God's Gift of Truth!

The Truth of God’s redemptive grace is exercised in the gift and sacrifice of His Son Jesus, our Messiah. Why would God make such a sympathetic offering? The answer lies in the text of John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.” All that desire the Truth will navigate toward the Light of God, make the necessary adjustments in the strength of Jesus Christ and walk in His Truth.

We are born into this life carrying this enormous burden called “sin.” The entire human race was plunged into a state of sin due to the disobedience of our mother and father, Adam and Eve. They fell for the Serpent’s temptation and ate of the forbidden fruit. God placed a curse upon the earth because of their disobedience. Genesis 3:14, “And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: 15And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. 16Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. 17And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; 18Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; 19In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.”

God has included all under sin that He might offer a remedy. Galatians 3:22, “But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe...26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 29And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.” (to be continued)

Jesus Christ Is Our Only Hope!

Job 14:7, “For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease. 8 Though the root thereof wax old in the earth, and the stock thereof die in the ground; 9 Yet through the scent of water it will bud, and bring forth boughs like a plant.”

Evil and sin come upon us as a mighty hurricane, moving slowly and methodically destroying everything in it's path. Destruction howls like the wind, undermining the very foundation of all that we admire and trust. Evil lurches out at the family devouring the cohesiveness of love, trust and communication creating walls of isolation, unbelief and contempt. Thereby neutralizing the principles upon which our very existence is founded. Evil strikes at the heart of the governing bodies of our societies. Beginning in our educational systems and infecting every level of governance reaching to the seat of our national and international government.

Apparently, leadership has forgotten that the education of our children will invariably affect our nation and ultimately the world. What we teach in our homes, churches, schools and universities will create the mindset for the succeeding generations. The guiding principles of our forefathers are strategic and indispensable elements to the continued survival of this nation as we have known it. The ideals of love of God and country have sustained us in all conflict through out our history. If we allow the name of God to be maligned and degraded, we are setting the example for the next generation. If we allow the principles of personal freedom and liberty that this nation was founded upon to be diluted and discarded, we will pay the price in defeat and ruin. A people that rejects God will be given over to their own devises and suffer the consequences. The structure of the family has disintegrated because we have not followed God. The health of our churches is diminished and some have expired because we have not followed God. Every institution, every governing body at every level has depreciated in value and relevance because we have not followed God.

Is that what we want as a nation? Do we want to be abandoned by our Creator and go it all alone? I think not. So then, what are we to do? Moral fortitude and intellectual rhetoric can not address the plague of sin that has consumed mankind. The problems of our civilization, the issues we face require supernatural intervention. The answers cannot be legislated, addressed by executive order or by a ruling by the highest court in the land. None of these actions can put us back on course as the human race. The basic problem of our world is a spiritual one. Yes, there is Hope. That Hope is in the Lord Jesus Christ! Let the Church call unto Him as never before. Our future depends on it!

The Peace of Jerusalem! by Myra Boozer 12/24/16

Today as I went to my desk to pull a notebook to write my Christmas Menu down on...I found this written on the first page...Psalm 122:6, “Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee...” Added to that was this... Praying for the Peace of Jerusalem is really praying for Shalom or praying for the Messiah to come to earth. I knew I was to let this settle into my heart so I gave some time to it...I looked up the Psalm and read the chapter...vs 7 says, "Peace be within thy walls and prosperity within thy palaces...” That is where true biblical peace is found...within.

The word Shalom also stood out to me. It is a Hebrew word and means much more that just Peace. Bill and I have often discussed the scripture "Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem" and felt that it could have a double meaning. "Peace" as not only a lack of war but also for the Prince of Peace to come. For sometime we have felt in our hearts that when we pray for the peace of Jerusalem we are really praying for Jesus to come and set up His kingdom.

"Today many are praying for the peace of Jerusalem due to the rising threat from Israel's enemies. However, this exhortation to pray is not so Israel can live without conflict. It is so that Jerusalem can fulfill its destiny as set by the only One who can bring complete RESTORATION to the city...It almost sounds like we are praying for the return of Israel's Messiah, the Prince of Peace, to establish His throne in Jerusalem...There are many other examples worthy of study regarding shalom. Peace is so much more than the world's one-sided definition. We must find our understanding of it through the Bible from the God of Israel. We will need it in the days ahead.” Doug Hersey

The Day Truth Came to Live Among Us! Part 2

During the celebration of this Christmas Season and the beginning of the New Year, I continue to ask myself this question, What is the answer? What is the answer to the atrocious, appalling, frightful, horrific conditions around the world? We have never lived in a time equal to the suffering, discord and mayhem we are seeing today. The whole of mankind has failed in his effort to govern and provide for the basic needs of humanity. What is the answer?

