IT IS NOT CHRISTMAS.......SO WHERE IS JESUS CHRIST NOW???
EMPTY, EMPTY, EMPTY, EMPTY, OCCUPIED, FULL FOREVER!!!!!!!!!
I The Manger-----
"And she brought forth her firstborn
Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling
cloths, and laid Him in a manger.."
(Luke 2:7)
"And the Child grew and became
strong in spirit, filled with wisdom;
and the grace of God was upon Him.'
(Luke 2:40)
Jesus Christ is not a baby anymore.......
so...the manger is empty!!!
II The Cross-----
"For God so loved the world that
He gave His only begotten Son, that
whoever believed in Him should not
perish but have everlasting life."
(John 3:16)
"Now it was the third hour, and they
crucified Him."
(Mark 15:25)
"Joseph of Arimathea...brought fine linen,
took Him down, and wrapped Him in the
linen."
(Mark 15:43-46)
Jesus Christ was taken down from the cross...
so...the cross is empty!!!
III The Tomb-----
"..And he (Joseph of Arimathea) laid Him
in a tomb which had been hewn out of the
rock, and rolled a stone against the door of
the tomb."
(Mark 15:46 (b)
"...He is risen! He is not here."
(Mark 16:6)
Jesus Christ is risen!-----
so...the tomb is empty!!!
IV The Throne-----
"the God of our Lord Jesus Christ...raised Him
from the dead and seated Him at His right hand
in the heavenly places."
(Ephesians 1:17, 20)
"...He always lives to intercede for us..."
(Hebrews 7:25)
Jesus Christ is seated at the right hand of God...
so...the throne is occupied!!! And Jesus Christ
always lives to intercede for us!!! HALLELUJAH!!!!!!!
V Our Hearts-----
"...confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and
believe in your heart that God has raised Him from
the dead, you will be saved."
(Romans 10:9)
"Do you not know that you are God's temple, and
that God's Spirit has His permanent dwelling in
you (to be 'at home' in you...)?"
(I Corinthians 3:16/Amplified Bible)
He is "at home" in us...He has come to stay..
so...our hearts are full forever!!! PRAISE HIS NAME FOREVER!!!!
But wait.....in the title of this message, "Empty" was listed four times.....
Where is the other "Empty" space?
That is a great question!!!
A. If you have not yet accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, now is the time to invite Him in!!! (Romans 10:9).
B. If Jesus Christ does already live in your heart - He is always ready and eager to bless us with more and more and more of His Presence!!!
"...that...you may have the richest measure of the divine Presence, and become a body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself!" (Ephesians 3:19/Amplified Bible)
C. To "make room" for more and more of Jesus Christ in our lives---we
1) must confess our sins, and ask Him to forgive us;
2) Give to Him all our fears, doubts, anxieties, depression, frustrations, condemnation, etc........
for He says in His Word: "...cast all your cares on Him, for He cares for you." (I Peter 5:7)
In exchange we will receive His forgiveness, His peace, and more of His Presence!!!!!!!!
So where is Jesus Christ today? As always - with us , and ever eager to fill us with more of HIMSELF!!!!!!!
Today!!! Let's ask Him: FILL US AGAIN, LORD JESUS!!!!!!!!
I am asking Him right now. Won't you join me!!!
Thank You !!! O Holy Lord God!!!!!!!
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
Monday, December 1, 2014
HALLELUJAH!!! HOLY GOD ALWAYS LEADS US IN TRIUMPH IN JESUS CHRIST!!!!!!!! (II Corinthians 2:14)
"And they overcame him- (the enemy and all obstacles) by the blood of the Lamb- [our posture under Jesus Christ's Finished!!! (Victorious!!!) work on the Cross], and by the word of their testimony-(steadfastness to the promise and authority of God's Word), and they did not love their lives to the death"- (love Jesus Christ more than life itself!). (Revelation 12:11)
Psalm 23:1-6---
"The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want (lack).
"He makes me to lie down in
green pastures;
He leads me beside the still
waters.
"He restores my soul;
He leads me in paths of
righteousness
For His name's sake.
"Yea, though I walk through the
valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
for you are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they
comfort me.
"You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
"Surely goodness and mercy shall
follow me
all the days of my life;
And will dwell in the house of
the Lord
forever."
Psalm 23 Prayer/Declaration!!!
O Holy God-Lord Jesus Christ!!!!!!! Because You are my Shepherd, I shall not lack anything I truly need.
You make me lie down in green pastures- (You cause me to rest in You).
You lead me beside the still waters-(I am refreshed in Your Presence!!!)
You restore my soul-(As I continue to meditate in and confess Your Word-You continually restore my soul).
You lead me in paths of righteousness for Your name's sake-(You guide me and enable me to do that which expands Your kingdom and glorifies You!!!!!!!!).
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil- for YOU- (Almighty God, Lord Jesus Christ my Savior, Everlasting Father, Himself my peace, my Strength and my Song, my Hope, my Joy, my Righteousness, my Love, my Life-----YOU are with me!!!!!!!!
(Genesis 17:2; Ezekiel 10:5; John 3:16; Isaiah 9:6; Ephesians 2:14; Isaiah 12:2; I Timothy 1:1; Psalm 43:4; Matthew 28:20; Joshua 1:5-9)
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me-(You comfort, console, extend compassion to me; with Your rod and Your staff, You guide me and enable me).
Wherever I am - even in the presence of my enemies-You provide Your Very Self for me---that I may celebrate You - partaking of Your righteousness, Your perfect love, Your abounding grace, Your richness in mercy!!!
You restore my soul.
You anoint my head with oil-(as I bow before You, get quiet and still before You - You give me protection for my head and my mind, and You empower me to keep my heart humble----so that YOU live THROUGH me!!!!!!!!
You restore my soul.
My cup runs over-(O Holy God!!! Because Jesus Christ's holy blood covers me-I am always!!! welcome in Your Presence!!!!! In truth-You desire that I walk in Your Presence continuously-now and forever!!!!!!!
You restore my soul.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life-(Your Holy, Almighty, Unchanging love, mercy, and grace are with me every step of the way, through all the days of my life.
Your Holy, Perfect Love is the very core of my being.
And I will dwell in Your house, with You, Forever!!!!!!!!
Oh let us more and more, continuously, walk, eat, sleet, trust, and rest in Jesus Christ Our Lord and Shepherd!!!!!!!!!
Amen.
"And they overcame him- (the enemy and all obstacles) by the blood of the Lamb- [our posture under Jesus Christ's Finished!!! (Victorious!!!) work on the Cross], and by the word of their testimony-(steadfastness to the promise and authority of God's Word), and they did not love their lives to the death"- (love Jesus Christ more than life itself!). (Revelation 12:11)
Psalm 23:1-6---
"The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want (lack).
"He makes me to lie down in
green pastures;
He leads me beside the still
waters.
