Wonderful Jesus!

Category: encouragement

• When You Pray!-Repost & Revised!

  Posted at 10:00 am by wonderfuljesus8, on March 15, 2021

  Luke 11:2 -So He said to them, “When you pray, say: Our  Father  in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven…”

  

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  I think it is noteworthy, that Jesus said, “When you pray” and not “if” you pray. Unfortunately, statics show (I’ve often wondered who were the people they surveyed) that most Christians spend very little time in prayer. So I thought that I would repost this blog, since I’m in the midst of blogging about prayer.

  What happens when you pray? Are your prayers being answered? Are they seemingly not being heard? Does nothing happen? Does something happen every now and again? 

  This scripture resonateds with me and I couldn’t help but ask myself, “What happens when you pray?” What happened when Jesus prayed? 

  So let’s take a look at what I discovered about what happened when Jesus prayed:

  • Luke 3:21- the heavens opened up while He prayed
  • Luke 5:16-He prayed often in the wilderness and the paralyzed and many others were healed
  • Luke 6:12-After praying all night, He chose the 12 disciples
  • Luke 9:29-As He prayed, He was transfigured (His appearance and His clothing changed; and Moses and Elijah appeared with Him)
  • Luke 11:1-As He prayed, His disciples asked Him to teach them to pray
  • Matthew 14:23-30- After He prayed, He walked on water and so did Peter
  • Matthew 26-He prayed and then He went to the cross
  • Mark 1:35-He prayed in a solitary place and cast out demons and cleansed the lepers
  • John 14:16- He prayed and the Father sent the Holy Spirit to be our Helper

  This is just a quick list of the things that happened when Jesus prayed. In other words, when Jesus prayed, something was always happening!

  Charles Finney, considered the Father of Modern Revival, was not brought up in a Christian home. It wasn’t until he was pursuing the law that he was even near a church that he could attend regularly. Charles began to attend the weekly prayer meetings that were held near the law offices that he worked in. It was his study of the law that got him interested in religion, because much of the law was based on Scriptures.

  Finney began to notice that even though he went to prayer meetings weekly, no prayers that were prayed were ever answered. This troubled him so deeply he almost walked away from the Bible and Christianity. When the prayer group offered to pray for him, he said no thanks! How sad is that? To have someone say to you that they don’t want your prayers because they have not seen your prayers answered is insulting!

  I am convinced that when we pray, something should be happening all the time. The Bible mentions in detail, less than 40 miracles that Jesus performed, but then multitudes were often healed when He was around. I believe He made such an impact, because He prayed often, He prayed effectively, and He left the evidence to support this!

  I believe in prayer! I’ve seen some wonderful things happen as a result of prayer! Private prayer, prayer groups, and corporate prayer! God answers prayer! Charles Finney did eventually figure out the power of prayer and God used him mightily during the Second Great Awakening in America. Maybe you haven’t seen your prayers answered, or feel inadequate in your prayer life. I can understand the frustration that will produce. But I encourage you to be like Finney! Don’t sit around feeling sorry for yourself; learn to pray and to pray effectively. One of the first things he did was to study what the Bible has to say about pray and how God delights in giving His children the kingdom! Then he began to pray knowing that God heard him and wanted to answer him. I can assure you that he saw many of his prayers answered.

  As I was thinking about my blog for today, I just had a desire to read some of my past blogs on prayer, and found this one. As I reread it, I decided it would be my post. As I began looking at, I had to add some new thoughts to it. Prayer is such an important part of the life of the believer. Not an exercise, but a time spent communing with the Father, and Him with you. A time of asking and receiving. A time of gaining strength and wisdom. A time of power! Jesus prayed often, and if we want to be anything like Him, and do anything He did, we are going to have to pray, also. More to come! Wonderful Jesus!

  Posted in encouragement, Jesus, Prayer | 0 Comments | Tagged answered prayer, Charles Finney, Christian, encouragement, God, Healing, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Prayer

• Lord, Did You Forget Us?

  Posted at 10:00 am by wonderfuljesus8, on February 22, 2021

  Acts 8:27 – So he arose and went. And behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, who had charge of all her treasury, and had come to Jerusalem to worship…NKJV

  

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  Have you ever stopped to think about the fact that people of different colors are mentioned in the word? Or do you think all people in the word ofGod are of one ethnic background? Maybe you’ve been taught that the Bible is the white man’s Bible, and have felt no connection to it, or to the God in whom it boast. Well, I have some great news for you today, Black people are mentioned favorably in the Bible and they are people you should know.

  In America, we are celebrating Black History Month, and so this week, I want to highlight my culture, my people, and the richness of our heritage. Starting with the word! The Lord immediately brought the Ethiopian in the book of Acts to my mind.

  Ethiopia, in Biblical times, from what I have learned, is the land of Cush. Cush, according to ancient maps, included present day Sudan and Ethiopia. It appears that in the Old Testament, its citizens were of Cush, and in the New Testament, they were of Ethiopia. Whether this is accurate or not, we know that these individuals were Black people.

  In the book of Acts, we have this Ethiopian, riding in his chariot towards home from Jerusalem. Scripture lets us know that he had come to worship. In this chapter, we also learn some other things about this eunuch. He was a man of great authority. He served in the court of the queen, who was believed to be one of the mightiest queens of Ethiopia. He was in charge of all of her treasury, obviously a very intelligent man, and he had a hunger for God.

  As he was traveling home, reading the scriptures, the Holy Ghost sent Philip to share the gospel with him. He believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, was baptized and went home a new believer in Christ. The area of ancient Cush is being excavated and many churches are being found in the land. I can infer from this, that the eunuch went home and shared the gospel in his country, resulting in many coming to Christ.

