My Favorite One Verse of The Bible

Do you have one cherished verse from the Bible?

This may well be my favorite one verse in the entire Written Word of Holy God. It is the last line in The High Priestly Prayer of my Jesus:

John 17:26 (NIV) "I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”

Grateful

Spontaneous Christian Compassion

Yesterday in an email exchange with a friend, I wrote these words on the subject of spontaneous Christian compassion towards others:

"How can we truly advance in our own personal faith journeys if we know others are falling desperately behind and crying out for encouragement (and resources) that only we might be able to give them?"

We must respond without reservations.

Grateful

Brother Lawrence: When You Forget God?

It is written about Brother Lawrence: “That when sometimes he had not thought of GOD for a good while, he did not disquiet himself for it; but after having acknowledged his wretchedness to GOD, he returned to Him with so much the greater trust in Him, by how much he found himself more wretched to have forgot Him.”

This is my solemn prayer:

Lord, give me a desire to have my mind always on You.
In those times when I wander, gently lead me back...
Until Your own mind is finally, fully formed within me.
Then, I will no longer forget you, not even for a moment.
The soul that chooses not to remember You, Oh Lord,
is indeed wretched and will -- without returning --  ...
also be wrecked forever. God forgive. God forbid.
Your Presence, Lord, is Everything to me.
You are my Life.

Grateful

The Blessing of Rain

I awoke this morning to the sound of rain hitting the window. Often rain is symbolic of hard times, however rain is also a sign of blessings. Afterall, one hymn writer wrote: "There Shall be Showers of Blessings."

On one of our Hearts Aflame Discipleship Journeys to The Holy Land, I realized from a friend living there at the time, Phillip, that rain is almost always related to blessings and almost never to hard times in that region of the world. You see, The Middle East is most often dry and barren -- a thirsty, desert wilderness. So, when it does rain there, it is seen as a very welcome blessing from Above.

This gives a whole new perspective on the verse of Scripture in Matthew 5:45, when Jesus says: "... your Father in heaven... causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous."

If we're living in a dry, barren, and thirsty desert wilderness, would hot sun or refreshing rain be the greatest blessing? Rain of course.

Lord, help us to feel blessed whether we see sunlight beaming through our curtains or we awake to the sound of rain on the window. As our Father in Heaven You know when we need sunlight and when we need showers. Help us to trust you with whatever physical or spiritual weather you cause or even allow in our lives from day-to-day. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Grateful  

Hebrews 12:1-3

Early this morning I hear these words of Scripture ringing in my soul: 

Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV) Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. 

Grateful 

Through and Through

"Cleanse me Lord through and through

where everyone can see only you!"  

--Tami Wyse

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 (NIV) -- "May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it."

Holiness Unto The LORD!

Grateful

Living Worship -- Who Possesses You?

God revealed Himself so undeniably in our worship services this morning. I am amazed continuously by the faithfulness of God's presence.

This morning my message title was "Living Worship". I spoke on the words Jesus said to the woman at the well of Samaria recorded in John 4, especially John 4:23-24 (GWT) "Indeed, the time is coming, and it is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth. The Father is looking for people like that to worship him. God is a spirit. Those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”

One of the clearest things I communicated this morning was this: "Worship is not about what building You occupy, but about Who occupies you."

Yes, Who breathes within us? We are human temples designed to be a home to a Spirit and there are two Spirits  seeking lodging within us -- the Holy Spirit and the Evil Spirit.

In John 14:23, we read: "Jesus answered him, “Those who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will go to them and make our home with them."

God wants to make His home within us through His Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth. 

Who occupies our human bodies? Are we Temples of the Holy Presence of God? If not there is a vacancy and evil spirits seek to possess us.

Think about it. Who possesses you?

Grateful   

Life For Me... For You.

Life for me is so mysterious and so marvelous, simultaneously. Of course that's because The Lord is my Life.

The proof is found in Colossians 3:1-4 (GWT) -- "Since you were brought back to life with Christ, focus on the things that are above—where Christ holds the highest position. Keep your mind on things above, not on worldly things. You have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Christ is your life. When he appears, then you, too, will appear with him in glory."

Is The Lord you Life?

Inquiring minds want to know. I want to know. 

