Is it Praying or Is It Begging?

Ephesians 6:13-18
 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.   NIV


Ephesians 6:13-18

13 So use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy whenever he attacks, and when it is all over, you will still be standing up. 

14 But to do this, you will need the strong belt of truth and the breastplate of God's approval. 15 Wear shoes that are able to speed you on as you preach the Good News of peace with God. 16 In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan. 17 And you will need the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit-which is the Word of God. 

18 Pray all the time. Ask God for anything in line with the Holy Spirit's wishes. Plead with him, reminding him of your needs, and keep praying earnestly for all Christians everywhere.     TLB

Are we the pray-er person or the beggar person? Do we take our place and stand..........even doing every thing we must do in any circumstance, trial or tribulation............we are to be the standing not the one lying down say, or speaking, "Woe, is me!"
In verse 18 in TLB.....plead with Him, reminding Him of your needs.................plead..........standing in defense, claiming the Word of God as the force to be reckoned with.............that defense that stands, not denying the facts, but speaking on the side of truth that can and will rule over the enemy.

Standing firm is that our feet are planted and holding in a stance of a "victor" not the crumbling saint from a busy few days of ministry to the community or to other churches! With feet ready to run in the peace of God that is the refreshing, the life-giving force of God Himself, we look like the "victor".
I like the The Living Bible on verse 15............wear shoes that are able to speed you on as you preach the Good News of peace with God. Amen!

E. M. Bounds said, “The prayers of God’s saints are the capital stock in heaven by which Christ carries on His great work upon the earth.”

Every time we enter into a time of prayer , we are enforcing God’s will upon the earth. It is we, ourselves, who are to stir up this gift of prayer in us. We are not to become paralyzed by a word spoken by the world into our lives. Some people become paralyzed by a report by a doctor of a serious situation.  They become paralyzed that their checking account shows no money in account, yet their paycheck was just direct-deposited. Still others, can become paralyzed with a fear like "what if I cannot find the right words, or what if I cannot find the right scriptures to pray?"

We must always remember that His kingdom is everlasting and it is life to us. We are to be ready with His Word, ready in prayer and make a difference not only for our lives, but for others as well.

We each have a sphere of influence. God gave Jesus 12 disciples. Jesus prayed for them and they rocked this world. (John 17:24)

Do we pray for those in leadership with us? Or do we consider them not important to the plan of God?

Our very attention should be on those God has placed around us. We should be willing to pray for those we are involved with on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.

Persevering is to keep going; not lose heart or get discouraged. To truly get the answer, we persevere and see the manifestation of God’s answer in our lives. (example: like a restored marriage)

Our prayer is for people, and as the body of Christ we are told in Colossians 4:3….to continue in prayer in order for the work of the ministry to be able to take place. In prayer, we understand that conflicts, strife and interruptions can occur. But again, we should not be taken off from the assignment of prayer with said interruptions, strife or conflicts. We should always want to promote prayer that has the fruitfulness and effectiveness of the Holy Spirit in our lives. That with His power of love, peace, long-suffering, joy, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control……….it is the living in the Spirit of God, abiding in His presence……..that we have a powerful walk of the spirit.   (scripture reference: Galatians 5:22-26.........................22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. NKJV)

We should make the same statement Jesus made........"THAT He who is of GOD hears GOD’S WORDS………”   “That of myself I can do nothing; BUT AS MY FATHER TAUGHT ME, I SPEAK THESE THINGS.” “He who has sent me gave me a command, what I should say, and what I should speak. Therefore, whatever  I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak.  (scripture references below:)

Jesus said:  John 8:47……47 He who is of God hears God's words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God." …NKJV    John 8:28….28 Then Jesus said to them, "When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself;  but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things. NKJV   John 12:49-50………49 For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. 50 And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak."   NKJV

God is actively seeking and searching for someone to fill the gap by praying for people and nations. One who stands in the gap is an “intercessor”. God is looking for those people who will pray a hedge of protection around a person or nation. It only happens through prayer. ( Scripture reference:  Ezekeil  22:30………30 So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one. NKJV)

John 16:22-24

22 Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you. 23 And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. 24 Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.                  NKJV

Jesus was talking about the relationship He had with His disciples. They would have the opportune time coming that they could ask something in His (Jesus' name) and receive it!

John 17:13-26

13 "I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. 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. 15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. 19 For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified. 

20 "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: 23 I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. 

24 "Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. 

25 "Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. 26 I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them." NIV

Jesus said, "MY prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. "  Do not take from the trials or tribulations, but protect them from the enemy, form the devil who came to steal, kill and destroy!

 "They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth." AND He said, " MY prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message."

"That all may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world  know that I have sent them into the world. For them, I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified."

When we pray as Jesus, understanding we are in this world and will face trials and tribulations, yet we are to be continually sanctified in the Word.............and pray for those around us and those who will believe IN JESUS THROUGH THE MESSAGE WE GIVE THEM.

So are we the begging crowd, or the praying crowd? Do we follow those examples Jesus left to us?

Every time we have opportunity to speak either from a an actual pulpit, a podium or just stand in front of the crowd, we are to let people know we are the saved, the Redeemed, and bring glory to His name. If we do not do that, then we are no different than the world!
What message do we send?

Our influence is important. If people show up for a service, are we walking in reverence toward God or are we blatant, and just see people walk out of a service? Hopefully those who left will return, although I cannot imagine why, when they see us the body of Christ act so much like the world.

"What kind of impression did I leave.........was it godly or worldly?"

Did anyone see " love" in me for others or................?

Moving in godly fear.......what does it look like? A godly fear, moving through our days in a reverence toward God and knowing He is mighty! Godly fear is shunning that which is sinful in the eyes of God! God is holy and seeks us to follow Him in the daily journey of life. He is not some weak old man sucking on a bottle of medicine for an ulcer complaining He what He will do next. No, He is the Creator! HE is God ALMIGHTY!  He speaks and it is done! 

Do our children and grand-children see us as being different? OR, are all the kids, parents, and grand-parents acting the same? 

Let us not be that which is rude to others, the cruel, the grumpy............and obnoxious..............they are the toxic!! Oh yes, God still loves. He created "love". If we never attend church, then God is fine with that. But ultimately we are the ones who lose out toward knowing His love and fellowship with those believer's we could be meeting and spending time with at each meeting or service.



If we reflect on any service of late, will we be reminded of this scripture? 1 Corinthians 13:3 Though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity (God's kind of love), it profiteth me nothing. If we deliver a message or even a "testimony" will we give it in God's love or will it just be the negative, the false, the blatant? Though I went to round up those to come, but have no love toward those I am spending time with in leadership...........then what does that mean...........to me and mine? Well, it means the devil is coming to your house.

Psalm 62:7-8
7 My salvation and my honor depend on God;
he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
8 Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge.    NIV

I have many opportunities in the last year to write on prayer and on holiness toward God and His kingdom.  All we have in Christ is based on GRACE! As Jesus laid down His life in love for us......then we should have the same mindset of laying down our lives to pray for others all on the GRACE that was extended to us. In that knowing of His holiness, and revering His pleasures and desires, we move out of that land where we have faith in and of ourselves in the "doing" for God..........BUT RATHER MOVE TO THE LAND where we have faith for what He has done for us!

Father, today when we pray, we desire to pray the way Jesus did. Not in any flippant or lax attitude toward You! . We desire to not be the "lazy" or the begging person. We have read in scriptures about those who want or demand something done their way instead of seeking Your plan. We know You can answer us for something simple like a parking space closer TO THE FRONT DOOR, when the long walk will not work today, and that is not being selfish.  But in looking at the Israelites in the wilderness time, we see an anger being kindled as in Numbers 11:5. These folks demanded meat, and they got it straight away for thirty full days of "meat". But in searching out the scriptures, we see that in Psalm 106 and verse 15 that they certainly got their "meat" but You Father also sent them a leanness of their souls. We know this to mean that they were not gaining in the knowledge of You because these unhappy souls desired meat and prayed with a great dislike in their hearts. They had much hostility Father. We desire to not become like those who despise YOUR leading and direction for surely You have good things for us. These lacked any new knowledge of YOU and suffered for it. They died without seeing the Promised Land and fulfilling YOUR plan for them.
May we not despise the time to minister Your Message at the podium or the pulpit. We ask YOU to show us when we are dealing in that direction and allowing the adversary a foot hold into our business, in our lives,  or in ministry or any other thing we desire to grow and be fruitful. Our salvation came through Jesus and His shed blood and our honor is dependent on You.

