Pray Hard With Purpose in 2010

Welcome to your 24/7 week-long online church service. A church where everyone is welcome. Can you believe the year 2009 is nearly over? 2010 is less than one week ahead. You know, the end of each year is a time for reflection, isn't it? A time to look back on our lives and a time to evaluate what went right and what went wrong. Many people are glad this year is coming to an end and hoping that 2010 will bring better opportunities and good fortune to them.

As we look backward, we will remember loved ones that have passed on, both family members and friends. We were also thrilled by new births, marriages, and good relationships. This is also a good time, my friends, to evaluate where we are spiritually. Are we as close to God as we were at the beginning of 2009 or have we drifted away from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ? Have we let the entanglements of this world begin to separate us from the love, mercy, and grace of our Heavenly Father. If we have, my friends, I am here as a preacher of the gospel to tell you God has not moved away from us. He is a present time God. Always willing and eager to extend his blessings, his love, his mercy, his grace, to all that have left him upon their return. Yes, my friends, if God seems more distant than before, it is you that has moved away from him.

I have often told my children, the closer you get to God, the better things will be for you and the farther away you are from God, the worst things will become for you. It is time, my believing friends, to recommit your lives to Jesus and walk in his ways. Don't let the world take you down. Galatians 5:1 puts it all into perspective for us:

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage”

Good advice for the start of the new year. Stand fast in your love and dedication to our Savior, Jesus Christ. Walk freely in the mercy and grace He provides. The day you accepted Jesus into your heart and confessed him as Lord of your life the yoke of bondage to this sinful world system fell off of you. The only way that yoke of bondage can be put back on you is if you pick it up and put it on yourself. The devil can't do it, the world can't do it. Only you, by choice, is responsible for staying free and not returning to the former life of sin, bondage, and guilt.

As we turn to the new year, wouldn't that be a great new years resolution? Resolved, we will walk in the power, love, mercy, and grace God provides for us. We will walk in the salvation Jesus gave us when he died on that old rugged cross, and when he arose from the dead, completing the perfect acceptable sacrifice for us all. Thank you, Jesus!!!

Now, isn't that a better resolution than losing weight, making more money, or any other thing that is temporary? God is not temporary, my friends. He is eternal.

To my unbelieving friends, I must tell you that no matter what state of mind you find yourself in at the end of this year, without accepting Jesus Christ into your heart, the upcoming new year will not be any better for you spiritually. Yes, you may make more money. You may get promotions. You may even be admired by men but I promise you that none of those things will fulfill you. Only God can give you true peace and fulfillment that you are missing in your life. When God gave his only begotten son to die on that cross, it was for you, my friend. Turn to John 3:16 & 17:

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”

My unbelieving friends, Jesus in these scriptures, is talking to you. What better way for you to start 2010 than by accepting this free gift of salvation. God does not condemn you; he wants to save you. He wants you to transfer from just being a creation of his to being a son or daughter. Yes, he wants to be your Heavenly Father. God loves you. He really does. How about it? Are you tired of the endless fight within yourself? Come to God today and be set free.

Many of you have parents, grandparents, and friends that are praying for you. Yes, even we at this online church ministry are praying for you. We want you in the family. I promise, we will be here for you, to support you, and to help you grow in Christ so you will have and obtain all that God has for you. Do you want to be a better father, mother, son, or daughter? Do you want to be a better employer or employee? Do you want to be a better husband or wife? Do you want to be set free from yourself? It is time, my friends. Jesus is in this place. Accept him today and be free in the Lord. I promise, no matter what happens in 2010, God will provide a better way for you. God will lead you and guide you through the perils of life.

Do you want this for yourself and your family today? Do you want to be a new creation in God? It is yours for the asking, my friend. Email me today at brotherbob@thespiritofwisdom.org. I will give you instructions and guidance on how to accept and walk in the free gift of salvation that Jesus is offering you today.

Believers, please pray for these unbelievers. Pray that God will reveal himself to them. That he will give them eyes to see and ears to hear that they may be saved. Pray for spirit-filled believers to come into their lives. Rebuke the darkness and pray that the light of God shines on these souls. Pray hard, my friends, with purpose. Please turn to the book of Jude with me. Instructions for believers for themselves, and for the lost. Jude verse 20-23. Jude is now talking to believers, so if that is you, listen up!

“But ye beloved building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost. Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference; and others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.”

There it is, my friends. Let's start the new year the right way. Building yourselves up by exercising your faith. Stay in the spirit, and always look for and accept God's love and mercy on your lives. Replace judgment with compassion for the lost. Lead them to Jesus rather than kicking them to the curb because of their sinful ways that at one time was our ways. Be bold, pull, or in other words, snatch, the lost out of the fire. Hate what the devil is doing to the lost. Do not condemn them, but save them. Jesus said, do the same things I do, and saving them is what he did. Well, my friends, this is the last message of 2009. I hope and pray this message will launch a new year for you, filled with God's love, filled with faith, filled with mercy and grace, and filled with purpose. That purpose being to live for and serve God with all your heart, mind, and soul. We at the Spirit of Wisdom Ministries wish all of you a very happy new year.

God bless you,

Brother Bob

Fear Not, A Savior is Born

Welcome to your 24/7 week long online church service. Everyone is welcome in this place. We appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedule this week to read and digest God's word for you. You will be blessed for it.

I know many of you are running to and fro this week. Often times, the week of Christmas, which should be a week of reflection, on the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ, becomes instead, a week of desperation, nerves, and even sometimes, despair. You are in the right place, my friends. This online church is a place where you can slow down, regroup, and reset priorities. We offer the peace, mercy and grace of Jesus to you. Jesus, the prince of peace is in this place to help you with the trials of this life. Look to Jesus today, my friends. Take your eyes off the hustle and bustle of the Holidays. We know these are hectic times, but our God will help us through it all.

We would like to take time out from preaching and teaching to thank God for you. You all are a valuable part of this online church family. We strive to always preach anointed messages each week that will help you to be over-comers by following Jesus Christ, even in this lifetime on earth. Sometimes we fail to let you know how much you mean to us. Your feedback, comments, emails, and encouragement are very real blessings to us. We covet your prayers and be assured we are constantly praying for you.

I believe it is well known by most believers, December 25th is not the actual birth date of Jesus but in fact, it doesn't matter, does it? The organized church of its day picked that date to recognize and celebrate the true and actual birth of the only begotten Son of God, Jesus Christ. In fact, we can celebrate God's gift to us every day of the year if we choose to do so.

Let's look at some scriptures leading up to our saviors birth and see what we can learn about this wonderful event. Please turn to Matthew 1:18-21:

"Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as His mother Mary was espoused (engaged) to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph, her husband being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily (Break off their engagement). but while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared onto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto you Mary your wife; for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she shall bring forth a son and thou shall call his name JESUS: for He shall save his people from their sins."

Imagine, my friends, here is this young girl engaged, not married, yet pregnant by the Holy Spirit (by decree) having to tell her fiance this fantastic story. Would you believe her? Joseph was mortified and I am sure he thought Mary had been unfaithful to him (which she hadn't). Thank God for the angel appearing to Joseph in a dream and telling him the true facts. However, Joseph still had a choice, didn't he? How many men today would have stayed with their fiance if this had happened to them? Only a man that truly knew and trusted God would do as Joseph did and standby his future wife. Now, the most important part of this reading, it answers the reason for Jesus' birth. In verse 21 it clearly states the reason for Jesus coming to this earth was to save His people from their sins. Now, who would that be? His people are those that accept him as Lord and savior. Are you in that category or not? I sincerely hope you are. Let's continue reading Matthew 1:22-25.

"Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the lord by the prophet, saying, behold a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us (Isaiah 7:14). Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel from the lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife (the wedding took place) and knew her not til she had brought forth her first born son: and he had called his name JESUS. "

What a true story my friends. Jesus, the savior of the world, born to save us from our sins. The bible account of the birth of Jesus is not just a nice story, it is in fact history!! Let's look at another reason for the birth of Jesus. Turn to Luke 1:28-31:

This is another account of the angel (Gabriel) appearing before Mary:

"And the angel came in unto her and said. Hail, thou that are highly favored, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God. And behold, thou shall conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shall call his name JESUS."

Notice how the messenger of God in both accounts sets the young Mary at ease by saying, "fear not." That is God, my friends, always letting his people know that with him they have nothing to fear. Let's proceed to Luke 1:34,35:

"Then said Mary unto the angel, how shall this be seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, the Holy Spirit shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: Therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called, the Son of God."

There it is church. Jesus shall be called the Son of God. Why? Because he is!! Then Mary says something that is the ultimate instruction for believers even to this date. Luke 1:38:

"And Mary said, Behold the handmaid; of the Lord; Be it unto me according to thy Word, and the angel departed from her."

You see folks, the key to good living on this earth is to find out what the Word of God says about whatever your situation in life is and say, "be it unto me as your Word says."

Let's summarize the lessons learned here today:

1. Jesus was born to save us from our sins, thereby assuring us eternal life with him and our heavenly Father. However, it is still our choice, isn't it? What better time to accept the gift of God, salvation through his son Jesus, then at this time of the year. Do you believe this bible story? Jesus can be your savior and you can be his people today. Ask Jesus to forgive your sins and to come into your heart. Ask him to cleanse you and save you. Repent today (turn away) from your sin and confess Jesus as Lord. Mean it in your heart and you will be saved. if you did this, email me today so we can celebrate with you. What a great Christmas this will be for you.

2. Jesus is the Son of God!! Luke verse 35 clearly points this out. Therefore, His authority to be our savior is complete.

3. Do as Mary did. Find out what the Word of God is for your life (by reading the Bible) and then say, "be it to me according to your word."

My friends, if you are going to celebrate Christmas this year, do it with purpose. Live for God and keep your eyes on His Son Jesus. Sometimes we get our eyes off Jesus and onto the things of this Earth. We worry about whether stores say "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays" or the fact that someone calls the Christmas tree a "Holiday tree". The truth is, stores and big corporations are only concerned about profit and I really don't care what they say anyway. What is important is what we believe and say. Personally, I believe and say Jesus is Lord. I am glad he was born to save us. How about you?

God Bless you,

Brother Bob

HOT CHOCOLATE ANYONE?

Thank you Lord for this day of life. This is the day You have made and we will rejoice and be glad in it. Amen!

Welcome to your 24/7 week long online church service. Everyone is welcome in this place. Well, the Christmas shopping season and madness is upon us. Television commercials telling about the deals that aren't really deals at all, the pressure of buying so many gifts we can't afford. Let's face it folks, Christmas has become less and less about the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ, and more and more about Santa Claus and how much money we don't have, yet are determined to spend. I am saddened by what I see.

I am making a plea to you, my friends. If you are going to celebrate Christmas this year, turn away from going into debt and give the real gift that people want from you. Do you know what that gift is? Mothers, fathers, children it is the gift of yourself to each other. Give of your time, give of your love, give of your smile, your touch, your tears, your laughter. You know what that is worth? It is priceless!!

If love is what the season is all about, then give love. The gift of true love for your family and friends will outshine any material gift you could ever give.

The things I remember most about Christmas past is the gathering together of our family on Christmas Eve. Oh, how we loved those gatherings! It all started with just my wife and I sharing hot chocolate with our young children before bedtime. Then, the hugs and goodnight kisses as they went upstairs to bed. A family Christmas Eve tradition had begun. I must add, that before bedtime I read the Bible account of Jesus being born and explained that Jesus came to reconcile us to God because God loved us all so much. Turn to Luke 2:8-14. This passage relates the angelic announcement of the birth of not just a savior, but the only Savior of the world. His name is Jesus.

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them and the glory of the Lord shown round about them: And they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, fear not: For, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people (even us). For unto you is born this day in the city (Bethlehem) of David a Savior which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.”

What a story, my friends!! Yet, not just a story, but a true story at that. Praise the Lord!! Well, to continue. As our children grew into young men and women, we continued our Christmas tradition. Only now every Christmas Eve all our children would come over to our house with their children, and their spouses, and sometimes fiances. What a crowd in our modest bungalow home in Hazel Park, Mi.

The tradition carried on, only with many more cups of hot chocolate than before, lots of food, fun and laughter. Then, quieting down and getting them settled for the Bible reading, no easy task. No one can describe the feeling of sitting in that small living room filled with adult children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and all the spouses, knowing that this was the gift of God to us. We could never express the love we felt for our offspring assembled together. As I read the Bible, my oldest granddaughter, Rachel, would sit on my lap or as she got older, the arm of my chair, looking over my shoulder at the pages of the Holy Bible. Then, Jesus became the center and focus of our assembly. I would read and comment on the birth of Jesus and how it affected our world and our children. Oftentimes, I would feel the presence and anointing of God in that place. I knew we were doing what the forefathers of old did, repeating and telling the story of our Savior. That is sadly missing in many families today. As the Bible reading ended, I would ask a question about what Christmas meant to them, or what was the best or even the worst thing that happened to them that year. My friends, the stories that came forth were amazing. We laughed, sometimes we cried, we consoled and lifted each other up. Truly, God was in that place with us year after year.

God had blessed us with this family and as we observed them, enjoying each other's company, watching the different personalities, also the things they had in common, the love shown to each other. Now friends, that is something to enjoy and share! My point here is, no – I repeat no material gift, no matter how big or expensive was more or better than the gift of love God provided us through our family. Thank you Lord!

Now of course, after the family time we gave gifts to the children. But, my friends, if we never gave one material gift, they all would have left happy, contented and blessed.

What we are talking about this week is love. This season let's give God love. Paul talks about that in Ephesians 5:1-2.

“Be ye therefore followers of God as dear children: And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour.”

The sweet savour describes the atoning sacrifice as accepted by God. God loves when we give love because He is love. So, I am asking you to not worry about material giving this year or ever again. Give love, my friends. Christmas is about giving, but not about material giving, but by the giving of love we become more like our Heavenly Father who gave us the greatest gift of all, His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. This year let's have a lot less of Santa Claus and a whole lot more of God's love for each other.

God Bless You,
Bro. Bob

BE YE PERFECT

The Thanksgiving holiday has passed and we now turn our focus to the end of the year 2009. How fast does time fly when you are having fun....or not? Welcome everyone to your 24/7 week long online church service. We are so glad you have chosen to take time out of your busy day or week to see what God has to share with you this week through His Word (the Bible). As always, everyone is welcome to enter into this service to learn, to worship and to praise God for His mercy and goodness that endures forever.

