Sister Judith Hannah

Making Yourself AVAILABLE to The LORD...

2012-01-16T16:32:00.001-05:00

Making oneself

AVAILABLE

to The LORD is how
serious Christian disciples

seek to follow

The LORD JESUS CHRIST.

But without faith it is impossible to please HIM+: for he that cometh to GOD must believe that HE is, and that HE is a rewarder of them that diligently seek HIM+. Hebrews 11:6

In the daily walk there are certain things ... practices or disciplines, if you will... that will draw us closer to The LORD ... if we practice them diligently.

The Apostle calls this "sowing to the SPIRIT."

Similarly, there are certain daily activities or "focuses" of our energy and mind, that, if we pour ourselves into them, will draw us FARTHER AWAY from The LORD and HIS+ values.

The Apostle calls this "sowing to the flesh."

All serious-minded Christians know and do realize the truth that sowing to the flesh reaps corruption.

The problem is, however, that usually the CORRUPTION doesn't OCCUR immediately and the CORROSION oftentimes is not obvious but unseen. The corrosion remains hidden until a time of testing befalls a Christian, then the "steel girders" of one's faith are found to be piles of rust, giving way at the very moment when needed and blown as the chaff in the air. The Christian tumbles and the witness is destroyed.

Here is an easy rule to ascertain what "sowing to the flesh" entails: It is ALL those things that DO NOT PROFIT US SPIRITUALLY !

For some , it may be chatting on the phone or emailing. For others, it may be TV or videos or reading a book, listening to music, doing projects around the house.... anything that takes our focus OFF of The LORD.

For some, it may even entail involvment with church work and activities and hospitalities.

Most of us have innumerable duties and responsibilities through the day, in the public or at home. Some of us are so over-loaded that we are almost too exhausted to think.

The cure is to seek The LORD ... and then simplify where HE+ shows us to simplify.

But, I will tell you this as a fact:

> > > The LORD would rather have you quiet and with HIM+ than being full of activity... in or out of the church ... in or out of the home.

HE+ is not fooled. HE+ knows when our projects, activities, meetings, church doings and fellowships are being substituted for spending "down" time with HIM+. If HE+ is not directing us SPECIFICALLY to an activity, then we need to spend that time quietly, sowing to the SPIRIT.

> > > We will never live making ourselves available to HIM+ if we do not sow to the SPIRIT, every day, in a disciplined way.

Thus,

what exactly entails

"sowing to the SPIRIT" ?

It is ALL those things that DRAW us closer to The LORD ... that make us recall His+ Sacrifice ... that make us recall our sins and repent ... that make us love HIM+ more ... so that we can embrace more of the Cross . All those things that make our MIND as well as our FLESH submit unto The SPIRIT entails "sowing to the SPIRIT."

Yes, all those things which strengthen us SPIRITUALLY should become our daily sowing, our daily food, our daily discipline.

Dear ones...
You know what they are, for The LORD has shown you. HE+ will show you more, if you ask. Furthermore, HE+ will clear your schedule, if you wish to have more time to diligently seek HIM+... for HE+ is desirous for you to COME. HE+ would rather have a "Mary" than a "Martha..." for Mary had chosen the better part.

Drawing Closer to The LORD...

2012-01-07T21:50:00.000-05:00

Money cannot buy:

1. health

2. love

3. peace

4. forgiveness

5. cleansing from your sins

6. a pure conscience

7. a new heart

8. a new character

9. an escape from the grave

10. freedom from FEAR of loss… of anyone or anything

11. a family , natural or otherwise, to belong to

12. an entrance into Heaven

… and, you cannot LIVE without any of these 12 !

So, little Flock, why do you spend your time and thought chasing after the things NOT on this list ? Why do you worry about "more" money… when it cannot get you NOT EVEN ONE of those 12 things you cannot live without?

Spend your every waking moment with ME+; I will see to it that you have the earthly things needed.

Simplify those "desires" of your eyes and heart. Make your life easy to maintain, to clean , to keep going with the least amount of time.

Spend your time with ME+; return to ME+ every hour with a Psalm, a prayer of thanksgiving. Stop your day to RETURN.

Teach your children to do so, when they are young. When they are old, they will not forget how to draw closer to ME+.

Draw CLOSER to ME+... nothing else is more important to you than this.

+ + +

To draw closer to The LORD, accept DISCIPLINE... of some form... into your daily schedule. Return to The LORD on the hour, or on the prayer station hours, read a chapter from John after every meal, walk around the block or down the lane as a "prayer" walk and exercise time, etc. The important thing is to do something that cuts across the grain of your time, your thought, your daily schedule... and helps you re-focus upon Our LORD JESUS CHRIST. If you have little children, make them join you or settle on the couch with a "Jesus book" for a small version of prayer times. They can join you in prayers , also. Do something... whatever you can... to draw nearer to JESUS our LORD.

Lift Up Your Hearts!

2011-12-31T22:17:00.000-05:00

Lift up your hearts!

We lift them up

unto The LORD.

Let us give thanks

unto The LORD GOD.

It is meet and right

so to do.

It is very meet, right, and

our bounden duty

that we should at all times

and in all places

give thanks

unto THEE,

O LORD,

HOLY FATHER,

ALMIGHTY,

EVER-LASTING GOD.

Who, in the multitude

of Thy mercy

hast surrounded us

with so great

a crowd of Witnesses...

that we,

rejoicing in their fellowship,

may run with patience

the race

that is set before us...

that together , with them,

we may receive

the Crown of Glory

that fadeth not away.

Therefore, with Angels

and Archangels,

and with all

the Company of Heaven,

we laud and magnify

Thy Glorious Name

evermore praising THEE

and saying...

HOLY

LORD GOD of HOSTS*

Heaven and earth are full

of Thy Glory

GLORY BE

TO THEE

O LORD MOST HIGH.

Amen.

* Hosts= Divine, Heavenly armies

Ancient Hymn called the Sursum Corda

UPON HIS+ SHOULDER............... Tying Together HIS+ Nativity and The TREE+

2011-12-24T22:56:00.005-05:00

For unto us a CHILD+ is born,

Unto us a SON+ is given:

and the government

shall be UPON HIS+ SHOULDER...

... Isaiah 9:6, A

In ONE VERSE in the prophet Isaiah, the INCARNATION of the Eternal SON+ of GOD and what HE+ came to accomplish is set forth TOGETHER... tying together the Nativity and the Cross+ of JESUS CHRIST.

Tertullian (c. 160-240 A.D.) writes about this Nativity Passage... and ties it to The TREE** , i.e., the Cross of Our LORD JESUS CHRIST... **not the "Christmas" Tree.

Listen to this famous Early Christian's words. Tertullian says:

Similarly, again, Isaiah says: "For a child is born to us , and to us is given a son." What novelty is that, unless Isaiah is speaking of the "SON" of GOD?... and one is born to us, the beginning of whose government has been made "on HIS+ shoulder."

What king in the world wears the ensign of his power on his shoulder, and does not bear either diadem on his head , or else sceptre in his hand, or else some mark of distinctive vesture?

But the novel "King of ages," CHRIST JESUS, alone reared "on HIS+ shoulder" HIS+ own novel glory, and power, and sublimity, ... the cross, to wit: that, according to the former prophecy, the LORD thenceforth "might reign from the TREE. (Psalm 96:10)*"

from The Writings of Tertullian, ANF Vol. 3, I. Apologetic: , Section 7, "An Answer to the Jews", Chapter 10, p. 166, second printing edition, 1995.

* This phrase from the tree... was removed from the text, although the Early Church writers quoted it, being familiar with it. See footnote, that same page in Vol. 3, ANF.

GLORY TO GOD

IN THE HIGHEST!

Only Our LORD JESUS CHRIST could

Reign from the TREE+

of HIS+ Cross !

And it was prophesied

right along with HIS+ Birth !

Glory to GOD !

Glory to GOD

and PEACE

GOODWILL

toward men !

+ + +

SKELLIG MICHAEL...

2011-12-22T11:10:00.003-05:00

The BEEHIVE....

Photo from skelligstrips.com (I think)

Within your Heart...

SKELLIG MICHAEL... A Retreat into Prayer

2011-12-19T08:00:00.002-05:00

Photo from prayerfoundation.org

Skellig Michael- Monastery in the sky- Ireland

Photo from in-between.org.UK
or
basementgeography.blogspot.com

Ancient Celtic Monks Living Quarters on Skellig Michael

A Quiet Monk

The ULTIMATE PRAYER RETREAT...

A life given over to HIM+,

undistractable and focused,

agreed with CHRIST+ Our LORD.

Skellig Michael, an ancient monastery jutting out of the cold Atlantic, about 9 miles from Ireland, was used by a small group of monks for about 600 years. They were stone serious about their retreat into prayer.

~ ~ ~

We hear much about prayer retreats these days. How long do your church brothers and sisters spend at theirs? How much time is spent in prayer during the rest of their lives?

How about learning to feel GOD'S presence? How about learning to BREATH with HIM+ Who+ needs no air, but is the Breath of Life for all who choose to come to HIM+ in repentance and in truth?

HE+ says, "Draw near to ME+ and I will draw near to you."

HE+ says, "If you seek ME+ with all of your heart, you will find ME+."

