IF YOU NEED PRAYER, LEAVE A COMMENT PLEASE
Get to know God:
References:
I recently had a conversation with a couple who are older and their kids have not visited them for a while.
- At first, I was disappointed in their kids because no one should go through life lonely & not visited.
This is where my mouth didn’t let my Christian sense catch up.
Their response— “No, blah, blah, blah, poor excuses, woes me, nobody cares about me!”….was the usual answer to me.
Walking with God takes your whole being! You just don’t sit and pray and say, ”Thank you, how do You do and goodbye.”
Believe me, I have had many of these types of conversations with God. But the ones that give me a more genuine sense of grace, mercy, peace, and joy no matter the situations, are the ones when I just sit, being tired of the way things have been going when I don’t listen to God’s guiding Spirit.
I ignored her… looked at him and said, there’s still time left to mend your kids. —””They need an apology. They need their dad to say, “I’m sorry for everything I caused you. It wasn’t your fault what happened between mom and I. Please forgive me for not being there and for leaving you. I want to be in your life and want to make so much better effort to hear you out on everything.””
And there it was! It was his shame that had kept him away from his kids. Guilt and fear are horrible burdens to carry around for so long.
That day, this man’s walk became real. He had listened to what God had been nudging him to do.
She never apologized to her kids nor did she ever ask God for forgiveness. How do I know? The man told me he pleaded with her to no avail.
Go and make things right for those firstborn, second born, third born kids and the unloved spouses left behind.
…15 So He (Jesus) touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she got up and began to serve them. 16 Whenevening came, many who were demon-possessedwere brought to Jesus, and He drove out thespirits with a word and healed all the sick. 17 This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: “He took on our infirmities, and carried our diseases.”…
— Matthew 8:16
“…20 which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule andauthority, power and dominion, and every namethat is named, not only in this age, but also in the one to come. 22 And God put everything under His feet and made Him head over everything for the church,..”…—Ephesians 1:21 Berean Study Bible
Let Jesus Set You Free:
Need God?
“saying, “By a charge we commanded you not to teach in this name, and behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring upon us the blood of this man.”But Peter and the apostles answering said, “It is necessary to obey God rather than men.” — Peter in Acts chapter 5:28-29
I was talking to One of the guys in our family who is in full-time ministry along with his wife. He was telling me that the city Council of that city that the church is in, sent a letter telling all Christian churches that they were not to use the name of Jesus anymore in city council prayer meetings..
I disagree 100% with that. As Christians we do not cower because we have the power. As Christians we do not run from fire we run into the fire because like the three young men and the story of Daniel Jesus will hold us and keep us and protect us. We won’t do as the world says — for all to bow down to satanic images and culture; we do not, we cannot.
—It would behoof all of you not to try to hide His Name that is systematically being deleted. It will be in vain! The Roman Empire tried, they failed. All kingdoms have tried but failed. Don’t make the same mistake as they did. Instead embrace and welcome His name into your lives and into society. Jesus has changed societies for the better.
Need God?
It is fitting that tonight would be part seven of this series. For to us God’s Son was given. Unto Humanity He would serve. Unto Humanity He would humble Himself. It is no coincidence that Jesus was born in a manger where the main staple of meat for the Jews at that time was lamb.
You see, most people read about a child being born in a manger and he was wrapped in “swaddling cloths“, but no one has ever explained what this means.
An explanation could be:
Shepherds who were used by the Temple leadership to tend to the sacrificial lambs would have to pick out the best ones being born to pass inspection. They would check everything in the body so they would not have any blemishes or deformities. Then the shepherds would wrap them up in swaddling cloths to keep them warm.
Here is where I think it gets interesting.
You see, the Lamb of God who took my, and your sins away was born in a little town of Bethlehem, and yes even back then it was a small town. This incredible miracle of God coming down to become one of us is still mind-shattering for me to get my mind around.
- Yet, Jesus came and fulfilled hundreds of prophecies written , some, thousands of years before His birth. The astounding amount of probability to have One Person be able to plan it to perfection is impossible to do. And yet, Jesus did!
This Christmas, whatever you are doing, I pray that you are filled with God’s joy and peace. If you don’t know who Jesus truly is, I invite you to get to know this Child, humbly born in a manger made mostly for sheep that would one day be sacrificed for their owners’ physical consumption…some would be sacrificed for the owners’ spiritual purification… Jesus took care of this for us, once and for all.
