FLOWERS ARE THE TRUE EXPRESSION OF GOD’S LOVE AND BEAUTY
LIVING IN THE ESSENCE AND BEAUTY OF MY FLOWER GARDEN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHIRLEY RHODES
Flowers are known as the reproductive organ in plants and when combined into a bouquet there’s beauty and sweet aroma to enjoy. So I set before you to enjoy the Essence and Beauty of My Flower Garden.
The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove
is heard in our land. Song of Solomon 2:12
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogantor rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35
I will be like the dew to Israel; he shall blossom like the lily; he shall take root like the trees of Lebanon Hosea 14:5
My beloved has gone down to his garden to the beds of spices, to graze in the gardens and to gather lilies. I am my beloveds and my beloved is mine; he grazes among the lilies. Song of Solomon 6:2-3
THE BLACK ORCHID IS A SYMBOL OF OUR BEAUTIFUL MOTHERS (PHOTO BY SHIRLEY RHODES)
THE BLACK ORCHID IS A SYMBOL OF OUR BEAUTIFUL MOTHER’S (PHOTO BY SHIRLEY RHODES)
Today marks the beginning of our week long Celebration Honoring all Mothers for their many great contributions to all of us in this Universe. One of the problems that too many of us have is that we take our Mother’s for granted. This week’s long Celebration is meant to bring attention to the Women of the world and especially the Mothers. If you are not a Mother today, one day you will be, therefore, we all must learn how to share in your pain and suffering as well as the joy and pleasure you receive and we receive from being your Sons and Daughters.
When we come into the full knowledge and understanding that you are truly one of God’s greatest creation, and He endowed you with many gifts, the greatest gift of all was the gift to conceive the seed of a brand new life. For that reason along, we take this time to stand back and reflect upon your uniqueness to the world and all that you bring to the table that helps to transform this world into what it is today.
LET US PRAY: Eternal God, our Heavenly Father, we thank you for sharing with us the gift of a Mother’s
WOMAN OF PRAYER (PHOTO BY PASTOR DAVIS)
Love. A gift that has brought so much joy and pleasure into our lives, by allowing us to have a voice this day to say to our Mothers; thank you for my life and all that you have done to allow me to be lifted up on the wings of an eagle and experience the power and joy of your love and blessings, AMEN!
We invite each of you to share your thoughts and opinions here daily honoring all the Mothers of the World. When you bless our Mothers, God will add a blessing to you. The choice is yours. Give and it shall be given unto you. Thank you for reading and sharing.
Good Morning Children of God, if it’s Sunday, it is time to enter into our Virtual Church for our Prayer, Praise and Worship Service. Are you ready to give God your heart, worship Him and Praise Him this Morning?
LET US PRAY! Eternal God, our most precious and Holy Father, the Father of all life in the Universe, we enter into your present this morning, seeking your blessings over our Nation and all its inhabitants. Father, there is much trouble in the land, your children are suffering from fears of their safety been invaded, and lack of the basic substances of not enough food to feed their families, clean fresh water in short supply and being able to find jobs that will help them provide shelter for their families. Our government leaders seem to be paralyzed when it comes to making the correct decisions that will help the least among us to lift them out of poverty and bring this nation together as one people. Father I pray for divine intervention into the lives of all your Children this day. I speak healing into their physical bodies, I speak revelation over all that they desire to have changed in their lives. I speak restoration for our Nations and its leaders to be lifted up into the light that they may see the suffering and harm that they are bring into the lives of your children and this great nation of ours. And in seeing, they will be transformed by the renewing of their minds and they will become Spirit filled in ways that would be unimaginable in other times. Let the power of your divine Spirit invade our Nations as it provides all your children with peace and joy for another day. It is in the name of Jesus that we seek these blessings this day, as we lift you up Heavenly Father, in Prayer, Praise and Worship. Amen, Amen, Amen!
Now it is time to lift up our Holy Hands and Praise God. Join me with my favorite Praise Team leader, Brother Ron Kenoly as he lifts us up higher on the SOLID ROCK.
Now it is time for our Message for today, delivered by God’s Messenger, Pastor Davis speaking to you on the subject, “STOP LIVING IN FEAR-LACK AND LIMITATION!”
LET US PRAY:
Most Holy God, our heavenly Father, open our hearts and minds that the lesson you have for us today will penetrate deep into our souls and heal the wounds that have been inflicted upon us. Bind up our broken hearts in order that our Spiritual Eyes and Ears may be open to the truth of your teaching this day, in Jesus name I pray, Amen!
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE:
In today’s lesson, this is what the Scriptures teach us, it says, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7 KGV) Do you believe this truth of God’s Holy Word? If you believe, I encourage you to hold onto that thought and listen to the message God wants you to partake of as you study his word today and the rest of this week. Click on this video clip and be blessed.
LET US PRAY: Heavenly Father, we thank you for opening the windows of Heaven and pouring out a blessing upon your Children that took the time to be a part of this Sunday Prayer Praise and Worship Service. Now may the Holy Spirit watch over them, guide them and teach them your ways as they walk out their purpose in this life, in Jesus name, AMEN!
Let me remind you that beginning Monday Morning, we will begin a week long celebration service honoring our dear Mothers from around the globe. Please join with us each day and share your thoughts and prayers with one of our most precious resources and that is our Mothers. For the Bible teaches us to honor our Mothers that our days will be long upon this earth. Each one of you can be a part of this celebration by returning here daily and sharing a word with out tens of thousand readers from all over the world.
Thank each one of you for been a part of another Sunday Prayer and Praise Service. If this service has blessed you, why not share it with others as your blessing over their lives this day. For this is truly the first day of the rest of your life. Be Blessed My Friends!
WE ARE PROCLAIMING THE I AM THAT LIVES IN EACH ONE OF US
GOD IS THE I AM AND THE LIGHT OF THE UNIVERSE (PHOTO BY PASTOR DAVIS)
“I AM WHO I AM.” These simple words have been an enigma to man for centuries. He has reasoned that there must be a great mystical significance in them, and has meditated at length in hope that the enigma might be resolved. At the risk of oversimplification let us alter the tempo, the emphasis we put on the words. In doing so, they may well give depth of insight to us. “I AM WHO I AM.” Perhaps the infinite wisdom of our one transcendent God is saying to us that the “I AM” in you has arrived at some degree of self-awareness. Could it be that He is saying, ”I Am not something apart; I am that something in you that has perceived of identity”?
The Lord has spoken to us, and He has proclaimed, that He is, the, “I AM!” He said, “I am the Lord; I have called you in righteousness (Isaiah 42:6a ESV)
I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. (John 10:9 ESV)
“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6 ESV)
“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.” (John 11:25c,d ESV)
“I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. (John 6:35 ESV).
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them.He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. (John 10:11-13 ESV)
I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. (John 10:14 ESV).
