COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

Words: John­son Oat­man, Jr., in Songs for Young Peo­ple, by Ed­win Ex­cell (Chi­ca­go, Il­li­nois: 1897).
Music: Edwin O. Excell (MI­DI, score).
When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Refrain

Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.

Refrain

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings. Wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

Refrain

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be disheartened, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

Refrain

Ephesians 1:3-6  (NKJV) Redemption in Christ

³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, ⁴ just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, ⁵ having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, ⁶ to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.
_______________________

HYMN HISTORY:   Rev. Johnson Oatman, Jr., was one of the important and prolific gospel song writers of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. He was born near Medford, New Jersey, on April 21, 1856. As a child he became acquainted with the hymns of the church through the singing talents of his father.
At the age of nineteen Oatman joined the Methodist Church and several years later was granted a license to preach in local Methodist congregations. Though he wrote over 5,000 hymn texts, Oatman was busily engaged throughout his life in a mercantile business and later as an administrator for a large insurance company in New Jersey. Other gospel favorites by Johnson Oatman include “Higher Ground, and “No, Not One!” (http://hishymnhistory.blogspot.com/2012/11/count-your-blessings.html)

All about the Spirit of Christ

Today it is all about Christ, the Spirit of Christ Jesus, the Son of God.

1. Matthew 3:16
   When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him.
   Matthew 3:15-17 (in Context) Matthew 3 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
2. Matthew 4:1
   [ Satan Tempts Jesus ] Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
   Matthew 4:1-3 (in Context) Matthew 4 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
3. Matthew 10:20
   for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.
   Matthew 10:19-21 (in Context) Matthew 10 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
4. Matthew 12:28
   But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you.
   Matthew 12:27-29 (in Context) Matthew 12 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
5. Matthew 12:31
   [ The Unpardonable Sin ] “Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men.
   Matthew 12:30-32 (in Context) Matthew 12 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
6. Matthew 22:43
   He said to them, “How then does David in the Spirit call Him ‘Lord,’ saying:
   Matthew 22:42-44 (in Context) Matthew 22 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
7. Mark 1:10 And immediately, coming up from the water, He saw the heavens parting and the Spirit descending upon Him like a dove. Mark 1:9-11 (in Context) Mark 1 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
8. Mark 1:12
   [ Satan Tempts Jesus ] Immediately the Spirit drove Him into the wilderness.
   Mark 1:11-13 (in Context) Mark 1 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
9. Luke 2:27 So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, Luke 2:26-28 (in Context) Luke 2 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
10. Luke 4:1
    [ Satan Tempts Jesus ] Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,
    Luke 4:1-3 (in Context) Luke 4 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
11. Luke 4:14
    [ Jesus Begins His Galilean Ministry ] Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news of Him went out through all the surrounding region.
    Luke 4:13-15 (in Context) Luke 4 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
12. Luke 4:18
    “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed;
    Luke 4:17-19 (in Context) Luke 4 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
13. Luke 10:21
    [ Jesus Rejoices in the Spirit ] In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight.
    Luke 10:20-22 (in Context) Luke 10 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
14. John 1:32
    And John bore witness, saying, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him.
    John 1:31-33 (in Context) John 1 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
15. John 1:33
    I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’
    John 1:32-34 (in Context) John 1 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
16. John 3:5
    Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
    John 3:4-6 (in Context) John 3 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
17. John 3:6
    That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
    John 3:5-7 (in Context) John 3 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
18. John 3:8
    The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
    John 3:7-9 (in Context) John 3 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
19. John 3:34
    For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God does not give the Spirit by measure.
    John 3:33-35 (in Context) John 3 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
20. John 6:63
    It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.
    John 6:62-64 (in Context) John 6 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
21. John 7:39
    But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
    John 7:38-40 (in Context) John 7 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
22. John 14:17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. John 14:16-18 (in Context) John 14 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
23. John 15:26
    [ The Coming Rejection ] “But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me.
    John 15:25-27 (in Context) John 15 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
24. John 16:13
    However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.
    John 16:12-14 (in Context) John 16 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world

The Savior, Redeemer

1 Who has believed what He has heard from us?     And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? 2 For He grew up before Him like a young plant,     and like a root out of dry ground; He had no form or majesty that we should look at Him,     and no beauty that we should desire Him. 3 He was despised and rejected by men;     a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces     He was despised, and we esteemed Him not.

