The Monday Morning Quarterback / Sermon Question?

Happy Monday!

I hope that all is well with you this morning.

The Monday Morning Quarterback Question?

Question:

Did you make it to church or watch God's message over the weekend? Did the sermons 'hit home'?

Did you watch any football over the weekend?  Did your teams win?  

This morning, 

Question #1) I wonder how many people will stand around the office water cooler, or coffee stand and talk about the football games?

Or better yet, 

Question #2) I wonder how many will stand around the office water cooler or coffee stand and talk about yesterday's sermon!

We finally know who is going to the Super Bowl.  

We have known, who is coming to the Earth Again.

Please consider this 'sure win' for the Christian Team! 

'For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.' 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18

I'd rather spend time being around the folks discussing 'Question #2', wouldn't you??  

Oh, the glories to share and the testimonies to be there! 

The 'Super Event' on God's Calendar is getting closer with each Day!

Yes, the Super Event 'Could be today, Could be tonight'! I really want to see you in the 'Super Clouds' of Glory ... it will be the BIGGEST SUPER BOWL EVER! Amen!

f.m.

This is the Day!!!

Happy 1st Day of the Week!

He IS Risen! HE IS LORD!

During my 'quiet time' this morning, the Holy Spirit led me and reminded me of a scripture that we hear often:

'This IS the DAY that the LORD has made, we WILL REJOICE and BE GLAD in It.  Psalm 118:24

When we take the attitude and posture in the morning of believing that this very day, is made by the LORD and for HIS GLORY and purpose, we then will find ourselves in a 'rejoicing' and 'glad' spirit and frame of mind.

The Bible tells us in Proverbs, 'as a man thinks in his heart, so is he' (Proverbs 23:7).  When we get our hearts and minds in alignment with the Word from Psalm 118:24, we can't help from believing that this very day is 'made by the LORD', for His glory and 'really good' for our benefit in all aspects.  

We must learn the real meaning behind this verse and allow the Holy Spirit to teach us and its application in our lives over our life-time.  

Yes, the LORD has made all our days.  For His GLORY and for VICTORY.  You are VICTORIOUS this morning!  Yes, you are VICTORIOUS over the enemy and all his devices.  YES, THIS IS THE DAY THAT THE LORD HAS MADE . . . REJOICE! AND BE GLAD IN IT & IN THE LORD!

Amen!

f.m.

Burr!!!

Happy Saturday Afternoon!!

It was Sooo cold outside this morning!!

Even my 'favorite chair' on our back porch said 'he was cold'!! 

In all this cold weather, I still 'Praise the Lord' for His beauty in His World.

Here are some scriptures that relate to the Winter Season for us to meditate on:

'He gives a command to the earth, and what he says is quickly done. He spreads snow like a blanket and scatters frost like dust. He sends hail like gravel; no one can endure the cold he sends! Then he gives a command, and the ice melts; he sends the wind, and the water flows. ' Psalms 147:15-18

'Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, shining stars. Praise him, highest heavens, and the waters above the sky. lightning and hail, snow and clouds, strong winds that obey his command. ' Psalms 148:3-4,8

'He speaks, and thunder twists the earth in pain; the mountains are shaken by his strength. Whenever he wishes, the south wind blows, whirlwinds come, and windstorms from the north. He sends the snow fluttering down like birds, like locusts alighting on the ground. He speaks, and thunder twists the earth in pain; the mountains are shaken by his strength. Whenever he wishes, the south wind blows, whirlwinds come, and windstorms from the north. He sends the snow fluttering down like birds, like locusts alighting on the ground. We marvel at its beautiful whiteness, and in fascination we watch it fall. He sprinkles frost over the ground like salt, and it freezes into thorny flowers of ice. He sends the cold north wind blowing and the water hardens into ice; every lake and pond freezes over, putting on a coat of icy armour. ' Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 43:16-20

Dear Friends, 

'Winter' has a reason - my Father's best 'He Must know'.

Whatever is a 'freezin', I am sure that He knows 'the reason'.

 And, with that I do rest in the Father's season's plan, 

Cause I know that to Him, is a pleasing.

Yes, His hand knows the limits of Winter's chilling plan.

Spring will soon be knocking on our door ....

I actually saw some Robins in our neighbors yard next door!  (really I did!!)

Have a great weekend! f.m.

 

 

 

Angel Camp Out!!

