FaithfulSage’s corner BodyBlog

 Greeting all! be encouraged

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A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives and in his own house.”    Mark 6

            I can recall when my little brother received Christ: started going to church, reading the Word. He tried to share that with me and our other brothers, but we laughed and mocked him. I could see how frail he was that moment talking about God, he was vulnerable. I didn’t receive the Word from him because he was after all my little brother.

Praise the Lord for He is good, for He is good. Continue in the ways of God, for there is safety and peace in His ways. May God look upon you today. For God is able to do all things, there is nothing to hard for Him. Count on Him for He will see you through. In times of prosperity remember the poor and needy. Don’t keep it all to yourself, for you may be in need later. Share the goodness of your soul and the fatness of you bounty. Though you may thirst, God is your thirst quencher. Praise Him in time of despair. Cry out to Him for He cares for you. Call on His name daily, nightly, secretly and openly. Hope in God for you shall yet praise Him. O God release your goodness upon us. O people of God turn from your sins and live. Live with peace and gratitude. Don’t trust in your own strength, for God is our only Hope. Men may fail us, but God love endures forever. In time of despair cry out to God. May the mercy of God follow you all the days of your lives. O God grant us the peace we need to function in these times my Lord, do not forsake the works of your hand. Grant us safe passage on all our paths. Deliver us from all evil; lead us unto your divine light.

Peace be still, be still in times of adversity, for God will not let the storm over take you. Count on the Lord at all times. Seize the moment to give Him glory and praise. For praise is a weapon to defeat the fury of the enemy. Fret not; be not afraid, for God has delivered our souls from death. Let your feet run to tell of the goodness of God. Make known His deeds among the peoples.

Wake up, wake up, wake up O God and hear my cry, do not forsake the works of your hand. Praise God with thanksgiving and songs of love, be to God a friend call on His name. Spread the good news of God. Walk in the safety of the Holy Spirit. For God is our strength and high tower, when the waters of life seem to flood the peace of your life, climb to this High tower.

Take refuge in the name of Jesus, for it is He who will tread down our adversary. Rest on the Rock of our salvation children of God. O to Praise God in times of trouble, to release the goodness of His grace, the leanness of my soul fattens while praising God my life is full with joy. O the goodness of God, how good of a God He is. I rejoice in you O Lord of my salvation. I praise you O God. For you are my refuge, to you be the glory. Now I wait for you O Lord, for you are a kind and merciful God. I shall yet praise you. My soul longs to be avenged O God, for you are the hope of all. Of all you love my God, How good is your name. There is none like you My God. For you have fed me in times of sadness and joy, You are God alone, no men can aid you, no men can direct you O God for you are all knowing and all loving.

You O God have let men trouble us; you have let love ones die and mishaps in our lives. But because of your Love You restore us. Your heavy hand of chastisement causes us to turn from our sins. We are alive because of you, we should have been utterly destroyed, but your mercies have given us life, life to give you praise and glory. You have prepared a way for us to be disciplined also you have prepared a way for us to be delivered. O God you are God alone. For you bear our burdens. May your name endure forever. I bless your name O God for you are my strength. You have humbled me in times of trouble, pride is stripped out of me, your love shadows me, forever following me in dark places. Your love shadows me in all directions of my days and ways. There is none like you, I have search from low places to high places, and there is none like you. My countenance change in awe of you, how magnificent of a God you are. I’ll worship you at all times, my God, my friend, my confidence, my Lord, my King. For there is none like you.

His Love and mine FaithfulSage

Hi everyone this is a interesting read, it guided me from making a mistake back then so I share this with you on today. I posted the whole Chapter of 1 Kings 21, I’d say it justifies this entry. Thank you and God bless.