Take advantage of this special gift, on this special giving season. Jesus is the reason for this special Season…
Get to know this Special Christmas Child:
Scripture from:
In part one of this series, I wrote about the origins of Christmas and how Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah or Savior which Hebrew prophecies spoke about. I wrote this in order to ensure all those that question their faith to see that our God is a God of order. With this Godly order comes perfect control of mankind’s history. No other faith can be assured of a divine plan for all, through God’s Son Jesus the Prince of Peace.
— In this part, we will see how Jesus is the only One that could fulfill the predictions of being the long-awaited Messiah (Savior of the world).
Prophetic writings scrolled down, some close to a millennia, some hundreds of years before Jesus’ arrival, were signs of a supernatural event which would change the course of history.
His Story has changed millions upon millions of people throughout mankind’s narrative.
In order for Jesus to:
— Some critics point to mistakes done by these authors. Let’s say the critics are correct in some of their assertions regarding errors made. For the sake of not arguing with the critics, take those predictions away, and you are still left with an immense amount of prophetic events happening in Jesus’ life.
— These prophecies were not fulfilled by Buddha, nor Mohammed, Krishna or anyone else in history. Only Jesus fulfills these predictions which some were written 1,000 years before.
- I ask you not to take my word for these predictions. Do your own homework, and if you are good at math, figure it out yourself. Read them yourself in the Bible.
— The mathematical odds that One person could fulfill just 8 of these is so far-fetched, yet Jesus fulfilled over 300 of these predictions in Hebrew Prophetic writings.
— Jesus has some predictions yet to realize, but this is for another time. Next Christmas post, how hard would it be to take Jesus to Bethlehem?
REFERENCES:
Scientific Proof of the Accuracy of Prophecy and the Bible
By PETER W. STONER, M.S.
and ROBERT C. NEWMAN, S.T.M., Ph.D.
Moody Press Chicago
V. Summary of Old Testament Predictions Literally Fulfilled in Christ- McDowell, Josh. Evidence That Demands a Verdict (p. 229). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.
I just met a couple in their mid twenties. Both of them are visually impaired. The young lady was leading her husband. Both were very kind and cheerfully going through their obstacles courageously.
I noticed how slow they were going, and figured that this may have been their first time in this restaurant. The wife was struggling with direction and coming towards me. Looking at them I felt horrible that they were blind with no one to help them. I said “hello” to them, so as not to have her bump into me. She was very cheery in her response, which surprised me a bit. She happily asked if they were going the right way towards the parking lot. I calmly and gently started giving her specific directions, letting her know about different things in front of them within the small fenced in area they had entered into.
She gladly took my directions, and they made it through the gauntlet of tables, chairs, and fencing we who can see, take for granted.
I saw them finally making it to the edge of the sidewalk where they would await their ride and was joyful to have helped them in a small way.
The young couple was waiting a while for their ride and I called out to them if they wanted to join me while waiting, the young wife turned towards my voice with a soft, peaceful smile, thanking me again and said that they liked standing. I know that feeling since I sit behind a desk long periods of times.
I thought to myself how we, who have eyesight, have it pretty made in this world. Yet, I can’t help thinking that the young, joyful blind couple is more blessed than those of us with vision.
You see, these young visually impaired adults, have to have full-on faith the minute they wake up. They can’t see the world, yet they go out into it every single day with such courage and enthusiasm, ready to take on every obstacle that comes their way.
I can’t help but think that those of us who have the precious gift of eyesight may learn a thing or two from them. At least I have. It made me ponder…
- I choose to have that blind faith of the couple I just met. May God use me to go and spread more of the incredible and courageous faith of going into the world and making a difference for Christ….
Need God?
Resources:
Please take a moment to check out my Book. I will never ask for money or donations for this blog & believe what Jesus said,”…Freely you have received; freely give….”
I have written a Christian Thriller Novel and in the editing stages of 4 more. You can click on links below to buy my book. Appreciate the time you take reading my blog & whether you buy my book or not, may the Lord bless you and bring you His peace.