T.G.I.F. ❤️

I Love Friday's !  Don't You??

It means we are getting close to my favorite day of the week, SUNDAY! 🤗✝️😌

Angel 'CAMP OUT'!!

Did you know when we fear the LORD and listen to the LORD, He sends an ANGEL???

 

The angel of the LORD camps around those who fear God, and he saves them. The LORD hears good people when they cry out to him, and he saves them from all their troubles.

Psalms 34:7‭, ‬17 NCV

Now, I love that promise from God!!  Just think an angel is camping out around your home this very morning!  And, when we know the LORD, He saves us from ALL OUR TROUBLES!

AMEN!

f.m.

ps - I wonder if the angels sing any 'campfire songs' ?? 😉🤠🔥🏕️

Listen to Your Angel

Good Morning ...

Did your angel wake you up this morning?

Check out this true story from the book of Acts:

'The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains. Other soldiers were guarding the door of the jail. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord stood there, and a light shined in the cell. The angel struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Hurry! Get up!” the angel said. And the chains fell off Peter’s hands. Then the angel told him, “Get dressed and put on your sandals.” And Peter did. Then the angel said, “Put on your coat and follow me.”

Acts 12:6‭-‬8 NCV

What is your angel telling you to do this morning?? Listen closely.  He will deliver you from whatever is holding you back or keeping you from serving the LORD wholeheartedly.

Follow through his command.  There is work to be done in the Kingdom.

Amen.

Listen to your angel this morning, You might even see His wings as he leaves 😌✝️.

And, pray without ceasing to continue to hear God all the Day.

F.M. 👍❤️🙂

Coming Soon . . .

Yes, Jesus is Coming Soon!

Could be today, could be tonight.  So therefore, be encouraged and comforted and ready!  We all know that He is Coming Again, 'Today' is sooner than yesterday!  Please read:

'According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.' 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18

Also coming soon, is a new blog that will have a series of 'short messages' from Faithman's 'Soul-Joy' Blog.

These messages are written to be 'short' and to the point to help you remember and to apply short wisdom quotes to strengthen your faith and give you hope for each new day.

And, remember . . . Jesus IS coming soon!

God Gifts: "His Zeal" & Gift Review

Good Morning!  It sure feels like Winter this Year!

Yes! Spring is less than 2 months away!  

Spring actually happens on Sunday this Year!  Sunday, March 20th is the 1st official Day of Spring 2022.

Today we will open up God's Gift of 'His Zeal'.  'His Zeal' is the 'energy' that He gives us to do His Will.  Without this Gift of 'Zeal', our power to carry projects and ministry through will be limited and turn into a mundane and routine way of life.  

God has intended us to LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST!  He has provided us every 'GIFT' and ability to LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST and we are without EXCUSE.  As we activate our FAITH in GOD's PROMISES, the WORD of GOD becomes alive and 'His ZEAL' ignites our PASSION for God and His Salvation.  John the Baptist knew of God's ZEAL gift and LIVED LIFE TO THE FULLEST in every sense!  The Apostle Paul, became ZEALOUS for GOD and wrote GOD's messages to many of the early Churches.   We still use Paul's letters or ZEALOUS MESSAGES for instruction in God's Ways and righteous living.

However, I have a deep concern that in LIFE that many will turn COLD or LUKEWARM for the things of GOD and HIS WORD.  These folks will find themselves in situations that they rather not be in because of their LACK of ZEAL for the WORD of God and HIS WILL.   And, when this happens in their final days, they will look back in and wonder if they really followed God and did what HE wanted them to do.

If you feel like you are lacking ZEAL for GOD this morning, take time NOW and ASK HIM to help you OPEN UP THE GIFT of 'HIS ZEAL'!   The LORD will show you how to 'fan the FLAME' of the HOLY SPIRIT and return to the ZEAL that you once had for GOD.  Amen!

f.m.

FINAL REVIEW of GOD's GIFTS

We have been going through God's Gifts to us from A to Z.  Here is the list for our review and thankfulness to the LORD for such wonderful Gifts.  

 God has provided us with His wonderful gifts from 'A to Z' which we have been studying since the end of December 2021.  Here is the list again for our review. 

