FRIDAY FABLUOUS FRIDAY: THOUGHTS, IMAGES & PRAISE!!!

It is FRIDAY, a Winter Wonderland in these parts! Are we happy? Are we thankful? Are we PRAISING THE LORD for guiding us through another week? I know I am, it was a difficult one! THANK YOU LORD for being ever near as I called upon YOU!!!

The best thing about Friday is the enthusiasm it brings forth, as our minds celebrate release from the bonds of labor! We just feel better when we know we are nearing some time for recharging the body, mind, and spirit!!!

  

Happy by Matthew West

Matthew West - My Own Little World (Slideshow With Lyrics)

Matthew West - Strong Enough

THE STUDY OF CHRIST: FULLY *GOD* & FULLY MAN, IN THE HOLY SPIRIT!!!

CHRIST JESUS, LORD *GOD*, and SAVIOUR, redeemed, and purchased us from the bondage of:
The curse of the law (GALATIANS 5: 13)
Satan (HEBREWS 2: 15)
A sinful lifestyle (1 PETER 1: 18)
A fallen kingdom (GALATIANS 1: 4)

As LORD, HE is SOVEREIGN, and MASTER over ALL in CREATION; exercising AUTHORITY in all 3 worlds, HEAVEN, Earth, and Hell (PHILIPPIANS 2: 9-11)

I AM HE SAID...

JOHN 8: 23-24; 31-32; 42-47...
23/ He said to them, "You belong to what is below, I belong to what is above. You belong to this world, but I do not belong to this world.
24/ That is why I told you that you will die in your sins. For if you do not believe that I AM,  you will die in your sins."

31/ Jesus then said to those Jews who believed in him, "If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples,
32/ and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

BYE BYE JANUARY 2013, HELLO FEBRUARY: PREPARING FOR THE HOLY SEASON!!!

We are in the final hours of January 2013, and as February enters the scene, the 13TH begins THE HOLY season! Thus, let us prepare body, mind, and spirit, that we celebrate in the GLORIOUS, most awe-inspiring GIFT ever known, CHRIST our LORD, and *GOD*, with heart-felt understanding, knowledge, wisdom, and gratitude, that we RECEIVE in the hours, days, and months of this HOLY time!!!

Let us study HIM, HIS life, HIS example, HIS teachings, HIS WAY, and the beauty of HIS PERFECT plan to eradicate the opposition to HIS GLORY, and WILL!!!

Plus, February IS the month to celebrate LOVE, so, let us use this time to dig deeper into HIS LOVE, that our LOVE is better enabled, better spread through our thoughts, actions, and reactions, TO HIS GLORY!!!

Bye bye January, and HELLO February! Thank YOU LORD, for more time to come ever closer to YOU, YOUR WILL, YOUR WAY! Thank YOU for YOUR LIGHT, and YOUR constant presence in our lives; may we HONOUR YOU in our ways, in the best of our abilities, and understanding, in the name of CHRIST JESUS of Nazareth...

REV. LWINSOR © 2013

ARTICLE SHARE: THANK YOU: *GOD* USED YOUR PREACHING TO DESTROY MY WORLD...

Thank You: God Used Your Preaching to Destroy My World
David Fitch LifeontheVine.org

A couple of years ago now, we had a large group over to our house for the Super Bowl. I ended up sitting with a lot of people in a room where there was no TV. I think we talked all night. I didn’t see one play of the football game (the Hamilton Tiger Cats weren’t playing). I ended up sitting with this guy named George (name changed to protect the innocent), and we started talking about preaching. 

He said to me the following on the difference between preaching at Life on the Vine and other churches he’s been to: “When I’ve been at other churches, I walk away saying, 'That is something I need to work on for my Christian life.' At the Vine, I am confronted with a reality that I see I am not quite there yet and I’m invited to enter. I feel the tension. I can’t go there yet. I’m not ready. Yet I have to respond."

WEDNESDAY'S WISDOM: YEA, OR NAY...

In the OLD TESTAMENT, *GOD* bids HIS people to TURN to HIM, in the NEW TESTAMENT, HE bids us to FOLLOW HIM!!!

SUFFERING, ILLNESS, DISEASE, AFFLICTION; CROSSES OF THE FAITHFUL...

I got up early this morning to take someone for a Medical procedure, and just got home. Actually, I have spent a LOT of time in Medical surroundings in the past few years, and have seen that human suffering is, well, universal; it is experienced by young, old, all races, ethnic backgrounds, rich, poor, and all in between. Health challenges are so vast, that Dr. offices, Hospitals, and all other Medical practices have become, almost like drive through care! Some people deal well with their conditions, some don't, and some turn them into soap operas! One thing is for sure, unless you have been told you are near the end, things could always be worse, and there are many who do have it worse, so, again, gratitude, and a mentality of FAITH, play imperative roles in healing, overcoming, and moving through what afflicts us...

2 CORINTHIANS 1: 3-7... 
3/ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and God of all encouragement,  
4/ who encourages us in our every affliction, so that we may be able to encourage those who are in any affliction with the encouragement with which we ourselves are encouraged by God. 
 5/ For as Christ's sufferings overflow to us, so through Christ does our encouragement also overflow. 
6/ If we are afflicted, it is for your encouragement and salvation; if we are encouraged, it is for your encouragement, which enables you to endure the same sufferings that we suffer. 
7/ Our hope for you is firm, for we know that as you share in the sufferings, you also share in the encouragement.