4 Surely He has borne our griefs     and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken,     smitten by God, and afflicted. 5 But He was pierced for our transgressions;     He was crushed for our iniquities; upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace,     and with his wounds we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray;     we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him     the iniquity of us all.

7 He was oppressed, and He was afflicted,     yet He opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter,     and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent,     so He opened not his mouth. 8 By oppression and judgment He was taken away;     and as for his generation, who considered that He was cut off out of the land of the living,     stricken for the transgression of my people? 9 And they made his grave with the wicked     and with a rich man in his death, although He had done no violence,     and there was no deceit in his mouth.

10 Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush Him;     He has put Him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for guilt,     He shall see his offspring; He shall prolong his days; the will of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. 11 Out of the anguish of his soul He shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant,     make many to be accounted righteous,     and He shall bear their iniquities.

12 therefore I will divide Him a portion with the many,
    and He shall divide the spoil with the strong,
because He poured out his soul to death
    and was numbered with the transgressors;
yet He bore the sin of many,
    and makes intercession for the transgressors.

(from: Isaiah 53 English Standard Version (ESV))

Isaiah 41:14 Fear not, you worm Jacob, you men of Israel! I am the one who helps you, declares the Lord; your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel.
Isaiah 44:24 Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, who formed you from the womb: “I am the Lord, who made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth by myself,

Isaiah 45:15 Truly, you are a God who hides himself, O God of Israel, the Savior.
Isaiah 45:21 Declare and present your case; let them take counsel together! Who told this long ago? Who declared it of old? Was it not I, the Lord? And there is no other god besides me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none besides me.
Isaiah 49:26 I will make your oppressors eat their own flesh, and they shall be drunk with their own blood as with wine. Then all flesh shall know that I am the Lord your Savior, and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.”
Isaiah 60:16 You shall suck the milk of nations; you shall nurse at the breast of kings; and you shall know that I, the Lord, am your Savior and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.
Isaiah 48:17 Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you in the way you should go.
Isaiah 54:8 In overflowing anger for a moment I hid my face from you, but with everlasting love I will have compassion on you,” says the Lord, your Redeemer.         
Isaiah 59:20 “And a Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who turn from transgression,” declares the Lord.

___________Who is This Savior, Redeemer?
Luke 2:11
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:10-12 (in Context) Luke 2 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

John 4:42 They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.”  

John 4:41-43 (in Context) John 4 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

Acts 5:31 God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.
Acts 5:30-32 (in Context) Acts 5 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Acts 13:23 Of this man's offspring God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised.
Acts 13:22-24 (in Context) Acts 13 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

Jesus Messiah, the Redeemer, Savior

The Poet's 24 reasons to cry "Joy" to the world!

