) -- He allowed me to go through this total car failure -- away from home -- in very bad weather.
Let's look at the names of the people He used to help me overcome. The elderly lady who allowed this total stranger into her house on New Year's Eve night, who game me access to her telephone, and a warm place to wait...Her name was Mrs. Trusty. (God saying..."Barry, trust Me."!!!). (II Chron. 20:20).
The man who came, fixed the car, and escorted me safely home...his name is Michael. God says in His word that there are "myriads" of angels; and that we each have at least two guardian angels (Psalm 91(. In all of the Bible, only two of the angels' names are listed: Gabriel and Michael. God says in Hebrews 1:14 "...the angels...are sent to serve those who will inherit salvation".
My daily commute to work was one of my most important prayer times. My route took me by Mrs. Trusty's home - and I prayed for her family daily. And of course I prayed daily also for Michael Purcell and his family.
(GOD'S "PERFECT LOVE CASTS OUT ALL FEAR' (I JOHN 4:18)
GOD IS "...FAITHFUL...TO HIS WORD AND TO HIS RIGHTEOUS CHARACTER..."
(II TIMOTHY 2:13/AMPLIFIED BIBLE)
PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME!!!!!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)