GOD IS THE MASTER OF THE UNIVERSE

WRITTEN BY SHIRLEY RHODES

BIG AND SMALL THE LIVING UNIVERSE (PHOTO BY SHIRLEY RHODES)

Today we live in a world that demands a great portion of our energy just to survive and many find it difficult to adapt. Gloom (darkness) of sin and impending judgment lingers within our thoughts, we must never forget, God is the Master of the Universe.  In spite of the tiredness we may feel as the world attempts to drain the very peace from our existence (being) we must journey above the physical and material aspects of this worldly life, determined to joyfully live in the spiritual realm where we learn the meaning of true fellowship with a God who is in control, because he is the Master of the Universe.

When we are able to wrap our minds around this simple fact that He is, “THE MASTER OF THE UNIVERSE” (entirety, all there is) it will truly offer hope for your soul, he is the one you seek for all things, he will take you, mold you and give you rest; then enfold you in grace, love and mercy in such a way you become secure in who you are. In the Master you find acceptance, he will not deny you because of your past, he erases our pains so that we may be able to help others by sharing the same love he gives us.

Our Dependence on him moves us to a place in life where we come to realize that all our needs are met.  What’s important is the manner in which we submit in obedience to his will for “our life” accept him into your heart and cast all your cares upon him because he is the one person in your life that will be there no matter the obstacles you encounter. It’s your life, your journey given to you by the Master of the Universe, so grab hold and embrace yourself, for you are abundantly blessed; don’t allow anyone or anything to cause you to think different.

When feelings of emptiness threaten to drain our lives, we attempt to make peace within ourselves only to find that our own efforts tend to add to the emptiness we already feel.  God is the Master of the Universe,  the greatest source of peace for those who know and place their trust completely in him; for those who do not know him,  it’s impossible to know the  kind of peace he gives; because  he is our peace (Ephesians 2:14).

Many who claim to know such freedom often find themselves struggling with questions about what’s unknown as they strive to live worthy of Gods’ love for them. That is why faith is so important, it is the driving force that bridge the depths between the known and unknown; therefore,  your mind must be open and on the receiving end of the greatest gift of all, God’s Love.

Finally: Oh come, let us worship and bow down:

Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker,

For he is God, and we are the people of his pasture,

And the sheep of His hand: (Psalm 95:6-7).

JESUS TURNS HIS DEFEAT AT THE CROSS INTO A GLORIOUS VICTORY

HOW JESUS TURNED HIS DEFEAT AT THE CROSS INTO THE MOST GLORIOUS VICTORY THE WORLD HAS EVER KNOWN (Luke 23:26-35MSG)

Greetings to all My Brothers and Sisters in Christ, as we enter into the final week of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, (which we call Easter), allow me to paint the picture of Jesus’ crucifixion in words and pictures for you. The story is a little longer than we normally present, but because of time constraints I did not want to break it up into two are three parts, just remember, this is not a normal story.

Therefore, I encourage you to listen up and read carefully what I am about to tell you: As they led him off,

Simon of Cyrene the black hands that helped carry the cross (PHOTO BY PASTOR DAVIS)

they made Simon, a man from Cyrene who happened to be coming in from the countryside, carry the cross behind Jesus. A huge crowd of people followed, along with women weeping and carrying on. At one point Jesus turned to the women and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem don’t cry for me. Cry for yourselves and for your children. The time is coming when they’ll say, ‘Lucky the women who never conceived! Lucky the wombs that never gave birth! And Lucky the breasts that never gave milk!’ Then they’ll start calling to the mountains, ‘Fall down on us!’ calling to the hills, ‘Cover us up!’ If people do these things to a live, green tree, can you imagine what they’ll do with deadwood?”

Two others, both criminals, were taken along with him for execution. When they got to the place called Skull Hill, they crucified him, along with the criminals, one on his right, and the other on his left.

Jesus prayed while on the cross with the two thieves (Photo by Pastor Davis)

Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them; they don’t know what they’re doing.” Dividing up his clothes, they threw dice for them. The people stood there staring at Jesus, and the ringleaders made faces, taunting, “He saved others. Let’s see him save himself! The Messiah of GOD—ha! The Chosen—ha!”

At the time of Jesus death, crucifixion was considered the most painful and degrading form of capital punishment in the ROMAN EMPIRE. It was considered so horrible that it was used by the Romans only for slaves, those from the provinces under their control, and the lowest types of criminals. It was not to be used for a ROMAN CITIZEN. This is in accord with the biblical account of CHRIST’S death and with church tradition, which asserts that Peter was also crucified, but Paul, a Roman citizen, was beheaded.

Crucifixion as a means of execution probably grew out of the practice of displaying the heads of captured enemies or criminals on a wooden stake, like those used to build a wall or erect fortifications. Later, entire bodies were impaled. By Jesus time, crucifixion was a common sight.

Although methods of crucifixion seem to have varied throughout the Roman Empire, through biblical and historical accounts the basic pattern is known. The condemned person was first scourged with a flagellum, a whip of leather thongs with bits of metal or bone attached. This whipping greatly weakened the victim, who then had to carry the crossbeam to the place of execution. A sign specifying the crime was often placed around the criminal’s neck or on the cross. The person was stripped naked, laid on the ground with the crossbeam under his shoulders, and tied or nailed to it. Nailing made the victim die quicker, as it did Jesus,

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

whom the Jewish officials wanted dead before the Sabbath. The crossbeam was lifted and secured to a post so that the person’s feet were hanging just off the ground. Some archaeologists think a pin or wooden block was placed halfway up the post to provide a seat for the body so that the nails would not tear open the wounds, causing the body to fall. The feet also could be nailed or tied to the post.

Although the pain was excruciating, some victims survived on the cross for days. As in the case of the two criminals crucified with Jesus, the legs of a crucified person were sometimes broken to make the sufferer die. This caused massive shock, followed by loss of circulation and heart failure.

Although completely innocent of all sin, Jesus suffered the most horrible, disgraceful punishment known. But His agonizing death was not an ordinary death, for it was not the final chapter. Jesus turned this apparent defeat into the most glorious victory the world has ever known. At the Cross, He suffered for the sins of the world. Then after His resurrection from the dead three days later, Jesus empowered His disciples with a new message, the Good News that He had finally defeated the power of sin and death. Through the Cross, Jesus offers salvation to all who will believe in Him.

