ONE KEY TO A HAPPY MARRIAGE.

APOLOGIZE!

Many arguments turn into causes of friction, tension and even worse over nothing.  When we disagree over anything it is because we believe our view is correct and so we defend our side vigorously.  I found many years ago that it costs NOTHING to apologize.  Even when I believe that I am absolutely in the right, it usually is over some trivial matter.  Forcing my view to an empty victory is destructive and sometimes can lead to serious rifts in a relationship.

If we just humble ourselves and realize that in any argument both parties are at fault to some degree.  Even if you’re sure that you are 100% in the right (which is never true) it costs nothing to apologize to your spouse.  Try it! It feels good and in retrospect it was over nothing of eternal value that was the root of the disagreement.  True love is being sensitive to the feelings of others and acting in accord with the love of God.

MODERN " MORALITY?"

As a mature adult I have experienced much in this life.  I have watched the gradual decay of morality in America.  This decay has been festering for the entire 78 years of my life. We are, today, living in a morass of moral filth that has come upon us so slowly and methodically that it is now almost universally accepted as healthy normative life.

When I look back at acceptable sexual practices from my childhood to today I am shocked by my own lack of awareness through the years of the corruption of human minds from God to Sin.  It has been the result of a lack of parental teaching and living for God.  As a parochial school student for 12 years of my formative education years, I was brought by my teachers and pastors and parents and Christian friends to be aware of my responsibility to do ALL things as to please our Lord.  Not to say that I was totally pure, I too have sinned.  I was totally aware of my sinfulness and had guilt leading to repentance and seeking a closer walk with God.  Why?; because I was given by God, through my parents, teachers Church that life without God as a focus, we are on the road to eternal loss.

It is true that we are saved solely by the Grace of Almighty God, it is also true that God expects us live according to the principles that He set forth for us live by.

It is with DEEP SADNESS that I see that the media, which is for the most part anti-Christ, sets the standards for modern day morality.  In nearly every case of gross immorality T.V., Movies, internet sites have and are creating an environment that promotes a freedom of thought and action that is totally SELFISH.  As a result the new attitude "winks" at sin as o.k. because it is personal and we should not judge.  Well, God is judging and as a matter of fact has already judged and declares that sin is UNACCEPTABLE in His sight.  He clearly defines righteousness and expects us to seek the same.

Our children's present and future lives need and must learn to depend on godly authority.  The daily news, where I reside, has a frightening flood of murders, shootings, rapes, robberies, hate crimes, and disregard for civil authority.  When I was a young person, I was taught and practiced great respect for the law.  A policeman was feared when we did something wrong, but at all other times we regarded them with great respect, as our friends and protectors. Not necessarily so today.

Solution?  God!!! He has entrusted those of us whom He has chosen to be His disciples, to teach, preach, and LIVE the GOSPEL.  

REASONS TO PRAISE GOD

Ever feel like you just can't find a reason to Praise of Lord?? As we have considered in past blogs, when in the doldrums Praise Him.  David in his psalm as recorded in #103 gives us plenty of things to reflect upon that are worthy of praise to the Highest Heaven.

Let us take this time to read and consider the MANY ways that God blesses us daily and even moment by moment.

Psalm 103 "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 all 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.

He revealed His character to Moses
and His deeds to the people of Israel.
The Lord is compassionate and merciful,
slow to anger and filled with unfailing love.

He will not constantly accuse us,
nor remain angry forever.

He does not punish us 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 us 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."

David, a sinner saved by the grace of God, wrote these words centuries before the Advent of our Lord and Savior Jesus, the completion of  all that God has for us.  Not knowing what Jesus would have in store for all who fear the Lord and obey His commands.  Imagine the Praise that He would lift up to God had he seen the Great Love of God our Father that was to come through His gift of His Begotten Son Jesus.

All of the promises and praise for that which he understood he was actually prophesying of the day of REDEMPTION THROUGH JESUS.

Times tough?  Remember that God has placed all of the punishment due to us for our sins upon Jesus who willingly paid the price through His suffering and death and resurrection.

"HE HAS REMOVED OUR SINS AS FAR FROM US AS THE EAST IS FROM THE WEST. If you were to draw a line to the east and the west, that line extending straight out, not following the curvature of the Earth, would go on to infinity.  God does not remember the sins that we have confessed and repented of, so let us not torture ourselves over sins that exist no more.

PRAISE HIM!! PRAISE HIM IN ALL THINGS!! PRAISE HIM UNDER ALL CIRCUMSTANCES AND DWELL ON HIS GIFT OF EVERLASTING LIFE IN OUR GLORIFIED BODIES TO COME, IN THE PRESENCE OF PERFECT LOVE OF GOD OUR FATHER.

MALNUTRITION

Can you imagine how well your body, mind and life would fare if the only meal you had was one day each week, forever.  I am sure that our life would wither and eventually die of malnutrition!!!

When we Christians depend on our Sunday visit to Church for Spiritual nourishment and fail to partake of the Word of God each day we gradually fall into a dangerous condition that leads to spiritual death.

So many stories of divorce, sickness, fear, loneliness, hatred, addictions, etc. are a sign of spiritual malnutrition.  As we neglect to walk with our Lord day by day, moment  by moment we fall into a lethargy caused by lack of nourishment of our spirit. How can we hope to contend with the many trials of living in this world without the food that is so necessary to sustain our spiritual life!  The Bible, corporate worship, wise counsel by Holy Spirit filled pastors and teachers, loving Christian fellowship, and prayer are many ways that the Holy Spirit works  to build our spiritual strength, which leads to powerful faith and unspeakable joy in our Lord and His gift of life.

There is absolutely no excuse, in this nation, for anyone to die of spiritual malnutrition. The answer to ALL of life's problems is in Christ Jesus.  Knowing Him requires a daily diet of His food,  which is HIS WORD.  Jesus never promised a freedom from difficulties in this life, but He did promise to give us the strength and wisdom to endure and emerge victorious over life's trials.  When we focus on the promise of everlasting life with God, the joy of the Lord overcomes all sadness, despondency, fear, hatred, lack of patience and dependency on things rather than God's love.

We must seek Him and we will find JOY, PEACE, LOVE, KINDNESS, GENTLENESS, PATIENCE and the COMFORT that our Lord offers when we KNOW that we are saved and headed for perfect JOY in the presence of God for all eternity.

