AN "ALKA-SELTZER MOMENT"!!!

4-11-24 (AM)  I Awoke from what seemed to be a long  dream...In the dream, my wife Mary and I were attending a Christian Conference...there were many, many people at this conference, and we all were moving to different buildings to hear different speakers and teachers.

++++OH Please ASK and Allow the "Holy Spirit to guide you into all Truth" (John 16:13)!!!!!++++

SUDDENLY, a powerful wind storm blew into the area.  The wind      gusts were blowing so forcefully that one building rolled over on its    side!

In the confusion caused by the storm --- different groups of people      were surging in different directions.....trying to understand where they were---and where to go next!!!

At that time, I realized that I did Not know where Mary was.....I did not know where my phone was --- so I could not call her...

THEN I awoke from the dream, opened my eyes --- and saw that I was in our bedroom and Mary was right beside me!!!

++++OH! what a relief that was!!!++++

[A brief interjection here---for those who are too young to remember/  understand Alka-Seltzer commercials on television.  (Alka-Seltzer is an "over the counter" medicine, taken by mouth, to relieve a headache, upset stomach, etc.)

In the television commercials---the two (2) Alka-Seltzer pills are dropped into a glass of water (Plop-Plop)---as the pills hit the water, these words are spoken:                                                                            "Plop Plop - fizz fizz---OH!!! What a relief it is!!!"                           

As long as we are on the earth---We WILL have Weather storms, AND other storms/trials!!!

IF you have Already accepted JESUS CHRIST as your Savior and LORD --- JESUS IS "always with us."                                          

++++JESUS HIMSELF  SAYS "I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS... AMEN." (Matthew 28:20).

"For HE HIMSELF is our PEACE ..."(Ephesians 2:14).                   

"JESUS CHRIST is the same yesterday, today, and forever." (Hebrews 13:8).

NOW, let us read about JESUS and HIS (earlier) disciples:                     In (Mark 4:35) JESUS says  "Let us go over to the other side" (of the Sea of Galilee).                    

"And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling.  But JESUS was in the stern asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, 'Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?'

"Then (JESUS) AROSE and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea 'PEACE, be still!  And the wind ceased and there was a great calm."

And (the disciples) were filled with great AWE and said to one another, 'WHO can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey HIM?"  (Mark 4:35-41).

A lesson to be learned here: When JESUS says "Let's go OVER"---then we are NOT going under!!!

LET US ALWAYS give great REVERENCE to JESUS' words!!!           In (JOHN 6:63) JESUS SAYS "...the words that I speak to you are spirit and they are life."

PRAISE! PRAISE! What a SAVIOR JESUS IS!!!!!!!!!

**** PLEASE STOP NOW, read this again from the beginning.....       and then Answer this Question:

Are you ready to go Over with JESUS.....                                              OR, are you Going UNDER???

IT IS SO SWEET TO TRUST IN JESUS!!!!!!!!!  

+++++ I CONFESS...++++

 Despite the fact that television dramas, movies, and even newspapers are much about crime, detectives, who is guilty, evidence, etc; also there is much focus on...will the person(s) Confess that they (we) are guilty of the crime(s)???

Instead, I am to share with you my Personal Experiences with Confessions.....Confessions about "HOLY GOD MOST HIGH"!!!         (Psalm 47:2).  Confessing HIS Great, Holy, Intimate Love for Each, and Every one of Us!!!!!!!!

First, a little background information:                                                     I confess that just a few months from now...I will be age 79. Purely by GOD'S Grace,and Mercy...GOD has blessed me with both the time, and the ability to study GOD'S HOLY WORD (The Bible).  And I must confess that Studying and sharing HIS WORD is a most fulfilling Privilege!!!

Confessing more truth... Because GOD is so Generous in HIS Perfect Love...I do have the most Wonderful, Beautiful, Loving, and Caring Wife that our GOD MOST HIGH could give!!!  We are Blessed to have two (2) wonderful Daughters, five (5) fantastic grandsons, an excellent son in Love, And TWIN Great-Grandchildren (1 boy "CJ", and 1 girl "Clover"!!!

