OUR NEIGHBORHOODS HAVE BECOME SATINS BATTLEFIELD

DEEP INTO THE FOREST (PHOTO BY PASTOR DAVIS)

Have you ever stopped to observe what was around you?  For most of us we are so busy trying to earn a living to support our families and life style, it makes it very hard for us to see the forest because we are always looking straight ahead into the trees.  Nevertheless, if we ever took the time to observe what was around us, we would then realize that the battlefield is wherever we are.  It does not matter if we are at our homes, school, job, library, concert hall or church, the battlefield will always be where we are.  Satan is and will always be an enemy of God.  His job is to recruit, recruit and recruit, and believe me; he does his job very well.  Satan does not discriminate on the basics of race, creed, color or national origin.  He is out to destroy God’s kingdom, and that means anyone who is a believer of God is a target of Satan.

Therefore, when we understand our purpose and mission in life, we then know that the enemy we are fighting is a very smart, cunning and truly an elusive devil.  His territory is very large and continues to expand every day.  So finding the battlefield for us should not be very hard as long as we are committed to staying the course and following in the footsteps of our Lord Jesus Christ.  The battlefield for us will always be close by.  Our neighborhoods are filled with gangs, drugs, prostitution and all sorts of petty crimes.  In some major cities, people are prisons in their own homes.  They have still bars on their windows and doors.  Their homes are like a fort.  In order for them to enter in or come out, they have to struggle to unlock the bars they are locked behind.  Some people have even died in their homes from fires because they could not get out from behind the steel bars they had locked themselves behind.

Our schools from all over the country, which are located in almost every neighborhood in America, has become one of the most potent battlefields in America today.  Each day more than 250,000 kids carry some type of weapon into our schools to either defend themselves or threaten someone else with them in order to show how big and bad they themselves really are.  Kids are shooting and killing other kids because the evil that the old devil has been able to penetrate into our perimeter around the battlefield we have established for ourselves.  When we stop and consider for a moment that our children are our futures, we cannot but to conclude that the enemy has brought the fight to us.

This to me is unacceptable in the 21st century. We must not continue to allow evil to dedicate our destiny.  We have a King that roars like a might lion who is our protector.  He does not know or accept defeat.  We must believe that we as a chosen disciple of the one living God has been given the power to change the course of our destiny by changing the way we view the people that are committing the evil crimes within our communities.  We should never forget that evil survives because we choose to let it rule over us.  We must resist it on every hand, using the power that God gives us, and believe me, we do have the power to stand up and take the fight to the enemy.  God has given us that power if we choose to use it.  All we have to do is call on him.  He said that he would never leave us or forsake us.  He will always be right there with us even until the end of time.

Standing up to the enemy may not be the way you would view your mission in this world, but if you don’t, who will?  Sometimes we have to just say no to the enemy, and do what is unpopular at the time even if our life depends on it.  This world is not our home; we are just passing through on our way to our eternal home.  We must be prepared to face the enemy with all our strength and might.  Then and only then will the enemy have a sense of who we are.

The enemy will always feel that he is the biggest and baldest bully in town as long as we allow him to back us down.  There comes a time in our lives when we must say no backing away or running away from a situation that I can no longer tolerate.  This enemy is threaten my family, my community, my way of life, and if I don’t do something about it right now, I will no longer have a family or community to live in, because he is taken it all away.  It is up to me to end this right here and now.  It is time to take the battle to the enemy, no more turning my back and saying it’s not my problem.  I am the child of a King, and the King gave me power over the enemy.  I will take a stand and do my part.  I will do it NOW!  Together, we can bring a change into our Communities.

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THE JOURNEY OF THE RESURRECTION DID NOT END ON EASTER SUNDAY

WRITTEN BY SHIRLEY RHODES 

English: Resurrection of Christ (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

According to scripture Jesus fellowship and gave his chosen followers final instructions as he promised. Remember, he said in three days he would return, keeping his promise.  Easter day is a time of celebration, but do we continue the celebration according to the pattern of Jesus, do we strive to follow in his foot-steps by observing how he shared final acts of love until he returns.

Jesus didn’t leave the same day he resurrected; after his death, he presented himself alive to his disciples in many different settings over a period of forty days. He talked to them face-to-face about things concerning the kingdom of God. So, the journey is not ended with Easter Sunday,we are given hope and encouragement to continue the same mission required of his disciples and other followers.

As they sat and talked he told them to “wait” for the promise, the Holy Spirit and when it comes they would be filled with power to accomplish even greater things. These were his last words. As they watched, he was taken up and disappeared in the clouds. Standing there gazing into the sky two men appeared–in white robes, they asked “why do you stand there looking up at an empty sky? This very Jesus who was taken up from among you to heaven will come as certainly–and mysterious –as he left.” (Acts 1:1-14)

Christians every-where who’ve taken time to study, learn and listen, are quiet familiar with what occurred following Jesus’ ascent to the Father. The point is that as we study we come to the knowledge and understanding that Jesus didn’t leave the same day he resurrected. There was a promise to fulfill and that promise would come to be known as the “Upper Room Experience.” The disciples and women who had been close followers of Jesus agreed that they were in this for good, completely in prayer, united, all on one accord.