TUESDAY'S THOUGHTS: CHRISTIAN CONDUCT; 1 PETER 3: 8-12...

1 PETER 3: 8-12...
8/ Finally, all of you, be of one mind, sympathetic, loving toward one another, compassionate, humble. 
9/ Do not return evil for evil, or insult for insult; but, on the contrary, a blessing, because to this you were called, that you might inherit a blessing. 
10/ For: "Whoever would love life and see good days must keep the tongue from evil and the lips from speaking deceit, 
11/ must turn from evil and do good, seek peace and follow after it. 
12/ For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears turned to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against evildoers."

BIBLE PROMISES: FAITH!!!

FAITH is a weapon, USE it! FAITH is POWERFUL, USE it! FAITH is PEACE, LET it work for you!!!

HEBREWS 11: 6...
But without faith it is impossible to please him, for anyone who approaches God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

1 CORINTHIANS 16: 13...
Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong.

MONDAY: LIFE IS LIKE A PIN BALL MACHINE:)))

It is Monday; another week by the GRACE, and choice of *GOD*! Each week, lately, has seen a new set of challenges to deal with around here, but, thaz life! Life is like a pin ball machine, our objective is to overcome all the obstacles placed before us, and if we are stymied by an obstacle, we simply, have to begin anew; HOPING for some free balls in order to prove the obstacles ineffective, with *GOD* as the driving force, and the empowering flippers! We are in the game to WIN, no matter what deception, and the deceivers say! Monday's are like the first game, we gotta find the groove, and no matter how discouraged, or distracted we are, we gotta keep on shooting to the win...

We have to remain FOCUSED, deliberate, diligent, and strong to the finish!

COMING CLOSER TO *GOD* VIA HIS CREATION...

The above is a photo of Pamukkale, Turkey. Pamukkale, meaning "cotton castle" in Turkish, is a natural site in Denizli Province in southwestern Turkey. The city contains hot springs and travertines, terraces of carbonate minerals left by the flowing water. It is located in Turkey's Inner Aegean region, in the River Menderes valley, which has a temperate climate for most of the year.

Tourists and locals visit Pamukkale and Hierapolis frequently not only for its extraordinary look and its ancient history but also for wellness. Scientifically proven to cure many diseases, the waters attract people and there are many thermal hotels in the area that serve 12 months a year. 

IN MY LIFE THERE IS ALWAYS ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT, I AM ALWAYS SEEKING GROWTH...

There is always room for improvement in my life, in my being! This face DOESN'T upset me, in fact, the challenge inspires me! Whereas deception says that I WON'T succeed, *GOD* says I CAN, and WILL, IF I place HIM as the forerunner of all I think, do, and say! I BELIEVE HIM, and I find HOPE in HIS promises for my life...

IF I KEEP HIM as the center of my life, allowing HIM to be the model by which I pattern my life, there are endless promises, and encouragements to gather along the way...

DEUTERONOMY 31: 6...
Be brave and steadfast; have no fear or dread of them, for it is the LORD, your God, who marches with you; he will never fail you or forsake you."

Fred Hammond "I Feel Good" Lyric Video

Fred Hammond - Lord, How I Love You

Fred Hammond & RFC - All Things Are Working

Let The Church Say Amen Lyrics

ENCOURAGE YOURSELF

SUNDAY'S SACRED SCRIPTURES: THE BRIDE OF CHRIST & THE GOOD NEWS...

We want to hear THE GOOD NEWS, yet, we don't want to hear that we have to do our share in order for that GOOD NEWS to be manifest! We want to have things our way, and the best of HIS WAY! Are we, the people of 2013, really, different than HIS Chosen people of old? Aren't we just as obstinate, defiant, hard-headed, and arrogant towards HIS WILL? Just read through THE WORD, consider today's societies, and think about it...

*GOD* LOVE us SO much that, despite the continuance of our defiance, HE has not yet, come to take HIS world back! HE LOVES us SO much that HE is yet, patient, and allowing us time to FIND THE WAY! It has NEVER been HIS WILL that anyone should perish, but, a mighty opposition to HIS WILL sprang up, and has spread like disease through the generations, PROVOKING HIS anger, yet, HE remains HOPEFUL for our sakes, that we WILL SEE THE LIGHT OVER the enticements, lies, and falsehoods of the world!!!

SATURDAY'S SOUNDNESS: FOLLOWING THE LORD...

MATTHEW 28: 19-20... 
19/ Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, 
20^/ teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age."

All that I have commanded you: the moral teaching found in this gospel, preeminently that of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). The commandments of Jesus are the standard of Christian conduct, not the Mosaic law as such, even though some of the Mosaic commandments have now been invested with the authority of Jesus. Behold, I am with you always: the promise of Jesus' real though invisible presence echoes the name Emmanuel given to him in the infancy narrative; see the note on Matthew 1:23. End of the age: see the notes on Matthew 13:39 and Matthew 24:3.