The Resurrection of Christ (Kinnaird Resurrection) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Now listen to the words Jesus spoke to his disciples, He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

And ye are witnesses of these things.  And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.” (Luke 24:46-49 KJV)

As this story clearly shows, there is power in the word for those who believe. God never makes a promise that he cannot fulfilled. It is up to you to always stand on God’s promise, believe it and watch God work in your life.

When the light seems to be the dimmest and the enemy is attacking you on all fronts it is time to stand still and watch God work. With God there is nothing that is impossible. God is truth, he is also the light, when you know the truth, not what you perceive is the truth, but what God has spoken of as truth, you can rest assured that you will have peace in your life, and your soul will be free to experience the manifestation of that truth and the light that God has promised. No weapon that the enemy may train its sights on you with, can penetrate the armor that God places around you. You are a child of God, and God will never allow any harm to come to those who keep his word, stand on faith, and not be swayed like the motions of the ocean, always going back and forth.

Now know this, God wants you to experience victory over all aspects of your life. He allowed himself to experience a horrible death on the cross in order that you might enjoy the fruits of life. He defeated sin and death in order that you may have eternal life. What more can anyone ask for, to know that if you believe in the word, except the word as ruler of your life, you can experience the joy and satisfaction of knowing that you can have victory over the world.

Now in closing, let me state that believers today should always look to the cross in understanding GOD’S

The Cross is the Symbol of God’s amazing grace (Photo by Pastor Davis)

PLAN and purpose for their lives. The cross is no joke; it is the reality of Christ’s death for your victory over the world. You can continue to live in this world, partying and having fun, proclaiming that you are a Christian, but remember, your actions speak louder than your words. Jesus was not pretending when he allowed himself to be executed for our sins. We should obey the Lord in every detail as we seek to live a Christian life as we help those that are lost in Christ, find their way and understanding of THE HEART OF THE CROSS and what salvation truly means in their lives. If we truly want to know how to live a perfect life and experience victory over the enemy attacks on our well being, then I say to you right here in now, turn away from the world and look to Jesus as the perfect example.

May this lesson today be a blessing to your life and the people that God has placed in your life as a blessing to your soul.  Now we encourage you to use it, to bless others that we all may receive and experience God’s amazing grace.  I minister to you today from a position of peace, purpose, power and prosperity. I remain your brother in Christ, Pastor Davis/Master Teacher.

THE ROAD MAP TO ACHIEVING YOUR VICTORY IS FOUND IN JESUS

THE ROAD TO VICTORY (Photo by Pastor Davis)

THE TIME TO ACT ON THE VISION IS NOW

From the beginning of this year we have provided you with a road map from the word of God on the path He wants you to follow to help you make this year the year you ACHIEVE the VICTORY that you have been seeking all your life.  Today, we continue with God’s road map in laying out a clear VISION that will help you move forward by taking action to manifest your dreams into reality, and “THE ROAD MAP TO ACHIEVING YOUR VICTORY IS FOUND IN JESUS!”

Achieving the VICTORY requires you to take action.  The first step was when God gave you the VISION; He

A CHILD LEARNING TO WRITE IT DOWN (PHOTO BY PASTOR DAVIS)

told you to, “WRITE THE VISION.”  God made it crystal clear that you must take action before the VISION will appear as a reality to you.  In other words you must activate what God has given to you in order for you to begin the process where you find yourself going through.  The process is never going to be easy, but it is a necessary step that must take place.

One of the reasons so many of us never achieve any desired results from what has been set before us, is because we dislike going through the process.  We fail to write it down; we fail to ask God for wisdom, guidance and understanding.  We fail to seek knowledge and clarification of where we are in the process.  Then we come up against what seems like a brick wall when door after door is been slam shut in our face.  We stand in front of the door and look at it with disgust and ask ourselves, “WHY?”  But we refuse to take the next step and KNOCK, because fear has so gripped our minds and we find ourselves questioning our own ability to achieve what God has already given us.

Pastor Davis teaches you how to achieve the victory by studying the word of God

However, I want you to know that the Bible is crystal clear on what God wants you to do in this process.  God’s intention is to teach you how to be successful at achieving the VISION which he has given to you.  Now listen to the words of Jesus, “So I say to you, Ask and keep on asking and it shall be given you; seek and keep on seeking and you shall find; knock and keep on knocking and the door shall be opened to you.”

For everyone who asks and keeps on asking receives; and he who seeks and keeps on seeking finds; and to him who knocks and keeps on knocking, the door shall be opened.” (Luke 11:9-10 Amplified)

Do not hesitate to move on your ideas and respond to situations that call for action in order to keep the momentum going. If you are sitting waiting for something to happen, doing other “important” tasks rather than those that you know will produce the results you desire, you are wasting time and you are no closer to achieving your VISION and desired goals, [the vision which God gave you]. You may realize that you have waited for so many things in your life that never showed up!

Act on your desire in order to get to where you want to be. Waiting will not do it. The best people are not those who have waited for chances, but those who have taken them, and made chance the servitor. It is better to act first and apologize later than to seek permission first. We often wait for the feeling to be right first; before we take the action we know will bring us satisfaction. The feeling of satisfaction only comes from accomplishment, not from pondering and procrastinating. Take immediate action, not out of fear, or to force things to happen, but because the next action you take brings you, one-step closer to your desire and you will see tremendous results come into your life.

TRAVELING THE LONG ROAD TO VICTORY (PHOTO BY PASTOR DAVIS)

Now I realize that this might sound like a contradiction in terms of what God said when he told us to wait on the VISION.  But understand this, God was challenging us to have patience, and believe in the promise he had given to us when he said, “though the vision may tarry, the VISION will surely come.”

Sometimes opportunity knocks but sometimes you must knock. If you truly desire what is behind the door, you will knock until it opens. Sometimes you may even have to break down the door to get through to what you want. The difference between using the force out of power and using the force out of fear, doubt or worry, is that when you are powerful, you know what it is you are doing and are doing it powerfully. It does not feel forced but liberating to you.

