GOD'S HUMBLE SERVANT (REMEMBERING J. D. WILLIAMS)

"Well done, thou good and faithful servant:  thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things:  enter thou into the joy of thy lord"

Matthew 25: 21

John Daniel Williams went home to be with the Lord on April 1, 2012.  As I sit here and stare at his photograph on the wall in my prayer closet, tears well up in my eyes of a man, though I  never had the chance to meet in this life, I have come to learn so much about.

From the stories told to me from his children (Angie Martin & Jay Ritchie Williams), his grandchildren, and the countless friends and colleagues that knew him, JD (as he was affectionately known) Williams stood a giant among men.  

In 2014, long before we moved into the place that has now become our home, I got into the car and drove upon the grounds and parked the car.  The place hadn't been lived in for a while.  It was secluded and quiet.  I got out of the car and walked toward the barn.  Not too long ago lived a man who walked these same grounds.  Everywhere I looked there stood J. D. Williams.  It only took a few seconds to know that these grounds were sacred.  I grabbed my Bible and began to walk toward the red barn, just adjacent to the parking garage.  There was something, or someone, beckoning for me to come closer.  Just as I neared the barn, I stopped and began to feel that spirit of prayer.  "Right here," a voice whispered to me.  I suddenly felt the power and anointing of God fall upon me as I immediately went into a spirit of travail.  Tears were flowing from my eyes as I knelt right there upon the ground and raised my hands toward heaven.  I felt the very presence of God as I cried out for lost souls.  It was an experience that is hard to explain, but I knew that I had now encountered the place where J. D. Williams often prayed.  When you come upon a place where a prayer warrior prays, you will know.  The prayers that this man prayed can still be felt as I'm out walking, what I now call, "my prayer circle."  How remarkable to know that this man's prayers can still be felt, so many years later.

My husband told me a story that truly touched my heart.  It was 5 years ago, today (March 31, 2012).  As family and friends stood around to spend their last moments with him, J. D. asked to baptize all of them.  As sick as he was, he wanted one last opportunity to do something that meant so much to him.  He didn't leave one person out as he baptized everyone in the room, from the youngsters to the grownups.  If he'd had his way, he would have been down baptizing them in the river, because he believed in a good old baptism service.  He didn't believe in sprinkling, but he loved submerging the entire body in water.  But, he was much too weak.  After he was done baptizing everyone, he then looked up to heaven and whispered, "Father, into Your hands I commend my spirit."  He was now ready to meet the Lord, as he'd performed his last duty upon earth.  What an awesome experience that must have been to behold for those who were fortunate enough to witness it.  I can only imagine what all the many family and friends must have felt to see something so incredible.   A man of God who was faithful in both life, and nearing death.  There are several photographs on the wall of my prayer closet of J.D. Williams baptizing.  I can see a man who truly loved Jesus, and at all costs, wanted to obey Him.

One of these days I will get to meet J.D. Williams in heaven.  What a glorious day that will be.  Surrounded by loved ones long departed, and to shake the hand of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  In the meantime, the saints of old like J.D. are sending down prayers to encourage us to hold on, and to keep the faith.  Each time that I'm privileged to walk the grounds of my prayer circle, I can feel the prayers that were prayed long ago by such a humble servant of God.  He left a great legacy for his children, grandchildren, and friends.  In life, and now in death, J. D. Williams taught people how to serve the Lord.  He was a man that led by example.  We need more men like that in this world today.  True worshipers that worship Jesus in Spirit and in Truth.  This was who J.D. Williams was, right up to the moment he breathed his last breath.  Rest on John Daniel Williams.  Your love for God is still being felt today from everyone who knew you, and for those who didn't.  Thank you, Man of God.  You fought a good fight.  You finished your race.  Well done, good and faithful servant.

John Daniel Williams

The Benefits of God

***From the Blog Archive Series, May 21, 2011***

The Words that I wanted to share with you this weekend is found in Psalms 103.  When the craze today is on good healthcare, 401 k, life insurance, dental insurance, stocks and bonds, it is so wonderful to know that we have the best benefits when we come to God.  Man's care package is nothing compared to having all the wonderful assurances that we have in serving a true and a living God.  The Lord is our shield.  The Lord is our provider.  The Lord is our strength.  The Lord is our Redeemer.  The Lord is our peace.  The Lord is our security in a world today that is worried about economic collapse.  Why not come to Him and let Him be your peace in the midst of a troubled world.

