"THAT ALL THE WORLD BE REGISTERED..."
Luke 2:1---" that all the world should be registered..."
John 3:16--" For GOD so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."
LUKE 2:1 "And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered."
(The purpose of this census was taxation.)
This decree caused Joseph and Mary to travel to Bethlehem --- thus fulfilling GOD'S plan for Jesus to be born in Bethlehem!!! Luke 2:4)
The purpose of GOD'S plan was not for taxation --- but for SALVATION!!! for you and for me.
Caesar Augustus' plan was for the world at THAT time.
GOD'S plan is for everyone in the world at ALL times.!!! (John 3:16)
I am not sure what kind of "ink" was used to "register" people for Caesar...
But I would venture to GUESS that our names as written in the "Lamb's Book of Life" (Revelation 21:27) are "written in red" - by the Blood of the Lamb" (Mark 14:24).
THANK YOU HOLY LORD JESUS CHRIST!!!!!!!
PRAISE YOU HOLY LORD JESUS CHRIST!!!!!!!!
WE WORSHIP YOU HOLY LORD JESUS CHRIST!!!!!!!!!
AMEN!!!!!!!
Thursday, December 31, 2015
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
G O D S P E A K S!!!!!!!
HOW HOLY,AND HOW GRACIOUS GOD IS TO SPEAK TO US!!!!!
"Let there be..." "I AM" "I do not..." "I speak"
"I COME..."
The first thing that God spoke in the Bible is: "Let there be light".
"Then God said, 'Let there be light." and there was light." (Genesis 1:3)
In Exodus 3:14, in answer to Moses' question ("When the children of Israel say to me 'What is His name?' "
"And God said to Moses, 'I AM WHO I AM'"
IN MALACHI 3:6 GOD DECLARES "I AM THE LORD. I DO NOT CHANGE."
After Malachi, the voice of the prophets is silent, the Word of the Old Covenant is closed.
ONLY GOD KNEW at that time that there would be more than 400 Years of waiting for 'MESSIAH'-JESUS CHRIST!!!!!!!
How gracious, loving, and merciful of God to declare to His people "I do not change".
During the period of the Old Testament, God had given to His people 84 of His names; each name revealing a different (Precious) facet of His Holiness!!!!!!!!
In Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John God speaks about the birth of Jesus, His live, and His ministry, His crucifixion, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension to heaven!!!
In Hebrews 1:1-2---
"GOD, who at various times and in various ways spoke in times past to the fathers by the Prophets,
Has in these last days spoken to us by HIS SON JESUS CHRIST, whom He Has appointed heir of all things, through Whom also He made the worlds (or ages)."
In John 8:12, Jesus Christ declares "I am the light."
II Corinthians 4:6 declares:
"For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of JESUS CHRIST."
[yes, read the above verse again!)
In Revelation 21, New Jerusalem is described as descending from Heaven. (verse 10)
Revelation 21:23 --- "the city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The LAMB is it's light."
In Revelation 22:20-21 JESUS CHRIST says: 'Surely I am coming quickly' Amen, even so, come, LORD JESUS!!!
The grace of our LORD JESUS CHRIST be with you all. Amen."
HOW HOLY,AND HOW GRACIOUS GOD IS TO SPEAK TO US!!!!!
"Let there be..." "I AM" "I do not..." "I speak"
"I COME..."
The first thing that God spoke in the Bible is: "Let there be light".
"Then God said, 'Let there be light." and there was light." (Genesis 1:3)
In Exodus 3:14, in answer to Moses' question ("When the children of Israel say to me 'What is His name?' "
"And God said to Moses, 'I AM WHO I AM'"
IN MALACHI 3:6 GOD DECLARES "I AM THE LORD. I DO NOT CHANGE."
After Malachi, the voice of the prophets is silent, the Word of the Old Covenant is closed.
ONLY GOD KNEW at that time that there would be more than 400 Years of waiting for 'MESSIAH'-JESUS CHRIST!!!!!!!
How gracious, loving, and merciful of God to declare to His people "I do not change".
During the period of the Old Testament, God had given to His people 84 of His names; each name revealing a different (Precious) facet of His Holiness!!!!!!!!
In Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John God speaks about the birth of Jesus, His live, and His ministry, His crucifixion, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension to heaven!!!
In Hebrews 1:1-2---
"GOD, who at various times and in various ways spoke in times past to the fathers by the Prophets,
Has in these last days spoken to us by HIS SON JESUS CHRIST, whom He Has appointed heir of all things, through Whom also He made the worlds (or ages)."
In John 8:12, Jesus Christ declares "I am the light."
II Corinthians 4:6 declares:
"For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of JESUS CHRIST."
[yes, read the above verse again!)
In Revelation 21, New Jerusalem is described as descending from Heaven. (verse 10)
Revelation 21:23 --- "the city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The LAMB is it's light."
In Revelation 22:20-21 JESUS CHRIST says: 'Surely I am coming quickly' Amen, even so, come, LORD JESUS!!!
The grace of our LORD JESUS CHRIST be with you all. Amen."
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
WHAT, OR WHOM, ARE YOU BECOMING MORE LIKE?
October 18, 2015
Early in the morning.....while still in bed.....
Meditating on the Names/character virtues, and promises of Holy God our Father, Jesus Christ,
and You, oh Holy Spirit!!! ---
This strengthens my faith, calms my heart, .....and actually changes me (us!) more and more into
the image of Jesus Christ!!!
*** Before I go any further with this, let me confess that I genuinely struggle with "walking out"
the truths that I am sharing in this post.**
(II Corinthians 3:18) :
"But we all, beholding in (God's Word), as in a mirror, the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image (of Jesus Christ), from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord."
Whatever we focus on in our thoughts, wishes/hopes/daydreams - - - we become more like!
Psalm 115: 4-8 speaks of man and his idols, concluding in verse 8: "Those who make (idols) are like them; so is everyone who trusts in them."
Even when we focus on something in dislike, or even hate, we tend to become more like that.
Psychology studies have verified that adults who were abused as children - - - very often end up abusing their own children, or children of other parents - - - thus becoming more like what they focused on in hate.
BUT. We have the MARVELOUS, WONDERFUL, even HOLY privilege of focusing on, meditating on JESUS CHRIST THE HOLY SON OF GOD!!!!!!!
HE IS:"THE BRIGHTNESS OF THE GLORY OF GOD"!!!(Hebrews 1:3)
"JESUS CHRIST-THE POWER OF GOD!" (I Cor. 1:24)
"A CROWN OF GLORY AND A DIADEM (crown) OF BEAUTY"!!!(Isaiah 28:5)
"THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE"> (John 11:25)
"OUR PORTION" (PSALM 16:5)
"OUR SHEPHERD"(Psalm 23)
"OUR RESTING PLACE" (Jeremiah 50:6)
Psalm 1:1-2 - "Blessed is the man (person) who meditates on God's law (God's Word)".
Meditates, (hagah ("hah-GAH) Strong's Concordance # 1897---
NOT a mental exercise only.
In Hebrew thought, to MEDITATE on the Word of God is to quietly repeat the verses in a soft voice, while utterly ABANDONING outside distractions.
Some Names/Virtues/truths to begin with:
"I will fear no evil, for HE, is WITH ME." (Psalm 23:4)
JESUS CHRIST is "HIMSELF my peace". (Ephesians 2:14)
JESUS is "...always with you". (Matthew 28:20)
JESUS is "The way, the truth, and the life." (John 14:6)
THE HOLY SPIRIT will "...guide us into all truth." (John 16:13)
***BE SURE TO READ/STUDY GENESIS 1:1 THROUGH REVELATION 22;21 TO FIND HUNDRREDS AND HUNDREDS OF VIRTUES, NAMES, AND PROMISES OF GOD IN JESUS CHRIST!!!!!!!!!!!!
FOR THE GLORY OF GOD, AND RICH BLESSINGS TO YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!
October 18, 2015
Early in the morning.....while still in bed.....
Meditating on the Names/character virtues, and promises of Holy God our Father, Jesus Christ,
and You, oh Holy Spirit!!! ---
This strengthens my faith, calms my heart, .....and actually changes me (us!) more and more into
the image of Jesus Christ!!!
*** Before I go any further with this, let me confess that I genuinely struggle with "walking out"
the truths that I am sharing in this post.**
(II Corinthians 3:18) :
"But we all, beholding in (God's Word), as in a mirror, the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image (of Jesus Christ), from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord."
Whatever we focus on in our thoughts, wishes/hopes/daydreams - - - we become more like!
Psalm 115: 4-8 speaks of man and his idols, concluding in verse 8: "Those who make (idols) are like them; so is everyone who trusts in them."
Even when we focus on something in dislike, or even hate, we tend to become more like that.
Psychology studies have verified that adults who were abused as children - - - very often end up abusing their own children, or children of other parents - - - thus becoming more like what they focused on in hate.
BUT. We have the MARVELOUS, WONDERFUL, even HOLY privilege of focusing on, meditating on JESUS CHRIST THE HOLY SON OF GOD!!!!!!!
HE IS:"THE BRIGHTNESS OF THE GLORY OF GOD"!!!(Hebrews 1:3)
"JESUS CHRIST-THE POWER OF GOD!" (I Cor. 1:24)
"A CROWN OF GLORY AND A DIADEM (crown) OF BEAUTY"!!!(Isaiah 28:5)
"THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE"> (John 11:25)
"OUR PORTION" (PSALM 16:5)
"OUR SHEPHERD"(Psalm 23)
"OUR RESTING PLACE" (Jeremiah 50:6)
Psalm 1:1-2 - "Blessed is the man (person) who meditates on God's law (God's Word)".
Meditates, (hagah ("hah-GAH) Strong's Concordance # 1897---
NOT a mental exercise only.
In Hebrew thought, to MEDITATE on the Word of God is to quietly repeat the verses in a soft voice, while utterly ABANDONING outside distractions.
Some Names/Virtues/truths to begin with:
"I will fear no evil, for HE, is WITH ME." (Psalm 23:4)
JESUS CHRIST is "HIMSELF my peace". (Ephesians 2:14)
JESUS is "...always with you". (Matthew 28:20)
JESUS is "The way, the truth, and the life." (John 14:6)
THE HOLY SPIRIT will "...guide us into all truth." (John 16:13)
***BE SURE TO READ/STUDY GENESIS 1:1 THROUGH REVELATION 22;21 TO FIND HUNDRREDS AND HUNDREDS OF VIRTUES, NAMES, AND PROMISES OF GOD IN JESUS CHRIST!!!!!!!!!!!!
FOR THE GLORY OF GOD, AND RICH BLESSINGS TO YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thursday, October 22, 2015
THANKSGIVING.............?NOT UNTIL THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26TH??
HOLY GOD - ELOHIM - OUR STRONG CREATOR (Genesis 1:1) created the Universe---
Beautiful leaves - Bright RED, golden YELLOW, Flaming ORANGE, BURGUNDY RED,
many different shades of green!!!!!!! He created the beautiful majestic mountains, beautiful blue lakes, the oceans, the stars in the night skies...........
He created it ALL by SPEAKING it into being!!!!!!! (Genesis 1:1-2:31)
He speaks to us now through His Son Jesus Christ, through His written word the BIBLE, and through His beautiful creation!!!!!!!!
He speaks to us---calling us His "precious jewels" (Malachi 3:17); Jesus Christ calls us His "friends".(John 15:13)
"It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
and to sing praises to Your Name, O Most High"!!!
To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning,
and Your faithfulness every night."
(Psalm 92:1-2)
"Enter into His gates with
thanksgiving,
and into His courts with praise,
Be thankful to Him, and bless His
name." (Psalm 100:4)
He longs to hear US speak to HIM......
"HOLY GOD, ' Abba ("Daddy") Father!!!,
Thank You!!!!!!!
Praise You!!!!!!!
(With HIs own breath) He taught man to breathe. (Genesis 2:7)
Let us speak.....so He can HEAR our Thanksgiving-----
DO NOT WAIT until November 26th to start.........Let's start NOW---thanking and praising Him!!!!!!!
Let us NOT stop at midnight Sunday, November 29th!!!
Let us CONTINUE Thanking Him and Praising Him ---as long as we have breath!!!!!!!
"Let every thing that has breath PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!!!!!!!!
AMEN!!!!!!!
HOLY GOD - ELOHIM - OUR STRONG CREATOR (Genesis 1:1) created the Universe---
Beautiful leaves - Bright RED, golden YELLOW, Flaming ORANGE, BURGUNDY RED,
many different shades of green!!!!!!! He created the beautiful majestic mountains, beautiful blue lakes, the oceans, the stars in the night skies...........
He created it ALL by SPEAKING it into being!!!!!!! (Genesis 1:1-2:31)
He speaks to us now through His Son Jesus Christ, through His written word the BIBLE, and through His beautiful creation!!!!!!!!
He speaks to us---calling us His "precious jewels" (Malachi 3:17); Jesus Christ calls us His "friends".(John 15:13)
"It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
and to sing praises to Your Name, O Most High"!!!
To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning,
and Your faithfulness every night."
(Psalm 92:1-2)
"Enter into His gates with
thanksgiving,
and into His courts with praise,
Be thankful to Him, and bless His
name." (Psalm 100:4)
He longs to hear US speak to HIM......
"HOLY GOD, ' Abba ("Daddy") Father!!!,
Thank You!!!!!!!
Praise You!!!!!!!
(With HIs own breath) He taught man to breathe. (Genesis 2:7)
Let us speak.....so He can HEAR our Thanksgiving-----
DO NOT WAIT until November 26th to start.........Let's start NOW---thanking and praising Him!!!!!!!
Let us NOT stop at midnight Sunday, November 29th!!!
Let us CONTINUE Thanking Him and Praising Him ---as long as we have breath!!!!!!!
"Let every thing that has breath PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!!!!!!!!
AMEN!!!!!!!
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
WHERE IS JESUS CHRIST IN THE MIDST OF YOUR "STORM"?
WHAT IS JESUS CHRIST DOING DURING YOUR "STORM"?
We all have "storms" in our lives. (Yes, we have "weather" storms (heavy rain, lightning, high winds, flash floods.....the potential of trees falling on houses or cars, etc.).
But we also have other types of "storms" in our lives. "Financial storms", for example, if someone loses their job, or other source of income, then bills pile up - with not enough income to pay the bills-----that is certainly a storm.
Health problems can certainly bring "storms" into our lives. If your wife, (or husband, father, etc.)
is struck by a heart attack, stroke, cancer. or other serious illness or injury; and with that can come hospital bills and doctor bills.....absolutely that qualifies as a storm in our lives!