Father, we saw Jesus predict the time of the end. It is where we find ourselves today. And He said, "but as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be (Matthew 24:37) Despite all the serious things going on today, people are still going about "those normal routines". Without considering what is on the horizon coming toward them, they take not a moment to think or ponder on those major events and if those major events will be affecting them personally.
Father, we pray not to be the easily distracted. We desire to know Your thoughts concerning these days and how the time is short! Help us know what we must consider, and how deadly serious things are multiplying on the earth. Our praying is done in love, it is daily and it is in the love we express toward others. I pray that everyone who reads and prays this today will join with others and give what YOU have told them to give in the "love" that only comes from YOU our Father. It is Jesus' name we pray and we do believe our best days in prayer are ahead! Amen.



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

PREPARATIONS

Recently saw the young woman who is out-swimming the males. She is coming up for the Olympics and she is phenomenal. They showed her in her practice swims, and though at ease, she broke her own time. And yes, she was swimming with males in practice. Her coach wanted her to train with them and try to keep pace with them, for he believed she had a quality and that it would come as she trained.
He was so right!
As individuals we certainly need to train ourselves. We must learn some cooking skills, paying bills, cleaning the area of earth the Lord has given us to take dominion over. I am amazed today how many men and women cannot cook up a meal. I remember my mother always telling me to stand by her side as she prepared a meal and consistently watch everything she did so I could take it and run one day with it as well. That worked for us when my mother went back to work when we were in high school. She did not have to worry about the evening meal being started. And she would finish it up when she arrived home.
It is all about preparations and if we do any kind of preparation for where we are headed. I have seen couples that we have known lose their loved one, and feel inadequate as they could not even boil water. Still others, I have seen take the role seriously, and continued to prepare meals for themselves when that loved one left this earth for glory!
I have seen our children teach their child to bake banana bread. They bring out all the ingredients, get her situated on the step, and hand her the measuring cups, and she is running with it! And she bakes up some really great banana bread with chocolate chips! Preparations!

So where are we headed? Where do we plan to be in a year or so? Tomorrow will surely come and how prepared for it are we at this moment?

Proverbs 14:8
8 The wisdom of the prudent is to understand His way,
But the folly of fools is deceit.
NKJV

How true that the prudent will understand their way, but the fool will put off all that for another time and place. In deceit, they make up excuses about tomorrow and put off what really should be done today. Like growing older and making plans for leaving this earth certainly makes one stop and think about life and how short it is, but in truth we must make plans so whoever is left behind will have some satisfaction knowing everything was dealt with before leaving this earth. 

A lot of people do not want to make the needed goals, but rather set them aside and maybe ignore them for awhile longer.

Like Jesus, we too, must make goals, and see them made plain that we follow through to their completion. His of course was the purpose and the mission.

Luke 19:9

9 And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; 10 for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." 

NKJV

When we take time to "talk" with our Father Who is in heaven and relate to Him what we are experiencing, He will show us how to walk on through. It is allowing Him to show us the perfect plan and then how we are to implement it in our life. Surely when one faces some hard things in life, like finding the needed blood one might need in an emergency, and none matches your own, you certainly give heed to the direction of the Lord and how to proceed to make the needed changes that would help your spouse should anything occur all too quickly. But by faith we walk, with eyes on the God who can deliver. Walking by faith, is keeping that faith walk alive by speaking and preparing. It is not about leaving all to God, for He already did everything He was going to do. It is up to us to obey and do now what He has spoken for us to do.

James 4:13-17

13 Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." 16 As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. 17 Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins. NIV

Yes, we can certainly make our plans, and in the long run most never come to fruition. Some I have noted of late is of people who make a plan, went on vacation when they should have stayed home, and then died on the vacation trip. So the spouse had to deal with bringing them home. Now I am sure this does not happen all the time, but of late I hear it happening a lot of the time. 

We should always ask the Lord's plan or will for the specific thing we are planning and if we are to move then God would have His seal of approval on it. And I know by experience it took us two years many decades ago, to really move from where we were at. But God kept speaking to us about moving from where we were at to get TO WHERE WE NEEDED TO BE!

YES, not obeying is sin! 

So do we have anything today that is disabling us from being the individual who can cope with great change? Are we willing to learn to wash clothes, clean a house, cook a meal or even care for a spouse who might need it? These are just questions, but they need to be addressed.

Will we come out on the other side of a loss with hope in our hearts that we can continue to live on with a cheerful attitude or will we be the grumpy and the unforgiving sort.

Consciously we should seek to be educated on what we lack knowledge on and then to be informed of what changes must take place.

I know when my grandfather had passed many years ago, he had left my grandmother well cared for. She had money in the bank and a new home to live in. Yes she lived alone but had many guests frequently dropping by for a glass of sweet tea or just to chat. She had a life to continue with and lived many decades after his death. She never remarried but remained faithful to the marriage she was devoted to. And when she passed, she left an inheritance to her children's children.

God is for us. He has the best for us, but we must get moving on learning all that we must learn and deal with hard questions and those things that may seem terrible right now, but will bring peace and satisfaction to those we leave behind.

We must want to practice victory everyday. It starts by getting out of bed in the morning and dressing for the day. We are to walk in triumph for all things have been given to us. 

Yes, the enemy may come with circumstances and even thoughts, but we are to walk in the steps of the Lord that is righteousness. Sing out in triumph and know it is not over till God gives you the nod that it is time to go HOME! Today we must rejoice for we boiled that egg and it appeared cooked in the middle. And hey, I did not burn the toast, although the cornbread I did bake fell apart while taking it out of the pan, I could still put a little butter on it. I like to bake and try new recipes but they do not always turn out for me. But for my husband, well, he loves to cook up new recipes and we always have fun in the kitchen together!

Isaiah 57:19-21

19 "I create the fruit of the lips:

Peace, peace to him who is far off and to him who is near,"

Says the LORD,

"And I will heal him." 

20 But the wicked are like the troubled sea,

When it cannot rest,

Whose waters cast up mire and dirt. 

21 "There is no peace,"

Says my God, "for the wicked."     NKJV

The fruit on our lips must be for peace, for ourselves and for our loved ones. As we take the opportunity to give praise to God, we are healed of any sorrow or pain, and we gain our victory for each day that we praise. Whatever the trial or tribulation, we must be the prepared to continue to walk in that peace of God.  May our confidence be in God and hold onto to His truths as we make our way into eternity.

Father, You cause us to triumph in Christ Jesus. We are thankful for Jesus and all that He did for us on the Cross. We pray to be the diligent who will make preparations as individuals and for the welfare of our loved ones, so that whatever may occur we will be the prepared and not the fool! Help us in dealing with any change. Show us Your plan and purpose for us as we make our way through this life and how to enter eternity with Your thoughts for us.  Jesus said that we must deny ourselves and take up His cross to follow Him (Matthew 16:24) Following Jesus requires us, Father,  to change our plans, although  sounding really good, those plans may not be the best for us. Help us to know when we are tying to make deals with You and know that we must not INSIST ON OUR OWN WAY THROUGH DAILY LIVING BUT A CONTINUAL SURRENDERING  our life to Jesus.
We desire to have no struggle over this area of decision making as we make those lasting decisions to help our loved ones. Our desire is to make life easier and to bring peace when all is set and done. We know we are promised long lives and we truly seek that long life following Your voice as You lead us down that path of righteousness. Thank You today for Your plan that is one of ease for our lives. Today we will choose to fill our minds with Your words and focus on Your thoughts for us that are for our good and not for evil to give us hope in our final outcome. It is in Jesus' s holy name we pray. Amen.

