Family

9-30-2014      Mark 3:31-35

S.       31There came then his brethren and his mother, and, standing without, sent unto him, calling him.32 And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee.33 And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren?34 And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!35 For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.

O.      Jesus declares the source of family; doing the will of God!

A.      I will learn the will of God from his word and keep it before my face daily. I will submit my will and obey the voice of the Lord.

P.       Father; I want to be a part of your family, show me how to accomplish your will. Amen.

ON THE WINNING TEAM!

What a great day to be serving the Lord. With a heart full of peace and a mind at rest we can enjoy each day. My soul was fully rested yesterday. My God honored his word as I honored his Sabbath.....all is well.

9-29-2014      Mark 3:28-

S.       28 Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme: 29 But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation: 30 because they said, He hath an unclean spirit.

O.      Jesus tells of the un-forgivable sin.

A.      I must guard my mind and keep my thoughts aligned with the word of God. I will not call the work of the Holy Ghost the work of satan, nor compare the wicked to the good with any level of respect to the wicked.

P.       Father God; fill me to the full with the Holy Ghost as I surrender my life to your plan and purpose. Amen.. 

Jesus is calling

9-26-2014      Mark 3:13-19

S.       13 And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him.14 And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,15 And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils:16 And Simon he surnamed Peter;17 And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder:18 And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite,19 And Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed him: and they went into an house.

O.      Jesus calls twelve men into his ministry.

A.      Jesus still calls people to follow him and serve in ministry. I have been called, I will follow.

P.       Father; renew my calling, lift my spirit and give me strength to obey. Heal my body of this pain and use me to heal others. Amen.

Christ-Like --- WOW --- Novel Idea!

When will Christians stop acting like satan? We need to start over on this Holy Road and remember the way Jesus lived and how he treated people. Pray for our enemy, heap coals of fire (love) on their heads and do them no harm. Christian......Christ-like......NOT; devouring, selfish, mean, etc. etc.

9-23-2014      Mark 3:1-3

S.       1 And he entered again into the synagogue; and there was a man there which had a withered hand.2 And they watched him, whether he would heal him on the sabbath day; that they might accuse him.3 And he saith unto the man which had the withered hand, Stand forth.

O.      People are watching Jesus and looking for some fault or sin (Judging Him).

A.      I will also watch Jesus, not to Judge him, but to learn his ways, his love and his personality.

P.       Father; open my eyes that I may see and understand the ways and ministry of Jesus. Help me to become more like him every day. Amen.

9-24-2014      Mark 3:4-5

S.       4 And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace.5 And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other.

O.      Jesus asks: when is it right to do good deeds? He is angry over the un-caring attitude of this group. Then Jesus heals a man with a withered hand.

A.      I must never become hard-hearted or legalistic when it comes to the blessings of God. I should desire blessings and miracles for those around me regardless of the traditions of this world.

P.       Father; create in me a heart of compassion for hurting people and guide that heart by your Spirit rather than by my feeble mind. I submit myself to do your will. Amen.    

Sabbath

9-22-2014      Mark 2:23-28

S.       23 And it came to pass, that he went through the corn fields on the sabbath day; and his disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears of corn.24 And the Pharisees said unto him, Behold, why do they on the sabbath day that which is not lawful?25 And he said unto them, Have ye never read what David did, when he had need, and was an hungred, he, and they that were with him?26 How he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and did eat the shewbread, which is not lawful to eat but for the priests, and gave also to them which were with him?27 And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:28 Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.

O.      Jesus explains why the Sabbath was established.

A.      I will honor the Sabbath and keep my covenant with God.

P.       Father; direct my path, fill my heart and teach me your plan for the Sabbath. Amen.

Martyrs

Christians are being killed, displaced and sold into slavery by Islamic criminals and the world is simply watching. Are we back in the Roman Coliseum? Have we become so desensitized by the bashing of Christians that happens every day in American politics, television and media that we really don't care? Where is the outrage, the sympathy, the justice or the protection? Wake up, repent, and speak out and let the president and congress know.......one life is just as important as another. If these crimes were being committed on homosexual people or black people the full might of the World would be brought to bear.......and it would be stopped. What hypocrisy!

9-21-2014           Mark 2:20-22

S.       20 But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.21 No man also seweth a piece of new cloth on an old garment: else the new piece that filled it up taketh away from the old, and the rent is made worse.22 And no man putteth new wine into old bottles: else the new wine doth burst the bottles, and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred: but new wine must be put into new bottles.

