"A LITTLE JOKE"
It happened when I was a young boy.....
My parents had taught me to ALWAYS be reverent toward God.
On a certain day, I was telling a joke to my mother. It was a very clean, simple joke; but because it had been so strongly emphasized to me to "always stand in awe of Holy God"--------I was a little nervous and unsure.....so I said to Mother: "Mama, God loves a little joke, doesn't He?"
Mother answered: "Sure! He loves you , doesn't He?"
I was a little taken aback by what she said........but after hesitating for a moment, I answered: "Yes, Ma'am"; then we both had a good laugh!
And yes! "the Lord, the Most High God" (Genesis 14:22), "The Holy One of Israel" (Isaiah 29:19) -
He does approve of laughter. In Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 He declares: "To everything there is a season...' a time to weep, and a time to laugh...". The word used in that passage for "laugh" means: " to laugh; to rejoice; to play; to be amused..." (Strong's # 7832).
With all that (above) in mind, may I share with you another "little joke".....
My lovely wife Mary gave to me an "early Valentine gift" - a new book cover for my Bible!!! This new Bible cover is very nice. In addition to covering and protecting my Bible, it also has a separate compartment that holds a writing pad and a highlighter pen.
Enclosed in the new cover was a pad of foam rubber - designed to maintain the cover in the proper shape during shipping.
When I described this gift to my pastor, I told him about all the various benefits of the cover (the carrying strap, separate compartment with the writing pad, highlighter pen, etc.). Then I told him:
"Another benefit that came with the cover is a 'foam pad.....that will make a great pillow if I get to feeling sleepy during one of your sermons!!!!!"
[Yes, he very graciously laughed WITH me!!!!!]
Most Holy God!!! I pray that you will bless my lovely wife Mary, my pastor Roger Bourgeois, and each of you dear brothers and sisters - in Your name : "GOD my exceeding joy"!!! (Psalm 43:4) Amen.
Thursday, February 12, 2015
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
The NUMBERS OF HOPE 3:16 (John 3:16)
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
In the Bible, the number "3" stands for Divine perfection.
God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
(Colossians 2:2, 6, 9; John 16:13)
The number "1":
"Hear, O Israel: 'The Lord God, the Lord is one!' "
(Deuteronomy 6:4)
The number "6":
"6" is the number of man; (man was created on the 6th day
of creation. (see Genesis 1:3-31)
Everyone of us is incomplete - until we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord!!!
Man (6), plus God (1) = 7. In God's Word (the Bible), "7" is the number for perfect, complete:
"And on the seventh day God ended His work (creation) which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done.
"Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made." (Genesis 2:2-3)
Holy God, our Father, Creator of the universe, "The High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy" (Isaiah 57:15); He Who is Almighty (Gen. 17:1-2), and Righteous (Psalm 4:1) ........yet He loves each and every one of us with His infinite AND intimate love!!!
He "...chose (you and me) in Jesus Christ before the foundation of the world..." (Ephesians 1:4)........knowing the times that we would sin against Him, and break His heart;...knowing that He would have to allow His Son Jesus Christ to be "broken" and crucified on the cross for our sins........
But also knowing all the moments when we would be obedient to Him---and that He would receive glory and joy - because of what He is doing in us and through us!!!! [LORD! May those times that we are obedient to You always be on the increase!!!] God says to us: "I love you, My child."
With His most tender lovingkindness, He "put us together in our mother's womb" (Psalm 139:13-15)........He "...wrote down our every day before we were born" (Psalm 139:16................
In His holy love He prepared, and directed to my eyes, the light beams that came from the sun, to reflect off the rose-red branches that I stood by Monday morning...in order to remind me (and now remind you) how intimate and how powerful His love is.
[The tree branches were "rose-red": RED - because of Jesus Christ's blood that He shed on the cross as He was giving His life FOR our sins. ROSE - because Jesus "A-rose" from the grave to give His life TO us!!!!!!! (Luke 23:33 - 24:6)]
With His same all-knowing yet perfectly-intimate love........He grew the trees...that became the two wooden beams that made up the cross...on which He was crucified for you and for me!
With His same eternal love, He "through men" wrote every single letter of His Word the Bible---His love letter to each of us - spelling out: "I know the plans I have for you...plans for good...to give you a future and a hope.." (Jeremiah 29:11)........"In this love letter are both My guidance and My enablement for how to follow me day-by-day and moment-by-moment........