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. (John 15:1-4 ESV)
I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bear much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
I am the Vine and you are the Branches. When you learn the truth of who the “I AM,” that lives in you and come into the full and complete knowledge and understanding that, “In him was life, and the life was the light of men (John 1:4a ESV,”) then you will know the truth of these final words spoken by Jesus when he said, “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my DISCIPLES. (John 15:7-8 ESV).
We bless this word to you that it may stir up the Holy Spirit that is alive inside of you and seeking the release of its full and unlimited powers that will propel you to any place or heights that you may desire. The choice is yours, what do you believe?
THE PENALTY OF DISOBEDIENCE CAN CAUSE YOU TO LOOSE
WRITTEN BY SHIRLEY RHODES
THE BEAUTY OF SPRING IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO CHANGE OUR THINKING (PHOTOS BY SHIRLEY RHODES)
There are times we chose to follow our own path or listen to others without realizing the end results. The penalty of disobedience can cause you to lose what God has for you. He gives us tools needed to accomplish even the most “minute” assignment when we are obedient and allow him room to work through us. If the assignment is not one of his choices he moves us to a place that he has his eyes on for us. It is therefore the very reason why we should seek directions through diligent prayer in faith. As you study God’s word you encounter many who went contrary to assigned orders and lost.
The Penalty of Disobedience can Cause you to Lose:
Set aside time to study Gods’ word, it is there you’ll encounter life choices that went contrary to instructions from God. In the Old Testament you’ll encounter disobedience, testing of God through worshiping forbidden gods and idols. For example, Baal became on object of worship in which people choose to neglect Gods instruction for life. Oh, how they angered God, he handed them off to plunder who stripped them of their strength and dignity. God being the God he is would come in and save them from their enemies’ oppression, because he is a God of compassion.
THE BEAUTY OF SPRING (PHOTO BY SHIRLEY RHODES)
Throughout the reign of kings you’ll see how God’s instruction took a back seat in decision making and man decided to do things his way and how the penalty of disobedience can cause you to lose greater blessings.
We today are no different, we fail to set aside time and space to establish a real relationship with our Master Jesus. Many of “life’s choices” are made solely on what we think we know without considering the true source of all that we need, the one who is a constant presence waiting to be tapped into.
Just for thought, think of how and why some people choose to do wrong knowing the end results. Remember, the penalty of disobedience can cause you to lose. Jesus is a prime example of injustice, even though he brought a message of life and hope for all; he was hung on a cross. It was a bit too late for those who allowed and participated in the process when they came to the realization of their actions, because “the Penalty of disobedience can cause you to lose”, they found themselves on the losing end.
It is in our own best interest to think long and hard about where we are and what it is we are purposed for on this earthly journey while keeping our eyes on the prize; freedom in Christ Jesus, who see and know every move we make and every thought we act upon. Let us learn the true meaning of being obedient servants working toward common goals that are well defined and pleasing in the sight of God.
Below is a letter sent from Paul an Apostle of Jesus Christ to believers everywhere? It is a letter of encouragement with a promise from God just to remind us in case we forget just how much God really loves us and that he will never give up on us. This is truly a great reminder of just how much God loves all of His Children, and this is one fact we should never ever forget. Now listen to what Paul tells us:
He says, “I send this letter to you in God’s church at Corinth; believers cleaned up by Jesus and set apart for a God-filled life. I include in my greeting all who call out to Jesus, wherever they live. He’s their Master as well as ours!”
May all the gifts and benefits that come from God our Father, and the Master, Jesus Christ, be yours;
Every time I think of you—and I think of you often!—I thank God for your lives of free and open access to God, given by Jesus. There’s no end to what has happened in you—it’s beyond speech, beyond knowledge. The evidence of Christ has been clearly verified in your lives.
Just think—you don’t need a thing, you’ve got it all! All God’s gifts are right in front of you as you wait expectantly for our Master Jesus to arrive on the scene for the Finale. And not only that, but God himself is right alongside to keep you steady and on track until things are all wrapped up by Jesus. God, who got you started in this spiritual adventure, shares with us the life of his Son and our Master Jesus. He will never give up on you. Never forget that. (1 Corinthian 1:1-9 MSG)
Therefore, Children of God, let me Encourage you today, to stand still, look towards the hills from which all your blessings are flowing, calm your mind, allow Jesus to open your spiritual eyes that you may see His blessings flowing all around you. Allow Him to open your spiritual ears that you may here Jesus voice speak to you as he says these words, “MY DEAR CHILDREN, BE ENCOURAGED, GOD WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU ARE FORSAKE YOU!”
PILOT MOUNTAIN, N.C. BE ENCOURAGED (PHOTO BY PASTOR DAVIS)
There is no mountain that is to high are valley to low that you can not climb. The process of getting to the top begins in your mind. You cannot climb up hill with down hill thoughts. What do you believe? Your thoughts will always manifest your reality. Good thoughts produce good results, negative thoughts produce negative results. Learn to think about the goodness of what God can do when you hold onto His unchanging hands. Look at this picture very carefully, and as you see it, try and understand it as a reality of the mountains that are in your life. Now try to remove this mountain out of your life. Jesus said you can command this mountain to move and it will obey your command. Do you believe? Click on this video clip and allow me to speak plainly to you about getting rid of the mountains in your life.
I pray that this lesson has been a blessing to your soul. If it has, why do share it with others and let it speak to them as well. Know in your heart that God has a blessing with your name on it, if you believe. DO YOU BELIEVE?
THE MYSTERY OF GOD UNFOLDS IN THE PURPLE IRIS (PHOTO BY SHIRLEY RHODES)
Calming our wondering minds and thoughts aligns us and brings us into remembrance that God thought of us before we existed and gave us life so that we are able to live productive and dedicated to that purpose. We must constantly remind our-selves to be Patient; God is Molding Us for His Purpose. Along the way we will experience love, joy, and happiness, as well as trials, tribulations and times of uncertainty, knowledge of the Source helps us to win the victory, if we don’t lose focus of our eternal destination.
We are sure to encounter presence of evil along this journey, so much so that we surrender when pressured, we fall but we get up, we move on because there is a promise we must honor and keep, God is Molding Us for His Purpose.
Trust in God’s timing not your own, when we are being molded we may experience moments when it seems as if God doesn’t hear our prayers, or the answer to our request takes a long time to materialize. That’s when we must trust God to come through, to do so, focus through spiritual eyes instead of carnal eyes. He instructs us to set our affections on heavenly things. What joy waits when we are able to endure and reap the benefits of patience. What we see from a worldly sense is all that surrounds us, behavior and attitudes, we therefore seek and expect instant gratification, and we don’t like to wait.
Expecting to share in God’s blessings for our lives requires patience and when completion is evident we “know” that we are a product of “Patience” Because God is Molding us for His Purpose,” not our own, the anticipation experienced can be one of peace and joy knowing that he always keeps his promise.
