BY MY FATHER'S HAND!!!!!!!!!
6/15/19
I have spent some time this morning searching for Daddy's "walking stick".
My Daddy/papa (Joe Taylor) that raised me from age 6...He was a farmer.
He owned a small farm; He bought and sold cattle, horses, mules and hogs.
One of the tools that Daddy used on his farm was called his "walking stick".
(Daddy was not disabled in any way so that he needed a stick to aid him in
walking.) His stick was simply a tool.
His stick was similar to a shepherd's "crook", or "crosier".
Definition: crosier: a crooked cross - a symbolic representation of the structure
on which JESUS was crucified.
On my Daddy's walking stick, the upper end is curved into a "hook-shape".
As it is referred to in Psalm 23:4, (Lord), "Your rod and Your staff, they comfort
me."
Definition: comfort (Strong's # 5162), nacham ("nah-chahm"). The "ch" of the
word makes it have a hard "k" sound (similar sound to the words "comfort", and "calm)".
In it's sense of comfort, nacham does not describe casual sympathy, but rather deep empathy.
It is like "weeping with those who weep".
A shepherd is known to use his staff to both "protect", and to guide his sheep.
How about THAT for a definition of "comfort"--- our Holy Savior/Shepherd JESUS
"guides us and protects us"!!!
Earlier in this message, I referred to "Daddy's walking stick".....Actually, I have two (2)
walking sticks that once belonged to Daddy.
Let me give you a more detailed description of a "walking stick" like those which Daddy had:
A wooden stick with one end curved into a "hook shape". The stick(s) are carved with "ridges"
on the crook ("handle"). These "ridges" afford a more secure grip on the stick by the shepherd's
hand.
On one of the (2) walking sticks that I have.....the "ridges" on the handle have been "smoothed"
into a polished surface by MY FATHER'S HAND". That makes the walking stick both
more beautiful and precious to me!!!!!!!
Let us continue to submit our days to JESUS CHRIST our Shepherd so that He can make us
more beautiful (more into His image!!!)
As we more and more allow Him to shape and polish our lives by using both our joyous times and our difficult times..... so that other people can see
HIS image reflected through our lives!!!
"Fear not, for I am with you, I will strengthen you with My righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)
"The Lord is my Shepherd." (Psalm 23:1)
And the arms of His hands were made strong by the hands of the MIGHTY GOD OF JACOB,
from there is the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel". (Genesis 49:24)
I say, "YOU are my GOD, my times are in YOUR HAND." (Psalm 31:18)
ALL GLORY TO THE "KING OF KINGS" (Revelation 19:16)
Tuesday, June 18, 2019
Monday, May 27, 2019
BROKEN SEASHELL.......TREASURE........WONDER!!!!!!!!!
DEFINITION: WONDER---ISAIAH 9:6 ONE OF THE TITLES OF JESUS CHRIST
IS . "WONDER"-(1)-- IN PSALM 119:18 THE PSALMIST PRAYS THAT GOD WILL
REVEAL TO HIM "WONDROUS THINGS" FROM THE LAW OF THE LORD:
MATTERS BEYOND NORMAL HUMAN PERCEPTION REQUIRING SUPERNATURAL
INSIGHT TO SEE THEM.
(2) WONDER ---"EXTRAORDINARY OCCURENCES, ETC. THEY CAUSE THE OBSERVER
TO MARVEL, OR BE IN AWE.
(3) TO WONDER---TO BE IN A STATE OF RAPT ATTENTION TOWARD THE EXTRA-ORDINARY OR MYSTERIOUS.
(4) RAPT---TRANSPORTED WITH EMOTION (AS LOVE, DELIGHT, OR REVERENT AWE)
I KNOW, THAT IS A LOT OF DEFINITIONS, BUT I HAD TO SET A "FIRM FOUNDATION" FOR THIS TO BUILD UPON!!!!!!!
Only about 2 years ago, my wife (MARY) and I were on vacation at North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
On most of the days that we were there---We made sure that in our chairs and treasured the sunset.
One particular afternoon - when the sky was beginning to darken.....there were only two families still on that section of the beach.
Mary and I were not at all acquainted with the other family---who were in their chairs about 30 feet from us.
To the best of my memory--- the other family was an adult couple, with a young daughter. Mary and I both enjoyed watching the little girl as she played in the sand. The little girl began to search for
sea shells........When she saw a sea shell that she especially liked---she would put it aside for keeping, putting the other shells back on the sand.
When she picked up a particular shell....she examined it more closely, and with a look of joy and
wonder on her face........she walked over to where Mary and I were sitting---and she carefully showed
her (treasure) to us. Her face almost "glowed" with wonder and awe at the TREASURE in her hand!!!
Mary and I both admired her (treasure), and thanked her for sharing it with us; and we Blessed her!!!
Definition: "treasure"---especially precious or valuable. In the eyes of the world there is/was very
little value in a broken sea shell.........
But in the eyes, and in the HEART of that little girl---there was GREAT VALUE in her discovery---
the sea shell.
Although she might not know it- there was great value (TREASURE) in our appreciation of her
sharing HER treasure with us!!!
Ongoing...there is (great TREASURE) for me---in that I remember her often and pray for her and
her family---That thrills my heart every time!!!
And there is TREASURE for my heart in anticipating the probability of seeing her and her family in heaven!!!!!!!!
Once for all time and into eternity the "ONE TRUE GOD" (John 17:3) established our value to HIM-
--by the great and terrible price that He paid in sending HIS SON JESUS to suffer and die for OUR
sins!!!
JESUS "had no stately form, nor splendor.
