God’s Wisdom Revealed by the Spirit

How very wonderful it would be if the world's leaders all had access to the spiritual side of the universe. It is not as though spiritual wisdom has not been available, at least since the crucifixion and resurrection of our Christ. The issue of lack of spiritual guidance becomes more acute with each passing day. Just look at what is unfolding right before our eyes around the globe. Their ears do not hear, their eyes do not see, their minds do not understand. The Apostle Paul, while leading the church at Corinth back from heresy, offered the following insight during a time that mirror's what we are seeing unfold this very day;

[1 Corinthians 2:6-16---New International Version (NIV)]

6 We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7 No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. 8 None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.9 However, as it is written:

“What no eye has seen,
what no ear has heard,
and what no human mind has conceived”—
the things God has prepared for those who love him—

10 these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit.

The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. 11 For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. 13 This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words.[b] 14 The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. 15 The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments, 16 for,

“Who has known the mind of the Lord
so as to instruct him?”

But we have the mind of Christ.

God’s Wisdom Revealed by the Spirit

How very wonderful it would be if the world's leaders all had access to the spiritual side of the universe. It is not as though spiritual wisdom has not been available, at least since the crucifixion and resurrection of our Christ. The issue of lack of spiritual guidance becomes more acute with each passing day. Just look at what is unfolding right before our eyes around the globe. Their ears do not hear, their eyes do not see, their minds do not understand. The Apostle Paul, while leading the church at Corinth back from heresy, offered the following insight during a time that mirror's what we are seeing unfold this very day;

[1 Corinthians 2:6-16---New International Version (NIV)]

6 We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7 No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. 8 None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.9 However, as it is written:

“What no eye has seen,
what no ear has heard,
and what no human mind has conceived”—
the things God has prepared for those who love him—

10 these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit.

The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. 11 For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. 13 This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words.[b] 14 The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. 15 The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments, 16 for,

“Who has known the mind of the Lord
so as to instruct him?”

But we have the mind of Christ.

PSALM 11

Refuge In The Lord

1 In the Lord I take refuge.

How then can you say to me:

“Flee like a bird to your mountain.

2 For look, the wicked bend their bows;

they set their arrows against the strings

to shoot from the shadows

at the upright in heart.

3 When the foundations are being destroyed,

what can the righteous do?”

4 The Lord is in his holy temple;

the Lord is on his heavenly throne.

He observes everyone on earth;

his eyes examine them.

5 The Lord examines the righteous,

but the wicked, those who love violence,

he hates with a passion.

6 On the wicked he will rain

fiery coals and burning sulfur;

a scorching wind will be their lot.

7 For the Lord is righteous,

he loves justice;

the upright will see his face.

PSALM 11

Refuge In The Lord

1 In the Lord I take refuge.

How then can you say to me:

“Flee like a bird to your mountain.

2 For look, the wicked bend their bows;

they set their arrows against the strings

to shoot from the shadows

at the upright in heart.

3 When the foundations are being destroyed,

what can the righteous do?”

4 The Lord is in his holy temple;

the Lord is on his heavenly throne.

He observes everyone on earth;

his eyes examine them.

5 The Lord examines the righteous,

but the wicked, those who love violence,

he hates with a passion.

6 On the wicked he will rain

fiery coals and burning sulfur;

a scorching wind will be their lot.

7 For the Lord is righteous,

he loves justice;

the upright will see his face.

THE 'D' WORD, Part III

Eccl 7: 2, “It is better to go to a house of mourning than to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of every man; the living should take this to heart”.

Solomon, King of Jerusalem, tried to look beyond the grave in his beautiful confessions in Ecclesiastes. Life often does not turn out as we would like; Solomon remarked that “the race is not always to the swift”.

Our approach in dealing with the natural fact of death is to ignore it. We avoid even discussing it until it arrives at the door. How do we begin to change how we relate to death? Through the Bible, that's how!

