Sabbatical: Day 7

Early today we come to the Garden Tomb. Just above us looms Golgotha, the features of a skull are clearly seen these two thousand years after the murder of Jesus on that place. There are no crosses standing there, no markers and no shrine. It is my opinion that even to this day most people want to avoid the cross and that is why there is not a shrine there. I see that cross, the pain, the agony, the suffering and death. But what I sense most is "alone". Jesus called out to God from that cross, "why have you forsaken me"? In my heart I know that Jesus loves me enough to face death for me. The guiltless, sinless and perfect Son of God gave his life as the sacrifice for my sin and suffered rejection to pay a price that I could never pay. Because of this I have approach to God and the option of eternal life. Eternity will not be long enough for me to sing his praise. Serving him here is insufficient to show my gratitude. By walking a few steps to the east and rounding a short partition wall I am in the garden where the borrowed tomb is located. (I think this partition is a sound barrier for street traffic) Several hundred people are here and great preparation for our service and communion. Pastors Matthew and John Hagee sing and preach and praise in sweet leadership as my thoughts turn from the cross to that "EMPTY" tomb. The songs were all well known and familiar but there impact was amplified, multiplied a million times as I gazed into the door of an empty room. My Saviour lives! The tomb could not hold him. Jesus returned to us, alive, having placed his perfect blood sacrifice on the golden alter before the throne. I can say without doubt; He lives in Heaven and in my heart. This communion service will be one of my sweetest memories of this trip. As I celebrated the body and blood of my Saviour I doubled my commitment to our relationship and my service to my fellow man. I experienced a "new birth".....again. 

The remainder of the day, my last day, was spent at two memorials, The Holocaust and Friends of Israel. I learned much of the history of the second world war from my family as a boy. Their stories did not prepare me for this day or these memorials. I won't write much here. I will say that the spirit, the hate and the evil that lived in the Nazi effort is in our world once again in these Radical Muslims. I pray that the world does not turn it's back on Israel.    

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! 

Forgive me America.

The debate last night brought many terrible conditions in America to light. Most of us know about these problems but having them kicked around from so many different angles seemed to escalate each problem to new heights. I feel for the Americans that are not well grounded in the Christian faith. These people are being pounded with catastrophic worries and monumental disasters with no real remedy to slow the inevitable doom and destruction. In the clear light of this new day I have discovered the solution to this whole mess. I am the remedy. If I will pray more, eat less, stop borrowing, grow my own food, pray according to God's revealed will, care for my neighbor, listen to my wife, share my faith, pray until I conquer my ego, drive less & walk more, vote the moral (bible moral) vote, and sing songs of praise and worship unto God, all this mess will level out. Forgive me America......I will get started......now!

9-17-2015      Luke 11:41-48

S.       41 But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold; all things are clean unto you.42 But woe unto you, Pharisees! For ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.43 Woe unto you, Pharisees! For ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets.44 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them.

       45 Then answered one of the lawyers, and said unto him, Master, thus saying thou reproaches us also .46 And he said, Woe unto you also, ye lawyers! For ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers.47 Woe unto you! For ye build the sepulchers of the prophets, and your fathers killed them.48 truly ye bear witness that ye allow the deeds of your fathers: for they indeed killed them, and ye build their sepulchers.

O.      Jesus rebukes hypocrisy. 

A.      I will strive to avoid hypocrisy. I will not demand anything of others that I myself would avoid. I will repent quickly should someone uncover hypocrisy in me.

P.       Father in Heaven; reveal my weakness, open my eyes and keep me from walking in any form of hypocrisy. Amen. 

I am Loved!

I am in awe of my Lord Jesus Christ. He went to the cross to die in my place. He never told a lie, broke his word, stole a meal, hurt his friends.......he never sinned. I stand amazed at his love for me, unmerited, undeserved and unlovable man I was, Jesus choose to be my salvation. He paid a price that I could never pay.......just because he loves me.

9-11-2015      Luke 11:23

S.       23 He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.

O.      Jesus sets strict lines of division.

A.      I want to be with Jesus in every matter. I choose to make him my Lord, Saviour and King. I will resist the devil and all his army of evil.

P.       Father; anoint me with your Grace for power to overcome my enemies. Teach me how to love the sinner and hate the sin. Amen.

Not all that call him Lord will enter in.

Christians should be the leaders in America. Christians should be the leaders in Texas. Christians should be the leaders in Hood county, Christians should be the leaders in church. Christians should be leaders in the home. Christians are the ones that "do" the will of Jesus, not "think" the will of Jesus. Christians lead by example......not empty words, selfish ideas or religious rhetoric. Are you truly a Christian?

