Joy Today

To be pleasing to God is a great goal, my "walking with Jesus" friend. But, "Without FAITH it is impossible to please God. Faith is believing that what GOD says is true. And "FAITH is a gift of God..."( Ephesians 2:8) Jesus said that if you have even just as much genuine Faith as a grain of mustard seed, you can move a . ( Matthew 17:20). Now a certain Centurian (Roman military Captain) had a. favorite servant who fell gravely ill. He sent. messengers asking Jesus to heal the servant: and to tell Jesus: I am not worthy to have you come to my home. But, I am a man with authority. I tell men to go here, go there, and they obey. Clearly, You have authority, Jesus,so, just send the word, and my servant will be healed. What great FAITH the Centurian had in the authority of Jesus to bring about healing! Jesus had preached in many synagogues and healed many people who came to him. But had anyone else had FAITH to ask Jesus:" Just send Your Word, and my servant/...

Build on THE ROCK. We can agree, my "walking with Jesus" friend, that is wise counsel. "On a certain day, Jesus was in Capernaum, on the north shore of the Sea of Galilee. And the highly prized slave of a Roman army captain was sick and near death. When the captain heard about Jesus, he sent an urgent message to some Jewish elders to plead with Jesus for him to come and heal his slave. The captain is such a good man, they told Jesus, even though he is a Roman military man, he built us a synagogue. If ANYONE deserves your help, they told Jesus, it is the captain. Jesus was about to go to the captain's house when a messenger arrived from the captain. 'I am not worthy to have you come to my home,' said the captain. 'Just speak the word from where you are and my servant will be healed.' Jesus was amazed at the faith of the captain! He turned to his Jewish friends and told them, 'Even among all Israel have I found faith like this.' And the captai...

Have you ever built a house? Or a tower of toy blocks? What is the single MOST important thing about building something, my "walking with Jesus" friend? Jesus talks about what that is in Luke 6:46-49. "And why do you call me, 'Lord. Lord' and yet you don' t do what I say you should do. Whoever comes to Me, and DOES what I say, I will tell you what he is like: He is like a man who built a house, and dug deep and laid the foundation on a ROCK:and when the flood rose, the stream beat heavily upon that house, BUT could NOT shake it: because it was built upon a ROCK. But, he who hears My word and does NOT follow it, is like a man who built a house upon the sand. And the flood rose and beat on that house and it fell, and great was its fall." Open our hearts, Lord, to understand Your message. Awaken our Spirits to follow Your good counsel, Lord, to build our foundation upon the ROCK of faith in Jesus Christ, crucified for our sins, Risen by the POWER of God, ...

Please, my " walking with Jesus" friend, what is your favorite fruit tree? Apple blossoms are beautiful. How about the fragrance of orange blossoms and the sweet juice of a fresh-picked orange? Have you picked cherries and eaten them right off the tree in the warm sun? Jesus is talking about fruit trees and men's hearts in Luke 6:43-45. Shall we listen closely? Jesus said, "Think about it: every tree is known by the kind of fruit it produces. Can figs grow from a thorn bush? Can you gather grapes from a bramble bush? Now, consider this: A good man, out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth that which is good.; on the other hand, an evil man, out of the evil in his heart, brings forth that which is evil. Here is the principle: whatever a person's mouth says, comes from the abundance of what is in the heart of that man." Yes, Proverbs 3:23, advises wisely: " Guard your heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues/the words that direct...

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VICTORY. To achieve victory requires determination and focused resources. Good morning, my "walking with Jesus" friend. VICTORY in the World War II battle in the Pacific for Iwo Jima ( a volcanic island SE of Japan's main island of Honshu), was proclaimed 76 years ago on this date. The the Stars and Stripes was raised on top of Mount Suribachi by five United States Marines and one US Navy man. Photographer Joe Rosenthal's camera caught the moment so brilliantly that the image stirred our hearts to keep on praying for Victory. And the moment became a towering monument you can see in Arlington, Virginia today. BUT, we declare the GREATEST Victory: "Thanks be to God who gives/is giving us, the VICTORY [Over sin and death] through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 15:57-58) Let's always be pr...