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

TOMORROW'S CIRCUMSTANCES

Many years ago, now probably two decades ago, I had this dream. I knew it was of the Lord. I went up into this tower, although not terribly high in the sky. But it was high above the city we lived and was next to the Sound. And as I had walked into this almost round like room at the top, I saw this area that was circular right in the middle. It was a workstation. On it was all the drawings and important information regarding all my tomorrow's. I was led to look out the window and watch the water that makes up the Sound and from time to time to watch the sun move from early morning into the late evening. As I looked toward the circular table again, I saw three beings working: Father, Son and Holy Spirit!
Yes, I knew I was in great hands.
All of our tomorrow's will come. Those circumstances will certainly appear, but how we handle them determines all other tomorrow's.
Since my dream, I have understood it to mean, that all that is secret in the Sound, God knows, and that we can dive deep in that understanding of He Who is and what He desires when we dwell in His Word. And all that the sun shines on, God knows that too! He created it all. With His hand on it all, I know that He can watch over me. And He has the Drawing Room to do it in as I have been there to see it myself!

Philippians 4:8-9
8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
NKJV

What happens in our mind will certainly happen in time! We are to keep watch on what we think about for too long. Surely the Word should be the most important thing. But as individuals, we have a spouse, maybe a child or two, maybe a job, or even ministry. Yet in all these, we are as those individuals to keep watch on what we think on.

MEDITATE ON THESE THINGS:

things that are true....like God's Word, remembering God's righteousness,eternal truth. as God speaks and delivers to us His thoughts and plans

being people of justice and integrity ( will have nothing do with lying)

things that are noble.....being noble in character, giving their word that they will do it, 

things that are just....knowing God is justice and righteousness and every one of His commands is right

things that are pure......anything we act out in our body should be in the pure state and nothing to defile it. That means even the mouth is to have a guard on it!

things that are lovely........speaking wisdom of God to others, that which is useful. Holding ourselves in a respectful way and being considerate of others in conduct or conversation

things that are of a good report.....cheerful, leading others to the goodness of God and all that He has is good. Reminding others of is faithfulness toward us, His giving of Jesus for our sins. We should be telling it everywhere we go!

there be any virtue......being strong, a person of valor, courageous from the inside out, like the worker bee. I think of the virtuous woman from the Bible.

 Taken from an earlier blog I wrote on Humility and Honor Equals Courage in Your Heart, September 10, 2014.............I love the scriptures of the virtuous wife. It tells she girds herself with strength and strengthens her arms. She looks to keep fit and looks out for her household, but she also extends her hands to the poor. She is not afraid of any kind of weather, she is on the go and so is her family. They keep their pace for the kingdom of God. Her husband is known in the city gates. He works with his hands  and is known as the business leader. As he sits among the doers in the community, it tells that she gains strength and honor. For as she honors her husband and takes care of her family, people will know who she is as she speaks wisdom and her tongue with kindness. She is never idle for she keeps watch over the food supplies, the clothes that need to be washed, the dry cleaning taken to the cleaners, and the job that has to be done. It says her lamp does not go out, and I think of how busy she is, but also think she is aware of the IMPORTANCE OF Prayer and word that must be spoken over her husband, her family and the new day coming! But in all this, we are told as she watches over her household, her children and her husband bless her, they praise her for what she does for them. In the end, she has done well, a woman who fears the LORD, is praised! And it is God who will give her the fruit of her hands and her own works will praise her in the gates. 

A person who carries this courage and strength that is seen will cause praise to come. It will come to me and to you when we follow hard after seeing to others needs. Love that will never murmur but does something. It fulfills a job to be done. It will be done without being told to do it and the work will be done quickly and possibly in secret most of the time when no one is looking. It is this kind of serving others in the excellence as Jesus did and that which is given in an amount that is noticeable, it is by words of kindness and sometimes by correction and always by action!  

Lastly, think on these things...........give attention to, set them into practice everyday. And do them being determined, faithful, persistent, adventurous, being cheerful, happy, and sincere.

When we practice these things, the peace of God will be with us. Do we not need His peace everyday?

Matthew 6:30-34

O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 "For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. NKJV

We are not to worry about tomorrow and in all circumstances, you know all those speed bumps that seem to slow us down, but when we rely on God, meditate on all His good, we remain in peace, that peace of God that passes all understanding. We stand strong, whether man, woman or child, being led by God is the greatest plan of redemption and a life of adventure. I want to be in His plan, how about you?

Our Father in heaven,

Hallowed be Your name.

Your kingdom come.

Your will be done 

On earth as it is in heaven. 

3 Give us day by day our daily bread. 

4 And forgive us our sins,

For we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us.

And do not lead us into temptation,

But deliver us from the evil one."   (Luke 11:2-4)

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

WHAT PLANS?

Jeremiah 29:8-14
8 For thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: Do not let your prophets and your diviners who are in your midst deceive you, nor listen to your dreams which you cause to be dreamed. 9 For they prophesy falsely to you in My name; I have not sent them, says the LORD.

10 For thus says the LORD: After seventy years are completed at Babylon, I will visit you and perform My good word toward you, and cause you to return to this place. 11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you, says the LORD, and I will bring you back from your captivity; I will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you, says the LORD, and I will bring you to the place from which I cause you to be carried away captive.   NKJV

Now most people within the body of Christ can quote this scripture. The most wonderful thing to hear is that God has thoughts toward us and they are of peace and not of evil to give you and  me a future and a hope! That makes you want to smile, give a shout and give thanks for God has thoughts about us.

In truth all of chapter 29 should be read in its entirety to gain the true picture of what is going on here as this was given.

In reality, the text is meaning that which was taught to the people at the time was by those prophets who only spoke what the people wanted to hear. God was wanting their foundation to be built on the truth of what He wanted for them. It was to be by that Word of God to discern the truth and not heed any false teaching or way. 

Psalm 127:1 

Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand in guard in vain.

These people had been in captivity and God did not want them to put down roots in Babylon. In a foreign place, these men and women dreamed dreams and had desires of the earlier days of freedom and life they had known. But in the place of the captive, one has only the dreams. As they had thought and then spoke on "what they desired" they came up dreaming about it, but alas it was not from God.

I think of ministering to people and especially those who have come from really hard places. In the jail ministry, I think of those who so desire to go back home to their own thing and ways. They would ask for prayer regarding the life they had. But I would always remind them that God had better for them, and His plan was found when we seek Him with our whole heart. 

For finding those who think as you, do as you, is not always good unity. Enlarging our hearts to receive that which we have already experienced, is never from God. He desires us to have the richness in life that brings change as the seasons change.

I remember this happening twice in the last ten years. I had been praying for these different pastors. They seemed to be going forward in the things of God and after sometime, I noticed they seemed to ask the unusual thing to pray for at the time. The asking is good in prayer, to find God's plan if something seems amiss. But when praying for people and that includes pastors, you must give them that word which is given by God for them.

In the case of these people, they wanted to flatter the false prophets so that the words the prophets spoke to them would be the good, the fun, the joyful and flatter me if you will!

So many today and that includes pastors, are still riding around in that 1963 Chevy Panel Wagon, they call ministry, because someone they liked ministered a word to them, and it was a good word. But they are still running ministry based on that word from that time. God desires us to have a good foundation to build hopes upon.  We must be willing to teach that word that God has placed on our hearts. It is important to share with others what God is speaking. 

Luke 12:1-3

12:1 In the meantime, when an innumerable multitude of people had gathered together, so that they trampled one another, He began to say to His disciples first of all, "Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 2 For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known. 3 Therefore whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops. 

NKJV

God's Word speaks loudly, and will confirm what He is doing. Though these men and women who were in captivity,  had they kept hearing God, they would not be the deceived. But there are those who, like some pastors, who will give only that word which will soothe the man, to give him something he wants to hear and not give them truth when they really need it. Some pastors will do it to keep people coming back week after week. But if we look at other pastors, and I can think of a few off hand, they are giving the TRUTH and we see them gaining momentum that ONLY COMES FROM GOD!

These men and women being separated from the vast numbers in another country, would all be gathered again together and brought to where they were meant to be from the beginning. We too, have the place to be brought together with other individuals, not of the false and the pretentious, but in the word of God that brings truth and light to us in a walk that is fulfilling.

Yes, Jesus came to set captives free. He even said it TO  those WHO needed it the most and they became unhinged and sought to kill HIM!

Luke 4:17-30

And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written: 

18 "The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me,

Because He has anointed Me 

To preach the gospel to the poor;

He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,

To proclaim liberty to the captives 

And recovery of sight to the blind,

To set at liberty those who are oppressed;  

19 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD."  

