Isaiah 43:18-19 (from the OLD Testament...)
"Do not remember the former things,
Nor consider the things of old.
Behold, I will do a new thing,
Now it shall spring forth;
Shall you not know it?
I will even make a road in the wilderness
And rivers in the desert."
Have a HAPPY and BLESSED NEW Year! Don't look back!
\O/
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Some 2010 Insights and Observations, Part 2
While away this past week, I had the blessed opportunity to spend more time than I usually spend reading God's Word. I was blessed in ways I cannot begin to describe as The Lord spoke to me about various things. I wanted to share some of these things with all of you, and I hope that you will be both encouraged, and convicted-just as I was.
1) God spoke to me about sharing The Gospel. He led me to Matthew 10:32-33, which talks about sharing about Jesus. He also led me to Romans 10:13-15, which talks about preaching The Gospel. The Lord revealed to me that He will open up new doors for me to do His work, and that He will empower me and use me mightily this year. He also told me that He will be glorified through this, and that I must decrease so that He may increase.
2) God spoke to me about my focus on Him. He told me that I need to get rid of anything in my life that will cause me to lose focus on Him, or cause me to focus on the things of this world. He led me to Romans 12:1-2 for confirmation.
3) God spoke to me about how I spend my time. As many of you know, I work 2 jobs-my main job that can take up 50-plus hours per week, and my 2nd job-which is usually around 16 hours per week. I have been blessed to have been used by God to share about the Love of Jesus in both jobs. God specifically stated that He wanted me to spend more time in The Word, to spend more quality time with my family, and to devote more time to Ministry. God also told me that The Jesus Freak Blog will reach more people, and that it will be taken to another level at some point this year. I was blessed to hear this, since the feedback has been VERY POSITIVE from the messages that The Lord has given me to share.
I count it a privilege to be able to share about Jesus, and to be used by Him in any manner that He sees fit. I am always blessed, and I look forward to seeing what Jesus has in store for me and my family in 2011. The URL for The Jesus Freak Blog says it all: "...here I am Lord, send me...".
I'm not sure if there will be a Part 3, or not. That being the case, Have a BLESSED New Year! Serve Jesus!
\O/
1) God spoke to me about sharing The Gospel. He led me to Matthew 10:32-33, which talks about sharing about Jesus. He also led me to Romans 10:13-15, which talks about preaching The Gospel. The Lord revealed to me that He will open up new doors for me to do His work, and that He will empower me and use me mightily this year. He also told me that He will be glorified through this, and that I must decrease so that He may increase.
2) God spoke to me about my focus on Him. He told me that I need to get rid of anything in my life that will cause me to lose focus on Him, or cause me to focus on the things of this world. He led me to Romans 12:1-2 for confirmation.
3) God spoke to me about how I spend my time. As many of you know, I work 2 jobs-my main job that can take up 50-plus hours per week, and my 2nd job-which is usually around 16 hours per week. I have been blessed to have been used by God to share about the Love of Jesus in both jobs. God specifically stated that He wanted me to spend more time in The Word, to spend more quality time with my family, and to devote more time to Ministry. God also told me that The Jesus Freak Blog will reach more people, and that it will be taken to another level at some point this year. I was blessed to hear this, since the feedback has been VERY POSITIVE from the messages that The Lord has given me to share.
I count it a privilege to be able to share about Jesus, and to be used by Him in any manner that He sees fit. I am always blessed, and I look forward to seeing what Jesus has in store for me and my family in 2011. The URL for The Jesus Freak Blog says it all: "...here I am Lord, send me...".
I'm not sure if there will be a Part 3, or not. That being the case, Have a BLESSED New Year! Serve Jesus!
\O/
Some 2010 Insights and Observations, Part 1
Well, I finally mad it back home to 2 feet of snow. While driving back, I kept noticing chains-just lying in the roadways in various spots. For those of you who know me, the first thing that came to my mind was that these chains were left there from people who had been set free from their bondage. I kept telling my wife Jenny, "Look-somebody else has been set free!!". I was excited and uplifted all the way home!
This leads me to talk about bondage again. Most of the people I run in to (believers AND non-believers) seem to be bound by something. The most prevalent bondage I seem to run into is UNFORGIVENESS. Let me just say a few things about this.
Jesus forgave us for ALL our sins-past, present, and future. (1 John 1:9).
We MUST forgive others for ANY offenses against us. (Mt 6:14, Luke 11:4,Luke 17:4,Eph 4:32,Col 3:13).
These verses, straight from God's Word say it all. Never mind what I have to say-look to Jesus, the One who forgave you to set you free from your bondage.
If we do not forgive, we can be carrying around those chains for a LOOONNNGG time. I don't know about you, but I think that chains can get very heavy after some time. Add to that-the weight of more unforgiven offenses, and the burden can become unbearable. It's a good thing that Jesus can not only set us free, but can carry our burden for us!
Matthew 11:28-30 (Amplified Bible)
"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.] Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls. For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good--not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne."
This leads me to talk about bondage again. Most of the people I run in to (believers AND non-believers) seem to be bound by something. The most prevalent bondage I seem to run into is UNFORGIVENESS. Let me just say a few things about this.
Jesus forgave us for ALL our sins-past, present, and future. (1 John 1:9).
We MUST forgive others for ANY offenses against us. (Mt 6:14, Luke 11:4,Luke 17:4,Eph 4:32,Col 3:13).
These verses, straight from God's Word say it all. Never mind what I have to say-look to Jesus, the One who forgave you to set you free from your bondage.
