LEAN ON ME

Welcome everyone to your 24/7, week long, online church service. No one is excluded from this place. Let's start out this week by praising God for his goodness and mercy that endures forever. Each morning, when I wake up, I always say “Thank you, Lord, for this day of life. Thank you, Father, for your son, Jesus Christ. He has saved my soul and I am thankful for salvation. I will walk in all the benefits of that salvation and I will be accountable at the end of the day.”

Praising God is something we can do anytime we choose to. We can praise God in good times or bad times. Regardless of our situation in life, we can thank God for his mercy and grace. I have often pointed out, everything we do in life is a choice, isn't it? I remember telling my youngest daughter, Lyle, it is not what happens to you in life that matters, it is the way you respond to it. There are only two ways to respond, my friends. There is the response from man's point of view or the response from God's point of view. You want victory in your life? I would suggest taking God's point of view. But, once again, that is your choice, isn't it?

I understand the stress and mental discomfort many are going through at this time. The economy has taken a toll on almost everyone, one way or another, hasn't it? Do you understand that people (probably some that you know) are losing their jobs? Many are losing their health insurance that provides health care for their families. Many corporations are taking advantage of the slow economy even though their bottom line is healthy. How are they doing this, Bro. Bob? They are forcing employees to take major pay reductions. They are reducing health care benefits while increasing the cost. And they are then working their employees that are left seven days a week instead of hiring new employees. This is not something made up, my friends. This actually is happening to one of my children as we speak.

We have seen friends, neighbors and others in our communities losing their homes to foreclosure. I could go on, but I believe you get the point. These are anxious times, aren't they? The truth is, anxiety may be at an all time high. It is more important than ever to trust God. This is not the time to turn away from God. It is time to turn to God. Why? Because we need his help.

I was thinking the other day about how when my children were small. We would come to a busy highway. Cars and trucks zooming by us at high speed. We could sense the anxiety in our children. But guess what? My wife and I would take their small, precious hands in ours and we would lead them across that busy and dangerous highway. As the children held our hands and walked with us, their anxiety left and you could tell they felt safe. They knew we were there to help them and to keep them safe. That, my friends, is what God will do for us if we will just get close and put our hands in his. Turn with me to Isaiah 41:13:

“For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee Fear not; I will help thee.”

I believe one of the things that makes things worse, even for us believers, is that we do not realize God is a present time God. He desires to help us today. The truth is, this message is mostly designed to reach believers. God is your Father. You are his child. Please, let him take you by your hand and lead you to safety. Fear not. God says he will help you. Do you believe him?

I understand how bad things look. I understand how it feels. It actually is a burden too heavy to carry, isn't it? You may feel ashamed to admit it, so I will say it for you. Yes!! Your burden is too heavy. But, what can you do about it? In Matthew 11:28-29 Jesus tells us what to do.

“Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and lean on me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: And ye shall find rest unto your souls.”

Lay the burdens down, my friends. You cannot sustain them by yourselves. Jesus is saying here what you need is rest. Jesus says “Lean on me.” Remember I said God is a present time God? Your mind, your body and your spirit need a rest, don't they? Think of your soul as a battery in a car. There are times when your car battery needs charging. In like manner, there are times your soul needs to be charged. The question is, how do you charge your soul? By leaning on Jesus and allowing him to give your soul some rest. God said he would never leave you or forsake you. That very simply means, God is with you today and forever.

Where do I get this advice for you? Only one place. The Word of God (the Bible). The answers are there, Church. If I can find them, you can also. I am asking our online church family to join together this week. Pray Church, like you have never prayed before. Pray for each other. Pray that each of our needs may be met. Pray for good jobs with good pay and good benefits for those who are now jobless or under-employed. Pray for financial blessings for those who are losing their homes. Pray that they can retain their homes or even find a better place to live. Pray for healing for those who are sick in body or mind, that they may be restored to good health. Pray for each other, that all our needs will be met. Let's join hands together and allow God to take us by our right hands. That's how we can come out of this victoriously. Let's end up as Habakkuk says. Habakkuk 3:17-19:

“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.”

