OK-it's THAT time of the year again. Family gatherings, shopping, presents, eating until you're ready to puke. People trampling you at a BestBuy to get a gift that the person you're giving ot to doesn't really need.

"Happy Holiday's", Happy New Year's, Happy Hannukah, Happy Kwanza, Fesitvus-anything except Merry Christmas. Holiday trees, holiday parties, holiday cookies, is anyone else just sick?

Let's go back almost 2000 years to the time when God sent His only Son to earth to dies on a cross so we can be forgiven for our sins and have eternal life. Jesus Christ-the Son of The Living God-He is the One that this "holiday" is about. "Christ"mas.
It's NOT about a tree. It's not about getting gifts. It's about Jesus Christ of Nazareth!

Next time someone says "Happy Holidays" to you-say Merry Christmas back. Say Merry Christmas first. Don't let the name of Jesus Christ be taken away from the date His birthday is celebrated.

Isaiah 7:14
So, the Lord Himself shall give you a sign. Behold, the virgin will conceive and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Immanuel.

Isaiah 9:6-7
For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be on His shoulder; and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
There is no end of the increase of His government and peace on the throne of David, and on His kingdom, to order it and to establish it with judgment and with justice from now on, even forever. The zeal of Jehovah of Hosts will do this.



Luke 1:26-38
Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”
But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”
Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?”
And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible.”
Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Do NOT be afraid to speak out about this. Jesus stated that if we deny Him before men, He will deny us before The Father.

Let’s glorify God by making sure that everyone out there knows the real reason for The Season-JESUS CHRIST!

Can I get an AMEN?

MERRY CHRISTMAS to everyone!

Ira

Glory to God in The Highest!!!

Personal Testimony of God's Glory!

Last Sunday, I was "leading in" at Church.  Typically, the Deacons just read some scripture, pray, do some announcements, and ask for testimonies-lead the service, in essence.  Sunday morning before Church, I thought that I was going to be reading some scriptures on idolatry, and maybe commenting a little on that.

Well, God had other plans.  I felt the Holy Spirit tugging on my heart, but I didn't know why. As I sought God's direction on this, He clearly spoke to my soul in a still, small voice.  He told me to give the Gospel message.  "OK, Lord", I thought.  I'll do what you say, and expect something to happen.

When I got to Church, The Holy Spirit also impressed upon me to have a prayer line as well.  Well-it turned out that ALL of the church's Elders were out, and there were only 3 Deacon's including myself.  I recruited one of the Trustees of the Church who I know has a heart for praying to assist us.

Right after the worship began, I stood up, announced that we were going to have a prayer line, and gave the Gospel message.  I don't really remember exactly what I said.  I even think I left out some things that I normally would say when I give this message.  I don't remember saying anything about Heaven or Hell.  Just the basic message about God's Love and Jesus's dying on the cross for our sins.  I went from behind the podium, down to the front of the altar to begin the prayer line.  3 other brothers came up to assist me, and we broke into groups of 2.  We prayed.  We praised God together, and thanked Him for his goodness.  I left that prayer line feeling encouraged by some of the testimonies that were shared with me.

Anyway, the service began shortly after we were done.  The Pastor gave his message-one of the things he touched on was IDOLATRY!  Go figure...

After the service was over, my friend & brother, John asked me if he knew what happened during the prayer line.  I said-"NO-what happened?"  He began to tell me that a young woman, new to our church came up to the altar, and told John that she needed Jesus in her life, and was there to receive Him as Lord & Savior.  This young lady asked Jesus into her heart and life right there at the altar!  Praise His Holy Name!

Anyway, the whole purpose of this testimony is to encourage everyone out there to be obedient to The Holy Spirit.  Jesus changed my heart on Sunday morning.  Jesus told me what message to give.  I'm sure that Jesus put the words the He wanted shared on my lips when I shared the Gospel message (even though I thought I could have presented it better).  Jesus used me to call a prayer line, and Jesus brought that young lady up to the altar to get saved!  PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME!!!  Because I was obedient, there is somebody new in the Kingdom.  I was used for God's glory!!! Let me encourage everyone who reads this to seek God in all aspects of their lives.  When you listen to His voice and do what He says, He will use you for the glory of the kingdom! 

Matthew 6:33 (KJV)-"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."


I know that on Sunday, the angels in Heaven were rejoicing!  Can everyone PLEASE shout AMEN along with them??  Is anybody else excited ?  Come on-let's praise the Name of Jesus!!!

In Jesus' Name,

Ira

Today's Word - October 27, 2009

Do You Trust in Him?

Psalm 37: 5, 39-40

Commit your way to the LORD,
Trust also in Him,
And He shall bring it to pass.



But the salvation of the righteous is from the LORD;
He is their strength in the time of trouble.
And the LORD shall help them and deliver them;
He shall deliver them from the wicked,
And save them,
Because they trust in Him.
AMEN?

Sorry If I have to Repeat Myself...

On Wednesday, July 15, 2009, I posted a BLOG entry about Trusting in The Lord.

Well, something happened in Church this past Sunday that prompted me to share this message with all of you once again.

Did you ever attend a Sunday service where The Holy Spirit just falls on the place and takes over everything? Well-that happened this past Sunday.

Every prayer had a theme. Every testimony had a theme. Every Word from God had a theme. Jesus took me down a path that I could not help but follow while I was up at the altar praying with some brothers. I sense that The Lord was telling us not to fear, and to TRUST IN HIM!!! I shared this with the brothers I was praying with, and they received it as a personal Word from God!

This is why I wanted to share this Word again, for those who may not have had a chance to read it before.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

FROM A PREVIOUS BLOG ENTRY:

Today's Word-July 15, 2009 -Food for Thought...
Something to think about......If you are a born-again believer in Jesus Christ, then you obviously trust that when you close your eyes on this world, you will open them in Heaven. You believe and trust that Jesus will take you to heaven.Here's the important question:If you trust Jesus to get you to Heaven, why won't you trust Him with the cares and concerns of your daily life? Surely the One True God who can get you to Heaven can supply your every need. He can break chains of bondage, he can cure addictions, he can supply a need at the last minute-just when you've given up hope. He can give you peace, He can give you joy, He can fight the battles that you're in-It says so in God's Word!!! He can find you a job, he can heal the sick, and HE CAN RAISE THE DEAD!!!Is anyone else excited about Jesus???!!! I know I am!!!I'm curious to hear back from everyone on what they think about this.

I have just one question- DO YOU TRUST HIM?

But Lord-I need money! DO YOU TRUST HIM?

Lord, I need a job! DO YOU TRUST HIM?

But Lord, I can do this on my own-I don't want to bother you! DO YOU TRUST HIM?

Lord-I need to be delivered from drug addiction! DO YOU TRUST HIM?

Lord, I'm hooked on pornography! DO YOU TRUST HIM?

Lord-I'm coveting worldly things! DO YOU TRUST HIM?

But Lord, I'm confused-Oprah says that there's more than one way to get to heaven! DO YOU TRUST HIM?

Lord-I need to pass this exam! DO YOU TRUST HIM?

Lord-I've been in a trial that seems to have been going on forever! DO YOU TRUST HIM?

Lord-my family is not saved & going to heaven! DO YOU TRUST HIM?

Lord-I'm sick, and I need a healing-can't I just take some pills? DO YOU TRUST HIM?

But Lord-what do I do here? Should I step out in my flesh, or wait for You to guide me down the correct path? DO YOU TRUST HIM?

Can somebody please answer me: WHAT'S IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD?

Let me hear from you.

Ira

Forgiveness?

Matthew 6:14-15
For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

2 Corinthians 2:3-11
And I wrote this very thing to you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow over those from whom I ought to have joy, having confidence in you all that my joy is the joy of you all. For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you, with many tears, not that you should be grieved, but that you might know the love which I have so abundantly for you. But if anyone has caused grief, he has not grieved me, but all of you to some extent—not to be too severe. This punishment which was inflicted by the majority is sufficient for such a man, so that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow. Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him. For to this end I also wrote, that I might put you to the test, whether you are obedient in all things. Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ, lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.

Ephesians 4:25-32
Therefore, putting away lying, “ Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another. “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil. Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.


I remember sitting on the couch in my living room about 4 years ago. It was a Sunday night, and I was reading my Bible-in Matthew chapter 6. I read those verses about forgiveness, and The Holy Spirit prompted me to stop and pray. I had some really bad things going on at work, and I had been holding grudges against several of my co-workers for what I thought were premeditated attacks against me. The Lord prompted me to stop, and pray for those people, and to forgive them for their offenses against me. These people weren't born-again, nor did they even realize what they were doing.

