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.

3-4-2017 getting ready

Studying and praying this morning for tomorrow's sermons at Mountain of Life in the morning and at Revival Worship Center in the evening. Asking God to use me to be a special blessing to these two churches. Slipped out for a good lunch at Red Lobster with my sweet wife and then picked up some needed supplies at Wal-Mart. I spend a lot of money in that place! Back at the trailer; finished off my sermons and worked on some projects (plans) for next month then off to supper with John & Cathy. After supper we went out to Revival center and set up the key-board and set the mics for tomorrow night.....started singing and lost track of time......late to bed.

I enjoy Phoenix at night (except for all the traffic) with it's pleasant weather, clear sky and clean streets. Takes me back to my paper-boy days when I picked up my papers (on a bicycle) at 4:30 a.m. and rode my route in the dark. I never had a care, just free, healthy, strong and knowing that Mom and Dad were paying all the bills and watching out for me. Those were some special times. I lived in Phoenix from the middle of second grade until the summer after my sophomore year at Carl Hayden High School. This place holds many fond memories for me.

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!

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! 

Sabbatical Day2

I am standing at a northern point on the Golan Heights looking into Lebanon to the north and Syria to the east. I can't make anything out in Lebanon it's just too far and the clouds and mist are somewhat heavy in that direction. There is a UN observation post just twenty feet away maned with two soldiers keeping a close watch on the Damascus road down below. Suddenly I hear the sound of cannon fire far off in the distance. The civil war is raging a few miles away, people dying, homes destroyed and no hope for peace. Down to the south east there is a bombed out building that had been the Syrian command post just a few month ago. (later in the day I was in this very building) Israel maintains a buffer zone in this area to prevent attacks by terrorists. Mingled among the tourists are Israeli solders carrying M-16 to keep us safe. These young solders are so friendly and often speak to us and thank us for coming to their country. Men and women serve in the army here. Men for three years and women for two right out of high school and before college. I was told that the officer in charge that day was only twenty years old.

Off to the North East is Mt. Hermon where the Jordan River begins. All around us is desert but the rain in the mountains keeps the river flowing into the Sea of Galilee. The agriculture around the area is amazing. They grow abundant crops. The land of "Milk and Honey" it truly is. 

We visit a tank battalion just down the mountain where we interact with the commander (a twenty four year old) and his public relations director (a nineteen year old lady) these two both speak English and they answer dozens of questions from our group. They are able to deploy their tanks with lightning speed any where in Israel and are called the "Lightning Brigade". We all had our pictures made with them and we gave them Dallas Cowboy shirts and Texas Ranger ball caps. I sensed the greatness of these people in these two. They are full of joy, compassion and a love for their nation. I am just a little jealous as I would love to see this in american young people. Back on the bus and down to Beit Shean to hear a message from Pastor Matthew Hagee. 

The message is delivered in a Roman Colosseum. The prodigal son was his topic as this town was the type of place that the boy would have visited to spend his money. I was reminded of the glimmer and shine that seems to be so beautiful and soon turns to rust and ruin when sin lures us into it's trap. I am renewed in my resolve to "remain" in my fathers loving home and never stray. After the sermon we enjoyed a feast "under the stars", a seven course delight. lights were lit in the old city and we walked through the streets just as people might have done hundreds of years ago. I am just here on this earth for a short time. As I walk along I am aware that these people lived and died just as I. I wondered; Did they think about God as I do? Did they wonder; what is it all about? People are the same. 

HATE

Look around and see all the hate and pain. Blacks killing whites, whites killing blacks, Democrats hating Republicans, Republicans hating Democrats, gays hating strait, strait hating gays, murder, looting, rape, hate, hate, hate. WHY? In the last days the LOVE of many will wax COLD!

8-31-2015      Luke 10:17

S.       17 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.

O.      The report is given.

A.      There is power, from God, to overcome evil in every disciple. I must never fear satan or his devils. I must learn my authority and exercise that authority under the Holy Ghost direction.

P.       Father; fill me with the Holy Ghost as I surrender my will completely. Use me to set the captive free. Amen.

I love you Lord!