1. Psalm 5:11
   
   But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name Be joyful in You.
   Psalm 5:10-12 (in Context) Psalm 5 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
2. Psalm 16:11
   You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
   Psalm 16:10-11 (in Context) Psalm 16 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
3. Psalm 21:1
   [ Joy in the Salvation of the Lord ] [ To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. ] The king shall have joy in Your strength, O Lord; And in Your salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!
   Psalm 21:1-3 (in Context) Psalm 21 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
4. Psalm 27:6
   And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me; Therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.
   Psalm 27:5-7 (in Context) Psalm 27 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
5. Psalm 30:5
   For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.
   Psalm 30:4-6 (in Context) Psalm 30 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
6. Psalm 32:1
   [ The Joy of Forgiveness ] [ A Psalm of David. A Contemplation. ] Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered.
   Psalm 32:1-3 (in Context) Psalm 32 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
7. Psalm 32:11
   Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous; And shout for joy, all you upright in heart!
   Psalm 32:10-11 (in Context) Psalm 32 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
8. Psalm 33:3
   Sing to Him a new song; Play skillfully with a shout of joy.
   Psalm 33:2-4 (in Context) Psalm 33 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
9. Psalm 35:27
   Let them shout for joy and be glad, Who favor my righteous cause; And let them say continually, “Let the Lord be magnified, Who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.”
   Psalm 35:26-28 (in Context) Psalm 35 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
10. Psalm 42:4
    When I remember these things, I pour out my soul within me. For I used to go with the multitude; I went with them to the house of God, With the voice of joy and praise, With a multitude that kept a pilgrim feast.
    Psalm 42:3-5 (in Context) Psalm 42 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
11. Psalm 43:4
    Then I will go to the altar of God, To God my exceeding joy; And on the harp I will praise You, O God, my God.
    Psalm 43:3-5 (in Context) Psalm 43 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
12. Psalm 48:2
    Beautiful in elevation, The joy of the whole earth, Is Mount Zion on the sides of the north, The city of the great King.
    Psalm 48:1-3 (in Context) Psalm 48 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
13. Psalm 51:8
    Make me hear joy and gladness, That the bones You have broken may rejoice.
    Psalm 51:7-9 (in Context) Psalm 51 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
14. Psalm 51:12
    Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.
    Psalm 51:11-13 (in Context) Psalm 51 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
15. Psalm 63:1
    [ Joy in the Fellowship of God ] [ A Psalm of David when he was in the wilderness of Judah. ] O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water.
    Psalm 63:1-3 (in Context) Psalm 63 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
16. Psalm 65:13
    The pastures are clothed with flocks; The valleys also are covered with grain; They shout for joy, they also sing.
    Psalm 65:12-13 (in Context) Psalm 65 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
17. Psalm 67:4
    Oh, let the nations be glad and sing for joy! For You shall judge the people righteously, And govern the nations on earth. Selah
    Psalm 67:3-5 (in Context) Psalm 67 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
18. Psalm 105:43
    He brought out His people with joy, His chosen ones with gladness.
    Psalm 105:42-44 (in Context) Psalm 105 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
19. Psalm 106:1
    [ Joy in Forgiveness of Israel’s Sins ] Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.
    Psalm 106:1-3 (in Context) Psalm 106 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
20. Psalm 122:1
    [ The Joy of Going to the House of the Lord ] [ A Song of Ascents. Of David. ] I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go into the house of the Lord.”
    Psalm 122:1-3 (in Context) Psalm 122 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
21. Psalm 126:5
    Those who sow in tears Shall reap in joy.
    Psalm 126:4-6 (in Context) Psalm 126 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
22. Psalm 132:9
    Let Your priests be clothed with righteousness, And let Your saints shout for joy.
    Psalm 132:8-10 (in Context) Psalm 132 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
23. Psalm 132:16
    I will also clothe her priests with salvation, And her saints shall shout aloud for joy.
    Psalm 132:15-17 (in Context) Psalm 132 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
24. Psalm 137:6
    If I do not remember you, Let my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth— If I do not exalt Jerusalem Above my chief joy.
    Psalm 137:5-7 (in Context) Psalm 137 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

End days church countdown: how Jesus has defined love

Reading the book of John I found the love that God talks about. I always thought that the Bible does not talk about love. Not of the kind of love we know as humans. But Jesus talks about love a lot. This is the true love we need to know and practice.

______________As children of God, love of God is natural.
John 5:42 But I know you, that you do not have the love of God in you. John 8:42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me.

______________Loving God and loving His words are synonymous: those who practice this truth abide in God's love 
John 14:15 [ Jesus Promises Another Helper ] “If you love Me, keep My commandments.
John 14:21 He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.”
John 14:23 Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.
John 14:24 He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me. John 15:9 [ Love and Joy Perfected ] “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. John 15:10 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.

________________Loving God results in loving His people naturally.
John 13:34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. John 13:35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 15:12 This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. John 15:17 These things I command you, that you love one another.

_______________Loving God means being separate from the world. God's love is costly. Jesus paid His life for it.
John 14:31 but that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father gave Me commandment, so I do. Arise, let us go from here.
John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.
John 15:19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
John 17:26 And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.”

