Who is Jesus? Chapter 40 Don't Worry about Tomorrow

Who is Jesus? Chapter 40 Don't Worry about Tomorrow As the New Year is in front of us; for many it is a fearful time not knowing what the future holds. For many there is much fear about the unknown, but I am reminded of the beautiful song that goes something like this; I don't know about tomorrow; I just live from day to day. I don't borrow from its sunshine, For its skies may turn to gray. I don't worry o'er the future, For I know what Jesus said. And today I'll walk beside Him, For He knows what is ahead. Many things about tomorrow I don't seem to understand But I know who holds tomorrow, And I know who holds my hand. My message today is taken from Luke's Gospel chapter 12. As Jesus was teaching, he said to them, “Be on your guard against all greed and covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ So he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my self, “Man, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.”’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! Tonight your soul is required of you, and the things you have stored up, whose will they be?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.” And Jesus said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is cast aside, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you. “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your extra possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. “Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them. If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them awake, blessed are those servants! But know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into. You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”

I rejoice because of the Virgin Birth

I Rejoice Because of the Virgin Birth!! As we consider this Christmas Season and celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ, I am so very thankful and rejoice for the Virgin Birth. It is extremely important that we understand why the Virgin Birth was so necessary. The Bible tells us that the Life is in the Blood. Jesus said he was the Life and the light of Life. When the first Adam sinned and took of the fruit in the garden something terrible happened to his body, his soul, and his spirit. He became sort of REVERSE born again or changed into a different person. His blood now had the sin nature which all mankind has inherited. 1 Corinthians 15:45 tells us that the Last Adam was Jesus. Jesus was not born with Adams sin nature because his father was God. Dr. M.R. De Haan explains in his book, “The Chemistry of the Blood,” Physiologists have proven beyond question that the Mother does not impart her blood to the babe that is being formed. It has been proven that the blood that flows in the arteries and veins of the babe is from the father of the child. Mary herself wondered and told the Angel, “How can this be since I have never known a man?” The Angel told Mary that this Holy Child that will be formed in you will be conceived by the Holy Ghost, and the life in him will be from his Father God. Mary said to the Angel, “Let it be so unto me even as you have said.” God needed a blood sacrifice to atone for Adam’s sin. Jesus was the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. His blood was Holy because his blood was from his Father God. That is why it is so very important to be thankful for the Virgin Birth, so that the Holy Jesus could shed his Holy Blood so that we could be saved and changed into another person. So my joy today is that I am thankful for the Virgin Birth and all it means to purchase for you and me, -- the gift of salvation. 1 Corinthians 15:45 And so it is written, "The first man, Adam, became a living soul," the last Adam became a life-giving Spirit.

Don’t Look Back

 

 Fire and Brimstone!!

Don’t Look Back

I am reminded of Lot and Abraham and how Lot pitched his tent toward two wicked cities, Sodom and Gomorrah. Lot became an important person and often stood at the gate giving advice.

God spoke to Abraham telling him that he was going to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, but Abraham protested and bargained with God. Finally God told Abraham, I will save Lot and his family but no one else.

God sent two angels to warn Lot - - and the evil of the city revealed itself as the men both young and old came to Lot’s door demanding that he give them the two angels that appeared as human men - - so that they could have relations with them. Finally the angels pulled Lot back inside the house and blinded all the men so that they could not find the door and eventually the wicked men left.

Lot told his son-in-laws who were pledged to marry his daughters that in order to be saved they must heed the message and flee, but they only scoffed and refused to believe. So Lot gathered his wife and two daughters as they were hesitating and slow to depart as this was home and like a friend to them. Finally the angels had to forcefully take their hands and lead them out, because they hesitated to leave that sinful city.

(Isn't it the way we are at times, when God is telling us to leave certain habits, and associations behind and to begin afresh with our Lord?)

Genesis 19:17 As soon as the angels got them outside, one of them loudly commanded; "Run for your lives! Don't look back and don't stop anywhere on the plain! Run to the mountains, or you will be swept away!"

