3-8-2017 Wisdom

This is the next to last night of this revival. I have preached about Faith, The Heart, The Presence of God and tonight it is Wisdom.The need for wisdom in our lives is quite evident. We find ourselves in the middle of problems, debt, pain and grief because we don't use wisdom. God has wisdom to give us but we seldom ask for it. "You have not because you ask not" applies to wisdom as well as the temporal, transit and the consumable. "Ask and you shall receive" is a way to start finding wisdom. Finding wisdom will aid in the application of wisdom, After all; what good are things we don't use.

May we all slow down just enough to hear the voice of God.......applied wisdom!

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!

ANGRY

I am angry today, woke up that way, and I know why! So many of my friends are fighting pain, sorrow, rejection and fear that I am unable to spread myself and the healing ministry of Jesus in an adequate manner. My sermon today will be about how God wants to meet our needs. My friends that need to hear this message the most will not be able to attend. I am asking for everyone to pray for a special touch from the Holy Spirit too spread this message into the hearts of all my hurting friends. Lift them up, into God's Holy presence, and may God bless you for praying with a double portion of joy. 

9-20-2015      Luke 12:4-7

S.       4 And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.5 But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.6 Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? 7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

O.      God knows everything about man, down to the smallest detail.

A.      God knows me, loves me and helps me to be what I should be. I will seek his will and live my life accordingly.

P.       Father; I commit my life to you, lead me into your perfection and purposes. Amen.

Faith....do you have any?

I have faith, you have faith, everyone has faith. The Bible says so. Faith is in us as a gift from God. It is how we use that faith that makes the difference. One example: faith without works is "dead" faith. We must reveal our faith by the way we live, give and serve others. Believing that there is a God is only a part of what faith is all about. By applying faith to more and more of life's experiences (and relationships) we expand our understanding and we will see that faith "MUST" be "APPLIED" to be of any value to ourselves or those around us. 

S.O.A.P.

4-1-2015         Romans 13:1-7

S.       1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

O.      Proper respect is due to those in power. Paying taxes (tribute) is proper.

A.      God places those into power that he chooses. Our relationship to those leaders hinges on our honesty and integrity. If I live a holy life as a Christian I have nothing to fear from leaders.

P.       Father; I know that you set this world into motion and you are reaching out to man in many ways. Help me to be a living example of faith and love. Amen. 

Vulgar words are SIN!

God tells us that we will be held accountable for every word that comes out of our mouth. We can speak blessing, or curses, into our lives. God also gives us a list of things to think about as we go through life. The words that come out of our mouth start in our heart. If our words are vulgar then our heart is vulgar. If our words are base, carnal or sinful then that is the condition of the heart. Jesus will not live in an unclean heart. Based on the words spewing from "so called" Christians there is a break-down in their understanding of God.  Many people who think that they are Christian are deceived. 

S.O.A.P.

3-14-2015      Romans 10:18-19

S.       18 But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.19 But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you.

O.      God warns Israel that other nations will respond to his blessings.

A.      I must respond to the news God shares with me in every area of my life. Nothing should be held back.

P.       Father; I give to you my everything and my all. Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me. Amen. 

Waiting

I get in a hurry......way to often. Waiting is not one of my best skills. So; there have been many lessons lately. The traffic in Dallas was extra slow, the contact was very late, my check did not show in my account when I knew it should. Extra lessons, or is it practice?

S.O.A.P.

2-27-2015      Romans 8:26-28

S.       26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

O.      The Holy Spirit is our comforter; He brings us through all of life’s ups and downs.

A.      I will lean on my helper and be patient, even in this storm.

P.       Father; calm my spirit and mind with your touch. I welcome the Holy Spirit to lead me through this day. 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. 

Fake Pastors?

Are pastors serving the church or are they being served? The modern model of a pastor is not biblical.
God does not call us to be C.E.O. God calls us to be servants/shepherds. Awake! Find the path of servant-hood and bring honor back to the calling.

S.O.A.P.