Today we are going to discuss a subject that can be controversial, although it shouldn't be, and that is the doctrine of perfection. What in the world does that have to do with us flawed humans? Surely we can't be perfect on this earth or can we? Enjoy the ride, my friends. It may be bumpy but the end result will be worth it. Remember, anything said by me or any other preacher on this subject or any other subject must be based on the Word of God and nothing else. Experience is good. Input from men and women can be beneficial. Books can be a good source of information, but the Bible alone is the source of all truth. It is God's Word to us and is the foundation book of life, truth and direction in this life. So let us begin.

Please turn to Matthew 5:48, Jesus speaking to the multitudes and to us as His believers and followers at this present time.

“Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”

Ladies and gentleman, that is not me saying this. Jesus said it!! Now, one thing we as believers must know: Anytime Jesus says for us to do something, the devil, the world and even many churches and preachers will say we can't. I prefer to believe Jesus. How about you?

There are preachers on the other hand, who say Jesus is saying we should obtain sinless perfection. My friends, that also is not what Jesus is commanding us to do in this scripture. If that was to ever happen to any of us, I am sure God would call us home because He knows if we ever obtained sinless perfection we would not be able to maintain it. No, Jesus is talking about becoming mature in the faith, becoming a true imitator of our heavenly Father. Our imitation of Him must be as perfect as possible. Only the Holy Spirit can help us obtain this maturity, which He does according to our faith in Christ and what He did for us when He died on that cross and His resurrection from the dead. We by faith are risen with Him and we are in Christ. Be ye perfect, my friends. Become mature in the Lord and be true imitators of your Father who is in heaven.

Let's do and be who we are as believers. What might that be, you might ask? Let's read I Peter 2:9, Peter talking to believers.

“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people, that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”

This mighty calling equips us to obtain perfection and be true imitators of our heavenly Father. No wonder the scripture says we are a peculiar people. We walk in a world overcome by darkness and we are light, lighting the way for people to find eternal life through the only begotten Son of God. Nonbelievers, if you are reading this, the light of God is shining on you. The Holy Spirit is urging you to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. What is your answer?

The apostle Paul talks about perfection in Philippians 3:12-15.

“Not as though I had already obtained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in anything ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.”

What mighty instructions there are in these scriptures, my friends. Paul saying clearly he had not attained perfection, but he was pursuing it so that he could be more Christlike. That is exactly what we should be doing. Paul says even though he hasn't apprehended total perfection, there is one thing he is doing. He said forgetting those things that are behind and reaching forth for what is ahead. In other words, my friends, forget the evils, disappointments and obstacles of the past that were keeping you from obtaining perfection (maturity in Christ). What things could these be? Past sins (now forgiven), difficult situations, past problems with friends, relatives, maybe even with churches or pastors. Do yourself a big favor, my friends. Do as Paul says. Forget those things and press toward the mark of the high calling in Christ Jesus.

Now after all that, Paul says something interesting that appears to contradict his earlier statements about not yet apprehending (obtaining) perfection when in verse 15 he says “Let us therefore, as many as be perfect.” Doesn't that sound contradictory to you? After verse, after verse of saying he had't obtained perfection, he makes a statement that literally says “Let us therefore, as many as be perfect”, including himself to continue the course to be more Christlike. So, what is the deal?

It's really more simple than it appears. Paul is using a Godly principle here. He is calling those things that are not as if they were, knowing that because of his faith in God, they would be. God Himself initiated this principle with Abraham. Romans 4:17, Paul telling the Romans about faith regarding what God told Abraham in Genesis 17:1-4.

"(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.”

God's principles should be our principles, shouldn't they? The principle or doctrine of perfection is not something accomplished by our works. No my friends, we can't work ourselves into spiritual maturity. We will get to perfection by allowing the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us by the Word of God. The key is to find out in God's Word what He has for you, how He wants you to live and be. Then, regardless of how it looks or what the situation is, no matter what, God's promises are true. So speak the Word and watch it come to pass.

Most of you who have attended this online church faithfully, know by now that your progress in God is subject to the choices you make. Jesus said “Be ye perfect!!!” The world says you can't. There is a choice here. What say you, my friends?

God Bless you,
Bro. Bob.

Prayer Request Update: We are very happy to report that Thomas Shaun Morgan has been released from the hospital and is now recovering from his bone marrow transplant at home. It appears the transplant is successful. Thank you for your prayers and please continue to pray for a complete and total healing for Shaun.

THE LORD GOD IS OUR STRENGTH

I'm sure by now most of the leftovers are gone. We certainly hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. I hope your time with family and friends were fun and something to be thankful for. Welcome back to your 24/7, week long online church service. Everyone is welcome in this place.

We pray your holiday was filled with true thanksgiving for all of the blessings God has provided you during this past year. What a great God we serve!

As we enter the rest of the holiday season, let us always put God first. Let us always look to Him for guidance and direction. The past holiday (Thanksgiving) reminded us of how thankful we should be for our God and what He has done for us through His Son Jesus Christ.

You know, as we go forth during this year and next and beyond, we must not only give thanks, but we must always be mindful of who our strength is and who our praise should be directed to. By being thankful and walking in praise, our strength will see us through everything we have to face now and in the future. Let's look at the written Word of God for direction. Who is our strength? Psalms 28:7.

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.”

You know, often times I would ask God to give me strength, not realizing strength doesn't come from outside but from within. God is my strength and I pray God is your strength. Because our hearts trust in Him, we are helped. Anyone need any help out there? Because we know this help comes from our heavenly Father, why wouldn't we greatly rejoice in Him? And yes, my friends, we will praise Him forever and forever. Praise is the key to success in the upcoming New Year. Psalms 29:11 backs this up.

“The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace.”

Think about what this is saying. God is our strength and the above scripture says He shares His strength with us. Therefore, we must conclude God shares Himself with us. Is God great or what?? Our heavenly Father is worthy of all our praise. Glory be to God!!

Our prayer for you, my friends, is that God reveals Himself to you in a mighty way. That He gives you eyes to see and ears to hear. God is a present time God. He is not just a thought, or a God of history. He is and wants to be your strength in this present time and place. One burden I carry is for professed believers who either do not know, have been deceived, or choose to ignore that our heavenly Father desires us to receive His spiritual help in their present time problems of life.

It is so bad that even some major denominations and preachers do not preach the hope that God provides for today. What are your problems of life? Is it financial? Is it your family life, joblessness, sickness? Is it doubt and unbelief? Do you get the drift, my friends? If you listen to many believers today, you would think there was no present time help from God at all. Truthfully, I know believers who will not even ask God for help, because in truth they do not have faith to believe He will answer their prayer. What a shame! What a disgrace! What a lie from the pit of hell! Turn with me to Psalms 46:1.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

That is not me saying this, my friends. That is the Word of God!! God is our refuge, a place of safety to turn to, but most of all a very present help in trouble. What is the matter with these preachers who do not preach this? Jesus died on that cross for the joy that was set before Him. What was that joy, my good people? The answer – it was us – redeemed and set free from sin and death. Let's take a look at Hebrews 12:2.

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Jesus is the source of all of our help. Why anyone would teach or believe that His sacrifice was not sufficient enough for us to believe that God is with us in this present time is beyond me. My friends, Jesus said “It is finished.” God is here today to help you just as He always has been. Salvation is for you today. Healing is for you today. Deliverance from evil spirits is here for you today. Financial help is here for you today. Help with your family situation is here for you today. God is the same today as He was in the beginning. He is all sufficient for you. Turn to Him this day in your time of need. Believe what He says in His Word is true, and praise Him in all things. Psalms 40:1-4 helps sum it all up.

