Sabbatical: Day 5

We returned to the Mount of Olives and spent some time sharing testimonies of our christian experiences. This location affords us a view of most of the places that Jesus was in during his last hours before the crucifixion. There is some distances between the Garden, Temple, house of Caiaphas and Golgotha, up and down some steep slopes as you traverse the valleys that divide this landscape. Hard traveling when on foot. When we moved to the Garden of Gethsemane there was a sweet perfume in the air. I sang quietly "I come to the Garden with him" and just like the song he was walking right beside me with his arm on my shoulder. I was with a large group of pilgrims and totally alone with my Lord at the same time. Time stood still and I was in perfect worship, all my soul pouring out praise, adoration and love to my Jesus and my God. I can't tell you much about this place but the presence of the Lord was Divine. Our Guide nudged me and said it was time to go and I begged for a few more minutes, he understood, in the ten minutes extra he waited on me I ask God for a touch in my body. All this walking was taking a toll, God moved and I received strength and my pain disappeared.Walking out the gate our guide patted me on my arm and spoke a few words in Hebrew. I felt a warmth of love and fellowship with this man. He is Jewish through and through but we are brothers just the same. I ask him latter in the day what his words were in English.  "A Nazarite indeed" was his blessing to me.

We re-entered the old city through the Lion's Gate and made our way to Anne's Church. We sang and sang great worship songs as we lifted our voices in praise. Pastor Hagee preached a message about the anointing of the Holy Ghost and how God's servants were used. He invited any of us to come to the front and be anointed with oil, I almost ran. Sweet smelling anointing oil covered my forehead as God wrapped me in his arms. I was in his presence. Perfect peace, joy unspeakable, energy.......so I shouted......Holy....Holy...Holy and moved out into the bright sunshine...closer to God. 

Before we loaded on the bus to go to our next destination Nancy had a big scare. The restrooms were about half a block away and we took advantage before our long ride ahead. Some how the attendant at the ladies room locked the outer door with sister Nancy inside. The lock was on the outside of the door and no escape. Nancy began to yell and kick the door, I heard the kicking sound as it rang through the courtyard but was too far away to recognize her voice. I saw people running to the area and got worried that I could not see Nancy. Just as I headed in that direction the grounds keeper shot through the crowd and opened the door. Out popes my sweet, quite Nancy looking like a angry lion ready to strike. Many words were exchanged between the grounds keeper and the lady attendant......she had done this before and had a smug grin on her face. We chose to forgive.....but.....the excitement lasted for quite a while. 

We rode to an Israeli check point where day-laborers came over from Palestine. We were introduced to the man that was the chief architect of the security fence. This is a buffer zone created to give some measure of safety from the Radical Muslims that invade Israel. At this checkpoint the peaceful Muslims that desire to work in Israel are given a safe entrance. At places the fence is a wall, a tall wall, but most of the fence is ten foot chain link with razor wire on top. The wall is in the areas where rifle fire can reach Israeli homes. The conflict is calm for the most part here in Jerusalem but there is still need for caution. We learned that this very morning, while we were at Anne's Church a terrorist had been shot a few miles from where we were standing. (after he had stabbed two policemen) Our speaker wanted us to know that this wall was built to be easily removed and was not intended to be permanent. he felt that it removed temptation because of it's tallness. The homes in this area all have bullet proof windows facing Palestine. The hate that we hear about in America is being inflamed from several relatively small factions. The hope of peace is a common subject of discussion here in Israel and most people on both sides pray for peace. If America and Russia would shut off the cash flow to these terrorists the problem would move to a swifter conclusion. Our Architect shared with us that he personally has briefed both Obama and Clinton as to the situation. They both still side with the radical factions and have kept the purse open in every way possible. 

We returned to the hotel for yet another wonderful meal and much needed rest. Our days are slipping past in a rush, our hearts and heads are full to the overflowing....God is HERE!

Filled with satan or filled with God?

I see many articles stating that God has not fixed the problems between the different religions. Why do people think like this? God has provided the answer to this problem and the solution two thousand years ago.....in a manger, at the grave of Lazarus and between two thieves on a cross. The primary message of Jesus was a message of love. Active, alive, all embracing love is what we need. These terror attacks are the work of satan, not directly but through poor, deceived sin filled people. God gave man the power of "free will". This one attribute make man "like God" more than any other attribute. It is the misuse of this will that kills, steals and destroys and that attribute belongs to satan. The bottom line.....Love and be like God........Kill and be like satan. CHOOSE THIS DAY WHOM YOU WILL SERVE!

