Saturday, April 28, 2012

WHITE CLOTHS ON A GREEN TREE

A STORY OF FORGIVENESS AND GRACE!
Back in the days when railroad was the main article of cross-country travel, a minister came upon a young man sitting in the middle passenger car of this long train running. The youth's seat was by the window,  and the minister asked if he could sit next to him. This was a divine appointment, the old pastor thought as he noticed the young man's eyes squeezed shut. Asking his name, he inquired the reason his eyes were shut, even though he was obviously awake!

The young man said that he had run away from home recently, but realized he made a mistake and was going back to his hometown. He told the pastor that he had written his father, asked forgiveness and expressed a desire to return home and make it right. His father never replied. Broken even more now, he said that he then wrote his mother and said "If you forgive me for running away, and would take me back home, I would be on the 5pm train coming into town from Tulsa. If you forgive me and I am welcome back into the family, please place a big white rag on the big green tree right before we stop and pull into the train depot. If I don't see the white cloth, I will stay on the train and go on forever!"


He then told the pastor that the train was about 1 minute from his hometown and he was afraid to look because he was afraid there would be nothing on the tree! After thinking for a couple moments, the pastor finally said "why don't I look for you? I will tell you if I see anything or not".

The train had already slowed down as it entered the small town. As it creeped to a stop, the young man heard the pastor weeping and asked...still with his eyes shut..."well, what did you see?!" Through his tears, the battle-hardened minister barely got these words out "You know what I saw, son? I saw the entire tree covered with white cloth on every branch! Welcome home, young man!"



Stories like this and others should fill our hearts with wonder; gratitude; warmth and joy at the Amazing Grace of God! He says in Isaiah 43:25 "I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; And I will not remember your sins".  Psalm 103:12 says "as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.


You may say this is Old Testament, well how about this "For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves,  in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins (Colossians 1:13-14)


Mark 11:25 says "And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."....I can go on quoting verse after verse from the Word of God. (Those who forgave this young man in the story, obeyed that verse).


The point is, there is nothing that you have done in this life, for which you are truly sorry and repentant, for which God cannot forgive you. No matter how young or old or far gone you think you are, if you seek Him, He will be found. Only, seek Him with a truly contrite, broken and repentant heart.


God does not desire that anyone should slip through the cracks. It is easy in today's throw-away society for that to happen; whether it would be in senior homes or public high schools. The Father is looking for true worshippers, those who will worship, praise, bow down, adore and acknowledge Him - in Spirit and in Truth.


He has sent His Only Son, because there is not other like Him. His Only Son's blood was shed red to make us as white as those cloths hanging from that tree outside the train station. Are you in that place now? Are you ready to quit squeezing your eyes, hoping to see the lily white cover of your redemption....well here is how you KNOW instead of just wish:


Father in the Name of Jesus, I have not only sinned against You, but against some of my loved ones who have been hurt even more than You have, by something I may have done, said or not done, in the course of my life. Lord, there is nothing I can do, on my own, and I know it now, In my weakness, I know now that I have never been stronger and come to You to seek total forgiveness, restoration and reconciliation. I come to You to ask that the Blood of Christ would wash and cleanse and purify and refine me to be as clean as snow that I may enter into Your Holy Presence.


I repent of all that I have done and acknowledge that YOU and YOU Alone are the Lord of my life, right now...and right now, I commit my life to You. I also accept the Forgiveness You have just given me and promise to now live the rest of my life for You. And Father, when I think of that story of the cloths on the tree, which indicated that this young man was forgiven and welcome home, it reminds me of another pure Sinless Soul, Who hung on a tree, that I may be welcome by You.

I love You, praise You and now bow down before You in complete humility and gratitude at that sacrifice on the Cross for me, in Jesus' Holy and Precious Name, amen.



(CREDITS: images by google)



Friday, April 27, 2012

GIFTS AND POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT FOR THE BELIEVER



PART OF SERIES ON SPIRITUAL WARFARE BY LORI CLAYTON
Dr David Livingstone, Scottish Missionary 1813-1873.
People talk of the sacrifice I have made in spending so much of my life in Africa. Can that be called a sacrifice which is simply paid back as a small part of a great debt owing to our God, which we can never repay? Is that a sacrifice which brings its own blest reward in healthful activity, the consciousness of doing good, peace of mind, and a bright hope of a glorious destiny hereafter? Away with the word in such a view and with such a thought! It is emphatically no sacrifice. Say rather it is a privilege. Anxiety, sickness, suffering, or danger now and then with a foregoing of the common conveniences and charities of this life, may make us pause and cause the spirit to waver and the soul to sink; but let this only be for a moment. All these are nothing when compared with the glory which shall be revealed in and for us. I never made a sacrifice.
Speech to students at Cambridge University (4 December 1857)


LORI CLAYTON
I think David Livingstone’s perspective is good, he had a hard time in Africa and he did not waiver in his faith.  There are many things that come against believers in Christ.  Sometimes they are demonic in nature.  Christians can have demons, I know that this can be a controversial subject but we have to think this through without being emotional.   Have you ever known of a Christian to lie, cheat, steal, physically hurt someone, emotionally abuse someone or over use alcohol?  Sure you have, there are plenty of people like that in our very churches. 