20 Then He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him. 21 And He began to say to them, "Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." 22 So all bore witness to Him, and marveled at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth. And they said, "Is this not Joseph's son?" 23 He said to them, "You will surely say this proverb to Me, 'Physician, heal yourself! Whatever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in Your country.' " 24 Then He said, "Assuredly, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own country. 25 But I tell you truly, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a great famine throughout all the land; 26 but to none of them was Elijah sent except to Zarephath, in the region of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. 27 And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian." 28 So all those in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, 29 and rose up and thrust Him out of the city; and they led Him to the brow of the hill on which their city was built, that they might throw Him down over the cliff. 30 Then passing through the midst of them, He went His way. NKJV

Yes, rejection was the dominate factor here. They did not want to hear this from the carpenter's son who they knew. They liked the preeminence and gave heed to their own vain appetites. 

Jesus said, "This scripture (this writing) is fulfilled in your hearing". Jesus as the Prophet was giving that which had come. And He was the appointed by God!

"Yes, is not this Joseph's son"? Jesus had spoken with power and was backed up by truth of the Word.

Yes, He came to bring freedom to the captives, to open the eyes that were blind, and especially to those of the oppressed.  Jesus came to show the "new way" to walk, and it was not under a rule of the Pharisees that was hard and very harsh. Jesus bore witness that the Prophet Elijah had been sent to Zarephath in the region of Sidon to the widow. Yes, she was a gentile. And then He brought up the truth that Elijah had seen many lepers in Israel yet, he was sent to Naaman the Syrian. Yikes! GENTILES! THAT WOULD BITE!

So the kindly folk became hostile and wanted Jesus done away with, so they could continue on in their "own way of living".

We must call upon God and hear Him. We must go and pray and seek His plans for us...........that we would not listen to that "smooth talk"..........to stroke that kitty cat fur, but be willing to take a stand with God and find that plan that brings us to freedom for life, to no longer be captive to the past thing or things or held by that last good word spoken decades ago, but to find the fresh Manna that brings us to life and joy in the Holy Ghost! For truly should that Word was given by God decades ago and not by man, it will surely come to pass. It will be fresh, filling, adding zest to make all of our days of wholeness and peace. We should not be weary in this time of season. We should be looking forward to that hope that is within us. For His Word is given to instruct us, leading us in righteousness that is truth and justice, so that we may carry out His plan for us today. So if something does come our way, it will not be because of sin, because we did not want to hear it, but merely be but a very narrow speed bump as we travel on this journey through life with God taking our hand all of the way HOME!

2 Timothy 3:16-17
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.   NKJV

Let's remember these people as the ones who sinned against God and they were sent into captivity. They ended up in Babylon, which is serving the world in bondage. Today we are the "new man in Christ" when we have received Him as Lord. We are to remain, abide in the truth of what God has given us, so that we are not carried off by idolatry and into sin. Our sight should be kept on the Lord Who has Come and Know that HE IS COMING AGAIN, SOON!

 REMEMBER THAT NOT ONE OF GOD'S WORDS WILL FAIL WHEN HE GIVES IT TO YOU!

Father, we thank You for the opportunity to become the "new man" in Christ.
We are thankful for His crucifixion and that we can have life abundantly now in this lifetime. We truly seek to find YOU in the Word and in prayer to hear You speak truths to us. Help us when we are weak, for YOU make us strong. Help us when we might become weary,  Refresh the weary and satisfy the faint. (Jeremiah 31:25) Father, today we are reminded of that from Hebrews 12:1-5 that we willing throw  off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, so that we run with perseverance the race marked out for us. We fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Even as Jesus endured such opposition from sinful men, may we continue forward, not growing weary or losing heart, but face the tomorrows with courage in our hearts that God is for us. It is in Jesus' name we have prayed.  Amen.

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

ONE NATION UNDER GOD

Had opportunity to minister prayer yesterday in a town close by. It was surely Festival Time there and the berries had been picked. There was a church service in the park and we had an awesome teaching about giving the parables Jesus gave. We were taught how to get the children involved more in the main service, and we are all about that, are we not? Or are we following God's voice from years ago? Surely we must bring the "kids" into hearing the truth and teach them by our example. That example looks like all sitting together in the service and receiving the short parable and asking questions about it.


In the prayer the Lord had me give, I was certain of how important it is right now for those to be willing to run into "that fire"..........that will pull those who are on their "way to hell"..........and bring them back to the Word and by prayer. Amen. And the foundation scripture was Psalm 56. For truly the Lord knows our wanderings, and our tears He keeps in a bottle, are they nor in His book? But the wandering man is looking for something always! But when faced with enemies, and his name is satan, he will be turned back knowing God is for us. (verse 9 of Psalm 56) In God we praise His Word and in the Lord, we will praise His Word. For our trust is in Him and not in man. What can man do to us (you or me)?


Jude 20 - 24
20 But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. 21 Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.

22 Be merciful to those who doubt; 23 snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear-hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.

24 To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy- 25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.    NIV


Yes, surely we are to build ourselves up in our most holy faith, and pray in the Holy Spirit. We are  to pray in tongues. We are to keep ourselves in God's love as we wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring us to eternal life. REMEMBER that God has placed eternity in us..........and we will certainly spend eternity somewhere.............if not saved, then in hell. Not all paths lead to heaven .........THE ONLY WAY to heaven is through Jesus Christ!


Ecclesiastes 3:11
11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.    NKJV

Luke 3:6
6 And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.' "    NKJV

John 11:25-26
 25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.
NKJV

John 14:6

 6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.               NKJV

Our building comes by being in the Word and in prayer. As we saw in 9.11 in 2001.......we certainly saw those running into those buildings. We saw the paramedics, the firefighters, and police officers placing their lives on the line to bring people out of the crumbling and fuel drenched buildings. They ran into the smokey filled area and saw the ash fall like rain. They felt the tremble of the failing buildings under their feet as they made their way up staircases that held people or only fallen debris. I watched as many did and I thought of the heroic acts these men and women displayed as they ran in while others were running out.

My prayer yesterday and directed by God is that we would desire to be THAT percentage as we saw that day..............BE those who would be willing to run in and get those out who on are their trip that is taking them to hell. 

Will we dare to take our place, and run to find those, like those officers and firefighters did that eventful day? What if we just started by praying for them? Well, Shelley, my life is busy and those things are for me and mine!!! REALLY?
Are those things so far from us...........for there is gun violence in the major cities right now or do you not see it on T.V.? There is gun violence in schools and colleges.

Well, no Shelley, I really try to get the negative out of my life,....and......I tell you everyone here on this earth is in the SAME BOAT!!!

Will we say..........."THAT WE ARE ONE NATION UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL." ?

For truly we will show our true colors. We will show who we are in this hour of tribulation, and will we not take our stand and give a voice for God?  Will we lift our voices in unity for the good.........the truth of God's Word and declare Him God over every situation that is going on?

We are seeing refugees fleeing of tyranny...........they flee as families away from that which tends to behead them and destroy them ......these Syrians are fleeing from...............those who destroy. Will our hearts not pray out to God for these people............and say "ENOUGH". THAT IT IS TIME FOR THIS TO STOP!"  Because if we show no care, is it possible it could come to this great nation?

May we never see that occur in this nation...........May we always have a nation under God..............where justice of His truth rules and reigns. Let' seek to show ourselves strong and may we have 'FAITH LIKE POTATOES'.

Father, it is in Jesus that we live, move and have our being! May we take our stand against tyranny. May we rise in YOUR word and in prayer and have a voice to declare there is BUT ONE GOD! May we rise in Your power and speak as YOU direct us by Your Holy Spirit. May we be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.(Matt. 10:6) For Your Word tells us that he who endures to the end will be saved. (verse 22) 

Father, " it is enough for a disciple that he like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household! (25) For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed and hidden that will not be known."

Father, in Jesus name, "Whatever You tell us in the dark, we pray to speak in the light; and what You speak in our ear, we pray to preach on the housetops. For we will not fear those who can kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather we fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." Father, we desire to be those to confess Jesus before men, for then Jesus will also confess us before YOU the Father Who is in heaven. (verse 32)

Our delight is in You and we desire to glorify You in everything we do and everything we speak. May it be as we have prayed in Jesus' name. Amen.

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

Way of Fruitfulness or What Am I Agreeing With

Psalm 1
Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
3 He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.