Continuing to confess HIS Truth---GOD has blessed me with good health for these 78+ years ---that is a huge Blessing!!!

Of course as we get older, we begin to think, and wonder about the future:                                                                                                        How long will I live?                                                                                Will  I continue to enjoy good health?                                                    Who will take care of me?                                                                        Where will I live?

I am learning/experiencing that Confessing The Truth of GOD'S WORD has Powerful, Continuing effects on my life!!!

JESUS Declares (in John 14:6): "I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH, and THE LIFE!!!".                                                                                           And, JESUS (PRAYS!!!)  "that they may know (experience) YOU, the ONLY, TRUE AND REAL GOD..." (John 17:3/Amplified Bible)

I am now, and continuing, to confess several times through each day:  "Father, You have plans for me for good and for peace,  (Not for evil),  Giving to me a Future and a Hope."  (Jeremiah 29:11/Amplified Bible).

GOD Promises in (Joshua 1:5/Matthew 28:20) "I will be with you...I will Not leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and of good courage."

"Son, all that I have I have is yours...I want to meet all your needs."     (Luke 15:31.  (A helpful note: He Wants to meet ALL of our needs.     WE have to Choose, Bow, and ALLOW HIM to meet all of our needs).

Now, some Powerful Scriptures to Boost and Empower us on our journey:                                                                                                     A. THE WORDS THAT WE SPEAK: In (Genesis 17:5) GOD spoke a New name to Abram ( Abraham), and thus was arranging that Abram (now ABRAHAM) would Remember GOD'S Promise every time that he Heard his New Name.

B. SILENCING UNBELIEF: In (Joshua 6:10) we learn that we cannot always control what we see and hear, but our Refusal to Speak doubt and fear will keep our heart inclined to what GOD can do.

C. ACCEPTABLE SPEECH BEFORE GOD: In  (Psalm 19:14) We learn that we are to speak words that Confirm what we believe about GOD, HIS LOVE, AND HIS POWER.

D. WISE WORDS BRING HEALTH:  In (Proverbs 16: 23-24) GOD'S WISDOM teaches our hearts...and then flows out of our words and conduct.

Here is a list of More of HIS WORD that will both empower and comfort us on our journey to Heaven:                                                      (Numbers 13:30; 14:6-9).  (2 Chronicles 6:24-31). (Matthew 15:7-9),   (Mark 11:22-24). (Acts 3:6).  (Acts 4:33). (Romans 10:9-10).  (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). (Philippians  2:9-11). (Hebrews 4:11-13). (Hebrews 11:13-16). (Revelation 12:11).

++++ I will let YOU LOOK THESE UP...and YOU will receive: Direct, and Personal Intimate, Insight, Encouragement, Strength, Comfort, and Hope and JOY!!!!!!!!              

I look forward eagerly to hear about some of YOUR Confessions and Victories. Because of "GOD'S FAITHFULNESS TO HIS WORD AND TO HIS RIGHTEOUS CHARACTER" (Isaiah 55:11/2 Timothy 2:13/Amplified Bible).

I will Confess that sometimes HIS PLANS do not "feel" good at first...but they DO ALWAYS work out to be GOOD for me and for You.

"And we Know/Experience that ALL THINGS work together for Good to those who love God, to those who are the called according     to HIS Purpose. (Romans 8:28/Amplified Bible).

In (John 16:13) JESUS declares "HE (the Holy Spirit) will guide you into all truth,"

"If we are faithless (do not believe and are untrue to Him), HE remains TRUE (Faithful to HIS WORD and to HIS RIGHTEOUS CHARACTER), for HE cannot deny HIMSELF. (2 Timothy 2:13/ Amplified Bible).

"So shall MY Word Be...it shall accomplish what I please and prosper in the thing  for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:11/Amplified).

"JESUS IS THE YES!!! AND AMEN!!! TO EVERY PROMISE OF GOD."!!!!!!!!! (2 Corinthians 1:20).

CONFESSING ++++ JESUS !!!---WORTHY OF ALL PRAISE, HONOR AND GLORY +++++ (Revelation 5:12).