REAL LOVE

As Sis and I  mark our 56th years of a happy marriage,  it begs the question, why is this modern world awash in divorce and infidelity???  It is because there is a total misunderstanding of Love.  Everyone believes that love is important, but love is usually thought of as a FEELING. In reality, love is a choice and an action as 1 Cor. 13:4-7 shows.  God is the source of our love.  He loved us enough to sacrifice His Son for us. Jesus is our example of what it means to love; EVERYTHING He did was SUPREMELY loving.  The Holy Spirit gives us the power to love; He lives in our heart and makes us more and more like Christ.  God's love always involves A CHOICE AND AN ACTION.

John says, " God is Love, not Love is God."  Our world,with its shallow and selfish view of love, has turned these words around and contaminated our understanding of love.  The world thinks that love is what makes person FEEL good and that it is all right to sacrifice moral principles and others' rights in order to obtain such "love".  But that ISN'T real love; it is the EXACT OPPOSITE---selfishness .  And God is not that kind of "love". If we truly love GOD we will love as He does.

While being faithful to God and our spouses makes us feel good, it is not the feeling that we must seek but rather, the action that is right and holy.  When we are faithful to God's design for Holiness, which sometimes requires sacrifice, the earthly reward will be manifest.  The ETERNAL reward is everlasting BLISS in the presence of Almighty God our FATHER.  Salvation is FREE and does  not, in any way depend on our actions, our recognition of God's love in that GIFT is our faithfulness to HIS COMMANDS. Our relationship with our HEAVENLY FATHER, DEPENDS on love for HIM as exhibited by our Love for Him by our ACTION OF OBEDIENCE.  LOVE IS ACTION!!!

HAPPY DAY

Today,  April 27th, 2012, my wife and I celebrate our 56th wedding Anniversary.  We met on Dec. 16th 1955 and were married April 27, 1956.  This is such a blessing to me, and as expressed by Carmelita (Sis) my wife.  It has been a story book marriage. We made it through trials, mostly health and the normal tests of living, but never lost our love for each other.  Sis, always was and is now more than ever my true love.  She is the PERFECT WIFE,  SUPER MOM, AND NOW SUPER GRANDMA AND GREAT GRANDMA.  I give thanks to God our Father, through Jesus, His only begotten Son for this gift of the biblical wife.  We pray that each of you will look at your own lives and count the wonderful blessings that our Lord has and is bestowing upon you all.  No matter the circumstances, Jesus is with us always and everywhere.  We only need to call on His name for the joy of our Lord to overshadow any and all testings.  The tests are allowed in order to strengthen our Faith.  Last night I was moved to give Praise and Glory to God by recalling many of the blessings in my life and when I did the negatives totally disappeared.   We  Love You All and wish you a bright future and good health of Spirit, Mind Body and Soul.

HEALING

We speak much of physical healing, but little of spiritual healing.  It is well known that despondency greatly affects the human body, yet often the TOTAL focus is on germs, cells and a myriad of other microscopic monsters. Yes, it is necessary to identify, research and destroy those little critters.

In reading of the WORD of GOD, we can find much wisdom that can PREVENT and even treat the fundamental cause of many life threatening diseases. As we have studied over the past 4 months, we see how critical it is to obey the Word of GOD.   Knowing God's will for us is discovered clearly through the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament.  However, the Old Testament lays the foundation for the New Covenant.  Proverbs is a good guide to living for our Lord now, in this time.

"Fear of the Lord lengthens one's life." Proverbs 10:27.
 "Those who fear the Lord are secure;. Prov.14:26.
 "Fear of the Lord is a Life Giving Fountain" Prov 14:27.
 "Better to have little, with fear of the Lord, than to have great treasure and inner turmoil" Prov 15:16.
  "For the despondent, every day brings trouble;for the happy heart, life is a continual feast" Prov15:15.

Fearing the Lord is KNOWING THAT HE IS GOD!!!. Fear of the Lord is listening for His "Voice" and obeying Him. We obey the knowledge that He imparts to us through the HOLY SPIRIT via study of His Word, listening to the Word through anointed preachers and teachers and TRUSTING IN JESUS. Trusting in Jesus is believing that He is the SON OF GOD, that He lived on this earth,  gave us the keys to KNOWING GOD. That we are saved from the fires of Hell and eternal damnation by His LIFE, DEATH, AND RESURRECTION from the dead. That He is seated at the right hand of God the Father and is coming back to remove all evil from this earth and establish His Kingdom forever with all believers reigning with Him.

How can we CHOOSE to live a despondent life when we have the promises of God our  FATHER?????

Choose Peace and Joy and Happiness by KNOWING HIM through His BLESSED HOLY WORD.

"FEAR OF THE LORD teaches wisdom, humility precedes honor." Prov. 15:33

MIRACULOUS CONVERSION

As we continue to read the conversion of St. Paul and then his activities from that time on, we see that Paul DID NOT dwell on the terrible sins that He committed against God.  Following Paul's conversion he immediately entered one of the most powerful Evangelistic ministries of all time.  He worked full time at winning souls and building churches.  He ACCEPTED God's forgiveness and moved on.  We must do the same if we are to live fruitful lives for Christ.  In doing so we can experience the peace that surpasses all understanding under ALL circumstances.   Please read the following WORD and see the POWERFUL  change that we too can experience by accepting God's love and forgiveness.  When we continue to condemn ourselves for things that are totally gone from the mind of God (Psalm 103) we place our selves in bondage and cannot effectively serve of Lord, nor enjoy true PEACE.

Saul in Damascus and Jerusalem
 19 and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. 20 At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. 21 All those who heard him were astonished and asked, "Isn't he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn't he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?" 22 Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ.

FORGIVE YOURSELF

I know some people who spend much of their lives condemning themselves for sins that our Lord forgave.  Believing in Jesus for salvation and rejecting His sacrifice for our sins is harmful to; 1. Our relationship with our Father. 2. A complete waste of our lives as to doing good.  3. Can cause a destruction of our ability to forgive others.  4. Definitely leads to poor physical health due to living under a "cloud" of guilt.

Think of St. Paul who was guilty of murdering many Christians.  Suppose he failed to accept God's forgiveness!  Take the time to read the following scripture.  You are probably familiar with it, but it never hurts to re-read the word because it continues to reveal truths that we may have missed in the past.

