godsword

Prophecy Update - Banking System and the DUSD

josiah@crossbridgemarketing.com (Josiah Martin) — Mon, 20 Mar 2023 13:47:59 GMT

Things Are Changing Fast... And One Prediction I Made Is Already Happening.

In the audio of the prophecy update, I mentioned that we are very likely to see a consolidation of the banking system. I also mentioned Credit Suisse, a more than century old organization that was nearing collapse... and guess what happened while we were having the prophecy update? They were acquired by an even larger bank. Yup... it's already starting. And they were forced to sell at less than half their market value. See the below excerpt from the news:

"Another wild weekend has seen regulators attempt to stave off a banking crisis that's quickly spreading across global markets. In an emergency deal brokered by Swiss authorities, UBS (NYSE: UBS ) agreed to scoop up longtime rival Credit Suisse (NYSE: CS ) for $3.25B, which was less than half of the latter's market valuation at the close of trading on Friday. Without a deal, Credit Suisse would've likely collapsed this week, spreading further financial contagion that began in the U.S. with the implosion of Silvergate Capital ( SI ), Silicon Valley Bank ( SIVB ) and Signature Bank ( SBNY ) (First Republic ( FRC ) is also facing trouble with additional cuts to its ratings )."

Source: Seeking Alpha

Prophecy Update Feb. 5th, 2023

josiah@crossbridgemarketing.com (Josiah Martin) — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 20:15:37 GMT

Prophecy Update Feb. 5th, 2023

CONSCIENCE

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 13:34:24 GMT

CONSCIENCE

Edgar Allen Poe was an American writer, poet, editor and literary critic best known for his poetry and short stories, particularly his tails of mystery and the macabre ( ghastly, gruesome and horrible ). Born January 1809 -died October 1849; cause of death unknown. Perhaps you might remember his poem “ The Raven “ from your high school English class. The first verse is:

Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore- While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of someone gently rapping - rapping at my chamber door. ‘tis some visitor”, I muttered, “tapping at my chamber door- Only this and nothing more”.

As the poem continues, this student of forgotten lore is visited by a raven that croaks out one mysterious word; “Nevermore”. The raven’s word “Nevermore” reminds the student of his lost love “ the sweet Lenore”. As memories of Lenore flood back into his mind, his conscience now begins to plague his thoughts and attitude.

Every person has a conscience. According to Webster’s Dictionary, conscience is “ a complex of ethical and moral principles that controls or inhibits the actions and thoughts of an individual”. James Packer helps to clarify this in his book “Concise Theology”. He states that “ Conscience is the built-in power of our minds to pass moral judgments on ourselves , approving or disapproving our attitudes, actions, reactions and plans. Conscience has in it two elements, (a) an awareness of certain things as being right or wrong and (b) an ability to apply laws and rules to specific situations. Conscience, as distinct from our other powers of mind, is unique; it feels like a person detached from us, often speaking when we would like it to be silent and saying things that we would rather not hear. We can decide whether or not to heed conscience but we cannot decide whether or not it will speak; our experience is that it decides for itself”.

In “The Raven”, the student’s conscience continues to plague him with the wrongfulness of the loss of Lenore. “Quaff, oh quaff this kind nepenthe and forget this lost Lenore! Quoth the raven, Nevermore”.

A summary of “ The Raven “, published by sparknotes.com states that “ the poem explores how grief can overcome a person’s ability to live in the present and engage with society. Over the course of the poem, the speaker’s inability to forget his lost love Lenore drives him to despair and madness”.

It is interesting that after more than 175 years, Mr Poe’s poem could be rewritten in our modern world culture. Ever since the beginning of time, all of mankind has been subject to trouble and problems; some worse than others, but still lurking around the next corner. The bad news is that there will always be problems, troubles, trials, tests and aggravations as long as we live. So, how are

we to survive all of this without despair and madness?

Today, it seems as if there is a recovery program on every street to help overcome any crisis that you can think of; plus a plethora of medical doctors who will supply mind-numbing pharmaceuticals to overcome anxiety and depression. Obviously, first, any person struggling with physical or mental issues should have a medical exam by their doctor to rule out any physical issue that can

be resolved with proper medication.

“Behavior modification” therapy can be helpful to the extent of preventing an aggressive or violent behavior by replacing a negative or socially unacceptable deed with a positive or acceptable deed. This is essentially attempting to change a person’s conduct from “ the outside to the inside”. However, this does not address the conflict of the person’s memory and conscience, thus leaving no hope for peace of mind. Therefore, let’s consider the next alternative which is to make the life style changes from the “inside out”.

As noted by Packer, the conscience has the power to approve or disapprove our attitudes, actions, reactions, thoughts and plans. To begin with, every person has a memory in their mind. What is your mind? Your mind is the element, part, substance or process that reasons, thinks, feels, perceives and judges. Just as your computer has a memory bank to record and save data or information, so does your mind have its own memory bank to recall what has been entered. When a memory is recalled, then conscience will step in to process the memory according to the standards by which it has been educated or trained. Thus, a person will feel approved or condemned concerning what they have previously said or done.

Also, conscience will influence our current and future conduct. Culture, society and family will generally establish the parameters of what we consider right or wrong and we try to continue abiding within these parameters due to our training, education and association with those around us. However, there is an innate problem within the progression through time and generations.