We are CALLED to be MORE than mere believers, we are called to FOLLOW HIM, which means, we BECOME like HIM, in more than theory, instead, in FULLNESS, to the best of our understanding, and capacity, which HE will assist the FAITHFUL with...

The word Disciple means a learner, not only a pupil, but, a devotee, and follower, a conscious imitator of his teacher...

EVERYTHING IS LAWFUL FOR ME, BUT NOT EVERYTHING IS BENEFICIAL, AND NOT EVERYTHING IS GLORY TO *GOD*!!!

1 CORINTHIANS 6: 12...
"Everything is lawful for me," but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is lawful for me," but I will not let myself be dominated by anything.

Everything is lawful for me: the Corinthians may have derived this slogan from Paul's preaching about Christian freedom, but they mean something different by it: they consider sexual satisfaction a matter as indifferent as food, and they attribute no lasting significance to bodily functions (1 Cor 6:13a). Paul begins to deal with the slogan by two qualifications, which suggest principles for judging sexual activity. Not everything is beneficial: cf 1 Cor 10:23, and the whole argument of 1 Cor 8-10 on the finality of freedom and moral activity. Not let myself be dominated: certain apparently free actions may involve in fact a secret servitude in conflict with the lordship of Jesus.

1 CORINTHIANS 10: 23...
"Everything is lawful," but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is lawful," but not everything builds up.

THE LAST FRIDAY OF JANUARY 2013, ALREADY?!!

It IS Friday, PRAISE THE LORD, we made it through another week! The last Friday of January 2013! Wow, that month flew on by!!!!

A bitterly cold week it was here, but, it HAS been a mild Winter overall, and the Earth NEEDS to freeze to replenish itself! Right now, we are getting about 3 inches of snow, also necessary; it is pretty, and casts a brightness all about!!!

On to the weekend:)))  I wish you happiness, rest, relaxation, rejuvenation, PEACE, HOPE, LOVE, and the BLESSINGS of THE LORD! Have some fun, spend quality time with yourself, and others! Chase all your troubles away, and just BE!!!

DENOUNCING CHRISTIANITY: RUNNING FROM THE LORD...

Lately, I have been hearing, seeing, and reading about people who have denounced Christianity, because they feel it is premised upon guilt, due to the condemning, over-zealous. Well, we ARE ALL guilty, born into sin, and will die in sin, HOWEVER, that is NOT the message of CHRIST our LORD! LOVE is HIS message, HIS legacy, HIS example! It is NOT about guilt, at all, it is about REALIZING that ONCE we ACCEPT HIM as our LORD and SAVIOUR we are DEAD to the world, and it's holds on us! We are ONE WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT, and IN that oneness, we ACT accordingly TO HIS WILL, in as much righteousness as we can, WHILE holding ON in FAITH, endurance, and perseverance to the end!!!

It ISN'T that I won't yet sin, or be guilty, it IS that I STRIVE to ALTER my behaviours, and character, TO ALIGN TO THE LORD! It ISN'T that I won't trip, stumble, fall, it IS that I GET BACK UP, and KEEP my sights on the prize, NOT on the world, and it's ways! It is NOT easy for us to live in righteousness, therefore, it DOES involve effort, and constant vigilance, BECAUSE we ARE EASILY distracted, deceived, deluded, and confused! STAYING IN THE WORD, IN THE LORD, DIMINISHES the likelihood of more, or greater err!!!

LOVE & PEACE...

Billions of people promote PEACE, yet, how many FOSTER PEACE? Not only this, but without *GODLY* LOVE, are there fertile grounds for harvesting PEACE? One HAS to HAVE LOVE for others, before PEACE can exist in the world!!!

LOVE IS THE LAW because LOVE IS ALL which is right, just, and good; because IT WORKS FOR the GOOD of ALL, and FOR THE GLORY OF *GOD*! FROM LOVE comes PEACE, HOPE, and ALL things which OVER-RIDE what is NOT of LOVE, such as the endless negatives we deal with, and face...

When we first LOVE *GOD*, then TRUST HIM in FAITH, we find PEACE, and HOPE! These are empowering attributes which LEAD us to paying them forward! These are what make for fertile grounds on which to sow! Then, because we LOVE HIM, we LOVE others, and remain OPEN to them, never biased, prejudiced, or in discrimination, based on human factors, instead, in acceptance, tolerance, forbearance, understanding, and other POSITIVE mentalities, based on HIS LOVE! LOVE is THE GROUND on which we BUILD, SOW, and HARVEST!!!

We don't need to seek LOVE, PEACE, and HOPE, of the world, we need to GIVE LOVE, PEACE, and HOPE TO the world; they ALREADY exist within, IF we ARE of THE LORD!!!

THURSDAY: TAKING CARE OF OURSELVES, MIND, BODY & SPIRIT...

SIRACH 30: 14-25...
14/ Better a poor man strong and robust, than a rich man with wasted frame.
15/ More precious than gold is health and well-being, contentment of spirit than coral.
16/ No treasure greater than a healthy body; no happiness, than a joyful heart!
17/ Preferable is death to a bitter life, unending sleep to constant illness.
18/ Dainties set before one who cannot eat are like the offerings placed before a tomb.
19/ What good is an offering to an idol that can neither taste nor smell?
20/ So it is with the afflicted man who groans at the good things his eyes behold!
21/ Do not give in to sadness, torment not yourself with brooding;
22/ Gladness of heart is the very life of man, cheerfulness prolongs his days.
23/ Distract yourself, renew your courage, drive resentment far away from you; For worry has brought death to many, nor is there aught to be gained from resentment.
24/ Envy and anger shorten one's life, worry brings on premature old age.
25/ One who is cheerful and gay while at table benefits from his food.