I used to be absolutely petrified about, you know..........the “D” word. Today I am completely at peace No more fears, no more trepidation. I know what is beyond the veil, over the horizon, on the “other side”. Jesus taught me. By His Word and His promise, that if I am faithful, believing in Him and in the Father and in the Holy Spirit, He in turn assures me ever lasting life following the retirement of this decaying tent that I am wearing.

I know the beauty, the glory and the wonder that waits immediately after my last breath on this earth. The scripture 1 Cor 15: 52 to 54 speaks of us trading our perishable bodies for the imperishable, exchanging the mortal for the immortal, and declaring joyously with Christ that “.....Death has been swallowed up in victory.”

Truly, for believers, those who know Christ, he who holds Him in his heart, them who have called His name, and to those whom He has called, there is no fear in the earthly death. Only joy as you are welcomed into the Kingdom of heaven. Can I get an AMEN?

THE "D" WORD, Final

Genesis 27:2, Isaac said, "I am now an old man and don't know the date of my death."

Psalm 56:13, For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.

Now we come to the end of our missive on the "D" Word. If anything, I pray that not one of you fear that which will eventually befall each of us. It is the earthly finish line that must be crossed. I also pray that you will look beyond that day, that hour, and find a calm peace in your hearts. Peace in knowing that your faith in the promise of Jesus will reveal itself in the eternity that awaits.

In the meantime, waste not a moment, or a second, but tell those you love how deep your love is. Tell them today, tonight, now! Tomorrow is promised to no one, only today, only this moment in which we breathe are we assured.

I pray that you have your "Celestial Baggage" packed and ready to go at a moment's notice. Say those special words to all those you care for. Call them now. "I Love you Mom", "Thanks for being there for me, my brother.", "I have always loved you my darling daughter".

Don't wait for tomorrow. Tomorrow may have other plans for you!

God Bless you all. Pray, Love, Pray and Love some more.........then Pray again!!

THE "D" WORD, Final

Genesis 27:2, Isaac said, "I am now an old man and don't know the date of my death."

Psalm 56:13, For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.

Now we come to the end of our missive on the "D" Word. If anything, I pray that not one of you fear that which will eventually befall each of us. It is the earthly finish line that must be crossed. I also pray that you will look beyond that day, that hour, and find a calm peace in your hearts. Peace in knowing that your faith in the promise of Jesus will reveal itself in the eternity that awaits.

In the meantime, waste not a moment, or a second, but tell those you love how deep your love is. Tell them today, tonight, now! Tomorrow is promised to no one, only today, only this moment in which we breathe are we assured.

I pray that you have your "Celestial Baggage" packed and ready to go at a moment's notice. Say those special words to all those you care for. Call them now. "I Love you Mom", "Thanks for being there for me, my brother.", "I have always loved you my darling daughter".

Don't wait for tomorrow. Tomorrow may have other plans for you!

God Bless you all. Pray, Love, Pray and Love some more.........then Pray again!!

THE 'D' WORD, Part III

Eccl 7: 2, “It is better to go to a house of mourning than to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of every man; the living should take this to heart”.

Solomon, King of Jerusalem, tried to look beyond the grave in his beautiful confessions in Ecclesiastes. Life often does not turn out as we would like; Solomon remarked that “the race is not always to the swift”.

Our approach in dealing with the natural fact of death is to ignore it. We avoid even discussing it until it arrives at the door. How do we begin to change how we relate to death? Through the Bible, that's how!

I used to be absolutely petrified about, you know..........the “D” word. Today I am completely at peace No more fears, no more trepidation. I know what is beyond the veil, over the horizon, on the “other side”. Jesus taught me. By His Word and His promise, that if I am faithful, believing in Him and in the Father and in the Holy Spirit, He in turn assures me ever lasting life following the retirement of this decaying tent that I am wearing.

I know the beauty, the glory and the wonder that waits immediately after my last breath on this earth. The scripture 1 Cor 15: 52 to 54 speaks of us trading our perishable bodies for the imperishable, exchanging the mortal for the immortal, and declaring joyously with Christ that “.....Death has been swallowed up in victory.”