And surely I want to know Christ and I want you to know Him, too. This is my prayer for you today: "That you would know Jesus and know that He is your Life. Amen."

Grateful

"Always and Forever"

Early this morning my mind is thinking about the beautiful journey called marriage. Today is the 33rd Wedding Anniversary for my lovely wife, Kim, and her charming husband, Kerry. (I hear you laughing.)

Well, 33 years ago today, I was making sure my white tuxedo with tails was perfect. I know these days white tuxedos seem a little ridiculous to many but in the late 1970's and early 1980's, the white tux with tails was the rave, my man.

Indeed, 33 years ago seems like another lifetime. My bride and I were just 19-years-old. Wanting to do something special for my new wife, a lady at my new photo studio job, Nancy, advised me to have a dozen roses delivered to the room we would spend our first night in -- The Atlantis Lodge. It worked like a charm. It made a big impression on my young wife, because she knew how financially broke we were. (It may have been my first charge with a credit card, actually.)

Anyway, we had a lovely wedding in Kim's hometown of Sea Level, N.C., a coastal village about 25 minutes from my native Harkers Island. Family and friends packed that little white church. 

The people came to see us get married, but they also came to hear the music. Two of the very best vocalists and musicians in the state of North Carolina happened to be my very close friends -- Cllinton Nelson and Donald Crooms.

We had a lot of love songs. People wiped tears as Donald sang Heatwave's classic,  "Always and Forever" and as Clint sang Dan Fogelberg's "Longer" and as Clint and his wife, Joy, sang James Taylor's and Carly Simon's "Devoted to You." (Music from especially the mid-to-late 70's is still the best of any generation.)

When the swinging doors of the church opened wide and the organ music sounded, there she was -- the most beautiful girl in the world and about to be mine. In the flicker of the candle light, we made promises to love one another "Always and Forever." The promises still hold true.

Last evening, I officiated a wedding for a charming 76-year-old man and a lovely 66-year-old lady. All I can say is marriage and true love is beautiful at any age -- 19, 52, and beyond many years.

I believe the most essential reason The Lord gave marriage to humanity was to illustrate the intimacy and intensity of Love He desires with us, His Bride, the Church. 

You do know, a wedding is being planned in Heaven. Have you said "yes" yet to the engagement proposal of Jesus? He wants more than friendship with us. He wants marriage. And Talk about "Always and Forever!" This is it! For sure! Amen.

Grateful

ProjectGalilee.com By The Sea Side

Calling pastors and church leaders... and/or all who are hungry and thirsty for a right relationship with God.

November 14-16, 2013, in Beaufort, North Carolina, along the coastline of the Atlantic Ocean, USA, I, along with some close friends, will be hosting a few days for the purpose of focusing on our interior lives as Jesus-lovers.

All of the information for this season of saturation can be found at our website:
www.ProjectGalilee.com

So, click the link above now if you're curious? Register and join us.

There is no registration fee for this gathering of souls who love God's presence. Just get yourself there and work out your lodging somewhere nearby. One waterfront hotel is recommended on the website. (A light breakfast will be provided free of charge Friday and Saturday mornings by "Hearts Aflame Discipleship Journeys".)

These words from Mark 16:7 (NLT) inspire our anticipation as we come together:
"Jesus is going ahead of you to Galilee (the sea side)... You will see Him there..."

Open the eyes of our hearts, Lord!
Grateful

God's Word is The Good Word (Yearning For God)

Pastor Drew David sent me this passage from God's Word, The Good Word, early today: 

Isaiah 26:9 (AMP) "My soul yearns for You [O Lord] in the night, yes, my spirit within me seeks You earnestly; for [only] when Your judgments are in the earth will the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God)."

Let's be found Yearning for God's Presence, not yawning from God's Presence.

Grateful

"Hello, My Name is Eunice..."

Need some encouragement today? Keep reading. For the last few days, I have had the blessed opportunity to share The Good News of our Glorious Jesus here in Germany. 

After preaching in this combined retreat for three local churches, I received a handwritten letter from a precious 20-year-old lady from Rwanda. She is in the University at Kaiserslaugtern. Here are words she shared with me in the afterglow of our spiritual season at the mountain monastery.