AMEN (Let it be SO) in all our hearts, words, and actions!!!!!!!!! 

                                                                                  

WHERE?..,,,HOW?,,,,,CAN I FIND PEACE???

"But now, Thus says the LORD...WHO created you...WHO formed you...Fear not,  for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name, you are MINE...for I AM the LORD your GOD, the HOLY ONE of ISRAEL, your SAVIOR." (Isaiah 43:1-3),

"Rejoice IN THE LORD ALWAYS (Delight, Gladden yourselves IN HIM!!! Again I say REJOICE!!! (Philippians 4:4/Amplified Bible).

"Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything...But IN every circumstance and IN everything...by prayer with Thanksgiving, continue to make your requests known to GOD." (Philippians 4:6/      Amplified Bible).

"For unto us a Child is born, to us a SON is given; and the government shall rest on HIS shoulder, and HIS NAME shall be called WONDERFUL COUNSELOR, MIGHTY GOD, EVERLASTING FATHER, PRINCE OF PEACE, of the INCREASE of HIS GOVERNMENT and of PEACE there shall be no end..." Isaiah (9:6-7)/Amplified Bible).

"And HE shall be a sanctuary (a Sacred and Indestructible safety) to those who REVERENTLY FEAR AND TRUST IN HIM..." (Isaiah 8:14/Amplified Bible).         

"...Brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, Fix your mind on/MEDITATE on these things..." (Philippians 4:8/Amplified Bible).

MEDITATE: Quietly repeating the Scriptures in a soft sound, while     Utterly Abandoning outside distractions...continually repeating JESUS' NAME, Thanking HIM... for JESUS HIMSELF is our peace.  (Ephesians 2:14)...

"And GOD'S peace shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its Salvation through JESUS CHRIST, and so fearing nothing from GOD and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace which transcends all understanding shall garrison and Mount Guard OVER your hearts and minds IN JESUS CHRIST. (Philippians 4:7/Amplified Bible).

Definition: "Peace, Shalom, ("shah-loam"), Strong's #7965. Completeness, wholeness, peace, health, welfare, safety, soundness, tranquility, prosperity, perfectness, fullness, rest, harmony; the absence of agitation or discord.  Thus Shalom is much MORE than the absence of war and conflict: it is the Wholeness that the entire human race seeks". (Nahum 1:15/Word Wealth).

The angels understood at HIS birth that JESUS was to be the great peace-bringer, as they called out: "Glory to GOD in the highest; and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!". (Nahum 1:15 Word wealth/Luke 2:14-17/Isaiah 9:7).

In (John 14:27) JESUS says "Peace I leave with you.  MY peace I give to you; NOT as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

++++Please be sure to ask, and Allow, "the HOLY SPIRIT to guide you into all truth.  (John 16:13). ++++

"If we are faithless (do not believe and are untrue to Him) HE remains true (faithful to HIS WORD and HIS righteous character) for HE cannot deny HIMSELF." (2 Timothy 2:13)/Amplified Bible).

PLEASE DO READ this  ALOUD to yourself 12 times in the next 2 weeks; and frequently thereafter!!!

You will be Amazed at what all the HOLY SPIRIT teaches YOU!!!!!

AMEN.  

 

SOLOMON........YOU?........YES!!!

In 1 Kings, Chapters 5:1 - 8:66  We learn that GOD chose Solomon to build a House/Temple for the NAME of GOD!!!

Let's seek GOD'S WORD to learn what GOD wants to teach us through His plans, materials, etc. for building His temple...And seek ALL that HE wants us to learn...

Oh HOLY SPIRIT, I submit myself to YOU - asking YOU to guide me into all truth in writing this (as JESUS says in John 16:13).

To those who are reading this - I ask You to pray/ask-Submit to the HOLY SPIRIT to guide You into all truth!!!