One-by-one, I began to pray for each of these individuals. The co-worker who had openly stabbed me in the back, the manager who blamed me for something that I didn't do, the Director who bad-mouthed me becuase I didn't think his idea was a good one-the list went on. Then a funny thing happened. As I neared the end of my "list" of people to forgive, I began to slow down. I planned to stop praying, and that would be the end of it.

Well, let me tell you-God had other plans! God spoke to me directly, and told me to forgive people who had wronged me during my life. I thought, that this would be over very quickly, but The Holy Spirit kept impressing on my heart-"ALL OF THEM-GO ALL THE WAY BACK"! God wanted me to go as far back as I could remember and forgive everyone who had ever done anything bad to me.

Well, this seemed like it was going to be interesting. I prayed for clarity, and to bring these things to rememberance. In a few minutes, I was taking a stroll down memory lane. I prayed for Paul, the neighborhood bully who used to beat me up and who stole my baseball cards, I prayed for some relatives, for my parents and family. I prayed for people in my teenage years who had gossiped about me, and who had made me feel inferior because I didn't like to do the same things that they did. I prayed for some of the bosses I had in various jobs. I prayed for some of the co-workers at these jobs who had committed "questionable" acts, and who had "stabbed me in the back". This kept going on, and on, and on. The next thing I know, I'm finishing my prayers (..."In Jesus' Name), and I looked at the clock. over 3 hours had passed! It seemed like 10 minutes!!! I actually felt lighter, and I felt un-burdened!

I am sure that God had to take me down this path because some of my un-forgiveness was really becoming an issue. I was losing sleep over certain situations, and I was really finding it hard to let certain things go. God took care of that.

Matthew 11:29-30 states that : "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." It states that if you cannot bear your burdens, then Jesus can take those from you!!!

In the beginning of this post, I quoted 3 very important scriptures that have to do with forgiveness. In a nutshell, they state that as Christ forgave you, you need to forgive your enemies. Think about that one-Jesus forgave your sins by offering Himself as a living sacrifice on the cross. If He did that, surely you can forgive someone else who sins against you!!!

It also states that by NOT forgiving a brother or sister who sinned against you, you let Satan gain a foothold in your life. The enemy wants you to be eaten alive by unforgiveness. He wants you to hold grudges against people and to allow strife into your relationships. He wants you to lose sleep, and to continually be bitter. If the enemy wins, then you will be walking in sin!!!

Brothers & Sisters-I know that you may harbor unforgiveness in your lives. Everyone does. I don't know the circumstances, but that is irrelevant at this point. God's Word states that you need to forgive those who sin against you. It doesn't matter what they did. It doesn't matter under what circumstances. It doesn't matter how many times. If God says to do it-we ALL need to do it!!!! Let's not let Satan gain a foothold in our lives! Let's not let the enemy have his way with us!

Here's something I would like to ask you to do. Think of all the people that have ever sinned against you, that have ever done wrong against you or your family. Get into your prayer closet, and ask Jesus for the grace & mercy for you to be able to do this. Think about all these people, and forgive them-one by one. Release them from the bondage of unforgiveness that you held against them. Pray that if you see these individuals again, that you would be granted the grace to forgive them in person. You will find that God may take you down a road that you did not think you were going. You may need to cast all your burdens on the great Burden-Bearer, Jesus!

Your prayer may go something like this: Jesus, I thank You that you are the bearer of my burdens. I thank You that I was forgiven for my sins by Your atoning death on the cross. I am asking for the grace and mercy to forgive people who have wronged me. Lord, I have unforgiveness in my heart against (person's name here). I forgive him/her. I release him/her from their offense against me (or my family), and I give it over to the Lord, Jesus Christ. Lord-please remove the burden of unforgiveness in this situation from me. Forgive me, Lord-In Jesus' Name. Repeat as many times as necessary.

I am sharing this because I feel that somebody out there in the body is suffering from unforgiveness. The Bible is explicit in how we are to behave in this circumstance. Read the 3 scripuurs at the beginning of this blog. Lay down your flesh. Lay down your pride, and lay down your burden. Trust me, it feels awesome!

Can somebody PLEASE shout AMEN???

HAVE THE OLD THINGS PASSED AWAY???

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

I have been thinking for some time about the transformation that happens when The Lord calls somebody into the Kingdom. The Bible clearly states that the old things are supposed to be gone, and we are supposed to be new creations (Paraphrased).

Here's my challenge to you. Have you REALLY let go of the old things? Have the things of this world become strangely dim? Is the world sucking you back into the clutches of sin?

I would be lying if I told you that I didn't find myself singing along with songs on the radio at work, or in someone elses car. I constantly have to check myself to see if my heart is right, and if I am focused on Christ. I'm human, as are all of you, but we need to be different than the people who are in the world. Jesus says that " ..by their fruits, you will know them" (Matthew 7:18-20).

If you need to repent, then now is the time. Just ask Jesus to forgive you for taking your eyes off of him, and for seeking the things of this world.

Here's something that The Lord has been speaking to me about for a few weeks now. I hope this speaks to you. This speaks of my old life, and my new one in Christ.


Before Christ I was looking for my “Stairway to Heaven”
Now, I’m believing for my “Mansion in Heaven” (John 14:2-4)

Before Christ, I was on a “Highway to Hell”
Now, I’m on the “Highway to Holiness” (Isaiah 35:8)

Before Christ, I was looking for a “Revolution”
Now, I’m studying “Revelation”.

Before Christ, I was “Blinded by The light”.
Now, I’m serving “The Light of The World” (John 8:12, John 9:5)

Before Christ, I couldn’t get any “Satisfaction”
Now, The Lord “Satisfies my soul”. (Isaiah 58:11)

Before Christ, I came to a stop at the “Crossroads”.
Now, Jesus guides me down the path He has set before me. (Psalm 23:3, Psalm 44:18, Psalm 119:35)

Before Christ, somebody kept asking me: “Can’t you hear me knocking?”
Now, I know it’s Jesus- who says “Behold I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me” (Revelation 3:20)

Before Christ, I kept “Wishing I was HERE”, wherever “HERE” was…
Now, I wish I was somewhere else! (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18)

Before Christ, I thought I was a “Free Bird”.
Now, I am “Free in Christ”. (Romans 8:1-8)* (READ THE WHOLE SECTION)*

Before Christ, I was trying to figure out what it would feel like spending “30 Days in a Hole”
Now, I’m grateful that Jesus spent 3 days in a hole (tomb), and rose on the 3rd day!!!! (Matthew 28:1-8)

Before Christ, I used to follow The Grateful Dead.
Now, I follow The Way, The Truth, and The Life (John 14:6) and I’m grateful for the promise of ETERNAL LIFE!!!

I'm speaking to the people who profess to know Jesus Christ: We need to walk in the Light! There is nothing but darkness in the world, and according to God's Word, light CANNOT exist with darkness. 1 John states that Jesus is The Light! Let's let the Light shine through us so the world can see Him! Let go of the things of this world, and seek after Jesus Christ

Can somebody PLEEEEAASSEE shout AMEN?!!!

Today's Word-September 28, 2009

Psalm 3: 1-6

LORD, how they have increased who trouble me!
Many are they who rise up against me.
Many are they who say of me,
“There is no help for him in God.” Selah

But You, O LORD, are a shield for me,
My glory and the One who lifts up my head.
I cried to the LORD with my voice,
And He heard me from His holy hill. Selah

I lay down and slept;
I awoke, for the LORD sustained me.
I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people
Who have set themselves against me all around.

Is The Lord Jesus the Glory and the Lifter of your head today? Do you feel do beat up, smacked around, vomited on, and ignored that you feel like you're at the end of your rope?

Have you given up all hope?

Well, I have some good news for you-Jesus can help you.

When you're in short supply, He is your PROVIDER!

When you're sick, He is your HEALER!

When you're agitated or angry, He is your PEACE!

When you feel like you're losing the battle, He is your BANNER!

When you need guidance or direction, He is your GUIDE!

When you are lost, He is your SHEPHERD!

When you really need Him, He is PRESENT!

Can I get somebody to shout AMEN!!?

I feel a song coming on-I hope this blesses somebody!