Genesis 19:24, 26 Then the LORD rained down fire and burning sulfur from the sky on Sodom and Gomorrah. But Lot's wife looked back as she lingered behind him, and the Bible records that she became a pillar of salt.

The Bible records her as nameless, she was only known as Lot’s wife, but she hesitated to leave the place that had been home to her these many years. Sin was familiar to her and she tolerated the lifestyle of her sinful friends, besides she had affiliations with the woman's gossip groups and she was of importance in these places. She was given an opportunity to change her life by leaving and to begin anew, but no she paused, and delayed, and finally looked back wishing for the old life that she was so familiar with. Sad to say, that was not a good decision.

We can learn from this story that when we leave the past - - it is not good to look back.

The reason some of our citizens look back is that they were content with their old life. The spirits that controlled them were familiar and were like friends. The Bible calls them “familiar spirits.”

How can we apply this to our city, our family and those we care about as we pray? Unknowingly many have made agreements and contracts with sin and the devil, and God wants to destroy their contracts in His Holy Fire.

Colossians 2:14-15 having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.

Luke 13:1 There were present at that season some that told Jesus of the Galileans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answering said unto them, “Do you Suppose that these Galileans were sinners above all the Galileans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, Nay: but, except you repent, you shall all likewise perish.

Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and killed them, do you think that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?

I tell you, Nay: but, except you repent, you shall all likewise perish.

Many in our land are bound with chains of huge debts of sin that they cannot pay. I am here to declare today, your debt of sin has been taken care of by Jesus - because He has paid the price for your salvation when He died on that bloody cross.

Jesus is waiting for you to come-as-you-are to the cross and receive his eternal life and to serve him all the days of your life. 

 All it takes is a simple invitation from you to ask Jesus to come into your life - - Just speak with your mouth a prayer, telling Him that you believe he is the Son of God, and you believe he died on the cross for you, and you believe after three days - he rose from the dead, and that you declare that you will follow Him all the days of your life.   

Let the Breath of God now Breathe on Me.

 

Let the Breath of God now Breathe on Me.

I was reminded of the old Hymn, Let it breathe on me, let it breathe on Me, Let the Breath of God now breathe on me.

In the beginning God created the world and all that is therein with words. He spoke and it was so. However when he created man God formed him from the dust of the earth, and to give him life; God breathed on him and he became a living soul.

When you speak, it’s through your breath that the words take form. Just imagine that: God speaking, His breath comes out, and there you have the Word of God, "Let there be light." That is where the Gospel of John says, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." They are all separate, but at the same time, they are all one, just as when you breathe and you speak, your words can be one with you.

And so it is written, the first Adam was made a living soul. The last Adam was made a quickening - (life giving-) Spirit - I Corinthians 15:45.

For as the Father has life in Himself: so hath He given to the Son to have life in Himself - John 5:26.

The Bible tells us that God's word is breathed. 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is (God breathed) given by inspiration of God and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

The phrase “given by inspiration of God,” is one word in the Greek text. It is the word theopneustos, (theo news tos) which means “God-breathed.”

It has been awhile, but in times past, I have seen ministers blow or breathe on those who come forward for healing. As I think about it, could it be - -that God was using their breath to create the needed organ in their body. Also I have witnessed ministers blow or breathe on those desiring to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit and God honored their breath.

Now understand, unless God tells you to blow on someone, it is probably not a good thing to do, but yes, if God says to do it then by all means obey God.

Mouth to mouth resuscitation is a form of breathing life into a person who has drowned, or seems dead.

There is a story about Elijah and a dead boy, the son of a widow woman, who befriended the prophet. 1 Kings 17:30-22 Then Elijah cried out to the LORD, “O LORD my God, have You also brought tragedy on this widow who has opened her home to me, by causing her son to die?” Then he stretched himself out over the child three times and cried out to the Lord, “O Lord my God, please let this boy's life return to him!” And the LORD listened to the voice of Elijah, and the child’s life returned to him, and he lived.…

Again we read in 2 Kings 4:32-34 about Elijah's protege, the prophet Elisha raising the Shunammite's Son. … When Elisha reached the house, there was the boy lying dead on his bed. So he went in, closed the door, and prayed to the Lord. Then Elisha got on the bed and lay on the boy, mouth to mouth, eye to eye, and hand to hand. As he stretched himself out over him, the boy’s body became warm.…and the prophet gave the boy to his mother.

