Will You Be An Overcomer? by Myra Boozer

Revelation 12:10, “And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. 11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”

Will you be in that number? The number of Believers...the number of those who will overcome? Will you allow God to break everything unlike Him off your life? Will you allow every stronghold to crumble and fall at His feet? Will you surrender to His Voice as He calls for you to daily take up His cross?

Will you be in that number? The number of Believers...the number of those who will overcome? Will you listen to His Direction? Will you follow as He Commands? Will you wash your robes in righteousness and be ready for His Coming? His Coming is at hand! Will you be used in His perfect plan and Reign with Him in His Kingdom?

Then you must break loose from all the chains that bind you. You must seek a Power greater than yourself to deliver you from all the chains of addiction and distraction...to be set free for the awesome task of being the extension of His Arm of strength and deliverance. Be the extension of His loving heart...His kind and gentle spirit...His meek and lowly ways...His patience, slow to anger...His forgiving and accepting ways for those who ask forgiveness and even those who don't. Be the extension of His Righteous Judgment to bring counsel to those who have questions...

Can you be of good Courage even in your Garden of Gethsemane? Be strong in this Day of Adversity...be not puffed up with pride and conceit when His Blessings come down like rain. Love your enemies when they say all manner of evil against you. Know you are of the Royal Family, yet love and help those who are living in the gutters of despair.

Lord, we are ever pressing to be like you. We seek to have a broken and contrite heart, allowing you to count us worthy and add us to that number. The number of Believers, the number of those who will overcome, the number who will be like YOU! 

Jude 1:20, “But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, 21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. 22 And of some have compassion, making a difference: 23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. 24Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, 25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.”

Where Do We Go From Here?

As I observe the current conditions in our world, I am stirred in my spirit with a renewed desire to sound the alarm and call all men to be accountable before God. Many are living their lives today as if they are not accountable to anyone. However, the Bible tells us that the deeds of this life will follow us into eternity. Ecclesiastes 12:14, “For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.”

How does this declaration of Judgment fall upon us in this late hour? It all depends on our response to the call of Christ. Where do we stand in obedience to the commission of the Lord Jesus Christ? Are we submerged in a religious system or, are we concerned about having a real and intimate relationship with our living, loving Savior? Our future is determined by our response!

Jeremiah lamented the future state of Judah in Jeremiah 8:20, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.” He saw through the prophetic that they would languish in sorrow as a people who had failed to reap the spring or summer harvest. God had presented them with the opportunity to repent and return to His provision but they insisted upon holding to their false gods. They had to make a decision and that decision would determine their future.

Much in the same way, I lament the future state our nation and our world seeing that mankind as a whole has refused the gift of grace in Jesus Christ. What does the immediate future hold for the world, this nation, the Church and each individual? God alone knows what is ahead and only He can position us where we really need to be. However, we must come to Him now in repentance and submit our will to His. 

Where Do We Go From Here? The choices and decisions we make now will determine where we go in the coming days and the impact we will have on the world around us. “Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.” John 4:35

Come Drink Living Water! by Myra Boozer

Lord, I sense your Life-Giving Water is flowing so freely for all today...I see it sparkling in your light with beauty as it flows from your Throne...I can hear the sounds of freedom splash against the banks...It is calling one and all to come and drink and be filled with this rich and powerful Life-Giving Source.

The call is going out to the stranger who has never seen or tasted of your True and Living Waters...Those whose god is Religion not Salvation thru the Grace of Jesus Christ...Those who wander thru this life and exist on mere fables and theories.

The call is to the prodigal who once tasted and thrived but then decided his own path...Who has forfeited the treasures of joy and peace that only your waters can bring because of a seemingly better way.

The call is to the stubborn who think they have no need of you...Those who think you don't exist and insist on denying you...They accept the counterfeit water offered by a worldly system.

The call is to the churchgoer who stands in the congregation weekly, offering up praise from a heart that doesn't know you personally...

The call is to the man or woman who stands behind the pulpit who has no real connection to Your Holy Spirit...Who just reads the words from their notes and tries to make it pertinent to those who are dying from rhetoric.

The call is to the husband or wife who has lost their love for their family because of lust and desire to be with someone that belongs to another...

The call is to the youth today, those who are searching for love and acceptance...Those who are desiring a family and a home where love and Truth prevail.

The call is to the addicted, those who have sold their very soul to this trap and they can't get out...Freedom is available thru the precious blood of Jesus...

This call is to the congregation of people who attend services of programs and rituals that have replaced the Word of God being preached in the Spirit of Truth and Power of Your Resurrection.

This call is to those who have lost their passion for you Lord...Those who no longer desire to be in Your Presence and feast at your table...

This call is to the deceiver and the one who is striving so hard to convince someone else that Good is Evil and Evil is Good... 

Lord, I pray that those who have ears to hear will hear and not only hear the call but heed the call. Many souls are thirsty in a dry, desert land...But there is a River that flows from your Throne to fill all who will come and drink of Your Water...Only Jesus can give this gift that every soul desires...Come Drink Living Water!

God Knows The Way I Should Take!

Job 23:10, “But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. 11 My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined. 12 Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.”