"Bless the LORD, O my soul:  and all that is within me, bless his holy name.  Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.  Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.  The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.  He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.  The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.  He will not always chide; neither will he keep his anger for ever.  He hath not dealth with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.  For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.  As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.  Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.  For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.  As for man, his days are as grass:  as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.  For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.  But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children; To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.  The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.  Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.  Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.  Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion:  bless the LORD, O my soul"

Psalm 103 

Thy Sins Are Forgiven

"There was a certain creditor which had two debtors:  the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.  And when they had nothing to pay, he frandly forgave them both.  Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?  Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most.  And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.  And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman?  I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet:  but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.  Thou gavest me no kiss:  but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.  My head with oil thou didst not anoint:  but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.  Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven:  for she loved much:  but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.  And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.  And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also?  And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee: go in peace "

St Luke 7:41-50

Jesus Christ loves and forgives you no matter how many times you have sinned.  He does not count our sins but forgives us when we come to Him in repentance, (true repentance).  Though man may judge sin and put it into a particular category Jesus does not. "  All unrighteousness is sin"  I John 5:17 

Man may look at the sin and tell you that you can't be forgiven, but Jesus looks at the sinner and says, "Here I am, just come to me in repentance.  All your sins are forgiven.  Your faith have saved you.  Go in peace."



EXAMPLE by Evangelist Dorothy Duhart

Even Jesus' closest disciples, men and women who traveled with Him during His earthly ministry, didn't always follow His example.  There were times when they bickered and complained among themselves.  They doubted His words and misunderstood His ministry.  Yes, they denied that they ever knew Him.

Nonetheless, Jesus' healing forgiveness and compassion was there for them just as it is for all of us.  Ask Him and He will teach us all how to walk in His footsteps because if we follow in His pathways, we'll never be lost.  

To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you; leaving you an example that you should follow in His steps.  Where He leads me I will follow all the way.  God bless you all.

Reserved Parking

"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things"

Philippians 4: 7-8

Just the other day I was sitting in the school parking lot waiting for my stepdaughter and husband to come back and I couldn't help but notice the sign to the right of me that said, "Reserved Parking Only", and even though it was long after school was over and nearly everyone was already gone home I dared not park there.  That space was reserved for someone in particular and it was no telling when they would show up again.  I feared getting a fine, or having to move if I was caught parked there.  While in prayer this morning I was praying for all the impure thoughts and things that could get in my heart and I asked God to make my heart only a place where He can dwell.

Have you ever stopped to think about all the clutter and junk that can get inside your heart just from the things you see and read each day?  The Devil will cloud our mind with filth and garbage and he looks for opportunities every chance that he gets.  Even when we sleep we are not safe from the tactics of Satan.  We can reserve parking only for God by constantly keeping our hearts and minds stayed upon Him.  In his letter to the Philippians the Apostle Paul was instructing them how to keep the peace of God by being thankful in everything and making their requests known to God by continuing to pray (verse 6).  If we are more apt to think of the pure, true, just, lovely, and honest things in our own lives and that of others, we are less likely to give up our parking space to the tricks and schemes of the Devil.  "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things”  (verse 8).  The Devil knows that He is not allowed to park where God is but it's our job and duty to keep him out.  We can only do that by keeping our mind stayed on God and trusting Him to keep us in that perfect peace.  "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee:  because he trusteth in thee”  Isaiah 26:3

When we have those stressful days,

God’s peace can often soothe

And bring us such a quiet hope

That chases away the blues

So when you feel the pressure on

Remember Jesus Christ

Receive from Him the peace He gives

As His daily dose for life!

M.S. Lowndes

"Don't allow Satan to park in your heart; keep him out with the Word of God"

CHOOSE TO TRUST GOD

As I woke this morning and got upon my knees, it was so still and quiet.  I pulled out my bible and got in my usual place of prayer.  I couldn’t speak.  I’m sure many of us have felt this way.  The words wouldn’t come, but I knew God understood it all.  I picked up my flashlight and wrote an inscription in my bible, “I choose to keep trusting God, no matter how things look now, for He is faithful to His word.” 