• His Abundance
• His Blessings
• His Courage
• His Deliverance
• His Faith
• His Eternal Life
• His Grace
• His Hope
• His Intimacy
• His Joy
• His Love
• His Motivation
• His Nature
• His Omniscience
• His Peace
• His Quietness
• His Restoration
• His Salvation
• His Trust
• His Unity
• His Victory
• His Word 
• His Xenolalia
• His Youthfulness
• His Zeal 

Return to this list often and review 'a gift or two' and use our gifts daily to help strengthen your faith and spiritual growth.  Amen!

Remember, God's WONDER BREAD is the WORD OF GOD! And Builds Strong spiritual strength!

God's Gifts: "His Youthfulness"

 Happy Monday!

How in the World are you this morning?  Are you 'digging out' from the recent weekend snow?  Please don't over do it.  Allow the LORD to direct your every step and protect you from every fall and slip! 🏃

Today, we open God's Gift of  'His Youthfulness'.

Did you know 'in the LORD' we don't grow old??

You probably are wondering, 'Faithman, what do you mean that we don't grow old . . . in the LORD??'

In the LORD, we 'grow up and mature' in the FAITH and our strength in the LORD is renewed with each new day.  

Theologian and Missionary Oswald Chambers said, "Spiritually we never grow old, through the passing of the years we grow so many years young.  The characteristic of the spiritual life is its 'unageing youth', exactly the opposite of the natural life".

'Joshua and Caleb' known as the spies that Moses sent out to view the Promised Land knew this secret.  They knew that the' Promises of GOD' would keep His (God's) youthfulness abiding with them and productivity into old age and beyond.  And, it was so!  Joshua was one of the original generation that came from Egypt through the Red Sea, then the Sinai Desert and walked into the Promise Land.

We too can enjoy the 'Promise Land' of  'God's Youthfulness' as we wait on Him and His Promises.  Please read the following scriptures . . . And, be encouraged in God's Youthfulness in your life!

'Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord , The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.'  Isaiah 40:28-31

 'Bless the Lord , O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord , O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.' Psalms 103:1-5

'For this reason we never become discouraged. Even though our physical being is gradually decaying, yet our spiritual being is renewed day after day. And this small and temporary trouble we suffer will bring us a tremendous and eternal glory, much greater than the trouble. For we fix our attention, not on things that are seen, but on things that are unseen. What can be seen lasts only for a time, but what cannot be seen lasts for ever.' 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

 This Monday Morning, focus on what you HAVE IN THE LORD and not what you don't have.  When we do this, give THANKS to the LORD for His provision and supply and more will be supplied!  And, HE will renew our strength, youthfulness and effectiveness as we TRUST HIM in all of our ways.

Take this great advice from the Book of Proverbs with you this morning,

'Trust in the LORD with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know. Remember the LORD in everything you do, and he will show you the right way. Never let yourself think that you are wiser than you are; simply obey the LORD and refuse to do wrong. If you do, it will be like good medicine, healing your wounds and easing your pains. ' Proverbs 3:5-8

I like that advice, don't you?  This advice has served me well for many, many years now. 👌  And, till the end of time.

Amen!

 

God's Gift: "His Xenolalia"

Good Morning!  It's My favorite day of the WEEK 🙌

'Sunday'

I hope that you are doing well and staying warm this very cold weekend.

Today, we will open up 'God's Gift' called 'Xenolalia'.  'Xenolalia' is a natural language 'spoken' that is 'unknown' to the speaker (a spirit-'filled Christian), but is known and understood by the 'listener' in their language.

'Xenolalia' some times is confused with 'glossolalia' which is also referenced as, or 'speaking in tongues'.  'Speaking in tongues' is practiced in Pentecostal and charismatic churches and gatherings.  (I will touch on that subject in another LEJ Lesson in the future).  

The 'gift of Xenolalia' is really a 'natural language' which is 'unknown' by the speaker or person who is speaking the language, but is 'known' by the listener or the receiving persons.  This may sound confusing, but I have heard testimonies of this happening in other countries when missionaries go to regions that they are unfamiliar with the 'native or country's language'.  But, somehow when the missionaries pray, their language is supernaturally changed and to them sounds like 'tongues or gibberish', but is understood by the persons listening in their own native language.

This phenomenon first happened during the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost and was recorded in the Second Chapter of Acts.  