_______________Loving God means being demanded and prepared to pay a price too.
John 21:15[ Jesus Restores Peter ] So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” John 21:16 He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My sheep.” John 21:17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.

a hymn for today: for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded

2 Timothy 1:12 (NKJV)

¹² For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.

a hymn for today____________I Know Whom I Have Believed
Text: Daniel W. Whittle
Music: James McGranahan
Tune: EL NATHAN, Meter: CM with Refrain

I know not why God’s wondrous grace
  To me He hath made known,
Nor why, unworthy, Christ in love
  Redeemed me for His own.

• But “I know Whom I have believed
  And am persuaded that He is able
  To keep that which I’ve committed
    Unto Him against that day.”

I know not how this saving faith
  To me He did impart,
Nor how believing in His word
  Wrought peace within my heart.

I know not how the Spirit moves,
  Convincing men of sin,
Revealing Jesus through the Word,
  Creating faith in Him.

I know not what of good or ill
  May be reserved for me,
Of weary ways or golden days,
  Before His face I see.

I know not when my Lord may come,
  At night or noon-day fair,
Nor if I’ll walk the vale with Him,
  Or “meet Him in the air.”

grace and truth came through Jesus Christ

Source: http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/333#ixzz2o8Q0RZS8
http://www.hymnsite.com/midifiles/umh714.mid

A Christmas present: Life, Spirit, Glory, Peace, Joy, Healing, Freedom!

Many Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ around this time although they know that Jesus was not born on 25th December. Most churches too, do not want to be left out of this man-made tradition or culture. One Biblical way of celebrating this season is to read the whole Bible in one continuous sitting, from beginning to the end. Jesus said, I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. Reading the whole Bible together as a church (a group of Christians taking turn) would take about 72 hours depending on the language proficiency of those who read. While waiting for their turns the participants can sit around or rest anywhere within hearing distance. Be awed by the presence of the spiritual God. The Word is God. The Word became man as Jesus. Be transformed while you abide in Him and His words abide in you during this season of waiting upon the Lord as the ultimate celebration of Jesus’ birth. Let the Holy Spirit breathe life on you.
 For those who gather together as one family or a few families (as in house church), you may choose to read the New testament only. It will take about 17-19 hours in one sitting. The result will be great for each participant. This is the best present you can receive from your heavenly Father! This blogger has done this on my own and it took me about a week, resting in between reading. Something broke through.

John 1:1-3 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was in the beginning with God. ³ All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 
 John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

John 6:63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.
 Romans 16:20 And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
1 Peter 2:24  who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed. 
 John 8:32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

First verse of the Bible: Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Last 2 verses of the Bible: Revelation 22:20-21 ²⁰ He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! ²¹ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

______________Luke 24:35-49 (highlight added by this watchman)

³⁵ Then the two from Emmaus told their story of how Jesus had appeared to them as they were walking along the road, and how they had recognized him as he was breaking the bread. ³⁶ And just as they were telling about it, Jesus himself was suddenly standing there among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. ³⁷ But the whole group was startled and frightened, thinking they were seeing a ghost!

³⁸ “Why are you frightened?” he asked. “Why are your hearts filled with doubt? ³⁹ Look at my hands. Look at my feet. You can see that it’s really me. Touch me and make sure that I am not a ghost, because ghosts don’t have bodies, as you see that I do.” ⁴⁰ As he spoke, he showed them his hands and his feet.
⁴¹ Still they stood there in disbelief, filled with joy and wonder. Then he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” ⁴² They gave him a piece of broiled fish, ⁴³ and he ate it as they watched.
⁴⁴ Then he said, “When I was with you before, I told you that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled.” ⁴⁵ Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. ⁴⁶ And he said, “Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day. ⁴⁷ It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’ ⁴⁸ You are witnesses of all these things.
⁴⁹ “And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.”

End Times Spirit-filled hymns: Healing in His cleansing blood!