Where is Jesus, and what is He doing;..........and what are we to do???
(Pause)...............
A few months ago at our home, God allowed a thunder storm.....with high winds.....which blew a tree down.....in order to demonstrate His character and His virtues.......All-knowing!!! All powerful!!! Intimately kind and merciful!!!
The tree that was blown down was a very tall tree, and if it had fallen in the wrong direction -----it would have fallen directly on our house!
Let me set the scene for you: We have many trees near our house. There was one specific tree that I have been concerned about for several months. That tree had a single limb, which is approximately 10 feet above the ground; all of the tree that was above that limb.....was dead.
Many times I tried to figure a way to cut the tree above the limb - and make it fall.....away from our home! I never could come up with a safe way to accomplish that. (But I did continue to pray about it!).
So, when the storm came - (heavy rain, high winds).....I did not even think of that specific tree at that time; but as usual - in Jesus' name I prayed "Come Your kingdom Oh God, be done Your will, on earth as it is in heaven"!!! And "Lord, please protect us, and our home."
Indeed, just as He says in Psalm 23:4 ("...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."). He did carry us through the storm with no injury to us nor damage to our home.
It was not until a few days later that I thought to check on that one specific tree.....
WOW!!! WHAT A HOLY GOD!!! ALL- KNOWING!!! ALL POWERFUL!!! EVERYWHERE PRESENT!!! INTIMATELY KIND AND MERCIFUL!!!
Not only did He protect us, and the house,..........He did much, much more!!!
He caused the wind to break the tree - just above the limb, and He caused the tree to fall "sideways" - away from the house!
Also, He caused the tree to lodge between two other trees.....so that it did no harm - even to our other big trees, and..........when I went to cut the dead part of the tree into firewood.....it was in such a perfect position.....that I did not even need to bend over, in order to cut it!!!
He will carry us through the storms. During the storms, He is also taking care of other things - that we are not thinking of as the storm is happening.
"Where is Jesus during our storms?"
On the throne!!! (Hebrews 12:2)
"What is Jesus doing?"
A. Fulfilling His kingdom purposes. (see rest of this message).
B. He is using all things in our lives - to "...change us into (His) very image.." (please read II Corinthians 2:17-18, and Philippians 1:6).
"Once Jesus spoke to a storm and stilled it (Matthew 9:23-26), but on another occasion in the midst of a storm of the fears of His friends, He said simply, "I'm here. Take courage. Don't be afraid" (Matt. 14:27). Then He commanded His friend Peter to walk toward Him right in the midst of the storm that tested his faith. The point is this: Jesus does not remove all the storms even of His friends, but He is present in them with us. He comes walking on top of them to demonstrate to us that He has reasons for them, and to show us His greater glory.
Sometimes the footprints of His presence are not obvious. Even then, the wind and the water are under His feet..................... feet that were nail-pierced on the cross for us!!!!!!!! (Acts 2:22-24)
(thefathersbusiness.com/On the Peace of His Presence)
(Back to the tree).....
As I stood looking at the tree lodged safely between two other trees........the word of God comes to mind.....................
"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)
"...I am with you always..." (Matthew 28:20).
AMEN!!!
.
WHAT IS JESUS CHRIST DOING DURING YOUR "STORM"?
We all have "storms" in our lives. (Yes, we have "weather" storms (heavy rain, lightning, high winds, flash floods.....the potential of trees falling on houses or cars, etc.).
But we also have other types of "storms" in our lives. "Financial storms", for example, if someone loses their job, or other source of income, then bills pile up - with not enough income to pay the bills-----that is certainly a storm.
Health problems can certainly bring "storms" into our lives. If your wife, (or husband, father, etc.)
is struck by a heart attack, stroke, cancer. or other serious illness or injury; and with that can come hospital bills and doctor bills.....absolutely that qualifies as a storm in our lives!
Where is Jesus, and what is He doing;..........and what are we to do???
(Pause)...............
A few months ago at our home, God allowed a thunder storm.....with high winds.....which blew a tree down.....in order to demonstrate His character and His virtues.......All-knowing!!! All powerful!!! Intimately kind and merciful!!!
The tree that was blown down was a very tall tree, and if it had fallen in the wrong direction -----it would have fallen directly on our house!
Let me set the scene for you: We have many trees near our house. There was one specific tree that I have been concerned about for several months. That tree had a single limb, which is approximately 10 feet above the ground; all of the tree that was above that limb.....was dead.
Many times I tried to figure a way to cut the tree above the limb - and make it fall.....away from our home! I never could come up with a safe way to accomplish that. (But I did continue to pray about it!).
So, when the storm came - (heavy rain, high winds).....I did not even think of that specific tree at that time; but as usual - in Jesus' name I prayed "Come Your kingdom Oh God, be done Your will, on earth as it is in heaven"!!! And "Lord, please protect us, and our home."
Indeed, just as He says in Psalm 23:4 ("...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."). He did carry us through the storm with no injury to us nor damage to our home.
It was not until a few days later that I thought to check on that one specific tree.....
WOW!!! WHAT A HOLY GOD!!! ALL- KNOWING!!! ALL POWERFUL!!! EVERYWHERE PRESENT!!! INTIMATELY KIND AND MERCIFUL!!!
Not only did He protect us, and the house,..........He did much, much more!!!
He caused the wind to break the tree - just above the limb, and He caused the tree to fall "sideways" - away from the house!
Also, He caused the tree to lodge between two other trees.....so that it did no harm - even to our other big trees, and..........when I went to cut the dead part of the tree into firewood.....it was in such a perfect position.....that I did not even need to bend over, in order to cut it!!!
He will carry us through the storms. During the storms, He is also taking care of other things - that we are not thinking of as the storm is happening.
"Where is Jesus during our storms?"
On the throne!!! (Hebrews 12:2)
"What is Jesus doing?"
A. Fulfilling His kingdom purposes. (see rest of this message).
B. He is using all things in our lives - to "...change us into (His) very image.." (please read II Corinthians 2:17-18, and Philippians 1:6).
"Once Jesus spoke to a storm and stilled it (Matthew 9:23-26), but on another occasion in the midst of a storm of the fears of His friends, He said simply, "I'm here. Take courage. Don't be afraid" (Matt. 14:27). Then He commanded His friend Peter to walk toward Him right in the midst of the storm that tested his faith. The point is this: Jesus does not remove all the storms even of His friends, but He is present in them with us. He comes walking on top of them to demonstrate to us that He has reasons for them, and to show us His greater glory.
Sometimes the footprints of His presence are not obvious. Even then, the wind and the water are under His feet..................... feet that were nail-pierced on the cross for us!!!!!!!! (Acts 2:22-24)
(thefathersbusiness.com/On the Peace of His Presence)
(Back to the tree).....
As I stood looking at the tree lodged safely between two other trees........the word of God comes to mind.....................
"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)
"...I am with you always..." (Matthew 28:20).
AMEN!!!
.
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
RAINBOWS, PROMISES, YOU, ME, AND OUR TEARS
Genesis 9:8-17
"Then God spoke to Noah and to his
sons with him, saying,
'And as for Me, behold, I establish
My covenant with you and with your
descendants after you.
"and with every living creature
that is with you,, the birds, the cattle,
and every beast of the earth with you,
of all that go out of the ark, every beast
of the earth.
"Thus I establish My covenant
with you. Never again shall all flesh
be cut off by the waters of the flood;
never again shall there be a flood to
destroy the earth.
"And God said, This is the sign
of the covenant between
Me and you, and every living creature
that is with you, for perpetual genera-
tions.
"I set My rainbow in the cloud, and
it shall be for the sign of the covenant
between Me and the earth.
"It shall be, when I bring a cloud
over the earth, that the rainbow shall
be seen in the cloud.
" and I will remember My cov-
enant which is between Me and you
and every living creature of all flesh that
is on the earth.".
"And God said to Noah, 'This is the
sign of the covenant which I have es-
tablished between Me and all flesh that
is on the earth."
A rainbow consists of light, water vapor, and the steadfast, unchanging, Faithful, covenant-keeping/ Intimate love of Almighty God!!!!!!!
"WHO" would choose something so fragile, so ephemeral, as light, and water vapor---to bear (carry)
the weight of being the sign of the Promises of Almighty God to all of man and of the earth?!!!!!!?
WHO?' Almighty GOD, GOD MOST HIGH, Elohim-The Strong Creator God (Gen. 17:1-2, Psalm 47:2, Genesis 1:1).---The same ONE who chose you, and weak Barry, to bare (reveal) the "Weightiness" of His glory through us, and chose us to bear (carry) the weight of His promises.....
glory (Strongs #3519): "Weightiness; that which is substantial or heavy; glory, honor, splendor, power, wealth, authority, magnificence, fame, dignity, riches, and excellency. In the Old Testament,
"heaviness" represented honor and substance."
"WHO?' HE who chooses to reveal His power through our weaknesses"!!! (II Corinthians 12:9)
Okay, so far we have talked about "rainbows", "Promises", "you", and "me".....so what about "tears"?
Holy God, our Abba Father, loves us so deeply, and intimately, that He "keeps our tears in His bottle" (Psalm 56:8). And He knows the story behind each tear (Psalm 139:16)
His love is so good---we can trust Him to fulfill all His promises!!!!!!!!!!!!
In Truth, Jesus Christ is the 'Yes', and the 'Amen' to all of God's promises!!!!!!!!! (II Corinthians 1:20) '
Genesis 9:8-17
"Then God spoke to Noah and to his
sons with him, saying,
'And as for Me, behold, I establish
My covenant with you and with your
descendants after you.
"and with every living creature
that is with you,, the birds, the cattle,
and every beast of the earth with you,
of all that go out of the ark, every beast
of the earth.
"Thus I establish My covenant
with you. Never again shall all flesh
be cut off by the waters of the flood;
never again shall there be a flood to
destroy the earth.
"And God said, This is the sign
of the covenant between
Me and you, and every living creature
that is with you, for perpetual genera-
tions.
"I set My rainbow in the cloud, and
it shall be for the sign of the covenant
between Me and the earth.
"It shall be, when I bring a cloud
over the earth, that the rainbow shall
be seen in the cloud.
" and I will remember My cov-
enant which is between Me and you
and every living creature of all flesh that
is on the earth.".
"And God said to Noah, 'This is the
sign of the covenant which I have es-
tablished between Me and all flesh that
is on the earth."
A rainbow consists of light, water vapor, and the steadfast, unchanging, Faithful, covenant-keeping/ Intimate love of Almighty God!!!!!!!
"WHO" would choose something so fragile, so ephemeral, as light, and water vapor---to bear (carry)
the weight of being the sign of the Promises of Almighty God to all of man and of the earth?!!!!!!?
WHO?' Almighty GOD, GOD MOST HIGH, Elohim-The Strong Creator God (Gen. 17:1-2, Psalm 47:2, Genesis 1:1).---The same ONE who chose you, and weak Barry, to bare (reveal) the "Weightiness" of His glory through us, and chose us to bear (carry) the weight of His promises.....
glory (Strongs #3519): "Weightiness; that which is substantial or heavy; glory, honor, splendor, power, wealth, authority, magnificence, fame, dignity, riches, and excellency. In the Old Testament,
"heaviness" represented honor and substance."
"WHO?' HE who chooses to reveal His power through our weaknesses"!!! (II Corinthians 12:9)
Okay, so far we have talked about "rainbows", "Promises", "you", and "me".....so what about "tears"?
Holy God, our Abba Father, loves us so deeply, and intimately, that He "keeps our tears in His bottle" (Psalm 56:8). And He knows the story behind each tear (Psalm 139:16)
His love is so good---we can trust Him to fulfill all His promises!!!!!!!!!!!!
In Truth, Jesus Christ is the 'Yes', and the 'Amen' to all of God's promises!!!!!!!!! (II Corinthians 1:20) '
Friday, September 11, 2015
"OH HOLY LORD GOD OUR ABBA FATHER, OH HOLY LORD JESUS CHRIST, OH HOLY SPIRIT!!!!!!!!!
In Your Holiness, in Yur Majesty, In Your lovingkindness, You are FOR us,
YOU are everything we need!!!!!!!!!
You Who are ALMIGHTY, YOU ARE OUR "strength"(Isaiah 12:2)
You Who ARE the Word of God (John 1:1, REv. 19:13) You wrote the Psalms (the Song book for the Jews....You are our song (Isaiah 12:2) You are our song of victory, our song of praise, our song of thanksgiving, our song of peace, our song of joy, our song of grief, our song of hope.
Oh Holy Lord Jesus!!! "Hidden in YOU are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge' (Colossians 2:3)....
and You "have been made wisdom to us"!!! (I Corinthians 1:30)
Oh Holy Lord Jesus, You Who are the Prince of peace (Isaiah 9:6), You Who are "the same
yesterday, today, and forever." (Hebrews 13:8 ,
You Who caused even the stormy wind and waves to be calm (Matt. 8:23-27,
You are Yourself our peace " (Ephesians 2:14)
You are our righteousness (II Corinthians 5:21)
YOU Lord Jesus are "our hope". (Psalm 71:5/I Timothy 1:1)
You are our Joy(Hebrews 12:2/Zep;haniah 3:17)
You are our Shepherd (Psalm 23:1/John 1:29/I Peter 5:4)
Thank you!!! Praise You!!! We bow down to You and worship You!!!!!!!!
All glory, honor, praise, worship, and obedience belong to You!!! You are worthy!!!!! (Revelation 5:12)
In Your Holiness, in Yur Majesty, In Your lovingkindness, You are FOR us,
YOU are everything we need!!!!!!!!!
You Who are ALMIGHTY, YOU ARE OUR "strength"(Isaiah 12:2)
You Who ARE the Word of God (John 1:1, REv. 19:13) You wrote the Psalms (the Song book for the Jews....You are our song (Isaiah 12:2) You are our song of victory, our song of praise, our song of thanksgiving, our song of peace, our song of joy, our song of grief, our song of hope.
Oh Holy Lord Jesus!!! "Hidden in YOU are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge' (Colossians 2:3)....
and You "have been made wisdom to us"!!! (I Corinthians 1:30)
Oh Holy Lord Jesus, You Who are the Prince of peace (Isaiah 9:6), You Who are "the same
yesterday, today, and forever." (Hebrews 13:8 ,
You Who caused even the stormy wind and waves to be calm (Matt. 8:23-27,
You are Yourself our peace " (Ephesians 2:14)
You are our righteousness (II Corinthians 5:21)
YOU Lord Jesus are "our hope". (Psalm 71:5/I Timothy 1:1)
You are our Joy(Hebrews 12:2/Zep;haniah 3:17)
You are our Shepherd (Psalm 23:1/John 1:29/I Peter 5:4)
Thank you!!! Praise You!!! We bow down to You and worship You!!!!!!!!
