3-5-2017 Arizona Birthday

Two meetings at different churches: Morning at Mountain of Life in Surprise Arizona, good attendance and a sweet spirit. Preached "Who are you" sermon about our identity in Jesus. Nancy and I both sang a special. Today is her birthday but I won't say which one. This is the second year that we have been on a trip on her birthday.......sort of messes me up trying to do something special for a celebration. Big group went to Golden Coral and did the lunch thing...as all proper Christians should.
Evening service was at Revival Worship Center in Youngstown Arizona and what a packed house we had. Grandpa Land came to visit and he looks great (much stronger than I expected). He called Stephen Land and set me up to preach over at his church next Sunday morning. It sure inspires me to be granted all these opportunities to minister. Preached about faith and really got turned loose. Nancy thought I was wrapping it up twice only to get another surge of inspiration and away I went. Did not get home until 11:30 but I was not even tired. It takes me several hours to "unwind" after such an energetic sermon. Having service here Monday through Thursday at seven pm each night. Come on out if you can.

Many people in these two churches are sick, fighting disease and broken down from hard work and life's burdens. I want to be used in these meetings to bring them some joy, relief and comfort. Pray for me to preach this type of message and share the love of God with each one.

Sabbatical: Day 6

We entered the old city through the Jaffa Gate on foot heading to the Western Wall Tunnels. These old gates are still used for all traffic into and out of the old city. We yielded the right of way to several cars as they squeezed through the narrow way. Nearly every auto was scratched and dented from these gates. The tunnels are an active archaeological work site. The excavation covers the entire length of the western wall. At the bedrock level I placed my hands on the very first stone placed in the building of the wall. This stone weights 550 tons and was cut out of the mountain at the north end of Jerusalem and rolled on small round balls to it's current location.
These tunnels have massive rooms in the beginning and narrow to a six foot wide walk way along the base of the wall. About midway is a women's prayer area. This is just under the Holy of Hollies some 100 feet above. Prayer is made in this location at all times. There is a report that the prayer wall here is covering a large room which contains the Ark of the Covenant. This area will need several more years of excavation.

Our next stop was at the Western Wall prayer area. This is the same area we visited on the Sabbath. I made my way to the wall, praying as I went. In my hand were several dozen prayers and blessings written on small slips of paper and placed into an offering envelope from Elm Grove. (the envelope was covered with these also). I even had our prayer list from Sundays bulletin in there. Each step forward gave me a physical touch in my body. I was tired and sore from all the walking but step by step I was feeling stronger and stronger. I pushed the envelope into a large crack between two really large stones (I even took a selfie of this) and placed my hands over the place and began to pray. The Holy Spirit flowed in an almost melodic fashion and fire fell. My Lord was there with me, his hands were on me as I called out the names of every person I could think of. Joy flooded my soul and I knew that I had ascended above that Wall and into the throne room of  Almighty God in heaven. My body may have been at the Western Wall but my Spirit was with God. As I moved away from the wall, walking backward as not to turn my back to this holy place, I knew that each prayer and blessing was received by God. I know that in time will I will hear the reports of all that was sealed on this day.

I am amazed at the sight of Masada. Riding the cable car to the top was like flying on the wings of a bird. Below was the Dead Sea and all the wonderful agricultural achievements of the Jewish farmers and above was the Herodian Fortress. This is a large area of several acres with a summer palace on one end and a winter palace on the other, many storage rooms, quarters for soldiers, farmers and servants, swimming pool, armory and recreational area. On the south end of the plateau there is agricultural land and evidence that it was well used. I have never seen the movie "Masada" but most people have so I will not go into the history of the last stand of Jewish rebels against Rome. My spiritual interests were not focused too much on this location. One special note: There is a Scribe working in a small room making hand written copies of the Torah. I said "God Bless Your Work" and he stopped and ask my name and my wife's name. He then took a scrap of parchment and printed our names with a heart between them in Hebrew and slipped it through a slot in the glass. 