The hymns came on as he worshiped. They brought out the same theme for these last days of spiritual crossing from 2013 to 2014. The worship started with the majestic music for the King of kings, Lord of Lord, “Majesty”. The trumpets were not of this earth. The second hymn was “Blessed Assurance” and third was “Tis sweet to trust in Jesus”. Very familiar hymns but on this particular morning they were messages from heaven. The watchman received two keys: “Find”, and “Healing”. These two are end days crossing keys.
Blessed Assurance
Text: Fanny J. Crosby, 1820-1915 Music: Phoebe P. Knapp, 1839-1908 Tune: ASSURANCE,  Meter: 9 10.9 9 with Refrain
1. Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
O what a foretaste of glory divine!
 Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
born of his Spirit, washed in his blood.
Refrain:
This is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long;
this is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long.
2. Perfect submission, perfect delight,
visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
angels descending bring from above
echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
(Refrain)
3. Perfect submission, all is at rest;
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
watching and waiting, looking above,
filled with his goodness, lost in his love.
(Refrain)  Links for downloading: MIDI
background story: Fanny Crosby (1820-1915) is heralded as one of the world’s most prolific and talented hymn composers. Blind from shortly after birth, Fanny nonetheless wrote 8,000 hymns. One day Fanny overheard her friend and fellow musician Phoebe Knapp playing a new composition on the organ. Phoebe told Fanny the tune was called Assurance. Fanny replied: ‘Blessed Assurance! Jesus is mine!’ And so began the collaboration that was to become one of Christendom’s most beloved hymns. Blessed Assurance was published in 1873

‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus | Louisa M. R. Stead, 1882

Scripture:  Proverbs 30:5 Amplified Bible (AMP)

⁵ Every word of God is tried and purified; He is a shield to those who trust and take refuge in Him.
_________________Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus
http://library.timelesstruths.org/music/Tis_So_Sweet_to_Trust_in_Jesus/midi/
’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, Just to take Him at His Word; Just to rest upon His promise, And to know, “Thus saith the Lord!”

Refrain: Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him! How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er; Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus! Oh, for grace to trust Him more!
Oh, how sweet to trust in Jesus, Just to trust His cleansing blood; And in simple faith to plunge me ’Neath the healing, cleansing flood!
Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus, Just from sin and self to cease; Just from Jesus simply taking Life and rest, and joy and peace.
I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee, Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend; And I know that Thou art with me, Wilt be with me to the end.
___________Background story
According to the story: It was a beautiful sunny day. Louisa M. Stead, her husband, and her daughter Lily, decided to go for a picnic. They went picnicking on Long Island Sound. While having their picnic, the Steads heard a scream. It was from a young boy. Mr. Stead ran to the rescue. Louisa Stead and young Lily watched helplessly as Mr. Stead and the boy drowned. Their troubles were not over yet, however, and without her husband, Mrs. Stead became very poor and destitute. Yet God never left her. He provided for her always and she and her daughter made it through. Louisa learned to trust God, and thus the words to the song ‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus.’ Shortly after this incident, Louisa and her daughter Lily moved to South Africa where they became missionaries.
__________________________
The words of Stead’s poem were put to music by famed musician William J. Kirkpatrick, and subsequently published in several hymnals. The tragedy that prompted the lyrics of Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus has resulted in bringing comfort to many souls, for close to 130 years.

Journey to see God: Be free

Matthew 25:36

I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you visited Me with help and ministering care, I was in prison and you came to see Me.

Matthew 25:35-37 (in Context) Matthew 25 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Hebrews 13:3

Remember those who are in prison as if you were their fellow prisoner, and those who are ill-treated, since you also are liable to bodily sufferings.

Hebrews 13:2-4 (in Context) Hebrews 13 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Hebrews 13:23

Notice that our brother Timothy has been released [from prison]. If he comes here soon, I will see you along with him.

Hebrews 13:22-24 (in Context) Hebrews 13 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations Ephesians 6:20
For which I am an ambassador in a coupling chain [in prison. Pray] that I may declare it boldly and courageously, as I ought to do.
Ephesians 6:19-21 (in Context) Ephesians 6 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Philippians 1:7
It is right and appropriate for me to have this confidence and feel this way about you all, because you have me in your heart and I hold you in my heart as partakers and sharers, one and all with me, of grace (God’s unmerited favor and spiritual blessing). [This is true] both when I am shut up in prison and when I am out in the defense and confirmation of the good news (the Gospel).
Philippians 1:6-8 (in Context) Philippians 1 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Colossians 4:3
And at the same time pray for us also, that God may open a door to us for the Word (the Gospel), to proclaim the mystery concerning Christ (the Messiah) on account of which I am in prison;
Colossians 4:2-4 (in Context) Colossians 4 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Colossians 4:18
I, Paul, [add this final] greeting, writing with my own hand. Remember I am still in prison and in chains. May grace (God’s unmerited favor and blessing) be with you! Amen (so be it).
Colossians 4:17-18 (in Context) Colossians 4 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