THE LIVING WORD PREVAILS, FOREVER & FOREVER!!!

Let THE WORD of *GOD* lead us, as we journey in this time! If there is a question that needs an answer, it is IN THE WORD! If there is a debate that needs resolve, it IS IN THE WORD! If there is a dilemma, a controversy, something confounding, a twist, a turn, IT IS IN THE WORD! In EVERY single WORD of HIS HOLY BOOK, there IS purpose, SOUND, PRINCIPLED, TESTED, TRIED, PROVEN, AFFIRMED, and GOOD FOR ALL IN CREATION, but MOSTLY, for our TOTAL health, safety, and well-being! Listen NOT to the world, nor it's ways, instead there is ONE WAY, and IT IS THE LIVING WORD!!!

LORD, there are SO many conflicts in this world over YOU, please, let us have enough LOVE for YOU, to SEEK the TRUE answers of YOUR WILL! Let us REFRAIN from being drawn in by seemingly intelligent, wise people, UNTIL we have consulted YOU IN THE WORD! Let us resist the constant, often brilliantly masked attempts of the wicked ones, as we find SAFETY IN THE WORD! Let us NEVER RELENT in taking our DAILY BREAD, and DRINK IN YOU, THE LIVING WORD!!!

REV. LWINSOR © 2013

PSALM 30: REJOICING IN THE MORNING...

PSALM 30... 
1/ A psalm. A song for the dedication of the temple. Of David. 
2/ I praise you, LORD, for you raised me up and did not let my enemies rejoice over me. 
3/ O LORD, my God, I cried out to you and you healed me. 
4. LORD, you brought me up from Sheol; you kept me from going down to the pit. 
5/ Sing praise to the LORD, you faithful; give thanks to God's holy name. 
6/ For divine anger lasts but a moment; divine favor lasts a lifetime. At dusk weeping comes for the night; but at dawn there is rejoicing.

THE FIRE OF HIS LOVE!!!

From early on in life, I was lost, oh so lost,
Wandering the world, paying a hefty cost,
Branded by the world, until THE LORD grabbed onto me,
And set me at the entrance, to the path of discovery,
Removing the blinders that kept me in a state of confusion,
Blazing away years of the teachings, of delusion...

WEDNESDAY'S WISDOM: REJOICE!!!

PHILIPPIANS 4: 4...
Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice!

1 THESSALONIANS 5: 16...
Rejoice always.

Religion is not sullen and sour, but full of joy; so full that the saint can even be joyous when all the world seems to frown. He has a hidden source of joy, a present Savior, a blessed hope.

SERVING THE MOST HIGH, THE MOST WORTHY LORD *GOD*, KING AND SAVIOUR...

Most HOLY instruction is premised, SOUNDLY, and SENSIBLY, on RELYING SOLELY upon *GOD*, in LOVE, obedience, reverence, FAITH, HOPE, TRUST, with the mentality of improving upon our beings in this time frame, to HONOUR, and GLORIFY HIM!!!

Original, and bottom line, IT IS ALL ABOUT *GOD*, and *GODLINESS*! ALL else will be eradicated, come that PROMISED day!!!

We are SERVANTS of THE LORD, and while that conjures up images of slavery, serving THE LORD is NOT drudgery, hindering, or negative in ANY way! It is FREEDOM to exist in HIS CREATION forever, and forever, WITH the benefits of HIS LOVE, MERCY, GRACE, and infinite BLESSINGS!!!

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF THE DEVOUT: LIFE AS USUAL???

Is a devout life, life as usual? How could it be? Life as usual is what causes the rift between us, and THE LORD; life as usual, we are no longer subject to, we are dead to mortal life, and alive in CHRIST...

True, we are in the world, and the world, along with it's ways, present us with challenges, moment by moment, but, those in THE LORD, are enabled to move freely through what is before them. They are in a HIGHER consciousness, and conscientiousness of understanding, therefore, not bound by what is of the world! They move ever towards their aim, empowered BY THE LORD, HIS GRACE, HIS WILL, HIS PROMISES!!!

IN HIS footsteps, and through deliberate studying, and diligent practice OF HIS WILL, they secure the tools, and advantages necessary to carry on, IN HIS name! Knowledge, understanding, and wisdom become the voice of recognition, realization, and discernment, echoing constantly of HIS HOLINESS! They are reminded, at all times, the profound, and pronounced difference between the flesh, and the spirit, thus allowing them to act, and react, accordingly...

ALL IS WELL IN THE LORD!!!

DREAMS, DREAMS, DREAMS: THEN REALITY SPEAKS...