 ¹ Some time later there was an incident involving a vineyard belonging to Naboth the Jezreelite. The vineyard was in Jezreel, close to the palace of Ahab king of Samaria. ² Ahab said to Naboth, "Let me have your vineyard to use for a vegetable garden, since it is close to my palace. In exchange I will give you a better vineyard or, if you prefer, I will pay you whatever it is worth."
 ³ But Naboth replied, "The LORD forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my fathers."
 ⁴ So Ahab went home, sullen and angry because Naboth the Jezreelite had said, "I will not give you the inheritance of my fathers." He lay on his bed sulking and refused to eat.
 ⁵ His wife Jezebel came in and asked him, "Why are you so sullen? Why won’t you eat?"
 ⁶ He answered her, "Because I said to Naboth the Jezreelite, ‘Sell me your vineyard; or if you prefer, I will give you another vineyard in its place.’ But he said, ‘I will not give you my vineyard.’ "
 ⁷ Jezebel his wife said, "Is this how you act as king over Israel? Get up and eat! Cheer up. I’ll get you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite."
 ⁸ So she wrote letters in Ahab’s name, placed his seal on them, and sent them to the elders and nobles who lived in Naboth’s city with him. ⁹ In those letters she wrote:
       "Proclaim a day of fasting and seat Naboth in a prominent place among the people. ¹⁰ But seat two scoundrels opposite him and have them testify that he has cursed both God and the king. Then take him out and stone him to death."
 ¹¹ So the elders and nobles who lived in Naboth’s city did as Jezebel directed in the letters she had written to them. ¹² They proclaimed a fast and seated Naboth in a prominent place among the people. ¹³ Then two scoundrels came and sat opposite him and brought charges against Naboth before the people, saying, "Naboth has cursed both God and the king." So they took him outside the city and stoned him to death. ¹⁴ Then they sent word to Jezebel: "Naboth has been stoned and is dead."
 ¹⁵ As soon as Jezebel heard that Naboth had been stoned to death, she said to Ahab, "Get up and take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite that he refused to sell you. He is no longer alive, but dead." ¹⁶ When Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, he got up and went down to take possession of Naboth’s vineyard.
 ¹⁷ Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite: ¹⁸ "Go down to meet Ahab king of Israel, who rules in Samaria. He is now in Naboth’s vineyard, where he has gone to take possession of it. ¹⁹ Say to him, ‘This is what the LORD says: Have you not murdered a man and seized his property?’ Then say to him, ‘This is what the LORD says: In the place where dogs licked up Naboth’s blood, dogs will lick up your blood—yes, yours!’ "
 ²⁰ Ahab said to Elijah, "So you have found me, my enemy!"
      "I have found you," he answered, "because you have sold yourself to do evil in the eyes of the LORD. ²¹ ‘I am going to bring disaster on you. I will consume your descendants and cut off from Ahab every last male in Israel—slave or free. ²² I will make your house like that of Jeroboam son of Nebat and that of Baasha son of Ahijah, because you have provoked me to anger and have caused Israel to sin.’
 ²³ "And also concerning Jezebel the LORD says: ‘Dogs will devour Jezebel by the wall of ^[a] Jezreel.’
 ²⁴ “Dogs will eat those belonging to Ahab who die in the city, and the birds of the air will feed on those who die in the country.”
 ²⁵ (There was never a man like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the eyes of the LORD, urged on by Jezebel his wife. ²⁶ He behaved in the vilest manner by going after idols, like the Amorites the LORD drove out before Israel.)
 ²⁷ When Ahab heard these words, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and fasted. He lay in sackcloth and went around meekly.
 ²⁸ Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite: ²⁹ “Have you noticed how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has humbled himself, I will not bring this disaster in his day, but I will bring it on his house in the days of his son.”
 

A Man Will Listen to His Wife
            A few years ago when I was in my mid twenties I wanted this girl so bad, who ended up breaking my heart. I cried for her, prayed to God to let me have her. All the things I could think of to show her I loved her and try to convince her to love me and stay. Nothing came out in all my attempts. During that time one day I was waiting for the city bus, I overheard two people having a conversation, out of their conversation, words of wisdom flew out of ones mouth, “A man will listen to his wife.” Those words stopped whatever thought I was thinking they stopped me dead in my tracks.
