June 5, 2016

Do Not Reject God's Message

Acts 13: 46 - 49

Acts 

Then Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and declared, "It was necessary that this Good News from God be given first to you Jews.  But since you have rejected it and judged yourselves unworthy of eternal life - well, we will offer it to Gentiles.  For this is as the Lord commanded us when he said, 'I have made you a light to the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the farthest corners of the earth.'

When the Gentiles heard this, they were very glad and thanked the Lord for his message; and all who were appointed to eternal life became believers.  So the Lord's message spread throughout that region.

***

  Thoughts....

In our last lesson, we learned the Jewish leaders slandered Paul and argued against whatever he said. 

It's really interesting how Scripture can align with one's life - or visa versa. 

Just last week (I'm late in preaching - today is actually 06/19, but this will be posted as if timely on 06/5), my name and integrity were slandered, and, I most assurely experienced arguments against TRUTH.

One would think in this day and age, corporate executive mindset would NOT be immature, hostile, retaliatory without basis, vindictive without reason (not that there should be retaliation or vindictiveness for ANY reason), that there would be people who would choose to hurt another just because they believe they can, and, believe and act negatively, rather than focus on the positive to move through life with joy. 

I am astounded further that a corporation would not fully investigate for truth, but merely take the word of a corporate manager....because he said so....and that there is a bandwagon that would just ride the storm, rather than rise above in support of equality and what's right and truthful.

I am grieved to the depth of my soul for what has been done to me.  And yet, I learned the value of todays message:  that people reject God's message and judge themselves unworthy of eternal life, AND, all who are appointed to eternal life become believers.

Certainly, like the Jews, these people have rejected God's message and have NOT been appointed to eternal life.  They, by their actions, words, and thoughts, are NOT Christians by ANY definition presented in Scripture.  Neither in the Old Testament via prophecy nor the New Testament via historical documentation.  They are following the desires of their sinful nature.  And that insures their 'lives WILL produce these evil results:  sexual immorality, impure thoughts, eagerness for lustful pleasure, idolatry, participation in demonic activities, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, divisions, the feeling everyone is wrong except those in your own little group, envy, drunkeness, wild parties, and other kinds of sin.  Paul goes on to say in Galatians 5:19-21, "Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God."

I have complete gratitude and an all encompassing peace that passes all understanding, knowing that I will not have to deal with evil people someday....when I reach heaven.

I work for the Lord, but evil fully surrounds me.  Oh, how I wish there could be true equality, for I have been blamed for what others do daily, yet I, not they, have been given a 'final warning' without ever having been given a first...ever.  I am not eligible for committees, and will be removed.  I am not eligible for growth/promotion in the company.  And I will be hounded like a cat up a tree to find that one final blemish in a moment that will end my livelihood.  Like I just was, yet others do worse daily and never get even a flicker of the eye.   Because they didn't report hostile actions - which I also did not, but was perceived to have done.   And yes, retaliatory actions are against the law.  Being a whistleblower is protected.  Yet when I was told to report the hostile actions against me, I chose not to, knowing full well this type of thing would happen regardless of the laws meant to protect.

Those who are attacking me, and others, are corporate leaders who have taught to be firm on the phone, over speak to take control of a call and reduce the length, raise one's voice to be heard over another interrupting, yet expecting an answer.  Yet I have not done, until one day, that others do daily - everyday daily activity.  

I am saddened by disrespect and make every attempt to rise above.  Yet this one day, going through a lot, I had A....A.... melt down.  I treated another as leaders have done and I've always chosen not to.  Have none of these people that are judging me and declaring me unfit to the point of  making me sign a 'Policy and Ethics Violation Final Warning' NEVER EVER EVER had a bad day?  I know for  a fact they have.  And they make choices daily to continue to act in that badness.

Remind me, don't threaten me.   Warn me, don't sanction me.   Watch me, but don't take my life away.  AND DON'T gang up on me, a 63 year old, business leader in life pre-stroke, etc., trying to rise above my life situation to live, not just merely survive, or die, if I lose my job for I'll not have a roof or food then.