As I observe the behavior of the world around me, I must conclude there seems to be a mad dash of lost humanity into their eternal destiny without regard for the preservation of their eternal souls. Life is precious and a gift from God and no one has the right to take away that gift. We are living in an era when a majority of people support the killing of innocent children in the womb and then are horrified when someone takes a gun to school and massacres those innocent lives. Our world has created an atmosphere in which the reverence for life has been greatly diminished for some and for others it is destroyed altogether. The weight is heavy upon us to sound the alarm and awaken lost humanity to the consequences of our apathy in this arena of life. We cannot attach value to life in one instance while devaluing life in another! We are reaping the result of our inconsistencies.

It is time to take a stand! As disciples of Jesus Christ, we must proclaim the call of God to adhere to the principles of His Word. The path before us is unknown, however, the way ahead is not uncharted territory. We have never been this way before, but we can proceed with full assurance that God knows where we are going. God has something to say and a work to perform in this generation. If we have covenanted to walk with Him, we are going where He is going. God has gone before us and created our map in the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the Way! John 14:6, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” If we follow Him, He will lead us in His path. He knows the way we should take! 

There is no need to flounder in a climate of indecision when the answer is with us. Let us not be deterred by the uncertainties that lie before us but concern ourselves with the cause of Jesus Christ. He loves each and every person and placed great value on each soul by giving His own life to bring life to the lifeless. We may not know the specifics of our future but we can be sure that if our faith is in the saving grace of the cross, we will finish well. God Knows The Way We Should Take!

Do You Hear The Sound Of Angel Wings? by Myra Boozer

"But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea the deep things of God." 1Corinthians 2: 9-10

Do you hear the sound of Angel wings as they prepare for a great inflow of saints upon the stairs of Heaven? Can you hear the Angel band tuning up for the Welcome Song? Do you hear the clatter of dishes as the table is being prepared for the Great Banquet and the Marriage Supper of the Lamb? Are you getting anxious to see your Savior, the one who died for you and has walked every step with you through this life?

Oh, what a Day that will be! We will live with Him eternally in our new home. I don't think it will be about the grandeur of the place, even though it will be grand...but about the Holy One that will be the LIGHT. It will be about the love that will permeate the whole area. The joy that we have tasted will be brought to full fruition. The peace that has settled down on us at times will be multiplied beyond measure. The glory that fell and brought us to sheer delight will be greater than all this earth has ever known. The knowledge of who Jesus was to us will expand into volumes of understanding and revelation.

Yes, Heaven will be so beautiful to our eyes but our soul will encounter the King of Kings as we bow before His Throne. There are no words to describe what we will experience. Pure is one word that comes to mind...not mixed, immaculate, unadulterated, transparent, unblemished, purified, refined...on and on the description could go of the Pure and Holy atmosphere we will experience because of Jesus!

Do you have lots of questions that need answers? Don't worry, when you arrive "Home" you'll forget them all for they will be irrelevant. Without a doubt, you will be fulfilled and satisfied with all your surroundings. You'll be resting in the presence of the Lord and His Divine Plan for eternity. 

Don't get too adjusted to this world. Make plans to move into your brand new HOME. Listen for the sound of Heaven! Be ready when He calls!

Hearing From God!

People need the Lord! And, we must have direction from the Lord! We are standing at the door of the most life-changing event in human history, that is the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. As the Body of Christ, we must look to God for the revelation and wisdom to complete our mission here. It is imperative that we hear from God to know how to finish well!

As I was looking back over some correspondence, I ran across an email from our late State Overseer, Bishop L.V. Jones, in which he addressed this subject. It is just as relevant today as when he wrote it. I feel it prudent to share it here.

On Sunday, October 23, 2016, 8:10 AM, Alcogop <alcogop@aol.com> wrote:

HEARING FROM GOD!

In a little while, we will assemble as the Body of Christ at our meeting places. A favorite book in the Bible for me is Habakkuk, God's Prophet to Judah. He had seen Judah when she was spiritually strong and now in decline. The world affairs were in a mess; and so were the affairs of God's people. The Prophet searched to know God's mind and asked; "why are you silent knowing what is happening!"

So much like Today, the worldview was well established. The Prophet understood the need for God's View to be clearly understood.

The Holy Ghost takes God's Word, makes it relevant and applicable to our Day. We need to hear direct from God's Throne Today. Our Pastors are God's messenger of the hour.

Habakkuk heard from God and his Faith was strengthened and in God's Word found assurance and rest.

When we leave the House of God later Today, I pray you will have found rest in God because His Word is clear and we believe and trust it to be Truth.

Faith; Strength; Rest!

lvj

You Are My Strength! by Myra Boozer

Psalm 22:19, “But be not thou far from me, O LORD: O my strength, haste thee to help me.”

Father God, I come to You in humble adoration for what You mean to me. You are my strength like no other. When the world comes crumbling down in front of me, when the enemy tries to flood my thinking with fear about the day in which we live, You Lord, come and hold me in Your arms of great comfort. You sooth all my doubts and calm all my fears. You hold my head up so I can breathe.

Lord, You know where we are and what is going on this world. It does not take You by surprise for You have been here already. You are the beginning and the end! You are the everlasting and the glorious future.

I stand in awe of Your great power, Your love and Your mercy that surrounds me. I know You abide in this place. I feel Your Spirit upon me. I am honored to live my life in Your presence and have Your strong arm of protection against the enemy. I am pleased to write Your Words when they overflow the banks of my mind. I am humbled to pray for the sick as compassion arises in my heart. I am blessed by Your voice that speaks inspiration and direction. I am honored to be called Your Child!

