The Blessing of Believing

The Blessing of Believing John 20.24-31 Jesus wants everyone to come to faith. We are given the purpose of the Gospel of John in this verse: John 20. 31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His Name. II Peter 3. 9 The LORD is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. This is the heart of God. The heart of the Waiting Father There is great blessing in believing. Thomas struggled. He had to believe before he could become a witness. He had to see to believe. “I’ll believe it when I see it.” When I have been asked to testify in court over the years I have been told on occasion that I was believable, credible . I have also been asked on occasion to stretch the truth by defense or immigration attorneys. I never did that. One time, when I refused, I had an attorney say, “Well, honesty is the best policy.” I responded, “For me it is the only one!” Thomas had to see to believe. Jesus obliged. God still does with those who doubt. All creation magnifies Him. Take the birds. He cares for them. For 6,000 years they have lived without bird feeders! Bird baths too! Creation’s witness to us from God. The heavens show everyone His Handiwork. Psalm 19. 1  The heavens declare the glory of God;     the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Earth is crammed with Heaven and every bush aflame with God but only he who sees takes off his shoes. - Elizabeth Barret Browning The heavens declare the glory of God. There is not a place where their voice is not heard. Psalm 19.1-4 We are called to have mercy on those who doubt. Help them. Don’t be hard on them. Jude 22 It could be that you were teased as a child. Maybe you were abandoned. Or faced death at a young age. Our personality affects our faith. Thomas was a twin, probably named that at birth, which means he was a second child, tending to be skeptical because of a believing heart. “Uncle Mark, are you taping us?” “No.” “You’re not?” Two second borns. There are great blessings in believing. * Peace This is the first word in Jesus’ greeting to the disciples. Tranquility Harmony Security and Safety Believers have these and many more blessings. These men needed this. By believing we have life in His Name. Peace with God Romans 5.1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our LORD Jesus Christ, They all needed this. Talk about souls in torture. That was the picture of the Eleven on that Resurrection Weekend. Peter with his guilt Thomas with His doubts All of them gripped with fear. They had left everything to follow Him. Now they are locked up in a room for fear they will be killed next. At this point they didn’t even feel it safe to try to high tail it back to Galilee. Thoughts of Palm Sunday and how they got to this point loomed in their minds. Emotional Turmoil. Maybe you have one or more of those (fear, guilt or doubt) this morning… Jesus is here. Jesus came and gave them peace. The Prince of Peace brings peace to their hearts and souls. He rebuked them for their lack of faith that He was alive but not for their denial and abandonment. He gave them peace. Peace takes away guilt, fear and doubt. Today Believing prayer brings this Philippians 4. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Great peace have they who love Your law and nothing can make them stumble. Psalm 119.165 We are peacemakers. We know when to speak We know when to be silent Huge blessings! Believe and join in the blessing, “Peace be with you.” Another blessing of believing… * The Ability to believe God, Who calls things into being that were not Romans 4.17 True missionaries have this ability, the gift of faith Each of you have been given a measure of faith. Some have great faith. But Jesus said that you can do wonders even if your faith is the size of a mustard seed. Matthew 17.20 The mustard seeds in Israel. We call things into existence by believing prayer to the LORD. We call things into existence by speaking your faith Pastor Johnson, “I believe that roof is going on!” God put that in His heart. Arts words to me, “This may make you a better Pastor.” We walk by faith. The Church’s finest hour is when it believes with no evidence. Can you see what God is doing here? What He desires to do? Inconvenience yourself in prayer and watch Him work! Hebrews 11.1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for. NASB Now faith is the certainty of things hoped for, a proof of things not seen. 2 For by it the people of old gained approval. KJV Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. The Prayer of faith, the prayer offered in faith is a great blessing. Sick healed When we anoint those who in faith raise their hands, calling for the elders. Is it my prayer, the elders, or all of us together? Another Blessing of believing… * Seeing the Glory of God John 11.40 The Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God? “ What an amazing statement! Seeing the glory of God. For Martha of Bethany it was seeing her brother, Lazarus, come back from the dead! For us it could be *Having the strength to go on after a loved one goes to Heaven, not just strength but a new direction in which to travel! *Seeing God meet a need which we had hoped for but could not imagine how He would. *Beginning a new career at a point in life when you thought it was over *Seeing answers to prayers you have prayed a long time over *Loved ones coming to Christ God calls us to exercise our faith. For Martha it was believing what Jesus said about Him being the Resurrection and the Life. What do you need today? If it is direction… He is the Light of the world. If it is spiritual hunger… He is the Bread of Life. If you are venturing in faith… He is the Door.Go through Him. If you are needing protection… He is the Good Shepherd. If you are perplexed… He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. If you are longing to see God work remember… He is the True Vine and all you need to do is abide or remain in Him, His Word and prayer * Staying the Course/ Seeing a Harvest Back to Thomas… Mar Thomas Church in India  believed to, have been founded by Saint Thomas (Mar Thoma), one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ, and known by the name of the Apostle, in the year AD 52 Tradition tells us that through the ministry of the Word in many miracles, he brought many high cast Hindus to the Christian faith. There is another interesting story about King Gundaphorus an Indo-Parthian King. An agent told the king that Thomas was a carpenter, and the king gave him money to build a palace. Thomas promptly took the money and gave it to the poor. When the king came to see his new dwelling, he was told that the real palace would be in the kingdom of heaven. The king threw both Thomas and the agent into prison to await execution. At the same time, the kings brother became ill. He became interested in the teachings of Thomas, and in a dream he imagined he died, and went to heaven, where the angel showed him the palace that Thomas had built. He woke, rushed to the king to tell him his dream and secure the release of these two men. King Goundaphorus then became a Christian himself and sent Thomas to preach over his dominion. Many thought this was a legend until the middle of the 19th century when excavations in Punjab reveal that there actually had been in info-Parthian King Goundaphorus who lived in the middle of the first century making him a contemporary of Thomas. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6.9 In these times a good word is perseverance. The first of the flowers in my yard and Margot’s are snowdrops. They shoot up through hard frozen ground. How these tender plants do that is beyond me. They are tough. I have had them bloom in the snow, through the snow. They are tender and tough. That is what believing is. It is having a tender heart, open to God with toughness that does give up or give on. Then producing a harvest 30,60 ,100 times what was sown. * A Final Word About This Wonderful Gift of Life 30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name. Brevity rather than volumes of books, initially. The foundation. Books being written about what Jesus is doing in recent times and being part of a move of God in our days is wonder filled. We have the firm foundation in the Word, the Word that became flesh and the written Word, God’s Word. Believing we have life in His name. Eternal Life, age abiding life, a quality of life now which will continue through eternity in Heaven. The Blessings of believing Peace Ability to call things into being that were not Seeing the Glory of God Perseverance Life Eternal

Jesus’ Resurrection And Our Life

Jesus’ Resurrection And Our Life Bridging the gap between the Resurrection and our lives in 2025 Mark 16.1-7o Romans 6.1-14 Never did an enterprise look more utterly ruined than when Jesus of Nazareth was taken down from the cross and laid in the tomb. -Pastor James S. Stewart, renowned Scottish Minister of another generation The disciples locked up in that upper room The disciples were in seclusion because they were afraid of the Jewish authorities. They were fearful of being arrested and suffering the same fate as Jesus. They still did not believe Mary's story that Jesus was alive. From the pit of despair, guilt, fear and disbelief to joy beyond words, overwhelming joy and forgiveness in the words of Jesus, “Peace be with you.” 50 days later, after being baptized with the Holy Spirit, these men are proclaiming the Truth. Jesus is alive! The Resurrection of Jesus Christ It is an historical fact. The Tomb in Jerusalem is empty. Jesus said, “I am the Resurrection and the Life.” The women were going to anoint the dead body of Jesus. vs. 1-2 They were concerned about problems they didn’t need to be concerned about. v.3 This is a prime example of what happens when we lack faith and miss the Word of God. How are you facing your dilemmas today? We fished all night and caught nothing… yet at Your command… Why do we concern ourselves with things Jesus told us He would take care of? It could be that we do not know what He said, or we forgot, like the followers of Jesus. It could be like them, that we have been crushed by grief. That can do strange things to us. It could be we lack faith. I believe many followers of Jesus live there. These dear women were. Forget about the men. They were hiding behind locked door for fear. Good News from the Angel. vs.5-6 Luke 24. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus Himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing Him. 17 He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked Him, “Are You the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 19 “What things?” He asked. “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed Him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified Him;21 but we had hoped that He was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn’t find His body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said He was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.” Of all the disappointments in life, disappoint with Jesus is the worst. It is the end of hope. So Jesus rose from the dead but they did not see Him, even when He was walking with them. Then their eyes were opened… how He broke the bread. Paul, the Apostle writes to the church at Corinth about this. I Corinthians 15. 3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance; that Christ died for our sinsaccording to the Scriptures, 4 that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that He appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve.6 After that, He appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Jesus said to Thomas, “Because you have seen Me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20.29 One week later. We will talk about this next Sunday, LORD willing. Even though the Resurrection is an historical fact you need faith to believe it. We are not eyewitnesses. But we do have the witness of the Spirit. Jemaul That moment from Jesus a pardon receives The tomb is empty. Your heart and mind can be as well. Maybe it is this morning. Open it up like a child and stop doubting and believe! The Tomb of Joseph of Arimethea was empty at sunrise. Jesus rose from the dead. That is the Good News this Easter Sunday Morning, The first Day of the Week The Garden Tomb A place of wonder He is not there. He is Risen. The emotions of that day can be summarized by these verses: Luke 24. 40 When He had said this, He showed them His hands and feet. 41 And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, He asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” The Resurrection has spiritual applications Bridging the gap between Jesus’ Resurrection and our lives in 2025 The resurrection is an historical fact, and a living reality The Spiritual Application * We were baptized into His Death Romans 6.3 Our old self was crucified We have died We have a new life. Baptism is a visible demonstration of Christ’s death and Resurrection. This is eternal truth of God: There is life after death. This is the essence of the Resurrection * United in Death/ United in Life vs.5-7 Christ defeated death We can defeat sin through His power Because He lives I can face today, and tomorrow The Resurrection Power lives in us. Romans 8. 10 But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of His Spirit who lives in you. 6.6 For we know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— * Count yourselves dead to sin Do not let sin reign Master it. Do not let it master you God to Cain Genesis 4. 6 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? 7 If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” Newness of Life 11 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. 4 We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. II Peter 1. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control;and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Christ’s Resurrection offers us a new life. People try to experience life. They long for it. The question of the Rich Young Ruler Jesus met on the way to Jerusalem… “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” He was young, rich and a ruler. Why was he asking this? Obviously these things didn’t satisfy. There was a longing for life, eternal life. Financial Success doesn’t bring it. Anti aging treatments really cannot restore your youth. Reaching the pinnacle of success in your career will not fulfill that longing. Only Jesus can satisfy your soul. If you have eternal life you know. If you don’t you can know. LORD, be merciful to me a sinner. LORD Be merciful To me a sinner A sinner He is alive today. We can face tomorrow.