The Angels announced the answer over 2000 yrs. ago in a field just outside a little town in Judea called Bethlehem. Luke 2:6, “And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

Although the answer was given, He was rejected much like He is being rejected in our world. Many are in celebration of a holiday but they are not celebrating the gift of the holiday which is Jesus, the Messiah, our Savior. In the world's wholesale rejection of God's solution to our problem, the whole of humanity has plunged into a deep, impenetrable darkness from which only the Light of Lights can deliver us. John 1:9, “That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.”

The Day Truth Came to Live Among Us!

Do You Hear What I Hear?

Said the little lamb to the shepherd boy.

Do you hear what I hear,

ringing through the sky, shepherd boy,

Do you hear what I hear,

a song, a song, high above the trees,

With a voice as big as the sea,

With a voice as big as the sea.

And so goes the lyrics of a classic version of a favorite Christmas carol. The inspired thought is that all creation herald the birth of God's greatest gift to mankind. The little lamb in the stable depicts the lowly birth of the King. The glorious news would not be concealed in the humble stable but has become a universal message of hope. The Good News, first proclaimed by the glorious host of heaven, embraced by the common shepherd in the field and spread abroad by them as they went, has become the message to all people. A song trumpeted “high above the trees” resounding to the throne of heaven, “with a voice as big as the sea.” The song goes forth with such a thunderous roar, “with a voice as big as the sea,” that all other songs cease to exist for His voice condemns them to silence.

This is the message of Christmas! The message has echoed across history for over 2000 years. The message of celebration for the gift of God's only begotten Son given for the salvation of man. We have been given an enormous, undeserved gift. Let us not spurn the grace of God by rejecting His mercy. That is the song that the angels sang “the day that Truth came to live among us.”

May your Christmas be filled with reverent awe and hear His “voice as big as the sea!”

Follow The Revelation In Faith! Part 2

Jer. 29:10, “For thus saith the LORD, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place. 11For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. 12Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. 13And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. 14And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the LORD; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.”

God's promise to Israel was “restoration.” After all they were to suffer because of disobedience, He promised to bring them back to their land with a renewed relationship with Him. God will fulfill His purpose in this world and in this age. Restoration has already begun and those people who will put their faith in Christ have an appointed end.

We can embrace our determined end because of the eternal nature of God's promises. His covenant is forever settled in heaven. What He has spoken will never change. We can put our faith in every word! 2 Cor. 1:20, “For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. 21Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; 22Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.” As we walk in the Holy Spirit, we can discern the events of our time as pieces of a much larger picture of God's eternal plan. Faith rises up in us. Faith compels and propels us forward into a future we don't completely understand. But because of our faith in the infallibility of God's Promise, we move with purpose, assurance and confidence.

Faith places each person in charge of his own destiny. Our future is determined by our faith in God or lack thereof. Our faith in God will determine our obedience to Him and His plan for our lives. Subsequently, we determine our destiny by our submissiveness to His leading.

A ship adrift in calm seas is helpless. A ship adrift in stormy seas is catastrophic. We are facing the most tumultuous times of this age. We cannot risk our engines being dead in the water. Our survival is dependent upon the power of the Holy Spirit to help us navigate the raging seas just ahead. My cry is, “God fill us again and again with the power of the Holy Ghost.”

Holy Father! Cover Me! by Myra Boozer

There is a covering sent down from the Father Above. It is the Presence of the Holy Spirit. It will hover over the Righteous and fill every void. It will filter out the world and the stench of sin and corruption. It will dispense the "sweet smell" of Holiness upon the people of God bringing love, joy and peace upon the Believer. It cannot be bought or purchased in any store. Nor can it be wrapped and put under your tree. It comes from the Father, the one who sets people free, free from sin and condemnation. It is the all powerful work of God that He promised to those who seek NOT for the" Things" of this world but seek for the HEART of God and all that He has for us. His presence is priceless, far above rubies or treasures of this world, far above pleasures or longings of the flesh. It is not only a covering but and infilling of God's presence that will captivate you and your desires. All we need for Christmas is to be covered or wrapped in His Presence, the Best Gift we could ever receive.

Follow the Revelation in Faith!

The wise men of Matthew 2 followed the star by faith to find the Savior. Their understanding of scriptures and desire to experience the promise compelled them to seek out the truth of the prophecy. Matt. 2:10, “When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. 11And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.”

The shepherds of Luke 2 were so driven by their experience of the revelation that they were compelled by their faith to seek out the truth of the angels proclamation. Luke 2:15, “And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.”

