BETHANY NEWS

Our Final Blog Together

2011-12-18T00:18:00.001Z

Dear Friends and Family,
This will be my last blog with you. It has been a wonderful extension of my ministry these last several years. Dr. Brian Gilliland had the vision for this project. I am most appreciative of him and his patience with me as I learned to blog. I want to thank you for your prayers and support of my ministry. I will be focusing on facebook now. My son will be creating a "business page" where you can still enjoy Bible teaching, Prophetic parables from time to time as well as teaching from other ministers and ministries that I find profitable for my own growth in the Lord. May God richly bless you and your families during this Holy Feast of Christmas Tide. The Lord be with you and with your spirit. Amen
In the Love of Jesus,
James Wesley

More Wisdom from Pastor Bill Johnson...from "FACE to FACE with GOD", The Ultimate Quest To Experience His Presence.

2011-12-17T04:42:00.002Z

Dear Friends and Family,

A friend gave me this book while in N.Ireland. I haven't been able to put it down. May you be blessed with a little portion of this wonderful writing by Pastor Bill this morning for our devotional time together.

Hunger for God is one of the greatest signs of life a person can have. It reveals an inner awareness of the existence of greater destiny and personal fulfillment. Some people have a theological concept about God's presence being with them, but they are stuck with no true interaction or experience. We must press past intellectual awareness to hunger for heartfelt encounters that change and transform.

The desire itself is testimony that here there is more, and the fact that we possess this desire to seek God should encourage us to pursue these encounters. It is nearly impossible to hunger for something that does not exist. I crave sweets only because sweet things exist. In the same way, my heart cries out for God because I was created to find complete fulfillment in Him alone. And the more I come to know Him, the more I become sure that He will be faithful to satisfy the desire He put in me.

One of Jesus's most important promises was given to His disciples just prior to His death. "He who loves Me I will love him and manifest Myself to him" (John 14:21 NKJV, emphasis added). He promised that they would see Him again. This is clearly not merely a promise that they would see Him in heaven, because that was a given. It was also not a promise for these disciples only, but rather FOR ALL WHO LOVE HIM. (Otherwise we might think that this promise only referred to the appearance Jesus made to His disciples before He ascended.)

My friends, are you truly hungry to be able to receive the promises given to His disciples in the NOW of your life? This is not a theological theme to be "reasoned" with. Many are only "thinking" they have an intimate relation with the Lord. It is your choice. Pastor Bill has made it plain to us. These promises were for every generation of believers. He will make Himself conspicuous to us and we surely will see Him again and again! Great news for you this morning!

In the Love of Jesus,

James Wesley

(Psalm 143:1) "HEAR MY PRAYER, O LORD, GIVE EAR TO MY SUPPLICATIONS: IN THY FAITHFULNESS ANSWER, AND IN THY RIGHTEOUSNESS."

2011-12-16T06:24:00.004Z

Dear Friends and Family,

Our devotional is from Sis. Gwen Shaw's "DAY BY DAY, A Daily Praise Offering". Be blessed as the Psalm chosen comes alive with Father's faithfulness to fulfil His promises to His children.

The Psalmist had it right. the only way I can constantly, at all times, and under all conditions, give ear to your supplications and answer you is because of My faithfulness and My righteousness.

If the answer to your prayers depended on your faithfulness and your righteousness, many times your prayers would go unheard and unanswered.

It is in My Name you pray, not in your own. It is as My ambassador you enter the Throne Room of the Father. Because I have accepted you, you are My representative from earth's populace. My Father recognises you as belonging to Me. It is this mark of ownership which gives you recognition before the royal court of the King. You are accepted through My righteousness and not your own.

Neither is it because of your faithfulness that you have any standing before the Father. You are often unfaithful. Your heart makes promises today which it breaks tomorrow. My child, I call you to look away from your own faithfulness as the source of your goodness or credentials of worthiness, for as long as you look upon that, you will have no faith nor hope. You will find yourself not even expecting Me to answer your prayers.

Look rather to My faithfulness and My righteousness and have courage; for remember, "If we believe not, yet He abideth faithful: He CANNOT deny Himself." (11 Timothy 2:13)

Release your faith in our Father's promises. They are yes and amen for your at this very moment. Begin to praise the Lord for all the benefits of them. This is my prayer today for you, my friends.

In the Love of Jesus,
James Wesley

LOVED LIKE NEVER BEFORE! CAN YOU IMAGINE IT? You will today!!!

2011-12-15T00:38:00.002Z

Dear Friends and Family,

This morning I present a portion of "LOVED LIKE NEVER BEFORE" by my friend from N.Ireland Ken Symington. I quote, "It is easy to know God's love in the mind, but for many it is difficult to believe it in the heart. This book is for those who want to feel the real love of God but can't." Please consider ordering this book. It could change your concept of the Love of God for ever. You can order on www.sovereignworld.com It is a wonderful book for Pastors to read and share with their flock.

His hand so soft and gentle, He led me to a book, "Come on, My child, My daughter; it's time to take a look." Again my head fell down in shame, for I knew all about my sin, and the dread rose up inside, what would He do when he looked in? He found the page that bore my name, from His grip I tried to pull. But on that page in great big words: "THIS DEBT IS PAID IN FULL!"

I fell down so exhausted from the past that haunted me and sobs rang out so loudly...at last I could be free. At last I had a Daddy, I no longer felt alone, and when it was time for me to die, I knew that He would call me home! Through tears of joy I realised the stains that held my dress together were now white, no longer like a battered outcast, but a princess in His sight. No longer feeling fearful for I knew that I belonged to Him, because His love was such for me, He sent His Son my soul to win.

The Father scooped right down and lifted me, held me in His arms of love, and I realised that we fit just right...like a hand inside a glove!

Ken says, " God's Love is a love that yearns for you, and desires only your love in return. Beloved be loved. You truly are loved like never before.!"

In the Love of Jesus,
James Wesley

PHILIPPIANS

2011-12-11T09:28:00.001Z

Navigating Your Destiny Through The Bible:

PHILIPPIANS – The Story Behind The Story…What You’ll Miss Without It!

In our hectic multi-tasking world, it’s easy to quickly grab a scripture that sounds good and quote it without realizing the drama that lies behind that passage. But without careful research, the pathos of human suffering that surrounds why a passage was written can be overlooked. In addition, the depth of what it meant to the writer and its recipients can be lost. Here’s what I’m talking about:

Confined by Rome as a prisoner of the state, the aging apostle picked up his pen and began to write. Not certain of his fate, Paul wrote, “Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philip. 1:20-21). He who had given his life for the Gospel was ready to die for the faith. Yet, in this gentle letter to the Philippian church that he had planted 10 years prior, his desire was to commend and encourage them, not himself. Who among us would have been as totally selfless as this great giant of the Christian Faith? Now, let’s look at the behind-the-scene stories that surround some of our familiar passages.

1. “He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philip. 1:6). Sounds encouraging, doesn’t it? But what you may not realize is that while Paul was imprisoned, other Christian Preachers were dancing on his grave! (Philip. 1:15-17). Yet in spite of this deplorable reality, Paul rejoiced that, regardless of evil motives, the Gospel was being preached (Philip. 1:12, 18). Paul was convinced that God really does work all things together for good.

2. “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure” (Philip. 2:12-13). This describes the anxiety a person rightly has when he distrusts his own ability to meet the requirements of salvation, even though he tries. What we forget is that Paul’s messenger, Epaphroditus, risked his life and nearly died in his journey to encourage the church with the message of Christ (Philip. 2:25-30). What was the message worth dying for? God helps you to do what pleases Him…even when you can’t.

3. “Forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philip. 3:13-14). Many use this passage as encouragement when starting over from a failure. But that wasn’t Paul’s point. He tenaciously fought against religious leaders who drew Christians into Jewish Law requiring circumcision for salvation (Philip. 3:2). Paul left behind his confidence in keeping the Law in order to receive True Righteousness that comes only from Christ!

4. “Be anxious for nothing… I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am…I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philip. 4:6, 11, 13). Oh how casually we use these scriptures to refer to “inconvenient” tasks that we have to endure. But here’s the real drama: Paul wrote this comforting chapter knowing that at any moment he may be beheaded! Paul’s sufferings were beyond our wildest imagination (2 Cor. 11:23-28). Yet the earnest desire of his apostolic heart was to encourage and comfort others. What a Giant in the Christian Faith!

So what am I saying? The Bible tells us stories of real human beings who laughed, cried, loved, suffered and died…just like you and me. So take some time out of your busy schedule to discover the “Story Behind Their Story.” When you do, the passage you read will grip your soul and help you to properly apply its meaning to your own life. Now, read the Paul’s letter to the Philippians one more time (it’s only 4 chapters). This time get inside the hearts of those who gave their lives so you can have the Bible.

Dan Rhodes

DO WHAT YOU LOVE, LOVE WHAT YOU DO

2011-12-10T00:10:00.002Z

Dear Friends and Family,

Exekiel 11;39 (NIV) says: "I'll give them an undivided heart"

Successful people allow their God-given passion and talent to guide them in life. They have a single focus and an undivided heart. God doesn't create you to be talented in an area, then ask you to give yourself to some unrelated area. There's always a potential alignment of talent and passion, if you have the courage to pursue your life's purpose and take risks. Po Bronsons, author, starts with the question, "What should I with my life?" Yes, that's right...people don't succeed by migrating to a "hot" industry or by adopting a particular career-guiding mantra. They thrive by focusing on the question of who they really are and connecting to work they truly love (and, in so doing, unleashing a productive and creative power they never imagined)" Carly Fiorina said, "Love what you do, or don't do it...Make the choice to do something because it engages your heart as well as your mind. Make the choice because it engages all of you".

Don't become a slave to someone else's dream because once you own a dream that dream will own you. Being a slave to someone else's dream quickly becomes a NIGHTMARE. Paul writes: "But they are only comparing themselves with each other...How ignorant...We will boast only about what has happened within the boundaries of the work God has given us" (Cir, 10L12-13 NLT). If you are confused, out of focus or going in circles, pray, "Lord, give me a clear vision and an undivided heart." THAT'S A PRAYER GOD WILL ANSWER!

THE IMPARTIAL POWER OF GOD...THE OPPOSITION OF THE NATURAL...THE OFFERING OF THE NATURAL

2011-12-09T21:25:00.001Z

Dear Friends and Family,

Welcome to my blog this morning. I pray you will be encouraged, informed and renewed in mind and spirit by our devotional time together with OSWALD CHAMBERS - "My Utmost for His Highest".

THE IMPARTIAL POWER OF GOD (Hebrews 10:4) "By one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified." No matter who or what we are, God restores us to right standing with Himself only by means of the death of Jesus Christ. God is just in saving bad people only as He makes them good. The atonement by the Cross of Christ is the propitiation God uses to make unholy people holy.

THE OPPOSITION OF THE NATURAL (Galatians 5:24) "Those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." Once we come to understand that natural moral excellence opposes or counteracts surrender to God, we bring our soul into the center of its greatest battle. The cost to your natural life is not just one or two things, but everything. Beware of refusing to go to the funeral of your own INDEPENDENCE.

THE OFFERING OF THE NATURAL (Galatians 4:22) "It is written that Abraham had two sons: the one by a bondwoman, the other by a free woman." Paul was not dealing with sin in this chapter of Galatians, but with the relation of the natural to the spiritual. The natural can be turned into the spiritual only through sacrifice. This is not God's perfect will, but His permissive will. god's perfect will is for the natural to be changed into the spiritual through OBEDIENCE. Sin is what made it necessary for the natural to be sacrificed.

Such a blessing to be with you again while I'm finishing my ministry trip to Ireland Sunday night. Mighty movings of the Spirit of the Living God. The Travail of the Lord was in full operation in each and every gathering. New ministry teams were commissioned and released into their "seasonal" giftings and callings. Thank you for your prayers for me during my time here. The Lord repay you for your faithfulness.

In the Love of Jesus,

James Wesley

"THE GOOD SHEPHERD LAYS DOWN HIS LIFE FOR THE SHEEP!" (John 10:11) AMP

2011-12-08T02:54:00.004Z

Good morning Friends and Family,

There are two ways in which we are like sheep: 1. Without a shepherd to guide us, we get into stuff that hurts us. God has no "super-sheep.!" the Bible says: "All of us, like sheep, have strayed. We have left God's paths to follow out own." ( Isaiah 53: 6 NLT). Like sheep, sometimes we are clueless and headstrong, choosing things that turn out badly unless God intervenes. 2. Sheep aren't smart enough to hide their shortcomings. Indeed, their willingness to be what they are is one of their strengths. F.F. Meyer said, "I used to think God's gifts were on shelves, one above the other, and the taller we grew the more easily we could reach them. I now find they're on shelves one beneath the other, and it's not a question of growing taller but stooping lower." Solomon said, "With humility comes wisdom" (Proverbs 11:2 NLT). Since God already knows everything about you, why bother pretending? Plus, the things you refuse to acknowledge and deal with just stunt your growth and limit your usefulness to God. that's too high a price to pay! God values truth and He expects to be truthful with Him, other people and yourself. Paul writes: "Express truth [in all things, speaking truly, dealing truly, living truly]..." (Ephesians 4:15 AMP). And James adds: "Confess your [faults] one to another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed..." (James 5:16 NKJV). We all have our pluses and minuses. But when you give God all that you are (and aren't), HE WILL BLESS YOU IN SPITE OF YOURSELF.

My friends, follow these words of wisdom in today's lesson from "The WORD FOR TODAY" and you will find the Good Shepherd standing with you revealing the TRUTH that set you free! He is JESUS! And that's the truth! Believe it!

In the Love of Jesus,

James Wesley

THE LORD IS EVER MINDFUL OF US. HE LOVES US WITH AN EVERLASTING LOVE.

2011-12-06T03:06:00.003Z

Dear Friends and Family,

My Father! What am I, that all thy mercies sweet like sunlight fall so constant over my way? That thy great love should shelter me, and guide my steps so tenderly through every changing day? ANON

Ps.115:12: "The Lord hath been mindful of us: He will bless us."

What a strength and spring of life, what hope and trust, what glad, unresting energy, is in this one thought, - to serve Him Who is "my Lord", ever near me, ever looking on; seeing my intentions before He beholds my failures; knowing my desires before He see my faults; cheering me to endeavour greater things, and yet accepting the least; inviting my poor service, and yet, above all, content with my poorer love. Let us try to realise this, whatsoever, wheresoever we be. The humblest and the simplest, the weakest and the most encumbered, may love Him not less than the busiest and strongest, the most gifted and laborious. If our heart be clear before Him; if He be to us our chief and sovereign choice, dear above all, and beyond all desired; then all else matters little. that which concerneth us He will PERFECT IN STILLNESS AND IN POWER.

H.E. Manning

Thanks for blogging with me this morning. These few precious words chosen from a little devotional book I ran across recently sum up very tenderly Father's everliving, everlasting, ever increasing love for us. I pray you heart is warmed as mine was this morning, and that He is increasing your comprehensions of how He really cares and longs to bring you "ever so near". He is nearer than the breath you breathe! Just inhale His goodness and be refreshed today! It was made just for you to enjoy!

EPHESIANS

2011-12-05T10:44:00.001Z

Navigating Your Destiny Through The Bible:

EPHESIANS – Where Most Pastors Won’t Go…When They Start Churches.

“Okay,” the pastor says to his wife, “Where should we begin our new church?” As this idealistic young pastor and wife team plans their new ministry, they talk about their options. “Maybe we should be close to family,” the wife suggests. “Sounds good,” chimes in her husband, “How about that real nice area of town where it’s peaceful, safe and surrounded by strong Christian families and wholesome living.” “I agree,” responds his wife, “I like that neighborhood. The people are like us and we want our children to grow up with their same race.” On and on they talk, planning out the “perfect” place to plant a church. But had they lived in the Apostle Paul’s day, he would have sent them to one of the wickedest and most convoluted cities on earth…Ephesus!

Ephesus was a city of extreme mixture. A bastion of races, cultures and religions, it boasted of sensual lifestyles, cult prostitutes and wealth beyond measure. It hosted the great temple of the Greek Goddess, Artemis, daughter of Zeus (Roman name Diana) and the coliseum that seated 25,000 where men fought beasts to the death. And all this debauchery was united under one grand banner…GREED! But amidst sin’s darkness, the light of Christianity sprang up. Most would have avoided this hostile den of iniquity as a location to plant a church. But not Paul! To him, Ephesus was fertile ground. There he introduced her inhabitants to a new banner of righteous living and unity…CHRIST!

So, if you’re a pastor planning to start a church…or if you’re a parishioner desiring to be part of a pioneering church, what should you know before you begin your new ministry? Let’s gain insight from Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus that he wrote…while he was a prisoner of Rome.

1. Some People Living In Wicked Places Are PREDESTINED For Righteousness (Eph. 1:3-12). No one fully understands this concept…it’s hidden in God’s sovereign purposes. But here’s your task: find them by preaching Christ’s redeeming love and His kind intentions for their lives. When they respond with repentance, you’ll know that God sent you there for them!

2. There Is NO RACIAL SEGREGATION For Those Who Are In Christ (Eph. 2:11-18; 3:4-10)! If you’re afraid your children might date and marry outside their race, don’t go to where the Apostle Paul sends you! The Jews became racial supremacists believing that God loved them more than all other races. The issue has never been about Race…it’s about Faith (Gal. 3:28)!

3. You Can’t Plant a Church Without The POWER of Christ’s LOVE (Eph. 3:16-21)! The love of God is Power! Power to love the unlovable. Power to be patient when wronged. Power to forgive when offended. Power to extend mercy and grace when judgment and harshness is deserved. Power to represent Christ and to reconcile sinners back to God (2 Cor. 5:18-21).

4. You Can’t Do This Without ALL FIVE LEADERSHIP GIFTS At Work (Eph. 4:7-16). It’s impossible for all five leadership gifts to reside in just one person. If you don’t expose your congregation to the other four gifts, your church will be deficient in its faith and its maturity.

5. Make Sure Your Own FAMILY Is In Proper Order (Eph. 5:21-6:4)! It’s not easy building a church. It puts strain on everything…including the family. Remember, family relationships must reflect the relationship between Christ and His Church. And the congregation knows if it doesn’t!

6. Don’t Forget…You’re In a SPIRITUAL WAR ZONE (Eph. 6:10-18)! Paul closed out his letter to the Ephesians with the reality of what happens when churches are planted in the midst of evil. All Hell Breaks Loose! In other words, you’ll quickly discover that a shrewd devil is plotting to discredit and destroy you and the work you’re doing! And the “smart-weapon” he uses against you is your own fallen nature! That’s why you need ALL of God’s armor to protect yourself!

Dan Rhodes

"IF BY GRACE, THEN IT IS NO LONGER BY WORKS...! (Romans 11:16 NIV)

2011-12-04T23:12:00.000Z

Dear Friends and Family,

Paul writes: "And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace." Dr. Gerald Mann tells the fascinating story of how he got his doctorate in Greek. There were only six students in his class. The professor had never given anyone an A. On the first day he held up a Greek textbook and to their amazement he announced, "I have given every one of you an A!" Dr. Mann said, "out of six students, five of us learned more Greek in that class than we ever thought possible. The other fellow just got by and never really applied himself." Understand this: Grace is the power to excel or licence to just get by. Either way, you're accepted and considered righteous in God's eyes the moment you trust in Christ. Why would God arrange it that way? Because the love He gives us is unconditional, and only a response of love can satisfy Him. What an amazing truth; God makes Himself vulnerable to the rejection of people like us! Perhaps you're wondering, "How can I prove that I truly love God?" That's easy: you'll love your brother and sister (1 John 4:21). You'll love God's Word (Psalm 119:97). You'll love spending time in prayer (Jeremiah 29:21). Grace, rightly understood, doesn't prevent holiness, it PRODUCES it! "the grace of God that brings salvation...teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and Godly lives" (Titus 2: 11-12NIV).

My friends, please consider as you read these lessons, to read the scriptures presented with them. A renewal of you mind will take place which will strengthen you to accept the Grace given to you by your Loving Father in heaven. Heaven awaits us by GRACE! Believe it and live in the gracious favour of the Most High!!!

In the Love of Jesus,

James Wesley

STOP HIDING!

2011-12-04T22:22:00.000Z

Dear Friends and Family,
     Welcome to my blog this morning. I'm enjoying a glorious season of miracles, signs and wonders in the Presence of God. I return again to The WORD FOR TODAY with Bob and Debby Gass along with Ruth Gass Halliday. Be blessed...they would enjoy knowing how your appreciate them! Contact them so you can glean daily from their giftings, callings and writing's.

