LORD: You Know I Love You

So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, 'Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?' He said to Him, 'Yes Lord; You know that I love You.' He said to him, 'Tend My lambs.' He said to him again a second time, 'Simon, son of John, do you love Me?' He said to Him, 'Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.' He said to him, 'Shepherd My sheep.' He said to him the third time, 'Simon, son of John, do you love Me?' Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, 'Do you love Me?' And he said to Him, 'Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.' Jesus said to him, 'Tend My sheep.'" (John 21:15-17, NASB).

All of the followers of Christ are faced with the same question. It is not: are you willing to do anything for God, or do you love others, The primary question that He wants of all His followers is this: Do you truly love me. A deep and heartfelt love for God is the only effective means and motivation for serving Him. As the Lord’s disciples, our primary calling is to be with Him. Out of that love relationship comes the motivation and power to to fulfill our God given purpose in life, no matter what we have to endure along the way.

The Bible often uses earthly examples as a form of explaining spiritual things. A flock of sheep with its shepherds used throughout both the Bible. The flock of sheep is a type, and a figure used, of God's people and the shepherds are figures, or types, of those whom God appoints to feed those sheep, in other words, to take care for the spiritual needs of God's people. Jesus instructed Peter and the other disciples to take over the feeding and shepherding of His sheep. The disciples were called upon to serve under Him on this earth, as shepherds too. Shepherds of His flock.

The discussion Jesus had with Peter just before He ascended up into Heaven, was the result of three and a half years of teaching by Jesus to His disciples, especially the twelve who had lived very close with Jesus during His time on earth. This teaching showed the disciples what to do, what The Lord wanted them to turn out to be after e ascended and went back into Heaven.  During Jesus’ life on this earth with His disciples Jesus taught this teaching to them over and over again in different scriptures and parables. [Matthew 14:13-21]: He wanted them, like us, to carry on what He wanted us to.

Matthew told of the time when the disciples, who were under the headship and guidance of Jesus, fed over five thousand people with only five loaves of bread and two fish. Jesus, saw a great multitude and felt compassion for them, and healed their sick." We can see in these scriptures the Great Shepherd  looked after and cared for the people’s needs. The lord’s  disciples were there with Him and he wanted them to be able to do the same.

The lesson here is like a text book, laid out in simple steps. First, the disciples saw a need of the people and Jesus told them to go ahead and do what was necessary to fulfill that need. But the disciples didn't know how to carry out what they considered to be a very impractical request of Jesus because they did not have the means to do it. They said to Jesus, "We have here only five loaves and two fish." Reading between the lines, we know pretty well what the disciples were thinking: this thing which Jesus has told us to do is impossible. These people are hungry and need to eat now. We can't feed this entire multitude with these hardly nothing. All we have is, five loaves of bread and two fish. Look what Jesus said next. He said, 'Bring them here to Me.'" After the disciples had gathered together all the resources which they could, and had determined it was not enough, the next step called for by Jesus was, "Bring them to Me!" Remember this was done in answer to the request of Jesus, "You give them something to eat." We always have to take the first step.

The Lord's view took in many things which the disciples could not see. The Lord spoke from the standpoint of the creator of all things The disciples were as yet limited by their thinking to the physical realm and scarcely aware that they also were part of the vast invisible spiritual realm. The Lord was teaching His disciples a step at a time who He was, who they were, and the complete spiritual meaning of "Feed My sheep."

Remember this, It was by the hands of the disciples that the food was given out. The Lord had commanded the disciples to "feed the people," it was the disciples who gave out the food. But it was at the hands of the Lord that the food was multiplied, It was the Lord who caused the miracle. But The Lord  did not give out the food, and in that sense, ( in other words to grasp the true meaning) He did not "feed the people." The disciples, with Jesus' help and guidance, fed the people. Make no mistake it could have not been done without Jesus! If they had not acted in response and obedience to His  command, Bring them here to Me, The disciples would have not been able to feed the people.  Because  it was, in fact, Jesus who fed the multitudes by His divine power! He was the only one who knew how to increase the bread and fish to make them enough for all the people. It was by His power it was done!

When Jesus left from this world. His disciples of that day were to remain on earth a little while longer to "feed His sheep," and they needed to be taught how to do it. And the future disciples of Jesus throughout the entire Christian Age needed to be taught through them. Christian disciples, even today, can never expect to "feed His sheep" without the help of Jesus to multiply their resources.  The lesson was taught. The people have a need. We  Christians, are to fill that need." We are to gather all the means we can. They might look like they are not enough. But when we take them to Jesus He will increase the means and give it back to us so that you can do what Jesus commanded us to do. Then, as His willing vessel, we need do it.