2-8-2015              Romans 7:1

S.       1 Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth?

O.      Laws are for the living, not the dead.

A.      All of God’s laws exist for my benefit. God warns me to protect my soul from sin. I will have safety and peace if I obey.

    P.       Father; thank you for revealing your laws to me. I can walk in security because I am aware              of the dangers. You must love me more than I can understand to give such wonderful insight              and protection to me. Amen.   

You are not a slave to SIN!

God loves me this I know. I really do know the love of God. He shows me this love in many ways. Some times he tells me "no" when I pray for things that don't fit into his plan for my life. I always ask for God's will to be preformed in my life. So when he leads into a certain situations, even the ones I don't understand, I say "the will of the Lord be done"and walk on in faith.

S.O.A.P.

1-28-2015      Romans 6:15-23

S.            15 What then? Shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. 16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? 17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. 18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. 19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. 20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. 21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. 22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. 23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

O.           Righteous people are dead to sin and do not serve sin.

A.           People who sin are sinners, not Christians. It is impossible to be both Saint and sinner at the same time. If I am dead to sin then the doctrines of sin being a normal part of living are a lie. I “can” sin but I am not doomed to sin.

P.            Father; keep me from sin and teach me to always be an overcomer. My flesh, mind and soul are yours. Give me wisdom to see each temptation and never fail. Amen.

Romans

Trouble, trials and a stretching of our faith on this first day of the new year. Both daughters in hospital and wife and I are trying to cover all the needs as well as possible. Nancy spent the night with Christi and for the first time in our 46 years of married life we were apart on new years eve. Roads may be icing over and we need to get back and forth. We will find out if I can still drive in bad weather. Pray protecting Angels over me Please. God gave us a wonderful "Last" service at church last night, sweet spirit and many wonderful testimonies on last years blessings.
Blessed New Year and welcome 2015!

S.O.A.P.

1-1-2015              Romans 1:1-7

S.       1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,2 (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:6 Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

O.      Paul’s salutation to the Saints at Rome and his declaration of Jesus the Christ.

A.      Paul speaks of several important aspects in this salutation: He identifies Jesus in all his power and glory, declares peace to his readers and calls them saints. I need to remember every day that I am in Jesus. I am not a looser, a failure, a sinner; I am a holy follower of Jesus Christ, an overcomer. I am a saint, made so by the cleansing blood of Calvary.

P.       Father; cleans my memories of the stain of sin. Renew a right spirit within me and reveal the mind of Christ to me. Amen.

How are you Growing?

I spent half of my life trying to push, pull, scare, scream, prod, shame people into living right. It never worked. The harder I was the more difficult "my" life was. People will only change when they want to change. It (change) starts from inside a person and radiates to the live others see. Lots of folks under my ministry acted as I wanted them to act. The problem was; they were just acting, no real change had occurred, no inner renewal, just paint and powder for my sake. God called me to plant seed, gospel seed. How you grow is up to you.

10-7-2014      Mark 4:26-29

S.       26 And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; 27 And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.29 But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.

O.      Spiritual seed is like natural seed, it must be planted before it will grow and produce fruit.

A.      I will plant and I will harvest. I will leave the growth patterns and development to the course of nature.

P.       Father; as the farmer does not tell the seed how to grow I must do the same. Help me to trust your work in the lives that I have planted seed in and just stay ready to harvest. Help me to be a farmer instead of a policeman. Amen.

Shine on

10-5-2014      Mark 4:21-23

S.       21 And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?22 For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.23 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.

O.      There is no reason to hide the light……the truths of God.

A.      I must not be ashamed to proclaim my faith to others. I will speak up and “let my light shine” for Jesus. Light is stronger than darkness.

P.       Father; shine through me; shine your love, mercy, grace and peace. Love through me and be my light. Amen. 

Wilderness

9-8-2014         Mark 1:12-13

S.       12 And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness.13 And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.

