That Tower of Strength

 

Proverbs 18: 10 The character of God is a tower of strength, for the lovers of God delight to run into his heart and be exalted on high.

Here the Hebrew word Migdal is tower of strength, having a homonym that can be translated "bed of flowers".

Thinking of those men who in times past went to war. They were those who fought against Germans, those of Japan and Korea too. I know some of those stories for most of my family had gone when other nations decided to attack. I have seen many story lines providing those times of men against men. I have been in awe that of which comes upon men to stay and fight. Like Hacksaw Ridge, one man among how many who would want to take "one more down that rocky ridge? Under gunfire, not only of Japanese but also from the ships of American down below, still he kept going:"one more".

"Lord, do I have one more encouragement to write?"  Lord help me write Your heart on pages people will be able come out of shadows and see Your light to move forward to reach others hearts for Your glory!"  Lord I know this is my "assignment " on earth!"

Righteousness is central characteristic: is from the kingdom of God, Romans 14:17  for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit……….& then  Psalm 89:13-15     NKJV  13 You have a mighty arm; Strong is Your hand and high is Your right hand 14 Righteous and justice are the foundation of Your throne; Mercy and truth go before Your face. 15 Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound!

Acts 24:25 & Matt.6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and  His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you.

The “fruit” of righteousness is continually being borne through the moment by moment commitment to Jesus and the Word…all that concerns Jesus & the Good News…as in Matthew 5:20 For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Romans 7:4 Therefore, my brethren, you also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another----to Him who was raised from the dead, that we should bear fruit to God.  We do not obey in our strength! See also: John 15:1-17; 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1; 1 Peter 1:13-16; 1 John 1:9

If we remember Proverbs 14:12 reveals this: there is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. Anything outside of God’s way is reaping death. It can appear as mass murders, suicides and all kinds of life-taking, life-ending destructive paths.

We are told in 1 Corinthians 2:6 we are to speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this who are coming to nothing….no, anything outside of God and His ways and truths is a casualty looking for a place to happen!

The Righteousness of God is the basis of His judgment upon the “unrighteous” as found in Romans 2:5 NKJV But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God.

 “Unrighteousness” of God stands eternally….And opposed to the  unrighteousness of man…see in Romans 1:32  who knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approved of those who practice them.

Comparing  with John 3:36  He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, not idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals nor sodomites.

Galatians 5:19-21    NKJV Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

2 Thessalonians 2:10-12; 2 Peter 2:9     The Greek: adikos: unrighteous, is unjust, dishonest, untrustworthy, ……see Romans 1:18; Romans 2:5;Romans 2:8; Romans 3:5; Romans 6:13; Romans 9:14

We can see today those who are unrighteous, dishonest, untrustworthy, and unjust. Was watching the end of a ladies basketball game. And the end only proved dishonest, the unjust done to another while playing. The last two minutes one decided to take the opportunity to hold the one with basketball. Fearing she would make the goal in the hoop. Only taking two more obvious "holding " onto lady with ball....stopped the ball. The other team said they won. Buzzer sounds, but in the last two minutes no one called holding against the other team. So readily seen and yet not one called "holding". I will no longer watch basketball. I stopped watching football decades ago. Again, cheating was seen on the field.

If one has to cheat in sports what do they do at home? What do they do towards the "family"? Will you care for a pet safely? Will you watch out for the safety of your children?  Will you see your children taught math, science, reading, so that they can do those subjects readily on graduation day?

In the true story of Pfc. Desmond T. Doss, he won the Congressional Medal of Honor despite refusing to bear arms during WWII on religious grounds. He was harassed because of his beliefs. But when the battle was before them, his bravery, selflessness and compassion shined through. He always spoke to the Lord that night asking the Lord if he might get one more down that ridge!

Will we be seen as the righteousness of God? Will we earn the respect of caring for the neighbor. Not by throwing money at him, but delivering him down to safety when danger appears!

Doss was allowed to read the word on that Saturday. Then all the men went up together to face the Japanese. Find that fellow believer.  Stand firm in faith and believe the Lord is with you. I know the Lord is with me and mine. I know for I have seen His glory in this house. I have the power of the tower of strength. It is a beautiful place of floral scents and peace. It is awesome to be up again, to walk and see the hand of God. Be blessed fellow believers, unjust people are close by, people firing real bullets, not blanks, people choosing to leave God out of America, out of their lives and live in selfishness.  Be set free in Jesus. Live for Him and see His glory now and forever. Amen

"For all those who have served to keep America free from tyranny.....Thank YOU!"

                                          Teaching at: Voice of Prayer 

Uphill with Jesus Christ: The Witness that Glorifies God

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Deceit and Deception

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Hypervigilance

Voice of Prayer

2 Kings 13:20-21...........20 Elisha died and was buried. 

Now Moabite raiders used to enter the country every spring. 21 Once while some Israelites were burying a man, suddenly they saw a band of raiders; so they threw the man's body into Elisha's tomb. When the body touched Elisha's bones, the man came to life and stood up on his feet.  NIV

Even when Elisha had passed. His bones still had the life of God in them to cause a man to live and stand on his feet! Even in death, he was still in motion for God!