"He restores my soul;
He leads me in paths of
righteousness
For His name's sake.
"Yea, though I walk through the
valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
for you are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they
comfort me.
"You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
"Surely goodness and mercy shall
follow me
all the days of my life;
And will dwell in the house of
the Lord
forever."
Psalm 23 Prayer/Declaration!!!
O Holy God-Lord Jesus Christ!!!!!!! Because You are my Shepherd, I shall not lack anything I truly need.
You make me lie down in green pastures- (You cause me to rest in You).
You lead me beside the still waters-(I am refreshed in Your Presence!!!)
You restore my soul-(As I continue to meditate in and confess Your Word-You continually restore my soul).
You lead me in paths of righteousness for Your name's sake-(You guide me and enable me to do that which expands Your kingdom and glorifies You!!!!!!!!).
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil- for YOU- (Almighty God, Lord Jesus Christ my Savior, Everlasting Father, Himself my peace, my Strength and my Song, my Hope, my Joy, my Righteousness, my Love, my Life-----YOU are with me!!!!!!!!
(Genesis 17:2; Ezekiel 10:5; John 3:16; Isaiah 9:6; Ephesians 2:14; Isaiah 12:2; I Timothy 1:1; Psalm 43:4; Matthew 28:20; Joshua 1:5-9)
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me-(You comfort, console, extend compassion to me; with Your rod and Your staff, You guide me and enable me).
Wherever I am - even in the presence of my enemies-You provide Your Very Self for me---that I may celebrate You - partaking of Your righteousness, Your perfect love, Your abounding grace, Your richness in mercy!!!
You restore my soul.
You anoint my head with oil-(as I bow before You, get quiet and still before You - You give me protection for my head and my mind, and You empower me to keep my heart humble----so that YOU live THROUGH me!!!!!!!!
You restore my soul.
My cup runs over-(O Holy God!!! Because Jesus Christ's holy blood covers me-I am always!!! welcome in Your Presence!!!!! In truth-You desire that I walk in Your Presence continuously-now and forever!!!!!!!
You restore my soul.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life-(Your Holy, Almighty, Unchanging love, mercy, and grace are with me every step of the way, through all the days of my life.
Your Holy, Perfect Love is the very core of my being.
And I will dwell in Your house, with You, Forever!!!!!!!!
Oh let us more and more, continuously, walk, eat, sleet, trust, and rest in Jesus Christ Our Lord and Shepherd!!!!!!!!!
Amen.
Friday, November 14, 2014
"WAITING,........WALKING,.............AND NO TALKING!!!
(God's plan for conquering Jericho).
After Joshua led the Israelites across the river Jordan and into the Promised Land of Canaan--------they came up to the walled city of Jericho!!!
Here, Joshua was made clearly aware that GOD HIMSELF is in charge!!!! It was Joshua's task, as it is ours, to know the Commander. We need to be on HIS side, not He on our side.
Read God's Word here-----
"And it came to pass, when Joshua
was by Jericho, that he lifted his eyes
and looked, and behold, a Man stood
opposite him with His sword drawn.
in His hand. And Joshua went to Him
and said to Him, 'Are You for us or
for our adversaries?
"So He said, '...No, but as Commander
of the army of the Lord I have now
come.' And Joshua fell on his face to
the earth and worshiped, and said to
Him, 'What does my Lord say to His
servant?
"Then the Commander of the Lord's
army said to Joshua, 'take your sandal
off your foot, for the place where you
stand is holy." And Joshua did so."
(Joshua 5:13-15)
The Destruction of Jericho
"Now Jericho was securely shut up
because of the children of Israel;
none went out, and none came in.
"And the Lord said to Joshua: "See!
I have given Jericho into your hand,
its king,, and the mighty men of valor.
You shall march around the city,
all you men of war; you shall go all
around the city once. This you shall do
six days. (Joshua 6:1-5)
"Now Joshua had commanded the
people, saying, "You shall not shout or
make any noise with your voice, nor
shall a word proceed out of your
mouth, until the day I say to you.
'Shout!' Then you shall shout."
(Joshua 6:1-5; 10)
Right about now.....you may be thinking..."Why did he command them 'You shall not shout or make any noise with your voice, nor shall a word proceed out of your mouth...."
You might even be thinking..."I would not like that!"
(Well, I would not like that either; but Holy God has a lesson here for me and for you-----just as He did for the Israelites!
Many texts in God's Word tell us to "wait on God", to stand still, to be silent before Him (Exodus 14:13-14; Psalm 37:7-8, etc.). When Joshua commanded them to be silent......he was probably remembering that Israel's 40 year punishment in the wilderness was a result of the people's murmuring in unbelief. (Numbers 14:26-35)
***[I, Barry, must confess---as I was reviewing this message--the Holy Spirit seriously convicted me about my murmuring and complaining, and strongly reminded me of how much God dislikes it!!! Oh God Most High, I confess my sin, I ask You to forgive me, and I ask Your enablement to repent--- (change my heart and behavior. Thank You!!!!!!! Amen)**
Now, with that history lesson in mind, Joshua's directive to keep silent is a precaution that teaches us. When we face great challenges, don't permit your lips to speak unbelieving words. Words can bind up or set free, so Joshua gave the order for silence!
We can't always help what we see or hear, but if we refuse to speak doubt or fear.....it will keep our hearts more inclined to what GOD can do, rather than what we cannot see!!!!!!!
"And Joshua rose early in the morning,
and the priests took up the ark of the Lord.
"Then seven priests bearing seven trumpets
of rams' horns before the ark of the Lord went
on continually and blew with the trumpets. and
the armed men went before them. But the rear
guard came after the ark of the Lord, while the
priests continued blowing the trumpets.
"And the second day they marched around the
city once and returned to the camp. So they did
six days.
"But it came to pass on the seventh day that they
rose early, about the dawning of the day, and marched
around the city seven (!!!) times in the same manner.
On that day only they marched around the city
seven times." (Joshua 6:12-15)
(verse 20)-
"So the people shouted when the priests blew the
trumpets.. And it happened when the people heard
the sound of the trumpet, and they shouted with a
great shout, that the wall fell down flat. Then the
people went up into the city, every man straight before
him, and they took the city."!!!!!!!
(Joshua 6:20)
HALLELUJAH!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow!!! If obedient silence, followed by an obedient shout, caused a wall to fall and a city to be taken.................what could God do with an obedient prayer lifted up in "...the name above every name...JESUS CHRIST" (Philippians 2:9)???
Let me tell you a true story abut prayer and our brothers and sisters that are persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ!!!
In a country where Christians are persecuted by the military forces....
A small local church planned to baptize some of its members in a local river....
The local military commander had been informed of the planned baptism, and he was determined to stop the baptism and imprison the church members. But it was a hot, humid day.....so the military commander decided that first, they would go swimming!