O.      All things must become new……to hold and keep the blessings of God!

A.      I must be a new man, not patched or recycled. Only God can make me into a new man as I surrender and obey his law and love.

P.       Father; thank you for inviting me into your family, for adopting me, for seeing in me something of worth that you could desire. I am yours, now, and forever. Amen.   

Calling Sinners

9-19-2014      Mark 2:15-17

S.       15 And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him.16 And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners?17 When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

O.      Jesus explains his reason for coming.

A.      I must share the message of Jesus. Inside and outside the church this message must be spread. Jesus ate and drank with the sinners. He did not sin their sins to be with them, he just did not avoid their presence. We must live a pure life as an example to others.

P.       Father; Wash away all my sin, set my feet on the right path and shine through me……today. Amen. 

Being Judged?

Why are people so afraid of being Judged? What could be so evil or dangerous living inside folks that they have a phobia of it being brought to light? I welcome judgement, in fact, I judge myself every day. I judge that I am useless and ignorant and need God to aid me in every aspect of life. If God is powerful enough to erase my sin and clean my record at an alter of repentance then he is powerful enough to keep me holy! I will put my life in his hands, trust his advice, obey his commands and with his help thrive. Only people with something to hide are afraid of being judged.

9-16-2014      Mark 2:1-4

S.       1 And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house.2 And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them.3 And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.4 And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.

O.      As Jesus is preaching to a crowded houseful four men brought a sick man to be healed. The house was too full to enter so the men opened the roof and lowered the sick man down to where Jesus was preaching.

A.      Extra effort may be required to bring people into the presence of Jesus. We must be willing to press on and overcome any obstacles.

P.       Father; strengthen my resolve and undergird my tenacity to overcome. Reveal the alternate methods that I might use to reach people in difficult circumstances and lead them to you. Amen.  

Marriage Supper of the Lamb.

My friends, Ricky & Tina, renewed their wedding vows yesterday on their thirtieth anniversary. Love and joy filled their eyes and my heart. I am filled with joy and sadness at the same time. Joy for this couple and sadness over the many friends I have that have failed at marriage. I'm not thinking of the couples that have divorced. I am referring to the people that have forgotten their standing as the Bride of Christ. Wearing sin stained garments is never  acceptable at any wedding! At a wedding the entire focus is on the Bride, her dress, her hair, her jewels, her smile.......she is the center of attraction. We, as a bride, are the focus of God. This world is a place of preparation for our wedding........the one in heaven........where the church is "The Bride of Christ".

9-15-2014      Mark 1:40-45

S.       40 And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.41 And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean.42 And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed.43 And he straitly charged him, and forthwith sent him away;44 And saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.45 But he went out, and began to publish it much, and to blaze abroad the matter, insomuch that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert places: and they came to him from every quarter.

O.      Jesus heals a leper and instructs him to honor the Jewish law of cleansing and to keep silent until purification was complete. The leper failed to be obedient to his instructions and thus hindered the ministry of Jesus.

A.      We should obey all the instructions from the Lord. This will keep us strong and will facilitate the witness that is needed each day.

P.       Father; I will trust and obey…..today! Lead me into the center of your perfect will for this day and minister through me. Amen.

Friendship

I received word of a great loss yesterday morning. My friend was killed in a motorcycle accident.
What do we do when a friend is suddenly gone? Do we cry, scream, hide our pain or just come undone? I have done all that and I still hurt. My friend was the best example of friendship. He never let anything I said, or did, change our relationship. He was always the same. Seek out your friends today and let them know you care. This may be your last chance.

9-14-2014      Mark 1:36-39

S.       36 And Simon and they that were with him followed after him.37 And when they had found him, they said unto him, All men seek for thee.38 And he said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth.39 And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils.

O.      Simon finds Jesus in prayer and tells him that people are seeking to see him. Jesus travels to new places to minister in Galilee.

A.      The messages of salvation, healing and deliverance are my responsibility. I will share these with as many as possible.

P.       Father; lead me by your Holy Spirit in the sharing of this wonderful gospel message today. Speak through me, heal through me and love through me. Amen.

Trouble Makers

Stop that! My grandchild must think that is his name. Every few seconds....stop that....stop that....poor child stays in trouble. I wish God would yell at us some time. We seem to go about our way as if nothing matters, doing just what we want to do even when we know it's wrong. Why are we so stubborn? 

