HUMAN RESCUE     VS     JESUS CHRIST'S RESCUE OF YOU AND ME!!!!!!!!!

During the first two years of my military service, the most important duty that I had was serving
as a member of the "crash crew".
That took place on a naval air station in Washington State.  The duty of the crash crew was to be
observing all planes as they took off and as they landed.

As it's name ("crash crew") indicates, It was our duty to watch for plane crashes.....when we saw
one, we were to quickly drive to the location, extinguish the fire, and rescue the flight crew, and to
also rescue any passengers.  

While serving on the crash crew, members were assigned duties based on the level of training)
which they had experienced.

New recruits started out as a "turret man".  A "turret man" rode on top of the cab of the fire
truck--- and he operated a turret gun---by aiming a nozzle which shot forth (either water or foam
onto the fire.

After turret man, you were promoted to being a "hose man".  Hose men maneuvered a fire hose
in order to move closer to the fire.  The next position available was to become a "rescue man".
As a "rescue man"  your job was to get inside the crashed plane.....and rescue
all the flight crew, and all passengers.

Next after rescue man, you could become a truck driver.  

I am sure that many of you have seen on TV news, or maybe in the movies (where a white foam
is sprayed around the plane).  That is done to prevent explosions and more fire.

In my tour of duty there, (By God's grace), I eventually made it to the position of "rescue man".

Later, I became a truck driver.  The truck that I drove was a "tanker truck"---which was used to provide extra water, or foam,----for the fire trucks.

All that (above).....to "set the scene" so that I can tell you the main points of this message:
At the time (1964---65) that I  served on the crash crew.....the ingredients that were mixed to-
gether to  make the foam were: air, water, and animal blood!!!

The animal blood was obtained from meat-packing factories.  The meat-packing factories are (in today's language) called an abattoir (pronounced "aba-twah").  Of course, in today's fire-fighting
-----they probably use different ingredients.

Now, let's look at some of GOD'S WORD  (proof of the truth!!!):

"But Christ came as High Priest of the greater, more perfect tabernacle not made with human hands,
not with the blood of goats and calves, but with HIS OWN BLOOD He entered the Most Holy Place (ONCE FOR ALL!!!) time and into eternity having obtained eternal redemption." (Hebrews 9:11-12).

(from study notes and other research)---"Jesus Christ came into History as an ETERNAL PRIEST
to offer an ETERNAL SACRIFICE for sin.  The shedding of HIS BLOOD provided a PERMANENT SACRIFICE for sin, and a permanent covenant bond between GOD and man.

Or to put it another way---(SEE Romans 8:16)
Animal blood [from an (abattoir/"abi-twah)]") is inadequate, and must be repeated often.....
But JESUS CHRIST'S blood (from ABBA is a PERMANENT SACRIFICE) and a PERMANENT
COVENANT BOND between GOD and man.

Jesus offered as a sacrifice HIS OWN BLOOD.  If the sacrifice of animals could achieve CEREMONIAL cleansing, HOW MUCH MORE will the SPIRITUAL SACRIFICE of JESUS
CHRIST cleanse the soul!!!

UNDER THE COVERING OF JESUS CHRIST'S BLOOD:
1)Salvation (Mark 14:24/Acts 4:12)       9)Redemption (Eph.1:7
2)Forgiveness ((Hebrews 9:22)              10)Justification (Rom. 5:8-9.
3)Peace (Colossians (1:19-20)                11)Sanctification (Heb.13:12
4)Protection (Exodus 12:13)                   12) Washing (Rev.1:5
5)Healing (Isaiah 53:5)                           13) Overcoming Power (Rev. 12:11
6)Provision (Psalm 105:37a)                   14) Speaking Power (Heb. 12:24
7)Life (Psalm105:37b)                             15)Accessing ability (Heb. 10:19
8)Cleansing (1 John 1:7)

OH!!! THE PRECIOUS AND POWER BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST!!!!!!!!!
Because JESUS CHRIST laid down His life for me and for you!!!!!!!!!