While the troops were cooling off in the river..... a breeze sprang up.....and it blew away the clothes of the commander (only)!!! Humiliated, the commander ordered his troops to return back to their base (without him). The commander stayed in the water until dark.....and walked home in the dark.....naked.
(The people were indeed baptized in the river, as the Lord had planned).
So, What should you, and I do (daily)???
Jesus Christ's chosen and beloved ones, let us:
1) Ask God for His plans,
2) follow His directions,
and "be silent", "shout", or "pray" in JESUS CHRIST'S HOLY NAME!!!!!!!!!
and flood the atmosphere with thanksgiving, praise, and worship to "THE LORD, THE MOSH HIGH GOD "!!!!!!!!!!!! (Genesis 14:22)
(God's plan for conquering Jericho).
After Joshua led the Israelites across the river Jordan and into the Promised Land of Canaan--------they came up to the walled city of Jericho!!!
Here, Joshua was made clearly aware that GOD HIMSELF is in charge!!!! It was Joshua's task, as it is ours, to know the Commander. We need to be on HIS side, not He on our side.
Read God's Word here-----
"And it came to pass, when Joshua
was by Jericho, that he lifted his eyes
and looked, and behold, a Man stood
opposite him with His sword drawn.
in His hand. And Joshua went to Him
and said to Him, 'Are You for us or
for our adversaries?
"So He said, '...No, but as Commander
of the army of the Lord I have now
come.' And Joshua fell on his face to
the earth and worshiped, and said to
Him, 'What does my Lord say to His
servant?
"Then the Commander of the Lord's
army said to Joshua, 'take your sandal
off your foot, for the place where you
stand is holy." And Joshua did so."
(Joshua 5:13-15)
The Destruction of Jericho
"Now Jericho was securely shut up
because of the children of Israel;
none went out, and none came in.
"And the Lord said to Joshua: "See!
I have given Jericho into your hand,
its king,, and the mighty men of valor.
You shall march around the city,
all you men of war; you shall go all
around the city once. This you shall do
six days. (Joshua 6:1-5)
"Now Joshua had commanded the
people, saying, "You shall not shout or
make any noise with your voice, nor
shall a word proceed out of your
mouth, until the day I say to you.
'Shout!' Then you shall shout."
(Joshua 6:1-5; 10)
Right about now.....you may be thinking..."Why did he command them 'You shall not shout or make any noise with your voice, nor shall a word proceed out of your mouth...."
You might even be thinking..."I would not like that!"
(Well, I would not like that either; but Holy God has a lesson here for me and for you-----just as He did for the Israelites!
Many texts in God's Word tell us to "wait on God", to stand still, to be silent before Him (Exodus 14:13-14; Psalm 37:7-8, etc.). When Joshua commanded them to be silent......he was probably remembering that Israel's 40 year punishment in the wilderness was a result of the people's murmuring in unbelief. (Numbers 14:26-35)
***[I, Barry, must confess---as I was reviewing this message--the Holy Spirit seriously convicted me about my murmuring and complaining, and strongly reminded me of how much God dislikes it!!! Oh God Most High, I confess my sin, I ask You to forgive me, and I ask Your enablement to repent--- (change my heart and behavior. Thank You!!!!!!! Amen)**
Now, with that history lesson in mind, Joshua's directive to keep silent is a precaution that teaches us. When we face great challenges, don't permit your lips to speak unbelieving words. Words can bind up or set free, so Joshua gave the order for silence!
We can't always help what we see or hear, but if we refuse to speak doubt or fear.....it will keep our hearts more inclined to what GOD can do, rather than what we cannot see!!!!!!!
"And Joshua rose early in the morning,
and the priests took up the ark of the Lord.
"Then seven priests bearing seven trumpets
of rams' horns before the ark of the Lord went
on continually and blew with the trumpets. and
the armed men went before them. But the rear
guard came after the ark of the Lord, while the
priests continued blowing the trumpets.
"And the second day they marched around the
city once and returned to the camp. So they did
six days.
"But it came to pass on the seventh day that they
rose early, about the dawning of the day, and marched
around the city seven (!!!) times in the same manner.
On that day only they marched around the city
seven times." (Joshua 6:12-15)
(verse 20)-
"So the people shouted when the priests blew the
trumpets.. And it happened when the people heard
the sound of the trumpet, and they shouted with a
great shout, that the wall fell down flat. Then the
people went up into the city, every man straight before
him, and they took the city."!!!!!!!
(Joshua 6:20)
HALLELUJAH!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow!!! If obedient silence, followed by an obedient shout, caused a wall to fall and a city to be taken.................what could God do with an obedient prayer lifted up in "...the name above every name...JESUS CHRIST" (Philippians 2:9)???
Let me tell you a true story abut prayer and our brothers and sisters that are persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ!!!
In a country where Christians are persecuted by the military forces....
A small local church planned to baptize some of its members in a local river....
The local military commander had been informed of the planned baptism, and he was determined to stop the baptism and imprison the church members. But it was a hot, humid day.....so the military commander decided that first, they would go swimming!
While the troops were cooling off in the river..... a breeze sprang up.....and it blew away the clothes of the commander (only)!!! Humiliated, the commander ordered his troops to return back to their base (without him). The commander stayed in the water until dark.....and walked home in the dark.....naked.
(The people were indeed baptized in the river, as the Lord had planned).
So, What should you, and I do (daily)???
Jesus Christ's chosen and beloved ones, let us:
1) Ask God for His plans,
2) follow His directions,
and "be silent", "shout", or "pray" in JESUS CHRIST'S HOLY NAME!!!!!!!!!
and flood the atmosphere with thanksgiving, praise, and worship to "THE LORD, THE MOSH HIGH GOD "!!!!!!!!!!!! (Genesis 14:22)
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
HELP!!!!!!!!
YOUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS ARE IN DANGER!!!!!!!
MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS ARE IN DANGER!!!!!!!
November 2nd was the International Day of Prayer for persecuted Christians!!!
(More about the date later).
There are now more than 100 Million Christians (our brothers and sisters) around the world that are being persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ!!! Yes, 100 Million!!!!!
To our brothers and sisters, "Persecution" is not just an unpleasant sounding word!
To each one of them, persecution can mean a life-or-death every day and every night - and sometimes - a life-or-death decision with every breath.
To your brothers and sisters, and my brothers and sisters, persecution can mean something between not being allowed to go to school, or not being allowed to have a job ----- to having their 5-year-old child's head cut off---because the child refuses to deny Jesus Christ.
It can mean not being allowed to go to church, not being allowed to have a Bible, it can mean being
chased out of your home (and your nation!) by crazed men shooting machine guns at you---forced to flee your home - with literally nothing other than the clothes on your back!!! Nothing.
It can mean being locked up in a jagged metal shipping container--for years and years--while suffering 120-degree heat and freezing cold!!!!
You might be thinking....."our brothers and sisters".......where do you get that?
