Paul Email -30July2013- God is present future

How you doin? No devotions this morning, but a great dinner and fellowship last night with friends in Christ. Stacey and I are fascinated by the story of Jesus calming the storm while crossing the lake. We heard a talk from Graham Cooke on Sunday night and OH SNAP!!!!!!!!!!!! The theme of the talk was, "God is present future". This high lighted the importance of prophecy. It's way too much to explain, you can watch it on youtube if you want. The part I'm talking about is the importance of prophecy. Graham pointed out something I've never noticed... the way this story starts.

That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Mark 4:35)

One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out. (Luke 8:22)

The part that gets me & Stacey is that when the disciples wake Jesus up for help, He rebukes them and points out their weak faith. I thought that waking Jesus and asking for help was a great plan. Graham used this part of the story to point out the importance of prophecy. Jesus said they were going over to the other side. If the disciples believed Jesus, they would not have been afraid of the storm. Jesus didn't say, "I hope we make it across". DIG IT!!!!!!!!!!! The other fascinating part is that Jesus was sleeping. I don't think Jesus was being tested. The disciple were being tested. So as usual I snooped around a bit.

Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. (Matthew 8:23)

Matthews version of this story begins differently. The disciple followed Him. This indicates to me that we will still be tested even if we're following Jesus. As followers we may be tested even more. 

Graham also used the story of David and Goliath. Goliath had intimidated all of the soldiers and other men for days by the time Dave got to him. Dave wasn't intimidated by Goliath, because he had received a prophetic word from Sam. Sam told Dave that he was going to be king. So Dave's thinking to himself, "I'm not king yet, so I'm going get through this situation". I wish the scripture had Dave saying, "sorry about your luck Goliath... it's not my day". God is present future. He sees us in the future and in the present. He uses the present to equip us for the future. DIG IT!!!!!!!!!!!!! Pay attention to the Holy Ghost and pass the test today.

PS   T.J. said that COME ON and AWESOME are getting old. I'm taking DIG IT and OH SNAP out for a test spin. T.J. has a short attention span & I'm here to help... not hinder. Let me know how you like them.

Paul Email -29July2013- Mark 15

How you doin? Whatta night last night. I was wide awake at 12am, 1am, 2am, and 4am. I had broken sleep between 4am and 5am. I was woken up by some of the more disturbing/weird dreams I've ever had. One dream that I couldn't get out of, involved Stacey and I being at Flyers/Penguins playoff game in Pittsburgh. We had free tickets that only allowed us in the outer rim of the building. I had a Pens jersey on so not to get in a fight. In the building they were selling Flyers jerseys, but none that fit me. Stacey was flirting with men and they kissed her. I pointed out to the men that we were married and hit them in the head with a sauce pot and they died. This went on for what seemed like forever. WAY weird. The worse part is, every night before bed, I turn my affection toward God and pray for Him to reveal Himself to me in my dreams. I find these types of nights and dreams more then curious. Mark 15 today.

²⁹ Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, “So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, ³⁰ come down from the cross and save yourself!” ³¹ In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him among themselves. “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! ³² Let this Messiah, this king of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him. (Mark 15:29-32)

The part that stood out to me today was Jesus' obedience, servant hood, and love for us. He could have easily saved Himself, but He didn't. The other thing was the 2 men crucified with Him. Marks version doesn't tell of the one mans recognition of Jesus or his repentance or of Jesus' response to him. Both men, "heaped insults on him". I think my sin heaps insults on Him. We are called to be crucified with Christ, but I don't recall anything about heaping insults on Him. I think that the story of Jesus' crucifixion affects me so much because I can see my roll or part in that day. We're taught that Jesus died for ALL sin... past, present, and future. So, my part on that day is the sin that I still commit. This is why I'm desperately seeking Jesus' righteousness. It is offered to me/us. Jesus did what He did out of love for me/us. The least I can do is love Him back. It shouldn't be that hard to love Him, honor Him, and seek a relationship with Him. Love Him today. COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Paul Email -28July2013- Mark 14

How you doin? Mark 14 is long and familiar. This chapter is sad on the natural level and glorious on the Spiritual level. We're still praying for Mitch. I reached out to him yesterday to offer any help with the services. He sent me a 3 page text of thanks and appreciation. I think the word that Stacey received yesterday was on point. Praise God for talking to us. Mark 14 is way to long to get into all of it, but one of the highlighted stories today was of Mary's extravagant worship.

³ While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.
⁴ Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume? ⁵ It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages^[a] and the money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her harshly.
⁶ “Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. ⁷ The poor you will always have with you,^[b] and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. ⁸ She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. ⁹ Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” (Mark 14:3-9)

I don't always read the notes at the bottom of my Bible, but today I did. They pointed out that in Matthew and Mark it says, "Some of those present". In John 12:4-6, it says that it was Judas rebuking Mary for embezzlement and greed.

⁴ But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, ⁵ “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.^[a]” ⁶ He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it. (John 12:4-6)
Verses 6-8, really stood out the most. Jesus defends Mary and praises her giving ALL that she had to Him. She poured out the most valuable thing she had. Jesus responded to this whole heart-ed extravagant worship with protection, recognition, praise, and favor. This act of worship really makes me feel Holy jealousy. I pray for the willingness to pour out my most valuable possession. For me that's my life, which encompasses everything I have and love. COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! When you think of it, it's all God's anyway. Worship Jesus today... with your most valuable. 