In Hebrew the Spirit of God is named ruah, which means breath. Therefore the Holy Spirit, the breath of God, gives us life. During this time of crisis, during any crisis, we may find ourselves feeling panic. This is the time to gasp for the breath of God. The Holy Spirit who resides within is always available to sustain us.

 Just as God breathed on Adam and gave him the breath of life, Jesus breathed on His disciples in John chapter 20:21-22 "'Peace be onto you! As the Father sent me, I also send you.' And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said, 'Receive the Holy Spirit'"

The Holy Spirit, the breath of God. When you get into that kind of analogy, you now understand better what the attributes are. God's holy Spirit is as close to you as your very breath. The Bible says, "In Him we live and move and have our being."

It is amazing but true that your words create the very atmosphere. This can be now, or in your home, or even at church. Faith filled words bring miracles. Words of doubt and unbelief will hinder the ministry of the Holy Spirit who desires to breathe life into God's children, Not only Eternal life in their spirit but life in their flesh, and life in their emotions and thoughts.

If you are in your secret place reading your Bible, and you pray and praise God with your voice, you might want to practice singing praise to our Lord. Doing this will usher in the very presence of God as He breathes upon you. Singing in the Spirit is when you allow your voice to utter words that are from your heavenly language. You will be amazed how quickly God will enter the place where you will practice giving a singing voice to words of praise unto our Lord.

May the very Breath-Of-God blow over YOU today as you sing praises to Our God.

Today as we prepare to pray over our City, our State and our Nation, we must understand that God desires to breathe his very eternal life into those who are spiritually walking in darkness. As we make our declarations claiming that our citizens will have spiritual hearing ears, and spiritual seeing eyes, and that they may realize and understand that God loves them, and his Holy Spirit is gently blowing upon them even now. Let the very breath of God now blow over our citizens bringing life where there is spiritual death.  Amen

Hearing God Speak

Hearing God Speak  (This message was given at our Praying Over our City Meeting)

Hearing from God comes in a variety of ways. The inward witness is the most usual, but God can and does speak in an audible voice at times. He also speaks to us in dreams, visions, and by circumstances that cause us to know we must make new decisions. Many times God speaks to us as we read and search scriptures from our Bible.

Understand that as we read scripture, the life giving words from the pages of our Bible often can be related to us personally. As we read this portion from Jeremiah chapter one; please consider how these words can be applied to you.

The word of the LORD came to Jeremiah, saying: Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart and appointed you a prophet to the nations.”

“Ah, Lord GOD,” Jeremiah said, “I surely do not know how to speak, for I am only a child!”

But the LORD told him: “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ For to everyone I send you, you must go, and all that I command you, you must speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD.

Then the LORD reached out His hand, touched my mouth, and said to me:

“Behold, I have put My words into your mouth. See, I have appointed you today over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and plant.”

As we search over what we have just read; What can we learn? First, God speaks; In this case it probably was an audible voice because Jeremiah no doubt would not have paid attention to the inward witness. Next God tells Jeremiah that he is set apart and known by God even before he was born and God has good plans for his future and for his ministry.

Does Jeremiah say, “oh good, that is great, thank you God?” No - - he begins to make excuses. (Does that remind you of anyone else? Perhaps someone in the Bible who was hesitant to obey what God was asking? Perhaps some one like Moses or Gideon for example, and of course not me or you.)

Then God does a teaching message of correction. God says: Watch your words Jeremiah, Don't say those negative remarks about yourself, because it is important that you follow through with what I am commanding you. Do not fear or be afraid of those who will hear you, because I am with you to deliver the oppressed.

It is interesting that God found it necessary to say, Do not fear; and Jesus also had to say over and over again, DO NOT be AFRAID . . . FEAR NOT, because I am with you.