  Another person of Ethiopian descent was Moses’ wife. Some scholars believe that Moses had taken a second wife, and this is not Zipporah. There is no further reference to suggest that she is Zipporah, nor is there any to refute that she isn’t. But what is clear, is that she is a Black woman, and she is married to Moses, the leader of the Israelites.

  What is also apparent is that Aaron and Miriam have a problem with her, possibly because of her skin color. This was such a problem for them, that it caused them to question Moses’ spiritual authority over them. Isn’t it interesting to note that racism against Black people could have been recorded so early? God ended up dealing with the situation by calling a meeting. At the conclusion of the meeting, Miriam was punished with leprosy. I’ve often wondered why God didn’t punish Aaron, because he was angry with both of them, but it is believed that Miriam was the instigator. Not certain of that accuracy.

  In the book of 2 Chronicles we learn more about the Ethiopians. They were a people with a strong army which boasted of many chariots and horsemen. As a matter of fact, you can say that they had the first “Million Man March” in the Bible, for that is how many men, Zerah, the Ethiopian, led against Israel. They didn’t win the war, but they were a mighty people, an advanced people, demonstrated by their horses and the number of chariots. Job spoke of the topaz, that came from Ethiopia which was apparently, a beautiful stone, and part of the treasures of Ethiopia.

  Black people, world-wide are often looked upon as if we are second class citizens. When you look at Africa today, which has been raided and exploited for its diamonds, people, and exotic animals, you may walk away with a distorted view of its people and their descendants. Many parts of Africa were, and are, glorious regions full of history, culture, treasures and beauty. Africa was created by God, blessed by God, and used by God for His glory. The people of Africa and her descendants world-wide are not forgotten by God. Black people are not forgotten by God. We have not been cursed by God, and we are not under the curse of Ham. (A blog for another day.)

  The Bible isn’t European in nature. People didn’t begin as white Europeans. Civilization began in the land of the Fertile Crescent, not Europe. Yet, somehow, we read the Bible through European eyes, thus making it seem like God has forgotten the other nations of the world.

  Jesus made it quite clear that the gospel is for us all and to us all when He said:

  For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. John 3:16-17 – NKJV

  To answer my question, whether or not we are a forgotten people, I can prove without a doubt, that He hasn’t forgotten any of us. If we look closer at the word of God, we will see ourselves in scripture as we identify people who looked like us, all of us. Now be encouraged for this Bible doesn’t belong to any one group of people, it belongs to us all! Wonderful Jesus!

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  Posted in Black History, encouragement, Heroes of Faith | 0 Comments | Tagged Baptism, Believer, Blacks in the Bible, encouragemnt, Ethiopia, Moses, Philip the evangelist, the eunuch, witnessing, word of God, Zipporah

• Jesus is the Rock!

  Posted at 10:00 am by wonderfuljesus8, on February 12, 2021

  2 Samuel 22:32 – “For who is God, except the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God?” NKJV

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  Imagery can be seen in the way we talk, and even the way we write, which we call figurative language. Imagery can also be used in the form of symbolism, as in the instances that I have been using it. Water symbolizes the Holy Spirit, and the well symbolizes our person. Sometimes when I read the Word of God, and I run into metaphors, or symbolism, it makes me stop and think about what is being said in a particular verse. Or it helps me to see a greater truth, simply because of the imagery. Such is the case with the rock!

  Psalm 18 holds a favorite verse that causes me to stop and think about the Lord:

  The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2 – NKJV

  That’s a mouthful! If you are anything like me, when you think of a rock, you don’t think of a mountain. But I chose this picture because of the mountains of rock that were captured in it. When looking at the word for rock in the Greek, we see the word “petra”. Petra denotes “a mass of rock,” according to the Vine’s, which is different from “petros” which is “a detached stone or boulder”. When I think of God as my rock, I can assure you that I am not thinking in terms of “petros”, but in terms of “petra”.

  As I write this blog, I am reminded of many verses on the Rock and I just feel like sharing some that really cause my heart to be stirred:

  “No one is holy like the Lord, for there is none besides You, nor is there any rock like our God. 1 Samuel 2:2 – NKJV

  This verse was part of the prayer that Hannah spoke after delivering her son Samuel to Eli the priest. God have given her the son of her heart’s cry. And as she released him into service to her Lord, she declared these heartfelt words. There is none besides Him, and no other Rock like our God! There are times in prayer when I have to stop and utter similar words to these, so I can imagine how she felt!

  “The Lord lives! Blessed be my Rock! Let God be exalted, The Rock of my salvation! 2 Samuel 22:47 – NKJV

  Words of praise David uttered after the Lord had delivered him from Saul and all of his enemies. Blessed be my Rock! Have you ever been delivered from something? Are you thankful for the salvation He has given you? Yes! Your soul cries! And again it cries, yes!!

  From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. Psalm 61:2 – NKJV

  David knew that there was One who was higher than him, and called Him the Rock! Solid, strong, dependable! And higher than him and each of us! More than strength and beauty comes from the Rock, for when I am overwhelmed, David cried, just lead me to the Rock! That’s still the best course of action when we are overwhelmed, even today. We just need to be led to the Rock!

  In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Psalm 62:7 – NKJV

  What precious promises the Word holds for those whose trust is in God. He is the rock of our strength! Strong, unyielding, is our God. And there is none like Him!

  Jesus shares this truth in a familiar verse filled with imagery:

  “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. Matthew 7:24-25 – NKJV

  Jesus is the Rock of our salvation, and He reminds us of this: If we hear and obey His word, it is equal to building our house on a rock. Have you ever seen a house built in the sides of the mountains? Doesn’t it look well protected?