            “A man will listen to his wife.” All though these words made sense when I heard them, but because of whom I wanted, I try to ignore them. Those words were heaven sent. I tried all that day to chase those words away, but I was dissecting them at the same time. I knew it was God telling me something, but when you love someone or want something so badly we don’t listen to sound judgments, even when the truth is right in front of us, we just want what we want right?
            Because of those words I became angry at God I knew it was him warning me, guiding me. Adam and Eve came to mind when I ponder those words or when those words hammered on me. I should explain myself.
            “A man will listen to his wife.” He will, not that he will not or may not, but he will. God was telling me that the woman/ the wife He wants for me, He knows I will listen to her, so when she does speak or suggest something it should be of benefit for our good and not evil.
            “A man will listen to his wife.” We can clearly see the text about Jezebel. How cunning she was, this bring me to say that God cares for us and wants us to be at peace. Especially in marriage, for Paul even said in his opinion that it is better not to marry. Due to the load it carries, with that said, marriage already carries it’s burdens the last thing one needs is to marry someone who’s going to jeopardize their lives in the long run.
            Back to that saying, because a man will listen to his wife, the things she has him do or commit to, or suggest should be things that will strengthen their courtship, individually and collectively. On top of that any good man will defend his wife’s honor, some at all cost, even if it means death. Some guys are in prison right now because of a woman. And that is why it is necessary to be married to someone equally yoked or with good regards towards other and yourself.
            It is written in Proverb 27:15-16, “A continual dripping on a rainy day and a quarrelsome wife are alike; 16 to restrain her is to restrain the wind or to grasp oil in one’s right hand.” Like me I wanted this girl so bad but she wasn’t right for me. Now looking back I am grateful. Due to her views on life, religious beliefs or lack of and other things, were not in one accord with mine. And I m happy things didn’t go like I wanted, cause that girl would have gotten me in more trouble than I could have bear.
            Some of you out are heart broken over someone you love deeply and you want them to be “The One.” Maybe they are, maybe their not. Like this texts shows and that phrase “A man will listen to his wife.” tells us that we will heed what our significant other say, yet we are to be careful before we say, “I do.” That “I Do” can make you wish you never knew those words existed.
            Take it from me and others who has walk the road of broken heartiness and thought that person was the one. Some have look back and thank God for stepping in. A friend of mine said, “I thank God I didn’t marry that woman.” Later on he found something’s that were lets say, “Not his cup of tea.” In all honesty God is looking out for you. Someone once gave me advice on this when I was going through it, he stated, “She is right, but not right for you.” Doesn’t mean anything was wrong with her it’s just that she wasn’t the one I was supposed to marry.
            Now this text should really empower wives/women, I’ve stated this before and I’ll say it again, Woman have such power of influence in a man’s life and that is an understatement and I pray you use that influence well and not like Jezebel.
            Not to leave this on a sour note we can look at the story of Sampson’s parents in Judges Chapter 13 of how supportive and loving Monoah’s wife was in that courtship.
            Those words still reign true today like when I first heard them, “A man will listen to his wife.” I pray this has been insightful, helpful and encouraging as it helped me back then. And sharing this with you that you may pass it on to encourage someone you know. Do know that God is still in control and He see’s all things, so maybe He’s preventing you from taking a step that would cause you and the person you love harm and heartache down the line. We all have experience heartbreak or will but we have to learn from it so the next time we may choose wisely. There’s one more passage that comes to mind its proverb 10:22, ²²The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.