Finally God does something that we all must be ready for Him to do onto us as well. For you see, it is not enough to hear God's voice and for him to tell us how special we are and build up our faith and give us goose-bumps because we are in His presence . .

No it is not enough simply to hear from God. We must take the Words that he puts into our mouth and speak them out with boldness and with declaration power.  God says, I will bring to you words to share . . . so speak only what you hear me telling you, because there are kingdoms and nations that must be uprooted and torn down and overthrown - - and then we will build and plant with newness.

In our city, there are kingdoms of darkness and wicked spiritual ancestries that must be removed and destroyed before God can build anew thing. Yes, our God is at work and Seeds are being planted here and there, and they are growing in many, but never-the-less, there are still battles that must be won. Often we fight with our prayers, other times, our words become a sword cutting into the quick of those who need to make changes.

Be faithful to listen to what God is saying to you, and then be quick to obey and go forward in the power of the Holy Spirit using the words that God places in your mouth to bring about change in our city, our state and our Nation. 

Please Note: I am having trouble accessing my blog "A Joyful Noise" but was able to log in to my other blog: Chewing God's Word - - so Watch for a new blog soon  where I shall post my Series "Who is Jesus?"   My other blog can be viewed, but as it's author, I am not able to post to it.

Sweeter than Honey

What is Sweeter than Honey?

In Judges chapter 14 there is a story about Sampson killing a lion: “ So Samson came to the vineyards of Timnah; and to his surprise, a young lion came roaring against him.  And the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him, and he tore the lion apart as one would have torn apart a young goat, though he had nothing in his hand. But he did not tell his father or his mother what he had done.

 After some time, when he returned that way and saw the carcass of the lion. And behold, a swarm of bees and honey were in the carcass of the lion. He took some of it in his hands and went along, eating. When he came to his father and mother, he gave some to them, and they also ate.” And they were energized.

Psalms 19:10 The words of the Lord are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb.

Psalms 119:103 How sweet are Your words to my taste! Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

The Old Testament prophet Jeremiah said, “Your words were found and I ate them, and Your word became to me the gladness and joy of my heart” (Jeremiah. 15:16). 

The Lord Jesus said,“Man shall not live on bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4). Again  Jesus said, “The words which I have spoken to you are spirit and are life” (John 6:63). The words of God are food for us to eat in our spirit and soul.

There is a story in 1 Samuel 14, about Johnathan, the King's son who was fighting the enemy with the army. The king has said, no one is to eat anything until evening after the battle is won or they will be cursed. But Johnathan had not heard this. And the men entered the forest, and there was honey on the ground.  When the troops entered the forest, they saw the flow of honey, but none of them ate any of it because they feared the King's oath. 27 However, Jonathan had not heard his father so he reached out with the end of the staff he was carrying and dipped it into the honeycomb. When he ate the honey,  he had renewed energy.28 Then, one of the troops said, “Your father made the troops solemnly swear, ‘The man who eats food today is cursed,’ and the troops are exhausted.” 

But Johnathan did not agree with his father, because eating the honey, he was revitalized. - - Our message today is about God's word and how taking it into our spirit as sweet honey, it becomes energy to us spiritually. Sad to say, in some lands it is forbidden to read God's Word or even own a Bible. We in the United States should not take for granted our Bible, but we need to partake daily of God's Word because it is food for our spirit and for our soul.

The Prophet Ezekiel had an interesting vision where the Lord appeared to him with God's word written on a scroll, and Ezekiel was instructed to physically eat the scroll. Ezekiel 3 The voice from heaven said to me, “Son of man, eat what I am giving you — eat this scroll! Then go and give its message to your people.” So I opened my mouth, and he fed me the scroll. “Fill your stomach with this,” God said. And when I ate it, it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth.

God continued to speak to his messenger: And he speaks to us today as we testify to our citizens. God says, I am not sending you to foreign people who speak a different language than you, but if I did send you to a foreign people, they would listen to you . . . But I am sending you to those who speak your language, your neighbors and fellow citizens of your city and many of them will not pay attention to you anymore than they listen to me. However do not fear because I have given you a hard head to withstand their evil looks and statements even if they are rebels. Then the Lord added, “My child, let all my words sink deep into your own heart first. Listen to them carefully for yourself. Then go to your people and say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says!’ And Do this whether they listen to you or not.” Do not give up.

