child of your Father!!!!!!

When we wear the name Christian we are claiming to be a part of God's covenant between God and man. I wish that some of you would read the part of the word that says "Let no evil communication proceed out of your mouth". On Facebook I see praise to God one post and sinful communication on the next......friends.....this should not happen. Either you are in covenant with God or you are in covenant with the devil......can't have both. I tell you this not to condemn you but because I love you and don't want you to be cast aside (with the goats) on judgement day.

6-19-2015      Luke 5:12-15

S.       12And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. 13And he put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will: be thou clean. And immediately the leprosy departed from him.14And he charged him to tell no man: but go, and shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.15But so much the more went there a fame abroad of him: and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities.

O.      Jesus heals leprosy and directs the one healed to honor the Law of Moses.

A.      We must obey God’s laws if we expect to walk in covenant with him. To disobey is to sin and if we sin then satan is our father. 1 John 3:8

   
     P.       Father; I submit myself to you completely, body, mind and spirit. Amen. 

I enjoyed another great weekend. Special thanks to to the women's group for a fun fellowship on Friday night. The services yesterday were heavenly and my family's love has my heart overflowing. I am praying that God will teach me into a higher level of faith. I might say; help me to exterminate doubt and unbelief. The Bible is full of examples of the blessings that are given to man, but we must not doubt to receive these blessings. I want doubt to be eliminated.

Three days: Posting problems over the weekend.

S,O,A,P,

2-14-2015      Romans 7:12-13

S.       12 Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. 13 Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.

O.      The true nature of sin is revealed by the law.

A.      The law is my friend and gives me understand about sin.

P.       Father; give me overcoming power and fill me with wisdom. Amen.

2-15-2015      Romans 7:14-17

S.       14  For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. 16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. 17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

O.      The law is good and sinful actions are exposed by a good law.

A.      The law is my warning that sin is still resident within me. (Sin as defined by the law)

P.       Father; thank you for the knowledge of sin. I know what to fight and I ask for your help in overcoming all my sin. Amen.

2-16-2015      Romans 7:18-21

S.       18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. 20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.

O.      Good and evil are present when man is under law only.

A.      There must be more than legalism to make a man right with God. Paul is explaining the impossible task of being “sin free” while living under the law.

     P.       Father; open my understanding by your law and fill me with your Holy Spirit that I may                   follow you in Grace.

Recovery

Recovery is a slow and painful process. In our bodies we have scares and deformities from the tragedy's so common to living. We adapt, replace, repair, implant and then go on. Often the pace is slowed, steps are short and less is accomplished each day.......but we keep going. I often wonder why we don't apply the same determination to our spiritual lives. Something goes wrong at church and we quit. Someone we look up to fails, we quit. Spiritual recovery is a slow process just like physical recovery is slow. We should apply some of the same tactics to our spiritual renewal.......and KEEP GOING ON FOR GOD.

11-14-2014    Mark 9:33-37

S.       33 And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way? 34 But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest. 35 And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all. 36 And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them, 37 Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.

O.      Jesus explains to his disciples how greatness is defined within his kingdom.

A.      Serving is a privilege that all followers of Jesus should seek to accomplish. In this world of competition, self-glory, dog eat dog, ladder climbing and greed the concept of serving is lost or at best belittled. Christians can bear great witness of faith by serving others out of a grateful heart.

P.       Father; I do not seek to be great, or famous. I seek to have the heart of a servant lead by the mind of Christ. Please remake my heart to be more like Jesus. Amen.

Apposing Views

8-24-2014      Acts 26:24-29

S.       24 And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.25 But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.26 For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner.27 King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.29 And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.

O.      Festus thinks Paul to be out of his mind (mad) and Agrippa is almost persuaded to become a Christian.

A.      Some will reject and some will accept the message of faith in God. We must tell, tell and re-tell so that many can be saved. Time is short. The lost are many. The workers are so few. We must not be self-centered, looking after our own needs only; we must spread the good news to the lost.

P.       Father; Open our eyes and let us see how few are ready to stand at your Judgment Seat. Stir our souls with a passion for the lost and dyeing. Use us Lord while there is time. Amen.

Open Doors

8-17-2014      Acts 25: 22-27

S.       22 Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself. To morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him.23 And on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp, and was entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains, and principal men of the city, at Festus' commandment Paul was brought forth.24 And Festus said, King Agrippa, and all men which are here present with us, ye see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews have dealt with me, both at Jerusalem, and also here, crying that he ought not to live any longer.25 But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him.26 Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my lord. Wherefore I have brought him forth before you, and specially before thee, O king Agrippa, that, after examination had, I might have somewhat to write.27 For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal to signify the crimes laid against him.

O.      Festus brings Paul into the court room a third time, this time to establish a letter of explanation to send along with Paul to Rome. Agrippa is present.