Jesus sees all the tears that we cry.  He feels all the hurts and pains we encounter.  In the moments that we want to lash out against insensitive words spoken against us we just keep going.  Sometimes we don’t understand it all, but He does.  Anger and bitterness can rear their ugly heads, but we silently just keep going.  Why?  Because we know that it is God who fights our battles.  The hardest thing sometime is letting go and letting God.  We want to strike back, but we know the best fighting is always upon our knees. 

Has someone close to you hurt you lately?  Does it seem that no matter how hard you try, that you’re fighting a losing battle?   You have two options:  Retaliate back, or make a choice to turn the situation over to God and let Him fight the battle!  He has promised that He would never leave nor forsake us.  Don’t put your trust in your feelings, but continue to put them in Jesus.  We serve a mighty God that works on the behalf of those who puts their trust in Him.  Fear not, because He’s faithful to His word.  Turn it all over to the Lord.

Tomorrow May Be Too Late

"And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness:  for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.  And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:  And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?  And he said, This will I do:  I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.  And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.  But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee:  then whose shall those things be which thou hast provided?  So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."

St. Luke 12:15-21

***From the Blog Archive Series, May 23, 2011&***



 Howard Hughes was one of the wealthiest people in the world.  He was a maverick film producer, industrialist, aviator, engineer, hotelier, business magnate, and philanthropist.  He financed some of the biggest films in his era and dated many famous women in Hollywood.  Through all of his success and many accomplishments, his later years were spent in isolation and pain.  Hughes had an obsessive-compulsive disorder and in December, 1947 he stayed in his film studio dark room for four months without leaving.  He survived primarily on candy bars and milk and relieved himself in empty bottles and other containers.  He sat fixated in his chair, usually naked, as he continually watched film after film.  One film he watched at least 150 times back to back.  He did not bathe or cut his hair for weeks.  He spent most of his later years living in pain, becoming addicted to codeine, which he injected intramuscularly.  There was nothing that his money couldn't buy, or that he couldn't seem to build on his own, especially planes.  But with all that it could not save him from the sad life he lived in the end.  He died aboard his aircraft supposedly in 1976 a recluse who was not recognizable.  Once a towering 6 feet tall handsome man, he weighed only 90 pounds at the time of his death.  Fingerprints had to be taken to even identify his body. Some reports say that only eight people attended his funeral.

Howard Hughes is a perfect example of a life filled with many possessions, but yet worthless without a rich relationship with God.  When we put all we have in material things, those things that will eventually pass away (money, power, sex, etc.) and not recognize they are to be used as God planned, it profits nothing.  Jesus said in St. Matthew 16:26  "What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?  Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?"

"But God said to him, "You fool!  This very night your life will be demanded from you.  Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?"  St. Luke 12:20

"Then he said to them, "Watch out!  Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."  St. Luke 12:15

If Christ returned today, just where would you stand?  Would you be ready to meet Him?  Are worldly possessions, greed and lust causing you to lose sight of your own soul?  Where will you spend eternity? 

Don't wait until it's too late!  Examine your heart today.  If you are rich in material things, yet destitute of Christ, in the end it will not be worth the forfeit of your soul.  Please, search your heart today.  Tomorrow may just be too late!

GIVE THANKS UNTO THE LORD

"O Give thanks unto the LORD; for He is good:  for His mercy endureth for ever.  O give thanks unto the God of gods:  for His mercy endureth for ever.  O give thanks to the LORD of lords:  for His mercy endureth for ever.  O give thanks unto the God of heaven:  for His mercy endureth for ever"

PSALMS 136: 1-3, 26

In the busyness of your day, do you ever just stop to thank God?  Do you ever recall or remember some great blessing that the LORD sent your way, or some sickness you were dealing with that He healed, or that job promotion, or that new car you were blessed with, or that stranger that stopped along the way to offer you a helping hand when your car broke down?  

The truth of the matter is, we are always asking God for things, but sometimes we forget to simply tell him, 'Thank You LORD" for all the things that you have given to me.  Sometimes we take for granted having good health, a roof over our head, a nice car to get us around, food on the table, etc.  In a world where  many people are always screaming 'give me, give me' we sometimes lose sight that we are such blessed people.  But we are to be a thankful people.  