— Oscar Roca / oscarrocawriter.com
The Dark Deception by Oscar Roca
ISBN-10: 1498456790
ISBN-13: 978-1498456791
If you don’t know who Jesus is, and what He did for you. These verses above are just a few predictions which came true. Jesus fulfilled these and many more. Click on the links below to get to know Him personally…
Despised & Rejected
Despised and rejected,
My Savior my Lord
Abused and neglected
Suffered such sorrow
Afflicted, mistreated for me
My sins my Savior did takeWas struck down, tormented
My Savior my Lord
Afflicted, dejected,
Was wounded and punished
His cheek He would turn
My sins my Savior did takeDespised and rejected,
My Savior my Lord
Abused and neglected
Suffered such sorrow
Afflicted, mistreated for me
My sins my Savior did takeMy Powerful Savior
Submissive and Humble
His cheek He would turn
Disfigured and bloody
My Powerful Savior endured
My sins my Savior did takeDespised and rejected,
My Savior my Lord
Abused and neglected
Suffered such sorrow
Afflicted, mistreated for me
My sins my Savior did takeCutoff and shutoff,
My Savior my Lord
Endured the torture
His cheek He would turn
He silently suffered
My sins my Savior did takeDespised and rejected,
My Savior my Lord
Abused and neglected
Suffered such sorrow
Afflicted, mistreated for me
My sins my Savior did takeSurrendered His Spirit
My Savior My Lord
Buried so deeply
Death couldn’t hold Him
Triumphantly Risen
Death’s sting no longer
My sins my Savior did takeBy Oscar Roca
Wrote this during one of my many restless nights…
Thursday, March 29, 2018 at 2:02 AM
Don’t wait, get to know who Jesus truly is. These were not just claims by His followers who were making things up to make Jesus look good. But indisputable truths that Jesus’ enemies would have been able to disprove during and right after His resurrection. Over 150 Prophecies about Him which were fulfilled by Him. What do you have to lose?
FOR THE CHRISTIAN WHO IS AFRAID OF SHARING THE GOSPEL BECAUSE IT WILL OFFEND OTHERS:
— As Christians, we don’t offend anyone on purpose. At least we try not to. As Christians, we are to be the salt and light of the world. Jesus tells us to be the good flavor and the light to those that have sour mouths and are blind & lost due to the world’s depravities.
— Yet somehow, some of us have become a bunch of whiny and afraid Christians who don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings. Even if it means not offending them into hell. (See Luke chapter 16:19-31)
Eternity is a long time for those offended lost souls to think of forgiving us for not trying hard enough to reach them. It is not our job to be inoffensive. It is our job to present the unbelievers with the word of God. It is our job to preach the gospel to the ends of the earth and make disciples of all nations. It is not our job to count on a list those offended or not offended by what the Gospel says.
— Jesus told us the world would hate us because they hated Him. Or did we think that the-lollypop-don’t-offend-anyone-today culture is going to save anyone?
— I wish we could talk to those people who are in hell right now. I wish they could give us a ringy-ding-ding and tell us how much they appreciate us not offending them by not telling them about Christ.
— So instead of everyone getting angry at those who are blinded by the god of this age, why don’t we, including me, start praying and fasting for those that got offended by a billboard of a pastor who was holding a Bible?
— Why don’t we just not pay attention to those poor lost souls acting like 2-year-olds trying to get their way? And start preaching even more….
— Don’t wait for those people who are offended to be forever away from our Lord and Savior’s presence because we went into a corner pouting about the fact that some non-Christians got offended by the Bible and the message of sin.
— Instead of Christians getting mad or retreating into our communities, this is a critical and important time in our country, for Christians to boldly proclaim that it is only through Jesus the Savior of the world, that people could be saved. He is the only Way, the Only Truth and the only Life for those that are lost.
— It is up to us to tell those offended by the Billboards here in Southern California and throughout the world, that we are not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Because it has the power for salvation to everyone that puts their faith in Jesus our Lord and Savior…
FOR THOSE WHO DON’T KNOW JESUS IN A PERSONAL WAY:
— I will never stop sharing the gospel. This is what I am called to do and this is who I am. If you don’t know God, and if the Bible offends you, please take the time to really know what is offending you about it.
— You will find that most people don’t really understand the Jesus of the Bible. They have only heard about crazy Christians offending other by pushing their faith on them. I don’t push my faith on anyone.
— But I do share what God has done in my life and why I am thankful to Him for giving me the life changing peace I now have. That peace won’t change my life circumstances. But this peace of knowing what will ultimately be my home does.
— I want you to have the peace and knowledge that there is something far better in this life and the next for you. I would challenge you to research and see if this Christian Faith is truly offensive or just a fallacy made up from those who don’t want to change their bad habits…
Take the next steps to truly knowing God:
One of my favorite chapters in the Bible is in Joshua. Where we see Caleb at 85 years of age telling everyone that he will go take on the mountain by climbing it and defeating the giants in the land. These are the same giants (Anakim) the Israelites half Caleb’s age are cowering behind Joshua’s robe and being triggered with fear.
Not Caleb, he tells Joshua and the rest of the Israelites, “Let me go at ’em! The Lord promised me this a whole lot of years back. It’s time, I’m only 85 years young but the Lord is my strength (my commentary view), I can take ’em all!”
I think that Caleb remembered Moses words, which gave him hope to take on his giants. Even after all those decades had passed.
