Archives for August 2014

Aug. 31, 2014

MY FRIENDS, HOW MUCH TIME IS NEEDED TO PERSUADE A CHILD OF GOD?

King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe.”Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.”And Paul said, “I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today Acts 26:27 (NKJV) My friends it is The Spirit of God who convicts each of us to make changes in our life, but Agrippa was not willing or just not able to because the god of this world had convince him, I am all you will ever need.

But one day Agrippa will have to face God and explain his actions, because one day “God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, either good, or evil.”Ecc. 12:14 (ESV) My friends very few truly comprehend all that Christ is doing and continues to do for our salvation, if  we would just have faith and stay focused on the transforming power of our Savior and not what this world has to offer.

“One among the two who were crucified with Jesus was hurling abuses at Him, saying, “Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!” But the other answered while rebuking him, said, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.”

And he then asked, “Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!” And He said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.” Luke 23:39-43 (NASV) both thieves are in the PRESENCEof Christ but only one recognizes and believed Christ as being the savior of the world.

A moment that is all it took for one thief to believe and repent from within and He received the ultimate reward eternal life, another like Agrippa, “You almost persuadeth me” and he will also get his just reward one day, perdition. Salvation is seldom a deathbed experience or like the thief on the cross, in a moment, for most children of the King we have to continue to endure the trials of this life while allowing God’s Spirit to transform us.

But whatever way God chooses for our destiny, He desires all men”[and women] to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Tim 2:4 (NKJV) the parable of the wheat and tares in Matt 13 24:30 (KJV) tells us they both look the same like the too thieves on the cross the only difference is Wheat is a marketable crop, or “Safe to save”, and tares are just weeds with no redeeming value.

But to keep from pulling up the good wheat with the tares they are allowed to grow together until harvest time. So it is with everyone who calls himself a child of God some will never become completely convicted by Gods Spirit “having a form of godliness but denying its power. ……always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 2Tim 3:5-7 (KJV)

They look like A Christian who has died to self and given it all to the Master until they reach the threshing floor….which is the place where the seeds are separated from the vine. Today Christ is at the threshing floor and we are all being separated as judgment goes on daily in the courts of Heaven. One day “He will render to each one according to his works.

“The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we SUFFER WITH HIM in order that we may also be glorified with him.” Romans 8:16-17 (KJV) my friends key words SUFFER WITH HIM meaning “he that endures to the end shall be saved.”

We are at the threshold, the promise land is right over the horizon HOLD ON my friends Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name. For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” Ps. 30:4-5 (ESV) and sunrise is almost here.

So my friends today. Stay focused, remain faithful, love one another and endure till the end and never forget to STUDY&PRAY

Aug. 30, 2014

“IF YOU DON’T KNOW WHERE YOU ARE GOING, YOU WILL PROBABLY END UP SOMEWHERE ELSE”

“Early in the morning Joshua and all the Israelite’s set out from Shittim and went to the Jordan, where they camped before crossing over. After three days the officers went throughout the camp, giving orders to the people: “When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the Levitical priests carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it, THEN YOU WILL KNOW WHICH WAY TO GO, ….” Joshua 3:1-4 (KJV)

This was the directions from Israel’s new leader Joshua, who replaced Moses in leading the Children of Israel to the promise land. He was Chosen, because he had been this way before and HE KNEW WHERE HE WAS GOING.

So today my friends as God’s Chosen, the journey we are now traveling to the promise land stands on the other side of our trials that we must encounter as this controversy continues between Good and evil.

In addition, It is unchartered territory to us, but our savior HAS BEEN THIS WAY BEFORE. He knows the rough terrain. He knows the temptations and hardships one must encounter daily from the forces of evil, yes He knows the exhaustion of the constant battles with Satan we will encounter along the way BUT MY FRIENDS WE MUST STAY FOCUSED for “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few” Luke 10:2 (NIV)

Let’s go to John 4:4-41 (ESV) Christ is at Jacob’s well waiting on his disciples to get back with food, He is weary from his journey, so He sits beside the well and rest. That gives us some indication of Christ humanity for the text tells us He was weary. But our Savior never loses His focus. “For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.