Then, in more recent times, I heard the story of a lady who shared that while she was on a trip to the far East and part of an evangelistic team in Asia, was in an area where she did not know the language.  Then, she saw a lady from the Asian region whom she felt led to pray over.  And when she did, the 'Xenolalia gift' happened.  The lady who was from Asia found an interpreter and asked 'how did the missionary know her native language'?  

The interpreter then told the missionary about the 'language miracle' when she prayed, that the Asian lady knew every word she prayed!  And, the lady praying,, did not know what she said . . . but the Holy Spirit knew the Asian lady's need and was ministered to!!!

Today, we cannot put God in a Box.  We must be open to the ways of God and the moves of the Holy Spirit and when to pray.  

My concern is that we can get 'so rigid and in a rut' that we can miss opportunities like this, because we fail to take a step of faith in our church gatherings and prayer meetings.

Just think, if the missionary did not follow through in the leading of the Holy Spirit in taking the step of faith in praying for the Asian woman.  Nothing would have happened!  

But, because she took the step of faith in praying, God's Gift of 'Xenolalia' happened.

Where is God leading you to take a 'step of faith'?  Perhaps in your prayer life.  Perhaps in seeking the 'gifts of the Spirit' in a new way.  Have you asked God to Fill you with the Holy Spirit?  Have you asked God 'what is your special ability'?  The Body of Christ needs each one of us walking in the Spirit and using the GIFTS that HE HAS GIVEN US!

Please read . . . 

'But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.' I Corinthians 12:20-31

May I encourage YOU like Paul did to the Corinthian Church to 'earnestly desire the BEST GIFTS'.   

Your Gift is needed in the Body of Christ this hour.  Allow God to lead you today in teaching you about Your Gift and its application.  The Holy Spirit is ready to fill us up and move us in this hour.  Amen!

  

God's Gifts: "His Word" Part IV

A Happy CCCCold Saturday Morning to ya !

A very cold Saturday morning, with moon lit skies & snow reflections.

Time to Warm Up with the WORD OF GOD!

Today is Part IV of God's Gifts, "His WORD'.

'Forever, O Lord , Your word is settled in heaven.' Psalms 119:89

 'The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.”' Isaiah 40:8

'He sent His word and healed them, And delivered them from their destructions. Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!' Psalms 107:20-21

The WORD of GOD has always been here and has always been operating in ways that are 'supernatural' and above all human reasoning and behind all science discoveries.  There are many hidden things that are yet to be revealed in its proper time and according to God's WORD.  Many scientific discoveries were accomplished by men who were believers in the WORD of GOD and God revealed to them secrets of the universe in SCIENCE, ENERGY and TIME.  I believe as we enter into 'walking in the Spirit' more and more, we will experience things that will completely astound us.  Events like this were recorded in the Book of ACTS.   

I think of many things that have happened to me in my life that were and still exist from God moving in my life in a 'supernatural way'.   It is my prayer, that this ministry of LEJ helps you in ways to experience God in a real and mighty way.   

I completely marvel at the WORD of GOD and its wonder working POWER!  

I like to think the BIBLE is like 'GOD's Historical Contract Blueprint' that shows us God's PROMISES, BLESSINGS, WARNINGS and His SALVATION and entry into the Kingdom of God.  

What activates all of these Gifts in God's WORD is our FAITH.  

Without FAITH it is IMPOSSIBLE to please God (Heb 11:6) . Without READING the WORD OF GOD (the HOLY BIBLE) in FAITH, the BIBLE will read like a mystery book that intrigues the 'natural man'.

But, to the 'Spiritual / Saved man', the WORD OF GOD becomes our offensive and defensive weapon.  Our healing WORD.  Our collection of SONGS (Psalms) and OUR Divine ROADMAP to the WILL of GOD.   

God's WORD is forever settled in HEAVEN (Ps 119:89).  Also, this HEAVEN AND EARTH WILL PASS away, but the WORD will always remain (Matthew 24:35).  

So therefore, may I challenge us to open GOD's GIFT "His WORD" daily, put the WORD to USE in OUR LIVES.  As we STUDY IT, God prepares our Heart so that we will be about our 'FATHER's BUSINESS' and stay SHARP about the things of the SPIRIT.  

Think of reading the WORD of GOD is 'like tuning your guitar' regularly.  We all know what happens when we fail to 'tune our instrument'.  Our guitar will goes out of tune and we eventually will not be able to play the song we intended.  

