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)
Thursday, October 16, 2014
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.
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
MAY OUR LIVES.......BE A DANCE TO HIS HOLY SONG!!!!!!!!
"The Lord God in your midst,
The Mighty One, will save;
He will rejoice over you with
gladness,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing."
(Zephaniah 3:17)
"Kings of the earth and all peoples;
Princes and all judges of the
earth;
Both young men and maidens;
Old men and children...
"Let them praise the name of the
Lord,
For His name alone is exalted;
His glory is above the earth and
heaven."
"Let Israel rejoice in their Maker;
Let the children of Zion be joyful
in their King.
"Let them praise His name with
the dance;
"Let them sing praises to Him with
the timbrel and harp.
"For the Lord takes pleasure in
His people;
"He will beautify the humble with
salvation."
(Psalm 149:2-4)
(Just a few days ago, I took an early morning stroll through the woods around our home...
May you be richly blessed by what our Holy Lord God enabled me to see.....)
The Lord God - "When He utters His voice...He brings the wind out of His treasuries..." (Jeremiah 51:16)..........the spider web, and the leaves carrying their water droplets, "dance" on the breeze.....
The beams of sunlight dance upon the crystal silk of the spider web, and upon the leaves, and upon the beautifully clear water droplets..........
O may we more and more continually see His signs and hear His songs!!! May we more and more continually "dance" our lives (our hearts, our thoughts, our words, our actions!) in worshipful harmony with His songs - rejoicing and singing unto Him as He "rejoices over us with singing"!!!!!!! (Zephaniah 3:17)
The silk of the spider web stretched out like a crystal harp - the beams of sun-light (Son-light!) dancing a holy, beautiful, love-song upon the strings..
O Holy Spirit, we pray - please teach us to surrender to You, and to trust You, and to depend on You!!! Oh enable us to dance our lives, in trusting love and worshipful symphony with Jesus Christ's songs over each of us!!!
For He not only "rejoices over us with singing.."..........He Himself is "...our strength and our song"!!!!! (Isaiah 12:2)
He Himself is our love song, our praise song, our song of worship, our song of grace, our song of comfort, our song of embrace, our song of hope, our song of understanding, our song of grief, our song of joy, our song of victory!!!!!!!
As we more and more dance and sing our lives in worshipful harmony with Him, He can enable us to "tune out" (the noise of our flesh and the world) - that is not in harmony with Him. For now, we are "... in the world" (John 17:11), but not of the world." (John 17:14).
Singing and dancing our lives in harmony with Him will become more and more a wedding dance as "the day" approaches - when He our Holy Bridegroom comes to take us home!!!!!!!
(Isaiah 62:5/Revelation 19:6-9)
HALLELUJAH!!! HALLELUJAH!!! HALLELUAH!!! HALLELUJAH!!! HALLELUJAH!!!
AMEN!!!
(See "His Glorious Light..."/August 20th, and "Silent Song"/July 6th) messages for more on sunlight and spider webs.)
Holy God is everywhere!!! (Psalm 139:7-12) He is "ready to perform His word..." (Jeremiah 1:12) and to show you His sights and signs!!! Let's "...ask" and keep on asking Him!!!!! (Matthew 7:7)
"The Lord God in your midst,
The Mighty One, will save;
He will rejoice over you with
gladness,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing."
(Zephaniah 3:17)
"Kings of the earth and all peoples;
Princes and all judges of the
earth;
Both young men and maidens;
Old men and children...
"Let them praise the name of the
Lord,
For His name alone is exalted;
His glory is above the earth and
heaven."
"Let Israel rejoice in their Maker;
Let the children of Zion be joyful
in their King.
"Let them praise His name with
the dance;
"Let them sing praises to Him with
the timbrel and harp.
"For the Lord takes pleasure in
His people;
"He will beautify the humble with
salvation."
(Psalm 149:2-4)
(Just a few days ago, I took an early morning stroll through the woods around our home...
