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JOB 2 ~ Tested Again
THANKSGIVING!
Frankly Speaking,
“Enter His gates with thanksgiving; go into His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and praise His name.” ~ Psalm 100:4 NLT
THANKSGIVING! What does THANKSGIVING mean to you and your family? Is it all about THE BIG MEAL with friends and family, and then the leftovers? Is it THE THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE televised in New York? Could it be THE NATIONAL DOG SHOW after the parade? What about THE FOOTBALL GAMES with all the hoopla? Is it that NATURE WALK later in the day? Maybe, that’s just us. 😊
This is how THE DAY started one-hundred-sixty years ago…
Proclamation 118 ~ THANKSGIVING DAY, 1864
“Now, therefore, I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, do hereby appoint and set apart the last Thursday in November next as a day which I desire to be observed by all my fellow-citizens, wherever they may then be, as a day of thanksgiving and praise to Almighty God, the beneficent Creator and Ruler of the Universe. And I do further recommend to my fellow-citizens aforesaid that on that occasion they do reverently humble themselves in the dust and from thence offer up penitent and fervent prayers and supplications to the Great Disposer of Events for a return of the inestimable blessings of peace, union, and harmony throughout the land which it has pleased Him to assign as a dwelling place for ourselves and for our posterity throughout all generations.”
Let us not forget THE ONE to WHOM THANKSGIVING is due. Give thanks with a grateful heart for the things He has done for you. Not thankful? You read this, right? Thank Him for sight, breath, etc.😊
LIVING IN THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS.
Blessings in CHRIST,
Pastor Wes
I PETER 3:15
IT’S TIME TO REBUILD/RENEW/REDEDICATE ~ DISCIPLESHIP 101!
Frankly Speaking,
I replied, “THE GOD OF HEAVEN will help us succeed.
We, His servants, will start rebuilding this wall.” ~ Nehemiah 2:20a NLT
REBUILD! ~ Did you read the verse above? “THE GOD OF HEAVEN will help us succeed.” It’s a bold statement! I’ve heard many people make similar statements over the years. However, what we need in order to boldly proclaim something like this is… “nearness to GOD.” Far too often, these statements are made without consulting or talking to GOD, much less communing with the very ONE WHOM we are claiming will do it.
Bold statements without the time-worn channels of intimate communication with GOD have become all too familiar as we watch spiritual leaders fall into temptation and secrets which have now become public knowledge. How much time have you spent alone with GOD lately? We need to meet with JESUS daily reading HIS WORD, praying boldly and biblically, and quietly listen to the HOLY SPIRIT. However, I see too many “Christians” hearing a sermon or seeing a post/meme without even attending church, and then basically yelling about their opinions. They come across as, “THIS IS WHAT I BELIEVE, AND YOU SHOULD TOO!”
My friends, this brand of “Christianity” will not win souls. It is shallow and dangerous. An intimate quiet time with GOD every day will help you walk with GOD, break your heart for lost and lonely people, and help you think more like JESUS as you spend time with HIM in HIS WORD. Remember John the Baptist’s words: “I must decrease, and HE must increase.” Shh… Listen! 😊
LIVING IN THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS.
Blessings in CHRIST,
Pastor Wes
I PETER 3:15
THE RESURRECTION OF THE BODY!
Frankly Speaking,
“Our bodies are buried in brokenness, but they will be raised in glory. They are buried in weakness, but they will be raised in strength.” ~ I Corinthians 15:43
THE RESURRECTION OF THE BODY! ~ The Year was 1978! I remember going to the Royal Palm Theater to watch a film that was narrated by Orson Welles. At the time it was riveting. As I look back, the movie was probably not well produced nor award winning. In fact, this show only received 3.7 stars out of 10 stars on IDMB. NO, it was not War of the Worlds. Bonus for trying. 😊 The flick was called The Late Great Planet Earth. It was based upon Hal Lindsey’s prophetic book proclaiming the return of Christ was to happen very soon.
Prior to this, in 1972, there was a series of movies beginning with A Thief in the Night, followed by A Distant Thunder, Image of the Beast, and The Prodigal Planet. Most of you may have to take my word about these films trying to warn people about the return of Christ and the tribulation. A much more modern series of films started in 2,000, starring Kirk Cameron. This series was called Left Behind. A few years later in 2014, this series was rebooted with Nicolas Cage as the main character. It appears that many people want to know more about Christ’s return.
The strangest part is that we have neglected to turn to the source of these blockbuster films. I am not talking about the screenplay nor the book the authors wrote. We can find everything we’re looking for in the BIBLE. GOD’S plan is found in the book of the Revelation of JEUS CHRIST. Some Bibles label this book the Apocalypse; however, that is an incorrect description. You see, the whole BIBLE is ALL about JESUS. Yes, it’s ALL about HIM!
The verse at the heading of this post states that although we “are buried in weakness,” those who follow JESUS will be “will be raised in strength.” Whether living or long dead, there is a hope in the return of JESUS for those who trust Him. That’s why the Bible says, “we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope.” (I Thessalonians 5:13) There is always HOPE in JESUS CHRIST! 😊
LIVING IN THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS.