Today, I am asking for a greater anointing to speak to the Nations, to speak to the world around me. I want to speak to those who have a desire to know You, to hear what You are saying through what You give me to write. But, I need the strength of Your anointing! I am helpless, I am empty, I am nothing without Your anointing! When You come and sit with me, speaking directly to my heart, something arises and I feel such love and compassion for the world and those around me that need You. Lord, we really need You, not for the moment but for always and forever!

Lord, our babies are being destroyed before their time. Our youth are being shot down by those whose minds are confused and troubled, those who have not found faith or strength from family, friends or this society. Our families are broken because of sin, many because of sinful sexual desires that have left the family broken without a mother or a father. This has caused so much anger and hopelessness. Many children are turning to drugs, sex, violence and a life of crime. 

Our government is in a heap of turmoil because of lies and deceit. Nothing new, just the same old politics that have gone deeper and deeper into corruption. This is causing great disturbance, with many harsh and hateful words being spoken even among friends and families.

Our world is struggling because there is such division and unrest among people. Many no longer want to be a people "Under God." They no longer want to recognize You in our schools or our society. They have cast You out and are looking to their own devious ways of doing things, which brings persecution to your followers. 

Today my prayer is that You will send a strong desire in the heart of every believer to ARISE with Your power and declare Your Word to a lost and troubled world. Arise and declare a Word for the hour and an Anointing to break the bondage that has such a great hold on the multitudes. Luke 1:79, “To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” You Are My Strength! Strength Like No Other!

Let There Be Hope!

1 Cor. 15:19, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.”

Word's of an old song from the early '70s comes to mind this evening as I ponder the condition of our world. It goes something like this, "Troublesome times are here, filling men's hearts with fear, freedom we all hold dear now is at stake. Humble your hearts to God, saves from the chastening rod, seek the way pilgrims trod, Christians awake.

Troubles will soon be o'er, happy for evermore, when we meet on that shore, free from all care. Rising up in the sky, telling this world goodbye, homeward we then will fly, glory to share.

Jesus is coming soon morning or night or noon, many will meet their doom, trumpets will sound. All of the dead will rise, righteous meet in the skies, I'm going where no one dies, heavenward bound."

We live in troubling times if all you see is this present conflict. Paul said, "if in this life only I have hope, I am of all men most miserable." We must have hope beyond what we see. And we do have hope if we have put our faith in Jesus Christ. The child of God has nothing to fear! Actually, we should be excited that last days prophecies are being fulfilled and that "Jesus is coming soon..." 

In the midst of all the turmoil everywhere, let us be thankful that Jesus has provided an escape. My prayer is that we, the Body of Christ, will reflect the glory of God is such a fashion that the unbelieving will see Christ and make that decision to follow Him. May the presence of the Holy Spirit be with you in every place as you exemplify the “Hope” we have in Jesus Christ.

Holy Covering! by Myra Boozer

There is a covering sent down from the Father Above. He is the Presence of the Holy Spirit. He will hover over the Righteous and fill every void. He will filter out the world and the stench of sin and corruption. He will dispense the "sweet smell" of Holiness upon the people of God bringing love, joy, and peace upon the Believer. He cannot be bought or purchased in any store. He comes from the Father the one who sets people free...free from sin and condemnation. He 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. He is not only a covering but an infilling of God's presence that will captivate you and your desires. All we need is to be covered or wrapped in His Presence...the Best Gift we could ever receive. 2 Cor. 9:15, “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.”

Put On The Armor Of God!

Eph. 6:10, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

As I read this text, I am reminded of a passage in 1 Samuel 17. The armies of Israel were engaged in a conflict with the Philistines. The Philistines had presented a challenge for Israel to face their champion. It was no coincidence that a young shepherd boy by the name of David was present that day. The heart of this young lad was stirred that this infidel would challenge the army of the God of Israel. David went to King Saul and told him that he would face this giant Goliath. Saul insisted that David be dressed in the king’s armor but it did not fit him. And David had not proven the armor. David entered the plain of battle with only what he trusted. He had his sling, five smooth stones and an unshakable faith in his God. David was the victor and Israel was delivered because of his unwavering faith. He was dressed in the armor of God!

We are engaged in a great spiritual war. We are not fighting flesh and blood but against spirits and against the very ruler of the darkness of this world. Eph. 6:12, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:” 

Saul’s armor was not beneficial to David. He chose rather to put his faith in the awesome power of God. We must choose to follow the example set by David. Far too many are trusting in man-made theology and man-made plans. We must have the anointing and covering of God to meet our enemy and be victorious in this conflict. Anything less than total surrender to the plan of God will certainly ensure defeat. 

Put on Truth, Righteousness, the Gospel of Peace, Faith, Salvation and the Word of God. Put On The Armor Of God!

Distractions! by Myra Boozer

If you were at the Airport Terminal with your bags packed and your ticket in hand would you throw those things aside and grab a taxi and head back home to start a "makeover?" Would you tear down and build a bigger home and plant an orchard? Or start making plans for more training on how to build your career? Not really! Not if your mind and your heart were set, fixed, and determined to make the trip of your life. Say, a trip to your final destination, to the place that Jesus has gone to prepare for you.

Now mind you, we do not know when the call will be made to leave this earth but we can see all the signals are giving the go ahead. Even if there is a delay at the airport, you do not go back home. You stay sitting on ready because when the call is given you must be READY!

