They Didn't Listen - Do You

 “We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.”  – Isaiah 53:6

Tell me what will happen tomorrow?  What about next week?  What about next year? and the next 5 years?  You can easily answer these questions to some degree.

Now, tell me what will happen in the year 2526?

If indeed you took a stab at it and tried to predict what might happen 500 years from now, there is no way you would have the specificity or details that Isaiah revealed in Isaiah 53.  It was written 500 years or more before the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Yet, it specifically calls out the things that would happen to this man.

The story of God’s plan of salvation was foretold precisely to the leaders of Israel, long before they brought charges against Jesus Christ. 
“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities;” (v.5)
“he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,” (v.7)
“By oppression and judgment he was taken away.  Yet who of his generation protested?” (v.8)
“Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes his life an offering for sin” (v.10)
“After he has suffered, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities.” (v.11)

We move about our daily lives and carry on as if all is well.  The bible is the Holy Word of God.  Written over the course of thousands of years, but intricately woven together with precision and accuracy that could never have been contrived by mankind.  What God revealed to the people of Israel through the prophet Isaiah was ignored when it actually happened 500 years later.  Here we are 2000 years (or so) later since the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and we are lost sheep, following our own way.  Jesus told his disciples about the end days.  Paul, through several letters, told those who would listen about the return of Christ, and Daniel, Zachariah, Ezekiel, and John captured the prophecy of the end times in many places throughout the Bible, yet how many of you actually believe that Christ will return at any moment and usher us into eternity?  Are you living like He could return while you are reading this?  What are you going to do when that prophecy comes to fruition?  You’ve heard it told a thousand times, you know we’re supposed to be living as if it could happen at any moment, yet we continue to live as if it’s just a nice story.

I’m challenging you today to think about the Bible as more than a book of stories, but as the Word of God.  Handed down and given to you that you might become educated and know what is to come, so you will not be caught off guard on that day of reconciliation.  Our Lord is coming just as He promised.  I want to be ready on that day, even if it’s today.

I Interviewed an AI BOT about Salvation - (2 of 3)

 My Interview with AI BOT - Who is Jesus

ME:

but who is Jesus really - historically, he's just a man, right?

AI:

The identity of Jesus Christ is a matter of faith for Christians and a point of debate among people of different religious beliefs. From a historical perspective, Jesus of Nazareth lived in the first century and is widely recognized as a religious figure who had a significant impact on world history.

However, for Christians, Jesus is much more than just a historical figure. They believe that Jesus is the Son of God and that He came to earth to provide salvation for all people through His death and resurrection. Christians believe that Jesus is both fully human and fully divine and that He is the Savior of the world and the means by which people can have a right relationship with God.

Whether one believes that Jesus is just a man or the Son of God is a matter of personal faith, and people hold different beliefs based on their religious traditions and interpretations of the historical evidence.

ME:

How can God have a Son

AI:

The concept of God having a son is a central doctrine of Christianity and is rooted in the belief that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. In Christian theology, the concept of God having a son is seen as a mystery that transcends human understanding and is ultimately a matter of faith.

The idea that God has a son is expressed in the Bible, particularly in the New Testament, where Jesus is referred to as the Son of God and is described as having a unique relationship with God the Father. This relationship is described as being one of equality, yet also of distinction, with Jesus being fully God and fully human at the same time.

Christians believe that God the Father sent His son Jesus to the earth to redeem humanity from sin and death through His death on the cross and resurrection from the dead. They believe that through faith in Jesus, people can have eternal life and a right relationship with God.

The idea of God having a son is unique to Christianity and is not found in other religious traditions. How one understands this concept will depend on their faith and interpretation of the Bible.

ME:

You said Jesus is equal to God, and also His Son...

AI:

In Christian theology, Jesus is considered to be both fully God and fully human, a doctrine known as the "incarnation." This means that Jesus is equal in nature and essence to God the Father, while at the same time being distinct from Him as the Son.

The idea of the incarnation is rooted in the belief that God took on human form in the person of Jesus Christ to provide salvation for humanity. Christians believe that Jesus, as both God and man, lived a sinless life and died on the cross as a sacrifice for the sins of humanity.

This concept is expressed in several passages in the New Testament, where Jesus is referred to as both the Son of God and as one with God the Father. The idea of the incarnation is a central doctrine of Christianity and is a matter of faith for Christians, with different interpretations of how the divinity and humanity of Jesus are combined and expressed.

ME:

Does Jesus ever claim to be God?  if so, can you share those scripture verses.

AI:

Yes, Jesus claimed to be God in several passages in the New Testament. Here are a few examples:

·         John 8:58: "Jesus said to them, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.'"

·         John 10:30: "I and the Father are one."

·         John 14:9: "Jesus said to him, 'Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'?'"

These verses and others like them, in which Jesus claimed to be equal with God, were the basis for the early Christian belief in the divinity of Jesus and were a significant factor in the controversy that eventually led to His crucifixion.