The problem is that human beings do not tolerate restraint. Therefore, over time, the parameters continually widen; sometimes very slowly, sometimes very quickly. Just like a shifting sand dune or flowing lava, human boundaries are not static.

So, as these parameters and boundaries widen, the liberal conscience will permit us to think, act or do that which previously would never have been acceptable and do it without remorse. A study of mankind through history will show that in spite of increase in knowledge, increase in technology or increase of affluence, most nations and cultures are becoming more morally bankrupt than ever before at a very rapid pace. Today, the conscience of mankind is almost numb.

Is there a solution to this devastating problem? Is there a way to give hope where there is no hope? Is there a way to restore the parameters so that people will know who they are, why they are here and where they are going? Is it possible to wake up in the morning with a real sense of purpose in this life? Is it possible to be content and have real peace in your soul? The answer to every one of these questions is --- absolutely YES!!

No matter whether you know it or not, nor whether you believe it or not, you were created with a body, a soul and a spirit. The Christian Bible states that human beings were created in the image of the God Jehovah; thereby, possessing the same basic characteristics as Jehovah. Nothing else in this world has these same characteristics and the only way for the created thing to have them is for the Creator to be capable of bestowing them. God loves His creation, especially human beings, so much that He inspired men to write a book to express His love. The title of that book is The Holy Bible.

It is interesting to note that people worldwide will spend billions of dollars every year to maintain and provide for their body which may last only 70 or 80 years and yet completely ignore their souls and spirit which are eternal. Eternity is forever!

There are some who still insist that there is no supreme God. God’s written word (the Bible) responds in Psalms 14:1; “The fool has said in his heart, there is no God”. In fact, the same words are written again in Psalms 53:1. Do you play poker? How often do you bet into a pat hand and win? How often can you play Russian Roulette with a pistol and expect to win? Is it worth the chance?

We should care for our physical bodies for they also are a gift from God, but not at the expense of our spirit and soul. Do you remember the previous questions; do you know who you are, why you are alive and where you are going in this life? Do you really have a purpose? Are you really content and do you have real peace in your soul? When your conscience speaks, is it in your best interest? The answers to these questions are found in the New Testament in the Bible.

Let’s start with rest for your soul. In Mathew 11:28,Jesus said “Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest”. Next is peace for your heart and mind. Jesus said in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you”. The writer of the book of Philippians, chapter 4 verse 17 said, “ and the peace of God which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus”. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a peaceful spirit and satisfied soul no matter what this world can throw at you? Human beings are a curious lot. They will take their car to a mechanic for repairs, their teeth to a dentist for repairs and their computer to a shop for repairs and yet they will refuse to take their spirit and soul to the only One who can repair them.

John 3:16 says “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life”. Mathew 18:11 declares: “For the Son of Man (Jesus) is come to save that which was lost”. In John 10:10 Jesus said “ I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly”. The repairs and healing of your heart and soul are free. Jesus has already paid the price for you. He is the only true hope for your soul and spirit. Come to Jesus today.

Mike & Mary's Monday Message from the Mountains of Mexico City

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 17:43:54 GMT

Mike & Mary's Monday Message from the Mountains of Mexico City

Dear Pastors, Friends & Family, January 30, 2023

Greetings in Jesus' Name from Mexico City! I am feeling much better this week. Thanks for your prayers. Mary is still having problems, but I found another specialist and hope to get her an appointment this week. We have tried and are trying many natural things that have been recommended, apart from regular medicines, but no success yet. Apart from the pain, her intestines aren't working well. But we were both back out together ministering this week. What a blessing!

We took the church group up to some open-air markets in the nearby mountains Wednesday. I snapped a couple pictures of Mary passing out tracts (photos 1, 2). God always blesses, often seeing a soul or more get saved, but sometimes not. Though we saw no obvious fruit in the markets that day, we gave out lots of tracts. Misael in his mid-40s received a tract earlier that day and read it. That night he came to church for the first time and said he knew his religion wasn't enough. I believe the tract prepared his heart and after hearing the gospel that night, he prayed, trusting Christ as His Savior and was born again.

Friday at the orphanage, the orphans had a wonderful time. They love Mary. They made a gingerbread house that we bought and brought from the U.S. as a kit. They also made & decorated cookies. They loved it. There is a new orphan girl named Noemi. She is shy but pray that one day soon, she will open up & open her heart to Jesus and get saved. We hope to get permission to start bringing the orphans back to church for our services. Everything shut down during Covid for them, but we are hoping they may can start coming to church soon. Attached are a couple pictures (3, 4).

We were back out Saturday witnessing and inviting people to church. I am glad I felt better because we were back at it, climbing steps and mountains to get the gospel out (photos 5, 6). That day we also passed by a cemetery and met Monica. She wasn't from the area, but she had traveled a couple hours to come care for the grave of her mother. Though obviously the cemetery is filled with death, Monica received eternal life after Mary witnessed to her and shared the gospel with her, then she prayed asking Jesus to saved her (photos 7, 8). I then asked her, "Monica after the decision you just made by faith to receive Jesus as your Savior, if you were to die today, where would you go?" She smiled and pointed upward and said, "To Heaven to be with my Savior Jesus Christ." Amen!