In God's Word, HE says:
"...so we, though many, are one body in Christ,
and individually members one of another."
(Romans 12:5)
"But God has combined the members of the body...that
its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one
part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored,
every part rejoices with it."
(I Corinthians 12:24-26)
"Remember the prisoners, as though in prison with them, and
those who are ill-treated, since you yourselves also are in the body."
(Hebrews 13:3)
"So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was
earnestly praying to God for him."
(Acts 12:5)
"They will also answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or
thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and
did not help you? He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever
you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'"
(Matthew 25:44-45)
"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you
a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so
that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ."
(Romans 15:5-6)
Now we should be thinking-------"How can I help?"
All these that we are "...one-with in the body of Jesus Christ"---they ask that first---we must pray for them!!!
They do not ask that we pray for the persecution to end!!!
They ask that we pray that they remain strong-----and that they may lead their persecutors to faith in Jesus Christ!!!!!!!
Here below are 3 most vital needs, along with 3 powerful passages/promises from God's Word,
and the ONE who fulfills every promise of GOD!!!!!!! (II Corinthians 1:20)
Need # 1: PROTECTION- (Daniel 3:1-25)-
Shadrach, Meshach, & Abednego refused to worship the false god.
They would worship only the One True God!!!
Verse 17, Our God is able to deliver us..."
Verse 19, "the furnace was heated seven times hotter!"
Verse 25, God protected them...and Jesus was "with them" in the fire!
Matthew 28:20, "I (Jesus) am with you always."
"Jesus Christ ("the 'Yes' answer to every promise of God" (II Cor. 1:20/Amplified Bible)- is the same yesterday, today and forever."!!! (Hebrews 13:8)
Need # 2: PROVISION- (Matthew 14: 13-21)-
Jesus multiplied five loaves and two fish...to feed 5,000 men plus women and children. Twelve baskets of food remained!!!
"Jesus Christ ("the 'Yes!' answer to every promise of God" (II Cor. 1:20) is the same yesterday, today, and forever."!!! (Hebrews 13:8)
Need # 3: HOPE-(I Timothy 1:1)- Jesus, (Himself!!!) is "...our hope."
"May the God of our hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing-that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing with hope,"!!! (Romans 15:13/Amplified Bible)
"Jesus Christ ("the 'Yes!" answer to every promise of God" (II Cor. 1:20)is the same yesterday, today, and forever."!!! (Hebrews 13:8)
As mentioned above, November 2nd was the International Day of Prayer for Persecuted Christians...
But you and me, together - let's pray through November 30th.
---You know what, we do not have to stop praying November 30th at midnight.
---Their needs will not end Nov 30th.
---God will!!! continue answering prayers beyond Nov. 30th!!!!
Go to: www.opendoorsusa.org for more ways to help these members of our family.
Praising and thanking our Holy God for Who He Is!!! And for His answers to our prayers!!!!!
For the glory of "The LORD, the Most High GOD," (Genesis 14:22)
YOUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS ARE IN DANGER!!!!!!!
MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS ARE IN DANGER!!!!!!!
November 2nd was the International Day of Prayer for persecuted Christians!!!
(More about the date later).
There are now more than 100 Million Christians (our brothers and sisters) around the world that are being persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ!!! Yes, 100 Million!!!!!
To our brothers and sisters, "Persecution" is not just an unpleasant sounding word!
To each one of them, persecution can mean a life-or-death every day and every night - and sometimes - a life-or-death decision with every breath.
To your brothers and sisters, and my brothers and sisters, persecution can mean something between not being allowed to go to school, or not being allowed to have a job ----- to having their 5-year-old child's head cut off---because the child refuses to deny Jesus Christ.
It can mean not being allowed to go to church, not being allowed to have a Bible, it can mean being
chased out of your home (and your nation!) by crazed men shooting machine guns at you---forced to flee your home - with literally nothing other than the clothes on your back!!! Nothing.
It can mean being locked up in a jagged metal shipping container--for years and years--while suffering 120-degree heat and freezing cold!!!!
You might be thinking....."our brothers and sisters".......where do you get that?
In God's Word, HE says:
"...so we, though many, are one body in Christ,
and individually members one of another."
(Romans 12:5)
"But God has combined the members of the body...that
its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one
part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored,
every part rejoices with it."
(I Corinthians 12:24-26)
"Remember the prisoners, as though in prison with them, and
those who are ill-treated, since you yourselves also are in the body."
(Hebrews 13:3)
"So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was
earnestly praying to God for him."
(Acts 12:5)
"They will also answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or
thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and
did not help you? He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever
you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'"
(Matthew 25:44-45)
"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you
a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so
that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ."
(Romans 15:5-6)
Now we should be thinking-------"How can I help?"
All these that we are "...one-with in the body of Jesus Christ"---they ask that first---we must pray for them!!!
They do not ask that we pray for the persecution to end!!!
They ask that we pray that they remain strong-----and that they may lead their persecutors to faith in Jesus Christ!!!!!!!
Here below are 3 most vital needs, along with 3 powerful passages/promises from God's Word,
and the ONE who fulfills every promise of GOD!!!!!!! (II Corinthians 1:20)
Need # 1: PROTECTION- (Daniel 3:1-25)-
Shadrach, Meshach, & Abednego refused to worship the false god.
They would worship only the One True God!!!
Verse 17, Our God is able to deliver us..."
Verse 19, "the furnace was heated seven times hotter!"
Verse 25, God protected them...and Jesus was "with them" in the fire!
Matthew 28:20, "I (Jesus) am with you always."
"Jesus Christ ("the 'Yes' answer to every promise of God" (II Cor. 1:20/Amplified Bible)- is the same yesterday, today and forever."!!! (Hebrews 13:8)
Need # 2: PROVISION- (Matthew 14: 13-21)-
Jesus multiplied five loaves and two fish...to feed 5,000 men plus women and children. Twelve baskets of food remained!!!
"Jesus Christ ("the 'Yes!' answer to every promise of God" (II Cor. 1:20) is the same yesterday, today, and forever."!!! (Hebrews 13:8)
Need # 3: HOPE-(I Timothy 1:1)- Jesus, (Himself!!!) is "...our hope."
"May the God of our hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing-that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing with hope,"!!! (Romans 15:13/Amplified Bible)
"Jesus Christ ("the 'Yes!" answer to every promise of God" (II Cor. 1:20)is the same yesterday, today, and forever."!!! (Hebrews 13:8)
As mentioned above, November 2nd was the International Day of Prayer for Persecuted Christians...
But you and me, together - let's pray through November 30th.
---You know what, we do not have to stop praying November 30th at midnight.
---Their needs will not end Nov 30th.
---God will!!! continue answering prayers beyond Nov. 30th!!!!
Go to: www.opendoorsusa.org for more ways to help these members of our family.