Understanding the message and how Jesus worked the pattern for life gives each of us an opportunity to become perfected through the molding process. Jesus shared leisure conversation; built intimate personal relationships; he was compassionate in response and prayer and even endured a sacrificial death so that we may know.
Patience; God is Molding us for His Purpose, even making the first step in becoming more like Jesus we must remember that we will go through plenty of hard times, by enduring it all in patience the end results is eternal beauty and joy, as spoken by some, “Joy unspeakable.”
What does all of this mean? Jesus is the means to forgiveness of our sins, he lives and breathes in those who believe and accept him into their lives. In him we find love, healing, mercy, grace, light anything about us that is broken is fixed especially if we remember these words in faith, “Patience; God is Molding Us for His Purpose.” The sacrificed Jesus made us fit for God; we are redeemed, molded and shaped with a purpose.
FORMED BY THE MOST AWESOME GOD IN OUR MOTHER’S WOMB
CREATED IN THE IMAGE OF GOD (PHOTO BY PASTOR DAVIS)
“Oh yes, glory Halleluiah, thank you Heavenly Father; you shaped me first inside, then out; YOU FORMED ME IN MY MOTHER’S WOMB. I thank you, High God—you’re breathtaking! Body and soul, I am MARVELOUSLY MADE! I worship in adoration—what a creation! You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; you know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something. Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth; all the stages of my life were spread out before you, the days of my life all prepared before I’d even lived one day.” Psalm 139:13-14 (MSG)
All that I am and all that I will ever be, God is. God created me in his own image, and likeness. Everything about me God knew before I was even formed in my mother’s womb. I know, without a shadow of doubt, that I am MARVELOUSLY MADE.
Now when we look in our Bibles, we see a picture of just how God begin the process in Genesis chapter 1 verse 2. In the (a) verse the Bible says this “let us make man in our own image, according to our likeness.” This is a very important statement, because God spoke with His team before we were created in our mother’s womb, how he would design His most important creature, and then bring them into the physical realm of life. How awesome, a God this is, that we now serve.
GOD CREATED THE WORLD INSIDE OUR MOTHER’S WOMB (PHOTO BY PASTOR DAVIS)
When I think about how MARVELOUSLY MADE you and I really are, I see a picture of a newborn baby, in my mind’s eye. This baby is in his mother’s womb. In a speck of watery material smaller than that over the dot of this i, all the future characteristics of this child are programmed, the color of his skin, eyes and hair, the shape of his facial features, the natural abilities he will have. All that the child will be physically and mentally is contained the in germ form in that fertilized egg. From it will develop: …60 trillion cells, 100,000 miles of nerve fiber, 60,000 miles of vessels carrying blood around the body, 250 bones, to say nothing of joints, ligaments and muscles.
Lord I thank you because you formed my inward parts; you covered me while I was still in my mother’s womb. Today Lord I give you the praise, the glory, and the entire honor, because without you there will be no me. All glory belongs to you and you alone, thank you Lord, thank you, thank you, thank you, for you deserve all the praise and glory that my mind can muster up. I am just a small part of this great universe.
Today, as I look towards the heels, from which all my blessings flow, a think of the marvelous creation that you accomplished in my mother’s womb. While I was in my mother’s womb, you formed my inward parts; each one a marvel of divine engineering. I think of my brain, for instance, with its capacity for recording facts, sounds, odors, sites, touch, pain; with its ability to recall; with its power to make computations; with its seemingly endless flair for making decisions and solving problems.
When I think of who I am and what I am in this vast universal, I know without a shadow of doubt that I am a marvelous created man. Sometimes I stop and think of God’s careful planning in the creation of my spirit, my soul, and body. How precious, are his thoughts, his attention to the minutest detail. Each cell almost without exception knows its role in carrying out design a purpose for which the welfare of the body as a whole is so marvelous made.
Now in conclusion, I refer you to Psalms 66 verses one through five, which reads as follow. Make a joyful shout to God, all the Earth! Sing out the honor of his name; make His praise glorious. Say to God, how awesome is your works! Through the greatness of your power, your enemies shall submit themselves to you. All the Earth shall worship you and sing praises to you; they shall sing praises to your name. And see the works of God; he is awesome in his doing towards the sons of man.
Truly I say to you, these powerful words that keep rolling around in my head; what an AWESOME GOD we serve, thank you Heavenly Father for I know that I AM MARVELOUSLY MADE!
Today is Maundy Thursday and it commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles. It is the day before Good Friday, and it is the lesser known days of the Christian calendar. On this day, Christians remember the Last Supper. During the meal Jesus took bread and wine and shared them with his disciples.
DINNER IN THE UPPER ROOM (Photo by PASTOR DAVIS/MASTER TEACHER)
However, In order for the Passover meal, [THE LAST SUPPER] to be ready when Jesus and HIS DISCIPLES arrived and ready to be served and eaten, someone had to have knowledge of the this moment and gotten things ready for an event that not one of the disciples knew of. Who was that someone and how did they get the word to get things ready for this historical event? Here is an opportunity for each of you as Bible Scholars to put on your thinking hats, dig deep into the scriptures and come up with some concrete answers. We encourage each of you to share your thoughts and research with all of us here on this WORLD STAGE.
Now listen to how Jesus set the stage for this historical moment to unfold in a moment and time that the world will never forget. It begins, 12On the first day [of the Feast] of Unleavened Bread, when [as was customary] they killed the Passover lamb, [Jesus'] disciples said to Him, Where do You wish us to go [and] prepare the Passover [supper] for You to eat? 13And He sent two of His disciples and said to them, Go into the city, and a man carrying an [earthen] jar or pitcher of water will meet you; follow him. In this case Jesus sent Peter and John (Luke 22:8). 14And whatever [house] he enters, say to the master of the house, The Teacher says: Where is My guest room, where I may eat the Passover [supper] with My disciples? 15And he will [himself] show you a large upper room, furnished [with carpets and with dining couches properly spread] and ready; there prepare for us. In this case we do not know whether Jesus had supernatural knowledge in this instance or if he had made arrangements in advance is unclear (as in the incident with his Triumphal Entry. It seems that in this instance this room had been reserved previously and kept secret, none of the disciples knew where they would eat this meal.
However, Jesus already knew that Judas would be looking for an opportunity to betray him without crowds around, so Jesus may have made these arrangements and kept them secret.
16Then the disciples set out and came to the city and found [everything] just as He had told them; and they prepared the Passover. The house where the Passover meal was to be eaten probably was one of Jesus followers, because he knew exactly who the Teacher was and probably knew the disciples by sight. Tradition says this may have been Mark’s home so this would have been Mark’s father. Many homes had upstairs rooms large enough to accommodate Jesus and his twelve disciples. As before, when two disciples went to get the donkey for Jesus to ride into Jerusalem, these two disciples found everything just as Jesus had said. The preparations for the Passover would have included setting the table, buying and roasting the Passover lamb, making the unleavened bread, sauces, and other ceremonial food and drink that were a traditional part of every Passover meal.