Are we passing a mantle that others can experience in their own lives?

Are we giving others the wisdom we have acquired to teach the young how to move forward in God?

We cannot do this if we are stuck in stuff or distracted by stuff!

Yes, God knows those who are His! He knows those who thirst........!

Recognizing glory is when we see Jesus so strongly, so powerfully, in someone and know that all of heaven is behind what they, the person says and does.

When Elisha passed, no one received that mantle he carried and he had the "double portion" from Elijah! What do we leave behind, if Jesus should tarry? Is anyone interested in receiving the "double portion"?

What we fix our eyes and hearts on determines what will be accomplished in our lives! Heard the most alarming report the other night on 60 Minutes. It was by what people call today " a whistle blower" but I like what they called them in the days of "old".....the Messenger, the Watchman on the Wall.

But this young man surely had a good heart in what he is seeing from the "silicon valley" in regard to the cell phones and their "apps". He told of how they ...the business people want your time and complete focus....to keep one's attention through the day and night.

He gave the example of the monkey and banana thing. Yes, he compared people as the monkey and the banana as the prize..........and how it is always about the prize to win or the prize to gain!

The greatest prize I can think of ...is to know....Him.....and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death. That I may press toward the prize that which  Christ Jesus laid hold of me. Always pressing forward to those things which lie ahead....the spiritual kingdom that Jesus came to bring ...........salvation and life with the Father.

The technological things certainly makes one take note, but should not be that which distracts us from what God speaks. Our citizenship is in heaven and we are to stand fast in the Lord.

I am no monkey and I am not punching buttons for others to make their money. For whatever craze that may be on the horizon may it not make you crazy thriving to hear its every ring, ping and song that someone liked you, tweeted you or texted you!

The young man gave some very good evidence of how people are being manipulated by a system. He called many men who had worked on it and in truth one man of the company he worked for, did bring some thought on it, but after two years nothing was done so the young man left that place. 

I believe in the young man' heart, he desired others to know the hazards of doing overtime with your phone in hand. He wanted people to know that  hypervigilance is against keeping the mind and body safe. He made me think of a teaching recently how hypervigilance is being experienced not only in those who went to war but also those who stayed home. It is that part of the adrenal glands that is always producing more adrenaline for the "fight or flight" mode of the gland.

Our peace should be found in God. And for one who has seen this hypervigilance.......it is always on and always active when one tries to rest. So for me and others like me, we stay in God's presence and within His peace. God is loving, active and is always available to our call in need. 

We should be willing to hear and act out of what God has given and shown us. What wisdom that comes from the world we should certainly discern how much is needed for our own wise decisions. In the end, prayer is our guard. In keeping close to God in word and prayer, we find we are made in God's image and we are not here for another 20 year study on how people's bodies, especially the young teens fair in hypervigilance. We must be warned, but we must heed and follow God's commands............to love our neighbors and yes pray for them............but to love God more and more. He is the true God, the One God, holy, mighty and self-existing............I will keep my focus on HIM to recognize glory. In accordance with purpose of His will, His kind intent was so that we ( that means you and me) might be to the praise and the commendation of HIS glorious grace (favor and mercy) which He bestowed on us in the Beloved. 

We celebrate His resurrection, the Beloved's this week. That which is is of the true and to be valued is in Him Jesus Christ the Anointed One, to the honor and praise of God that His glory is manifested and is recognized. Choosing to stay out of the hypervigilance arena...........to God be the glory. Amen!

Notice: 

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Prayer is Relational: The Results Appear as SIGHS AND WONDERS

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A SIGN AND A WONDER OR DRUG DEALER?

Should we not be a sign and wonder to those we come in contact with in our daily lives? Should people not see that we speak differently, act differently and do not carry the fear factor?