He's The Glory and The Lifter of my head
He's The Glory and The Lifter of my head
But Thou, oh Lord are a shield for me
My glory and the lifter of my head

I cried unto the Lord with my voice
I cried unto the Lord with my voice
I cried unto the Lord with my voice
And He heard me out of His holy hill

He's The Glory and The Lifter of my head
He's The Glory and The Lifter of my head
But Thou, oh Lord are a shield for me
My glory and the lifter of my head

Today's Word - September 10, 2009

1 Samuel 3:1-20

My favorite verse here is v 10, where Samuel replies to The Lord saying:"..speak, Lord-for Your servant hears.."

How often do we miss out on something that The Lord has to say because we do not have "ears to hear"?

How are your ears today? Clogged? Or-are they open and ready to hear what God has to say?

If they are clogged, I have a Holy Ghost Q-Tip for you! Read The Word of God!!!

Can I get an AMEN??!!

Today's Word-August 27, 2009

Isaiah 26:3 (Amplified Bible)

You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You.

\O/

Today's Word-August 26, 2009

Matthew 21:20-22 (New King James)

And when the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, “How did the fig tree wither away so soon?” So Jesus answered and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ it will be done. And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”

Today's Word-August 25, 2009

Philippians 4:4-5

This passage is just so good, that I had to include some different translations for it!

Philippians 4:4 (The Message)

Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you're on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!



Philippians 4:4-5 (Amplified Bible)

Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, gladden yourselves in Him]; again I say, Rejoice!
Let all men know and perceive and recognize your unselfishness (your considerateness, your forbearing spirit). The Lord is near [He is coming soon].



Philippians 4:4-5 (New King James Version)

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.

ARE YOU REJOICING TODAY??

\O/

Today's Word-August 21, 2009

Psalm 108:3-4

I will praise You, O LORD, among the peoples,
And I will sing praises to You among the nations.
For Your mercy is great above the heavens,
And Your truth reaches to the clouds.

Today's Word-August 18, 2009

Psalm 42:7 (NASB)

Deep calls to deep at the sound of Your waterfalls;
All Your breakers and Your waves have rolled over me

Today's Word-August 17, 2009

Psalm 108:3 (Amplified Version)

I will praise and give thanks to You, O Lord, among the peoples; and I will sing praises unto You among the nations.



Have you praised Him today? Have you thanked Him today? Have you sung His praises today?

\O/

I have a Song on My Heart!!!-Pour Out Your Spirit on Me, Lord!!!

Oh Lord, I love you forever
For you have always been my friend
Yes I will love you forever
And follow you until the end

You laid your life down on the altar
You endured hostility
You drank the cup of the father
While I was still your enemy

When I was far away you found me
When I was broken in my sin
You brought your spirit upon me
And put a new heart within

Chorus:
Pour out your spirit, pour out your spirit
Pour out your spirit on me
Pour out your spirit, pour out your spirit
Pour out your spirit on me

Oh may my life burn as an offering
That is pleasing unto thee
I’ll count it joy to share your suffering
That your life may flow from me

Yes I will be forever grateful
For you are always by my side
I will proclaim that you are faithful
And you’re returning for a bride

Pour out your spirit, pour out your spirit
Pour out your spirit on me
Pour out your spirit, pour out your spirit
Pour out your spirit on me

Today's Word-August 11, 2009

Psalm 119:14

I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies,
As much as in all riches.

Today's Word-August 10, 2009

Psalm 84:1-2

How lovely is Your tabernacle,
O LORD of hosts!
My soul longs, yes, even faints
For the courts of the LORD;
My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.

Does your heart cry out for The Living God??

I am Standing Amazed in the Presence of Jesus The Nazarene...

I stand amazed in the presence
Of Jesus the Nazarene,
And wonder how He could love me,
A sinner, condemned, unclean.

Chorus:
O how marvelous! O how wonderful!
And my song shall ever be:
O how marvelous! O how wonderful!
Is my Savior's love for me!

He took my sins and my sorrows,
He made them His very own;
He bore the burden to Calvary,
And suffered and died alone.

When with the ransomed in glory
His face I at last shall see,
’Twill be my joy through the ages
To sing of His love for me.

Worship The Lord in the beauty of His Holiness!!!

AMEN???

Today's Word-August 7, 2009

2 Peter 1:18-21

And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. 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; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

Today's Word-August 6, 2009

Psalm 119:160 (AMPLIFIED Translation)

The sum of Your word is truth [the total of the full meaning of all Your individual precepts]; and every one of Your righteous decrees endures forever.

AMEN?

Today's Word-August 5, 2009

1 Timothy 4:1-2
Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron...

Keep your eyes on JESUS!!!!

Romans 6:12
Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts

Romans 8:5-8
For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

James 4:4
Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus, the Author and Finisher of your faith!

O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s a light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
Over us sin no more hath dominion—
For more than conquerors we are!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

His Word shall not fail you—He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well:
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

Can somebody PLEASE shout AMEN??!!!

Monday July 27, 2009 - A Special Word

Romans 10:14-17 (Amplified Bible)

But how are people to call upon Him Whom they have not believed [in Whom they have no faith, on Whom they have no reliance]? And how are they to believe in Him [adhere to, trust in, and rely upon Him] of Whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without a preacher?

And how can men [be expected to] preach unless they are sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of those who bring glad tidings! [How welcome is the coming of those who preach the good news of His good things!]

But they have not all heeded the Gospel; for Isaiah says, Lord, who has believed (had faith in) what he has heard from us?

So faith comes by hearing [what is told], and what is heard comes by the preaching [of the message that came from the lips] of Christ (the Messiah Himself).

----Please pray for me as I go on a business trip to Boston from today until Wednesday night. I am surrendering this to The Lord, and I am praying that he uses me for HIS glory to somehow have the opportunity to share The Gospel. (Isaiah 6:8)

Ira

Today's Word - July 22, 2009

Isaiah 60:1

Today's Word - July 16

Isaiah 46:5-10

To whom will you liken Me, and make Me equal
And compare Me, that we should be alike?

They lavish gold out of the bag,
And weigh silver on the scales;
They hire a goldsmith, and he makes it a god;
They prostrate themselves, yes, they worship.

They bear it on the shoulder, they carry it
And set it in its place, and it stands;
From its place it shall not move.
Though one cries out to it, yet it cannot answer
Nor save him out of his trouble.

“ Remember this, and show yourselves men;
Recall to mind, O you transgressors.

Remember the former things of old,
For I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is none like Me,

Declaring the end from the beginning,
And from ancient times things that are not yet done,
Saying, ‘My counsel shall stand,
And I will do all My pleasure,’

Today's Word-July 15, 2009 -Food for Thought...

Something to think about......

If you are a born-again believer in Jesus Christ, then you obviously trust that when you close your eyes on this world, you will open them in Heaven. You believe and trust that Jesus will take you to heaven.

Here's the important question:

If you trust Jesus to get you to Heaven, why won't you trust Him with the cares and concerns of your daily life? Surely the One True God who can get you to Heaven can supply your every need. He can break chains of bondage, he can cure addictions, he can supply a need at the last minute-just when you've given up hope. He can give you peace, He can give you joy, He can fight the battles that you're in-It says so in God's Word!!! He can find you a job, he can heal the sick, and HE CAN RAISE THE DEAD!!!

Is anyone else excited about Jesus???!!! I know I am!!!

I'm curious to hear back from everyone on what they think about this.

Today's Word-July 15, 2009

James 1:21 (AMPLIFIED BIBLE)

So get rid of all uncleanness and the rampant outgrowth of wickedness, and in a humble (gentle, modest) spirit receive and welcome the Word which implanted and rooted [in your hearts] contains the power to save your souls.

Today's Word-July 14, 2009

Colossians 2:6-7

As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.

\O/

Monday July 13, 2009

I know it's been a while, but I've been dwelling on these scriptures for a few weeks, now:

1 Peter 4:12-19

Verse 17 is the one that sticks out at me, and is speaking to me.

Here is the whole thing. I hope God ministers to you and speaks to your heart.

Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?

Now
“ If the righteous one is scarcely saved,
Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?”

Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.

Can I get an AMEN?

Today's Word - Monday May 11, 2009

OK-This is a Word for somebody out there who needs to hear this...


Why Do We Need To Go Through All These Trials?

2 Corinthians 1:3-7
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.

In the last few months, not only have I counseled many Brothers & Sisters as they have been going through their trials, but I myself have been going through some as well.

I prayed about how I was handling these trials, and why I wasn't hearing from God when I was in the midst of them. God revealed 2 amazing truths to me:

1) That I need to keep my eyes on Jesus, NOT on the problem, or situation.