May you be richly blessed by what our Holy Lord God enabled me to see.....)
The Lord God - "When He utters His voice...He brings the wind out of His treasuries..." (Jeremiah 51:16)..........the spider web, and the leaves carrying their water droplets, "dance" on the breeze.....
The beams of sunlight dance upon the crystal silk of the spider web, and upon the leaves, and upon the beautifully clear water droplets..........
O may we more and more continually see His signs and hear His songs!!! May we more and more continually "dance" our lives (our hearts, our thoughts, our words, our actions!) in worshipful harmony with His songs - rejoicing and singing unto Him as He "rejoices over us with singing"!!!!!!! (Zephaniah 3:17)
The silk of the spider web stretched out like a crystal harp - the beams of sun-light (Son-light!) dancing a holy, beautiful, love-song upon the strings..
O Holy Spirit, we pray - please teach us to surrender to You, and to trust You, and to depend on You!!! Oh enable us to dance our lives, in trusting love and worshipful symphony with Jesus Christ's songs over each of us!!!
For He not only "rejoices over us with singing.."..........He Himself is "...our strength and our song"!!!!! (Isaiah 12:2)
He Himself is our love song, our praise song, our song of worship, our song of grace, our song of comfort, our song of embrace, our song of hope, our song of understanding, our song of grief, our song of joy, our song of victory!!!!!!!
As we more and more dance and sing our lives in worshipful harmony with Him, He can enable us to "tune out" (the noise of our flesh and the world) - that is not in harmony with Him. For now, we are "... in the world" (John 17:11), but not of the world." (John 17:14).
Singing and dancing our lives in harmony with Him will become more and more a wedding dance as "the day" approaches - when He our Holy Bridegroom comes to take us home!!!!!!!
(Isaiah 62:5/Revelation 19:6-9)
HALLELUJAH!!! HALLELUJAH!!! HALLELUAH!!! HALLELUJAH!!! HALLELUJAH!!!
AMEN!!!
(See "His Glorious Light..."/August 20th, and "Silent Song"/July 6th) messages for more on sunlight and spider webs.)
Holy God is everywhere!!! (Psalm 139:7-12) He is "ready to perform His word..." (Jeremiah 1:12) and to show you His sights and signs!!! Let's "...ask" and keep on asking Him!!!!! (Matthew 7:7)
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
HIS GLORIOUS LIGHT........HIS HOLY PRESENCE - "...on earth as it is in heaven"!!!
"...The great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal...and the city was pure gold, like clear glass." (Revelation 21:10-11, 18)
God's sunlight (Son-light) shining on the crystal-silk of a spider web, displaying pure golden light - revealing the presence of God!!! Jesus Christ taught us to pray: "Let Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:8-13)
God's sunlight (Son-light) shining on the crystal-silk of yet another spider web, displaying all the colors of a rainbow - which is a "...sign of the covenant of God with man..." (Genesis 9:8-13); and a rainbow around the throne of God in heaven (Revelation 4:3)-------Jesus Christ taught us to pray "...let it be on earth as it is in heaven". (Matthew 6:8-13)
God is present with us all of the time - wherever we are. "I am with you always..." (Matthew 28:20).
"Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Your presence?
"If I ascend into heaven, You are there;
If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.
"If I take the wings of the morning,
and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
"Even there Your hand shall lead me,
and Your right hand shall hold me."
"If I say, 'Surely the darkness shall fall on me,'
Even the night shall be light about me;
"Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You,
But the night shines as the day;
The darkness and the light are both alike to You."
(Psalm 139:7-12)
We have only to enter into His Presence-----
"Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
And into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name."
(Psalm 100:4)
"You are holy, enthroned in (You establish Your Presence
in) the praises of Israel (Your people)."
(Psalm 22:3)
Oh let us praise Him and keep on praising Him!!! He is worthy!!!!!