9-13-2014      Mark 1:35

S.       35 And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.

O.      Jesus, a praying man.

A.      I shall be a praying man.

P.       Father; Jesus walked on this earth as a man to be my example. His life was filled with prayer and supplication. Hear my prayer today Father God and help me to be like Jesus. Forgive my sin, fill me with your Spirit, heal my body and cleanse my mind of all unclean thoughts. Amen.

Quit Fighting with God!

Is it possible to have peace in this world? Can one ever truly learn to love his fellow man? Will we use all our learning and science to destroy hunger and sickness? Probably Not! We are too selfish and want everything to work in our favor. Jesus came and lived a pure, holy life as an example to us of how to live in peace, joy and love. Only when we surrender our will to God can we find true peace. Time for you to choose.

9-12-2014      Mark 1:2934

S.       29 And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.30 But Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of her.31 And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.32 And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils.33 And all the city was gathered together at the door.34 And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him.

O.      Jesus heals Simon’s mother and many others. He also commanded devils to come out of people and did not let the devils speak.

A.      Jesus will heal today as he healed when he walked as a man on earth. I believe in the healing touch of Jesus. God still gives power to cast out satan and his demons. Through faith in Jesus I will pray and believe for this power.

P.       Father; use me today to declare your authority over sickness and sin. Heal through my faith and stop the mouth of devils for your children. Amen. 

Death vs. Life

Today I remember the pain of 9-11. Evil men are the tool of satan and will stop at nothing to execute wickedness. This attack on American soil brought many to their knees for the first time in years. Why does it take a tragedy to awaken people to their need for God. Call on God today and he will answer. Seek him as Saviour of your soul not some heavenly "bell-hop" fulfilling your petty requests. God will, God does and God can save you from your sin and set you on the proper path.

9-11-2014      Mark 1:21-28

S.       21 And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught.22 And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.23 And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,24 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.25 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.26 And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him.27 And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.28 And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee.

O.      Jesus teaches in Capernaum and cast out an unclean spirit.

A.      In every face to face conflict between Jesus and satan, satan always loses! The power of God never fails! I will put my trust in the Lord and stop being afraid of the devil. Through God I will overcome…….every time.

P.       Father; thank you for my victory today over satan and all his lies. Thank you for the cross and the empty tomb. Thank you for calling me out of darkness and into your wonderful light. Amen.

The Real Victory!

People all around me are speaking fear, dread and worry. Why do we think the worst? Why do we expect bad things to come our way? If you have your hand in the hand of God, what are you afraid of? Is there any terror too big for Him to handle? Is there any power that can overcome Him? Try looking "up" into his eyes as you tighten your grip. You won't "see" the fearful, wicked or profane around you........your on the right path!

9-10-2014      Mark 1:16-20

S.       16 Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.17 And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.18 And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him.19 And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets.20 And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.

O.      Jesus calls his first disciples, four fishermen, Simon, Andrew, James and John to train them.

A.      We must heed the call of God each day, “take up our cross” and obey. The lost will not come to us and ask for guidance into the kingdom of God. We must declare the gospel message and increase the kingdom of God, one person at a time.

P.       Father; thank you for reminding me of your call. Lead me, sweet Spirit, to the people that I  might help today. Strengthen my heart and give me courage to speak. Amen.  

The Rapture?

When will God send Jesus to take his children home? I think that God is waiting for you to become a follower of Jesus. It's not the wars, the earthquakes, the famines or the hatred killing thousands that I am focused on. These are mentioned throughout scripture as end-time events that proceed the return of Christ (Rapture) but I know that the heart of God is longing for you to turn from your wickedness (sin) and be made new. You are the reason that God is withholding his wrath, because he loves you, yes you. God hates your sin but he loves you. Come home dear sinner, backslider for time is short. You may be the last one. Somebody will!

9-9-2014         Mark 1:14-15

S.       14 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

O.      The message of Jesus; repent and believe the gospel.

A.      We must not complicate the gospel message with doctrines of men and traditions built in fear. I will declare repentance and labor to believe.

P.       Father; help me to believe and not doubt. Help me to be consistent, dependable and a strong witness for you. Amen.

Wilderness

9-8-2014         Mark 1:12-13

S.       12 And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness.13 And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.

O.      Jesus is tempted by satan in the wilderness. Mark does not give any details of the temptation but notes the wild beasts and Angels being present.