Remember, all things come to those of us who, seek, ask and knock.  “THE ROAD MAP TO ACHIEVING YOUR VICTORY IS FOUND IN JESUS!”  Never give up, and never give in, because you are truly a winner, and a winner never gives up, and never gives in.  Jesus said, He would never put on you more than you can not bear, nor would He ever leave you are for sake you, and you can always stand on the promises of the Lord.

THE VICTORY IS IN THE RISING SUN (PHOTO BY PASTOR DAVIS)

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USE PRAYER AS A WEAPON OF CHOICE

Jesus Prayed for all Believers (Photo by Pastor Davis)

You’re familiar with the old written law, ‘Love your friend,’ and its unwritten companion, ‘Hate your enemy.’ I’m challenging that. I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does.

THE RISING OF THE SUN (Photo by Pastor Davis)

He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.

CHILDREN OF GOD GROWING UP (PHOTO BY PASTOR DAVIS)

“In a word, what I’m saying is, “Grow up.” You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.” (Matthew 5:43-48 MSG)

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GOD COMMANDS YOU TO WRITE THE VISION HE HAS GIVEN

A CHILD WRITES THE VISION (PHOTO BY PASTOR DAVIS)

In this Brand New Year, our goal is to work with you and equip you with the necessary tools that God has already provided to help you achieve your desired goals and the victory in 2013.

Now let us begin by listening to the word of God as He first spoken to one of His great Prophets more than 2000 years ago when this Prophet dared to question God as to whether God could bring about his own reality.

God spoke to this Prophet named Habakkuk and told him these words. God said to Habakkuk, I am going to give you a crystal clear vision of what the future for you is going to look like, and this is what I want you to do.  Click on this video clip and prepare yourself to be blessed as we study together today.  The complete text is written below.

“Write the vision that I will give to you, in other words, write down what I tell you.  Do not sugar coat it, do not add to it.  Just make it plain as the light of day.  I want you to engrave it in such clarity that you and anyone else that may be passing by to be able to look up see it and read it easily and quickly.

Understand this one truth; the vision is for an appointed time.  A time, in which you may not comprehend, however, know that it will hasten to the end and provide you with complete fulfillment.  It will not deceive you are disappoint you.  It will take you to a place in time where your thoughts have never imaged they could go before.

When you allow your mind to understand this truth manifesting itself into your reality, you will know that I am God, and when you learn to trust me, lean and depend on me, I will provide you with all that your heart desires.  Not only that, I will allow you to have a look into the future and see the possibilities of what tomorrow will look like for all of those who truly can believe that all things are possible. If   you can believe in your mind the things I will show you, conceive them as being the manifestation of the reality of now, and then you shall have them because they are truly yours.

You are now living in a time when everything around you seems to be happening instantly, waiting on the vision I have given to you, may just seem like a dream that is never going to come true.  However, you must know in your heart the truth of a thing when it is presented to you.

Learn to stand on MY WORD, as never before, because MY WORD is truth, and when you come to a place in your life as a truth seeker, believing in the impossible, the truth will truly set your soul free.

The Vision is given to you in order that you may know the truth.  How many times in your life that God has provided you with a Vision and you just cast it aside and said this is just another one of those pie in the sky dreams I had that will never come true?  The time has come in 2013 for you to believe in what God is showing you is truly the right Vision for the right time.

It requires patience on your part to know that God can never lie, and if He has spoken into your spirit a Vision, God will bring it to reality, because God never makes a promise, He does not keep.

This concludes this portion of our lesson for today titled, “GOD COMMANDS YOU TO WRITE THE VISION HE HAS GIVEN!”  Please return daily to pick up the next part of each lesson.

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THIS IS YOUR YEAR TO ACHIEVE THE VICTORY

PASTOR DAVIS MASTER TEACHER, TEACHES BIBLE STUDY LESSONS ON ACHIEVING THE VICTORY

Let me begin this discussion by assuring you that nothing is beyond your reach.  All that you have not achieved in this past year is waiting for you in this New Year.  Stay focus on the prize, you have set very high and achievable goals for this brand new year.  Now we will teach you how to achieve them.

The very first thing you must know, and that is, “you are the master of your destination.”  Whatever your mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.  Therefore, we ask you to clear out all negative thinking, and fill your mind with beautiful thoughts of the possibilities that lie ahead.

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.

THE GRAPEVINE

Fruit is a comprehensive word, referring to teaching, character, and action.  Our character is revealed by our conduct.  Our thoughts become that which we choose to be.

The journey will not be easy, but as we stated in the beginning, “it is achievable.”  Every step you take, the devil will be waiting to take you down.   He will be walking about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour, and if you are not careful in your walk with God you will be his next victim.  You must learn to grow in God’s grace.  Why, Because God has already provided the victory just for you.  Placing your faith in God and not in the world is the beginning of all knowledge that will transform your life and put you on the right track to achieving your desired goals.  Know that a believer’s growth sometimes may be hindered or halted by three distinct enemies: the Devil, the world, and the flesh.

We are warned how the Devil walks or roams about like a lion.  When lions hunt, they look for weak, young,

The Lion of the tribe of Judah ((Photo by Pastor Davis)

isolated, unguarded animals.  They are the ones marked for attack.  The Devil’s ultimate agenda is to destroy us, not merely to hurt, maim, or discourage, but to devour and destroy us.  He does that when he gets us to bow to circumstances, pressures, or forces of his evil design, hoping thereby to make us yield to him.  To overcome this evil spirit we must adopt a reverse strategy: I will call this strategy, “B.O.W. TO JESUS,” the One you BELIEVE, OBEY and WORSHIP.  He overcame, refusing to bow to Satan’s devices (Matt. 4:8-10), and our growth in Him will bring the same ability to resist or stand against the Devil (1 Peter 5:9). We must be clothed in the full armor of God: be armed with the Word of God (Eph. 6:10-14), believe Him (Heb. 11:6), obey Him (1 John 3:24), and worship Him (John 4:23).  Receive Christ’s overcoming victory!

