The Joy of Jesus Church marks Holy Week

Jesus prays while the *disciples sleep
We have seen that Jesus had many difficulties to deal with at this time. Both he and the *disciples were probably very tired by the time of the last supper [that is, Jesus' last meal with his *disciples]. We see this when we read about the behaviour of the *disciples in Gethsemane. They were actually very tired. They had no more energy at all. Jesus fell down on the ground and prayed. He was suffering very much. He really desired his friends to stay awake with him at this time. It was the hardest time for him. But the *disciples could not stay awake. They slept on the ground.

Jesus had done so much more than they had done. He was probably even more tired than them. But his hardest time of all was still to come.

Jesus suffers greatly
Jesus suffered very much in Gethsemane (Mark 14:50, Luke 22:54-62). Luke tells us that *drops of blood fell from Jesus' body. This was a crisis for Jesus. Jesus had always obeyed God his Father. And Jesus still wanted to obey God. But now this meant the *cross with its great pain and shame.

But, for Jesus, the *cross was not merely a place of pain and death. Jesus was perfect; he never *sinned. But on the *cross, Jesus would have to take, on himself, the *sin of the world. He would have wanted to avoid this especially, but he could not. Here is his prayer:

Matthew 26:39 'My Father, if it is possible, do not let this happen. However, I want to do the things that you desire. I choose not to do the things that I desire.'

But there was no other way. The *cross was the only way that God could forgive our *sin. Jesus was the only one who could pay for all our *sin. Only Jesus could give us the power to live like him.

Judas kisses Jesus
After he had prayed, Jesus knew what must happen. Calmly Jesus walked out so that the soldiers could arrest him. Judas had arrived, with soldiers and priests. Judas went to Jesus and kissed him. Jesus refused to let his friends fight for him. Instead, he allowed his enemies to take him.

The *disciples were very afraid. They left Jesus and ran away. Only Peter and John tried to stay near Jesus. And only John would be present at the *crucifixion.

Prayer: Dear God in Heaven, Christ Jesus The Son and The Power of The Holy Spirit, We pray for all things in Christ Jesus.

We pray for all people to do The Will of God.

We pray that people will give to The Joy of Jesus.

We Praise Gos for Holy Week.
In Jesus Name...

By The Rev. Dr. James A. Lee

Sermon: The Greatest Love

Scripture: John 3:16 (King James Version)BP8AM74ZRVWM

16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Prayer: Dear God. We pray for love today. We love you with all of our minds, bodies and soul. We worship you for your grace, mercy and love. Lord, we praise Thee for everything in Christ Jesus. A-men.

Sermon: Love is the word that move people in extraordinary ways. We celebrate the greatest love in your name. God so loves the world that He gave us Jesus. God's love is all wrapped-up in The Christ in that He gave His life and shed Hid blood on the cross for our inequities. God resurrected Jesus on the third day and ascended Jesus back to Heaven. Jesus will return with all power, honor and Glory. This is the greatest love story ever told.BP8AM74ZRVWM

We need love so much today. Love is almost forgotten or lost in the commercial of making money and true love. God is Love.

In closing, let us celebrate in the gift of love.The Greatest Love is God. The key word in our scripture is the fact that God gave. Love is in the giving. We give you these words in love. We pray that this love will return to us so that we may give our love to others in return. Praise God for His love all in Christ Jesus. A-men

Devotion: Praise The Lord of All Light and Love

Prayer: Praise God, The Lord of all light and of all love;
We humble ourselves of all sin and forgive and pray for all people in the name of Jesus.

Glory to God for being The Lord of all Light and Salvation.
Glory to God of all Light and Love. God is indeed Love.
Weeping may endure for a night.
But JOY comes in the morning.

Jesus is love and the light.

Praise God Today and Forever in Jesus name,A-men.

Devotion:Love is in the air for whom know and understand that it is love that created the universe and that God is love in its purest element. We embrace love because it is a bright light in a dark place. We need love in our lives to make from day to day. One must have love to give it and share it the way that God loves us. He gave His Son so that we may live forever in His love.

Therefore we too must walk in the light of love. The blood of Jesus shed on the cross is the greatest act of love ever know to life it self.Let us give love everyday in every way. Jesus is the light of love. God is love. We love you so much today. Praise God for the gift of love that we are to care and share
Psalm 30 (King James Version)

Psalm 30
1I will extol thee, O LORD; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me.

2O LORD my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me.

3O LORD, thou hast brought up my soul from the grave: thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.

4Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.

5For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

6And in my prosperity I said, I shall never be moved.

7LORD, by thy favour thou hast made my mountain to stand strong: thou didst hide thy face, and I was troubled.

8I cried to thee, O LORD; and unto the LORD I made supplication.

9What profit is there in my blood, when I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise thee? shall it declare thy truth?

10Hear, O LORD, and have mercy upon me: LORD, be thou my helper.

11Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;

12To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.

Pray for The World

Scripture:

John 17

Christ's prayer for himself. (1-5) His prayer for his disciples. (6-10) His prayer. (11-26)

Prayer: Our Father in Heaven and all the earth. We praise Thee with all power, glory and honor in the name of Jesus for world healing. Thank you Lord for all spiritual in Christ Jesus. We pray for all people to be blessed. Praise God in Christ Jesus and The Holy Spirit of God. In Jesus name we pray...

Sermon: Pray for the World.

Our message is so simple; it almost appears ridiculous. People around the world are concern on a number of fronts. Jobless, natural disasters, and poverty have eaten away all hope and joy for the average person. Yet our scripture paints and different story. Jesus prayed for all people.

We are so precious in the eyes of God. It is our job to do as Jesus did. Jesus prayed for all people. We too follow His Lead. We indeed pray for all people. We pray for peace, hope, love and joy for all people. We ask in the name of Jesus that all people be blessed. The real question is how and why?

In closing, our message is clear. We at The Joy of Jesus have ginuine concern and love for all people. Jesus is the answer to all questions.The question as to why, is equally clear. Jesus came so that we (the world) may be saved from sin. Jesus gave His life on the cross, shed His Blood, by His Stripes we are healed. God raised Jesus from the grave on the third day. Soon, Jesus will return with all power , honor and glory. This is our prayer.

Prayer: We love You Lord. We pray for Peace, Hope, and Love for all people in Christ Jesus name. Glory to Glory, to Glory... All to God and Christ Jesus we pray. A-men

Sripture for Life: Rev. Dr. James A. Lee

THE PSALMS

Chapter 27

Psalms 27:1 "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?"
When the Lord is your light and salvation, you do not need to fear anyone. The Lord is the strength and power for my eternal life, so why would I be afraid of anyone or any thing. If YHVH Father is my assurance and the strength of my life, I have nothing to fear. We are speaking of your soul, for only God can end the life of your soul; for it is not man's to take or to give.

Psalms 27:2 "When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, They stumbled and fell."

God's truth and His Word can stand the test of time, and just as God's Word can past the test, so also can you, when your light and salvation is in the Lord. Again, it doesn't matter what foe is around you and the numbers against you are so overwhelming, God is your salvation, and He can protect you as you stand firm as a child of the Living God. God is giving you assurance that He loves you that much that He will protect you. You simply do not have to be afraid of anything, including the devil, as long as you use good judgment and common sense.

Psalms 27:3 "Though an host should encamp against me, My heart shall not fear: Though war should arise against me, In this will I be confident."

Though an entire army should surround you, I will not fear. When they come against you with all that they have, be confident that the strength of the Lord will put them down. No matter where you are or what your enemy is, God is there to protect you. Satan is sending his entire army of evil spirits against God's elect in this generation, Yet God will provide the protection we need, when we have armor of the Lord on and in place. That armor is give to us in Ephesians 6:10-20. When you open your mouth to take a stand and do the work of the Lord, then that army of Satan will arise against you. They will attack you, even through the mouths of the ones you love, but with this confidence you can stand because our God loves you.

Psalms 27:4 "One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in His temple."

Praise God for this promise that he is giving directly to you and me when we seek after the ways of the Lord. We will see His beauty when we seek the Lord in His temple. Where is His temple? In Christ! Jesus said; "I am the way the truth and the Life, no man cometh to the Father but by Me".

Psalms 27:5 "For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion: In the secret of His tabernacle shall He hid me; He shall set me up upon a rock."

So when is this time of trouble? It comes in the end times, the final generation. That secret place where Father shall hide me, is upon a rock. That "pavilion" is a secret dwelling place; that place will be know to you because have eyes to see and ears to hear the truth, but to all others that are not in Christ and in the truths of His Word, they will not know where that place is. They are blinded to it. That Rock spoken of here is God our heavenly Father himself. He will give you all the protection that you need. In fact you are not to even premeditate how that protection will come, for in Mark 13:11 we are told that His Spirit will even give you the words that you are to speak in that hour. It will not be you that speaks, but the Holy Spirit speaking through you.