In our very busy, self-oriented world and society, some will feel that they do GOD a favor by taking a few days, or maybe a week, to participate in a prayer retreat of one sort or another. Others will go on a prayer retreat out of a desperate desire to find GOD, to come close to HIM+. That's commendable.

However, the direct mandate from our LORD CHRIST is to "deny ourselves, take up the Cross and follow ME" ... DAILY.

HE+ says, " Whoever of you that does not forsake all that he has, cannot be My+ disciple."

We feel that these are hard words and probably not for us.

If they are not for us,

then

who are they for?

I think that we all are part of "whosoever". The problem is that HIS+ words interfer with our materialistic western lifestyle. So, we feel that JESUS must have meant someone else other than us, or maybe HE+ was just mistaken, not understanding that we are under Grace!! However, HE+ is the ONE+ Who+ placed us under that Grace with HIS+ own Body and Blood! HE+ is not likely mistaken.

Let us all take heed to our own lukewarmness, which in another place, JESUS said, HE+ will vomit out of HIS+ Body. JESUS can not be tricked.

There are those now and those in the past who have accepted HIM+ in every area of their lives and have sought to live the ultimate prayer retreat daily, for whatever amount of time they have been alloted in this very short life. The Cross of Christ is more valuable to them, you see, than any material gain or advantage or possession... than any career... than any retirement security. Yes! JESUS is right after all!!

What is your life?

It is but a mist that appears for a little while, and then disappears. The only thing you really have is what you give back to HIM+. HE+ will keep it for you unto all eternity. HE+ will give it back to you multiplied a hundred times over!!

" ..... is not My WORD like a FIRE, says the LORD? And like a HAMMER that breaks the rock in pieces?"

AMEN

Brother Brendon Patrick, OGS +

In the Name of the FATHER Who created you,

the SON+ Who saves you,

and the Holy SPIRIT Who sanctifies you.

+ + +

My Hand, Cemented...

2011-12-16T21:58:00.004-05:00

My hand, cemented...

fingers fixed

upon those goals

of my desire.

Grasping hand

unyieldingly

ignored YOUR+ call

… and coming Fire.

Determinedly

YOU+ pried them loose

until my willful

strength was through.

Emptiness

of hand and heart…

my sole* remains

… except for YOU+.

Sick I grew,
distressed anew

… no purpose, goal, nor person.

Weak body could not
stand the stress

of no human purpose
to profess.

Bleakly, no-one needing me,
skills vanished like hot air.
. Strength fled, fever raged;
mind, a blank; I did not care.

No work upon my shoulder

… except my solitary prayer.
.

No goal in life

… except to do

my daily discipline

with YOU+.

Directionless, interest gone

unadorned, life raw and bare.

.
Bones ached, emotions numbed.

Joy? Not my portion, this I rue.

Only in one place Joy glowed

… in quietness with YOU+.

Thank YOU+, LORD,

for freeing me

From built-in values, clamorings...

For prying loose my concrete grip,

Death-bringing goals
that would strip

my time and thought from YOU+.

My aims and goals

YOU+ withheld

…"AKA" my future woes...
.
Earth-bound illusions

replaced by YOU+...
Heaven’s treasure flows

through entwining Fingers,
all Divine+

into this hand of clay,
called “mine.”

*sole = only
"AKA"= Also Known As
or Otherwise known as...

. . . . .

By Sister Judith Hannah + + +

~ from my heart to yours...

Straw for the Manger #4....

2011-12-10T15:31:00.004-05:00

.... Whereby the DAYSPRING+ from on High
hath visited us,
To give light to them that sit in darkness
and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace.

For with THEE+ is the
Fountain of LIFE:
in Thy+ LIGHT
shall we see Light.

+ + +

Dear Heavenly FATHER...

Remember the Traveler!
Bring us safely home,
safely home...
HOME+ to JESUS.

O LORD, as we sojourn here through the valleys of human troubles, help us to lift our face to Thy Light.

Help us to walk in Thy Light, as HE+ is in the Light,

then... then.... then

we will have fellowship one with another, and The Blood of JESUS CHRIST His SON+ cleanseth us from all sin.

~ ~ ~

I ask THEE+ to keep me from hiding my sin from THEE+ , as did Cain, as did David. Help me to live in the Light of Thy+ Love, in the Light that repentance and Thy cleansing Blood bring into my heart. Help me, O LORD.