WHAT.....(WHO).....DEFINES........ME???

Recently, I received (via text) a sound recording of a worship song titled  "Abba".

"Abba" is the word meaning "Daddy", or "Papa" ( see Romans 8:15).


Through that song, our most gracious GOD has very deeply BLESSED me!!! The complete
song is extra Special, Extra Good.....
The song is a worship song  -  sung directly unto GOD.
***** I URGE YOU to pray...asking the Holy Spirit "please guide me to the truth of this YOUR WORD.*****

One brief line of the lyrics has especially impacted me in a very deep, holy way. 
Through this song, The Holy Spirit has caused me and enabled me to worship
and  pray to our Abba Father God with much more Love, Adoration, and Thanksgiving!!!

That brief line of the lyrics has set me on a pathway to greater depth of LOVE FOR, and
WORSHIP OF, GOD OUR ABBA FATHER.

(Again, it is sung DIRECTLY TO GOD OUR ABBA FATHER):
"Abba, I belong to YOU."
"Abba I belong to YOU.   
"Abba, I belong to YOU.
"Abba, I belong to YOU."
YOUR THOUGHTS DEFINE ME..."

I remember that ...once I head that part of the lyrics---I stopped singing, and wrote down a prayer
to GOD OUR ABBA (Daddy, Papa):

"Oh Father!!! could it be, could it be.....that YOUR  THOUGHTS define me??????
The LORD gave me understanding; I was OVERWHELMED WITH, and IMMERSED IN
GOD'S HOLY LOVE!!!!!!!!!

Could it be, could it be ---that YOUR thoughts define me --- and not (my thoughts) that define me; that I am NOT defined by what other people think of me.....
Oh GOD ("Abba")  As I meditated on that TRUTH, the Holy Spirit began to bring to my remembrance scriptures ---  like:

Jeremiah 29:11---"For I know the plan (thoughts) I have for you; they are  plans for good, to give
you a future and a hope."

 Psalm 40:5---"Many, O LORD MY GOD,  are your wonderful works which YOU have done;
and YOUR thoughts toward (us) cannot be recounted to YOU in order; If I would declare and
speak of them.  They are more than can be numbered" . 

Psalm 139: 17-18---" How precious also are YOUR THOUGHTS to me O GOD!!!
If I could count them, they would be more in number than the sand..."

In JESUS' NAME ask Him to guide and enable us to submit to Him, read our Bibles
regularly.....remembering that the Holy Spirit will "...guide us into all Truth (John 16:13);
Agree with His Word in (I Corinthians 2:16) that "...we have the MIND OF JESUS CHRIST".

Agree with His word in (Philippians 1:6) "Being confident of this very thing--- that He Who
 has begun a good work in you will complete it the day of JESUS CHRIST."

***(by GOD'S GRACE) I am beginning ...today, will you join me!!!??!!!
Let's encourage each other!!!

We will find many of HOLY GOD'S thoughts (that 'define' us) in reading GOD'S WORD.
Here is a short list to help us get started:
***I am loved by my Father...
"Father loves me with an everlasting love.  I have NEVER not been loved by my Father (Jeremiah 31: 3).

I AM PLEASING IN FATHER'S EYES..... Even when I am wounded, Father sees me as
beautiful, and HE takes pleasure in me. ((Psalm 149:4)
I have PURPOSE in my Father---I am a witness to the world.  I am GOD'S ambassador to
the world. (Acts 1:8)/II Corinthians 5:20)

***GOD is not ashamed of me...JESUS is not ashamed of me". (Hebrews 2:11).

***GOD has forgiven me..."GOD forgives me and cleanses me from all my sins."
(I John 1:9)

***I am accepted by my Father---"I am chosen, adopted, and accepted as HIS-IN-JESUS
CHRIST." (Ephesians 1:1-6)

***I am secure in my Father ---.  "I am free forever from condemnation." (Romans 8:1-2).
Troubles do NOT separate me from GOD'S love." (Romans 8:35). "I am hidden with Christ
in the Father. (Colossians 3:3).