All glory, honor, praise, worship, and obedience belong to You!!! You are worthy!!!!! (Revelation 5:12)
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
"STORMS, CHANGE, JESUS CHRIST REIGNS---UN-CHANGED!!!!!!!"
As I stood under the tree,
A drop of water hit the leaves above me...
.... and sprinkled over me!
This is the "Second Rain".....
The "Morning Rain" after the stormy night,
When the raindrops that were caught on all the trees' leaves...
..let go, and come down as a second blessing.
The sun breaks through the clouds,
shines through---then burns through the fog---
Re-establishing it's reign over the day.
Truly, the sun did not "go away",
Holy God, our Creator, merely rotated the earth---
Giving us the night for peace, and for rest;
Renewing our strength for the next day's work,
And, in His timing, the next test.
The clouds darken the sky,
Bringing thunder and rain.
The storms bring blessings,
The storms bring change.
Above the earth, above life's storms,
The sun is always shining.
On God's throne, Jesus Christ, the Son,
never stops Reigning!!! (Hebrews 8:1)
He will use our rest,
and He will use the tests
To change us more and more into the image of His Son.;
Releasing glory to.........Himself!!!!!!!!!!
(II Corinthians 3:18)
So in our days, and in our nights,
In the calm, and in our storms and fears,
Let us rest in Jesus the Son,
He always Shines! He forever Reigns!
He knows, He understands (Hebrews 4:15)
He saves, and (keeps for Himself!!!!) our every tear.
(Psalm 56:8)
The storms bring rain,
The storms bring change.
But ABOVE ALL things
He Who does NOT change (Mal. 3:6/Heb. 13:8)---
OUR GOD REIGNS!!!!!!!
"You make me lie down in green meadows,
You lead me beside the waters of comfort and rest.
You restore my soul."
You restore my soul.
(Psalm 23:2-3)
Amen.
As I stood under the tree,
A drop of water hit the leaves above me...
.... and sprinkled over me!
This is the "Second Rain".....
The "Morning Rain" after the stormy night,
When the raindrops that were caught on all the trees' leaves...
..let go, and come down as a second blessing.
The sun breaks through the clouds,
shines through---then burns through the fog---
Re-establishing it's reign over the day.
Truly, the sun did not "go away",
Holy God, our Creator, merely rotated the earth---
Giving us the night for peace, and for rest;
Renewing our strength for the next day's work,
And, in His timing, the next test.
The clouds darken the sky,
Bringing thunder and rain.
The storms bring blessings,
The storms bring change.
Above the earth, above life's storms,
The sun is always shining.
On God's throne, Jesus Christ, the Son,
never stops Reigning!!! (Hebrews 8:1)
He will use our rest,
and He will use the tests
To change us more and more into the image of His Son.;
Releasing glory to.........Himself!!!!!!!!!!
(II Corinthians 3:18)
So in our days, and in our nights,
In the calm, and in our storms and fears,
Let us rest in Jesus the Son,
He always Shines! He forever Reigns!
He knows, He understands (Hebrews 4:15)
He saves, and (keeps for Himself!!!!) our every tear.
(Psalm 56:8)
The storms bring rain,
The storms bring change.
But ABOVE ALL things
He Who does NOT change (Mal. 3:6/Heb. 13:8)---
OUR GOD REIGNS!!!!!!!
"You make me lie down in green meadows,
You lead me beside the waters of comfort and rest.
You restore my soul."
You restore my soul.
(Psalm 23:2-3)
Amen.
Friday, August 14, 2015
"...BECAUSE HIS COMPASSIONS FAIL NOT, THEY ARE NEW EVERY MORNING..." (Lamentations 3:22-23)
I look up high at the bright blue sky,
.....I see a butterfly!!! (That's a sign
of new life, new beginnings!!!)
O Holy God! Because of Your mercies
Your "...compassions...are new every morning".
On a day full of joy,
On a day of the mundane,
Or on a day of mourning.
So let that be a praise,
And let it be a warning-
Yesterday is gone,
Tomorrow is not yet,
And of our tomorrows...only HE knows, our God has said.
So let us today be praying, praising, and reverently worshiping God,
And Thanking Him!
Loving God and loving others
And resting in Jesus - God's Son!!!
Let our praises and thanksgivings be many,
Our fears and worries - none...
Having left them in Jesus Christ's nail-scarred hands.
"This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."
(Psalm 118:24)
I look up high at the bright blue sky,
.....I see a butterfly!!! (That's a sign
of new life, new beginnings!!!)
O Holy God! Because of Your mercies
Your "...compassions...are new every morning".
On a day full of joy,
On a day of the mundane,
Or on a day of mourning.
So let that be a praise,
And let it be a warning-
Yesterday is gone,
Tomorrow is not yet,
And of our tomorrows...only HE knows, our God has said.
So let us today be praying, praising, and reverently worshiping God,
And Thanking Him!
Loving God and loving others
And resting in Jesus - God's Son!!!
Let our praises and thanksgivings be many,
Our fears and worries - none...
Having left them in Jesus Christ's nail-scarred hands.
"This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."
(Psalm 118:24)
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
"EVERY GOOD AND PERFECT GIFT COMES FROM ABOVE, AND COMES DOWN FROM THE FATHER..." (James 1:17)
It was by Your grace
as I lay on my face
before You O Holy God!!!
A water drop from above
struck the back of my arm.....
I was NOT under the tree
where we have met so many times before......
I was on my face---
which is my proper place-
because I am always needing
to praise and exalt Jesus Christ,
and humble my self (more).
The water drop gave me no pain
and caused me no harm;
But it served to remind me---
That on His cross Jesus' blood He did pour---
On His cross Jesus took our sins,
He took our pain, He took our shame.....
Giving to us ...HIS NAME (Christian)!!!
That we might (in HIM!!!) forever reign!!!!!!!
O Praise HIs Name!!! O Praise His Name!!!
For the water drop from above
did not come from the tree,
It did not come from the cloud,
It came from the Father's love.
"Every good and perfect gift is from above,
and comes down from the Father..."
(James 1:17)
O PRAISE HIS NAME!!!!!!!
O PRAISE HIS NAME!!!!!!!
It was by Your grace
as I lay on my face
before You O Holy God!!!
A water drop from above
struck the back of my arm.....
I was NOT under the tree
where we have met so many times before......
I was on my face---
which is my proper place-
because I am always needing
to praise and exalt Jesus Christ,
and humble my self (more).
The water drop gave me no pain
and caused me no harm;
But it served to remind me---
That on His cross Jesus' blood He did pour---
On His cross Jesus took our sins,
He took our pain, He took our shame.....
Giving to us ...HIS NAME (Christian)!!!
That we might (in HIM!!!) forever reign!!!!!!!
O Praise HIs Name!!! O Praise His Name!!!
For the water drop from above
did not come from the tree,
It did not come from the cloud,
It came from the Father's love.
"Every good and perfect gift is from above,
and comes down from the Father..."
(James 1:17)
O PRAISE HIS NAME!!!!!!!
O PRAISE HIS NAME!!!!!!!
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
J E S U S C H R I S T --- O U R R I G H T E O U S N E S S !!!
Oh Holy God, Because Jesus Christ - Your Holy Son - poured out His blood, His life.....
He...Your Best...
Jesus became Himself ...our righteousness!!!!!!! (Philippians 3:9)
Thus making us welcome before Holy God's throne!!!
And transforming our cold hearts - into a place where You Oh Holy God
can be "at home." (I Corinthians 3:16/Amplified Bible)...
And changing us...from thinking that we are "all alone"...
to believing and KNOWING that we are forever Your very own.
John laid his head on Jesus' chest,
and made of Jesus - this request:
Master, tell me..."who will betray you?
(John 13:23-25)
Because Jesus paid for you and me the highest possible price..
His blood, His life, He sacrificed........
We can, time after time...lay our heads on Jesus' chest - and confess
Yes, Abba Father, it is I who denied and betrayed Thee.
Please forgive me - so my heart can still be Your home,
For Your blood always avails for me,
And You will never leave me alone.
(I John 1:7/Hebrews 13:5/Matthew 28:20)
Because Jesus poured out His blood, His life---GOD'S BEST---
Jesus Christ became Himself ...our righteousness!!!!!!!
Oh! Worship! Worship! JESUS CHRIST!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh Holy God, Because Jesus Christ - Your Holy Son - poured out His blood, His life.....
He...Your Best...
Jesus became Himself ...our righteousness!!!!!!! (Philippians 3:9)
Thus making us welcome before Holy God's throne!!!
And transforming our cold hearts - into a place where You Oh Holy God
can be "at home." (I Corinthians 3:16/Amplified Bible)...
And changing us...from thinking that we are "all alone"...
to believing and KNOWING that we are forever Your very own.
John laid his head on Jesus' chest,
and made of Jesus - this request:
Master, tell me..."who will betray you?
(John 13:23-25)
Because Jesus paid for you and me the highest possible price..
His blood, His life, He sacrificed........
We can, time after time...lay our heads on Jesus' chest - and confess
Yes, Abba Father, it is I who denied and betrayed Thee.
Please forgive me - so my heart can still be Your home,
For Your blood always avails for me,
And You will never leave me alone.
(I John 1:7/Hebrews 13:5/Matthew 28:20)
Because Jesus poured out His blood, His life---GOD'S BEST---
Jesus Christ became Himself ...our righteousness!!!!!!!
Oh! Worship! Worship! JESUS CHRIST!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thursday, July 2, 2015
"THERE IS A RIVER WHOSE STREAMS SHALL MAKE GLAD THE CITY OF GOD."
(Psalm 46:4)
Because Jesus Christ's blood ran down
From His feet and hands,
From the stripes on His sides and back,
From His thorny crown
Crushed into His brow........
This river.....these streams,
This--- Jesus' blood-
THIS--Flood-----
Cleansed, healed, forgave and saved.....
and does still now.
"...that great day of the feast
(of Tabernacles),
Jesus stood and cried out,
saying, 'If anyone thirsts, let him
come to Me and drink.
"He who believes in Me, as the
Scripture has said, out of his heart
shall flow rivers of living water.'
"But this He spoke concerning the
Spirit, whom those believing in Him
would receive..."
(John 7:37-39a)
In Acts 2:33-39 God speaks to us of those who believe in Jesus Christ...receiving the "...gift of the Holy Spirit"!!!
"He who believes in Me (Jesus Christ )---"...out of him will flow rivers of living water". (John 7:38)
The "...rivers of living water" flowing out of our hearts---may also be manifested as our tears---
tears shed in praise and worship and thanksgiving unto God;
tears of joy in Him;
tears of repentance for our sins;
tears of sadness, tears of grief;
tears of empathy shed for those who are suffering, or are experiencing loss.
`As we who believe in Jesus Christ---
our lives before Him bow---
His rivers of living water
from our hearts will flow---
bringing many, many, many more
into His kingdom---
Oh! Let it be so!!!
"The Lord your 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)
"There is a river whose streams
shall make glad the city of
God.
The holy place of the tabernacle
of the Most High." (Psalm 46:4)
Oh let it be you,
Oh let it be me---
Through whose hearts
His rivers of living waters flow-
OH LET IT BE SO!!!
OH LET IT BE SO!!!!
(Psalm 46:4)
Because Jesus Christ's blood ran down
From His feet and hands,
From the stripes on His sides and back,
From His thorny crown
Crushed into His brow........
This river.....these streams,
This--- Jesus' blood-
THIS--Flood-----
Cleansed, healed, forgave and saved.....
and does still now.
"...that great day of the feast
(of Tabernacles),
Jesus stood and cried out,
saying, 'If anyone thirsts, let him
come to Me and drink.
"He who believes in Me, as the
Scripture has said, out of his heart
shall flow rivers of living water.'
"But this He spoke concerning the
Spirit, whom those believing in Him
would receive..."
(John 7:37-39a)
In Acts 2:33-39 God speaks to us of those who believe in Jesus Christ...receiving the "...gift of the Holy Spirit"!!!
"He who believes in Me (Jesus Christ )---"...out of him will flow rivers of living water". (John 7:38)
The "...rivers of living water" flowing out of our hearts---may also be manifested as our tears---
tears shed in praise and worship and thanksgiving unto God;
tears of joy in Him;
tears of repentance for our sins;
tears of sadness, tears of grief;
tears of empathy shed for those who are suffering, or are experiencing loss.
`As we who believe in Jesus Christ---
our lives before Him bow---
His rivers of living water
from our hearts will flow---
bringing many, many, many more
into His kingdom---
Oh! Let it be so!!!
"The Lord your 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)
"There is a river whose streams
shall make glad the city of
God.
The holy place of the tabernacle
of the Most High." (Psalm 46:4)
Oh let it be you,
Oh let it be me---
Through whose hearts
His rivers of living waters flow-
OH LET IT BE SO!!!
OH LET IT BE SO!!!!
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
"IT WAS A THURSDAY EVENING IN JERUSALEM..."
(THE INFINITE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD, AND HIS INTIMATE LOVE FOR EACH AND EVERY ONE OF US).....
FIRST: In John 16:13 Jesus Christ says: "...He (the Holy Spirit)...will guide you into all truth".
So PLEASE for this message, and continuing through your life, ask the Holy spirit to "guide you into all truth".
SECOND: PLEASE. read this slowly and carefully, noting the date and location of EACH section. But don't get "hung up" over it-----all will become clear at the end!
(Psalm 139:1-3. 16) "O Lord, You have searched me and known me,
"You know my sitting down and my rising up;
You understand my thought afar off.
"You comprehend my path and my lying down,
and are acquainted with all my ways.
"Your eyes saw my substance,
being yet unformed.
"And in Your book they all were
written, (before I was born)
"The days fashioned for me...".
I. (Approximately AD 33 [Jerusalem, Israel]
It was ...on a Thursday evening (in Jerusalem) Jesus observed the Passover meal with His disciples.
(This Passover meal........became the 1st Lord's Supper).
II. (November 29, 2012) [Jerusalem, Israel]
It was a Thursday evening in Jerusalem----it had been an exciting day---we had visited places where Jesus Christ had walked and taught, where He had prayed, worshiped, and healed people!!!
III. (Approximately AD 33 [Jerusalem, Israel]
The next day (Friday) Jesus would accomplish the redemption-when He died on the cross for you and for me. (Matthew 27:35-54).
IV. (November 29, 2012) [Jerusalem, Israel]
For the next day (Friday), it was planned that we would visit the Dead Sea.