Understand that as we pray over our families, our city, our nation, that God is at work and our citizens are beginning to listen. Some are tired and worn out like the army that was fighting. They need to taste and see that the Lord is Good and that His mercy endures for ever. There is honey in the rock and that rock is Jesus our salvation, who is the Word of God. We are taking the honey of God's word to our neighbors and citizens, so do not despair, take courage and eat a little honey first for yourself for your own strength and enlightenment.

Whisper - - or Shout When you Pray??

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Whisper - - or Shout ??

Jesus said in Matthew 6: "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites who want to be seen by others. For they love to pray loud prayers saying, "Lord I am thankful that I am NOT like those sinners.   When you pray, go into your closet (private room,) shut your door, and pray to your Father in secret. And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition, as the Gentiles do." 

There is a time for private quiet prayers while you seek the presence of God personally for yourself.  Then there is also a time for praise, and worship, that can get loud. 

Reading from;  Psalms 47:1  O clap your hands, all ye people; shout onto God with the voice of triumph.

Psalms 100:  Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness!  Come into His presence with singing!  Know that he lord, He is God!  Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with Praise!

Psalms 81  Sing ALOUD to God our strength: SHOUT for joy to the God of Jacob.

When God created the world, the Bible tells us, "And God Said."  It does not say He whispered, and it does not say He shouted.  God declared no doubt in a normal tone, "Let there be" and it was so. However it is interesting to note that the Holy Spirit hovered over the waters.  His very breath was enough to create change and make new from what appeared to be nothing but earth, darkness, and water without form and void. 

As Joshua led the Children of Israel to Jericho to begin their march around the walls; only the army and priests were to blow their trumpets, but the warning to the people as they marched: was No voice was to be heard until Joshua gave the command in seven days. 

Joshua 6:  And the armed men went before the priests that blew with the trumpets, the priests going on, and blowing with their trumpets. And Joshua had commanded the people, saying, You shall not shout, nor make any noise with your voice, neither shall any word proceed out of your mouth, until the day I bid you shout; then shall you shout. 

Elijah said to Ahab and the false prophets of Baal; The God who answers by fire is the true god.  Although the prophets of Baal shouted and cried aloud, danced and even cut themselves there was no answer.   And it came to pass at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet of God came near, and calmly said, Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at your word - - and the fire fell consuming the sacrifice.

Hannah was a woman in torment for she was without child.  At their annual visit to the temple, she cried bitterly and prayed for a child to bring her fulfillment.  1 Samuel records her prayer this way:  "Now Hannah, spoke in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli the priest thought she was drunk."

After Jesus rose from the dead, He told his followers to return to Jerusalem and seek God until the Holy Spirit would fill them with power to heal the sick, cast out devils and deliver those who were bound.  On the day of Pentecost, 120 were gathered together in an upper room. These all continued with one accord in fervent prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.    

Acts 2: And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance in languages they did not know.    

The Bible does not say they were loud, but it is understood, because they were in an upper room, and people out in the street heard them magnify God and wondered what this could mean.  Peter went down to the street; preached a short sermon and 5000 were converted that day.

Soon after - - there was persecution and as Peter relayed to the believers what was happening; this time their voices were loud as they prayed.  Acts 4:24 They LIFTED up their VOICE to God with one accord, and said, Lord, behold their threatening: and grant unto your servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,  By stretching forth your hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy son Jesus.  And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. 

These individuals were the same ones who were baptized with the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, and here they were again being refilled.  Scripture tells us to:  Be Being filled with the Holy Spirit.  It is wise to daily keep the oil of the Holy Spirit burning in our hearts. Jude tells us to build up your self by praying in the Holy Spirit.

Grant you there is a time we can enter into quiet, whispered prayers, but when you get ready to do business with God, there is a time to get loud.  There is a time to shout our declarations and draw the lines.  