Now that all the special ingredients have been gather into one place, the killing and roasting of the lamb is complete, who do you think it was that prepared this historical meal, and how would they know the time in which to have everything ready? Now click on this video clip and let us pray together!
We encourage you to think deeply upon this matter and share your thoughts in our comment section. We minister to you on this MAUNDY THURSDAYfrom a position of PEACE, POWER, PURPOSEand PROSPERITY. I remain your brother in JESUS CHRIST, PASTOR DAVIS/MASTER TEACHER!
SCRIPTURE READING PREPAIRING FOR THE PASSOVER MEAL
THE UPPER ROOM WHERE THE LORD’S SUPPER IS SERVED (PHOTO BY PASTOR DAVIS)
On the first of the Days of Unleavened Bread, the day they prepare the Passover sacrifice, his disciples asked him, “Where do you want us to go and make preparations so you can eat the Passover meal?”
He directed two of his disciples, “Go into the city. A man carrying a water jug will meet you. Follow him. Ask the owner of whichever house he enters, ‘The Teacher wants to know, Where is my guest room where I can eat the Passover meal with my disciples?’ He will show you a spacious second-story room, swept and ready. Prepare for us there.”
The disciples left, came to the city, found everything just as he had told them, and prepared the Passover meal.
After sunset he came with the Twelve. As they were at the supper table eating, Jesus said, “I have something hard but important to say to you: One of you is going to hand me over to the conspirators, one who at this moment is eating with me.”
Stunned, they started asking, one after another, “It isn’t me, is it?”
He said, “It’s one of the Twelve, one who eats with me out of the same bowl. In one sense, it turns out that the Son of Man is entering into a way of treachery well-marked by the Scriptures—no surprises here. In another sense, the man who turns him in, turns traitor to the Son of Man—better never to have been born than do this!”
“This Is My Body”
In the course of their meal, having taken and blessed the bread, he broke it and gave it to them. Then he said,
Take, this is my body.
Taking the chalice, he gave it to them, thanking God, and they all drank from it. He said,
This is my blood,
God’s new covenant,
Poured out for many people.
“I’ll not be drinking wine again until the new day when I drink it in the kingdom of God.”
They sang a hymn and then went directly to Mount Olives. (Mark 14:12-26 MSG)
Sitting down at the dinner table with family and friends and eating a well prepared meal as you
A BETRAYER AT THE DINNER TABLE (PHOTO BY PASTOR DAVIS)
discuss the family problems and current events is suppose to be a very enjoyable moment. But what happens when one of your family members has been plotting behind your back to kill the head of your family? In the case of Jesus and His twelve disciples this is exactly what happen.
On that evening (Wednesday or Thursday), Jesus arrived in Jerusalem with the twelve disciples. The meal was not to be eaten until after sunset and was supposed to be finished by midnight.
However, as Jesus and His Disciples were eating, Jesus spoke the stunning words, that quickly got the attention of everyone sitting around the dinner table that evening. Jesus said, “One of you will betray me.” The betrayer was one of his own chosen twelve disciples, a member of his own family, one with whom the meal was being shared. Jesus words caused quite a stir among the disciples. They had heard Jesus tell them three different times that he would soon die, but that one of them would actually betray Jesus saddened them greatly.
Although the other disciples were confused by Jesus words, Judas knew what he meant. Apparently, Judas was not the obvious betrayer. After all, he was the one the disciples trusted to keep the money. Therefore, the disciples asked Jesus who the betrayer was; “I’m not the one, am I?” each one asked in turn. Matthew records that even Judas asked the same question (Matthew 26:25). Jesus knew that Judas was going to betray him, and he also knew that Judas would not repent.
In our studies we find that Luke wrote this about Satan, he said Satan entered into Judas Iscariot before he went to the religious leaders. However, Satan’s part in the betrayal of Jesus does not remove any of the responsibility from Judas. In God’s sovereign will and according to his timetable, he uses sinful men. But that doesn’t excuse their sin. All people will be held accountable for their choices and actions. Whatever Judas thought, Satan assumed that Jesus death would end Jesus mission and thwart God’s plan. Like Judas, Satan did not know that Jesus death and resurrection were the most important parts of God’s plan all along.
All I can say in conclusion, is that this had to be one hellish feeling in the gut of each family member sitting around the dinner table that night knowing that one of them would betray the head of their family in such an evil way.
The photos and video of this week’s photo challenge of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ were all taken by me in two different locations. This first photo was taken near Roanoke, Va. The next two were taken near Amarillo, Texas. In the video, all the photos were either taken near Roanoke, Va. are Amarillo, Texas. I hope that you enjoy them and please visit my youtube channel and watch all my videos. Just click on this link and it will take you directly there: http://www.youtube.com/user/davistheteacher?feature=mhee
THE PLACE OF A SKULL (GOLGOTHA) (PHOTO BY PASTOR DAVIS)
In Mark 15:22 it says, and they brought Him to the place Golgotha, which is translated, Place of a Skull. Some scholars say Golgotha (translated Skull Hill) derived its name from its appearance, a hill with a stony top that might have been shaped like a skull. Golgotha is the Hebrew word for “skull.” The familiar name “Calvary” is derived from the Latin calvaria (also meaning “skull”) Golgotha may have been a regular place of execution in a prominent public place outside the city along a main road. Executions held there served as examples to the people and as a deterrent to criminals.
This hand washing was performed as a gesture of innocence to show that one had nothing to do with a murder, it was a Jewish custom, not a Roman one (Deuteronomy 21:6-9). In trying to excuse himself and place the responsibility for an innocent man’s death on them, he followed the path already taken by the religious leaders as they dealt with Judas in 27:4, saying, “The responsibility is yours!” In making no decision, Pilate made the decision to let the crowds crucify Jesus. Although he washed his hands, the guilt remained. How do you feel after you physically wash your hands, of a situation that you have been heavily involved in that you know was wrong?
THE JUDGEMENT SEAT CENTER OF PILATE’S POWER
THE JUDGEMENT SEAT CENTER OF PILATE’S POWER (PHOTO BY PASTOR DAVIS)
Jesus had been brought before Pilate to face false accusations charges against him. Pilate was governor in a region called Judea, it was a dusty outpost of the Roman Empire. Pilate main duty was to maintain the peace, and now he was faced with the possibility of a riot on his hand because the people were demanding the head of Jesus. Although Pilate saw no guilt in him, the people were threatening to report him to Caesar. Pilate knew that such a report accompanied by a riot, could cost him his position and hopes for advancement. This meant that Pilate had to answer what could be the most important question of his life. The question was this, “would he set free this innocent man at the risk of a major uproar in his region, or would he give in to their demands and condemn a man who, he was quite sure was innocent?