Let us ask Him and keep on asking Him to open our hearts and let us experience His Presence for ourselves-----day-by-day, and night-by-night!!!!!!!!
Oh praise You O God Most High!!! (Genesis 14:22)
Oh praise You Lord Jesus Christ!!! You are the King of Glory!!!! (Psalm 24:10)
Oh thank You and praise you my Holy Lord Jesus!!!
I love You and honor You!!!!
I worship You!!!
I bow before You!!!!
I worship You!!!!
"Let it be on earth as it is in heaven"!!!!!!!!
Amen
"...The great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal...and the city was pure gold, like clear glass." (Revelation 21:10-11, 18)
God's sunlight (Son-light) shining on the crystal-silk of a spider web, displaying pure golden light - revealing the presence of God!!! Jesus Christ taught us to pray: "Let Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:8-13)
God's sunlight (Son-light) shining on the crystal-silk of yet another spider web, displaying all the colors of a rainbow - which is a "...sign of the covenant of God with man..." (Genesis 9:8-13); and a rainbow around the throne of God in heaven (Revelation 4:3)-------Jesus Christ taught us to pray "...let it be on earth as it is in heaven". (Matthew 6:8-13)
God is present with us all of the time - wherever we are. "I am with you always..." (Matthew 28:20).
"Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Your presence?
"If I ascend into heaven, You are there;
If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.
"If I take the wings of the morning,
and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
"Even there Your hand shall lead me,
and Your right hand shall hold me."
"If I say, 'Surely the darkness shall fall on me,'
Even the night shall be light about me;
"Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You,
But the night shines as the day;
The darkness and the light are both alike to You."
(Psalm 139:7-12)
We have only to enter into His Presence-----
"Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
And into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name."
(Psalm 100:4)
"You are holy, enthroned in (You establish Your Presence
in) the praises of Israel (Your people)."
(Psalm 22:3)
Oh let us praise Him and keep on praising Him!!! He is worthy!!!!!
Let us ask Him and keep on asking Him to open our hearts and let us experience His Presence for ourselves-----day-by-day, and night-by-night!!!!!!!!
Oh praise You O God Most High!!! (Genesis 14:22)
Oh praise You Lord Jesus Christ!!! You are the King of Glory!!!! (Psalm 24:10)
Oh thank You and praise you my Holy Lord Jesus!!!
I love You and honor You!!!!
I worship You!!!
I bow before You!!!!
I worship You!!!!
"Let it be on earth as it is in heaven"!!!!!!!!
Amen
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
JOSH..........WITH (THE PRAYERS OF) Us Added = ???????
YOU! Yes, YOU! - How important are you???
Are you as important as Josh???
But wait - let's not ask your opinion, nor my opinion - let's ask Jesus Christ - for you see...He paid the price for you, and for me, and for Josh.
Let me tell you a story - a true, personal story.
My wife Mary and I got married November 26, 1983. For the first 15 or 16 years of our marriage, we never had a flat tire on any of our vehicles, except for 1 or 2 flats...which happened in our own driveway!
In the summer of 1999, God called Mary and me to drive out to a prayer conference in Colorado Springs, Colorado. But the most important part of the trip was before we arrived in Colorado.
In addition to attending the prayer conference, God had called us to drive through the American Indian Reservations located in Kansas, Nebraska, and South Dakota, and to pray for the men, women, children, and families that live there. Indeed our Faithful Holy God blessed us with many wonderful, powerful prayer opportunities, in many different villages and towns..........and although we did not yet know it.....we were on our way to meet Josh!
Many of the villages and homes were in very remote places. As I mentioned earlier, it was summer-----it can get very hot in South Dakota in the summer!!!
Remember - I said earlier that in the first 15 or 16 years of our marriage - we had no flat tires except in our own driveway.........well, on a very hot afternoon in June, on a remote section of the highway - we had a flat tire!
By God's grace, I changed the tire with no difficulty, and we continued our trip.