Look around you and behold the beauty of God's nature. Having now lived here in the Ozarks for the past several years, I 'm just amazed by all the beauty and handiwork  of the LORD.  Clean fresh air and the green grass.  The clear ponds and streams and all the many animals.  It is just a breathtaking sight to behold.  I am just so thankful that my eyes can take in such amazing scenery.  


Sometimes we miss our blessing by not taking the time to thank the LORD for the things that He's already done.  What is it that you are most thankful for today?  Why not go to the LORD in prayer and simply let Him know how much you appreciate all that you've been given.

STRONG TOWER BY by Evangelist Dorothy Duhart

Lord Jesus, how we want to run to you in times of trouble and in times of need.  We are so blessed that You're always there for us.  You always take us in and calm our weary spirits.  

There's no one like You.  You are just, mighty, compassionate, faithful, and unchangeable.  Every day You're the same.  At times when everything seems shaky and uncertain, You're firm and immovable.

"From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I; for You are my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy"  Psalm 61: 2-3

YOUR FEARS FOR HIS PEACE

After I was diagnosed with cancer in December, 2015, I faced many fearful days.  The hardest part was not knowing how my body was going to react to the cancer treatment (chemo and radiation).  I also dreaded the countless scans and tests.

When I had my first full body bone scan in January, 2016 I was really nervous..  Being claustrophobic didn't help matters.  The test was to last about 45 minutes.  "How in the world am I going to get through this?"  "I'm suppose to just lie here and not move a muscle!"  
I then closed my eyes and focused on the Word of God.  I held my prayer cloth in my hand and started to silently speak faith words.  "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.  Your rod and your staff comforts me".  "For He shall give His angels charge over me, to keep me in all my ways."  "I am not alone, for my Father is with me."

I began to calm down and relax the more that I focused on God's word.  I knew that Jesus was right there with me, even though Satan was trying to get me to look at my fears.  You may be facing a tough challenge today, and don't know how you're going to get through it all.  There may not be anyone you can confide in, but you can talk to the Lord.  He loves and cares for you.  He's your creator, and He knows more about you than anyone else.  Open the Word of God and allow Him to speak to you right now.   He's always there by your side, taking you through all the dark tunnels in your life.  Jesus Christ is forever and always with you! Give Him your fears, and He will give you His peace!

JESUS IS STILL ON BOARD

"Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples:  and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake.  And they launched forth.  But as they sailed he fell asleep:  and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy.  And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish.  Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water:  and they ceased, and there was a calm.  And he said unto them, Where is your faith?  And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this!  for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him"

St. Luke 8:22-25

There will be many times in your walk with God when you feel He is not there.  The storms of life will be raging against you.  You may wonder, "O, Lord, where are you?  Don't you see that I'm suffering?  Don't you see how much pain that I'm in?  Lord, how can you sleep during a time like this?" 

  Brothers and sisters, know that Jesus is always there.  There will  be seasons when you will be tried.  Just because we are saved it doesn't mean that things will always be good.  We will all go through storms.  We will all feel that our boat is about to sink.  Just remember that  Jesus is in control of our storms.  The wind and waves has to obey His command.  He will not let you go under.  When we continue to watch the raging of the wind and water, it is then that we begin to sink.  

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you:  and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you:  when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon you"  (Isaiah 43:2)

Keep the faith in Jesus Christ.  He has promised to never leave nor forsake us.  Jesus is still on board!  

Please send all prayer requests to:

Dailymannafromheaven@gmail.com

All requests are prayed over daily.  Send your praise reports and testimonies.  I would love to hear from you.