The same is walking with the LORD.  When we fail to 'read the WORD' regularly, we will go 'out of tune' with our SAVIOR and our WALK with God will suffer.

Keep in Step with God today! TUNE UP TODAY and stay 'HIS WORD'.

Amen!

Keep Warm and Safe Out there!

Love you all,

f.m.

God's Gifts: "His Word" Part III

It's Friday Morning from the Secondary 'SNOW BELT' of NE OHIO.

Well, Snow IS supposed happen in Winter . . . In everything, 'GIVE THANKS'!

"HIS WORD" - PART III

The WORD OF GOD LIVES! 

When I opened up "God's Gift of 'His Word' in this series, I knew it was going to be a BIG GIFT!!! SOOO BIG it is taking quite awhile to examine and to see how this GIFT has affected us in many ways.

I do know for certain that GOD's WORD does not return VOID and God's watchful eye is on His Word.  

Here's a testimony that happened some years ago about 'our Bibles' not returning 'VOID'!

Linda and I were getting ready to go to church one Sunday morning years ago, and I had placed our Bibles (2 of them) on top of the car while I loading up our cars and making sure our daughters were in the car and checking to see if there were other things that I loaded in the car that we needed for that day.

Crossing the Ohio River at the Market Street Bridge 

We traveled from our home in Mingo Junction, Ohio up Route 7, then to Follansbee, West Va. via the Market Street Bridge and Mahan's Lane in West Va.  When I stopped at Linda's mothers house before church, I looked on top of the car and my 'TOMPSON CHAIN REFERENCE BIBLE' was there!! I completely forgot that I placed the Bibles there!  The Bible made the trip all the way from our house in Mingo Junction without falling off or missing any pages!!  

Linda's Bible fell off in front of St. Agnes Church 

and a friend called us after they found her name in the Bible and returned it later without any pages or damage to the Bible.

 My Thompson Chain Reference KJV Bible (still in use today!)

The LORD showed me then and there, that HIS WORD DOES NOT RETURN VOID!!! And, will NOT RETURN VOID in my life.  Yes! His mighty angels kept the WORD of GOD on the ROOF of our CAR all the way!!  For those of you who know were we used to live on Elm Street, it was a REAL MIRACLE for my BIBLE to make it to WV without losing any of its pages or the whole BIBLE itself!! (I was so grateful I didn't loose it, since it was a Christmas gift to me from Linda).

The WORD of God is so powerful!  The WORD of God is our offensive weapon against the enemy and for situations that we find ourselves in.  Let us read the following scriptures: 

 'Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. ' Ephesians 6:13,17

'For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. ' Hebrews 4:12

Both of the scriptures we just read are so powerful and give us a clear definition of how the WORD of GOD works in our lives when we read the WORD, use the WORD, trust the WORD and stand on the WORD in the midst of all life's seasons. 

Have you ever thought about the WORD of GOD being ALIVE and ACTIVE??  When we ask God for HIS WORD, He will surely direct us in HIS WORD for the day, a season, or circumstance that we are in at the moment.  There will be days when we may encounter sickness, there may be days when our doubts are stronger than our faith, then there will be days when our JOY overflows!   

And, in all of these seasons, the WORD of God addresses all of our actions and addresses our cares.

Yes then, . . . so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. from Isaiah 55

The Mountains and Hills Will Burst in Song Before you!

Yes, the Mountains and Hills have done this many times!

f.m.

PART IV on "HIS WORD" tomorrow.

God's Gifts: "His Word" Part II

Good Thursday Morning!

This is the DAY that the LORD HAS MADE! Let us REJOICE and be GLAD in it!

"HIS WORD" - PART II

The WORD OF GOD has AWESOME POWER!   

Please read, think deeply and meditate on the following scripture: 

'“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord . “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Instead of the thornbush will grow the juniper, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. This will be for the Lord ’s renown, for an everlasting sign, that will endure forever.”' Isaiah 55:8-13

The above scripture has so much meaning, imagery and promise for us.  

As we break down the scripture for study let us consider the following:

1. God's Word tells us His ways are not our 'natural ways'.  God's ways are 'supernatural' and much higher and have an eternal purpose in Mind for our best and good. 
2. His WORD produces results! God's Word has a mission.  In the beginning, God spoke His Word . . . 'Let their be LIGHT, and there was LIGHT!  Yes, God's Word will accomplish what God desires through the movement of the Holy Spirit in this world and in our lives. The result or fruit of the Holy Spirit moving in our lives is PEACE, JOY and HARMONY with God's eternal plan.
3. God's WORD produces 'seed' for the sower and bread for the hungry for God.  When a person has a hunger for God, that person will always return to the WORD OF GOD for their spiritual nourishment, peace and direction. 