One of the problems we have is trying to help these people get free yet it seems like they continue to make the same mistakes over and over.  If we are not ministering to the root of the problem we are not setting people free.  How we do that, is what we need to look at, but first we need to look at a few more verses on our power.


Rom 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power [dunamis] of the Holy Ghost.KJV
Rom 15:19 Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power [dunamis] of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.KJV



Thursday, April 26, 2012

ANIMAL-ASSISTED NATURAL THERAPIES

AWESOME FOR SPECIAL-NEEDS CHILDREN
(written by CHERI MAJORS, adoptive parent of several special needs kids!)
Most of us love our household pets as family members, however many families with special needs children may not welcome the additional responsibilities or potential safety risks to their special child. Worry no more and let the healing begin! I also had the same concerns with my own son who suffered with seizure disorders as a child and has struggled with ADHD. I finally relented and got him the dogs he begged to have for five years and I have witnessed the therapeutic benefits.


Long before I began working with special needs children I had met a unique individual who worked with his own pets, trained "therapy" animals, rotating them among terminally-ill patients at extended-care facilities. His popular services were impressively labeled "animal-assisted therapy.


This innovative service was based on the premise that contact with animals could assist the sick and terminally ill with their healing processes, as there have been documented cases of hospitalized comatose patients mysteriously waking-up to the attentions of visiting therapy animals. As well as providing many elderly with a will to live, animals are also capable of instinctively sensing and compassionately interacting with our special needs children.

Our pets love us unconditionally, without judging by sickness, disorders, symptoms or conditions and inspire us to love and to heal. Our family dog used to sleep beneath my infant son's crib and if he even coughed that dog would come get me, barking until I followed her back into the nursery. Now at thirteen years old my son has two dogs to watch over him and keep him grounded.

We have all seen those amazing news stories where dogs alert their owners prior to a heart attack, stroke or seizure. We are also aware of the valuable services seeing-eye dogs provide for the sight-impaired, while police dogs assist with law enforcement; however dogs aren't the only therapeutic animals ready, willing and able to help heal your special needs child.

If you are not inclined to dog ownership, there have also been accounts of pet pigs, hamsters and cats alerting their owners to dangerous situations or impending health problems. Dolphins and horses, although not practical house pets still receive high marks for engaging youngsters in animal-assisted therapies.

Wikipedia lists therapeutic horseback riding as "equine assisted activity" or "adaptive riding" for special needs children and adults. A Google search reveals many equestrian centers, camps, organizations and scholarships across the country devoted to accommodating your special needs child while they learn to horseback ride.

Research findings have also been positive regarding dolphin assisted therapy or DAT on depression, psychological disorders and medical diseases. For more specific information refer to their official home page for a list of services online at DolphinAssistedTherapy.com.

While living in Maui, Hawaii, I had friends who swam with dolphins in the ocean and claimed it was a life-changing experience. Even a new season of "Kate Plus 8" (a family recovering) highlighted swimming with dolphins to celebrate a 6th birthday at Discovery Cove in Orlando, as part of TLC's summer line-up.

Whether you try swimming with dolphins, horseback riding or a family pet, you will be providing your special needs child with therapeutic animal activities. The research indicates our pets are a natural form of healing therapy for us, as well as our special needs kids.

(READ MORE FROM CHERI, A YAHOO NEWS CONTRIBUTOR, HERE)

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

HOMEMAKING, AN HONORABLE POSITION



According to the Atlanta Centers for Disease Control located in Atlanta, Georgia, 75% of children/adolescents in chemical dependency hospitals are from single parent homes. 20% of children have a learning, emotional, or behavioral problem is the result of family situational change, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. Absentee fathers contribute to crime and delinquency, while violent crimes are overwhelming among young males that grew up without a father, according to the US Census Bureau Report regarding, Child Support and Alimony. It’s not surprising with these statistics that violent crimes in the Atlanta area, as well as many other cities are on the increase, and those appear to be with little regard for the sanctity of life.
BY DIANE M. LANDRY
I am in no way judging the many single parents who find themselves, struggling to do their very best. I was once in the same position, and if not by the grace of God, my children could have fallen into those very statistics.

“It takes a village to raise a child,” rang true in my life and that of my children’s. Neighbors, Christian friends, and Christian coaches, helped with the raising of my children beyond what I realized, at the time. In fact, in a way, they (each child) held each other accountable, as well. Not everyone has that network available, it seems. The network I had was instrumental in keeping my children on course. Did any stray? Of course! We all did, at times.