The Lord spoke to every Christian when He said:  Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, (20) teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the Age." (Matthew 28:19-20). Here in the great commission we have all the essentials  and basics of the mission that Jesus was teaching His disciples to carry out. The commission is addressed to the shepherd servants, the Christians of the Age. The Lord Himself, will be with the Christian always, even to the end of the Age. In this case the spiritual food, the gospel, is provided by the Lord, and it is more than sufficient to feed all the people of the earth. What is missing that prevents the multitudes of the earth from having access to the gospel message today?

Aren't there enough Christians willing to accept the challenge of the Lord's great commission? In New Testament days it took only a relatively few disciples to proclaim the gospel "in all creation under heaven." (Colossians 1:23). Could it be that the available resources are insufficient to reach the swelling multitudes, the billions of people in the far reaches of today's world? But even as the population of the spiritually hungry world has multiplied many times since the New Testament days, so have the means of travel and communication have also been also multiplied. The various types of today's mass media allow communication into homes in every nation of the world. In many respects today's world is effectively "smaller" than the world in Bible Days. The means of communicating are more available than ever before in the past history of this world.

So the question is this: Is the Lord's plan, which He taught to His twelve disciples, believed to be impracticable and not effective today? Is the Lord unable to multiply insufficient and inadequate means as He did when He walked this earth? Or could it be that Christians just haven't tried the Lord’s instructions and plan lately? Read the text book (our Bible) Get together all the means that you have. You might think that it isn't enough. But, just, take it to the Lord. Put it in His hands. And whatever He gives back to you, start giving it out to the hungry people and the Lord will do the rest!

Onward Christian Soldier!

And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. (Revelation 22:12).

I read this article recently and thought that it was well worth sharing. Please read it and let it bless your soul.

"A young man enlisted, and was sent to his regiment. The first night he was in the barracks with about fifteen other young men, who passed the time playing cards and gambling. Before retiring, he fell on his knees and prayed, and they began to curse him and jeer at him and throw boots at him. So it went on the next night and the next, and finally the young man went and told the chaplain what had taken place, and asked what he should do. 'Well,' said the chaplain, 'you are not at home now, and the other men have just as much right to the barracks as you have. It makes them mad to hear you pray, and the Lord will hear you just as well if you say your prayers in bed and don't provoke them.'

For weeks after the chaplain did not see the young man again, but one day he met him, and asked - 'By the way, did you take my advice?' 'I did, for two or three nights,' [the soldier answered.] 'How did it work?' 'Well,' said the young man, 'I felt like a whipped hound and the third night I got out of bed, knelt down and prayed.' 'Well,' asked the chaplain, 'How did that work?' The young soldier answered: 'We have a prayer meeting there now every night, three have been converted, and we are praying for the rest.'

Oh, friends, I am so tired of weak Christianity. Let us be out and out for Christ; let us give no uncertain sound. If the world wants to call us fools, let them to it. It is only a little while; the crowning day is coming. Thank God for the privilege we have of confessing Christ."

Friends do we need to say more? Let's ask the Lord to touch our lives with power today. That we may be released from our stresses, our problems and even our own desires -- that we may become focused on being available for the task at hand. There's so much work to be done!

What Then?

When the great plants of our cities
Have turned out their last finished work.
When the merchants have sold their last yard of silk,
And dismissed their last tired clerk,
When the banks have ranked in their last dollar,
and payed their last dividend.
And the Judge of earth says, "Close for the night,"
And asks for a balance ----- WHAT THEN?

When the people have heard their last sermon,
And the preacher has made his last prayer
When the choir has sung its last prayer
And the sound has died out of the air
When the Bible lies closed on the alter
And the pews are empty of men
And each one stands facing his record
and the GREAT BOOK is open --- WHAT THEN?

When the actor has played his last drama
And the mimic has made his last fun
When the film (and TV) has flashed its last picture
And the billboard displays its last run
When the crowds seeking pleasure have vanished
And gone into darkness again
And the trumpet of ages is sounded
And we stand before Him ------  WHAT THEN?

When the bugle's call sinks into silence
And the long marching columns stand still
When the captain has given his last orders
And they have captured the last fort and hill
When the flag has been hauled from the masthead
And the wounded afield check in
And a world that's rejected its Saviour
Is asked for a reason ---------- WHAT THEN?


When life, friend, has run to a finish
And the the last thing you can do is done
When your work here on earth has ended
and eternity has begun
As you think of how long God has pleaded
Of how Christ bore your sins on the tree
And your soul stands there naked before Him
And the Father denies you ----    WHAT THEN?


WHAT THEN  ------  The Bible Says:


"It is appointed to man once to die, but AFTER THIS the judgement."
"He that believeth on Him is not condemned : but he that believeth 
not is condemned already"

Occupy Till He Comes!