There is a song in my heart today. A song of joy and praise, because I know Jesus. I am full, I am satisfied and ready for this day to unfold. I love you Lord!

8-3-2015         Luke 8:22-25

S.       22 Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth. 23 But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy. 24 And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was calm. 25 And he said unto them, where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, what manner of man is this, for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.

O.      Jesus calms the storm.

A.      I must focus on the Master and not the storm. I must trust in his spoken word.

P.       Father; teach me your word by the Holy Spirit and aid me in remembering. Amen.

Joy in Family

I sing because I'm happy.......happy......happy! Spent some time with my children and what a joy they are. You might have seen the picture on Facebook of me holding my Great Granddaughter and wondered why I was not smiling. I was in such awe that I did not remember to smile. Lizzy and Liam were so sweet to me that I was holding back tears.....tears of joy. My life is full, my cup is running over and all is well with my soul. Thank you God!

8-1-2015         Luke 8:16-18

S.       16 No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.17 For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.18 Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.

O.      Everything about us will be made known.

A.      We think that we hide things from others and from God. God knows all and all will be made known. I must not deceive myself into thinking that I am hiding anything. I will be honest with myself, call things as they are and constantly go to God for help to eliminate the wrong.

P.       Father; cleans me from all sin and help me to renew my mind today. Amen.

God's Love: Written in My Heart

I will enter the house of the Lord and praise him! I will thank him for calling me and extending his love to me. Why God would call me is a mystery, but he did, and I am so glad he called me. He is a good God and worthy of praise. God showed me his love.......he placed it upon a cross for all the world to see. Then he placed it in my heart.........for all the world to see. I pray that it may be seen in me.

6-22-2015      Luke 5:27-32

S.       27 And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me.  he left all, rose up, and followed him. 29 And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them. 30 But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners?  Jesus answering said unto them, they that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. 32 I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

O.      The call of Levi and the context of the message Jesus preached.

A.      God’s call is to “whosoever”. The response to that call is repentance. I will spend my life fighting sin, sharing God’s love and being transformed. I will help others along the way to do the same.

P.       Father; cleans me from all sin, guide my steps and fill me with your spirit. Extend your love through me today. Amen.

God Knows Just What You Need!

There is power in the name of Jesus. Power to save, power to heal, power to keep and power to change. May our faith in Jesus release his power into every area of our life. God knows just what you need, may he grant you that need........in the Name of Jesus! Amen.

6-22-2015      Luke 5:26

S.       26And they were all amazed, and they glorified God, and were filled with fear, saying, we have seen strange things to day.

O.      Public reaction to the healing.

A.      How do I react to the workings of God when I am around others? My reaction will either glorify God or bring disgrace. I choose to glorify God and believe. God is a miracle working God, he can do anything.

P.       Father; use me in any way or form you choose. I surrender my all to you. Amen.

Not All That Say: Lord, will enter!

God is preparing his church for the last call. We must gather the lost, back-slid-den, cold, indifferent and religiously stifled while there is still time. Reach out and offer a loving hand while there is still time. 

S.O.A.P.

3-19-2015      Romans 11:17-21

S.       17And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert grafted in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;18Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.19Thou wilt say then, the branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in.20Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: 21For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.

O.      All believers must remain attached to the root. The root is Jesus.

A.      I must remember that my faith is to be rooted in Jesus, not religion, tradition or habit.

    P.     Father; I will focus my life and conduct around the example that Jesus left for me. Give me                 understanding, wisdom and strength to accomplish this Holy goal. Amen. 

Big Churches or small churches?

Bigger is not always better. In our effort to build God's kingdom (the church) we have made many mistakes. The worst mistake of all is taking place now. Growing churches using a flawed model will lead to flawed churches. God's model always works so why change? We do not need bigger churches. We need smaller churches.........many, many more smaller churches. More on this subject in the days to come.......the Lord willing.


S.O.A.P.

3-10-2015      Romans 10:1-4

S.       1 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. 2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

O.      Israel’s efforts to be righteous, based on their interpretation of God’s law, has fallen short and so God replaced his first law with Grace.

A.      I will walk in God’s Grace and not dishonor the sacrifice made for me on Calvary. I will obey God’s word and submit to the Holy Spirit in whatever way he will lead.