THE LORD GOD CALLED TO THE MAN, "where are you?" (Genesis 3:9 NIV)

     The first recorded question god ever asked was, Adam...Where are you? And it's a question you need to stop and as yourself TODAY: "here am I ---really?" If you don't know the answer, or you do but you don't like it, then today's devotion is for you. When Gd asked Adam "were are you?" he responded "I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid" (vs.10 NIV) It's amazing the lengths we will go to in order to hide.   God wasn't trying to find Adam; He just wanted Adam to find himself. Until you do that, you're truly lost. And the problem is, when you hide you become a phoney. Have you any idea how much emotional energy it requires to keep up a charade for others? Only two things are worse: being a phoney with yourself and being a phoney with god. furthermore, you'll find it difficult to be honest with others or look them in the eye. Why? Because you'll be afraid they might look into your heart and see the real you. Is that where you are today? Afraid to look into your own heart? The good news is, Adam was naked but god clothed him; he was guilty but God cleansed him; he was anxious but God comforted him. and if you come to Him today God will cleanse you, clothe you and comfort you. He's just waiting for the opportunity to do it.

In the Love of Jesus!
James Wesley

" THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD SHALL REST UPON HIM, THE SPIRIT OF WISDOM..."

2011-12-02T22:51:00.000Z

Dear Friends and Family,

I greet you from my beloved Northern Ireland this morning. Our devotional this morning is from The WORD FOR TODAY, UCB United Christian Broadcasters with my friends Bob and Debby Gass. They were originally from Northern Ireland. We met many years ago in this wonderful land of promise for the Body of Christ. You will be blessed as you partake of the Bread of Life they break for us this morning.

During His earthly ministry Jesus needed the "the Spirit of wisdom! when it came to making decisions and dealing with the enemy. As believers, that same Spirit lives in us. (James 3:NKJV)

says there are three kinds of wisdom: Earthly wisdom, which isn't always dependable because sometimes what seems right is really a road to death. (Pro. 16:25 CEV) Sensual wisdom which is based on emotions that can lead to confusion, hurt, and jealousy. Demonic wisdom, which is selfish, lustful and ungodly. Godly wisdom, from above is...pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and...then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and...hypocrisy" (James 1:5NLT) And when you're praying, ask yourself these questions: a. Are my motives pure or will I be shamed of them later on? b. Will my decision result in mercy and compassion or strife and stress? c. Have I considered all the people who'll be affected by the outcome? d. will the end result cause me to have a harsh attitude or will it produce an environment where love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control can grow? (Galatians 5:22-23) e. Is it fair and impartial or does it favour a particular person or group? f. Can I in good conscience pursue this particular course of action or does it involve some level of deceit and selfishness?

My friends, the above lesson must become the most important lesson in your Christian walk before and with your God. It will cause you not only to avoid dreadful, dangerous mistakes, but will also reveal the Love you have for your Heavenly Father as you seek His Wisdom only, in every situation.. May His Wisdom drive you to every success in Him...all for His Kingdom Glory.

In the \Love of Jesus,

James Wesley

JESUS,THE BUILDER OF MEN'S LIVES

2011-11-30T00:26:00.002Z

Galatians 2:20: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, Who loved me, and gave Himself for me."

Good morning Friends and Family,

Our Lord Jesus is a "people builder". Whenever He touches a life, it begins to "appreciate in value." This is a very personal verse, written as Paul strove to explain the dramatic change which knowing Jesus had brought into his life.

Paul had been a Pharisee of the Pharisees, bound up in a rigid code of statutes and regulations. After Jesus met him, he became a free man, constrained only by LOVE. Paul had been a murderer, a man filled with violence and anger. The touch of Jesus turned him into a man whose greatest desire was to bring others to new life through Christ. Paul had been a critic and persecutor of others, bent on the destruction of the Church, hostile to nationalities foreign to his Israelite heritage. He became, by the transforming power of Jesus, a builder of churches and was used by God to spread the gospel to the Gentile world.

Consider also the changes in Peter, from impulsive braggart to great leader of the early church; in the apostle John, from "son of thunder" to writer of the words "God is love;" in Mary Magdalene, from demon-possessed prostitute to faithful follower of Jesus.

And what of your own life? Take time to think for a moment of all the wonders God has wrought in your life since you felt Jesus' mighty touch.

Think of how deeply your life has been changed by His presence. Perhaps as you do, you will, as Paul did, come to recognise that you have been built up in all that you are because He Himself has done even more than merely touch your life- He has come to INDWELL YOUR LIFE, AND CLAIM YOU FOR HIS OWN, HIS VERY ONE.

All "for" and "in" the Love of Jesus,
James Wesley

TIME TO BEGIN SINGING OUR PRAISES TO OUR SAVIOR KING! Advent is just around the corner! Let the bells begin to ring!

2011-11-28T00:08:00.002Z

Psalm 47:6: "Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises!

Let the hallelujahs ring!

God's service is such a delight that it cannot make us weary, and that choicest part, the singing of His praises, brings so much pleasure and joy that we cannot have too much of it!

Clapping our hands, the most natural and enthusiastic expression of praise, is fitting in view of the Lord's victories and His UNIVERSAL REIGN. Our joy in God may be too emotional for some but He will not criticize us for it. We shall make up for the less emotional ones with our Shouts of Joy!

Our God is no local deity, no petty ruler; in infinite majesty He rules the mightiest realms. He is the sole monarch of all lands, King of kings and Lord of lords. Not a village or island is excluded from His reign. How glorious will that time be when this is seen and known by all, when in the person of JESUS everyone will BEHOLD THE GLORY OF THE LORD!

The battle is not ours but the Lord's. He will take His own time, but He will achieve certain victory for His church. Truth and righteousness will climb to the top through GRACE.

There is no doubt about the outcome of this war. The most rebellious hearts and the most stubborn wills shall submit to all-conquering grace. All the Lord's people, both Jews and Gentiles, may clap their hands at this, for God's VICTORY will be theirs, but those who suffer and labor most will have the largest share of JOY.

We fell His reign to be so gracious that even now we long to be fully obedient to it. We submit our will, our choice, our desire wholly to Him.

Glory to God in the highest heaven! His Glory fills our hearts, and the "knowledge of this Glory" shall cover the earth as the waters cover the seas! His Name be honored and praised on the blog, tonight, and forever more. He is Glorious! We belong to Him, and He belongs to us, His saints!

In the Love and Glory of God, our Father, Son our Savior, and Holy Ghost our teacher and comforter!

James Wesley

GALATIANS

2011-11-27T11:02:00.002Z

Navigating Your Destiny Through The Bible:
GALATIANS – Slipping Back To The Old Ways Again? Want A No-Guilt Solution?

The year was 1944. He was Lt. Hiroo Onoda of the Japanese Imperial Army. Sent to a remote Philippine island of Lubang, he was charged to conduct guerrilla warfare during World War II. But when the war ended a year later, he NEVER GOT THE WORD! For 29 years he hid in the jungle fighting for his beloved Japan. And so it is with many Christians. We find ourselves fighting a senseless war that’s over. Yet we hide out in the jungles of our minds struggling against our sinful natures not understanding that Jesus already fought that war and won it! The Lt. Onoda story was so moving that it inspired Bill and Gloria Gaither to write their song, “It Is Finished!” “Yet in my heart, the battle was still raging. Not all prisoners of war had come home. These were battlefields of my own making. I didn't know that the war had been won. Oh, but then I heard the King of the ages had fought all the battles for me; And that victory was mine for the claiming; And now praise his name, I am free!”

The spiritual walk of many Christians is a guilty struggle against sin. They try to act righteous knowing that it’s a losing battle! For the Galatian churches, their struggle was slipping back into legalism trying to keep an external set of Laws to remove the guilt of sin. They forgot that Jesus not only kept the Law for them, but He took their punishment, removed their guilt and forgave those who trust in His redemptive work! For many of us, our struggle is slipping back to worldly behavior. Here’s the problem…we forget who we are and what Jesus did for us! When we’re born again we’re not the same person we used to be. Yet we act like we’re still a slave to sin when we’ve been set free! Like the Japanese soldier, some NEVER GET THE WORD! Want God’s guilt-free solution to your problem? Consider this:

1. Umm…Maybe You Didn’t Get The Memo? You’re “Dead” and You Don’t Know It (Gal. 2:20)! I know this is hard to understand, but it’s true. As a Christian, you have to continually remind yourself that your fallen nature was “crucified with Christ” and you walk in “newness of life” (Rom. 6:4-7). The degree to which you do this is the degree to which you really are FREE!

2. News Flash…You’re a SON, Not a Slave (Gal. 4:6-9)! That changes everything. When an upstanding family adopts a child, it means he/she has a New Beginning. The child previously born to unfit parents now has proper role models to shape his character. And so it is with you. Born into sin, you were a slave to the dictates of your fallen nature. But now you have a New Father who gives you righteous “DNA.” No longer a slave…you are His son (Rom. 8:14-15)!

3. Yes, You’re Free…But Not The Way You Think (Gal. 5:1, 13). “Freedom” means that you are no longer forced to live in sin. You are freed from the chains that keep you from righteous living. Yet, some interpret freedom as a license to sin. They enjoy their sins too much to be set free from them! You can’t fool God! Don’t use your freedom as “an opportunity for the flesh.”

4. Follow Your New GPS…“God’s Positioning System” (Gal. 5:16-25). When you’re “off course” with God and have slipped back to your old ways again, God doesn’t just leave you there. He guides you back on course with Him. God’s Navigational GPS is His Spirit. The first thing He does is to lead you to REPENTANCE! That means: Stop! Turn Around! And Follow a New Path! Then He clearly shows you how to “walk” (navigate) that path of righteousness.

As courageous as Lt. Hiroo Onoda was, his “perceived” war stole nearly 30 years of his life. Don’t let a senseless war that you can never win steal the joy of your salvation! Fully surrender your heart to Jesus, claim the victory that He won for you and receive HIS righteousness imputed to you by faith! Now that Truth really will Set You Free…Guilt Free!

Dan Rhodes

DOES YOUR HELP COME FROM THE LORD? HE IS WAITING TO MEET EVERY NEED IN YOUR LIFE.

2011-11-26T02:02:00.002Z

Dear Friends and Family!

A lesson from the Psalmist will bring us to the place where we seek help only from above!

Psalm 121:2: "My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth."

The psalmist now sings a choice sonnet and looks away for the slanderers by whom he was tormented to the Lord who sees all from His high places and is READY TO COMFORT HIS INJURED SERVANT. Help comes to believers only from above; they look elsewhere in vain. Let us lift up our eyes with hope, expectation, desire, and confidence.

Satan will try to keep our eyes on our sorrows so that we will worry and be discouraged, but we should firmly resolve that we will look out and up. Those who lift up their eyes to the eternal hills will soon have their hearts lifted up also.

The purposes of God - His attributes, the unchanging promises, the covenant, providence, predestination, and the proven faithfulness of the Lord - these are the hills to which we must lift our eyes, for from these our help must come. We are determined not to be bandaged and blindfolded, but will lift UP OUR EYES.

What we need is help that is powerful, efficient, constant; we need a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). What a blessing that we have in in our God! Our hope is in Jehovah, for our help comes from Him.

Help is on the way and will not fail to reach us in time, for He who sends it to us has never been late. Jehovah, who created all things, is equal to every emergency; heaven and earth are at His disposal, therefore let us be joyful in our all-powerful Helper.

We must look beyond heaven and earth to Him who made them. It is vain to trust the creatures; it is wise to trust the Creator.

I'm so thankful to present these words from the writings of the learned C.H. Spurgeon's Treasury of David. They often speak to me in the time I need them most. Be lifted up above and beyond your circumstances. Our Father knows our needs! He has already met them in in Christ Jesus! Help is on the way to you now as you seek Him above all others. You will have a glorious testimony again of His goodness! You'll see!

In the Love of Jesus,

James Wesley

THERE IS ONLY ONE WAY TO KNOW GOD: "BE STILL AND KNOW."

2011-11-25T09:22:00.002Z

All - loving Father, sometimes we have walked under starless skies that dripped darkness like drenching rain. We despaired from the lack of light from the sin, moon, and stars. The gloomy darkness loomed above us as if it would last forever. And from the dark, there spoke no soothing voice to mend our broken hearts. We would gladly have welcomed even a wild slap of thunder, if only to break the torturing stillness of that mournfully depressing night..

Yet Your soft whisper of eternal love spoke more sweetly to our bruised and bleeding souls than any winds that breathe across a wind harp. It was Your "gentle whisper" that spoke to us. We were listening and we heard You, and then we looked and saw Your face, which was radiant with the light of Your love. And when we heard Your voice and saw Your face, new life returned to us, just as life returns to withered blossoms that drink the summer rain.

For the hearts that will cease focusing on themselves, there is "the peace of God, which transcends all understanding" (Phil. 4:7; "quietness and trust" (Isa. 30:15), which is the source of all strength; a "great peace" that will never "make them stumble" (Ps 119:165); and a deep rest, which the world can never give nor take away. Deep within the center of the soul is a chamber of peace where God lives and where if we will enter it and quiet all the other sounds, we can hear His "gentle whisper" ( 1 Kings 19:12).

Dear friends, be at "peace" this morning", your Heavenly Father is. If you can't find this peace, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved. He will made His abode with you in that chamber of peace in the center of your Soul. You will never be the same. The "Prince of Peace" has come to live in you, ever making Himself known to you! He is your Peace this morning! Can you hear Him whisper your name?

In the Love of Jesus,

James Wesley

ON THIS THANKSGIVING DAY, I THANK YOU LORD ESPECIALLY FOR MY CHILDREN!

2011-11-24T10:50:00.002Z

Dear Friends and Family,

In the past several days, I have wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving Day that was on the way. Well, here we are, today is the Happy Day! One thing I am thanking to God for my children and grandchildren and that they know now, or will know the Lord Jesus as Savior and Lord. You might say to me that your children don't know the Lord Jesus as Savior. Well, I have good news for you this Thanksgiving Day, and here is your lesson for today! Rejoice and be thankful for what you are about to receive!

Jeremiah 31: 16-17: "Thus saith the Lord; refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears: for thy work shall be rewarded, saith the Lord; and they [your children] shall come again from the land of the enemy. And there is hope in thine end, saith the Lord, that thy children shall come again to their own border".

Isaiah 54:13: "And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children".

Proverbs 11:21: "...The seed of the righteous shall be delivered".

Psalm 112:1-2: "...Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in his commandments. His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed."

Isaiah 49:25: "I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children."

Psalm 145:9: "The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all His works".

Isaiah 44:3: "...I will pour my Spirit upon they seed, and my blessings upon thine offspring"

Isaiah 59:21: "As for me, this is My covenant with them, saith the Lord: My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, not our of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith the Lord, from henceforth and forever".

My friends, as you give thanks today, I ask you to pray and confess the above scriptures over your children's lives by name! Do this as a praise and Thanksgiving to the Lord Himself for what He has confessed for you even this day over you as well as them. You might do well to confess this promises every day! Happy Thanksgiving to you !!! Be thankful and give praise to the Lord for all He has done!

In the Love and Praise of Jesus for you and your children!

James Wesley

GOD'S WORD SHALL BE "ESTABLISHED" IN OUR LIVES!

2011-11-23T00:37:00.005Z

Psalm 119:89-91: "Forever, O Lord, Thy word is settled in heaven. Thy faithfulness is unto ALL GENERATIONS: Thou hast established the earth, and it abideth. They continue this day according to Thine ordinances: for all are Thy servants."

My friends, unless a ministry is based upon God's Word, it has no true foundation; it will be washed away in the flood of opposition, persecution and hindrances.

Beloved in Christ Jesus, your ministry is based on God's calling. He Himself has called you to build on the foundation of His Word to this end-time generation. Your life is precious to Him. You have given it to Him totally, in a day when many only give Him a part of their lives, and reserve their deepest desires to fulfill their own ultimate, hidden ambitions.

Because you are totally dedicated, yielded to His will, and He has sanctified you and made you a holy vessel, you shall CONTINUE TO BUILD ON A PURE AND GOOD FOUNDATION. AMEN!!!

God's Word to you, which are seeking to fulfil with all your strength is forever settled in Heaven. As long as you abide by the guidelines which He has laid down for your life, you shall never fail. He promises to be faithful to fulfil His plans for your life.

Even as the earth is established, so that it abideth, so Father's Word to you, His plan for your life, shall be established; for if God's faithfulness can endure for all generations concerning this world, then surely He will be faithful to establish His plan for your lifetime, which is but ONE generation of time.

Everything shall continue in DIVINE ORDER. Every work of opposition and hindrance shall be overcome; for all things are "His servants" to bring about His plan in your life, in a way that will bring glory to His Name, and ultimate honor to yours.

Only seek not for honour from this world, nor from this passing generation. Always build according to Father's plan, and your works will surely stand fat, be established, and endure the storms of opposition. Nothing shall be able to bring it to nought; for He will even use the opposition as "His servants" to perfect you and make you and your works more beautiful!

I hope you have been encouraged by the Words of Prophecy that I lifted out and paraphrased from Sis. Gwen's "Day by Day - A Daily Praise Offering". Sometimes I read her devotionals in the "first person" as though the Lord was speaking to me. I needed these scriptures this morning very much in my life. I return to N.Ireland for my 74th visit on November 30 (until December12). I put these words in second person especially for you! Please pray for me and my team in Newtownards, Co. Down to be used mightily for our Lord's Kingdom to be established and built up in many lives as we are faithful to our calling together for His Glory. I truely believe this is one of the most important visits of my life in this wonderful country where the remnant Bride is hungry to be fed, used of the Lord in might and power. Pray for Pastor Norma Reid, Dr. Brian Gilliland and I to flow in a glorious unity together next week.

In the Love of Jesus,

James Wesley

PRAY AND WORSHIP IN THE SPIRIT AT ALL TIMES!

2011-11-22T00:30:00.003Z

My friends, there is a direct link between worshipping God in the Spirit and walking with Him in the Spirit. The Church needs to spend a great deal of time praying in the Holy Ghost (in other tongues) as the Word of God commands. When this is happening, the "inner man" is built up in each member, and thus the fellowship as a whole.

Let me explain: Every believer who has tasted the living water that Christ gives has in him a "well of water springing up into everlasting life" (John 4:14) This is referring to the Holy Spirit. Now, any well needs to be stirred up and cleaned out from time to time. to keep it from becoming stagnant. One thing that praying in the Spirit does is to keep a constant flow of fresh "water" moving through our spirits, flushing out the rust and pollution that can get into us from the world.

Second, the believer who prays in the Spirit, or sings in the Spirit "edifieth himself" (1 Cor. 14:4). This means that he is built up, or strengtnened in his inner being. It's like keeping your car in good repair. If you want to drive safely, you make sure that all the parts are in working order. What isn't, you replace or rebuild. As we leave our fellowship, we need to be prepared with wisdom and might to meet the world. Worship in the Spirit is the "machine shop" where we get fresh "oil" and "water," and the "servicing" we need.

How long can you pray just in English with your understanding? Think about it...five minutes? Ten minutes? An hour, maybe, if you've got a long prayer list? In the Spirit, you can communicate with God at any time, for as long as you want. Also, when you are praying in tongues, you are praying the perfect will of God in every situation. The Holy Spirit understands and interprets for you! You need the building up of worship in the Spirit. Don't think it's just for church on Sundays, either. Get into walking and talking in the Spirit today. The Lord will be pleased every time. He is lifted high, and exalted when we obey Paul's example in 1st Corinthians!

Be blessed today in the Spirit my friends! There is great unity when the Body of Christ around the world is praying at the same time in the Holy Ghost. I was leading worship years ago at Disney World with 32,000 people singing in the Holy Ghost at once! We do it here every service. I don't hear many fellowships doing it much anymore. God is missing a blessing, and so is the Body of Christ.

In the Love of Jesus,

James Wesley

GOD KEEPS COVENANT AND STEADFAST LOVE AND MERCY WITH THOSE WHO LOVE HIM AND KEEP HIS COMMANDNENTS, TO A THOUSAND GENERATIONS

2011-11-21T02:08:00.002Z

Dear Friends and Family,

Our scripture lesson from Deuteronomy 8 contains promises for a thousand generations. Let us study these scriptures and with faith believing receive that which is ours as well as our children's as is promised in God's Holy Word. We now have a covenant in the Blood of the Lamb, Christ Jesus the Lord.