V. (Approximately AD 33) [Jerusalem, Israel]
Jesus and the disciples finished the Passover meal/Lord's Supper---"...And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives." (Matthew 26:30)
[A thorough study of Jewish History shows that "...in every dwelling where the Passover was celebrated...Psalm 115 through Psalm 118 were sung". (This would be the "hymn" that Jesus and the disciples sang...mentioned above in Matt. 26:30) ].
VI. (November 30, 2012) [Jerusalem, Israel]
Friday, November 30th, I (Barry) awoke very early,.....and I was very nauseous. I knew right away that I was not going anywhere that day.
I urged my wife, Mary, to go on with the rest of the tour group that day, and she very graciously did go. I knew that she would be praying for me, that she would ask other members of the tour group to pray for me, and I knew that our family and church were praying for us.
Before Mary left that morning, she thoughtfully contacted the front desk of the hotel, and she asked that housekeeping NOT clean our room that day - so that I would not be disturbed.
After Mary left, I went back to sleep for a while. When I awoke.....I felt.....horrible! I had a terrible burning sensation in my stomach - that continued on and on! I had some Pepto-Bismol tablets, and some other remedies.....but nothing helped. Nothing.
I got my Bible.......planning to read, pray, and declare portions of Psalm 119 - because recently, when I had a serious infection.....I repeatedly prayed/proclaimed/sang from that psalm - like "Lord, revive me according to Your word,..... revive me according to Your faithfulness.....revive me according to Your love..."-----and the Lord did indeed revive me then!!!
BUT,...the Holy Spirit first stopped me at Psalm 118 (verses 13-39), and He drew my attention especially to verse 15.
By God enabling me - I began reading His word aloud, praying, proclaiming, prophesying, singing His word..
Listen to Psalm 118-verse 15---
"The voice of rejoicing and salvation (healing) is in the tents of the righteous."
Because the blood of Jesus Christ covers me - I am righteous! (Romans 3:22-25/Colossians 1:20).
According to God's Word - my "....body is the temple (tent) of the Holy Spirit." (I Cor. 6:19)--------thus the voice of Jesus Christ's rejoicing (healing) is IN me (and in you)!!!!!!!!!
As I continued praying, declaring, proclaiming, prophesying,, singing this word from God.....and THANKING Him (Philippians 4:6-8)--------I heard a knocking on the door of our room----------It was a young man from housekeeping - asking me if I wanted him to clean our room.
(Now remember, Mary had asked Housekeeping to NOT clean our room.)
I told the young man that I needed more tissue.. (He gave me an abundance of tissue).
I further explained that I did not want him to clean the room "because I am sick".
When I told him that I was sick........this young man - with such earnestness, such lovingkindness, such assurance- said: "Drink some of this tea, it WILL calm your stomach."
He showed me exactly how to make the tea, and then he left.
I knew that I was to do exactly as he said. I made the tea, and drank it slowly, Almost immediately, I began to feel better! I made another cup of the tea and drank it. Within a short while, I felt totally better - the sickness was gone!!!!!
As I thanked our Holy God, and reflected on how with such assurance and lovingkindness the young man told me "This tea WILL calm your stomach"--------the Holy Spirit brought to my remembrance His Word in Psalm 63:3 - "Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise you.".....
I wept tears of thanksgiving, and
I wept tears of thanksgiving, and
I wept rears of thanksgiving.
So, to summarize: Thursday evening (AD 33) in Jerusalem...Jesus Christ-knowing that He would be crucified the next day.......knowing (Psalm 139:16) that He would have me in Jerusalem November 30, 2012 very sick, needing Him, needing His healing ---He sang the song (Psalm 118-verse 15) that He used to heal me on November 30, 2012!!!!!!!
On November 30, 2012.....He did not want me to GO to the DEAD SEA........
He wanted me to STAY, and SEE..... (experience-for-myself)... HIM. HIS LIFE, HIS INTIMATE LOVE for me.
GOD SHOWS NO PARTIALITY. (Please see Acts 10:34-35). He loves each and every person the same. He paid the same price for each one of us--------the HIGHEST POSSIBLE PRICE (the death of His son Jesus Christ on the cross!!!!!!)
Be encouraged to continually seek the Lord, asking Him to show you the intimacy of His love for YOU; free Him and trust Him to show you in the way and timing that will give Him the most glory!!!
"JESUS CHRIST IS THE SAME YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND FOREVER." (Hebrews 13:8)
(THE INFINITE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD, AND HIS INTIMATE LOVE FOR EACH AND EVERY ONE OF US).....
FIRST: In John 16:13 Jesus Christ says: "...He (the Holy Spirit)...will guide you into all truth".
So PLEASE for this message, and continuing through your life, ask the Holy spirit to "guide you into all truth".
SECOND: PLEASE. read this slowly and carefully, noting the date and location of EACH section. But don't get "hung up" over it-----all will become clear at the end!
(Psalm 139:1-3. 16) "O Lord, You have searched me and known me,
"You know my sitting down and my rising up;
You understand my thought afar off.
"You comprehend my path and my lying down,
and are acquainted with all my ways.
"Your eyes saw my substance,
being yet unformed.
"And in Your book they all were
written, (before I was born)
"The days fashioned for me...".
I. (Approximately AD 33 [Jerusalem, Israel]
It was ...on a Thursday evening (in Jerusalem) Jesus observed the Passover meal with His disciples.
(This Passover meal........became the 1st Lord's Supper).
II. (November 29, 2012) [Jerusalem, Israel]
It was a Thursday evening in Jerusalem----it had been an exciting day---we had visited places where Jesus Christ had walked and taught, where He had prayed, worshiped, and healed people!!!
III. (Approximately AD 33 [Jerusalem, Israel]
The next day (Friday) Jesus would accomplish the redemption-when He died on the cross for you and for me. (Matthew 27:35-54).
IV. (November 29, 2012) [Jerusalem, Israel]
For the next day (Friday), it was planned that we would visit the Dead Sea.
V. (Approximately AD 33) [Jerusalem, Israel]
Jesus and the disciples finished the Passover meal/Lord's Supper---"...And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives." (Matthew 26:30)
[A thorough study of Jewish History shows that "...in every dwelling where the Passover was celebrated...Psalm 115 through Psalm 118 were sung". (This would be the "hymn" that Jesus and the disciples sang...mentioned above in Matt. 26:30) ].
VI. (November 30, 2012) [Jerusalem, Israel]
Friday, November 30th, I (Barry) awoke very early,.....and I was very nauseous. I knew right away that I was not going anywhere that day.
I urged my wife, Mary, to go on with the rest of the tour group that day, and she very graciously did go. I knew that she would be praying for me, that she would ask other members of the tour group to pray for me, and I knew that our family and church were praying for us.
Before Mary left that morning, she thoughtfully contacted the front desk of the hotel, and she asked that housekeeping NOT clean our room that day - so that I would not be disturbed.
After Mary left, I went back to sleep for a while. When I awoke.....I felt.....horrible! I had a terrible burning sensation in my stomach - that continued on and on! I had some Pepto-Bismol tablets, and some other remedies.....but nothing helped. Nothing.
I got my Bible.......planning to read, pray, and declare portions of Psalm 119 - because recently, when I had a serious infection.....I repeatedly prayed/proclaimed/sang from that psalm - like "Lord, revive me according to Your word,..... revive me according to Your faithfulness.....revive me according to Your love..."-----and the Lord did indeed revive me then!!!
BUT,...the Holy Spirit first stopped me at Psalm 118 (verses 13-39), and He drew my attention especially to verse 15.
By God enabling me - I began reading His word aloud, praying, proclaiming, prophesying, singing His word..
Listen to Psalm 118-verse 15---
"The voice of rejoicing and salvation (healing) is in the tents of the righteous."
Because the blood of Jesus Christ covers me - I am righteous! (Romans 3:22-25/Colossians 1:20).
According to God's Word - my "....body is the temple (tent) of the Holy Spirit." (I Cor. 6:19)--------thus the voice of Jesus Christ's rejoicing (healing) is IN me (and in you)!!!!!!!!!
As I continued praying, declaring, proclaiming, prophesying,, singing this word from God.....and THANKING Him (Philippians 4:6-8)--------I heard a knocking on the door of our room----------It was a young man from housekeeping - asking me if I wanted him to clean our room.
(Now remember, Mary had asked Housekeeping to NOT clean our room.)
I told the young man that I needed more tissue.. (He gave me an abundance of tissue).
I further explained that I did not want him to clean the room "because I am sick".
When I told him that I was sick........this young man - with such earnestness, such lovingkindness, such assurance- said: "Drink some of this tea, it WILL calm your stomach."
He showed me exactly how to make the tea, and then he left.
I knew that I was to do exactly as he said. I made the tea, and drank it slowly, Almost immediately, I began to feel better! I made another cup of the tea and drank it. Within a short while, I felt totally better - the sickness was gone!!!!!
As I thanked our Holy God, and reflected on how with such assurance and lovingkindness the young man told me "This tea WILL calm your stomach"--------the Holy Spirit brought to my remembrance His Word in Psalm 63:3 - "Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise you.".....
I wept tears of thanksgiving, and
I wept tears of thanksgiving, and
I wept rears of thanksgiving.
So, to summarize: Thursday evening (AD 33) in Jerusalem...Jesus Christ-knowing that He would be crucified the next day.......knowing (Psalm 139:16) that He would have me in Jerusalem November 30, 2012 very sick, needing Him, needing His healing ---He sang the song (Psalm 118-verse 15) that He used to heal me on November 30, 2012!!!!!!!
On November 30, 2012.....He did not want me to GO to the DEAD SEA........
He wanted me to STAY, and SEE..... (experience-for-myself)... HIM. HIS LIFE, HIS INTIMATE LOVE for me.
GOD SHOWS NO PARTIALITY. (Please see Acts 10:34-35). He loves each and every person the same. He paid the same price for each one of us--------the HIGHEST POSSIBLE PRICE (the death of His son Jesus Christ on the cross!!!!!!)
Be encouraged to continually seek the Lord, asking Him to show you the intimacy of His love for YOU; free Him and trust Him to show you in the way and timing that will give Him the most glory!!!
"JESUS CHRIST IS THE SAME YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND FOREVER." (Hebrews 13:8)
Thursday, June 4, 2015
G O D' S D E F I N I T I O N O F G O O D !!!!!!!!!
Oh Holy and Almighty God!!!!!!!
It was under this (Your) tree
That I stood
When You reminded me
That You saved me---
Because YOU are so GOOD!!!
Our definition of "good"
might be "cake and ice cream".
YOUR definition of "good"
is beyond what we could dream!
Your definition of "good" ----
Is that EVERY ONE and ALL CREATION be redeemed!!!!!!!
You paid the highest possible price---
So that we EACH can be saved ---
from death, hell, sin, and the grave.
YOUR good is SO GOOD-----
To be saved or not - You give us the choice!
YOU are so GOOD - IN You we can always rejoice!!!!!!!!
"Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4) is actually a command!!!
"This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118.24) is a daily CHOICE!!!
God's perfect love for us is so Deep, so Good - "...He rejoices over us-----with SINGING!!! (Zephaniah 3:17)
By asking, and allowing, the Holy Spirit to enable us-----we can rejoice UNTO Him...(Because He---the Creator of the universe!!!!!!!) rejoices over us!!!
And we can "...rejoice IN the Lord as His word directs us!!!!! (Philippians 4:4)
Be encouraged to "Rejoice in the Lord!!!" whatever the circumstances!!!!!
When we do, it both pleases and honors God.
And He blesses us!!!
TO HIS GLORY FOREVER!!!.
Oh Holy and Almighty God!!!!!!!
It was under this (Your) tree
That I stood
When You reminded me
That You saved me---
Because YOU are so GOOD!!!
Our definition of "good"
might be "cake and ice cream".
YOUR definition of "good"
is beyond what we could dream!
Your definition of "good" ----
Is that EVERY ONE and ALL CREATION be redeemed!!!!!!!
You paid the highest possible price---
So that we EACH can be saved ---
from death, hell, sin, and the grave.
YOUR good is SO GOOD-----
To be saved or not - You give us the choice!
YOU are so GOOD - IN You we can always rejoice!!!!!!!!
"Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4) is actually a command!!!
"This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118.24) is a daily CHOICE!!!
God's perfect love for us is so Deep, so Good - "...He rejoices over us-----with SINGING!!! (Zephaniah 3:17)
By asking, and allowing, the Holy Spirit to enable us-----we can rejoice UNTO Him...(Because He---the Creator of the universe!!!!!!!) rejoices over us!!!
And we can "...rejoice IN the Lord as His word directs us!!!!! (Philippians 4:4)
Be encouraged to "Rejoice in the Lord!!!" whatever the circumstances!!!!!
When we do, it both pleases and honors God.
And He blesses us!!!
TO HIS GLORY FOREVER!!!.
Friday, May 22, 2015
JESUS CHRIST'S TREE
A few days ago, early in the morning, it was raining - a very light, sprinkling rain, so I stopped and stood under a tree to get out of the rain......
Suddenly,
A drop of rain hit me on the top of my head.
I laughed, and said -
Father, You got me!
I'm standing under a tree,
But You got me!!!
He Who knows me and loves me intimately,
"Got me" forever on a tree---
Called Jesus' cross at Calvary;
There He died for you and me.
'Though He died and was buried,
He was not done yet.
Conquering sin, death, and the grave,
He brought victory!!!
Now, giving His life to you and me.
He is still not finished---
Because you and I are not complete.
By His word and His Spirit
He is transforming us to be...
so that in you and me
Others can see
Jesus Christ the King---
Lover, Life-giver, and Eternal Victory!!!
So let us - His pupils,
The "apples of His eye",
Never fall far from His tree;
So His reign in, and over us,
Will bring many others
To Him for eternity.
A few days ago, early in the morning, it was raining - a very light, sprinkling rain, so I stopped and stood under a tree to get out of the rain......
Suddenly,
A drop of rain hit me on the top of my head.
I laughed, and said -
Father, You got me!
I'm standing under a tree,
But You got me!!!
He Who knows me and loves me intimately,
"Got me" forever on a tree---
Called Jesus' cross at Calvary;
There He died for you and me.
'Though He died and was buried,
He was not done yet.
Conquering sin, death, and the grave,
He brought victory!!!
Now, giving His life to you and me.
He is still not finished---
Because you and I are not complete.
By His word and His Spirit
He is transforming us to be...
so that in you and me
Others can see
Jesus Christ the King---
Lover, Life-giver, and Eternal Victory!!!
So let us - His pupils,
The "apples of His eye",
Never fall far from His tree;
So His reign in, and over us,
Will bring many others
To Him for eternity.