Psalms 27:6 "And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: Therefore will I offer in His tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord."

It just doesn't matter how many enemies there are, my head will be lifted up above all of them. When you look around you at all the things that are going on in the world today, don't be sad for everything you see is part of God's prophecy, He told you it would happen and now you see coming to pass. That is the time to sing His praises for Our God keeps his Word, and if you can see those things coming to pass, you know He has the power and will to protect you from all your enemies. Now don't forget to sing those praises to the Lord every day for He has given you the eyes to see and ears to hear those truths prophesied within His holy Word.

Psalms 27:7 "Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice: Have mercy also upon me, and answer me."

Prayer: Eternal God of our salvation,We pray for Peace, Hope and Love all in Christ Jesus. We pray for all people. Thank You Jesus for Your Love and Grace in Your name, A-men.

Sermon: The Reason for Our Joy

Scripture:-- 1 Peter 1 -- Next Chapter >
1.Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
2.Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
3.Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4.To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
5.Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
6.Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
7.That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

Sermon: The reason for anything is generally why people do and have the things in life that defines ones station in the universe. Our message today is the reason to have joy and why it is important to seek it as well.

The word of God comes from St. Peter. It is the reason for pure joy. God has a plan, that before He created the universe He thought about you and I and our joy. Jesus would come into the world and save us from our sins. Our salvation is based upon our faith in Jesus. This faith is more precious that the finest of gold. It is a promise that God made to you and I.

Moreover, we may be experiencing temptations to divert out attention from our incredible gift from God, we stay focused on the gift of God. In this we rejoice. We find joy in knowing that God is good and loves us in spite of any problems we may face today.

Joy is something that comes from the soul. It is found deep in ones heart. We sing. We jump. We shout of the joy that mo one can take away from us. Joy is a gift from God in Christ Jesus.

The cross is a symbol of pain, suffering and death. Jesus overcame the cross to establish eternal life for all who believe in His name. This is the reason for our joy.

Prayer: Praise God the father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and The Holy Spirit. We Praise God for His Joy in Christ Jesus. We ask in the name of Jesus that all people may experience such Joy in The Lord. We ask for peace, hope and love rule in our lives. Glory to God in the Highest in Jesus name we pray. A-men

The Power of Prayer

Dear God the Father of our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus. We humble ourselves of all sins and pray for all people to do as Your Will be done. We thank You Lord for all and each spiritual blessing in Christ Jesus. We ask in the name of Jesus to save all people as we pray for the people of Haiti and for all those who are helping in their own way.

Dear Lord, we pray for this ministry and for all of our followers in all special ways. We pray for their families and friends. We ask in Your name that they are blessed in all that they do.

Lord we love you. We praise You today for all that you have done and will do. We Glorify Thy name and blood that takes away the sins of the world. We praise Thee for Your return with all power, honor and glory for your righteousness. Lord we praise Thee for for your peace,hope,love and joy in your name. Praise God all ye land in Christ Jesus we pray for all of your power and glory, A-men.

The Joy we need

The need for Joy is overwhelming. Our scripture is all about Joy. We need to understand that our faith in Christ Jesus is the source of all Joy. Meditate on these words. They will indeed enrich your Joy in Jesus. Do share this with 10 friends for a true and wonderful blessing.

Let Love Rule in your Heart and Soul with Grace of our Lord and Savior.

The Rev. Dr. James A. Lee
Pastor of The Joy of Jesus





Peter 1 (New International Version)

1 Peter 1
1Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,
To God's elect, strangers in the world, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, 2who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood:
Grace and peace be yours in abundance.

Praise to God for a Living Hope
3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, 5who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
10Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.

Be Holy
13Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. 14As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."[a]
17Since you call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear. 18For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, 19but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 20He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. 21Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.

22Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.[b] 23For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. 24For,
"All men are like grass,
and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;
the grass withers and the flowers fall,
25but the word of the Lord stands forever."[c] And this is the word that was preached to you.


Footnotes:
a.1 Peter 1:16 Lev. 11:44,45; 19:2; 20:7
b.1 Peter 1:22 Some early manuscripts from a pure heart
c.1 Peter 1:25 Isaiah 40:6-8
New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica

Let us Pray

Scripture 2 Thessalonians 3
Request for Prayer
1Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. 2And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith. 3But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. 4We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. 5May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance.

Sermon: Our message today is one of prayer. The two major components of life as a person of faith is Prayer and The Word of God. We are faced with interesting challenges around the world and at home as well. The pressures to do what is right, just and fair is an open question.