Are we getting Ready? Many distractions will come to us in many different forms. This is our great challenge, to NOT become entangled with the affairs of this life when we see that day fast approaching. Galatians 5:1, "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." The affairs of this world can become bondage to us, distracting us from our ultimate goal.

The call for all of God's people is about to happen. For all those "Departing" this sinful world, the call is about to be made. We are going HOME! 1Peter 4:7 "but the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer." We must be vigilant, alert, and listening for his call. Don't allow the sounds of Distraction to cause you to miss the Sound of His Coming... Be Ready!

The Birth Of Jesus! A Revelation Of Our Messiah!

A revelation of the person of Jesus as the Messiah is a personal experience. We all lack understanding to some degree. But the Holy Spirit will open our minds and hearts and assist us in receiving His revelation of Jesus Christ. We are then left with the decision to accept or reject this revelation from God!

The revelation of Jesus as the Messiah will immediately impact us personally. However, God’s revelation of the Messiah will impact great numbers of people and even generations of people. Like a pebble thrown into a still body of water, the ripple effect extends much farther than the original area of impact.

When the angel of the Lord announced the birth of the Messiah to lowly shepherds in Luke 2, they were alone in a rural area and the message was for them. Luke 2:8, “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.” They were in a field, apart from the traffic of nearby Bethlehem. The angel of the Lord spoke directly to these few shepherds alone in the countryside. His message was a message to them first and then meant to be shared with the world. First, the revelation was a personal experience. They had a supernatural experience and it had a lasting effect on them.

“And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid,” Luke 2:9. This experience was accompanied by awe and reverence. When God reveals Himself to us, we respond will respond in awe and reverence This scene causes my heart to proclaim, “You are awesome, O God.”

How did the messenger from God respond to the fear of the shepherds? Luke:210, “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy,” God's revelation brought good tidings personally and “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.” These were glad tidings. The promise was not only to the shepherds but to ALL people.

The shepherds pursued after the revelation the angels delivered. “And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger,” Luke 2:16. They were able to observe confirmation of the angels' announcement. When God confirms his Truth, there is always an expected result. Luke 2:17, “And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. 18And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.” The revelation was a personal experience for the shepherds. The encounter compelled them to seek the truth of the revelation.

Their experience compelled them to tell others about what they had seen. The greater circle or larger group that heard the message “wondered at those things which were told them.” We can conclude with certainty that those who pursued the truth experienced revelation. “But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.” I am convinced that “wondering” takes place in the mind but “pondering” takes place in the heart. The wonder of the many was a transient emotion; this recollecting and brooding of Mary was an abiding habit. Revelation is a heart thing! A Revelation Of Our Messiah is an individual experience of the heart!

Do You Know The Love Of Jesus? by Myra Boozer

Do you know the love of Jesus? Has He come into your life and brought peace where confusion and turmoil once lived? Has He come with His whisper of the love that He has for you and your family? Has He given you joy beyond measure, sharing with you the abundance of the heavenly rain that covers all souls that delight in Him? Do you feel His arms of security and confidence in His plan for your life, instead of feeling like a lost ship on the sea of time? Do you awake each morning with the hope that today you will be able to share the good news with the world that so desperately needs it...all because you know JESUS, the author of good news? Do you have a laughter that comes from a deep, deep well of living water that springs forth giving life?

Do you know the love of Jesus? The compassionate one who feels every heartache, and sees every tear that falls from your eyes. Do you know this man that gave His very life so that you would not have to receive punishment for the sin of Adam that is born in each of us? Do you know Him? Do you know that He is coming to take those who love Him to live with Him forever in a place that eyes have not seen and ears have not heard? There is nothing on earth to even compare.

Jesus is the one who picks me up and turns me around. He puts me on solid ground when I feel dizzy from the hustle of this life. He is the one I depend on to give me strength. He is the one who gives me HOPE that no matter what may come, no matter what may happen that I can be FAITHFUL to Him and TRUST Him for the outcome. Do You Know The Love Of Jesus?

Come, Let Us Adore Him!

Adore – to regard with loving admiration and devotion, to worship or honor as divine.

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. 16And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. 18And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. 20And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.”

How can we not adore the person of Jesus Christ? If we believe what God’s Word teaches us of His birth, life, and sacrifice, we must be captured by loving admiration and devotion to Him. If we have experienced a life-changing encounter with His redemptive grace, we are compelled to worship and honor Him as God’s Divine gift to all of mankind.

How can we not adore Him? The Son of God, Jesus committed Himself to the purpose of salvation for all who would believe and receive His gift of redemption. He chose to leave His throne I heaven, be born in the form of human flesh, live and die for the cause of man’s redemption and be raised from the dead, victorious over death, hell and the grave. In so doing, He established the precedent for all believers who die in the faith of His sacrifice, that they too are victorious over death and have the promise of eternal life with Him.

How can we not adore Him? Jesus, who through His selfless commitment to our redemption and personal welfare, has become our intimate companion and friend who is closer than the bond of blood kinship. Come let us adore Him especially at this time of the celebration of His birth but also every succeeding moment of the rest of our lives and through the eternal ages as we reign with Him forever! Come, Let Us Adore Him!

The Birth Of Jesus! The Day That Truth Came To Live Among Us!

Luke 2:1, “And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. 2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 And 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.

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And 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, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 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.

