The Holy Spit at Work

During my daily scripture reading and meditation I read other devotionals as well as Heavenly Bred, what struck me on more that one occasion is how the Holy spirit is working through me and other Christian writers as we are most often on the same page on any particular subject matter. Case in point, while reading Sunday's devotional that another Christian writer had written on the subject of "The Persecuted Church" as this was a topic that i paused in my daily reading and meditation earlier while reflecting on this country's freedom of worship without fear of persecution while in other countries Christians are being persecuted for worshiping the true and living God. I paused and prayed that the day never come when Christians in this country are compelled to worship in secrecy. Also, I prayed for the perseverance of the persecuted hat through their faith in God they remain steadfast in their commitment to Him. What came to mind was that we now have our freedom to worship God, but when I witness the attendance in some churches they are half empty then I wonder why? A number of reasons come to mind, is it that we are taking God for granted? Do we feel that we do not need God? Is it that our economy is to the point that many are compelled to save their money for daily necessities? Is it that many do not want to hear what the preacher in saying? Is it that many have lost all hope? Where is our trust in God? Whatever the reasons are I encourage all to remember that God said in His Word that He would never leave nor forsake His own.

Another point of the Holy Spirit working through His people in spreading the gospel message is this Sunday's devotional by this author, her prayers were for those who are being persecuted for Christ's sake. Also, on other occasions we Christian writers in our devotionals have been in the same book of scripture and same topic; for example, prayer, perseverance, patience and faith in God. Just look at the Holy Spirit working!

Believers, join me as we continue obeying the great commission as recorded in Matthew 28:19-20 as we lift the name of Jesus. We are witnessing many sinful lifestyles being spread like a bay leaf tree before our very eyes.

closing thoughts, just as the Holy Spirit speak through me and other Christian writers, He will and does speak through all believers in our obedience to our commission of spreading the gospel message. Satan has no win.

God is going to punish sin, just as He did in Noah's day. Therefore, stand like Noah, he preached it's going to rain for 120 years, but the sinful failed to believe or repent, all were lost.

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wwhite@goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com
(248) 737-0191

The Heavens Declare His Glory

The heavens declare the glory of God: and the firmament sheweth his handwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.

Several days ago I was reading the Trumpet magazine, and there was an interesting article titled "The Perfect Seat for Viewing the Universe" written by Joel Hilliker. In the article, the writer talks about the Hubble Telescope and its orbiting the earth every 97-minutes while discussing the journey the telescope has made and the wonders of the universe it has discovered and have relayed some amazing pictures back to earth, thus opening the eyes of scientist to the wonders of our creator God. The writer, Mr. Hilliker makes a statement and asks a thoughtful question as both are very profound, which were "The heaven have a message for us. Do you hear what they are saying? Scientists attempts to answer the above question, they came up with more questions, such as, What are the laws of the universe? Where doe it end? Where did it all come from? Why is it there? The last question the scientist raised were why am I here? To answer these questions, first, the message God wants all to know is that there is a God, and it is Him the creator, the giver of live in any form and it is He alone that sustains all that is in the universe, earth and humanity included. God is the only one who can step out on nothing and create something, seen and unseen. The second message is that God is to be worshipped and glorified because if the heavenly bodies can why can't man? The laws of the universe obey God because He is the creator of the universe and in doing so He established the order in which the universe is to operate. Isn't all creation supposed to obey its creator? The universe ends where God say it does, and the origin of the universe is left to God's knowledge because all recorded biblical research on the question comes back with it came from nothing as God in His creative powers created it out of nothing. The last two question can be answered by stating that the universe exist because the all wise God knew in His creative process what He wanted and what was to be. Lastly in my biblical and scientific knowledge is that humanity is here because God wants a relationship with mankind and to manage (have dominion over) what's on planet earth. Therefore, God created planet earth suitable for humanity to live and exist in a perfect world. Although mankind in his effort to be a god has compromised God's order of creations and through God's divine revelation is using the Hubble Telescope telling all who will listen that "I am God, the creator and sustainer of this universe, and there is none beside me."

More importantly, scientist is coming to grips with and is acknowledging that yes there is a Supreme Being and that the universe just didn't happen by luck or the "Big Bang Theory" as so many evolutionist would have you to believe. My question is if the Big Bang Theory was true, which it isn't then how can the universe operate as it does? If man evolved from a one cell animal how did man evolve into this complex structure as we know our bodies to be? Lastly, how did we become a living soul if God is non-existence?