         


April 21, 2012 - New International Version
Acts 9:1-25
Saul's Conversion
9:1-19pp -- Ac 22:3-16; 26:9-18
 1 Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples. He went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 3 As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" 5 "Who are you, Lord?" Saul asked. "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting," he replied. 6 "Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do." 7 The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. 8 Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. 9 For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything. 10 In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, "Ananias!" "Yes, Lord," he answered. 11 The Lord told him, "Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight." 13 "Lord," Ananias answered, "I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. 14 And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name." 15 But the Lord said to Ananias, "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name." 17 Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord--Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here--has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit." 18 Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized.

UPSET?

Have you ever been faced with a situation where someone has done you serious harm?           Did you experience an initial desire to strike back?  The natural reaction might include a deep resentment that can lead to a long lasting grudge that could very well harm yourself.  Harboring grudges is always destructive to the well being of the one who is not willing to forgive.

On several occasions during my adult years I have faced such trying times. Before I met and embraced my Savior these occasions caused me to suffer from my dwelling on those hurts.  After I received Jesus, the Holy Spirit gave me a defense against my own weakness to repay evil with evil.  I first noticed that God had truly entered my life and gave me a spirit of forgiveness that was genuine.  My reaction to these  attacks was to show genuine love for my “enemies” by treating them with kindness and respect.  In the greatest test in my life those “enemies” are now my dear friends.  I did nothing more than to treat them with respect and a friendly attitude.  I take no credit for this because that was not my nature, it was a gift of grace from God through the Holy Spirit. 

Later as I studied the Word, I discovered a passage of scripture that goes like this; “ If your enemies are hungry, feed them.
If they are thirsty, give them something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.
Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.” Romans 12:20-21

When we live for Christ we sometimes will be “attacked” by some who simply do not understand our good intentions, then they “attack” us in many ways because of our Faith. We must rejoice in that type of suffering for it is foretold by Jesus that this would happen.  When Jesus said the we must take up our CROSS and follow Him, He wasn’t
referring to sickness and disease but rather the suffering that we would suffer for following Him.

May we then be glad when we are taken to task for doing good and LOVE OUR ENEMIES. In this way we are obeying Jesus. In this way some will be led to follow Jesus by our love them and sharing Jesus by example.

My reward for loving my enemies has been to witness those adversaries becoming my friends and returning my love, and in some cases becoming true Christians.

The following is a comment I received on the blog "A GREAT EXAMPLE". It is a fine expansion of that study. Please read and enjoy the wisdom expressed.

 We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty. ~Mother Teresa We all have giving hearts and want to be servants of Christ but sometimes feel that we are not capable because what we could do would not be enough. Please remember that serving can be in small offerings by showing love and kindness to those who need comforting. Love God first and foremost, care for yourself, your family and others. Always strive to be kind, generous and considerate to all you meet along the way and in doing so you will be the true example of Christ's love.     Sending you love and blessings.

A GREAT EXAMPLE

“When the Lord Jesus finished talking with them, He was taken up into heaven and sat down in the place honor at God’s right hand. And the disciples went everywhere and preached, and the Lord worked through them, confirming what they said by many miraculous signs.” Mark 16:19-20 When Jesus ascended into heaven, His physical presence left the disciples (Acts 1:9) Jesus’ sitting at God’s right hand signifies the completion of His work, His authority as God, and His Coronation as King. Mark’s Gospel emphasizes Christ’s power as well as His servanthood. Jesus’ life and teaching turned the world upside down and continues to do so. The world sees power as a way to gain control over others. But Jesus, with all authority and power in heaven and earth, chose to Serve others. He held children in His arms, healed the sick, washed the disciples’ feet, and died for the sins of the world. Jesus’ followers today receive this same power to Serve. As believers, we are called to be servants of Christ. As Christ served, so we are to serve. A contemporary example of serving others is Mother Theresa. Forsaking personal possessions and personal comfort and all that the world offers. Placing herself in physical danger of contracting a myriad of diseases. Always giving Glory to God through Jesus’ love. Is she an extreme example? NO, not at all, she LIVED the Gospel. We need to emulate her as a true example of Christ’s Love. After all, isn’t our job to follow Jesus? Mother Theresa did.

CHALLENGED

During the decades from the Ascension of Jesus following His Resurrection, the Church, the body of Christ has been persecuted for believing in Jesus. Millions have died for the truth and are now in heaven with our Father. Today, we in America are facing the boldest challenge to living and proclaiming our Faith openly. We must not cave in to pressure to "water down" the Gospel. In reading the following scripture passage please note the emphasis on the "one and only way" to God. Some who are claiming to be true Christians have left the faith and are preaching some other way. Jesus warned of the many who would fall away from the truth. Also, their is an attempt by some in authority to cause the Church to depart from the truth and yield to pressure to abandon traditional faith. May we pray for thew Holy Spirit to give us the courage to REMAIN FAITHFUL TO JESUS, THE ONE AND ONLY WAY TO HEAVEN. Acts 4:1-22 Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin 1 The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. 2 They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3 They seized Peter and John, and because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. 4 But many who heard the message believed, and the number of men grew to about five thousand. 5 The next day the rulers, elders and teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and the other men of the high priest's family. 7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: "By what power or what name did you do this?" 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: "Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 He is " 'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone. ' 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." 13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. 14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. 15 So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. 16 "What are we going to do with these men?" they asked. "Everybody living in Jerusalem knows they have done an outstanding miracle, and we cannot deny it. 17 But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn these men to speak no longer to anyone in this name." 18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. 20 For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." 21 After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. 22 For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.

OUR COMMISION

When Jesus was with His disciples following His Resurrection He gave them a commission that was to last for their lifetime. This command also applies to all His followers, including you and I. Mark 16:15-18 "Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned. These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe. They will cast out demons in my name and they will speak in new languages. They will be able to handle snakes with safety and if they drink anything poisonous, it won't hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed." Do you ever feel that you do not have the skills or determination to be a witness for Christ? You must personally realize that Jesus rose from the dead and lives for you today. As you grow in your relationship with Christ, He will give you both the opportunities and the inner strength to tell His message. Just remember that your relationship with Him depends on your faithful obedience to learn His commands and FOLLOW them. May we, together by our lifestyle and personal witness be blessed to lead souls salvation.

HE'S ALIVE!

Matthew 28:1-20
The Resurrection
28:1-8pp -- Mk 16:1-8; Lk 24:1-10; Jn 20:1-8
1 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. 2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. 5 The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you." 8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see

YES, He's alive and as promised is seated at the right hand of our Father. He promised to be with us always and indeed He is. I know, not just believe, I know He lives. I have seen Him at my darkest hours and in times of joy. HE'S TRULY ALIVE!!!