(Deut. 8:3-9) "And He humbled you and allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know; that He might mike you recognize and personally know that man does not live by bread only, but man lives by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord. Your clothing did not become old upon you, nor did your foot swell, these forty years. Know also in your [mind and heart] that, as a man disciplines and instructs his son, so the Lord your God disciplines and instructs you. So you shall keep the commandments of the Lord your God, to walk in His ways and (reverently) fear Him." (Proverbs. 8:13) For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and springs, flowing forth in valleys and hills; a land of wheat and barley, and vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive trees and honey, a land in which you shall eat food without shortage, and lack nothing in it, a land whose stones are iron, and out of whose hills you can dig copper. When you have eaten and are full, then you shall bless the Lord your God for all the good land which He has given you."

My friends, let us rejoice and thank God for all He has given us. He has given us the hills for us to dig out bountiful resources at our disposal. He has placed us in valleys so as to restore our souls so we will have "understanding" of all the benefits of our covenant with Him. He has given us good land! Thanksgiving Day is approaching us. Let us approach God the Father with a heart of thanksgiving NOW and rejoice in Him and be glad.

In the Love of Jesus,

James Wesley

2 CORINTHIANS

2011-11-20T09:27:00.001Z

Navigating Your Destiny Through The Bible:
2 CORINTHIANS – Marks Of A True Calling Of God – It May Surprise You!

Do you have a genuine call of God on your life? If you do, how would you prove it? Some may answer, “The Lord spoke to my heart.” Others may say, “It’s the lives that have been changed by my ministry.” Still others proclaim, “It’s the supernatural power of God flowing through my life.” All of these are valid evidences of God’s call. But that’s not how the Apostle Paul proved to the Corinthian church that he was called as a genuine Apostle of God. You might be surprised to learn how Paul validated his calling.

Paul’s first letter to the church he planted in Corinth was strong and corrective. There was mixture in the house, strife among people and a misunderstanding of what true spirituality really meant. As an Apostle of Christ, his assignment was to set the church in order with sound doctrine and godly practices. But after receiving his painful letter, some didn’t like it! In fact, they began to doubt his divine authority and if he was even an Apostle at all! Thus, when Paul wrote his second letter, he squarely addressed his accusers (2 Cor. 13:2-3). How would you defend yourself if this had been you? Listen carefully.

1. A Genuine Call of God Is a Selfless Life Lived Vicariously for Others (2 Cor. 4:5-10). When Paul defended his apostleship, he wrote, “We do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus’ sake.” In other words, it’s NOT about us…it’s about Jesus and what HE did for people. So, who are we who preach the Gospel? Just “jars of clay,” inexpensive and easily broken, through whom the light of Jesus shines for your benefit.

2. A True Call of God Includes Both Glory and Dishonor (2 Cor. 6:4-10). Ministry is a mixed bag. At times people honored Paul and at other times they maligned and insulted him. At times he was commended and at other times condemned. Don’t think honor alone is a mark of God’s calling. If you are truly called, you will probably offend the self-righteous and judgmental. Just be sure you’re suffering for Christ, and not your own foolishness (1 Pet. 3:15-17)!

3. A Genuine Call of God Is Accompanied by Pain, Suffering and Hardships (2 Cor. 11:22-28). A young seminary student wouldn’t want to hear this, but it’s true. As Paul continued his defense, he opened his life for others to see the true work of an apostle. It’s not sitting in comfortable quarters writing letters to churches. Listen to Paul’s qualifications: “Imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death. Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep.” Now…who wants to be an Apostle?

4. A True Call of God Is Validated by God’s Revelatory Truth (2 Cor. 12:1-4). Revelation is the self-disclosure of God concerning Himself and His eternal purposes for heaven and earth. Paul’s mind had been opened to see the inner workings of God’s Kingdom and His intentions for His Church. He saw through the veneer of human pride and arrogance and revealed the grace and patience of the Lord as He matures His Church to be His Bride. But before you ask for this kind of encounter with God…read 2 Cor. 12:7. It comes with thorns!

There you have it…the way Paul validated his call from God. So how do you measure up? Very few of us would be able to say, “Oh sure…that’s me!” But what this does is to make us deeply appreciate and honor the sacrificial work of men and women who have true callings from the Lord. One more thing…it humbles those of us who wear titles such as, “Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor and Teacher!” If you're going to boast, boast in your weakness and God's strength! (2 Cor. 12:9-10)

Dan Rhodes

THE ENTRANCE OF GOD'S WORD GIVETH LIGHT! Wow, there goes the darkness!!!

2011-11-19T00:16:00.003Z

Dear Friends and Family,

So happy to be home again and go blogging with you. We look this morning at the "entrance of Light" in our lives....right at the right time, when we get out of bed! Just think, our entire day could be changed! Let's look at our lesson now.

Psalm 199:130: "The entrance of Thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple."

Without God's Word entering into our hearts and spirits, we would never have come into the light of Jesus Christ. You may have thought you were a Christian because of all your "church activities" with the faithful, or even worse because your parents were Christians. But when the light giving power of Father's Holy Word touches you, you begin to see that your in great need of deliverance from sin and every bondage that is holding you back from you potential in Him.

Then, God starts to shine that Word deeper and deeper into your being. So many Christians complain about being discouraged, defeated, or sorrowful, because they have failed to realize that the Word of God will give them light on those areas of their lives. Facebook has become a vehicle for complainers, moaners, people having a self pity party are all right at home. I'm personally sick of hearing it. Know this my friend, when there is "light" on your path, you're not afraid, are you?

Some people, when they get up in the morning, begin to complain immediately by calling a relative, friend, or by flying to the waiting computer god and pouring out their soul to those who are stupid enough to start their day listening to you! Know this another fact...you will have what you say! "Oh,", some say, "but I'm to dumb to understand a lot of the Bible." Well, friends, that's why this verse is so IMPORTANT because God's Word also gives UNDERSTANDING to the simple. god just doesn't save you through the preaching of the Word to let you stumble along. He's given you the Word to impart wisdom to you and to build the BUILD THE MIND OF CHRIST INTO YOU,K SO YOU KNOW HOW TO WALK WISELY, AS JESUS DID. How do you think our Lord made it? He surely didn't succeed by listening to his grumbling, religious, confused disciples! He separated Himself into His Father's LOVE! He loved His disciples, but moreover, He had to bear witness of His Father's ways and plans for their lives. Jesus IS the Word now, and He was the Word then.

You see, you've got to stop confessing what the devil says. Start right now to line up your life with the Bible. And do you know what will happen? You'll be amazed to see how well the Bible starts lining up with your life!

Without God's continual understanding imparted to my soul and spirit, I could not make it, PERIOD. Let His loving kindness permeate your very being by seeking His understanding! You will never be the same. Surprise yourself this morning and in so doing surprise everyone around you who also needs Light! Blessings and peace be your portion, beloved!

In the Love and Light of Jesus,
James Wesley

TO BE OR NOT TO BE OFFENSIVE

2011-11-16T04:07:00.002Z

Dear Friends and Family,

I present writings of Bill Johnson. You will find yourself reading about your experience in churches who are ashamed of the gifts and manifestations of the Spirit, and who forbid what they simply don't desire ofr refuse to understand. Be blessed as you read this morning...all for you!

Many church services are designed to be as unoffensive as possible. The assumption is any use of the gifts of the Spirit will send people running, turning them off to the gospel. THEY ARE ALREADY TURNED OFF!!!

For the most part, expressive worship, ministry in spiritual gifts, and the like only turn off Christians who have had the unfortunate experience of being taught against them. And many of these same individuals warm up to such things when they face an impossible situation and need the help of someone experienced in the gospel of POWER.

The Church has an unhealthy addiction to perfection: the kind that makes no allowances for messes. This standard can only be met by restricting or rejecting the use of the gifts of the Spirit. "Let all things be done decently and in order". The "all things" of this verse refer to the manifestations of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, all things must be done before we have the right to discuss order.

Keeping things tidy has become our great commission. The gifts of the Spirit interfere with the drive for order, and order becomes valued above increase. So why should we value an occasional mess? "Where no oxen are, the trough is clean; but much increase comes by the strength of an ox. Messes are necessary for INCREASE.

We miss God when we live as though we have Him figured out. We have the habit of making Him look like us. In fact, if we think we understand Him we have probably conformed Him into our image. There must remain mystery in our relationship with this One who has purposed to work beyond our capacity to imagine. To endeavor to know Him is to embark on an adventure in which questions increase.

My friends, it is our Father's desire for us to ask, seek and knock. He wants us to KNOW HIM as HE KNOWS US. There are many scriptures not included in this lesson today. You have read them before. If you are against "increase" in the things of God, you will never comprehend them. Let us open ourselves up to more than embarrassment and the fear of man. If you are a part of a church that doesn't believe in all that you have experienced in the Holy Spirit, The leadership are controlling the very Presence of God. FLEE! God is waiting to show you a Church who will believe God and allow Him to flow in the gifts that He has given freely to the Church. God bless you as you seek Him above all others.

In the Love of Jesus,
James Wesley

A SONG OF DAVID LEADS US INTO EVERLASTING RELATIONSHIP AND PRAISE TO OUR KING!

2011-11-15T00:24:00.005Z

Dear Friends and Family,

Let us join the Psalmist David in his proclamations this morning included in today's blog title!

Psalm 61: "Hear my cry, O God; give heed to my prayer. From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge for me, a tower of strength against the enemy. Let me dwell in Your tent forever; let me take refuge in the shelter of Your wings.

For You have been a refuge for me, A tower of strength against the enemy. Let me dwell in Your tent forever; let me take refuge in the shelter of Your wings. For You have heard my vows, O God; You have given me the inheritance of those who fear Your name. You will prolong the King's life; his years will be as many generations. He will abide before God forever; appoint loving kindness and truth that they may preserve him. So I will sing praise to Your name forever, that I may pay my vows day by day."

This is one of my favorite Psalms of David that he sang to the Lord. I sing this quite often as a solo. When the "truth" is song, our spirit sings and is released heavenward as well as within us to bring us into a glorious worship experience! Be blessed this morning as these truths permeate your very being! Glory to God! His name be praised in your heart, your home, your family, your job and your church.

In the Love of Jesus,

James Wesley

AS THE DEER PANTS FOR WATER BROOKS, MY SOUL PANTS FOR YOU, O GOD.

2011-11-14T02:44:00.003Z

Dear Friends and Family,

Deer gather at a stream on my property to drink the flowing water during the early morning hours. Some are bold enough in broad daylight. The stream is always there for them. A den of foxes live near the flowing stream. Are you as thirsty in spirit as these deer are in the natural? Have you chosen to live near, even abide in His Presence continually? If so, this Psalm will ignite a delightful spring from the heights and depths of God your Father's love for you! Drink until your are full and overflowing with His Joy over your life this morning.

Psalm 42: 1-8: "As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God; when shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my food day and night, while they say to me all day long, 'where is your God'? These things I remember and I pour out my soul within me. For I used to go along with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God. With the voice of joy and thanksgiving a multitude keeping festival.

Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I SHALL AGAIN PRAISE HIM for the help of His PRESENCE. O my God, my soul is in despair within me;therefore I remember You from the land of the Jordan and the peaks of Hermon, from Mount Mizar. Deep calls to deep at the sound of Your waterfalls; all your breakers and Your waves have rolled over me. The Lord will command his loving kindness in the daytime; and his song will be with me in the night. A prayer to the God of my life."

My friend, you might be in this type of despair this morning. Recall to your memory sweet fellowship and communion with your God in days past. Remember the depth of love He showed and you truly felt. He hasn't left you. Cry out this Psalm and declare His goodness over your life. He WILL command His loving kindness in the daylight of your life and His own song will be with you in the night. Pray to the God of your life! He awaits you now, beloved in Christ Jesus. This is my prayer for you this morning! Rejoice in His undertakings of your personal situation!

In the Love of Jesus,

James Wesley

1 CORINTHIANS

2011-11-13T09:58:00.003Z

Navigating Your Destiny Through The Bible:
1 CORINTHIANS– The Most Scandalous Church On The Planet! Who Are They?

Disgusting, factious and openly immoral! Pompous, carnal and immature! Insolent, selfish and fleshly! That might be the way a visitor would describe this church. In fact, when their general overseer heard of their carnality, he called them “fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, homosexuals, thieves, covetous, drunkards, revilers, and swindlers!” Then he took it a step further and proclaimed that people like this, “will not inherit the Kingdom of God!” Okay…so who are these dysfunctional Christians and where is their church? No, it’s not the church down the street or the church you just left. And it’s not the church where you are now. It was the great church in Corinth that the Apostle Paul founded in 50 AD!

Sooner or later we all have to come to the sad realization that there are NO “perfect” churches and NO “perfect” Christians. Now, here’s another tragic discovery you’ll make…you’ve probably done some of the same things the Christians in Corinth did! So, what did God do to the scandalous and dysfunctional people at Corinth? He rescued them! Listen to God’s unbelievable mercy and grace in the Apostle Paul’s writings, “And such were some of you! But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus.” (1 Cor. 6:9-11). If you ask for forgiveness, repent and trust in Jesus, He can do the same for you too.

Now that you’ve been introduced to “The Most Scandalous Church on the Planet” and what God did for them, how does this help you to navigate your life? Consider this:

1. Guard Yourself Against “World Poisoning!” The world can slip into your life before you know it. Like the Corinthian church, the spirit of the world can poison your soul. So, what’s God’s antidote for world-poisoning? It’s called the Cross! The Cross is foolishness for those who rely on the flesh, but for Christians it’s the power of salvation! (1 Cor. 1:18; 2:12; 1 John 2:15-17).

2. Learn the Difference Between Separation and Influence. If you read 2 Cor. 6:14-17, you’d conclude the Bible requires total separation from the world. But in 1 Cor. 5:9-13 and John 17:14-18 you read that unless you associate with the world, you can’t influence them for Christ. So it’s all about “who’s influencing who!” Make sure the world isn’t influencing you!

3. So, What’cha Gonna’ Do With All Those Sinners In Your Church? Before you judge others, take a close look at your own life. Since you were once like them, what did God do with you? “But,” you may ask, “What about people who continue to act like the world?” Ask yourself, “How does God deal with me when I continue to sin?” His love gently draws us to repentance!

4. Learn How To Escape Temptation. Sin disguises itself as justifiable actions…sins we enjoy but don’t want to release. Some believe that, because they belong to Christ, they can act anyway they want. Yet in each case, God sends warnings (1 Cor. 10:13). It may be a sermon, a talk with a friend or a quiet whisper in your heart. Take heed, my friend. It may mean life or death!

5. Jesus Forgives, But Don’t Take Sin Lightly…It Can Disqualify You! As spiritually secure as Paul was, he wrote, “I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified” (1 Cor. 9:27). Sin destroys your witness and your ministry. And it causes young Christians to stumble (Matt. 18:6-7). Repent, my friend, before it goes too far!

Dan Rhodes

WORD OF THE LORD

2011-11-12T08:59:00.002Z

Dear Friends and Family

Today I present a Word the Lord gave me this week. May it bless you as it as much as it has blessed me. Read it, ponder it and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you through it. This word is life-changing, uplifting and will inspire you as you seek to serve Him in these challenging times.

A time of weakness in your life can be a frightening time. A time of strength in your life can be a frightening time as well. But know this, beloved, in the midst of struggle as well as victory, my desire for you is always strengthened. I ask you to come away and earnestly seek me. Separate yourself by closing the doors around you even from the inputs of others during your seasons of failure or even great accomplishments. Dismay can come at the point of failure. Pride can come at the point of great accomplishment, in the natural as well as the spiritual.

Seasons with me alone "seasoning you" will separate you from the allurements of grandiose accomplishments and fame as well as being a nourishment during the distress of constant failures.

My child, we live in different worlds. I have made you to become a part of my world. You have occasionally invited me to become a part of your own world, usually as a guest for a short period of time. My desire is for our "worlds" to become eternally one in me alone. How then will the knowledge of My Glory cover the earth as the waters cover the sea if you do not become the covering agent, and even the waters themselves?

Come sail with me. Let me be the Captain of your ship. I will take you with me and we shall walk across the waters of time on the Sea of Glass. Come away my beloved - NOW. I long for greatness shared!

The world awaits your decision. It is your choice. Let us dance together in the Cloud of My Glory. Let us impart to each other Divine Love caught between heaven and earth. No more darkness, instead eternal Light - our joys made full.

May the Lord bless you today
James Wesley

THE ROD OF GOD PUNISHES THE WICKED AND COMFORTS THE RIGHTEOUS

2011-11-10T05:28:00.002Z

Dear Friends and Family,

This morning we return to Sis. Gwen Shaw's Devotional Series "Day By Day...A Daily Praise Offering". May you be blessed and find your comfort in God's righteousness!

Psalm 125:3: "For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous..."

I do not reward good with evil. My angels have everyone on earth marked. there is a clear record of every living soul. all the deeds that they have committed are recorded. They never make a mistake in the records.

Even as punishments for their evil deeds are being prepared for the wicked, so the rewards of the righteous, for all their good deeds, are being laid up for them. Some of the wicked will reap what they sow now and some of the righteous will also. the rest will reap later, but all will reap.

My angels never make a mistake. Two people may stand side by side - one will be judged, and the other will be blessed because he was not marked for judgment.

My angels have a rod that is used for the punishment of the wicked. This rod never ever yet has come down on the backs of a righteous man. It may seem, sometimes, that it has, but because all things work together for good to them that love Me and are called according to My purpose, I will even turn around the attacks of the evil one for good. the rod of judgment in the hand of My angels will never strike you. It is your protection. David said, "Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me." (Psalm 23:4).

Yes, it is true that the same rod which smites the wicked comforts and protects you. In the hands of My angels, the rod is used wisely, and as long as you walk in righteousness, it will only bless you. and lead you into the heavenly fold where the sheep will be gathered home by the Great Shepherd in the eventide of this dispensation.

As you await the judgements of God in this hour, rejoice that His rod and His staff, they comfort you He is our protection from every evil endeavor against us by the wicked. Be of good cheer! Our Father loves and cares for His own. That is all of you this morning! Rejoice!!!

In the Love of Jesus,

James Wesley

WE CANNOT HIDE FROM GOD AND HE DOESN'T HIDE FROM US

2011-11-09T01:15:00.001Z

Dear Friends and Family,

Psalm 139:7 - "Where can I go from your Spirit? Or where can I flee from your Presence?"

Our loving Father is always available to help us. But are we always seeking after His help? That is the key...seeking after Him. He is constantly seeking to bring us out of every circumstance that is hindering us from being blessed by Him. Let us now look at our lesson and learn not to hide from His watchful eye nor His loving arms.

Here God's omnipresence is the theme. Not that the psalmist wishes to get away from God or to avoid the power of the Holy Spirit in his life, but he asks this question to show that "no one can escape from the Lord".

We must be, whether we like it or not, as near to God as the soul is to the body. This makes sin very serious, for when we sin we offend the Almighty to His face and commit acts of treason at the very foot of His throne. We cannot flee from Him nor quietly withdraw from Him. His Spirit is over our spirit; we are ever in His presence.

Dense darkness cannot hide us from God. some foolishly choose night and darkness for sinful living, but it is impossible for any act to be hidden from the Lord; one might just as well transgress in broad daylight. A good person will not wish to be hidden by the darkness and a wise one will not expect it.

God is in all places at all times and nothing can be kept from His all-observing, all-comprehending mind. the Lord understands all time and space and yet is infinitely greater than these or anything else He has made.

THE LORD "OWNS" ALL OF OUR PARTS AND PASSIONS; HE NOT ONLY DWELLS WITHIN HIS PEOPLE BUT POSSESSES THEM AS HIS OWN. Before we had any cares, God cared for us. Before we saw the light of day, the Light of the World was with us; before we were born we were under the care and guardianship. And, beloved in Christ Jesus, we still are. Let us accept this fact today, quit trying to escape His loving care, and simply return to our first Love! He first loved us! What greater truth can be grasp than that this morning?

In the Love and Care of Jesus,
James Wesley

DEATH AND LIFE ARE IN THE POWER OF THE TONGUE

2011-11-08T02:51:00.003Z

Dear Friends and Family,

This morning we finish our lesson with Derek Prince. What a privilege to be taught by him together today. Now let's go straight to our lesson.

From the account we read in Numbers 13 and 14, we can clearly see that the men who spoke negatively settled for death, but the men that spoke positively received life. They settled their own destinies by what they spoke. the ones that said, "We are not able" WERE NOT able. the ones that said, "We are able" WERE able. so the words that come from your tongue actually determine your destiny.

(Hebrews 4: 1-2) Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. For we also have had the gospel [the Good News] preached to us, as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard it did not combine it with faith.

We can therefore see that making the right use of the tongue is vitally important.