Click on the Video below to view all the photos of the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Thank you for reading and studying with us. Please visit our youtube channel for all our videos and many interesting videos on other subject matters that will help you grow in God’s grace. We love you and appreciate you for all that each one of you are doing to help build and grow God’s Kingdom throughout the World. May you find peace love and joy in all you do to Celebrate this Holy Week. Click on the link below for our youtube channel.
What plans would you be making, if you knew that within a few days you would no longer be living a physical life on this earth? Now let us look carefully at a MASTER PLANNER as he carefully plans the last few hours of his life. He leaves no stone unturned, every detail is carefully thought out, something that we all should take notice of when making any plans for our own lives.
This is how the story goes: “When they were getting near to Jerusalem, to Bethpage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, He sent ahead two of His disciples, and instructed them, “Go into the village in front of you, and as soon as you enter it, you will find a colt tied, which has never been ridden by anyone; unfasten it and
DONKEY TIRED UP 01
bring it [here].”
What an amazing bold move this master planner makes. I say bold move because he tailored made the specification that this should be a colt that has never been ridden, and he instructed his team to just walk in untie the animal and just take it. Can you imagine a stranger coming into your city today, while you are at the mall shopping unlocking your car door, jumping in and preparing to drive off? This scene would amount to carjacking and you would be calling 911 and then doing everything within your powers to prevent your car from being taken.
Now listen to how this master planner instructs his team to deal with the situation once they are confronted with the actions they are about to take, he says to them, “If anyone asks you, Why are you doing this? Answer, the Lord needs it, and He will send it back here presently.” Could you be this bold and instruct your friends to go to that mall and highjack a car for you? I do not think so, but in this case, this master planner was well known. Everyone coming to Jerusalem for the Passover feast had heard of him, and He knew that Donkeys and their colts were very valuable animals, and if they did not handle the situation just right, they could be accused and prosecuted for animal jacking.
So they went away and found a colt tied at the door out in the [winding] open street, and they loosed it. And some who were standing there said to them, what are you doing, untying the colt? And they replied as Jesus had directed them, and they allowed them to go. And they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their outer garments upon it, and He sat on it. And many [of the people] spread their garments on the road, and others [scattered a layer of] leafy branches which they had cut from the fields. And those who went before and those who followed cried out with a cry of happiness, Hosanna! [Be graciously inclined and propitious to Him!] Praised and blessed is He Who comes in the name of the Lord! Praised and blessed in the name of the Lord is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna (O save us) in the highest [heaven]!
Christ’s coming into Jerusalem thus remarkably, shows that he was not afraid of the power and malice of his enemies. In fact, the enthusiasm of the people when Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey alarmed the religious leaders. This would encourage his disciples who were full of fear. In addition, that he was not disquieted at the thoughts of his approaching sufferings. Nevertheless, all marked his humiliation; and these matters teach us not to mind high things, but to condescend to those of low estate. Pause for a moment an watch this very short video clip of Jesus triumphantly entrance into Jerusalem and then continue reading on the other side.
Because Jesus knew all things and lived, his life according to what scripture had spoken of, and the people knew that Jesus was fulfilling prophecy. The Prophet Zechariah had spoken of such a moment taking place. This is what he had said, “Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O Daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King comes to you; He is [uncompromisingly] just and having salvation [triumphant and victorious], patient, meek, lowly, and riding on a donkey, upon a colt, the foal of a donkey. (Zechariah 9:9)
We encourage you to join us tomorrow morning at 0700 for our PALM SUNDAY PRAYER, PRAISE AND WORSHIP SERVICE…
Also, we encourage you to visit our youtube channel for all your Easter Videos, just click this link:
SIMON OF CYRENE WAS THE BLACK HANDS THAT HELP TO CARRY THE CROSS
Simon of Cyrene the black hands that helped carry the cross (PHOTO BY PASTOR DAVIS)
And when they had [finished] making sport of Him, they took the purple [robe] off Him and put His own clothes on Him. And they led Him out [of the city] to crucify Him.
And they forced a passerby, Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, who was coming in from the field (country), to carry His cross.
In verse 21, Mark tells us that Simon of Cyrene, was coming into the city from the countryside into the city of Jerusalem, but the Lord was traveling out of the city. These two men were traveling in opposite directions. Simon was coming in and the Lord was going out being led by the Roman Soldiers and a large crowd of haters. Simon suddenly found himself turned around at the instructions of the Centurion and finds his life walking in exactly the opposite direction from where he was first headed. Meeting Christ at this point and being forced to place his hands on the cross and carry it would be a life changing experience for him.
Now some of you might ask, “why would he ever mention Simon of Cyrene as the Black Hands on the cross, and how would he even know that Simon of Cyrene was a Black Man? For those of you who are truth seekers, these would be legitimate questions to ask. For me as a Minister of the Gospel, called and ordained to come boldly before the throne of grace, and speak truth to power, convince, rebuke, exhort and teach, it is my job to empower you with knowledge in order that you may know the truth and the truth will truly set you free. (John 8:32)
For me to state here with absolute certain that Simon of Cyrene was a Black Man is impossible. This is a question that has been debated by Scholars worldwide for hundreds of years. However, I should start by pointing out it is difficult to determine with accuracy black men and women in the Bible because the Bible is color-neutral. There is never any reference to race or racial features. The main distinction throughout the Bible is between those that serve God and those that do not, whether as individuals or as nations. It is not definite that everyone from Ethiopia or Cyrene was black, but certainly you could reasonably assume that it was a good possibility. So this study will have to be considered reasonable speculation.
We know very little about Simon. We see from this Mark’s writing that he had come from the country to Jerusalem on this occasion, perhaps on business. He must have been a strong man. I don’t think the soldiers would have picked a weakling. God had appointed him to be there, not to help Jesus with the cross, but to encounter the one who was to be crucified for his sins. Except for Mark’s obscure reference to Rufus and Alexander we would have no more information about Simon.
What we do know about Simon called Niger is his name. Simon is a Jewish name and Niger comes from the Latin word for “black”. It’s safe to say he was Jewish and may have been called “Black” simply because of his looks.
Research shows that Simon of Cyrene was from a country in ancient northern Africa (bordering Egypt) called Libya. According to Spirit of English Magazine Vol. 10, pg. 286; in ancient times Libya contained two countries Cyrenaica and Marmarica. Wikipedia [the on line encyclopedia], shares that Libya was until recent times, the home of one the oldest Jewish communities in the world, dating back to at least 300 BC. In the 1st century, the Jewish historian for the Roman Empire, Josephus Flavius, noted 500,000 Jews lived in Libya. By today’s standards, people from North Africa may or may not be classified as Black. The New Testament, let’s us in on the fact that Joseph, Mary and Jesus spent time in Egypt, This raises an equally intriguing question as to whether or not Simon’s friend, Joseph of Marmarica (a.k.a. Joseph of Marmore, Joseph of Arimathea, brother of Jesus’ grandmother) from the neighboring district of Marmonica/Marmarica, should also be classified as African or Black. –Satchell Intell.
