The Same Thing as A

A man who makes a vow to the Lord or makes a pledge under oath must never break it. He must do exactly what he said he would do. Numbers 30:2 The Holy Bible, The New Living Translation

A pledge is the same thing as a contract.

A contract can be verbal as well as written.

It can be between friends, or family as well as an employer. When you make a pledge to do something or not do something you should work your hardest to fulfill that pledge to the letter.

Anything else is a lie and Jehovah detests liars. Jehovah takes your word seriously, so you better as well.

The Lord detests lying lips. Proverbs 12:22 The Holy Bible, The New Living Translation

A man or woman is only as good as their word. Joseph a son of Jehovah

Now if circumstances beyond your control happen and you cannot fulfill the pledge that is forgivable.

Prayer: Please Holy Spirit El Emunah (Deuteronomy 7:9 The Faithful GOD ) bless me with the wisdom of when to say yes and when to say no. Please bless me with the fortitude to let my word be law in my life. I deeply implore this of You in the name of He whose word is the supreme law, Jesus Christ. Amen

May the light of Christs love shine brightly in your heart today and every day Joseph a son of Jehovah

This article and photo @ 2020 Joseph a son of Jehovah. All rights reserved. Used only by permission of the author.

A Bag with Holes in It.

 “Is it time for you yourselves to live in your [expensive] paneled houses while this house [of the Lord] lies in ruins?” Now therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts, “Consider your ways and thoughtfully reflect on your conduct! You have planted much, but you harvest little; you eat, but you do not have enough; you drink, but you do not have enough to be intoxicated; you clothe yourselves, but no one is warm enough; and he who earns wages earns them just to put them in a bag with holes in it [because God has withheld His blessing].” Haggai 1:3-6 Holy Bible Amplified Version

Do you have a bag with holes in it ( instead of bag insert wallet )?

Could it be because you are so selfish that you earn a penny and spend a dollar ( on yourself of course)? So when you refuse to share your wealth Jehovah allow the devil to tempt you into getting into dept to satisfy your unquenchable desire for more, more, more. Then you are miserable.

Could it be that you plant a lot of seeds to be friends with others while neglecting the crop of daily interaction with Jehovah so you harvest a little from your relationship with Him?

Could it be that in your quest for recognition form others ( self-centeredness- look at me, look at me) that you never get enough and go to foolish and many times dangerous lengths to get noticed by others instead of directing them to Jehovah? As a consequence you are never satisfied. Instead of nurturing a loving relationship with Jehovah you nurture your own ego and as a result you are cold with little or no love in your life. As a result the temple of Jehovah that resides within you is in ruins.

Prayer: I humbly pray my loving Jehovah Helech ‘Olam (The Lord our King Forever) that You daily guide this modest servant of Your to constantly build upon and glorify Your Holy Temple so that it is a beacon to those walking in the cold dark world to You amazing Temple. I sincerely request this in the name of He who shines the most brilliantly of Your holy temple Jesus Christ. Amen.

May the gentle assurance of Jesus’ sweet love encompass you today and every day.

Your Personal Offering.

 Whatever you do [whatever your task may be], work from the soul [that is, put in your very best effort], as [something done] for the Lord and not for men. Colossians 3:23 Holy Bible Amplified Version

When I was a tree planter we would get paid by the tree. The more trees you planted the more money you made. Therefore, it was in our best interest to plant as many trees as possible. Most of the planters planted sloppy without care for their quality. I, however always took quality before quantity. At some time during the day I would rest under a tree in the nearby forest and survey the ground just planted. The thought came to me that because those trees were planted with superior quality most would survive. Because most would survive they would provide food, shelter, nests for young to be nurtured, take pollution out of the air and give us clean air in return, prevent soil erosion, help retain watersheds which supplied the rivers and streams the fish dwelled in. It always made me smile and think of nature as Gods Cathedral and I just completed a wonderful renovation on it. I got a reputation as having one of the best quality in the country. Whenever someone would ask me why quality was chosen over quantity it would be explained to them about caring for Gods Cathedral and if you are going to do it, do it right.

Children, no matter how much the world pressures you to cut corners to save the company money or get the assignment do quicker, always put your best effort in your work. It will be noticed and it will cause others to question why? That is a golden opportunity to share Christ.

If you are going to do it then  do it as you were doing it for Royalty. Joseph- Anthony: Green

Prayer: Jehovah-Shammah ( The Lord is Present) I humbly beseech You that You are always with me guiding my hands and mouth that they may excel in whatever You guide me to do so that it may bring honour unto You. I sincerely request this in the name of He who always excelled in His work for Your glory Jesus Christ. Amen

May the gentle assurance of Jesus’ sweet love encompass you today and every day.

And Then Look Out.

For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness; No evil [person] dwells with You.