Yesterday church was full at Hope Baptist, and we had one first-time visitors and several visiting for the second time. Sundays are big here, and we are away from home all day. We were a bit worn out and, on our way home last night when I received a call. It was from a couple that was saved in our church last year and later fell out of church. They were having some marital problems so late last night we agreed to go to their room (not their house) in someone else's house where they rent. We were met in the street about 9pm and escorted to a dark, sketchy place and I had a hand in each pocket on my mace canisters. To enter the room, you had to go out the back side of the building and climb out on the side of a cliff onto makeshift steps and it was very dark. The only thing I saw as I felt like I was dangling there, was a big rat run across my foot. Thankful I didn't jump or else I would probably not be here to write this. We arrived and tried to help for about an hour, but I don't think it went well. Please pray for Fernanda & Jose Luis, and their children.

Thank you for your time and for praying for us, as well as everything else you do for us. We are "...your servants for Jesus' sake." 2 Corinthians 4:5.

Mike & Mary Wallace, Missionaries in Mexico City

Fennell Family Follow-Up

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 14:08:32 GMT

October-December

Yearly report: We praise the Lord for another busy and blessed year! 2022 was one of our busiest years to date with Worldview Ministries. After safely traveling to 20 states, we were blessed to be in eighty-four churches with thirteen missions conferences. Our prayer was to be in thirty-five new churches and the Lord answered a specific prayer by allowing us to be in forty-four new churches in 2022. We cannot overemphasize how we truly give all honor and glory to the Lord for allowing us to have such a full schedule.

October-December: The Lord also allowed us to have a full Fall/Winter schedule. We were in sixteen churches and had the opportunity to be in five missions conferences. We were blessed to present in seven new churches in addition to filling the pulpit for four churches.

Praises: We praise the Lord that our van is running well and that the Lord has kept us safe on the roads as we have traveled over thirty thousand miles over the 2022 year. We are also thanking the Lord for the many churches who have given to Worldview Ministries. We have observed churches supporting a Worldview project just as they would support a monthly missionary as well as churches sponsoring a specific book of the New Testament for a project.

Prayer Request: We are continuing to ask prayer for safety as we travel, a vehicle that runs smoothly, good health, and for our schedule to be filled throughout the 2023 year. We already have thirty-seven meetings scheduled for 2023 with twenty-six of those churches being brand new to Worldview Ministries. We are also asking prayer for our upcoming trip to India. I am excited that Amy and Cooper will be traveling with us.

Family news: Amy and I are so thankful and excited to announce that Bill and Charissa are expecting their first child (our first grandchild) and that Drew and Tiffany (Fredericks) were engaged in December! We were so blessed to have had all of our family home for Christmas. We are always so grateful for the chance to make more wonderful memories together.

HAPPY NEW YEAR (Missions Philippines)

Sat, 31 Dec 2022 13:22:41 GMT

Dear Beloved Friends & Family

Praying this letter finds you and your family well, and hoping you all had a wonderful Christmas time.

By God’s amazing grace, we are doing well. Eloiza, Baby Aquila, and I are healthy and in a great condition and we thank God for that!

As we all end this year 2022, we lift up our hands praising and thanking God for what He has done in our family and in the ministry that He entrusted us. Though this year has been undeniably a tough one, we can also attest to the fact that God’s been good and gracious, and has blessed us tremendously.

We had a wonderful Christmas time together with my family, and will be celebrating New Year together with my wife’s family.

As we all come to a new chapter this year 2023, I would like to encourage and challenge you to work continually in the Lord’s vineyard untiringly and unselfishly, and steadfastly serve Him faithfully.

“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:12

We are excited and looking forward for this upcoming year on what God has in store for us and the ministry in the Island of Marinduque.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! We love you all!

Missions Philippines

Sat, 31 Dec 2022 12:56:57 GMT

Dear Beloved Friends & Family,

Praying this letter finds you and your family well, and hoping you all had a wonderful Christmas time.

By God’s amazing grace, we are doing well. Eloiza, Baby Aquila, and I are healthy and in a great condition and we thank God for that!

We had a wonderful Christmas time together with my family, and will be celebrating New Year together with my wife’s family.

“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:12

We are excited and looking forward for this upcoming year on what God has in store for us and the ministry in the Island of Marinduque.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! We love you all!

MISSIONS PHILIPPINES (The Dacuyan’s)

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 13:02:23 GMT

Dear Beloved Friends & Family,

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR!

"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

We are praying and hoping this letter finds you well.

By God’s grace, blessing, and mercy, we are doing well. Honestly, it has been a tough year for us, especially with regards in finances and all the things that’s going on here in the mission field.

Though lots of problem, persecution, difficulty, and hardship arises, the more we see God moves and His grace abounds even more.

We will be having our Annual Church Christmas Celebration on the 18th, and right after that I will be traveling together with two of our young people at the church for about 9hours to preach at a 4days Youth Camp in Capas, Tarlac on the 19th. Please do pray for me and for those that will attend the said event that there may be souls saved and saints encouraged and challenged.

The ministry here in the remote Island of Marinduque is thriving and we’ve seen growth both in faith and in number.