It has taken much reflection to realize just how important, the calling of a wife and mother is. I’ve always known it was, but society seems to dictate to women that if they do not possess a career outside the home, that they are somehow below par. It couldn’t be further from the truth. I did work outside the home at times. I felt I was called back into my home, when my twins turned two. Following that, I worked only around my children’s schedules, mainly at schools, as much as possible, being mostly a homemaker, until the day I became a single parent.
Fast forward to present. I am first a Christian, a wife, a mother, “Nana,” a friend, and writer. Our children and grandchildren love to be in our home. I often hear from our children, “I feel so relaxed, when we go there.” That’s what our homes should be, and it does take work, but it is well worth the effort. It took me a long time to learn this lesson.
It is so exciting to find some mothers in the metro area who are proud to be homemakers. Being a homemaker is an honorable position. According to the Bible, it should be taught to the younger women by the older women. “That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.” Titus 2:4-5 (KJV)
Maybe with the transient society that we now live in, it is more difficult for the older women to teach the younger, but I do see a trend in women returning to the home to guide their families, and whenever possible I try to encourage them, sharing some of what I have learned.
READ MORE OF DIANE LANDRY'S ARTICLES HERE ON EXAMINER

MORE IN OUR RUN UP TO MOTHER'S DAY, NEXT: CHERI MAJORS 

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

GIVE IT TO JESUS by MARI-ANNA STALNACKE


Christ is risen! Act like it!
What do you do when you doubt?
What do you do when you are overwhelmed?
What do you do when a disaster strikes?
What do you do when the future is unclear?
What do you do when God feels distant?
Your response is critical for your spiritual well-being. Your response defines your future. How come?
You let the distress bring you to God, not drive you from him. The result was all gain, no loss. Distress that drives us to God does that. It turns us around. It gets us back in the way of salvation. We never regret that kind of pain. But those who let distress drive them away from God are full of regrets, end up on a deathbed of regrets. And now, isn’t it wonderful all the ways in which this distress has goaded you closer to God? You’re more alive, more concerned, more sensitive, more reverent, more human, more passionate, more responsible. Looked at from any angle, you’ve come out of this with purity of heart.(2. Cor. 7: 9-11, MSG)
MARI-ANNA STALNACKE
At those moments when we are distressed for one reason or another we decide who we trust. This is when we practice resurrection or not. This is when we put our hope in the Lord or not. This is when we choose our side. It is easy to believe in God when everything is well. But what do we do when things are not ideal? What do we do when we can’t sense God’s presence? That is when we are defined. That is when we choose our destiny. God or no God?
God is not expecting us to solve our problems. God is not expecting us to be perfect or out of trouble. God expects us to turn to him in everything. God is expecting us to bring our distresses to him and let him deal with them. Life happens. And life is messy. God does not want a sterile version of us. He wants us as we are. With our feelings of inadequacy. With our doubts. With our troubles. God is waiting for us as we are. It is HIS strength that works in our weakness. It is HIS vision that will clear the path for us. It is HIS grace that will cleanse us.
He said to me, “My grace is enough for you, because power is made perfect in weakness.” So I’ll gladly spend my time bragging about my weaknesses so that Christ’s power can rest on me. Therefore, I’m all right with weaknesses, insults, disasters, harassments, and stressful situations for the sake of Christ, because when I’m weak, then I’m strong(2 Cor. 12: 9-10, CEB)
So. Whatever is your problem, give it to Jesus. He already carried all our problems, troubles, and messes on the cross. It is done. We are not to carry our own problems. We are to give them to Jesus. We are not to mess with our doubts on our own. God can deal with them fast. Whatever it is that bugs you, give it to Jesus. And receive peace upon peace. Love upon love. Grace upon grace. God loves you just as you are. God keeps working on you. We just need to keep on turning to him. Especially when we don’t feel great. Because that’s when we need him most. And that’s when his grace transforms us. Time after time.
Gracious God,
You are beyond amazing.
When we come to you,
you love us as we are.
When we are down,
you lift us up.
When we are weak,
you strengthen us.
When we have doubts,
you fill us with faith.
When we bring you our dead ends,
you give us a bright future.
You sure are beyond amazing.
Be praised forever more!
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
VISIT MARI-ANNA'S WEBSITE BY CLICKING HERE

Monday, April 23, 2012

FAVORITE BIBLE VERSES OF SAINTS ON TWITTER!


SO, WHAT IS YOUR VERSE?!
Yesterday, I posted an in-depth exposition of my Life Verse, Psalm 27:4 here in a message called "ENJOYING FOREVER".  Then I asked some of my wonderful Twitter brothers and sisters in Christ what THEIR verse was. Here are those who responded! As more and more check in with their favorite verse, I will add them to this list.