What should we be doing during these days of concern? Our scripture is clear. We are to pray for the Word of God to run swiftly and be glorified. We are to look out for evil.God is faithful. He will protect you. God will direct your heart in the patience of Christ Jesus.

Let us pray for all people. Let us pray for all in need around the world. Let us pray for The Word of God in Christ Jesus. Let us pray thank God will direct our hearts. The question as to why is in order?

Jesus was born to save the world. He was beaten, shed his blood, and died on the cross for all who believe. Jesus was raised from the grave and sits in heaven with God the Father. Jesus will return with all: Power, Glory and Honor. We Thank God and Praise God for all in Christ Jesus. Let us pray. A-men

Do You Need Power?

Scripture: Acts 7:55-60 (New International Version)
55But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56"Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God."

57At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, 58dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.

59While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." 60Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, Creator of The Universe and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and The Holy Spirit, we humble ourselves unto Thy will. In the name of Jesus.

Sermon: The Power of God. This is what is most needed today. As the new decade takes form, people are looking for hope, peace and love. Yet, these are in short supply as in everything else in the world. Our message today is to bring the issue of power front and center in the life of the believer through the word of God.

Our text addresses the Apostle Stephen. After Jesus was betrayed by Judas, arrested, crucified in the cross and resurrected by God: The disciples selected a replacement . Stephen was a person full of faith, hope, peace and love. In other words, The Holy Spirit was in his life. The Bible states that Stephen performed miracles and great wonders for the people. He had the face of an angel.


Stephen could be anyone who has faith. We must take on the role of Stephen today. If you need power and we all do. We too, must increase our faith in Christ Jesus. Stephen knew the word of God. We too, must know the word.

Stephen was stoned to death for devotion to The Christ. As the people murdered Stephen, the window of Heaven opened and he say The Glory of God and on His right hand Jesus Christ. Before Stephen died we forgave his killers. His face was like an angel.

If we need power my friend, we can find it in the word of God. Jesus died in the cross so that we may live. Peace, love and hope in the faith are so important today. We too can see the full power of God in His word. We can do miracles and wonderful acts through our faith in Christ Jesus.

Do you need more power to weather the storms of life? Call on Jesus. God can fix the broken heart, give you a job, and save your home. Yet, we must stay close to the most powerful thing in the universe: The Word of God.

Prayer: Lord we pray for power for our people to live each day in Thee. Help all people in need as we go through this red sea. We pray for peace, love and hope. We thank Thee and Praise Thee for all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus.A-men.

Prayer for World Peace

God the Father
Creator of the Heavenly Kingdom
We petition the Court of Heaven
And humbly pray for mercy and divine intervention.

Send forth blessings of spiritual deliverance—
Free nations from the strife of war—
Release cultures from the shackles of poverty—
Instill stability and prosperity—
Healing earth of suffering—
With saving grace for humanity—

We implore Heaven for miraculous signs
By altering the destiny of humankind
Into a glorious era of peace and harmony
Through divine love and prayerful unanimity—

Almighty Father we graciously thank thee
In granting our prayers through the name and power
Of your divine Son, Jesus.
Amen

Note: We must pray for peace. The power of prayer is beyound all comprehension. Let us grow closer to God through Christ Jesus. Hope, Peace, and Love rule in our hearts.

Turning Water into Wine

Why did Jesus turn water to wine?

Jesus turned water into wine to prove that He's the source of life. Changing the water to wine offered a symbol of the new spiritual life Jesus brings from the old mortal in conversion. As Paul said in 2 Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" Many people make a mistake here; they want to improve themselves into being worthy of God before they accept Christ. In reality, it's in accepting Jesus as Savior that God counts us worthy of entering his presence (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Jesus turned water into wine because changing one element into another symbolized marriage. It brings new life out of old; first, as the distinctive relationship between two adults; then, eventually in the children who are at once like, yet different from the parents. The miracle particularly represented Israel's relationship with God. He betrothed her to Himself in Egypt, married her to Himself at Sinai and repeatedly called her to be a faithful spiritual spouse. When she proved endlessly faithless, He called her a spiritual harlot. Finally, God divorced His corrupt bride by sending her into exile. Ezekiel's brilliant allegory is but one of many references to that relationship 16:1-63.