***Father does not judge me.---  "GOD did not send HIS SON to die for me so that I might be
judged by Him".  When I believe in Him, I am not judged." (John 3:16-18).

****Let's LIVE, THINK, AND SPEAK IN AGREEMENT WITH OUR "GOD MOST HIGH".  (Psalm 47:2)

YOU, ME, ALL OF US "CHOSEN, ADOPTED, AND FOREVER ACCEPTED AS HIS  IN JESUS CHRIST!!! (Ephesians 1:1-6)

GLORY!!! GLORY!!! AND HONOR !!! UNTO JESUS CHRIST!!!!!!!!! (Rev. 5:12) 


  
 
***
I

MY    IDENTITY???       YOUR IDENTITY????

WHERE DOES IT COME FROM?????

Definition- Chorus: A line or group of lines repeated at intervals in a song.
Several years ago, while listening to a Pastor's sermon on a cd, the Pastor referred to a chorus as part of His message-----the title of His sermon, and the chorus, are the same:

"JESUS, YOU'RE MY IDENTITY".

You can rejoice that this is NOT an opportunity for me to sing within your hearing - you really do not want that to happen!

But, please, Open your heart to the powerful, yet intimate- Love, that the truths in this chorus will
establish in our hearts.
CHORUS---"JESUS,  you're my identity,
                      JESUS,  you're my security,
                      JESUS,  YOU are my everything;
                      And I love You,  love You So!!!
If we will sing that aloud to ourselves each day---that truth will become more and more deeply
established in our hearts and spirits.
We can sing it to any tune you like, or, we can declare these truths as a poem!
(The next time that you talk to me, ask me about it. and I will sing it for you, and you will know it
with the original melody.

As we continue to sing/recite those truths from GOD'S WORD...Will:
strengthen our faith,
Deepen our Peace,
and increase our joy!!!
Singing/reciting these truths will also glorify JESUS CHRIST!!!

Of course we can change the words to fill your need of the moment...examples below:
"Jesus you're my peace, Lord (Eph. 2:14).
"Jesus you're my Hope, Lord (1 Tim. 1:1)
"Jesus you're my ever-present Savior (Matt. 28:20)
"Jesus, you're my righteousness (Jeremiah 23:6)
"Jesus you're my healer (Exodus 15:26)
"Jesus you're my provider (Genesis 22: 8-14)
PRAISE YOU OH JESUS---"you're my Strength and my song" (Isaiah 12:2)
LORD JESUS!!! "You became for us wisdom from GOD"!!! (1 Corinthians 1:30).

ALL GLORY TO JESUS CHRIST!!!!!!!!! (REV. 5:12)
HE REMAINS FAITHFUL TO HIS WORD AND TO HIS RIGHTEOUS CHARACTER, FOR
HE CANNOT DENY HIMSELF. " (2 TIMOTHY 2:13)/Amplified Bible)
O LORD JESUS YOU ARE EVER EAGER TO HEAR OUR HEARTS AGREE WITH YOUR WORD!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

DIVINE      APPOINTMENT!!!

Some of Jesus' promises in answer to our Prayers!!

Her name was "Cindy".  The place in which we met was Benchmark Physical Therapy,
in Dahlonega, Ga.

Approximately 2 years ago, while I was engaged in rehabilitation following total
knee joint replacement surgery (left knee).

In HOLY GOD'S perfect timing---(Remember - HE had written all our days before
our day of birth [Psalm 139:16]).

So in GOD'S perfect timing, on a particular afternoon, I was there doing my assigned
exercises. 
As usual, I was wearing one of my  "JESUS - WORD OF GOD" T-SHIRTS.

the therapy room is narrow, and very long.  I was near the middle of the room.

When I heard the front door, I looked to see if it was one of my friends coming in.......