These verses are also the source of much debate and interpretation, with some people seeing them as evidence of Jesus' divinity, while others interpret them in a more metaphorical or symbolic sense. Ultimately, the interpretation of these verses and the belief in the divinity of Jesus is a matter of personal faith and religious tradition.

ME:
What does it mean "Son of Man"

AI:

"Son of Man" is a title used to refer to Jesus in the New Testament. It appears over 80 times in the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) and is one of the most common ways that Jesus referred to himself.

The phrase "Son of Man" has its roots in the Old Testament, where it was used as a general term for humanity. In the New Testament, Jesus takes on this title and uses it to refer to himself in a unique way. By using this phrase, Jesus was emphasizing his humanity, as well as his divine nature.

The exact meaning of "Son of Man" is a subject of debate among biblical scholars, but it is generally understood to convey the idea of Jesus as a representative of humanity. This title encompasses both his identity as a human being and his role as the Savior of humanity. It also highlights his role as the judge of humanity at the end of the world, as described in the book of Revelation.

In short, "Son of Man" is a significant title that conveys the dual nature of Jesus as both fully human and fully divine. It emphasizes his role as the Savior and Judge of humanity, and his unique relationship with God.

ME:

Would this have been considered blasphemy to the Jews of that time - Pharisees, Priests and Sadducees

AI:

Yes, the use of the title "Son of Man" by Jesus would have been considered blasphemy by many of the Jews of his time, including the Pharisees, Priests, and Sadducees. This is because they believed that only God was worthy of the title "Son of Man," and that claiming such a title for oneself was an act of blasphemy.

The Pharisees, Priests, and Sadducees were the religious leaders of Jewish society and were deeply committed to the laws and traditions of their faith. They believed that the Messiah would be a political and military leader who would restore the kingdom of Israel and overthrow their Roman oppressors.

However, Jesus' teachings and miracles, as well as his use of the title "Son of Man," challenged their understanding of the Messiah and their religious beliefs. They saw his claims of being the Son of Man as an assertion of equality with God, and thus considered it blasphemy.

This was one of the main reasons why they sought to oppose and discredit Jesus, and why they eventually sought to have him crucified. However, his resurrection and ascension into heaven affirmed his claims and validated his teachings, leading to the spread of the Christian faith throughout the world.

ME:

I have heard of the Trinity - what does this mean

AI:

The Trinity is a central doctrine in Christianity, and refers to the belief in the existence of one God in three persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. The doctrine of the Trinity teaches that these three persons are distinct but not separate, and that they are equal in their divine nature and attributes.

The concept of the Trinity is a complex one and is not explicitly stated in the Bible, but it is derived from a number of passages that suggest the coexistence of multiple divine persons within the one Godhead. For example, Jesus refers to the Father as his God and speaks of the Holy Spirit as a separate being, while the New Testament also speaks of the three persons of the Trinity as existing and working together in harmony.

The doctrine of the Trinity is one of the cornerstones of the Christian faith and has been widely accepted by the majority of Christian denominations. It is believed to be a fundamental aspect of the Christian understanding of the nature of God, and provides a basis for understanding the relationship between God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, and their roles in the salvation of humanity.

In summary, the Trinity is the Christian doctrine that teaches the existence of one God in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, who are equal in their divine nature and attributes, and who exist and work together in harmony.

ME:

That's pretty deep - tell me about the Holy Spirit from Scripture

AI:

The Holy Spirit is a central figure in the Christian faith and is considered one of the three persons of the Trinity, along with the Father and the Son (Jesus Christ). The Holy Spirit is mentioned numerous times in the Bible and is described as having a variety of roles and functions.

In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit is associated with creation, empowerment, and guidance. For example, in Genesis 1:2, the Holy Spirit is described as moving over the waters during the creation of the world. In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit is described as a helper and comforter, providing believers with strength and guidance in their lives.

The Holy Spirit is also associated with the birth and mission of Jesus, and is described as having descended upon him at his baptism. Throughout the New Testament, the Holy Spirit is depicted as having an active role in the lives of believers, empowering them to live lives of faith, to perform miracles, and to spread the gospel.

One of the most well-known functions of the Holy Spirit is the gift of speaking in tongues, which is described as a sign of the presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. The Holy Spirit is also associated with the process of sanctification, helping believers to grow in their faith and to become more like Jesus.

In summary, the Holy Spirit is an important figure in the Christian faith and is described in the Bible as having a variety of roles and functions, including creation, empowerment, guidance, comfort, and sanctification. The Holy Spirit is considered one of the three persons of the Trinity, and is a central figure in the lives of believers.

ME:

What part did the Holy Spirit have in the birth of Jesus?

AI:

The Holy Spirit played an important role in the birth of Jesus, as described in the New Testament. According to the Gospel of Matthew and the Gospel of Luke, the Holy Spirit was involved in the miraculous conception of Jesus.