SIRACH 34: 1-7...
1/ Empty and false are the hopes of the senseless, and fools are borne aloft by dreams.
2/ Like a man who catches at shadows or chases the wind, is the one who believes in dreams.
3/ What is seen in dreams is to reality what the reflection of a face is to the face itself.
4/ Can the unclean produce the clean? can the liar ever speak the truth?
5/ Divination, omens and dreams all are unreal; what you already expect, the mind depicts.
6/ Unless it be a vision specially sent by the Most High, fix not your heart on it;
7/ For dreams have led many astray, and those who believed in them have perished.

Confidence placed in dreams, divinations and omens is false because these are devoid of reality (Sirach 34:1-8). True confidence is founded on knowledge and experience (Sirach 34:9-12), and above all on the fear of the Lord, with its accompanying blessings of divine assistance and protection (Sirach 34:13-17). 

MERCY...

 

HOSEA 6: 6...
For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.

MATTHEW 9: 13...
Go and learn the meaning of the words, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' I did not come to call the righteous but sinners."

MATTHEW 12: 7...
If you knew what this meant, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned these innocent men.

MERCY:

noun, plural mer·cies for 4, 5.

1. compassionate or kindly forbearance shown toward an offender, an enemy, or other person in one's power; compassion, pity, or benevolence: Have mercy on the poor sinner.

2. the disposition to be compassionate or forbearing: an adversary wholly without mercy.

3. the discretionary power of a judge to pardon someone or to mitigate punishment, especially to send to prison rather than invoke the death penalty.

4. an act of kindness, compassion, or favor: She has performed countless small mercies for her friends and neighbors.

5. something that gives evidence of divine favor; blessing: It was just a mercy we had our seat belts on when it happened. 

MONDAY MEDITATIONS: BE ENCOURAGED & EMPOWERED!!!

JEREMIAH 29: 11...
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

DEUTERONOMY 28: 2-6...
2/ When you hearken to the voice of the LORD, your God, all these blessings will come upon you and overwhelm you:
3/ "May you be blessed in the city, and blessed in the country!
4/ "Blessed be the fruit of your womb, the produce of your soil and the offspring of your livestock, the issue of your herds and the young of your flocks!
5/ "Blessed be your grain bin and your kneading bowl!
6/ "May you be blessed in your coming in, and blessed in your going out!

“In order to not be influenced by the illusion of chaos around yourself, you must become the truth within yourself.” ~Unknown

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR DAY 2013...

In speaking once about how he wished to be remembered after his death, King stated:

I'd like somebody to mention that day that Martin Luther King Jr. tried to give his life serving others. I'd like for somebody to say that day that Martin Luther King Jr. tried to love somebody. I want you to say that day that I tried to be right on the war question. I want you to be able to say that day that I did try to feed the hungry. I want you to be able to say that day that I did try in my life to clothe those who were naked. I want you to say on that day that I did try in my life to visit those who were in prison. And I want you to say that I tried to love and serve humanity.

Yes, if you want to say that I was a drum major. Say that I was a drum major for justice. Say that I was a drum major for peace. I was a drum major for righteousness. And all of the other shallow things will not matter...

Smokie Norful - Um Good

LeAndria Johnson- God Will Take Care Of You

LESSONS FROM THE ANCIENTS: FAITH IN THE LORD *GOD*!!!

What a beauuuuuuuuuuuutifully sunny day; cold, and windy but, absolutely beautiful! THANK YOU LORD, for another day!!!

Each of our days should be spent HONOURING, and GLORIFYING *GOD*, in ways that are modest proof of our LOVE, and commitment to HIM! As we read about the Patriarch's of The BIBLE, we find that few of them, if any, acted in loud, flamboyant, obvious ways, instead, they did what they did with HIM as the CENTER of all they did, pleasing HIM in their obedience, and simplicity...

They followed HIS lead, relied upon HIM, trusted HIM, prayed to HIM, PRAISED HIM, and WORSHIPED HIM, as a natural, normal part of their daily routine, allowing themselves to be guided to greatness, despite the tests, and trials of their often, challenging lives! They were ONE with HIM, at least as one with HIM, as is humanly feasible, pushing ever forward, in FAITH, and FAITHFULNESS, thus, HE BLESSED them, some extensively...

SUNDAY'S SACRED SCRIPTURES: FREE WILL & REPENTANCE...

SIRACH 15: 11-20...
11/ Say not: "It was God's doing that I fell away"; for what he hates he does not do. 
12/ Say not: "It was he who set me astray"; for he has no need of wicked man. 
13/ Abominable wickedness the LORD hates, he does not let it befall those who fear him. 
14/ When God, in the beginning, created man, he made him subject to his own free choice. 
15/ If you choose you can keep the commandments; it is loyalty to do his will. 
16/ There are set before you fire and water; to whichever you choose, stretch forth your hand. 
17/ Before man are life and death, whichever he chooses shall be given him. 
18/ Immense is the wisdom of the LORD; he is mighty in power, and all-seeing. 
19/ The eyes of God see all he has made; he understands man's every deed. 
20/ No man does he command to sin, to none does he give strength for lies. 

SIRACH 17: 19-27... 
19/ But to the penitent he provides a way back, he encourages those who are losing hope!

SATURDAY'S SOUNDNESS: LOVE IS THE HEART OF THE LIGHT!!!

