- Great Joy
We know and have heard many sermons on joy. It is one of the wonderful evidences of the Holy Ghost, especially the baptism in the Holy Ghost! I remember after receiving Him the most joy and gladness I had ever experienced. For righteousness, peace, and joy are in the Holy Ghost. We are baptized in Him and receive the Kingdom of God with great joy.
The night of Jesus’ birth, the heavens were filled with great glory and great joy. This great joy was announced to and for all people.
Be joyful unto Him and bless His name was a chorus we sang during the pouring out of His Spirit in the late 60s and 70s.
Great joy in the Bible centers on God’s presence, salvation through Jesus, and the hope of His coming kingdom. It was accompanied by and highlighted by angels announcing Jesus’ birth as “good news of great joy” (Luke 2:10). The disciples’ overwhelming happiness at His resurrection and the spread of the Gospel was a supernatural, enduring joy deeper than circumstance. It is an eternal fountain springing up in us. It is God’s delight to see joy in His people.
Heavenly Moments of Great Joy
Jesus‘s Birth: Angels proclaimed “good news of great joy” to shepherds, marking the arrival of the Savior.
Jesus’ Resurrection: The disciples experienced “fear and great joy” running from the tomb, and later returned to Jerusalem “with great joy” to praise God.
The preaching of the gospel through all the world: The inclusion of Gentiles brought “great joy” (Acts 15:3), showing the joy of God’s kingdom expanding with salvation and new life. Jesus spoke of His joy being in believers and John the Baptist leaped in the womb at Mary’s greeting (Luke 1:44).
During this season and the celebration of His Birth, let us receive His wonderful joy and may we be filled to overflowing with it. Glory to God in the Highest, and great joy to all!
-KC
- Making Room for Him.stk-2f0d6a4 {background-color:#00000000 !important;}.stk-2f0d6a4:before{background-color:#00000000 !important;}.stk-2f0d6a4 .stk-block-text__text{text-shadow:none !important;font-size:22px !important;color:#0f0e17 !important;}@media screen and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-2f0d6a4 .stk-block-text__text{font-size:22px !important;}}
While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. – Luke 2:6-7 NASB2020
As scripture has spoken to us very clearly about the birth of Jesus: He came in the fullness of time. This was the time that was prophesied and chosen by God. This was divinely appointed, the perfect time for Jesus to be born.
While they were in Bethlehem, her time had come to give birth. Mary giving birth is the fulfillment of God sending His Son into the world for His redemptive work in mankind. She wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, a trough, where animals eat.
The word Manger means to eat. This has such spiritual significance because Jesus would be known as the bread of life. Spiritual Sustenance: Jesus presents Himself as the true bread that satisfies spiritual hunger and thirst, offering eternal life, unlike physical bread that perishes.
We might say God’s timing, His place of choosing, and the sending of His Son have set a table for His invitation: “Whosoever will may come.”
“Do not despise small beginnings” means that humble, seemingly insignificant starts are valuable and can grow into great things. A little town, a little couple, and a little baby will begin a journey that will shake the nations of the world. We will see the words of the Innkeeper echo from this little Inn, because there was no room in the Inn.
The question is, will we make room for Him in our hearts? If you have not, I employ you and even beg you to make room for Him in your heart.
Hallelujah!
- He was foretold.stk-2f0d6a4 {background-color:#00000000 !important;}.stk-2f0d6a4:before{background-color:#00000000 !important;}.stk-2f0d6a4 .stk-block-text__text{text-shadow:none !important;font-size:22px !important;color:#0f0e17 !important;}@media screen and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-2f0d6a4 .stk-block-text__text{font-size:22px !important;}}
Now Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register along with Mary, who was betrothed to him, and was pregnant. While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. – Luke 2:4-6 NASB2020
.stk-b0da146 {background-color:#00000000 !important;}.stk-b0da146:before{background-color:#00000000 !important;}.stk-b0da146 .stk-block-text__text{text-shadow:none !important;font-size:22px !important;color:#0f0e17 !important;}@media screen and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-b0da146 .stk-block-text__text{font-size:22px !important;}}But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times. – Micah 5:2
Key aspects of the prophecy:
- Birthplace: Bethlehem Ephrathah (the specific Bethlehem in Judah).