Cliff Notes version:
Caleb remembers Moses’ words that God was his strength. Caleb gets his land and takes no prisoners. He then retires and lives in peace for the rest of his life.
So…what’s your excuse today? Start changing the I can’t to, “The Lord is my strength! He is my Salvation! I can take on that mountain and get rid of the giants! With God anything is possible!”
“32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.””- Jesus in John 8:32
“36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”- John 8:36
“1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery.” – Galatians 5:1
“16 Live in freedom, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.17 Treat everyone with high regard:..”-1 Peter 2:16-17a
“”6 Jesus answered, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”” – Jesus in John 14:6
Go ahead, ask Jesus to set you free spiritually!
I want to caution my fellow Christians to always make sure we are:
I have learned not to reply to any negatives or “corrections” on social media. Unless the reply is directly affecting someone else, then I with all the might of the Word, will reply. This is the only time I will speak up. I don’t care about my reputation, I care about those who are close enough to know my character.
I also care about every one of you to send a personal reply when I see that you have crossed the line. I hope that we can all do this instead of hanging someone else’s dirty laundry out there. Because if we truly love God and our neighbor, we will never on purpose, let our hearts, which are still wicked sometimes, air out what we should not…
May we the Christian community, be a beacon of hope to all who enter our gates. May we treat all those who are in more need than us, how God would want us and would treat them, with love and compassion and not contempt….
All Scripture from:
Two things I will be addressing here. Please read to the end before making up your mind about this suddenly hot topic which has been brought to the political forefront and IS NOTpolitical and should never be politicized.
Leviticus chapter 19 verses 33-34
Everyone is talking about what’s going on with the immigration problem that we have.
Scriptures tell us from the beginning that God tells the Israelites they are not to take advantage of three groups of people.
God doesn’t make a distinction of ethnicity or color or how wealthy one is in order to take care of the person.
God’s only provision is this:
Do not forget:
1. The Aliens
2. The Orphans
3. The Widows
Deuteronomy chapter 24 verses 19-22
I. What I am saying and what we must do as Christians:
— All of the above groups are to be taken care of.
— It is shameful that political leaders and news media are using this horrible and imperfect law to push their agendas.
— I don’t care much for politicians and news media outlets. They have dug their own graves with the public because they are no longer viable sources who speak the truth.
— I am only speaking to those who profess to be Christians. If you call yourself a Christian, then you must, and I repeat this, m.u.s.t., follow God’s commands over any law that will contradict His statutes.
— Taking care of the alien(foreigner), the widow and the orphan is a statute to all mankind and not just what you think is right or wrong.
— We have a problem in making aliens orphans. And we know what God says to do to those two groups.
— It’s time as Christians, not whether you lean Left or Right, to come together and take care of the unborn, the kids of incarcerated parents, the alien kids and the rest of the orphans. And this should not be a question in our minds.
— Why? Because just like the Israelites, all of us including the native Americans, which I have native blood running through my veins, migrated at some point to this beautiful land we call home.
II. Now what I am not saying:
— I am not assuming for our country to keep allowing people just to get here. If we do this, we will soon be financially ruined.
— I am not saying to allow the continued infiltration of criminals who want to cause harm to our society.
— I do not want people from any other country who want to escape their awful situation and try to change the laws and Constitution of my United States.
— If you come here, don’t expect a permanent handout. But assume that if you work hard, you will reap the rewards afforded to any citizen who wants to work hard and live in peace with others.
— Do expect to help someone in need without wanting and forcing the government to help out.
Because the Bible tells us we are to work hard with our hands, be in peace with others, help the alien, widow and the orphan.
Right now, there are thousands of foster kids, alien kids and unborn kids that need our help.
It is neither a Democratic or Republican problem but a Christian problem.
Go out and do what is right, just and will glorify our Lord and Savior.
Here’s to the men who have stepped up to lead their families Spiritually! To all those that are still leading their kids and grandkids!
There are some that are playing the dad role in your grandchildren’s lives. I commend you. You know who you are.
Here’s to my son who’s taking care of his son and passing on the torch of Christ!
Here’s to my dad, who brings me much joy to debate things about scripture!
Happy and Blessed Father’s Day!
1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery. 2 Take notice:…
Paul’s Letter to the Galatian Church Chapter 5 verse 1 & 2a Berean Study Bible
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” — The Founding Father’s Declaration
“”…..10 I am eighty-five years old today. 11″I am still as strong today as I was in the day Moses sent me; as my strength was then, so my strength is now, for war and for going out and coming in. 12″Now then, give me this hill country about which the LORD spoke on that day, for you heard on that day that Anakim (Giants) were there, with great fortified cities; perhaps the LORD will be with me, and I will drive them out as the LORD has spoken.”…””
What are your Giants?