His Love and mine FaithfulSage 

 Hello everybody wishing you all a good day and Holiday. Enjoy

15 And she said, “See, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to *x15.1 her gods; return after your sister-in-law.” 16 But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. *x16.1 Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. 17 Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. *x17.1 May the LORD do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.” 18 *x18.1 And when Naomi saw that she was determined to go with her, she said no more.  (Ruth 1:15)
 

            One of Naomi daughter in law, Orpah went back to her people and gods. This seems like a test of sort, a true test of loyalty. I say that because of how Naomi stated , “see your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods…” (Verse 15) Orpah chose other gods over God. This also makes me wonder that, Naomi must have incorporated a lot of God in her daily life. What I mean is judging by that comment Naomi must have taught her daughter in laws the customs of God the decrees of God, the laws of God.
            Another thing that stands out is chapter 3 verse 10-11, what this simply means is our dedication to God. In the beginning Orpah left Naomi and Ruth stayed. This pose a question, will we stay with God? Will we stay in place and not “glean in another field.” (Ruth 2:8) like Ruth?
            She stayed loyal to God, that’s what Ruth represent; loyalty to God. I mean God’s customs were introduced to her when she married one of Naomi’s sons; she partook in the ways of God. And those ten years married had an impact on Ruth’s heart. I’m sure some would think Ruth was clingy and did not have anyone to go back to. But I seriously doubt that. I believe she was anchored not just in her marriage or relationship with her mother in-law, but she was anchored in God. I believe her dedication, loyalty, faithfulness; God saw that and latch unto her, filling her heart to follow Naomi. Not because of the love for Naomi but because of Gods love in her.
            Like Ruth said, “Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Maybe it was just a spark in loving the ways of God in the first ten years of her marriage, and then as time went on, that spark grew into a burning flame and desire for loyalty towards God.
            Later on, her faithfulness was displayed again this time towards Boaz. Boaz had said, “You are showing more family loyalty now than ever by not running after a younger man, whether rich or poor.” (Ruth 3:10)
            Ruth remained faithful, after all the time she spent out in the field, gleaning.
            Some times in life, especially in the body of Christ after we’ve come through a situation by the grace of God. We can easily be tempted to sway from one side to another, to wonder off. To be entangled with the riches of this life, the glitz and glamour. Some have been ensnared. Some have their nose pressed against the window longing for things of this world. ^“But the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful” (Mark 4:19)
            Ruth I’ m sure must have had thoughts of going elsewhere, I’ m sure she faced many temptations to glean in other fields.  I’m sure Boaz wasn’t the only “gig” in town. Ruth followed her mother in-laws advice and you can be sure the nudging of the Holy Spirit had His play in it to; advising Ruth to stay in place.
            I really believe deep, real deep in the pit of my heart God loves it when we choose him and not, “running after a younger man, whether rich or poor.” In this way we show loyalty and faithfulness towards Him, His custom, and His statutes. You know why I say that? Look at verse 11-13 of chapter 3, “11 And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you ask, for all my fellow townsmen know that you are *x11.1 a worthy woman. 12 And now it is true that I am *x12.1 a redeemer. Yet there is a redeemer nearer than I. 13 Remain tonight, and in the morning, if he will *x13.1 redeem you, good; let him do it. But if he is not willing to redeem you, then, *x13.2 as the LORD lives, I will redeem you. Lie down until the morning.”  Also what Naomi say’s about Boaz in verse 18, “ She replied, “Wait, my daughter, until you learn how the matter turns out, for the man will not rest but will settle the matter today.” 
            There is great reward for choosing God. Boaz seems to represent God in this text. How He takes notice of us in situations and after a situation. How He shows us favor like Boaz showed favor unto Ruth; about gleaning his field and having his workers drop extra sheaves. How God speaks kindly to us similar in Ruth chapter 2 verse 11-13. How God just takes notice of us and He knows that we are special. Like when Boaz knew the real value of the land and he did not mean nor care about his relative land, but who came with the land; Ruth, the real value of the land. (Ruth 4:1-11) Boaz did what he had to do to redeem her. Similar like Christ redeemed us on the cross. The cross was just like the land to Boaz and like Ruth was the real value to Boaz, so are we the real value to God. And having Christ died for us was a small price to pay in order to redeem us, for we are to God His priceless treasure.
            Chapter 3 verse 11, when Boaz saw how dedicated Ruth had been. That convince him this one is a keeper. When God knows our hearts are geared towards him and him alone, we put ourselves in a position to be lavished with immeasurable love.
We can take a footnote from King David, Job, Abraham, Jacob, Joseph the list goes on and on. These men, yes woman also; Naomi, Ruth, Sarah, the Virgin Mary and the woman at the well just name a few. They all where lavished with Gods love and favor. 
When our hearts say yes to God, and no to material idolatry, and selfish gains by keeping our eyes on the Messiah Jesus Christ, when we are sold out for God; I really believe God opens the windows of heaven and pour us out a blessing. Think about Ruth, lost her husband, left all she knew, adopted a new custom and people. She relied on the ways of God, and look what happened. She had choices to venture off (we all do, don’t we?)  But like Joseph loyalty and faithfulness to God, when tempted by Potiphar’s wife (Genesis 39) Or King David when he had a chance to kill King Saul, two times (1 Samuel 24). Or Job with every excruciating pain and lost, he did not curse God. Or the Apostle Paul not giving up even under constant scrutiny and imprisonment all remained faithful. And even Jesus having authority over angels could have called to cease His crucifixion but He remained faithful throughout (sigh, thank you)
All of us are tempted in one shape or form; in ways such as to have an affair, to sleep around, steal, to kill by avenging oneself. If we imitate Ruth and those mentioned above, when we trust God, when our hearts are geared towards Him and His ways. There is no telling what He’ll do for us.
  Although faithfulness carries such a weight, I’d like to remind you with Christ that weight can be made lighter. By trusting Him and His ways we can remain faithful in our marriage, jobs, family, and commitment we’ve made to ourselves and others.
I like to close out by saying we can clearly see the faithfulness of God in the Book of Ruth. His love goes beyond what I can write to you today or ever.  Rest assured He knows and sees your faithfulness and it will not go unrewarded. Be bless people of God, be blessed and stay bless. Amen and Amen.

His Love and mine FaithfulSage.

How may I help you?

            Welcome to Jesus Christ! How may I help you today? Wouldn’t it be nice to leave your house and meet someone who would say those words to you and actually respond to your request? That would be so cool in my book; surprisingly some of you have experienced that kind of service and or giving that kind of service. Let me explain, Jesus came to be of service to us, Jesus came to do God’s will. And so as Christians we are to do the same, provide service with a smile and have repeated customers. Who knows, you might get a big tip, or promoted because of your sincerity, compassion, awareness of others needs, and loving the unlovable.

            To back this up let’s look at what Jesus asked two blind men who was calling out to him as He passed through their town. In Matthew 20:32, “What do you want me to do for you?” Now that is a grade A service question. The two blind men replied, “Lord, We want to see.” and Jesus did grant them what they requested. Also in Verse 33 they followed Jesus. Now that’s what I call service and not only that, Jesus acquired two new customers (repeated service). We all know the best advertisement is word of mouth right? Jesus having people following Him, shows He provided great service. Now the question is how many people are following you? Tsk, tsk, tsk if you don’t have any. But don’t worry it’s never too late to learn the Jesus Method of Service. Its simple really do something for someone and for them. In other words, what can I do for you? And not what can I get out of this? Or what’s in it for me? (I’d like to thank Deacon Harden for that advice on being of service.) Simple isn’t it?