The Entrance That Stirred The City

The Entrance That Stirred The City Matthew 21.1-11 to shake, agitate, cause to tremble of men, to be thrown into a tremor, to quake for fear To agitate the mind Today we commemorate Jesus riding into Jerusalem during Passover Week. We call this Palm Sunday. Jesus, more than any other person who ever lived, brings deep seated emotions from everyone. His name is used more than any other both by His followers and by those interestingly who deny bHim. Jesus told us this would happen. Say His Name and it will evoke all kinds of reactions from adoration to condemnation to anger and even rage. , Matthew 10.34 “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. 36 And a person's enemies will be those of his own household He called men, 12 of them, to leave everything to follow Him. On His way to Jerusalem for Holy Week… Mark 10. 28 Then Peter spoke up, “We have left everything to follow You!” 29 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for Me and the Gospel 30 will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—along with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life. 31 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” 32 They were on their way up to Jerusalem, with Jesus leading the way, and the disciples were astonished, while those who followed were afraid. Again He took the Twelve aside and told them what was going to happen to Him.33 “We are going up to Jerusalem,” He said, “and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn Him to death and will hand Him over to the Gentiles, 34 who will mock Him and spit on Him, flog Him and kill Him. Three days later He will rise.” I have been heading to the city or in the city when the President of the United States arrives. It is a logistical nightmare. It is inconvenient. From Mount Sinai Hospital all the way down to the Brooklyn Bridge. But this entry by the Son of God produced things never felt or experienced before. So He rides into Jerusalem, fulfilling ancient prophecy * Jesus Shakes Things up. His Presence in Jerusalem causes the City to tremble. If He rode into on a horse we could understand this on the surface but He rides into on an animal of peace! He comes in surprising ways. Be ready for them in your life! We are in a time when God is coming to us in new ways, in different ways. God help us if we think we have Him figured out. Marcos, Pastor Art and I having coffee on Friday. Pastor Art, “Do you have it figured out? Good! Don’t try.” They thought His Presence was going to bring a showdown between Israel and the Roman forces beefed up for the Passover Feast. What better time for a revolt, on the anniversary of them becoming an independent nation? Deuteronomy 4. 32 Ask now about the former days, long before your time, from the day God created man on the earth; ask from one end of the heavens to the other. Has anything so great as this ever happened, or has anything like it ever been heard of? 33 Has any other people heard the voice of God speaking out of fire, as you have, and lived? 34 Has any god ever tried to take for himself one nation out of another nation, by testings, by signs and wonders, by war, by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, or by great and awesome deeds, like all the things the LORD your God did for you in Egypt before your very eyes? This was a people who had seen miracles and interventions by God. We are too! The city was going to swell to 2 1/2 million people by week’s end. The thoughts of blood baths and Israel having the Kingdom restored to them ran through the minds of the people. Last time I was there and spoke to some Israelis about the Messiah I was told when He come He will make the people obey the law, even if by force. Contemporary Religious Thought in Israel. The thrill of freedom from oppression to what actually happened in 68-70AD when Jerusalem was destroyed ran through the minds of residents and visitors. Jesus predicted this just a few minutes before, on His way down the Mount of Olives,: He said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. 43 The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. 44 They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.” Luke 19.42-44 The rejection of Jesus, the failure of recognizing God’s coming to you results in destruction of your own soul, and often among the innocent. How often the children suffer because of the sins not their own. Take forgiveness. You know it is right, you have opportunities, yet you resist. You have planted horrible seeds in your hearts. Your sins will not be forgiven. The rejection of Christ brings its own pain. We reap what we sow. I have watched unforgiveness and bitterness passed on to children and the third generation not even know its own family. So sad. * Jesus causes the heart to tremble. I remember years ago we had a thing called “conviction”. People would tremble at the thought of eternity. Our nation is in trouble. Jeremiah 6.15 Are they ashamed of their detestable conduct? No, they have no shame at all; they do not even know how to blush. So they will fall among the fallen; they will be brought down when I punish them,” says the LORD. Because of the United States becoming a post Christian nation poor young people do not know their right hand from their left. Poison is being consumed and they do not realize it. May the LORD cause hearts to tremble once more. May there be an awakening in our land, in our days. Mays eyes and hearts be opened. * Jesus Causes The Heart To Fear John 16.8 When He comes, He will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 about sin,because people do not believe in Me; 10 about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see Me no longer; 11 and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned. The conviction is get people to come to Jesus. Karl Menninger 1973 Whatever Became of Sin? In his book the doctor projected the day would come when sin would no longer be an element of the human vernacular. He speculated that the explanation of sin and wrongdoing would be replaced by rationalizations excusing individual accountability. Menninger predicted the term sin would be replaced with words like illness, disorder, dysfunction, syndrome, etc. The human condition would be excused as a product of biochemistry, environment, experience, and trauma. He projected that even crime would go unpunished as criminal activity would be justified and minimized as the result of some medical abnormality for which one could not be held responsible. According to Menninger’s prognostication, the day was approaching when practically everyone would be considered sick and their conduct pardonable. No longer would there be any liability for human error, choice, and willful conduct. Everyone would be innocent, vindicated through biology, psychiatry, and humanistic reasoning. He was a prophet! What did the people say about Jesus? Matthew 21. 10 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” 11 The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” Prophet and Priest and King * Jesus Came To Seek and Save That Which Was Lost. Hosanna= save now! Luke 19. 9 Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” You are not listening to this message today because of a coincidence, by accident, or to make someone happy. God is speaking to your heart. He is whispering, “Come and see.” “Come and taste that the LORD is good. I will give you freedom like you have never known. You will see the Kingdom of God come!” Come just as you are. Let Him recreate you! Jesus wants to transform your life. If you are asking yourself, “What is life all about?” He will show you, today! Come and see. Let Jesus stir your heart and rearrange your life. Walk with Him this week, each day.