Go slay them! The Lord is with you!
…Lord, my prayer is for me to be entirely healed from the lungs, heart and stomach area. I believe this because you say it to be true.
Not because I am anything but because you are everything. Not because I am worthy or sinless but because You are righteous and merciful. Not because of anything I have done for you but because of your everlasting love and compassion for me. You are worthy oh Lord, You are all-powerful, all-knowing and eternal. Lord, I lift my prayers up to You because You are the only one that can answer them. Jesus, Your Son is the Great Healer, and Your Spirit comforts me. What else do I need but to praise and thank you for everything that You have done in my life.
Healer and Redeemer, thank you for allowing me to commune with You. To walk and listen to You. Help me to hear what You say and truly listen to You. To be guided by You and to be filled by You so that I too can be on the same page as Your Spirit when He is hearkening to me to do something…
The above prayer was from my journal a few years ago. I wrote it so that I would be reminded of God’s unending love for us. I also wrote it as a prayer of hope and encouragement. Time and time again, God tells us to trust Him unconditionally. Because He protects us unconditionally. He is above every problem we face and is the ultimate solutions for everything natural and supernatural.
Today, if you feel that your health is failing, or that the circumstances in life are overwhelming your total being, trust in the Lord with all your hearts and do not lean on your own understanding.
He will take care of your health, finances or emotional problems happening in your life. It may not happen instantly or all at once, but in His perfect timing.
All He asks is for you to commit yourself to His Son Jesus and to ask Him to forgive you of your sins. It doesn’t matter what you have done unto until this very moment. What matters is that you put your trust in Jesus who has paid the ultimate price for you by dying on the cross almost 2,000 years ago.
What matters is right now, not the past, and what you do from this point on. Don’t wait, Jesus is there for you. Ask Him to forgive you for all the wrong things that you have done, no matter how horrible you think they are.
Ask Jesus to heal you of all the things that people have to you, no matter how vile they may be. You will see that His love for you is impossible to understand because Jesus will give you peace beyond what you could fathom.
Just do it, he will take care of the rest. He may not heal you instantly, He may not fix your circumstances right away, but He will give you peace through the storms of life. He will, in the long run, heal your whole being. Eternity is what matters. Eternity is your ultimate goal.
Resources:
Article [I] (Amendment 1 – Freedom of expression and religion) 13
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
The above is a direct quote of our sacred Constitution. I say scared because these rights are God-given and not man-given. There are men that have tried taking the common man’s rights which has caused great and terrible havoc on humanity.
This month we in California have seen the incredibly ignorant way the governor has been stripping away the right of all the people. In his warped mind he thinks he is helping out the little guys. But he and the rest of the leaders cannot see past their noses. In adding more foolish laws like this California AB2943 and making it sound like it’s a great idea.
Here are the reason why this bill and any other bill like this is wrong:
~ First off– I oppose any addition to any laws that take away rights in order to stop people from their God-given Faith and free speech. Leave it to California to try to do something like this.
~ Secondly, I oppose this type of bullying not just because I am a Christian pastor but as a citizen, husband, father and grandfather. This bill is horribly shortsighted and does nothing for the First Amendment. 
∼ Thirdly, by trying to stop a group of people from “hurting” another group, Jerry Brown is doing the same exact thing that he is “trying to fix” and that to me is foolish and shortsighted.
~ Fourthly, anytime you start taking away God-given rights, you start on a very slippery slope.
A slope that ends up with Hitler, Lenin, Stalin and Mao types. Just those good “humanitarian” men I’ve just mentioned, are responsible for killing roughly 132 million people.
This is a considerable number killed by men who had great intentions but little by little, took away people’s rights, until they were the all-powerful dictators we know them to be.
To Christians, it is time to wake up from the comfy slumber we are in! What must we do?
- Wake up from the slumber!
- Pray and fast for California, and our country.
- Pray for those lost souls in leadership.
- For all to come to the full knowledge of our Lord and Savior.
- Do something. Being saved is a verb…it takes action. A call to Christian action! (Click on this link )
- Pass the information on to others.
“8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”– Book of Acts chapter 1 verse 8. Berean Study Bible
This is to all my Christian brethren. I include myself in this. The need is urgent. The time is now:
There are Staycations, now as Christians we must do StayMissions. Our country is in a mess because we have imploded as a church. We were to go to the ends of the earth to preach the gospel and make disciples of all nations. But we were supposed to start at home, then our city, then our state and country. After this, we were to go all over the world.