In other words folks, when everything that can go wrong, goes wrong, lean on God. Rejoice in the Lord. Know that God is your strength. He will cause you to come out on top of all of this mess. The victory will be like music to your ears. We at the Spirit of Wisdom Ministries will rejoice with you as this happens.

God Bless You,
Bro. Bob

DO GOOD AND HAVE FUN

I want to start this week's online church service with a personal note. We have achieved accurate information on how far reaching this ministry has become. We have always been aware that our outreach would only be as far as God would allow it to be. God is a good and merciful God. He has blessed us with an outreach larger than we anticipated after only a little over one year of online church ministry.

We have often stated our mission is to reach the world for Jesus Christ. Jesus said if he be lifted up, he would draw all men to him. Let's turn to John 12:32 and read it for ourselves. Jesus is speaking here.

“And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.”

I believe God has seen our heart and is pleased. This information we have received confirms that we are reaching souls not only in the United States, but all around the world, including Luxembourg, Germany, France, Canada, Kenya and even Russia and China. Our message in all of these cities and countries is the same: Jesus Christ and him crucified, the saving story of the cross. Little did they know when they lifted Jesus up on that cross that he would rise from the dead to draw all men to him. Can you see, my friends, why we are so excited each time we say, with love in our hearts: Welcome everyone to your 24/7, week long, online church service? As Jesus would draw all men to him, we welcome all in this place to worship and come to know the only begotten Son of God, Jesus Christ.

If you do not know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, this is the place for you. We will introduce you to him. If you are born again but have strayed away or even on purpose walked away, back into sin and the ways of the world, this place is for you also. We will show you the way back using the light of the Word of God to guide you back to him. We can do that you know. Psalms 119:105 gives you this direction.

“Thy word (the Bible) is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

Do you want back on the path of righteousness, love, mercy and grace? Let us help you.

If you are born again, walking with God with purpose, this is the place for you. We will encourage you with love and the Word of God. Do you get the picture, my friends? God has commissioned us to reach out and to minister his love to all. Thank you for attending our online services. Tell your friends and even tell your enemies about us. We will welcome them here, just as we welcome you.

You know, when our son David (now grown and serving God as a pastor and teacher of the Word) was a teenager, we would often tell him “Do good and have fun.” He would be leaving the house to be with his friends and we wanted him to have fun. But at the same time, we always pointed out our desire for him to follow Jesus. That little slogan “Do good and have fun,” seemed to work and get our point across.

Often times, in this present time people do not realize they can do good and have fun. The world system puts it just the opposite way, doesn't it? Most people today equate fun with being bad, breaking the rules, drinking too much, doing drugs, having sexual encounters and in general doing everything that is not good in God's eyes. Not realizing, of course, the end result of sin without repentance is eternal death and separation from God.

I was reading Psalms the other day and saw a scripture that reminded me of the power of our instruction for our son. Psalms 125:4 states:

“Do good, O Lord unto those who be good, and to them who are upright in their hearts.”

Yes, my friends, there are benefits to being good. The reading of that Bible verse inspired me to do a research of many Bible verses that include the word 'good' in them. Boy, did I learn some things! You know, Jesus instructed us to be like him, didn't he? Well, to be like Jesus is to also be like his Father, isn't it? So let's look at God and see who he is. Psalms 106:1:

“Praise ye the Lord, O give thanks unto the Lord: For he is good; for his mercy endureth forever.”

There is that word 'good' again. God is good and guess what? The mercy he extends toward us is due to his goodness. We can conclude from this scripture that part of our being good in God's eyes is how we show mercy to others. Mean, judgmental attitudes toward others is not a part of being good, is it?

Does it not seem strange to preach love and mercy and not show either one to people different from ourselves? That, my friends, is not an example of doing good, is it?

In the book of Amos – yes my good people, there is a book of Amos in the Bible. You better read it. You will be better off for it. Amos 5:14 gives good advice. Let's read it together:

“Seek good and not evil, that ye may live: And so the Lord, the God of Hosts, shall be with you, as you have spoken.”

Remember I said there are benefits to doing good? Amos says – seek Good and not evil. Pretty clear statement, don't you think? Why? So that you may live life to the fullest. God will be with you, and when God is with you, you cannot lose. God's goodness will sustain you through all the problems of life. Evil will destroy you. Which of these two choices would you rather have?