Also, Mr. Hilliker's article points that some scientists refer to the earth as The Privileged Planet or the Goldilocks planet" whatever or however they refer to planet earth it was conceived in the super intelligent mind of someone far bigger than humanity. God in His divine wisdom knew the conditions necessary for man's existences; therefore He set everything just right for man on planet earth.

In closing this dialogue, I can say to the scientist and all others who doubt that there is a God, this believer and I am confident that other believers agree that there is a God who created everything that is seen and unseen (Romans 1:20) and believe the Bible when it states, "In the beginning God created the heavens and earth ('Genesis1:1). Therefore, believers did not need the findings of the Hubble Telescope to reveal the majesty and glory of God, because believers look at what we can see with the natural eye and say "what an awesome God!"

I am very pleased that author, Joel Hilliker acknowledges the work of God and who He is as well as some scientists are realizing that the universe and its majestic splendor is in existence because of God and the universe give glory and honor to Him. What is being revealed is God saying "Yes I exist."

Lastly, if the heaven can declare the glory of God, then so can I.

Our Christian Community

2 Thessalonians 2:3-4

While studying and meditating on November's daily devotional and writing a devotional on "The Rapture" and taking into an account what happening in our local churches today cause me to ask this question, what is happening to our Christian community?

Our Christian community is witnessing a drop in attendance among the congregation as well as their offering has declined. There are many activities taking place in many of our churches that is commonly seen in the world. Many local churches are tolerating many sins that are known to be an abomination to God according to scripture.

Looking at the current situation, several questions came to mind, is the stage being set for the coming of the Antichrist? Is the situation for some church congregants that they have to choose between church and saving for basic family needs? Let's discuss the first question, if the stage is being set for the coming Antichrist, then three things must occur, which are:

1. The "mystery of iniquity" is behind the scenes of the evil powers are at work and will climax when there is a complete ridicule and disregard for Biblical standards. According to scripture lawlessness will cause man to grow cold (Matthew 24:10-12; Luke 18:7; Revelation 2:7). However, a faithful few will remain loyal to God and His Church and they will continue to preach Christ while using the sword of the Spirit as their attack weapon (Ephesian 6:17).
2. There will be a "falling away" which means a departure or abandon Biblical truths. Falling away carries two dimensions, Theological and Moral apostasy. Theological apostasy is a rejection of part or all of Christ's teaching (1Timothy 4:1-2; 2 Timothy 4:3), while Moral apostasy severs the believer's relationship with Christ and returns to sin and immorality. 1 Timothy 4:1 records how "some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deducing spirits, and doctrines of devils." This means that many will fall away because they prefer deception rather than the truth. Therefore, leaders (preacher and teachers) who distort the gospel will find little resistance in many churches. Another thought on "falling away" is that for appearance sake some leaders/churches will tolerate or comprise on many sins for the sake of money, numbers, success and honor among their peers (1 Timothy 4:1). What does the Bible say about sin? We are to preach and teach Christ and renounce sin to whomever and wherever sin is seen and or practiced. Let's look at the second question of choosing church or saving for basic family needs? Well, that's a faith and personal issue each must answer. God said in His word that He would "supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19).

In closing, times may be tough, but let's remain focused on God and His Word as He is our salvation. Lastly, God's standards and His moral laws is what we are to live by. Therefore, modern day society and its humanistic values cannot and will not prevent God's judgment on sin.

The true Christian community (church) is a beacon for all to see as the church is Christ's bride. Stay with Christ!

Obedience is Better Than Sacrifice

Psalm 95; Numbers 20:1-5

In this week's blog I felt the need to discuss last Sunday's Sunday School's lesson taken from the SSPB Sunday School commentary as it relates to Moses and the children of Israel's disobedience.

In reflecting on the lesson study, several thoughts came to mind, which are: 91) the children of Israel wondered forty years in the wildreness due to their constant disobedience and complaining about what they didn't have or the way God was handling things. Israel wondered forty years in a fifty mile radius. (2) They repeatedly made the statement "God brought us here to die and how they were better off in Egypt (partial paraphrase). Had they forgotten their suffering in Egypt and their cry to God for deliverance? He opened up the Red Sea for them to cross on dry land. It wasn't long ago that God had fed them with manna from heaven and provided them water from a rock. Such short memory!

Another thought that come to mind is that Israel's constant whining and complaining to Moses about things no doubt had pushed Moses to the lomits, but this was no excuse for Moses and Aaron to disobey God's instructions. Moses' sister Miriam, who was a spiritual leader (a prophetess) and her actions resulted in her dying in Zin(v1). Miriam had given in to the people's grumbling and she too rebelled against God and his prevented her from entering the Promised Land. This may have played an important role in Moses' disobedience for his sister to side withe the people. Who knows? Is our grungling keeping us from entering our Promised Land?