HE was despised and forsaken by men.....a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.....HE was stricken, smitten, afflicted, wounded, beaten, bruised, crushed, and crucified" - for the sins of us all
(Isaiah 53:2-5).
Also, there is continuing wonder for me/us in contemplating there we serve such a HOLY GOD WHO loves us enough to pay that terrible price (see above) for us; HOLY GOD WHO put
Mary and me on that section of that beach, that day, and that specific time.....so that we could see/
experience her TREASURE....and pray ongoing that she will soon and FOREVER belong to, and
experience the ONE (HOLY GOD) WHO treasures her ---beyond words to describe how TOTALLY
HE treasures her
DEFINITION: WONDER---ISAIAH 9:6 ONE OF THE TITLES OF JESUS CHRIST
IS . "WONDER"-(1)-- IN PSALM 119:18 THE PSALMIST PRAYS THAT GOD WILL
REVEAL TO HIM "WONDROUS THINGS" FROM THE LAW OF THE LORD:
MATTERS BEYOND NORMAL HUMAN PERCEPTION REQUIRING SUPERNATURAL
INSIGHT TO SEE THEM.
(2) WONDER ---"EXTRAORDINARY OCCURENCES, ETC. THEY CAUSE THE OBSERVER
TO MARVEL, OR BE IN AWE.
(3) TO WONDER---TO BE IN A STATE OF RAPT ATTENTION TOWARD THE EXTRA-ORDINARY OR MYSTERIOUS.
(4) RAPT---TRANSPORTED WITH EMOTION (AS LOVE, DELIGHT, OR REVERENT AWE)
I KNOW, THAT IS A LOT OF DEFINITIONS, BUT I HAD TO SET A "FIRM FOUNDATION" FOR THIS TO BUILD UPON!!!!!!!
Only about 2 years ago, my wife (MARY) and I were on vacation at North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
On most of the days that we were there---We made sure that in our chairs and treasured the sunset.
One particular afternoon - when the sky was beginning to darken.....there were only two families still on that section of the beach.
Mary and I were not at all acquainted with the other family---who were in their chairs about 30 feet from us.
To the best of my memory--- the other family was an adult couple, with a young daughter. Mary and I both enjoyed watching the little girl as she played in the sand. The little girl began to search for
sea shells........When she saw a sea shell that she especially liked---she would put it aside for keeping, putting the other shells back on the sand.
When she picked up a particular shell....she examined it more closely, and with a look of joy and
wonder on her face........she walked over to where Mary and I were sitting---and she carefully showed
her (treasure) to us. Her face almost "glowed" with wonder and awe at the TREASURE in her hand!!!
Mary and I both admired her (treasure), and thanked her for sharing it with us; and we Blessed her!!!
Definition: "treasure"---especially precious or valuable. In the eyes of the world there is/was very
little value in a broken sea shell.........
But in the eyes, and in the HEART of that little girl---there was GREAT VALUE in her discovery---
the sea shell.
Although she might not know it- there was great value (TREASURE) in our appreciation of her
sharing HER treasure with us!!!
Ongoing...there is (great TREASURE) for me---in that I remember her often and pray for her and
her family---That thrills my heart every time!!!
And there is TREASURE for my heart in anticipating the probability of seeing her and her family in heaven!!!!!!!!
Once for all time and into eternity the "ONE TRUE GOD" (John 17:3) established our value to HIM-
--by the great and terrible price that He paid in sending HIS SON JESUS to suffer and die for OUR
sins!!!
JESUS "had no stately form, nor splendor.
HE was despised and forsaken by men.....a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.....HE was stricken, smitten, afflicted, wounded, beaten, bruised, crushed, and crucified" - for the sins of us all
(Isaiah 53:2-5).
Also, there is continuing wonder for me/us in contemplating there we serve such a HOLY GOD WHO loves us enough to pay that terrible price (see above) for us; HOLY GOD WHO put
Mary and me on that section of that beach, that day, and that specific time.....so that we could see/
experience her TREASURE....and pray ongoing that she will soon and FOREVER belong to, and
experience the ONE (HOLY GOD) WHO treasures her ---beyond words to describe how TOTALLY
HE treasures her
Friday, April 26, 2019
MORE RICH, POWERFUL, TRUTHS FROM GOD'S WORD-----
LET US ASK, ALLOW, AND AGREE WITH THE TRUTH ABOUT YOU, ME,
AND GOD OUR HEAVENLY FATHER!!!!!!!!!!!!
*I AM ACCEPTED BY MY FATHER!!!
I am called a child of GOD. (John 1:12).
I am called Jesus Christ's Friend. (John 15:15)
In Jesus Christ it is as if I had never sinned. (Romans 5:1)
I belong to the Father. (I Cor.6:19).
I have been adopted by Father GOD. (Ephesians 1:5)
I am complete in Jesus Christ. (Colossians 2:10)
* I AM SECURE IN MY FATHER.....
I am free forever from condemnation. (Romans 8:1-2)
The Father is always for me and not against me. (Romans 8:31)
Troubles do not separate me from GOD's love. (Romans 8:35)
I am hidden with Christ in the Father. (Colossians 3:3)
I am filled with power, love, and a sound mind. (1 Tim. 1:7)
I can find grace and mercy when I am hurting. (Hebrews 4:16)
His perfect love casts out all fear. (1 John 4:18)
The evil one has no right to touch me. ( 1 John 5:18)
Father wants to hold me when I am afraid. (Isaiah 66: 12, 13)
* FATHER DOES NOT JUDGE ME.....