1 JOHN 2: 3-11... 
3/ The way we may be sure that we know him is to keep his commandments. 
4/ Whoever says, "I know him," but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 
5/ But whoever keeps his word, the love of God is truly perfected in him. This is the way we may know that we are in union with him: 
6/ whoever claims to abide in him ought to live (just) as he lived.

UNITING THE WORLD THROUGH MUZIK: PLAYING FOR CHANGE...

PLAYING FOR CHANGE is a PERFECT example of what we CAN do, IF we put our minds, hearts, and gifts together!!! I am EXTREMELY impressed with this project, it is phenomenal, outstanding, and a GIANT step in the right direction to bringing the world together as one!!!

Strange that muzik ALWAYS seems to break the barriers, but then, muzicians are creative, sensitive beings, attuned, and compassionate! Yah, I know LOTS of muzicians who are arrogant, ego-manics, but, they still LOVE people!!!

I WISH that the LOVE of *GOD* could have the same effect upon the world, though I know, and understand, there is TOO much dissension over Doctrine! Still, what a PERFECT tribute it would be to HIM, to see the world, FINALLY, come to a place of understanding, founded on LOVE, to bridge the barriers!!!

DESIRE...

Desire is human, it is prevalent, it is that which calls for thought over action. There are endless desires, for we are emotional, wanting people. *GOD* knows our state of being, our weaknesses, our temptations, and, offers great advice for everything under the Heavens, HE has provided for us in infinite ways, if only we look to HIM first, and foremost...

In the case of desires, we should always confer with HIM before acting upon them. Does this desire lead me away from YOU? Does this desire alter my path to YOU? Will this desire affect me eternally? Can this desire provide ANY good for my TRUE life, the spirit? Is it necessary to life? And, so forth. The reason being, desire CAN take us exceedingly away from the progresses we have made this far, just like that, without even being aware of the long term effects. We should always strive to meditate on what is creating desire within us, as there are FRUITFUL desires of THE SPIRIT that derive from HIS own WILL for our lives, FOR HIS GLORY, and the good of others, then there are those created by the deceiver, which lead us remotely away from THE LORD,  and so, it is wise to contemplate BEFORE acting upon any desirous feeling...

IT IS FRIDAY:))) THE DOOR TO THE WEEK PAST IS SHUT: LOOKING FORWARD TO ANOTHER ONE OPENING TO A NEW WEEK, *GOD* WILLING!!!

IT IS FRIDAY:))) I know that in some countries, the work week ends on Saturday, and Sunday is the only day off, yet, Friday is the end of the week, and we DID survive another week, thanks be unto THE LORD! I know to some, it is just another day in the life, but, it COULD be more, if allowed to be! I know people who feel that way about every day, even special times, like Birthday's and what have you, but, that is their choice, and their attitude!!!

I find something wonderful in every day, even if part of the day is spent in tears! I just CAN'T give in to the wrongs, and negatives of this world, because that is NOT living, and *GOD* GAVE us each day with HOLY purpose, and reason, plus, HE IS in this day, we only have to take our heads out of the muck to SEE HIS presence! To live as if there is nothing but wrong, bad, and worse, is to deny that HE IS working in our favour, and giving power to the enemy! Sure, it is a tough world we live in, with LOTS of problems, troubles, and negatives, still, *GOD* REMAINS THE CENTRAL vantage point, and inspiration!!!

GROWING IN THE GRACE & KNOWLEDGE OF OUR LORD, AND SAVIOUR, CHRIST JESUS...

2 PETER 3: 17-18... 
17/ Therefore, beloved, since you are forewarned, be on your guard not to be led into the error of the unprincipled and to fall from your own stability. 
18/ But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory now and to the day of eternity. (Amen.) 

From the doctrine of Christ's second coming, we are exhorted to purity and godliness. This is the effect of real knowledge. Very exact and universal holiness is enjoined, not resting in any low measure or degree. True Christians look for new heavens and a new earth; freed from the vanity to which things present are subject, and the sin they are polluted with.  

BIBLE PROMISES: HELP IN TROUBLES...

But the salvation of the righteous is of THE LORD, HE is there strength in the time of trouble... PSALM 37:39

THE LORD openeth the eyes of the blind: THE LORD raiseth them that are bowed down: THE LORD LOVETH the righteous... PSALM 146:8

THE LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and HE knoweth them that trust in HIM... NABUM 1:7

Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for THE LORD upholdeth him with HIS hand... PSALM 37:24

THOU art my hiding place; THOU shalt preserve me from trouble; THOU shalt compass me with songs of deliverance... PSALM 32:7

THURSDAY: TAKING CARE OF OURSELVES, MIND, BODY, & SPIRIT!!!

Thursday's are now dedicated to taking care of ourselves, body, mind, and spirit, as we cannot grow much without caring for ourselves, in HONOUR to the gift of life HE has bestowed upon us, and entrusted us with preserving in the best of our abilities, while improving, FOR, and TO HIS GLORY...