But it was not anyone that I already knew. 
When I did look up...I saw a young woman standing just inside the door. She was looking around
at all the people, as if she were looking for a specific person.  When our "eyes met",....I sensed that
our LORD was directing me to move closer toward her.  As I approached her, she began talking to
me about her children.  She stated that she had 2 teen-age children - a daughter named "Taylor", and a son named "Jacob".
This Mother's name is "Cindy" .

Cindy further shared that she had always been diligent in teaching Taylor and Jacob to read and study their Bible, and  that "now that Taylor and Jacob were teenagers... she (Cindy) was concerned that they were becoming more
"worldly",and they were less interested in JESUS  CHRIST. 

As I listened to Cindy's concern, the HOLY SPIRIT brought to my remembrance some Bible verses
I should share with her:
1) John 14:26 (Jesus speaking) "the HOLY SPIRIT... will bring to your remembrance all things that I have said to you."

2)John 16:13 (Jesus speaking) "He...(THE HOLY SPIRIT...He will guide you into all truth."

To Summarize: Because Cindy has taught Taylor and Jacob the importance of Bible study...
[as long as they live] Cindy can pray that The HOLY SPIRIT  will bring the Bible verses to
the remembrance of Taylor and  Jacob; and Cindy can ask the HOLY SPIRIT to guide them into
the truth!!!

Before that day in Benchmark - I  had never seen Cindy: and I have not seen her since.
Because God is "faithful to His Word and to His righteous Character (2 Timothy 2:13/Amplified Bible).  I do continue to enjoy the privilege of praying  for Cindy, Taylor, and Jacob--- and I fully
expect to see Cindy, Taylor, and Jacob in Heaven!!!

Of course these same Bible principles can be used in praying for any persons.

"'HOLY! HOLY! HOLY! is the LORD OF HOSTS" (Isaiah 6:3)

"THEY SING THE SONG OF MOSES, the servant of GOD, and the song of the LAMB, saying
Great and marvelous are Your works,  L0RD GOD ALMIGHTY!!! Just and true are Your ways
O KING of the saints!--- Who shall not behold You in Awe, O LORD, AND glorify YOUR NAME?  For You alone are HOLY!!!    For all nations shall come and worship before YOU..." (Revelation
15:3-4).       
  

THE     BEST!!!

If you have already read all of the BIBLE/GOD'S WORD---
Then the best thing that you can do is....READ IT AGAIN!!!!!!!!!

Years ago, I learned through my Father-in-Love...that if you read five (5) chapters
of Psalms per day, and read one (1) chapter each day of Proverbs.....then every month
you will have read both of those books completely!!!***Please, Let me put right here a note of explanation:


Above, I stated that I learned  this about "reading Psalms and Proverbs" through
my Father-in-Love....."

Of course, the term "Father-in-law  is the more commonly used term.....
My Father-in-LOVE Pastor/Missionary Jarrett D. Ragan NEVER introduced
me to other people as "son-in-law"-----He always introduced me as His "son-in-love".

I did learn MANY good things through Him (Father-in-Love) Jarrett D. Ragan, and through
my "Mother-in-Love" Charlotte Ragan.  To be completely accurate --- I continue to learn
many good Biblical truths through my (Gift-from-GOD) wife Mary R. Coker!!!

As mentioned above, reading monthly through both Psalms and Proverbs is a major part
of my Bible study (ongoing).   By GOD'S Grace, I do read much in other parts of God's
Word also.

So, over many years, I have read Psalms and Proverbs through many times, probably
hundreds of times!!! Recently I discovered a very important truth that is very personal
to me.

In Psalm 22 - David is speaking Prophetically of the suffering of JESUS CHRIST which will  occur while
He was being crucified (for my sins and yours).

Psalm 22:1 "MY GOD, MY GOD, "Why have YOU forsaken me?  Why are You so far from
the WORDS of my groaning?"
in Matthew 27:46, and Mark 15:34 is where (and when) Jesus declared these words while on
His cross:  "MY GOD, MY GOD, why have YOU forsaken Me? Why are You so far from the
WORDS of my GROANING?"

