Home is Where Your Heart is

We have exciting news for you this week. We have a guest minister of the Gospel to share with you what God has laid on his heart. We know you will be well taught and inspired. Pastor David Dobbins is an associate pastor at a full Gospel church in New Jersey. He is a graduate of Rhema Bible Training Center in Broken Arrow, Ok. Most importantly, he is filled with the spirit of God and a true servant of the Heavenly Father.

Before we present Pastor David, let me welcome you to your 24/7 week-long online church service. Everyone is welcome to this place. Now, let me present Pastor David.

Preach the Word, Pastor Dave!!

Home is where your heart is!

It’s a privilege to be with you today. I believe that God has something for each one of you. I would like you to grab your Bible, a cup of Joe or what ever you might like to drink and let’s fellowship together with God and His word.

I know you are reading this but look (read) in your Bible. Mark it, underline it, and remember where you found it. This is just a little part of the Sermon on the Mount as Jesus covers so much of the kind of life we are to live.

Matt 6:19-21 (KJV)

¹⁹ Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: ²⁰ But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: ²¹ For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

The two topics before this section of chapter six are important. First Jesus is giving instruction on how to pray. Do you remember what Bro. Bob talked about three weeks ago???? Pray Hard! Without prayer there is no true fellowship with God, there is no power to make it through life’s test and challenges.

Next Jesus talks about Fasting. Fasting doesn’t change God, it changes you. It focuses you on God and His Word.

Notice back in the scripture we read in Matthew 6:21. It say’s “where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Where is your HEART? What do you TREASURE most? I can’t tell you how many people over the years have told me that God has blessed them with extra hours or a new job that keeps them from coming to church, too busy to read their Bible and pray. I can hear some people say, “Church doesn’t save anyone”, “Christians are just a bunch of hypocrites.” Yes, Jesus is the only way to receive your salvation. Yes Church is full of imperfect people. But isn’t that the point! A place where imperfect people can encourage each other to not quit or give up?

1 Peter 4:7-10 (KJV) says,..

7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. 8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. 9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging. 10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

God’s home is within us, we are the Body of Christ and a body needs to be together. We each have a gift that other people need. I can’t imagine my hand saying “I don’t want to be attached to my arm anymore.” Many times we let other things come between us and God such as people, sports, jobs, relationships, television, radio, and internet. We fill our hearts with all these different things. When this happens we begin to fall apart and get easily offended. This exposes the true treasure of our hearts. I know that many want to go to heaven but let’s look at someone who wanted eternal life but had a problem with what was requested from Jesus.

Matt 19:16-22 (KJV)

¹⁶ And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? ¹⁷ And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. ¹⁸ He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, ¹⁹ Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. ²⁰ The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? ²¹ Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. ²² But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.

I think a better translation would have said in verse 22 for the great possessions HAD him.

What do you think Jesus is asking of you right now? Where is your home? Are you home with every thing else but feel like a stranger in God’s presence? I am excited that you have a place to come receive the Word right in your own home through this ministry. But don’t forget that you have a gift that God wants to develop in you that others need. Spend time with God in His Word and in prayer. All you have to do is just begin talking with God because he is listening.

Ps 107:6 Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses.

Ps 107:13 Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses.

Ps 107:19 Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses.

Maybe you don’t know where to begin. Just say… “Jesus thank you for loving me even when I wasn’t near. Thank you for helping me even when I wasn’t paying attention. Forgive me of being far from home. Help me to seek you first! Forgive me of my sins. I commit, focus, and treasure you. I want to be used by you. Lead me to people who need what you have given me. Thank you for showing me where to assemble with other believers. In Jesus name, AMEN.”

I bet you feel lighter, like a weight has been lifted. That’s the love of the Father to us who believe. As you begin the week take time to remind yourself when you begin to get upset, feel alone and depressed. That God is with you. We are praying for you. God bless you and thank you for taking the time to read what God had in store for you today.

In Him,

Pastor David

Thank you, Pastor David. It has been an honor to have you be the first guest minister to share the Word of God with our online church family. Your mother and I are very proud of you and your decision to serve God. Yes, my friends, pastor David is our son. But even more important than that, he is a son of the living God.

God Bless you,

Bro. Bob

Attention: Urgent Prayer Request!

Mrs. Leslie Ravelo... anemia causing low blood count. A very serious condition requiring surgery this week. Please pray very hard and with purpose for a quick recovery. Also, pray for the peace of God that passes all understanding for Mrs. Ravelo and her family. Mrs. Ravelo, we speak healing in your body and peace in your mind and spirit. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Please pray for Josephine (Aunt sis) Fleming. She has a broken hip in four places. Please pray for a complete healing and a very quick recovery. Also pray that all pain leave her body immediately.

The Desires of Your Heart

Welcome everyone to your 24/7 week-long online church service. What a pleasure it is to share Gods Word with you. We have received comments and emails indicating this online church is helping to change lives for the better. That is due to God only, my friends. We take no credit for what God is accomplishing through this ministry. We are just the messenger service that God uses.