In the Gospel of Matthew, it is written that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. This means that the Holy Spirit was involved in the creation of Jesus in a supernatural way, bypassing the normal biological process of conception.

In the Gospel of Luke, it is written that the Holy Spirit came upon Mary and overshadowed her, resulting in the conception of Jesus. This passage emphasizes the supernatural nature of the birth of Jesus, and highlights the involvement of the Holy Spirit in this event.

The birth of Jesus through the Holy Spirit is considered a central doctrine in Christianity, and is seen as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies about the coming of a Messiah who would be born of a virgin. The Holy Spirit's involvement in the birth of Jesus is seen as a sign of the divine nature of Jesus and of the Holy Spirit's power and presence in the world.

In summary, the Holy Spirit played a crucial role in the birth of Jesus, as described in the New Testament. The Holy Spirit was involved in the miraculous conception of Jesus, bypassing the normal biological process, and is seen as a sign of the divine nature of Jesus and of the Holy Spirit's power and presence in the world.

ME:

what is the old testament prophecy about Jesus birth?

AI:

The Old Testament contains several prophecies that foretell the birth of Jesus, who is considered the Messiah (or savior) in Christianity. Some of the most well-known Old Testament prophecies about the birth of Jesus include:

Isaiah 7:14 - "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." This prophecy is considered by many Christians to be a foretelling of the birth of Jesus through the Virgin Mary.

Micah 5:2 - "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times." This prophecy foretells the birthplace of Jesus, who was born in Bethlehem.

Jeremiah 31:15 - "This is what the Lord says: "A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more." This prophecy is considered by many to be a foretelling of the massacre of the infants in Bethlehem, which is described in the New Testament as having taken place after the birth of Jesus.

Isaiah 9:6 - "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." This prophecy foretells the birth of a child who will have divine attributes and who will rule as a king.

These and other Old Testament prophecies are seen by Christians as evidence of the divine nature of Jesus and of the fulfillment of God's plan for the salvation of humanity. The birth of Jesus is considered a central event in the Christian faith and is celebrated as the birth of the Savior of the world.

ME:

what are the chances that one person could fulfill all of these prophecies

AI:

As a language model created by (cannot disclose), I do not have the ability to make subjective assessments or predictions. However, it is widely held by Christians that the likelihood of one person fulfilling all of the Old Testament prophecies regarding the birth of the Messiah is very low.

According to Christian theology, there were many specific prophecies about the Messiah in the Old Testament, such as the place of his birth (Bethlehem), the nature of his rule (as a king), and the manner of his death (crucifixion). Some Christians believe that the odds of one person fulfilling all of these prophecies by chance are astronomically low, and therefore see the fulfillment of these prophecies in Jesus as evidence of his divine nature and mission.

Critics, however, argue that the Old Testament prophecies are open to interpretation and that the fulfillment of these prophecies in Jesus is due to selective interpretation and cherry-picking of texts. They argue that the prophecies in question are vague and could be applied to many people, and that the New Testament authors had an interest in making it seem as though Jesus fulfilled them.

In any case, the question of the chances of one person fulfilling all of the Old Testament prophecies regarding the birth of the Messiah is a matter of personal belief and interpretation. Some people believe that the odds of fulfilling all of these prophecies by chance are very low, while others believe that the prophecies are not as specific or meaningful as they are often portrayed to be.

ME:

I thought the Messiah would come from the blood line of David, tying all the way back to Adam.  With Mary's miraculous conception from the Holy Spirit how is Jesus from the line of David.

AI:

According to Christian tradition, Jesus is considered to be a descendant of King David through his earthly father, Joseph. In the New Testament, the genealogy of Jesus is traced back to King David through Joseph in Matthew 1:1-16 and Luke 3:23-38.

Mary's miraculous conception by the Holy Spirit is seen by Christians as fulfilling the prophecy in Isaiah 7:14 that the Messiah would be born of a virgin. The belief is that Mary, a descendant of King David, was chosen by God to be the mother of Jesus, and that the Holy Spirit conceived Jesus in her womb. In this way, Jesus is considered to be both the Son of God and a descendant of King David.

This belief in the divine and human nature of Jesus is central to Christian theology and is a key aspect of the Christian doctrine of the Trinity. According to this doctrine, Jesus is both fully human and fully divine, and is seen as the fulfillment of God's promise to send a Savior to humanity. The belief that Jesus is both divine and a descendant of King David is an important part of the Christian understanding of who Jesus is and what he came to do.

He Came Back

Celebrating the Resurrection

“Now He said to them, "These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled."”- Luke 24:44




There are 365 days in a year (according to the current calendar).  Each day you could wake up and read 1 scripture a day about Jesus Christ, written before He was ever born into this world.  The great authors of the Old Testament – Isaiah, Daniel, Hosea, Moses, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and many others prophesied and foretold the Messiah’s coming, His life, death, resurrection and second coming.  Over 365 prophecies have been written pertaining to the Son of God, which Jesus Christ has single handedly fulfilled.