- Figure: A ruler/leader for Israel.
- Origin: “From of old, from ancient times,” signifying divine or eternal origins.
Bethlehem of Judea, a small and seemingly insignificant little city. For in the very beginning, as Paul writes, he humbled himself, left heaven, and became a man. The seed of God planted in a virgin, a miracle of all miracles.
He would be a leader and ruler of Israel whose origin was the ancient of times. This is not an ordinary birth. This child will be known as the son of God.
As Joseph leads Mary on a donkey into the city that in itself is prophetic. Jesus is prophesied to make another entrance in about 31/2 years into Jerusalem, the city of the great King, on a donkey.
.stk-04d1597 {background-color:#00000000 !important;}.stk-04d1597:before{background-color:#00000000 !important;}.stk-04d1597 .stk-block-text__text{text-shadow:none !important;font-size:22px !important;color:#0f0e17 !important;}@media screen and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-04d1597 .stk-block-text__text{font-size:22px !important;}}Rejoice greatly, daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; He is righteous and endowed with salvation, Humble, and mounted on a donkey, Even on a colt, the foal of a donkey. – Zechariah 9:9
So now this changes everything. Nothing will ever be the same. In fact, all things shall become new.
Hallelujah!
- The fullness of time has come!
Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all the people were on their way to register for the census, each to his own city. – Luke 2:1-3 NASB2020
But when the fullness of the time came, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons and daughters. – Galatians 4:4-5 NASB2020
If ever anyone doubted that our God in Heaven is not in control, this fulfillment of the birth of Jesus cannot be denied. God is the God of Heaven and earth and His Word established all things, and all things are done by His Word. All authority serves His Will and purpose.
As in this verse, Caesar Augustus makes a worldwide decree that everyone should be registered in the city of origin and be taxed. Mary, who was pregnant and great with child with Jesus, and her husband Joseph traveled to Bethlehem for a Roman census.
“But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Too little to be among the clans of Judah, From you One will come forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His times of coming forth are from long ago, From the days of eternity.” – Micah 5:2 NASB2020
How certain and exact the Word of God is. The decree from Rome and its ruler has set in motion the setting for the birth of Jesus, the Messiah and King. This evidence alone demands a verdict and a choice.
Just in Luke’s account in these first verses, we clearly see God’s fulfillment and will for the world: Jesus, the only begotten Son of God. Heaven is always preeminent and in control by the Word of God. He speaks and creation and governments and the peoples of the earth all either receive or reject the Will of God. All of Heaven only does what the Will of God is, no shadow of turning. On earth as it is in Heaven.
Now by this decree, fulfillment, the perfect, pre-ordained moment in history, as the prophets foretold.
God will be with us.
Hallelujah and glory to God!
- With Thanksgiving
“That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving And declare all Your wonders.”
Psalm 26:7 NASB2020“They shall also offer sacrifices of thanksgiving, And tell of His works with joyful b
Psalm 107:22 NASB2020“Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving;”
Colossians 4:2 NASB2020My son-in-law, Ben Ward, was teaching at a Sunday morning service recently, and he shared a new meaning of “thankful” from an old usage. It was new for me, and I was so blessed by it and it has become part of my awareness when giving thanks.
It means worthy to be rewarded. That when we thank someone, we are giving them a reward. I thought that was so powerful. And not just good manners, but a spiritual reward.
Middle English thanken, from Old English þancian, þoncian “give thanks; to recompense, to reward,”
As believers, our attitude determines our altitude. The revelation and realization of our approach and entrance into the presence of God is an attitude of gratitude. It is fundamental to our worship and entering into the divine presence.