Now, go forward only 2 verses (to Psalm 22:3--- ""But YOU (GOD) are HOLY---enthroned
in the PRAISES of Your people."

HOLY GOD is indeed EVERYWHERE PRESENT (SEE Psalm 139:1-24).  and in my Study
Bible, there are "study helps"..."listen" to this:  "It is essential to UNDERSTAND and ACCEPT:  The PRESENCE  of God's Kingdom Power is DIRECTLY related to the PRACTICE of GOD'S PRAISE.

The verb "enthroned" indicates that wherever GOD'S people PRAISE HIS NAME, He is ready
to manifest His Kingdom's Power in the way most appropriate to the situation, as His RULE
is invited to invade our setting.

TO RE-CAP:
1) GOD IS ALWAYS WORTHY TO RECEIVE PRAISE (Revelation 5:12)
2)HE NEVER CHANGES (Malachi 3:6 and Hebrews 13:8)
3) HIS VERY PRESENCE IS  ENTHRONED ****IN OUR PRAISES OF HIM***.
4)HIS PRESENCE IS (NOT) IN OUR WORDS OF GROANING.

"EVERY BREATH THAT I TAKE IS A BREATH I CAN USE TO PRAISE JESUS CHRIST"!!!!!!!!!
What about your every breath?
Here and now let's increase the frequency and fervency of our PRAISES OF HIM!!!!!!!!!
 O GOD!!! COME YOUR KINGDOM!!! BE DONE YOUR WILL ON EARTH AS IT IN
HEAVEN!!!!!!!!!
   



















   

BY    MY   FATHER'S   HAND!!!!!!!!!
6/15/19

I have spent some time this morning searching for Daddy's "walking stick".
My Daddy/papa (Joe Taylor) that raised me from age 6...He was a farmer.
He owned a small farm; He bought and sold cattle, horses, mules and hogs.

One of the tools that Daddy used on his farm was called his "walking stick".
(Daddy was not disabled in any way so that he needed a stick to aid him in
walking.)  His stick was simply a tool.

His stick was similar to a shepherd's "crook", or "crosier".

Definition: crosier: a crooked cross - a symbolic representation of the structure 
on which JESUS was crucified.

On my Daddy's walking stick, the upper end is curved into a "hook-shape".

As it is referred to in Psalm 23:4, (Lord), "Your rod and Your staff, they comfort
me."

Definition: comfort (Strong's # 5162), nacham ("nah-chahm"). The "ch" of the
word makes it have a hard "k" sound (similar sound to the words "comfort", and "calm)".
In it's sense of comfort, nacham does not describe casual sympathy, but rather deep empathy.
It is like "weeping with those who weep".

A shepherd is known to use his staff to both "protect", and to guide his sheep.

How about THAT for a definition of "comfort"--- our Holy Savior/Shepherd JESUS 
"guides us and protects us"!!!

Earlier in this message, I referred to "Daddy's walking stick".....Actually, I have two (2)
walking sticks that once belonged to Daddy. 

Let me give you a more detailed description of a "walking stick" like those which Daddy had:
A wooden stick with one end curved into a "hook shape".  The stick(s) are carved with "ridges"
on the crook ("handle").  These "ridges" afford a more secure grip on the stick by the shepherd's
hand. 

On one of the (2) walking sticks that I have.....the "ridges" on the handle have been "smoothed"
into a polished surface by   MY FATHER'S HAND".  That makes the walking stick both
more beautiful and precious to me!!!!!!!

Let us continue to submit our days to JESUS CHRIST our Shepherd so that He can make us
more beautiful (more into His image!!!)
As we more and more allow Him to shape and polish our lives by using both our joyous times and our difficult times..... so that other people can see
HIS image reflected through our lives!!!

