Apostle Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit wrote in 2 Corinthians 7:4-7 of hard times when they came to Macedonia—outside conflicts, inside fears.
“But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us . . . ”
We live in desperate times. Hearts around the world are broken and hurting today. Do we know the true and living God?
Jesus warned us in Matthew 24:4-6, “Watch out that no one deceives you.For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.
Do you believe in Jesus? Do you have faith in God’s Word?
These are everlasting life or everlasting separation-from-God questions. Yes, these are heavy and important questions for this day in which we live.
Open the Bible in the Gospels and walk with Jesus to see and know Him more. Draw near to Him. He will draw near to You. If you don’t know Him, cry out to Him, He will show you His paths of life.
He is faithful to hear the cries of whoever will call on His name in spirit and truth.
There’s an old hymn, “Anywhere with Jesus.” Written in 1887 by Jessie Brown Pounds. She had turned her eyes to Jesus and opened her heart to His love, salvation, and power of His Holy Spirit.
No circumstance could change her home, because her home was in Jesus.
Consider Jesus today if you feel your steps are only harsh, dark, and without hope. Consider these words of truth from 150 years ago.
With the Spirit of God abiding in our heart, no matter the circumstance, we can proclaim:
Anywhere with Jesus, I can safely go; Anywhere He leads me in this world below; Anywhere without Him, dearest joys would fade; Anywhere with Jesus, I am not afraid.
Refrain: Anywhere! anywhere! Fear I cannot know; Anywhere with Jesus, I can safely go.
Anywhere with Jesus, I am not alone; Other friends may fail me, He is still my own; Though His hand may lead me over dreary ways, Anywhere with Jesus is a house of praise. (Refrain)
Anywhere with Jesus, I can go to sleep, When the darkening shadows round about me creep; Knowing I shall waken never more to roam, Anywhere with Jesus will be home, sweet home. (Refrain)
Together, let’s speak in a hymn and keep a heart of praise, because “Anywhere with Jesus, I am not alone, . . . Anywhere with Jesus will be home, sweet home.”
If you need prayer today, please communicate with me. We can cast all our care on Jesus because He cares and He’s able to help in all times of need.
When the picture is dim. Futures look foggy. The ways of man seem right in their own eyes. (Proverbs 14:12).
God’s Holy Word stands alone, unchanged. (Numbers 23:19).
What do we do?
Do we open His pages?
Do we call on His name? (Romans 10:13).
Do we believe He’s faithful? (1 Thessalonians 5:24).
Do we thank Him? Do we give Him praise? (Psalm 148: 13).
Do we have comprehension? (Ephesians 1:13-15).
Are we growing in grace and the knowledge of Him? (2 Peter 3:18).
Who is the Lord? And what is His name? (Exodus 15:3).
His name is Jesus. There is none greater. There is salvation in none other. (Acts 4:12).
He was, and is, and will always be. (Isaiah 43: 13-25).
There will be a day when all will eyes see. (Philippians 2).
He alone is in control. He is before all things. (Colossians 1:17).
He’s coming again. (Matthew 24:44).
All eyes will behold, every knee will bow. (Romans 14:11).
God hates lies. God hates evil. (Proverbs 6:16-19, Amos 5:15).
The enemy of God is the father of lies. (John 8:44).
Satan comes to deceive and accuse. (Luke 22:31).
Satan seeks to destroy . . . me and you. (John 10:10).
As Moses in the wilderness with a multitude of faithless complainers, against God and His ways. Serpents were sent among all the people.
The serpents bit. People were afraid.(Numbers 21:4-8).
What happened next?
God instructed Moses. Make a bronze serpent and put it on a pole. Lift it in the camp. All who look on the bronze serpent will be healed.
What will we choose? Do we look up? Do we look away?
Do we bow today?
Or do we wait for some other day?
His Word is Love. (1Corinthians 13).
What do we believe?
This is a life or death question. What answer does the Bible give:
Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up,that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.
This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.
Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.
But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God. (John 3:14-21).
What is sweeter than the grace of God?
And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory! Ephesians 1:13-15, emphasis mine.
If you want to receive Jesus in your life. Simply bow your head and heart and ask His forgiveness for sin. He washes all the past shame and sin away. Then ask Him to fill you with His love. He will flood your heart with His sweet love. Accept His love and forgiveness and ask Him for the Holy Spirit to help you to grow in His grace and knowledge. He is faithful. he will surely do it!
Then tell someone. Tell the whole world that you are a new creation in Christ. And find other believers to grow with in a Bible teaching church.
Rejoice in Him. Worship Him. He alone is able to accomplish all that concerns all who seek Him, today.
“Blessed (happy, prosperous, to be admired) is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and who keep the things which are written in it [heeding them and taking them to heart]; for the time [of fulfillment] is near” Revelation 1:3, Amplified.