The “Upper Room Experience” occurred while every-one had gathered in prayer in one place. Scripture describes it as such; without warning there was a sound like a strong wind, a gale force–no one could tell where it came from. Stop and think for a moment, when-ever you experience presence of wind, I’ll say on a windy day, look around, feel the breeze of the wind as it moves from one point to another, you’re not able to distinguish it’s pattern.  In the “upper room experience, as the force surrounded those gathered, it filled the whole building , then like a wild fire, the Holy Spirit touched each person there and they were so filled (the energy force) that they started speaking in many different languages as the Spirit prompted them.

The promise had arrived with joy, anointing and high praise just as Jesus had promised.

Jesus didn’t leave the same day he resurrected because there were finishing touches to be added and reaffirmation of love to be shared that would seal the final moments of his earthly journey. We continue on in that journey with assurance that he watches over us and has given the Holy Spirit to strengthen and encourage our hearts as we continue to blend his pattern by following his instructions in living. Our journey continues until he comes back to claim his own. Let us all consider the “upper room experience” and we will soon understand that “power” surrounds us at all times.

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GOOD FRIDAY OUR HOLY DAY FOR REFLECTION

Today, we as Christians celebrate this day as Good Friday; It is truly OUR HOLY DAY FOR REFLECTION.  For many farmers it is the day for planting their seeds for fruit bearing.  It is truly a very unusual day when you think deeply upon it.  And of course yes, we will ask the question, what is Good Friday?  Good Friday is observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday. On this day Christians commemorate the passion, or suffering, and death on the cross of the Lord, Jesus Christ.

How will you spend your GOOD FRIDAY?

Pastor Davis walking with Jesus, talking, Reflecting and Embracing His God Given Life on this Good Friday; as a true BLESSING from the God of us ALL, who has provided all things for us as He gave His only begotten son to suffer and die on that old rugged cross, that you and I may enjoy the fruits and benefits of an eternal life…

We at VINE AND BRANCH WORLD MINISTRIES along with millions of BELIEVERS from all around the world will observe this day as a day of REFLECTION.  Reflecting on the life, death and resurrection of JESUS CHRIST as well as our own individual lives.  Let us pause and meditate on the life and death of Jesus as we experience the pain and anguish that Jesus felt as He hung on the Cross and bore our sins and the sins of the World.   Now let us watch this short Video Clip and reflect upon what this day really means to us.

As Jesus hung there on the cross, nails in his hands, feet and side.  Thrones on his head, bleeding from head to toe, he was teaching us the lessons of LOVE, COURAGE, PATIENCE, UNDERSTANDING, FAITH, and FORGIVENESS.  He showed us that Strength is made perfect in weakness.  This next video clip is a short version of all that Jesus did for us.  Now reflect upon this.

In closing, let me make this one thing very clear, and that is this, “we are citizens of a city of God which we did not build and can never destroy, and that city stands on this day taller than anything that we can ever image in our small minds.”   Before His death, Jesus told us that if this temple was ever destroyed, he would rise up and rebuild it within three days.  No one at the time could imagine what He was talking about, because of the resurrection of CHRIST, we now live in that city of God that no man can destroy.  On this GOOD FRIDAY, let us reflect upon what Jesus did for us, and now what we can do for others.  This video clip will help take you to that special place that allows your heart to be filled with peace, joy, and love. Now watch and pray.

This is our day of PRAYER, MEDITATION AND REFLECTION, let us pray for each other, then reach out and express our love for each other.  I pray for you and you pray for me.  I remain your brother in JESUS CHRIST, PASTOR DAVIS/MASTER TEACHER!

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The Holy Seapulchre Church, Jerusalem. Catholic Holy Mass on Maundy Thursday / Crkva Svetoga groba u Jeruzalemu. Katolička sveta misa na Veliki četvrtak. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

TIME TO CELEBRATE MAUNDY THURSDAY

Tomorrow we will begin to celebrate Maundy Thursday together.  Maundy Thursday is also called Holy Thursday; it is the beginning of the three day celebration of EASTER the most important time in the year for Christians. This period (‘The Triduum‘) is one big celebration, remembering the last supper, the crucifixion and the death of Jesus, and the Resurrection to new life.

Maundy Thursday 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.

Christians from around the world will continue to share bread and wine as part of their worship services in their individual local church.  We share this message with you in order to help you prepare for your day of celebration.  When we all join together in these moments of great celebration, it enables us to remember just how much we truly are one in Christ.  He gave His life that we may live, love and share with each other.  Know that on this day, you are truly BLESSED and HIGHLY FAVORED, because GOD said you were.

Let me remind you and encourage you to think globally and work locally, reaching out to your brothers and sisters and giving of yourself that others may live, lifting up our Holy Hands towards heaven in prayer.  I remain your brother in JESUS CHRIST, PASTOR DAVIS/MASTER TEACHER!