How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? Matt. 18:11-12 (KJV) So His divinity told Him a lost sheep would come along that day, a Samaritan, a outcast to the Israelites, but a child of God who needed salvation.

And once the good news of the gospel was presented to her, she left to be a witness to others. Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?”…… Meanwhile the disciples had returned and were urging Christ to eat.” But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you do not know about…..“My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work…..

Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest. Already the one who reaps is receiving wages and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together. For here the saying holds true, ‘One sows and another reaps…… Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me all that I ever did.”

So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days.” And many more believed because of his word. They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.”

My friends His love for us never wavered For He knew our fragile framework, because he was our Creator; “He remembered that we are made from the dust of the ground. And what delicate steps we must take to follow Him to Calvary,” and at times we would NOT KNOW WHERE WE ARE GOING because of the god of this world, the father of confusion and we would, probably end up somewhere other then the course Christ has placed us on towards our Salvation and life eternal.

My friends only the One, The Omniscience, The All Knowing  can guide us along this journey because  HE HAS BEEN THIS WAY BEFORE, HE ENDURED AND STAYED FOCUSED, and finished the course, and now sits on the right hand of OUR FATHER waiting for Him to say go get my Children.

So my friends today. Stay focused, remain faithful, love one another and endure till the end and never forget to STUDY&PRAY

Aug, 29, 2014

“THE HUNGER INSIDE OF ME MY SPIRIT AND SOUL AGREE, I JUST NEED MORE”

Today God wants each of us to be at rest spiritually and live by a vision of genuine discernment that leads toward a path that is guided by His presence. The process at times seems difficult because to exercise a spiritual vision, and rest, we must accept each situation and circumstances in our life weather good, or bad, simply because we no God makes no mistakes.

We must be willing to say God, I can not figure this out, in fact I will not even try to, I am just going to trust You to give me a vision that will allow me to rest in your presence AS I SEEK MORE OF YOU EACH DAY. In addition, we know God is going to accomplish what needs to be done in our life and we don’t need to know when, or how, but our FAITH AND HIS WORD TELLS US, HE WILL as we rest in His loving arms.

At times our faith will be stretched to the limit, but if we seek God’s presence daily Phil 1:6 (NKJV) becomes a mission statement for this journey Christ has placed us on which states, we can have “confidence of this, that He who began a good work in [us] will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” What a beautiful promise.

And what’s so awesome, it’s not a partial assurance,but a full and unequivocal promise for all who desires life eternal. Along with that promise, this is when it get’s real personal “Behold, I have ENGRAVED [OR TATTOO] you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me.” Is, 49:16 (ESV) OH MY GOD!!!

But first we must accept God’s plan for us as we rest in his presence as our Character is being shaped for Eternity and then and only then can we experience total peace and happiness AS WE SEEK MORE AND MORE OF OUR SAVIOR until His appearing and then we will live throughout the ceaseless ages of eternity in the presence of what the “heart of man while here on earth could have never imagined.” OH MY GOD!!!

So we go to His word as we ask some pertinent  questions that will also relate to our journey. First, why did God lead the Israelite s the longer, and harder way on their journey to the Promised Land, why didn’t he just speak and it happen? why the red sea? Why the wilderness? And the question we all probably asked one time or another and that is, why so long to prepare his chosen for what was already promised them?

Now my friends, for His chosen, “for such a time as this” why the trials of our life? why so much pain and suffering? And why such a hard journey, only to lead us to the place you always wanted us to be as we SEEK YOU MORE AND MORE? My friends, God’s word will always have the answers we seek. Proverbs 16:9 (NKJV) tells us, “a man’s mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure.”

Proverbs 20:24 (NKJV) also says, Man’s steps are ordered by the Lord. How then can a man understand his way? So please my friends rest in His love, grace and mercy, let’s hold on to our faith and endure until our Salvation becomes a deep passion from within, the driving force that allows us to make extraordinary thing happen for the glory of Christ as we SEEK MORE AND MORE OF HIM each day.

So on one accord let’s focus on His promise that says “Trust in the Lord with all [of our] heart and [please, never] lean on our own understanding [or knowledge] and He will make our paths straight and complete” Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV) if we believe.

