When Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey the people shouted: Matthew 21:6-9 "Praise God for the Son of David! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Praise God in Highest Heaven!"
Jesus was greeted in a manner that was appropriate. He was recognized as the Son of God, yet was soon to be tortured and killed by the people of that City. Religious leaders chose to destroy Him. Why? Because He preached Peace and Love in place of hypocritical religious practices. Jesus lived the love of God and laid down His life in a perfect sacrifice of love. Love for you and me and the whole world.
May we spend quality time meditating on the price of perfect love. During this coming week, begin each day with a picture of love that Jesus displayed for us by His Precious Blood being shed for us. Let us look at the precious children of God, our neighbors and family members for whom Jesus suffered and died and LOVE them.
Enough of selfish living! Enough of judging others by their appearance or church affiliation or gender. Enough of holding grudges and failure to forgive. We must stop acting as though Jesus' loving sacrifice was just a foot note in history.
Jesus LIVES. HE IS THE LIVING GOD, WITH US NOW IN SPIRIT, AND COMING SOON IN PERSON TO BRING THE BELIEVING FLOCK TO ETERNAL GLORY WITH HIM. JESUS IS GOD!!! LOVE HIM BY OBEYING HIM AND YOU WILL BE LOVING FATHER GOD.
GLORY TO GOD, NOW AND FOREVER!
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Thursday, March 29, 2012
The Hour is near
Matthew 26:36-39 "Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and He said, 'Sit here while I go over there to pray'. He took Peter and Zebedee's two sons, James and John, and He became anguished and distressed. He told them,, 'My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.'
He went a little farther and bowed with His face to the ground, praying, 'My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine'." Mt.26:vs 42 "My Father! if this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, you will be done."
This is just a glimpse of the beginning of the suffering that Jesus endured for our sins, yours and mine. He was shown by the Father that which He would need to endure and as we read, He sought to avoid the immediate future by asking if there might be another way. When the request was denied, Jesus willingly accepted His role in the plan of salvation. Oh, how God loves us. THANK YOU JESUS.
He went a little farther and bowed with His face to the ground, praying, 'My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine'." Mt.26:vs 42 "My Father! if this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, you will be done."
This is just a glimpse of the beginning of the suffering that Jesus endured for our sins, yours and mine. He was shown by the Father that which He would need to endure and as we read, He sought to avoid the immediate future by asking if there might be another way. When the request was denied, Jesus willingly accepted His role in the plan of salvation. Oh, how God loves us. THANK YOU JESUS.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
A FEW MINUTES
As we approach the beginning of Holy Week which leads us to dwell on the love of God, we need to spend quality time with our Lord by meditating on His Word. One of the proclamations of Jesus that I found heavy in meaning is found in Matthew 20.
vs.17-19. "As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, He took the twelve disciples aside privately and told them what was going to happen to Him. Listen He said," we're going up to Jerusalem where the Son of man will be betrayed to the leading priests and the teachers of religious law. They will sentence Him to die. Then they will hand Him of over to the Romans to be mocked,flogged with a whip and crucified. But on the third day He will be raised from the dead." But the disciples did not accept and believe what He meant. They continued to argue over their position in Christ's Kingdom. ( See vs. 20-28.
What are we doing now in this generation? Are we arguing over which of our "religious" practices are the most favorable to God? "Should we not be sharing the Love of God and what He did to set us free from sin regardless of the Name of our "church" affiliation? Please take a little time to re-read the above cited scripture and allow the love of God pour through to our spirits. Then look at your brother/sister and see a child of God for whom Jesus died.
vs.17-19. "As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, He took the twelve disciples aside privately and told them what was going to happen to Him. Listen He said," we're going up to Jerusalem where the Son of man will be betrayed to the leading priests and the teachers of religious law. They will sentence Him to die. Then they will hand Him of over to the Romans to be mocked,flogged with a whip and crucified. But on the third day He will be raised from the dead." But the disciples did not accept and believe what He meant. They continued to argue over their position in Christ's Kingdom. ( See vs. 20-28.