“I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me and heard my cry. (That is our God!) He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings (Through His Word) and he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: Many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord. Blessed is that man that maketh the Lord his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.”

There it is, my friends. Don't believe the lies. God is here for you in every area of your life if you believe and trust Him. What does it mean to trust in Him? Turn to Habakkuk 3:17.

“Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat, the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.”

This scripture says no matter what, trust God. So what do you say? How about saying “My God, I believe you and I trust you and I praise you all the days of my life. Amen!!”

God Bless You,
Bro. Bob

Prayer Request: My wife Vicki and I are traveling this weekend. Please pray for a safe trip home. We will be praying for each of you that are also traveling this weekend.

THANKSGIVING OR TURKEY DAY?

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Do you really believe another year has gone by already? We know everyday is a day of thanksgiving, don't we? I am especially thankful to God this year for you. God has allowed me to be a servant to you. He has given me the honor of preaching His Word to you. I can honestly say, I welcome each and everyone of you to this 24/7, week long online church service. Our motto, or lead slogan and truth is everyone is welcome in this place!

Last week we preached an anointed message to believers, talking about how to have peace and joy all through the upcoming holiday season. Thank God that through our belief in Jesus that peace is available to us, but what about the unbeliever? This has been on my mind all week. So this message is mostly geared to those that do not know God, are not believers and followers of Jesus Christ (the only begotten Son of God), and who do not know anything about the leading of the Holy Spirit.

There will be millions of families gathering together this upcoming Thursday for food, football and enjoying each others company. Many of these families will give God thanks for their meal and the blessings God has given them in the past year. The sad fact though, is that thousands of families will eat, laugh and drink without even saying a prayer of thanks over their meal. There will be no acknowledgment of God or His Son. Yet, they have gathered for Thanksgiving. How sad is that, my friends?

So the question is – who or what are you giving thanks to on this Thanksgiving Day? You know, at one time there was an effort by many misguided people to call Thanksgiving – Turkey Day. The truth is, if you are not a true believer in God and His son Jesus, Turkey Day is a better title for your celebration this Thursday. My question to you, my unbelieving friends is: On this Thanksgiving Day, who if anyone are you giving thanks to? Your job? Your friends? Your mate? Which I might add, my good people, are all subject to change. Perhaps you give thanks for or to nothing or no one. Welcome to Turkey Day!

You know, one of the benefits of preaching to an online church is that I really never always know who is tuning in and who is benefiting from the message God has given me to share with you. I do know this one thing. God gives me anointed messages that are intended for someone. His Word never returns void. Please turn to Isaiah 55:11.

“So shall my word be that goth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”

My friends, God has impressed me to give forth this message to unbelievers, the unsaved, so I know there will be at least one unbeliever and perhaps more who will be reading this message this week. God loves you so much that He is addressing you right now. He wants to save you from your sins today. Why? Because the wages of sin is death!! Please turn to Romans 6:23. This is for you, my unbelieving friends.

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

What better time to accept this gift from God than this holiday season? Talk about something to be thankful for! All, let me repeat All of your sins forgiven and eternal life with God through His Son Jesus Christ. This is backed up by John 3:14-16. John speaking through a letter to the churches near Ephesus around 90 AD. Now, please read this with me.

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, (refers to Numbers 21:5-9. The serpent represents Satan, who is the originator of sin). even so must the son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him (Christ and what He did on the cross) should not perish but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

Can it be more clear? God, the creator of all that is, even you, loves you so much He has provided the way for you to have eternal life with Him. The peace and joy I talked about with the believers can also belong to you.

You want something to be thankful for, my friends? You can have all the above for free. This could be the best Thanksgiving Day ever for you. Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior today. I guarantee this Thanksgiving Day will be like no other as you sit down at the feast, you will really know what being thankful means. You will be so fulfilled with the love of God, you may not even recognize yourself. The love for your family and friends will be like never before. If no one else says the prayer over the food, I bet you will. Why? Because finally, you will know who you are giving thanks to: Your, and I did say correctly, Your heavenly Father. You will give thanks to Jesus for dying on that cross and rising from the dead so you may be saved. He was the only substitute acceptable to redeem you.

You will be more thankful than you can ever imagine for everything God has done for you. And, guess what? The food will taste better, you still can watch the football game and you can still enjoy your friends and family. This message is just for you, unbeliever. Take it to heart!! You are not in this online church service for nothing. This is your date with destiny. Don't let it pass you by.

Thanksgiving or Turkey Day? Which one do you want to observe this week? It is your choice. I would suggest you go to the very first message ever given by this ministry, entitled “Choose Wisely.” This is your week, my friend. God is speaking to you. Why? Very simple. He created you, He loves you, He wants to count you as one of His children and not just one of His creations. He wants you to have eternal life with Him. He does not want you to perish and be separated from Him forever.

This church will be praying for you and we believe this will be the best Thanksgiving ever for you. The turkey will taste good, but no longer will it be Turkey Day for you. Do you want this? Turn to Romans 10:9,13-14.

“That if thou shall confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how, shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?" God is using this preacher to give you this Word.

That is how you do it. Now, confess with your mouth and believe in your heart that Jesus is Lord. Ask Him to cleanse you and to save you from your sin and you will be saved. Did you do that, my friend? If so, give thanks and what a great Thanksgiving you are about to have!!

God Bless You,
Bro. Bob

Prayer Request Update: Tissy Miller is scheduled to begin chemotherapy treatment regarding the cervical cancer we reported two weeks ago. We are praying for a successful treatment and complete healing. Also, we had asked prayer regarding her family and medical financial needs. We are happy to report that most of her medical bills will be taken care of. Thank you for praying for Tissy! Please continue to keep her and her family in your prayers.

PEACE BE WITH YOU

Hi everyone, welcome back to your 24/7 week long online church service. I'm sure you know by now that everyone is welcome in this place. Thanks for the comments and e-mails coming in. They are truly an inspiration to this ministry. It is important that we, as a church, dedicated to the teaching and sharing of the love of Jesus Christ communicate with each other.

This is not a one way ministry, my friends. The message of Jesus that we offer is not a mandate or command from a pulpit that feels our viewpoint is the gospel. But rather, a sharing of the gospel of Jesus Christ, based only on the Word of God (the Bible). We preach the revealed Word of Truth given to us by the Holy Spirit and the Bible. If it is not based on the Bible, it is not truth but opinion. In other words, folks, this is a two way ministry. We preach words of Life to you and we ask you to share your words of Life with us. Let's discuss God's Word together. We would be more than happy to share your testimonies, your thoughts and your love for Jesus and the salvation He has freely given to you.

We are entering the holiday season and we all know that as much pleasure that we derive from seeing family and friends this time of year, there is a spirit of stress and anxiety that always tries to invade our thoughts and actions. Most psychologists will tell you that loneliness, feelings of depression (another evil spirit) and suicides leap upward during the holiday season. We miss our loved ones and friends who are faraway and who have passed on. All this designed by Satan to destroy us and to take away the fun and love the holidays should be.

