EXPECTING JESUS

 

   Cindy Hess Kasper- My friend Paul was awaiting the arrival of a technician to repair his refrigerator when he saw a text on his phone from the appliance company.  It read: "Jesus is on his way and is expected to arrive at approximately 11:35 a.m." Paul soon discovered the technician's name was indeed Jesus (hay-SOOS).

   But when can we expect Jesus the Son of God to arrive? When He came as a man two thousand years ago and suffered the penalty of our sin, He said that He'd be back—but only the Father knew the precise day or hour" of His return (Matt. 24:36).

   What a difference might it make in our day-to-day priorities if we did know the moment our Savior is coming back to earth? (John 14:1-3).

   Jesus cautioned us to be ready for His return: "the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him" (Matt. 24:44). He reminded us to "keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come" (v. 42).

   On the day of Christ's return, we won't get an alert on our phone to give us a heads-up. So, through the power of the Spirit working through us, let's live each day with a perspective of eternity, serving God and taking advantage of every opportunity to share His message of love and hope with others.

Our Prayer: Father, as I pataiently wait, please help me to obey You, pursue holiness, and to live in expectation of Christ's return."  Amen

#65 Testimony- August H. Francke,  Luthern minister around 1700 and founder of the orphan homes at Halle, Germany.

    Dr. Francke needed a large sum of money. His treasurer came to him for the money. Francke told him to come after lunch, all the while praying earnestly. After lunch the treasurer came again for the money, and Francke asked him to come in the evening.

   In the meantime, a friend of Dr. Francke came to see him. The two men prayed together. When Francke began to pray, God led him to recall God's goodness to humankind, going back all the way to Creation.

   Francke praised God over and over for His goodness and faithfulness over the centuries but felt restrained from mentioning his urgent petition.

   When the friend left, Francke accompanied him to the door. There stood the treasurer waiting for the money, and beside him a man who then handed Dr. Francke a very large sum of money that fully met the need."

1351-1355 One-line Scriptures for those of you who want to learn some more verses this week- or to review them from when they were first posted- 
 

1351- Pro. 11:20b "such as are upright in their way are his delight."

1352- Is. 33:15a "He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly."

1353- Ezra 1:6a "All they that were about them strengthened their hands."

1354- Ps. 21:6 "You give him blessings forever; you cheer him with joy in your                             presence."

1355- Pro. 3:33b "He blesseth the habitation of the just."

 #65 Hymn- (Was originally #16 Hymn-) How Great Thou Art

The following quote about this song, How Great Thou Art, is taken from THEN SINGS MY SOUL By Robert J. Morgan (pg. 213)

  "During the 1954 Billy Graham Crusade in Harringay Arena, George Beverly Shea was given a leaflet containing this hymn. He sang it to himself and shared it with other members of the Graham team. Though not used in London, it was introduced the following year to audiences in Toronto.

   In the New Your Crusade of 1957, it was sung by Bev Shea ninety-nine times with the choir joining the majestic refain: 

 

     Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee, 

     How great Thou art! How great Thou art!"  

 Some encouraging words-

   "The faith that binds Satan is the faith that takes the offensive: it immobilies Satan's force and disarms his weapons (doubt, discouragement, fear, temptatioin). The prayer of faith applies the victory of Calvary.  It exercises the authority of the name of Jesus."

(pg. 275, MIGHTY PREVAILING PRAYER by Wesley L. Duewel).

   Mary Southerland  "I have come to realize that just knowing God’s plan for my life does not guarantee success. I must do the plan. That is where obedience comes in. An obedient heart is a “fixed” heart - the only gift God wants from us this holiday season." 

Church notes: 

God always has a plan and purpose for your lives. 

     If married:

1). Embrace the Bigness and Majesty of God,

2). Trust in His wisdom and timing, submitting to His plan,

3). Embrace with compassion the changes that come, always praying together,

4). Ask others to join in prayer to strengthen your marriage comittment.

Upcoming posts:  (I will be off the computer and no texting, (excepting for emergencies), from the 18th through the 22nd of December)

12/28th- THE JOY OF TRIALS- Sandi Arenburg

1/4th-    WHO YOU ARE IN CHRIST JESUS (Second half) -Joyce Meyer

11th-     SEARCH ME, O GOD- Lois J. Stucky

Jean's blog (Click to see snippets of the 7 recent posts)

Pages  

Prayer for salvation

For God Seekers- Healing Thoughts and Prayers 

Samples of Jean's crafts

 

The North Country Christian Fellowship Center Churches,

located in the St. Lawrence county of NY,

broadcast their Sunday services at 10 or 10:15

You can view past services too.