"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow you all the days of your life...you will live with Me in My house forever" (Psalm 23:1-6)........I am "the same yesterday, today, and forever" (Hebrews 13:8)........I am "with you always" (Matt. 28:20)
I AM YOUR HOPE. (I Timothy 1:1)
Your "Abba (Daddy) Father"
(Romans 8:15)
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
In the Bible, the number "3" stands for Divine perfection.
God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
(Colossians 2:2, 6, 9; John 16:13)
The number "1":
"Hear, O Israel: 'The Lord God, the Lord is one!' "
(Deuteronomy 6:4)
The number "6":
"6" is the number of man; (man was created on the 6th day
of creation. (see Genesis 1:3-31)
Everyone of us is incomplete - until we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord!!!
Man (6), plus God (1) = 7. In God's Word (the Bible), "7" is the number for perfect, complete:
"And on the seventh day God ended His work (creation) which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done.
"Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made." (Genesis 2:2-3)
Holy God, our Father, Creator of the universe, "The High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy" (Isaiah 57:15); He Who is Almighty (Gen. 17:1-2), and Righteous (Psalm 4:1) ........yet He loves each and every one of us with His infinite AND intimate love!!!
He "...chose (you and me) in Jesus Christ before the foundation of the world..." (Ephesians 1:4)........knowing the times that we would sin against Him, and break His heart;...knowing that He would have to allow His Son Jesus Christ to be "broken" and crucified on the cross for our sins........
But also knowing all the moments when we would be obedient to Him---and that He would receive glory and joy - because of what He is doing in us and through us!!!! [LORD! May those times that we are obedient to You always be on the increase!!!] God says to us: "I love you, My child."
With His most tender lovingkindness, He "put us together in our mother's womb" (Psalm 139:13-15)........He "...wrote down our every day before we were born" (Psalm 139:16................
In His holy love He prepared, and directed to my eyes, the light beams that came from the sun, to reflect off the rose-red branches that I stood by Monday morning...in order to remind me (and now remind you) how intimate and how powerful His love is.
[The tree branches were "rose-red": RED - because of Jesus Christ's blood that He shed on the cross as He was giving His life FOR our sins. ROSE - because Jesus "A-rose" from the grave to give His life TO us!!!!!!! (Luke 23:33 - 24:6)]
With His same all-knowing yet perfectly-intimate love........He grew the trees...that became the two wooden beams that made up the cross...on which He was crucified for you and for me!
With His same eternal love, He "through men" wrote every single letter of His Word the Bible---His love letter to each of us - spelling out: "I know the plans I have for you...plans for good...to give you a future and a hope.." (Jeremiah 29:11)........"In this love letter are both My guidance and My enablement for how to follow me day-by-day and moment-by-moment........
"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow you all the days of your life...you will live with Me in My house forever" (Psalm 23:1-6)........I am "the same yesterday, today, and forever" (Hebrews 13:8)........I am "with you always" (Matt. 28:20)
I AM YOUR HOPE. (I Timothy 1:1)
Your "Abba (Daddy) Father"
(Romans 8:15)
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
"ANSWERS TO PRAYER..........TISSUE, TEA, AND TEARS"
Someone has said: "God answers our prayers---"Yes"; "No"; or "Wait".
I am not going to spend time discussing that.
I am simply declaring that in His Word, God commands us to pray.
In His Word, God calls us to pray.
In His Word, you will find that God enables us to pray.
As you pray His Word, you will experience-for-yourself that God answers your prayers........
because "...He...is able to carry out His purpose...and do...far over and above all that we dare
ask [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]..."
(Ephesians 3:19/Amplified Bible)
WOW!!! WOW!!! I have to read that verse (above) again!!!! Yeah! Me too!!!!!
In truth, we will find out that God Himself is the answer to our prayers!!!!!!!!
He answers all of our prayers: "Yes." "I am God."
"I am the Lord, I change not." (Malachi 3:6) "I always do that which is intimately best for
you [as if you were my only child (see Psalm 139:1-18, 23-24)].....and, infinitely best for all
My kingdom.
But don't accept (Barry's) word for all this.......ask the Holy Spirit to "...guide you into all truth".