"Hello, my name is Eunice. I'm so glad I got to hear you preach. I was born again when I was 11-years-old. Afterwards, I tried to follow Jesus and to imitate Him. But I found I just couldn't do it. So, I began to pray that He would reveal Himself to me, because I was thinking that was the reason I cannot reflect Him as He is -- I don't know Him as He is.

I thought I will never be able to be like Him, because I tried everything and always failed. I have been asking Him to show me what I can do next.

In this gathering, I've learned that I don't have to try to be like Him, I just have to let Him live in me and show Who He is!

I realize I am not just His friend, but also I'm like His bride. I am so excited for this new relationship. I've always wanted God to be glorified in everything I do, but I didn't know how, or what to do.

I really thank God for the message He's given you. It was exactly what I needed."

(Precious Eunice is also a pastor's daughter, which makes it even more encouraging for me. I am a pastor and I, too, have a daughter.)

Grateful 

Your Prayers Matter Very Much To Me

For those of you patient enough to try and keep up with my discipleship journey updates happening now in Germany, I pray that our Good God blesses you deep and wide and high and long.

It amazes me that when I was training pastors last December in the mountains of rural Haiti -- the poorest country on the planet -- I had strong Internet service to make daily reports on my blog, and even cell phone capability. 

But now in "modern-day" Germany, it's like I have to cross my fingers, pray the rosary, and just wait and see if I can even get online from one location to another. 

Oh yeah, and I have an iPhone, but it's not smart enough for Germany's network, evidently?

Just too funny. However, I honestly have no real problems to report dear friends -- only Good News to share.

Souls from Germany, France, Italy, France, Rwanda, and Romania are leaning into Jesus and He is proving to be The Bread of Life to the hungry and The Living Water to the thirsty. Right relationships with God are truly happening. It's amazing!

Your prayers have been unbelievably essential for this latest disciple-making venture. 

Listen very closely: If you sensed you needed to pray for us between 9 p.m. to midnight (Eastern Standard Time) this past Friday evening, make no mistake about it, your prayer life is on point with the Lord. Your prayers along with our own intercessions were instrumental in seeing us through one of the darkest and most violent spiritual warfare experiences imaginable. 

Let's just say, it was 3 a.m. to 6 a.m. here in The Old Country and the enemy was obviously not happy that:

(1) the name of Jesus was being lifted up and 

(2) the message of the Holy Presence of God was being shared at our spiritual retreat -- that was just barely beginning here at our faraway, mountain monastery retreat. 

When daylight finally came Saturday morning (Friday midnight on the East Coast of the USA), those of us here were finally exhaling with bright hope and blessed assurance that spiritual victory was ours. An evident breakthrough was obvious and from that point on, lives were being definitely challenged and hearts were being delightfully changed as the Kingdom was undeniably being advanced.

Well, enough for now. I am actually making this entry from my iPhone some way? In fact, it must be a miracle, because it's not supposed to be working according to the login information on my screen. 

We just enjoyed a Sunday evening with Pastor Drew and Chelsea David in Kaiserslaugtern. Tomorrow we have a full day of encouragement planned for them.

Pray all the time for all of us.

Grateful 

Mountain Monastery

Blessings all...

God is up to some new things in the Old Country. Take my word for it. I apologize my updates from Germany have been somewhat "here and there". Our gathering took place in a mountain monastery. Yes, you got it -- no Internet or Twitter connections.

I am back in civilization and hope to give more updates later this evening. I am humbled by how God has allowed me to deliver His message to precious souls of all generations.

Headed to K'Town now to be with Pastor Drew and Chelsea David. Humbled.  

Grateful

To Refresh Hearts. To Strengthen Churches.

In addition to beginning full-time preaching in 1992, ever since the year 2000, the Lord has given me the privilege and responsibility of traveling throughout most states of the USA, over foreign lands, and yes, even overseas in His name.

My first overseas journey was to the Middle East. My second was Germany and many repeat journeys are now in the books to both places. A few years ago I was called to Turkey to lead a prayer gathering for Christian leaders and last December, I was summoned to Haiti to meet with and to train pastors, there.

Sometimes people ask me, "Why do you do it?" It's simple really. Two verses of Holy Scripture validates "why I do it." Yes, there's a twelve-word explanation taken from combining two verses of the Holy Scriptures:

(1) "To Refresh the Hearts of God's people."
(2) "To Strengthen the churches, 'There'."