Praising and thanking our Holy God for Who He Is!!! And for His answers to our prayers!!!!!
For the glory of "The LORD, the Most High GOD," (Genesis 14:22)
Thursday, October 16, 2014
His Word -- Going Out -- And Coming Back to Him!!!
GOD'S WORD.....GOING OUT.......AND COMING BACK TO HIM!!!!!!!!!
"Let the words of Jesus Christ, in all their richness, live in you and make you wise..."...Bringing praise, and worship, thanksgiving, and glory, and honor unto God...And love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control...and blessing and healing to your family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers!!! (Colossians 3:15/Galatians 5:22)
"In all their richness..."
Oh, how rich is that???
So rich that all the riches and all the power of all the nations - are less than "dust on his scales" - as compared to his word. (Isaiah 40:15)
So desired, rich and powerful...that our brothers and sister in Jesus Christ in some countries risk themselves, their children and their grandchildren being killed by the government for having just a portion of God's Word.
(That also is a measure of how much the enemy fears God's word.)
So desired by our brothers and sisters, and so feared by the enemy...that in another nation - a pastor painstakingly copied Bible verses on pieces of toilet tissue, rolled it into tiny pieces and gave them to prisoners - who them hid them in cracks in the wall.
When this was discovered by the guards - the pastor was arrested (and most likely executed). The prisoners were tortured.
His Word is so rich and powerful - when it is received humbly and wholeheartedly it will continually transform our hearts, minds and spirits!
Because God says:
(Isaiah 55:11) "So shall my Word be that goes out of my mouth; it shall not return to me void (empty, without fruit), but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it."
Jesus!!! O Jesus the living word of God. (John 1:1, 15, Revelation 19:13)
You came to Earth...Jesus Himself said "I speak just as the Father has told me." (John 8:28/12:50)
What did God say in Isaiah 55:11? "Every word that goes forth from my mouth."
Jesus - (when he was tempted by Satan) said:
"It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:4)
Jesus said "Your sins are forgiven." (Mark 2:5)
On the cross Jesus said "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." (Psalm 31:5)
And, Jesus said "It is finished." (John 19:30)...
"Your Word...coming back to you, Father..."
Oh but Jesus...You are coming back for us!!!!!
Oh God!!! Your word coming back to you...as prayers, declarations, thanksgiving, praises...ministering to others through our lives - having completed that for which You sent it, and prospering in that for which it was sent."
Let me tell you a story...
Several weeks ago, Mary and I visited two of Mary's aunts - Aunt Jean (age 95), and Aunt Noreen (age 97). (They both are retired teachers.)
Aunt Noreen Blackburn told me a couple of stories about her last two years of teaching (before she retired ) -
(She spoke to her students) -
A) "I can't teach you about the Bible - that is against the rules, but I am going to have my devotional time, and you can listen if you want to."
Later, when she finished, she told them, "If you want to know more - there is a box by the door with Bible lessons in it, you can pick one up as you leave."
After the children left, Aunt Noreen looked - and all the lessons were taken!
She continued doing her devotions, and putting Bible lessons in the box - the children would take them all.
Then children started coming from other classes, saying "I want some of those Bible lessons"!!!
B) One day at school, they brought some little African American children into Aunt Noreen's classroom and said:
"Mrs. Blackburn, these children can't learn anything! But could they just sit in your room so they will have someone to watch over them?"
Aunt Noreen said, "Sure."
[Aunt Noreen said to me (Barry)..."Everybody can learn something, so I asked these children, "Would you like to learn how to type?" They said "Yes."
(Now remember, it had been said "These kids can't learn anything.")
So Aunt Noreen taught them all how to type. First, she taught them how to type accurately; then told them, "Now that you are accurate, practice to increase your speed." (They all did learn to type.)
Fast forward about 30 years...Aunt Noreen was in a shopping mall...She heard someone call her name..." Mrs. Blackburn, Mrs. Blackburn"...It was an African American gentleman...He introduced himself, his wife and children, and he told Aunt Noreen:
"Mrs. Blackburn, you taught me how to type. That is how I make my living now. And I have a really good life!"...
Oh! Father!!! "Your word coming back to you."!!!
When Jesus Christ - "The word of God" (John 1:14/Revelation 19:13) comes back for us, takes us into heaven....
He will not be void (empty, fruitless).
He will be bringing back to the Father all of us - His children, and all that His Word has accomplished in and through our lives -
The harvest of His Word - will fill - all of heaven!!!
"Let the word of God, in all its richness, live in you and make you wise..." And let His harvest fill all of heaven!!!
Let us read His Word, study His Word, meditate on His Word, declare His Word, proclaim it, share it, email it, text it, sing His Word!!! For the glory of God and His kingdom!!!
Hallelujah!!!
All praise to Jesus Christ!!! (Revelation 5:12)
"Let the words of Jesus Christ, in all their richness, live in you and make you wise..."...Bringing praise, and worship, thanksgiving, and glory, and honor unto God...And love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control...and blessing and healing to your family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers!!! (Colossians 3:15/Galatians 5:22)
"In all their richness..."
Oh, how rich is that???
So rich that all the riches and all the power of all the nations - are less than "dust on his scales" - as compared to his word. (Isaiah 40:15)
So desired, rich and powerful...that our brothers and sister in Jesus Christ in some countries risk themselves, their children and their grandchildren being killed by the government for having just a portion of God's Word.
(That also is a measure of how much the enemy fears God's word.)
So desired by our brothers and sisters, and so feared by the enemy...that in another nation - a pastor painstakingly copied Bible verses on pieces of toilet tissue, rolled it into tiny pieces and gave them to prisoners - who them hid them in cracks in the wall.
When this was discovered by the guards - the pastor was arrested (and most likely executed). The prisoners were tortured.
His Word is so rich and powerful - when it is received humbly and wholeheartedly it will continually transform our hearts, minds and spirits!
Because God says:
(Isaiah 55:11) "So shall my Word be that goes out of my mouth; it shall not return to me void (empty, without fruit), but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it."
Jesus!!! O Jesus the living word of God. (John 1:1, 15, Revelation 19:13)
You came to Earth...Jesus Himself said "I speak just as the Father has told me." (John 8:28/12:50)
What did God say in Isaiah 55:11? "Every word that goes forth from my mouth."
Jesus - (when he was tempted by Satan) said:
"It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:4)
Jesus said "Your sins are forgiven." (Mark 2:5)
On the cross Jesus said "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." (Psalm 31:5)
And, Jesus said "It is finished." (John 19:30)...
"Your Word...coming back to you, Father..."
Oh but Jesus...You are coming back for us!!!!!
Oh God!!! Your word coming back to you...as prayers, declarations, thanksgiving, praises...ministering to others through our lives - having completed that for which You sent it, and prospering in that for which it was sent."
Let me tell you a story...