Ladies and gentlemen, God is not only the author of goodness, he is goodness. The Bible clearly states in James 1:17:

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”

I'm going to throw something out for you to consider. This scripture says every. Let me repeat, every good gift comes from above. That includes the good gift of salvation, the good gift of healing, the good gift of deliverance and oh so much more. But that's not all. Every perfect gift also comes from above. There really is only one perfect gift and that, my friends, is Jesus Christ. Only Jesus could be the perfect gift because he is the only begotten Son of our heavenly Father and the Bible tells us he is God in the form of man. This perfect gift is our example. Jesus is the ultimate good and perfect gift. Now do you see why we are to do good and have fun? It is quite simple isn't it? To be like Jesus, we are to go about doing good to our families, our friends, and even our enemies and should I say it? we are to do good to all. As we do that, God will continue to bless us, and when God blesses us, I guarantee it will be fun.


Yes, my friends, do good and have fun! You want a recipe for a full and abundant life? Here it is – Receive Jesus, the perfect gift into your heart and life. Choose today to believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead and confess Jesus as your savior and make him your Lord.

Now, for those of you that are born again, saved, and have received Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Regardless of where you are emotionally. No matter how far or close your state of mind is to your spiritual condition. Get with it!! Start anew. Draw closer to God than you've ever been. Now all of you go out, enjoy life and live for God. Do good and and have fun, my friends. That is your heritage. Put it to use. God will be pleased and will love you for it.

You know we all need more goodness and fun in our lives, don't we? That is exactly what God wants for you, so go for it!! Do good and have fun. I know that's what I plan on doing. How about you?

God Bless You,
Bro. Bob

FULLNESS OF LIFE

I have a question for you. Did you enjoy last week's message on life? I have gone back and read and replayed the message. You know what? I am so thankful Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. You know what else I am thankful for? The access that we have to him. Before we ever thought about moving toward God, He moved toward us. That is the God we serve, ladies and gentlemen. A God, in fact the only real God, who loves us so much he gave his son Jesus to lead us out of spiritual death to eternal life with him.

Welcome everyone to this week long 24/7, online church service. As always, everyone is welcome in this place.

You know, as I consider what God offers us, I believe one of the most important things is fullness of life. Think about it, my friends. I know people desire new homes, new cars, lots of money, fame and fortune. And yet, many times when these things are obtained, satisfaction and happiness are not. Just think of the movie actors, rock and roll stars, wealthy business people, even persons that have won the lottery. How many times do we read, or see on CNN or the local news cast that these beautiful people have committed suicide or have drunk themselves to poverty? We're talking about real life here, my friends. Divorce, sickness, disease and death strike everyone regardless of our bank accounts, don't they? Or, as the story goes, there must be more than this to life and living.

Let's start today's look at life from a different angle. Let's look at life from God's point of view. God wants us to choose life over death. God is the God of the living, not of the dead. In fact, God says in his word (remember his word, the Bible?) that he has set before us life and death. You see our life is not an accident. God created us and he wants us to be alive in him. He wants us to choose between eternal life and death. He even loves us so much, he tells us what to choose. Let's start there, ok? Turn to Deuteronomy 30:19. Let's read it together:

“I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: Therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.”

My friends, I have often said the Bible extremes are not heaven and hell, but eternal life or eternal death. God tells us here to choose eternal life, which we can only obtain through Jesus Christ. With that eternal life, we receive through Jesus blessing and the ability to break and cast off all curses. Now, how is that for a promise?

You might wonder, is it that easy, Brother Bob? I have to tell you, it would seem not. However, God made salvation simple so all could obtain it.

What happens when we choose life over death, what do we do next? Surely you don't believe God would leave us with our Godly choice of life in hand, just to wander in the desert do you? Of course he wouldn't. That is where the instruction Book of Life (The Bible) comes in.

Once our hand is in Jesus' hand, he will lead us on the correct path of life towards the blessings God has laid up in store for us. Turn with me to Psalms 16:11. This is what God will do for us through his Word.