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What do you often find when you open some newly delivered box, my "walking with Jesus"friend? Yes, you find a page or booklet of directions. Follow the directions and the new item goes together and worlds as intended. Right? Likewise, when we open the Word of God, and "follow the directions," our life will show, and the Lord will "see" that we read and applied the directions. With that in mind, we think of the honor George Washington received, to be appointed General of the Revolutionary War Army, Head of the Continental Congress and unanimously elected to be the first President of the United States. Washington knew the directions from the Lord in 1 Peter 5:6-7&10, "Humble yourself under the mighty Hand of God, and He will exalt you in due time. Cast all your care on Him, for He cares for you...The God of ALL grace, who has called us unto His Eternal Glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered awhile make you perfect, establish, strengthen an...

What happened, my "walking with Jesus" friend, onn this date in 1732? Yes! Our FIRST President of the United States, George Washington, was born. Raised by God-fearing parents, taught the Bible by his mother, faithful in prayer, worship and the taking of Holy Communion throughout his life, he was called the man with:" the purest and noblest character of our time." Upon appointment as commander of the American forces during the Revolutionary War, Washington informed the troops that there was to be no cursing or swearing. How can we expect the blessings of Heaven upon our army, he reasoned, IF WE OFFEND the God of Heaven by our conduct? A man who swears and uses profane language is actually a traitor to the American cause, cutting off the aid of Heaven to the cause of freedom. Punctual attendance at Divine Service, to seek the blessings of Heaven upon our efforts to defend our homes and secure our freedom is expected, General Washington told his troops. Could WE lea...

When you sit still, very still, for a little while, my "walking with Jesus" friend, and you think about God, maybe you find yourself with thoughts like those of King David of old, as expressed in Psalm 89. "I will sing of the mercies of the Lord for ever, with my mouth I will make known the faithfulness of the Lord to ALL generations...Yes, the heavens shall praise Your wonders, O Lord, and the whole congregation shall praise Your faithfulness. For who in the heaven can be compared to the Lord? Who, among the sons of the mighty can be likened to the Lord? God is to be feared/ held in awesome reverence, in the Assembly of the saints...O Lord of hosts, You rule the raging sea, You tell it to 'Be Still.' ...The heavens are Yours, the earth also is Yours...You have a mighty arm, and high is Your right hand...Blessed are the people who joyfully praise Your Holy Name."( selected verses from Psalm 89:1-15) Praying for stillness, for each of us, and strengthening f...

One thing is for SURE, my "walking with Jesus" friend, we each and ALL need Peace. Jesus Christ IS "the Prince of Peace."(Isaiah 9:6) and the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ is the God of Peace. Hebrews 13:20-21, marvellously declares: "NOW <not tomorrow, but NOW > may the God of Peace, who raised up from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, that great Shepherd of the Sheep, by the blood of the Everlasting Covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in You that which is well-pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." His Spirit working in you/in me, for His glory...Yes, Lord, thank You! To respond to this text message, reply to this email or visit Google Voice. 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, ple...

Yes, a parable is a story told to teach a principle/or to deliver a message. Yes, my "walking with Jesus friend, Jesus told 30+ teaching parables. Luke 6:39-42, records two of them:"What good is it for one blind man to lead another blind man, won't they both fall into a ditch? And how can a student know more than his teacher? But, if he studies hard, he may learn as much. Now, think about this: why quibble about the little speck in someone else's eye/ about his little fault, when there is a log in your own eye? With a log in your own eye, how can you even think of saying to someone else, here, let me help you get rid of the speck in your eye. You hypocrite! First, get rid of the log in your own eye/the faults in your own life, and THEN, perhaps you will be able to see well enough to deal with the speck in someone else's eye." What can we learn here? Do not try to lead someone else if you don't know the way. Do not think you are better than your teacher. ...