Enjoy our new life in Christ and the promise of our own resurrection. He is in Glory. He IS Glory!! Hallelujah!!!

IT IS FINISHED!

hew 27:32-66
The Crucifixion
27:33-44pp -- Mk 15:22-32; Lk 23:33-43; Jn 19:17-24
32 As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross. 33 They came to a place called Golgotha (which means The Place of the Skull). 34 There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it. 35 When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots. 36 And sitting down, they kept watch over him there. 37 Above his head they placed the written charge against him: this is jesus, the king of the jews. 38 Two robbers were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. 39 Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads 40 and saying, "You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself ! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!" 41 In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. 42 "He saved others," they said, "but he can't save himself ! He's the King of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. 43 He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, 'I am the Son of God.' " 44 In the same way the robbers who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him.
The Death of Jesus
27:45-56pp -- Mk 15:33-41; Lk 23:44-49; Jn 19:29-30
45 From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. 46 About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ""Eloi, Eloi," "lama" "sabachthani?""--which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" 47 When some of those standing there heard this, they said, "He's calling Elijah." 48 Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. 49 The rest said, "Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to save him." 50 And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. 51 At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. 52 The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. 53 They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus' resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people. 54 When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, "Surely he was the Son of God!" 55 Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs. 56 Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's sons.
The Burial of Jesus
27:57-61pp -- Mk 15:42-47; Lk 23:50-56; Jn 19:38-42
57 As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. 58 Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus' body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. 59 Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60 and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away. 61 Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb.
The Guard at the Tomb
62 The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. 63 "Sir," they said, "we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, 'After three days I will rise again.' 64 So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first." 65 "Take a guard," Pilate answered. "Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how." 66 So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard.

BETRAYAL ( PLEASE TURN YOU SOUND UP)

Matthew 27:1-31
Judas Hangs Himself
1 Early in the morning, all the chief priests and the elders of the people came to the decision to put Jesus to death. 2 They bound him, led him away and handed him over to Pilate, the governor. 3 When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders. 4 "I have sinned," he said, "for I have betrayed innocent blood." "What is that to us?" they replied. "That's your responsibility." 5 So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself. 6 The chief priests picked up the coins and said, "It is against the law to put this into the treasury, since it is blood money." 7 So they decided to use the money to buy the potter's field as a burial place for foreigners. 8 That is why it has been called the Field of Blood to this day. 9 Then what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: "They took the thirty silver coins, the price set on him by the people of Israel, 10 and they used them to buy the potter's field, as the Lord commanded me."
Jesus Before Pilate
27:11-26pp -- Mk 15:2-15; Lk 23:2,3,18-25; Jn 18:29-19:16
11 Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" "Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied. 12 When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer. 13 Then Pilate asked him, "Don't you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?" 14 But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge--to the great amazement of the governor. 15 Now it was the governor's custom at the Feast to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. 16 At that time they had a notorious prisoner, called Barabbas. 17 So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, "Which one do you want me to release to you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?" 18 For he knew it was out of envy that they had handed Jesus over to him. 19 While Pilate was sitting on the judge's seat, his wife sent him this message: "Don't have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him." 20 But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed. 21 "Which of the two do you want me to release to you?" asked the governor. "Barabbas," they answered. 22 "What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called Christ?" Pilate asked. They all answered, "Crucify him!" 23 "Why? What crime has he committed?" asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, "Crucify him!" 24 When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. "I am innocent of this man's blood," he said. "It is your responsibility!" 25 All the people answered, "Let his blood be on us and on our children!" 26 Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.
The Soldiers Mock Jesus
27:27-31pp -- Mk 15:16-20
27 Then the governor's soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. 28 They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, 29 and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand and knelt in front of him and mocked him. "Hail, king of the Jews!" they said. 30 They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. 31 After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.

HUMILIATION

Jesus Arrested
26:47-56pp -- Mk 14:43-50; Lk 22:47-53
47 While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: "The one I kiss is the man; arrest him." 49 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, "Greetings, Rabbi!" and kissed him. 50 Jesus replied, "Friend, do what you came for." Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. 51 With that, one of Jesus' companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. 52 "Put your sword back in its place," Jesus said to him, "for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. 53 Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?" 55 At that time Jesus said to the crowd, "Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me. 56 But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled." Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.

Before the Sanhedrin
26:57-68pp -- Mk 14:53-65; Jn 18:12,13,19-24
57 Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas, the high priest, where the teachers of the law and the elders had assembled. 58 But Peter followed him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest. He entered and sat down with the guards to see the outcome. 59 The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death. 60 But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward 61 and declared, "This fellow said, 'I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.' " 62 Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, "Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?" 63 But Jesus remained silent. The high priest said to him, "I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God." 64 "Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied. "But I say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven." 65 Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, "He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy. 66 What do you think?" "He is worthy of death," they answered. 67 Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him 68 and said, "Prophesy to us, Christ. Who hit you?"

The Beginning

26Matthew 26:1-25
Matthew 26:1-25 (New International Version)


The Plot Against Jesus
26:2-5pp -- Mk 14:1,2; Lk 22:1,2
1 When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples, 2 "As you know, the Passover is two days away--and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified." 3 Then the chief priests and the elders of the people assembled in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, 4 and they plotted to arrest Jesus in some sly way and kill him. 5 "But not during the Feast," they said, "or there may be a riot among the people."
Jesus Anointed at Bethany
26:6-13pp -- Mk 14:3-9 26:6-13Ref -- Lk 7:37,38; Jn 12:1-8
6 While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, 7 a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. 8 When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. "Why this waste?" they asked. 9 "This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor." 10 Aware of this, Jesus said to them, "Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 11 The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. 12 When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. 13 I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her."
Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus
26:14-16pp -- Mk 14:10,11; Lk 22:3-6
14 Then one of the Twelve--the one called Judas Iscariot--went to the chief priests 15 and asked, "What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?" So they counted out for him thirty silver coins. 16 From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over.

PALM SUNDAY

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!

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.

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.

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!!!!

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

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?

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!!!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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?

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.

Listen to God' Voice

God, our Father gave us clear and distinct instructions as to how we are to do His Will. This message is rather lengthy but very important to know. The way to a true relationship with our Father starts with His unchanging and clear directions that was taught also by Jesus is also found in the Old Testament in Isa. 58
" Shout with the voice of a trumpet blast. Shout aloud! Don't be timid. Tell my people Israel of their sins! Yet they act so pious! They come to the temple every day and seem delighted to learn all about me. They act like a righteous that would never abandon the laws of its God.