I live in California and this state is a horrible mess spiritually. I have started praying and fasting for our city and state. I would ask that you lift up your home town and state. Also could you add California to your prayers please?The leadership in charge has become anti-christian. But I know how the story ends and am not worried.
We are to preach the gospel in full. Not just the feel good stuff but the full counsel of God. We, are not to be afraid and we must follow God first and then men. This means that God’s Law supersedes any man-made laws which contradict our faith. This is the reason for my urgency in sharing Christ’s love in my immediate area of residence.
I ask you to prayerfully consider making in home missions or as I am calling it StayMissions in your area. This could be in nursing and convalescent homes, homeless shelters, orphanages in your area jails, hospitals etc. The list is endless and the rewards are worth it…
…9 as unknown, yet well-known; dying, and yet we live on; punished, yet not killed; 10 sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.
Paul’s 2nd Letter to the Church in Corinth Berean Study Bible
It is Resurrection Sunday. Today we usually get up early enough to go to the Sunrise service and celebrate Christ’s triumph over death and sin.
I want to talk about what has happened for the last two Resurrection Sunday’s. We have had visitors migrating into our property. They fly in swarms, looking for a place to make their own. Last year we called the beekeeper. And we’ve had to do this again this year. Last year came as a total surprise when our neighbors called to tell us that there was a swarm of bees in our property. This year we knew what to do and called the beekeeper as soon as we saw a few of the scouts buzzing around our yard.
I was sulking about the fact that for the first time in a very long time, we were unable to go to any service for Resurrection Day. We’ve gone to Sonrise service since our adult kids could remember.
The bee swarm sank all hopes of going to any service. Our get-together was harshly interrupted by the swarm and an emergency in the family. All of us felt an emptiness we could not shake.
The crazy thing about this is, that during our Seder-Marriage Supper of the Lamb Rehearsal (as I am calling what we had in our Bible study) I spoke about the haste in which the Israelites prepared their food during their first Passover.
The Israelites would have to remember the slave to freedom period for all eternity. I correlated this with the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus on the cross and how the times of the Temple sacrifices were precisely done during the same time that Jesus hung on the cross. There are no coincidences in His perfect timing.
I was standing guard outside, making sure people passing by on the sidewalk would stay away from the bee swarm. Alone, and at a low point this year, and I was feeling sorry for myself. You see, like the Israelites, we had to leave the house when we saw a few bees enter the bathroom window.
We had our kids and our grandkids with us. I didn’t want anyone getting stung by the bees. So we left all our food, drinks and festivities in haste! I told my wife and kids to leave the house for safer pastures. I would remain behind to stand guard and make sure people knew there was a bee swarm close to the sidewalk. Now I understand why The Lord had me here on this extraordinary day.
My Jewish neighbors were walking to their synagogues with their families. I had to warn them not to get too close. The day gave me a chance to warmly say, “hello” to them and explain why they had to be careful It gave me an opportunity to tell them that I was unable to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and I also wished them a blessed Passover.
They were warm and interested in my explanation and what I was having the beekeeper do to relocate the swarm.
This past Sunday was The Lord’s perfect timing. My Orthodox Jewish neighbors walked through like they always do on Friday nights. Sunday just happened to be Easter and Passover. The Lord had me there so I could be a sweet-smelling aroma to those that don’t know the incredible love of Jesus. The sacrifice He made as the Paschal Lamb of God who took in all of humanity’s sins on the cross and nailed them once and for all. Like Passover, God has the cross as a permanent reminder for us to look up at the lifted Savior who gave His life so that we would all one day be Risen after death.
I am share my joy and peace, even when my house is literally swarmed with thousands of enemies that could have made me murmur and complain like the Israelites when they had to leave in haste during that first Passover.
I did not complain because Christ is in me. He lives in me, and I have to share Him during the good and bad times. As I pass through this wilderness while waiting to finally get to the real land flowing with milk and I have to say it, yes, honey! He has Risen! He is Risen indeed!
P.S. Another blessing in disguise, had we gone to services and then to a family gathering, we would have had the bees all over the house. That would have been a bad Easter stinger!
…24 The LORD bless you, and keep you; 25 The LORD make His face shine on you, And be gracious to you; 26 The LORD lift up His countenance on you, And give you peace.’…
Numbers chapter 6 verses 24-26 NASB
There are a few essential things that men must do as husbands and dads. The most important thing is to pray for his family.
If a man can’t pray over his wife and children before they go to bed like the above prayer, he has already lost the battle for the next day.
You see, as men, there are things that we must do. The Lord makes this very clear. We are to love our wives and as an extension, our children. As husbands, we are to love them enough to die for them.
One of the most critical and essential things that we must do before any physical or emotional priority is to pray for our wives and our kids. You see, the enemy has been working overtime these last few decades.