WHEN TO MAKE PROCLAMATIONS

1. Set regular times in the beginning. Make proclamation a habit.

2. Proclaim whenever the Holy Spirit directs.

But the Counsellor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my namewill teach you all things, and WILL REMIND YOU OF EVERYTHING I HAVE SAID TO YOU. (John 14:26)

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth and the Spirit of faith. When He motivates and controls our words and speech, they become positive. Our speech then honours and brings the blessings of God into our lives.

Wasn't it grand to sit at the table with Bro.Derek and have a glorious encounter with the TRUTH? Thanks for blogging with me today. See you in the morning!

In the Love of Jesus,

James Wesley

THE POWER OF PROCLAMATION FROM DR. DEREK PRINCE'S "The Power of Proclamation" The Victorious Living Series.

2011-11-07T00:28:00.004Z

Dear Friends and Family,

This morning we share more of Dr. Prince's teaching on the important use of Proclamation as we minister in the Lord's Name. It is good to preface each session or ministry opportunity with a positive word of proclamation. It will release the anointing of the Holy Spirit to back up the Word of God!

PROCLAIM - EXERCISE AUTHORITY

Repeat the proclamations again and again. Repetition not only aids memorization but also builds up faith. "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17). Repeat these proclamations with authority and under the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

This is a very powerful and potent weapon. "The word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two - edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart". (Hebrews 4:12).

Have you ever asked yourself, "Why did God give us a tongue? How can we exercise our tongues for God's purposes?" In the Old Testament, David says in (Psalm 16: 8-9) "I have set the Lord continually before me; Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart rejoices; my flesh also will dwell securely. "

My friends, the promises of God keep us secure in God our Savior. Life and death are in the power of the tongue. Let us minister life, proclaim life in every area of our being, bring life into every circumstance and our peace will be released through the ministry and power of the Holy Spirit. Angels will constantly surround us as well as our children, friends for whom we pray and for our ministries. May God bless you this morning is my prayer.

Tomorrow, we shall continue with this same subject. See you then!

In the Love of Jesus,

James Wesley

ROMANS

2011-11-06T01:07:00.004Z

Navigating Your Destiny Through The Bible:
ROMANS – This Book Changed Christianity Forever. It Can Transform You Too!

Day after day he struggled with God over his sins. Though he had committed his very soul to the Savior, he failed to line up his life with God’s Laws and requirements for righteous living. And for that failure, he knew he would face divine judgment and punishment.So, what was the solution his church offered him? His sins could be pardoned and God’s punishment removed…for a FEE! But when more sins were committed, the “Forgiveness for a Fee” ritual was repeated…for as long as he lived!

And that was the way of Christianity for 400 years. This practice began in 1100 A.D. when Pope Urban II remitted all penance of persons who participated in the Crusades and who confessed their sins. Later, the indulgences were also offered to those who couldn't go on the Crusades but offered cash contributions to the effort instead. By 1200 A.D. the church began claiming that it had a “treasury” of indulgences (consisting of the merits of Christ AND the Saints) that it could dispense in ways that “promoted” the church and its mission. In 1517, Pope Leo X needed funds to complete the building of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. For that reason, he entered into an arrangement that sold indulgence franchises—half could be retained by local churches and the other half for Leo's construction project. Thus the sinful soul was promised an escape from purgatory…until one man read Rom.1:17 “The righteous man shall live by faith” and Rom. 5:1 “Having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Who was that man who struggled over his damnable sins? He was Martin Luther, a Roman Monk! It was he who wrote the 95 Theses against the abuses of the clergy. It was he who began the Christian Reformation in the year 1517 that changed Christianity forever.

So, what does all this mean for you and me who have faith in Jesus for our eternal salvation? In other words…How can you navigate your life according to the book of Romans?

1. It Frees You From Trying To “Earn” Righteousness. When Paul wrote his letter to the Roman Christians, he knew they struggled to live righteously in a pagan world. Some were being drawn back into old lifestyles while others were anguishing over their sins as did Martin Luther. And so are we…nearly 500 years later! Both Paul and Martin Luther taught that neither YOU nor a church can “Do” anything to sidestep your sin or its consequences. Jesus already did that for you!

2. Does That Mean I Can Live Anyway I Want? The fallen nature is quite creative. If Christians are made “Righteous” by Christ’s work and not their own, then perhaps there’s no use in even TRYING to live righteously! Paul clearly addressed this misconception in Rom. 5:20-6:23. “Religion” says you can only be righteous by your conduct. Christianity says you are righteous by your FAITH in Christ…and THAT causes you to discipline yourself to live righteously!

Finally, here’s a difficult question that must be asked: Do the problems that Martin Luther encountered continue in the church today? My answer is, “I certainly hope not!” However…

1. If you think you can do enough good deeds to offset the bad stuff you’ve done in life…then you’re falling into error. Only Jesus has the solution for sin that gives you eternal life!

2. If you give tithes and offerings in order to influence God to remove the debt you brought upon yourself…you’re wrong! We give because we love God…not to make God do something for us!

3. If someone tells you God will bless YOU more than your neighbor if you give large sums of money to the church’s building fund…be careful! That’s too close to what happened in 1517!

I encourage you, my friend; read Romans. Like Martin Luther, it’ll transform your life forever!

Dan Rhodes

LET THE REDEEMED SAY SO!

2011-11-04T06:08:00.005Z

Welcome Friends and Family,

I wish to welcome our new friends from new countries this morning. Welcome to our family in Christ Jesus! My you be blessed by the Word of God as it dwells richly in your hearts!

We now continue with Bro. Derek Prince's Favorite proclamations!

My body is a temple for the Holy Spirit 1; Cor. 6:19, redeemed, Ephesians 1:7, cleansed, 1John 1:7, and sanctified by the blood of Jesus, Hebrews 13:12.
My members, the parts of my body, are instruments of righteousness, Romans 6:13, yielded to god for His service and for His Glory.
The devil has no place in me, no power over me, no unsettled claims against me. All has been settled by the blood of Jesus. Romans 3:23-25, 8:33-34.
I overcome Satan by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of my testimony, and I do not love my life to the death. Rev. 12:11.
My body is for the Lord and the Lord is for my body. 1Cor 6:13.

Thanks for joining me around the "table of the Lord" this morning. The Peace and Strength be your portion is my prayer!

In the Love of Jesus,

James Wesley

THE EXCHANGE MADE AT THE CROSS

2011-11-03T09:44:00.002Z

Dear Friends and Family,

This morning I share from Derek Prince's "THE POWER of PROCLAMATION" The Victorious Living Series is our lesson today. Be blessed by Bro. Prince's teaching and wisdom. He is with the Lord today. He was educated as a scholar of Greek and Latin at two of Britain's most famous educational institutions - Eton College and Cambridge University. A mighty man of God, he was!

Jesus was punished that we might be forgiven. Isaiah 53:4-5
Jesus was wounded that we might be healed. Isaiah 53:4-5
Jesus was made sin with our sinfulness that we might be mad righteous with His righteousness. Isaiah 53:10
Jesus died our death that we might receive His life. Hebrews 2:9
Jesus was made a curse that we might enter into the blessing. Galatians 3:13-14
Jesus endured our poverty that we might share His abundance. 2 Corinthians 8:9,9:8
Jesus bore our shame that we might share His glory. Matthew 27;35-36, Hebrews 12:2, 2:9
Jesus endured our rejection that we might have His acceptance with the Father. Matthew 27: 46-51, Ephesians 1:5-6
Jesus was cut off by death that we might be joined to god eternally. Isaiah 53:8, 1 Corinthians 6:17
Our old man was put to death in Him that the new man might come to life in us. Romans 6:6, Colossians 3:9-10

My friends, thanks for blogging with me today. Join me again tomorrow for more of Bro. Prince's favorite proclamations. Read these each day, they will build up your faith! Victory for you today!

In the Love of Jesus,

James Wesley

ACTS

2011-11-02T09:28:00.001Z

Navigating Your Destiny Through The Bible:

ACTS – Is Your Church Sick? Take This Test And Find Out!

Why is the church down-the-street “alive” and “growing”…but mine isn’t? Why are some churches vibrant hubs of God’s energy while others are stale and lifeless? These are questions that many people (and some pastors) are asking, but they can’t figure out the answer. Unfortunately, the problems of unhealthy churches are very complex, numerous and far beyond the scope of this short article. However, there are some very obvious analogies between a “sick” church and a “sick” human body. Perhaps the question that should be asked is…“What does a ‘Healthy’ church look like?”

The book of Acts is the story of the birth and growth of the Christian Church. It was written by Luke as he traveled with the Apostle Paul in his journeys. Interestingly, Luke was a physician (Col. 4:14) who was trained to help sick people become healthy. As the book of Acts begins, we discover the anatomy of Jesus’ church…what He intended it to be and how it should function. The following is a “Church Health Questionnaire” I’ve developed from Acts 2:40-47. Take this test and see how healthy you are.

1. Are You Reaching the Lost? (Acts 2:40-41). The primary mission of the Church is to be witnesses of Christ throughout the earth (Acts. 1:8). If this isn’t happening, you have no life!

2. Are You Eating The Right Food? (Acts 2:42). The “Apostles Doctrine” became our New Testament. If you’re not continually devoted to God’s written word…you’ll slowly die!

3. Are You Partaking Of The Lord? (Acts 2:42). “Breaking of Bread” is not just bread and wine; it’s the intimate presence of Christ with one another at the Communion Table. That’s true Life!

4. Are You Praying Together? (Acts 2:42). Something deeply spiritual happens when you pray together as believers. Prayer isn’t a monologue…it’s a dialogue! Are you listening for His voice?

5. Do You Have A Sense Of Expectation? (Acts 2:43). Sunday mornings should never be just a “religious” obligation. If you’re not expecting God’s awesome presence, you have no zeal!

6. Is God’s Supernatural Power Actively At Work? (Acts 2:43). If God’s power is not miraculously healing, delivering and setting people free from bondages, your ministry is powerless.

7. Do You Have “Contagious” Love and Generosity? (Acts 2:44-45). A community of love is not just aware of human needs…it sacrificially meets those needs. That kind of love is contagious!

8. Are You In “Concert” With One Another? (Acts 2:46). In a healthy church, its members blend their gifts and callings together to form a Holy Spirit symphony for the world to see (Jn. 17:21).

9. Is Your Church Experience More Than Just Sunday Mornings? (Acts 2:46). Unless you’re meeting in home groups and fellowshipping around meals, Christianity becomes institutional.

10. Is The Lord Drawing People To You? (Acts 2:47). When the Lord is at work in His Church, the word gets around. Remember, people are drawn to God…not to fancy buildings!

Now, after evaluating your church, here’s what you should discover. This test is for YOU! Now, retake this test and make it personal. If we all do our parts, even a sick church can become healthy. Try it and see!

Dan Rhodes

WE WERE CREATED TO KNOW OUR GOD AND TO KNOW HIS WILL AND WAYS FOR US IN THE EARTH CREATED FOR US

2011-11-01T01:01:00.003Z

Dear Friends and Family,

Thank you for blogging with me this morning. I hope you enjoy reading the lesson planned for today. May you be challenged, upheld by Father's right hand and enveloped into His loving arms.

The power of one word from His mouth can create a galaxy. His promises for the Church are beyond all comprehension. Too many consider them to be God's promise either for the Millennium or heaven, claiming that to emphasize God's plan for now instead of eternity is to dishonor the fact that Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us. Our predisposition toward a weak Church has blinded our eyes to the truths of God's Word about us. This problem is rooted in our unbelief, not in our hunger for heaven. Jesus taught us how to live by announcing, "The Kingdom of God is at hand!" It is present reality, affecting the NOW.

We lack understanding of who we are because we have little revelation of who He is. We know a lot about His life on earth. The Gospels are filled with information about what He was like, how He lived, and what He did. Yet that is not the example of what the Church is to become. What He is today, glorified, seated at the right hand of the Father, is the model for what we are becoming!

What glorious plans God has for His glorious Church, purchased with the Precious Blood of the Lamb of God, our Savior King, now seated at the right hand of Majesty on High. We are seated with Him there. Seated, resting and waiting to receive constant knowledge, revelation for our portion of the Kingdom in which we reign from on high.

In the Love of Jesus,

James Wesley

THE TWO GREATEST ASSETS IN A CHRISTIAN LIFE ARE THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF THE LAMB OF GOD OUR SAVIOR AND FATHER'S ETERNAL WRITTEN WORD...THE WORD OF LIFE

2011-10-31T00:30:00.003Z

Good morning Friends and Family.

Thank you for blogging with me today. I present before you this morning portions from Psalm 60. The Lord is our song and our banner of victory....that His beloved may be delivered! I wrote music to these words and have sung them all over the world, to His Praise and Glory!

Psalm 60:4-5, 11-12 (New American Standard Bible)

You have given a banner to those who fear You, That it may be displayed because of the Truth. That Your beloved may be delivered, Save with Thy RIGHT HAND, and answer us! O give us help against the adversary, For deliverance by man is in vain. THROUGH GOD WE SHALL DO VALIANTLY, AND IT IS HE WHO WILL TREAD DOWN OUR ADVERSARIES.

Be at Peace then, Beloved in Christ Jesus! He has won for us the VICTORY!

In the Love of Jesus,
James Wesley

MY WORD SHALL BE ESTABLISHED IN YOUR LIFE

2011-10-30T00:33:00.002+01:00

Dear Friends and Family,

Hear the Word of the Lord for your life this morning: Psalm 119: "For ever, O Lord, Thy Word is settled in heaven. Thy faithfulness is unto ALL generations: Thou hast established the earth, and it abideth. They continue this day according to Thine ordinances: for all are Thy servants." Sis Gwen Shaw's Prophetic Utterance will clarify and encourage you as servants as Father's ordinances are established in your heart for now as well as for future generations.

Unless a ministry is based upon My Word, it has no true foundation. It will be washed away in the flood of opposition, persecution and hindrances.

My beloved, your ministry is based on My calling. I Myself have called you to build on the foundation of My Word to this end-time generation. Your life is precious to Me. You have given it to Me totally, in a day when many only give Me a part of their lives, and reserve their deepest desires to fulfill their own ultimate, hidden ambitions.

Because you are totally dedicated, yielded to My will, and I have sanctified you and made you a holy vessel, you shall continue to build on a pure and good foundation.

My Word to you, which are seeking to fulfil with all your strength is forever settled in Heaven. As long as you abide by the guidelines which I have laid down for your life, you shall never fail. I will be faithful to fulfil My plans for your life.

Even as the earth is established, so that it abideth, so My Word to you, My plan for your life, shall be established: for if My faithfulness can endure for all generations concerning this world, then surely I will be faithful to establish My plan for your lifetime, which is but ONE generation at a time.

Everything shall continue in divine order. Every work of opposition and hindrance shall be overcome; for all things are "My servants" to bring about My plan in your life, in a way that will bring glory to My Name, and ultimate honour to yours.

Only seek not for honour from this world, nor from this passing generation. They only honour themselves. Few seek to honour their brother or sister. They honour themselves by self boasting and colourful promotional advertising. If you do, your foundation (which is eternal) shall not be the foundation which I have planned for your life, and it shall not stand.

Always build according to My plan, and your works will surely stand fast, be established, and endure the storms of opposition. Nothing shall be able to bring it to NOUGHT; for I WILL USE THE OPPOSITION AS "MY SERVANTS" TO PERFECT YOU AND MAKE YOU AND YOUR WORKS MORE BEAUTIFUL.

My friends, our Father sees you as beautiful! His also sees beauty being part of the sanctifying processes that come during trials and great opposition to what He has called you to become. Trust Him this morning as you re-read and ponder what the Spirit is saying to us this morning. You are beautiful...His face is reflected through your gaze into His love for you! Others around will see it and tell you as well as others what God is doing in your life! You are a testimony of His Love!

In the Love of Jesus,

James Wesley

PURSUE AGAINST THE GRAIN!

2011-10-29T01:26:00.001+01:00

Dear Friends and Family,

Welcome to my blog. This morning I present writings of Bill Johnson found in "When Heaven Invades EARTH. A Practical Guide to a Life of Miracles". It has been my life also! Get ready! A mighty challenge is coming your way...NOW!

Biblical passion is a mysterious mixture of HUMILITY, SUPERNATURAL HUNGER, AND FAITH. I pursue because I have been pursued. Lethargy must not be found in me. And if the average Christian life around me falls short of the biblical standard, I must pursue against the grain. If people are not being healed, I will not supply a rational so that all those around me remain comfortable with the void. Instead, I will pursue the healing until it comes or the individual goes to be with the Lord. At this point, a prayer for resurrection is appropriate. I will not lower the standard of the Bible to my level of experience.

Jesus healed everyone who came to Him. to accept any other standard is to be living the Bible down to our level of experience, and deny the nature of the One who changes not.

As for the ministry of power, whatever I receive from God I must give away. You only get to keep what you give away. If you want to see people healed, look for those who are sick and offer to pray for them. While I am not the healer, I do have control over my willingness to serve those in need. If I minister to the needy, I give Him an opportunity to show His extravagant love for people. The ministry of signs and wonders will go nowhere if we are afraid of failure. As Randy Clark puts it, "I must be willing to fail to succeed."

Thank you for blogging with me. I know your "believing" heart was challenged. If you weren't challenged, then perhaps your heart needs to be "fixed" more on that which is from above instead of that which is earthly and devilish. Only BELIEVE! ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!

In the Love of Jesus,

James Wesley

HANG ON TO MY PROMISES TO YOU! (PSALM 119:83) HANG ON!!!

2011-10-28T03:51:00.002+01:00

Dear Friends and Family,

A timely Prophetic Word from Sis Gwen Shaw this morning! She is a mighty Prophet of God! Be blessed as you receive and rejoice!

"For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; yet do I not forget your statutes." (Ps. 119:83)"

When the Psalmist almost reached the place of despair, in the long time of trial and testings, he hung on to My Word; and that is what brought him through to hope and victory. When you are in the midst of your fiery trial, you cannot see what good will come out of all your suffering. Pain does not seem to be a profitable thing. Instead, it seems to hinder you, to cripple you, and to discourage you.

When the bottle is in the fire, smoke will darken it. The longer it stays in the smoke, the darker and blacker it will get. If you place a light inside that bottle, it will hardly shine through.

Sometimes the trials are so intense that it seems the very light of your soul has gone out. You seem to receive no guidance, no inspiration, no comfort, no encouragement and no hope. But even then, My Word is still inside your soul. Hang on to My promises, even when they seem to mock you. Hang on, when all is dark. Hang on, when you feel only despair and hopelessness and blackness. Hang on to My Word. It is your only way out of the fiery trial. Hang on! Don't forget the word which I have promised you. It will bring you through to victory. The darkness will be removed. You will see the light again. And you WILL REJOICE!

Don't let go, hang on and see your Salvation Face to Face! Lift your heart and your hands to Him! He is your eternal victory from trials and testings of fire!

In the Love of Jesus,

James Wesley

WHY ISRAEL MATTERS TODAY Written to CBN Partners by Pat Robertson

2011-10-27T00:38:00.004+01:00

Dear Friends and Family,

I wish to quote Pat this morning so as to inform my friends about the need to support Israel.

And now portions of Pat's message:

"I'm asking you today to join me in an urgent matter of prayer. The nations of the world are plotting to recognize a group of people - the Palestinians - as a legitimate nation. If successful, these Palestinians will undoubtedly move to claim the West Bank as their homeland and Jerusalem as their capital. This would be catastrophic for the nation of Israel. Israel is a true bastion of democracy - standing alone in the Middle East as the nations of the world gather against her.

Together, let's ask God for these specific things:

First pray that the United Nations will FAIL in their attempts to divide Israel with the creation of a Palestinian state.
Pray also that the United States will remain a strong supporter and faithful ally of Israel.
Finally, pray for the PEACE OF JERUSALEM, as God's Word instructs us to do.

Dear friends, God promises to bless those who bless His chosen people - curse those who curse Israel. Let's join out faith in prayer at this critical hour - blessing Israel and asking God to intervene on her behalf.

Thank you for your prayers. May God bless you and the nation of Israel in the days ahead."

I have been most award of the integrity in the heart and ways of Pat Robertson for many years. It began in the 70's when he invited me on the 700 Club, and then continuing to have me on the telethons for several years. He is a man of God the Body of Christ needs to listen to. Avoid the media that hates him as well as continually seeking to discredit him. Look what just happened in Turkey! Even now, Israel is sending them help as well as the 700 Club. We don't need to fall into the "ways" of those countries that hate Israel. They are being cursed by God Himself. America doesn't need God to curse us! I hope He hasn't already.

In the Love of The Lord Jesus Christ Who calls Israel "His Chosen People"!