Whenever we give thanks, the gates of Heaven open up to us. You might say it is the password to the heavenly presence of our God. It is with thanksgiving for all He has done, for every blessing, for our every breath, in everything. When we come before Him, accompanied by the sacrifice of thanksgiving, the gates of heaven are opened. He has done so much for us — we have not deserved nor are worthy of such goodness and favor.
During the Charismatic movement, when I was first being led by the Holy Ghost into His Baptism, those who were filled with Him declared, “Thank You, Jesus!” Outside of prayer, I had never heard Him thanked so exuberantly. The overflow from their spirit was, “Thank You, Jesus.” It was the declaration and proclamation of what He has done for us. A true sacrifice of worship.
It is fundamental in our relationship to Him, it has eternal value, and will never cease. When Jesus fed the five thousand, He took the five loaves and two fish, looked to heaven, and simply gave thanks. The Father received His sacrifice and opened the windows of heaven, multiplying that which was given. He fed all who were there with leftovers, 12 baskets full: take-home boxes for the 12 disciples.
Oh, the power of the attitude of 1 Thessalonians 5:18, which says to “Give thanks in all circumstances,” and Psalm 100:4, which encourages entering God’s gates with thanksgiving. Other verses frequently cited are 1 Chronicles 16:34, which states, “Give thanks to the Lord for He is good,” and Philippians 4:6; advising us to make requests to God with thanksgiving. We are instructed that when we pray, thanksgiving is essential. Giving Him thanks before asking Him for anything else is the right order.
Thanksgiving, the pleasure and joy it brings to our God.
Hallelujah, let us give thanks now and forever, and this day a feast commemorating and celebrating all He has done.
Blessings, KC
- Where is Your Shout?
For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.” -Deuteronomy 20:4
The sound of joyful shouting and salvation is in the tents of the righteous: The right hand of the Lord does valiantly. -Psalm 118:15
Years ago, my daughter Hannah was passing through a dry time while in college. I was ministering to a house group in a town not far from Tuscaloosa. I received a call from her just before the meeting. When I answered the phone, I heard her shouting, “Dad, I got my shout back, I got my shout back, I got my shout back! Dad, shout to the Lord with a voice of triumph!”
The sound of victory coming from her innermost being was full of joy and worthy of the Lord her King.
The Holy Ghost spoke to me: “Where is your shout?”
Just a couple of hours later, she showed up at the meeting and washed my feet and prayed for me to get my shout back. Ever since then, when God answers my prayer or gives victory, I shout. In worship, I shout. When others have victory, I shout.
According to the word of God, shouting and joy are expressions of one another. Joy is not something that can be contained; it is shouted from the housetops.
There is a spiritual battle in the heavenlies for this nation. A battle of principalities in high places. Politics wants to make it about flesh and blood for some personalities. But in the Spirit, it is the unseen war, principalities in High places. What is happening in the Middle East is causing all the nations of the world unrest and chaos.
Keep looking up and continue to shout, “The King Is Coming!!!”
Hallelujah To King Jesus!
-KC
- Freedom
Today we can manifest the goodness of God by releasing those we have caged; setting them FREE in Jesus’ Name. Of course, in doing so we are free and His anointing will also be freed in us. Hallelujah!
The great triumph in which He will lead us will demonstrate His power in us. I submit all mankind was freed from all sin since Adam and the garden, once and for all. 2 Corinthians 2:14 is a verse that describes God leading Christians in a triumphal procession through Christ, who uses them to spread the “fragrance” of His knowledge everywhere. What fragrance our we giving off!
How can we know Him and the fragrance of unforgiveness, the smell of captivity, the devil’s fragrance? Deliver us from the evil in our own hearts, Jesus.
Jesus’ last words were, “Father forgive them,.”
He set the captives free.
-KC
- Remain in Me — it is the first priority!
Here is the breakdown of the uses of “remain” in John 15. In most translations, it is used 7 times, the number of perfection.
