If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
For Prayer or Comments
If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here
Or if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here
Poetry Books Available
If you enjoyed this poem perhaps you would like to read more of my poetry in my newest book which can be found on Amazon
In this world, if we take a stand for the truth of the gospel, we may face hardship, persecution, suffering or even death. If we choose to stand on truth, never compromising the fact that Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the life; we may suffer loss of material and worldly goods. Furthermore, if we stand firm that Jesus is the perfect Righteous Son of God who died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins, then rose again on the third day; then some will call us many names to try to destroy us. Still, when we consider Him, could we do anything less? Is not one glimpse of His glory worth it all?
When you possess the greatest treasure how can you not desire to share it with all whom you meet? Could love do any less? If you know they are destined to be in eternal damnation separated from their creator, the very source of life, goodness and joy forever; would you not be willing to risk everything for their salvation, even if you humanity thought them unworthy? For were you not also unworthy?
For the Glory One Day of Seeing Him, isn’t it worth the suffering now?
Throughout the world there are many who face imprisonment, torture, or even death for daring to proclaim the name of Jesus. In our country, for many years we have enjoyed the privilege of religious freedom. Yet that freedom we have taken for granted. Furthermore, we have during these times of privilege, allowed our very core beliefs to be compromised in the name of civility. Yet, the very ones who pressed us to lay aside those beliefs, infiltrated our churches. They now wish to cancel all the truth of the gospel message, denying the cross and God’s son who paid the penalty for our sins. Now as we are pressed to lay aside truth or be cancelled ourselves, who will stand up for Jesus? Will we recognize the worth of Glory. The Glory of seeing Jesus face to face. So the suffering now is worth the Glory then.
A Cripple, His Suffering, and Glory
As we turn to look at the cripple in Luke 5 who was given the greatest gift of all, forgiveness; let us seek to understand what truly transformed his life. As we review this text of scripture, let us consider each detail from the crowd, the four friends, Jesus Himself, the teachers of the law, and the Pharisees. We must look at not only what is at stake in seeking to see Jesus face to face. The suffering that we may face now. Yet, the Glory that will be ours one day. We must keep our eyes focused on Him. “The author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)
Then, let us consider. Is there any suffering too great to endure for the salvation of one soul?
The Glory of Jesus—Displayed and Promised to All Who believe.
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14
John 17: 20 “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who [j]will believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one:
23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.
24 “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.
He has promised to make us perfect in one. The love of the Father and the son, indwelling us with the power of the Holy Spirit sealing us forever in His Love and His Glory. Cloaked in His righteousness. Set free from the chains of sin. Endowed with His Spirit, His power, and His might. Crucified in Him and raised to newness of life. Spiritually alive, filled with all the heavenly blessings—here and now.
There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus…and nothing or no one shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8: 1,39.
A Cripple Brought to Jesus
17 Now it happened on a certain day, as He was teaching, that there were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting by, who had come out of every town of Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was present[c]to heal them.
Pause: What does it mean the power of the Lord was present to heal them? As has been shone throughout the gospel of Luke, Jesus is God. This is going to be a particularly important point in the passages which follow. Yet, Jesus while on this earth was fully human, having chosen to lay down His deity for a time to rely fully on the Father and the Holy Spirit. He humbled himself and became a servant. Emptying Himself out, He became fully dependent on the Father and the Holy Spirit fulfilling the will of the Father in all that He did. Note also, 15 However, the report went around concerning Him more; and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by Him of their infirmities. 16 So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed. Luke 4:15-16
Luke 5: 18 Then behold, men brought on a bed a man who was paralyzed, whom they sought to bring in and lay before Him. 19 And when they could not find how they might bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the housetop and let him down with his bed through the tiling into the midst before Jesus.
Determination:
Imagine these 4 men who accompanied him. Think of their determination to place this cripple directly in front of Jesus. They believed Jesus could heal Him. But the crowd would not let them through. No one showed compassion or sympathy to this man. Did they know him? We discover in a moment that he knew he was a sinner, and his greatest need was to be forgiven by God for his sins. So, did everyone else recognize him? Would they have shouted unworthy? Was his condition a direct result of some horrendous sin?