Is there an antidote to these negative and destructive feelings, my friends? I am very happy to say a very emphatic yes. Let me repeat myself – yes, yes yes!! The answer in short form is the joy and peace that Jesus gave you the very day you accepted His free gift of salvation. Remember that day, my friends? Remember the peace that came over you? Remember the joy that flooded your soul? It is still there, waiting for you to once again tap into it. God loves you, my good people. You are His family. You are His kids. He wants you to always experience His peace. Turn to John 14:27. These are the words of Jesus to you, my believing friends.

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

Jesus gave these words at the last Passover feast before His death. Words spoken to His followers of that day unto the present and future. Peace be with you, my friends, God's peace. The only true peace men will ever know. Be encouraged during this holiday season, my believing brothers and sisters. God is with you because of your belief in His Son and what He did on the Cross and his resurrection from the dead. When I think of you, my believing friends, I see you as God sees you – blessed, righteous, with peace and joy in your soul. I know God sees when we fall. After all, with all that holiness, we are still human. But, I also see the hand of our Father reaching out and lifting us up and setting us back on the right track. Wouldn't we do just that for our kids? How much more would our Heavenly Father do for us!

Rejoice in your salvation, my friends. Be thankful to God for who He is and for what He is doing in your lives. Please turn to Philippians 4:4-7.

“Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, rejoice. Let your moderation be known to all men the Lord is at hand (Thank you Lord). Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

What a great encouragement the above scriptures are. God is saying in these verses that He is with you always. He is at hand, my friends!!

During the holiday season and each day of your life, give thanks and don't worry about anything. The peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep you strong, loving and steadfast in Him. This Thanksgiving season let's exercise our God given right to thank God for all He has done for us. I think of a song that says “Thank you Jesus for saving me and keeping me from what I might have been.” We have victory over the spirits mentioned earlier in this message. The peace and joy that God gives us will always trump all the destructive devices of Satan and his demonic influences.

Remember, we have the fruit of the Spirit abiding in us. Oops, I know sometimes we forget the basic things we were taught, but let us remind ourselves of these truths again. What is the fruit of the Spirit that we are to display and share with the world? Turn to Galatians 5:22-23.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: Against such there is no law.”

That is what this ministry prays for you. The ability to display the fruit of the Spirit that you possess no matter what circumstances or conditions you find yourself in. There is nothing that can prevent you from displaying these attributes. They are you!! Just be who you are in Christ. Don't get beat down by what the world system says about you or even what some misguided preachers and churches say. My friends, you are under grace, not the law. Be yourself during this holiday season. Be the believers you are. Show the love of Christ. Show the mercy to others that God freely gives to you.

My friends, be what God has made you to be. A blessing and a light to all, both saved or unsaved. You are going to do just fine during this holiday season. You will have peace and joy in your heart and soul. Your heavenly Father will see to it. As we begin this season of sharing, our prayer for you is the same prayer Paul had for the believers at Ephesus. Turn to Ephesians 1:16-23.

“(we) Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of Glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power. Which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places. Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the head over all things to the church, (us) which is his body, the fullness of Him that filleth all in all.”

As we pray that prayer for you, we know our Father answers our prayers. Stay strong and in Him, church. You truly are a blessed people. We give thanks to God for putting you in our lives.

God bless you,
Bro. Bob

Prayer Request Update - Thomas Shaun Morgan received his bone marrow transplant this past week. It appears to be successful. Please continue to pray for Shaun and a complete recovery. Also pray for his mother, Freida, for peace and comfort. Thanks to all that have and are praying for Shaun and his mother.

ARE WE REALLY BELIEVERS??

It is always amazing to me how fast each week passes by. Each one with it's own set of circumstances, blessings, and problems. I'm so glad we have this 24/7 week long online Church service available to you and us.

We are here to give you inspiration and to share the love of Jesus Christ with you. Everyone is welcome in this place. This online Church is a safe haven for all that enter in. We require nothing from you. We do encourage you to thoughtfully consider all that is preached here and to apply what you have taken into your everyday way of living.

We ask you to please sincerely pray for every prayer request we post. Each of these requests are by real people with real serious problems. They are counting on you and this ministry to petition our Heavenly Father for help in resolution of their concerns. We must not let them down.

This week our message is for, and about believers. Those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. The question is: Believers, truth or fiction? Often times, the action of so called believers has caused a doubtful and questioning world to look at the Church as hypocrites, and ineffective in this present time world. Touching on this subject is not easy but must be addressed. Let's take a good look at ourselves as believers and ask the question of ourselves. We are believers, or rather are we really believers?

We will be addressing two areas. What is our job as believers, and how to help other believers. Good news: If this subject doesn't apply to you, your opportunity to be a true believer (in Christ) will be made available to you in this service.

Paul, writing to the Church of Colossians states clearly what being a true believer is and how to maintain this status by action and belief. Please turn with me to Colossians 1:21-23 Paul talking to believers:

"And you that were sometimes alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now has he reconciled. ( Thank you Lord) In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreprovable in his sight: If ye continue in the faith, grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which you have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister."

There is a big lesson here. We mentioned in a previous message a good Bible reading tip. Always circle the if's, But's, and lest when reading the Bible. They always indicate a condition or clarification of the preceding, present, or following scripture being read.

Many organized Churches and denominations teach once saved you are holy, unblameable, and unreprovable without conditions, but the apostle Paul clearly states here that we are all those things IF we continue in the faith, IF we stay grounded and settled, IF we be not moved away from the hope of the gospel. That is one of our jobs as believers. If we are not doing those things listed in the scripture we should question our status as believers and make the corrections immediately. The gift of Salvation is free and without condition to be sure, but that does not mean once saved we can break all God's instructions for believers and remain a true believer. I realize this is a controversial statement but truth is truth no matter how hard to digest.
This is backed up by Colossians 2:6:

"As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord so walk ye in him."

Do you understand this my believing friends? Please continue to walk in Him. It is the right and safe thing to do. Believers, there is Bible instruction to follow. Please turn to Colossians 3:1-2:

"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."

I mentioned earlier the question of the world's perception of the Church and believers regarding hypocrisy and this is one of the biggest reasons.

The world sees a Church that is so involved in world events, social issues and the affairs of this world, they have lost the ability to live or present the gospel from God's point of view as expressed clearly in the word of God. Too many Churches and believers have set their affection on the things of this earth and not on things above as God instructs.

Believers, we are to be examples of God's love, His mercy and His truth on the earth. Please read I Thessalonians 1:6-7:

"And ye became followers of us, and the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit. So that you were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia."

So you see my friends, when you become a true follower of Jesus you must become an example to all believers and unbelievers where ever you are. No matter what country, city, or state you are in. In other words, live the faith you proclaim no matter where you reside or even visit.

This is what your online Church has been preaching all along, my friends. Be faithful, be consistent, be an example of Christ's love for all persons. Follow the directions of life (the Bible) in all that you do or proclaim. We are here to encourage you in this endeavor. We are praying and rooting for you. Our prayer for you is the same as Paul's for the Colossian believers. Please turn to Colossians 1:9-10:

"For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the Knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God"

We promise to keep praying for you without condition and we ask you to do the same for this ministry. We are always thankful for all prayers, comments and emails of encouragement sent forth for us.

Ladies and Gentlemen, God is good!! Let us always walk in the Spirit as Jesus walked in the Spirit on this earth.

Please turn to Psalms 40:1-4 for further inspiration and instructions. This is for all of us, my believing friends.