Great trials were put upon the Hebrew nation when they were under the rule of Pharaoh. And the LORD God reminded them of it!
This He spoke:
Deuteronomy 7:7-9, 11-21
The Lord did not set His love upon you and choose you because you were more in number than any other people, for you were the fewest of all people. 8 But because the Lord loves you and because He would keep the oath which He had sworn to your fathers, the Lord has brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. 9 Know, recognize, and understand therefore that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God, Who keeps covenant and steadfast love and mercy with those who love Him and keep His commandments, to a thousand generations.
11 You shall therefore keep and do the instruction, laws, and precepts which I command you this day. 12 And if you harken to these precepts and keep and do them, the Lord your God will keep with you the covenant and the steadfast love which He swore to your fathers. 13 And He will love you, bless you, and multiply you; He will also bless the fruit of your body and the fruit of your land, your grain, your new wine, and your oil, the increase of your cattle and the young of your flock in the land which He swore to your fathers to give you. 14 You shall be blessed above all peoples; there shall not be male or female barren among you, or among your cattle. 15 The Lord will take away from you all sickness, and none of the evil diseases of Egypt which you knew will He upon on you, but will lay them upon all who hate you. 16 And you shall consume all the peoples whom the Lord your God will give over to you; your eye shall not pity them, neither shall you serve their gods, for that would be a snare to you. 17 If you say in your [minds and] hearts, These nations are greater than we are; how can we dispossess them? 18 You shall not be afraid of them, but remember [earnestly] what the Lord your God did to Pharaoh and to all Egypt. 19 The great trials which your eyes saw, the signs, the wonders, the mighty hand and the outstretched arm by which the Lord your God brought you out, So shall the Lord your God do to all the people of whom you are afraid. 20 Moreover the Lord your God will send the hornet among them until those who are left and hide themselves from you are destroyed. 21 You shall not dread them; for the Lord your God is among you, a mighty and terrible God. Amplified Bible

In that day and time, there were nations wanting more land and more power. They traveled to conquer others. They went prepared to go out with military might to take down and remove any who got in their way.
But the Lord cares for those who are His own. He cherishes with great love and though trials come, our trust is to be in Him.
In truth that still exists today. Oh no, you will not see them march across the desert with their leaders on the finest horse or camel. But they still exist today. Today they come selling their wares on the airwaves of the television:that big screen showing their wares for certain!

God was telling them not to remember of the defeat they experienced in the land, but for them to remember the signs and wonders by His Hand that brought them out of Egypt and out of bondage!

There are those who accept things that the world hands out. We are to be in the world, but not of it, right? John 17:14
14 I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world.  NIV
The Lord God spoke to His people to say the great trials which your eyes saw, the signs, the wonders, the mighty hand and the outstretched arm by which the Lord your God brought you out, So shall the Lord your God do to all the people of whom you are afraid.
Now medical advancement has made great strides in bringing new strategies that help those who cannot walk without help of "the artificial leg" or the artificial arm or hand for use in everyday living life. And praise the Lord for His goodness. We have seen great strides forward in those areas of those who have gone through kidney transplants, and bone marrow transplants. For those of the bone marrow kind must remain away from people and their diseases (like cold, flu, and the such) for sometime and the robot has come on scene to help those youth in the area of their school work!

Sin played a big role in that of pharaoh in Egypt. He worshiped the river, and he got frogs, millions of them. For what people worship, they will gain millions of problems like pharaoh. Pharaoh, the king of Egypt had no regard for the God of the Hebrew nation. He regarded those Egyptian gods and with each he regarded highly came to him in the form of a plague. It was each plague that carried out to show God was the "only true God" and the Egyptian gods and their pharaoh were powerless before Him.


Everyday if we spend anytime watching a football game, a favorite "who done it" type mystery or even a kids' movie on a made for children TV station, one is inundated, yes swamped, downright bogged down into that which is regarded as the "next best medicine", the next best "cure" on the market. "Call about it today", is their request.  Are we the sign and wonder or just the drug dealer who deals out that which brings harm?
There was a day when "drug dealers" were hunted down and put in jail or prison, but today it is broadcast into every living room in America. We certainly try to record that which we desire to watch and go past that which deals "drugs" into the home at least every 5 of 13 commercials between the maybe 13 minutes of a show or mystery, detective type show you watch. Did you count them at Christmas time? Yikes!


Deuteronomy 7:25-26
25 You shall burn the carved images of their gods with fire; you shall not covet the silver or gold that is on them, nor take it for yourselves, lest you be snared by it; for it is an abomination to the LORD your God. 26 Nor shall you bring an abomination into your house, lest you be doomed to destruction like it. You shall utterly detest it and utterly abhor it, for it is an accursed thing. NKJV


We are to watch over our heart with all diligence. We are to visit those scriptures and passages Jesus spoke about and did all for the glory of God. When we take for ourselves those things that are an abomination to us, we become the doomed. Not because we do not love God, but because a snare was put on the body of the believer. What we put before our eyes can be that "hook" that will pull you in little by little, till you are trapped. Ask any who have been healed of taking drugs for many years. Our Father is one who is to be recognized and that we are to know and understand that He is love, and He is the faithful. He desires the good for us.
There is no sickness in heaven so why should we so readily receive sickness here? And everyday there is another virus, and another strain of something for sin is still rampant, right?
When something does come your way, is it easier to just go to the Dr. or is it in the best interest first to consult God on the matter? Is faith geared toward the Dr. than for what God has already done for you through His Son Jesus?

 Following the Lord and His direction, will keep us close to hear HIM speak about such things. He gives us the measure of faith to trust Him, but do we activate our faith toward His speaking, and His truth or into that which the world advertises for your good like: that new car, that new house, that new truck that you must have. Certainly we have need of transportation, but some folks just need to move closer to their job and not the 2 hour commute that seems to have been going on for decades now.