If we do not forgive, we can be carrying around those chains for a LOOONNNGG time. I don't know about you, but I think that chains can get very heavy after some time. Add to that-the weight of more unforgiven offenses, and the burden can become unbearable. It's a good thing that Jesus can not only set us free, but can carry our burden for us!
Matthew 11:28-30 (Amplified Bible)
"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.] Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls. For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good--not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne."
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Luke 2:8-20 Fall on Your Knees!
Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
“ Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
Has Your Walk Turned Into a Crawl? (Part 2)
Has Your Walk Turned Into a Crawl? Part 2
It seems like professing “Christians” are always losing focus on who the reason for the season is. We all know that it’s really Jesus, whose birth we celebrate this time of the year. I’m continually seeing professing Christians lose sight of what Christmas is all about, and focus instead on wishing everyone a “Happy Holidays”, or focusing on what gifts they can get at the best price on Black Friday.
Now-before you all begin to call me judgmental, let me just state that I am only observing what I see. The Bible is clear that if you put anything above God, it’s idolatry. We need to focus on Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Focusing on anything and everything else can cause our walk to turn into a crawl! We need to focus on following Him, and doing what He would do-not what our flesh wants to do. The Bible is also clear on certain things-in both the old & new Testaments. Let me list them here to remind you, no-to remind us all what God says.
1) Exodus 20:3 – “You shall have no other gods before me.” I think this is clear!
2) Exodus 20:4-6 – “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.” Sounds clear to me, although many professing Christians clearly have issues here.
3) Exodus 20:17 – “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” This is clear. Sounds clear to me.
4) Exodus 20:22-23 – “Then the LORD said to Moses, “Tell the Israelites this: ‘You have seen for yourselves that I have spoken to you from heaven: Do not make any gods to be alongside me; do not make for yourselves gods of silver or gods of gold.” Sometimes, we can unintentionally do this-we need to be careful.
5) Isaiah 29:9-10 – “Be stunned and amazed, blind yourselves and be sightless;
be drunk, but not from wine, stagger, but not from beer.
The LORD has brought over you a deep sleep: He has sealed your eyes (the prophets);
he has covered your heads (the seers).” It’s easy to get caught up in all these ecumenical circles, and then find that you lose track about the Reason for the season…
6) Isaiah 29:13-16 - The Lord says:
“These people come near to me with their mouth
and honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me.
Their worship of me
is based on merely human rules they have been taught.
Therefore once more I will astound these people
with wonder upon wonder;
the wisdom of the wise will perish,
the intelligence of the intelligent will vanish.”
Woe to those who go to great depths
to hide their plans from the LORD,
who do their work in darkness and think,
“Who sees us? Who will know?”
You turn things upside down,
as if the potter were thought to be like the clay!
Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it,
“You did not make me”?
Can the pot say to the potter,
“You know nothing”? Sometimes, Christians even put God in a box at Christmas time. They tend to forget about Jesus altogether…
and honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me.
Their worship of me
is based on merely human rules they have been taught.
Therefore once more I will astound these people
with wonder upon wonder;
the wisdom of the wise will perish,
the intelligence of the intelligent will vanish.”
Woe to those who go to great depths
to hide their plans from the LORD,
who do their work in darkness and think,
“Who sees us? Who will know?”
You turn things upside down,
as if the potter were thought to be like the clay!
Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it,
“You did not make me”?
Can the pot say to the potter,
“You know nothing”? Sometimes, Christians even put God in a box at Christmas time. They tend to forget about Jesus altogether…
7) Romans 12:1-2 –“ Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” It’s easy to get sucked into all these worldly things going on.
8) Romans 8:1-11 - “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.” Freedom in Christ is NOT a license to do whatever you want-even if you know it’s NOT of God!
9) 1 Corinthians 10:21 - “You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons.” I think this explains itself-all you Twilight fans out there…
10) 2 Corinthians 6:11-7:1 - We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you. 12 We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. 13 As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children—open wide your hearts also.
11) Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. “ As God has said:
“I will live with them
and walk among them,
and I will be their God,
and they will be my people.”
and walk among them,
and I will be their God,
and they will be my people.”
Therefore,
“Come out from them
and be separate,
says the Lord.
Touch no unclean thing,
and I will receive you.”
and be separate,
says the Lord.
Touch no unclean thing,
and I will receive you.”
And,
“I will be a Father to you,
and you will be my sons and daughters,
says the Lord Almighty.”
and you will be my sons and daughters,
says the Lord Almighty.”
“Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.” Can we as believers in Jesus Christ straddle both sides of the fence?
12) Galatians 1:8-9 –“ But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse!” There are lots of false gospels being preached at Christmas time. You need to be aware of them. We all need discernment in this area!
13) James 4:4 – “You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.” I believe this is not only self-explanatory, but also confirms some of the earlier Scriptures I used.
14) 1 Peter 2:11 – “Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” We MUST ask ourselves this important question: Does the world see Jesus Christ in us? Do we reflect His glory in all we do? Or-are we just like everyone else?
15) 1 John 2:15 – “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” I think these verses are easily understandable.
OK-WHY am I posting all these scriptures which God gave to me? I believe that Jesus is trying to tell us that we need to act in such a way that the non-believers out there will see Jesus in us. We need to NOT be afraid to say Merry Christmas. We need to tell people about the Love of Jesus Christ, and share The Gospel with them. We need to keep our eyes on Jesus, and not on what Christmas we get (or don’t get). We need to help others who are less fortunate than us, and in doing so-show them the way to Jesus. We need to show the world what The Father’s Love is!