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MY MAXIMIZED PRAYER FOR RENEWING MY SPIRITUAL VITALITY

PASTOR DAVIS PRAYER FOR SPIRITUAL VITALITY

Father in the name of Jesus, I stand today at the foot of the cross in complete humility of the pain and suffering that your Son Jesus endured as he suffered and died for my sins and the sins of the world.  As a Christian and a true believer, I have come into the realization that my life and the lives of so many of my family and friends have not been lived as it should have.  A big part of our lives have been lived out in a traditional manner, doing what others do, acting the way that others act, rather than keeping our minds stayed and focus on your Son Jesus and the suffering at the cross and being obedient to your word.  Father, instead of doing your will, we have become stagnated as a Christian and in the manner we worship and serve you.  Heavenly Father, we seek your forgiveness, and pray for your blessings over all of your Children lives, that on this day Heavenly Father, we will receive your blessings of forgiveness as you lift us up out of Spiritual darkness, and revive our souls, fill our hearts with your saving grace, guide us towards the cross that we once again may be lifted up and renewed with Spiritual Vitality.  We seek this in the name of Jesus, AMEN!

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THE TIME IS NOW TO RENEW YOUR SPIRITUAL VITALITY

Experiencing Fall on the Ranch in Sautee, Ga. (Photo by Pastor Davis)

Children of God, listen up, because time is not waiting on any of us.  There is much work to be done.  The time is now to renew your spiritual vitality.  You must revitalize your ordinary life, your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and just walking around life, and place it before God as an offering.  You must stop living in the traditional way of just doing what has been acceptable as part of your culture, that you fit into it without even thinking.  Instead the time is now for you to fix your attention on God.  Get into the Spiritual Race and allow the Holy Spirit to transform you from the inside out.

You can take what I have to say to you here right now as mean less, are you can get up from sitting in front of that television screen are just lounging around in your bed.  The choice is yours.  It is time to stop making excuses are blaming others for your lack of energy and enthusiasm for overcoming your weakness in being a true Christian that God has ordain you to be, because God wants you to renew your Spiritual Vitality and do it NOW!

Now listen to what the scripture teachesus, it says, “Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start

First page of the Gospel of Mark, by Sargis Pitsak, a Medieval Armenian scribe and miniaturist (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!”

In this all-out match against sin, others have suffered far worse than you, to say nothing of what Jesus went through—all that bloodshed! So don’t feel sorry for yourselves. Or have you forgotten how good parents treat children, and that God regards you as his children?

My dear child, don’t shrug off God’s discipline,
but don’t be crushed by it either.
It’s the child he loves that he disciplines;
the child he embraces, he also corrects.

God is educating you; that’s why you must never drop out. He’s treating you as dear children. This trouble you’re in isn’t punishment; its training, the normal experience of children. Only irresponsible parents leave children to fend for themselves. Would you prefer an irresponsible God? We respect our own parents for training and not spoiling us, so why not embrace God’s training so we can truly live? While we were children, our parents did what seemed best to them. But God is doing what is best for us, training us to live God’s holy best. At the time, discipline isn’t much fun. It always feels like it’s going against the grain. Later, of course, it pays off handsomely, for it’s the well-trained who find themselves mature in their relationship with God. (Hebrews 12:1-11 MSG)

Now let me close with this final thought for each one of you who have taken the time to read this entire lesson and the many lessons we teach here daily, “Think globally, and work locally. Looking beyond ourselves in the real and on line world, to reach out to others who might be in need, for we all are truly our Brothers Keeper, salvation is FREE for the asking.

If you have not experienced the life saving blood of Jesus Christ, stop and take a moment wherever you may be, and ask the Lord to come into your life. Ask Him to forgive you of your sins, and if you have spoken these few simple words in truth, you are saved, and now have eternal life. It you have received and experience His Life saving blood, remember this, “THE TIME IS NOW TO RENEW YOUR SPIRITUAL VITALITY!”

May God continue to bless each one of you? Today I minister to you from a position of peace, power, purpose and prosperity in Jesus name. I remain Pastor Davis/Master Teacher.

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THOUGHTS OF GOD’S BLESSINGS AND APPRECIATIONS

PEACE-LOVE-AND BLESSINGS (PHOTO BY PASTOR DAVIS)

My Brothers and Sisters, Christians and Friends, for the past month I have been mostly absent from posting the daily teaching lessons that you have come to appreciate.  Moreover, I have been traveling and doing God’s work in other parts of the country.  I thank each of you who continued to visit and study with us daily.  It is the great family of friends like each one of you who has made this Ministry one of the largest Internet Ministries in the World today.  We appreciate all of you for the great works you are doing with us and in your own ministries.  Now that I am back, I look forward to visiting with each of you and providing you the same love and support that you have provided us in our absent.  Thank you, and may God continue to bless you abundantly in all that you do as you work to build up His Kingdom on this earth.  We are a family of Ministries that are taking the Gospel to the World each and every day.  For this, God is pouring out His blessings over each one of you in a very special way.  Therefore,  I encourage you to continue to be strong, have patience, keep your eye on the prize and just keep posting and moving forward each and every day.  The victory is not to the strongest are the swift, but to those of you who can endure the trials and tribulations that are sure to come your way.  God has a blessing with your name on it.  I remain your brother in Jesus Christ, Pastor Davis/Master Teacher!