Paul Email -27July2013- Mark 13

How you doin? I certainly have a heavy heart today. My friend Mitch lost his 20yrs old son in a car accident and my close friend Jimmy went into rehab yesterday. I can see the terrible influence on Jimmy and the lack of the Father in Mitch. These 2 situations have greatly increased the urgency to share the gospel with people when they are not in turmoil. Stacey pointed out this morning that people in tragedy need to be bandaged up, cleaned up, and strengthened. Talking about God can come after they have regain any strength and health. Stacey said when people are blind and deaf, because of tragedy or hardships, pointing to the Father or speaking of the Father is useless. They can't see or hear. Gaining their trust, building them up, and offering them bandages can lead to sharing Gods love. We read Mark 13 today.

⁵ Jesus said to them: “Watch out that no one deceives you. (Mark 13:5)
³² “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. ³³ Be on guard! Be alert^[e]! You do not know when that time will come. ³⁴ It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch. ³⁵ “Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. ³⁶ If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. ³⁷ What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’” (Mark 13:32-37)

Watching and staying awake. This set of scripture made me think of the words, "Spiritual awakening". We often refer to salvation and Spiritual growth as, "Spiritual awakening". Jesus is telling us to STAY awake. This scripture also brought to my mind the disciple sleeping in Gethsemane. Matthew 26 is where the Holy Ghost took me.
 ³⁸ Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” (Matt. 26:38)
⁴⁰ Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. ⁴¹ “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
 I couldn't help but notice the word, "temptation".
⁴³ When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. ⁴⁴ So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing. (Matt. 26:43-44)
⁴⁵ Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. ⁴⁶ Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!” (Matt. 26:45-46)

I feel such conviction for keeping watch. Living my live for Jesus' return or my going to Him. Stay awake. I so love the, "awakenings", God has granted me. It seems to me that following Jesus will keep us awake and watching for Him. We must be awake and watch for Him to follow Him. I have a very heavy heart, but the Holy Ghost can still muster a... COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love Jesus so much. I keep praying for my friends, but in a new way. Praying on their behalf. Praying for Jesus to make Himself known to them. Worldly solutions don't fix worldly problems/tragedies. Kingdom solutions fix everything. Stay awake and keep watch today.

Paul Email -26July2013- Mark 12

How you doin? After a double dip yesterday, I'm gonna try to take it easy on you today. God's not taking it easy on us, but that's what we want. Mark 12 today. What an incredible read this is. I strongly urge you to read it carefully. I love sandwiches. Especially Bible sandwiches. I see them often, but generally think I'm crazy for seeing them and don't share. Lately, crazy seems okay. I'm crazy in love with Jesus. I'm going to share a sandwich today via paragraph heading and some verses.

1st piece of bread- "Religious Leaders Question Jesus about the Greatest Commandment" (heading)
²⁹ “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.^{[e] 30} Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’^{[f] 31} The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’^[g] There is no commandment greater than these.”
³² “Well said, teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. ³³ To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”
³⁴ When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” (Mark 12:29-34) I love Mark's version the best, because it includes, "all your strength" I never heard the bold verses until today. The Holy Ghost highlighted them today.

1st piece of meat- "Religious Leaders Cannot Answer Jesus' Question." (heading)
³⁶ David himself, speaking by the Holy Spirit, declared:

“‘The Lord said to my Lord:
    “Sit at my right hand
until I put your enemies
    under your feet.”’^[h]

³⁷ David himself calls him ‘Lord.’ How then can he be his son?”
The large crowd listened to him with delight. (Mark 12:36-37) Jesus' wisdom is AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
1st piece of cheese- "Jesus Warns against the Religious Leaders." (heading)
³⁸ As he taught, Jesus said, “Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, ³⁹ and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. ⁴⁰ They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.” (Mark 12:38-40) This sounds like these leaders are fairly influenced... if you know what I mean.
2nd piece of bread- "A Poor Widow Gives All She Has". (heading)
⁴¹ Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. ⁴² But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.
⁴³ Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. ⁴⁴ They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” (Mark 12:41-44)

So, this last paragraph really gets me. Verse 44 lays me out. I want to give everything. In the world... dollars matter. In the Kingdom... percentages matter. What gets sandwiched between the greatest commandment and a poor widow giving everything, is a warning against religious leaders (demonic) and the religious leaders not being able to recognize Jesus. The bread of this sandwich is... AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!! The meat & cheese is the hedge of protection God offers us. COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love that the Holy Ghost has let me know that it is safe to love Him with ALL that I have. COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Well, so much for taking it easy. My laptop is wet with tears and my cheeks are on fire. COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love the Presence. Give God everything today! COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Paul Email(s) -25July2013- Mark 11

How you doin? The kids and I are sick. Congestion, sore throat, and coughing. Stacey has an immune system of steel. I fell a weird painful, but pleasant, desire to follow Jesus. It's wild how I desire closeness with Jesus. To hear His voice and see His face. We read Mark 11 this morning. 