Several weeks ago, Mary and I visited two of Mary's aunts - Aunt Jean (age 95), and Aunt Noreen (age 97). (They both are retired teachers.)
Aunt Noreen Blackburn told me a couple of stories about her last two years of teaching (before she retired ) -
(She spoke to her students) -
A) "I can't teach you about the Bible - that is against the rules, but I am going to have my devotional time, and you can listen if you want to."
Later, when she finished, she told them, "If you want to know more - there is a box by the door with Bible lessons in it, you can pick one up as you leave."
After the children left, Aunt Noreen looked - and all the lessons were taken!
She continued doing her devotions, and putting Bible lessons in the box - the children would take them all.
Then children started coming from other classes, saying "I want some of those Bible lessons"!!!
B) One day at school, they brought some little African American children into Aunt Noreen's classroom and said:
"Mrs. Blackburn, these children can't learn anything! But could they just sit in your room so they will have someone to watch over them?"
Aunt Noreen said, "Sure."
[Aunt Noreen said to me (Barry)..."Everybody can learn something, so I asked these children, "Would you like to learn how to type?" They said "Yes."
(Now remember, it had been said "These kids can't learn anything.")
So Aunt Noreen taught them all how to type. First, she taught them how to type accurately; then told them, "Now that you are accurate, practice to increase your speed." (They all did learn to type.)
Fast forward about 30 years...Aunt Noreen was in a shopping mall...She heard someone call her name..." Mrs. Blackburn, Mrs. Blackburn"...It was an African American gentleman...He introduced himself, his wife and children, and he told Aunt Noreen:
"Mrs. Blackburn, you taught me how to type. That is how I make my living now. And I have a really good life!"...
Oh! Father!!! "Your word coming back to you."!!!
When Jesus Christ - "The word of God" (John 1:14/Revelation 19:13) comes back for us, takes us into heaven....
He will not be void (empty, fruitless).
He will be bringing back to the Father all of us - His children, and all that His Word has accomplished in and through our lives -
The harvest of His Word - will fill - all of heaven!!!
"Let the word of God, in all its richness, live in you and make you wise..." And let His harvest fill all of heaven!!!
Let us read His Word, study His Word, meditate on His Word, declare His Word, proclaim it, share it, email it, text it, sing His Word!!! For the glory of God and His kingdom!!!
Hallelujah!!!
All praise to Jesus Christ!!! (Revelation 5:12)
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
"Our plans and hopes..........OUR HIGHEST DREAMS..........HIS GREATER GLORY!!!!!!!!"
Thank You Lord, for yellow maple trees!!!
On our property line, but in a place that you cannot see from our house, is an especially beautiful maple tree. When the leaves change color in the autumn, the leaves on this specific tree become a beautiful shade of red ; and when the sun shines directly on that tree - the leaves are such a bright shade of red- it is as if they are glowing.....it is truly a beautiful, glorious sight!!!
(Our plans and hopes)---
A few years ago, I decided that I wanted to purchase two red maple trees just like that one (described above), so I could plant them near our home. I took a leaf from that very special red maple tree, preserved the leaf, and mailed it to a landscaping expert. I requested the expert to identify the species of the tree - so that I could buy two of them.
In his return letter, my friend-the landscape expert did identify the species of the tree; but he cautioned me that "there is no way to determine whether the leaves will be red, or yellow, when the trees mature!
Because the place where we live belongs to God---
"The earth is the Lord's, and all its
fullness,
the world and those who dwell
therein."
(Psalm 24:1)
--I prayed much, asking that His will be done, and if it can be His will - "please guide me so that I get the maple trees with that special shade of red in the autumn".
I purchased two maple trees and planted them in the chosen locations (near our home). The trees are now mature -- they are strong, healthy, and truly beautiful. And every fall, the leaves turn a beautiful shade of............yellow. And truly, they are beautiful!! Thank You Lord!!!
This fall (2014) as I walk through the woods surrounding our home, our Holy God in His perfect love -- is showing to me many different species of trees, in many different locations -- and they each have leaves of that special shade of red!!!!!
So, in His timing, I am seeing and enjoying the beautiful red leaves that I wanted.
In His love, Holy God our Father first gave to me the yellow maple trees- - - so that I would have greater appreciation for the red ones, and for the greater numbers and varieties and locations!
This is far more than just a story about trees and pretty leaves.....
It is a message from our Holy God Who is Almighty---He loves each of His children intensely -- and He wants to open "the eyes of our hearts" so that we can know - that He wants to do things in and through us that we would not dream of nor dare ask----- AS IT IS WRITTEN IN HIS WORD:
"Now to Him Who, by His power
that is at work in us, is able to do...
far over and above all that we dare
ask or think (infinitely beyond our highest
prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes,
or dreams)---to Him be glory in the church
and in Jesus Christ..."!!!!!!!!!
(Ephesians 3:20/Amplified Bible)
He wants to work in and through our lives to achieve His Kingdom Purposes, and to display His Holiness and HIS GREATER GLORY!!!!!!!!
God's timing in what He does is crucial.....
Let's take a look in the New Testament at the book of John...and what happened to Lazarus:
"Now a certain man was sick,
Lazarus of Bethany, the town of
Mary and her sister Martha.
"It was that Mary who anointed the
Lord with fragrant oil and wiped His
feet with her hair, whose brother Laza-
rus was sick.
"Therefore the sisters sent to Him (Jesus),
saying, 'Lord, behold, he whom You
love is sick.
"When Jesus heard that, He said,
'this sickness is not unto death, but
for the glory of God, that the Son of
God may be glorified through it.'
"Now Jesus loved Martha and her
sister and Lazarus.
"So when He heard that he (Lazarus) was sick,
(Jesus) stayed two more days in the place
where He was. (What???...Read the verse above again!!!!)
"Then after this He said to the disciples,
'Let us go to Bethany (in Judea) again.'
"Then Jesus said to them plainly,
'Lazarus is dead.
'And I am glad for your sakes that
I was not there, that you may believe.
Nevertheless let us go to him.'
"So when Jesus came, He found that
(Lazarus) had already been in the tomb
four days.
"Now Martha said to Jesus, 'Lord,
if You had been here, my brother
would not have died.
"But even now I know that what-
ever You ask of God, God will give
You.
"Jesus said to her, 'Your brother will
rise again.
"Martha said to Him, 'I know that
he will rise again in the resurrection
at the last day.
"Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection
and the life. He who believes in Me,
though he may die, he shall live.
" 'And whoever lives and believes in Me
shall never die. Do you believe this?'
"She said to Him, 'Yes, Lord
I believe that You are the Christ, the
Son of God, who is to come into the world.'
"Then, when Mary came where Jesus was,
and saw Him, she fell down at His feet,
saying to Him, 'Lord, if You had been here,
my brother would not have died.'
"Therefore, when Jesus saw her weeping,
and the Jews who came with her weeping,
He groaned in the spirit and was troubled.