Ask yourselves this important question: Are you crawling in your Christian walk? Think about the points above, and if needed, correct yourself. By not obeying the scriptures above, it becomes very easy to stumble in our walks. Get your face off of FaceBook, and get your face into The Book-God’s Holy Bible! If you only listen to that one piece of advice, you’ll see how quickly you get off the ground, and run the race to the finish line!
Merry Christmas!
\O/
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
Majesty of Heaven
I thought I would share this with you. It's from the new Chris Tomlin CD called ...And If Our God Is For Us...
This is an absolutely AWESOME worship song called 'Majesty of Heaven".
It will be posted separately in the next Jesus Freak Blog post.
Enjoy!!
\O/
This is an absolutely AWESOME worship song called 'Majesty of Heaven".
It will be posted separately in the next Jesus Freak Blog post.
Enjoy!!
\O/
Saturday, December 04, 2010
Has Your Walk Turned Into a Crawl? (Part 1)
So-your life seems like it's going nowhere. Things just stopped "happening" for you. You haven't heard from God in a long time, and you have no desire to even pick up His Word. When you do pick up your Bible, you can't get a handle on the Scriptures-The Holy Spirit is nowhere to be found. Everything you try to do ends in failure, and you even fall into hopelessness.
Sound familiar? This time of the year (Christmas Time!!!), people tend to fall into deep depression. I'm not sure why, but it's a known fact that hopelessness drives the number of suicides up about this time every year. Suicide isn't the only thing that happens, but this time of the year. Many professing "Christians" actually turn away from God during these trying times.
Believers in The Lord Jesus Christ are not immune from this type of satanic attack. Satan wants you to feel depressed, and to give up hope. Satan wants you to stop reading God's Word-because it says that he loses in the end!
Brothers and Sisters-we MUST not let the enemy gain a foothold in our lives! We MUST read The Holy Word every chance we get! We MUST pray for God's Holy Spirit to give us insight and understanding when we read it! We MUST study it, and understand what we're reading! We MUST apply it ALL to our own walk with The Lord! And-we MUST live it! If we say that we are Christians, then we MUST be Christ-like!
Brothers & Sisters, it says in 1John that:
"We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did."
We cannot be "in The World AND of The World". We cannot straddle both sides of the fence. We either must be ALL for Him, or ALL against HIM! My friends, Jesus Christ, Savior of the world wants ALL of you, not PART of you. He is a FULL-TIME Savior!!! Be a FULL-TIME follower!!!!
Friends, make a commitment today to follow Jesus Christ with ALL your heart, soul, mind, and strength. You'll see-if your walk has turned into a crawl, just how fast you'll learn to walk again. Jesus Christ will be there, urging you on, ready to catch you in His arms if you stumble or fall! He loves you, and He wants you to not only be able to walk, but to be able to RUN! Like any loving father, Jesus doesn't make it about falling. It's all about getting up again!
OK-Now I'm all excited! Can somebody PLEASE shout AMEN?
Stay tuned for more......
Sound familiar? This time of the year (Christmas Time!!!), people tend to fall into deep depression. I'm not sure why, but it's a known fact that hopelessness drives the number of suicides up about this time every year. Suicide isn't the only thing that happens, but this time of the year. Many professing "Christians" actually turn away from God during these trying times.
Believers in The Lord Jesus Christ are not immune from this type of satanic attack. Satan wants you to feel depressed, and to give up hope. Satan wants you to stop reading God's Word-because it says that he loses in the end!
Brothers and Sisters-we MUST not let the enemy gain a foothold in our lives! We MUST read The Holy Word every chance we get! We MUST pray for God's Holy Spirit to give us insight and understanding when we read it! We MUST study it, and understand what we're reading! We MUST apply it ALL to our own walk with The Lord! And-we MUST live it! If we say that we are Christians, then we MUST be Christ-like!
Brothers & Sisters, it says in 1John that:
"We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did."
We cannot be "in The World AND of The World". We cannot straddle both sides of the fence. We either must be ALL for Him, or ALL against HIM! My friends, Jesus Christ, Savior of the world wants ALL of you, not PART of you. He is a FULL-TIME Savior!!! Be a FULL-TIME follower!!!!
Friends, make a commitment today to follow Jesus Christ with ALL your heart, soul, mind, and strength. You'll see-if your walk has turned into a crawl, just how fast you'll learn to walk again. Jesus Christ will be there, urging you on, ready to catch you in His arms if you stumble or fall! He loves you, and He wants you to not only be able to walk, but to be able to RUN! Like any loving father, Jesus doesn't make it about falling. It's all about getting up again!
OK-Now I'm all excited! Can somebody PLEASE shout AMEN?
Stay tuned for more......
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Jesus Is The Reason For The Season 2010!
I'm increasingly seeing commercials where everyone is talking about "holiday" events. I'm hearing about more "holiday parties" everywhere I go. People I cross paths with are increasingly wishing me a "Happy Holiday(S)". I have only one thing to say about this.
ENOUGH ALREADY!!!!
Listen-I was born into a Jewish family. We didn't talk about Jesus, nor did we mention His Name. Quite a few of my friends were Catholic, or other Protestant denominations. When they wished me a "Merry Christmas", I was never offended. When I was in their homes at a sleep-over, or having a meal, I wasn't offended at the sight of a Christmas tree. I don't seem to remember anyone saying "Happy Holidays" to me. I even remember taking part in a Christmas pageant in PUBLIC elementary school. Nobody got offended.