Jesus turned water into wine to prove that the old covenant lacked the resources to meet Israel's spiritual needs. Jesus didn't have to reference the stone pots to perform the miracle. Since they were used for ceremonial washing of people and utensils, Jesus had them filled to prove that He fulfilled and overfilled ceremonial cleansing; then had the servants draw water turned into wine from the well to illustrate that God's new life came from a different source - Christ Himself. Wherever the Old Covenant failed to meet the spiritual needs of God's people, Christ's resources flourished energetically, dynamically, and satisfyingly.

Jesus turned water into wine to illustrate the inimitable nature of God's revelation through Christ. Everything God had said through Law, Prophets, and Psalmists proved magnificent. And all who studied regaled themselves with stories of God at Sinai and before Jericho and outside Jerusalem slaying Babylonian soldiers. But God saved the best for Israel till the last revelation of himself in Christ. Indeed, no one before or since Christ bettered Him in any way.

Jesus turned water into wine to prove His real nature to the disciples. The ultimate purpose of the miracle was to reveal His Glory, with the result being faith in Him.

It's interesting that Jesus had no interest in recruiting faith in the members of the wedding party, or the steward of the feast. Even though the servants knew the provenance of the wine, Jesus didn't perform the miracle to convince them. His only interest was to reveal his true, inner being to six men-a glory that would be uncovered completely only one time in His ministry - at His transfiguration. The sign achieved its purpose, for His disciples believed in Him.

Jesus distinguished between His Glory and His hour or time (John 2:4, Matthew 26:18). The glory His disciples saw wasn't the same as the hour His mother wanted Him to reveal. His glory was His inner being revealed in miracles, teachings, claims, and example. His hour or time was His death on Calvary, though it's true that in His hour at Calvary, He revealed His true glory as God in the flesh. Paul delineated that in Colossians 2:15.

No one but He knew what His hour was, but His disciples, and all who came to believe in Him while He preached, understood that glory meant in Christ God had become a mortal. In Christ God put on a human face - a reality His appearance to John in Revelation 1:12-18 verified. The eternal, invisible God will be visible to all the redeemed in the glorified God/Man Jesus Christ. In essence then, this miracle proved more about the Someone He was than the something He did.
Note: Jesus is the Lord of All. Our faith in Jesus can make all things happen for the good. Pray with us for all the people of the world for: Peace, Love and Joy with our hope in the Power of God in Christ Jesus.

Sermon: Blessed is The Name of The Lord

Scripture: Psalm 100 (New International Version)

Psalm 100
A psalm. For giving thanks.
1 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
2 Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.

3 Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his [a] ;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.

5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Sermon: The questions surrounding a new decade are so open that the excitement is overwhelming. New plans and great opportunities are endless. We pray for you and thank God for all that you do. The real question today is what do we do first?

Sure money is important, but is that first?

Career? How does that fit into ones plan? I wonder? The Bible says seek the Lord first and all these things will be added unto to you.

Yes my friend. Seek God first. We bless His name, be thankful and praise God while it is day. Jesus died on the cross and shed His blood for all sin, on the third day God lifted Him up to His full Glory and He shall return for His own.

The streets of gold, the pearly gates the diamonds for ever, the flowing waters are all beyond our comprehension. No tears, no pain: Just Peace, Love and Joy of the Lord. There are mansions for us all. When we all get to Heaven, what a glorious day this will be; when we all see Jesus, we will jump and shout for victory.

We pray for all people this new year, 2010 in Jesus name. A-men.

Walk in the Light of the Lord

Psalms 89:15 Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance.

Psalms 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Proverbs 4:18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.
19 The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.

Isaiah 2:5 O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the LORD.

Isaiah 59:8 The way of peace they know not; and there is no judgment in their goings: they have made them crooked paths: whosoever goeth therein shall not know peace.
9 Therefore is judgment far from us, neither doth justice overtake us: we wait for light, but behold obscurity; for brightness, but we walk in darkness.

John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

John 11:9 Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.
10 But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.

John 12:35 Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.

Ephesians 5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)
10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.
13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.

1 John 1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

Revelation 21:2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
Revelation 21:23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.
24 And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.

What is The True Spirit of Christmas?

Luke 1:35 (New International Version)

35The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[a] the Son of God.


Footnotes:
a.Luke 1:35 Or So the child to be born will be called holy


Sermon: Glory to God in The Highest as we embark upon Holy Week, celebrating the day of The Lord, in Christ Jesus, it is a time to reflect on what God means to us today? This is a time of year that brings tremendous joy to the life of the believer. Our scripture tell us that The Holy Spirit will come upon you..the one to be born ...will be called holy


The angel of The Lord revealed to Mary, Gods plan and grace. Do you ever wished that you were Mary?