Oh “The hunger inside of me my spirit and soul agree, I’ve tasted and now I see I NEED MORE OF YOU INSIDE OF ME. If I’m in the desert place or dry as a empty vase if you fill me up til its to the top I’ll still need MORE OF YOU. Like numbers that go to infinity, or an endless eternity, like the universe that just goes on and on, I NEED MORE, MORE AND MORE OF YOU (Joann Rosario, “More”)

So my friends today. Stay focused, remain faithful, love one another and endure till the end and never forget to STUDY&PRAY

Aug. 28, 2014

MY FRIENDS, WHAT IS “A CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER” ON YOUR JOURNEY?

My friends, as a Child of God are you capable of recognizing “A CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER” on this journey our savior has placed us on. Remember “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

Therefore anything in your life that has become “A CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER” to your salvation, must be placed at the feet of Jesus, as we cry out “LORD SAVE ME” “for I was shaped in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.” God told Jonah to “Arise, go to Nineveh that great city and cry against it, for their wickedness has come up before Me.”

Jonah 3:4 (KJV) tells us “Then Jonah began to go through the city one day’s walk; and he cried out and said, “in forty days and Nineveh will be overthrown.” My friends Surely God would not destroy man, or woman who only had the small insignificant problem of gossiping, or coveting their neighbor’s goods.

Friends, how God dealt with the Ninevites, gives us warning that God does not categorize our abominations, or determine their degree by social class, or race, for all sins are a “A CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER” Jonah 3:5 (KJV) tells us “The Ninevites did believed what God said he would do through Jonah, so a fast was proclaimed, and all, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth.” and repented, Key word here is ALL my friends.

All the murderers, the fornicators, the thief’s, the liers. The adulterers, those who coveted, those who worshiped other Gods, even the one’s with only “Socially acceptable sins” in there life, ALL sins were proclaimed “A CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER” The Ninevites did it in 40 days, the thief on the cross, in an instant, for others, a lifetime.

But God’s grace is sufficient for all, if you believe. If God gave you 40 days to repent and be saved where would you start, gossiping maybe, Paul tells us in Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. ”

What about wasting God’s time, Paul tells us in Ephesians 5:16-17 (JJV) making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” My friends I could continue, But the question is not about the sin itself, but how, or when, do you recognize it as a CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER and give it all to the Master.

Or when do we as sinners place our life up against our Savior and see how far we have to go to have the character of Christ. As Christians we attempt to explain away the biblical condemnations of one sin over another. The area where Sodom and Gomorrah was, is now uninhabited wasteland. Sodom and Gomorrah serves as a vigorous example of how God feels about sin in general.

Satan would like for us to think, one sin in Sodom, was greater than the other. Isaiah 64:6 (KJV) tells us “We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall, and our sins sweep us away like the wind.” Friends, what keeps us from given it all to the Master.

“For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him” But it starts with Faith. For the power of discernment has been placed within us and Through God’s Spirit we will recognize what in our life is A CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER that keeps us from being in the presence of the Good Shepherd.

Soon My Friends Your Faith and endurance if you walk with Christ Daily, will allow you to be a candidate for God’s kingdom and life eternal, but a revival must take place from within as you finish up God’s mandate to take the gospel to all the world. So today you must have a passion and a vision that keeps you CLEAR OF ALL DANGER that would become detrimental to your salvation.

So my friends today. Stay focused, remain faithful, love one another and endure till the end and never forget to STUDY&PRAY

Aug. 27, 2014

MY FRIENDS, LET’S FOCUS ON “IT WANT BE LONG WHEN WE WILL BE LEAVING HERE”

“Therefore since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by human design and skill. In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.” Acts 17:29-31(NIV)

Two opposing viewpoints, GOOD AND EVIL, “as a child, we could not distinguish the difference because “as a child, we understood as a child, we thought as a child,” but once we recognize the difference, we put away childish things.

In addition, we realize, one viewpoint was a path to righteousness by faith and salvation, and the other viewpoint, a path to death and perdition. And at that point, we became candidates for Christ to say; Oh the grace and mercy you received for so long.