I recommend them highly as authentic men and women of the Faith who are, what they say they are! Please follow them here on Twitter


Lana Bandoim ‏ @Lana_Bandoim
Great post, Psalm 27:4 is one of my favorites too. I also like Matthew 19:26 ~ "With God all things are possible."


Sam Thompson ‏ @USAlivestrong
Not the only one, but Matt 10:22

AnsB ‏ @OneFleshWife
Jeremiah 29:11 is what I constantly remember!

Lynn Mosher ‏ @lynnmosher 
 “Did I not tell you and promise you that if you would believe and rely on Me, u would see the glory of God?” John 11:40 Amp


Jesuslovesme ‏ @ErniHaesloop
My very favorite Chapter is John17+of that verse 21.


Pedro Okoro ‏ @PedroOkoro 
My current fave verse is Phil 3:10!!

NewsOn USA ‏ @NewsOnUSA
Matthew 5: When in doubt, Sermon on the Mount.

REV. TONI BROWN ‏ @REVTONIBROWN
I used to have a life verse; then 2; then 3...now I can't; there r too many that i use everyday; and I need all the time

Heidi Brummer ‏ @messiah2come
"The Lord is my rock, & my fortress, & my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, & the ..Psm.18:2

Ken Smith ‏@projectpeter
2 Peter 1:1-11 up there though! LIVE IT!

Tania ‏ @havntyetarrived
my life verse has to be Jeremiah 33:3 King James Version


PSALM 103:3 HE FORGIVES ALL my SINS and HEALS ALL my DISEASES

Alexandra Swann @alexandraswann
John 3:16, naturally!

Cheri Majors This is great Berni, just now read it!! I also just tweeted you my life verse, which I didn't realize until later in life, but it is EXACT in recounting my life history & ending in God's personal promises to my kids & I (it's very cool)!!! Isaiah 54 (the entire chapter)!

Caroline Gave @Caroline_Gavin
Romans 8:28~~And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.


Sunday, April 22, 2012

ENJOYING FOREVER.....




MY LIFE VERSE: PSALM 27:4

Secondary Life verse tomorrow - Jeremiah 20:11

A Bible verse speaks to each of us in a different way at different times in our lives. While the verse itself has only one meaning - (that which the Lord meant to say) - each verse speaks to us differently, depending on our circumstances at the time we're reading it! This is the amazing thing about the Living, Breathing Word of God! There is no other Book like it, at any point in human history.

Some folks have a "Life verse", that which defines us and our walk with the Lord. The verse is also representative of our thinking and where we are at our sanctification. Our favorite verse could even show if we are being transformed into the image of His Wonderful Son Jesus...or do we think more in the flesh!  So without further ado, I wish to introduce you to my Life verse....what it says; what it means and how Scripture further interprets Scripture. My Life Verse looks forward to eternity and expresses my gratitude and total joy at just being allowed to be in the Presence of the Living God!

Now, my friends, is there any better thing you can think of?! Read on....


One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple......Psalm 27:4 (ESV)


Psalm 27:4 begins I have asked one thing from the Lord.” If you have one thing to ask of the Lord, what would it be? Solomon asked for a heart of wisdom and he was blessed beyond measure. The wisest man who ever lived wrote the Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and the Song of Solomon. Solomon, the son of the man who wrote Psalm 27, asked for wisdom but his life of unimaginable wealth and ease, corrupted his morals and his soul so much; he forgot why he asked for it in the first place!
Therefore making a powerful request before the Lord comes with responsibilities. Do not make them unless you intend to fulfill them….or in other words “be careful what you ask for!”  


The next phrase is “to dwell in the House of the Lord all the days of my life”. Does this mean to take your bed into the church building? No! The word “dwell” should be interpreted as “abide”. Jesus said in John 15: 4-7Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you”. (Emphasis mine)


If you are a Saved, Sold out, Sanctified Son or daughter of the Savior, you will know what He means by “abiding in Him” - STAYING IN HIS WORD!! NOT just a set quiet time each morning where you worship, wait and then go to work, but a daily constant walk with Jesus who is called the WORD of God (In the Beginning was the Word, and the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, John 1:1). This walk is a lifetime spent of walking, talking, listening, worshipping, Praising Him in the Storm and discipling to Spiritual maturity.  You want to know Jesus? You wish to dwell in the House of the Lord all the days of your life? KNOW THE BIBLE!


The next phrase says “gazing on the Beauty of the Lord”. The Book of Revelation describes the awesome vision of the Lord Jesus as He looks right now (read Revelation 1:9-16).  There is a powerful artist rendition of the King when He returns in Judgment after the Great Tribulation which I suggest you look it. Click on this link: www.thekingiscoming.com  and look at the home page. Jesus is not in a manger anymore. That was 2000 years ago! All through this powerful final book of the Bible, the Majestic, indescribable visions of He who sits on the Throne and His Son are described in powerful detail.  This confirms what Isaiah saw when God took him up into His Own Presence in Isaiah 6:1In the year of King Uzziah's death I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted, with the train of His robe filling the temple”.