God not send His Son to die for me that I might be judged by Him.
When I believe in Him, I am not judged. (John 3:16-18)
The Father does not judge me. (John 5:22)
When I hear Jesus' words and do not keep them, He does not judge me, for He came to save me, not
to condemn me. (John 12:47)
PRAISE GOD INDEED!!!!! THERE ARE STILL MORE POWERFUL WONDERFUL PROMISES TO COME...LOOK FOR THEM!!! LET US FEAST ON THIS HIS ETERNAL
WORD!!! HE WILL USE IT TO STRENGTHEN OUR FAITH, OUR PEACE, AND JOY!!!!!!!!!
JESUS CHRIST REIGNS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LET US ASK, ALLOW, AND AGREE WITH THE TRUTH ABOUT YOU, ME,
AND GOD OUR HEAVENLY FATHER!!!!!!!!!!!!
*I AM ACCEPTED BY MY FATHER!!!
I am called a child of GOD. (John 1:12).
I am called Jesus Christ's Friend. (John 15:15)
In Jesus Christ it is as if I had never sinned. (Romans 5:1)
I belong to the Father. (I Cor.6:19).
I have been adopted by Father GOD. (Ephesians 1:5)
I am complete in Jesus Christ. (Colossians 2:10)
* I AM SECURE IN MY FATHER.....
I am free forever from condemnation. (Romans 8:1-2)
The Father is always for me and not against me. (Romans 8:31)
Troubles do not separate me from GOD's love. (Romans 8:35)
I am hidden with Christ in the Father. (Colossians 3:3)
I am filled with power, love, and a sound mind. (1 Tim. 1:7)
I can find grace and mercy when I am hurting. (Hebrews 4:16)
His perfect love casts out all fear. (1 John 4:18)
The evil one has no right to touch me. ( 1 John 5:18)
Father wants to hold me when I am afraid. (Isaiah 66: 12, 13)
* FATHER DOES NOT JUDGE ME.....
God not send His Son to die for me that I might be judged by Him.
When I believe in Him, I am not judged. (John 3:16-18)
The Father does not judge me. (John 5:22)
When I hear Jesus' words and do not keep them, He does not judge me, for He came to save me, not
to condemn me. (John 12:47)
PRAISE GOD INDEED!!!!! THERE ARE STILL MORE POWERFUL WONDERFUL PROMISES TO COME...LOOK FOR THEM!!! LET US FEAST ON THIS HIS ETERNAL
WORD!!! HE WILL USE IT TO STRENGTHEN OUR FAITH, OUR PEACE, AND JOY!!!!!!!!!
JESUS CHRIST REIGNS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, April 3, 2019
I AM..............................................YOU MUST BELIEVE!!!!!!!!
RE: THE ABOVE TITLE------
"I AM THAT I AM" (Exodus 3:14) is the name which "Holy God"/"Lord Most High"/
The Holy One of Israel (Psalm 47:2/Isaiah 29:19) spoke of Himself
and In John 17:3 JESUS addressed HIM as "THE ONE TRUE GOD"!!!!!!!!!
You may notice some similarities to the previous message posted ("Whose Report
will you believe?").....that IS intentional.
"You must believe" is not a legal requirement.....but this is SO GOOD that we should not
miss it-----but we "must" accept it.
It is SO EXTREMELY GOOD that Only God ("the one true God" as JESUS spoke of HIM
in John 17:3....so vital and life-giving.........HE states in His Word in John 14:6 that JESUS
is the Truth, and the Holy Spirit is the "Spirit of Truth" (John 17:14)---Who "guides us into all
Truth" (John 16:13); and God's Word states "God is not a man that he should lie" (Numbers 23:19).
But God's Word directs us how we can go beyond "happy" and "successful".........
to Richly-blessed-----that which Jesus PAID for us to have: Let us see, REPEAT, what GOD
has to say about us:
*I am loved by My Father---
"Father loves me with an Everlasting Love. I have never been not-loved by my Father.
(Jeremiah 31:3)
Father loves me so much that He gave His only Son to DIE FOR ME so I might know His love, (John 3:16).
Father loves me so much He wants to EXPRESS His love and affection to me-(John16:27).
"Nothing can separate me (not even my faults) from God's love for me" (Romans 8:39).
Father loves me just as He loves JESUS---because I love JESUS!!! (John 17:23).
Even when I have sinned, our Father loves me, and asks me to sit beside Him with Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:4-6)
Father wants me to be overflowing in HIS LOVE. (Ephesians 3:19)
*I AM PLEASING IN FATHER'S EYE...
Even when I am wounded Father sees me as beautiful and takes pleasure in me. (Psalm 149:4
Father's thoughts toward me are always good and filled with hope for me.(Jeremiah 29:11)
He sees me as beautiful, handsome, and pleasant in His eyes. (Song of Solomon 1:15,16).
My love for HIM fills HIM with ecstasy and joy. (Song of Solomon 4:10)
Father is so pleased with me being His child that He will never leave me and He wants to meet all of my needs. (Luke 15:31)
Father likes being with me that He made His home within me. (John 14:23)
*I HAVE PURPOSE IN MY FATHER---
I am the salt and light of the earth. (Matt. 5:13)
I am a witness of God to the world. (Acts 1:8)
I am a minister of reconciliation for God. (2 Corinthians 5:18)
I am God's ambassador to the world. (2 Corinthians 5:20)
I can do all things in Jesus Christ. (Philippians 4:13)
*GOD IS NOT ASHAMED OF ME...
Jesus is not ashamed of me. (Hebrews 2:11)
God is not ashamed to be my God. (Hebrews 11:16)
*GOD HAS FORGIVEN ME...