Blessings in CHRIST,
Pastor Wes
I PETER 3:15
SPECIAL ABILITIES!
Frankly Speaking,
SPECIAL ABILITIES… ~ Do you know Reed Richards, Susan Storm, Benjamin Grimm, and Johnny Storm? They are familiar to so many of us who were children with great imagination. They are the original members of the Marvel Comics team: THE FANTASTIC FOUR. This team often finds themselves in a situation that seems hopeless; yet, when they work together using each of the Special Abilities, they can overcome any obstacle or foe.
I can hear some groan when I use fictional comic characters to illustrate spiritual truths. However, did you know that the mythological character Hercules looks a lot like Samson of the BIBLE? We often use things we have learned to help us understand deep doctrinal truths. In fact, when we question Noah and the flood, Israel crossing the Red Sea on dry ground, or Jonah in the belly of a whale for three days, we are questioning JESUS. He used each of these in His ministry to explain deeper truths of GOD.
The BIBLE is very clear in this letter to the Corinthians that GOD through HIS SPIRIT gives us amazing gifts to do HIS work while we are here. Imagine having the ability to speak the deepest truths of GOD knowing they will come to pass, or being able to heal someone’s illness through the POWER of GOD. I suspect many are skeptical due to all the charlatans who have tried to trick us so many times. However, GOD is not mocked. HE still gives each us supernatural gifts of Wisdom, Knowledge, Faith, Healing, Miracles, Prophecy, Discernment, Tongues of other Languages, Interpretation, and so many more. However, there is one key factor to consider. Are you ready?
HE decides which gifts we get. For many, like this early church, we want to choose which gifts we are given. GOD has a much larger plan. So, HE chooses the gifts he knows we will need for HIS work. As we proceed, we’ll talk about why most seem to want the showy gifts. But which one is greatest? 😉
LIVING IN THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS.
Blessings in CHRIST,
Pastor Wes
I PETER 3:15
I’LL SEE YOU IN COURT!
Frankly Speaking,
When one of you has a dispute with another believer, how dare you file a lawsuit and ask a secular court to decide the matter instead of taking it to other believers! ~ I Corinthians 6:1 NLT
SEE YOU IN COURT! ~ Some people say that the BIBLE is full of “gray areas” which have no clear directions for life. Truthfully, the BIBLE gives us complete instructions for life. Some may not like what GOD has to say because we like to do things our own way. However, true Christians must decide to let GOD have total control. Often, we take over because we don’t like what HE has to say. When we do this, we make our selves our own GOD. The BIBLE calls this idolatry. In other words, we become our own idols. OUCH!! Listen to this…
Then HE told them what they could expect for themselves: Anyone who intends to come with ME has to let ME lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat — I am.” ~ Luke 9:23 ~ MSG
If this translation seems too modern, then listen to this:
Then HE said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after ME, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow ME.”
~ Luke 9:23 ~ NKJV
The WORD of GOD says, “Do not take your brothers or sisters to court.” This is not a suggestion or guideline. True believers will judge the world and angels. We’re asked what’s so important in light of eternity that is worth suing our fellow Christian. First, to you believe the BIBLE? Second, follow GOD’S plan regardless of your expectations. Isn’t it worth losing something and letting it go for heaven’s sake?
At the end of the day, here’s our checklist: “Did I follow and obey what GOD said in HIS WORD?” The BIBLE calls this obedience. It’s what disciples do! When we are baptized, we proclaim that we no longer live for ourselves: Now, we live for JESUS! ~ SEE YOU IN HEAVEN! 😊
LIVING IN THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS
Blessings in CHRIST,
Pastor Wes
I PETER 3:15
“ALLOWED” or “ALL-OWED?”
Frankly Speaking,
12 You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. And even though “I am allowed to do anything,” I must not become a slave to anything. ~ I Corinthians 6:12 NLT
I CAN DO WHATEVER I WANT! ~ Some of us invest too much time thinking about what is fair. That is “stinking thinking” as Zig Ziglar said so often. We focus on a word that demands its own way. “I am ALLOWED to do whatever I want!” Look at the word ~ ALLOWED!
Now, let’s think about what GOD says,
“19 Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of THE HOLY SPIRIT, WHO lives in you and was given to you by GOD? You do not belong to yourself, 20 for GOD bought you with a high price. So, you must honor GOD with your body.” ~ I Corinthians 6:19-20 NLT
Think about that word ~ “ALLOWED!” Look at it again … ALL– OWED! Do you see it now? Everything you have is a gift from GOD. It is ALL – OWED to HIM. You were bought with a price. The blood of JESUS cleaned you up and made you acceptable in GOD’S sight.
“But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, GOD’S very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of GOD, for HE called you out of the darkness into HIS wonderful light.
Once you had no identity as a people; now you are GOD’S people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received GOD’S mercy.