²² “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. ²³ “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. ²⁴ Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. ²⁵ And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”   (Mark 11:22-25)
I love the depth of this scripture. Jesus speaks of faith, belief, authority, inheritance, and forgiveness all in these 3 verses. I love Jesus so much and continue to look for new/more ways of receiving my inheritance in Him. Faith is Heavens currency. Belief is huge. Believing every word in the Bible is essential. Believing that I can receive my inheritance here on earth as it is in Heaven, is crucial. Forgiveness restores God's standard. God promises us that our past sins are forgotten. As God frees us of our sin, we can walk forward in His righteousness. Verses 24 & 25 are crazy AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!! The cleansing power of Jesus' blood enables us to believe that we can receive the fullness of Jesus. So my age old question, "do I omit sin or admit God?", is easy to answer if in the correct order. Admitting the Holy Ghost... omits sin. COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! There's no place for sin in following Jesus. Forgiveness is so we can keep our past sins in the past. Jesus hung out with sinners. The sinners became non-sinners in His Presence. I love being free and want some of that in a ridiculous way. Forgive, so to restore God's standard today. Receive the fullness of Jesus and follow Him. COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

How you doin? I read this in my Ravi Zacharias daily devotional. Jill Carattini the author.

"God needs you to receive the things God places in front of you.”

“O Jerusalem, O Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you would not have it.” (Matt. & Luke)

There are certainly many ways of receiving God, though we might find in the end that in our receiving we were more realistically trying to avoid something else. The word “receive” in the dictionary lists more than a dozen definitions ranging from “to hear or see,” and “to greet or welcome,” to more weighty definitions such as “to acknowledge formally and authoritatively” or “to bear the weight of.” Examples from human behavior are equally diverse.

At the time of my mentor’s words, I had thoroughly committed myself to the Christian worldview. The Christian God, I believed, provided the only coherent answers for the difficult questions of life. I had thoroughly accepted Christ and considered myself a part of the story of Christianity. Yet I was constantly struggling in my mind to know God personally and often doubting my own identity as a child of God. I know now that my friend was saying that there is an intensely personal side to receiving God that I was missing. There is a point when we must be still and recognize just who we are receiving, just who has been reaching out to gather us all along.

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus proclaims, “I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it” (10:15). The Greek word for “receive,” literally means to take with the hand, to take hold of, and to embrace. Much has been said in scholarship of this reference to coming to God as a little child. Jesus’s use of the word “receive” is equally picturesque. The image painted in the text is certainly worth many words, two figures meriting an impression on both mind and memory. To believe that the God of the Scriptures exists is to believe that you as a person now stand in the presence of God as a Person. To receive God is to reach out to the very arms that have been longing to gather you near all along.

The entire devotion is incredible, just too long to copy the whole thing. We just read Mark 10 yesterday. This devotion is from is from yesterday. The bold type are the parts got me the most. I think Jill is AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love her articles. I love Jesus most!

Paul Email -24July2013- Mark 10

How you doin? I love being free. This means something new nearly everyday. I'm always amazed at how familiar stories in scripture sound different every time I read them. Today, we read Mark 10.

  As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
¹⁸ “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. ¹⁹ You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.’^[d]”
²⁰ “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.”
²¹ Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
²² At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.
²³ Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!”
²⁴ The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, “Children, how hard it is^[e] to enter the kingdom of God! ²⁵ It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”
²⁶ The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, “Who then can be saved?”
²⁷ Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”
²⁸ Then Peter spoke up, “We have left everything to follow you!”
²⁹ “Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel ³⁰ will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—along with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life. ³¹ But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” (Mark 10:17-31)
WOW! This is some major scripture for me. One of my biggest battles is choosing the Kingdom's ways over the world's. The bad stuff is easy, but the good stuff is tough. I've been praying for the way to get the keys to the Eldorado. I believe this scripture is part of the answer. By desiring to follow Jesus, I'm learning how to give things of this world away. Good things that is. The process has begun. Mark 10:18, stood out this morning. I get the feeling this rich man was seeing Jesus through human eyes instead of Spiritual eyes. Mark 10:21, got me the most. Trading riches on earth for riches or treasures in Heaven. This where the rubber meets the road for me. Jesus isn't suggesting sacrifice, He's suggesting a trade. My desire for heavenly treasures is starting to out weigh my desire for earthly treasures. In several scriptures, Jesus tells His disciples to take less or none of the world with them to follow Him. I truly believe that wants us to have our hearts desire, but first we must be after his own heart. Mark 10:29-30, make this very clear to me. Jesus promises that we will receive a 100 times of whatever we've left behind. He also mentions, "persecutions", just to be sure we're investing in His Kingdom and not the world's. This isn't a business deal. Mark 10:31, describes Spiritual paradox or the upside down Kingdom. As Ricky Bobby's father said, "If you ain't first... you're last". That's something to life by for worldly treasures. However, when it comes to following Jesus, it will put you last. I want to be close to Jesus. I want to follow Him with everything I'm worth. The Kingdom of Heaven is like, "bizzaro world" or "upside down world". The things that work here on earth don't work in Heaven. Choose heaven today. COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
PS I had to make up for that very short email yesterday. Just kidding.

Paul Email -23July2013- Loving like Jesus

How you doin? After a great dinner with folks we look up to, it's a better day today. God always gives me a way out of my dis-function. His grace is sufficient. I receive a daily devotional email from Ravi Zacharias International Ministries. Today's was titled, "Hell Is Other People". Needless to say, this drew my attention. God's timing is perfect. I don't always read these devotions, but today I did. It ended with this paragraph:

"The love of Jesus is not a pie in the sky ideal for people he never knew; it was tangible, messy, and ultimately cost him his life. In Jesus, we see heaven on display in the hell of individual lives. If we seek to follow him, vague ideals about tolerance must give way to flesh and blood reality—loving the all-too-human in front of us."