They ask me to take action on their behalf pretending they want to be near me.'We have fasted before you!'they say. Why aren't you impressed? We have been hard on ourselves,and you don't even notice it!'" I will tell you why" I respond "It's because you are fasting to please yourselves. Even when you fast, you keep oppressing your workers.  What good is fasting when you keep on fighting and quarreling?  This kind of fasting will never get you anywhere with me. You humble yourselves by going through the motions of penance, bowing your heads like reeds bending in the wind. You dress in burlap and cover yourselves with ashes. Is this what you call fasting?Do you think this will please the Lord?

NO, this is the kind of fasting I want.  FREE WHOSE WHO ARE WRONGLY
 IMPRISONED, LIGHTEN THE BURDEN OF THOSE WHO WORK FOR YOU.  LET THE OPPRESSED GO FREE, AND REMOVE THE CHAINS THAT BIND PEOPLE. SHARE YOUR FOOD WITH HUNGRY, AND GIVE SHELTER TO THE HOMELESS.  GIVE CLOTHES TO THOSE WHO NEED THEM, AND DO NOT HIDE FROM RELATIVES WHO NEED YOUR HELP THEN YOUR SALVATION WILL COME LIKE THE DAWN, AND YOUR WOUNDS WILL QUICKLY HEAL.  YOUR GODLINESS WILL LEAD YOU FORWARD, AND THE GLORY OF THE LORD WILL PROTECT YOU FROM BEHIND.  THEN WHEN YOU CALL, THE LORD WILL ANSWER. 'YES, I AM HERE' HE WILL REPLY'.

REMOVE THE HEAVY Y0KE OF OPPRESSION . STOP POINTING YOUR FINGER AND SPREADING VICIOUS RUMORS!  FEED THE HUNGRY, AND HELP THOSE IN TROUBLE.  THEN YOUR LIGHT WILL SHINE OUR FROM THE DARKNESS, AND THE DARKNESS AROUND YOU WILL BE AS BRIGHT AS NOON  THE LORD WILL GUIDE YOU CONTINUALLY, GIVING YOU WATER WHEN YOU ARE DRY AND RESTORING YOUR STRENGTH. YOU WILL BE LIKE A WELL-WATERED GARDEN, LIKE AN EVER FLOWING STREAM.

SOME OF YOU WILL REBUILD THE DESERTED RUINS OF YOUR CITIES.  THEN YOU WILL BE KNOWN AS A RE-BUILDER  OF WALLS AND A RESTORER OF HOMES.

Honor the Sabbath in every thing you do on that day, and don't follow your own desires or talk idly.  Then the Lord will be your delight. I will give you great honor and satisfy you with the inheritance I promised to your ancestor Jacob." I, THE LORD HAVE SPOKEN"  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1Be0qJw9ZE

Peace in the misdt of a storm

When I was born this nation was in the midst of the 'great depression' . When I turned 7 yrs of age World War II began. I still remember the Roosevelt proclamation of the declaration of War with Japan. That war resulted in 2 million American casualties in the Pacific and Europe. Among those casualties was my Uncle Albert who I loved like a brother. He was 21 and I was 10. This gave me a personal knowledge of the horrors of war. Not long after, I lived through the Korean War, then Vietnam and the great fear of daily life in fear of nuclear war with Russia. Through the guidance and intercession of Pope John Paul the 2nd and President Reagan, Russian Communism was eliminated and a short time of peace followed. A relatively short period produced a temporary joy that came from relief from concern of nuclear war.

Do I need to elaborate?  Looking through the bible it is difficult to find a period time that  peace prevailed. War has plagued this earth since Adam  was ejected from the Garden of Eden.  Sin, which stems from mankind rejecting God is the root cause of all wars.  The seeking of pleasure is a world wide affliction. Nations seeking power over other nations, Greed for land, greed for dominance over all mankind, which is man attempting to be equal with God.
Here we are NOW in the midst of Evil men who are willing to sacrifice everything to destroy other nations in order to "please" their false gods in the quest of power over mankind.

Jesus died for those despots as well as for the whole world. He is in the world calling all mankind to follow Him to our Father God.

Only God Himself will bring true peace  to this world. Fear not dear friends, His peace is available to all who will follow Him. As for those who reject His Grace His justice will prevail. In a very short time He will return to us and He will make peace and destroy evil in whatever form it exists.

As we pray for peace let us do righteousness in an effort to lead as many as we can to Jesus. Always remembering His promises to establish God's righteousness here. We do not know the day nor the hour that the King of Kings will appear but, without a doubt He will Appear.  Rejoice in the fact of His promise to bring His Peace to earth. Maranatha  which translates to Come Quickly Lord Jesus. Fear not. He is here now in Spirit and will give us the strength to make it through any and all trials that may before us. Seek His comfort by reading His Word and putting into practice His teachings.

Jesus has brought me and many of you through a lifetime of living in fear of war. He will not leave us now.

I love you my brethren and Jesus loves us all with a love that only God can give.   MARANATHA!!!

A birthday

Today, this 26th day of February, 2012 I and my family are celebrating the 78th anniversary of my birth.

I rejoice in the Lord for His great love for us,  for life, for forgiveness of sins, for everlasting life, for my wife, our 3 children, 11 grand children, our great grandchild, and all that He has blessed our family with.  I give thanks for our prayer partners, fellow bloggers, and even our enemies. I pray that everyone in my life has already accepted our Lord for salvation. For those who are still seeking I pray for a real new-birth through faith in Jesus.

It truly is a "Wonderful Life".

Mardi Gras

Some time ago, even before my re-birtht in Christ , which was during Lent 1974, I was very curious about Mardi Gras. This was considered a time of revelry and self indulgence to a great degree, a time to sin to the max before Lent.    Lent is and was originally intended to be a period of time to reflect on the life of Jesus and His Great sacrifice for our sins.   A time to repent, not to indulge in sin. A time of thanksgiving for the gift of eternal life with God. A looking forward to the Resurrection  of Jesus that will guarantee our own Resurrection.

What was intended to be a seeking for Holiness and Righteousness has been made a time of worship of satan  by many. If this celebration time appears to be a harmless 'letting loose' for fun and release from the pressures of daily life, then we need to turn to God for a relationship with Him. A relationship that is intimate.  God's Grace is bestowed on the whole world though the suffering, death and resurrection of our Savior, Jesus the Christ.  One cannot have a relationship with God our Father and at the same time be ignorant of the sin that surrounds us.