• Verse 4: "Remain in me, as I also remain in you." • Verse 4: "No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine." • Verse 4: "Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me." • Verse 5: "If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit." • Verse 6: "If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away." • Verse 7: "If you remain in me and my words remain in you..."In a biblical context, “remain” (Hebrew: sha’ar, Greek: meno) means to continue to stay or abide in a place, a state, a relationship, or a teaching; implying steadfastness, endurance, or perseverance. This truth applies to remaining in God’s presence, abiding in Christ’s teachings, which is His Word. “If you love Me keep My commandments,” and the faithful remnant of people who endure in their faith despite trials.
It is in this remaining, He in us and we in Him, that we can ask anything in His name and it will be done for us. Hallelujah! The Father is glorified; there is no other Way to relate to Him. This is only by the help of the Holy Ghost.
May we remain in Him and He in us in Jesus’ Name and the power of the Holy Ghost.
-KC
- He gives a song in the night
The “song” represents God’s presence, grace, or a divinely inspired message during suffering, enabling believers to transform misery into prayer and confront despair with faith.
“But no one says, ‘Where is God my Maker, Who gives songs in the night,”
Job 35:10 NASB2020“I will remember my song in the night; I will meditate with my heart, And my spirit ponders:”
Psalm 77:6 NASB2020“The Lord will send His goodness in the daytime; And His song will be with me in the night, A prayer to the God of my life.”
Psalm 42:8 NASB2020“You will have songs as in the night when you keep the festival, And gladness of heart as when one marches to the sound of the flute, To go to the mountain of the Lord, to the Rock of Israel.”
Isaiah 30:29 NASB2020“You will have songs as in the night when you keep the festival, And gladness of heart as when one marches to the sound of the flute, To go to the mountain of the Lord, to the Rock of Israel.”
Isaiah 30:29 NASB2020While I was in the hospital for 70 days, the nights were most difficult. Every 2-3 hours, nurses come in and checked my vitals. It wasn’t easy to get rest. Of course, when I have woken up at night, I have taken that opportunity to pray, much like many of you.
One night, the Holy Ghost touched me deep within my spirit; where I have not experienced before. It was so real, I literally felt it. I began to weep and broke forth into song. I began to sing, “He touched me, Oh He touched me and made me whole.” That night, He revealed to me a song in the night.
He continues to do so.
Of course, there is prayer, but whatever song comes forth, it becomes the song I sing in my devotion until I receive a different song. The last two nights it has been, “At the cross at the cross, where I first saw the Light.”
As in the scriptures above, Job and David both experienced it. Job experienced great loss that opened him up to despair and oppression. David was pursued by Saul and was running for his life—oppressed on every side. Constantly calling on the rock of his salvation in song to deliver him from lying lips and a deceitful tongue. The accusations and schemes of the devil accompany him from cave to cave at Adullum.
In 1974, another brother and I rented a car and went up to see this area in Israel. Not conducive for a good night’s sleep. I believe that David sang a song in the night so many times.
At night, the devil takes advantage of the darkness to elevate his voice and sow his lies. Our minds are flooded with them: worry, anxiety, fears, and accusations. I have found that prayer alone does not bring peace.
The next morning, I have to do battle by praising the Lord with thanksgiving.
Since I have been led into this truth, the peace of God rests on me. These songs are brought to my remembrance and lead me to recall what the Lord has done in mine and Betsy’s lives. Many times I remember relationships that I enjoyed and was blessed by. The goodness and mercy of the Lord. His promises and faithfulness flow from deep within. I cannot stop until nothing but Him is there.
Please, I am not boasting of my spirituality. No, God forbid.
When all the cares of the world that Jesus mentioned come to choke and entangle you, they disappear in the light of this wonderful grace. I was very aware of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost and their promise to never leave me nor forsake me. I know I did not receive this revelation by asking. He just touched me.
I pray that during this time of such darkness, that He will give us a song in the night. Ask and ye shall receive. In Jesus’ Precious Name!
