It Is Normal to Christians

 Some Christians believe that miracles do not occur today through Christians.

I disagree and here is why: Jesus Himself promised that we could and would do miracles when we have strong faith. I do not see where he specifically says it will end with the disciples. Indeed does the Bible not state that old men would have dreams as a sign of the end of times? Matthew 10:1, Mark 16:16-18, 2 John 14:12 The purpose of the miracles is to confirm the pastors calling. Exodus 4:3-9, 30:7:10, 12 Numbers 16:28-35 I Samuel 12:17, 18 I Kings 17:24 Mark 9:39; 16:17-18 John 3:2:6:14, 36; 11:42 Acts 2:22 2 Corinthians 12:12

I had one experience in Asia where I was witnessing to a woman. She kept on laughing and questioning what made me so sure there was a God and that he had arranged for us to meet and share a Bible study. One day she informed me she had a friend whose husband was diagnosed with terminal cancer. I informed her I would pray for him. After the third day the doctors examined him only to discover that there was no cancer even though he was not taking any medication. She was ecstatic when she emailed me so that is why I know it is true.

That the message is from God Exodus 4:3-9, 30; 7:10, 12 Judges 6:11-21 I Kings 17:24; 18:37-39 2 Kings 20:8-11 Matthew 11:2-5 Mark 16:2 John 5:36 Acts 2:22; 8:6
Hebrews 2:3-4

That the miracles increase faith. John 2:11, 23; 5:53:7:31; 11:45;20:30-31 Numbers 14:11 Acts 9:42

There was an Asian man who I was witnessing to that was a new believer. One day he shared with me that being middle aged he was afraid of losing his job because the company he was working for was going bankrupt and he would be unable to get another job. After three days of my praying a company called him to offer him a job where he did not have to travel (he was a salesman who was always travelling about the country),had good benefits and more wages. Considering there are millions of younger unemployed men and women in his field with the latest skills and he was nearing retirement age wouldn’t you consider that a miracle?

No matter who is the vessel God uses to bring about a miracle or healing,it is God Who is to get the glory for it.

Chronicles 7:3 Matthew _:8; 15:31 Mark 2:12 Luke 5:25-26; 7:15-16:13 13; 17:15-16; 18:43 Acts 4:21; 14:11-15 John 2:11; 11:4

This is a hard one for me. I have had people repeatedly praise me for the wonderful things that occur to them when associating with me. I always inform them to give praise to Jehovah, not to me. I feel very uncomfortable with it.

Prayer: Please Jehovah Jireh (God our provider) bless me to be alert to those with whom You have given signs and wonders to to point us to You. Please bless me to humbly and wisely use these awesome tools You have given me the responsibility to use to point others to You. I sincerely ask this in the name of He who used them in a wise manner Jesus Christ. Amen.

May the sunshine of Jesus’ sweet love bless you today and every day.

I See it too Often.

 

“We take care of our possessions for our children. But of the children themselves we take no care at all. What an absurdity is this! Form the soul of thy son aright, and the rest will be added hereafter.” John Chrysostom

Far too often I see parents and especially grandparents spoiling their children and grandchildren with giving them everything they want. This is ham stinging them for adulthood.

Then when they become adults they are self centered, arrogant, rude and selfish and the parents and grand parents cry baby about their attitude and behavior.

I have seen it far too often.

Do not be concerned about the physical inheritance you are leaving your children but rather the moral and spiritual one which is far more important. Joseph- Anthony: Green

If you want success you have to work for it.  Joseph- Anthony: Green

Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4 Holy Bible, New International Version

Meanwhile they spend so little time with their children doing family things like sharing chores around the house (which teaches them responsibility), sitting down and just talking with them (and yes, listening to them), having picnics with them, going for walks with them where they can bond. They lecture their children while turning around and doing the very things they lecture their children not to do.

Every parents motto is not to be ”do as I say” but rather “watch me”.Joseph- Anthony: Green What type of inheritance are you leaving?

“Train your child in the way in which you know you should have gone yourself.” Charles H. Spurgeon Prayer:

Thank you Jehovah Abba (God our Father) for being the most loving Father whose guidance and discipline has moulded me into being appreciative and respectful toward You and to cherish this gracious gift. Please bless all parents and grand parents to emulate Your wise method of being a righteous parent. I give thank and pray for these blessings in the name of my big brother Jesus Christ. Amen.

May the sunshine of Jesus’ sweet love bless you today and every day.

Breakdown of Society.

 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4 Holy Bible, New King James Version

I believe that when you break down the family, you break down society. Joseph- Anthony: Green

Now that does not mean you are to remain in an abusive relationship.

“Train your child in the way in which you know you should have gone yourself.” Charles H. Spurgeon

How many times have we reflected on our past and wish we could change it?

When you are a parent you can pass these mistakes as well as your triumphs onto your children to help guide them through life.