It is with great sadness that I see the great rejection of Jesus in the world today. It is a time to cry for those who claim to be Christian while living for the devil.

Let those of us who truly love God be in constant prayer for those who who do not accept 'The Light of Christ' Let us love them as God loves them. Let us weep with God our Father for those who live for themselves and are blind to the Truth, Jesus.  Mardi Gras is not limited to New Orleans it is an International event.   It is also a money making machine for a local theme park.

Acknowledging Mardi Gras as a legitimate, acceptable activity for Christians is a preachment of a 'false gospel' and a denial of Jesus and His teachings. There is so much moral fun things to do. Let us show our circle of neighbors, friends, and family how to enjoy this wonderful life in Christ.

HANG IN THERE

Have you ever prayed for something from God and haven't seen the request being granted? When I was a child I had a deep desire to own a bicycle and as you might guess I asked my parents for one, over and over again. I used many techniques to make my desire known to Mom and Dad. If you have seen the movie "The Christmas Story" Ralphie used a great deal of methods to make his dream come true. He wanted a BB gun and fantasized about owning one. But, his parents were no slouches at being caring parents. It wasn't because of meanness or finances that his folks seemed to have a "deaf" ear but rather, a desire to protect him from harm, like putting his eye out.  When he clearly made his desire known to anyone, he always got the same advice, "you'll put your eye out" from his teacher, the department store Santa his Mom etc.

Ralphie's Mom, the most vocal objector to his desire, had a deep need to protect him from harm.  She refused his repeated requests because she knew  the consequences that could occur if he got his gun. Even though she knew that she was hurting him, her love for him, while appearing to be insensitive to his feelings, was an act of love. His Dad had a human type of "love" for Ralphie and gave in and proved to be a fulfillment of "prophesy".  He gave the lad the gun and as you might guess. on the first try to shoot the gun he shot his eyeglass out.

In retrospect, my folks were protecting me. We lived in the City of Baltimore, in Little Italy. Much traffic to all the places that I would go. This was an act of love.  Later on my parents purchased a shore front property where I spent my summer vacations. The roads were dirt and stone with very little traffic, plus I was a couple of years older. I got my bike. YEA!!!

Matthew 7:9 "You parents--if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Of course not!  Or if they ask for a fish do you give them a snake? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask Him."

We must not however, stop keep asking for that which is important to you. If the answer doesn't come on your schedule an  answer is there.  Remember, God Loves you and knows that which is good for you.  In time you will see the answer.

When I was a boy in grammar school, I served as an altar boy. One of the services on Mondays was novena for blessings and prayer requests. I was struck by the many testimonies of mother's who had prayed for years for the salvation of husbands and sons, some of those prayers lasted for 30 or more years. 
Matthew 7:7 Jesus says, "Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. ".

God loves us. He listens to all prayers. He answers all prayers. He, in His infinite Love gives us that which is best for us.   Trust Him, for He is GOD.

OUCH!!! AAH!!

It is very, very difficult for kids to live their lives in a way that is a witness to the gospel.  Recently in a Bible class for youth at a Christian Church they were presented with a question “If you are not afraid to stand up in a crowd of your peers and admit that you are a Christian please raise your hands. Only one of the group of dozens raised their hand. The good part of this response is that they were being honest.  The sad part is that they are afraid of persecution.

“ God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.” God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.” Matthew 5:10-11.

From my observations, many youth today want to please God but are afraid of being mocked by other youth who are not committed to Christ. Everyone wants to be accepted by their peers, especially vulnerable  youth.  We as Christian adults can greatly influence this generation of kids by openly living, and sharing the gospel, with joy and confidence. Not repaying evil done to us but by rejoicing, openly , that we are counted among true followers of Christ. Our actions and acts of love and kindness are more valuable than a  hundred sermons.  We actually are evangelists by our open love for Jesus. “You are the light of the world--like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed an a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Matt.5:13-16.

Once, at a meeting with parents who were aiding in preparing their children for a rite of initiation into the church as adults, I asked why the conversation did not include the importance of living the Gospel.  From that moment on, I was excluded from the planning. I was stunned by the secular approach to a wholly Christian event. Then I came to realize that many youth of today are not receiving Holy guidance from their parents. We can clearly see what great influence our witness can be for the good of our young people. We can, by example show them the way to evil living by hiding the light of Christ, or we and lead them to a life of victory in Christ, free of drugs, sexual activity outside of marriage,  hatred, stealing,  even killing.

The prophets of old are now enjoying, for all eternity of rewards promised by Jesus. This is a solemn promise by GOD. Let us not forsake our own rewards by HIDING OUR LIGHT.

Whitney

"God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted" Matthew 5:4.

Let us rejoice in God's love for the whole world. May we be comforted by His justice and mercy.

I Wish You Enough

I received this story today and feel that it is a great message to dwell on.

     I RECENTLY  overheard a mother and daughter in their last moments together at the airport. They had announced the departure.

Standing near the security gate, they hugged and the mother said, "I love you and I wish you enough".

The daughter replied, "Mom, our life together has been more than enough. Your love is all I ever needed. I wish you enough, too, Mom".

They kissed and the daughter left. The mother walked over to the window where I was seated. Standing there I could see she wanted and needed to cry. I tried not to intrude on her privacy but she welcomed me in by asking, "Did you ever say good-bye to someone knowing it would be forever?".

Yes, I have," I replied. "Forgive me for asking,
but why is this a forever good-bye?".

"I am old and she lives so far away. I have challenges ahead and the reality is - the next trip back will be for my funeral," she said.

"When you were saying good-bye, I heard you say, 'I wish you enough'. May I ask what that means?".

She began to smile. "That's a wish that has been handed down from other generations. My parents used to say it to everyone". She paused a moment and looked up as if trying to remember it in detail and she smiled even more. "When we said , 'I wish you enough', we were wanting the other person to have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain them". Then turning toward me, she shared the following as if she were reciting it from memory.

I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter how gray the day may appear.

I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more.

I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting.

I wish you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger.

I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.

I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.

I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.

She then began to cry and walked away.

They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them but then an entire life to forget them.

TAKE TIME TO LIVE.....

To all my friends and loved ones,

 I WISH YOU ENOUGH

GPS

Have you ever been on a trip ( local or distant) and found yourself lost? This was before gps. Usually this led to panic or fear until you saw a 7/11 where you could get directions.  Admitting being lost, for many men, is a disgrace, especially for the "macho" guys.  Seeking direction was a sign of weakness because we are leaders and know everything.  Then came gps which is a great help in keeping us safely to our destination.