  The Anasazi people were called cliff dwellers. Their homes were caves built in cliffs or under a cliff overhang. Many still exist today, although they were built thousands of years ago. Not a house you or I would want to buy, but it makes Jesus’ point! The passage of time, and the harshness of the weather over the years couldn’t cause them to be destroyed.

  What a blessing to know that we can build our homes on the Rock! Many people marvel when I say that I have been happily married to the same man for almost 35 years. I get that! It is so, only because we built on marriage, our home, on the Rock! Not only are we to build our homes on the Rock, but Jesus built His Church on the Rock! There may be times when it doesn’t look like “the gates of hell will not prevail against the church,” but just keep watching. Nothing will prevail against it! It’s built on the Rock!

  These are challenging times for the church and for us as individuals, but if we are in Christ, our foundation is sure! Nothing will cause us to be blown away because we are built on the Rock! Not floods, not pandemics, not harsh winds and rains; not even the current state of our political governments! Nothing!

  We must take comfort and find strength in the truth of the solidness of the Rock of our Salvation! He can not be moved! He can not be overcome! He can not be defeated! Even if we are done with this life on tomorrow, He would still be standing strong. Jesus is the Rock! He is the Rock of my salvation and I’ll never be ashamed! He is the Rock of your salvation, and you have no reason to be ashamed. Steady, strong, and unmovable is our Rock! Wonderful Jesus!

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  Posted in encouragement, God’s Symbols, Jesus, Strength | 0 Comments | Tagged David, Deliverance, encouragement, God, hard times, house on the rock, Jesus, Jesus is the Rock, Marriage, obedience, pandemic, protection, rock of salvation, Salvation, trust in God

• Waters That Never Fail!

  Posted at 10:00 am by wonderfuljesus8, on February 10, 2021

  John 7:38-39 – He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. NKJV

  

  In my last blog, I briefly wrote on the importance of the well. I was unable to cover all the important aspects of the well, spiritually and naturally, but I can always write another blog in the future!

  My husband was really excited about the well and brought up the point that in third world countries they are not a thing of the past, but are very important in getting clean water to people, even today. Then we started talking about water, which in turn, reminded me of a point I brought up in the last post about living water. In this blog, I will look at the imagery of water in the Word.

  Water is considered a valuable resource in the world today, just as it was in the ancient world. Any historian can validate this truth by pointing out how the great civilizations of the ancient world always formed near a body of water.

  Even when America was founded with the 13 colonies, they were established on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. As more land was needed to handle the increase in population, people had to find ways to bring water inland. Wells, cisterns, canals, and tunnels were a few of the ways that water was harnessed to meet the need.

  Just to connect with Black History month, Benjamin Banneker devised an irrigation system that connected the water of the springs near his farm to bring water to his farm. This irrigation system caused his tobacco farm to flourish even in the times of drought. Banneker, known as an inventor, mathematician, and an activist against slavery, learned, at the age of 15, the importance of water to the life of his farm, his family, and thereby, his livelihood.

  An equally important fact about water was the need for a continual supply of it during wartime. Especially when a city was under siege. Hezekiah, when faced with a siege from Sennacherib, had a tunnel built underground to keep the city of Jerusalem with a continuous water supply. I see a spiritual connection with water already!

  Jesus, at the feast, announced that if anyone believed on Him, as the scriptures said, that out of his belly (heart) would flow rivers of living water. This living water was identified as the Holy Spirit, which had not yet been given. But when He came, He became Living Water to all who received Him.

  Zechariah 14:8 – And it shall be in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the former sea, and half of them toward the hinder sea: in summer and in winter shall it be.

  Zechariah’s prophecy speaks to a time, when Jerusalem will have living waters flowing in the summer and the winter. The disciples were in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended. This Living Water that he saw, was none other, but the Spirit of God! Living waters that are not contingent on the time of year or the season, but on those who believe!

  For the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” Revelation 7:17 – NKJV

  John speaks of Jesus, our Shepherd, leading His people to living fountains of waters. Isn’t that what He said to the woman in Samaria? He promised that He would give living waters to those who asked. And we see here that He leads us to living waters. This kind of reminds me of Psalm 23, where David spoke of the Shepherd, leading us to still waters. Even in a moving body of water, there are places where the waters seem still, safe for sheep.

  Isaiah wrote this about water:

  Isaiah 44:3 – For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:

  The Holy Spirit takes the dryness of a soul and make it a flourishing land, causing thirst to be satisfied. He not only causes the individual, or a place to flourish, but He also pours His Spirit and His blessings upon our children. I like being blessed, but I absolutely love seeing my children blessed! This Living Water that we receive from Jesus is so vital to our lives as believers. He provides for us, and for our children, and children’s children. Blessings that are natural and spiritual!

  Isaiah 58:11 – And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.

  This verse speaks to my heart. The Lord shall guide me continually and satisfy me in a drought. When I feel dry, like God isn’t listening, or responding to me, I just need to drink from the source of Living Water to find strength to continue on my journey. He promises that I will be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. When I think of a watered garden, I am reminded of well kept garden with healthy, vibrant plants. That’s what living waters produce in our lives! And a spring of water that never dries up?? The imagery is powerful!

  I’ve ministered when I felt like I was in a dry place. But as I would begin, I would sense His Presence and the words would just flow. Why? I had no choice but to trust that rivers of living water would flow from me. Every time, He would give His people what they needed, in spite of how I felt. Waters not failing!

  There is so much more that I can share about water, but the space and time does not allow me to be as thorough as I would be in an in-depth teaching. However, I believe you get the point!