            Now that we have that established it is good to go and practice. But before you run off and start making people feel better, like they matter. You need to pray for strength and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you (a compass of sort, so you won’t get lost). Last but not least, please do end with words such as; would you like any peace with that? Would you like a hug with that? Would you like to know more about having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ? Would you like to attend a church service with me, I’d be delighted to have you as a guest. And this is the big one, have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? But most importantly just smile and show them you care, they will see Christ in your actions and attitude. Finally (really this time) say, “Thank you, come again and bring a friend!” And if all else fails (which should not) say, “I Love you and Jesus Loves you to.”

Im pleased to come to you today. Be good to yourself today and others.

Don’t be a wind chaser.

            Chasing after the wind; some people are unhappy or unable to enjoy life (Gods gift) because they keep chasing after one endeavor after another. The Bible declares all this is Vanity (vexed) chasing after the wind, one who is trying to actually catch the wind. Now we know we cannot catch the wind let alone see it. Yet many are in pursuit of one achievement after another find themselves in frustration, unhappiness, grumpiness, and discontent.

            Take me for example, not to long ago God had blessed me enormously, a new home. Soon after that I found myself complaining about where I was. Not where I wanted to be. Worst yet overlooking from where and what He brought me from. I use to share an apartment and only had a room for four years, now I have my own place.

            Similar to the Children of Israel complaint about going hungry; God had just release them from captivity, slavery for a generation or so. They should have been overjoyed at their deliverance and looking unto God. But instead they complained they compared their former days of bondage to their new freedom as a means of disaster, worst than slavery. (Exodus 16)

            By no means am I saying we should not hunger for more or strive for more. The point here is to think on the last hump God got you over. We are to keep looking forward to a new horizon, with hope and expectancy not complaining and in frustration.

            God has place in our hearts to work and enjoy our work, (Ecclesiastes 5:18). It’s human nature where success can lead to greed, yet another Biblical passage states, “When riches increase, don’t set your heart on them, show some restraint.” It is fine to be in pursuit of your next goal, challenge, or what ever you seem to be after. But the Word warns about overdoing it and not enjoying your recent victory. In Ecclesiastes 4:6 states, “Better is a handful, with quietness, than two handfuls with labor and striving after wind.” We can be so well of in peace and have our needs met, but we can sabotage that peace with wanting more and chasing after the wind. I really want you to take an inventory of your life right now, today, this very moment and consider Ecclesiastes 4:6. You can have it all but at the cost of your peace? Serenity? I believe that God wants us to have good things, good health, healthy relationships, but at the right time (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8) plus in the right measures. Take for example when He supplied quails for the children of Israel, God states to Moses in Exodus 16:4, “4 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I am about to rain *x4.1 bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day…”
            A day’s portion to be gathered that’s what the text say’s right? But how many people did gather more than a days worth? It’s our nature to “store up” and take in as much as we can, because we don’t know when a deal like this is coming around, right?
            In other words let us not be greedy for gain. Some of us have our plates full as it is. Adding anything else on that plate would just be a road to obesity and immobility. Let’s enjoy the portion we have right now till we clean off that plate then go for seconds. We know the old saying, “Your eyes are bigger than your stomach.”  Sometimes we can look at life like an all you can eat buffet.  We are to take in what we need for the time being then moving on to something else. We can’t always crowd our plates with overindulgence. As a fellow bodybuilder I and you all also know about portion control. So let us exercise that right so we won’t be chasing after the wind.

Be of good cheer everyone.

Whats the point?

24 The LORD of hosts has sworn: “As I have planned, so shall it be, and as I have purposed, so shall it stand, 25 that I will break the Assyrian in my land and on my mountains trample him underfoot; and his yoke shall depart from them, and his burden from their shoulder.” 26 This is the purpose that is purposed concerning the whole earth, and this is the hand that is stretched out over all the nations.  27 For the LORD of hosts has purposed, and who will annul it?  His hand is stretched out, and who will turn it back? (Isaiah 14:24-27)
            What’s the point, the point of all this; life. I complained to God once again and He led me to Isaiah 13-14:1-27.
            In verse number 25 of chapter 14 it’s about God defeating Satan, breaking his hold on the earth. God is in control, there is a war going on and it’s between God and Satan. Verse 12-14 of Chapter 14 speaks of the downfall of Satan envious and prideful lust seeking to be like God. Verse 16 I believe is a key, a very important verse in this whole chapter. This is a reminder (strengthener, if I may say so.) that Satan is weak. He is a defeated foe, “like a roaring lion.” Like= posing as, trying to be like a lion. If he’s not a lion then he must be a mouse. The word or in reggae music refers to God as the “Lion of Judah”
            A lion represents power, strength, king, and ruler. The lion is known as one of the fiercest, most powerful, dominating animal known to man. There is something royal and majestic about a lion, which is why I believe the “Lion of Judah” is a wise expression of God.
            Verse 16, “Those who see you will stare at you and ponder over you:
‘Is this the man who made the earth tremble, who shook kingdoms,” What a sight that will be to see, how powerless Satan really is. This reminds me of Sonny and Cher, I can recall someone given an account on Sonny’s great and powerful presence. They said, “how could we have been afraid of him, he’s so short.” In sonny’s case he possessed a presence people felt when he walked in a room. Unlike Satan, he appears to possess such a presence. Satan is actually short in stature but tall in height, whereas Sonny is short in height but tall in stature.
            What I’m really saying here is when ever you pose that question “what’s the point? What’s the point of this life?” read Isaiah 13 and 14 also the book of Revelations 21. Those two chapters will give insight and bring peace. So don’t fret.
His Love and mine FaithfulSage