“Thou will show me the path of life: In thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”

We showed you this Psalm last week, but at that time we talked about pleasures forever more. This week we will focus more on the path of life that God will show us. Doesn't a clear path through this life of horrors we see all around us sound good to you? It sure does for me. So what is this scripture really saying to us? Simply put, it is saying once you have chosen eternal life and blessing by receiving Jesus Christ and by believing in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead and once you sincerely confess Jesus as Lord of your life, God will lead you through his word into the path of life where in his presence there is fullness of joy.

As we walk on that path of life we will be covered with God's protection, his love, mercy and grace. So nothing bad will ever happen to us again, right? Wrong! As long as we are on this earth, Satan and his demonic spirits will set obstacles in our pathway to cause us to stumble, and then turn away from God. If possible, Satan would entice us to leave God and to give in to temptations and sin that would separate us from God. Our heavenly Father knows this and points out in the Word of God what the end result of sin is. Romans 6:23 tells us clearly the difference in what Satan offers us through sin and what God offers us through his son, Jesus Christ. Let's read Romans 6:23 together:

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

Once again God points out to us to trust in Jesus and the gift of eternal life is ours. Notice eternal life is a gift through Jesus Christ our Lord. I believe it is sinking into us now, isn't it?

I just want to say this to you, we all want fullness of life, don't we? We want the best for our families. We want to be the best friend, to be a great employer or employee, don't we? Do we not want to be a wonderful father or mother? A son or daughter that makes our parents proud of us? Through Jesus and his teachings we can obtain these things. That is what the path of His Word leads to: Fullness of life on this earth and eternal life with God and his son Jesus and all our loved ones who have passed on while trusting in Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

That sounds like fullness of life to me. How about you?

God Bless You,
Bro. Bob

An important announcement: Starting next week, we will be adding a new feature to our online church. Each week, we will be publishing a new scripture reading. This will be designed to help you meditate on God's word all week long. We know this will be a blessing to you.

THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE

I am back in my Florida home base, ready to give forth the truth of the Word that God reveals to me. Any revelation of the Word that God shares with me is for two reasons. The first is that I may grow in Jesus. The second reason is that I may share with you the divine Word of truth revealed to me.

Let me begin today by welcoming everyone to your 24/7, week long, online church service. I am sure you know by now, no one is excluded from our church services. The Word of God is for any and everyone who desires to partake of it. The truth is, it is even for those who do not desire to partake of it. But they are missing out on God's blessings due to their own choice, aren't they?

The Spirit of Wisdom Ministries and myself personally want to reach out to the family of Minus LeLeaux. Mr. LeLeaux recently passed away from cancer. Mr. LeLeaux was loved by his family and friends and I know he will be missed. The hope is that through their belief in Christ and the resurrection that he will be seen again. Yes my friends, there is eternal life for all who have received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

When people ask me if I believe someone who passed away is in heaven, I always say the same thing. God is a fair and just God. Whatever reward we receive after physical death is the right reward. It is not our place to decide who has eternal life or death. That is God's place and once again, he is fair and just. Keep your good memories, trust in God. Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior and put your worries and concerns aside.

Let's talk about life today. Jesus said he is the way, the truth and the life, didn't he? Turn with me to John 14:5-7 and let's check it out together:

“Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not wither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: No man cometh unto the Father but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: And from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.”

Isn't it amazing, all through our lives we have been searching for the right way. Always seeking truth through parents, teachers, government leaders and each other. When in fact, there is only one truth and that is Jesus. What way do we go? Go with Jesus, my friends. He is the Way!! Since the beginning of time scientists, philosophers and yes even ourselves, have contemplated – what is life? Really, look around you, what is life? Jesus himself just told us. He is the way, the truth and the life. Follow him closely. You can't go wrong.

David puts it ever so clearly in Psalms 16:11:

“Thou wilt show me the path of life: In thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures forevermore.”

Pleasures for how long? One hour? One week? One year? No, my friends. Stay in God's presence through his son Jesus and be filled with fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore. What a promise! What does this mean? Receive Jesus and no more problems? Certainly not. But most certainly, help from the Father to pass through each obstacle of life with victory being the end result.