Those that followed Pharaoh, the king of Egypt followed him into a great and tragic death. Moses did not pity him and he was not about to serve his gods, those things that pharaoh took pleasure in.

The nation of pharmaceuticals is making money by the ship loads from those who do not know how to dispossess them. And much we can do today, is to look for better ways of eating healthier and caring for our bodies like exercise and drinking plenty of water. There are times one must have a vaccination due to low immunity, but always seek God first and to His plan for you! He cares and wants to be involved in your healthcare!

 Our Father wants you around for a long time to declare His goodness to you, so that you will declare it to others. Will we tell others about Jesus and His life for us through His death on the Cross or are we more likely to talk about the latest new "drug fad"?
Yes, a lesson indeed is learned here, when we know trials and tribulations can come to hurt the body, but taking something that can cause a million and one other problems, is like having Pharaoh as your leader, which leads to destruction.
Proverbs 4:23-27
23 Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.
24 Put away from  you a deceitful mouth, and put perverse lips far from you.
25 Let your eyes look straight ahead, and your eyelids look right before you.
26 Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established.
27 Do not turn to the right or to the left; remove your foot from evil. NKJV


Father, in Jesus name, we stand "our watch in prayer" today against that which desires to hook us into that which can kill. That is against Your plan to make us a nation which follows God and gives voice to His glory. It is our prayer today to have the healthful body that comes from our diligence of seeking out the right healthy foods and to drink plenty of water, and have the hours of sleep we need each night.
Help us Holy Spirit to guard that which tries comes into our homes. Help us and lead us away from that which will be destruction to us and our families. We pray today that wisdom is found on our lips who has understanding that You our Father is God and no one else. We do not desire any other "gods" in our lives. As we look toward tomorrow, may our steps be established in that which is truth and safety for us and our children and their children. May we be those who always seek Your guidance first in prayer and time with You before grabbing that next best thing the world may offer.
Help us to see those who just want to lead but have no experience with You. Help us to see those who are after our hurt for their gain. We believe our feet are removed from evil today. Thank You Lord for Your goodness today. We glorify Your name. May we be a sign and wonder to those who walk this way through the world and may they see and know we as the different and the wise who have One God, One Creator and His Name is Jehovah, our Stronghold in the time of trouble (tribulation).(Psalm 37:39).

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GREAT POSSESSIONS BUT YOU LACK ONE THING

Matthew 19:16-22..........16 Now behold, one came and said to Him, "Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?" 17 So He said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments." 18 He said to Him, "Which ones?" Jesus said, " 'You shall not murder,' 'You shall not commit adultery,' 'You shall not steal,' 'You shall not bear false witness,'  19'Honor your father and your mother,' and, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' " 20 The young man said to Him, "All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?" 21 Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." 22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.   NKJV


Okay, did you ever go up to your school teacher and say, "Good teacher,.........?" I do not remember telling that to any of my teachers. If you did, that usually meant you had a motive for speaking it..........and most likely when you wanted something or you desired greatly to get out of doing something!
In verse 20, the young man is still asking, "what do I still lack?"

Interesting that Jesus told the young man, "if you want to be perfect, go sell what you have........give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven."
This "perfect" is the same perfect found in Matthew 5:48.....48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.  NKJV      This is perfect is found also  in 1 John 4:18......18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.  NIV     That perfection is in the perfect love that we find in looking into 1 John 4:18. The more we look into that perfect law of liberty, we grow more in Christ Jesus........we become those with the unrelenting pursuit as we saw in Jesus and what He accomplished on the Cross. We certainly do not have to go the way Jesus did in most respects, for He gave His life for us. But we do have to take up our Cross and carry it, remembering why we should have grateful hearts because of His love and of the Father's great love to us that we should not perish but have everlasting life!



"Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?"
With this young man's wealth and probable talents, he was certainly anxious about his future for an eternal life.  I thought on this today...........and I have had no one come up to me and ask about eternal life. I have certainly taught on it and given Bible studies on this subject, but have not had one person come and ask me about eternal life. I have taught on the importance of the Salvation message and how Jesus died on the cross for us all!  Could I or would I have done this 25 years ago. NO! But the Lord certainly works on our hearts and the more we hear His words and obey them, we find a zeal to move out on what He speaks and teaches us about!
In Luke 18:18....it was noted that he was a ruler and a person of eminence and value!

Mark 10:17-22..............17 Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" 18 So Jesus said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. 19 You know the commandments: 'Do not commit adultery,' 'Do not murder,' 'Do not steal,' 'Do not bear false witness,' 'Do not defraud,' 'Honor your father and your mother.' " 20 And he answered and said to Him, "Teacher, all these I have observed from my youth." 21 Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me." 22 But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.   NKJV

In the book of Mark and chapter 10 we read on the same story. But here it states that the man came running, knelt before Him and asked the question.  So this man came with some intent to find out something he evidently was thinking about and really desired an answer. 