Hello all, I pray all is well. Today’s word is from 1 Samuel 9 and 10. Be encourage today and encourage (make) someone’s else day go a little better. Just like every rep counts so to every effort we make into making somebody’s life a little better and little more cheerful. And over a period of time you will add muscles of joy and peace into that person’s life.

“Put aside”

            ³ Now the donkeys belonging to Saul’s father Kish were lost, and Kish said to his son Saul, “Take one of the servants with you and go and look for the donkeys.” ⁴ So he passed through the hill country of Ephraim and through the area around Shalisha, but they did not find them. They went on into the district of Shaalim, but the donkeys were not there. Then he passed through the territory of Benjamin, but they did not find them. Verse 6, “⁶ But the servant replied, “Look, in this town there is a man of God; he is highly respected, and everything he says comes true. Let’s go there now. Perhaps he will tell us what way to take.” Verse 15, ¹⁵ now the day before Saul came, the LORD had revealed this to Samuel: ¹⁶ “About this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin. Anoint him leader over my people Israel; he will deliver my people from the hand of the Philistines. I have looked upon my people, for their cry has reached me.”

            God told Samuel about Saul; however Saul did not know he was to be king.

Reading these chapters it reveals to me God’s marvelous hand at work. Saul’s Father lost a live stock, and he asks his son to go look for it, assisted by one of his servants. As they searched for the lost donkey nightfall was approaching. So Saul wanted to turn back because he did not want his father to worry about him. His servant mentioned to him about a prophet who may be able to help (This was God doing His intervention.) This minor jester by Saul’s servant prolonged their journey, thus leading Saul to be anointed king. Of course Saul hesitated to go because he was concern about his father worrying about him. Saul also was reluctant to go to the prophet because he felt he had nothing to offer him. Yet again the servant interjected and reminded Saul of the shekels they had.

            As they met the prophet Samuel, God speaks to Samuel that very moment. (Side note: I wonder what God say’s to His people/prophet as someone meets them.)

            I believe that some church leaders (real prophets of God not just people who have a titles) already hears from God about their members, who they are and what God has in store for them. Since God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow, I believe that it still stands till this day.

