Jehovah Shalom

Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.

Isaiah 12: 2

Finding peace in the midst of our daily lives can present a challenge for us. Without the presence of a covenant keeping fair and just Lord we become slaves to the very issues that he bled and died for.. As we swing into the later part of this year it is those issues that we chose to take on in our own strength that will remove us from the refuge and shelter provided by Him. Notice how in the Old and New Testaments the witnesses of God's glory visits those issues that are present when we make the choice to exclude God and not allow him in the presence of our circumstances or challenges. Psalm 91 opens with this jewel of wisdom . It reads
" He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High( God the Father) shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.(God the Son (Jesus))
I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress( the Holy Spirit): my God; in him will I trust."
It is in this manner that we find His pleasure and protection. It is a act that is contingent upon a choice made of self.. No one can make it for you, coach you to it ,or encase it in a building, club, clck , or culture. It is written and programmed into your heart. It was and still is God's intention to be Lord over your present life and your eternal one. Allow him to be Lord Jehovah and the peace for you today. Take time to trust Him in all of your affairs. Let Him be your saving grace and the sweet and glorius song off your lips. Remember He is your salvation
Amen

First Fight

It is somewhat relational concerning the first fight and the fighting that presents itself in our lives on a continual basis. Lets look at the first fight and find the similarities.

And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering. But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him. And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper? Genesis 4: 2 - 9

Every day of our lives we struggle with the issue that set off Cain. Most of the time it is not in relationship with pleasing our Father in Heaven, but our own selfish motives. We make statements like I can't stand him/her concerning a co worker, relative, neighbor or aquaintance. Usually it is driven by pride as it relates to who is superior. We make comments about those in leadership for instance the current administration in Washington D.C. that is attacked on all sides because it doesn"t live up to a standard raised by the party opposite of the one thats in position. Why can we not encourage our brother in his effort to do well? Where is the harm in expressing love instead of hate or division. In Matthew 7 Jesus kind of hints at the solution to solving this issue. He says,

"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." Matthew 7: 4,5

Usually the root of the fighting or issue is one that identifies with self. The very issue we struggle with is usually magnified to a point that it kills the life or opportunity that is presented to make us better. Understand that God did not respect what Cain was offering. To the contrary He respected Abel's. As a result in his blindness and misunderstanding Cain slew his brother.

My prayer is that as we take a look at this fight to get a clear understanding of how to be our brothers keeper. In the end lets not wage war over differences in culture, race, money, status, class,and position. Lets take our example from our God who hung his only begotten on a tree in order to have a relationship with us for an eternity. One that is matriculated in love not hate regardless of our failures.

Amen

Resurrection

The third and final part of my trio of images is Resurrection. It is in this part that we come to take part in what God had in store for us in the first place, Paradise. As in his example it is only by faith that we enter into this virtue. Ever get that feeling when you rest in God that peace and joy that can not be explained. You can't describe it to no one because each time it overwhelms the soul. Visit this scene in the book of Acts that blows the doors off of the whole experience. Check out this illustration of Christ ascending onto the Father

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven." Acts 1: 8-11

Also in this piece it indicates that our Lord will return and recieve us unto Him. Just writing about it produces a shout in me. It's that same feeling that you get when the thing you are most passionate about exceeds abundantly above all you can ask or think. Wow!!

Allow that power that rose Christ unto the Father the opportunity to resurrect those disasters and dead situations in you life. There is nothing more powerful than allowing the God of Heaven and Earth the opportunity to pull you up by your bootstraps to share in his Glory

Amen

Amen

Burial

In this second image of the trio, part of the activity written by God for the cross was presented in the burial. Scripture says that Christ died and was risen three days later. It is interesting that in that process he is presented the opportunity to bury all that was placed on Him at the Cross. This has to take place in order for Him to ascend to the Father. Here is an illustration of what took place.