The Holy Spirit is the third component of The Trinity. God The Father of The Lord Jesus, Christ The Son of God, and The Holy Spirit. Mary was filled with all three, the week before Christmas. We too can be like Mary. Just filled with all whom God is, and can offer.

Christmas is perhaps the most miss-understood day of all. People are out trying to find the right gift; money is as tight as ever, and confusion, as to the future seems as murky as a fog filled day. Yet, we of the faith have seen a great light. We of the faith, are to be that great light.

Mary was only 13 years old on the first Christmas Day. She was meek and pure. Yet, she was filled with the hope of the world. Her heart must have had the most powerful love in the universe.

The Gospel is such a powerful testimony for the life of the believer. To understand what Mary experienced in her heart, is a gift of God. We pray for her gift today. To be filled with The Love of God; in Christ Jesus, by the power of The Holy Spirit is a good thing today. This is the light my friend, that moves the universe.

In closing, Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding. The people shouted, "you have saved the best for last." Jesus was born out of pure love. The Holy Spirit moved to make everything fall in to Gods plan. Jesus took this all to the cross; shed His blood, and on the third day, rose with all power and glory. Jesus died for our sins. For this purpose I was born. Now Jesus will return to set all things right.

Let us pray: Dear God, father of the Lord Jesus Christ, and The Gift of The Holy Spirit, fill us with Thy love O' Lord. Let us walk in the light. Let us be this light unto the world. The Holy Spirit built the universe by Your powerful hand. Keep us in the light. The light is good in Thy sight Lord our Strength and Redeemer. Let The Holy Spirit teach us what Christmas truly means. Bless us Lord, in all that we do. Let this ministry do Thy work; on Earth, as it is in Heaven. In Jesus Name: We Pray. A-men,,,,
















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Is Christmas Really Important?

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the
government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called
Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
ISAIAH 9:6

Sermon: The question as to the importance of Christmas is at hand today. People are so lost in the commercialization of Christmas has gone too far. Children believe more so in Santa Claus and miss the true meaning of the Christmas.

Our scripture helps make the coming of The Christ clear. A child is born who is wonder. This child is the counsellor. A baby born that is God. The everlasting Father. The prince of peace.

In other words, God will come to earth as a baby in the person of Jesus. We has come to save the world from all sin. He will give peace and have all power.

We thank God for His Goodness and Love in Christ Jesus. In Jesus we find hope and joy. God loves us so much that our faith in Jesus will save us from sin.

Jesus gave His life so that we may live in peace and joy with God forever. This is why Christmas is so very important. That God gave us 'Jesus who died on the cross and was raised by the power of God to save all who believe in Him will have eternal life.

The Joy of Christmas is that Jesus was born and died so that we may live. Is Christmas important? Yes. In the life of the believer it is a moment of absolute joy to know that God is with us through all time because of His Divine Love in us and Christ Jesus. What a wonderful idea to be with The Lord of our salvation forever. In Jesus name we pray.

The Face of God

We are entering a time of year where everything becomes so overwhelming that it is so easy to lose ones focus. The idea of seeing the face of God is unthinkable. The scriptures gives us some insight to the face of God. We of the faith believe that Jesus is the reflection of God and that we too are made in His image. I pray that you can appreciate these words to understand that we have all power through Christ Jesus. As we draw nearer to Christmas, let us reflect on the Son of God being born in a manger, in the middle of the night, in absolute silence and a star shining brightly in the night. Goodwill and Peace are the gifts from God. This is Face and will of God. That we place our faith in Jesus. God bless you so much. I hope you appreciate this writing:

" The Face of God "
"When You say, Seek My face, my heart has said unto You, Your face, O Jehovah, I will seek. Hide not Your face from me; turn not Your servant away in anger. You have been my help; do not leave me, nor forsake me, O God of my salvation." (Ps27:8-9)
"And He said, I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the name of Jehovah before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. But He said, You are not able to see My face; for no man shall see Me, and live. And Jehovah said, Here is a place by Me, and you shall stand on the rock. So it shall be, while My glory passes by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock, and will cover you with My hand while I pass by. Then I will take away My hand, and you shall see My back; but My face shall not be seen." (Ex33:19-23)

"Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood is not able to inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption." (1Co15:50)

"For now we see through a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall fully know just as I also am fully known." (1Co13:12)

"Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure." (1Jn3:2-3)