Thursday, May 21, 2015
THE PREEMINENCE OF JESUS CHRIST!!!!!!!!!!!!
"...that in all things He may have the preeminence." (Colossians 1:18)
(that in all things Jesus Christ may be recognized as Supreme, of First Importance!!!).
Let's begin with a brief look at the disciple of Jesus Christ named John. As Jesus' disciple, John walked with Jesus, He sat under Jesus Christ's teaching for approximately three and one-half years. John saw Jesus perform miracles, He went to the top of the Mount of Transfiguration with Jesus, where Jesus spoke with Moses and Elijah.....John was a friend of Jesus. (John 1:1 - John 21:25; John 15:14-15)
Now, let us look at John.....now an elderly man...exiled to the island of Patmos for preaching the gospel.
(Remember, when Jesus was here on earth, John was a disciple and fiend of Jesus.....now, let us see, and hear, what John saw and heard of Jesus - after Jesus has ascended to heaven!!!).........
Revelation 1:9-18 --- "I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.
"I was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day, and I heard behind a loud voice, as of a trumpet,
"saying, I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last...
"Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me." ("see the voice".....Have you ever thought about SEEING a voice??? Keep reading, and the graphic description of the "voice" will enable you to see it in your "mind's eye", and by the Holy Spirit to see it in your heart!!!!!!!!!).
"Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands,
"and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band.
"His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire.
"His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters.
"He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance (face) was like the sun shining in its strength.
"And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, 'Do not be afraid, I am the First and the Last.
"I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. I have the keys of Hades and of Death.'" (Revelation 1:9-18)
[I am sure that most of you who are reading this are familiar with Niagara Falls, which is located in the state of New York, where it borders Canada. Many of you have either visited Niagara Falls,, or at least seen it on television or in movies. Whether you have seen it or not........please ask, and allow, the Holy Spirit to "...guide you into all the truth" (John 16:13); and let your "sanctified imagination" help you to SEE the voice, and all that is described above in Revelation 1:9-18........
You can hear Niagara Falls from a distance. When you get close to the falls...you can hear almost nothing BUT the falls! It is indeed a thundering sound...but it never stops like ordinary thunder does! The air is FILLED with water! If it is a sunny day when you see the falls.........rainbows are all over the place! EVERYTHING that is anywhere near the falls is permeated, SOAKED with water!!!!!!!
And God created Niagara Falls (Genesis 1:1 - 2:7). It is proved throughout God's Word that the Creator is infinitely superior to everything that is created. Therefore "...His voice as the sound of many waters" is infinitely greater than Niagara Falls!!!!!!!].
Let us keep in our hearts, our minds, and our spirits how HOLY and how AWESOME JESUS CHRIST is !!!!!!!!!
"...that in ALL things Jesus Christ may have the preeminence."!! (Colossians 1:18)
That in every part of our lives, and in ALL things---Jesus Christ is First and Supreme!!!!!!!
There are two Key words in this message, and for the rest of our lives; the rest of our lives begins the MOMENT you finish reading this sentence.
The two key words are "In", and "All" "In", and "All".
(Not just "all in", meaning "fully committed".) "In", and "All".
We are to be continually setting our hearts on: (A) Jesus Christ being preeminent (first in order, supreme) in ALL things; and (B) our completeness IN HIM.!!!
All right now, Let us begin THINKING, REPEATING, AND BELIEVING these "Alls" about JESUS CHRIST:
"Firstborn over all creation" (Col. 1:15) (not just the timing of His physical birth:- but His exalted position!!!)
"For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers (rulers or authorities). All things were created through Him and by Him." (v. 16)
"And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist".(Col 1:17)
"...He upholds, maintains, guides, and propels the universe...by His mighty word of power"!!!
(Hebrews 1:3/Amplified Bible)
"...For it pleased the Father that in Him (Jesus) all the fullness should dwell, and by (Jesus) to reconcile all things to Himself, by (Jesus) whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross." (Col. 1:19-20)
"In..(Jesus Christ) are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."(Col. 2:3)
(A little joke: You mean Jesus Christ has more wisdom and knowledge than "Google" and "Wikipedia"? YES!!!!!!! "In Jesus Christ are hidden ALL the treasuries of (TRUE) knowledge and wisdom."
"Jesus Christ... is the head of all principality and power (rule and authority)." (Col. 2:10)
NOW, begin agreeing-with-Jesus Christ about us-IN HIM:
IN JESUS CHRIST we may: (Colossians 1:9-14; 2:12-14)
know His will, fully please Him, be strengthened,
qualify to partake of the inheritance of the saints in the light;
be conveyed out of the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of the Son of His love,
have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins;
buried with Him in baptism, .in which we were also raised with Him
through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead,
made alive together with Him; (He) having...nailed to the cross all
requirements against us..."!!!(Colossians 1:9-14; 2:12-14)
Did you get all of that?
Can you remember all of it?
THANKFULLY, He wrote it down for us!!!!!!! (You will find it in Colossians chapters 1-4, and Revelation 1:9-18).
PLEASE Study it for yourself! "...the Holy Spirit will guide you into all truth." (John 16:13)
He can make it intimately personal for you!!!!!
For now, remember 4 things:
1) Jesus Christ is to be Preeminent in ALL things!!! (Col. 1:18)
2) We are (each) "...complete IN HIM" (Col. 2:10)
3) Our lives are "...hidden with Christ IN GOD." (Col. 3:3)
4) GOD IS IN CONTROL!!!!!!!!!!!!
For the absolute glory of JESUS CHIST!!!!!!!!
"...that in all things He may have the preeminence." (Colossians 1:18)
(that in all things Jesus Christ may be recognized as Supreme, of First Importance!!!).
Let's begin with a brief look at the disciple of Jesus Christ named John. As Jesus' disciple, John walked with Jesus, He sat under Jesus Christ's teaching for approximately three and one-half years. John saw Jesus perform miracles, He went to the top of the Mount of Transfiguration with Jesus, where Jesus spoke with Moses and Elijah.....John was a friend of Jesus. (John 1:1 - John 21:25; John 15:14-15)
Now, let us look at John.....now an elderly man...exiled to the island of Patmos for preaching the gospel.
(Remember, when Jesus was here on earth, John was a disciple and fiend of Jesus.....now, let us see, and hear, what John saw and heard of Jesus - after Jesus has ascended to heaven!!!).........
Revelation 1:9-18 --- "I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.
"I was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day, and I heard behind a loud voice, as of a trumpet,
"saying, I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last...
"Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me." ("see the voice".....Have you ever thought about SEEING a voice??? Keep reading, and the graphic description of the "voice" will enable you to see it in your "mind's eye", and by the Holy Spirit to see it in your heart!!!!!!!!!).
"Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands,
"and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band.
"His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire.
"His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters.
"He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance (face) was like the sun shining in its strength.
"And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, 'Do not be afraid, I am the First and the Last.
"I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. I have the keys of Hades and of Death.'" (Revelation 1:9-18)
[I am sure that most of you who are reading this are familiar with Niagara Falls, which is located in the state of New York, where it borders Canada. Many of you have either visited Niagara Falls,, or at least seen it on television or in movies. Whether you have seen it or not........please ask, and allow, the Holy Spirit to "...guide you into all the truth" (John 16:13); and let your "sanctified imagination" help you to SEE the voice, and all that is described above in Revelation 1:9-18........
You can hear Niagara Falls from a distance. When you get close to the falls...you can hear almost nothing BUT the falls! It is indeed a thundering sound...but it never stops like ordinary thunder does! The air is FILLED with water! If it is a sunny day when you see the falls.........rainbows are all over the place! EVERYTHING that is anywhere near the falls is permeated, SOAKED with water!!!!!!!
And God created Niagara Falls (Genesis 1:1 - 2:7). It is proved throughout God's Word that the Creator is infinitely superior to everything that is created. Therefore "...His voice as the sound of many waters" is infinitely greater than Niagara Falls!!!!!!!].
Let us keep in our hearts, our minds, and our spirits how HOLY and how AWESOME JESUS CHRIST is !!!!!!!!!
"...that in ALL things Jesus Christ may have the preeminence."!! (Colossians 1:18)
That in every part of our lives, and in ALL things---Jesus Christ is First and Supreme!!!!!!!
There are two Key words in this message, and for the rest of our lives; the rest of our lives begins the MOMENT you finish reading this sentence.
The two key words are "In", and "All" "In", and "All".
(Not just "all in", meaning "fully committed".) "In", and "All".
We are to be continually setting our hearts on: (A) Jesus Christ being preeminent (first in order, supreme) in ALL things; and (B) our completeness IN HIM.!!!
All right now, Let us begin THINKING, REPEATING, AND BELIEVING these "Alls" about JESUS CHRIST:
"Firstborn over all creation" (Col. 1:15) (not just the timing of His physical birth:- but His exalted position!!!)
"For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers (rulers or authorities). All things were created through Him and by Him." (v. 16)
"And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist".(Col 1:17)
"...He upholds, maintains, guides, and propels the universe...by His mighty word of power"!!!
(Hebrews 1:3/Amplified Bible)
"...For it pleased the Father that in Him (Jesus) all the fullness should dwell, and by (Jesus) to reconcile all things to Himself, by (Jesus) whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross." (Col. 1:19-20)
"In..(Jesus Christ) are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."(Col. 2:3)
(A little joke: You mean Jesus Christ has more wisdom and knowledge than "Google" and "Wikipedia"? YES!!!!!!! "In Jesus Christ are hidden ALL the treasuries of (TRUE) knowledge and wisdom."
"Jesus Christ... is the head of all principality and power (rule and authority)." (Col. 2:10)
NOW, begin agreeing-with-Jesus Christ about us-IN HIM:
IN JESUS CHRIST we may: (Colossians 1:9-14; 2:12-14)
know His will, fully please Him, be strengthened,
qualify to partake of the inheritance of the saints in the light;
be conveyed out of the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of the Son of His love,
have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins;
buried with Him in baptism, .in which we were also raised with Him
through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead,
made alive together with Him; (He) having...nailed to the cross all
requirements against us..."!!!(Colossians 1:9-14; 2:12-14)
Did you get all of that?
Can you remember all of it?
THANKFULLY, He wrote it down for us!!!!!!! (You will find it in Colossians chapters 1-4, and Revelation 1:9-18).
PLEASE Study it for yourself! "...the Holy Spirit will guide you into all truth." (John 16:13)
He can make it intimately personal for you!!!!!
For now, remember 4 things:
1) Jesus Christ is to be Preeminent in ALL things!!! (Col. 1:18)
2) We are (each) "...complete IN HIM" (Col. 2:10)
3) Our lives are "...hidden with Christ IN GOD." (Col. 3:3)
4) GOD IS IN CONTROL!!!!!!!!!!!!
For the absolute glory of JESUS CHIST!!!!!!!!
Friday, April 17, 2015
THE PAIN.....OR THE JOY AND PEACE.....WHICH DO YOU WANT TO CONTINUE???
The pain of rejection can be excruciating, and the pain can continue for years and years...the pain can possibly continue for the rest of your life!!
But IN Jesus Christ you can be accepted -forever!!! Once you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord---you are accepted IN Him!!!!!!!! And you are accepted forever---because "....Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."!!!!!!!!! (Ephesians 1:6/Hebrews 13:8) And, there
are many, many other blessings in addition to being accepted in Him!!!!!!!!
Before anyone ever rejected you...Holy God "...CHOSE you as His-in-Jesus Christ [God's Beloved Son].. "!!!!!!! (Ephesians 1:4)
Your Heavenly Father saw you and APPROVED of you - while you were still in your mother's womb (Psalm 139:16-19). And He ADOPTED you!!! (Ephesians 1:5/Romans 8:15)
So HOLY GOD - The Creator of the Universe - CHOSE you, ADOPTED you, and ACCEPTED YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh! How Awesome He Is!!!!!!!
In spite of the rejection that you have suffered---please join me now in declaring unto God:
"Holy God You are the God of truth (Deuteronomy 32:4; Lord Jesus Christ You are the Truth (John 14:6); Oh Holy Spirit, You are the Spirit of truth (John 16:13)---Everything YOU say about me in Your Word is true:
[Oh Holy Spirit please guide me into all the truth"] (John 16:13);
"I am blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. (Ephesians 1:3)
"I am chosen by You, my Father. (Eph. 1:4)
"I am holy and without blame. (Eph. 1:4)
"I am Your child according to the good pleasure of Your will. (Eph. 1:5)
"I am accepted in the Beloved. (Eph. 1:6)
"I am redeemed through the blood of Jesus. (Eph. 1:7)
"I am a person of wisdom and prudence. (Eph.1:8)
"I have a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. (Eph. 1:17)
"I am saved by Your grace. (Eph. 2:5)
"I am seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. (Eph. 2:6)
"I am Your workmanship. (Eph. 2:10)
"I am near to You by the blood of Jesus Christ. (Eph.2:13)
"I am a new creation. (Eph. 2:15)
"I am of Your household. (Eph. 2:19)
"I am a citizen of heaven. (Eph. 2:19)
"I am a partaker of Your promises in Christ. (2 Peter 1:4)
"I am strengthened with might by Your Spirit. (Eph. 3:16)
"I allow Jesus Christ to dwell in my heart by faith. (Eph. 3:17)
"I am rooted and grounded in love, (Eph. 3:17)
"I speak the truth in love. (Eph. 4:15)
"I am renewed in the spirit of my mind. (Eph. 4:23)
"I am Your follower. (Eph. 5:1)
"I walk in love. (Eph. 5:2)
"I am light in You. (Eph. 5:8)
"I walk circumspectly. (Eph. 5:15)
"I am filled with the Spirit. (Eph. 5:18)
"I am more than a conqueror. (Romans 8:37)
"I am an overcomer. (Revelation 12:11)
"I am Your righteousness in Christ Jesus. (I Corinthians 1:30)
"I am healed. (I Peter 2:24)
"I am free. (John 8:36)
"I am salt. (Matthew 5:13)
"I am consecrated. (I Cor. 6:11/Amplified Bible)
"I am sanctified. (I Cor. 6:11/Amplified Bible)
"I am victorious. (I John 5:4)
Everything YOU say about me is true, Lord.
Oh Praise Your Holy Name Lord Jesus Christ!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank You!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Continue to read His word OFTEN!!!
Be blessed to let His Word wash over you, fill you, bless you, strengthen you, comfort you, heal you, protect you, continuously renew your mind, affirm you, and transform you more and more into the image of Jesus Christ (by the Holy Spirit)!!!!!!!!! [II Corinthians 3:18)
AMEN.