  Maybe you are feeling dry right now. This pandemic may have taken a toll on your spiritual life as you have had to shelter in place and limit your church attendance. Or maybe you have not been to church this entire year. Well, I have great news for you, you can still be a flourishing garden as you wait to re-enter the sanctuary and enjoy the blessings of koinonia. Sometimes, the devil would like to condemn us to keep us from enjoying Him; but living waters flow in the winter and the summer. Good times and bad times! Hard times and easy times.

  Maybe you feel like you are under attack! That’s ok! You have reservoirs you don’t realize you have. Tap into the vast source of Living Waters and allow Him to keep you satisfied and flourishing during the battle. People who live around water are healthier and able to endure longer than those who are without water. This is encouraging to note, because you will outlast your enemy when you allow the rivers of Living Waters to guide you and refresh you!

  And don’t forget! What He provides for you, He wants to provide through you. Don’t just drink and get full! Look for ways to allow rivers of living water to flow out of your belly into someone’s else dry place! Get refreshed and let’s do this! Wonderful Jesus!

  Posted in encouragement, Holy Spirit, Jesus | 0 Comments | Tagged Believer, blessings, children, encouragement, God, hard times, Holy Spirit, Jerusalem, Jesus, living waters, pandemic, provision, Sennacherib, Spiritual warfare, water

• Draw From the Well!

  Posted at 10:00 am by wonderfuljesus8, on February 8, 2021

  Isaiah 12:3 – “Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.” NKJV

  

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  I love when I wake up and the Spirit has whispered in my ear. Such was the case this morning when He whispered this verse to me. I have to draw from the well of salvation regularly and it is very refreshing and most encouraging.

  The Bible is quite poetic in much of its make up. Not only that, it is filled with imagery that is easy for every generation of people to identify with, like a well.

  The Hebrew word, “phrear”, means well. In the Lexham Dictionary, a well is defined as:

  A deep man-made reservoir dug or drilled in the ground, often walled with stone or plaster. Used to access groundwater.

  Wells are mentioned throughout scripture and has multiple roles or meanings in the biblical narrative. In Exodus 15, the children of Israel arrive at Elim where they find 12 wells. The wells in this passage of scripture is often times referred to as a place of rest and relaxation. Why? Because they were traveling through a dry land when they arrived at this oasis that had trees for shade, and water for their thirst.

  When a well was placed outside the city, it served as a meeting place for the women, who collected the water, and for strangers. We see this played out in the encounter Jesus had with the Samaritan woman at the well. She wasn’t welcome to visit the well with the women in the town, so she went at a different time. One day, she met Jesus at the well and her life was forever changed. Her natural meeting place became her spiritual meeting place with the Messiah, a divine connection!

  Wells are also used to depict the provision of God. When Moses spoke to the children of Israel before his departure and their entrance to the promised land, he spoke of wells. He told them that God had provided for them wells which they did not have to dig. And when Samson was thirsty after killing the Philistines, he cried out to God who split a hollow place in the land (creating a well of water) that Samson might obtain water to refresh and revive himself.

  Wells were deemed as a vital and economic asset. The Bible makes references to the disputes that were mentioned over the ownership of wells. Abraham rebuked Abimelech because his servants had seized Abraham’s well of water. Enemies could stop up the wells, as the Philistines later did to Abraham’s wells.

  As we can see, wells were pretty important to the people of God for the natural supply of water. God’s word uses the imagery of wells for a spiritual supply of living water. Jesus told the woman at the well that she should have asked Him for a drink and He would have given her living water that she would never thirst again! John 4

  An important point about digging wells. Kings were responsible for digging wells, as we can see in 2 Chronicles where we find that King Uzziah dug many wells, and the enemy (the Philistines) was responsible for stopping them up. Can you see a spiritual correlation here?

  I offer you this point. Salvation through the Blood of Jesus creates within each of us a well. Then Jesus fills that well with Living Water, so that out of our belly can flow that living water. When we are allowing the water, or in this case, His Holy Spirit to flow through us, our well is a place of refreshing, for ourselves and others, and it is a beautiful thing. When we are in disobedience, our wells are dry. Not because the source of our living water has gone dry, but because we have allowed the enemy of our souls to fill the wells up with sin, keeping the water from flowing!

  John 7:37-38 – On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” NKJV

  I read a sermon by George Whitfield, and he had this to say about the living water:

  The festival at which he was now present, was that of the feast of tabernacles, which the Jews observed according to God’s appointment in commemoration of their living in tents. At the last day of this feast, it was customary for many pious people to fetch water from a certain place, and bring it on their heads, singing this anthem out of Isaiah, “And with joy shall they draw water out of the wells of salvation.” Our Lord observing this, and it being his constant practice to spiritualize every thing he met with, cries out, “If any man thirst, let him come unto me, (rather than unto that well) and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath spoken, (where it is said, God will make water to spring out of a dry rock, and such-like) out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.”

  Drawing from the well is simple. When life hits us with challenges, instead of just reacting, cause we all do, we have to draw from the well. All those emotions I have previously written about, can be dealt with as we draw from the well. I was tested this weekend myself. I was lied upon and it made me angry, my initial reaction. But as I drew from the well of my salvation, I received a peace that all would be well.

  This life is not cut and dry, patty cake, and tip toe through the tulips. It’s real, with disappointments, heartaches, and setbacks. But if we will allow the Holy Spirit to flow through us and help us in times of crisis, great joy will be ours. We will also be able to draw peace through tough times, and love when we don’t feel like sharing it. We will draw strength to continue in the journey, and hope for a brighter tomorrow. There is so much available in the well of salvation that is provided through that Living Water. It’s ours for the drawing. And it’s our responsible to do so! So go ahead, and draw from your well of salvation! Wonderful Jesus!