Many years ago, when I was at work at a really noisy place (Yes, I was wearing my hearing protection), I heard this above scripture deep in my spirit-temple.  I knew it was the LORD speaking to me by the Holy Spirit and showing me that 'HIS WORD' would not return VOID in MY LIFE, but HIS WORD would accomplish the very thing that God intended it to accomplish in my life.   That WORD was spoken to me before I knew where it was exactly in the scriptures.  

That moment was a fulfillment of the following scripture in my life and brought me great peace.

Please read . . .

'“This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the Lord . “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. '

Jeremiah 31:33

'This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” '

Hebrews 8:10-12

Do you ever wonder why the enemy (the evil one) works so hard to detour you from the investment that God has made in your life with the 'seed' of the WORD OF GOD?  It is because the 'evil one' has no inheritance and blessing from our Heavenly Father.  

Our inheritance and eternal life is such a precious gift to us, and 'the evil one' tries to upset the 'JOY CART' of our 'SOULS' through day to day incidents and woes of this world.  

Remember Jesus said, in this world we would have tribulation . . . But! Be of GOOD CHEER, for JESUS (the LIVING WORD) will overcome these things through the POWER of the HOLY SPIRIT moving in our lives daily!

More on "HIS WORD" Part III tomorrow!

God Bless you!!

f.m.

If you are on the PATH of JOY, its a pretty good indication, you are WALKING IN THE WORD!

God's Gifts: "His Word" Part I

Happy Wednesday!

I hope that all reading this edition of LEJ is well and 'dug-out' from the recent snow storm.  The snow is quite beautiful and has a purpose in God's wonderful creation!

Today's Gift is "HIS WORD".

This 'Gift' is so awesome!  'God's Word' contains His Will, His History, His Blessings, His Warnings and His Prophecy that our Savior Jesus Christ would come to SAVE US!  HOSANNA!

Let us be mindful of the following scripture concerning the "Gift of the WORD"

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

Yes, every 'good work' is based on the Word of God.  What 'Good Work' has God's Word led you to do for His Glory?

It is usually found in the things that you like and are called to do.  Ask yourself, "What do I like to do"? And, be sincere to yourself when you ask the question.

The Holy Spirit will make His way known.  It might be for a season or a decade or even a lifetime.

Part II of "His Word" gift continues tomorrow.

f.m.

God's Gifts: "His Victory!"

Hello, It's Tuesday Morning!! 

Yep, Today is an 'Exciting Day' to be walking with the LORD!

Why?  Because today is LIVING HIS VICTORY DAY!!!

Let's Open up His 'TREMENDOUS GIFT' of VICTORY !!!

Now, before we do . . . you may be thinking, 

'Faithman just doesn't know what I am going through!  

And, if he had it this tough, he wouldn't be thinking or even saying'

this is an 'exciting day' to be walking with the LORD'!

or maybe you are thinking,

Eh? 'What is this VICTORY?

Day in and day out, its the same old, same old,

Nothing ever changes, just boredom and I wake up, eat and go to bed.

There's got to be more in life, than people just waitin' to die!

Guess WHAT?!! There is MORE TO LIFE!!

There is a REASON THAT YOU ARE STILL, HERE BREATHING!

GOD IS WORKING THIS VERY MOMENT BRINGING YOU
INTO 'HIS VICTORY' WAY of LIFE through the Power of the Holy Spirit!

Open up God's VICTORY GIFT in Your Life!

BEGIN TO REALIZE THAT 

YOU are God's MASTERPIECE!!

AND, TRUST THE DIVINE ARTIST AND THE DIVINE PAINTBRUSH of the HOLY SPIRIT!

Every color in your life, He is USING is bringing YOU into HIS COMPLETED VICTORY PICTURE!

Now set back, and allow the MASTER to take complete control of His MASTERPIECE, that happens to be 

YOU!

HE is in the process of MAKING YOU VICTORIOUS, 

AND NOT THE VICTIM of your doldrums and mistakes! 

He remembers your sins and mistakes no more! (Psalm 103:11-12)

FOR ME TO LIVE IS CHRIST!