Matthew 14:22-33
Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.”

In this section of Scripture, Peter had the HONOR of being the only other man to walk on water. He stepped out of the boat, and fixed his eyes on The Lord Jesus. He walked on the water for some time, then once the wind & the waves scared him, he took his eyes off Jesus. IMMEDIATELY, he began to sink, and flounder in the water. The Lord Jesus had to stretch out His hand and pull him out of the stormy waters. SOUND FAMILIAR?

2)That although I didn't hear HIS voice, it wasn't because He wasn't speaking to me...

Romans 10:17
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

I was so tired-spiritually AND physically, that I skipped reading The Word of God in the morning. Although I didn't stop completely, it didn't happen every day. I did pray every morning in my car, however I felt the God wasn't speaking to me. That was the furthest thing from the truth. God WAS speaking to me, but I wasn't hearing Him. I was rendered spiritually deaf by my unfaithfullness in reading my Bible.

Well, I corrected both issues, and wouldn't you know it-I began to hear from The Lord. I began to sense His presence in everthing that I was going through. God began to move me through these trials, and ultimately, He was GLORIFIED!

Now, I am not saying that I am not going through any trials at this point in time. As a matter of fact, I would ask that you continue to keep me and my family in prayer. What has changed now, is that I know in my heart that I need to step back and see the deliverance of The Lord! (Exodus 14:13).

The Lord placed this message on my heart so I can share this with somebody who may be going through some trials. I don't know who it is. God has not revealed it to me. My message to you is to Trust in The Lord Jesus! He can deliver you through all your trials. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever! He's done it before, He can AND will do it again! Don't get in His way. His Word says that " "The battle belongs to The Lord" (2 Chronicles 20:15)!!

Read your Bible every chance you get. It doesn't matter that you feel too tired, or that something else may seem more important. In order to excercise your faith, you MUST read The Word of God!

So my question to you is: Do you want to walk on the water? Keep your eyes on Jesus, not on the storm!

Can somebody PLEASE shout AMEN?

"Come On And Walk ON The Water With Me"

Come on and walk on the water with me.
Come on and walk on the water with me.
For you will not fail, no your will not fail.

Take a leap in faith, March on out in the deep.
Be courageous, and get down off that bow,
Keep your eyes on me, don't mind the wind or the waves.
There ain't nothing, nothing going to stop us now.

Come on and walk on the water with me.
Come on and walk on the water with me.
For you will not fail, no your will not fail.

You see I'am I'am, when the hurricanes roll.
In your midnight madness, I'll be your peace.
Don't you ever give up, no you better not give in.
Any moment now, your storm going to cease.

Come on and walk on the water with me.
Come on and walk on the water with me.
For you will not fail, no your will not fail.

Why don't you walk on the water with me, Take my hand, and walk on the water with me.
For you will not fail, no your will not fail. Come on and walk on the water with me.
Come on and walk on the water with me. ....

Today's Word-May 7, 2009

Colossians 3:23-24

And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.

Today's Word-April 10, 2009

A Good Friday 2-for-1 offer: Come to Jesus Christ NOW!

Romans 5:8 - But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.



Matthew 27:32-56

Now as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. Him they compelled to bear His cross. And when they had come to a place called Golgotha, that is to say, Place of a Skull, they gave Him sour wine mingled with gall to drink. But when He had tasted it, He would not drink. Then they crucified Him, and divided His garments, casting lots, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet:

“ They divided My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots.”

Sitting down, they kept watch over Him there. And they put up over His head the accusation written against Him: THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
Then two robbers were crucified with Him, one on the right and another on the left.39 And those who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads and saying, “You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” Likewise the chief priests also, mocking with the scribes and elders, said, “He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He is the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him. He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now if He will have Him; for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” Even the robbers who were crucified with Him reviled Him with the same thing.

Now from the sixth hour until the ninth hour there was darkness over all the land. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” Some of those who stood there, when they heard that, said, “This Man is calling for Elijah!” Immediately one of them ran and took a sponge, filled it with sour wine and put it on a reed, and offered it to Him to drink. The rest said, “Let Him alone; let us see if Elijah will come to save Him.” And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many. So when the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they feared greatly, saying, “Truly this was the Son of God!” And many women who followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to Him, were there looking on from afar, among whom were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons.

Today's Word-April 7, 2009

Ephesians 4:28

Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.

Today's Word-April 6, 2009

1 John 1:1-4

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.

Today's Word-April 2, 2009

2 Cor. 5:19

Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.
Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.

The Ultimate "Bailout Package"...

All we hear lately is about some corporation getting bailed out by the government. AIG, Citibank, GM, and many others needed President Obama's administration to bail them out from the mountain of debt that they have accumulated over the lifetime of the company. Years and years of mismanagement have caused this. Indifference caused this. Greed caused this. I could go on and on...

Think about this: These huge corporations have debts they cannot pay. Most, if not all of them beg the government for a bailout, for their debts to be paid. The government bails them out-not once, but twice. Their debt is still not paid. The people who run these companies show no remorse about how they are run. They will not admit their wrongdoings (sins). They even continue in sin by throwing lavish parties, going on "retreats", and rewarding their employees with "bonuses" when the companies are bleeding cash. SOUND FAMILIAR?

Around 2000 years ago, God decided to bail out mankind. He sent His one and only Son, Jesus Christ to pay a debt that we could not pay. We were greedy, indifferent, and through years of abuse, we let our debt of sin accumulate. The load was so heavy, that we had to cry out - HELP US! This offer was a one-time offer. It would not be repeated again.

Unlike the greedy mega-conglomerates that are keeping their head above water with the help of the government, (and us, our children & grandchildren) we realized that we were truly sinners. God's Word tells us that:

-"For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.", Rom.3:23 .

AND-

"And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission.", Hebrews 9:22

Back in the days of Moses, God taught the children of Israel that the way that they needed to have their sins (their DEBT) forgiven was to bring a sacrifice to the temple, and have the High Priest kill it on the altar. The blood was applied to the altar, and sprinkled on the Mercy Seat inside the Holy of Holies. Once this was completed, the High Priest would complete atonement for that person, and their sins would be forgiven. Their debt was then paid.

-"And His is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for THE SINS OF THE WHOLE WORLD." , 1John 2:2

The Greek word "propitiation" means: "appeased", or "satisfied". Other religious sources say that it means " payed in full", as in having a debt forgiven. That is what Jesus did for us when He died on the Cross! Jesus paid our debt because we couldn't. God loved us so much, that He offered a bailout package to the whole planet:

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.", John 3:16

Jesus was the propitiation for our sin. The shedding of His Blood at Calvary made atonement for us, and our debt was paid. The great thing is that not only were our past sins forgiven, but present and future ones as well.

The great thing is that we never have to pay it back. God only asks that we worship Him, and Him alone. We need to recognize that without this bailout, we would be "out of business". Satan would buy up our outstanding debt, then own our souls, and us.

Now, keep in mind: Obama didn't offer you this bailout package. Congress will not offer this to you. The European Union won't offer this to you. AIG won't offer to pay this debt for you. Your employer cannot pay this debt for you. ONLY the atoning act of the Son of God, Jesus Christ dying on that Cross at Calvary has paid that debt for you. Your slate has been wiped clean!! HALLELUJAH!!!!

We need to keep telling everyone about God's free gift, this "bailout package", that has no cost to it. We never have to pay it back-it's free. All someone needs to do is ask.

Tell somebody about the ultimate "bailout package" today!!!

Can somebody PLEASE shout AMEN???!!!!!

Today's Word-March 30, 2009

Psalm 147:3-5

He heals the brokenhearted
And binds up their wounds.
He counts the number of the stars;
He calls them all by name.
Great is our Lord, and mighty in power;
His understanding is infinite.

Today's Word-March 27, 2009

Psalm 62:7

In God is my salvation and my glory;
The rock of my strength,
And my refuge, is in God.

Today's Word-March 26, 2009

Philippians 1:29

For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake

Today's Word-March 25, 2009

John 14:1-3

Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 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.

Today's Word-March 23, 2009

James 1:12

Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

Today's Word-March 20, 2009

Psalm 27



The LORD is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the strength of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?

When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes,
came upon me to eat up my flesh,
they stumbled and fell.

Though a host should encamp against me,
my heart shall not fear:
though war should rise against me,
in this will I be confident.