Minister Lora Williams





A Time To Be Born...A Time To Die

"There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven:

a time to be born and a time to die,

a time to plant and a time to uproot,

a time to kill and a time to heal,

a time to tear down and a time to build,

a time to weep and a time to laugh,

a time to mourn and a time to dance,

a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,

a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

a time to search and a time to give up,

a time to keep and a time to throw away,

a time to tear and a time to mend,

a time to be silent and a time to speak,

a time to love and a time to hate,

a time for war and a time for peace.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

***From the Blog Archive Series, May 24, 2011***



I came across a very sad story yesterday. A young father of three who was only 24 years old, died. It touched my heart that he'd worked at a neighborhood Lowe's to put his wife through nursing school and did all he could to provide for his family. He wanted to make a better life for himself and his family and so he applied at the local fire department because he wanted to have a part in saving lives and wanted his sons to remember him as a professional life saver, a firefighter, and a daddy who made it his life's work to help others. Just a few days into his firefighter training, he and his family went to hang out at the lake, but he never made it out alive. He became the hero he always wanted his sons to see him become, only this time he lost his life, saving theirs and another little girl. After they were all safe, his was gone.
I couldn't help but wonder, "Lord, why?" Just when it seemed he was getting things together and becoming the man that he wanted to be, this happened. A man of 24 years old with a wife and three young children, just taken away. It didn't make much sense. But the only peace that I could get from reading that story was that he became a hero saving the lives of his two sons and that young girl. But, it left a void because now people grieves for him. A wife who loved him. Children who looked up to him. Family who loved and cared for him. Friends he knew and helped throughout his lives. And just people like me who never met him but respected what he stood for. And I realize that there is a time and a place for all things. It is now time for weeping, but again there will be laughter. A young man died but life will be built again through all the lives he touched. Though this story is so sad, by and by it will be turned into joy in remembrances of the man that God lent to all who knew him for 24 years. Through this season of rain, yes, the sun will shine again.



Michael Dewayne Jones, Jr.
July 6, 1986 - May 21, 2011

GOD MADE MAN

"And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness:  and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.  So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.  And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it:  and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.  And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.  And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air,  and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat:  and it was so.  And God saw every thing that he made, and, behold, it was very good.  And the evening and the morning were the sixth day"

Genesis 1: 26-31

When God made man He made us in His own image.  He created both male and female.  When man was created God saw all that He had made and beheld that it was "very good".  In the society in which we live today there are many different opinions as to who's the superior race.  In the beginning of creation God made man.  He did not create one race to rule over another.  Man was made in His image.  We are living in a world today where we are not only judged by skin color, but by our status in life.  We were made to have dominion over the cattle, the fish of the sea, birds of the air, the earth, and every creeping thing upon it.  We was not made to rule over each other or to put others down because of their ethnicity or because their standards were lower than ours.  God made us equal.  God does not prefer Caucasian  over African American or African American over Latinos.  God respects no man's person (Colossians 3:28). 

When we are ruled by hate, are we doing God's service?  Are we not murderers?  I John 3:15 states, "Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer:  and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him".  Would Jesus turn us away because of the color of our skin or because we were poor?  James 2:5 says "Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?  Are we in God's will when we praise the rich, and despise the poor?  Please read James 2:1-10.

In the book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 9, verses 1-2, Solomon speaks plainly that all things come alike to all of us.  The wicked will die just as the righteous; to those who do good works and those who does not.  When we come to the end of our earthly life, neither our race nor our status in life will matter.  For those of us who say that we really know God and are being good Christians, how can we if we are being ruled by hatred?  Are we not walking in the flesh?  (Galatians 5).  If we are walking in the Spirit only then are we walking like Christ.  Galatians 5:16 says, "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh".  

If our eyes are evil to another, can we truly say we are walking like Christ?  John 3:16-17 says, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life..  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved".  Where is race mentioned in this?  Or our bank account?

Let us get real people, hate is of the Devil.  Having respect of persons is not Godly.  We commit sin when we do this and there is no way to justify it by Scripture.  The only thing to do is repent and ask the LORD to wash us and to create a clean and pure heart within us.  Don't be fooled by Satan that it's alright and then die and go to hell with our hatred.

Revelation 20:12 says, "And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened:  and another book was opened, which is the book of life:  and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works".  Our every action is being recorded in this life.  With God there is no big sin or small sin.  All unrighteousness is sin (I John 5:17).  Don't be ignorant of Satan's devices that it doesn't really matter if we hate someone because they wasn't born quite like us or afforded some of the better things in life, or that's it's fine and well if we treat them differently.  For those of us professing to be born again there should be no part in our life for this kind of behavior.  We really need to search the Scriptures and see where we stand.  How sad it would be that on judgement day we stand before the LORD thinking all is well.  We lived a good life on earth and tried to be a good Christian.  But, we never dealt with our prejudices against others.  Satan had convinced us that it was okay to hate someone because that was how we grew up and society had accepted it.  And  because we felt no need to repent while we lived on earth, we are now lost forever and appointed our place in the lake of fire.  How truly pitiful that will be.  