-KC
- The Simplicity Which is Christ
The “simplicity which is in Christ,” from 2 Corinthians 11:3, refers to a straightforward and sincere devotion to Christ, free from corruption and deceit. In the verse, the Apostle Paul expresses fear that the Corinthians’ minds would be led astray from this pure focus, just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning.
Paul, in dealing with the confusion of the Corinthian believers, gives us the Holy Ghost as insight into Jesus. He is simple!
The saying “Keep it simple, stupid,” as part of the KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid) principle, is widely attributed to Kelly Johnson, a renowned American aircraft engineer who headed Lockheed’s Skunk Works division during World War II. Johnson used the phrase to emphasize that complex aircraft designs should still be repairable by an average mechanic with basic tools, a principle vital for military aviation.
As Paul notes, deception is the seed of confusion, as Eve was deceived by the Serpent’s cunning, and Adam complicated it with disobedience.
Man’s thoughts are not God’s thoughts, and man’s ways are not God’s ways. “For God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.” The word of God clearly attributes the origin of confusion to the adversary, Satan, who is described as a deceiver and a liar.
Simply:
…and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. – Matthew 28:20 NIV
- Undivided loyalty: The Greek word for “simplicity” (ἁπλότης, haplotēs) suggests a singleness of mind and exclusiveness, meaning Christ is the sole focus of a believer’s faith. Paul uses a marriage metaphor, casting himself as the one who has betrothed the church as a pure virgin to Christ, their single husband.
- Uncomplicated Gospel: The simplicity of Christ also refers to the essential message of the Gospel itself, which stands in contrast to complex religious rituals and intellectual pride. This simple truth is that Christ died for our sins and rose again, making salvation available through faith alone.
- Childlike trust: The concept emphasizes a childlike trust and reliance on God, rejecting the corrupting influences of human wisdom, worldly traditions, and deceptive false teachings. False teachers preyed on the Corinthians by adding extra requirements to salvation, which Paul saw as complicating a pure and simple faith.
- Pure and genuine motive: Simplicity is the opposite of duplicity or hidden motives. It calls for sincerity of heart in all things, free from hypocrisy. This genuine devotion to Christ is expressed through daily obedience and a rejection of worldly distractions.
In the Old Testament, the (KISS) could also symbolize worship and adoration, such as in the Song of Solomon, where the bride expresses her desire for her beloved to kiss her. The act of “kissing” the Son is a gesture of reverence and peaceful submission, symbolizing a shift from rebellion against God’s appointed King to accepting His sovereign rule.
Simplicity is the way, the truth and the life.
Help me Holy Ghost to stay in close kissing range to my beloved, keeping Him in beautiful simplicity.
Hallelujah!
-KC
- Prayer: our conversations with God
Specific Examples of Speaking to God:
- Adoration: Praising and acknowledging God’s attributes.
- Confession: Acknowledging and repenting of sins.
- Thanksgiving: Expressing gratitude for blessings.
- Supplication: Asking for needs and desires.
- Journaling: Writing down thoughts and prayers, which can help with focus and clarity.
- Meditation: Reflecting on God’s word and presence.
- Speaking God’s Word: Speaking out scripture or promises from the Bible into situations.
Most of our prayers are with our understanding. But when we pray in tongues, the Holy Ghost helps us to pray. This is why so many resist the Baptism in the Holy Ghost, with evidence of speaking in tongues. They were all filled with Him on the Day of Pentecost, the Day of Promise. Jesus told them to wait until they were endued with power.
And suddenly a noise like a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And tongues that looked like fire appeared to them, distributing themselves, and a tongue rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with different tongues, as the Spirit was giving them the ability to speak out. -Acts 2:2-4 NASB2020
This was not some cerebral or man’s thoughts. A mighty wind and a noise, a violent rushing wind filled the room and filled everyone within it. The evidence of their filling was that each one received their tongue of fire.
