I Was Pressured Greatly To

Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. 1 John 2:15 The Holy Bible, The New Living Translation

Being a bit of an old geezer, I have seen oh so many fads come and go.

There was the hippy generation, the disco generation, the punk generation, and I have no idea what the generations from the nine teen nineties are called.

During one of them I was pressured greatly to conform to their lifestyle. I was bullied and laughed at a lot because of my refusal to join in the fun times.

It is interesting to see them now. They realize that lifestyle was meaningless.

Reflecting back on my walk with Christ in that time there are moments of pure ecstasy, there were many moments of suffering which brought me ever closer into Christ’s loving arm and engaged my trust in Him my adoration in Him, my love for Him and my dedication in service unto Him. This was good and pleasing unto my cherished Father in Heaven, King in Heaven and amazing tutor ( The Holy Spirit ) .

Mind you, this transformation will continue even in our Heavenly Home so do not think you are a finished product.

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2 The Holy Bible, The New Living Translation

“I came to Him because I did not know which way to turn. I remained with Him because there is no other way I wish to turn. I came to Him longing for something I did not have. I remain with Him because I have something I will not trade. I came to Him as a stranger. I remain with Him in the most intimate of friendships. I came to Him unsure about the future. I remain with Him certain about my destiny. “Ravi Zacharias

Prayer: Oh my Beloved Jehovah Bara (The Lord Creator Isaiah 40:28 ) thank you for Your patient transformation of this rough piece of clay into the beautiful creation You intend for me to be. I look forward to experiencing what the finished product will be in Heaven. I extol Thee in the name of He who took twelve rag tag hilly billy boys from Galilee into a fire that set the world aflame two thousand years ago, Jesus Christ. Amen.

May you allow yourself to be transformed into a Heavenly creation. Joseph a son of Jehovah

This article and photo @ 2021 Joseph a son of Jehovah. All rights reserved. Used only by permission of the author.

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.

He Has to Bring You Out .

But he brought us out from there to bring us in and give us the land he promised on oath to our ancestors. Deuteronomy 6:23 New International Version

In order for you to have communion with Jehovah, He must first bring you out of the world. He must bring you out of your worldly ways so that you are more open to replacing Gods ways into your life.

It is usually a slow process that takes many years as He replaces the worlds influence in your life with His. The older you are when you begin this process the longer it will take as you have more worldly ways in you. For me it took about thirty years, sometimes it was slow while at others if was quick.

As you evolve into Jehovah’s sphere of influence the more you become in communion with His spirit.

Prayer: Please Jehovah Rohi (God our Shepherd) guide me away from the world which is going to Hell in a hand cart and onto Your divine path that leads to heaven with You.

I submissively ask this in the name of the greatest Shepherd Jesus Christ. Amen.

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

It Will Be Given to Him.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. James 1:5 New King James Version

Our Heavenly Beloved does not belittle you when you ask for guidance (you know like: What’s the matter are you stupid or something, oh come on, figure it out yourself, how many times must I explain this to you).

He encourages you to question both Him and His guidance in your life.

The more you respectfully question Jehovah the more he reveals Himself to you. The more he reveals Himself to you the more you love Him and respect Him which will make you worship Him all the more.

 

The more you respectfully question His guidance in your life the less problems you will have which will make you more grateful to Him which will make you worship Him all the more.

It is not a one off experience, it takes a lifetime.

I know this certainly is true in my life.

Prayer: Thank you Jehovah Rabbi (God is my teacher) for being so patient with this occasional dunce when I am slow to learn. Thank you my Beloved for enlightening me in the divine way in my life. I extol you in the name of the greatest rabbi ever Jesus Christ. Amen.

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

He Conceives Trouble.

Behold, the wicked brings forth iniquity; Yes, he conceives trouble and brings forth falsehood. He made a pit and dug it out, And has fallen into the ditch which he made. Psalm 7:4-15 New King James Version

Behold: to observe; look at; see.  Mirriam- Webster Dictionary

iniquity: a wicked act or thing, gross injustice  Mirriam- Webster Dictionary

Many a times I have encountered scum that think they are so smart. They think they can pull a con job on me and I am stupid enough to fall for it.