One of these days God will teach me how to love others on His terms and not my own. In the mean time, I'll keep following Jesus. COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Paul Email -21July2013- Mark 8

How you doin? We're headed to Shore Vineyard Church in Toms River. This church is in the Bethel vain. I have such an incredible desire for God. It's on the edge of frustrating. I'm not sure how to get to the next level. Following Jesus is part of it or the start of it. Mark 8 this morning.

“I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. (Mark 8:2) Either Jesus says this very often or it stands out to me so much that it seems often.

Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don’t you remember? (Mark 8:17-18) This describes how I feel lately. God has brought me to a point that has increased my desire for Him beyond comfort. I want eyes to see and ears to hear. I want understanding. More of God. I want His completeness and fullness.

 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.” (Mark 8:34-38) This scripture is so heavy. There's a mystery here that gets me. In the natural it sounds crazy. In the Kingdom it makes perfect sense. Very hard for me to apply this to my life. I pick and choice what I am willing to deny myself. Lord help me give it all to you. The Third Day song comes to mind, "Please take from me my life, when I don't have the strength, to give it away to you Jesus". COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Lord grant me understanding of your Spiritual paradoxes. Lord, I must have more of you.

Paul Email -20July2013- Mark 7

How you doin? Stacey and I have a painful desire to encounter God... to follow Jesus. This morning we read Mark 7. Still being impacted by the sermon we heard on Thurs. night, this mornings devotions were great.

So the Pharisees and teachers of the law asked Jesus, “Why don’t your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders instead of eating their food with defiled hands?”
He replied, “Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written:
“‘These people honor me with their lips,
           but their hearts are far from me.
They worship me in vain;
           their teachings are merely human rules.’
You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions.”
And he continued, “You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions! (Mark 7:5-9) These verses describe religion to me.
“Are you so dull?” he asked. “Don’t you see that nothing that enters a person from the outside can defile them? (Mark 7:18) My lack of understanding makes me dull. I feel as though I'm in full out battle with my mind.

He went on: “What comes out of a person is what defiles them. For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and defile a person.” (Mark 7:20-23) At 1st the words, "out of a person’s heart", confused me. Then Mark 2:8 came to mind, "Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things?" The trouble is the mind. I've always agreed with what I learned in AA, "the most dangerous neighborhood is between my ears". Follow Jesus. "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:8-9) COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I commit sin in my mind 1st. Lord please transform my mind. Think about Jesus today!

Paul Email -19July2013- Mark 6

How you doin? It's been suggested to me that my email can be a bit long. I'm going to work on that. It may mean that you'll get 2 or 3 a day. Just kidding. Stacey and I watched a sermon last night on IBethel TV by Chris Vallotton. He posed the question, "are we Christians or followers of Jesus?". It was based on his experience out of the country. In other countries he said that people responded poorly to his claim of Christianity, but responded well to his claim of being a follower of Jesus. In many countries Christianity represents crusades, war, sinful living, condemnation, hypocrisy, and more things not of God. Chris pointed out that a prayer of acceptance is no where to be found in the Bible. Following Jesus is found 100's of times. Christianity is mentioned twice. A prayer of acceptance is AWESOME!!!! But a life of following Jesus is what we're called to do. We read Mark 6 this morning.

When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things. (Mark 6:34) I love Jesus' compassion.

As soon as they got out of the boat, people recognized Jesus. They ran throughout that whole region and carried the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed. (Mark 6:54-56) COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! God's timing is perfect. It's been a long week or so. This is the revelation and new glory that God was preparing us for. Follow Jesus. Like any good sports fan, I had a sports related analogy. If I wear a Phillies uniform and sit in the stands... I'm fanatical fan. But when I leave the stadium, I go back to my regular life. The actual Phillies players regular life still looks like a MLB player. They are practicing, dealing with the media, receiving physical conditioning and treatment. They look like pro ball players on/off the field and in/out of their uniforms. I'm a baseball fan, but follow the Phillies. I'm familiar with them. I know their players, style of play, management, ect. You could say I have a relationship with them. Christianity allows for sin due to Jesus' acts on the cross. Christianity also allows for a distant walk with Him. The further away from Him we are, the quieter His voice is. Following Him does not allow sin. Following Him allows for a closer walk. The closer we are to Him the more we can hear Him. The more we hear Him the more we are convicted of our sin. The closer we are to Him, the more we receive power to defeat our sin so we are free. I love being free. A tough question... "are you a Christian or a follower of Jesus?". COME ON!!!!!!!!!!! Follow Jesus today! AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Paul Email -17July2013- Mark 4

How you doin? Stacey and I are back to it after 2 days off. Paulie's stomach virus and the Jars of Clay concert were the circumstances that held us up on devotions. Mark 4 was an answer, or resolve, to some recent discouragement. Stacey and I have been feeling some discouragement about the results of the message that the Holy Ghost gives us for certain people. We truly believe in God's message or His good news, not the result or how people respond to the good news. Mark 4 helped bring that to our attention.

As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain. Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, some multiplying thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times.” (Mark 4:4-8) 4 types of soil. I pray that God makes me like the 4th kind of soil.

Then Jesus said, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”
When he was alone, the Twelve and the others around him asked him about the parables. He told them, “The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables so that,

“‘they may be ever seeing but never perceiving,
    and ever hearing but never understanding;
otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!’ (Mark 4:9-12) The outsiders are those outside the church. The church it's biblical sense, the body of Christ. Mark 4:13-20 gives the explanation of this parable.