"Fear not, for I am with you, I will strengthen you with My righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)   
"The Lord is my Shepherd." (Psalm 23:1)

And the arms of His hands were made strong by the hands of the MIGHTY GOD OF JACOB,
from there is the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel". (Genesis 49:24)

I say, "YOU are my GOD, my times are in YOUR HAND." (Psalm 31:18)

ALL GLORY TO THE "KING OF KINGS" (Revelation 19:16) 
     

BROKEN  SEASHELL.......TREASURE........WONDER!!!!!!!!!

DEFINITION: WONDER---ISAIAH 9:6 ONE OF THE  TITLES OF JESUS CHRIST
IS . "WONDER"-(1)--   IN PSALM 119:18  THE PSALMIST PRAYS THAT GOD WILL
REVEAL TO HIM "WONDROUS THINGS" FROM THE LAW OF THE LORD:
MATTERS BEYOND NORMAL HUMAN PERCEPTION REQUIRING SUPERNATURAL
INSIGHT TO SEE THEM.
 (2) WONDER ---"EXTRAORDINARY OCCURENCES, ETC. THEY CAUSE THE OBSERVER
TO MARVEL, OR BE IN AWE.
(3) TO WONDER---TO BE IN A STATE OF RAPT ATTENTION TOWARD THE EXTRA-ORDINARY OR MYSTERIOUS.
(4) RAPT---TRANSPORTED WITH EMOTION (AS LOVE, DELIGHT, OR REVERENT AWE)

I KNOW, THAT IS A LOT  OF DEFINITIONS, BUT I HAD TO SET A "FIRM FOUNDATION" FOR THIS TO BUILD UPON!!!!!!!

Only about 2 years ago, my wife (MARY) and I were on vacation at North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
On most of the days that we were there---We made sure that in our chairs and treasured the sunset.

One particular afternoon - when the sky was beginning to darken.....there were only two families still on that section of the beach.

Mary and I were not at all acquainted with the other family---who were in their chairs about 30 feet from us.

To the best of my memory--- the other family was an adult couple, with a young daughter.  Mary and I both enjoyed watching the little girl as she played in the sand.  The little girl began to search for
sea shells........When she saw a sea shell that she  especially liked---she would put it aside for keeping, putting the other shells back on the sand.

When she picked up a particular shell....she examined it more closely, and with a look of joy and
wonder on her face........she walked over to where Mary and I were sitting---and she carefully showed
her (treasure) to us.  Her face almost "glowed" with wonder and awe at the TREASURE in her hand!!! 

Mary and I both admired her (treasure), and thanked her for sharing it with us; and we Blessed her!!!
Definition: "treasure"---especially precious or valuable.  In the eyes of the world there is/was very
little value in a broken sea shell.........

But in the eyes, and in the HEART of that little girl---there was GREAT VALUE in her discovery---
the sea shell.
Although she might not know it-  there was great value (TREASURE) in our appreciation of her
sharing HER treasure with us!!!

Ongoing...there is (great TREASURE) for me---in that I remember her often and pray for her and
her family---That thrills my heart every time!!!
And there is TREASURE for my heart in anticipating the probability of seeing her and her family in heaven!!!!!!!!
Once for all time and into eternity the "ONE TRUE GOD" (John 17:3) established our value to HIM-
--by the great and terrible price that He paid in sending HIS SON JESUS to suffer and die for OUR
sins!!!
JESUS "had no stately form, nor splendor.
HE was despised and forsaken by men.....a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.....HE was stricken, smitten, afflicted, wounded, beaten, bruised, crushed, and crucified" - for the sins of us all
(Isaiah 53:2-5).

Also, there is continuing wonder for me/us in contemplating there we serve such a HOLY GOD WHO loves us enough to pay that terrible price (see above) for us; HOLY GOD WHO put
Mary and me on that section of that beach, that day, and that specific time.....so that we could see/
experience  her TREASURE....and pray ongoing that she will soon and FOREVER belong to, and
experience the ONE (HOLY GOD) WHO  treasures her ---beyond words to describe how TOTALLY
HE treasures her