16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. 18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.” (continued)

Jesus, The Gift That Keeps On Giving! by Myra Boozer

As I reflect upon Christmas Day and our time with family, I am reminded of the faces of our sweet grandchildren. They come to Nana and Papa's house knowing that we will eat lunch first before the gifts are unwrapped. This isn't easy for little children to know there are gifts, boxes with paper and bows hiding those undiscovered treasures inside. I love the thoughts of those faces covered in smiles that turn to laughter as they receive their gifts from us. They appear so HAPPY and I have heard them say a few times, "just what I wanted."

The thought came to me, God didn't give us the "Gift of His Son" to make us HAPPY per se. Even though Psalms 16:11 says, "Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures forevermore." This is wonderful and we will understand more of this in Heaven one day. THERE IS SO MUCH MORE TO HIS GIFT! He gave His Son that we might not PERISH, to be cast into eternal torment. This life can offer some pleasure but it only lasts for a short season and it is gone. ETERNITY IS FOREVER AND EVER! THANK YOU, GOD, FOR THE GIFT OF YOUR SON, WHO BRINGS LIFE ETERNAL TO ALL WHO BELIEVE AND RECEIVE!

Are you finding great pleasure in the GIFT of God's SON? JESUS is the GIFT that keeps on GIVING? He gives healing in the midst of sickness...He gives joy in the presence of great sorrow...He gives comfort in the time of trouble...He gives peace in the time of turbulence... He brings hope when the last straw falls...He brings courage with the enemy is towering...He brings victory when the battle is overwhelming...He brings love when everyone walks away… He brings understanding to the chaos...He brings freedom in the prison cell...He brings redemption to the lost soul...He just keeps on giving and giving making your choice of receiving HIM so immeasurably priceless for all eternity!

Don't Be Double Minded! by Myra Boozer

James 1:5, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.”

There is coming a day when the righteous will be separated from the unrighteous. Many hearts will be saddened because they thought they had accepted Christ. They thought He was with them but to discover they had not actually made room for him. You see, Jesus does not dwell in an unclean heart. He will not live among the unholy or vile. He is holy and when He comes into your life, the unholy has to leave. There is so much more to having an ongoing relationship with Jesus than just saying a prayer once upon a time.

When we really want God, when we invite Him to come and live in our heart, our desires change. Life becomes about Him and not about us. Our motives change and we want to live to please Him and not ourselves. Our thinking is renewed and our old ways are no longer part of our everyday life. We don’t think about the same things as before and our speech changes. We don’t act the way we used to act or love the things we used to love. We are a brand new creature. The unclean and the vile things that may have once been a part of our life become repulsive to us. We just don’t want that kind of life anymore. It is like a light bulb comes on and we see clearly that we are on the wrong path, going in the wrong direction, headed for destruction. Then we hear the voice of the Lord calling us to Himself. He so desires to lead and direct us on the path of righteousness, the path that leads to Everlasting Life. We realize the ONLY way to PEACE is through accepting Jesus! The only way to HEAVEN is by following JESUS!

Don't be double-minded, claiming God and living in sin. It is a deception, actually a lie from the pits of hell. There are only two choices, heaven or hell, Holy or unholy. I think most of us know the difference. No, we cannot make ourselves holy but we can surrender under the mighty hand of God and allow Him to wash us clean. 

One day in the near future we will be so glad we came clean and cast off the sin that has tried desperately to live in our hearts. Asking God to forgive us is just part of the plan. Only you can choose to lay it all down, take up your cross and follow Jesus. No one can do it for you. It takes a real revelation of what is going on in your life. You must see yourself lost, forever doomed and on your way to a devil’s hell. Then you must see JESUS with his arms stretched wide open and nailed to that cross, for YOU. You must realize that Jesus had a choice to be obedient to His Father, to go to the cross or NOT. No one was making him do what he did! He chose to suffer the agony of the cross and die for YOU, yes YOU! He is calling and He is waiting for you to surrender your life to HIM...no longer lost, no longer guilty, no longer doomed...but cleared of all charges, ACCEPTED and REDEEMED by the precious blood of JESUS...

Make Room For Jesus!

Luke 2:7, “And 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.”

Today, we stand at the door of a grand endeavor. That is to prepare for the appearing of the Son of God, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, Jesus Christ. Our challenge is to make ready the bride to be united with the bridegroom. She must remain chaste, pure, and undefiled. The external forces in our world are pressing in upon the boundaries of holiness and righteousness so firmly established in God's Holy Word. The ideals of a carnal theology have infiltrated the pulpit and diluted the faith that was once delivered to the saints. But the Holy Spirit is the sustaining force within. He will lead and guide us into the Truth of His Word.

There are many voices claiming to speak for God. Although God uses human vessels to share His message, we must know God in an intimate and personal kinship so He can speak directly to us. The Holy Spirit and the Word will teach us the Truth. The Holy Ghost will help us to understand the events we are seeing take place in our world today. When we read God's warnings in His Word and see the events around us aligning with the Word, we must conclude that we are living in the End Times.

Are we really expecting Jesus, our Messiah to return to deliver us? The world was not expecting Him when He came the first time and they missed His gift of Salvation. Don’t let that happen to you! Make Room For Jesus! Heb. 9:28, "...unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation." Make Room For Jesus!

What's On Your Calendar? by Myra Boozer

“For the Lord himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we EVER be with the Lord... Wherefore, COMFORT one another with these words,” 1Thessalonians 4:16-18.