Immediately, Mary and I began asking our Holy Lord God to guide us to the nearest place where we could get the flat tire repaired as soon as possible. (Of course we were also praying that we would not have another flat before we got this one repaired!)
It was after dark when we reached the nearest town, and all of the stores, service stations, etc. were closed, so we spent the night there in Custer, South Dakota..
As we drove through Custer the next morning, praying and searching for help.....finally we spotted a sign - "We Repair Tires". "Hallelujah!!!!! Thank You Lord Jesus!!!!!!! When we drove up to the service station, I saw a lady standing near the cash register, so I explained our problem to her. She replied to me: "Josh does all of our tire work, I'll send him out to your car".
In just a moment, a very young boy walked up to our car, he said that his name was Josh, and that he would repair our tire. As I opened the car trunk so that he could get the flat tire, I asked Josh: "How old are you, Josh?" He answered, "nine years old".
Josh repaired the tire quickly and easily, and, as I watched him put the tire back on the car, and put the spare tire back into the trunk, it was obvious that Josh was indeed an excellent and experienced "tire repair man"!!!
When Josh was finished with our car, I went into the station, and paid the lady (Josh's Mother) for the repair. I then looked around the station until I found Josh, I gave him some money for himself, and then I talked with him about how much "GOD LOVES HIM!!!"
So, "how important is Josh?"
Well,
First - Josh is so important to Jesus Christ that He chose to die on the cross ...to save Josh and forgive him for his sins - rather than to live without him!!!
*** Please read that (above) again.**
Second - Josh is important enough to God - that He would have Mary and me drive all the way from north Georgia to South Dakota (approximately 1,521 miles), so that we would have a flat tire in a remote area - within driving distance from Custer - so that we could meet Josh and tell him ...about God's love for him!!!!!!!
So, to "recap" (pun intended) my questions at the beginning of this message:
Are you as important as Josh?
Is every person as important as Josh?
The answer is "YES!!! (Please read II Corinthians 1:20).
Jesus Christ paid the same price (THE HIGHEST POSSIBLE PRICE!!!!!!!) for you, for Josh, and for me.....as He paid for Moses, David, as He paid for Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and for Paul (through whom He wrote much of the New Testament!!!)
Oh, and the title of this message - "Josh---with the prayers of Us Added"..........
What does that mean?
In the Old Testament book of Joshua we see that Joshua led all of the Israelites into the Promised Land!!! In the book of Numbers -600,000+ warriors are listed. Add a wife, and (at least) 2 children per family.....and the total is 2 million four hundred thousand + (2,400,000 +)!!!
Since the day that we met Josh...Mary and I, and others, have been praying for Josh!
How many people will Josh (with the prayers of Us Added)----- [JoshUA = Joshua].....
How many people will he lead into HEAVEN!!!???!!!
God has the names written in the Lamb's Book of Life!!!!!!! (Revelation 21:27).
Jesus Christ has defined ONCE-FOR-ALL how vitally important you are to Him!!!
YOU! Ask Jesus to save you!!!
YOU!, BE HIS!!!
YOU, BE THERE IN HEAVEN!!!
AMEN.
YOU! Yes, YOU! - How important are you???
Are you as important as Josh???
But wait - let's not ask your opinion, nor my opinion - let's ask Jesus Christ - for you see...He paid the price for you, and for me, and for Josh.
Let me tell you a story - a true, personal story.
My wife Mary and I got married November 26, 1983. For the first 15 or 16 years of our marriage, we never had a flat tire on any of our vehicles, except for 1 or 2 flats...which happened in our own driveway!
In the summer of 1999, God called Mary and me to drive out to a prayer conference in Colorado Springs, Colorado. But the most important part of the trip was before we arrived in Colorado.