To be quite honest, I am very gullible. Most times I am not even aware of what the real motives nor what the consequences are that the Slick Willies are planning for me.

However, you cannot pull a fast one on God. God plans an escape for me. Joseph- Anthony: Green

In the end the wicked end up being burned by their own wickedness and I escape the fiery wickedness they had planned on me. They have fallen into their own traps. The wicked end up enraged and deeply shamed.

 

Then those around, whom they bragged to laugh at them or in many cases are enraged at me.

 

Do you know why?

Because they see and know they cannot pull that wickedness on me.

Do you think they will learn?

From my experience, no, they just look for easier prey.

Prayer: Thank you Jehovah Yeshua (God our rescuer) for blessing me with Your wise protection from the wicked fools who dare attempt to arrogantly abuse one of Your cherished children. I pray that the wicked learn from Your protection of Your children and  repent and come into Your divine family.I praise You in the name of He who refused to fall for any of the evil ones schemes in the desert Jesus Christ. Amen.                                                                                                           

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

Who Works In You.

For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Philippians 2:12   New King James Version                                   

I believe we all have that time in our lives when we ask the question: why am I here? 

                                                                                        

Some go off on stupid treasure hunts for the meaning of life without God.

It will never be found.                                                                                    

When we sincerely request of our Lord what His mission is in our lives He will slowly (it may take years, it may take decades. For me I served Him in many capacities over thirty decades. Each service was preparing me for a bigger one he had in store for me) reveal it to us.                         

Do not forget that Moses was tending sheep in the wilderness for forty years before he received his calling In that time he learned how to tend sheep which was preparing him to be the Sheppard for the Israelites.           

It is in a long slow process that both our obedience and our faith grows stronger. 

                                                                                                  

One feeds the other.                                                                                        

As we obey and step out into the unknown having little faith, Jehovah reveals He is there to guide us. This builds our faith which prepares us for even greater challenges in which we are obedient to His next calling in our lives.                                                                                                      

Once this occurs we understand Gods divine providence for our being here which brings true satisfaction to our lives which is a great blessing.                                           

“It is a vain thought to flee from the work that God appoints us, for the sake of finding a greater blessing, instead of seeking it where alone it is to be found – in loving obedience.”  George Eliot

Prayer: Thank you Jehovah Shammah (God is present) for being there to constantly guide me on the divine path You have prepared for me to travel in my obedient humble service to You which ultimately leads to the Heavenly home You have graciously prepared for me from before time began. I humbly thank you in the name of my gentle but strong Sheppard Jesus Christ. Amen.                                                                                                            

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

It Was For My Benefit.

Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish. In your love you kept me from the pit of destruction; you have put all my sins behind your back. Isaiah 38:17 New International Version                 

Many times in my life I wanted to go my own way. In this foolishness I was heading for disaster. Jehovah allowed me to travel the path only so long and then brought circumstances to me which brought about much anguish. At the time I called out to Him and cried asking Him why He was doing this to me. I mistakenly believed He was punishing me. In reality He was guiding me away from destruction.                                   

When I repented (which means not only being remorseful but to stop doing those destructive things) I felt clean as He washed my sins from me.                                             

Then came the time to take huge steps of faith in obedience to where he was leading me and to what He intended for me to do.                                                                                   

The process involved smashing the old me like a vase and remoulding me on His divine potters wheel to be the servant He had intended for me to be.                                                      

Each step of the way I am sure it brought praise to His name in what I accomplished for Him which is why He did it.   Yes it was to bring others into His kingdom through me obedient service to Him but it was also for my benefit. When I see those now who stayed on the same path as I was on thirty years ago I praise my Beloved for rescuing me from such horrible destruction.                                                                                               

Gods preparation for greatness in His kingdom is often filled with difficult preparation Os Hillman                                                                       

Prayer: Thank you Jehovah Rohi (God is our Sheppard) for guiding this sometimes wayward sheep of Yours back into Your divine flock that is heading to a Heavenly pasture. I apologize for occasionally being an obstinate child which needs Your firm discipline to redirect him on Your chosen path. I exalt You in the name of the greatest Sheppard Jesus Christ. Amen.                                                                                                                 

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

Growing Older Brings Us Closer to God.