James writes that the tongue is the real issue: “the tongue is a fire.” It either brings glory to God or promotes unrighteousness in the world.
This is so evident in the promise of the Holy Ghost! He lit their tongues, each one of them with fire from the altar of heaven. Just as in Isaiah, lips were touched by a coal from heaven’s altar.
So, “I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also; I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.” It is worth noting that he exhorts us to pray in the Spirit first. He helps us pray! Receive ye the Holy Ghost, TODAY!
-KC
- Because You Ask Not
When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. – James 4:3 NIV
The phrase “you have not because you ask not” is from James 4:3, a verse in the Bible. It emphasizes that one of the reasons people don’t receive what they desire is that they don’t ask for it through prayer. The verse also notes that even when people do ask, they may not receive if their motives are impure or selfish.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
- The core message: The verse highlights the importance of prayer and suggests that a lack of prayer is a barrier to receiving blessings.
- The context: James is addressing a community struggling with conflict, jealousy, and unfulfilled desires. He points out that their struggles stem from their own desires and actions, including a failure to ask God for help.
- Motives matter: The verse also warns that even when people do pray, their requests may not be granted if they are motivated by selfish desires, such as lust or a desire to spend blessings on personal gratification.
- Seeking God’s will: Several Christian resources suggest that this verse encourages believers to seek God’s will in their prayers and align their requests with His purposes.
- God’s sovereignty: It’s also important to acknowledge that even with pure motives, God may not always grant requests as we expect, as He has His own timing and plans. However, the verse still encourages us to ask, trusting that He hears us and will work for our good.
- Jesus said,ask and it shall be given, seek and ye shall find, knock and the door will be open. So much more to prayer, our conversation with our Lord and His will for us. Pray without ceasing. Hallelujah!
-KC
- Kings, Queens, and Priests
We are blessed to offer this post from our brother Bruce Wagner. Be encouraged!
In Scripture, the terms kings, queens, and priests are used both literally (referring to rulers and spiritual leaders in history) and prophetically (referring to the redeemed people of God in their future roles).
⸻
📖 Biblical Roles
👑 Kings & Queens
• Earthly Role:
• Kings and queens rule over nations, enforce justice, lead armies, and govern people (e.g., David, Solomon, Esther as queen).
• They hold political and judicial authority.
• Spiritual/Prophetic Role:
• Believers are called to reign with Christ in His Kingdom:
• “You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth.” (Revelation 5:10)
• Jesus is called the King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16), implying believers will share in His rule as co-heirs (Romans 8:17).⸻
🙏 Priests
• Old Testament Role:
• Priests mediated between God and the people—offering sacrifices, teaching the Law, and interceding (Leviticus 9; Numbers 6:22-27).
• They served as the bridge for worship and atonement.
• New Covenant Role:
• Through Christ, all believers become a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9).
• As priests, Christians:
• Offer spiritual sacrifices (Romans 12:1; Hebrews 13:15)
• Intercede for others in prayer (1 Timothy 2:1)
• Declare the gospel (2 Corinthians 5:18-20)⸻
🔑 Combined Role – Kings & Priests
• Revelation 1:6 and 5:10 declare that Christ “has made us kings and priests to our God.”
• This means believers will:
• Rule (exercise authority in God’s Kingdom under Christ)
• Serve (minister to God and others in worship and intercession) - Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord
If our nation is going to be great again, it must return to its foundations and to the confession, “ONE NATION UNDER GOD.” May our eyes see the coming of the glory of the Lord! Please listen and read the lyrics. His truth is marching on; the battle is the Lord’s!
Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord:
He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored;
He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword:
His truth is marching on.
Chorus:
Glory, glory, hallelujah!
Glory, glory, hallelujah!
Glory, glory, hallelujah!
His truth is marching on.
I have seen Him in the watch-fires of a hundred circling camps,
They have builded Him an altar in the evening dews and damps;
I can read His righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps:
His day is marching on.