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  Posted in encouragement, God, God’s Symbols, Holy Spirit, Jesus | 0 Comments | Tagged encouragement, God, Holy Spirit, Jesus, living waters, provision, Salvation, wells, woman at the well

• A Sure Promise!

  Posted at 10:00 am by wonderfuljesus8, on January 29, 2021

  2 Peter 3:3-4 – Knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” NKJV

  

  If I had to choose the greatest promise in the word of God, it would prove to be difficult. I think of the promise of salvation and it makes me grateful to know Jesus as Savior. I relish in the joy of the promise of the Holy Spirit and can’t imagine life without Him. And then I remember the promise of His return, and even though He has tarried, I know it is a sure promise, and look forward to that Day. Jesus is coming again!

  In our text for today, Peter wrote that there would be scoffers in the last days. In context, we have no problem understanding what Peter meant when he used the word “empaiktes”, or scoffers. Most people have a clear, or can gain a clear understanding of this word by continuing to read the verse. A scoffer is a mocker. Someone who laughs at another or something with contempt.

  These particular mockers would be walking around in the last days, doing their own thing, living after their own lusts, saying, “Where is the promise of His coming?” In case you haven’t noticed it, they can be found on the news, in government, in our school systems, in our neighborhoods, maybe even in our families. People who mockingly reject the promise of His return. But here’s one thing we can all rest assure of: the same God who promised that He would come through a virgin and be born in Bethlehem is the same God who assures us of His return. Jesus is coming again!

  For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 – NKJV

  I’m not thrilled with being off the ground. I’m not fond of airplanes though I will get in one. But the thought of just being caught up in the air is a little overwhelming. Yet, I look forward to it! Paul said that we are to comfort one another with these sayings. You might ask, how can these words be a comfort? Sometimes, when things look their bleakest, hope is all you need, and there is great comfort and hope in the return of Jesus! More importantly, there is great comfort in knowing the One who promised is more than able of fulfilling that promise. It brings great comfort!

  When I think of scoffers, I think of the people who watched Noah build the ark. Weren’t they the same people who drowned in the waters. I’m not too concerned about the mockers, for the promise will come to pass.

  Acts 1:11 “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” NKJV

  Angels watched with the disciples as Jesus ascended into heaven. The disciples must have stood gazing for a while because finally the angels asked this question: Why are you gazing into heaven? This same Jesus who ascended, they said, will descend again in the same way! It’s part of the promise!

  Jesus comforted His disciples, before He was crucified, with these words:

  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. John 14:3 – NKJV

  As I explained in a previous blog, these were words the disciples understood as a promise. The same promise every Jewish groom made to his betrothed. Jesus gave a promise that He most definitely was going to return. It was a sure promise!

  When I speak of a sure promise, I am talking about a promise that will come to pass without a doubt! Mockers can mock and make fun of this promise, but they can’t stop this promise! It’s a sure thing! They can ignore this promise and live in rejection of this truth, but so did the men and women in the days of Noah!

  In the book of Revelation we find these words:

  Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen. “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:7-8 -NKJV

  This is the best part of the promise! Behold! See! He is coming! And when He returns in won’t be shrouded in mystery! When He returns, there will be no case of mistaken identity! When He returns He will return with glory and power! When He returns, not if He returns!

  Then Jesus refers to Himself as the Alpha and the Omega, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty!” Wonderful, wonderful Jesus!

  So, what’s the hold up? Peter tells us:

  The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 – NKJV

  I believe He is just excited about coming back as we are to see Him. He’s not ignoring His promise or intentionally delaying His promise to be difficult. Nor is He pulling our leg, and making fun of us our desire. He is such a long suffering Savior towards us, and He wants to give mankind every opportunity to turn to Him in repentance. He’s such a wonderful lover of people.

  So the next time you become weary about His return, ask Him if there is someone who you are supposed to lead to Him and maybe even disciple. Or the next time someone mock His return in your hearing, tell them that He is waiting on them to repent. That ought to shut them up! Maybe even shake them up, causing them to do just that!

  I am so enjoying looking at the promises of God and His faithfulness to His word. I am encouraged in my heart and my faith is being strengthened. I trust you are also being encouraged as you read. If you are not ready for His return, don’t wait another day to repent of your sins and receive Him as your Savior! Wonderful Jesus!

  prayer-for-salvation-3.mp3

  Posted in encouragement, God, God’s faithfulness, Jesus, Promises of God, Second Coming | 0 Comments | Tagged hope, Jesus, Noah, Peter, Promises of God, return of Christ, Salvation, Second Coming, the flood

• Time to Sing Again!

  Posted at 10:00 am by wonderfuljesus8, on December 30, 2020

  Psalm 137:1 – “By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept when we remembered Zion. NKJV

  

  time-to-sing-again_-1-1.mp3

  The year of 2020 has been a year that many can’t wait to see come to an end. Don’t you remember the excitement for 2020, about a year ago? So many voices were shouting out that this year would be the year of greater vision, greater insight, greater anointing. Maybe for some, this was true; but as a nation, not so much!

  COVID-19 reared it’s vicious head on December 31, 2019. By the end of January it was declared a global health emergency. As we enter the year 2021, unfortunately, it is still dominating the news, our lives, the way we interact with one another, and basically, the way we interact with the world around us. Millions have been infected, hundreds of thousands have lost their lives, and they said there is more to come. Jobs and businesses have been dissolved, mortgages and rent payments have been missed. It’s a lot to take in. Thankfully, we now have vaccines, as we try to find a new normal amidst the pandemic and hope for getting our lives and economy stable again.