A.      Each step of Paul’s life is filled with new opportunities to tell his story to new people. We must tell and re-tell our story as well. Tell your story to as many as you can.

P.       Father; Thank you for receiving me into your family. Thank you for forgiving me my sin. Thank you for directing my steps. Help me Lord to tell others just how good you have been to me. Amen.

Citizenship

8-15-2014      Acts 25: 1-12

S.       1 Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem.2 Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and besought him,3 And desired favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, laying wait in the way to kill him.4 But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither.5 Let them therefore, said he, which among you are able, go down with me, and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him.6 And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Caesarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought.7 And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove.8 While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I offended any thing at all.9 But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?10 Then said Paul, I stand at Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest.11 For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar. 1 2 Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? Unto Caesar shalt thou go.

O.      Changes in Roman leadership bring about yet another trial for Paul before Festus. Paul claims his right as a Roman citizen and Festus is constrained to send Paul to Caesar. This ruling stops the Jewish people that were trying to kill Paul.

A.      God will use many different methods to protect his children as they labor for him and obey his voice. This negative circumstance that Paul lived was turned into opportunities to spread the gospel into new and almost inaccessible places.

P.       Father; protect me, fill me and lead me into every place where I can spread your word. Amen.

Two Years in Jail

8-14-2014      Acts 24:24-27

S.       24 And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.26 He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.27 But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.

O.      Paul has many opportunities to convert Felix to the faith. Felix never seems to understand or find it “convenient” to become a Christian. Paul was a prisoner for two years with Felix.

A.      We should never give up on anybody as we spread the gospel. Our circumstances may be unpleasant and not to our liking, but the work of the Lord should never stop.

P.       Father; the plight of Paul seems very unfair but you used him to take the gospel into many unreachable places. Help me Lord to focus on your work instead of my circumstances and difficulties. Teach me the same values that Paul lived by and keep me from distractions as I labor for you. Amen. 

No Fear!

8-10-2014      Acts 24: 6-9

S.       6 Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law.7 But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands,8 Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him.9 And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so.

O.      Tertullus lies to Felix about Paul’s profaning of the Temple, Paul was lawfully in the Temple, and he exaggerates the actions of Lysias in securing Paul away from the mob.

A.      We must be ready to hear lies and exaggerations told about us. The Devil must use lies because he has no truth in him. God will redeem us according to his will!

P.       Father; Take away all my fear, worry and doubt. Secure me in your arms as the storms pass my way. Amen.

Tertullus: The Mouthpiece of Satan

8-9-2014         Acts 24:1-5

S.       1 And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul.2 And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence,3 We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.4 Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words.5 For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:

O.      Tertullus begins his legal accusations against Paul in the court of Felix.

A.      Those that walk in righteousness may face prison, torment, shame and public disgrace. We must trust in God to fill our mouths with the words that will honor him. It is an honor to be called “a child of God”. May we walk worthy of this title, even in times of distress?

P.       Father; I commit myself to you, body, mind and spirit. I put my faith, trust and confidence in your ability to protect me. You are my God, I will serve no other. Amen.

New Platform

8-4-2014         Acts 22:30

S.       30 On the morrow, because he would have known the certainty wherefore he was accused   of the Jews, he loosed him from his bands, and commanded the chief priests and all their council to appear, and brought Paul down, and set him before them.

O.      Paul’s arresting officer brings him before the Jews to have the charges against Paul clarified.

A.      The normal systems of justice are another platform from which we can share the gospel. We must be willing to share our message at every opportunity and in every situation. The people may never hear unless we speak up.

P.       Father; I ask for wisdom and courage in all of life’s experiences. I want to speak up for you and tell the world of your love and forgiveness. Use me Lord, Amen. 

I will Not be HURT!

7-27-2014      Acts 21:37-39

S.       37 And as Paul was to be led into the castle, he said unto the chief captain, May I speak unto thee? Who said, Canst thou speak Greek? 38Art not thou that Egyptian, which before these days madest an uproar, and leddest out into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers?39But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people.

O.      The captain holding Paul finds out that he has the wrong man in custody. Paul still wants to speak to the very people that have hurt him.

A.      We must communicate with people if they are to learn who we really are. We must not lose our compassion and love for the ones that have hurt us.

P.       Father; cleanse my heart and mind of thoughts of retribution towards those that have hurt me. Teach me how to communicate love and forgiveness to each one. May people see more of you in me! Amen.