Due to the growing number, the Church moved from our apartment to a rented commercial space in the downtown area of Santa Cruz, Marinduque. This is where we temporarily gather for worship services, while we’re waiting and praying for God’s provision for our church building at Buyabod.

We are also blessed to have youths that have the heart for God and the ministry. We have trained several youths at the church, and are now actively involved and used by God in the ministry.

This January, we’re praying and planning to plant a new mission work near the foot of a mountain in a remote village called Magapua. It’s a 45minutes drive from our place and a good few minutes of walking to reach the area. It is our prayer to be used by God to witness and proclaim the Gospel and minister to those people.

There will be also another 2 new Lad Ministry Center that were going to be establish this January at Uptown & Magapua.

From the very start and up ‘til now, it is our heart’s desire to win the people of Santa Cruz for our Lord Jesus Christ, and that they may know Him!

As we end this year 2022, we are so grateful to God for what He’s done, and we are looking forward on what God has in store for us and the ministry on the upcoming year 2023.

We also want to greet you all a merry and blessed Christmas and a new year filled with blessings from God!

We love you all and we’re fervently praying. God bless!

Prayer Request:

1. God’s provision for a church building at Buyabod next year. We’re praying for $40,000 for it’s completion. We are envisioning this (when finished) to be the largest Bible-believing and Christ-centered Church in the island of Marinduque. It will stand as a monument and a great testimony of how good and great the God we serve. As it stand, it’s vision and mission will remain the same — Soul Winning, Church Planting & Training the Nationals; all for the glory of God!

2. New Mission Work that would be planted at Magapua.

3. 2 new Lad Ministry center to be established at Uptown & Magapua.

4. The ministry that God has entrusted us here in the remote Island of Marinduque (growth and more souls to be saved and won for Jesus).

Prophecy Update

josiah@crossbridgemarketing.com (Josiah Martin) — Tue, 03 May 2022 20:08:54 GMT

Prophecy Update

An Easter Hallelujah (Mother & Daughter)

josiah@crossbridgemarketing.com (Josiah Martin) — Wed, 20 Apr 2022 11:37:32 GMT

An Easter Hallelujah (Mother & Daughter Edition

With the Resurrection of Christ fresh on our minds, it's an excellent time to remind ourselves that the hope, courage, and passion of the cross and empty tomb should extend all year. This song by Cassandra Star & her sister Callahan is an excellent way to take a few minutes and reflect on all Christ did for us some two-thousand years ago, and the hope it still brings us today. A big thank you to Brother Don Adams for sharing this with me! He is Risen!

SKIN

Sun, 10 Apr 2022 12:57:35 GMT

A Take On How We View God...

The old man was sitting on a park bench when he noticed a little boy sitting on the grass holding a baseball and glove. The boy was

alone and looked sad. The man spoke to the boy.

“Son, do you know that God loves you?”

Boy: “Yes sir; someone told me that”.

Man: “Son, do you know that God will never leave you?”

Boy: “Yes sir; someone told me that”.

Man: “Son, do you know that God wants to be your friend?”

Boy: “ Yes sir; someone told me that; but will he throw the

ball with me?”

Most non-Christian people, especially children, need to see God with “skin” on Him. Otherwise, to them He is a mere abstract concept that Christians like to talk about. Jesus knew this would happen when He would no longer be here in our physical world. So how would the all-knowing God overcome this obstacle? He had an amazing plan!

Jesus told His disciples that after His death He would send “another Comforter” (John 14:16,17,26) who is the Holy Spirit of God who would be WITH them and IN them. Also, Holy Spirit would “seal” them until the day of redemption ( Ephesians 4:30 ). So when a person puts their trust in Jesus by faith, they are immediately joined with God’s Holy Spirit which gives the believer a personal relationship with Jesus and the Lord God (John 15: 1-10 ; Galations 3:26-28).

The obstacle was overcome! God’s plan of redeeming mankind from the certain spiritual death sentence of sin by the atoning sacrifice of Jesus and the work of Holy Spirit in the life of believing persons continues today. God’s plan of salvation from His wrath now has “skin” again.

So how does this plan work today? Actually, it continues the very same way as when Jesus instructed His disciples; by one person telling another

person about a holy, loving God who wants that person to live with Him forever. As witnesses of the life changing effect for the good in another person, it should be our continual effort to be willing to share this good news with any who may be receptive. In this world, there is no shortage of people who have no hope, no future, no family or friends and no material goods.

--1--

When Jesus looked at the crowds of people around Him, He said that the fields “are white already to harvest” (John 4:35). He was referring to the souls of men to be harvested for the kingdom of God. What are the excuses for not being involved in this harvest? Whether admitted or not, usually the primary excuse is pride. We do not want to be seen as needing someone or something to carry us through this life. We do not want to be seen as incompetent if we cannot answer every question posed to us concerning the spiritual realm. We do not want to be ridiculed. We do not want to be shunned by family or friends who do not share our same love for Jesus. We do not want to miss anything that we have been told is great fun in this world even if it does compromise Biblical values.

The prophet Isaiah (chapter 53) foretold of Jesus being a suffering servant before becoming a sacrifice to God. In John chapter 13, Jesus became a servant and washed the dirty feet of men. He was stripped of all pride.