What are we doing now in this generation? Are we arguing over which of our "religious" practices are the most favorable to God? "Should we not be sharing the Love of God and what He did to set us free from sin regardless of the Name of our "church" affiliation? Please take a little time to re-read the above cited scripture and allow the love of God pour through to our spirits. Then look at your brother/sister and see a child of God for whom Jesus died.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
PREPARE
Do you remember when Palm Sunday was a Holy Day in the lives of believers? That Sunday was rather solemn as well as filled with excitement. We returned to our homes with a glow as we looked for a special location to place the palms we received at church. The palm fronds were a reminder of the first time in Jesus' presence on earth that He was recognized and honored as a King.
The believers who gathered along the road to Jerusalem spread their garments and tree branches on the road as a tribute, while Jesus road on a donkey's colt as a sign of His humility.
This was a time of deep reflection on our faith. A glorious day of celebration that would lead us to reflect on Jesus' passion, death and resurrection that would usher in the way of Salvation. A new life, everlasting, that would be purchased at the greatest price ever paid for the sins of the world. A time of Joy, sadness followed by the greatest joy of all time, the Resurrection of Jesus from the dead that guaranteed forgiveness and life everlasting in the Presence of Almighty God.
May we consider what tribute we would have paid on that road of triumphal entry!
And, how long would we be faithful to Him in His forthcoming torture and death that would soon follow?
Thank you Jesus for going forward on your assignment even as you knew of the price you would pay because of my sins!!!
Hallelujah King Jesus!!!!
The believers who gathered along the road to Jerusalem spread their garments and tree branches on the road as a tribute, while Jesus road on a donkey's colt as a sign of His humility.
This was a time of deep reflection on our faith. A glorious day of celebration that would lead us to reflect on Jesus' passion, death and resurrection that would usher in the way of Salvation. A new life, everlasting, that would be purchased at the greatest price ever paid for the sins of the world. A time of Joy, sadness followed by the greatest joy of all time, the Resurrection of Jesus from the dead that guaranteed forgiveness and life everlasting in the Presence of Almighty God.
May we consider what tribute we would have paid on that road of triumphal entry!
And, how long would we be faithful to Him in His forthcoming torture and death that would soon follow?
Thank you Jesus for going forward on your assignment even as you knew of the price you would pay because of my sins!!!
Hallelujah King Jesus!!!!
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
CANCER UPDATE
Praise our Savior Jesus Christ and our Father in Heaven. This is a new day that our Lord has made, we are rejoicing and are glad in it.
More good news from the doctors today; The new CT Scan shows that the tumors, all of them, continue to shrink (lungs, liver etc. The Prostate ALSO continues to respond to treatment. Hallelujah!!
This is a great time in my life. I have all of you praying for me and rejoicing with me and my loving family. Please remember that I consider each of you as part of my family and pray that each of you will continue to walk with our Lord in PEACE. HALLELUJAH!!!
Love in Christ,
Richard
More good news from the doctors today; The new CT Scan shows that the tumors, all of them, continue to shrink (lungs, liver etc. The Prostate ALSO continues to respond to treatment. Hallelujah!!
This is a great time in my life. I have all of you praying for me and rejoicing with me and my loving family. Please remember that I consider each of you as part of my family and pray that each of you will continue to walk with our Lord in PEACE. HALLELUJAH!!!
Love in Christ,
Richard
Monday, March 19, 2012
Holiday?
Hello fellow believers in Christ.
As we look forward to Easter and the joy of that season on our calendar I find it sad that so few recognize the significance of Easter. This is the most important time in the life of Christians. The most important date in our lives. Without the Resurrection there is no life. Our faith is based on the Resurrection. Why then is there such expectation of the coming of the "Easter Bunny" and virtually No expectation of the Return of Jesus.
Christmas, in this age has become a huge commercial boon
in our society. Thoughts of toys and presents, 'Santa Claus' and material gain with debt that fuels these celebrations. We have taught our children that Christmas is the time of materialism and maybe, in second place, the birth of GOD COME IN THE FLESH TO REVEAL HIS LOVE FOR US AND EVERLASTING LIFE.
How is Easter any different? The Easter Bunny has become a symbol of materialism as well. Thousands of books honor the myth of the Easter Bunny. How many can we find that focus on the most important date in our lives? Books that highlight the "reason for the season"!
