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                                             The end has come! It has finally arrived! Your final doom is waiting!
                                                                                  EZEKIEL 7:6-7a NLT

Ten…
     Do you sometimes think life will always be as it is now? Think again!
     Things will radically change someday, whether you believe it or not.

Nine…
     Do you doubt that My Son will ever return to earth? Depend on it!
     When the King puts His foot down, heaven will materialize.

Eight…
     Convinced you can do wrong and get away with it? Do not kid yourself!
     Every thought, word, and deed is an accurate boomerang.

Seven…
     Feel you have unlimited time to straighten out your behavior? No way!
     When the trumpet sounds, time is up.

Six…
     Strutting in self-righteous splendor? Time to change your wardrobe!
     Do not lull yourself to sleep comparing yourself with “inferior” people.

Five…
     Looking down on other believers? Dismount your high horse!
     Don't be angry you can't change others—you can't even change yourself.

Four…
     Judging others for their sinful ways? Take a long look in the mirror!
     Everyone—you included—will stand before Christ to be judged.

Three…
     Wondering if justice will ever prevail? I will balance the books.
     My holy holocaust will incinerate evil—purify your heart before the end.

Two…
     Wavering in enthusiasm in My service? Trust My Spirit and keep at it.
     Nothing you do for My glory wastes time; inspired work is never useless.

One…
     Still trying to please people? They are not your Boss—I am!
     Aim to please Me—My smile will be reward enough.

(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 282, Gentle Whispers from Eternity  

Charles Wyvern returned home early from a successful foray into the Carolinas. He had sold and contracted to ship goods in a hundred settlements along the coast. He had even managed to invest with several others in what would surely become a prosperous plantation. He was pleased with himself. In all his dealings he had managed to maintain the reputation of an honest tradesman, only departing from fair practice when he deemed it absolutely necessary. 

His servant took the carriage and cared for his team while he went into his home to relax. The word “home” may have been an exaggeration. The house was certainly spacious. It was well shaded. Open windows let in the breeze. Over time he had brought in comfortable furniture including a feather bed. A good well had been dug near the kitchen behind the house. But he had been too busy with business and travels to bother with taking a wife. Days before he had sent word to his servant to prepare for his return. But he was not tired and wanted some company. When Anthony, his servant, entered the house and poured him a drink, he asked him to saddle his little chestnut gelding. Taking the pony he rode through the busy streets smiling and saluting acquaintances. But when he came to the public house there were only two horses hitched to the railing. He stepped through the open doors and greeted the innkeeper. 

“Where is everyone today?” he asked, as he ordered an ale.

“Everyone is goin’ to hear Whifield,” he said. “I may close early and go along myself.” For some reason, this bothered Wyvern. He had to put up with all kinds of disruptions to his plans on the road. He did not expect them here in his own town. He of course knew of the popular preacher. The last he had heard, Whitfield was preaching to huge crowds in Philadelphia. This was hardly his first trip south. Even in the north he raised funds to build an orphanage here in Georgia. Charles asked another customer if Whitfield was preaching in one of the churches in town. The man didn’t know.

The innkeeper overheard and said, “No, Sir. They been postin’ handbills saying he’d be preachin’ from a big barn out on the west road. You may know the place. The barn is on the edge a wide grassy field.” Charles did know the place. It belonged to a man who refused to own slaves. Most of those were small landholders, but this man owned quite a bit of property. Charles finished off his tankard, went back to his horse and started home.

Whitfield was popular everywhere he went. Charles knew for a fact that the churches in London had closed their pulpits to him. He had then built his huge chapel on Tottenham Court Road and filled it day and night for weeks on end when he was in London. He was just as popular here in the colonies. Charles stopped by his house to tell Anthony to prepare a basket of food. He would go and hear this fellow himself. Anthony had not begun preparing anything, assuming his master would eat at the pub. Hearing that he was going to hear Whitfield, he asked if he could come along. 

“I have enough food and drink for us in the larder. And it wouldn’t take me long to harness your brougham.” Charles thought this might be good for his servant, so he agreed. As soon as everything was packed they started out. It took them over an hour to reach the farm where Whitfield was to preach. They heard the crowd singing hymns from some distance. The barn was actually on a smaller lane away from the West road. But there were already hundreds of horses and carriages along the main road. Still, from the size of the crowd he thought most of the people had to have come on foot. Some may well have come from quite a distance. Although it was still the middle of the afternoon, unlit lanterns surrounded the platform where Whitfield would preach. Charles had not thought about the meeting lasting into the night. 

He went straight to the shade of a large tree where a number of men were standing. Someone was smoking a cigar, though he could not see who it was. When Anthony had staked out their horse in a field across the road he came along to the same tree to be near his master if he were needed. 

When Whitfield began to speak even those who had heard him before were stunned by the force and melody of his voice. They had no difficulty hearing even this far from the barn where Whitfield stood in the open loft. His words echoed off the trees and canyons in every direction. He did not spend any time on pleasantries. 