I know sometimes life looks awfully dark, doesn't it? You know the old saying – There seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel – I hope it's not a train. Well, don't we feel like that sometimes? Once again, David in Psalms 36:9, talking about God, shows us the way. Remember the way? Jesus, Jesus, Jesus. David states:

“For with thee is the fountain of life: In thy light shall we see light.”

Remember who the light is? Once again, the Word of God shows us a way out of our present time darkness, doesn't it? Ladies and gentlemen, we are all going through things in our life that are hard to bear, aren't we? Life can be cruel and unfair. Satan, the tried and true enemy of God and ourselves, will always use these dark times to entice, probe and encourage us to walk away from God and his Son, Jesus Christ. My advice to you – do not do that!! Stay close to God, my friends. The light at the end of the tunnel is not a train. It is Jesus. He is the light and as the Bible states in Psalms 36:9, in his light shall we see light. Am I making any sense to you, church?

We are talking about life, but not just life here on the earth, but eternal life that God has provided for us through his Son, Jesus Christ. Let's see what Jesus has to say about eternal life. John 5:24-26, Jesus is speaking here:

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation, but is passed from death unto life. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God; and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself.”

I don't know how much more clear than that you could get. Jesus himself was saying -You hear my words and believe in God through him – Has – not will get someday – but Now Has everlasting life. He goes on. Because of that you are under no condemnation. Be set free, my friends, be set free. Believe on him (Jesus). How exciting is this? Very exciting, I say!

Now, about those loved ones who have passed on. Remember, I said God is a fair and just God. Jesus in verse 25 of the above scripture, just said the hour is coming when the dead will hear his voice and those that hear his voice shall live. Do you get that? Those who have received salvation through and by their belief in Jesus before physical death will once again live. Why? Because Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. Those who believed on that will rise again to live forever with our heavenly Father and with his Son and their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Now, that is them. How about you, my friends? Where are you spiritually? Do you want eternal life? The chance to once again see your loved ones who passed on? E-mail me today at brotherbob@thespiritofwisdom.org and I will help you.


Thank God for the way, the truth and the life, Jesus Christ. Much more to say on the subject of life – so come back next week, okay?

God Bless You,
Bro. Bob

DEAD MEN WALKING (Repost from 8/23/09)

Welcome to your online church service for this week. Everyone is welcome in this church. I emphasize everyone!!!

When Jesus died on that cross and rose again from the dead so that men could be saved and have eternal life with Him, it was without condition. Race, gender, poor, rich, sinner, and non-believer; Jesus paid the price for us all.

All that He asks of us is to accept his gift of salvation by believing on Him. By accepting His Son, Jesus into our hearts and lives, Gods desires will become our desires and life will take on a new and glorious meaning.

Refer once again to John 3:16 in your Bible.

"For God so loved the world He gave his only begotten Son that whosover beleiveth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."

You get it?? God loves us and guess what? All He wants is for us to know Him, through His Son, Jesus, and to return that love back to Him. Please understand, you don't have to, but why wouldn't you?

WOW, that was not the way I was going to start today, but God definitely wants to reach someone through this week-long church service.......... is it you???

I do want to thank you for the great response to our online church. Thanks for praying for Vanessa. Let's believe together for a healing touch from God. We pray the brain tumor will shrink and dissipate completely......... Amen! Thank you Lord!!

NOW!! A point of clarification. Last week, I began the service by sharing that "Sometimes I have to ask God what exactly He wants me to share with you." My good and trusted friend, Pastor Harold Hamlin, in MI, and my wife Vicki, both pointed out, correctly I might add, we should always seek God before putting forth His Word, lest it be us sharing out of our "flesh" and not the Word of God. I agree with them. I should have been more clear in the point I was trying to make. I should have pointed out, there are times when you know exactly what God wants you to say. There are also times when you know God has something for you to share, but for whatever reason, you aren't exactly sure how to express it, or even what it really means. Therefore, you ask God for specifics and to help your understanding.

My desire is to always speak to you in truth and Spirit. That way, only "Words of Life" will be preached in this place.

Let the service begin!

Please turn in your Bibles (yes, you should have your Bibles with you!) to Mathew 22:31, 32.

"(v31) But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying (v32) I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living."

