Joy Today

Yoked together with Jesus, my "walking with Jesus" friend, any heavy load can be handled. This assurance is stated clearly and wonderfully for us in Psalm 91. Here, my friend, let's have a listen to verses one thru 4: "He who dwells/stays, in the secret place of the Most High <The place of believing prayer >, shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.* I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust.* Surely He shall rescue you from the snare of the bird catcher and from the noisome pestilence. * He shall cover Thee with His feathers, and under His wings shall you trust. His Truth shall be your shield and ready protection." How about you? Deciding to "dwell/stay" in the "Secret Place of the Most High," is clearly a good decision with many highly desirable benefits, the best of which is to be "walking" with the Lord/ as in being yoked with Jesus. Let's BE THERE! To respond to this te...

Two oxen yoked together. Two are stronger than one. YOUR ACCOUNT HELP CENTER HELP FORUM This email was sent to you because you indicated that you'd like to receive email notifications for text messages. If you don't want to receive such emails in the future, please update your email notification settings . Google LLC 1600 Amphitheatre Pkwy Mountain View CA 94043 USA

My tractor is down...But I need to move this heavy wagon full of watermelon. Please, my "walking with Jesus" friend, will you bring over your ox? Yoked with my ox, together they will be strong enough to pull this heavily loaded wagon. Great thanks for your help. In Jesus' time teams of oxen were used to pull heavy loads, plow the fields and move heavy materials. The yoke was carefully made of wood, sometimes padded with leather. The yoke was easy on the ox and made it easy for two oxen to work together effectively. Jesus employs the image of the yoke in the amazing invitation He gives in Matthew 11:28-30. "COME unto Me, all of you who are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you [be teamed up with Me] and learn of Me, for I have a spirit that is both strong and quiet, and My heart desires to help you. My yoke is easy and My burden is light. And you will find rest for your soul." Invited to team-up with Jesus! How amazing and wonderful a...

Two oxen yoked together. Two are stronger than one. YOUR ACCOUNT HELP CENTER HELP FORUM This email was sent to you because you indicated that you'd like to receive email notifications for text messages. If you don't want to receive such emails in the future, please update your email notification settings . Google LLC 1600 Amphitheatre Pkwy Mountain View CA 94043 USA

My tractor is down...But I need to move this heavy wagon full of watermelon. Please, my "walking with Jesus" friend, will you bring over your ox? Yoked with my ox, together they will be strong enough to pull this heavily loaded wagon. Great thanks for your help. In Jesus' time teams of oxen were used to pull heavy loads, plow the fields and move heavy materials. The yoke was carefully made of wood, sometimes padded with leather. The yoke was easy on the ox and made it easy for two oxen to work together effectively. Jesus employs the image of the yoke in the amazing invitation He gives in Matthew 11:28-30. "COME unto Me, all of you who are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you [be teamed up with Me] and learn of Me, for I have a spirit that is both strong and quiet, and My heart desires to help you. My yoke is easy and My burden is light. And you will find rest for your soul." Invited to team-up with Jesus! How amazing and wonderful a...

Actions according to the counsel of the Lord are required, says Jesus. Otherwise the judgement of God will come. Well, my "walking with Jesus" friend, it's clear that wisdom directs us to follow Jesus. Remember the words of Solomon in Proverbs 9:10, "The fear/the awesome respect, of the Lord is the beginning/the foundation of wisdom." And, on the other hand, Proverbs 18:2, reminds us:" The fool has no interest in understanding." we surely do not want to be fools. We are wise to desire to develop as much understanding as possible, and then act on it. We are assured that:" All things work together for good to those who love the Lord and are the called according to His purposes."(Romans 8:28) You and I are directed by Jesus to "Love the Lord your God with ALL your heart, soul, mind and strength...and your neighbor as yourself "(Mark 12:30-31) In doing THAT, all things,WILL "work together for good,"(even when we sometimes ca...

Good Morning, my "walking with Jesus friend "What do you do with what you hear? When I tell you a tornado is coming, you take shelter, right? You take action appropriate to what you hear. Well, Jesus tells us that we need to repent of bad behavior and wrong choices. Be forgiven by God and walk according to the wisdom and counsel of God...in relation to Him and in our relationships with each other. So, now, in Matthew 11:21-24, Jesus warns his hearers that their choices will be judged by God. Did they take action appropriate to the counsel of God...or not? Do you remember the mighty works of healing and deliverance that Jesus did in Capernaum? Here's what Jesus said about that city/those people: But you, Capernaum, you were exalted to heaven by all the miracles done there, but did all that capture your thinking and stir you to appropriate action? No! You did not listen well and take appropriate action, so, in judgement, you shall be brought down to hell. Sharp words? Yes,...