Sermon listing:https://www.cfconline.org/sermon-library 

PRECIOUS TO GOD

 

   JASMINE GOH-  "As a boy, Ming found his fathar harsh and distant. Even when Ming was ill and had to see the pediatrician, his father grumbled that it was troublesome. Once, he overheard a guarrel and learned his father had wanted him aborted.

   The feeling of being an unwanted child followed him into his adult years. When Ming became a believer in Jesus, he found it difficult to relate to God as Father, even though he knew Him as Lord of his life. (Our Father loves us!) 

   If, like ming, we haven't felt loved by our earthly fathers, we may face similar doubts in our relationship with God. We may wonder, Am I a burden to Him? Does He care about me? But while our earthly fathers may have been silent and distant, God our heavenly Father comes close and says,"I love you" (Isaiah 43:4).

  In Isaiah 43, God speaks as our Creator and as a Father. If you wonder whether He wants you to live under His care as part of His family, hear what He said to His people: "Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth" (v. 6).  If you wonder what you're worth to Him, hear His affirmation: "You are precious and honored in my sight" (v.4).

   God loves us so much that He sent Jesus to pay the penalty of sin so that we who believe in Him can be with Him forever (John 3:16). Because of what He says and what He's done for us, we can have full confidence that He wants us and loves us.

Let's pray-  Father, I want to live each day as Your child, precious and honored in Your sight."   Amen

#64 Testimony- Abraham Lincoln

   "I have so many evidences of God's direction that I cannot doubt this power comes from above. I am satisfied that when the Almighty wants me to do or not to do, any particular thing, He finds a way of letting me know it."

1346-1350 One-line Scriptures for those of you who want to learn some more verses this week- or to review them from when they were first posted- 
 

1346- Ecc. 5:7b "Fear thou God."

1347- Ps. 135:1 "Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the name of the LORD; praise him, O ye            servants of the LORD."

1348- Jer. 31:17a "There is hope in thine end."

1349- Neh. 12:27b "To keep the dedication with gladness, both with thanksgiving and              with singing."

1350- Is. 35:3 "Strengthen ye the weak hands and confirm the feeble knees."

  #64 Hymn- When We Walk With the Lord- (Trust and Obey)

[Originally #19]   

The information about this song, When We Walk With the Lord, (Trust and Obey), is taken from the book by Robert J. Morgan, THEN SINGS MY SOUL   (pg. 221)

~ Daniel B. Towner, who wrote the melody to this song, When We Walk With the Lord, (Trust And Obey), inherited his love of music from his father, Professor J. G. Towner, a beloved vocalist and music teacher. He later served churches in Ohio and Kentucky before being tapped by evangelist D. L. Moody in the fall of 1885. For several hears, Daniel traveled with Moody, singing and doing personal work. 

   Towner grew discouraged while he was working on the music to "Trust and Obey." But his wife found the crumpled paper, and encouraged him to work some more on it, as she thought it was the melody needed to carry the message."

 Some encouraging words- E. M. Bounds

   "The prayers of God's saints are the capital stock in heaven by which Christ carries on His great work upon the earth."

Church Notes:

  Bonding in marriage is important, building together through whatever they're to do to serve the Lord in their churches. They're to embrace God's plan for their marriages, and priortize their relationships, embrace trials together, and lift each other up by encouraging one another. Staying true and faithful is what will bond them together!

Upcoming posts:

 14th- EXPECTING JESUS- Cindy Hess Kasper

21st-  THE JOY OF TRIALS- Sandi Arengurg

28th-  WHO YOU ARE IN CHRIST JESUS (Second half)- Joyce Meyers

Jean's blog (Click to see snippets of the 7 recent posts)

Pages  

Prayer for salvation

For God Seekers- Healing Thoughts and Prayers 

Samples of Jean's crafts

 

The North Country Christian Fellowship Center Churches,

located in the St. Lawrence county of NY,

broadcast their Sunday services at 10 or 10:15

You can view past services too.

Sermon listing:https://www.cfconline.org/sermon-library 

PUTTING ON HUMILITY

 

   Katara Patton- The CEO of a frozen treats franchise went undercover on the television series Undercover Boss, doning a cashier's unitform. Working at one of the franchise's stores, her wig and makeup disguised her identity as she became the "new" employee.

  Her goal was to see how things were really working from the inside and on the ground. Based on her observations, she was able to solve some of the issues the store was facing. (Waitress serving food)

   Jesus took on a "humble position" (Philippians 2:2 NLT) to solve our issues. He became human—walking the earth, teaching us about God, and ultimately dying on a cross for our sins (v.8). This sacrifice exposed Christ's humility as He obediently gave His life as our sin offering. He walked the earth as a man and experienced what we experience—from ground level.