It took courage Strength and ingenuity for the other 4 men to get him in front of Jesus, but they did. Is there anyone you would go to extra lengths to present them to Christ? What about some one you do not think is worthy? Would you go the extra length to present Jesus to them? Recognizing that without Jesus they are destined to be in eternal damnation, separated from the source of life, goodness, and joy forever?
The Suffering Now- Nothing compared to the Glory.
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18
We know little about the story of the cripple. How did he become paralyzed? Yet, it must have been agonizing in that day. Yet, as Jesus laid His eyes upon the man, He saw the greater agonized. The man’s suffering state was one of unforgiven sin. Jesus could see to his heart and read his mind. The man knew his unworthiness; yet, he came to Jesus with a repentant, faith filled heart. For we read next.
20 When He (JESUS) saw their faith, He said to him, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.”
This was not just for the moment. But from that day forward. That was the tense of the verb used in the original text. Your sins are now forgiven and will continue being forgiven, because of your faith.
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. Ephesians 2
The Cancel Culture
21 And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
Not only did they want to cancel Jesus, but they also wanted Him dead. Hence why they led the charge to have Him crucified ultimately. Little did they in their self-righteousness realize they did exactly what the Father had planned all along. Jesus came to die, so that He might offer them salvation. Yet, they denied Him, tried to cancel Him, and He rose from the grave that we who believe might be saved.
22 But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, He answered and said to them, “Why are you reasoning in your hearts?
Jesus read their minds, though they had not spoken a word.
23 Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise up and walk’? 24 But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the man who was paralyzed, “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.”25 Immediately he rose up before them, took up what he had been lying on, and departed to his own house, glorifying God.
26 And they were all amazed, and they glorified God and were filled with fear, saying, “We have seen strange things today!”
Is the Glory then worth the suffering now?
All the suffering that this paralytic had faced was worth it. He will stand with Jesus in Glory one day. Many in the crowd, who had not suffered walked away still lost in their sins. The Pharisees for all their pious religiosity still would die without having really seen Jesus. Even though He was right before their eyes.
In this world, if we take a stand for the truth of the gospel, we may face hardship, persecution or even death. If we choose to stand on truth, never compromising the fact that Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the life; we may suffer loss of material and worldly goods. Furthermore, if we stand firm that Jesus is the perfect Righteous Son of God who died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins, then rose again on the third day; then some will call us many names to try to destroy us.
Still, when we consider Him, could we do anything less? When you possess the greatest treasure how can you not desire to share it with all whom you meet? Could love do any less? If you know they are destined to be in eternal damnation separated from their creator, the very source of life, goodness and joy forever; would you not be willing to risk everything for their salvation, even if you humanity thought them unworthy? For were you not also unworthy?
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
For Prayer or Comments
If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here
Or if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here
Poetry Books Available
If you enjoyed this poem perhaps you would like to read more of my poetry in my newest book which can be found on Amazon
Sometimes we consider ourselves worth a lot. Our feelings, desires, hopes, and innate value we consider to be high above all else. But what if I told you, your value magnifies when you lay aside yourself and you follow Jesus. You see, true eternal value is found in Him. All this self-made, or self-exalting value is worthless compared to eternity. Whatever wealth or fame gained here on earth quickly fades into obscurity either before or after our own death. Even those who have made such great impact on our society, such as Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, or George Washington reside in infamy until someone decides to pick out their worst and trash their best traits and achievements. Our best can never fully erase our worst moments, and we do not get to choose what others remember us for. Our humanity dooms us to mediocracy at best.
But God has promised value to all who follow Jesus Christ, those who find their identity in Him. He exchanges our worst and provides us His best. Precisely, He takes our sin and covers us in His righteousness. So, let us take a moment to look at who we are (Our Value and identity) as only can be found in Christ Jesus. Then with awe, wonder, hope and anticipation let us follow Jesus to wherever He might lead us, knowing He loves us and desires our best. He gives us value beyond anything we could hope for or imagine.
Ephesians 1:
Valued in Spiritual Blessings
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,
Think of this! He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. What are spiritual blessings? The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 [a]gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23. Contrast that with the nature of humanity: strife, discord, impatience, self-centeredness, anger, frustration, greed, and bitterness. By nature, we see ourselves as King of our little world and want all to bow to our wants. Doubt that? Just spend 10 minutes with any toddler. It only intensifies in adults (although sometimes more subtle and hidden, but the same agenda). Wonder why so many divorces? Or failed relationships at work, home, and politically?