One thing have I desired of the LORD,
that will I seek after;
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to behold the beauty of the LORD,
and to inquire in his temple.

For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion:
in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me;
he shall set me up upon a rock.

And now shall mine head be lifted up
above mine enemies round about me:
therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy;
I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.

Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice:
have mercy also upon me, and answer me.

When thou saidst, Seek ye my face;
my heart said unto thee,
Thy face, LORD, will I seek.

Hide not thy face far from me;
put not thy servant away in anger:
thou hast been my help;
leave me not, neither forsake me,
O God of my salvation.

When my father and my mother forsake me,
then the LORD will take me up.

Teach me thy way, O LORD,
and lead me in a plain path,
because of mine enemies.

Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies:
for false witnesses are risen up against me,
and such as breathe out cruelty.
I had fainted, unless I had believed
to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

Wait on the LORD:
be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart:
wait, I say, on the LORD.

Today's Word-March 19, 2009

Exodus 12:21-23

Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel and said to them, “Pick out and take lambs for yourselves according to your families, and kill the Passover lamb. And you shall take a bunch of hyssop, dip it in the blood that is in the basin, and strike the lintel and the two doorposts with the blood that is in the basin. And none of you shall go out of the door of his house until morning. For the LORD will pass through to strike the Egyptians; and when He sees the blood on the lintel and on the two doorposts, the LORD will pass over the door and not allow the destroyer to come into your houses to strike you.

Today's Word-March 18, 2009

Hebrews 12:14

Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord

Today's Word-March 17, 2009

Psalm 23:1-3

The LORD is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.

Today's Word-March 16, 2009

Hebrews 13:5

"Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you."

Today's Word-March 11, 2009

Deuteronomy 7:9

"Therefore know that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments;"

Today's Word-March 10, 2009

Romans 13:12-14

The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.

Today's Word-March 8, 2009

Psalm 118:24

This is the day the LORD has made;
We will rejoice and be glad in it.

-It doesn't matter what battles or trials you may be in-you need to REJOICE!!! The scripture says: "We WILL REJOICE"!!!

AMEN?

Today's Word-March 8, 2009 ---I Can't Help Myself-I'm Preaching Again!

Today, I just want to give God ALL the praise, honor, & glory!

I woke up this morning in extreme pain-my back was killing me. It took me a while to get out of bed, and I even contemplated staying home from Church today. I took some ibuprofen, left for Church, and dealt with it.

In my heart, I knew that I needed to go up for prayer today. I couldn't sit down for more than a few minutes because of the pain, so I found myself Ushering so I could stand during the service.

When the prayer line started, I went and got my wife Jenny, and daughter Amanda. They each needed to go up for prayer as well-so we all went up together. I got annointed with oil and prayed for, and by the time I walked back to the rear of the Church to resume ushering, the pain was almost gone! A few minutes later, I knew I was healed! PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME!!! Jesus healed me!!! HALLELUJAH!!!

If you're struggling with certiain issues, I must encourage you-take it to The Lord Jesus in prayer. Have the Elders of your Church lay hands on you and annoint you with oil & pray for your needs! James 5:13-15. If you cannot get to Church, have a brother or sister in Christ pray for you!

Times are tough. People are struggling with finances, jobs, health issues, school, and various sins & bondage. BUT I HAVE SOME GOOD NEWS!!!

If you're struggling with finances, who can provide for ALL your needs, according to His riches in Glory?
- JESUS!!!

If you're having a hard time at work, struggling with the economy, possible loss of a job, or maybe even working two jobs, or if you have no job and wonder how you will get by: Who can be your Provider, who can give you peace, who can give you joy during the trial, and who can deliver you?
-JESUS!!!

If you're dealing with marriage issues, who can restore what the locusts have eaten?
-JESUS!!!

If you're dealing with health issues, who can heal your affliction? Who will let you touch the hem of His garment? Who can speak the Word so you can be healed?
-JESUS!!!

If you're struggling with bondage-it may be idolatry, withcraft, pornography, or adultry: Who can set you free?
-JESUS!!!

If you're getting too comfortable with the world, and are drifting away from God-who can reel you back in to a closer walk?
-JESUS!!!

Jesus is so many things to all who belive in His Name!

He is:

El Shaddai:“God Almighty.”
El Elyon: “The Most High God.”
El Olam: “The Everlasting God.”

Here are some other Names of The Lord:

Yahweh (YHWH): Comes from a verb which means “to exist, be.” This, plus its usage, shows that this name stresses God as the independent and self-existent God of revelation and redemption.

Jehovah is the other commonly-used name for God-sometimes used interchangably with Yahweh.

Compounds of Yahweh/Jehovah: Strictly speaking, these compounds are designations or titles which reveal additional facts about God’s character.

Yahweh/Jehovah Jireh: (Yireh): “The Lord will provide.”
Yahweh/Jehovah Rophe: “The Lord Heals”
Yahweh/Jehovah Nissi:“The Lord is my Banner.”
Yahweh/Jehovah Shalom:“The Lord is Peace.”
Yahweh/Jehovah Sabbaoth:“The Lord of Hosts.”
Yahweh/Jehovah Maccaddeshcem: “The Lord your Sanctifier.”
Yahweh/Jehovah Ro’i: “The Lord my Shepherd.”
Yahweh/Jehovah Tsidkenu: “The Lord our Righteousness.”
Yahweh/Jehovah Shammah: “The Lord is there.”
Yahweh/Jehovah Elohim Israel: “The Lord, the God of Israel.”

Adonai: Like Elohim, this too is a plural of majesty. The singular form means “master, owner.”

Here is a link for some of the other "names of God" and their accompanying scriptures. The list is just too big to include here: http://www.biblestudy.org/question/what-are-names-titles-bible-uses-for-god.html

Be encouraged!

Trust in God, and not in yourselves, or in other people. Lay your cares and concerns at the foot of the Cross. Surrender ALL to Jesus! There is NOTHING that Jesus cannot do!

Mark 10:27
"But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible."

Can somebody PLEASE shout AMEN?

Today's Word-March 6, 2009

1 Kings 19:18

"Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him."

Today's Word-March 5, 2009

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Today's Word-March 4, 2009

Matthew 9:27-31

When Jesus departed from there, two blind men followed Him, crying out and saying, “Son of David, have mercy on us!” And when He had come into the house, the blind men came to Him. And Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.” Then He touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith let it be to you.” And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them, saying, “See that no one knows it. ” But when they had departed, they spread the news about Him in all that country.

Today's Word-February 27, 2009

Psalm 44:20-21

If we had forgotten the name of our God,
Or stretched out our hands to a foreign god,
Would not God search this out?
For He knows the secrets of the heart.

Today's Word-February 26, 2009

Matthew 10:1

And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease.

Today's Word-February 25, 2009

Matthew 22:37-39

Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

Today's Word-February 24, 2009

Daniel 3:16-18

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.”

Today's Word-February 23, 2009

Isaiah 30:20-22

And though the Lord gives you
The bread of adversity and the water of affliction,
Yet your teachers will not be moved into a corner anymore,
But your eyes shall see your teachers.

Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying,
“ This is the way, walk in it,”
Whenever you turn to the right hand
Or whenever you turn to the left.
You will also defile the covering of your images of silver,
And the ornament of your molded images of gold.
You will throw them away as an unclean thing;
You will say to them, “Get away!”

Today's Word-February 20, 2009

Proverbs 17:9

He who conceals a transgression seeks love,
But he who repeats a matter separates intimate friends.

Today's Word - February 19, 2009

Mark 8:36-38

For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.”

Today's Word-February 18, 2009

1 Timothy 2:5

For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

Today's Word-February 17, 2009

Psalm 91:14-16

Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him;
I will set him on high, because he has known My name.

He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will deliver him and honor him.

With long life I will satisfy him,
And show him My salvation.”

Today's Word - February 16, 2009

Psalm 67

God be merciful to us and bless us,
And cause His face to shine upon us, Selah

That Your way may be known on earth,
Your salvation among all nations.

Let the peoples praise You, O God;
Let all the peoples praise You.

Oh, let the nations be glad and sing for joy!
For You shall judge the people righteously,
And govern the nations on earth. Selah

Let the peoples praise You, O God;
Let all the peoples praise You.

Then the earth shall yield her increase;
God, our own God, shall bless us.

God shall bless us,
And all the ends of the earth shall fear Him.

Today's Word-February 13, 2009

Isaiah 61:1

One of God's promises...

