Our era

Much of our lives are wrapped up and innertwined with the online world, through social media, such as, Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, and many others. The social media wave is not a passing fad. It is here to stay, getting more intricate everyday. Not only is it changing how we relate to others, but it is changing the way our whole world is run. When you think back to a time, not so far back, when the television was new, mostly in middle classed homes and there was only black and white. Just a few decades further and we read of the invention of the lightbulb. We have come a long way in such a short time. Most homes now have a television in every room, or at least two. There was only one telephone in each home and, again mostly middle class and up had them, when they became poplular. Now, everyone has their own cell phone to carry everywhere they go, even young children. Then there are the games, movies, and all the electronics that go along with all of the above. What next?... What about our soul?... The Bible tells of a church that was rich and increased with goods and thought it needed nothing. What a dangerous place to be. But with all the trincates and gizmos making life so simple and defined, it would be easy to leave God out, or, feel we don't need God. What a lie. No matter how far man grows he will always be empty inside without God. Unless we surrender completely, we will all end in torment. Eccl. 7:29 Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright, but they have sought out many inventions.I am grateful for the electronic age, and the information age. We were chosen to live at this time. However, we are also given an ultimatum, with out trincates and gadgets will we serve the Lord or feel we don't need saving. Humilaty is key. The kind I mean is when we surrender over our will and live for God's purpose. We are living in an incredible era, but don't think we have outgrown the need for a savior. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Stay focused my friend, stay focused on the things that truly matter and be blessed. Amen

Will God pick me?

The son's of Jesse were seven. Samuel the man of God had come to Bethlehem-Judah by order of God to anoint one of Jesse's son's to be king. Hand picked by God Almighty. The one that looked beyond the external person, everyone sees and knows, into their heart. When the first one came and stood before the prophet the voice of the eternal one said this is not him. Though he may stand tall, be strong, or handle the bow and sword as a champion, this was not the one. So, as the story goes, each of Jesse's son's passed before Samuel. Still not finding the chosen of God, Samuel said, "Is this all your sons?" Jesse had one son more, the youngest, whose name was David. He was tending his father's sheep in the field. While the young fellow was approaching the Spirit of the Lord spoke suddenly to the prophet and said,"Arise, anoint him, for this is he."


What was so special about this young boy from Bethlehem-Judah? God said that he looks on the heart. Man looks on the outward appearance and accomplishments, but God looks beyond the veil of flesh, deep, into the soul of man.


It is worth noting that when the prophet showed up to the house of Jesse, the only son that had not stood before Jesse, was busy working. Busy about his father's business. We too, while waiting on our commission or calling, should be busy about our Father's business.


Taking note to each name of the son's of Jesse. For in ancient times it was very customary to name a child depicting character or an assumed character. You find symbolic names all through scripture. Even our Lord Jesus himself. His name means "Jehovah saves".


Now the name of Jesse's firstborn was Eliab, hence "God of father" an illusion to one that would worship the God his father worshipped. The second son was Abinadab, meaning "father of generosity", typifying one that was very generous. The third son, Shimma, meaning "annuciation or revelation" symbolic of the soul that searches the deep hidden meanings. The forth son was Nethaneel which meant "giver of God" a reflection of a person that gives abundantly in the things of God. The fifth son is Raddai, which carries the meaning of "domineering" speaking of a conquerer or a spirit of control. Jesse's sixth son's name was Ozem, a word which refers to "strength or strong".

But God chose none of these. It wasn't the the abundant giver, although it is more blessed to give than to receive. It wasn't the one that would follow the God of his fathers, though this too was a fine trait. We should seek out the old landmarks. these are admirable and wise characteristic, yet, God chose none of these.

What was so special about this one young fellow of Bethlehem-Judah among the sons of Jesse? If we take a look at the name of David in the reflection of its meaning it may bring some light. David simply means "loving" or "beloved". Isn't that percularly different from his older brothers? His name meant to love. But then Jesus said, "If you LOVE me, you keep my commandments". Another place the Bible tells us that "love covers a multitude of sin". Paul, the as apostle, in 1 Corintians 13. Speaks about three subjects. Faith, hope, and charity. But through this chapter it is charity that is held high above all else. Charity is another word for LOVE.

LOVE is the key. LOVE is the reason Jesus died and LOVE rose him up again. So if you desire to be chosen of God, pray that God fill your heart with LOVE.

The greatest of all attributes.