Acts 12:4-12

Common English Bible (CEB)

⁴ He put Peter in prison, handing him over to four squads of soldiers, sixteen in all, who guarded him. He planned to charge him publicly after the Passover. ⁵ While Peter was held in prison, the church offered earnest prayer to God for him.
⁶ The night before Herod was going to bring Peter’s case forward, Peter was asleep between two soldiers and bound with two chains, with soldiers guarding the prison entrance. ⁷ Suddenly an angel from the Lord appeared and a light shone in the prison cell. After nudging Peter on his side to awaken him, the angel raised him up and said, “Quick! Get up!” The chains fell from his wrists. ⁸ The angel continued, “Get dressed. Put on your sandals.” Peter did as he was told. The angel said, “Put on your coat and follow me.” ⁹ Following the angel, Peter left the prison. However, he didn’t realize the angel had actually done all this. He thought he was seeing a vision. ¹⁰ They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself. After leaving the prison, they proceeded the length of one street, when abruptly the angel was gone.
¹¹ At that, Peter came to his senses and remarked, “Now I’m certain that the Lord sent his angel and rescued me from Herod and from everything the Jewish people expected.” ¹² Realizing this, he made his way to Mary’s house. (Mary was John’s mother; he was also known as Mark.) Many believers had gathered there and were praying.

David's prayers' secrets: praying to maturity

Today we read how prayers can lead us to spiritual maturity: David’s prayers. I took the first and last psalms with the phrase “hear my prayer” for our reading here. Note the similarities and differences between the two incidents. (Note: Bold highlights added by me.)
My brief notes: in Psalm 4 David was rather sure of his own effort to remain godly and righteous and ability to carry out God’s laws. In Psalm 143 he humbled himself and declared that no one was righteous before God! Note how David had matured spiritually in his walk with God. It is important to note that he mentioned his spirit fainting and failing and needed God’s Spirit to lead him! In both psalms we see one common factor: David always prayed. He put his hope in God and not in man. A marked change in spiritual maturity is his becoming God-focus (instead of self-focus) in Psalm 143 prayer.
Psalm 4 (ESV) Answer Me When I Call
To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.

1 Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!
    You have given me relief when I was in distress.
    Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!

² O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame?
    How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? Selah
³ But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself;
    the Lord hears when I call to him.

⁴ Be angry, and do not sin;
    ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah
⁵ Offer right sacrifices,
    and put your trust in the Lord.

⁶ There are many who say, “Who will show us some good?
    Lift up the light of your face upon us, O Lord!”
⁷ You have put more joy in my heart
    than they have when their grain and wine abound.

⁸ In peace I will both lie down and sleep;
    for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

_____________

Psalm 143 (ESV) My Soul Thirsts for You A Psalm of David.

143 Hear my prayer, O Lord;
    give ear to my pleas for mercy!
    In your faithfulness answer me, in your righteousness!
² Enter not into judgment with your servant,
    for no one living is righteous before you.

³ For the enemy has pursued my soul;
    he has crushed my life to the ground;
    he has made me sit in darkness like those long dead.
⁴ Therefore my spirit faints within me;
    my heart within me is appalled.

⁵ I remember the days of old;
    I meditate on all that you have done;
    I ponder the work of your hands.
⁶ I stretch out my hands to you;
    my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. Selah

⁷ Answer me quickly, O Lord!
    My spirit fails!
Hide not your face from me,
    lest I be like those who go down to the pit.
⁸ Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love,
    for in you I trust.
Make me know the way I should go,
    for to you I lift up my soul.

⁹ Deliver me from my enemies, O Lord!
    I have fled to you for refuge.
¹⁰ Teach me to do your will,
    for you are my God!
Let your good Spirit lead me
    on level ground!