“The tasks connected with the home are the fundamental tasks of humanity.” Theodore Roosevelt

For those of us that are old enough to remember do you remember those that in my opinion are destroyer of the family the  (womens lib) spewing on how they were on a biological clock and wanted to get pregnant ? Because they relegated men to the trash can they wanted to get pregnant by artificial insemination because they said they did not need a father in the family. Look at the results. Could it be boys raised by feminists are confused as how to be a man because there were none in their family life? Could that be why so many males today are so feminine?

In many Asian countries the mother raises the children and could that by why there is so much homosexuality there and the men are so feminine there?

“There is only one way to bring up a child in the way he should go and that is to travel that way yourself.” Abraham Lincoln

We need to walk with our children through life not shove them off to babysitters like sports teams or other extra curricular activities. We need to spend time with them not just having fun but teaching them life lessons. Other wise, when they leave the nest they will be completely unprepared for the world out there.

The most important duty of every parent and grandparent is to teach them about Jehovah, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. To help them become adopted members of a Holy Family.

Prayer: Oh Jehovah Abba (God our Father) please bless those who were raised fatherless to be introduced unto You so that will be blessed to know what a father is. This blessing they will in turn teach their children and may it restore Godly families to our society which so desperately needs it. I humbly request this in the name of my adored bib brother Jesus Christ. Amen.

May the sunshine of Jesus’ sweet love bless you today and every day.

 

He Chased Me Out.

 

 

 And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge. Exodus 31:3 New King James Version

They began doing construction work in the apartment above where I live in with jackhammers and sledge hammers going all day. This of course means it is impossible to do any writing. I researched on the internet where there is a library nearby. The one found is modern and quiet (for China, these are the noisiest people I have ever met) and there outlets to plug in your computer to work in an air conditioned building. Considering that it gets to a hundred and ten in the apartment with no air conditioning during most of the year this was a blessing

On the first day there while taking a break I felt the Lord moving me to go for a walk on the library grounds. During this walk I was led to a walkway from the library to close to the apartment. This was a blessing because it meant that I did not have to suffer the cattle car experience of the subway every morning nor have to spend money on subway fare. As well, as it takes about an hour to walk there from the apartment it is good exercise and being outside.

When Chinese see a foreigner they always want to trick them into giving them free English lessons. While meditating on this problem the Lord reminded me of a sermon I heard some time in the past. It was how the early Christians were known as the people of The Way. The Way of course being that Jesus is the way.

So if the Chinese try their conniving, I merely instruct them that I am a teacher of “The Way” and ask them if they are interested in learning about Christ. If they say no then I ask them why they are bothering me (You have to be blunt otherwise they will not leave you alone until they get what they want). If they say they are (many Chinese will lie and pretend to be interested just to get free English lessons) then they will pay for the class before the class begins (Chinese will say that they will pay and then at the end of the class not pay. I have ten years experience with these creatures and have learned my lessons the hard way. ) to prove their sincerity and yes it does say in the Bible that teachers are to be paid.

Prayer: Please Jehovah KalEl (voice of God) bless me with a heart, mind and body that is always totally obedient to You in every aspect of my life. I sincerely request this in the name of He who showed us by example what true obedience is Jesus Christ. Amen.

May the sunshine of Jesus’ sweet love bless you today and every day.

Editors note- this was written in my final days of living in China.

 

I will Teach You.

Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. Psalm 34:11 New King James Version

In this context fear is not to be afraid but rather to respect.

Yes it is important for parents, grand parents, aunts, uncles and teachers to teach young children about Jehovah.

 

But, do not forget that new comers to the family of Jehovah are like children and not mature. They need mentors to guide them along the path of righteousness both by example and by teaching. It will require a lot of patience as many of them will bombard you with incessant questions. That is another reason why there should be more than one teacher so they do not get exhausted.

Teaching is not just from the Bible but also from personal experience. I believe the personal experience to be the strongest form of teaching. Just as in the New Testament times they met in brothers and sisters houses so should they today.

Just as they shared meals together back then so too is it just as important today (Imagine having a pot luck dinner with brothers and sisters from different cultures. Not only do you have fellowship and Bible study but you are exposed to various different culinary delights from around the world.

Imagine learning a different language and different songs of praise and thanksgiving to different styles of music from all over the world? Hearing their stories of how they came to Christ and what He has done in and through their lives may inspire and strengthen you as well.

Take turns going to each others homes if possible.

Being in the modern world of course there is online Bible study groups (Skype is free). You can study with brothers and sisters from all over the world. I have and found it very enlightening.  An added benefit is when you study with someone from a different culture and country you can learn another language and varied history.

It does not matter if a baby or a seasoned vet we can all learn from each other, strengthen each other, support each other and encourage each other.

