Snow

It snowed in the night, our once a year snow. The persimmon tree has a cold blanket to hasten their ripening.

A Hummingbird rests on a holly branch, waiting for the feeder to thaw out. 

Lemons do not do well in freezing weather. Once they freeze, then they will die. Time to pick lemons.

A hot fire in the fireplace is a welcome sight. Watching the flames dart around, the smell of smoke, the cracking of the logs in the fire, and the warm fire reminds me of times past. Perhaps a campfire at a park or beach, or just the family together in the living room sipping hot tea or coffee. Memories are so much better when Jesus is in them.

John 21:9  As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread. 

John 21:10  Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught. 

John 21:11  Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken. 

Joh 21:12  Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord. 

John 21:13  Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise. 

John 21:14  This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead. 

Miracle power, not magic

The Holy Ghost must be received to have God's power for ministry. He may come upon a person by the act of God, others pray to receive Him, and in this story prayer and the laying on of hands were the means of receiving the Holy Ghost. The power is not bought or earned.

 

Act 8:5  Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.
Act 8:6  And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.
Act 8:7  For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.
Act 8:8  And there was great joy in that city.
Act 8:9  But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:
Act 8:10  To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.
Act 8:11  And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.
Act 8:12  But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
Act 8:13  Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
Act 8:14  Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
Act 8:15  Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
Act 8:16  (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
Act 8:17  Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
Act 8:18  And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,
Act 8:19  Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.
Act 8:20  But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
Act 8:21  Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.
Act 8:22  Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.
Act 8:23  For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.
Act 8:24  Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me. Act 8:25  And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.

Philip preached the word of God to the Samaritans and they believed and were baptized in the name of Jesus. Simon the sorcerer was one of those who believed the true report and were baptized in the name of Jesus. Peter and Paul came to Samaria. There was one thing more that was needed, the receiving of the Holy Ghost. They prayed first and then laid  their hands on them and they received the Holy Ghost. Simon apparently did not receive the Holy Ghost, but wanted to give money to them to receive the power to do miracles. I am sure that today there are many TV preachers who would take his money with promises given, but there is no substitute for personal prayer and the laying on of hands. On our Internet ministry many were saved and discipled, but there was no laying on of hands, this would be done through a Spirit filled local church. Many did receive the Holy Ghost and are continuing in faith. I pray for all who receive Jesus, that they be baptized and receive the Holy Ghost.

 

Luke 11:9  And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
Luke 11:10  For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
Luke 11:11  If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?
Luke 11:12  Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?
Luke 11:13  If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

The Holy Ghost is not for magic. He must feed on the word of God. We must know who we believe and we hear from God in the word of God. There is a discipling needed to be used of God. The Holy Ghost is our teacher.

The Baptism of the Holy Ghost

Acts 1:5  For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

This is the baptism of Jesus with the Holy Ghost and fire that John the Baptist said would come.

 

Mat 3:11  I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
Mat 3:12  Whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

The Holy Ghost is the third person of the Trinity, or Triune God. His presence will convict the world of sin. The fire of God will burn away the chaff, the impure thoughts and deeds by conviction, not condemnation. If we stay away from Jesus and do not want him, we are condemned already.

 

John 3:18  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.

Salvation through faith in Jesus comes first. There is no Baptism of the Holy Ghost apart from Jesus. The first outpouring of the Holy Ghost was at the time of the Pentecost.

 

Acts 2:1  And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
Acts 2:2  And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
Acts 2:3  And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
Acts 2:4  And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Acts 2:5  And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
Acts 2:6  Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
Acts 2:7  And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?
Acts 2:8  And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?
Acts 2:9  Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,
Acts 2:10  Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,
Acts 2:11  Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.
Acts 2:12  And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?
Acts 2:13  Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.
Acts 2:14  But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:
Acts 2:15  For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.
Acts 2:16  But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;
Acts 2:17  And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
Acts 2:18  And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:

When the Holy Ghost came there was a wind, and tongues of fire appeared upon their heads. They spoke in other tongues, or languages. I have heard testimonies of people who were saved in foreign lands who spoke in languages that were of the language of someone there. Something I believe even more important occurred at the Baptism of the Holy Ghost. The example is Peter, who spoke with boldness by the Spirit of God. He no longer was depending on his own abilities, but he was speaking by the power of God. I do not believe that there is any true believer who does not want more boldness to speak and to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