¹¹ For your name’s sake, O Lord, preserve my life!
    In your righteousness bring my soul out of trouble!
¹² And in your steadfast love you will cut off my enemies,
    and you will destroy all the adversaries of my soul,
    for I am your servant.

_________Keys to effective prayers:

1. be Spirit-led
2. be God-focus
   

 

(Revised 11/29/13) Christmas visions and dreams of green trees, my little brother,Isaiah 61

Further notes on 11/29/2013: Times passes. We each have an appointed time. Many of us left home after the first few years of our lives. But the Lord brought back our loved ones to us one in His seasons for each of them. Our paths crossed. Appointed. The Lord’s Visitations too. Don’t miss yours. Lives are too short on earth for us to miss the Lord’s appointments.
Notes on 11/29/2013: This post was originally written on December 27, 2009. Today this emerged as I looked at this website. Yesterday I posted the 1111th of my posts. Today I looked at this compilation of dreams and visions and realized how many of them had come to pass! One event was about my little brother. In the dream he was very young and I had to hold his hand and together we walked through pitched darkness in the open field (like wilderness), crossed the ditch (like the River Jordan), and entered into light (like the promised land). A year after this dream, my brother came back to Jesus, a broken and tired, worn man. He repented and spent one year plus completely restored to fitness in a country home with a group of brethren, living a physically, mentally and spiritually healthy and godly lifestyle, worshiping God, reading the Bible, praying and praising God day and night, doing farm work in the afternoon and eventually resuming his long forsaken profession as a cook. On the day of his sudden journey to go back to his home in heaven he led the morning worship, led the brethren (old and young) singing 8 favorite praise songs all God-Jesus focus. After the worship he listened to the pastor’s preaching God’s words. He then took a rather long nap, during which he spoke to his younger friends who shared the living quarters that he did not need lunch. In the afternoon, he passed on peacefully to be with the Lord. When we looked through his note books we realized how closely he had walked with the Lord Jesus during that last year on earth! Like Enoch he merely walked on with the Lord…
Read on: http://kzlam36.wordpress.com/2009/12/27/chapter-fifty-eight-christmas-visions-and-dreams-of-green-trees-and-isaiah-61/

"Let us" hold fast the promises of God

Today's faith in action is "Let us" align with the perfect purpose of our God.

Hebrews 4:1

[ The Promise of Rest ] Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it.

Hebrews 4:1-3 (in Context)  Hebrews 4 (Whole Chapter)  Other Translations

Hebrews 4:11

[ The Word Discovers Our Condition ] Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience.

Hebrews 4:10-12 (in Context)  Hebrews 4 (Whole Chapter)  Other Translations

Hebrews 4:14

[ Our Compassionate High Priest ] Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.

Hebrews 4:13-15 (in Context)  Hebrews 4 (Whole Chapter)  Other Translations

Hebrews 4:16

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 4:15-16 (in Context)  Hebrews 4 (Whole Chapter)  Other Translations

Hebrews 6:1

[ The Peril of Not Progressing ] Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,

Hebrews 6:1-3 (in Context)  Hebrews 6 (Whole Chapter)  Other Translations

Hebrews 10:22

let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

Hebrews 10:21-23 (in Context)  Hebrews 10 (Whole Chapter)  Other Translations

Hebrews 10:23

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.

Hebrews 10:22-24 (in Context)  Hebrews 10 (Whole Chapter)  Other Translations

Hebrews 10:24

And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,

Hebrews 10:23-25 (in Context)  Hebrews 10 (Whole Chapter)  Other Translations

Hebrews 12:1

[ The Race of Faith ] Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

Hebrews 12:1-3 (in Context)  Hebrews 12 (Whole Chapter)  Other Translations

Hebrews 12:28

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.

Hebrews 12:27-29 (in Context)  Hebrews 12 (Whole Chapter)  Other Translations

Hebrews 13:13

Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach.

Hebrews 13:12-14 (in Context)  Hebrews 13 (Whole Chapter)  Other Translations

Hebrews 13:15

Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.

Hebrews 13:14-16 (in Context)  Hebrews 13 (Whole Chapter)  Other Translations