After Masada we took a break at a beach on the Dead Sea. Just a lot of black mud to me but the local people were rubbing this mud all over and they said it kept them young and beautiful. I just watched. 

Upon arriving back in Jerusalem we went straight to the southern wall steps where Pastor Hagee was to speak. There were several hundred people gathered and a television crew set up for a live feed back to America. We had church! Singing, worship, praying and preaching. The only thing missing.....no offering. Pastor spoke of the suffering of Jesus and how he has paid the price, the full price, for our salvation and our healing. I made a commitment to; share more, tell more and believe for more.  

Sabbatical: Day 4

This being the Sabbath we started the day in the hotel briefing room. Our speaker was a Palestinian Affairs Correspondent. He shared his roll in keeping a balance to the reporting of Palestinian news. He told us that most Palestinian people are not angry with Israel and want peace to prevail but that none of the leaders have the courage to publicly state these views. The radical factions are hated as much by the Palestinian people as they are by the rest of the world and there is fear of reprisal if the leaders were to speak out. The news I hear in America never speaks of the Palestinian/Israel relationship in a positive manner and I was surprised to learn that Israel is full of Palestinian people that will stay in Israel even if a two-state solution is reached. They are safe in Israel and enjoy that safety. 

All of our tour today will be on foot because our guide is observant of the Sabbath. (no cars, phones or electricity used) From our hotel we walked up the home of Caiaphas and I stood in the room where Jesus was held on the night of his arrest. This room was a ceremonial cleansing pool with two sets of steps, one to enter (unclean) and the other to exit after cleansing. When Jesus was put there it had about four feet of water in it and it would have been easy to guard. The roof has a hole about eighteen inches wide to fill the pool with rain water. This pool is the same pool used to cleans the High Priest before he went into the Holy of Hollies once a year. How fitting that our Saviour was put into this room before he (as our High Priest) went to the cross. The air was electric in that room as I could feel the glory of God filling every fiber of my being. I was on the mind of my Jesus as he faced the cross for me and in that room all I had on my mind was his love for me.

Out in the garden we sat where Peter sat as he denied knowing Jesus. Pastor Scott preached a sermon of forgiveness for Peter and for all of us to consider. Peter was told ahead of time that he would fail and fail he did but repentance brought him relief and victory. We should never plan to fail but when we do fail there is Forgiveness, Mercy and Grace through our loving Saviour.

Down the way we were at the pool of Bethesda and walked the Via Dolorosa through the Arab market and on to the upper room. Each step was marked with information as to the ministry of Jesus. Our guide went a little to fast in this area and we lagged behind. I was not up to his fast pace as by now we had covered over four miles. Not since boot camp had I carried a heavy pack on such a long journey (boot camp was forty five years ago). I thought of the pain of Jesus as he carried that heavy cross. I thought of the beating he received. I thought of the weight of sin he was facing for me and I could not complain. In the upper room we spoke of family, togetherness and the sharing of the first communion. Love was the theme and that is what I felt, Love, Love and more Love. Back out into the market area we shared lunch and did a little shopping. The Arab merchants treated us in a most friendly manner, even when we did not spend any money with them. These people were citizens of Israel and told us of their love for Israel and America. (not what I expected) I found one man that was a Dallas Cowboys Fan and he thought that maybe I played football for them because I was so big and I was from Texas. Lots of friendship, laughing and fun in this market.

As we began our turn back to the hotel we passed the south wall of the old city and sat on the steps of the Temple Mount. These were the very steps that Jesus walked as they took him into the city to complete his trial. I walked back and forth on these stones to be sure that my foot would land on a spot that Jesus had touched himself. I was exhausted from all this walking but an anointing rested upon me as I prayed (in tongues) and thanked my Lord for loving me and calling me into his family. I remember how lost I was and how sweet the relief when my sin was destroyed on an old fashion alter of mourning. Tears flowed like a rain from my eyes, tears of joy. I was there, me, standing on the Temple Steps as much in the presence of God as ever in my life.