Oh Shaw Richard, there is nothing wrong with allowing our kids to have "innocent" fun. Actually, nothing at all provided that the "fun" doesn't come at the cost of obscuring the purpose of the celebration. May we pray to return to the joy of the Resurrection of our Lord and FOCUS ON JESUS, not only at Easter and Christmas but every single day of our lives. The Church adopted pagan rituals about Easter and brought them to conform with our Faith in Jesus. The symbol of the eggs, critters etc. Many of these symbols are easily usable to explain to children the incredible gift of life with God that the Resurrection of Jesus brings to mankind. This truly is a time to shout Allelujah! The Lord lives and will be back again to take us up through our own resurrection. Is there anything greater than that promise?
As we look forward to Easter and the joy of that season on our calendar I find it sad that so few recognize the significance of Easter. This is the most important time in the life of Christians. The most important date in our lives. Without the Resurrection there is no life. Our faith is based on the Resurrection. Why then is there such expectation of the coming of the "Easter Bunny" and virtually No expectation of the Return of Jesus.
Christmas, in this age has become a huge commercial boon
in our society. Thoughts of toys and presents, 'Santa Claus' and material gain with debt that fuels these celebrations. We have taught our children that Christmas is the time of materialism and maybe, in second place, the birth of GOD COME IN THE FLESH TO REVEAL HIS LOVE FOR US AND EVERLASTING LIFE.
How is Easter any different? The Easter Bunny has become a symbol of materialism as well. Thousands of books honor the myth of the Easter Bunny. How many can we find that focus on the most important date in our lives? Books that highlight the "reason for the season"!
Oh Shaw Richard, there is nothing wrong with allowing our kids to have "innocent" fun. Actually, nothing at all provided that the "fun" doesn't come at the cost of obscuring the purpose of the celebration. May we pray to return to the joy of the Resurrection of our Lord and FOCUS ON JESUS, not only at Easter and Christmas but every single day of our lives. The Church adopted pagan rituals about Easter and brought them to conform with our Faith in Jesus. The symbol of the eggs, critters etc. Many of these symbols are easily usable to explain to children the incredible gift of life with God that the Resurrection of Jesus brings to mankind. This truly is a time to shout Allelujah! The Lord lives and will be back again to take us up through our own resurrection. Is there anything greater than that promise?
Saturday, March 17, 2012
A NEW LIFE
As we approach the celebration of the Resurrection of Christ from the dead, it is good to reflect on our own resurrection day. In memory of the glorious Resurrection of our Savior we hold a particular day to Honor our Lord's Life, Death, and His being placed at the right hand of our Father in Heaven.
We are promised by Jesus that we too will rise again and reign with Him for all Eternity. We will be in the presence of our Heavenly Father, worshiping Him face to face. That alone, for me, is sufficient motivation to serve Him in this earthly life.
May we all spend quality time reflecting on our Father's love for us. He gave His only begotten Son to live and die for us, to redeem us from our sins and sinful nature that we inherited from Adam. That act of redemption came at a price that none of us can fathom. It is hurtful to ponder the pain that Father suffered as He watched His Son, Jesus, go through unimaginable suffering to pay for our sins, while He, Jesus, Himself was innocent of all sin.
His gift of redemption must not be taken lightly. Without Jesus there is no life. If we reject that priceless gift from God we will perish unto eternal damnation.
Receiving that priceless gift is not only a matter of confessing our Faith in Jesus but actually believing Who He is by following His teachings. Doing God's Will is truly a light in this world of much darkness. We are instantly rewarded when we obey Him. Our weaknesses and faults are covered by the Precious Blood of Jesus when we demonstrate of Love for Him by obedience to His Word. Our perspective of life in these bodies changes as we embrace Him by obeying His Word and putting the Word into practice. We become a beacon of light, guiding others to believe in the one and only way to God.
Let us sing Alleluia! with loud voices in Praise of God Almighty for we will all, who truly believe, be with Him for all eternity. No more sickness, no more death no more sin, only inexplicable joy forever and ever. PRAISE HIM NOW AND FOREVER!!!
We are promised by Jesus that we too will rise again and reign with Him for all Eternity. We will be in the presence of our Heavenly Father, worshiping Him face to face. That alone, for me, is sufficient motivation to serve Him in this earthly life.