Truly, for believers, those who know Christ, he who holds Him in his heart, them who have called His name, and to those whom He has called, there is no fear in the earthly death. Only joy as you are welcomed into the Kingdom of heaven. Can I get an AMEN?

THE “D” WORD, Part II

Now that the hard part, saying the actual word, “Death”, is out of the way, let us proceed.

People are born, they live, and then they die. We often fear that which we know very little or nothing about. That which scares so many is the cold fact that death is an unavoidable one-way trip. With a couple of notable Biblical exceptions, none return. “Death is so final”, said a friend recently.

Death is viewed with a different lens if you are old instead of young. An obituary announces the passing of a man in his 80's and the reaction is well, he was due. If, however, it is a child, then it's a miscarriage of justice. A celestial mistake. A heavenly error. Regardless of age, death is death.

What if death is not final? What if death is only a transition? Discarding one tent (body) then replacing it with a new, indestructible body? We know that as soon as we are born, taking our first breath, we start on the glide slope of decay heading for the touch down where we breathe no more. What if our short stream of years on earth is only a warm-up for the big time. The big time as in ETERNITY! Stay tuned. We will be looking at that next.

THE “D” WORD, Part II

Now that the hard part, saying the actual word, “Death”, is out of the way, let us proceed.

People are born, they live, and then they die. We often fear that which we know very little or nothing about. That which scares so many is the cold fact that death is an unavoidable one-way trip. With a couple of notable Biblical exceptions, none return. “Death is so final”, said a friend recently.

Death is viewed with a different lens if you are old instead of young. An obituary announces the passing of a man in his 80's and the reaction is well, he was due. If, however, it is a child, then it's a miscarriage of justice. A celestial mistake. A heavenly error. Regardless of age, death is death.

What if death is not final? What if death is only a transition? Discarding one tent (body) then replacing it with a new, indestructible body? We know that as soon as we are born, taking our first breath, we start on the glide slope of decay heading for the touch down where we breathe no more. What if our short stream of years on earth is only a warm-up for the big time. The big time as in ETERNITY! Stay tuned. We will be looking at that next.

THE “D” WORD

This missive might be enlightening to some, and horribly depressive to some others. What I would like to talk about is the “D” Word. Most folks just don't want to have anything to do with the “D” Word; They don't want to hear about it. They certainly don't want to talk about it, especially in mixed company. People often pretend that the “D” Word will never impact them, at least anytime soon!

These same persons have absolutely no problem with openly, and quite vigorously discussing the “B” Word, even with children, if you dare to believe that!! However, at the first mention of the “D” Word, the room gets suddenly quiet, moms place their hands over the impressionable ears of children, and then, everybody get up and leaves! Just like that!! You would think that since both are natural, expected, planned, or sometimes “un-planned”, and that everyone reading this is currently subject to one of these words, and eventually will be compelled to deal with the other, that we would embrace both. We don't. We celebrate “BIRTH” and avoid with extraordinary effort the “D” Word, “DEATH”.

Well, here we are. I have gone and said the word. Death. I'll pause for a moment to allow some of you to scroll on down, or switch the computer off. ….............All of us who have been born (I believe that includes ya'all) will one day be forced to mess with death. Only people who study Thanatology really enjoy messing with death, and I've never invited one of them over to my house for dinner. But, I am getting off the track. Dying is just as natural as being born. Dying in the flesh, that is.

God set the limit on how long we live back in Genesis 6:3 when the Lord said, “My Spirit will not contend with man forever, for he is mortal, his days will be a hundred and twenty years”. Later in Psalms 90:10, Moses fine tuned the number to what we see presently; “The length of our days is seventy years—or eighty, if we have the strength..”. Now, assuming that we are not run over by a bus, or acquire a terminal illness, or carelessly be in the bath tub with a plugged in toaster oven, we stand a good chance of reaching pretty close to the age that Moses predicted. Let there be no doubt, however, when God decides its time.........Death happens! It always seems to be a big surprise to us!

Now, I am going to stop right here. I will return in a few days with the meat & potatoes on this Death topic. Fair warning! One final question, If tonight when you close your eyes, and death pays you a visit, where do you suppose you will be when your spiritual eyes open?

