Pain and Sorrow

Today I ask for your prayers for my dear family. We have been to the graveside several times lately and our pain is real. We are people of faith. We are people of love. We are hurting as we try to rearrange life around the empty chairs. Please hold us up today.....thank you.

S.O.A.P.

4-2-2015         Romans 13:8

S.       8Owe no man anything, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

O.      Love is a command …. Not an option.

A.      When we properly love others, debt is eliminated. We do not give, to get. We do not loan, to borrow. Perfect love has no strings attached.

P.       Father; lead me into this perfect type of love. Cleanse my mind and restore my heart to that of a child. 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.

Friendship

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

9-14-2014      Mark 1:36-39

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

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

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

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

Quit Fighting with God!

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

9-12-2014      Mark 1:2934

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

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

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

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

Healing

8-30-2014      Acts 28:7-10

S.       7 In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously.8 And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.9 So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed:10 Who also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary.

O.      God heals through Paul’s hand in the house of Publius. Upon departing this house the people shared with the shipwreck victims the things that they needed to travel.

A.      In every circumstance we should be the hand of God extended. Even when our need is great and our troubles come we should be concerned about those around us.

P.       Father; teach me humility and use me in ministry. Heal through my hands and lift the burdens from the shoulders of the suffering. 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.

No Pain

7-20-2014      Acts 20:36-38

S.       36 And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.37 And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,38 Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.

O.      Paul is leaving, for the last time, his friends and going to Jerusalem. This is the cause of great sorrow.

A.      Separation brings in heavy hearts, tears, and sorrow. Love that binds us together will never disappear from our hearts and minds even when we are miles apart. One of the great joys of Heaven……no separation….ever. The more we love, the more separation hurts.

P.       Father; wash all my sin away. If sin separates me from you, I hate sin, I denounce sin and I open myself to your presence that I may live forever in your Grace and never be separated from you. Amen.

Money, Money, Money

6-22-2014      Acts 16:20-24

S.       20 And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city, 21 And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans. 22 And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them. 23 And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: 24 Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.

O.      Paul and Silas are stripped, beaten and put in jail for casting out the evil spirit of a local witch.

A.      The issue in this case was the fear that money would be lost that was derived from the witches soothsaying. No rejoicing because of a life is set free from oppression, no happy singing and dancing over a soul being un-chained…..just anger and rage because “profit” is disturbed. I must remember to see the “soul” inside the oppressed person and seek to set that soul free, even at the expense of profit or gain.

P.       Father; remind me to look beyond the surface, into the very soul of the ones I am ministering to. Fill me with compassion and love for the bound, chained and lost souls. Wash my mind free of earthly values and sinful lust for money, power and control. Help me to value each person as you do. Amen. 

Three days

6-4-2014         Acts 14:1

S.       1 And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed.

O.      Everywhere the disciples traveled they keep telling the message of Jesus.

A.      The message of Jesus is needed today. I will speak about Jesus everywhere I go. I will speak what I know….his life, his death, his resurrection, his love for me, his forgiveness and his peace.

P.       Father; renew me today in the joy of my salvation. As I speak may my words bring life and peace! Amen.

6-5-2014         Acts 14:2-3

S.       2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.3 Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

O.      People with conflicting views will struggle and act as enemies. When resistance arises Christians must maintain their efforts and depend on God to confirm their words with signs and wonders.

A.      The work of the Lord is often heavy and difficult but I must be steadfast and loyal. God will not forget me in my time of need. I will, I will, I will keep on marching.

P.       Father; I lift my voice to you in praise and adoration. I am weak and afraid because of my enemies. They have attacked from every direction….the battle is long. Touch my enemies with your love today. Amen.

6-6-2014         Acts 14:4-7

S.       4 But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.5 And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them,6 They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:7 And there they preached the gospel.

O.     Strife will lead to division and division can lead to evil actions. When the plans were set to kill the disciples they fled to safety and spread the gospel in new places.

A.      When life’s troubles bring us to flight we should keep up our efforts to spread the gospel. We lose our job and have difficult times. Our family and friends let us down. Our health and strength fail. All these bring change into our life (unwanted) but “change” can be an open door to tell the message in a different place to different people.

P.       Father in Heaven; use me in every situation, every trial and every difficulty to share your love and the message of salvation. Amen.

Hard Preaching

4-7-2014              Acts 2:22-28

S.            22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: 23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: 24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. 25 For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:  26 Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: 27 Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. 28 Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.

O.           Peter declares Jesus to be risen from the dead. He also reminds the Jews of what King David had spoken concerning Christ and how Jesus had fulfilled all that David said.

A.           Peter’s preaching was not easy to hear; he spoke of wickedness, he spoke of crime, he spoke of failure, he spoke of ignorance and he made all these statements, indicting his audience. I must preach the truth, not as man wants to hear it, but as God declares it.  I must use the Bible as my guide when preaching. Sin must be exposed and choices revealed. Peter spoke a clear, plain and straightforward message, and so shall I.

P.            Father God; teach me to preach your message in a clear, plain and straightforward manner. Teach me the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth: Only truth can set men free from sin. Amen.   

Forsaken by God!

3-24-2014           Matthew 27:45-50

S.            45 Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour. 46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? 47 Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This man calleth for Elias. 48 And straightway one of them ran, and took a sponge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink. 49 The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him. 50 Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.

O.           Darkness covered the earth as Jesus was dying. As God turned away from Jesus he was completely alone on the cross, alone, dying to pay the ransom for my soul. Jesus cries out in agony, and dies.

A.           I will never let myself forget the Cross where a sinless man died to redeem me. I deserve to be punished for all the wrong, the bad and the sin of my life. Jesus took the path to the cross and took my place there. All I need to do is ask Jesus, in faith…..believing, to forgive me my sin, abandon my sin (practice it never again) and live my life as the Holy Spirit directs. This is a reasonable requirement……..when standing and looking at the cross.

P.            Father; thank you for sending Jesus, thank you Jesus for dying on the cross for me. Thank you for sending your Holy Spirit to reveal my sin to me and thank you for wanting me as your son. Guide my mind and my heart that I may live a life pleasing to you. Amen.      

SOAP >> Matthew 27:32-36

S.         Matthew 27:32-36   32 And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross. 33 And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull, 34 They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink. 35 And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots. 36 And sitting down they watched him there;

O.        This is a shortened record of the crucifixion of Jesus, not many details. Matthew was not a detail oriented writer. Jesus carried the cross as far as he could before Simon was called upon. Jesus was on the cross for a long time before they offered him vinegar. Watching him was necessary to complete their assignment.

A.        Once again I am reminded of all that Jesus suffered, for me and my salvation. I should have died on that cross. I was filled with sin. I was guilty. Out of a heart of love Jesus took my place to set me free!

P.         Dear Father above; how can mere words alone express my gratitude, my joy, my amazement and my appreciation? They Can’t! So I will commit to you my life… use me as you will… I surrender my all to you. Amen.  

My youngest daughter and her husband.