Heavenly FATHER,
Remember the Traveler!
Bring us safely Home,
safely HOME+ .
...I'm ready to go....
~~~ Fernando Ortega,
Christian worship leader
and Excellent Musician.
.
.

I+ AM the Light+ of the world:
he that followeth ME+
shall not walk in darkness,
but shall have
the Light+ of Life+

+ + +

Come, Stand by ME+...

2011-12-04T06:44:00.001-05:00

Stand by ME+

...when dignity is stripped;

they took My+ clothing, as well.

Come, stand by ME+.

Stand by ME+

...when rejection faces you;

family, friends, and followers

forsook ME+

when I+ needed them most, too.

Come, stand by ME+.

Stand by ME+

...when your good acts

are misunderstood;

they said My+ acts of mercy

were acts of be'elzebub.

Come, stand by ME+.

Stand by ME+

...when lying spirits defame you;

they dogged My+ path incessantly

... and still do...

Come, stand by ME+

Stand by ME+

...when excluded, though you love;

they hid their faces from ME+, too,

as I+ died to cover their sins.

Come, stand by ME+.

Stand by ME+

...when death strikes;

Death struck My+ Body

but soon found out it struck

its own death-blow, not Mine+ !

Come, stand by ME+.

Stand by ME+

...through every earthly trial;

I+ will not hide Myself+ from thee.

Come, stand by ME+.

Stand by ME+

It's then you'll find

the only way to minister

to My+ hurt

when you come

...and stand...

by ME+.

+ + +

by Sister Judith Hannah,

who is learning to come

and stand

by HIM+.

#3 STRAW for The MANGER... Advent Meditation

2011-12-02T06:49:00.005-05:00

For the Joy that was set before HIM+
HE+ endured....

Add straw to the Manger for victory in endurance...

HE+ was laid in a rough wooden feeding trough, a manger, just after entering this life as a man... and HE+ was laid upon rough-hewn timbers, a cross of wood, as HE+ prepared to depart this life, as The SON+ of GOD.

Neither items of wood were sanded and polished smoothly. The cross was likely as rough-hewn wood always is... jagged, splintery, knotty. The Romans would not have concerned themselves to sand or plane the crucifixion timbers. Even in HIS+ death throes, there was pain and agony un-imaginable.

But, .... for the JOY that was set before HIM+ , HE+ endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the Right Hand of the Throne of GOD.

For consider HIM+ that endured such contradiction of sinners against HIMSELF+ , lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. (Hebrews 12)

O LORD,

Help me to endure when someone crosses me , my words, or opposes my plans. Help me to focus on the FRUIT that I want to cultivate in that other person. Help me do those things that will make him hungry for THEE+, those things that will draw him unto THEE+, those things that will make him love THEE+ more than love me.

Then, O LORD, Thy+ Joy will most assuredly rest upon me and I shall be full.

This I ask in the Life-Giving Name of The SAVIOR Who+ always saw BEYOND the Cross, keeping that joy before HIM+.

+ + +

In The Name of The HOLY FATHER,

Who created thee;

His+ Life-Giving SON+,

Our LORD JESUS CHRIST,

Who+ joys in thee;

And Their Blessed HOLY SPIRIT,

Who comes alongside to greatly strengthen us.

HEAD-COVERINGS: When OPPOSITION Occurs

2011-11-29T10:19:00.001-05:00

For now we see through a glass, darkly;
but then face to face:
Now I know in part,
but then shall I know
even as also I am known.
1 Cor. 13:12

Any Christian witness is going to bring opposition. But what should a Sister do when Husband opposes the head-covering? What should she do when Husband does NOT want her to wear it ?

Scripture , as always, has the anointed answer. Let us consider the context of the Head-Covering, 1 Corinthians, chapter 11.

Verse 3 BEGINS the reasoning for a Sister to wear a veiling:

"But I would have you know,

that the HEAD+ of every man is CHRIST;

and the head of the woman is the man;

and the HEAD of CHRIST is GOD. "

Thus, the Apostle establishes the authority-line, the Headship, that is to be found amongst Christian churches.... and Christian HOMES.

Husbands dislike the head-covering for a variety of reasons. One major reason is embarrassment: they don't want to be married to a "dowdy"- looking wife. They want "their" wife to look fetching and lovely !

Sisters, can you honestly blame them?

Do you want Husband to dress

in any way

to embarrass YOU ?

NO!

Each of us has different "standards" in our mind's eye as to what is "okay" and what is "embarrassing." When we go to church, go out to eat or shopping, go to visit "our" side of the family, or when we are on a public job.... IT MATTERS how Husband looks when we are together !

Chances are that you not only want his fingernails without car grease, but you also want him not to appear as a homeless street-man [ in his most comfy old plaid flannel shirt , moccasins, and rubbed raw cordoroys].... even if he is sparkling clean! Some Sisters cannot stand to have the public see Husband's knobby knees underneath those bermuda shorts, either... it simply robs Sister of dignity!

Likewise, MOST husbands want their wives to REFLECT THEM and THEIR VALUES.

Now, a head-covering can look dignified. It also can look lacey and feminine. However, it can be quite UN-dignified, looking like canning-day or garden-work attire. Sometimes, a red or blue man's work handerchief is worn.... and dignity flees !

Furthermore, a well-designed "early Christian" head-covering can resemble a Roman Catholic nun's covering. It may resemble an Anabaptist's cap or shorter veiling. The Charity veiling comes in all lengths. Most are either dark or light. Some are see-through.

Some veilings sit back on the head as a "symbol" of a head-covering ( ? ) and some hug the circle of the face, showing NO HAIR at all.

BUT, if Husband is embarrassed to have "his wife" seen in public with ANY of those head-coverings on, then the Sister better find out WHY.... with a firm assurance to Husband that she will not go against his standard.

If Husband wants his wife to CHANGE the style , then she should do so.

But, if Husband is uncomfortable with ANY head-covering, then forsake it ... for his sake and to keep the Authority / Headship line in tact in the home... as per Verse 3 !

Likely, a Sister in that predictament will be able to wear it IN HER PRAYER CLOSET where no-one else is present. She may be able to wear it IN THE HOUSE when no-one is home.... but she should walk in integrity towards Husband and remove it before answering the door or doing garden work if she lives in a suburb.

Even worse, if Husband wants his wife to look pretty when he arrives home from work.... she should do so. Fix the hair becomingly yet modest. Remove the chore clothes or garden clothing and don something appropriate --- home clothes that are fetching. If Husband likes earrings, put them on for at least his entrance and suppertime at the table.

IT IS NO SIN to look pretty for Husband.

Indeed, it is a way to say, "You are important to me... so important that I will STOP my day and LOOK WELCOMING just for you . "

So, even if YOU, dear Sister, are convinced that you need to wear a covering .... but Husband opposes it.... lovingly follow his headship in this matter.

For, that is what the COVERING means, in truth: that you are under Husband's headship!

The LORD knows your heart of obedience towards HIM+ .... but let it begin at home, with your Husband.

Truly ,

it will be accounted

as your obedience

towards HIM+.

+ + +

In the name of The FATHER,

WHO created us;

HIS Holy SON+ JESUS,

Who+ saves us;

And their Blessed HOLY SPIRIT,

Who sanctifies our obedience

unto The Living Word+.

STRAW for the MANGER .... Advent 2011

2011-11-28T10:48:00.003-05:00

And she brought forth her firstborn SON+

and wrapped HIM+ in swaddling clothes,

and laid HIM+ in a manger;

because there was no room for them in the inn.

Advent 2011

STRAW 2

...For the humiliation HE+ endured

for our sakes,

we give THEE thanks...

From the moment HE+ entered His+ birth-mother's womb, Our LORD suffered humiliation... as the good people of Nazareth whispered about His+ seeming "illegitimacy" even from the beginning.

Being born in a stable, with a manger as His+ first cradle, no loving grandmother or precious aunts around to help with the birthing, Our LORD suffered humiliation even as a rejected Babe +.

Humiliation was to be His+ portion from the time of His+ birth until HE+ said, "FATHER, it is finished... into THY Hands I + commit My+ SPIRIT. "

+ + +

O LORD,

I see Thy+ deep humiliation which was Thy+ portion from the beginning of Thy+ earthly days. Help me also to embrace the low portion, the low seat, the humiliation that others put upon me.

And, help me to embrace it with a Spirit of Humility, joining myself to the Suffering CHRIST-CHILD+ , with true thankfulness of heart and meekness of soul.... as I enter into every new situation.... even as I interact with old familiar family, neighbors, and friends.

Forgive me for fleeing from humiliation... forgive me for refusing to practice humiliation when THOU+ hast sent it to me for my portion for that hour.

Help me with this, O LORD, that I may with a gladsome heart embrace Thy+ Cross here on earth ..... in order to hear Thy+ Words: "Well done, good and faithful servant! Enter thou into the Joy of Thy LORD !"

In the Name of JESUS,

The LORD of the Humble of Heart ,

I pray.

Amen.

Straw for the Manger is a necessary thing for the CHRIST-CHILD'S first earthbound bed. Let us provide that straw, as a memorial of good works and repentances, to prepare for HIS+ coming, to remember HIS+ first Advent among the sons of men. For every good deed, kind deed, for every turning the other cheek, for every submission of our tongue to CHRIST JESUS, let us put a straw into the empty manger box and prepare our hearts for the Coming of The LORD.

Straw for the MANGER.... Advent 2011

2011-11-23T20:46:00.001-05:00

And she brought forth her firstborn SON+
and wrapped HIM+ in swaddling clothes,
and laid HIM+ in a manger;
because there was no room for them in the inn.
Advent 2011
Straw 1

Straw for the Manger is a necessary thing for the CHRIST-CHILD'S first earthbound bed. Let us provide that straw, as a memorial of good works and repentances, to prepare for HIS+ coming, to remember HIS+ first Advent among the sons of men. For every good deed, kind deed, for every turning the other cheek, for every submission of our tongue to CHRIST JESUS, let us put a straw into the empty manger box and prepare our hearts for the Coming of The LORD.

STRAW 1

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the Kingdom of HEAVEN.

Are we living our lives "poor in spirit," ... or do we clamor to have our way in things around the house, on the job, with others at church, etc. ? Do we make certain to give place to others and relinquish our "rights" or our demands , for CHRIST'S sake, Who+ blesses the humble of heart? Are we witnessing for CHRIST in this manner.... or are we the ones who try to control everything and everyone around us?

O LORD of the Humble of Heart,

Help me to stop being "in control" of everything. Help me to work towards what produces GODLY fruit in me, first, and then in others. ... so that others may see THEE+ , not me. Amen.

The IDENTITY Crisis

2011-10-15T10:55:00.001-04:00

~~~ OR ~~~~

Leaving the World of FANTASY and Entering

REALITY in CHRIST

When we die to Self and live unto CHRIST ( our baptismal vow ), we take on CHRIST and become a New Creature in CHRIST. That entails a brand new identity, Bless GOD!

It takes the SPIRIT of GOD to break the stronghold of our earthly identity and to be totally identified with CHRIST JESUS, as one of HIS+. We change our dress, our talk, our life-style, usually our friends, and sometimes the way we earn our living.

Our identity becomes only one thing: Christian.

We become Single-of-Eye.

But being human, we soon move away from REALITY+ and REVERT back to some former identities or even, take on new identities. We become un-Single of Eye. And again, fantasies creep into our inner man.

If we go into ministry, we "become" pastors, missionaries, translators, and teachers, as our identity. We start out doing all for CHRIST, but we end up thinking of ourselves in terms of what we DO, as defined by our work, our "position" when we relate to others. We assume a "social" identity along with our Christian identity.

But, Scripture teaches us that Our GOD is a jealous GOD; only ONE+ can be on the throne of our hearts at a time: us or GOD. Never will HE+ share HIS+ glory.

[ You can test the truth of this: imagine losing your "social" identity. What would be left? Only your identity in CHRIST JESUS. If it is painful to lose your social ( how people see you) identity, then you can see that Self was on the throne and you are not content to be ONLY identified as CHRIST'S. ]

If we teach school, we do start out "teaching for CHRIST"... but we end up being known as a "teacher" in the inner man! The same is true of nursing or doctoring or farming or ministering.

Our identity becomes

something in

ADDITION TO CHRIST.

If we become parents, then we become mothers in our inner man... not Christian women who have been assigned the blessed duty of raising children. Our identity again becomes something OTHER than CHRIST. The same is true for fathers.

And, here's the test: When your child or children grow up and leave the home, are you suddenly forlorn and without motive or desire? Does the house have an empty feeling? If that is the case, then your identity, dear one, has shifted from CHRIST to motherhood (or fatherhood) !

Likewise: If you teach school or are involved in the pastoral or medical fields or running a business or farming.... and it suddenly ends and YOU CAN DO IT NO MORE, does your life feel empty and futile, with no "meaningful" work to do? If that is the case, then your identity has shifted from CHRIST to " something in ADDITION TO CHRIST."

That EMPTINESS,

NO PLACE TO "FIT IN",

I'M USELESS...

feeling is a sign that your identity has slipped away from CHRIST and onto the temporal, to your destruction; all fanatasy leads to destruction.

People do NOT give you identity; that is a futility because here is one thing you can DEFINITELY COUNT ON: people change. Neighbors move, family and friends grow old and die, children grow up and leave. It is impossible to cling to "how it's been" for security and thus, your place amongst people , your identity.

Work and skills do not give you identity; that is fantasy. Companies and systems change, as do their locations. Skilled or not, educated or not, tested or not qualified... the work place changes for everyone; it is in constant flux.

Even being identified as a pastor or minister, missionary or translator makes you un-single of eye. Eventually, you will leave that post, that appointment. If you have no other church to pastor, you will have an identity crisis UNLESS your identity is solely upon CHRIST JESUS the LORD. The same is true for Bible translators and even aging choir members !

Thus, our ONLY identity needs to be in CHRIST JESUS our LORD. Yes, we may and indeed must love and raise our children, we may nurse or teach or farm as our daily assignment. But remember, EVEN THAT DAILY ASSIGNMENT comes from HIM+.