For the Child of God, this should be on your Calendar! He is coming! We don't know when, but we know He is Coming. I do NOT regret the years I have lived my life with this Anticipation. Even though He has not returned as of yet, it has made me who I am and has kept me more focused on what is eternal, instead of what is temporal. The word temporal means worldly, not spiritual, secular, of, or limited by time. (Webster's New Dictionary)

I believe the way we live our lives on a daily basis has such an influence on ALL the decisions we make and on our goals and expectations of life. If we are continually focused on our plans for today, if our life revolves around "us" and what we want, we will be grabbing for all that we can get not really thinking of the day we are living in and where we are on God's Calendar.

We then become addicted to THINGS, we are never fulfilled, never satisfied, always searching, always desiring for "something" new, something different to fill our life. You see, this is a trick from all the way back to Eve and the "lust of the eye." It was just so appealing and she just had to have it. Also, the promise from the serpent was that it would make her like God. It inevitably brings its reward of spiritual death if not repented of. What’s On Your Calendar for the next few weeks or months? This thought might help us to re-evaluate where we are and where we're going.

Seek God! He Will Find You!

Jeremiah 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.”

This chapter describes a letter that Jeremiah is writing to all the captives that had been taken to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar. God is instructing the captives through Jeremiah and rendering judgment upon those who had failed to heed His warnings. The nation was displaced because of their disobedience and Jeremiah is warning them by the Word of God not to be deceived by their own false prophets living among them. Jer. 29:8, “For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Let not your prophets and your diviners, that be in the midst of you, deceive you, neither hearken to your dreams which ye cause to be dreamed. 9For they prophesy falsely unto you in my name: I have not sent them, saith the LORD.”

In the years just previous to their captivity, God had warned His people through His prophets that judgment was coming if they would not hear the Word of the Lord. Jeremiah was not slack in conveying God’s Word to His people. But, the religious leaders and the people raised up their own prophets who delivered a message of prosperity and deliverance right up until the enemy came bursting through the gates of their city. This apostasy continued and followed them into captivity. God would deal with the rebellious! They would be scattered to the four corners of the earth.

But, God instructed “all that are carried away captives, whom I have caused to be carried away from Jerusalem unto Babylon” (v4) to live their lives in peace and increase their numbers. “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,” Jer. 29:10. Jeremiah had already prophesied the duration of the captivity in Jer. 25:12, “And it shall come to pass, when seventy years are accomplished, that I will punish the king of Babylon, and that nation, saith the LORD, for their iniquity, and the land of the Chaldeans, and will make it perpetual desolations.” In seventy years they would return to Jerusalem and rebuild the city, city walls and temple. However, they must not listen to the false prophets among them. They must heed the Word of the Lord! Jer. 29:13, ”And 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 has “good” planned for all who will answer His call to discipleship. He has a promised (secured) end or divine heritage. We need not question our finish if only we will listen to the voice of God. Oh, to call upon God, to seek His face and hear and see His answer. He promises to hear and respond (hearken). Our challenge is to clearly perceive His response.

“...ye shall seek me, and find me...” God is always available. He is always with us. But we must have a sense of His presence to recognize His voice and to understand what he is doing or planning to do. God's promise is that we will find Him when we search for Him with all our heart. The human condition requires the intervention of our creator. We always stand in need of God's assistance. The question is, “Do we really want his help?” Are we willing to relinquish control of our lives to Him? He knows the way I take (the path I should follow) and will direct my steps accordingly. God has a plan for us, a plan for good and not evil. He has an expected (secured) finish for His people. LORD, I SEARCH FOR YOU WITH ALL MY HEART! Seek God! He Will Find You! 

I Search For God! He Finds Me! by Myra Boozer

Lord, please clear the thought of all the things I think I must do today. Surround me with Your thoughts and Your desires. Fill in all the recesses of my heart and set my feet on the right path.

Troubles are all around and the sounds are coming in loud and clear that all is not well. The road of demands is calling for my attention to come to each of them and each seems desperate.

Slow me down to Your pace Lord. You are never in a hurry but always right on time. You are never slack when You make a promise. You always follow through. You have this whole universe in Your hands and nothing is out of Your control. Why can't I be more like You? You are relentless, never letting up. Help me Lord because You are greater than all my rush to unfold today and rearrange this clutter in my mind.

You seek me as I seek You! We will come together in perfect unity when I slow my pace so I can reach You. Thank You for Your never-ending patience with me. Thank You for always reaching and stretching Your infinite love towards me!

Today will be no ordinary day. Today I will reach for You by my slowing my pace to allow You to touch me. I will consider Your lofty thoughts. They are so much higher than mine. I will consider Your love that is ever reaching to the lost, the sad and the broken. I will consider Your strong arms of mercy and grace as they pull in all who are drifting on the sea of ignorance and defeat. They are searching for peace, hope, and love.

So I must reason with myself daily and know that I am not alone in my search for You. When I can be still and shut out the world scurrying all around me, I find You and You find me! You find me along with the least of mankind or the highly favored in all the world. You are not off limits to the needy and hungry refugee that is searching for You. Neither would you turn away the rich and famous if they would come to You. 

I see ME slowly giving up the struggle and You accepting my humanity. Thank you, Jesus! I Search For God! He Finds Me!

What Is The Answer? Jesus Is The Answer!

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. 8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory 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.”

I must conclude that our current world climate is similar to the time of Noah. Gen. 6:5, “And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” Men had become so wicked in their manner of living and thought that God concluded that He would erase the slate and begin with a new canvas. I am convinced that is where we are now. God is preparing to erase mortal flesh as we know it and create a new heaven and new earth to begin new and fresh. 