When our minds are filled with the word, our strategies for achieving our desired goals are assured.  Nothing can stop us now, although the devil will continue to lay stumbling blocks in our path way, however, because our minds are centered on God and we are filled with the word, these stumbling blocks are opportunities to continue to move forward at great speed.

The first step in this process is to “WRITE THE VISION,”  (we will present this strategy in complete details in our next lesson.)   Now I encourage you to study this step very carefully and comply with its instructions.

The next step in the process is for you to study your written plan and focus all your attention on it like a laser beam.  Know that all that you do is part of the process; each step you take is placing you in the flow towards achieving the greatest victory that you have ever imaged.  The process will never be easy, but it is achievable.

Now listen up, to the word of God as spoken by Peter in the book of (1 Peter 5:5-8).  Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elder.  Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”  Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.  Be sober; be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

RIVER OF LIFE (Photo by Pastor Davis)

Therefore, remain in the flow where all streams will lead you towards the lake, from there the flow of the lake will lead you into deeper and wider streams of fishing called the rivers of life.  As you navigate from the river, the flow will take you into the ocean where you shall conquer your greatest victory of all.  Stay with us and we will help to get you there.  Remember, keep your eyes focus on Jesus, because he is your navigator, we are just the instrument that he has placed in your hands to help you day by day.

Today, we have ministered to you from a position of PEACE, PURPOSE, POWER and PROSPERITY.  Always think globally as you work locally to achieve your dreams, because they are truly only a thought away.  I remain your brother in JESUS CHRIST, PASTOR DAVIS/MASTER TEACHER!

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GROWING UP IN THE GRACE OF JESUS CHRIST

We were created in the image of God and given His Character that we may grow up in His grace.  We can do nothing of our own.  Our growth is totally depended upon the actions of God.  Everything in the Universe was created by God and for God that it may grow and flourish in the manner God has chosen it to be.  Therefore, as a newborn creature in this life, our mission is to grow up in the grace of Jesus Christ.

CHILDREN GROWING UP IN THE GRACE OF JESUS CHRIST  (PHOTO BY PASTOR DAVIS)

Now the question becomes, how do we accomplish our mission that God has given us?  As with all life, so it is with growth.  We must learn to lean and depend on the maker and giver of all life.  Know that it is only God, who brings the bud to bloom and the flower to fruit. It is by his power that the seed develops,” first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.” Mark 4:28.

The plants and flowers grow not by their own care, anxiety, or effort, but by receiving that which God has furnished to minister to their life. The child cannot by any anxiety or power of its own, add to its own stature. No more can you, by anxiety or effort of yourself, secure spiritual growth.  No, all life is the mystery and work of God provided to us through His power and grace.

THE ROSE OF SHARON (Photo by Pastor Davis)

The plant, as well as the child, grows by receiving from its surroundings that which ministers to its life – air, sunshine, and food. What these gifts of nature are to animal and plant, such is Christ to those who trust in him. He is there” everlasting light,”  “a sun and shield.”  Isaiah 60:19; Psalms 84:11, he shall be as” the dew unto Israel.” “He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass.” Hosea 14:5; Psalms 72:6. He is the living water,” the bread of God… Which cometh down from heaven, and gives life unto the world” John 6:33!

As the flower turns to the sun, that the bright beams of day aid in perfecting its beauty and symmetry, so should we turn to the Sun of righteousness, that heavens light may shine upon us, that our character may be developed into the likeness of Christ.

Jesus teaches the same thing when he says, “abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abides in the vine; no more can ye, except he abide in me… Without me you can do nothing.” John 15:4-5. You are just as dependent upon Christ, in order to live a holy life, as is the branch upon the parent stock for growth and fruitfulness. Apart From Him, you have no life. You have no power to resist temptation or to grow in grace and holiness. Abiding in him, you may flourish. Drawing your life from him, you will not wither nor be fruitless. You will be like a tree, planted by the rivers of water.

Many have an idea that they must do some part of the work alone. They have trusted in Christ for the forgiveness of sin, but now they seek by their own efforts to live aright. However, every such effort must fail. Jesus says,” Without me ye can do nothing.” Our growth in grace, our joy, our usefulness, all depend upon our union with Christ. It is by communion with him, daily, hourly, by abiding in him, that we are to grow in grace. He is not only the author, but the finisher of our faith. It is Christ first, last, and always. He is to be with us, not only at the beginning and the end of our course, but at every step of the way.” I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.” Psalms 16:8.

By faith, you became Christ’s, and by faith, you are to grow up in him through grace, by giving and taking. You are to give all, your heart, your will, your service, give yourself to him to obey all his requirements; and you must take all, Christ, the fullness of all blessings, to abide in your heart, to be your strength, your righteousness, your everlasting helper, to give you power to obey, and when you do all these things, your GROWING UP IN THE GRACE OF JESUS CHRIST is now under way.  Now you must stay focus and keep your eye on the prize.

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THE STORY OF THE BIRTH OF JOHN

PASTOR DAVIS PLAYS THE ROLE OF THE PROPHET ZECHARIAH

When Elizabeth was full-term in her pregnancy, she bore a son. Her neighbors and relatives, seeing that God had overwhelmed her with mercy, celebrated with her.

On the eighth day, they came to circumcise the child and were calling him Zachariah after his father. But his mother intervened: “No. He is to be called John.”

“But,” they said, “no one in your family is named that.” They used sign language to ask Zachariah what he wanted him named.

Asking for a tablet, Zachariah wrote, “His name is to be John.” That took everyone by surprise. Surprise followed surprise—Zachariah’s mouth was now open, his tongue loose, and he was talking, praising God!

A deep, reverential fear settled over the neighborhood, and in all that Judean hill country people talked about nothing else. Everyone who heard about it took it to heart, wondering, “What will become of this child? Clearly, God has his hand in this.”

Then Zachariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied,

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;
he came and set his people free.
He set the power of salvation in the center of our lives,
and in the very house of David his servant,
Just as he promised long ago
through the preaching of his holy prophets:
Deliverance from our enemies
and every hateful hand;
Mercy to our fathers,
as he remembers to do what he said he’d do,
What he swore to our father Abraham—
      a clean rescue from the enemy camp,
So we can worship him without a care in the world,
made holy before him as long as we live.