Amen.

How can I do great things?

The Lord took the small, seemingly insignificant and turned it into a feast for over five thousand people. He took things that were impossible and made them very real. Jesus opened the eye's of the blind, made the lamb to walk, even the wind and sea obeyed the voice of the Everlasting King. He raised the dead, and caused the deaf to hear again. Jesus, the son of the Living God was the Word made flesh. He spoke with authority yet with pure love. Jesus did more than we can comprehend in our world turning the hearts of the people from their religious bondage to bring an everlasting salvation. Jesus used small things to do great things. He turned the water to wine, the two fish and five loafs into a feast, and he turned his death into the greatest miracle of ressurection this world has ever seen for it is still bringing souls to life to this very day. When we think of how powerless we truly are and the desperation of the world in need. One would almost shutter. How can I accomplish anything. But when we look to the holy words we see the illustration of what God has always used. He always uses the thing that looks and feels impossible. So next time you see your neighbor in need and the task seems too great for little ole you, think about what Jesus said, "All things are possible to them that believe".
We serve a true and living God. He is holy and just. He will not put a burden on your heart and then leave you without the power to complete it. If he stirred you for a task, no matter how great, he will equipt you for the job. You will find the words, the strength, the authority, the ability to overcome every obstacle, and the anointing will be there to heal, mend, speak, edify, confirm, and direct. Jesus will not leave you alone. He said " I will never leave you nor forsake you". Though we may feel small, unlearned, powerless, seemingly insignificant. Trust in the unction that God has placed in you and do great things through him.

Uriah

You have to stop and take note of the attitude and perspective of the men that followed king David, as illustrated in the story of Uriah the Hittite. When brought from the battle to feast with the king then sent home with "a mess of meat" as the Bible portrays it. But when this Israelite soldier left the king, rather than go to his house and lie with his wife, he slept at the door of the king's house with the other servants. Even when the king made him drunk the next day he still held the same attitude in denying the comfort of going to his house. When asked of his reasoning for such action, he simply said "the ark, and Israel, and Judah, abide in tents and my lord Joab, and the servants of my lord are encamped in the open fields, shall I then go to my house to eat and to drink, and lie with my wife? As thou livest, and as thy soul livest I will not do this thing." What a heart of character Uriah had. What an illustration of how a soldier of the cross of Jesus should handle himself in all things. The very first thing mentioned by Uriah was the ark. The significance of this is huge, because the ark is where the presence of Jehovah dwelt. It was the focal point of all worship in his day. The ark represented the moving of God. It symbolized the providing of God. It spoke to the people that God was walking with them. Uriah could have pleasured himself and went his way but in his heart the ark , the people, and his leader were all one body. If one were afflicted all should mourn. If one lacked all should suffer. If one were victorious all should celebrate. Where are the Uraih's of today? There is so much more one could unvail from this little story from the pages of the Old Testament, time would fail me to keep going. But let me make one other point. The name Uriah means "fire of Jah" (Jah being the short version of Jehovah). The fire of God. Wow! So in essence we that are saved and filled with the spirit of God have a Uraih living inside of us. One that prefers his brother. One that doesn't lift himself up. One that is unified with the rest of the body.
I hope this simple message lifts your soul to new horizons in the Lord. I pray your heart mind and soul is strengthened in Jesus precious name.
Amen!

Worship

The word "worship" in Hebrew, way back in the book of Deuteronomy, is the word "shachah" meaning to prostrate before or revere. This is the word mainly used throughout the Old Testament writtings. But when we come to the New Testament and read the words of our Lord Jesus Christ himself, found here in John 4:24 "God is a spirit: and they that "worship " him must "worship" him in spirit and in truth." In spirit meaning with your soul. With the breath of life in you. In truth meaning with verity. With honesty and your whole heart. But this word "worship" here in the greek tense has a much more profound meaning and brings light to our relationship and where we should be with our Lord and Savior. "Worship"{pro-koo-neh-o} to crouch, prostrate in homage, adore, and last but not least it means the kiss or rather as a dog licks his masters hand in affection. Wow! What a meaning. Ever had a dog lick on your hand? Ever had one that followed you everywhere you went? They will follow you, lay near you when you sleep, as close as you'll allow them, and virtually be your best friend. If you treat them right you'll have a lifelong friend. Now think of the comparison of how our Lord would have us love him. To adore him. To follow him. This is such an example of true worship and heart felt love and devotion. I am sad to admit, but it is a rare quality to find this kind of devotion in our fast paced world today. So next time you get down to pray or stand in church with hands lifted up and it is time to worship. Think about the example of the dog. Are you truly in worship or is it only a form of Godliness.