Prayer: Thank you Jehovah Pryyand- God is my friend for blessing me with numerous opportunities to enjoy fellowship, brotherly love and friendship with numerous brothers and sisters in my neighbourhood and around the world. I give thanks in the name of my best friend Jesus Christ. Amen.

May the sweet sunshine of Jesus’ beautiful love bless you today and every day.

Be a Story Teller.

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19 New King James Version

This is not a suggestion or request but a command for our King, Jesus. So how are we to obey His royal command?

One of the best ways to share is networking.                                                      

So say there is a site is where we share information with others that will help them save money. That is called networking.                                           

How much do you network about Jesus?                                                       

Then He taught them many things by parables, and said to them in His teaching Mark 4:2 New King James Version

Another word for parable is story telling.                                                       

The best way to communicate Christ with others is to share stories about Him.  Be a story teller.                                                                                                        

You can share stories of how He came to you (Jesus knocks at the door of our hearts which means He comes to us first.).                                       

Share with them the experience of when you accepted Him as king. Now if you are a new comer to our Heavenly family your story is just as important as a weathered seasoned servant of Christ.

                                                                                           

Another good way to share the experience of Jesus is to use your hobbies and expertise to explain Jesus and your walk with Him to others. So say you like to fly model planes. Why not say that the joy you have in Jesus is like the wings on the plane that lifts you so high.                                 

If your vocation is say an nurse why not give the anomaly of a high fever being a sing of illness in the body with a guilty conscience being the conviction of the Holy Spirit.                                                                 

Sharing Jesus using your hobbies and vocation with other makes it easier for others to grasp what you are trying to say.                                   

Of course we really do not know the appropriate manner to share Jesus and our walk with Him to others because we do not know how they think.                                                                                                                   

So how are we going to succeed?                                                                             

It is always best to go to Jehovah in prayer and request the Holly Spirit to inspire in us the most appropriate manner to share Jesus and our walk with Him with others because only He knows their hearts and minds the best.                                                                                                                                                                            

Prayer: Please KalEl (voice of God) bless me with wisdom to share stories about what You have done in my life and through my life in a way that those who are ignorant of You will understand Your awesome love, wisdom and provision. May others be blessed through these stories to have a deep desire to have You in their lives and hearts as well. I humbly request this in the name of the greatest story teller of all time Jesus Christ. Amen.

May the sweet sunshine of Jesus’ beautiful love bless you today and every day.

My Greatest Education.

” But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”James 3:17  New International Version

The greatest education is not to be found in some Ivy League school not a famous technical school. It is to be found at one single source, The Holy Bible. Oh you can become an egg head, but still be a loser in life. What we sorely need to be taught in all our schools throughout the world is good morals. The only place to find that is in the Bible. You may go to school to learn economics but do you have the knowledge between what is right and what is greed. Do you have the scruples not to make bad deals which may cheat seniors out of their retirement funds? You need the knowledge of the Bible in every aspect of your life, from choosing a friend, to choosing a mate to choosing the right choices in your business dealings.

      
“If I could choose between a knowledge of the Bible and a college education, I would readily choose the knowledge of the Bible.” William Lyon Phelps   

I have been to many schools where a useful education was gained that is carried with me to this day. But, the greatest education I ever received was in studying the Bible. You know something great about the Bible? You can read and hear a Bible verse many times and it means nothing to you. Then, when it is needed in your life the verse will jump out at you and its secret revealed to you to help you deal with a situation I your life where you need its wisdom.      

If we lack wisdom, God’s wisdom, we need only ask of Him and He will grant it when we ask in faith, according to His promise in James 1:5.

It is the greatest teaching tool in life. Use it generously. It is Gods gift to you. It is free and is useful in every aspect of your life. It will prevent a lot of troubles, heal you and bless you with peace during the troubling storms.

Prayer: Thank you Jehovah Rabbi (God our teacher) for blessing us with the best guidance book that is chock full of the best life advice there ever was. In the name of the greatest teacher Jesus Christ. Amen.

May the sweet sunshine of Jesus’ love bless you today and every day.

Tell It and Then Walk Away

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” Matthew 7:24-27 New International Version.

The interesting thing about this story is that Jesus told a simple and easy to understand parable so everybody could understand what He was saying. At the end of it He just got up and walked away. I believe He did this to give the people time to digest what He was saying.

Now that was not the end of it though.

After His resurrection when His disciples came sharing His story the people were more receptive to accepting it.

So too it is with us

When we share the story with people of Jesus why not make it as simple as possible for them to understand the message and then just leave them alone to think about it?

Do not try to get them to accept Jesus right then and there. That is a huge mistake too many Christians make. Do not use pressure tactics. Jesus never did, why should you?

If they are receptive, the Holy Spirit will guide them to where they can learn more. Maybe it will be you, maybe someone else.