It seems that the family is under attack at an alarming speed. Satan and his minions have systematically dismantled the family structure, and the effects will be long-term. These effects are some of the most severe society has seen in history.
If you don’t believe me, look at civilizations and empires where the family was divided in such a way as our modern Western culture. They did not survive and neither will we if we don’t get back to Biblical essentials, or basics.
The first essential is Prayer. We pray when we commit to Christ. We pray when even before knowing our Lord and Savior. It is a human trait that is ingrained in our spirit even when our faith is not there or is very weak. We must pray for our wives and children for:
~ For Blessings, as in above verse in Numbers 6:24-26
~ For Protection This means that we will pray for our family and have them protected by the most powerful way we know, The Lord’s protection.
Psalm 91 as a whole but specifically verse 15 tells us that we can call upon God and He will answer us and will be with us through our troubles and from the terrors of the night or through what we would call dark times. But the entire Psalm is of God protecting us like a great Eagle protects its young.
~For Strength– We must pray for our wives and kids to be strong in the Lord. That they not tremble or be dismayed by anything that this life sends their way. Why? Because the Lord is with them. There is nothing the enemy can do to them.
~ For knowing the will of God and His desire for their lives.
We have been called according to His purpose, and that in itself is comforting. Because once we know He has our best interests, we can move forward from whatever trench we are stuck in. We may be weak, and we may fail, but He will always come to our rescue.
The last thing is the most important for all of us, especially the men, So goes the father, so goes the family. A weak father makes a weak and divided family. There is nothing greater for a man to give his family than eternal life.
All this is useless if we don’t know who God is. So I invite you to get to know Him as I know Him. Take the first steps to making your family secure their eternal lives. Throw the first lifesaver over into the dark and perilous waters….and grab the first one yourself. Then go and save your family….
COMMITMENT TO GOD:
Steps to having Peace with God
Eagle Picture from: https://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/psalm-91-commentary-bible-study-and-summary/
Move Forward Mondays
Prayer for Monday:
I read the news this morning about a horrific massacre in New Zealand where gunman went into a mosque and killed 49 people. This act shows how depraved human beings can be to one another. All the Social Media outlets and news organizations are airing or posting about this.
I believe that all lives matter, no matter the ethnicity or faith of a person. I am praying for all those who have lost loved ones through this atrocious act of violence.
- Having said this, I also believe that there is an unfair balance of reporting. This tragedy and all like it, should never be swept under the carpet.
- Yet, had it been a Christian church, would we have the same world-wide coverage?
— Everyday, muslim extremists in the Mid-East and Africa, burn down churches and kill Christians just because they will not submit to their religion.
— I have not heard from most of the big news organizations or even local news or social media outlets making any effort to report these horrendous acts against Christians. Only a few big News outlets have ventured into reporting this atrocities.
— Radicals in India are doing the same thing to Christians in their country.
— Atheist governments like China and N. Korea are destroying churches and are vowing to rid their countries of Christian and Western influences once and for all.
— The big news organizations and social media outlets are for the most part silent in their reporting.
- One mosque is hit with awful violence, and the reports are all over the place.
- Why is the ongoing extermination of one faith less important than another faith?
I feel for all loss of life. I detest violence and hate hearing tragic news like the New Zealand mosque massacre.
- But what I can’t stand even more than this is the silent apathetic mental disorder our media shows when it comes to reporting truth.
— Truth is, more Christians have died all over the world at the hands of extremists, than another group of people. Yet the media outlets are silent.
— An extremists goes into one mosque, commits a heinous act against a group who is worshipping their god, and every news outlet reports on the tragedy.
References:
PICTURE – https://www.opendoorsusa.org/christian-persecution/
Christian Persecution by Country— https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2018/01/11/top-10-worst-countries-christian-persecution
One of the few who has reported Christian Persecution is Fox News— https://www.foxnews.com/world/christian-group-warns-of-sharply-rising-persecution-in-these-countries-in-2019
Why? Because human beings have both good and evil inside of them.
Words. Can transform a person from the inside out.
You see, words can be read and interpreted in personal fashions. But once you understand God’s word, there is only one way you can learn it.
But the Word of God heals, unites and points you to the grace, peace, and joy of knowing God wholly, through a personal relationship with His Son Jesus.
I invite you to know Jesus and ask Him into your life. I encourage you to be indeed set free…
Get know God & be truly free:
REFERENCES:
To my wife, daughters, who exemplify the meaning of sacrifice. One day is not enough to tell you how valuable and precious you are to me. You have been hard-working, kept to your affairs. Tried to live at peace with everyone and are an integral part of my life.