He has forgiven my iniquity and remembers my sins no more. (Jeremiah 31:34).
He has put all my sins under His feet and cast them into the depths of the sea. (Micah 7:19)
God has redeemed me and forgiven all my sin. (Colossians 1:14)
God forgives and cleanses me from all my sin. (1 John 1:19)
***** look for the next message post for MORE POWERFUL TRUTHS THAT ARE UPLIFTING.....[Examples: "I am accepted by Father", "I am secure in my Father",
and "Father does not judge me".
***Let us repeat these truths frequently---for the Renewing of our minds...and so that we will
be more and more free and at peace---being "transformed by the renewing of our minds."
BLESSINGS TO YOU IN JESUS' NAME!!!!!!!!!
RE: THE ABOVE TITLE------
"I AM THAT I AM" (Exodus 3:14) is the name which "Holy God"/"Lord Most High"/
The Holy One of Israel (Psalm 47:2/Isaiah 29:19) spoke of Himself
and In John 17:3 JESUS addressed HIM as "THE ONE TRUE GOD"!!!!!!!!!
You may notice some similarities to the previous message posted ("Whose Report
will you believe?").....that IS intentional.
"You must believe" is not a legal requirement.....but this is SO GOOD that we should not
miss it-----but we "must" accept it.
It is SO EXTREMELY GOOD that Only God ("the one true God" as JESUS spoke of HIM
in John 17:3....so vital and life-giving.........HE states in His Word in John 14:6 that JESUS
is the Truth, and the Holy Spirit is the "Spirit of Truth" (John 17:14)---Who "guides us into all
Truth" (John 16:13); and God's Word states "God is not a man that he should lie" (Numbers 23:19).
But God's Word directs us how we can go beyond "happy" and "successful".........
to Richly-blessed-----that which Jesus PAID for us to have: Let us see, REPEAT, what GOD
has to say about us:
*I am loved by My Father---
"Father loves me with an Everlasting Love. I have never been not-loved by my Father.
(Jeremiah 31:3)
Father loves me so much that He gave His only Son to DIE FOR ME so I might know His love, (John 3:16).
Father loves me so much He wants to EXPRESS His love and affection to me-(John16:27).
"Nothing can separate me (not even my faults) from God's love for me" (Romans 8:39).
Father loves me just as He loves JESUS---because I love JESUS!!! (John 17:23).
Even when I have sinned, our Father loves me, and asks me to sit beside Him with Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:4-6)
Father wants me to be overflowing in HIS LOVE. (Ephesians 3:19)
*I AM PLEASING IN FATHER'S EYE...
Even when I am wounded Father sees me as beautiful and takes pleasure in me. (Psalm 149:4
Father's thoughts toward me are always good and filled with hope for me.(Jeremiah 29:11)
He sees me as beautiful, handsome, and pleasant in His eyes. (Song of Solomon 1:15,16).
My love for HIM fills HIM with ecstasy and joy. (Song of Solomon 4:10)
Father is so pleased with me being His child that He will never leave me and He wants to meet all of my needs. (Luke 15:31)
Father likes being with me that He made His home within me. (John 14:23)
*I HAVE PURPOSE IN MY FATHER---
I am the salt and light of the earth. (Matt. 5:13)
I am a witness of God to the world. (Acts 1:8)
I am a minister of reconciliation for God. (2 Corinthians 5:18)
I am God's ambassador to the world. (2 Corinthians 5:20)
I can do all things in Jesus Christ. (Philippians 4:13)
*GOD IS NOT ASHAMED OF ME...
Jesus is not ashamed of me. (Hebrews 2:11)
God is not ashamed to be my God. (Hebrews 11:16)
*GOD HAS FORGIVEN ME...
He has forgiven my iniquity and remembers my sins no more. (Jeremiah 31:34).
He has put all my sins under His feet and cast them into the depths of the sea. (Micah 7:19)
God has redeemed me and forgiven all my sin. (Colossians 1:14)
God forgives and cleanses me from all my sin. (1 John 1:19)
***** look for the next message post for MORE POWERFUL TRUTHS THAT ARE UPLIFTING.....[Examples: "I am accepted by Father", "I am secure in my Father",
and "Father does not judge me".
***Let us repeat these truths frequently---for the Renewing of our minds...and so that we will
be more and more free and at peace---being "transformed by the renewing of our minds."
BLESSINGS TO YOU IN JESUS' NAME!!!!!!!!!
Friday, March 22, 2019
WHOSE REPORT WILL YOU BELIEVE??????????
"FOR THE SCRIPTURES SAYS, WHOEVER BELIEVES ON HIM WILL NOT BE PUT
TO SHAME."
"FOR THERE NO DISTINCTION BETWEEN JEW AND GREEK, FOR THE SAME LORD
OVER ALL IS RICH TO ALL WHO CALL UPON HIM,
FOR WHOEVER CALLS UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE SAVED."
(ROMANS 10:11-13)
{AGAIN} "WHO HAS BELIEVED OUR REPORT?"} (ISAIAH 53:1)
There is a Christian Song being played very frequently on Christian Radio.....
It speaks directly to this topic (Whose report will you believe?)
Due to copyright restrictions I will not share all of the lyrics.....I will share a few words:
[The song is being sung directly unto GOD] ---
"You say I am loved when I can't feel a thing;
You say I am held when I am falling short;
When I don't belong,
You say I am YOURS;
And (Oh LORD) I believe
What YOU say of me."