“I have not come to you of my own volition. God has sent me here before it is everlastingly too late. I have not come to talk about politics or the weather. I have come at the call of God Almighty to talk to you about your soul.” From the very first word Charles was spellbound. As the preacher spoke of the holiness of Jesus, Charles began to realize that he was in a desperate condition. He had always thought he was a rather good man. He certainly knew men who were worse, at least in his opinion. But as Whitfield preached, Charles began to see himself in the light of the life of Jesus. He put his hand to his face and discovered that he was weeping. Whitfield had begun to tell a parable of a blind man stumbling along the edge of a cliff. Everyone in the crowd was there with him as he described the man’s predicament. As the man took his final step off the ledge, Charles Wyvern fell to his knees. He realized that he and all he knew of society was on that terrible precipice, soon to be plunged into eternal judgment. Unaware of others reacting in similar ways all around him, he cried out to Jesus who had died for his sins. The Son of God was his only hope.

It was dark and lanterns were lit across the field when Anthony, who had evidently been similarly affected, put his hand on Charles’s back. “Sir, let me help you up. Most of the people have left. I have harnessed the mare. If something like this had happened to anyone else, Charles would have said they were mad. He was not sure it was not true of him as well. All the way home he prayed and calculated the many things that with God's help must change in his life. From now on everything would be different because of what God had begun in him.

This story was conceived from John 16:7-11.

Father, break our hearts by the power of Your Holy Spirit.

http://thinkinginthespirit.blogspot.com/

http://theanchorofthesoul.blogspot.com/

http://watchinginprayer.blogspot.com/

http://writingprayerfully.blogspot.com/

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Website

http://daveswatch.com/

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https://goo.gl/PyzU

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Charles Wyvern returned home early from a successful foray into the Carolinas. He had sold and contracted to ship goods in a hundred settlements along the coast. He had even managed to invest with several others in what would surely become a prosperous plantation. He was pleased with himself. In all his dealings he had managed to maintain the reputation of an honest tradesman, only departing from fair practice when he deemed it absolutely necessary. 

His servant took the carriage and cared for his team while he went into his home to relax. The word “home” may have been an exaggeration. The house was certainly spacious. It was well shaded. Open windows let in the breeze. Over time he had brought in comfortable furniture including a feather bed. A good well had been dug near the kitchen behind the house. But he had been too busy with business and travels to bother with taking a wife. Days before he had sent word to his servant to prepare for his return. But he was not tired and wanted some company. When Anthony, his servant, entered the house and poured him a drink, he asked him to saddle his little chestnut gelding. Taking the pony he rode through the busy streets smiling and saluting acquaintances. But when he came to the public house there were only two horses hitched to the railing. He stepped through the open doors and greeted the innkeeper. 

“Where is everyone today?” he asked, as he ordered an ale.

“Everyone is goin’ to hear Whifield,” he said. “I may close early and go along myself.” For some reason, this bothered Wyvern. He had to put up with all kinds of disruptions to his plans on the road. He did not expect them here in his own town. He of course knew of the popular preacher. The last he had heard, Whitfield was preaching to huge crowds in Philadelphia. This was hardly his first trip south. Even in the north he raised funds to build an orphanage here in Georgia. Charles asked another customer if Whitfield was preaching in one of the churches in town. The man didn’t know.

The innkeeper overheard and said, “No, Sir. They been postin’ handbills saying he’d be preachin’ from a big barn out on the west road. You may know the place. The barn is on the edge a wide grassy field.” Charles did know the place. It belonged to a man who refused to own slaves. Most of those were small landholders, but this man owned quite a bit of property. Charles finished off his tankard, went back to his horse and started home.

Whitfield was popular everywhere he went. Charles knew for a fact that the churches in London had closed their pulpits to him. He had then built his huge chapel on Tottenham Court Road and filled it day and night for weeks on end when he was in London. He was just as popular here in the colonies. Charles stopped by his house to tell Anthony to prepare a basket of food. He would go and hear this fellow himself. Anthony had not begun preparing anything, assuming his master would eat at the pub. Hearing that he was going to hear Whitfield, he asked if he could come along. 

“I have enough food and drink for us in the larder. And it wouldn’t take me long to harness your brougham.” Charles thought this might be good for his servant, so he agreed. As soon as everything was packed they started out. It took them over an hour to reach the farm where Whitfield was to preach. They heard the crowd singing hymns from some distance. The barn was actually on a smaller lane away from the West road. But there were already hundreds of horses and carriages along the main road. Still, from the size of the crowd he thought most of the people had to have come on foot. Some may well have come from quite a distance. Although it was still the middle of the afternoon, unlit lanterns surrounded the platform where Whitfield would preach. Charles had not thought about the meeting lasting into the night. 

He went straight to the shade of a large tree where a number of men were standing. Someone was smoking a cigar, though he could not see who it was. When Anthony had staked out their horse in a field across the road he came along to the same tree to be near his master if he were needed. 