Shall we think about relationships? We can certainly agree, my "walking with Jesus" friend, that life is full of relationships; some are dynamic and uplifting, some are smooth, others...not so much. Let's listen. Jesus has some excellent pointers about relationships: "Judge not, and you shall not be judged. <How do you feel about judgemental people? > Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned; on the other hand: Forgive, and YOU shall be forgiven; Give, and it shall be given unto you, full measure, shaken together <so there's room for more >, pressed down and running over shall men give unto you. For with the same measure you deal with others, even so they will deal with you." God desires good things for you life, so He gives us excellent counsel on how to conduct our lives. God says:" For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you, and not harm you, but give you a favorable future."(Jeremiah 29:11) Good Words from The G...

The amazing agenda God has for our attitude and actions continues, as Jesus counsels His disciples, my "walking with Jesus" friend. Let's focus our mind and listen carefully.And Jesus continued: "Do you think you deserve credit for mearly loving those who love you? Even godless people do that! And if you do good only to those who do you good...can you consider that so wonderful? Even sinners do that much' And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, what credit do you get for that? Even the most wicked will lend to their own kind for full return. God expects MORE of us who are in Christ. Here's the deal: Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them! And do not be concerned about the fact that they won't repay. When we live THAT way, the reward from Heaven will be very great, and we will truly be acting like sons of God...We are asked to show compassion, even as our Heavenly Father does."(Matthew 6:32-36) When we spend time with Jesus a...

The amazing agenda God has for our attitude and actions continues, as Jesus counsels His disciples, my "walking with Jesus" friend. Let's focus our mind and listen carefully.And Jesus continued: "Do you think you deserve credit for mearly loving those who love you? Even godless people do that! And if you do good only to those who do you good...can you consider that so wonderful? Even sinners do that much' And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, what credit do you get for that? Even the most wicked will lend to their own kind for full return. God expects MORE of us who are in Christ. Here's the deal: Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them! And do not be concerned about the fact that they won't repay. When we live THAT way, the reward from Heaven will be very great, and we will truly be acting like sons of God...We are asked to show compassion, even as our Heavenly Father does."(Matthew 6:32-36) When we spend time with Jesus a...

We are gathered around Jesus, with His disciples and apostles, my "walking with Jesus" friend, listening very carefully. "But I say unto you who hear Me," Jesus continues, "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you. [ what? How can anyone do that, we ask?] Bless those who curse you, ABD pray for those who despitefully use you. [that's a radical idea! I wonder if I can do that, we may say] And, if anyone slaps you on on cheek, let him slap the other one two. If someone demands to have your coat, give him your shirt too. [How's THAT for a radical, new way of thinking? And Jesus is not done yet!] Give what you have to anyone who asks you for it; and when things are taken away from you, don't worry about getting them back. Treat others as you want THEM to treat you."(Luke 6:27-31) Let's see here, do we need a deep breath now? That is A LOT to take in... a "tall order," as some might say: "a lot to ask?" God "see...

You have probably already figured out that at the beginning of this morning's meditation , I meant to say: How OFTEN....... Thank you for your understanding and patience with my occasional typos. God bless you. Have a good day, my friend. GrandmaEllen 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

How softer do you and I ask ourselves, how does Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, want me to look at this or that situation? Often, I think. Therefore, my "walking with Jesus" friend, let's listen in as Jesus continues to teach his disciples and apostles how God wants us to "see" things. "But Oh how great the. Sorrows that await the rich in this world's things, For they are having their only happiness down here on earth, by not living for Heaven. And they who are fat and prosperous now, will have a time of horrible hunger. Their careless laughter now will lead to sorrow later. And, what great sadness awaits those being praised by crowds now, remember how false prophets have been praised in the past. Listen, all of you, here is the path to blessing: Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. Pray for the rescue of the souls of any who curse you. And call on the Lord to bring out of darkness into Light, into a life of kindness, a...

Something GOOD to start the day and the week, my "walking with Jesus" friend. "Praise the Lorx: for it is GOOD to sing praise unto our God; for it is pleasant, and praise is attractive. The Lord builds up Jerusalem: He gathers together the outcasts of Israel. He heals the broken in heart and binds up their wounds. He tells the number of the stars; and He calls them all by their names. < Oh wow! can WE do that? > Great is our Lord and of great power: His understanding is infinite. The Lord lifts up the meek: but He casts the wicked down to the ground. Sing unto the Lord with Thanksgiving..."(Psalm 147:1-7a) To respond to this text message, reply to this email or visit Google Voice. 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 Amp...