"I waited patiently for the Lord and he inclined to me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet on a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: Many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord. Blessed is that man that maketh the Lord his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies."

You desire to be a true believer, my friend? There are the instructions for you from the Word of God. Let's be true believers. Let's put our trust in God, who is truth, and not be led by the affairs or leaders and lies of men and women who are speaking through their own pride and are trying to deceive us by lies. Trust only in God and His Word. Then my friends, you are a true believer.

We know some things stated here are controversial, or go against what you may have been taught. Please, do not believe us!! Go to the Word of God and check out all we have preached and get the revealed Word of Truth for yourselves. You can do that you know!!

God Bless You,
Bro. Bob

VANITY OF VANITIES

Welcome back church to your 24/7 online church service. Yes folks, the church has survived another Halloween weekend. Jesus is still Lord and everyone is welcome in this place.

We are going to learn in this week's service that without God in our lives, everything is vanity of vanities and vexation of spirit. You might ask, what does that mean? I am going to explain what it means and how it relates to our lives in this present time. God has been dealing with me regarding this subject for the last couple of weeks. I pray God's anointing on this message. I know I am being obedient to what God wants me to share with you. I know you will be blessed. I only ask you to consider thoughtfully the ramifications of what things would be like if we really did put God first in all things. My friends, it would be a much different and better world we live in.

In a previous message, I reflected on the state of our world as we now live in it. We look around us and there is trouble on every side. It is basically impossible to escape from it. However, we can have victory over it by accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior of our lives and by putting God first in all our affairs of life. In the natural and within our own selves, there are really no cures for all the ills of this world. I proclaimed at that time that the reason we are in the state we are in is because since the fall of our first parents, Adam and Eve, nation after nation, family after family and individual after individual have decided they know better than God how to live life today. I referred you to Proverbs 14:12.

“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”

God has impressed on me to further explore this truth. What do we have in this life when God's ways are ignored, mocked and left by the wayside of life? The answer, my friends, is in the book of Ecclesiastes (OT) the book following Proverbs.

The book of Ecclesiastes was written by King Solomon, or “The preacher” as the book calls him. King Solomon was known as, and he was, the wisest man ever known. God gave him the gift of wisdom in its fullest. Even with the wisdom Solomon had, there were times when he was not right with God. King Solomon did everything to the max. When he lived for God, he really lived for God. And when he didn't, he did every evil thing to the highest degree. His message to us, my friends, endorsed by God, is that life without God is vanity of vanities. Please turn to Ecclesiastes 1:2.

“Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.”

The Holy Spirit, speaking through Solomon, say's all that man has done and all that man is, even with his accumulation of wealth, beauty, power or glory can never satisfy the cravings of the human heart. Incidentally, my friends, the word vanity means empty nothings. The reason Solomon knew this is because when he wrote this, he was not right with God. He realized with his wisdom that without God everything is empty nothings. Everything we have, everything we do, everything we accomplish is vanity of vanities, empty nothings.

The preacher talks about how God originally made man upright or righteous. God's original plan was for righteousness to prevail on the earth. That way, man and woman would subdue and replenish the earth, all things would be under our dominion. There would be no sin, therefore no deceit, lying, sickness, wars, sorrow or even death. But man from the beginning sought out things differently than what God desired for us. Refer to Ecclesiastes 7:29 (Solomon speaking).

“Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.”

I have often said, the Bible is God's direction book for life. Yet, how many things or ways of living do we invent that are opposite of the teaching and the direction of the Word of God, and we call that good!! Vanity of vanities, my friends, vanity of vanities. I have often told my children the closer you are to God, the better your life will be. The farther away you are from God, the worse off your life will be. I believe the Book of Ecclesiastes backs me up as do many other scriptures in the Word of God.

Believers, you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, but are you really putting him first in your life? Stop, and really think about this my friends. Your answer could be the difference in blessing or vanity of vanities and vexation of spirit. This is a time of reflection and decision, my good believing friends. What is first in your life? Is it your job, your health, your education, your family, your friends? Whatever it is, without God being first, it is vanity of vanities and vexation of spirit. We defined vanity of vanities as empty nothings. Vexation of spirit means torment, a nagging annoyance that is disturbing to you as a believer. Are all of the above noted things terrible? No, my friends!! It all depends where God is in your life. If you put God first in all these things, they become blessings and will bring fulfillment to your lives. There will be a joy unspeakable in your spirit. God put first will satisfy your every desire and need. Will bad things still confront you? Yes, my friends, they will. But, with God you will be victorious and your life will be fulfilled.

Nonbelievers, you may have accomplished many good things in man's eyes, but without God, through His son Jesus, your life will be nothing but vanity of vanities and vexation of spirit. Do you want that kind of life, my special, non-believing friends? I believe we all instinctively want to live a life that leaves a rich legacy of love and goodwill. Nonbelievers, you need God in your life to accomplish this. Accept Jesus into your heart and life today, my friends. E-mail me at brotherbob@thespiritofwisdom.org. Let me know of your desire to accept Jesus. I will help you come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. I promise you this. Your choice, my friends. A life of blessing and fulfillment or a life that is vanity of vanities, empty nothings, vexation of spirit and finally physical death and then the judgment; which without God, your judgment will be a second death, a spiritual death, forever and eternal separation from God and all that is good. I implore you to accept Jesus this minute. In an instant, your life can be changed and joy and praise will be the order of the day. Well? come on now. Let it go my friends. Put God first and enjoy the fruits of salvation and forgiveness of sin. I just don't know what else I can say to you, my unbelieving friends. I am offering you the free gift of eternal life with God, a true relationship with our Heavenly Father. All sin forgiven and the blessings of God operating in your life. Your choice, what will it be?

I know this is not an easy message, my good people. All of our lives in this secular world, men and women are told what their duties are: Education, career, family, obligations to community, dedication to one political party or another. Is this really all vanity of vanities and vexation of spirit? Without God, yes! God first, no! Think about what I am saying, my friends. Put God first in your life. The good King Solomon, the preacher, sums the whole matter up with his conclusion to the Book of Ecclesiastes 12:13-14.

“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: fear God and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.”

Can it be any more clear than that, my friends? I suggest everyone read the whole Book of Ecclesiastes. It will help you understand the difference of putting God first in your life or taking another direction. Thank God for forgiveness of sin and for his mercy and grace! This may seem like a negative message to you, but in truth it is a message of hope and salvation. It is just a choice my friends. Blessings in your life when you put God first, vanity of vanities and vexation of spirit when you do not put God first. Refer to Ecclesiastes 1:14.

“I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold all is vanity and vexation of spirit.” (without God)

Choose blessings, my friends. Put God first in your life and you will never have to worry about your life being empty nothings. And that, my good people, is the good news of the gospel.

God Bless You,
Bro. Bob

Special Update (Prayer Request): We have received a correction and update on the prayer request we had posted for Shaun Bass. Shaun's full name is Thomas Shaun Morgan (not Bass as we posted). Shaun is scheduled to have a bone marrow transplant starting this week in Birmingham, AL. Shaun is also an insulin dependent diabetic since he was a year old. Shaun will be his own donor for the transplant. The doctors have harvested his stem cells and treated them for any cancer remaining. Our request is for everyone to please really pray for a successful transplant and no re-occurrence of the cancer. Please pray each day this week for Shaun. We will be waiting for a good report. God bless you, Shaun!