Chorus
I have read a fiery gospel writ in burnished rows of steel:
“As ye deal with my contemners, so with you my grace shall deal;
Let the Hero, born of woman, crush the serpent with his heel,
Since God is marching on.”
Chorus
He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat;
He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment-seat:
Oh, be swift, my soul, to answer Him! be jubilant, my feet!
Our God is marching on.
Chorus
In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea,
With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me:
As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free,
While God is marching on.
Chorus
He is coming like the glory of the morning on the wave,
He is Wisdom to the mighty, He is Succour to the brave,
So the world shall be His footstool, and the soul of Time His slave,
Our God is marching on. - Lebanon Student Testimony
We wanted to share this moving testimony from an 8th-grade student that Ziad Kazan from TMM is teaching in Lebanon. He wrote about salvation and the power of the Lord! (A local school invited Ziad to teach a Bible class. This was sent to him via email)
Hello Mr Ziad,
i hope ur doing well and that god is pouring his grace and peace over u and ur family i’ve been praying and thinking a lot lately especially after our lessons and i wanted to write u something from deep inside my heart it’s about salvation and how ur class helped me understand it in a way that changed me forever;
salvation is everything without it we are nothing we were born with original sin and separated from god but god is so merciful so full of love that he couldn’t leave us like that he sent his only begotten son Jesus to save us to suffer and die on the holy cross for our sins to rise again on the third day and open the gates of heaven for us that’s not just a story it’s the most real truth and the most beautiful gift we could ever receive
we didn’t deserve it but he gave it anyway out of pure love and mercy not because we were good but because he is good we are saved by grace a gift that we could never earn on our own it’s only through god’s mercy through Jesus christ that we have the hope of eternal life
but salvation doesn’t end with baptism it’s a journey we have to live every day saying yes to god every morning picking up our cross like Jesus said and following him no matter how hard it gets that’s why we need the sacraments they are our lifeline they give us strength and grace to keep going
in confession we receive God’s forgiveness like the prodigal son being welcomed back with love no matter how many times we fall and in the eucharist we receive the real body and blood of jesus it’s not just a symbol it’s him it’s heaven touching earth and when i receive it i feel like i’m being held by god himself.
salvation is not just about going to church or saying prayers it’s about living in god’s presence all the time being pure of heart forgiving others staying away from sin loving god above all things and always remembering that heaven is our true home
Mr Ziad i just want to tell u thank u with all my heart ur class helped me fall more in love with god u didn’t just teach Bible u showed us how to live it we’re still young and god has a purpose for each of us i really feel like God used u to talk to me and wake me up spiritually i’ll never forget that
thank u for planting the seed of God’s truth in my heart please pray for me that i keep growing in faith and stay close to Jesus forever
god bless u always and may he reward u in heaven for every soul u helped lead to him
with prayers and love,
- Fatherhood, a welcoming spirit
Matthew 9
The biblical Greek word for “welcome” is most often translated as δεχομαι (dechomai), which means “to receive,” “to accept,” or “to welcome”. It can also be translated as “to receive favorably,” “give ear to,” “embrace,” or “approve”. Another relevant word is aspazomai (ἀσπάζομαι), which can mean “to greet,” “bid welcome,” or “receive joyfully”. Additionally, proslambano (προσλαμβάνω) can be used to mean “to welcome” or “to take in addition”.
In Scripture, it is also used to describe Jesus taking a child into his arms, an embrace, or the act of listening carefully to what someone is saying.
“Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” -Matthew 18:4-5 NIV
On this Father’s Day, these words of Jesus have touched my heart. We know that mothers are nurturing and caring, but our perception of fathers in our nation is lacking in so many ways.
The word “welcome” leaped off the page, and Jesus says not to welcome or receive a child is not to receive me.
Our nation has become one of the most unwelcome places for a child. Over 60 million babies aborted, families divided by divorce, fathers abandoning their children, child pornography, physical abuse, sexual abuse, and child sex trafficking. We see everyday children’s lives cut short in drive-by shootings. Not to mention the godless indoctrination of Woke.