The ancient people were in WAY better shape than we are today, as they spent their lives walking, and working hard! We walk as exercise, or because we have to at certain times, but other than that, we are either at a desk, in a chair, on a sofa, chillin', or when we are moving, in a vehicle of some sort, at least a great many of us! For quite a while, a few times in my life, I did NOT have a car, and so, everything I had to do, involved LOTS of steps! I was in great shape, and much healthier than I am now, thaz for sure:)))

We are a society of convenience, there is no way to deny it! And, it IS taking it's toll, although, there are other factors at work too, such as micro-engineered wheat, food that has been given hormones, and all sorts of nasty additives, and other such, due to overpopulation, and overly high demand, and so on...

THE PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE HAS ONE ORIGIN, ONE TRUE RESULT...

We are encouraged to embrace excellence in the course of our lives, in various ways. Much time, money, and deliberation goes into the pursuit of excellence; there are endless resources towards doing so...

IF as much energy was spent on the embracing of the excellence of THE LORD, and HIS WAYS, this life would take on new meaning, better possibilities, more comforts, and unending PEACE! Alas, we are raised towards worldly matters, then, somewhere along the line, HE fits into the horizon! I could probably never explain this eloquently enough to make a difference, yet, I must try!!!

WEDNESDAY'S WISDOM: PERSEVERANCE THROUG KNOWLEDGE...

2 PETER 1: 2-13... 
2/ may grace and peace be yours in abundance through knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. 
3/ His divine power has bestowed on us everything that makes for life and devotion, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and power. 
4/ Through these, he has bestowed on us the precious and very great promises, so that through them you may come to share in the divine nature, after escaping from the corruption that is in the world because of evil desire. 
5/ For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, virtue with knowledge, 
6/ knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance, endurance with devotion, 
7/ devotion with mutual affection, mutual affection with love. 
8/ If these are yours and increase in abundance, they will keep you from being idle or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

TIME TO LIGHTEN UP & SMILE:))) XOXOXOX

Well, you know what? *GOD* in me, has been pounding out some heavy messages as of late, and it is time to lighten up:)))

The Army of the Lord
A friend was in front of me coming out of church one day, and the preacher was standing at the door
as he always is to shake hands. He grabbed my friend by the hand and pulled him aside.
The Pastor said to him, "You need to join the Army of the Lord!"
My friend replied, "I'm already in the Army of the Lord, Pastor."
Pastor questioned, "How come I don't "see you except at Christmas and Easter?"
He whispered back, "I'm in the secret service."

CHRIST JESUS OUR LORD, TEACHES REPENTANCE...

CHRIST JESUS preached REPENTANCE in order to enter THE KINGDOM of *GOD*! REPENTANCE is a CHANGE of heart, towards sin, the flesh, the carnal, egocentric being, to embracing the spirit, in conduct conforming TO HIS WILL! LOVE became the sole Law, in 2 parts, LOVE *GOD* WITH ALL YOUR BEING, body, mind, and soul, then, LOVE others! LOVE IS that which KEEPS us IN THE SPIRIT, and SAFEGUARDS us from further err! LOVE TEACHES US what IS OF *GOD*, and HIS WILL, then, KEEPS us aligned to this knowledge!!!

After our LORD, CHRIST JESUS was tempted for 40 days, and 40 nights, HE began preaching REPENTANCE!!!
MATTHEW 4: 17...
From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

THE *GOD* ENFORCED 'DUTY' OF THE MINISTRY!!!

EZEKIEL 3: 18-21...
18/ If I say to the wicked man, You shall surely die; and you do not warn him or speak out to dissuade him from his wicked conduct so that he may live: that wicked man shall die for his sin, but I will hold you responsible for his death.
19/ If, on the other hand, you have warned the wicked man, yet he has not turned away from his evil nor from his wicked conduct, then he shall die for his sin, but you shall save your life.
20/ If a virtuous man turns away from virtue and does wrong when I place a stumbling block before him, he shall die. He shall die for his sin, and his virtuous deeds shall not be remembered; but I will hold you responsible for his death if you did not warn him.
21/ When, on the other hand, you have warned a virtuous man not to sin, and he has in fact not sinned, he shall surely live because of the warning, and you shall save your own life.

All people Called by THE LORD to serve as Priests, Prophets, Ministers, Pastors, and so on, ARE *GOD'S* mouth to HIS Children, having GREAT responsibility TO sharing THE TRUTH as WRITTEN, and the SCRIPTURES are written for our admonition. Those who fail to deliver THE TRUTH, which will guide, protect, comfort, and lead TO *GOD*, will pay a hefty price...

TUESDAY'S THOUGHTS: ALL DECREED BY THE LORD *GOD* IS SOUND & PRINCIPLED, FOR ALL ETERNITY!!!

ALL decreed by THE LORD, is sound, and principled, working towards the health, well-being, and goodness of existence! For instance, when HE says, "All vengeance is mine"!, there IS a whole lot of Wisdom in this! When people exact vengeance for themselves, they are without the strength to bear the power of the evils in returning evil for evil! They may go to extremes in the process, even insane, and certainly, they will have to become one with evil to repay it! Not only this, but internally, people pay greatly for their wish to exact vengeance, in ways of bitterness, and other effects that damage the system, body, mind, and spirit! This is just one example, a severe one at that, though this is true for EVERY matter under the Heavens! *GOD* wants us to RELY upon HIM with TRUST, BELIEF, and FAITH that HE WILL fulfill HIS PROMISES! HE wants us to REALIZE that HIS instructions are NOT motivated by tyranny, instead by care for our health, well-being, and over-all comfort! HE is NOT dictating, HE is LOVING us in HIS instructions, designed to protect, enhance, and add to our lives in this strange, rugged, crazy world!!!