A Lamb For the Family

A Lamb For Every Family Exodus 12.1-13, 29-36 This was the final plague of the ten: the death of the firstborn son/male in Egypt. This would end Israel’s slavery in Egypt. They would be free to travel to the Promised Land. The Exodus/ Departure would be underway that night. It coincided with action on the part of the Israelites. The LORD directed them to institute the Passover. The Passover was a one time event and a feast to be commemorated each spring. It will be celebrated around the world by the Jewish people this Saturday, April 12, 2025. The last plagues were announced by Moses as a warning to Pharaoh. This had no warning. Egypt experienced death as Israel was delivered and spared death by obedience to the LORD. v.3 Tell the whole community of Israel that on the tenth day of this month each man is to take a lamb for his family, one for each household. God works through families. He has a plan for the spiritual leadership in it. The human family. Mark 3. 31 Then Jesus’ mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call Him. 32 A crowd was sitting around Him, and they told Him, “Your mother and brothers are outside looking for You.” 33 “Who are my mother and my brothers?” He asked. 34 Then He looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are My mother and My brothers! 35 Whoever does God’s will is My brother and sister and mother.” He is building His spiritual family. You are born into it. Those who are members of the Forever Family do God’s will. * The Blood of the Lamb Saved the Israelites From Death In the Family. v.21-23 Specific instructions were given. Place the blood with a hyssop branch on the door posts and over it. Stay inside until morning. Our homes should be havens from sin and it consequences. The death angel/the destroyer will Passover your house when he sees the blood. Today we need the blood of the Lamb of God over the homes of God’s people. The Lamb for every family. We need it over the House of God. There is wonder working power in the blood. Pray for families. I don’t need to go into detail about the family in America today. You and I know it is under attack. It is in trouble. Attempts have been made to redefine it. So many families are broken. People who got involved with and promoted the Men’s movement in the late 1990’s are now divorced. Every family needs the blood of Jesus over it. We need to focus on the LORD in the family. We see young people in need of love, desperately in need of love. We see mothers and fathers in need of it, husbands and wives. Austin Metcalf, the 11th grader, was stabbed in the heart by a student from the opposing team in Texas this week at a track meet. He died in his twin brother’s arms. In the US, a significant number of young men are raised without their biological father, and research suggests this absence is linked to various negative outcomes, including lower educational attainment, higher rates of incarceration, and increased involvement in risky behaviors. Over 18 million young people in the US grow up without the biological father in the home. That is 1 out of 4. This is our time, a time for the Church to rise up and be the fathers to the fatherless. Pray. Be there. May Christ bring about in America this promise in the Scriptures: Malachi 4. 5 “See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the LORD comes. 6 He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents; or else I will come and strike the land with total destruction.” If the family, the cornerstone of a culture, fails, there goes the nation. God’s Solution: A Lamb for every family… The Lamb is gentle. It is docile. How we need the gentleness in families and in the nation today. It is one of the fruits of the Spirit. Gentleness= mild kindness as opposed to harsh, hard, sharp, bitter Lamb Perfect Innocence Perfect Love Intrinsic Goodness Not natural defenses. A dog can bite, a cat can scratch, but a lamb is helpless without a Shepherd. We need the Lamb of God in relationships today, family relationships. The lack of respect is beyond description. I would never dare speak the way I hear some speak. We have lost so much. The elderly are spoken to in ways that are wrong. Instead of learning from their wisdom, they are tossed aside and few seem to care that they are. Our nation may be increasing in knowledge but it sorely lacking in wisdom, the wisdom of elders. We need the gentleness of the Lamb. We need the gentleness of the Lamb in the church today. I have watched fellow pastors mistreated. Pastors wanting out of the ministry. Churches at one another’s throats. Confusion among saints. God help us! May there be a wave of kindness, tender heartedness towards each other. I see bitterness in the lives of the people of God and it is so inappropriate. So unseemly. We ought to be the most joyful and thankful people on earth! Forgiveness is so needed today. Let your gentleness be evident to all. The LORD is near. Philippians 4.5 Lambs must be led. They cannot be driven. A shepherd and sheep and lambs is the picture of the church in the New Testament. Let’s fight the enemy not each other. Without the Lamb you face death The blood of the Lamb saved the family. Everyone in the Family of God comes through the blood of the Lamb of God. Ephesians 2. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. Hebrews 9. 11 But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, He went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. 