  Apparently that was not enough to throw our world into a frenzy, because in the midst of the pandemic came the riots against racial injustice. Not just in America, but around the world. People piling into the streets to demonstrate their anguish and frustration over the systemic racism became the norm for a greater part of our summer. In Australia, America, Europe, and Canada, citizens took to the streets to demonstrate their inability to sit around and continue to watch it happen to them and those around them.

  With all of that going on, can you believe that we still had the normal things to come at us: hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding, fires, and earthquakes? Normal life situations in the home and on the job. Stuff just kept coming at us! It’s a lot to take in. It’s a lot to think about. It’s a lot to have to deal with!

  And then in America we had the election of all elections! Trump versus Biden! We have never paid such close attention to all the steps involved in the transitioning of power from one president to another as we have this time. Lawsuits, attacks on our democracy, Republicans against Democrats, and Democrats against Republicans. Accusations of a stolen presidency and claims to not give up the White House! Suicide bombing in a major city! Whew! I don’t know about you, but for me it has been a bit much! And 2021 isn’t looking to start out a whole lot brighter!

  The children of Israel were headed to captivity in Babylon. They stopped by a river of Babylon to rest for some reason, and while they were resting, the psalmist said they wept! They couldn’t believe they were in captivity. They couldn’t believe they had to leave Israel. They couldn’t believe that God hadn’t protected them although the prophets said that He would. (God actually said that they had been lied to). They experienced a lot of loss themselves. Loss of home and ancestral lands, loss of positions, finances, community standing, family members, and their freedom. They were stunned, overwhelmed, and sadly disappointed. Anybody feeling like that today? It was too much!

  Psalm 137:2-3 – We hung our harps upon the willows in the midst of it. For there those who carried us away captive asked of us a song, and those who plundered us requested mirth, saying, “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!” NKJV

  The children of Israel was in such a bad place, they didn’t want to sing anymore. As a matter of fact, their captives asked them to sing a song, but they had hung their harps on the trees and asked how were they supposed to sing the Lord’s songs in a strange land? Can you imagine the defeat they must have been experiencing at that time? The situation was real, the pain was real, the frustration was real, the loss was real, it was all real. And they didn’t have any reason to sing from their point of view!

  Situations, people, and life may change, but there is really nothing new under the sun. There are many people around the world today, after going through this year, feeling the same exact way. I was just reading someone’s Facebook post where she wrote that she hated 2020. I have heard people say they can’t wait til this year is done. They want it so over with! I understand the emotions behind the words. I understand the sentiment.

  But in Jeremiah 29, God told the children of Israel, through a letter:

  Build houses and dwell in them; plant gardens and eat their fruit. Take wives and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons and give your daughters to husbands, so that they may bear sons and daughters—that you may be increased there, and not diminished. And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace you will have peace. Jeremiah 29:5-7 – NKJV

  In other words, keep living! There’s nothing you can do about your current situation, He goes on to say in the letter. It’s going to last for 70 years. So don’t diminish, increase!

  These words spoke to my heart this week and I haven’t been able to shake them. With all that has been happening, and may continue to happen, (and God knows we don’t want to see this for another year, let alone 70 years) as believers, we can’t afford to sit down and weep. We can’t allow the circumstances of our world to get us so depressed that we lose our ability to sing praises to God. This has truly been a turbulent year, in many cases, we have experienced a lot of losses, but we made it through and can boldly look forward to the future with hope.

  It was in this letter that these words of encouragement are found:

  Jeremiah 29:11 – For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. NKJV

  Whatever 2021 holds, God has thoughts of peace towards us and not of evil. He has a future filled with hope in it for His people. That alone will give us a reason to sing again. Or maybe you need to hear these words from the Savior:

  “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. -John 14:27 -NKJV

  There are plenty of verses in the word that can bring you comfort, encouragement and strength. It’s time to hold tight to them and to sing like never before. You may be wondering, like the Israelites, how can we sing under these conditions? We may not know what 2021 will bring, but we know the One who will bring us into 2021. We have suffered in 2020, but, we can by faith, expect great victories in 2021. We’ve lost some things and some loved ones, but as we continue living in the midst of our challenges and adversities, we can look forward to greater things in Christ! And that’s reason enough to sing right there! Jesus, whom we have just celebrated for coming into the world, is still alive and well, and on the throne. He hasn’t left us, and He never will. We may not understand it all, but when we trust Him, we know He will bring us through and cause our hearts to sing again. Wonderful Jesus!

  Posted in coronavirus, encouragement, Holiday Celebrations, Hope in God | 7 Comments | Tagged attacks, Attitude, coronavirus, encouragement, hard times, pandemic, Peace, praise, race riots, racial tensions, systemic racism, world pandemic

• Put it to the Test!

  Posted at 10:00 am by wonderfuljesus8, on September 17, 2020

  1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 – “Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. NKJV

  

  put-it-to-the-test_.mp3

  In this letter of 1 Thessalonians, Paul is full of advice. In actuality, his advice is more accurately called exhortations, or words of encouragement meant to push the believer into becoming more mature. The part that I want to look at today is, “test all things”.

  My husband shares the story of one of our first dates. He and I went to a pizza place to eat. When we placed our drink order, he asked for a beer. I didn’t say anything while the server was present, but afterwards I remarked on the fact that I was surprised he ordered a beer. To be perfectly honest, I told him that if a Christian friend of mine was to walk past us, I would be embarrassed. He said that he didn’t have to have the beer and that he wasn’t a drinker. Years later, when I mentioned this event, he said it was a test to see how I would respond in an uncomfortable situation. I can also honestly say that I never saw him drink beer again, so I can accept his explanation. He put me to the test, and I passed the test! One of many according to him! But I want you to know that I had some tests of my own!