Radio, TV, Magazines advertise continually that if you intake, or eat, this vitamin supplement
this pill (etc.) then you will be healthy, beautiful, successful, rich, etc.
You decide for yourself----will we believe someone who is trying to {SELL} you something.....
Or...will we believe the ONE TRUE GOD...Who GAVE the highest possible price for each and
every one of us?
HOLY GOD speaks HIS MESSAGE with BOTH words and (ACTION)!!!!!!!!!
Once for all time, and into eternity ---GOD (SET) our value to HIM--by the price that HE paid
for each and all of us---(again) HE paid the price of sending HIS Sinless SON to die on the cross
to save you and me from our sins...(not words only), But....ACTION!!!!!!!
GOD does not change. (Malachi 3:6)
"JESUS CHRIST is the same yesterday, today, and forever." (Hebrews 13:8)
Since He NEVER CHANGES---HE [the ONE TRUE GOD] (John 17:3), and JESUS ["the
TRUTH"] (John 14:6)-----Then our value to HIM never changes!!!
It is not only the advertisers that put us down.....We ourselves murmur to our own heart......statements like "I am too old; I am too big; I will never look good".
In Genesis 17:4-5 God was speaking to Abram saying: "....saying, no longer shall
your name be called Abram ("Exalted Father"); but your name shall be called "ABRAHAM"
("Father of a multitude") for I have made you a father of many nations."
GOD was arranging that every time Abraham heard or spoke his own name...he would be reminded of God's promise.
The Principle: Let GOD'S WORDS, which designated His will and promise for your life,
become as FIXED in your mind, and as GOVERNING of your speech as GOD'S changing Abraham's
name was in shaping his concept of himself. (from Word Wealth in BIBLE).
****DO NOT "name" yourself, nor others, anything less than GOD does.***
"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in YOUR
sight O LORD, my Strength and my Redeemer." (Psalm 19:14)
A LITERAL translation of the verse above says it this way: "Let what I speak, and what my heart murmurs to itself , be a delight to YOU LORD"!!!
Do not "name" yourself (nor others) anything less than GOD does.
HOLY GOD, LORD JESUS........ YOU SAY-------I BELIEVE!!!!!!!!!
LET IT BE SO!!!!!!!!!!!!
"FOR THE SCRIPTURES SAYS, WHOEVER BELIEVES ON HIM WILL NOT BE PUT
TO SHAME."
"FOR THERE NO DISTINCTION BETWEEN JEW AND GREEK, FOR THE SAME LORD
OVER ALL IS RICH TO ALL WHO CALL UPON HIM,
FOR WHOEVER CALLS UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE SAVED."
(ROMANS 10:11-13)
{AGAIN} "WHO HAS BELIEVED OUR REPORT?"} (ISAIAH 53:1)
There is a Christian Song being played very frequently on Christian Radio.....
It speaks directly to this topic (Whose report will you believe?)
Due to copyright restrictions I will not share all of the lyrics.....I will share a few words:
[The song is being sung directly unto GOD] ---
"You say I am loved when I can't feel a thing;
You say I am held when I am falling short;
When I don't belong,
You say I am YOURS;
And (Oh LORD) I believe
What YOU say of me."
Radio, TV, Magazines advertise continually that if you intake, or eat, this vitamin supplement
this pill (etc.) then you will be healthy, beautiful, successful, rich, etc.
You decide for yourself----will we believe someone who is trying to {SELL} you something.....
Or...will we believe the ONE TRUE GOD...Who GAVE the highest possible price for each and
every one of us?
HOLY GOD speaks HIS MESSAGE with BOTH words and (ACTION)!!!!!!!!!
Once for all time, and into eternity ---GOD (SET) our value to HIM--by the price that HE paid
for each and all of us---(again) HE paid the price of sending HIS Sinless SON to die on the cross
to save you and me from our sins...(not words only), But....ACTION!!!!!!!
GOD does not change. (Malachi 3:6)
"JESUS CHRIST is the same yesterday, today, and forever." (Hebrews 13:8)
Since He NEVER CHANGES---HE [the ONE TRUE GOD] (John 17:3), and JESUS ["the
TRUTH"] (John 14:6)-----Then our value to HIM never changes!!!
It is not only the advertisers that put us down.....We ourselves murmur to our own heart......statements like "I am too old; I am too big; I will never look good".
In Genesis 17:4-5 God was speaking to Abram saying: "....saying, no longer shall
your name be called Abram ("Exalted Father"); but your name shall be called "ABRAHAM"
("Father of a multitude") for I have made you a father of many nations."
GOD was arranging that every time Abraham heard or spoke his own name...he would be reminded of God's promise.
The Principle: Let GOD'S WORDS, which designated His will and promise for your life,
become as FIXED in your mind, and as GOVERNING of your speech as GOD'S changing Abraham's
name was in shaping his concept of himself. (from Word Wealth in BIBLE).
****DO NOT "name" yourself, nor others, anything less than GOD does.***
"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in YOUR
sight O LORD, my Strength and my Redeemer." (Psalm 19:14)
A LITERAL translation of the verse above says it this way: "Let what I speak, and what my heart murmurs to itself , be a delight to YOU LORD"!!!
Do not "name" yourself (nor others) anything less than GOD does.
HOLY GOD, LORD JESUS........ YOU SAY-------I BELIEVE!!!!!!!!!
LET IT BE SO!!!!!!!!!!!!
Monday, March 11, 2019
"JOURNEY TO THE SUN (SON OF GOD!!!!!!!!!
"EPIPHANY"---Definition:
" A Revelatory manifestation, especially of a Divine Being."