Dear friends, I warn you as ‘temporary residents and foreigners’ to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. 12 Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to GOD when HE judges the world.” ~ I Peter 2:9-12 NLT
Hope you will take time to make allowance for this post! 😊
LIVING IN THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS
Blessings in CHRIST,
Pastor Wes
I PETER 3:15
THE WISDOM OF GOD/THE MIND OF CHRIST
Frankly Speaking,
2 For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except JESUS CHRIST, THE ONE WHO was crucified. ~ I Corinthians 2:2 NLT
THE WISDOM OF GOD ~ THE MIND OF CHRIST! Have you ever considered how much faith it takes to truly believe in something? I am talking about the kind of faith in which you’re willing to stand in front of a crowd and declare you are right in spite of all those around you criticizing you. I know most people are assuming I am thinking about the gospel. However, you are far away from my point at the moment. 😊 I read brand new journal article about mitochondria, chromoplasts, and organelle this week. The claim to have found proof for evolution at a cellular level which would be a scientific break though. However, here are some of the quotes from the article:
“The first time we think it happened, it gave rise to all complex life... The team believes…[and] it might provide clues…”
I am not being critical; I just want us to agree that it takes a great deal of faith to believe in something with so many unanswered questions! Yet, we have another source to consider. Listen to what is asked here:
1 Then THE LORD answered Job from the whirlwind 2 “Who is this that questions MY wisdom with such ignorant words? 3 Brace yourself like a man, because I have some questions for you, and you must answer them.
4 “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me, if you know so much. 5 Who determined its dimensions and stretched out the surveying line? 6 What supports its foundations, and who laid its cornerstone 7 as the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy? JOB 38:1-7 NLT
These are great questions. What are you going to believe? Admittedly, these questions all begin with GOD. Nevertheless, I am not ashamed to do so! I hope you aren’t either. It’s ALL about JESUS! 😊
LIVING IN THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS
Blessings in CHRIST,
Pastor Wes
I PETER 3:15
A SPIRIT-FILLED CHRISTMAS
SPIRIT-FILLED CHRISTMAS WORSHIP
(40 Christ-centered songs you may not know)
If you’re struggling to find your CHRISTMAS spirit, I pray this might help you. Here are 40 songs that may move you closer to the CHILD born on CHRISTMAS morning WHO lived a perfect life, and then died on a cross for you and me. You may not like them all, but if you are still, quiet, and listening GOD will speak to you in the these moments. May you and your family find the hope, peace, joy, and love of this blessed season of the first ADVENT or coming of our SAVIOR and MESSIAH. HE is coming again! Be still and know that HE is GOD!
EMMANUEL
Amy Grant (1983)
ALL IS WELL
Michael W. Smith (1997)
NOW THAT I’VE HELD HIM IN MY ARMS
Michael Card (1983)
JOSEPH’S SONG
Michael Card (1987)
BREATHE OF HEAVEN
Amy Grant (1992)
YOU’RE HERE
Francesca Battistelli (2012)
SWEET LITTLE JESUS BOY
Rebecca St. James (1997)
MOVE ME CLOSER
Evie (1987)
DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR
Third Day (2006)
THIS CHRISTMAS
Toby Mac (2010)
MANGER THRONE
Third Day (2002)
GROWN UP CHRISTMAS LIST
Amy Grant (2008)
EMMANUEL, GOD WITH US
Amy Grant & Michael W. Smith (1992)
HALLELUJAH, LIGHT HAS COME
Barlow Girl (2008)
OFFERING ~ CHRISTMAS VERSION
Paul Baloche (2005)
THIS BABY
Steven Curtis Chapman (1995)
CHRISTMAS IS ALL IN THE HEART
Steven Curtis Chapman (1995)
ONE SMALL CHILD
David Meece (1990)
HOPE WAS BORN THAT NIGHT
Sidewalk Prophets (2012)
CHRISTMAS HALLELUH
Cloverton (2012)
STRANGE WAY YO SAVE THE WORLD
4 Him (1993)
MARY DID YOU KNOW
Mark Lowery (2001)
THE LITTLE DRUMMER BOY
For King & Country (2017)
SING MARY SING
Jennifer Knapp (2002)
I HEARD THE BELLS OF CHRISTMAS DAY
Casting Crowns (2008)
GOD IS WITH US
Casting Crowns (2008)
WHILE YOU SLEEPING
Casting Crowns (2008)
HOW MANY KINGS
Downhere (2008)
GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN
For King & Country (2017)
BE BORN IN ME (MARY’S SONG)
Francesca Battistelli (2012)
BORN IN BETHLEHEM
Third Day (2006)
EMMANUEL GOD WITH US
Chris Tomlin (2021)
HERE WITH US
Joy Williams (2005)
LIGHT OF THE WORLD
Lauren Daigle (2016)
NOEL
Lauren Daigle (2015)
THIS IS CHRISTMAS
Kutlass (2011)
WE ARE THE REASON
David Meece (1980)
WHEN LOVE WAS BORN
Mark Shultz (2016)
Way to go! If you tried each one, then I hope you are closer to JESUS than when you began. These songs have moved me closer to JESUS’ birth. His life, and His death. May the presence of the Savior make this the best Christmas ever. Oh yeah! I come back here throughout the year to be encouraged and to draw near to Christ. He is listening and saving souls today.
readyforafreshstart 