 For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison,  while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2 Corinthians  4: 17,18) NASB

Because we are believers in the Lord Jesus Christ and His promises, All of us are called to change the world in which we live in. C.S. Lewis gave a helpful point of view on a Christian remaining heavenly minded while continuing to make an influence in this present world. Lewis said this:, “In mere Christianity, hope means a continual looking forward to the eternal world. What it does not mean is this: “We are to leave the present world as it is”. The devil and his imps never stop working and as God’s redeemed we should not either. When we read history we can will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were the ones who thought most of the next world. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world (Our Eternal Home) that they have become so ineffective in this present world. Let us set our sights on Heaven and we will get what we need on this earth thrown in. Set sights on just at the earth and you will not get neither one.

Being heavenly minded is not natural or normal to the carnal people of this old world. To be heavenly minded  happens when our focal point and meditation is on the realism and the blessed hope of the world to come. When we do this, we can bring a taste of heaven to the world around us. So let's not become complacent and content on how this present world is. We need to stay focused on our Heavenly home, so we can be effective here on this world we live in. We must occupy until our lord comes.

While we cry out against the injustice in this world, we must never lose or misplace our hope in our Heavenly home. We are not to strive for things in this world that we see because they are not worthy of the pursuit of a immoral soul. We are to look for the things not seen that are eternal and everlasting. These are the important things of this life. I have said all that to say this:

Christians are not, for the rest of their lives, to sit down and stare off into space. We still live in a world of practical reality. We must still occupy till our Lord comes for us. We must carry on, cry out against evil, injustice, sin, tell the world that Jesus saves and what that truly means. We must speak out about anything or anybody that opposes God and His laws.  Not doing nothing is just like the people in the world (during WW2) letting Hitler kill just about every Jew in the world and do nothing about it, not even by speaking up. Now the Muslim terrorist are doing the same thing while our government does nothing.  It is wrong and we must cry out against it!

We, as God’s Children, have been bought with a price and What a privilege it will be to be in the presence and close to Jesus forever and ever. It will be a privilege of living in a environment free from want, care, poverty, pain, loneliness, death, dying, sickness, hunger, disease, aging, murder, racism, terrorist, perverse and wicked leaders, a place free from sin. It will be forever and ever! One day will be as a thousand years and a thousand years will be as a day.  But here on this earth we must occupy (live in) till He Comes.

We should never take a position that I read so much on Face Book and other sites by some Christians and that is this; “IT IS WHAT IT IS”. I love these people with all my heart! They are my brothers and sisters, but, Who knows if you have come into the world for such a time as this. Till the Lord takes me home I will not only tell the World about our Savior’s love, but what He is also saving us from and I will cry out against ungodly leaders in government and the church that are not governing by God’s Holy standards. I’m not perfect but I want to hear my Jesus say to me on that glorious reunion day, “Well done my true and faithful servant”

Soon and very soon we are going to see the King, but occupy till he comes!

On A Positive Note!

On a positive note I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by theway he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life. I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life."I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back. I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others, your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you. I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one. I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love that human touch-holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. I've learned that I still have a lot to learn. Note: People will forget what you said; people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel......

In A Time Such As This!

There is most certainly a war 0n the horizon in the Middle East because the Muslim countries are determined and bent  to destroy Israel, We, as Christians, know this. because we are in-tune with the word of God. It will be a war that will be very serious and the effects of this war will be felt all over the world. This war will be about, the future existence of the state of Israel and in the end the free world. It will involve all of the Muslim countries, the same as in the past, the Muslims will attack Israel to try, as they say, to drive the Jews into the sea.  So much for that peaceful religion called Islam. Whenever this war starts, do not think that it is restricted to that area. Americans everywhere must do everything we can to put a stop to the enemies of Israel and freedom everywhere by letting these people think they have an opportunity to destroy Israel and freedom around the world. What do I mean? It means simply this, standing as one with Israel. 

The challenge (The fight) with the Islamist is this, they seek to impose their religion on everybody, This is what most people do not understand.  It is time for freedom loving people around the world to wake up and smell the coffee.  It is not only Israel but it is all the world that does not go along with their agenda. We are approaching the end of the age fast and people are numb as to what is happening in this world. If they would only read their Bible they would see what is clearly happening. Yes the Bible, because you can never believe what a newspaper or the news on TV will tell you. They lie, but God’s word is true! Amen!

“The problem is that, because in the end  the Muslims  must (according to sharia law), and according to what they believe is God’s will, make everyone feel subdued in order to achieve their purpose, These people will not stay restrained or moderate. They will not be satisfied with anything less than the final domination of sharia law and they certainly will not resist the use of violence when it becomes the means and method to get their way.” Not only is Israel in danger, the whole world is. There is a rising tide of Islamist governments growing throughout Middle East and North Africa and spreading even further.  They have all but taken over Europe. Just look at the news from there. They are taking over.