The Cross Gives us HIS VICTORY!

Yes, there is tremendous POWER IN the CROSS - it is a SYMBOL of 'HIS VICTORY' GIFT!
f.m.

God's Gifts: "His Unity"

Happy Monday!!!

Maybe I should say, "Happy SNOWY Monday!!"

Here are some Snow Pictures of the NE Ohio Snow inside looking out!!

Time for some coffee and Bible Study on   'God's Gifts'.   

Today we will open up God's Gift of 'Unity'.

There is a GOOD UNITY that is found in the scriptures.  

Here are some scriptures that relate to 'God's Unity':

Good and Pleasant when we are in 'unity'.

'How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.'   Psalms 133:1-3 

' “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree (in unity) about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. ' Matthew 18:19

'For where two or three are gathered in My name [meeting together (in unity) as My followers], I am there among them.” ' Matthew 18:20

'I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. ' 1 Corinthians 1:10

The M&Ms have Unity ;)

Have you ever thought about the 'UNITY' that the Heavenly Father, the Beloved Son, the Holy Spirit and the heavenly host have as they accomplish God's Will in our lives?   It truly is amazing how in agreement they are with God's Awesome plan of redemption and in answering our prayers!

Now, our calling is - to line-up with the same 'one-ness' with God's redemptive plan.  When we do this, truly miracles flow throughout our days and into eternity!

I am so grateful for this 'gift'!   In God's Unity, there are no schisms, secret plans, ranks or judgments to be had.  Jesus even set the record straight on this.  Please read the following scripture:

' Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. ' Matthew 11:11

'Unity' equalizes us all in God's Family!  

Why? Because it is God giving the increase by His Spirit and not man's 'special efforts'.

So then, let us 'surrender to the Spirit' and allow the Holy Spirit to UNIFY the Body of Christ in a special way this year!

Amen!

   Ps: Happy Snow day too 😉❄️

God's Gifts: "His Trust"

Hello, It's Sunday Morning!

Sunday really is my favorite day of the week (and weekend day too)!

I usually get up when the house is completely quiet to wait on the LORD.   And, to 'hear from Him' is my greatest JOY!  As I sit here, I think and pray of what the LORD wants me to write on to encourage, to uplift, to empower you all in a 'special way' this very day.  

Here is the balance of the 'Gift List' studies that we have been on.

His Salvation ✔️

His Trust (Sunday)

His Unity

His Victory

His Word 

His Xenolalia

His Youthfulness

His Zeal 

As we continue in 'God's Gifts' today, today's LEJ's message is centered around 'His Trust' or really 'Trusting Him' in all of our circumstances, trials, illnesses, weaknesses, growing older, and fate in life.

As we 'cast our entire care on Him' (1 Peter 5:7), the scriptures actually mean for us to THROW OUR ENTIRE CARE on HIM. 

 Not to be disrespectful in anyway, but in is a sense 'its like' when you want to throw your 'trash away'.  THROW YOUR CARES upon HIM.  

JESUS wants us to be 'fear-less' about all things and situations in life.

Our dear brother Apostle John said it best when he wrote down, 'perfect LOVE cast out (or THROWS OUT) all our fear!' (1 John 4:17-18).  Yes, John sat by Jesus and learned and experienced His love for us and wrote the scriptures down so that we could know the truth and be free by 'trusting in the LORD' in all of our ways.  As we learn to take 'the gift' of TRUST, new opportunities open up to us as we TRUST IN THE LORD in all our ways.

What NEW OPPORTUNITIES does the LORD have for us in this NEW YEAR?  

IT IS A NEW YEAR and a GOOD YEAR to TRUST HIM.  

And, I am excited to see God's Supply open in NEW WAYS for the Church as we take the time to LISTEN to the LORD and to TRUST HIM this very day!

His LOVE for us NEVER fails us.

Love you all,

Hope to see you someday soon.

f.m.

PS . . . be safe out there, we are bracing for a big snow storm too!

God's Gifts: "His Salvation"

 Happy Saturday Morning!

Happy SALVATION Morning and LIFE!

Today's GIFT is 'God's Salvation Gift'!!

I found myself thinking this morning, "What an AWESOME GOD!"  He'd knew we would be in trouble in this life, so He sent JESUS to 'RESCUE US' from our sins, misdeeds, missteps, our weariness, our confusion, our failures and our souls death!