It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy Romans 9:16 New International Version                                                

Most times when we are younger we are cocky and depend upon ourselves more than we depend upon Jehovah.

As the years pass and we reflect how much our Beloved was walking with us through our trials and tribulations we respect and love Him more.

As we age we come to the realization that we will not be one this earth much longer and we have more aches and pains. We depend more upon our Cherished one and long to be with Him.

As a consequence growing older brings us closer to God.

Reflecting back I see a slow progression from self dependence to God dependence in my life. As well I see a deeper love, respect and admiration for my Beloved. I have grown closer to Him than I have with anybody or anything else. The consequence is a lot more peace, security and serenity in my life.

When the time comes for us to depart this world and we are laying in bed wondering if Jesus is real, if Heaven is real and if we are going to a Heavenly home the Holy Spirit comes to comfort and encourage us.

My salvation and my honor depend on God; He is my mighty rock, my refuge. Psalm 62:7 New International Version

Prayer: Thank you Jehovah Chanan (God is gracious) for Your magnificent awesome infinite grace You have so richly showered upon me. Thank you for the comfort and encouragement of the Heavenly home You have so lovingly prepared for me to experience an eternity of love, joy, peace and good health with the one I so deeply love and long to live with. I exalt You in the name of my Heavenly king who is patiently waiting to greet me home Jesus Christ. Amen.

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

Never Existed Before.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 New International Version

Just think there is only one like you. You are an original. There was never anyone like you and never will be again.

So why do you try to fit in with the crowd?

I remember this really bad TV show that everyone was watching. When I asked my friends if they liked it, they confided in me that they thought the show was boring and crappy. When I asked them why they watched it their reply was always the same: because everybody else is.

Now God created you for a special purpose that only you can accomplish.

When you give your life over to Jesus that makes Him your king. As such the King has a special assignment just for you His servant.

To know what that is takes honest and sincere prayer.

He has always answered me in unusual ways. Sometimes it was with a small advertisement in a newspaper, sometimes it was a sermon, sometimes it was a talk with a friend.

When your calling is revealed it will sometimes be one that takes a leap of faith.

But know this, all calling are important or else Christ would not waste your time and His.

If your calling is to be a stay at home mother it is just as important as a missionary (stay at home mothers have a very important calling, molding the next generation of Jehovahs children).

If your calling is  to be a waitress or waiter the work you do is very important. Your attitude can change someones day and indeed their life.

“Every person born in this world represents something new, something that never existed before, something original and unique.”  Martin Buber

 

Prayer: Thank you Jehovah Elohim (God our creator) for blessing me with a special assignment to bring glory and honour to Your cherished name and for the wonderful opportunity to bring someone into Your sanctified family. I praise you in the name of He whose precious blood made it all possible Jesus Christ. Amen.

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

With Him is Full Redemption.

Put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. Psalm 130:7 New International Version

Redemption: the act of saving people from sin and evil : the fact of being saved from sin or evil Merriam-Webster Dictionary

Do you foolishly waste your money buying lottery tickets hoping to win. Those who do win do not have their lives changed for the better. Their problems are still there and most of the time their problems get worse with people trying to con them out of their money.

Do you hope getting married will change your life for the better? Doing that only leads to more problems and most times divorce.

Do you hope if you get that promotion or a better job it will end your money problems? If you cannot handle what you have now, what makes you believe you can handle more money (now in our sick society where the rich do indeed unjustly get richer while the rest of us suffer by getting poorer we can use more money)?

Do you hope getting that house will make your life better? Then you become a house slave making the mortgage payments, making repairs, cannot go on vacations because you cannot leave the house unattended.

 

Now when you put your hope in Jehovah that is the surest thing you can do with your life. When you completely surrender whatever slave to sin you are chained to, to Jehovah He will smash those chains and you will be eternally grateful to Him.

I know,

He smashed the chains of an addiction that were making my life a living hell while dragging me into the eternal one.

Prayer: Thank you Jehovah Yeshua (God our rescuer) for rescuing me from the chains that were making my life a living Hell while dragging me down into a permanent one. I praise You the name of He who rescued that man from legions Jesus Christ. Amen

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