We find here in (Matthew 27:32NKJV). Simon of Cyrene was from Ethiopia, and this text and the identity of this man clearly reminds us all of us today that all cultures were represented at Calvary and in the church. This further reminds us that wise men of all ages would be honored to be allowed to perform the task that was conferred upon Simon of Cyrene, the Ethiopia from northwestern Africa. Whether it was voluntary or by force, in any case, black hands were extended to help the Savior bear His cross. The Ethiopian eunuch from Africa (Acts 8:26) was the first Gentile convert mentioned by name in the Book of Acts. History reports that he returned to Ethiopia to found the Abyssinian Christian Church, which exists until this day.
May God’s saving grace, be with each one of you whose hands, regardless of their color, feel obligated to pick-up your cross and carry it this day be blessed with love, peace and power. Only because Jesus loved all of us and died for our sins do we have the opportunity to celebrate his life, death and resurrection on this EASTER weekend. I remain your brother in Jesus Christ, Pastor Davis/Master Teacher!
THE LIGHT THAT LEADS US FROM DARKNESS TO THE BRIGHTNESS OF GOD’S GLORY (PHOTO BY PASTOR DAVIS)
We begin today’s lesson not with one question, but two. The first question is this, “IS THERE LIFE FOR MANKIND AFTER DEATH?” The second question is, “IS YOUR FAITH BASED ON THE WORD OF GOD ARE SOMETHING ELSE?” I consider both questions important for the overall discussion of the Death and Resurrection of JESUS CHRIST.
Therefore, as we begin our forward look towards Easter and the celebration of the life, death and resurrections of our Lord and Savior,Jesus Christ, I find that there is no better time than now to ask these two very important questions, and have you the reader to examine your soul for the answer to a question that so many of us refuse to even consider bringing up in our family discussions. I find this to be a sad commentary especially for believers.
Now as I was doing research for my book on “LIFE AFTER DEATH,” I came across this quote from another great writer, and it said, “Christianity,”“is a religion of the open tomb.” Keep that thought in mind as you study this lesson on the resurrection. The founder of Christianity could not be kept in the prison house of death. An angel rolled the great stone from the door of Joseph’s new tomb, and the Son of God came forth triumphant over death. “I am the resurrection and the life,” He said (John 11:25).
“If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised, and if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith” (1 Corinthians 15:13, 14).
Now let us understand this one very important truth, and that is this; Jesus came to this Earth to teach mankind a particular lesson; and if He was destined to become the Savior of mankind, then the greatest lesson which He could have taught man was that of faith; faith in his God and faith in a life after death.
THE TOMB OF DEATH COULD NOT CONTAIN HIM (PHOTO BY PASTOR DAVIS)
By His very own death, Christ Jesus must bring to man faith, and the belief in a LIFE AFTER DEATH. He preached immortality, and to further impress this fact upon humanity, He must go through the throes of death in order to return to life and bring to man proof of an after death life. To accomplish this He appeared to His beloved disciples in His spiritual body. In I Corinthians, 15:6, Paul says, “After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once: of whom the greater part remains unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.” He walked and talked to them so that they might believe that what He had preached, the immortality of the soul, was a fact and that after man has laid aside his physical body, he still lives in a finer and more ethereal body.
Our hope of deliverance from sin in this world (see Romans 6:4, 11, 12) and the reality of life in the next (see 1 Corinthians 15:17-23) are dependent upon the resurrection of Jesus. The incarnation of God’s Son, His sinless life and vicarious death, would have availed nothing if He had been kept a prisoner of death. The saints of all ages would remain in their graves, sealed forever, if Christ had not broken the power of death and come forth to immortal life. And Christians would have been “false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised” (1 Corinthians 15:15)!”
We encourage you to open your mind and think deeply upon this lesson and the ones to come. Our hope is that you who have not accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior find some comfort in these words as you continue to study with us here at VINE AND BRANCH WORLD MINISTRIES. If you want SALVATION for your soul, you can have it right here and now. Just stroll to the top of this page and click on SALVATION IS FREE, read it, accept it, and come to know Jesus as your Lord and Savior. There is HOPE in a continuous life beyond this life when you accept Jesus as the only one that can provide you with it. We have presented this lesson to you today from a position of peace, power, purpose and prosperity. I remain your brother in Jesus Christ, PASTOR DAVIS/MASTER TEACHER!
Now let us end this lesson for today with this short video clip. Please return tomorrow for another great lesson on LIFE AFTER DEATH!
MYSTERY EVERYWHERE THE TREES BUDDING THE BIRDS SINGING (PHOTO BY SHIRLEY RHODES)
I begin my day as I do in most days with a brisk walk in the early morning dew. As I walk, I see the MYSTERY OF GODEVERYWHERE, and in everything. The birds chirping and singing praise, the trees budding, and the freshness of the morning air enters my body, lifts my spirits and brings joy and excitement to my soul like nothing else I have ever experience before. Nothing but THE MYSTERY OF GOD EVERYWHERE!
The dictionary describes the word MYSTERY as, “a religious truth that one can know only by revelation and cannot fully understand.”
As I sit and looked at my computer screen, my mind was deep in thought watching each blink of the cursor urging me to begin writing something. I ask God, “to let it be with me, feed me with strength and endurance, give me knowledge wisdom and understanding of things I cannot see, because I know yourMYSTERY IS EVERYWHERE. At any given moment LORD, make me at home in your WORD, my plea.”
There will come a point in our lives when we will come to realize that the “WORLD” we live in is not a neat tidy place in which we are able to gain control on our own, without God we are useless, nothing. It is part of THE GREAT MYSTERY!
THE GREAT MYSTERY OF THE EARLY MORNING SUNRISE (PHOTO BY SHIRLEY RHODES)
What we experience from a “WORDLY” perspective are situations we encounter in some way daily; suffering, injustice, ugliness in attitude and behaviors, pain, poverty, abuse, just a few of what the “WORLD” offers sin-starved cluttered minds of IMIGATION.
The beauty in all of this is that in God’s World, we are able to find love and forgiveness, release from our short-comings. God’s World offers grace, freedom, mercy, joy, sacrifice, love…everything is included in his love, relationship, teaching/training, and correction/discipline, loving and saving us all the way until we are finally able to comprehend the fullness of the MYSTERY EVERYWHEREin his presence.
Chosen of God: When we are open and willing to accept Christ and his teachings, we share in the MYSTERY EVERYWHERE, which surrounds us. Until we come to know and operate within the principles of his teachings we are unable to reach fulfillment. Unless we open our hearts and minds, it’s easy to misunderstand how God works, how we become part of his secured possession.