- “There shouldn’t be a day for us to celebrate women and what they do. Proverbs 31 tells it all.
- To all women(especially in my family), know that you are loved by the Creator of the universe! Know that you don’t need to serve man below him but be there alongside him. You don’t lord over man either.
- Know that you can’t be mistreated but treated like royalty. You are all queens and princesses of His court.
- You don’t need anyone to legitimize you to make you feel good. Jesus has set you free! That’s all the legitimacy you need to be a woman of God like Proverbs 31! Use your talents for His will and not man’s!”
— Oscar Roca
Dear children,
— Always remember two things:
— Listen to what your elders teach you, because they have gone through the two roads in life.
—If ever you get stuck on what road you’re on, ask your elders.
If you ever get stuck. Look to the Bible. Look to your mom and dad. And always look for Nana and Poppa. because as long as I am able to breathe, I will make sure you and the rest of my kids will take the First Road. God’s Mercy Road ...
For anyone who may not know how to get on God’s Road, here are links on how to know God. I invite you to come along with me and journey on God’s Mercy Road. I promise you will not regret it!
References:
WARNING: Not for sensitive people.
Why I don’t allow someone to continually have “Woes Me” syndrome.
And why I tell them to keep their eyes off of themselves and onto others…
Then we came back here. My aunts, uncles, my grandmother, cousins and the rest of my extended family disappeared.
—Jump forward to when I was 28. I got the worst call of my life.
My mom finally lost her battle and was resting from her life long physical war. She was finally pain-free and more alive than what we could ever imagine.
—I got the second worst call of my life. I would have to travel three thousand miles to say, “see you later” to my older brother.
—My older brother went home to be with the Lord. I was devastated. We had always talked and promised to stay in contact no matter the distance. He had called a week earlier and seemed to be finally happy in the stage in life he was in. He had married a younger person who probably didn’t realize what she was getting into. Yet they were content.
—My older brother had made a decision to follow Christ. He was not perfect, yet his over stimulated and active mind couldn’t let him sleep most of the time; hence the heavy alcohol consumption.
I knew his battles were just beginning. I prayed with him, and that was the first time I had hope for his life to turn around, but it would not be.
—A few years later, the third worst call of my life. My younger brother lost his battle with self-inflicted drug and alcohol abuse.
— There were 3 brothers, 2 had gone way too early in their lives. I was in my early 30’s, and for the first time in my life, I wanted to scream out to the world. The pain was intense. If you have not felt a loss of a parent, or sibling, you cannot understand.
—I laughed. Not because of the Sender of the message but because of the last words—prophet to all nations.
Then I see people complaining about work or about being lonely. Most have not gone through one-fourth of what I have.
And please, I am not boasting! I would not wish going through my experience on anyone.
—For those who are always looking inwardly at your own lives, stop doing it.
—Look to the Perfecter of our faith. Jesus is the only One that can change your circumstances. He will not take you out of the fire
—He will a make way for you to endure the painfulness.
—Because He has taken our depressions, our burdens, and our fears.
- All this to say, life will bring you challenges. Things that might seem overwhelming will all pass. The battles you are fighting spiritually, mentally and physically will also vanquish away.
—I ask you to do a few things:
Jesus tell us in John 16:33–
—For those going through some tough times.
—Or those who have allowed the enemy to convince them that they were born this way and that their personality is that way.
—Or those that are too shy, too angry or too lonely.
Going to counseling is terrific. Getting a personality assessment is a useful tool.
But those things are just tools.
They are not written in stone.
—Do not allow yourself to be placed inside a box.
—Do not allow yourself to shortchange what God has for you.
Instead of looking for self-improvement, look to the One that can change your mindset permanently. Not to psychology or self-improvement.
—Take your eyes off of you and start looking towards Jesus. Be like Him. Pour yourself out on helping others.
—The more you do, the less you have time to sit around allowing the enemy to infiltrate your mind.
—Had I not been serving in ministry all these years, I am not sure if I would be the same.
—I kept my eyes on my wife, kids, work and ministry. This was the saving grace of God. He allowed me to go through all the Greek Tragedy, for me to keep running the race and not looking behind.
—I kept my eyes on my Redeemer. I am still keeping my eyes on Him. Not some self-improvement assessment or psychological profiling. Not on the weaknesses of my parents or what sister Mary Margaret(fictitious name) told me in school. Not what my counselor in High school told me.
—Had I listened to their advice on the things I should not be able to do, I would not be here telling you to keep your eyes on Jesus and reflect His Grace and love of salvation unto others. It’s time to stop whining about how life has been unfair and start living the life God wants you to fulfill through Him…