The 'burden' for each month's topic comes differently from month to month. This time it comes from a question of a visitor to the website.
"How about writing a study on Phil3:10, Psa27:8, stuff like this. If all we do is follow Him, which is a whole lot, believe me, all we see is His back, as Moses saw. I want to see His face. Where do I find His face? The Refiner sees his face reflected in the gold when it is fully refined. Does the "gold," also see His face? Do I need to wait for Heaven before I can see His face? Will I, even there?"
The term "face" is often considered to be synonymous to "presence", and is often translated that way. When Adam and Eve hid from God's "presence" (Gen3:8), the word could equally say "face". Ditto when Cain "went out from the presence of Jehovah" (Gen4:16) In seeking to be more 'literal' the LITV renders Gen3:8 with the word "face".
On the other hand the Hebrew word for "face" is also used of expressions like the "-surface- of the waters" (Gen7:18) Some translations say "face", and others "surface". Even in current English some might speak of the "-face- of the mirror"... referring to its flat shiny surface.

So, when we consider the matter of man's interactions and fellowship with God, we must consider variations and subtle nuances in the meaning of words, and the understanding of concepts.

For instance, if two people are interacting, there are many levels at which they do so. For the topic at hand let's consider two scenarios:

First, a couple are happily married. They are both together in the house, in harmony; one is doing chores over here, another over there. They sit down to eat a meal together. Perhaps they cuddle together while watching a favorite TV show. Through all of this they talk to each other, ask each other questions, respond in actions according to each other's verbal particulars.

But then, there's the more earnest interaction. Whatever the topic under discussion, they are standing or sitting, -facing- each other, looking each other in the eyes, perhaps holding hands or embracing. Perhaps the topic is so serious that they reach out and touch each other's face or cheek. If the topic is such that there are tears, perhaps the other reaches over to wipe away the tears.
What we speak of, most of the time, is this 'first' scenario. As the reader suggests as "seeing God's -back-". But what is being asked is the 'second' scenario. The person wants it. And in truth, is this not what all True Believers want!
But did you notice the progression of the Scripture passages that opened this article?

Seeking God's face, striving to be pleasing to Him (2Co5:9)... is that not the gist of the Christian life? Please note: we are not speaking of how to be saved. We are assuming this discussion (and article) is -to- [C]hristians, those who already know the Lord from having received Jesus unto Salvation of Eternal Life. (Jn1:12,3:16) We strive to be "holy" before our Holy God. (Eph1:4, 5:27, 1Pet1:14-17, etc) Things that are written to Believers from this ministry: is this not the essential summary of what we address regularly. Yes, many things are also written to the unsaved and pretenders; as well as warnings -about- the 'pretenders' -to- True Believers. But when we forget about others, and look inward, is this not our souls' desire? To be "faithful". (1Co4:2)

However, before Moses was shown God's 'back' parts, what does the passage tell us? What is the background of that incident?

"And Jehovah spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. And he would return to the camp, and his servant Joshua the son of Nun, a young man, did not depart from the tent." (Ex33:11)
But why could not Moses see the face of God's glory? Israel had sinned. Moses had been up in the mountain receiving the Law at God's hand, and they were busily breaking the very first two commandments. They were worshiping an idol which they had made. And the context of the 'back' incident is Moses interceding before God on Israel's behalf. (Ex32-33) When Jesus was on the cross bearing the sin of the world, what did the Father do then? He turned His back on the Son, with whom their relationship had been "One" (Jn10:30); whereupon Jesus cries out, "My God, My God, Why have You forsaken Me?" (Mt27:46)
This is why we cannot go to Heaven. Even True Believers, on this earth, in these present bodies of "flesh and blood" ARE NOT ABLE TO go to Heaven. (1Co15:50) Our spirits are saved, and we have the Holy Spirit of 'promise' (Eph1:13); but we have not yet experienced the "redemption of our body" (Rom8:23) Our spirits could go to Heaven, because being saved, we "are the righteousness of God in Christ" (2Co5:21); and at death, that's what happens; the spirits go to be "home with the Lord" (2Co5:8) But you notice, at death, the -bodies- remain on this earth and rot, "dust...to dust" (Gen3:19)

But we have the promise. At the resurrection God will bring those spirits back to be joined up with their resurrected bodies. (1Th4:14-16) And what is the nature of these bodies?