4 The ungodly are not so,
But are like the chaff which the wind drives away.
5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment,
Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

6 For the LORD knows the way of the righteous,
But the way of the ungodly shall perish.
NKJV

Fruitfulness is seen in the warm months like June, July and August around here! Even like the huckleberries being picked is a sign that summer is passing quickly now and fall is making its "grand" appearance with some rain and very cool mornings. Which is no surprise to us here in this area. But in truth, fruitfulness can occur anytime of the year. We can see in the markets and grocery stores, products that are grown in far-away countries in their warm months and those fruits or vegetables come to us in our winter months.
I like the garden aspect of seeing that blossom to appear and then some fruit or vegetable to come on that plant or the vine to grow and be harvested. We had a surprise this year when planting the few seeds for plants of yellow squash. We planted only yellow squash but we now have some zucchini squash growing as well!  One is of good size, was harvested over the weekend and the others are small.They need a couple more weeks on the vine!
Fruitfulness! We know it is what seed we plant that we believe to harvest. Yes, something is suppose to come up by what seed you have planted. Am thinking someone, somewhere put the wrong seed in the wrong packet! What happened to the quality control person?
I am sure we will find something to do with the zucchini, but I had no plans of having any in the beginning of starting this little garden in early spring.

We certainly kept watch on the pepper plants and counted the blooms, but alas, only one plant actually produced the peppers. The one, yes the tallest one, has been a failure in producing any peppers at all. It sure looks healthy and tall. It has it's vibrant green leaves but NO PEPPERS! Looking at it from a distance, you would think it would have peppers on every branch.


Are we producing any fruit? Well of course we are! But what kind are we producing? Are we producing that which leads to life or death? Is our fruit that which we planted and see it when we are harvesting? Whatever we sow in the ground regarding anything to our lives, will either look good and produce an abundance to a good thing or will be bad and produce in abundance to a bad thing!


In the kingdom of God, we find a blessed man, who is sowing seed. It looks like the "blessed" man is one who keeps his walk, not among the counsel of the ungodly, never stands in the path of sinners and never takes a seat among the scornful!

1 Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
3 He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.

In Matthew 8:8-12, we find that we are told to bear fruits worthy of repentance........

8 Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, 9 and do not think to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. 10 And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire."    NKJV   

Bearing fruit....worthy of repentance.  Remember we have a pepper plant that will produce the flower but no fruit that even looks like the pepper. The godly man will look over how he walks, acts and conducts his life in accordance to the Word of God!

The counsel of the ungodly is......as we see them, we are not to facilitate anything the ungodly are doing or speaking. Do we see that today? It is God's Word that we should think on, act on and live by daily!

Luke 23:50-56
50 Now behold, there was a man named Joseph, a council member, a good and just man. 51 He had not consented to their decision and deed. He was from Arimathea, a city of the Jews, who himself was also waiting for the kingdom of God. 52 This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 53 Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a tomb that was hewn out of the rock, where no one had ever lain before. 54 That day was the Preparation, and the Sabbath drew near. 55 And the women who had come with Him from Galilee followed after, and they observed the tomb and how His body was laid. 56 Then they returned and prepared spices and fragrant oils. And they rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment. NKJV

Others were consorting ( mixing ) together, to crucify Jesus, yet this man Joseph, a good and just man had not consented to their decision and deed.


When we stay out of the path of sinners, we will stay out of the "affected area of sin". I like that as I read it in one commentary. It would be pretty much like standing out on the roadway like I-5 during 5 pm traffic or going to someplace where they have the "plague" or "disease that kills in a few days".
I think of the days many years ago, and it was time for either basketball or baseball. You were either picked to join or forget it. Basketball I was not good at. But give me a bat, and that ball was going to sail way past the heads of those who thought they could catch it.
The thing is though with sin, that if you dance with it, participate with it, you may sound like the crowd who you thought you would avoid entirely. Clothes do not make us, nor does that "new do" and men are affected by that thing as women are. God looks on our heart and where does our heart lead us? Many will just follow "a crowd" so that they feel either loved or a part of something that had not done before, either good or bad.

Now that seat of the scornful is the man who is the secure in their wickedness.  They like doing wicked. They care not whether they gain blood of another.

Proverbs 4:14-19
14 Do not set foot on the path of the wicked 
or walk in the way of evil men. 
15 Avoid it, do not travel on it;
turn from it and go on your way. 
16 For they cannot sleep till they do evil;
they are robbed of slumber till they make someone fall. 
17 They eat the bread of wickedness 
and drink the wine of violence. 

18 The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn,
shining ever brighter till the full light of day.
19 But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness;
they do not know what makes them stumble.  NIV

That scornful is one who will laugh at another in derision. The scorner is one who wants their way, and will scorn the one who wants more of the quiet, godly life. We have seen that too, today in our society. It seems the norm to laugh at another in an insulting way. But the truly godly will hold their steps in God. They will abide under the shelter of the Almighty God.
These three show us that the ungodly does not like the Word of God, resents those who do, and will seek out to change the godly to their agenda. And the sinner is the one who willfully sins against God and His commands. They are the ones who are willful to show their true colors either by drink, theft or even defile themselves in ways that causes them death in the end.

Proverbs 23:29-35
29 Who has woe? Who has sorrow?
Who has strife? Who has complaints?
Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?
30 Those who linger over wine,
who go to sample bowls of mixed wine.
31 Do not gaze at wine when it is red,
when it sparkles in the cup,
when it goes down smoothly!
32 In the end it bites like a snake
and poisons like a viper.
33 Your eyes will see strange sights
and your mind imagine confusing things.
34 You will be like one sleeping on the high seas,
lying on top of the rigging.
35 "They hit me," you will say, "but I'm not hurt!
They beat me, but I don't feel it!
When will I wake up
so I can find another drink?"     NIV

 From the Blog: BUTTING AND DISTURBING......What terrible problems that come when we desire or want that which we either should not have, or do not need. It is like becoming intoxicated with the thing "we so desire" to have or control, to have "my way", or add to our collection of things we think we need at the time! And being intoxicated with those desires, our want can cause us to start those quarrels that end nowhere, but in the place of many wounds JUST because "we want that thing."

In some respect, some will even go searching for those who will join in with them to agree for that "thing desired". And however good the appearance or thing may sound at the time of our desire, one will certainly know after some time has gone by, that it can come back to bite you in a big way! 
You can see that from some reports of the news of people wanting their thing done NOW! Certain peril will be evident like not making your payments on bills you owe, or putting yourself in danger to get something that may be wrong from the start for us like doing drugs or even stealing someone else's stuff! Some people just go and take from their neighbor and think it is okay. Well, it means stealing to most people of the civilized world. I heard the other day of a guy throwing ALL his mail away because it had bills in it he had to pay and he did not want to do it! He had charged so much and so much again, that he owed more than what he brought into his account each month. He wanted to have "fun" and do whatever he fancied and decided he would not pay any bills at all!

In closing: will we be fruitful to the things of God and stand for our country? Will we speak and give counsel that comes from God alone or the world? TODAY WE CHOOSE!

Father, in Psalm 1 the blessed man prospers. Fruitfulness is important to our daily living for we find Jesus talked about it in John 15. Our desire is that we abide in the true vine. Help us to see and know that abiding in You will help us bear much fruit (verse 5) Our desire is asking You to show us how to put this into practice every day for without YOU, we can do nothing. We also seek to glorify You in everything we speak and everything we do. We pray today to be found doing just that when You return to get us. We truly seek to keep to the path YOU have directed us to walk.
In and through Jesus we are reconciled back to You. We have salvation because of the love You had for us. Help us to realize that we are not to return to folly. Help us see the importance of binding in truth. As those plants, (Psalm 85: 11) to prosper, those that bear fruit, will be those that bear truth to glorify You and Who You are. Lord guide us into all truth . May we spring up everywhere we must be and bring truth to others. We desire to yes, look good, but that we would also bring forth fruit in its season that will not wither. That we would continue the way into righteousness, that which comes acting like YOU and speaking what YOU speak. We are thankful that righteousness will go before us.........and In YOUR righteousness, YOU shall make YOUR footsteps our pathway. (Psalm 85:13)
It is in Jesus' holy name we pray. Amen.