May we all spend quality time reflecting on our Father's love for us. He gave His only begotten Son to live and die for us, to redeem us from our sins and sinful nature that we inherited from Adam. That act of redemption came at a price that none of us can fathom. It is hurtful to ponder the pain that Father suffered as He watched His Son, Jesus, go through unimaginable suffering to pay for our sins, while He, Jesus, Himself was innocent of all sin.
His gift of redemption must not be taken lightly. Without Jesus there is no life. If we reject that priceless gift from God we will perish unto eternal damnation.
Receiving that priceless gift is not only a matter of confessing our Faith in Jesus but actually believing Who He is by following His teachings. Doing God's Will is truly a light in this world of much darkness. We are instantly rewarded when we obey Him. Our weaknesses and faults are covered by the Precious Blood of Jesus when we demonstrate of Love for Him by obedience to His Word. Our perspective of life in these bodies changes as we embrace Him by obeying His Word and putting the Word into practice. We become a beacon of light, guiding others to believe in the one and only way to God.
Let us sing Alleluia! with loud voices in Praise of God Almighty for we will all, who truly believe, be with Him for all eternity. No more sickness, no more death no more sin, only inexplicable joy forever and ever. PRAISE HIM NOW AND FOREVER!!!
Monday, March 12, 2012
Context
Have you ever been mentally challenged to understand
the Word of God? Some scriptures appear to contradict other scripture passages. This confusion can cause some to get a wrong message when not quoted in context. We need not look far to find evidence of whole congregations that preach incomplete messages from the Word of God.
One example of incomplete quotes from the Word that has caused many to "split" is the seeming disagreement between Paul and James concerning the role of works in God's plan of salvation. The importance of Faith and Works.
The often quote scripture Eph. 2:8-9 " For by Grace are you saved through Faith and that not of yourselves: it is the Gift of God" This passage is absolutely true but begs the question of why are we saved? The rest of that passage tells us, clearly and distinctly. Eph. 2-10 For we are His workmanship in Christ unto good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk them."
James 2 says"What good is it dear brother and sisters, if you say you have faith but don't show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing and you say"Good-bye and have a good day, stay warm and eat well'--but then you don't give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, faith isn't enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.
Now someone may argue,'Some people have faith; others have good deeds,'But I say, 'How can you show me your faith if you don't have deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.
You say you have faith, for you believe there is One God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. How foolish! Can't you see that Faith without good deeds is useless?"
Look at the confusion that is caused by quoting scripture out of context! Verse ten of Eph 2 clearly tells us how we are to live out the gift of faith while at the same time telling us in vs 8 and 9 that saving faith is a GIFT of GOD, NOT OF WORKS. AND, our Faith is manifested in our works, i.e. following Jesus. James and Paul are saying the same thing. Paul states the way to God and James expounds on the details of the way God wants us to live out that faith
Please Go to your Bible and continue reading the rest of Ephesians 2 and be blessed by the works of Saints that went before us. Many, today, are living out their faith and many are being blessed by those Good Deeds that also, simultaneously lead the lost to God.
the Word of God? Some scriptures appear to contradict other scripture passages. This confusion can cause some to get a wrong message when not quoted in context. We need not look far to find evidence of whole congregations that preach incomplete messages from the Word of God.
One example of incomplete quotes from the Word that has caused many to "split" is the seeming disagreement between Paul and James concerning the role of works in God's plan of salvation. The importance of Faith and Works.
The often quote scripture Eph. 2:8-9 " For by Grace are you saved through Faith and that not of yourselves: it is the Gift of God" This passage is absolutely true but begs the question of why are we saved? The rest of that passage tells us, clearly and distinctly. Eph. 2-10 For we are His workmanship in Christ unto good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk them."
James 2 says"What good is it dear brother and sisters, if you say you have faith but don't show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing and you say"Good-bye and have a good day, stay warm and eat well'--but then you don't give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, faith isn't enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.
Now someone may argue,'Some people have faith; others have good deeds,'But I say, 'How can you show me your faith if you don't have deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.
You say you have faith, for you believe there is One God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. How foolish! Can't you see that Faith without good deeds is useless?"