And you, my child, “Prophet of the Highest,”
will go ahead of the Master to prepare his ways,
Present the offer of salvation to his people,
the forgiveness of their sins.
Through the heartfelt mercies of our God,
God’s Sunrise will break in upon us,
Shining on those in the darkness,
those sitting in the shadow of death,
Then showing us the way, one foot at a time,
down the path of peace.  Luke 1:57-79  The Message (MSG)

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ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON

CHRISTMAS THE SIGN OF PEACE (PHOTO BY PASTOR DAVIS)

On this Christmas Eve Weekend, let us humble ourselves in prayer and lift up the name Jesus, and seek His blessings over the families in Newtown, Connecticut as they continue to bury their children that were so vicariously murdered last weekend.  We encourage them to remain strong as they mourn their lost and suffer in their grief.  Be guided by the promises of God when He says to you, that He will never leave you are forsake you.  Be encouraged, that this too shall past.

We as a Nation are facing some very strong head winds from all the gun violence that is taking the lives of so many of our children throughout the entire country.  No city are state is immune from this type of violence.  But we must now prepare ourselves and come together as one people and fight against this type of evil, otherwise it will consume us all.

Satan, the old devil himself is on the prowl, and is attempting to devour the Children of God.  His evil forces struck another deadly blow with powerful semi-automatic weapons, however, this time it was in the hearts of the people of Newtown, Connecticut in an elementary school where some 20 young innocent children and their teachers, were just preparing to begin their day at school. It was truly a devastating blow to the parents who had just hugged and kissed their young children and sent them out into the world not knowing that the hug they gave to them would be their last.

The Cabbage Patch Kids (Photo by Pastor Davis) This is a symbol of the little angels that God shares with us. We must love, encourage and protect.

Jesus had warned us that Satan is a liar and a thief, and his mission is to steal, kill and destroy. (John 10:10)  So this past weekend Satan was true to his mission, as he attempted to kill as many of God’s children as he possible could.

However, we want the people of Newtown, Connecticut to know that we here at Vine and Branch World Ministries, with our army of Disciples, readers and fellow bloggers, alone with all the people of this nation, are standing shoulder to shoulder with you, to fight against evil where ever it may exist.

Therefore, we say to you, “BE ENCOURAGED CHILDREN OF GOD,” “For God did not give you a spirit of fear, but he gave you a spirit of power, and a Spirit of love, and a Spirit of Self-Control.  (2 Timothy 6:7)

In addition, God wants you as well as all of us as a Nation, to rise up, do not be overcome by fears of the devil, but embrace each other with love, and ENCOURAGE each other in the LORD, and this is how He challenges us to do it, He says, “Finally, be strong in the LORD and in the strength of his might.

Put on the whole ARMOR OF GOD that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

Therefore take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.

In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.

To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. (Ephesians 6:10-20 ESP).

Now to all of God’s people, this is the WORD of our Lord, as He has spoken it plainly to you.  We have ministered it to you from a position of PEACE, PURPOSE, POWER and PROSPERITY, and finally, we say to you, “BE ENCOURAGED CHILDREN OF GOD!”  I remain your brother in CHRIST JESUS, Pastor Davis/Master Teacher!

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SCHOOL TRAGEDY DIMS THE NATIONS CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

A PRAYER FOR MERCY

LET US PRAY!

Look down from heaven and see, from your holy and beautiful habitation. Where are your zeal and your might? The stirring of your inner parts and your compassionate held back from me. (Isaiah 63:15 ESV)  Now let us all pray!

All across the Nation this Sunday Morning, many prayers will be sent up to our Heavenly Father, seeking His blessings over the families that are suffering and grieving over the tragedy that took place in their community.  So many young and innocent lives taken for no good reason and we know and understand that when a single member of our body feels pain, the entire body and all its members feels the same pain.  We as a nation feel the pain of the Mothers and Fathers who lost their little angles in this tragedy.  Because in essence, their angels were our angels, when someone does harm to one of our angels they do harm to all of us.

All of us should be morally out raged at what has taken place, but use this day, this time and place where ever you may be as an opportunity to lift the name of God our Heavenly Father up in praise, worshiping God and serving Him with all your heart and soul.  Let this day be a day that our moral outrage be expressed in love and solidarity with our brothers and sister.  Jesus said, whatsoever you bound up here on earth, He would bound up the same in Heaven.

Children of God, let us all understand, much prayer is needed from each one of us.  We must learn how to pray for each other, with our hearts filled with love and joy for our fellowman.  We are all brothers and sisters in Christ.  Although there are many evil spirits that are dwelling among us, never the less, we must not be discouraged, are become evil and hateful ourselves despite the evil and harm that has been done against us or our family and friends.  In the mist of trials and tribulations let us learn to turn it all over to God.  He can and will fight our battles for us.  Hold onto God’s unchanging hands.  Because, this too shall pass, know that God is love and He wants us to learn how to truly love one another with that same loving spirit that He has shown to each one of us.

bokeh christmas lights (Photo credit: Joseph West Photography)

We realize that our Christmas lights will not shine as bright this Christmas in our homes and our hearts, because each one of us as a parent has lost an angle that has resided in us, and that is Ok, because it will force us to think more deeply on the real reason for this season, and that in reality is our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Our Children, family and friends can now be drawn closer to us, because we have been given the opportunity to express our love to them in a deeper and more profound way, as God has commanded us to do so, with the realization that we are all God’s children and God does not bring suffering to His Children, but showers them with love, patience, knowledge, wisdom and understanding.  Now let us learn from our Father in Heaven, and do the same with those that we love, those that have been trusted into our care for a short time.

This tragedy has already dimmed the Christmas Lights, which is the spirit in our soul, all over the Nation and around the World for this Christmas Season.  However, it will not take away our joy, no matter how much pain we may feel, and suffering we may undergo.  We will love each other, embrace each other, comfort each other and teach our children how to survive and sustain themselves in the mist of any and all tragedy.  These are teachable moments as well as moments to learn how to live a more healthy and prospers life, because we know that despite how hard the devil tries to destroy and kill us, we have a protector in Jesus and He has assured us, that this too shall pass and we will grow stronger in Jesus Christ day by day. It is now time for prayer, praise and worship.  Come on in make yourself comfortable and spend some quality time with us as we lift God up in some soul stirring prayer and worship. Just click on this video clip and prepare to be blessed this day as you get your praise on.