This zeal for AN answer to eternal life was not a zeal for KNOWING Jesus. He might have been running but it was going to turn quickly to disappointment. We are told in verse 21 of Mark 10 that Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him......"YOU LACK ONE THING"................Yikes!

Jesus told him, you lack one thing........this man of probable wealth......was given these commandments........"Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal." "Do not bear false witness", "Do not defraud", "Honor your father and your mother.".........and then MENTIONED...... "ONE THING YOU LACK........go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.; and COME TAKE UP THE CROSS AND FOLLOW ME."

And the other thing that has interested me in this passage, is the truth that Jesus did not give the commandments of the order we see them when given from God to Moses to man.
It was interesting that adultery was listed first. Then murder......1 John 3:11-12......11 This is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another. 12 Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother's were righteous.  NIV   Murder listed second, made me think of this scripture on Cain who murdered his brother because his own actions were evil and the brother's were righteous!
Could the businessman, the ruler have had some dealings where he had some kind of evil action towards others?
Next, was do not steal, do not defraud, or bear false witness...........Romans 13:6-10
6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. 

8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. 9 The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself."  10 Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.  NIV

Jesus saw potential for the young man. He already had treasures on the earth, but what of those of the spiritual in Jesus. The young ruler went away sorrowful. He said he had kept the commandments, but yet he still lacked one thing. Again we see a heart issue with the young man. He had wealth and he had position. But he evidently lacked love for his fellow human being!

He evidently liked having the glory of that of the rich and of being young! But what happens when the wealth is gone and the youth is spent of that which does not bring life?

Leviticus 19:18............18 You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD. 

NKJV

Yes, the young ruler would have had this before his eyes, if he were telling truth that he confessed and professed them. And we certainly, know many people had to have been present when he ran and kneeling at Jesus' feet. Some of those he was leader over were probably present at this moment and heard all that he had spoken about following the Commandments!

What must we part with to gain eternal life? Remember the young man had the 10 Commandments and professed to have followed them.

John 3:35-36.......... 35 The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into His hand. 36 He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him."    NKJV

John 17:2-5......... 3 And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. 4 I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. 5 And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.     NKJV

John 4:13-14.........."Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life."  NKJV

Romans 6:23................ 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.   NKJV

Eternal life, is a total surrender to God.  We are deny self and leave the carnal behind. This young man thought it important enough to come ask, "Good Teacher." Are we going to the Teacher daily and losing our life to gain His life? Have we surrendered all to live for Jesus and to the plan God set for us to live? But consider this! Have we gone the step further and discovered what else it takes for that walk for an eternity..........?


Matthew 5:38-48...............38 "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.'  39 But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 40 If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. 41 And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. 42 Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away. 

43 "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'  44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? 48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.    NKJV

Yes, that one thing he lacked was love...........we are to go love our enemies, bless those who curse us and do good to those who hate us......Yikes! really?.............We are to pray for those who spitefully use us or persecute us. Love is perfected in doing good to those who hate or revile us. 
Well, THAT WOULD BE A LOVE WALK, WOULD IT NOT?

It is all too common that someone dies suddenly.........and I wonder, were they saved or lost forever? If our life can go in an instant, are we prepared to meet eternity with God? I have no fear of death. I have been close.........but God has always prevailed on my behalf.

This young man had observed the 10 Commandments..........The world itself cannot add anything to us. It can only bring death! But Jesus came to bring us life.......and that in abundance! LOVE WAS EXPRESSED ON THE CROSS!

Our lives are those which have been touched by God Himself. Our lives are those who have Christ seated on the thrones of our hearts. Our lives are those that will reach into eternity with a God Who is Faithful and True.

1 John 5:12........12 He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.  NKJV

IS HE THE "GOOD TEACHER" OR IS HE THE GOOD TEACHER WHO IS FIRST AND LAST (Rev.1:17), BREAD OF LIFE (John 6:32), CHIEF SHEPHERD (1 Peter 5:4), DAYSPRING (LUKE 1:78), HOLY ONE OF GOD, "I AM" (John 8:58), MESSIAH (John 1:41), REDEEMER (Job 19:25), RESURRECTION AND LIFE (John 11:25),ROOT OF DAVID (Revelation 22:16), TRUE VINE (John 15:1), WITNESS (Isaiah 55:4),  LIGHT OF THE WORLD (John 8:12), SAVIOR (Luke 2:11), and the WORD (John 1:1)

When we have Jesus, we have all we need! He is our Healer, our Provider, ..................."Unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, and of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice ........From that time forward, even forever.

Amen!