James Wesley

OUR MERCIFUL REDEEMING GOD OUR SAVIOR

2011-10-26T01:38:00.003+01:00

Dear Friends and Family,

Welcome to my blog. Our Scripture reading for today is found in Psalm 56:10-13, Psalm 57: 1-3, 9-10

"In God Whose word I praise, in the Lord, Whose Word I praise. In God have I put my trust, and confident reliance; I will not be afraid; what can man do to me? Your vows are upon me, O God; I will render praise to You and give You thank offerings. For You have delivered my life from death, yes, and my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of life and of the living. Be merciful and gracious to me, O God, be merciful and gracious to me; for my soul takes refuge and finds shelter and confidence in You; yes, in the shadow of Your wings will I take refuge and be confident until calamities and destructive storms are passed. I will cry to God Most High, Who performs on my behalf and rewards me - Who brings to pass [His purposes for me and surely completes them. He will send from Heaven and save me from the slanders and reproach of him who would trample me down or swallow me up, and put him to shame. GOD WILL SEND FORTH HIS MERCY AND LOVING-KINDNESS AND HIS TRUTH AND FAITHFULNESS.

I will praise and give thanks to You, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to You among the nations. for your mercy and loving-kindness are great, reaching to the heavens, and Your truth and faithfulness to the clouds."

The Holy Word of God tells it all for us this morning. Be blessed and made thankful as you sing His praise!

In the Love of Jesus,

James Wesley

IF YOU HAVE DONE IT UNTO ANY OF THE LEAST OF THESE, YOU HAVE DONE IT UNTO ME

2011-10-25T03:44:00.002+01:00

Dear Friends and Family,

This morning I share one of my favorite stories from "Streams in the Desert". I have given it a different title. Read on and you will understand why. Blessings today for you from Father's heart and mine!

During the American Civil War, a certain man had a son who enlisted in the Union army. The father was a banker, and although he gave his consent to his son, it seemed as if it would break his heart to let him go.

Once his son had left, he became deeply interested in the plight of soldiers, and whenever he saw one in uniform, his heart went out to him as he thought of his own dear boy. Often to the neglect of his business, he began spending his time and money to care for the soldiers who came home disabled. His friends pleaded with him not to neglect his business in this way, spending so much time and energy on the soldiers. So he decided to give it all up, taking his friends' advice.

After he had made this decision, however, a young private in a faded worn uniform stepped into the bank. It was easy to discern from the wounds on his face and hands that he had been in the army field hospital. The poor young man was fumbling in his pocket to find something, when the banker saw him. Perceiving his purpose for coming into the bank, he said to the soldier, "My dear man, I cannot help you today. I am extremely busy. You will have to go to the army headquarters, where the officers will take care of you."

The poor wounded soldier still stood there, not seeming to fully understand what was being said to him. He continued to fumble in his pockets and finally pulled out a scrap of dirty paper. He laid the filthy page before the banker, who read the following words written in pencil:

Dear Father,

This is one of my friends, who was wounded in the last battle and is coming to you directly from the hospital.

Please receive just as you would receive me.

Charlie

All the banker's previous resolve to focus solely on his business instead of soldiers quickly flew away. He took the young man to his own magnificent home and gave him Charlie's room and seat at the dinner table. He cared for him until the good rest and love had returned him to health, and then sent him back to his place of service to again risk his life for his country's flag.

Now you will see what I will do. (Exodus 6:1)

Love, love, love is what makes our world go round Is someone crying out for help? Are you too busy to be concerned? Take another look at yourself and another look at the needy one approaching you? Receive this one in Jesus' Name. You, he and your God will be so blessed! It's time to love again!!!

In the Love of Jesus,
James Wesley

TRUST IN GOD'S WORD TODAY. HIS PROMISES WILL DEFINE FOR YOU EVERY RIGHTEOUS QUALITY IN GODS RIGHTEOUS CHARACTER

2011-10-24T02:23:00.004+01:00

Dear Friends and Family,

Our Scripture lesson this morning is Psalm 119:137: . "Righteous are You, O LORD, And upright are Your judgments."

Our God is always right and He is always actively right; for only He is righteous. This quality must continually be bound up in our very idea of God. It is impossible then to imagine an unrighteous God.

Jehovah God both says and does what is right, and that alone in every situation that concerns His Holy Church; the Body of Christ. This is a great comfort to the soul in times of trouble, we can rest on this sure and certain fact: God is righteous and His dealings with us are righteous. We ought to sing this brave confession when all things around us appear to suggest the contrary. This is the richest form of adoration because it rises from the lips of faith when carnal reason mutters about the severity of our suffering.

What a blessing it is that we have a God who is scrupulously faithful, true to ALL the details of HIS PROMISES, and PUNCTUAL and STEADFAST at all times! We can risk all on His promises, which are ever faithful and sure.

The psalmist was in great distress. His griefs, like fierce dogs, had taken hold of him; he felt their teeth. He had double trouble: trouble without and anguish within, as the apostle Paul put it: "Outside were conflicts, inside were fears" (2 Cor. 7:5).

In all of his trouble, however, the psalmist found delight in the commandments of his Lord. he therefore became a riddle - troubled yet delighted; in anguish, and yet in pleasure. My friends, as children of God we can surely understand this dilemma, for when he is discouraged by what he sees within, he is lifted up by what he sees in God's Word.

Beloved in Christ Jesus, our blog is always set forth from my heart to encourage you always to attend to the Word of God. Within these Holy Scriptures, your peace will unfold before you by what your faith in God's promises demands! Be at peace then, this morning! God loves you!

In the Love of Jesus,

James Wesley

JOHN

2011-10-23T09:50:00.002+01:00

Navigating Your Destiny Through The Bible:

JOHN – Last Man Standing! How the Last Living Apostle Described Jesus

If you’re a Bruce Willis fan, you couldn’t forget his 1996 movie, “Last Man Standing.” He’s the “good” bad-guy who does kind deeds while he’s killing everybody! When the dust clears, he’s the only one left alive in a gang shoot-out. Sure, it was pretty violent…but so is the real world!

The Apostle John was also the “Last Man Standing”…but he really WAS a “Good Guy.” The world he lived in was violent beyond your imagination. Christians were on a “short list” of people to be eradicated by a power-crazed, maniac “gang leader”…Nero the Roman Emperor! Christians were being thrown to lions for sport and burned alive as human torches to light Nero’s garden. All of John’s fellow apostles that he had walked with had been martyred…crucified, beheaded or beaten to death. John suffered extreme persecution and was exiled to the penal colony on the island called Patmos. It was there that he was transported into the spiritual realm and recorded the Revelation of Jesus Christ that concludes our New Testament canon of scripture. According to tradition, he later lived out his life in Ephesus after returning from Patmos. Amazingly, he died of natural causes in his 90’s…sixty-eight years after our Lord’s resurrection.

Having outlived all the apostles who personally knew and walked with Jesus, John’s testimony becomes even more impelling. How then did this “Last Apostle Standing” see and describe Jesus?

1. Jesus Is GOD (John 1:1-2, 34). No other Gospel writer was more crystal clear about this than John. Jesus wasn’t just another great prophet, a wonderful healer or a miracle worker. He was the “Living Word”…the Second Person of the Godhead who existed before time began!

2. Jesus Is The CREATOR (John 1:3). Jesus wasn’t just a by-stander with God…He was God who created the heavens and the earth (Col. 1:16-17)! Now you see why Jesus could so easily perform miracles. That’s also why He could give His authority to believers to do the same (Matt. 10:1).

3. Jesus Is The INCARNATE GOD (John 1:14-18). The Son of God came to the earth, became flesh and lived as a real human being with people. His “human name” was Jesus…meaning “God is Salvation.” Why did He do this? So that we would know what God is really like (John 1:18; Heb. 1:3). People were lost in the darkness of sin (John 1:4-10; Matt. 4:16) and didn’t have a clue how to be redeemed back to God again (John 3:3-8, 36; Acts 4:12).

4. Your Salvation Depends On How You PERSONALLY RESPOND To Jesus (John 1:12; 3:15-21). No, my friends. Salvation is NOT an “automatic” result of Jesus work on Calvary’s Cross and His Resurrection. If you don’t personally trust in what He did for you…you’re lost (Mark 16:16)!

5. Jesus Is Not Only “God The Savior”…He’s “God The JUDGE of The World!” (Rev. 1:8-18) Most people don’t want to see Jesus like this. But it’s true whether you believe it or not! Even as John saw Jesus before time began, his final description of Jesus was at the end of time. Don’t think for a moment that God will not judge evil people at the end of the world (Rev. 20:10-15). But you don’t have to fear this judgment…if you personally believe in Jesus (John 5:21-27).

So there you have it. Your belief system as a Christian is all about Jesus, what He did for you and how you personally respond to Him! Christianity isn’t Christianity if you take Jesus out of the equation or twist the Bible to make Him less than who John, the other Gospel writers and Paul said He is. No person or other belief systems can give you Eternal Life but Jesus. Believe in Him and you will have the Life of God living in you (Acts 16:31)!

Dan Rhodes

CREATE IN ME A CLEAN HEART, O GOD; AND RENEW A RIGHT PERSERVERING AND STEADFAST SPIRIT WITHIN ME.

2011-10-22T03:07:00.007+01:00

Dear Friends and Family,

Welcome to my blog. This morning I share from ( Psalm 51:1-10). The repentant heart of King David is revealed in this overwhelming Psalm. He cries out to first to be thoroughly and repeatedly washed from his iniquity and guilt, and cleanse him and make him wholly pure from his sin! There is a difference between iniquity and sin. Let us ask the Lord to do for us what David asked for.

. My book "You Can Be Free, If You Want To" will teach you exactly what these Holy Scriptures are all about. Your life will be changed forever as you learn to pray as David prayed. Our Lord's disciples ask him to teach them to pray before He went into Gethsemane, closing the door on all that was around Him, our Lord Jesus began to pray. You will learn how Jesus prayed in Gethsemane while his disciples slept as you read my book. It is listed in "my favorites". And now our Scripture lesson. (Amplified Version)

"Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your steadfast LOVE; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies and loving-kindnesses blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly and repeatedly from my iniquity and guilt, and cleanse me and make me wholly pure from my sin! For I am conscious of my transgressions and I acknowledge them; my sin is ever before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned and done that which is evil in Your sight; so that You are justified in Your sentence and faultless in Your judgement. [Romans 3:4] Behold, I WAS BROUGHT FORTH IN A STATE OF INIQUITY; MY MOTHER WAS SINFUL WHO CONCEIVED ME AND I, TOO, AM SINFUL. [John 3:6; Rom. 5:12; Eph. 2:3] Behold You desire truth in the inner being; make me therefore to know wisdom in my inmost heart. Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean [ceremonially]; wash me, and I shall in reality be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness and be satisfied; let the bones which You have broken rejoice. Hide Your face from my sins, and blot out all my guilt and iniquities. CREATE IN ME A CLEAN HEART, O GOD; AND RENEW A RIGHT, PERSEVERING AND STEADFAST SPIRIT WITHIN ME. Cast me not away from Your presence, and take not Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.

Our Father inspired this Psalm not only for David, but for His Holy Church. This is the sanctifying grace promised and needed in the Church today. Many believe in the Deliverance ministry involving expelling demons,etc. but few understand the greater deliverance from not only sin, but iniquity as well. All was taken care of at the Cross of Christ; however, in the "old man" iniquity is rampant. Him whom the Lord sets free, is free indeed.

In the Love of Jesus,

James Wesley

Almighty God is revealing Himself in this hour as never before. Find Him in the midst of your storm.

2011-10-21T00:30:00.003+01:00

Dear Friends and Family,

The "King of Kings of Babylon", as he called himself, is dead. There is only one "King of Kings", our Lord and King, Jesus Christ. In the midst of our personal conflicts as well as the burdens of the world that would seek to overcome us, our Lord is reigning in His Peace within us. (Philippians 4:7) "The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." The terrorist that was killed today could not draw from the "Princely King of Kings, our Prince of Peace", for only the reign of Satan within him was his portion now and forever.

Let the Lord calm your seas this morning as we continue our devotional together.

There is a part of the sea known as "the cushion of the sea." It lies beneath the surface that is agitated by storms and churned by the wind. It is so deep that it is a part of the sea that is never stirred. When the ocean floor in these deep places is dredged of the remains of plant or animal life, it reveals evidence of having remained completely undisturbed for hundreds, if not thousands, of years.

THE PEACE OF GOD IS AN ETERNAL CALM KIKE THE CUSHION OF THE SEA. It lies so deeply within the human heart that no external difficulty or disturbance can reach it. And anyone who enters the presence of God becomes a partaker of that undisturbed and undisturbable calm. (Arthur Tappan Pierson)

     "When winds are raging o'er the upper ocean,
          And waves are tossed wild with an angry roar,
     It's said, far down beneath the wild commotion,
          That peaceful stillness reigns forevermore.

     Far, far beneath, noise of tempests falls silent,
          And silver waves lie ever peacefully,
     And no storm, however fierce or violent,
          Disturbs the Sabbath of that deeper sea.

     So to the heart that knows Your love, O Father,
          There is a temple sacred evermore,
     And all life's angry voices causing bother
          Die in hushed silence at its peaceful door.

     Far, far way, the roars of strife fall silent,
          And loving thoughts rise ever peacefully,
     And no storm, however fierce or violent,
          Disturbs the soul that dwells, O Lord, in Thee
                                           Harriet Beecher Stowe

     Pilgrim was taken to a large upper room that faced the sun-
rise. And the name of the room was Peace. from Pilgrim's Progress.

Be at peace beloved in the Lord. Take your rest and allow Him to rejoice over you and lift you high, even into the very Presence of His Father upon His Throne.

In the Love of Jesus,

James Wesley

LUKE

2011-10-19T08:58:00.001+01:00

Navigating Your Destiny Through The Bible:
LUKE – Jesus In 4-D and High-Def. What You’d Miss If You Didn’t Read Luke.

“Two-Dimensional” means that an image has width and height…but it’s FLAT. “Three-Dimensional” (3-D) means an additional dimension has been added...it has DEPTH. In other words, you can see the complete view or concept of an object with profound quality and insight. Actually, that’s why God gave us two eyes…to give us depth perception. Our eyes see the same object from two slightly different angles. In an amazing bio-engineering marvel, God created the brain to blend the views from both eyes to see objects with Three-Dimensional Depth. That’s also why God gave us Four slightly different accounts of Jesus’ life...one from Matthew’s perspective; another from Mark; a third from Luke and a fourth from John. Now you have what I call “Jesus in 4-D”…Four Gospels that give profound insight into what God is really like (Heb. 1:1-4) and how he expects you to live.

So, what would happen if you didn’t read Luke’s account of the life of Jesus? Well for starters, more than half of the material in Luke (much of 9:51–19:27) is found in no other Gospel. Here are some essential pieces of your faith that would be missing:

1. You Wouldn’t Know How To Deal With People Who REJECT You (Luke 9:51-56).

2. You Wouldn’t Know the Story of the Good Samaritan and What “LOVE Your NEIGHBOR” Really Means (Luke 10:25-37).

3. You Wouldn’t Know You’re Supposed To PRAY With PERSISTENCE (Luke 11:5-8).

4. You Wouldn’t Know What to Think About NATURAL DISASTERS and BRUTAL MASSACRES (Luke 13:1-5).

5. You Wouldn’t Know The Story of The Prodigal Son and How Much God LOVES and WAITS For SINNERS To Return To Him (Luke 15:11-32).

6. You Wouldn’t Know The Story of Lazarus and The Rich Man and About God’s JUSTICE In The Afterlife (Luke 16:19-31).

7. You Wouldn’t Know The Story of Zaccheus and How Much Jesus LOVES People You Hate (Luke 19:1-10)!

So, how does all of this help you to navigate your life and destiny in Christ?

1. Get a 4-D and a High-Def (High-Definition) View of Jesus. That means when you read all Four Gospels, you get four times the clarity and detail (High Def Resolution) of who Jesus really is and how He expects you to live.

2. Don’t Live a “2-Dimensional” Life. There are many dimensions to life: Physical, Emotional, Spiritual, Work, Times of Rest, Family, Friends and Church-life. If you leave any of them out, you’ll have a deficient view of life.

3. View People and Situations From All Angles. This gives you Depth Perception. If you don’t do this, you’ll misunderstand, misjudge and miss what God is teaching you through them.

Dan Rhodes

SEEK HIM WITH YOUR WHOLE HEART

2011-10-18T01:22:00.003+01:00

Dear Friends and Family,

This morning we shall be once again inspired through the Prophetic writings of Sis. Gwen Shaw from her anointed "DAY BY DAY" Daily Praise Offering devotional book.

Our Scripture lesson is found in (Psalm 119:2) "Blessed are they that keep His testimonies, and that seek Him with the whole heart."

And now our lesson!

The writer of Psalm 110 loved Me very deeply. He was a devout and true saint. He said also "With my whole heart have I sought thee.." (verse 10). That is why he was anointed to write this great Psalm. The message of this Psalm is one of the greatest. It centers around Me, because it centers around My Word.

It is impossible to seek Me with your whole heart and have no hunger for My Word. True love for My Word is inspired by love for Me. And those who love Me will seek for Me with all their hearts.

I am found in the volume of the Book. The mysteries of My character, My life and My attributes are found in My Book which I inspired holy saints to write, so that seekers could find Me and learn to know Me. Those who wrote the sacred pages paid a great price to know Me. By their terrible sacrifices, which they mad through blood and tears, they attained unto a knowledge of Me which My Holy Spirit inspired them to record, that men of all ages may read their records and know Me without having to pay this same price for suffering. The greatest heritage that this generation has ever received from past generations is not scientific knowledge, music and are, but the BIBLE. The former inventions of man have blessed this generation. The means of transport which the past generations gave you, or communications, or historical data, or any kind of scientific advancement are all good. you should be grateful because some people devoted their whole lives so that you can phone a neighbour, switch on a light, fly across an ocean, hear a symphony in your home, drive a car across a continent on paved highways or bring back a loved one from death's door through medical skill.

But greater than all these are the sacred Scriptures which, if man will read and understand, will safely conduct him through life and bring him to his eternal home in peace. Seek My in My Book with your whole heart, AND YOU SHALL FIND THE TRUTH WHICH LEADS TO ABUNDANT AND ETERNAL LIFE.

I praise God that He still speaks to His Church through His anointed Prophets. I pray you have been edified, encouraged and comforted by our devotional this morning. His Name be glorified in your Life I pray. Thank you also for your prayers for me and my family.

In the Love of Jesus,

James Wesley

THERE IS HOPE FOR DARK DAYS THAT ARE NOW AND THAT ARE AHEAD

2011-10-17T02:34:00.003+01:00

Dear Friends and Family,

Circumstances beyond my control have hindered me from blogging in recent days. I do apologize! Happy to say God has been moving in my, and my family's lives, bringing us together and giving peace that was promised by our Lord Jesus. I hope today's blog will be used to strengthen you as you heed the words of wisdom from King David's Psalms! They were the hymn book of his day! It is still mine as well!

(Psalm 119:81) My soul faints for Your salvation,

But I hope in Your Word.

This octave is the midnight of the psalm and it describes a very dark time. Stars, however, shine through the darkness and later the psalm gives evidence of the dawn.

Nothing could satisfy the psalmist but deliverance by the hand of God He yearned for salvation from God of all grace and he felt he must have it or fail. Therefore he felt that salvation would come, for God cannot break His promise nor disappoint the hope which His own Word has given.

Hope sustains when desire exhausts. While the grace of desire throws us down, the grace of hope lifts us up again.

"Help, Lord" is a fitting prayer for youth and old age, for labor and suffering, for life and death. No other help is sufficient, but God's help is ALL-SUFFICIENT and we cast ourselves on is without fear. If we stick to God's precepts we will be rescued by His promises.

We look to the lovingkindness of God as the source of spiritual revival, and we ask the Lord to revive us, not because we deserve it but BECAUSE OF HIS GRACE.

What a wonderful word "lovingkindness" is! Take it apart and admire its double force of love.

We ought to admire the spiritual wisdom of the psalmist, who prays not so much for freedom from trial as for new strength that he may be SUPPORTED IN IT. Here David seeks a revived heart; he wisely seeks what he most needs.

In my own life, I have found what David sought as my greatest need. It is simply a revived heart. God is faithful in the midst of dire situations of genuine need to revive our weakened state of mind by reviving our heart. He dwells in our hearts by faith...His and ours. He knows from "within" us what we can only observe from without...our difficult circumstances. However, everything is possible to Him that believes! Believe with me for "our" needs to be suddenly met! It will happen - don't give up!