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me,
Because the LORD has anointed me
To bring good news to the afflicted;
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to captives
And freedom to prisoners;
To proclaim the favorable year of the LORD
And the day of vengeance of our God;
To comfort all who mourn,
To grant those who mourn in Zion,
Giving them a garland instead of ashes,
The oil of gladness instead of mourning,
The mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting
So they will be called oaks of righteousness,
The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.

Today's Word-February 12, 2009

Jeremiah 33:3
'Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.'

I need to share a testimony of the great & mighty things that The Lord has shown me-this very day!

As I was leaving the dry cleaners this morning, I saw a homeless man sitting in a corner in-between some stores in Bay Shore. I felt The Lord compell me to buy him a buttered bagel, then give it to him and share the Gospel with him.

After I purchased the bagel, I walked over to this man. I can see why people kepy passing him by. He was dirty. He really smelled bad. He had about 2 or 3 teeth in total in his mouth that I could see. His clothes were ragged, and he sounded very confused when he spoke.

After I handed him the bag with the bagel, we engaged in some idle chit-chat for a few minutes. I asked him if he knew about Jesus, and his eyes lit up. His whole demeanor changed as he proceeded to tell me what Jesus meant to him, how he looked to Him for provision, how he looked to Jesus for protection, and how much-oh how so much, he loved Him! His eyes cleared up, his voice was coherent, and I was standing in that parking lot in front of the bagel store holding back tears. If I say that I was very close to blubbering and crying like a baby-I am telling you the truth. I told this man-Steve that he was the one who encouraged me today, and I thanked him. That's when Steve started to cry.

Well, I had to leave at that point and go to work.

Please keep Steve in your prayers, and pray that God can use him to encourage someone else!

.....I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.'. Some other translations say "I will SHOW you...". That's what The Lord did for me today. He showed me the total and complete love of Christ. It knows no boundaries.

Can somebody PLEASE shout AMEN?

Today's Word-February 11, 2009

Psalm 56:3-4

When I am afraid,
I will put my trust in You.
In God, whose word I praise,
In God I have put my trust;
I shall not be afraid
What can mere man do to me?

Sorry for this being so late.....

Today's Word-February 10, 2009

A Promise of God
Psalm 73:26

My flesh and my heart fail;
But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Today's Word-February 9, 2009

2 Thessalonians 1:3

We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other

Today's Word-February 6, 2009

Proverbs 21:21

He who follows righteousness and mercy
Finds life, righteousness, and honor.

Today's Word-February 5, 2009

Psalm 33:4-5

For the word of the LORD is right,And all His work is done in truth. He loves righteousness and justice;The earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.

Today's Word-February 4, 2009

Isaiah 40:18-31

To whom then will you liken God?
Or what likeness will you compare to Him?
The workman molds an image,
The goldsmith overspreads it with gold,
And the silversmith casts silver chains.
Whoever is too impoverished for such a contribution
Chooses a tree that will not rot;
He seeks for himself a skillful workman
To prepare a carved image that will not totter.
Have you not known?
Have you not heard?
Has it not been told you from the beginning?
Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth?
It is He who sits above the circle of the earth,
And its inhabitants are like grasshoppers,
Who stretches out the heavens like a curtain,
And spreads them out like a tent to dwell in.
He brings the princes to nothing;
He makes the judges of the earth useless.
Scarcely shall they be planted,
Scarcely shall they be sown,
Scarcely shall their stock take root in the earth,
When He will also blow on them,
And they will wither,
And the whirlwind will take them away like stubble.
“ To whom then will you liken Me,
Or to whom shall I be equal?” says the Holy One.
Lift up your eyes on high,
And see who has created these things,
Who brings out their host by number;
He calls them all by name,
By the greatness of His might
And the strength of His power;
Not one is missing.
Why do you say, O Jacob,
And speak, O Israel:
“ My way is hidden from the LORD,
And my just claim is passed over by my God”?
Have you not known?
Have you not heard?
The everlasting God, the LORD,
The Creator of the ends of the earth,
Neither faints nor is weary.
His understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the weak,
And to those who have no might He increases strength.
Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
And the young men shall utterly fall,
But those who wait on the LORD
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.

AMEN?

Today's Word-February 3, 2009

Psalm 59:16

But I will sing of Your power;
Yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning;
For You have been my defense
And refuge in the day of my trouble.

Sorry for the date mixup yesterday...

Be Blessed!

Ira

Today's Word-February 1, 2009

1 Corinthians 2:9-10

But as it is written:
“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor have entered into the heart of man
The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.

Can somebody give me an AMEN?

Excuses, Excuses, Excuses....

All:

I apologize for not having anything to post this past weekend.

I can say that God is STILL faithful, and that I will NOT post anything that comes from me. If I do not have a message-from God, there will be nothing posted.

As for this apst weekend (Feb 1-2, 2009), I've got nothing....

Ira

Today's Word-January 30, 2009

Psalm 92:12-13

The righteous will flourish like a palm tree,they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the LORD,they will flourish in the courts of our God.

Today's Word-January 29, 2009

Mark 9:35

And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.”

Today's Word-January 28, 2009

John 4:24

"God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."

Today's Word-January 27, 2009

Matthew 23:9-12

Today's Word-January 26, 2009

James 4:10

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

Are You Clean Inside and Outside?

Mark 7:6-7
He answered and said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘ This people honors Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.

Matthew 23:27-28
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.

Matthew 7:20
Therefore by their fruits you will know them

Well-you're probably thinking " None of these scriptures have anything to do with me". Well, that could NOT be further from the truth. Everyone-EVERYONE is guilty of sinning. If you think for a second that you are perfect, let me know what medication you are taking so I can get myself some!

Gods Word is specific. It states time and again, that we need to let JESUS shine through us. If the world cannot see Jesus, then we need to get back on the path of righteousness again.

Let me ask you this-Do the people you interact with on a daily basis know that you are a Christian?

I know that I constantly need to examine myself-usually on a daily basis, sometimes on an hourly basis to make sure that the Silversmith can see His reflection in me.

I don't want to beat a dead horse, but The Lord gave me some questions for all of you to ponder during your daily walk. Make sure that not only the world, but fellow Christians see Jesus Christ in you!

Things to think & pray about:

1) Do I honor God in my words and deeds? Is my language honoring God? Do I keep getting involved in "worldly" conversations?

2) Do I honor God in how I dress?

3) Do I honor God at school? At work?

4) Do the Facebook, Myspace, and other social networking sites reflect my relationship with Jesus Christ, or am I a Facebook/Myspace Hypocrite?

5) Do I honor God in my family relationships?

6) Do I honor God in the entertainment I choose?

and finally...

7) Do I honor God at Church?

If the world, or even people at Church doubt you are a follower of Jesus Christ, then Houston, we have a problem.

Is your heart a heart that yearns after God, or does it yearn after the things of men? Maybe it's time for a heart transplant.


Let me encourage you.

Who is the Light who shines through us?
JESUS!!!

Who is the Light and The Glory?
JESUS!!!

Whose Name is like honey on our lips?
JESUS!!!

Whose Words are like a Lamp unto our feet and a Light unto our path?
JESUS!!!

Who makes us righteous?
JESUS!!!

Let's pray: Lord, I believe that I have sinned by not separating myself from the world. My family has NOT seen Christ in me. My fruit is rotten. The people at my job do not see Jesus in me. My friends at school don't even know I am a Christian. Lord, I repent of this blatant sin. I ask that you cleanse me, purify me, and forgive me. Lord, fill me with Your Holy Spirit. Lord, I pray for a double portion right now! Father God, fix all the things in my life that need fixing. Help me to let Jesus shine through me in all I do, and in all my relationships. Lord Jesus, I want to be Your servant, Your soldier. Use me for YOUR GLORY! In Jesus' Name.

Can somebody please say AMEN?