When you dwell with in Jehovahs presence he blesses you with guidance and protection.

If you are evil He will leave you to the demons for their pleasure. And then look out.

The boastful and the arrogant will not stand in Your sight; You hate all who do evil.

When we walk with Christ our lives are built upon the solid ground. We withstand life’ s storms even though sometimes we are battered and bruised by them.

When you are arrogant and proud oh how terrible your destruction shall be when the storms come pounding in. The shame shalt encover you like a heavy blanket of dung. And then look out.

You who laugh when you cultivate evil shall have it come pounding down upon your heads like fire from the sky. There shall be no remedy nor pity for you. And then look out.

You destroy those who tell lies; The Lord detests and rejects the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.

When we tell the truth, even though it may cause temporary discomfort, we enjoy peace of mind and a close loving relationship with Jehovah.

Those who tell lies to advance themselves or to wickedly gossip about others shall be like dung on a table presented to a king in Jehovahs eyes and your wickedness shall come upon you seven times worse than those you lied to. Your offerings and prayers shall be rejected by Jehovah. The same fate awaits those who delight in participating in deceit and those who enjoy shedding innocent blood. And then look out.

My words have been added to each verse.

Psalms 5: 4-6 Holy Bible Amplified Version

Prayer: Please Holy Spirit guide my every thought, word and deed so as to avoid suffering the terrible fate awaiting the wicked ones when they face Jehovah- Hashopet ( The Lord is the supreme Judge ). I so anxiously pray this inn the name of the Supreme Judge Jesus Christ. Amen.

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

We Must Crucify it Daily.

 

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 Holy Bible New International Version

When we are Christians we must daily crucify self for Christ.

Christ first, others second, self last. That is the daily mantra of every Christian. Joseph- Anthony: Green

One of the mantras of Christians should always be: Not my will but Thy will be done my Beloved Joseph –Anthony: Green

In other words we must always be praying, reading our Bibles and listening to sermons online (my favorite is sermonsaudio.com).

After all if we do not read our Bibles and or listen to sermons how is Christ going to speak with us?

Now He may give us instructions to do something we do not want to do. His will not ours take precedence.

Sometimes what is required of us is too great.

That is when we are to pray for the Holy Spirit to empower us to do Christ’s will.

I know for me it was forgiving someone who hurt me really bad. It took three months of praying before the forgiveness flowed.

So do not be frustrated if what is asked of you, you cannot do right away. Sometimes the Holy Spirit must work within your heart to heal the hurt and to teach you.

In my instance it was not just forgiveness but how to deal with a domineering abusive person.

Prayer: Please Jesus Immanuel (God amongst us) You gave the ultimate sacrifice to me. Open my heart and mind to sacrifice self to You in my daily life. I compliantly request this in Your wonderful name. Amen

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

Taking Matters Into Your Own Hands.

 Now it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out to his brethren and looked at their burdens. And he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his brethren. So he looked this way and that way, and when he saw no one, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. And when he went out the second day, behold, two Hebrew men were fighting, and he said to the one who did the wrong, “Why are you striking your companion?” Then he said, “Who made you a prince and a judge over us? Do you intend to kill me as you killed the Egyptian?” So Moses feared and said, “Surely this thing is known!” When Pharaoh heard of this matter, he sought to kill Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh and dwelt in the land of Midian; and he sat down by a well. Exodus 2:11-15 Holy Bible  New King James Version

Taking matters into your own hands leads to disaster. Depending upon Jehovah leads to success. Joseph- Anthony: Green

Revenge is where you want to hurt somebody worse for doing you wrong. Then they get some family and friends and get you back worse. After that you get some of your family and friends and extract even worse revenge on the perpetrators.

That is how wars start.

Even today in many parts of the world there are groups that hate each other because of something that was done centuries or even eons ago.

When I was tree planting and we had some Africans working with us we could not have certain groups in the same camp. If they were they would try to kill each other on site with axes, shovels and what ever they could get their hands on. It is insanity at its worst.

In the United States the Hatfields and Macoys was a real event that lasted about a hundred years. In Canada we had the Black Donlleys which ended in a bloody massacre.

 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for God’s wrath [and His judicial righteousness]; for it is written [in Scripture], “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Romans 12:19 Holy Bible, Amplified Version

The Christian is to pray for the perpetrators to be moved unto repentance and have faith that if they persist in their evil, wicked ways Jehovah will punish them appropriately.

I have witnessed Jehovahs vengeance against those who wronged my and I can assure you it is a terrifying site to see.

Prayer: Thank you Jehovah-Hashopet (The Lord is the supreme Judge) for being the wisest and fairest Judge of them all and for vindicating me in You time and in Your way. Please bring all those who have unfairly persecuted me to a repentant heart so as to avoid Your terrible judgment. I humbly request this in the name of the Supreme Judge on the day of judgment Jesus Christ. Amen.