THE “D” WORD

This missive might be enlightening to some, and horribly depressive to some others. What I would like to talk about is the “D” Word. Most folks just don't want to have anything to do with the “D” Word; They don't want to hear about it. They certainly don't want to talk about it, especially in mixed company. People often pretend that the “D” Word will never impact them, at least anytime soon!

These same persons have absolutely no problem with openly, and quite vigorously discussing the “B” Word, even with children, if you dare to believe that!! However, at the first mention of the “D” Word, the room gets suddenly quiet, moms place their hands over the impressionable ears of children, and then, everybody get up and leaves! Just like that!! You would think that since both are natural, expected, planned, or sometimes “un-planned”, and that everyone reading this is currently subject to one of these words, and eventually will be compelled to deal with the other, that we would embrace both. We don't. We celebrate “BIRTH” and avoid with extraordinary effort the “D” Word, “DEATH”.

Well, here we are. I have gone and said the word. Death. I'll pause for a moment to allow some of you to scroll on down, or switch the computer off. ….............All of us who have been born (I believe that includes ya'all) will one day be forced to mess with death. Only people who study Thanatology really enjoy messing with death, and I've never invited one of them over to my house for dinner. But, I am getting off the track. Dying is just as natural as being born. Dying in the flesh, that is.

God set the limit on how long we live back in Genesis 6:3 when the Lord said, “My Spirit will not contend with man forever, for he is mortal, his days will be a hundred and twenty years”. Later in Psalms 90:10, Moses fine tuned the number to what we see presently; “The length of our days is seventy years—or eighty, if we have the strength..”. Now, assuming that we are not run over by a bus, or acquire a terminal illness, or carelessly be in the bath tub with a plugged in toaster oven, we stand a good chance of reaching pretty close to the age that Moses predicted. Let there be no doubt, however, when God decides its time.........Death happens! It always seems to be a big surprise to us!

Now, I am going to stop right here. I will return in a few days with the meat & potatoes on this Death topic. Fair warning! One final question, If tonight when you close your eyes, and death pays you a visit, where do you suppose you will be when your spiritual eyes open?

BUT GOD KNOWS

I got to thinking about the many people who I have had the honor of sharing space with on this planet. Especially those who, knowing or unknowing, who left their mark on my mind and my heart.

I began wondering about these fellow travelers, how they are doing, were they happy, peaceful, content. Gosh, how many them were still alive? One former co-worker from years gone by lost his wife this year. Another friend's wife is scheduled for surgery Friday in a bid to survive colon cancer. Sadly, it had been years since I last took a moment to send them a note, letting them know that I cared.

Recently I was heading to a meeting in Milton, Florida and I passed by a man standing and supporting himself against a bridge railing off to the right hand side. Instantly, I had this overwhelming demand that I had to go back and make contact with that man at the bridge. Traffic was heavy and I was not too thrilled to be attempting a u-turn on this busy two lane road. Well, that is exactly what I did. The Holy Spirit was directing me to check on that man at the bridge.

Two u-turns later I was parking off the roadway about a hundred feet from the man leaning on the rail. As I approached the fellow, we made eye contact and I asked him if he was ok. He sighed, and said “No, I am not ok.” Before I could muster another word, he began sobbing and bobbing his head up and down, through his tears he cried, “ I lost my boy in a house fire, and my daughter is in the burn center trying to stay alive”.

I took off my ball cap and sunglasses and dropped them to the ground. Placing my hand on his shoulder, I asked him about what had happened. He tearfully explained that his 13 year old son and 11 year old daughter were burned when their house caught on fire this past Thursday. That the girl had been flown to a burn center and that they did not know if she would survive or not. His son had perished.

We grabbed a-hold of each other and we prayed, and prayed hard for God to extend His mercy and healing grace for his daughter and this father, this dad who was undergoing the greatest pain any parent can experience. He and I shared our hearts with each other, and the hand of God arranged the meeting. I never asked the man his name. We parted without introduction. I may never see him again. But God knows.