What we must realize is that the “root” of a solid spiritual life is embedded in our relationship between people and God; we are no longer our “separate self” we are all “interconnected” in some way.
Everything we do, think or feel is who we are in Christ; we often seek a religion or faith that gives us access to God, expecting to do so with-out having to be “bothered” with people or only” bothered when we so desire”. That’s the beauty of theMYSTERY EVERYWHERE, our very existence is composed and shaped by all we are able to see, touch, hear, taste and smell. So we are in the presence of God, the MYSTERY EVERYWHERE when we are open and ready to receive such gifts that are from above, not “man-made”. We learn to live our earthly existence in expectancy of what is yet to come, that’s the exciting part of our reality, it is therefore most advisable to stay centered and remain focused because we know “Joy” waits for all willing to become a part of the pattern.
In order to share in theMYSTERY EVERYWHERE, we must learn to release, to let go of negative thoughts and things that tend to pull you of course, reaffirm these thoughts as you journey: “I release my spirit into the wind, where there are no boundaries or obstacles, to freely soar above the worldly elements that threaten to drain the very source that gives life. I soar free in spirit interacting with those that welcome me as I am, dear Lord, let it be with me just as you say, allow me to share in the MYSTERY EVERYWHERE; where-ever I may journey, uninhibited, unrestrained.” Thank you Heavenly Father, for allowing me to see and be a part of your MYSTERY EVERYWHERE! Today, my soul is FREE and I lift up my hands, rejoice, worship and praise you.
Thank you for visiting, reading and studying with us; may you enjoy the natural beauty of God’s Mysteries Everywhere in all that you do each and everyday. Click on the link below and visit our youtube teaching channel: http://www.youtube.com/davistheteacher/
“He that believeth in me, out of his heart shall flow rivers of living water.”
The River of Life (Photo by Pastor Davis)
Jesus replied, I am the Bread of Life. He who comes to Me will never be hungry, and he who believes in and cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me will never thirst any more (at any time).
(John 6:35) (AMP)Christ shows that he is the true Bread; he is to the soul what bread is to the body, nourishes and supports the spiritual life. He is the Bread of God. Bread which the Father gives, which he has made to be the food of our souls. Bread nourishes only by the powers of a living body; but Christ is himself living Bread, and nourishes by his own power.
He who believes in Me [who cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me] as the Scripture has said, From his innermost being shall flow [continuously] springs and rivers of living water. (John 7:38) (AMP) Can anything that is full become still fuller? Yes, undoubtedly it can become so full that it always overflows. This thirst means strong desires after spiritual blessings, which nothing else can satisfy; so the sanctifying and comforting influences of the Holy Spirit, were intended by the waters which Jesus called on them to come to Him and drink. The comfort flows plentifully and constantly as a river; strong as a stream to bear down the opposition of doubts and fears. Click on this short video clip, watch and meditate on what this verse means to you.
This is what our Lord promises to His believing disciples. At the outset, faith in Him gives them the blessing that they will never thirst. However, as they advance and become stronger in the faith, it makes them a fountain of water out of which streams flow to others. The Spirit who at first only fills us will overflow out of us to souls around us.
THE RIVER OF LIVING WATERS (PHOTO BY PASTOR DAVIS)
The rivers of living water can be compared with many fountains on earth. When we begin to open them, the stream is weak. The more the water is used, and the more deeply the source is opened up, the stronger the water flows. In the realm of the spiritual life, let us discover what is necessary to secure the fullness of the Spirit constantly flowing from us. Several simple directions may help us in reaching this knowledge.
Truly, you know what the Scripture says, “All the promises of God in him are Yea, and in him Amen, to the glory of God by us” (2 Corinthians 1:20). When the Lord spoke of rivers of living water, He connected the promise with faith in Himself: “He that believeth in me, out of his heart shall flow rivers.” If we only understood that word “believeth” rightly, we would require no other answer than this to the question as to how the blessing may be increased.
Faith is primarily a seeing by the Spirit that Jesus is nothing but a flowing fountain of the divine love. The Spirit Himself always flows from Him as the bearer of the life that this love brings and that always streams forth in love. Then it is an embracing of the promise, an appropriation of the blessing as it is provided in Christ, a resting in the certainty of it, and a thanking God for what He is yet to do.
Thereafter, faith is keeping the soul open so that Christ can come in with the blessing, take possession, and fill all. Faith becomes the most fervent and unbroken communion between the soul in which Christ obtains His place and is enthroned in the heart.
Learn the lesson that, if you believe, you will see the glory of God. Let every doubt, every weakness, every temptation find you trusting, rejoicing, and reckoning on Jesus always to work all in you.
A believer can encounter and strive against sin in two ways. One is to endeavor to ward it off with all his might, seeking his strength in the Word and in prayer. In this form of conflict, we use the power of the will. The other is to turn at the very moment of the temptation to the Lord Jesus in the silent exercise of faith and say to Him: “Lord, I have no strength. You are my Keeper.”
This is the method of faith. “This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4). Jesus, who is in Himself the one thing needed, can maintain the work of His Spirit in us. By exercising faith without ceasing, the blessing will flow without ceasing.
Christ must be all to us every moment. It is of no avail to me that I have life on earth unless that life is renewed every moment by my breathing fresh air. Even so God must actually renew and strengthen the divine life in me every moment. He does this for me in my union with Christ. Christ is simply the fullness of God, the life of God, and the love of God prepared for us and communicating itself to us. The Spirit is simply the fullness of Christ, the life of Christ, and the self-communicating love of Christ surrounding us as the air surrounds the body.
Let us believe that we are in Christ, who surrounds us in His heavenly power, longing to make the rivers of His Spirit flow forth through us! Let us endeavor to obtain a heart filled with the joyful assurance that the Almighty Lord will fulfill His word with power. Our only choice is to see Him, to rejoice in Him, and to sacrifice all for Him. Then His word will become true: “He that believeth in me, out of his heart shall flow rivers of living water.”
May our peace, love and blessings rest with you now and forever, in Jesus name, we pray, Amen. I remain your brother in Jesus Christ, Pastor Davis!
EXPERIENCING THE JOY OF A LOVING RELATIONSHIP (PHOTO BY PASTOR)
Today’s lesson centers on the word love, and we begin our lesson today by answering our own question, and we answer it simply with one word: “EVERYTHING!” We were first created by a loving God. He created us to love and be loved. He commanded us to love our neighbors as ourselves. This day simply means that we take the opportunity to pause and reflect and think deeply upon what it means for us to love and be loved; then share our thoughts and true feelings of love with those that mean so much to us. Remember, we are the reflection of that person in the mirror, and that person is a child of God, created to love, and to be loved?