HOW SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND VIOLENCE DESTROY FAMILIES PART TWO

God‘s Marvelous Light (photo by Pastor Davis)

By Shirley Rhodes

LIVING IN THE GROWTH PROCESS OF GOD’S MARVELOUS LIGHT

Substance abuse is destroying our families, communities and country in general, and in lesson one as many of the lesson we share with you here, we do so in order that all of us may come into God’s marvelous light and help break this evil spirit that is penetrating the hearts and minds of too many of our family members.  In the first lesson of this format we presented you with three points to consider:

1.     The beginning: Growth process of children

2.     Breaking down of the physical body

3.     Social influence (social status)

Now let us consider the facts below; from the very beginning God already had a plan for our lives, and our parents were no accident, they were a chosen vessel. Many may question,” Why did I end up with parents that never knew me because they themselves were caught up in the cycle of abuse,” “how did I end up in such an environment?” I’m not sure how to answer such questions, yet the thought is like a plague. It seems as if those born under such circumstances never really had a chance for a better or different life, many are victims of their environment.

As Christians, how do we address such questions? A child is supposed to be nurtured and loved, provided the essentials of life to survive, yet we turn our heads as if it’s not me or my child so it’s not my problem. Children are left to the streets and many find their own way carving friendships that say you are a part of us. The environment may be one that’s gang related, drug infested and no particular rules of society are acknowledged. These same children only know the ways of the street and have little respect for those who attempt to show them that there is another way. Some are so hardened by the time they reach preteen years they either end up in jail or dead.

Many use drugs simply because for them that is their life. How do we turn the tide of our young people? How do we reach adults ravaged by the effects of daily drug use? It may not be your problem but at some point these children become adults, will they follow the same cycle before them or is there a way to reach them before it’s too late to intervene. Parents, Christians, Neighbors, Friends, society as a whole must consider the plight of a child from the very beginning, God has a plan for their life, and it does not have to be wasted. Then again we may ask ourselves, “where do we begin and what direction do we take to reverse the curse?

Social status for some people is what they crave and work to obtain, and how its’ obtained, as well as how they get there matters. While seeking worldly status, along with our many treasures, how often do we stop or slow down long enough to lift a sister or brother pressed down by the hardness of life. Many will say they had a choice and the life they live is what they have chosen, is that really truth? Social status sometimes places us in an environment where we eventually conform to what surrounds us. Our social circle may be one where alcohol and drugs are a part of who we become in order to fit in. Many often find themselves caught up in a web so tight they’re not able to find their way out. When continuing on this course they see no more than just the moment and that moment can end up being very dark.

Consider the teachings of Jesus, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust corrupt, where thieves break through and steal; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. The light of the body is the eye and if your eye is clear, the whole body shall be full of light. If your eye is foggy, your whole body shall be full of darkness, how terrible is that darkness.” (Matthew 6: 19, 21-23 KJV). So as Christians, family and friends, let’s be conscious of the needs of our children, our families, and society as a whole while we adapt and follow the pattern Jesus has given for living productive lives, as we LEARN TO LIVE IN THE GROWTH PROCESS OF GOD’S MARVELOUS LIGHT.

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SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST FOR A SERVANT OF GOD

Dr. Oliver Dorsey, (Photo by Maximillion Byars) Dr. Dorsey is and have been the Senior Pastor of The Ebenezer Baptist Church for 25 years. The Church is located in the North East Georgia Mountains of  Mt. Aries, Ga. 

Greetings My Brothers and Sisters, Christians and Friends, Disciples of this Ministry and all of our followers, it is in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ that I appeal to you this day for your prayers for one of God’s favorite Servant.  He is none other than Dr. Oliver Dorsey, My Pastor and Father in the Ministry.  He has just had an open heart surgery and is in need of all of our prayers.

As Christians, we are all one people, one body, living in the body of Christ, and as such we are made known by the word of God, when we enter into prayer for one another out of our love and concern for each other’s well being, send up our prayers, God will answer and download His Blessings and Special Medication for the precise healing to take place in the precise place and precise time.  God promised, that He would never fail us are forsake us.  All we have to do is keep the faith, believe, and never waiver in our prayer life and Dr. Jesus will do the rest.  We are His vessels, and through us all of His work, miracles and supernatural powers are performed in this earth on and for the people who are in need and have been placed under His direct care through our prayers.

Therefore, Children of God, I beseech you this day in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, to place My Pastor, Dr. Oliver Dorsey on your prayer alter, in order that Dr. Jesus may begin to download His special medication to heal the wounds that was caused by this major operation.

Please consider using our comment section to address your message of healing directly to him.  We will forward all your messages directly to him.  I thank you for your love and kindness for all that you do here at this ministry each and every day that God blesses all of us.  I leave you with my Peace and Blessings for a brighter day, In the name of Jesus, AMEN.

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STOP LIVING IN FEAR LACK AND LIMITATION

Church Carson City Nevada (Photo by Pastor Davis)

You were born with the chains of fear lack and limitations placed around your neck and branded  into your mind by the world that you were conceived into, limiting you from the ability to be what God created you to be,[a powerful and free human being], without fear, lack and limitations.  You were born free and you will die free, but will you live free?  The choice is entirely yours.

Limitations, limitations, you scream, is this a dream?  Or am I caught up in a whirlwind?  This cycle of fear, lack and limitation is beginning to make me crazy.  No time for me to feel this despair, my parents told me that I was born free, and that I would die free, the choice of which path that I would take was entirely mine to make.  No, no I say, I will not be limited by fear, lack and limitation.