[In John 16:13, Jesus Christ declares: "...He (the Holy Spirit) will guide you into all truth."]
May I please share with you how my wife (Mary) and I experienced-this-for-ourselves on a trip not
very long ago...
ANSWERS TO PRAYER: TISSUE, TEA, AND TEARS.
By God's great grace He enabled Mary and me to take a trip to Israel (Nov.26 - Dec. 5, 2012).
As is consistent with His character - God far exceeded our highest hopes and dreams!!!
God took us to many holy places in His-Land-Israel, and He revealed His holiness into our
hearts many times.
For a few minutes, I would like to focus on a particular day..........
Friday, Nov 30th, I awoke very early.......and I was very nauseous; I knew right away that I was
not going anywhere that day.
I urged Mary to go on with the rest of the tour group that day, and she very graciously did go.
I knew that Mary would be praying for me, that she would ask some of the tour group to pray
for me. I knew that our church members were praying for us, and our family was praying for us.
Before Mary left that morning, she thoughtfully contacted the front desk of the hotel, and asked that
housekeeping NOT clean our room that day - so that I would not be disturbed.
After Mary left, I went back to sleep for a while. When I awoke..........I felt.....horrible! I had a terrible burning sensation in my stomach - that just continued on and on! I had some Pepto-Bismol tablets, and some other remedies.....but nothing helped. Nothing.
I got out my Bible.....planning to read, pray, and declare portions of Psalm 119 - because recently, when I had a serious sinus infection.....I repeatedly prayed/proclaimed/sang several verses from Psalm 119 - like "Lord, revive me according to Your word.....revive me according to Your faithfulness.....revive me according to Your love..." and the Lord did indeed revive me then!!! Praise His name!!!!!!!
But.....the Holy Spirit stopped me at Psalm 118 (Psalm One Hundred EIGHTEEN!!!), verse 15---
"The voice of rejoicing and salvation (healing) is in the tents of the righteous..."
(Only) because the blood of Jesus Christ covers me - I AM righteous.
According to God's word - my " body is the temple (tent) of the Holy Spirit." (I Corinthians 6:19)--------The voice of Jesus Christ's rejoicing and salvation (healing) is IN ME!!!!!!!! (and in you if you belong to Him!!!)
As I continued praying, declaring, proclaiming, prophesying, this word from God.....and thanking Him (Philippians 4:6-8)..........I heard a knocking on the door of our room..........
In the (physical), the person knocking on our door was a young man from "housekeeping" - asking me if I wanted him to clean our room.
(Now remember, Mary had asked housekeeping to NOT clean our room).
I told the young man that I needed more tissue. (He gave me an abundance of tissue!)
I further explained to him that I did not want him to clean the room "because I am sick".
When I told him that I was sick.....this young man - with such earnestness, such lovingkindness, and such assurance said: "Drink some of this hot tea, it WILL calm your stomach"
He showed me how exactly how to make the tea, and then he left.
I knew that I was to do exactly as he said. I made the tea, drank it slowly. Almost immediately, I began to feel better! I made another cup of the tea and drank it. Within a short while, I felt totally better - the sickness was gone.
As I thanked our Holy God, and reflected on how with such assurance and lovingkindness the young man told me "This tea WILL calm your stomach"........the Holy Spirit brought to my remembrance His word in Psalm 63:3--- "Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise you".
I wept tears of thanksgiving, and
I wept tears of thanksgiving, and
I wept tears of thanksgiving.
(I have prayed much about this, on that specific day, and since that day. I do not think that it was an angel, but Jesus Christ Himself that ministered to me through that young man).
As I continued to read, pray, and proclaim His Word that afternoon, the Lord strongly emphasized some more verses to me:
Psalm 119: 49-50: "Remember the word to your servant, upon which you have caused me to hope. This is my comfort in my affliction, for Your Word has given me life."
Psalm 119:71: "It is GOOD for me that I was afflicted, that I may learn Your (Word)".
That evening, when Mary arrived back at our room from that day's tour - I shared with her about my day.........and I could hardly speak - because I was weeping tears of joy and thanksgiving - for "His lovingkindness is better than life." (Psalm 63:3)
Today The LORD GOD has some questions for us:
Will you CONTINUE to pray?
Will you INCREASE your praying?