HE+ places us and removes us from the "daily assignment" for three reasons, all of them good:

1. for our own good , growth, and protection

2. for HIS+ glory

3. to further the work in HIS+ Kingdom

Dear ones, search your hearts and establish the RIGHT identity.... that which is found in CHRIST. If you do this WITH ALL YOUR HEART, your children will grow up, move away, and your house will not be empty and your life will still have meaning. If you do this, public work will come and go, and it will not affect your sense of worth.

In short, if you IDENTIFY with CHRIST... if you define yourself ONLY and SOLEY with CHRIST... instead of with careers, jobs, motherhood or fatherhood, or people-defined functions, you will never experience the crushing loss of identity.

YOUR WORTH , IDENTITY, AND FUNCTION

will be tied up with CHRIST....

as it should have been all along.

+ + +

Waiting on HIS+ Timing...

2011-09-11T20:26:00.001-04:00

Waiting on The LORD to move... to change a circumstance or a situation... to restore a relationship, renew a marriage, or heal a broken heart. We wait on The LORD , sometimes patiently but more often, chafing to get on with the changes!

Here is a story to help us WAIT upon The LORD:

There were 3 little kittens who were the delight of their mistress. She herself was confined by her parents to a stone cottage to tend the fig trees in her father's grove. She was lonely but she loved her work... except for the mice. There was a small army of mice tending the figs also!

They also ate her flour, her clothing, and anything else they could sink their teeth into in her little stone cottage.

So she prayed to The LORD and asked for a cat. Instead, HE+ sent her a hawk, a raptor, who caught mice. That was fine.

But she was still lonely, having been banished to the cottage for about a year. The LORD looked upon her loneliness and sent her 3 little kittens. Oh, what a joy those dear little kittens were to her heart! They played with her toes and played with each other, tumbling about her cottage freely.

But there was ONE PLACE she did not want them to go: to her high window ledge, the one with bars across it.

Why? The hawk, the raptor, sat on a tree limb close to the high window. She knew what the hawk would do to the kittens.

She talked every day to her beloved kittens as she fed them and played with them, telling them to stay off the window ledge... although she knew, she KNEW that one of the adventurous ones was trying to climb his way to the ledge to see out.

Oh, how those darling kittens hated to be confined to the cottage! Oh, how badly they wanted to scamper outside, to explore.

They had NO IDEA that the raptor was there in the tree, ready to pounce on them and devour them for sport.

Suddenly, The LORD spoke into her heart... telling her to REMAIN where she was until HE+ moved her. She couldn't see the ones lurking in the shadows to destroy her life... but HE+ could.

She understood! Her love for the well-being of her beloved kittens made her understand WHY The LORD confined her... for her own well-being against foes she could not see nor would understand.

[Adapted from EIGHTH SHEPHERD, Bodie and Brock Thoene, A.D. Chronicles. Some things changed so that I would not reveal the plot of the story!]

But they that wait upon The LORD shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 41

TEACH ME, LORD,

O LORD,

TO WAIT.

A TRUE WITNESS...

2011-08-18T19:16:00.001-04:00

...begins in the inner man.

Do not begin to think your testimony to the outside world begins with your words or your deeds towards them.

NO.

A true witness begins in the heart... your heart... as you line your heart up with My+ Words.

You must learn to stand against your fears... which are all lies from the adversary and the tormenting spirits.

You must learn to "tell" the unseen forces that YOU will not believe them anymore. You must learn to shut the door to the unclean voices clamoring for you to mis-trust ME+, saying "HE+ will not take care of you-ou-u!" There are no ... NO, NONE ... others who can thwart My+ plans for your life if you walk in My+ Will.

Your fear casts aspersions upon My+ Character, but I+ always have and always will take care of My+ Sheep.

Do not cast aspersions

upon My+ Name;

I+ never forsake My+ own.

I+ do not lie to you.

Never.

I+ will always guide you and care for your every need... the needs of your heart and mind, as well as the needs of your physical person.

Is not My+ eye upon the littlest sparrow? Do not agree with the adversary against ME+ and question My+ integrity towards you.

How can you doubt My+ care of you, after so many years? Do not hurt My+ heart so.

+ + +

GOD has in these last days spoken unto us by HIS SON+

WHOM+ HE has appointed Heir+ of all things,

by WHOM+

also made the Ages;

WHO+,

being the Radiant Splendor of HIS Glory,

and the express image of HIS Essence,

and upholding all things by the Word of HIS Power,

when HE+ had

by HIMSELF+

purged our sins,

sat down

at the RIGHT HAND

of the MAJESTY ON HIGH.

Then having a Great High Priest

WHO+ has passed through the Heavens,

JESUS, the SON+ of GOD ,

let us

hold fast our confession.

For we do not have a High Priest

not being able to sympathize with our weaknesses,

but One+ WHO+

was tempted in all points like we are,

yet without sin.

Therefore,

let us come near with confidence

to the Throne of Grace

that we may receive mercy,

and find Grace to help in time of need.

The Path of No Regrets....

2011-08-04T11:27:00.001-04:00

There is no way around it: You MUST pick up daily discipline in order to grow. Otherwise, you will be vigorously tossed about by all the daily trials that beset you. Yes, trials DO come to every Christian every day. But, if you establish a daily discipline in your daily routine , your walk will become much smoother in spite of the trials.

And he that taketh not his cross,

and followeth after ME+

is not worthy of ME+.

Matthew 10:38

How do we "pick up our cross" if we have no persecution?

We do it by applying DISCIPLINE to ourselves.

Discipline does not mean that we beat ourselves with whips and cords. No, it is far more of an endurance trial than that.

Discipline entails self-denial of "softening" pleasures. It entails replacing time spent in worldly activities with GODLY pursuits. It means submitting our daily schedule to HIM+ to embrace prayer stops at 9 a.m, noon, and 3 p.m. It involves submitting our reading material to HIM+, replacing much of it with The Word of GOD.

Discipline involves stopping ourselves at the doors that say, "No Trespassing -- This Concern of Yours Will Be Handled by ME+. "

This is the way the serious disciple of CHRIST JESUS learns to make HIM+ LORD... truly LORD... of his life.

Let us learn to practice discipline.

It is the one path of

no regrets.

+ + +

A Funeral for the UN-SAVED...

2011-07-28T11:22:00.001-04:00

...is a hard one to engineer, much less endure.

What do you do when a family member stoutly REFUSES to forgive others for real ( or imaginary ) wrongs ? What is there to be done when the counsel of FORGIVENESS as CHRIST forgave us... is despised and repudiated? When the glare of hatred emanates from the eyes of the begrudger ?

WHAT IS TO BE DONE ?

Nothing.

You can but prayer for the sinner... and eventually, hurt for the grievous and UN-NECESSARY hurt caused by unforgiveness.

When sudden death claims that begrudger, you are only left holding the hurt... the hurt of your own heart, the hurt of the begrudger, the hurt of the person begrudged-against, and the HURT of the LORD, Who+ loves them all.

GOD is not mocked; His Word still stands as the ultimate TRUTH. No-one... yes, no-one... escapes the Judgment. And the judgment is this: That CHRIST has been rejected.

YES... When someone refuses to forgive , he/she is rejecting CHRIST JESUS, the author of forgiveness, the living example of forgiveness.

Forgiveness is forgiveness when we pardon someone who has done us wrong, not when someone has done us "right."

So, is a pile of rusty metal taken, perhaps, without permission, worth losing your soul FOR ALL ETERNITY ?

Correctly, then, there is no funeral service for the person holding the grudge. That, however, does not allow anyone in the family to bury their remains. And so, only hurt remains... with no opportunity for healing.

+ + +

In the Name of The FATHER, Who created thee;

His Beloved SON+, Our LORD JESUS CHRIST,

Who+ saves thee,

And the Blessed HOLY SPIRIT,

Who sanctifies thee

and brings the conviction

of the sin of Unforgiveness

to our hearts.

Amen.

A WORD from The LORD...

2011-07-21T15:35:00.001-04:00

The days are close at hand

when sorrow shall fill this land.

MY+ people are drowning

in a sea of goods,

in a sea of lies.

Their hands are filled with pleasures

and their hearts are full of Self.

No-one shall see GOD

if he does not do MY+ Will.

Gadgets, conveniences, eye-pleasures

are consuming the thoughts of MY+ people.

Learn to live simply.

Learn to sit quietly

in MY+ stillness.

I am the TRUE LIFE...

not modern conveniences !

+ + +

A Word from Sister Judith Hannah:

Throughout the month of July, I have been away from the computer to minister to my Mother, who has been diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure. Although there is no known cure, dietary changes can enable a person to live more active with a better quality of life.

Changing dietary patterns is not a welcome effort, however, amongst the elderly !

I am thankful for the prayer support I had during the time I spent in my childhood home and thus, was kept victoriously during the various spiritual battles that occur in such a setting; my birth family is not saved.

I glory in The LORD'S great salvation... so rich and freely given... to every person who humbles himself and repents, whether rich or poor. What a treasure we've been given, in these earthen vessels of ours!

Bless GOD: FATHER, SON+, and HOLY SPIRIT! Amen.