The younger folks who started this ball rolling have their lives ahead of them yet.  A future.  Dreams.  Family.  Friends.  I have NO ONE, but my 4 legged kids who need me, need me to work to keep a roof over our heads and food in our stomachs.   I don't even have medical insurance because the federal sanction is a cheaper choice that allows me grocery money and gasoline to get to work with the difference.  But I'm proud to say I have worked myself off disability, not that I am not disabled on some levels unfortunately, but I had worth, HAVE worth, and, I found it an abomination to stay on disability and have to live under a microscope, scraping for every penny, not surviving, when I could go on and grow again, and help otheres along life's way.  And by the way, by Jesus' stripes I believe I am healed whether the Doctors believe it or not. 

What could these people possibly gain by purposely seeking something to pin on me that they let others slide on day after day, and do themselves?  Ah, get rid of me?  Satisfaction in retaliation for something I really did not do?  They certainly won't gain eternal life.  It won't be God's joy they will receive, but it will be God's wrath.  For I AM a child of God, and he does not take lightly when others hurt his family.  And that saddens me.  These folks could have known great joy.  But it doesn't matter - they rejected God's message and were not appointed.  They rejected the cornerstone: Jesus, in whom there is salvation and in no one else.

But I was appointed!  And know great joy!  I'm going to heaven one day.  And the pain and hurt to the depth of my soul will be gone, and I will suffer no more.  I look forward to THE prize.  More than all the awards I have achieved for being top in Member Satisfaction, for ranking in the top 10, when not in the number ONE position numerous times in a year, even those times I've ranked lower, but I've been counted.  More than the awarded luncheons, the very special and heartfelt written responses from customers applauding the quality with which I handled their situation, the grateful recognition from corporate office awarding me a 'WOW', and the embracing hugs I get from customers on the phone filled with gratitude, all which mean the world to me in ways only someone living their life from God's, and their, heart of love would understand, I look forward to the final prize:  eternal life in heaven.   In the meantime, I have much more heartfelt work, with great joy, to do on behalf of God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit.

How about you?  If you were appointed, be sure to live by the Holy Spirit and follow his leading in every part of your life.  Know great joy! And ask forgiveness otherwise.  Let nothing stand in the way of THE prize.    

***

  Let Us Pray

God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, I come to you right now, in your name, standing firm, against the evil rulers of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms....as well as those on earth....all those assigns of Satan.  I claim protection for everyone I love and care about both in heaven and on earth, and all Christians everywhere.  Keep them safe, Father God, so that we all may be one with you, know your peace that passes all understanding, and receive THE prize.  Heal those who are ill, if this time is not your time to call them home.  I rebuke all evil spirits who are attacking me, my family, and all of your children, Father God, wherever they may be.  Give me your strength, and all others, too, who continue to pray and go forth in your name. May I, and they, all be one with you, Father God, as you and Jesus are one.  And, Holy Spirit, please surround me, my family, and all who are yours, be in us, fill us to overflowing, and lift us, while you embrace us and teach us all things on this journey to Father God, Jesus, and you.  Thank you, God, this day for our daily bread, who is Jesus, our bread of life.  May you, God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit be blessed by my prayers and those of others, by our actions for you, may they be with you in our everyday life....as we go forth in full armor for and with you.  Thank you for all you've done for me and everyone who are yours.  Please help me and all others be strong as we carry on with your light in the darkeness.  May I, and all Christians everywhere, praise your Holy Names forever.  I praise you!  I thank you!  I love you!  So much.  Amen!    

***

Grateful for God's lesson today?

We now have Pay Pal!  See below!

 Visit our NEW rooms in The Family Room!

Hey....we have a New Blog....'Truth On Main Street'!

Our Catalog Page is here....'Shoppe'!

Did you know there are 6 plus (!) years of 

'Scriptures Archived'?

For when you need The Word any time of day or night!

***

More love.... 

  Benediction....Blessing

Let us hear from Paul as he prays:  

When I think of the wisdom and scope of God's plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth.  I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit.  And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him.  May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love.  And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is.  May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it.  Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

Now glory be to God!  By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope.  May he be given glory in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever through endless ages.  Amen.  Ephesians 3:14-21 NLT         

*** 

Scroll down to read Jesus' Prayer of Thanksgiving...'The Unforced Rhythms of Grace'.

***

Definition of a Christian:  Anyone who believes in God, Jesus and Holy Spirit, and accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior.  Regardless of church name or religious affiliation. 

'All who have been united with Christ in baptism have been made like him.  There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female.  For you are all Christians - you are ONE in Christ Jesus.'  Galatians 3: 27

  It is not how we worship, but that we worship....the Trinity!