    P.       Father; teach me the path of righteousness, the words, thoughts and deeds of holiness.                        Amen. 

Only Man --- Has a Soul!

"He that hath the SON hath LIFE, he that hath NOT the SON hath NOT LIFE! Life is not proof of the existence of a soul. Many places where life is present there is no soul, a tree, a human cell, the earth itself is alive......moving, breathing creating. All these are alive and without a soul. The soul is a portion of God that he shared with man only. In the creation record God "made" all things and called them equally "good". Only when he created Man did God state that the life included a soul. Many people live wicked sinful lives because they never acknowledge their soul, their portion of God within, because they are deceived by the same deceiver that dealt with Eve in the garden. 

S.O.A.P.

2-18-2015      Romans 8:1-2

S.       There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

O.      Legal condemnation is eliminated once Christ’s spirit enters and sin is conquered.

A.      A new spirit enters my soul when I am redeemed. That spirit is Christ Jesus. He sets me free from the “law” of sin and death. I am possessed with the power of Grace and enabled to overcome sin. Wow!

    P.       Father; I stand before you clothed in righteousness by Grace, empowered to conquer sin and            assured of eternity in your presence. I am grateful and humbly commit my all in your service.              Lead me to the souls that I may comfort and aid. Amen. 

Loved ones passing.

Yesterday was a hard day for me. Two members of my family passed away just hours apart. My uncle Bill and cousin Sonny played very important roles in my young life. Uncle Bill taught me how to box, and Sonny taught me how to laugh when I lost the fight. Bill's passing leaves dad as the last of his family. I know he is heart broken. Sonny, even though he is my cousin, is the same age as my father and was more like a brother to my dad when they were all young. I can't be there for my dad or any of the funerals because of distance and time. So I am praying for all me hurting loved ones. Please whisper a prayer for us all.

S.O.A.P.

1-20-2015      Romans 5:4-8

S.       4 and patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. 6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

O.      Growth comes to completion in salvation.

A.      I will experience each step of growth with anticipation and expectancy knowing that salvation is my goal. My salvation will not be complete until I am face to face with Jesus and hear him say “well done”.

    P.       Father; give me strength for the struggle and faith to endure. Amen.

Home Time

My Children are home and safe, My house and heart are full, I am blessed. This must be a sample of how God will feel when he calls all his children home. I am planning on making Heaven my home some day but I don't want to be so heavenly minded that I become ungrateful for the blessings I have now. God is so good to me. Some time I marvel as I ponder the magnitude of his grace and how he could ever love me. I am glad he does.

S.O.A.P.

12-29-2014    Mark 15:27-41

S.       28 And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors.29 And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days,30 Save thyself, and come down from the cross.31Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save.32 Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him.33 And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?35 And some of them that stood by, when they heard it, said, Behold, he calleth Elias.36 And one ran and filled a sponge full of vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink, saying, Let alone; let us see whether Elias will come to take him down.37And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost.38 And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.39 And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.40There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome;41(Who also, when he was in Galilee, followed him, and ministered unto him;) and many other women which came up with him unto Jerusalem.

O.      Jesus is ridiculed as he is dying on the cross. His family and friends were keeping their distance and watching.

A.      I will not deny my friendship with Jesus or stand afar off. He is to dear to my life to be a sloppy Christian. I know that he died on that cross because of my sin. His sacrifice was too great for such a worm as I, but because of his love, mercy and grace I am made whole. I am a disciple, follower, worshiper, friend…….I am a CHRISTian.

P.       Father; wash me fresh today of sin, fill me with the Holy Ghost and use me for your glory. I praise you, exalt you and adore you. Thank you Jesus, Amen.

God Fills me up

Just when I think that my life can't get any better God opens a new door and in comes a flood of wonderful. I have so much peace and joy in me today I am splashing it everywhere. Life is Good and knowing God makes it even better. I don't need a pill, drink or a fix of any kind........God supplies ALL I NEED....and some to share. Happy Christmas Eve.

S.O.A.P.