Well, the original G PS has been available to us for 2,000 years and more.  the gps that most of us are aware of stands for Global Positioning System.  When Jesus was here on earth in the flesh He revealed to us His G P S (God's positioning system.) It begins with full directions to the way to heaven.

"Repent of your sins and turn to God for the Kingdom of Heaven is near"Matthew 4:17.  Whether you are 5 years old or 100 years old the Kingdom of heaven is near.  We are ALL subject to leaving our earthly bodies at ANY time.  Modern communications keep us aware of the certainty of death at any age.

We can give a start to our G P S by seeing the beginning of following the right path. Jesus started His ministry with the same message people heard John the Baptist say."Repent of your sins." The message is the same as when John gave it. Becoming a follower of Christ means turning away from our self-centeredness  and "self" control and turning our life over to Christ's direction and control.
"God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for Him for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs" Matthew 5:3
What peace and joy we receive when we KNOW Christ and follow His directions.  "AMEN"?

Thanksgiving

Just a personal note: Our first great granddaughter joined us today. 6 bl 6oz of pure joy. This was a tough pregnancy for our grand daughter The child's name is
Gabriella. She is an 8th month baby and is very healthy and I might add, beautiful.

We give thanks to God for His loving embrace of Maria and Gabriella. New scripture message coming soon.

Gabriella Fayth, " The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace "
~ Numbers 6:24-26

REPETITION

Have you ever tried to learn another language? Try this; listen to a teacher of some language who will teach you how to speak a word or a phrase., just once. Leave it alone for a while ( day or week) then try to speak what you heard or read. Ouch, that hurts, I can barely remember one of the words. This applies to anything we are learning. As to language learning, it is critical to repeat the new and old words out loud daily or they will eventually leave your memory. So it is with any new facts-truths we are receiving.

When we study the Word of God superficially, it bears little if any fruit. When we read or hear Jesus speak to us through His Word the Bible it is critical to re-read or listen again to His teachings over and over. Each time we review His Words we often see yet another layer of that verse or chapter being peeled away to reveal even more of His teachings. Never tire of Listening to God’s voice. As we hear Him speak to us through Hebrews 2:1 “So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard,or may may drift away from it.”

It is a great blessing to us when we repeat God’s Word to us, and the whole world, often and with sincerity. When we do that we are strengthened in our own faith and grow closer to our Father plus we become effective evangelists to those whom are in our midst. Jesus died for the whole world. His Word is for the whole world. When we are observed to be living righteous lives we are actually “preaching”. We can only attain to righteousness by living in accordance with Gods’ commands to us. We can only know His will for us by KNOWING HIM through His Word to us. Think of the Bible as God’s Love letter to us and you will “devour” His Teachings.

OBSTACLES

Let us suppose that we are on a trip to a remote cabin high in the mountains somewhere in the U.S. This vacation spot is only reachable via one road with a mountain wall on the left and a sheer drop just 5 ft. off the road on the right.
We are tooling along at a comfortable pace when all of a sudden, just around a bend in the road appears a humongous rock blocking the road.

So much for a peaceful vacation experience. We cannot, on our own, navigate this formidable obstacle. There is no way to turn around, and attempting to back down is extremely dangerous.

As we seek to develop our intimate relationship with God, our Father we are faced with obstacles of many kinds. Most are not of our making but the Holy Spirit helps us navigate through those challenges. However a MAJOR obstacle to our goal is self imposed. Have you ever recited the Lord’s Prayer? Have you ever “prayed”
the Lord’s prayer? Big difference. Reciting scripture, prayers, etc. is of limited value. When we pray, we are concentrating on the entire content of the verse, prayer,etc.

Let us PRAY the Lord’s Prayer together as Jesus taught in Matthew 6: 9-14.TLB Jesus said, “pray like this. Our Father in heaven may your name be kept holy. May Your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.Give us today the food we need. and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation but rescue us from the evil one.

If we examine this model prayer carefully we can find hours of study to the depth of meaning for us. A GREAT OBSTACLE to our intimate relationship with our Father lies in the line that says,”and forgive us our sins as we have forgiven those who sin against us.
In verse 14 Jesus says ‘if you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But is you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.’ That is a major obstacle to our relationship with God. This obstacle is of our own making and can be removed by OBEYING JESUS and forgiving any and all whom all who have “sinned” against us. When we “recite” the Lord’s prayer we most often fail to “hear” Jesus teaching. When we PRAY the prayer we “see” the truth that we are meant to believe. Remember, believing is not an intellectual exercise, it is putting into practice what we “hear”.

Most of us have been wronged by another person sometime in our lives. This “wrong” may be real or simply perceived. In either case it impacts our lives in a grossly negative fashion. In 1 John 4 we are told that it is not possible to love God whom we do not see, while we fail to love our neighbor who is “in our face”. Do it. If you have someone in life who hurt you, regardless of the severity of the sin, we must forgive in order to be forgiven. God loves you and wants your fellowship.

A great gift

Have you ever thought about the most valuable gift that you have from God? As we study the Word of God we constantly are urged to seek and do the Will of God. God's will vs. our will.

When God created us He endowed us with a free will. We are free to accept Him or reject Him. The greatest gift, of course is saving Grace that flows directly from our creator. The 2nd gift is Free Will. We can hear His will for us and obey, which leads to eternal life with Him, or we can choose to follow our own will and hope that He will accept our will.

When we seek to Know Him we are given choices to do that which we sometimes oppose due to natural inclinations that bring us a moment or two of earthly pleasure. When we are following Jesus and His Word our conscience is activated to remind us of His will. This is the point at which we decide to follow or reject God's will. To accept is to REPENT and quit the wrong activity. To attempt to justify the action is to reject His will. May we pray to yield to His Grace when tempted and begin to experience true peace. Consistently accepting His Grace produces wonderful Peace that will lead to a life of Holiness and righteousness.

"This is too much fun to be sinful". Ever experience a thought like that? I suspect that we all have at one time or another. This is a Red Flag that should move us see the truth by continuing to see Him through His Word. We could outline the multiple hundreds of sins that lead us away from God, but it is far better that we each do that on our own. We must not judge others but only ourselves. We must not justify actions because "everybody is doing it".