Good Morning, my "walking with Jesus" friend. Have you noticed? that often when Jesus asks a question it's His way of getting us to THINK about something. In Matthew 11:7-15, Jesus'questions about John the Baptist do make us think/ make our minds work to find good answers. Jesus asks:"When you went out into the wilderness to see John, what did you expect to see? A frail reed shaken by the wind? What kind of man did you expect to see? Someone wearing soft, fancy clothes? (Only kings wear such clothes.) Did you go out to see a prophet? Yes, THAT's what you went out to see! And the true prophet, (a man who listens to God and speaks what God tells him,) this prophet was John. And God had told us long ago(@400 years before Jesus was born) that He would:'Send a messenger, to prepare the way' (Malachai 3:1) Honor John for being that messenger," Jesus explained. When we are seeing and hearing something, let's be sure to put our mind and heart to wor...

Let's walk on into Matthew 11:1-6. Good Morning, my "walking with Jesus" friend. You remember that some 700 years before Jesus came to earth, God told Isaiah that His Messiah would: "Open blind eyes, and bring men out of darkness into the light." (Isaiah 42:7)Now, Jesus is here. John the Baptist, who announced that Jesus was coming, and had baptized Jesus, had been thrown into prison, but he sent his disciples to Jesus with an urgent question:"Jesus, ARE you the Messiah?" " Jesus answered, 'Go and show John what you have seen and heard, The blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised up and the gospel is preached to the poor. And blessed are all those who are not offended by Me." In other words, Jesus is saying, what I am DOING shows that I AM the Messiah, the promised one. Now, for us, do the things that WE do, show that WE know Jesus and walk with Him? The qualities that show Christ...

Now, my "walking with Jesus" friend, let's strap on our sandals and move in a little closer to hear all that Jesus is explaining. (We remember that he just finished saying, folks if you speak of me/Jesus to others, THEN, I will speak of you to My Heavenly Father. But, if you do not tell others about me, neither will I tell My Heavenly Father about you.) Now, my plain teaching about the Kingdom of God challenges conventional thinking. So, your family may greatly disagree with your new beliefs. You will have to decide whether or not to keep growing in your new faith that is drawing you closer to God, filling your soul with joy and causing you greatly to love and serve others. Jesus is actually saying: to be a worthy disciple of mine, you must "take up your cross and follow me/ choose to do the will of God in your life, whatever He asks, even if it's difficult. THAT is how to be worthy of me.(Matthew 10: 33-38)"I tell you these things so in ME, you will have p...

In "Walking with Jesus," my friend, we are with The One who was "with God in the beginning, before the earth was brought into being."( Proverbs 8:22-23) And, we are with The One who was with King David of old, when the Holy Spirit inspired him to write:" The earth is the Lord's and the fulness of it, the world, and the people who dwell on the earth, for. He has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the floods. [ God and His creation are so exceedingly awesome...we ask two questions] Who shall be qualified to go up to the Hill of the Lord? Or, who shall be approved even just to stand in His Holy place? [The clear answer from the Lord says] He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to idols, nor sworn deceitfully. THAT person may go up to the Hill of the Lord. He shall receive the blessing of the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation "(Psalm 24:1-5) Let's pray for the Lord to teach and guide us ...

Today, my "walking with Jesus" friend, let's remind ourselves of how greatly Jesus cares for us:" The LORD IS my Shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He LEADS me beside still waters. He RESTORES my soul. He LEADS me [where?] In paths of RIGHTEOUSNESS, for His name's sake. Yea, though I WALK through [yes, through...not stay, but walk THROUGH] the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, Your rod [of correction] and your staff [of protection] they comfort me, You prepare a table before me in the Presence of my enemies, You anoint my head with oil [the presence of the Holy Spirit] My cup runs over[filled by Your grace]Surely goodness and mercy SHALL follow me ALL the days of my life and [best of all] I shall dwell in the House of the Lord forever." Psalm 23, all 6 verses...with touches from my heart for you, my friend. When we have repented of sin, believed in Jesus' love and forgiveness and invited Him into our he...