In addition to attending the prayer conference, God had called us to drive through the American Indian Reservations located in Kansas, Nebraska, and South Dakota, and to pray for the men, women, children, and families that live there. Indeed our Faithful Holy God blessed us with many wonderful, powerful prayer opportunities, in many different villages and towns..........and although we did not yet know it.....we were on our way to meet Josh!
Many of the villages and homes were in very remote places. As I mentioned earlier, it was summer-----it can get very hot in South Dakota in the summer!!!
Remember - I said earlier that in the first 15 or 16 years of our marriage - we had no flat tires except in our own driveway.........well, on a very hot afternoon in June, on a remote section of the highway - we had a flat tire!
By God's grace, I changed the tire with no difficulty, and we continued our trip.
Immediately, Mary and I began asking our Holy Lord God to guide us to the nearest place where we could get the flat tire repaired as soon as possible. (Of course we were also praying that we would not have another flat before we got this one repaired!)
It was after dark when we reached the nearest town, and all of the stores, service stations, etc. were closed, so we spent the night there in Custer, South Dakota..
As we drove through Custer the next morning, praying and searching for help.....finally we spotted a sign - "We Repair Tires". "Hallelujah!!!!! Thank You Lord Jesus!!!!!!! When we drove up to the service station, I saw a lady standing near the cash register, so I explained our problem to her. She replied to me: "Josh does all of our tire work, I'll send him out to your car".
In just a moment, a very young boy walked up to our car, he said that his name was Josh, and that he would repair our tire. As I opened the car trunk so that he could get the flat tire, I asked Josh: "How old are you, Josh?" He answered, "nine years old".
Josh repaired the tire quickly and easily, and, as I watched him put the tire back on the car, and put the spare tire back into the trunk, it was obvious that Josh was indeed an excellent and experienced "tire repair man"!!!
When Josh was finished with our car, I went into the station, and paid the lady (Josh's Mother) for the repair. I then looked around the station until I found Josh, I gave him some money for himself, and then I talked with him about how much "GOD LOVES HIM!!!"
So, "how important is Josh?"
Well,
First - Josh is so important to Jesus Christ that He chose to die on the cross ...to save Josh and forgive him for his sins - rather than to live without him!!!
*** Please read that (above) again.**
Second - Josh is important enough to God - that He would have Mary and me drive all the way from north Georgia to South Dakota (approximately 1,521 miles), so that we would have a flat tire in a remote area - within driving distance from Custer - so that we could meet Josh and tell him ...about God's love for him!!!!!!!
So, to "recap" (pun intended) my questions at the beginning of this message:
Are you as important as Josh?
Is every person as important as Josh?
The answer is "YES!!! (Please read II Corinthians 1:20).
Jesus Christ paid the same price (THE HIGHEST POSSIBLE PRICE!!!!!!!) for you, for Josh, and for me.....as He paid for Moses, David, as He paid for Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and for Paul (through whom He wrote much of the New Testament!!!)
Oh, and the title of this message - "Josh---with the prayers of Us Added"..........
What does that mean?
In the Old Testament book of Joshua we see that Joshua led all of the Israelites into the Promised Land!!! In the book of Numbers -600,000+ warriors are listed. Add a wife, and (at least) 2 children per family.....and the total is 2 million four hundred thousand + (2,400,000 +)!!!
Since the day that we met Josh...Mary and I, and others, have been praying for Josh!
How many people will Josh (with the prayers of Us Added)----- [JoshUA = Joshua].....
How many people will he lead into HEAVEN!!!???!!!
God has the names written in the Lamb's Book of Life!!!!!!! (Revelation 21:27).
Jesus Christ has defined ONCE-FOR-ALL how vitally important you are to Him!!!
YOU! Ask Jesus to save you!!!
YOU!, BE HIS!!!
YOU, BE THERE IN HEAVEN!!!
AMEN.
Sunday, August 3, 2014
"YOU RESTORE MY SOUL" [HIS ETERNAL PROMISES - OUR CONTINUING BLESSINGS]
(From Psalm 23 and other portions of God's Word)
*** Please read this slowly,..... as you meditate upon it. Thank you. **
O Lord Jesus Christ!!!