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

Seeking Your Blessing.

 You will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13 New King James Version Holy Bible

To me the greatest blessing is enjoying a loving relationship with our Beloved.

To succeed at this we must seek out the proper conduct towards our Heavenly Father and obedience to His Divine guidance. It is no good asking Jehovah how to be blessed with His precious love without being obedient unto His guidance.

When we are obedient unto Him our lives change so much for the better in our earthly relationship and our Heavenly ones. That is the greatest blessing we can ever be blessed with. If you try to please everyone you will please no one and you will go crazy in the process.

When you seek to please Jehovah you are blessed with peace, love and joy. Joseph- Anthony: Green

Prayer: Lord please help me to concentrate on seeking your blessing, not the praise of others. Please bless the arrogant and proud to be thankful and humble. I sincerely request this in the name of my gracious King, Jesus Christ. Amen.

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

Are You Wax or Are You Clay?

 

“The same sun that melts wax hardens clay.” In the same way God’s discipline hardens some folk and they become bitter; in others it produces gentleness, a loving spirit, growth and maturity. God’s will is the latter but the choice is ours. Stuart Briscoe

 “Blessed is the one whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty. For he wounds, but he also binds up; he injures, but his hands also heal. Job 5:16-18

Just as a parent disciplines their children when they are naughty, so too does Jehovah discipline us when we are going astray.

Now are you going to be like wax and melt under Jesus’ discipline which will allow Him to remold you into what you should be?

Most times it is our behavior that needs adjusting.

On the other hand are you going to be arrogant and stubborn like a spoiled brat and say:” I do not care what you want God, this is what I want!!”

Are you not becoming hard like clay in the sun?

Be warned.

When Jehovah disciplines us it is because He knows what is best for us.

So perhaps we are doing something we shouldn’t and He is disciplining us.

He will only go so far and if we refuse to listen to Him say okay this is what you want; this is what you are going to get.

Look out.

Because, you will find that what you though was pleasurable will turn into a living Hell.

Prayer: Please Jehovah Elohim (Jehovah our creator) create in me a heart that is open to Your wise guidance and discipline. I respectfully request this in the name of He who was obedient to You all the way to the cross Jesus Christ. Amen.

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

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.

This is the Jewel in My Heavenly Crown

This is the task my master has given me

“My only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” (Acts 20:24 New International Version)

While enjoying my morning meal of “The Breakfast of Champions” Bible reading (after all, read the treasures within. Isn’t it chocked full of champions?) this verse stood out to me. It made me feel good.

Imagine a king or emperor giving a special task, just for you.

My task is being a Christian writer and the longer I partake of my divine task, the less of a task it is. Every time an article helps someone draw closer to Christ that will be another jewel in my crown in Heaven.

Then when Christ, the Chief Shepherd, comes, you will get a glorious crown that will never lose its beauty. 1 Peter 5:4 New Century Version

Do you know why the crown will never lose its beauty?

It is because the jewels which are more precious than jade or diamonds are the people I have been blessed to help draw closer to Christ. THEY are the jewels.

We all have our calling in the heavenly family. When you do your part, you too will inherit a precious crown. Are you doing the task our master has assigned you? When you feel exhausted or dejected and want to quit, remember your crown awaiting you in Heaven. Do not believe any task is little, small or insignificant?

The truly generous is the truly wise, and he who loves not others, lives unblest. Henry Home

When I was a teacher I planted the seeds in some of my students. I look forward to meeting them in Heaven and sharing huge hugs and tears of joy with them.

So too it is with you. The little seed you plant today may become a beautiful apple tree that produces much Heavenly fruit tomorrow.

Read about the great evangelists of yesterday like Billy Graham and Spurgeon or Billy Sunday. Some were real party boys. They heard one little sermon or had one little encounter with a Christian and they went on to set the world on fire.

You too could be the match that sets the next Billy Graham on the world.

“Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best.” – William Blake

No you do not desire your crown for pride but rather joy. The joy being that you have in some way guided another to heaven. It will be joy for them not pride for you. Joseph- Anthony: Green

If you believe you only have little in the way of skills or resources remember this: Little in the hands of Jesus can do much.

As well every time you serve Christ whether in your vocation, volunteer work or every day life, you will be putting another jewel in your crown.

There is no small act of kindness here on earth that is not great in Heaven. Joseph- Anthony: Green

Prayer: Thank you Jehovah Jireh (God our Provider) for the wonderful privilege of having so many precious jewels in my crown. I ask my beloved that You bless me with so many more opportunities to add more jewels to this crown. As well oh cherished one, may these jewels have their own crowns to give even more glory to You. I give thanks and ask for this blessing in the name of Him who wears the most treasured crown, Jesus Christ. Amen.

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