Now just lift up your holy hands and say praise God, thank you Jesus. I feel good this morning. Click this next video and let us listen to my friend, Bishop Paul S. Morton as he blesses you this morning.

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THE GREAT STORMS OF LIFE

THE GREAT STORM (PHOTO BY PASTOR DAVIS)

By Shirley Rhodes

In this world, we grow up, stand up, rise up and face the many challenges that the storms of life present to us on a daily basics.  Our limited knowledge and understanding of the storms of life tells us to be prepared, for the storms of life are going to come, whether the storms are personal or natural, they are certain to move us from our comfort zones.

It is a fact storms will come in such a way that those things or ways of life that are familiar to us may be affected.  Being in our comfort zones helps us to feel safe and secure; we don’t really have to get involved unless it is our desire to do so. For many people, going outside their comfort zones can seem scary, when in all actuality, outside of our comfort zones is where the energy is, the connectingpoints. In view of this

DEEP BLUE SKY (PHOTO BY PASTOR DAVIS)

recent week’s storm event, many find themselves outside of their comfort zones. For many it is a time of emotional and physical interruption. Many may feel anger, anxiety, fear and despair. It is  such times as these it seems that storms of life, personal or natural moves us from our comfort zones, what was routine and familiar have become disrupted, always remember “this too shall pass.” Yesterday the storm came and all was dark, dismal and chaos, today the skies are once again blue and you begin the journey of rebuilding.

God is our provider, strong hold, nurturer and anything else we are in need of; he is the light source from which we are re-energized, refueled and able to anchor (take hold of) to weather the storm in all situations and circumstances.  Those of us who share in the mission of Jesus Christ (the pattern) let us be diligent in prayer and service in time of need. Simple acts of kindness, reassuring thoughts are valuable in such a time as this. Rebuilding is a process and it takes time and effort, but it has and can be done. Jesus says, “Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.” (Matthew 6:34 MGS)

Therefore, we don’t regret the experiences or pain we are experiencing in the moment. It is those who allow distress to drive them away from God who end up full of regrets. Distress brings us closer to God, we change our approach (way of thinking) to life, we become more concerned, sensitive, passionate, and responsible and reverent to God. Through these experiences totally unexpected events will unfold; outpouring of love and generosity, people allowing God to use them to help those in need. As God told Joshua, I will be with you, I will not fail nor forsake you; be strong, be courageous for I am with you where-ever you go (Joshua 1: 5-9). So my friends when Storms of Life, Personal or Natural Moves us From Our Comfort Zones be reminded; be strong, be courageous this too shall pass. Be blessed in all you do.

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VINE AND BRANCH PHOTO CHALLENGE COVERED WOODEN BRIDGE

While I was visiting in the thumb area of Northern Michigan, I came across this beautiful well traveled covered bridge located in the city of Frakenmuth, Mi. Although the sky was a very dull gray, it presented a real challenge to get some really good photos with all that was going on at the time.

COVERED WOODEN BRIDGE (PHOTO BY PASTOR DAVIS)

This photo was featured in our post titled, ‘BUILT LIKE A BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATERS!” The name of this beautiful bridge is, ZEHNDER’S HOLZ BRUCKE COVERED WOODEN BRIDGE, located in the beautiful city of Frankenmuth, Mi.

COVERED WOODEN BRIDGE– CENTER SPAN– (PHOTO BY PASTOR DAVIS)

This beautiful COVERED WOODEN BRIDGE was constructed in 1979, set in place on January 29, 1980 and dedicated on September 9, 1980. This bridge is a three Span Town Lattice. Length 239 feet, Height 14’4″, Wood 163.288 Board feet. Douglas Firect Width 28′. Traffic Lanes 2 vehicles.

COVERED WOODEN BRIDGE CAP (PHOTO BY PASTOR DAVIS)

This is the cap of this beautiful COVERED WOODEN BRIDGE flying the American Flag, near the Canadian Border.

COVERED WOODEN BRIDGE MODES OF TRANSPORTATION (PHOTO BY PASTOR DAVIS)

The bridge is a two lane well traveled bridge traveled by horse and carriage, as well as automobiles going North and South. It also has a walk way for people on both sides, separated from the traffic lanes making it safe for both autos and people.

COVERED WOODEN BRIDGE (PHOTO BY PASTOR DAVIS)

COVERED WOODEN BRIDGE– NIGHT SCENE (PHOTO BY PASTOR DAVIS)

This photo is a night shot of this beautiful COVERED WOODEN BRIDGE. It shows the magic of lights and the fog as it rose from the troubled waters flowing beneath the bridge.

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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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MY RELATIONSHIP STRATEGIES PART 23

BUILDING YOUR RELATIONSHIPS ON FAITH UPON A SOLID FOUNDATIO N

BY SHIRLEY RHODES

The relationships that you begin is your first step in building a life; the only way to

get a life, is to build one of your own by building it on Faith upon a Solid Foundation, one that will never fail or forsake you.  Remember, Jesus is that Solid Foundation.  He is the beginning and the end.  When you choose to build your Relationship upon this foundation, you would have chosen wisely.

CLOSENESS KEEPS THE FIRE BURNING

Technology offers us many ways to connect instantly all over the world, but when you begin building a new relationship, it is something you have to learn and recognize the need to add to or subtract from. One may ask them-selves, “How do I build a life, from where do I start?” To answer that important question, how does day by day, moment by moment sound? One must make decisions and choices to decide what really makes their life complete. When planting  a garden, the very first step is to make sure the soil is prepared, healthy and then carefully select what is  to be planted; once planted,  wait, as what’s planted begin to appear, nourish and cultivate each seedling to maturity and watch them grow into something really beautiful and beneficial.

The same is with relationships that you begin building, making healthy choices in friends; cultivate them just

Cultivating the Garden

as you would your garden.   Give time and attention to those you’ve chosen or those whom have chosen you, soon the relationship start to bloom, continue to feed and nurture it and the rewards can be beautiful. When building that solid foundation remember to add, faith, clear thinking, love and respect, vital for growth.