First, let's look at some "numbers" about the temple that Solomon built.  ++++(Please be alert for More truths about "numbers" through this message!).++++

A) How many Men did Solomon have working to build the temple?    He had 30,000 men of Israel, Plus 70,000 men who carried burdens, and 80,000 men who quarried stone in the mountains.  (These 70,000 + 80,000 men were Sidonians/Phoenicians from other nations). (1 Kings 1: 1-18).

B) Materials:                                                                                            1. (see above for) 80,000 men who quarried stone.                                2. The pillars for the temple, and some of the implements, were made of bronze.                                                                                                   3. Many of the articles used in the temple were made of Silver!            4. GOLD: Ahhh... the gold!!!                                                                   In the temple that Solomon built for The NAME of GOD...                    (a) The tables, the lampstands, etc. were made of Gold.                        (b) He overlaid the inside of the temple with pure Gold.                        (c) "The whole temple he overlaid with Gold. (1 Kings 6:22).

So, it took a total of approximately 180,000 men to build the temple.  "So he was seven years in building it." (1 Kings 6:38).

The temple was destroyed approximately 400 years later by Nebuzaradan (the captain of the army of Nebuchadnezzar).                  (2 Kings 25: 8-10).

Now, another bit of information revealed to me about "numbers" by the Holy Spirit through my personal experience:

One Sunday, as I drove home after morning Worship Service...I began (speaking aloud) Thanking Holy GOD Our FATHER for enabling us to experience HIS PRESENCE during Worship!!!  I struggled with words (like): "Father, I would not exchange that experiencing YOUR PRESENCE for a Thousand Dollars!!!".  (Right away I knew that was too small a number!).  So I then said "I would not exchange that experiencing YOUR PRESENCE for a Million Dollars!!!

Over the next few days GOD our FATHER gave me understanding: "You cannot measure things of MY kingdom with earthly measures."

One more example of me trying to measure with "numbers": During my work/career, I drove the same route from home to work, then back home more than 12,000 times.  Almost every time that I crossed the Chattahoochee River bridge---I prayed for a specific person to accept JESUS as his Savior and Lord!!!

After I retired from my job I (again, foolishly) said "LORD, I have prayed thousands of times for (that person)...How many Prayers is it going to take to get him to accept JESUS as his Savior and LORD? Our Ever-Unchanging LORD ("JESUS CHRIST is the SAME yesterday, today, and forever"/1 Timothy 1:1/Malachi 3:6)...HE gave to me understanding - "you cannot measure things of MY Kingdom with earthly measures.  Continue praying."

Of course HOLY GOD MOST HIGH (Psalm 47:2) supplied all of the lumber, stone, bronze, silver, and gold that was used by Solomon to build the temple.

Let's now consider the Present days, and the Future---                            "...your body is the temple (the very sanctuary) of the HOLY SPIRIT WHO lives within you, WHOM you have received (as a gift) from GOD...you are not your own.  You were bought with a price [purchased with a preciousness and paid for, made His own].  So then, honor GOD and bring glory to HIM in your body." (1 Corinthians 6:20/Amplified Bible).

We have learned that "numbers" are wholly inadequate to "measure" Heaven.                                                                                                    While we are here on earth HE can use numbers to teach and guide us EACH and ALL:

JESUS says in HIS prayer in (John 17:3):  "YOU, the ONLY True and real GOD..."

GOD sent his ONLY BEGOTTEN SON to pay the price for you and for me (EACH and every ONE!!!). (John 1:14/John 3:16).

GOD our FATHER, JESUS His SON, The HOLY SPIRIT--- 3 in 1 (three in ONE)!!!

Solomon's temple was destroyed in 400 years.

In Heaven we will live ETERNALLY!!!

How are You and I to respond to HIS TRUTH Revealed???

++++Frequently Read HIS Word++++                                                  ++++Frequently Bow before HIM and Thank HIM, Praise HIM, and Worship HIM!!!++++                                                                              ++++ASK, and ALLOW the HOLY SPIRIT to "...guide us into all Truth..."(John 16:13) - So that through us HE can bring---Each and Every One with us into heaven++++

When You and I eat at a fast-food restaurant...often we are asked if we will "upgrade" to get a Full Meal--- rather than just one burger.