The great concern Jesus has to realistically prepare his disciples continues in Matthew 10:21-32. Even members of your own family may rise up against you as you preach the coming of the Kingdom of God, he told them. "And you shall be hated by all men for my name's sake: BUT he who endures to the end shall be saved.* And when they persecute you in this city, flee to another...*Do not be afraid of those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul; but do fear the evil one which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.* Think about it. You can buy two sparrows for a just few cents, and yet not one of them shall fall to the ground without your heavenly Father knowing.* But YOU are so greatly valued by your Heavenly Father that even the hairs of your head are numbered. So, do not be afraid. Besides which: *Wherever confesses Me before men, him will I confess before My Father in Heaven." You tell others about me, said Jesus, and by golly, I sure enough will spea...

You and I have watched and listened, my "walking with Jesus" friend. We have seen the fancy religious leaders, the Pharisees and Saducces and scribes, throw sharp questions at Jesus. His fresh, powerful and persuasive preaching was exposing their cozy, cash-generating system. They were upset at Jesus. So, to further prepare his disciples to handle difficult circumstances as they traveled the country side preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom, what do you think Jesus did? Right! He gave them some advice, warnings and encouragement. Watch this:" Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: but you will outsmart them by being as wise as serpents, and as harmless as doves. *They will drag you before councils and scourge you in their synagogues.* They will bring you before governors and Kings for my sake, to make a show in front of the Gentiles.*BUT, when they do those things, do not be concerned about what to say, for the Spirit of God will guide you."(Matth...

You and I have watched and listened, my "walking with Jesus" friend. We have seen the fancy religious leaders, the Pharisees and Saducces and scribes, throw sharp questions at Jesus. His fresh, powerful and persuasive preaching was exposing their cozy, cash-generating system. They were upset at Jesus. So, to further prepare his disciples to handle difficult circumstances as they traveled the country side preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom, what do you think Jesus did? Right! He gave them some advice, warnings and encouragement. Watch this:" Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: but you will outsmart them by being as wise as serpents, and as harmless as doves. *They will drag you before councils and scourge you in their synagogues.* They will bring you before governors and Kings for my sake, to make a show in front of the Gentiles.*BUT, when they do those things, do not be concerned about what to say, for the Spirit of God will guide you."(Matth...

Yes, Jesus sent out his disciples, my friend, to heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, get rid of unclean demons and raise the dead. What else would YOU tell them?What else did Jesus them? He said: Do not take any money, extra sandals, extra tunics or an extra coat, not even an extra walking staff because:"a worker is worthy of his food. * NOW whatever city or town you enter, ask who in it is worthy, and stay at that place while you are there.* And when you go into a home, give greetings. *If The house is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. *And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off their dust from your feet." (Matthew 10:9-14) Those are very clear and helpful instructions. We notice that courteous conduct is counselled. And if you are not welcomed, just depart peacefully and put that place behind you. We love how clear You are Lord. To respond to this text mes...

May God bless you, my "walking with Jesus" friend, bless you with Joy in His Presence, Joy in walking with Him, Joy in sharing with others that Jesus IS. "The Light of the World. He who follows Jesus will not walk in darkness, but will have the Light of Life."(John 8:12) To spread the message of the Kingdom, God gave Jesus disciples. " Jesus called His twelve to him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to set them out and to heal all kinds of sickness and disease. *NOW The names of the twelve apostles are: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;* Phillip and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew, the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus and Thaddaeus;* Simon the Cananite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him. *These twelve Jesus sent out saying, 'Preach that the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely have you receive...

Before we "walk" on out of Matthew chapter 9, here is what Jesus told his disciples in verses 37&38: "The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few:* Pray therefore to the Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth labourers into His harvest." Further, in relation to harvest/to souls to be brought into the Kingdom, Jesus said:"Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest, *And he who reaps(gathers in the crops) receives wages, and gathers fruit unto Eternal Life: that both he who sowed the seed, and he who gathers the harvest may rejoice together."(John 4:35b-36) We look around us and see a neighbor or a friend, a child or young person who is confused, uncertain, sad, lonely, perhaps discouraged...let's recognize the need, pray for Holy Spirit guidance and offer help through the mercy of God, the Light of Christ and the "quick and powerful" Word of God.(Hebrews 4:12) To respond to this tex...

Good Morning, my "walking with Jesus" friend. Good thing we have sturdy sandals. "Jesus went through all the cities and villages of the region. He taught in their synagogues, preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom of God: God loves you and desires to have a relationship with you. God is holy. He can not look on sin, and we are sinful creatures. So Jesus calls us to repent, to turn away from sin and ask for God to forgive us and "cleanse us from all unrighteousness."( 1 John 1:9) THEN, we are able to walk with the Lord, live according to His commandments, love Him and serve Him by loving our neighbor as ourselves. "The Kingdom of God is within you," Jesus taught (Luke 17:21) Along with his teaching, Jesus "...healed every sickness and disease among the people. * He saw the multitudes and was moved with compassion because they were confused and like sheep without a shepherd."(Matthew 9:35-36) Do we see neighbors whose lives are thinking are full...