He said to them, “Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don’t you put it on its stand? For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. If anyone has ears to hear, let them hear.”

“Consider carefully what you hear,” he continued. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.” (Mark 4:21-25) More in this in a minute.
He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.”
Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.”

With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything. (Mark 4:26-34) These 2 parables describe growth.
Ok, let me reign it in. God plants seeds. Seeds need soil, light and water to grow. This chapter is very green thumbish (I don't think that's a word). I believe we can help with the gardening, but God grows people. The last story in this chapter is of Jesus calming the storm. I believe this story is about faith, "He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (Mark 4:30) I pray that our faith can be the water that waters the seed that God plants in us. COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Paul Email -16July2013- Ephesians

How you doin? Whatta great concert last night. I love Jars of Clay. Whatta great group of God lovers we went with. One of my favs of theirs these days is, "Eyes Wide Open", and they played it. They also played one of my long standing favs, "Liquid". We're reading Mark during our devotions, but I still can't get away from Ephesians.

For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—
 Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.
I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory. (Ephesians 3:1-13) WOW! Sometimes the scripture leaves a tremendous mark on me. I just love some of these words- mystery, revelation, understanding, revealed by the Spirit, freedom, and confidence. I love these words, especially in their context.
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.  Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:16-21) YES & AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't help but to think this is a prayer to model. For ourselves and for each other. I want to be strengthened with power through His Spirit. AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This chapter (3) in Ephesians is crazy incredible. I truly believe that God is using this book to transform my mind. COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love Father God!

Paul Email -15July2013- Ephesians

How you doin? Never a dull moment at the Simmerman house. After a great visit to the Roberto's and from the McKelvey's, Paulie vomited most of the night. Poor guy. He was a trooper. Audrey was more upset then he was. She's got so much compassion... she's just like her dad. We missed devotions this morning, because we were up with Paulie, Stacey slept in for the Jars of Clay concert tonight. We've been so intrigued with Ephesians lately. I'm sure you'll find it surprising that I tend to have a sharp tongue. I can use harsh words, both curse words and mean words. Lately, the Holy Ghost has been convicting me of this sin. Ephesians 5 really convicted me.

Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.^[a] Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them.

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. This is why it is said:

“Wake up, sleeper,
    rise from the dead,
    and Christ will shine on you.”

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 5:1-20)

1. Ephesians 5:5 Or kingdom of the Messiah and God

Y

ES & AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is some convicting scripture. These types of instruction make it easy for me to be WAY dependent on the Holy Ghost. While reading this (5 times), the Holy Ghost made it clear that this is a matter of my mind. I think it before I say it or do it. In AA they say, "you get drunk in your mind before you take the 1st drink". They also say, "stinkin thinkin", is no good. This will be a serious project for the Holy Ghost. I have a loose tongue to say the least. Sometimes, I'm even surprised at what comes out of my mouth. I keep thinking of Romans 12:2, "

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. " Thank God for the Counselor. I love being free and I know He will free me of this. COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Keep God's words on your tongue today.

Paul Email -14July2013- Mark 3

How you doin? I love Jesus. He so rad.! We read Mark 3 today. I say so often how I love the Bibles themes. Today's reading had some of those themes.

He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored. Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus. (Mark 3:5-6) Stacey and both had this verse (in bold) stand out. Picturing Jesus angry is tough. More on this shortly.

Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the lake, and a large crowd from Galilee followed. When they heard about all he was doing, many people came to him from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, and the regions across the Jordan and around Tyre and Sidon. Because of the crowd he told his disciples to have a small boat ready for him, to keep the people from crowding him. For he had healed many, so that those with diseases were pushing forward to touch him. Whenever the impure spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” But he gave them strict orders not to tell others about him. (Mark 3:7-12) This theme stood out the most for me this morning. The connection between illness, sickness, handicap, disease and the demonic. All these people are drawn to Jesus' power. The scripture goes from talking about the diseased trying to touch Jesus to impure spirits. Here's the connection to verse 5... when Jesus deals with demons, He uses authority and doesn't get angry. Stacey pointed out this morning how Jesus was angry at the stubborn hearts of the Pharisee. He doesn't deal with them in the same way as the demons. He doesn't use authority on them. He tends to reason and explain to them the ways of the Kingdom. We'll be praying for more understanding of this.

So Jesus called them over to him and began to speak to them in parables: “How can Satan drive out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come. In fact, no one can enter a strong man’s house without first tying him up. Then he can plunder the strong man’s house. Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin.” (Mark 3:23-29) This parable makes sense to me. “How can Satan drive out Satan?". We certainly don't want to give Satan credit for something that is of God or vice versa. The last few days, I've been thrilled by Jesus' depth, authority, power, compassion, and all the other stuff He is. COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love Jesus!

Paul Email -13July2013- Mark 2

How you doin? Stacey had some serious insight on spirit, soul, and body this morning based on Mark 2:8. If you have the chance, ask her about it. We love Jesus. He's really AWESOME!!!!!! Mark 2 speaks of 3 things I find fascinating- 1) forgiveness> authority> healing, 2) new wine & new wine skins, 3) the sabbath. The 1st of these stood out the most today.

When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”

Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?”

Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things? Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.”  He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!” (Mark 2:5-12)

I've read this story several times and today it was new. I heard it as a response to faith, a claim of authority, and rebuke of accusations. Jesus healed everyone that God brought to Him. The healing in this story seems minor. The teachers of the law accused Jesus of blasphemy and claim

ed that

God alone forgives. Jesus goes on to claim His authority here on earth. AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love the connection of healing and forgiveness. Forgiveness = healing on every level. COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!! Jesus has the authority of heaven here on earth. Jesus gives us that same authority. COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Paul Email -12July2013- Mark 1

How you doin? We started Mark today. It's like the gospel on steroids. I love reading Mark after reading the other more detailed gospels. Mark is so simple and as matter of fact.

The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. (Mark 1:5) People were drawn to John the Baptist.
I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” (Mark 1:8) The bottom of our Bibles said, John's baptism with water prepared a person to receive Christ's message. It was the beginning of the Spiritual process. The bottom of our Bible also says, "When Jesus baptized with the Holy Spirit, however, the entire person is transformed by the Spirit's power. Jesus offers to us both forgiveness of sin and the power to live for Him. AWESOME!!!!!!!!! Well said.

At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” (Mark 1:9-11) I love the scripture that have all 3 of the God head in the same verse. Here it's very clear.

After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:14-15) So simple.

They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”
“Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.
The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.” News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee. (Mark 1:21-28) WOW!!! I love Jesus' authority.

That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. The whole town gathered at the door, and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was. (Mark 1:32-34) Twice Jesus doesn't allow demons to speak. There's something there. Jesus either doesn't want to blow His cover or He's discrediting or taking any attention from the demons. Either way it's AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. (Mark 1:35) This is one of the verses that get's us up at 5am or 5:15am.

 Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed. (Mark 1:42-43) COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't read this verse enough.  I'm not sure why the man didn't follow Jesus' instructions, but love this example of Jesus' compassion and power. COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! There's something about transformation and freedom. God is taking me and Stacey into a new grace and blessing. Please be praying for us. Be transformed today. AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pros of Door to Door Organics versus Purple Dragon Co-op

Delivery # 2 from the Purple Dragon Co-op.   It seems to have grown!  Very happy with this group.  We are still looking for more people to join with us so we can get a delivery point in CMCH so please let me know if you are interested in joining.

Someone asked me the pros of the Co-op versus the Door to Door.  As far as I can tell here they are:

1. Delivery Point:  Door to door organics delivers right to your door (PLUS) while the Co-op you have to pick up in CMCH and my buddy has to drive an hour north to pick it all up.

2.  Picking/Substitutions:  Door to door organics lets you make up to 5 substitutions on your order.  The co-op gives you what you get... no picking.

3.  Ordering other stuff:  Door to door lets you order also things other than just produce (although the prices are very high compared to the grocery store).  The co-op is all produce only.

4.  Price/Value:  Door to door organics is much more expensive than the Co-op.  Look at the picture above that I got for 50$ from the Co-op and look at this picture below that I got from door to door (the produce part was 25$):

5.  Work:  Door to door you pretty much check your email the friday before your delivery and you make your substitutions and order your extra stuff.  The co-op, if we can get the 15 people you have to spend about an hour every 3 months sorting the produce (you take turns).

6.  Interaction with other people trying to eat organic:  Door to door the delivery man said "I hope you like it" and was nice.  The co-op we text each other and share recipes and get excited about our boxes arriving.  I can see us having a little sort of community/friendship with each other.

The verdict:  I like both really.  I like to have the door to door organic to supplement the other weeks that I don't get the co-op.  They both have their pros and cons.  Money seems to win out for me and ultimately there is no beating the co-op for THAT.

Paul Email -11July2013- Matthew 28

How you doin? The last chapter in Matthew snuck up on me. Stacey and I both really tired, so if you would be willing to join with us and pray against the unwanted spirit of fatigue and tiredness, we would appreciate it. Matthew 28 is great.

There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. (Matt.28:2-4) Again, the earth/nature respond to heavens invasion. The angel had some serious glory and splendor on him. The guards fear made them like, "dead men". AWESOME!!!!!!!!!! I don't want to be like a dead man when exposed to heaven. COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. (Matt. 28:5-6) The angel tells the Mary's , "Do not be afraid". He did not say anything to the guards. "He has risen, just as he said", AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!
So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” (Matt. 28:8-10) I see a theme. Fear has no place. "Afraid yet filled with joy", seems to be the exception. The Mary's, "clasped his feet and worshiped him", I get the feeling I should be doing this more often.
Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matt. 28:16-20) "The great commission". I'm always amazed at the disciples response, "but some doubted". After all they had been through with Jesus. "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me", what victory. Jesus came and got the keys back from Satan. COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Tears of joy! Verse 20 rocks, "and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" So AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!! Jesus doesn't say how to teach them, just to teach them and He'll be with us. COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I heard a sermon yesterday morning on IBethel that challenged me to think about transformation vs conversion. Conversion, suggest that people become like us. Transformation, suggest that people become who God intended them to be. I pray regularly for God to transform me. Mainly my mind. Don't forget today, "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Paul Email -10July2013- Matthew 27

How you doin? God's stirring. Matthew 27 this morning was earth shattering... literally. I was really smitten by the Holy Ghost this morning. Matt 27 is very emotional. It covers a broad spectrum of emotions. Natural sadness and Spiritual victory at the same time. COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!