8-7-2015         Luke 8:49-50

S.       49While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master. 50But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.

O.      Jesus says: Do not fear death……Believe!

A.      Most people fear death because they don’t know Jesus in a personal relationship. My death will be my gain……because I do know Jesus.

P.       Father; I run to you today………keep me in your arms. Amen.

8-8-2015         Luke 8:51-56

S.       51And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden.52And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth.53And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead.54And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise.55And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat.56And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done.

O.      A dead child is made alive by Jesus.

A.      In his words there is life, joy and hope. I will consume God’s word until I leave this world for the next.

P.       Father; May I always believe in every word you have sent. Help my weakness and un-belief. Amen.

THINKING

Why do we focus more on people than God? If someone says the wrong thing to us we become angry even when we know that they are not properly informed. We worry about what others think of us and how we will be received. I am praying for a lady that thinks the whole world hates her. She never has peace. Please God, teach her to look at you instead of those around her. Teach her to bring her thoughts into alignment with your Holy Word. Amen

S.O.A.P.

3-24-2015      Romans 12:3

S.       3For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

O.      Man must think of himself in the proper manner.

A.      I am not above others in any form. All are created in the image of God. I must guard against conceit and arrogance. I will be the man God would have me to be.

P.       Father; open my eyes to the evil of conceit and arrogance and keep me from that trap. Amen.

3-25-2015      Romans 12:4-5

S.       4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

O.      All believers are of one body.

A.      The goal is unity with each person filling their respective place. I will seek to live the second great command; love thy neighbor.

P.       Father; Show me how to fill my place in this world and support those around me with love and understanding. Amen.

Angry

I am angry today! Angry about all the suffering I see around me. I am declaring WAR! I know that many of my suffering friends are not worthy of the pain and difficulty s that they are in. It must be the attack of satan. God's word tells me that I have authority over him. Sound the trumpet, assemble the army, set the strategy and let's march into the camp of the enemy and take back the things that are already ours; HEALING, PROSPERITY, JOY, PEACE, FELLOWSHIP AND POWER!

S.O.A.P.

3-3-2015         Romans 8:35-39

S.       35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?36As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.37Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.38For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come.39Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

O.      Paul’s declaration about the strength of God’s love.

A.      I must not worry and doubt. God will love me and keep me and go with me through every trial and test of life.

    P.       Father; thank you for loving me, even before I ever knew you. Amen. 

Time for Business!

Church business meeting today at four o'clock. We will look back on 2014 and evaluate the results, have some sweet fellowship and rejoice in all that the Lord has done. We may plan some goals for the remainder of this year as well. 2014 was a year of plenty and today we will see more proof of just how good our God is to his children.


S.O.A.P.

2-21-2015      Romans 8:10-11

S.       10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

O.      The body will be brought under subjection (dead to sin) by the power of the Spirit.

A.      First I must believe, then, respond by faith into a sinless lifestyle empowered by the Holy Spirit. I am no longer a slave to the appetites of my flesh but victory only comes by the indwelling of the Spirit.

   P.       Father; please help me to eradicate all un-belief from my heart and mind. Amen. 

Representing Jesus

I represent Christ in all I do. This should be our goal and desire each day as we go through life. I am no longer my own, I have been bought with a very high price; the Blood of Jesus. The very best that God had to offer, his son, took my place on the cross and paid the ultimate price to redeem me. I will live in gratitude and appreciation and represent myself in a Christ-like manner.

S.O.A.P.

1-15-2015      Romans 4:1-3

S.       1 What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? 2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. 3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.

O.      Believing brought Abraham into a righteous place before God, not his works.

A.      Works are a natural by-product of real faith. Righteousness comes from believing; in God, Jesus as the son of God and in the plan of redemption by grace. If I truly believe these things then my life will be filled with the “works” or righteousness.

P.       Father; I believe you are who the Bible says you are; you are my God, my Saviour, my King, my Lord, creator and Redeemer. Thank you God for loving me! Amen. 

Money and my Attitude.

Many were touched by God yesterday. Prayed for about ten different cancer reports.....just waiting for the good news to come back. God is able.

12-8-2014      Mark 12:41-44

S.       41 And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. 42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. 43 And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: 44 For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.

O.      Jesus reveals a secret about giving of money.

A.      I must give my money with the proper motivation. Giving is an act of love and faith, not a law to be in bondage to. I glad that God notices even the small amounts.

P.       Father; I dedicate my wallet to you along with my soul. Please bless my giving and help it to bring many souls to redemption. Amen. 