The Pharisees of the day knew of the prophets, and their writings.  They knew the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, would be from the line of David, would be from Galilee, would be born of a virgin, would enter Jerusalem on a donkey, betrayed for 30 pieces of silver, would be beaten beyond recognition, and suffer a violent death.  This only represents 8 prophecies of the Messiah, captured in the scriptures which were known to all Pharisees and Scribes of that day.  Through their diligent studies they knew what they were looking for in their coming Messiah.  The reality though is that they were blinded by their own humanity, and could never imagine that this young man from humble beginnings could be their ever powerful, almighty and omnipotent God in flesh.  Their arrogance and knowledge blinded them from the incredible presence right before them.  This sounds an awful lot like people in today's world.

They had to ask themselves though, with all of their wisdom, could this be the One.  Then they would see Him do something that would contradict their simple minded knowledge of who Messiah should be, and they would then judge Him.  He healed on the Sabbath, He dined with sinners, He kept company with prostitutes, tax collectors and thieves.  He preached the gospel with a depth of knowledge beyond theirs, yet had not studied in their presence or through the universities of the time.  He chastised them for their piousness, arrogance and hypocrisy, while loving those who were poor, meek and gentile.

Why did the Pharisees ensure that the Romans guarded the tomb?  Because of Isaiah 53:9-12; “when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.”  They knew that if Jesus rose from the grave that they had made a terrible mistake, and that indeed they had been in the presence of the very Son of God they had so patiently awaited.  Paul, the Apostle, was a Pharisee, who was struck blind by the resurrected Jesus, and through his conversion became the greatest apostle of all.  Throughout the book of Acts, we see several other Pharisees turned to follow Jesus through the preaching of Paul and Peter.

So I ask you; look amongst our people today, have we become the Pharisees of this age?  Well studied on God, but blind to the real issues of the day, and the love that Jesus Christ stands for.  You can see how easy it is to have read the scriptures, studied the prophecies, and still miss Him when He returns because we are looking for something that fits a specific stereotype we have created to align with our perspective.  Make no doubt about it, Jesus Christ will return just as He said He would.  For by His very words to the disciples after His resurrection: “all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.”  Do not overlook the Word of God as you watch the heavens for His return.  Study it, know it and spend time with the Father learning it.

 





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Is God Still With You?

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” -John 1:14

Three days have passed since Christmas morning. I’m sure that sometime during the last 5 or 6 days you have read through or heard the story of Jesus birth in Bethlehem as captured so beautifully in Luke 2. As the time passes and we become more engaged in our day to day life again, the stresses begin to accumulate, the worries start up again and for some the message of Christmas begins to blur again for another 11 months. We need to make a stand against the temptation to slide back into our pre-Christmas routine. As foretold in Isaiah 7:14 “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” Things are not the same.

His life was foretold by over 20 different people as far as 800 years before His birth. Everything from who His parents would be, where He would be born, what His life would stand for, His persecution, His death and His resurrection. Most historical figures and leaders lived a great life and then their story was captured and documented for the interest of educating the minds of the future. But He was not like other historical figures. Unlike any other person in the history of the world, Jesus Christ, was biography was written before He ever breathed His first breath.

God was with Adam in the Garden, with Moses on Mount Sinai and David in his battles. He was with many other individuals throughout the scriptures. He carried these hero’s and saints through their struggles, trials, hardships and their weakness’. God not only gave them insight through His authority and power on earth, He gave them the wisdom and confidence to know that He was always there for them, no matter what. Abraham prepares to sacrifice Isaac because he knew God would provide a lamb. David battled Goliath because he knew God would overcome. Job gave up everything he had and relied solely on God’s love and promise as disease and experiences near death came upon him. These are just a few examples of what happens when God is with someone.

Jesus means Immanuel, God With Us. This single statement was prophesied by Isaiah, and restated by the angel to Joseph in a dream. When God was with the saints of old, we saw how He protected, nurtured and cared for them. Through the birth of Jesus Christ, that exact power and blessing is available to all of us. He came to us because He knew we could not come to Him in our fleshy, sinful state. God’s desire is for us to be with Him for eternity, so He took it upon Himself to come to us, and walk side by side with us through this life to allow that reunion one day. He will carry us when we are weak, provide knowledge and insight into righteousness, convict us when we fall and set us back on a path of purpose for His kingdom. God is with us – that means you, me and everyone since Christ’ birth. It is upon us to seek His guidance and love. Some believe that this promise was only for those who walked with Jesus for those 33 years. This could not be farther from the truth. He promised us a comforter, counselor and teacher in the Holy Spirit to be with us always, until the day of His return. His death was not the end, but rather the beginning of the fulfillment of God’s promise. Immanuel, God is with us, lives on through His resurrection and continues to provide strength, love, security, comfort, help and wisdom if we only reach to Him.