Brothers & Sisters, this whole political correctness/we don't want to offend anyone/let's take "God" out of everything movement, is what offends me. I say-let's take a stand for Jesus Christ, the reason for the season.
If you are at work and somebody says "Happy Holidays", then you need to look them in the eye and say "Merry Christmas". If your un-saved relatives are saying that presents and doing good are the reason for Christmas, you need to tell them that the real reason for Christmas is the birth of a Savior who can forgive them of their sins, and in whom they can experience eternal life.
Now-I'm not saying to purposely offend any of your Jewish or non-Christian friends or co-workers. We all know that it's Hanukkah and Kwanza around the same time, and I think that it's OK to say the appropriate greeting to them. At that point, I think that it's OK to take a step of faith, and maybe ask them what their respective "holidays" are about. That can be an opening to share about Jesus Christ, the Son of God! Remember to always do this in love.
Don't let the enemy take God out of the Christmas season. The Devil will use whatever tools are at his disposal to help the world forget the true reason for the season-Jesus Christ.
I've posted (in a separate blog entry) a video from Fox News which features Ben Stein (a JEW) talking about how stupid this whole thing about taking "Merry Christmas" out of Christmas season is.
Luke 2:11
For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
And by the way-MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
ENOUGH ALREADY!!!!
Listen-I was born into a Jewish family. We didn't talk about Jesus, nor did we mention His Name. Quite a few of my friends were Catholic, or other Protestant denominations. When they wished me a "Merry Christmas", I was never offended. When I was in their homes at a sleep-over, or having a meal, I wasn't offended at the sight of a Christmas tree. I don't seem to remember anyone saying "Happy Holidays" to me. I even remember taking part in a Christmas pageant in PUBLIC elementary school. Nobody got offended.
Brothers & Sisters, this whole political correctness/we don't want to offend anyone/let's take "God" out of everything movement, is what offends me. I say-let's take a stand for Jesus Christ, the reason for the season.
If you are at work and somebody says "Happy Holidays", then you need to look them in the eye and say "Merry Christmas". If your un-saved relatives are saying that presents and doing good are the reason for Christmas, you need to tell them that the real reason for Christmas is the birth of a Savior who can forgive them of their sins, and in whom they can experience eternal life.
Now-I'm not saying to purposely offend any of your Jewish or non-Christian friends or co-workers. We all know that it's Hanukkah and Kwanza around the same time, and I think that it's OK to say the appropriate greeting to them. At that point, I think that it's OK to take a step of faith, and maybe ask them what their respective "holidays" are about. That can be an opening to share about Jesus Christ, the Son of God! Remember to always do this in love.
Don't let the enemy take God out of the Christmas season. The Devil will use whatever tools are at his disposal to help the world forget the true reason for the season-Jesus Christ.
I've posted (in a separate blog entry) a video from Fox News which features Ben Stein (a JEW) talking about how stupid this whole thing about taking "Merry Christmas" out of Christmas season is.
Luke 2:11
For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
And by the way-MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Reach Out to a Salvation Army Person Today!
Have you reached out to a Salvation Army Soldier today?
I was walking into Stop & Shop on Wednesday night, when I spotted 2 Salvation Army "volunteers". One, a woman was ringing the bell behind the donation kettle, while the other, a man-stood by. I'm not sure why, but I HAD to stop, put some money in the collection kettle, and ask them this question: What can you tell me about salvation? I wasn't prepared for their response.
The woman looked at the man, and the man looked at the woman and smiled, then me and smiled. He then went on to tell me that " Salvation comes through Jesus Christ-the Son of God alone".
God is SO good to me! I love it when He throws me a bone!
Going back a few years, I know of Brothers in Christ who have witnessed to Salvation Army Volunteers. These volunteers accepted Jesus as their savior in front of department stores, or on the streets of NY and Long Island. Apparently, having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is not a prerequisite to sit behind the collection kettles around Christmas Time. As a matter of fact, here's what The Salvation Army's website states about their core beliefs:
Salvation
The Salvation Army was founded as an evangelical organization dedicated to bringing people into a meaningful relationship with God through Christ. Its doctrinal basis is that of the Wesleyan-Arminian tradition. It is composed of persons who are united by the love of God and man, and who share the common purpose of bringing others to Jesus Christ. The word salvation indicates the overall purpose of the organization—to motivate all people to embrace the salvation provided to them in Christ.
The word army indicates that the organization is a fighting force, constantly at war with the powers of evil. Battles are effectively waged through an integrated ministry that gives attention to both body and spirit. It is a total ministry for the total person. The Army cooperates with churches of all denominations to meet the needs of the community. Those who have drifted away from God and those estranged from their own religious affiliations are often attracted to The Salvation Army.They are first urged to seek Christ for pardon and deliverance from sin. Then they are encouraged to return to active membership in their
Active Service
Christianity is synonymous with service for the Salvationist. The distinguishing feature in the religious life of The Salvation Army is active participation by its members.
Corps community centers are the focus of the spiritual work and are organized in a military manner, using military terms throughout. The corps building is sometimes known as the “citadel.” The pastor serves as an “officer.” Members are “soldiers.” This sphere of activity is known as the “field.” Instead of joining The Salvation Army, members are “enrolled” after signing the “Articles of War.” When officers and soldiers die, they are “Promoted to Glory.”