Remember I created you, I knew everything about you, I was your Savior, mediator, and advocate on your behalf, I was also “able to forgive and save completely, all who came to my father through [me],” because I gave my life to intercede for all who Satan had taken captive.

But today I am your Judge. And then my friends, the saddest three words we will ever here is when our Savior, the one who gave it all for our salvation says; DEPART FROM ME.

But to everyone who allowed God’s Spirit to transform them into the character of Christ as you served Him daily while carrying your cross, you will hear the sweet melody of, you endured and conquered “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” Matt 25:23 (NIV)

My friends if you seek God’s presence and His kingdom those two scenarios must be branded within every fiber of our being, but then our concentration and focus must be on “if we perfect a Christian character we shall be numbered as the family of God in the mansions that He has gone to prepare for us.”

Then as we enter those pearly gates we “will try to remember our greatest trials, but they [will] look so small compared with the lavish celebration that surrounded us that we [will not be able to] speak them out loud, and instead we [will] all cry out, “Alleluia, heaven is cheap enough!”  Then we [will] touched our fabulous harps [as we make] heaven’s arches ring.” [throughout the ceaseless ages of eternity] (E. G. White Early Writings, page 16-19)

My friends, daily, let’s seek the promises of God through his word and Spirit. And every waken moment let’s focus on the promise that “the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord.…” 1 Thess. 4:16 (KJV)

And let’s focus on “no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined what God has prepared for those who love him” 1 Cor. 2:9 (ESV)

And let’s focus on “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Rev 21:4 (ESV)

And let’s focus on “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know.” John 14:2-4 (NKJV)

And finally MY FRIENDS, LET’S FOCUS ON “IT WANT BE LONG WHEN WE WILL BE LEAVING HEAR, COUNT THE YEARS AS MONTHS, COUNT THE MONTHS AS WEEKS, COUNT THE WEEKS AS DAYS, ANY DAY NOW WE’LL BE GOING HOME”

So my friends today. Stay focused, remain faithful, love one another and endure till the end and never forget to STUDY&PRAY

Aug. 27, 2014

MY FRIENDS, DID YOU NOT KNOW “FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS” IS NOW?

For most baby boomers life has been a journey that has been a quandary of twist and turns like “the vessel of clay spoiled in the potter’s hand, he reworked it and reworked it into many vessels, until it seemed good to the potter.

So like each of our Characters in the hands of OUR SAVIOR” as he prepares us to “go into all the world and preach the gospel “FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS”. As God’s chosen generation, Christ is calling team leaders and workers, but before we can help the reworking process “FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS.”

We must first lay aside every weight, and sin [in our life] which doth so easily beset us, [so we can] run with patience the race that [our God has] set before us.”Heb. 12:1 (NIV)

God has given us this challenge, and yes it does become a difficult challenge, because we come from a generation, that the dinner table conversation was only pass the bread please, pass the potatoes please. Not; Guards Fight Pro-Russian Separatist Forces Near Novoazovs, or Israel Mounts Airstrikes on Gaza as Rockets From Syria Hit Golan Heights. or Knife-wielding man shot dead by police near Ferguson, Mo., after yelling ‘Shoot me, kill me now’.

Yes my friends our world now, is a world where Lucy and Desi Arnaz not only do they sleep in the same bed, but they are not even married and in some cases, Luci and Desi are both men, but they are married!!

Robertson McQuilkin wrote. “God planned the strength and beauty of youth to be physical. But the strength and beauty of age is spiritual. We gradually lose the strength and beauty that is temporary so we’ll be sure to concentrate on the strength and beauty that is forever.”

AS GOD’S CHOSEN GENERATIONS our strength and beauty must penetrate through the mire and slime of the hip hop generation, a generation who “calls evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

A generation where our celebrities often throw up the Devil’s Horns or the “El Diablo” hand gesture, which is a nod to the devil, or cover one eye, which is a nod to the All-Seeing Eye of everything evil. Consistent with this, The god of this world has recruited and brainwashed an entire generation as he persuades them, “when you eat from [the things of this world] your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” Gen 3:5 (NIV) Time is moving rapidly, Satan is desperate because He knows his period of reign as the god of this world, will end soon.