Here, Jesus speaks concerning children’s value and how they should feel in our lives—WELCOMED! Jesus told His disciples that He came to show us the Father. The welcome mat of the Godhead, lead by the Father, is: whosoever will may come, freely come.
Jesus also says with great promise, “He that cometh to me I will in no way cast out.”
I believe we have missed this truth concerning children and how the kingdom of God is increased. Suffer the little children to come unto Me. You are Welcome, welcome, welcome!
This morning, as a father, is the spirit of welcoming seen in me? There is so much truth here, such as the Father waiting for the prodigal to return. The Father waits on us, ready to welcome His children no matter what condition they find themselves in.
My prayer this morning is that the children of our nation will be welcomed by their fathers, accepted and valued once again. Men of this nation, fathers, repent. That once again the welcome mat of the kingdom will be rolled out and, receiving these little ones in His name, we will welcome Him. Jesus.
-KC
- I Will Sing Unto The Lord!
This morning’s song is a wonderful victory song of Moses. I am so blessed that the Holy Ghost awakens me with song. So many choruses, hymns, and spiritual songs mark our journey along our path. David says several times in Psalms, “I will sing to the Lord.” One verse says it clearly,
Psalms 104:33 – I will sing unto the LORD as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.
Song should be a daily part of our relationship with the Lord. He does not say listen to a song, but sing to the Lord as long as you live or hath breath. I believe when David said He encouraged himself, he did it with song.
This morning I sang this chorus, rejoicing in the wonderful victory and victories we have in Jesus. The devil hates us, as believers, reminding him of Jesus’s victory over Him. He has no authority, power, or place in our lives, He has been defeated. We know this according to the word of God,
Thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere. -2 Corinthians 2:14
For me, do I smell of His victory in my life? This aroma accompanies us as believers everywhere. It is the fragrance that removes the stench and stink of the world and the devil. The aroma of the victory of Jesus is VICTORY!
Recently, the Triple Crown Horse racing finished. It is interesting the victory circle celebration drapes, blankets, and flowers over the horse while the Jockey remains mounted. Kentucky Derby red rose, Preakness Stakes black-eyed susan, and Belmont Stakes white carnation. I am sure the aroma and fragrance fills the air for all those celebrating.
The Song of Moses is one great and glorious victory song. I Will Sing Unto the Lord, as David exhorts us to do so.
Hallelujah to our VICTORIOUS KING!!!
-KC
- Home!
I am celebrating with joy being home for a week now. His strength continues to work in me—He is our joy. My celebratory anthem with and in the Holy Ghost is a declaration I have sung since I was seven: Victory in Jesus.
Hallelujah, He has won the victory!!!
Sing it out today, declare His victory over death, hell, and the grave, and Satan and his kingdom of darkness!
-KC
- Courageous
Celebrating our courageous fallen heroes who have laid down their lives for freedom and liberty.
The Captain of the hosts commanded Joshua to be of good courage. The best way for us as citizens is to demonstrate in our daily lives our own good courage.
Jesus said fear not and be of good courage.
Honoring courage and our fallen who showed us the way.
Be thou courageous says the Lord.
Hallelujahs!!!!
-KC
- He Leadeth Me
Today, could people say of you and me, “They are followers of Jesus.”? Yes, believers, but carried out in following Jesus?
When my mother was being promoted to heaven, she would sing and confess, “He leadeth me.” Over and over, “He Leadeth Me.”
These last 8 weeks, I know that I know, “He Leadeth Me,” and I have been following Jesus, by the power of the Holy Ghost.
When we follow we cannot take any credit or glory in what is done in us and for Him. So He is glorified; all glory is His.
As I come through this leading, there is no doubt that without the Holy Ghost’s power, strength, and help to follow Him all would have been loss.
Thank you Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. To You be all honor and glory forever and ever. After all, it says that Jesus is the Way—we must follow Jesus!
-KC