" I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death." Revelation 1:18

Notice in this piece from the book of Revelation that our Lord had to enter that place to take back what belonged to him. The keys to death and hell. That opportunity is afforded to us on a regular basis. Our victories come when we are able to bury those issues that torment us and challenge us in our lives. It is when we take it and leave it beneath us when the Lord of Glory presents us with life . Understand that it is a process that we have to grab hold of on a continual basis. God knows our challenges, but he also knows our strengths. The apostle Paul hints on this as he writes in the letter to the Romans in the 12th chapter. Notice he speaks of transformation. . check it out,

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2

Unless the burial process is in place it becomes very challenging to line up with the Kingdom of God concerning the will he has for our lives.

Amen

Death

Part of a trio of images presenting my view and perspective of the cross of Jesus Christ. Through the Spirit of God we are presented with opportunities to die to ourselves and allow him to come alive in us. This first image illustrates that action as we approach and view the cross its power and the glory. In the book of Daniel the prophet gets a visit on the side of the river from the Lord (some say an angel). Notice the activity and what took place by the prophets own admission. He died. Check it out,

"And, behold, one like the similitude of the sons of men touched my lips: then I opened my mouth, and spake, and said unto him that stood before me, O my lord, by the vision my sorrows are turned upon me, and I have retained no strength. For how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord? for as for me, straightway there remained no strength in me, neither is there breath left in me. Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me, And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me." Isaiah 10: 16 - 19

As we can see with this illustration from the prophet death has to reign in order for us to open our soul up to Him to whom it belongs. This can be applied to every area of our lives. Let Christ become the Lord of it all. Each day when I look upon the Cross this view is always presented to me. It is upon my death in relinquishing my spirit that I become alive in the Holy Spirit.

Amen

Brotherly Love

Born into a world that places an emphasis on self (narcisism) the perception of our existence is filtered and blocked by motives that are self defeating. Our Lord places an emphasis on loving your neighbor like a brother. The apostle Paul writes in Romans 12:10 "Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; ".There are times when loving your brother can be the most challenging test to our faith. When we remove self and allow Christ to sit on the throne miracles occur. Those challenging issues become shouts of praise. Honor and love one another and allow Christ to use your example for his glory Amen

Brotherly Love can be purchased at my Imagekind Portfolio

Breath of Life

In the beginning it started for man with the breath of life. Interesting that God in all his creation chose to create us in His image. It is in that image that we offer glory unto the creator. In all of our travels , experiences, relationships, sacrafices, joy's , disappointments, victories and defeats that breath is sufficent enough to extend us into the next hour. Every hour of our life the breath deposited by the creator provides us with opportunity to exhale the goodness and greatness of God. As we continue on this journey towards eterinity lets not forget Christ was risen by the same breath , which also appeared on the day of Pentecost. He breathes today ! All we have to do is rest and take in the breath of life Recieve iit today. Dont leave home without it. Genesis 2:7Amen

A Love Performance

Each day we are presented with the opportunity to perfom the script written by the Lord Jesus the Christ. Most of the time we reject the script because we interpret it in a manner that is not in line with the genre the script was written in. The script was written in love and the genre it is presented iin is the heart. Notice that those who performed the script satifactorily perfomed it from the heart and not with the eyes , ears and the dogmas of man. But with the grace, mercy , favor and love of God through the script writer the Lord Jesus the Christ . Even when we see Him perform the script on the cross we are blessed with a performance that will last for eternity. One that was designed by the creator of the universe to present to us an image of how valuable we are to Him. He encourages us with the masterful portrayal of love performed in between two actors who are masterful in there own right. The one performer fear presents to us his character in a manner that love can not recieve, unbelief. The other character faith performs wonderfully and produces a tremdous supporting role to love. In return love 's role produces a performance which will bless us for eternity. Visit the heart today so that you can visualize and witness this perfomance in all the area's of your life. Remember the character fear is always looking to out perfom love and faith. If that is presented shut it down and play it again. Unless it is performed the way it is written it will not live up to the creators satisfaction.

Jesus Christ T- Shirt

The home of our King is in Jerusalem

Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.