The Revelation of Jesus Christ.
Do I believe it? Do you believe it? Why does this matter?
If God’s Word is truth, as Jesus Himself proclaimed in His prayer for those who follow Him in John 17:17, Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth,
then, I must understand there is blessing in hearing and receiving the Book of Revelation along with the entirety of the Bible. This is the revelation of Jesus.
Jesus is the Word. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God Revelation 19:13.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God . . . And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father,
full of grace and truth John 1:14-15.
Everyday I need revelation of Jesus Christ. I need to see His glory. How about you?
The Bible is the revelation of Jesus Christ. Am I separated to Him that I might receive His amazing grace, one time for salvation, everyday for light in the midst of a dark world.
Let our hearts sing, “I once was lost, but now I’m found, was blind but now I see.”
For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.
For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. John 1:16-17.
“Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved . . . “
Am I separated to receive the fullness of His grace? Grace is His unmerited favor on my life. Jesus offers sufficient grace and forgiveness. Am I in a place to receive this?
Happy, blessed, and safe are those who read and hear, who keep these words in our heart, who choose to believe and follow the prophesy. From the first Book of Genesis to the final Book of the Revelation of Jesus.
Where do I stand? Where do you stand. Are we separate unto the Lord?
Can we sing, “How precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed.”
What does it mean to be sanctified?
Why would I want to be separated to God? Will He take away my life’s desires? Does fear keep me from receiving God’s love and life eternal through His Son Jesus Christ?
Am I half-hearted or set apart?
Jesus was all in:
After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I thirst!” Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth. So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit John 19:28-30.
Jesus gave all when our backs were turned to Him: But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8.
The revelation of Jesus is grace and truth. “And of His fullness we have all received grace for grace.” We receive because he gave us what we didn’t deserve. This makes me want to be on His side, no?
Read in Webster’s American Dictionary of the English Language, 1828, the definition of sanctify:
SANC’TIFY, verb transitive . . .
1. In a general sense, to cleanse, purify or make holy.
2. To separate, set apart or appoint to a holy, sacred or religious use.
God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it. Genesis 2:3 . . .
5. To cleanse from corruption; to purify from sin; to make holy by detaching the affections from the world and its defilements, and exalting them to a supreme love to God.
Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth.
To sanctify God, to praise and celebrate him as a holy being; to acknowledge and honor his holy majesty, and to reverence his character and laws. Isaiah 8:13.
God sanctifies himself or his name, by vindicating his honor from the reproaches of the wicked, and manifesting his glory. Ezekiel 36:23.
Is this not safety? In a day where so much expense and time is being spent on safety are we safely set apart to God, the keeper of our souls?
Am I a lost soul? or am I sanctified to the Lord, the One who is able to save us to the uttermost:
Therefore he is also able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, seeing that he lives forever to make intercession for them Hebrews 7:25.
“Give me revelation,” we pray in this dark day. We need to know truth. Let’s read aloud the Amplified version of His grace upon grace for those who choose Him today:
Grace [be granted] to you and peace [inner calm and spiritual well-being], from Him Who is [existing forever]
and Who was [continually existing in the past]
and Who is to come, and from the seven Spirits that are before His throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful and trustworthy Witness, the Firstborn of the dead, and the Ruler of the kings of the earth.
To Him who [always] loves us and who [has once for all] freed us [or washed us] from our sins by His own blood (His sacrificial death)—
and formed us into a kingdom [as His subjects], priests to His God and Father—to Him be the glory and the power and the majesty and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Behold, He is coming with the clouds,
and every eye will see Him,
even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes (nations) of the earth will mourn over Him [realizing their sin and guilt, and anticipating the coming wrath].
So it is to be. Amen. Revelation 1: 4-7.
I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”Revelation 1:8.
Separated to God? Yes!
Let’s proclaim together: “I will be careful and safe, making the most out of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
Today, we ask to be cleansed and emptied of ourselves and filled with the Spirit of God, that we might have lives that bear much fruit. That God’s love and joy and peace would permeate from our lives because we choose to be separate to Him.
That we might have patience in all things. That we might have the fullness of self-control and gentleness.
We ask for a filling of His Spirit over and again. That we would be faithful to read and hear the revelation of Jesus Christ through the entirety of His Word.
He has given us a new song. Today we will choose to make music in our heart to the Lord.
Let’s continually give thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of His love, He has made glad, me, you, and those we are around!
PS: If you’ve never asked the Lord Jesus in your life, . . . do it now.
Simply bow your head and talk to Him. Ask forgiveness for your stubbornness and hardness of heart. Ask Him to wash, cleanse, and purify.
He will. He will sanctify you.
Ask the Lord to fill You with His Spirit and understanding in His Word, in the revelation of Jesus.