Garment of Praise

Today is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. Come on, folks! Let us be glad in this our Lords day, which is everyday, you know. Rejoice, and again I say, rejoice. The Lord is good and His mercy endures forever.

Welcome, my friends, to your 24/7 week-long online church service. As we always say and mean, everyone, and we do mean everyone, is welcome in this place.

A lot has taken place this past week, my friends. On Wednesday, the 21st of this month, the doctors discovered I had two blockages in my right coronary artery. The devil would love to put me out of commission and close down the anointed Word of God from proceeding forth from this ministry. But God has another plan and the devil is a defeated foe. The doctor, a Muslim, was able to take care of both blockages with a long single stent. I thank God for using that Muslim doctor to help me out of serious trouble, my friends. You know I am always aware of Psalm 91 14-16.

"Because he has set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him; I will set him on high because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me and I shall answer him: I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him with long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation."

Thank you my Father for long life. I will serve you, Lord, all the days of my life. Thank you, my friends for your prayers, emails and comments. You were a great source of strength for me. You did for me what a church is supposed to do. You lifted me up to the Father in prayer. We must always do that for each other.

Satan tried a double-punch effort on me this week. When my wife visited me in the hospital on Thursday, she had devastating news for me. My lifetime friend since fourth grade (fifty seven years), Nick Schloh, had a massive heart attack and passed away. Nick was quite a character. I often told him he was the most obnoxious man I knew. However, what most people didn't know, under that hard surface was a man filled with love for his family and, as evidenced many times, love for my family. He loved to tease our kids, my wife, and myself. He loved the "gotcha" moments. For over forty years, he called me, "Toad" and I called him, "Toad." Our wives were Mrs. Toad. This loss was like a punch to the gut. Toad and I talked on the phone at least every few days. I already miss his voice, his sarcasm, his teasing, but most of all, the love he had for us but didn't like to show. My tears would not stop Thursday, for I had truly lost, my best friend.

People asked me about, "do I think he was saved or not?" My answer to those types of questions are always the same. Our God is a fair and just God. Whatever reward Dr. Nicholas Schloh is supposed to receive, he will receive. What I do know is, I consider "the Toad," Dr. Schloh, to have been a gift from God in my life and he will be eternally missed by me and my family. So long, Dr. Schloh. I will always love and miss you. Our sympathy and prayers go out to his wife, Sue, and daughter, Michelle. Please pray for them this week.

I told you this was quite a week! Satan, I'm sure, thought this would discourage me and turn me away from God. But instead, I have chosen to put on a garment of praise for the Spirit of heaviness. Refer to Isiah 61:3:

"To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning (thank you Lord) the garment of praise for the Spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified."

You are glorified, my Lord. Thanks for your help in a time of trouble.

The subject last week was "then along came Jesus." I shared a couple of personal testimonies and asked you to submit any testimony you'd like to share. I was very pleased with the comments and emails we received. There are two testimonies that I would like to share with you. The first one is from my sister, Rose, in Louisiana. She relates how when God wants you to do something, He will provide for it. Please, do not fail to read this as it will encourage you and help build your faith. Thank you, Rosie. I love you and pray God's blessing on you and your family.

RoseMarie Baker Leleaux's testimony:

Wow Bob, wish that added comment had been posted a few hours earlier so I could have brought it up at church. I got your back Bro. Your pizza story stirred up my favorite 'God Will Provide' moment {and as a segue, let me just say that Brother Bob was not kidding, he is a pizza fanatic. On my first trip back home from my move to Louisiana, people asked about the alligators, the music, the craw fish and the weather, but Bob wanted to know "How's the pizza down there?"} I digress...While attending Spring Arbor College, a Methodist University, I became involved with an off campus, spirit filled charismatic bible study group. We would drive 40 miles to worship at a spirit filled church during the week. We heard that a prayer/praise rally was going to be held in Grand Rapids which was on the other side of the state. We prayed & the Lord was definitely leading us to attend. One guy had a small station wagon so we all crammed into that and headed west. About 20 miles out of town, the driver announced that he was on completely empty and oops! didn't have any money. So we all dug into our pockets and hah! big surprise, none of us college students had any money. At all. Gas was 0.72 a gallon. We had about 40 cents collectively.(What to do? No gas to go forward, no gas to make it back home. We decided that since God was sending us that God would deliver us. We pressed on with our empty tank and drove approximately 85 miles singing all the way. Upon our arrival, we were sought out by a gentleman who asked us if we were college students who had traveled there under trying circumstances. When we confirmed this he told us that the Lord had told him that he was to give us $20.00. Double miracle... we not only covered the state on fumes alone, we were funded for food and fuel on the trip home. God will provide!

Praying for you my dear brother!!
Rose.

The second testimony was sent by email from my niece in Michigan. A very touching testimony of God's love for us, even when we think we are not worthy of it. But, of course, we aren't, within ourselves but in Jesus, we are looked on as worthy by our Father in Heaven. As I read this testimony, tears were rolling down my face, as we once again see God's love and mercy toward us.

Barbara's testimony:

I didn't know you were a youth director of a church. ... I love this message. It reminds me when I was interning and Ashley and I were going through a transition. She was coming to live with me and I had little money and no child support from her father. (still don't and that was 5 years ago) I was trying to provide a good home and I was living in a one bedroom apartment and needed a 2 bedroom and I was behind in rent. I went to my place of interning 45 miles one way when gas was $3.50 a gallon, and a man that worked there approached me. He told me he and his wife tithe not to a church but to people God tells them to bless. No one there knew of my financial need and I had much faith that God would provide if this was meant to happen with Ashley and me. He said he wanted to give me $400.00. He never asked me if I needed it or not. He had no idea what I was going through. I understood that this beautiful person and his wonderful wife were living in a trailer and lived very modestly. Most people in my thinking of his caliber would live a lavish life style. His wife was a writer and had 2 books released already and he was a funding advisor for a counseling office. I felt I couldn't take the money because he knew nothing about me. I thought if he knew who I really was he wouldn't be giving it to me. I felt so unworthy. My past hasn't been the greatest and if he knew that ...... Anyway, I was in awe. Before I accepted the money I checked my motives. Did I take the money because I needed it. of course I did. I checked my heart. I had faith that God would provide and he was. I questioned myself and God. I continued to pray about it all day before I gave him an answer if I would accept it. My answer from the Lord was "this is a gift, use it for you and Ashley If you don't then you are throwing it back at God." The Holy Spirit also convinced me that it is not only my blessing but the person who is giving it to me who is blessed. I cried all the way home in amazement of how the Lord works. I also felt for the first time how the holy spirit works and feels. The Lord provides even when it doesn't feel like it now I know. He is working behind the scene all the time. With me witnessing how He works has strengthened me even in crisis. I have learned that in the present God is here even if we don't feel it. I learned this in hindsight. Hindsight has taught me to KNOW many times that God has been here all along.

Thanks for reminding me of these moments.

love ya

Barbara

Does not this testimony stir you, my friends? Barb, even though feeling unworthy, had not lost her confidence in her Heavenly Father and He rewarded her. Refer to Hebrews 10:35:

"Cast not away therefore you're confidence which has great recompence of reward"

To be sure that reward comes in many ways. However, in this situation, it was provision for a need. God bless you, Barb, for sharing this wonderful testimony. I pray God's blessing on you and your family. You are special, Barb. God loves you and will continue to supply your every need.