As we "Upgrade" by frequently bowing before HIM, Thank HIM, Praise and Worship HIM, ASK and ALLOW/SUBMIT The HOLY SPIRIT to "Guide us into all Truth---What will GOD give to us as HIS UPGRADE???

In Solomon's days, Gold was a most valuable thing; here on earth, we walk on dull gray concrete side walks.  In Heaven we will walk on STREETS of PURE GOLD!!!! (Revelation 21:21).

"Now to HIM WHO in HIS power that is at work within us, is able to carry out HIS purpose and do Supernaturally, far over and above all that we dare ask or think [beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams---To HIM be glory in HIS church and in CHRIST JESUS throughout all generations Forever and Ever. AMEN So be it." (Ephesians 3:20/Amplified Bible).

  

      

                                         

 

"Darkness"...JESUS says..."

It has been said that"...the culture of the world--- And the culture of our society in our nation (USA) is growing darker and darker."

Some examples: (1) Increasing violence:                                               --attacks on Law Enforcement Officers,                                               --shootings in childrens' schools, and universities,                               --shootings in synagogues and Christian Churches                            (2) Our youth in confusion about their gender...                          3)Entertainment  is more and more filled with explicit behaviors and words that are clearly wrong and Opposite to what JESUS teaches, and opposite to JESUS' life... HE laid down HIS Life to die on HIS cross to save us from our sins---and to show to us that HE is THE WAY, THE TRUTH, And THE LIFE!!! (John 14:6).  JESUS IS THE  LIVING WORD !!!                                         

GOD"S WORD Says:  "For GOD is NOT the Author of Confusion, but of PEACE and ORDER." (I Corinthians 14:33)/Amplified Bible).

As we who Follow JESUS...we are to Follow both THE TEACHER and HIS Teaching!!!

JESUS SAYS: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another;  as I have loved you...by this all will know that you are MY DISCIPLES, if you have love for one another." (John 13:31-35).

Judas, identified as the one who betrayed JESUS to those who wanted to Kill JESUS--- "...having received the bread, he then went out immediately. And it was night".  (Please Read John 13: 18-35).

FOOTNOTE under John 13---"The statement that 'it was night' has not only a literal meaning, but also a symbolic/theological meaning as well.  To leave the fellowship of JESUS is to exchange the Light for inevitable darkness."

GOD'S WORD says: ("Now the SPIRIT expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith (no longer following JESUS), giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons." (1 Timothy 4:1). 

WE (YOU and I) who have accepted JESUS as our SAVIOR and LORD  (John 3:16) --- we are to "... walk as children  of Light." (Ephesians 5: 1-21).

JESUS SAYS "I AM the Light...Follow ME" (John 8:12/Matthew 9:9).

"And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it." (John 1:5).

Definition: Comprehend, Strongs #2638:  the word is capable of three (3) interpretations:                                                                        1) to seize, lay hold of, overcome. As such, verse 5 could read "the darkness does NOT gain control of it (the Light).                              2) to perceive, attain, lay hold of with the mind; to apprehend with mental or moral effort.  With this meaning  the verse could be translated "The darkness is unreceptive and does not understand (the Light).   3) quench, extinguish, snuff out the Light by stifling it.  The darkness will NEVER be able to eliminate (the Light)."          Light and darkness essentially are antagonistic.  The Christian's Joy is in knowing that Light is not only greater than darkness but will also outlast the darkness." HALLELUJAH!!! HALLELUJAH!!! HALLELUJAH!!!

GOD made the human eye (Psalm 139: 12-13)  so that on a dark night we can see a lit match or a flashlight  at a great  distance.

Better yet --- JESUS is ++++the Way, the Truth, and the Life++++ (John 14:6).  JESUS SAYS "The HOLY SPIRIT will guide you into all truth." (John 16:13).

So, the Holy Spirit will guide us THROUGH the dark---to JESUS the LIGHT---and You and I can follow JESUS the LAMB to the city (New Jerusalem) in heaven - where JESUS/THE LAMB IS the  LIGHT.  (Revelation 21:23).