'THE TRUTH' PREVAILS FOREVER & FOREVER...

Recently, a Pastor was met with frenzied resistance, and defiance, because he spoke THE WORD (the message of repentance), in context to a delicate issue, and consequently, withdrew from accepting a historical invitation, because of the division his SCRIPTURE QUOTED message, created! This is important because, the times are showing themselves...

It is almost as if one can't win; anger of the masses is stirred up, whether quoting word for word THE SCRIPTURES, or, for not presenting direct quotes! As one CALLED by THE LORD, the dissension does NOT matter, the work at hand IS to PRESENT THE WHOLE TRUTH, whether accepted, or not! Dissension is part, and parcel of THE WAY; CHRIST JESUS HIMSELF endured it, and spoke of it!!!

In these times, if one speaks too much TRUTH, there is a rush to label, to disqualify, to twist THE WORD to fit the times! NOT ONE WORD of THE WORD is twistable, negotiable, nor without IMPERATIVENESS TO this day in time!!!

This is nothing new, since the days of the ancients, *GOD* has had MUCH to say concerning this very matter:
ISAIAH 30: 9-15... 

TODAY 'is' THE DAY TO PUT ON THE NEW SELF!!!

Each day IS an excellent time to open UP to receiving THE LORD! Each day DOES hold HIS LOVE, HIS GRACE, HIS MERCY! It is NEVER too late to CENTER HIM in our lives! I believe EACH day IS a gift of opportunity to develop into the TRUE being, the spirit, with HIM as our guide! I believe that while we may have stumbled yesterday, TODAY IS THE DAY of reconciliation! While we might be unsure of taking pro-active measures to become one with HIM, the benefit is in the decision, then, the action of doing so; small steps lead us justly, which after some time, become more readily, a part of our spiritual growth, while enabling us to REMAIN IN HIM, and ON the path of righteousness, wrapped in the benevolence of HIS own SPIRIT!!!

EPHESIANS 4: 20-24... 
20/ That is not how you learned Christ, 
21/ assuming that you have heard of him and were taught in him, as truth is in Jesus, 
22/ that you should put away the old self of your former way of life, corrupted through deceitful desires, 
23/ and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 
24/ and put on the new self, created in God's way in righteousness and holiness of truth.

IT'S A NEW DAY, FULL OF NEW HOPE, PRAISE THE LORD!!!

The sun is shining, it is a new day, full of new HOPE, new opportunities, and fresh resolve! PRAISE THE LORD!!!

EVERY gifted day by the GRACE of THE LORD, is worth celebrating! The past is gone, the future hangs in HIS WILL, but TODAY IS THE DAY of new beginnings, even if it seems like more of the same!!!

I wish you a Monday full of HIM, of LOVE, of inspiration, of understanding, of kindness, of optimization! Let this time BE the time we use FOR, and TO HIS GLORY!!!

May *GOD* BLESS, and BE with us ALL, and may we SEE the need to MAKE this a day of coming close to HIM, for WITH HIM, there IS greatness, advantage, benevolence, PEACE, HOPE, and JOY! Let us HONOUR HIM with the BEST of our spirits, in thought, letter, and deed!!!

Much LOVE, have an awe-inspired day, and week OXOXOXOXO

REV. LWINSOR © 2013

MONDAY'S MEDITATIONS: THE SOCIETY THAT FOLLOWED NOT THEIR SHEPHERD, BUT THEIR OWN FANCIES...

 

There once lived a society that would not listen to the Priests, or Prophets of THE LORD, yet, they appointed Priests, and Prophets for themselves, whom they listened to! Those appointed by humans, were not anointed by *GOD*, but the people sought them in every matter, uncaring of the fact that these human appointed Priests, and Prophets, were not only lacking in knowledge, understanding, and wisdom of *GOD*, they relied upon their own imaginations, visions, dreams, and divination's to appease the people...

HOLY HOLY HOLY

I WILL EXALT THEE, O MY LORD, INDEED!!!

I WILL EXALT THEE, O my LORD! YOU, alone, are worthy of ALL PRAISE, WORSHIP, PROCLAMATION, and EXULTATION! Because YOU LOVE me, because YOU have compassion, MERCY, and even pity upon my state, I WILL LOVE you until the ends of time, from the depths of my being! I THANK YOU, O my LORD, for ALL YOU have done, do, and will do, for ALL, mine, and myself! YOU, alone ARE the constant in my life, for which, I AM eternally indebted, ever grateful, ever appreciative, and so, to RAISE YOU before the world, is the least I can do; not only that, but WHO but YOU deserves it?!!

SUNDAY'S SACRED SCRIPTURES: LED BY THE SPIRIT OF *GOD*...

ROMANS 8: 12-14... 
12/ Consequently, brothers, we are not debtors to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 
13/ For if you live according to the flesh, you will die, but if by the spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 
14/ For those who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.

Christian life is therefore the experience of a constant challenge to put to death the evil deeds of the body through life of the spirit (Romans 8:13).