You can also visit my Youtube channel The Voice of Prayer for more teaching at http://bit.ly/1tNyBhV 

The Stones Will Cry Out

Luke 19:28-40................28 When He had said this, He went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 29 And it came to pass, when He came near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mountain called Olivet, that He sent two of His disciples, 30 saying, "Go into the village opposite you, where as you enter you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Loose him and bring him here. 31 And if anyone asks you, 'Why are you loosing it?' thus you shall say to him, 'Because the Lord has need of it.' " 32 So those who were sent went their way and found it just as He had said to them. 33 But as they were loosing the colt, the owners of it said to them, "Why are you loosing the colt?" 34 And they said, "The Lord has need of him." 35 Then they brought him to Jesus. And they threw their own clothes on the colt, and they set Jesus on him. 36 And as He went, many spread their clothes on the road. 37 Then, as He was now drawing near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen, 38 saying:

" 'Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the LORD!'
Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"

39 And some of the Pharisees called to Him from the crowd, "Teacher, rebuke Your disciples." 40 But He answered and said to them, "I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out."    NKJV

Ever been in a crowd that was worshiping Jesus, and giving thanks to God who gave His only Son to bring us into His family through that precious blood shed at Calvary?

Then said person gives testimony of the goodness of God and some shout within the crowd, and still others within the same crowd grow silent?

Yesterday was, to me, a day to be reckoned with. I certainly needed to do some things but I felt my body needed a really good nap! But the Lord spoke to me while I laid down for the next writing of the blog and while being refreshed in the quiet solitude of His precious presence I heard Him speak these Words!

I kept hearing the Lord saying, " I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out." 
So today I went in to study and be refreshed in the Word of God!

Now of late, I must confess and profess God's goodness in and through His Word specifically for healing and wholeness. There are times that my mouth is so dry, that I feel like I am spitting cotton balls while trying to get one line or verse of scripture of healing or wholeness out of my mouth. But none the less, I find the scripture and say it as loud as I can to tell my body to rise up in strength and live to what God has commanded for my life.

Back to the church crowd, and to those who have grown silent when testifying and glorifying God for His goodness to us. The testifier tells of what transpired and how God met them in the circumstance and then gives the praise. And in this testimony, how are other's hearts moved? Are they moved to give glory as well or they just quiet because they have not actually seen Him move in their lives?

These, His disciples certainly spoke out loudly of the joyful praise of what they experienced in seeing many healed and one raised from the dead! But the Pharisees did not want Jesus glorified.

The Pharisees certainly were the loudest in telling Jesus to make the disciples stop the praise. In the Pharisees thinking, they thought Jesus would make them stop the praise, and while the praise continued, they the Pharisees became enraged!

The Pharisees of that day observed the Law. From all appearances, their hearts were totally not with God.

When we read through the New Testament, we can take into account that the Pharisees wanted the praise of men.

Matthew 6: 2, 5, 16............... 2 Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 

5  and when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.

16  "Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 17 But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.  NKJV

Yes, Jesus mentioned the Pharisees as hypocrites! Yikes!

Their evil desires showed up in some writings..........Matthew 23:25-28.......25 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. 26 Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also. 27 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness. 28 Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.  NKJV
Certainly not anything I would want to be remembered for like lawless folk, would you?

Are we reflecting Jesus even when no one sees? Do we still imitate and follow His example in spirit and in truth? Can I still give an encouraging word when confronted with "things" I did not count on occurring? Is it possible to want to raise ourselves up and try to look down "on other folk" when they are trying the walk thing with God for the first time? Surely they need a hand up and an encouragement to keep going like us all!  No one has arrived, Jesus is expected anytime time, but no one has arrived in that fullness.

Like in some of my earlier writings of this month, we can see two people dressed the same, stand side by side in the front pew of a church, lift their hands in worship and sit down to hear the "message" but both can walk out and live totally different lives. One will reflect Jesus and the other will reflect "dead man walking". 

  Spreading of His fragrance throughout the world looks and sounds like this:...............……2 Corinthians 2:15-17 ..15 For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. 16 To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things? 17 For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ. ..NKJV

The Pharisees thought they could keep all the outward rules and in someway keep with that "Standard" of God's word for their lives! And what we must remember is that God is righteous all by Himself. We become righteous because of God’s righteousness… that which…..is holiness, justice and faithfulness……….just to mention a few…..it takes someone disciplined in the Word of God……….renewed daily in the our minds, to transform, by praying and gathering with fervent Christians on a regular basis and see a change that comes from an obedience to read, pray and gather.

It takes a disciplined life to follow Jesus, being prepared to always say yes to His command.

And lastly, the Pharisees thought they were doing a good thing by keeping God's laws. They often looked down on sinners, like the tax collectors and such. They thought themselves better in most situations and wanted the praise of men! They talked the walk but never did the walk with God.

The hallmark from this all occurs on the day of the crucifixion. For men then were not praising God in His Son Jesus. Most attending  the crucifixion, saw in some people a reviling and even His disciples were seen as being in a pitiful state. But what happened? What does scripture say? Man had crucified the Lord of glory!

Matthew 27:51-53..................... 51 Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, 52 and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; 53 and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many. NKJV

Praise was perfected! The earth quaked on that day!

I believe the stones cried out in praise to the High Priest Jesus Christ!