God is the provider of good things to you. Did he not prove that by sending his Son Jesus to die on that old rugged cross, a substitute for us. Then, he raised Jesus from the dead and accepted him as the perfect sacrifice so we could be saved from our sin and have eternal life with Him. Set free by the shed blood of our savior, Jesus Christ. Upon acceptance of Jesus by us, the gift of salvation is bestowed upon us. What a gift, my friends. We become alive in Jesus but what does that mean?

Turn with me in your bible to Ephesians 2:1-6:

“And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; (Remember the message “Dead Men Walking?” If not, go back and read it. I guarantee it will help you.) Wherein in time past he walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation (manner of life) in times past in the lust of our flesh (evil cravings), fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God (I always love it when I read or hear “But God”!!) who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.”

Yes, my friends, if we have accepted Jesus Christ as our lord and savior, we are indeed alive in him and we can and must live for him. What a great summary the apostle Paul lays down for us to contemplate. Paul clearly points out how we were once dead in our trespasses and sin. We were mired in the ways of the world. Unfortunately, some reading this message, are still in that condition, but you don't have to be. As often stated before, it is your choice. For those that are now believers, it is through God who is rich in mercy and his great love that he loves us with, even when we were dead in sin he has quickened us. You see, unbeliever, God does love you, even though you are in sin and he is extending that love, mercy, and grace, and desires to quicken you together with Christ. Yes, he wants to save you and give you liberty and freedom from a life filled with longing and indecision. Are you tired of the struggle within yourself? Today is your day, my friends. Accept Jesus into your heart today. Let God fill you with his love and peace that passes all understanding.

In verse 6, Paul says, “God has raised us up together.” What does that mean? It very simply means the resurrection of Christ from the tomb was also our (us who believe) resurrection, spiritually speaking, meaning God has given us newness of life in him. Thank God for that free gift of salvation!! We can now be and act like we have always really wanted to be. Honest, sincere, loving, just. God's desires will now become our desires. Psalms 37:4 points this out very clearly:

“Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.”

There has been some false and misleading preaching on this subject, hasn't there? Some will say this means your desire to obtain things for yourself is the meaning of the scripture. For example, just the particular house or car or wife or husband or anything else of a material nature. I promised in our mission statement to only give forth the revealed Word of truth that God has given me and that is what we intend to do. For sure, you can ask God to provide you with these things, but what the Psalmist is saying in this scripture is when you delight in him, he will give you his desires for you. The things we have talked about before: the desire to serve him, the desire to serve others, the desire to worship and love God, the desire to lead others to Jesus Christ, the desire to be a great husband, wife, son or daughter, and the desire to treat others as you wish to be treated. Do you get this, my friends? God will remove the lustful and sinful things in your heart and replace them with his desires. What a great God we serve. When we commit our lives to God though his son Jesus, he will bring these things to pass. How do I know that? Continue reading Psalms 37:5:

“Commit thy way unto the lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.”

It is truly through him we can fulfill the true desires in our heart that our heavenly father has given us. It is time, my friends, to turn or return to the ways of God. Your future success in this world and the world beyond depends on it. We must keep our focus on God and his ways. Unfortunately, even many churches have drifted away from the true teachings of our heavenly father. Now, let me state clearly, there are many fine pastors and churches in this land but there are more and more churches that are more interested in pleasing man than in pleasing God.

Ladies and gentlemen, when churches take out alters and put Starbucks in their lobbies, something is wrong. When the word “Sin” is no longer preached because it may offend someone or pastor's fear that their membership and offerings may decline, something is wrong. When only the blessings of God are preached and accountability and judgment are left out of sermons, something is wrong. When TV evangelists reduce the healing power of God to a sound bite to raise money for themselves, something is wrong. When there are over two hundred and fifty seminaries, all teaching different things on the same subject, something is wrong. It is more important than ever to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in deciding what Church or what pastor or preacher to follow.

The bible is truly the direction book of life. Read it more carefully than ever. Ask God to give you the revealed Word of truth for you and your family. Also, ask him to give you eyes to see and ears to hear so you will know what he has for you and what direction he wants you to follow. God is a faithful God. He loves you and he will not abandon you. Find that good pastor that puts God first. Find that local church that still preaches the revealed truth of God no matter if it is meeting in a church building, a store front, or in a house. Follow God. He will lead you in the right direction and that direction will always lead right back to him.

God Bless you,

Brother Bob

Trust the Lord Again!!

Welcome to the year 2010. Yes folks, another year has passed. We are now entering a whole new decade. Sort of hard to believe, isn't it? One thing we can believe, The Spirit Of Wisdom Ministries is beginning it's sixth month of service. We have not missed a weekly service in the past six months. God is so good, isn't he?

We have endeavored to always present the Gospel exactly as God has given it to us. If there is no anointing, we do not preach or teach. God has blessed us with the wisdom and ability to give forth his Word in his truth and by his Spirit. Thank you Lord for your continuing anointing and the blessing upon your Word that goes forth from this ministry.

Welcome everyone to your 24/7 week-long online church service. As always, we welcome everyone to this place. Holy Spirit, you are always welcome in this place. Thank you for leading and guiding us unto the path of righteousness.