When Whitfield began to speak even those who had heard him before were stunned by the force and melody of his voice. They had no difficulty hearing even this far from the barn where Whitfield stood in the open loft. His words echoed off the trees and canyons in every direction. He did not spend any time on pleasantries. 

“I have not come to you of my own volition. God has sent me here before it is everlastingly too late. I have not come to talk about politics or the weather. I have come at the call of God Almighty to talk to you about your soul.” From the very first word Charles was spellbound. As the preacher spoke of the holiness of Jesus, Charles began to realize that he was in a desperate condition. He had always thought he was a rather good man. He certainly knew men who were worse, at least in his opinion. But as Whitfield preached, Charles began to see himself in the light of the life of Jesus. He put his hand to his face and discovered that he was weeping. Whitfield had begun to tell a parable of a blind man stumbling along the edge of a cliff. Everyone in the crowd was there with him as he described the man’s predicament. As the man took his final step off the ledge, Charles Wyvern fell to his knees. He realized that he and all he knew of society was on that terrible precipice, soon to be plunged into eternal judgment. Unaware of others reacting in similar ways all around him, he cried out to Jesus who had died for his sins. The Son of God was his only hope.

It was dark and lanterns were lit across the field when Anthony, who had evidently been similarly affected, put his hand on Charles’s back. “Sir, let me help you up. Most of the people have left. I have harnessed the mare. If something like this had happened to anyone else, Charles would have said they were mad. He was not sure it was not true of him as well. All the way home he prayed and calculated the many things that with God's help must change in his life. From now on everything would be different because of what God had begun in him.

This story was conceived from John 16:7-11.

Father, break our hearts by the power of Your Holy Spirit.

http://thinkinginthespirit.blogspot.com/

http://theanchorofthesoul.blogspot.com/

http://watchinginprayer.blogspot.com/

http://writingprayerfully.blogspot.com/

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https://www.facebook.com/bdavidyoung49

Website

http://daveswatch.com/

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https://goo.gl/PyzU

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Amazon Author Central

A lot has been written on social media recently about sermon plagiarizing – preaching someone else’s sermon, although one of my preaching professors told us if you preach another’s sermon it is called plagiarizing, but if you combine parts of several sermons, it is called research. My pastor-father used to say, “When better sermons are written, I’ll preach them.” Sometimes they were and sometimes he did. A friend began his Chapel sermon at Southwestern Seminary by saying, “If you like this sermon, you can get a copy afterwards in the library. Look under Spurgeon – Charles Haddon.” A faculty member preached a sermon in Chapel and a few months later preached the same sermon in a church pastored by a Seminary student. In the meantime, the student preached the professor’s sermon in his church. The church members were upset, thinking the professor stole their pastor’s sermon. All this to say, show me a preacher who doesn’t occasionally use someone else’s sermon material, and I’ll show you a preacher who may have another problem. I always told my Seminary want-to-be preachers how to use someone else’s material: (1) The first time you use it you say, “Dr. Crawford said . . .” (2) The second time you use it you say, “It has been said . . .” (3) The third time you use it, you say, “I’ve always thought . . .” By then it is yours. I also told them that if they were going to use my material, at least improve on it. One student tried to justify his plagiarism by quoting a verse out of context, “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others” (Philippines 2:4). Many years ago. my pastor preached a sermon that was familiar to me. Following the service, I went by my office and pulled off the shelf a book of sermons by Dr. R. G. Lee and found the sermon that I had just heard. I could have made copies and handed them out at the next church business meeting before making a motion to terminate the pastor, but I chose not to do so. I don’t mean to attempt to justify sermon plagiarism. After all, there is that biblical verse that says, “Therefore behold, I am against the prophets,” says the Lord, “who steal My words every one from his neighbor” (Jeremiah 23:30). I just think it is not a big enough deal over which to terminate someone. Here’s another verse that applies – “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone . . .” (John 8:7). And another verse – “Judge not, that you be not judged” (Matthew 7:1). Preach on!

 
                                                                                                           Hubble Telescope image  March 15, 2021 


As I watched the four creatures, I saw something that looked like a wheel on the ground beside each of the four-faced creatures. The wheels were identical, sparkling like diamonds in the sun. It looked like wheels within wheels, like a gyroscope.  EZEKIEL 1:15-16  THE MESSAGE 


Creatures in Ezekiel’s vision parallel the gospel portraits of Jesus—
     the lion previews Matthew’s King, the ox Mark’s Servant,
     the man Luke’s humanity, the eagle John’s God.

As the wheel of time has turned through the generations,
     I have been the Home of every believer—their Center of Gravity.
     I am without beginning or end, a Circle of infinite power.
     I am the Eternal God Who Will Always Be Who I Have Been.

From your heart outwards, let your relationship to Me influence all.
     Let every concentric circle in your life be ruled by My love.
     Do not think you are a big wheel just because you go around in circles.
     Find a valuable life purpose and stick with it through thick and thin.