He will. He looses the stronghold of every chain. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
And tell someone that you have opened your heart to Love.
Not in the mood for the Christmas cheer? Think on Jesus. He’s the reason we bring in the tree each year.
Some might not know it, some might not care, but the Christmas Tree has a speech from it’s core to share.
Imagine with me and listen down deep. Let God show you His gift. He changes things . . . supernaturally.
Open the door and bring it on in. Don’t be boggled down with origin.
Simply bring in the tree and get it right, in quiet or noise, and wrap around the light.
Place an ornament or two, three, or more, and bring back old memories from Christmases before.
Have a seat. Rest, and listen after the task,
“Listen?” With my ears, you might ask.
“Yes, but with your soul and heart,” I pray. “The annual Christmas Tree has so much to say.”
Untangle your thoughts. Unweave your mind. Withdraw from all schedule for a moment of time.
The Christmas Tree lights reflect off colored spheres, much like the moon, that draws our gaze near.
“Remember Me,” says a still quiet voice.
Let Me in, I bring calm and peace in the day’s noise.
The Tree is a symbol of what was, what is, what is to come. I represent God, His nature, His glorious Kingdom.
I AM the Vine, I Am Light. I AM beauty. I AM the Bright and morning Star. I AM the Beginning of Christmas, the angels proclaimed from afar,
“Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace and goodwill to all men.”
God’s will is that I come,
to be a sacrifice for all isn.
The tree points up, to heaven above, yet it sits on the ground to remind you,
I have come down,
to be cut off,
to be thirsty,
to bleed on the cross.
To rise again in glory.
I understand all things.
I came for you, to provide salvation. Let this Evergreen Tree speak revelation.
I came that I might die on a tree. That you might believe, and rise as Me.
Talk to the children about My everlasting beauty. Look at the Tree. It’s a symbol of Me.
Tell them I give. I gave. I Am all this world needs.
I wait for that day, when My gift,
is whole-heartedly received.
Forgiveness and grace, and promise to someday see Me,
face to face.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
How richly God has decked thee!
Thou bidst us true and faithful be,
And trust in God unchangingly.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
I hear Your love. “Yes, I receive.”
O God, You have come down to set us free!
“O come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.”
Let’s make the choice now, no matter the story. No matter the pains, the loss, the new worries. To start the day with God and giving thanks is fine, but to end it in praise is victory, power, and brings a sound mind.
We be changed through the praise. God draws ever near, as we draw near to Him. Let our voices (aloud) ring clear.
“You are the LORD God Almighty. You are worthy. You are worthy. You are worthy to be praised.
You are Elohim, strong Creator of all the natural beauty we see.
We worship You God. Jehovah, I AM, (YHWH) self-existent, un-change-ing.
The Most High God, El-Elyon is worthy of our praise. There is none like You. Too much, too high, to great for our minds to comprehend and know.
But the Bible tells us, You loves us so.
We worship You Lord, for You alone are worthy. “The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”(1) Worthy and powerful – O so wonderful is Your Name.
We choose to think on things that are noble, right, and true, and altogether lovely. Yes, I choose to worship You: Father, Son, You are Savior. We worship You Lord, You are Beginning and the End, the Lamb of God, and Friend.
We worship You Lord, for You alone are worthy. You are Eternal and Guide, You are King of all kings. You are Shelter. You are Judge. You are for us, Cleansing.
You are Powerful, Faithful, Sustainer and Prince. Majestic and Tower and Everlasting.
There is none like You God. You alone are worthy. I worship Your name, may nothing else take Your place.
You are Wisdom, Faithful, Merciful,Glorious.
You are Peace, Counselor, Healer, and Guard. You are my Shepherd. My Deliverer. My Comforter.
Lord, You are my Hope.
You are my Joy.
F-o-r-e-v-e-r, You are my Love.
You, God are gloriously magnificent. You, “so loved the world,” (2) that Your Son You have sent.
I lift up Your name and proclaim with my voice – “You, Lord God Almighty,are my Lord. You are my heart.”
I love You Lord Jesus, that You first loved me. Forgive me when I forget all that You are, all You did, and do: Jehovah-Roi, the God who sees me. Jehovah-Shamma, Who promises to be there. Jehovah-Jirah, the LORD will provide.
O God, be my Adonai. My Lord, and Master, that I serve You -always.
I worship You Jesus. You have given me life. Today, this moment … for the rest of my life.
Amen. Amen. Let all the children say again, “Amen.”
Praise goes before the battle and fight. Victory is won when I see God in all His might. Lead me Good Shepherd, as a sheep I often forget, to speak these words aloud and be transformed again, and … again.
(1) Proverbs 18:10, NIV.
(2) John 3:16.
Not in the mood for the Christmas cheer? Think on Jesus. He’s the reason we bring in the tree each year.