Matthew 5:21-22 Jesus says (not man), "Ye have heard that was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgement:  But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgement:  and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council:  but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire".  Jesus classifies hate the same as murder, so what is our fate if we do so and don't get this sin covered under the blood?  Revelation 21:8 tells us "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone:  which is the second death".

WHOSOEVER WILL by Evangelist Dorothy Duhart

Oh, how I love this verse!  It doesn't leave out any of us.  The fountain of God, overflowing with the water of life.  It's there for the drinking to all of us, old and young, weak or strong, rich or poor, smart of dull, large or small.  It's for all of us that are willing to take!

I'm so glad that God has promised to never turn away anyone who comes to Him.  There are those who say that a little child, or a retarded person can't know and love Jesus.  No!  This is not true.  God's word says, "Whosoever will."  You don't have to have gone to seminary.  There's no minimum I.Q. requirements for the Kingdom of God.  I read in the Book of Luke 1:15 that "John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb."

Know this, that God is interested in saving souls today.  Big souls and little souls.  Old and young souls.  All souls!  Is there anybody you could tell about Jesus today, that you haven't given the Good News that Jesus loves them?  Talk to them today.  You may never know how thirsty they are for the water of life, Jesus Christ.  Tell them whosoever will...Come!

AN ATTITUDE OF PRAYER

Seek you the LORD while He may be found, call you upon Him while He is near:  Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts:  and let him return to the LORD, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon” (Isaiah 55: 6-7)

How much time do you give God every day?  Have you resonated to just serving Him on Sundays?  Do you only find the necessity to seek Him when you’re in trouble, sick, or suffering a great loss?

It’s a sad thing, but we sometimes don’t make God a priority in our busy lives.  We give Him what is left over of us at the end of the day, when we’re usually so tired that all we’re good for is to crash in bed, or mumble a quick prayer before drifting off.  Often, we may just turn on the television and go straight to bed.

This has been me at various times in my life.  I found time to do everything that I deemed important, except to give to the LORD some time alone in prayer.  I remember once a prayer that I prayed to God: “Lord, don’t let me be happy and content if I’m not praying.  Shake things up in my life when I become too complacent.”  Occasionally, we may need a shaking and stirring.  Complacency should have no place in our prayer closets.  I don’t care what else we have to do, we must make time for prayer.

“Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation.  Hearken to the voice of my cry, my King, and my God:  for to You will I pray.  My voice shall You hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer to You, and will look up” (Psalm 5: 1-3)

What are time times that you are most fresh?  For me, it’s the early morning hours, before anyone else gets up, and things are still quiet.  This is when I’m most alert, before things get too busy…...before the phone starts ringing, cleaning the house, or preparing family meals.  I find myself discombobulated when I don’t take the time to give God the first fruits of my lips at the start of each day.

God deserves our very best.  He doesn’t deserve what we have left over.  When it comes to our praying, however long it may be, give to the LORD your best.  Shut off the phones, television, and internet.  Find a place where you can meet and be alone with God daily.  You will see things start to turn around for you.  With all the crazy things going on in our world today, there’s no better time to develop an attitude of prayer. The sweetest fragrance we can ever send up to God is our prayers, prayed from a sincere heart. 

A GOD WHO NEVER GIVES UP ON US

"Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them:  for the LORD thy God, He it is that doth go with thee; He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee" (Deuteronomy 31:6)

As I sit and ponder the happenings of the past year (battling breast cancer; losing a brother-in-law to prostate cancer; a daughter moving out of our home), I'm led to this verse, "Is anything too hard for the LORD?"  (Genesis 18:4)

It was the mighty hand of God that brought me through one of the worst storms of my life.  From the diagnosis to the treatment, this was a tough storm.  Many times Satan made me feel as if my boat was going to sink.  God's grace and mercy said "No!  He's bigger than cancer!  There's nothing too hard for God!