When you look at the sun, think of the Sun of Righteousness—
     permit His healing rays to transform your life into holy health.
When you look at the moon, think of the Light of the world—
     reflect His kind nature to everyone around you.
When you look at the constellations, think of the Bright Morning Star—
     whistle in the dark as you worship Him and learn His song.
When you look at the earth, think of Almighty God—
     trust Me to see you through the years, as I do the orbiting planet.

One day the universe will come full circle—restored to pristine beauty.
     Until then count on My Spirit to guide you, My power to stabilize you,
          My love to encompass you, and My Presence to encircle you.
     You could never find a better gyroscope for your soul.

                                 

                              (c)   Pastor Johnny R. Almond
                      Day 281,  Gentle Whispers from Eternity 

In John 17:19 Jesus said, 

“And for their sake I consecrate myself, 

that they also may be sanctified in truth.”

Don’t these words sound strange? Jesus said He was sanctifying Himself for our sake. I would have thought His sanctification was completed before the foundation of the world. And while that may be true from the point of view of God who sees all things from beginning to end, sanctification seems to be an ongoing process in our lives. It is like being faithful or truthful. 

But surely the motivation for our Lord's sanctification was to glorify the Father. That is also true. But Jesus sanctified Himself for our sake as well. 

This says something about our prayers and ministries. The most important thing we can do to touch the lives of other people is to sanctify ourselves in the presence of God who is eternally holy.

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My father sent me to the market that morning. I was in no hurry. He left at the same time to sail for Athens on business. My mother and sisters left the week before to visit family in Troas. They took the house servants with them. I was the only one left at home. As I came near the market I saw a group of my friends going somewhere together.

Timothy, who was leading them, called out to me. “Jason, come with us! We are going to meet Paul and Barnabus. Have you heard of them?” I had not, and neither had the others in the group before that day. 

As I joined them, Timothy began to explain. “Barnabus and Paul are Jews like my mother’s family. They came to Asia to tell people about Jesus, who rose from the dead after being crucified.” I did not know what to say about this. He continued as we walked along, “They came to Antioch and told about Jesus in the synagogue there. The people begged them to speak again the next week. Evidently the power of God was with them to heal people in the town as they told about Jesus through the week. 

“Nearly the whole city showed up at the synagogue the next Sabbath. The synagogue leaders were jealous. They began to oppose Barnabas and Paul before the crowd. Still, many Jews and Greeks from the city believed what Paul and Barnabas taught about Jesus. I have heard that they intend to come this way and I am hoping they will get here this morning.” As we came to the edge of town we saw men coming toward us on the road from Antioch. Timothy called to them, certain they were Barnabas and Paul. Sure enough, they were the apostles. When they saw us they decided we were the audience they were looking for. They led us off the road and began teaching. 

We were all stunned at their message. They told us Jesus was the Son of the only true God. This was strange to our ears, but somehow what they were saying rang true. They did not sound like trained orators. That was part of why they were so convincing. I was moved as Barnabas spoke. There was no question that he cared deeply about us. I found myself hoping that what he said was indeed true. After Barnabas finished, Paul stood to speak. As he spoke about true righteousness and faith and the love of God, I fell to my knees and cried out for the forgiveness and grace bought for me by Jesus on a Roman cross. 

We all followed the apostles back into the city. We had not seen any miraculous signs while they preached to us on the outskirts of town. But I was not surprised when Barnabas prayed for a sickly child who was wistfully watching the other children play. Immediately the child grinned and rose up to join the others. 

Just outside the market at the center of town they gathered a crowd and began to preach. As Paul preached he moved through the throng. He came near the young man that we have always called Solus. I am not sure if that is really his name, but like everyone else in the crowd, I knew his story. He was born lame. His feet and legs were shriveled. He could not walk at all. Paul reached out and took him by the hand to raise him to his feet. Right there in front of everyone his feet and legs were restored. All the people were amazed.

By then, a group had arrived from Antioch to stop Paul and Barnabas from teaching about Jesus. They had already been stirring up people to oppose Paul and Barnabas. They were enraged that the man was publicly healed. They immediately seized Paul. We managed to hustle Barnabus away as they dragged Paul out of town. Adonis and his younger brother took Barnabas to their home to save him from the same fate as Paul.

To the rest of us Timothy said, “We need to follow them and see what they have done to Paul.” When we caught up to the crowd they were throwing stones at the apostle. We watched in horror as several stones struck his head. He crumpled to the ground. We were fairly certain that they had killed him. They congratulated one another as they turned back toward the city.

Timothy led the way to Paul before they were out of sight. We were not going to leave his body out there on the side of the road. But when Timothy laid his hand on his body, Paul moved and shook his head. His head was bleeding profusely. After a moment he stood and began trudging back into town. I rushed to his side to support him. The rest of us surrounded him and would have fought anyone who tried to attack, but the men who stoned him had disappeared up the road. We didn't see them as we came into town. They may have started back to Antioch lest the magistrate question them. We took Paul to the home of Adonis where Barnabus was waiting anxiously. After his wounds had been dressed, Paul gathered us all together to encourage us to remain faithful to Jesus.