“We’re witnessing not just the violent kind of jihad that these Islamist believe God compels them to engage in, but also, where they must for premeditated reasons, use a more sneaky kind, or civilized jihad known as the Muslim Brotherhood.  If you take time to look you can see that playing out, not only in the Middle East but also in Europe, in Australia, in Canada and here in the United States. We must wake up! The spread of Sharia, is the most pressing and serious challenge we face as Christians and a free people. Yes not only Israel but the free world.

Through craftiness and just being plain sneaky, they have lucratively made a way into important parts of the free world including our own government and civil institutions.” We now even have Muslims worshiping in our Christian  churches. These people are working overtime to accomplish their purpose of a Muslim world. The fiddler plays as Rome burns! By his own actions Obama embraces the Muslim Brotherhood. By doing this he is legitimating our enemies. He is giving them the go ahead. He helps their influence, their action, and their saturation into our very way of life and it greatly increases the prospect that they will be successful at what the Muslim Brotherhood’s own documents indicate is their desire, which is to destroy western civilization from within.” Wake up Mr. Barrack Hussein Obama. Democracy is okay, with Muslims,  if all you want is one-man-one-vote one-time. That is precisely what the Muslim Brotherhood and its like-minded Islamist friends want.” People all over the world are being fooled or they think that it is nothing that they have to worry about. Boy are these people wrong!

“The president (if that is what you want to call him, I have a better name for him) and his administration are not trying to stop them. It is more like they are helping them. What we are going to wind up with in the end, not just in Tunisia, not just in Libya, not just in Egypt, but probably also in Syria, as we have in Lebanon, as we have in Gaza and probably will have down the road in Yemen, Bahrain, maybe Saudi Arabia  is the takeover through the ballot box and terrorism  of all people.  They will never allow others freedom, they will impose Sharia law and they will use whatever means they can gather, not only to suppress and hold back their own people, but to endanger us as well!”

As The followers of Jesus Christ we need to be on our knees seeking God's help in turning this dangerous tide of  Muslim terrorist who want to impose their way of life on God's people and a free world. Who knows if you or I might be here in this world for such a time as this. I will always speak out about this enemy of God's children and Israel. God bless the USA and the nation of Israel! Even so come Lord Jesus is my prayer.

This Little Light of Mine!

He divided the 300 men into three companies, and he put trumpets and empty pitchers into the hands of all of them, with torches inside the pitchers. He said to them, “Look at me and do likewise. And behold, when I come to the outskirts of the camp, do as I do. “When I and all who are with me blow the trumpet, then you also blow the trumpets all around the camp and say, ‘For the LORD and for Gideon.’” So Gideon and the hundred men who were with him came to the outskirts of the camp at the beginning of the middle watch, when they had just posted the watch; and they blew the trumpets and smashed the pitchers that were in their hands.            {Judges 7: 16-19} NASB

When The Lord called Gideon to lead Israel against their enemies, He wanted to show the Israelite s that a small army sanctioned and authorize by God was more efficient and successful than huge armies. But look how they came to battle– with weapons that an army would as a rule would not use. They fought with the shofar (A trumpet made of a ram's horn, blown by the ancient Hebrews during religious ceremonies and as a signal in battle, ) and lamps! They fought with weapons that the world would consider ineffective, yet the Israelite s overcame and prevailed mightily over their enemies. They shouted as loud as they could, sounded the shofar, and broke the vessels that held the fire so that their lamps erupted all the way through with brightness and intensity. The trumpet was and still is symbolic of the word of our God. We as Christians must put forth that certain and sure sound. The sound of that mighty rushing wind! We must keep our lamps all trimmed and burning!

This Bible story is a powerful symbol and image for us. If we look at ourselves as "earthen vessels" holding the fire of God, in other words,  the Spirit of God within us, then a "breaking" of the outer man is needed and is essential for His inner light to come through. Victory, Triumph, and achievement can come out of brokenness. Do not ever forget that. The old life, often called the "old man", (self) when it is actually and beyond doubt crucified and broken, will give way to the release of the Lord's Spirit that will and can come into our lives. God cannot and will not fill that which is already filled with self-will, The death of Christ has broken the power of our self-will, because we were crucified with Him. When we remember and become aware to that very statement we will see the bright light and the victory that awaits us as his followers. Remember, we are the light of the world and we can be that light only as long as we are full of the Word of God.

We must, as followers of the Lord let the love, peace, joy, and all the Fruits of the Spirit breakthrough in our lives. Our old life of Self has been and is continually being broken, as the Lord’s  triumphant and victorious light shines through our earthen vessel. Just like Gideon and his men won a great victory that day, we can too! This little light of mine I’m going to let it shine!