~ ~ ~

FILL THIS TEMPLE !

2011-06-12T08:29:00.002-04:00

DAY

PENTECOST !

Come, O Come

and fill the temple!

O, fill the temple

with the glory of The LORD !

We are hungry

for YOUR+ Touch;

We love YOU+

very much;

We live to proclaim

The Name of JESUS.

Forgive us , LORD,

for grieving YOU+

and set our hearts anew

with the fire and flame

of Pentecost.

Come, O Come and

fill this temple...

O, fill this temple

with the glory

of The LORD.

+ + +

[Whose temple are you ? ]

The Coffee Bubble... ILLUSION... FACT... or, TRUTH ?

2011-05-08T12:08:00.001-04:00

Which one do you choose ?

It makes a difference

in how you live,

how you relate to others,

how you are with CHRIST JESUS.

.
Here is a Mother's Day story which illustrates this point.

There once was a little girl, old enough to walk but not quite old enough to talk. She was young enough to need a high-chair when she was at the table.

Her Dad was gone; her mother worked. She and her mother lived in a chicken house... remodeled into one room, a bath, and a kitchenette. On workdays, the mother would take her little girl up to the "big house" nearby where an elderly woman would watch children for working mothers. They would all sit at breakfast with their Moms, usually toast and coffee.

One day, the little girl noticed that her little friend was having the best of times at the table, as her friend's Mom would stir her coffee. Looking closely, she saw that her friend and mother were playing a delightful game.

Her friend's Mom would stir her coffee in just the right way to form a BUBBLE ! Then, she would spoon that BUBBLE into her daughter's mouth... much to their own delight, with much giggling and sweetness.

Oh, how that little girl wanted her Mom to do the same thing with her! The little girl was sure there was something delightful in the BUBBLE that made her friend and mother laugh and play.

Finally, after much tapping and gesturing, the little girl let her Mother know what she wanted... a BUBBLE, too! So, the Mother stirred her coffee with vigor, produced the desired BUBBLE, and spooned it up to her daughter with the words: "Is that what you wanted?" And then, the Mom quickly returned to eating her toast and coffee.

The little girl was crest-fallen. She didn't understand it. Her BUBBLE was bitter-tasting. There was no laughter, no fun, nothing special about her BUBBLE at all. She never bothered Mother again for another BUBBLE.

This story is true, I know, because that little girl was me.

The problem, you see, was the difference between illusion, fact , and truth.

The illusion was that the BUBBLE was in itself delightful. The fact was that the little friend and her mother were delighting in each other. The TRUTH was that my Mom loved me too, only she was not able to communicate it via the BUBBLE in the coffee cup, as her mind was on the troubles of the day.

Dear ones, fight illusions. Illusions are really fanatasies. They are NOT BASED IN TRUTH. They come from the father of lies. Good ones, bad ones, accusative ones... stand against them all.

Dear ones, watch out for facts. They may be true ... but they are NOT THE CONCLUSION OF THE MATTER.

Look only at the TRUTH, through JESUS CHRIST our RISEN LORD. HE+ tells us how to arrange our thoughts, our mind, and our emotions. HE+ tells us through His+ Word to think on things lovely, of good report. HE+ tells us to hold no accusation in our hearts against anyone... not even our enemies.

Those who hurt your heart are taken in a bad illusion themselves. Pray for them, that they might not be blinded by the enemy and miss CHRIST JESUS their SAVIOR... the only Savior available to mankind.

And last, but not least, do not covet another person's BUBBLE... because it is just that: a bubble, an illusion.

CHOOSE TRUTH+

in JESUS CHRIST

Our RISEN LORD !

+ + +

The 40 Days of the Resurrection Season...

2011-05-01T14:32:00.003-04:00

"I+ am risen

and am still with thee."

HalleluJah

RESURRECTION... The Great Night...

2011-04-23T21:04:00.002-04:00

Up from the grave...

...death, hell, sheol, Hades...

HE+

Arose !

The Firstborn+ from the dead !

Death hath no dominion

over HIM+ !

The LORD JEHOVAH said unto my Lord Adonai+,

Sit THOU+
at My Right Hand,

until I make
Thine+ enemies

Thy+ footstool.

+ + +

Amen and HalleluJah !
Come, LORD JESUS, come!

GOOD FRIDAY

2011-04-22T18:42:00.000-04:00

We remember the scourging HE+ unjustly received from Pilate's hand, after being mocked , slapped, and beaten by the Temple guard... and then Herod's men... and then by the Roman soldiers, giving HIS+ back to the smiters and HIS+ cheeks to them that plucked out the hair.

Recalling that HE+ hid not HIS+ face from shame and spitting, we thank You that by HIS+ wounds we are healed. We remember the chastisement of our peace was upon HIM+.

Thank You for Your Beloved SON+, Whose most noble head bore the crown of thorns and which same sacred head was struck with a reed, HIS+ face with hands and fists.

We remember HIS+ refusal of the mixture of the myrrh and wine, fulfilling HIS+ word to HIS+ disciples that HE+ would no longer drink of the fruit of the vine until HE+ drank it new with them in HIS+ FATHER'S Kingdom.

And Who+ , at the 3rd hour of the ancient day, bore the wood of the cross through Jerusalem to Golgotha, and was nailed to the wood of the cross and lifted up from the earth, as HE+ had foretold, that HE+ might draw all unto Himself.+

We thank You that at this time HE+ uttered those words, "FATHER, forgive them for they know not what they do" ... while nearby, soldiers cast losts for HIS+ garments.

We praise You and thank You, HOLY FATHER, for Your Beloved SON+, The LAMB+ of GOD, Our Savior JESUS CHRIST, Who+ takes away the sins of the world, Who+ make a full, perfect , and sufficient sacrifice for the sins of the whole world... for everyone who comes to HIM+ in repentance and truth. Amen.

+ + +

Order of the GOOD SHEPHERD+ Prayer Book

O LAMB+ of GOD

2011-04-19T19:48:00.002-04:00

from the GOSPEL EXPRESS Mennonite Prison Ministries CD

"Echoes of Joy" song

Your only SON+

no sin to hide,

but you have sent HIM+

from Your side

to walk upon this guilty sod

and to become

Your LAMB+ of GOD.

Your gift of love,

they crucified.

They laughed and scorned HIM+

as HE+ died.

Your humble KING+

they named a fraud

and sacrificed

Your LAMB+, O GOD!

I was so lost

I should have died,

but You have brought me

to Your side

to be led by

Your staff and rod

and to be called

a son of GOD.

O LAMB+ of GOD

Sweet LAMB+ of GOD.

I love Your HOLY

LAMB+ of GOD.

O wash me in

Your Precious BLOOD

my JESUS CHRIST,

THE LAMB+ of GOD.

+ + +

Passover... the Cost

2011-04-19T12:51:00.001-04:00

O LAMB+ of GOD, Who+ takes away the sins of the world... have mercy upon us.
O LAMB+ of GOD, Bearer of our sins... have mercy upon us.
O LAMB+ of GOD, Savior of the world... grant us Thy+ Peace.
~ ~ ~
from the 6th Hour Prayer Stationg (noon)

We thank THEE that at this hour of HIS+ patient suffering, THOU didst send forth darkness to cover the whole earth, as a sign that could not be overlooked nor ignored by anyone.

We see THY perfect mercy as THY SON+ took the repentant thief into Paradise with HIM+ that very day, granting him Life while HE+ Himself+ was dying for our sakes as the perfect Passover LAMB of GOD.

+ + +

PALM SUNDAY HOSANNAS!

2011-04-17T06:13:00.004-04:00

SAVE NOW,

I BESEECH THEE+,

O LORD!

For the humiliation HE+ endured for our sakes, we give THEE thanks.... and also for the answers that HE+ gave to those who accused HIM+ wrongfully.

We thank THEE for the times HE+ gave no answer at all to HIS+ accusers, as a LAMB+ led to the slaughter and as a sheep before his shearers is silent.

~ ~ ~

O my people, put to death your desire for acclamation and praise; that desire will lead you astray.

Seek MY+ face, not the face of man. If you turn your flesh from seeking man's smiles and TURN YOUR DESIRE FOR APPROVAL UPON ME+, you will have the true wisdom which cometh from Above.

You will have that peace which no man can take from you.

You will have that abundant joy which turns every slight, every hurt, every rough word spoken against you into a glorious jewel for your crown.

Learn from ME+ as I rode the colt into Jerusalem to receive MY+ crucifixion, not my acclamation.

Your greatest victory comes AFTER you have picked up your cross and died unto Self.

Practice it,

practice it,

practice it.

. . . . .

Pascha Meditation

2011-04-12T09:08:00.001-04:00

Lenten Meditations from the Order of the GOOD SHEPHERD+ morning prayer station at the 9 O'clock hour... the hour of the morning sacrifice in the Temple.

Thank you, O HOLY fATHER, that Your Beloved SON+ , as the perfect SON+ of GOD, revealed Your power... saying I AM... causing the armed band of men to fall to the ground backwards.

Yet, HE+ did not use this great power for HIMSELF+, revealing HIMSELF+ to be the obedient and perfect SON of Man... still loving HIS+ disciples to the uttermost, HE+ requested the armed men to "Let them go" ... and thus, HIS+ frightened disciples could flee away.