Leonides, who was older than the rest of us, asked why those people had been so angry. I was wondering the same thing. We listened intently as Paul explained.

“You all need to understand this. We follow a crucified Savior. As people hated him, they will hate us. Our speaking to them about Jesus will be a kind of judgment. It will reveal what is in their hearts. Some will gladly receive you and repent. Some will be enraged because they hate the true God and His Son Jesus. But Jesus has given the Holy Spirit of God to His followers. This includes you. The Spirit strengthens all of us and will empower us to be faithful.” I asked if that was how he recovered from being stoned. Paul thought for a moment and said, “Possibly.”

Hector, standing behind the rest of us, asked, “Is that how you healed the lame man?”

“In a way,” Paul answered. Then he said, “Actually, I did not heal him at all. Jesus did that. I saw that the man had faith to be healed. But yes, Jesus works through the Holy Spirit.

“God’s Spirit will bear witness of Jesus. The Spirit will speak through you. Sometimes he will even break the hearts of those who oppose Jesus. I was one of those people. I thought I was serving the God of my fathers by arresting and charging those who followed the way. I was on my way to another city to arrest the followers of Jesus who had fled there. On my way Jesus appeared to me in a light brighter than the sun. He called me to repent. By this undeserved grace everything in my life was changed. I now preach the One whom I hated and blasphemed.

This story is based on what Jesus said in John 15:18-27.

Father, make us faithful even in the face of fierce opposition.

http://thinkinginthespirit.blogspot.com/

http://theanchorofthesoul.blogspot.com/

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http://writingprayerfully.blogspot.com/

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                                               She played fast and loose with life, she never considered tomorrow,
                                                      and now she’s crashed royally, with no one to hold her hand.
                                                      “Look at my pain, O God! And how the enemy cruelly struts.”
                                                                   LAMENTATIONS 1:9  THE MESSAGE
 

After getting burned playing with fire, you say, “I just wasn’t thinking.”
     You should have been!
     Flirting with temptation starts you on a toboggan ride toward disaster.
     Sin’s slippery slope is difficult to exit—it is easier to avoid altogether.
     It is foolhardy to only consider the consequences after they hit.
     Impulsive choices typically land you in trouble.
     Human nature chooses the easy way, and that is usually wrong.

Think back—learn from history that you cannot sin without painful effects.
     Reflect on how unpleasant your life became when you acted badly.
     Reconsider how complicated relationships got when you misbehaved.

Think ahead—anticipate the awful effects of sin—turn away from it.
     Keep in mind the consequences of guilt and grief—avoid doing wrong.
     Reflect on how pleasant your life is when you trust and obey Me.

Jerusalem, city of peace, was exiled to heart-wrenching loneliness.
     Jerusalem, city of the Great King, was shackled by cruel tyrants.
     Jerusalem, the holy city, was orphaned from the Promised Land.
     If they had only thought ahead, they could have avoided disaster.

Now it is your turn.
     Repent and walk humbly with Me, and I will help you live correctly.
     Hold My nail-scarred hand, and I will guide you on a glorious path—
          a path of peace and joy, not chaos and heartache.

Want to celebrate victory—not defeat—at sunset?
     Then, at sunrise, think ahead! 

                                    

                         (c)  Pastor Johnny R. Almond 
               Day 280,  Gentle Whispers from Eternity 

Have you forgotten the sins of your ancestors, sins of kings and queens of Judah,
and the sins you and your wives committed in Judah and Jerusalem?
To this very hour you have shown no remorse or reverence.
No one has chosen to follow my law and the decrees
I gave to you and your ancestors before you.
JEREMIAH 44:9-10 NLT

Have you learned the lesson of My Book? Only truth endures.
     Other books need updating, but the Book from Heaven is ahead of date.
     Other writings need revising, but Scripture never requires editing.
     My Word stood with Elijah against the false prophets of Baal,
          against Korah and his rebel band opposed to My select leaders,
          against Ananias and Sapphira and their flagrant lies,
          and it will stand against the Devil at Armageddon.
     When Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn accepted the Nobel Prize for Literature,
          he quoted a Russian proverb that reflects the power of Truth:
          “One word of truth outweighs the world.”


Have you learned the lesson of blessing? Only obedience brings joy.
     Disobedience causes sadness and tragedy—it is good for nobody.
     Following My instructions is the path to celebration—it is good for all.
     “There’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey”
          (John Sammis, “Trust and Obey”).


Have you learned the lesson of the boomerang? Causes have effects.
     Every thought, word, and deed invariably affects you.
     Ignoring Me is moral suicide—to go your own way is to self-destruct.
     The old saying is right—"what goes around comes around."


Have you learned the lesson of a broken heart? Repentance is My desire.
     Confession and contrition are required for admittance to My Presence.
     Before you see My face, you must cry your eyes out because of sin.
     The Bible is right—the proud are My foes, the humble are My favorites.


Learn your lessons well—be an honor student in Life University. 


                                    

                            (c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
                    Day 278,  Gentle Whispers from Eternity 

This week I want to write on the conclusion of John 15:7-8. In many ways these are the most important words in these verses, as I suppose I can say about everything I have written on this passage. 