Well folks, I'm going to have to cut it off here for this week and get back to full recovery mode. Next week we will have more anointed, Holy Ghost teaching for you. This week, I am asking each of you to praise God in all things. God loves you, my friends. He really does.

God bless you,

Bro. Bob

Then along came Jesus

We made it folks!! Another week has gone by and we made it through. God is good and His mercy endures forever. Welcome to all who enter into this week's 24/7, week long online church service. Everyone is welcome in this place.

You know, ladies and gentleman, we have covered a lot of ground these last few months. Every step of the way has been based on the sure foundation of the Bible and on our Savior, Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God. He died on an old rugged cross. This same Jesus took stripes on His back for our healing and He bare our sins in His own body so we could be set free from the dominion of sin and death. Oh, my God, how thankful we must be for what you have done for us! Let us give thanks to God, my friends, for His love and mercy toward us. As we turn to I Peter 2:24, think back my friends, to before you gave your life to Jesus. No matter how much good we did, we were mired in sin. Sins of pride, lust and deeds. We were never what we really wanted to be, righteous and fulfilled. There was always something lacking. We were never quite satisfied. Then, along came Jesus. Now read I Peter 2:24.

“Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness; by whose stripes ye were healed.”

Yes, my friends, Jesus died and bore our sins. We have been set free. Sin now has no power over us. We can refuse sin in our life thanks to the sacrifice of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

My belief, based on the scripture, is that Jesus took those stripes on His back for our mental, physical and most of all, for our spiritual healing. Many believe physical and mental healing are not for today. But that way of thinking is not based on the Word of God, my friends. I am going to address the reasons for man's disbelief and many divisions of thought in the church and religious world. I will do so as soon as I am positive that what I am saying about that subject is based on truth and Spirit only, backed by the Word of God. The church world is now based too much on opinion and not fact based on the foundation of the Bible.

This week I would like to share some of the things God has done in my life since I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. This comes about from sharing with coworkers testimonials of God's goodness in our lives.

There was a time, many years ago, we had two young teens and three small children who are all grown now. It was a very bad economy, similar to the present time. I was laid off twenty-seven weeks that year and we were told that foreclosure on our home was imminent. We needed seven hundred dollars immediately to save our home. It might as well have been seven million dollars. We had no idea how to save our home or what to do. I was a youth director at a small Baptist church. Each Monday our church had visitation night and I would always take one teenager with me. This one Monday evening, a brother in the church asked if he could go on visitation with me, and the young teen go with his partner. He said it was important to him. This good brother and I visited a sick member of the church, prayed with him and had good fellowship. As we left the house Bro. Vaughn asked if I would like to share a pizza with him. Now, I must admit, I love pizza. But, I was embarrassed to say I didn't have any money on me to help pay my share. Bro. Vaughn noted my hesitance and quickly said “The pizza is on me, Bro. Bob.” So I quickly said “Yes!” Incidentally, the pizza was great. When we were done eating, this good brother in Christ said to me “Bro. Bob, do you have a financial need?” Now I must tell you, no one knew of this need but my wife and myself. I decided to admit the problem. I told him, but I did not say how much I needed. He looked me straight in the eyes and said “Bro. Bob, God spoke to my spirit and told me to give you seven hundred dollars.” He then proceeded to give me seven one-hundred dollar bills. He said I could not refuse. God had provided, my friends. I was and am so thankful! I went home with gladness and gratitude to God in my heart. When I entered the house I saw my wife writing a letter to her sister, telling her of our plight, but also telling her we had faith that God would provide. I laid the money on her letter and said “Our God has provided!” We were standing on the Word of God and He came through for us. Thank you Lord!

Paul said in a letter to the Philippians (believers), Philippians 4:19.

“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

I have related this testimony to encourage you, my brothers and sisters. Stay strong in faith in your difficulty and your God will surely supply your every need.

The second testimony is about giving. I know many believers are put off by messages about giving because they see the abuse many so-called preachers have done to this very sound
doctrine.

Preachers who misuse God's provision by being gainsayers will answer to God, my friends. My wife and I were in a service at a charismatic/pentecostal church we attended for many years. We had a guest minister. He was preaching on giving, especially to missionaries who depend on our support to do their work and to provide for their personal needs. We were in prayer as to what and how much to give. The Spirit of God was moving in that place. There was a roaring silence. God was definitely speaking to hearts. I looked over at my wife and she was taking her wedding ring off. Now to be sure, our rings were not expensive as wedding rings go. We bought them both on sale for four hundred dollars. But to us they were priceless. Now my wife was depositing her priceless wedding ring in the collection basket. I was sort of shocked and to say the least surprised. I guess she noticed the look on my face and she whispered, “God told me to do this.” Ladies and gentleman, I don't always know much, but when my wife says “God told me to do this,” I let her do it.

About four months later I was preaching at a sister church in Sarnia, Canada when a sister in the Lord approached me (after the service). She said she was selling jewelry, would I like to look at her catalog? I saw this beautiful wedding ring and I thought of my wife and I really desired to get this ring for her. The cost was about sixteen-hundred dollars with payments of around thirty-five dollars monthly. I thought this would be God's blessing for Vicki, giving her ring in that collection, but of course I was wrong and underestimated once again the goodness of God. I told sister Emily I would take the ring and pay the thirty-five dollars monthly. She said “No Bro. Bob, I will give it to you for five dollars a month.”
What a blessing!

I wish you could have seen the look on my wife's face when I presented her with her new and better ring that God provided. Now that my friends, was priceless! Of course this is not the end of the blessing. I paid five dollars monthly for about four months. Sister Emily approached me again in Canada and asked if Vicki liked the ring. I told her “She loves it.”

Sister Emily then said “It is paid for.” She would not accept any more payments and said it was a blessing from God. By the way, my wife wears that ring to this day.

My friends, I have related this testimony to build your faith. Keep giving my good people. Give of your time, your effort and your substance and God will give back more than you can even imagine.

Refer to Luke 6:38, Jesus speaking:

“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down and shaken together and running over, shall men give unto your bosom. For with the same measure that you mete withal it shall be measured to you again.”

Remember everyone, God's blessings will always be based on His Word. God loves you, my friends. He wants to be a help to you in this present time. Tell your heavenly Father what you need and trust that your help and blessing is on the way.

I admit this message has been directed mostly to believers. But, to my unbelieving friends, the only thing that is keeping you from being a believer is you. God is calling you today. The Holy Spirit is drawing you to God, my friend. Will you answer Him today? Accept the free gift of salvation today. Jesus paid the price!! Right now!! Say, Jesus come into my heart, save me Lord. I will turn from my sins and follow you. I believe in my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus is my Savior and I make Him Lord of my life.

E-mail me today and let me know of your decision to follow and live for Jesus. Believers, e-mail me with your testimonies that I can share with others. Our e-mail address is brotherbob@thespiritofwisdom.org. Your comments and e-mails are a constant source of encouragement to this ministry. Let me conclude this message by quoting Acts 10:34-35:

“Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.”

Are you accepted with Him, my friends? You can be, you know!!

God bless you,
Bro. Bob

An added comment:

Brother Bob is having a heart procedure performed this Wednesday (10/21/09). Our ministry is requesting prayer for Brother Bob. Pray that God will provide the physician with wisdom and healing skill. We expect that there will be an online church service next week.