Our Gracious and Merciful LORD carried it all on HIS+ back. In the midst of the garden terror, HE+ showed HIS+ great power ... what HE+ had the power and authority to do... if HE+ had so wanted. But instead, HE+ agreed with HIS+ FATHER upon the plan to rescue man from the grip of satan. Nothing could veer HIM+ from this plan... not even HIS+ own well-being. Like a good parent, HE+ protected HIS+ spiritually sleeping, helpless, disloyal, and ineffectual disciples with HIS+ authority even in the midst of HIS+ own anguish.

Are we like HIM+ ? Are we growing into HIS+ image and likeness as we work for the Kingdom? May Our Dear LORD JESUS help us to mature as HIS+ disciples matured, that HE+ died not in vain.

+ + +

PASCHA Meditation

2011-04-10T21:50:00.003-04:00

These meditations are from the 3rd Hour Prayer Station (9 a.m.) of the Order of the GOOD SHEPHERD+

Heavenly FATHER, we come before THEE to remember the 3rd hour of the ancient day, the hour of the Morning Sacrifice in the Temple... that same hour that your Beloved SON+ , The LAMB+ of GOD that takes away the sins of the world, was offered up on the cross for our sakes.

We thank THEE for the great drops of blood HE+ shed in the garden of Gethsemane, after praying all through the night... then facing the men who had come with swords and clubs to violently take HIM+. (...to be continued...)

Can we even imagine the immense physical anguish Our LORD endured when HE+ sweat great drops of blood in the garden that night? It is a true medical condition that happens to the human body when great distress comes upon a person. Can we imagine the terror HE+ voluntarily embraced, knowing full well EXACTLY WHAT HE+ SAID "YES" to ... in order to deliver us from the grip of satan, hell , and the flesh?

Let's put our mind to it. Let's put some thought onto what Our LORD embraced for us... and then , let's thank HIM+ every morning at the 9 O'clock Hour that HE+ steadfastly and determinedly DID what HE+ set out to do: to deliver us by the means of HIS+ own death and resurrection. Bless GOD! We could not deliver ourselves.

+ + +

The CURE for Spiritual Sleep...

2011-03-30T09:03:00.001-04:00

A Cure for Spiritual Sleep

This topic is so important that it bears repeating. Most of us are SLOPPY when it comes to discipleship. No military commander would let such sloppy discipline be established by his troops. We neglect it and fall flat on our faces. Even so, we must get up and work at discipline, PRACTICE IT, repenting for putting our sleep, our comfort before our disciplined worship towards The LORD. Let us ARISE AND GO FORWARD! The LORD LOVES discipline.

+ + +

How do you "cure" the condition of spiritual sleep ? [Assuming you love the LORD and have entered into the Covenant through Holy Baptism and Communion, you are then able to put this into practice.]

Spiritual discipline awakens the soul. It becomes watchful, on a spiritual level.

The first step is to submit the physical body to a spiritual life.

Flesh must become

subject to the Spirit.

If you don't rule over the flesh,

your flesh will rule over you.

Thus, you must put into practice those things which will bring your flesh into submission:

>>> Make the flesh a wee bit uncomfortable. Walk in the cold or rain or snow, if you must, while you pray or recite Psalms or Scriptures. Do something.

>>> Pray outloud. Clean the atmosphere around you, as it were. Find a room... attic, cellar, or other place where your eye will not be tempted to think of temporal duties or things.

>>> Change physical position. Get on your knees with nothing to lean on. Stand. Walk. Make the sign of the cross as you mention HIS+ Name in your prayers. Raise your hands, your arms. Kneel as the knights did, on one knee, with their arm and fist across their body and heart, pledging their fidelity to their king.

>>> Pray the Scriptures. Chant the Psalms with an easy one or two-note chant of your own making.

.>>> Keep the 9, noon, and 3 o'clock prayer stations. Set an alarm to remind you. If you have children, call them into order at that time: stop your and their activities for a 5-minute prayer station.
It will teach them to honor The LORD, that HE+ comes before temporal activities... a valuable training! When they are old, they will not forsake your training.
.
The Prayer Stations: Recall the time of HIS+ crucifixion, for us. Recall how the world was darkened at the noontime hour. Recall HIS+ Words at 3 p.m.: FATHER, forgive them for they know not what they do. Give thanks, give thanks, give thanks... and repent of any sins The LORD brings to mind.
.
[ Email me if you would like copies of the prayer stations we use here. They are Scriptural in nature, recalling what happened at those 3 hours. We also have worship Scriptures from Revelation. To do these stations takes less than 5 minutes, but they become anchors for your day, recalling you to CHRIST'S side every 3 hours. ]

>>> Set aside the 6 p.m. hour for prayer and meditation with HIM+.

>>>> Relate to all through CHRIST JESUS our LORD. Do not allow carnal nor simply "natural" interactions with others. Be pleasant, but redeem the time with your attitudes and words. Pray even as you interact with them.

>>> Do what you can and HE+ will meet you there.

Awake, Sleeper!

+ + +

Practice discipline.

Practice discipleship.

Practice putting your priorities in order to please The LORD.

Remember: The LORD LOVES DISCIPLINE.

+ + +

AWAKE, SLEEPER !

2011-03-29T09:11:00.009-04:00

Ahh, spiritual sleep.

Such sweet repose

instead of spiritual warfare...

a dangerous condition for all !

If you sleep a spiritual sleep , you will join the ranks of several mentioned in Scripture, such as the 5 un-wise virgins who were unprepared for the coming of the Bridegroom+.
.
You also join the ranks of the disciples of CHRIST who would not fight their sorrow of heart nor weariness of body to stay awake and keep watch with Our LORD before HE+ entered into HIS+ Passion, HIS+ Sacrifice for us.

.~ ~ ~

Now, an aside: In ancient times, the bridegroom and his bride had entered a covenant, a betrothal, a contract involving BOTH parties, that they would be joined into one new unit. This was a very serious contract. If the bride had played the harlot before the wedding day, she was supposed to be stoned. If the bridegoom did the same with another woman, it was likely that the bride's parents would have stopped the contract.

But if both parties did their part and were faithful, the covenant would be fulfilled. According to our Pastor's sermon on Sunday, in the Hebrew culture, the bridegroom was usually away from his birth home, building a house for his new bride and the family to come.

The bride knew the "season" that he would be coming, but she and her wedding party did not know the exact hour. I believe it usually was at the fall of evening. She simply had to be prepared at all times for his arrival as the "day" drew nearer and nearer. Also, her bridesmaids had to be ready for whenever the bridegroom appeared.

Usually, a spotter would be watching. He'd announce: "The bridegroom is coming! He's coming! " Then came a flurry of excitement as the bridal party gathered their things, fixed their garments, trimmed their lamps to await the bridegroom's party at their doorstep. When the bridegroom arrived, they all moved in joyous procession lit by torches and lamps to the place prepared with the wedding canopy and feast established.

That is how it will be when Our Divine BRIDEGROOM+ comes for HIS+ Bride, the called-out ones, the sanctified ones, who have remained Virgins (undefiled by the world), prepared solely for HIM+ and HIS+ New Life. When we are spiritually sleeping we are in danger of missing the call that "the BRIDEGROOM+ cometh!"

~ ~ ~

A Cure for Spiritual Sleep

Spiritual discipline awakens the soul. It becomes watchful, on a spiritual level.

The first step is to submit the physical body to a spiritual life.

Flesh must become

subject to the Spirit.

If you don't rule over the flesh,

your flesh will rule over you.

Thus, you must put into practice those things which will bring your flesh into submission:

>>> Make the flesh a wee bit uncomfortable. Walk in the cold or rain or snow, if you must, while you pray or recite Psalms or Scriptures. Do something.

>>> Pray outloud. Clean the atmosphere around you, as it were. Find a room... attic, cellar, or other place where your eye will not be tempted to think of temporal duties or things.

>>> Pray the Scriptures. Chant the Psalms with an easy one or two-note chant of your own making.

>>> Set aside the 6 p.m. hour for prayer and meditation with HIM+.

>>> Do what you can and HE+ will meet you there.

Awake, Sleeper!

+ + +

DO MY+ WILL....

2011-03-27T08:55:00.004-04:00

Do MY+ will.

Make no provision for your flesh... neither for your emotions nor for your fears... nor for your desires.

These all come from illusions.

ILLUSIONS DESTROY YOUR PEACE.

ILLUSIONS DESTROY YOUR JOY.

ILLUSIONS DESTROY YOUR SOUL.

Trust ME+;

the enemies of GOD thought to destroy ME+

... their only hope...

for the sake of their illusions.

Stay in reality with ME+.

Do MY+ will.

Do MY+ will.

Do MY+ will.

+ + +

Set Apart for The MASTER + ...

2011-03-21T20:59:00.001-04:00

My+ sheep hear My+ Voice,

and I + know them,

and they follow ME+.

It is imperative to learn to know HIS+ Voice. We learn to recognize HIS+ Voice when we spend time with HIM+.

O My+ people, do not be led astray by the voice of other sheep , by the voice of false teachers, or by the voice of your own flesh.

Spend sacrificial, precious time with ME+, for I+ will tune your ears to hear My+ Voice.