Yes, "wherever "'There' may be" at any given place and at any given time." It's an Isaiah 6:8-thing.

So, together, Acts 15:41 and Philemon 1:7 are the verses hold the secret. Here at the full verses:

"Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often 'refreshed the hearts of God’s people'." -- Philemon 1:7 (NLT)

"Then he (The Apostle Paul) traveled throughout Syria and Cilicia, 'strengthening the churches there'."
-- Acts 15:41 (NLT)

Today, I am in Mainz, Germany to fulfill, in part, this humbling call of God on my life. Tonight and tomorrow, I will be in Frankfurt, and Sunday and Monday, in Kaiserslaughten (K'Town).

I am indebted to God, all eternal souls, and especially to my local church for prayer-cover and overwhelming support -- Harrisonburg First Church of the Nazarene -- and also to my prayer brother in the cause of Christ, Steve Thigpen, who often travels with me handling logistics and having my back in intercession.

And I want to thank you for your interest as you "travel" with me on this "how-beautiful-are-the-feet-of-those-who-bring-good-news blog".

Finally, in case you are wondering... Yes, whenever I arrive in these faraway places "to refresh the hearts of God's people" and "to strengthen the churches here", as always, I expect seemingly hopeless pre-believers to "come to Jesus."

Be lifted up, Jesus! In my life, Lord, be glorified, today, I pray.

Grateful

P.S. Isaiah 6:8 (NIV) Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” 

Germany Landing

Glad to be on the ground in Germany. Pray for the churches I will be present with while here: Frankfurt, Mainz, K-Town and Pastors Cris, Phillip, and Drew, 

Godspeed.

Grateful 

Let's Live With Expectancy

I truly believe God's Holy Presence is about to accomplish eternal realities among, within us, and beyond us.

Let's live with expectancy.
Grateful

Continue to Encourage Each Other

Think on these words...

Hebrews 10:24-25 (GWT) "We must also consider how to encourage each other to show love and to do good things. We should not stop gathering together with other believers, as some of you are doing. Instead, we must continue to encourage each other even more as we see the day of the Lord coming."

I love and need Jesus, The Bridegroom, and His Bride, The Church!

Grateful 

Jesus Has Moved Into Our Neighborhood

John 1:14 from The Message Paraphrase of the Holy Bible says...

"The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish."

Good News today: "God has moved into our neighborhood through His Holy Son and our Elder Brother, JESUS!"

Deo Volente... Whatever God Wants... (WE NEED!)
Grateful

Until We All Get Home...

We are so glad that God's story is getting glory through our lives. As believers we are at home together until we all get HOME!

May our time together in His presence continue to increase our intimacy with Immanuel -- Christ with us and within us.

HIS STORY covers our yesterdays, gives us today and guarantees our tomorrows.

Grateful

Be Alive With God's Love

Henri Nouwen writes these wonderful words about The Love of God:

Often we are preoccupied with the question "How can we be witnesses in the Name of Jesus?  What are we supposed to say or do to make people accept the love that God offers them?"  These questions are expressions more of our fear than of our love.   

Jesus shows us the way of being witnesses.  He was so full of God's love, so connected with God's will, so burning with zeal for God's Kingdom, that he couldn't do other than witness.  Wherever he went and whomever he met, a power went out from him that healed everyone who touched him.  (See Luke 6:19.)

 

If we want to be witnesses like Jesus, our only concern should be to be as alive with the love of God as Jesus was.

God's Love Never Fails!

Grateful 

Let's Get Our Worship On, Today!

Our worship pastor, Joseph, sent me the "proposed" order of our worship service for this coming Sunday and one of the worship songs is this one:

Click here: Phillips Craig & Dean - When the stars burn down (Blessing and Honor) - YouTube

Glad we don't have to wait until Sunday to get our worship on! So, let's get our worship on, Today!

Singing Blessing and Honor and Glory and Power... forever to our GOD!
Grateful

Influencing Others

"When we fall deeply in love with Jesus and He takes up residence in our lives, we can turn to people on all sides of ourselves and be wonder-filled witnesses of the One called Wonderful -- Jesus. We can offer them Hope in Jesus' name. All of us must be influencing others to Him."