On Memorial day in 2013, my church held a beautiful and moving memorial tribute to the fallen. The culmination of which was the “Empty Chair Soliloquy” delivered by one of our Elders. Maybe it was the music, the words, the ceremony, or my own memories of fellow soldiers who never came home. What ever it was I exploded in a uncontrolled fit of weeping, wailing, snot-nosing that seemed not to end. Someone, I know not who, came up from the pew behind me and simply placed a warm hand on my shoulder and deposited a box of tissue in my lap. That hand at that moment from that person I did not know was one of the greatest gifts I can recall ever receiving.

Knowing that I was not alone, that there was understanding, a bond, a caring warmth, oh my, how very healing that was. For that short moment in time, all my heartache was being shared by another individual, a brother, a friend, a hand that had been moved by the Grace of Almighty God to share comfort and support. To this day, I have no idea who that person was. But God knows.

BUT GOD KNOWS

I got to thinking about the many people who I have had the honor of sharing space with on this planet. Especially those who, knowing or unknowing, who left their mark on my mind and my heart.

I began wondering about these fellow travelers, how they are doing, were they happy, peaceful, content. Gosh, how many them were still alive? One former co-worker from years gone by lost his wife this year. Another friend's wife is scheduled for surgery Friday in a bid to survive colon cancer. Sadly, it had been years since I last took a moment to send them a note, letting them know that I cared.

Recently I was heading to a meeting in Milton, Florida and I passed by a man standing and supporting himself against a bridge railing off to the right hand side. Instantly, I had this overwhelming demand that I had to go back and make contact with that man at the bridge. Traffic was heavy and I was not too thrilled to be attempting a u-turn on this busy two lane road. Well, that is exactly what I did. The Holy Spirit was directing me to check on that man at the bridge.

Two u-turns later I was parking off the roadway about a hundred feet from the man leaning on the rail. As I approached the fellow, we made eye contact and I asked him if he was ok. He sighed, and said “No, I am not ok.” Before I could muster another word, he began sobbing and bobbing his head up and down, through his tears he cried, “ I lost my boy in a house fire, and my daughter is in the burn center trying to stay alive”.

I took off my ball cap and sunglasses and dropped them to the ground. Placing my hand on his shoulder, I asked him about what had happened. He tearfully explained that his 13 year old son and 11 year old daughter were burned when their house caught on fire this past Thursday. That the girl had been flown to a burn center and that they did not know if she would survive or not. His son had perished.

We grabbed a-hold of each other and we prayed, and prayed hard for God to extend His mercy and healing grace for his daughter and this father, this dad who was undergoing the greatest pain any parent can experience. He and I shared our hearts with each other, and the hand of God arranged the meeting. I never asked the man his name. We parted without introduction. I may never see him again. But God knows.

On Memorial day in 2013, my church held a beautiful and moving memorial tribute to the fallen. The culmination of which was the “Empty Chair Soliloquy” delivered by one of our Elders. Maybe it was the music, the words, the ceremony, or my own memories of fellow soldiers who never came home. What ever it was I exploded in a uncontrolled fit of weeping, wailing, snot-nosing that seemed not to end. Someone, I know not who, came up from the pew behind me and simply placed a warm hand on my shoulder and deposited a box of tissue in my lap. That hand at that moment from that person I did not know was one of the greatest gifts I can recall ever receiving.

Knowing that I was not alone, that there was understanding, a bond, a caring warmth, oh my, how very healing that was. For that short moment in time, all my heartache was being shared by another individual, a brother, a friend, a hand that had been moved by the Grace of Almighty God to share comfort and support. To this day, I have no idea who that person was. But God knows.

Guard your steps as you go to the house of God and draw near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools; for they do not know they are doing evil. Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few. For the dream comes through much effort and the voice of a fool through many words.
When you make a vow to God, do not be late in paying it; for He takes no delight in fools. Pay what you vow! It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay.

Do not let your speech cause you to sin and do not say in the presence of the messenger of God that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry on account of your voice and destroy the work of your hands? For in many dreams and in many words there is emptiness. Rather, fear God.