We need to be aware that the Satan, our enemy does not like noisy prayers, and this kind of Holy Spirit praying will shake the walls of intimidation, rejection, fear, depression, addiction, immoral living and cause our citizens to be open to the voice of the Holy Spirit as he Woo's them to come to Christ Jesus. 

The Sun Rises and the Rain Falls

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The Sun Rises and the Rain Falls  Message at our prayer meeting by Hazel Moon

Jesus was teaching upon the mountain, in Matthew chapter 5 and he ended his message by saying:  “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’   But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,  that you may be sons of your Father in heaven;  (pause)  For God makes His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

Jesus warned his followers, not to misinterpret terrible events thinking the people were being punished because they were wicked.  -  It was not so.  The messengers were feeling proud and superior, thinking others (even believers) who suffer, must have secret sins. 

Jesus began in Luke 13 to say to the people who had just brought a message to Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them–do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”

For God makes His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

I am reminded of twin cities in the Old Testament, where there was a multitude of wicked persons;  They were so evil that God decided to destroy the two cities with fire.  Although some of the citizens may not have been quite so wicked, there was an immoral bent filling them; and their minds were warped toward evil.  It so happened that Abraham's nephew and his family lived in that city but because of Abraham's intercession, God send two angels to take Lot, his wife and two daughters out to safety.  There was no time to gather precious mementos, pack a suitcase and grab their Bible as they were hurried out with only the clothes on their backs.

The angels gave a stiff warning:  Do NOT turn around and look back on all that is behind you.  Only run and keep your eyes fixed on your future.  Nothing behind you is worth keeping, so run for your life and pay close attention to my warning.

As they ran, all was fine until Lot's wife remembered all the fun and good times she had enjoyed with her friends as they drank and partied.  "Oh this is so sad," she thought, "Oh that I could just remain here and live the good life," as she slowly turned her head and looked back.   Bamm - - One of the balls of fire fell on Lot's wife and she was turned into a pillar of salt.

Was Lot's wife any worse than the other's that perished?  Probably not.  But she did have a choice to save herself, and she chose to disobey the warning.

In our city, we have many who have heard the warnings, to prepare their hearts because we do NOT know the day or the hour when Jesus may return.  Today is the accepted time for each of us to turn from the old ways, to leave all the habits and lifestyles that were once dear to us and face a future with Jesus.  

As we pray over our city, may we claim that the hearts, minds and choices of our citizens will be facing forward - - looking straight at the face of Jesus; keeping eye contact and not turned backward in the other direction where there is destruction and loss.

Things Didn't Look So Good ! !

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As we met to pray over our city, our county and for those in our close by city that has about 95% homes and businesses burnt to the ground with 50 or so dead, and the fires about 35% contained, we could say that "things don't look so good."   

Yet we are reminded that God has promised never to leave or forsake us, and that he is with us even in the hard times.

Exodus 14 tells us of the Children of Israel leaving Egypt, and stopping to camp at the Red Sea. Pharaoh and his officials declared, “What have we done? We have let the Israelites go and have lost their services!”   So Pharaoh had his chariot made ready and took his army with 600 of the best chariots along with all the other chariots and officers over them, and pursued the Israelites, and overtook them as they camped by the sea.  As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, terrified and cried out to the LORD.  What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt?  There they were; the red sea before them and Pharaoh behind them.  - -  Things didn't look so good.

Joseph had bragged about his dreams, and his brothers were jealous of their father's attention to Joseph.  When he arrived with lunch for them, they bound him and put him in a pit while they decided how to kill him.  Can you imagine the anxiety Joseph must have experienced while in that deep hole?  - -  Things didn't look so good about then.

The three Hebrew children refused to worship the golden image, and the furnace was being heated 10 times hotter than ever before.  Things didn't look so good.

Job was a Godly, rich and prosperous man, and his children were celebrating the birthday of their oldest brother.  It was a happy day, but out of the blue there came a messenger saying, the Sabeans swooped down and have taken away all your oxen and donkeys and killed the servants, and I only was able to escape. 