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

THE GREATEST INJECTION EVER MADE

Fall appears to be in the air! Temperatures have dropped dramatically the last week and we have seen rain which is a good thing. In seeing the season's change, my thoughts come back to people, namely the healthcare, desiring for those "seniors" to get their flu shots, etc.

Those may work for some folks but kill others. Not sure if I know if they have kept a count of how many are helped and how many are not by taking some "shot" in the arm.

But all that aside, I am thinking today of the greatest injection ever made. It came in the form of a man, who came from heaven with a plan only heaven could send to us!

John 12:9-27

9 Now a great many of the Jews knew that He was there; and they came, not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. 10 But the chief priests plotted to put Lazarus to death also, 11 because on account of him many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus. 

12 The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, 13 took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out: 

"Hosanna!

'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!'

The King of Israel!" 

14 Then Jesus, when He had found a young donkey, sat on it; as it is written: 

15 "Fear not, daughter of Zion;

Behold, your King is coming,

Sitting on a donkey's colt."  

16 His disciples did not understand these things at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written about Him and that they had done these things to Him. 17 Therefore the people, who were with Him when He called Lazarus out of his tomb and raised him from the dead, bore witness. 18 For this reason the people also met Him, because they heard that He had done this sign. 19 The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, "You see that you are accomplishing nothing. Look, the world has gone after Him!" 

20 Now there were certain Greeks among those who came up to worship at the feast. 21 Then they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, "Sir, we wish to see Jesus." 22 Philip came and told Andrew, and in turn Andrew and Philip told Jesus. 23 But Jesus answered them, saying, "The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. 24 Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. 25 He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor." NKJV

Matthew 21:6-16

6 So the disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their clothes on them, and set Him on them. 8 And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: 

"Hosanna to the Son of David!

'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!'

Hosanna in the highest!" 

10 And when He had come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, "Who is this?" 11 So the multitudes said, "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee." 

12 Then Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. 13 And He said to them, "It is written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer,' but you have made it a 'den of thieves.'" 14 Then the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple, and He healed them. 15 But when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that He did, and the children crying out in the temple and saying, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" they were indignant 16 and said to Him, "Do You hear what these are saying?" And Jesus said to them, "Yes. Have you never read, 

'Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants 

You have perfected praise'?"                   NKJV

In those days that Jesus walked this earth, those who saw Jesus saw a leadership ability. They saw a man who spoke with wisdom to those who would rebuke Him, and yet Jesus would come back with a word from the Written Word of God and declare it.

When these people laid out their outer garments and spread those palm branches, they were declaring the new "King". And their hope was that Jesus would take His "role" and sit on a throne that would rid the Jews of the Roman rule and much tyranny. When these people laid a pathway, it was to Antonia Fortress.....and.....not to the Temple.........!

These items of clothing and palms were laid toward Antonia Fortress where Pontius Pilate was. It was Herod's palace that was the official residence of the Roman procurator when those visiting dignitaries came to Jerusalem for the major Jewish festival.

It was a place positioned to look over Jerusalem. This Fortress was to have held some 600 + Roman soldiers. As Jesus walked, He had to have broken through this line of people who probably lined both sides of the pathway to Antonio Fortress. Somewhere near the Temple, He broke through the barrier and headed into the Temple.

Those who wanted change and a new leadership in Jesus were probably puzzled in the action occurring in moving through a group of people to get to the Temple. They probably asked themselves, "where is He going?"

In verse 14, we see Jesus has gone into the Temple..........He is NOW HEALING PEOPLE. The blind and the lame had come to HIM and He healed them. Then in verse 15....children were in the Temple........Yikes!
Seeing how Jesus loved the children, and allowed them close to Him, even in this time of travail, the children come in praising Jesus. They were glorifying the One that other men would not glorify!

 Jesus had shown love to those little ones and they came running. However they got to the Temple that day, with parents or with others, still their sight was set on Jesus and they began to sing a song to Him.
These young ones unafraid of the High Priest or Scribes, takes the role front and center to praise the true King. Without fear, the children sang out loudly and those against Jesus, the high priests and Scribes resented this very act they were seeing. Jesus gave an example of what the Temple should be about. He gave something that represented that the kingdom had come.
That "Temple" was not about how many money one was to make, as we saw with Jesus driving out the money changers ( you know those who furnished the proselytes and the Jew who came from other countries, with the current coin in exchange for their own coinage. ) and those that sold the doves or others. It was those who stood in the area of priests. And these men gained a salary by bringing the unmarked and favorable birds and such other animals for the altar. Yes, man was determining whether that sacrifice was a good one or not.

And Jesus spoke of that house being "the House of Prayer". For when we see Jesus overthrow the tables, He then turns and heals the lame and the blind. Jesus called prayer back to the house!

Yes, there were probably many meetings set up that day, I am certain, after Jesus broke through that line of people to get to the Temple, and those upset were rallying others together..............  who wanted a new kingdom set up at that moment and the end to Roman rule. But Jesus was setting one up a kingdom that would not be destroyed. He desired the individual to come to the Temple and to be prayed for. He was the "sacrifice" for all and that it was now time for the change to come to the "Temple".

In the verses below we see Jesus and the children.

Luke 18:15-17

15 Then they also brought infants to Him that He might touch them; but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. 16 But Jesus called them to Him and said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for such is the kingdom of God. 17 Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it. " NKJV

Allowing them in, Jesus was speaking about the "kingdom of God". And those who were certainly breathing out cruelties His way surely did not act as the young children did in those moments at the Temple. Praise was heard, and God heard those children singing it out!

Yes, it was all about love that day. And the greatest injection ever made came at a time when Israel and the city of Jerusalem needed a shot of "love". For the greatest thing that could or would be done from then to this moment in time, is to go and pray for the blind, and the lame and allow the children to praise His name in the Temple. Amen.

For praying for the fellowman, we see great change can come. It surely did when Jesus injected love and gave back to those biting remarks WITH THE SPOKEN Word of God in Wisdom and in the Peace of God. Can we and will we follow that direction and instruction?

Will our lives reflect a holy life, that is leading children to sing praise to God and to pray for our fellowman? When we inject love into a toxic society, we will change the world. We will see things change dramatically as we saw in Jesus as He prayed for those around Him. 

 1 Corinthians 13:3-8

 4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails.    NKJV

Father, we thank You for Jesus, the greatest sacrifice, the Son of Your love. As Jesus was our example, may our love suffer long and be kind. May our love never envy and never be puffed up. We pray to be those who do not behave rudely, not seek our own agendas, and to think no evil. We desire to be those who will not rejoice in iniquity but always rejoice in truth. May our love never fail. May it never fail toward You or family or friend or stranger. May we always be ready to speak life to someone in need and show the love Jesus did to others. May we embrace the little children, pray for them and send them off in Your word, teaching the right way in which to walk. May we always be ready to inject a shot of love into our community by giving of ourselves to touch another's life with Your holy Word, pray for them and to give to them what they may lack as in clothing or food. May we abound to every good work which is in Christ Jesus. Amen.


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

Reflections

Proverbs 27:19
19 As in water face reflects face,
So a man's heart reveals the man.   NKJV

2 Corinthians 3:12-18

12 Therefore, since we have such hope, we use great boldness of speech-- 13 unlike Moses, who put a veil over his face so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the end of what was passing away. 14 But their minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is taken away in Christ. 15 But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart. 16 Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.  NKJV

I like how water reflects face. I like seeing waterfalls, and beautiful tranquil rivers and streams. We can see the face of another person, and sometimes we can know their heart instantly. Specifically of what they speak comes out of the mouth and what they have garrisoned in the heart maybe for years comes out.

In the above we see that word and how that word speaks about the heart issue. In the lower passage we see, that turning to the Lord, a veil is removed. It much like looking into a mirror.....that glory of the Lord.....we are being transformed into the same image (of Jesus) from glory to glory.........by the Holy Spirit Himself!

The more we open our Bible to read it, the more it should reflect as well our faith, and love for God!

Our grandchild has her first big Bible. She holds it, looks into the pages, and then hands it over to you (the adult) to read to the Word to her. No she has not mastered reading yet, but she is so hungry for truth. Her parents relate to her the stories in the Bible and how Jesus calmed the wind. When we are together, she wants me to give a story from the Bible and then she relates one to me. She is growing in the Lord!