Isaiah was so filled in amazement and convicted immediately of his sin, he fell down in front of the Throne and cried out “Woe is me, I am ruined!” (vs.5). We are not in Heaven yet, so we are not yet dwelling for eternity with Jesus in the presence of the Holy One and His Angels. However, we can still gaze on His Beauty by marveling at His Word; tasting His Word; praising and praying to Him; adoring what His Hands have made and awaiting His Return!


Finally and seeking Him in His Temple.”  Number 1: I would rather be a janitor in the Temple of the Living God than a prince of this dying world. Number 2: The good thing about seeking Him is: He can be found! Number 3: Seek Him primarily in His Word and then through prayer. One note about praying – in order to seek Him properly in prayer, spend most of your prayer time listening, being quiet and allowing Him to reveal Himself to you. This is Biblical. Psalm 46:10 says “Be still and know that I am God.” (NKJV)


…  “in His Temple. The Hebrew word which King David used here is “HEKAL”. This word actually means “Tabernacle”. Here is what the writer of Hebrews said about the Tabernacle, which God told Moses to erect: who serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, just as Moses was warned by God when he was about to erect the tabernacle; for, "SEE," He says, "THAT YOU MAKE all things ACCORDING TO THE PATTERN WHICH WAS SHOWN YOU ON THE MOUNTAIN.”Hebrews 8:5 (emphasis mine).


The temple or tabernacle described in our Bibles is not church as we are accustomed to. This Biblical tabernacle is a mere copy of the real temple of God, where God and His Son will be residing with mankind in the New Heavens and Earth described in Revelation 21! I like to interpret this phrase also as Christ would when He told the Pharisees that He could raise the Temple up in three days, even if they destroyed it. Little did those ignorant men know He was referring to the Body – the Temple of the Holy Spirit! So another way to seek Him in His Temple is to seek after Jesus in the actual Personhood of His Entire Being...right now, through Prayer, Praise and Bible study! Are you doing these things? If so, then double down and worship Jesus even more! It's great for the soul!


This  is what my favorite verse of Scripture means to me....and how about yours?! Pray about it and let the Lord show you a meaningful one, geared just for you, if you don't have one yet!
Amen.

Saturday, April 21, 2012

IS GOD ON AMERICA'S SIDE?

Trinidad Photos
This photo of Trinidad is courtesy of TripAdvisor

PART 1: 


NO!


God is on God's Side!

Because of the blessed nature of this country - our freedoms, mobility, generosity and prosperity, everyone of us think God is always on our side! 



When you look at the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. 
When you look at the plains shimmering with golden wheat.
When you look at the blue oceans teaming with fish for the table.
When you look at the little league baseball games with minivans parked around the small ballfields.
When you look at the tall white steeples over historic country churches or aging greystone cathedrals in the cities.
When you look at the rows of fancy hotels and homes on the southern coasts and inlets with million dollar yachts......when....when....when...and more.....one cannot help but sit back in wonder and then thank God  for all of this, when all is said and done and you are done look at it!


There is no doubt that this is the most generous country in the world. When there is a natural or man-made disaster ANYWHERE in the world, including enemies, we give until it hurts. America has the most missionaries digging wells for poverty- and thirst-stricken peoples in the Third World. We have the most preachers going on missions trips spreading the gospel and planting churches, and I know of several doctors, right here in our own small area, who donate their two week vacations to go to places like Mexico City to donate their time and service to the poor.


So why is there a feeling of despair, hopelessness and no true joy in our lives?
The reason - we have lost our first love!



We can debate when the slide into Sodom and Gomorrah began - whether it began when Hollywood became the center of the universe 100 years ago or when the so-called "Greatest Generation" got fat and lazy after World War II brought the most wealth and arrogance to our people. Whenever it began, it began. Some will argue it began when former Ku Klux Klan turned liberal supreme court justice Hugo Black began his assault on Christianity or the liberal Warren Court. Whenever it began, it began.


Where it actually started was in the hearts of a people who did not guard their hearts.
Proverbs 14:34 says "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people". 

We let the culture define who are are. Then we let the culture, increasingly perverse, sexual and amoral...we let it creep into the church. We let that evil mission-creep happen gradually so it was not noticeable, except to the god of this world who rubbed his hands in glee.



As the evil one rejoiced that his kingdom of darkness gained more converts, the King of Kings shed a tear at all of this as He listened on Sunday mornings and on high patriotic days to a people singing "God shed His Grace on thee....and crown thy good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea"!