While the man was still speaking another messenger came saying, the lightening from heaven has burned up the sheep and the servants, and I only was able to escaped to tell you.  That wasn't all - - here came another saying, The Chaldeans made a raid upon your camels and killed the servants, and I alone was able to escape.    

While he was still speaking there came another who said: Your sons and daughters were enjoying the birthday celebration, when a great whirlwind took the house off it's four corners and it fell on your children, killing them all and I was able to escape to tell bring you this terrible news.      - -   Things didn't look so good about then.

Jesus was hanging on the cross.  He had been unmercifully beaten, mocked, spit upon, pierced in hands and feet, and when the sins of the world were placed on his body, His Father God could not look at him and pulled a dark curtain over the sun for about 3 hours.   - -  Things didn't look so good about then.

Each one of these horrible events played out in real time to provide a happy ending.  The Children of Israel finally made it to the promised land.  Joseph became second to the Pharaoh in Egypt and saved his family from death.  A fourth man walked in the furnace with the 3 Hebrew children and no one was burnt in the hot fire.  God blessed Job and gave him more wealth, more children and renewed faith in God.  And Jesus won the battle over death, hell and the grave bringing salvation and eternal life to all who receive Him.

Our neighbor city of Paradise, and our County has suffered great loss in the past few days.  Fires raging to take lives and livelihood, homes and possessions.  Things don't look so good; yet there is hope to recover.  Not all our citizens have this hope.  More than ever before, our citizen's need Jesus.  As we go to prayer today, let us remember that even when things don't look so good, God is still there.  The enemy has tried to defeat us but we shall not be defeated, because God and His angelic army is there surrounding us.

Luke 12:32: Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.    God is giving us our City, our County and our State for His Glory.

Jesus Loves His Church His Bride

                            From my notes I present a digested message of our Sunday Bible Study

Our Bible Study began with the Song of Solomon and how it is a representation of Christ and the Church, his bride and His love for her.

Solomon wrote this book, and also Proverbs and Ecclesiastes

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There were three metaphors of a spiritual flavor:

1. Divine Kiss Song of Solomon 1:2

2. Divine Embrace  Song of Solomon 2:5 - 8:4

3. Divine Seal  Song of Solomon 8:6

The reference of Jesus the inviting Shepherd   John 1:3 - 5:1-39

Jesus is our passionate Savior.  Ask God to reveal His emotions to you.  Share with him

This book reveals the Love of Christ and the allegory of the story reveals the meaning of mature married love.

Israel was not faithful to Jehovah God, and worshipped many heathen gods, yet God wooed Israel to come back and serve Him only.

The Prophet Hosea tells us the true story of himself, who was directed by God to marry a harlot and she bore him children.  Then she left and went back to her old ways of whoredom.  God instructed the prophet to search and find her, to speak gentle comforting words to her and bring her home and back to his loving arms.  The promise was that she shall sing as she once did; and a new covenant with new vows could be made.    She was to receive a new hope, recovery and a vineyard of prosperity and supply.

God sent judgment against unfaithful Israel,  "Yes, I will be angry, but I will woo her back and show her mercy."

Hosea 4:6  My people shall be destroyed for lack of Knowledge.

Hosea 2:18  In that day I will make a covenant for them With the beasts of the field, With the birds of the air, And with the creeping things of the ground. Bow and sword of battle I will shatter from the earth, To make them lie down safely.

Hosea 2:23  And I will have mercy on her who had not obtained mercy; Then I will say to those who were not My people, 'You are My people!' And they shall say, 'You are my God!' "

Understand that we are a Spirit, we live in a body and we have a soul, (our mind, will and emotions.)   Hear the words of our Father as He washes over our Soul (our feelings) and cleanses our mind and thought to understand His love and to save our Spirit.

There is a Divine Shift in these last days, and our inheritance is near.  The Holy Spirit is calling:  Salvation is available to all who come and receive.

Are You Sitting or Standing?

Today this Scripture is Fulfilled in your Ears

As we gather today to pray over our city, let us not be as the proud man that Jesus spoke about in Luke's gospel chapter 18:  "Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.  The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, robbers, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.  I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.

 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner."