 Faith works in every aspect of life, how it’s activated is instilled in each of us, it is a gift from God.  Jesus is the descent of God in our lives; he is alive among us and is for us, not against us, he lives in each of us, our source to draw from. Now imagine this for a moment:

When your heart beats its vibrations forces blood through the highways within the body that sustain vital nutrients for life in this earthly realm. When Building Your Own Foundation allow indwelling of the Holy Spirit to be your guide, the Holy Spirit lifts us to another level or dimension with ability to explore and release such an energy force that leaves it’s effect within every person we come in contact with, that is if they are open and ready to receive the energy as it flows.

In order to avoid any interruption of flow, avoid negative thinking and attitudes, when encountered replace that flow of thoughts with positive feedback such as love and encouragement.

Understanding the principles of faith enables one to seek those ideas and thoughts worth holding on to. Troubles and tribulations that come may seem overwhelming because they are viewed from a negative point. Now close your eyes and focus, imagine that there is a long corridor ahead and you can only see so far, beyond that point just might be the biggest blessing of all, one unseen, that block you’ve added while Building Your Own Foundation.

Faith means reliance, scripture reminds us that, “All things, whatever you shall ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive” (Matthew 21:22). Jesus said, “I am the Bread of Life, the person who aligns with me hungers no more and thirst no more, (John 6:35), “I am the World’s Light, no one who followers me

God’s Marvelous Light

stumbles around in the dark. I provide plenty of light to live in” (John 8:12) a reminder to remain diligent while Building Your Own Foundation.

Finally, Building Your Own Foundation on love and respect offers stability that what has been constructed is tangible and deserving of attention and honor from which the foundation was started in order to continue to grow and produce. When plants are not nurtured and feed they soon wilt and die, the same applies to those you’ve chosen to share in life with. With the birth of Jesus, it was the beginning of a new era, his life here connected each of us to the pattern, a process we strive to carry on; through his death, burial and resurrection we are blessed with an opportunity to grow in grace and choose wisely. Keep in perspective that Jesus is the Corner-Stone; that true and solid foundations therefore, build Your Relationships on Faith upon the Solid Foundation of Jesus Teachings of Faith and Love, putting those words of love into action and allowing them to lift you to higher grounds.

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GOD’S GIFT TO THE INDIANS

I took these photos while traveling north from Denver, Colorado to Cheyenne, Wyoming.  I discovered this fort off interstate 25 near Fort Collins, Colorado.  The rocks were a Nature Created Rock Formation which resembled a fort.  The first photo explains the rest of the story.  These beautiful rocks have been chiseled out and written upon by Souvenir Hunters.  However, as they still stand and you move around in the center of them you can sense the fighting taking place.

NATURAL FORT (PHOTO BY PASTOR DAVIS)

NATURAL FORT PHOTO 1 (PHOTO BY PASTOR DAVIS)

NATURAL FORT PHOTO 2 (PHOTO BY PASTOR DAVIS)

NATURAL FORT PHOTO 3 (PHOTO BY PASTOR DAVIS)

NATURAL FORT PHOTO 4 (PHOTO BY PASTOR DAVIS)

NATURAL FORT PHOTO 5 (PHOTO BY PASTOR DAVIS)

HOW DO WE DETERMINE THE BEGINNING

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.

MOTHER EARTH

The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

The Darkness of the Night (Photo by Pastor Davis)

And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. (Genesis 1:1-3)

God spoke light into existence (Photo by Pastor Davis)

How do we determine the beginning of anything in this world of ours?  Have you discovered the vast importance of any beginnings?  Do you really know what is involved in a beginning?  Do you know the number of beginnings you are continuously been making, and do you realize their full importance?  If not, come and journey with me for a short time into the depths of your mind and let us thoughtfully explore some ignored beginnings by-way of blessedness; for blessed it is when it is wisely resorted to, and much strength and comfort it holds for the understanding of our mind.

Let us begin with this moment for each of us; it is our beginning at the greatest blessing God has given to each one of us.  It is the first day of the rest of our lives, a brand new beginning for you to take a chance, and learn to live out the rest of your brand new life.

Now here is how Jesus describes it, Jesus said, “I am alpha and omega”, the beginning and the end. Now pause your thoughts for a moment and watch this short video clip before continuing to read the rest of the story and we will meet on the other side with Jesus as alpha and omega.

By making this bold statement, Jesus opened our minds up and showed us the beginning of all life as we know it.  Therefore, when we think deeply on this and pause our thoughts and consider how in the spiritual world, the greatest things proceed from the smallest beginnings.  A light fancy may be the inception of a wonderful invention or an immortal work of art; a spoken sentence may turn the tide of history; a pure thought entertained may lead to the exercise of a world-wide regenerative power.

Then we look deeply into the material world, and as we do so, we discover that everything also, proceeds from a very small beginning.  The mightiest river is at first a rivulet over which the grasshopper could leap; the great flood commences with a few drops of rain; the sturdy oak, that has endured the storms of a thousand winters, was once an acorn.

A beginning is a cause, and as such it must be followed by an effect or a train of effects and the effect will be of the same nature as the cause.  The nature of an initial impulse determines the body of its results.  A beginning also presupposes an ending, a consummations, achievements, or goal.  A gate leads to a path and the path to some particular destination; so a beginning leads to results, and results lead to a completion.

In aiming at the life of Blessedness one of the simplest beginnings to be considered and rightly made is that which we all make everyday—the beginning of each day’s life.  How do you begin each day?  At what hour do you rise?  How do you begin your work in what frame of mind do you enter upon the sacred life of a new day?  What answer can you give your heart to these important questions?  You will find that much happiness or unhappiness follows upon the right or wrong beginning of the day, and that, when every day is wisely begun, happy and harmonious sequences will mark its course, and life in its totality will not fall far short of the ideal blessedness.