Will you PRAY, PROCLAIM, PROPHESY, and SING MY WORD?
Will you TRUST ME to answer in the WAY, and TIMING, that will GLORIFY ME THE MOST?
Will you pray "JESUS CHRIST-THE PRINCE OF PEACE-for Jerusalem;
"May they prosper who love you (Jerusalem).
"Peace be within your walls, prosperity within
"your palaces." (Psalm 122:7-8)
***** Please remember to ask the Holy Spirit to "...guide you into all truth". (John 16:13) ****
Jesus Christ is "...the 'Yes' answer to every promise of God." (II Corinthians 1:20)
Jesus Christ is "...the Amen". (Revelation 3:14)
PRAISE HIS GLORIOUS NAME!!!!!!!!!
HERE ARE SOME POWERFUL EXAMPLES OF PRAYER (AND ANSWERS!) IN GOD'S WORD:
Abraham in Genesis 18:17-33. Moses in Exodus 32:11-14, 30-34
Joshua in Joshua 10:12-14 Isaiah & Hezekiah in Isaiah 36:1-37:38
Ezekiel in Ezekiel 22:30 Paul in Ephesians 1:17-21; 3:14-21
Acts 13:1-14:28 Acts 4:1-37
II Chronicles 6:12-42; 7:1 Acts 12:1-17
The Lord's Prayer: Matt.6:9-13 I John 5:14-15
John 4:34 David asks for Joy and God's Presence - Psalm 51:1-19
HOLY GOD IS WAITING ON YOU AND ME TO CALL ON HIM - IN JESUS CHRIST'S NAME!!!!!!!
Someone has said: "God answers our prayers---"Yes"; "No"; or "Wait".
I am not going to spend time discussing that.
I am simply declaring that in His Word, God commands us to pray.
In His Word, God calls us to pray.
In His Word, you will find that God enables us to pray.
As you pray His Word, you will experience-for-yourself that God answers your prayers........
because "...He...is able to carry out His purpose...and do...far over and above all that we dare
ask [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]..."
(Ephesians 3:19/Amplified Bible)
WOW!!! WOW!!! I have to read that verse (above) again!!!! Yeah! Me too!!!!!
In truth, we will find out that God Himself is the answer to our prayers!!!!!!!!
He answers all of our prayers: "Yes." "I am God."
"I am the Lord, I change not." (Malachi 3:6) "I always do that which is intimately best for
you [as if you were my only child (see Psalm 139:1-18, 23-24)].....and, infinitely best for all
My kingdom.
But don't accept (Barry's) word for all this.......ask the Holy Spirit to "...guide you into all truth".
[In John 16:13, Jesus Christ declares: "...He (the Holy Spirit) will guide you into all truth."]
May I please share with you how my wife (Mary) and I experienced-this-for-ourselves on a trip not
very long ago...
ANSWERS TO PRAYER: TISSUE, TEA, AND TEARS.
By God's great grace He enabled Mary and me to take a trip to Israel (Nov.26 - Dec. 5, 2012).
As is consistent with His character - God far exceeded our highest hopes and dreams!!!
God took us to many holy places in His-Land-Israel, and He revealed His holiness into our
hearts many times.
For a few minutes, I would like to focus on a particular day..........
Friday, Nov 30th, I awoke very early.......and I was very nauseous; I knew right away that I was
not going anywhere that day.
I urged Mary to go on with the rest of the tour group that day, and she very graciously did go.
I knew that Mary would be praying for me, that she would ask some of the tour group to pray
for me. I knew that our church members were praying for us, and our family was praying for us.
Before Mary left that morning, she thoughtfully contacted the front desk of the hotel, and asked that
housekeeping NOT clean our room that day - so that I would not be disturbed.
After Mary left, I went back to sleep for a while. When I awoke..........I felt.....horrible! I had a terrible burning sensation in my stomach - that just continued on and on! I had some Pepto-Bismol tablets, and some other remedies.....but nothing helped. Nothing.
I got out my Bible.....planning to read, pray, and declare portions of Psalm 119 - because recently, when I had a serious sinus infection.....I repeatedly prayed/proclaimed/sang several verses from Psalm 119 - like "Lord, revive me according to Your word.....revive me according to Your faithfulness.....revive me according to Your love..." and the Lord did indeed revive me then!!! Praise His name!!!!!!!