In all this, her heart is filling with faith and love for God. She loves worship and lets you know which songs of worship she loves to sing. Do we have a song to sing? What about a made up song of love to God for all His goodness.......is there one in your heart?

Whatever our life lived on this earth may be, will we still look to eternity with God......?  Like in the song Hosanna out some years ago, we are to see the King of glory coming in the clouds of fire. Seeing His love and mercy with people singing. Do we call on Hosanna in the highest? Is our faith that which is selfless, AND THAT WHICH LOOKS LIKE ONE WHO prays and seeks on knees to speak to Hosanna, in the highest?

As our eyes are opened to the unseen, we see His plan for us. Oh Lord everything we have, and all that we are for Your kingdom's cause as we walk from this earth into eternity with YOU!

May our Bibles be worn out, with notes written and poems composed to YOUR glory and goodness. May we be overtaken today to know that love that is mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ bringing us to eternal life. (Jude 20-23)

If we leave a tattered Bible behind, what will people know about us? Could people find something to speak about you or me, if they picked up that Bible and read it when you or I have gone from this world?

 I have a couple of Bibles that are falling apart from the main seam, and I keep them. They are not far from me. I have notes on top of more notes concerning my thoughts and such, and other things a scripture spoke to me. I carry another with me in the vehicle and one in my handbag. 

Ultimately, it is not about how many Bibles you own. The only important matter here is that you open it daily to find out if the scriptures are true. Like the Bereans we should be willing to open the Bible to find out truth.

Acts 17:10-12

10 As soon as it was night, the brothers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. On arriving there, they went to the Jewish synagogue. 11 Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. 12 Many of the Jews believed, as did also a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men. NIV

Father, may we reflect Your glory in and through Jesus Christ. Through Jesus let us continually offer to God our Father the sacrifice of praise.....the fruit of the lips that confess His name. (Hebrew 13: 15)

AND (Hebrew 13:20-21) May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead, our Lord Jesus that great Shepherd of the sheep equip us with everything good for doing His will and May He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

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

In REMEMBRANCE

Philippians 2:1-4
2:1 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.  NKJV

Being in one accord and of one mind sounds simple. Taking a  look at communion and the breaking of bread......we find scriptures that mention not only of those things as breaking the bread, and taking the cup of blessing in receiving the Blood shed for us on the cross!

In the passage below, we find that which was written and testifies of the fellowship with others in hearing the Word of God taught, which are two things listed. (gathering together and hearing) The other speaks of the breaking of bread and in prayers.

Acts 2:36-39

36 "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ." 37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" 38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call." 

40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, "Be saved from this perverse generation." 41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.  NKJV

Those glad to hear the word he preached continued steadfast in that word, fellowship, in breaking bread and prayers.

In 1 Corinthians 10 and verse 14-17 below....we see Paul referring to the cup as communion "of the blood of Christ". We also see the bread as that "of the body of  Christ". Yes, we have seen that for some time have we not? But that coming together, that participating gives us the advantage to participate in the benefit's of Christ's death.

1 Corinthians 10:14-17

14 Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry. 15 I speak to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say. 16 Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? 17 Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf.    NIV

When we take Communion, we are giving much thanks to Jesus and for our deliverance from sin. Partaking of communion causes us to also partake of benefits from His crucifixion on the cross. Because of our deliverance, we are empowered on this side of the cross. We partake and in so doing, come away with a voice of victory that we are no longer slaves to sin. We are no longer slaves to sickness or death. Jesus, is Our Passover causing us to rise in power through the Holy Spirit.

When we recognize the importance of the communion in that with other believer's, hearing the Word of God together, participating in the "Communion" and prayer.......we are refreshed........the renewed to soar as eagles.

Mark 11:24-26
24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.

25 "And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. 26 But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses."
NKJV

When we stand....in prayer........we are " persevering "......in prayer. It is holding fast on the sure Word..... by praying, trusting and leaning on God Himself!

In taking Communion we are to check ourselves for anything we might hold against another person. This comes to mind as I write this today:

Luke 18:9-13
9 To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: 10 "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men-robbers, evildoers, adulterers-or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.'

13 "But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' NIV

The tax collector saw where he stood and wanted to remain clean before God.........."have mercy on me, a sinner".  "Yes, but Shelley I have received Jesus as Lord."  But I ask you: " have you driven down I-5 today"? Did you stay or keep to that love walk with others say while driving or by the time you got to your "destination"? That is hard to do! But we must remember God forgave us...........He loved us first!
1 John 4:20-21
20 If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? 21 And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.     NKJV

2 Peter 1:16-21
16 For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17 For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." 18 And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. 19 And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; 20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, 21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.   NKJV


We have a "sure word" to stand........to persevere.......and that by taking Communion and having fellowship in hearing the Word, we gather forces.

We take .........yes partake.........choosing to participate in the benefits of Jesus' death and resurrection. In it we are reconciled back to God. Through His death, we are the saved.

Romans 5:9-11

 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. 10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. 11 And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.  NKJV

In the "Bread" and the "fruit " of the vine we are the nourished and the empowered from the risen Christ through His Holy Spirit!

1 Corinthians 11:23-29

23 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, "Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me." 25 In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me." 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes. 

27 Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. 

NKJV

AND WHEN HE HAD GIVEN THANKS.........HE BROKE IT!

Verse 24 is the looking at Jesus when he broke the bread for His body.

Verse 26 is of our looking for His return and the third thing we take note is this: Verse 28...we are to examine ourselves. Examining comes through prayer ...RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD GAINING HIS WISDOM AND DISCERNMENT.......for any who will not examine then become those who are not "honoring" toward Jesus. 
I like what our pastor spoke on Thursday, about coming to the Garden, conversing with God and having that fellowship. Communing with God and knowing Him is important and is life to us!

If one spends all day watching "soaps' and spend no time in the Word of God or prayer........then one has no spirit or life....NO POWER....! Could probably tell you what JO-JO did but nothing about God and His love, life or majesty! If we will not "HONOR" Jesus in our life, then what will we have for the future? If Jesus has given us life through His broken body of the Cross, then we know we have every benefit that He chose to give us from that place of "sacrifice".
Do we not as parents, work, pay bills, and keep a portion for our children to see that they have food, clothing, and protection in a home life?

John 6:53-65

53 Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. 54 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. 55 For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. 56 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him. 57 Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. 58 This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your forefathers ate manna and died, but he who feeds on this bread will live forever." 59 He said this while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum. 

60 On hearing it, many of his disciples said, "This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?" 

61 Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, "Does this offend you? 62 What if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! 63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. 64 Yet there are some of you who do not believe." For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. 65 He went on to say, "This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled him."  NIV

Jesus wanted to show them the importance of remaining in the spirit of His departure. He wanted them to keep the instruction to remain in HIM! Like verse 62, He was returning, going to ascend back into heaven. He, Jesus, remained faithful to the Father and those who were to be "the family of God". Jesus gave His life: in remembrance we take Communion to remember that "sacrifice" yes, but also all that "we gained in this life now" by that sacrifice. Amen!
In closing: We are reminded of Jesus speaking in Mark 3:31-35!
Mark 3:31-35
31 Then His brothers and His mother came, and standing outside they sent to Him, calling Him. 32 And a multitude was sitting around Him; and they said to Him, "Look, Your mother and Your brothers are outside seeking You." 33 But He answered them, saying, "Who is My mother, or My brothers?" 34 And He looked around in a circle at those who sat about Him, and said, "Here are My mother and My brothers! 35 For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother."   NKJV

In life, what we value determines our outcome! We find our true "SOURCE" when things go awry!

If our faith and trust is in our job.......and look to, adhere to that only, for that pay-check, then when that lay-off comes and you are not expecting  "THEM" TO lay "you" off, then who is your family?
Who would you turn to then? If job is your family, what then? What if money is your family and you run out of money, who do you turn to? If you run out of water tomorrow, who will you look to as your source?
What if "pastor" is your family? Surely we need a leader and surely we need the teaching, but man cannot be God to us.
If we value only what a Dr. tells us about our health concerns and do not consult God on the matter, then our trust, our faith.....is leaning on man and him only...........the outcome is determined by what the said "doctor" tells you, and recommends to you what to do. And the outcome is determined by what instruction you have followed! But if we follow Jesus Who is truth and light, and allow Him to lead us to victory. When we abide in Him as a family, we listen to His instructions and abide in safety and wisdom of His Word. Doing God's will is so important to us always. For whoever does the will of God is Jesus' brother, sister, and mother! Giving honor to that which is given as instructed to us will give us safe harbor, direction to life and abide in the Wisdom of God!