Yes, my "walking with Jesus" friend, we are continuing to listen to Jesus as he teaches his disciples and apostles the ways of the Lord. "Blessed are you when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name...FOR THE SON OF MAN'S SAKE. < Stand up for Jesus and some may hate you, but GOD will bless you > Rejoice in that day, and leap for JOY: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven, for in the past, in a similar way, the prophets of God were persecuted."(Luke 6:22-23) To respond to this text message, reply to this email or visit Google Voice. 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

Hi, my "walking with Jesus" friend. What happened on this date in 1809? Yes, you are correct! Our 16th President, Abraham Lincoln was born. From his writings and speeches, we have clear reason to KNOW that he knew the Lord God Almighty and loved His Word. When presented with a Bible on May 9, 1849, President Lincoln declared: "The Bible is the best gift God has given to men. All the good the Savior gave to the world was communicated through this Book. If it were not for the Bible, we could not know right from wrong." Lincoln "...mastered the Bible, so that he became almost "a man of one Book," who knew that Book, and who instinctively put into practice what he had been taught therein," said President Teddy Roosevelt of President Abraham Lincoln. And President Ronald Reagan said: "Of the many influences that have shaped the United States of America into a distinctive Nation and people, none may be said to be more fundamental and enduring tha...

We "watched," my "walking with Jesus" friend, while Jesus chose twelve to be his closest companions and co-workers. History tells us that those twelve, plus the Apostle Paul, and their associates changed the world by spreading the Gospel from tiny Galilee and Judea into all the world. The dynamic truth of the Gospel is STILL transforming lives for the better. Luke 6:20-23, records some of the spiritual counsel Jesus gave/gives to those who followed/and now follow him. " And he looked upon his disciples, and said, " Blessed be those who are humble, for yours IS the Kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now [ yes, he is talking about spiritually hungering for righteousness], for you shall be filled. Blessed are those who weep now, for THEY shall laugh." What does it mean: to be "BLESSED?" It means: "To be touched by the Presence and/or favor of God." When we choose attitudes and actions acceptable to God, He brings blessings i...

Did you ever choose teams when you were in school, my "walking with Jesus" friend? We're you a good hitter? Able to knock one over the fence? Whatever you were good at got you on the team. Now, when it was day, Jesus came down from praying all night up on the mountain. "And He called his disciples to him: and from them, he chose twelve to be apostles. (A disciple is a dedicated follower. An apostle is also a follower, but is responsible to teach and preach the message as well.) Their names are: Simon( whom Jesus named Peter, and Andrew, his brother. James and John. Bartholomew. Matthew and Thomas. James, the Son of Alphaeus, and Simon, called Delores. Judas, the brother of James. And Judas Iscariot, which betrayed him." (Luke 6:12-16) What qualities did THESE men have that distinguished THEM? Why did The Lord direct Jesus to choose THESE particular people? And, in our 21st Century, who has God raised up to preach and teach the Gospel? Is God working through you...

Good Morning, my "walking with Jesus" friend. Have you ever been really, REALLY thirsty? Your mouth is totally dry...then,. when you FINALLY can get a big drink of refreshing cold water, you have a great sense of relief! What a welcome feeling, right? Well, the soul becomes thirsty, needing more of the Lord, especially when we have been busy, and when life brings troubles or challenging circumstances. Prayer, conversation with God, seeking and listening, IS the big drink of cold water that refreshes the soul, restores strength, renews hope, re-energizes the Spirit. In Luke 6:1-11, Jesus and his disciples have picked corn on the Sabbath, he has preached in the synagogue, healed the withered right hand of a man, and had to deal with negativism from the Pharisees. THEN, in verse 12, Luke reports:" After those days, Jesus went out into a mountain to pray, and continued ALL night in prayer to God." He was "thirsty" for fellowship with His Heavenly Father. He...