12-4-2015      Luke 22:7-13

S.       7 Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the Passover must be killed. 8 And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the Passover, that we may eat. 9 And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare?10 And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he enters in.11 And ye shall say unto the good man of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guest chamber, where I shall eat the Passover with my disciples?12 And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready.13 And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the Passover.

O.      Finding a place for the Passover.

A.      Jesus gave very specific instructions for the disciples to follow, they did as instructed and the last Passover is shared by all. God gave me specific instructions in his Bible. If I follow, I will be blessed. If not, I will be cursed. All this is my decision and the results are up to me.

    P.       Father; I choose to follow you with all my heart, mind and         soul. Fill me with courage, endurance and the wisdom so I               won’t stray. Amen. 

Evil must be Stopped!

Speak out all you that call yourself Christian. Speak out in your prayer closet. Speak out before your family. Speak out to your neighbor. speak out in the market.Speak out to your elected officials. Speak out to the world.
Tell of the excellence of our our Saviour. Tell of the plan of salvation and our deliverance from sin. Tell of the risen Jesus. Tell of the soon return to redeem the watching and prepared bride. Tell of the splendor of Heaven.
We must also speak out about the evil that is here. The evil that is killing, destroying and robbing man of his opportunity to receive grace. The evil deeds in racial disorder. The evil deeds in political maneuvering. The evil deeds in religious trappings. The evil deeds in family relationships. The evil in the silence of many.
Evil is just as real as the God in whom we trust. Speak up Christian!

7-20-2015      Luke 6:45

S.       A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

O.      The source of a man’s words.

A.      I must speak as a good man. My heart must be good. Only God can create in me a good heart.

    P.       Father; cleans me from sin and create in me a pure heart that I speak good things. Amen. 

A Blind President

Praying for our president has been so difficult lately. He seems to hate Christianity and favor any religion that kills and mistreats us. But, pray for him I will. I know that he will reap ALL the things he is sowing and for that I pity him. I wonder how much differently he would act if it were one of his daughters being raped or tormented as a sex slave by a Isis soldier. Probably just give the soldier a job and social security benefits that american ta payers are paying for? Blind leaders fill the history books. Pray. Pray. Pray.

S.O.A.P.

2-20-2015      Romans 8:5-9

S.       5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you.

O.      Flesh equals sin while Spirit equals life and peace.

A.      I must stay filled with the spirit and follow after the things of holiness. The Spirit will only dwell in a clean temple.

    P.       Father; expand my trust and faith. Help me to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and follow his               leading that I may please you. Amen. 

Fake Christians

Pushing myself today to get started. This is my pattern more and more. The bones are tired from all the stress and labor. Some would say; Get more exercise, eat the right foods and you will feel better. It's not my body that is slow to get started, it's my heart (soul). With all this murder and war, lazy president, stupid politicians and Christians that don't have a clue.......I am wearing out. I pray, I visit, I pray, I preach and teach, I pray, I wright, I pray. Wake up Christians......If you are sinning you are NOT GOD'S CHILD! You must ACT like your farther. If you are ACTING like satan (I never capitalize that wicked name) then he must be your father.

"You ARE what you DO, you DO what you ARE"!

10-4-2014      Mark 4:13-20

S.       13 And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?14 The sower soweth the word.15 And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.16 And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;17 And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended.18 And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,19 And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.20 And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.

O.      Jesus gives three examples of how people receive the word of God.

A.      I will prepare myself to receive the word and be a fruitful servant. I will keep my heart and mind fixed in the word of God; I will share the truth with as many others as I can. I will confess my sin and seek to change any aspect of my life, that I will be obedient to my Lord.

P.       Father; I am weak and feeble and I need your help. Direct my path and speak your will into my heart. Amen. 

Outside-inside or Inside-outside?

Working out is so hard for me. I want my efforts to produce instant results. Long term, slow progress is not my thing. This is what I see in many Christians when it comes to spiritual efforts. Christians today want instant gratification. You do not get into an obese condition instantly nor do you become anemic over night. This is also true of our spirit. Keep praying, studying and attending Gods house.....in the long run you will be healthier. 

10-3-2014      Mark 4:10-

S.       10 And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.11 And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:12 That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them

O.      Jesus sets a clear distinction between those on the inside and those on the outside of faith. Conversion is the key to understanding.

A.      I must move closer to God, learn his ways and serve his will. I must be changed! I surrender my pride, arrogance, anger, greed and selfishness.

P.       Father; re-make me like unto your son, Jesus. Create in me a pure heart, mind and soul as I willingly surrender my whole being to you. 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.