Today's Word-January 23, 2009

1 Chronicles 21

Now Satan stood up against Israel, and moved David to number Israel. So David said to Joab and to the leaders of the people, “Go, number Israel from Beersheba to Dan, and bring the number of them to me that I may know it.”And Joab answered, “May the LORD make His people a hundred times more than they are. But, my lord the king, are they not all my lord’s servants? Why then does my lord require this thing? Why should he be a cause of guilt in Israel?” Nevertheless the king’s word prevailed against Joab. Therefore Joab departed and went throughout all Israel and came to Jerusalem. Then Joab gave the sum of the number of the people to David. All Israel had one million one hundred thousand men who drew the sword, and Judah had four hundred and seventy thousand men who drew the sword. But he did not count Levi and Benjamin among them, for the king’s word was abominable to Joab. And God was displeased with this thing; therefore He struck Israel. So David said to God, “I have sinned greatly, because I have done this thing; but now, I pray, take away the iniquity of Your servant, for I have done very foolishly.” Then the LORD spoke to Gad, David’s seer, saying, “Go and tell David, saying, ‘Thus says the LORD: “I offer you three things; choose one of them for yourself, that I may do it to you.”’” So Gad came to David and said to him, “Thus says the LORD: ‘Choose for yourself, either three years of famine, or three months to be defeated by your foes with the sword of your enemies overtaking you, or else for three days the sword of the LORD—the plague in the land, with the angel of the LORD destroying throughout all the territory of Israel.’ Now consider what answer I should take back to Him who sent me.” And David said to Gad, “I am in great distress. Please let me fall into the hand of the LORD, for His mercies are very great; but do not let me fall into the hand of man.” So the LORD sent a plague upon Israel, and seventy thousand men of Israel fell. And God sent an angel to Jerusalem to destroy it. As he was destroying, the LORD looked and relented of the disaster, and said to the angel who was destroying, “It is enough; now restrain your hand.” And the angel of the LORD stood by the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. Then David lifted his eyes and saw the angel of the LORD standing between earth and heaven, having in his hand a drawn sword stretched out over Jerusalem. So David and the elders, clothed in sackcloth, fell on their faces. And David said to God, “Was it not I who commanded the people to be numbered? I am the one who has sinned and done evil indeed; but these sheep, what have they done? Let Your hand, I pray, O LORD my God, be against me and my father’s house, but not against Your people that they should be plagued.” Therefore, the angel of the LORD commanded Gad to say to David that David should go and erect an altar to the LORD on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. So David went up at the word of Gad, which he had spoken in the name of the LORD. Now Ornan turned and saw the angel; and his four sons who were with him hid themselves, but Ornan continued threshing wheat. So David came to Ornan, and Ornan looked and saw David. And he went out from the threshing floor, and bowed before David with his face to the ground. Then David said to Ornan, “Grant me the place of this threshing floor, that I may build an altar on it to the LORD. You shall grant it to me at the full price, that the plague may be withdrawn from the people.” But Ornan said to David, “Take it to yourself, and let my lord the king do what is good in his eyes. Look, I also give you the oxen for burnt offerings, the threshing implements for wood, and the wheat for the grain offering; I give it all.” Then King David said to Ornan, “No, but I will surely buy it for the full price, for I will not take what is yours for the LORD, nor offer burnt offerings with that which costs me nothing.” So David gave Ornan six hundred shekels of gold by weight for the place. And David built there an altar to the LORD, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings, and called on the LORD; and He answered him from heaven by fire on the altar of burnt offering. So the LORD commanded the angel, and he returned his sword to its sheath. At that time, when David saw that the LORD had answered him on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite, he sacrificed there. For the tabernacle of the LORD and the altar of the burnt offering, which Moses had made in the wilderness, were at that time at the high place in Gibeon. But David could not go before it to inquire of God, for he was afraid of the sword of the angel of the LORD.

Today's Word-January 22, 2009

Galatians 6:7-8

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.

Can somebody PLEEEASE shout AMEN???

Today's Word-January 21, 2009

Matthew 7:12

Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

Today's Word-January 20, 2009

Acts 26:16

But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;

Today's Word-January 19, 2009

1 Corinthians 10:13

“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”

JDD-"Jesus Defecit Disorder"?

JDD-Jesus Defecit Disorder?

Psalm 46:10
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!

The Lord has granted me another day on this rock that falls around the sun called Earth. I praise Him and thank Him, for He is truly Lord of my life! If you feel this way, shout AMEN!

I must confess, it is difficult to "be still" sometimes, especially in the midst of a trial. It is extremely difficult NOT to succumb to your flesh, and jump into a trial to "take care of business". God's Word clearly states to "Wait Upon The Lord (Isaiah 40:31 KJV): "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." In any case, it is still very difficult to just "wait".

Do we sit still, then begin to squirm when God doesn't IMMEDIATELY take us out of a trial? Do we take our eyes off of Jesus, like Peter did and ultimately drown in our own situation?

I like to call this "JDD"-"Jesus Defecit Disorder". It's when we just cannot sit still and wait for God.

The Lord has been speaking to me about this for some time. It all began before the Gospel Community Church 2008 Spring Men's Retreat. I had been praying for some time about a speaker, and The Lord really impressed upon me the importance of a "Prayer & Fasting" retreat. I knew that this would not be too popular with some of the men, but God clearly was beginning to speak to me. I asked several of the Brothers to pray for me, and pray about the retreat. This is when God began to speak to me.

God used a Christian radio station in Long Island to get his point across to me. Every morning (at different times, mind you...) when I would get into my car, I would end up having the song "I Am God" by Kirk Franklin and TobyMac on the radio. Keep in mind-I DO NOT like rap music. Unless I can understand the words, and the song clearly glorifies God, I will not listen to rap. It didn't matter what time I got in my car-it just happened. Sometimes, during the course of the day, it would happen more. I clearly felt God speaking to me not only about the Men's retreat, but about my life in general.

Anyway-the Men's Retreat went very well-it was well attended, and everyone who went was blessed. We prayed, fasted, and waited on The Lord. Fast forward to December 2008-God is beginning to speak to me again. I have clearly heard from God on certain things in my life, and I am doing what He asks of me. God began to speak to me AGAIN, through the song. Between Christmas and New Years, this began to happen all over again. Over the last 2 weeks, it is happening again. Whenever I get into my car-especially in the morning (I pray in my car on the way to work), that Kirk Franklin song comes on the radio.

Without getting into details, I have been praying about several "trials" in my life. They have been at work, in my family, in Church, and just in general. The Lord has delivered me through some of these trials, but I am still in others. When I pray in my car on the way to work, and I ask God for His divine guidance and direction. I do NOT want to step ahead of Him. I want to do HIS will in my life. I want to glorify Jesus in ALL that I do. God has given me such a peace about this-"being still", I can't even describe it. I feel that God is about to move mightily in my life. I feel a testimony coming! Can I get an AMEN???

So here's my message to you. I don't know who will be reading this & when. You may be waiting on God for something. You may be waiting to be taken through a trial. You may have JDD, and can't wait any more-I don't know. Your trial me be a search for a job. It may be financial. It may be a family issue. You may be going through a health issue. Are you waiting for a report from your doctor about a health issue? You may be experiencing issues with certain sins. Or a spiritual issue. It doesn't really matter-Jesus can take you through ANY of these trials. He will ultimately be glorified once you are taken through! Do you want to be glorified, or do you want JESUS to be glorified?

TAKE YOUR EYES OFF YOUR SITUATION, AND TURN YOUR EYES UPON JESUS-THE AUTHOR AND FINISHER OF YOUR FAITH!!! DO NOT STEP AHEAD OF GOD!!! SURRENDER YOUR SITUATION TO HIM! NOTHING, NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD!!!

I've included the words to the song I am talking about, as well as the link for an audio link of the song. BE BLESSED!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMlNn5uWINU

Kirk FranklinI Am God lyrics(Feat. tobyMac)
[Kirk Franklin:] Toby Mac! (huh! ) Turn it up!
[Toby Mac:] Kirk, gonna get his white boy on!

[Kirk Franklin:] God, I know You up to something. (uhhh! ) I can see it all right now. (woo! ) You pulling back my covers. It's getting crazy. (Come on! )

[Verse 1: Kirk Franklin]Think I'm gonna walk away
You're messing up my life today (wassup)
This time I refuse to pray
Still you keep calling me (calling me)
I don't wanna see your face
The thing I love you erased (Come on! )
Nothing but an empty space
Now I don't know how to be
I know it wasn't right for me. (Yea! )
What you liking what you need.
I feel like I'm in surgery
Still you cut deeper

My secrets within
My blanket of sin
Lord how much longer 'till ya through with me
Please take what you need (Can I get up now! )

[Chorus:]Be still and know I am God
Be still and know I am God

[Verse 2: Toby Mac]Lord your ways are not my way
Everything you don't explain
Somethings I don't want to change
So you keep breaking me (There you go! )
It's like I'm fighting for my life (woo! )
You hit me with another right
I feel like Jacob in the night
Won't stop 'till you bless me

My flesh and my will (Yes father! )
Is yours not to kill (To kill! )
Bringing myself to you (Come on! )
But living sacrifice is move (Can I get up now! )

[Chorus:]Be still and know I am God (Gotta know Gotta know Gotta know Gotta know)
Be still and know (yea) I am God(Gotta know Gotta know One more time! )
Be still and know I am God (You are God! You are God! Gotta know! Gotta know! )
Be still (Be still) and know (and know) I am God (yea! )

[Bridge:]If I could I'd fly away from here
But even when I'm far you still are near
I gotta get out (There's no way out)
But what if I run (There's no where to run)
Got to go (Don't go)Gotta go (Can't go)No! No! No! (Whoa! )

[Kirk Franklin:]You win. (uh huh! )I've been trying to do it on my own. (Yes Lord! )But right now I gotta surrender.You know what's best. (Say it like you mean it! )It's not easy waiting on you.It's not easy believing that you got this together.But without faith it is impossible to please you. (We recognize you! )So I'm gonna stand right here. (We are still before you! )You got me. (We are still before you! ) You got me. You got me.