A.      Temptation comes to every life. Being tempted is not a sin but giving in to temptation is. This world is a wilderness full of wild beasts and temptation to sin is everywhere. We must hold fast to the knowledge that Jesus overcame temptation as an example for us to follow.

P.       Father: lead me not into temptation but deliver me from this evil world. Amen.

Sweet Jesus

9-7-2014         Mark 1:9-11

S.       9 And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.10 And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:11 And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

O.      Jesus is baptized in the river Jordan and the Spirit falls on him in the form of a dove. God speaks: “Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased”.

A.      All three of the Holy Trinity are revealed here; Jesus, God and the Holy Ghost. God sends all the power of Heaven to the ones he loves and calls. What a privilege to be called by God to become his child. God is my help, my guide, my motivation, my joy, my crown and my all. I am blessed.

P.       Father; Thank you for calling me and giving me hope. Amen.

River Jordan

9-6-2014         Mark 1:7-8

S.       7 And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.8 I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.

O.      John declares that Jesus will come and baptize man with the Holy Ghost.

A.       Repentance brings a person into right standing with God. The Holy Ghost is the ambassador of God who dwells in man to aid him in his new walk.

P.       Father; baptize me fresh today and renew my spirit. Amen.

The Beginning of The Book Mark

Mark 1:1-6

S.       1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;2 As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.5 And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.6 And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey;

O.      Mark begins his letter by introducing John the Baptist and his ministry; A ministry of repentance.

A.       Today’s message should include repentance, every message should include repentance. All other messages become useless until repentance is achieved. 

P.       Father; I repent, I seek to be found guiltless in your eyes. Thank you God for sending your son, Jesus, to pay the debt of sin that I could never pay!  Speak Lord and I will obey. Amen.

Paul in Rome

9-4-2014         Acts 28:29-31

S.       29 And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves.30 And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him,31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.

O.      Paul lives as a free man in Rome and uses this freedom to spread the gospel.

A.      I must live the life of a free man, free from sin, shame and free from regret. I will keep myself from wickedness by clinging to Jesus and his word. I will commune with the Lord, listen and obey using my freedom wisely to the saving of my soul and as many other souls as possible.

P.       Father; I come to you weak to be made strong. I come to you hungry to be made full. I come to you lost that I may be found. I come to you to serve, use me as you will. Amen.

Follow God!

9-3-2014         Acts 28:26-28

S.       26 Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:27 For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.28 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.

O.      Paul declares that the message of Jesus is open to the Gentiles because the Jewish people are not responding properly.

A.      Our response to God will decide our future. I will follow with all my heart, mind and spirit. I will embrace God and reject sin.

P.       Father; I reach out to you with all that I am. Cleanse me from sin and keep me on the right path. Fill me with your Spirit that I never stray. Amen.

Jesus

9-2-2014         Acts 28:23-25

S.       23 And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.24 And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.25 And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers,

O.      Paul teaches the Jews of Rome about Jesus and how he is the fulfilment of all the law and prophets. Some believe and some do not.

A.      Explaining Jesus to people is our main message and ministry. To explain Jesus to others we need to know him as well as possible. This can only be accomplished by fervent prayer, study and revelation from the Holy Ghost. I will seek to know Jesus to the greatest extent possible.

P.       Father; draw me into that inner court where I may see Jesus clearly. Open my understanding and give me the insight that only you have to give. Amen.

September 11th

As I woke this morning I was weeping and in pain: I had a dream that bombs were going off all over America on September 11th. This dream was so real to me. Christians; Please start praying now that this does not become a reality. Don't live in fear, just trust God and be prepared. I know what this post will bring down on me from some people but I would rather have some people upset with me than fail to warn God's people. Remember: God loves you and so do I.

Seek and Tell

9-1-2014         Acts 28:17-22   Labor Day

S.       17 And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.18 Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me.19 But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of.20 For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.21 And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judaea concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of thee.22 But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.

O.      Paul is now in Rome and he meets with the Jewish leaders to share with them the reason of his arrest. A time is set to hear Paul’s defence and to learn about the Christian sect.

A.      We must actively seek out people and tell them our testimony. The message of salvation is needed today. People are hurting, sick and afraid and we have the message of hope, healing and love. I will share!

P.       Father; guide my steps today to those that need your love, hope, healing and salvation. Increase my courage and help me speak. Amen.