Learn to submit the desires of your heart to ME+ and to My+ Word. Learn to fast from the voices of other sheep, seeking My+ Voice, My+ companionship alone. Learn to guard your heart from teachings which do not match My+ Words. I+ will teach you if you do not understand some Scriptures... if you stay yourself before ME+.

Set apart your time, your life, for ME+.

+ + +

Set Apart... A Vessel Meet for the MASTER +...

2011-03-11T10:17:00.000-05:00

At midnight,

I will rise to give thanks unto THEE+

because of Thy+ righteous jugdments.

Psalm 119:62

Some, of course, take this Scripture on face value and set their hearts and their clocks to rise up at midnight and offer Psalms, prayers, and thanksgivings ! Can you just imagine the benefits of peace and joy that must flow to those who do this?

We strive EVERY hour of the day or night to focus on The LORD. At night, when we arise for a drink of water or to take care of our needs, we give thanks to Our LORD. While sleeping, we give thanks when we turn over or when a noise awakens us and we are still groggy. It becomes a habit to turn every adjustment into an opportunity to remember our Great LORD. .

In that remembering, let us not forget HIS+ righteous judgments. Yes, HE+ will take care of the evil doers in time. HE+ will also take care of HIS+ own who persist in disobedience, leaning on "cheap" grace to get them through.

Read Numbers 15 and 16. The LORD had commanded HIS+ people to set apart a day of rest... a sabbath... on the 7th day of the week. One man shrugged it off and went to gather sticks. He was caught and put into hold until Moses could ascertain the mind of The LORD. The LORD instructed them to stone that man!

What's wrong with picking up sticks ?

Nothing.

What's wrong with disobedience?

EVERYTHING.

Disobedience will cost you

your life in CHRIST.

( See Matthew 7:21 )

O LORD, with mercy hear my cry ! I have disobeyed THEE+ in innumerable little ways. I have not rendered to THEE+ "first time" obedience as I ought... yet I require that of others. My tongue, the thoughts of my heart, my relentless judgment of others all cry out against me.

Help me to extend the same mercy to others as THOU+ dost extend towards me; cleanse me, heal me, and do not hold it against me. Send my sins far, far away and cover my nakedness with Thy+ Blood, O LAMB of GOD, Who+ taketh away the sins of the world. Have mercy upon me, a sinner.

+ + +

Passover 2011

Meditation #3

Set Apart.... A Vessel Meet for The MASTER+ ...

2011-03-09T20:34:00.002-05:00

Psalm 119:57

THOU+ art my portion, O LORD:

I have said that I would keep Thy+ Words.

Forgive me, LORD, for ignoring Thy+ Word to turn the other cheek, as THOU+ hast done toward THINE+ enemies. Forgive me, LORD, for hotly refusing to go the second mile, as THOU+ hast done with Thy+ disciples.

Change me into Thy+ likeness and image, O LORD, as it pleases THEE+. Yes, I have said that I would keep Thy+ words.
.
Help me to do what I have promised THEE+, for all Thy+ marvelous benefits towards me. Great is Thy+ faithfulness; The LORD is my portion saith my soul; therefore, I will trust in THEE+.

I do from henceforth

set apart
my heart

for THEE+, O LORD.

+ + +

Passover 2011

Meditation #2

Set Apart...

Set Apart.... for the Passover Preparation

2011-03-09T10:12:00.001-05:00

SET APART...

A Vessel Set Apart

...scoured and cleansed... set apart... buffeted and polished.... set apart... repaired and refurbished... set apart... sanctified... set apart... emptied of bad Self... set apart... emptied of "good" Self... set apart... a Vessel meet for The MASTER'S + use.

+ + +

If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the MASTER'S + use, and prepared unto every good work.

Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the LORD out of a pure heart.

2 Timothy 2: 21,22

Passover Meditation #1,

Year of Our LORD, 2011

REAL TIME... via the CHURCH Calendar

2011-03-06T22:53:00.003-05:00

+ + +

We Christians do things differently. We keep our own time... REAL TIME... via the Church Calendar. We don't mark our days or months by the moon, the sun, nor by the Heavenly Lights or stars. We don't mark the celebrations and feast days observed on the masonic calender. We don't celebrate dead ... twice dead... national heroes' birthdays, death days, or battle days. The worldlings do all that, in every country.

We Christians are strangers and pilgrims here upon planet earth and mark our days by the events important in the HEAVENLY KINGDOM. Thus, we observe the dates related to CHRIST'S ministry here upon earth: Advent, Incarnation, Transfiguration, Pascha Passion, and the GREAT RESURRECTION. We also mark Ascencion Day and Pentecost. All these days or seasons related to the key person who changed ... and will soon change again... HISTORY ON PLANET EARTH.

So, on March 9, 2011, the 4th day of the week [known on the pagan calendar as "Wednesday"], will begin the season of deep repentance of the Pascha [ Passover ] with Ashes marking our foreheads in the sign of a cross. Lent is the common name for the Preparation for the Passover, but lent is derived from a German word which simply meant "spring." Hence , we will call this season the Preparation for the Passover Passion.

May The LORD help each one of us during this REAL TIME to deal with our hidden natures, our self-centered lives, and any self-indulgences we have allowed ourselves... all of which hinder our nearness to The LORD.

May The LORD help each one of us to get into REAL TIME, the Eternal time-frame and mind-set, during this season before HIS+ death and Resurrection.

May the LORD help us to SET APART time for HIM+... so that we may truly become a people set apart ... a peculiar people... of The LORD.

An Invitation

Sister Judith Hannah will be sharing meditations as The LORD gives them to her. OTHERS may feel free to write a meditation also and email it to her, for posting on the blog. [Please do not send something NOT original, however, like an article read somewhere else.] If someone has an inspiring photo, also original and not lifted from some other place, that original photo may be sent along to her email address: srjudhan@yahoo.com with a note of explanation, to be posted, if appropriate.

Encamping ANGELS...

2011-03-04T22:37:00.002-05:00

The Angel of The LORD

encampeth round about them that fear HIM and delivereth them.

Psalm 34 :7

Those angelic beings, ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation...

This is part of a story by Jerry Golden, an American Jew who met The LORD JESUS CHRIST, The Messiah, and now lives in Israel to be a testimony for The LORD. Brother Golden has a website from Jerusalem called "The Golden Report." He bears a burden for the Jewish people to know their Messiah. His website is found at: www.thegoldenreport.com Here is his true account of what happened to him during a snowstorm in Tennessee.

I am writing this report in hopes of encouraging you with a knowledge that God is looking out for you, possibly with an Angel.

It was 1973. Connie (my wife) and I had only been married one year when I got word that my grandfather had died and would be buried in two days; the family wanted me there. It was during the time of the gas embargo, Water Gate, and it seemed that everything thing else was going crazy in the country. We lived in Bethany, Texas.

I remember Connie telling me that I may not be able to make it to West Virginia simply because there were no gas stations open, and the few that were open had very long lines; some folks were waiting two days to fill their tanks.

We prayed about it and decided to trust God and make the trip. To make things even more difficult it was in the dead of winter, and what I didn’t know was that from Tennessee to West Virginia there was a very heavy snow storm raging.

Within an hour I was on the road, kissing good-by to Connie and our new baby Rachel (who has now given us three lovely grandchildren). I remember it took me a couple hours just to find a gas station that would fill up my tank, and that in an area I know well. I remember thinking this is really going to be a test of faith. I had my doubts if I was going to make it.

~
It seemed that God was with me and the Ruach Ha Kodesh ( Holy Spirit ) was going with and before me; every time I needed gas there was always a gas station that had some for me. That is, until I got the bottom of the highest mountain in Tennessee in the middle of a snowstorm. There was a gas station at the bottom of the mountain, with a big sign that read, "out of gas." My gas gauge said I had less than a 1/8 th. of a tank; my faith about then read the same.

It was snowing so hard you could hardly see where the road was. I got out of the car and went over and sat on the steps of the station and begin to pray. It was ten minutes, possibly more, when I heard a word in my spirit clearly say “TRUST ME+”. I knew I had heard from God or else was it an Angel.

One thing was certain when I stood up: I knew I had no choice but to begin the journey up that very long, dangerous, and twisting road to the top of a very big mountain. I knew also that I didn’t have enough gas to make it to the top and was thinking that the next service station could possibly be all the way down the other side.

I had just made it around the first big horseshoe turn when I saw him; he was an old man, standing beside a old green ford pickup truck. In his hands was a red gas can, the old type with the dome top that held only 5 gallons. I pulled up behind him and walked over to where he was standing ... making no effort to pour the gas into his truck.

I started to tell him why I needed some of that gas, but something inside of me said not to... just ask him for some gas. Many times in my life I was hearing from God and didn’t even know it at the time.

But as usual, I wasn’t 100% obedient. Instead, I said to the old man, "Could I buy some of that gas from you? I have a real emergency."

With very little expression, just something that sort of resembled a grin, he said to me, "We don’t have any use for money, but you can have the gas." I thanked him and poured the gas into my tank. It was a five-gallon can, but it seemed to take forever for it to empty into my car.

As I started to drive away, I rolled down my window and was going to wave at him... but he wasn’t there! The truck wasn’t there! I stopped and got out and looked. There were no tire tracks in the snow !