The Sun Rise upon the Cross (Photo by Pastor Davis)

It is a right and strong beginning of the day to rise at an early hour.  Even if your worldly work does not demand it, it is wise to make of it a habit, and begin the day strongly by shaking off indolence and by putting on vigor and energy.  How are you to develop strength of will and mind and body if you begin every day by yielding to weakness?  Self-indulgence is followed by unhappiness.  Those who lie in bed till late, are not necessarily bright and cheerful and fresh, but often the prey of irritabilities, depressions, debilities, nervous disorders, abnormal fancies, and all unhappy moods.

This is the heavy price they have to pay for their daily indulgence.  Yet, so blinding is the pandering to self that, like the man taking his daily dram in the belief that it is bracing the nerves which it is all the time shattering, so the lie-in-bed is convinced that long hours of ease are necessary for him as possible remedy for those very moods and weaknesses and disorders of which his indulgence is the cause.  Men and women are unaware of the losses that they entail upon themselves by this common indulgence: loss of strength both of mind and body, loss of prosperity, loss of knowledge, and loss of happiness.

Begin the day by rising early.  If you have no object in doing so, never mind; arise, go for a gentle walk among

Nature exposed in the beauty of the trees and sunlight (Photo by Shirley Rhodes)

the beauties of nature, and you will experience buoyancy, freshness, and a delight, not to say a peace of mind, that will reward you for your effort.  One good effort is followed by another; and when a man begins the day by rising early, even though with no other purpose in view, he will find the silent early hour so conducive to clearness of mind and calmness of thought, his early morning walk so profitable in enabling him to become a consecutive thinker and so to see life and its problems, as well as himself and his affairs, in a clearer light; that in time he will rise early for the express purpose of preparing and harmonizing his mind to meet any and every difficulty with wisdom and calm strength.

There is, indeed, so spiritual an influence in the early morning hour, so divine a silence and inexpressible

The Early Morning Sunrise (Photo by Pastor Davis)

repose, that he who, purposeful and strong, throws off the mantle of ease and climbs the hills to greet the morning sun will thereby climb no inconsiderable distance up the hills of blessedness and truth. 

The right beginning of the day will be followed by cheerfulness at the first meal, permeating the household with a sunny influence; and the work of the day will be undertaken in a strong and confident spirit, and the whole day will be well live.

There is also a sense in which every day is to be regarded as the beginning of a new life, in which one can think, act, and live newly, and in a wiser and better spirit.  This day is truly the first day of the rest of your life. It is my birthday and I thank God for allowing me to experience another one.  “To be continued”

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FROM FATHER TO SON—BE WISE AS A SERPENT

Davis Byars Sr teaches his great grand son Tony Byars to be wise as a serpent

Oh listen, dear child—become wise;
point your life in the right direction.
Don’t drink too much wine and get drunk;
don’t eat too much food and get fat.
Drunks and gluttons will end up on skid row,
in a stupor and dressed in rags.

Listen with respect to the father who raised you,
and when your mother grows old, don’t neglect her.
Buy truth—don’t sell it for love or money;
buy wisdom, buy education, buy insight.
Parents rejoice when their children turn out well;
wise children become proud parents.
So make your father happy!
Make your mother proud!

  Dear child, I want your full attention;

please do what I show you.

A whore is a bottomless pit;
a loose woman can get you in deep trouble fast.
She’ll take you for all you’ve got;
she’s worse than a pack of thieves.

Who are the people who are always crying the blues?

Who do you know who reeks of self-pity?

Drunkenness of Noah (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Who keeps getting beat up for no reason at all?
Whose eyes are bleary and bloodshot?
It’s those who spend the night with a bottle,
for whom drinking is serious business.
Don’t judge wine by its label,
or its bouquet, or its full-bodied flavor.
Judge it rather by the hangover it leaves you with—
the splitting headache, the queasy stomach.
Do you really prefer seeing double,
with your speech all slurred,
Reeling and seasick,
drunk as a sailor?
“They hit me,” you’ll say, “but it didn’t hurt;
they beat on me, but I didn’t feel a thing.
When I’m sober enough to manage it,
bring me another drink!”

(Proverb 23:19-35 MSG)

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HOW DOES THE BIBLE SPEAK TO FATHER’S ABOUT THE RAISING AND DISCIPLINE OF THEIR CHILDREN?

A Father and Son Moment (Pastor Davis and son Maximillion)

By Minister Shirley Rhodes  

Fathers as head of the family

Children will not remember you for the material things you provided but for the feeling that you cherished them. –Robert L. Evans

• Fathers were once considered the head of the family and considered the provider and disciplinarian; that role today has been replaced with restrictions on their role as to how they raise their children within any means less favorable according to the government and society.  Many of the Christian values have been replaced with laws that forbid discipline by touching. According to the Scriptures children who are taught early will keep those values deep within even if they happen to choose a different path in life. A look into the Word that will give insight to fathers:

Children obey your parents in all things; for this is well pleasing to the Lord.

Fathers provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged (Colossians 3:20-21—KJV)

Children do what your parents tell you. This delights the Master to no end.

Parents don’t come down too hard on your children or you’ll crush their spirits (Mgs).

• The book of Proverbs offers insight into behavior, warnings and consequences of disobedient children.

Guard your heart with all diligence for out of it is the issues of life (Proverbs 4:23).

A wise son makes a glad father; but a foolish son is grief of his mother (10:1).

A wise son hears’ his father’s instructions; but a scorner hears rebuke (13:1). He that spares the rod hates his son; but he that loves him chastened him early (24).

A wise son makes a glad father; but a foolish man despise his Mother (15:20).

Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers (17:6). A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him (25).

Punish thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying (19:18).

He that abuses his father and chases away his mother is a son that causes shame, and brings reproach (26).

Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work is pure, and whether it is right (20:11).

Train up your child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it (22:6). Foolish is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him (15).

Withhold not correction from the child; for if you beat him with the rod, he shall not die. You shall beat him with the rod, and shall rescue his soul from hell (23: 13-14).

Hear my son and be wise, guide your heart in the way (19); Listen to your father that begat you, and despise not your mother when she is old (22). My sons, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways (26).

The rod and reproof give wisdom; but a child left to himself brings his mother shame (29:15). Correct your son and he shall give you rest; he shall give delight unto your soul (17-18).

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BY FAITH YOUR BLESSINGS WILL FLOW WITHOUT CEASING

“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.

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 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!

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