So my friends, if you have decided to serve God and give Him your all, “FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS”  then our Savior is asking each of his children to prepare for battle, but we must first implant the principles and character of God in our lives as we allow His word and Spirit to transform us as diligent workers.

“For the Spirit [that] God gives us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord…..” 2 Tim 1:7-8 (NIV) “be strong in the Lord…. And Put on the full armor of God, so that [we] can take our stand against the devil’s schemes.” Eph. 6:10 (NIV)

In addition, No weapon formed against [God’s faithful] shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against [us] in judgment, [we] shall condemn, [in God’s name]” Isaiah 54:17 (NKJV) So “If we can help somebody as we pass along, If we can cheer somebody with a word or song.

If we can show somebody he or she is trav’ling wrong, THEN OUR LIVING SHALL NOT BE IN VAIN, if we can do our duty as a Christian ought, If we can bring back beauty to a world up-wrought, If we can spread love’s message that the Master taught, THEN OUR LIVING SHALL NOT BE IN VAIN.”

Friends, today study what God did as He lived on this earth, as you carry your cross and carry out God’s mandate to take the good news of the gospel to this generation, RIGHT NOW, “FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS”

So my friends today. Stay focused, remain faithful, love one another and endure till the end and never forget to STUDY&PRAY

Aug. 25, 2014

MY FRIENDS, THE LONG WALK TO THE BEGINNING OF ETERNITY

THE LONG WALK TO THE BEGINNING OF ETERNITY, if you are a Child of God you should have discovered by now, that after walking this road, one only finds that there are not many more miles to go.

We are at the threshold of eternity and our God any day now will tell His Son, go get my faithful who have endured, and have “been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb”

We must also understand the time it took to make this journey must never be a factor. No matter if it was one day, or 40 years, or 100 years, or like Abraham who lived 175 years who God “gave no inheritance here, not even enough ground to set his foot on.

But God promised him [and He also promises us] that he and his descendants after him would possess the [promise land if we are faithful and endure to the end] ,” Acts 7:5 (NIV) As God closes out this chapter in history and this great controversy ends, we need to also understand what God is telling us in His word.

For “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them.

For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” Romans 1:18-20 (NIV)

Remember my friends God has created each of us in his image. So that gives us the inevitable insights into the love, mercy and grace of our Savior. And with our moral Instinct and Judgment God has also given us His Spirit, and His Word and most important, He has given us His only begotten Son who died on Calvary so that when [He is] lifted up from the earth, will draw [all of his faithful who endured] to [Him].” John 12:32 (NIV)

Paul also tells us “For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law.

They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them.” Romans 2:13-15 (NIV) So by nature God has been revealed to us.

So we don’t need a commandment to tell us if we sit in front of our TV 5 or 6 hours a day, if it’s wrong or not, or what types of food we allow to go into God’s temple, if they are unhealthy, or the words we allow to come out of our mouth, or where we allow our feet to take us at times, or our eyes to watch or read.

in addition, as a child of God who seeks His presence, if there is any doubt about our requirements to finish this LONG WALK TO THE BEGINNING OF ETERNITY our God will guide us, but we must first be willing to “lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, [as we] run with patience the race that is set before us,” Heb. 12:1 (NIV)

consistent with this, remember, the beauty and splendor of Heaven is our goal but beyond what heaven has to offer us, just being in God’s presence for eternity is all I ask for because “When we’ve been in God’s presence, ten thousand years Bright shining as the sun We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise Than when we first begun.

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me we once was lost but now [we are] found Was blind [but now my friends we will then be able to say with no reservation we can now] see THAT THE LONG WALK TO THE BEGINNING OF ETERNITY, “was cheap enough.”

So my friends today. Stay focused, remain faithful, love one another and endure till the end and never forget to STUDY&PRAY

Aug. 24, 2014

“ROCK OF AGES, CLEFT FOR ME, LET ME HIDE MYSELF IN THEE”

“Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to the cross I cling; naked, come to thee for dress; helpless, look to thee for grace; foul, I to the fountain fly; wash me, Savior, or I die. While I draw this fleeting breath, when mine eyes shall close in death, when I soar to worlds unknown, see thee on thy judgment throne, ROCK OF AGES, CLEFT FOR ME, LET ME HIDE MYSELF IN THEE.”