Revelation 3:12

Tee is avaiable at our Redbubble Portfolio. Hope you enjoy

Superstar

In the hour in which we live many of the " so called" stars surrounding us are falling in large numbers. Either it be by death, immorality,sickness , disease, accident or what have you there is still on certain truth. The Apostle Paul writes this in 2 Timothy

"That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;"

There is no doubt that if you are created under the Heavens you will confess Jesus as Lord and King. Unfortunately some will miss the opportunity to confess it before departing into eternity. Lets stop wrestling with the Lord and confess Him Lord. Upon that confession and belief in your heart, that power that raised Jesus out of the tomb will deliver you from an eternal Hell. The script is already written and the epic battle is already won. Jesus will sit on His throne for eternity.

My prayer today is for those who do not know Jesus to come and ask him into there lives. Believe that He is risen and sits at the right hand of the Father making intercession for your present and eternal being.

Trully there is no one under the Heavens or Earth who can wear the title as "Superstar" like Jesus Christ. It's His creation

Amen

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Repent

This is one of my t-shirt designs located at my redbubble portfolio.

"Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. " Revelation 3:3

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Naked

And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.Genesis 3: 8 - 10

Isn't interesting that God visits the garden and the response from Adam and Eve is to hide themselves. Many of us use this tactic when we present ourselves before the Lord in relationships , in our finances, our faith and so on. Remember this piece , when we come from behind the shadows then and only them will the light of the world illuminate and reveal the truth of our existence.
Amen

Rest

There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
Hebrews 4: 9,10,11


I'm encouraged to see a transformation happening in the body of Christ that is allowing the Spirit of God to move and minister to our hearts. Over the past few years I come to witness on a regular basis the outpouring of the Holy Spirit that is replacing the traditional
ways of worship. Have you ever entered a service and instead of the Word of God being spoken or preached there is an atmosphere of praise and worship hovering over the service that emancipates souls? I come to know that in each one of the cases where this occured there was a central ingredient which allow the Spirit of God to enter in. It was like a spiritual sedative was released in order for the presence of the Holy Spirit to move. That ingredient is the rest of God.
As we enter into the rest of God it becomes the breeding ground for the witness of His power and glory. Hebrews 4: 9, 10, 11 proclaims that when we enter into that rest and cease from our own work then we are more inclined by faith to stand for God. In this hour there is a tremendous awareness of the Spirit as the body of Christ becomes more in tune to the Spirit of God. In Zachariah 4:6 the Lord speaks to the prophet saying
" Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts"..His Spirit will empower us to champion the virtues of the cross which are love , mercy and grace.
When we enter into the rest of God it encourages our faith. It allows us to put on the shelf the issues that our Lord Jesus has already relieved us of. Keep in mind that when the Lord Jesus transfiguered into glory He instructed the diciples to wait before returning to Jerusalem. It is not coincidental that the journey from Mount Olivet was a Sabbath day's journey.(Acts 1:12) It was that moment when they returned to the upper room where the diciples were staying that they entered into prayer and supplication with one accord.(Acts 2:1) On that Sabbath day that Holy Spirit filled them and they began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.(Acts 2:4)
Let us continue to be mindful that without that rest it dimishes our efforts to recieve His power.

Amen

Swimming

One of the greatest virtues of summer is swimming. This image is birthed in concert to a country that provides such a liberty and a joy.

Pray

In every place of worship, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God. Free from anger and controversy.
1 Timothy 2:8

As men of God it is contingent upon us to pray on a continual basis. It is the power that allows us to tap into the heavens concerning every area of our lives. We find that in our example (Jesus Christ) prayer was the instrument used to lead, encourage,direct,comfort,and protect our Lord concerning all the challenges that were presented to him through out his time hear on earth. The Lord Jesus gives us a template on how to pray. Matthew 6:9 illustrates his instruction to us on how to pray.It says,


" Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.
Amen

As men lets line up with the authority that is above us. He hears us and will never leave or forsake us. As the priest and prophets of our home it is our spiritual dicipline that will move our God concerning our finances, relationships, children, wives, communities, nation, and world. In Isaiah chapter 59 he confirms through the prophet his inclination to hear us. It says,"
Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened, That it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy, That it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear.
I pray today as men we remove ourselves from those iniquities that separate us from our God. Without him we will not overcome those challenges that present themselves by way of the nature we were born with. Without prayer men we are doomed to perish.
Amen






Pray


Beauty of Holiness