12 He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. The Passover Meal * This Was To Be A Lasting Ordinance When they entered the Land promised to them. This was one of the aids God gave them to remember where they had come from. Look to the rock from which you were hewn. Isaiah 51.1 There was a danger of forgetting the LORD once they arrived in the land. This would remind them. All over the country today there are young adults who have the benefits of growing up in a Christian Home but do not have faith. They are not part of the church. They have abandoned the faith of their families, their fathers. They do not respect their elders. Romans 3.1 What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision?2 Much in every way! First of all, the Jews have been entrusted with the very words of God. 3 What if some were unfaithful? Will their unfaithfulness nullify God’s faithfulness? 4 Not at all! Let God be true, and every man a liar. These young people have been entrusted with the very words of God. They have forgotten what they have been taught. We need to pray for all of them to return to the Father’s House. Pray that chords that are broken will vibrate once more. Passover Seders involved the children * This Was To Remind Them Of God’s Protection, Deliverance and Sacrifice v.26-28 The LORD’ Supper Jesus in Luke 22.15 Jesus said, “I have been very eager to eat this Passover meal with you before My suffering begins. Christ died once for all. I Peter 3.18 Jesus took the bread and the wine out of the Passover and told us: This is My Body broken for you. This is My Blood of the New Covenant shed for you. In John’s account there is no mention of the lamb. Jesus is the Lamb. I Corinthians 5.7 . For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. The Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world One Man died for the nation A lamb for every family It will be celebrated in Heaven. We will celebrate it now. Let’s share the Lamb. 4 If any household is too small for a whole lamb, they must share one with their nearest neighbor, Plenty of room in the family!

Living Under The Favor of God

Living Under The Favor Of God A prelude to the Passover Exodus 11. 1 Now the LORD had said to Moses, “I will bring one more plague on Pharaoh and on Egypt. After that, he will let you go from here, and when he does, he will drive you out completely. 2 Tell the people that men and women alike are to ask their neighbors for articles of silver and gold.” 3 (The LORD made the Egyptians favorably disposed toward the people, and Moses himself was highly regarded in Egypt by Pharaoh’s officials and by the people.) Moses had been a faithful messenger of the LORD’s to Pharaoh. He gave him uncomfortable truths: Obey or suffer the consequences. Hebrews 3.5 “Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house,” bearing witness to what would be spoken by God in the future. Thank God for the faithful servants in God’s House! Not hirelings but true shepherds. For prayer warriors Nine times he appeared before Pharaoh with the Word of God. Let my people go. Nine times Pharaoh disobeyed. A faithful servant of God keeps giving the truth to those he has been sent no matter what the results. Jeremiah After his commissioning, Isaiah asked, “6.11 Then I said, “For how long, O LORD?” And He answered: “Until the cities lie ruined
    and without inhabitant,
until the houses are left deserted
    and the fields ruined and ravaged, 12 until the LORD has sent everyone far away
    and the land is utterly forsaken. Then a promise of Jesus. We are at the final plague. This last one was going to hit home, the homes and families of the Egyptians. It is a lesson in what can happen to a nation which forgets God or when it stands opposed to Him. This is a lesson for our nation, as it was with ancient Egypt, ancient Israel and now with the United States. Because of the hardness of Pharaoh’s heart, Egypt was about to lose many of its young boys and men along with livestock. When a leader or leaders are disobeying God the nation moans. Proverbs 29.2 When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan. We are in a time when almost all of us know at least one young person (for me sadly many) who have died of an overdose involving fentanyl. This is why we need to pray for those in authority over us. Many of their decisions affect lives. Pharaoh’s stubborn refusal to believe, his disobedience to the Word of the LORD, brought destruction on all the firstborn males of the nation. It is lesson in living for the flesh or the Spirit. God was at work. The Israelites saw. They saw God judging Egypt and protecting His people. The Egyptians watched as they left. Numbers 33. 3 The Israelites set out from Rameses on the fifteenth day of the first month, the day after the Passover. They marched out defiantly in full view of all the Egyptians, 4 who were burying all their firstborn, whom the LORD had struck down among them; for the LORD had brought judgment on their gods. Living under the Favor of God If you walk with the LORD and obey Him you are free from maladies that come to those who do not walk with Him. The diseases that come from worry are not for God’s people. Fear brings certain things to the mind that the child of God need not concern themselves with. - Fear not. Do not worry. These are things we are told not to do. God gives us the power to be victorious over these. If we are in the Word reading about the faith filled ones we will fill our heart and mind with wonderful things. If you find yourself falling into either ask for prayer to be delivered. - Results of Drugs, Tobacco or Alcohol The likelihood of me getting lung cancer or cirrhosis of the liver is greatly decreased due to this. - Sexually transmitted Diseases… abstinence and monogamy in holy marriage gives us freedom from these diseases. If we continually watch the news, if we spend a lot of time on line, we will have struggles we do not need to have. It will affect your joy and peace. It will affect your whole outlook. If you get out with nature, look at God’s Handiwork, your heart will be blessed and your spirit renewed. Philippians 4.8 whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. The end of the plagues brought them to this: * Pharaoh Will Let You Go. Finally! Psalm 