There’s an unsubstantiated tale that the author of  the song “ROCK OF AGES, Toplady wrote the lyrics on the back of a playing card when taking refuge during a storm in a cleft rock in a gorge in the Mendip Hills in Somerset. God tells Moses in Ex. 33:22 (NIV) “When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by.”

Moses’ request to God had been, “Show me your glory.” And God responded, “There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock…I will put you in a cleft in a rock and I will cover you with my hand.” Moses then witnessed God’s presence after He had passed by.

In addition, as God was passing  Moses became “HIDDEN IN THE CLEFT OF THE ROCK.” although God’s hand was covering Moses, there was never any doubt in Moses mind, of God’s love, grace, mercy and goodness.

Solomon states; “My dove in the clefts of the rock, in the hiding places on the mountainside, show me your face, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely.” Song of Solomon 2:14 (NIV)

As I meditate over what a cleft means to a child of God, I picture a mothers love who hoovers over her newborn, which gives the child cover and comfort from all outside influences until they are able to adjust to what lies ahead in life. Or a mother bird who will build an “isolated, inconspicuous nests for her young, hidden away, to avoid detection by predators.”

So I look at God’s faithful, so vulnerable at times to Satan. But as the song says “Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to the cross I cling; naked,” come to thee for dress;” My friends God’s presence must become our CLEFT for He is our Rock the foundation of our righteousness and faith and endurance.

We cannot move until we fully understand what being in the presence of God truly is, for only in that CLEFT OF THE ROCK can we find comfort and grace and hope. “During the terrible days of the Blitz, a father, holding his small son by the hand, ran from a building that had been struck by a bomb.

He sees a shell hole. Seeking shelter as quickly as possible, the father jumped into the hole and held up his arms for his son to follow. Terrified, yet hearing his father’s voice telling him to jump, the boy replied, “I can’t see you!

“The father, looking up against the sky tinted red by the burning buildings, called to the silhouette of his son, “But I can see you. Jump!” My friends God sees us, so we must give Him our all, so jump, because He is the CLEFT AND THE ROCK of our life.

And as we go through the storms of this life, and we don’t see the horizon of the sun or Son, we must Cry out as David, Lord; my spirit fails Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit.

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. Rescue me from my enemies, Lord, for I hide myself in you.” Ps. 143:7-9 (NIV)

Consistent with this, what we will here next should be comfort to all of God’s children who believe when he says “Why are you afraid, [my child] of little faith?” [while at the same time He begins to] rebuked the winds and the [turbulence of our life], and [then through the CLEFT OF THE ROCK and our faith and endurance, our life will then become] perfectly calm.” Matt 8:25 (PRV)

So my friends today. Stay focused, remain faithful, love one another and endure till the end and never forget to STUDY&PRAY

Aug. 23, 2014

MY FRIENDS, LET’S LIVE OUR LIFE LIKE THE IBIS BIRD!!

“THE IBIS BIRD IS THE LAST SIGN OF WILDLIFE TO TAKE SHELTER BEFORE A STORM HITS AND THE FIRST TO REAPPEAR ONCE THE STORM HAS PASSED.”

“Hagel said: “This is beyond anything we have seen, and we must prepare for everything. And the only way you do that, you take a cold, steely hard look at it and get ready.” “There is no way to overstate the extent of this inhumanity, and it illustrates the true, dark nature of the terrorists that we are confronting.”

My friends for the last month or so we have seen Satan go to unprecedented levels and beyond, in every corner of this world we live in, he runs rampant “For there [has been] great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world UNTIL THIS TIME,” Matt 24:21 (NKJV)

Friends, I need you to focus today on the three words, “UNTIL THIS TIME” as you ask yourself when is “UNTIL THIS TIME” since time is still rapidly moving.

Peter tells us “beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:8-9 (NKJV)

As a Child of God like the IBIS BIRD, we see the storm we know what it is all about, but God has told us to “[Hush!] Be silent before the Lord God, for the day [of the vengeance] of the Lord is near; for the Lord has prepared a sacrifice, and He has set apart [for His use] those who have accepted His invitation.” Zephaniah 1:7 (AMP)

As I was searching for images of James Foley and his executioner I came across a photograph of him on the ground with his head in his lap. It brought tears to my eyes as I realize the closeness of Christ coming and the thought of, am I prepared at what is about to take place.