Soldiers are disciples of Jesus Christ and are expected to accept responsibility in the work of The Salvation Army. Whenever possible, they participate in Army meetings. Soldiers may teach Sunday-school classes, play musical instruments, join the band, assist the corps officer in visitation among the poor and sick, or aid in general social work. Soldiers abstain from the use of alcoholic beverages, drugs and tobacco.
Here's what their website states about their "Volunteers":
From its inception, The Salvation Army has relied heavily on volunteers who support it's programs.
Often referred to as "the army behind The Army," volunteers play a crucial role The Salvation Army's ability to provide quality social services for the entire community.
Volunteers are valuable assets in The Salvation Army's efforts to meet the changing needs of our world. Through the skills and experience they bring to The Army, volunteers make significant contributions to society by positively impacting the lives of those they assist. Salvation Army volunteers change lives, uplift families and support communities throughout our nation everyday.
Discover the joy of giving back to your community: become a Salvation Army volunteer TODAY! Thank you for exploring the many opportunities to help those in need and enhance your community as a volunteer within The Salvation Army.
I always ask these volunteers to tell me about Salvation. If they can't, I witness to them and ask them if they have a personal relationship with Jesus. Hopefully, the words that God gives me won't fall on deaf ears.
When you see these men and women working, ask them to tell you about salvation. God may open a door to be used by Him to bring someone into the kingdom, or He may use one of these volunteers to encourage you!
If you have testimonies, please feel free to share them as comments on this blog post.
I'm waiting for some AMEN's and Hallelujah's!!!!
...and don't forget to correct them if they say "Happy Holidays" to you. Enough is enough already!
I was walking into Stop & Shop on Wednesday night, when I spotted 2 Salvation Army "volunteers". One, a woman was ringing the bell behind the donation kettle, while the other, a man-stood by. I'm not sure why, but I HAD to stop, put some money in the collection kettle, and ask them this question: What can you tell me about salvation? I wasn't prepared for their response.
The woman looked at the man, and the man looked at the woman and smiled, then me and smiled. He then went on to tell me that " Salvation comes through Jesus Christ-the Son of God alone".
God is SO good to me! I love it when He throws me a bone!
Going back a few years, I know of Brothers in Christ who have witnessed to Salvation Army Volunteers. These volunteers accepted Jesus as their savior in front of department stores, or on the streets of NY and Long Island. Apparently, having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is not a prerequisite to sit behind the collection kettles around Christmas Time. As a matter of fact, here's what The Salvation Army's website states about their core beliefs:
Salvation
The Salvation Army was founded as an evangelical organization dedicated to bringing people into a meaningful relationship with God through Christ. Its doctrinal basis is that of the Wesleyan-Arminian tradition. It is composed of persons who are united by the love of God and man, and who share the common purpose of bringing others to Jesus Christ. The word salvation indicates the overall purpose of the organization—to motivate all people to embrace the salvation provided to them in Christ.
The word army indicates that the organization is a fighting force, constantly at war with the powers of evil. Battles are effectively waged through an integrated ministry that gives attention to both body and spirit. It is a total ministry for the total person. The Army cooperates with churches of all denominations to meet the needs of the community. Those who have drifted away from God and those estranged from their own religious affiliations are often attracted to The Salvation Army.They are first urged to seek Christ for pardon and deliverance from sin. Then they are encouraged to return to active membership in their
Active Service
Christianity is synonymous with service for the Salvationist. The distinguishing feature in the religious life of The Salvation Army is active participation by its members.
Corps community centers are the focus of the spiritual work and are organized in a military manner, using military terms throughout. The corps building is sometimes known as the “citadel.” The pastor serves as an “officer.” Members are “soldiers.” This sphere of activity is known as the “field.” Instead of joining The Salvation Army, members are “enrolled” after signing the “Articles of War.” When officers and soldiers die, they are “Promoted to Glory.”
Soldiers are disciples of Jesus Christ and are expected to accept responsibility in the work of The Salvation Army. Whenever possible, they participate in Army meetings. Soldiers may teach Sunday-school classes, play musical instruments, join the band, assist the corps officer in visitation among the poor and sick, or aid in general social work. Soldiers abstain from the use of alcoholic beverages, drugs and tobacco.
Here's what their website states about their "Volunteers":
From its inception, The Salvation Army has relied heavily on volunteers who support it's programs.
Often referred to as "the army behind The Army," volunteers play a crucial role The Salvation Army's ability to provide quality social services for the entire community.
Volunteers are valuable assets in The Salvation Army's efforts to meet the changing needs of our world. Through the skills and experience they bring to The Army, volunteers make significant contributions to society by positively impacting the lives of those they assist. Salvation Army volunteers change lives, uplift families and support communities throughout our nation everyday.
Discover the joy of giving back to your community: become a Salvation Army volunteer TODAY! Thank you for exploring the many opportunities to help those in need and enhance your community as a volunteer within The Salvation Army.
I always ask these volunteers to tell me about Salvation. If they can't, I witness to them and ask them if they have a personal relationship with Jesus. Hopefully, the words that God gives me won't fall on deaf ears.
When you see these men and women working, ask them to tell you about salvation. God may open a door to be used by Him to bring someone into the kingdom, or He may use one of these volunteers to encourage you!
If you have testimonies, please feel free to share them as comments on this blog post.
I'm waiting for some AMEN's and Hallelujah's!!!!
...and don't forget to correct them if they say "Happy Holidays" to you. Enough is enough already!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Abraham Lincoln's Thanksgiving Proclamation-It's ALL About Thanking The Lord!!!
Proclamation Establishing Thanksgiving Day
October 3, 1863
The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequalled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle, or the ship; the axe had enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years, with large increase of freedom.