The living Son of the living God stepped out of the glory of eternal heaven to live for a short time on this earth for the sake of sinful man’s souls. If we say that we love Jesus and are trusting Him for eternal life, then where can we possibly claim any pride?

Let’s give someone that cup of water in Jesus’ name (Mark 9:41).

Let’s suffer little children to come to Him (Mathew 19:14).

Let’s throw the baseball with that little boy.

Let’s get our skin in motion for Jesus.

God's Friend

Tue, 15 Mar 2022 12:23:28 GMT

Understanding a friendship with God

2 Chronicles 20:7 and James 2:23 both state that Abraham was a “ friend of God”. Genesis 5:22 and 5:24 say that Enoch “walked with God”. Genesis 6:9 says that Noah “walked with God”. How did these 3 men ( and many others ) establish this type of reputation of intimacy with Jehovah? Abraham will be used for this study. However, the same principles apply to any person who was, is or wants to be a friend of God and walk with Him.

Abram (whose name was later changed to Abraham by God in Genesis 17:5) at age 75 years old, was called by God to leave his family at Haran and go to a land that God would show him (Genesis 12:1). In Genesis 12:2, we see God's promises of four blessings that Abram would receive for obedience. Abram obeyed(Genesis :4-9 ) and eventually the Lord God’s promises became reality. Abram and his offspring became a great nation. He became blessed with great wealth. Abram's (Abraham's) name became famous and all the families of the Earth are blessed because of him.

Abram was a prosperous man. Genesis 13:2 says that he was very rich in cattle, silver and gold. Also, those who were with him became wealthy such as his nephew Lot, who amassed much wealth in flocks and herds. God said that he would bless those who blessed Abram ( Genesis 12:3 ). Eventually, the flocks and herds of Lot and Abram increased to a size that the land could not sustain all of them in one area. So Abram suggested to Lot that they separate into different areas and Abram gave Lot first choice ( Genesis 13: 8,9 ).

Lot's choice was the fertile plains of Jordan to the east which included the ungodly cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Now his cattle would flourish while he and his family would live in the city of Sodom instead of tents. Life was very good for Lot and his family... for a while (Genesis 13:10,11).

Abram (Abraham) was in Canaan when God spoke to him again saying that all the land that he could see in any direction is now given to him by God. So Abram moved his possessions to the plains of Mamre which is in Hebron ( Gen. 13:18) and here Jehovah continued to bless Abram.

Abram (Abraham) was a promised man. The Lord God spoke to Abram many times making many promises for Abram's benefit. Not only the ones listed previously, but also for his posterity ( Gen. 12:7; 13:7; 15:5;17:1-6). The Lord God also ratified (sealed) his promises to Abram (Abraham) with a blood covenant in Genesis 15:9-21 which is known as the Abrahamic Covenant. Next, God changed the names of Abram and his wife Sarai to Abraham and Sarah ( Gen 17:5 and 17:15) which further enhanced the promises of God due to the Hebrew custom of name definitions.

Abraham was a perceptive man. Genesis 18:1 states that the Lord appeared unto Abraham in the heat of the day. How do we know that one of the three men approaching Abraham was deity? Imagine yourself in the sandals of Abraham that day.

First(vs.4), Abraham was where he was supposed to be; the plains of Mamre. Also, as a wealthy senior citizen, he had servants and herdsmen to oversee his possessions by his directives.

Second (vs.2), when he looked up he saw three men approaching. When he saw them, he ran to meet them and bowed himself to the ground. As a man of his status, it would be unthinkable in that culture to abase himself in that manner.

Third (vs 3), Abraham addressed one of the men as "my Lord" and he displayed great hospitality toward his visitors. Also, the Bible in 18:13 says “and the Lord said unto Abraham..." this is known as a Christophany which is a physical appearance of Jesus the Christ before or after his life on Earth. The Supreme God in whom Abraham had placed all of his faith and hope had now developed a personal one-on-one relationship with him.

Abraham was also a praying man. Genesis 18:22-33 tells us about Abraham's great prayer of intercession for the sake of Sodom and Gomorrah. Those two cities were known for their total depravity and exceedingly great sin. Remember that Lot, Abraham's nephew, had moved into Sodom. Lot was now in jeopardy of being destroyed along with his family and possessions for living in that sinful culture. Fortunately, Lot and his children were saved out of the total destructive judgment of God on Sodom and Gomorrah, but his wife died because of longing to remain in that sinful city (Gen.19:26).

It is interesting to note that more than 1900 years after Abraham, apostle Paul wrote in Romans 1:18-32 about sin and depravity that would bring judgment and spiritual death upon the ungodly and also on those who agree with or consent to these sins (vs.32).

Therefore, it is imperative that we intercede in prayer not only for those who have not submitted to Jesus Christ for spiritual rebirth, but also for those who condone and support unrighteousness. Jesus said that "the fields are white already to harvest" (John 4:35). James said in James 5:16 that " the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much". Prayer is not bending God's will to match our will. It is it is bending our will to match His. How could Abraham accomplish so much? Why would the Lord God be so gracious to one man? It was because of Abraham's faith in The Lord God Jehovah ( Genesis 15:16 and Hebrews 11:8-19). Abraham was a friend of God!

ARE YOU?