As we mentioned beforehand, we have now entered a new year. The new year always seems to invoke the thoughts of new beginnings, new hopes, and new desires. We make resolutions to hopefully bring about better life conditions, don't we? Resolutions to be a better person, to make more money, to lose weight, and to eat healthier. All good things, my friends, but all very temporary, aren't they? Experts say most new years resolutions are broken within two months. Why? Because they are usually good thoughts but not anchored by determination and hard work. Oftentimes, these resolutions are broken because we have a lack of direction on how to bring about change in our lives.

We listen to Oprah or Dr. Phil, read self-improvement magazines, follow the advice of educators, scientists, friends, neighbors, even politicians or talking heads on T.V. or radio. Am I speaking truth here or not, my friends? In other words, we turn to everything and everyone except God and his Word. We will watch the history, biography, or discovery channel, and believe what they say over what the Bible, which is God's direction book of life, has to say. I believe in previous messages we showed that God has left his directions for our lives in written form and that is the Bible.

It's time, my friends, to start the new year off the right way. Make your resolutions based on eternal things. Turn to God now and stay with God, no matter what. As our former pastor John Bulloch, of the Solid Rock Church in Hazel Park Michigan always said, “Don't go by how you feel, go by the word that's real.” That is the truth, my friends.

Believers, be refreshed in the spirit of God. Be strengthened in the inner man. Be directed by God in your affairs of life again as you were when you first received Christ as your Lord and Savior. Trust the Lord again!! Turn with me to Proverbs 3:5-6:

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart: and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

How will he direct you in all your ways? Simple, my friends. By the reading and understanding of his Word (the Bible) and by his Spirit. Listen for his voice as you once did, remember? Please turn with me to John 18:37:

“Pilate therefore said unto him, “art thou a king then?” Jesus answered, “thou saith that I am a King. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I unto the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Everyone that is of the truth heareth my voice.”

Ladies and gentlemen, the very moment you accepted Jesus into your heart, you became one that is of the truth. The truth is Jesus Christ. Jesus himself told us that, didn't he? Oh, come on now, you know he did! Please look in your Bible to John 14:6. Jesus talking to Thomas:

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: No man cometh unto the Father but by me.”

It is very clear, my friends, if you know Jesus, not just know about him. You are of the truth and that means you can hear his voice. What a way to start the new year. Refocusing your life by recommitting your being to God through his Son, Jesus Christ. Live again by faith and not by sight. Speak Gods word into every situation of life. Ask God to once again give you eyes to see and ears to hear. Ask him for wisdom and understanding. Get back into his Word daily (the Bible) and I promise the year 2010 will be the best year ever for you, no matter what happens. Be of good cheer, my friends. God is with you and for you. This is the word of encouragement God has for you this week. Get excited about the possibilities church, God will lead and guide you through every peril of life because you have chosen by faith to love and serve him. You want a resolution that will change your life for the good, don't you? Resolve to once again walk and live in the realm of the Spirit. Don't worry about the economy or what politicians or false teachers have to say. Concentrate on God and his ways. You do that and happy new year will not just be a greeting, it will be a way of life in God, through his Son, Jesus Christ. This ministry is here to walk beside you and to support you in your resolution to get excited once again about the things of God. Father, we at the Spirit of Wisdom Ministries pray for these believers that are a part of our online church family. Bless them, Heal them, and Deliver them. Lead them, Lord into victory through your son, Jesus. Thank you, Lord for being our loving father, Amen.

Now, just a short note to some of you that have walked or drifted away from God. Come on back today. Jesus is waiting with open arms to love you, forgive you, and to welcome you back home with him and so are we, my friends. Start the new year right. Get right with God and live free again.

I know there are people that enter into our online church service that have not accepted Jesus as their Lord and savior, but I also know you have felt the drawing of the Holy Spirit. That is the love of God calling you to accept the Lord Jesus Christ into your heart. You know I am speaking truth to you. You know Jesus died for you and you believe he really did arise from the dead so that you may be saved from your sin. You really are tired of the emptiness that prevails in your life. So, come on my friend, ask Jesus into your heart today. Ask him to forgive you and cleanse you from all your sin. Believe in your heart and confess Jesus as Lord of your life. I know you are out there and I know you are ready to do this. Email me today at brotherbob@thespiritofwisdom.org and tell us of your decision. We love you and will rejoice with you and we will welcome you into the family of God.

Well, my friends, as we begin this new year, be encouraged. God is a good God and he loves you. He really does you know.

God Bless you,

Bro. Bob

Prayer Request Update: We are continuing to pray for Shaun Morgan. Shaun will have the repeat of all his tests in January to see how well the bone marrow did. Please agree with us, in prayer, that the tests will be successful. Continue to pray for a complete and total healing for Shaun. Also, pray that God will bless Shaun financially to take care of his medical expenses. Ask God to give Shaun and his mother, Freida, direction and peace in the medical decisions they still have to make. Pray believing and have faith that God will work a miracle for Shaun.

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.