Will we continue to worship and give praise even if "some have grown silent"? Will we continue to stand and give praise when no is watching us?  What if the "crowd" is moved toward the things of the world and the praise of it?  Or do we need a crowd, so they can see us run, and dance and yell................no.......it is more than that! It is " a willingness to open our mouths and give Praise" when no one is around and when no one cares! It is a willingness to "lift holy hands" unto the Lord and worship Him with our whole hearts!

Even in this place I walk today,  I will forever give praise to the God of Glory and His Son Jesus Christ, the Faithful, the Open Door, the Great High Priest, and the One who taught that when we do NOT worship HIM, the stones certainly will!

Father, in Jesus name, forever great is Your name, forever (Isaiah 9:6-7) Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace. Today it is praise we lift to You and expect your government and peace of which there will be no end. I pray that we would be empowered with our union with You today. We draw on Your strength [that strength which Your boundless might provides]. It is a Great High Priest Who has gone through the heavens, Jesus Your Son and we hold firmly to the faith we profess. Whatever discouragement, whatever the situation, we stand as Your children and confess Jesus as Lord. He is Lord over our spirit, soul and body. So today, we rise up as we pray and believe that He is Lord over all situations in our lives. We give Him praise for the strength He gives to us and we will not be silent.

We desire not to be like the Pharisees who were considered blind hypocrites, but to be humble in spirit and to Your Word that speaks,.....exposes, sifts, analyzes,and judges the very thoughts and purposes of our hearts.We understand that humility and fear of YOU brings wealth, honor and life to us! (Proverbs 22:4) Today I pray that we renounce pride and arrogance. Father it is YOU Who gives grace to the humble. Therefore today, we humble ourselves under Your mighty hand, that in due time You may exalt us. We magnify You today and believe Your ability is released within us by speaking Your words out loud! As Your Words are alive, they are active and working in us. Today we give thanks for the power of those Words that are of faith, words of power, words of love and words of life to us.  Amen.

You can also visit my Youtube channel The Voice of Prayer for more teaching at http://bit.ly/1tNyBhV 

The Neighborhood Watch

John 1:43-51
43 The following day Jesus wanted to go to Galilee, and He found Philip and said to him, "Follow Me." 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, "We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote--Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." 46 And Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." 47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!" 48 Nathanael said to Him, "How do You know me?" Jesus answered and said to him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you." 49 Nathanael answered and said to Him, "Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" 50 Jesus answered and said to him, "Because I said to you, 'I saw you under the fig tree,' do you believe? You will see greater things than these." 51 And He said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man." NKJV

Can you imagine what the day was like when Jesus showed up in the "neighborhood"?
Can you imagine if He showed up in your neighborhood much like He did when He came through on His way to Galilee?

On this specific day, we find Jesus calling "to follow HIM"! As He traveled through the communities, He was the one who spoke and the first of the day was Philip. Then it mentions that Philip was from Bethsaida much like Peter and Andrew. They were born evidently in a community of fisherman. But later Peter and Andrew are found to reside in Capernaum.

Philip in all his excitement, runs to tell Nathanael. What an exciting time to be alive! He has seen " the promised One".

We are told that Philip found Nathanael. It does not say what else was going on, but in all the excitement Philip tells Nathanael that "we have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote....Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.

What excitement and joy that must have filled Philip's heart, that which so many read of and now see before them, that Philip could now share with someone in "the neighborhood"! 

Do we not get excited when we discover something about Jesus that we had not seen before? Are we not elated and motivated to share what we have just received from the Word of God? For certain, Philip was acquainted with scriptures of the Old Testament and he wanted to share. When we visit the passages written in the book of Isaiah and found in chapter 9.......we read starting in verse 6.....

6 For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called 

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 

7 Of the increase of his government and peace 

there will be no end.

He will reign on David's throne 

and over his kingdom,

establishing and upholding it 

with justice and righteousness 

from that time on and forever.

The zeal of the LORD Almighty 

will accomplish this. NIV

We find Jesus called the Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, and the Prince of Peace. 

In the scripture below we find Jesus referred to as a "Branch of righteousness" and His name will be called THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

Jeremiah 23:5-6

5 "Behold, the days are coming," says the LORD,

"That I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness;

A King shall reign and prosper,

And execute judgment and righteousness in the earth. 

6 In His days Judah will be saved,

And Israel will dwell safely;

Now this is His name by which He will be called:

THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. NKJV

Yes, there are many wonderful things written to show us what God had planned. And Philip shared with Nathanael but all was not truth of what he spoke. Jesus was of Bethlehem and nowhere does it say that Joseph was the "father" As we know from Scripture, the Holy Spirit came upon Mary and she conceived of the "supernatural" and not of the natural man like Joseph. Yes, mistakes can be made when someone may speak and that is why it is good for each of us to go and study the scriptures for ourselves. It is important to read and reread them and plant them deep in our heart so we know "truth" from error!