Prayer:
Almighty God,
You came to us through a child, born in the humblest of settings to fulfill a promise for all of mankind. You promised to walk with us, guide us and be our strength, if we would only turn to trust You. We come before You Lord, seeking Your will in our lives, Your wisdom and Your love. Just as You carried the saints of old through their struggles and temptations, guide our steps in a path of righteousness as well. Help us to recognize Your control and will in our life. In Your name we pray - Amen



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Puttin on the Cross

Click Here: Read Luke 9

“Then he said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”  – Luke 9:23

In Luke’s 9^th chapter is rich in the glory of Jesus Christ and His presence on this earth.  It is one of my favorite chapters, for in it we once again read of His power and authority, the miracles performed by Jesus, His empowerment of the disciples to take the message into cities far and wide.  Here, we see the disciple Peter outright declare, “You are the Messiah, the Son of God.”  We read of the transfiguration, where He talks with Moses and Elijah, and God calls down from heaven, “This is my Son, Listen to Him”, because the disciples wanted to take control of the situation.  Later, Jesus tells them of the coming persecution, of His death, as prophesied in Isaiah 53:7 “…led like a lamb to the slaughter…”   But, what I want to focus on today is His command to those who want to follow Him.  “…deny himself and take up his cross daily…”  
 

I imagine it was 15 feet long, and the cross beam was probably 8 feet wide.  Hewn from a strong tree, perhaps a dogwood or an olive tree, which were common in and around Jerusalem at that time.  I’ve tried to carry a 16 foot 2x8 that I used for the head beam in my children’s swingset, and it was unbelievably heavy.  I resulted in dragging it from the bed of my truck to the back yard, because there is no way I could have carried it any other way due to it’s length.  I imagine that the hewn wood of the cross was more than likely either 6x6 or 8x8 to support the weight of a body, and the cross beam was likely 6x6, secured by spikes and rope.  Together the crucifixion cross must have weighed well over 400 pounds of solid wood.

As he stepped into the narrow streets of Jerusalem, his body was unrecognizable.  His flesh was brutally beaten to the point of disfiguration, and open lacerations covered his back, legs, chest and arms.  I picture the soldiers holding him as two or three others lowered the cross onto his shoulder and then they forced him to walk carrying that cross.  Every step on the cobbled stone or dirt street would shoot pain through his body as the cross bit into his shoulder and back and pressed down upon his weak body.  Periodically, I can imagine that the foot of the cross would hit a rock or a hole in the street and the vibration would amplify through the length of the wooden beam and bounce upon his bloodied back.  It is recorded that he stumbled a few times and fell to the ground at which point this heavy cross would fall upon his helpless body, crushing his legs and back as it did.  Somehow he would manage to steady his legs and lift himself back up, and the cross was placed back on his shoulder.  At one point, as it is recorded in Mark 15:21, Simon from Cyrene was forced to carry the cross of Jesus Christ after one of these falls, to Golgotha, where the crucifixion would take place.

So, when you put that cross around your neck in the morning, do you fully comprehend what it means?  It is not bling, nor is it a piece of jewelry as some might believe.  It is a symbol of the pain, agony and sacrifice that one man chose to make for your eternal life.  It was the most selfless expression of love ever recorded in history, not because of the cross, but because of what he did with that cross.  He gave up everything he had so that you and I could have eternal life.  His joy, happiness, comfort, peace, human desires, his blood and his very life.  In doing so, he set in motion God’s plan of redemption and grace.  If Christ had not carried that cross, died and rose again; our lives are lost.  It took a sacrifice of a spotless lamb to redeem the souls of mankind, and Jesus Christ was the only one worthy of this task. 

Today’s scripture tells us to “deny ourselves and take up the cross daily”.  I am quite sure this doesn’t mean putting that necklace around your neck each morning.  I believe Christ is telling us to serve, and give everything we have to love and help others.  He left it all on that cross, and the cross he tells us to pick up each day is the choice to serve Him whole heartedly, with everything we have and to put aside our selfish and self-centered attitudes.  Carrying the cross of Christ is not a physical event, but a spiritual event of giving of one’s self for the betterment of mankind.  The cross necklace is a wonderful symbol to remind us just what we are supposed to be doing with our life.  To carry one’s cross is one of the most sincere instructions that Christ ever gave to his disciples, and is meant to be taken seriously, not for show or to draw attention to ourselves, but to Him and only Him.  If it has become a piece of jewelry or bling to you, please take a moment to step back and grasp the reality of what it represents.

 

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37 Days – Take A Step: Speak

Pastor Randy’s devotional:

Then the Lord reached out and touched my mouth and said, “Look, I have put my words in your mouth! Today I appoint you to stand up against nations and kingdoms. Some you must uproot and tear down destroy and overthrow. Others you must build up and plant.” Jeremiah 1:9-10

January 19^th Prayer:

Father God, You have placed Your words in my mouth. Your words can move mountains, change hearts, change minds and convict of sin. Your word is alive and active. Give me courage to speak to my world—to change the atmospheres in my relationships, business, school and family. Fill me with grace and truth so that I can speak Your word in love . . . in Jesus’ name!