"So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body." (1Co15:42-44)
This is why Paul also speaks of how our present view of God is presently 'dim', but then it will be face-to-face. We don't know it all now, but then we will. (1Co13:12) All we see presently is our physical existence and we have no clue as to the glories of eternity (1Co2:9), but when He comes for us and "transform[s] our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body..." (Php3:21) we will be "like Him" as we have a full view of Him "as He is" (1Jn3:2)
I suspect we -will- see God face-to-face, and look Him in the face. Remember the intimate moment mentioned earlier of the two, face-to-face, looking into each other's eyes, and one wiping the other's tears?

"...for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.... And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." (Rev7:17,21:4)
And so, what is our response to all this happy dreaming? Do we live, la-dee-dah, no cares in the world, running along frolicking, dancing with glee, "praising the Lord", and relishing that God loves us "just as we are", and His 'graaaeeeesss' sustains us because we know that He "knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust" (Ps103:14)? After all: whine whine, sniff sniff... I'm so weak, I just can't help it! Boo hoo!
But what does John exhort? Chin up! Salvation did not make us sissies!!

Get to work:

"And everyone who has this hope in Him -PURIFIES- himself, just as He is pure." (1Jn3:3)
"For this is the love of God, that we -KEEP- His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome." (1Jn5:3)

"For this commandment which I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you to understand, nor is it far off. It is not in the heavens, for you to think: Who shall ascend into the heavens for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it? Nor is it beyond the sea, for you to think: Who shall go over the sea for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it? But the Word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, THAT YOU MAY -DO- IT." (De30:11-14)

Amen!
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Convocation: What We Need

Prayer: O Mighty God our Father, we praise Thee in The Name of Jesus and The Holy Spirit.

Blessed is The Lord: and His salvation, righteousness, truth, peace, faithfulness and word all in Christ Jesus. We lift You up Lord for what you did on the cross of a new life in Christ. Let our prayer be a blessing to us all in the name of
Jesus we pray. A-men

Scripture: Philippians 4:18-20 (King James Version)

18But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

19But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

20Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen

Convocation: We live in the most interesting times. The Lord is good yet, the works of evil and corruption are abound. People are being tried in all directions. In some cases whole families have died at the hands of their own. Families are falling apart. Our religious leaders are silent.

God is still on the throne. We of the faith and light must stand strong with the Lord. God is Great and God is Good, Let us Thank Him for Our Food. Jesus is the bread of life my friend. Let us not get twisted in the winds of trouble, Keep the faith, walk in the glorious light of The Lord of Our Salvation.

The time is near, we are closer today than yesterday. Our God will supply all of our needs in the riches found in Christ Jesus. God is Great and God is Good. Christ Jesus is The Answer My Friend. We Pray for us all and pray for me...

Sermon: The Road to Greatness

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father;

Our prayer is to magnify Thy Holy name in Christ Jesus. We pray that your anointing falls on us with the blessings of The Lord in full measure. We pray that The Holy Spirit will direct us as your will so orders. We thank You so much, and love You Lord.

Sermon:The Road to Greatness is a road less traveled throughout history. There have been many people who have been deemed great. True greatest is hard to measure. However, there is one road that lead to the greatest event in the history of all time.

Society enjoys numerous roads today. In Germany the Autobahn is the fastest highway or road if you will in the world. The Dan Ryan Expressway in Chicago is perhaps the biggest and most dangerous on the world. Yet the road to greatness is not as well known as these mega structures.

The road to greatest is the old country pass the took the virgin Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. This my friend is the the absolute road to greatness. It is the road that took the King of Kings and Lord of Lords to a little manger for the greatest story ever told.

God selected a place called nowhere to give us the Prince of Peace. A barn to feed and shelter the animals to produce the greatest event of all time. Why is this so important one mat ask. Jesus was born to save the world. He was born so that we may live.

In fact, Jesus gave his life on the cross to pay in full the sins of the world. The blood that He shed give us a new life. This live is eternal. God gave us his son so that we may live with Him forever. That is why the road to Bethlehem is the Greatest Road of All time, because it leads to Calvary. God is so good my friend. He built this road for you and I to travel with Him in His full Glory, in Jesus name we pray . Jesus will return soon in His full glory to save us all forever. A-men.

Scipture: 2 (New International Version)

Luke 2
The Birth of Jesus
1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3And everyone went to his own town to register.
4So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

The Shepherds and the Angels
8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ[a] the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14"Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

16So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Please reflect on this story as we work our way to the new year...God Bless You!

Scripture for Life

John 3:16 (English Standard Version)

For God So Loved the World
16"For(A) God so loved(B) the world,[a](C) that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not(D) perish but have eternal life.