By the time we were back to the hotel we had covered almost seven miles, walking, on a hot summer day, carrying  heavy pack and ready for a needed rest. We still had a banquet to attend with Pastor Hagee, so, up to our room to clean up and back down to another five course meal and some real private time with this wonderful man and his wife. They opened up to us, answered all our questions, and shared their vision for American/Israeli relationships. My first Sabbath in Israel.....a perfect day!  

Sabbatical: Day 3/Western Wall

As we neared the wall there was singing. Many Jewish young people walking arm in arm and singing with enthusiasm and joy as they go to the western wall and celebrate their love of God and Israel. The scene I beheld made my heart leap. Men on the north side of a partition and women on the south. Some praying at the wall while others were singing and dancing with ecstatic joy and laughing. This made our Pentecostal meetings look like a wake. Joy at a level I have never seen in a public place. God's people praising him for life, love, home and country. These People were Jews from all over the world but their faith in God was all that was important. Oh if we Christians were as thankful as these people are.  

Our next stop was for Sabbath dinner. We were invited into a Jewish home to participate in a traditional Jewish Shabbat Dinner.
This young couple moved all the furniture out of the living room and set up tables for all thirty four of us. They had spent the whole day cooking and preparing so we could be part of their normal Sabbath meal. This home is about the size of my own and it was very close quarters but as soon as we began the closeness became symbolic of our relationships with each other and with God. Seven courses of delight and with each course a blessing, a song, a story and love, love, love. As our host began he thanked God for the past week, protection and provision and God's presence each day. Then he proclaimed a blessing on our food, his family and each of his guests. He sang most of the rest of his worship. He sang a song of love and devotion to his wife, to each of his children and to his extended relatives and to us. In Hebrew he sang and in English he told us what he had said. My tears flowed as I experienced this love and gratitude flowing as praise to God. I told Nancy how beautiful she is and how I love her., she was crying too.
Every part of the meal is centered around God, Family and Faith, in that order. Our host has a talent; he can mimic other peoples voices. He ask each of us to tell a little about ourselves, where we live, years married, children. As we took turn he would mimic some of us so well that we spent hours just laughing and enjoying his gift. He did not try to mimic me and I wondered why so after the meal as we were cleaning up I ask him why. He said; "Texas, your voice is too big for me" so we laughed some more. This togetherness of the Jewish family every Sabbath is the reason that this country and these people are so strong. They are glued together at the family level, the national level and at the spiritual level. There is no separation of church and state because they are one people. God please help America find it's way back to you so we too can be one as a people too. His closing blessing was for the new week to be better than the last and for his new american friends to be useful in God's Vineyard as we select a new president. We all said AMEN! 

Marriage Supper

Everything is ready. Invitations sent, R.S.V.P.s received. Place mats printed and on the table. What a beautiful table it is. now it's time to open the door and call the guests inside to the grandest gathering in human history........The Marriage Supper of the Lamb! See you there?

9-13-2015      Luke 11:27-28

S.       27 And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the pap’s which thou hast sucked. 28 But he said, yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

O.      Obeying the word is as important as hearing it.

A.      I will read, sing, listen and consume God’s word as my daily portion. I will, with the help of the Holy Spirit, live within the Grace I find from it!

    P.       Father; thank you for supplying me all I need within the pages of my Bible. Thank you for                calling me out of the darkness of sin into your wonderful light. Lead me each day on my                      journey home. Amen. 

Fear is not of God!

What did the disciples go through on the day between the cross and the resurrection?  Their hope was all gone. Their Lord was dead. They were sure to be next on the crosses of Rome. Fear, worry, doubt, shame and hopelessness was the order of the day. Why? They had been taught, by Jesus himself, that on the third day he would come to life again. They had seen his power as he calmed the sea, fed the multitude, raised the dead and set the demon possessed free. Why doubt now? They were too focused on how they were feeling and not on their faith. People are acting like this right now...... Are you?
Sunday is on the way!

S.O.A.P.

4-4-2015         Romans 13:11-13

S.       11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. 13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.