In the Love of Jesus,

James Wesley

THE WORD OF GOD GIVES US STRENGTH FOR MELTING TIMES

2011-10-12T02:08:00.001+01:00

Dear Friends and Family,

Our scripture reference this morning is taken from Psalm 119:28. "My soul melts from heaviness; strengthen me according to Your Word.

The troubled psalmist complains about his personal bondage to earthly things. His soul holds to the dust from which he was made, melts for heaviness, and cries out for freedom from the confines of his tormented soul. He was dissolving away in sorrowful tears. He was truly being melted by the heat of his afflictions.

Heaviness of heart is a killing thing, threatening to turn life into a long death in which one seems to experience perpetual grief. Tears are the distillation of the heart; when a man weeps his soul wastes away through the flood of uncontrollable sorrow. Some of us know what great heaviness means, for we have been brought under its power again and again and often have felt ourselves being poured out like water and near to being like water spilled on the ground, never to be gathered up, ever again. There is only one good point about this downcast state; it is better to be melted with grief than to be hardened by an unrepentant heart.

We are always strengthened by the pouring in of God's grace through His Word. The eternally creative power of the Word certainly sustains through the battle at hand. Grace can enable us to bear the constant stress of lasting sorrow; it can repair the decay caused by the perpetual tear drip and give to the believer the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. (quote from Spurgeon's teachings).

When depression comes, let us pray, for prayer is the surest and shortest way out of the depths of discouragement and depression. Repressed anger is always hidden away in the "spirit of depression". (please refer to "You Can Be Free...if you want to!" This subject is thoroughly covered within my writings.)

My friends, the faithfulness of our Faithful God is always found confirmed in the promisses of His Holy Word. Lay down your selves before His throne of Grace and He will victoriously lift you high, filled once more with His Glory! He is our deliverance from every destructive force in our soulish realm that rob us of our Victory in Christ our Lord!

Thanks for blogging with me today! Jesus is Lord!

In the Love of Jesus,
James Wesley

RACE DAY

2011-10-11T09:38:00.000+01:00

As I prayed the Lord showed me a picture of a Formula One Grand Prix race. An important element of such races is the qualifying laps to determine positions on the starting grid for the race itself. The fastest car over the couple of days qualifying will be awarded pole position. This is the aim of every driver as they would then start the race ahead of all the others and thus enjoy a distinct advantage and a much-enhanced opportunity to win the race. Those who find themselves at the back of the grid have a much more difficult task and a much slimmer chance of victory. I saw that in your early qualifying laps you appeared to be going particularly well and seemed destined for a place at the front of the grid. Then following a series of mishaps, including mechanical failure, you found yourself lagging well behind the leaders. There was only one practice session left and for you it was make or break as you strove for that one magical lap that would propel you to the top of the leader board. You were not optimistic as you had doubts about the ability of the mechanics and engineers. That close bonding of a true team was somehow lacking. You knew of course that you could not achieve success by your efforts alone - you needed help, encouragement and a clear plan of action.

Does your life to date mirror that Grand Prix race, all was going pretty well but then major difficulties were encountered and it looked as if you would have to withdraw as too much needed to be rectified in the time available. The Lord wants you to know that the main race will start soon. He is ready, willing and able to make all the necessary repairs to ensure the upcoming lap is fast enough to place you in pole position. It is not too late as He can cope with all your problems, your fears, your disappointments and your depression. Yes, your burdens are considerable but are nothing He cannot handle. Come to Him now in your brokenness, your despair and your helplessness. Allow Him to put His arms around you and grant you healing, peace and refreshment. He will restore the years the locusts have consumed and He will use all you have endured to enable you, in a unique and special way, to minister to many who cry out in desperate need. You will bring them life, give them hope and see their mourning turned to joy. Today you are back in the race so put on your racing gear and prepare for the race of your life. With the Lord in control you cannot fail regardless of any bumps or mishaps along the way. Keep going until you reach the chequered flag – and victory!

“Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we'd better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!”

(Hebrews 12:1-3 – The Message Bible)

THE LORD LONGS TO BE GRACIOUS TO YOU; HE RISES TO SHOW YOU COMPASSION. (Isaiah 30:18)

2011-10-10T00:27:00.003+01:00

Dear Friends and Family,

This morning I proudly present the words of Charles H. Spurgeon in "everyday" English. from a new version of STREAMS IN THE DESERT. He speaks of my beloved Ireland, "The Emerald Isle." Soon I return for my 74th visit! This is a lovely devotional, hope you enjoy it! Blessings!

The greenest grass is found wherever the most rain falls. So I suppose it is the fog and mist of Ireland that makes it "the Emerald Isle."And wherever you find the widespread fog of trouble and the mist of sorrow, you always find emerald green hearts that are FULL OF THE BEAUTIFUL FOLIAGE OF THE COMFORT AND LOVE OF GOD. My friends, this is how I found the lovely believing Christians in N. Ireland on my first trip over 35 years ago. I make my 74th return Nov. 30th. I return once again as an Apostle to this glorious people in a glorious land! Can't wait. And now we return to Spurgeon's words.

Dear Christian, do not say, "Where are all the swallows gone? They are all gone - they are dead." No, they are NOT dead. They have simply skimmed across the deep, blue sea, flying to a faraway land; but they will be back again soon.

Child of God, do not say, "All the flowers are dead. They have simply skimmed across the deep, blue sea, flying to a faraway land; but they will be back again soon.

O believer, do not say that the sun has burned out, just because a cloud has hidden it. No, it is still there, planning a summer for you; for when it shines again, it will have caused those clouds to have dropped their April showers, each of them a mother to a sweet mayflower.

Above all, remember - when God hides His face from you, do not say that He has forgotten you. He is simply waiting for a little while to make you Love Him More. And once He comes, you will rejoice with the inexpressible "joy of the Lord" (Neh. 8:10). Waiting on Him exercises your gift of grace and tests your faith. Therefore continue to wait in hope, for although the promise may linger, it will NEVER COME LATE. Charles H. Spurgeon

Oh, every year has its winter;
   And every year has its rain -
But a day is always coming
   When the birds go north again.

When new leaves sprout in the forest,
   And grass springs green on the plain,
And tulips boast their blossoms -
   And the birds go north again.

Oh, every heart has its sorrow,
   And every heart has its pain -
But a day is always coming
   When the birds go north again.

It's the sweetest thing to remember,
   If your courage starts to wane,
When the cold, dark days are over -
   That the birds go north again.

Have a wonderful day today in the Love of Jesus! His sweetness fills your atmosphere around you with expectant splendor, Let's just praise Him together and be blessed and refreshed!

In the Love of Jesus,

James Wesley

MARK

2011-10-09T09:38:00.000+01:00

Navigating Your Destiny Through The Bible:

MARK – Two Famous “Losers”…You’ll Never Guess What They Did For God!

Ever felt like you were a First Class Loser? You know what I mean…like a person who failed miserably just when others depended upon you the most. You disappointed yourself, your friends and even God! It might have been a financial failure, a family failure, a moral failure or a spiritual failure. But regardless of how it happened, the end result is the same…you were branded as a LOSER! You were scorned, ridiculed and rejected! But worst of all, you lost trust in yourself and wanted to hide and run away as fast as you could. Now, what if I told you the first Gospel of Jesus Christ was written, not by a man of sterling character, but by TWO "LOSERS" who worked together…Mark and Peter!

Okay, before you get offended at me, let me explain the rest of the story. Mark was a zealous young man who wanted to save the world. He joined the Apostle Paul and Barnabas, his cousin, as they embarked on their first missionary journey to Asia Minor. Guess what happened? Mark either got offended or he couldn’t handle the hardships and “chickened out”! Whatever the reason, he deserted them and returned to Jerusalem (Acts 13:5, 13). Paul thought he was such a “loser” that he rejected him and vehemently refused to take him on their next mission (Acts 15:36-40). Whatever happened to Mark? Barnabas encouraged him and, according to many Bible scholars, Mark wrote the first account of Jesus’ life…even before Matthew. It’s called “The Gospel According to Mark.”

And then there was Peter…you know his story. He brashly declared his undying commitment to Jesus (Mark 14:29-31) and then later, because of fear, he flatly denied ever knowing Him (Mark 14:66-72). It’s amazing how Mark knew the details of Peter’s failure. According to scholars, Peter was close to Mark’s family (Acts 12:11-12) and Mark probably was a convert of Peter (1 Pet. 5:13). They believe Mark’s descriptive accounts of Jesus’ life came from Peter, who was one of Jesus’ closest disciples. Some commentators have said that Mark’s Gospel could have easily been called, “Peter’s Gospel.” Yet, in spite of Peter’s one-time cowardly act, God saw greatness in Peter’s heart. It was he who the Holy Spirit anointed to boldly stand up and prophesy on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:14-41).

How then does knowing who wrote the Gospel of Mark help you navigate your Destiny? Consider this:

1. Your Flesh Can Betray Who You REALLY Are. All of us do things in life that we’re not proud of. Our fallen nature (our flesh) can get the best of us and we can let down the people we love the most. Like Mark and Peter, you are greater than your failure. God created you for greatness. Trust the Lord, repent and move forward into the purpose for which you were destined.

2. God Is Greater Than Your Failure (1 John 3:20). Regardless of how condemning your failure might be, God can remove your transgression. Why? Because He loves you and has deep compassion for your plight in life (Ps. 103:8-14). Believe God more than your failure.

3. With God, the End of a Matter Is Better Than the Beginning (Eccles. 7:8). When you come to God with a humble heart, He can reverse your failure and give you a better life than before. Like Mark and Peter, you’ll be amazed at the people He can influence through you.

4. You’re Never a “Loser” if God is On Your Side. God’s Son came to the earth for this very reason…to redeem people who have Lost Out with God. When you place your faith in Jesus, you are washed, sanctified and justified. If God is for you, who can be against you (Rom. 8:31)!

Dan Rhodes

DANGER SIGNS

2011-10-05T08:25:00.001+01:00

A car was driving along a city street just as darkness was falling. The driver automatically turned on the car’s headlights so as to see, and be seen, in the growing gloom. He was keen to get to his home in the countryside as quickly as possible. As he was nearing the outskirts of the city his car lights suddenly failed. So eager was he to make it home that he decided to ignore the danger and continued motoring. The street and traffic lights helped him to keep fairly well on course but he received some angry blasts from fellow road users who felt he was a menace – to them and to himself. As he got further away from the city there was less and less light to guide him and hence his journey was becoming more and more perilous. Several times he found himself off the road or taking the wrong turning. The car was suffering from a few bumps and scrapes. As the journey progressed he was getting more and more frightened, more and more lost. Despair and a sense of hopelessness were quickly setting in. Would he ever reach the safety and security of home? Would the nightmare ever end? Was there even a tiny glimmer of hope?

You have, very quickly, identified yourself with that car driver. The journey you have been on has, day after day, compounded your difficulties and exacerbated your problems. You have kept going in the rather forlorn hope that somehow you would get through the darkness and reach the lights of home. Like our driver you find yourself in a very dark, lonely, scary and uncertain place totally unsure of what way to turn, not knowing if you can or will find a way out of this turmoil and upset. You are stressed, you are disillusioned, you are angry, your self-worth is at an all-time low and you are at your wit’s end. “What’s next?” is the cry of your heart. You recognise, of course, that the car driver should have stopped at the first sign of trouble and sought help. That way he would not have endangered the lives of other road users and he could have continued, and completed, his journey safely. You, too, have allowed a relatively small problem to develop into something unmanageable and that has affected the lives of others and your relationships with them. The good news for you is – help is at hand, there is hope, there is an answer. It may not be easy but the pain will dissipate and things will return to normal. The lights will be repaired and you will see clearly once again. For too long you have carried this burden. It has exhausted you and prevented you from functioning as you should. Make a conscious effort to stop now and put God in control. As the old hymn states so succinctly:

Oh, what peace we often forfeit, oh, what needless pain we bear,

All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

It is time for you to be brutally honest – with yourself, with your friends and above all with God. Spend time with Him and He will show you the way out of this dark tunnel. He will bring someone to you who will offer you sound advice, good counsel and a step-by-step guide towards a solution. Remember your problem is not so huge in God’s eyes so allow Him to do things His way – a way that will surprise you, a way you would not have thought of on your own. Trust God, seek His face daily, lean on Him, have total faith in Him and success is assured. Keep going and do not give up no matter how things may look and no matter what others might say. When God is in the driving seat the road ahead is totally illuminated and the way home clearly signposted. Be encouraged and move forward in faith and expectation.

1 Peter 5:7 (Amplified Bible) “Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.”

DON'T BE DETERRED BY EVIL TIDINGS (Psalm 112:7-10)

2011-10-04T02:27:00.002+01:00

Dear Friends and Family,

"He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord." (Psalm 112:7) Our beloved Sister Gwen Shaw has for us today a Prophetic Utterance for the pure in heart who is seeking only to trust the Lord. Let us glean from this profound lesson this morning. Don't listen to any evil report!

The "evil tidings" which are brought to you may be a rumor of Satan to make you fearful of doing My will and walking in the way that is safe for you to walk in because it is My plan for your life.

When the lions of the fields want to trap their prey, they urinate on different animal paths. When the innocent beast smells the scent of the beast which he fears, he takes the path where no scent is and that is the exact place where the lion is lying in wait to pounce on him. In a moment he is torn to pieces. He was trapped by his senses. Because he trusted what he smelled, he was deceived.

Do not trust in your senses. Satan would deceive you and frighten you from doing My will by what you hear, and even what you see.

You must never do anything without the guidance of My Holy Spirit. Always honour the guidance which you receive through the Holy Spirit. Never despise nor underestimate His leadings. Only when He leads, can your heart "be fixed." And when you heart is "fixed," you will have perfect trust in His ability to guide you through every situation.

The animal becomes a prey to his enemy because he is guided by his senses, but he has not the fullness of the Holy Spirit to lead him, as you have. Paul went into many situations that were dangerous, because that was the way I led him; and I always brought him through. His enemies even paid for his trip to Rome. When I lead you, I will safely take you to your journey's end.

Thank you Sister Gwen! My friends were you not inspired this morning by these words? Now some futher comments from my heart to you.

Our loving Father God will always daily guide us from the experience of "death to self" into His land of promises and abundant provision. Fear is our greatest enemy in this life. Father will deliver you from your fears, just cry out unto Him. He will victoriously bring you through to the "other side of yourself"! His way leads us home into His waiting arms of merciful and gracious bounty! Fear Not, I Am With You, says the Lord! Obey the Lord and watch Him move in your life. He has a greater plan. We are in seasons of "Father's Greater Plans" for our lives and the lives of our children

In the Love of Jesus,

James Wesley

MATTHEW

2011-10-02T08:57:00.000+01:00

Navigating Your Destiny Through The Bible:

MATTHEW – Four Myths About Messiah...Many Christians Still Believe Them Today!

Fact or Fiction? That’s the question the MythBusters television series began asking in 2003. Their aim is to uncover the truth behind popular myths and legends by using scientific experiments. Actually it’s quite a fascinating program…if you have that kind of curiosity. Here are some of the “world-shaking” questions the team put to rest:

♦ Can combining Diet Coke and Mentos make your stomach explode?

♦ Can plugging your finger in a gun barrel cause it to backfire?

♦ Can giant alligators really live in sewers?

♦ Could roaches really survive a nuclear explosion?

Well…here’s a question from John the Baptist that might stump the MythBusters team. While still in prison, John heard of the works of Christ (the Messiah) and sent word by his disciples asking, “Are You the Expected One, or shall we look for someone else?” (Matt. 11:2-3). In other words, the religious community had certain perceptions of who Messiah would be and what He would do. For 4,000 years after Adam and Eve’s spiritual failure in the Garden of Eden, humankind had been looking for the “Seed of the woman” who would “crush the head” of the serpent (Gen. 3:15). Across the millenniums, their views shifted from divine reality to self-centered humanism. So when Messiah really did show up, they didn’t recognize Him. Two thousand years later, Christians still have misconceptions who Jesus is and what He does. In other words, we can believe Myths about Messiah. Here are four of them:

1. Jesus Will Deliver Me From ALL My Problems. The Jewish concept of Messiah was that He would be the Anointed One sent by God to deliver them from oppression. Unfortunately we can adopt that view as well. Then when bad things happen, we blame God for not stopping it. Jesus came to restore our relationship with God…not to solve all our natural problems in life.

2. Jesus Is “The Conqueror,” So He Will Overthrow My Enemies. The Jews were constantly being conquered. So they saw Messiah as a Military Conqueror who would overthrow Rome. We do too! Christians can expect God to win their court cases and remove evil bosses. Jesus conquered the power of sin and the devil for those who trust in Him. He doesn’t’ take away human conflict!

3. Jesus Will Make Me A King In The Marketplace…I’ll Be Rich! Somehow the Jews felt that because God loved them, He would establish Israel as the preeminent political power in the world. Wrong! If we’re not careful, we Christians get the idea that our Savior will make us financially wealthy! Jesus gives us the spiritual wealth of heaven, not opulent splendor on earth!

4. I’ll Ride In With Jesus On A White Horse To Slay The Wicked! To the Jews, Messiah was a Warrior King in flashing armor. So when Jesus rode into Jerusalem as a humble servant, coming in love and riding on a donkey, they rejected Him. Sooner or later, we have to realize that Jesus is the Lord of Love who wants to rescue the wicked, not slay them! That’s our assignment.

So what was Jesus’ answer when John questioned if He was the One? “Go and report to John what you hear and see: the blind receive sight and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he who does not take offense at Me.” (Matt. 11:4-6). Jesus came to open deaf ears and blinded eyes as to who God really is. He healed our spiritual walk with the Lord and cleansed our sins. He gave us the “Good News” that heaven is open to those who trust in Him. NOW, THAT’S NOT A MYTH. IT’S WHO MESSIAH REALLY IS!

Dan Rhodes

PROFESSIONAL HELP

2011-09-30T05:26:00.004+01:00

As I prayed the Lord showed me a picture of a house that required some attention so that it would be comfortable and acceptable to its owner. Enthusiastic amateurs, who had only succeeded in making matters worse, had attempted repairs. Eventually the owner decided to call in an expert, a professional, and trust him to rectify all mistakes and errors. At last, although difficulties and problems arose from time to time, the house was complete.

From your own perspective, and that of those who know you fairly well, you have a problem. Often, by using your own form of DIY, you try to patch it up or disguise it. Of course, as you have found, the problem gets progressively worse and can no longer be totally hidden.

Yes, some can be persuaded all is well and sometimes you can even fool yourself but deep down you recognise that things are a long way from what they should, and could, be. Advice has been forthcoming from friends, from amateur theologians and psychologists, and from those who should be looking at their own lives rather than yours.

All this has only served to muddy the waters and cloud the issues. You feel unable to stand back and look at things logically to arrive at an answer; your head says one thing whilst your heart says something different. You know you are hurting some of the people who are precious to you and feel selfish that you are feeling this way.

Your whole being cries out for peace and the opportunity to smile again, to enjoy life and to be the sort of person you long to be. “Can that happen?” you ask yourself. “Can I ever be free from this nightmare? Can the past be left behind so I can embrace the future without lingering doubts and recriminations? Is it only wishful thinking and am I just fooling myself?” Oh yes, there is a multitude of questions but whilst you long for answers you doubt if any can be found that will bring genuine peace and satisfaction.

The good news is that an expert carpenter who lived long ago is still alive and remains able to get to the root of any problem, deal with the root cause and rebuild or reconstruct to the highest specification. Yes, it may be painful to confront the causes of the damage and to deal with the upset, but the end result will be more than worth it. You can be better than ever with the “new you” being so much more acceptable and practicable than the original.

The Carpenter awaits your call so He can put in place a plan to put an end to your misery and heartbreak. He will bring along the right workmen to offer you the right advice, to give you insight, to support you and to show you the path you must take. Do not be afraid, but be receptive to what God will reveal to you and look forward with optimism to the sunny days ahead.

“Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you’ll be able to take in with all Christians the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God. God can do anything, you know – far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working with us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.”

(Ephesians 3: 17-20 MSG)

TIME TO BLOSSOM

2011-09-29T08:59:00.001+01:00

As I sought the Lord I saw a picture of a large auditorium in which were hundreds of tables. On these tables were rows and rows of flowers in surprisingly plain vases. It was noticeable that the flowers were in bud. People were looking at them and remarking on their potential, their promise and the anticipation of a magnificent display of flowers in all their glory. It was not yet possible to ascertain precisely what shape, colour or size the flowers would become or indeed if all of them would reach full bloom. Some of the varieties were fairly easy to recognise but many seemed new, exotic or strange. The whole place was alive with hope and expectation and folk were impatient to behold the great display that would soon arrive.