"And He said, 'Where have you laid him?'
They said to Him, 'Lord, come and see.
"Jesus wept."
(Lazarus Raised from the Dead)
"Then Jesus, again groaning in Himself,
came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a
stone lay against it.
"Jesus said, 'Take away the stone.'
Martha, the sister of him who was dead,
said to Him, 'Lord, by this time there is a
stench, for he has been dead four days.
"Jesus said to her, 'Did I not say to you
that if you would believe you would see
the glory of God?'
"Then they took away the stone from the place where
the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up
His eyes and said, 'Father, I thank You that You
have heard Me.
'And I know that You always hear Me, but
because of the people who are standing by
I said this, that they may believe that You
sent Me.
"Now when He had said these things,
He cried with a loud voice,
'Lazarus, come forth!'
"And he who had died came out... bound
hand and foot with graveclothes, and his
face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus
said to them, 'Loose him, and let him go.'
Then many of the Jews who had come to
Mary, and had seen the things Jesus did,
believed in Him."
(John 11:1-7; 14-15; 17; 21-27; 32-35; 38-45)
Jesus got there four days after Lazarus died. When He got Mary and Martha's message - He stayed where He was at the time. He rarely does exactly what we want or ask. He always does His Father's will!!! (John 5:19; John 8:28; John 12:50; Matthew 26:39, 42)
God will allow us to get into situations that are beyond human help.
Why? In order to give Him an opportunity to display the glory of His resurrection life!!!
We all know that death is mighty........but Jesus is Almighty!!!
(A brief recap)----
Jesus did not heal Lazarus; He came at "4 days past dead", and resurrected him!!! And he gave Lazarus back to his family alive and well!
He did this so that He could demonstrate HIS RESURRECTION LIFE for HIS GREATER GLORY!!!!!!!!
Jesus Christ says, "I am the resurrection and the life. Believe in me."
(John 11:25-26)
Dear Brothers, Sisters, and Friends, let us believe in Jesus Christ more and more!!!
Let us submit to Jesus Christ more and more...so He can display His resurrection life
in and through our lives........
FOR HIS GREATER GLORY!!!!!!!!!!!!
YES!!!
(See also Ephesians 1:15-21)
Thank You Lord, for yellow maple trees!!!
On our property line, but in a place that you cannot see from our house, is an especially beautiful maple tree. When the leaves change color in the autumn, the leaves on this specific tree become a beautiful shade of red ; and when the sun shines directly on that tree - the leaves are such a bright shade of red- it is as if they are glowing.....it is truly a beautiful, glorious sight!!!
(Our plans and hopes)---
A few years ago, I decided that I wanted to purchase two red maple trees just like that one (described above), so I could plant them near our home. I took a leaf from that very special red maple tree, preserved the leaf, and mailed it to a landscaping expert. I requested the expert to identify the species of the tree - so that I could buy two of them.
In his return letter, my friend-the landscape expert did identify the species of the tree; but he cautioned me that "there is no way to determine whether the leaves will be red, or yellow, when the trees mature!
Because the place where we live belongs to God---
"The earth is the Lord's, and all its
fullness,
the world and those who dwell
therein."
(Psalm 24:1)
--I prayed much, asking that His will be done, and if it can be His will - "please guide me so that I get the maple trees with that special shade of red in the autumn".
I purchased two maple trees and planted them in the chosen locations (near our home). The trees are now mature -- they are strong, healthy, and truly beautiful. And every fall, the leaves turn a beautiful shade of............yellow. And truly, they are beautiful!! Thank You Lord!!!
This fall (2014) as I walk through the woods surrounding our home, our Holy God in His perfect love -- is showing to me many different species of trees, in many different locations -- and they each have leaves of that special shade of red!!!!!
So, in His timing, I am seeing and enjoying the beautiful red leaves that I wanted.
In His love, Holy God our Father first gave to me the yellow maple trees- - - so that I would have greater appreciation for the red ones, and for the greater numbers and varieties and locations!
This is far more than just a story about trees and pretty leaves.....
It is a message from our Holy God Who is Almighty---He loves each of His children intensely -- and He wants to open "the eyes of our hearts" so that we can know - that He wants to do things in and through us that we would not dream of nor dare ask----- AS IT IS WRITTEN IN HIS WORD:
"Now to Him Who, by His power
that is at work in us, is able to do...
far over and above all that we dare
ask or think (infinitely beyond our highest
prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes,
or dreams)---to Him be glory in the church
and in Jesus Christ..."!!!!!!!!!
(Ephesians 3:20/Amplified Bible)
He wants to work in and through our lives to achieve His Kingdom Purposes, and to display His Holiness and HIS GREATER GLORY!!!!!!!!
God's timing in what He does is crucial.....
Let's take a look in the New Testament at the book of John...and what happened to Lazarus:
"Now a certain man was sick,
Lazarus of Bethany, the town of
Mary and her sister Martha.
"It was that Mary who anointed the
Lord with fragrant oil and wiped His
feet with her hair, whose brother Laza-
rus was sick.
"Therefore the sisters sent to Him (Jesus),
saying, 'Lord, behold, he whom You
love is sick.
"When Jesus heard that, He said,
'this sickness is not unto death, but
for the glory of God, that the Son of
God may be glorified through it.'
"Now Jesus loved Martha and her
sister and Lazarus.
"So when He heard that he (Lazarus) was sick,
(Jesus) stayed two more days in the place
where He was. (What???...Read the verse above again!!!!)
"Then after this He said to the disciples,
'Let us go to Bethany (in Judea) again.'
"Then Jesus said to them plainly,
'Lazarus is dead.
'And I am glad for your sakes that
I was not there, that you may believe.
Nevertheless let us go to him.'
"So when Jesus came, He found that
(Lazarus) had already been in the tomb
four days.
"Now Martha said to Jesus, 'Lord,
if You had been here, my brother
would not have died.
"But even now I know that what-
ever You ask of God, God will give
You.
"Jesus said to her, 'Your brother will
rise again.
"Martha said to Him, 'I know that
he will rise again in the resurrection
at the last day.
"Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection
and the life. He who believes in Me,
though he may die, he shall live.
" 'And whoever lives and believes in Me
shall never die. Do you believe this?'
"She said to Him, 'Yes, Lord
I believe that You are the Christ, the
Son of God, who is to come into the world.'
"Then, when Mary came where Jesus was,
and saw Him, she fell down at His feet,
saying to Him, 'Lord, if You had been here,
my brother would not have died.'
"Therefore, when Jesus saw her weeping,
and the Jews who came with her weeping,
He groaned in the spirit and was troubled.
"And He said, 'Where have you laid him?'
They said to Him, 'Lord, come and see.
"Jesus wept."
(Lazarus Raised from the Dead)
"Then Jesus, again groaning in Himself,
came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a
stone lay against it.