It was then I knew I had met an Angel of God, possibly my personal Angel, who looked over me, for there was something inside of me that said I knew this old man all my life; his voice sounded so familiar.

With Holy Spirit "goose bumps" and feeling like I had a glancing shot at something Heavenly, I felt that I floated to the top of that mountain.

That five gallon tank of gas took me from Look Out Mountain in Tennessee to Morgantown, West Virginia. It was a miracle and one that started me knowing that we are watched by Angels and I had met mine...

By Jerry Golden, now in Israel.

+ + +

The UNAVOIDABLE Refining Pot ...

2011-02-25T22:47:00.002-05:00

.
Refining
.
.

HE+ Who+ is coming after me is stronger than I , Whose+ sandals I am not worthy to pick up.

HE+ will Baptize you with the HOLY SPIRIT and with FIRE, Whose+ winowing fan is in His+ Hand. HE+ will throughly cleanse His+ floor, and will gather His+ wheat into the garner, but will burn the chaff with unquenchable fire.

Our LORD will refine His+ children.

THAT IS A PROMISE

seldom acknowledged

nor claimed.

It is similar to pruning. Both are painful, but are done for the health of the one receiving it, for his benefit.

IT ALSO BENEFITS

the Kingdom of GOD.

For everyone shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt.

The fire shall test every man's work.

(Yes, another couple of promises

seldom acknowledged and remaining unclaimed. )

Let us present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto GOD, which is our reasonable (Divine) service.

Let us take heed to ourselves. Our life is like a mist that appears for a little while and then disappears.

Let us all, along with Mary, the sister of Lazarus, choose that one thing that is necessary, which will not be taken away from us.

Amen.

Brother Brendon Patrick +
.

In the Name of the FATHER,

His Eternal SON+,

and HIS Blessed HOLY SPIRIT

+ + +

JESUS said...

2011-02-13T23:35:00.005-05:00

Go into all the world,

and preach the Gospel

to every creature.

I would like to mention a group of Christians, serious followers of our LORD JESUS CHRIST.

These young believers in CHRIST are making a serious effort to literally put into practice our LORD'S words of going into all the world. They are not able to go bodily at this time, but are working to send Bibles to Christians in Asia who do not have one, as well as making them available to new believers who come to JESUS and cannot obtain a Bible because of their small incomes.

As another part of this outreach to those in the Asian part of the world, Gospel tracts are being sent for use by native missionaries to help them reach their people with the message of Life in CHRIST. This is a message that most have never heard before. These tracts are printed for 1/2 cent each! Most of the time these tracts are passed around and read by many people. The message inside is totally unique to them!

These young Christians are the youth group at Wellspring Mennonite Church, located in East Tennessee, U.S.A. They are wanting to raise a total of $30,000 for this purpose. Every cent of this money is being sent for reaching those in far off lands who have not heard or known of the beauty and peace of real life in JESUS CHRIST.

If any reader would care to be a part of this endeavor, you can send any help or inquieries to:

GOSPEL OUTREACH for ASIA

% Reagan Schrock, Director

121 Co. Rd. 616

Athens, TN 37303

If you'd rather, you may check their very interesting, well-done blog at: http://gospeloutreachforasia.blogspot.com .

Yes, it is a joy to know these serious-minded young Christians and to see their dedication in reaching those who sit in darkness, with the LIGHT OF THE WORLD, JESUS CHRIST of Nazareth, the Eternal SON+ and WORD+ of GOD.

Br. Brendon Patrick + O G S

+ + +

In the Name of The FATHER

Who created you

And His Only-Begotten SON+

Who saves you

And the Blessed HOLY SPIRIT

Who sanctifies you.

Amen

+ + +

A CLEAR EYE...

2011-02-08T08:26:00.001-05:00

Picture found at WAJAMA, Kenya.blogspot.com

Keep a clear eye toward Life's end. Do not forget your purpose and destiny as GOD'S creature. What you are in HIS+ sight is WHAT YOU ARE... and nothing more.

Remember that when you leave this earth,you can take NOTHING you have received... but only what you have given....

attributed to St. Francis of Assisi

2011-02-07T08:30:00.001-05:00

Scriptures from 1 Corinthians 15

verses 51, 52, and 57, 58

Behold, I shew you a mystery;

We shall not all sleep,

but we shall all be changed,

In a moment,

in the twinkling of an eye,

at the last trump:

for the trumpet shall sound,

and the dead shall be raised incorruptible,

and we shall be changed.

But thanks be to GOD,

which giveth us the victory

through our LORD JESUS CHRIST.

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the LORD, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the LORD.

+ + +

Have You Counted Them ?

2011-01-29T22:39:00.004-05:00

THE 144,000 IN REVELATION

Bearing in mind that we are "grafted in"to the one plant of Israel, and that JESUS said that there would be

" one fold and one SHEPHERD+" ,

one can look at the 144,000 as a mathematical formula of completeness.

• 12,000 from each of the twelve tribes of Israel ( into which we are grafted )

• Crown of 12 stars - (12:1)

• City of 12 gates made of 12 pearls

• 12 angels guarding the gates

• Names of the 12 tribes inscribed (21:12-21)

• 12 foundations, made of ~ ~ ~

• 12 different gems having on them the names of the ~ ~ ~

• 12 Apostles of the Lamb+ (21:14- 19-20 )

• And also, a river on both sides of which grow specimens of the Tree of Life, bearing 12 crops of fruit (22:2), one for each of the 12 months of the year.

• The City is 12,000 stadia long, wide, and high, being cube shaped, like the Holy of Holies,

• Its 12 edges multiplied by 12,000 = 144,000 (21:16)

• Its walls are 144, that is 12 x 12 cubits high (12:17)

• 12 for the ancient number of GOD's people, "squared" to emphasize totality or completeness, multiplied by 1000 to emphasize how many there are. Possibly, this is the totality of the entire house of Israel, from Genesis to Revelation, all the children of Abraham, both natural and grafted-in, in their final destiny.

• If this is the case, the number 144,000 does not set a numerical limit, but rather signifies "innumerability".

• Listing of the 12 tribes does not set an ethnic limit, rather, it signifies a theological status.

• They are the whole house of Israel /the church/ the called out from first to last, including the time of Jacob's Trouble /the tribulation.

Mathematics are very precise!

"....one fold and one SHEPHERD+".

+ + +

......."is not My WORD+ like a fire,"

says YHWH (I AM ),

"and like a HAMMER

that breaks the rock in pieces?"

YES!

A word from Br. Brendon Patrick ~ ~ ~

HUNGRY ?

2011-01-27T09:39:00.006-05:00

LORD, plant in me

a deep, unquenchable

hunger for THEE+.
~

I AM

The Bread of Life; He that cometh to ME+ shall never hunger; and he that believeth on ME+ shall never thirst.

John 6:35

Yes LORD,

plant in me a deep, unquenchable hunger for THEE+.

+ + +

The Irresistible CHRIST+ ...

2011-01-16T19:55:00.009-05:00

What Our LORD declares is Eternally true:

if I be lifted up,

will draw all men

unto ME+ .

When once you know HIM+,

CHRIST

absolutely irresistible.

You can no more help trusting HIM+

than you can help breathing.

page 21, The GOD of ALL COMFORT, by Hannah Whitall Smith, 1956 ed.

Hannah Smith writes to the Christian:

The LORD wrestles with us in order to bring us to a place of ENTIRE dependence on HIM+. We resist as long as we have any strength; until at last HE+ is forced to bring us to a place of helplessness, where we are obliged to yield; and then we conquer by this very yielding. Our victory is always the victory of weakness. ...

And this victory will be ours, if we take the LORD to be our Banner, and commit ALL our battles unto HIM+.

from page 85, The GOD of ALL COMFORT.

The LORD is my shepherd;

I shall not want.

HE+ maketh me to lie down

in green pastures,

HE+ leadeth me beside the still waters.

HE+ restoreth my soul.

HE+ leadeth me

in the paths of righteousness

for HIS+ Name's sake.

Yea, though I walk

through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil

for THOU+ art with me.

Thy+ rod and Thy+ staff,

they comfort me.

THOU+ preparest a table before me

in the presence of mine enemies;

THOU+ anointest my head with oil;

My cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy

shall follow me

all the days of my life

and I will dwell

in the house of The LORD

forever.

Our LORD JESUS CHRIST becomes absolutely irresistible for anyone who can see that HIS+ great good heart never changes towards HIS+ friends.

Do you know

The Irresistible CHRIST ?

+ + +

PSALM 27 ...

2011-01-11T09:20:00.006-05:00

One thing

have I desired of The LORD,

that will I seek after;

that I may dwell in the house of The LORD

all the days of my life,

to behold the beauty of The LORD,

and to enquire in HIS temple.

Psalm 27:6

~ ~ ~

If any man defile the temple of GOD,

him shall GOD destroy;

for the temple of GOD is holy,

which temple ye are.

I Cor. 3:17

~ ~ ~

MY+ Kingdom is not of this world:

MY+ Kingdom were of this world,

then would MY+ servants fight,

that I+ should not be delivered to the Jews:

but now

is MY+ Kingdom not from hence.

John 18:36

~ ~ ~