It is interesting to notice these two men were standing as they prayed.  Position in prayer is not important to God, as many fell prostrate on their faces, at the feet of Jesus when they came with a request. 

Jesus mentioned standing to pray In Mark 11:25 And when you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against any: that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

Jesus often sat down to teach and preach but when He read God's Word he stood and after reading he would sit down: 

Luke 4: "He came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up for to read. And there was delivered unto him (a rolled up scroll) the book of the prophet Isaiah.  And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written (Isaiah 61:1-2) ... 'The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.'  

And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down.  And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. And he began to say unto them ... "This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears." 

The interesting thing here is that when Jesus sat down, he did not return to his normal seat, but as he proclaimed, 'This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears,' he sat down in the vacant chair that was always reserved for the Messiah.  No wonder the crowd was shocked because it seemed Jesus was declaring that He was the Messiah.

After his resurrection, Jesus stood on the mountain and proclaimed to about 400 believers the great commission "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel, and these signs will follow you, as you heal the sick, cast out demons and bring deliverance to many.   And in the sight of them all, he began to ascend into heaven where he is now seated at the right hand of God.

Hebrews 10:12  But when this priest (Jesus) had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God.

Now I am going to change the story line a bit, and speak about sitting . . .

Rachel sitting on the hidden household gods.

The book of Genesis in the Old Testament, it is recorded that Jacob worked 20 years for his deceptive father-in law, Laban who tricked him into marrying the older daughter Leah and then after working another 7 years, gave Jacob, Rachel for a wife.  

Laban changed Jacob's wages 10 times as he worked in exchange for flocks and herds.  God revealed to Jacob how to increase his flock by requesting the spotted and speckled sheep and goats.  As Jacob increased in riches, he became concerned that Laban was jealous and would harm him.  While Laban was away, sheering his sheep, God told Jacob to leave now in secret taking everything that was his, and return to his home land.  Unknown to Jacob, his favorite wife Rachel had stolen her father's household idols.

When Laban returned home from sheering his sheep he was told that Jacob had left taking everything and his family with him.  Laban became very angry and with a band of men took off to catch up with Jacob, his daughters and family.  "Why have you left without telling me?  And especially, why have you stolen my gods?" Laban declared.  Jacob, answered, "We have done no such thing as steal your gods, and you have always been unfair to me, and rather than have an argument, God told me it would be best to leave unannounced."  Furthermore search for your gods and if you find them, the person who took them shall die. 

Laban diligently searched each tent and when he came to Rachael's tent, she excused herself by saying, "It is the time of the month for me, so please forgive me for not getting up."  She said this because she was sitting on the gods that were hidden in the camels saddle.  Neither Jacob or Laban trusted the other, but they made a promise to stay friends and care for each other and built an alter to remember their covenant.

 

Now we leave this story, with Rachel still sitting on the hidden gods, her father's idols.  These idols that had been in the family possession for many years as household gods.  Generation gods handed down from parents to their children.   gods of greed, lust, fear, anger, dependence, and lack of self worth.

I tell this story because today many in our city are sitting on family gods that have curses from previous generations of immorality, lust, addiction, anger, no self respect, and poverty.

These are covered over and hidden to the naked eye, because they are spiritual bondage that must be broken.  The invisible is just as real as that which is seen.  Powerful Words spoken in the name of Jesus can and will destroy these unseen forces.

Today, let us declare that curses of the past shall be exposed and no longer hidden, but declare that they are broken over families, over households, over the children, and these spiritual forces must leave in the name of Jesus. 

Then let us declare that a spirit of desire and hunger for truth and the Gospel shall fill the hearts of men and women to come to the cross and receive salvation from our Lord Christ Jesus.

Friend is it you, who are sitting on some stuff that has been hidden?  Secrets from the past?  Things you are not proud of?   It is time stop sitting, time to stand up and clean up what has been so private. Time to replace those things that are false with reality.  There is a certainty of heaven for those who come to Jesus, and declare, allegiance to follow him all the days of your life.   It is time to no longer sit, but to stand, to walk and to follow Jesus.

 

Man Sitting his "baggage"