O.      Jesus is tempted by satan in the wilderness. Mark does not give any details of the temptation but notes the wild beasts and Angels being present.

A.      Temptation comes to every life. Being tempted is not a sin but giving in to temptation is. This world is a wilderness full of wild beasts and temptation to sin is everywhere. We must hold fast to the knowledge that Jesus overcame temptation as an example for us to follow.

P.       Father: lead me not into temptation but deliver me from this evil world. 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.

Listen to God!

8-27-2014      Acts 27:9-37

S.       9 Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them,10 And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives.11 Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul.12 And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, and there to winter; which is an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south west and north west.13 And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete.14 But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon.15 And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive.16 And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come by the boat:17 Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands strake sail, and so were driven.18 And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship;19 And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship.20 And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away21 But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.22 And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship.23 For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,24 Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.25 Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.26 Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island.27 But when the fourteenth night was come, as we were driven up and down in Adria, about midnight the shipmen deemed that they drew near to some country;28 And sounded, and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms.29 Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day.30 And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under colour as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship,31 Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved.32Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off.33 And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing.34 Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you.35 And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat.36 Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat.37 And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls.

O.      The journey is filled with danger and hardship. God gives Paul knowledge; if all the people stay together, none shall die. The sailors and soldiers do all within their human strength to overcome the terrible storm and save the ship.

A.      Humans will go to great length to make things turn out the way they want them to go. Trusting God is seldom the direction taken. We must first believe in God as the “only true source” of help and direction. Then we must listen to his direction and obey his voice.

P.       Father; speak to me from your word and declare your will. Direct me by your Holy Spirit in all matters of life, both great and small. Amen. 

Ordinary Days?

8-26-2014           Acts 27:1-8

S.       1 And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band.2 And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.3 And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself.4 And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.5 And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia.6 And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein.7 And when we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone;8 And, hardly passing it, came unto a place which is called The fair havens; nigh whereunto was the city of Lasea.

O.      Paul’s final leg of his journey to Rome begins under Julius, a understanding and fair, centurion.

A.      These were long weary days of difficult travel. Changing ships often, uncomfortable lodgings and many schedule disruptions. No great miracles or events are mentioned, just ordinary life and struggles. We must face days like these often and keep our faith strong and our joy intact. God is the God of the ordinary day just as he is in the day of miracles.

P.       Father; Keep me strong and encouraged through the ordinary days of life. Help me to show your joy to others and be an example of a happy servant. 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.

Jesus Lives!

8-23-2014      Acts 26:19-23

S.       19 Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:20 But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.21 For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me.22 Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:23 That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.

O.      Paul tells of the resurrection and that Jesus is alive. Paul places repentance as a requirement to both Jew and Gentile.

A.      All must repent, I repent. All must believe, I believe. All must face opposition, I face opposition. God will surly bless his servants, I am blessed.

P        Father; help me spend my life wisely before you as a servant. Wash away all my sin and fill me with your Holy Spirit. Fill my mouth with words that will be pleasing to you. Amen.

Stand up

8-22-2014      Acts 26:16-18

S.       16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;17 Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

O.      Jesus is speaking to Paul on the road to Damascus. Arise and stand on your feet are his first command.

A.      we must stand and declare our message. We must tell the world of the love of God and how God deals directly with his children.

P.       Father: I ask for courage and guidance for this day to spread the gospel. Fill me with your Spirit and use me. Amen.

Meeting Jesus

8-21-2014      Acts 26:12-15

S.       12 Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,13 At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me.14 And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.15 And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.

O.      Paul is on a journey to Damascus to arrest Christians and it is at this time he encounters Jesus.

A.      I have encountered Jesus and I know what Paul was talking about. When you meet Jesus you are forced to make a choice. Will you believe or will you turn away? Will you embrace or reject? I believe and embrace Jesus! I trade my sin for forgiveness, my shame for joy and my soul for salvation. I am no longer my own, I am his.

P.       Father; I am yours; I seek to do your will as I surrender my entire being to you. Amen.