Because You are my Shepherd - I will not lack anything that I truly need.
You cause me to lie down in lush, green meadows (to rest in You).
You cover me with Your blanket of "...everlasting love...and underneath are Your everlasting arms". (Jeremiah 31:3/Deuteronomy 33:27)
"You lead me beside still waters (waters of comfort and rest).
"You restore my soul.
"You lead me in the paths of righteousness for Your name's sake." (Psalm 23:2b-3)
You restore my soul.
"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. (Psalm 23:4)
You restore my soul.
O Holy God!!! You declare: "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." [ give rest...(Hebrew) nu'ach "noo-ahch" . God's Presence soothes, comforts, settles, and quiets us.] (Exodus 33:14).
You restore my soul.
"The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you, the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace." (Numbers 6:24-26)
You restore my soul.
"Behold, the Lord God shall come with a strong hand, and His arm shall rule for Him; behold, His reward is with Him, and His work before Him. He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those who are with young." (Isaiah 40:10-11)
You restore my soul.
"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)
You restore my soul.
"...Peace, be still." (Mark 4:39) " ...My peace I give to you."
(John 14:27) "He is Himself our peace." (Ephesians 2:14)
You restore my soul.
"Amazing grace! How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see.
"'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved; How precious did that grace appear * the hour I first believed." [Amazing Grace! How Sweet the Sound (Public Domain)]
You restore my soul.
"You will show me the path of life;
In Your Presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore." (Psalm 16:11)
You restore my soul.
"...You are with me; Your rod and your staff, they comfort me." (Psalm 23:4)
"Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus,
by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh,
and having a High Priest over the house of God,
"Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful." (Hebrews 10:19-23)
Now, I am with You LORD JESUS!!!
Thank You LORD JESUS CHRIST!!!
You restore my soul.
Amen
(From Psalm 23 and other portions of God's Word)
*** Please read this slowly,..... as you meditate upon it. Thank you. **
O Lord Jesus Christ!!!
Because You are my Shepherd - I will not lack anything that I truly need.
You cause me to lie down in lush, green meadows (to rest in You).
You cover me with Your blanket of "...everlasting love...and underneath are Your everlasting arms". (Jeremiah 31:3/Deuteronomy 33:27)
"You lead me beside still waters (waters of comfort and rest).
"You restore my soul.
"You lead me in the paths of righteousness for Your name's sake." (Psalm 23:2b-3)
You restore my soul.
"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. (Psalm 23:4)
You restore my soul.
O Holy God!!! You declare: "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." [ give rest...(Hebrew) nu'ach "noo-ahch" . God's Presence soothes, comforts, settles, and quiets us.] (Exodus 33:14).
You restore my soul.
"The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you, the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace." (Numbers 6:24-26)
You restore my soul.
"Behold, the Lord God shall come with a strong hand, and His arm shall rule for Him; behold, His reward is with Him, and His work before Him. He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those who are with young." (Isaiah 40:10-11)
You restore my soul.
"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)
You restore my soul.
"...Peace, be still." (Mark 4:39) " ...My peace I give to you."
(John 14:27) "He is Himself our peace." (Ephesians 2:14)
You restore my soul.
"Amazing grace! How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see.
"'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved; How precious did that grace appear * the hour I first believed." [Amazing Grace! How Sweet the Sound (Public Domain)]
You restore my soul.
"You will show me the path of life;
In Your Presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore." (Psalm 16:11)
You restore my soul.
"...You are with me; Your rod and your staff, they comfort me." (Psalm 23:4)
"Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus,
by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh,
and having a High Priest over the house of God,
"Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful." (Hebrews 10:19-23)
Now, I am with You LORD JESUS!!!
Thank You LORD JESUS CHRIST!!!
You restore my soul.
Amen
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