*****Please, pray now- asking the HOLY SPIRIT to "guide you into the truth".****
Hey!!! Have you experienced one of those recently? Of course the BIBLE Lists many
of these:
JESUS IS HIMSELF the most important, crucial ONE:
(crucial- definition: extremely important or significant; (from the Latin "crux", cruc, cross).
JESUS manifests the HEART OF GOD!!!
In recent years Mary (my wife from God) and I have prayerfully chosen to go to the beach
in October --- when children are in school (and thus the beach is less crowded and noisy).
During October of a recent year, Mary and I were at Daytona, Florida for a few days ---
On a particular afternoon, Mary and I came in from the beach earlier than usual - because
the weather was getting quite cool.
It was cool in our room also. We attempted to turn the air conditioning off; and turn the heat on...
We could not get the heat to come on. Because of that I was uncomfortably cool.
I then decided to go down the first floor, and walk outside the westward-facing door - so
that I could sit on a bench facing the sun.
[ Please, allow me to insert a parenthetical note here].
Our gracious and most Holy
God has taught me over the years to pray about wherever I go --- even for a moment to sit in
the sun.
Which way (or which route I take) to a location determines who I will see and/or determines
who will see me. Both are important - Because GOD guides and enables me---and I will
pray for whom I see, and/or whomever sees me will see the WORD OF GOD on the t-shirt
which I am wearing at the time.....and it could be they will pray for me also. [As I have frequently
stated in this blog - in Psalm 139:16 it is written that GOD has "written down our every day before
the day of our birth"]...so HE already knows who needs my prayer, and who HE wants to pray for
me!!!
I apologize for the length of that inserted note - But it is crucial for clarity in the following story.
So, as I arrived at the ground floor of the building, then I stepped out into the warm sunlight,
I noticed that there were three (3) benches facing the sun...by GOD'S GRACE - I chose to sit on
the end of the 3rd bench.
As I sat on the end of the 3rd bench, I asked the man who was already sitting there -"Do you
mind if I sit with you?" He welcomed me to sit there.
While we sat there, we began to discuss GOD'S WORD/THE BIBLE ; we both agreed that we
"LOVE GOD'S WORD".
As we continued talking, the Man said that He was waiting to catch the bus to Orlando, Florida,
and that He had a good recommendation for a good job in Orlando, and that He had been out of
a job for a long time.
WE continued talking, and the Man asked me if I would please give to Him 56 cents (fifty-six cents).
He said that was all the money that He lacked in order to pay for the bus ticket.
Quickly I searched all of my pockets, and I found ONLY a key to our room in which my wife and I
were staying. So I asked Him, "PLEASE wait right here, and I will go up to my room, get the money, and bring it to You"... He agreed to wait. As I rode the elevator up to our room, I decided to give to Him MORE than (fifty six cents). I found a $10.00 bill in our room, and purposed to give that to him.
He received the $10.00 gratefully. At about that time the bus to Orlando stopped directly across from
us, so He stood up, we exchanged "good bye"s, and as He walked away, I told Him that "I will be praying for You". He thanked me.
Because the bus stop was on the far side of the street, I could not actually see Him board the bus; but when the bus pulled away...I could see that He was no longer on the sidewalk.
I remember thinking "..when I first sat by the Man --- (that) HE had the most serene peace and gentle love about Him...
As I have prayed about this (encounter) over the intervening years, I have concluded that this was indeed an "epiphany": ('A revelatory manifestation-especially of a Divine Being).
We must remember that JESUS CHRIST - HE WHO IS "THE TRUTH" (John 14:6),
states in Matthew 28:20 "I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS."
O WORSHIP THE LORD IN THE BEAUTY OF HOLINESS!
TREMBLE BEFORE HIM, ALL THE EARTH."
(1 Chronicles 16:29-30)
"EPIPHANY"---Definition:
" A Revelatory manifestation, especially of a Divine Being."
*****Please, pray now- asking the HOLY SPIRIT to "guide you into the truth".****
Hey!!! Have you experienced one of those recently? Of course the BIBLE Lists many
of these:
JESUS IS HIMSELF the most important, crucial ONE:
(crucial- definition: extremely important or significant; (from the Latin "crux", cruc, cross).
JESUS manifests the HEART OF GOD!!!
In recent years Mary (my wife from God) and I have prayerfully chosen to go to the beach
in October --- when children are in school (and thus the beach is less crowded and noisy).
During October of a recent year, Mary and I were at Daytona, Florida for a few days ---
On a particular afternoon, Mary and I came in from the beach earlier than usual - because
the weather was getting quite cool.
It was cool in our room also. We attempted to turn the air conditioning off; and turn the heat on...
We could not get the heat to come on. Because of that I was uncomfortably cool.
I then decided to go down the first floor, and walk outside the westward-facing door - so
that I could sit on a bench facing the sun.
[ Please, allow me to insert a parenthetical note here].
Our gracious and most Holy
God has taught me over the years to pray about wherever I go --- even for a moment to sit in
the sun.
Which way (or which route I take) to a location determines who I will see and/or determines
who will see me. Both are important - Because GOD guides and enables me---and I will
pray for whom I see, and/or whomever sees me will see the WORD OF GOD on the t-shirt
which I am wearing at the time.....and it could be they will pray for me also. [As I have frequently
stated in this blog - in Psalm 139:16 it is written that GOD has "written down our every day before
the day of our birth"]...so HE already knows who needs my prayer, and who HE wants to pray for
me!!!
I apologize for the length of that inserted note - But it is crucial for clarity in the following story.