Another thought is that regardless how God blessed and provided for them they found every little thing to complain about. this shows a lack of gratitude on the people's part for what God had done for them. Also, this was an indictment against God and His love, care and provision for them.

Nevertheless, Moses was God's chosen leader and regardless of how much or often they grumbled Moses' job was to remain steadfast in God and follow His directions. Moses had trusted God and His instruction up to this point so why stop now as this lesson points out that partial obedience is equal to disobedience as Moses struck the rock instead of speaking to the rock as instructed by God. His disobedience prevented him from entering the Promised Land. What a price to pay for partial obedience?

The lessons learned are:

1. God is too wise to make a mistake and His provisional care surrounds us. If God brings you to a situation He surely will bring you through the situation. Stop complaining and begin to praise God. "As praises go up blessings come down."
2. Always have a heart of thankfulness for what God has already done and continues to do in the life of all humanity and especially His children. Are you thankful for what God has done in your life?
3. Obey God and His leaders in spite of what we as laity thinkor feel how things should be or go.
4. Disobedience carries negative results.
5. Leaders are to obey all of God's instructions regardless of how loud or frequent complaints get. Trust God at all times as it give rise to His sovereignty for He is trustworthy.
6. God speaks to His leaders and His leaders are held to a higher standard of accountability.

Obedience carries positive results--disobedience carries negative results. Which do you chose?

Author's Contact:

wwhite@goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com

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Pray For Our Children

Join me in praying for our children as school days are fast approaching and the evil one is on the prowl, and our little ones safety is the reason for this call for unified prayer. At the beginning of each school year there appears to be an increase number of violent incidents with our children; this do not have to be.

It is common knowledge that the prayers of the righteous availeth much and one righteous prayer will put 1000 demons to flight and two or more will put 10,000 to flight; just thing of the number of demons will flee if all Christians prayed for the safety and prtection of our children. Satan you must flee!

With sincere prayer, school and street fights and killings will cease as well as the gang warfare that is raging in our city streets. Christians, we must reclaim our children, schools, our streets and neighborhoods so our children can focus on being children, youth and young adults while they get an education and mature into responsible adults.

While in prayer, let's invite God back into the lives of our children and parents as well as all who interact with our children daily, for God answers prayers.

In addition to our prayers, parents and grandparents let us continue teaching our children as commanded in Deuteronomy 6:7 as well as the Golden Rule of life, "do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

Christians, join me in telling Satan you cannot have my child.

Author's Contact:

wwhite@goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com
white3285@sbcglobal.net
www.goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com

There is Rest in Jesus

Matthew 11:28-30

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

It has come to my attention that some of my readers are struggling under the weight of difficulties, our scripture text reminds us of Jesus' invitation to come to Him regardless of our problems. Jesus recognized that there were going to be problems in our lives regardless of the cause; whether it's sickness, financial difficulties or family struggles it remains a problem that on one can handle alone, but by coming to Jesus, we are accepting His invitation to take our troubles to Him and cast them at His feet. We have his assurance that He will give us the rest from all our trial and tribulations.

1 Peter 5:7 encourages all who are experiencing anxieties and difficulties to "cast your cares on Him; for he careth for you." God would not have made such declaration if He were not true to His Word. What do you have to lose? The only thing to be lost are the problems. In casting your cares on the Lord, we must do so with a firm conviction that God can and will take care of the problem. Are God's children less than the fowls of the air or the plant/lilies of the fields where they neither toil nor worry about their safety or well being? I think not! God in His divine wisdom has provided for all our needs, cares and concerns.

Allow me to direct your attention to a scripture that I find comforting in my time of trial, which is Psalm 23, which describes the Lord as the good shepherd who cares for all His sheep/man. Shall in verse 1 is our guarantee that whatever we encounter in this life, God is in control of the situation for He is too wise to make a mistake and too gracious to see His children begging bread. Verse 2 coincides with verse 28, meaning that He calms the troubled waters of our very souls. therefore, knowing God for who He is brings Psalm 27:1 into focus where we find an implied question of who or what are we to fear? The answer should be nothing or no one for " if God bring you to it He will bring you through it."

In closing, take your burdens to the Lord in prayer and leave them there for there is rest in Jesus Christ.

Author's Contact:

wwhite@goodshepherdwritingandpublising.com

white3285@sbcglobal.net

www.goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com.