The Great Reset: Fact or Fiction? Part 2

Mon, 31 Jan 2022 13:22:48 GMT

The Great Reset: Fact or Fiction? Part 2

Notes & Links:

http://www.shadowstats.com/alternate_data/money-supply-charts

http://www.shadowstats.com/alternate_data/unemployment-charts

http://www.shadowstats.com/alternate_data/inflation-charts

https://www.weforum.org/great-reset/

https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/217623-the-road-to-serfdom

https://theimpactinvestor.com/calculate-individual-esg-score/

The Great Reset - Fact or Fiction? Introduction Part 1

Tue, 25 Jan 2022 13:58:21 GMT

An introduction to the organizations and individuals behind the great reset.

A Clean Vessel

Fri, 21 Jan 2022 20:48:46 GMT

Lessons learned from the life of David...

King David was a great man and a great king and a great repenter. The Bible, 1st Samuel:16, says that David was the least in his own family because he was the youngest and tended the sheep (vs 11). And yet, when God told the prophet Samuel to go to the house of Jesse to anoint the next king of Israel, the Lord prompted Samuel to choose David (vs 12). After anointing, the Spirit of God " came Upon David from that day forward". As David matured, his personal characteristics became apparent to those in society. When the Spirit of the Lord left King Saul (Israel's first king), he wanted a harp player to calm his agitation (vs 16,17). One of Saul's servants had seen David and told Saul that David " is cunning in playing, and a mighty Valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the Lord is with him" (vs 18).

When Spirit of God came on to David, he became a " chosen vessel" to be used by Yeweh. What is a vessel? Theologically, the British dictionary defines a vessel as " a person regarded as an agent or vehicle for some purpose or quality: Such as" she was a vessel of the Lord".

What is the purpose of a vessel? A vessel usually has three main purposes: (1) to contain a product or material, (2) to preserve something perishable or (3) to carry or move something. It is interesting that apostle Paul used the word vessel to his protege in 2 Timothy chapter 2 to encourage certain virtues or ideals in those that Timothy would be teaching and leading.

After salvation every person who has given their life by faith to Jesus is sealed by the indwelling Holy Spirit (Eph 4:30). That is why Paul could say "The Lord knoweth them that are His" (2Tim2:19). We are now vessels (containers) of the Holy Spirit of God and can enjoy all of the benefits of the ministry of the Spirit.

As vessels of the Lord we now have something to carry. When we became justified with God through the Lord Jesus, someone had carried the gospel of salvation to us (Eph.13,14). Now it is our turn to carry the gospel to the next person. This was also the mandate of the Lord Jesus to his disciples after His resurrection (Mark 16:15,16).

The third purpose of a container is for preservation. In order for the container to preserve perishable items, it must be clean and sterilized. As a vessel of the Lord, in spiritual rebirth, we were made clean by the "washing of water by the Word" (Eph. 5: 26) and "that it should be holy and without blemish" (Eph5:27). The problem that we experience as mortals is that we are still exposed to sin and the filth of this world. Therefore, we will still need a continuous spiritual cleaning and purging in order to be useful by the Lord Jesus (2Tim 2:21-26).

Therefore, there are two purposes for repentance. The first purpose is to become justified with God by realizing that we are sinners (Rom 3:23), we are spiritually dead in trespasses and sins (Eph2:1), and that the only way to the Lord God is through Jesus the Christ (John 14:6). Repentance, by faith in Jesus, brings us to a right condition (Rom 8:1--" no condemnation") to the Lord God. We have been saved from the wrath of God by His grace and through faith in Jesus (Eph.2:8,9). This is eternal life.

The second purpose of repentance is to keep us continually clean as vessels of the Lord while still alive in this physical world of temptation and sin. The stain of sin constantly bombards us daily as Satan attempts to discredit us before God as he did with Job (Job 1:6-11) and before people, has happened to King David (2Sam. 12:14). The apostle Paul also cautioned the Corinthian Church in his second letter to them;" giving no offense in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed (2Cor. 6:3).

Concerning this issue in the first of his three letters. Becoming a vessel useful for the Lord God is the normal response and a desire of a person as we learn more about about what he has done for us. Gladly, all of this can be found in one place; the Holy Bible. After our spiritual regeneration, we enter the time of sanctification for the rest of our natural lives until we are finally glorified in Heaven.

Just as we now have the Holy Spirit of God joined with our spirit in us, Who will lead us,comfort us, speak to us and seal us as one of God's own people; we also have a spiritual enemy who will attempt to discourage us, discredit us and destroy our efforts to tell other people about the love and hope that can be found in God through Jesus (1 Peter 5:8).

This enemy has a name; his name is Satan! He is also known as Lucifer, the serpent, the evil one and the prince of the power of the air. Satan, as an angel created by God, became filled with pride and determined to usurp the throne of God (Isaiah 14:13,14), but failed and was cast out of heaven. Jesus attested this in Luke's gospel (chap 10 vs 18). Ultimately,Satan and those who follow him by rejecting Jesus, will be sentenced to eternal death in Hell (Isaiah 14:9-24). Satan's future is already decided and now his goal is to take as many people with him as possible and to soil the testimony of anyone who professes faith in Jesus by tempting us with sin.