Listen to the charge which the Lord Jesus had, right off the bat, against the Ephesian church ‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name's sake, and you have not grown weary. 
But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. 
To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’ (Revelation 2:2-7 ESV)

Now think about this charge, in light of the Christian church in America. Why is this important? Because, unlike any other country in the world, where the American church goes, thus goeth the nation. This is not a christian nation, but one which was founded by Christians and based 100% on Christian principles and Biblical Truth. 

Tomorrow, we will examine this indictment by Jesus against us, because we have fallen more than this church at Ephesus and cause some real damage to His Name!



Friday, April 20, 2012

FEAR DOWN, FAITH UP!



Fear is the natural human reaction of the unknown. 

In the natural we fear walking down a dark city street at 11pm, after going to an all-night Walgreens for some emergency orange juice or something. We fear driving to a big city for, say a visit to a medical specialist, at 7 am because the gridlock outside of Dallas/Fort Worth or the Twin Cities because it may be something you are not accustomed to.

We look at our sweet children and fear for their future. The politicians have saddled our grand kids and their children with so much debt and hopelessness that they face horrible financial burdens, from the minute they are born. Even worse, they are being told that while they may have "the freedom to worship", they dare not  exercise those timeless, God-given values outside of the church building.

We fear for our futures, our families and our faith. All of these fears are legitimate. Mothers of all ages know the stress and burdens of keeping families together while a shrinking number of responsible men trying to keep their heads above water.....you get the picture.

Due to the political expediency of 'divide and conquer' politics, one group lives in constant fear of the other.  In all the aforementioned, we can nothing uplifting about any of this. Therefore Fear HAS to be a factor of the god of this world. Fear has to be a facet of a life of little faith....and it is.

For our exhortation today, I won't be-labor the point with my own thoughts, but would let the Word of God speak for itself. You and I can kid ourselves and put on the cheap band-aid of pop psychology to soothe our shattered nerves over the pressures of living, or we can go for the Truth and let the true peace of God wash over us and guide us unto the path of rest in His arms.

Mark Twain once said "Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear. Except a creature be part coward, it is not a compliment to say it is brave". But how do we get such courage? For one thing, it is not something easily acquired. It takes a lot of FAITH! Yes - it takes TRUST in the One Who gives and gives and gives and just asks for Love, Respect and Obedience in return!

If you were to see what He protected you from, day after day, you would fall on your face and bawl your eyes out. For those of us who make it to Heaven, because we have repented and been forgiven of our sins, by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we fear not the unknown, while having a Healthy Fear of God which the Bible demands.

Therefore, conquer your fears by just keying into these next few verses today and praying to the One who gave them, that we may rely totally on Him. It is only through this that we may come to rest secure in the Knowledge that He, literally, 'has our back'.

Do not be afraid of sudden terror
or of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes,
for the LORD will be your confidence
and will keep your foot from being caught.
(Proverbs 3:25-26 ESV)

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.
(1 John 4:18 ESV)

Be strong, and let your heart take courage,
all you who wait for the LORD!
(Psalm 31:24 ESV)

There are so many more Scriptures I can provide here, but these three should start us off on a journey today, of beginning to tap into the Tree of Life, from the Giver of Life. It's like making maple syrup.  One gallon of sweet and delicious Maple Syrup comes only after you have tapped 40-50 gallons of sap from the maple tree! Yes...it takes 50 to make one! 

So it is with Faith. You see, it takes a lot of Faith and it does take some work, to produce a life that is so sweet and precious to both the Lord and those around you! Won't you consider this today and let the Lord have your fears? We have to constantly tap into the sap which flows from Him, His Word and His Son - Jesus Christ. Are you ready to jump in, head first? Pray with me:

Father in the Name of Jesus, I trust only in You, completely in You and surrender ALL to You. I love, adore, worship, bow down and say now, Father, that I am through trying to do this all myself in my pride and arrogance...I give all my cares, fears and tears to You and rely in the Healing Power of Christ, the Author and Perfecter of my Faith in You. I camp on these Scriptures above, from Your Holy Word and claim the Victory which was won at the Cross as mine only because Your Wonderful Son, the Lord Jesus, won it at the cost of His Life, for me.
It is in His Name I pray, amen and amen!


(Image by Google)

Thursday, April 19, 2012

IF I COULD TOUCH HIS HEM by LYNN MOSHER


If I can just touch His hem...if I can just touch His hem...


Here she was, in the midst of a multitude of people, a place the Law forbade her to be. Why?


For twelve long years, she suffered with a condition, a hemorrhage of blood, one that the doctors could not cure. She spent all her money on their lack of knowledge.


Today, the rumor spread quickly through the local grapevine that the Man of God, Jesus, had just arrived.


And she heard the rumor: He was coming her way, within her reach.


LYNN MOSHER
Ostracized and considered unclean, she had been depleted of everything – physically, financially, relationally, and probably emotionally. But her faith remained intact, for she held onto the Scriptures. She clung to it, knowing this was her chance to touch the Man of God Who healed. 