Now as I looked around, I looked towards the heavens, and I screamed, Father, why so much fear, lack and limitation have gripped your people in this day and time?  Then I heard the voice of God speak to me and He said, “Son of Man, I did not give you a spirit of fear, lack and limitation; I created you perfectly in my own image with my character.  For your Spirit is one of power, love and self control.”  Now I want you to speak to my Children and give them this message, tell them that you’re God, “I AM,” said to “STOP LIVING IN FEAR LACK AND LIMITATION!”

It’s time to study the word of God.  Get your bible, writing pad and a pen, click on the Video below, and prepare your mind, body and soul to be blessed as you listen with your ears for the next 30 minutes to the Bible teaching by Pastor Davis/Master Teacher.

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SHOULD WOMEN BE PASTORS

Rev. Patrica Gross speaks truth to power (Photo by Pastor Davis)

What would life be like if CHRIST had not come and Christianity had not spread throughout the world?  Christians believe that all humanity is a creation of God, and he gave us a foundation to the self-evident truth of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.  Since people are made in the image of God, they are valuable apart from their station in life, amount of wealth, or utility to society.  People are helped, educated, and protected simply because they are made in God’s image.  Loss of these Christians ideals world undoubtedly would be a tragic loss to the well-being of humanity.  Even though this is a small sampling of what Christians believe, the real question here is, “DO CHRISTIANS BELIEVE THAT WOMEN SHOULD BE PASTORS?”

Today, we are going to dive into this very difficult question and give you the opportunity to be the judge for yourself.  Below we have presented several videos with some AMAZING FACTS that you would want to take note of and study for yourself.  In John 8:32, the bible teaches us to know the truth and the truth will set us free.  Therefore, we encourage you to take some time and listen to what each side has to say on this subject and then discover the truth for yourself.

This first video clip deals with what the women have to say on this subject.  But don’t stop here please listen to the next video of what men think and the third video on the amazing facts.

Now watch this video clip on what men think.

Our final video for today deals with some amazing facts on God’s Word. It is one hour long, but it will be well worth your time in watching it.  This lesson is taught by one of our great teachers, my brother in Christ, Pastor Doug Batch.

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TUESDAY IS OUR DAY OF PRAYER AND PRAISE

PASTOR DAVIS IN PRAYER FOR YOU

I PRAY FOR YOU AND YOU PRAY FOR ME

Good Morning My Beautiful Brothers and Lovely Sister, Christians and Friends.  Where ever you may be in this great world of ours we invite you to come in and join with us this day for an awesome day of PRAYER and PRAISE.  I pray for you, and you pray for me, God will hear our prayers and send down His Blessings to shower each one of us with His unconditional LOVE.  We understand that every day is a day for prayer, but Jesus taught us in John 17:1-5 about INTERCESSORY PRAYER. (It is posted here today for you to read and study).  We all need prayer and there are a lot of great blog ministries up here that are reaching out to the unreachable and offering up ways to connect to the ones that are in the greatest need.  We can help move this process forward by sending up our prayers for each other’s work to prosper and bless those who need blessing. Now let us join my friend Bishop Paul S. Morton in some high praise and worship.

Our Musical Video of today’s prayer blessings, praise and worship. Click on it and enjoy your blessings that God has prepared especially for you this day. AMEN!

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Men Who Care Global ‘A group of godly men’ … (Photo credit: ImagePros)

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE LEADERSHIP AND GROWTH OF GODLY FAMILIES (INTRODUCTION)

This is an introduction to the series, which we will be teaching for the next seven days on the above topic.  We hope you mark your calendars and plan to study with us daily on this very important topic.  Our first lesson title, “WHY IS THERE AN INTERGITY AND VALUE CRISIS IN OUR LEADERSHIP?” will be posted on line after midnight today.  Please study this subject carefully, and post your thoughts, questions and are comments.

We know that God created man and placed him as the head of the family.  However, the family in America today is in deep trouble because the man has failed to be the leader God wants him to be.  Therefore, throughout this week and leading up to Father’s Day on Sunday, we will be discussing this very important topic.  This is because; we have come to the realization that the father’s failure to take responsibility and leadership in the home has created a valueless, unhappy, fractured home and society. This failure has had a devastating effect on our children and has spawned a multitude of wicked societal problems including delinquency, sexual promiscuity, drug use, and violence.

In Mark 10:42-45 we see that Christ taught that spiritual leadership is just the opposite of worldly leadership. Those verses tell us, “But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. “Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. “And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom many.”
. . .
Spiritual leadership is serving others and helping them grow to spiritual maturity so that they become reproductive Christians. Peter shared this same thought in I Peter 5:1-3 when he wrote, “The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”

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DO NOT BE ANXIOUS ABOUT ANYTHING

Peace In The Valley (Photo by Pastor Davis)

Today, let us focus our attention on the subject at hand, which simply says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.   (Philippians 4:6 ESV).