The pain of rejection can be excruciating, and the pain can continue for years and years...the pain can possibly continue for the rest of your life!!
But IN Jesus Christ you can be accepted -forever!!! Once you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord---you are accepted IN Him!!!!!!!! And you are accepted forever---because "....Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."!!!!!!!!! (Ephesians 1:6/Hebrews 13:8) And, there
are many, many other blessings in addition to being accepted in Him!!!!!!!!
Before anyone ever rejected you...Holy God "...CHOSE you as His-in-Jesus Christ [God's Beloved Son].. "!!!!!!! (Ephesians 1:4)
Your Heavenly Father saw you and APPROVED of you - while you were still in your mother's womb (Psalm 139:16-19). And He ADOPTED you!!! (Ephesians 1:5/Romans 8:15)
So HOLY GOD - The Creator of the Universe - CHOSE you, ADOPTED you, and ACCEPTED YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh! How Awesome He Is!!!!!!!
In spite of the rejection that you have suffered---please join me now in declaring unto God:
"Holy God You are the God of truth (Deuteronomy 32:4; Lord Jesus Christ You are the Truth (John 14:6); Oh Holy Spirit, You are the Spirit of truth (John 16:13)---Everything YOU say about me in Your Word is true:
[Oh Holy Spirit please guide me into all the truth"] (John 16:13);
"I am blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. (Ephesians 1:3)
"I am chosen by You, my Father. (Eph. 1:4)
"I am holy and without blame. (Eph. 1:4)
"I am Your child according to the good pleasure of Your will. (Eph. 1:5)
"I am accepted in the Beloved. (Eph. 1:6)
"I am redeemed through the blood of Jesus. (Eph. 1:7)
"I am a person of wisdom and prudence. (Eph.1:8)
"I have a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. (Eph. 1:17)
"I am saved by Your grace. (Eph. 2:5)
"I am seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. (Eph. 2:6)
"I am Your workmanship. (Eph. 2:10)
"I am near to You by the blood of Jesus Christ. (Eph.2:13)
"I am a new creation. (Eph. 2:15)
"I am of Your household. (Eph. 2:19)
"I am a citizen of heaven. (Eph. 2:19)
"I am a partaker of Your promises in Christ. (2 Peter 1:4)
"I am strengthened with might by Your Spirit. (Eph. 3:16)
"I allow Jesus Christ to dwell in my heart by faith. (Eph. 3:17)
"I am rooted and grounded in love, (Eph. 3:17)
"I speak the truth in love. (Eph. 4:15)
"I am renewed in the spirit of my mind. (Eph. 4:23)
"I am Your follower. (Eph. 5:1)
"I walk in love. (Eph. 5:2)
"I am light in You. (Eph. 5:8)
"I walk circumspectly. (Eph. 5:15)
"I am filled with the Spirit. (Eph. 5:18)
"I am more than a conqueror. (Romans 8:37)
"I am an overcomer. (Revelation 12:11)
"I am Your righteousness in Christ Jesus. (I Corinthians 1:30)
"I am healed. (I Peter 2:24)
"I am free. (John 8:36)
"I am salt. (Matthew 5:13)
"I am consecrated. (I Cor. 6:11/Amplified Bible)
"I am sanctified. (I Cor. 6:11/Amplified Bible)
"I am victorious. (I John 5:4)
Everything YOU say about me is true, Lord.
Oh Praise Your Holy Name Lord Jesus Christ!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank You!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Continue to read His word OFTEN!!!
Be blessed to let His Word wash over you, fill you, bless you, strengthen you, comfort you, heal you, protect you, continuously renew your mind, affirm you, and transform you more and more into the image of Jesus Christ (by the Holy Spirit)!!!!!!!!! [II Corinthians 3:18)
AMEN.
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
A M E D I T A T I O N
################################################################################
*** Please read this as a meditation, reading slowly, aloud to your self, speaking in a soft voice.**
################################################################################
Oh Holy God, Oh Holy Lord Jesus, Oh Holy Spirit,
Oh Holy God, Oh Holy Lord Jesus, Oh Holy Spirit.
Oh Yahweh, Oh Yeshua, Ruach HaKodesh (Hebrew for "Holy Spirit")
Oh Yahweh, Oh Yeshua, Ruach HaKodesh.
Yes You are, Yes You are, Yes You are,
Yes You are, Yes You are, Yes You are.
Yeshu-ah, Yeshu-ah, Yeshu-ah,
Yeshu-ah, Yeshu-ah, Yeshu-ah.
..............................................................................................................................
"Neshamah" (ne-sha-mah) the Hebrew word for "breath". [Psalm 150:6]
[In Genesis 2:7, God breathed into man's nostrils the nishmat chayim, "breath of life."]
"Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.!" (Psalm 150:6)
"Shalom" (shah-loam) Hebrew word for "peace". [Nahum 1:15]
"Jehovah Immeka" Hebrew for "THE LORD is with you". [Judges 6:12]
"Menuchah" (meh-noo-chah) Hebrew word for "...place of stillness, rest,, and peace; menuchah is
greatly soothing, comforting and settling." [Isaiah 28:12]
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
*** All right, by the power of the Holy Spirit, let's put it all together now........PLEASE read this as a meditation, reading slowly, aloud to yourself, speaking in a soft voice. Also, singing it softly is very calming, soothing, and comforting.
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
"Oh Holy God, Oh Holy Lord Jesus, Oh Holy Spirit, Oh Yahweh,, Yeshua, Ruach HaKodesh, Oh Yahweh, Oh Yeshua, Ruach HaKodesh, Oh Yeshu-ah, Yeshu-ah, Yeshu-ah...Yes You are , ..Yes You are...Yes You are...Yeshu-ah,...Yeshu-ah...Yeshu-ah...neshamah (see above)...neshamah, neshamah...shalom, shalom, shalom... Jehovah Immeka, Jehovah Immeka, Jehovah Immeka,...Menuchah, Menuchah, Menuchah...Shalom, Shalom, Shalom.. Shalom.....Shalom.
Repeat. Repeat.
"I love you, Jesus."
"I belong to You forever!!!!!!!!"
Amen!!!
***Please repeat this frequently!!!!!!! ****
################################################################################
*** Please read this as a meditation, reading slowly, aloud to your self, speaking in a soft voice.**
################################################################################
Oh Holy God, Oh Holy Lord Jesus, Oh Holy Spirit,
Oh Holy God, Oh Holy Lord Jesus, Oh Holy Spirit.
Oh Yahweh, Oh Yeshua, Ruach HaKodesh (Hebrew for "Holy Spirit")
Oh Yahweh, Oh Yeshua, Ruach HaKodesh.
Yes You are, Yes You are, Yes You are,
Yes You are, Yes You are, Yes You are.
Yeshu-ah, Yeshu-ah, Yeshu-ah,
Yeshu-ah, Yeshu-ah, Yeshu-ah.
..............................................................................................................................
"Neshamah" (ne-sha-mah) the Hebrew word for "breath". [Psalm 150:6]
[In Genesis 2:7, God breathed into man's nostrils the nishmat chayim, "breath of life."]
"Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.!" (Psalm 150:6)
"Shalom" (shah-loam) Hebrew word for "peace". [Nahum 1:15]
"Jehovah Immeka" Hebrew for "THE LORD is with you". [Judges 6:12]
"Menuchah" (meh-noo-chah) Hebrew word for "...place of stillness, rest,, and peace; menuchah is
greatly soothing, comforting and settling." [Isaiah 28:12]
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
*** All right, by the power of the Holy Spirit, let's put it all together now........PLEASE read this as a meditation, reading slowly, aloud to yourself, speaking in a soft voice. Also, singing it softly is very calming, soothing, and comforting.
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
"Oh Holy God, Oh Holy Lord Jesus, Oh Holy Spirit, Oh Yahweh,, Yeshua, Ruach HaKodesh, Oh Yahweh, Oh Yeshua, Ruach HaKodesh, Oh Yeshu-ah, Yeshu-ah, Yeshu-ah...Yes You are , ..Yes You are...Yes You are...Yeshu-ah,...Yeshu-ah...Yeshu-ah...neshamah (see above)...neshamah, neshamah...shalom, shalom, shalom... Jehovah Immeka, Jehovah Immeka, Jehovah Immeka,...Menuchah, Menuchah, Menuchah...Shalom, Shalom, Shalom.. Shalom.....Shalom.
Repeat. Repeat.
"I love you, Jesus."
"I belong to You forever!!!!!!!!"
Amen!!!
***Please repeat this frequently!!!!!!! ****
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
ICE & RAINBOWS. . . . . . . .LEAVES & FAITHFULNESS!!!!!!!!!
FEBRUARY 27, 2015 (Early morning).....Looking out the window at.........
The beautiful, brilliant sunlight (Son-light) being reflected by the ice crystals of the melted - (now frozen) snow-----The ice crystals - countless, numberless.....each reflecting all of the colors of the rainbow--------(more about the colors in a moment);
The rainbow is a sign of God's covenant-keeping/ God's promises/God's faithfulness!!! "The rainbow shall be in the cloud, and I will look on it to remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature..."(Genesis 9:14-16) "If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself." (II Timothy 2:13)... (Also see 1 Kings 8:56).
.
The infinite "number" of ice crystals- (every single crystal is unique!)- reflecting the light of the sun (Son )---is in itself a "reflection" of the glory that our Holy God is worthy to receive!!!!!!!
He is "...worthy...to receive ALL the wisdom, might, riches, glory, honor, splendor, blessing, ...praise...worship...adoration...thanksgiving...reverence...obedience...and love"........forever!!!!!!!
(Revelation 4:11; 5:12; I Peter 4:11; and Genesis 1:1 - Revelation 22:21)
The patches of snow/ice crystals are framed by expanses of leaves on the ground. All of the leaves on the ground, plus all of the leaves that God puts on the trees, bushes, etc. every year--------Let's allow every leaf that we see... be a reminder to us of God's promise to each one of us: "I will never leave you nor forsake you."!!! (Hebrews 13:5)
Back to the light reflected by the ice crystals.....viewed from slightly different angles, the light does contain all of the colors of the rainbow (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet). [The sign of God, His covenant].
O Holy God!!! In Your righteousness, Your grace, Your omnipotence, in the transcendant beauty of Your infinite, and intimate love, you will "...always lead us in triumph"!!! (II Cor. 2:14)
And Your Holy Son, Jesus Christ, is the "Yes" to every promise of God!!! (II Corinthians 1:20)
Now there will be times when we feel forsaken; but we must not allow our emotions or feelings to rule our lives, for emotions and feelings are often not consistent with the truth.
To summarize........as long as the sun rises, God's Son Jesus Christ is always with us, and always He is for us. (Mathew 28:20) Wherever we are-----as long as we CONTINUE to praise Him and worship Him and thank Him, as we CONTINUE to ask Him and trust Him and obey Him, then His "light and truth..." will lead us. (Psalm 43:3)
JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF DECLARES:
"I am the light". (John 8:12)
"I am the way, the truth, and the life." (John 14:6)
"My words will no means pass away."(Matthew 24:35)
GOD'S WORD DECLARES:
Jesus Christ is the "Yes" answer to every promise of God. (II Cor. 1:20)
Jesus Christ is "...the same yesterday, today, and forever". (Hebrews 13:8)
"I will never leave you nor forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5)
"Therefore He (Jesus Christ) is able to save to the uttermost (forever) those who come to God through Him..."!!!!!!!!! (Hebrews 7:25)
AMEN!!!
HALLELUJAH!!!
PRAISE YOU O HOLY LORD JESUS!!!
PRAISE YOU O HOLY GOD!!!
FEBRUARY 27, 2015 (Early morning).....Looking out the window at.........
The beautiful, brilliant sunlight (Son-light) being reflected by the ice crystals of the melted - (now frozen) snow-----The ice crystals - countless, numberless.....each reflecting all of the colors of the rainbow--------(more about the colors in a moment);
The rainbow is a sign of God's covenant-keeping/ God's promises/God's faithfulness!!! "The rainbow shall be in the cloud, and I will look on it to remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature..."(Genesis 9:14-16) "If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself." (II Timothy 2:13)... (Also see 1 Kings 8:56).
.
The infinite "number" of ice crystals- (every single crystal is unique!)- reflecting the light of the sun (Son )---is in itself a "reflection" of the glory that our Holy God is worthy to receive!!!!!!!
He is "...worthy...to receive ALL the wisdom, might, riches, glory, honor, splendor, blessing, ...praise...worship...adoration...thanksgiving...reverence...obedience...and love"........forever!!!!!!!
(Revelation 4:11; 5:12; I Peter 4:11; and Genesis 1:1 - Revelation 22:21)
The patches of snow/ice crystals are framed by expanses of leaves on the ground. All of the leaves on the ground, plus all of the leaves that God puts on the trees, bushes, etc. every year--------Let's allow every leaf that we see... be a reminder to us of God's promise to each one of us: "I will never leave you nor forsake you."!!! (Hebrews 13:5)
Back to the light reflected by the ice crystals.....viewed from slightly different angles, the light does contain all of the colors of the rainbow (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet). [The sign of God, His covenant].
O Holy God!!! In Your righteousness, Your grace, Your omnipotence, in the transcendant beauty of Your infinite, and intimate love, you will "...always lead us in triumph"!!! (II Cor. 2:14)
And Your Holy Son, Jesus Christ, is the "Yes" to every promise of God!!! (II Corinthians 1:20)
Now there will be times when we feel forsaken; but we must not allow our emotions or feelings to rule our lives, for emotions and feelings are often not consistent with the truth.
To summarize........as long as the sun rises, God's Son Jesus Christ is always with us, and always He is for us. (Mathew 28:20) Wherever we are-----as long as we CONTINUE to praise Him and worship Him and thank Him, as we CONTINUE to ask Him and trust Him and obey Him, then His "light and truth..." will lead us. (Psalm 43:3)
JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF DECLARES:
"I am the light". (John 8:12)
"I am the way, the truth, and the life." (John 14:6)
"My words will no means pass away."(Matthew 24:35)
GOD'S WORD DECLARES:
Jesus Christ is the "Yes" answer to every promise of God. (II Cor. 1:20)
Jesus Christ is "...the same yesterday, today, and forever". (Hebrews 13:8)
"I will never leave you nor forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5)
"Therefore He (Jesus Christ) is able to save to the uttermost (forever) those who come to God through Him..."!!!!!!!!! (Hebrews 7:25)
AMEN!!!
HALLELUJAH!!!
PRAISE YOU O HOLY LORD JESUS!!!
PRAISE YOU O HOLY GOD!!!