Faith is essential to our discovery of the promised Messiah! The fact of our need and desire for faith was impressed upon me recently while listening to traditional Christmas music. One phrase really stood out to me and it is for that reason that I want to share my thoughts. The song was “Have yourself a merry little Christmas” and I have included it here.

“Through the years we all will be together and

If the fates allow, oh yeah
But 'til then we'll have to muddle through somehow,
And have yourself a merry little Christmas now.”

The line that really impressed me was, “if the fates allow,” with particular emphasis on the word “fate.” The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines “fate” as a state or end that seemingly has been decided before hand. Synonyms include circumstance, destiny, doom, fortune, kismet, lot, portion.

What is the difference in our lives being directed by fate or faith? People who allow fate to be their compass in life will go with the flow. Their lives are driven by the events that surround them much like rivers and streams rise and fall with the ebb and flow of the seasons. In the summer months, when there is less rainfall, these bodies of water remain restricted within their banks and appear to move effortlessly because water will choose the path of least resistance. In the winter and spring when there is typically more rainfall, the rivers and streams can escape their banks but still seek the path of least resistance. They escape their banks because of the sheer volume of water. The ebb and flow of the rivers and streams is determined by the events in weather and will respond accordingly always moving down stream with gravity.

Followers of fate live a reactionary life, simply responding to the events and conditions in their lives as they occur. We all react to the circumstances around us but circumstances cannot be our compass in life. As followers of Jesus Christ, faith is the driving force in our lives. We cannot seek the path of least resistance and most of the time we are called upon to move against the current. God's Word requires that we fight against the onslaught of public opinion and stand for Truth. As Believer's in Jesus Christ, we must call attention to the moral depravity that is running rampant in this world. With faith as our compass we can move ahead with purpose, God's purpose. We will not be deterred by the negative events and conditions around us. Because our faith is in the finished work of Jesus Christ, we can see beyond our immediate future to our promised end.

Behold The Lamb Of God Who Takes Away The Sin Of The World!

Christmas is such a wonderful time of the year as we celebrate the unspeakable gift of God in His only begotten Son, Jesus. 2 Cor. 9:15, “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” (NIV) It is truly indescribable how our creator could love such a careless and wicked world. We take comfort in the Word in that while we were sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” We recognize that promise and celebrate it's beginning in the birth of, “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” John 1:19. Our salvation took on earthly form just over 2000 years ago in a little town in Judea called Bethlehem.

Everything of this season should point us toward Bethlehem and the birth of Jesus, the Christ. Our traditions should revolve around that theme and when it is over we should have been touched by the presence of God. Moved by the manifestation of His Deity in the same way that the shepherds, the wise men and all that witnessed the fulfillment of His revelation.

The Reason for our celebration is the gift that God has given to humanity. We have not earned this gift. It is a blessing handed to us despite our unworthiness. And because of God's grace and mercy, we can come before Him repenting, believing and receiving forgiveness by faith. It is that faith that saves us and that faith which will deliver us in this present hour. Faith is an indispensable element in our journey here. Heb. 11:6, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

Be Ye Holy, For I Am Holy!

A revelation of Jesus Christ will compel the true believer to desire and seek after a life of holiness. Do not live according to the custom or pattern of this current age. We cannot follow the example of the world community and expect to draw near to God. The customs and behavior of our world system are repulsive to God. His command is, “Be ye holy; for I am holy,” 1 Peter 1:16. And again in 2 Cor. 2:16, “And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,..”

Our standard should be modeled after the life and teaching of Jesus Christ. Jesus became the new template, the new and better way and He delivered the plan in person. He became the living example through which those desiring God are transformed and enter into a living personal relationship with Him.

This transformation is initiated by the renewing of the mind. The Word states, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:” Phil. 2:5. Have the mind of Christ rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation and continuing instant in prayer. Walk in this life in Divine communion with the Father having continued access to His strength, power, wisdom, and deliverance. We cannot think like the world thinks and walk like the world walks and expect to be a citizen of the Kingdom of God and as such walk in unrestricted communion with Him. That is why we must experience a change in our temporal mindset, a spiritual transformation brought about by the Holy Ghost in response to our obedience and submission to Him. Thereby, we are restored to a level of communion that man experienced in the garden before his sin. We are regenerated by the Holy Spirit to walk in intimate, holy and unrestrained relationship with God.