How did she know this? She was Jewish; she knew the Scriptures. She knew Jehovah-rapha from such scriptures as “I am Jehovah your healer(Ex. 15:26 Masoretic Text), and “But to you who fear My name, the Sun of righteousness shall rise up and healing will be on His wings.(Mal. 4:2 Masoretic Text).


And knowing the prophecies of the Messiah, she probably clung to these verses for dear life, “Surely He has borne our sicknesses and our pains…He was pierced for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was on Him; and with His wounds we ourselves are healed. (Isa. 53:4-5 Mas Text)


However, I am sure one Scripture stood out in her mind, “In those days…men…shall take hold, and will seize the skirt of a man, a Jew, saying, Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.” (Zech. 8:23 Mas Text)


Now, here was this Man called Yeshua, as the fulfillment of all the Scriptures. And “She said within herself, If only I shall touch His robe, I will be cured.” (Matt. 9:21 Received Greek Text)


So, she went into the streets searching for Him and found Him surrounded by a mob of people. Others in the crowd pressed into Jesus’ presence with their flesh, but this woman pressed into His presence with her faith. 


Many images suggest that the woman crawled in the dirt to touch Jesus’ hem, but if she had, she would have been trampled to death. I wanted to title this: She Did Not Crawl in the Dirt! You’ll see why in a second.


People sometimes forget Jesus was Jewish, and He would have been following His Jewish heritage by wearing His traditional tallit or prayer shawl. According to the Code of Jewish Law, “Severe is the punishment of the one who neglects the performance of the Divine Command in putting on the tzitzit.” 


God commanded the Israelites to make fringes or tassels on the corners of their garments that they would look upon them to remember all the commandments. The Hebrew word for fringe is tsiytsith or tzitzit. It also means a wing-like projection, a tassel, etc. Corners also means an edge, border, skirt, wing, etc. 


The hem on the tallit was/is not as we know hems today. It was/is not just the end of the fabric turned under and stitched in place. The Greek word for fringe is kraspedon, which is translated hem and also means tassel, border, edge, skirt, etc. 


There were/are strict rules for the construction of the knots and windings that made up (and still make up) the fringe. A tallit was/is treated with extreme respect; therefore, Jesus’ tallit would not have been dragging in the dirt. That would have been a disgrace.


Trembling, the woman flung her hand out, grasping the hem/fringe of Jesus’ garment. Immediately, Jesus stopped in His tracks, halted by a release of His power from her grasp of faith.


The Matthew account says, “But turning and seeing her, Jesus said, Be comforted daughter; your faith has healed you. And the woman was healed from that hour. (Matt. 9:22 RGT) 


The healing in His wings, in His fringe? In the making of the tallit, there were/are 39 windings of the fringe. Jesus received 39 lashings of the Roman whip for our affliction, for our healing!


When we realize the significance of the concept of the fringe to the early Hebraic mind, it becomes evident why this woman was instantly healed. 


Are you a part of the crowd, just brushing up against Him, or are you seeking Him in the midst of all that’s going on around you? Does your faith press into His presence for all you need? 


When health disintegrates, when money dissipates, when friends disappear, when the church and family disown you, what’s left? Your source of all the rest is Jesus and clinging to the fringe of His garment.


Jesus still comes today, in your direction, within your reach. He is passing by you today. Will you merely bump into Him, hoping something rubs off Him and onto you? 


Or will you get close enough to reach out in faith to touch Him, to be made whole? Ask yourself: What will happen if I touch His hem?

(Image by google images)

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

THREE UNLIKELY MEN

JAMES MASON AS JOSEPH OF ARIMETHEA
IN "THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST"
#3 THE SUPREME COURT JUDGE
Back in 1973, some liberal American judged created a so-called "right to privacy" which was never written into the United States constitutions. They claimed that such a "right" existed in the "emanations of the penumbra" of the Constitutions, while searching for a rationale to legalize Abortion. That was the United States Supreme Court. 

The Supreme Court of the Jews in Jerusalem during the brief earthly life of Jesus possessed the same "moral flexibility" and were not originalists to the Word of God, as give on Mt. Sinai or the prophets. To these types - lawyers and pharisees all,  this "rebel" Jesus was getting too much in their business and their created religion. He was upsetting their apple carts (and money-changer tables). He was telling folks there was a Kingdom of Heaven and it was nothing like what those corrupt priests and lawyers in the temples and synagogues were forcing on them! Some of the higher echelon of the pharisees had corrupt dealings with the occupying Romans, so they could maintain their power. So, this Jesus had to go.

Scripture tells us that when the Sanhedrin (or the Council of 71 Supreme Judges) had the vote to finally do the deed and execute Jesus, this man did not vote with them - he abstained! These Judges set the rules and order for daily living for the Jews, so theirs was the final word on all religious Jewish matters..even with a Roman governor sitting in Jerusalem! This man who abstained is called a Disciple of Jesus and his name was Joseph of Arimethea. 