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
J E S U S, Y O U C A M E ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
{You will find yourself in this list, (maybe in different categories on different days). He came, asking you to allow Him to live His life in you, and through you---because He loves you--- so passionately; and He came that His "...kingdom will come, His will be done, on earth as it is in heaven"!!! } (Matthew 6:9-10)
*** Please read this slowly, meditating as you read. **
For the tired, for the weary,
For the pushed, for the hurried,
You came, Jesus , You came!!!
For the lost, for the lonely,
For the hurting, for the homeless,
Jesus Christ, Jesus only ........can save.
Jesus, You came; Jesus, You save!!!
(Matt. 1:21)
For those afraid, or when you're depressed-
God understands - He sent His Best.
Jesus, You came, You understand; (Isaiah 40:28)
You are "our glory, the Lifter of our head".
(Psalm 3:3)
God's "grace and truth", "rich in mercy";
Bringing God's favor, His "wisdom to us"!
Jesus, You came - Forever You reign!!!
(Ephesians 2:4/John 1:17/ I Cor. 1:30)
You are "our peace", Lord , (Eph. 2:14)
Our joy and our hope. ( Psalm 43:4/I Tim. 1:1)
You are "our strength", Lord,
And You are "our song". (Isaiah 12:2)
"So He (Jesus) came to Nazareth (to your home)... And as His custom (is) He read...the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written:
'The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me
Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
"To proclaim liberty to the captives,
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set at liberty those who are oppressed;
To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.'
"Then He closed the book,
and gave it back to the attendant and sat down.
And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue
were fixed on Him."
"And He began to say to them, 'Today this
Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."
(Luke 4:16-21)
*** Paraphrase **
Then He closed the book,
and gave it to the attendant and sat down.
And the eyes and hearts of us all are fixed on HIM.
And He says to us, 'Today this Scripture is
fulfilled in your hearing. Will you receive it?
He says TO YOU and TO ME: "Will you allow Me
to reign in you and through you NOW...so that
you can reign WITH ME forever"???!!!!!
"Surely I am coming quickly." (Revelation 22:21)
{You will find yourself in this list, (maybe in different categories on different days). He came, asking you to allow Him to live His life in you, and through you---because He loves you--- so passionately; and He came that His "...kingdom will come, His will be done, on earth as it is in heaven"!!! } (Matthew 6:9-10)
*** Please read this slowly, meditating as you read. **
For the tired, for the weary,
For the pushed, for the hurried,
You came, Jesus , You came!!!
For the lost, for the lonely,
For the hurting, for the homeless,
Jesus Christ, Jesus only ........can save.
Jesus, You came; Jesus, You save!!!
(Matt. 1:21)
For those afraid, or when you're depressed-
God understands - He sent His Best.
Jesus, You came, You understand; (Isaiah 40:28)
You are "our glory, the Lifter of our head".
(Psalm 3:3)
God's "grace and truth", "rich in mercy";
Bringing God's favor, His "wisdom to us"!
Jesus, You came - Forever You reign!!!
(Ephesians 2:4/John 1:17/ I Cor. 1:30)
You are "our peace", Lord , (Eph. 2:14)
Our joy and our hope. ( Psalm 43:4/I Tim. 1:1)
You are "our strength", Lord,
And You are "our song". (Isaiah 12:2)
"So He (Jesus) came to Nazareth (to your home)... And as His custom (is) He read...the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written:
'The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me
Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
"To proclaim liberty to the captives,
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set at liberty those who are oppressed;
To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.'
"Then He closed the book,
and gave it back to the attendant and sat down.
And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue
were fixed on Him."
"And He began to say to them, 'Today this
Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."
(Luke 4:16-21)
*** Paraphrase **
Then He closed the book,
and gave it to the attendant and sat down.
And the eyes and hearts of us all are fixed on HIM.
And He says to us, 'Today this Scripture is
fulfilled in your hearing. Will you receive it?
He says TO YOU and TO ME: "Will you allow Me
to reign in you and through you NOW...so that
you can reign WITH ME forever"???!!!!!
"Surely I am coming quickly." (Revelation 22:21)
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
THE TRANSFORMING BEAUTY OF HIS LIGHT!!!!!!!!
February 17, 2015
Standing here in our living room.....looking out the window...at the brilliant, incredible beauty of the sun shining through the trees - that Holy God has coated with crystal-like ice - transforming each tree into a Heavenly crystal chandelier!!!
I look down, and see the sunlight shining upon a ceramic dish on the table in front of the window........The top edge of the dish is carved so that the shadow (caused by the sun shining through the dish)........spells: F A I T H.
[Yes, read that (above) again!!!]
Jesus Christ is reminding each one of us that HE is "the light" (John 8:12)!!! He so passionately desires - to so beam through us the light of the truth that shines from HIS tree (the cross upon which He was crucified for our sins) the "...truth that sets us free" (John 8:32)!!!!!!!
His light-His truth (John 8:12, 14:6) will thereby transform our lives into "Light-bearers" - ones who reflect His light for all to see - HIM - the light of heaven (Revelation 21:23)!!!
TODAY Jesus Christ calls us to bow down before Him, and to ask Him to fill-us-to-overflowing-with Himself!!!!!!!!
In agreement with His Word in Psalm 43:3 Let us declare---
"Oh, send out Your light and Your truth!
"Let them lead me..." !!!!!
(By the power of the Holy Spirit, I am doing that right now).
Oh please join me in this!!!!!
For the glory of Our Lord Jesus Christ!!!!!!!
February 17, 2015
Standing here in our living room.....looking out the window...at the brilliant, incredible beauty of the sun shining through the trees - that Holy God has coated with crystal-like ice - transforming each tree into a Heavenly crystal chandelier!!!
I look down, and see the sunlight shining upon a ceramic dish on the table in front of the window........The top edge of the dish is carved so that the shadow (caused by the sun shining through the dish)........spells: F A I T H.
[Yes, read that (above) again!!!]
Jesus Christ is reminding each one of us that HE is "the light" (John 8:12)!!! He so passionately desires - to so beam through us the light of the truth that shines from HIS tree (the cross upon which He was crucified for our sins) the "...truth that sets us free" (John 8:32)!!!!!!!
His light-His truth (John 8:12, 14:6) will thereby transform our lives into "Light-bearers" - ones who reflect His light for all to see - HIM - the light of heaven (Revelation 21:23)!!!
TODAY Jesus Christ calls us to bow down before Him, and to ask Him to fill-us-to-overflowing-with Himself!!!!!!!!
In agreement with His Word in Psalm 43:3 Let us declare---
"Oh, send out Your light and Your truth!
"Let them lead me..." !!!!!
(By the power of the Holy Spirit, I am doing that right now).
Oh please join me in this!!!!!
For the glory of Our Lord Jesus Christ!!!!!!!
Thursday, February 12, 2015
"A LITTLE JOKE"
It happened when I was a young boy.....
My parents had taught me to ALWAYS be reverent toward God.
On a certain day, I was telling a joke to my mother. It was a very clean, simple joke; but because it had been so strongly emphasized to me to "always stand in awe of Holy God"--------I was a little nervous and unsure.....so I said to Mother: "Mama, God loves a little joke, doesn't He?"
Mother answered: "Sure! He loves you , doesn't He?"
I was a little taken aback by what she said........but after hesitating for a moment, I answered: "Yes, Ma'am"; then we both had a good laugh!
And yes! "the Lord, the Most High God" (Genesis 14:22), "The Holy One of Israel" (Isaiah 29:19) -
He does approve of laughter. In Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 He declares: "To everything there is a season...' a time to weep, and a time to laugh...". The word used in that passage for "laugh" means: " to laugh; to rejoice; to play; to be amused..." (Strong's # 7832).
With all that (above) in mind, may I share with you another "little joke".....
My lovely wife Mary gave to me an "early Valentine gift" - a new book cover for my Bible!!! This new Bible cover is very nice. In addition to covering and protecting my Bible, it also has a separate compartment that holds a writing pad and a highlighter pen.
Enclosed in the new cover was a pad of foam rubber - designed to maintain the cover in the proper shape during shipping.
When I described this gift to my pastor, I told him about all the various benefits of the cover (the carrying strap, separate compartment with the writing pad, highlighter pen, etc.). Then I told him:
"Another benefit that came with the cover is a 'foam pad.....that will make a great pillow if I get to feeling sleepy during one of your sermons!!!!!"
[Yes, he very graciously laughed WITH me!!!!!]
Most Holy God!!! I pray that you will bless my lovely wife Mary, my pastor Roger Bourgeois, and each of you dear brothers and sisters - in Your name : "GOD my exceeding joy"!!! (Psalm 43:4) Amen.
It happened when I was a young boy.....
My parents had taught me to ALWAYS be reverent toward God.
On a certain day, I was telling a joke to my mother. It was a very clean, simple joke; but because it had been so strongly emphasized to me to "always stand in awe of Holy God"--------I was a little nervous and unsure.....so I said to Mother: "Mama, God loves a little joke, doesn't He?"
Mother answered: "Sure! He loves you , doesn't He?"
I was a little taken aback by what she said........but after hesitating for a moment, I answered: "Yes, Ma'am"; then we both had a good laugh!
And yes! "the Lord, the Most High God" (Genesis 14:22), "The Holy One of Israel" (Isaiah 29:19) -
He does approve of laughter. In Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 He declares: "To everything there is a season...' a time to weep, and a time to laugh...". The word used in that passage for "laugh" means: " to laugh; to rejoice; to play; to be amused..." (Strong's # 7832).
With all that (above) in mind, may I share with you another "little joke".....
My lovely wife Mary gave to me an "early Valentine gift" - a new book cover for my Bible!!! This new Bible cover is very nice. In addition to covering and protecting my Bible, it also has a separate compartment that holds a writing pad and a highlighter pen.
Enclosed in the new cover was a pad of foam rubber - designed to maintain the cover in the proper shape during shipping.
When I described this gift to my pastor, I told him about all the various benefits of the cover (the carrying strap, separate compartment with the writing pad, highlighter pen, etc.). Then I told him:
"Another benefit that came with the cover is a 'foam pad.....that will make a great pillow if I get to feeling sleepy during one of your sermons!!!!!"
[Yes, he very graciously laughed WITH me!!!!!]
Most Holy God!!! I pray that you will bless my lovely wife Mary, my pastor Roger Bourgeois, and each of you dear brothers and sisters - in Your name : "GOD my exceeding joy"!!! (Psalm 43:4) Amen.
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
The NUMBERS OF HOPE 3:16 (John 3:16)
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
In the Bible, the number "3" stands for Divine perfection.
God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
(Colossians 2:2, 6, 9; John 16:13)
The number "1":
"Hear, O Israel: 'The Lord God, the Lord is one!' "
(Deuteronomy 6:4)
The number "6":
"6" is the number of man; (man was created on the 6th day
of creation. (see Genesis 1:3-31)
Everyone of us is incomplete - until we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord!!!
Man (6), plus God (1) = 7. In God's Word (the Bible), "7" is the number for perfect, complete:
"And on the seventh day God ended His work (creation) which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done.
"Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made." (Genesis 2:2-3)
Holy God, our Father, Creator of the universe, "The High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy" (Isaiah 57:15); He Who is Almighty (Gen. 17:1-2), and Righteous (Psalm 4:1) ........yet He loves each and every one of us with His infinite AND intimate love!!!
He "...chose (you and me) in Jesus Christ before the foundation of the world..." (Ephesians 1:4)........knowing the times that we would sin against Him, and break His heart;...knowing that He would have to allow His Son Jesus Christ to be "broken" and crucified on the cross for our sins........
But also knowing all the moments when we would be obedient to Him---and that He would receive glory and joy - because of what He is doing in us and through us!!!! [LORD! May those times that we are obedient to You always be on the increase!!!] God says to us: "I love you, My child."
With His most tender lovingkindness, He "put us together in our mother's womb" (Psalm 139:13-15)........He "...wrote down our every day before we were born" (Psalm 139:16................
In His holy love He prepared, and directed to my eyes, the light beams that came from the sun, to reflect off the rose-red branches that I stood by Monday morning...in order to remind me (and now remind you) how intimate and how powerful His love is.
[The tree branches were "rose-red": RED - because of Jesus Christ's blood that He shed on the cross as He was giving His life FOR our sins. ROSE - because Jesus "A-rose" from the grave to give His life TO us!!!!!!! (Luke 23:33 - 24:6)]
With His same all-knowing yet perfectly-intimate love........He grew the trees...that became the two wooden beams that made up the cross...on which He was crucified for you and for me!
With His same eternal love, He "through men" wrote every single letter of His Word the Bible---His love letter to each of us - spelling out: "I know the plans I have for you...plans for good...to give you a future and a hope.." (Jeremiah 29:11)........"In this love letter are both My guidance and My enablement for how to follow me day-by-day and moment-by-moment........
"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow you all the days of your life...you will live with Me in My house forever" (Psalm 23:1-6)........I am "the same yesterday, today, and forever" (Hebrews 13:8)........I am "with you always" (Matt. 28:20)
I AM YOUR HOPE. (I Timothy 1:1)
Your "Abba (Daddy) Father"
(Romans 8:15)
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
In the Bible, the number "3" stands for Divine perfection.
God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
(Colossians 2:2, 6, 9; John 16:13)
The number "1":
"Hear, O Israel: 'The Lord God, the Lord is one!' "
(Deuteronomy 6:4)
The number "6":
"6" is the number of man; (man was created on the 6th day
of creation. (see Genesis 1:3-31)
Everyone of us is incomplete - until we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord!!!
Man (6), plus God (1) = 7. In God's Word (the Bible), "7" is the number for perfect, complete:
"And on the seventh day God ended His work (creation) which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done.
"Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made." (Genesis 2:2-3)
Holy God, our Father, Creator of the universe, "The High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy" (Isaiah 57:15); He Who is Almighty (Gen. 17:1-2), and Righteous (Psalm 4:1) ........yet He loves each and every one of us with His infinite AND intimate love!!!
He "...chose (you and me) in Jesus Christ before the foundation of the world..." (Ephesians 1:4)........knowing the times that we would sin against Him, and break His heart;...knowing that He would have to allow His Son Jesus Christ to be "broken" and crucified on the cross for our sins........
But also knowing all the moments when we would be obedient to Him---and that He would receive glory and joy - because of what He is doing in us and through us!!!! [LORD! May those times that we are obedient to You always be on the increase!!!] God says to us: "I love you, My child."
With His most tender lovingkindness, He "put us together in our mother's womb" (Psalm 139:13-15)........He "...wrote down our every day before we were born" (Psalm 139:16................