Like in John 6 and verse 57 -58.......... as the living Father sent Jesus and HE lives because of the Father, so the ones who feed on Jesus will live because of Jesus This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your forefathers ate manna and died, but he who feeds on this bread will live forever."

THOSE WHO FEED ON JESUS WILL LIVE...........ABIDING IN THE WORD OF TRUTH.

That coming to gather around the Word of God, having fellowship, breaking of bread (COMMUNION) AND PRAYERS...........causes us to have employment when others are losing their jobs. That communion, that fellowship with God causes us to have water when others do not! That rallying with God and remembering that shed Blood of Jesus causes us to have every need met. In that abiding with Jesus, we have nothing missing, nothing lacking, and nothing broken in our lives. We have favor and wear it as a shield when we line up with God! (Psalm 5:12)  Hallelujah! He has risen and given us life abundantly. Let's obey the instruction to abide, that DOING THE WILL OF GOD! SO when something goes terribly wrong, you will "your real brothers, sisters' and mothers! They will be those who will come to gather in word and in prayer............abiding giving glory to God for safety and wisdom to go forward in life without hindrances or distractions!

If your church does not have Communion, you find out how to do it and you and your family take Communion together. Take it with those who will gather to hear the Word and pray. To God be all the Glory. Amen!

Father, our prayer, to be the discerning. The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. YOUR Words spoken to us by Jesus in John 6 are spirit and they are life. Our desire is to keep "fellowship" in communion around the Word and in prayer and to participate in the holy communion: that real food and real drink for us. That which has come from heaven. It is the love expressed on the Cross and we should really see that in the body of Christ. That fellowship is to be what YOU Father planned from the foundation of the world. May we be found to be the faithful who will keep persevering and looking for Jesus return. We today, make a commitment and anticipation to renew our dedication to YOU our Lord through Communion with the elements representing Your body and blood. And we make the commitment to have fellowship around Your Word and in prayer. Because of the reconciliation, we see Your power, goodness and Majesty. To God be all the glory! Thank You Father for Jesus and it is in His name we pray and commit. Amen.

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

Only One Returned

Luke 17:17-19
17 So Jesus answered and said, "Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? 18 Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?" 19 And He said to him, "Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well."    NKJV

Amazing word given...........ten came..........ten were cleansed.........yet only ONE CAME TO GIVE GLORY TO GOD!

Did only one have the "grateful heart"?

Luke 17:11-19

11 Now it happened as He went to Jerusalem that He passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. 12 Then as He entered a certain village, there met Him ten men who were lepers, who stood afar off. 13 And they lifted up their voices and said, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" 14 So when He saw them, He said to them, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed. 15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, 16 and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan. 17 So Jesus answered and said, "Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? 18 Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?" 19 And He said to him, "Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well."    NKJV

Having a faith in God.........being made well......made whole, delivered, the healed, the saved.

WE can see Jesus had gone to Jerusalem and was passing in the midst of Samaria and Galilee. When entering this village, it must have been in Samaria.........because by the time we get to verse 16, it states the healed one was a Samaritan. Only the foreigner would give glory to God! 

All had spoken together, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us, yet as they went and all healed, only one returned.

Have we not seen that before........the least likely to return,........was one who gave thanks. It  is the one so touched by God returns again and again to give thanks. They return to church to be with other believer's. Aah yes, there are many who come, and may speak like you can speak, but what is in their heart regarding the goodness of God?

Instead of this Samaritan obeying the letter of the law........he came to give thanks to God! Instead of the ritual and religion, he came to give thanks to Him who created him.

Mark 10:46-52

46 Now they came to Jericho. As He went out of Jericho with His disciples and a great multitude, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the road begging. 47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" 48 Then many warned him to be quiet; but he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" 49 So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be called. Then they called the blind man, saying to him, "Be of good cheer. Rise, He is calling you." 50 And throwing aside his garment, he rose and came to Jesus. 51 So Jesus answered and said to him, "What do you want Me to do for you?" The blind man said to Him, "Rabboni, that I may receive my sight." 52 Then Jesus said to him, "Go your way; your faith has made you well." And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road. 

NKJV

In the above scripture passage, we see pretty much the same thing. We see the group going with Jesus and His disciples as they left Jericho. We find the blind man Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, by the road begging.

He can know it is Jesus because of what he hears the crowd speak. Because he heard, he was able to speak out, " Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"

Instantly there were those, you know who they are, probably seen them in church. They are the ones........who say.............."ssshhhh"..........or "be quiet". or they give a look, when you are yelling and giving praise to God...............giving a yell,........AND  those next to you, rolling those whites in their eyes, letting you know that you are offending them, by being OH SO "LOUD ABOUT JESUS".

COME ON NOW, I KNOW YOU HAVE SEEN THEM, RIGHT?

Then, after those try to quiet Bartimaeus above the "roar" of the "crowd", then Bartimaeus again speaks, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"

Yep, he did it again. THEN JESUS STOOD STILL. HE COMMANDED Bartimaeus to be called.

THEN, the blind man threw aside his garment...........while those with Jesus told him to come. He threw off that which stated, "he was the BLIND MAN", HE WAS THE SON OF A BLIND MAN. He threw off that which denoted a beggar in despair.

AND Jesus spoke to him..........."What do you want Me to do for you?"

And Bartimaeus answered..........."Rabboni, that I may receive my sight." Jesus told him, "Go your way; your faith has made you well." AND IMMEDIATELY HE RECEIVED HIS SIGHT AND FOLLOWED JESUS ON THE ROAD.!

IN  a crowd of people there will always be a low roar, but even more so when there are people walking down the road together. Ever been to the Spaghetti Factory in Seattle......????......well, that is "a roar of people speaking like all at the same time." It can get pretty "loud" in there. I remember eating in there a couple of times, and each time I could not hear the people seated across from me or next to me while we all gathered to eat.

Matthew 23:5-12

5 "Everything they do is done for men to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long; 6 they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; 7 they love to be greeted in the marketplaces and to have men call them 'Rabbi.' 

8 "But you are not to be called 'Rabbi,' for you have only one Master and you are all brothers. 9 And do not call anyone on earth 'father,' for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. 10 Nor are you to be called 'teacher,' for you have one Teacher, the Christ.  11 The greatest among you will be your servant. 12 For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.    NIV

Jesus taught us that those who were called Rabbi, surely like the title. They liked being greeted in the marketplaces and for those there to call them "Rabbi". But Jesus said His disciples were not to be called "Rabbi", but the one who was the Master, the Father in heaven, was the Teacher of all in Christ.

When Bartimaeus mentioned "Rabboni", he was calling him "Lord". He was speaking, 

"Jesus, "Son of a King" have compassion, mercy on me!"

Bartimaeus cried, he SCREAMED OUT LOUDLY.........SON OF A KING HAVE MERCY ON ME!

What a glorious picture of that which was broken was now made whole! What was of the poor, the blind was now restored to run and jump AND YES SEE. He was restored to follow Jesus and not be led by anyone. May we all have that same type of life, to be the healed and restored to follow Jesus willingly and not be led!  May we all follow having an active part in seeing the glory of the Lord daily in our lives.
Will we return to give thanks or just be "one of the nine".......who were healed but not made whole like the "one"!

Father, we pray in Jesus' name to be men and women who will have the same courage to speak loudly in returning in giving thanks to You. As we do, we expect that light of Your Word to continue to bring us to Your glorious presence which is of the King, the rightful ruler of our hearts. We desire to submit willingly to Your authority and rule. Put that longing in our hearts to talk with You and hear Your voice. May we always be willing to step away from the "crowd" and give a  yell for Your goodness to us. We have seen restoration and life brought to us through believing. We pray to continue to have faith -filled lives. May we live each day with a leading by Your Holy Spirit.

Lord, please quiet those voices from the outside that represent to us the world and our five senses. Today we are the accepted in Jesus and we are free. We pray to follow You all the days of our lives and live in Your House forever and ever. You are the King of glory.Amen.

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