The picture changed to show that eagerly awaited magnificent, awe-inspiring exhibition of beauty, colour, variety and myriad of enchanting smells. Everyone who viewed the scene was struck by the splendour of it all. It would have been impossible to put it into words and photographs would not have done it justice – you just had to be there to experience it first hand. Nothing man-made could have come close to the perfection that was so apparent. All who were present gasped in admiration and felt their hearts being uplifted by all they beheld. How wonderful to witness the culmination of skill, dedication and the marvel that is nature. Through careful attention and nurture the flowers had reached their destiny and were now showing the peak of their development.

The Lord has been carefully preparing you so that one day you will reach the point where the tiny buds of promise will explode into magnificent blossoms. At times it has been very difficult as some pruning has taken place or there have been periods of drought when it seemed the dream might die altogether. You have looked around you and despaired as others appeared to be developing at a faster rate, looked stronger or were more attractive and noticeable. It all appeared to be very easy and straightforward for them but you were struggling to make real progress. You have asked why it is that you have encountered so many difficulties, so many obstacles, so many setbacks, so many periods of despair and hopelessness. At times all seemed well and your spirits rose but all too soon those hopes and dreams were shattered to leave you feeling lonely and isolated. Yet somehow you have survived, kept going and held on to the anticipation that one day you will achieve the breakthrough for which your heart has been longing down through the years.

Some plants grow with relative ease and require little attention whilst others, the rare and the exotic, demand time, careful nurturing especially in changing temperatures and the skill of a master gardener. The Lord considers you a very rare and precious plant and one He is slowly and surely bringing to maturity. Watch as He now, suddenly and unexpectedly, brings you into that place where your unique talents and abilities will be on full show. Many will be attracted to your special and extremely uncommon gifts and following encounters with you will be uplifted and encouraged to serve the God who has transformed and empowered you. Yes you are very special to Him so look forward with confidence and blossom!

"See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come."

Song of Solomon 2:11,12

MALACHI

2011-09-25T09:52:00.000+01:00

Navigating Your Destiny Through The Bible:

MALACHI – What Went Wrong?! Postmortem of a Broken Religious System

“What Went Wrong?!” That’s what everybody demands to know when tragedy strikes. It’s when a routine medical procedure ends in death; an aircraft falls out of the sky and kills hundreds; and a seemingly peaceful man goes berserk and sprays bullets into his former place of employment. When these horror stories occur, teams of specialists are brought in to try to piece together the fragments of evidence. They’re trying to determine “What Went Wrong.” Why? So they can learn how to prevent the unthinkable from happening again. So what happens when a Religious System self-destructs? God sends in His specialists…His prophets! They speak, not out of their own human opinions, but from the very heart of God to declare “What Went Wrong.” Such was the task of Malachi.

What was it like to live in the days of Malachi? The priests polluted their offerings, profaned the Covenant, encouraged apostasy, twisted the Word of God to teach falsely and robbed God by misusing the tithe. In short, they destroyed the precious belief system that God had charged them to guard. So hopeless and irreversible was their apostasy that God dismantled their broken religious system, wiped the slate clean and started all over again. That’s why Malachi is the final book in the Old Testament. The next book you read in the Christian Bible begins with Jesus…the Son of God who came to the earth and declared, “I will build MY church” (Matt. 16:18). The old broken system had passed away and God began with a New Covenant and a New High Priest…Jesus, God’s faithful Son (Heb. 8:6-13). He fulfilled all the law based on His works, not the futile attempt of Adam’s fallen race.

So, What Went Wrong? Could it be that you and I are in danger of repeating the failures of Israel? Not if we take heed to the progressive warning signs that come from Malachi’s Postmortem investigation.

1. SPIRITUAL DULLNESS (Malachi 1). Israel’s leaders were dying and didn’t know it! They were oblivious to their actions that displeased God and were totally unaware that they had failed to honor God. Spiritual Dullness never happens quickly…it slowly develops over years of closing your ears to the voice of God speaking through His Word and True Leadership.

2. Spiritual Dullness Leads to TOXIC RELATIONSHIPS (Malachi 2). The Jews were divorcing their wives to marry pagan women. The issue wasn’t racial…it was spiritual! Interfaith marriage is the mingling of souls and spirits! Guard yourself from the slow acting poison of spiritual mixture!

3. Toxic Relationships Leads to WITHHOLDING FROM GOD (Malachi 3). Wrong influences change priorities. The first of the Ten Commandments reads, “You shall have no other gods before Me!” Tithes and Offerings are not about money…they’re about what’s FIRST in your life!

4. Withholding From God Leads to REJECTING GOD'S COVENANT (Malachi 4). Israel had forgotten (rejected) the Covenant God made with them through Moses. Yet God gave them the glorious promise of Restoration through a New Covenant. Woe is us if we ever slip away from God’s New Covenant in Jesus. There are no other ways to God. It’s the final offer from God.

And there you have it…Malachi’s Postmortem as he pieced together the fragments of evidence of a Broken Religious System. Learn the lessons well, my friend. Our only hope is the New Covenant based on faith in God’s Son. Don’t allow spiritual mixture and don’t follow the pattern of Israel (Isaiah 48:18-19)!

Dan Rhodes

THE LAMB UPON THE THRONE IS WORSHIPED....Let Us Join the Mighty and Strong!

2011-09-24T01:14:00.001+01:00

Dear Friends and Family,

Revelation 5:8-14 reveals to us the unsurpassed worship of the Lamb of God our Savior King!

And when He had taken the scroll (book), the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders [of the heavenly Sanhedrin] prostrated themselves before the Lamb. Each was holding a harp [lute or guitar], and they had golden bowls full of incense [fragrant spices and gums for burning], which are the prayers of God's people - the saints. And [now] they sing a new song saying, You are worthy to take the scroll and to break the seals that are on it, for You were slain (sacrificed) and with Your blood you purchased men unto God from every tribe and language and people and nation. [Ps. 33:3] And You have made them a kingdom [royal race] and priests to our God, and they shall reign [as kings] over the earth! (Exod. 19:6; Isa. 61:6) Then I looked, and I heard the voices of many angels on every side of the throne, and of the living creatures and the elders, and they numbered ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands, [Dan. 7:10]. Saying in a loud voice, Deserving is the Lamb that was sacrificed, to receive all the power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and majesty (glory, splendor) and blessing! And I heard every created thing in heaven and on earth and under the earth [in Hades, the place of departed spirits] and on the sea and all that is in it, crying out together To Him Who is seated on the throne and to the Lamb be ascribed the blessing and the honor and the majesty (glory, splendor) and the power (might and dominion) forever and ever - through the eternities of the eternities! [Daniel 7:13,14]. then the four living creatures (ones, or beings) said, Amen - so be it! and the elders [of the heavenly Sanhedrin] prostrated themselves and worshiped HIM WHO LIVES FOREVER AND EVER.

John was writing about US, the glorious Church as he foretold our reign as a "Kingdom of Priests"...priests reigning as kings over the earth. "We" are in the book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ! All prophesied in the Old Testament and the New! It is the truth! Let us worship the King today! Bless His Holy and Eternal Name!

In the Love of Jesus,

James Wesley

COME, THOU FOUNT OF EVERY BLESSING, TUNE MY HEART TO SING THY GRACE.

2011-09-23T02:14:00.001+01:00

Dear Friends and Family,

(2 Peter 3:9) "The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is long suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance."

The Hymn, "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessings" by Robert Robinson is our choice of "sung" praise to our Loving Father this morning. Think back over your life till this present moment how this Hymn has blessed you from time to time, even bringing you forward again into His Mighty Love and Grace!

Come, Thou fount of every blessing, Tune my heart to sing Thy grace.
Streams of mercy, never ceasing, Call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet, Sung by flaming tongues above.
Praise the mount! I'm fixed upon it, Mount of God's unchanging love.

Oh, to grace how great a debtor Daily I'm constrained to be!
Let thy grace, Lord, like a fetter, Bind my wand'ring heart to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, Prone to leave the God I love.
Here's my heart, Lord, take and seal it, SEAL IT FOR THY COURTS ABOVE.

Beloved Christian, lover of the Lord our King, have you somewhat wandered away for a while? Then, make haste and run to the Throne. His waiting arms are opened wide to welcome you home again!

In the Love of Jesus,

James Wesley

OUR FAITH WILL ALWAYS BE TESTED AND THE "SENSE OF FEELING" DESERTED

2011-09-22T02:47:00.001+01:00

Dear Friends and Family,

This morning we return to Charles H. Spurgeon's lessons of wisdom. We shall all gain the victory....it is promised! We shall eventually pass every test and stand united in the FAITH!

(Luke 22:31-32) "Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail."

Our faith is the center of the target God aims at when He tests us, and if any gift escapes untested, it certainly will not be our faith. There is nothing that pierces faith to its very marrow - to find whether or not it is the faith of those who are immortal - like shooting the arrow of the feeling of being deserted into it. And only genuine faith will escape unharmed from the midst of the battle after having been stripped of its armor of earthly enjoyment and after having endured the circumstances coming against it that the powerful had of God has allowed.

Faith must be tested, and the sense of feeling deserted is "the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual" (Dan. 3:19) into which it may be thrown. Blessed is the person who endures such an ordeal! Charles H. Spurgeon

Paul said, "I have kept the faith" (2 Tim. 4:7), but his head was removed! They cut it off, but they could not touch his faith. This great apostle to the Gentiles rejoiced in three things: he had "fought the good fight," he had "finished the race" and he had "kept the faith." So what was the value of everything else? The apostle Paul had won the race and gained the ultimate prize - he had won not only the admiration of those on earth today but also the admiration of heaven. So why do we not live as if it pays to lose "all things ... that [we] may gain Christ" (Phil. 3:8)? Why are we not as loyal to the truth as Paul was? It is because our math is different - he counted in a different way than we do. What we count as gain, he counted as loss. If we desire to ultimately wear the same crown, we must have his faith and lift it.

My friends in Christ Jesus, I must admit to you this morning, I am greatly challenged by these words. "Streams In The Desert" surely "cuts to the quick" quite often doesn't it? That is the utmost reason I use this book as one of my cherished devotionals through the years. God bless you today as you consider these truths from God's Word.

In the Love of Jesus,

James Wesley

SAINTS DRAW NEAR, BE CONFINED UNDER HIS WINGS! Rev. 1:4; 5:6; 8:2

2011-09-21T02:25:00.001+01:00

Dear Friends and Family,

Glorious victory is ours as we gather "Under His Wings"! We are having another short Bible study to equip you and catch you away in the arms of our loving Father God. Be blessed this morning indeed!

   1. THE EYES OF THE LORD

         A. To Deliver from Hunger and Death (Ps 33:18, 19)
        B. To Record the Evil and the Good (11 Chron 29:6;
               Ps 34:15, 16; Prov 5:21; 15:3; 22:12; Jer 52:2)
        C. To See the Need (Ps 34:15; 1Peter 3:12)
         D. To Bring About Victory (Isa 49:5)
         E.  To Reward the People (Jer 32:19; Amos 9:8)

11. THE WINGS OF GOD

         A.  A Place of Trust (Ruth 2:12; Ps 91:4)
        B. A Place to Hide (Ps 16:8; 63;7)
         C. A Place of Refuge (Ps 57:1; 61:4)
         D. A Place of Judgment (Jer 48:40)
        E. A Place of Healing (Mal 4:2)

111. THE HELP OF CHRISTIANS (Matt 18:10)

          A. Give Guidance (Kings 1:15; Dan 8:19; 9:21-23;
                10: 10-20; Acts 8:26; 10; 27:23)
          B.   Reveal God's Plan in Dreams (Matt 1:20-24)
          C.   Meet us at Death (Luke 16:22)

Once again, every need in our lives met, found, consecrated, hidden, revealed, renewed and sought after in Father's Holy Word alone! It has been a pleasure presenting these two studies for you, my friends. The Precious Blood of the Cross of our Lord Jesus, has brought us to this place in God! Victory is ours.

In the Love of Jesus,

James Wesley

WOULD YOU LIKE TO "LIVE" ON TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN? OUR FATHER GOD WOULD LIKE FOR YOU TO!

2011-09-20T01:49:00.003+01:00

Dear Friends and Family,

This morning I have for you 12 directives with scriptures added for you own personal study. I firmly believe that if you follow the Word of God concerning these "commands", you will find them effective and nurturing to your spirit, soul and body. Be strengthened, the valley is no place for the over-coming believer! This mountain top is your home!

1. PRAY WITHOUT CEASING!
      1 Thess. 5:17; Lk 18:1; 1Tim 2:1-4; Matt 26:41
2. DWELL RICHLY IN THE WORD!
      Ps 119:105; Acts 17:11; 1Peter 2:2, 3
3. REJOICE CONTINUALLY!
      Phil 4:4; Jn 15:11; 11 Cor 6:10; Ps 37:4
4. FIGHT CONSTANTLY!
      1Tim 6:12; 1Peter 5:8, 9; James 4:7; 1Tim 1:18
5. WORK HARD!
      Tit 3:8; 1 Thess 4:11, 12; 1Cor 15:58; Eph 2:10
6 . THINK POSITIVELY!
      Phil 4:18
7. STAY FULL OF THE SPIRIT!
      Eph 5:18; Eph 3:19; Acts 1:8; 11Cor 9:8
8.   GIVE LIBERALLY!
      Pro 3:9,10; Mal 3:10; Lk 6:38; Prov 19:17
9.   LOVE FREELY!
      Jn 13:35; Matt 5:43-48; 1Jn 2:8-11; 1Peter 4:8
10. GROW CONSISTENTLY!
      Eph 4:15; Eph 5:18; Eph 2:19-22: 1Thes 4:1
11. FORGIVE EVERYBODY!
      Eph 4:32; Matt 6:14; Matt 5:23; Jas 5:9
12. WITNESS TO EVERBODY!
      Matt 5:16; Matt 10:32; Rom 10:9, 10; Mk 8:38

My friends, if we simply keep these commands from the Word of Truth, we will not fall into error or mixture. From time to time, repeatedly refer to this list of "twelve" You will then be continually walking, living, witnessing, and becoming ever fruitful in God's Kingdom... always giving God ALL THE GLORY! His Name be praised!!!

In the Love of Jesus,

James Wesley

ZECHARIAH

2011-09-18T05:50:00.001+01:00

Navigating Your Destiny Through The Bible:

ZECHARIAH – Rebuilding A Destroyed Life…Doing It God’s Way!

It was in total ruins…homes, places of business and the walls that surrounded the great city of Jerusalem. Even the House of God had been reduced to dust and rubble. The glorious Temple, once the site of sacred worship and joyous celebrations, had been desecrated and stripped of its treasures. That was the horrific scene the Israelites discovered as they returned from 70 years of captivity in Babylon. In spite of this, as with most resolute people, they immediately began the arduous task of rebuilding the world they once knew. However, the worst of the devastation that befell Israel wasn’t the city or even the loss of human life…it was their spiritual relationship with God that lay in ruins! Israel needed more than supplies and skilled workers to rebuild their lives…they needed spiritual reformation!

Someone, right now, is reading this teaching wondering if it’s even possible to rebuild their life again. Perhaps you’ve just returned from prison and are trying to start over in a world of rejection. Maybe you’re still reeling from a brutal divorce wondering how your life will ever be the same again. Or it could be you’ve lost a husband, wife or someone very dear to you and you feel you have nothing to live for anymore. Possibly, your job was jerked out from underneath your feet and you’re trying to rebuild your career. If this describes you, then the book of Zechariah will give you insight into how you can navigate the rebuilding of your life…God’s Way.

1. First Things First…Secure Your Relationship With The Lord. Most people in crisis mode put self-preservation first…food, shelter, safety, etc. Like Israel, they fail to realize that without God they may be able to survive physically, but they’ll die spiritually. When your world crashes down, you desperately need God’s favor. That only happens when you put Him first (Zech. 1:3)!

2. Rebuild Your Place of Worship. For Israel, it was Solomon’s great Temple of God that needed to be rebuilt (Zech. 8:9-13). Yet Zechariah’s message directed the people to a different kind of temple…the one that only Messiah could build (Zech. 6:12-13)! You, my friend, are God’s House…His dwelling place (Eph. 2:19-22). Rebuild it and He will meet you there!

3. Learn From Your Past. Zechariah reminded the people that past failures were the cause of their captivity in Babylon (Zech. 1:2-6). Can anything good come out of the horrific experiences that you’ve had to walk through? Absolutely Yes! You can learn not to repeat mistakes; and God can use you to comfort others who are going through similar experiences (2 Cor. 1:3-4).

4. To Be Sure, You Will Always Have An Accuser Waiting to Sabotage Your Progress. One of the most amazing accounts in scripture is Zech. 3:1-5. With cunning and skill, Satan blended facts and lies together to weave a garment of guilt and condemnation for Joshua the high priest. When this happens, do what Joshua did…let God defend you! He can do it far better than you!

5. Finally, Step Into Your Restored Destiny. After the Lord rebuked the accuser and cleansed Joshua the high priest, He placed him back into his calling again (Zech. 3:6-7). Regardless of how destructive your experiences are, God wants to put you back where you belong…into your divine Destiny. A life that trusts the Lord with a heart of humility is never destroyed! You’ll never fail as long as you don’t give up! That’s God’s way of rebuilding your life.

Dan Rhodes

FOR MY NAME'S SAKE I WILL DO IT

2011-09-17T01:04:00.005+01:00

Dear Friends and Family,

God's Word says, "Nevertheless, He saved them for His Name's sake, that He might make His mighty power to be known." (Psalm 106:8) Sister Gwen Shaw's Prophetic writings will cause us to lift the Name of Jesus high! It is also a good lesson in the "names of God". Enjoy!

It is for My honour that I hear your prayers and answer them. My reputation is at stake before you and all the world. So it is that I show My glory and My power to all who call upon Me. I must honor My Name. I have many names (or titles) and each one is powerful.

I am Jehovah-Rapha, the Lord that healeth thee. Therefore I must honour My reputation to heal all your diseases (Exodus 15:26).

I am Jehovah-Jireh, the Lord who provides ( Genesis 22:14), and I will provide all your needs, whether it be for a meal, a ticket, a home, clothing, or a way of salvation and deliverance.

I am Jehovah-Nissi, the Lord your banner of victory (Exodus 14:15). You never will suffer defeat when you let Me fight your battles for you.

I am Jehovah-Shalom, your God of peace (Judges 6:24). I will bring peace into every situation of your turbulent life.

I am Jehovah-Shammah, the one who is always present (Ezekiel 28:20). Did I not say, "Lo, I am with you always..." (Matthew 28:20).

I have many names and titles and I will honour every single one of them. Do not doubt. Come to Me and I will show you My glory, even for My own Name's sake.

Oh, the lovely Name of Jesus and the powerful Names of our Father God Jehovah! We can't lose when He is fighting our battles. Turn all over to Him and enjoy the victorious PEACE!

In the Love of Jesus,

James Wesley

THE CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD IS SECURE IN HER GREAT HIGH PRIEST, THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, BY OUR LORD GOD JEHOVAH

2011-09-15T01:03:00.002+01:00

Dear Friends and Family,
     (Psalm 110:3) is our scriptural verse this morning as we glean from Spurgeon's classic writings in contemporary language. "Your people shall be volunteers
                                          In the day of Your power;
                                          In the beauties of holiness, from the
                                               womb of the morning,
                                          You have the dew of Your youth."

How truly beautiful holiness is! God Himself admires it. How wonderful also is the eternal youth of the mystical body of Christ! As the dew is new every morning, there is a constant succession of converts to give the church perpetual youth.

Since Jesus ever lives, His church will ever flourish. As His strength never fails, the vigor of His true people will be renewed day by day. As He is a Priest - King, His people are ALL PRIESTS AND KINGS. (Rev. 5:5-6). It was a solemn and sure matter that led the Eternal to swear and His oath guarantees the decree forever. To make this a thousand times sure, "and will not relent" is added (v.4).

It is done, and done forever: Jesus is sworn to be the priest of His people and He must remain so to the end because His commission is sealed by the unchanging oath of the immutable Jehovah. It is the Lord who has appointed Him a priest forever. He has done it by a oath; that oath is unchanging, is in effect now, and will stand throughout all ages. Our security in Him is then beyond all question.

My friends, God's Word is always eternally Yes and Amen! So be it!!!