If they are not receptive to Jesus’ story they will not listen anyway and it is a waste of both your time and usually ends up with nothing but frustration on both parties’ behalf.

I have met too many people that just at the mention of Jesus’ name it is an instant turn off because of the pressure tactics that was tried on them previously.

Not only that but maybe they are not ready to accept Jesus just then.

Prayer: Please Jesus Pryyand (Jesus my friend) guide me on how to share you with others and the best time to just walk away. I sincerely ask this in Your loving name. Amen

May the sweet sunshine of Jesus’ precious love bless you today and every day.

Do You Chase After the Empty Box.

“It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good.” Galatians 4:18 New International Version?

Do you chase after phantom pleasure or do you relish the real thing with zest?

Which one do your pursue in your life: the material things of the world, you know, the latest toys like the newest mobile phone or the newest fashion or the newest diet to get a fourteen year old body into a forty year old man or woman? At the end of the day you have an empty feeling deep in your soul like there is something more.

Or do you seek the treasures of heaven. The chest that contains the most valuable treasure there is, a close relationship with Jesus? That is where you will find fulfillment in life. That is where you will find contentment and joy.

Now where is your zeal for Christ?

How much time do you spend reading His divine love letter to you (the Holy Bible)? How much time do you spend talking with Him? No, not being a selfish oaf and only talking with Him when you want something. Would you want a friend like that? They only call you when they want something, the rest of the time you are invisible in their live? Of course not. I have had many relationships like that and speak from experience to say it is degrading and insulting to you to have those types of friends. So too it is with Jesus. Spend time just talking with Him as you would your best friend, because that is what Jesus wants, to be your best friend as well as your king and savior.

“My zeal for God and his work burns hot within me” Psalm 69:9 Living Bible.

When you find a great restaurant or a great film do you keep it to yourself or do you share it with others?

Well, how much time do you obey the command of Christ to go unto the ends of the earth to share the Gospel? Now you don’t have to go to the ends of the earth. How about your neighbor or classmate? How about your co-workers or anywhere Christ opens the door of opportunity for you?

 

“Therefore go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.” Matthew 28:19-20 New International Version

“Your message burns in my heart and bones, and I cannot keep silent” Jeremiah 20:9 Contemporary English Version.

Prayer: I treasure the precious time we spend together every day Jesus Pryyand (Jesus my friend) and humbly ask You to provide the opportunities to share You with others. I give thanks and ask in Your beautiful loving name. Amen.

May the sunshine of Jesus’ sweet love bless you today and every day.

Helps in Our Weakness.

 

The Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. Romans 8:26 New King James Version 

                                                                                                                

We all have our weaknesses, bad habits that we just cannot quit. No matter how hard we try, what programs we try we always fail.                     

Most times it is an inherited disease like alcoholism (do you think that is why so many New Years Resolutions fail?).                                                                                         

Visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the children’s children to the third and the fourth generation. Exodus 34:7 New King James Version                                                                                                         

I believe that is what the Bible refers to as sins of the fathers.                     

On both sides of my family we have the curse of alcoholism that goes back for generations run rampant. On a side note, I believe that is why it is important for us to know our family history and to teach it, both good and bad to our children. Believe it can prevent a lot of grief and torment in the future generations of our families.                                                                                               

It was only by the power of the Holy Spirit that my alcoholism was conquered.

                                                                                                         

For decades I tired diet, hypnosis, counseling and acupuncture to no avail.                                                                                                                     

It was only when I totally surrendered to Jesus that He blessed me with the power of the Holy Spirit to exorcist this disease. He helps in our weakness to conquer or addictions permanently.

                                          

When I completely surrendered He freed from the chains that held me in a living Hell and was slowly dragging me into an eternal Hell.                          

I know I have spoken of this in previous articles but it needs repeating when appropriate. I am not bragging because there is nothing to brag about. It was not by my might but the Holy Spirits that those chains were perpetually smashed.                                                                                

Are you at the end of your rope?                                                                         

Yes, the way to victory is to surrender.                                                  

Surrender completely to the power of the Holy Spirit through Christ by Jehovahs grace.

                                                                                                             

A good place to go for help is Focus on the Family if you live in Canada or the United States.                                                                                              

It is only when we quit depending on self and begin depending upon Jehovah that we will find victory. .Joseph- Anthony: Green                           

Prayer: The Addicts Prayer: Oh please Jehovah Hoshe’ah The Lord Saves) rescue me from the chains that keep me living in a daily Hell. The bonds are too strong for me to overcome on my own. I believe You have the power to eternally free me and I humbly beg of You to free me from these chains in Your infinite power. Pease bless me with the resources to help me heal from the damage my addiction has done to my mind and body. I sincerely ask this in the name of He who freed the demon possessed man Jesus Christ. Amen.

May the sunshine of Jesus’ sweet love bless you today and every day.