The result of our intimate union with God is to know His perfect will for our life. God has a good, acceptable and perfect will for each life He has created. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” Jer. 29:11. The reason many people never fully understand and experience God's plan for them is they lack that intimacy with God. Because of the mercy and grace of the cross, God will meet us where we are. The redemptive power of Jesus' blood will reach into the deepest darkness to rescue anyone, anywhere. But, we must be willing by the strength of the Holy Spirit to leave the darkness and step fully into the illuminating power of His Word. By embracing His Truth and walking in obedience the door is thrown fully open for intimate communion and revelation to “prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” The holiness of God will cause the believer to desire and seek after Christ's holiness revealed in the individual’s life. Thank you Jesus!!! The Message, p.28-30. New Holiday pricing at Amazon.com.

The Revelation Of Jesus Christ In The Body!

If we are to share in the revelation of Jesus Christ through the Body of Christ, we will require the assistance of the Holy Spirit. What God has purposed will require the power of the Holy Spirit to totally change or transform this fleshly tabernacle into a spiritual habitation for Himself. “Transformation is a complete or major change in someone's or something's appearance, form, etc.”¹¹ This process begins for us with the first step to salvation which is repentance. Acts 3:19, “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;” This is only the beginning of our new life in Him and there are still yet times of refreshing coming in the Body as Jesus reveals His purpose in us.

Peter was addressing the Jewish unbelievers regarding their rejection and crucifixion of Jesus, their Messiah. This comes after the healing of the lame man at the gate of the temple. The people marveled at this act. However, Peter said, you did what you did through ignorance but God revealed His coming through the mouth of the prophets and that Christ should suffer and die. Therefore repent of your ignorance and sinful disobedience and be restored. Through this message, God was giving them another chance for redemption. Repentance is not only a change of mind but a change of heart, a total transformation of the spirit-man. Then and only then will Jesus Christ be manifest in us.

Romans 12:1, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” May the transforming power of the Holy Spirit reveal the Lord Jesus Christ in us!

11 Transformation. 2016. In Merriam-Webster.com

Retrieved from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transformation

Jesus Is Our Refuge! by Myra Boozer

You can't travel very far on any given Street or road without seeing a Church Steeple and sometimes they are side by side. When we lived in Valley Head, a tiny little town at the foot of Lookout Mountain near Fort Payne. I could look out my kitchen window and see three Churches. But we Pastored a Church on top of the Mountain at Mentone with surrounding Churches. There are church buildings everywhere. We are living in the middle of the Bible Belt but many people are confused, troubled and not connected to any Church.... Why? This troubles me greatly... an abundance of Churches (places of refuge) but are they giving fresh bread (Jesus is the bread of Life) to the hungry souls?... Are they keeping the Spiritual Fires burning to warm the cold and the lost?.... Are they teaching Truth?.... or just some ideas that make people comfortable in their situation? Do they offer freedom from the chains that bind people? Do they have the Key to help the enslaved to be set free from sin? Are they the Lighthouse to the weary traveler? What is going on in these beautiful buildings that have the lights on several nights a week?... Is there revival, renewal, regeneration and restoration happening?.... What is happening in all these places?.... Many Church buildings will be beautiful this season, with the Story of Jesus’ Birth being told. But will they lead the lost to that baby ( The Savior of the World). Will they leave rejoicing because of the new born King?... Will they find Hope and receive Life and direction for the days we have left?.... Will they desire to leave their shackles and receive the new life of freedom from sin and walk in union with Christ? People need answers, they need love, they need JESUS...

God Is Speaking In The Body Of Christ!

It is expedient that believers hear and respond affirmatively to the voice of God. Jesus declared in John 10:27, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:” God has not concluded the revelation of His TRUTH. He is still speaking to submissive hearts and open minds. There is much that He desires to reveal to the Body of Christ, the Church of Christ. We need desperately to experience His revelation in us and through us. How does He want to implement His will in the Body and through the individual members? His plan in us will always have the greater good of the Body in focus. When we, the Body, actively seek and follow His directions, Christ is exalted, His work in the Body is confirmed and members in the Body are vindicated. May God empower us to be actively engaged in His plan and purpose, NOW, TODAY and EVERYDAY till we see His glorious return.

Jesus promised in John 10:28, “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. 30 I and my Father are one.” Let us purpose here and now to submit ourselves new and afresh to God's master plan. Not only for our own salvation and victory but also for the divine will and purpose of God in the earth. May we determine to allow Him to place us in the body where it pleases Him and fits His purpose.

In the Revelation of Jesus Christ which God gave to John, He concluded His exhortation to the churches with these sobering commands, Rev. 3:19, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. 20Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 21To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. 22He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” The promise is to those that will hear what the Spirit is saying to the Body of Christ! The Message, p.27, available at Amazon.com. Check out Holiday pricing.