In the Love of Jesus,

James Wesley

"THE HEAVENLY CHARM OF A BROKEN SPIRIT" (Revealed in Song of Songs 4:16)

2011-09-14T00:50:00.002+01:00

Dear Friends and Family,

Today's devotional comes from "Streams In The Desert" with scripture reading from Song of Songs 4:16: Awake, north wind, and come, south wind! Blow on my garden, that its fragrance may spread abroad. I pray that you will be awakened as you allow the Winds of God to blow across your life, making it even more precious to you as a child of a loving Father who constantly draws us ever to His loving heart!

Some of the spices and plants mentioned in verse 14 of the above chapter are very descriptive and symbolic. The juice of the aloe plant has a bitter taste but is soothing when applied to the skin, so it tells of the sweetness of bitter things, the bittersweet, having an important application that only those who have used it understand. Myrrh is a symbolic of death, having been used to embalm the dead. It represents the sweetness that comes to the heart after it has died to self-will, pride, and sin.

What inexpressible charm seems to encircle some Christians, simply because they carry upon their pure countenance and gentle spirit the imprint of the cross! It is the holy evidence of having died to something that was once proud and strong but is now forever surrendered at the feet of Jesus. And it is also the heavenly charm of a broken spirit and a contrite heart, the beautiful music that rises from a minor key, and the sweetness brought about by the touch of frost on ripened fruit.

Finally, frankincense was a fragrance that arose only after being touched with fire. The burning incense became clouds of sweetness arising from the heart of the flames. It symbolizes a person's heart whose sweetness has been brought forth by the flames of affliction until the holy, innermost part of the soul is filled with clouds of praise and prayer.

Beloved, are our lives yielding spices and perfumes - sweet fragrances of the heart? from The Love - Life of our Lord

A Persian fable says: One day

A wanderer found a lump of clay

So savory of sweet perfume

Its odors scented all the room.

"What are you?" was his quick demand,

"Are you some gem from Smarkand,

Or pure nard in this plain disguise,

Or other costly merchandise?"

"No, I am but a lump of clay."

"Then whence this wondrous perfume - say!"

"Friend, if the secret I disclose,

I have been dwelling with the rose."

Sweet parable! and will not those

Who love to dwell with Sharon's rose,

Distill sweet odors all around,

Though low and poor themselves are found?

Dear Lord, abide with us that we

May draw our perfume fresh from Thee.

In the Lovely Fragrance of the Rose of Sharon, Our Lord Jesus,
James Wesley

TESTED UNTIL GOD'S WORD RELEASES YOU INTO GREATER KINGDOM GLORY

2011-09-13T02:01:00.003+01:00

Dear Friends and Family,

Our scripture lesson today is found in Psalm 105:17-19 "He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant: Whose feet they hurt with fetters; he was laid in iron: Until the time that His Word came: the Word of the Lord tried him."

God had a plan for Joseph's character refinement that was as great as the plan for his life's work. In the natural, people study for many years in preparation for their life's profession. God's purpose is to put as much time and effort into developing our "character" as what He does in revealing and empowering us in our life's work and callings. It wasn't a mistake that Joseph was sold as a slave. As a prince and favourite son of his father Jacob, he would naturally have been spoiled; his character would have been self-centered and egoistical.

Even as a slave, his natural giftings from the Lord placed him in command of the household - a ruler in his own ranks and the favourite of Potipher (as well as the object of desire of Potipher's wicked wife). So, to keep his character from being destroyed, because God had a plan for his life, he was cast into prison, with no hope of release. My friends, what bondages have you found in your own Christian life that seem hopeless for release and deliverance? GOD HAS A FURTHER PLAN TO SET YOU TOTALLY FREE!

There it was that the word of promise and the "prophetic dreams and visions" which God had given him years earlier (he was thirty when he stood before Pharaoh, and he had been only seventeen when he had dreamed the dreams) tried and tested his faith. Joseph was a true Prophet of the Most High God! Prophets are alive and well today, my friends. Don't speak against them or touch their anointing. You could be very much in trouble with the God Who called them up and raised them up for your benefit in His Kingdom!

Could Joseph still believe God's mighty promises to him after all these years - when there seemed no hope - no future? The fetters left life-long scars in his feet, and reminded him every day of the torrid, lustful passion of a fallen woman, Potipher's wife, whose sting was like that of a adder, and the vehement anger of an Egyptian lord. He was torn between sham and grief and a great need for HONEST VINDICATION.

When Joseph was tried to the limit and could release all to His God, the Lord restored his prophetic gift which later was the key to his deliverance and his promotion to governor of ALL of Egypt.

My friends, the Lord restores ministers who have fallen or become "side tracked" from their callings. He restores them out of love, mercy and His divine favour. He doesn't call us to perform perfectly, just be faithful. Fallen character can't keep one from performing signs and wonders that bring the Church to her rightful place and purpose for the Kingdom of God. Scripture time and again proves these points as you look at God's chosen in the Old and New Covenants. The "spiritual" are called to restore! God isn't ashamed of us. He created us simply for GLORY! Signs and Wonders are performed by the Holy Ghost to bring the Church to repentance from dead works! Let God continue His work in you today. He isn't finished with you yet...Praise God.

In the Love of Jesus,

James Wesley

IT TAKES AN ABOUT-FACE TO BE CO-LABORERS WITH CHRIST

2011-09-12T00:20:00.001+01:00

Dear Friends and Family,

I'm sharing this morning again from Pastor Bill Johnson's teaching concerning the Gospel of the Kingdom. I'm sure you will be "transformed" in the midst of his approach! By the way, it works? It is time to repent and turn around from dead works! Who, me? YES, beloved, YOU!

Repentance is often defined as doing an about-face. It implies that I was pursuing one direction in life and I change to pursue another. Scripture illustrates it like this, "Repentance from dead works ... faith toward God."(Heb. 6:1). Faith then is both the CROWN AND THE ENABLER OF REPENTANCE.

This command has been preached strongly in recent years. The message is greatly needed. Hidden sin is the Achilles' heel of the Church in this hour. It has kept us from the purity that breeds boldness and great faith. But as noble as that target is, the message has fallen short. God wants to do more than just getting us out of the red. He wants to get us into the black! Repentance is not complete until it envisions His Kingdom.

The focus of repentance is to change our way of thinking until the presence of His Kingdom fills our consciousness. The enemy's attempt to anchor our affections to the things that are visible is easily resisted when our hearts are aware of the presence of His world. Such awareness aids us in the task of being co-laborers with Christ - destroying the works of the devil. (1Cor.3:9, 1John 3:3)

If the Kingdom is here and now, then we must acknowledge it's in the in the INVISIBLE REALM. Yet being at hand reminds us that it's also WITHIN REACH. Paul said that the invisible realm is eternal, while that which is seen is only temporal. (2 Cor. 4:18) Jesus told Nicodemus that he'd have to be born again to "see" the Kingdom. (John 3:3) That which is unseen can be realized only through repentance. It was as though He said, "If you don't change the way you perceive things, you'll live your whole life thinking that what you see in the natural is superior reality. Without changing the way you think you'll never see the world that is right in front of you. It's My world, and it fulfills every dream you've ever had. And I brought it with Me." All that he did in life and ministry, He did by drawing from that SUPERIOR REALITY.

Do you wish to be a true co-laborer with Christ Jesus? It is only possible by following Jesus Christ Himself and obeying His Words to us. I teach only the "Gospel of the Kingdom" to you each month. It is only what our Lord Jesus taught. The Holy Spirit must unfold the "truth" of the Kingdom to you. He is the administrator of the "works of God in His own Kingdom." You need the Baptism of the Holy Spirit to even begin to "comprehend" what the Spirit is saying to His Church. Reading His written Word is of vast importance. However, DOING what the Word says is a totally different thing. It takes the anointing that comes from the "anointed One". Christ means "the anointing, as well as the anointed One." I'll have much more to say about all of this. The Church must be delivered from dead works, or she simply DIES. Most of the church today is dead in religion and false works. I believe she can be resurrected...do you?

In the Love of Jesus,

James Wesley

HAGGAI

2011-09-11T07:50:00.000+01:00

Navigating Your Destiny Through The Bible:

HAGGAI – God’s Ultimate Solution When You Say…“I Can’t Do This!”

I can’t get a job because __________. I can’t achieve my potential because __________. I can’t reach my teenager because __________. I can’t do what God is asking me to do because __________. Have you ever heard yourself saying these things? “I Can’t” means different things to different people. It could mean: “I don’t have the ability”…or “I’m not allowed to do this”...or “I’m afraid!”…or “I Won’t!” But in the days of Haggai, it meant: “I’m too busy with my own life to worry about what God wants me to do!”

Seventy years was a long time…long enough for Israel to grow apathetic toward God’s priorities. That’s how long they were held captive in Babylon. And why did the Lord send them there? Because they had forsaken Him and adopted the false religions of the land. When their seventy-year sentence was over they had been cured of idolatry but they faced a new battle…spiritual lethargy! The House of God lay in ruins and all they could think of was re-building comfortable homes and prosperous businesses. The old prophet, Haggai, didn’t hold back when he chastised their lack of zeal for God. Like a divine defibrillator, he jolted lethargic hearts out of compliancy into obedience. The people claimed they couldn’t rebuild God’s House because they lacked prosperity. God gave them a Divine Attitude Adjustment by informing them their lack of prosperity was because of their lack of obedience (Hag. 1:1-11)! Then, with incredible love and grace, God gave them the Ultimate Solution to all human excuses…HIS PRESENCE! Twice the Lord declared, “I…AM…WITH…YOU!” (Hag. 1:13; 2:4-5).

So, what does “I Am With You” really mean? Consider this:

1. “I Am With You”…I Have Graciously Chosen to Forgive You of Your Sins. Sin separates fallen humanity from the Living God. The only way we can regain His presence and His blessings is to call upon the Lord with a repentant heart. When you trust in Jesus, God’s Son, He will restore your relationship with God and the destiny to which you were called (Eph. 1:4-12).

2. “I Am With You”…You No Longer Have a Right to Be Afraid (Is. 41:10; Acts 18:10). Fear paralyzes obedience. But when you know the Lord is with you, you are free to obey Him knowing He will go before you, empower you, fight for you and protect you from all that is evil.

3. “I Am With You”…I Will Fulfill My Promises to You (Gen. 28:15). The question that many ask is, “Will God really do what He said He would do?” God is not a man that He should lie (Num. 23:19)! God’s presence confirms His intention to fulfill His promises to you (Heb. 6:13-19).

4. “I Am With You”…I Will Work With Your Children (Is. 43:5). The prayer of every godly parent is for their children to follow the Lord. God’s presence means that He is helping you to be a righteous example for your children to follow. Then the Lord will do the rest (Prov. 22:6).

5. “I Am With You”…You Can Have Full Confidence of Success In What I Send You To Do (Matt. 28:18-20). It’s amazing how many Christians are afraid to share Christ with friends and family. When God is with you, it’s not YOU that saves people…it’s HIM! Speak with confidence and gentleness and watch the Lord as He draws people to Himself.

So, my friend, where are your excuses for not doing what the Lord has called you to do? God has taken all of them away by these simple words, “I…AM…WITH…YOU!”

Dan Rhodes

GOD WILL CALM YOUR STORM SO THAT ITS WAVES ARE STILL

2011-09-10T03:37:00.004+01:00

Dear Friends and Family,

Eddie Hooks is a man that came to the Lord while I was ministering to him in the LaGrange Transitional Center as a Chaplain over a year ago. Last week his half sister passed away. He had been taking care of her since being out of prison. Today he broke his foot. I just left the hospital. His surgery lasted nearly 5 hours. I ask you to pray for him tonight. My son, Jonathan is staying with him tonight. I will relieve him in the morning. Pray that he doesn't lose his job and that the Lord will intervene supplying the cost for his sister's cremation. My son Jonathan, another friend named David and I are the only "family" this 54 year old former prisoner has in this life. His sister has no relatives willing to help with any expense. We shall believe together that God is calming Eddie's storm. I have served as Pastor to both Eddie and his sister. We are believing that others will step in and help us during the recuperation period. Eddie volunteered at the Salvation Army for over a year. They are praying with us and intend to help us as well.

(Psalm 107:29) "He calms the storm, so that its waves are still."

Not all believers have the same deep experiences but, for wise purposes that equip them to serve Him, the Lord sends some of His children through deep trouble that there they may see the wonders of His grace more clearly than others. Sailing over the seas of inward depravity, the waters of poverty, the billows of persecution, and the rough waves of temptation, they need God above others, and they find Him. Doubts, fears, terrors, and anxieties lift their heads like so many angry waves when the Lord allows the winds of fierce storms to beat on us.

Pray is good in a storm. We may pray staggering and reeling and when we are at our wits' end God will hear us amid the thunder and answer us out of the storm. He reveals His power in the sudden and marvelous changes that occur at His bidding. He commanded the storm to come and now He orders a calm: GOD IS IN ALL NATURAL PHENOMENA AND WE SHOULD RECOGNIZE HIS WORKING.

Where huge billows had been leaping high there is now scarcely a ripple to be seen. When God makes peace it is peace indeed, the peace of God which surpasses all understanding (Phil. 4:6-7). He can change the condition of a man's mind in a moment so that it will seem an absolute miracle to him that he has passed so suddenly from hurricane to calm.

Oh that the Lord would work this way in the reader, should his heart be storm-beaten with outward troubles or inward fears. Lord, say the word and peace will come at once.

(Writings from "SPURGEON'S Daily Treasures in the Psalms")

May the Peace of the Lord be with us all in the Love of Jesus! Thank you for your prayers and intercessions.

James Wesley

THE ORIGINAL COMMISSION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST

2011-09-09T02:40:00.001+01:00

Dear Friends and Family,

Come with me as we continue our study of our Lord's commission to His disciples.

The backbone of Kingdom authority and power is found in the COMMISSION. Discovering God's original commission and purpose for mankind can help to fortify our resolve to a life of history changing significance. To find that truth we must go back to the beginning.

Man was created in the image of God and placed into the Father's ultimate expression of beauty and peace: the Garden of Eden. Outside of that garden it was a different story. It was without the order and blessing contained within and was in great need of the touch of God's delegated one - ADAM.

Adam and Eve were placed in the garden with a mission. God said, "Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it." (Genesis 1:28) It was God's intention that as they bore more children, who also lived under God's rule, they would be extending the boundaries of His garden (His government) through the simplicity of their devotion to Him. The greater the number of people in right relationship to God, the greater the impact of their leadership. This process was to continue until the ENTIRE EARTH WAS COVERED WITH THE GLORIOUS RULE OF GOD THROUGH MAN.

But in Genesis chapter 1 we discover it's not a perfect universe. Satan had rebelled and had been cast out of heaven, and with him a portion of the fallen angels took dominion of the earth. It's obvious why the the rest of the planet needed to be subdued- it was under the influence of darkness. (Genesis 1:2) God could have destroyed the devil and his host with a word, but instead chose to DEFEAT DARKNESS THROUGH HIS DELEGATED AUTHORITY - THOSE MADE IN HIS IMAGE WHO WERE LOVERS OF GOD BY CHOICE.

Beloved in Christ our King, I hope it is your choice to love the Lord with all your being this morning. We are involved in Kingdom activity for the King! A good place to be, indeed!

In the Love of Jesus,

James Wesley

CHRIST'S COMMISSION RESTORED... HIS WAY!

2011-09-08T01:08:00.002+01:00

Dear Friends and Family,

"Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst..." (Acts 2:22) I'm being inspired as I am reading the writings of Pastor Bill Johnson. As I share his insights with you be aware of the word "MAN" especially in the above scripture as I share. My first sentence will shock you; however, keep on going to the next paragraph or you will dreadfully miss the point of "scriptural reference".

Jesus could not heal the sick. Neither could He deliver the tormented from demons or raise the dead. To believe otherwise is to ignore WHAT HE SAID ABOUT HIMSELF, and more importantly, to miss the purpose of His self-imposed restriction to live as a man.

Jesus said of Himself, "THE SON CAN DO NOTHING." (John 5:19) In the Greek language that word nothing has a unique meaning - it means NOTHING, just like it does in English! He had NO supernatural capabilities whatsoever! While He is 100 percent God, He chose to live with the SAME LIMITATIONS that man would face once He was redeemed. He made that point over and over again. Jesus became the model for all who would embrace the invitation to invade the impossible in His name. He performed miracles, wonders, and signs, as a man in right relationship to God...not as God. If He performed miracles because He was God, then they would be UNATTAINABLE for us. But if He did them as a man, I am responsible to pursue His lifestyle. Recapturing this simple truth changes everything ... and makes possible a full restoration of the MINISTRY OF JESUS IN "HIS" CHURCH.

What were the distinctions of His humanity?

1. He had no sin to separate Him from the Father.

2. He was completely dependent on the power of the Holy Spirit

working through Him.

What are the distinctions of "OUR" humanity?

1. We are sinners cleansed by the blood of Jesus. Through His sacrifice He has

successfully dealt with the power and effect of sin for all who believe. Nothing

now separates us from the Father. There remains only on unsettled issue -

2. How dependent on the Holy Spirit are we "WILLING TO LIVE?"

Beloved in Christ Jesus, the great commission isn't simply doing something for God. We must "do it" the way Christ Jesus taught by His example and His alone. He depended totally, thoroughly upon the Holy Spirit to direct His path and move through Him. Believe this. You must have the Baptism with the Holy Spirit to accomplish any of this. Believe! Receive! Wait for your instructions! GO!

In the Love of Jesus,

James Wesley

ZEPHANIAH

2011-09-04T07:56:00.000+01:00

Navigating Your Destiny Through The Bible:

ZEPHANIAH – Do “Over-The-Top” Christians Annoy You? Guess What Annoys God?

Some call them “Charismaniacs.” Others refer to them as Fanatics. But God calls them His People! We’re talking about flamboyant Christians who love to jump up and down when you mention the name of Jesus. They’re the ones who stand in line for the church doors to open. They carry their bibles to church, work and even to the Bowling Alley! They feverishly take notes during sermons and love to shout, “Amen! Preach it, brother!” They volunteer for every church project and are the first to come forward when there’s an altar call. What did Judah have in common with “over-the-top” believers? Absolutely Nothing! That’s why God was so angry with them…they had become complacent and were “stagnant in spirit” (Zeph. 1:12 NASB). And for that reason, they would be utterly destroyed!

Judah, the southern kingdom of Israel, had become so apathetic in their faith they lost all fear of God. “The Lord neither rewards nor punishes” was their foolish assumption (Zeph. 1:12 NET). When they needed help, instead of looking to the Lord with humility, they sought false gods and the influence of pagan nations (Zeph. 1:5-8). They were uncorrectable and too prideful to repent (Zeph. 3:2). Therefore, the Lord sent a devastating message through Zephaniah…destruction and judgment would befall the entire nation (Zeph. 1:1-4). But Israel wasn’t always like this. At one time they honored God and rejected false religions of the world. What Happened to them? What happens today that causes Christians to become complacent and non-caring? It’s the reoccurring pattern of Judah’s slow demise.

♦ Their Priests and Prophets Were Reckless and Unholy (Zeph. 3:4 NASB). If leaders mishandle God’s word, they lead their people into apostasy…a turning away from the One True God. If you’re following a leader who leads you away from Biblical Truth…your fate will be like Judah’s.

♦ They Became Cynical. “Been There; Done That; Got The T-Shirt” is the slogan of apathy. They figure they’ve seen all that life has to offer and are looking for something new and exciting. Like the early church, they turn to a “different” gospel that presents “another” Jesus not portrayed in Scripture. Be careful…this can happen to you too (2 Cor. 11:3-4).

♦ It’s the “Slow Cook” of the Frog. Abrupt changes didn’t deceive Judah…it was the gradual and progressive infusion of religious mixture (Zeph. 1:4-6). It’s the slow growing tares and the unnoticed perversion of God’s grace that brings deception (Matt. 13:25; Jude 4). Jump out of that simmering pot, my friend…before it’s too late!

How then does the book of Zephaniah help you navigate your life? Consider this:

1. If “Over-The-Top” Christians Really Annoy You…You’re Already In Trouble! Pride makes a person look with distain upon exuberant faith. Judah was destroyed because they lost their zeal for the Lord and His truth. Better to be overly zealous and live than to die of apathy!

2. Learn the Lesson from Judah’s Failure. Tragically, the early Christians in Laodicea never learned those lessons. Read Rev. 3:14-22 to see how seriously Jesus views the lack of spiritual enthusiasm. Live a balanced life; add wisdom to your zeal and zeal to your wisdom.

3. If You’re Going Down the Same Path as Judah, Turn Back While You Still Have Time! When the Lord gives strong warnings, He also gives a way of escape. Return to your first love and you will live (Rev. 2:4-7). Then, like He promised Judah, He will remove His judgments from you (Zeph. 3:14-20)!

Dan Rhodes