I am so glad the Lord, by His Spirit, has just dropped the scripture that needs to be brought out here so the contrast between being alive spiritually and dead spiritually, that I am presenting, can be understood. Please turn with me to 2nd Cor. 5:14. Paul is talking to the believers at Corinth and made this statement:

"For the love of Christ constraineth us: because we thus judge that if one died for all, then were all dead."

The truth is, we were all dead spiritually after the fall of Adam and Eve but thank God He sent his Son to redeem us. Please turn to Ephesians 2:1-6. Paul was talking to the believers at Ephesus (by letter).

"(v1) And you have he quickened who were dead in trespasses and sins; (v2) wherein in time past ye 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. (v3) Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lust of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh, and of the mind; and were by nature, the children of wrath, even as others. (v4) But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love where-with He loved us. (v5) Even when we were dead in sins, has quickened us together with Christ, (by grace are ye saved;) (v6) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus."

Do you see the contrast? ..... God is not the God of the dead but of the living, those that have accepted Christ as illustrated above.

Believers, this puts a high urgency of responsibility on us. We must understand we are walking among the living dead (Spiritually speaking). All around us, we see persons of high esteem and low esteem. Doctors, Lawyers, Actors, Engineers, TV Anchor Persons, men and women that are attractive in our eyes. Husbands, Wives, Children, all races and cultures and faiths, and they are dead Spiritually. I told you!! We are walking among the living dead.

There was a movie titled, "Dead Men Walking." A true story of a man on death row. When they were walking to the gas chamber, the guards would shout out, "dead man walking." All around us today, there are, "dead men and women walking," (Spiritually). We may be their last hope. God has commissioned us to be His witnesses on the Earth. How many of us remember the witness that led us to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, and brought us out of death unto the light? I remember a young hippie that got converted back in the "70's" that would not let me go. God put me on this young man's heart and mind and when I wouldn't listen to him talk to me about God anymore, he gave me a New Testament Bible. That gift was a part of my, eventually, coming to Christ. I remember a young lady telling me she didn't care what was in my Scientology book. It meant nothing!!! There were many others that told me the story of redemption. I was a dead man walking but because of their being faithful, I am now alive in Christ and sharing with you.

Listen to the Spirit of God and tell others the story of your redemption. Be a witness to those that are lost. Folks, we have to take off our judgmental hats and put on the hat of compassion, mercy, and love, that Christ has shown us.

All I am asking believers, is for you to give everyone the same chance you had. Someone told you about Jesus, someone witnessed to you how to come alive Spiritually in Jesus. Return the favor, my friends! Today is the day of salvation. Tell somebody about Jesus. Be the witness you are meant to be and pay it forward, my friends. Pay it forward!

God bless you,

Bro. Bob

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Before we conclude the service, I must ask if anyone feels the tug of the Holy Spirit, to give your life to God, through His son Jesus. If so, please confess aloud with your mouth and believe in your heart that Jesus is Lord and you shall be saved. Just say and mean in your heart, "Father I come to you in the name of your Son, Jesus. I ask you to forgive my sins and I give my heart and life to you. I confess and believe in my heart that Jesus is my Lord and saviour. I accept you, Jesus with all thanks giving." (Refer to Romans 10:9)

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Brother Bob is glad to receive any prayer requests, praise reports, or any comments you want to make, at Brotherbob@thespiritofwisdom.org. You're feedback is greatly appreciated!

Check in daily for any updates, prayer requests, and/or announcements.

FORGIVE THEM FATHER (Repost from 9/20/09)

Welcome to your 24/7, week long online church service. What a great day to celebrate the gift of life God has given us.

I feel an expectation today!! I believe God has anointed this church service. Enter into the grace and mercy of God in this place. Please remember and understand everyone is welcome in this online church. This is a place of salvation (through Jesus Christ), a place of healing. Tell you what! Let's turn in your Bible to I Peter 2:24 and read it together.

Peter writing to isolated believers in northern Asia Minor stated:

“Who his own self (Jesus) 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.”