Look at the confusion that is caused by quoting scripture out of context! Verse ten of Eph 2 clearly tells us how we are to live out the gift of faith while at the same time telling us in vs 8 and 9 that saving faith is a GIFT of GOD, NOT OF WORKS. AND, our Faith is manifested in our works, i.e. following Jesus. James and Paul are saying the same thing. Paul states the way to God and James expounds on the details of the way God wants us to live out that faith
Please Go to your Bible and continue reading the rest of Ephesians 2 and be blessed by the works of Saints that went before us. Many, today, are living out their faith and many are being blessed by those Good Deeds that also, simultaneously lead the lost to God.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Special Prayer For You
I offer these Word for you from Psalm 20.
"In times of trouble, may the Lord answer your cry.
May the name of the God of Jacob keep you safe from all harm.
May He send you help from His sanctuary
and strengthen you from Jerusalem.
May He remember all your gifts
and look favorably on you burnt offerings.
May He grant your heart's desires
and make all your plans succeed.
May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory
and raise a victory banner in the name of our God. May the Lord answer all your prayers. Amen!
Whatever your needs today, offer them up to our Lord by placing them at the foot of the CROSS. He does here your prayers and answers them. Trust that the answers will be evident in His Perfect Will.
God loves you and so do we.
"In times of trouble, may the Lord answer your cry.
May the name of the God of Jacob keep you safe from all harm.
May He send you help from His sanctuary
and strengthen you from Jerusalem.
May He remember all your gifts
and look favorably on you burnt offerings.
May He grant your heart's desires
and make all your plans succeed.
May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory
and raise a victory banner in the name of our God. May the Lord answer all your prayers. Amen!
Whatever your needs today, offer them up to our Lord by placing them at the foot of the CROSS. He does here your prayers and answers them. Trust that the answers will be evident in His Perfect Will.
God loves you and so do we.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
ASSURANCE
This message today is a continuation of the previous blog on salvation. Many people that I have met have displayed some question as to how can we be sure of our salvation! One of the reasons for this insecurity is the mixed messages that we hear over TV and Radio and other communication methods. I would like those who are interested to go back to very beginning of these blogs and take a little time to read the messages that help us to have trust and faith in His Word. Then, as previously suggested, dig in to the Bible, while always asking the Holy Spirit to enlighten you with the TRUTH. If some of the teachings of Jesus and the writers of the New Testament are not clear to you, then by all means consult your pastor.
GOD ASSURES YOU THAT JESUS CHRIST HAS COME INTO YOUR LIFE.
John 14:20 "When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in the Father, and you are in me and I am in you."
YOU SINS HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN
Colossians 2:13 "God made you alive with Christ, for He forgave ALL our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross."
1 John5:13 "I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may KNOW you have eternal life."
GOD LOVES YOU UNCONDITIONALLY.
No matter what else may be going on in your life, no matter what acceptance or rejection you may be facing from others, you can KNOW that God has completely accepted you and loves you UNCONDITIONALLY!!!
EPHESIANS 1:4-5 "Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be Holy and without fault in His eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into His Family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave Him great pleasure."
God CHOSE us and gave us His Grace to accept His Grace of salvation. It is up to each of us to TRUST His Word and be embraced by His Assurance of the forgiveness of our sins and EVERLASTING LIFE. HOW CAN ANYONE CHOOSE TO REJECT SUCH A GIFT? Apparently many do. Let us, together, by our faith and lifestyle lead others to the TRUTH. My heart weeps when I hear others reject Jesus who paid the price for their sins.
GOD ASSURES YOU THAT JESUS CHRIST HAS COME INTO YOUR LIFE.
John 14:20 "When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in the Father, and you are in me and I am in you."
YOU SINS HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN
Colossians 2:13 "God made you alive with Christ, for He forgave ALL our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross."
1 John5:13 "I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may KNOW you have eternal life."
GOD LOVES YOU UNCONDITIONALLY.
No matter what else may be going on in your life, no matter what acceptance or rejection you may be facing from others, you can KNOW that God has completely accepted you and loves you UNCONDITIONALLY!!!
EPHESIANS 1:4-5 "Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be Holy and without fault in His eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into His Family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave Him great pleasure."
God CHOSE us and gave us His Grace to accept His Grace of salvation. It is up to each of us to TRUST His Word and be embraced by His Assurance of the forgiveness of our sins and EVERLASTING LIFE. HOW CAN ANYONE CHOOSE TO REJECT SUCH A GIFT? Apparently many do. Let us, together, by our faith and lifestyle lead others to the TRUTH. My heart weeps when I hear others reject Jesus who paid the price for their sins.