There will be one great difference between Noah's new beginning and the New World to come. In our new habitat, the forces of sin and evil will be cast into the lake of fire and are eliminated forever. There will not be carnal, fleshly, sinful governance for all present in the New World will have been born of the Spirit and changed for eternity. All disobedience and rebellion will be cast into outer darkness. Jesus will sit on His Throne and govern His Kingdom with Truth and Righteousness. Matt. 6:13, “...For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.” Jesus Is The Answer!

The Hope Of My Heart! by Myra Boozer

Jesus, Redeemer of all mankind...We lift your Name on High...We sing Your song of Truth and Freedom...

We plant our hopes and dreams in the soil of Your Holy Word. Your provision to care for this garden is etched deep into our hearts, for you are the Master Gardner of our souls...

You are the one who tends to the tender plants of our expectations. You hold the sun in your hand and the rain is at your command...

The warmth comes in due season and the harvest will be plentiful. You are always near and never far…

You are always there to guard against the storms and dangers that come to destroy...You are The Hope Of My Heart today and forever. I love You and I trust YOU!

Hope When Times Are Hopeless!

In recent days, natural and man-made disasters have brought much pain and suffering, death and destruction to people all over the world. The scars of these tumultuous invasions will live in the memory of those caught in their wake. Recovery both materially and emotionally will cover a great expanse of time.

But, where is hope for intervention and recovery from this devastation? People can only do so much and go so far. They can assist in the recovery of material possessions but the healing of emotional trauma must come from a presence greater than man and greater than the devastating event. That presence is the delivering and restoring power of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is our Hope in the midst of mind-numbing calamity.

The storms of life are raging and they will become more intense before they are concluded. But, tomorrow is coming when they will all pass away. The clouds will be dispersed and the Son will rise and shine at the beginning of a perfect day. The Day Star will rise casting all imperfection into yesterday and will lead us into our pure, unspoiled future. Jesus gave us this promise.

John 14:1, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”

This very moment as we battle the storms in our life, Jesus is making provision for us. He is providing the spiritual fortitude to bring us through the storms and also preparing our final destination to be with Him. We must place our hand in His and let Him lead us there. There is no storm, no trial, no test or battle that He cannot navigate. In fact, He allows the storms to come to help us grow and mature as His disciples. He is teaching us to recognize the best path. He is teaching us that He is always with us and we are learning to recognize Him in our storm. God uses the storms to fashion His faith, His trust and His assurance in us. Faith that His promises are sure, trust that it is His voice we hear and assurance that no matter where the storms may carry us, He is always there. Matt. 28:20, “...and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world...”

Christ has promised to go with us, sustain us and deliver us. What we must to do is walk with Him. We belong to Him and He says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:” John 10:27. He has paid a great price for our deliverance and nothing can take us out of His hand if we will only trust and obey Him.

Psalm 31:19, “Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men! 20 Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.”

My soul craves the peace of God's presence. In His stillness, I find peace and rest. He lifts me above this world's raging storm. He quiets the winds and calms the blustery waves. He commands “peace, be still” and my life returns. He is my HOPE when all things appear hopeless!

Do You Hear What I Hear? by Myra Boozer

This is love and the Greatest Gift ever given...That God would send His only begotten Son to earth to live and die for all our sins...That we too can live in His Kingdom and Reign with Him forevermore…Our Messiah, the Lord of Lords, JESUS CHRIST.

Open the ears of Your children Lord all over the world. Let us hear the sound of Your Coming! May our hearts overflow with a reverent fear of who You are, for You are HOLY. Just a few more days and we will celebrate Your birth all over the world. What a glorious celebration will be had by a people who open their hearts and minds to Your wondrous gift and receive JESUS CHRIST.

"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."

Not everyone hears the same thing today. Some hear hope in the politician's voice promising change while others hear fear and defeat. I, like the little lamb, ask the same question to you today, "Do you hear what I hear...a song, a song high above the trees.” And it goes like this, "For the LORD himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the VOICE of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the LORD in the air: and so shall we ever be with the LORD. Wherefore comfort one another," I Thessalonians 4:16-18. Lord, your arrival may be as soon as CHRISTMAS. Do You Hear What I Hear?

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. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He 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. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But 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: 15 And 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. 16 Unto 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. 17 And 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; 18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; 19 In 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. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There 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. 29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.”

Jesus Christ is God’s Gift Of Truth to this lost and dying world. The Truth of His redemptive grace reaches into the darkest crevices of life to illuminate the path of lost mankind. Look to Jesus, our Messiah, today and be loosed from the penetrating, consuming darkness enveloping our world. Jesus will deliver you and empower you to walk in the freedom that only He can give! God’s Gift Of Truth!

Be A Well Of Life! by Myra Boozer

Proverbs 10:12, "Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins."

Hatred will continue to stir up strife. We must determine by the Grace of God to NOT be part of that group. People given over to hatred have become instigators who take pleasure in unrighteousness, stirring up much conflict. These are wolves who prey on the quite, the shy, the passive and sometimes insecure Christian. These wolves seem to become more bold and aggressive as the days go by.

I pray, “God give us a voice to speak your TRUTH in love and never out of anger or frustration as the world is doing.” May we NEVER join the ranks of those who stir up strife in these Last Days. Why? Because it's reward is never peaceful but full of conflict. Jesus didn't get defensive with those who came against Him, even to the point of killing Him. He is our great example of a peacemaker.