“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, 

ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 

By this my Father is glorified, 

that you bear much fruit and so prove 

to be my disciples.”

I am not sure why many translations read as this one, that by this we prove we are disciples. In this case the wording in the King James Bible better reflects the wording in the original language of the New Testament. “So shall ye be my disciples.” There is a two fold “if” clause at the beginning of verse 7. “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you.” Everything in the passage hangs on these conditions. By abiding in Jesus, His word dwelling in us we can ask whatever we wish and it will be done for us. Verse 8 gives the results of such prayer. God the Father will be glorified, our lives become fruitful, and we will be disciples of Christ.

The crucial truth here is that you cannot sever prayer from discipleship. I am sure there are people who do not know God at all for whom God has answered prayer. But that is certainly not the point of this passage. Prayer calls for the fellowship of discipleship. We are to live in fellowship with God immersing ourselves in His will and His word. His word refers to the final words of Jesus recorded John 14-16. It also includes every word of Jesus recorded for us in Scripture. It must even include every inspired word of God in the entire Bible. God's word must shape our lives.

This promise of prayer directs us to the purpose of discipleship. If our lives are driven by our foolish selfishness, the full power of prayer would be horribly dangerous for us and everyone around us. But as we learn to live in Jesus, God will be glorified and we will be blessed by the fruitfulness of our lives. The very next words in this teaching of Jesus read,

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”

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Yesterday was Father’s Day. In spite of having had skin cancer surgery on my forehead on the preceding Monday and having spent the week with swollen eyes and nose, using ice packs for ten minutes every hour, taking pain killers on a regular basis, and sleeping with my head elevated, I preached my morning sermon. It was not that the congregation especially needed my sermon, but it was that I needed to preach on Father’s Day. When I was fifteen years old, I was involved in a Saturday night automobile wreck causing the second vertebra of my neck to be broken. The following Sunday morning, as I lay in a hospital bed, my Dad preached. Others sat by me in the hospital, but he fulfilled what he considered to be life’s highest calling. Some might disagree with his priorities, but I did not. I wanted him to preach that Sunday morning. (He was still preaching three months before his death, at age 84.) A few years after my accident, I would sense that same calling on my life. Over the years and around the globe, I have preached in some unusual places and under some unusual conditions, but I have always preached, when it was my turn. The Apostle Paul wrote to young Timothy, “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2). So, I preached on Father’s Day. Whatever your life’s priorities are, if they are in sync with God’s calling on your life, do it: on good days and bad days; on healthy days and unhealthy days; in good circumstances and bad circumstances; “in season and out of season.”

If you return and give up this mistaken tone of distrust and despair,
           then I will give you a settled place of quiet and safety,
                       and you will be My minister.                     
                  JEREMIAH 15:19 THE AMPLIFIED BIBLE


I know you better than you know yourself—
     you cannot fool Me with verbal veneer or pious platitudes.

My Holy Spirit x-rays your heart, and I see everything perfectly clear.
     Do not feel I am so busy managing the cosmos, I ignore your thoughts.
     I search your heart and convict you of offensive trends I find there.
     I inspire you to toss out ephemeral garbage and invest in eternal gold.

In My Presence, do some serious introspection and prayerful reflection.
     Clean up your act—adjust your attitudes.

Turn from your distrust—
     Commit the unknown future into My omniscient hands.
     What I am looking for above all else is faith—
          a little will transport you to heaven; more will bring heaven to you.
     When you are tempted to quit the struggle, look again to the cross—
          remember who died for you, and then get back to living for Him.

Turn from your despair—
     Believe My promise to make the future bright and glorious.
     Drop your despondency at My feet, and let Me carry burdens you cannot.
     I am not a mirage; I am an oasis of joy and peace in a desert of gloom.
     Listen hopefully to My future melody, and dance faithfully today.

Turn from your discouragement—
     Cooperate with Me, and I will empower you to persevere in ministry.
     Cheer up—down-in-the-mouth living misrepresents My Kingdom.
     Voice the prayer of Amy Carmichael, My missionary to India:
          Let me not sink to be a clod; Make me Thy fuel, Flame of God.

Turn from your doubt—
     Take Me at My Word and share My message with all willing to hear.
     Whether welcomed or rejected, unflinchingly repeat Scripture’s Truth.
     From the pulpit of your personality, tell My never-ending Love story


                                          

                                  (c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
                         Day 276,  Gentle Whispers from Eternity 

It only takes a few pages (maybe only paragraphs) to determine whether this is a book you eagerly want to read or if this is a book you simply need to read.

 

Tear Down These Walls is wonderfully bothersome whether you are hungry for a grander, more glorious unity of the Church, or you know it is time to review and revise barriers and boundaries robbing you of the fullness of the Body of Christ.