My thoughts:

There are times in my life when I have no idea what I’m going to say in a given situation.  Have you been there?  When a friend is going through deep, heart wrenching struggles; or when a family member’s feelings are deeply hurt by something and they come to you for counsel; or the death of a loved one; or someone comes to me for counsel on life decisions.  These are examples where the answers are seldom something known or derived from my own wisdom.  But, in the moment of truth when the counsel is needed, the Lord has placed the perfect words in my mouth that the other person might need to hear.  Many times it has been in the written word, but also in the spoken word, as I have trusted that He is wise, compassionate, all knowing and will use me as a simple vessel for His truth and love.

In Numbers 22:28, “…the Lord gave the donkey the ability to speak.”  In Exodus 3:4, “God called to him from the middle of the bush…” and in 1 Kings 19:12, “…but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper.”  The Lord has the ability to put Himself wherever He so chooses.  He is fully sovereign over all things, plants, animals, elements and yes even humans.  If He wants to speak through you, do you truly believe it is not possible?

Has He spoken through humans in the past?  Certainly you must agree that He has.  Biblical examples include the prophets like Isaiah, Ezekiel, Jeremiah, Daniel & Elijah; the apostles like Paul, Timothy, John and Mark; John the Baptist in the wilderness; and of course the son of God – Jesus Christ.  Beyond the bible though, God has continued to speak through people in visions and dreams and even in prophetic voice.  Sure there are showmen who claim this, but there are also those who are authentically given the word of God to share with others.  Our Pastor Randy Harvey is one such man.  He has a keen ear and ability to hear the word of the Lord and then relay that to us in his congregation.  I believe Jesus is speaking to and through thousands of Muslims and Jewish people today as they come to a belief in Him as their Savior.

God can speak through anyone, or anything He chooses.  We have to have enough faith, trust and willingness to allow Him to.  Sometimes (as in the 2^nd chapter of Acts) this will sound like babble or utterances, and unrecognizable by humans in our given language.  This “speaking in tongues” is as real as the very next breath you take.  The Holy Spirit (God in spirit) is able to speak through us in a manner that most will not understand, but the Father does.  I’ve witnessed this first hand and know of it’s truth.

So, when you face the unknown and someone asks for your counsel, your advice, your helping support and wisdom on a subject, first go to the Lord in prayer and ask for Him to use you, to speak through you and to help you.  He is your provider and your counsel on all things and indeed will provide you with the right things to say at the right time.  Trust in Him.

Be Blessed,

Rich

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She Said “Yes”

“And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed: it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.”  - Genesis 3:15

Take close note of the reference in this prophetic scripture -“…her seed…”.  We all know, or should know based on your age, that conception comes from the seed of the father and the egg of the mother.  This prophecy was directly from the Lord to the serpent in the garden after he had deceived Adam and Eve into sin.  In this case though God references “her seed” which can be connected to Isaiah 7:14 – “Behold, a virgin will conceive….” 

Mary, Did You Know

Mary, did you know
That your Baby Boy would one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know
That your Baby Boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know
That your Baby Boy has come to make you new?
This Child that you delivered will soon deliver you

Mary, did you know
That your Baby Boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know
That your Baby Boy will calm the storm with His hand?
Did you know
That your Baby Boy has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little Baby, you kissed the face of God?

Oh, Mary did you know, ooh

The blind will see
The deaf will hear
The dead will live again
The lame will leap
The dumb will speak
The praises of The Lamb

Mary, did you know
That your Baby Boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know
That your Baby Boy would one day rule the nations?
Did you know
That your Baby Boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
The sleeping Child you're holding is the great, I am
 

In Luke’s 1^st chapter, verse 30-31, the angel Gabriel comes to Mary, “So the angel told her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive and give birth to a son, and you shall give Him the name Jesus.”  The child would be conceived without a man, but through the Holy Spirit coming upon Mary.  Therefore the zygote, the embryo, was conceived with perfect, sinless blood.  Unlike every other human up to that point and since (other than Adam and Eve) who are created through the seed of the man (filled with sin through generations from the original sin in the garden). 

Did Mary know everything the angel explained to her?  Who knows, but it is unlikely that she could fully comprehend everything that her son would go through in his life.  From scripture we learn that she knew:
- He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High
- The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David
- He will reign over the house of Jacob forever
- His kingdom will never end!
-  the Holy One to be born will be called the Son of God

In the custom of that day she would have relied heavily upon her father as the spiritual leader of their household to understand scriptures.  Many prophecies had foretold of the Messiah, and here the angel Gabriel had told her that she would bear this child, the Messiah, the chosen one of God, Immanuel.  Could she have understood all of the prophecies which spoke of his persecution, tortuous death and resurrection?  Most likely not, but she trusted in God’s plan and humbled herself to be used in His plan, even if that meant being disowned by her family, her betrothed and her community.