In His holy love He prepared, and directed to my eyes, the light beams that came from the sun, to reflect off the rose-red branches that I stood by Monday morning...in order to remind me (and now remind you) how intimate and how powerful His love is.
[The tree branches were "rose-red": RED - because of Jesus Christ's blood that He shed on the cross as He was giving His life FOR our sins. ROSE - because Jesus "A-rose" from the grave to give His life TO us!!!!!!! (Luke 23:33 - 24:6)]
With His same all-knowing yet perfectly-intimate love........He grew the trees...that became the two wooden beams that made up the cross...on which He was crucified for you and for me!
With His same eternal love, He "through men" wrote every single letter of His Word the Bible---His love letter to each of us - spelling out: "I know the plans I have for you...plans for good...to give you a future and a hope.." (Jeremiah 29:11)........"In this love letter are both My guidance and My enablement for how to follow me day-by-day and moment-by-moment........
"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow you all the days of your life...you will live with Me in My house forever" (Psalm 23:1-6)........I am "the same yesterday, today, and forever" (Hebrews 13:8)........I am "with you always" (Matt. 28:20)
I AM YOUR HOPE. (I Timothy 1:1)
Your "Abba (Daddy) Father"
(Romans 8:15)
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
"ANSWERS TO PRAYER..........TISSUE, TEA, AND TEARS"
Someone has said: "God answers our prayers---"Yes"; "No"; or "Wait".
I am not going to spend time discussing that.
I am simply declaring that in His Word, God commands us to pray.
In His Word, God calls us to pray.
In His Word, you will find that God enables us to pray.
As you pray His Word, you will experience-for-yourself that God answers your prayers........
because "...He...is able to carry out His purpose...and do...far over and above all that we dare
ask [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]..."
(Ephesians 3:19/Amplified Bible)
WOW!!! WOW!!! I have to read that verse (above) again!!!! Yeah! Me too!!!!!
In truth, we will find out that God Himself is the answer to our prayers!!!!!!!!
He answers all of our prayers: "Yes." "I am God."
"I am the Lord, I change not." (Malachi 3:6) "I always do that which is intimately best for
you [as if you were my only child (see Psalm 139:1-18, 23-24)].....and, infinitely best for all
My kingdom.
But don't accept (Barry's) word for all this.......ask the Holy Spirit to "...guide you into all truth".
[In John 16:13, Jesus Christ declares: "...He (the Holy Spirit) will guide you into all truth."]
May I please share with you how my wife (Mary) and I experienced-this-for-ourselves on a trip not
very long ago...
ANSWERS TO PRAYER: TISSUE, TEA, AND TEARS.
By God's great grace He enabled Mary and me to take a trip to Israel (Nov.26 - Dec. 5, 2012).
As is consistent with His character - God far exceeded our highest hopes and dreams!!!
God took us to many holy places in His-Land-Israel, and He revealed His holiness into our
hearts many times.
For a few minutes, I would like to focus on a particular day..........
Friday, Nov 30th, I awoke very early.......and I was very nauseous; I knew right away that I was
not going anywhere that day.
I urged Mary to go on with the rest of the tour group that day, and she very graciously did go.
I knew that Mary would be praying for me, that she would ask some of the tour group to pray
for me. I knew that our church members were praying for us, and our family was praying for us.
Before Mary left that morning, she thoughtfully contacted the front desk of the hotel, and asked that
housekeeping NOT clean our room that day - so that I would not be disturbed.
After Mary left, I went back to sleep for a while. When I awoke..........I felt.....horrible! I had a terrible burning sensation in my stomach - that just continued on and on! I had some Pepto-Bismol tablets, and some other remedies.....but nothing helped. Nothing.
I got out my Bible.....planning to read, pray, and declare portions of Psalm 119 - because recently, when I had a serious sinus infection.....I repeatedly prayed/proclaimed/sang several verses from Psalm 119 - like "Lord, revive me according to Your word.....revive me according to Your faithfulness.....revive me according to Your love..." and the Lord did indeed revive me then!!! Praise His name!!!!!!!
But.....the Holy Spirit stopped me at Psalm 118 (Psalm One Hundred EIGHTEEN!!!), verse 15---
"The voice of rejoicing and salvation (healing) is in the tents of the righteous..."
(Only) because the blood of Jesus Christ covers me - I AM righteous.
According to God's word - my " body is the temple (tent) of the Holy Spirit." (I Corinthians 6:19)--------The voice of Jesus Christ's rejoicing and salvation (healing) is IN ME!!!!!!!! (and in you if you belong to Him!!!)
As I continued praying, declaring, proclaiming, prophesying, this word from God.....and thanking Him (Philippians 4:6-8)..........I heard a knocking on the door of our room..........
In the (physical), the person knocking on our door was a young man from "housekeeping" - asking me if I wanted him to clean our room.
(Now remember, Mary had asked housekeeping to NOT clean our room).
I told the young man that I needed more tissue. (He gave me an abundance of tissue!)
I further explained to him that I did not want him to clean the room "because I am sick".
When I told him that I was sick.....this young man - with such earnestness, such lovingkindness, and such assurance said: "Drink some of this hot tea, it WILL calm your stomach"
He showed me how exactly how to make the tea, and then he left.
I knew that I was to do exactly as he said. I made the tea, drank it slowly. Almost immediately, I began to feel better! I made another cup of the tea and drank it. Within a short while, I felt totally better - the sickness was gone.
As I thanked our Holy God, and reflected on how with such assurance and lovingkindness the young man told me "This tea WILL calm your stomach"........the Holy Spirit brought to my remembrance His word in Psalm 63:3--- "Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise you".
I wept tears of thanksgiving, and
I wept tears of thanksgiving, and
I wept tears of thanksgiving.
(I have prayed much about this, on that specific day, and since that day. I do not think that it was an angel, but Jesus Christ Himself that ministered to me through that young man).
As I continued to read, pray, and proclaim His Word that afternoon, the Lord strongly emphasized some more verses to me:
Psalm 119: 49-50: "Remember the word to your servant, upon which you have caused me to hope. This is my comfort in my affliction, for Your Word has given me life."
Psalm 119:71: "It is GOOD for me that I was afflicted, that I may learn Your (Word)".
That evening, when Mary arrived back at our room from that day's tour - I shared with her about my day.........and I could hardly speak - because I was weeping tears of joy and thanksgiving - for "His lovingkindness is better than life." (Psalm 63:3)
Today The LORD GOD has some questions for us:
Will you CONTINUE to pray?
Will you INCREASE your praying?
Will you PRAY, PROCLAIM, PROPHESY, and SING MY WORD?
Will you TRUST ME to answer in the WAY, and TIMING, that will GLORIFY ME THE MOST?
Will you pray "JESUS CHRIST-THE PRINCE OF PEACE-for Jerusalem;
"May they prosper who love you (Jerusalem).
"Peace be within your walls, prosperity within
"your palaces." (Psalm 122:7-8)
***** Please remember to ask the Holy Spirit to "...guide you into all truth". (John 16:13) ****
Jesus Christ is "...the 'Yes' answer to every promise of God." (II Corinthians 1:20)
Jesus Christ is "...the Amen". (Revelation 3:14)
PRAISE HIS GLORIOUS NAME!!!!!!!!!
HERE ARE SOME POWERFUL EXAMPLES OF PRAYER (AND ANSWERS!) IN GOD'S WORD:
Abraham in Genesis 18:17-33. Moses in Exodus 32:11-14, 30-34
Joshua in Joshua 10:12-14 Isaiah & Hezekiah in Isaiah 36:1-37:38
Ezekiel in Ezekiel 22:30 Paul in Ephesians 1:17-21; 3:14-21
Acts 13:1-14:28 Acts 4:1-37
II Chronicles 6:12-42; 7:1 Acts 12:1-17
The Lord's Prayer: Matt.6:9-13 I John 5:14-15
John 4:34 David asks for Joy and God's Presence - Psalm 51:1-19
HOLY GOD IS WAITING ON YOU AND ME TO CALL ON HIM - IN JESUS CHRIST'S NAME!!!!!!!
Someone has said: "God answers our prayers---"Yes"; "No"; or "Wait".
I am not going to spend time discussing that.
I am simply declaring that in His Word, God commands us to pray.
In His Word, God calls us to pray.
In His Word, you will find that God enables us to pray.
As you pray His Word, you will experience-for-yourself that God answers your prayers........
because "...He...is able to carry out His purpose...and do...far over and above all that we dare
ask [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]..."
(Ephesians 3:19/Amplified Bible)
WOW!!! WOW!!! I have to read that verse (above) again!!!! Yeah! Me too!!!!!
In truth, we will find out that God Himself is the answer to our prayers!!!!!!!!
He answers all of our prayers: "Yes." "I am God."
"I am the Lord, I change not." (Malachi 3:6) "I always do that which is intimately best for
you [as if you were my only child (see Psalm 139:1-18, 23-24)].....and, infinitely best for all
My kingdom.
But don't accept (Barry's) word for all this.......ask the Holy Spirit to "...guide you into all truth".
[In John 16:13, Jesus Christ declares: "...He (the Holy Spirit) will guide you into all truth."]
May I please share with you how my wife (Mary) and I experienced-this-for-ourselves on a trip not
very long ago...
ANSWERS TO PRAYER: TISSUE, TEA, AND TEARS.
By God's great grace He enabled Mary and me to take a trip to Israel (Nov.26 - Dec. 5, 2012).
As is consistent with His character - God far exceeded our highest hopes and dreams!!!
God took us to many holy places in His-Land-Israel, and He revealed His holiness into our
hearts many times.
For a few minutes, I would like to focus on a particular day..........
Friday, Nov 30th, I awoke very early.......and I was very nauseous; I knew right away that I was
not going anywhere that day.
I urged Mary to go on with the rest of the tour group that day, and she very graciously did go.
I knew that Mary would be praying for me, that she would ask some of the tour group to pray
for me. I knew that our church members were praying for us, and our family was praying for us.
Before Mary left that morning, she thoughtfully contacted the front desk of the hotel, and asked that
housekeeping NOT clean our room that day - so that I would not be disturbed.
After Mary left, I went back to sleep for a while. When I awoke..........I felt.....horrible! I had a terrible burning sensation in my stomach - that just continued on and on! I had some Pepto-Bismol tablets, and some other remedies.....but nothing helped. Nothing.
I got out my Bible.....planning to read, pray, and declare portions of Psalm 119 - because recently, when I had a serious sinus infection.....I repeatedly prayed/proclaimed/sang several verses from Psalm 119 - like "Lord, revive me according to Your word.....revive me according to Your faithfulness.....revive me according to Your love..." and the Lord did indeed revive me then!!! Praise His name!!!!!!!
But.....the Holy Spirit stopped me at Psalm 118 (Psalm One Hundred EIGHTEEN!!!), verse 15---
"The voice of rejoicing and salvation (healing) is in the tents of the righteous..."
(Only) because the blood of Jesus Christ covers me - I AM righteous.
According to God's word - my " body is the temple (tent) of the Holy Spirit." (I Corinthians 6:19)--------The voice of Jesus Christ's rejoicing and salvation (healing) is IN ME!!!!!!!! (and in you if you belong to Him!!!)
As I continued praying, declaring, proclaiming, prophesying, this word from God.....and thanking Him (Philippians 4:6-8)..........I heard a knocking on the door of our room..........
In the (physical), the person knocking on our door was a young man from "housekeeping" - asking me if I wanted him to clean our room.
(Now remember, Mary had asked housekeeping to NOT clean our room).
I told the young man that I needed more tissue. (He gave me an abundance of tissue!)
I further explained to him that I did not want him to clean the room "because I am sick".
When I told him that I was sick.....this young man - with such earnestness, such lovingkindness, and such assurance said: "Drink some of this hot tea, it WILL calm your stomach"
He showed me how exactly how to make the tea, and then he left.
I knew that I was to do exactly as he said. I made the tea, drank it slowly. Almost immediately, I began to feel better! I made another cup of the tea and drank it. Within a short while, I felt totally better - the sickness was gone.
As I thanked our Holy God, and reflected on how with such assurance and lovingkindness the young man told me "This tea WILL calm your stomach"........the Holy Spirit brought to my remembrance His word in Psalm 63:3--- "Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise you".
I wept tears of thanksgiving, and
I wept tears of thanksgiving, and
I wept tears of thanksgiving.
(I have prayed much about this, on that specific day, and since that day. I do not think that it was an angel, but Jesus Christ Himself that ministered to me through that young man).
As I continued to read, pray, and proclaim His Word that afternoon, the Lord strongly emphasized some more verses to me:
Psalm 119: 49-50: "Remember the word to your servant, upon which you have caused me to hope. This is my comfort in my affliction, for Your Word has given me life."
Psalm 119:71: "It is GOOD for me that I was afflicted, that I may learn Your (Word)".
That evening, when Mary arrived back at our room from that day's tour - I shared with her about my day.........and I could hardly speak - because I was weeping tears of joy and thanksgiving - for "His lovingkindness is better than life." (Psalm 63:3)
Today The LORD GOD has some questions for us:
Will you CONTINUE to pray?
Will you INCREASE your praying?
Will you PRAY, PROCLAIM, PROPHESY, and SING MY WORD?
Will you TRUST ME to answer in the WAY, and TIMING, that will GLORIFY ME THE MOST?
Will you pray "JESUS CHRIST-THE PRINCE OF PEACE-for Jerusalem;
"May they prosper who love you (Jerusalem).
"Peace be within your walls, prosperity within
"your palaces." (Psalm 122:7-8)
***** Please remember to ask the Holy Spirit to "...guide you into all truth". (John 16:13) ****
Jesus Christ is "...the 'Yes' answer to every promise of God." (II Corinthians 1:20)
Jesus Christ is "...the Amen". (Revelation 3:14)
PRAISE HIS GLORIOUS NAME!!!!!!!!!
HERE ARE SOME POWERFUL EXAMPLES OF PRAYER (AND ANSWERS!) IN GOD'S WORD:
Abraham in Genesis 18:17-33. Moses in Exodus 32:11-14, 30-34
Joshua in Joshua 10:12-14 Isaiah & Hezekiah in Isaiah 36:1-37:38
Ezekiel in Ezekiel 22:30 Paul in Ephesians 1:17-21; 3:14-21
Acts 13:1-14:28 Acts 4:1-37
II Chronicles 6:12-42; 7:1 Acts 12:1-17
The Lord's Prayer: Matt.6:9-13 I John 5:14-15
John 4:34 David asks for Joy and God's Presence - Psalm 51:1-19
HOLY GOD IS WAITING ON YOU AND ME TO CALL ON HIM - IN JESUS CHRIST'S NAME!!!!!!!
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