 

John is issuing a call to all who believe-in/follow-after Jesus. A challenge to reimagine our Lord's yet-to-be-fulfilled prayer in John 17. To see “church” as a spiritual-relational community rather than an organizational entity. To recognize, and declare to a radically and rapidly changing culture, that "Christian" applies to everyone who has authentic faith in the One of God, even those with doctrinal or political differences. 

Our need to reimagine Christianity begins not with new methods nor with a new slant on our message but with a fresh experience and a culturally clear explanation of Christianity. Elevating Christ, Truth-incarnate, above text, theology, tradition - Christ, the hope of glory.

 

Brick-by-brick. Prayer-by-prayer. Relationship-by-relationship.

 

Phil Miglioratti

The http://Reimagine.Network

Here is how to pre-order the book from the publisher. 

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The two men walked along the road by the sea on their way from Smyrna to Pergamum. The older man’s step was quite as spry as the younger. The elder was Jewish. The younger man was obviously Greek. Despite the differences in their backgrounds and ages they carried on a lively conversation as they walked. John often used their travels to plant his life and all that he knew of Jesus into the life of Polycarp. As they walked Polycarp asked a favorite question. 

“What was the greatest miracle our Lord ever performed on this earth?”

John answered, “As much as I have enjoyed speculating about this question of yours, I have always thought there was something wrong with whatever answer I gave. I have come to believe that none of his miracles can be seen separately. His whole life was miraculous. He is the Son of God. His godliness is at the heart of everything he did.” They were both silent while Polycarp digested what John had said. 

He then asked, “How did he express his godliness most often?”

“By his love,” John said with hardly a pause. “Everything he did was love.”

Polycarp said, “I have sometimes heard you speak of yourself as ‘The disciple that Jesus loved.’ But didn’t Jesus love all of his disciples? He loves every one of us.”

“Yes,” John said. “I sometimes think he especially loved me. All of us must have thought that from time to time. His love is overwhelming. I describe myself that way to give attention to the love of Jesus and keep myself anonymous. His love in our lives is the most important thing about us.”

Polycarp said, “I don’t think anyone in Asia, outside of our churches, would relate godliness to love. Some might try to demonstrate devotion by emotional or sexual excesses.The stoics would think of strict behavior.”

“Yes,” John said, “and even though our ancient Scriptures overflow with the love of God, the Pharisees, the strictest Jewish practitioners, never seemed to teach anything about it, except in an abstract way. Jesus lived out his love. The love of Jesus was more striking and more powerful than any other sign that he gave us.”

“Tell me one of the ways Jesus expressed his godly nature in love.” At this point they came to a busier road that left the seaside for some distance. They were silent as they came out onto the high road, negotiating with the crowds and wagons, even livestock being driven to market. As they found their place in the rhythm of traffic John began to give an answer. 

“On the night that Jesus was betrayed, we gathered for that last Passover meal. You know what the Passover feast is, don’t you.”

“Yes,” Polycarp said. “I have heard you describe the feast and even its beginnings in your history.”

“Well, as we gathered for the meal, Jesus rose and laid aside his clothes. He wrapped a towel around his waist and began to wash our feet, drying them with the towel.”

“Really? Jesus himself dressed as a slave and washed your feet? That is amazing. It is almost as if he were saying he was not the Master.”

“My son, in his love Jesus humbled Himself before each of us. He knew he had come from God and was preparing to return to him. We could not always see it, but his humble love accentuated his majesty. Simon Peter tried to stop Jesus from washing his feet. Jesus said, ‘Simon, if I do not wash you, you have no part in me.’ In his love Jesus cleansed us from our sins. In his love he forgives and transforms us. By regular forgiveness he cleanses us day by day. Jesus taught us amazing lessons by his love. And I think the greatest miracle of his love is producing it in us. When he finished washing our feet, Jesus took back His clothes and asked, ‘Do you understand what I have done?’ He said, ‘You call me Teacher and Lord and you are right. If I then, your Teacher and Lord have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet.’”

Polycarp blurted out, “Did he mean that literally?”

“Possibly,” John answered. “But he meant far more than that. Jesus gave us an example of love that humbles us before each other.”

“But Jesus did that knowing he was the Son of God. How can we do it?”

John said, “We know that Jesus came from his Father and returned to his Father’s arms. We know that in him we too are loved by God. Whether or not we are among those who live until Jesus returns, we will soon go to his Father’s embrace.

“Jesus was teaching us to serve others in the power of his love. He showed us his forgiveness and gave us the power to forgive those who wrong us. Jesus told Peter that we only needed our feet washed because we were already clean. Then he said, ‘But not all of you are clean.’ He knew Judas was going to betray him that night. In his love Jesus washed the feet of his betrayer. We too can grow to love our enemies. This kind of love can only be reproduced in those of us who know Jesus.”

Polycarp said, “I have heard you say that before. And I don’t understand what Jesus meant. Was He saying he only choses those who are willing to love our enemies?” 

John answered, “Jesus said we were chosen before the foundation of the world. Loving others like Jesus is his gift to us. Of course God knew before the foundation of the world who would receive his love. But that is more than Jesus explained when he said he knew whom he had chosen. I believe it is more complicated and certainly less deserved than that. 