 

Today the Baptism of the Holy Ghost may be manifested with tongues, others speak of the in filling of the Holy Ghost. He is behind the gifts of God. We cannot do the work of God in the flesh, although some are gifted to sway people by natural abilities. One motivational speaker called into a radio talk show and said that his great ability to sway people came only by the use of a powerful drug. Some use drugs and gain great authority. No, this is not of God, but of the devil. We do not want to move others by the flesh or another spirit. We must have the power of God through the Holy Ghost to do the work of God. All true Christians will agree with this.

 

Mark 16:15  And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Mark 16:16  He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Mark 16:17  And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
Mark 16:18  They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

Receive Jesus and his baptism and you will have power to overcome this world and to serve him by His Spirit.

Facing Situations

Jesus as the son of man submitted to the will of God the Father. It was time for his betrayal and crucifixion for our sins. Jesus was in complete control of the situation.

 

John 18:3  Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.
John 18:4  Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye?
John 18:5  They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.
John 18:6  As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.
John 18:7  Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth.
John 18:8  Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way:
John 18:9  That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.
John 18:10  Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus.
John 18:11  Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?

I wish to point out two things among many lessons from this scripture. First, Jesus could have escaped any crowd of angry people, he had done it before. When he read openly from the scriptures that he was the fulfillment of Isa 60:1-3, they sought to kill him then.

 

Luk 4:28  And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath,
Luk 4:29  And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong. 

Luk 4:30  But he passing through the midst of them went his way,

 

Jesus spoke to the band of men and Judas who came to take him captive, " who seek ye?" Jesus of Nazareth, "I am he".  As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground. Jesus is the great "I AM."  By the power of his name they fell backward to the ground. They could have laid there on the ground all night, but Jesus spoke to them  and they stood again. Jesus is in control, remember that when you are in a bad situation.

 

The second point I wish to mention is that Jesus knew it was the time for his death and resurrection. He submitted to the will of the Father. When Peter tried to defend Jesus again, he told Peter to put up the sword. Peter was always reacting to things in his own mind, before seeking the will of Jesus. Earlier he had said to Jesus that he would not allow him to be taken captive and crucified. This was a man's point of view, but Jesus rebuked him.

 

Mat 16:23  But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.
Mat 16:24  Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Mat 16:25  For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

Again, Peter attempted to prevent Jesus from being taken captive and to be killed, he drew his sword and cut off the ear of the servant of the high priest. Being a servant of the high priest he could not hear the truth anyway, but Jesus healed the ear. (Luke 22:51) Many are not able to hear the truth. As a Christian we are to hear the truth of God and to do his will, not our own will or the will of a wicked leader. A human response, often is more the will of satan, than of the Lord. Jesus spoke to Peter, " Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it? " Peter again, was not in the will of God. It was that time that Jesus must suffer and die for our sins, so that we might receive his grace and mercy. God is in control, we just need to hear him and submit to him. His way is the best way for each of us. He loves us and gave his only begotten son to die in our place for our sins. Can we not live for him? Our first and best response to any situation is to seek the will of God. Pray, trust and obey and his will be done. May Jesus be glorified in and through us.  

Fishermen

  

Luke 5:4  Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.
Luke 5:5  And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.
Luke 5:6  And when they had this done, they enclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.
Luke 5:7  And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.
Luke 5:8  When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.
Luke 5:9  For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken:
Luke 5:10  And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.

Luke 5:11  And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.

Before we can be fishers of men we must realize who Jesus is and we must humble ourselves before him, for we are sinners before a holy God. We are not to take credit for what God does through us. All glory is to God the Father and God the Son. Just as Peter obeyed and received a great catch, so are we to obey his commands. Just how much are we willing to give to God? They forsook all...and followed Jesus. The biggest fish that must be caught is a slippery one. We are that fish. Has Jesus caught you completely? You must be willing to follow him.

Mat 19:27  Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?
Mat 19:28  And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Mat 19:29  And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.

