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.