            Saul had no idea He was walking into a prosperous opportunity. All he was thinking about was his fathers lost donkey and to keep him from worrying. Significantly what took place proves that Samuel is a prophet from God, “19 Samuel answered Saul, “I am the seer. Go up before me to the high place, for today you shall eat with me, and in the morning I will let you go and will tell you all that is on your mind. 20 *x20.1 as for your donkeys that were lost three days ago, do not set your mind on them, for they have been found. And for whom is all that is desirable in Israel? Is it not for you and for all your father’s house?” (1 Samuel 9:19-20) Samuel tells Saul about his dilemma at times this is when you know someone is sent from God, the Lord reveals what they are facing. The prophet of God ministers    to them. It was specific, not like today prophets who generalize a ordeal, it was concrete.
            The prophet Samuel spoke directly to Saul about his dilemma. As a result that revelation from Samuel unto Saul would encourage him to believe and receive the Word of God.
            Sometimes God has to speak about your situation directly, before He anoints you, appoints you, and positions you. Of course there has to be a confirmation of sort to verify it is from God. And what the prophet Samuel said solidifies to Saul into receiving God’s word also as a confirmation.
            “Bring the portion I gave you, of which I said to you, ‘Put it aside.’” (Verse 23) The prophet Samuel, had set aside a portion of meat, and then later set it in front of Saul. When God has something for you, He will set it aside. Not only that, in this text there was others at the table who where invited. God had already prepared a feast for Saul.
            When it’s your time, it’s your time, there’s a difference from thinking or knowing it’s your time, then it is when God say’s it’s your time. My pastor once said, “Your time will come.” I use to hate those words, because I wanted it right here and now. In Saul’s case it was his ordained time, his time to lead, and his time to govern. God even sat him in front of thirty guests. Maybe they were thirty prominent figures in the community, clergy members, leaders, influential people in the community, key figures to witness the hand of God on this young man.
             Eat; because it was kept for you until the hour appointed that you might eat with the guests.” (Verse 24)
            Chapter 10 shows us the confirmation, the sign. After the word, comes confirmation. The prophet Samuel mentions to Saul what would take place, the three men that Saul would meet, “Then you shall go on from there further and come to the *x3.1 oak of Tabor. Three men *x3.2 going up *x3.3 to God at Bethel will meet you there, one carrying three young goats, another carrying three loaves of bread, and another carrying a skin of wine. 4 And they will greet you and give you two loaves of bread, which you shall accept from their hand.”(Verse 3) As Saul met the men he had to 1. Remember 2. Receive what was spoken over him. This was another proof or sheer evidence that God has anointed him king.
            I believe when we read a word, or hear a message, or we get a word from someone, from God, a confirmation is in order. These chapters clearly justifies that the word was followed by a confirmation.
            Samuel continues to instruct Saul on what to do; he is to go to a city where prophets are prophesying (1 Samuel 10:5). Verse 6-7 states, 6 *x6.1 Then the Spirit of the LORD will rush upon you, *x6.2 and you will prophesy with them and be turned into another man. 7 Now when *x7.1 these signs meet you, do what your hand finds to do, *x7.2 for God is with you.” Verses 9 is a powerful and enlighten word, “When he turn his back to leave Samuel, God gave him another heart.”
            In all of this text 7and 8, Saul had to wait for Samuel to come to him before he to do anything. (Funny how that reminds me that Saul lost his kingdom/reign/life when Samuel had commended him to wait for him, and didn’t heed that instruction so Saul acted foolishly, but that’s another story. That is why I don’t like the story of King Saul, his disobedience cost him his life and his son’s. I don’t want that to happen to me.)
             At times parents set aside funds for their children. They set aside special gifts or right of passage into adult hood. And God is no different, He set aside time for us to come into a birth right of sort. He set aside our ministry, future wife or husband, gifts and talents until the proper time. Some of us are aware of these special privileges set before us, and some don’t have a clue until the appointed time. Similarly Saul was chosen to be king. He had no clue he would be Israel’s first king. Like the portion of meat set aside for Saul, God has set something or someone aside for you.
            Above all God had set aside Jesus for us to be saved and receive salvation. This chapter on the anointing of King Saul, I’m sure we all can relate too some degree. I just like to remind you all out there that you never know what has been set aside for you. I just pray you live a blameless life full of godliness and Holiness. I pray that you remain faithful with what has been entrusted to you. Making good use of it to glorify God and lift up your fellow men in Jesus name. And for those of you who do not know Christ as your Savior today is the day He has “set aside” for you to receive Him. I pray good health and Gods mercy fall upon you today.

His Love and mine FaithfulSage

These are notes from sunday’s Bible class Thought I’d share it. This is a teaching done by my sunday school teacher, not my usual writing I Just was moved by this lesson he taught on discipleship. Thank you pastor Edmond.

“If I be lifted up”

            Each disciple has his or her own cross to bear. We are accepting the shame of the cross. We are going to be challenge to pick-up our cross. The cross is not a glorious thing to carry. It’s awkward, it carries shame, it carries rejections. It’s a very difficult task. If we are to follow Jesus, “ 31 And he began to inform them, that the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders, and the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and that in three days he must rise again.” (Mark 8:31). Jesus must die, we must suffer, when we suffer
–When Paul was left for dead, drag through the city and some saints encourage him to stay where he was
            Sometimes we have to carry that proclivity, that strong hold. “Let people say what they want to say, Let them think what they want to think.”(YP) And the Holy Spirit speaks to you and you get upset.
When you are a disciple you can’t get instant gratification. It looks like this person is gonna get the best of me. “It’s very difficult to have people (situations) mount up against  you and keep your mouth shut. Sometimes we have militant Christians, they die before their time. Than we have quite Christians, they seem weak, but their spirit is strong and God say’s “Hold your peace, vengeance is mine thus saith the Lord.” (YP)
            Christ carried His cross, which held shame and rejections. “If I be lifted up I will draw all men unto me.” When you know you’re right and keep your mouth shut. When God can trust you and you suffer with Him, you keep your mouth shut. You’ve been talk about, people think you’re the weaker vessel, but God is gonna turn the situation in your favor.
            A disciple has to fight every single day of their life. When we come out of praise and worship, the giant is right their waiting. Until you kill it and cut his head, it still has power over you. God is not pouring His anointing oil in crack vessels. There is someone who is gonna be weaker than you when you are strong, so you can bring them out. So that you can speak life into them.
            Responsibility in God, look at Adam. God say’s “cultivate, maintain the garden.” God gave Adam responsibility. “I cannot let you have pleasure without responsibility.” But Satan wants to give you pleasure without responsibility. There is a cross you have to bear and responsibility is that cross. Rejections, shame, represents the cross.
            He was always about His Fathers business. When you don’t hear the voice of God, that is when you gotta trust His plan. And that is why you have to know His plan. It’s not that He is mad at you. When you hear His answer, don’t move till you get a confirmation. Because we can hear what we want to hear.
            Jesus looks at the real need, He knows what you’ve done, but He knows there is a need. He knows you did this or that but deep down He knows you did that act are acted that way because there is a need that needs to be met.
            When Judas betrayed Jesus, he went and look for repentance, but he got nothing. He went to the wrong people and killed himself. His spirit was broken and could not find someone to help him fix it. “You fell into a creature that made love to you but did not give you Jesus.” (YP) Sometimes you could have fall into the wrong hands- bragging rights, trophy piece. And some of you have, where you where just a trophy piece to that individual.