Yet it does not have to be that way. We are given freely every spiritual blessing. The Holy Spirit indwells the heart of each believer and all we need do is yield to Him.
Value as Chosen Children
4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, (Before the world was ever made, He chose us. He knew we would be His. Willing to suffer all the pains, suffering and even the cross that we might be His.
that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, (We are made holy in Him. Cloaked in the righteousness of Christ, we no longer have any shame or blame. How? Love. God’s love for us who willingly would endure all that He hates, just to accomplished what He absolutely loves—to shower us in His love, His joy and His Glory. He did not need us to be complete; but He desired to have a creature on whom He could lavish everything, thus He created us in His image.
5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, (Why would He do such a thing? It was the GOOD PLEASURE of His will-He delights in us, His children. We are adopted into His family. An adopted child is chosen, special, and particularly showered in His affection.
Furthermore, He did it
6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He [a]made us accepted in the Beloved.
That all the Universe might know the GLORY of His Grace. Grace is one attribute of His Glory, His being, the essence of all that He IS. Thus, He provided the means of our salvation through His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ.
Value in Redemption
7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace (Because of Jesus Christ, we are redeemed, washed clean of all our guilt and sin. The chains of sin no longer hold us).
Furthermore, our hope of redemption is made know to us.
8 which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and [b]prudence, 9 having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, 10 that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, [c]both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him. (He has made His truth known to us! It is His Grace that shows us the depth of His love and gives us the faith to believe. It was His Good Pleasure to save us, He purposed this Himself since before creation. One day, every knee shall bow before Jesus.
Value in our Inheritance
11 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, 12 that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory. (He is Sovereign and we who know Him can rest assured He will accomplish all that He desires in our lives. We will look like Him. Through us He will shine forth His glory. Whatever it takes, He does not abandon the work He began in us.)
Value in Security
13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who[d] is the [e]guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
Wow, for all who have trusted in Him, through accepting the truth of His word, the gospel message which leads to Salvation, we are sealed. Note this. Sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. Guaranteed we will be fully redeemed. One Day we will look like Him! One day my heart will be perfected as His! To the praise of His Glory, for only He can transform a regenerate broken heart into one that overflows with Godly love.
Prayer for Spiritual Wisdom to KNOW Your Value
15 Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18 the eyes of your [f]understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,
19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places,21 far above all principality[g] and [h]power and [i]might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.
22 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.
Therefore, with the same power that raised Jesus from the dead, He wants to raise you from spiritual death into life. So, knowing your Value as can only be found in Him, will you follow Jesus?
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
For Prayer or Comments
If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here
Or if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here
Poetry Books Available
If you enjoyed this poem perhaps you would like to read more of my poetry in my newest book which can be found on Amazon
Usually when we consider Jesus, we talk about His humility, His Grace, and His gentle spirit. These certainly do show. Yet, how often do we think about His Magnificent boldness and His Power shining forth. He displayed the perfect dichotomy in all aspects. So, for a moment let us consider His Power on display in Luke 4 and 5. Then let us ask, when you see His power, will you follow Jesus? Then let us consider what that means for us. If we are to truly follow Jesus, we will become more like Him each day.
It is for this that Paul prayed as recorded in Ephesians 3 (NKJV)
14 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father [f]of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— 19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Jesus said, “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore, be wise as serpents and harmlessas doves. Matthew 10: 16 (NKJV).
Seeing His Power
Then He went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and was teaching them on the Sabbaths. And they were astonished at His teaching, for His word was with authority Luke 4: 31:32 NKJV
Jesus spoke with authority. He did not say, “well, I want you to consider, maybe if you want to”. Instead, His power was displayed with His directness, boldness, and knowledge. No fancy feel good additional words. Very directly, He taught the scripture and presented the truth found therein. God IS. There is no other. No room for humanity to determine truth by their feelings. God speaks ! His power created the Universe. Only His power provided a means of salvation despite humanity chasing after everything that destroys life.
Knowing His Power
Now in the synagogue there was a man who had a spirit of an unclean demon. And he cried out with a loud voice, 34 saying, “Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, [n]“Be quiet, and come out of him!” And when the demon had thrown him in their midst, it came out of him and did not hurt him. 36 Then they were all amazed and spoke among themselves, saying, “What a word this is! For with authority and power He commands the unclean spirits, and they come out.” And the report about Him went out into every place in the surrounding region. Luke 4: 33-37 NKJV
Satan and all his lackeys know who Jesus is and His power.