In Luke 1:38, “Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her.”  She knew what the Lord wanted her to know and nothing more.  So when we think about this wonderful, beautiful song, Mary-Did You Know, we have to be honest and say, NO.  There is no way she knew everything that was to come and everything that her son would do for humanity.  But, we are all so blessed that she trusted in the Lord’s omnipotence and plan.

Be Blessed,

Rich

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Reliable News is Hard to Find

{God said to Ezekiel} “I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel. There will be one king over all of them and they will never again be two nations or be divided into two kingdoms.” – Ezekiel 37:22

Did you read the news today?
Was it a paper, or was a it a web-site, or did you watch it on your favorite cable channel?
Of course you believe everything they are telling you right; because we know they don't have an agenda or any intent of convincing you toward their interests.
How many of the news outlets you "trust" on a daily basis are telling you what will happen in the year 4715?  I would suggest that they have a hard time telling you what will happen next month or in 2016.

Let me introduce you to Ezekiel.  One of many authors of the scriptures we call the Bible.  He walked the earth around 700-600 BC.  He was a prophetic man, which means he heard from God directly on things that would come to be.  His prophecies detailed future events relating to the children of Israel.  He prophesied about their hardships, their scattering, and their gathering back to their land along the Jordan River and Mediterranean Sea. He then went on to prophesy of the wars that the Israelites would face, and their ability to overcome opposition from around the world.

Fast forward to 1948, when they were at war with Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Saudi Arabia and Iraq.  They overcame those countries attacks and established themselves as a sovereign government from that point to where we are today.  'm very serious - over 2700 years ago, this man of God, wrote on parchment with the ink from fruit trees at the time of a war that would take place on the soil of Israel, in which the Israelites would overcome impossible odds and reclaim the land given to their ancestors (Abraham, Moses and Joshua).

Is there a single person in our midst today that could tell you and I what will happen in 2700 years?  No.  I don't believe so.  But, we have written proof that he prophesied this and it acutally came to pass, just as he said it would.  Doesn't this at least peak your interest to know what else this man of God prophesied and cause you to at least be curious as to if his other prophesies will come to fruition in our very near future?

If you trust CNN, FoxNews, Yahoo, Huffington Post, NY Times, Wall Street Journal, etc. etc. etc. when they are frequently wrong on modern day stories, why aren't you able to trust this man who has proven time and time again to be accurate in his prophetic writings?  You may believe the Bible is a fictional story, but there are numerous demonstrations of these events over time that are without doubt or question factual.  Perhaps you might want to reconsider the validity of the scriptures once again.

The Promise from the Father

December 8, 2014

“He said to Me, "You are My Servant, Israel, In Whom I will show My glory."” – Isaiah 49:3

A father looks at his son or daughter and sees the potential, the promise of who they might become.  In this perspective he has determined the appropriate training, knowledge and experiences that will best serve them in their future.  They are molded, taught and prepared throughout their informative years with those essentials that will benefit them most, should they choose to pursue his plan for their life.  All of this work, this effort and this planning goes out the door quickly though, when the child is no longer a child and determines for themself what their future will hold.  In many cases the years of preparation are going to steer their choice within the same discipline as their father had planned, yet other times they will choose to rebel against their father’s plan and strike out on their own.  Either way, the impact of their training, their experiences and their nurturing will be carried with them throughout their lives, and have an impact on those around them.

God’s children, Israel, were strong in faith, trust and love for their Father.  The Father of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; taught them through scripture and through the prophets and priests righteousness and the law.  They awaited the Messiah, to come and deliver them into the peace and riches of the Father.  They endured the hardships of life under the control of other dynasty’s and persevered the enslavement and rule Rome.  Their history bound them together for the greater purpose that had been implanted in them and passed from generation to generation.

Through Isaiah, God chooses to remind Israel that it is through them that the Messiah will come and bring glory and salvation to the world.  Their purpose was defined by the Father and for the Father’s glory.  Their purpose was to serve God and to trust in His word for them.  The Messiah would bring about the salvation, the redemption and end all persecution, in God’s timing.  Israel needed to hear from the Lord that He had not abandoned them, and that His plan was still in process.  His word, through Isaiah, was meant to strengthen their resolve and rekindle the desire deep inside their hearts.  The desire to serve God and to follow Him, just as King David had done, just as Abraham had done.  His promises were for the faithful and His word was true, but required their endurance and patience to see it come to fruition.  His encouraging words, emphasized that His glory was still to be delivered.

Today, God is telling us to hold fast to His promises.  He will return one day and reconcile this world to His righteousness.  We are to serve Him until that day of His glorious return.  Do not lose patience, but endure through the darkness that surrounds you, for the light is coming and the world will be changed forever.

© Sondove Enterprises, 2014
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Who Was He

Make 2014 a year for sharing

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” – John 1:14

As foretold in Isaiah 7:14 “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” Since that time things have never been the same.