But.....the Holy Spirit stopped me at Psalm 118 (Psalm One Hundred EIGHTEEN!!!), verse 15---
"The voice of rejoicing and salvation (healing) is in the tents of the righteous..."
(Only) because the blood of Jesus Christ covers me - I AM righteous.
According to God's word - my " body is the temple (tent) of the Holy Spirit." (I Corinthians 6:19)--------The voice of Jesus Christ's rejoicing and salvation (healing) is IN ME!!!!!!!! (and in you if you belong to Him!!!)
As I continued praying, declaring, proclaiming, prophesying, this word from God.....and thanking Him (Philippians 4:6-8)..........I heard a knocking on the door of our room..........
In the (physical), the person knocking on our door was a young man from "housekeeping" - asking me if I wanted him to clean our room.
(Now remember, Mary had asked housekeeping to NOT clean our room).
I told the young man that I needed more tissue. (He gave me an abundance of tissue!)
I further explained to him that I did not want him to clean the room "because I am sick".
When I told him that I was sick.....this young man - with such earnestness, such lovingkindness, and such assurance said: "Drink some of this hot tea, it WILL calm your stomach"
He showed me how exactly how to make the tea, and then he left.
I knew that I was to do exactly as he said. I made the tea, drank it slowly. Almost immediately, I began to feel better! I made another cup of the tea and drank it. Within a short while, I felt totally better - the sickness was gone.
As I thanked our Holy God, and reflected on how with such assurance and lovingkindness the young man told me "This tea WILL calm your stomach"........the Holy Spirit brought to my remembrance His word in Psalm 63:3--- "Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise you".
I wept tears of thanksgiving, and
I wept tears of thanksgiving, and
I wept tears of thanksgiving.
(I have prayed much about this, on that specific day, and since that day. I do not think that it was an angel, but Jesus Christ Himself that ministered to me through that young man).
As I continued to read, pray, and proclaim His Word that afternoon, the Lord strongly emphasized some more verses to me:
Psalm 119: 49-50: "Remember the word to your servant, upon which you have caused me to hope. This is my comfort in my affliction, for Your Word has given me life."
Psalm 119:71: "It is GOOD for me that I was afflicted, that I may learn Your (Word)".
That evening, when Mary arrived back at our room from that day's tour - I shared with her about my day.........and I could hardly speak - because I was weeping tears of joy and thanksgiving - for "His lovingkindness is better than life." (Psalm 63:3)
Today The LORD GOD has some questions for us:
Will you CONTINUE to pray?
Will you INCREASE your praying?
Will you PRAY, PROCLAIM, PROPHESY, and SING MY WORD?
Will you TRUST ME to answer in the WAY, and TIMING, that will GLORIFY ME THE MOST?
Will you pray "JESUS CHRIST-THE PRINCE OF PEACE-for Jerusalem;
"May they prosper who love you (Jerusalem).
"Peace be within your walls, prosperity within
"your palaces." (Psalm 122:7-8)
***** Please remember to ask the Holy Spirit to "...guide you into all truth". (John 16:13) ****
Jesus Christ is "...the 'Yes' answer to every promise of God." (II Corinthians 1:20)
Jesus Christ is "...the Amen". (Revelation 3:14)
PRAISE HIS GLORIOUS NAME!!!!!!!!!
HERE ARE SOME POWERFUL EXAMPLES OF PRAYER (AND ANSWERS!) IN GOD'S WORD:
Abraham in Genesis 18:17-33. Moses in Exodus 32:11-14, 30-34
Joshua in Joshua 10:12-14 Isaiah & Hezekiah in Isaiah 36:1-37:38
Ezekiel in Ezekiel 22:30 Paul in Ephesians 1:17-21; 3:14-21
Acts 13:1-14:28 Acts 4:1-37
II Chronicles 6:12-42; 7:1 Acts 12:1-17
The Lord's Prayer: Matt.6:9-13 I John 5:14-15
John 4:34 David asks for Joy and God's Presence - Psalm 51:1-19
HOLY GOD IS WAITING ON YOU AND ME TO CALL ON HIM - IN JESUS CHRIST'S NAME!!!!!!!
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
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!!!!!!!
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!!!!!!!
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)
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