One day He will return as judge and King-the lion of Judah; but first He came as the Sacrificial Lamb so that all who believed in Him might be saved. Many may know of Him, know of His power and seek Him. Yet, never bow before Him and surrender to His will for their life. Knowing of Him and surrendering to Him are two very different things.. The demons knew Him, seeing His power; but did not surrender and follow Jesus. Many may profess to know Him, but the question is: Do you see His Power, believing that He is the Son of God who died for your sins? Will you bow before Him, repentant of your sins, accepting His gift of Salvation, believing that He is the only way, the truth and the life? Will you follow Jesus, no matter what the cost here and now?
His Power over illness
Now He arose from the synagogue and entered Simon’s house. But Simon’s wife’s mother was [o]sick with a high fever, and they made request of Him concerning her. So He stood over her , rebuked the fever, and it left her. Immediately she arose and served them. .When the sun was setting, all those who had any that were sick with various diseases brought them to Him; and He laid His hands on every one of them and healed them. Demons also came out of many, crying out and saying, “You are [p]the Christ, the Son of God!” And He, rebuking them, did not allow them to speak, for they knew that He was the Christ. Luke 4: 38-41 (NKJV)
Jesus has the power over sickness, illness; yet, did not want the followers to follow Him because of the gifts. We are to follow Jesus because of who He IS. Falling in love with Him, His Glory, His majesty; we follow Jesus because we love Him, every aspect. Even if He gave me nothing. If heaven and hell were not on the line, I would follow Jesus because He is worthy of all my devotion and my heart. Just to see Him. But beyond that is all the rest. The fact that He loves me is almost more than I can comprehend. Wow, with overflowing joy I follow Jesus wherever He may lead? What about you?
Follow Jesus—hearing His call
LUKE 5 (nkjv) So it was, as the multitude pressed about Him to hear the word of God, that He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret, 2 and saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen had gone from them and were washing their nets. 3 Then He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat.
4 When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”
5 But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” 6 And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. 7 So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!”
9 For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken; 10 and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.” 11 So when they had brought their boats to land, they [a]FORSOOK ALL and followed Him.
Forsaking all to Follow Him
They forsook all and followed Jesus. What about you and me? Are you willing to forsake all and follow Jesus? Seeing His Power and knowing it is within you, are you willing to boldly proclaim the truth of the gospel unashamedly to a world in need of Jesus, whatever the cost?
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
For Prayer or Comments
If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here
Or if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here
Poetry Books Available
If you enjoyed this poem perhaps you would like to read more of my poetry in my newest book which can be found on Amazon
Yes, beyond any shadow of doubt, I know that God is Love. Furthermore, I know that He reigns supreme overall. These for me are indisputable facts shown forth in scripture, history, and in my own life. Were I to proceed to tell you all the reasons why I know these truths are evident, alive and irrefutable, I would be writing well into eternity listing all the evidence! Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot attain it.Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? (Psalm 139:6-7). You will show me the path of life. In Your presence is fullness of joy. (Psalm 16:11) He is my joy, my hope, my greatest treasure, then why as I look around me today, I feel so desperately sad?
As I watch all that is happening in this nation, my heart is broken, my eyes filled with tears. Understanding the truth burdens my heart with grief as I watch a nation so filled with blindness. You see, I know that God is Love. But for His love to be perfect, He must be just. He cannot love the evil perpetrated against His children. How He longs that all would come to Him, seeking His gift of salvation. However, true love cannot demand our devotion. For true love to exist it must allow for choice. Still, justice cannot allow humanity to run continuously in contrary to God’s perfect plan, believing themselves the creators of their own destiny.
So, as I see so many blinded by their own self ambition with their hearts hardened against the very one who willingly paid the price of their sin, so they could be justified and held as His beloved children; then, I feel so desperately sad.
Feeling So Desperately Sad
Since God is my joy, is it wrong to feel so desperately sad? Were that to remain the central core of my existence, perhaps. But it is not. Instead, as I pondered that question, I turned to look at Daniel.