"Jesus said, 'Take away the stone.'
Martha, the sister of him who was dead,
said to Him, 'Lord, by this time there is a
stench, for he has been dead four days.
"Jesus said to her, 'Did I not say to you
that if you would believe you would see
the glory of God?'
"Then they took away the stone from the place where
the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up
His eyes and said, 'Father, I thank You that You
have heard Me.
'And I know that You always hear Me, but
because of the people who are standing by
I said this, that they may believe that You
sent Me.
"Now when He had said these things,
He cried with a loud voice,
'Lazarus, come forth!'
"And he who had died came out... bound
hand and foot with graveclothes, and his
face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus
said to them, 'Loose him, and let him go.'
Then many of the Jews who had come to
Mary, and had seen the things Jesus did,
believed in Him."
(John 11:1-7; 14-15; 17; 21-27; 32-35; 38-45)
Jesus got there four days after Lazarus died. When He got Mary and Martha's message - He stayed where He was at the time. He rarely does exactly what we want or ask. He always does His Father's will!!! (John 5:19; John 8:28; John 12:50; Matthew 26:39, 42)
God will allow us to get into situations that are beyond human help.
Why? In order to give Him an opportunity to display the glory of His resurrection life!!!
We all know that death is mighty........but Jesus is Almighty!!!
(A brief recap)----
Jesus did not heal Lazarus; He came at "4 days past dead", and resurrected him!!! And he gave Lazarus back to his family alive and well!
He did this so that He could demonstrate HIS RESURRECTION LIFE for HIS GREATER GLORY!!!!!!!!
Jesus Christ says, "I am the resurrection and the life. Believe in me."
(John 11:25-26)
Dear Brothers, Sisters, and Friends, let us believe in Jesus Christ more and more!!!
Let us submit to Jesus Christ more and more...so He can display His resurrection life
in and through our lives........
FOR HIS GREATER GLORY!!!!!!!!!!!!
YES!!!
(See also Ephesians 1:15-21)
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
"WARM WELLS", "HEART BURN",.........AND "THE FULLNESS OF GOD"!!!!!!!!!
(Luke 24:13-53/Ephesians 3:19)
After Jesus Christ was crucified for my sins, and your sins, and for the sins of all the world (Luke 23:33)----- two of His disciples were walking on the "way" from Jerusalem to Emmaus - and they encountered the resurrected Jesus Christ - "the Way" (John 14:6). "But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him." (Luke 24:13-16)
These two disciples were very disappointed, sad, and frustrated - because the One that they had "thought" was the "Messiah" ----- had just died! Their hopes had been crushed by His death.
[They were sad because their hopes had been crushed. Perhaps their hopes were crushed- - - - -because they had placed their hopes on their own expectations, rather than on the person of Jesus Christ, and on what the Scriptures say about Him-the Messiah!!! (Isaiah chapters 52 & 53). More about that later].
First, Jesus asked the two disciples some questions, then He listened to them, and then - "...beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself". (Luke 24:27)
"When they neared the village of Emmaus ("Warm Wells"), "...He (Jesus) acted as if He would go further. But they constrained Him, saying 'abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent'. And He went in to stay with them.
"Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them.
"Then their eyes were opened and they knew (recognized) Him; and He vanished from sight.
"And they said to one another, 'Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?' " (Luke 24:17-32)
See here how Jesus asked them questions, listened to them, and then opened/explained the Scriptures concerning Himself to them; then He was revealed to them when He blessed and broke the bread, and gave it to them.
When "...He vanished from sight..."- - - that caused them to talk about Him more, meditate on His words more, pursue Him, and seek His Presence more, share with others about Jesus, and worship Him more!!! (Luke 24:32-53)
O K, it is confession time for me (Barry):
Holy God in His perfect love has been very graciously and patiently working on me for a long time - teaching me to put my hope (not on my expectations), but on His Person-His character-His Word!!!
In John 16:13 Jesus (Himself) tells you and me: "...He (the Holy Spirit) will guide you into all truth".
So, as you and I continue to submit ourselves to God, and read, study, and declare the Scriptures, and ask the Holy Spirit - - - He will open/explain the Scriptures to each of us, filling our lives with more and more of His Presence!!!
As IT IS WRITTEN IN HIS WORD:
"...That you may experience for yourselves the love of Christ...that you may have the richest measure of the divine Presence, and become a body wholly filled with God Himself!"
(Ephesians 3:19/Amplified Bible)
"Lord...let it be to me according to your word." (Luke 1:38)
Amen.
(Luke 24:13-53/Ephesians 3:19)
After Jesus Christ was crucified for my sins, and your sins, and for the sins of all the world (Luke 23:33)----- two of His disciples were walking on the "way" from Jerusalem to Emmaus - and they encountered the resurrected Jesus Christ - "the Way" (John 14:6). "But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him." (Luke 24:13-16)
These two disciples were very disappointed, sad, and frustrated - because the One that they had "thought" was the "Messiah" ----- had just died! Their hopes had been crushed by His death.
[They were sad because their hopes had been crushed. Perhaps their hopes were crushed- - - - -because they had placed their hopes on their own expectations, rather than on the person of Jesus Christ, and on what the Scriptures say about Him-the Messiah!!! (Isaiah chapters 52 & 53). More about that later].
First, Jesus asked the two disciples some questions, then He listened to them, and then - "...beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself". (Luke 24:27)
"When they neared the village of Emmaus ("Warm Wells"), "...He (Jesus) acted as if He would go further. But they constrained Him, saying 'abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent'. And He went in to stay with them.
"Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them.
"Then their eyes were opened and they knew (recognized) Him; and He vanished from sight.
"And they said to one another, 'Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?' " (Luke 24:17-32)
See here how Jesus asked them questions, listened to them, and then opened/explained the Scriptures concerning Himself to them; then He was revealed to them when He blessed and broke the bread, and gave it to them.
When "...He vanished from sight..."- - - that caused them to talk about Him more, meditate on His words more, pursue Him, and seek His Presence more, share with others about Jesus, and worship Him more!!! (Luke 24:32-53)
O K, it is confession time for me (Barry):
Holy God in His perfect love has been very graciously and patiently working on me for a long time - teaching me to put my hope (not on my expectations), but on His Person-His character-His Word!!!
In John 16:13 Jesus (Himself) tells you and me: "...He (the Holy Spirit) will guide you into all truth".
So, as you and I continue to submit ourselves to God, and read, study, and declare the Scriptures, and ask the Holy Spirit - - - He will open/explain the Scriptures to each of us, filling our lives with more and more of His Presence!!!
As IT IS WRITTEN IN HIS WORD:
"...That you may experience for yourselves the love of Christ...that you may have the richest measure of the divine Presence, and become a body wholly filled with God Himself!"
(Ephesians 3:19/Amplified Bible)
"Lord...let it be to me according to your word." (Luke 1:38)
Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)