"Walking with Jesus" keeps us close to the action, my friend. Close to where God is reaching down to us, His people, bringing answers to our needs. Oh my, here comes that man who acts so strange and is unable to speak..."...they brought to Jesus a man who was mute, unable to speak, and possessed by a devil. * And Jesus, having compassion on the man, cast out the devil and loosed the man's tongue, so that he spoke. And when the devil was cast out and the man was able to speak, the multitudes marvelled saying, we have never before seen such amazing healing and restoration in our country." (Matthew 9:32-34) But, the Pharisees grumbled and felt that their high religious positions were threatened because Jesus clearly has great power, and heals everyone, whereas, they have not been able to heal anyone. My friend, don't you think they should have caught onto the fact that God was and IS in Christ Jesus, showing the power of God. And joined Jesus, instead of spea...

Good Morning my " walking with Jesus" friend. Hope you are fine today. It's early, but here comes Jesus. Oh my, there's already a crowd, and look:"Two blind men were following Jesus, crying out loudly, and saying,'Thou son of David, have mercy on us..'.And Jesus said to them, ' Do you believe that I am able to do this?' And they replied, ''Yes, Lord.* Then Jesus touched their eyes, saying, 'According to your faith be it unto you.'* And their eyes were opened: and Jesus strictly charged them, 'Do not tell anyone.' * But, after they departed they actually spread abroad Jesus' fame."( Matthew 9:27-31) Are we "blind" about some things or situations? Would we be wise to as Jesus for healing? Do we have FAITH that he CAN heal us? Let's pray that the Lord with strengthen our faith, open blind eyes, and lead us in " the way everlasting." To respond to this text message, reply to this email or visit ...

While we were putting on our sandals, my "walking with Jesus" friend, another crowd has been gathering around Jesus. There, we are ready. Oh look, " A certain ruler came and worshipped Jesus, saying:' My daughter even now is dead: but if you will come and lay hands on her, she shall live.' And Jesus and his disciples started to follow the man. Suddenly, a woman diseased for 12 years with an issue of blood, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment.*For She said within verse I, if I may even just touch his garment, I shall be healed.* Well, Jesus turned around, and when he saw her, he said: Daughter, be of good comfort, your FAITH has made you whole. And the woman was healed and made whole from that hour.* Now, when Jesus came into the ruler's house, he saw mourners wailing. * But he said to them: leave. The girl is not dead just asleep. They laughed at him. *But when he had put them out, he went in, and took her by the hand. And the maiden got up!*...

While we were putting on our sandals, my "walking with Jesus" friend, another crowd has been gathering around Jesus. There, we are ready. Oh look, " A certain ruler came and worshipped Jesus, saying:' My daughter even now is dead: but if you will come and lay hands on her, she shall live.' And Jesus and his disciples started to follow the man. Suddenly, a woman diseased for 12 years with an issue of blood, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment.*For She said within verse I, if I may even just touch his garment, I shall be healed.* Well, Jesus turned around, and when he saw her, he said: Daughter, be of good comfort, your FAITH has made you whole. And the woman was healed and made whole from that hour.* Now, when Jesus came into the ruler's house, he saw mourners wailing. * But he said to them: leave. The girl is not dead just asleep. They laughed at him. *But when he had put them out, he went in, and took her by the hand. And the maiden got up!*...

While we were putting on our sandals, my "walking with Jesus" friend, another crowd has been gathering around Jesus. There, we are ready. Oh look, " A certain ruler came and worshipped Jesus, saying:' My daughter even now is dead: but if you will come and lay hands on her, she shall live.' And Jesus and his disciples started to follow the man. Suddenly, a woman diseased for 12 years with an issue of blood, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment.*For She said within verse I, if I may even just touch his garment, I shall be healed.* Well, Jesus turned around, and when he saw her, he said: Daughter, be of good comfort, your FAITH has made you whole. And the woman was healed and made whole from that hour.* Now, when Jesus came into the ruler's house, he saw mourners wailing. * But he said to them: leave. The girl is not dead just asleep. They laughed at him. *But when he had put them out, he went in, and took her by the hand. And the maiden got up!*...