When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. “I have sinned,” he said, “for I have betrayed innocent blood.”
“What is that to us?” they replied. “That’s your responsibility.” (Matt 27:3-4) I've always thought poorly of Judas. These verses sound like repentance. I can't help but to think that Judas was forgiven. In Matthew 26:50, Jesus refers to Judas as friend,
"Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.”

Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?”
“You have said so,” Jesus replied.
When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer. Then Pilate asked him, “Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?” But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge—to the great amazement of the governor. (Matt. 27:11-14) There's something about Pilate. I get the idea that he could see who Jesus was.

So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you: Jesus Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?” For he knew it was out of envy that they had handed Jesus over to him. (Matt 27:17-18) Pilate in the natural appears to be a bad guy, but I tend to think that he was part of God's plan.
While Pilate was sitting on the judge’s seat, his wife sent him this message: “Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.” (Matt. 27:19) The Holy Ghost on Jesus was affecting Pilate and his wife. They both knew not to mess with or be apart of what was happening to Jesus.
When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “It is your responsibility!”

All the people answered, “His blood is on us and on our children!” (Matt. 27:24-25) Pilate bails. I hear verse 25 as the Jews welcoming their veil and curse. Stacey heard this as a prophetic word to themselves. She said she could hear how Jesus heard them. Jesus' blood speaks a better word. His blood is cleansing. So when they said, "His blood is on us and our children". Jesus heard that much differently then I did initially. As she so often does, Stacey opened my eyes to a Spiritual view instead of a natural view. COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Stacey pointed out that after Pentecost, the same people screaming for Jesus' crucifixion were sozo-ed (saved, healed, delivered) by the Holy Ghost... the Presence of God. AWESOME!!!!!!!
The crucifixion of Jesus is very emotional for me. I'm going to spare my computer today of being soaked with tears. I would encourage you to read Matthew 27:27-44.

 From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).
 When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.”
Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. The rest said, “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.”
And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.
At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people. When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!”
Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons. (Matt 27:45-56) Not much say here. It's very overwhelming to me. So much for sparing the computer. Even nature responded (darkness, rocks split, earthquake) to Jesus' death.
The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. “Sir,” they said, “we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first.”

“Take a guard,” Pilate answered. “Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.” So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard. (Matt. 27:62-66) This act by the chief priest and Pharisee made it possible for the people to see that Jesus' resurrection was clearly an act of God. The seal on the stone and the guard removed any human tampering or influence. We often pray for God to move in a way that people will know it was Him under no uncertain terms. COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Matthew 27 is so incredibly loaded. We could camp here for a long time. Live in His victory today. COME ON!!!!!! 

Wow the things I didn't know!!!

So I am moving towards the whole organic thing for our family and just de-clutterizing (is that a word?) our lives.  There are so many things that I just learned today and I thought I would share.

First of all, it is very expensive to buy organic.  Paul says that this is why people say it is all a scam... but we don't think that is true... we feel so much better now!  We know that there is something to it.

I have told you that I make my own bread now (see previous post for the recipe) and boy is it good!!  But the flour is very expensive.  So I found this thing on Amazon called "Subscribe and Save" and when I was telling my sister about it she told me about Amazon Mom.  Also some friends of ours also told us about Amazon Prime ($79 a year) (Free movie and tv streaming and free 2 day shipping for Amazon)!  So Amazon is really running some amazing deals that I didn't even know about!  There is an order to it though so here goes:

1st, go to Amazon.com and do the free subscription to Amazon Mom (sign up also here for 3 months free Amazon Prime).

2nd, you look for 5 things on subscribe and save that you want to have delivered to you on a schedule (you can cancel anytime it says).  With this PLUS Amazon Mom, you save 20% off your order I subscribed for the following to be delivered to me every 4 months:

- Organic Men's multivitamin 120 ct ($14.52)
- Organic Kids multivit 90 ct ($12.31)
- Dry active yeast 4 lbs ($13.54)
- Organic 100% Maple Syrup 32 oz ($19.99)
- Organic Whole Wheat Bread Flour 20lb ($26.17)
- Organic Rain Forest Honey 16oz x 6 jars ($23.13)
- Organic Whole Wheat Flour 20 lbs ($16.69)

At the store (Acme) I was paying 3.29 for 2 lbs flour, 11.99 for maple syrup 12 oz, 3.19 for honey 12 oz, 8.49 for yeast 4 oz.  So this is a savings of over $100 bucks.  (Wow I was being robbed from yeast!!!)

My organic co-op that we are trying to organize is every other week about $50 for 20 pounds of produce.  This was my first shipment:

For alternate weeks I am trying door to door organics https://tristate.doortodoororganics.com/
 The good about this site is that they let you change out foods you don't like AND you can order things like organic chocolate chips and milk that you can't always find in the store.  They also deliver right to your house!  This was my first shipment from there for $46 (Bacon, chocolate chips, milk, and cocoa powder are in the back):

Some of the things that aren't too bad at my store (Acme) are ground beef $6.99/lb. Eggs $3/doz... I get butter there 4 sticks for $4.99 but I am not happy about that.  Need to find something cheaper or learn how to make my own!  :)

I do enjoy it and the kids and Paul and I feel so much better in life.  Hope this wasn't too boring for yas.  Love, Stacey

 

Paul Email -9July2013- Colossians Galatians

How you doin? We watched a sermon by Eric Johnson on Sunday night and it was AWESOME!!!!!!!!!