Teach tolerance....reach in acceptance....worship as one!

Embrace....Respect....Encourage!

***

***

If you feel that the Church of the Holy Spirit has inspired or helped you, we'd like you to prayerfully consider tithing regularly to us, or gifting us, so that we can further the work and carry out the will of the Father as proclaimed in Matthew 28:19-20 NLT

to

 "Go and make disciples out of all the nations

baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.  And be sure of this:

I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

***

There is no better time than now to let God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit know how grateful you are for them being there for you, all they have done for you and will do, and, show thankfulness for being fed the Word of God, so you can know and obey him.   

Through your donations,

 people will be able to continue to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ spread throughout the world

and

lives will be changed!

Not only will people hear the Gospel preached, but healings will be manifested, food and housing provided,

water will quench thirsts, and medical care provided. 

Please consider donating your best gift possible today.

We now offer Pay Pal as a way to donate immediately and safely.  You'll find that option as you scroll down on this page.

Thank you and may God richly bless you!  

***

  Our Continual Cause

It is time to reach into the community and the world around you to see wherein lies the greatest need.  As you choose to focus on these areas, do so with a servant's heart.  Whether the need is for children, adults, animals, the earth, or any cause in between that will help those in need, ask God how you can best serve his needs, what path you must take, and how long you should persevere.  Sometimes we are to be in the lives of others merely as stepping stones.  Sometimes we are to touch those lives forever.  Whatever journey you are called to take, whatever team you will be a member, know this:  God is with you always...even til the end of time.  He loves you, is grateful for you, and will help you along life's way, especially if you are helping others along theirs, persevering with a servant's heart.  

Please accept my sincerest thanks....and God's....and may God richly bless you ! 

***

You can now donate securely through Pay Pal!

 

No gift is too small or too large to the Lord. 

*

If you have any questions, we can be reached at:

520-883-8288

Monday - Saturday

8 p.m.  -  10 p.m.

Sunday

3 p.m.  -  6 p.m.

USA Mountain Time

or

TrinityMissions@msn.com

Please note Trinity Missions or CoHS in your subject line.

 *

As we grow, you will have options for allocating your gifts.

In the meantime, we hope you will trust us to direct them to where the need is the greatest.

***

  One last thing....

Jesus' Prayer of Thanksgiving

'The Unforced Rhythms of Grace'

"Abruptly Jesus broke into prayer:  "Thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth.  You've concealed your ways from sophisticates and know-it-alls, but spelled them out clearly to ordinary people.  Yes, Father, that's the way you like to work."

Jesus resumed talking to the people, but now tenderly.  "The Father has given me all these things to do and say.  This is a unique Father - Son operation, coming out of Father and Son intimacies and knowledge.  No one knows the Son the way the Father does, nor the Father the way the Son does.  But I'm not keeping it to myself; I'm ready to go over it line by line with anyone willing to listen."

"Are you tired?  Worn out?  Burned out on religion?  Come to me.  Get away with me and you'll recover your life.  I'll show you how to take a real rest.  Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it.  Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.  I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn how to live freely and lightly.

Matthew 11:  25-30

  The Message

And the people said,

"Amen."

***

***

I now write most prayers in the position of ' I ' (first person) because most people are sitting at their computer alone, not in groups, and it allows those reading and praying to personalize the prayer as coming from them going to God.  Variations may appear on holidays when families may wish to use the prayer provided.  I encourage you to pray your own prayers as well.

***

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996.  Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189.  All rights reserved.

 ***

NOTE:  I said it long ago, but let me say it again.  If you are wanting to lead a group, start a church, or are confined in an institution, or live in a country where the Gospel is not preached, and you don't know what to say or how to say it, and yet feel led to share, teach, or preach, besides just reading straight out of the Bible and sharing what God puts on your heart, please feel free to share any or all of what I've written, if it will help you, as long as you include where it comes from, due to copyright laws.  Jesus gave God's love and healing freely, as well as his message.  Our responsibility is to get the Word out to those who need to hear it.  If what I've written....by the power and direction of the Holy Spirit....or what he has said through me....has helped you, it may help others that you know.  You are welcome to share it.  God calls all of us to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the world.  Please share it with the fullness of love that God, Jesus, Holy Spirit....and I....have given it.  Amen!

*