JESUS  "...HIMSELF is our peace". (Ephesians 2:14).

Let us Each and All read the Book of John (in The New Testament), and FOLLOW JESUS...in "...Peace and order."          1) Corinthians 14:33)---all the Way to Heaven---and live with        HIM FOREVER!!!!!!!!!

JESUS IS THE LIGHT.....FOLLOW HIM!!!!!!!!!!!!                

      

"

JESUS HUMBLED HIMSELF........I sometimes judge others.....                    

When GOD "...formed us in our Mother's womb..." (Psalm 139:13)---HE was already preparing you and me to become like JESUS!!!

GOD built into our KNEES --- the Anterior Cruciate Ligament, and the Posterior Cruciate Ligament. They are named "Cruciate" because these two (2) ligaments CROSS in the knee joint!!!  The word "cruciate"  is from the Latin word "crux" (cross).

[I did ask my Primary Care Doctor if this is correct - and he verified this is Correct.]

If you want --- you can "Google" 'knee joint ligaments --- and see that these two ligaments do CROSS between the patella and the tibia in the knee joint.

JESUS: The only place in the Bible where JESUS describes HIS own Character is (Matthew 11:29) - "...learn from ME, for I  AM gentle (meek) and lowly in heart...".

Definition: meek - "an attitude of humility toward GOD, and genrle toward men, springing from a recognition that GOD is in control." (Nelson Bible Dictionary).

JESUS submitted to GOD'S Plan---which led to HIS death on the cross in order to save you and me from our sins.

In both (Isaiah 45:23 and Romans 14:11)- IT IS WRITTEN "...that to ME, every knee shall bow, every tongue shall confess to GOD."

EVERY knee shall bow, EVERY tongue shall confess to GOD..."

Because of GOD'S grace to us - in our acceptance of JESUS as our SAVIOR and LORD.....

GOD gives to us the BLESSED PRIVILEGE that we ++++ CAN and SHALL ++++ KNEEL before HIM in prayer, in Worship, in giving thanks to HIM, in Praise of HIM Many times every month, every week, every day---until HE comes to take us HOME in Heaven!!!

JESUS Says:  "...I AM meek, and lowly in heart,,," (Matthew 11: 29).

As for me, and perhaps you---we often JUDGE others.  I MUST CONFESS that I am the WORST in Judging others.

In (Matthew 7:1) JESUS HIMSELF says:  "Judge not, that you be not judged."

I (Barry) confess that I do judge others...And the HOLY SPIRIT is convicting Me that I MUST CEASE that!!!

When we judge others---we (WRONGLY!) feel that we are ABOVE, or OVER those whom we judge.

For example, I will share two (2) instances when I experienced Judgement:                                                                                               a) As a young man, early each weekday morning---(for exercise) I ran several miles with some friends.  Our usual route was about 4 miles in length,  On a certain morning - I was running several hundred yards BEHIND my group of friends.  One of my friends remarked to me -  "Barry, it looks like you are taking it easy this morning."  What my friend did not know was that on that specific morning---I had already run TWELVE (12) miles BEFORE we started our usual four (4) mile run. (So i was already tired before we started running together!!~!       b) On a different day, I was with a large group of runners at rhe starting line for a marathon race (26.2 miles).  

As I looked around at the other runners--- I noticed a lady who was dressed in very nice clothes.  All the articles of her clothing were detailed with colors that EXACTLY MATCHED!!  I remember thinking to myself:  "She is not a 'SERIOUS RUNNER'--- she is here just to look good."

Guess what happened!!!!!  Only a few miles after the start.....that same lady PASSED me-----and I finished the marathon so far BEHIND her---that I never saw her again!!!!!

So I welcome your prayers that I will keep my heart Humbled, bowed down before our LORD GOD, and confess HE IS WORTHY to be PRAISED and "...keep my thoughts captive to the obedience of JESUS CHRIST!!! (2 Corinthians 10:5).

JESUS SAYS: "...learn from ME, for I AM meek (gentle) and lowly in heart..." (Matthew 11:29).