[Chorus:]Be still and know (we know! ) I am God (I lift up my hands. I surrender to your authority God! I surrender! )

Be still (we're still! ) and know (we know! ) I am God (I give you my will)(Gotta know! Gotta! know! Gotta know! )Be still (I'm yours! ) and know (we know! ) (I'm yours! ) I am God (I'm tired of living on my own! I'm tired of living on my own! )

Be still and know (we know! ) I am God (You are God! )

Hallelujah.Your God, and I'm not. You got me...


So I have some questions for you:

Who do we trust to take us through our trials?
JESUS!

Who do we have to be still and wait for?
JESUS!

When we are deep in a trial, who do we need to keep our eyes fixed on?
JESUS!

Who is the Author and Finisher of our faith?
JESUS!

OK-I'm having Church at my computer again, so I have to go now.

Be still Brothers & Sisters! Let me know how I can pray for you.

Ira

Today's Word-January 16, 2009

James 5:14-15

Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him.

Today's Word - January 15, 2009

Psalm 75:1
We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks! For Your wondrous works declare that Your name is near.

Have you truly thanked Jesus today? Just remember what He did for you and I on the Cross!

Amen?

Ira

P.S: I"m excited today! If this entry actually gets posted, -it's the first time I have ever posted anything from my Blackberry!

Today's Word-January 14, 2009

1 John 4:20-21

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? And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.

Today's Word-January 13, 2009

Philippians 1:27-30

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

Today's Word-January 12, 2009

Psalm 118:5-6

In my anguish I cried to the LORD, and he answered by setting me free. The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

A Personal Testimony-Sunday January 11, 2009

I really wasn't planning to post anything additional today, but The Lord had other ideas....

As many of you know, I have been working long hours, and under a lot of stress. My back was REALLY hurting me when I woke up, so badly in fact, that I was in pain every time I moved. I had trouble walking, sitting up, and getting up & down.

At Church this morning, The Holy Spirit was moving mightily. When Brothers Al and John started a prayer line, I knew I had to go up and place my request at the feet of Jesus.

Well-up I went to the prayer line. It was my turn now. The worship was very loud, and I could only hear John pray (sorry Al..;-)) during lulls in the worship. As both Brothers placed their hands on my back, I felt God's POWER go through me. I felt the pain subside, and the discomfort begin to leave me. After Al anointed my head with oil, I felt that Jesus had completely healed me. Before I returned to my seat, Jesus had set me free from this affliction!

I also felt the need to stand up and give testimony during the appropriate time. I hope and pray that someone got touched by what happened to me. God has healed me before, and I KNOW He will do it again!

Brothers & Sisters-if you are sick, if you are hurting-Jesus CAN heal you! Pastor Ed preached that Jesus is bigger than cancer, He is bigger than diabetes, and He is bigger than ANY sickness. I am here to testify that Jesus is bigger than back pain, foot pain, migraines, diverticulitis, asthma, skin diseases, heart disease, and ANY other sickness! All you need to do is come to the feet of Jesus and ASK in prayer!

I have made many trips to the altar. Most of the time, I am healed before I leave Church. The remainder of the time, God will heal me at a later point. There have been a few times when doctors needed to be involved (like when I had an attack of diverticulitis back in May 2008). Just remember-God is sovereign. God is in control. God is who will be glorified.

I am here tonight to give all the praise, honor, and glory to JESUS! He is my healer, He is my peace, He is my joy. I praise and thank Him for healing me time, and again. I thank and praise Him for healing in my family - time and again.

If you have a health issue, or ANY issue, remember-Jesus can do anything. There is NOTHING impossible with the God who spoke the universe into existence!

In James 5:14-15, it states:

Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him.

Let me just ask you some questions:

Who is bigger than cancer?
JESUS!

Who is bigger than heart disease?
JESUS!

Who can heal your physical pain?
JESUS!

Who do you need to pray to for healing?
JESUS!

Who will be glorified by your testimony?
JESUS!

Can somebody shout AMEN? PLEASE???

Glory to God in the highest. PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME! THANK YOU JESUS!!!

Ira

A Question...?

Editors Note: I will NOT be posting "Today's Word" on the weekends. Instead, I will post questions to all the Brothers & Sisters in Christ and try to engage them & get them to think.

Ira

John 21:15-18

I have a question-Does Jesus need to ask you this every once and a while -"Do you love Me?" Does He need to remind you that He died for YOU on the Cross, was buried, and conquered death for all eternity by being resurrected on the 3rd day?

It's sad that we sometimes lose sight of our mission here on earth. This is really HIS mission for us here on earth! As Christians, we are called to:

1) Matthew 28:18-19, AND Mark 16:15 - "...go out and preach the Gospel to everyone..."

2) John 13:34-35. "... love one another..."

BTW- I'm paraphrasing the scriptures above...

Item number 2 is the tougher one for me. Can we truly love even the "un-lovable"? Come on-you know who I am talking about. It may be your boss. It may be someone at work gunning for your job. It may be a problem customer. It may be a family member. A neighbor or two. A teacher, or fellow student. It may be the new President of the US. It may be someone at Church. My point is-how hard do we really work at this directive from the Lord Jesus?

The reason I chose to talk about item number 2 is that if we cannot truly love the "un-lovable", then how can we possibly share The Gospel, or the Love of Jesus with them?

Just something to think about....

How do you overcome these obstacles in your walk?

I would love to hear your thoughts and share mine.

Ira

Today's Word-January 9, 2009

Galatians 1:6-10



I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!
Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.



Do you think that since Paul repeated this twice, that he was trying to tell us something?

The NAME Above ALL names!

The Name of Jesus- What does it mean in our lives?

Without The Name of Jesus, there is NO POWER in anything we do. Satan knew that when they took prayer out of schools in the early 60's, he knew that when liberals wanted God taken out of the Pledge of Allegiance, off of money, and out of public buildings. He knew that when you commited a "social sin" by praying in "The Name of Jesus", or if you talked about him in an open venue. Satan knows ALL this and more. He also knows that HE LOSES in the end, and tries to stumble us as much as he can! But the Good News is-there is VICTORY IN JESUS!! Can I get an AMEN??!!

If we pray in "The Name of Jesus", demons will flee. Just the mention of His Name sends them screaming from a room, or out of a person. If we do NOT pray in Jesus's Name, there is no power in our prayer.

In Philippians 2:9-11, the Bible says: Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Some other of examples of The Name Above ALL names:

Joh 14:13 - And whatever you may ask in My name, that I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

Joh 16:23 -And in that day you shall ask Me nothing. Truly, truly, I say to you, Whatever you shall ask the Father in My name, He will give you.

Joh 20:31 But these are written so that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you might have life in His name.

In Whose Name is there eternal life?
JESUS!

In Whose Name is there deliverance?
JESUS!

In Whose Name is there healing?
JESUS!

In Whose Name is there comfort?
JESUS!

In Whose Name is there joy?
JESUS!

In Whose Name is there provision?
JESUS!

In Whose Name is the enemy defeated?
JESUS!

Remember-I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me!

Sombody shout an AMEN!!!-Give HIM all the glory!

Come On-SHOUT HIS NAME-LET THE DEMONS FLEE!!!
-JESUS!
-JESUS!
-JESUS!
-JESUS!
-JESUS!

Is anybody else excited?? I think I'm having Church here right now!!! PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME!! HALLELUJAH!

In Jesus' Name,

Ira

AMEN!!!