O.      Abandon all evil and walk in the light of love and salvation.

A.      Our eyes will not function without light. No light and we are blind. The same is true for our souls. Spiritual blindness is the result of sin. God gives us light from his word to guide us away from sin.

P.       Father; I confess all my sin and ask for the Blood of Jesus to wash me clean. Give me wisdom to implant your word into my mind and the Holy Spirit to remind me of each line. Amen.

Every Person has FAITH!

One fourth of 2015 is in the books. This has been a very hard year in many ways. Still ashamed of the man in the white house and all the folks in congress. This economy boom has missed everybody I know. Our family has lost several loved ones and I am still overweight. I am glad that my faith has not changed. I might be missing me some of my wants ..... But .... ALL of my needs have arrived on time and in good condition. Look to God my friend. He is the WAY, TRUTH AND THE LIFE!

S.O.A.P.

3-31-2015      Romans 12:19-21

S.       19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

O.      This is how Christians are to treat bad people.

A.      This is not normal thinking or actions in American society. I was not raised to be passive. I must have a change of heart and mind to accomplish this type of faith.

P.       Father; create in me this type of spirit and may it shine out of me to those around me. Amen.

Carry the Cross!

Jesus carried that heavy cross as long as he could. When his strength was gone another man was compelled to carry it for him. Will I carry the cross? Will I help Jesus finish his work? I have nothing of worth to give to the Lord. I will give him my love and my life. Oh God; help me carry the cross!

S.O.A.P.

1-7-2014         Romans 2:6-11

S.       6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds:7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:11 For there is no respect of persons with God.

O.      A man’s works will judge him, not God. All men stand before God equally.

A.      If my works will judge me I must keep my actions holy, I must avoid sin (repent quickly when I do) and invite the Holy Spirit to be my guide and comforter.

P.       Father; I want to stand before you and hear the words “well done”. I put my trust in Jesus and fall before you in worship. Lead me today into your perfect will. Amen.

The Future

I am glad that I don't know all the details of the future. I might try to avoid many things that God has planned for me to experience. I have found that life has many unpleasant days. I am not calling these days bad or wrong because my faith has taught me to expect God to be with me and help me through. Thanks be to God that he gives warning and direction about the major future events, like heaven and hell. 

12-9-2014      Mark 13:1-2

S.       1 And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here! 2 And Jesus answering said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.

O.      Jesus prophesies of the destruction of Solomon’s Temple.

A.      I must heed God’s prophesy and build my life accordingly. God foretells of his plans that I may be ready and not be caught off guard. God does this because of his great love for me. 

      P.       Father; Thank you Lord for warning and preparing me for future events. Thank you for your mercy, grace and                     love. Amen. 

Safe.......Thank you God!

Home safe.....sleep in my own bed tonight......surgery a complete success. Thanks for all the prayers.

11-12-2014    Mark 9:14-29

S.       14 And when he came to his disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them. 15 And straightway all the people, when they beheld him, were greatly amazed, and running to him saluted him. 16 And he asked the scribes, What question ye with them? 17 And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit; 18 And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not. 19 He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me. 20 And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming. 21 And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child. 22 And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us. 23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. 24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. 25 When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him. 26 And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead. 27 But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose. 28 And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out? 29 And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.

O.      Jesus casts out an evil spirit that his disciples could not overcome. Jesus explains that this type of spiritual power is the product of prayer and fasting, Prayer; contact and interaction with God, Fasting; self-denial (flesh) to promote spiritual groweth and development.

A.      I will take up my cross, deny myself, and follow Christ, day by day moving closer to my wonderful Lord.

P.       Father; Help me to win this victory over my flesh, to glorify you and serve. Amen.

Poor Leadership

What does a pastor do when he has failed in his preaching? I know that on many occasions my sermons were unprofitable and full of useless clatter. I ask for forgiveness! Forgiveness from God and Man. God always forgives and man.........I wait and see, some do and some don't. I need to be forgiven......Please.