   As believers in Jesus, we're called to have the "same attitude" as our Savior especially in our relationships with other believers (v. 5 NLT). God helps us to clothe ourselves in humility (v. 3) and adopt the mindset of Christ (v.5). He prompts us to live as servants ready to meet others' needs and willing to lend a helping hand.   

   As God leads us to humbly love others, we're in a better position to serve them and to compassionately seek solutions to the issues they face.

Let's pray-

     Holy God, thank You for the sacrifice of Jesus for me. Please give me the mindset of Christ as I humbly serve my brothers and sisters." Amen


#63- Quote from Charles Finney's book, LECTURES ON REVIVALS OF RELIGION.

   "In a word, if Christians expect to unite in prayer and effort, as to prevail with God, they must be agreed in speaking and living the same things, in walking by the same rules and maintaining the same principles, and in persevering till they obtain the blessing, so as to not hinder or thwart each other's efforts. All this is evidently implied in being agreed as touching the things for which they are praying."

1341-1345 One-line Scriptures for those of you who want to learn some more verses this week- or to review them from when they were first posted- 
 

1341- Ps. 119:73a "Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me                                    understanding."

1342- Is. 28:22b "I have heard from the Lord God of hosts."

1343- Jer. 36:8b "Reading in the book the words of the LORD in the LORD's house."

1344- Ps. 89:7 "God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had            in reverence of all them that are about him."

1345- Ps. 97:9 "For thou, LORD, art high above all the earth; thou art exalted far above              all gods."

 #63  Hymn-  Go, Tell It On the Mountain

 

   "Go Tell It on the Mountain is a 1953 semi-autobiographical novel by James Baldwin. It tells the story of John Grimes, an intelligent teenager in 1930s Harlem, and his relationship with his family and his church."

 Some encouraging words-

“Faith that binds Satan is the faith that takes the offensive: it immobilizes Satan's forces and disarms his weapons (doubt, discouragement, fear, temptation). The prayer of faith applies the victory of Calvary. It exercises the authority of the name of Jesus.”

(Pg. 275 of MIGHTY PREVAILING PRAYER by Wesley L. Duewel)

Church notes-  

   We're to soak in the Diety of the Holy Spirit! Mercy and grace are available for us, to impower us for Kingdom ministries. The Voice of God comes through His Word, as the Holy Spirit inspires us with comfort, strength, healing and direction.

Upcoming posts:

12/7-   PRECIOUS TO GOD- JASMINE GOH

14Th- EXPECTING JESUS- Cindy Hess Kasper

21th-  THE JOY OF TRIALS- Sandy Arenburg

Jean's blog (Click to see snippets of the 7 recent posts)

Pages  

Prayer for salvation

For God Seekers- Healing Thoughts and Prayers 

Samples of Jean's crafts

 

The North Country Christian Fellowship Center Churches,

located in the St. Lawrence county of NY,

broadcast their Sunday services at 10 or 10:15

You can view past services too.

Sermon listing:https://www.cfconline.org/sermon-library 

LIFT UP THE WORD, LIGHT UP THE WORLD

 

(2 Sam. 22:29-31) "For you are my lamp, O LORD, the Lord shall enlighten my darkness. For by You I can run against a troop; by my God I can leap over a wall. As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him."

Kathy Branzell- "Jesus, we profess our faith in You. You are the Light of the world, and in You there is no darkness. For you are our lamp, O LORD, and our God who lights our darkness. (Be The Light of Jesus)

   Forgive us for fearing and focusing on the darkness around us instead of being filled with faith and shining like the city on a hill You have called us to be. Forgive us for the times when we have been the absence of light, allowing darkness to dwell in America.

   Lead us forward to dispel the the darkness and bring light throughout the Church, Family, Education, Business, Military, Government, Arts, Entertainment and Media.

   We are saved by grace through faith, released from the darkness that once held us captive and now free to walk in the newness of life in You. Light dispels darkness and exposes what is hidden and wicked, so we commit to rise and shine!

   For by You, Lord, we can take courage to run against the enemy, and by our God we can fight the good fight and keep the faith as living lampstands in our communities and country. We fear no evil for You are with us.

   Lord, Your way is perfect, You lead us on paths of righteousness for Your name's sake. Your Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Your Word is Truth, instructinig and inspiring us to live in the abundant life You gave when You saved us from the death and destruciton of the enemy. Fill us with truth as we read, study and live Your Word.