Peter thought that he had given all to Jesus and later bragged that he would never forsake him, but he then denied him three times. Jesus did not give up on Peter. We have a self centered society that has entered the church "it is all about me, I am powerful, I am anointed, I say do this"...Give glory to God. He is anointed, he through us does the good work. It is Jesus not me, not you. Give all to Jesus and follow him. I am glad that Jesus is in control. He must increase and I must decrease.

Betrayal

Mat 26:21 And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.
Mat 26:22 And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I?

Mat 26:33 Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.
Mat 26:34 Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
Mat 26:35 Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.

Well we know that it was the disciple Judas Iscariot that betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. Peter, like so many of us was sure that he would never betray Jesus. But, he did deny Jesus three times as the Master predicted. Peter was much grieved over his failure to keep his word, but in the end Jesus had forgiven him and given him a purpose to fulfill :" Feed my lambs and feed my sheep".

Joh 21:15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
Joh 21:16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
Joh 21:17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

There was no doubt between Peter and the Lord Jesus what he was called to do. Yes, he had failed Jesus in the past, probably because he thought he could fulfill his promise by self will alone. Jesus forgave him and would give him the power to do his will through the Holy Spirit. We cannot serve God in our own power. Many are gifted to influence minds and to sway people in their own will. No, this is not acceptable to God. We must surrender all to Jesus and he will give us his spirit to be able to fulfill his mission. In the end we want to hear "well done thou good and faithful servant".

Mat 25:21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

We do not want to serve him only by our own craft and have him say to us, "depart from me."

Mat 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Mat 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
Mat 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

What had they failed to do? They had not gone through the only way to be saved, through the door gate that is Jesus.

Luk 13:24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.
Luk 13:25 When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:
Luk 13:26 Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets.
Luk 13:27 But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.
Luk 13:28 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.
Luk 13:29 And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.
Luk 13:30 And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.

 

Jesus came first to Israel, but upon their rejection of him he lastly invited the Gentiles to enter the kingdom through Jesus the Messiah., Finally, all Israel shall be saved at his coming. It was to Israel that he said" Rom 11:29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance".

Were you like Peter, denying him and ashamed of your failure? Come to Jesus, he will forgive you and he will give you a calling to fulfill. We are called to fulfill his purpose.

Savouring the Things of God

Mar 8:31 And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.
Mar 8:32 And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him.
Mar 8:33 But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.

What happened? Peter was only moments before being praised and commended for his profession of faith in Jesus as the Messiah.

Mat 16:16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Mat 16:17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

As Peter attempts to protect Jesus from the cross, he steps out of the will of God.

... Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.

Let's look at the word "savourest"; the Greek word proneo, from Strong's concordance.

1) to have understanding, be wise

2) to feel, to think

a) to have an opinion of one's self, think of one's self, to be modest, not let one's opinion (though just) of himself exceed the bounds of modesty

b) to think or judge what one's opinion is

c) to be of the same mind i.e. agreed together, cherish the same views, be harmonious

3) to direct one's mind to a thing, to seek, to strive for

a) to seek one's interest or advantage

b) to be of one's party, side with him (in public affairs)

Your understanding or mind is not on the things of God, but on the things of the world.

The amplified Bible says it this way:

³³But turning around [His back to Peter] and seeing His disciples, He rebuked Peter, saying, Get behind Me, Satan! For you do not have a mind ^[n]intent on promoting what God wills, but what pleases men [you are not on God's side, but that of men].

What are these worldly things that cause us to fall?

1Jn 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
1Jn 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
1Jn 2:17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

For the things of God we can look at the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Gal 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Gal 5:24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

We often overlook verse 24, but we must die daily to the mind of the flesh and walk in the Spirit of God. This way we will be a sweet savour of Christ.

Savour has to do with a smell, like incense or the smell of good food. We are to speak the truth of God in the Spirit of God, so that we bring the savour of Christ with us.

2Co 2:15 For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:
2Co 2:16 To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?
2Co 2:17 For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.

The Holy Spirit knows when corruption of God's word comes. He will warn us of a foul smelling spirit or something not right. We are to desire the word of God and his will above the sweet smell of food or perfume or anything this world has to offer.

Lord help us to desire your will and your word above all else.