What exactly is sin? The Bible says in 1John 5:17 "that all unrighteousness is sin".

Dr. Wendell Calder (Word of Life Ministries) describes sin as "any thought or action that

does not conform to the character of God". Therein lies the problem. Try as we might, even though we make effort to live a justified life pleasing to God, we are still under attack by our spiritual enemy relentless. Eventually, he will find a crack in our armor and deceive us into sin. So, what is the correct course of action when we fail?

Apostle John speaks to us directly concerning this issue in the first of his three letters. First, we must recognize the sin (1John 1:6,7). Holy Spirit will bring conviction to us when we begin to walk in darkness separated from Jesus.

Second, we repent of sin by confessing to Him that we have strayed from His way and determine to return to the path send by confessing to him that we have strayed from his way and determine to return to the path that he has put us on. Then, He can freely forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness(1 John 1:9). We are now again a clean vessel fit for His use.

Third, we must remove the sin in our life if at all possible. Sin has consequences! Some consequences are minor and hardly leave a mark. Some consequences are devastating to your own self or someone else. The effect of sin is like driving a nail into a board with a hammer. You can use the hammer of your free will to drive a nail of sin into a person or a situation (the board) without remorse. Perhaps later you may regret this action, pull out the nail and apologize. However, whether small or large, there is still a hole in the board!

As mentioned at the beginning, King David was also a great repenter. After becoming king, he became powerful, wealthy, important and famous. However, David was tempted and gave in to all three major categories of sin; lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and pride of life (1 John 2:15,16). When confronted by Nathan, a prophet of God, David confessed his sins and was forgiven by God (2 Samuel chapter 12). Even though forgiven, because his sins were so grievous, the consequences would haunt him the rest of his life. His kingdom and his own family would suffer also. King David went on to write many of the Psalms referring to the mercy of God, the blessings of His forgiveness and his own prayer for remission of sin (Psalms 51).

Trials & Tests In Life

Fri, 21 Jan 2022 20:43:40 GMT

Understanding the trials and tests of life...

Trials and tests are least understood by almost all people. All humans will experience trials and tests during their lifetime. The word trial is a general word implying an attempt to find out something or to find out about something by proving, experimenting or testing. Whereas, the word test is a more specific word referring to a trial under approved or fixed conditions.

Trials can occur simply due to circumstances beyond our control, such as accidents caused by Nature or other people. However, trials can also be brought about by malicious or vindictive persons within our families, society, or even by nations such as genocide. Trials can also occur due to poor choices of decisions that were made in haste or not well thought out ahead of time. ( ref. Books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes).

However, trials referred to in the Bible are usually ordained or permitted by the Lord God and can be used as a punishment. When Adam and Eve were removed from Eden because of disobedience, all of life became a trial just to survive. When the Hebrews came out of Egypt, because of disobedience they had to spend forty years wandering the desert. Because of disobedience King David, his family and often his whole kingdom suffered trials. Because of disobedience Israel went into bondage ordained by God ( see book of Lamentations, esp. 1:5 )

Tests and testing (least valued) by God are normally for a specific reason and to bring about a specific response, such as Judges 3: 4 (to prove Israel) when God left some of Israel’s enemies in Canaan. The Hebrews were to learn the art of war by engaging their enemies under the direction of God, and then Israel was to conquer the promised land by a specific process ordained by God. ( Deuteronomy 7:1-5 ).

In Romans 5:3, apostle Paul wrote that we are to glory in tribulations. (KJV). One could rightly use the word sufferings. One could almost use word testing. It is imperative to study the context of the scripture in order to gain the intent of the author.

Just as salvation is a gift of grace by our Lord, testing and suffering is also a gift of grace. (2Cor 12:8-10). By testing and suffering we have the opportunity to confirm our devotion to Him and to grow spiritually (Philippians 3:10). Jesus despised the shame of the cross and is now seated beside the Lord God (Heb 12:2). Yeweh will reward us with what is important to Him. (Rom. Chap 8).

Modern day examples of bringing glory to God through trials, testing and suffering are many. One such is Frances Jane Alstyne (nee Crosby 1820-1915), more commonly known as Fanny Crosby. Despite being blind soon after birth, she was an American mission worker, poet, lyricist and composer. More than 8,000 hymns and gospel songs are to her credit with more than 100 million copies printed.

Another present day example is Mrs Joni Eareckson Tada (1949-present). Joni is a quadraplegic due to a diving accident while swimming at age 17. After suffering severe pain and deep depression, she eventually submitted her life fully to Jesus and has become a respected name in the community of Christ. In spite of surgeries due to cancer and other serious issues, Joni and her husband Ken are traveling and speaking publicly declaring the love of God to the whole world. In addition to that, Joni is an author (over 50 books), radio host and founder of Joni and Friends International Disability Center dedicated to the training and counseling for disabled persons. Plus, Joni and Ken founded the world wide ministry Wheels for the World. The ministry collects donated wheelchairs, refurbishes them and then they are shipped anywhere in the world for those in need.

I can see, I can walk, I can hear and I can speak. So, I must ask; What am I doing for Jesus Christ??? There will be NO excuses.