-- Jim Harrison paraphrased 

 

Grateful

More Than Wonderful

In my early twenties, this song touched my heart in ways words cannot explain and emotions cannot contain. The line that specifically grabbed and still grabs my soul is:

"I stand amazed just to think the King of Glory would come to live within the heart of man!!!!"

Please click-on or cut and paste this YouTube link below in your browser, sit back, and as a friend told me yesterday: "Own this song as yours!!!!" He is worthy of all our worship!!!

http://youtu.be/SRTwUvZG5a0
("More Than Wonderful"/Sandi Patty & Larnelle Harris)

Holiness Unto The LORD!
Grateful

John 4:42 -- He Really is The Savior

This morning our Pastor's Prayer Dawn Patrol was 28 strong. I am always amazed to see men and boys show up to pray with me (and for me) at 6:10 a.m. each Tuesday. It's a humbling reality.

This morning as I led the prayer time, I referred to the touching story in John 4. If you need a good read, please saturate your soul in this Scriptural passage about Jesus "having to go going through Samaria" to meet a seemingly hopeless and soul-thirsty woman at Jacob's well. He offered and she received "Living Water".

The verse that struck me most powerfully today is the final verse of the encounter -- John 4:42:

"They" (that is, "the people of her town that she went back and witnessed to about Jesus") Yes, "They told the woman, 'Our faith is no longer based on what you’ve said. We have heard Him ourselves, and we know that He really is the Savior of the world.'”

My prayer today for eternal souls everywhere, is that they will have ears-wide-open to hear the invitation of our Savior, that they too might believe and be saved. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Take comfort today in knowing The Good News. Yes, Jesus really is The Savior -- The One Who first saves us from sin and then keeps us from sin.

Grateful

Redemption, Forgiveness, Grace, Wisdom, Understanding...

These powerful words recorded in Ephesians 1:7-8 really speak to my soul...

"In Him (JESUS) we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that He lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding..."

Let's read again and again and again and let's be...
Grateful

What Life Would Be Like...

This Big Daddy Weave song really spoke to my heart this week. Enjoy:

Click here: Big Daddy Weave - "What Life Would Be Like" (Official Video) - YouTube

Grateful

"The Anthem of My Life..."

"My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."
-- Galatians 2:20 (NLT)

"It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me!!!" This declaration is "The Anthem of My Life!" Indeed, my one, supreme desire is to live in undeniable unity,  yes to know intimate identification with Jesus Himself!

Call me...

... Grateful... a.k.a. Kerry

Jesus Went...

Matthew 9:35-38 (GWT) Jesus went to all the towns and villages. He taught in the synagogues and spread the Good News of the kingdom. He also cured every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he felt sorry for them. They were troubled and helpless like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is large, but the workers are few. So ask the Lord who gives this harvest to send workers to harvest his crops.” 

Grateful 

"Favor On So Many Levels"

Based on my July 16, 2013, blog post "There's a Sparrow on My Shoulder" and the message I preached last Sunday, July 28, 2013, at our local church titled "Presence", I received this inspiring e-mail reply:

Hi Pastor Kerry,

     I have been bursting at the seams for days now! After listening to your encounter with the Holy One in South Carolina!. After hearing the whole story, I realized, God had been showing you favor on so many levels, it was mind boggling! I have had these experiences too.
    You know before you went into the hospital, Jesus sent you a sparrow; something you had been caring for and loving unconditionally and studiously watching out for their welfare, as God instructed you to do. So did Jesus, do the same for you.  He knew of your impending situation, he also knew of your loyalty and love for Him, but most of all your trust in Him.
     It's sounds like when your day started, you were  a little unsure of yourself.  Jesus sent the Sparrow ahead of Himself to help you through the day.  When you were praying over the congregation the Lord needed you to rest and calm yourself, the sparrow landed on your shoulder.  He brought peace to you and reassurance that He not only loves you, but you are very important to Him. He trusts you too. And He sees your compassion in everything you do, and your heart is the best place where life flows. I also believe He said "Thank-you my good and faithful servant."
    I hope to hear and share more stories like this so our young can find where hope lives.
Linda

Grateful
P.S. If you'd like to listen to the July 28, 2013 message I preached titled "Presence" you can access the audio file by going to www.abeaconofhope.org and clicking on the "media" banner.