[Ecclesiastes 5: 1-7—NASB]

Guard your steps as you go to the house of God and draw near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools; for they do not know they are doing evil. Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few. For the dream comes through much effort and the voice of a fool through many words.
When you make a vow to God, do not be late in paying it; for He takes no delight in fools. Pay what you vow! It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay.

Do not let your speech cause you to sin and do not say in the presence of the messenger of God that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry on account of your voice and destroy the work of your hands? For in many dreams and in many words there is emptiness. Rather, fear God.

[Ecclesiastes 5: 1-7—NASB]

“Another scheme of Satan is to eliminate from the church all the humble, self-denying ordinances that are offensive to unsanctified tastes and unregenerate hearts. He seeks to reduce the church to a mere human institution—popular, natural, fleshly, and pleasing.”

― E.M. Bounds, Guide To Spiritual Warfare

“Another scheme of Satan is to eliminate from the church all the humble, self-denying ordinances that are offensive to unsanctified tastes and unregenerate hearts. He seeks to reduce the church to a mere human institution—popular, natural, fleshly, and pleasing.”

― E.M. Bounds, Guide To Spiritual Warfare

What is mankind that you are mindful of them,
human beings that you care for them?
You have made them a little lower than the angels
and crowned them with glory and honor.
You made them rulers over the works of your hands;
you put everything under their feet:
all flocks and herds,
and the animals of the wild,
the birds in the sky,
and the fish in the sea,
all that swim the paths of the seas.
Lord, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!

[Psalm 8: 4-9 ]

What is mankind that you are mindful of them,
human beings that you care for them?
You have made them a little lower than the angels
and crowned them with glory and honor.
You made them rulers over the works of your hands;
you put everything under their feet:
all flocks and herds,
and the animals of the wild,
the birds in the sky,
and the fish in the sea,
all that swim the paths of the seas.
Lord, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!

[Psalm 8: 4-9 ]

The awesome beauty and glory to our Lord Jesus was so well served Sunday, July 5th as many loving souls, young and not so young, publicly proclaimed a life of service to Christ through Baptism in the Santa Rosa sound. The Baptism and symbolism today went well beyond what could have been expected. One by one, dozens came forward to satisfy this Biblical Command.

Here is the way it went: Are you ready for this? The name of the Pastor actually performing the Baptisms? His name was JOHN. How and in what method was he baptizing? Full immersion, and in the name of the FATHER and of the SON and of the HOLY SPIRIT!

It gets better! WHO approaches JOHN and requests to be RE-Baptized? Our Senior Shepherd! Immediately upon seeing this, my mind went to Matthew Chapter 3, Verses 13 through 15:

[ Then Jesus arrived from Galilee at the Jordan coming to John, to be baptized by him. But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I have need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?” But Jesus answering said to him, “Permit it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he permitted Him. ]

Now, add to all of this, God's hand in moving a huge storm that was directly headed for Navarre two hours before, suddenly moving off to the North allowing this beautiful event to take place. Then finally, the EXTRA POINT was delivered as yet ANOTHER Pastor, Brian Oakes re-submitted to Baptism to bring home the wondrous symbolism of this Holy expression of devotion and love for our Christ.

To be a witness today to such an extraordinary and meaningful God Blessed event will forever anchor itself in my mind and heart.

Today, I Gary Dean Thompson witnessed JOHN baptize the SHEPHERD and the FLOCK in the flowing waters under the canopy of heaven including a man, a wretched sinner, who re-connected himself to the DEATH, BURIAL and RESURRECTION of our LORD our CHRIST, Amen.

The awesome beauty and glory to our Lord Jesus was so well served Sunday, July 5th as many loving souls, young and not so young, publicly proclaimed a life of service to Christ through Baptism in the Santa Rosa sound. The Baptism and symbolism today went well beyond what could have been expected. One by one, dozens came forward to satisfy this Biblical Command.

Here is the way it went: Are you ready for this? The name of the Pastor actually performing the Baptisms? His name was JOHN. How and in what method was he baptizing? Full immersion, and in the name of the FATHER and of the SON and of the HOLY SPIRIT!