Least utilized may be the most glaring aspect of trials and testing. As believers and servants of the Lord Jesus Christ, we have been given the answer to every one of life’s problems or tests because we have the written Word of God!! (1 Cor. 2:1-16). As believers, we have hope in the promises of God that will not fail. The ungodly have no such hope (1 Peter chap 4).

Jesus said that we are to be salt and light in this world and the world would know that we are His by our love. Jesus said that a lamp is not to be hid under cover, but to shine and be available to all people. He also said that if we are ashamed of Him, He will be ashamed of us.

If professing Christians truly understand what they have been saved from and what they are saved to, how can we neglect to proclaim this gospel to a lost and dying world destined to an eternity in Hell?

Testing, by God’s grace, permits us to strengthen our faith in Him and to encourage other believers who are being tested. There is no “Lone Ranger” in the Church of Jesus Christ; this is one of the many reasons we are admonished to “forsake not the assembling of ourselves”. Also, we are to bear the burdens of fellow believers in love and with compassion just as Christ has done for us. May we never underestimate trials and tests.

It's Time to Wake Up!

Fri, 21 Jan 2022 20:38:43 GMT

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Romans 13:11 – “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.”

It’s late at night, and your eyelids are heavy. The struggles and the headaches of the workday are behind you now, and tomorrow is coming fast. You turn out the lights and head for the nice, warm bed that’s waiting for you. Pulling back the covers, you lay your head down on the nice cool pillow, and then close your eyes. Your mind wanders for a few minutes but before you know it, you are fast asleep. Sounds great, doesn’t it?

Sleep is a gift God has given to us, and I enjoy a good night’s rest as much as anybody. It can be wonderful to be blissfully unaware of what is going on around you. However, not all sleep is good or godly sleep. For instance, there are an alarming number of Christians who are sound asleep spiritually speaking. As far as any practical purpose goes, they are dead to the world and content to be completely ignorant of anything going on around them.

Now it’s not for lack of alarms going off that these Christians are asleep. There is more than enough to shake them awake and jar them out of their spiritual slumber. From the prophesies that are being fulfilled to the startling changes in the world we are witnessing, there is no shortage of wake-up calls sounding off.

My Reaction: What will it take to wake up the churches across this world? What will it take to wake up the churches across America? But most importantly, what will it take do wake up you and I?

How to Be Content

Fri, 21 Jan 2022 20:36:06 GMT

Are you truly content in life? If you're a Christian, you should be...

Philippians 4:11 – “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”

Many people today struggle with being discontent. People who are older want to be younger, and people who are young often wish to be older. Short people want to be tall, and tall people want to be short. We find ourselves chasing the newest technology in phones and computers; we need the newest car and the biggest house. We are taught never to be content with who we are and what we have. As the saying goes, “the grass is always greener on the other side.”

There is something in our sin nature that constantly keeps us searching for something newer and better. Jacob Aster, who was one of America’s earliest millionaires, was asked after he had made his first million, “What do you want now?” “Another million,” was his answer. So we are often discontented with where God has us in life.

This is why Paul said in our text, “I have learned…to be content.” Contentment does not come naturally for all of us, but each of us can attain it as we walk with the Lord. Like everything in the Christian life it comes back to faith. When we learn to trust God, we become content to live in His presence, regardless of our circumstance at the time. Paul in his life was shipwrecked, beaten, imprisoned, stoned, betrayed, and often lacked even the most basic of human needs. Yet through all this, he was able to honestly say that he was content.

We brought nothing into this world and we aren’t taking anything physical out with us when we go. (1 Timothy 6:6-8) When we can truly learn to put this scripture into practice in our lives, we find ourselves resting in comfortably in the presence of God.

My Reaction: Have I been lacking Christ-like contentment in my life?

Living a Dynamic Life

Fri, 21 Jan 2022 20:31:23 GMT

What does it take to live an impactful life?

Joshua 1:8 – “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”

What do you consider a “successful” life? What does it take for a person to be a “success”? If we were to ask the world, we would hear an answer like, how much money does he make? The public opinion as to how successful someone’s life has been seems to be measured by how many zeros are in their salaries, how big their house is, how much their car cost, how many people know their name, or how many companies they own. In the long run, though, it really doesn’t matter what popular opinion is. It does matter, however, what God thinks a successful life is.

In the eyes of the Lord, success is living a dynamic Christian life. (Galatians 2:20) Success is a journey we choose to take every day in which we are conformed into the image of God’s only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Many of us spend the vast majority of our time attempting to secure our success in life, forgetting the true mark of success, being Christ-like.

Success in its truest success is far from easy. One man once said it like this, “the elevator to success is broken, if you want to get there, you have to take the stairs.” True success is never achieved overnight; it is a step-by-step, day-by-day process. In our text God tells Joshua several things to be faithful to complete each day, if he wanted to achieve true success. First, he was told to keep the Word of God close in his life and heart. So the Bible should be committed to memory and hidden in our heart. (Psalms 119:11) How wonderful it is to know we have God’s answers for us in life. The difference between us and the world is that the world has the problem before they have the answer, and we have the answer before we have the problem. If we will obey in faith God’s Word and follow him with all our heart, we will lead a successful life, regardless of what the world thinks.

My Reaction : I must forget vainly chasing the devil’s idea of success and focus on the One who can make me a real success, Jesus Christ.