Brothers and Sisters this life is so short that it is not even a blink of an eye compared to all eternity. It's not smart to trade an eternity of inexplicable joy for a moment of earthly pleasure. The first disciples knew Jesus and truly believed Him and give up their lives to follow Him to Heaven. Let us choose now to follow Him.

Recognition

Have you ever felt a bit distant from the reality of GOD? This world offers many challenges to our relationship with our Creator. Things of this world at times seem so attractive as to the point of overwhelming our consciousness. Physical pleasure is sold to us 24/7 via every form of media. Mental and emotional pleasure is offered to us by numerous false "gods " through false religions. God's reality is sometimes obscured by all that glitters. How can we overcome these distractions? PRAISE!!!

Take a moment, often, to feel the presence of God. One powerful way to realize His presence in your life is to Praise Him. After all HE IS GOD. He is awesome. Psalm 150 is a prescription for remembering the Majesty of God. "Praise the Lord!

Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in His mighty heaven! Praise Him for His mighty works; praise His unequaled greatness!
Praise Him with a blast of the ram's horn; praise Him with the lyre and harp!
Praise him the the tambourine and dancing; Praise Him with the tambourine and dancing; praise Him with strings and flutes!
Praise Him with a clash of cymbals. Praise Him with loud clanging cymbals.

Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord!

PRAISE THE LORD!"

Read, study and practice this prescription. Giving praise to God overcomes the distractions of this world by concentrating our very being on ALMIGHTY GOD.

When we attend church with the faithful brethren and praise is offered with music that may not be our style, Praise Him with your natural expression of awe and joy.

I can assure you that honest and humble praise will re-invigorate your awe of God. Your cares, fears, worries, depression will all fade when the focus is on our Lord.

"If you want joy, you must PRAISE for it"

Begin now, this moment to Praise Him for all that He is and all that He has given you.

YES, YOU CAN

On occasion we find ourselves discouraged by our own failure to follow our Lord. Our spirit tells us we are doing wrong even when we know it is wrong. We have repented, turned from our personal demons, and yet we find ourselves doing some of the unholy things that we have been delivered from. Our spirit and soul may cry out "Lord God, I have failed you again". It is important to continue to trust that Jesus is with you on those occasions, while He is hurt by our actions He nevertheless loves us, forgives us and continues to shower us with His grace to overcome. The very fact that we recognize our weakness and want to do better is a result of the Holy Spirit's prompting you to repent. Jesus, is still with us, holding out His loving arms to embrace us whom He has redeemed.

When we are week, He is strong. He imparts to us the ability to overcome sin and despair.

Look at and read Psalm 119.1-24

Don't just read the words of this blog but take the time to open your bible and read the Psalm that have been recommended. You can overcome. You will be comforted by God's own words. Let this psalm become a daily prayer.

You have the victory in your hands, take it and rejoice. Jesus loves you so very much. He stands before you with His arms wide open. Go to Him. He awaits.

Love? or Lust.

The Bible teaches us that God has blessed us with a good and healthy appetite for physical “love” and at the same time teaches us that this Appetite is given as a means for procreation. The fulfillment of this desire is a special gift for those who are married to share our total physical being with our spouse. St. Paul teaches that this is meant to be enjoyed to the fullest.

According to TV, Movies, Books and most media including computers, this attraction to the opposite sex is to be fulfilled at any time with anyone and they have brain washed modern society into calling lust, love.. What a tragedy. Sex outside of marriage is a serious sin against God and against our own bodies which are the temples of the Holy Spirit.

Looking to the Word of God let us determine the biblical definition of LOVE.

In 1 Cor 13 4:-7“ Love is patient and kind, Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

1Cor 14:1 Let Love be your highest goal.


The above scripture passages can keep us totally occupied concerning our relationship with our neighbor and God.

I have been blessed with the knowledge of how joyful a relationship with someone whom you are attracted to can be when we bridle our”lust” and truly Love another by refusing to lead them to sin. If we live according to God’s design for us, we will truly have a happy life. Our study of His Word teaches the way to Happiness. The things that last are LOVE. Knowing what Love is leads to great joy. When two people who are attracted to one another are faithful to each other and to and to God they will have a lifetime joy and happiness together. My wife Carmelita and I will celebrate our 56th wedding anniversary on April 27, Through the trials of life we have always had the joy of our Lord keeping us joyful and witnessing that blessing in the lives of our children.

It is never too late to recognize our human weaknesses and turn to the one who loves us unconditionally. When we repent and trust our Lord Jesus for forgiveness Life begins anew. The past is gone, never to return.

A Major Promise

The Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. (John 14.26)

Jesus promised the disciples that the Holy Spirit would help them remember what He had been teaching them. The disciples were eyewitnesses of Jesus' life and teachings. We, therefore, can be confident that the Gospels are accurate records of what Jesus taught.

We can trust Him to plant truth in our mind, convince us of God's will, and remind us when we stray from it.

Please read Cor.2:10-14.

Whenever we read scripture is is important to ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten the Word to us. God does not want you to be confused as to His Perfect Will for us. That is why He is with us in the Person of the Holy Spirit. Seek His presence in your studies. Jesus, Our Father and the Holy Spirit are one. Jesus told us that He would never leave us nor forsake us. The Holy Spirit is Jesus, and our Father, with us now and forever. We should not allow loneliness to negatively affect our lives. We are not alone. God is with us. Embrace Him through His promises.

Intimacy with God

May we take this time to review the lessons that we have studied so far.

"Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father , and I too will love him and show myself to him". John 14:21.

Wow, the formula for intimacy with our Creator is in the above passage. The absolute joy of knowing God is available to all who will listen to His Word and follow the Word, Jesus. To follow Him is to accept His teachings, not intellectually, but in our inner being, and doing all that He has taught us.

As a child we received many rules from our parents and in many cases we refused to obey them. Those "rules" were teachings that were intended to keep us from harming ourselves. Yet because we wanted to do our "thing" we often ignored the love of our parents. I know of many people of my generation (including myself) who have paid a price for that disobedience. To love our parents is to obey them.

To obey our Father's will for us as taught by Jesus is to love Him. It is the ONLY way to LOVE Him. " If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching, My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. (John 14:23)

We MUST read, meditate and internalize Jesus' words. It is important to do so if we want to know our Father. When we KNOW HIM we do His will and a peace that surpasses all understanding fills us to overflowing. Then and only then are we able to bear much fruit for the Kingdom. "If a man remains in Me and I in Him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing". (John 15:5)

Meditate on His teachings and receive that great joy and you will lead many to a wonderfully rewarding intimacy with GOD.