There you are, my friends. He bore our sins so we could be saved and He took the painful, beating stripes on His back for our healing. That is why we take healing prayer requests seriously in this church. Thank you, Jesus, for all you have wrought for us when you died on that cross. Thank you for taking the humiliation and beating that now provides healing for our mind, body and spirit. Yes Lord, we will take that cross more seriously. Your sacrifice will not be in vain. Can we agree on that, my friends?

I've heard preachers say “We are beyond the cross.” But seriously folks!! We must never forget Jesus died on that cross for us and because of his death and resurrection, we can be saved. We must never forget or minimize the cross and its place in our salvation.

I remember when our son, David, was a small boy. I took him to a small Baptist church in Clintwood, Virginia. There was a guest preacher. I believe his name was Roger Adkins. He was preaching about the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ. He described the ruggedness of the cross, the pain of nails being driven through the hands and feet of Jesus, the blood flowing from his side. (I remember my grandmother saying she could hear Bro. Adkins without her hearing aid. I'm smiling as I write that). Bro. Adkins related, as Jesus hung on that old rugged cross, the Romans pierced his side. A big mistake on their part, because that blood that flowed from the side of Jesus didn't just drop on the ground of calvary. But, that shed blood bounded to every place on earth so man could be saved.

Thank God for Jesus, my friends! Always remember the cross of Christ and what it stands for. By the way, my son David is now a pastor and I believe if you asked him, he will look back some thirty years ago and say – I'll never forget Roger Adkins, the man of God who was a big influence on me.

It seems ladies and gentleman, that our church services now begin with the first words produced. Obviously, our service has begun.

All week God has been dealing with me about preaching about the importance of forgiveness in the believer's life. I know you have heard in church how deadly unforgiveness is. Let's look at it from this angle: The entire basis of Jesus coming to earth was to be a sacrifice for our sins so we could be cleansed and forgiven of all of our sin. Our heavenly Father is a God of mercy and forgiveness and He expects man to be the same way. Turn to Daniel 9:9.

“To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgiveness, though we have sinned against thee.”

Yes my friends, God is ready to give us his mercy and forgiveness even though we have sinned and turned our backs on Him. Do we have that same character? Can we forgive people who have done us wrong? Do we show mercy and forgiveness to all? Probably not, right?

As we talked about the cross previously, what do you think Jesus was thinking or saying? It would probably be important, don't you think? Please turn in your Bible to Luke 23:24. Let's see what brother Luke has to say. He relates that Jesus said these words while hanging on that cross:

“Father forgive them, for they know not what they do. And they parted his garments and cast lots.”

There are two important points here. Jesus said “Forgive them, they don't know what they're doing.” Folks, many of the people you have been bitter against and unwilling to forgive, don't even know they did anything wrong to you. Holding this bitterness and unforgiveness in your heart only hurts you. It is also like a firewall between you and God. It's time to let it go once and for all.

It doesn't matter if it is an old friend, your parents, a pastor or a church. It doesn't matter how hurt you are over something. God wants you to be rid of anything that separates you from Him. Turn to God, my friends. Ask Him to supply you with His mercy and forgiveness and then extend that to the person that you feel has offended you so badly.

Also, even though Jesus forgave them, they still gambled away his clothes.....point made!! Forgiveness doesn't depend on how the person being forgiven behaves. Listen folks!! I know God is speaking to someone who will enter this online church service this week. God is extending his mercy and forgiveness to you. It is time to make it right. It is time to drop the burden.

I have to make a point at this time that you may not like. I would be doing you an injustice if I didn't give you this information. Please turn to Mark 11:25-26. Read carefully and thoughtfully. This is Jesus talking, do you think it is important to listen and act upon what Jesus has to say?

“And when you stand praying, forgive, if you have ought against any: that your Father also, which is in heaven, may forgive you your trespasses. But, if you do not forgive, neither will your Father, which is in heaven, forgive your trespasses.”

Seems like Jesus is pretty serious here, doesn't it? Well folks, I've done my part. This message is for someone to take to heart and act upon. Forgive and give mercy, unload the burden, be totally free, my friends.

God Bless you,

Bro. Bob

LET THE REDEEMED SAY SO

As we begin a new week let's do it with praise and thanksgiving for all that God has done for us. I especially like Psalms 107:1-2:

“Oh give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: For his mercy endureth forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy.”