  In life, we will find ourselves in many situations where we will have to put something to the test. During a courtship is a perfect time for testing. Having warm fuzzy feelings for an individual is great, but I can assure you that the feelings don’t last with the wrong person. It’s easy to take people at face value, when you think you are in love, but people can be pretentious. I can’t even begin to tell you how many people got married, only to later say, “I don’t know this person”! That advice was free!

  When looking into the word, there are a few things that we are to test, starting with ourselves! This test, according to the Vine’s is for the sake of “approving”. Paul is basically telling us that we get to give our approval of all things in this life. Many want us to believe that we should just take everything that happens, especially in the church, without having an opinion about them, but I don’t agree! And neither does Paul, for he said to test all things! When it comes to people, however, I think we should definitely understand what things we are testing!

  Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified. 2 Corinthians 13:5 – NKJV

  Isn’t it interesting that Paul encouraged us to examen ourselves so that we would know if Jesus was really in us! We all feel like we can tell if someone is saved or not. I’m certainly guilty of this opinion. Here, Paul is saying, “examine yourself”. You know if you are the real deal or not, for the proof really is in the pudding. In the faith isn’t talking about how you believe God for things, but if you are a member of His family. Put it to the test! I can tell you one thing, this pandemic is helping us to “examine” ourselves, rather we wanted to or not, to determine if we are in the faith!

  Another thing we can test is our spiritual leadership! Yes we can!

  But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless. 1 Timothy 3:10 – NKJV

  In the church, almost anybody can be a deacon, it seems, today. Years ago, I was attending a church, when a deacon said from the pulpit that Mary was not a virgin. On that note, I found another place to worship. We can’t just attend church because of our soul ties and connections. If the word isn’t being preached, and the leadership isn’t living a godly life, they have failed the most important test! Put them to the test! Jesus commended one of the churches in Revelation for this very thing:

  “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; Revelation 2:2 – NKJV

  This isn’t being judgmental, it’s testing them. Not with paper and pencil! Not by being judgmental! But watch their life and listen to what they say! If that person can’t hold up to the test of the word, then you should pray about your next steps. I have been blessed through the years to have some really good pastors, but I put them to the test, without them knowing it! So don’t be ridiculous in the testing! Had the congregants tested Jim Jones and people like him, they would have been spared a horrible end!

  Then there are spirits! There are so many spirits that we have to test them and see if they are from God or not!

  Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1 – NKJV

  Yes! I believe in the gift of prophecy, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t test the spirits of the “prophets” or the spirits behind situations. Try the spirits! If it’s of God, it will stand the test, and if it’s not of God, then it won’t!

  God gives us permission to put Him to the test in the area of tithing:

  Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it. Malachi 3:10 – NKJV

  He is so confident in the blessing of the tithe that He said you could put Him to test with it! Go ahead and start tithing and see if He won’t bless you!

  And then there is the trying of the word! Everything that we are told that the word says, doesn’t necessarily mean that the word says it. This is where studying the word comes into play, to prove if what we are being taught is so:

  Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. Acts 17:10-11 – NKJV

  Paul knew he was telling the truth, and yet he was impressed with the Bereans studying the scriptures to see if what he taught was true. I’m skeptical of people who get upset when they know people are checking out what they say in the word. One thing I love about the ministers I know, they get happy when they see or hear others studying the word. I can remember as a kid, that I saw Jim Jones throw the Bible on the floor. Ah! It’s time to leave! Why does this keep coming to my mind tonight? Is someone involved in a ministry that is questionable? If that’s you, put it to the test, and then do what God tells you to do!

  I have to close, but I leave you with the words of Solomon:

  All this I have proved by wisdom… Ecclesiastes 7:23 – NKJV

  Proving all things involves the wisdom of God. Whether you are testing a person’s character because you want to marry them, or testing yourself, wisdom from God will be your top priority. Don’t walk around thinking that you are being used by the devil when you privately “test’ something by the Spirit of God. Notice, I said privately! And as you seek wisdom from Him, He will help you to prove all things! Wonderful Jesus!

  Posted in encouragement, God’s Requirements, Prophecy, Prophetic, will of God | 0 Comments | Tagged bad leaders, Believer, Berea, blessings, church leaders, Dating, Marriage, Paul, prophecies, relationships, testing, Tithing, will of God, wisdom, word of God

• Joyful in My Savior!

  Posted at 9:00 am by wonderfuljesus8, on May 26, 2020

  Habakkuk 3:17-18 – “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.” NIV

  

  Have you ever enjoyed a fig straight from a fig tree? I have! As kids, we ran around the neighborhood enjoying the fruit of fig trees, pear trees, and even plum trees. I probably ate healthier when I was younger, then I do now! Those are some of my fondest childhood memories. Eating fresh fruit from a tree is a delight that few people know. I’m glad for the experience!

  Habakkuk is a short book in the Bible. God and the prophet is having a discourse; the prophet asks a question, God answers. The prophet wants to know when justice will be served on the wicked. He, like so many today, wonders why God seems to not answer him, intervene in what is going on, and save them. God responds by telling him how amazed he and the people will be when they see what will happen by His hand. Not accomplishing what the prophet thinks He should do, but accomplishing His will!