His life was foretold by over 20 different people as far as 800 years before His birth. Everything from who His parents would be, where He would be born, what His life would stand for, His persecution, His death and His resurrection. Most historical figures and leaders lived a great life and then their story was captured and documented for the interest of educating the minds of the future. But He was not like other historical figures. Unlike any other person in the history of the world, Jesus Christ, was biography was written before He ever breathed His first breath.

God was with Adam in the Garden, with Moses on Mount Sinai and David in his battles. He was with many other individuals throughout the scriptures. He carried these hero’s and saints through their struggles, trials, hardships and their weakness’. God not only gave them insight through His authority and power on earth, He gave them the wisdom and confidence to know that He was always there for them, no matter what. Abraham prepares to sacrifice Isaac because he knew God would provide a lamb. David battled Goliath because he knew God would overcome. Job gave up everything he had and relied solely on God’s love and promise as disease and experiences near death came upon him. These are just a few examples of what happens when God is with someone.

Jesus means Immanuel, God With Us. This single statement was prophesied by Isaiah, and restated by the angel to Joseph in a dream. When God was with the saints of old, we saw how He protected, nurtured and cared for them. Through the birth of Jesus Christ, that exact power and blessing is available to all of us. He came to us because He knew we could not come to Him in our fleshy, sinful state. God’s desire is for us to be with Him for eternity, so He took it upon Himself to come to us, and walk side by side with us through this life to allow that reunion one day. He will carry us when we are weak, provide knowledge and insight into righteousness, convict us when we fall and set us back on a path of purpose for His kingdom. God is with us – that means you, me and everyone since Christ’ birth. It is upon us to seek His guidance and love. Some believe that this promise was only for those who walked with Jesus for those 33 years. This could not be farther from the truth. He promised us a comforter, counselor and teacher in the Holy Spirit to be with us always, until the day of His return. His death was not the end, but rather the beginning of the fulfillment of God’s promise. Immanuel, God is with us, lives on through His resurrection and continues to provide strength, love, security, comfort, help and wisdom if we only reach to Him.

Prayer:
Almighty God,
You came to us through a child, born in the humblest of settings to fulfill a promise for all of mankind. You promised to walk with us, guide us and be our strength, if we would only turn to trust You. We come before You Lord, seeking Your will in our lives, Your wisdom and Your love. Just as You carried the saints of old through their struggles and temptations, guide our steps in a path of righteousness as well. Help us to recognize Your control and will in our life. In Your name we pray - Amen

© Sondove Enterprises, 2014
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Believing without Seeing

Read It, Learn It, Live It, Share It

"Ask the LORD your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights.” - Isaiah 7:11

  I have often times heard the cliché` - "God if you're real, just give me a sign." I've thought it myself, at times when I've felt completely helpless or desperate in a situation. There’s comfort in the physical evidence and reassurance that God is there for me, and that what I have learned and felt is real.  I know my faith is true and my belief is unwavering, yet my humanity steps up at times and I become overwhelmed with anxiety when the situation is extreme or I am feeling helpless.

 There are those that completely refuse to believe God is real without some physical proof, a sign if you will. Jesus himself stated in John 20:29 "...blessed are those that believe and have not seen." which also means there are those that do not believe because they have not seen. In our life of hurry up and wait, we are constantly bombarded with the commonality of circumstances. Miracles (signs) happen every day and are pushed aside as coincidence or science. There are so many stories of people who have been miraculously healed from a terminal disease, or were seconds away from a deadly crash because they lost their keys before they left home. How many people have told of their experience of not being on a plane when it crashed, or how 155 people walk away from the crash of USAIR 1549 nearly four years ago. Is the life of those individuals forever changed?  One would think that they stepped off that plane having survived and praised God for His mercy and grace.  Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case.  Some stepped off thinking they were lucky or their karma was just right.  Face it, there are some people who just don't want to believe in God and are not going to accept the signs He gives us every day.

  In today's verse we find Isaiah prophesying to King Ahaz to ask God for a sign of unfathomable proportion. For whatever Ahaz would have asked for, God was prepared to provide the sign to put aside any doubt, even a sign that was greater than the highest heaven or the deepest hell. King Ahaz refused to ask God for a sign, for fear of putting God to the test. Isaiah then chastises Ahaz for his refusal, and delivers the prophecy from the Lord in v. 14 anyway: "Behold, the virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel." The ultimate sign God could have given.  He himself would come down to earth and walk amongst His people.

  You are surrounded by God’s handiwork every day.  Be observant of those little miracles and signs around you. Thank God when He shows Himself in situations, circumstances and events.  God loves you, and do not allow your faith to be diminished in those times of humanity when you can’t see Him, because of the obstacles before you.  Trust that He is right by your side, and will guide you every step of the way. Just remember, the greatest sign of all times was a baby born in a manger.

             

© Sondove Enterprises, 2012 
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