When the tears won't stop flowing, and you're feeling overwhelmed, know that God is in control.  I don't care what it is that you're facing.  Nothing is too hard for God!  When the doctors give up on you; when the friends turn their backs on you; when the children are rebellious....God is still in control.  He will never forsake you.

Jesus loves you so much.  He feels every pain that you're feeling right now.  Don't give up on the LORD because He will never give up on you.  His love is unconditional.

Think On These Things

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things"

Philippians 4:8

***From the Blog Archive Series, May 26, 2011***

I had a friend tell me once that I worried too much, and that my mind was always thinking negatively and in defeat.  I didn't like it at first, but as I really thought about it I knew that what he said  was absolutely right.  What I focused on most and took in to my mind is what proceeded from my mouth.  I was destroying myself with my own thoughts.

"As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he"

Proverbs 23:7

I learned to realize that the more I meditated on the Word of God and learned to speak the language of the Bible, the better off I was.   God began to heal me from my hurt.  I started to feel victorious.  I started to feel free.  God took the blinders off my eyes and I started to see all of His true beautiness.  Sometimes all we have to do is open up our eyes to the world around us to see how truly blessed we are.  I have eyes to see.  I have ears to hear.  I have feet to walk.  I have food on my table.  I have clothes to wear on my back.  All the little "seeminly" small things I took for granted because I was only dwelling on the things that I didn't have.  But, I know better now.  O, God do I know better!  But it took Jesus to truly open my eyes.  Yes, I am blessed and I know it!  But only after God showed me in His Word where my mind should be focused.  Thank you, Jesus!





Willing To Show Love

"And there came a leper to Him, beseeching Him, and kneeling down to Him, and saying unto Him, If Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean.  And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth His hand, and touched Him, and saith unto Him, I will; be thou clean"

Mark 2: 40-41

What I'm most touched about from these verses is how Jesus was moved with compassion.  We are to have compassion toward people.  When we see people sick or in trouble we are to pray for them.  When we see people going astray, we are to pray for them.  So many times we are quick to judge someone when they are having problems or have an ailment.  Surely, we think, God is just punishing them for their sin.  Let's face it, if God should count our sins we would all fall short.  We should remember where God has brought us from and learn to show compassion.

Jesus Christ is our best example.  When we read we should clearly see ourselves and ask God to help us to be more like Jesus.  What Would Jesus Do? is a popular saying these days.  To really know how Jesus would handle the situations we face today we have to get to know Him.  There is no other way.

"I Am the way, the Truth, and the Life:  No man cometh unto the Father, but by me" John 14: 6

When we truly get to know Him, we too, will be filled with His compassion for others.

LORD, help our eyes to see as You do, to find and show others how to truly love.  Amen!



STAY SOBER

There are many things that Satan can use to distract us from seeking the face of God.  Social media, television, computer & video games, and burning up the phone lines with useless gossip.  Anything that the Devil can use against us, he will.

Our nation right now is as spiritually corrupt as it's ever been.  Everywhere you look there's unrest.  "The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God" (Psalm 9:17).  There's no peace except in Jesus Christ.

I Peter 5:8 warns us to be sober (to abstain from); (to watch); because our adversary the Devil walks about like a roaring lion.  Typically, a lion does not roar when they are in the hunt because this will send a warning to their prey.  Lions roar to proclaim territory.  They generally seek out the weak and inattentive animals that stray off from the herd.  Likewise, the Devil seeks out weak minded Christians who gets away from the Word of God; from prayer and fasting.

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour"  (1 Peter 5:8)

When a lion devours its prey, he does it one bite at a time.  Satan is a relentless foe that seeks for our very soul.  We must always be on guard for anything that we allow to keep us from our relationship with God.  It may be an innocent little habit you're picking up, but watch out!  Something small and insignificant today, if unchecked, will grow into something much larger tomorrow.  Next thing you know, you're back at square one.  No desire to pray; no desire to read the Bible.

God has done so many great things for us.  We praise Him when things are going well.  We cannot afford to become spiritually lazy in this warfare with Satan.  Be on your watch, and get rid of all the weights that are sent by the Devil to bring you down.  No matter how harmless they seem. Don't listen to his lies.  Stay sober and be alert!