For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. (Colossians 1:19-20) COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Paul's talking about Jesus' supremacy.

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:13-16) AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Jesus is the light inside of us.

May God be gracious to us and bless us
    and make his face shine on us—
so that your ways may be known on earth,
    your salvation among all nations. (Psalm 67:1-2) COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1) YES & AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh^[a]; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”^[b] If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever^[c] you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. (Galatians 5:13-18)

1. Galatians 5:13 In contexts like this, the Greek word for flesh (sarx) refers to the sinful state of human beings, often presented as a power in opposition to the Spirit; also in verses 16, 17, 19 and 24; and in 6:8.
2. Galatians 5:14 Lev. 19:18
3. Galatians 5:17 Or you do not do what

COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This scripture is incredible. While listening to this message, I received a word from God. I pray to trust God, believe God, hope in God, have faith in God, and to Love Him. If we are made in His image, He has all these same desires for us. God trusts us, believes in us, hope in us, faith in us, and we already know He loves us. AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That's some major encouragement. I want to except my identity more then I already do. I love being free. COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Paul Email -8July2013- Matthew 26 (2)

How you doin? Stacey and I have such a vision about the El Dorado. We see it as a place of conferences, retreats, worship, banquets, and a place to learn about God and to be in His Presence. We have both had the same vision and received the call to start this project. Stacey has received a word from God as to how to get, "the keys". I still have not. Please be praying for my understanding of the never ending resources of the Kingdom. We read the 2nd half of Matthew 26 today.

Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.” (Matt. 26:50) After Judas kissed Him in betrayal, He still called him friend. Jesus predicted and knew all that was going to happen.
Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? (Matt. 26:53) What an awesome reminder that Jesus doesn't need us to defend Him.
But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?”
      In that hour Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me. But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted him and fled. (Matt 26:54-56) Jesus knew His father's plan for Him. Several times in the New Testament, Jesus says He came to fulfill the Old Covenant or the law. I still can't get over the effect that fear has on them/us. The disciples split and left Jesus on His own. Peter followed at some distance, only to embarrass himself by denying Jesus 3 times.
The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death. But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. (Matt. 26:59-60) Jesus' purity is incredible. Even under false accusations, He was spotless.
The high priest said to him, “I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.”
“You have said so,” Jesus replied. “But I say to all of you: From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy. (Matt. 26:63-65) Jesus spoke truth and the Pharisee heard it as blasphemy. They were veiled from the truth. This reminds me of 2 Corinthians 3:14-15, "But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts."

Then he began to call down curses on himself and he swore to them, “I don’t know the man!”

Immediately a rooster crowed. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly. (Matt. 26:74-75) I never heard this before today. Peter called down curses on himself. I hear this as an attack on his identity. Peter repented and, "wept bitterly", for being influenced by fear. COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! After Peter was baptized by the Holy Ghost, his shadow healed people. AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!! There is hope for me/us after all. I can't not share the rest of 2 Corinthians 3, "But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. (2 Cor. 3:16-18) I can't read this enough. I feel smitten by Jesus when I read this. COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Don't let you identity be attacked today. Repent of your mistakes when/if influenced by fear. Turn to Jesus to remove the veil and be free. AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love being free. COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Paul Email -7July2013- Matthew 26 (1)

How you doin? This may be the shortest email ever. I worked WAY late last night. I went to bed at 1:38am and woke up at 5:20am. I can hardly keep my eyes open. Of course I'm helping with communion today. We read 1/2 of Matthew 26 this morning.

While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table.
 When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked. “This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.”  
Aware of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” (Matt. 26:6-13)

I've never heard this bold verse (Matt 26:12) before. I believe what she did here was a prophetic act. I believe Mary was affected by the Spirit on Jesus. AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!! This story also made me think of Kim Walker-Smith's song, "Waste It All".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Hhm5ZszCAI. It's not a waste to pour ourselves out on/to Jesus. COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Paul Email -6July2013- Matthew 25

How you doin? It's been a long couple of days at work. Summer is here... finally. I feel fairly distracted from the most important thing to me... God. I'm praying for God to turn my eyes upon Him. He is the solution for everything. Nothing like some extreme scripture to help out. This morning we read Matthew 25. WOW!!!!!!

“‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’
“But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.
“Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’
“But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. (Matt. 25:9-13) This parable supports what was said in chapter 24, "keep watch". I also thought that the oil symbolizes the Holy Ghost. When the 5 bridesmaids went out to oil from a merchant, they were shut out. If we try to get what God offers from someone or something else, it doesn't go well.
For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ (Matt. 25:29-30) This parable speaks of money, but I believe this speaks of stewardship of more then money. I believe it's speaking of anything God gives us. Mostly His Presence. COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. (Matt. 25:31-33)
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. (Matt. 25:34) COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ (Matt. 25:40) The 2nd greatest commandment, love your neighbor. Hard scripture for me. Help me Jesus.
“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. (Matt. 25:41) OUCH! This is very scary scripture. I can clearly see the choice we have in these verses. These verses make me cling to God as though it's a matter of life or death (pun intended).
“Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.” (Matt. 25:46) Jesus makes our choice very clear. WOW!!! Sheep or goats. I choose to be a sheep. I hope everyone takes time to read all of Matthew 25. These verses have way more impact in contents. Choose wisely today and praise God we have choices. COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!