It gets better! WHO approaches JOHN and requests to be RE-Baptized? Our Senior Shepherd! Immediately upon seeing this, my mind went to Matthew Chapter 3, Verses 13 through 15:

[ Then Jesus arrived from Galilee at the Jordan coming to John, to be baptized by him. But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I have need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?” But Jesus answering said to him, “Permit it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he permitted Him. ]

Now, add to all of this, God's hand in moving a huge storm that was directly headed for Navarre two hours before, suddenly moving off to the North allowing this beautiful event to take place. Then finally, the EXTRA POINT was delivered as yet ANOTHER Pastor, Brian Oakes re-submitted to Baptism to bring home the wondrous symbolism of this Holy expression of devotion and love for our Christ.

To be a witness today to such an extraordinary and meaningful God Blessed event will forever anchor itself in my mind and heart.

Today, I Gary Dean Thompson witnessed JOHN baptize the SHEPHERD and the FLOCK in the flowing waters under the canopy of heaven including a man, a wretched sinner, who re-connected himself to the DEATH, BURIAL and RESURRECTION of our LORD our CHRIST, Amen.

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 4:2

Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep. If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take. This was my nightly prayer as a young child. It was also the prayer of my children, on their knees at bedside. God loves honestly simple prayer. HE cherishes prayer spoken from the heart, in your own words, in your own style. Most of all, HE loves to hear your voice.

We recently held a small prayer service for those involved in the Charleston Church shooting. A family moved to the front of the sanctuary in the shadow of the cross, knelt with their arms around each other and prayed. Dad began, then Mom, and finally the young child. Each of them raising their voices to the creator of all that is, pouring the contents of their heart into the ear of the LORD. I later learned that this family prayer included forgiveness and the hope of salvation for the disturbed shooter.

And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. James 5:15

Prayer helps us to learn how to be unselfish. How to share. How to care for others and be sincere in their well being and station with Jesus. It is through HIM that we have opportunity to come before our FATHER, to have audience, to be in HIS Holy presence by prayer. Prayer is a big deal! Prayer is the very language of GOD.

All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers. Acts 1:14

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 4:2

Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep. If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take. This was my nightly prayer as a young child. It was also the prayer of my children, on their knees at bedside. God loves honestly simple prayer. HE cherishes prayer spoken from the heart, in your own words, in your own style. Most of all, HE loves to hear your voice.

We recently held a small prayer service for those involved in the Charleston Church shooting. A family moved to the front of the sanctuary in the shadow of the cross, knelt with their arms around each other and prayed. Dad began, then Mom, and finally the young child. Each of them raising their voices to the creator of all that is, pouring the contents of their heart into the ear of the LORD. I later learned that this family prayer included forgiveness and the hope of salvation for the disturbed shooter.

And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. James 5:15

Prayer helps us to learn how to be unselfish. How to share. How to care for others and be sincere in their well being and station with Jesus. It is through HIM that we have opportunity to come before our FATHER, to have audience, to be in HIS Holy presence by prayer. Prayer is a big deal! Prayer is the very language of GOD.

All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers. Acts 1:14

The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;
it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the Lord.
It is good for a man to bear the yoke
while he is young.
Let him sit alone in silence,
for the Lord has laid it on him.
Let him bury his face in the dust—
there may yet be hope.
Let him offer his cheek to one who would strike him,
and let him be filled with disgrace.
For no one is cast off
by the Lord forever.
Though he brings grief, he will show compassion,
so great is his unfailing love.
For he does not willingly bring affliction
or grief to anyone. [Lamentations 3:25-33]

The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;
it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the Lord.
It is good for a man to bear the yoke
while he is young.
Let him sit alone in silence,
for the Lord has laid it on him.
Let him bury his face in the dust—
there may yet be hope.
Let him offer his cheek to one who would strike him,
and let him be filled with disgrace.
For no one is cast off
by the Lord forever.
Though he brings grief, he will show compassion,
so great is his unfailing love.
For he does not willingly bring affliction
or grief to anyone. [Lamentations 3:25-33]

WHERE IS YOUR GOD-SPOT?