(James 4:10) "Humble yourselves in the sight of the LORD, and HE will lift you up." 

"But we all, with unveiled face, beholding the Glory of the LORD, are being transformed into the same image, just as by the SPIRIT of the LORD." (2 Corinthians 3: 18).

HOLY GOD demonstrated HIS perfect love by sending JESUS to the Cross to save us from our sins.  By HIS Perfect love HE has crafted HIS perfect plan for EACH and EVERY one of us. (Jeremiah 29:11).

"Now thanks be to GOD WHO always leads us in triumph in JESUS CHRIST...". (2 Corinthians 2:14).

JESUS says: "...HE, the Spirit of Truth, will guide you into all truth..." (John 16:13).

  

 

"THE LAMB........THE DOOR"

"And THE WORD became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld HIS GLORY, as of the only begotten of the FATHER, full of Grace and Truth. " (John 1:14-16).

"And of HIS fullness we have all received, and Grace for Grace.

"For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through JESUS CHRIST." 

[From the footnote of John 1:16---                                                          The fact that John states that GRACE comes from HIS FULLNESS teaches us that Grace is MORE than GOD'S disposition or impersonal favor. It is GOD  meeting us at our point of need in the Person of JESUS CHRIST, including all HIS Power and provision.

"No one has seen GOD at any time  The ONLY Begotten SON WHO is in the bosom of the FATHER,  HE has declared HIM." (John 1:18).

"The next day John saw JESUS coming toward him and said, 'Behold! The LAMB OF GOD WHO takes away the sin of the world. (John 1:29).

In John 10:7-9, we can hear JESUS speaking to us:  Then JESUS says to us---"Most assuredly, I say to you, I AM the Door of the sheep.  I AM the door.  If anyone enters by ME, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture."

[Footnote for John 10:7-9---entering the sheepfold through JESUS is a saving action and provides (us) the sheep with abundant life and provision.  * To go in and out does NOT mean that one can vacillate about being in Christ one moment and outside of HIM the next.  The picture is one of security and safety in JESUS as the Door to the sheep's daily comings and goings."

The doorway was of great importance in Hebrew tradition and thought; much more so than in our culture today.  It was against the background of the Hebrew respect for 'the door' that JESUS made this assertion repeatedly - 'I AM THE DOOR'"

Early in her history as a nation, Israel had been enslaved by the Egyptians.  For hundreds of years they were driven by their taskmasters to work in slime pits in the hot sun making bricks with which to build great cities for their enemies.  In desperation they cried out to GOD for deliverance.

The final act of GOD freeing them...had to do with the Door of each man's home!  A spotless  Passover lamb was to be slaughtered for each household.  The blood of each lamb was to be liberally sprinkled on the lintel over the door and on the doorposts.  (Picture this in your Mind and Heart: Draw a line down from the blood Over the door...down to the floor where the blood would have dripped.  Then draw a line from the blood on one of the doorposts across to the blood on the other door post---These two lines form a CROSS---like the one on which JESUS died to SAVE US from OUR SINS!!!

In John 14:1-6 we hear JESUS' conversation with Thomas (and with Us):  "Let not your hearts be troubled, you believe in GOD, believe also in ME.  In MY FATHER'S House are many dwellings; if it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you.  I will come again and receive you to MYSELF, that where I AM, there you may be also."

"And where I go you know, and the way you know.  Thomas said to HIM, 'LORD, we do not know where YOU are going, and how can we know the way?' "

"JESUS said to him, I AM the Way, the Truth, and the life.  No one comes to the FATHER except through ME."

How then should we live before HIM.....we shall bow our hearts before HIM---submitting to HIM, that HE will live THROUGH us--- so that others will be "Eyewitnesses of HIS MAJESTY" in and through our lives. (2 Peter 1:16).

(For many more blessings/treasures/understanding...Please read "The Shepherd Trilogy" by Phillip Keller).

(JESUS Speaking):                                                                                                                                                                                                       "It is the Spirit Who gives life; the flesh profits nothing,  The WORDS that I speak to you are Spirit and they are Life."                     (John 6:63).