The other specific was that Jesus "found" them. Jesus came to meet with them face to face. Without an appointment, a phone call, or email..........today........."what if Jesus is coming to meet you face to face"? Jesus found and then "called them"!

Nathanael speaks and the first thing was:" Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?"

He wanted Philip to prove what he had spoken previously of Jesus of Nazareth.  In light of what Philip spoke was the part about..... of "Nazareth" and Philip just told him "to come and see".  For in scripture, we know,  in Isaiah 7:13-14..........13 Then he said, "Hear now, O house of David!    Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will you weary my God also? 14 Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel. NKJV

   Philip knew enough of what he read and understood but not enough for another to be convinced. But Philip knew if Nathanael would just come and see, he would recognize who Jesus was! I can tell what I see of who Jesus is and what He has done for me, but you must really come and see Him for you, yourself! You need to make the connection and a lot of times we think if we do not hear or see, that we have missed Him. Yet here we see Jesus and He had come to make contact with them individually.

 Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!" 48 Nathanael said to Him, "How do You know me?" Jesus answered and said to him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you."

Jesus already knew where Nathanael was and what he was doing. Jesus called him an Israelite indeed in whom is no deceit. He was calling him the man of prayer, the man who took time under the fig tree to spend time away from others and spend time to hear God speak. Jesus knew "the state of his heart". He knew Nathanael to be one heart with HIM!
And Nathanael answered, "Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" 50 Jesus answered and said to him, "Because I said to you, 'I saw you under the fig tree,' do you believe? You will see greater things than these." 51 And He said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man." NKJV

Nathanael was calling Jesus the Teacher when he said, " Rabbi!". He called HIM the Son of God, the King of Israel!
When we believe the greater of Who Jesus is.......we experience seeing the greater for the future.
Telling Nathanael that He saw him under the fig tree, was revealing to more about Jesus knowing the story on Nathanael. He was telling him what had just occurred previously and how the meeting with Philip came about. He revealed that Philip came to tell him the news that Jesus was there.

Jesus saw Nathanael in the "secret place". It was in this place that Nathanael was seeking time with the Lord...............and thinking no one would see, yet Jesus knew where and what he was doing.  Jesus saw in the secret and made it known in the public, in the "neighborhood". Nathanael was different and Jesus made the truth known. In all this, Nathanael knew who Jesus was and embraced Him as the Teacher. He was submitting to the leadership and authority of Jesus, the Son of God. He comes so that our lives will change dramatically from the mundane to the "supernatural".

Nathanael was connected with the Son of Man, the Son of God, the Great "I AM" in our midst! You Nathanael will see the miraculous! We, too, like Nathanael can expect to see the "unseen" manifest in our lives. When it is the Lord who shows up to encourage you and strengthen you in the way to walk and the way to go which is in His truth!

Jesus is seeking those who will submit whole-heartedly to His leadership. He comes to bring strength in our weakness. He comes in our ignorance, to give Light to the word of God and show us the way in which to walk in His wisdom. 

Proverbs 4:10-13

10 Hear, my son, and receive my sayings,

And the years of your life will be many. 

11 I have taught you in the way of wisdom;

I have led you in right paths. 

12 When you walk, your steps will not be hindered,

And when you run, you will not stumble. 

13 Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go;

Keep her, for she is your life. NKJV

We too, can be like Nathanael and go to the "secret place" and look to find the Lord in the scriptures we read and study. But Jesus will be made known to us when we go to see with others. When we get out of the "secret" place and look expectantly, the Lord will speak to us. Like Nathanael, we may not be looking, but the Lord is looking and ever hearing what we speak when we spend time with Him. Jesus will meet you face to face "in the neighborhood watch". He will make it plain and clear that He comes to seek you out for His plan that you see "greater things".

Jesus, You are Welcome Here!

Father, today, I pray in Jesus' name for us to spend time to separate "truth" from error. May we be like the Berean's who search out the scriptures to find the truth of who You are and what we have today in Your name. I pray that we will submit whole-heartedly to Your leadership and Authority. I pray that as we do, that we sill see our years of life will be many, that our ways will be according to Your wisdom, that we be led on right paths, with nothing hindering us! Today, I pray for Your strength where we are weak and for Your guidance when we think we know all we need to know. Because it is You Who knows the Beginning from the End........we set our sights on YOU and ask YOU to lead us in paths of righteousness. I pray that each of confess Jesus as the LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS, THE KING OF ISRAEL, EMMANUEL WITH US! Thank You Lord for Your wisdom that shows where anything is out of alignment in our lives, whether at home, in the work place , school or even in church! I vow to give You praise for all the lives that will be changed because of Your Word of truth. I bless Your name and glorify You. It is Your truth and Light that leads us through the valley of dark shadows and brings into victory. Thank YOU for delivering us from evil work and for the giving us the authority of YOUR Holy name Jesus. Amen.

You can also visit my Youtube channel The Voice of Prayer for more teaching at (http://bit.ly/1tNyBhV)