My question to you is simple, what are you anxious [worried] about, and why are you anxious about it?  I do realize however, that a lot of you could tick of a long laundry list of things that would make you anxious and by listing them they would make you feel better in some strange way.  I will not tell you to set aside life’s responsibilities so as not to be anxious [worry] about them.  We as Christians are to be responsible for our needs and our families and to care about and be concerned for others, but we are not to worry.  Because worrying can cause other physical and mental problems within your body that can damage your health, so worrying about the many problems in life is never a good thing to do.

In our understanding, the most important reason for a Christian not to worry is because it shows a subtle form of distrust in God.  When a believer worry, you are saying that you do not trust that God will provide and you doubt that he cares or that he can handle your situation.  The antidote to your worrying about life’s problems should be prayer.  You should learn to pray about everything.  Prayer combats worry by allowing us catharsis.  We can off load our stress onto God.  We need to learn how to take all the energy that is used in worrying and put it into prayer.  This includes praying about everything.  No request is too small, difficult, or inconsequential to God.

I tell you this one truth, we as believers should pray about the things we need, then we should thank God for all that he has done in our lives, because if we pause and think about where we are today, we can find plenty to lift up our eyes towards heaven and say, “thank you Jesus,”  “for you have truly brought me a mighty long way.”

Sometimes in our thinking about the problems and complications we are facing in our daily lives, it may seem impossible not to worry about anything, but this can happen if we as believers truly give our worries to God, because worry and prayer cannot coexist.

Therefore, I tell you to stop worry and, “DO NOT BE ANXIOUS ABOUT ANYTHING”

May God’s grace and mercy cover you in all that you seek out in this life, and let your mind abide in Jesus and He will always abide in you.  Certainly you will quickly learn that no weapon formed against you shall prosper.  We have ministered this message to you today from the throne of grace with peace, purpose, power and above all God’s love.  I remain your brother in Jesus Christ, Pastor Davis/Master Teacher!

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THE TIME IS NOW FOR DISCIPLINE AND FORGIVENESS IN THE CHURCH

UPON THIS ROCK I SHALL BUILD MY CHURCH AND THE GATES OF HELL SHALL NOT PREVAIL AGAINST IT!

Upon this Rock I shall build my Church (Photo by Pastor Davis)

Church discipline should always seek the restoration of the offender.  Two mistakes in church discipline should be avoided, being too lenient by not correcting mistakes and being too harsh by not forgiving the sinner.  There is a time to confront and a time to comfort.

Sometimes the most loving action a person can do for a fellow Christian is to confront him or her with the truth.  The truth often hurts.  Confronting a person in the wrong with the truth, however, can be the best thing a friend can do.

Knowing the appropriate time to rebuke and the appropriate time to forgive is the key to compassionate church discipline.  This type of discernment is crucial for a church plagued with problems.  Christians in positions of authority must consistently check their motives when it comes to church discipline.  They must ask:  Am I keeping the spiritual welfare of my church members, especially that of the offender in mind?

When punishing an offender, a leader must be careful not to command obedience to himself but, instead, to Christ and the gospel, carefully explaining that he possesses the authority from God to build up the church, not to tear it down.  When Paul was confronted with having to discipline an offender in the Church of Corinth, here is the authority he used:  “For even though I boast rather freely about our power and authority, which the Lord gave for your up building and not for demolishing you, yet I shall not be put to shame [for exceeding the truth],” (2 Corinthians 10:8 AMP).  Leaders must learn that although God has given them the authority over the Church, they must never take advantage of that authority and beat up on the body, but be wise as a serpent in using the powers granted to them by God.

The entire Church must have a spirit of forgiveness, because forgiveness is a central point of the gospel.  The word “forgive” is derived from the Greek word “grace.”  It is only through God’s grace—that is, his undeserved favor—that anyone is saved at all.  Therefore, understanding that forgiveness of any offender among you must be fundamentally based on Christ’s forgiveness of you.  Listen to what the bible teaches you, it says, “And become useful and helpful and kind to one another, tenderhearted (compassionate, understanding, loving-hearted), forgiving one another [readily and freely], as God in Christ forgave you.”  (Ephesians 4:32 AMP).

Now my brothers and sisters, let me leave you with God’s final word on the matter, he says, “For though we walk (live) in the flesh, we are not carrying on our warfare according to the flesh and using mere human weapons.

For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds,

[Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasoning and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One),

Being in readiness to punish every [insubordinate for his] disobedience, when your own submission and obedience [as a church] are fully secured and complete.

May the grace and mercy of God be an everlasting  present in your life day and night, night and day in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.  Amen.  I minister this word to you this day in truth, love, power and purpose.  I remain your brother in Christ Jesus, Pastor Davis/Master Teacher!