No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and voice by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.
Done at the city of Washington, this third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the independence of the United States the eighty-eighth.
A. Lincoln
Have a Happy and Joyous Thanksgiving! Remember to Thank The Lord for ALL He has given to you!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Have You Cried Out to The Lord Lately?
Psalm 30
I will extol You, O LORD, for You have lifted me up,
And have not let my foes rejoice over me.
O LORD my God, I cried out to You,
And You healed me.
O LORD, You brought my soul up from the grave;
You have kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.
Sing praise to the LORD, you saints of His,
And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.
For His anger is but for a moment,
His favor is for life;
Weeping may endure for a night,
But joy comes in the morning.
Now in my prosperity I said,
“I shall never be moved.”
LORD, by Your favor You have made my mountain stand strong;
You hid Your face, and I was troubled.
I cried out to You, O LORD;
And to the LORD I made supplication:
“What profit is there in my blood,
When I go down to the pit?
Will the dust praise You?
Will it declare Your truth?
Hear, O LORD, and have mercy on me;
LORD, be my helper!”
You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness,
To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent.
O LORD my God, I will give thanks to You forever.
I will extol You, O LORD, for You have lifted me up,
And have not let my foes rejoice over me.
O LORD my God, I cried out to You,
And You healed me.
O LORD, You brought my soul up from the grave;
You have kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.
Sing praise to the LORD, you saints of His,
And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.
For His anger is but for a moment,
His favor is for life;
Weeping may endure for a night,
But joy comes in the morning.
Now in my prosperity I said,
“I shall never be moved.”
LORD, by Your favor You have made my mountain stand strong;
You hid Your face, and I was troubled.
I cried out to You, O LORD;
And to the LORD I made supplication:
“What profit is there in my blood,
When I go down to the pit?
Will the dust praise You?
Will it declare Your truth?
Hear, O LORD, and have mercy on me;
LORD, be my helper!”
You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness,
To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent.
O LORD my God, I will give thanks to You forever.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Confess Jesus Christ Before Men!
Luke 12:8-9 (Amplified Bible)
And I tell you, Whoever declares openly [speaking out freely] and confesses that he is My worshiper and acknowledges Me before men, the Son of Man also will declare and confess and acknowledge him before the angels of God. But he who disowns and denies and rejects and refuses to acknowledge Me before men will be disowned and denied and rejected and refused acknowledgement in the presence of the angels of God.
Were you ever in a situation where God placed you with someone that didn't know Jesus as his or her Savior? You're at work, at lunch, on a train, and you somehow get drawn into a conversation where a person brings up comments or questions about God? You either blow it off, or try to stumble your way through the conversation. You let the fear of man direct your thoughts. You wish you had a Bible because you need some scripture verses, but cannot recall them. Worst yet-you avoid talking about God all together. Let me give you a short testimony to illustrate my point.
About 8 years ago, I was getting out of my car at the Babylon LIRR station. I was running late, and if I wanted to make my 11AM appointment in Manhattan, I would need to get on the 8:58AM train. I pulled into the parking lot, and I noticed that the parking attendant, Ralph was talking to a guy who looked like he was a homeless person. At that point, I had known Ralph personally, a brother in Christ who used to stand in the parking lot and preach The Gospel and sing hymns. Anyway, Ralph looked like he was in control of the conversation. I got out of my car, and I was about to run over to Ralph to pay him for parking when I felt the presence of The Holy Spirit upon me. It was so strong, that I could hear The Lord telling me to go back to my car, get a Bible, and give it to the man that Ralph was sharing with. I knew that I would NOT make my train, and after a short "struggle" with my flesh, I obeyed the Voice of Jesus whispering in my ear. I went back to my car, grabbed a bible from my ample supply, and went over to where Ralph and this man were talking. I placed my hand on this man's shoulder, handed the man the Bible, and explained to him that God told me to give it to him.
Then the really cool part happened. Scripture verses began to come to me. At that point in my walk, I really couldn't recite many scripture verses because I was still a "babe" in Christ. I shared The Gospel with this man, and all the verses I needed to recite were given to me by The Holy Spirit. After some time, I noticed Ralph standing off to the side praying. I asked this man if he felt that God would let him into heaven if he were to die today. He began to to bawl like a baby, and I asked him if he would like to accept Jesus Christ as his Lord & Savior. He said yes. As I began to pray, Ralph came over and layed hands on this man. People were parking their cars, and trying to offer Ralph money, but Ralph knew where he was needed. This was a beautiful moment, only to be interrupted by Satan as a HUGE bug landed on my neck and bit me. I tried to swat it away as we prayed, but it kept coming back. Finally, Ralph swatted my neck, and killed the bug from the pit of hell, just as we finished praying with this man. The angels in Heaven were now rejoicing, as the weight of sin came out of this man. I then hugged him, said goodbye to Ralph, and made my way into Manhattan. Funny thing-my appointment ended up being delayed, as the person I was meeting with was stuck in his previous meeting. Is God AWESOME, or what.
So here's my point. I truly believe that Jesus ordained all that happened that morning. He spoke to my heart, had me turn around to get a Bible out of my car, He had me give it to that homeless man, and He used me to lead him to Christ. He gave me ALL the scripture verses that were needed to soften this man's heart and help lead him to repentance. He even allowed me to reschedule my appointment in Manhattan without me even being involved!
If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, SURRENDER to The Holy Spirit. He will lead you and guide you in ALL things. You steps, your words, and you actions will be orchestrated by GOD! All you will have to do is be a willing servant!