Water to wine

In the story of the marriage in Cana of Galillee, Jesus illustrates to us a change in order. A change in the order of religion. Let's get started. First off, we are drawing these words from the book of John, chapter 2. We are starting with verse 1 and continuing to the 10th verse. This is the first recording of miracles Jesus did. ~[Joh 2:1 And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: vs2 And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. vs:3 And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. vs:4 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. vs:5 His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.

vs:6 And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. vs:7 Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.

vs:8 And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. vs:9 When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, vs:10 And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.]~Notice there are 6 waterpots. 6 being the number of man. The marriage is symbolic of the marriage of the Lamb, or our joining in union with the Lord. The wine speaks of spiritual things. The spirit moved in ways meant for that time. We are moving into and already starting into a time of spiritual spoken Word such as we've not even heard of. The mother represents the church. The mother of Jesus said, when they desired more wine [spirit], "Whatsoever he says, do it" The waterpots were referred as "after the manner of purification" this is symbolic of their religious ways of cleansing. Or their religious order. The water is symbolic of the Word. So if the church does what Jesus says, our Word will be made spirit. Our order of worship will be made new. The governor even said, "Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now" He said in the book of Joel that he would pour out his spirit on all flesh and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy. I am yearning for the spoken Word move and I know we are even at the threshold of it now. So let's listen to that still small voice and obey. Then we'll see the spoken Word church arise out of obscurity as the water is turned to wine.

Choices

Our afflictions sometimes seem unbearable. Though millions of people have come down the same road we are traveling doesn't make it any less lonely. Though we are assured that the pain is but for a moment doesn't ease our suffering. Though we see the light at the end of the tunnel that means we are surrounded by darkness. Though words from a true friend comfort and minister to our pain yet we still have to bare that burden alone. There are so many roads in life that are trials and tests meant to teach us and mold us into what God has designed for our life. But at the moment of the suffering or at the time of our loneliest or in the pit of despair it feels as though we are never coming out. But God has a specific plan just for you. No one else can fill the shoes he has prepared for you. Our afflictions are sent to prepare us. Our loneliness is meant to show us his ultimate gift. When Jesus went to the cruel cross and laid down his life for you and I. He was not spared part of the pain because of who he was. He was not spared the loneliness because of who he was. He was not spared the torture of shame and humiliation because of who he was. He was, and is, and ever will be the Son of God. The suffering that he went through was his choosing. Though he could have called a host of angels to his side in a moment. He chose...to suffer for you and me...The reality is that we have a choice to take the road called holiness or a road of our own choosing. But regardless of the road we choose affliction will come. It is part of life. The thing to consider though is when those afflictions come are they preparing us and molding us? or Are they simply because of bad choices? Jesus wants every soul to come to him. But every soul will not come. Hell has enlarged itself. Right now we can live our lives to the full in pleasure and run from the will of God and miss his purpose in our lives. We can even spend our life going to church and doing seemingly religious stuff. But what seems right in our eye's is not the true way. Jesus told us (Mat 11:29)"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." Learn of me. To make ourselves understand his way. To learn of his purpose and agenda. To learn of who he really is. To know the heart of God. Jesus suffered miserably for our sins. Though once we've chosen to follow him there will be heartaches. There will be despair. There will be moments of loneliness. There will be affliction. But the difference is that we have the Word of God's assurance on our side to comfort. We have the blessed hope, which is the knowing that our lives are in his hands and we have a place after this life where there is no pain, no suffering, no loneliness, no heartache,no sickness, not even death is there. So though you may be going through a struggle in your life right now. If you will give your lives completely to Jesus in the middle of misery there will be a peace that passes all understanding. In the middle of sickness there will be an assurance of our healing. In the middle of our loneliness the will be a sense of God's presence. In the middle of our storm there walking right by our side is none other but the storm walker, the one that spoke to the storm and the wind laid down and the sea was calmed. Jesus chose us. We are given a choice. But when the door is open for our visitation don't hesitate. Run to Jesus. Because he wants to pick you up and help you in your affliction. Friend I ask you one simple question...How do you choose? You and your way or Jesus? I pray you choose quickly and wisely. Amen!