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Thank you Father for Blessing Me (Photo by Pastor Davis)

Father’s Love Letter

My Child
You may not know me, but I know everything about you Psalm 139:1
I know when you sit down and when you rise up Psalm 139:2
I am familiar with all your ways Psalm 139:3
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered Matthew 10:29-31
For you were made in my image Genesis 1:27
In me you live and move and have your being Acts 17:28
For you are my offspring Acts 17:28
I knew you even before you were conceived Jeremiah 1:4-5
I chose you when I planned creation Ephesians 1:11-12
You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book Psalm 139:15-16
I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live Acts 17:26
You are fearfully and wonderfully made Psalm 139:14
I knit you together in your mother’s womb Psalm 139:13
And brought you forth on the day you were born Psalm 71:6
I have been misrepresented by those who don’t know me John 8:41-44
I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love 1 John 4:16
And it is my desire to lavish my love on you 1 John 3:1
Simply because you are my child and I am your father 1 John 3:1
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could Matthew 7:11
For I am the perfect father Matthew 5:48
Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand James 1:17
For I am your provider and I meet all your needs Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope Jeremiah 29:11
Because I love you with an everlasting love Jeremiah 31:3
My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore Psalm 139:17-18
And I rejoice over you with singing Zephaniah 3:17
I will never stop doing good to you Jeremiah 32:40
For you are my treasured possession Exodus 19:5
I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul Jeremiah 32:41
And I want to show you great and marvelous things Jeremiah 33:3
If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me Deuteronomy 4:29
Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart Psalm 37:4
For it is I who gave you those desires Philippians 2:13
I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine Ephesians 3:20
For I am your greatest encourager 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you Psalm 34:18
As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart Isaiah 40:11
One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes Revelation 21:3-4
And I’ll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth Revelation 21:3-4
I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus John 17:23
For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed John 17:26
He is the exact representation of my being Hebrews 1:3
He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you Romans 8:31
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you 1 John 4:10
I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love Romans 8:31-32
If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me 1 John 2:23
And nothing will ever separate you from my love again Romans 8:38-39
Come home and I’ll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen Luke 15:7
I have always been Father, and will always be Father Ephesians 3:14-15
My question is Will you be my child? John 1:12-13
I am waiting for you Luke 15:11-32

Love, Your Dad. Almighty God

Father’s Love Letter used by permission Father Heart Communications Copyright 1999-2011 http://www.FathersLoveLetter.com

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Headgear and boxing gloves are mandatory in Olympic boxing and amateur boxing. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE A CHAMPION IN A GIVEN SPORT

As a believer, we must have a champion mindset to compete the Christian life. The race that all Christians need to prepare themselves for is the calling of God. What does it take to be a champion in a given sport? For one, it is necessary to have a dedication to succeed no matter what the cost.  A passion for the game is certainly essential, as is a single-minded determination to accomplish the task.  A willingness to train incessantly is required.  In addition, a burning desire for the trophy or prize awarded to the one who wins is an absolute must.

In (1 Corinthians 9:26, Paul illustrates the “champion” mindset required to faithfully complete the Christian life with this statement, “I run thus; not with uncertainty” and “Thus I fight; not as one who beats the air.”  We understand from studying this verse that Paul was not an aimless competitor.  He had a clearly defined goal.  Like an athlete preparing for a race or a boxing match, Paul knew that he had to discipline his body; he had to force himself to maintain the strenuous, consistent practice needed for success.

The race that Paul prepared himself for, the race that all Christians need to prepare themselves for was the calling of God.  Paul taught, that Christians are rewarded for the calling that God gives them.

One weekend I was watching the sports news and heard something I had never heard before.  A sportscaster was covering a Las Vegas boxing match.  He reported that the match was stopped because one of the fighters had quit fighting in the middle of a round and started crying.  This burly brother just broke down in the middle of the fight.  They later learned that the fighter was physically, mentally, and emotionally unprepared to fight.  The promoter said he had tried several times to convince the fighter’s coach and trainers to cancel the bout because of concerns that the fighter had not completely recovered from a recent struggle with drug abuse.  He told them that the man wasn’t in any shape to box, but his camp insisted the fight go on as planned.  So they put him in the ring, and shortly thereafter, this out-of-shape athlete gave what he had.  When that ran out, he quit.  Moreover, he cried.

Obviously, he lost the fight.  If he had won, it would have been a significant step in his career, putting him on track toward the championship.  If his trainers had postponed the match, he might have won.  But they didn’t, and he lost.  He lost because he was out of shape.

Many of you are losing the fight.  You are losing spiritual battle after spiritual battle, not because you don’t know Jesus, or because you doubt the promises of God, but because you’re not spiritually fit.

In 1 Timothy, Paul painted a picture of an athlete who trained his body for competition.  He counseled Timothy, his rookie minister, to train and prepare himself for spiritual competition.  Paul said to be an effective minister; a true servant of the Lord, Timothy needed to exercise himself on a spiritual level.  Paul said, by comparison, that bodily or physical exercise is good, but its benefits are limited to the body, which is purposed to serve us only temporarily, only in this life.

However, spiritual fitness, or godliness, has lasting value.  Its benefits carry the believer through this life and the life to come.  As believers, we should prepare ourselves spiritually for the challenges and battles of our Christian walk.  Paul urged us to get in shape and stay in shape.  The choice is yours, what will you do, and how will you prepare yourself for Spiritual Fitness?

Now this concludes part one of this two part lesson.  In part two we will discuss with you, your options of training.  I remain as always, your brother in Jesus Christ, Pastor Davis/Master Teacher!

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GOOD FRIDAY A DAY OF REFLECTION

The Agony of being nailed to the cross (Photo by Pastor Davis)

Today, we as Christians celebrate this day as Good Friday, and what is Good Friday?  Good Friday is observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday. On this day Christians commemorate the passion, or suffering, and death on the cross of the Lord, Jesus Christ.