27.14 Wait for the LORD. Be strong and take heart. Wait for the LORD. This seemed like a long time for both nations. Egypt had been through a lot of damage and loss, all because of stubborn refusal on the part of Pharaoh. They experienced unnecessary destruction due to their leader who refused to obey the LORD. Pharaoh wanted to do what was best for Egypt. However he leaned on his own understanding. What was best for Egypt was to obey God That is what is best for any nation. What is best for any soul. Proverbs 14.34 Righteousness exalts a nation but sin is a disgrace to any people. Pharaoh is an example of stubborn refusal to submit to the LORD. Doing what is right brings blessings. We live under the favor of God. Proverbs 11.27 Whoever seeks good finds favor,     but evil comes to one who searches for it. Do what is right. * Pharaoh Will Drive You Out. He is not just going to let you go. He is going to get you out quickly. He who was opposed to you will join you in your cause. The one who was standing in the way of you deliverance from slavery will not just set you free, he is going to thrust you out. Expel you. God saw to that and made it happen. God can turn enemies for us. Some are waiting for direction from the LORD today. You are faced with decisions. The enemy is trying to sow confusion. There is a line of an old Gospel song, “When the tempter brings confusion, and I don’t know what to do on my knees I call to Jesus and I know He’ll see me through.” James 1:5, which states: "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, Who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you".  Your situation may be similar to the Israelites under Pharaoh. You may feel there is no way out. In a few weeks Jewish people from all around the world will celebrate the Passover and their deliverance from slavery. Perhaps you are in bondage, slaving for a master of your life. Jesus came to set you free, absolutely free. You may need wisdom. God wants you to live under His favor. In order to do that you must follow Him, keep in step with His Spirit, seek the Kingdom with your whole heart. The Israelites were in pain. They cried out to God and He remembered them. Exodus 3.7 The LORD said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. 8 So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. 9 And now the cry of the Israelites has reached me, and I have seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them. 10 So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.” What a wonderful inheritance! The LORD knows. The LORD sees. The LORD hears your cry. He is concerned about your suffering. Those tearful prayers you have been praying are heard in Heaven. He gives us these promises: Psalm 91.1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High     will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 23.1 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, 3 He refreshes my soul. Psalm 16.5 LORD, You alone are my portion and my cup;     You make my lot secure. 6  The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;     surely I have a delightful inheritance. Psalm 27.1 The LORD is my light and my salvation—     whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—     of whom shall I be afraid? The LORD rescues! Matthew 1.21 He shall save His people from their sins. Save= rescue The LORD was rescuing the Israelites. Pharaoh was going to drive them out. Some of you have been praying for a long time. Do not stop. Do not become weary. Continue to pray for that souls, that need. The LORD has ways of working that are beyond your understanding. He has ways of working you haven’t even thought of. Don’t focus on the problem. Focus on Him. Look to Him. Trust in Him with all your heart. * God Will Bless You God wants to bless you! Psalm 81.13 “If My people would only listen to me,     if Israel would only follow My ways, 14 how quickly I would subdue their enemies     and turn my hand against their foes! 15 Those who hate the LORD would cringe before Him,     and their punishment would last forever. 16 But you would be fed with the finest of wheat;     with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.” He wants us to live in freedom, in spiritual abundance, blessed by Him. He wants to feed us with the finest of wheat. Good food for the bodies. Spiritual food for the soul and spirit: His Word You won’t leave empty handed. The treasures of the Egyptians would be freely given to them as they left. What a great promise! You will be blessed financially/ materially. Proverbs 13.11 Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow. God blesses us so we can bless others. the gold and silver for was for the Tabernacle! They gave it freely. God puts money in our hands to bless others. There is great joy in that! His plan for the Israelites: To bring them out of Egypt To show them His wonder To bring them into the Promised Land, a land flowing with milk and honey. So that they might be a nation of priests for the whole world. His plan for you and I: To deliver us from sin To prove Himself mighty by miracles, signs and wonders. To bring us to Heaven For now to be a House of Prayer For All Nations. I Peter 2. 9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Make me a blessing! * A Good Standing With God And Many People When a man’s ways are pleasing to the LORD, He makes even his enemies live at peace with him. Proverbs 16.7 They may be enemies of the cross. Philippians 3.18 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. They cannot deny God’s blessing. Living under the favor of God does not mean we will not have: Enemies Problems Storms Times of severe testing, the trying of our faith But we have God! God’s purpose and plan will prevail. God will bring you through every storm. Fully obey the LORD. Live under His favor. Face every storm with Him. Enjoy the Journey.