   God, You are a shield for all those who take refuge in You. As we abide in You and Your Word abides in us, we take up our shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God and run boldly into the darkness to Lift up the Word and Light Up the World! In the mighty name of Jesus we pray, amen!" 

(A prayer witten for the 73rd Annuial National Day of Prayer, May2, 2024,  as the president of NDP Task force.)

 #20 Opening the Door to Power  by Andrew Murray   (A past post)

      “Prayer is the greatest means of spiritual power and spiritual victory to you as a Christian. So Satan fears it more than all else you can do. Apart from God Himself and His heavenly beings, prayer is the greatest danger to Satan's purposes, plans and activities.” (Pg. 231 of MIGHTY PREVAILING PRAYER by Wesley L. Duewel)

#61 Quote from Joyce Meyer's book

HOW TO AGE WITHOUT GETTING OLD   (pg. x)  P.C.F.

“KEYS TO JOY AT ANY AGE:

 LIVE SIMPLY.

 GIVE GENEROUSLY.

 RECEIVE GRACIOUSLY.

 STAY GRATEFUL.”

1336-1340 One-line Scriptures for those of you who want to learn some more verses this week- or to review them from when they were first posted- 
 

1336- Ps. 140:7a "O God the Lord, the strength of my salvation."

1337- Ps. 142 :2 "I poured out my complaint before him; I shared before him my trouble."

1338- Jer. 6:16a "Stand ye in the way, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls."

1339- Job 37:7 "He sealeth up the hand of every man; what all men may know his work.

1340- Is 28:14a "Wherefore hear the word of the LORD."

 #62  Hymn- Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee 

The information about this song,  is taken from the book by Robert J. Morgan, THEN SINGS MY SOUL   (pg 9)

   When Bernard (c. 1090-1153), a sickly youth in Dijon, France, was unable to fulfill military service, he became a monk. He became the most powerful preacher of his era, and remembered as a pious man, a deeply contemplative mystic, the "honey-tongued" doctor." Martin Luther called Bernard "the best monk that ever lived, whom I admire beyound all the rest put together."

   Several well-known hymns are attributed to St. Bernard, Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee, was one of them.

Church Notes:

   Only the growing pains of maturity produce stability and a humble heart.  We need to hold tight to God's Word, and extend it in a manner the world can relate to. God will help us keep our balance in these trendy times, by just talking with Him. He is impressed with words, and wants to hear what's going on. We need to always keep His revealed will in our sight, always in our minds, always in our hearts.

 Some encouraging words-

   The place of prayer is the place where the decisive victory is obtained. In the church, on the mission field, and for the pastor and his congregation, everything depends on the faithful exercise of the power of prayer. The stronger our faith, the more earnestly we will persevere to the end!

Upcoming posts:

 30th-   PUTTING ON HUMILITY- Katara Patton

12/7th- PRECIOUS TO GOD- JASMINE GOH

14th-    EXPECTING JESUS- Cindy Hess Kasper

Jean's blog (Click to see snippets of the 7 recent posts)

Pages  

Prayer for salvation

For God Seekers- Healing Thoughts and Prayers 

Samples of Jean's crafts

 

The North Country Christian Fellowship Center Churches,

located in the St. Lawrence county of NY,

broadcast their Sunday services at 10 or 10:15

You can view past services too.

Sermon listing:https://www.cfconline.org/sermon-library 

WHO YOU ARE IN CHRIST JESUS (First half)

 

 Joyce Meyers, from her book, Healing the Soul of a Woman 

 "I have received the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Jesus, the eyes of my understanding being enlightened (Ephesians 1:17-18)

I have received the power of the Holy Spirit to lay hands on the sick and see them recover, to cast out demons, to speak with new tongues. I have power over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means harm me (Mark 16:17-18; Luke 10:17-19).

I have put off the old man and have put on the new man, which is renewed in the knowledge after the image of Him, who created me (Colossians 3:9-10).

I have given, and it is given to me; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and
running over, men give into my bosom (Luke 6:38).

I have no lack for my God supplies all of my need according to His riches by Christ Jesus  (Philiippians 4:19).

I can quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one with my shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16).

I can do all things through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:13)

I show forth the praises of God, who has called me out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9).  

I am God's child, for I am born again of the incorruptible seed of the Word of God, which lives and abides forever (1 Peter 1:23).

I am God's workmanship, created in Christ unto good works (Ephesians 2:10).

I am a new creature in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).

I am a spirit being alive to God (Romans 6:11; Thessalonians 5:23).

I am a believer, and the light of the gospel shines in my mind (2 Corinthians 4:4).

I am a doer of the Word and blessed in my actions (James 1:22, 25).