God is so awesome!  He knows us.  He has cancelled the debt that we owed before God and others, and now we are New Creatures in Christ!  And, under His Care ... cause we can't really take care of ourselves!  

So in the 'Gift of Salvation' comes God's Eternal life and included in His Benefits is His care and Provision to do His Will while we are here!  Such a wonderful Gift is Salvation.

Now, let me ask you an important question.  The most important question that you will ever be asked! "Do you know Jesus Christ as your Savior and LORD?  If so, GREAT!  You know of God's 'GIFT of SALVATION'.  

If not, let me remind you of what the scriptures teach us:

'For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.' 

Romans 6:23

Living 'LIFE' being directed by our notions and SIN, produces 'results' or wages.  Those 'wages' result in 'death'.   However, when we accept JESUS CHRIST and come under His LORDship and care, the 'results' or really 'benefits' is the ETERNAL LIFE GIFT a.k.a. as SALVATION.   AND, the manifold benefits of SALVATION such as His Blessings, His Gifts, His Care, His Direction, His Peace, His Love, His Joy, His Power, His Wisdom, and His . . . . list is ENDLESS!

Our God is really an AWESOME GOD!  

No matter what this world throws at us, LOOK UP for our redemption is NEAR!! Cause JESUS is HERE!

Yes, HAPPY SATURDAY! HAPPY SALVATION!!

For me to Live IS CHRIST, and to die is to gain!

Amen!

Watch out for the 'natural man'.

Today, we will temporary go to a teaching on the 'carnal' vs. the 'spiritual' person.  Tomorrow we will resume the 'God's Gift' series.  So therefore ....

Watch out for the 'natural or carnal' man.  They can deter and 'detour' God's promises and supernatural in the lives of the 'spirit-led' person.  Please read.

These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ. I Corinthians 2:13‭-‬16 NKJV

AMEN!

Please take note thta the 'natural or carnal' person (and they could call themselves 'Christians'), does not have the capacity or wherewithal to receve the things of the Spirit of God.  Why?  Because their nautral mind blocks or tries to analyze naturally the 'supernatural things' of God.

Jesus had problems with these types when He ministered here on earth.  That is why he would make such comments such as, 'Do you have eyes, but fail to see.  Do you have 'ears' but fail to hear?'  The carnal person tries to understand and tries to 'correct' the spiritual person, but comes up 'short everytime'.  Because they are 'spiritually discerned'!

Beware of substituting the 'carnal person's advice' for your God's given directions that God has given you in your prayer times and walk with Christ.

God's Word always produces 'peace, power and calmness'.

Amen.

f.m.

God's Gifts: His Restoration

God's Restoration is Underway!

Please read the following Scriptures:

'Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. “Indeed, beginning with Samuel, all the prophets who have spoken have foretold these days. And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, ‘Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.’ When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.”'  Acts 3:19-21,24-26

Do we realized that we are 'heirs of the prophets and the covenant' of God?

Because of this 'restoration gift'  and promise, we and our offspring are and will be BLESSED.  When, we turn from our wicked ways (called repentance) then God's blessings begin to flow.

We can know that we've been blessed by looking back on the day we repented and became 'born again'.  That my friend, started the journey of the 'blessings of God' which are all part of the 'Gift of Restoration'.

God delights in each one of His 'Restoration Projects'.  Those projects happen to be each individual member of the Body of Christ.  You and I are being restored to the relationship that Christ intended for each one of us before the fall of the first man, Adam.  Now, that we are 'born again', we are no longer slaves to sin, but 'restored' and put into right relationship with God.  We can boldly come to the Throne of our Heavenly Father and seek His ways and His calling as was promised from before the beginning of Time.

Oh praise His Name for His mighty Resurrection and Restoration Power over our lives!

Today, we are restored and placed in the Body of Christ.  

That is God's Promise and Guarantee to us!!  We have a place in Eternity and in God's Kingdom.  

Like the old clique' said, 

"look around and be distressed, look at Jesus and be at Rest.  

Look ahead at 'Eternity's Best' and you will be forever blessed!"

See you at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb!!

You are and OVRCMR!  Don't you forget it!*

faithman!

* if you don't feel like an overcomer, drop me a line!!

Jesus takes all His Calls and doesn't place 'anyone on hold'!

Amen!!!