God’s Purposes In The Plagues

God’s Purposes In The Plagues Exodus 10.1-2 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go to Pharaoh, for I have hardened his heart and the hearts of his officials so that I may perform these signs of Mine among them 2 that you may tell your children and grandchildren how I dealt harshly with the Egyptians and how I performed My signs among them, and that you may know that I am the LORD.” I love the Revelation of God. He reveals Himself in His Word. Jesus is the Word become flesh. I love Jesus and the Word. He reveals Himself in mighty acts, miracles, signs and wonders as we walk with Him. I love seeing God work. I love it when it is Him, not some gimmick or idea of mine. This past summer with the two BBQs… We want to do it again. He reveals Himself in His Creation, His Handiwork even cloudy mornings. He reveals Himself through others. Christ in you, in me, in us. My friend Jerry saying to the group of pastors 25 years ago in the DR, “I see Christ in each of you.” Group of nurses going to far off village, bring back video. Priceless. Now you are the Body of Christ. I Corinthians 12.27 The Gospel of John seven signs Jesus performed (revealed His Glory) so that we may might believe and by believing you may have life in His Name. John 2. 11 What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which He revealed His glory; and His disciples believed in Him. revealed= to make visible that which was hidden. He healed the lame man. He healed the nobleman’s son. He healed the man born blind. He fed the 5,000 men, 20-25,000 with women and children. He raised Lazarus from the dead. He rose from the Dead. John 20. 30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name. God delights in revealing Himself to those who trust in Him. That is what Jesus did while on earth. He revealed His/ God’s glory Jesus sometimes involved the disciples in His wonder working power. He continues to work through the Holy Spirit in this way. The way He has brought healing to people here. The way that the weather cooperates with us at Food Distribution Times (never had to move it inside all winter) The way He provides for us. The wisdom He gives. His Presence here. He involved Moses and Israel in the results of the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart. He has purposes in this, both blessings and warnings, for them and us. * Hardening the hearts of Pharaoh and his officials Pharaoh was given many opportunities. God knew what he would choose. Don’t ask me to explain this. It is beyond me. I do not concern myself with great matters     or things too wonderful for me. Psalm 131.1b Pharaoh hardened his heart. He had part in this. He loved riches more than obedience to God. You cannot serve both God and money. He disobeyed because he was greedy and did not truly believe the LORD’s Word to him. It could have been in part a pride/power thing. Wisest thing a ruler can do is humble himself. He did not humble himself in the sight of Almighty God. He was comfortable and God was calling him to an uncomfortable situation. He had come to depend on the benefit of holding Israel in slavery. His people did not have to do heavy labor. This was all ending. How would Egypt react if he did what was right and obeyed the LORD? To obey God is often humiliating. However it is always the right thing. The rich young ruler It is also always best to humble ourselves. Moses fell down at the beginning of Korah’s rebellion. Numbers 16. 16 Korah son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and certain Reubenites—Dathan and Abiram, sons of Eliab, and On son of Peleth—became insolent 2 and rose up against Moses. With them were 250 Israelite men, well-known community leaders who had been appointed members of the council. 3 They came as a group to oppose Moses and Aaron and said to them, “You have gone too far! The whole community is holy, every one of them, and the LORD is with them. Why then do you set yourselves above the LORD’s assembly?” 4 When Moses heard this, he fell facedown. (Not the act of a man who set himself above) David would not touch Saul. He was God’s Anointed. True the Anointed gone mad but nevertheless still God’s Anointed. He had opportunity. The gifts of God, once given are not withdrawn. Be careful of looking at those who are “anointed”. Better to look at their lives, examining the fruit of the Spirit in their lives, rather than the power that comes. “He’s so anointed!” Emotions can be stirred. Look at how he lives, his words outside the church. Examine his lifestyle. How does he treat people? Does he love money and riches? Pharaoh refused to humble himself under God’s Almighty Hand. I Peter 5. 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. God firmed up the hardness of Pharaoh’s heart. Gives people over to their evil desires. We see that in Romans 1. God’s purpose in the plagues. This would culminate with the Passover. God’s purposes would lead to the LORD’s Supper which Jesus lifted right out of the Passover. In this contest of power, in the finale of these plagues God’s purpose in Christ as the Lamb of God would eventually be revealed. We will remember it during Holy Week and on Good Friday next month. The purposes of God in the plagues… * To Perform Miraculous Signs. God delights is showing us His power. Elijah, the contest of power on Carmel He involved the men getting the water Feeding of the 5,000 I love how involved the disciples in this, beginning with Philip, Andrew and eventually all of them distributing the bread and fish. On Monday Evenings and Friday afternoons food distribution In Haiti regularly same thing. Resurrection, they were witnesses. Acts 1. 3 After His suffering, He presented Himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that He was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit Power from on High! Promises: * Luke 24. 49 I am going to send you what My Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” * Acts 1.4 On one occasion, while He was eating with them, He gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift My Father promised, which you have heard Me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” * The Day it happened Peter declared: * Acts 2. 38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized,every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” It is a gift from the Father for you! The purposes of God in the plagues… * To Tell Your Children and Grandchildren II Timothy 1. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Euniceand, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. Used to love to hear my Nana tell me stories about the faithfulness of God. God providing through George Mueller’s faith, books she read. I have books my great grandfather had in his study, books that were passed on to my Mom from her Mom, my Nana. I remember on a trip to Florida I brought along, George Mueller of Bristol by A. T. Pierson, pastor of a Presbyterian Church in Brooklyn. She remembered who gave it to her. She told me of the time when one of the many orphanages Mueller ran was out of bread. They gathered for prayer, asking God for food for that day. They heard a crackling sound. It ended up being the axel of the bread truck! The driver came to the door of the orphanage, while they were still praying, asking if they could use the bread as he would not be able to deliver it that morning. God provided. Love how my Nana praised the LORD… the azalea bush in the backyard on Mother’s Day Grandparents, we have a place in the lives of our grandchildren. We need to obey the Scriptures here. Tell them. Tell them what God has done in your life. The wonders He performed. Aunts and Uncles too. Let them hear you pray. They are watching… Lily and Tristan How He dealt harshly with the Egyptians… the consequences of sin. Tell them of the Savior. * That You May Know that I am the LORD He wants us to know Him. Personally This was not knowing about Him. This was first hand experience with Him. Intimately Ever growing John 1.16 For from His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. II Peter 3.18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen. He wants us to know He is the LORD. There are no other gods that can compare to Him He wants us to set apart Jesus Christ as LORD in our hearts. I Peter 3.15 AMP But in your hearts set Christ apart [as holy—acknowledging Him, giving Him first place in your lives] as Lord. Always be ready to give a [logical] defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope and confident assurance [elicited by faith] that is within you, yet [do it] with gentleness and respect. He desires to prove Himself mighty on your behalf. Got any rivers? Mountains? Are there pressing needs in your life today? Do you feel like there is no way I am going to make it through? God is actively watching and seeking out those whose hearts are devoted to Him, to show Himself strong on their behalf.  II Chronicles 16. 9 For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him

The Danger of Wavering Between Two Opinions

The Danger of Wavering Between Two Opinions Exodus 8.1-15 The LORD told Moses what was going to happen. 7.2-4 God knowing what would happen yet giving Pharaoh opportunity to obey. I cannot reconcile the two in my finite mind. However this is what is happening. It is happening today. God knows everything. Yet He still gives us a choice. Isaiah 55. 8  “For My thoughts are not your thoughts,     neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. 9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth,     so are My ways higher than your ways. Pharaoh is case study in waffling, ambivalence, wavering between two opinions: Do I let the Israelites go or do I keep them as slaves? Do I obey the LORD or do I do what is seemingly economically beneficial? Do I serve God or money? We see the two powerful forces at work here. Riches and power. That was the situation with the rich young ruler. Money/ riches cannot determine obedience yo God. The China Inland Mission and To Haiti With Love and every other Faith Mission would have never been launched if we allowed money to determine it. In a move of God… Pastor Chuck Smith, “What am I obligating these people to?” The dump trucks with the rocks in Haiti… gulp. Here is a struggle that many go through in obeying God, believing God and not leaning on their own understanding. It is ongoing decision in our journey. We face it often… these trying times, each day! It is dangerous to not do what God says. In His Word. We are warned about destruction. I believe many are self deluded, thinking they will escape. Hebrews 2:3-4 KJV How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the LORD, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard Him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to His own will? Through godly counsel. Pharaoh did not consider this. He was given the way of escape but he chose to reason things out. He was seeing everything from his own selfish perspective. Proverbs 3.5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart. Do not lean on your own understanding. In all you do acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths. Several decisions this past week. Asked pastor friends to pray with me. God spoke as they prayed. He was bringing Scripture to my heart. Words of Wisdom. Galatians 6. 7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Truths: * We are all sowing. * We will reap what we sow… eventually. * If you sow to please yourself you will see destruction. * If you sow to please God you will reap eternal life. * You will reap in proportion to what you sow. Luke 6. 38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” The Danger of Wavering Between Two Opinions… The LORD always does what He says He will do. vs.6 2 If you refuse to let them go, I will send a plague of frogs on your whole country. 3 The Nile will teem with frogs. They will come up into your palace and your bedroom and onto your bed, into the houses of your officials and on your people, and into your ovens and kneading troughs. 4 The frogs will come up on you and your people and all your officials.’” 6 So Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt, and the frogs came up and covered the land. God said this was going to happen and it did. Some people mock God and say the Bible is a myth. I am living the way I want and nothing is happening to me. To those poor souls I say, “Wait.” God has a loving way of working, not wanting any to perish but for all to come to Him. The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” Psalm 14.1 The good news for us today is if you are obeying God, keeping in step with His Spirit He will take care of you. You may have to endure hardship but that ship brings blessings on the other side! One of those blessings is encouraging others to get to the other side. Hebrews 12:7-11 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as His children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. God will provide for you. He did it with Manna. He does it now. The Danger of Wavering Between Two Opinions… Because of urgency of need people turn to prayer. v.8 I have seen atheists who are in desperate situations ask me to pray for them… and I have. Same with agnostics. Because God has placed eternity in the hearts of men (Ecclesiastes 3.11) it is an automatic response to urgent need for them to cry out, “Oh my God”. Interesting how suddenly He becomes “their” God in their time of trouble. If you are in trouble today and you don’t know Him, I have Good News! Whoever calls upon the Name of the LORD will be saved. Now you would think that everyone who prays will become a believer. They don’t, even if they are healed. The Ten Lepers in Luke 17. 11-19 The Danger of Wavering Between Two Opinions… Tomorrow is Procrastination v.9 Procrastination is the thief of time. The lack of swift decisive response when God is speaking is not a good thing. We cannot put off what God is asking today. Delays end up being disobedient. First let me bury my father… Matthew 8.21 Yet God has grace for all… Matthew 21. 28 “What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’ 29 “‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. 30 “Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go. 31 “Which of the two did what his father wanted?” “The first,” they answered. Thank God for the ability to change our minds! Is there something today you need to change your mind about… Maybe the one thing you lack The Danger of Wavering Between Two Opinions… The End Result Is Not Good If You Go Back and Forth v.12-15 Something stinks Something is rotten in Denmark. Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy. Proverbs 29.1 I Kings 18.21 Elijah went before the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.” But the people said nothing. Joshua 24. 14 “Now therefore fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. 15 And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” God is speaking to souls in the Valley of Decision. Maybe you are holding back. Make Him LORD today! I Peter 3.15 But in your hearts revere Christ as LORD.