We at VINE AND BRANCH WORLD MINISTRIES along with millions of BELIEVERS from all around the world will observe this day as a day of REFLECTION.  Reflecting on the life, death and resurrection of JESUS CHRIST as well as our own individual lives.  Let us pause and meditate on the life and death of Jesus as we experience the pain and anguish that Jesus felt as He hung on the Cross and bore our sins and the sins of the World.   Now let us watch this short Video Clip and reflect upon what this day really means to us.

As Jesus hung there on the cross, nails in his hands, feet and side.  Thrones on his head, bleeding from head to toe, he was teaching us the lessons of LOVE, COURAGE, PATIENCE, UNDERSTANDING, FAITH, and FORGIVENESS.  He showed us that Strength is made perfect in weakness.  This next video clip is a short version of all that Jesus did for us.  Now reflect upon this.

In closing, let me make this one thing very clear, and that is this, “we are citizens of a city of God which we did not build and can never destroy, and that city stands on this day taller than anything that we can ever image in our small minds.”   Before His death, Jesus told us that if this temple was ever destroyed, he would rise up and rebuild it within three days.  No one at the time could imagine what He was talking about, because of the resurrection of CHRIST, we now live in that city of God that no man can destroy.  On this GOOD FRIDAY, let us reflect upon what Jesus did for us, and now what we can do for others.  This video clip will help take you to that special place that allows your heart to be filled with peace, joy, and love. Now watch and pray.

This is our day of PRAYER, MEDITATION AND REFLECTION, let us pray for each other, then reach out and express our love for each other.  I pray for you and you pray for me.  I remain your brother in JESUS CHRIST, PASTOR DAVIS/MASTER TEACHER!

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The Holy Seapulchre Church, Jerusalem. Catholic Holy Mass on Maundy Thursday / Crkva Svetoga groba u Jeruzalemu. Katolička sveta misa na Veliki četvrtak. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

TIME TO CELEBRATE MAUNDY THURSDAY

Tomorrow we will begin to celebrate Maundy Thursday together.  Maundy Thursday is also called Holy Thursday; it is the beginning of the three day celebration of EASTER the most important time in the year for Christians. This period (‘The Triduum‘) is one big celebration, remembering the last supper, the crucifixion and the death of Jesus, and the Resurrection to new life.

Maundy Thursday 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.

Christians from around the world will continue to share bread and wine as part of their worship services in their individual local church.  We share this message with you in order to help you prepare for your day of celebration.  When we all join together in these moments of great celebration, it enables us to remember just how much we truly are one in Christ.  He gave His life that we may live, love and share with each other.  Know that on this day, you are truly BLESSED and HIGHLY FAVORED, because GOD said you were.

Let me remind you and encourage you to think globally and work locally, reaching out to your brothers and sisters and giving of yourself that others may live, lifting up our Holy Hands towards heaven in prayer.  I remain your brother in JESUS CHRIST, PASTOR DAVIS/MASTER TEACHER!

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Image via Wikipedia

THE HOLY SPIRIT IS THE MINISTRY OF THE KINGDOM (MARK 1:14-15)

Now after John was put in prison Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand, Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

It is clear to all of us that the early church proclaimed the same message Jesus preached, that is, “the gospel of the kingdom of God.”  Also they experienced the same confirming evidences that were present in His ministry.

Now let us understand this one truth, and that there is only one gospel; Jesus preached it, transmitted it to His disciples, and has committed it to His church.  Paul warned us against ever receiving any other gospel. “Any other” may be either a message of outright error or an argument for a diluted message, devoid of power though nominally Christian.  Jude 3 urges us always to contend for the original, “the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.”  Hold to the full “gospel of the kingdom,” and expect the Lord to confirm that “word” with the signs He promised.

You truly must know without a doubt that Jesus‘ ministry did not begin until He received His “anointing” as the Messiah, the empowering that came through the descent of the Holy Spirit upon Him.  Though conceived and born by the Spirit’s power, He insisted that John baptize Him, not for repentance, but because He knew the Holy Spirit would come upon Him at that time.  From that moment forward, He is led of the Spirit and moves into the ministry declaring the presence of God’s kingdom and manifesting its miracles, signs, and wonders.

This pathway points each believer to the need for power, if kingdom ministry is to be advanced through us, His church. Like Him, we, too, are “born of the Spirit.” Though obviously, our spiritual birth is not as His biological virgin birth, the point remains.  Spiritual rebirth saves, but spiritual enduement is needed for ministering in kingdom power.  Similarly, our justification in Christ-being delcared sinless (2 Cor. 5:21)-does not qualify for kingdom power in ministry.  In His incarnation Jesus’ Person and perfection exceeded ours in every way, yet Jesus still acknowledged the need for His own receiving of the power of the Holy Spirit to pursue His ministry.  What more needs to be said?  Let each of us personally hear His command: “Receive the Holy Spirit!” (John 20:22).

Now let us conclude with this thought, think deeply on the Kingdom of God and it’s meaning in your life. Today I minister to you from a position of peace, power, purpose and prosperity. Always think globally and work locally.  I remain your brother in Christ, Pastor Davis/Master Teacher.