MaxImillion and Tida experiencing the joy of a loving relationship (Photo by Pastor Davis)
Now let us understand a few basic facts about love and being in a loving relationship. First of all, we’re all either in a relationship, getting out of one are looking for one. No matter what the situation may or may not be, everyone is seeking love. Some of us are seeking it in all the wrong places and in all the wrong ways. No matter, we want love. We want to be loved and we want to experience it in ways that will define who we are. Weather we are young or old, rich or poor, we are trying to reach a place in life that will define our happiness, our joy, our place in history, as a man or woman, a family or whatever. We seek love; we seek to be loved, not knowing that; Love is the foundation and the apex of the pyramid of our existence.
Now listen to what God’s word teaches us about love, it says, “If I speak with the eloquence of men and of angels, but have no love, I become no more than blaring brass or crashing cymbal. If I have the gift of foretelling the future and hold in my mind not only all human knowledge but the very secrets of God, and if I also have that absolute faith, which can move mountains, but have no love, I amount to nothing at all. If I dispose of all that I possess, yes, even if I give my own body to be burned, but have no love, I achieve precisely nothing.
This love of which I speak is slow to lose patience—it looks for a way of being constructive. It is not possessive: it is neither anxious to impress nor does it cherish inflated ideas of its own importance.
Love has good manners and does not pursue selfish advantage. It is not touchy. It does not keep account of evil or gloat over the wickedness of other people. On the contrary, it is glad with all good men when truth prevails.
Love knows no limit to its endurance, no end to its trust, no fading of its hope; it can outlast anything. It is,
Shared moments of love and romance (Photo by Pastor Davis)
in fact, the one thing that still stands when all else has fallen. (1Corinthians 13:1-7 Phillips)
Love suffers for a long time. Our modern “throw-away” society encourages us to get rid of people in our lives who are difficult to get along with whether they are friends, family, or acquaintances. Yet this attitude runs in complete contrast to the love described in God’s word. True love puts up with people who would be easier to give up on.
Love does not envy. If our love is directed toward others, we will rejoice in the blessings they receive rather than desiring those blessings for ourselves. Fundamentally, the selfless love that God calls us to does not involve pride or glory. It does not parade itself and is not puffed up. In fact, true love does not seek its own. If we truly love others, we will set aside our own plans, agendas, and entitlements for the good of another.
Love is not provoked. That is, love is not easily angered or over-sensitive. When we truly love others, we are careful not to be touchy concerning other people’s words or actions towards us.
Love does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth. The godly love described in this lesson has nothing to do with evil, but has everything to do with what is right and true. It believes all things and hopes all things. This does not mean that love is blind or naïve. When we love, we may recognize problems and failures in people, but we do not lose faith in the possibilities of what people might become. Love never gives up, knowing that God can change lives for the better.
Finally, love endures all things. Love accepts any hardship or rejection, and continues unabated to build up and encourage. When your relationship has been built on this solid foundation of Godly love, no weapon that the enemy may form against it shall ever prosper. Love is the glue that bounds all hearts that are filled with Godly love together. After you have carefully studied this word, prayed on it, meditated on it, I leave you with the question that we begin this word with, “WHAT DOES LOVE HAVE TO DO WITH VALENTINE DAY?” Now you complete the rest of the story in your own words to the one you love.
A FAMILY DIVIDED AGAINST ITSELF IS DESTINED TO FAILURE
THE BYARS FAMILY CREATED BY GOD (PHOTO BY PASTOR DAVIS)
We have entered a brand new year, the old, we have left behind. All things new lie ahead, and therefore present us with our greatest challenges of all time. The question then becomes, “how do we solve our family problems in this new year that divided our family in the old year?” This is a very important question that must be placed at the head of our list of problems to be resolved in 2013, but resolve them we must, because, “A FAMILY DIVIDED AGAINST ITSELF IS DESTINED TO FAILURE!”
Satan is our greatest enemy, and he is continuing his work of divide and conquers. He knows that families, a church are a business that is divided against its self eventually destroys itself from within. Therefore, every opportunity he gets, he pushes our hot buttons to make us war against each other.
The time has come for us to learn to lean and depend on the one who has already defeated Satan, to show
LADY WISDOM TRUTH-BE ENCOURAGED (PHOTO BY PASTOR DAVIS)
us the way of bringing cohesiveness into our families that will triumph over the evilspirits that have divided us in the past. We are victories, because God has given us the victory to lead our families to victory in 2013. No weapon formed against us shall prosper. That means no matter what Satan attempts to do with his limited powers by pitting one member of the family against another member, if we are leaning, depending and trusting in God, Satan is doomed and we can return our families to greatness by knowing the truth. The bible teaches us in John 8:32 this simple message, “Know the truth and the truth will set you FREE.”
Leaders within the families must stand strong, processing a strong moral character and not comprise their moral integrity for the evil that Satan will present to them. The Pharisees were a perfect example of presenting division within the family, and Jesus was the perfect example of a leader who presented a strong moral character and showed us the standards by which we must stand on to be a great leader for our families. Jesus said to them, “Look at the proud! They trust in themselves, and their lives are crooked. But the righteous will live by their faithfulness to God. Wealth is treacherous, and the arrogant are never at rest. They open their mouths as wide as the grave, and like death, they are never satisfied. In their greed they have gathered up many nations and swallowed many peoples. (Habakkuk 2:4-5 NLT)
BLESSED AND HIGHLY FAVORED LEADERS IN THE FAMILY
As a leader in our families, our job is to be a servant leader. Follow the example of Jesus and become a humble servant and serve all humanity. Family members will present you with some of the greatest challenges you will ever encounter. But you must know how to overcome the feuding by following the example of Jesus. Jesus knew Satan’sstrategies and just how he would apply them to bring about division within the family. Jesus said to them, “Any kingdom divided by civil war is doomed. A town or family splintered by feuding will fall apart. And if Satan is casting out Satan, he is divided and fighting against himself. His own kingdom will not survive. (Matthew 12:25-26 NLT)
Your strong moral character must be the example in which the family in 2013 will rally around and find their moral compass to move towards the purpose and destination that God has already laid out for them. Remember, just as a good tree bears good fruit and a diseased tree bears inedible fruit, so the fruits of a person’s life will show the quality of his or her character. Fruit is a comprehensive word, referring to teaching, character, and action. Our character is revealed by our conduct.
We have ministered this word to you today from a position of PEACE, PURPOSE, POWER and PROSPERITY. We encourage you to think globally as you work locally to bring about a change within the family in 2013. Making it stronger, more cohesive and less divisively. Empowering it with love, growing it with a purpose, as God blesses you, moles you and shapes you into a powerful, yet humble servant that is capable of moving the family into the realm of possibilities and bringing about the prosperity that is desired for the family in 2013. I remain your brother in CHRIST JESUS, PASTOR DAVIS/MASTER TEACHER!
Remember, “A FAMILY DIVIDED AGAINST ITSELF IS DESTINED TO FAILURE” Therefore, the time to bring about a change in family unity is now.
05/21/2013
PASTOR DAVIS/MASTER TEACHER