            It’s not about you. The word say’s they will deliver some folks, but can’t deliver themselves.
And don’t allow all sort of peoples problem into your life. Don’t receive everyone into your spirit. Tell them, “No go pray about that, don’t always come to me.” “Why do you welcome all that.” (YP) all that stuff into your house/spirit. Tell them to go pray. And watch to see if anything change in their behavior. “Don’t give so much of yourself when they don’t seem to change. You will know them by their fruits.” “You don’t have to know everyone’s problem, shut some of them down and have them pray about their situation.” (YP)

     I pray this was benificial to you on today.

His Love and mine FaithfulSage.

Hello everyone, it has been a while since I posted. Todays Word I’ve been sitting on for 2 months now. And with all that is going on I believe it suits for the times.

                      
               The Comforting side of ministry
     Many a times I cry, groaning myself to sleep, at times bitterly angry. Despite that I can recall picking up the phone and reaching out to a fellow brother or sister in Christ. Paul wrote about those who where ashamed of his chains. except Timothy and some others, who welcomed his suffering for Christ Jesus. In this life it can get easily tempting to give up throwing in the towel, and to walk away from our calling; to backslide, because we know of God’s mercy and forgiveness. Again Paul did not wager Christ for pleasure and ease of life.
     “If the righteous are barely saved, what chance will the godless and sinners have?” (1 Peter 4:18). In other words we are first fruits; we are the first fruits of “judgment”. Our sacrificial lives witness and strengthen those who will one day bare their cross. Someone will come to you facing the same obstacle, situation God brought you through. In Romans 10:14-15 say’s gives us a view on this, “14How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? <sup id=”en-NIV-28189″>15And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
     Our suffering similar to the Apostle Paul will glorify God. I mean think about it. We’ve read how much Paul endured. He even stated, “By all accounts I should have giving up.” Rather he endured the fiery trails. And today in 2009 we are still drawing strength from this man’s life. Do you know how much strength and guidance people are and will draw from your life? Generations after generations may be able to draw strength from your trials, testimony, and triumph through Christ Jesus.
It does get heavy at times but the Word gave an example that, we have not come under a persecution like Christ that drew blood in just the pressing thought of what He had to endure. God is able.
     I remember a while back I was riding my bike furiously mad and angry at God, going against oncoming traffic. Just questioning Him, “why do I have to suffer so much? Why do I have to give up so much? What’s the point? What’s the point?” I kept saying. When He got me home (safe) I fell to the floor in anguish, cause of the pain I was feeling. The fact I had to give up so much, turn the other cheek so much, the people I had to give up and who gave up on me. My heart and soul was in such sorrow and despair. As I lay on the floor sobbing, I struggled and in hesitation, I reach for my Bible, it was an old Bible I had that was torn lying on the floor, the book of Revelations 21 was a page that was exposed and I looked at it read it with a rebellious nature and it reads, “See, the home of God is among mortals He will dwell with them as their God they will be his peoples and God himself will be with them;” And this is the part that hit home, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away!”

     After reading that Word I felt the presence of Jesus Himself comforting me. He reminded of the reasons. He reminded me there is a here after (new heaven and new earth) and the part “no more pain…” and “He will wipe every tear…” really struck my heart. I felt His loving arm around me, quieting my weary soul and my broken heart. That is one of the many reason it is good to be a Christian, a child of God, He is in our present situations. To know Jesus loves you and knows where you are in life. How many of our friends and love ones can comfort us in such manner? Only Jesus can. He was there in the beginning of the thing, the middle and the end of those situations. If we had to reach out to someone we would have to tell our whole life story why this that and the other, just to make a point of why we feel the way we do. Like He met me that night and met Paul in his sufferings and many other man and women in the Bible, Christ knows where you are and He’ll comfort you right where you are. And that alone is comfort enough in our walk with Christ Jesus, may you be so bless. Amen
¹Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. ²I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. ³And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ⁴He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”  ⁵He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."
His Love and mine FaithfulSage