Luke 12:11-12 (NKJV)
Now when they bring you to the synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how or what you should answer, or what you should say. For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.
I'm anxiously awaiting your testimonies. Let Jesus use you for HIS GLORY!!!!
\O/ AMEN?
And I tell you, Whoever declares openly [speaking out freely] and confesses that he is My worshiper and acknowledges Me before men, the Son of Man also will declare and confess and acknowledge him before the angels of God. But he who disowns and denies and rejects and refuses to acknowledge Me before men will be disowned and denied and rejected and refused acknowledgement in the presence of the angels of God.
Were you ever in a situation where God placed you with someone that didn't know Jesus as his or her Savior? You're at work, at lunch, on a train, and you somehow get drawn into a conversation where a person brings up comments or questions about God? You either blow it off, or try to stumble your way through the conversation. You let the fear of man direct your thoughts. You wish you had a Bible because you need some scripture verses, but cannot recall them. Worst yet-you avoid talking about God all together. Let me give you a short testimony to illustrate my point.
About 8 years ago, I was getting out of my car at the Babylon LIRR station. I was running late, and if I wanted to make my 11AM appointment in Manhattan, I would need to get on the 8:58AM train. I pulled into the parking lot, and I noticed that the parking attendant, Ralph was talking to a guy who looked like he was a homeless person. At that point, I had known Ralph personally, a brother in Christ who used to stand in the parking lot and preach The Gospel and sing hymns. Anyway, Ralph looked like he was in control of the conversation. I got out of my car, and I was about to run over to Ralph to pay him for parking when I felt the presence of The Holy Spirit upon me. It was so strong, that I could hear The Lord telling me to go back to my car, get a Bible, and give it to the man that Ralph was sharing with. I knew that I would NOT make my train, and after a short "struggle" with my flesh, I obeyed the Voice of Jesus whispering in my ear. I went back to my car, grabbed a bible from my ample supply, and went over to where Ralph and this man were talking. I placed my hand on this man's shoulder, handed the man the Bible, and explained to him that God told me to give it to him.
Then the really cool part happened. Scripture verses began to come to me. At that point in my walk, I really couldn't recite many scripture verses because I was still a "babe" in Christ. I shared The Gospel with this man, and all the verses I needed to recite were given to me by The Holy Spirit. After some time, I noticed Ralph standing off to the side praying. I asked this man if he felt that God would let him into heaven if he were to die today. He began to to bawl like a baby, and I asked him if he would like to accept Jesus Christ as his Lord & Savior. He said yes. As I began to pray, Ralph came over and layed hands on this man. People were parking their cars, and trying to offer Ralph money, but Ralph knew where he was needed. This was a beautiful moment, only to be interrupted by Satan as a HUGE bug landed on my neck and bit me. I tried to swat it away as we prayed, but it kept coming back. Finally, Ralph swatted my neck, and killed the bug from the pit of hell, just as we finished praying with this man. The angels in Heaven were now rejoicing, as the weight of sin came out of this man. I then hugged him, said goodbye to Ralph, and made my way into Manhattan. Funny thing-my appointment ended up being delayed, as the person I was meeting with was stuck in his previous meeting. Is God AWESOME, or what.
So here's my point. I truly believe that Jesus ordained all that happened that morning. He spoke to my heart, had me turn around to get a Bible out of my car, He had me give it to that homeless man, and He used me to lead him to Christ. He gave me ALL the scripture verses that were needed to soften this man's heart and help lead him to repentance. He even allowed me to reschedule my appointment in Manhattan without me even being involved!
If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, SURRENDER to The Holy Spirit. He will lead you and guide you in ALL things. You steps, your words, and you actions will be orchestrated by GOD! All you will have to do is be a willing servant!
Luke 12:11-12 (NKJV)
Now when they bring you to the synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how or what you should answer, or what you should say. For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.
I'm anxiously awaiting your testimonies. Let Jesus use you for HIS GLORY!!!!
\O/ AMEN?
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Bring The Rain!
Do you ever have a time where The Lord just ministers directly to your heart? It could be through a Brother or Sister in Christ, through a sermon, through a book, through God's Word, or through a song. Well-today, The Lord ministered to my soul through a song while I was on the LIRR going into Manhattan.
I arrived at the Babylon station with about 15 minutes to spare before my train. I purchased my ticket, picked up a new schedule, then I walked towards the newspaper booth, where I usually pick up the morning paper. I hesitated, because something in my spirit told me to skip it this morning. I turned away from the newspaper stand, walked upstairs to the platform, and hopped on the train.
God just blessed me with a new iPod Nano Touch, which I managed to immediately fill with worship music, and The MP3 Bible. I listened to Matthew 1-7, then switched to a worship playlist I created for when I travel. The song "Bring The Rain from MercyMe came on. Somehow-I never really heard the whole song before. Here are the lyrics:
"Bring The Rain"
I can count a million times
People asking me how I
Can praise You with all that I've gone through
The question just amazes me
Can circumstances possibly
Change who I forever am in You
Maybe since my life was changed
Long before these rainy days
It's never really ever crossed my mind
To turn my back on you, oh Lord
My only shelter from the storm
But instead I draw closer through these times
So I pray
Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain
I am Yours regardless of
The dark clouds that may loom above
Because You are much greater than my pain
You who made a way for me
By suffering Your destiny
So tell me what's a little rain
So I pray
Holy, holy, holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
The part just keeps going on over and over again:
Holy, holy, holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Holy, holy, holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Holy, holy, holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Holy, holy, holy
Is the Lord God Almighty......