WE ARE BLESSED
Have you ever been unsure of your salvation? That is a legitimate concern for those who are seeking for peace with God. Jesus said,"You can enter God's Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only few ever find it." Matthew 7:13-14.
The gate that leads to eternal life is called "narrow". This does not mean that it's difficult to become a Christian but that there is only One Way to eternal life with God and that only a few decide to walk that road. Believing in Jesus is the only way to Heaven because He alone died for our sins and made us right before God. Living His way may not be popular, but it is true and right. THANK GOD THERE IS ONE WAY!
AGAIN JESUS SAID,"I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me were thieves and robbers, but the true sheep did not listen to them. Yes, I am the Gate . Those who come in through me WILL BE SAVED." JOHN 10:7-9.
Please remember from our previous studies that "we are saved by GRACE THROUGH FAITH AND THAT IS NOT OF OURSELVES, IT IS A GIFT OF GOD NOT OF WORKS LEST ANYONE COULD BOAST" EPHESIANS 2"8-9.
The intent of the "blog" is not to entertain but rather to encourage those of us who are seeking peace through God our Father, to read His Words and live them. This is the path for us who are true believers must follow. As your faith grows you become a disciple who is at peace through all trials and tribulations because Jesus is with us, just know that He is here with you personally and has His loving arms around you. AMEN!
The gate that leads to eternal life is called "narrow". This does not mean that it's difficult to become a Christian but that there is only One Way to eternal life with God and that only a few decide to walk that road. Believing in Jesus is the only way to Heaven because He alone died for our sins and made us right before God. Living His way may not be popular, but it is true and right. THANK GOD THERE IS ONE WAY!
AGAIN JESUS SAID,"I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me were thieves and robbers, but the true sheep did not listen to them. Yes, I am the Gate . Those who come in through me WILL BE SAVED." JOHN 10:7-9.
Please remember from our previous studies that "we are saved by GRACE THROUGH FAITH AND THAT IS NOT OF OURSELVES, IT IS A GIFT OF GOD NOT OF WORKS LEST ANYONE COULD BOAST" EPHESIANS 2"8-9.
The intent of the "blog" is not to entertain but rather to encourage those of us who are seeking peace through God our Father, to read His Words and live them. This is the path for us who are true believers must follow. As your faith grows you become a disciple who is at peace through all trials and tribulations because Jesus is with us, just know that He is here with you personally and has His loving arms around you. AMEN!
Monday, March 5, 2012
Power
In the preceding message we were reminded to give praise to the Lord our God, never forgetting His love for the whole world. Genuine praise and worship of God returns to us peace and Joy!
38 years ago our Lord gave me a revelation of the POWER of Praise and worship. Each Wednesday night we had a prayer meeting in a small church building in Newark Delaware. The Lord allowed me to lead those meetings. We had a semi structured agenda that began with 30 or so minutes of Praise and Worship followed by a 30 minute "sermon". Testimonies by the faithful were invited and then a call to those in attendance to come forth for individual prayer and or salvation.
I tell you this as a preface to the Power of Praise. Without fail, every Wednesday found me a target of Satan to discourage me from going forward with the Service. Without exception, I would enter that church feeling lowly from the challenges of the day and the news in the world. Then without exception, within the first few minutes of the proceedings I was transformed from gloom to Joy. This was a weekly experience that kept me filled with joy for the week ahead. I experienced, first hand, the POWER of Praise.
"How joyful are those who fear the Lord--all who follow His ways." "That is the Lord's blessing for those who fear Him." Psalm 127 1,4.
There is a children's song that goes like this "The joy of the Lord is my strength." If you want Joy you have to Praise for it".
The name of Jesus is in itself perfect Praise. When we find ourselves unable to pray, I personally simply pray, JESUS. He is here with me and accepts my praise of His Name and returns that praise with JOY and Peace.
There is great power in His Name; There is awesome Power in corporate worship. When we are in the presence of Father in heaven we will not be alone. We will be giving Him True Worship along with multitudes of Saints who preceded us into His Kingdom. May we always and everywhere Praise His Holy name. Your joy in the Lord can be your way of evangelization. Leading people to Jesus by example is the most effective way to "preach" the gospel.