Jesus gave us one final command to love one another. ‘A new commandment I give you, to love as I have loved you.’ This is how people will know that we are his disciples.”

Polycarp said, “That is certainly true. I heard a man in Ephesus telling other people about us. Frankly, he misrepresented almost everything we believe. But he ended by saying, ‘And look how much they love one another.” 

This story was based on events recorded in John chapter 13.

Lord Jesus, we belong to you. Reproduce your supernatural love in us.

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Giants Causeway - Ireland 


 

So, Jeremiah, if you’re worn out in this footrace with men,
what makes you think you can race against horses?
And if you can’t keep your wits during times of calm,
what’s going to happen when troubles break loose like the Jordan in flood?
JEREMIAH 12:5 THE MESSAGE

When you get frazzled by hang-ups, the Wonderful Counselor guides you.

When you cannot put one foot in front of the other, Almighty God helps you.

When you are looking for a high example to follow, the Holy One inspires you.

When evil shadows trouble you, the Sun of Righteousness lights your path.

When your world is falling apart, the Chief Cornerstone holds you together.

When you think death has the last word, the Resurrection changes everything.

When guilt gets the best of you, the Lamb of God liberates your spirit.

When no one seems to care a thing about you, the Son of Man understands.

When hard times overwhelm you, the Comforter stands under you.

When life does not make sense, the Lord of All makes significance possible.

When you are so weak you cannot go on, the Lord God Almighty enforces you.

When you are confused about which route to follow, the Way directs you.

When you are searching for reality, the Truth outweighs worldly propaganda.

When you are at the point of giving up, the Life energizes you for steep roads.

When you are scared of the dark, the Light of the World is your Night Light.

When you are needing fellowship, the Head of the Church makes it possible.

When you are crying your eyes out, the Man of Sorrows weeps with you.

When you are on stormy high seas, the Prince of Peace quiets your fears.

When you are struggling with life lessons, the Master Teacher helps you learn.

When you are over the edge, the Shepherd lifts you up and restores your soul.

When you are near despair, the Messiah reassures you of His imminent reign.

When you are addicted to sinful habits, the Redeemer breaks hell’s handcuffs.

When you do not know how to pray, the Advocate intercedes on your behalf.

When you question evil’s success, the Righteous Judge promises final justice.

When you are lonely, the Bright Morning Star illuminates your heart.

When current events seem hopeless, the King of kings promises a new world.

When life’s next chapter is hard to read, the Author of your faith edits it.

When you are searching for meaning, the Word of Life spells it out for you.

When life gets harder, I will be there for you.

(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 275,  Gentle Whispers from Eternity 

The cover of one of my earlier books shows ripe fruit overflowing a plate. Fruitfulness is certainly at the heart of God’s purpose for prayer in our lives. In John 15:7,8 Jesus spoke to this in a wonderful promise.

“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.”

One of the areas where the world has wormed its way into the church, at least in the west, is in the value we place on pleasure, comfort, and wealth. You may be able to see this in your prayers. Do you pray as if God wants to feed and cultivate your selfishness? God made you and redeemed you for a purpose. One of the greatest joys of prayer is in what God produces in and through your life. 

There are many facets of the work of God in and through our lives. A good place to begin observing them is the list of spiritual fruit found in Galatians 5:22-23.

“Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”

The Spirit produces these strengths in the real situations that we face day to day. You should certainly pray for Jesus to reproduce His selfless love in you. You can ask God to show you ways to love your spouse. This will bless your marriage. You can pray for God to help you love each of your children as they need. You will rejoice in what you see in their lives. Pray for God to show His love for your parents through your attitudes and behavior. You can pray for God to help you forgive someone who has wronged you. In The Hiding Place Corrie ten Boom tells about being approached by a former guard from the prison camp where she was held. 

“‘Jesus, help me!’ I prayed silently. ‘I can lift my hand. I can do that much. You supply the feeling.’ And so woodenly, mechanically, I thrust my hand into the one stretched out to me.

And as I did, an incredible thing took place. The current started in my shoulder, raced down my arm, sprang into our joined hands. And then this healing warmth seemed to flood my whole being, bringing tears to my eyes.”

There is no limit to what God will do in you through prayer. You can trust God to fill your heart with joy as you try to give thanks and worship Him in suffering. Philippians 4:6,7 calls us to pray for peace that passes understanding in stressful situations. Verse 5 reads,

“Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand.”

The word translated, “reasonableness” here can be translated as gentleness, or moderation, as the King James renders it. Reasoning from God’s grace we can respond to aggression or affliction with the gentleness of Christ who prayed, “Father, forgive,” from the cross. We can always know that God is near. 

As God’s Spirit produces these and other traits in us His fruit spreads to others who want to know the reason for what they see of Christ in our lives. 1 Peter 3:15 reads,

“In your hearts honour Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defence to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” 

By the power of God in our prayerful witness the fruit of new believers will be produced in God’s church. Are you praying for God’s fruit to be produced in and through you?

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