Daniel knew God intimately. He had experienced the miraculous providential care and witnessed the supremacy of God over all nations. Having seen the hand of God intervene and care so lovingly for His people (the remnant of faithful believers), even though that did require such harsh punishment and wrath to be poured out on those who failed to heed the warnings. So, patiently God had advised, warned, and foretold in detail what would happen. Yet, the people and leaders had stiffened their necks and hardened their hearts against God. Daniel witnessed Emperors rise and emperors fall, knowing the providential hand of God ordained it all. He fully understood how God allowed what He hates to accomplish what He loves at times. Furthermore, he saw the pagan Nebuchadnezzar come to acknowledge God as the one and only true God, a miracle itself.
God blessed Daniel with such knowledge, the future of all of humanity through great prophecies. He has sent Gabriel on multiple occasions to speak with Daniel; yet Daniel mourned bitterly for his nation at one point late in his life. He was so desperately sad that he could not eat nor even bathe.
Daniel 10:
In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a message was revealed to Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar. The message was true, but the appointed time was long; and he understood the message and had understanding of the vision. 2 In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. 3 I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.
Daniel, knowing that God is Love, was desperately sad. He knew and understood all what God had prophesied. The victory would be the Lords, but how long must humanity persist in their sin and devastation? How many would fall into judgement, never turning to acknowledge God as King of their lives? For this he wept and mourned with a heart totally broken.
God is Love, He sends a Messenger
4 Now on the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, that is, the Tigris, 5 I lifted my eyes and looked, and behold, a certain man clothed in linen, whose waist was girded with gold of Uphaz! 6 His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like torches of fire, his arms and feet like burnished bronze in color, and the sound of his words like the voice of a multitude.
7 And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, for the men who were with me did not see the vision; but a great terror fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves. 8 Therefore I was left alone when I saw this great vision, and no strength remained in me; for my vigor was turned to frailty in me, and I retained no strength. 9 Yet I heard the sound of his words; and while I heard the sound of his words I was in a deep sleep on my face, with my face to the ground.
This is much bigger than you and me
10 Suddenly, a hand touched me, which made me tremble on my knees and on the palms of my hands. 11 And he said to me, “O Daniel, man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you.” While he was speaking this word to me, I stood trembling.
12 Then he said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words. 13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia. 14 Now I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision refers to many days yet to come.”
15 When he had spoken such words to me, I turned my face toward the ground and became speechless. 16 And suddenly, one having the likeness of the sons of men touched my lips; then I opened my mouth and spoke, saying to him who stood before me, “My lord, because of the vision my sorrows have overwhelmed me, and I have retained no strength. 17 For how can this servant of my lord talk with you, my lord? As for me, no strength remains in me now, nor is any breath left in me.”
There is a battle taking place in the spiritual realm.
DO NOT WORRY
18 Then again, the one having the likeness of a man touched me and strengthened me. 19 And he said, “O man greatly beloved, fear not! Peace be to you; be strong, yes, be strong!”
So when he spoke to me I was strengthened, and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.”
20 Then he said, “Do you know why I have come to you? And now I must return to fight with the prince of Persia; and when I have gone forth, indeed the prince of Greece will come. 21 But I will tell you what is noted in the Scripture of Truth. (No one upholds me against these, except Michael your prince.
Knowing God Is Love; Yet Feeling So Desperately Sad.
Recently, my own eyes have been opened to see the utter depth of evil that is surrounding us. I weep for the masses so blinded to the truth of God. Yes, I know they have chosen; but have we who know the truth done enough to hold fast to the truth? Or have we allowed God’s truth to be watered down. Ignoring all, we have held fast to comfort and prosperity, never realizing the consequences.
As I see the end times looming before us, I feel so desperately sad for all those who are lost. Their eternity lies before them and if they do not turn, repentant for their sin and accept Jesus Christ as Savior, Lord and Master of their life; they will perish. Yet, a little while and judgement comes.
Their foot shall slip in due time; For the day of their calamity is at hand, And the things to come hasten upon them.’ Deuteronomy 32:35.
And so, I must begin a fast today. For how long, I do not know. But I know God is love and if I feel so desperately sad, then He is calling me to action and I must heed His call whatever lies before me. Oh, call to action is one of ministry, teaching and spreading His word. Never is it a call to violence, read His words.
Psalm 61 A Prayer today
Hear my cry, O God; Attend to my prayer. 2 From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
3 For You have been a shelter for me, A strong tower from the enemy.
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
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