Amos 1-3 [The Message]

In His pronouncement of judgement and call to repentance in this book, God clarifies that HE raises up ministers to do His will. This is an honor that no man takes unto himself. You can’t call yourself to speak for God. Most preachers will acknowledge that they have always known God wanted to use them, whether they submit or not.

Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple. [Ps. 65:4]

Joel [The Message]

A whole lotta lotta sermons and songs originate from this little book.

It addresses God’s ability to bring a country to it’s knees, call the people to repentance, and then restore them through His love and forgiveness. It also gives the promise of the outpouring of God’s Holy Spirit, present and future.

God’s love and forgiveness triumph over His judgement. God IS love.

Hosea 1-3 [The Message]

Hosea’s wife was unfaithful when he married he, yet he did. She broke his heart many times, but he always returned to deal with her out of his love.

This is us and God. He knew we could not measure up. He knew we would fail, yet He loved us just the same.

“Unspeakable love that will not let me go.”

I had my Gall Bladder out. It was a journey, but I feel much better now. Sorry for the gap in posts.

” Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.*

As you know, I’ve been dealing with belly aches for a month. Yesterday. I had a gall bladder attack. I find myself now in room 810 at the Newnan Piedmont hospital, awaiting gallbladder removal surgery. Tomorrow around noon. your prayers will be greatly appreciated. thank you for your faith with this and patience with me as I endure my afflection journey in life. I love you, Can’t wait to get back on a regular (retirement) schedule.

Dan. 11, 12 [The Message]

Chapter 11 essentially gives us a historical overview of the accomplishment of Alexander the Great of Greece. (the King of the North) King Xerxes’ forces were defeated at a great battle at the site of the village where my Greek ancestors are from. (The Battle of Plataea)

Chapter 12 contains some of the Bible’s chestnuts for scripture memory. For instance …

And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. v.3.

It takes time for God’s plan to unfold, but His rewards and benefits are WORTH the waiting.

Thank you for being patient with me. I have been ill, causing me to miss some some days. I’m better but not out of the woods. I may need to have my gall bladder removed.

Dan. 8-10. [The Message]

To Daniel was given great and profound insight nto the end times. He responded by interceding for God’s people so that they could repent of their evil ways and enter into God’s blessings. It should be no different TODAY.

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chron. 7:14

Dan. 7 [The Message]

Rarely do preachers use Daniel 7 for their text. There is much symbolism and difficult to understand illustrations that have proven many Bible teachers wrong. There is, however, an easy to understand end to all of his vision … we win.

Then the sovereignty, power and greatness of all the kingdoms under heaven will be handed over to the holy people of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will worship and obey him. [Dan. 7:27 NIV]

Dan. 6 [The Message]

Our enemy, the devil, will stop at nothing to get us to cease our prayers.

Daniel was threatened with being thrown into a den of ravenous lions if he continued his daily ritual of praying to God in Heaven. It did not deter him. Consequently, he WAS thrown into the lion’s den but God had his angels keep the mouths of the lions shut.

What’s the message? … never stop your daily ritual of praying to God. This story also indicates how greatly the enemy is opposed to our prayers.

Pray without ceasing. [1 Thess. 5:17]

Dan. 5 [Te Message]

It’s funny, I don’t see or hear any news outlets sharing the Christian viewpoint on elections. (No doubt the Christian networks probably do) Little does the secular media realize that GOD IN HEAVEN raises one leader and sets others down. Such was the fate of Belshazzar of Babylon. God brought him down in one night and placed authority in an entirely different kingdom.

If God can use a disembodied hand writing on the wall of the palace, you can be sure He’s communicating to leaders about their sin.

Dan. 4 [The Message]

Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of the great tree that got chopped down makes the point …. you may think YOU are great and have the world in control. But, there is a God in Heaven that can bring you down in moments and show everyone that even world-ruling leaders are subject to His control.

This is why I don’t let myself get all worked up about the political ups and downs of our country. All of these men and women are on a leash and they will answer to God for their antics.

Vote, yes … but above all PRAY.