The Bible says "And behold, there was a man named Joseph, a council member, a good and just man. He had not consented to their counsel and deed. He was from Arimathea, a city of the Jews, who himself was also waiting for the kingdom of God (Luke 23:50-51). The council which Joseph was a member of was/is the Sanhedrin. The reason I said "is" the Sanhedrin, is because this same group who murdered the Son of God has reconstituted themselves back into the same Council which voted to send Christ to the Cross in AD 33!!!


Joseph is this third unlikely man who was deeply affected by the Death of Jesus. While he abstained from voting to prosecute and then execute the Savior, he is the only one of Jesus' Disciples not to flee like all the others except the young apostle John. Not just that, when the rubber hit the road, Joseph was the one who stepped out in Faith and boldly went to the pagan Roman governor Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus, which was still hanging on the Cross! Pilate had ascertained that Jesus was already dead, from one of his soldiers.

Because of his station in life, what what we know now, was a rich metals-trading merchant, Joseph not only had credibility as a Judge on the Council of Jerusalem, but honesty as a trader with both Jew and Gentile. So when as Matthew says in 27:57-58:  Now when evening had come, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus.Now when evening had come, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be given to him".


Just briefly, the rest of the Story says that Joseph and his friends got Jesus off the Cross. He was obviously dead. Then another secret disciple, and a major figure in the Temple among the pharisees - Nicodemus - brought 100 pounds of burial spices and both men boldly showed their commitment to Christ, in front of the entire world!  Both secret disciples did not participate in the kangaroo court and despicable treatment of Jesus by the rest of the Council and the pharisees.But they stood silent as it unfolded, unjustly! Now, in the midst of the most important event in Christianity, as all Jesus' major followers fled in fear, these no -longer - secret Disciples would give up EVERYTHING they were, to lovingly bury the poor, humble Savior, Who didn't even have his own bed, when he was alive!


Joseph of Arimethea also fulfilled the prophesy of Isaiah 53:9b "And they made His grave with the wicked and with a rich man in His death"!!! Can you believe this! Jesus was buried in the brand new tomb of the richest man in Jerusalem! The rest of the story of this wonderful human being is filled with Legend and half-truths. But this much is certain. When the religious leaders heard what Joseph and his sidekick, Nicodemus had done, they were kicked out of the Council!

Historical documents of the time showed that Joseph was briefly imprisoned and then both men ordered to leave Jerusalem. Joseph then joined an evangelistic team led by the original Disciple Philip, which traveled up through the middle of Europe, north of Rome and eventually landed in England!


This is all fantastic and heart warming history to read, but we can learn from what both Nicodemus and Joseph did. Nicodemus was the big religious scholar of Israel who used to come and visit Jesus in the middle of the night. We have John 3:16 because of Nicodemus.


Pre-crucifixion Joseph is a perfect example of most Christians today, who remain silent when the Name of Jesus is blasphemed or when true biblical Christianity is mocked and reviled. Very few of our children, unless we bring them up to be bold, will stand up and be counted about their faith. God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, love and self-control. Therefore, if we bring them up with that in mind, the few of them we raise will indeed testify to Christ,  otherwise most will be silent all the way to the grave! Most will never even get saved, far less spread the gospel to somebody else, because the world has gotten to their souls and minds first!


Pre-crucifixion Joseph is also an example of the coming persecution when very few will be left who are true believers. Over 84% of our young people are losing their faith in the very first year of college. Already, over 67% or 2/3rds of so-called born again Christians believe there is another way to Heaven than Jesus. They obviously was not listening in church where they would have heard John 14:6 many times (I am the Way, the Truth and the Life and no one comes to the Father, except through Me)!


POST- CRUCIFIXION Joseph of Arimethea is a perfect example of not only making a bold statement in of Faith in Christ in a hostile environment, but it is living proof of going above and beyond the Call of Christ! He knew he was risking everything and was going to lose it. He was correct, because he loved Jesus more than the things of this world. Joseph is an example of a person who is allowed the time and opportunity to make things right.


However, many will NEVER have this privilege! Many will die in their sins or their self-deception that they were saved (because they walked the aisle or said a prayer). Many will die like this and go straight away from God for eternity - separated from Him. They will never have the chance to make things right with God!


If you are one of them, or know someone who is, please share the Good News with them now! Not next week but now! Now! Now is the hour of redemption. DO NOT WAIT OR LINGER!!! Do not be like this wonderful Supreme Court Judge Joseph of Arimethea, who both blessed Jesus, and also fulfilled prophesy! That was a one time event. But be a bold disciple of Jesus Christ, to the lost and dying around you, and stand up, stand up for Jesus, ye soldiers of the Cross! 

Amen!