12-24-2014 Mark 14:53-65   Christmas Eve

S.       53 And they led Jesus away to the high priest: and with him were assembled all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes.54 And Peter followed him afar off, even into the palace of the high priest: and he sat with the servants, and warmed himself at the fire.55 And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found none.56 For many bare false witness against him, but their witness agreed not together.57 And there arose certain, and bare false witness against him, saying,58 We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.59 But neither so did their witness agree together.60 And the high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, saying, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?61But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?62 And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.63Then the high priest rent his clothes, and saith, What need we any further witnesses?64Ye have heard the blasphemy: what think ye? And they all condemned him to be guilty of death.65 And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands.

O.      The trial of Jesus, illegal, immoral and full of contradicting testimony.

A.      I put Jesus on trial with the actions and words of my day. When I chose to sin, I crucify him afresh or at the very least I cause him open shame. I will walk in his light, talk in his light and be a living example of faith. I have everything I need to be a victor, all supplied by my loving Father, I will…….I will.

P.       Father; fill my mind, heart and soul with your Holy Spirit. Teach me to be like Jesus. I must decrease and he must increase. Amen.

Friends

Today is the last home game for the T.C.U. football team. I have been blessed to be invited to go with my friend, and fellow minister, Ron. He is a faithful fan and has often brought me along to a game for many years. Friends make life such a joy and the journey much easier to endure. Ron has been there for me for over 25 years, God bless Ron. 

12-6-2014      Mark 12:28-34

S.       28 And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all? 29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: 30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. 31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. 32 And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he: 33 And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices. 34 And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question.

O.      Jesus declares the greatest commandment and the second greatest as well.

A.      Loving God is a life of willing obedience and service to our fellows. I must love God with, and in, my actions. Thinking I am righteous is not a complete faith, because “faith without works is dead”. Faith is made perfect by works performed in loving obedience. Loving and serving others completes our love of God.

P.       Father; help me to overcome any doubts or fears that hold me back from serving you in perfect faith. Amen.

One True God

Happy is the man who's God is the Lord! There is only one true God! Man has  created many gods in his mind and heart. These man-made gods are obstacles and barriers of lethal proportion. The True God will not share you with any other god. His love and desire to have a relationship with you is demonstrated on the Cross of Calvary. Destroy all your man-made gods and flee their false security. Run to Jesus and embrace salvation for your soul.

11-28-2014    Mark 11:11-14

S.       11 And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve. 12 And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry: 13 And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet. 14 And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it.

O.      Jesus visits the temple to evaluate the conduct and ministry. Jesus speaks to a fig tree on his way to Bethany about fruit.

A.      I am aware that I am under evaluation at all times. My words, thoughts, attitudes and deeds are all subject to this spiritual examination. The fig tree is a warning to me that I should always have fruit (ministry, works, acts of love) for any need, even out of season.

P        Father; fill me full, to the very overflowing, with your love, joy and peace. Prompt me by your Spirit to be aware of the needs around me and excite in me a servant’s heart. Amen. 

SOAP

11-16-2014    Mark 9:41-50

S.       41 For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward. 42 And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea. 43 And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: 44 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. 45 And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: 46 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. 47 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: 48 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. 49 For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt. 50 Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.

O.      Jesus explains how man should view his own sin. Jesus describes Hell and the torcher of it.

A.      I am to judge myself and my sin in the harshest of means. I am to flee sin, amputate it, destroy it and never return to it.

P.       Father; open my eyes to any sin in my heart. I repent and ask forgiveness and ask your Holy Spirit to aid me into a perfect walk with you. Amen.

Just Believe

10-18-2014    Mark 5:35-43

S.       35 While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue's house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.37 And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James.38 And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly.39 And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.40 And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying.41 And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.42 And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment.43 And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat.

O.      Word comes to the ruler that his daughter is dead and Jesus tells him to believe and not to fear. Jesus raises the dead girl to life, but he wants this kept secret and fails to explain why.

A.      I must believe and not fear. If I believe, anything is possible……even life over death. I must believe, I will believe.

P.       Father; help me to overcome all unbelief, to keep my eyes on you and your promises and not on the circumstances around me. Help me to remember your word. Graft your word into my heart that it become a natural source of my faith. Amen.