10-27-2014    Mark 7:1-5

S.       1 Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem.2 And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault.3 For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders.4 And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables.5 Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?

O.     The Jewish leaders ask Jesus to explain why his disciples failed to follow the traditions.

A.      Tradition can be observed to our benefit or tradition can be a trap. We must learn the reason underlying each tradition we embrace, compare that tradition to God’s word, then decide the value of the tradition. 

P.       Father; open my understanding of the traditions of my time. Lead me in the direction that is pleasing to you, even if that means that I must abandon popular traditions. Amen.

SONDAY

Happy SON-day yáll. See you in church. I know that I spelled it different......it is his day.....you know....Jesus, the SON of God. :)

10-26-2014    Mark 6:53-56

S.       53 And when they had passed over, they came into the land of Gennesaret, and drew to the shore. 54 And when they were come out of the ship, straightway they knew him, 55 And ran through that whole region round about, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was. 56 And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.

O.      Great numbers of people are healed by touching the garments of Jesus. Faith was growing in the hearts of people and actions were showing results.

A.      Spreading the truth about Jesus, his love, compassion, healing, hope and salvation will still show results. I will spread the truth.

P.       Father; fill me with courage as I spread your word. Touch my mind and heart and give me strength to endure. Amen.

Are you a sinner?

Christian are to be "dead to sin". If you choose to sin, love sin, enjoy sin then you are choosing to be a sinner......not a christian. Quit lowering the standard of God's word. Get your focus off of sin and on Jesus....."I CAN do all things through Christ".......this includes overcoming SIN!

10-20-2014    Mark 6:5-6

S.       5 And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.6 And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.

O.      The ministry of Jesus was hindered because of un-belief, not stopped; just hindered. With God; “all things are possible”. The exercise of “free will” will bring blessing or cursing depending on how it is used.

A.      I must be careful to keep my will in a state of surrender to the word of God. God has a plan for my life; I will seek to learn and obey.

P.       Father; enlighten my mind to your perfect will for my life. Amen.

Fight the GOOD fight, overcome yourself!

Are you growing, changing and becoming the person you should be? Each time I reach a goal, master a problem or overcome a weakness I think to myself; another step up the ladder of success. Then I find myself in another challenge. When will I find a finish? When Will I arrive at my full potential? Some questions do not have an answer.  So, I will keep on fighting the good fight>

10-17-2014    Mark 5:25-34

S.       25 And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years,26 And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,27 When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.28 For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.29 And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.30 And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes?31 And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?32 And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing.33 But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.34 And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.

O.      A woman is healed by touching the garment of Jesus. Jesus tells her that it happened because of her faith.

A.      Faith is the foundation of my spiritual life. Faith saves, heals, supplies and keeps me. Faith is a gift from God. He gives everyone a portion. Faith will increase or decrease depending on how it is used (or un-used).

     P.      Father; increase my faith as I grow and become more like Jesus. Help me to overcome all doubt and fear. I                         commit my everything and my all to you. Amen. 

New...All New!

Yesterday God gave me a word about forgiveness, not the forgiveness of my sin but "MY" forgiveness of others. God said; "Forgive like I forgive"........stop bringing up hurts from your past. I ask God to help me turn loose of my hurtful memories......to forgive......Like he forgives......."to be remembered no more". What freedom and peace have filled my heart.

10-13-2014    Mark 5:10-14

S.       10 And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the country.11 Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding.12 And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them.13 And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea.14 And they that fed the swine fled, and told it in the city, and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that was done.

O.      Jesus allows the evil spirits to enter into a swine heard. The swine all jump over a cliff and die in the sea.

A.      Animals would not live with evil living inside them. I will learn from these animals and I will evict evil from my life. I will use faith, prayer, fasting, repentance, conversion, salvation and forgiveness to conquer sin and eradicate it from my life.

P.       Father; wash me clean just now and renew a right spirit within me. Give me confidence. I put my trust in you to keep me clean and guide me into righteousness. Amen.

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.

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.

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.