The Beginning of The Book Mark

Mark 1:1-6

S.       1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;2 As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.5 And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.6 And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey;

O.      Mark begins his letter by introducing John the Baptist and his ministry; A ministry of repentance.

A.       Today’s message should include repentance, every message should include repentance. All other messages become useless until repentance is achieved. 

P.       Father; I repent, I seek to be found guiltless in your eyes. Thank you God for sending your son, Jesus, to pay the debt of sin that I could never pay!  Speak Lord and I will obey. Amen.

Paul in Rome

9-4-2014         Acts 28:29-31

S.       29 And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves.30 And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him,31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.

O.      Paul lives as a free man in Rome and uses this freedom to spread the gospel.

A.      I must live the life of a free man, free from sin, shame and free from regret. I will keep myself from wickedness by clinging to Jesus and his word. I will commune with the Lord, listen and obey using my freedom wisely to the saving of my soul and as many other souls as possible.

P.       Father; I come to you weak to be made strong. I come to you hungry to be made full. I come to you lost that I may be found. I come to you to serve, use me as you will. Amen.

Trust

8-31-2014      Acts 28:11-16

S.       11 And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux.12 And landing at Syracuse, we tarried there three days.13 And from thence we fetched a compass, and came to Rhegium: and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli:14 Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome.15 And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.16 And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him.

O.      The trip to Rome is completed and Paul is kept by one of his guards in his private home.

A.      God protects and provides for his servants. We must simply obey the command of the Lord and he will provide all we need. I will obey, with God’s help.

P.       Father; open my eyes to your will for my life and show me the things I need to see to be ready. I know that you will keep me safe in a time of trouble. I put my trust in 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.

Baptized

8-1-2014         Acts 22:16

S.       16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

O.      Paul is baptized.

A.      Why do I hold back from the things of God? My life would be so much better if I would trust and obey. I will search the scripture and live as they instruct me to live. I will obey God!

P.       Father; I entrust myself to you and you alone. Wash me clean and instruct me through your word. Show me my path for this day. Amen.

Work

7-18-2014      Acts 20:33-34

S.       33 I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.34 Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.

O.      Paul describes his view of labor and reward.

A.      Working to meet our need is the normal course life. Paul also meets the needs of others and so should I. Many are unable to work and earn a living. God would have me to help those around me. Christians share!

P.       Father; strengthen my ability to work and direct me in my giving. Help me to be an example, like Paul, in my giving and in my compassion. Amen.

Unity and Fellowship

7-12-2014      Acts 20:1-3

S.       1 And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia.2 And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece, 3 And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia.

O.      Paul leaves Ephesus after the uproar and travels back to the churches of Macedonia. Paul gives comfort and instruction unto these churches.

A.      The benefit of fellowship and mutual aid (both physical and spiritual) should not be overlooked. From the very beginning; Christians have banded together, learned from each other, shared their substance and remained part of each other’s lives. This type of relationship is needed now more than ever. Satan easily overcomes the person who is isolated.

P.       Father; bring me into perfect fellowship with you and lead me, teach me and bring me into fellowship with other Christians. Help me to open my heart to others and embrace their fellowship. Amen.   

Special Miracles

7-8-2014         Acts 19:11-12

S.       11 And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:12 So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.

O.      Here we see a unique reference to miracles and evil spirits. Most miracles are referenced at the touch of hand, from one person to another; these are carried to the needy by a surrogate method.

A.      God is not limited by method or man’s understanding. If there is a need and faith is applied then method should be of minor importance. Our confidence should rest in God, not method.

P.       Father; increase my faith in all things concerning healing and deliverance. Use me as your ambassador, your vessel, your servant. May many be healed and delivered and may the focus always be on you Lord and not me, or the miracles. You are the giver of life, health, joy, peace, and salvation. Come among us to heal and deliver today. Amen.  

Tongues

7-6-2014         Acts 19:1-7

S.       1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.7 And all the men were about twelve.

O.      At Ephesus believers were re-baptized in water and received the Holy Ghost by the hands of Paul. These spoke with tongues (UN-learned language) just as the disciples did on the Day of Pentecost.  Another event where people who were already believers (saved) received the Holy Ghost and spoke in tongues as at the birth of the church. This is a pattern of: first a believer, then a subsequent event of receiving the Holy Ghost and speaking in tongues.

A.      I will teach the ones that I am ministering to of this “event” and that when this “event” takes place, speaking in tongues is a part of the event. The Holy Ghost Baptism is accompanied with Speaking in Tongues.

P.       Father; thank you for the simple truth of your word. Help me to teach this truth to as many as possible. Use me as you used Paul. 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.