Let's go, let today be the beginning of CONTINUAL praise of His Holy Name. AMEN?
38 years ago our Lord gave me a revelation of the POWER of Praise and worship. Each Wednesday night we had a prayer meeting in a small church building in Newark Delaware. The Lord allowed me to lead those meetings. We had a semi structured agenda that began with 30 or so minutes of Praise and Worship followed by a 30 minute "sermon". Testimonies by the faithful were invited and then a call to those in attendance to come forth for individual prayer and or salvation.
I tell you this as a preface to the Power of Praise. Without fail, every Wednesday found me a target of Satan to discourage me from going forward with the Service. Without exception, I would enter that church feeling lowly from the challenges of the day and the news in the world. Then without exception, within the first few minutes of the proceedings I was transformed from gloom to Joy. This was a weekly experience that kept me filled with joy for the week ahead. I experienced, first hand, the POWER of Praise.
"How joyful are those who fear the Lord--all who follow His ways." "That is the Lord's blessing for those who fear Him." Psalm 127 1,4.
There is a children's song that goes like this "The joy of the Lord is my strength." If you want Joy you have to Praise for it".
The name of Jesus is in itself perfect Praise. When we find ourselves unable to pray, I personally simply pray, JESUS. He is here with me and accepts my praise of His Name and returns that praise with JOY and Peace.
There is great power in His Name; There is awesome Power in corporate worship. When we are in the presence of Father in heaven we will not be alone. We will be giving Him True Worship along with multitudes of Saints who preceded us into His Kingdom. May we always and everywhere Praise His Holy name. Your joy in the Lord can be your way of evangelization. Leading people to Jesus by example is the most effective way to "preach" the gospel.
Let's go, let today be the beginning of CONTINUAL praise of His Holy Name. AMEN?
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Reason to Praise
Do you sometimes find it difficult to give praise to our Lord? Here is a great help to find many reasons to give thanks. Psalm 103:1-6 "Let all that I am Praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his Holy Name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things He does for me.
He forgives my sins and heals all my diseases.He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle's! The Lord gives righteousness and justice to all who are treated unfairly."
Psalm 1038:8ff "The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love He will not constantly accuse us,no remain angry forever, He does not punish for all our sins;He does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. For His unfailing love toward those who fear Him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear Him.
For He knows how weak we are; He remembers we are only dust. Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers we bloom and die. The wind blows, and we are gone -- as though we had never been here.But the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear Him.; His salvation extends to the children's children of those who are faithful to His covenant, of those who obey His commandments; The Lord has made the heavens His throne; from there He rules over everything. Praise the Lord, everything He has created, everything in all His kingdom. Let all that I am praise the Lord.
David's praise focused on the good things God was doing for him. It's easy to complain about life, but David's list gives us plenty for which to praise God. He forgives our sins, heals our diseases, redeems us from death, crowns us with love and compassion, satisfies our desires, and gives us righteousness and justice. We receive all of these without deserving any of them. No matter how difficult your life's journey, you can always count your blessings.
Follow the example of David and PRAISE OUR GOD NOW AND FOREVER FOR HIS LOVE IS EVERLASTING.
He forgives my sins and heals all my diseases.He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle's! The Lord gives righteousness and justice to all who are treated unfairly."
Psalm 1038:8ff "The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love He will not constantly accuse us,no remain angry forever, He does not punish for all our sins;He does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. For His unfailing love toward those who fear Him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear Him.
For He knows how weak we are; He remembers we are only dust. Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers we bloom and die. The wind blows, and we are gone -- as though we had never been here.But the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear Him.; His salvation extends to the children's children of those who are faithful to His covenant, of those who obey His commandments; The Lord has made the heavens His throne; from there He rules over everything. Praise the Lord, everything He has created, everything in all His kingdom. Let all that I am praise the Lord.
David's praise focused on the good things God was doing for him. It's easy to complain about life, but David's list gives us plenty for which to praise God. He forgives our sins, heals our diseases, redeems us from death, crowns us with love and compassion, satisfies our desires, and gives us righteousness and justice. We receive all of these without deserving any of them. No matter how difficult your life's journey, you can always count your blessings.
Follow the example of David and PRAISE OUR GOD NOW AND FOREVER FOR HIS LOVE IS EVERLASTING.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)