Do you have a God-spot? A place that is outside of the house? Somewhere where you can be all alone, and feel the breath of God on your face? That special location. Just you, the sky, the air and Him, no distractions?

I just returned from mine. Its a picnic table down by the boat ramp. On a good day, I can sit there and talk to God for hours. Once in a great while I can hear that whisper, that quiet voice from deep inside, like a deep thought. I believe it is the Holy Spirit, counseling, helping me to see through His eyes, His way, His will. Most of the time, the conversation is one-way. Or so it would seem.

In my heart, I truly believe that he hears each and every word. He knows my heart and knows in an instant if I am hedging in my conversation. Although I realize that all words I perceive from Him come from deep within me, I know that it is He and His indwelling Spirit who guides these expressions of my conscience, that familiar inner voice. Oh the many, many situations that have been resolved during these special dialogs !!

Several weeks ago, while at the God-spot, my heart was fairly troubled. I was calling on Him for His guidance and help. Before long, it was as if I was figuring out the solutions to my issues, all by myself! Not so. I can do nothing by myself. It was the very spirit of the living God who provided the solutions, or at the very least, uncovered them so that I could clearly see the path.

No sooner had this epiphany taken place, just as my eyes looked out over the waters of the bay, three pods of dolphins swam by first from the West to the East, then returned moving from East to West. Each of the pods had one baby swimming aside the mother, and another adult trailed slightly on the opposite side. Three pods of three. I do so Love the way He works.

Jesus had to get away to His God-spots. A place where He and the Father could talk candidly, where He could open His heart to him as any child would to his Father.

If you don't have a God-spot, what an opportunity of the Spirit you are missing. I recommend this highly. Doesn’t have to be fancy, just private. Just enough room for you and God to have a good talk. A place to share your special secrets with Him. To get your Spirit recharged. I can promise, you will not regret the meeting.

May His Blessings continue to be the Light by which your eyes may see, Amen.

Brother Gary

WHERE IS YOUR GOD-SPOT?

Do you have a God-spot? A place that is outside of the house? Somewhere where you can be all alone, and feel the breath of God on your face? That special location. Just you, the sky, the air and Him, no distractions?

I just returned from mine. Its a picnic table down by the boat ramp. On a good day, I can sit there and talk to God for hours. Once in a great while I can hear that whisper, that quiet voice from deep inside, like a deep thought. I believe it is the Holy Spirit, counseling, helping me to see through His eyes, His way, His will. Most of the time, the conversation is one-way. Or so it would seem.

In my heart, I truly believe that he hears each and every word. He knows my heart and knows in an instant if I am hedging in my conversation. Although I realize that all words I perceive from Him come from deep within me, I know that it is He and His indwelling Spirit who guides these expressions of my conscience, that familiar inner voice. Oh the many, many situations that have been resolved during these special dialogs !!

Several weeks ago, while at the God-spot, my heart was fairly troubled. I was calling on Him for His guidance and help. Before long, it was as if I was figuring out the solutions to my issues, all by myself! Not so. I can do nothing by myself. It was the very spirit of the living God who provided the solutions, or at the very least, uncovered them so that I could clearly see the path.

No sooner had this epiphany taken place, just as my eyes looked out over the waters of the bay, three pods of dolphins swam by first from the West to the East, then returned moving from East to West. Each of the pods had one baby swimming aside the mother, and another adult trailed slightly on the opposite side. Three pods of three. I do so Love the way He works.

Jesus had to get away to His God-spots. A place where He and the Father could talk candidly, where He could open His heart to him as any child would to his Father.

If you don't have a God-spot, what an opportunity of the Spirit you are missing. I recommend this highly. Doesn’t have to be fancy, just private. Just enough room for you and God to have a good talk. A place to share your special secrets with Him. To get your Spirit recharged. I can promise, you will not regret the meeting.

May His Blessings continue to be the Light by which your eyes may see, Amen.

Brother Gary