So, as I arrived at the ground floor of the building, then I stepped out into the warm sunlight,
I noticed that there were three (3) benches facing the sun...by GOD'S GRACE - I chose to sit on
the end of the 3rd bench.
As I sat on the end of the 3rd bench, I asked the man who was already sitting there -"Do you
mind if I sit with you?" He welcomed me to sit there.
While we sat there, we began to discuss GOD'S WORD/THE BIBLE ; we both agreed that we
"LOVE GOD'S WORD".
As we continued talking, the Man said that He was waiting to catch the bus to Orlando, Florida,
and that He had a good recommendation for a good job in Orlando, and that He had been out of
a job for a long time.
WE continued talking, and the Man asked me if I would please give to Him 56 cents (fifty-six cents).
He said that was all the money that He lacked in order to pay for the bus ticket.
Quickly I searched all of my pockets, and I found ONLY a key to our room in which my wife and I
were staying. So I asked Him, "PLEASE wait right here, and I will go up to my room, get the money, and bring it to You"... He agreed to wait. As I rode the elevator up to our room, I decided to give to Him MORE than (fifty six cents). I found a $10.00 bill in our room, and purposed to give that to him.
He received the $10.00 gratefully. At about that time the bus to Orlando stopped directly across from
us, so He stood up, we exchanged "good bye"s, and as He walked away, I told Him that "I will be praying for You". He thanked me.
Because the bus stop was on the far side of the street, I could not actually see Him board the bus; but when the bus pulled away...I could see that He was no longer on the sidewalk.
I remember thinking "..when I first sat by the Man --- (that) HE had the most serene peace and gentle love about Him...
As I have prayed about this (encounter) over the intervening years, I have concluded that this was indeed an "epiphany": ('A revelatory manifestation-especially of a Divine Being).
We must remember that JESUS CHRIST - HE WHO IS "THE TRUTH" (John 14:6),
states in Matthew 28:20 "I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS."
O WORSHIP THE LORD IN THE BEAUTY OF HOLINESS!
TREMBLE BEFORE HIM, ALL THE EARTH."
(1 Chronicles 16:29-30)
Monday, February 11, 2019
HOLY IS GOD!!!!!!!!!HOLY IS HIS LOVE!!!!!!!!!HOLY IS HIS PLAN FOR YOU!!!!!!!!!
One afternoon, as I walked in the sunshine, (of course Jesus Christ was with me- He says in Matthew
28:20 - "I am with you always.")
So, as I walked, I was meditating on Jesus Christ "The Living Word", and the written Word (the BIBLE).
The road on which I do most of my walking is a nice quiet country road through the woods.
Once you reach the top of the first hill.....then you walk down the hill. This "down" side of the
hill is long, but not very steep. As I look down that hill.....there is not even one house or other
building. All you can see is trees and mountains.
Walking down the hill, on the left side of the road there is a small creek. As you walk along,
you can HEAR the creek...hear the water splashing over the rocks.
(Now, let me add a "parenthetical insertion" to clarify some of the names, relationships, etc.
For those of you who do not know me personally - My birth parents ( Taft and Sarah Coker),
died due to illness when I was age 6. So, I was an orphan (?), on my way to becoming a foster child. [Why the question mark after the word "orphan"?] Usually, if we hear anything on the news about
foster care.....it will be something negative! But there are many very Fine Foster Parents!!!
For 34+ years I worked for an agency that handled foster families' cases and there were/are many
Very Fine Foster Parents!!!
BUT GOD!!!!!!!
In the terms of THIS world, (technically) I was an orphan - headed for foster care.
In the TRUTH of GOD'S KINGDOM, I was NEVER an orphan!!!.....
"Blessed be the GOD and FATHER of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, WHO has blessed us with
every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ...just as HE CHOSE us in JESUS CHRIST.....
having predestined us to ADOPTION as sons (and daughters) by JESUS CHRIST to HIMSELF.....
to the praise of the glory of HIS grace, by which HE made us ACCEPTED in the BELOVED (JESUS)." (Ephesians 1:1-6).
In case you did not catch that as PERSONAL to YOU..... ALL of us were chosen, adopted, and
accepted in JESUS CHRIST. It is up to us individually to ask JESUS CHRIST to save us.....and
it is ALL DONE!!!!!!!!!
My birth Mother's sister, "Aunt Willard, and her husband Joe Taylor were my adoptive parents,
raising me as their own son, beginning at my age 6, and continuing until they both went on to
HEAVEN!!! (So, Aunt Willard became my "Mother", and Uncle Joe became my "Daddy"!!!)
I do not have many memories of my life before my 6th birthday, but my adoptive Mother Who
raised me, talked to me frequently about her sister/my birth Mother Sarah. Mother (Willard)/
"Mama Joe" - MY adoptive Mother told me that my Mother Sarah Loved!!! to walk through the
woods and pastures, and she especially Loved!!! to walk along the creeks and rivers,...and
Sarah would gather vines, flowers, , leaves, etc.,. Then Sarah would make beautiful arrangements
of these vines, flowers, and leaves, and Sarah would give these arrangements to family members,
neighbors, and friends, etc.
(Back to my walk on that road). When I walk that direction and stop at that area where there is an
opening- and I can SEE the water as it splashes on the rocks, ...and I can HEAR the water even
before I see it.
***** Stop reading for a moment, and just be still before the LORD.....can YOU hear it???
{The "water sounds" that you hear.....just may be...the sound of my tears of Joy as I write this!!!).