To be angry is not a sin but to let that emotion rule is what Satan is desiring, especially in the lives of those who follow Christ. He desires to confuse, hurt and eventually destroy you. We must be aware, Satan wants a foot in the door of our heart.

Many are struggling to know how to defend the Word and not be defensive or offensive. They are confused with all the chatter from the enemy but have a great desire to defend what they believe to be Truth.

Lord cover us in your righteous love and grace that the words we speak will be a light to someone's path and not a blinder to their vision of YOU. Transform us Lord into the people you created us to be, People of Courage, Hope and Love speaking words of life to the lost.

Proverbs 10:11, "In the mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked." Be A Well Of Life!

Where Is Your 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.”

We can observe destructive elements at work in our world. The forces of darkness are unleashed upon the wicked and innocent alike. However, the children of righteousness will rise above the wickedness and allow the light of Jesus Christ to dispel the darkness. There is hope as long as that hope is in the power of the blood of Christ.

Job, in his distress, declares that the tree is better off than a man. It may appear that the tree has been destroyed, cut at the base and fallen down. But the promise is that it will bring forth it’s tender branches again though the stock of the tree dies in the ground and the root grow old in the earth. Though there is only the scent of water it will bud and grow new branches.

The future of the tree is in the hands of the Creator. The tree will produce its fruit in the will of the Creator. Job came to the understanding that his future was in the hands of God. He submitted his will to the will of the Creator, therefore, he was able to proclaim in Job 19:23, “Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book! 24 That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever! 25 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: 26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:”

Our future is in the hands of God! He is fully aware of where we are and what our needs are. When we come to that understanding and submit our will to His will, He will take us to where He is going. He will renew our hope in Him! 1 Peter 1:13, “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;” Jesus is coming soon! Where Is Your Hope!

Remember Your Promise! by Myra Boozer

Many have made a promise to the Lord to spread His Gospel message to a lost and dying world. Maybe when you got saved, when you were in Revival hearing the Word of God and had a real "revelation" of what Hell is going to be like for all those who do not accept Christ... Maybe when you were at Youth Camp sitting around a big fire after the sun had gone down... You were given a pine cone to throw in the fire that represented your commitment to sharing salvation with a lost world.

All of these and more happened in my life and as a child, I knew God had a plan for me. I am sure I could have done more but it has been my life's purpose to help people know JESUS. I cannot stop now! we are too close to the coming of the Lord! More than ever, we must REMEMBER our promise to tell others. Tell people about JESUS the Son of God coming as a baby born in Bethlehem to become the Savior of the world. And, tell people about HIS SECOND COMING as KING OF KINGS and LORD OF LORDS to establish the KINGDOM OF GOD and RULE AND REIGN FOREVER! Remember Your Promise!

The Power Of The Gospel!

Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith...”

God has shown His mercy and grace toward the whole of mankind in that while we were all still sinners, Jesus Christ died for our sins. He sought us out and saved us. He left the ninety and nine and came to find us and bring us home. Therein is the redeeming power of His name. There is delivering power in the name of Jesus. That is the power of the Gospel!

Thank you, God, for the power of the Gospel. I am not ashamed of the Gospel for it is the power of God unto salvation in Christ Jesus to all who will believe. I embrace the promise of your Word and agree with you for all who will hear the Gospel and believe. Make me a beacon of light through Your Word. May Your Words of Truth pierce through the darkness with such fervor and power that Your Word will compel the lost to repent and turn to You.

Send Your Power in me to pierce the darkness. That is what I seek as an instrument of the cross to reflect Your glory. Set me ablaze with the fire of the Holy Spirit so that all who come near the place of my habitation will feel the intense heat, that the power of Your presence would be so great that the barriers that separate fallen man from the Truth would fall flat, the doors of captivity would burst open, the chains of religion would fall helplessly away, the fetters that keep us from pursuing You would be ripped loose. I pray that those in bondage be set free and those restricted in service be inhibited no more. Lord Jesus, set us free from all encumbrances and make us a faithful and victorious warrior in the Kingdom of God. The Power Of The Gospel has set us free!

Time To Be Very Still! by Myra Boozer

Colossians 3:15, "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body, and be ye thankful."

For quite a while now a big squirrel has perched right on the top point of the building out back. He looks like an ornament, really, he looks frozen, not moving except the wind blowing his fluffy tail. I wonder if he is angry about this weather, or maybe the stash he had for his family is depleted. I don't know, maybe he is confused by this weather. One moment the sky is sprinkling snow on us, just like you would sprinkle confectioner sugar on your french toast, then all of a sudden it stops and the sun shines so brightly. You think, wow is it over, then it starts up again. That's the way of confusion and it's something we all have at times. It is hard to deal with when your prayers are still not heard and your heart is breaking for your loved ones. You began to question God, “Why the delay?”

This is the time to be very still and very quiet and just wait, just like the squirrel perched on the highest point. God can soothe all our frustrations and calm our minds. We can rest in His presence and know He loves us but we must remember sometimes He allows us a little while of "feeling all alone and confused." Don't give up and don't complain. Rest in the fact that God has it all in His hands and in His time He will make all things beautiful...with no confusion. He brings Peace and Joy that will overflow in our heart and bring assurance to every situation. Time To Be Very Still!