  Habakkuk then appeals to God’s character of being a holy God and basically tell Him that his answer is a little harsh. What He has planned, punishment of Judah by the hands of the Babylonians, seems too much! He waits for God’s answer, standing watch to hear His response. God gives Habakkuk a vision. He tells him to write it down because it will happen at its appointed time. And reminds him that the just shall live by faith!

  Throughout this discourse two things are noted: God as a Warrior God, and the prophet as being in awe of Him as he intercedes for His mercy. He recalls to mind who God is, reciting His attributes of purity, holiness, and that the Babylonians attacking Judah to punish them seems problematic to him.

  Then the prophet begins to sound like a psalmist as he states, “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”

  He came to the conclusion that He could safely trust that God knew what He was doing. (Go figure!) He knew he needed to live by his faith, which was based on God’s character and not what he was experiencing! Everything that they needed for their livelihoods, crops, sheep, and cattle would be taken or destroyed. Life as they knew it would be over. But Habakkuk came to the place where none of it mattered more than his trust in God.

  Sounds similar to today! I’m not saying that this pandemic is the hand of God! I truly don’t believe that for a second! But I am saying that this pandemic has thrown the world for a curve. And everyone is ready to “get back to normal”. They say people are going crazy. They need to get back to work, back to church, back to living! This is one of those times when I will say, “I get it!”

  But here’s my point: Though the economy is not thriving, though I am to stay at home and limit my activities, though I am to wear a mask when I go out, though I am not able to go to church or work, though I can’t go out to eat at my favorite restaurant, though I can’t hang out with friends and family, though we have no vaccine in sight and this might go on for even longer, yet will I praise Him and be joyful in my Savior!

  Habakkuk didn’t minimize the state of his beloved Judah, nor the things that they had to endure. Neither do I minimize any thing that’s happening in the life of the people who read this blog, or those who haven’t been enlightened enough to know that they should (just kidding); but I trust God. I trust His character, I trust His history with mankind, I trust His word that this is not how it ends, and I trust His love for us. Not sure when all this will be over, but I know it will. But even if…I will yet praise Him! Wonderful Jesus!

  Posted in encouragement, hard times, Victorious Living | 6 Comments | Tagged Faith, fig tree, Habakkuk, hard times, love, pandemic, trust in God, victory, vine

• A Canopy Of Glory- Revised!

  Posted at 7:00 am by wonderfuljesus8, on March 24, 2020

  Isaiah 4:5-6- “And the Lord will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defense. And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the day time from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and rain.” KJV

  I was thinking about my next post, when the Lord reminded me of this post from 2019. I went back and read it and was amazed at how it fit where we are today. So with a few revisions, I am reposting this blog today.

  I was reading in the book of Isaiah, visiting a beloved friend, when I read this verse. Isaiah was one who understood God. He understood His majesty, His heart, His plans, His purpose, His words, His desire to know us, His desire to be known by us. He understood God. I have said before, “If you want to understand Jesus, read the gospel of John; but if you want to understand God, read the book of Isaiah.” Sometimes I just want to read about the One who is the Lord of Glory! And tonight I want to talk a little about that glory!

  The word “canopy” can be defined as “a protective covering”, and for my blog tonight, it’s the meaning I want to use. Recently, I was teaching a literacy lesson using a text about the rainforest. In this text, it talked about how in a rainforest or even a jungle, the trees grow so close together that they create a canopy in its top branches. This canopy can be well over 100 feet from the ground. When you view this canopy from on top it looks like a large green field, but when viewed from underneath, it is where the plants and the animals live, the life of the rainforest.

  In the above verse, Isaiah is talking to Jerusalem of a time when they will be in utter desperation because of the hard times that they will experience. Hard times brought on by their sins. But then he goes on to write that the time will come when God will bring a cleansing to His people. And when they are cleansed they will be His holy people.

  Now before I go any further, let me remind you that if you have been washed by the Blood of Jesus and your sins have been forgiven that you are His holy people. Peter said it like this, “You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that you should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” So now this prophetic word that Isaiah spoke to the people of Jerusalem becomes a prophetic word for the believer.

  Isaiah prophesied, that once you were made holy, the land would produce for you it’s best. And if that is not enough, Isaiah prophesied that the Lord would place a canopy (a protective covering) of His glory over His people- a cloud by day and a fire by night! Now where have we seen this before? When the children of Israel left Egypt for the Promised Land!

  So here we see the Lord of Glory again promising that His Glory would be before us protecting us as it did the children of Israel! This is awesome news! If we can get in position in the canopy of His Glory, it is where we will find the best of life.

  Shocking news come across our ears daily and some unusual things have been happening in the world today because of the coronavirus, and if we are not careful, fear will grip our hearts. But the prophet Isaiah encourages us with these words that once again, His glory will go before us and be behind us, and He will place a canopy of protection over us! He promises to be our shelter, our protection from the storm and rain, and even from the heat. That promise includes protection from worldwide viruses!

  As we are at home on lockdown, I find myself in my prayer time thanking God for this promise. As I worship Him I thank Him that I, my family, my friends, my church, the Body are all under His canopy of Glory and that protection is ours. This is wonderful news, from a wonderful Savior, for His people because although we are practicing social distancing, the real truth is that God is our Protector. This message was relevant when Isaiah spoke it and it is surely relevant now! Thank God for His canopy of glory that is over you and me during this unusual time in our world. Hearing of the deaths of so many is almost unreal, watching the numbers of cases around the world is mind boggling, but I just keep focusing on the One who has promised me protection, and I am thankful for His canopy of Glory that is full of life. Wonderful Jesus!

  Posted in Believers, Christian, coronavirus, encouragement, protection | 3 Comments | Tagged Believer, Christian, coronavirus, encouragement, hard times, protection, provision, the Glory of the Lord

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