Spirit led

7-21-2014      Acts 21:1-13

S.       1 And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had launched, we came with a straight course unto Coos, and the day following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara:2 And finding a ship sailing over unto Phoenicia, we went aboard, and set forth.3 Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden.4 And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.5 And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed.6 And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship; and they returned home again.7 And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day.8 And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.9 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.10 And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus.11 And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.12 And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem.13 Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

O.      Paul is on his final journey to Jerusalem where he will be arrested and sent to Rome. He visits with followers of the Christian way as he makes this trip. In most places the Spirit reveals the up-coming difficulty for Paul. Paul declares his faith to all.

A.      The Holy Spirit will prepare our heart for the work of Christ. Why do we try to do this work without the leadership of the Holy Spirit? We must rely completely, trust completely and obey completely the Spirit, lest our labor be in vain and our life a waste.

P.       Father; I empty myself before you this day and I surrender my mind, soul and heart to your perfect will. Fill me with your spirit. Reveal your plan for this day and I will obey. Use me Lord to gather souls. Amen.  

Don't Lie

7-10-2014      Acts 19:18-20

S.       18 And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds.19 Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.20 So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.

O.      Conversion brought about public repentance and the destruction of items affiliated with the former lifestyle. A true and public response as proof of a change in the life of a believer is always needed.

A.      A change in the life of a person who becomes a believer normal, almost required. Without change how will anyone know that a conversion has taken place? Not all change is instant. Some people change over a period of time (Sanctification) but “all” do change!

P.       Father: expose my life to anyone who will, or may be, converted and follow Jesus. I put my trust in you Lord to guide my steps in the paths of righteousness…that others may see, and believe. Amen.

Opposition

7-7-2014         Acts 19:8-10

S.       8 And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.9 But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.10 And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.

O.      Paul moves the church members into a local school after members of the synagogue denounce the message of Jesus. All Asia is exposed to the gospel message.

A.      Paul did not rise up in anger and fight for his “rights”. He simply moved away from the opposition and continued to spread the gospel. Some will hear and accept and some will reject our message. Some will even try to stop the message altogether. We must never become discouraged or afraid because of opposition. Opposition is a sure sign that something is stirring the pot. The devil never fights with the ones on his side!

P.       Father; thank you for showing me Paul’s example. I will keep looking for people that will accept this wonderful message and not waste time with the rejecters.  Give me discernment to identify your children and wisdom to minister to their needs. Amen.

Staying Put

7-3-2014         Acts 18:9-11

S.       9 Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:10 For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

O.      In this time of difficulty Paul received a vision that encouraged him to keep going. He remained in this difficult place for 18 months.

A.      God will encourage us in times of difficulty. We should not run from adversity. We should seek God for a fresh “vision” and courage to stay put and win souls.

P.       Father; give me a fresh vision for Tolar, Texas, Hood County, North Texas, America and the whole world. Let me see “beyond the four walls” of my church. Amen.

Hard Days

7-2-2014         Acts 18:5-8

S.       5 And when Silas and Timothy were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.6 And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.7 And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man's house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue.8 And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.

O.      Paul reaches out to the Jews first but they will not accept the message. Here Paul declares that he will go to the Gentiles. The Corinthian church is established in the home of Justus.

A.      We must continue to try and reach people that appear to be against our message. As long as there is life there is hope. Our efforts may be rejected and even opposed but we must never give up on anybody. We must endure to the end of our days. Leading people to Jesus is worth any effort.

P.       Father in Heaven; relieve my pain and worry and replace these with joy and peace. The task seems too large and the load too heavy. I will step out in faith to declare your word. Open the doors of opportunity for this day and please be waiting on the other side of each door to guide my steps. Amen. Lord; please keep the family of my dear friend Ray close to your heart today. You called him home to be with you yesterday. We all know that he is with you but there is still sorrow and pain in our hearts at his passing. Help us to be strong for each other. Amen.

Worship re-directed.

6-29-2014      Acts 17: 22-23

S.       22 Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.

O.      Paul declares the “unknown God” to the people of Athens.

A.      People are very superstitious and will worship or follow after some form of belief. We can use their curiosity to introduce them to God.

P.       Father; I will reveal you to as many people as I can to bring as many as possible into your kingdom. Fill me with the joy of my salvation that I may be a living example to everyone I meet. Amen.

Trouble is Trouble

6-27-2014      Acts 17:13-15

S.       13 But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people.14 And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timothy abode there still.15 And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timothy for to come to him with all speed, they departed.

O.      Trouble is following Paul from Thessalonica to Berea. Satan will use people to hinder the gospel message every time he can. Moving from place to place spread the message at a fast pace.

A.      I must be prepared for opposition in my ministry. Trouble and opposition are nothing more than proof that I am stirring up Satan. He does not fight or hinder his own followers. Satan must sure hate me. I hope he always will.

P.       Father; I seek more boldness and courage to fight Satan longer and harder than ever. You are my rock and my salvation. I put my trust in you. I renounce my sin and claim Jesus as my Lord. Amen.