Welcome everyone to your 24/7, week long, online church service. As you read or listen to this week's message, I will be in Michigan. It is hard to believe, but fifty years have gone by since I graduated from high school. I am looking forward to seeing old friends, and who knows, as the Lord leads, perhaps I can share the Words of Life with family and friends.

Psalms 107 as read above, gives great instructions for us as believers, doesn't it? You know, every morning when I wake up, the first thing I think and say is “Thank you Lord for this day. Thank you for another day of salvation. I will walk in that salvation. I will walk in all of the benefits and I will be accountable at the end of the day. I praise you Lord, for you are good and worthy of all praise. You are good, and your mercy endures forever.” I also align myself with the second verse of Psalm 107. My advice to all believers, do what Psalms 107:2 instructs you to do. “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so.” Tell people, my friends. Tell them what God has done for you. Are you the redeemed of the Lord or not? If you are, say so. Now, I'm not talking about pride or arrogance, but humility for what God has done in your life.

So, who do I say this to, Bro. Bob? That answer is anyone who will listen to you. There are so many people who will be able to relate to your testimony. I love to talk to persons with drinking problems. Why? Because I once had the same problem. Not only did I stop drinking alcohol, but later on, I was completely delivered from the spirit of alcoholism. A spirit which was sent from the pit of hell to destroy me. But now, that evil spirit is dead to me. When persons with alcohol problems hear what God did for me, it gives them hope.

One of the main things that prevent people from turning to God is their fear of hopelessness. Nothing has worked, and to them, if God doesn't work for them, nothing is left. Their solution, which by the way is the wrong solution, is not to turn to God for help, but to turn away from him. Your testimony or story may be the one thing that gives them hope and causes them to turn to God through his son, Jesus Christ. So, once again, my friends, say it loudly – I am the redeemed of the Lord! Tell people!! What God has done for me, he can do for you. Praise God, for he is worthy to be praised.

We are talking about praise this week. Oftentimes, we as believers dwell on the problems of life. It seems praise is not only out of place, but even impossible to do. The heaviness of bad relationships, money problems, sickness and disease have us bowed over. Praise to God seems impossible to do at these times, doesn't it? Here is something to think about church. Praise to God is never out of place, nor is it ever impossible to do. It is a choice. Defeat or praise. Your choice, my friends – choose now.

As a preacher of the gospel, I sort of feel like Isaiah, proclaiming positive things into dire situations is not easy to do, but oftentimes necessary. Turn with me to Isaiah 61:1-3. I echo the sentiments of Isaiah.

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; to proclaim that acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, 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.”

Our heavenly Father is glorified when we praise him. Are not the words of the above scriptures beautiful, church? This is what the redeemed of the Lord should say and proclaim to all the people of the world. It will bless believers and it will draw the lost to Jesus. People need to know there is a garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. The spirit of heaviness is not of God and should be and must be cast out by the redeemed of the Lord in Jesus Name.

Just a word of caution, my friends. When you first replace heaviness with the garment of praise, that garment may not feel like it fits correctly, but it truly does. The more you display the praise garment, the better it fits. So start now, folks. Praise the Lord with all that is in you. God will love you for it and you will be delivered from the jaws of depression, fear and defeat.

Now, just a note to apprise you of what is going on here. I will be away from my desk, and my computer technician, Justin Rocque, for the next two weeks. Therefore, we will replay two of our previous messages, only with audio this time. How do we do this? I have written two messages. Last week's and this week's message were composed on Friday, August 6th and Saturday, August 7th. Next week and the following week's messages will be replays, with the audio being added as of August 8th.

My goal is always to be honest and upfront with you. My mission is to always give you the words of life and truth that God gives to me. Please tune in the next two weeks. I promise you will not be disappointed. Even though I will be in Michigan, I will be able to retrieve all e-mails. So feel free to e-mail me at BrotherBob@TheSpiritofWisdom.org with any prayer requests. I promise to pray daily for all prayer requests.

To conclude. Remember my friends, let the redeemed of the Lord say so. Always praise the Lord and share your gift of salvation with others. They need you!!

God Bless You,
Bro. Bob