I am a joint-heir with Christ (Romans 8:17).

I am more than a conqueror through Him, who loves me (Romans 8:37).

I am an overcomer by the blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony." (Revelation 12:11).

       [The other half of her list will be listed on the 28th of December!]

Another post from the past: Some Basic Truths About who You Are in Christ by Jill Savage. (Great post! Worth reading!)

Let's pray-

   Father, as believers in Christ Jesus, we have received wisdom and revelation knowledge, as our eyes of our understanding are being enlightened. As His Spirit comes to live within us, we are able to lay hands on the sick and see them recover. Demons are cast out in the name of Jesus, and we are able to speak with new tongues, upon being baptized with His Spirit. We have power over the enemy, and nothing shall harm us!

   We're renewed in the knowledge of Jesus, and have put off the old man and have put on the new man, created after His likeness. He causes us to receive from others, good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over. We have no lack for You supply all of our needs according to Christ's riches in glory!

   I am Your child, that You have called out of darkness into Your marvelous light. I can quench all the firey darts of the wicked one with the shield of faith Christ has given me. I am able to do all things that He wants me to through His name. His Word is alive in me, as I have the incorruptable seed of His Word which abides forever.

   Because I am Your workmanship, created in Christ to do good works, and as I am a new creature in Christ, His Spirit is alive in me shining through my actions. I am a joint-heir with Christ, and am more that a conqueror through Him, as He loves me, and covers me with His blood and helps me use the word of my testimony!

   I'm thankful for all of this, and praise the Lord Jesus for His help! Amen 

 Making Prayer a Priority
   James Banks

#61 Quote- Martin Luther

 

"And though this world, with devils filled,

 Should threaten to undo us,

 We will not fear, for God hath willed,

 His truth to triumph through us.

 The Prince of Darkness grim,

 We tremble not for him;

 His rage we can endure,

 For lo! his doom is sure;

 One little word shall fell him."

1331-1335 One-line Scriptures for those of you who want to learn some more verses this week- or to review them from when they were first posted- 
 

1331- Pro. 2:2 "Incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding."

1332- Ps. 139:24 "And see if there by any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way                  everlasting."

1333- The Song of Solomon 2:4 "He brought me to the banqueting house, and his                      banner over me was love."

1334- Is. 61:11b "The Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth                    before all the nations."

1335- Pro. 13:18b "He that regardeth reproof shall be honored."

 #61  Hymn- Breath on Me, Breath of God

   The simplicity of this profound hymn belies the education and knowledge of its author, Edwin Hatch (1835-1889).  In spite of Hatch’s scholarship, his one remaining hymn reflects both a profound simplicity and a deep knowledge of Scripture. Our hymn draws largely from John 20:21-22, following John’s account of the Resurrection, for its inspiration: “Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even, so send I you.’ And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’” (RSV)

   The author invokes the Holy Spirit to come into his life and transform it. Using the first-person perspective throughout the hymn adds to the hymn’s power as the singer seeks the breath of God (Genesis 2:7) as a source for renewal.

   Summarizing the message of the hymn, British hymnologist J.R. Watson, suggests that the breath of God “brings new life and love, purity and obedience, surrender and inspiration, and finally eternal life, as the hymn moves through various stages of Christian experience and discipline towards a unity with God.”

 

CHURCH NOTES: 

   Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament, where forgiveness was granted through their works. In the New Testament, Jesus did the "work" of salvation for us. We now have free access to heaven through His blood, and are cleansed thorougly from all sin when we believe in Him and invite Him into our hearts and lives! We are thus changing into Holy temples with His Spirit living within us. Christ is on the throne in heaven continually interceding for us! We are challenged to FINISH THE RACE!

 Some encouraging words-

   To pray in Christ's name means something more that adding "for Christ's sake" to our petitions. His name expresses His personality, character and essence. When we pray in the name of Christ, we are to be in agreement with His character, desires and purpose.  

Upcoming posts:

23rd-    LIFT UP THE WORD, LIGHT UP THE WORLD- Kathy Branzell

30th-    PUTTING ON HUMILITY- Katara Patton

12/7th- PRECIOUS TO GOD- JASMINE GOH

 

Jean's blog (Click to see snippets of the 7 recent posts)

Pages  

Prayer for salvation

For God Seekers- Healing Thoughts and Prayers 

Samples of Jean's crafts

 

The North Country Christian Fellowship Center Churches,

located in the St. Lawrence county of NY,

broadcast their Sunday services at 10 or 10:15

You can view past services too.

Sermon listing:https://www.cfconline.org/sermon-library