In that very spot - the first time that I stopped, and looked there at the vines, leaves, and flowers-----
It was THERE that GOD our HEAVENLY FATHER got my attention and reminded me that
(Psalm 139:16)-"He wrote down our every day before we were born." I believe that HE wrote them
in RED signifying the BLOOD of JESUS CHRIST - which He gave to save you and me!!!}
May I suggest that you (who read this) begin to ask GOD to reveal to you (in HIS timing) how HE
planned YOUR LIFE, and how He is fulfilling HIS plan for you!!!!!
I must include in this TRUTH that Charlotte Ragan (my wife Mary's Mother) lived with us for her last years before she went on to heaven, she loved wild flowers, and along this same road - I picked wild flowers for her enjoyment!!!
EXPECT to GROW in Faith, Thanksgiving, and Wonder as HE reveals HIMSELF to you!!!!!!!
BE READY to give to HIM MORE AND MORE LOVE, ADORATION, THANKSGIVING AND
WORSHIP AND GLORY!!! HE IS WORTHY!!!!!!
"Worthy is the Lamb Who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and blessing.
"Blessing and honor and glory and power be to HIM WHO sits on the throne and to the LAMB,
FOREVER AND EVER. AMEN"!!!!!!!!! (Revelation 5:12-13)
One afternoon, as I walked in the sunshine, (of course Jesus Christ was with me- He says in Matthew
28:20 - "I am with you always.")
So, as I walked, I was meditating on Jesus Christ "The Living Word", and the written Word (the BIBLE).
The road on which I do most of my walking is a nice quiet country road through the woods.
Once you reach the top of the first hill.....then you walk down the hill. This "down" side of the
hill is long, but not very steep. As I look down that hill.....there is not even one house or other
building. All you can see is trees and mountains.
Walking down the hill, on the left side of the road there is a small creek. As you walk along,
you can HEAR the creek...hear the water splashing over the rocks.
(Now, let me add a "parenthetical insertion" to clarify some of the names, relationships, etc.
For those of you who do not know me personally - My birth parents ( Taft and Sarah Coker),
died due to illness when I was age 6. So, I was an orphan (?), on my way to becoming a foster child. [Why the question mark after the word "orphan"?] Usually, if we hear anything on the news about
foster care.....it will be something negative! But there are many very Fine Foster Parents!!!
For 34+ years I worked for an agency that handled foster families' cases and there were/are many
Very Fine Foster Parents!!!
BUT GOD!!!!!!!
In the terms of THIS world, (technically) I was an orphan - headed for foster care.
In the TRUTH of GOD'S KINGDOM, I was NEVER an orphan!!!.....
"Blessed be the GOD and FATHER of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, WHO has blessed us with
every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ...just as HE CHOSE us in JESUS CHRIST.....
having predestined us to ADOPTION as sons (and daughters) by JESUS CHRIST to HIMSELF.....
to the praise of the glory of HIS grace, by which HE made us ACCEPTED in the BELOVED (JESUS)." (Ephesians 1:1-6).
In case you did not catch that as PERSONAL to YOU..... ALL of us were chosen, adopted, and
accepted in JESUS CHRIST. It is up to us individually to ask JESUS CHRIST to save us.....and
it is ALL DONE!!!!!!!!!
My birth Mother's sister, "Aunt Willard, and her husband Joe Taylor were my adoptive parents,
raising me as their own son, beginning at my age 6, and continuing until they both went on to
HEAVEN!!! (So, Aunt Willard became my "Mother", and Uncle Joe became my "Daddy"!!!)
I do not have many memories of my life before my 6th birthday, but my adoptive Mother Who
raised me, talked to me frequently about her sister/my birth Mother Sarah. Mother (Willard)/
"Mama Joe" - MY adoptive Mother told me that my Mother Sarah Loved!!! to walk through the
woods and pastures, and she especially Loved!!! to walk along the creeks and rivers,...and
Sarah would gather vines, flowers, , leaves, etc.,. Then Sarah would make beautiful arrangements
of these vines, flowers, and leaves, and Sarah would give these arrangements to family members,
neighbors, and friends, etc.
(Back to my walk on that road). When I walk that direction and stop at that area where there is an
opening- and I can SEE the water as it splashes on the rocks, ...and I can HEAR the water even
before I see it.
***** Stop reading for a moment, and just be still before the LORD.....can YOU hear it???
{The "water sounds" that you hear.....just may be...the sound of my tears of Joy as I write this!!!).
In that very spot - the first time that I stopped, and looked there at the vines, leaves, and flowers-----
It was THERE that GOD our HEAVENLY FATHER got my attention and reminded me that
(Psalm 139:16)-"He wrote down our every day before we were born." I believe that HE wrote them
in RED signifying the BLOOD of JESUS CHRIST - which He gave to save you and me!!!}
May I suggest that you (who read this) begin to ask GOD to reveal to you (in HIS timing) how HE
planned YOUR LIFE, and how He is fulfilling HIS plan for you!!!!!
I must include in this TRUTH that Charlotte Ragan (my wife Mary's Mother) lived with us for her last years before she went on to heaven, she loved wild flowers, and along this same road - I picked wild flowers for her enjoyment!!!
EXPECT to GROW in Faith, Thanksgiving, and Wonder as HE reveals HIMSELF to you!!!!!!!
BE READY to give to HIM MORE AND MORE LOVE, ADORATION, THANKSGIVING AND
WORSHIP AND GLORY!!! HE IS WORTHY!!!!!!
"Worthy is the Lamb Who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and blessing.
"Blessing and honor and glory and power be to HIM WHO sits on the throne and to the LAMB,
FOREVER AND EVER. AMEN"!!!!!!!!! (Revelation 5:12-13)
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