After listening to this in its entirety for the first time, the words ministered to my soul. At this point in time, I happen to be going through some trials, and as some of us do, I sometimes lose my focus on Jesus when things get intense. I focus on the situation, then I lose my peace & joy...The chorus is what spoke to my heart, and brought me back to the Throne of Jesus:
Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain
The second verse almost had me in tears:
I am Yours regardless of
The dark clouds that may loom above
Because You are much greater than my pain
You who made a way for me
By suffering Your destiny
So tell me what's a little rain
So I pray
Holy, holy, holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
God's Word is explicit, in that it commends us to bless The Lord at all times (Psalm 34:1). The Hebrew word "all" here means something VERY SPECIAL-it means-ALL! Not just when we're being blessed-at "ALL TIMES"!
This verse brought me right in to the throne room of God:
Holy, holy, holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
I happen to be reading Revelation in my daily Bible reading, and this just reminded me of Revelation 4, when The Apostle John is describing the throne room of Heaven, while the angels cry out "Holy, Holy, Holy". IS ANYONE ELSE GETTING EXCITED HERE??!!
After the 7th or 8th time listening to this song, God brought me back to His throne of grace & mercy. His peace and my joy were restored. He reminded me that He is in control, and that I need to trust in Him. God is greater than my trial. I also need to remember that Jesus suffered more that I will ever know while He died on the cross, so He knows what I'm going through. If I believe that God spoke the universe into existence, and I believe that God raised Jesus from the dead, then I also need to completely trust and believe that that same God can take me through these trials! Praise His Holy Name!!! I have to confess, I was in tears by the time I got to Penn Station, and I was encouraged and strengthened in my faith through this worship tune.
I'm going to include a link to this song. I hope you are blessed by it, and it ministers to your heart as it did mine.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVnfAWJCito
I will also post the video on this blog in a separate entry. BE BLESSED!
I am praising The Holy Name of Jesus Christ, and I proclaim that His Word is faithful and True!!! Trust Him!
Can I get an AMEN?
\O/
I arrived at the Babylon station with about 15 minutes to spare before my train. I purchased my ticket, picked up a new schedule, then I walked towards the newspaper booth, where I usually pick up the morning paper. I hesitated, because something in my spirit told me to skip it this morning. I turned away from the newspaper stand, walked upstairs to the platform, and hopped on the train.
God just blessed me with a new iPod Nano Touch, which I managed to immediately fill with worship music, and The MP3 Bible. I listened to Matthew 1-7, then switched to a worship playlist I created for when I travel. The song "Bring The Rain from MercyMe came on. Somehow-I never really heard the whole song before. Here are the lyrics:
"Bring The Rain"
I can count a million times
People asking me how I
Can praise You with all that I've gone through
The question just amazes me
Can circumstances possibly
Change who I forever am in You
Maybe since my life was changed
Long before these rainy days
It's never really ever crossed my mind
To turn my back on you, oh Lord
My only shelter from the storm
But instead I draw closer through these times
So I pray
Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain
I am Yours regardless of
The dark clouds that may loom above
Because You are much greater than my pain
You who made a way for me
By suffering Your destiny
So tell me what's a little rain
So I pray
Holy, holy, holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
The part just keeps going on over and over again:
Holy, holy, holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Holy, holy, holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Holy, holy, holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Holy, holy, holy
Is the Lord God Almighty......
After listening to this in its entirety for the first time, the words ministered to my soul. At this point in time, I happen to be going through some trials, and as some of us do, I sometimes lose my focus on Jesus when things get intense. I focus on the situation, then I lose my peace & joy...The chorus is what spoke to my heart, and brought me back to the Throne of Jesus:
Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain
The second verse almost had me in tears:
I am Yours regardless of
The dark clouds that may loom above
Because You are much greater than my pain
You who made a way for me
By suffering Your destiny
So tell me what's a little rain
So I pray
Holy, holy, holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
God's Word is explicit, in that it commends us to bless The Lord at all times (Psalm 34:1). The Hebrew word "all" here means something VERY SPECIAL-it means-ALL! Not just when we're being blessed-at "ALL TIMES"!
This verse brought me right in to the throne room of God:
Holy, holy, holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
I happen to be reading Revelation in my daily Bible reading, and this just reminded me of Revelation 4, when The Apostle John is describing the throne room of Heaven, while the angels cry out "Holy, Holy, Holy". IS ANYONE ELSE GETTING EXCITED HERE??!!
After the 7th or 8th time listening to this song, God brought me back to His throne of grace & mercy. His peace and my joy were restored. He reminded me that He is in control, and that I need to trust in Him. God is greater than my trial. I also need to remember that Jesus suffered more that I will ever know while He died on the cross, so He knows what I'm going through. If I believe that God spoke the universe into existence, and I believe that God raised Jesus from the dead, then I also need to completely trust and believe that that same God can take me through these trials! Praise His Holy Name!!! I have to confess, I was in tears by the time I got to Penn Station, and I was encouraged and strengthened in my faith through this worship tune.
I'm going to include a link to this song. I hope you are blessed by it, and it ministers to your heart as it did mine.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVnfAWJCito
I will also post the video on this blog in a separate entry. BE BLESSED!
I am praising The Holy Name of Jesus Christ, and I proclaim that His Word is faithful and True!!! Trust Him!
Can I get an AMEN?
\O/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)