In addition, what part do I personally play in this great controversy. But our God has told His Children to BE SILENT, AND STAY FOCUSED ON WHAT HE HAS ASK HIS CHILDREN TO DO which is “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” Matt 28:19 (NIV)

Because my friends, UNTIL THIS TIME ENDS and our Father ask His Son to go get His children, we still have work to do. Yes it’s time to be afraid, But at the same time “put your trust “In God, whose promises in His word we praise. “in God [we will forever] trust and [we will not be] afraid. What can mere mortals do to [a child of God]? Psalm 56:3-4 (NIV)

As God’s chosen that must be our mission statement. “A martyr’s prayer, as recorded by the historian Eusebius. “Father of Your beloved and blessed Son Jesus Christ, through whom we have received the knowledge of You, I bless You that You have counted me worthy of this day and hour, that I might be in the number of the martyrs.

Among these may I be received before You today in a rich and acceptable sacrifice, as You have beforehand prepared and revealed. Wherefore I also praise You also for everything; I bless You; I glorify You, through the eternal High Priest Jesus Christ, Your beloved Son, through whom, with Him, in the Holy Spirit, be glory unto You both now and for the ages to come. Amen.”

Eusebius adds: “When he had offered up his amen and had finished his prayer, the firemen lighted the fire.” But like the IBIS BIRD He will be the first to reappear once the storm has passed”

For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (NIV)

So my friends today. Stay focused, remain faithful, love one another and endure till the end and never forget to STUDY&PRAY

FIRST, AN UPPER ROOM EXPERIENCE BEFORE THIS JOURNEY IS FINISHED!!!

“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord.” Ephesians 2:19-22 (KJV)

My friends that verse tells each of God’s children that we are all in one family and the corner stone of that family is Jesus Christ “And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.

These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.” Acts 1:13-14 (KJV) Today as we look at prophecy being fulfilled right before our eyes We need the things only the UPPER ROOM can provide.

The hope, grace, mercy and the assurance from the Good Shepherd  that states in His Word “the Lord loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones Ps. 37:28 (KJV) I myself have come to the conclusion that all believers of Christ must all come together, on one accord, with one objective and that is, in the finishing up of God’s work and it starts in the UPPER ROOM.

Christ commanded His disciples “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.” Acts 1:4 (NIV) “And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house…” Acts 2:2 (KJV)

But there is a process that God needs to take His faithful through. First we must “Be still, and know [who God is]; for He tells us “I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10 (NIV) in addition, we must also remember that THIS UPPER ROOM EXPERIENCE is not just about location, but about the experience, one receives just being in the presence of Christ.

It could be in the “hiding places on the mountainside, as we seek his face, and the sound of  His voice; for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely. Song of Solomon 2:14 (KJV) Or Your experience with Christ could be in the solitude of a room at Home “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Matt. 6:6 (KJV)

As a Child of God let’s also search out our Saviors path, and the example He set for His faithful while remembering he is more than our Savior He is also our friend He is the one who takes each situation and circumstances of our life and assures us “I will not leave or forsake my Children” for you are  on the team of the living God.

A team where there is no limit of souls, for it is all about faith and endurance, in fact what makes this team special is, it grows daily, because all team members are required to seek other souls to be a part of God’s team, there is also no discrimination by age,  race, gender, or economic status.

For God’s goal for all who believe is victory as long as our Savior and team leader Jesus Christ gets all of the praise glory and honor for all that was done on Calvary to bring this team together so that all may claim victory in spite of a world that has lost its spiritual compass.

Oh what A rich and full communion and Fellowship so divine and sweet For it is a place for all the weak and weary, a place where we all may find real peace In the UPPER ROOM WITH JESUS.  And one day as we look beyond the horizon in those heavenly courts above we will then understand what sacrifice our savior took so that with a team effort we are now all experiencing the victory of eternity

So my friends today. Stay focused, remain faithful, love one another and endure till the end and never forget to STUDY&PRAY